The National Industrial Court Abuja Division on Friday September 13 issued an interim order stopping the selection, nomination, appointment and inauguration of Dr. Basilia Igbokwe as the new Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri Imo State.
The Court, ruling on a motion ex parte filed by Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International ordered that every effort at nominating, appointing and administering oath of office on Dr. Igbokwe be put on hold pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice or final determination of the substantive suit on the matter.
The Court thereafter adjourned to September 20, 2024 for the continuation of the case.
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The rights group had dragged the President, Attorney General of the Federation, Minister of Education, Governing Council and the Rector of the Polytechnic as well as Dr. Igbokwe to court alleging that the emergence of Dr. Igbokwe as the new Rector was illegal.
It submitted that her appointment was not in accordance with Section 8(2)(3) and (4) of the Federal Polytechnics (Amendment Act) 2019.
Commenting on the development, Counsel to the group, Barr Kingdom Okere threatened that the group would commence contempt of court proceeding against the Registrar, Mrs. Anuna and Dr. Igbokwe if Dr. Igbokwe takes oath of office or assumes office as rector.
Okere also warned Dr. Igbokwe not to sign any documents or cheque or in any way hold herself out as the Rector of the Polytechnic.
Recall that Dr. Igbokwe received a letter dated Tuesday September 10 approving her appointment as the 9th substantive rector of the institution on Wednesday September 11.
Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International approached the court on Thursday September 12.
Meanwhile, the official presentation of Dr. Igbokwe as the new rector to the polytechnic community which was scheduled to hold on Tuesday September 17 had to be postponed following the interim order of court.
A source at the institution admitted that the postponement was done to respect the court order but submitted that Dr. Igbokwe had taken oath of office and assumed office on Wednesday, September 11 upon receipt of her appointment letter.
He stated that what was postponed was her official presentation to the polytechnic community which he said would be done once the court order is vacated.
