PRESS STATEMENT

19th January, 2020

BAN ON BUSH BURNING IN CROSS RIVER STATE

The Government of Cross River State wishes to remind all residents of the State, particularly farmers and those engaged in hunting expeditions in the bushes and forest areas, that the ban on bush burning across the State is still in force.

This reminder has become very expedient now in view of the surging harmattan wind especially in the Northern and Central Senatorial Districts of the State thereby making the areas easily susceptible to fire.

Government also wishes to state that the dangers inherent in these unwholesome acts are enormous, with grave consequences on the environment, vis-à-vis crop production.

The act of burning bushes and surrounding forest areas greatly depletes the soil nutrients, thereby resulting in environmental degradation as well as de-manure the soil for agricultural activities.

In this regard, Government hereby direct all Traditional Rulers across the 196 Political Wards of the State to remain vigilant to checkmate this ugly trend of bush burning while Security Agencies are advised to liaise closely with Chiefs and Community leaders to apprehend and make defaulters of this illegal act  face the full wrath of the law.

Cross River is an agrarian State, let us support the current administration’s dynamic drive to boost our agricultural diversification programmes and production capacities. Avoid bush burning at all times.

 Comrade Asu Okang.                      Cmmissioner for Information & Orientation