The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has denied allegations that its President, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, accused the Chairman of the Benjamin Uwajumogu College of Education in Ihite Uboma, Imo State, of inciting unrest at the institution.In a statement released on Tuesday by Dr. Churchill Okonkwo, COEASU Vice President and Zonal Coordinator for the South East Zone, the union clarified that Dr. Olugbeko did not make such accusations during his recent visit to the college.Okonkwo addressed an online report claiming that Olugbeko had criticized Comrade Wilson Amandi, COEASU chairman at the institution, for allegedly provoking unrest.
He labeled the report as “misleading” and a misrepresentation of the union president’s efforts toward reconciliation.
The article falsely claimed that the President condemned the actions of the chapter chairman and secretary for bringing grievances to the media, labeling their claims as baseless. This is not true,” Okonkwo emphasized.He went on to explain that Dr. Olugbeko’s visit was a standard engagement aimed at connecting with union members and supporting the college’s mission in teacher education. During this visit, the president promoted unity and progress within the college community, advising against behaviors that might foster conflict, especially given the institution’s relatively new status.Okonkwo pointed out that the meeting between the union and the college’s management was closed to journalists, rendering the press release’s assertions unfounded.
It is perplexing that the release misinterprets Dr. Olugbeko’s message of peace and reconciliation,” he stated, suggesting that certain parties within the institution might be benefiting from ongoing disputes.
He also challenged the journalist behind the publication to provide proof of their attendance at the meeting, asserting that Dr. Olugbeko was accompanied solely by union officials, including himself and Assoc. Prof. Jovita Ogu, the Zonal Secretary and Chairman of the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Academic Staff Union.
Okonkwo urged the public to disregard the erroneous publication and concentrate on promoting peace and stability within higher education institutions.
The union remains dedicated to fostering harmony and ensuring the welfare of its members, as well as the overall advancement of the college,” he concluded.
