By Abasi ItaÂ
The Director General of Good Governance Advocacy International, Sir Leonard Anyogo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to review the process for appointing a substantive Rector for the Federal Polytechnic Ugep, stressing that fairness and the federal character principle should guide the final decision.
Speaking at a press briefing in Calabar on Thursday, Anyogo said national development should not come at the expense of peaceful and law abiding states such as Cross River. He cautioned against what he described as a trend in which orderly states are overlooked in key federal appointments.
According to him, Cross River’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country should not be misconstrued as a lack of interest in equitable representation. He noted that the people of the state have consistently expressed their concerns through lawful and peaceful means rather than aggressive agitation.
He argued that good governance should reward civility and fairness, warning that unresolved grievances and perceptions of injustice have contributed to insecurity in parts of the country.
Anyogo also referenced the 2002 judgment of the International Court of Justice which ceded the Bakassi Peninsula from Nigeria, noting that Cross River endured significant losses from the decision yet maintained peace. He said the state’s calm disposition should not result in marginalisation.
The group reaffirmed its support for Dr Okimba Peter Etaba, who was recommended by the institution’s Governing Council for appointment as Rector. Anyogo stated that Etaba, a PhD holder in Computer Science trained in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, satisfied all requirements and emerged through due process.
He noted that while the council has completed its statutory role by forwarding a recommendation, the President retains the final authority to appoint. He appealed for a careful review of the recommendation in line with federal character provisions and equity in public service appointments.
Responding to questions from journalists, Anyogo dismissed claims that the group’s position constituted a threat to the Federal Government, describing the briefing as a call for justice rather than confrontation. He said peaceful civic engagement remains a legitimate democratic right.
He further argued that perceived imbalances elsewhere should not justify what he termed a present inequity, adding that principles of fairness must be applied consistently.
Anyogo clarified that he spoke solely in his capacity as Director General of Good Governance Advocacy International and not on behalf of the Cross River State Government. He, however, expressed confidence that the state would support any qualified indigene recommended through due process.
He urged the President to consider Cross River’s contributions to the establishment of the polytechnic and ensure that justice, fairness and national unity guide the final decision.