I am an alumni of the University of Calabar having obtained my first degree in Economics from there in 1995. More importantly, Prof. Cy Ndifon is supposed to be a special senior brother of sorts, a very close tribeman and an in-law to me. So, I am connected and feel particularly very sad about the unfolding and depressing melodrama.
I can only pray that he finds a way around this and does not ever lend himself to become an accused of such despicable acts into the foreseeable future.
Of a truth and unfortunately, I have been privy to a lot of information on these sexual harassment allegations against him from a wide range of supposed victims for well over 12 years now. That was long before the current VC came into office. It is therefore my view that that he may have inadvertently and carelessly created a bad situation for himself in that regards which is now being exploited by others for different purposes against him.
I should say that I feel deeply sad at the heavy brunt of pains, shame and opprobrium that my sister (first cousin) his wife (nee Dr. A. R. Ojong) – a PhD holder and lecturer in the same University of Calabar must be silently bearing at the moment even with the recent passing away and burial of her beloved mom (my uncle’s wife).
I am further bewildered and crestfallen that a tribesman of our Ikom Town who should be one of the epitomes of our pride and glory having become the first Professor of Law in Cross River State should now descend into this moral morass and show of shame. It is very unfitting and demoralization news for our ears, hearts and sanity.
I also find the defense he has so far put up a bit airy from my common sense perspective as he failed to categorically address the core issues of sexual harassment being levied against him. It was for me simply a round robbin of superficial rebuttals by him that failed to address with clarity and conviction both the fundamental and material issues at stake. Surely, he is not the only one in the faculty to be repeatedly picked on.
That there is just my view and make no mistake that I am passing any sort of judgement. He has his day in Court to be heard and for the matter to be decided one way or another since he has already instituted processes in Court to clear his name of any wrongdoings.
Nonetheless, I pray for God’s mercies upon him and a favourable deliverance from this his season of troubles. I also pray that he sets his moral compass aright hereafter and becomes a leading light that he was destined to be. So, help him God Almighty. Amen!
Ceejay Ojong
5th September 2023.
