By Akpos Oghenetega,
The Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, has insisted that the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, lacks the legal authority to lift the suspension of the institution’s Rector, Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu, stating that such power rests solely with the Executive Governor of Delta State.
In a strongly worded response signed by the Chairman of the Council, Hon. (Pastor) Paul Adingupu, the Council reaffirmed its decision to suspend Prof. Achuenu over allegations of financial impropriety and gross misconduct, citing its legal and institutional authority to take such action.
The Council emphasized that the Commissioner’s intervention was inappropriate, as he is only a member of the Council by statutory appointment and cannot unilaterally override its resolutions.
“Council is constrained to note that the Honourable Commissioner is not in a position to counter the suspension of the Rector… Such powers reside only with the Executive Governor of Delta State,” the letter read.
The Council said it followed due process in the suspension, beginning with a formal query to the Rector, a written response, and an invitation to appear before the Council. The Rector, however, failed to honor the invitation, prompting the Council to act in the best interest of the institution.
Refuting the legal basis of the Commissioner’s directive, the Council clarified that the section of the Polytechnic Law cited does not strip it of its disciplinary powers. It also argued that the Rector is not subject to the staff disciplinary guidelines referenced by the Commissioner, as there is no senior staff member of equal or higher rank within the Academic Board or Congregation to serve on a disciplinary panel.
The letter maintained that: The Rector was only suspended—not removed.
The Council acted within its rights under Section 9 of the law governing the Polytechnic, which empowers it to formulate policies and protect the institution’s interests.
No law mandates the setting up of a panel for the Rector’s case since he defied a direct invitation from the Council.
The Council also declared it could not comply with the Commissioner’s letter and reaffirmed that Prof. Achuenu’s suspension remains in force pending further directives from the Governor.
