Pamo University of Medical Sciences has demanded the immediate retraction and apology over statements allegedly made by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, concerning the institution’s management of scholarship funds allocated by the state government.
The demand was contained in a letter dated September 3, 2026, issued by the law firm of Adedipe and Adedipe, Legal Practitioners, on behalf of the university and addressed to the Speaker.
The lawyers said their client was concerned about comments allegedly made by Amaewhule while presenting the 2026 Rivers State Appropriation Act for the Governor’s assent at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt.
According to the letter, the Speaker stated that the Rivers State House of Assembly Committee had considered a proposal of ₦6 billion for Pamo University of Medical Sciences in the budget presented to the House.
The lawyers further alleged that Amaewhule stated that the university had not been transparent in managing funds allocated to it over the years, that the state could not ascertain what had happened to taxpayers’ money allocated to the institution, and that the university failed to appear before the House Committee despite being invited.
The legal team also said the Speaker alleged that the university did not present any records or reports to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
However, the university, through its solicitors, described the allegations as “totally false and unfounded.”
The lawyers said Pamo University had never been invited by the Rivers State House of Assembly or any other body to defend the funds made available to it by the state government for the scholarship obligations of Rivers State students.
The university also maintained that, since the commencement of the scholarship scheme, it had “strictly and judiciously” applied the scholarship funds for the purpose for which they were provided.
The solicitors argued that the statements could create the impression that the university was an irresponsible or fraudulent institution that had mismanaged or diverted funds meant for the education of students.
They consequently described the comments as malicious and defamatory, saying they had embarrassed and damaged the reputation of their client.
24-Hour Deadline
The lawyers demanded that the Rivers Assembly Speaker:
- Immediately retract the statements concerning Pamo University of Medical Sciences.
- Issue an apology to the university over what they described as malicious defamation and an attack on its integrity.
- Meet the demands within 24 hours of receiving the letter.
The legal firm warned that failure or refusal to comply within the stipulated period would lead to the university taking legal action before a court of competent jurisdiction to seek appropriate remedies.
The solicitors said such legal proceedings would be commenced “without any further reference” to the Speaker.
