Month: April 2024

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, on Sunday, at about 5:03 PM, thwarted a kidnapping attempt on commuters along the Afi, Nde-Ogoja/Ikom highway. The incident unfolded as a group of unknown gunmen blocked the road, halting traffic in both directions.

Fortunately, Speaker Ayambem and his convoy were returning to Ikom after attending the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sylvester Agabi’s Thanksgiving Ceremony in Obudu before encountering the chaos.

Reacting swiftly, the Speaker and his team dispersed the miscreants and engaged in sporadic shooting to clear the road for stranded motorists. Their gallant efforts not only averted a potential tragedy but also restored the flow of traffic along the vital highway, ensuring the safety of travellers.

Following the confrontation, Speaker Ayambem visited the Atimaka Trailer Park in Ikom, a hub predominantly inhabited by the Hausas. There, he issued a stern warning to any elements intent on disturbing the peace of the Nde people and travelers along the highway.

He emphasized that if the incidents of kidnapping persist, he will take decisive action, vowing to visit the trailer park with full force to restore normalcy.

Chief Martin Orim, Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and former Governor’s Chief of Staff, has described the Cross River State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Hon Sylvester Agabi as a humble and committed gentleman.

Chief Martin Orim made this known during Hon. Sylvester Agabi’s Thanksgiving Ceremony at Nkirira-Utuguang, Obudu Local Government Area, following his election to the Cross River State House of Assembly and subsequent election as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

According to the Father of the Day, Chief Martin Orim, humility brings acceptance and love, and it can break down barriers, encourage support, and propel you to heights you never imagined. He said that if you are arrogant, you will lose fellowship and love.

Chief Martin Orim praised Honourable Agabi as a wonderful person. “Agabi has been with me, helping me with errands, but during Governor Ayade’s first term, he was unintentionally overlooked. However, after meeting with the governor at the Ranch Resort during the second term, he was given consideration and was paid two years’ worth of arrears upon appointment by the former governor.”

Chief Orim also stated that when it came time for the State House of Assembly election in Obudu, the then-governor asked him to bring forward his ‘boy’ Agabi, whom he described as the humble and loyal guy he met at the ranch resort some time ago. He stated that he is now the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, rather than an ordinary House of Assembly member.

Orim went further to explained that once God’s grace is with you, He will cause men to bend the rules for you and can prevent others from blessing you before opening doors for others, citing Agabi’s Deputy Speakership as an example.

The Father of the Day further donated 1 million naira for the construction of a new church as proposed by Hon Agabi, and urged attendees to always pray for God’s grace in their lives and daily endeavours, stating that he is a product of grace and therefore does not take giving back to society lightly. He went on to say that he is not giving because he wants to show off, but because we have so little, we must learn to share. When you share, you remain a never-dry fountain.

The celebrant, the Deputy Speaker, earlier in his speech praised Chief Martin Orim for his mentorship, leadership, and role in ensuring his election to become the House of Assembly member and later as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly. He also recounted how naysayers had encouraged him to oppose his Chief Orim after becoming Deputy Speaker, but he ignored them and continued to be completely loyal to his political master, Chief Martin Orim.

Hon Agabi also used the Thanksgiving Ceremony as an opportunity to lunch the David Agabi Foundation (DAF), a none governmental organization birthed in memory of his late senior brother, who had a vision of building a church for God but could not achieve it due to untimely death. Agabi noted, that for the mercy and grace that has kept him alive, and has led Chief Martin Orim to nuture him to becoming the Deputy Speaker, he will build the church for Christ.

Prominently in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey Odinga (represented Governor Bassey Otu), Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Deputy Speaker of Enugu, Deputy Speaker of Ebonyi State, Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Higgins Peters, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, Dr Beatrice Igwe (Commissioner for Housing), Dr Marcellus Angioha (Commissioner for Industries), Dr Justin Beshel (Commissioner for Science and Technology), Mr Mike Odere (Commissioner for Finance).

The House of Assembly members in attendance include Rt Hon. Davies Etta, Hon. Thomas Aruku, Hon. Brian Odey, Congressman Omang Omang, Hon. Bette Obi, Hon. Kingsley Ntui, Hon. Okong Owuna, Hon. Neji Abang, and Hon. Stanley Nsemo.

The APC Chapter Chairmen of Obanliku and Bekwara, Chief Sunny Ayang, Chief Mary Ekpere, Hon Mike Usibe, Chief Tony Undiandeye, Chief PJ Ekunke, Mr Godwin Undeshi, Mr Isaac Ishamali, Mr Phydel Aben, Mr Boniface Ishamali, Mr. Francis Ekpo, and numerous other dignitaries from both inside and outside the state were also in attendance.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, emphasized the unbreakable bond within the 10th assembly, describing it as one cohesive family. During a recent gathering, he commended his deputy, Hon. Agabi, for his infectious happiness and generous spirit, which have contributed significantly to the assembly’s success.

Ayambem expressed gratitude for Hon. Agabi’s support and close collaboration, and the deputy speaker’s strong faith as a guiding force. He pledged continuous support, affirming his commitment to helping Agabi rise above any challenges.

The Speaker commended him for keeping to his late brother’s dream by building a Church for his community and opening a foundation to teach to more people.

Ayambem also emphasized the importance of their combined efforts in bringing light to the assembly, ensuring that darkness finds no place in their midst.

In response, Deputy Speaker Hon. Sylvester Agabi extended appreciation to Chief Martins Orim for standing by him during trying times, allowing him to rise to the position of deputy speaker. He credited divine intervention for his journey and expressed gratitude to the assembly’s leadership for their guidance and support.

Agabi emphasized the need to remain steadfast in service and urged against souring the atmosphere with bitterness over electoral defeats. He emphasized the importance of loyalty and service, sentiments.

Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, serving as chairman of the occasion, lauded Hon. Agabi’s loyalty and dedication to serving the people of Cross River State. He commended Agabi’s initiative to build a church and establish a foundation as a means to further reach out and positively impact his community.

The thanksgiving service was held in Assemblies of God Church Nkirira, Utugwang, Obudu Local Government Area.

Matthew Okache
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
28/04/2024

Rev Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, the wife of the State Governor, has demonstrated her compassion and care for the less privileged by presenting various relief materials worth thousands of naira to the family of Mr. John Ashang. The family recently welcomed quadruplets in Ikong village, Obudu Local Government Area.

The First Lady was informed about the delivery of the quadruplets through social media influencers. She immediately intervened to ensure the proper care and well-being of the nursing mother and the babies. However, it was reported that one of the quadruplets passed away. In response, the governor’s wife ordered the immediate relocation of the parents of the quadruplets to Obudu main town for easy access to basic amenities and follow-up on their welfare.

The governor’s wife also promised to assist the father with a shop to enable him to be fully engaged and be in a position to cater for both the mother and the newborn babies. The cost of the residential accommodation and the shop is borne by the First Lady as a way to enhance their well-being.

During the presentation of the relief materials, Deaconess (Mrs) Anwudua Richard Efa, the representative of the First Lady, reaffirmed the passion of the First Lady and her husband towards Cross Riverians, especially children. She congratulated the father of the newborns and his wife, Mrs Martina Ashang, for the safe delivery and described it as a huge blessing and indication of better things to come.

The items presented included bags of rice, yams, toiletries, crates of Eva water, noodles, beverages, baby clothes, wrappers, and cash donations to assist the family in taking care of the babies. The visit was in the spirit of the First Lady’s 60th birthday celebration, which was held recently. She thought it wise to reach out to them and assured them that she would be checking up on the children regularly to ensure their safety and well-being.

An elated father of the quadruplets, Mr. John Ashang, thanked the First Lady for her love and compassion towards their well-being and that of children generally. He prayed that God would bless her abundantly.

The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and the immediate past Chief of Staff to the Cross River Government, Chief Martin Orim, and his wife, Mrs Ubeloka Orim, as well as the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi, attended His Highness Ochui Ikong Jacob Ayukwu’s coronation ceremony at Government Primary School Okiro Ubang in Obudu.

During the coronation, Chief Martin Orim and his entourage assured the newly crowned chief of their commitment to the community’s overall well-being and development. The distinguished guests also advised Chief Ochui Ikong to use his leadership position for the benefit of the Okiro community.

Earlier, Chief Martin Orim and his entourage attended the burial ceremony of the Late Mrs Jane Uke, who was married to the late Engr Walter Uke, former Chairman of the Obudu Local Government Council, who had passed on about ten years ago.

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The Begiaba community was buzzing with excitement earlier today as they welcomed a team led by the immediate past Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Government, Chief Martin Orim, and the Deputy leader of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi, to their Clan Head’s Residence.

The Begiagba people, led by HRH ‘Utsu’ Samson Ogar, Clan Head Begiading Likwu, Mr Uke Ikem, and Mr Emmanuel Ikem, expressed their overwhelming joy and gratitude to Chief Martin Orim for his numerous developmental strides in the community and Obudu at large.

According to members of the community, the reception was in recognition of Chief Orim’s continuous and unwavering commitment to the human capital development of the community. The community members recounted numerous instances when they had benefited from the many development projects initiated by Chief Orim, which had improved their standard of living.

Some of the community members mentioned that Chief Orim had facilitated several empowerment programs, which had helped to reduce poverty levels in the community. Others cited the numerous personal assistance, which had improved them.

In appreciation for Chief Orim’s contributions to the community’s development, the community vowed their steadfast loyalty to the All Progressive Congress (APC), a political party to which he belongs, stating that they had seen the light and would never return to the dark. The community members expressed their confidence in Chief Orim’s political tenacity and pledged to support him in his future endeavours.

In his thank you speech, Dr Orim expressed his gratitude to Chief Sampson and the wonderful people of Begiaba for granting him the opportunity to be among them. He said, “I am not a visitor; I have friends and colleagues who come from this community. I promise to take this hands of fellowship seriously.” He also prayed for God’s blessings and benevolence.

Mr Godwin Undeshi, Mr Phydel Aben, Hon. Paul Akoli, Mr Boniface Ishamali, Mr Moses Utsu, Hon. Philip Ikpa, Dr Agbogo, David Undeshi, Orim Okpachu, Hon. Augustine Ishang, Mr Akpabuo, Mr Ushie Iklaki, Godwin Orim Jr., and several other dignitaries were present in Dr Martin Orim’s entourage.

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Earlier today, the Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and the former Chief of Staff to Cross River State, Chief Hon Martin Orim, accompanied by the Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, and their team, were invited to a delightful lunch hosted by Mr Goodwin Undeshi (Arewa), his close friend, at his country home located at Ranch Road, Obudu.

The lunch was filled with an atmosphere of joy and excitement, as Mr Undeshi Arewa, along with his bosom friends Chief Martin Orim, Hon Sylvester Agabi, and other guests, shared stories, laughter, and delicious meals. The experience was elevated to new heights by the warm hospitality and friendly nature of the host, Mr Undeshi Arewa.

The echoes of this memorable lunch resonated through the memories of all the guests present, leaving them with unforgettable moments of joy and camaraderie.

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