ASUU chairman in Ebonyi goes into hiding, accuses Umahi of hunting him

Ikechuku Igwenyi, acting chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ebonyi State University (EBSU) chapter, has alleged that David Umahi, governor of the state, is after him.

Igwenyi, on Thursday, claimed that suspected hoodlums led by some of the governor’s aides invaded his family compound at Mebi-Owa Okposi in Ohaozara local government area of the state around 3pm on Thursday.

The ASUU chairman, who is reportedly in hiding, also alleged that “another batch of youths” headed to his Abakaliki residence on the orders of Umahi.

“As political allies to the Governor of Ebonyi State in Ohaozara are planning to occupy Comrade Igwenyi’s home and expel his family from the community, one pertinent question is how Comrade Ikechuku Igwenyi has become a threat to peace in the University and Ebonyi State that the Governor is mobilizing 1000 youths against him,” the statement read.

“On this note, it has become imperative that the life of Comrade Ikechuku Okorie Igwenyi and family is under intense threat and should anything happen to Comrade Igwenyi and family, every one now knows who to hold responsible.”

Umahi and the leadership of Ebonyi ASUU have been at loggerheads in recent times, over payment of salaries and certain directives from the governor.

In October during the ASUU strike, Umahi ordered the immediate resumption of academic and non-academic activities in the institution, an order that was rejected by Igwenyi.

In the statement, Umahi was quoted to have said that there is no peace in the state and university because of the Ebonyi ASUU chairman, asking youth to occupy his residence, when he was visited by Ohaozara stakeholders in Uhuru, his country home, on December 28, 2020.

“He claimed Comrade Igwenyi is playing double standards and MUST be made to leave the University by all means,” the statement read.

“He stated that Comrade Igwenyi is the the reason there is no peace in the State and in the University and requested the people of Ohaozara to raise 1000 youths and occupy the residence of Comrade Ikechuku Igwenyi at Abakaliki for seven days.

“After which his parents will be apprehended and family home at Okposi will be occupied for another seven days.”

When contacted by TheCable, Francis Nwaze, special assistant to Umahi on media and publicity, told Igwenyi to address the “masses” who he alleged are after him and not drag the name of the governor.

“If the masses are after him as he alleged, I think it is democratic and he should be able to address them and not the other way round,” Francis told TheCable via WhatsApp.

When asked if Umahi sent hoodlums to the residence of the Ebonyi ASUU chairman, as alleged, he responded: “Sent hoodlums? How? Where? and When?”

Nwaze asked Igwenyi to “use this crossover night to re-examine himself to know what is actually after him” and stop “dragging” the name of the governor.

“The said ASUU should use this crossover night to re-examine himself to know what is actually after him and not trying to sell his market by dragging the name of the Governor to his misfortune (if he feels that he has any),” he said.

“Governor David Umahi is very focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the good people of Ebonyi State and does not waste time on people who are afraid of their shadow.

“The modest achievements of the Governor within the few years he has been on the saddle have kept on encouraging him to do more and he is of the firm belief that Ebonyi will soon be greater.”