In response to recent developments regarding the appointment of the Acting Director of the Cross River State Fire Service, the findings of our investigative reporter highlight a discrepancy between the announced directive and the directive to reinstate Emmanuel Ajom citing available records.
Contrary to the directive to reinstate Mr. Emmanuel Ajom, our investigation reveals that the nominal roll sighted by our reporter clearly shows that Mr. Otugbo Okedim as the next in line for the position of Director, Cross River State Fire Service.
Moreover, it’s noted that the move to appoint Mr. Otugbo was in accordance with the provisions of the Cross River State Civil Service rules and not through any clandestine maneuvers, as suggested.
A source familiar with the event spoke with our reporter on good authority giving insights into the melodrama as thus.
After the last general promotion that was conducted in the Cross State Civil Service, Mr. Sylvester Otugbo Okedim was promoted to the Rank of an Assistant Director of Fire Service grade level 14 in 2016 while Mr. Emmanuel Ajom was promoted to the rank of Chief Fire Officer grade level 13 as of 2016. This clearly show that from 2016 till date, Mr. Sylvester Otugbo Okedim has been Mr. Ajom Emmanuel senior. How Otugbo suddenly became Ajom’s junior is not only laughable but clearly shows that there is something fishy.
Fast forwarded to 2024, Mr. Emmanuel Ajom was given a Promotion to grade level 15 as a Deputy Director of Fire Service and similarly, Mr. Sylvester Otugbo Okedim went through the necessary screening procedures from the Ministry of Special Duties that supervises the affairs of Fire Service and was further screened by the Head of Service and Civil Service Commission, and was duly promoted to the rank of Director of Fire Service having satisfactorily met all the necessary requirements.
The source went on to describe the challenges surrounding Mr. Otugbo’s announcement as unfortunate, emphasizing that labeling him as junior to Mr. Ajom as being misguided.
He describes the Head of Service as a man that is well detailed in the affairs of Civil Service having grown through the ranks to be a Permanent Secretary and eventually the Head of Service, and as such will not compromise standards.
The source further suggested that the current situation observed often stems from complexities within the civil service rather than political interference which are often exploited by civil servants citing the case of the position of the clerk of the Cross River State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker.
In light of these findings, we urge the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, to conduct a thorough background check and investigation into the matter before making a final decision as directing the Head of Service, Dr. Innocent Eteng to reinstate Emmanuel Ajom is more of placing the cart before the horse. This step is crucial to ensure transparency, adherence to established protocols, and the fair treatment of all parties involved.