Month: April 2024

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the Cross River State Executive Council convened under the direction of Governor Senator Bassey Otu. During the meeting, the council approved several development initiatives, such as building necessary roads and intervening in infrastructure within the state’s three senatorial districts.

In his opening remarks, Governor Otu stated that while the public’s perception of his administration’s performance is unquestionably favourable, commissioners and other state executive council members ought to step up their efforts to guarantee long-term advantages for the populace.

The state’s Commissioner for Works, Pius Ankpo, who briefed journalists after the monthly state executive council meeting in Calabar, spoke on the approval given for intervention and construction of some key roads across the three senatorial districts.

Ankpo disclosed that the approved memo, tagged: “Aggregate Infrastructural Interest,” would bring significant development across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The works commissioner disclosed that the road network in the northern region of the state, which includes the Yache-Alifokpa road, the Ukelle road, and the Akreha bridge, will be repaired in Ogoja and Yala local government areas.

In the central senatorial district, Yakurr and Ikom LGAs have been earmarked for massive road interventions.

The works commissioner informed that approval was also given for the construction of Adiabo-Ikoneto bridge, which was initiated during the military era in the 90s, but abandoned by successive federal governments.

Ankpo noted that the bridge, when completed, would serve as a better alternative to the Calabar-Odukpani Junction-Itu federal highway, as an easier route into and out from Calabar to Akwa Ibom.

“I want to thank Governor Otu and other members of the state executive council for their support and approval to the projects, which are for the good of the people of the state,” stated the commissioner of works.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has urged the Cross River State Government to revoke and halt the sale of Government Quarters and Estates in Ogoja Local Government, which were built to improve the working conditions of state government employees.

Hon. Thomas Aruku, member of the Ogoja State Constituency who brought the matter of urgent public importance before the house, explained that the government quarters and estate built for its employees were intended to generate revenue for the government and that occupants of the quarters were subjected to rigorous screening and documentation before being assigned the quarters. Adding that the occupants have maintained a cordial relationship with the government since being assigned the quarters.

Hon Thomas Aruku went on to explain that the call to restrain and revoke land sales in the estate became necessary as a result of constant threats and intimidation by unidentified people alleging that the government property had been sold without prior notice to the estate’s occupants and authorization or notice from the government.

The matter of urgent public importance made by Hon. Aruku was supported in unison by Hon. Martin Achadu, member of Yala 2, Hon. Bette Obi, member of Boki 1, and Hon. Ovat Agbor, member of Obubra 1. They asked the government to form a committee to investigate the purported sales of state-owned properties and to invite all parties involved in the illicit sales for questioning. Additionally, they demanded a thorough explanation from the Ministry of Lands and Housing regarding the actual status of state-owned homes and lands.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem also decried the level of illegal sale of government properties across the state. He recounted how, in the past, a group of dishonest people in Ikom was prevented from encroaching into the Justice Quarters to build without permission from the government.

Ayambem praised Aruku for bringing forth the matter, pointing out that numerous state government properties had been unlawfully privatized. He stressed the need for the Assembly to undertake an oversight function on government properties across the state, especially the Fire Service facilities across the state.

The House of Assembly unanimously resolved that the State Government should take proactive measures to prevent and revoke the sale of the Government Quarters and Estate in Ogoja. The Assembly also resolved that the perpetrators of the illegal sale of government quarters in Ogoja be invited to the Assembly to provide an adequate explanation for the sales. They urged the government to allow current occupants to purchase their quarters, as was the case in Calabar and Akampka if the quarters were to be sold.

The Cross River State Assembly has called for urgent intervention in the gully erosion sites at Summit Hills Calabar and other areas affected by erosion in the State.

Hon Dr Martins Achadu, member representing Yala 2 State Constituency and Chairman Committee on Environmental Matters, moved the motion of Urgent Public Importance calling on the government of Cross River State to intervene in the gully erosion sites at summit hills. He added that when erosion sites are discovered but neglected it turns such an area into a desolate place.

Hon Achado described how the environmental committee, led by Prof Eyor, conducted an oversight function at Summit Hills, which houses the CICC and other government facilities, and discovered how erosion had ravaged the area. He urged the state government to act quickly to repair the area and prevent further damage that could endanger lives and property.

Hon Okon Owuna, a member representing the Akamkpa1 state constituency supported the motion explaining that the gully erosion poses danger if not fixed. He called on various state agencies involved in environmental matters to check the menace.

Hon. Bassey Bassey, member representing the Akpabuyo state constituency, stated that the issue of erosion is one of justice and that every area that requires such intervention, particularly the Submit Hills, must be addressed. He went on to say that early intervention prevents property collapses, which can endanger lives, and that the Summit Hills lack a proper road network and drainage system.

Hon. Ovat Agbor, Member representing Obubra State Constituency, Hon. Stanley Nsemo, Member representing Calabar, Hon. Ashakia Pius, Member representing Obanliku State Constituency, Hon. Brian Odey, Member representing Yala 1 State Constituency, and Hon. Neji Abang, Member representing Ikom 1 State Constituency, jointly supported the motion and called on the Commissioner for Works and Commissioner for Environment to look into areas devastated by erosion in the state metropolis.

They emphasised the importance of controlling gully erosion, which is linked to poor planning and implementation, and urged the government to form a committee to monitor contractors who are assigned such responsibilities.

The House of Assembly resolved in their prayers that the Cross River State Government should develop a new map to intervene urgently in erosion areas in Summit Hills and other parts of the metropolis. They also urged the government to charge various agencies with completing abandoned road networks and creating drainage systems for easy rain flow.

The Cross River State House of Assembly, in an attempt to address the growing concerns of kidnapping and smuggling within the Calabar Metropolis, has moved a motion calling on the State Government to enforce colour coding, numbering, and registration for all commercial vehicles operating within the Calabar metropolis.

Hon. Egbe Abeng, the member representing Obubra 2 State Constituency, moved the motion which received widespread support from his fellow legislators, calling for enhanced security measures to address the spate of criminal activities in the state.

Hon. Abeng pointed out that unidentified commercial vehicles have contributed significantly to the rise in criminal activities in the state. He stressed that implementing colour coding and registration would serve as a deterrent to criminals and aid law enforcement efforts. These measures would also make it easier to identify and track down perpetrators of crime.

Furthermore, Hon. Stanley Nsemo, representing Calabar Municipal, emphasized the potential of these measures to drastically reduce incessant kidnappings and restore peace to the State. He noted that effective vehicle identification would make it harder for criminals to move around undetected and carry out their nefarious activities.

Hon. Eyo Bassey, representing the Bakassi people, highlighted the importance of uniformity and orderliness in enhancing security and overall governance within the state. He pointed out that proper vehicle identification would promote uniformity, which would contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the state.

Hon. Ovat Agbor of Obubra 1 State Constituency also spoke about the gravity of the situation. He lamented the shift from Cross River State’s once peaceful reputation to its current state, marred by criminal activities. He implored the state government to prioritize the enforcement of colour coding, numbering, and registration as a crucial step toward restoring peace and security.

In a remark, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly emphasized the paramount importance of safety for all residents and visitors alike. He insisted on the role of proper vehicle identification in promoting uniformity and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the state.

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has urged members of the State Public, Private, Partnership Council to ensure better management of the state’s assets, with the aim of achieving improved economic fortunes for the state and her residents.

Governor Otu, who reconstituted the state PPP council in his office on Monday, emphasized his administration’s commitment to turn around the fortunes of the state and create avenues for employment opportunities.

He said: “The PPP’s council so inaugurated is saddled with the responsibility to coordinate the adoption of the type of partnership that will show that the private sector receives returns on investment, without the state losing its rights of ownership of the assets.”

Cross River state governor also noted that the government’s resources were always very small, and could not provide for all the needs of the people, hence the private, public, partnership option, to bridge the gap as a catalyst in participatory governance.

He expressed confidence in the personalities that make up the state’s PPP council and assured them of his administration’s commitment to due process applications.

Governor Otu reminded them that the state is in dire need of some already-developed infrastructure that requires private expertise for maximum returns to the state.

He said: “Our agenda is well known. It is ‘People First,’ the focus of the government is to bring succour to the people, move from where we are now, add value to the immediate needs of the common man, and create prosperity.

“We have started building confidence across the globe, opening up vistas of opportunities for investors to tap into. We have assets, when properly managed, they will yield dividends for the state.”

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, earlier remarked that Cross River blazed the trail nationally around 2008 when it came up with a PPP policy while adding that the constitution of the state PPP council was in line with Cross River State Law Number 6 of 2010.

The SSG, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary (Exco), Orok Bassey Okon, said the state, after having the enabling Law in place, subsequently had a Bureau established and the master plan was put in place, but somewhere along the line, there was a slack over expected activities and the state missed it.

According to Enoh, the present administration in the state was set to put things back on track, with the composition of eminent persons into the PPP council, which is the government body for PPP matters in the state.

The team is headed by the state’s Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, while the Attorney-General and Commissioners of Finance, as well as Inter-governmental and Special Duties, State Economic Adviser, and the Vice Chairman, State Planning Commission, are to serve as members.

Other members are the Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Elder Gershom Davies; Ikani Agabi SAN; Kenneth Asim Ita; and James Ibor Esq.; while the Senior Special Adviser/DG Bureau of Public, Private Partnership, Dr. Francis Ntamu, will serve as Secretary.

Speaking on behalf of the reconstituted PPP council, the Senior Special Adviser/DG Bureau of Public, Private Partnership, Dr. Francis Ntamu, assured the governor that the members would not fail the state over the confidence reposed on them.

By Nsa Gill (CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY)

The Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu has today inaugurated the State Economic Management Team (EMT), at the Government House, Calabar.

Read below some notable takeaways from Governor Bassey Otu’s address on the inauguration of the State Economic Management Team of the State.

Inauguration of the State Economic Management Team: Governor Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu emphasized the significance of establishing the State Economic Management Team (EMT) on April 22, 2024, as an important step towards driving economic growth and improving the standard of living for the people of Cross River State.

People-Oriented Goals: Governor Otu expressed his commitment to ensuring that every Cross Riverian can feed themselves, access healthcare, enjoy basic amenities such as water and electricity, travel on well-maintained roads, and have the opportunity for economic empowerment to create wealth.

Strategic Role of the EMT: The EMT is tasked with strategically assessing the dynamics of economic growth in the state and employing effective tools to achieve tangible results for the benefit of all citizens. They are expected to critically evaluate economic models before proposing them for implementation, ensuring they align with the state’s unique characteristics.

Alignment with Federal Economic Policies: Governor Otu highlighted the importance of aligning with the overall economic direction of the Federal Government and leveraging the goodwill enjoyed by the state administration in Abuja. The EMT is urged to establish strong linkage with federal policies and initiatives to maximize benefits for Cross River State.

Focus on the Informal Sector and SMEs: Governor Otu emphasized the vital role of the informal sector, particularly Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), in driving the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The EMT is charged with harnessing the potentials of the informal sector and integrating them into the state’s economic blueprint.

Call to Action: Governor Otu charged the EMT with improving the economic fortunes of Cross River State and its citizens, stressing the importance of hard work, selflessness, accountability, inclusivity, and delivering measurable outcomes. He called for support from the citizenry to enable the EMT to succeed in its mandate.

People-Centric Governance: Governor Otu reiterated the administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the people in every decision and action, emphasizing that government exists for the people.

Inauguration of the EMT: Governor Otu officially inaugurated the Economic Management Team and wished them success in their assignment.

These points summarize Governor Otu’s address on the occasion of the constitution of the State Economic Management Team, outlining the vision, goals, and expectations for driving economic development in Cross River State.

The Cross River Executive Governor’s Senior Special Advisor on Agriculture, Prof. John Shiyam, has commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for organising the very successful Executive Governor’s Roundtable in Abuja, which showcased the state to international audiences.

Professor John Shiyam said that “the Executive Governor’s Roundtable has strategically showcased the huge investment opportunities available in the state, especially in agriculture” in a congrats message he sent to newsmen in Calabar.

“The People-First Agenda’s sweetness is eloquently demonstrated by the serious discussions we have with Israel regarding agribusiness development and investment in the state,” Shiyam stated.

“I am fully ready to offer my best to justify the confidence you have in my ability and capacity to be your SSA on Agriculture,” he said, assuring the Governor of his commitment to his office’s mandate.