A former governor of Imo State and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has dared Governor Hope Uzodimma to seize his (Okorocha’s) private university – Eastern Palm University (EPU), Ogboko, Ideato South Local Government Area – if he (Uzodinma) has the legal power to do so.
Okorocha argued that the university, which he described as a creation of law, does not belong to the State government.
The senator was reacting to the government’s statement that it has recovered the Eastern Palm University and has been empowered to deal decisively with anyone or group of persons ready to test the will of government over ownership of the university.
But Okorocha, through a statement issued on his behalf by his media adviser, Sam Onwuemeodo, urged the public to disregard the claim by the government that it has recovered the university, insisting that the government has no reason to seize the university from him.
According to him, the government’s claim is only aimed at distracting the public from the collapse of governance in Imo State.
“The Eastern Palm University was a creation of law. It has a law establishing it. It is a legal entity. So, it is not a kiosk or market store one could wake up one day, to claim or announce to have recovered.
“The Eastern Palm University was established by the Imo State of Nigeria, Law No. 3 of 2019. And part II, No.3 (3) Stated that, “the University shall be owned on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis, by the Imo State Government and the Incorporated Trustees of Rochas Foundation, hereinafter referred to as the Parties”.
“And the Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding between the Concerned Parties are domiciled in the relevant bodies or Institutions. And the law also provided that any of the Parties, “may decide to opt out of the Agreement upon giving the prescribed notice and meeting the conditions for opting out as contained in the Agreement”, the state reads.
Okorocha said it was absurd for the government to announce to have recovered an institution established by law, through a press conference held in one of the offices in government house, claim to have based the action on a Whitepaper, seen by nobody.
The former governor reminded Governor Uzodimma of his assurance to release the Whitepaper on all the recommendations of the panels set up by his government or the government before him.
“And instead of living up to his vow or assurance to release the Whitepaper, he decided to play Politics of Vendetta with the issue.”