The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State, has constituted a probe panel to commenced investigations into alleged infractions by the Rector, Dr Adegoke Agbabiaka.
Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Ohawale Adebisi, in a letter dated August 6, ordered the appointment of the investigation panel.
According to the letter revealed on Friday, the five-member, panel chaired by Akpan Aniekan, is expected to turn in its recommendations on or before August 13.
The panel is saddled with the responsibility to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the crisis between the unions and the Rector.
The panel will also investigate all allegations in the unions’ requests and petition and make recommendations for appropriate action and report to Council.
“Council has received a written presentation and petition from the ASUP and the NASU, respectively, alleging the Recter of some legal and administrative infractions.
“This development has led to protests and demand by the unions for the removal of the Rector.
“In line with the responsibility of Council, I wish that all requests and allegations be investigated appropriately.
“To this end, Council Investigation Panel is hereby constituted,” the letter read in part.
The workforce had maintained that only the removal of the Rector, Agbabiaka will guarantee industrial harmony to the institution which was shut down since July 11.
The workers under the auspices of Non Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) commended the Governing Council for taking the bold step to salvage the institution from total collapse.
Deacon Charles Arogo, Chairman of SSANIP said that the Joint Action. Congress (JAC) of NASU and SSANIP. wants the Rector to step down while the investigation goes on.
“The JAC of NASU and SSANIP applauds that the Governing Council for heeding our call and listening to voices of reason. JAC feels that the Rector should step aside while he is being investigated. It is against the law of natural justice for him to be a judge in his own case.
”We are also not comfortable with the membership of Dr Blessing Okogbue who is a staff of the polytechnic.
“We feel strongly that she should be replaced by a neutral person as she can also be victimised,” he said.
Nimizuo Pereseigha, Public Relations Officer of Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe who had earlier hinted that the Ijaw National Congress had set up a committee to resolve the dispute could not be reached by telephone for an update. (NAN)