Alleged Theft of Government Property at Institute of Continuing Education Warri Sparks Controversy

In a shocking revelation, the Delta Concerned Stakeholders have accused the Zonal Head and other officials of the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) Warri Centre, of orchestrating the theft of government property during the relocation of the school from its Okere Road premises to Cavegina Primary School in Warri.

According to a statement released by the group and made available to the press in Warri, a number of valuable items including generators, water pumps, communication equipment, water tanks, computer accessories, tables, and roofing sheets went missing during the relocation process. The accused individuals were unable to provide a proper account of these missing items when summoned to Asaba by the ICE Director.

The stakeholders highlighted the contentious history of the ICE Warri premises, which were reportedly handed over to the Baptist Mission by the previous Delta State governor in 2015, a decision that has faced legal challenges. They emphasized that the unresolved ownership dispute does not absolve the accused of accountability for the missing government property.

A petition filed against the unauthorized removal and disposal of ICE properties in the Warri Zonal Office prompted the ICE Director and Chairman of the Governing Board to launch an investigation. The investigative team confirmed the theft of the mentioned items and subsequently summoned the suspects and witnesses to Asaba for further inquiries.

Sources close to the stakeholders allege that the Zonal Head has been exerting undue influence on ICE management, causing concerns that the Director and Chairman of the Governing Council may be succumbing to pressure to overlook the theft of public property under their watch.

According to the Group “The law is that where a misconduct or improper behaviour of an employee also amounts to a crime, the employer cannot treat the issue as one of internal discipline for the staff involved. The employer must turn over the suspected employee to the police for full investigation of the alleged crime and possible prosecution in the court of competent jurisdiction where the suspected employee may be convicted or discharged and acquitted.”

The Group re-emphasized that “It should be made known to the Management of ICE that they have no power to discipline the Zonal Head of ICE Warri and her cohorts who are suspected of committing the crime of stealing without first reporting the matter to the police who will fully investigate and possibly prosecute them” the added.

The Group called on appropriate government officials, especially the Commissioner for Basic Education, Commissioner of Police, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and the Secretary to the State Government to call on the Director of ICE and the Chairman of the Governing Council to respect due process and rule of law.

This reporter on fact finding visited ICE premises at Cavegina Primary School, Warri and spoke with the Zonal Head of ICE Warri, Mrs. Cynthia Kena Odeimor who said she was under authority and she has to seek clarification. She pulled a call across to the Director of ICE in Asaba who said as a civil servant she has no power to speak on behalf of ICE

As the controversy unfolds, the Delta Concerned Stakeholders are demanding transparency and accountability in addressing the alleged theft of government property at the ICE Warri Centre, urging authorities not to sweep these serious allegations under the rug. The community eagerly awaits a resolution to this disturbing incident, which has cast a shadow over the integrity of the institution.