Prof Princewill W. Igbagara Faces Eligibility Questions Over Dual Public Appointments in Bayelsa

Fresh controversy has emerged over the eligibility of Prof. Princewill Woyinbrakemi Igbagara to contest for the position of member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency under the platform of the APC, following allegations that he simultaneously held appointments in both the Federal University Otuoke and the Bayelsa State Government.

Documents obtained by our correspondent show that Igbagara was appointed as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Federal University Otuoke in November 2021, following a transfer of service from the University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun. The appointment letter indicated that he was employed on CONUASS 5/7 salary structure with effect from November 11, 2021.

Another document sighted by our correspondent revealed that the academic was later promoted to the rank of Reader in Chemical Engineering in September 2024, with the promotion taking effect from October 1, 2023. The promotion letter, signed by the university registrar, stated that the approval was granted during the institution’s 22nd Governing Council Meeting.

However, a petition submitted to the national leadership of the APC by a group identified as “Concerned Citizens of Bayelsa West” alleged that Prof. Igbagara concurrently served as a lecturer at the federal institution while also occupying the position of Special Adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State on Science and Technology.

The petition, signed by Ayebatonye Prebor and copied to the APC National Chairman, National Secretary and Bayelsa State Chairman, questioned whether the aspirant had complied with constitutional and public service requirements necessary for participation in elective politics.

According to the petitioners, the alleged dual roles raise concerns bordering on conflict of interest, abuse of office and possible violation of public service regulations guiding political participation by civil servants.

The petition specifically referenced Section 66(1)(f) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that no person shall be qualified for election into the National Assembly if such a person remains employed in the public service of the federation or a state and has not resigned, withdrawn or retired at least 30 days before the election.

The petitioners also cited Rule 030422 of the Public Service Rules, which prohibits public officers from holding political offices or presenting themselves as candidates for elective positions without express government approval.

They subsequently called on the APC leadership to conduct a thorough investigation into the employment and political appointment status of the professor and determine whether he fulfilled all legal requirements to contest for public office.

When contacted for his reaction, Prof. Igbagara told our correspondent that he was currently in transit and not disposed to speak on the allegations at the moment.

“I am in transit so it is not convenient for me to talk. I have your number, I will call you as soon as it is convenient for me to call,” he said.

This report will be updated once Prof. Igbagara provides his full response or clarification on the issues raised.