Cross River Governor,Prof Ben Ayade reads riot act to warring communities

Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has warned warring communities in the state to desist from further clash or face the wrath of government.

The warning came in the wake of current war between several communities in the state including the communal clash between Mbiabo, Ediong, Obom-itia and Eki in Odukpani local government area of the state.

Governor Ayade, who spoke through the Chairman of the Administrative Panel on Insecurity in Odukpani Local Government Area, Mr. Victor Effiom at an interactive session with the warring communities of Mbiabo,/Ediong,/Obomitia and Eki council wards, warned that any community that goes against the directive will face the full wrath of the law.

He warned communities in the state to ceasefire and embrace peace and dialogue while waiting for government to settle the boundary issues amongst them.

Prof Ayade said that there was no sense and meaning of wasting lives and destroying property, stressing that instead of resorting to physical confrontation, people or communities should learn to resolve their differences through dialogue and legal means.
The governor disclosed that the essence of the Administrative Panel is to restore peace to the warring communities in Odukpani.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Administrative Panel, and immediate past Special Adviser to Governor Ayade on NDDC Affairs, Mr. Victor Effiom, commended the traditional rulers for honouring the invitation, and informed them that the governor is not happy that lives and property were being destroyed among warring communities of Odukpani.

The Chairman of the panel stated that Governor Ayade was committed to ensuring peace and order in odukpani and across the state and emphasized that the governor is committed to the sustenance of peace amongst the warring communities.

“I wish to inform you that Senator Professor Ben Ayade the governor has been very worried about the communal crisis in our land and that is the reason why he set up this committee to mediate and bring a lasting peace to the area.

“I also want to inform you that the National Boundary Commission (NBC) will be sending a team to the state by 8th of next month to meet with warring communities with the aim to addressing the boundary issues amongst the various communities.

“In view of that, therefore; I call on you all to be open in your discussions and be determined in order for us to put an end to the needles killings going on in our land. we must learn to tolerate one another and live peacefully together,” the Chairman concluded.

The Chairman and other members of the panel had earlier met with the Paramount ruler of Odukpani, HRM Etinyin Otu Asuquo Otu Meseme VI, where the Royal father assured the committee of his support and commended the governor for the initiative to restore peace.

HRM Meseme disclosed that he and members of the Traditional Rulers Council had in their capacity tried to resolve the crisis and expressed happiness on the intervention of the state government. After the interaction session with the warring communities, the administrative panel led by its chairman visited the warring communities to assess the level of destruction.