…Cross River State Executive Council Approves Key Projects and Policies in Emergency Meeting
Calabar– In a move to address pressing state matters, the Cross River State Executive Council held its 2nd Emergency Meeting on Thursday at the Executive Council Temporary Chambers, State Council of Chiefs Chambers, Calabar. The meeting, presided over by Senator Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, and his Deputy, Hon. Peter Odey, saw the approval of several critical memos aimed at advancing the state’s development agenda NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Governor’s Opening Remarks: Health, Asset Declaration, and Revenue Consultants
In his opening address, Governor Otu urged members of the Executive Council (EXCO) to prioritize their physical and mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of regular health checks to maintain productivity in managing their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The Governor also led a minute of silence in honor of the late Chief Hon. Abubakar Robert Ewa, former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, and directed all EXCO members and political appointees to attend his funeral obsequies without exception.
Governor Otu further mandated all EXCO members to maintain accurate records of their assets and update them as necessary. In a bid to streamline revenue generation, he issued a stern warning to MDAs to cease hiring individual revenue consultants, stating that any MDA found violating this directive after 15th February 2025 would face severe penalties.
Performance Audit and Town Hall Meetings
The Governor reiterated his earlier directive for all political appointees to submit detailed records of their achievements to the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). He tasked the SSG and the Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission with critically assessing these submissions to prepare a comprehensive performance audit for his office.
Additionally, Governor Otu announced plans to hold Town Hall Meetings across the three Senatorial Districts of the state and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. These meetings will provide a platform to discuss his administration’s achievements and engage with citizens on key developmental issues.
Key Approvals and Ratifications
Following extensive deliberations, the Executive Council approved and ratified the following resolutions:
1. N200 Million for University Upgrade:
The sum of N200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) was approved for the upgrading of the Cross River State College of Education, Akamkpa, recently elevated to a University of Education and Entrepreneurship. This investment is expected to enhance the institution’s capacity to deliver quality education and foster entrepreneurship in the state.
2. Bakassi Deep Sea Port Shareholders Agreement:
The Council ratified the Bakassi Deep Sea Port Limited Shareholders Agreement, a significant step toward realizing the state’s vision of becoming a hub for maritime trade and commerce.
3. Procurement of CNG and Electric Vehicles:
To promote sustainable transportation, the Council approved the procurement of several Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles for use in Cross River State. This initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy.
4. SPIRO Electronic Motorcycles for Rural Transportation:
In a bid to improve public transportation in rural areas, the Council approved the procurement of SPIRO Electronic Motorcycles. This move is expected to enhance mobility and economic activities in underserved communities.
5. Emergency Rehabilitation of Ikom – Obudu Road:
The Council approved the emergency rehabilitation of the Ikom – Obudu Road through direct labor to alleviate the current difficulties faced by motorists. This intervention aims to improve connectivity and boost economic activities along the route.
Governor Otu called on all citizens to continue supporting the state’s development efforts, urging them to “Think Cross River State.” The meeting underscored the administration’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructure gaps, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring transparency in governance.
