Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called for the declaration of a state of emergency in Cross River State over alleged heightened crimes and looming anarchy.
A statement signed by the chairman of Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the state who doubles as the IPAC chairman, Anthony Bissong Attah said the call has become imperative following recent happenings in the state.
Read Also: Stay Clear Of Cross River’s Politics, Group Warns Wike
On Monday morning, a large number of ex-militants barricaded Governor Ben Ayade’s office in Calabar over alleged non-implementation of an earlier agreement and neglect.
The militants had caused chaos in the vicinity until Alfred Mboto, an aide to Governor Ayade offered them a gift of N500,000 for fuel and appealed that the Governor will have a session with them.
There have also been renewed kidnapping, armed robbery and gangsterism in parts of the state despite the state government’s efforts.
Following the incident, the IPAC chairman, Attah said the tension has been exacerbated by the invasion of the Governor’s office by ex-militants.
‘Recall that the entire state civil service has been shut down for the past two weeks with attendant unprecedented street protests’.
‘Alarmed by heightening national insecurity, we are compelled to demand that a State of emergency be declared in Cross River State to forestall a total breakdown of law and order in our once most peaceful state in Nigeria.’
Attah also stressed that it is not until the Cross River situation becomes like that of states in the northeast, northwest and southeast before the federal government would act, stressing that the lives of the people are at risk.
Reacting swiftly, Alfred Mboto frowned at the call, describing it as wicked and very bad from IPAC and YPP.
He said in all the states in Nigeria, Cross River is still the safest, adding that in the crime index, the state is at the lowest rung.
‘Security situation in Cross River is still the best up till tomorrow. Those calling for a state of emergency should peep into some of the Southeast or Northeast states and make comparisons. Such comment is wicked and very bad.’
He also mentioned that the Cross River State government was doing its best to curb insecurity in the State.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK