Governor Ayade Rise Up And Tackle The Security Challenges In Cross River  State

The recent cult and kidnapping activities taking place in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State is one the government must wake up and act fast.  

In the history of Cross River State, it has never happened that expatriates were kidnapped. I was perplexed at the sad news. The story was shocking. I was with a friend at the wuse axis of Abuja, who happens to be an Indigene of Enugu, and he drew my attention to his twitter update of the recent kidnappings in Calabar, I was ashamed of myself. Dumbfounded and shocked to hear that. 

Let it be known today that we have lost our respect before other sister states in the country. Let the truth be told, Cross River is unsafe for expatriates and tourist alike. It is a big shame that we have degenerated to the level where our security is now a major challenge. 

I also read somewhere that the Chinese government has asked her citizens not to travel to Calabar due to the security risk. With this bad precedent set by the kidnapping of the expatriates , it puts the state in bad light. We are in a serious quagmire. We need expertise to come out of this dilemna. We need people who have the requisite knowledge on security issues to pull the state from this shame. From this national and international disgrace.

I am forced to come hard on the government because they have not performed. I remember sometime in 2015 had a discussion with a serious expert. A man who is very savvy in terms of security issues. He was in the military and understands what security is all about  and he told me he had tried to see the governor, in order to advice him in terms of security of the state but he turned down his request by constantly not responding to him. I feel he saw these things coming. I believe, we need men who are grounded on security issues at the moment in the state. 

Imagine the cult activities taking place, the media has been awashed with cult activities. Over 15 dead! That portends bad blood. It puts us in bad light. In as much as I support the Ayade government, he must begin to purge out bad eggs in his government. How do you fight security when those around you themselves portend security threats? Mr governor, the earlier you do a check the better. 

Everyday I read on the pages of the newspaper and the social media of the many MoUs governor Ayade is signing with investors, Mr. Governor who is going to invest in an environment that is very polarised by insecurity? Nobody! No investor is going to risk  his/her life to Calabar with the recent happening. Sire, first you need to set up a committee made up of Ex-service men who have served with either the police or military in order to give weekly report on the security of the state. The earlier you bring these men the better for the state. The better for your investments you intend to bring. 

Cross River State is a tourism state, do we expect tourist to come to Calabar with the security issues at stake? No. Mr. Governor, no tourist would be willing to risk his/her life to Calabar. You must debunk the stories in the media that Cross River State is not safe by setting up a  team of intelligent and experienced men who would handle the security of the state. The  Earlier the better Sire. 

With the recent cult activities, and kidnapping, from the reports, people are leaving Calabar. Small businesses would suffer. Hotels would suffer, roadside sellers would run at a loss. I feel pained for these things taking place. 

Sire, I feel strongly that the reports you get on your table states that Calabar is safe. And that’s a huge lie. Sire, leave your comfort zone and get a team that is prepared to serve. Men who would look at you in the face and tell you Mr. governor this is the way to go. Men who have seen it all. Men of respect with a kind disposition. People who are of high moral rectitude.  

Sire, the security of the state is on your shoulders. You must rise up and rescue your  people. Residents of Calabar are living in fear. Which is very bad. 

The Calabar Carnival is just five months away. Are we going to host the largest street party under this kind of security situation in the state? No. Mr. governor. Rise up and do the needful. Imagine the money we might lose if these ugly trends continue in the state. Sire, no one is ready to risk his/her life for a party. Parties are meant to catch fun and not to stay in fear. Imagine the revenue the state is going to lose if we do not checkmate these incidents sire. 

It is my prayer that you rise up fast and begin the work of giving your people the needed security across the 18 Local government areas of the state. 

The earlier you act fast the better for us as a people. 

God bless you as you work towards making Cross River State a haven for many. 

Be assured of my highest esteem and regards always. 

Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
Public Affairs Analyst/ Social Commentator