C'RIVER Lawmakers Appeal To Youths To Shun Planned Protest
Cross River Lawmakers have appealed to youths across the State to disassociate themselves from the planned public protest billed to commence on August 1, 2024.
The Lawmakers had adopted a four-point resolution which read in part;" that the youths and indeed all citizens of Cross River State should disassociate themselves from the planned public protests capable of disrupting peace and order".
"That all elected Members and appointees of government retire to their areas of political jurisdiction for intimate engagements with their Constituents".
"That the State Government should be deliberate in forming and implementing policies with direct bearing on the people " and " that the State Government should support the various security agencies in their preparations towards maintaining law and order in the State".
The House deliberated on a Matter of Urgent Public Importance presented by the Member representing Abi State Constituency and Deputy Majority Leader, Rt Hon Davies Etta on the planned public protests in the country.
Etta maintained that, even though the constitution allows peaceful protests by citizens, past experiences have shown that such protests are sometimes hijacked by hoodlums who use the opportunity for looting and violence.
The Lawmaker maintained that the State is yet to recover from the #EndSars protests which led to the wanton destruction of the State's infrastructure.
He said, the present administration, led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, has carried out numerous projects which should be protected against possible vandalization by hoodlums.
Contributing to the debate, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Hon Sylvester Agabi, noted that Governor Otu has done a lot in just one year in office adding that the State cannot afford the vandalism that accompanied the #EndSars public protests.
All the Legislators who were present at the plenary session urged Cross Riverians to shun the protests and allow the State Government to continue in its task of rebuilding the State.
They all vowed to ensure that their Constituents shun the protests and protect public infrastructure from vandalization by foreigners from nearby States.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem in an official statement titled: "Message to the youths of Cross River State" read during the plenary, appealed to them to "Say no to Protest ".
Ayambem stated; "A protest that leads to violence will not benefit us, it will add to our challenges, instead, let us seek dialogue with His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and address our grievances through proper channels. We must say no to protests in CRS ".
The Speaker further stated, "Our State has tremendous potential and it is up to us, the youth, to harness these potentials and drive positive change.
Let us channel our energy and creativity into initiatives that promote growth and development, ensuring a brighter future for us all." Itam Offor Information Officer
