Cross River Basin Authority Under Fire for Missing Equipment

 

In a shocking turn of events, Engr. Bassey Nkposong, the Managing Director of the Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA), is facing intense scrutiny over the mysterious disappearance of critical equipment just months before the end of his two-term tenure. The investigation, launched by the police, centers around the theft of a MF275 tractor from the CRBDA’s parking lot in Calabar—an incident that has opened a Pandora's box regarding the fate of eight other tractors and a bulldozer that have allegedly vanished under Nkposong’s watch.


The MF275 tractor was reportedly removed by unidentified individuals, escalating concerns about the whereabouts of the other missing equipment, which has not been seen for years. Reports indicate that between 2018 and 2022, eight tractors were taken to various locations across Yala, Ogoja, and Obubra Local Government Areas for projects that never materialized. Alarmingly, none of these vehicles have been returned or located, prompting a civil society group, the Rescue Support Initiative, to raise the alarm.


Barrister Ayei Okpa, the Country Director of the group, claims that plans are underway to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to hold Nkposong accountable for these alleged infractions. Evidence suggests that Nkposong may have moved the MF275 tractor to his personal farm in Akpabuyo, as the tractor's bucket was recovered there by police.


The investigation took a dramatic turn when police arrested two CRBDA staff members, Christopher Michael Obong and Saviour Etang Ubi, who were reportedly working on Nkposong's farm. This has raised questions about the extent of Nkposong's involvement in the equipment's disappearance. Okpa stated that the ongoing police investigation into the tractor's location is crucial, especially since its bucket was found on Nkposong's property.


Further complicating matters, a Principal Works Superintendent at CRBDA, Mission Daniel Udo, has been accused of orchestrating the tractor's removal and is now facing prosecution in a separate court case. This move is viewed by many as an attempt by CRBDA management to deflect blame from Nkposong. Eyewitness accounts reveal that Udo attempted to verify the legitimacy of the removal order before it took place but was ultimately overruled.


The unfolding saga raises serious concerns about the integrity of CRBDA's management and the future of public resources under Nkposong’s stewardship. Since his appointment, the agency's operational capacity has drastically diminished, with no functional equipment remaining. When Nkposong took over from his predecessor, there were over 15 pieces of machinery at the CRBDA.


As Nkposong’s tenure nears its conclusion on December 7, the clock is ticking for investigators to uncover the truth behind these missing assets. The public demands transparency and accountability, and the pressure mounts for Nkposong to answer critical questions about the fate of the authority’s equipment. With a cloud of suspicion hanging over the agency, the implications of this scandal could resonate far beyond the walls o f the CRBDA.



Edited By: Manasseh Paul-Worika

<<CLICK/TAP HERE>>