A peaceful protest rocked the Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu (ASCETA) on Tuesday as staff of the institution gathered outside the offices of the Registrar and Bursar, respectfully urging their voluntary resignation from their positions.
Candidreporters.com learnt that the protesting staff of the institution alleged that the Registrar of ASCETA, Mr. Ikechukwu Odoemelelam, and the Bursar, Mr. Anthony Odoemelelam were originally employed in 1980, 43 years ago, thus they both had surpassed the mandatory retirement threshold, but they have been protected by the previous Provost of the institution.
Candidreporters.com also learnt that in adherence to the established civil service guidelines, which stipulate a maximum of 35 years in service, Mr. Ikechukwu Odoemelelam and Mr. Anthony Odoemelelam is over due for retirement from the civil service.
The protesting staff were led by the newly reinstated Union Leader, Mr. Kevin O. Egesi, who assumed leadership responsibilities only two weeks ago after the administration of governor Alex Otti took over office and reinstated Kevin. He spearheads the collective effort, aptly referred to as a “cleansing exercise.”
Kevin, is the Chairman of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union(COEASU), Abia State Chapter.
Kevin was disengaged during the administration of former governor Okezie Ikpeazu under the watch of Philip Nto, immediate past provost of the institution.
In addressing the demands of the protesting staff of ASCETA, the Acting Provost, Mr. Ikechukwu Okorouga, respectfully welcomed the workers and pledged to address the situation appropriately, ensuring compliance with the relevant regulations and principles.
According to information from the Abia State Ministry of Information, Umuahia Sir Ikechukwu Odoemelam retired as state Director of Information, before assuming the post of Registrar at the college of Education.
