Month: May 2024

The Cross River State House of Assembly has confirmed Governor Bassey Otu’s nominees for appointment as vice Chairman and commissioner of the State Planning Commission.

This was a sequel to the Lawmakers’ consideration of the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution presented by its Chairman and Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Rt, Hon. Davies Etta.

According to the chairman of the screening committee, the nominees were invited to appear before the Committee for screening on the 3rd and 6th of May, 2024, where they were “subjected to a rigorous question and answer session he added that Gov. Otu’s appointments are in agreement with section 2 of the law which provides that;
“The membership of the commission shall be drawn from the 3 Senatorial Districts of the State

The member repressing the Yala 2 state constituency described the commission as a round peg in a round hole, that, Gov. Bassey Otu made one of the best choices and he believes, that with Dr. Bong Duke as the Chief Executive Officer, the commission will see the light.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, described the commission as the best, that the people in the Commission have performed very well in their previous positions and they are capable of transforming the commission to a higher standard.

The speaker in a remark, charged the commission to work in synergy to make sure the commission moves to a higher level and works optimally for the growth and development of Cross Riverians.

The Speaker maintained that, during the confirmation of nominees for the vice Chairman/CEO and Commissioners of the State Planning Commission held at the Chambers of the State Assembly. He commended the Governor for choosing a well-read, exposed Dr. Bong Duke as Chairman of the Commission and added that, with his wealth of experience, and exposure the Commission will not make mistakes that will mar the Commission and the administration.

Those confirmed were:
1. Dr Bong Duke – Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer
2. Barr. Bassey Okim – Commissioner 1 (Economic Planning)
3. Prof. Godwin Amanke – Commissioner 2 (Development Assistance Coordination)
4. Dr Mrs Mary Julius Egbai – Commissioner 3 (Project Inspectorate)
5. Chief Emmanuel Eniang Offiong – Commissioner 4 (Research and Statistics)

The Cross River State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Justin Beshel, has decided to give back to his constituents by sponsoring the Cross River Medical and Dental Students’ Association World Wide Academic Week, which begins on May 14, 2024 and ends with a grand finale on May 29, 2024.

Dr. Beshel, a Cardiovascular Physiologist, has taught and mentored both Medical and Paramedical students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Despite his absence from the classroom for public service, his desire to contribute to the health sector remains topnotch.

The event, titled “Dr Beshel’s Cerebral Tussle,” is organized by the Cross River Medical and Dental Students’ Association World Wide, and aims to bring together students studying Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry in Cross River State and in other states , along with government officials and stakeholders from both the private and public sectors. The objective is to facilitate high-level discussions and the exchange of valuable knowledge to advance the health sector and achieve the state’s goal of health efficiency.

Miss Akpegyor Aniashie Akpanke, the president of the association, on a separate interview with Sentrytimes News stated that the organization’s mission is to promote student health and the overall health of the Cross River Community. She further explained that they met with Dr Justin Beshel, the Honourable Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, their former Lecturer who doubles as a Patron and presented their action plan to him.

In keeping with his custom of encouraging students’ development, Dr. Beshel showed interest in the programme and, upon reviewing their action plan, accepted to be the sole sponsor, and also assured the Association of his continued support to the state’s overall development.

In addition to CRIMSA’s medical focus, the program is expected to include art exhibitions, quizzes, and debate competitions involving students across the state.

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has taken a commendable step in improving the standard of mental health care services in the state by initiating immediate renovations at the mental rehabilitation centre in Calabar. The renovation aims to provide better care for individuals with mental health challenges and adhere to international standards.

The announcement was made by Chief Ayi Etim, the Executive Secretary of the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA), and Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, during a guided tour of the facility’s location in Otob Otob, Calabar South Local Government Area.

Chief Ayi emphasized the importance of upgrading the facility to provide a conducive environment for rehabilitation and reunification with families. He stated that the renovation aims to ensure that individuals with mental health needs receive proper care and medication. He also highlighted that the rehabilitation process will be carried out by experts, doctors, and medical personnel from the Neuropsychiatric Hospital.

The facility, which has been managed by the Calabar Urban Development Authority for years, has been in a dilapidated state. It can accommodate up to 70 inmates at a time, and the renovation aims to provide a comfortable environment for their rehabilitation. After the rehabilitation process, the inmates will be reintegrated back into society.

Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba commended Governor Otu for his dedication to addressing mental health needs and assured the public of the government’s commitment to completing the renovation and providing proper care for individuals in need.

The coordinator of the inmates, Mr Edet Edet Ekanem, expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts to revitalize the facility. He emphasized the importance of addressing staff welfare issues and pledged support for Governor Otu’s project.

The renovation of the mental rehabilitation centre is a significant step towards meeting the mental health needs of individuals in Cross River State and ensuring that they receive the attention and treatment they require.

Senator Prince Bassey Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, has called upon the Federal Government to expedite the construction of the Calabar-Itu road, facing delays due to compensation-related issues.

This call was made during an on-site assessment exercise of the road by Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, who echoed Governor Otu’s concerns. He stressed the urgent need for federal intervention to address the compensation hurdles impeding progress.

Governor Otu spotlights that compensation in Nigeria is governed by the Land Use Act of 1978, emphasizing the necessity of fair compensation for affected landowners. He assured readiness of the state government to assume compensation responsibilities from the federal government to hasten the process.

“I’m here to also conduct a study in line with His Excellency’s decision to assume the compensation responsibility from the federal government, which is commendable. However, we will prioritize those with ancestral buildings and legal structures. We’ve observed illegal constructions erected in anticipation of compensation, which we strongly disapprove,” Barrister Akiba affirmed.

Akiba urged the federal government to prioritize road construction in the area, highlighting economic losses and safety concerns due to the delays.

“We face significant challenges, with lives lost and movement severely restricted at times,” he noted.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for compensation efforts on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and urged a review of compensation plans for the Calabar-Itu area.

Akiba, leading a team of journalists to the road site, elaborated on compensation criteria, emphasizing the importance of verifiable land ownership documents.
“Monies have been allocated by His Excellency for compensation,” he confirmed.

The state government has earmarked N600,000,000 for compensation, with disbursement scheduled to commence soon. Akiba reiterated the government’s commitment to providing fair compensation to affected landowners with legal structures.

Effiong Eneobong Ita, a local landlord, voiced frustration over stalled construction, attributing it to non-payment of compensations. He appealed for prompt compensation to facilitate road rehabilitation and enhance community infrastructure.
“We urge authorities to compensate my father for this land so we can have a good road in Odupani Junction,” he urged.

Retired Superintendent of Police, Linus Afen, who currently serves as the Community Relations Officer (CRO) in Obanliku, held a crucial security meeting today with all the security heads in his office located in Sankwala, Obanliku Local Government Area. The meeting was aimed at discussing the security challenges faced by the inhabitants of the area, which have been hindering their activities and, consequently, their progress.

During the meeting, Officer Shola Martins, the Obanliku Divisional Police Officer (DPO), emphasized that the security challenges faced in the area are not the responsibility of a single individual but rather a collective effort. She urged everyone to play their role in ensuring that crimes and high levels of hoodlums are completely eradicated in the land.

Officer Bisong, who is in charge of the Nigeria Civil Defence in Obanliku, highlighted the high level of illegal mining activities within the Local Government Area (LGA). He called for everyone to join hands to prevent the recurrence of the tragic incident that happened in the Shikpeche community.

Retired Superintendent of Police, Linus Afen, promised all the security heads that the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, will do his best to ensure the protection of lives and property of individuals under his watch. He further urged the security agencies to always be combat-ready to curb crimes and other criminal activities in the LGA.

Furthermore, during the meeting, Linus Afen took the opportunity to commission his office in the LGA. Chief Dr Sunday Ayang JP, who represented the Governor’s Chief of Staff, acknowledged his effort and leadership innovations to put up a befitting secretariat, even without government support. He praised his appointment as a clear example of “a round peg in a round hole.”

Afen then called on Rev. Fr. Godwin to bless the office and officially hand it over into God’s hands. He immediately proceeded to the Bishiri Market, where he met with the Market Council, warning against unnecessary levels of violence.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, recently met with the Vigilante and Environmental Corps to discuss the issue of security in society. During the meeting which was held in the Speaker’s office in Calabar, the Speaker commended the efforts of the Vigilante and Environmental Corps, expressing his appreciation for their collaboration with other security agencies in curbing crime in the state.

Hon. Elvert Ayambem voiced his concern about the need to provide support for the Vigilante group to enable them to carry out their duties effectively. He stated that he believed in the group’s capabilities and felt that they should be given the authority to work with other pertinent security agencies to combat insecurity in the state.

During the meeting, the Speaker mentioned that his office functions more like a post office where mail is dropped off for later delivery. However, he promised to bring the group’s concerns to the attention of Senator Prince Bassey Otu, the Executive Government of Cross River State, to take appropriate action.

Before the Speaker’s speech, the Environmental Corps and Vigilante, under the direction of Dr Mercy Felix Effiom (Bishop), stated that their organization’s purpose was to help the group become acquainted with all government agencies to establish a cordial and harmonious working relationship to further protect lives and properties in the state.

The Vigilante group urged the Speaker to support the implementation of the VGN Up-keep in the state under the Office of the Governor’s Chief of Staff. They also requested that laws be enacted in support of the group and for the Speaker to use his voice to advocate with the Governor to secure operational mobility and other necessary machinery.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has approved Governor Bassey Otu’s nominees for the Chairman and Commissioner positions of the State House of Assembly Service Commission.

Following a report presented by the Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution, the confirmed members are Barr. Leonard Anyogor as Commissioner 1, Mr. Ayamba Akanya Asigbe as Commissioner 2, Mrs. Mary Eraye as Commissioner 3, and Mr. Charles Okon Kutman as Commissioner 4. The chairman, Hon. Victor Okon, was also present.

After a thorough screening process on May 3 and 6, 2024, it was determined that the nominees complied with the requirements of Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Law No. 6 of 2020. The law states in section 3(1) that “The Governor shall appoint five (5) members to serve as Chairman and Members of the Commission, with confirmation by the House.” The same statute also states in section 2 that “The membership of the commission shall be drawn from the 3 Senatorial Districts of the State.”

Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the State Governor for spreading the appointments evenly across the three Senatorial Districts of the State. According to Ayambem, “the Commission must not be characterised by high-handedness or conflict,” underscoring the importance of a symbiotic relationship between the Commission and the House. To ensure that the legislature operates to its full potential in the interests of the State as a whole, we must cooperate.”

Most of the lawmakers, including the House Leader, Rt Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, commended Governor Otu for appointing trustworthy individuals to the Commission and cheered the confirmation of the nominees.

Ntufam Victor Okon, the chairman of the Commission, thanked the governor for his appointment and pledged in his speech that the Commission would always work in the best interests of the State.

Governor Bassey Otu has announced that his administration is ready to meet the counter-funding requirements of the Federal Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide a mini-grid power supply to rural communities.

This move is aimed at boosting the micro-economies of the state and improving productivity levels, especially in the agricultural and rural communities.
Speaking during a courtesy call to him in Calabar, by the REA management team, Governor Otu expressed his administration’s willingness to meet the 30 per cent counterpart funding, which is necessary for attracting REA’s interventions.

He emphasized the importance of power supply in powering the rural economies to achieve energy and food security for the people of Cross River.

Governor Otu commended the REA for the 7-megawatt power project that will provide a steady power supply for the University of Calabar and the University Teaching Hospital, UCTH.

He also praised the REA team’s technical capacity and President Bola Tinubu’s administration for putting round pegs in round holes.

He disclosed that the Cross River energy law would soon be in place, and the state with an energy capacity of nearly 600 megawatts would be an exporter of energy to other states.

The MD of the REA, Mallam Abba Aliu, explained that the agency promotes and coordinates electrification programs and administers the Rural Electrification Fund to provide rural electrification through public and private sector participation in the country.

He revealed that REA has secured $750 million in funding, making it the world’s largest public sector off-grid funded project.

Aliu added that the state must provide 30% counterpart funding for the agency to provide 70% for projects located in a partner state. The state will also provide land, which is a crucial requirement for citing any project in any state.
He also revealed REA’s ‘Energy Agriculture Initiative,’ where solar mini-grids are provided to enhance agriculture.

The MD assured the governor that REA has marked Cross River as a flashpoint for various interventions.
Nsa Gill
Chief Press Secretary
May 6, 2024.