City Crime
ASUU Strike: RSUST Ready For Dialogue
The management of
Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port
Harcourt, at the weekend gave indications of its willingness to engage the
striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the institution in
meaningful dialogue as a means of resolving their disagreements.
Speaking at the weekend in Port Harcourt, the institution’s Deputy Registrar/Public
Relations Officer, Mr Desmond Wosu was reported to have said that the
management of the university was now prepared to dialogue with ASUU and other
unions to restore peace and normalcy to the institution.
However,The Tide investigations last week revealed that
uneasy calm and uncertainty once again enveloped the RSUST, Port Harcourt,
following the strike action declared by
ASUU in protest against the re-appointment of Prof Barineme Fakae as the
acting Vice Chancellor of the university.
It would be recalled that the university’s ASUU had given
the state Governor and visitor to the university, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi
Amaechi a one-week ultimatum to reverse the re-appointment of Prof Fakae or
face industrial action.
It was crystal clear last week when The Tide visited the
university that ASUU had made good its
threat to embark on strike at the expiration of the ultimatum, penultimate
Wednesday, as there was no indication that all was well with the state-owned
university.
Indeed, an atmosphere of uncertainty, confusion and
apprehension hovered over the campus, as distraught students idled away.
While some gathered in groups particularly around the
Faculty of Engineering block, speaking in hush tones, others milled around
hopelessly.
There was nothing to suggest that teaching and learning or
other meaningful activities were going on at the university.
Several persons, suspected to be non-academic staff, were
also seen gathering around the Amphitheatre block, including stern-looking
security men, who were patrolling the area.
Opposite the block, two SOS vans were also strategically
positioned, facing the road.
The entrance of the Senior Staff Club was firmly locked, as
some security men were seen taking position within the premises of the club.
The club, which used to be a beehive of activities was
deserted, as senior lecturers of the university and other guests who used to
cool-off there after the day’s work, were nowhere to be seen.
Three lecturers who were seen directly opposite the club,
were , however, visibly agitated.
They lamented that an incident had taken place at the venue
where members of ASUU were holding a meeting last Wednesday, to apparently
review strategies of the strike.
They alleged that an unidentified young man in black attires
had invaded the venue of the meeting, and disrupted it in full glare of
securitymen who had positioned themselves inside the hall to monitor
proceedings as the ASUU meeting progressed.
Suspecting foul play, some ASUU members were said to have
whisked away the Chairman of the union, Dr Felix Igwe for fear of his life. The
Tide, however, could not confirm immediately reports and insinuations that Dr Igwe was brutalised and was being
hospitalised as a result.
However, the Deputy Registrar (Public Relations) of the
university, Mr Desmond Wosu told The Tide in an exclusive interview in his
office that ASUU had not notified the management of its intention to proceed on
strike.
While attributing the lull currently experienced in the
university to dangerous and unfounded rumours making the rounds concerning the
strike, he said the re-appointment of Prof Fakae, whom he said, had performed
creditably in office, was not enough to degenerate to industrial action.
Wosu also noted that Governor Amaechi did not make a mistake
by re-appointing Prof Fakae, saying, the re-appointment was the best thing that
had happened to the university.
According to him, Prof Fakae’s reappointment was done in
good faith, following his track record of achievements for the university since
2007 when he assumed office.
He listed the achievements to include the eradication of
cultism in the university, the introduction of e-learning system, which he
said, had placed the university on high pedestal, the full accreditation of the
university’s programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the
improved ranking of the university from 76th to 19th position.
He also indicated that the Fakae-led administration had ensured that admission into the university
was based on the carrying capacity
prescribed by NUC, to the extent that classrooms and lecture rooms were no
longer over-populated while lecturers no longer complained of having too many
scripts to mark, coupled with the fact that the university’s science
laboratories and workshops were now well-equipped.
The university’s image maker further noted that Prof Fakae’s
re-appointment would put the university in a better stead, as his
administration would ensure continuous, rapid transformation of the university.
‘Members of the university community should give peace a
chance. ASUU should adopt dialogue so that we can move the university forward.
Enough is enough. Let us not drive our students to the streets again. It does
not augur well for us , it does not augur well for parents. It is not good for
our children. Let us support the management to move the university forward”, he
pleaded.
He also defended the VC’s administrative style, and sued for
peace, tolerance and dialogue.
However, a member of the Senior Staff Association of
Nigerian Universities (SSANU) who was visibly disturbed by the current state of
affairs at the university, while speaking to The Tide under condition of
anonymity, advised the Vice Chancellor to step aside in the interest of peace,
and not allow the university to be consumed by selfish interest.
Donatus Ebi
City Crime
Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards
Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.
The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.
From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.
The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.
Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.
One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.
Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.
By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.
Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.
The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.
These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.
According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.
Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.
He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.
Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.
Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.
Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.
The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.
Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.
Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.
Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”
In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.
Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.
Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.
By: Donatus Ebi
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