C’River state can never be forgotten in the schemes of things-Prof Osinbajo

Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, has assured the people and government of the Cross River state of continued recognition in the scheme of things, adding that the federal government has not forgotten the state. Speaking at the palace of the Obong of Calabar during his last leg of tour of states in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria Thursday said that federal government will continue to accord the state her prority.

He said federal government will give the state full support to any people oriented projects which will enhance the living standard of the people. Prof Osinbajo used the opportunity to stress on the need for peace and unity amongst the diverse ethnic nationalities of Nigeria, saying the diversity is the strength of the nation.

Consequently, Osinbajo said that the President Buhari-led federal government will do everything possible to ensure unity and greatness of the country.
“Unity of Nigeria is absolutely important. Federal government will do everything possible to ensure peace and unity of Nigeria. The convergence of different ethnic groups in another part of the country illustrates greatness.
“Everyone in this country needs the support of one another irrespective of tribe, race culture and religion. Every part of Nigeria is crucial but Calabar is very special because of its historical value,” adding that various appointments of indigenes of the state by President Muhammadu Buhari was deliberate to show that they hold the state in high esteem.

Responding, the Obong of Calabar Obong, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, expressed gratitude for the visit of the acting president. He called for the recognition of the traditional institution because the traditional Institution started governance. He said federal government should make them part and parcel of government.

The monarch emphasized on the importance of peace and understanding amongst the peoples of the country and conferred on the Acting President a referred title of “Ada Idaha Ke Efik Eburutu”, given only to prominent individuals. The traditional lord lamented the loss of the state’s 76 oil wells and the Bakassi peninsula and appealed for the federal government to boost infrastructural facility in Cross River state.

As part of the visit, the acting president inspected projects embarked upon by Governor Ben Ayade at the newly created Industrial City where the Garments Factory, the Calapharm, the Rice City are located.
The acting President stopped over at the federal government Girls College near Calabar International airport and exchanged pleasantly with the students. He spoke with hundreds of the students who lined the route to welcome him.
Osinbajo later held a town hall meeting with the people of the state at the sprawling Calabar International Conference Centre, built by former Governor Liyel Imoke, which was another project he inspected.