Atiku Abubakar Criticizes Governor Bassey Otu Over Security Deployment in Calabar

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has leveled serious allegations against Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, claiming that the governor is prioritizing the security of his private residence over the safety of the general public. The critique, shared via social media, highlights growing concerns regarding the deployment of law enforcement in Calabar.

Allegations of Disproportionate Security

According to the statement released by Atiku, the governor’s private residence is currently fortified with armed police personnel and two distinct roadblocks. Atiku argues that this heavy security presence stands in stark contrast to the vulnerability of neighboring homes, which he claims have been subjected to repeated robbery attacks.

To support these claims, the former Vice President cited accounts from local residents. These reports include specific instances of burglary, such as the theft of household appliances like air conditioners and freezers. Atiku further noted that two additional houses on a nearby street were reportedly targeted by criminals just last week.

Governance from a Private Residence

Beyond the immediate security concerns, Atiku criticized the administrative style of Governor Otu. He alleged that the governor has been operating the state government from his private residence for nearly three years. This arrangement, Atiku suggests, is a consequence of the ongoing renovation work at the official Government House.

Atiku questioned the efficacy of this governance model, suggesting that the governor’s physical isolation in a highly secured private facility may be disconnecting the administration from the security realities faced by ordinary citizens. He challenged the governor’s capacity to ensure public safety, stating, “If the APC cannot secure the street beside the governor, what does it offer the villages beyond the capital?”

Context and Implications

The accusations touch on a broader debate regarding the allocation of security personnel in Nigeria, where high-ranking officials often receive significant protection details. Atiku’s remarks frame the issue as a failure of leadership and a misallocation of state resources. As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the Cross River State government or Governor Otu’s office regarding these specific allegations.

The situation remains a developing point of contention in local politics, raising questions about the balance between the security needs of public officials and the protection of the communities they serve. Further details regarding the status of the Government House renovations or police deployment policies in Calabar were not provided in the initial reports.

Conclusion

The claims made by Atiku Abubakar bring critical attention to the security challenges currently facing residents in Calabar. By highlighting the disparity between the protection afforded to the governor’s residence and the experiences of his neighbors, the former Vice President has sparked a conversation about the responsibilities of elected officials in maintaining public safety across the state.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

Tags: Atiku Abubakar · Bassey Otu · Cross River State · news · Nigeria Politics · Security · ViralBrief