– Imo Poly Rector moves to destabilize ASUP
– Promotes union’s PRO to HOD
By Martin Opara
Sequel to a recent publication in the Community Watchdog Newspaper and the resolve of the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Imo Poly chapter, to ensure that due process and the law establishing the institution are strictly adhered to, the Rev. Father, turned lecturer, contractor and Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Wence Madu, has according to our source, in his characteristic manner infiltrated the Desmond Echeta leadership of ASUP, empowering those, who have accepted to be willing tools in his hands, to destabilize ASUP and remain in power.
According to some lecturers who spoke on condition of anonymity, the embattled Rector, has recruited one Dr. Ibe Sunny O. who parades himself as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of ASUP, Imo Poly chapter, to destabilize ASUP. The said PRO, was said to have been recently promoted and made the Head of his Department (HOD), issued a release, saying that Rev. (Fr) Dr. Wence Madu is yet to exhaust his 5 year tenure, without stating when the Rector assumed office and when he thinks or believes his tenure will elapse.
When contacted, the chairman of ASUP, Imo Poly chapter, Dr. Desmond Echeta said he is not aware of the publication and cannot comment on “what I have neither seen nor read. However, the sentiments or bias one person or group of persons express does not really matter because what is at stake is a legal and constitutional issue. The law establishing and guiding the polytechnic is very clear on what the tenure of the Rector is, and should be”.
Some lecturers who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, likened the present antics of the Rector in destabilizing ASUP, to what he did by buying and presenting a bus to the leadership of Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) in the Polytechnic.
It will be recalled that, Dr. Wence Madu was employed in the Imo Polytechnic, Umuagwo, in Ohaji/Egbema LGA as a Senior lecturer in 2008. Three years later, in 2011, he became Acting Rector of the polytechnic. He acted for one year and was made substantive Rector in 2012, for a renewable 4 year tenure. Shortly after he became Rector, he was said to have lobbied the Imo House of Assembly to amend the law for a single unrenewable 5 year tenure, which he also enjoyed.
“So, cumulatively, Dr. Wence Madu has spent a total of 6 years as Rector of Imo Poly. One year in acting capacity and 5 years as substantive Rector. And his 5 year tenure expired on 31st August 2017. It is however unfortunate that he is doing everything possible and contrary to his self acclaimed religious belief to perpetuate himself in office, in violation of the rules guiding the polytechnic”.
