Students in tertiary institutions who are beneficiaries of the Esa'ala District Development Authority ("EDDA") Tertiary Institution Scholarship Program will face immediate removal from the program if they participate in any strikes, boycotts, or political gatherings against the Government. Member for Esa'ala and Minister for Petroleum, Jimmy Maladina, has issued a firm reminder to all EDDA-sponsored students to prioritize their studies and avoid political activism. "All students sponsored under the EDDA Tertiary Institution Scholarship Program must refrain from engaging in any strikes, boycotts, or political assemblies this academic year. Our children are in school to get an education. Only East Sepik and Simbu students may consider going on strike because their leaders are more focused on politics than development," he said. He criticized the recent call by Governor Allan Bird encouraging students to oppose the Government, describing it as shallow, lacking substance, and out of line. "Allan Bird's future is not the students' future. Esa'ala District students should not fall for Governor Bird's fallacy and illusionary promises. They should focus on their education and securing a better future for their parents and families, not Governor Bird's political ambitions,” Mr. Maladina stated.