Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has cautioned neighboring states against interpreting the state’s peaceful nature as a sign of vulnerability.
His remarks came amidst recent boundary disputes that have led to loss of lives, destruction of properties, and farmland.
Speaking during a courtesy visit from the Cross River Elders’ Forum and other stakeholders, Otu reiterated his administration’s resolve to protect the state’s territorial integrity.
To address the recurring boundary issues, the governor disclosed the deployment of drones for effective monitoring of the state’s borders. He emphasized that no part of Cross River would be ceded to neighboring states, stating:
“We are not surrendering an inch of our land to anyone. Cross Riverians are peaceful and loving people, but our kindness must not be mistaken for weakness.”
Otu assured stakeholders of his government’s commitment to addressing pressing challenges, including insecurity and infrastructure development, to stimulate economic growth.
The governor also addressed the ongoing herdsmen and farmers’ clashes in the state, attributing many of the conflicts to avoidable misunderstandings. He stressed his administration’s dedication to fostering peace and finding lasting solutions to these conflicts.
Concerns Over Illegal Mining
Governor Otu expressed deep concern over the unchecked illegal mining activities in Cross River, describing them as a threat to the state’s sustainability. He announced plans to collaborate with security agencies to enforce stricter regulations and ensure responsible exploitation of the state’s natural resources.
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“Illegal mining undermines our resources and security. We will work with the relevant agencies to bring order and accountability to this sector,” he stated.
Highlighting his administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure, Otu outlined ongoing road projects and plans to harness the state’s vast landmass for economic benefits. He reaffirmed his commitment to reclaiming the state’s rightful assets, including disputed oil wells.
“We must have the basic infrastructure to support our people and fight for what rightfully belongs to Cross River State,” the governor said.
Col. Pam Ogar (rtd.), leader of the Cross River Elders’ Forum and a former Military Administrator of Kwara State, praised the governor’s proactive measures. He noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to evaluate progress on critical issues such as boundary disputes, communal clashes, illegal mining, and herdsmen invasions in affected areas like Yakurr and Odukpani.
The Forum recommended conducting a comprehensive census of miners operating in the state to better regulate their activities and prevent security breaches.
The meeting ended with a collective resolve to prioritize peace, development, and the overall progress of Cross River State. Both the government and stakeholders pledged to work together to ensure a secure and prosperous future for the state.
