Cross River Assembly takes action on communal crisis in State

The Cross River State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on the State Government to urgently deploy security agents to Idim Ndom and Obom Itiat communities for constant patrol and to prevent further destruction of lives and property in the communities.

The Assembly also wants the State Government to engage the leaders and stakeholders of Ikot Offiong and Eniong communities in a dialogue towards finding a lasting solution to the crisis while also calling on National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and its state counterpart, SEMA, to send relief materials to victims of the crisis.

The House, which had earlier set up a special committee to look into the matter and make appropriate recommendations, took the resolution following the presentation of the matter of urgent public interest.

In a press statement made available to newsmen, the information officer to the House, Itam Ofor said, “The Assembly took these resolutions following the presentation of a matter of urgent public interest brought on the floor of the House by Member representing Odukpani State Constituency Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo who informed of the recent outbreak of communal clashes between the neighbouring Communities in his constituency.”

She added that Asuquo lamented the wanton destruction of lives and property in the area, and disclosed that primary schools and health facilities in the communities have been destroyed.

Ofor said Members unanimously condemned the recurring crisis while recalling efforts of the 8th legislature to bring lasting peace to the warring communities which included a joint session with Akwa Ibom State Legislators.

“They expressed regrets that the crisis which at a point was between Cross River and Akwa Ibom State communities were now between Sister communities adding that urgent steps must be taken to stop the wanton destruction of lives and property.”

According to the Information Officer, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Eteng Williams consequently set up a special five-man committee to interface with the affected communities which is to be chaired by the Member representing Obubra 1, Friday Okpechi while Hon Godwin Akwaji representing Obudu, Itam Abang representing Boki 1, Ogbor Ogbor Udop representing Biase and Elizabeth Ironbar representing Bakassi, will serve as members.