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Tag: Cross River State

  • Gunmen abduct Cross River traditional ruler

    Gunmen abduct Cross River traditional ruler

    The traditional ruler of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River, Etiyin Maurice Edet, was on Sunday night abducted by gunmen at his residence in the council area.

    An aide to the traditional ruler was shot dead in the process of the kidnapping.

    The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident but said details were unknown to her as at press time.

    A source who, however, said the traditonal ruler’s aide was killed as he tried to prevent his principal from being abducted.

    Akpabuyo, notorious for criminal activities, is less than 15 kilometres from Calabar, the capital city of the state.

    Meanwhile, Prof Patrick Egaga of the University of Calabar (Unical) has been released by his abductors after 26 days in captivity.

    Egaga who is Unical’s Director of Servicom, was abducted in the institution’s Staff quarters after which his abducted demanded for a ransom of N50 million.

    Calabar and its environs have witnessed increase in cases of abduction in the past few months.

    The targets for abduction are usually lecturers, lawyers, medical doctors, clergymen and high profile individuals.

  • Cross River guber: Tribunal announces date to deliver judgement

    Cross River guber: Tribunal announces date to deliver judgement

    The Governorship election petition tribunal in Cross River will on Tuesday deliver judgment in the petition filed by Prof. Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the victory of Sen. Bassey Otu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    This is contained in a statement by the Secretary of the tribunal, Mr Akawu Bambu in Calabar on Sunday.

    The suit Suit No. EPT/CR/GOV/02/2023 was jointly instituted by Onor and the PDP.

    The Counsel to Onor and Otu, .J. Y. Musa, SAN and Prof. Mike Ozekhone, SAN, respectively presented their written addresses and were adopted by the three- man tribunal.

    In the final written address, Musa, told the court that evidences extracted under cross-examination of the respondents goes to fortify the case of their petition and also also confirm the falsity of the evidence presented by the second and third respondents (Governor Otu and Peter Odey).

    Onor closed his case after calling some witnesses while Otu called 10 witnesses.

    The tribunal led by Justice Oken Inneh had reserved judgment following the adoption of written addresses by both parties on Aug. 13.

    Musa said the case of the petitioners is not allegations of forgery against any of the respondents (Otu and Odey) and so all the authorities they cited to the effect that they needed to call witnesses from institutions are non-sequitor, rather their case is that the second and third respondents lied on oath.

    He insisted that the second and third respondents (Otu and Odey) brought documents to show that they forged documents.

    In the process of trying to say they did not lie on oath, they opened a Pandora box where we saw the discrepancies.

    “I, therefore, urge the tribunal to declare the votes of the second and third respondents wasted because they were not qualified to stand for the election and declare the petitioners winner of the elections,” he stated.

    On his part, lead counsel to the second and third respondents, Prof. Mike Ozekhone, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the petition “for being frivolous, unmeritorious, gold-digging, distracting and for constituting an abuse of the court process.”

    He added that “withdrawal of grounds two and three by the petitioners sounded a death kernel to their own petition because it was an admission that the elections were validly held.”

    On his part, counsel to the first respondents (INEC), K. O. Balogun, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition and also adopted Ozekhome’s submission in respect of the qualification of the second and third respondent.

    Ozekhome had urged the court to dismiss the petition for being frivolous, unmeritorious, distracting and for constituting an abuse of the court process.

    He added that the withdrawal of grounds two and three by the petitioners sounded a death kernel to their own petition because it was an admission that the elections were validly held.

    “From my own submission today, the truth is that, from the 10th of July 2023, when they withdrew grounds two and three of the petition, which talked about discrepancies, non-accreditation, non-e-transmission through BVAS, through iRev and all the other alleged malpractices.

    “That time when they withdrew those allegations which were funny and untrue allegations, their petition collapsed like a pack of cards,” he said.

    INEC declared Otu as winner of the election after polling 258,619 votes to defeat the PDP candidate who scored 179, 636 votes.

  • Gov. Otu imposes curfew on 4 communities in Cross River

    Gov. Otu imposes curfew on 4 communities in Cross River

    Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Ugaga, Igbekurekor, Benekaba and Ijama communities in Yala Local Government Area of the State.

    The curfew is to forestall further loss of lives and properties following clashes between the four communities, and to enable security agencies deal with the situation.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Otu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche, on Tuesday in Calabar.

    “The curfew is necessary following land and boundary disputes which have resulted in security threats leading to wanton destruction of lives and properties.

    “I hereby impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Ugaga and Igbekurekor communities of Yala local government area, as well as in Benekaba and Ujama, respectively.

    “The curfew is to enable security agencies to deal decisively with the situation in the affected communities and restore normalcy,’’ the governor said.

    Otu directed the State Emergency Management Agency to work out immediate intervention in terms of relief materials for victims of the crisis.

    He urged traditional rulers in the affected communities to immediately work out ways to restore peace and amity.

    The governor said he would hold them responsible for any further breakdown of law and order in their domains.

    He appealed to people in the affected communities to sheath their swords and give peace a chance.

    Otu warned them to, in their own interest, adhere strictly to the curfew.

  • 20,000 out of Sch children war victims in Cross River to return to School – Obong elect

    20,000 out of Sch children war victims in Cross River to return to School – Obong elect

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar

    Over 20,000 out of school children of a community in Cross River state, scattered across due to 23 years of communal crisis can now go back to school.

    This opportunity to go back to school is the courtesy of the Obong Elect, HRH Etubom Anthony Ani who has offered to build a brand new primary and secondary school for the war turned Ikot Offiong community.

    The Obong Elect, HRH Etubom Anthony Ani has setup a committee to start up the construction of secondary and primary schools in Mbiabo Ikot Offiong community in Cross River State.

    Ani who was a former Minister of Finance during the military administration of late Gen. Sani Abacha stated this in an address sighed and issued to some newsmen in Calabar on Tuesday, noting that he had made the promise to the community during their solidarity visit to his resident in August 1, 2023.

    According to him, that the community members had complained that for the last 23 years, they have not had access to education, road and other social services, adding that he has always considered education as a birth-rock of development and progress in any society.

    The Obong Elect said, “During the visit of lkot Offiong community to me on August 1, 2023, they had complained that for the last Twenty-three (23) years, they had not been given any education, roads, and other social services. I had immediately, thereafter, said that since education is communal, they should not wait for the government to provide these facilities all by itself; but that they (Ikot Offiong community), should start something on their own.

    “I had promised to show leadership, by building a primary school, as well as award scholarships to deserving students. I have considered education as the birth-rock of development and progress. A situation where children cannot go to school means the next generation is a wasted generation and this must not be allowed to happen.

    “It is for this reason that we are setting up a committee to look into the educational requirements of the lkot Offiong community, starting with a community primary school.

    “Initially, we are going to build a Six (6) room primary school block, with all the facilities; and we hope that by this time next year, all eligible children (and even Adults) will commence school at lkot Offiong community.

    “As I have reiterated above, no community should wait for Government to provide all basic amenities, particularly in this period of hardship and shortage of money. I believe that the Government on seeing what we have done, will naturally intervene to secure the project.

    He said to this end, the primary school will be funded by donations, gifts and contributions from the people of Ikot Offiong community and the name donated will be properly evaluated and treated as a contribution from the people.

    He assured, “Aside from personal contributions that I will make towards the completion of the school, I am awarding Fifty (50) brand-new scholarships to the first fifty(50) completion students of the primary school; so to you, my dear people of Ikot Offiong, the ball is in your court, so hurry up and seize the opportunity given.

    The school will be built in the name of Ikot Offiong people, by Ikot Offiong people; however, its progress will be supervised by a Trust.

    “Ikot Offiong community most give us a guarantee that the Pupils’ property, and school properties will be safe; and that none of the Pupils, Teachers or other Staff will be molested.

    “The people of Ikot Offiong most form a ring around the school, so as to ensure that anyone entering its portals is safe and free from all threats, actual dangers or anything associated with violence.

    The Obong Elect further inaugurated a seven man committee to oversee the construction of the primary school, chaired by HRH (Dr.) Etubom Nyah Asuquo, Secretary, Chief Ekpo Eyamba. Other members are; Chief Igoni Archibong , Chief Henry Okoh, Chief Bassey Okon Asuquo, Rev. Bassey Ekanem and Chief Etim Akpaso.

    Reacting shortly after the inauguration, the Community Leader, Chief Okon Lazarus Okon thanked the former Minister saying, “We are grateful for what the Obong elect has done for us. In the past he used to give us fish but now he is teaching us how to fish in Ikot Offiong. God will bless you for giving us education again after many years of crisis.

  • Ex-presidential aide urges NASS to revisit controversial Green Tree Agreement between Cross River, Cameroon

    Ex-presidential aide urges NASS to revisit controversial Green Tree Agreement between Cross River, Cameroon

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar

    Ex-Presidential Aide, Obol Okoi Obono-Obla has urged the National Assembly (NASS) to take advantage of renewed attention to controversial Green Tree Agreement, ceding some part of Cross River State to Republic of Cameroon.

    Recall that the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Cameroon had laid claims to Danare and Biajua communities of Cross River State in Boki local government and Bakassi Peninsula, in Bakassi local government area of the state which led to the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula.

    Describing it as a blatant violation of the International Law Principle of the Right to Self Determination, Obla said NASS should revisit the issue and carry out an oversight of the Green Tree Agreement.

    Obla, a former aide to the immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari on Prosecution Matters, made the call in a statement issued yesterday to some Newsmen in Calabar.

    Obla who is also a renowned Lawyer, said it was violation of right to force the people of Bakassi peninsula, Danare and Biajua communities of Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State of Nigeria to be part of the Republic of Cameroon without their consent under the cloak of the judgment of the International Court of Justice.

    He however commended the courage of House of Representatives member representing Boki federal constituency, Victor Abang who raised the matter on the floor of the Green Chambers.

    “I think this is a step in the right direction and commendable. This trajectory should have been taken by the Federal government of Nigeria right from 2004 when the International Court of Justice at the Hague delivered it judgment in the case of Land and Maritime Boundary between Cameroon and Nigeria (Cameroon v. Nigeria: Equatorial Guinea intervening”.

    According to him, that the Green Tree agreement that was reached between Nigeria and Cameroon and negotiated by the United Nations to implement the Judgment of the International Court of Justice which ceded Bakassi was also illegal and unconstitutional.

    Citing Section 12 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which says such Green Tree Agreement requires ratification by the National Assembly, Obla accused the federal government of sighing the Green Tree Agreement to please international community.

    He said, it was regrettable that Nigeria was ill advised to submit to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, filed by the Republic of Cameroon in March, 29, 1994.

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  • Gov Bassey decries deplorable state of office

    Gov Bassey decries deplorable state of office

    Moved by the deplorable state of the Governor’s Office, the Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, has disclosed his resolve to immediately renovate the complex and turn it into a 21st Century smart office.

    Otu, who expressed his disappointment at the deplorable state of the office during an interactive session with staff of the Governor’s Office, also announced a temporary relocation of the staff to give room for total overhauling and proper modernization of all departments and units.

    In a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche in Calabar, Tuesday, the governor said, “As a matter of fact we deserve to build a brand new one (office complex) but because there are too many competing demands, we will try to remodel this one properly for it to serve the demands of the 21st Century.

    “The edifice that we have now has served several administrations and just because of time, we will not be able to do the things we supposed to do but will do what we can to make it conducive for me and all of you the staff.

    “I am looking for a space where the staff could be accommodated so that at least they can renovate this edifice to a 21st Century smart office in line with current realities.

    “If we are able to get a place, I think all of us will be involved so that they can start the renovation of this office very quickly.

    “It is one of those projects that we are targeting, though I don’t believe in 100 days in office, but for the 100 days in office that we will be doing,” the governor said.

    On the issue of welfare, the governor who is also considerate of the untold hardship civil servants are facing due to the subsidy removal and consequent hike in the price of fuel, maintained that plans are on the way to introduce measures that will cushion the effect on their livelihoods.

    While soliciting their loyalty and cooperation at all times, Otu urged them to demonstrate greater commitment and dedication for effective and efficient service delivery.

    On his part, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, praised the governor for his bold initiative to upgrade the working environment as well as enhanced welfare package for workers in the state, and urged them to reciprocate the gesture by putting in their best.

    Earlier in his introductory remarks, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, commended the governor for meeting the staff, a gesture he noted that has not been recorded in the office for over a decade.

    Owan-Enoh informed the governor that the staff were eagerly waiting to experience the promised season of sweetness and assured him of their cooperation, loyalty and service at all times.

  • Buhari Commissions 1.2km Ikom Bridge in Cross River

    Buhari Commissions 1.2km Ikom Bridge in Cross River

    By Wevole Ezin

    President Muhammadu Buhari has Commissioned 1.2km newly constructed Ikom Bridge to boost economic activities in Cross River state.

    The new bridge which is located on a major South- North arterial highway was commissioned on Tuesday by the President Buhari via zoom at Ikom local government area of the state.

    Describing the bridge as a high classified project amongst numerous projects in his administration, Buhari who was also represented by the Federal Controller of Works in the state, Mr. Koya Kehinde said the project will boost economic prosperity of Nigerians.

    He explained that recommendation for construction of the new bridge which was done by the National planning Commission some years ago, was as a result of the need to construct more bridges that heavy duty trucks can access.

    The President added that it would as well enable the Calabar Seaport, Airport and Free Trade Zone to be fully functional and accessible.

    He said the newly constructed bridge is one of the seven projects which includes three federal secretariat, two bridges and road projects.

    He stated,”It will provide a short connectivity with Benue and other states, addressed a multi-dimensional poverty instead of complaining.

    “Most of the projects are executed with repatriated funds from overseas”. Buhari stated.

    Among the Federal Secretariat named after worthy and influential Nigerians, is the Federal Secretariat in Bayelsa named after former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the Federal Secretariat in Zamfara named after Mallam Yahaya in Gasua.

    Commending the president for the project, the Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade who was represented by the state Commissioner for Works, Mr. Dane Osim Asu, appealed for more intervention from the federal government.

    Photo: A section of the newly constructed 1.2km Ikom bridge commissioned by President Buhari yesterday in Cross River.

  • C’River Tribunal Chairman tasks lawyers, others on self conduct as sittings begin

    C’River Tribunal Chairman tasks lawyers, others on self conduct as sittings begin

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar

    Justice Oken Inneh, Chairman of the panel for the Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal in Cross River, has warned legal practitioners and journalists at the tribunal to conduct themselves as sittings begins.

    Inneh gave the warning in Calabar on Tuesday at the inaugural sitting of the Cross River Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal.

    The chairman promised that noted that the tribunal sitting would not entertain any form of delay or antics from legal professionals.

    “While I urge lawyers to cooperate with the panel, the tribunal will work in accordance to the law and will be fair to all.

    “Members of the press, please report what you hear and don’t quote the judges or lawyers out of context; if you are not clear, get clarification from the secretary.

    “As we officially commence sitting on Tuesday May 23, I appeal to all Nigerians to remember us in their prayers for the wisdom to interprete the law effectively,” she said.

    Speaking also, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Counsel to the All Progressive Congress, (APC), Mike Ozekhome pledged the support of his team to ensure that the tribunal dispenses justice within the constitutionally allowed time.

    He said, ” adding one more day to the duration of the petition could be injurious to any party. everything must be accommodated within the legal organogram provided for by the electoral act, 2022.” He stated

    Similarly,, Joshua Musa, SAN, Counsel to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Joshua Musa also assured the tribunal of their cooperation to achieve the aim of setting up the tribunal .

    Musa added, “we are challenging the election of the governor elect and his deputy because they are not qualified having been nominated by their party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) to run for the governorship election.

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  • Prevalence of malaria in Cross River, higher than National – Breakthrough Action Nigeria

    Prevalence of malaria in Cross River, higher than National – Breakthrough Action Nigeria

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar

    Breakthrough Action Nigeria, has said recent research shows prevalence of malaria in Cross River is higher than the national.

    Senior Programme Officer of the organisation, Dr Olusola Adeoye disclosed this Monday in Calabar during a media parley in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Health in preparation for a state wide campaign to propagate the use of *Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) with the free distribution of 2.79 ITNs across every household in the state.

    She said statistics from Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NIMS) indicates that the current prevalence of malaria in Nigeria is 22%, indicating a reduction from 27% recorded in 2015 while Cross River prevalence rate stands at 24%.

    Dr. Adeoye noted that there is an urgent need to campaign against malaria with the use of ITN

    She called on the media and other stakeholders to curb the disturbing scenario given the high maternal and infant mortality caused by malaria.

    The programme officer hinted that the media parley was designed to guarantee a robust synergy between Breakthrough Nigeria and the media to boost efforts targeting at encouraging the use of ITN which has been proven as a reliable and cheapest means of preventing mosquito bites.

    Declaring the event open, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Janet Ekpenyong stated that “Nigeria accounts for 66 million malaria cases annually with an estimated 30% of child deaths and 11% of maternal deaths due to the disease’

    She noted that drastic measures from stakeholders in the health sector and the citizenry to curtail the menace poised by malaria especially with regard to ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring that people sleep under inside the nets

    She lauded Breakthrough Action Nigeria and other support partners for effective collaboration in checkmating the dangers from malaria especially among the vulnerable cadre of pregnant women and children below five years

    The Commissioner disclosed that 13,570 personnel comprising health workers and adhoc staff have been trained and deployed to the 18 local government areas to take the campaign of the importance of using the ITN.

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  • BREAKING: Nigeria’s longest-serving monarch is dead

    BREAKING: Nigeria’s longest-serving monarch is dead

    The paramount traditional ruler of Obudu Local Government Area (LGA) in Cross River, His Royal Majesty, Joseph Davies-Agba, said to be the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria, is dead.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the late monarch is the father of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Power, Gody Jedy-Agba.

    His accession to the traditional royal stool dates back to 64 years ago, making him probably the longest-serving monarch in Africa.

    The demise of Davies-Agba was announced in a statement by his Son, Mr Kjay Jedy-Agba, on Sunday in Calabar.

    “It is with a heavy heart that I communicate to you the passing away of my beloved father, His Royal Majesty, Joseph Davies-Agba, OON, the “Uti Item III of Utugwang, Uti Ukani I of Obudu, Paramount Ruler of Obudu Local Government Area and Chancellor of the University of Cross River State.

    “His accession to the traditional royal stool dated back 64 years ago, making him probably the longest serving traditional ruler in Africa.

    “We, the immediate family, may not have the full details of his final funeral protocol given his standing as a king.

    “We are constrained to follow the tradition of our people in all events that would culminate to his final obsequies,” the statement said.

    The statement explained that the public would be abreast with the details of the funeral as soon as the traditional institution concludes on it.

    “As difficult as this moment is for the family, it is my sincere wish that your hearts stay with us in prayers,” the statement added.