Andy Esiet, Calabar
Gov. Bassey Otu
Cross River state government has commenced investigation into all state government owned and conssessioned industries and other landed properties under the administration of the immediate past governor, Senator Ben Ayade.
This action is seen in some quarters as a subtle probe into the administration of the immediate past governor.
Towards the end of Ayade’s government, some industries, institutions properties were conssessioned and land allegedly sold out without due process thus raising eyebrows in the public.
It is gathered that some of the conssessioned institutions, industries and land that may come under scrutiny as the committee begins work include the British Canadian University, Ogoja Rice Mill, Garment Factory, Ogoja Rice Mill, Obudu German Hospital, Ikom Chocolate Factory, Transcorp Hotel and Calachika.
Others are the Water Board Land, Ministry of Works Land Calabar, Hope Waddell Land, St. Stephen Primary School Obudu Land, Ministry Of Agriculture Obudu Land, Nitel Land Obudu, Okambi-Abonkib-Ikwom-Ikwu-Igwo Lands in Obudu, Cross River House in Abuja and few others.
Thus the fact finding committee in a statement dated July 1 and signed by its Secretary, Mr. Anthony Effiom has called for a memorandum from members of the public.
The statement said, “we are by this notice inviting members of the public to submit Memorandum as concerning the Terms of Reference and the memorandum is to reach the committee on or before the 7th day of July. 2023 and addressed to the Secretary, Facts Finding Committee of Cross River State Concession Industries & Landed Properties.
“The public and the Concession Companies are invited to the committees public sitting from 10th day of July, 2023 to 14th day of July, 2023” .
Effiom said, “on the 15th day of June 2023, the government of Cross River State set up a fact-finding committee on Cross River State government owned and concession industries and other landed properties. The Committee, Terms of Reference includes:
“To look into all transactions relating to concession industries. the valuation, review the adequacy and appropriateness of the legal processes. fair value of assets competency of concessionaires and determine the adequacy and protection of the State interest.
“Look into all land related transactions, acquisitions and applications in the public interest for developed and undeveloped lands.
“To look into transactions relating to Government buildings located in the state and outside the State”.
