Calabar, Nigeria – The Cross River State House of Assembly has recommended the immediate suspension of Dr Emmanuel Ettah, Dr John Inah Ukam, Professor Mathew Nsing Ogar, and Professor Stephen Ochang, members of the 5th Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) for alleged misconduct and abuse of office.
The House had deliberated on a petition by A. B. Cobham and Associates (legal practitioners, Corporate and Real Estate Consultants) solicitors to Mr Emmanuel Eyo, the petitioner.
Opening debate on the petition, the Leader of the House and Member representing Odukpani State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, drew the attention of Members to the allegations of gross misconduct against Dr Emmanuel Ettah, Dr John Inah Ukam, Prof Mathew Nsing Ogar and Prof Stephen Ochang during their tenure as Members of the 5th Governing Council of UNICROSS.
The allegations as stated in the petition include; Illegal Tenure Extension and Unlawful Sale of University Property. The petition indicates that Dr Emmanuel Ettah refused to vacate office at the expiration of their tenure in September 2023 and also sold University Property between May and August 2024, almost a year after the expiration of their tenure. The petition also emphasised that the auctioning of University Equipment was in total violation of the Public Procurement Act and the Bureau of Public Procurement.
The Lawmakers, in their separate contributions, while deliberating on the petition, viewed the action of Dr Emmanuel Ettah and Co as a total violation of the Extant Laws establishing the University. They further stressed that the State Government’s policy on the non-extension of tenures by public officers is still in force and emphasised that the continued stay in office of the Council Members after the expiration of their tenure is illegal.
They, thereafter, adopted the resolution moved by the Leader, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo (Odukpani), and seconded by the Deputy Leader Rt. Hon. Davies Etta (Abi), which states in part, “…having unanimously agreed, the House recommends the immediate suspension of Dr Emmanuel Ettah, Dr John Inah Ukam, Professor Mathew Nsing, and Professor Stephen Ochang. They are to be suspended from all activities of the University until a proper investigation is carried out by the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution.”
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem reaffirmed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and good governance.
He assured that the House will carry out a thorough investigation on the matter and thereafter make appropriate recommendations to the Governor who is the visitor to the University.