Contrary to the rumour making the rounds that the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi has been arrested by the security agencies, his two close aides have dismissed the rumour as untrue.
Rumour made round especially in the social media that the former Anambra state governor was on Tuesday night picked up by the operatives of the Department of the State Security (DSS) at his Abuja residence for questioning concerning his recent press conference where he bemoaned over the state of the country particularly ravaging hunger and insecurity.
But when contacted, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning during the Obi administration, and, currently a Deputy Vice-chancellor, Paul University, Awka, Anambra state, Prof Stella Okunna, as well as, the media aide to the former LP presidential candidate, Dr. Valentine Obienyem told Newsmen that their boss was not arrested by any security agency.
The duo rather disclosed that Obi was at the official commissioning ceremony of the permanent site of the University of the Niger, Umuanya, Anambra state on Tuesday.
Okunna and Obienyem who spoke to Newsmen in the evening of Wednesday (yesterday) confirmed that Obi was in Anambra state.
Obienyem rather disclosed that Obi during the University of the Niger permanent site commissioning presided by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba had promised his continuous support for the University.
“I Will Keep Supporting the University on the Niger”, Obi was quoted to have promised at the university’s permanent site commissioning.
Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, Obi according Obienyem had recounted how he returned Mission schools to their original owners (the Church), acknowledging how this singular act revitalised their faith in educational investment.
“The return of schools to the Church was a milestone in rebuilding our education system. It renewed the confidence of both the Catholic and Anglican communities, inspiring them to lift Education to great heights, eventually establishing new universities in Anambra State. These institutions have since played a significant role in advancing human capital development in the state and beyond,” Obi remarked.
He commended the Diocese on the Niger, under the visionary leadership of its Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, for its foresight in establishing the university, describing it as a beacon of hope for the future.
Obi had in November 7, 2024, Mr. Obi donated ₦50 million to support the university’s development.
The donation, according to sources, was effectively channelled toward strengthening the institution’s facilities.
Reiterating his philosophy of investing in education as the bedrock of national development, Obi according to Obienyem declared at the event “My support for this institution and others like it will remain unwavering. I believe in education as a transformative force, and I am committed to contributing in any way I can to ensure our youths have access to quality learning.”
Earlier in his address, the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, lauded Bishop Owen Nwokolo (the Proprietor of the university) for his initiative and courage in founding the institution. He called on people of goodwill to support the university to actualise its Vision for the benefit and betterment of society.
The former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and Peter Obi’s Chief of Staff, and current Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University Awka, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna who accompanied Peter Obi to the event, had expressed her joy at the landmark development.
She recalled how Obi as Governor of Anambra state insisted on returning the land (on which the university is now sited) to the Church after the relocation of the NYSC camp from the University’s permanent site now to Mbaukwu/Umuawulu which Obi also started its construction, and, stated that it was that Obi’s action that was the genesis of what was being celebrated now.
She also highlighted the critical role Mr. Peter Obi played in preparing the institution’s infrastructure, especially through his efforts in upgrading Iyienu Hospital that contributed in making it possible for its emergence as the university’s Teaching Hospital. “Some of the infrastructure at Iyienu Hospital today is a testimony to Mr. Obi’s relentless commitment to healthcare and education through his revolutionary ‘Government-Church Partnership’. During his tenure as Governor, he invested heavily in the hospital’s facilities, and even after leaving office, he has not relented in supporting its growth,” she remarked.
The establishment of the University on the Niger is poised to strengthen the educational landscape in Anambra State, creating new opportunities for innovation, academic excellence, and human capacity development.
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