Assembly Probes Alleged Irregularities In Delta Varsity Employment

The Delta State House of Assembly is to investigate the recent recruitment exercise conducted by the Governing Council and Management of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

The move followed a petition submitted to the Assembly by two citizens of the state on behalf of “Concerned Stakeholders of Delta State,” alleging that the university’s recruitment process grossly violated the approval granted by the visitor to the university and governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori.

Announcing the committee’s formation during plenary, the speaker of the House, Hon Dennis Guwor, named the deputy speaker, Hon Arthur Akpowowo as chairman, while the clerk of the House, Barr. Oto Aghoghopia is to serve as secretary.

Five other members of the House were also appointed to the committee.

The speaker directed the constituted ad-hoc committee to carry out a comprehensive investigation and present its findings and recommendations within three weeks.

Presenting the petition before the House, the chief whip, Hon Perkins Umukoro, stated that the governor had, in January 2024, approved the recruitment of 100 new staff for the university to address critical manpower gaps.

However, the petitioners alleged that the university’s Governing Council and Management disregarded the directive and employed more than 400 people, exceeding the approved number by more than 300.

They described the action as a clear violation of the governor’s directive and a breach of due process, fiscal discipline and accountability principles that guide the operations of state-owned institutions.

According to the petitioners, the development raises serious governance and ethical concerns, hence their call on the Assembly to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

“This petition is made in good faith and in the collective interest of the people of Delta State. We trust that the Delta State House of Assembly, as the representative arm of the people and guardian of accountability, will act swiftly to address this breach of executive authority and safeguard the integrity of governance in our state,” the statement read.