Bayelsa Poly Council Defends Reappointment Of Rector, Cites Law And Progress. By Chris Mark
Bayelsa Poly Council Defends Reappointment Of Rector, Cites Law And Progress.
By Chris Mark
The Governing Council of Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, has defended its recommendation for the reappointment of Dr. Wisdom Clinton Soreh as Rector for a second term of four years, insisting the decision was based on law, performance, and the need to consolidate ongoing development at the institution.
In a press statement signed by the Council Chairman, DIG Mike Odogu Zuokumor (Rtd.), and made available to newsmen on Thursday, the Council said the move was not influenced by personal interest but by an objective assessment of the Polytechnic’s progress since its relocation to the permanent site at Aleibiri, Ekeremor LGA.
According to the Council, it inaugurated on June 15, 2026, and within 24 hours undertook an inspection of the Polytechnic. It observed extensive renovations, completed and ongoing TETFund projects, modern academic buildings, equipped laboratories, and studios.
The Council linked the visible progress to the Rector’s “diligence, integrity, proactiveness and pragmatic leadership,” particularly in relocating the institution, expanding infrastructure, and securing accreditation for over ten programmes.
The Council said it relied on Section 8 of the Bayelsa State Polytechnic Establishment Law, 2014, which permits a Rector to serve two terms of four years each. It noted that the law does not prescribe an age limit or make retirement a bar to reappointment.
“Considering the Rector’s performance, the visible progress of the Polytechnic, ongoing projects, the need for stability and the statutory provision permitting one further term, Council unanimously recommended his reap mmpointment,” the statement read.
The recommendation, which disclosed that Dr. Soreh had attained 65 years, was forwarded to the Visitor, Governor Douye Diri. The Governor, after referring the matter to the Attorney-General for legal review, approved the reappointment.
The statement comes amid a 14-day ultimatum issued by the Bayelsa State Polytechnic Chapter of ASUP, demanding the reversal of the reappointment and threatening to shut down the school from Friday, August 7, 2026.
The Council described the ultimatum as “a direct challenge to the authority vested in the Visitor” and “a serious threat to industrial harmony, academic activities and the stability of the Polytechnic.”
It said meetings and a subcommittee set up to engage ASUP failed as the Union insisted that reversal was the only option.
The Council warned that any action affecting TETFund interventions, NBTE accreditation, and JAMB admissions would harm students, staff, and the institution’s future. It vowed to take “lawful and appropriate measures” to safeguard non-ASUP staff, students, public assets, and ensure the academic calendar is not disrupted.
“However council maintains that the appointment and reappointment of a Rector does not fall within the jurisdiction of any Union but remains the sole responsibility of the governing council and the Executive Governor and visitor,” the Council stated.
The Council also noted that some ASUP members had dissociated themselves from the planned strike, describing it as the interest of “certain individuals and not a collective decision.”
The Council appealed to all stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding while it continues with constructive engagement in the interest of the Polytechnic.
Governor Diri had on May 23, 2026, attended the Polytechnic’s maiden combined convocation, commissioned projects and expressed satisfaction with the achievements under Dr. Soreh’s leadership.
