RSG Sets Up Panel To Investigate Alleged Extortions At  College Of Nursing Sciences 

Rivers State Government has constituted an investigative panel into allegations of extortions at the Rivers College of Nursing Sciences, Port Harcourt.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, who disclosed this recently at a media briefing in Port Harcourt, said the move follows allegations of extortions against a department in the college.

Oreh said “these allegations bother on the extortion of unauthorized payment for project topic approvals, sales of examination question papers and marking scheme, and bribery for guaranteed pass in what should be professional examination.”

She stated that apart from her ministry, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, and security agencies have also been notified of the allegations.

The commissioner said the panel will be chaired by Professor Chizindu Alikor with Deima Matin Nwigbo as secretary.

Other members of the panel, according to her, include Dr Vincent Wachuku, Dr Golden Owhonda, Dr Maria Krukrubo and Mrs Sotonye Isokariari.

She said the panel would independently investigate all allegations that have been made against the institution with a view to unraveling the truth behind the allegations.

Oreh also announced the suspension of all officers implicated in the scandal, adding that the Provost of the college has been dully notified of the development.

“Furthermore, I hereby announce the suspension of all the implicated officers; the Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences has been informed and an acting head of the department will be appointed in her stead,” she said.

The commissioner further said that the ministry would carry out a full forensic audit on the allegations, assuring that there would be protection for students coming out to testify before the panel.

She also announced plans for a comprehensive review of academic and financial practices within the establishment

“Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that the Rivers State Ministry of Health is not tolerant of extortion in any shape or form; it is not tolerant of compromising the integrity of what should be professional examinations that are supposed to equip our health care workforce with necessary skills to safeguard the health of our people,” she said.

She explained that the investigation was part of the government’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption in any form and shape.

“It is to demonstrate the firm position of the Rivers State Ministry of Health and Rivers State Government for zero tolerance for corruption in any shape or form.

 By: John Bibor