As the University Community prepares for the Special Convocation to elect a representative to Council, The FUTO Alumni is faced with a tough opportunity to harmonize members’ positions. The Alumni Association elected a member at the Enugu Convention in 2019 to go to the Special Convocation for the election contest against ASUU representatives. However, there are challenging circumstances arising from the constitutional decision of the Alumni Convention. The National Executive Council sought mediation to resolve the Convocation issues. So a team was set up to review the opportunities at harmonization. The Mediation Committee has presented a full report to the NEC of the Alumni Association.
Mediation Committee
The Mediation Committee was set up on 11th June 2021 to do the following
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- To reach out to all interested persons or parties and give fair hearing to all with a view to harmonize all interests and solicit unity of purpose and unification of interests.
- To allow emergence of a single candidate to represent the Alumni at the special Convocation election.
- To use reconciliatory approach and avert possible eruption of dispute in the Alumni due to this election of Convocation Representative to the Governing Council.
- To be unbiased in the engagement, shelve all political interests and ensure the interest of the Alumni is paramount.
- To recommend to NEC based on findings and outcome of mediation interactions with all interested parties while conforming with Alumni constitution.
The Approach
In taking a fresh look at the issue, the Committee critically reviewed the Constitution of the Alumni Association adopted on the 13th of October 2018. They studied the minutes and records of the FUTO Alumni Association National Convention held in Enugu on 3rd August 2019. The Committee reviewed the resolution of the Alumni Board of Trustees of 21st May 2021. In addition, the Committee invited all the parties and listened to them.
The parties invited are Mr. Collins Ugorji, Chief Chibuike Achigbu, Dr. Andrew Ejayeriese, and Dr. Laz Uzoechi. All members invited responded except Dr. Laz who declined to make any presentation to the Committee.
The committee also debated on the issues raised by the contestants before arriving at recommendations contained herein.
Reviews and Recommendations
- The current problem of multiple contestants is fundamentally due to unresolved issues from past election(s) and personal ego by most of the individuals involved. The committee recommends that a properly constituted appeal panel should be set up before any election. This would help resolve contending issues.
- The issue of Chief Anyakora’s election in 2013 featured prominently during interactions with Contestants and some other stakeholders. The FAA did not fight for the rights of their elected representative. The Committee recommended that the NEC should resolve this in order to move the FAA beyond this issue.
- The relationship between the FAA and the FUTO management needs to be stronger than it is currently. The Committee recommended that In matters like the current one, the FAA and NEC should pay courtesy call to the FUTO management so that the FAA Constitution is appreciated.
- There was a claim by two contestants that, the Association is presently under the control of a cabal. The Committee noted this as unfortunate. They further adviced that such issues should not be raised as a reason to contest positions. However, the Committee recommended that FAA and NEC should embark on a passionate reconciliatory exercise.
- The committee advised that matter of this nature should be seen beyond the individual but the Institution. They considered that other contestants could not establish that Dr Andrew Ejayeriese’s candidature was for the 11th Governing Council. Also, only Dr. Andrew was elected in line with the Association’s Constitution. The Committee asked the NEC to explore all means to uphold the constitution and defend Dr Andrew Ejayeriese’s mandate as the Alumni Candidate to the Convocation. The team advised the NEC to communicate this to the University Management while other contestants should be sent appeals to respect the constitution.
Other Reviews from mediation
- The mediation committee specially appreciates all the candidates for the promises to attract infrastructural developments to the school. They Considered in their report that every Alumnus can unconditionally contribute to the development of our alma mater without necessarily holding an elective position.
- The Committee Considered that the Alumni constitution will need some review to address some apparent lapses. including electoral procedures. The committee also advised the NEC to consider the elders’ forum or any formally constituted advisory council to focus on conflict resolution in the Constitution. And that the constitution should be made to be supreme and mitigate against individual impulsive decisions or actions.
- The Committee identified Dr. Victor Ijeh as a respected Alumnus. However, he is an active party in the current conflict. They noted that there could be other issues stimulating the current position/actions of Dr. Ijeh. It is the Mediation Committee’s opinion that, the national leadership should reach out to Dr. Victor Ijeh for resolution of issues.
- The Mediation Committee observed that, there is urgent need for a national reconciliation. There is so much bickering, unhealthy rivalry which are unnecessary distractions to the growth and development of our mutual interest, FUTO and the FAA in general. The committee recommended that the National President and the NEC should as a matter of urgency call for a reconciliation meeting involving the NEC, all aggrieved parties and other stakeholders to reconcile all grievances.
Finally
The National Executive Council was highly appreciative of the work of the Committee and promised to follow up on the recommendations.
Members of the Committee
- Victor Irhiaebholo Chairman
- Chief Livinus Okam Co-Chairman
- Engr Efe O’Kwakpovwe Sec. Gen
- Engr Clifford Nwosu Member
- Bar. Jude Eluma Member
- Engr Peace Okorie Member
- Engr Alex Ude Member
