Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has revealed that he used local government funds to purchase four aircraft for the state-owned Cally Air.
Governor Otu stated this on Monday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting in Calabar, where consensus candidates were selected for the party for the 18 Chairmanship and 196 Councillorship positions.
The Governor also revealed that during his tenure as Governor for over a year, the local government allocations have remained untouched because he believed that the state required substantial funds to invest in a legacy project that holds immense benefits for the people.
According to him, “One of these legacy projects is the recent investment the state made in acquiring four new aircraft to enhance flight operations for Calabar routes that have experienced frequent flight cancellations.
“The investment in the airline operations currently operating as Cally aircraft under a lease agreement with Aero contractors airlines.”
Otu also noted that “All the 18 local government councils hold equity shares in the new airline operations the state has invested in.”
Adding, “The share certificates will be presented to each elected council chairman, and an expert management team led by a managing director with extensive experience in airline operations has already been secured. The management team will ensure efficiency in the airline operations and will provide regular updates to the shareholders, including the state and the local government councils.”
Otu underscored the necessity for elected officials to prioritise the welfare and development of their constituents above personal interests.
He also addressed his concerns regarding the high costs of food items and transportation within the state.
He announced that the state government is introducing technology to convert all the petrol engines of commercial motorcycles and tricycles to electric power engines.
“Additionally, electric-powered commercial buses will be introduced to reduce transportation costs within the state,” Otu said.
He assured that the state government is overseeing numerous initiatives and projects aimed at restoring the state’s prominence in terms of infrastructure, electricity supply, healthcare, and agriculture, among others.
The Governor further emphasised the importance for the flag bearers to uphold ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism in their roles as leaders of the local government councils.
He encouraged them to set a positive example, promote community involvement, and foster unity among diverse groups within their respective jurisdictions.
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