Niger Delta
NDU, ASUU Fault Sylva On Varsity Autonomy
The Academic staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University (NDU) chapter has disagreed with the governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva on the purported autonomy granted to the university by the state government.
Making the position of ASUU known in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, its chairman, Dr. Beke Sese faulted the position of the governor on the issue, saying, the position was wrong and not a true reflection of the principle of university autonomy.
Governor Timipre Sylva was recently quoted as saying that the Niger Delta University had been granted autonomy, and as such, the state government was only saddled with the responsibility of paying the salaries of workers of the university, while other responsibilities of the university would be borne by the institution.
Reacting to the governor’s position, Sese said it was contrary to the true principle of autonomy granted to any university, and said, “when we say autonomy, we are referring to the university being given a free hand to run its administrative affairs such as appointments of Vice Chancellor, Deans and Heads of Departments among others”.
The ASUU chairman also believes that granting autonomy to any university presupposes that appointments into the university are done without undue interference from the government, stressing such freedom and independence granted to the university should not be confused with the funding of the university which he said was the sole responsibility of the government that established it.
To this end, Sese posited that any attempt by the Bayelsa state Government to misconstrue principle of university autonomy would spell doom to the state-owned university which he said had been lagging behind in the provision of basic infrastructure.
While appealing to the governor to reconsider his position on the issue, the university teacher said ASUU was always prepared to partner with the government on the development of the university, and decried the lack of basic infrastructure.
Commenting on the eleven month salary arrears owed workers of the university by the state government, Sese expressed disappointment that the government was yet to fulfill the promise it made to commence payment by May.
He said ASUU and the other unions in the university had accepted the government’s offer of spreading the payment of the arrears for 12 months for the sake of the students of the institution and the workers’ penchant for industrial peace and harmony in the university pointing out that ASUU had no option than to remain patient since the Accountant-General of the state had promised that the university workers would be paid two installments of the arrears at the end of July.
Donatus Ebi
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.