Security forum to restore peace in Calabar South hailed by Council Chair

 

The Executive Chairman, Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon. (Mrs.) Esther Bassey has expressed shared concern over the spate of insecurity in the council area and welcomes the peace and security meeting conceived by the leaders to address issues bothering on cultism, armed robbery and kidnapping.

Bassey made the comment during a stakeholder pally at African club, Calabar on the way forward to securing peace against the backdrop of raving insecurity in the area.

She aligns with the peace initiative noting that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere devoid of peace.

Her words “I am in full support of the peace and security meeting organized by the elders of my L.G.A. I am deeply worried that there is no peace and security in my LGA again Peace and security go in pari-pasu with sustainable development”.

And speaking further she said “I key into the initiative to ensure that it benefits my council and creates tremendous impact on my people”

The Executive chairman who spoke through the leaders of the council Hon. Asuquo Ekpenyong commended the Cross River State governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for restoring peace in the area as witnessed in the recent arrest of criminals by the newly inducted Joint Security Outfit a.k.a Operation Akpakwu.

Earlier, the convener, Chief Eneobong Umana popularly known as Eteyen who is the chairman of the concerned Elders Forum had informed stakeholders that he was disturbed by the rate of insecurity in Calabar South and that there was need to restore peace in the area.

The secretary to the convener, Pastor Patrick Asikpo Okon said that Efik communities in Calabar South Local Government Area were traditionally peace loving hence the need for the elders to challenge those engaged in these altruistic acts.

According to him, the Efik nation has a heritage of peace and that it was disturbing to hear of Calabar South LGA in the news wallowing crime, cult activities and criminality.

The secretary also disclosed that part of the communiqué on the way forward is to form a five-man committee, organize a Solemn Assembly urging the elders to sensitize the youths on the danger of cultism, drug abuse and kidnapping among others.

Lens correspondent reports that stakeholders commended the peace and security meeting, embraced peace and commended the initiative which was well attended as evidenced by the impressive turnout.

 

By: Onyi Ogar