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Tag: Cross River

  • Otu orders immediate verification of Cross River workers

    Otu orders immediate verification of Cross River workers

    Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has directed for the immediate audit and verification of civil and unified local government service staff in Cross River.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Dr. Innocent Etteng, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

    The governor noted that the exercise would commence from the Northern Senatorial District of the state from Monday to Friday, at 9 a.m. daily.

    Otu called on the workers to avail themselves for the exercise which would be held in two designated centres of the zone in Ogoja and Obudu.

    “In Ogoja, the exercise will take place at the Ogoja Local Government Headquarters for staff in Ogoja, Bekwarra, and Yala councils while Obudu Centre will be for staff in Obudu and Obanliku with venue at Obudu Council Headquarters.

    “All staff coming for the exercise need to appear with their complete enrollment form, letter of first appointment, confirmation and last two letters of promotion where applicable.

    “Other documents required are staff identity card, birth certificate or affidavit of birth, educational qualifications, Bank Verification Number (BVN) and current pay slip,” he said.

    He further directed all staff to comply with the requirements to avoid the omission of their names in the verified payroll that would emanate from the exercise.

  • BREAKING: Doctors embark on indefinite strike over colleague’s abduction

    BREAKING: Doctors embark on indefinite strike over colleague’s abduction

    Doctors in Cross River on Sunday embarked on a total and indefinite strike in solidarity with one of their members abducted on Thursday from her residence in Calabar.

    This is contained in a communique signed by Dr. Felix Archibong, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, (NMA), Cross River branch, after an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) on Sunday in Calabar.

    It would be recalled that on Thursday  July 13, Dr. Ekanem Ephraim, a medical practitioner with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), was kidnapped from her residence by armed men who pretended to be patients at about 7.30 p.m.

    The doctors who noted that despite all there efforts in ensuring the release of their colleague, Ephraim has remained in captivity.

    The association thereafter resolved to do the following.

    “To embark on a total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services effective immediately in solidarity with our member still in the hands of her abductors.

    “This withdrawal of medical service will involve all hospitals in the state both federal, state, private and Mission.

    “The State government should activate all necessary instruments at its disposal to ensure the timely and unconditional release of our member in the hands of her abductors.”

    They added that NMA in Cross River was not oblivious of the hardship its withdrawal of  services would have on the citizens but appealed to the relevant security agencies to ensure a timely release of its abducted member.

    According to reports, this was not the first time the association would embark on a strike on account of the abduction of its member in Cross River.

  • Cross River speaker calls for arrest of gay party organisers

    Cross River speaker calls for arrest of gay party organisers

    Mr Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly has called for the arrest and prosecution of organisers of a gay party in Calabar.

    Ayambem made the call in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Matthew Okache, on Tuesday in Calabar.

    It would be recalled that on June 30, a hotel in the Ekorinim area of Calabar played host to a gay drag party which has been condemned by many stakeholders in the state.

    The speaker, who called on the relevant agencies to bring the organisers and collaborators to book to serve as deterrent, noted that minors were also present in the party.

    He warned anyone or organisation in connection with such unlawful act to desist or risk prosecution from the authorities.

    “It will be recalled that former president Goodluck Jonathan on Jan. 7, 2014 signed the same-sex Marriage Prohibition Bill into law.

    “The law imposes a 14-year jail term on anyone who enters into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union.

    “Similarly, it imposes a 10-year sentence on individuals or groups, including religious leaders who witness abet or aid the solemnisation of same-sex marriage or union.

    “Also, a 10-year prison sentence is imposed on those who directly or indirectly make public show of same-sex amorous relationship or supporters of such groups,” he asserted.

    In addition, the speaker called on hospitality operators in the state to ensure that no hotel or club entertains persons below 18 unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

  • Gov. Otu begins probe of predecessor’s activities in office

    Gov. Otu begins probe of predecessor’s activities in office

    Gov Bassey Otu of Cross River has begun the probe of the administration of his predecessor in office with the setting up of a committee to dig into concessioned industries and land-related matters.

    The committee is named “Fact Finding Committee On Cross River State Government-owned and Concessioned Industries and Other Landed Properties.”

    The committee, which the governor set up immediately after assumption of office, has come out with a call for memoranda.

    In a statement by its Secretary, Mr Anthony Effiom, the committee called for memorandum from members of the public on the terms of reference.

    The terms of reference include to look into all transactions relating to the concessioning of industries, their valuation, review the adequacy and appropriateness of the legal processes.

    It is also to ensure fair value of assets, competency of concessionaires and determine the adequacy and protection of the state’s interest.

    It will also look into all land related transactions, acquisitions and applications in the public interest for developed and undeveloped lands.

    Simirlarly, the committee is saddled with the responsibility to look into transactions relating to government buildings located in the state and
    outside the state.

    According to the statement, the memoranda are expected to reach the committee on or before Friday.

    It subsequently invited the public and the concession companies to a public sitting from July 10 to 14.

    The concessioned industries included
    British Canadian University, Ogoja Rice Mill, Garment Factory, Ogoja Rice Mill, Obudu German Hospital, Ikom Chocolate Factory, Transcorp Hotel, and Calachika.

    For the landed property, there is the Water Board Land, Ministry of Works Land Calabar, Hope Waddell Land, St. Stephen Primary School Obudu Land, Ministry Of Agriculture Obudu Land, Nitel Land Obudu, Okambi-Abonkib-Ikwom-Ikwu-Igwo Lands in Obudu, and the Land Opposite UJ Esuene Stadium acquired for Indigo Hotel.

    The buildings are Cross River House, Abuja, Cross River Government House, State Housing, Calabar.

  • Gov. Otu imposes curfew in 2 C’River LGAs

    Gov. Otu imposes curfew in 2 C’River LGAs

    Gov. Bassey Otu has declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Akpabuyo and Bakassi Local Government Areas of Cross River, following crisis in the two LGAs.

    A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh said the curfew takes immediate effect and will run from 7pm to 6am.

    It would be recalled that both LGAs in the Southern Senatorial District of the state have been recording crisis for weeks in which lives and properties were lost.

    According to the governor, movement of people and vehicles have been banned during the curfew hours.

    He said that the measure became necessary to ensure the safety of lives and properties, as well as forestall further breakdown of law and order.

    “The public is therefore advised in their own interest to adhere strictly to these directives,” he added.

  • C/River Govt adopts “Monkey Work, Monkey Chop” in giving appointments – APC

    C/River Govt adopts “Monkey Work, Monkey Chop” in giving appointments – APC

    The Cross River chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says it would invoke the “Monkey Work, Monkey Chop” mantra in the appointment and empowerment of its members in the State.

    This is contained in a press statement, titled: “Ward Nomination for Appointments and Empowerment”, by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Erasmus Ekpang.

    The statement noted that this is aimed at ensuring that only those who worked for the success of the party during the 2023 general elections are rewarded in terms of appointments and empowerment.

    It further stated that this same modality would be used at the local, State and Federal levels.

    The statement also directed that the 20 names to be submitted by each ward must include 10 females and should also take care of sensitivity to geo-political spread across polling units.

    The statement subsequently directed the members to meet at ward levels across the State on Sunday, July 2, to select 20 names from each of the ward and forward same to the State Chairman on Monday.

    The statement read in part: “Based on the kind approval of our amiable Governor to appropriately reward our people, an expansion from three to 20 names per ward has been granted to the party leadership.

    “Therefore, the State Chairman, Mr Alphonsus Eba, has directed all party Ward Executives, Ward leaders and major Stakeholders of the party to meet either physically or by zoom to come up with 20 names from each ward as follows:

    “Only persons who worked sincerely for the victory of the party in the Presidential, Senatorial, House of Representatives, Governorship and State Assembly elections with evidence of their results will be finally considered by the Party in consonance with the Party’s “Monkey work, Monkey chop” mantra.

    “Youths, students, farmers, businessmen and women with political capital who invested same in the last election towards the party’s victory should please be nominated as most of them will be considered for empowerment if they are not literate enough to be considered for appointment.”

    It stated that Curriculum Vitae, voter’s card, membership slip, result in the last election are also a pre-condition for nomination.

  • Police launch manhunt for killers of woman accused of witchcraft

    Police launch manhunt for killers of woman accused of witchcraft

    Police Command in Cross River has launched a manhunt for the alleged killers of a woman accused of witchcraft in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah, has directed that the perpetrators be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.

    This is contained in a statement by the Spokesperson of the command, SP Irene Ugbo, on Saturday.

    The commissioner who described the incident as unfortunate, noted that no person had the right to take another life under any guise.

    The deceased, Mrs Martina Itagbor, a mother of four, was accused of witchcraft following the death of two young men in a car crash that also left many injured.

    Following the accusation, the mother of four was beaten and burnt to death by some youths of Old Ntem community in Akamkpa council area of Cross River.

    The Police said the heinous crime was one the police frowned at and would do everything necessary to ensure such did not repeat itself again.

    According to him, “The issue of jungle justice is one crime that the Police does not take lightly and as such, we have already commenced manhunt for those responsible for the dastardly act.

    “Those responsible, no matter highly placed, will be arrested and prosecuted according to the laws of the land.”

    Meanwhile, Gov Bassey Otu has said that the state, like every other parts of the country is governed by constitutional order and that no form of brigandage and criminal acts will be tolerated.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche, Otu directed the law enforcement agency to arrest and ensure that the perpetrators met with the full weight of the laws.

    The governor said that the allegation if proven true, was repulsive and against all civility.

    “My attention has been drawn to the alleged burning to death of a citizen of the state in Akammkpa Local Government Area of the state by some unscrupulous, wild and criminally- minded youths,

    “It is sheer savagery and cowardice for the youths or anybody to take the laws into their hands, more so, involving a helpless woman.

    According to the governor, “Such abhorrent acts have no place in our constitutional democracy that Nigeria practices which our state is part of.

    “Our people must do away with all relics of culture that promotes violence, murder and criminality such as in this instance.

    “To this end, I am directing the Commissioner of Police in the state to mobilise all tactical and investigative assets and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are brought to justice.

    “I further wish to warn against all of such acts as we have laws and statutes to deal with such of wrongdoings and disagreements.”

  • Boat mishap: Gov Otu orders indefinite suspension of activities in Marina Resort

    Boat mishap: Gov Otu orders indefinite suspension of activities in Marina Resort

    Gov. Bassey Otu in further response to the cruise boat mishap involving 14 medical students at the Marina Resort on Saturday, ordered the suspension of cruise operations and other activities at the resort.

    The order was given in a statement signed by Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, Chief Press Secretary to the governor.

    The accident occurred on Saturday at about 3 p.m.

    The boat was ferrying 14 medical students from different tertiary institutions in the nation.

    The governor had earlier ordered an investigation into the incident in which  11 of the 14 students who were in Calabar for their Annual Health Week were rescued and three feared dead.

    ”All cruise operations and other activities at the Marina Resortis hereby suspended immediately until further notice.

    “Operators of cruise boats and management of the state’s Tourism Bureau are directed to attend a meeting in the office of the Secretary to the State Government on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

    “Besides the cruise boat operations, the State Ministry of Transport is to immediately cross-check the safety standards and conditions of all boats operating in Calabar waterways,” he said.

    The governor also appealed to the police to speed up their investigations of the fatal boat accident and prosecute those culpable.

    In an interview with newsmen, Ejim Egba, National President of the Nigeria Medical Students Association, (NiMSA) accused the management of the resort of negligence, incompetence, and lackadaisical attitude.

    He said that the engine of the boat had gone off in the middle of the river and water started entering the boat which caused it to start sinking and finally capsised.

    “Factors that contributed to the mishap included a leaky boat, poor condition and integrity of the vests, poorly maintained engines resulting in the engine going off during the trip.

    ”Also, their was little or no supervision by Marina Resort management as well as poor regulation and monitoring”, Egba said.

    The medical students had converged in Calabar, for the annual NIMSA Health Week and, as part of the activities, decided to visit the resort, where some embarked on a boat cruise.

  • Cross River: Fire consumes N10bn property in 6 months

    Cross River: Fire consumes N10bn property in 6 months

    The Cross River Command of the Federal Fire Service on Friday said that property worth N10.38 billion were destroyed by fire in Cross River within six months.

    The State Controller of the Fire Service, Mrs Olomola Olumayowa, told NAN in Calabar, that the destruction was recorded in 13 incidents between January and June.

    Olumayowa said the command responded swiftly to the fire incidents, adding that three persons died and two others sustained injury within the period.

    The controller, however, stressed that the command’s committed in fighting fire outbreaks was being hampered by lack of fire equipment.

    According to her, provision of mini firefighting equipment (water tenders) to navigate difficult terrain will greatly help the service because not all routes were accessible by fire appliances.

    “We want provision of more fire stations in Calabar and its environs; as it stands now, we only have one fire engine in the state. These stations can be equipped with mini firefighting equipment.

    “We are also in need of a tanker to move along side with the fire engine to reduce the number of times we go for refilling after exhausting our water on fire grounds,’’ she said.

    Olumayowa appealed for more collaboration with security agencies in the state.

    “Security agencies should continue to come to our rescue; our men were almost mobbed at the last fire scene at Bogobiri,” she stated.

  • Retrieve govt’s 32 hectares cocoa estate from intruder, former SA advises Gov Otu

    Retrieve govt’s 32 hectares cocoa estate from intruder, former SA advises Gov Otu

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar

    Immediate past Special Adviser (SA) to Cross River State government on Cocoa Development and Control, Ntufam Oscar Ofuka has called on the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu and the 10th House of Assembly to wade in and recover 32 hectares of cocoa land that belongs to the state.

    It was gathered that one Mr Prince Mark Leku allegedly encroached into the 32 hectares of land belonging to the state government, located at Abonita Cocoa Estate, in Etung local government area of the state and he claimed to be the original owner of the land.

    Ofuka gave the charge while reacting to allegations by some farm contractors who were allegedly chased out of the land by soldiers contracted by Prince Leku .

    While call on the new administration to to seek redress for contempt, the immediate past SA on Cocoa said there was a court order with Suit No:HM/73/2020 restraining Mr Prince from claiming the land.

    Ofuka warned that if government should failed to rise up against the invaders, subsequent take over of more hectares of government cocoa estate will be snatch from it’s host communities.

    He said, “There is a valid court order with Suit No:HM/73/2020 restraining him from taking over the 32 hectares. The state should seek redress in court for contempt.

    “If that is not done definitely a precedence has been set up for any other person to rise up and take over government land. If this persist, it would become survival of the fittest” He warned.

    Ofuka explained that paragraph three of the said judgement stated that 32 hectares in Abonita cocoa estate, in Etung LGA of Cross River State allegedly ceded to Mark Prince’s family is still a property of state government, that the court had ordered Mark Prince’s family to vacate the 32 hectares.

    He added that such development could lead to loss of source of revenue in a state that had lost what he described as its littoral status due to ceding of Bakassi and loss of 33 oil wells to neighboring state, Akwa Ibom.

    “Recalled that State High Court sitting in Ikom before his lordship Hon. Justice Eno Ebri, on July 5, 2022, ordered that cocoa lease allocation under small holder scheme will not be taken over from lessees not even by government or it’s agents outside terms of it’s lease.

    “The court had in Suit No: HM/73/ 2020 ordered that the 32 hectares in Abonita cocoa estate, Etung LGA, allegedly ceded to Mark Prince’s family is still property of state government.

    “I charged the state governor to send security men to protect government farms from encroachers. If the situation is not urgently arrested, we may likely not have what is called government cocoa estate again as more trespassers are warming up to make encroachment into the estate.

    “As a critical stakeholder in cocoa sector, it will be bad if I sit down, fold my arms and watch things go wrong and allow people destroy the strides which we recorded in the cocoa sector.” He warned.

    Confirming the incident in a telephone conversation, one of the aggrieved contractors Mr. Njor Asu, lamented,”We were chased away from the estate by a certain individual aided by soldiers from Afi Barracks Ikom.

    “I ran alongside my workers and abandoned the heep of cocoa pods worth millions of naira and hoodlums took possession of cocoa and made away with the produce.” Asu maintained.

    When contacted to react, Mark Leku, claimed that the cocoa plot that had been in contention was his father’s farm land encroached by state government decades ago.

    He said that it was government that later released the cocoa plots to his family after he discovered some of the property’s papers.

    When contacted to confirm the issue, the Army Public Relations Officer (PRO), Cross River State, Capt. Dorcas Aluko, simply said, “I will get back to you once I get to the commander of Afi Barracks Ikom before I can say anything.”

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