There was tension at Umuagwo community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State on Monday over the recent decision of Governor Rochas Okorocha to upgrade the polytechnic to University of Agriculture and Environmental services..
They also condemned in strong terms the relocation of the institution, alleging also that most of Umuawgo people are not employed by the polytechnic.
The protesters mainly villagers were led by a youth leader, Comrade Nnamdi Albanus Opara.
According to him, he said they wonder why the Okorocha administration had to upgrade the Polytechnic to a University barely barely 34 days to the end of the tenure of his government, alleging that it is part of a ploy in collaboration with the Rector, Rev Fr. Wence Madu to destroy the institution and “deal decisively with the host community”
He said the community are opposed to the upgrade and not ready to accept it.
In his remarks, the Deputy President General of the Community, Sir Casmir Amadi, expressed dissatisfaction on the upgrade plans by the outgoing Governor.
“Leave our Imo Poly Umuagwo alone for us. Let Fr.Wence go”,Amadi said.
The protesters who carried placards called on Governor Okorocha to rescind the decision of upgrade of the polytechnic.
They displayed a letter to express disapproval to the upgrade which they said will be presented to the Governor Elect, Hon Emeka Ihedioha and copied the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Universities Commision, NUC, Executive Secretary, National Board For Technical Education, NBTE, the Polytechnic Council, the Imo State Commissioner of Police and the Director, State Security Service.
In his remarks, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Rev Wence Madu, described the upgrade as a welcome development aimed at bringing academic upliftment for the interest of the people of Umuagwo in Ohaji/Egbema LGA.
Imo State Govt React
In a swift reaction to the protest, the Imo State Government said those who embarked on protest at the Polytechnic were “ few misinformed youths who claimed to be indigenes of Ohaji against the new University of Agriculture and Enviromental Sciences. Aboh/Ngor Umuagwo.
In a statement signed by Sam Onwuemedo, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. he said ” It is very unfortunate that some enemies of the State have decided to play Politics with everything including the development and progress of the State and her people, otherwise why would any group sponsor needless protest against the new University, which its operational licence has been got and everything needed for its take-off has been put in place
“The government had few days ago explained that, following the establishment of the Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the premises of the Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo with Campus at Aboh/Ngor, the Imo State Polytechnic has been relocated to Ehime Mbano with a Campus at the Site of Ahiara Polytechnic, Ahiazu Mbaise.
“The interest of the State government under Governor Rochas Okorocha has been the even development of all the parts of the State. Indigenes of the State who love the State and its development have been congratulating the governor for this feat.
“It is therefore surprising that some youths should allow themselves to become tools of such needless protest in the hands of those who do not have any iota of love for the progress of the State and the prosperity of the people of the State.
“Why should youths in their right senses protest against the siting of a University in their area which its operational licence has been received. Our people should always detach petty Politics from the lofty ideal of developing the State and prospering the people.
“The leaders of Ohaji should take the bull by the horn by correcting the impression this wrong move by those youths on protest has created especially when the staff of the Polytechnic have nothing to lose.
“We have also heard that the owners of the Private hostels in the area, working with some soul-less Politicians were behind the few youths on protest at the front gate of the former Polytechnic. It is unfortunate that few individuals, because of their personal interest could rise against the overall interest of the State and Ohaji people in particular.
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