Cross River Assembly seeks sanctions for UNICROSS council members

By Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

The Cross River State House of Assembly has recommended sanctions against four members of the governing council of the University of Cross River (UNICROSS) for alleged misconduct and abuse of office.

The four members, who served in the 5th governing council of the institution, comprise Dr Emmanuel Ettah, Dr John Inah Ukam, Professor Mathew Nsing Ogar, and Professor Stephen Ochang.

The assembly came to the resolution after deliberating on a petition by A. B. Cobham and Associates (Legal Practitioners, Corporate and Real Estate Consultants), solicitors to Mr Emmanuel Eyo, the petitioner.

Opening debate on the petition, the Leader of the House and Member representing Odukpani State Constituency, Rt Hon Francis Asuquo, drew the attention of members to the allegations of gross misconduct against the council members.

The allegations, as stated in the petition, vary from illegal tenure extension to the unlawful sale of university property.

Lawmakers viewed the actions of the council members as a total violation of the extant laws establishing the university.

They further stressed that the state government’s policy on non-extension of tenures by public officers is still in force and emphasised that the continued stay in office of the council members after the expiration of their tenure is illegal.

The assembly unanimously recommended the immediate suspension of the four council members.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, assured that the House will carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.

However, in a telephone conversation, one of the affected members, Professor Stephen Ochang, said the allegation does not make sense and is political.

He said, “Four people do not make a council and if they had any issue with its activities other council members ought to be invited.”