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Environmental activists and nature conservationists in Cross River State have urged Gov Bassey Otu to enforce the ban on all mining and wood-logging activities in the state.
They alleged that some Forestry and government officials were complicit in the illegal activities which have usually thwarted government’s efforts.
They gave the advice in different interviews by Mr Ken Henshaw of a non-governmental organisation, We The People, Mr Odigha Odigha former chairman of state Forestry Commission and Prince Odey Oyama, a forestry crusader.
Henshaw said, “There is nothing new in the announcement of the government.
“Logging in Cross River State has been illegal since 2008, yet it was during that period we saw the highest spate of logging in the history of the state.
“The governor needs to go beyond mere pronouncements. He needs to show the muscle and will to actually stop illegal logging.”
“To do this, we cannot depend on the security forces alone, they are equally complicit in logging.
“We need to set up a multi-stakeholder approach that includes communities, civil society and government,” he added.
On his part, Oyama reckoned that the state government would need experienced, dedicated, and committed public servants to make the directives and their objectives achievable.
Similarly, Odigha hoped that the government’s order would be realisable, adding that it is a “more than necessary action.”
He said environment is life and any actions that disrespect it should be discouraged.
He urged Gov Otu to “follow his orders with political will to enforce it, otherwise it will be sheer waste of efforts.”
“Let his announcement not be another audio statement”, Odinga said.
