Month: November 2025

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News

UNICAL Prepares for New Era, Sets December 1 for Investiture of 12th Vice Chancellor Prof Offiong

Preparations have gathered strong momentum at the University of Calabar ahead of the formal investiture of its twelfth substantive Vice Chancellor, Prof Offiong Effanga Offiong, slated for Monday, December 1, 2025. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre.

The University Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr Chukwuka Icha, confirmed the date in an official notice. She stated that the event will be chaired by the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, DIG Udom Ekpoudom (Rtd), who will lead Council members and invited dignitaries.

In line with the institution’s protocol, principal officers, provosts, deans, directors, and departmental heads have been directed to be seated before the arrival of the Pro Chancellor.

The announcement further extended an open invitation to staff, students, alumni, and the wider public to attend what the university describes as a significant moment in its development.

The investiture will formally introduce Prof Offiong’s tenure as the twelfth Vice Chancellor, marking the beginning of a new phase in the university’s leadership.

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News

Hon Martin Orim Attends Presentation of “Ikun Through the Ages” in Calabar, Donates One Million Naira to Support Book Launch

The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Member of Council at FCE Bichi, Kano State, Hon Martin Orim was among guests at the unveiling of Ikun Through the Ages: Obutong and Post-Obutong Era at Transcorp Hotel in Calabar.

The book, written by George Agbor, traces 300 years of the Ikun people’s migration, conflicts and community growth along the middle course of the Cross River.

Hon Orim praised the work as a valuable record of local history and announced a donation of one million naira in support of the publication.

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Metro News

BREAKING: USA White House on ‘lockdown’ as two National Guard members shot.

A security alert was declared at the White House after two members of the National Guard were shot near the grounds on Wednesday. Officials moved quickly to restrict movement in and around the complex while emergency teams responded.

According to preliminary reports, the two service members were attacked during a routine security assignment. Both were taken to a nearby hospital. Their conditions had not been formally released at the time of this report.

President Trump reacted shortly afterward, describing the assailant as an “animal” and stating that the individual responsible “will pay a very steep price.” Federal investigators and local authorities have launched a joint inquiry to determine the motive and track the suspect.

More details are expected as officials provide updates.

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News

Breaking: President Declares National Security Emergency, Announces Sweeping Recruitment Drive and Structural Reforms

President Bola Tinubu has declared a national security emergency and approved a broad set of actions aimed at strengthening law enforcement and restoring stability across the country. The announcement followed a review of recent attacks in several states and ongoing rescue efforts for abducted citizens.

Under the new directive, the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force will begin urgent additional recruitment. The Police will admit twenty thousand new officers, bringing the current expansion plan to fifty thousand. To fast-track the process, NYSC camps will serve as temporary training centres. Officers assigned to VIP protection are to undergo short retraining and will be redeployed to areas facing severe threats.

The Department of State Services has been instructed to deploy all trained forest guards and to hire more personnel. Their task is to clear forests used as shelters by terrorist and bandit groups.

The President acknowledged the recent rescue of twenty-four schoolgirls in Kebbi State and thirty-eight worshippers in Kwara State, and he assured families of remaining hostages that operations will continue until all victims are found. He also reaffirmed federal backing for security outfits operated by state governments.

In a call to lawmakers, he urged the National Assembly to review existing laws to permit states that are prepared and willing to establish their own police services. He advised state governments to reassess boarding schools located in remote or vulnerable areas, and he appealed to religious institutions to maintain steady security oversight during gatherings.

Addressing the long-running farmer-herder conflict, the President pointed to the mandate of the new Ministry of Livestock. He encouraged herders to accept ranching practices, abandon open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.

He paid tribute to soldiers who died in recent operations, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, and conveyed sympathy to families affected by the latest violence.

The President warned criminal groups that the government’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, adding that firm action will follow. He called on citizens to remain alert, collaborate with security agencies, and uphold a sense of unity as efforts intensify across the country.

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Uncategorized

C’River: APC SWC, 18 APC Vice Chairmen, 196 Ward Chairmen Back State Chairman Eba’s Resignation

The crisis in the Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has deepened as 18 vice chairmen and 196 ward chairmen have thrown their weight behind the call for the resignation of the state party chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Eba, over alleged financial impropriety.

The vice chairmen, ward chairmen and the Forum of Chapter Chairmen also unanimously adopted Governor Bassey Otu for a second term ahead of 2027.
This development comes days after 35 chapter chairmen and secretaries demanded the immediate resignation of the state chairman. In a statement issued after their meeting in Calabar last week, they accused Eba of engaging in actions that undermine the progress and stability of the party.

During a meeting held at Hogis Royale in Calabar on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the Forum of Vice Chairmen and ward leaders unanimously resolved to fight for their rights and better welfare for ward executives. The meeting was convened by the Chapter Chairmen Forum to update ward officers on recent developments within the party over the last four months.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum of Ward Chairmen, Comrade Frankline Egbai from the Biase Local Government chapter, commended the Forum of Chapter Chairmen for convening the gathering. He also praised Governor Bassey Otu for his achievements in the past two years.

Egbai expressed deep dissatisfaction with the treatment of ward executives. He said, “I feel sad about the allegations against the state chairman and the poor treatment meted out to ward executives. It is shameful that ward executives are given twenty thousand naira to share among twenty seven members. We are being treated as insignificant by the state chairman. Sometimes, we go home with five hundred naira per person per month as party leaders at the ward level.”

He added that ward leaders are not benefitting from the Season of Sweetness, insisting that they should be financially empowered as the face of the administration in local communities. According to him, “If a ward chairman cannot buy a bottle of beer for a friend, how can he convince that friend to join the party? We therefore adopt the communique presented to Governor Bassey Otu by the Forum of Chapter Chairmen demanding Eba’s resignation.”

Also speaking, the Youth Leader of Ward 8 in Calabar South, Bassey Oyo Ekpenyong, commended the Forum of Chapter Chairmen for convening the meeting. He said they reject the vote of confidence passed on the state chairman. “We are not part of it and we stand firmly with the Forum of Chapter Chairmen. We worked tirelessly in 2023 to ensure the party’s victory and now they want to shortchange us.”

The Vice Chairman of Obubra and Chairman of the Vice Chairmen Forum, Elder William Ovat, also denounced the earlier vote of confidence. He said they were misled into signing the statement. “We were not informed about the purpose of the meeting that led to the signing of the vote of confidence. Based on the allegations of corruption we have seen and heard at the state leadership level, we align with the Forum of Chapter Chairmen in adopting the communique calling for the chairman’s resignation.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Forum of Chapter Chairmen, Chief Kelvin Njong, read the communique again, accusing Eba of high handedness, insolence, underestimating party leaders and adopting a transactional style of leadership. He also accused him of instigating party officials at the chapter and ward levels against their leaders.

Njong said, “We convened this meeting to carry everyone along and ensure that ward leaders understand the issues at stake. We have presented the matter to the Governor and we believe he will address it dispassionately. The state chairman can no longer lead us and we will occupy the secretariat until he resigns. We appeal to all party leaders to understand that we are fighting for justice.”

The Forum of Vice Chairmen and Ward Chairmen unanimously adopted Governor Bassey Otu for a second term ahead of 2027 and announced a boycott of further meetings with the state chairman until all issues raised in the communique are addressed.

Forum of Chapter Chairmen Communique
The 35 APC chapter chairmen and secretaries had earlier accused the state chairman of failing to remit funds meant for local government areas and wards from the sale of forms during the 2023 general elections.

According to the communique, “While the local government areas and wards, comprising 5,778 party officials, received only nine point two million naira, the state executive with just thirty six members took forty million naira. This is gross injustice and typical of the chairman. There are also other remittances from the national secretariat that are unaccounted for.”

They further demanded the immediate payment of all outstanding stipends owed to local government and ward officials. They also recommended that future stipends should be deducted at source and paid directly to chapter chairmen who lead the party at the local government level.
They advocated a review of the sharing formula for party funds, proposing a seventy to thirty percent ratio in favour of local government and ward officials as against the state officials.

The communique concluded that, in the interest of unity and progress, the state chairman should resign honourably due to his actions which they described as anti progressive and harmful to the party.

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News

Obanliku Council Chairman Hon. Sunny Ayang to Receive National Award and State Honour as the Best Local Government Chairman.

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Hon Chief (Dr) Sunny Ayang JP, has been selected for two major recognitions in acknowledgment of his work in local governance and community development.

The first notice came from the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration. The letter, signed by the Committee Chairman, Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe, confirmed his nomination for the 2025 Nigerian Local Government Development Award. The committee noted his steady record in transparent administration, project delivery, and improvements in grassroots welfare. The award dinner will be held on 3 December 2025 at the BMO Event Arena in Abuja, following a two-day summit on local government development.

The second recognition followed from the Cross River Cooperative Leaders Forum. In a letter dated 25 November 2025, the forum named Ayang the State’s Best Chairman of the Year. The forum stated that his work with cooperative societies, community groups, and development partners has strengthened local initiatives across Obanliku. The state ceremony is scheduled for 6 December 2025 at the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar.

Both bodies noted that his efforts have drawn attention beyond the local government area, particularly his focus on projects aimed at improving living conditions for residents.

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Extra

C’River LG Recruitment: An Appeal Not to Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater [By Inyali Peter Ph.D.]

A few weeks ago, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Mr Darlington Bassey Eyo, resigned after findings of gross misconduct and widespread employment racketeering came to light. Governor Bassey Otu swiftly accepted the resignation, suspended the entire recruitment exercise, and dissolved the commission’s board.

Since assuming office, Governor Otu has established a reputation as a no-nonsense leader with zero tolerance for corruption and incompetence. He has consistently relieved or reassigned aides and appointees found wanting, keeping everyone on their toes to either deliver excellently or step aside. The decisive action against the Local Government Service Commission is a classic example of this principled governance, and it deserves full commendation for restoring discipline in public service.

However, while the government is right to sanitise the process, the fate of the recruitment exercise must be handled with caution so that innocent job seekers are not punished alongside the guilty. Some applicants secured their slots purely on merit; others, driven by desperation in a country where unemployment has become a nightmare, felt compelled to pay bribes simply to put food on the table. The Governor’s ultimate goal is to guarantee equal opportunity for every Cross Riverian, but we must acknowledge the harsh reality that many felt that parting with money was the only path to survival.

Bribery is clearly criminalised under Nigerian law. Section 8 of the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Act punishes anyone, public officer or private citizen who corruptly solicits or receives a benefit in relation to official duties, while Section 9 criminalises the act of corruptly offering or giving such benefits. In Southern Nigeria, Sections 98 and 98A of the Criminal Code address the same offences; in the North, Sections 115 and 116 of the Penal Code do likewise. Ignorance of the law is no defence, but we must ask honestly, did most of these job seekers truly have another choice? In a system where “no connection, no job” has almost become a national proverb, many graduates who have languished for years at home saw inducement as the only door open to them.

I was moved by a story I recently read of a 92-year-old woman arraigned in a Western country for stealing medicine. She explained that her husband of 60 years, nearing 100, was terminally ill. They had exhausted their savings on his drugs, only for the price to triple overnight. With no money left, she stole the medication rather than watch the love of her life die. The judge acquitted her and ordered lifelong free medical care and stipends for the couple. Similarly, the late Judge Frank Caprio of Rhode Island was known for tempering justice with mercy. In one case, a 90-year-old man charged with speeding explained he was rushing his terminally ill 62-year-old son to hospital. Despite the clear traffic offence, the judge discharged him. Compassion considered context.

Many victims of this racketeering borrowed money or took loans believing salaries would soon follow. Some have already relocated to remote villages, rented accommodation on credit, and furnished homes, all in anticipation of pay that may never come. The suspension of the exercise has left their hopes hanging by a thread.

My passionate appeal to the People’s Governor is therefore is that, if the recruitment is to be cancelled outrightly, government should facilitate full refund of monies paid by applicants who can provide evidence of payment, sparing them the double tragedy of losing both money (often borrowed) and the job.

Alternatively, a fresh, transparent recruitment exercise should be conducted in which those already issued appointment letters from the suspended process are granted right of first refusal. This will preserve slots for the genuinely qualified among them before the exercise is opened to the general public should they not exhaust the available slots.

Unarguably, the Governor’s decision is generally to protect the integrity of public service. But that protection must not come at the cost of pushing desperate Cross Riverians deeper into debt, depression, or despair; consequences of the very systemic failures he’s fighting. The real culprits are those who enriched themselves through corruption; the ultimate losers must not be the poor citizens who saw bribery as the only way to earn a living and feed their families.

This is a heartfelt appeal for justice tempered with mercy so that in cleansing the system, we do not crush the very people the system was meant to serve and protect. With every sense of humility and responsibility, I appeal to the People’s first Governor not to throw the baby away with the bathwater.

-Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

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Extra

Former Governor Ayade Supporters Should Stop Their Expensive Jokes…. [By AGBA Jalingo]

Because former Governor Ayade wants to run for Senate in 2027, his minions are digging up AI generated motion pictures to hoodwink the public. For want of what to present as his record of achievements for eight years as governor, they are resurrecting matters that should be buried if they don’t want their master to head to jail.

One is the British Canadian University BCU Obudu, which was given accreditation by the NUC in June 2023. BCU is one of the 39 privately owned schools that were given accreditation by the National Universities Commission NUC on June 9, 2023 in Abuja. Kingshill Education Limited is the proprietor of BCU.

It is annoying and injurious enough to remember that Governor Ayade misappropriated the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB funds, which are meant for year one to year nine education, into the construction of a university and later unilaterally sold it to private individuals. But it is even more irritating to see his lapdogs continuously flaunting a private school as one of Ayade’s achievements in office.

A project that Cross Riverians should be on the streets or in courts asking the former Governor to account for how it was transferred from public to private is repeatedly thrown at our faces as a feat?

No name of a Cross Riverian is reflected in the Board of Trustees of the school. I do not want to talk about the details of what is inside the school or happening in the school because it is now a private concern. I don’t want to offend the new owners. But I will never stop talking about the shady process of how our State funds were used to build a school that is now a private school without due process.

And for those who think they can pull that veil over our eyes, know that the more you try, the more questions will be asked until one day, the chicken will come to roost.

(See attached documents.)

Yours sincerely,
Citizen Agba Jalingo.

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News

US pledges support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism

The United States has affirmed its commitment to partnering with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, after a high-level security meeting at the Pentagon on November 20.

The meeting, hosted by Pete Hegseth, US secretary of war, was attended by a delegation of security leaders from Nigeria led by Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA).

Their meeting took place the same day US congress deliberated on allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

According to a readout issued by Sean Parnell, assistant to the US secretary of war for public affairs, both countries discussed ways to make “tangible progress on stopping violence against Christians in Nigeria and combatting West African jihadist terrorist groups”.

“Secretary Hegseth emphasized the need for Nigeria to demonstrate commitment and take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians and conveyed the Department’s desire to work by, with, and through Nigeria to deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States,” the statement reads.

 

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News

BREAKING: ALL 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara rescued, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu says all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara state, have been rescued.

In a statement posted on X on Sunday by Olusegun Dada, special assistant to the president on social media, Tinubu said 51 abducted pupils in Niger state have also been recovered.

“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued,” the president said.

“I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered.”