BORDER DISPUTES: Governor Otu says Cross River won’t surrender territory to neighboring states
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has made a firm declaration regarding the state’s territorial integrity, stating that “we are not surrendering an inch of our land to anyone.”
This statement comes in response to recent border disputes and skirmishes with neighboring states, which have reportedly resulted in violence and destruction of property.
The governor emphasized that while the people of Cross River are known for their peaceful nature, this should not be misconstrued as weakness.
Security measures and monitoring
In light of these challenges, Governor Otu has announced the deployment of drones to monitor the state’s boundaries and territory more effectively.
This initiative aims to safeguard Cross River’s territorial integrity against incursions from neighboring regions, particularly those involving illegal mining activities and conflicts arising from herdsmen and farmers.
The governor’s administration said it is committed to enhancing state security, especially along its borders, which he views as critical for maintaining peace and stability within the region.
Cross River State, located in southeastern Nigeria, is facing a border dispute primarily with neighboring Cameroon over the Bakassi Peninsula.
This area has been a point of contention between the two nations for decades due to its strategic location and rich natural resources, particularly oil and gas reserves.
The border disputes date back to the colonial period when the borders were not clearly defined. After Nigeria and Cameroon gained independence in 1960, the status of British Cameroons became ambiguous.
A United Nations-sponsored plebiscite in 1961 resulted in the northern part joining Nigeria and the southern part reuniting with Cameroon. However, border disputes arose regarding the exact demarcation of land and maritime boundaries, particularly concerning Bakassi.
Addressing conflicts and economic growth
The governor also highlighted his administration’s focus on resolving ongoing issues such as herdsmen/farmers clashes in areas like Odukpani Local Government Area (LGA).
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He noted that many of these conflicts stem from misunderstandings that can be avoided through dialogue and effective communication. Furthermore, Otu is dedicated to addressing infrastructure development as a means to foster economic growth within Cross River State.
Illegal mining concerns
Another significant concern raised by Governor Otu is the unchecked exploitation of natural resources through illegal mining operations.
He described this practice as a threat to the sustainability of Cross River State and has expressed intentions to collaborate with security agencies for stricter enforcement and regulation of mining activities. This approach aims not only to protect the environment but also to ensure that local communities benefit from their natural resources.
