I Was Cleared Of Fraud Allegation, Paid NGN10.4M Compensation – Cross River SUBEB Chairman

By CrossRiverWatch Admin

The Chairman, Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has dismissed claims that he was dismissed from the services of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and therefore not qualified to contest for the position of Senator in the Cross River North Senatorial bye-election.

Dr. Odey who spoke with some Journalists today (Monday) morning stated that he was absolved of all culpability of forgery and fraud by a Magistrate Court where he was arraigned on what he termed “trumped up charges” while discharging his duties as staff of Joint Maritime Labour Industrial Council (JOMALIC), Calabar office.

He said Justice A. Onyebueke who presided over the matter discharged and acquitted him on claims that he stole money from Chief Williamson Akpan which NIMASA constituted a Committee to investigate him. Adding that within three days of investigation he was served a dismissal letter while investigation continued.

In the ruling delivered by Justice A. Onyebueke, a Chief Magistrate (grade one) declared that a prema facie case was not established against Dr. Odey as the complainant in the matter, Chief Williamson Akpan who had earlier written to the Inspector General of Police to withdraw the matter did not make appearance in Court.

“The evidence of PW 1, the IPO in this matter is taken as hearsay evidence which has not created any prime facie case for the accused person to answer.” Extract from Justice Onyebueke’s ruling.

After his acquittal, according to him, his lawyer, Joe Agi, SAN, asked for him to be reinstated. Noticing that NIMASA wasn’t complying he approached a High Court to compel NIMASA to pay him compensation and all entitlement and the Court ruled in his favour.

“Based on the ruling of the High Court, my Counsel garnished the account of NIMASA and the CBN paid me compensation and I have so far been paid 10.4 million naira while we are still pursuing further payments through the Supreme Court”.

He attributed the online publication which claims that he was dismissed from NIMASA as the handiwork of political opponents who are scared of his towering profile and grassroots acceptability.

“The authors of that malicious piece online did not contact me for clarification or my position before going to press”.

He said his mission for seeking Senate post is to change the narrative in political representation in the Northern Senatorial District of the State and will deliver when given the mandate.