A fiery unionist and administrator, Dr Desmond Okechukwu Echeta, outgoing Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) (Imopoly Chapte have expressed appreciation for a successful end of tenure.
In what appeared as a valedictory speech, Echeta in the language of the struggle encouraged members of ASUP to remain steadfast as that is the only way their welfare will be taken care of, saying that “divided we beg while united we bargain”.
The speech reads, “the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the hallmark of Christianity. Therefore, Easter is an important occasion for commemorating the Lord’s Death and Resurrection. It’s also a special period to share love, peace and charity. On behalf of my family, I felicitate with all Christian faithful on this occasion.The season is also important because it marks the end of my tenure as the ASUP Chairman Imopoly.
On behalf of the entire CEC, we thank you for all the support given to us. I, particularly applaud those that criticized me constructively. Those that picked holes in my disposition and verbally attacked me, I have forgiven. Those I also offended during the period of our struggle for better welfare of our members, please forgive me. All I did was to the best of my ability, the fairest thing to do on our collective resolve for better welfare scheme and better conditions of service.
“In all, I congratulate Imopoly ASUP Congress for defending all they perceived to be correct. May you never be forgotten when the roll call of God’s favour will be called. Comrades, I pray that we continue to improve on the gains of yesterday for better working condition. The difficulties are enormous but the power which subdued death and rose Jesus Christ, will subdue our problems and afflictions in Imopoly.
“We shall be alive to proclaim his goodness and favours. The only power we have is a united front. Divided we beg but united we bargain. Let us not forget to stay safe and obey the laws. No affliction will be our portion in Jesus name. Amen”.
It would be recalled that under the inglorious tenure of Rev Fr Dr Wence Madu as Rector of Imopoly, Echeta’s ASUP leadership was the reason the workers were treated fairly well owing to his uncompromising stance on issues that bother on welfare of the staff and this earned him accolades from friends and well wishers.
As a vibrant Ph.D holder in Economics turned Labour leader, the workers at the institution will greatly miss his charismatic approach to issues.
