The Assembly, in a resolution, lamented the spate of kidnapping, cultism and other forms of criminal activities in the State, noting that the level of criminality in the State has adversely affected the industrialisation drive of the government.
“There was an urgent need to activate the security apparatus of the state to ensure the release of all kidnapped persons,” they said and called on the State Government to fast-track the appointment of experienced and competent State Security Adviser with as a measure to curb the security challenges in the State.
The House urged the government to implement the anti-kidnapping law gazetted on March 15, 2015, and requested the Security Agencies in the State to work assiduously to ensure the safe and unconditional release of Doctor Iyama Marcus and all other kidnap victims.
These resolutions were reached by the House following a Matter of Urgent Public Interest presented by the member representing Bakassi, Rt Hon Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, who stated that the Nigerian Medical Association has embarked on an industrial action to protest the kidnapping of the medical practitioner.
In his contribution, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey expressed regret that, “kidnapping and cultism have become the order of the day in Calabar South, rape of women and girls is perpetrated on a daily basis”. He emphasised that, “nobody is safe anymore in Cross River State”.
Also speaking, the member representing Yakurr 1, Nelson Ofem regretted that, “hoodlums have found a safe haven in Cross River following the stringent security measures put in place by neighbouring States”.
The Assembly members unanimously condemned the high rate of kidnappings not only in the State capital but also across the entire State and called on the State Government to expedite action on the implementation of the Anti Kidnapping Bill which was passed by the 8th Assembly.
Members, who expressed sadness that Calabar was fast losing its safe and clean status due to the activities of criminals, expressed dissatisfaction with the services of the State Security Agencies which are empowered to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.
The Cross River lawmakers also appealed to the striking medical doctors in the state to call off their strike in the interest of the generality of the masses.
