Otu dissolves Cross River demolition task force, orders compensation

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu on Wednesday dissolved the State Planning and Development Control Task Force after its officials demolished a nearly completed private building in Calabar.

In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Linus Obogo, Otu ordered that no further demolition take place on the property and that its owner be compensated for the damage.

The task force enforces the state’s physical planning rules. Otu said that even where a building breaks those rules, officials must act within the law and follow due process.

“Alleged violations of physical planning regulations cannot constitute a licence for lawlessness or the trampling of the rights and dignity of citizens,” he said.

Otu described the demolition as brazen, unconscionable and reprehensible, given how far construction had gone, and held the whole task force responsible for the failure.

“Public office is a solemn trust, not an instrument of intimidation or oppression,” he said. He told government agencies to work with discipline, restraint and professionalism and to respect residents’ rights.

Vanguard reported that its checks showed the building was on the Parliamentary Extension axis in Calabar Municipality and belonged to Olajide Jamil, who runs Cent Apartment.

The statement did not say how much compensation will be paid, who will pay it, or whether a new task force will be set up.

Sources: Cross River State Government; Vanguard; CrossRiverWatch