The management of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Delta State, has issued stern warnings to staff over the unauthorized leaking of official documents, as tensions mount amid multiple petitions and corruption allegations against its Principal, Dr. Samuel Onoji.
During a recent town hall meeting, Dr. Onoji, who has been in office since November 7, 2024, revealed that he had received 12 petitions filed with anti-graft agencies including the EFCC and ICPC, accusing him of age falsification, misappropriation of funds, and other misconduct.
“These 12 petitions are like answering JAMB questions,” Onoji remarked, downplaying the significance of the complaints. “If you want to be Principal, just say it. Don’t hide behind anonymous petitions.”
While acknowledging the Freedom of Information Act’s legal provisions, he cautioned staff about leaking internal documents, warning that violators would face severe consequences that could affect their families as well.
Leaked Docs and Travel Sanctions
Dr. Onoji’s administration is also cracking down on staff movements. A March 19 circular signed by Mark G. Adebola on behalf of the Registrar emphasized that unauthorized travel is a dismissible offense under the Public Service Rules (2021) and the institute’s internal handbook.
The circular cites persistent violations by employees leaving their workstations to allegedly submit petitions in Abuja, prompting a renewed directive for strict adherence to duty post policies. The HRD department is expected to conduct spot checks to ensure compliance.
“Absence from duty without permission constitutes serious misconduct punishable by dismissal,” the memo reads.
A Legacy of Scandals
Some Reporters previously uncovered a 2020 30-page internal report that exposed over N1 billion in misappropriated funds at PTI. At least 10 staff members were implicated, including Dr. Onoji himself, who then served as Director of Services.
The report found:
– N400 million misappropriated
– Contractors listed without their knowledge
– Payments approved without audit certification
– Renovation projects totaling over N900 million lacked oversight
Dr. Onoji’s decision to grant amnesty to indicted officials recently sparked outrage among staff, who view it as an abuse of power and a bid to protect loyalists.
As internal resistance grows, many observers question whether the administration’s clampdown on staff is a defensive move to silence whistleblowers rather than a genuine effort to restore order.
