Dan Orbih dares Okpebholo, insists VC recruitment he supervised takes precedence over gov’s interest

Crusaderhotnews

The controversy over the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor for Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has intensified, with members of the institution’s Governing Council insisting that due process was followed in the recruitment exercise.

A university official familiar with the process told reporters that the Governing Council, chaired by Chief Dan Osi Orbih, had completed its task in line with the university’s enabling laws.

“The VC recruitment exercise was conducted strictly in line with the University’s laws, culminating in the shortlisting of three qualified names that were duly forwarded to the Governor,” the official explained.

According to the source, the state government’s handling of the matter has cast doubts on a process that should ordinarily strengthen public trust. “Instead of providing clear leadership, the government has allowed petitions and backroom maneuvers to undermine confidence in the institution,” the source said.

Another member of the governing council described the situation as symptomatic of a wider problem. “This lack of clarity and constant double-speaking by the state government has only deepened public mistrust. A government that cannot manage a straightforward Vice-Chancellor recruitment without unnecessary drama exposes its own weakness and disregard for due process,” the member remarked.

Insiders argued that the issue was no longer just about the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor but about the health of governance in Edo State. “If a lawful process, advertised publicly, supervised by a governing council, and backed by the enabling law, can still be thrown into confusion by political meddling, then no institution in Edo State is safe from interference,” one insider said.

They called on Governor Okpebholo to respect the sanctity of due process. “Edo people deserve a government that inspires trust, not one that thrives on confusion and contradictions,” another council source maintained.

Academic observers within the institution also warned of the long-term consequences. “Our institutions must be protected from political manipulation if Edo is to progress,” an observer cautioned.