Avoid planned protests, Cross River urges residents
The Cross River State Government has issued a caution to its residents against participating in a planned protest set to commence on August 1, 2024. The protest, organized by disgruntled youths in collaboration with their peers from other states, aims to address the widespread economic hardships facing the nation.
Reacting to the development, Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, in a recent statement, expressed the government’s sympathy for the residents affected by high inflation and rising prices of goods and services. “We sincerely apologize to all residents for the suffering caused by the current economic situation,” Ekpang stated.
Despite acknowledging the challenges, the government urged residents to refrain from joining the protest, asserting that protests are not the most effective means of resolving the issues at hand.
According to the Commissioner, the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu has been implementing measures to alleviate the economic strain.
He added that over the past year, several initiatives have been introduced, including:
Cash Transfer Unit: N1,328,280,000 has been distributed to 17,138 beneficiaries across all 18 Local Government Areas.
Small and Medium Enterprises (NG-CARES): Grants ranging from N100,000 to N400,000 have been provided to 2,136 enterprises.
FADAMA Programme: Farm implements for various agricultural sectors have been given to over 73,634 beneficiaries.
Livelihood Grant Programme: Over 4,000 individuals received between N50,000 and N200,000 each.
Labour Intensive Public Works: 20,898 youths were enrolled and paid six months’ stipends amounting to N1,253,880,000, in addition to the distribution of over 100 canoes and fishing boats, along with grants worth over 2 billion Naira, to riverine communities.
Ekpang recalled the destruction caused during the October 2020 EndSARS protests, where public infrastructure and private properties were severely damaged.
“The state is yet to fully recover from the aftermath of the EndSARS protests,” he noted, emphasizing that the government will not tolerate any actions that could lead to further destruction.
While disclosing that security agencies have been directed to remain vigilant to prevent any disturbances, the Commissioner urged residents to continue with their daily activities without fear.
“Together, we can make our country better,” Ekpang concluded, urging all to maintain peace and order in Cross River State.
