Sources within the Federal Ministry of Transport have confirmed to www.calitown.com that thw Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded plans to direct the Cross River State Government to promptly shut down plans for the construction of state governor, Ben Ayade’s futuristic city, Cala Vegas Resort, at the Calabar River channel.
The project, widely touted as a tourists’ haven by the Ayade administration, was conceived to bring to Cross River State, a kind of Las Vegas culture and lifestyle to further boost the tourism credentials of the state. While large portions of the project site have been cleared, our source maintains that the FG’s over riding interest, concerning the expansion of the channel to grant better access to the Calabar Port for large ships to berth, may have put a knell on Ayade’s plans. At press time, we were yet to receive documents from Abuja to this effect.
Meanwhile, John Inyang, Commissioner for Lands, CRS, when contacted by www.calitown.com, informed us that he is not in the know. He however maintained that “this will be a malicious decision and one capable of obstructing our governor’s deep vision for this state. But let me assure you that I will promptly get in touch with His Excellency, conclusively consult with him, make our representations to the FG, that is if this is true, and then make a position statement available to the public.”
George Ekpungu, Commissioner for New Cities Development, CRS, in response to enquiries made by www.calitown.com, said while Cross Riverians will rejoice at the dredging of the Calabar channel and her attendant economic benefits, the FG must extensively consult with the CRSG, before she can pull through with a project of this magnitude and attendant consequences. “You know we have long passed that stage and time when land can be forcefully taken away from us without extensive consultations. And then too, in all the times I have interfaced with officials of the FG on this issue, nothing like what you claim has cropped up. Let me get back to you”, he concluded.
