Month: July 2023

Cross River State Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has assured members of the Nawaah Friends of his support towards the growth and development of the Club in the state.

Rt. Hon. Ayambem gave the assurance, Monday, when he played host to members of the club in Calabar.

The Speaker admonished the club to be optimistic and maintain a positive mindset in its everyday doings, pursuant to the betterment of societal good.

He further charged the Club to be politically grounded in the scheme of things in the state in a bid to contribute its quota to governance and the overall interest of Cross River state.

“Nawaah Friends Club needs to be political because almost all their members are politically inclined.

“I promise to be active as I have always been and will play a vital role for the growth and development of the club.

“I urge you all to make prayers your watchwords for nothing is impossible with God. That is the more reason why I am here today as Speaker because of my relationship with God through prayers.

“Imagine a son of a nobody has become the child of everybody, and this has been by the will of God and only God can do it,” the Speaker remarked.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the club, Tom Okpashi has assured the Speaker of their continuous support and prayers for the 10th Assembly as they carry out their duties in Cross River State.

“Permit us to use this opportunity to once again congratulate you on your re-election as member Representing Ikom 11 State constituency and subsequently your election as Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

“Mr Speaker, be assured of our continuous support and prayers you carry out this task of leading the 10th Assembly and contributing your quota to the development of Cross River State.

“We as a club are confident of your capacity to make a positive difference in our dear state and we offer our hands of partnership to achieve these laudable objectives. We indeed look forward to working closely with you especially in areas of our core objectives which include community service and charity.”

The Cross River State House Of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has received an award of honour from “class 96” of Nde Community Secondary School, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The award was presented at the Speaker’s residence alongside encomiums and dissection of distinguished and very exceptional characters of the Honourable Speaker during his days in the secondary school, the award presented elated the Speaker both as the most exceptional student and the best achiever of the class of the 96th.

The delegation noted that Elvert love and service for humanity can be antecedently traced far back as 1996 where he had previously started building his leadership capacities from the four walls of his secondary school class rooms, they insisted that his proactive mindset had always placed him above his peers even in his early school days, adding that it is a natural gift from God and that peculiarity kept him at the leadership positions throughout his stay in school.

According to the school old boys, “Veto Silva” as Elvert was fondly called during his school days due to his naturally perfected sporting quality, especially in football which he played ‘maradonically’  and led them to many victories against neighboring and far reaching schools, both in school games and state competitions, was a great leader who will never believe in impossibilities as he was always adamant about achieving his set goals and always envisaged positivity in everything.

One of the delegates mentioned that in all they had said, their visit will not be recorded a success if they fail to appreciate the Speaker’s supernatural ability to forgive his enemies before the sun went down and that the Speaker’s forgiving spirit is nothing but a divine blessing from the Almighty God.

They informed the Speaker that they had created a formidable whatsapp group with intentions to unite everyone in the class of the 96th and provide a united front for the Speaker now and in the future.

The Speaker on his part appreciated the team for their very kind gestures and expressed satisfaction at the idea of coming together often so as to really reflect on the beautiful memories of their early days.

“Who would have thought that I’ll be here today? I have very firm fond memories of my childhood days but I can tell you all that it was in our difficulties to advice each other and define the status of our energy that we channeled towards things that have today become inconsequential that surprisingly brought us to where we are today. Some of us are pastors, doctors, engineers and mighty politicians respectively but we didn’t know this phase of our lives will surface because we had our own designed dreams but here we are and I can boldly tell you all that we are accomplished ” he said.

The Honourable Speaker conclusively charged them to remain faithful, loving and caring to one another, pointing that many of their colleagues were already in their graves and that it was for a good purpose that they are still alive today, that it was necessary to be in contact with one another at all times. He promised on his part to simultaneously correlate his responsibility to them first as their Speaker and as their brother, and that he will do everything within his powers to play a pivotal role in the development of the state which will directly affect their well-being positively.

The meeting successfully ended with virtual prayers from one of the old boys who is now a powerful minister of God serving far from home, he declared the reunion a step to greater heights and achievements for all the old boys and they made a toast to progress, peace, long life and prosperity.

Austin Nkom.
Media Assistant To The Speaker,
Cross River State House Of Assembly.
Saturday, 9th July 2023.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem has charged Cross Riverians to pray for the land of Cross River State.

Rt. Hon Elvert Eyambem made this known while delivering a sermon at the Cross River State solemn assembly organized by wife of the Governor, Mrs Eyo Owan Otu, at the CICC events and conference center, Calabar.

Hon Elvert noted that it was only through prayers and supplications to God for the total cleansing of the entire Cross River State that Cross Riverians can truly prosper.

In his brief sermon which was anchored from  Psalm 51:1-8, centered on the efficacy of prayers and the need for the people to really embrace the supernatural idea of fervent prayers for the State.

The event which provided an atmosphere for peace, worship and prayers, became a reunion of political elites from different political parties as they all came together under one roof to pray for the welfare, protection and prosperity of the state.

The Honourable Speaker concluded his sermon with an elated spirit as he stepped down from the podium after delivering his spiritual contributions to the people of Cross River and for the development of the state through prayers.

Austin Nkom.
Media Assistant To The Speaker,
Cross River State House Of Assembly.

In a distinctive move to foster collaborative partnership, the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon Sylvester Agabi, paid a courtesy call on the wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Rev. Mrs Eyoawan Bassey Otu, further solidifying the strong connection between the state’s legislative and executive branches.

This respectable visit took place at the Office of the Wife of the Governor with the DG Mma Adiagha, Hon. Agnes Atsu in attendance.

The visit underscored the role of team Mma Adiagha during the elections that saw the emergence of Rt. Hon. Agabi as the member representing Obudu State Constituency, and subsequently unanimously affirmed by the House of Assembly as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

The Deputy Speaker warmly greeted the Governor’s wife and expressed gratitude for the invitation. He emphasized the significance of open channels of communication among key figures within the state government. He further highlighted his unwavering commitment to align with the governor’s transformative vision for Cross River, promising his sustained support in bringing all proposed plans to fruition.

On her part, the DG Mma Adiagha, Hon. Agnes Atsu thanked Her Excellency for being supportive of the Mma Adiagha team and their projects, restating their commitment to supporting the policies of the government concerning women in the state.

Responding, the Governor’s wife warmly welcomed the Deputy Speaker and appreciated his strong commitment towards developing the state. She pointed out that this courtesy visit fosters unity and mutual understanding, which are vital components to achieving the state’s overarching development goals.

This auspicious visit marks a significant step in the progress of democratic governance in Cross River State, promoting unity among government sectors and enhancing commitment to the state’s development. It’s an expression of the shared mission of the government to foster growth, innovation, and prosperity within Cross River State.

Faith Okon
Press Secretary
Office of the Wife of the Governor.

According to an official statement from the Presidency by Mr Dele Alake, it has been announced that President Bola Tinubu will reveal the list of his ministerial nominees at his own discretion.

The press release reads in part:

“About the ministerial list, the simple truth is that, you know, this is an executive presidency, we’re not running a parliamentary system

“So the president, the bucks stops on his table, and he decides when it is fit and proper for him to make his cabinet list public.

“So, we are not unaware of all the speculations, and innuendos and rumours, all kinds of things in the media. Now, I as a media man, I chuckled to myself that people just want to sell, so they just fabricate.

“I can tell you all of those things you’ve been reading in the media are mere fabrications. There is no iota of truth in all of those things

“When the president is good and ready, you will be the first to know about his intentions.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed four Executive Orders aimed at curbing arbitrary taxation policies in the country.

The announcement was made by Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President, during an interactive session with State House Correspondents.

One of the Orders, the Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order, defers the commencement date of changes in the Act to September 1, 2023, ensuring adherence to the 90-day notice for tax changes.

Another Order involves the Customs, Excise Tariff (Variation) Amendment Order, shifting the commencement date of tax changes to August 1, 2023.

The President also suspended the 5% Excise Tax on telecommunication services, the Excise Duties escalation on locally manufactured products, and the newly introduced Green Tax on single-use plastics.

Additionally, the President ordered the suspension of the Import Tax Adjustment levy on certain vehicles. These orders aim to alleviate the negative impact of tax adjustments on businesses and households.

“Further to his commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, the President has ordered the suspension of the newly introduced Green Tax by way of Excise Tax on Single Use Plastics, including plastic containers and bottles.

“In addition, the President has ordered the suspension of Import Tax Adjustment levy on certain vehicles.
As a listening leader, the President issued these orders to ameliorate the negative impacts of the tax adjustments on businesses and chokehold on households across affected sectors.

“His Excellency will not exacerbate the plight of Nigerians,” Alake stated.