Anambra Confab delegates back Ahaneku as UNIZIK VC

Anambra State delegates to the ongoing National Conference, led by the former Speaker of Anambra State House Assembly, Anayo Nebe, have blamed misinformation on their earlier stand when they opposed the appointment of the new Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Professor Joseph Ahaneku, saying with correct information that due process was followed, they have no choice than to congratulate him.

Nebe spoke at Ahaneku’s residence in Awka in a ceremony witnessed by some principal officers of the university and journalists.

He apologised to Ahaneku for the delegates’ earlier stand, adding: “I remember that the delegates insisted that they will oppose the appointment but when we went back to Abuja and were availed of the true story, the true situation and we are convinced and are still convinced that appointment of Ahaneku followed due process and is based on merit, we believe it is a matter of putting a round peg in a round hole.

“At this level, we should rise beyond primordial sentiments.”

My own brother from Awka, my town’s man was appointed Vice Chancellor of University of Gusau – Prof. Venerable Ben Chuks Okeke, and even in this case, you are talking of catchment area of this university, and so I am competent to speak as a high Chief of the host communities. It is also on record that one of our sons, Prof. Sunny Nwankwo, also contested but he was not appointed. Awka people did not go to the streets”.

Nebe charged Ahaneku to restore the dignity of the university, lamenting that: “a university after the great Zik is moving from popularity to notoriety. It has to be halted. I am saying this authoritatively because a situation where some principal officers of the university remain regular visitors to EFCC and other anti- corruption agencies is unbecoming. We want the university to remain university of repute”.