Delta Poly Gov Council Dares Commissioner In Rector’s Reinstatement
By Yadnom Awu/Asaba
In what appears to be proof of a growing power play, the Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, has reiterated its decision to maintain its suspension of the institution’s Rector, Bldr. (Prof.) Emmanuel Achuenu, despite objections raised by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari.
Tonukari had ordered for the reinstatement of the rector, citing an infringement of due process by the Governing Council, which had accused the rector of malfeasance.
In a formal response addressed to the Commissioner and dated July 9,! 2025, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Paul Adingwupu, reaffirmed that the Council acted within its statutory mandate in suspending the rector over allegations bordering on financial impropriety and gross misconduct.
In the letter, the Governing Council emphasised that the procedures leading to the suspension of Prof. Achuenu was in full compliance with Part IV, Section 17 (i) of the Delta State Polytechnic Law, which delineates the roles of the rector in academic and executive functions but does not strip the Council of its disciplinary authority.
The Council also dismissed the application of Chapter 6, Section 6.5.1 of the institution’s Terms and Conditions of Service for Staff, arguing that the provisions therein do not apply to the rector, who is not categorised under staff subject to those disciplinary rules.
Instead, the Council claimed, the document grants the rector disciplinary authority over other staff members, not vice versa.
The Council stated that it had issued a formal query to Prof. Achuenu regarding the allegations, received a response it considered dissatisfactory , and, thereafter, invited him to appear before it for further clarifications.
The Council alleged that the rector reportedly declined to honour the invitation, prompting it ( the Council) to resolve to suspend him in the institution’s best interest.
Supporting documentation, including the query, the Rector’s response, and the Council’s invitation, were attached to the letter and referenced as Annexures 1, 2, and 3 for Commissioner’s perusal and necessary action.
The Council noted that only the Executive Governor of Delta State had the constitutional authority to countermand its decision.
It further stressed that the Commissioner, being a statutory member of the Council, could not unilaterally reverse a resolution passed by the governing body.
Quoting Section 9 of the Delta State Polytechnic Law, the letter affirmed the Council’s exclusive powers to formulate institutional policies, control property and finances, and take decisions deemed to promote the Polytechnic’s objectives.
“In the light of the foregoing and in the absence of infringement of any law on the part of the Council,” the letter concluded, “we are unable to accede to your directives. Accordingly, the Rector remains suspended in line with Council resolution.”
The letter was copied to the Executive Governor of Delta State,Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, who appointed the current Governing Council, signaling the possible need for the Governor’s final intervention in the impasse.
