Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has dissolved the state’s Planning and Development Control Task Force following the demolition of a private property nearing completion by officials of the agency.
A Nigerian man had come online to cry out after his building, which was almost completed, was ‘’unjustly’’ demolished by men of the state task force. In the video shared online, the man alleged that he received funding for housing projects from investors whom he had single-handedly attracted to the state to develop the real estate sector, only for the building to be demolished.
Reacting to the public outcry, the governor in a statement posted on his social media platforms, ordered the immediate suspension of further demolition activities on the affected property and directed the payment of compensation for damages caused by the demolition.
The statement in part reads
‘’Let me state clearly that no government agency or public official has the right to act outside the boundaries of the law, no matter the circumstances.
Alleged violations of physical planning regulations must be addressed through lawful procedures, not through arbitrary actions that undermine the rights, dignity and legitimate interests of our citizens.
Consequently, I have ordered the immediate dissolution of the State Planning and Development Control Task Force responsible for this incident, the suspension of further demolition activities on the affected property, and the payment of appropriate compensation for the damages occasioned.
My administration is built on the principles of fairness, accountability, respect for the rule of law and putting the people first.
We will not tolerate any conduct by public officials that amounts to abuse of power, intimidation or disregard for the rights of our people.
Public office is a position of trust, not a licence to exercise power arbitrarily’’
