By Peter Ogege
The Delta State House of Assembly has upheld the six-month suspension of the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Professor Emmanuel Achuenu, following the adoption of the report of its Ad-hoc Committee that investigated the administrative and financial crisis rocking the institution.
The decision was taken on Thursday after the House considered and adopted a 29-page report presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
The committee was set up to probe the escalating conflict between the Rector and the Governing Council of the Polytechnic, which had threatened the peace, stability, and growth of the institution.
Presenting the report, Hon. Nwaobi disclosed that the committee uncovered alleged administrative misconduct and financial breaches involving Prof. Achuenu and some management officials.
He said findings also revealed alleged certificate racketeering, irregular auctioning of institutional properties including vehicles and metal scraps, and questionable financial transactions within the Polytechnic’s accounts and revenue system.
The committee recommended that the Rector’s six-month suspension, earlier approved by the Governing Council, be upheld by the Visitor to the Polytechnic — the Governor of Delta State — to allow for an unfettered and unbiased investigation into the allegations.
It further advised that the Deputy Rector should act in the interim to ensure administrative stability.
Similarly, the committee proposed a three-month suspension for the Bursar, with the most senior Chief Accountant to act pending investigation.
However, the House amended this recommendation, extending the Bursar’s suspension to six months to align with that of the Rector.
The committee also cautioned the Commissioner for Higher Education to act strictly within the provisions of the law establishing the Polytechnic and to avoid actions that could be construed as usurping the powers of the Visitor.
Additionally, the House urged the Governor to invoke Section 32(1) and (2) of the law establishing the institution, empowering the Visitor to conduct a visitation into the affairs of the Polytechnic.
According to the committee, the visitation should cover alleged administrative misconduct and financial irregularities, certificate racketeering, the auctioning of institutional assets, and the general management and governance of the Polytechnic.
Hon. Nwaobi emphasised that full implementation of the recommendations would restore order, enhance due process, and strengthen accountability and good governance within the institution.
After extensive deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the committee’s report as amended.
Speaker Guwor directed the Clerk to communicate the resolution to Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and other relevant parties, reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to transparency, due process, and good governance in all state institutions.
