The Cross River State Government has issued a strong warning to public officials on the dangers of terrorism financing and money laundering, describing both as serious threats to economic stability, public trust, and sustainable development in the state.
The warning was delivered in Calabar during a two day Strategic Level Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism workshop for senior government officials. The event was organized to strengthen institutional safeguards and align state practices with national and international compliance standards.
Speaking at the workshop, the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr Bong Duke, said terrorism financing and money laundering undermine governance systems and weaken economic growth. He described the workshop as a timely and strategic intervention designed to protect the state’s economy and reputation.
Dr Duke stressed that public officials are custodians of public trust whose decisions and conduct have lasting consequences on the future of the state. He explained that the training was structured to move participants beyond basic awareness to practical competence, enabling them to identify financial risks, strengthen internal controls, and enforce compliance across government institutions.
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He said the goal was to ensure that senior officials clearly understand their responsibilities in preventing illicit financial flows and safeguarding public resources.
Declaring the workshop open, Governor Bassey Otu reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for terrorism financing, fraud, and money laundering. He warned that any government official found culpable would face firm and decisive consequences in line with the law.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, said the training would significantly improve financial prudence and governance in Cross River State. He described the workshop as both timely and strategic, noting that it would strengthen how public officials manage funds and carry out their duties.
According to him, the administration remains committed to enforcing discipline and accountability across all levels of government. He urged participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge gained in their daily responsibilities.
“This administration has zero tolerance for anything connected with fraud or money laundering. Those who have indulged in such acts already know the consequences, and we will not hesitate to continue enforcing discipline,” the governor said.
Governor Otu also charged participants to internalize the lessons from the workshop and cascade the knowledge to colleagues who were not in attendance, particularly at the local government level. He noted that the training should serve as a protective measure against actions that could expose officials to investigation by anti corruption agencies.
The Lead Facilitator and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Ade Shonubi, commended the Cross River State Government for its foresight and commitment to transparency and good governance. He said prioritizing a strategic level engagement for senior officials demonstrated strong leadership and a clear dedication to accountability in public finance management.
