No Hiding Place For Criminals In C-River ― Gov Otu Vows

• Appreciates ex-Gov Ayade, pledges social re-engineering

BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – The new Governor of Cross River, Prince Bassey Edet Otu has warned criminals to stay clear of the State with a promise to reinvent social re-engineering and proactive measures toward effective implementation of key developmental initiatives.

Prince Otu, who spoke shortly after taking the oath of office as the 16th Governor of the state since its creation, assured the people that his administration would ensure that crime and criminality no longer have any foothold or thrive in the State.

He said in accepting the enormous responsibilities placed on his shoulders to reposition the State towards regaining its lost glory in line with the ideals of its founding fathers, the onus also rests on every Cross Riverian to cooperate with and support the new administration to accomplish its noble dream of an Eldorado.

Further stressing that his journey into politics was to render service to humanity, Governor Otu pledged to leverage the people’s goodwill to ensure that the State founding fathers’ vision is not betrayed on the platter of selfishness and greed.

According to him; “This government is a government of Cross Riverians; I joined politics to provide service to humanity and nothing more. We are ready to hit the ground running from today.”

On the fragile security situation in the State, he advised criminal elements to either relocate or turn a new leaf as his administration would have zero tolerance for any form of crime, even as he urged all the security agencies to brace up for the new challenge of making the State safe and secured for all residents.

He said the new security direction is for all relevant security agencies to be on their toes as the administration is ready to provide the enabling environment required for their smooth operation and effective security of the State.

In a colourful oath-taking ceremony, held inside the U. J. Esuene Sports Stadium Calabar, and graced by many dignitaries, Senator Bassey Otu and Peter Odey were officially sworn in as the State Governor and Deputy Governor respectively.

While appreciating Cross Riverians for the privilege to serve with his brother Deputy Governor, Prince Otu specially thanked the immediate past Governor Ben Ayade, and his Deputy, Professor Ivara Esu, party executives, and all residents of the State for their roles in his emergence as the Governor.