Federal
University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) workers yesterday called for the
resignation of the institution’s vice chancellor, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola and
the bursar, Emmanuel Oresegun.
The
workers said this was necessary pending the completion of probe of allegations
levelled against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The
workers, who moved round the university’s campus with placards and chanting
uncomplimentary songs against Daramola and Oresegun, alleged financial
impropriety against the two principal officers.
The
protesters condemned the release of the duo and called on the EFCC to conduct
thorough investigation into the allegations.
The
workers insisted that they should tow the path of honour by resigning from
office to allow proper and thorough investigations.
Both
Daramola and Oresegun were on Wednesday quizzed by the EFCC over allegation of
misappropriation of the university’s funds.
It
was reported that they were grilled at the commission branch’s office in
Iyaganku, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, over alleged abuse of office and
misappropriation of funds.
The
VC was accused of drawing furniture allowance yearly instead of once in four
years as approved and was paying himself housing allowance while residing in
the university’s Vice Chancellor’s Quarters.
He
was also alleged of diverting funds from various unrelated subheads to finance
other projects without the appropriate approvals for such virement.
However,
the university authorities have exonerated the VC and the bursar from any
financial impropriety.
Daramola
yesterday said he is ready to provide clarification on his stewardship during
and after his tenure in the institution.
The
FUTA VC, who spoke through the head of the Information and Protocol Unit, Mr.
Adebanjo Adegbenro, said he has nothing to hide.
He
explained that after making his clarification at the EFCC, he was allowed to
return to Akure on the same day.
But
Daramola said: “As part of its statutory responsibilities, the EFCC invited me
to provide clarification over issues relating to his stewardship.
“As
a law-abiding citizen, I duly honoured the invitation and I also cooperated
with the commission to provide the needed clarification. I was allowed to
return to Akure.
“I
have no fear or hindrance in rendering the report of my stewardship whenever I
am call upon to do so officially or unofficially since I have nothing to hide.”
When
contacted, the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Iwujare, confirmed
the arrest of the two principal officers.
He
said: “I don’t have the details yet, but it has to do with an ongoing
investigation by the commission.”
Source:The Nation
Tags
Society