Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over the disproportionate security apparatus stationed around the private home of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu in Calabar, in the wake of multiple robbery incidents affecting adjacent properties. Speaking on Tuesday via his official social media handle, the opposition figure highlighted that inhabitants of the residential estate where the governor's house is situated have continued to suffer persistent burglaries despite the heavy presence of armed security personnel and two operational checkpoints securing the premises.
According to available accounts, one homeowner within the estate recently reported the theft of domestic appliances including an air conditioning unit and a deep freezer, while another disclosed that two separate buildings on an adjoining street experienced armed break-ins. The former Vice President pointed out that Governor Otu has continuously utilised his private dwelling for official and residential purposes for nearly three years while the designated Government House undergoes extensive renovations, leaving surrounding families exposed to heightened security vulnerabilities.
What are the specific security concerns raised?
Key facts emerging from the incident include the following details:
- The governor's private residence in Calabar is secured by armed policemen and two distinct security roadblocks.
- Residents of the same estate have suffered repeated burglaries, with stolen items including household appliances.
- Governor Otu has operated from his private property for approximately three years due to ongoing renovations at the official government lodge.
- Atiku Abubakar publicly criticised the arrangement on Tuesday via his X account, stating, "This is security, APC style: two roadblocks for the governor, and none for the people next door."
How has the ruling party responded to community safety?
The opposition politician questioned the capability of the ruling All Progressives Congress to tackle escalating insecurity across Cross River State. He argued that if ordinary citizens residing in the immediate vicinity of the chief executive cannot sleep peacefully, communities located far outside the state capital face even greater peril.
What security reforms are being proposed?
In response to the recurring security challenges, the political figure outlined a series of proposed reforms aimed at overhauling the Nigeria Police Force. He pledged to transition the institution from a regime-protecting apparatus into a citizen- oriented public service. Furthermore, his proposed strategy involves expanding police recruitment to align with the international standard ratio of one officer to every 450 citizens, alongside the establishment of community-driven intelligence networks to preempt criminal activities before they materialise. "Security that stops at the governor’s gate is not security; it is a fence," he remarked.