By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has placed a ban on bush burning across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.
The ban is due to the harmattan season accompanied by vagaries of weather, especially in the northern and central parts of the State.
This was contained in a press release signed and issued by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024.
He said the order is to prevent impending fire outbreaks that are associated with the season. Calling on community leaders and vigilante groups to keep watch as anyone found violating the directive would face the law.
It reads in parts: “The Government of Cross River State wishes to remind all residents of our dear State, particularly those residing in the hinterland that the ban on burning of bushes and forests across the eighteen Local Areas of the State is still in force.
“This reminder has become very expedient now in view of the fast emerging harmattan whirlwinds and the accompanying vagaries of weather, particularly in the northern and central parts of the State, which leaves our environment more susceptible to fire and easily combustible.
“In this regard, the Government hereby advises all residents, especially landlords and farm owners to embark on vigorous fire terracing of their buildings, farm plots , and plantations to prevent unexpected fire outbreaks that are usually associated with this season.
“Government further enjoins traditional rulers and vigilante groups in the villages to be wary of activities of youths and hunters who are in the habit of setting fire to bushes for hunting purposes, that the full wrath of the law shall be brought to bear on those caught violating these directives.
“Let us all join hands with the People First administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu as he restores the serenity and greenery of Cross River State. Wishing you all a prosperous new year-2024.”