EDITORIAL: LAUDABLE STEPS BY GOV. OTU vol.1 no.2
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n Monday, May 29 Cross River State joined other 28 states and Abuja to witness a change of baton, signaling the beginning of anew era of administration. It also marked 24 years of uninterrupted democracy in this Fourth Republic as Sen. Bassey Otu was inaugurated as the 16th Governor of Cross River State.
A few days after inauguration, reports emanating from the seat of power in Cross River State points to an impressive direction, though with a hurricane approach.
Without much dilly-dally Governor Otu went down to works and set up several committees to checkmate indiscriminate logging, recovery of government property carted away unlawfully by former political office holders and some civil servants in tow, and of course the re-verification of civil servants in the state civil service.
However, as laudable as the directives from Gov. Bassey Edet Otu may appear, it is significant to point out that such bold approach should attract caution to avoid long prone distraction and possible litigation.
Indeed, the directives from the governor are heart warming, especially as they are directed towards cutting down on the culture of waste, cleaning up the Augean stable and re-positioning the state on a sound pedestal to weather the harsh economic realities confronting the country, but sound legal advice should be employed to forestall looming avoidable danger.
It is no secret that the state is blessed with a rich and attractive ecosystem that prides itself as one of the last remaining virgin forests in the world. This rainforest belt spans across several kilometres in five local government areas with thick canopy that provides a natural habitat for the rare species of aquatic animals that are already facing the threats of extinction due to rapid human activities like deforestation and unlawful encroachment.
Feelers emerging from the camp of those who may have found themselves at the receiving end of this volcanic directives portends danger and this goes to confirm that corruption is no stranger to disruptive battle, as it fights back aggressively when faced with threats of extinction.
as laudable as the directives from Gov. Bassey Edet Otu may appear, it is significant to point out that such bold approach should attract caution to avoid long prone distraction and possible litigation
The present administration has started on a good note. All it needs at the moment is to sustain the tempo and continue to do that which is right in the eyes of the citizens and the law, which is the guiding norm in every society. In other words, playing the books should be the guiding principle.
As a matter of urgency, Otu must step out with good programmes and policies that would create wealth for the citizens in accordance with his electioneering promise of the “people first” as well create an enabling environment for business to thrive. This can only be done by taking the bull by the horns as he has already started.
What the government of the day needs from the citizens too at this crucial stage of rebuilding the state, is total support, understanding, patience and prayers considering where we are coming from and where we are going. While criticising, we call for caution and constructive engagement with the government.
This paper believes that nothing concrete can be achieved if drastic decisions are not taking to right some of the wrongs in the system. We support any policy direction that could lead to economic recovery, political emancipation, inclusiveness and employment opportunities.
However, we would not close our eyes to any anti-people policies as we would rather continue to hold the government accountable at all times and in line with our constitutional responsibilities as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. And in doing that, we would fair, balanced and responsible.
In all, this paper strongly advise that good conscience should be allowed to prevail in all the government dealings and transactions as efforts are being employed to reclaim the lost glory of our dear state.
