The Save Enugu Group (SEG), a leading socio-political pressure group dedicated to upholding the rule of law and good governance in Enugu State, has expressed its “vehement disapproval and outright condemnation of the recent emergence of Professor Romanus Ezeokonkwo as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) by the institution’s Senate.”

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the SEG maintained that the appointment flagrantly disregarded the established federal civil service rules and the explicit directives issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, as well as the guidelines set forth by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“Such actions not only undermine the integrity of our esteemed federal institutions but also set a dangerous precedent for administrative arbitrariness and disregard for due process.

“The SEG is alarmed that the UNN Senate has chosen to sidestep the proper channels and procedures that are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and meritocracy in the selection of university leadership.

“This brazen act of non-compliance with the federal civil service rules is a direct affront to the principles of democratic governance and accountability that SEG stands for”, the group said.

Calling on the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to immediately intervene and rectify this situation, the group said that “It is imperative that the statutes and regulations governing our educational institutions are adhered to, in order to maintain the sanctity and reputation of our academic environments.”

“The SEG demands that the UNN Senate immediately rescind its decision and the retiring Vice-Chancellor should simply hand over to the most senior officer to enable the due process to be followed in appointment of a New Vice-Chancellor as mandated by the federal guidelines.

“We stand in solidarity with all stakeholders who expect and deserve a leadership selection process that is conducted with integrity and respect for the rule of law.

“We will not stand idly by while the future of our youth and the credibility of our educational system are compromised by such irregularities in a desperate move by the outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Charles Igwe to impose a successor on the university.

“The SEG is prepared to take all necessary legal and civic actions to ensure that this matter is addressed and that justice prevails”, the the group vowed.

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