By Archibong Jeremiah
The Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), Cross River State branch has instructed all practicing surveyors in the State to stop all transactions with the Surveyors Regulatory Council of Nigeria (SURCON), account operated by First Bank.
The directive was part of resolutions at a meeting held by APPSN following suspicion of fraud.
The position was contained in a letter dated 8th September, 2017 and addressed to the Chairman of SURCON State Committee on Ethics (SSCE), Cross River State Branch, Surveyor Eyo Oku, who is also the State Surveyor General.
The letter reads, “On the 8th September, 2017 the Fellows, Elders and members of the Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN) Cross River State branch met to deliberate about alleged fraud in SURCON account in First Bank of Nigeria Plc.
“After exclusive deliberations, the following decisions were unanimously taken: All Practicing Surveyors in the State should stop all transaction with the First Bank account of SURCON until further notice with effect from 11th September, 2017.
“Payment for all transactions henceforth be made to the account; Nigeria Institution of Surveyors, Heritage Bank, No. 600869653.
“The Secretary of SSCE shall issue Pillar Numbers after deliberation by the SSCE.
“Further investigation into all SURCON accounts and practitioners be carried out without delay.
“SSCE staff accommodated in the office of the Surveyor General be moved to the temporary secretariat of Nigeria Institution of Surveyors at No. 35 Nsefik Eyo Street Calabar.”
The letter concluded thus, “All the practicing surveyors are advised in their own interest to adhere to the above resolutions with effect from 11th September, 2017.”
At the time of filing this report, the Chairman of SURCON State Committee on Ethics (SSCE), Cross River State Branch Surveyor Eyo Oku, when contacted said he “wasn’t feeling well but fixed an appointment with this reporter.