Gov Otu Commends Asset Recovery Efforts, Moves to Establish LG Committees for Statewide Enforcement
By Ebi COLLINS
Governor Bassey Edet Otu has commended the Special Adviser on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, for his focused and diligent efforts in reclaiming government-owned assets across Cross River State.
Speaking during the 7th State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Wednesday at the Governor’s Office in Calabar, Governor Otu described Agbor’s work as exemplary, noting that it has exposed several valuable but previously neglected state assets.
“You don’t need to look far to see who is performing,” the governor said. “Barr. Agbor has demonstrated resilience, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility in the discharge of his duties. His work has unearthed assets that were either forgotten or fraudulently taken from the state. Well done, Barrister Agbor.”
Governor Otu used the opportunity to reaffirm his administration’s unwavering commitment to the comprehensive recovery of public assets, stressing that the initiative remains a critical pillar of his governance agenda aimed at restoring the state’s economic strength and institutional credibility.
To consolidate the progress already made, the governor announced plans to immediately establish Asset Recovery Committees in all 18 Local Government Areas of the state. These committees, he said, will be empowered to identify, document, and recover all state-owned assets, including land, buildings, and other movable and immovable properties, wherever they are located.
“This decentralised structure will accelerate the recovery process and ensure that no community is left behind in reclaiming what rightfully belongs to the people,” he said.
Governor Otu also appreciated members of the public who have provided useful intelligence that contributed to successful recoveries, calling for continued civic support in protecting government property from encroachment and misuse.
The asset recovery initiative has received commendation from governance experts and civil society actors who view it as a bold and necessary step toward reversing years of mismanagement and abuse of public property.
Barr. Agbor, in recent weeks, submitted a report revealing widespread encroachment on government lands, including property belonging to Government College Ikot Ansa, the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), and other institutions. The report also exposed fraudulent acquisitions involving collusion between private individuals and compromised officials.
With the planned activation of local recovery committees, the Otu-led administration aims to intensify the tracking, reclamation, and safeguarding of all public assets, ensuring that they are preserved and put to productive use for the benefit of the state.
Governor Otu’s People First administration continues to prioritize accountability, institutional reform, and responsible resource management as central elements of its development blueprint for Cross River State.
