Sequel to the publication made by a media outfit few weeks ago claiming that the AG Director of CRS Fire and Rescue Service Mr. Sylvester Okedim Otugbo has no certificate, the Acting Director described the claims as not only baseless but groundless and unfounded.
To address these allegations, Primetime News reached out to Mr. Otugbo, the Acting Director for his response and to provide clarity on the weighty accusations.
He described the claim as baseless and motivated by hatred, noting that they were fabricated by individuals with idle imagination.
I had thought of ignoring the publication, Mr. Otugbo said, but my silence will mean that, truly their claims are in order. However, I will try to be very modest, he stated.
Mr. Otugbo clarified that he studied Accounting at the University of Calabar and graduated in the year 2010, and being a civil servant in a serving capacity according to the civil service rules, received an exemption letter from the National Youth Service Corps. He clearly stated that he is not masquerading himself as a degree holder but a proud degree holder with evidence which were made available to us to support his claim and reference to the university brochure. See the university archive and year of graduation for details.
He said before he was given such a position to handle, the procedures in accordance to the civil service rules where followed starting from recommendation from the then sitting Director Fire and Rescue Service to the mother Ministry, Head of Service and finally the the Civil Service Commission where all promotions of his emanated from.
On his appointment as the Acting Director of Fire Service, Otugbo said the Civil Service Commission followed due process before issuing him a letter as the Acting Director. He further said his appointment was base on qualifications and competence.
Mr. Otugbo thanked His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for turning his administrative scepter towards the Fire Service in regards to the ongoing renovations at Calabar Divisional Fire Station, He said this has been a moral booster to the staffs.
He enjoined the public to shun the fake publication as his leadership of the State Command is bent on serving the good people of Cross River State following His Excellency Mantra of “People First Government”.
He further advice the public to avoid any activity that will endanger their lives and properties and embrace basic safety principles.