By Our Reporter
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Good Governance Advocacy International has called on President Bola Tinubu to review the appointment of a Rector for Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, insisting that equity, fairness and federal character principles were not followed in the final decision.
The Director-General of the group, Sir Leonard Anyogo who made the call while briefing the press in Calabar, on Thursday, said nation-building should not come at the expense of peaceful and law-abiding states such as Cross River State. He cautioned against what he described as a pattern where civil and orderly states are overlooked in sensitive federal appointments.
According to him, the fact that Cross River remains one of the most peaceful states in the country should not be mistaken for weakness. He noted that while other parts of the country may resort to aggressive agitation, Cross River people have consistently expressed their concerns through lawful and peaceful protests.
He argued that promoting good governance requires rewarding civility rather than appearing to give attention only when agitation turns violent. He added that some of the insecurity confronting the nation today can be traced to unresolved grievances and perceived injustice.
Anyogo referenced the 2002 judgment of the International Court of Justice which ceded the Bakassi Peninsula from Nigeria, noting that Cross River bore significant losses from that decision yet maintained peace. He said the state’s calm disposition over the years should not translate into continued marginalisation.
The advocacy group reiterated its support for Dr Okimba Peter Etaba, who was recommended by the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, for appointment as Rector. Anyogo stated that Etaba, a PhD holder in Computer Science trained in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, met all stipulated requirements and emerged through due process.
He maintained that the council had fulfilled its statutory responsibility by making a recommendation, stressing that the final authority rests with the President as the appointing power. He urged the President to carefully review the recommendation in line with federal character provisions and the need for equity in national appointments.
Fielding questions from reporters, Anyogo dismissed suggestions that the group’s position amounted to a threat to the federal government. He described the briefing as an appeal for justice rather than confrontation. He said peaceful protest and civic engagement are legitimate democratic tools and should not be misinterpreted.
He also addressed concerns raised about appointments in other states where Cross River indigenes may have benefited, arguing that perceived past infractions elsewhere should not justify what he described as a present imbalance. He emphasised that good governance principles must be applied consistently across the board.
Anyogo clarified that he was speaking strictly in his capacity as Director-General of Good Governance Advocacy International and not on behalf of the Cross River State Government. However, he expressed confidence that the state would support any qualified indigene recommended through due process.
He, therefore, urged the President to consider the contributions of Cross River State to the establishment of the polytechnic and to ensure that justice, fairness and national unity guide the final decision. He described the appeal as a call for equity and responsible governance in the interest of national stability.
