By Patrick Obia
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has ordered the immediate dissolution of the State Planning and Development Control Task Force following the controversial demolition of a nearly completed private property by its personnel.
He also directed the suspension of further demolition activities on the affected property and ordered the payment of compensation for damages caused by the demolition.
The directives were contained in a press statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and signed by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo.
The Governor Otu condemned the demolition, describing it as an outrageous abuse of power and an indefensible violation of a citizen’s rights.
He described the action of the Task Force personnel as brazen, unconscionable and reprehensible, insisting that such conduct was incompatible with the philosophy of his administration.
He maintained that alleged violations of physical planning regulations should not give government officials the licence to act outside the law or disregard the rights and dignity of citizens.
Otu, however, held the entire State Planning and Development Control Task Force responsible for gross team failure, directing its immediate dissolution.
He also ordered the suspension of further demolition activities on the affected property pending the necessary actions.
The statement emphasized that no government official, regardless of position or institutional authority, has the right to exercise public power recklessly, vindictively or outside established legal procedures.
Governor Otu reiterated his administration’s position against official misconduct, warning that public office must not be used as an instrument of intimidation or oppression.
He noted that all government agencies are expected to operate with discipline, restraint and professionalism while respecting the fundamental rights of residents, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting citizens, upholding justice and ensuring accountability in the conduct of public institutions.
The development comes amid concerns over the exercise of enforcement powers by physical planning authorities and the protection of private property rights in Cross River State.
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