Month: April 2026

The Cross River State Government has moved to investigate the recent local government service recruitment exercise following widespread complaints and public concern across the state.

In a press release dated April 8, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. A. Owan Enoh, the government announced the constitution of a five-member Panel of Inquiry to examine the conduct of the recruitment process and make appropriate recommendations.

According to the statement, Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu approved the panel in response to what it described as numerous complaints and public outcry surrounding the exercise.

The panel is chaired by Elder Gershom Davis, with Mr. John Ndifon, Very Rev. Fr. Ignatius Itita, and Mr. Enoh Oweh Bana serving as members, while Ntunkae Mary-Theresa Ikwen will serve as secretary.

The government said the panel will review the propriety, legitimacy, and procedures of the recruitment process. It is also expected to receive oral and written submissions from members of the public on alleged discrepancies and irregularities.

Beyond the recruitment exercise itself, the committee has also been directed to scrutinize the true payroll position in the eighteen local government councils of the state.

To ensure broad participation, the panel will hold sittings in the three senatorial districts, while the schedule for the hearings will be announced once its work begins.

The development is already generating strong reactions, with many observers seeing it as a major step by the state government to address public concerns and restore confidence in the recruitment system.

History has been made at the University of Calabar as Professor Florence Undiandeye becomes the first female professor of Obanliku origin, following the approval of promotions for 50 academic staff by the university’s Senate.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Offiong Efana Offiong, announced the promotions during an emergency meeting of the Senate held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the institution’s Senate Chamber.

The meeting was convened mainly to deliberate on preparations for the university’s forthcoming 38th Convocation Ceremony.

According to the Vice Chancellor, who also chairs the Senate, 27 academic staff were promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, while 23 others were elevated to the rank of full Professor.

Among those promoted, Florence Undiandeye’s elevation has drawn special attention, especially among the people of Obanliku, where her achievement is being celebrated as a proud and historic milestone for the area.

Her promotion not only marks personal academic excellence but also stands as a source of inspiration to women, young scholars, and the Obanliku community at large.

Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has called on his supporters and political actors across Cross River North to conduct themselves with restraint, dignity, and honour as the 2027 re-election contest gathers momentum.

In a strongly worded message to the people of the district, the Senator thanked constituents for their continued support but made it clear that his campaign would not tolerate insults, abusive language, or personal attacks against any aspirant, including former Governor Senator Ben Ayade.

Jarigbe said the contest ahead must be driven by ideas and records rather than bitterness, warning that political ambition should never destroy the unity of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River North.

He also urged supporters to show respect for the office of Governor, whether occupied by a serving or former holder, noting that public offices deserve collective dignity regardless of differing views on performance.

According to him, no leader is perfect, and while citizens have every right to assess performance, such criticism must remain civil and focused on service delivery rather than personal abuse.

The Senator further challenged all aspirants to pay attention to the mood of the people and accept political realities with honesty, stressing that leadership must be rooted in the will of the people.

He reminded party faithful that despite competing interests during the primary season, they remain members of one APC family and would still need one another after the exercise.

Jarigbe’s message is already being seen as a calm but firm appeal for a more mature political culture in Cross River North, one built on character, community, and issue-based engagement rather than division.

“Campaign with passion, but campaign with honour,” the Senator stated as he reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful and responsible political engagement.