Sen. Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State has appointed Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa as the Ambassador of State’s Industrial Projects.
Ita-Giwa’s appointment was contained in a press statement signed by Mr Christian Ita, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity on Friday, May 21, 2021, and made available to THE PARADISE.
“The State Governor, His Excellency Sir Ben Ayade has approved the appointment of Senator (Princess) Florence ita-Giwa as Ambassador for State’s Industrial Projects.
“Ita-Giwa’s appointment is with immediate effect”, the statement read.
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In another news, the Chairman and Management of the Cross River State Anti-Deforestation Taskforce (ATF) have been suspended from office, the former Director Operation, Northern Cross River, Mr Emmanuel Owakwe Asegem for sundry misconducts and activities that are not in line with his office and duties as personnel of ATF.
A letter of disclaimer signed by the Chairman of Cross River State Anti-Deforestation Taskforce (ATF), F. A Agan Modey, also indicated that Elder Ayim Patrick Ishone will now act as the Director Operation and leader of the Northern Cross River State ATF.
Modey who disclosed that Asegem suspension will enable the Chairman and the ATF Management to investigate other allegations which are still pending against Emmanuel Owakwe Asegem also outline the misconducts of the former Director Operation North to include his indulging in extortion of money from timber dealers.
Others are misrepresentation of the Governor and the ATF by duping timber dealers thereby tarnishing the image of the Governor and ATF Management, as well as his misuse of his office and outright rebellion against constituted authority.
The Chairman of ATF mentioned some of the offences committed by Owakwe to include unjust exertion and extortion of money from timber dealers across the state with particular reference to the northern exit, collecting huge undisclosed amount from timber dealers, creating an alternative private wood park at Ejiraga instead of the approved point at the Area office and police Station nearest to their office as well as seizes and releases trucks at will and his own discretion, among others.
As a result of the disclaimer dated May 21, 2021, the Chairman of ATF stated that “The public is hereby notified of his suspension and warn that any transaction or business done with him on behalf of ATF is at your risk”, the statement added.