By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
Cross River state governor, His Excellency Sen. Apostle Bassey Edet Otu and other stakeholders have landed the vision of the Council chairman to commence the construction of a modern and digital police station at Anantigha, headquarters of Calabar South.
These views were openly expressed during their goodwill messages at the ground breaking/laying of foundation ceremony at council headquarters.
Otu who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironba, described the occasion as historic and timely.
According to him, “history is being made today in Ansntigha headquarters of South Local government area of Cross River state, as the construction of a police station project valued at millions of Naira has begun”.
Furthermore, he said, “aside this project, today we have names of sons and daughters serving in this administration which before now was not the case. This is a good development”.
The Bible says “when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice. Calabar South is rejoicing because we have a son as the governor of Cross River state and good things have started to come forth.”
Our administration is not unmindful of the security challenges in this part of the state, hence the huge investment it has made in this sector within the past two years, he noted.
“Today’s event is an event that will stand the test of time in the history of Calabar South. This land had been there before now, but the past chairmen never had the political wisdom to kick start it.”
Therefore, “I make bold to commend the wisdom of Apostle Hon. Patrick Archibong to commence the project. Also worthy of commendation are the host community, the leaders and the youth for collaborating with the council to see that the project is started”.
Gov Otu enjoined the youths to be progressive in their thinking, avoid been involved in an criminal cases that might tarnish their image in future.
In his welcome address, the council chairman, Apostle Archibong, said that the project is long desired is today becoming a reality under the people-centered leadership of our dear governor, Apostle Sen Bassey Edet Otu.
“Your Excellency, this moment is a glowing reflection of the “People’s First ” mantra that you have inscribed on the heart this administration. It is your vision, your passion for security, order and Infrastructural advancement that we are interpreting and localizing in Calabar South today”.
He commended the cooperation and support from the host community, Anantigha. Security, he said, is the soil in which every form of development must be planted. And today, we are preparing that soil literally and figuratively for a more secure tomorrow “.
According to him, “our children can dream without threat, our mother’s can sleep without fear, and our young people can live without falling prey to cultism, crime or insecurity”.
He assured that the project would be completed and furnished before the end of the year. The project is valued at millions of Naira.
In an interview, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang had recalled the huge investment the government had made in the area of security.
Recently, the state government acquired a number of vehicles just for the security operatives in the state.
This administration is committed to fighting insecurity from all angles across the 18 local government areas of the state.
He commended the council chairman for vision to build a Police station at the headquarters of Calabar South.
Ekpang used the opportunity to advise the youth to shun crime as well as other harmful vices in our society.
The Assistant for Inspector General (AIG) Zone 6, who was represented by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olusegun Eyitayo Omodsnyin, assured the council of their readiness to work together.
Also, the Royal Fathers had made their remarks, commending the construction of the Police station in the area.
The Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, HIs Royal Majesty, Etuborn Nyong Effiom Okon 1, had poured libation on the soil before the ground breaking/laying foundation ceremony.
Also, present at the occasion were the Muri Munene, Prof. Itam Hogan Itam Nyam Nyankor 1 and the Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Ekpenyong Akpanika.
The event was graced by traditional dancers named “Abang”.
