11 April 2017
The Cross River Chapter All Progressive Congress, APC is deeply worried about the deteriorating security situation in the state. More disturbing is the callous and lackluster attitude of the state government towards addressing the situation.
Before the current administration of Senator Ben Ayade, Cross River was rated as the most peaceful state with Calabar the capital city, the most serene and peaceful city in Nigeria.
But just within 23 months of this administration, Ayade has returned the state to the unfortunate old days where killings, kidnapping, armed robbery among all manners of social vices were the order of the day.
Last year, the number two man in the state, the Deputy Governor Prof. Evara Isu was unceremoniously held hostage for hours by militants. The governor was in Canada signing his ineffective MOUs when the government house was under siege.
Again, the convoy of the deputy governor was attacked leaving one of the security officers attached to him dead. the government did nothing.
Just yesterday, the Commissioner of Water Resources, Mr. Gabriel Odu-Orji was abducted in a broad daylight and 24 hours later nothing has been said or heard about it.
This is coming after over 20 youths were killed a fortnight ago in a bloody cult rivalry war. Till today, the government has neither made statement nor arrested the perpetrators. This has created room for the suspicion that government officials are behind the ugly situation.
We are also aware that there are plans to assassinate, kidnap or attack some of our members during the upcoming Local Government elections. To achieve this, some overzealous government officials are test running their plot with the unfortunate abduction of the water resources Commissioner. We also are aware that the said Commissioner who was pronounced suspended last year have been at loggerhead with the Governor.
Whether this is a prelude of what would happen to APC members or not, Ayade is duty bound as the Chief Security Officer of the state to protect every single Cross Riverian and their properties. But recent developments have shown that Ayade is grossly incompetent to protect lives and properties.
We therefore demand Ayade's urgent resignation.
A Governor who prefers spending millions of naira in buying unmerited awards than strenthening the security apparatus of the state is unfit to rule and therefore should voluntarily leave.
However, in a situation where the governor refused to resign honourably, the State House of Assembly should commence impeachment proceedings against him. The Assembly must stop acting like a rubber stamp or an agency of the executive arm.
The security situation has reached all time low. If people who are duty bound to protect lives and properties can no longer protect even themselves, what then is the hope of a common man? Ayade has extended his unseriousness and infant leadership style to security which ought to have been given top priority.
This is the time for even his party members to speak against this situation because if a Commissioner can be kidnapped then nobody is safe again in the state.
John Ochala
Ag. State Chairman
All Progressive Congress
Cross River State Chapter
