Calabar Carnival: C-River Holds Workshop For Security Operatives

by crossriverwatch admin

As Calabar Festival which lasts 32 days begins with the Tree Lighting Ceremony today, the Cross River State Government has organized a workshop for security operatives on how to ensure a hitch free festival especially during the Calabar carnival.

Speaking at the workshop attended by the Police, Army, Navy, Civil Defence, Road Safety, Customs, Immigration, Man O’ War, State Security Service and other Para-military agencies yesterday, the State Security Adviser to Governor
Liyel Imoke, Mr. Rekpene Bassey said that the workshop was necessary in view of the number of visitors expected in the state within this period.

Bassey said that the state had remained the most peaceful throughout the country and that it was expected that many governors, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, the Business class from all parts of the world and high level very important persons are expected in the state and there is the need for the security personnel to be civil and ensure there is no story of violence recorded anywhere.

He advised the security operatives that will be on duty during the festive period to display professionalism as the entire world will be in the state to witness the Calabar Carnival which has remained the biggest street party in Africa, adding that uniformed men should be at the background during the carnival for effective security.

The State Security Adviser told the participants not to use long arms during the carnival.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser to the governor, governor’s office, Mr. Nzan Ogbe also reiterated that the state is regarded as the safest state as a result of the collaboration and commitment amongst security agencies in the state.

He disclosed that the festival started with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and then the HIV/AIDS walk and that since 12 years the state started the celebration it had grown in size and had become a global event.

Ogbe said that in spite of the security challenges in the country, the state had never recorded any incident of security breach adding that the government had never taken security issues for granted.

He said, “The issue of security especially during the festival is a thing we have never taken for granted. People keep asking everywhere we have gone to how in spite of the security challenges we have been able to put in place measures that guaranty safety of lives and property.

“We have confidence that this year’s festival like every other will be successful.”