The Ada Bekwara II Hon (Chief ) Signor Omang Idiege, has urged Bekwarra indigenes to take charge and protect public utility facilities in their communities to avoid vandalization.
Signor Idiege, who made the call during a town hall meeting with stakeholders, traditional rulers, political stalwarts and and pressure groups in Bekwarra, said the Governor is set to restore electricity in the entire local government area and all hands must be on deck to make it a reality.
Idiege, who convened the town hall meeting, disclosed that it was not easy lobbying for these facilities again after the first ones were vandalized.
“As our governor works to bring light to our communities, let us join hands to safeguard these facilities and ensure their longevity.
“These facilities are meant to bring succor to us as a people; I wonder why anyone should think of vandalizing them.
“There are so many communities in Cross River state in need of electricity, but we were lucky to be considered, so let’s protect our facilities , not just the electricity but other public facilities been as if they were our personal properties,” he appealed.
The Director-General of the Cross River State Electrification Agency, Mr. Francis Ekpo, while speaking at the meeting, assured the people of Bekwarra that the state Governor, Senator Bassey Otu is committed to providing electricity to several communities in the local government area in a bid to alleviate the yearnings of the people.
Ekpo, who said the Otu-led administration is committed to its People’s First agenda, emphasized that the Second Phase of the state’s electrification project would commence soon.
“We are doing everything possible to provide electricity to unserved and underserved communities in Cross River State. His Excellency is determined to light up every home in line with his People’s First agenda,” he assured.
The meeting had in attendance the paramount ruler of Bekwarra HRM Odey Linus Ogbeche; the council chairman, Hon. Theresa Ushie; Member representing Bekwarra in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Omang Charles Omang; Senior Special Adviser on Power, Emmanuel Nkpeh; Vice Chairman of Council, Hon. Egbung Odama, APC Chapter Chairman,Comrade Odama Thomas Odama traditional rulers, youth leaders, elected representatives, and officials from the power sector.
The following resolutions were reached at the end of the meeting held on May 10, 2025:
Each community must form a local vigilante group to safeguard installations and other public assets.
Security and infrastructure protection is a collective responsibility; government alone cannot shoulder the burden.
Anyone caught vandalizing or stealing public property, especially PHED installations, will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of social status.
Community members must be cautious of unknown individuals scavenging for scrap metals.
Stakeholders were urged to avoid politicizing electricity-related issues in Bekwarra.
The meeting also acknowledged and appreciated those who participated in the deliberations, as well as those who sent apologies for their absence due to other engagements.