The Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, has firmly rejected calls by the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, to reinstate the suspended Rector of the institution, Bldr. (Prof.) Emmanuel Achuenu.
In a strongly worded letter dated July 9, 2025, and addressed to the Commissioner, the Council, led by its Chairman, Hon. Pst. Paul Adingwupu, insisted that the suspension of Prof. Achuenu over allegations of financial misconduct and gross indiscipline was carried out in strict compliance with the law.
Citing Part IV, Section 17(i) of the Delta State Polytechnic Law, the Council asserted that it possesses the statutory authority to discipline the Rector, noting that the law clearly distinguishes between the Rector’s academic and executive roles and the Council’s supervisory powers.
The Council further dismissed the Commissioner’s reference to Chapter 6, Section 6.5.1 of the Polytechnic’s Staff Terms and Conditions of Service, arguing that those provisions apply only to other categories of staff, not the Rector, who himself exercises disciplinary powers over staff.
According to the Council, Prof. Achuenu was issued a formal query over the allegations but failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. He was subsequently invited to appear before the Council for clarification but allegedly refused to do so. His suspension, the Council stressed, followed due process and was in the best interest of the institution.
To buttress its position, the Council attached key documents—including the query, the Rector’s response, and the invitation for a hearing—as annexures to the letter.
Responding to the Commissioner’s demand for the Rector’s reinstatement, the Council maintained that only the Executive Governor of Delta State has the authority to overturn its decision. It further warned that the Commissioner, as a statutory member of the Council, lacks the legal capacity to unilaterally reverse any Council resolution.
Quoting Section 9 of the Delta State Polytechnic Law, the Council emphasized its powers to formulate policies, manage finances, and make decisions to advance the Polytechnic’s objectives.
“In the light of the foregoing and in the absence of any violation of applicable laws by the Council, we are unable to accede to your directive. Accordingly, the Rector remains suspended in line with the Council’s resolution,” the letter read.
The Council also copied the letter to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, signaling a potential need for his intervention to resolve the standoff.
