By; VITALIS UGOH, Calabar
A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Mr. Odey Ochicha, has frowned at the spate of insecurity in the state over a period of time without being addressed by the Chief Security Officer, Senator Ben Ayade
As a result of this incessant kidnap and cult war in the state, he has called on Ayade to as a matter urgent priority explain or justify the “millions of naira” he receives every month as security votes to Cross Riverians and other residents.
Ochicha, who spoke through his media man Comrade Peter Inyali in a statement, said this ugly development has greatly affected economic activities in the state.
While faulting the approach of government in trying to tackle security problem in the state Ochicha said “Cross River is now more on the news for criminal activities than the hospitable, serene and clean environment it was once known for”.
He regretted that Cross River’s 16 years legacies were speedily decreasing by the day under Ayade’s two years of administration without any sign of repairs.
He therefore advised the government to consult with security experts as well as relevant stakeholders with a view to ending the mindless killings, kidnappings, armed robbery and communal clashes in the state.
Ayade, he said, should justify the security votes he takes out from the state monthly federal allocation because the security situation in the state is getting messier by the day.
“Today, you no longer find palatable stories about Cross River . Nothing is said about our tourism drive and our once clean environment. Instead, you read and hear of daylight robbery, wars, gangsterism, kidnappings and every criminal activity that used to be strange to us and visitors to the state,” he added.
“Cross Riverians as well as other residents have become the target of kidnappers. This has become unbearable and the government should act now,” he said.
