FUTA workers seek vc bursar resignation

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.