Prof. Bernard Odoh, the recently sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has criticized the manner of his removal, claiming it bypassed due process. Speaking on Thursday, Odoh insisted that his dismissal through a press statement lacked legitimacy and contravened established procedures.
Odoh’s comments come after both he and the university’s governing council were relieved of their duties, following allegations of his “illegal” appointment.
The Federal Government justified its decision, stating that it intervened to address tensions surrounding the appointment process.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, the presidency expressed concern over the alleged procedural lapses in Odoh’s appointment.
However, Odoh, during an interview, argued, “I’m not disobeying Mr. President, but it is the governing council that will recommend my sack after investigating me. Mr. President could have been ill-advised.”
“You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ. The Visitor (Tinubu) appointed the council, and the council followed due process to engage and give me a letter. He can’t remove me through a press release.
“There was no panel of inquiry. I was not appointed through a press release but rather by a constituted authority which followed a straightforward procedure,” Odoh added.
