By Austin Ogwuda
… says it is purely an attempt to shield certain individuals from accountability
THE Chairman of the Governing Council, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Pastor Paul Adingwupu has taken the Lecturers of the Polytechnic to the cleaner for embarking on a two week warning strike in connection with the raging crisis between it (Council) on one hand and Rector plus the suspended Registrar on the other.
A press statement issued by the Chairman of the Governing Council last night, it described the strike as an attempt to “arm-twist the government into taking sides in a matter that is still under official scrutiny”.
“It is unfortunate that the union (ASUP) has allowed itself to be used as a weapon by vested interests who are clearly afraid of the truth coming out. This strike is nothing but an attempt to blackmail the Governor into doing what is ethically and legally wrong.
“If the suspended officers belong to other unions, why is ASUP taking up their case? Why are the unions directly representing them not speaking?
It simply confirms that the union has been hijacked to serve the interest of the management rather than that of workers.
“Instead of cooperating with the investigation to clear his name, the Registrar went to court to challenge his suspension. Since the matter is sub judice, there is no moral or legal basis for the union to demand his reinstatement. They should allow the court to decide.
“If the Governor has been that labour-friendly, as they themselves admitted”, the statement went on, “why are they still embarking on this strike? It makes no sense. Their action contradicts labour laws and undermines the principles of collective bargaining.
“This strike has nothing to do with staff welfare or working conditions. It is purely an attempt to shield certain individuals from accountability. It is wrong and it will not stand.
“We reaffirm our resolve to work for the greater good of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku.
We will not be distracted by those who wish to frustrate reforms. Our duty is to protect the integrity of this institution, and that is exactly what we will continue to do”, the statement added.
*Source: Watchmann.ng
Recall that the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme sometime last month (September) received the Report of the Committee on Investigation of Certificate Racketeering and Suspension of affected Staff of the institution.
That Committee was inaugurated on March 25, 2025.
The Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme while receiving the report said “Your report is very clear and straightforward, especially as it concerns the allegations of certificate racketeering.
“Thank you, we will do an executive summary to His Excellency, the Governor for further actions based on your recommendations”.
Chairman of the Committee, Sir Christopher Osakwe, while presenting the report told the deputy governor and top government functionaries that included the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Prof. Tonukari Johnbull, who witnessed the occasion, that the report details the findings of the Inter-Ministerial Committee constituted to investigate allegations of certificate racketeering and the subsequent suspension of staff of the polytechnic.
According to him, “The Committee’s investigation focused on three key areas: conducting an in-depth investigation into the certificate racketeering allegations, reviewing the process leading to staff suspension, and making recommendations to ensure institutional integrity and advise on disciplinary actions”.
