By Itam Offor
Following allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office, the State House of Assembly has recommended the immediate suspension of four members of the 5th Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
The members are; Professor Stephen Ochang, Dr Emmanuel Ettah, Dr John Inah Ukam and Professor Mathew Nsing Ogar.
The House had on Tuesday, March 25, 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; against the four members 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 indicated that, Dr. Ettah and three others 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 emphasized that, the auctioning of University equipment was in total violation of the Public Procurement Act and Bureau of Public Procurement.
The Lawmakers, in their seperate contributions, while deliberating on the petition, viewed the action of Dr Ettah and others as “a total violation of the Extant Laws establishing the University”.
They further stressed that the State Government’s policy on non extension of tenures by public officers is still in force and emphasized 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 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.
