Month: February 2024

The Cross River State House of Assembly has faulted the recruitment of Forest rangers by the Forestry Commission and has called for an immediate suspension of the recruitment exercise, while also inviting the chairman of the commission to appear before its special committee to offer a public explanation of the exercise.

The House made its decision in response to a matter of urgent public interest raised by Hon. Kingsley Ntui Isong, the member representing Etung State’s constituency. He informed his colleagues that the Forestry Commission’s list of over 350 hires was not distributed equally among the State’s 18 local government areas.

According to the Legislators, the appointment was lopsided by the house’s latest moratorium on logging with the bill providing employment opportunities for Cross Riverians to be employed. The Forestry Commission has derailed by considering what should be for everybody only their friends and family members.

The necessity of having appointments distributed equally throughout the state was also emphasised. Unanimously, the legislators agreed that every Cross Riverian should have an equal opportunity to apply for jobs and be contacted for interviews.

To look into the Forestry Commission’s operations, particularly the hiring process, which according to the Legislators is shockingly unfair, biased, and favouring certain local government areas over others, the house established a special committee.

Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo Bassey, Leader (Odukpani), Rt. Hon. Davies Etta (Abi), Honourable Victor Ekpenyong Nsa (Cal. South II), Honourable Omang Omang (Bekwara), Honourable Odey Brian Wonah (Yala I), Honourable Martins Achadu (Yala II), Honourable Egbe Abeng Egbe (Obubra II), and Honourable Samuel Neji Abang (Ikom I) are among the Committee members to check the abnormalities in the Forestry Commission.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, testified on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, alleging that the signatures of both himself and former President Muhammadu Buhari were forged in the withdrawal of $6.23 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) shortly before the 2023 presidential election.

Mustapha made these claims during the trial of former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele.

During his testimony, Mustapha asserted that he had no knowledge of the funds reportedly withdrawn for the payment of foreign election observers and claimed that his signature was used without his consent.

He explained that neither the federal government nor the office of the SGF had the authority to request funds from the CBN for the payment of election observers, as this fell within the purview of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).Mustapha further implicated the former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, alleging that the withdrawals were made following approvals by President Buhari and Emefiele, based on a request purportedly made by the SGF’s office.

However, he denied any involvement in or knowledge of the transactions, asserting that it was not within his jurisdiction to handle such matters.

The testimony comes in the wake of revelations by a CBN official, Michael Onyeka Ogbu, who informed a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the funds were disbursed in cash to an official from the SGF’s office named Jibril Abubakar.

Ogbu stated that the withdrawals were made following approvals from President Buhari and Emefiele, per a request purportedly made by the SGF’s office.

The Obanliku chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has released a statement following its loss at the recently concluded by-election between Hon. Achunekang Sunday and Hon Ashakia Pius of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), expressing grave concerns.

The statement reads:

A COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) SELECTED STAKEHOLDERS’ MEETING HELD ON THE 8TH OF FEBRUARY, 2024 AT CHIEF UKANDI INAKEFE’S RESIDENCE. BUSAFONG, BISU, OBANLIKU

Preambles

Whereas the meeting of the Selected APC Stakeholders across the ten (10) political wards of Obanliku was called by the APC State Legal Adviser, Hon. Barr. Pius Awah and the Cross River State North Senatorial Women Leader, Mrs Janet Inakefe, to review the outcome of the Cross River State House of Assembly re-run election for Obanliku state constituency which was held on the 3rd of February, 2024. And whereas the meeting was well composed, comprising the Chapter Chairman, Chapter Women Leader, Ward Chairmen, Ward Secretaries, Ward Youth Leaders and at least two major stakeholders from each of the ten political wards of Obanliku.

Challenges

There were robust discussions on challenges faced before and during the re-run elections and possible solutions to these challenges proffered.

The following challenges were highlighted:
1. The composition of the Re-run Election Coordinating Committee was faulted because both the chairman and Alternate chairman were from another Local Government other than Obanliku where the elections were taking place. This was viewed to have undermined the several capable, seasoned and responsible leaders in Obanliku.
2. There were no effectively coordinated APC campaign rallies or engagements with the electorates at these polling units before the elections by the Campaign Coordinating Committee for the elections.
3. There was an apparent lack of coordinated leadership to direct operations and activities regarding the elections at the polling units
4. The absence of appointments and strategic empowerment to Obanliku sons and daughters which would have been ready boaster to the capacity of APC Obanliku constituted a challenge.
5. Useful information on the situation on the ground and areas of concern from foot soldiers were ignored by leadership who preferred to depend almost completely on “last-minute magic” rather than being proactive and truly progressive in their approach to these elections.
6. The general economic and security challenges facing the country are interpreted to mean a failure of the APC and vulnerable locals, who constitute the majority of the voters, buy strongly into these narratives.
7. There was no proper planning and execution of election activities
8. It was observed that though there was adequate security on the ground, they appeared compromised in favour of the PDP to the extent that three of our stakeholders, Mr Emmanuel Itile, Albert Itile and Raymond Itile, in Bayaga polling units were arrested and detained for two days on the order of PDP agents
9. There is a poor reward system in APC. There is poor motivation, a lack of intimate and regular social interactions between leadership and the people; lack of regular party meetings.
10. There was suspicion of anti-party activities by some members of our party.

Resolutions
Consequent to these issues raised above, the following resolutions were reached:
i. That henceforth, the House canvasses that Obanliku people should be considered responsible and capable enough to decide their fate.
ii. That the party leadership be advised to be more proactive in planning and execution of future elections taking into cognizance the peculiarities of our people and every election.
iii. That the House appeals to His Excellency our “people first” Governor to consider and reposition Obanliku through strategic appointments, empowerments, social amenities and developmental projects.
iv. That the leadership of the party should up her games in her surveillance on both security and INEC before during and after elections.
v. That leadership at both party and government levels, should improve the internal reward system, strengthen both communication and social ties with the people at the grassroots and build confidence and a sense of belonging in members.
vi. That the House appeals to His Excellency, the “people first” Governor to as soon as possible, conduct Local Government elections which is the closest arm of government to the people. This it is considered will help build a strong base for the party

Conclusion
The House overwhelmingly affirmed APC Obanliku’s support, commitment and loyalty to the leadership of His Excellency, Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu and the state leadership of the party. The House resolved to not only remain committed members of the APC but to put more effort into making Obanliku a total APC Local Government.

Signatories:
Hon. Barr. Pius Awah
State Legal Adviser
08037487706

Mrs. Janet Inakefe
Zonal Women Leader (North) 08032282522

Pst. George Jikang JP
Chapter Chairman
08035450637

Mr. Agonu Sylvester Ward Chairman, Becheve & Chairman of chairmen
08149761451

Dr. Joseph Ebebe Agba
Secretary/member Member Communiqué Drafting Committee
08036722513

Mr. Emmanuel Itile
Communiqué Drafting Committee 09050792189

Hon. Tony Abaka
Member: Communiqué Drafting Committee
08113133289

The Cross River State House Assembly found itself at the centre of a controversy regarding the appointment of the Clerk, raising concerns about procedures and constitutional prerogatives. Elder (Ntufam) John Okon, a prominent figure, has weighed in on the matter, shedding light on the legislative processes involved.

According to Elder Okon, who also served as a clerk of the house until he retired the Legislature is an integral arm of the government, with the Speaker serving as its head. He emphasized that the Governor cannot appoint the Clerk without consulting the Speaker, given that the Clerk operates under the Speaker’s purview. Elder Okon further explained that the House holds the constitutional right to amend laws, including those related to the Assembly Commission.

Addressing sentiments that may tarnish the Speaker’s name, Elder Okon stressed that all Clerks appointed in the House undergo a recommendation process involving consultation with House Leaders and Honorable members. He expressed confidence that any procedural errors could be rectified through established rules and procedures.

Touching on the issue of Patrick Edi and Barrister Catherine Ubi, Elder Okon clarified their respective positions. Barrister Catherine Ubi, the most Senior Director in the House of Assembly, holds a higher rank during appointment and within the Directorate. Elder Okon highlighted her training in legislative duties and legal drafting, asserting her competence for the role.

Elder (Ntufam) John Okon concluded by urging against dragging the Speaker and the House of Assembly into what he referred to as “petty politics.” He asserted that the House and the Governor maintain a cordial and cooperative relationship.

The GFO Orim Foundation, a Cross River State-based non-profit organization established by Chief (Dr) Hon Martin Orim to provide humanitarian services for the vulnerable and disadvantaged, has officially opened its official office in the nation’s capital, at AbujaZakari A kyari street, off Amadu Bello way, Abuja.

The foundation’s chairman, High Chief Dr. Martin Orim, stated that the foundation’s mission is to empower women, youth, and the less privileged through skills acquisition programs and other assistance.

Chief Martin Orim expressed gratitude to God for the significant accomplishment of opening the Abuja office. He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to assisting those in need, particularly the vulnerable and downtrodden, through its various initiatives.

Orim further revealed that the commissioning marked the resumption of the Foundation’s official activities in Abuja and the beginning of a new chapter in the foundation’s quest to assist those in need.

Additionally, he explained that the foundation’s presence in the capital will enable it to expand its reach and impact more lives positively.

The opening ceremony was graced by several dignitaries from various fields, including Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen EAP Undiandeye, the gallant wife of the foundation chairman, Mrs Ubeloka Orim , High Chief Dr Tony Undiandeye, Deputy Speaker of CRSHA Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Hon. Thomas Aruku, Member representing Ogoja State Constituency, Mr. Frank Ogar, Mr Godwin Undeshi, Mr Edu Peter, Egbung Odama, Barr. Ben Afu, Mr. Emmanuel Bepeh, and a host of others.