Former Rector of Imo State Polytecnic, (Imopoly) Umugwo who is presently Coordinator of University of Agriculture and Environment Sciences, Umuagwo in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, has threatened Nigeria Watchdog Newspaper with law suit for what he called, “constant and persistent malicious and defamatory publications on and about Rev.Fr Wence Madu- demand for retraction and apology.”
This is contained in a letter dated 9th September 2020, written on his behalf by his lawyer, Chief Soronnadi Njoku of No 35 School Road, Owerri and served on Nigerian Watchdog Newspaper.
Nigerian Watchdog Newspaper, had before now, taken time to expose the rot in the institution, in several of its publications.These include, allegations of contract scandal, tenure elongation, mal-administration, among others, which the newspaper still unapologetically stands by on the ground that the said publications were made in public interest and in line with section 22 of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, as amended, which States that, “ the press shall hold those in authority accountable to the people”.
It will also be recalled that, aside the several publications made by Nigerian Watchdog Newspaper, in respect of Rev Fr Wence Madu’s excesses, as Rector of Imo Poly, Umuagwo Town Development Union, in a letter captioned “Report of Act/Behaviour liable to cause Breach of Law and order, in respect of the proposed university of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Need to call Rev Fr.Wence Madu and others to order now”, dated 12th August 2020, signed by Sir Vitalis Aguguo as chairman and Hon Henry Aguguo as secretary, addressed to the Director, State Security Service, Imo State command, through the officer in charge SSS, Ohaji/Egbeme a copy of which was made available to this Newspaper,expressed reservation about the continued presence of Rev.Fr Madu in Umuagwo and his link with the new University of Agriculture and Environmental sciences.
According to the letter, the host community is aware of the meeting held on Thursday 12th August 2020 at the former Imo State Polytecnic, Umuagwo, presided over by Rev Fr John Ezenwakwo, a Claretian priest and staff of Federal University of Technology, Owerri. One of the decisions reached at the meeting was that, National University Commission (NUC), Visition panel will visit the university of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences on Monday 17th August 2020, under the coordination of Rev Fr Wence who was Rector of Imo Poly from 2010-2019, during which period he created a sour relationship with the host community. We therefore wish to inform you that Umuagwo Community will not be comfortable with Rev Fr Wence Madu’s presence on our land for whatever reason, after series of castigation he unleashed on our community”.
“Rev Fr Wence Madu’s actions and moves in respect of the new University are doubtful and smark of insincerity, as there are reasons to show that the Claretain missionaries/priests with the advice and sponsorship of Rev Fr Wence Madu, have come to take over our land, acquired by the state government for the establishment of Imo State college of Agriculture in 1978. We were reliably informed that the claretian missionaries came to Umuagwo on Thursday 13th August 2020, taking photographs of the structure and Facilties on ground. Hence, we ask if the state government is aware of this unfortunate development? What is the mission of this foreign and indigenous Claretian priest, or are we being deceived by the state government?
The letter, further stated that, “much as we are not willing to confront the State government, we are appealing to the shared prosperity government of Senator Hope Uzodinma, to urge Rev Rev Wence Madu and his cohorts to stay away from our land because we don’t want their presence, dead or alive for whatever reason, in the interest of peace. Fr Wence Madu exhibited unrivalled hatred and made several despotic utterance against the host community that accommodated and protected him for years”.
