...Vice Chairman takes over on Acting Capacity

...Calls off tomorrow's Branch meeting

The Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE), Uyo Branch has suspended its chairman, Engr. Ukeme Okpob and Treasurer, ENGR EMEM Ezekiel over what is described as their arrogant refusal to respond to petitions on gross abuse of office, misconduct and fraudulent diversion of funds belonging to the NSE, Uyo Branch to the Chairman's company and personal accounts.

Confirming the suspension in a telephone chat with Pressmen, the General Secretary of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Uyo Branch, Engr. Ikemesit Orok said the body was moved to wield the sledgehammer on Engr. Okpob and ENGR Ezekiel after a series of petitions brought against him ranging from abuse of office and general misconduct. Engr. Orok confirmed:

'The erstwhile Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ukeme Okpob alongside the Treasurer of the Branch were suspended today because there was a petition that was written against the duo to respond to our Disciplinary Committee, which happens to be a very revered College of Fellows. The College is a body that handles issues bothering on misconduct, illegalities, embezzlement and every other issues that do not sit well with what our bye laws stipulates'.

The group's scribe further opened up insights into why the suspension was effected today:

'He was given a timeframe to respond to the accusations, which he failed. In the wisdom of the College, who are elderly in their handling of issues allowed another span of two weeks for the now suspended Chairman and Treasurer, which they still failed.

In the spirit of moving the group forward and fair play, the College had to write back to the petitioners, advising us to seek redress and handle it using justice and fair play.

So what transpired today is that, Exco members turned up in good number for our meeting and heard of the issues on ground and attitude of the Chairman and Treasurer not willing to respond to the petition were very disgusted. Based on that, the Immediate Past Chairman of the Branch who also doubles as Ex-Officio 1 in the Branch Exco moved a motion for his suspension and was seconded by Engr Dr Essien Udo (an Associate Professor of Geotechnical Engineering) who serves in ExCo as the Chapter Chairman of Civil Division, pending a thorough investigation into the issues. As it stands now, Engr. Ukeme Okpob and ENGR Emem Ezekiel are suspended as Chairman and Treasurer respectively of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Uyo Branch. The Vice Chairman, Engr. Uwem Akpan takes over as acting Chairman with immediate effect'.

The Secretary calls on members of the body and the general public to be well guided by the latest developments until further notice.

Attempts to get a word across from the embattled Chairman proved abortive as he refused responding to calls and messages.
Meanwhile, the meeting of the body which was scheduled to hold tomorrow has been called off.

Ok

Uyo branch
Always at war with itself.