The Cross River State House of Assembly has resolved to investigate the privatisation of Transcorp Hotel in Calabar, as well as other state-owned factories such as the Calachika Farm, the Ogoja Rice Mill, the Cocoa Processing Factory, and others that received concessions during the immediate past administration.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, the Member representing Abi State constituency and Deputy Majority Leader of the House during plenary in Calabar.
Rt. Hon Davies Etta, in his motion which received overwhelming support from other members, said that there was a need to scrutinise the circumstances surrounding the privatisation or concession of the Transcorp Hotel and other State-owned properties across the state.
Etta said that there was a need to investigate the entire process, including the criteria used for the selection of private entities. The legislator added that this was due to the vital role the companies play in creating employment opportunities for Cross Riverians. Additionally, he stated that to maintain accountability in public administration and uphold the principles of fairness and equity, transparency in the bidding process must be proven.
During the plenary, Hon. Martins Achadu, the representative of Yala 2, and Hon. Neji Abang, the Ikom 1 State Constituency representative, also emphasised the importance of conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the Transcorp Hotel privatisation, in which the Cross River State Government owned a 35 per cent stake, as well as the identity of the government agent who received the payment for the government.
Furthermore, Hon. Okon Owuna of Akamkpa 2 State Constituency Hon. Okon Owuna, stressed the need to review all government properties subjected to the concession agreement. He advocated for increased participation of Cross Riverians in concession processes for greater benefits.
Adopting the motion, the Cross River State Assembly underscored the collective responsibility of safeguarding the interests of the state and resolved that any government property whose true status remains undisclosed will be reclaimed in the best interest of Cross Riverians.
The Assembly further resolved to uncover additional information regarding the ownership status of several government-owned businesses in the State and secure the ownership of Transcorp Hotel, Calachika Farm, Cocoa Processing Company, Groundnut Oil Factory, Ogoja Rice Mill, and others for the benefit of the people of Cross River State.
Recall that on 3rd April 2024, news broke out that the popular Transcorp hotel’s name had been changed following its privatisation. However, subsequent events at the facility point to fraud in the concession of the property and many others throughout the state. As a result, the State Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon Elvert Ayambem is poised to look into every state-owned property that was not properly granted a concession during the previous administration, with the view of creating more job opportunities for Cross Riverians and increasing the state revenue generation.
©Denis Inakefe, ANIPR.
