By Jonathan Ugbal
The Cross River State Government has made a U-Turn on its decision to restrict access to the U. J. Esuene Stadium, the venue of the inauguration of the Governor-elect, Senator Bassey Otu, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, slated for tomorrow, Monday by 9:00 AM.
A statement issued on Sunday afternoon by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Eric Anderson said, “members of the organized Labor and the general public,” are invited to the event.
The statement however warned that those attending will be, “subjected to security checks at every strategic point to ensure a hitch-free ceremony.”
This counters an earlier statement by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services office in the Governor’s office, Dr. Alfred Mboto, who said only those invited will be allowed through.
Mboto’s statement, dated May 25th, had warned uninvited guests to stay away in order to avoid embarrassment by security officials. It also listed seven routes to be blocked.
However, Mr. Anderson’s statement was silent on whether the routes earlier mentioned will be blocked. The statement, however, said those invited and willing to attend must be seated before the arrival of the outgoing Governor and those elected.
Meanwhile, CrossRiverWatch observed that as of press time, the roads leading to the venue of the inauguration were still receiving a facelift as painters could be seen re-painting markings while the vehicle which Senator Otu will use in the ceremonial parade, has already been decorated.
The vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser truck, belonging to the Nigerian Police Force has been moved to the State Command Headquarters of the force.
