Month: September 2024

In alignment with the “People First” mantra of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Timber Control (North), Amb. Emmanuel Asegem, marked the Ukelle New Yam Festival by distributing 280 bags of rice and ₦300,000 to the Ijiraga communities. Asegem’s gesture, a reflection of his commitment to giving back to society, has further solidified his standing as a key advocate of the governor’s pro-people policies.

Speaking during the distribution, Asegem stressed that giving back is a core value of Governor Otu’s administration, urging others in positions of leadership to follow suit. “Giving back to the society is the governor’s watchword, and this is why I’m doing it today. I’m ready to do even more in the future,” Asegem said. He also expressed gratitude to the governor for entrusting him with the role, reaffirming his loyalty and dedication to fulfilling his duties.

Asegem reassured the people of Ijiraga and Ukele of the governor’s commitment to improving their lives, pledging continuous support for Governor Otu’s agenda. He prayed for the governor and his team, asking for God’s protection as they work to propel Cross River State to greater heights.

In the spirit of the New Yam Festival, Asegem preached the values of peace, unity, and love among the Ukele people, emphasizing the importance of preserving the harmony that has long been a hallmark of the community. He urged the youth to stay away from any form of criminal activity, calling on them to remain steadfast and responsible citizens.

Also speaking, Hon. Benedict Echim, the immediate past councilor of Ijiraga Ward, commended Asegem for his philanthropy, describing him as someone who never overlooks the needs of the less fortunate. He called on Governor Otu to entrust Asegem with greater responsibilities, noting that Asegem embodies the “People First” agenda and is capable of delivering on the governor’s promises to the people.

In the same vein, Pastor Joseph Onyukwu, Vice Chairman of Ijiraga Ward, praised Asegem as a “product of humanity par excellence” and a true representative of the people. He urged the community to continue backing Asegem, emphasizing that his leadership brings much-needed dividends to the people.

The Cross River State government, through the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas, Ukpong Umoh, has expressed displeasure with Petroleum Dealers/Marketers’ deliberate attempt to inflict unnecessary hardship on the good people of the state.

Mr Ukpong, in a letter to Newsmen dated 14 September 2024, stated that petroleum dealers/marketers have imposed hardship on Cross Riverians by hoarding petroleum products, causing undue suffering and exploitation, among other things.

Ukpong went on to say that ‘following His Excellency’s People First mantra, the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas from today, September 14th, 2024, would simmer down on all operations of product hoarding and black market profiteering so as to cushion the effect of the ongoing scarcity and supply/blistering of black marketers in the state’.

He warned that any station found wanting would be sanctioned accordingly.

My dear people of Utanga, as you gather to celebrate the 2024 Utanga New Yam Festival, I extend my warmest congratulations to you all and join you today to celebrate this significant occasion. This ancient tradition and the celebration of the king of crops is a testament to our rich cultural heritage and the abundance of our land.

As we gather to give thanks for the harvest, I commend our dedicated farmers, who have kept the festival alive through their hard work. The festival reminds me of the resilience and hard work that has brought us to this moment. Our farmers dedication and commitment to the continuation of our rich cultural heritage is truly commendable.

As your Chairmanship hopeful, be rest assured that I am committed to supporting and empowering our people to reach their full potential. I promise to continue working tirelessly to bring development and progress to our nation, as it concerns agriculture and other areas of great concern.

I implore all of us to work together to create a better future for ourselves and future generations. May this festival represent unity, prosperity, and joy. May your yams be plentiful and your hearts be full of joy.

Congratulations and Happy New Yam Festival, Utanga!
(Utang Bem O’bem)

Thank you, and may God bless us all.

Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, JP.
Chairmanship Aspirant

Governor Bassey Edet Otu has reiterated the need for the newly inaugurated members of the Cross River Board of Internal Revenue Service (CRBIRS) to position themselves professionally to increase the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

Speaking on behalf of the Governor at the opening of a two-day induction workshop for the State’s Internal Revenue Board members at Monty Suites, Calabar, Deputy Governor H.E, Rt. Peter Odey emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the board’s efforts in driving revenue growth.

He pointed out that tax evasion is predominantly practiced by the upper echelons of society, stating, “My presence here underscores the level of trust and support this government has for the board. We envision a state that works for all its people. We are working tirelessly to create opportunities, and to do more, we need our citizens to pay their taxes promptly.”

Chief Sunny Ayang, frontline aspirant in the forthcoming Local Government in Obanliku, has congratulated  Hon Sylvester Agabi, the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, on his birthday.

Chief Ayang stated that Hon Agabi has shown outstanding leadership from his early days as the Leader of the Obudu Legislative Council to his current position. He said that his dedication to improving the our Federal Constituency and the State, particularly through effective legislation is truly commendable.

He joined friends and well-wishers in wishing him good health, renewed energy, and continued success in serving his people and the state.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has extended warm birthday wishes to the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedication to the legislative duties of the House.

Rt. Hon. Ayambem commended Hon. Agabi for his unwavering commitment to the progress and smooth functioning of the Cross River State House of Assembly. The Speaker noted Agabi’s invaluable contributions, which have played a key role in the success of the 10th Assembly, and praised his steadfast leadership.

“Your efforts in ensuring the smooth running of our proceedings, and your contributions have been a cornerstone of our collective success. I look forward to our continued partnership as we work together to serve our state with integrity and purpose. As you celebrate today, may the year ahead bring you continued happiness, good health, and prosperity,” Speaker Ayambem wrote in his message.

Matthew Okache, anipr
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
13/09/2024

The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Member of Council FCE Bichi, Chief Hon (Dr) Martin Orim, has conveyed warm congratulations to Hon Sylvester Agabi, the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, on the occasion of his birthday.

Chief Martin Orim commended Hon Sylvester Agabi for his inspiring journey, commencing from his public service as a Councillor to becoming the Leader of the Obudu Local Government Council, and his subsequent progression to the position of Special Adviser on the International Donor Development Corporation to the immediate past governor, and ultimately the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, where he currently serves. Chief Orim described Agabi’s leadership trajectory as remarkable.

Chief Orim also praised Agabi’s steadfast commitment to the advancement of a cohesive and prosperous Local Government and State, to enable all Cross Riverians to thrive.

“I stand in solidarity with family, friends, and fellow members of the House of Assembly in celebrating this exceptional individual who has transcended conventional barriers to emerge as a prominent figure in the political arena.”

“May the Almighty bless you with many more years of good health; I extend my heartfelt wishes for continued strength and accomplishments in your dedicated service to our cherished local government and the State as a whole,” Orim concluded.

#Certified CMO

The 2023 general elections may have come and gone, but the frustration, worries, and blame continued to linger among party members in Obanliku and Cross River North at large.

The party may have gotten it wrong in its decisions before the 2023 general elections. However, the 2024 Local Government elections in Cross River State present a veritable opportunity to right the wrongs and revamp the party to winning ways. This is achievable if the party fields its best and acceptable candidate for the chairmanship bid. There is no doubt that almost all the aspirants who have declared their intentions on the platform of the APC are qualified, but the challenge before the party goes beyond credentials to seeking an aspirant with the under-listed persona;
1. Possesses a magic touch in delivering elections at the grassroots level.
2. Proven and verifiable electoral value
3. An experienced party faithful and administrator with a track record of sustaining party integrity, firmness, and influence.
4. An aspirant with the capacity to reunite, strengthen, rebuild, and reposition the party on the path of victory beyond the Local Government polls.
5. Possesses captivating communication skills.
6. Possesses a deep understanding of Obanliku’s unique challenges and opportunities.
7. Understands the power of negotiation, even across party lines towards attracting the needed winning.

Chief Sunny Ayang, JP is indeed the best antidote towards resuscitating the APC to winning ways in Obanliku. He proved his unrelenting penchant for victory during his stint as party chairman and, most recently, in the 2023 general elections, where he was able to garner support and win decisively in all the contested positions at his polling unit.

Certainly, good work deserves compensation, and as the saying goes, “the reward for good work is more work.” Thus, therefore Chief Sunny’s potential and hard work should be properly harnessed, encouraged, and rewarded towards repositioning and strengthening the APC in Obanliku and Cross River North at large.

In the same vein, we are appealing to other aspirants and the entire Obanliku APC stakeholders to unanimously endorse Chief ( Dr.) Sunny Ayang, JP, is the Chairmanship candidate of the APC in the forthcoming Local Government polls in Obanliku. This is in the best interest of the party and the entire Obanliku.

God bless you!

© Concern Obanliku APC faithful