Detailing News

_... As O'ben-Etchi led State Forestry Commission holds a two-day Sensitization Workshop in Calabar_ Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu's government is determined to tackle illegal logging and ensure sustainable forest management, with a strong commitment to preserving environmental goods and services for future generations. The Chairman/CEO of Cross River State Forestry Commission, Rt. Hon. George O'ben-Etchi gave this assurance during the opening of a two-day sensitization workshop in Calabar on "Sustainable Forest Management in Cross River State" on Monday. The Forestry Boss stated that the 'Peoples First' Governor lifted a 17-year-old logging ban, entrusting the Cross River State Forestry Commission with the task of sustaining and managing the forest resources. He emphasized that Cross River is a natural gift to Nigeria, Africa, and the world, being the most biologically diverse state in Nigeria. He highlighted that Cross River State houses over 50% of the la

The member representing Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey, has distributed food items, cash and other relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons of Bakassi at the refugee camp. The Lawmaker, who was accompanied by a crowd of supporters during the visit to the camp, said the refugees deserve love, care, attention and support. Some of the items include rice, garri, salt, beans, mosquitoes nets among others. He assured the refugees of his continues support to alleviate their present conditions, assuring them that as a legislator, he will continue to speak for the good of his constituents. Leader of the camp, Mr Bassey Etim, who received the items on behalf of the refugees, thanked the lawmaker for always remembering them in his activities. Etim disclosed that several appeals made towards the lawmaker about their welfare have been swiftly attended to. Similarly, the lawmaker also visited the motherless babies home in

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has urged all religious leaders not to relent in drumming the message of change to the people in order to achieve a desired nation. Prof. Obi stated this in her office when the Archbishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Calabar Archdiocese, and his team paid a courtesy visit to her recently. The VC, while addressing the team of Religious Leaders said as a country, Nigeria is in the era and time where morality has been thrown aside, with the youths resolving to get quick success without following the ways of our fathers who cherished dignity and labour. To this end, she opined that there is a need to use religious gatherings to educate people on the need to always do the right things in society. Expressing her delight over the Ministry's vision and theme of the year tagged: "Arise and Build", the Vice Chancellor said; "when we talk about people arising and building, it involves every one o

In a recent announcement, NAPPS Cross River State addressed concerns raised by some members, refuting claims related to election guidelines, delegate composition, campaigning allegations, and more. The association urges members to remain focused, emphasizing support for a successful transition on February 5, 2024. Excerpts below as signed by 15 persons composing of the State Exco, Zonal Heads, Chapter Chairmen etc: After careful reflection, consultation, and deliberations, we the State Executive Council, Zonal Heads, Chapter Chairmen, and Critical  Stakeholders of NAPPS Cross River State, we wish to clear the air on certain misgivings by some persons in the Association under the appellation of NAPPS Stakeholders in Cross River State and we write to refute their positions as thus: 1. Their position on Article 80 sub-section 3 of the NAPPS constitution is that election guidelines be released 60 days before an election. Indeed, the petitioners do not know the constitution they quoted as t

The Cross River State Government has announced Saturday, January 27, 2024, between the hours of 7 am and 10 am as a day for environmental sanitation exercises across the state. The release signed by the Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi stipulates that movement of people and vehicles during the period shall be restricted except for those on essential duties.  He urged business owners and residents to partake in the cleaning and evacuation of waste around their surroundings during the hours of sanitation.  The release noted that defaulters shall be charged and tried by Cross River State Mobile Court.  Remember, a clean environment is everyone's business, together let's keep Cross River State Clean, green and serene.

The Cross River State Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Patriot (Dr.) Okweche, Dominic Odey paid a courtesy visit on Dr. George O'ben Etchi,  Chairman, Forestry Commission in the State on January, 18th 2024.  The State Commandant told the Chairman that his visit was to congratulate him on his well deserved appointment which he said is a perfect sort for by the Governor to revamp the Commission that has almost gone moribund. Dr. Okweche said the Chairman have been a friend of the Corps and had championed several activities in favour of the organization over the years. Such genuine gesture, the Commandant said is rare and worth commending.  Dr. Okweche further informed the Chairman of the readiness of the  Corps to function optimally in areas deemed fit by the Commission.  Responding, the Commission's Chairman, Dr. George O'ben Etchi appreciated the Commandant and his team for being dutiful as seen in their proactive activities across the State over time. He said the Offi

....KNOCKS BAYELSA STATE GOVERNMENT OVER COMMENTS ON PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE CONTRACT The National Probity and Value for Nation Building Organisation has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the renewal of the Pipeline Surveillance Contract of TANTITA Security Company, the group through its spokesperson appraised the work done so far in the fight against crude oil theft in the last one year. With excitement the spokesperson for the group lauded the arrest of the vessel MT KALI and its crew by TANTITA Security Company owned by High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at the Pennington Oil Field in Bayelsa State,  the group noted that the vessel MT KALI had made Pennington Oil Field in Bayelsa State its choice destination for stealing crude oil as evidence will show before its ill fated journey this time, at the time of the arrest, it noted that the MT KALI had stolen about 200000 thousand litres of crude

The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Alumni Association has appealed to staff to continue to dailogue with management rather than taking to the street to protest over unpaid salaries and other entitlements. It would be recalled that yesterday, staff of the university took to the street to protest the non-payment of salaries and other entitlements due them.  Reacting to the development, the alumni in a statement by its National President, Dr. Inyali Peter, said that since assuming office, he has engaged top government officials including the Governor, the management as well as some union leaders with a view to finding solutions to the issues threatening industrial disharmony in the institution. Inyali said that he is very much aware of some of the issues that led to the protest but appealed that the solution to the issues is not in protest but dailogue. According to him, "ours is to appeal to our wonderful staff to sheath their swords and continue to dailogue with managem

Senator representing Cross River Central in the National Assembly, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, yesterday, called for collaboration with security agencies in the state to tackle insecurity in Central Senatorial District of Cross River State.  This was made known during a courtesy visit to some heads of key security agencies in Cross River State.  The courtesy visit which began with a warm reception at the office of the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, was followed by a visit to the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River State  Command and the final leg was a visit to the Director of the DSS Cross River State Command Throughout each visit, the Senator expressed gratitude to the heads of the respective agencies for their dedication and efforts in ensuring the safety and security of the community, especially during the festive season. He emphasized the need to do more to tackle the recent issues of kidnapping in some communities in Ikom Loca

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi has approved the extension of the appointment of the institution's Director of Audit, Mr. Nicholas Agbo. A letter signed by the University Registrar, Mr Gabriel Egbe indicates that the extension which is for one year is to take effect from 12th January 2024 to 11th January 2025. Mr. Agbo's extension of appointment, according to the letter, is given, following his satisfactory performance as the Director of Audit and the need for him to be on the ground to complete the ongoing personnel audit ordered by the Federal Ministry of Education. The Vice-Chancellor, as contained in the letter, charged Mr Agbor to continue to discharge his duties credibly by bringing his wealth of experience to bear in any duty assigned to him as director.

  Many Nigerians on social media have condemned the suspension of the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Minister Dr Betta Edu and called for reinstatement.  These groups of Nigerians made the calls on their Twitter handles stating that the evidence showed that Dr. Betta got the approval of the 3 billion for national register verification, and her suspension was unjust and should be reversed. She did not do anything wrong by doing what she got approval from the President.  Ochinanwata D 1st in his tweet noted that " I wonder why people are silent on this issue. It has been alleged that FG approved all that stuff. So why the silence from APC, PDP, and LP supporters? When Betta Edu said she was innocent many people did not believe her".  Also Premier in his tweet " I sincerely think Betta Edu should be returned as Minister. The suspension is pointless now that we know that she got approval from Gbajabiamila and an extension of the presidency. It will be unfair to her to

Following the announcement made by Etinyin Etim Okon Edet, Chairman Cross River State Traditional Ruler's Council of Chiefs dated 13th January 2024 declaring one Elder, Augustine Ekpe Itita as the Village Head of Abiati Community in Ojuk South of Akamkpa Local Government Area in Cross River State, Abiati village Council under the leadership of Ntufam Dominic Effiong Bassey, acting village head of Abiati Community hereby inform the general public that Ntufam Dominic Effiong Bassey remains, the substantial acting village head of Abiati community. Judicial notice should be taken about the following ; 1. High Court Judgment delivered by His Lordship, Hon. Justice Emilia Ibok on the 26th of July, 2018 in favour of Ntufam Dominic Effiong Bassey and others. 2. Ruling delivered by His Lordship, Hon. Justice Edem Ita Koofreh on the 19th day of September 2021 placing an interlocutory injunction retraining Etinyin Etim Okon Edet, Chairman Cross River State Traditional Ruler's Council of C

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has reiterated his commitment to ensure the safety of Cross Riverians and residents in the State.  Describing security as a panacea for socio-economic growth and development of any society, the governor maintained that his administration will continue to work closely with security agencies in order to ensure effective policing of the state. The governor  made this known at a dinner organized in honour of outgoing service Commanders in the state.  " today's occasion is to honour gentlemen that have served this state meritoriously. It is a big pride to wear the colours of our military. Once you accept to do so, you  put your life in  constant danger. Today, the gentlemen we are honoring,  have  continuously put lives in great danger over the years to ensure that Cross Riverians and residents have a good sleep.  "I want to openly apologize to them and say that I am sorry for the disturbance by way of late night calls, meetings and so

... _SAYS THE PEOPLE'S MANDATE  CANNOT BE STOLEN EVEN IN THE COURTS_ The Member Representing Boki II State Constituency and Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly, *Rt. Hon. Hilary Ekpang Bisong JP*,  has said that courts are not places where the people's mandate can be stolen.  The highest ranking Member in the State's Assembly stated this shortly after the Supreme Court affirmed the election victory of *Prince Bassey Edet Otu* and Rt. Hon. *Peter Odey* as Governor and Deputy Governor of Cross River State.  Describing the ruling as "Just and Fair", Rt Honorable Hilary said that Cross Riverians duly elected the APC ticket in the last elections and so, such mandate cannot be stolen through the back door.  Senator Sandy Onor of the People's Democratic Party PDP had, in succession of litigations, vehemently contested the elections which was noted to be credible.  In an accelerated judgement at the Supreme Court, the appeal brought by Sandy Onor of

Dear Governor Bassey Otu, I trust this message finds you in good health. On this joyous occasion, I extend my sincere congratulations on the recent Supreme Court victory that upholds your election as the Governor of Cross River State. This resounding decision is a testament to the strength of our democratic principles and, more importantly, reflects the unwavering trust and confidence the people have placed in your capable hands. Your dedicated service to the people of Cross River has undoubtedly contributed to this well-deserved triumph. As we celebrate this victory, I am optimistic that our continued collaboration will yield even greater achievements for the development and prosperity of our beloved state. May your leadership be marked by enduring peace, progress, and the fulfillment of the aspirations of the people. Once again, congratulations on this significant legal victory, and I wish you continued success as you steer Cross River State toward a brighter future. Warm regards, Rt

The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Alumni Association today the 12th day of January, 2024 inaugurated members of her Board of Trustees (BoT) to serve the next four years tenure. The occasion which took place at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Center Calabar was well attended by members of the National Executive Council (NEC ), Stakeholders and members of the Association.  In his opening remarks, the National President of the Association, Dr. Inyali Peter who attended the occassion virtually welcome all the attendees and newly appointed BoT members to the event. He noted that members of the BoT were carefully selected among more than twenty thousand members of the Association to help foster the peace and development of the Association. "This is not a money making venture but an opportunity to render service to the Association and humanity at large. "I charge you all to always give us your maximum support, see how you can restore peace and unity among

  Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has extended his hearty congratulations to Governor Bassey Edet Otu on his resounding victory at the Supreme Court, solidifying his position as the duly elected Governor of Cross River State. The senator expresses profound joy as the highest court affirms the mandate bestowed upon Governor Otu by the people of the state. Ekpenyong commends the resilience and commitment of the legal team that navigated the intricate legal process, ensuring justice prevailed and the democratic will of the electorate was upheld. In the wake of this triumph, Governor Otu's leadership is poised for continued success in steering Cross River State toward prosperity. The Supreme Court verdict not only reinforces the legitimacy of Governor Otu's mandate but also serves as a testament to the enduring strength of democratic institutions. Senator Ekpenyong concludes his message

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Alumni Association in her meeting held on 10th January 2024 approved the appointment of members into the Board of Trustees (BOT) and Advisory Council of the Association. In a release signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Association Dr (Mrs) Peace Egbai had Dr. Ukam I. Ngwu, Esq. as BoT Chairman and  Dr. Paultu Taiwo as Secretary. Others are: Engr. Richard Ekpenyong, Comrade Ijoh Emmanuel, Dr. Victor Ndifon, Comrade Nicholas Egere, Comrade Samuel Odey, Comrade Angela Oko, Dr. Moses Edim, Comrade Udeme Obo and Comrade Iloke Egbe as members of the BoT. The BoT is expected to serve as the true conscience of the Association by offering advisory on policy matters and intervene or mediate in all conflicts within the Association in line with Article 16 of the Association’s Constitution, 2023. Also announced were appointments into the Advisory Council of the Association with Comr. Charles In

The University of Cross River State (Unicross) Alumni Association has commended Governor Bassey Otu for the payment of one month subvention to the University for the payment of November 2023 salary to staff. The association in a statement by its National President, Dr. Inyali Peter,  the association said that having interacted with key government officials, it is confident that the state government is working to expedite action to clear the outstanding three months salary arrears of staff. The statement which noted that the association has no doubt of the commitment of the Governor Otu's led administration to reposition the University for greatness also lauded the Governor for his open-door policy which culminated in his recent meeting with members of the Academic Staff University of Universities (ASUU), Unicross chapter to discuss issues affecting the University. The Alumni maintained that the meeting with the union was timely and necessary to enhance industrial harmony in the ins

Abiati family heads and King-makers in Abiati Community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross State, have officially debunked claims by one Elder Agustine Ekpe of being the village head. Elder Brian Effiong a member of the Abiati traditional council while speaking to our Correspondent over the weekend in Abiati Community, said in 2017, the traditional stool of the village head of the Abiati Community was vacant owing to the demise of Ntufam Pius Itita.  According to him, in 2018, the Akamkpa Traditional Ruler's Council issued a letter of Authority to Act to the then-Deputy village Head Ntufam Dominic E. Bassey who was to act as the Acting Village Head of Abiati Community".  "He added that this did not go down well with the Eldest son of Late Ntufam Pius Itita, Elder Augustine Ekpe who wants to succeed his late father by all means. Also speaking, Mr. Agbor Effiong of kakor family  faulted Elder Augustine who has been parading himself and telling people to address him as

BUILD THE YOUTHS!!!!! BUILD THE NATION!  Dear Youths of Cross River State and comrades,  I  am Comrade Ushie Bathlomew Orlando, a bonafide of Bekwarra Local Government Area and a committed son to the ideals of Cross River State.  I have had ample opportunities to serve the chapter and state in the following respective capacities; Secretary NYCN-Bekwarra chapter, Chairman of NYCN-Bekwarra, Secretary of NYCN Chairmen forum,  Chairman of Chairmen NYCN-CRS and  presently, the caucus secretary NYCN-CRS North.  I have also headed several committees as chairman and secretary at the State level. the knowledge they say is a continuous process and I know that haven't led in previous capacities, I have the prerequisite knowledge, wisdom, and wherewithal to be your servant leader.  lessons have been learned from the previous offices held, knowledge and exposures gained and the task before us can only be an additional gain for us all as youths of Cross River State.  Our engagement with the Gove

Hails EFCC Over Probe  A member of the House of Representatives, representing Ideato North/South federal constituency, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, has said that the refusal of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to compromise on her principles has helped in exposing the alleged N44 billion fraud at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). Recall that on Tuesday, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) flooded the Maitama office of NSIPA shortly after reports of the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and National Coordinator of the agency, Halima Shehu, over alleged financial malfeasance. The EFCC is currently investigating ₦44billion allegedly moved from NSIPA’s accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to persons suspected as fronts. Ugochinyere, in a statement, hailed the anti-graft agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the culprits were caught, tasking the EFCC to ensure t

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation notes with dismay, on a memo from the Ministry to the Accountant-General of the Federation approving for payment, of the sum of N585,189,500.00 Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups for four states, which is currently being circulated in the social media. It is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear the Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu, and stain her integrity  following the Federal Government ongoing 44.8 Billion Fraud in NSIPA. These elements have been trying to link her to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure. However, this latest vile effort of theirs is another infantile blackmail doomed for evisceration.  For the avoidance, the said N585,198,500.00 was approved, and it is meant for the implementation of Grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states. We must, however, note that GVG was first launche

The deplorable condition of roads in Lebang-Lokpoi is very pitiable. Besides the bad roads, no electricity other facilities such as health centers do not exist at all.  Many lives have been lost because of the state of our roads.  The people of Lebang-Lokpoi live in penury, they need an improved life and they are crying out for help from the governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.  The bad condition of the roads in these communities has made the people not to be able to transport their businesses to the Mkpani community due to the deplorable condition. The Chairman of Cyclist who narrated the situation, said that both the Cross River State Government and the Niger- Delta Development Commission, NDDC, have abandoned his people to their fate. Interestingly, Lebang/Lokpoi can supply timber and sand to Cross Riverians to build their houses.  Daniel lamented the condition of the roads, saying the people are going through a lot of hardship. According to him, the road has completely collapse