A pressure group, Old Bende Young Professionals, has threatened to physically occupy the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, over the alleged delay in the promotion of Dr Philips Nto to the rank of Professor.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chima Ogbonna, and Secretary, Chief Dike Okwara, the group described the non release of Nto’s promotion, which they claimed has been due since 2021, as a grave injustice and an act of victimisation. They accused the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Fidelis Edeh, of deliberately frustrating the process.
The group alleged that the delay was “a collective insult and provocation against the people of Abia State,” adding that it was unacceptable “for an Enugu indigene to come to the state to oppress an indigene of Abia State.” They expressed concern that Nto’s peers and even junior colleagues had reportedly been promoted while his case remained unresolved.
According to the statement, “The lamentation of our hardworking son over the unjust delay in releasing his promotion when his peers and even junior ones had been promoted to professors is heart breaking and provocative.”
The group further alleged that their investigation showed the delay was driven by personal bias and vendetta rather than a lack of qualification.
They issued an ultimatum to the Governing Council to either approve or reject Dr Nto’s promotion at its next sitting or face what they described as a “mother of all protests.” The group warned that it was prepared to occupy the institution if the matter was not resolved, urging the Council Chairman not to “set the peaceful institution on fire because of his selfish and vindictive goal.”
The group also called on the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, to caution Edeh to prevent what they termed interstate tension. They maintained that Dr Nto, whom they described as a prominent son of Abia State and a former Commissioner and Provost, should not have his career and reputation tarnished.
Recall that Dr Nto had earlier appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Education to intervene in the matter. He alleged at a press conference that his promotion was withheld following his refusal to persuade the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, to manipulate the 2023 Enugu governorship election in favour of a particular candidate.
Reacting to the allegations, the Governing Council Chairman, Fidelis Edeh, denied any wrongdoing. He said, “This is an allegation from a staff member, and council does not release promotion. What Council does is to approve promotions that are presented by the committee for appointment and promotion that is headed by the Vice Chancellor. The job of Council is oversight.” He added that the Council is not involved in the day to day administration of the university and declined to join issues with a staff member.
