The Cross River State House of Assembly has called for the immediate suspension of four members of the 5th Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) over allegations of misconduct and abuse of office.
The affected council members are Dr. Emmanuel Ettah, Dr. John Inah Ukam, Professor Mathew Nsing Ogar, and Professor Stephen Ochang, reports The Guardian.
This resolution followed a petition from A. B. Cobham and Associates, legal representatives of Mr. Emmanuel Eyo, highlighting serious infractions, including illegal extension of tenure and the unauthorised sale of university property.
According to the petition, the accused officials remained in office beyond their tenure, which expired in September 2023, and allegedly auctioned university assets between May and August 2024 in violation of the Public Procurement Act.
During deliberations, the lawmakers condemned their actions as a blatant disregard for the laws governing the institution and reiterated the state’s policy against tenure extensions for public officials.
Following a motion by House Leader, Francis Bassey Asuquo and seconded by Deputy Leader, Davies Etta, the Assembly resolved to suspend the implicated officials pending an investigation by the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution.
The Speaker, Elvert Ayambem, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and accountability, promising a thorough probe before making final recommendations to the Governor, the university’s Visitor.
