The governor said that the government will take responsibility for the damages incurred following the clash and sued for residents of the state to remain law abiding citizens.The governor made this known when he convened an emergency security meeting in the state.
“I just met with all the service commanders on the incident that happened at 6.pm yesterday in a security council meeting to reassure residents, the citizenry and indeed Nigerians that the whole area is calm after the between two officers, one from the Police Force and a Naval officer.”
“The senior officers were quite proactive by intervening fast to arrest the situation yesterday and today, we are proud to announce to you that Calabar and Cross River State is totally calm and peaceful.
“It is ready to receive the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo tomorrow.”
Heads of the agencies also waded into the issue and ensured that normalcy returns to the area.
The governor regretted the incident, promising to take full responsibility for all the associated damages on both sides while urging officers and men operating in the state to see themselves as partners in progress at all times.
Heads of other agencies also assured of bringing the culprits to book while reassuring residents that, normalcy has returned to the state capital.
The Commander, Nigerian Navy Victory command, Commodore Sid Jibril said, “We are saddened by the incident that happened yesterday. I am, however, very delighted to tell you that normalcy has returned.
Reacting to the claim in some quarters that the incident affected the entire state capital, Jubril explained that the incident only affected a portion of IBB and not the entire metropolis and we are fully on ground to prevent possible escalation.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Police. Mr Inuwa Hafiz who also confirmed the incident stated:
“To align with what the governor has said earlier, yesterday’s fracas has nothing to do with the relationship between the Police and Navy.
“It was just a misunderstanding amongst our junior officers that led to the incident which we quickly stepped in to address.
“We are glad to announce to the populace that Calabar and the entire state is calm and our status as the safest state remains without a doubt.
“All the service commanders in the state are one and active partners in progress, particularly on issues of security and protection of lives and property of the citizenry”
“Let me assure you that the culprits will be brought to book, properly investigated and appropriate sanctions meted on them.”
He promised adequate protection of lives and property of the citizenry.
