Group Threatens To Drag Ex-UNICAL Bursar To Anti-graft Agencies Over Fraud

A Civil society group, the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET)has said it is ready to provide the anti-corruption agencies with documented evidence of alleged frauds committed by ex-bursar of the University of Calabar, Mr Peter Agi.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, CESJET Executive Director, Joyce Adamu said the Centre has commenced full scale forensic investigations into the activities that led to his sack and will turn over its discoveries to the anti-graft agencies.

She alleged that for man who just graduated from the University in 2004, Mr Agi has acquired so many properties scattered across Calabar city which are by far above his legitimate earnings.

According to her, the action of the group is in line with the whistle blower policy of the federal government’s anti corruption campaign.

Adamu alleged that Mr. Agi in his about four years as bursar in the university, was part of the gross misapplication of funds and fraud that permeated the institution, a regime that ceased with the assumption of Prof. Akpanagu as the new Vice Chancellor.

The CESJET Executive Director also raised an alarm over reports that some persons are mobilizing hoodlums for the purpose of posing as protesting students of the UNICAL to cause mayhem.

She said the plot may not be unconnected with the embattled former bursar of the university, Mr. Peter Agi, who has remained bitter after being relieved of his post over corruption related charges.

According to her, these protesters will then proceed to cause maximum damage to infrastructure at the university while also attacking the genuine students if they should dare question the destruction of their institution.

She said, “He is a confused man who has soiled his hands with public funds and afraid of approaching equity since his hands are clean.
He should face the Police in Calabar to explain his complicity in the criminal allegations leveled against him before a competent court.

“His recent attempt to blackmail the leadership of University to us is an attempt to divert attention from his unholy acts which set both students and members of the institution on a collision course with Mr. Agi’s ego and penchant for mischief which is known everywhere in the University.

“If he is confident that his hands are clean he is free to approach equity and should then exercise patience for the outcome. Mr Agi has gone before the National Industrial Court in Uyo and should be patient for the judiciary to do its work.

She accused the ex-bursar of sponsoring negative propaganda against the University as well as importing cultists and thugs to the school premises to harass and harangue staff that he advertently short changed.

She said, “CESJET notes that Mr Agi could not have embarked on this destructive crusade alone. He is clearly doing the hatchet job for certain vested interests.

“We have traced the connection and we know who his backers are and we also know their motives. We have become aware of meetings at which it was agreed that UNICAL should be sabotaged so that it can be used as an example of how the anticorruption fight is crippling institutions.”