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The Director-Normal of Initiatives Growth Institute, Enugu, Dr Charles Agulanna, with the backing of the Minister of Science and Know-how, Ogbonnaya Onu, has remained in workplace regardless of being suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari, SaharaReporters has gathered.
President Buhari had on October 9 authorized the advice of Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Authorities of the Federation, for the suspension of Agulanna over acts of gross misconduct together with contract-splitting, misappropriation of funds, extended absence from responsibility with out go away, nepotism and insubordination, amongst others.
Previously referred to as Analysis and Manufacturing Division of the previous Jap Area, the institute was the manufacturing engine room for the prosecution of the civil conflict below the defunct Biafra Republic.
After the civil conflict, it was renamed PRODA and enlisted as one of many 17 companies below the Ministry of Science and Know-how.
The institute pioneered the primary made-in-Nigeria ‘automobile’, branded PRODA. The low-cost prototype was taken on a roadshow throughout the nation.
“Nevertheless, in view of the peculiarity of the truth that prima-facie case has been made towards the PRODA DG on this case, in addition to the necessity to make sure that the investigation course of is truthful, unbiased and thorough, Your Excellency is invited to think about and approve the next measures.
“The instant suspension of the Director Normal of Initiatives Growth Institute (PRODA), Enugu.
“The instant graduation of the Impartial Investigation proposed by my workplace in compliance with Round Ref No, SGF/OP/I.S.3/T/163 of 19th Might, 2020.
“Probably the most senior Director ought to oversee the affairs of the company as Appearing DG/CEO, pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the advice to the President learn.
Sources on the institute informed SaharaReporters that the minister rejected the directive of the President and requested the suspended DG to not handover to any senior official.
Not glad, Onu constituted one other panel to research Agulanna towards President Buhari’s directive that solely the SGF can represent such committee.
“The Minister for Science and Know-how after failing in his try to dismiss the board’s suggestions and upon getting the information of Mr President’s approval of the DG’s suspension, instantly constituted a committee of investigation on the topic which’s but to be inaugurated.
“As a result of within the minister’s early memo which the SGF disregarded, he claimed his workplace was going to hold out investigation, when it’s clear in a round dated Might 19, 2020 that the one function the ministry has is to take a place on the Board’s advice and talk identical to the ultimate arbiter (the SGF).
“A member of the stated minister’s committee is an embattled Nationwide Secretary of ASURI and likewise from the identical village with the DG, whom him the DG has used over time to suppress unionists within the institute. This man was below investigation by the EFCC and ICPC and has been indicted over allegations of corruption and the union is presently factionalized at nationwide stage due to complete insecurity in him,” a supply informed SaharaReporters.
The supply additionally accused Senator Uche Ekwunife and Hon. Beni Lar, each chairmen of the Nationwide Meeting Committee on Science and Know-how of pressurising the SGF to ignore the President’s directive.
SaharaReporters recall that the board of PRODA on the finish of its latest quarterly assembly held on June 21 by way of June 25, 2020, really useful the suspension of the Agulanna.
This was after the institution of a case towards him following a question on March 2, 2020.
The assembly was chaired by board chairman, Daniel Onjeh.
Agulanna was indicted for alleged misappropriation of funds, extended absence from responsibility with out go away, nepotism, corruption and insubordination.
He was additionally accused of suppression of significant info, sabotage, amongst others.
The suspension of the DG for six months was in keeping with Chapter 3, Part four and Subsection 030406, of the Public Service Guidelines.
It’s also in compliance with the round issued by the Secretary to the Authorities of the Federation with Ref. No: SGF/OP/I.S.3/T/163 and dated Might 19.
The board’s Institutions Committee was directed to research the allegations towards Agulanna and to submit its report inside six months.
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