By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Cross River Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade has lifted the State-wide ban on wood logging to enable him to think outside the box.
Governor Ayade stated this in Calabar through the Chairman, Cross River State Forestry Commission, Chief Tony Udiandeye in a stakeholder’s crucial meeting held in the Forestry Commission, Calabar said the decision is to enable the government to improve on its internal revenue base.
He said the harsh economic situation in the country and the considerable burden it has placed on the Government had made the recent decision imperative, adding that it has become incumbent on the State Government to think outside the box.
Also speaking in the event which had the Chairman, Anti-Deforestation Task Force, State Security Advisers, traditional rulers, President of Timber Dealers Association as well as forest-related NGO, the Permanent Secretary, General Services of the Governor’s office, Mr. Alfred Mboto tasked timber dealers to follow the right channel in their operations and ensure that they comply strictly with the Government terms.
Recall that, Mr. Ayade had in March 2022, accused some of his appointees, and cartels of masterminding the illegal logging, and vowed to use anyone caught as a scapegoat.