From Tina Agosi Todo, Calabar
Obudu youths, under the auspices of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ipong Ward chapter in Obudu Local Council of Cross River State, have decried the recent petition against the Provost of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Obudu, Dr Richard Otubaku.

The petition, originally filed by a faction of chiefs and youths from Urban Ward 1, called for Otubaku’s removal, citing vague allegations. Reacting to the development, the Ipong youth group dismissed the petition as politically motivated and lacking merit.

They argued that it was the handiwork of a few disgruntled individuals seeking to tarnish the image of a performing provost whose efforts have brought significant development to the institution.

Speaking in Calabar, the NYCN President of Ipong Ward, Comrade Ugwakong Emmanuel, said their counter-petition was intended to inform relevant authorities that the original petition does not reflect the true sentiments of the Obudu people.

According to him, Dr Otubaku has consistently demonstrated leadership excellence and deserves commendation, not condemnation. He said: “The petition was clearly orchestrated by a faction from just one ward—Urban Ward 1—without the consent or knowledge of the remaining nine wards that make up Obudu LG. How can a single ward speak for the entire local government?”

Emmanuel noted that since assuming office in 2022, the provost has outperformed his predecessors in terms of infrastructure development, administrative discipline, and fostering peace on campus.

In the counter-petition dated April 3, 2025, and addressed to the Minister of Education, the group emphasised that the “Otubaku Must Go” campaign does not reflect the collective will of the Obudu people. “One ward cannot arrogate to itself the voice of the entire community,” the petition read.

The document, signed by NYCN Secretary (Ipong Ward), Comrade Beshel Moses, and 33 other youth leaders, urged the federal government to disregard the original petition and instead recognise Otubaku’s achievements.

They listed ongoing and completed projects under his tenure, including a 500-capacity CBT centre, the completion of 58 academic staff offices, a modern academic conference hall, a functional entrepreneurship centre, the renovation of classrooms, and the establishment of a water factory within the college.

The group further challenged critics to compare Otubaku’s record with that of past administrators objectively.

“The peace and progress currently enjoyed at FCE Obudu are no coincidence,” they stated. “No student or staff protest has occurred under his watch: a clear sign of effective leadership.”