Cross River probes alleged illegal sale of 4000 UNICROSS assets

The Cross River State Government has launched an investigation into the alleged unauthorized auction of assets belonging to the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) by the institution’s immediate past Governing Council.

Multiple petitions accuse the council of violating procurement laws by secretly selling off public property to themselves and other insiders.

The controversial auction, which reportedly took place between May and August 2024, involved approximately 400 items, including eight industrial generators—one of which was a 500KVA generator installed in 2015—as well as several vehicles, including some donated by the immediate past administration of Governor Ben Ayade.

Allegations suggest that these assets were sold directly to council members and other insiders without the legally required public advertisement under the Public Procurement Act. Instead, the university reportedly issued only an internal notice and circular, raising concerns of an attempt to obscure the transactions.

READ ALSO: FG equipping youths to compete globally – Tinubu

In response, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Gilbert Agbor, issued a directive on March 19, 2025, on behalf of the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, mandating an urgent review of the auction.

The government has demanded a comprehensive list of all auctioned assets and official approvals and Governing Council resolutions authorizing the sale; copies of auctioning guidelines and any public advertisements; a list of individuals and entities that acquired the assets; and proof of payments, including account details, total proceeds, and how the funds were managed.

The state government directed that these should be provided within seven working days.

The state government also reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the proper management of public assets, warning that any violations of the law will be met with appropriate sanctions.