Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas Refutes False Claims Against Rector Over SUG Elections in Bonny

The Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, has dismissed what it described as a malicious and false narrative targeted at its Rector, Dr. Victor Okolobah, and the institution’s reputation.

The controversy stems from the Students’ Union Government (SUG) elections, scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025. According to the Polytechnic, the process was disrupted when external elements posing as students brought forward an individual who had not undergone the required screening and attempted to impose her participation on the Electoral Committee.

The development led to heated arguments, prompting the Polytechnic Management to suspend the elections until due process could be followed. However, the President of the National Union of Bonny Students (NUBS), Mr. Precious Jumbo, reportedly released a statement accusing Dr. Okolobah of attempting to impose a Yoruba candidate on the students — a claim the institution has now described as unfounded.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Anthony Ogbe (SAR)(MCAI), the Polytechnic stressed that Dr. Okolobah is a man of integrity who has always operated within established norms. It added that the Rector, a Delta State indigene, has no interest in influencing the outcome of student elections, and that such claims were fabricated to discredit his leadership.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Okolobah met the institution without a Students’ Union Government in place and has made deliberate efforts to revive it. How then would he sabotage the very process he helped resuscitate?” the statement read.

The Management strongly condemned what it termed “orchestrations designed to sabotage the progressive developments going on in the institution,” urging members of the public to disregard unverified claims.

The Polytechnic reiterated its commitment to transparency, dialogue, and the rule of law in handling student affairs.