Cross Riverians Reject FG Appointment Of None-Indigene As Ugep Polytechnic Rector

By Godwin Ajom

The appointment of Dr. Makoji Stephen, as the new Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ugep, in Cross River State has met a wave of rejection as stakeholders from the institution have kicked against the development.

The Director General of Good Governance Advocacy International, Sir. Leonard Anyogo, has called on the presidency and President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of a new Rector for Federal Polytechnic Ugep, insisting on equity and due process.

Anyogo made the appeal, while addressing pressmen in Calabar. He argued that the decision to appoint a non-indigene as Rector contradicts the principles of fairness enshrined in the Federal Character Commission Act.

According to him, the appointment has effectively excluded Cross River State from representation in the national committee of rectors, a development he described as unjust and avoidable.

He stated that Dr. Peter Okimba Otaba, an indigene of Cross River State with a PhD in Computer Science obtained in Nigeria, was earlier recommended by the institution’s Governing Council after meeting all the stipulated criteria for the position. Despite being duly qualified, Otaba was not appointed, as the Federal Government selected another candidate.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had days ago approved the appointment of Dr. Makoji Stephen as the new Rector of the Polytechnic.

The appointment however, has triggered protests and widespread dissatisfaction among stakeholders and residents of the state. Anyogo urged the President to review the process, respect the rule of law, and align the final decision with the expectations of the host community.

Speaking also expressing disapproval, Mr. Otogbo Ogbeche, warned that the Federal Government must not undermine opportunities meant for local representation. He called for swift intervention to prevent further tension.

“Why is it that when a wrong decision is taken, it is Cross River State that is affected? Why allocate a Federal Polytechnic to Cross River and appoint a non-indigene to head it?” he queried.

Ogbeche urged citizens and stakeholders to speak out against what he described as an injustice toward the state.