By BANNERNEWS Reporter
Tension is mounting in Cross River State following delays in confirming the appointment of Dr Okimgba Peter Etamba as the pioneer Rector of the newly established Federal Polytechnic, Ugep.
A Notary Public and Director-General of Good Governance Advocacy International (GGAI), Sir Leonard Anyogo, said the situation has heightened concerns over what stakeholders describe as the continued marginalisation of the state in federal academic appointments.
Speaking at the NUJ Press Centre in Calabar, Anyogo expressed worry that Cross River State currently has no representative in Nigeria’s Committee of Rectors despite possessing qualified academic administrators.
He noted that Etamba was duly recommended for appointment by the institution’s Governing Council after completing the required selection process, stressing that the delay in confirming the recommendation contradicts the Federal Character principle.
According to him, protests have continued in Ugep and adjoining communities amid fears that a non-indigene from Kogi State may be appointed to head the institution.
Anyogo argued that Cross River State provided about 90 per cent of the logistics needed for the take-off of the polytechnic and should not be denied the opportunity to produce its pioneer rector.
He described any move to overlook the council’s recommendation as unjust and capable of deepening feelings of exclusion among stakeholders in the state.
“The peaceful disposition of the state should not be overstretched. The Federal Character Commission should intervene and properly advise the President to ensure fairness and due process,” he said.
Also speaking, a concerned citizen, Mr Otogbo Ogbeche, warned that attempts to sideline the Governing Council’s recommendation would be resisted, insisting that stakeholders expect the appointment process to reflect equity and justice.
