Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has ordered the immediate dissolution of the State Planning and Development Control Task Force following the demolition of a nearly completed private property by its personnel, describing the action as an abuse of power and a violation of citizens’ rights.
The Governor also directed an immediate suspension of further demolition activities on the affected property and ordered the payment of compensation to the owner for damages caused by the task force.
The directives were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr. Linus Obogo.
Governor Otu expressed strong displeasure over the incident, describing the demolition as brazen, unconscionable and reprehensible, particularly given the advanced stage of construction of the property.
He said the conduct of the task force was indefensible and amounted to an assault on the rights of the affected citizen, stressing that no government agency or public official had the authority to exercise power arbitrarily or outside the provisions of the law.
The Governor maintained that even where alleged breaches of physical planning regulations exist, such violations cannot justify lawlessness, disregard for due process or the trampling of the rights and dignity of citizens.
“Alleged violations of physical planning regulations cannot constitute a licence for lawlessness or the trampling of the rights and dignity of citizens,” he stated.
Consequently, he directed the immediate dissolution of the entire State Planning and Development Control Task Force, citing gross failure of the team and the need to ensure accountability for the conduct of its personnel.
He further ordered that no additional demolition work should be carried out on the affected property pending further action, while the owner must be adequately compensated for the damage already done.
Otu warned that no individual or institution would be shielded from accountability for misconduct, adding that the authority vested in public officers must never be used recklessly, vindictively or as a tool of intimidation.
“Public office is a solemn trust, not an instrument of intimidation or oppression,” the Governor declared.
He charged government agencies to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, restraint and professionalism, while respecting the rights of residents and adhering strictly to established laws and procedures.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting citizens, upholding justice and ensuring that accountability remains a non-negotiable standard in the conduct of public affairs.
By Kingsley Agim
