Month: February 2024

The Cross River State Executive Council (SEC) led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the payment of WAEC fees for 16, 301 indigenes of public schools in the state.

The State Government will be offsetting the payment with N440,127,000 (Four Hundred and Forty Million, One Hundred and Twenty-seven Thousand Naira) for students writing the Senior Secondary School Certificate.

The State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu said the present economic situation characterized by high cost of living requires some palliative measures in the education sector to ameliorate the hardship of parents in meeting the educational responsibilities of their children and wards.

According to the Otu’s spokesman, Emmanuel Ogbeche, the governor warned against any untoward practice such as padding by school authorities of the list of beneficiaries.

It will be recalled that pupils and students of the state of origin in public and secondary schools in the state enjoy free tuition.

RE: ATTEMPT TO AMBUSH AND STRIP THE GOVERNOR OF HIS CONSTITUTIONAL POWER.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has been apprised of an article written by an individual named Citizen Ekanem Essien, containing misleading information. It is noteworthy that this same individual has authored multiple disparaging articles about the current Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, before he was elected the Speaker.

However, it is unsurprising that Ekanem is allegedly being sponsored to disseminate false information and create disunity between the Legislative and Executive Arms of Government in the state. Despite this, it is essential to note that both arms maintain a harmonious working relationship. The House of Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem thoroughly reviews all bills and motions in line with the rules of the House and the people’s first mantra of the Executive Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

Hon. Linus Etim, the member representing the Akamkpa 2 State Constituency, sponsored the Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Amendment Bill, which aims to amend certain sections of the law within the sole purview of the House of Assembly. The bill underwent an expedited process following its first reading for amendment on the floor of the House of Assembly.

It is vital to note that tribal conflict or sentiment does not exist within the Cross River State House of Assembly. The 10th Assembly is committed to enhancing the welfare of its workforce and prioritizing the interests of Cross Riverians in all its activities. Finally, it is crucial to mention that although the Governor is solely responsible for appointing a clerk, the Speaker of the House’s recommendation is taken into account.

It is pertinent to emphasize that despite being an arm of government, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem would never consider creating discord with His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu. Furthermore, the public is advised against consuming information from unscrupulous sources, particularly from an individual named Citizen Ekenam Essien, whose identity is questionable.

Matthew Okache
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
08/02/2024

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross has called for closer diplomatic ties between Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon.

The Governor made the call when he played hosts to the Consuls General of both countries in Calabar on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

Speaking when he received the Consul General of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, His Excellency Iideonso Ondo Mchama, Governor Out disclosed that plans are underway for the commen Dr cement of flight operations as well as marine transportation to the Republic.

“We are happy to receive you on behalf of all Cross Riverians. I believe that your main aim is for us to build stronger ties with the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.”

Stressing on the need for an aviation and maritime transportation between both countries through Cross River state, the governor stated that “at the moment, there are a lot of gaps we should be able to fill that would be mutually beneficial.

“We are planning to get some international flight that would be flying direct from Calabar to Equatorial Guinea. I believe it will do our commerce a lot of good.

“Statistically, Nigerians are the highest number of immigrants in the Equatorial Guinea; and flying through Calabar to Equatorial Guinea is about 20-25 minutes, unlike other longer routes.

“The marine economy is also something that is majorly lacking. And what we need is a vessel that would convey cargo between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea directly. And there is a lot of cargo movement between these two countries.”

Speaking earlier, the Equatorial Guinea envoy, Mr. Mchama, said the visit was to identify with the Cross State Government for its hospitality and how to strengthen the relationship between his country, Nigeria and Cross River in particular.

Also, Governor hosted His Excellency Patrice Onana Consul General of Cameroon for the South-South, South East and Benue State, on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

The Governor noted that Nigeria and Cameroon have had long standing relationship and there was need to strengthen it in the face of security threats that has undermined trade and commerce between both countries.

He said the state was keen on boosting security especially along its maritime corridor, welcoming a meeting of the Nigeria/Cameroon Mixed Commission with his counterpart across the border.

Governor Otu assured his guest that Nigeria will not harbor separatist elements in the country, but Cameroon must work hard on border control.

Delivering his message at the visit, the Consul-General, Patrice Onana, noted that Governor Otu’s leadership has been exemplary as the Calabar, the State Capital, was showing signs of progress, hinting of his desire to continue in the state.

He commended the Cross River State Government for hosting over 60, 000 Cameroonian refugees following crisis in two of its 10 provinces.

The Consul-General stressed that the visit is to maintain good collaboration with the State, assuring that the peaceable nature of Cross Riverians will not be abused.

The Envoy also maintained that the long maritime border between both countries require robust security collaboration to safeguard and boost trade and business.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed the 2024 Cross River State Assembly Service Commission Amendment Bill for Governor Bassey Otu’s assent into law. The bill which was passed on the 6th, of February 2024, aims to make specific amendments to the Assembly Service Commission Law, bringing it in line with constitutional provisions.

The member representing Akamkpa II State Constituency, Hon. Linus Etim, who is the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that the primary focus of this amendment lies in addressing discrepancies in the rights of the Deputy Clerk and the Clerk of the House. The changes also aim to equate these positions with the roles of Permanent Secretaries and the State’s Head of Service, respectively.

The proposed adjustments would grant the Speaker of the House the power to recommend the appointment of the Assembly’s Clerk, streamlining the decision-making process within the legislative body. Other Members of the House also showed support for the passing of the bill, with Hon. Francis Asuquo, a member representing Odukpani State Constituency, stating that “the bill will empower the speaker of the house to recommend a clerk.”

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem chaired the successful passage of the bill. He reiterated theAssembly’s dedication to rectifying any inconsistencies present in the existing law, emphasizing the 10th Assembly’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its workforce.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem on Sunday 4th February 2024, attended the 75th birthday celebration of Obonganwan Christiana Asuquo, mother of Mr. Tony Asuquo, Senior Special Adviser to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, at the Jubilee Garden, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

During the event, Rt. Hon. Ayambem paid tribute to Obonganwan Asuquo for raising children who have become commendable individuals in society. He commended her for her outstanding contributions to society and expressed his admiration for her. The Speaker also emphasized the value of longevity, stating that it is priceless and cannot be bought with money. He attributed her long life to the grace of God and prayed for her continued well-being.

Speaker Ayambem also highlighted the historical connection between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. He called for the collaboration of both states to foster peace and tranquillity, ensuring that the bond shared between them endures for generations to come. “We pray to God to sustain and keep you in good health of mind and body,” Ayambem concluded.

Over Fifty Thousands indigenous people of the three major language groups in Calabar Metropolis thronged the street of Calabar led by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Efik, Efut and Abakpa ethnic groups.

This annual gathering, known as “Nkotmbok,” marks the unity of Efik, Efut, and Abakpa sons and daughters, becoming a tradition observed at the onset of each new year in Calabar.

The 2024 celebration, hosted by the Efut Kingdom, featured a grand procession spanning from Abasi Obori to various key points, including Mayne Avenue, Goldie, Eta Agbor, Mary Slessor, Marian, IBB, Calabar Road, Nelson Mandela, and concluding at Abasi Obori Street. The event not only showcased the rich heritage but also fostered a sense of togetherness among the diverse communities.

The Nkotmbok celebration served as a vibrant tapestry of cultural pride, with traditional Ekpe Masquerade, dances, singing, and colourful attire weaving through the streets of Calabar.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s support and presence underscored the importance of preserving and cherishing the unique identity of the Efik, Efut, and Abakpa ethnic groups.

Beyond the festivities, the event also provided a platform for fostering community bonds and promoting cultural exchange. As the procession traversed the historic landmarks of Calabar, it not only celebrated the past but also envisioned a future where the unity and diversity of these communities continue to flourish.

The Nkotmbok tradition stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of these ethnic groups, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage in shaping the collective identity of the people.

Massive rehabilitation of roads have commenced in earnest across communities in Yache, Yala LGA to the Benue Boundary courtesy of a non-governmental organization, Alifokpa Peoples Assembly (APA).

The roads rehabilitation is unprecedented and an indication that the NGO cares for the people of Yache in no small measure.

Speaking on the development, the National Chairman of the group, Pharm. Sir. Ogboga Joseph Ochi (KSM) said Alifokpa Peoples Assembly embarked on the rehabilitation to bring succour to motorists and pedestrians plying the routes.

In his words, “the rehabilitation of the roads in Yache to the Benue Boundary will no doubt greatly relieve people from the economic hardship that the deplorable state of the roads might have been causing over the years, and will also ease free flow of humans and vehicular movements.

Sir Ogboga reemphasized that “Opening up our rural roads, in particular, will boost agriculture and development of micro, small and medium enterprises due to our proximity to Benue State”.

The only viable road connecting Akreha to Yache and Benue State had caused hardship to residents, business owners and road users. So, it became extremely important for the group to embark on the palliative road grading project which re-commenced after the yuletide season break.

The group embarked on the grading of over 9km of Trunk “A” road from the Akhreha Bridge through the Trinity community called Alifokpa (Aji, Endichwi, and Echuji.) as well as communities like Mbou, Osina, and Gabu who depend on this only federal road in Yache to the market to sell their farm produce. The rehabilitation started from the Akhreha Bridge to the Lord Lugard boundary in Cross River and Benue state which was left ungraded for over 30yrs.

The Alifokpa Peoples Assembly’s Strategic Development Committee (APASDEC) are like minded illustrious sons and daughters of Alifokpa who mobilized through her National Chairman to donate and source for funds to grade the only access road connecting several villages to Benue and other neighboring communities.

It is a registered and non-partisan organization with a mission and vision of impacting positive lives both in human capital and infrastructural development in Alifokpa and other communities.

Among the achievements so far by the assembly within 3years of its existence includes: establishment of the community security outfit,scholarships to sons and daughters of Alifokpa, medical outreaches in collaboration with Moniaya Hospital, Ogoja, establishment of a football club (APA Football Club) amongst others.