Former ASCETA Provost Protests Order to Return Official Vehicle Amid N120m Debt

Dr. Phillips Nto, the immediate past provost of the Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu (ASCETA), currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Abia Judicial Panel's directive to return his official vehicle amidst an outstanding debt of N120 million.

Dr. Nto, who served almost two terms in office, highlighted that the present Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, terminated the appointments of several heads of state-owned institutions, including ASCETA, upon assuming office last year. He contends that, according to government regulations, he is entitled to retain his official vehicle, a practice followed by other heads of institutions.

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In addition to protesting the panel's decision, Dr. Nto raised concerns about the contradictory orders issued within a span of two days regarding the return of the vehicle. Expressing discomfort with the swiftness of the execution, he remarked, "There seems to be something fishy about the whole drama."

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Dr. Nto believes that the panel's actions may be politically motivated, suggesting a possible persecution due to his association with the previous governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. He urged Governor Otti to ensure that the panel's proceedings align with the government's broader objectives rather than being exploited for personal vendettas.

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While emphasizing his willingness to comply with the panel's orders, Dr. Nto appealed for a fair and thorough examination of the circumstances, including the outstanding debt owed to him, before the recovery of the official vehicle. The controversy surrounding this case adds another layer to the ongoing discourse on the government's handling of state-owned institutions and their former heads.