Month: September 2024

The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Engr. Effiom Edet, has commended the Cross River House of Assembly for its swift action in the amendment of the Cross River Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) Bill 2024 and emphasized the need for local government elections to be conducted before the end of 2024.

The chairman of IPAC urged Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the governor of Cross River State, to swiftly ratify the recently passed Cross River Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) Bill during a press briefing on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Cross River State.

Recall that the bill which amends laws regulating local government elections, was passed by the State House of Assembly after extensive stakeholder engagement.

Engr. Effiom Edet also warned that if the elections are delayed, IPAC would seek federal intervention to halt allocations to the state’s 18 local government areas.

IPAC also paid a courtesy visit to the newly formed CROSIEC, urging them to release an election timetable and ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the governor of Cross River State, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his resolute leadership in creating the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and seeing to it that it was launched successfully.

Governor Otu made this commendation on Tuesday, when the Managing Director and CEO of NELFUND, alongside other top officials of the fund, paid him a courtesy call in Government House, Calabar.

Speaking through his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Otu said that his administration sees NELFUND as a vital tool established by the federal government that enables Cross River State students to easily pursue their education by offering financial support at postsecondary institutions across the country.

He emphasized that education remains a priority for his administration, reaffirming its unwavering support for the NELFUND management team in fulfilling their mandate, which aims to benefit many students across the state and the nation at large.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and CEO of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, highlighted that the fund was established as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating the financial challenges faced by students and enhancing their educational experience.

He commended Governor Otu for implementing policies that contribute to the intellectual and social development of the country.

Mr. Sawyerr also informed that the disbursement process has begun and encouraged students to take advantage of the federal government’s initiative to ease the financial difficulties they face.

In attendance at the visit were the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Comr. Joseph-Kelvin Enyam, President and the Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, among others.

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu is intensifying his dedication to fostering economic progress along the coastal areas and other parts of Cross River state particularly in the vicinity of the Bakassi Peninsula, which lies on the international border between Nigeria and the Cameroon Republic.

Governor Otu, on Monday, visited the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla in Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria.

Their meeting focused on strengthening collaboration for security and economic advancement along the coastlines of the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State.

During his address to the Naval Chief and the senior officers at the naval headquarters, Governor Otu revealed that his visit aimed to solidify the existing relationship between the state government and the Naval Authority.

He highlighted the numerous Naval establishments in the State, including Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY, the Eastern Naval Command, the Naval War College Nigeria, and Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, among other key facilities and infrastructure in Calabar.

The Governor advocated for an enhanced Naval presence with an operational base along the maritime border between Nigeria and Cameroon at the Bakassi maritime area, an area where the Cameroonian authorities maintain security control while the Nigerian side remains under-protected.

Governor Otu underscored the significance of obtaining Naval assistance for coastal investments, port development, and safeguarding national oil assets and platforms within the state.

The meeting further stressed the necessity for cooperation to generate employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth in the state, ensure regional stability in the Bakassi coastal area, and foster collaboration with Cameroon to address mutual security challenges crucial for realizing the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.

In response, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, pledged the Nigerian Navy’s cooperation with the Cross River State Government to initiate bathymetric surveys of the new Bakassi Islands within Nigeria’s territory to drive economic prosperity as requested by the Governor.

He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the visit and reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to ensuring a robust Naval presence, particularly along the coastal areas, border regions, and the vicinity of the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.

Accompanying the Cross River State Governor on the visit were the State Surveyor General, Surveyor Patrick Bassey, and the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on International Cooperation and Investments, Reverend Victor Edet.

The State government clarified that the Bathymetric survey provides precise data that enhances navigation and dredging operations, while also supporting various land projects. It further explained that bathymetric surveys are valuable for Dock and Harbour Engineering, Flood Management and Prevention, River Maintenance, Irrigation, and Water Power.

Nsa Gill
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
_10/09/2024_

Pictures:
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja after a courtesy visit by the Governor.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has indicated the readiness of his administration to collaborate with the Canadian Government in building the healthcare sector and strengthening the economy of the State through investment inherent in natural resources exploitation.

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. James Christoff disclosed this to newsmen after a closed door meeting with Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, and noted that the visit is to find areas of mutual benefits to Canada and Rivers State Governornment.

Mr. Christoff pointed out that he is interested in visiting the Absorption Oxygen Plant at the General Hospital, Eleme built by Canadian Government to assess its significance value to the State as he recognized the priority placed on healthcare by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

According to him”We talked about areas where we know there are some rooms for us to further entrench our relationship. One of the things I will be doing while I am here in Rivers State is to visit the Medical Oxygen facility that Canada provided significant support to and overseen by UNICEF.”

“Just knowing that health is a priority for His Excellency, I want to see for myself the Medical Oxygen Plant at Eleme General Hospital, to better understand how that is making a tremendous difference here in the State.”

The Canadian Envoy elaborated that the privileged discussion also centred on the natural resources in Rivers State just like what is obtainable in Canada in order to find approaches to collaborate in exploiting them for the benefit of both countries, Nigeria and Canada.

He stated that in terms of business development which is a two-way thing, it is part of his job as the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria to unlock the opportunities that is inherent for Canadian companies, adding that he is making great strides in that direction.

“So, wherever I go, when I visit governors across Nigeria, I always look forward to finding the areas where we might bring our companies and the host government to collaborate.”

“As I mentioned, the natural resource is one such area, and I look forward to further discussions with state governments, and how we might benefit collectively,”

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced a youth engagement and empowerment rally on September 10, 2024, at Uyo Township Stadium. The event will launch a special support program for 5,000 youths, fulfilling the Governor’s promise to honor the youth’s trust in the State’s leadership.

The rally will feature representatives from the 31 LGAs, and details of the program’s implementation will be shared, including a list of beneficiaries for verification. SMEs across the State, selected through a thorough assessment, will also receive support to boost socio-economic growth.

Additionally, the Governor confirmed that the State will begin direct distribution of food items to the less privileged, bypassing intermediaries. He also reiterated the recent EXCO approval for purchasing two Bombardier 900 CRJ aircraft to expand Ibom Air’s fleet. The PDP will kick off its local government election campaigns on September 12, with Governor Eno urging fair and credible polls across all 31 LGAs.

Vice Chairman Ex-agitators, Second phase of the Presidential Ammesty Program, John Esuku, has called on Niger Delta Ex-agitators not to protest against the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Office led by its administrator, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro

John Esuku in his statement said Dr. Dennis Otuaro has showed exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to the Presidential Amnesty Program and its overall best interest of all the beneficiaries

His Statement

“I am a camp leader in the second phase presidential Amnesty program and the current vice chairman of the Second Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme under the leadership of the national chairman ex Agitators phase two, Ambassador Kingsley Muturu.

“I am calling on all the Niger Delta ex-agitators to sheath their sword of protest against the government, particularly the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Office led by Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro (PhD). I passionately appeal with all my fellow ex-militants from the Niger Delta Region not to be involved in the planned nationwide protest against the government comes 1st of October, 2024. More particularly.

I am pleading with the Niger Delta ex-agitators not to protest against the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Office led by Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro (PhD). I perfectly understand that we live in a time of great change and challenges. It’s natural to feel passionate about the issues that affect us and our future in the nation at the moment. While peaceful protest is our fundamental right, I want to use this medium to call on all the Niger Delta ex-agitators particularly those of us who have issues on arrears of payment of our stipends and allowances to still consider and continue with the ongoing constructive dialogue and engagement initiated by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Office led by Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro (PhD) in resolving all the lingering issues affecting the beneficiaries of the programme.

“It is worthy of commendation that the current administrator has shown some exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to administer the Presidential Amnesty Programme in the overall best interest of all the beneficiaries and amicably resolving all the lingering issues affecting the beneficiaries of the programme. Since assuming office, he has demonstrably restored peace and confidence in Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Office, many pending court matters and petitions pending before other constituted authorities, like the House of Representatives have been withdrawn, a feat achieved through accessibility, empathy, constructive dialogue, engagement and decisive actions.

“Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro (PhD)’s dedication to addressing our plights as beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme is evident in his tireless efforts in engaging us to resolve all the lingering issues and his firm promise to pay all our outstanding stipends/allowances shortly; the revamping of De-mobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process of the Presidential Amnesty Programme through the education scholarship scheme for the beneficiaries is worthy of commendation. This commitment has fostered a sense of hope and trust, making us feel that our voices and plights are heard and felt.

“His promise to address the long-standing BVN affected accounts issue and payment of arrears of stipends/allowances has brought much needed relief and restored faith in his administration’s commitment to resolving all the lingering issues affecting the beneficiaries.

“I must say that Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro (PhD)’s initiative of revamping the educational scheme and unwavering support for education has laid the foundation for a brighter future. This commitment to education will definitely empower us as beneficiaries and ensure a more prosperous future for all in the Niger Delta Region.

“Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro (PhD)’s ability to amicably resolve all pending matters inherited from the previous administration speaks volumes about his sterling leadership. This demonstrates his commitment to progress and ability to bridge divides for the greater good of us all. His leadership has been a beacon of hope and trust for the PAP Office.

We are grateful for his dedication and unwavering commitment to service and resolving all the protracted issues that have bedeviled the PAP Office hitherto.

“Let’s therefore, sheathe our sword of protest against the presidential amnesty programme (PAP) office led by DR. DENNIS BURUTU OTUARO (PhD) and give our unflinching support to Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro (PhD) to achieve the original aims and objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.”

In order to obtain a real-time progress report and make sure the project is moving forward, Hon. Emmanuel, Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, visited the ongoing renovation project of the Governor’s Office in Calabar on Monday.

The Chief of Staff Media Assistant reports that while Hon. Ironbar was pleased with the work done thus far, he stressed the need for the contractor to expedite the remaining tasks in order to meet the deadline. He emphasised the significance of finishing on schedule, pointing out that the remodelled office will increase government productivity and foster a better work environment.

He further stated that inspection underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that all government projects are executed efficiently and completed on time to better serve the people of Cross River State.

Deputy Chief of Staff Hon Boniface Okache, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Nsa Gill, Senior Special Assistant on Environmental Carbon Emission Mr. Daniel Ekpenyong, and other assistants accompanied the Chief of Staff on this visit.