Month: July 2026

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has extolled the sterling leadership and enduring legacy of his predecessor, Senator Liyel Imoke (CON), on the occasion of his 65th birthday, describing him as a visionary statesman whose enduring contributions to governance and rural development have earned him a distinguished place in the history of Cross River State.

In a goodwill message issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, to celebrate the milestone, Governor Otu congratulated his predecessor, noting that the event was “not only a commemoration of age, but of a life devoted to public service, visionary leadership and enduring contributions to the growth and development of our dear state and the Nigerian federation.”

The governor extolled Imoke’s impressive public service trajectory, recalling his distinguished service as a Senator of the Federal Republic, a member of the Federal Executive Council and later Governor of Cross River State between 2007 and 2015.
According to Otu, “From the Senate of the Federal Republic to the Federal Executive Council, and ultimately as Governor of Cross River State, you distinguished yourself as a thoughtful leader, an accomplished administrator and a patriot whose commitment to the public good continues to resonate.”

Governor Otu particularly acknowledged Imoke’s philosophy of inclusive governance, saying the former governor consistently demonstrated that the true essence of leadership lies in improving the lives of ordinary citizens. He described Imoke as “a devoted proponent of rural development,” whose administration deliberately prioritised communities that had long remained on the margins of development.

“Your tenure as governor was underscored by a profound belief that the true measure of governance lies in its impact on ordinary people,” Otu stated. “You championed the philosophy of taking government to those who needed it most, translating that vision into tangible realities through the establishment of primary healthcare facilities in communities across the state, the expansion of rural access roads and other people-centred interventions that brought hope, opportunity and essential services closer to our rural populace.”

The governor observed that those interventions had continued to stand as enduring monuments to purposeful leadership, stressing that Imoke’s investments in grassroots development helped bridge the gap between the government and underserved communities. “These initiatives stand today as enduring reminders that purposeful leadership finds its greatest expression in improving the quality of life of the people,” he said.

Reflecting on the significance of the former governor’s 65th birthday, Otu described the occasion as a fitting moment for Cross River people to celebrate a leader whose years in public office were marked by dedication, vision and service. He said Imoke’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations of leaders committed to selfless service and people-centred governance.

The governor also joined members of the Imoke family, friends, political associates and admirers across the country in thanking God for the former governor’s life of accomplishment and lasting impact. “As you celebrate this diamond milestone, I join your beloved family, friends, associates and the entire people of Cross River State in giving thanks to Almighty God for a life of purpose, accomplishment and lasting impact,” he declared.

Otu prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the former governor, wishing him many more years of sound health, peace and fulfilment. “It is my prayer that the years ahead will be adorned with divine favour, robust health, abiding peace, renewed strength and the fulfilment that comes from a legacy of meaningful service. May God continue to guide your steps and grant you many more years of wisdom and distinction. Happy 65th Birthday, Your Excellency,” the governor said.

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has flagged off the construction of the 10km Ugboro–Ukpah–Afrike Road in Bekwarra Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding infrastructure and improving rural connectivity.

Represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Otu said the project reflects the administration’s People First agenda and will improve access to farming communities, boost trade, ease transportation, and enhance access to healthcare and education.

The Deputy Governor commended the Executive Chairman of Bekwarra LGA, Hon. Egbung Odama, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere, and the Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Hon. Charles Omang, for their support in facilitating the project.

Bekwarra Council Chairman, Hon. Egbung Odama, described Governor Otu as a leader committed to fulfilling his promises, while Commissioner for Works, Dr. Pius Ankpo Edet, assured residents that the road would be delivered according to approved engineering standards.

Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere, also assured that adequate funding had been secured to ensure the project’s completion.

The ceremony ended with the official flag-off of construction by Deputy Governor Peter Odey.

The Special Adviser on General Duties to the Governor of Cross River State, Barr. Dr. Ekpenyong Akiba, has been honoured with the Salvation Army Cross River District Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding service, unshaken dedication, and commitment to humanity.

The award was presented during the Salvation Army Founder’s Day celebration in Calabar, where the organisation recognised Akiba’s contributions to public service, humanitarian causes, and community development.

Presenting the award, the Salvation Army described the recognition as a testament to his hard work, selfless service, and positive impact on society, noting that his commitment to humanity continues to inspire many.

In his response, Barr. Akiba expressed gratitude to the Salvation Army for the honour, describing it as one of the most meaningful recognitions he has received.

“No award is greater than one given by the Church,” he said, dedicating the honour to Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for giving him the opportunity to serve the people of Cross River State.

Akiba also reflected on his early years in the Salvation Army, recalling his primary school education within the church and the values it instilled in him.

As part of his support for the church’s mission, he donated ₦300,000 towards the development of the Salvation Army in Cross River State.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, on Saturday commissioned the newly completed Mmon Bridge in Oyenghe Community, Nta Nselle Ward of Ikom Local Government Area, describing it as a major boost to rural connectivity and economic development.

Speaking at the event, Ayambem said the bridge would ease transportation, improve the movement of farm produce and goods, and provide residents with safer access throughout the year, particularly during the rainy season.

He commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for prioritising infrastructure development across the state, noting that the administration’s investments in roads and bridges are transforming rural communities and expanding economic opportunities.

Residents and community leaders expressed gratitude to the state government, describing the bridge as a long-awaited project that will enhance commerce, strengthen social ties, and improve access to essential services.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, on Friday inspected ongoing road construction projects across Ikom metropolis, reaffirming the state’s commitment to improving infrastructure and easing transportation.

A major highlight of the inspection was the famous Sweet Mother Street, a strategic road that had remained abandoned and in a deplorable condition for several years.

Speaking during the tour, Ayambem commended Governor Bassey Otu for responding to the longstanding demands of Ikom residents by reconstructing the road, describing Sweet Mother Street as a vital economic corridor and one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks.

He urged the contractors to deliver quality work that reflects the standards of the Otu administration’s “People First” agenda, stressing that durable infrastructure remains essential to the socio-economic development of the area.

The Speaker was accompanied by the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts and member representing Yala I State Constituency, Hon. Brian Odey.

The inspection forms part of ongoing efforts to monitor the quality and pace of infrastructure projects being executed across Cross River State.

Fresh political developments have fuelled speculation of growing tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State following the party’s recently concluded primaries.

According to sources familiar with the situation, some influential figures associated with the immediate past administration are allegedly dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries and are believed to be behind a series of political and media attacks targeting Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar.

The sources alleged that the relationship between both camps deteriorated after Governor Otu reportedly declined a number of political requests ahead of the primaries. Supporters of the current administration claim the Governor’s insistence on maintaining an independent approach to governance has unsettled some political interests.

The sources further claimed that the First Lady and the Chief of Staff have become particular targets because they are perceived as encouraging the Governor to uphold discipline, transparency, and independent decision-making.

They also alleged that recordings exist of meetings in which some individuals expressed dissatisfaction over their alleged exclusion from government and loss of political influence. However, these claims have not been independently verified.

Meanwhile, other sources within the administration reportedly claim that documents relating to projects and financial management under the previous administration are being reviewed, with the possibility of referring any evidence of wrongdoing, if established, to relevant anti-corruption agencies.

The sources also alleged that independent auditors and valuation experts are examining selected infrastructure and industrial projects executed by the previous administration to determine whether they delivered value for public funds.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from individuals linked to the immediate past administration regarding the allegations.

If the claims and counterclaims continue, political observers say Cross River could witness heightened political tensions in the lead-up to future political activities.

Source: CR Eyes

Note: The allegations contained in this report remain unverified. No evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate the claims, and those mentioned should be considered not to have admitted or been found responsible for any alleged conduct.

The Cross River State Government has dismissed allegations that the planned demolition of structures within the Water Board premises in Calabar is politically motivated, stating that the exercise is a critical requirement for the implementation of a World Bank-supported water rehabilitation project.

Speaking in Calabar, the Governor’s Special Adviser on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, said the exercise is aimed at restoring potable water supply to Calabar and neighbouring communities by enabling the replacement of ageing underground pipelines and other essential infrastructure.

According to him, several residential structures were built directly on major water pipelines and facilities, making rehabilitation work impossible without clearing the affected areas.

Akiba rejected claims of political vendetta, stressing that the demolition affects properties across political lines, including those belonging to serving government officials, former public servants, retirees, and private citizens.

“This exercise is in the overriding public interest. It is about restoring public water supply, not targeting political opponents,” he said, adding that all affected property owners were served adequate notices and that provisions for relocation would be considered where necessary.

The government reiterated that the rehabilitation of the Cross River Water Board remains a key priority of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration as part of ongoing efforts to provide reliable potable water to residents and improve public infrastructure across the state.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the legal and institutional framework for preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), pledging to review existing laws, intensify legislative oversight, and support policies that ensure justice and protection for survivors.

The assurance was given by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, during an advocacy visit by the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Dr. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, Founder of the Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative, alongside representatives of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, the Ford Foundation, development partners, and other stakeholders.

Receiving the delegation at the Assembly Complex in Calabar, the Speaker commended the First Lady for her sustained advocacy and humanitarian interventions aimed at protecting women, children, and other vulnerable groups, describing her efforts as a significant contribution to social justice and human dignity in the state.

Ayambem noted that Sexual and Gender-Based Violence remains a major social challenge with far-reaching consequences for families, communities, peace, and development. He stressed that addressing the menace requires collective action involving government institutions, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, the media, and citizens.

He assured the advocacy team that the Assembly would continue to strengthen legal protections for survivors, hold offenders accountable, intensify oversight of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, support improved funding for SGBV interventions, and promote access to justice, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support for victims.

“The responsibility of eliminating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence rests on all of us. Together, we can build safer communities where every individual is treated with dignity and respect,” the Speaker said.

Earlier, the First Lady thanked the Speaker and members of the Assembly for receiving the delegation, describing the legislature as a critical partner in tackling the root causes of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

She observed that the persistence of SGBV is driven more by weak implementation of existing laws, harmful social norms, inadequate accountability, and limited public confidence in institutions than by the absence of legislation.

Bishop Eyoanwan Otu called on lawmakers to strengthen oversight of relevant agencies, ensure sustained funding for prevention and survivor support programmes, reinforce the implementation of existing laws, and consider legislative reforms that address emerging challenges.

She further emphasised that preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is not only a human rights obligation but also a public safety and development priority, urging the Assembly to institutionalise policies that will continue to protect vulnerable persons beyond successive administrations.