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Tag: Cross River State

  • 2023: Cross River will deliver 100 percent for Tinubu – Ayade

    Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade on Tuesday disclosed that the state will work hard to ensure the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 Presidential election.

    Speaking for the first time after the party’s Presidential Primaries, Ayade said he remained committed to the victory of the party at the polls regardless of the outcome of the presidential primaries.

    Ayade who addressed the Press at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, said: “As for my presidential ambition, indeed, l am grateful to God that He gave me the opportunity to showcase to the country what I had to offer. I am happy because sincerely, l like the reactions that l have received from various people about my speech at the primaries.”

    Continuing, the governor said “there was a clear indication that everyone knew that l had something to offer this country, but it was not my time, it was not my day. It was someone else’s and l am happy for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has taken the ticket of our party.

    “Based on the principle of our party, we will all work to deliver him come 2023. Cross River will ensure a hundred percent votes for our presidential candidate.”

    On his recent foreign business trip, Ayade disclosed that the object of his visit to Spain was to explore opportunities for the take off of Cally Airline as an entity.

    “I just got back from Spain where l went for an extensive meeting and discussions with the intent to actually bring oxygen to Cally Air. As you are well aware, Cally Air has two aircraft and we need three to be licensed to actually run an independent airline. That has been a challenge for sometime now.”

    According to the governor, “We had a useful and fruitful conversation with some companies out there with the intention to provide us one aircraft that will enable us have three aircraft, so we can run in full swing.”

    Additionally, Ayade further hinted that “we have spoken to some cargo companies to see how they can partner with us for the Obudu Cargo Airport. Work at the airport has reached a very advanced stage and l am very convinced and confident that before long, the Obudu Cargo Airport should be fully operational. So we need to start having a foot falls ahead of time. That explains why l really took out time to get that done.”

  • Cross River Governor Ben Ayade loses APC senatorial ticket

    Cross River Governor Ben Ayade has lost his All Progressive Congress APC senatorial primary election in the state TheNewsGuru.com can confirm

    Ayade  joined the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2021 and took part in the APC Senate primary election  in Calabar.

    Results of the primary show Mr Ayade polled 52 votes to crash out against Adams Cecelia, who scored 140. Another aspirant Martin Orim scored 61 votes.

    The development comes barely a few days after videos of Mr Ayade in a room with a person reported to be his mistress. He did not comment on the scandal, and it was not immediately clear whether it affected his chances with delegates.

    Mr Ayade, an academic, was elected twice as governor while a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, which he abandoned in May last year.

  • Ayade has empowered more farmers than any previous govt — aide

    Ayade has empowered more farmers than any previous govt — aide

    Mr Emmanuel Ano, Special Adviser on Agriculture to Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River, has said that more farmers were empowered by the current administration than any previous ones in the state.

    Ano, who stated this in an interview with newsmen on Saturday in Calabar, said the empowerment had lifted thousands of farm families from poverty.

    He said that this was made possible through various policy initiatives of the government that had seen the enhancement in the value chain of agriculture in Cross River.

    He said since 1999, no government in the state gave more attention to the sector than the current administration.

    He stressed that as part of the agricultural revolution, several agro-industries were set up by the government while thousands of farmers were trained in various fields of agriculture.

    The governor’s aide further said that aside the training, the government provided various forms of loans to farmers to boost their farming.

    “There is no state in Nigeria that has given more support to farmers as much as Cross River State has done.

    “The problem we have had in the past and of course, one of the challenges of agricultural development is the challenge of market, access to market.

    “Many people in the rural areas have grown crops that ended up as waste because of absence of market for their produce and this has discouraged several of them from farming.

    “Our focus from the ascendancy of this administration is providing access to market for farmers through agro industrialisation policy of the government.

    “For instance, there is Karachika, a poultry processing industry that has the capacity of taking so much poultry from the farmers.

    “Before now, they have had the challenge of non availability of market for their produce.

    “The government has also invested so much on capacity building for farmers. Just recently, 5,800 farmers were trained in an institute in Abuja. You will agree with me that this is not a common thing in the country.

    “The Cross River State has invested in the capacity building of farmers, we have been able to provide an enabling environment for farming, providing direct support in terms of material support and market environment.”

    Ano expressed regret that several farmers that were given loans to boost their farming activities, failed to pay back the loan that was supposed to be revolving ones to others.

    He, however, said, “We are having engagement with the farmers at different levels to recover these loans. While some are responding, many others have failed to,” he stated.

  • Quit if you want to contest election – Ayade to aides

    Quit if you want to contest election – Ayade to aides

    Political appointees seeking political offices in Cross River State have until 12:00 noon of today (Thursday) to quit their offices.
    The State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade gave the directive on Wednesday in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita.

    ALSO READ: See odd names of Cross River State budgets under Gov Ayade since 2016
    In the same vein, the governor has directed permanent secretaries to assess all political appointees as he plans a minor cabinet reshuffle for his cabinet.
    The statement reads; “The governor has directed that any political appointee presently serving in his government but desires to seek elective position in the forthcoming 2023 elections is at liberty toelective

    ALSO READ: APC asks Gov Ayade to fire appointees without party membership card
    “He, however, added that such appointees should turn in their resignation on or before 12 noon, May 5, 2022; and such letters should be submitted to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
    In another developement, Ita disclosed that Ayade is set to reshuffle his cabinet to flesh in additional ideas for the good of the state.
    The statement reads in part; “Governor Ben Ayade is set to carry out a major cabinet reshuffle in a bid to ensure that the administration indeed finishes strong as it enters the last lap of its lifespan.” it concluded.
    The hint on possible cabinet reshuffle is believed to be Prof Ayade’s way of re jigging the government for the administration to finish strong despite winding down as 2023 polls fast approach.

  • If you don’t like consensus, leave our party-APC chieftain tells members

    If you don’t like consensus, leave our party-APC chieftain tells members

    Cross River State All Progressives Congress APC has advised aspirants for different political offices to decamp if they are not satisfied with consensus arrangements in the party.

    Chairman of the party, Alphonsus Eba spoke over a radio programme.

    Many aspirants in the state who were told to accept the consensus arrangements have expressed displeasure.

    Eba said it is not compulsory for disenchanted ones to remain stuck in APC when they can decamp or form their own parties.

    “If any one of you feels dissatisfied with the decision of the party to go for consensus candidates you can decamp to other parties who are looking for candidates and pursue your ambitions.

    “Better still, you may proceed to form your own party where it can be possible to impose your candidature.

    “In APC, the decision of the party is supreme.”

    Speaking to journalists, a party stalwart, John George Alaha who spoke on behalf of one of the aspirants, said, “consensus is never part of democracy.

    We have spent money to buy forms, do declarations and consultations, and we are asked to step down. This is not going down well.”

    Another chieftain, a US-based Archbishop, Ikpeme Johnson called on political parties in Nigeria to tread the issue of consensus candidates cautiously.

    “Let there be a level playing ground for all contestants both in Cross River State and the country.

    “The aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity amongst the people.”

  • Defection: Court postpones judgment in suit seeking Gov Ayade’s sack

    Defection: Court postpones judgment in suit seeking Gov Ayade’s sack

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, has shifted the judgment in a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River to April 6.

    Justice Taiwo Taiwo had on March 22 fixed today, Friday, for the judgment. However, it was gathered from Court 7, where Justice Taiwo presides, Friday morning that the judgment has been put off because it was not ready.

    The PDP, through its counsel Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, had filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/975/2021 before Justice Taiwo to seek for an order sacking the governor and his deputy over their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), among others.

    Taiwo had, on Monday, ordered two House of Representatives members representing Cross River and 18 lawmakers from the state’s House of Assembly to vacate their seats over their defection to APC.

    The judge gave the order following a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/971/2021 filed on Aug. 27, 2021, by the PDP to challenge the 20 lawmakers’ defection to APC, alongside the governor on May 20, 2021.

    Justice Taiwo, in the judgment, dismissed the defence argument that the PDP (plaintiff) had no locus standi (legal rights) to institute the case.

    He also dismissed other preliminary objections raised by the sacked lawmakers.

    Taiwo ruled that the argument of the lawmakers that there was rancour in the PDP which necessitated their defection to APC was a ploy to mislead the court.

    The judge, who granted all the reliefs sought by the PDP, held that it was disheartening that politicians in the country treat citizens as if they do not matter once they get into office.

    “A day must surely come when elected officials, must either resign from their office or ask the people who voted for them before defecting to other political parties, instead of defecting to another party without recourse to the law and the citizens, ” he said.

    According to him, we cannot continue in sin and expect grace to abound.

    The affected two members of the House of Representatives from the state are Michael Etaba and Legor Idagbor.

    The 18 state’s lawmakers include the Speaker, House of Assembly, Eteng Williams; Mich Etaba, Legor Idagbor, Joseph Bassey, Odey Agbe and Okon Ephraim.

    Others are: Regina Anyogo, Matthew Olory, Ekpo Bassey, Ogbor Udop, Ekpe Okon, Hillary Bisong, Francis Asuquo, Elvert Ayambem, Davis Etta, Sunday Achunekan, Cynthia Nkasi, Edward Ajang, Chris Ogar and Maria Akwaji.

    While Mr Etaba represents Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency of Cross River, Mr Idagbor represents Obudu/Obaliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency of the state.

    A sister judge, Inyang Ekwo had, also, on March 8, sacked Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi and other lawmakers who defected alongside Umahi to APC.

  • Kate Henshaw regrets spending N35 million to chase political ambition

    Kate Henshaw regrets spending N35 million to chase political ambition

    Popular Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw has narrated how she spent N35 million to chase her ambition to become a member of the House of Representatives.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Henshaw aspired to become a member of the House of Representatives in 2015 to represent the Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi federal constituency.

    However, despite her best efforts, that dream never became a reality as the Nollywood actress failed to grab the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Henshaw was defeated at the primaries which were held on Saturday, December 6, 2014, in Calabar, Cross River State.

    Speaking in an interview with Maupe Ogun of Channels TV’s Hard Copy, Henshaw revealed that the money she spent still pains her till date.

    She noted that if she had put the N35 million into buying a house, she would have been living there, stressing that she did not see the need for all that spending.

    Henshaw said: “I didn’t have a budget I just knew I needed money to run the campaign office, pay people to work with me. I didn’t really have a budget at hand. I wish I had, maybe I won’t have even started.

    “Because I found out that most of the consultations I went to, the men would ask me “do you have enough in your war chest?” I was like “what is a war chest?” That is when I found out that it’s “how much money do you have to throw around.”

    “There was one form that was waived for women who were aspiring for office. But then you have to buy the two forms normally. And then of course you will pay your party dues. And then of course each consultation, anybody you go to meet is money.

    “You may not be giving them money directly but you will buy a goat, you will buy wrappers, you will buy drinks. You will host different people. You will host the youth, you will host the women group, the men group.

    “You will host all sorts of people and that is money because of course transportation: you will hire a bus for you and your supporters. You will print banners so I had to get an office. Luckily my cousin had a space so I rented it off him. It was absolutely and totally capital intensive. Totally.

    “My friends, they came together and they gave me N5 million. On top of that I added my own N30 million. On top of my own money and till today it pains me because if I had put that money into buying a house I would have been living there. But for me it was just endless spending that led nowhere.

    “I mean, I didn’t see the need for all that spending. If someone truly wants to serve, it should be from the heart and you should be able to see what the person can do from their antecedent. But it’s all about money.

    “On the day of the delegates when they now have to pick who will represent the party, the other person was giving money. I gave my pittance. That is it. I don’t care what anybody says. Because I did a documentary with Al Jazeera because I wanted them to follow the process truly to see how our political terrain is.

    “Everybody was giving money, giving gifts to all the delegates. And I remember one guy said to me “Don’t give me your money, I’m not going to vote for you”. That was the best thing he could have said to me”.

  • Ayade mourns former Senate President, Dr Wayas

    Ayade mourns former Senate President, Dr Wayas

    Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade has lamented the passing of Second Republic Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas, describing his death as a monumental loss to Cross River State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

    Dr Wayas died in the early hours of Tuesday in a London hospital.

    In a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, Ayade said Dr Wayas left indelible footprints on the sands of time.

    “As a state, Cross River is in pains as we mourn the passing of our illustrious son. He was a rare gem. Dr Wayas’ demise is indeed a monumental loss to our dear state and Nigeria”, Ayade was quoted as saying in the statement.

    According to the governor, ” as Senate President, Dr Wayas contributed to the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic ethos through his robust and vibrant leadership of the upper legislative chamber.

    “And since his retirement from active politics, the former Senate President had been playing a fatherly and stabilising role in the politics and affairs of our state.”

    He condoled with Dr Wayas’ family, assuring them that his demise is a collective loss and the pains a shared one.

    “We are with you in this moment of grief. We have you in our hearts and prayers,” the government assured the deceased family.

  • JUST IN: 2021 Calabar carnival suspended

    JUST IN: 2021 Calabar carnival suspended

    Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade has suspended the 2021 Calabar Carnival.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Ayade announced suspension of the carnival on Monday at State Executive Council Chamber.

    Ayade cited health concerns arising from the outbreak of COVID-19 variant, Omicron as well as prevailing security situation as reasons for the suspension.

    He said he would not as a governor and leader compromise the lives and safety of the citizens for the fleeting excitement of the carnival.

    Before announcing the suspension, Ayade had subjected the decision to popular votes, following which majority of the stakeholders voted for the suspension of the carnival.

  • Police in Cross River launch manhunt for kidnappers of pastor

    Police in Cross River launch manhunt for kidnappers of pastor

    Police in Cross River said on Sunday that they have launched a manhunt for kidnappers of a pastor of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Sunday Adediran.

    Adediran was kidnapped on Nov. 13 at Ikot Eneobong area in Calabar.

    The kidnappers gained entry into his apartment through the roof of the building and whisked the pastor away.

    Police spokesperson in the state, DSP Irene Ugbo in Calabar said the police were working with other security agencies to secure the release of the abducted pastor.

    “We are on the matter; we have dispatched a team of police intelligence officers who are working with other security agencies to help us secure his release.

    “By the grace of God, we hope to secure his unconditional release soonest,’’ Ugbo said.