By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
A former senator representing Cross River South, Gershom Bassey has said the planned public-private partnership arrangement for operating the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway when completed would enhance its sustainability and ensure effective maintenance.
Applauding the initiative, Bassey at a media chat with journalists in Calabar, threw his weight behind the project.
He described it as a strategic infrastructure project capable of transforming the State upon completion.
Bassey, now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the project deserved the support of all stakeholders because of its potential to stimulate economic growth and attract investment to the state.
The former senator, however, described President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms as painful for many Nigerians, arguing that the manner in which the policies were implemented had worsened their impact on citizens.
He advocated true federalism and greater devolution of powers in line with the existing constitutional provisions, rather than pursuing state creation, which he said involved a lengthy and difficult constitutional process.
On the proposed establishment of state police, Bassey said the country’s security challenges made the initiative necessary to complement the federal police, but warned that legal safeguards were needed to prevent possible misuse by state governors.
Reviewing the performance of Governor Bassey Otu, the former lawmaker acknowledged improvements in security, particularly the reduction in kidnapping incidents, while urging the administration to address other sectors affecting the welfare of residents amid prevailing economic hardship.
He also praised the state’s efforts to secure the allocation of about 300 oil wells, expressing confidence that the development could improve Cross River’s economic fortunes if achieved.
Bassey called on Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism and collective commitment towards building a stronger nation.
