From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

 Cross River Basin Development Authority Calabar is engulfed in scandal over missing Tractor which has landed the Managing Director (MD), Bassey Nkposong in trouble.

The mysterious disappearance of MF 275 tractor belonging to the Basin Authority where it was parked, in the premises of the company sparked off trouble in 2023

A  source which had been on the trail  alleged that a component of the tractor had  been recovered from the MD’s personal farm at Anyanganse farm in Akpabuyo local government area which is a few  kilometers away from the state capital  by a crack team of the Nigerian police who had been on the trail.

Investigating Police officer (IPO) ‎Supol Edet Okoho‎ told our reporter that Nkposong had been invited by detectives from Police Anti-robbery unit of the State Investigation Department (SCID) Calabar to answer questions on Tuesday on how N9m tractor mysteriously disappeared from the premises of Basin authority but declined further comments on the issue..

Findings revealed that the tractor was driven out from the premises of Basin Authority when two young men stormed the vehicle yard of Basin Authority on October 6, 2023, at about 6:00PM with 30 litres of diesel, tractor’s battery and authorization letter addressed to the Chief security of the Basin Authority.

The letter purported to have been issued by a high ranking officer in the organization, authorized the release of the tractor to the two strangers so that they can make the tractor available for physical inspection by external auditors, and thereafter be returned to Basin Authority the following day.

Apart from the authorization letter, the two young men also presented to the security supervisor tractor ignition keys that were supposed to be in the custody of the workers’ union chairman Joe Effiong or the MD Bassey Nkposong.

Country director for Rescue Support Initiative (RSI), Ayei Okpa, leading agitation for accountability and transparency in recovery  of missing tractor expressed displeasure over an attempt by management of Basin Authority to victimize the principal Works Superintendent officer Mission Udo, even when the matter is already in court.

Ayei, who is also in charge of arraignment in court with the works officer, expressed shock that those at the top echelon of the parastatal cannot exonerate themselves regarding the missing tractor only to rope the works officer in suit No. MC/188C/2024 at the magistrate court presided by Chief Magistrate E.A Orim of being responsible for the theft of the missing tractor.

However a letter, reference No:CRB/AD/M.5/5/Vol XIII dated September 10, 2024 inviting the works superintendent to appear before a disciplinary committee set up by management of Basin Authority was jettisoned by the court, as that will amount to taking the law into their hands and as such declared the invitation null and void.

When contacted, on the issue, workers’ union chairman Cross River Basin authority, Joseph Etim Effiong for his input on the issue he said, “I can’t speak with a journalist on telephone unless you visit our office.

In his remarks, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Cross River State, Irene Ugbo said, “I will get back to you once I get input from Supol Edet Effiong who is the investigating police officer (IPO).

Managing director of Cross River Basin Authority CRBDA Bassey Nkposong, in a telephone conversation denied any wrongdoing saying that it’s the handwork of black mailers who were interested in pulling him down.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Ijaw Patriotic Movement, (IPM) has inaugurated its pioneer executive members in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital to fight against environmental degradation plaguing the Niger Delta region.

They also pledge to evolve policies and programmes aimed at tackling the devastating ecological challenges facing Ijaw land headlong.

The matron of IPM, Irene Digitemie Opuene who spoke as a special guest of honour at the inauguration ceremony noted that Ijaw land is bedeviled with a lot of ecological problems owing largely to its coastal and riverine nature, emphasizing that this has made flooding of Ijaw lands a common sight, particularly during the raining seasons.

Irene further opined that the situation is increasingly worrisome and all patriotic Ijaw sons and daughters must come together to proffer lasting solutions to the issue, adding that erosion has eaten deep into almost every part of Ijaw land and it is presently threatening the socio-economic wellbeing and harmonious co-existence of Ijaws, especially at the grassroots level.

She however urged members of IPM to rekindle their commitment to the new executive members by making themselves available whenever the need arises, stressing that the emergence of the body should be seen as a calculated attempt to compliment the roles being played by other existing bodies like the Ijaw National Congress, (INC), the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Movement For The Sovereignty Of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality (MOSIEND).

In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Archbishop Steven Overy who represented His Royal Majesty, King Godspower Oporomo, the King of Kerebiri Kingdom encouraged the newly inaugurated executives of IPM to form a formidable synergy that can stand the test of time, advising them to put in their best so as to accomplish their vision for Ijaw nation.

Archbishop Steven Overy equally tasks every member of IPM to support the aims and aspirations of the new executive members, noting that this is the surest way to inspire them to contribute their quota to the overall socio-economic development of Ijaw nation.

The clergy admonished them never to be dismayed when challenges confront them in the course of discharging their duties but should rather be resolute and determined to surmount any challenge, noting that every member of IPM should imbibe the spirit of togetherness as it is the only way they can succeed in their respective assignments.

In his inaugural address, the President of IPM, Comrade Mislaw Genren opined that Ijaws all over the country have divergent cultures, values, heritages and traditions, reiterating that the vision of IPM is to evolve policies that would bring all Ijaws together under one specific umbrella by canvassing for a central King, common language, the celebration of Ijaw national day and the routing for Ijaw traditional rulers to be included in the payroll of the Federal Government to enable them move round all Ijaw speaking states and campaign for the unity and harmonious co-existence of Ijaws.

The inaugurated executives members include the National President, National Vice President, the General Secretary, National Women Leader, Publicity Secretary, National Financial Secretary, National Treasurer, National Legal Adviser , Organizing Secretary, Director Of Mobilisation, Director Of Welfare, Provost and Director Of Administration.

Others were the Eastern, Western and Central Zone Chairmen of the body.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

A female sociocultural group under the Izon Ladies Association (ILA) on Wednesday conducted a sensitization campaign at Bishop Diemeri Grammar School Ovom in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on the Ideals of Boy Child.

The event aimed to educate students about the importance of good behavior and the dangers of social vices.

In her opening speech, President of ILA Bayelsa, Meg Agidee emphasized the need for students to avoid negative influences and cultivate positive habits.

Agidee encouraged the young students to be role models in their communities and resist peer pressure that could lead them astray.

She also called on other civil society groups to look towards the boy child, because “the neglected boy child today will marry our daughters tomorrow.

The campaign featured several speakers who addressed various aspects of youth development and challenges. Dr. Stella Ugolo delivered a presentation titled “The Ideal Boy Child,” focusing on the qualities that define a well-nurtured child.

Hon. Patricia Isenah followed with her version of the same theme, highlighting contemporary issues faced by boys today.

Christy Ebelli addressed the potential dangers posed by modern devices in her talk, “Devices Can Destroy the Ideal Boy Child.” She discussed how excessive screen time and exposure to harmful content can negatively impact children’s development.

Beatrice Koroye concluded the series of talks with a discussion on “Legal Implications for Deviant Behavior of the Ideal Boy Child.” She outlined the legal consequences of engaging in criminal activities and stressed the importance of understanding laws to guide behavior.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Dame Grace Fiepere, who reiterated the significance of nurturing ideal children for a better future.

Attendees enjoyed light refreshments before Chief Lilian Okus led a closing prayer, emphasizing unity and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

The sensitization campaign was well received, with students actively participating in discussions and asking questions about the topics presented.

The ILA’s initiative reflects a commitment to empowering youths in Bayelsa State and fostering a generation that is aware of its responsibilities and potential.