Delta Assembly Launches Probe Into DELSU Job Scandal

The Delta State House of Assembly has announced the constitution of an ad-hoc committee to investigate the controversial employment exercise recently conducted by the Governing Council and Management of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

The decision followed a petition submitted to the Assembly by two citizens on behalf of Concerned Stakeholders of Delta State, alleging that the university’s management violated the approval granted by the Visitor to the University and Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

Presiding over plenary, Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, announced the setting up of the committee and named the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo, as Chairman, while the Clerk of the House, Barr. Oto Aghoghopia, would serve as Secretary.

Five other lawmakers were also appointed as members, with the committee mandated to submit its findings and recommendations within three weeks.

Presenting the petition at plenary, the Chief Whip of the House, Hon Perkins Umukoro, explained that in January 2024, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori approved the recruitment of 100 new staff to address manpower gaps within DELSU.

However, the petitioners alleged that the university’s Governing Council and Management exceeded the approved limit, employing over 400 persons, thereby breaching executive approval and undermining due process.

“This petition is made in good faith and in the collective interest of the people of Delta State,” the petitioners stated.
“We firmly believe that the Delta State House of Assembly, as the representative arm of the people and the guardian of accountability, will act swiftly to address this breach of executive authority and protect the integrity of governance in our State.”

According to the petitioners, the alleged over-employment raises serious governance and ethical concerns, particularly regarding fiscal discipline and institutional accountability.

They called on the Assembly to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recruitment and ensure strict adherence to executive directives in future university operations.

Speaker Guwor reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and oversight, stressing that public institutions must operate within approved limits and uphold the values of responsibility and good governance.