29 October 2020
Calabar South Local government council has lost properties worth over N500 million following last weekend's vandalisation and looting in Cross River State.
The vandalisation and looting according to sources that pleaded anonymity may not be unconnected to two serving Commissioners in the governor Ben Ayade's government
An eyewitness report yesterday said “on Saturday 24th of October at about 7pm, the hoodlums numbering over 300 and some in keke Napep carrying 20liters of fuel made their way to the council war songs suggesting that they were mobilised by the serving Commissioners to loot the council and set it ablaze to give the impression that the sitting Chairman, Mrs Esther Bassey was not popular.
“They wore steel helmets and illuminating vest broke into the chairman's office and carted away from the newly installed furniture, air-conditions and other valuable items”.
The eyewitness account further said the irate youths armed with guns, matchets and other dangerous weapons moved over to the Legislative Chambers and the administrative block were they looted tables, air-conditions , fridges, safes, chairs and other personal items of staff chatting “clear from our way, we are out to kill and dump the corpse for Esther Bassey…we will burn down the council but for pity just loot and go”
The eyewitness further said the two Commissioners later at about 7pm same day drove to the vandalised council headquarters and sued for peace but urged them to keep up the pressure against the bad government of Calabar South.
Top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart in Calabar South Asuquo Etim said “the attack on the council is not ordinary but masterminded by some influential people in government of the state. In all the vandalisation, looting and burning of government and private properties only Calabar South headquarters out of the 18 councils in the state was affected.
“There is more to it and I believe it may not be unconnected with the fall out of the tussle that led to the emergence of the sitting Chairman and other officers and the power play on who controls affairs of the council. For me the Calabar South Council Chairman Hon Esther Bassey has performed predictably well in terms of governance and this crisis is unnecessary but just sheer selfishness and ego”.
He advised all to sheath their sword for the interest of peace and the state government should caution the vandals and their sponsors to focus on the collective development of the state rather than running from pillar to post”
When contacted, the Calabar South Council Chairman, Mrs Bassey confirmed the attack on the council saying so much was destroyed and put together properties worth over N500 million were looted and vandalised.
When asked if she suspected any foul play, she said she was not aware of any but condemned the wanton destruction and looting saying whatever the anger peace is the way forward for development.
