Furore over relocation of Forestry Research Institute in Edo

Some Benin elders have protested the alleged relocation of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), that was established at Sokponba in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State

Chairman of the Council, Hon. Sylvester Okoro and two other concerned Nigerians said this in a joint statement through Famous Pen Law Firm to the Federal Government.

The group in the petition, accused the Provost of the College of being behind the plot to relocate FRIN to Fugar in Etsako Central Local Government Area where Mr. Mike Oghiadome, a former Chief of Staff to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan hails from.

They alleged further that the petition was “in pursuant to section 19 (1) of the institute establishing act 2018, this very pre-action notice is to stop the Provost, Dr. B. Osikabor and others involved for the illegal relocation of the college from Orhionmwon council area in Edo South to Fugar, Estako Central in Edo North.

According to the petition from the law firm sent to the Director General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, FRIN, Federal ministry of environment; the unilateral relocation of Federal College of Forestry Research Management, Sokponba, Edo State to Fugar by Dr. B. Osikabor, provost/zonal director of the college is an act done in bad faith, an urgent need to call him to order before it is too late.

“We have the strong instruction of the council boss and other persons who hereunder refers to as our client to issue this pre-action notice”.

But, the Provost of the College, Dr Osikabor, said in an interview with newsmen that he lacks the power to relocate the institution.

He said he is just there as a staff appointed to head the school.

“I don’t have such power to relocate such a school, I’m here as an appointee. A provost appointed to start the college just decides to relocate the institution, that is not possible.

“I don’t know what is wrong, but the relocation of the school is beyond the Provost. I don’t have such power, the school is in Sokponba and that is where it was established,” he stressed.