Month: August 2024

The Yala Local Government Area chairmanship candidate; Dr Clement Alegu of the All Progressives Congress has unveiled his manifesto to a community of Yala indigenes in Cross River State ahead of the forth coming local government elections.

This was disclosed when he addressed journalists in Calabar on Friday August 30, 2024 and said that his aspiration is to ensure massive development for his people.

In his Manifestos, Dr Alegu explained how he hopes to tackle the challenges of insecurity, economy, agriculture, education, healthcare, women empowerment and pledged to work for the overall benefits of the people. He pledged to ensure that his people benefit the natural resources of the area which he said are his top priorities

While promising to live up to expectations when he takes over from the incumbent administration, Alegu unveiled his plans to draw investors and ensure partnership with the state government to utilize the natural resources of the area to develop communities in the area.

“I remain committed to liberating Yala people especially the Igede extraction from stagnation and marginalization. In the past 33 years of our creation, The igede people have not produced executive chairman and I know this is the right time for that to be achieved”, he disclosed.

Dr Alegu expressed preparedness to deliver on his manifesto, and assured his people of employment opportunities and great development. He noted that he is imbued with the necessary capacity, tenacity and humility to unite Yala people for progress.

He lauded the efforts of the executive governor, Sen. Bassey Otu and described him as a leader who listens passionately to the yearnings of his people. “I know our Governor will consider zoning Yala Chairmanship to the Igede people, and that will bring absolutely fairness and equity”.

Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress and frontline aspirant for the Chairmanship of Obanliku Council has assured the Obanliku people that Obanliku Day and New Yam celebrations will certainly take on a new dimension that will attract visitors from both near and far, once he become the Local Government Chairman.

Chief Ayang in his felicitation message, stated that he is prepared and ready to advance the fortunes of Obanliku Local Government.

The message reads: My fellow Obanliku people, I extend my warmest greetings to you as we celebrate the auspicious occasion of our New Yam Festival and the 33rd anniversary of our beloved Local Government. This milestone marks a significant chapter in our journey as a people, and I am honoured to be a part of this celebration. Our New Yam Festival is a time-bound tradition that showcases our rich cultural heritage and the bounty of our land.

As we gather to give thanks for the harvest, let us also reflect on the progress we have made as a local government. Thirty-three years of growth, development, and resilience is a testament to our collective efforts and determination. May I commend your dedication and hard work which has continued to ensure effective food supply and sustainability in our Local Government and neighbouring communities.

Historically, the land of “Abanlikwuo” became an entity recognised as Obanliku Local Government Area on August 27, 1991, through a proclamation by the then Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida. Over Thirty-three years past, we have continued to co-exist in peace, harmony, tradition, and common heritage.

Though we have had our challenges, we have equally made some meaningful strides worthy of celebration. As we rejoice on this day, may I pay tribute to our past leaders and founding fathers, who in the last thirty-three (33) years, have made sacrifices that have enhanced our collective achievements as a people. Their commitment has contributed to a more united, peaceful, and hospitable Obanliku, as is often remarked across the globe.

It could be recalled that under Hon. Akpi Uwanede’s led Leader of Council and Late Hon. Animpuye David as Chairman of Council, a motion was moved, and agreed that every last Saturday of August be set aside to commemorate the creation of Obanliku and also to celebrate the New yam festival. Thus, today is remarkable in our history.

As Obanliku people, the new yam festival is deeply rooted in our nation’s history and agricultural practices and serves as a key cultural event that symbolizes prosperity, unity, and gratitude. As we all know, yams are regarded as the “king of crops,” and this festival marks the official start of the yam harvest season.

Significantly, the New Yam festival goes beyond harvest celebration; it is an avenue to foster cultural preservation, social cohesion, thanksgiving, and gratitude to the Almighty. It equally enhances cultural education for the younger generations and economic advancement for us all. We must therefore, celebrate with a sense of unity, cooperation, and positive social ties.

As a frontline aspirant seeking to serve Obanliku as chairman of the council, I am not oblivious of the task ahead; hence, it behooves me to hit the ground running if given the mandate. Under my watch;
√ Obanliku, as an interstate with an international border, will undergo a security architecture revamp to reduce clashes and security threats.
√ Our headquarters in Sankwala will undergo immediate restructuring for infrastructure improvements.
√ Scholarships and school bursaries will be available for those in need to enhance their education.
√ Priority will be given to youth and women’s empowerment, including 70% representation in my cabinet.
√ The welfare of all local government staff will be prioritised to improve performance and productivity.

√ A consultative forum will be in place to provide valuable advice and contribute to the success of my administration. This will also serve as a means of accountability.

I am prepared and ready to advance the fortunes of our dear Local Government. Obanliku Day and New Yam celebrations will certainly take on a new dimension that will attract visitors from both near and far, once I become your Local Government Chairman.

I congratulate you all, while encouraging you to stay united, steadfast, and determined to build a better and more prosperous Obanliku of our dreams. Together, we can rebuild Obanliku.

Thank you and stay blessed.

Once again, Happy New Yam celebration, and may Obanliku be prosperous.

Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ebebe Ayang, JP.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has launched an investigation into the ownership status of the Transcorp Hotel, following concerns over the lack of transparency and documentation surrounding its management and alleged concession.

The investigation was carried out by a Special Committee formed to resolve the lingering questions about whether Transcorp Hotel remains a property of the Cross River State Government or if it was concessioned to private entities. The Committee’s primary objective was to determine the terms and conditions of any such concession and whether the current management is fulfilling the obligations outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

However, the investigation has been hampered by the absence of crucial documents and substantial evidence. According to the Committee’s report, neither the management of Transcorp Hotel nor that of the Metropolitan Hotel has provided the necessary documentation to clarify the transaction between the Cross River State Government and Transcorp. An oversight visit by the Committee to the hotel on August 27, 2024, making it the third visit yielded no results, as the required documents were still not presented.

David Amiye Esq, the Executive Secretary of the State Privatization Council, testified before the Committee, stating that when he assumed office, no handover notes or documents related to the hotel’s ownership were provided to him. He suggested that any transaction might have taken place during the tenure of Chief Ndoma Egba, who served as Executive Secretary during the administration of former Governor Donald Duke.

The Ministry of Justice also failed to provide conclusive information, revealing only that, as of 2022, the State Government had planned to buy over Transcorp through the Metropolitan Hotel and concession it to Reserved Hotel Limited. However, the Ministry could not confirm whether this plan was executed. The State Accountant-General corroborated the lack of transparency, confirming that no remittances had been made by Transcorp to the State Government’s treasury.

The Committee’s report raised concerns about the involvement of Mrs. Onari Duke, the former First Lady of the State, who is currently the Managing Director of the hotel. Despite efforts by the Committee to obtain explanations and relevant documents from her, no information has been forthcoming.

The Committee further noted that the change of the hotel’s name from Transcorp to Metropolitan Hotel was made without the involvement of the State Privatization Council or the Bureau of Public-Private Partnership. It also revealed that, since the administration of Governor Donald Duke, no payments have been made by Transcorp to the Cross River State Government.

The committee thereby directed the Attoney-General/Commissioner for Justice to take legal steps to seal up Transcorp/Metropolitan with immediate effect pending when their documents would be made available for scrutiny by the Special Committee.

Reacting to the findings, members of the Cross River State House of Assembly expressed deep concern over the situation.

Hon. Ovat Agbor, representing Obubra 1 State Constituency, urged the State Government to take immediate action to reclaim state-owned properties. “What belongs to the State should be returned appropriately,” he stated.

Hon. Francis Ogban, representing Biase, criticized the previous administration for its lack of due process in the concession of the hotel. He called on the government to ensure that the property is returned to the State, so citizens can benefit from the employment opportunities.

Hon. Egbe Abeng, representing Obubra 2, emphasized that all state properties belong to the people and must be recovered. “No one is more Cross Riverian than another,” he said, stressing that the State’s assets should be safeguarded for the benefit of all citizens.

In his remarks, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, condemned the appropriation of state properties by individuals, declaring that such actions are unacceptable. “Cross River State properties do not belong to any family members but to the Cross River State Government and its citizens,” he said. The Speaker assured that the 10th Assembly would continue to work towards repositioning the State on the right trajectory to fully achieve the “People’s First” agenda.

Amb. Chief Asegem Emmanuel, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Cross River State on Timber Control (North), was awarded the prestigious title of Humanitarian Icon of the Year. The award was presented by the National Association of Cross River State Students, Fidei Polytechnic Chapter, in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian efforts, charitable acts, and selfless support to students and society at large.

In his remarks during the ceremony, the president of the students’ association highlighted that the award serves as a token of appreciation for Amb. Asegem’s support, has significantly mitigated the rate of school dropouts among Cross River State students at Fidei Polytechnic and Cross River State at large. He expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the students, acknowledging the financial assistance provided by Amb. Chief Asegem, has enabled many students to continue their education despite financial challenges.

Receiving the award Chief. Asegem Emmanuel expressed his heartfelt thanks to the students for the honour bestowed upon him. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Cross River State students, both at home and abroad, urging them to remain focused on their studies and prioritize academic excellence.

He further emphasized his dedication to education, Amb. Chief Asegem announced that the Asegem Foundation is actively working on an initiative to award Cross River State students who graduate with distinction in their respective fields of study. This initiative aims to encourage academic excellence and support the educational aspirations of students from the state.

Amb. Chief Asegem Emmanuel, the SSA to the Governor of Cross River State on Timber Control (North), has urged Cross River State students to rally behind the administration of His Excellency, Sen. Bola Tinubu, in his Renewed Hope Agenda and support Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Otu’s People’s First Agenda. He emphasized that both leaders have delivered tangible dividends of democracy to the people, encouraging the students to continue their support for the ongoing efforts to improve the state and nation.

Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu has received a prestigious award for the “Best Security Conscious Governor of the Year 2024”.

Governor Bassey Otu was honoured at a Security Conference and Awards ceremony organized by the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS), held on Saturday at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

According to Dr. Tony Ofoyetan, the Director-General of the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS), the award was presented to Governor Bassey Otu in recognition of the governor’s outstanding contributions to enhancing security across the state.

The Director General lauded Governor Otu’s administration for its innovative and proactive approaches to security, particularly in addressing communal conflicts, curbing crime rates, and fostering peace in Cross River State.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert, while receiving the award on behalf of Governor Bassey Otu, expressed gratitude to the organizers for recognizing the Governor’s efforts in ensuring the safety of citizens and properties in Cross River State.

Ayambem also reaffirmed the Governor Otu administration’s commitment to implementing strong security measures to maintain peace and stability in the state.

The member of the Cross River State House of Assembly representing Yala 1, Hon. Brian Odey, expressed his pride in the award, stating that it was a testament to the state’s leadership’s collaborative efforts in prioritizing its people’s welfare and security.

In solidarity with the Cross River State Governor, Mr. Frank Ekpo, DG of the State Electrification Agency, Mr. Wonor Austin Ibu, Special Adviser on Security Surveillance, Mr. Ekeng Henshaw, Special Adviser on Forensic/Intelligence, and others attended the event.

As the anticipation for the next council chairman of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State reaches its peak, the debate over where the chairmanship should be zoned is becoming more intense. The conventional zoning arrangement, which divides Yala LGA between Yala I and Yala II constituencies, has been a cornerstone of political stability in the area. This arrangement, when followed with fairness, ensures that all communities within the LGA feel represented and included in governance. As such, it is critical that the upcoming chairmanship is zoned to South Ukelle, Yala II Constituency, to maintain this balance and uphold the principles of equity.

To understand the current debate, it is essential to revisit the history of chairmanship in Yala LGA, particularly as it concerns the Ukelle extraction. Over the years, North Ukelle has produced the following chairmen:

1. Hon. Inaku (1979-84)
2. Dr. Christopher Lukpata (1996-97)
3. Hon. Augustine Ilom (1998)
4. Hon. James Ikpa (2000-2003)
5. Hon. Mike Ede Usibe (2013-2016)

In contrast, South Ukelle has only produced two chairmen:

1. Hon. Samuel Ujor (1996)
2. Barr. Fidel Egoro (2008-2010)

These statistics clearly show a disparity in the distribution of the chairmanship between North and South Ukelle. Cumulatively, North Ukelle has produced five chairmen, while South Ukelle has only had two. This discrepancy underscores the need for the chairmanship to return to South Ukelle in the interest of fairness and justice.

The last chairman from Ukelle extraction, Hon. Mike Usibe, hailed from North Ukelle. Given the historical imbalance, it is only logical and just that the next chairman should come from South Ukelle. Advocating for the chairmanship to remain in North Ukelle would not only perpetuate this imbalance but could also breed discontent and disunity between the northern and southern parts of Ukelle.

Those who argue that North Ukelle should retain the chairmanship often base their reasoning on the fact that North Ukelle has more wards than South Ukelle. However, this argument is flawed. It fails to consider that Yala I and Yala II do not share an equal proportion of wards, yet they still adhere to an equal zoning arrangement. The essence of zoning is to ensure that all parts of the constituency, regardless of size, have a fair opportunity to lead and contribute to the governance of the LGA.

In light of these facts, it is imperative to appeal to the “People First” Governor, His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who himself is a product of zoning and has consistently championed equity in governance. We also call upon Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, APC State Chairman Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, and other key stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to uphold the principles of zoning as a criterion for determining the next Yala LGA chairman.

Ukelle is traditionally divided into two major regions: North Ukelle and South Ukelle. Historically, all positions, including the State House of Assembly seat, have been zoned between these two regions. This tradition must be maintained to ensure continued unity and progress within Ukelle. The first beneficiary of the democratic zoning arrangement in Ukelle was Barr. Fidel Egoro from Mfuma/Ntrigom Ward in South Ukelle. Since then, the chairmanship has returned to North Ukelle, with Hon. Mike Usibe as the last chairman. Now, it is only just that the chairmanship returns to South Ukelle, specifically to Ijiraga Ward, which has yet to benefit from this zoning formula.

The principles of equity and fairness demand that the chairmanship of Yala LGA be returned to South Ukelle. Upholding the zoning arrangement is not just a matter of tradition; it is a matter of ensuring that all communities within Yala LGA feel equally represented and valued. To disregard this principle is to risk sowing the seeds of division and discord in a region that has long thrived on unity and mutual respect.

Patrick Usili
Writes from South Ukelle.
Patrickusili@gmail.com

Havilla University, a privately owned tertiary institution in Nde-Ikom, has named its new Computing and Sciences faculty after the Speaker of the tenth Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem.

The Proprietor and Chancellor of the University, Hon Jones Tangban, stated during the formal presentation of the honour at the Speaker’s office that the purpose of his visit was to formally inform the Speaker about the newly unveiled faculty in the institution named after him, as well as to thank the Speaker for his outstanding contributions to the institution’s development, growth, and what he stands for.

Mr Jones Tangban encouraged members of the House of Assembly to enroll their children in the University, stating that the University’s newly established faculties and programs were duly approved by the Governing Council and relevant government agencies.

Accepting the honor, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing education and the institution’s development and growth. He stated that the honour bestowed upon him would not be easily forgotten.

Also reacting, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Dr. Martin Achadu, applauded the University for the honour bestowed upon the speaker in recognition of his commitment to the progress of the institution and benevolence to his people. He assured that his committee was willing to support privately owned educational institutions.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has confirmed the Chairman and members of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) as well as the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS).

The Chairman and Members of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) and the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) were confirmed on Tuesday, following a request from the state government in a letter to the House of Assembly signed by the Secretary of the State Government, Prof Anthony Owan Enoh.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem, admonished new members of the Commission and Revenue Service to maintain equity, be firm and fair to everyone, and, above all, avoid partisanship.

The members of the Independent Electoral Commission confirmed by the House of Assembly include Mr. Ekong Edet Bocco, Chairman; Dr. Lawrence Edu Esq, Secretary; Mr. Jerry Akabisong, Member; Mrs. Rose Banku, Member; Mr. Adoga Joseph Ipuole, Member; Eutendala Eno, Member; Barr Daniel Edet, Member; and Dr. Eyo Otu Eyo, Member.

Members of the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service confirmed by the Assembly during the plenary session include Prince Edwin Okon, Chairman; Elder Ndoma Odey, Member; Barr Nta Ekpikem, Member; and Mr Francis Higgins, Member.