The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), a rights group, has rejected the renaming of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Uli Campus, after former Anambra State governor, the late Chinweoke Mbadinuju, by Governor Charles Soludo.
Group's Position on University Renaming
Intersociety stated that the university, established in 2000 and later renamed Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University, Anambra State through a law by the State House of Assembly, along with its three campuses at Igbariam, Uli, and Awka, cannot be given another name, including any of its campuses. The group emphasized that the Mbadinuju era as Anambra Governor remains the worst in the state's history regarding human and capital development, protection of lives and properties, and promotion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, particularly between June 1999 and 2003.
Statement by Intersociety Officials
In a statement by its Chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi; human rights lawyers Chidinma Udegbunam and Joy Igboeli; and Deputy Head of Policing and Law Enforcement, Chibueze Nwajiaku, the group insisted that the university must irrevocably remain Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University, Anambra State. They argued that anything contrary is a mere academic exercise or effort in futility that cannot stand the test of time, citing examples such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) at Awka with its campuses in Nnewi, and the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka with its Enugu Campus.
Criticism of Mbadinuju's Era
The group further noted that no government in Anambra State has thought it morally wise to honor and immortalize slain Barr Barnabas and Barr Mrs. Amaka Igwe, who were gruesomely murdered in broad daylight in September 2002 along Oraifite Street, Awada, under Dr. Mbadinuju as Governor. Their killers have not only remained at large but are likely serving under the present Anambra State Government, the group claimed.
Rejection of Bishop Kukah's Appointment
Intersociety also rejected the appointment of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Hassan Kukah, as Chancellor of the university. While stating that it holds no grudges against the cleric, the group revealed that its statistics on attacks against Christians across Nigeria show that Kukah has not used his vast links to various state and federal governments and their political and coercive establishments to compel decisive action to protect persecuted Christians.
Commendation for Other Appointments
The rights group lauded the appointment of one of its members, Aloysius Attah, as the new Image Maker of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, by the school's governing council. Intersociety said Attah's appointment, a grassroots activist, would positively contribute to the university's development. The group also commended Governor Soludo for awarding automatic employment to 37 first-class graduates of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
Call for Permanent Employment
However, Intersociety asked the governor to ensure that the affected beneficiaries are permanently employed, remunerated, and accorded all rights and privileges as career civil servants under the existing State Civil Service Rules.
