CALABAR: The meeting to discuss the way forward for Odukpani LGA indigenes was well organized but the outcome is far from being certain.
The stakeholders comprising of government appointees, traditional rulers, politicians and captain of industries took turn to speak but they wandered if the resolutions reached would be implemented.
Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, the Special Adviser general duty to Cross River State Governor said at the meeting that the Cross River State Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu is one man that whatever he does with his left hand he does not want his right hand to be aware.
Also Akiba said that today, Odukpani LGA indigenes have all that they need to have in political Leadership in Cross River State.
“With a governor like Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, Senator like Asuquo Ekpenyong, House of Rep. member Bassey Akiba understand the political dynamic of Odukpani LGA.” Said the SA.
According to him, they hope that with all of them there gathered they will achieve what they need to achieve now, otherwise it will be difficult in future.
“We need cooperation, support and prayers to succeed as a government,” Akiba advocated.
“When we have opportunity to meet with leaders discuss progress, do not blackmail or fight to bring down your brother.”
The General Duty SA encouraged them to celebrate growth and leadership because it comes and goes.
On security, he noted that the Chief security of the state is an Odukpani indigene, saying that Odukpani is too big for one police divisional office.
“Although, Governor Otu is making plans to situate one in Akpap Okoyong.”
Therefore, he added, another police divisional office in Odukpani LGA would enhance security in the area.
Meanwhile, beyond this, “the Governor had made pronouncement to revamp abandoned police posts in the LGA,” Akiba intimated.
In addition, he said the governor has directed the commander 13 brigade to send troops of army to patrol okudikang junction and other areas identify as war zones.
Above all, “the governor has made arrangements for security informants to work hand in hand with the security adviser for better security network,” he revealed.
Akiba concluded by saying “Let us believe in the coming days that governor Otu’s directive will be put to action.”
“The rate of insecurities we use to have in the past has reduced,” he observed.
Also, speaking at the meeting to drive Odukpani forward, Barrister Ededem Ani, Attorney general and Commissioner for Justice Cross River state who was the convener highlighted some of the notable achievements of Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu in Odukpani LGA to include restoration of power, from Creek Town to Okudikang Okoyong.
Others, he said include the construction of Adiabo Ikoneto road, setting up of security post and deployment of patrol teams along Okudikang,Usung Esuk up to head bridge.
In the area of appointment, he said that over 40 sons and daughters of Odukpani have been appointed into various offices.
Moreover, he said Sen. Otu has lifted ban on employment and asked that transparency should be the Hallmark.
A traditional ruler, Ambassador Etubom Nya Eyoma Asuquo, also affirmed that the within a year so many of bad roads in the state have been transformed, including the rails way project.
He therefore, appealed to the Odukpani sons and daughters to give maximum support to the present administration.
Others who spoke including APC stalwarts in Odukpani expressed gratitude to the Governor over his achievements within one year in office.