Get Guardian on GoogleGovernor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has dissolved the state’s Planning and Development Control Task Force, halted further demolition work on a nearly completed private building and ordered compensation for its owner.
The decision followed the controversial demolition of the property by the task force, an incident that raised concerns over the treatment of property owners and the exercise of regulatory powers by government officials.
Otu, who expressed concern over the incident, said no government agency or public official had the authority to act outside the law, irrespective of the circumstances surrounding an alleged violation of physical planning regulations.
In a statement, the governor said such allegations should be handled through established legal procedures rather than arbitrary actions capable of undermining citizens’ rights, dignity and legitimate interests.
The governor stressed that his administration would not tolerate abuse of power, intimidation or any conduct by public officials that disregarded residents’ rights.
He said the incident underscored the need for government officials to exercise their authority with discipline, responsibility and accountability, adding that public office was a position of trust and not a licence for arbitrary action.
Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting residents, upholding the rule of law and ensuring that government remained responsive to the concerns of the people.
He maintained that nobody in Cross River State was above the law and that accountability would remain non-negotiable under his administration.
