MOUAU Management Denies Knowledge of Alleged DSS Arrests of Abia Indigene Staff Amid Vice-Chancellor Succession Controversy

The management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State has strongly denied any knowledge of reported arrests by the Department of State Services (DSS) involving staff members of Abia origin, describing media headlines on the matter as “unfounded” and potentially inflammatory.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the university’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Ubadire Agua, MOUAU distanced itself from claims that the Chairman of its Governing Council, Fidelis Edeh, orchestrated the detention of certain staff allegedly opposed to his purported efforts to influence the selection of the institution’s next Vice-Chancellor.

“The University management is not aware of any arrest of any University staff in MOUAU by DSS,” Agua stated. “And the Chairman of the Governing Council could not have ordered DSS or any security agency for that matter to do so without informing the University.”

The denial comes in response to recent media reports accusing Edeh of masterminding the arrests through a petition to the DSS, following demands from some staff and interest groups for transparency in the upcoming Vice-Chancellor appointment process. The reports alleged that Abia indigene staff were targeted after advocating for fairness and opposing any attempts to impose a preferred candidate.

Agua expressed concern over what he termed “unverified” and “sponsored reports” that could escalate tensions on campus and undermine the accomplishments of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe.

While urging security agencies to maintain neutrality and vigilance in their duties, the university reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with them to preserve peace during the leadership transition.

MOUAU further appealed to all stakeholders to pray for a smooth and peaceful emergence of a new Vice-Chancellor, emphasizing the need to avoid actions or publications that could disrupt the institution’s harmony.

The controversy highlights ongoing sensitivities around the Vice-Chancellor selection at the federal university, with previous calls from groups like the Abia Democratic Alliance for a merit-based and transparent process.