We are not aware of DSS’ arrest of our staff – MOUAU

The management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU, Abia State has said it is not aware that some Abia indigenes working in the institution were arrested by the Department of State Service, DSS, as reported in the media.

The University also said that the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Fidelis Edeh could not have ordered the DSS to arrest the staff without informing the University.

MOUAU stated this on Tuesday while reacting to stories in the media accusing the Chairman of the Governing Council, Fidelis Edeh, of masterminding the arrest of some Abia State indigenes who are staff of MOUAU, because they allegedly opposed Edeh’s plans to influence the choice of a new Vice Chancellor of the University.

The Institution, through Ubadire Agua, the Chief Public Relations Officer, appealed to all stakeholders of the University to pray for a peaceful emergence of a new Vice Chancellor and transition in the University.

Agua who expressed worry about the unverified reports of arrests in the University of Agriculture, said that the headlines in the reports were not factual.

“For example, the University management is not aware of any arrest of any University staff in MOUAU by DSS, and the Chairman of Governing Council could not have ordered DSS or any security agency for that matter to do so without informing the University,” the spokes person said.

The University, however, appealed to security agencies to remain watchful, neutral, and unbiased in the exercise of their lawful duties, saying that the University management will always partner with the security agencies to ensure peace on campus, particularly in the ongoing transition from the current Administration to the next.

The Chief Public Relations Officer cautioned against sponsored reports that could create tension in the University environment and affect the achievements of incumbent Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe.

We are not aware of DSS’ arrest of our staff – MOUAU