CROSS RIVER STATE SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH GULF OF GUINEA COMMISSION
The Special Assistant to Governor of Cross River state on Legislative Affairs, Sir Clay Ogeh Ekpong (Ksji) has requested strategic partnership between the state and the Gulf of Guinea Commission.
Sir Clay made the call in Luanda during his visit to the commission's headquarters in Angola.
In his briefing with journalists on the reason for his visit, he submitted that as an aide to His Excellency, Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, he thought it wise to visit the Gulf of Guinea Commission in view of strategic partnership, in line with the vision of his boss, whose deep thinking had birthed the appointment of Barr. John Gaul Lebo as Special Envoy to the Gulf of Guinea.
Sir Clay who traveled to the oil rich country for the official inauguration and presentation of letters of credence of the Ambassador of Nigeria to Angola, Prof. Monique Ekpong,paid the courtesy call on the Executive Secretary of Gulf of Guinea commission, Amb. Mrs.Florentina Adenike Ukonga on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at the commission's headquarters in Luanda,Angola.
Also, owing to the strategic location of Calabar, Cross River State on the geographical map and its proximity to GGC member countries, it makes it imperative and timely that Governor Ayade is choosing to maximize this advantage and harness the positive potentials of the Gulf of Guinea and partner with the GGC to improve exports from the region, provide safer waterways for businesses, richer waters for fishing and above all create jobs for the country and the state.
Sir Ben Ayade had already indicated interest in affiliating with the GGC, he concluded that the thoughtful affiliation of Cross River State to the Gulf of Guinea Commission Africa would go along way to alleviate the challenges faced in the region.
The Executive Secretary assured of partnership with the state government and hoped the example being set by Cross River would be emulated by other states in the region, especially as regards collaboration with the the GGC and the Nigerian government to curb pollution of water ways, which prevents survival of aquatic animals,reduction of gas flaring thereby polluting the air in the region, provision of enhanced security apparatus to phase out sea piracy and bunkering in the region, prevention of illegal refineries as well as destruction of pipelines.
The initial objective of the GGC was to create conditions of mutual confidence, peace and security conducive to the harmonious development of member states; and to promote close consultation in the exploitation of the natural resources of the Gulf of Guinea. This is with a view to ensuring the economic development of member states and the well-being of their peoples. Since 2013, the organisation has been more focused on building regional maritime security architecture.
Amb.Mrs Ukonga also hinted Sir Clay of the intent of the commission to visit Cross River State from Luanda, Angola.
© Nelson NseAbasi
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