Michael Okpara University VC: Abia Monarch Hails Decision For Abuja Interview

The Traditional Ruler of Umudike Ukwu Modern Kingdom, HRH Eze Ben Oriaku Dike 1, has commended the Pro-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, for relocating the interview for selection of a new Vice Chancellor of the institution to Abuja.

Interacting with the media, the traditional ruler, who is also Chairman Board of Trustees, Traditional Rulers of Land Donor Communities revealed that various interest groups had been making threats and spreading inflammatory messages and publications, creating an atmosphere of tension.

“So many interest groups have sent fearful signals that left us wondering,” he said.

Eze Ben Oriaku expressed his full support for the decision, saying, “As long as this decision is constitutional, I wholeheartedly endorse it”.

“At least my youth can now relax because they were gearing up to resist every form of protest and confrontation coming from any group,” he stated.

Addressing concerns over costs, the monarch questioned who was raising alarms, noting that contestants and the university had not complained.

He said, “You can’t compare what you spend in quenching the smallest war to what you spend in achieving the smallest peace”.

Eze Ben Oriaku further called prayers for the peaceful transition into a new administration of the institution.

The decision to interview prospective Vice Chancellors for the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike in Abuja has attracted criticisms from various quarters, notably from former secretary to the Abia State government, Dr Eme Okoro who expressed concern over the cost of logistics.