Mixed reactions trial David Mark’s bill for the establishment of federal university in Idoma community
By Vera Enenche
More reactions have continued to greet the recent bill seeking for the establishment of Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State as a scam.
The bill, which is sponsored by Senator David Mark passed first reading at the Nigerian Senate last Tuesday.
Reacting to the development, many Idomas believe that the bill was belated.
While others believe that Mark was using the bill to wet ground ahead of 2019, others believe that it is a welcome development and should be given the necessary support by all Idoma natives.
Speaking on the bill, the All Progessibes Congress in the state, said it was a scam used by David Mark to fool Idoma people.
The party’s acting publicity secretary, Berger Alfred Emberga in a statement said the bill was another old stories told by Mark to win votes.
He said, “After using 18 years to deceive gullible Idoma people about the creation of Apa state, I am hearing that the acclaimed leader of Idoma Nation has come with another story. This time he wants to establish Apa state University or University of Otukpo? As if Idoma people are fools.”
On his part, Ogbole Lordsam, President, Idoma National Youths Forum, said the proposed institution might end up like the defunct Apa university, whch swallowed millions of naira from poor Idoma citizens.
He wrote, “There was a groundbreaking ceremony for the ollege of Health Sciences – Otukpo in 2015. In 2017 there is a bill to establish the Federal University of Health Sciences – Otukpo. We are waiting for the report on the Apa University that folded up like mat after prospecting students finished paying tuition fees.”
Responding, Mark’s apologist and ace journalist, Yemi Itodo described Ogbole as a pessimist.
Ogbole Lordsam, now that Im convinced that you are purged of every mischievous ingredient in your post, let me answer you as a brother.
There was a ground breaking ceremony for the establishment of the College of Health Sciences, which was an arm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Madurdi. It was the then VP Namadi Sambo who represented GEJ in OTUKPO that day.
Senator Mark made effort to make it transformed into full fledged University, which he succeeded in getting the approval of the Federal Executive Council.
But immediately Buhari came in, he canceled the establishment of the university, alongside the Maritime University in Warri which was approved same day.
Meanwhile, the Delta Governor led emissaries to the Presidency and during the visit to Niger Delta, VP Osinbajo promised to revisit it and last month, the Maritime University was restored.
Even at that, it has to undergo some legislative process to give statutory backing to the executive fiat, so, the bill to establish Maritime University, Warri is currently before the Senate.
In respect to the university in OTUKPO, since the presidency wouldn’t restore it, the Senator representing that district decided to push it through legislature which he has done last week.
The Senate is currently on recess, if not, that Bill would have passed 2nd reading this week. I bet you that, as the Senate resumes on 4th July, the bill will scale through 2nd reading and within one month it would be passed.
It is going to be in legislative archive that, this bill was the first and only bill that would be passed within one month.
Now, seeing the fact that there would be successful passage of the bill and its timely assent too, the enemies of Idoma, who would prefer that our students suffer admission every academic calendar in their town, have engaged the services of some dream killers, including some Idoma Youths, to write and discredit the whole process, with attempt to rubbish the bill.
We understand where these distractions are coming from and that’s why we won’t join issues with anyone on this.
If you remember, I was the one who broke the news last week and still made it trend, that same day, Senator Barnabas Gemade sponsored a Bill for the establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Kwande, I wanted to do a story on it, but was advised by Gemade aide to hold on.
Now, why are those accidental analysts not saying anything about the Polytechnic bill?
I read somewhere, when a supposed Idoma youth was insulting Senator Mark that he didn’t present the bill by himself, and I laughed.
Do Senators present bill by themselves? The bill sponsored by Gemade which also passed through first reading that day, was it presented by Gemade?
When the bill is mentioned for second reading, that’s where you see the sponsors of the bill leading debate on the general principles of the bill, canvasing for the support of his colleagues.
I hope this my short explanation meets you well, my Presido?
Another Obochi Owi Peter said, “Mr President if you can recall I told us that day that we have two possible ways of getting the school back. Either by executive lobby or using our representatives to sponsor a bill to that effect. Mark is engaging a possible means of getting this job done. I think all we have to do is to support this bill. We need this university just as the heart needs blood. Am aware of your fears, we will still not relent in our efforts. Our leaders have proven they can’t be trusted, but let’s watch and support and give this a time.
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Treasure Orokpo
A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.
