The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Uguru Usani, has regretted the security situation in Calabar, Cross River capital.
The Minister Usani said “Calabar is the most unsafe city in the country.”
Speaking during the inauguration of the Cross River State executives of the Niger Delta Youth Network for Peace and Development on Monday Pastor Usani noted that it was unfortunate that the capital that had only one gateway, apart from the coastal lines, could have such incessant attempts of kidnaps in recent times.
He lauded the youths for the initiative to promote peace and development, assuring them that he will do his best to promote and propagate them.
“Beginning from Cross River is the right action because if you do not have peace and experience it, you cannot export it elsewhere and that is why as a Cross Riverian and as a Minister, I will be proud enough to promote and propagate your interest at any level.
“We are comfortable with the fact that young people can come together and decide that they want to propagate all issues concerning peace within the region.
“And starting from Cross River, it means we are already turning towards the journey to sustaining what we are used to be known for in the past. There has been reasonable measure of peace but we think we can enhance it so that we can be better.
“It is however lamentable that in one of the executive council meetings I was attending, people were discussing generally about peace in the country and somebody mentioned Cross River State associated with peace and a big security personality said, ‘today as we speak to you, Calabar is the most unsafe city in the country’.”
The minister, who lamented that the country was facing challenges, blamed lack of proper appropriations by some institutions.
“Concerning government, it has been a very difficult time for all Nigerians. The entire country is facing very challenging times. It is not because of lack of intent.
“It is not even because of lack of performance, but it is because of lack of proper appropriation by those institutions that are meant to carry out these functions that are already compromising and being inimical to the progress of the people,” he said.
Chairman of the event, Prof Etim Nyong, also lauded the youths for the initiative, saying “anything that affects the Niger Delta affects the entire country.”
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