Month: September 2025

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has charged members of the Judiciary to prioritize timely dispensation of justice, embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and continuously upgrade their knowledge to meet the demands of modern legal practice.

The Governor gave the charge during the Thanksgiving Service to mark the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, held at the Assemblies of God Church, 31 Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Calabar. The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, represented the Governor at the event.

Governor Otu congratulated members of the Bar and Bench for the successful completion of the 2024/2025 Legal Year, commending their resilience and dedication. He emphasized that while breaks between legal years are important for reflection and planning, the Judiciary must remain conscious of the weight of public scrutiny it bears.

“Legal practice is not just an occupation or vocation; it is a solemn service to humanity. Any lapse in the Judiciary negatively impacts society. As you draw up your agenda for the new Legal Year, issues like delayed justice, ADR, and up-skilling of judicial officers must be prioritized,” the Governor stated.

Highlighting concerns about frivolous adjournments and prolonged detentions, Otu cautioned that justice delayed amounts to justice denied, as accused persons often suffer undue hardship. He urged closer collaboration between the Judiciary and investigative agencies like the Police to ensure speedy trials.

The Governor also lamented the growing number of young inmates in correctional facilities, attributing it partly to the underutilization of ADR mechanisms. He stressed that restorative justice and community service were viable alternatives that could decongest prisons while reforming offenders.

Speaking on government’s support for the Judiciary, Otu disclosed that his administration had approved the construction of nine new courts, reconstruction of the Ogoja Division High Court destroyed by fire, and the provision of new SUVs for judges. He also announced the resolution of longstanding disputes with 30 magistrates, who have now been placed on their proper salary grade levels with arrears being paid in phases.

Furthermore, the Governor revealed plans to renovate all court facilities across the state and either comprehensively renovate the State Judiciary Complex or construct a new multi-purpose hall, depending on the Judiciary’s preference.

“The Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary must work in harmony to guarantee purposeful governance in our democracy. My administration will continue to accord the Judiciary the attention it deserves in manpower and infrastructure,” he assured.

Matthew Okache
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
29/09/2025

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, on Sunday empowered constituents with various items to boost their livelihoods, in Ikom II State Constituency. He also highlighted his achievements in office and renewed his promise of sustained development.

Speaking to the enthusiastic crowd, Speaker Ayambem said his visit was to appreciate his constituents for their steadfast support since his election.

“God does not choose the qualified but qualifies the chosen. I came here today to thank you for the love and encouragement you have shown me from the beginning until now. I urge you to keep faith and continue to stand with our Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, because he is the best for our state,” he stated.

The Speaker lauded Governor Otu and his wife for their people-oriented leadership, noting that their impact is being felt across all local governments in the state.

He further outlined projects he has attracted to Ikom II, which include:
• Employment opportunities for 56 constituents.
• Completion of classroom blocks in Eganga, Ejiwor, Nyarankpo, and Ayughasa communities.
• Provision of solar-powered boreholes in Nsak Mission and Ejirawor, Nde.
• Road construction projects in Nde 3 Corners and Etikpe Inland Road, Abanyom.
• Construction of a major culvert in Ayughasa and a bridge along the Oyeghe–Eganga–Ntansele axis.

To uplift families and small businesses, the Speaker distributed empowerment packages such as cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, generators, spray pumps, grinding machines, wheelbarrows, school supplies, and farm tools. His wife, Mrs. Nelly Elverts Ayambem, also supported women with wrappers, bags of rice, and cash gifts, while appreciating Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, wife of the Governor, for her consistent encouragement of women in the state.

Representing Governor Otu, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, praised the Speaker for always returning to his people and fulfilling his promises.

“The Speaker has performed remarkably well, and this is how true leadership is measured. Though not everyone may benefit today, more will be reached in due course,” Ironbar assured.

He urged the people of Ikom II to remain supportive of both the Governor and the Speaker, stressing that campaign promises are being implemented steadily.

The event was met with excitement, as beneficiaries and community leaders applauded the Speaker’s gesture and pledged their unwavering support for his leadership and the administration of Governor Otu.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has commended Governor Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu for his decisive leadership and commitment to rural development through the rehabilitation of electricity in Nde Community, Ikom Local Government Area.

Governor Otu, represented at the flag-off by the Director General of the State Electrification Agency, Hon. Francis Ekpo, officially launched the electricity rehabilitation project, which is expected to restore power supply to the community, improve living standards, and stimulate economic activities across the area.

Ayambem said the governor had once again demonstrated his People’s First mantra by taking development to rural communities that had long yearned for government attention. He stressed that the electrification project would not only bring light to Nde but also extend its benefits to adjoining settlements such as Ejirawor, Akumba, and other hard-to-reach rural areas that had lost hope of such an infrastructural facelift.

“I commend Governor Otu for this bold rural electrification drive, which will revive economic opportunities, boost small businesses, improve security, and serve as a game-changer in the development of both rural and urban communities,” Ayambem declared.

The Speaker added that access to electricity is a critical enabler of social and economic growth, pointing out that the initiative will open new opportunities in trade, education, healthcare delivery, and youth empowerment across Ikom and neighboring LGAs.

While assuring his constituents of quality representation, Ayambem pledged continuous collaboration with the Otu-led administration to ensure more developmental projects reach the grassroots. According to him, the current government has earned the confidence of the people by backing promises with tangible actions.

“The people of Cross River State are confident that under Governor Otu’s watch, government will continue to deliver sustainable development that touches every community. As Speaker, I will continue to prioritize the needs of our people and strengthen the partnership that is already working to change lives across the state,” he affirmed.

Matthew Okache
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
13/09/2025

The Bebua Obudu Progressive Association has honoured Hon. Chief (Dr.) Martin Orim with an Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of Obudu and his wider impact on society through philanthropy.

Speaking at the presentation, the National Leader of the association, Mr. Don Adigor, described Hon. Orim as a dedicated advocate of youth empowerment and community development. He further praised him as “a lover of tradition and a true custodian of Obudu culture and values.”

Receiving the award, Hon. Orim thanked the association for finding him worthy of the award, and its commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Ubudu. He pledged continuous support for the development of Obudu and encouraged the group’s leadership to engage the local council on legislating the adoption of the traditional attire, Ugbagle, for cultural festivals and marriage rites.

The meeting had in attendance Chief Spokesman Agogo, representatives and coordinators of the association from various branches of the association, including Chief Justine Utsu, Mr Gabriel Akongfe Ashiwhobel (Lagos Coordinator), Mr Joseph Akeogah (Headquarters Coordinator), and the Port Harcourt Chapter was represented in the delegation.

#Martins4All
#All4Martins
#CertifiedCMO

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang JP, on Monday, 8th September 2025, warmly received Hon. Chief (Dr.) Martin Orim, Founder and CEO of the GFOd Foundation and aspirant for the House of Representatives seat for Obudu, Bekwarra, and Obanliku Federal Constituency. The visit, held as part of the celebration for the annual New Yam Festival, also served as familiarisation tour across the OBO communities.

The Chairman, joined by elected councillors, political appointees, critical stakeholders, youth leaders, and women representatives, hosted Hon. Orim at his residence in Buya, Bishiri South, Obanliku LGA, where discussions focused on community development and grassroots empowerment.

In his welcome remarks, the Chairman described the visit as “a gesture of humility and a reaffirmation of grassroots connection.” He commended Hon. Orim’s commitment to service, noting: “We are delighted to welcome Hon. Chief (Dr.) Martin Orim, a proud friend of Obanliku, whose dedication to community service through the CMO Foundation continues to impact lives across the state. Today’s visit is more than ceremonial, it is a strengthening of the bond between leadership and the people.”

Responding, Hon. Orim expressed gratitude to the people of Obanliku for the warm reception and reaffirmed his dedication to offering quality, people-oriented representation. He emphasized his passion for grassroots empowerment, social welfare, and inclusive development, stating: “Our culture is our identity. Celebrating the New Yam Festival with you today is not just about tradition, it is about unity, gratitude, and hope. I am here to listen, engage, and assure you that better days are ahead.”

Also, as part of the event, Hon. Orim donated 50 ITF Empowerment forms, creating opportunities for young people in Obanliku to access training and capacity-building under the Industrial Training Fund. He stressed that when properly harnessed, skills development can generate wealth and drive societal growth.

The Chairman assured Hon. Orim of the Council’s readiness and continued commitment to political engagement and cultural promotion in Obanliku.

Those present included Barr. Pius Awah, APC State Legal Adviser; Rt. Hon. Maurice Evey, former Speaker of the CRSHA; Hon. Sunday Elam, Leader of Obanliku LGA; Dr. Joseph Agba, Secretary of Council; Chief Ukandi Emmanuel Inakefe; Supol Linus Afen, CRO, Obanliku LGA; Mrs. Janet Inakefe, APC Zonal Woman Leader, Cross River North; NYCN, as well as political appointees, youths, and community leaders.

Signed: John Ochon
Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman
Obanliku Local Government Area