Detailing News

  The administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu is under scrutiny as it faces legal charges for allegedly breaching a contract with Henss Asset Company Nigeria Limited regarding the renovation and remodeling of the Cross River State Library Complex in Calabar. According to documents obtained by our reporter, the Cross River State Government awarded a contract worth N670,424,703.35 to Henss Asset Company Nigeria Limited for the renovation and remodeling of the dilapidated library complex situated behind Millennium Park. The payment structure included a 30% mobilization fee, a 50% interim payment upon project execution, and a 15% completion fee. Henss Asset Company commenced work on the project in December 2023. However, in February 2024, the government paid only N164 million out of the N201 million mobilization fee, citing a tax deduction of N36 million. The project faced further delays due to late and insufficient payments from the state government, leading to a dispute over the a...

Governor Bassey Otu has lauded Hon. Orok Otu Duke, the Cross River State representative at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for his proactive measures in improving waste management across the state. Duke's recent efforts have resulted in the provision of additional refuse bins, a move that has been met with widespread approval. These new bins bring the total number distributed across the state to 10, marking a notable step forward in the state’s waste disposal capabilities. Governor Otu emphasized the importance of this initiative in tackling the growing waste management challenges in Cross River State. He pointed out that proper waste disposal is crucial not only for maintaining cleanliness but also for safeguarding public health and the environment. The governor stressed that Duke's efforts reflect a deep understanding of the state's needs and a commitment to addressing them effectively. The governor also highlighted the broader impact of Duke’s contribution...

  The Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Jones Williams, in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Health, recently concluded a Free Medical Outreach program that has significantly impacted the lives of over 10,000 individuals. This comprehensive initiative provided free medical treatment, including 235 surgeries and deworming for 1,028 children, across the six Local Government Areas in the district. The outreach, described as a crucial intervention for the most vulnerable members of the community, comes at a time when the Senator continues to champion the cause for accessible and functional tertiary health institutions. Many beneficiaries, who otherwise have limited access to quality healthcare, were given a new lease on life through this program. As preparations are underway for the second phase of the outreach, Senator Williams invites constituents to share their suggestions and recommendations. This feedback will be instrumental in refining and...

  By Trinity Jesam  The Member Representing Yakurr II State Constituency at the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Mercy Akpama, Ph.D., has empowered 38 constituents with the necessary tools and funds to launch their businesses. The beneficiaries received POS machines, startup capital of ₦100,000 each, and essential business equipment, marking a significant stride towards fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship in the constituency. The empowerment program was part of the "Purpose Summit," organized in collaboration with Interweave Solutions International (USA). The event, held at Precious Stone Nko in Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State, focused on capacity building and the promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) among residents. Speaking to journalists, Hon. Mercy Akpama emphasized that the initiative was in fulfillment of her campaign promises to the Yakurr II State Constituency.  "This training and empowerment program is my way of givi...

  A prominent legal figure, Mba Ukweni (SAN), has called on Cross River Governor Prince Bassey Otu to heed the recommendations of the State Solicitor General regarding the ongoing dispute over the Cocoa Estate in Etung local government area. Ukweni made the appeal during an interview with journalists at the Magistrate Court on Moore Road, Calabar, on Wednesday. Ukweni emphasized that the Solicitor General had previously alerted the governor to conflicts of interest involving certain individuals related to the estate. "The current Solicitor General has informed the governor that these individuals have interests conflicting with those of the state," Ukweni stated. His comments come amid the ongoing trial of Mr. Oscar Ofuka, former Special Adviser to former Governor Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development. Ukweni claimed that Ofuka's trial, which is centered on allegations of murder linked to the Cocoa Estate, was orchestrated by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony O...

  By Kingsley Agim The Nigeria Customs Service, Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command has sought for deepened collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council for effective security information management towards the overall safety of the country's borders. The Customs Area Controller of the Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, Comptroller Chukwudi Gabriel Ogbonna.  made the call, recently, when he received a delegation from the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, on a courtesy visit at the Command headquarters in Calabar. Comptroller Ogbonna, who was later represented on the visit by his Deputy Comptroller - Revenue, E. A. Okon, described journalists as "critical stakeholders in the security of Nigeria and her citizens," hence the need for synergy. "Your coming here is a display of your Union's commitment to the security of the nation. We will continue to collaborate w...

  The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Cross River State, Ededem Ani Esq, opened a five-day specialized training program yesterday the 5th Day of August 2024 at Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC). The training focuses on commercial negotiations, legislative drafting, litigation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) skills. This initiative in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), aims to enhance the professional capabilities of lawyers in the state. In his opening remarks, Ani emphasized the importance of continuous capacity-building for lawyers, urging them to take full advantage of the training to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.  He expressed gratitude to Governor Prince Edet Otu for his support in making the training possible. During an interview with journalists, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Peter Bassey, stated the necessity of ongoing lega...