Cross River State House of Assembly has commenced proper investigation into the sudden disappearance of machines bought by former Governor Ben Ayade administration at the cost of N9 billion.
Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem told the House that the present cost of the 37 machines now is over N50 billion and the Assembly would do everything possible to track the machines because it has serial numbers.
The former Commissioner for Agriculture and member representing Akamkpa State Constituency, Hon. Okon Owuna, told the House that the items were bought under his stewardship as Commissioner and sent to the Ministry of Works and later Ministry of Aviation, which is under the same roof under instructions from above.
Also, the Cross River State House of Assembly has called for an immediate investigation into theft and vandalism at the Cross River State Piles and Pylon Factory in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The member representing Akamkpa 1 State Constituency, Hon. Okon Owuna, moved the motion emphasizing the urgency for state government intervention, highlighting the potential economic benefits at stake.
Hon. Bassey Bassey (Akpabuyo) and Hon. Eyo Bassey (Bakassi) also underscored the need for serious action to address the recurring issue of theft and ensure accountability among factory managers.
Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, member representing Abi, also highlighted the importance of prioritizing the proper functioning of equipment to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Hon. Neji Abang of Ikom 1 State Constituency offered an example of the unfortunate fate of Calas Vegas, neglected and resulted in major theft and vandalism. He urged the government to take proactive steps to ensure the vitality of the state’s factories and industries, thereby avoiding a similar fate.
Additionally, the legislatures stated that the government must take the necessary measures to ensure the security of valuable equipment and prioritize the functioning of the facilities to prevent incidents like theft and vandalism from occurring.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem thanked Hon. Okon Owuna for bringing up the motion and stressed the necessity of making sure that those who pilfered Cross River State property face consequences in court as well as the significance of getting the properties back to lessen the load on Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Out administration
