Prof. Dennis Aribodor, the Owerri Zone Coordinator for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has spoken out against the recent detention of two union members at Imo State University (IMSU). He emphasized that the union will not be cowed while performing its duties. The arrested individuals, Vice Chairperson Chinedu Egbuchu and Investment Secretary Nnamdi Chibo, were apprehended while overseeing the progress of an ongoing strike.
According to Aribodor, the pair were at the Faculty of Media and Communication Studies checking on examinations when they encountered the university’s spokesperson. Although there was no conflict, the institution’s Chief Security Officer arrived shortly after and moved them to the university security office where police were present. The officials were later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department and held for over seven hours before being released on a N1 million bond each. They are required to report back to the CID on August 18, 2026.
Aribodor maintained that the strike action follows all established union protocols. He noted that the Owerri Zone had previously warned about the lack of implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement at both IMSU and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. Despite warnings and a 21-day ultimatum, the issue remains unresolved. The union leader urged the university management to prioritize the implementation of the 2025 agreement rather than resorting to harassment. He explicitly stated that IMSU Vice Chancellor Prof. Uchefula Ugonna Chukwumaeze will be held accountable for the safety of union members and requested Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene and ensure the agreement is honored.
