Delta House Issues Ultimatum to Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic: Implement Resolution on Staff Demotion Within 24 Hours
In a decisive move aimed at upholding the sanctity of its resolutions and ensuring justice for aggrieved parties, the Delta State House of Assembly has issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to the management of the State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, to adhere to its directive regarding the demotion of staff member Grace Adah. This ultimatum follows Adah’s petition to the House over her alleged demotion from the position of Lecturer 1 to Principal Assistant Registrar by the polytechnic’s management.
Arthur Akpowowo, Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Compliance and Deputy Speaker of the House, delivered the ultimatum during a meeting with the management team of the institution in Asaba. Expressing grave concern over the management’s apparent disregard for the House’s directive, Akpowowo cautioned that failure to comply would result in severe sanctions.
“In your letter to us, it was evident that you were not inclined to implement our resolution. Our duty as a committee is to ensure justice in every case brought before the State Assembly. Your response indicates a lack of respect for this House. There is no justification for your tone and manner in the letter.
“We have corresponded with you multiple times. This is our final meeting on the matter. You have 24 hours from now to implement our resolution, or face the consequences,” declared Akpowowo.
In response to the ultimatum, Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu, the Rector of the Polytechnic, tendered an apology on behalf of the management and pledged to comply with the Assembly’s directive without delay.
The genesis of the dispute traces back to January 2023 when the House directed the polytechnic’s management to reinstate Grace Adah to her former position as Lecturer 1 without further delay. However, the management’s alleged non-compliance prompted Adah to seek redress through the State Assembly, culminating in the current standoff.
The House’s steadfast insistence on upholding its resolutions underscores its commitment to ensuring fairness and accountability in governance. By issuing a strict ultimatum, the Assembly seeks to send a clear message that flouting its directives will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face the repercussions.
As the clock ticks down on the 24-hour deadline, all eyes are on the management of Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic to see whether they will heed the Assembly’s ultimatum or risk facing the full weight of its sanctions. In this high-stakes standoff between the legislative and executive arms of governance, the resolution of Grace Adah’s demotion saga hangs in the balance, highlighting the intricate dynamics of power and accountability within the Nigerian administrative landscape.
