C’River commissioner nominee Igwe not facing EFCC probe – Group
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
A socio political group, the Cross River New Renaissance has refuted allegations that Dr. Beatrice Igwe, a commissioner nominee in the state is facing a probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The group made their feelings known in a release made available in Calabar and jointly signed by Comrade Mike Agbor (Chairman), Comrade Essien Nyong Essien (Secretary) and Justus Okoh Public Relations Officer( PRO).
According to them, statements authored by some faceless groups in the state about an ongoing probe by the EFCC displays their ignorance of the workings of government.
Setting the facts straight, the group said that Dr. Beatrice Igwe ‘had issues with the former Governing Council Board Chairman, Dr. Nkechi Nworgu, towards the tail end of Council; this led to some misunderstanding between her and the Board and her subsequent suspension over irreconcilable differences.
“However when the present board led by Gen (Retd) Agwai came in, they reviewed all allegations levelled against her and found her not culpable of any financial mismanagement or alleged misapplication of funds.
“Consequently, the board cleared her and reinstated her into office and restored all benefits and entitlements due her, and at the expiration of her tenure which was fully served, a new Bursar was appointed to take over from her, the new Bursar has since assumed duties.
“Based on the above revelation which quashed the allegation of impropriety and on completion of her tenure, she was appointed as Director Unical Liaison with effect from March 2023 by the Vice Chancellor. One wonders if it was possible to appoint someone who is facing charges of graft in such a sensitive position?
“It was while serving there, still in UNICAL employ, that she was nominated as Commissioner Nominee.
“We can, therefore, state without fear of contradiction, that Dr. Beatrice Igwe is NOT facing any EFCC probe or investigation as being alleged by some disgruntled persons;
“That it was absolutely wrong for mischief makers to allege that the Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, had a hand in her ordeals with the former Board Chairman.
“Mrs Igwe served the UNICAL Community diligently and professionally”, the group said.
The group urged Cross Riverians and the Yala Community both at home and in Diaspora to disregard such spurious statement and allegations intended to ridicule the reputation and integrity of Dr. Mrs Beatrice Igwe.