University lifts suspension on lecturer who claimed tricyclists earn more than professors

The management of Abia State University (ABSU) has lifted the suspension of a lecturer, Nnamdi Nwaeze, from the Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Nwaeze, a professor, was suspended for his Facebook post in August in which the lecturer claimed that professors in ABSU earn less than N400,000 as monthly salaries.

The professor’s post was addressing the the industrial action declared at that time by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at ABSU.

Lifting of suspension

In a letter dated 3 September and signed by the Acting Registrar of the ABSU, Joy Nwankwo, the university announced the lifting of the lecturer’s suspension.

“Following a written plea from ASUU-ABSU, the university management hereby lifts your suspension effective immediately,” Ms Nwankwo said.

The acting registrar, however, said the lifting of the suspension was without prejudice to the investigative panel set up to probe allegations of misconduct against the lecturer.

She said the “ultimate report” of the investigative panel was still being awaited by the university management.

‘Momentary reprieve’

In a long Facebook post on Saturday, Mr Nwaeze expressed gratitude to Nigerians who supported, showed solidarity, and advocated against his suspension which he said helped him to achieve “this momentary victory.”

The lecturer, however, said the university’s reference to the continued investigation against him suggested that the recall was “a momentary reprieve.”

“While it has become difficult and unfashionable to continue with the ill-fated and provocative suspension, they have merely retreated but haven’t surrendered to good conscience and justice,” he said.

‘It’s geek gift, my initial suspension politically motivated’

Mr Nwaeze praised Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for facilitating his recall, explaining that the governor might not have instructed anyone to oppress him.

While appealing to Mr Otti to call those oppressing him to order, he reminded the governor that the journey to justice and fairness was still ahead despite his intervention.

The lecturer, however, claimed the lifting of the suspension was “a mere greek gift” offered to firstly prevent ASUU-ABSU from resuming the suspended strike at the expiration of the 4 September ultimatum.

“Secondly, but more importantly, they offered this greek gift in order to buy time and continue to shop for non-existent offences that could be ascribed to me in order to achieve a premeditated and prejudiced outcome, either to silence me, sack me, or drag my highly reputed name through the mud,” he said.

The professor said while he is neither infallible nor above investigations, he believes that he did not commit any offence against the university or the Abia State Government.

“My ordeal is politically engineered. Let me put it on record that before now, I have been hunted and subjected to several different panels in the past two to three years; of which fortunately none has indicted me.

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“Unfortunately, rather than embracing peace and harmony, these persecutions have continued, which culminated in the ill-fated suspension,” he said.

“I, therefore, wish to put the world on notice that all these are politically premeditated and sponsored, using ABSU as the machinery.”

Mr Nwaeze insisted that, in his engagements on topical issues and governance, he has not only remained civil and respectful, but has never disrespected, maligned, or defamed the governor as a person or his esteemed office.

“Let me state here that I will stoutly resist every attempt to intimidate, hoodwink, malign, victimize, or cow me into silence and oblivion.

“I believe that I have the legal, mental, and moral fortitude to defend myself and guard my hard-earned credibility and integrity,” he said.

The lecturer expressed fears that his safety in ABSU and Abia State was no longer guaranteed.

“However, lawful measures are being taken to protect and preserve my life,” he said.