By Austin Ogwuda
A group of Youths, styled ‘Concerned Youths of Ogwashi-Uku’ staged a peaceful protest march in Asaba on Wednesday, calling on the Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to dissolve the current Governing Council of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku following alleged gross abuse of power levelled against its Chairman, Mr. Paul Adingwupu.
The group who were prevented from storming Government House on the peaceful protest march retreated and addressed newsmen at the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Press Centre.
Comrade Humble Ochei, leader of the Concerned Youths of Ogwashi-Uku, with Comrade Tony Obichie as deputy leader in a protest letter addressed to the governor and made available to Journalists lamented that since Adingwupu’s appointment, peace has eluded both the Polytechnic and the Ogwashi-Uku community.
They further claimed that Adingwupu was overreaching his mandate, harassing polytechnic staff, unilaterally running the institution “like a Sole Administrator”.
According to them, “The management of the Polytechnic is under constant threat as the Chairman insists on running the Polytechnic single-handedly.
“Official documents are being collected indiscriminately by the Chairman and circulated within the town, allegedly to blackmail senior officials including the Rector”.
They referred to particular controversial decision that sparked outrage among community members was the recent suspension of the Polytechnic’s Registrar, Dr. Jude Okocha, an indigene of Ogwashi-Uku.
The group claimed this action was taken without due process, alongside the suspension of other key staff members, including the Deputy Registrar of Exams and Records, Charles Nduka.
The aforementioned suspensions, according to them were not only irregular but were personally orchestrated by Mr. Adingwupu without proper Council approval or consultation with the institution’s management.
“This abuse of power is not just a violation of laid-down procedures but a direct affront to the good governance principles Your Excellency stands for under the Renewed Hope for More Agenda.
“There is palpable tension in the Polytechnic and in Ogwashi-Uku. Only your intervention by dissolving the Council can bring peace”, they stated.
Efforts to get Adingwupu’s version of the story were unsuccessful as at the time of this report as he was reported to be in a crucial meeting.
