VOX POP: CROSS RIVERIANS HAIL OTU OVER IMPROVED SECURITY, SAY WE SLEEP WITH TWO EYES CLOSED

Anthony Bassey, Executive Editor

Security is an important aspect of our polity. Safety of lives and properties cannot be guaranteed in the face of insecurity. Investors look out for secured and peaceful environments and investments thrive in an atmosphere of peace and in an area devoid of hostilities, chaos, unrest and any form of insecurity. Besides, every government owes its citizens a responsibility to secure their lives and properties. It is a constitutional right that must be uphold at all times.

Given this background, our reporter  engaged residents of Cross River State in an interaction, to ascertain their assessment of the current security situation in Cross River State, under the present administration of Gov. Bassey Edet Otu.

Speaking, Mr. Damian Etta, business man, said "For me, things are slightly no better off, security wise, now than what we use to experience. Partly because of the cleaning up exercise of hoodlums and cultists within Akpabuyo and environs."

For Chief Esien Ekpenyong, a Security expert,"It is common knowledge that in recent years, Cross River State is confronted with a myriad of and or unprecedented security challenges, including, the scourge of Kidnapping for ransom, Cultism, Armed Robbery, communal conflicts, Cyber crime, and Area Boys illicit activities, among other social vices. 

"This constitute threat to lives and properties, hinders business activities from growing and expanding in the State. Also, it discourages local and foreign investors from investing in the State.

"Ineffective policing, lack of expertise, poor attitudinal and behavioural disposition of security personnel charged to check these vices are among the drivers of insecurity in the State.

"It is a fact that these security challenges could be mitigated. Thus, to address these challenges requires the adoption of proactive approaches that should leverage on advanced-intelligence gathering capabilities, motivating, equipping security personnel and embracing strategic partnership of all those saddled with the responsibility of handling of security apparatus in the State."

Also speaking, Barr. Mike Cobham, a lawyer, said: "The security situation is, and has always been, a prayer point for everyone in the State . Though kidnapping is slightly abated under Prince Otu."

Mary Dominic

"Kudos to the present administration of Gov. Bassey Edet Otu for providing it’s citizens with good security. Now we can sleep soundly and peacefully without being attack at night. Your Excellency, please keep up the good work. Thank you."

Contributing, Mr. Ayamba Akorokpor, a public affairs analyst, said: "In the last one year precisely, security in the state has improved admirably at both the metropolitan city of Calabar and the rural areas. 

"However, due to the complexities of managing humans, there is need for the governor to continue strengthening the various security and other relevant government agencies to continue upgrading their approaches to enable us have a relatively crime free society."

Contributing also, Mr. Cyril Adinye, retired civil servant, said: "There’s an adage in Igbo land which says that: “Don’t call what’s good bad and don’t call what’s bad good.”

Mr Cyril Adinye

"I’m giving kudos to the present State Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, as far as security situation in the State is concerned. There’s a paradigm shift from what used to be over the years. 

"More people sleep with their two eyes closed and even travel safely and peacefully. It is my prayers that Cross Riverians will continue to enjoy this peace."

Equally speaking, Udoh, Promise Essien, a teacher, said:  "I really want to commend the effort of the present administration, Gov. Bassey Otu, for his strategies to curb the security challenges in Cross River State.

Mr. Promise Udoh

"Before now we were faced with several acts of criminality in the state, including kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery in broad day light by some hoodlums, which was alarming in those days.

 "Presently, the police is quick at response to combat crimes in the state."

On her part, Salome Mfon Mathew, an undergraduate, said: "The security situation in Cross River State under Gov otu’s administration appears to be a necessity, in the sense that, the Governor has reemphasize his commitment to ensuring that the safety of Cross Riverians and other residents in the state is sacrosanct.

"His administration has also invested in the rehabilitation and construction of security infrastructure to support the work of security agencies.

"Also, this administration seems to have engaged local communities, built trust and encouraged co operation in maintaining security.

"Amid several challenges, Gov Otu seems to be taking proactive steps to address security concern in order to ensure the safety of all residents in Cross River State."