Cross River State government has emphasised the need for the water sector to be regulated.

Authorities said a statewide crackdown on illegal borehole drilling activities is imminent.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Barrister Mensah gave the indication while addressing officers and members of the borehole drillers association who called on him in his office.

Mensah disclosed that the governor has now assented to the State Water Regulatory Law of 2025, and that all stakeholders must comply with it.

He warned that the government will not tolerate further negligence in the sector.

“The “honeymoon is over” for those that operate without proper legal oversight. Nobody will be allowed to evade the regulations.

He expressed disappointment at the actions of numerous operators who exploited residents due to the state of water supply in parts of the state.

He said, “Initially the Governor was unaware of the depths of the crisis in the sector, but he has now gained insight into the challenges faced within the sector.

“The governor is dedicated to restoring the water supply system, starting with the legal framework necessary for implementing change. Today, he has waded into the matter.”

He explained that the Water Regulatory Law is a pivotal step to ensuring widespread access to clean and safe water for all residents, regardless of their location.

He raised the hopes that the new law will create a sustainable water supply system that can alleviate the struggles faced by citizens.

Chairman and Secretary of the borehole drillers Association, Prince Edem Nsa and Elder John Enyin respectively expressed happiness at the regulatory framework in the State.

Nsa noted that it will help in controlling quackery that had challenged the sector for some time.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, posted to the state of adequate security throughout their service year.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch A Stream II orientation course held in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area, on Tuesday, the governor said additional security personnel had been deployed to vulnerable areas to guarantee the safety of corps members.

He acknowledged that the state had suffered recent security challenges, including unprovoked attacks on communities but reaffirmed his administration’s determination to end the crisis.

According to him, the government has maintained active collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen interventions and secure lasting peace.

Governor Alia encouraged the corps members to proceed to their places of primary assignment without fear, assuring them of the state’s continued support.

He, however, warned both government institutions and private organisations in the state against rejecting corps members, stressing that the policy of non-rejection was still in force. He said any organisation found violating the directive would face sanctions.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President, David Mark, a former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and other top politicians are in a closed-door meeting.

The meeting is part of ongoing consultations ahead of the formal unveiling of a political platform for the opposition coalition.

Others in the meeting include a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, ex-Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Sam Egwu (Ebonyi).

The meeting, reportedly being presided by Mark, is said to be focused on PDP leaders decision to either remain with the party or fully integrate into the proposed 2027 coalition.