Cross River govt recounts EndSars loss, warns against nationwide protest

The Cross River State government has recalled the extensive damage caused in the State during the October 2020 EndSARS mass protest, which was reportedly carried out by non-indigenes.

Consequently, the government has cautioned residents against participating in the upcoming August 1st protest.

In a press statement on Monday, Information Commissioner Erasmus Ekpang stated that the State is still dealing with the consequences of the EndSARS damages.

He reiterated that the government, under Governor Bassey Edet’s leadership, is actively working to rebuild and reshape the State and will not tolerate any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt this progress.

The commissioner outlined the reasons why residents should avoid the protest: “The administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu has, since taking office one year ago, been taking proactive steps by introducing palliative schemes intended to provide relief to different segments of society, foster economic growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

“For instance, under the Cash Transfer Unit, which is part of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, N1,328,280,000.00 has been disbursed to 17,138 beneficiaries across the 18 Local Government Areas.

Under the Small and Medium Enterprises scheme, NG-CARES has disbursed grants ranging from N100,000.00 to N400,000.00 to 2,136 enterprises in the State.

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“Under FADAMA, which is part of the Ministry of Agriculture, farm implements for various value chains such as rice, cassava, poultry, piggery, and aquaculture have been distributed to over 73,634 beneficiaries.

“In addition, the recently launched Livelihood Grant Programme, also implemented by the Cash Transfer Unit, has benefited over 4,000 poor and vulnerable individuals, each receiving between N50,000.00 and N200,000.00.

“Under the Labour Intensive Public Works scheme, managed by the Ministry of Youth Development, 20,898 poor and vulnerable youths were enrolled and paid stipends for six months, totaling N1,253,880,000.00.

Additionally, over 100 canoes and fishing boats were built and distributed to youths in riverine communities, along with grants worth over 2 billion Naira.

“All these initiatives were undertaken by the State Government to cushion the effects of economic challenges,” Ekpang explained.

He also disclosed that all security agencies have been directed to be on high alert to monitor and address any potential disruptions. He urged all law-abiding residents to go about their normal activities without fear of molestation.