The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council  of the Univer?sity of Uyo, Prof. Kimse Okoko says he has never been corrupt and shall eternally remain incorruptible in running the affairs of the institution.

This pledge came in reaction to some local newspaper publications alleging misappropriation of the University funds and irregularities in selection of the Vice-Chancellor elect, Prof. Enefiok Essien, Dean, Faculty of Law.

It could be recalled that some local tabloids circulating in Akwa Ibom State have since conclusion of selection of Prof Essien to Succeed Prof Comfort Ekpo published stories alleging questionable character on the person of the VC elect. Such publications have also made references to court cases held in such regards.

Defending the university’s image during a press briefing over the weekend in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital, Prof Okokk said the election /selection of the VC-elect was painstakingly conducted in accordance with the universities (miscellaneous Provision) Act 1993 and (Amended) Act 2003.

“A total of eleven (11) applicants were shortlisted at the first meeting of the selection board held on September 04, 2015. The shortlisted applicants comprised of ten (10) independent candidates and (1) from the contacts made by the search team”.

“The joint council and Senate Selection board interacted with the applicants individually using the criteria (including the scoring guide) as determined by the selection board and thereafter recommended the best three applicants to the governing council for the appointment of one of them as Vice Chancellor”. He explained.

 Prof. Enefiok Essien, according to the Pro-Chancellor, recorded highest number of votes from the three earlier selected and was unanimously approved as the incoming Vice Chancellor to take over at the end of the present administration, expected to end  November 2015.

Okoko however regretted that no one filed a petition against the incoming Vice Chancellor throughout the process of the formalities that led to his selection, as the case should have been. He therefore frowned at the insult meted on his personality and the image of the institution by those he described as faceless and homeless reporters who are used to advance the allegations that the process was compromised.

Reacting to the allegation of misappropriation of funds, Okoko said he has over the years maintained his Integrity and will remain incorruptible. He noted that his decision to keep a clean reputation has kept him and his council members off the institution’s contracts to avoid undue distractions.