CROSS RIVER GOV’T CONDEMNS ENCROACHMENT ON PUBLIC ASSETS IN IKOM, VOWS SWIFT RECOVERY
By Ebi Collins
In a renewed effort to protect public infrastructure and reassert state authority over government properties, the Cross River State Government has expressed strong disapproval over the illegal occupation of public assets in Ikom Local Government Area, pledging immediate and decisive action.
Leading an on-the-spot assessment of several affected facilities, recently, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, condemned the unauthorized conversion of government lands and buildings. He revealed that many of the encroachments were carried out by former staff of the very institutions now under unlawful occupation.
“This is not merely a legal infraction—it is a betrayal of public trust,” Barr. Agbor stated. “It is particularly distressing that individuals who once served these institutions are now complicit in converting government property for personal gain. Under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, this administration will not tolerate such blatant disregard for public assets. We are committed to enforcing justice and recovering every inch of encroached land.”
Facilities visited during the inspection include Government Secondary School (GOVISCO), Ikom; the Ministry of Works site at Border Road; the former Durafoam premises on Calabar Road; the Forestry Office; and the Ikom High Court.
Community leaders and education officials who participated in the inspection commended the government’s intervention. Mrs. Caroline Okongor, Coordinating Supervisory Director of the Ikom Zonal Education Office, described the exercise as “timely and commendable,” noting that it marks a critical step toward greater accountability in public asset management.
Mrs. Glory Agam, Principal of GOVISCO, and Elder Ferdinand Dibang, Head of Primary & Technical at the Zonal Education Office, echoed similar sentiments. They emphasized that the government’s intervention will help restore institutional integrity and significantly boost morale among staff and students.
Mr. Chris Abia, Secretary of the Ukwa Traditional Council, also lauded Governor Otu’s initiative, calling it a “much-needed move to restore public confidence in government.”
Local residents welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the recovery of public assets will be swift and that such properties will once again serve the common good.
As the Asset Management and Recovery Department intensifies its operations, the Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to extending similar recovery and protection measures to all 18 local government areas, in line with Governor Otu’s broader agenda of restoring public trust, strengthening institutions, and improving service delivery across the state.
