by crossriverwatch admin
The Cross River State Acting Governor, Mr. Efiok Cobham has urged members of the Eastern Naval Command to fast track the proposed Joint Patrol of the Bakassi Water ways to stem the tide of piracy and bunkering in the area.
The Acting Governor made this plea in Calabar, when the outgoing Flag Officer Commanding FOC of the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Olufemi Ogunjimi and the outgoing Commander of NNS Victory, Commodore Kingdom Itoko, who paid him a courtesy call in his office.
According to Mr. Cobham, Bakassi has remained a thorny issue, which he noted, had been unresolved, adding that it is the duty of government to protect the people of Bakassi.
Bakassi, the Acting Governor, observed, is rated as the highest point of piracy activities and should that should be checked now.
While commending the Navy for abating bunkering activities which he described as a crime against the economy of the nation, Mr. Cobham called for mutual cooperation between the State Government and the Navy.
He commended the outgoing Officers for their immense contribution towards the maintenance of peace in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, the outgoing Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Olufemi Ogunjimi commended the government and people of the state for the support given to the Navy throughout the period of his command.
He lauded the cordial relationship existing between the government and people of the state, which according to him was attributable to the good leadership of the present administration in the state.
He, however, solicited for more support and cooperation from the state government towards his successor, who was unavoidably absent at the visit.
He said he would continue to pray for the quick recovery and return of the State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke.