Following the controversial suspension of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku Rector, Prof.Emmanuel Achuenu, the Governing Council of the institution has said the Commissioner, Ministry of Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari has no power to lift the suspension, except the governor.
In a formal response addressed to the Commissioner, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Pst. Paul Adingwupu, reaffirmed that the Council acted within its statutory mandate in suspending the Rector over allegations bordering on financial impropriety and gross misconduct.
The chairman in a statement further noted that the Governing Council finds it difficult to agree with the position to the effect that in the affairs of the Institution, the Rector takes precedence over the Council, pointing out that it is their view that Part IV Section 17 (i) of the Delta State Polytechnic Law cited in the Commissioner for Higher Education’s letter under reference, only applies when the Rector is acting as chairman of the congregation or Convocation or in the Course of performing academic and executive functions.
The letter reads in parts, “Council is also of the firm view that Chapter 6, S,6.5.1 of the Terms and Condition of Service For Staff of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku does not also apply in the context of the suspension of the Rector of the Polytechnic.
“This is because the Rector is not within the Category of staff being contemplated by this Terms and Condition of assist the rector to effect discipline on the staff of the institution. For Instance, chapter 6, with the title Discipline at 6.1 provides thus:
“Rector shall have power to exercise general authority over staff have responsibility for discipline in the polytechnic.
“Council is further constrained to note that the Honourable Commissioner is not in a position to counter the suspension of the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku by the Council. Such powers to do so resides only with the Executive Governor of Delta State.
“In the light of the foregoing and in the absence of infringement of any law on the part of the Council, I hereby respectfully, inform you that Council is unable to accede to your directives as contained in the letter under reference. Accordingly, the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku remains suspended in line with Council resolution.”
Read also: Delta Polytechnic Council suspends rector over alleged financial misappropriation, gross-misconduct
