November 27, (THEWILL) – Cross River State Commissioner for Transportation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, has denied the existence of any rift between him and the State Commissioner for Works, Ankpo Pius Edet.
Pastor Ekpenyong’s statement follows allegations that he stormed the office of the State Commissioner for Works, harassed him with thugs and carted away vital documents.
Speaking through David Agba, his Special Assistant, the Transportation Commissioner said he couldn’t have stooped so low to resort to a fight with his colleague.
“It’s ridiculous to say that I went to the Commissioner for Works office with thugs only to cart away with documents that were useful to his office.
“The Commissioner for Transportation did not meet with the Commissioner for Works or come in contact with him, nor did he have any argument or altercation with the Works Commissioner,” he said.
THEWILL reports that there has been a misunderstanding between both ministries over the management of some government agencies, particularly the Vehicle Inspection Office and the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency.
These agencies were erroneously under the management of the Works Ministry in previous administrations but the present administration transferred the supervision of the VIO and TRAMA to the Transport Ministry.
A letter from the State Attorney General’s Office dated September 26, 2023, titled: “Re: Appeal for The Review of Regulatory Law in the Transportation Sub-Sector,” mandated the Transportation Commissioner to take charge of supervision of Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA), which the vehicle inspection unit is under.
Another letter from the office of the Secretary to the State Government signed by Professor Anthony Owan Enoh and dated November 23, 2023, also asked the Transportation Commissioner to take charge of affairs at TRAMRA.
In his reaction to the issue, Director, Vehicle Inspection Office, Engr. Paul Bepeh, refuted claims in some quarters that his office has refused to honour the SSG and Attorney General’s letters.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ankpo Pius, has as of press time declined comments.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
