ACTING GOVERNOR URGES THE NAVY TO INTENSIFY PATROL OF BAKASSI AREA.
The State Acting Governor, Mr. Efiok Cobham has urged members of the Eastern Naval Command to fast tract the Proposed Joint Patrol of the Bakassi Water ways to stem the tide of piracy and bunkering in the area.
The Acting Governor gave the urge in Calabar today, when he granted audience to the outgoing Flag Officer of the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Olufemi Ogungimi and the outgoing Commander of the NNS Victory, Commodore Kingdom Itoko, who paid him a courtesy call in his office.
According to Mr. Cobham, Bakassi has remained a thorny issue, which he noted, had been unresolved, adding that it is the duty of government to protect the people of Bakassi.
Bakassi, the Acting Governor, observed, is rated as the highest point of piracy activities and should be nibbed in the bud.
While commending the Navy for checking the activities of bunkering, which he described as a crime against the economy of the nation, Mr Cobham called for a mutual cooperation between the State Government and the Navy.
He commended the outgoing Officers for their immense contribution towards the maintenance of peace in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, the outgoing Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Olufemi Ogungimi commended the government and people of the state for the support given to the Navy throughout the period of his command.
He lauded the cordial relationship existing between the government and people of the state, which according to him was attributable to the good leadership of the present administration in the state.
He, however, solicited for more support and cooperation from the state government towards his successor, who was unavoidably absent at the visit.
He said he would continue to pray for the return of the State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke.
High point of the visit was the presentation of a souvenir to the Acting Governor, by Rear Admiral Olufemi Ogungimi
Via: Cross River State Government - Official Press Release