In a significant development, the Cross River State government has successfully restored transmission lines to communities across the state through its initiative, “Operation Light Up Cross River.” The announcement was made by Prince Eka Williams, the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, during an official tour accompanied by Hon. Eyo Bassey, Chairman of the House Committee on Power.
The tour, conducted as part of the State House of Assembly’s oversight function, aimed to assess the state of affairs within the ministry and evaluate progress in line with its mandate. Hon. Eyo emphasized the importance of such oversight functions, stating, “We have seen the tremendous work the Governor has done, and we have come to witness it firsthand.”
The team, led by Commissioner Eka Williams, visited communities where power lines had been dormant for over nine years. While the transmission lines have been restored, the communities still lack transformers necessary to fully activate the power system. Eka Williams assured that transformers would be promptly donated to Bakassi and other local government areas (LGAs) to complete the power restoration project.
However, Hon. Eyo also highlighted a pressing issue: the rampant vandalization of power cables and transformers in various communities. This destructive behavior has resulted in prolonged blackouts for affected areas. To address this, he called upon community stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth, and women to take ownership of government infrastructure within their localities. Eka Williams echoed this sentiment, warning that communities failing to protect their power infrastructure would face consequences.
During the inspection, Eka Williams addressed community youths directly: “When you see anybody attempting to tamper with your community’s transformers or power cables, raise an alarm and ensure the person does not succeed. When your transformer is vandalized, you will be plunged into darkness. The government is doing everything to ensure that you feel the impact of governance. It’s essential that you, too, take action to protect what the government is doing.”
Additionally, Ntufam Okon Owuna, Member repressing Akamkpa 1 State Constituency and member of the Power committee, extended heartfelt appreciation to the Governor and acknowledged the commendable work being done to improve the lives of citizens through this vital project.
Community members expressed appreciation for the progress they’ve witnessed regarding power restoration, pledging their support to ensure maximum safety and protection of the infrastructure brought to their communities.
In Ikang Town, Bakassi LGA, Francis Effiong conveyed gratitude to the Commissioner and House of Assembly Members for bringing smiles to their faces, knowing that power is about to return to their homes.
Meanwhile, in Akamkpa Town, the Clan Head of Akamkpa LGA, Ntufam Richard Asuquo, asserted that the people of Akamkpa are overjoyed to witness ongoing power line restoration work. “Electricity is life,” he declared. “We have suffered in darkness for far too long. It brings us immense joy to see that Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu has kept his campaign promise to restore power back to Akamkpa. If light comes to Akamkpa, it is our collective property. We will ensure that the vandals who seek to destroy our light are restrained. May God continue to give him the enabling grace to govern this state with love.”
