Sen. Prince Otu Sues for Closer Ties with Equatorial Guinea & Cameroon
Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu has called for closer diplomatic ties between Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon. The Governor made the call when he played host to the Consuls General of both countries in Calabar recently. Speaking when having audience with the Consul General of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, His Excellency Iideonso Ondo Mchama, Governor Otu disclosed that plans were underway for commencement of flight operations and marine transportation to the Republic.
"We are happy to receive you on behalf of all Cross Riverians. I believe that your main aim is for us to build stronger ties with the Republic of Equatorial Guinea."
Stressing further, Governor Otu stated that "at the moment, there are a lot of gaps we should be able to fill that would be mutually beneficial to both countries”.
"We are planning to get some international flight that would be flying direct from Calabar to Equatorial Guinea. I believe it will do our commerce a lot of good”.
"Statistically, Nigerians are the highest number of immigrants in the Equatorial Guinea; and flying through Calabar to Equatorial Guinea is about 20-25 minutes, unlike other longer routes.
"The marine economy of both countries is also something that is majorly lacking. And what we need is a vessel that would convey cargo between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea directly. And there is a lot of cargo movements between these two countries."
In his response, the Equatorial Guinea Envoy, Mr. Mchama, said that the visit was to identify with the Cross State Government for its hospitality and how to strengthen the relationship between his country, Nigeria and Cross River in particular.
Also, Governor Otu, hosted His Excellency Patrice Onana Consul General of Cameroon for the South-South, South East and Benue State. The Governor noted that Nigeria and Cameroon have had long standing relationship and there was need to strengthen it on the face of security threats that has undermined trade and commerce between both countries.
He said the State was keen on boosting security especially along its maritime corridor, emphasizing that a meeting of the Nigeria/ Cameroon Mixed Commission should be held. Governor Otu assured his guest that Nigeria will not harbor separatist elements but Cameroon must work hard on border control.
Delivering his message at the parley, the Consul General, Patrice Onana, noted that Governor Otu’s leadership has been exemplary as the Calabar, the State Capital, was showing signs of progress, hinting of his desire to continue his tenure in the State.
He commended the Cross River State Government for hosting over 60, 000 Cameroonian refugees who left their country as a result of the crises in two of the country’s 10 provinces.
The Consul-General stressed that the visit is was maintain good collaboration with the State, assuring that the peaceable nature of Cross Riverians will not be abused. The Envoy also maintained that the long maritime border between both countries require robust security collaboration to safeguard lives and boost trade and business.
