By Onwa Ekor
Cross River government has expressed displeasure on the illegal occupation of its public assets with a vow to carry out decisive action.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, who embarked on inspection tour of several government facilities in Ikom local government area, Cross River, expressed displeasure over the unauthorized takeover of public lands and buildings.
Agbor noted that many of the encroachments were perpetrated by individuals who had previously worked in the very establishments now under illegal occupation.
His words: “This is not just a violation of the law, it is a betrayal of public trust and particularly troubling that those who once served in these institutions are now collaborating with some community members to unlawfully convert government property for personal use.
“The present administration, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, will not tolerate such brazen disregard for public assets as we are committed to justice and the recovery of every inch of encroached land,” the vexed Agbor stated.
Facilities inspected during the tour include the Government Secondary School (GOVISCO), Ikom; Ministry of Works site at Border Road; the former Durafoam premises along Calabar Road; the Forestry Office; and the High Court, all located in Ikom.
Community leaders and school administrators who joined in the tour, expressed deep appreciation for the government’s intervention.
Coordinating Supervisory Director of the Ikom Zonal Education Office, Mrs Caroline Okongor, described the inspection as timely and commendable, admitting that “it signals a new era of accountability in public asset management.”
Principal of GOVISCO, Mrs Glory Agam as well as Head of Primary & Technical at the Zonal Education Office, Elder Ferdinand Dibang, in their separate speeches remarked that the government’s swift response will not only restore institutional integrity but also boost morale among staff and students.
For Secretary of the Ukwa Traditional Council, Chris Abia, he applauded the governor for the initiative, describing the effort as a necessary step to restore the people’s confidence in government.
Some jubilant residents of the area also lauded Otu and the visiting team for the effort, expressing hope that in no distant time, the public assets will be returned to government for public good.
As the Cross River government ramps up efforts to reclaim its assets, the people of Ikom remain hopeful that the initiative will lead to lasting reforms and improved public service delivery as the Asset Management and Recovery Department, according to Governor Otu’s directive, remains poised to take the recovery and effective management interventions to all 18 local government areas of the state.
