Following the fire incident that gutted the High Court Complex Ogoja on the 5th January, 2025, the Member representing Ogoja State Constituency, Hon. Engr Thomas Aruku has moved a motion of urgent public importance at the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Recall that there have been recurring fire incidences in the past which has destroyed properties worth millions of naira in Ogoja. Recently, the High Court Complex Ogoja was razed down following an unexplained fire. Legal documents and evidence were destroyed as a result.
Presenting his motion Hon. Aruku sought relief from the State government.
RESOLUTION:
1. That the Cross River State Government immediately take steps to revamp all the Fire Service Departments in all the Senatorial Zones, and also establish new units in all Urban Areas.
2. That the state government as a matter urgency purchase 18 fire fighting trucks one in each LGA to forestall reoccurrence of fire outbreaks.
3. That the Chief Judge of the State should take urgent steps to ensure that justice dispensation and delivery is not disrupted in Ogoja Judicial Division, while also ensuring that court documentation becomes digital for effective storage and retrieval.
4. That NEMA and SEMA collaborate to immediately provide materials for rebuilding the Court Complex razed by fire.
In his attempt to forestall fire outbreaks in the future, Hon. Aruku is synergizing with the Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in disaster response and management. He has also taken bold steps to request for fire fighting equipment and the establishment of the Federal Fire Service Division in Ogoja.