Newscenter Media News 
A Notary Public and Director-General of Good Governance Advocacy International (GGAI), Sir Leonard Anyogo, has raised concerns over what he described as the continued exclusion of Cross River State from Nigeria’s Committee of Rectors.
Speaking with journalists at the NUJ Press Centre in Calabar, Anyogo said the absence of any Cross River indigene in the national body reflects systemic marginalisation despite the state’s pool of qualified academic administrators.
He linked the concern to the delay in confirming Dr Okimgba Peter Etamba as the pioneer Rector of the newly established Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, noting that the Governing Council had already recommended him for appointment after completing due process.
According to him, the hesitation to approve Etamba’s appointment contradicts the principles of Federal Character and fairness in federal appointments.
The development, he said, has triggered protests in Ugep and neighbouring communities amid fears that a non-indigene from Kogi State may be appointed to head the institution.
Anyogo argued that Cross River State contributed nearly 90 per cent of the logistics required for the take-off of the polytechnic and therefore deserves the opportunity to produce its pioneer rector.
He warned that denying the state such representation would amount to social injustice and further deepen feelings of exclusion.
“The peaceful disposition of the state should not be overstretched. The Federal Character Commission should intervene and properly advise the President to ensure justice and equity,” he said.
Also commenting, a concerned citizen, Mr Otogbo Ogbeche, cautioned against sidelining the Governing Council’s recommendation, insisting that stakeholders would resist any attempt to impose an external candidate as rector.
Lawyer raises alarm over lack of Cross River representation in Rectors’ committee