Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has reaffirmed that his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state, assuring residents and investors of a safe and peaceful environment.
Otu made the assurance during an inspection of the newly constructed police station on Bateba Street, Calabar, where he highlighted his administration’s investments in security infrastructure, operational equipment and collaboration with security agencies to protect lives and property.
He explained that his government had continued to support security agencies through the upgrading of their facilities and the provision of necessary equipment to enhance their operational capacity to tackle criminal activities.
“Security has been one of our very prime concerns in this state. And this state remains the safest state nationally in this country,” the governor said.
He stressed that his administration would not tolerate lawlessness, warning that anyone who violates the law would face the consequences.
The governor noted that maintaining peace and security in Cross River required substantial investment, particularly given the state’s extensive boundaries with neighbouring countries, some of which present security challenges.
According to him, his administration had invested in maritime security infrastructure, modern security equipment and the development of land-based security architecture to strengthen surveillance and prevent criminal activities.
“The main activity of government is to protect life and property of the citizen. So we’ve invested a lot, both in terms of maritime infrastructure, security equipment that we need, and then we have also built all our land security architecture to make sure that everybody sleeps peacefully and wakes peacefully,” he stated.
Otu further observed that the improved security situation had restored public confidence, noting that residents could now move freely, jog and engage in other activities in the early hours of the morning without fear.
He recalled that during a recent walk around 5 a.m., he was impressed by the number of people freely going about their activities on the streets, describing it as a development that was previously uncommon.
The governor maintained that the relative peace and security in the state had also strengthened Cross River’s attractiveness to investors and visitors.
He assured residents that his administration would sustain its collaboration with security agencies and continue to prioritise measures aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
Earlier, the Governor undertook a tour of the State-owned Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) for a facility tour where he pledged to upgrade the corporation’s substations to broaden its scope of coverage across the State.
