Unical Crisis: Police Investigates Unical Bursar Over Alleged Threat to Life

Impounds official vehicles, private cars

By Bassey Inyang

The Nigerian police has confirmed that it was investigating the bursar of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Mr. Peter Agi, over financial dealings involving his office.

The public relations officer of the Cross River State police command, Irene Ugbo, while responding to inquiries concerning the invitation of the bursar to the headquarters of the command in Calabar, said   he was being investigated based on a petition from a member of staff of the university against him.

The protocol officer of the university, Mr. Godwin Nyiam, told THISDAY on Friday that he sent a petition to the police concerning a threat to his life by Agi, as well as issues that had to do with some financial dealings involving the bursar’s office.

Investigation by THISDAY indicates that the police has impounded four vehicles that were in possession of the bursar and also withdrawn policemen attached to his office.

Asked why the bursar has been reporting to the police daily since Monday, Irene stated that the investigation was ongoing, so the bursar will continue to report to the police whenever he is required to do so.

Agi has been having a running battle with the management of the university under the watch of its vice chancellor, Professor Zana Akpagu, a development which led to an outbreak of violence on campus on Monday, August 15, this year, when some workers staged a protest march against him.

On campus, groups have continued to air their diverse views on the face-off between the bursar and some management staff.

A group of workers operating under the aegis of Voice of Conscience, UNICAL, issued a press statement condemning the crisis which they blamed on the bursar.

The press statement signed by coordinator of the group, Moses Ekpo, read in part: “The people of conscience condemn in totality the ugly development of highhandedness by the bursar, Mr Peter Agi, on members of the university management, staff and students.”