By Anietie Akpan, The Guardian Newspaper
The Cross River State’s National Assembly Caucus Chairman, Senator Gershom Bassey has promised to establish “Cross River State Security Trust Fund” in 2023, if elected as the governor of the State.
It would be recalled that the Calabar-Oron waterways have not been safe in recent times, as onslaughts of kidnappers are taking their toll on boat operators and commuters.
In a statement to newsmen at the weekend in Calabar, on his blueprint for the State, Bassey said, “the State Security Trust Fund will adequately equip our security agencies and amplify their efforts, promote adequate investment in the security infrastructure, technology, equipment, and training. Also, provide an effective sharing formula of security votes.”
Bassey who represents Cross River South Senatorial in the Senate said “it is going to be a zero-tolerance policy on crime in the state and a significant crackdown on all the criminal activities that threaten the peace and security of the people, their property, and effective governance.”
He stated that another way to go would be to “collaborate with the Federal Government and advocate for the proper demarcation of boundaries where community clashes persist and create active integration of grassroots involvement into the security architecture of the State.
“We all know there have been serious security issues in our state over the past seven years therefore peace and security are crucial for our State moving forward. Security begins with the grassroots. We must involve and fund all aspects of the grassroots including traditional rulers and institutions and whatever it takes to ensure there is a safe, secure and peaceful environment in the entire State.”