Cross River Government Condemns Vandalization And Theft Of Public Assets

By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent

The Cross River State Government has condemned the vandalism and theft of public assets in Obudu Local Government Area.

The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Asset Management and Recovery, Gilbert Agbor disclosed this in a press release dated 10th April, 2025.

Gilbert said Governor Bassey Otu is dismayed by the gesture and has issued clear directives to the Department of Assets Management and Recovery to work with security agencies to identify and prosecute those involved.

He urged all Cross Riverians to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activity involving public assets whether movable or immovable, to the Department of Asset Management and Recovery, Governor’s Office.

The statement reads in part: “The Department of Assets Management and Recovery has observed, with deep concern, that despite multiple public notices emphasizing the importance of preserving public assets for the benefit of all Cross Riverians, certain unscrupulous individuals continue to convert public property to private use. A case in point is the recent attempt of persons yet to be uncovered to steal public transformers, acts that were thankfully foiled through the vigilance of concerned citizens in Obudu and the swift intervention of the Nigeria Police Force.

“His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, is profoundly dismayed by these incidents and has issued clear directives to the Department of Asset Management and Recovery to work collaboratively with security agencies in order to identify and bring to justice all those involved in these reprehensible acts. Let it be made abundantly clear that anyone found culpable, regardless of status or position, will face the full wrath of the law.

“As His Excellency continues to pursue his “People First” agenda and drive development to every corner of Cross River State, these efforts must not be undermined by a handful of individuals bent on sabotaging progress through the unlawful appropriation of public assets. It is, therefore, imperative that all hands be on deck to support the successful implementation of government programs.

“Going forward, we call on all Cross Riverians to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activity involving public assets whether movable or immovable, to the Department of Asset Management and Recovery, Governor’s Office. Please be assured that the identities of whistleblowers will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Thank you.”