Findings have revealed plans by the management of University of Uyo, UNIUYO to eliminate the employment records of a star witness, Daniel Akpan at the ongoing Akwa-Ibom State Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Uyo.
Akpan, an administrative officer of the University had during his testimony at the tribunal stated that Governor Umo Eno’s West African Examination Council, WAEC certificates for 1981, 1983 and 1998, as well as the Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) receipt for the payment of the certification and other documents invalidating Eno’s university credentials were certified by him.
Young Progressives Party, YPP, Governorship candidate, Senator Albert Bassey Akpan is challenging Governor Eno’s victory at the poll on several grounds including that he (Eno) never graduated from University of Uyo as stated in his credential on INEC form.
To prove his case, Senator Akpan obtained a certified true copy of Eno’s files in UNIUYO which was endorsed by Danie Akpan.
But before Daniel Akpan’s testimony at the tribunal, the university’s Director of Academic Affairs, Dr Ime Akpabio had told the panel members that he (Daniel Akpan) was not a staff of the university and could not have endorsed the CTC of Governor Eno’s controversial school records which indicated that the governor was expelled from UNIUYO
Daniel Akpan however shocked the tribunal when he presented his employment letter, salary payment and promotion slip to show that he is indeed a staff of the university .
Immediately after his testimony, there were failed attempts by security personnel reportedly acting under the instruction of the state government to arrest the witness and coarse him to recant his testimony.
Daniel now lives in fear of his life but since his testimony, there has been an uneasy calm in the university over the damage that his revelation would cost Governor Eno and the university management.
This platform reliably gathered that UNIUYO management is now doing everything possible to eliminate Daniel Akpan’s records in the university.
Although the plot might just be a futile effort as the IPPIS which contains Daniel Akpan employment records is a national platform, a reliable source close to the university authority told this platform that the university is working on a new plot to cover its track.
The source said: “Just like they made sure Mr Umo Eno’s file in the school records is no where to be found, they are now planning to mutilate, pilfer and remove parts if not all the records in Mr Daniel Akpan’s employment file to eliminate proof that he is an employee of the University.
“This scheme by UNIUYO to protect a criminal act they should show high disciplinary standard against and an unwarranted move to deprive a staff of all employee evidence in a bid to seal their support contract with Umo Eno has yet reduce the competency and disciplinary standard of not only the VC, but the entire staff involved in the scheme.
“This University has been known for discipline and one man’s greed should not ruin that standard,”
Expressing concern over the plot, another staff of the institution who did not want his name revealed said: “Mr Daniel’s employment file and documents should be complete, intact and untouched as this will further expose the institution to the limelight for indiscipline and setting standards for criminality.”
