By Ella Michaels
A concerned parent and stakeholder in the Federal Government Girls' College, Owerri, Mr. Umunna Udoka, has expressed deep concern over the handling of the current transition process within the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school. According to Mr. Udoka, an emergency PTA meeting was held on May 11, 2025, where an Electoral Committee chaired by Dr. Ihenacho was duly constituted to screen interested candidates and conduct elections within three weeks from that date.
*Constitutional Provisions Ignored*
Mr. Udoka disclosed that the decision was in line with the PTA's constitutional provisions aimed at ensuring a smooth transition following the expiration of the Mr. Vincent Mgbemere-led Executive Committee's tenure on May 17, 2025. However, he lamented that till date – May 30, 2025 – no candidate screening has been conducted, and no visible preparation for elections has been made, contrary to the initial plan which was scheduled to hold on or before June 1, 2025.
*Grievances and Concerns*
Expressing his grievances, Mr. Udoka said, "Mr. Vincent Mgbemere, whose tenure expired on May 17, continues to parade himself as the PTA Chairman, a clear violation of constitutional norms and democratic process. Mrs. Obiagwu, as the Director/Principal of the school, has neither called the Electoral Committee to action nor provided oversight to ensure that the PTA functions within legal bounds. The Electoral Committee, chaired by Dr. Ihenacho, has failed to act within its mandate and timeframe, creating a power vacuum and generating tension among the parent body."
*Mounting Frustration*
Mr. Udoka stated that the situation has led to mounting frustration among parents, many of whom feel their voices are being ignored. He warned that if not urgently addressed, the situation may lead to an unnecessary breakdown of law and order, especially during the next PTA gathering. He highlighted that the atmosphere is becoming increasingly volatile and called for urgent attention to restore transparency, legality, and calm in the FGGC PTA.
*Call for Urgent Intervention*
Mr. Udoka has written a petition to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, copied to the Director/Principal, FGGC, the outgoing PTA Chairman, and the Electoral Committee Chairman, concerning the electoral committee's mandate which he said has expired. In his petition, Mr. Udoka requested urgent intervention from the Nigerian Police Force, stating, "In view of the above, I respectfully request the urgent intervention of your office."
*Demands for Action*
Mr. Udoka made the following demands:
- Immediate cessation of all actions being taken by the said Executive Committee
- Public clarification by the Electoral Committee regarding the current status of the election process
- Prompt resumption of the electoral timeline and communication to all parents
- Oversight action by the Principal to restore order, uphold constitutional due process, and maintain peace, discipline, and a progressive partnership between parents and the school
*Conclusion*
The situation in FGGC Owerri's PTA has raised concerns about the democratic process and the rule of law. As the parent community awaits the resolution of this crisis, it is essential that all parties involved work together to ensure a smooth transition and maintain peace and stability in the school. The question remains: will the authorities take swift action to address the concerns of parents and restore order in the PTA, or will the situation escalate further?
