Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Surveyors, Imo State Chapter the umbrella body of registered surveyors was over the weekend arrested by the police for allegedly issuing fake beacon numbers to a client.
Information available to our news desk indicate that the chairman’s arrest was sequel to a petition written by one of his clients who alleged that the embattled chairman gave him fake beacon numbers.
A member of the institute who does not want his name in print accused the Surveyor General who he said is Governor Hope Uzodinma’s close relative of fuelling the crisis in the professional body.
According to him, the professional activities of Surveyors have legal backing which provides that a 3-man committee generates beacon numbers in each state of the federation. But on assumption of office, the current Surveyors General initiated a lot of administrative bottle necks aimed at ensuring that everything including the generation of beacon numbers are strictly done in his office and under his watch. This infuriated members of the institute who kicked against his domineering attitude which has made their job as professionals cumbersome and non profitable.
The source further stated that the 3-man committee which includes the Surveyors General, prior this time used to generate beacon numbers which they made available for the Nigeria Institute of Surveyors that in turn allocated them to their members in line with the laid down procedure, rules and guidelines. But when the current Surveyors General assumed office, he decided to monopolize the entire process by ensuring that everything is done in his office.
This prompted Surveyors in the state to resort to getting beacon numbers of the 3-man committee which is also legally permissible”.
It was gathered that the Surveyor General, in a bid to further consolidate his hold on the process of issuing beacon numbers allegedly sponsored someone to seek the services of the chairman as regards getting beacon numbers. When the chairman eventually issued a beacon number to the client, not knowing that he was allegedly sponsored to incriminate him, the client took the number to the Surveyor General’s office where his staff said that the beacon number issued to the Chairman’s client was not in the system. They reportedly told him to inform the police so that the Chairman will be arrested and possibly embarrassed and humiliated”.
But shortly after his arrest was made public, members of the institute came in their numbers to seek his release.
Our reporter, who was at the police station, said, following the intervention of a large number of Surveyors in the state at the police station, the police had no option than to release the chairman on self cognizance and told to report on a later date.
The development is said to be causing serious tension among Surveyors in the state. Effort to reach the Chairman for comment proved abortive as at press time.
When contacted,the Surveyor General,Odidika Uzodimma said he was not disposed to making any comment but will watch issues as theh unfold.
