₦airaland Forum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd-DaLEuDtw

Watch video of the increasing call for the investigation, arrest and prosecution of an NNPCL CFO over his alleged involvement in the refinery rehabilitation waste, and OVH NNPCL retail acquisition deal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd-DaLEuDtw

Watch video of the increasing call for the investigation, arrest and prosecution of NNPVL CFO over his alleged involvement in the refinery rehabilitation waste, OVH-NNPCL retail acquisition even as others fingered in the deal are currently in detention.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Chief Financial Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), Dapo Segun, have been dragged before a Federal High Court in Abuja by human right lawyers seeking the immediate sack, investigation and prosecution of the NNPCL chief Financial officer for his alleged involvement in the failure of the over N5 trillion refinery rehabilitation.

Segun, who is the former Executive Vice President, Downstream, is also alleged to be involved in another N140 billion deal to acquire OVH Energy by the NNPL, which is the subject of ongoing multiple investigation from relevant agencies and the National Assembly.

The plaintiffs, suing under the aegis of Registered Trustees of Rights For All International and led by constitutional lawyer, Okere Kingdom, condemned the lopsided investigation of the refinery rehabilitation that gulped over N5 trillion alleging that the EFCC may be shielding the NNPL Chief Financial Officer who oversaw the failed rehabilitation.

In the suit, which was brought ex-parte, the group, Rights For All International, listed the EFCC and Dapo Segun, the Chief Financial Officer of the company, as defendants.

Reliefs sought by the group include "A declaration that the failure by the EFCC to investigate the fraudulent conduct or role of the 2nd Respondent, as the Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, in connection with the acquisition of the of OVH Energy by the NNPCL and rehabilitation of the Port-Harcourt and Warri Refineries, amounts to a refusal/failure of its statutory and/or public duty and therefore constitutes an abuse of powers, ultra vires and bad faith.

It also asked the court for "an order of mandamus directing and compelling the 1st Respondent by its staff, officers, privies, servants or otherwise howsoever described to within 7 days commence investigation of the fraudulent conduct or role of the 2nd Respondent, as the Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, in connection with the acquisition of the of OVH Energy by the NNPCL and rehabilitation of the Port-Harcourt and Warri Refineries and to publish the Report of the Investigation within 14 days of its conclusion.

Third relief sought by the human right group was for "an order of mandamus directing and compelling the 1st Respondent by its staff, officers, privies, servants or otherwise howsoever described, where the Report of the Investigation discloses commission of any office, to forthwith arrest and prosecute the 2nd Respondent (Dapo Segun) for the economic and financials offences relating to the acquisition of the of OVH Energy by the NNPCL and rehabilitation of the Port-Harcourt and Warri Refineries.

Further, the group is asking for "An interim order of court directing the 2nd Respondent (Dapo Segun) to forthwith step aside as the Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and cease the performance of any duty pertaining thereto, tampering with or altering any documents or records material to the investigation into his conduct and/or role in the acquisition of the of OVH Energy by the NNPCL and rehabilitation of the Port-Harcourt and Warri Refineries, pending the hearing and determination of the Substantive Motion on Notice for Judicial Review."

The human right lawyer said it was disturbing that the man who was in charge of the downstream operations of NNPCL was yet to be brought before the law for his role in the failed exercise just as he demanded that the court makes an order mandating the Commission to immediately bring the NNPCL Chief Financial Officer to book.

The plaintiff also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to relieve the Chief Financial Officer of his current appointment so as to forestall his possible interference with vital evidences.

The human right lawyers are alleging selective investigation of fraud relating to the repair of refineries by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd, (NNPCL) which will ruin the integrity of the process if not immediately fixed.

Meanwhile, another civil society group, Center for Oil and Gas Transparency and Reform, has in a series of videos, raises the alarm over alleged corrupt practices in the repair of Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries by officials of the NNPCL.

Lawyers Drag EFCC, NNPCL Top Brass To Court Over Failed Refinery Rehabilitation


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Chief Financial Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), Dapo Segun, have been dragged before a Federal High Court in Abuja by human right lawyers seeking the immediate sack, investigation and prosecution of the NNPCL chief Financial officer for his alleged involvement in the failure of the over N5 trillion refinery rehabilitation.

Segun, who is the former Executive Vice President, Downstream, is also alleged to be involved in another N140 billion deal to acquire OVH Energy by the NNPL, which is the subject of ongoing multiple investigation from relevant agencies and the National Assembly.

The plaintiffs, suing under the aegis of Registered Trustees of Rights For All International and led by constitutional lawyer, Okere Kingdom, condemned the lopsided investigation of the refinery rehabilitation that gulped over N5 trillion alleging that the EFCC may be shielding the NNPL Chief Financial Officer who oversaw the failed rehabilitation.

In the suit, which was brought ex-parte, the group, Rights For All International, listed the EFCC and Dapo Segun, the Chief Financial Officer of the company, as defendants.

Reliefs sought by the group include "A declaration that the failure by the EFCC to investigate the fraudulent conduct or role of the 2nd Respondent, as the Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, in connection with the acquisition of the of OVH Energy by the NNPCL and rehabilitation of the Port-Harcourt and Warri Refineries, amounts to a refusal/failure of its statutory and/or public duty and therefore constitutes an abuse of powers, ultra vires and bad faith.

It also asked the court for "an order of mandamus directing and compelling the 1st Respondent by its staff, officers, privies, servants or otherwise howsoever described to within 7 days commence investigation of the fraudulent conduct or role of the 2nd Respondent, as the Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, in connection with the acquisition of the of OVH Energy by the NNPCL and rehabilitation of the Port-Harcourt and Warri Refineries and to publish the Report of the Investigation within 14 days of its conclusion.

Third relief sought by the human right group was for "an order of mandamus directing and compelling the 1st Respondent by its staff, officers, privies, servants or otherwise howsoever described, where the Report of the Investigation discloses commission of any office, to forthwith arrest and prosecute the 2nd Respondent (Dapo Segun) for the economic and financials offences relating to the acquisition of the of OVH Energy by the NNPCL and rehabilitation of the Port-Harcourt and Warri Refineries.

Further, the group is asking for "An interim order of court directing the 2nd Respondent (Dapo Segun) to forthwith step aside as the Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and cease the performance of any duty pertaining thereto, tampering with or altering any documents or records material to the investigation into his conduct and/or role in the acquisition of the of OVH Energy by the NNPCL and rehabilitation of the Port-Harcourt and Warri Refineries, pending the hearing and determination of the Substantive Motion on Notice for Judicial Review."

The human right lawyer said it was disturbing that the man who was in charge of the downstream operations of NNPCL was yet to be brought before the law for his role in the failed exercise just as he demanded that the court makes an order mandating the Commission to immediately bring the NNPCL Chief Financial Officer to book.

The plaintiff also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to relieve the Chief Financial Officer of his current appointment so as to forestall his possible interference with vital evidences.

The human right lawyers are alleging selective investigation of fraud relating to the repair of refineries by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd, (NNPCL) which will ruin the integrity of the process if not immediately fixed.

Meanwhile, another civil society group, Center for Oil and Gas Transparency and Reform, has in a series of videos, raises the alarm over alleged corrupt practices in the repair of Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries by officials of the NNPCL.

All is now set for the third edition of the annual infrastructure dialogue organised by Deutsche Partners Holding (DPH) Ltd, to drive conversation and interest in filling the infrastructure deficit in the Nigerian economy.

Holding on April 10 at the Yar’Adua Center, this year’s edition of the infrastructure dialogue is themed ‘Financing Sustainable Energy and Agriculture Infrastructure for Economic Development.’ It will be chaired by a former governor of Adamawa State, Engr. Boni Haruna with former President of the Senate, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, as the special guest of honour.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and his Agriculture counterpart, Alhaji Abubakar Kyari, are expected to deliver seminal papers on the infrastructure gap in the power and agriculture sectors of the economy.

Also expected at the event are the Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Alfredo Miranda, the Chief Executive Officer of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director of Simba Energy, Chief Vinay Grover, the Ambassador of Turkey to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayrakter, and his Australian counterpart, Ambassador Leitani Bin-Juda, among other foreign and indigenous business leaders who are looking to take advantage of the infrastructure deficit in Nigeria to boost their business offerings.

The dialogue will also focus on how to bridge the financing gap in energy and agriculture using development finance institutions as well as seek ways to ensure sustainable government policies to ensure the recovery of the infrastructural gap and enhance the national economy.

Commenting on the dialogue, Managing Partner of DPH, Engr Onuoha Nnachi said the event aims to ensure the strengthening of public-private partnership (PPP) structures for long term infrastructure development as well as explore the economic benefits of compressed natural gas and renewable energy for economic growth of the country.

According to him, “the high-level dialogue will bring together key decision makers, government officials, financial experts and institutions, business leaders to explore innovative solutions towards financing the development of sustainable infrastructure.”

Engr. Nnachi noted that the event “is a must-attend for forward-thinking individuals looking to drive impactful investments and policies in Nigeria’s infrastructure space,” adding that it will also “provide the opportunity for policy makers and business leaders to network , learn and collaborate on solutions to the infrastructure gap for national growth.

“This is the third in the infrastructure dialogue series and looking back, these conversations have helped us to keep the issue of infrastructure deficit on the front burner of national economic discourse, ensuring that business leaders and policy makers have regular conversations on how to plug these gaps for the sake of our national economy. This year, we shall focus on the gaps in power and agricultural gap and it is interesting that many of the registered participants are players in power and agriculture infrastructure development. we hope that through them, we shall be able to build resilience t fill these gaps,” he added.

Nigeria’s political space is increasingly throwing up absurdities, so much to take aback men of good conscience. It is assuming the norm that the rule of thumb at becoming a successful politician in Nigeria is to acquire a deadened conscience. This perhaps best describes the situation with former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Honourable Martin Amaewhule and 26 other former members. These men, after making an open show of their resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on the floor of the State Assembly on December 11, 2023, and declared for the All Progressives Congress (APC), in an absurd manner are now brazenly denying their decampment. These 27 insist that they be reinstated into the PDP and bona fide members of the Rivers State Assembly.

This denial is at the heart of numerous legal actions presently in Court and calls to question the integrity and character of these lawmakers. The question now is: How can a group that publicly, legally, and constitutionally defected to the APC turn around and deny their action?

This rare conduct is a significant development in Nigeria’s democracy.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX7YKjBtnEo

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have raised the alarm over a plot to allegedly clamp down on its spokesman and member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ugochinyere Imo.

The CUPP said the plot is being allegedly orchestrated by some security agencies in collusion with a faction loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

According to the group, Hon. Ugochinyere, who has been torn in Wike's flesh over his over-bearing attitude towards the politics of Rivers state, is being targeted with allegations of treason and judicial corruption.

CUPP said the allegations being packaged against Hon. Ugochinyere are "fabricated, concocted, and dramatic."

"Allegations of bribery of judicial officers, criminal defamation, treason, and numerous other concocted criminal offenses to silence him and blackmail him into abandoning his committed exposures of the political, legal and leadership atrocities of the pro-Wike group in their bid to destabilize Rivers State, destroy PDP and the endless land grabbing allegations," have been lined up against him.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, CUPP said "the CUPP Secretary General High Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP co-spokesman comrade Mark Adebayo, and numerous other pro-democratic forces warned of dire consequences and reaction if any harm befalls the well-respected opposition spokesperson, insisting that the opposition families are mobilising to confront these political buccaneers who think that the only way to shut up the incorruptible mouthpiece of the opposition is to defame him, tarnish his reputation and frame alarming allegations against him, saying that nothing on human earth can stop the opposition spokesperson from carrying out his Godgiving task to keep speaking truth to power.

Cupp went further to restate that the alarming development and plot, which aims to frame its spokesperson, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, on baseless allegations of bribing judicial officers, appears to be a direct response to his vocal opposition against the pro-Wike group’s attempts to hijack the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and destroy the entire opposition in Nigeria, hijack the Rivers State government treasury and use the sacked lawmakers to destabilise the state and his recent expose on land racketeering activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which is helping to expose the ongoing reckless land grabbing.

"They are aware that Ikenga has conducted a comprehensive investigation into the land racketeering activities in the FCT. This dastardly plot aims to take him out and stop the continued exposure of reckless land allocation, grabbing, and PR with lands.

"The CUPP is deeply concerned that these actions are part of a broader strategy to undermine Ugochinyere’s credibility and stifle dissent within the opposition ranks. The allegations being fabricated against him are unfounded and indicate the lengths some people will go to maintain their grip on power and silence critical voices.

"In light of these developments, we are calling for an immediate investigation into these allegations and the conduct of the involved security agencies and their rich financier. It is imperative that justice prevails and that those who misuse their positions for political gain are held accountable. We urge all stakeholders in the democratic process, including civil society organisations, legal practitioners, and international observers, to monitor this situation closely.

"Furthermore, we are mobilising our supporters nationwide for peaceful protests to draw attention to this injustice. These protests will serve as a platform for citizens to express their discontent with the ongoing manipulation of state institutions for political ends. We believe that democracy thrives when there is transparency and accountability, and we will not stand idly by while efforts are made to undermine these principles.

"We call upon all Nigerians who value democracy and justice to join us in this fight against tyranny and oppression. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear against any attempts at silencing dissent through intimidation or false accusations. Ikenga has gone this route before. He was charged with treason, arson, subversion, criminal defamation, terrorism, murder, and all sorts of heinous crimes just to keep him from winning his election and speaking out, yet he won the election in absentia and thrashed all the fabricated charges and still speaking truth to power. If Ikenga was not cowed then he would not be cowed now. This plot is from the same textbook of intolerant dictators and, as usual, will fail.

"The opposition family is mobilizing and will stand in the court of public opinion, the court of legal battle, and on the streets to defend one of Nigeria's shining lights for democratic reform."

Following the publication of an investigative report by Ripples Nigeria on the management crisis rocking Imo State government’s second university, Eastern Palm University, at Ogboko in Ideato-South Local Government Area, more facts have emerged to show that pioneer Vice Chancellor, Prof. Linus Osuagwu, may have been forced out over his insistence on institutionalizing standards and ensuring that the university was professionally managed. That insistence pitched him against the university’s pro-chancellor, Ambassador Nonye Rajis-Okpara, who is alleged to have hijacked the functions of the Vice Chancellor and sits as principal of the university.

Investigations by Ripples Nigeria revealed three key issues that led to his exit. They include his probe of questionable academic credentials by a principal officer, the insistence on procedure in the appointment of Professor Dafe Otobo as Deputy Vice Chancellor, and the award of what he considered a heavily-padded contract for wi-fi facilities in the university.

The principal officer in question, who holds a very sensitive brief, could not present his National Youth Service Corps certificate or Exemption certificate which aroused suspicions. He had also earlier foot-dragged for months when Professor Osuagwu demanded for his credentials in preparation for a resource verification visit by the National Universities Commission. On close scrutiny, his first degree certificate, issued by a university in Aruba, had the first and middle names in initials which looked decidedly irregular.

Investigations on the university he allegedly attended revealed that it was non-existent when he got the degree. He also failed to present a First School Leaving Certificate and Ordinary Level Certificates. Somehow, he had used the certificate in question to acquire a Master’s degree and is working on a doctorate degree. Meanwhile, the officer is still in the employ of the university which authorities decided to take out six months to investigate the fake certificate allegations.

On the engagement of Professor Otobo, Osuagwu raised objections that he was single-handedly vetted and employed by the Pro-Chancellor without Otobo presenting a single credential other than a Curriculum Vitae. He insisted on Otobo presenting his academic credentials, a letter naming him a professor from the University of Lagos, as well as his letter of disengagement from University of Lagos. None of these were ever showed coupled with the fact that a deputy vice chancellor can only be picked by the Senate in session according to the laws of the university.

The award of a contract for wi-fi facilities in the school was another bone of contention as a hurriedly set up company brought a bid of over N200 million for wiring the campus and all attempts to consider other offers or use the tenders board led to bitter altercations even when services provided by the company were poor and investigations showed they left mails of university officials open for spying and abuse.

Ripples Nigeria gathered that the Visitor to the university, Governor Rochas Okorocha, had authorized the sack of Professor Otobo and the Principal Officer with questionable academic credentials before certain forces coalesced and got members of the Council to commence proceedings for Osuagwu’s ouster. The beleaguered professor of marketing quickly got out of town and back to the American University of Nigeria, Yola. Investigations also showed that the open confrontation with him happened after almost a year of electronic surveillance of his residence did not turn up any materials for a possible blackmail operation.

The former Vice Chancellor contended with these issues against other top officers as well as the fact that all but five members of staff in the non-academic section were recruited by the Pro-Chancellor who also fought off all attempts to properly interview the said staff members as well as vet their credentials for suitability for tasks.

A document exclusively obtained by Ripples Nigeria indicated that Prof. Osuagwu had objected to the employment of Prof. Dafe Otobo as Deputy Vice Chancellor on the grounds that he was still on the staff list of the University of Lagos as at the time he resumed at Eastern Palm as Deputy Vice Chancellor, and also, had refused to submit academic credentials pleaded in his curriculum vitae submitted to the Pro-Chancellor.

The Visitor, Ripples Nigeria gathered, was also communicated, in writing, details of the irregularities in the employment of Prof. Otobo, who, it was alleged, as at the time of his employment at the Eastern Palm as Deputy Vice Chancellor, was still on the employ of the University of Lagos. The pioneer Vice Chancellor, Ripples Nigeria found out, also objected to the designation of Prof. Otobo as professor of Economics and Politics because while at UNILAG, he was listed as a professor of industrial relations.

To this effect, the vice chancellor, Prof. Osuagwu, in a letter to the pro-chancellor, warned against the circumvention of civil service rules and other university guidelines in the employment of a staff at Otobo’s level.

Ripples Nigeria learnt that the Vice Chancellor decided to take up the matter with the Pro-Chancellor because she “sourced and single-handedly employed him as DVC”, a staff who should know said. He also notified relevant officials of the university of the employment status of Prof. Otobo in a January 20, 2018 email to the university’s principal officers.

Writing in the said email, the Vice chancellor wrote, “I write to inform you that the appointment of Prof. Dafe Otobo as staff of Eastern Palm University has been withdrawn. This is because of the failure of Professor Dafe Otobo to present copies of his relevant credentials needed for the processing of his engagement as staff of eastern Palm University.

“Please be guided by this piece of information in your dealings with Professor Dafe Otobo, especially in relation to Eastern Palm University”.

Prior to this, the Vice chancellor had warned the university’s visitor, Gov. Okorocha, in a letter, highlighting the short ends of engaging Prof. Otobo.

In the said letter, a copy of which was obtained from Government House Owerri, the Vice Chancellor wrote: “Please find attached, a correspondence from me (Vice Chancellor of eastern Palm University) withdrawing the appointment of Prof. Dafe Otobo as staff of Eastern Palm University”.

Stating reasons for the action, the Vice Chancellor wrote, “Prof. Dafe Otobo is not qualified to be appointed a Professor of Economics and Political Science at Eastern Palm University. He has been professor of Industrial Relations and Management Studies, not Economics and Political Science, at the University of Lagos. This is against the regulations of NUC (National Universities Commission).

“Professor Dafe Otobo is still a staff of the University of Lagos. Appointing him simultaneously to be a staff of Eastern Palm University is against civil service regulations.

“The appointment of Prof. Dafe Otobo, who is nearly 70 years old, as the deputy Vice Chancellor of the Eastern Palm University is against the law setting up Eastern Palm University (EPU). This is because the position of DVC, as contained in the EPU law, is elected by members of the Senate, which is not in place yet.

“Prof. Dafe Otobo has refused to present copies of his credentials needed to validate and process his engagement as staff of Eastern Palm University.”

The Vice Chancellor also forwarded to the governor, photocopies of supporting documents including the offer of employment and acceptance letter by Prof. Otobo.

However, there was no evidence that the governor acted on the letter and the information contained therein before the relations worsened and the Pro-Chancellor commenced proceedings for ousting Osuagwu.

“The Visitor of Eastern Palm University, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has directed, since 25/1/2018, that I should hold on for a while pending his investigation of relevant issues associated with your correspondence under reference”, the vice chancellor told the pro-chancellor in a letter in his response to a letter telling him that his services to the university were no longer required.

“This means that he, as the Visitor of Eastern Palm University with statutory powers to disengage the Vice Chancellor, has not made final decision on the matter”, Prof. Osuagwu further told the pro-chancellor.

He also reminded her that “my correspondence, as Vice Chancellor of Eastern Palm University, withdrawing the appointment of Professor Dafe Otobo as staff of Eastern Palm University had the approval of the Visitor of Eastern Palm University, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. You may recall my concerns with your silence regarding refusal of Professor Dafe Otobo to present his relevant credentials needed to process and validate his engagement as staff of Eastern Palm University. It was because of your silence and inability to act on Prof Otobo’s refusal that made me to approach the Visitor for his intervention on the matter”.

Rather than calm an enraged Pro-Chancellor, Rajis-Okpara, the information that Gov. Okorocha had said he would investigate the developments seemed to have irked her more, making her to fire a letter to the Vice Chancellor through which she terminated his appointment.

Ripples Nigeria was not shown any evidence of a query over any wrongdoing to the Vice Chancellor neither is there a memo to the Senate of the University alleging any wrongdoing against the Vice chancellor.

In the letter dated January 24, 2018 and addressed to the Vic Chancellor, the pro-chancellor wrote: “In line with the relevant provisions of the Eastern Palm University Law 2016 No. 13 and the approval of the Visitor to the university of the recommendations of Council, on the affairs of Eastern Palm University, we write to you that your services to Eastern Palm University as Vice Chancellor are no longer required. This is with effect from the date of this letter.

“Kindly, hand over the office and the affairs of the university to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Dafe Otobo. Please the handing over/taking over exercise should be completed by close of work on Friday 26th January, 2018.

“Further, Sir, you are to hand over all university property in your possession to the Deputy Vice chancellor”.

The letter was signed by Mrs. Rajis-Okpara as pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council.

Ripples Nigeria learnt that the EPU has no properly constituted Governing Council as all those on the said council are said to be members of a technical committee single handedly constituted by Gov. Okorocha to midwife the university into being. The transformation of the technical committee into a governing council is said to be the first miracle at the university.

Acknowledging receipt of the letter however, Prof. Osuagwu wrote, “Original copy received by Professor Linus Osuagwu. This letter has not been discussed with the visitor of Eastern Palm University, Owelle Rochas Okorocha”.

That was not all. Osuagwu had something more to tell Mrs. Rajis-Okpara.

He voiced out on January 25th, 2018 in a letter titled ‘Re: Notice of Disengagement From Office as Vice Chancellor’ and addressed to Mrs. Rajis-Okpara.

He said, “Your correspondence to me of 24th January 2018 on the above subject, which was delivered to me on 25th January 2018 at Eastern Palm University Ogboko refers.

“Let me react to the correspondence under reference. The correspondence is not in accord with relevant provisions of the Eastern Palm University Law 2016 (as amended). My legal adviser (Mike Ozekhome SAN) is studying your correspondence in relation to the relevant provisions of the Eastern Palm University Law 2016 (as amended) and may respond on my behalf at the appropriate time.

“You may recall that I have, via discussions and correspondence, pointed out that your appointment of Professor Dafe Otobo (who is Professor of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at the University of Lagos) as Professor of Economics and Political science at Eastern Palm University is illegal, against professional regulations, and not accepted and recognized by me. Therefore, it is not proper for me to hand-over anything to Professor Dafe Otobo of the University of Lagos whose appointment as Professor of Economics and Political Science at Eastern Palm University is seen by me as illegal and against professional regulations in the Nigerian university system.

“You may also recall my concerns and correspondences regarding how you have usurped nearly all aspects of the university management at Eastern Palm University, including some statutory functions of the Vice chancellor, professional appointments, engagement of staff, sourcing of vendors and award of contracts, among others. In fact you have been involved in the running/management of nearly all aspects of Eastern Palm University from February 2017 till date. Therefore, there is no university property in my possession to be handed-over, except one dark-coloured official Kia car which carries me to and from work and is usually parked at Government House Owerri/Spibat for safety and supervision. The two cheque books for the university’s two accounts (salary and operations accounts), are kept in my Spibat residence for safety on your directive, and are available for your collection.”

Spibat is the private estate of Governor Okorocha in Owerri.

The Vice chancellor also poured out his mind on his observations at the University. He said “I have observed, since 2017, your obsession regarding creating frustrations for me as vice chancellor of Eastern Palm University. Cases abound in this vein, and these include, among others unsuccessful attempt to downgrade my position from substantive Vice chancellor to Acting\Vice chancellor. He referred the pro-chancellor to see minutes of the EPU Management/Governing Council of May 2017.

He also reminded the pro-chancellor of “your desperation to replace me as Vice chancellor only two months to assumption of office as Vice chancellor”. These, Ripples Nigeria understands, included what was termed “hurried and illegal” employment of Prof. Otobo despite still being in employ of the University of Lagos.

Though he promised to raise issues pertaining to the management of the university with the relevant authorities including the Academic Staff Union of Universities, NUC and Association of Vice Chancellors of Universities when the need arises, the vice chancellor reminded the pro chancellor of his entitlements, which are still outstanding, and the need to offset them.

It was learnt that Mrs. Ragis-Okpara is an acquaintance of Gov. Okorocha and was chosen by him to oversee the university whih he claims to belong to Rochas Foundation with Imo state government owning just 10 percent.

Meanwhile, some members of staff of the university are secretly asking questions about the appointment of Gov. Okorocha’s second daughter, Uju, at the University, as Director of Logistics and Procurement.

Some of the staff who spoke to Ripples Nigeria on condition of anonymity, questioned her qualification to hold such a sensitive position at the university.

“If not for the kind of system we have in Imo state, is she even qualified to work in a secondary talk less of university. She is his second daughter and he believes the university is his own so he brought his daughter here to be in charge of procurement”, an aggrieved staff told Ripples Nigeria.

Okorocha’s second daughter is married to Uzoma, the medical doctor son of Prof. Anthony Anwuka, a junior minister in the Federal Ministry of Education.

Ownership of the university is also raising questions as communities which lands were confiscated for the project, it was gathered, are lining in wait for the governor to leave office before taking Imo state government to task over their forceful eviction from their land and conversion of same to a university.

Though Okorocha had said his personal foundation owns 90 percent of investments in the university, there is yet to be published, any documents detailing out the financial involvement of Rochas Foundation and the Imo state government. There is also no transparency in the funding of the building of the university though it was alleged that Okorocha used his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, as Commissioner for Lands, backed with state power, to annex lands belonging to four communities for the project.

Nwosu’s successful execution of his job in the annexation of the lands, some say led to his elevation as Chief of Staff where he has helped his father-in-law to ensure that details of funding for the building of the university remained the most guarded secret in the Okorocha administration. Many Imo indigenes now allege that Okorocha’s push to install his son-in-law as governor was to enable him make sure that the 10 percent holding, which he said belonged to Imo state at the university, was signed off to him (Okorocha) as disengagement compensation.

But law establishing the university lists it as Imo State-owned.

Also, communities affected by the construction of the university, are gearing for a fight with the Imo state government for blocking the major access road to their homes and converting same into university property while diverting traffic to the communities.

“We are waiting for him to step down. Then, Imo state government will tell us the right it has to convert community road into university property and fence it off. We don’t want to fight now because he is still in office and will use state power against us. We know what we are waiting for”, Richard Duru of Umuma-Ishiaku told Ripples Nigeria.[/quote]https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/messy-details-emerge-mgt-crisis-okorochas-eastern-palm-university/

Estern Palm University may end up as a scam on students