We Are a Professional Body, Not a Political Party
The attention of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ajaokuta Branch has been drawn to a news item circulating within a section of the media especially the Independent Newspaper claiming that the Branch has dumped Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and endorsed Governor Umahi of Ebonyi State for the 2023 Presidential Election.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers wish to state categorically that it is a professional organization that seeks to promote excellence in the Engineering profession and has NEVER been a Political Party or Association. It therefore cannot as a Body endorse the aspiration of individuals for political positions under the present political structure of the Country.
We wish to state that it is true that the Ajaokuta Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in carrying out its professional outreach programme organized a field trip to Cross Rivers and Ebonyi States for its members to understudy engineering projects and practices. As it is common with its practices, the Body pays homage to senior Engineers especially Fellows of the profession and it was this practice that led to a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Governor David Umahi who is not just an Engineer, but a Fellow of the Society.
The field trip was purely professional and has no trappings of politics. However, the Branch Chairman eulogised the Governor for being a good ambassador of the Nigerian Society of Engineers with his efforts in providing good engineering infrastructural development for his state and at no point did the representatives of the Branch disown the Kogi State Governor in the speech of the leader of the delegation during the courtesy call.
In fact, the Governor in his remarks did appeal to the Nigerian Society of Engineers to partner with the Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari in seeing that Ajaokuta Steel Plant comes back on stream.
The Branch would therefore wish to state categorically that the statement credited to its Chairman, Engr. Aghadike is NOT the views of the Ajaokuta Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, but strictly a personal opinion of his being an indigene of Ebonyi State.
We also wish to state that the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has significantly done very well in the area of security and harmony of his State which we strongly believe is a great plus for an enduring legacy, especially with the current challenges of security in our nation.
While it is on record that the Nigerian Society of Engineers does encourage its members to show interest in the political arrangements of the Country, it is NOT its policy to get involved in the contest or endorsements.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ajaokuta Branch therefore disassociates itself in its entirety from the said publication of the Independent Newspapers, alluding that it had endorsed Governor David Umahi and ‘’dumped’’ his Kogi State counterpart, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.
Signed:
Engr. Abutu, Abah
General Secretary,
NSE Ajaokuta Branch.
