6 November 2020
Considering the wanton destruction of lives and property during the Friday 23rd October and Saturday 24th October hijack of the #EndSARS protest in Calabar the Cross River capital metropolis, there have been a retinue of condemnations from certain quarters including the Cross River Southern District Assembly NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
While frowning at the spate of looting, arson and burglary of public and private institutions and property in the state capital metropolis, the Cross River Southern Senatorial District Assembly alleged that the act has taken the state several years backwards, with Calabar losing its innocence.
According to Mr. John Offiong, Coordinator of the group, Calabar that used to be the most peaceful state in Nigeria and a safe haven, a rest place for Nigerians has now become a den for
for thieves and criminals who have had a field day with their heinous activities. He lamented a situation where kidnappings, cultism and other forms of criminality have gone unchecked in the state.
This was made known by the leadership of the group during a courtesy call on some of the affected victims of the vandalization that took place between 23rd and 25th October 2020.
Those visited by the group in Abuja were former Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, Sen. Geshome Bassey, Rt. Hon. Essien Ekpenyong Ayi, Rt. Hon. Eta Mbora, former Sen. Bassey Ewa Henshaw, former governor Liyel Imoke and Hilliard Etta the National Chairman of APC.
Offiong informed that the group also used the opportunity to share in the pains of the affected victims in the vandalization and looting that took place, as it is positioned to ensure such level of rascality and unpatriotic acts does not repeat itself in the state.
Speaking with our correspondent, Offiong noted that the group was borne out of need to restructure Cross River State while uniting the 7 local government areas in the Southern Senatorial District of the State. He informed that Cross River Southern Senatorial District Assembly is committed to ensure that Calabar regains its full glory.
"The essence of the visit was to commensurate with those affected in the ugly incidents of October 23 through 25th while discussing how we can rebuild Cross River State and set modalities in place for speedy development. Truth be told what happened in Calabar some weeks ago could be avoided if we had a proactive government who cared about the people's welfare." Offiong informed.
In his comment, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Cross River State, Mr. Eric Anderson who's a member of the visiting group noted that the situation in the state is unfortunate and embarrassing that young persons could allow themselves to be used to destroy their future.
Eric lamented the level of destruction, vowing to stand by Cross River Southern Senatorial District Assembly as it seeks to restore the battered image of Cross River State.
In their separate responses, those visited called for a proactive approach to what has befallen the state while calling on the South and Cross Riverians to be strong and demand for adequate security architecture and good governance in the state. Emphatically, Rt. Hon. Essien Ayi's insisted the Obong needs to call for an enlarge Efik stakeholders meeting to address the issues at hand.
Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, comparing the situation, the observation according to him is that the level of insecurity we have in Calabar today is far higher than what we had during the Civil War. According to him, then one can walk through the streets of Calabar even by 2AM and you get home safe without a being hurt, but today you can't dare walk in town by 7PM and you are safe. His words, 'I have spent my entire 42 years as a lawyer in Calabar, I am locally bred. No hoodlum can chase me out of Calabar. The people have treated me well. I prospered in Calabar.
'So for me what has happened its not about Victor Ndoma-Egba but what Calabar has lost. Calabar has lost its true Essence. We grew up to know civil servant wanting to build his retirement home in Calabar because of the peaceful and serene nature of the city.
'What we have today in Cross River state today isn't governance. Just as the Obong has said and I salute his courage for speaking up. We have lost governance what we have today is simply theater. But we can still recreate what we have lost if we have people like you who will be courageous enough to weather the storms.'
For Gershom Bassey, what happened recently does not really border him as his concern for the effect it has had on the state: 'I am happy that we have people like you coming out to take responsibility for nation building. I will advise that you develop a vision and a blueprint for the group and the state. How do we see our state in the next 5 years. Criticising is not just enough but let's start thinking of what to do in making the state better. We must first begin with a vision for the start, aspiring for political office is secondary. The acquisition of political power is a platform to effect change or implement the vision.
'The Obong of Calabar spoke the minds of many people in Calabar. I wonder why nobody from the south is supporting the Obong's statement rather it's only the likes of Ray Morphy and Cletus Ebum that are speaking. This thing has gone beyond political party its about the interest of our state devolution of power and security should be the first port of call if we must get it right as a state and government. Let's begin rebuilding our state through a truth telling process.'
Rt. Hon. Etta Mbora representing Odukpani/Calabar Municipality at the 9th National Assembly noted that: 'I don't think any true Efik son would have done what has happened. We really need to assist Calabar deal with these issues. I fear for other elite gentle ones. I don't know how proactive the leadership in the state is? I am delighted that young persons from the south have woken up, it's a good thing because some of us will get involved. We will put our hands together with you.'
Former governor Liyel Imoke's statement expressed gladness that at last a group like this has emerged, this initiative is noble. What has happened is just a lesson for us all, especially those in Government he said. His words, 'I am also glad that you are young persons. After consulting round the state I discovered that the number of persons who carried out the invasion didn't represent the majority of our youths. But if nothing is done to forestall such act, the number of young persons on the street will triple if there's another trigger.
'I will be 60 by next year, I started this game in my 30's what that means is that I have been here for about 30 years.
You guys have advantage over us because you have technology, and our mistakes to learn from as well as our guidance and advice.
'I pray this isn't just a one off thing, you'll need to come together as one to speak a different language from us and engage as much as possible down to the grassroots. You can counter the narrative. The narrative of CRS has been bad. You have all it takes to effect a change in Cross River.
'As long as I am concerned, the south is the worst hit in what has happened. I am ready to support you people achieve your aims if only you won't back out when the heat start coming', he concluded.
