The Cross River Government has advised residents to refrain from participating in the planned nationwide protest on August 1. Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, made this call in a statement issued in Calabar on Tuesday. He acknowledged the economic hardships faced by Nigerians but emphasized that the government at all levels is committed to improving citizens' well-being and that protests are not in the nation's best interest, referencing the destructive outcomes of the EndSARS protests.
Ekpang warned that the state government would take decisive action against any individuals or groups threatening the state's peace. He highlighted various intervention programs implemented by the government, benefiting over 117,802 poor and vulnerable households. These initiatives, he said, demonstrate the government's commitment to alleviating economic challenges and improving the quality of life for residents.
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The commissioner detailed specific programs, including the Cash Transfer programme, which has disbursed about N1.3 billion to beneficiaries, and the NG-CARES initiative, which provided grants to 2,136 small and medium enterprises. Additionally, the FADAMA programme has supported 73,634 farmers, and the Livelihood Grant Programme has assisted around 4,000 vulnerable individuals. Ekpang also noted the Labour Intensive Public Works programme, which paid stipends to 20,898 youths, and the provision of canoes and fishing boats to riverine communities.
Ekpang emphasized the government's ongoing efforts to mitigate economic challenges, including spending N440 million to register 16,301 residents for the West African School Certificate Examination. He urged residents to recognize these efforts and avoid actions that could disrupt the prevailing peace in the state, reiterating the government’s dedication to addressing current economic issues.
