Management of the University of Port Harcourt says its attention has been drawn to a video circulating online where the State Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Chizy Enyi, made several allegations concerning the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Princewill Chike, and purported political activities within the University.
In a Statement by the Head, Information, Publications and Public Relations (IPPR) University of Port Harcourt Dr. Sam Kpenu,the Management considers it necessary to clarify the issues raised and to state unequivocally that the University of Port Harcourt is a federal university and a non-partisan institution.
According to the statement, the University does not belong to any political party, coalition or political interest group, and its name, offices and structures should not be used in partisan political narratives.
“The assertion that the Vice-Chancellor is the leader or Vice-Chancellor of any political coalition, including an alleged “Rainbow Coalition”, is false and without basis.
“Professor Princewill Chike is the duly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt. He has not assumed, claimed or acted in any capacity as the leader of any political coalition” the statement read.
The Management noted that the Vice-Chancellor has not directed, compelled, induced or encouraged members of the University community to join any political party, coalition or political organisation.
“The allegation that the Vice-Chancellor intends to nominate or restrict the selection of INEC ad hoc staff for the 2027 General Elections to members of a particular political coalition is equally unfounded.
“There is no directive, policy, arrangement or commitment by the Vice-Chancellor to that effect. The allegation should therefore be disregarded, as it does not represent the position or practice of the University” it noted.
The Management also rejects the claim that Professor Princewill Chike was “imposed” as Vice-Chancellor.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Professor Princewill Chike applied for the position and participated in the prescribed selection process, including the relevant screening and interview stages. He emerged as the successful candidate in accordance with the established procedures governing the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor of the University.
“His appointment was therefore the product of a formal and competitive process conducted in accordance with the applicable University laws and regulations, and not an imposition” it stated.
The Management also noted the reference to a billboard allegedly used as evidence of political activity involving the University or the Vice-Chancellor.
It said the billboard in question is a privately owned commercial billboard and has no institutional connection with the University of Port Harcourt or the office of the current Vice-Chancellor.
According to the management, the billboard predates the tenure of Professor Princewill Chike and was installed during the administration of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari A. Georgewill.
“It is inaccurate and misleading to use the existence or content of a privately owned commercial billboard to attribute political activities, directives or affiliations to the current Vice-Chancellor or the University.
“Professor Princewill Chike is an academic and Professor of Medicine whose primary responsibility is the effective administration and advancement of the University of Port Harcourt.
Since assuming office, he has remained focused on the statutory responsibilities of the University, including the promotion of excellence in teaching, learning, research, innovation and community service, as well as the continued development and repositioning of the institution.
“The Management of the University will not permit the institution or its leadership to be unnecessarily drawn into partisan political disputes.
“The University of Port Harcourt belongs to all Nigerians and is committed to maintaining its independence, integrity and institutional neutrality” it submitted.
The Management maintained that it respects the constitutional rights of individuals to freedom of expression, association and political participation stressing that such rights should be exercised responsibly and should not be used as a basis for attributing unverified political activities, directives or affiliations to the University or its officers.
The University therefore urges members of the public to exercise caution and to disregard the allegations contained in the said video, as the claims relating to the University and the Vice-Chancellor are unsupported and do not reflect the facts or position of the institution.
It also advises individuals and political actors who may wish to comment on political developments to do so without involving the name, offices or leadership of the University in partisan political activities or narratives.
It states that the University of Port Harcourt remains firmly committed to its statutory mandate and will continue to operate as a non-partisan institution dedicated to teaching, learning, research, innovation and service to society.
“In view of the seriousness of the allegations contained in the said video and their potential to cause reputational damage to the University and its officers, Management demands that Mr. Chizy Enyi and any other persons responsible for the publication or dissemination of the allegations immediately retract the statements and issue a public apology.
“The retraction and apology should be made within 48 hours of the publication of this Press Release and should be given comparable publicity to the original allegations.
“Failure to comply with this demand will leave the University with no option but to pursue all appropriate legal and lawful remedies available to it for the protection of the reputation, integrity and interests of the University and its officers” it explained.
The Management noted that the University takes seriously any statement or publication that may expose the Vice-Chancellor, members of his family, University officials, staff or students to threats, harassment, intimidation or other forms of harm.
“Any credible threat or unlawful conduct arising from the circulation of such allegations will be appropriately documented and referred to the relevant security and law-enforcement authorities.
“The University of Port Harcourt will continue to protect its institutional integrity and the legitimate interests of its officers through due process and all lawful means available to it.
The University therefore called on all political actors, members of the public and media practitioners to exercise responsibility and verify information before making or circulating allegations concerning the institution and its officers.
