Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has dissolved the state’s Planning and Development Control Task Force following the demolition of a nearly completed private property by operatives of the agency.
Gatekeepers News reports that the governor also ordered the suspension of further demolition activities on the affected property and directed the payment of appropriate compensation to its owner for the damage caused.
Otu announced the decisions in a post on his X account on Wednesday, stressing that no government agency or public official was above the law or entitled to exercise authority arbitrarily.
The governor said he was deeply concerned by reports of the demolition, insisting that government officials must operate within the limits of the law, regardless of the circumstances.
“I have received with deep concern the report of the demolition of a nearly completed private property by personnel of the Cross River State Planning and Development Control Task Force,” he wrote.
“Let me state clearly that no government agency or public official has the right to act outside the boundaries of the law, no matter the circumstances.
“Consequently, I have ordered the immediate dissolution of the State Planning/Development Control Task Force responsible for this incident, the suspension of further demolition activities on the affected property, and the payment of appropriate compensation for the damages occasioned.”
Otu maintained that alleged breaches of physical planning regulations must be handled through established legal procedures rather than arbitrary actions that violate citizens’ rights and legitimate interests.
He said his administration was founded on the principles of fairness, accountability, respect for the rule of law and prioritising the welfare of the people.
The governor further warned that his government would not tolerate misconduct by public officials, particularly actions involving abuse of power, intimidation or disregard for citizens’ rights.
“Public office is a position of trust, not a licence to exercise power arbitrarily,” Otu added.
“Every official must understand that authority comes with responsibility, discipline and accountability.
“As Governor, I remain firmly committed to protecting every Cross Riverian, ensuring justice and building a government that listens, takes responsibility and does what is right. In Cross River State, nobody is above the law, and accountability is non-negotiable.”
