Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has dissolved the State Planning and Development Control Task Force following public outrage over the demolition of a private building that was reportedly nearing completion.
The governor’s decision came after a Nigerian property developer raised an alarm on social media, accusing officials of the agency of unjustly demolishing his nearly completed building.
In a viral video, the developer explained that he had personally attracted investors to support housing projects aimed at boosting the state’s real estate sector, only for the structure to be pulled down by the task force.
The incident triggered widespread reactions, prompting Governor Otu to intervene and issue a statement through his official social media platforms.
The governor ordered the immediate suspension of further demolition activities on the affected property and directed relevant authorities to arrange appropriate compensation for the damages caused.
Otu maintained that no government agency or public official had the authority to operate outside the provisions of the law, regardless of the circumstances.
The statement partly reads:
“Let me state clearly that no government agency or public official has the right to act outside the boundaries of the law, no matter the circumstances.
“Alleged violations of physical planning regulations must be addressed through lawful procedures, not through arbitrary actions that undermine the rights, dignity and legitimate interests of our citizens.
“Consequently, I have ordered the immediate dissolution of the State Planning and Development Control Task Force responsible for this incident, the suspension of further demolition activities on the affected property, and the payment of appropriate compensation for the damages occasioned.
“My administration is built on the principles of fairness, accountability, respect for the rule of law and putting the people first.
“We will not tolerate any conduct by public officials that amounts to abuse of power, intimidation or disregard for the rights of our people.
“Public office is a position of trust, not a licence to exercise power arbitrarily.”
The governor’s intervention comes amid growing public criticism over the demolition and calls for accountability from government officials involved in the operation.
