Governor Ben Ayade of Cross-River State has pleaded with the West African Examination Council ( WAEC) not to go ahead with it the relocation of its branch office from Calabar to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The West African Examinations Council, Nigeria, had announced the relocation of its Calabar, Cross River State branch office to the zonal office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
A statement signed by acting Head of Public Affairs, WAEC, Demianus Ojijeogu, explained that the development was as a result of the vandalism, looting and burning down of the Calabar branch office by hoodlums during the recent nationwide#EndSARS protest.
The statement read in parts, “WAEC Nigeria wishes to inform the Cross River State Government, Cross River State Ministry of Education, school principals, candidates, other stakeholders in Cross River State and indeed, the general public, that the WAEC branch office, Calabar, Cross River State, has been temporarily relocated to the WAEC zonal office, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, till further notice.
“This development is as a result of the vandalism, looting and burning down of the WAEC branch office, Calabar by hoodlums on Saturday, October 24, 2020.”
“The relocation, which is an interim measure, is to enable the council to continue to carry out its operations and render services to the Nigerian child and other stakeholders.
"We wish to assure all stakeholders and the general public that normal operations will resume in the Calabar branch office once the status quo ante is restored."the statement added.
But the governor during his visit on Tuesday to the WAEC vandalized branch office in Calabar to see the extent of damage, promised to provide the body an alternative office and two Hilux operational vehicles .
Prof.Ayade tendered his administration unreserved apology to WAEC,“Let me once by more apologise profusely to the WEC management for what has happened, because this is not in the nature and character of Cross Riverians. We deeply regret this".
“But I have to plead with you that you do not have to relocate to Uyo. We are going to provide an alternative office immediately. We will do everything we can, because it is necessary for you to operate from here so that we can have quality examination, quality teaching and ensure that Cross Riverians also prosper and become who they want to become in the society.", the governor appealed.
The governor appealed to WAEC that the relocation would not be in the best interest of the State, assuring the examination body of readiness of his administration to provide temporary location for it to operate in the state.
According to him,“Moving out from here to Uyo will not serve the interest of Cross Riverians. I sincerely feel that we can have an emergency action plan that can help you restore this office, but before we do that, I have given an instruction that an emergency accommodation be provided for WAEC and we are also providing you two pick up vehicles to enable you get back on your feet".
No comments:
Post a Comment