LAGOS/Nigeria: Malcolm Omirhobo & Co, serving as Attorneys and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, has directed a formal request to Prof. Emmanuel Adigio, the Vice Chancellor of Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), located in Okerenkoko, Warri South West LGA of Delta State, for the release of some vital documents during the time of the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs) Ongoebi Maureen Orobide Etebu
The correspondence, dated March 11th, 2024, addressed pertinent issues surrounding the tenure of Prof. (Mrs) Orobide Etebu as the Vice Chancellor of the institution.
Chief (Barr) Malcolm Omirhobo, the signatory of the letter, invokes the Freedom of Information Act 2011, underscoring the legal basis for their inquiry. The missive specifically requests Certified True copies of various public documents held by the university during the aforementioned tenure. These documents encompass critical financial and administrative records, aiming to shed light on the utilization of substantial funds allocated to the university.
The requested information includes:
- Confirmation of the receipt and allocation of N3,400,000,000.00 in startup funds from both the Federal Government and the Delta State Government, alongside a N100,000,000.00 donation to the institution under Prof. (Mrs) Ongoebi Maureen Orobide Etebu’s leadership.
- Detailed Financial Statements outlining the allocation and expenditure of the aforementioned funds.
- Comprehensive records of expenditures related to capital projects, including proof of payments and contractual agreements.
- Disclosure of salary and benefit details for Prof. (Mrs) Ongoebi Maureen Orobide Etebu during her tenure as Vice Chancellor.
- Handover notes/documents from Prof. (Mrs) Ongoebi Maureen Orobide Etebu to her successor.
The legal firm emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in public institutions, urging swift compliance with their request. They caution that failure to provide the requested information within seven days may result in legal action under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2011.
Documents obtained by our correspondent confirm the receipt and acknowledgment of the letter by Mr. Ken, Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor of NMU, on March 11th, 2024.
Malcolm Omirhobo & Co’s initiative underscores the crucial role of legal advocacy in upholding transparency and accountability within educational institutions, ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.
SOFT COPY OF THE UBLICATION
MALCOLM OMIRHOBO & CO.
No. 121, Okota Road, Isolo, P.O. Box 7215, Ikeja, Lagos.
Tel: 08033072453
E-mail: chambersofchiefmalcolmomirhobo@gmail.com
11th March 2024
The Vice Chancellor
Nigerian Maritime University (NMU)
Okerenkoko
Warri South West Local Government Area
Delta State.
Dear Sir,
APPLICATION BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, 2011 FOR THE CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES OF CERTAIN PUBLIC DOCUMENTS
We are a firm of Attorneys and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who are passionate about good governance and proper administration at all levels and most particularly within the judicature.
On the strength of the relevant sections of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, we humbly request for the Certified True copies of the following information as they relate to public documents within your custody:
1) Proof of receipt of the sum of N3,400,000,000.00 takeoff funds of the Nigerian Maritime University from the Federal Government and the Delta State Government N100,000,000.00 donation to the Nigerian Maritime University under Prof. (Mrs) Ongoebi Maureen Orobide Etebu as the Vice Chancellor.
2) The Financial Statement of Accounts of the Nigerian Maritime University on the said N3,400,000,000.00 takeoff funds and the Delta State Government N100,000,000.00 donation.
(3) Proof of the total expenditure of the Nigerian Maritime University on the said N3,400,000,000.00 takeoff funds and the Delta State Government N100,000,000.00 donation including List of capital projects of the Nigerian Maritime University.
1
…………………………………………………..Legal practitioners…………………………………………..……………………….
Chief Malcolm Omirhobo B.Sc,Econs, Admin,LLB, BL, Dr. S.M. Oyeghe LLB,BL, Grace Iwu,LLB,BL
- L. Ofuasia LLB,BL,I.C Ernest Ogbaga LLB,BL, B. J. Ebikon LLB,BL
MALCOLM OMIRHOBO & CO.
(4) Proof of payment vouchers for each project mentioned above as well as the contract agreement in respect of the said N3,400,000,000.00 takeoff funds and the Delta State Government N100,000,000.00.
(5) Salary, Emolument, Out of Tour allowance, Out of pocket expenses, payment vouchers of Prof. (Mrs) Ongoebi Maureen Orobide Etebu your predecessor in office from 26/5/2015 to 26/5/2019.
(6) The handover notes/documents of Prof. (Mrs) Ongoebi Maureen Orobide Etebu as Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Maritime University.
We urge you, sir to furnish us with Certified True Copies of the aforesaid documents in the alternative direct any designated official or appropriate authority at the Nigerian Maritime University to supply us with same.
TAKE NOTICE, My Lord, that in the event of any delay or refusal to disclose the information within 7-days from the date of your receipt of this request, we shall be compelled to take lawful and necessary steps to compel you to disclose the information in accordance with Section 20 and other provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
We undertake to bear the financial cost of making the requested information available to us in line with Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
In anticipation of your kind and positive response to this request, please accept the assurances of our esteemed regards.
Thank you.
Yours Faithfully
FOR: MALCOLM OMIRHOBO & CO.
CHIEF MALCOLM EMOKINIOVO OMIRHOBO
2
…………………………………………………..Legal practitioners…………………………………………..……………………….
Chief Malcolm Omirhobo B.Sc,Econs, Admin,LLB, BL, Dr. S.M. Oyeghe LLB,BL, Grace Iwu,LLB,BL
- L. Ofuasia LLB,BL,I.C Ernest Ogbaga LLB,BL, B. J. Ebikon LLB,BL
