Oro Traditional Rulers, Youths, ors back Rector MAN Oron reappointment

Okpo

Against the backdrop of the recent comment made by Governor Udom Emmanuel to the effect that the reappointment of the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron, Amb (Dr.) Joshua Okpo, for a second term of four years was selfish and against the dream of the envisaged Maritime University, which attracted wild condemnations from all quarters, the Council of Oro Traditional Rulers have risen in support of president Buhari’s wise decision to renew the appointment of the Rector, MAN, Oron. In a letter of congratulatory message addressed to the Rector, dated August 7th, 2015 and signed by the Secretary, Council of Oro Traditional Rulers, Offong Nyong I. Nkereuwem, the Royal Fathers note “Your reappointment has ushered in another regime of purposeful, transparent and focused leadership in the Academy. You are an acknowledged bridge builder and an epitome of true and detribalized Administrator whose first tenure witnessed monumental development of the Academy”.

The Royal Fathers, who paid a courtesy visit to the Rector yesterday and presented the congratulatory message to him, expressed optimism that the Rector would devote his second tenure to ensuring the speedy realization of their desire for the Academy to become a Degree-awarding institution of international recognition. They also expressed the hope that the Rector would galvanize the diverse interest groups within the Academy to ensure unity of purpose and peaceful coexistence for the achievement of the mandate of the Academy.
Responding, the Rector of the Academy, Amb. (Dr.) Joshua Okpo, who was visibly elated at the demonstration of solidarity by Royal Father of the host community, thanked the Royal fathers for the sustained support and prayers, noting that he was a vessel on a mission to be fulfilled.
He promised to be fair to all manner of persons in his second coming, just as he had been doing, irrespective of tribe, religion, ethnicity or gender, acknowledging that the gang up against his administration was not necessary and would not deter him from his focused administration. He assured  the Royal fathers that the Academy would continue to thrive in peace and harmony, even as he assured of industrial harmony among Management staff and staff of the Academy.
The Rector reiterated his determination to ensure that products of MAN, Oron are fit for global market, stressing that the greatest stakeholder in MAN, Oro is International Maritime Organization (IMO), not Oron or Nigeria. He explained that MAN, Oron is a training school, and not a political platform for Oro politicians to compete.
The Rector solicited for support from the Royal fathers and promised to incorporate them into the scheme of things through corporate social responsibility, even as he restated that the Academy would remain focused and resolute in pursuing the core mandate of the Academy in training sea farers and Maritime Engineers.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Rector has been inundated with messages of goodwill and solidarity since President Buhari renewed the Rector’s reappointment.
Congratulating the Rector, Essu Nlap Oro, the Apex Youth Organization in Oro Nation,  signed by its International President Ulap (Chief) Okon Enweme and International secretary, Ulap Joseph B. Okon, respectively, the Youth Group described the reappointment of Amb. (Dr.) Joshua Okpo as merited and in recognition of his meritorious services to the Academy. They hoped that Amb. (Dr.) Okpo would build on the good foundation already laid by him to raise the Academy to an enviable height.
On  their parts, Sir Anuwana O. Anwana (retired Permanent Secretary) in the state, the League of Maritime Editors, Prospect Chambers & Co., Sir Umanaette Udoh, former Accountant General, Akwa Ibom State, Akpakip-Oro Pillars for Sustainable Development, Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, Journal of Freight and Energy, Lagos, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc, Uyo, Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel Church, Oron, Great Grace Centre, Oron Oro Progressive Forum, Oro Progressive Network, Zenith Bank Plc, Oro Society Voice, UID Global Services, Uyo, Effeontek Nigeria Enterprise, Oron and Methodist Church Nigeria, Wesley Chapel, were all unanimous in congratulating Amb. (Dr.) Joshua Okpo on his reappointment as Rector of MAN, Oron, for a second term of four years by President Buhari,  describing his reappointment as well deserved and merited.