The embattled Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Professor Francis Otunta is again under the searchlight of the Economic and Financial Crimes commission, EFCC over questionable movement of funds in his personal bank account.
Theledgerng.com gathered that following the release of N1 billion meant for settlement of certain category of MOUA staff salaries, over N16 million was traced to the account of Prof. Otunta.
It would be recalled that Otunta since assumption of office has embarked on what employees of the university described as a witch-hunt of staff employed by his predecessor, Prof Hilary Edeoga.
It would also be recalled that Otunta placed about 440 staff of the school on suspension without pay before their appointment were finally terminated.
Theledgerng.com however gathered that the remuneration of the suspended employees had already been captured in the 2017 budget of the school and thus the recent release of N1 billion meant for the setlement of their salaries. However, since they had already been terminated, a clique running affairs in the school allegedly shared the fund amongst themselves.
It could not be immediately confirmed whether Otunta approved the action as he has been on sick leave. However it was gathered that hours after the decision to share was made, the sum of N16 million was transferred to Otunta's account from the account of a female staff in his office. The amount was reported first transferred to her account in a micro-finance bank before she transferred same to Otunta's account.
The female staff,(names withheld) was one of the employees recruited by Otunta after assumption of office.
EFCC was reportedly alerted over the transaction by one of the aggrieved sacked employees, but sources at the anti-graft Commission refused to comment on the development when their reaction was sought.
The unfolding controversy of staff recruitment at MOUA is still unfolding as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the University recently called for a Presidential Visitation Panel to conduct “a forensic staff and financial audit” in the institution.
The call contained in a statement signed by its Chairperson, Prof. Chinyere Echendu, and the Secretary, Dr Francis Nkaa.
Both Otunta and Edeoga had variously been named in various financial malfeasance by various interest groups associateed with the university.
Officials from the Vice-Chancellor's office refused to react. They excused themselves explaining that it was a weekend, their off duty days.
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