Polytechnic alumni association shuns suit against alma mater

Chukwudi Ejimofor

Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, is experiencing a rebirth. Well-meaning individuals and associations acknowledge the magical developmental strides of the substantive rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, either directly or indirectly.

This time, the alumni association of the institution dissociates itself from the purported lawsuit. They do this through their legal representative. Their statement went thus: “We are lawyers briefed by the Federal Polytechnic, Oko Alumni Association to make this press release.”

The Federal Polytechnic, Oko Alumni Association is alarmed and appalled. They are justifiably miffed by a deliberate peddling of falsehood and misinformation against it. Claims have been made that they are in court or involved in a case. Blessing Anulika Okeke (Plaintiff) is an alumnus of the Federal Polytechnic Oko. She instituted this case in the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in the Awka Judiciary Division against Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie. She is the 1st defendant. The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko is the 2nd defendant. The rector of the Federal Polytechnic Oko is the 3rd defendant. The registrar of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko is the 4th defendant. Federal Polytechnic, Oko is the 5th defendant. The Honourable Minister, Ministry of Education is the 6th defendant. Henry Chukwuka Nnebe, National President, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, is the 7th defendant. This is in Suit No. NICN/AWK/49/2024.

This public general notice has become imperative. It aims to set the records straight. It seeks to assuage the concerns of our beloved alma mater (Federal Polytechnic Oko), which is under a new Rebirth.

As a responsible alumni association, we are committed to the growth of our Polytechnic. The objective of this notice is to refute any insinuations of an involvement by our client, the association. The general public is hereby put on notice, and we categorically state thusly:

i. That Blessing Anulika Okeke deposed to being a 2003 graduate of the Federal Polytechnic Oko. Therefore, she is an Alumnus of the Polytechnic. She stated clearly in the affidavit that she is the Plaintiff in the suit.

ii. That Blessing Anulika Okeke is entitled to the rights, benefits, and privileges of members. This is following the Constitution of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, Article 2, section 6. As an alumnus, she has specific entitlements. She is entitled to freedom of expression. Fair hearing is also guaranteed to her by the Nigerian Constitution as amended.

iii. In accordance with our Client’s Constitution, Article 5, Section 1, Blessing Anulika Okeke or any alumnus cannot represent our client without express approval

iv. That the plaintiff, Blessing Anulika Okeke, does not represent the Federal Polytechnic, Oko Alumni Association. She has neither the mandate nor the approval of the Alumni National President. The National Executive Council has not given her approval to represent the association in her present suit. This is in line with Article 5, Section 1 of our constitution.

v. That the Federal Polytechnic, Oko Alumni Association is not mentioned in the affidavit by Blessing Anulika Okeke. It is not listed as part of the plaintiff. The association does not associate itself with the suit.

vi. That the plaintiff, Blessing Anulika Okeke, named Henry Chukwuka Nnebe as the 7th Defendant in the suit. He is the National President of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association.

vii. The National Executive Council has mandated the branch of the Alumni Association. This branch is where Blessing Anulika Okeke belongs. They are to evoke forthwith the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association 2022 Constitution Article 14 Section 1. ii which says: Each Branch of the Association shall have power to exercise disciplinary control over its members. It can caution, suspend, or impose a fine on any member. It also imposes any other disciplinary sanction or punishment if a member’s conduct offends. Such conduct is against this constitution, rules, or lawful directives. This is the opinion of the National Executive Committee. The Branch/Chapter Executive Committee of the association believes this attracts sanctions.

Our client will not hesitate to seek appropriate redress. This action will be taken against those who, without cause, seem intent on tarnishing, maligning, and slandering the association. The association has greatly contributed to the growth of Federal Polytechnic Oko for over 40 years. It has done so by providing infrastructures, role modelling, and rewarding staff and students.

Our Client’s National Executive Council seizes this opportunity to call on our esteemed ‘Oko Polymath’ to remain resolute. They should be dedicated to the vision of Federal Polytechnic Oko as the Polytechnic of the Moment. We express profound appreciation for their concern, solidarity, and support.

Our client is committed to the progress of all organs of their alma mater. They will ensure that things are done properly and constitutionally at all times,” the statement of refutation concluded.