Security and citizens welfare took the spotlight on Monday as Cross River State governor, Prince Bassey Otu, held a strategic meeting with all 18 local government chairmen at the State Executive Chambers in Calabar. The deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, was also in attendance.
Declaring the meeting open before proceeding into a closed session, Governor Otu said the discussions would focus on security, welfare and a comprehensive assessment of the performance of councils across the state in line with his People First Agenda.
He noted that with the year drawing to a close, it has become essential for residents to feel the full impact of local government administration at all levels.
“We are going into the end of the year and there is need for our citizens to feel the impact of the local government administration, not just at the centre but across the tiers of government. This meeting is also a period for self assessment to know how the People First governance has impacted on the people,” he said.
Speaking with journalists after the closed door session, the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Hon. Yiballa Inyang, said the parley produced critical resolutions aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture and improving quality of life.
Inyang, who also chairs the Cross River Forum of Local Government Chairmen, explained that enhancing security required not only operational strategies but also the creation of a happier, more fulfilled citizenry.
“For security to be tackled, there must be happy moments where people are happy. We considered several measures that will give citizens direct impact, life assistance and other support systems to improve their livelihood,” he said.
Assessing the performance of councils under his leadership, Inyang maintained that progress was being made across the state.
“We are on course. We are doing well and doing a lot to improve the standard of living. Our development focus is geared towards putting the state on a developed map, and that is what we deserve as a people, especially with a governor who genuinely cares about the feelings of the citizens,” he added.
The meeting is expected to strengthen collaboration between the state government and the councils as efforts continue to build a safer, more responsive governance structure for Cross River residents.