UNN Unrest: Nsukka zone writes President Jonathan, Accuses VC of corruption, Insists he must go

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Monday, December 23rd, 2013

Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

People of Enugu North Senatorial district, (Nsukka), Saturday joined the three workers’ union in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, to demand for the immediate re-instatement of the former pro-chancellor, Dr. Emeka Enejere as well sack of the Vice chancellor, professor Bartholomew Okolo.

Embattled UNN Vice Chancellor, Professor Bartho Okolo.

African Examiner reports that throughout last week, activities in the school were completely brought to a halt by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT.

Members of the aforementioned unions, are protesting the sudden removal of Pro chancellor professor Enejere, by the supervising Minister for education,Nyesom Wike, just as they are demanding the immediate sack of the VC, Prof Okolo, whom they are accusing of corruption.

The workers have equally rejected the appointment of a new pro-chancellor, insisting that Enejere, who was suspended by the supervising minister of education, Nyesom Wike, must be recalled.

In an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, made available to newsmen in Enugu on Sunday, the people of Nsukka zone said, Enejere was suspended for insisting on due process in running the affairs of the University.

The letter entitled “Removal of Emeka Enejere as Chairman, Governing Council, University of Nigeria, Nsukka”, and signed by the President General of Nsukka Town Union president, Mr. Austin Alumonah called on Jonathan to stop Wike from destroying UNN.

It reads in parts: “Permit me, Your Excellency, to reach you through this medium in view of the urgency.

“The joy of Nsukka people (Nsukka Cultural Zone or Enugu North Senatorial Zone) knew no bounds earlier this year when one of her illustrious sons, Emeka Enejere was appointed Chairman of Governing Council, UNN. It was the first time that someone from the Zone got to that position in UNN. It, therefore, gave us all a sense of belongin“We keenly followed the zeal and audacity with which Enejere zoomed into the rot in the UNN and positioned himself to clean up the place with his Council. Reports of his exploits in this regard had started coming out, causing all lovers of the University to rejoice because the dignity of man was being restored.

“Unfortunately, reports just hit us that Enejere has now been removed, less than a year into his tenure, and one Mr. Emmanuel Ukala has replaced him. This is as stunning as it is dumb founding.

“The decision, which is very ill advised, if allowed to stand shows that the Government is more interested in continuation of squander mania in the University. We cannot dictate to Government who to appoint or not, but we believe Government saw something good in Enejere hence the appointment.

“The few months the Professor has been on seat show he was about to give the University a new lease of life. So, why was he suddenly removed, less than a year in office, and a much younger and less experienced person appointed to replace him? Nsukka people seek explanation to this unprecedented discrimination.

“The University community is traumatised by this removal and their morale has no doubt sunk to all time low.

“Therefore, we call upon you Mr. President to please urgently intervene and reverse this ungodly decision, which we believe was done without your knowledge”, the letter read in part.

However, the protesting workers of the university have vowed to continue their protest today (Monday), until their demands are met.