11/08/2023
SU Suspension: ZTC-EFCC UDUS Begins Journey of Accountability, Transparency
Muhammad Habibat Sani reports,
The Zero Tolerance for Corruption (ZTC), Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto has on Thursday 10th of August 2023 held a meeting at its secretariat at exactly 5:00 pm responding to the suspension of some executives of the Students' Union.
The Chairman of the Investigative Panel, Ghazali Ibrahim revealed that the ZTC had received petitions and had diligently convened investigative meetings and is poised to summon all parties implicated for a session on Saturday.
At the meeting, the Chairman also expounded upon the nature of the petitions, detailing that numerous students expressing grievances, had formalized their concerns through written appeals.
He stated that on August 7th, 2023, the committee received petitions from students, some anonymous, and even one from the SRA.
Following this, the ZTC dispatched correspondence to the suspended executive members of the Student Union.
On August 8th, 2023, most recipients acknowledged the ZTC's letter, except the financial secretary who is yet to respond. Although the fair hearing is scheduled for August 12th, 2023, the ZTC felt to dispatch electronic copies of the letter. To uphold these principles, various prominent offices within the school, such as the dean and the chief security officer, have been copied on all correspondence related to the investigation.
Promptly, a press conference was convened followed by a call to the Dean of Students Affairs to avail him of the unfolding investigation. The Dean expressed interest in meeting and, subsequently, proposed that the ZTC awaits his report and then swing into action. Consulting the legal adviser, it was confirmed that the ZTC had the right to pursue its constitutional duties unhindered.
As of yesterday, the ZTC delegation engaged with the Dean, intimating to him of their intent to commence formal proceedings, post-discussion with the suspended executives.
The association noted that key inquiries will include: Unearthing signatories of the student account as the Treasurer claimed he was not involved, questioning the reason why the Chairman and the Vice chairman of the CTC that refused to account for their finance are still part of the advisory committee, and ask if the present administration doesn't have the signatories suggesting that last year's signatories are in control of the funds.
The ZTC is ready to unravel the truth as it embarks on a journey toward transparency and accountability.