By Seun Ibiyemi
Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Comm. Duja Effedua has cleared the air on some media reports alleging an audit discovery of the alleged Infractions of N1.5billion from the academy’s account into a private account.
When contacted by journalists, Effedua said the issue predates his appointment as the uncovered infractions happened before he was appointed as Rector of the school.
He said the total figure was a compilation of infractions from 2011 to 2017 and the Auditor General’s report on it was released in 2018.
The Rector added that he was only invited as the incumbent Chief Executive to inform the National Assembly about what he knows as regards the findings.
While describing some news headlines on the matter as sensational and misleading , the Rector added that such reports could misinform members of the public if not correctly put out.
He expressed surprise that while most journalists reporting the issue had put it in proper perspective, a few decided to sensationalize it to paint the institution in bad light.
The rector also said withdrawals from the academy’s account since he resumed is being done through the Treasury Single Account (TSA ) system as applies to all Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), not through commercial banks.
He recalled that government agencies transactions through commercial banks had happened before his time in the academy.
“ I got to know about this Infraction recently this year when I was invited by a House of Representatives Committee looking into the issue. I also sought for the committee’s support in getting to the root of the matter.
“Some of the people involved in running the affairs of the academy then are either dead or retired while the ones on ground now were junior in rank when the transactions transpired and could not give details. Some of them are not talking
“It is important for reporters to situate facts properly to avoid misinforming the public and make the academy, which is focused on attaining international standards , look bad in the eyes of the public
“The attempt at misinforming the public on this matter is deliberate and should be discontinued. I am in support of whatever move the National Assembly with the Auditor General’s Office are taking to get to the roots of the issue
“I am aware the committee has directed the Auditor General to look deeper into the issue and we shall be seeking their assistance from time to time in ensuring probity in the management of funds available to the academy,” Effedua said.