FedPoly Governing Council to probe rector over alleged breach of act

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State, has commenced investigations into alleged infractions by the Rector, Dr Adegoke Agbabiaka.

This was contained in an August 6 letter signed by Dr Ohawale Adebisi, Chairman of the Governing Council, setting up the investigation panel.

According to the letter seen on Friday by our reporter, the five-member panel chaired by Mr Akpan Aniekan is expected to turn in its recommendations on or before August 13.

The panel is saddled with the responsibility to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the crisis between the unions and the rector.

The panel will also investigate all allegations in the unions’ requests and petition, and make recommendations for appropriate action and report to the council.

“Council has received a written presentation and petition from the ASUP and the NASU, respectively, alleging that the rector has committed some legal and administrative infractions.

“This development has led to protests and demands by the unions for the removal of the Rector.

“In line with the responsibility of the council, I wish that all requests and allegations be investigated appropriately.

“To this end, Council Investigation Panel is hereby constituted,” the letter read in part.

The workforce had maintained that only the removal of the Rector, Agbabiaka, would guarantee industrial harmony to the institution, which had been shut down since July 11.

The workers under the auspices of the Non-Academic Staff Union, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) commended the Governing Council for taking the bold step to salvage the institution from total collapse.

Deacon Charles Arogo, Chairman of SSANIP, said that the Joint Action. Congress (JAC) of NASU and SSANIP. wants the Rector to step down while the investigation goes on.

“The JAC of NASU and SSANIP applauds the Governing Council for heeding our call and listening to the voices of reason. JAC feels that the Rector should step aside while he is being investigated. It is against the law of natural justice for him to be a judge in his case.

”We are also not comfortable with the membership of Dr Blessing Okogbue, who is a staff member of the polytechnic.

“We feel strongly that she should be replaced by a neutral person as she can also be victimised,” he said

Mr Nimizuo Pereseigha, Public Relations Officer of Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, who had earlier hinted that the Ijaw National Congress had set up a committee to resolve the dispute, could not be reached by telephone for an update.