Former Nigerian Vice President and Founder of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambnra State, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, should be respected and not insulted, the Old Aguata Union (OAU) has told students opposed to the re-appointment of Dr Anene Uzuakpunwa as Governing Council Chairman of Federal Polytechnic Oko.

Old Aguata Union comprising 45 communities in three local government areas hosting the polytechnic was reacting to the opposition of some students to the re-appointment of Dr. Uzuakpunwa, a distinguished son of Old Aguata.

Dr. Uzuakpunwa’s name was one of those on the list when the Federal Government announced the reconstitution of the governing councils of federal educational institutions two weeks ago. After the announcement, however, the Nigerian representative in the Association of West African Students Unions (AWASU), Comrade Sheriff Zadok, and some other student activists were quoted in the media as saying thatthere would be chaos if Uzuakpunwa was re-appointed. Though the claim was denied by National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Senate President, Comrade Donald Onukaogu, Uzuakpunwa’s name was missing in the list released for inauguration by the Minister for Education Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa’i.

Reacting to the development, Old Aguata Union (OAU) described it as a slap on the face of ex-VP Ekwueme. The union’s stand was made known in a press statement made available to newsmen shortly after an emergency meeting signed by the union’s General Chairman, HRH Igwe Promise Eze Abalikete of Umunze and Secretary General, Hon. (Dr) Isiocha-Okafor, Ezembanemetu, Ora Eri.

“We believe strongly that the perpetrators of these developments do not wish the polytechnic good. It is trite to believe that these boys have no respect and regard for the founder of the institution His Excellency, Chief Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme (Ide Old Aguata), former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” OAU said.

According to the union, “It is not an assumption to believe that His Excellency, Dr Ekwueme, has the capacity and capability to get to the Presidency and seek for the removal of Dr. Uzuakpunwa from the Council if he is incapable of leadership of the institution.”

OAU said that “it is only proper that Chief (Dr.) Anene Uzuakpunwa be inaugurated to complete his tenure,: adding: “The threat to make the institution ungovernable should be disregarded as tantrum of misguided youths as gold diggers. We want to assure all that the Federal Polytechnic at Oko is as safe as any other Federal Institution for academic businesses. We assure all and sundry that the boys will be on check to ensure peaceful times in the institution.”

•Photo: Ex-VP Ekwueme.