By Esther Nworie
The Ebonyi State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Mr. Felix Nomeh, has accused the state government of deploying suspected cultists in the task force enforcing school closures in Ezza North Local Government Area.
Speaking to journalists, Tuesday in Abakaliki, Mr. Nomeh, who is himself a member of the enforcement committee, alleged that the operation meant to close illegal and substandard schools has been hijacked by individuals using it to intimidate and harass school staff.
“I didn’t know that the driver and some of the cultists they brought into the committee were the ones now fighting and threatening to kill me for asking for permission to release five teachers,” he said.
Nomeh explained that while the task force arrested some proprietors and teachers, he intervened for the release of the teachers, who he described as innocent people “just struggling to survive.”
He claimed the task force now operates outside the bounds of the law and that he had been targeted with threats for opposing their aggressive tactics.
“One of the teenagers, a student, was arrested and that one was also released. I am appealing that they release the remaining four persons. And that is why the cultists in the midst are threatening to kill me,” he said.
According to Nomeh, attempts to hand over suspects to the police failed, and efforts to involve the state's security unit, “OC Crack,” were stalled.
“We went to the command, but unfortunately, they were not dropped there,” he said.
In response, the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Dr. Illang Donatus, denied the allegations and described them as an “unfounded and dangerous attempt to discredit the government's education reforms.”
“Let him produce evidence of the employment of any cultists in the committee, otherwise I will not hesitate to charge him to court,” Donatus stated.
Despite the controversy, NAPPS has formally appealed to the Ebonyi State Government for a 12-month grace period for substandard schools to meet the newly imposed requirements.
Mr. Nomeh acknowledged the reforms were necessary, eulogizing Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration for taking education seriously.
“There is a proliferation of substandard schools, especially among faith-based establishments. We support government action but ask for time to comply,” he said.
He also called for waivers for schools that have made reasonable progress or secured proper land, and urged proprietors to engage NAPPS and the Ministry of Education for guidance.
Nomeh further highlighted his achievements in office, including stopping illegal levies from agencies and promoting transparency and accountability in the association.
