As part of the measures to assist in the rebuilding the structures damaged during the students riot in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU the traditional ruler of Ama’ba Kingdom, Oboro clan in Ikwuano L.G.A, of Abia State, King O’tuwa 1st, has disclosed plans of the community to embark on a fundraising programme.
Speaking in the VC’S lodge in Umudike when he led a powerful delegation from Amaba autonomous community, on a solidarity/appreciation visit to the MOUAU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, the Royal father, who frowned at the ugly incident, washed off the hands of the community in the riot.
He made it clear that Ama’ba community did not organize their people at any point in time, to rebel against the institution and no Ama’ba son was involved in the riot, which resulted to the pulling down the university’s wall as being alleged.
HRM King O’tuwa 1st (MD/PhD, Computer Medicine, rtd. Sr. VP Benjamin Russell Hospital, USA), who pointed out that Ama’ba community has been brought to the limelights courtesy of MOUAU, maintained universities must be funded like any other business, else it cannot function effectively.
While disclosing some of transformation made in the community, King O’tuwa said that he has also restructured the Ama’ba community security apparatus in order to restore security and peaceful coexistence with the University and all the neighbouring communities.
The traditional ruler who appreciated the cordial relationship existing between his Community and MOUAU and the strides recorded by Prof. Iwe’s administration in the institution, assured him of his Community’s unalloyed support.
Speaking also, Sir Mgbechi Oji, an Elder in Ama’ba community, who also retired as a Bursar from the University, wondered why the the students should be antagonistic to their Vice Chancellor and other Management staff during the protest turned riot, when there exist various channels of registering their perceived grievances.
He seized the opportunity to appreciate Prof. Iwe for elevating one of their sons to the position of the University’s bursar and appealed to the Vice Chancellor also, to always work with their traditional ruler, whenever the need arises.
Also speaking respectively, a former chairman of Ikwuano L.G.A, Hon. Chief Mrs Ngozi Oji; Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Prof. Mrs Monica Ironkwe; the Spiritual Adviser of Ama’ba community, Rev. Praise Oji; Rtd Justice Chinedozie Aguwamba, Chairman of Women and Family Affairs of the members of Royal family; and Rtd. Colonel Samuel Aboaja, who also sympathized with the Vice Chancellor over the incident which appeared to have disrupted the academic calendar of the institution, said the community came to encourage him and to inform him that they are in full support of his leadership.
Responding, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, wondered why the students whom the University strived to give the best not minding the lean resources would turn around to rebel against it.
Prof. Iwe who said that the recently introduced biometrics was designed to make things easier for the students, also disclosed that the increased fees, which allegedly led to the riot was partly for the interest of the students, also.
The Vice Chancellor who also reeled out his achievements in the institution, assured that he would continue to raise the name of the University, no matter the hiccups.
While appreciating Ama’ba community for the solidarity visit, Prof. Iwe described King O’tuwa 1st as a friend, that is not too far from him and also promised to continue to do things that could be of use for the Ama’ba community.
The President General of Ama’ba community, Barr. Christopher Oguegbu; Traditional Prime Minister, Elder Okorocha Ndimele; High Chief Ugochukwu Ironkwe; the Chief Security Officer of the community, Mr. Obinna Jikoro was at the meeting, which also saw the University Registrar, Dr. Mrs Nkeiruka Mbanaso in attendance.
