University of the South Pacific (USP) pro-chancellor and chair of the USP Council, Winston Thompson, and the chairman of the USP Audit and Risk Committee (ARC), Mahmood Khan, may face censure and possible “action” from the USP Council for holding a press conference on September 11, 2020.
This, according to a letter sent by USP chancellor and President of Nauru, Lionel Rouwen Aingimea, to Mr Thompson on September 18, calling for a special council meeting to consider these measures.
Eleven other members of the USP Council are supporting the convening of the special council meeting, including vicechancellor and president of USP, Prof Pal Ahluwalia.
Mr Thompson had called a press conference on September 11 where he said he accepted the decision of the USP Council to terminate all investigations against Mr Ahluwalia, but added there was a disconnect between the USP management and the USP Council.
Mr Khan was also present at the press conference.
USP chancellor, Mr Aingimea, is proposing that the council consider taking “action” against Mr Thompson and Mr Khan.
He has accused both of “campaigning against the vice-chancellor and the recent decision of the USP Council”.
“The pro-chancellor and the chair ARC, who have publicly challenged the 4th September, 2020 decision of the council to terminate the proceedings against the allegations on vice-chancellor,” Mr Aingimea said in the letter.
He said the council needed to discuss action to be taken against the duo in regards to statements they made against the council “who is the supreme authority of USP”.
Mr Thompson yesterday confirmed he had received the letter from the USP chancellor.
“I have received the letter,” he said.
“I will have to call a council meeting.”
When asked about the agenda and call for “action” against him and Mr Khan, Mr Thompson said the matter was for “consideration by the council”.
When contacted Mr Khan said he was advised of the special council meeting.
“My job as chairman is to investigate and report to the council and it seems they want me out now,” he said.
The convening of the special council meeting is supported by Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, vice-chancellor of USP Mr Ahluwalia, Senate representative Prof Surendra Prasad, staff representative Dr Robin Havea, co-opted member Semi Tukana and student representatives Joseph Sua and Viliame Naulivou.
Under the council’s rules, the meeting has to be convened before September 28.
