Written by: Ochoga Edwin Ochoga,PhD
The recent allegations by Mrs. Patricia Yakubu, the APC Adamawa State Woman Leader, accusing TETFund of supporting the APC Adamawa Chapter with funds to run its affairs, are nothing but baseless fabrications aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Arc. Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund. These claims are unfounded, defamatory, and indicative of an attempt to drag an institution of national importance and its esteemed leadership into a purely political squabble.
It is important to categorically state that Arc. Sonny Echono is not a card-carrying member of the APC or any political party.
Furthermore, he is not from Adamawa State and has no vested interest in the internal political affairs of the state. As the Executive Secretary of TETFund, his focus has been solely on advancing the mission of the organization, which is to provide critical support to tertiary institutions across Nigeria in the areas of infrastructure, research, and staff development. This professional dedication makes the allegations not only outrageous but entirely implausible.
Mrs. Yakubu’s insinuation that TETFund, under the leadership of Arc. Echono, has been involved in funding political activities reveals either a misunderstanding of the institution’s mandate or a deliberate attempt to smear the reputation of an individual and institution that have remained apolitical and focused on national development.
TETFund is a non-partisan institution established to address the infrastructural and academic needs of tertiary institutions, and its operations are guided by strict governance frameworks and oversight mechanisms.
It is equally troubling that Mrs. Yakubu’s allegations appear to be motivated by a personal or factional conflict within the APC Adamawa Chapter. Her accusations, if left unchecked, risk undermining the credibility of not just the individuals involved but also the institutions they represent.
If Mrs. Yakubu has grievances with the state party chairman or other members of the party’s leadership, it would be more constructive for her to address those issues directly within the confines of party mechanisms rather than seeking to involve external entities like TETFund.
It is worth emphasizing that Arc. Sonny Echono is a man of proven integrity and an accomplished professional whose track record speaks for itself. Since assuming office as the Executive Secretary of TETFund, he has worked tirelessly to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and excellence.
His commitment to the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu further underscores his dedication to national progress and the development of Nigeria’s education sector.
The gravity of these allegations cannot be overstated, as they are not only defamatory but potentially damaging to the reputation of TETFund and its leadership. Legal actions may be pursued to address these false claims if Mrs. Yakubu fails to retract her statements and issue an unreserved public apology. It is imperative that individuals, particularly those in leadership positions, exercise caution and responsibility in their public pronouncements. Defamation is a serious offense with legal and reputational consequences, and the implications of such reckless allegations should not be taken lightly.
In conclusion, the allegations by Mrs. Patricia Yakubu are baseless, malicious, and defamatory. They appear to be an attempt to divert attention from the internal issues of the APC Adamawa Chapter by targeting an individual who has no connection to the state’s political dynamics.
Arc. Sonny Echono remains a man of integrity, focused on his mission to uplift Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. TETFund, under his leadership, will continue to serve as a beacon of excellence and accountability, unaffected by the unwarranted distractions of political wrangling.
12/12/2024
