Contrary to the rumour that the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has been arrested by the security agencies, his two close aides have dismissed the rumour as untrue.
Rumours, especially on social media, circulated that the former Anambra state governor was picked up on Tuesday night by the operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) at his Abuja residence for questioning concerning his recent press conference, in which he bemoaned the state of the country, particularly ravaging hunger and insecurity.
But when contacted, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning during the Obi administration, Prof Stella Okunna, currently a Deputy Vice-chancellor at Paul University, Awka, Anambra state, and the media aide to the former LP presidential candidate, Dr. Valentine Obienyem, told LEADERSHIP that any security agency did not arrest their boss.
The duo instead 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 LEADERSHIP on Wednesday evening (yesterday), confirmed that Obi was in Anambra state.
Obienyem instead 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 of 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 to Obienyem, 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 and eventually establish new universities at 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 of Niger, under the visionary leadership of its Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, for their foresight in establishing the university, described it as a beacon of hope for the future.
On November 7, 2024, Mr Obi donated N50 million to support the university’s development.
According to sources, the donation effectively strengthened 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 university’s proprietor) for his initiative and courage in founding the institution. He called on people of goodwill to support the university in actualising its Vision for the benefit and betterment of society.
The former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, 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, 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 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, primarily through his efforts in upgrading Iyienu Hospital, which contributed to 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 of Niger is poised to strengthen the educational landscape in Anambra State, creating new opportunities for innovation, academic excellence, and human capacity development.
