UniAbuja SUG Senate President Debunks Godfatherism Rumors, Affirms Independence

 The newly elected Senate President of the University of Abuja Students’ Union Government (SUG), Distinguished Senator Okolie Godsfavour Chukwuebuka, has firmly debunked rumors suggesting he is a protégé of the former Senate President, Sen. Alina Nkem Silas, who was impeached on allegations of financial misappropriation and embezzlement. In a strongly worded statement, Sen. Okolie dismissed claims of being "my boy" or "my successor" as circulated in a WhatsApp post by the erstwhile speaker, asserting his independence and commitment to transparent leadership.

The controversy arose following a post by Sen. Alina, who referred to Sen. Okolie in a manner that implied a political mentorship or godfatherism. In response, Sen. Okolie clarified that not only is he not aligned with any godfather, but the former speaker had actively opposed his candidacy for Senate President. "The young man in question fought hardest against my emergence as Senate President and fell flat," Okolie stated. He explained that a photograph taken with Sen. Alina on inauguration day was a gesture of magnanimity, not an endorsement of any political ties. "As an advocate of politics without much bitterness, I chose to rise above rivalry," he added.

Sen. Okolie emphasized that his election followed a democratic process, making him accountable solely to the Senate and the students of the University of Abuja. "I am not anyone’s boy, nor do I belong to any godfather," he declared, signaling a break from the alleged culture of godfatherism that has long plagued student politics at the institution. He further noted that he had requested Sen. Alina to retract or edit the misleading post, a demand that prompted his public clarification when unmet.

The statement marks a significant moment in the University of Abuja’s student governance, with observers noting that Sen. Okolie’s stance signals the dismantling of entrenched godfatherism and financial misconduct within the SUG. "The grounds for godfatherism and embezzlement have been crushed," a student leader, who preferred anonymity, told our correspondent. "This is a bold step toward restoring integrity and accountability in student leadership."

The impeachment of Sen. Alina Nkem Silas earlier this year was a high-profile case, with allegations of misappropriation of funds casting a shadow over the SUG’s credibility. Students had expressed frustration over mismanagement, prompting calls for reforms, including a return to a general ballot system for SUG elections to enhance transparency, as discussed in a recent meeting with the new Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Idoko Sunday Idoko.

Sen. Okolie’s leadership is now under scrutiny as students look to him to deliver on promises of fairness and accountability. "The Senate remains independent and will serve with integrity and fairness to all," he affirmed in his statement, signed as Dist. Senator Okolie Godsfavour Chukwuebuka (Erudite).

As the University of Abuja navigates a period of administrative changes, including recent leadership controversies at the institutional level, the SUG’s commitment to breaking free from godfatherism and fostering democratic governance is seen as a step toward aligning student leadership with the university’s broader vision of academic and administrative excellence.