DEFORESTATION FIGHT: C’ River Issues 7-Day Ultimatum On 32 Impounded Log-Bearing Trucks

The Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fight illegal logging and other adverse environmental activities in the state.

According to a statement, the governor made this known during an on-the- spot-inspection of 32 trucks with illegal timber at the border community with Ebonyi State on Monday.

Otu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, at the scene of the seized trucks at Ejiraga in Yala Local Government, warned all illegal loggers to use the window of opportunity offered by the government to regularise their operations in the state.

The Governor, enjoined forest bearing communities to assist the government by providing vital information to assigned agencies and desist from assisting illegal loggers and wildlife poachers and smugglers.

Governor Otu, further directed all owners of seized trucks with illegal sawn timber/logs to report to the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Forestry Commission, within 7-days for necessary compoundment of their trucks.

“Failure to adhere to this directive will lead to final confiscation and auction of the impounded trucks and timbers.”