CUIB Board of Trustees hits back at Apostolic Administrator, backs Barrister Sobe’s claims

When Apostolic Nuncio Julio Murat ruled in the dispute in the Catholic University Institute of Buea, CUIB, many thought he had put the matter to rest.

Recent developments however indicate an escalation in the already existing tensions between both parties. The Board of Trustees of the institution has hit at Bishop Michael Bibi for changing the University’s president as well as dissolving the Board.

Acknowledging receipt of the Apostolic Nuncio’s declaration, the Board says it is glad he shed light on the rights and responsibilities of the Bishop. However, they say “the Apostolic Administrator did not have the legal jurisdiction or authority to make some of the decisions outlined in his 12th of June 2020 letter declaring administrative changes at CUIB.”

Carrying out decisions without consulting the Board of Trustees, the Bishop, they say, interfered with the internal management of the university. His closing of all university accounts without prior notification or consultation they add, “is illegal, against CUIB’s statutes, disrespectful, condescending, and interferes with the internal management of the university.”

Asserting the position of Barrister Sobe as CUIB counsel contrary to what Bishop Michael Bibi had declared, the Board of Trustees say the Administrator had failed to honor all their invitations since his appointment and official installation.

“We have been successful these ten years … We believe with the help of the Holy Spirit we will overcome these turbulent times,” they end the four page document.

With the dispute taking another twist, there are fears it will affect not only the functioning of the institution but its enrolment that has already been hit by the ongoing war in the English Speaking regions of the country.

Mimi Mefo Info