|By Adejumo Adekunle-
-Governor vows clampdown on illegal school operations
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has pledged to retrieve all state-owned assets illegally acquired by former officials, corporate bodies, and private individuals.
Reaffirming his commitment at a State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Wednesday, Otu inaugurated Asset Recovery Committees across the 18 local government areas. He said the move is part of his broader effort to reclaim all movable and immovable assets that were “unduly taken” from the state.
This comes two months after the recovery of equipment hidden in the hometown of his predecessor, Prof. Ben Ayade. So far, Otu’s administration has retrieved heavy-duty construction machinery, landed properties, and government estates located in Ogoja and Calabar.
To deepen the process, the governor disclosed that a state-wide assets audit is already underway. He also announced plans to embark on a tour of the three senatorial districts, where he will explain to residents the rationale behind the ongoing crackdown on past dignitaries and unauthorized possession of government assets.
A communiqué issued after the EXCO meeting and signed by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, noted that the town hall meetings will allow the governor to connect with citizens and listen to their needs.
“In furtherance of his leadership commitment to the ‘People First’ mantra,” the statement read, “the Governor reminded EXCO Members of his plans to hold three special town hall meetings in the three senatorial districts… to feel the pulse of the people as regards the administration’s policy milestones.”
At these meetings, the governor is expected to gather public input that will inform the next phase of developmental projects across the 18 LGAs.
Meanwhile, the state government has announced a statewide clampdown on unapproved and illegal schools. Dr Ekpang said the operation aims to uphold educational standards and tackle the widespread growth of substandard learning centres.
“No child in Cross River should be subjected to poor or unregulated education,” the commissioner said. “We are determined to rid the state of institutions that undermine academic integrity.”
The crackdown on illegal schools and the aggressive asset recovery strategy reflect the administration’s push to reassert control, rebuild public trust, and deliver community-driven governance.
