By joshua 
Pan-Okun Group, Okun Development Initiative (ODI) has reacted swiftly to the campaign of calumny against the first indigenous Vice- Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, describing the campaign as an evil plot by some tribalists, to use ethnic bigotry in getting, through the back door, what eluded them legitimately.
A statement signed by the Coordinator of the group, Deacon Olusuyi Otitoju, urged the brains behind the ploy to try their hard luck again after the expiration of the term of Akinwumi in office.
According to the statement, “this is just about the politics of ethnicity in our state as it is in the larger Nigeria now.”
Encouraging Akinwumi to remain focussed, the group charged that “as a History Scholar yourself, we are sure you are very aware of this recurrent shenanigans in Nigeria.
“We know who are behind all this shenanigans because they are shocked that a Kogi Yoruba man (Okun tribe) defeated their own amongst others to clinch the Vice-Chancellorship at FULOKOJA
The group, which addressed it’s letter to the VC said “With these developments, permit us to counsel, that you should continue to maintain an egalitarian Pan-Nigeria approach in your management style and shun any inclination to be ethnocentric…..”
“You have our fondest affection and warm admiration and we will continue to pray for your success”
In conclusion, the letter urged Akinwumi to remember that change is the only thing that is constant and as expected, people will fight against change just for the sake of it and not because the change is bad.
“This is just to encourage you to continue the good work of lifting the University to a higher pedestal than you met it.
It cannot be the other way round. We are proud of your achievements within such a short time” the group submitted.