A crisis has erupted within the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) in Ebonyi State following allegations of multiple levies imposed on members by the former State Commander, Larry Igwe Ikema.
Findings by NAIJA NEWS TODAY indicate that officers from Ikwo Local Government Area recently joined others within the command to pass a vote of no confidence on the former commander over what they described as excessive financial demands placed on members.
Among those said to have played a frontline role in the move is Mgbebu Felix Nwafor, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) at the Ikwo Divisional Headquarters.
Sources within the command alleged that members were required to make various payments for training programmes, uniforms, administrative activities and official visits.
According to the officers, members paid ₦60,000 each for a training programme in Abuja and ₦55,000 for another training in Imo State.
They also claimed that participants in an Afikpo training paid ₦23,500 while every member paid ₦10,000 for medical fitness clearance.
Other payments allegedly demanded include ₦65,000 for uniforms, ₦28,000 for rank insignia, ₦5,000 for name tags and ₦17,500 for T-shirts.
Officers further alleged they paid ₦18,200 for insurance and ₦15,000 for appointment letters, while new recruits reportedly paid ₦70,000 for registration and biometric capturing.
Some members said they paid up to ₦110,000 to convert older NFSS registration forms to the new format.
Sources also claimed that when the former commander visited Ikwo Local Government Area, members collectively contributed ₦150,000 to host him. They added that officers paid ₦8,000 each during a visit of the Corps leadership to Enugu State.
Routine activities allegedly attracted additional charges, including ₦500 per member during state command meetings and ₦20,000 annual contributions by the LGA command for office maintenance.
Some officers also alleged that financial contributions were linked to appointments and recognitions within the organisation. According to them, LGA chairmen were asked to pay ₦300,000 to become NFSS patrons, while traditional rulers were allegedly requested to contribute ₦250,000.
In another instance, an officer identified as Cyprian Ejike Nwafor was allegedly asked to pay ₦300,000 to secure appointment as an Area Commander.
Members said the growing financial demands had caused frustration within the command, with many insisting that such payments were not required in other states.
They also alleged that despite the repeated levies, members were told the government had not provided funding for the service.
The aggrieved officers said the matter has been reported to the national leadership of the Nigeria Forest Security Service for investigation.
Efforts to reach Larry Igwe Ikema for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Leave a Comment