By NATHAN NWAKAMMA

The National leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) has commended the constitution of a panel to investigate the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ekowe in Bayelsa for alleged breach of the Polytechnic Act.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that workers in the institution had shut down the institution since July 11 in protest over sundry allegations against the Rector.

Dr Olawale Adebisi, Chairman, Governing Council of the Polytechnic on Aug. 6 set up a five member panel to investigate allegations levelled against the Rector, Dr Adegoke Agbabiaka.

According to a letter to the Chairman, Governing Council, dated Aug. 8 and signed by Mr Nura Gaya, National Secretary of SSANIP, the union welcomed the constitution of the panel and advocated the suspension of the Rector pending the conclusion of investigation.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the Honourable Minister of Education’s directive to the Council to act on the grave issues raised, and we consider the setting up of the committee a commendable step toward ensuring accountability, transparency, and Institutional integrity.

“However, we are constrained to express serious concern over the decision to allow Dr. Agbabiaka Lukman Adegoke to remain in office while under investigation. In our view, this raises fundamental concerns about the integrity and independence of the investigation process.

“We strongly submit that the continuous stay of the Rector (Agbabiaka Lukman Adegoke) in office while being investigated for abuse of office, financial misconduct, administrative tyranny, and contract irregularities creates a conflict of interest, especially as he remains in control of the institution’s resources, records, and personnel.” The letter read in part.

SSANIP cited Chapter 3, Section 3.06 (i) of the Public Service Rules, and two recent precedents of suspension of public officers while being investigated to justify its call.

“We wish to respectfully cite two relevant cases for the Council’s consideration: Federal Polytechnic Kazaure, Jigawa State: The Rector, under similar allegations of misgovernance and financial misappropriation, was suspended by the Governing Council to allow for an independent and uninfluenced investigation.

“The Suspension of the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs (Dr. Betta Edu) by the President and Visitor to Federal Polytechnics: This action, taken while investigations were ongoing, is a recent and compelling demonstration of the Federal Government’s zero tolerance for impunity and conflict of interest during administrative investigations.” SSANIP stated.

The union urged the Polytechnic’s Council to suspend the Rector from office pending the conclusion of the investigation, in line with Public Service Rules and in the spirit of fairness and due process.

They also want the Council to ensure that the investigative committee functions independently, free from undue influence or intimidation;

SSANIP advised the Council to take all necessary steps to restore the confidence of staff, students, and the host community in the Institution’s leadership and governance.

“We trust in the Council’s capacity to uphold justice and act in the best interest of the Polytechnic system, and we reaffirm our commitment to Industrial peace, Institutional integrity, and the development of Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education sector,” SSANIP stated.

The investigation panel is expected to submit its recommendations on Aug. 13. , however NAN learnt from sources at the Polytechnic that the panel is yet to commence sitting. (NAN)