Month: July 2024

The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Governing Council Member of the Federal College of Education, Bichi Kano State, Chief Hon. (Dr) Martin Orim has urged for patience and dialogue in light of the upcoming nationwide protest.

Chief Orim conveyed his message during a conversation with journalists in Abuja, emphasizing the need for constructive engagement to address the nation’s challenges.

In acknowledging the determination and resilience displayed by Nigerians as they express their concerns, Chief Orim advised the youth to consider alternative paths, such as dialogue, to tackle national issues rather than resorting to street protests. He expressed confidence in the country’s ability to stabilize its economy, despite the initial challenges posed by certain policies.

Chief Orim also lauded President Tinubu’s leadership and responsiveness to the populace’s demands at various levels, highlighting measures such as the introduction of student loans and the recognition of local government autonomy as positive steps.

He further commended the governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, for his people-centric initiatives, including the recent approval of 10 billion naira for the payment of retirees’ gratuities, showcasing the governor’s commitment to alleviating the people’s plight.

While acknowledging the country’s challenges, Chief Orim encouraged the youth to engage constructively with the authorities and emphasised the need for continued progress.

The Cross River State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Justin Beshel, has urged the youth in the state to consider alternative approaches to addressing their concerns instead of proceeding with the planned nationwide protest set to kick off on August 1, 2024.

Emphasising the importance of dialogue and constructive engagement with the government at all levels, Dr. Beshel advocated for a more collaborative effort to alleviate the prevailing hardship faced by citizens.

In a media interaction with journalists while on official duty in Abuja, Dr Beshel acknowledged the significance of protests as a means of demanding accountability from leaders. However, he cautioned against resorting to the destruction of state and national assets, emphasizing that such actions would hinder progress and jeopardize the state’s development.

Dr. Beshel urged the youth, especially those in Obanliku and Cross River State as a whole, to refrain from being manipulated into engaging in unlawful activities that could disrupt the peace. He highlighted the positive strides taken by Governor Bassey Edet Otu and called for collective support to further advance the state’s development.

“As a member of the State Executive Council, you can count on me to bring up issues that pose a serious and immediate threat to our people, and with a governor who puts the needs of the people first, our collective aspirations and worries will definitely be met.”

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, and some Assembly members have paid a visit to the Hausa/Fulani community in Bogobri on Tuesday, urging them to discourage their youths from participating in the planned national protest.

Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, during the visit, highlighted the significant progress being made by Governor Otu in rewriting the history of Cross River State, emphasising that protests are unnecessary at this time, particularly in Cross River State. “Cross River State is your state too,” Ayambem told the community, stressing the importance of unity and progress.

The Speaker also recalled the lingering effects of the EndSARS protests, noting that Cross River was one of the worst-hit states in the country. “The aftermath of EndSARS is still affecting the state. We cannot afford a repeat of such unrest,” he added.

Hon. Egbe Abeng, the representative of Obubra 1 State Constituency, reinforced this message by assuring the Hausa community that the government is doing its best to address their concerns. He urged the Hausa community to maintain the cordial relationship that exists between them and the state and to advise their people against joining the protest. “There is no need for the protest in the state as the government is trying its best to put things in order,” Abeng said.

The leader of the Hausa/Fulani community in Calabar, Alhaji Garba Lawan, in response, affirmed their commitment to peace. “Cross River is our state too,” Lawan declared, assuring that the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani community will ensure their people do not partake in the planned protest.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem has made an earnest appeal to Cross River State youths to refrain from participating in the planned national protest, which is set to begin on August 1, 2024.

Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem made this known during the plenary session on Tuesday. While noting Governor Otu’s commitment to their needs, he encouraged the youth to support the administration of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, whom he referred to as the “people’s first governor,” and emphasised the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement.

Ayambem assured that the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly is dedicated to addressing all citizens’ concerns and enacting legislation that benefits everyone. He emphasised that “our state has tremendous potential, and it is up to us, the youth, to harness this potential and drive positive change,” he said. “By working together and fostering a spirit of unity, we can create an environment where opportunities abound and every citizen can thrive.”

“Protests that turn violent will not benefit us; they will only exacerbate our problems,” Ayambem stated. He emphasised the long-term negative consequences of previous protests and urged youths to engage in constructive dialogue with the government instead. “The effects of previous protests are still impacting us negatively today. It would be unwise to worsen the situation with further unrest when we are still recovering from past events”, Ayambem said.

The Speaker further reminded the youths that Cross River State’s strength lies in its unity and resilience and urged them to stand together, support the leadership, and work hard to overcome challenges peacefully.

By Mathew Okache

The new Chairman of the Çross River State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Hon Darlington Bassey and the Commissioners of the Commission have officially assumed office as the substantive Chairman and Commissioners of the Commission.

The chairman, Hon Darlington Bassey and six commissioners; arrived at the Local Government Service Commission around 9:30 a.m., after being confirmed by the Cross River State House of Assembly last week in its chambers.

Speaking during his inaugural meeting with commissioners of the commission and members of management staff, Hon Darlington Bassey thanked Governor Bassey Otu for finding him worthy of the position stating that though the task ahead of him may be challenging, with the support of the management and the entire staff of the commission, a lot of successes will be recorded under his watch.

Hon Darlington Bassey praised the commission’s permanent secretary for his efforts in keeping the commission running smoothly before their appointments, noting that despite his efforts, the workload may have increased due to the commission’s chairman and commissioners’ absence. He assured that the commission is prepared to begin operations immediately and that an action plan and framework would be in place for the commission and members of management staff to achieve success.

The Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mr Emmanuel Egban, speaking on behalf of the management staff, welcomed the new Chairman and expressed excitement at the appointment of the commission chairman and commissioners, adding that he had long anticipated the appointments given the commission’s critical role and his limited authority in addressing critical issues within the commission.

The Permanent Secretary expressed the belief that with the interactions he has had with the new Chairman, the Commission was poised to surmount many of its challenges as he will hit the ground running. He further assured the Chairman that he has a great team to work with.

The inaugural meeting was attended by Dr Carol Edem, Commissioner 1; Chief Inyang Okon, Commissioner 2; Ojon Edward, Commissioner 3; Mr Daniel Ochui (snr), Commissioner 4; Mrs Wokeyim Otu, Commissioner 5; Hon Bridget Alina, Commissioner 6; and some management staff, including clergymen who dedicated their offices to God in prayer.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State on Timber Control North, Amb. Asegem Emmanuel has made a heartfelt plea for unity and peaceful dialogue. Speaking against the planned protest, Asegem urged the youth to channel their energy into constructive initiatives that will rebuild and transform the state.

“Protests that may lead to violence will not benefit us; rather, they will only add to our challenges,” Asegem stated. He emphasized the importance of dialogue with the state’s leadership, particularly with Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, who he described as a leader who listens to every Cross Riverian, irrespective of their background or origin.

Asegem’s message comes at a critical time when the effects of previous protests are still felt across the state. “The effects of previous protests are still affecting us to this day,” he said. “It would be unwise to exacerbate the situation by engaging in further unrest when we are still working to recover from past events.”

In his appeal, Asegem implored the youths not to join issues with other states in any planned protests. “Together, let us build a better, more prosperous Cross River State through peaceful and constructive means,” he urged.

Highlighting the state’s tremendous potential, Asegem called on the youth to harness their energy and creativity to drive positive change. “By working together and fostering a spirit of unity, we can create an environment where opportunities abound and every citizen can thrive,” he said. “Let us channel our energy and creativity into initiatives that promote growth and development, ensuring a brighter future for all.”

Asegem concluded his address with a reminder of the power of unity and resilience. “Our strength lies in our unity and resilience. Let us stand together, support our leadership, and work diligently to overcome the challenges we face. Through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect, we can achieve the Cross River State of our dreams.”

In a move aimed at supporting the educational aspirations of its indigenes, the Cross River State Government has announced its commitment to the prompt disbursement of the Law School grant.

This assurance was made by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar during a brief meeting held at his office in Calabar with representatives of The Coalition of Cross River Law law Graduates, an umbrella body of all Indigenous law Graduates of Cross River State across law Schools in Nigeria.

Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar emphasized the administration’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the professional growth of law students from the state. “We understand the significant financial burden that attending Law School can place on students and their families. As part of our ongoing efforts to support higher education and professional development, the government is committed to the timely and efficient release of the Law School grant,” He stated.

Governor Prince Otu has shown tremendous support for Education in his government and has always responded promptly to the needs of students highlighting it as a cornerstone of the state’s development agenda. riving socio-economic growth.

Beneficiaries of the grant have expressed their gratitude and thanked the state government for its empathy noting the positive impact it will have on their educational journey and they look forward to receiving and accepting the grant bearing in mind that they will have to be excellent for their good and the public at large. The young legal minds emphasized how grateful they are to the Cross River State Government for this support.

The Cross River State Government’s assurance of the prompt payment of the Law School grant is a testament to its unwavering commitment to educational development and the empowerment of its youth. As the state continues to prioritize education, it is poised to produce a generation of well-equipped professionals who will contribute significantly to the state’s progress and development.

Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu has approved the sum of ten billion naira for the first phase of the payment of gratuities for retirees in the state.

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The Leader of the Comrades Community and a former House of Assembly candidate in the ABI State constituency, Amb Samuel Ben has urged all members of the Comrade community to remain vigilant and protect the state from invaders who seek to cause unrest.

Comrade Samuel Ben made this known in a media chat with newsmen in Calabar as a follow-up against the planned nationwide protest on August 1st, 2024.

Samuel Ben went on to say that as a state, the youths need to support Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu’s Season of Sweetness Government and administration in any way we can.

He recalled that the #EndSARs protest experience, which resulted in the destruction of many properties and lives in the state and country, should not be encouraged.

He also stated that, given Governor Otu’s current developmental efforts in the state, there is an urgent need for complete collaboration between the government and all interest groups in the state to avoid the alleged protest.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has granted Governor Bassey Otu’s request to dissolve the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC). In a decisive plenary session, 22 out of 25 Assembly members voted in favour, securing the required two-thirds majority to approve the Governor Otu’s proposal.

The approval follows a formal request made on July 16, conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. A. Owan Enoh to the House of Assembly. The letter cited significant concerns about CROSIEC’s ineffectiveness, attributing the delay in conducting the 2023 Local Government Council elections to the Commission’s “cavalier work attitude.”

The request from the state government, invoking section 201(1) – (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, called for the removal of CROSIEC’s Chairman and all its members. The letter also emphasized that the reorganization of the Commission is essential for the state to conduct the overdue local elections and to enhance democratic governance at the grassroots level.

“The inertia displayed by the Chairman and members of the State Electoral Commission has led to the State not being able to conduct Local Government Council elections, which ought to have been held in 2023,” the letter stated. It further highlighted the necessity for the Governor to have the “latitude to reorganize the Commission” to facilitate the election process.

Following the House of Assembly’s approval, Governor Otu was urged by the lawmakers to immediately reconstitute CROSIEC to ensure that the local government elections can proceed without further delay.

“Conducting these elections would alleviate the administrative burden on the executive and legislative arms and ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt more significantly by the grassroots population” the lawmakers added.