Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has inaugurated a Special Environmental Task Force to strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws and sustain a clean, healthy and habitable environment across the state.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Moses Osogi, performed the inauguration in Calabar, charging members of the task force to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and fairness.

He said the task force was established to tackle environmental infractions, including indiscriminate waste disposal in drains and along roadsides, illegal structures obstructing vehicular and pedestrian movement, roadside trading and other environmental nuisances.

Otu urged the members to ensure that all enforcement activities are carried out in accordance with the law and warned against the use of violence or abuse of office.

“Let the law guide your actions. Be good ambassadors of the Ministry of Environment, Cross River State, and ultimately the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu. Do not engage in any act that will misrepresent the ‘Season of Sweetness’ administration,” he said.

The governor noted that the task force would play a critical role in improving environmental sanitation, protecting public health and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of communities across the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, the ministry’s Legal Adviser, Barr. Daniel Ekpo, outlined the legal framework governing the operations of the task force, stressing that its activities would be guided by existing environmental laws and regulations.

He reminded members that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law and urged the task force to remain committed to due process in the discharge of its duties.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Special Environmental Task Force, Mr. Elemi Esebonu, thanked Governor Otu for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the team.

Esebonu pledged that the task force would uphold the highest standards of professionalism and work diligently to restore environmental sanity across the state.

“We are committed to enforcing environmental laws responsibly and ensuring that Cross River remains clean, safe and environmentally sustainable,” he said.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the oath of office on members of the task force by the ministry’s Legal Adviser, Barr. Daniel Ekpo, officially signalling the commencement of their duties.

The inauguration follows the dissolution of the previous environmental task force and underscores the state government’s renewed commitment to strengthening environmental law enforcement, promoting accountability and protecting public health across Cross River State.