The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Unicross Alumni Association is compelled to address the persistent misinformation spread by Peter Inyali, who falsely claims to be the National President of our esteemed association.
In 2023, a peace committee, constituted by Prof. Augustine Angba, former Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, successfully implemented a peace pact after almost three years of squabbles. The committee, chaired by Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, with Dr. Ofut Ogar as Secretary, facilitated a scheduled handover on December 12, 2023 from former President Eyam Abeng to the duly elected National President, Mr. Paul Agwu.
Regrettably, Peter Inyali, a participant in the peace process, who also served as a delegate of Eyam Abeng opted for a protest against the agreement, having benefited directly from the said agreement as His office as the public relations officer was restored like others to enable them handover properly. His actions lack merit, and are driven by selfishness, dishonesty and personal grievances, against the Bette speaking people of Obudu, where Mr. Paul Agwu hails from. There is notably the perception of favoritism towards Obudu 1 as against his Utugwang clan of Obudu 2. These are conjectures borne out of hate, malice which Unicross Alumni Association as a body should not be involved with.
The NEC has refrained from publicly addressing this matter to avoid tarnishing our alma mater’s reputation. Members of this noble Association belonged to several Alumni Association all over the world as they continue to excell everywhere they go. Ours is not the only Alumni Association in the world, therefore should not be on the Internet and social media every time for the wrong reasons. These virtues of maturity, decency and respect for members is alien to them.We choose the path of honour by our strategic silence, which should not be misconstrued for cowardice.
The NEC under Paul Agwu remain resolute in her commitment to upholding the constitution and values of our association. We took a position way back not to engage in unnecessary disputes or publicity stunts to prove our legitimacy, goodwill and the massive support of the UNICROSS Alumni community. Our focus is on promoting the welfare of our members and advancing the interests of UNICROSS, our Pride.
The NEC of the Unicross Alumni Association therefore reiterate once more that Peter Inyali and his associates lack legitimacy to speak on behalf of the Alumni. The NEC is committed to resolving our differences peacefully, trusting in the judicial process and the Governing Council’s objective handling of this embarrassing matter.
The key undeniable Facts:
1. Having been elected at the UNICROSS Alumni elections in October, 2021 and subsequently inaugurated as member of Council on 20th January, 2022 by the then Commissioner, Dr Emmanuel Amanke, the NEC refused to handover amicably.
2. In a bid to having a proper transition, a Peace Committee was Constituted by Prof. Augustine Angba, and chaired by Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, SA to the Cross River State Governor on public utilities with Dr. Ofut Ogar as Secretary.
3. The Agreed handover was Scheduled for December 12, 2023 from former President Eyam Abeng to Mr. Paul Agwu led NEC.
4. It’s rather very unfortunate that even the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Augustine Angba Oko who formed the committee with approval from Council allegedly reneged on presenting the full report of the implementation of the agreement to the Governing; since the items that favoured his protege were already achieved.
It is the NEC’s belief that the real motive behind the consistent attacks on Governing Council is the sustained refusal of the hardworking Council to bulge to the manipulation and attempted intimidations by Inyali, his associates and sponsors. ASUU, (Academic Staff Union of Universities) have her internal mechanism of resolving her challenges, and it the considered opinion Alumni that at the right time, they will act without external interference, and it will not be a social media affair.
This attempt to undermine the Council’s authority will not be tolerated. We commend the Council’s commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness.
We urge members and the public to disregard misinformation spread by Peter Inyali and his associates. The Unicross Alumni Association remains committed to unity, transparency, and peaceful resolution of their grudge or any misgivings they may have against the leadership.
Signed:
Engr. Eyo Abia.
Asst. National Secretary
