Diana Okon-Effiong, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has charged its delegates to the forthcoming national conference to canvass for resource control, compensation over loss of Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon
Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River State gave the charge in Calabar while addressing stakeholders at Government Lodge
He said that the agenda of the State at the conference would include compensation for the loss of the Bakassi Peninsula and the right to control its solid mineral resources.
He also urged its delegates to the forth coming National Conference to consciously advance positions that would be in the best interest of the State.
Our Regional Correspondent reports that those at the parley included State National and State Legislators, members of the State Executive Council, Elder Statesmen, Politicians and youth groups.
Imoke alos directed the Cross River Delegates to the conference to canvass for control of National Parks, Inland Waterways, as well as what constitutes the definition of Federal roads in the State.
Imoke said the concept “true Fiscal Federalism’’ should be seen beyond mere control of resources to enabling states to collect and remit revenues from solid minerals.
He also criticized the Federal Government decision to collect revenue from waterways through the department of Inland Waterways in the states, wondering why it should be so instead of the States collecting revenue generated from water transportation.
He also advised the state’s delegates to address Community Policing in the State to fight crimes to be included in the Exclusive List and should not be involved in the Federal Election processes.
Imoke also frowned at the subsidy formula which is currently on the basis for revenue sharing formula rather than on consumption.
Imoke said the State strongly supports the conference: “As a people, we have a lot of challenges that have to be addressed and discussing it will be useful to the nation, despite objections from certain quarters’’.
“Although some people may say previous dialogue did not bring anything, this conference will create an opportunity to bring a lot of things to the table as well as address weaknesses.
“We need to articulate on issues that will build the nation rather than separate us as a people.
“It is good for us to have a presentation that will understand right from the very first day what the Conference is all about, for them to understand the position of South-South and Southern Nigeria.
“We need a strong voice to represent the people, not one that will not be seen or vocal, to participate in discussions that are not only specific to Cross River State but national enough, not on sentiments but capacity, because it is a meeting of the minds that will come out with a resolution”.
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