By Beatrice Akpala
The Director-General of Cross River State Waterways Security Services Hon. Bobby Ekpenyong has revealed that Governor Ben Ayade is determined to rid beaches and water outlets across the state of illegal taxation, kidnapping and illegal activities by individuals who do not have the jurisdiction to operate in those areas. The DG stated this during the inspection of the state waterways, added that the Governor has declared zero tolerance on all forms of criminalities in waterways.
According to him, the branding of all boats and canoes on the Cross River State Waterways and the official certification will help curb insecurity in the State.
Hon. Ekpenyong said that there will be an exemption for interstate commercial boat and vessel operators from neighbouring states who are not domiciled within the Cross River State waterways. He reemphasized that the security operatives on patrol in the creeks will apprehend any unregistered boats or canoes that refuses to comply with the new directives in the State.
He also revealed that designated locations will be created where boats and canoes will be anchored across the State waterways to enforce order and effective coordination. He stated emphatically that all state appointees and non- appointees who have placed unnecessary levies on the boats, canoes and water operators within the State waterways should refrain forthwith or be made to face both legal and media trials with dire consequences.
