…Says Catholic faithful in Imo share vision of integrity with Pope

By Adeko Ukpa

The Chairman of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy,  Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi yesterday said the choice of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Pope inspires billions all over the world.

He said the Pope’s vision is anchored on justice, inclusiveness, humility, dialogue, and a preferential option for the poor.

He said the Pope’s leadership qualities deeply resonate with the aspirations I hold for Imo State.

Amadi, who made his position known in a statement in Abuja,  said those marginalized in the world  have hope under the new Pope.

Pope Leo XIV

He said: “With a heart full of joy, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on the historic election of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church.

“This is a moment of deep spiritual significance-a time of renewal, hope, and recommitment to the timeless values that anchor the Church and inspire billions across the globe.

“Pope Leo XIV’s ascension to the papacy is not only a triumph of faith but a clarion call to all of us in leadership and public service. His vision, anchored in justice, inclusiveness, humility, dialogue, and a preferential option for the poor, deeply resonates with the aspirations I hold for Imo State.

“The Pope’s commitment to bridging divides, uplifting the marginalized, and promoting peace mirrors my own conviction that leadership must be measured not by words but by transformative action-action that improves lives, strengthens communities, and advances the common good.

“In Imo State, where the Catholic faithful have long been pillars of moral guidance, community service, and social development, I recognize your invaluable role in shaping a society rooted in compassion, integrity, and progress.

” I am particularly inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s example of servant leadership-a leadership that listens, unites, and delivers.

“May this new chapter in the life of the Catholic Church ignite in all of us, regardless of faith, a renewed dedication to justice, reconciliation, and the pursuit of a society where every individual can thrive.

“Congratulations once again to the Catholic Church and to the faithfuls in Imo State. Together, may we build a future worthy of our highest ideals.”

…Decries academic banditry in an Ivory Tower

From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) on Thursday appealed to critical stakeholders in the University of Abuja community to allow peace to reign.

This is even as MURIC strongly condemned what it described as the “manifestation of academic banditry in an environment where differences should be resolved through dialogue, exhibition of maturity and manifestation of mutual respect.”

The appeal became necessary following the objection of some of the professors to the appointment of Professor Aisha Maikudi as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

Speaking in Lagos on Thursday, 2nd January, 2025, the Executive Director of the human rights group, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said only peaceful conduct and respect for law and order by members of the academic community can bring academic excellence and rapid infrastructural growth to the university.

Akintola said: “Some professors have faulted the process that led to the appointment of Professor Aisha Maikudi yesterday, Tuesday, 31st December, 2024 as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja.

“The exercise had earlier been characterized by a walkout on the joint selection board meeting by one of the professors and an aborted Senate Meeting on 24th December, 2024.

“MURIC strongly condemns the manifestation of academic banditry in an environment where differences should be resolved through dialogue, exhibition of maturity and manifestation of mutual respect.

“We are miffed that the appointment of a candidate who emerged as the best among 10 shortlisted candidates and was interviewed by the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board of the University in line with extant regulations governing the appointment of university vice chancellors could generate such hullabaloo among some professors.

“It is clear that the opposing camp has decided to turn a blind eye to the impeccable pedigree and intimidating curriculum vitae of the new Vice Chancellor to pursue personal agenda.

“Seamless transition is often difficult when Campus politics takes the driver’s seat. The one term policy for university vice chancellors was adopted by the Federal Government to stem this ugly tide. This is what the aggrieved professors should consider.

“Every single university professor is a potential vice chancellor. Aisha Maikudi, an eminently qualified professor, has been duly appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja. Let nobody look down upon her for any raison d’etre under heaven: be it gender, ethnic or creed.

“University teachers are employed for the purpose of teaching and researching. That is tangential. University leadership and administrative positions are merely peripheral. Unfortunately what is most common among some professors is the dissipation of energy on the peripheral and often inconsequential for material benefits. A vice chancellor has emerged. Let us squarely face the tangential from now on. Allow peace on UniAbuja campus.”