The Delta State House of Assembly has announced the setting up of an ad-hoc committee to seek an urgent and thorough investigation into the recent employment exercise conducted by the Governing Council and Management of the Delta State University, Abraka.
The exercise was said to have flagrantly violated the approval granted by the Visitor of the University and Governor of Delta State, as alleged in a petition brought before the Assembly by two citizens of the state, for and on behalf of “Concerned Stakeholders of Delta State”.
The Presiding Officer and Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, who announced the setting up of the ad-hoc committee during plenary, named the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo, as the Chairman, while the Clerk of the House, Barr. Oto Aghoghopia is to serve as Secretary, with the other five as members.
Rt Hon Guwor directed the committee to submit its findings and recommendations within the next three weeks.
The petition as presented at plenary by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon Perkins Umukoro, alleged that in January 2024, the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, graciously granted approval for the recruitment of one hundred new staff by the Delta State University, Abraka, to address critical manpower needs within the institution.
The petitioners further alleged that in a clear breach of the directive, the University’s Governing Council and Management proceeded to employ over four hundred persons, far exceeding the approved number by more than three hundred.
According to them, the action not only contravenes the specific directive of the Governor, but also undermines due process, fiscal discipline, and the principles of accountability that underpin the operations of State-owned institutions.
They said the actions of the Governing Council and Management raised serious governance and ethical concerns and therefore, urged the House to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the unauthorised employment exercise, amongst others.
“This petition is made in good faith and in the collective interest of the people of Delta State. We firmly believe that the Delta State House of Assembly, as the representative arm of the people and the guardian of accountability, will act swiftly to address this breach of executive authority and protect the integrity of governance in our State”, they said.
