₦airaland Forum

So if at the end they couldn’t feed a candidate
Will they now work with NDC ??

Officer I don’t know” - Oghenemine April 26,2026

A MAY DAY THAT MUST NOT HOLD
Public Press Statement by the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to Mark May Day 2026.

Issued This Day, April 30, 2026

Dear Comrades and Workers of Edo State!

It is with a profound sense of comradeship that we address you on the eve of May Day, May 1, 2026. May Day is a sacred, global occasion. It belongs to the toiling working class — the proletariat. It is a day to reflect on the rights of labour, to honor the sweat and sacrifice of workers, and to celebrate our collective hand in building the wealth of nations.

Let it be said plainly: May Day is not for the oppressor. It is not for the compradors, the bourgeoisie, or the employers of labour to parade their dominance. It was never meant to celebrate the conquest of workers’ autonomy, nor to mask the strangulation of independent trade unionism.

Other State Councils of the NLC across this federation may, perhaps, find reason to roll out drums on May Day. But we, the Caretaker Committee of the Edo State NLC, speaking for every right-thinking worker in this state, declare without apology: the labour environment in Edo today cannot and must not inspire celebration. For how can a people divided ever be joyful?

Make no mistake: the Edo NLC is in a quagmire. We are locked in struggle against the combined forces of reactionaries, impostors, self-imposed leaders, political collaborators, and labour aristocrats. Every genuine effort to reposition this Council has been met with repression. Yet we are not in despair. The struggle continues.

Therefore, let the record reflect this truth: No pretentious May Day organized, engineered, and bankrolled by compradors can ever keep alive the glorious philosophy of May Day.

To the public, and especially to every well-meaning worker in Edo State, we say: Do not be deceived. The gathering scheduled for tomorrow at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, is no true reflection of May Day. It is a hoax. Genuine labour leaders and true workers have resolved to stay indoors to mourn, in silence, the present travails of labour in our state. Let the public be rescued from this deception. Let it be known: tomorrow’s assembly is powered neither by the legitimate leadership of the NLC in Edo State, nor by the National Leadership of Congress. Those behind it are usurpers and hijackers of the Edo State Council of the NLC.

History is our witness. Globally, governments and employers are not known to be the direct organizers of May Day. Yet here we are, confronted by a tense government circular dated April 22, 2026: mandating compulsory attendance for all civil and public servants; deploying state-funded buses to ferry workers from every corner of the state; and issuing veiled threats of sanction against defaulters. But civil and public servants are not the only workers. May Day belongs to all who labour.

We do not reject government support for a successful May Day. But we must condemn, in the strongest terms, the open takeover of its organization. This is not assistance, it is interference. It is a violent intrusion into the affairs of the trade union movement in Edo State. It is the very undue meddling that this Caretaker Committee has sworn to defeat.

Yes, over-politicization has brought the Edo NLC to its knees. But not beyond redemption. This Caretaker Committee, the legitimate leadership of the State Council, has been misrepresented, despite our unwavering commitment to permanently resolve this crisis. Tragically, the same actors who drove Edo NLC into a coma now hide beneath the cover of government, resisting every peaceful path to resolution.

To the teeming workers of Edo State, we give this assurance: The illegitimate reign of labour aristocrats is a passing phase. Let us not grow weary. Let us pursue, by peaceful means, the return of the Edo NLC to its rightful custodians, to legitimate leaders, and to the mainstream of the labour movement in Nigeria.

Despite today’s bitter taste of a counterfeit May Day, we call on all genuine workers and comrades: Unite. In the true spirit of comradeship, let us cast these reactionary forces aside. Let us forge a collective resistance against the hijack of labour by political warlords.
Until this task is done, the glorious solidarity song of May Day cannot be sung in truth.

Edo State resounds with pride in the annals of Nigeria’s labour movement. For this soil gave birth to the fearless, the rugged, the anti-imperialist, the very enigma of labour struggle in our nation: Pa Michael Imoudu. More than that, Edo State remains, to this day, a hotbed of labour and union activism in Nigeria. Why? Because this land has raised radicals. Anti-capitalist titans. Men of ideology, of principle, of uncompromising struggle. Extraordinary comrades. Illustrious sons of Edo: Festus Iyayi, Peter Ozo-Eson — both now of blessed memory. Edo State also stands tall by the record of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who gave his all to the labour movement as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress. He fought. He bled. He led.

But hear us, comrades: the legacy of these giants stands in stark opposition to the labour climate we witness in Edo State today. Let us speak truth: Pa Imoudu would not sanction it. Festus Iyayi would not recognize it. Peter Ozo-Eson would not sit in silence. They would not; they could not reckon with tomorrow’s gathering masquerading in the name of Workers’ Day. Their spirit rejects it. Their memory rebukes it.

Therefore, we must be urgently guided by the enviable feats of our past labour heroes. We must return to the path they carved. We must do those things, and only those things that will restore our collective freedom and reclaim our independence as organized workers, and as trade unions in Edo State.

The standard has been set. The ancestors have spoken. Shall we rise to their measure, or shall we betray their sacrifice?

Aluta continua! Victoria ascerta!


Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen
Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Edo NLC

For and on behalf of the Caretaker Committee, Edo NLC, and all Workers in Edo State.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has come under criticism following a trending video involving former BBNaija housemate Chomzy at an orientation camp. In the viral clip, Chomzy was seen relaxing inside a vehicle while other corps members participated in parade drills, prompting heated reactions on social media.

Many Nigerians questioned whether special treatment was being given to celebrities, while others defended her, saying the video may not reveal the full context of the situation. The clip, captioned “Better late than never,” has continued to fuel debate online over equality, discipline, and privilege within the NYSC scheme. 

@officialnyscng the integrity of this scheme now lies in your hands. Nigerians are watching your next line of action(s) for breaking your own rules pic.twitter.com/juxpSrAcV7

— Nation signal (@Nationsignall) April 25, 2026

Hello, good day.

I’d like to ask how I can submit my CV to your company or any vacancies in where you work in Abuja . I recently completed my NYSC and I’m eager to begin my professional career.

I have skills in full-stack web development (front-end and back-end), data analytics and visualization, IT support, network administration, and cybersecurity. I’m also experienced in digital transformation, process automation, database management, API integration, cloud computing basics, and DevOps practices.

In addition, I have knowledge of project management and Agile methodologies, governance, risk and compliance, as well as technical documentation and reporting. I work well in teams, can collaborate across functions, and I’m willing to take on different roles while continuing to learn and grow.

I would really appreciate any guidance on how to apply or any opportunity to contribute to your organization. Thank you for your time.


NLFPMOD. Seun MYND44 lalasticala fyneatboi

Pls helpm

Jos is bleeding
The moment a widow held the dead body of her child after being shot by bandits

ThompsonJoo:
A friend needs connection to work at the national assembly
Any help?

Mention my name
If you get a response

A closed mouth is a closed Destiny

I enquired, and they explained that the process requires any senator or honourable to forward my name to the National Assembly Commission, after which I will be issued a probationary letter. Upon receiving this letter, I will then submit my application and acceptance letters accordingly.

Please can anyone help me?

Leaders of tomorrow?

A wave of reactions has trailed the recently released price list for Students’ Union Government (SUG) nomination forms at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, as students express concern over what many have described as “outrageous” costs.

According to an official memo from the institution’s electoral commission, the price for the presidential form stands at ₦55,000, while other key positions such as Vice President and Secretary General go for ₦50,000 each. Even positions considered less competitive, like Director roles, are pegged at ₦30,000—figures that have sparked widespread debate among the student body.

Many students argue that these prices are not only exclusionary but also reflect a growing trend where student politics is becoming increasingly monetized, limiting participation to only those who can afford it.

Interestingly, observers have begun to draw parallels between the rising cost of SUG forms and the broader economic realities in Nigeria. Under the current administration led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), inflation has significantly impacted the cost of living, with prices of goods and services steadily increasing across the board.

Critics argue that the situation within the university mirrors the national economy—where inflation and high costs have made basic opportunities feel like luxury. Just as Nigerians grapple with rising fuel prices, food inflation, and declining purchasing power, students now face a similar challenge within their own microcosm: paying a premium to participate in leadership.

“This is no longer student representation; it’s turning into an investment,” one student remarked, hinting at fears that those who spend heavily to secure positions may feel pressured to “recover” their expenses once in office.

As conversations continue, the development raises important questions about accessibility, fairness, and whether student leadership is gradually drifting away from its core purpose—serving the collective interest of students.

In a time when economic hardship defines everyday life, the situation serves as yet another reminder that the ripple effects of Nigeria’s economic climate are being felt even in its universities—where the leaders of tomorrow are expected to emerge.

The affected graduates alleged that although their student loan applications were approved during their final year, the funds were not released in time to enable them to complete clearance and sit for their final examinations.

A fresh scandal has erupted at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, as 13 graduates from the 2023/2024 academic session accuse the school of withholding funds disbursed under the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

The affected graduates alleged that although their student loan applications were approved during their final year, the funds were not released in time to enable them to complete clearance and sit for their final examinations.

Faced with the possibility of missing exams and delaying graduation, the students said they were forced to source funds elsewhere, dipping into personal savings, relying on family members and, in some cases, taking high-interest loans to pay their school fees.

“We had no choice. We needed to graduate,” one of the affected graduates told SaharaReporters.

Between January and February 2025, members of the 2023/2024 set completed their programmes and graduated.

Months later, they said they discovered that the NELFUND loans approved in their names had been disbursed, not to them, but directly to the university.

The graduates described the development as shocking, especially after what they claim was an earlier assurance from the institution that any late-disbursed loan funds would be refunded to affected students since the loans were taken in their names and remain their legal responsibility to repay.

However, according to the group, that promise was never fulfilled.

While students from the 2024/2025 academic session, who graduated between December 2025 and January 2026, reportedly received refunds or had their loan funds appropriately reconciled, the 2023/2024 graduates allege they were excluded without explanation.

Instead, they claim the university automatically applied the funds to other students’ outstanding fees.

‘You Have Graduated,’ Says Management

The graduates said they were informed by university authorities that because they had already graduated, the institution could neither refund the money nor process repayment adjustments on their behalf.

This explanation, they argue, is both unjust and contradictory.

“At the time we applied and were approved for the loan, we were bona fide students of the university. The delay in disbursement was not our fault,” the group stated in a joint letter signed by the 13 affected individuals.

They further noted that the NELFUND portal still reflects their loans as fully disbursed, meaning the debt remains legally tied to their names despite the fact that they never directly benefited from the funds.

In effect, the graduates say they are being compelled to repay loans for school fees they had already settled through alternative means.

The affected graduates include Ajibade Egbodofo Ben, Angela Otiyeke, Iredia Benjamin, Promise Ijuo, Benjamin Gowon, Deborah Oluwafunbi Oyewole, and Divine Kamssy Lucky.

Others are Elizabeth Agboalu, Emmanuel Omoike, Olayinka Oronla, Oluwapelumi Agbana, Oyinkansola Oguntimehin, and Praise Oseaga Omodiagbe."

The graduate student, however, demanded, for "a formal explanation for the exclusion of the 2023/2024 set from refunds.

"Immediate reimbursement of the disbursed loan amounts. Clear documentation detailing how the loan obligations will be resolved if refunds are not issued."

The controversy raises troubling questions about transparency and accountability in the implementation of the NELFUND scheme.

Efforts by SaharaReporters to reach Prof. Martin Iniaghe, who oversees NELFUND at Ambrose Alli University, and Otunba Mike Aladenika, the institution’s Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, were unsuccessful, as they neither answered calls nor responded to messages seeking clarification on the allegations raised by the 2023/2024 graduates.

https://saharareporters.com/2026/03/04/scandal-ambrose-alli-university-13-graduates-allege-management-withheld-nelfund-loans?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQVSx9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe_X6vIHCETsOh3mBxL0NYUOTmdaATl-kfGaDtr-_vwOagsxiYygkB8HRFay8_aem_1CAVa7NHcj4a4cew0hA9UQ

youngrichnigga:
You don't get updates on a convict in prison for anywhere, except in extreme circumstances like a political prisoner on hunger strike etc. The likes of Evans only get on the pages of news when there's a significant event like court attendance, hospitalization etc

Hmmmmm
I thought he ought to be executed

Again I Ask, Where Is Evans? — APC

By all accounts, the name Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, once sent cold waves through Nigeria’s commercial corridors. He was the face of a brutal kidnapping enterprise that terrorized wealthy families and exposed the frightening sophistication of organized crime in the country.

Today, however, a different kind of question is echoing in quiet corners of public discourse:

Where exactly is Evans?

From Fear to Silence

When operatives of the Nigeria Police Force paraded Evans before cameras in 2017, it was more than an arrest — it was theatre, victory, and relief rolled into one. Nigerians watched as the man once described as untouchable sat in custody, confessing to operations that had yielded millions in ransom.

The message at the time was clear: the long arm of the law had finally caught up.

Court proceedings followed. Convictions were secured. The public, though still shaken by the scale of his crimes, took some comfort in the apparent finality of justice.

Then — silence.

The Questions No One Is Asking Loudly

In recent years, updates about Evans have grown scarce. No regular briefings. No prominent follow-ups. No consistent public reminders of the status of one of Nigeria’s most notorious kidnapping figures.

To be clear, there is no verified official report that Evans has escaped custody or been secretly released. Available records indicate he remains within the Nigerian correctional system.

Yet in a country where public trust is often fragile, silence can be as loud as scandal.

For many observers, the concern is not conspiracy — it is transparency.

Why This Matters

High-profile criminal cases do not simply belong to the courts; they belong to the public memory. Evans’ reign of terror was not a minor footnote. It was a national trauma that exposed deep security vulnerabilities.

When such a figure fades almost completely from official conversation, it raises legitimate civic questions:
• Is he still serving his sentence as ordered?
• What is the current legal status of his multiple convictions and appeals?
• Why has public communication on the case thinned so dramatically?

These are not sensational questions. They are accountability questions.

The Bigger Security Picture

Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis did not end with Evans’ arrest. In many parts of the country, the crime has evolved, decentralized, and in some regions, intensified.

Security analysts quietly admit that while Evans’ capture was symbolic, the structures that enabled large-scale kidnapping were never fully dismantled.

Which makes the public’s lingering curiosity even more understandable.

Until Official Word Changes

As of now, the most credible information remains that Evans is in lawful custody within the Nigerian correctional system. There is no confirmed disappearance.

But public institutions must remember a simple truth: in high-stakes cases, information vacuums invite suspicion.

Final Word

Nigeria does not need rumours. It needs clarity.

Until consistent, transparent updates become the norm, the question will continue to surface in whispers and headlines alike:

Again I ask — where is Evans?

I can remember vividly; It was Gov Nasiru El-Rufai who stood at Chatham House and answered security questions on behalf of Tinubu. On that same day, at that same venue, Reno Omokri was outside protesting that Tinubu should not become president.
Today, Reno is an ambassador designate while El-Rufai is the one in custody.
Irony of life.

President Bola Tinubu Signs Electoral Bill Into Law

President Bola Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 into law.

This follows the passage of the bill by the National Assembly on Tuesday after months of deliberations.

https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/18/breaking-tinubu-signs-electoral-bill-into-law/Please

I really need to get across to Seyi Tinubu
Please anybody with his personal line or office address

Not enough original content

I ventured into the Valentine surprise business with so much hope, optimism, and belief that love is a two-way street. I carefully put together beautiful Valentine packages specifically for men, thinking that ladies would be just as excited to celebrate their partners as men usually are. Unfortunately, the reality has been heartbreaking. Patronage has been extremely low, and as the days draw closer to Valentine’s Day, I am yet to even recover my capital.

What hurts the most is not just the poor sales, but the mindset behind it. Many ladies who show interest often end up choosing the cheapest package available, even after seeing the effort, quality, and thought put into the gifts. Some walk away entirely, while others say they will “manage something small,” yet there is still an expectation that men should go all out—expensive surprises, grand gestures, luxury gifts, and unforgettable experiences.

It feels unfair and discouraging. Love should not be measured by one gender constantly giving more while the other does the bare minimum. Men also deserve to be celebrated, surprised, and appreciated in meaningful ways. Behind every Valentine package is a vendor who invested money, time, creativity, and hope, believing that appreciation goes both ways. Today, instead of joy, I am left with regret for going into the men’s surprise business, unsold packages, and the painful realization that society still places the burden of Valentine’s celebrations almost entirely on men.

This experience has shown me that while the expectation for men to do more keeps rising every year, the willingness to reciprocate the same energy, effort, and value remains painfully low.


I hope this makes front page

The former student leaders, in a fundamental human rights enforcement suit marked HEK MISC/2026 and filed at the Ekpoma Judicial Division, described their arrest and continued detention as “unlawful, unconstitutional, and a gross violation” of their rights.
Two former Student Union Government (SUG) leaders of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Lifted Oyinbo Edubamoh and Igoh Ayano Christopher, have filed lawsuits against the management of the institution and Nigeria Police Force at the Edo State High Court over their alleged unlawful arrest and detention following the January 2026 Ekpoma insecurity protest.

The former student leaders, in a fundamental human rights enforcement suit marked HEK MISC/2026 and filed at the Ekpoma Judicial Division, described their arrest and continued detention as “unlawful, unconstitutional, and a gross violation” of their rights

. In January 2026, students of Ambrose Alli University staged a protest over worsening insecurity in Ekpoma, following incidents of kidnapping and the killing of a student within the university community.

The peaceful demonstration reportedly led to the arrest of more than 40 students by security operatives, triggering public outrage and condemnation from civil society groups and residents. The detained students were later released after the intervention of the Edo State Government.

However, shortly after their release, security agencies allegedly went after former student leaders believed to be linked to the protest and advocacy efforts surrounding insecurity in the university town.

Sources told SaharaReporters that the former student leaders were quietly arrested by operatives of the Ekpoma Police Division before being transferred to the Edo State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where they remained for “over one week without formal charges, access to legal representation, or visits from family members.”

The protest was aimed at drawing attention to worsening security conditions around the university community and demanding urgent government intervention.

In the suit, the respondents were listed as follows: the Commissioner of Police, Edo State; the Area Commander, Ekpoma Area Command; Inspector Gloria Eromosele of the Ekpoma Area Command; the Police Service Commission; and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Ambrose Alli University, Prof. Andrew O. Eromosele, designated as the 1st to 5th respondents.

According to court documents obtained by SaharaReporters, the applicants stated that they were arrested shortly after serving a letter to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) concerning issues affecting the university community.

They told the court that their arrest and detention occurred “without any disclosed offence, warrant, investigation, or arraignment,” adding that the action amounted to victimisation, abuse of power, and collective punishment.

Part of the reliefs sought read: “A declaration that the arrest and continued detention of the Applicants since 22nd January 2026, when the Applicants served a letter on the 5th Respondent, is unlawful, unconstitutional, and a gross violation of their fundamental rights to personal liberty, dignity of human person, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and fair hearing.”

The applicants further asked the court to declare that service of a petition “is not an offence known to law,” insisting that their detention was retaliatory and intended to intimidate them for engaging in lawful civic participation.

They are also seeking “an order directing the 1st Respondent to immediately and unconditionally release the Applicants, who have been in his custody since the 23rd of January, 2026.”

In addition, they requested “an order of injunction restraining the Respondents… from further arresting, detaining, intimidating, or harassing the Applicants in relation to the lawful service of a petition or any civic activity connected thereto.”

The former SUG leaders are demanding ₦20 million as “exemplary and compensatory damages” against the respondents for the alleged unlawful arrest, detention, and violation of their fundamental rights.

https://saharareporters.com/2026/02/05/breaking-former-aau-student-leaders-sue-university-police-over-unlawful-detention-demand

In this exclusive report, Sunday Ehigiator highlights the lingering crisis between the Vice- Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo and the Chairman, Governing Council of the institution, Chief Lawson Omokhodion, which is capable of hampering the peace of the institution if Governor Godwin Obaseki remains silent over all allegations raised

As people of Edo State prepare to decide who will lead them for the next four years, there is a growing corruption concerns among the leadership of the state owned university, Ambrose Alli University (AAU), as the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ignatius Onimawo and the Chairman, Governing Council, Chief Lawson Omokhodion are at loggerheads over allegations of corruption and flaunting of due process In a recent interview with THISDAY, the Vice-Chancellor accused Omokhodion of buying a supposed official car, Land-cruiser Prado, worth N61 million (inclusive of delivery cost) in his name, instead of that of the university, and compelled the school to pay for it, with an ultimatum, threat and corresponding notice from Governor Godwin Obaseki.

“We (the management and council of the school) paid a visit to the governor and during that visit, I informed the governor that the chairman of the council wants a car, and he said the university was in a position to buy a car for the governing council chairman, but in a joking manner.

“After that visit, the matter never came up again, until one day that the chairman of council reached me by text message, and later followed with an email that the governor had said we should buy him a car.

“On its own, there was no problem with it because the university can buy the governing council chairman a car if the money is available. But he gave a deadline that the car must be bought before June 30, 2019.

“He quoted the specifications, Land-cruiser Prado of certain year and other specifications, and said anything short of that, he will not take it. To us, that was strange because I have a Prado and the type of Prado that I have, as at the time we bought it, was about N33 million, and that was what we had in mind.

“But when we got the specifications and the three quotations he got from the car dealers, which he also sent to us, the prices ranged from N55 million to N63 million.

“He told us that the one that reached that particular specification was the one that was around N57 million.

“Since he had written that the governor said we should buy him a car, and he gave us a deadline, and even threatened that if by that June 30, the vehicle was not delivered to his house in Lagos, both me and the bursar would be queried, and we would hear from the governor. So if you are in my position, with that kind of threat, would you do otherwise?

“So I told bursar that we were in trouble, what should we do; we had to meet Fidelity Bank, we begged the bank to give us facility to get the car and repay in installments.

“So, when you talk about the normal due process, which I know, if a purchase is to be made, we can do selective tendering, whereby we call contractors who have delivered similar projects before, we give them the opportunity to bid, interact with them, before you would chose one and occupy that one to go ahead to deliver it.
“In this case, that did not happen. This was a direct directive all the way from the governor, and we cannot disobey the governor.

Onimawo added: “The chairman bought the Land-cruiser Prado himself, registered it in his name and sent a bill of N61 million to the school to pay. He bought the vehicle for N57 million, but other handling charges took the cost to N61 million.”

Reacting to the allegation, Omokhodion when contacted by THISDAY denied buying the vehicle or registering it in his name.

According to him, “the Governor of Edo State authorised for a car to be bought for me by the university. Quotations were obtained and the least price of N53.5 million was recommended.

“The university paid for the car by transferring the money to Inehmic Autos in VI Lagos. The documents are all in the name of the university. The governing council approved the purchase of the car.

“Everything was done according to due process. The university obtained a lease facility from the bank to finance the car purchase. The VC and bursar couldn’t make money on the purchase and so they are angry,” he said.

He also provided a picture of the vehicle registration details to this reporter.

The document showed that the vehicle, a Black Toyota Land Cruiser, was licensed under the ‘Lagos State Vehicle License’ as a ‘private car’ on July 3, 2020.

It was issued a ‘government plate number’ with the registration name, ‘The Pro-Chancellor’ and ‘Ambrose Alli University, PMB 14, Ekpoma Edo State’, as registered address.

The chairman further accused the vice-chancellor of several financial misconducts and breach of due process, and named the Bursar, Prof. Lawrence Esene as an accomplice.

In a petition document addressed to Governor Obaseki by a ‘coalition of members of concerned staff’ of the institution, titled ‘Call to Investigate the VC and His Two Personal Staff over Corrupt Practices at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma’, also made available to THISDAY by the council chairman, the vice-chancellor, his personal staff, Mr. Chris Omo-lribhogbe and Mr. Eugene Eraikhuemen were accused of corruption, money laundering and diversion of university resources for private use.

The group called on the governor to investigate already investigated findings by the governing council and take necessary steps in other to block leakages of funds in the university and “correct past misdeeds by the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Jimoh Ijegbai, who was said to be on the VC’s payroll.

Among several other allegations listed in the petition, the group accused the VC of having “made the deans and heads of departments to pay monies into Omo-lribhogbe’s account during accreditation exercises in 2017 and 2018.

“The VC without recourse to the chairman of council or the Governor of Edo State or the Education Commissioner, authorized the disbursement of over N5 billion from TETFund and needs assessment programmes. The EXCO of ASUU in the university will confirm this to you.”

Reacting to the allegation of financial misconducts and allegations of making “heads of departments to pay monies into his personal staff’s account” as petitioned by some concerned staff and also operating a Treasury Single Account (TSA) introduced for the school by the council, Onimawo denied all.

According to him, “we have never operated a TSA before. What we met on ground was that every department, every faculty we collect their dues, we run their departments and faculty with their dues.

“We discovered that the process was not transparent. You cannot know how much of dues students are paying; faculties just run affairs without control or process of check and balance.

“So we brought the idea of budgetary control, not TSA. What we did was having central budgetary control. Every dean of faculty would come and defend the budget.

“For instance, English Department, the Dean of Faculty of Arts would come and defend it, the students in the department are maybe 300, each of them pay N1,000 as total charges which could include journals, dues, etc.

“For each department, we allow you to raise N1.5 million at inception. So what do you want to do with it is the next question. So they come to defend their budget by stating all they intend to do for the session, and maybe all they want to do could amount to N1 million. We then disburse them money according to their budget.

“This was not happening before, we started it. And things were moving very well, there was no issue. So when this chairman came, he said he wants TSA. That he wants all the money to come into a central account. That it was inappropriate to have plenty signatories.

“He complained about the dean and HoD being a signatory to the account, that it’s only the VC and the bursar that are recognised signatory to the school account, and that was how we started the TSA.

“We did not oppose it. And we said we have to put a system in place to ensure that there is no delay in disbursing the money.

“Because, if for instance we created a different account where all those monies were been paid into, and also be separated into faculties and departments.

“So if Dean of Faculty of Agric is hoping for money, we look at how much do we have in their account and if their request is above what they have, we advice them.

“Like what you have is just N200,000, you cannot be asking for N250,000. That created delay in both accreditation and disbursement of money. So several applications were written to reverse the system, that the system was full of delays, and council said no.

“And there was no time I opposed it. But surprisingly, recently, students who were at the receiving end were now complaining that, even though they have paid their dues and all that, because of the delays in the release of funds, they are now levied to pay extra money, like N500, N300, to be able to provide tools for their practicals.

“When we were using the former system, once they pay, the HOD would buy the reagents they need for practicals and give them. Now, since the money is not being released as it used to be, there is a problem that students are now charged twice.

“They have already paid their N1,000 due, now for every day of practicals, they will ask students to pay N200, N300 to buy things needed for practicals.

“So we met with council that they should review the TSA system. When deans wrote, it was turned down. Even the Faculty of Education wrote because of its teachers registration and teaching practice, they said they should allow them keep the old structure because when they come to do their inductions, that’s where they would handle the whole thing, they were turned down.

“Medical College also wrote, they were turned down. Me I don’t have problem with such things.

“When the Student Union now wrote and you know students with the way they do their things with the whole threats of unrest, in his wisdom, the chairman of council wrote to them, and said we have abolished the TSA, that we should go back to the other system, and the management should monitor it closely.

“So I don’t know how that now became a problem to the chairman. I supported him from the beginning up till the point he wrote to reverse it. That is the true situation.”

Responding to the allegation that he the council chairman always imposed specific person on him, to be posted to certain offices, the VC confirmed it.

According to him, “at the beginning of the chairman’s tenure, I think we disagreed on some issues and they led to the governor insisting that we have a three day retreat in Benin, where we brought a seasoned professor who has been a vice-chancellor before and a member of the governing council, so he can talk to us on the allocation of powers.

“After that retreat, it was reestablished that the council is a body that makes policies; the administrators implement those policies.

“But we found a situation where the chairman of council makes policies and wants to implement those policies.

“And this is where we have our disagreements. It’s not a personal matter. I have nothing personal against him. So the question on him telling me to remove somebody and replace with somebody, is true.

“Sometimes some candidates wouldn’t be functioning properly in some areas and I’ll replace them, he would say return the person and I’ll obey because if I don’t obey, it would seems as if I’m looking for a fight.

“But in few cases I’ll say no and tell him ‘I know this person more than you, this person can do this job’, he would say no. That occasion of roles is a problem.”

Also speaking on the major reasons for the animosity since he became VC, despite being close to the climax of his tenure, Onimawo said: “It’s a long story. In an apartment, we have different camps. We have a lot of candidates when I was about becoming the VC, we were about nine candidates, but I think I can identify about four different camps.

“One camp that was in support of Prof. Alamiere to become the VC, another camp favours Prof. Akwele, one camp in my favour to be the VC, and the other camp, though not very loud, was in support of Badaki. These were the four main camps, and there was also a fifth camp.

“All these things happened and when three of us emerged first, second and third and the governor was to pick one, all the camps became three camps now. So all the camps were saying, let’s lobby to get our man in there.

“When all these were happening, the remaining two camps, were not too happy about it. The Badaki’s camp was linked to some leadership in the house, and that was what started the issues.

“That this one is not our candidate. They would be fighting and all those kind of thing.

“But the whole thing didn’t mean anything to me because for me, I am a Christian, if God says you are there, no matter their plans or what man says, it’s what God says that matters and I stand by God’s words.

“And since then that I became VC nothing happened. One year, two years and I’ll be fifth year by this year. So, that was the origin of the whole thing.

“You know in situations like this, you have conflict of interest. You have failed expectations. And some people cannot take defeat as an outcome. They want to fight tooth and nails, and I don’t know what they intend to achieve by doing this.
“Another thing that has made the fight to linger is perhaps my style of leadership. In the past, we had history of examination malpractice, nobody bothers about it.

“Words like sorting, blocking and all that, I’m sure they originated from here before they went to other universities.
“When I came, I said to myself that there must be ways of fighting this. And I decided to focus on all those 100 and 200 level students who I believe have not known their left from right.

“I introduced Computer Based Exam (CBE), whereby, as soon as you finish, you submit and you see your results immediately.
“So that solved a lot of these malpractices, but didn’t go well with a lot of people who were merchandising exams. So you can see that my battle is on different fronts now.

“So some people in the system, after the exams they would buy a new car, some would build a new home after exams.

“Ekpoma motors, I don’t know if the company is still there now, once exams are coming, it would bring a lot of cars to their warehouse, before you know it, they are cleared. Who are buying the cars.

“So I’m sure the company is also not happy with me because it’s like I have spoilt its business.

“Lecturers themselves who were beneficiaries would not like me. I have been fighting different types of battles but these are some of the issues that generated them.

“Because when they went to the senate to argue about the exam system, that the results were not authentic, senate disregarded them and approved the results. So that is another area of conflict.

“Then in various areas of the university, we have strongholds. They call them untouchables. Admission office, people have been there for 20 years nobody can transfer them.

“Different units of the university have human strongholds. They are no go areas. The person could even be a clerk or liaison officer, but that person is a stronghold, a no go area. You can’t transfer that person.

“I now looked at myself and said ‘what will you forfeit; your being bound to that office’. I transferred them.

“In this office, there was a man here, he has served five or six vice-chancellors. When I came, I allowed him to stay for some months, and transfered him. That is the battle my staff are fighting me till today.

“They want to destroy that because I transferred these people. Hell was let loose. They are like ‘how dare you remove our strongholds’.

“You can see that both teaching and non-teaching, I have offended so many people. So when they are fighting, I know why. And all the allegations that I embezzled money and all that they are making is not the real fight. The true fight is these things I have said.

“But none of them can come out and say ‘this is the true reason we are fighting you’.

“So when I came in, they were giving me ultimatum. They first gave me six months, they later changed it to one year, later they said after the second year they would remove me, second year passed, thank God I was still here, then they said third year, it also passed, then they said forth year, buy now I’m on the fifth, they will continue to wait till I finish my tenure.

“So you can see from the onset, the tussle for leadership of the school, and some of the policies I initiated are what generated the conflicts,” the VC said.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/09/15/corruption-aau-vc-council-chairman-trade-accusations/amp/


https://bbc.com.ng/2020/09/16/corruption-aau-vc-council-chairman-trade-accusations/