Dr. Stephen Udezi, who leads the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, has verified the removal of three members due to accusations of improper conduct and lack of discipline.
The president stated that the members had been released following a comprehensive inquiry conducted by the Governing Board regarding their behavior, noting that this action was taken in accordance with the ISPON Establishment Act.
Udezi disclosed this at a press conference held on Wednesday in Lagos, where he claimed that the removed members had been terminated due to their persistent role in stoking conflicts within the institution and for fraudulently presenting themselves as Governing Executives of ISPON.
The president who disclosed the identities of the suspended members—Timothy Iwuagwu, Mrs Esther Williams, and Olayinka Fatunsi—stated further that these individuals will no longer be considered part of the institute until they reverse their actions and formally apologize to the organization.
Specifically, Udezi highlighted how Iwuagwu purportedly presented himself as the president of the institution even after losing an intensely competed election in Abuja. This election was organized by the House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations from October 17 to 19, 2024.
Udezi maintained that both he and the other 10 governing members were properly elected during the ISPON Annual General Meeting held at the Professional Development Conference in Abuja.
He remembered that the National Assembly had stepped in to address the ongoing crisis plaguing the institute over the past several years, yet he lamented that certain members of the organization seemed intent on fostering division.
He stated, “Previously, there were lawful groups opposing ISPON, and certain individuals approached the National Assembly seeking mediation and to bring all factions together to address the crisis.”
Three individuals ventured out — Barrister Chuks Nwachukwu, Dr. Stephen Udezi, and Mr. Timothy Iwuagwu addressed the National Assembly for more than 40 minutes; during this meeting, we concurred on seeking harmony and consolidation within ISPON. Consequently, we returned to the National Assembly to communicate our consensus.
Later, we were informed that every group needed to send four members to create an oversight committee for the institution, totaling 12 individuals.
In their wisdom, the National Assembly stated that the chairperson of the committee should be an honorable member. They appointed Hon. Harrison, who serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, to lead the committee as its Chairperson. Additionally, a staff member from the National Assembly was chosen to act as the secretary for this role.
The election was fiercely contested between three contenders, and I came out as the winner. We received Certificates of Return at a later date. This election brought ISPON together.
He called upon Iwuagwu to provide evidence substantiating his claim of being elected as the head of ISPON, warning that the organization wouldn’t shy away from taking legal measures against him for misleading the community.
Upon being reached out for comment, Timothy Iwuagwu emphasized that our correspondent needed to be personally present at his office in order to address the situation.
Iwuagwu mentioned that he would be absent for seven days, and our correspondent consented to meeting him when he came back from his journey.
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