By Andrea Ekeng
Security commanders in Cross River State have praised Governor Bassey Otu for his dedicated efforts in enhancing security and infrastructure across the state. This commendation came during an inspection visit led by Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, the Governor’s Special Adviser on General Duties, accompanied by a team of journalists.
The initiative has received widespread praise from various service commanders, emphasizing the positive impact of Governor Otu’s devotion to improving security and infrastructure in the state since assumption of office.
Mr. Daniel Ibor, the commander of the Cross River State Divisional Fire Station, expressed his gratitude, saying, “What is happening today is a result of Governor Bassey Otu’s leadership. He has truly set things in motion for better governance.”
Ibor stressed the importance of the ongoing renovations, noting their potential to improve firefighters’ effectiveness in responding to emergencies. He mentioned the longstanding challenges faced by the station, such as poor working conditions and inadequate infrastructure, and expressed optimism about the positive changes underway.
The State Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), A I Ibrahim, also praised the Governor for his timely intervention. He noted that he had “never seen this kind of project before,” emphasizing that the Governor’s actions demonstrate a lack of “dichotomy” between the state and federal government.
Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba echoed these sentiments, stressing Governor Otu’s unflinching commitment to ensuring the safety and security of of lives and properties in the state. He drew attention to the comprehensive nature of the infrastructure upgrades, which include not only renovations but also new constructions aimed at enhancing security offices and facilities across the state.
Akiba praised Governor Otu’s visionary and service driven leadership, describing him as a “magician” for his unprecedented efforts in revamping security infrastructure in the state. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the projects, which involve partnerships with federal agencies and aim to address longstanding neglect of security offices and facilities. “And this season of sweetness is touching every sector,” Akiba added, “because when we talk about this season of sweetness, it will not be complete without security. It will not be complete without protecting our properties, protecting our lives and for us to have the needed protection from the services, they need an enabling environment to work.”
The ongoing projects include renovations and constructions at various security establishments, including the Cross River State Divisional Fire Station, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the 13th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force base, MOPOL 11, the Nigerian Navy quarters, and the state headquarters of the Nigerian Police, among others.
Michael Asuquo, MD/CEO of Plant Global Services Ltd, highlighted the Governor’s significant role in facilitating these projects, despite their initial designation as “federal responsibilities”. Asuquo detailed the scope of the projects, which include the construction of new facilities such as office blocks, VIP toilets, access roads, and parking lots. He emphasized the importance of creating conducive working environments for security personnel, including provisions for emergency officers’ mess and adequate infrastructure for firefighting and ambulance services.
Governor Otu’s specific interest in revitalizing the Fire Service Department was also noted, with Asuquo highlighting ongoing efforts to overhaul firefighting trucks, ambulances, access roads, and water treatment plants. He expressed confidence in the timely completion of the projects, citing significant progress in surveying, earthworks, and civil construction.
As the projects near their final stages, people across Cross River State are eagerly looking forward to the positive changes they will bring to security and emergency response. Governor Otu’s hands-on approach and his close partnership with security agencies reflect his absolute dedication to keeping everyone safe and secure.
By prioritizing these improvements, he is not only raising the bar for security infrastructure in the region but also showing his genuine concern for the well-being of the people he serves.
