The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public assets and protecting the territorial integrity of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST), warning that it will not tolerate encroachment on institutional land or diversion of government-owned equipment.
This position was reiterated during an inspection visit to the college by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Gilbert Agbor, who undertook an on-the-spot assessment of the institution’s landed property and movable assets, including tractors, farm implements and other critical equipment.
Addressing the management of the college, Barr. Agbor disclosed that government had received reports of alleged encroachment by landlord communities on portions of the institution’s land. He directed that the matter be formally documented to enable him make appropriate recommendations to the Governor for immediate action.
“I want the encroachment reported officially so that I can recommend to government to take urgent steps to protect the territory of the school,” he said.
He emphasized that government acquisition of land is anchored on long-term development plans and warned that permitting encroachment could undermine future expansion.
“When government acquires property like this, it is part of an official plan. It is not all about today. Different administrations have come and gone, and the present administration has beautiful plans for the state. We may require a larger portion of land tomorrow,” he stated.
Beyond land issues, the Special Adviser also raised concerns over alleged ploys to divert or unlawfully remove institutional assets. He warned against any attempt to cart away tractors, farm machinery or other college property, stressing that such assets are meant to support academic and agricultural development.
“The present administration will stop at nothing to prevent the diversion or unlawful removal of government property. These assets belong to the people of Cross River State and must be protected,” he declared.
Barr. Agbor further urged the Rector to submit a comprehensive inventory of the institution’s assets, including its survey plan, fixed infrastructure and all movable assets, to enable government make informed decisions regarding encroachment claims and the protection of equipment.
According to him, a detailed asset register would strengthen transparency and provide a clear framework for safeguarding the college’s property against diversion or interference.
He also clarified that the Department of Asset Management and Recovery does not sell government property and lacks the authority to dispose of assets. He explained that where institutional heads identify items as unserviceable, such cases must be formally reported to his office for documentation and recommendation to the Governor.
“I will mount a memo to His Excellency where necessary, but I do not bring buyers, and I do not have the power to scrap or sell government property,” he affirmed.
In his response, the Rector of the College, Irom Inyang, commended the Special Adviser for deeming it necessary to visit and intervene to safeguard the assets of the institution.
Dr. Inyang described the visit as timely and reassuring, noting that the protection of the college’s land and equipment was critical to its growth and sustainability.
He appealed to the state government to come to the aid of the institution to standardize facilities ahead of the new academic session and in line with its new status as the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology.
The Rector expressed optimism that with strengthened asset protection and sustained government support, the institution would be well-positioned to fulfill its mandate of advancing agricultural and technological education in Cross River State.
Kingsley Agim
