Conflicting Memos Expose Rift Over C'River Secondary Education Board

 A brewing conflict has emerged within the administration of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, as conflicting directives from top officials of the state reveal a rift over the authority of the Permanent Secretary of the Secondary Education Board, GRASSROOT REPORTERS reports.

Two recently circulated memos highlight a growing dispute between appointees of the governor, raising concerns about the stability of the state's secondary education management.

The first memo, dated March 4, 2025, and signed by Dr. Innocent Eteng, the Head of Service, instructed school principals in the state to disregard any directives from the Permanent Secretary of the Secondary Education Board.

 Dr. Eteng cited "untoward activities and flagrant disregard to official directives" by the Permanent Secretary as the reason for the directive. 

The memo further stated that principals should not attend any meetings called by the Permanent Secretary and that supervision of schools would instead fall under the Ministry of Education.

However, a second memo, dated March 11, 2025, and issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nsa Gill, contradicted this directive. 

The memo clarified that, pending the formal constitution of the Board of Secondary Education, the Permanent Secretary of the board retains supervisory and oversight functions over schools. The announcement urged principals, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and other stakeholders to comply accordingly.

The conflicting memos have sparked confusion among educators and stakeholders in the state. The conflicting memo indicates a possible power struggle within the administration.