Awka, Nigeria— Close aides to Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, have dismissed circulating rumours of his alleged arrest by security agencies.
Social media was awash with claims that the former Governor of Anambra State was picked up on Tuesday night by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) at his Abuja residence. The rumours linked the purported arrest to his recent press conference, where he decried the nation’s challenges, including insecurity and hunger.
However, Prof. Stella Okunna, a former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning under Obi’s administration and current Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, along with Obi’s media aide, Dr. Valentine Obienyem, denied the claims. They confirmed to newsmen that Mr. Obi was in Anambra State on Tuesday, attending the official commissioning of the University of the Niger’s permanent site in Umuanya.
During the event, presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, Obi reaffirmed his unwavering support for the institution, saying, “I will keep supporting the University of the Niger.”
Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, Obi highlighted the landmark decision to return mission schools to their original owners, a move that revitalised educational investment by the Catholic and Anglican communities. “The return of schools to the Church was a milestone that rebuilt confidence in education, inspiring the establishment of universities like this one. These institutions have significantly advanced human capital development in Anambra State and beyond,” Obi remarked.
He also commended the Diocese of Niger, led by Bishop Owen Nwokolo, for its foresight in establishing the university, describing it as a “beacon of hope for the future.”
On November 7, 2024, Obi donated N50 million to support the university’s development, a gesture that, according to sources, strengthened the institution’s facilities. Reiterating his belief in education as a cornerstone of national development, Obi stated, “My support for this institution and others like it will remain unwavering. Education is a transformative force, and I am committed to ensuring our youths have access to quality learning.”
The Primate of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, praised Bishop Nwokolo for his courage in founding the university, calling on others to support its vision for societal betterment.
Prof. Stella Okunna, who accompanied Obi to the event, expressed joy at the university’s establishment. She recounted Obi’s pivotal role in returning the land to the Church and upgrading Iyienu Hospital, which now serves as the university’s teaching hospital. She said, “The infrastructure at Iyienu Hospital today is a testament to Mr. Obi’s relentless commitment to healthcare and education through his revolutionary Government-Church Partnership.”
The establishment of the University of the Niger is expected to strengthen education in Anambra State, creating opportunities for innovation, academic excellence, and human capacity development.
By Enoch Odesola| January 9, 2025
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