Cross River should investigative politically-motivated murders, sale of public companies – Obla
By Ibraheem Hamza Muhammad
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has been call upon to investigative politically motivated murders, sale of public companies from 1999 to 2007 under former Governor Donald Duke.
Chief Obol Okoi Obono-Obla Spokesman of Cross River State APC Campaign Council made the call in Abuja that, ” I demand the Government of Cross River to institute a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe these dubious sales.
“The Government of Cross River State of Nigeria must as a matter of urgency order a fresh investigation of all unresolved politically motivated murders that took place in the State between 1999-2007 including Rev. Father Offiong, H.E John Oyom Okpa, Barrister Eyo Okon Eyo, etc during the heydays when one of the oligarchs had sway.
“Also to be investigated, includes the burning down of the hotel belonging to Ambassador Akpang Obi Odu.” He said
The APC spokesperson, said, It is a fundamental principle of criminal law that in Nigeria times don’t operate as a bar against criminal prosecution!
The Politician said, in 1967, the administration of General Yakubu Gowon created Cross River Statr under Brigadier General Udoka Jacob Esuene who established more than 200 industries and also incorporated the defunct Mercantile Bank.
Chief Obla alleged that the administration of Donald Duke sold all these industries, agricultural plantations, and the defunct Mercantile Bank to cronies and shell companies at giveaway prices.
He said, till today no account was rendered on how much was realized from these sales, all these industries are moribund and the Mercantile Bank was liquidated.
The Chief said that the precinct of the historical Cultural Centre, Calabar was sold to Spar.
He stressed that this mindless selling of the common patrimony of the People of Cross River State greatly deprived young people of the present generation of gainful employment in these industries, public enterprises, and plantations.
Chief Obla said, “I commend the patriotism of Governor Ben Ayade for retrieving the Transcorp Hotel, one of the enterprises that were corruptly sold.”