BY: VITALIS UGOH, Calabar
The Executive and Legislative Arms of the Bakassi Local Government Council have commiserated with its representative in the State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey and other victims whose properties were destroyed by hoodlums under the guise of ENDSARS Protest in the area.
The Council which was led by the Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Hon Chief Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, met the state Legislator in his office in the House of Assembly.
He was accompanied by the Vice Chairman, Hon Etieka Mrs Lawrencia Ita, Leader of Council and Hon Pastor Emmanuel Michael Effiong.
Others includes, members of Bakassi Legislature , Secretary of Council Hon Eyo Bassey Edet and Supervisors as well as Head of Local Government Administration HOLGA Elder Paul Agboche.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area Hon Chief Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, who introduced his entourage as an all inclusive one, said “we came to commiserate with Hon Bassey over the destruction of his house at Ekpri Ikang during the ENDSARS Protest. We have also visited owners of private property destroyed during the period such as Saint Mary Hotel and Conference at Ekpri Ikang as well as the only financial institution in the area, Ekondo Microfinance Bank, Ikang.
According to Iyadim, other property destroyed in the area included the local government council secretariat, several health centres, primary and post primary schools, police station, Nigerian Immigration Service and Nigerian Customs Service offices as well as all the 52 housing units of the Ayade Social Resettlement Estate where furnishings, furniture and fittings were all looted and carried away by the hoodlums.
Iyadim, who noted that Bakassi was the worst hit local government during the protests, wondered why those involved in the dastardly act could not protect or preserve what rightly belong to them, adding that they had gone round the area to ascertain the level of destruction caused by the hoodlums.
Facilities destroyed during the EndSars protest.
He lamented that all that was put in place within his first 100 days in office which culminating in an award to him for the first Chairman to add value to local government governance in Niger Delta region has been destroyed.
Responding, the member representing Bakassi Local Government Area in the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Dr Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, condemned the attacks under whatever guise and called those involved criminals and heartless while calling on leadership of the council to partner elders to address issues concerning the area because according to him ,the essence of creating local government was to bring development to the grass root as well as take government nearer to the people.
The Legislature, a one time Chairman of Bakassi Local Government, who called for an observation of one minute silence in honor of policeman who was killed when the hoodlums attacked the Divisional Police Station, Ikot Effiom, advised that the Chairman should not to be deterred by the level of destruction in the area but come out stronger , determined and more courageous to serve the people better.
He, however, enjoined those who took part in the destruction of property during the protests to convert such an amazing energy, vigor and power for growth and development of the area than use them for destruction while praying that God should forgive them as evil has eaten deep in them.
He therefore urged youths to avail themselves of the benefits of the 2021 State Budget tagged ” Budget of Blush and Bliss” because of its focus on the needs of the youths ,service delivery and job creation , emphasising that they do not have any excuse but take advantage of all its provisions to better their lots
Bassey pledged his preparedness to partner the Chairman in his efforts to move the local government area to the next level.
