Baskadia

By Nsa Gill

When a lie is told against you and you allow the same to fester without setting the record straight, you risk losing your dignity.

A middle-aged man who claims to be an activist and borrows the sleeves of a journalist recently told a lie about Cross River State by saying that Calabar, the state capital is where criminals are confident. He lied! He cited petty instances of crime incidents which are isolated and made his wrong and faulty conclusions.

Truth be told: Calabar and indeed Cross River have never had it this good security-wise. The dedication of Governor Bassey Edet Otu and the Cross River State Police Command to safeguarding the populace is top-notch and evident in the proactive crime-fighting strategies and successful efforts in reducing criminal activities.

Security personnel are not just diligently working behind the scenes but are also well equipped by the government with the necessary tools for the job thus making the bolstering of security across the state seamless, effective and effortless as can be seen in the exhilarating security situations in many parts of the state.

For example, hitherto volatile areas such as Bakassi, Akpabuyo, and Calabar South Local Government Areas have since been pacified under Governor Otu’s administration. Law enforcement operations have rendered these areas inhospitable and impregnable to criminal elements.

Criminals of other hue-fraudulent activists and blackmailers- have also been put in their places by the Otu administration. Gone are the days when, through blackmail, the government of Cross River and the Governor are turned into cash cows, held hostage and milked dry by blackmailers.

Essentially, there have been instances where certain individuals, known for deceitful practices and fraudulent activities under the guise of activism, have alleged personal property theft and then publicly demanded compensation from the Governor.

However, Governor Otu, focused, visionary and committed to serving the people of Cross River with the fear of God, has refused to bow to these baals as their claims and demands lack credibility.

The bottom line is that the overall security situation in Calabar nay the entire state remains robust, solid and encouraging.

Recent assessments by independent rating agencies returned Cross River State as the second-best most safe, secure and conducive state in Nigeria for conducting business. Following closely behind is Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Governor Otu’s recent initiatives, such as the procurement of surveillance vehicles for security purposes and the stern warning issued to traditional leaders against sheltering individuals of questionable character signposts a leader resolute in denying criminals a foothold and securing his people against undesirable elements.

The city of Calabar and the entirety of Cross River State have always been synonymous with peace and tranquillity and a haven for tourists and potential investors.

Governor Otu’s investment in security, his unwavering commitment to root out criminals from the state and his uncompromising stance against criminal and abhorrent behaviours are all geared towards restoring this elegant feature which the state had been known for.

Security is everyone’s responsibility. Rather than celebrate or blow out of proportion isolated cases of crimes, citizens should collaborate with the government and security agencies to fight criminals or nip crimes in the bud.

The collaborative efforts of the government, law enforcement agencies, citizens and community leaders in maintaining law and order, fighting criminals, maintaining security standards and curbing criminal activities of deviants are key to keeping the state safe.

The ongoing implementation of various measures, including regular State Security Council meetings, security operations, community outreach, and the integration of sophisticated technologies like Artificial Intelligence, underscores the commitment to enhancing security within the state.

Residents and visitors alike must cooperate with security forces, report any suspicious incidents, and adhere to safety protocols to preserve the peaceful environment in Cross River State.

Nay sayers’ bile and ghoulish ranting notwithstanding, this is self-evident: Given the foregoing, when juxtaposed with many other states across the country, Cross River remains an oasis of safety; secure and conducive. One needs no soothsayer to know this or a binocular to see it!

Yes, just as other cosmopolitan cities around the world, Calabar occasionally witnesses a flash and pocket of acts of misdemeanour by deviants and petty thieves but these are isolated cases; flashes in the pan that do not define the city nor the administration of the Governor Bassey Otu.

There may have been a time past when crime records were of concern to some residents but it has never been the defining feature of everyday life in Calabar and since the advent of the present administration, criminals have been receiving bloody noses and isolated crimes have been on a downward decline.

The resultant effect of this is that residents of the city can now drive in and out of their houses without entertaining the fear of marauders and kidnappers lurking around the corner to strike.

Residents sleep with their two eyes closed and equally, nightlife in Calabar is once again booming.

Even pessimists and chronic critics admit that more than ever before, Cross River, particularly its serene and beautiful capital city, Calabar is enjoying unprecedented security and safety.

Gill is the Chief Press Secretary to Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu