A group identifying itself as “Concerned Citizens and Stakeholders” of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the temporary suspension of the institution’s Rector, Alhaji Sani Usman, and an independent investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement, procurement irregularities, abuse of office and recruitment-related concerns.
The petition, addressed to President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, was signed in the name of “Concerned Citizens and Stakeholders, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria.”
The petition does not disclose the names of the individual petitioners or identify a specific organisation behind the submission.
The petitioners said they were acting as citizens and stakeholders concerned about the protection of public resources, institutional integrity and the future of tertiary education.
They stressed that the allegations contained in the petition were presented for independent investigation and verification, rather than as established findings of wrongdoing.
Among their demands is the temporary suspension of Rector Alhaji Sani Usman pending investigation. The petitioners said such a measure should be regarded as an administrative safeguard and not a declaration of guilt.
They also requested a comprehensive forensic audit of the Polytechnic’s finances, including government releases, internally generated revenue, TETFund interventions, procurement, contracts, capital projects, recurrent expenditure, bank transactions, allowances, consultancy payments and other institutional spending.
The petitioners further called for an independent review of recruitment, promotion, conversion and regularisation records, including appointment procedures, qualifications, interview processes, approvals and payroll records.
They alleged that questions had arisen concerning possible nepotism, favouritism and manipulation of recruitment processes, but acknowledged that such allegations require independent verification.
The group also requested an investigation into alleged abuse of administrative authority, including claims concerning victimisation, intimidation, selective application of institutional rules, conflicts of interest and irregular disciplinary actions.
Procurement, projects under scrutiny
On procurement, the petitioners demanded scrutiny of major contracts, including tender processes, participating companies, beneficial ownership, contract sums, payments, variations, completion certificates and the physical execution of projects.
They also urged the authorities to preserve financial, procurement, personnel and electronic records that could be relevant to any investigation.
The petitioners called for the involvement, where appropriate, of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and relevant National Assembly oversight committees.
They also requested protection for staff, students, contractors and other potential witnesses against retaliation or victimisation.
Petitioners: Investigation should establish facts
The petitioners said their objective was not to convict anyone through the media, but to ensure that the allegations are subjected to an independent process capable of establishing the facts.
“If the allegations are false, a transparent investigation will clear those affected and restore confidence in the institution,” they stated.
“If the allegations are established, then the same investigation will provide the legal and evidentiary basis for disciplinary action, prosecution and recovery of public funds.”
The petition concludes by stating that no person or institution named in the document should be regarded as having been found guilty of any offence unless and until such wrongdoing is established by a competent authority or court of law.
Rector contacted for response
The Analyst made several attempts to obtain the Rector’s response to the allegations contained in the petition.
Calls and messages were sent to Alhaji Sani Usman, who indicated that he would call back. However, no substantive response had been received from the Rector as of the time of publication.
The Analyst will publish any response or clarification subsequently provided by the Rector or the management of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi.
The Analyst notes that the petition, as presented to the medium, identifies the petitioning group only as “Concerned Citizens and Stakeholders” and does not name individual petitioners.
All allegations contained in the petition remain allegations requiring independent investigation and verification. No individual or institution mentioned in the petition has been found guilty of any offence on the basis of the allegations.
