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Faith, Leadership & Accountability: A Counter to Austin Ibok’s Criticism of Governor Bassey Otu

  By the Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) Austin Ibok’s recent article, “Faith as a Cover-Up: Unmasking Governance Failures in Cross River State,” paints a cynical and distorted picture of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration. Ibok accuses the governor of using religious programs to conceal alleged governance failures, but his arguments lack substance and betray a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the facts. A deeper analysis of Governor Otu’s leadership reveals not only a consistent record of faith-based values but also tangible achievements that refute Ibok’s baseless allegations.   Ibok’s assertion that Governor Otu’s religious initiatives are a recent ploy to distract from governance failures is unfounded. The governor’s pastoral background is well-known, as is his deep commitment to his faith long before assuming office. His wife, deeply rooted in religious values herself, has been a consistent pillar of this moral foundation. These attributes have shape...

Ibor Emerges as Director of Finance and Accounts at Progressive Institute

  Hon. Bassey Ina Ibor Ph.D. has been appointed as the Director of Finance and Accounts of The Progressive Institute (TPI), a policy think tank and intellectual resource center of the All Progressives Congress (APC).  He holds an impressive array of academic credentials, including a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Calabar, an M.Sc. in Banking and Finance, and an MBA.  His appointment follows his distinguished career in the financial services sector, where he has spent over 40 years specializing in accounting, audit, banking, and financial services marketing.  Dr. Ibor, a distinguished Nigerian financial expert, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, cementing his position as a key player in the advancement of the party’s objectives. His professional qualifications are equally extensive, with fellowship status in several renowned institutions such as the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and t...

NDDC’s Chief Orok Duke Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Violence Against Women, Girls

  Rt. Hon. Chief Orok Otu Duke, the Cross River State representative at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has reiterated the Commission’s unwavering commitment to ending all forms of violence against women and girls.  In a statement to mark the ongoing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Chief Duke emphasized that the NDDC operates on a strict policy of zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Duke expressed concern over the persistent threat of violence against women and girls in the Niger Delta region and beyond. He highlighted that the issue remains a major impediment to achieving gender equality, sustainable development, and peace. “As a Commission tasked with driving sustainable development in the Niger Delta, we recognize that no society can thrive when half of its population faces systemic discrimination and violence. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for women and girls, not only in our op...

Governor Otu Vows total Renovation of NYSC Orientation Camp in Cross River State

The Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, promised to change the face of the Orientation camp with total renovation project for the better of Corps members deployed to the State.  He made this promise during the swearing in ceremony of the 2024 Batch C stream 1 Corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Obubra Cross River State.  The Governor gave this cheering news through his Commissioner for youths Development, Barr Ijom Ukam who had earlier carried out a thorough camp inspection to access the extent of dilapidated nature of the camp facilities. He however charged the Corps members to carry out laudable community projects in the state that will stand them out for state and National honours award.  The Chief judge of Cross River State, Hon Justice Akoh Ikpeme who was represented by Hon Justice Eno Iyamba, Cross River state Judiciary,  administered the oath of Allegiance on the Corps members  Earlier in her opening address, the state Coor...

Knights of St. Mulumba Holds 45th Supreme Council Convention in Calabar

  The Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) Nigeria, a foremost Catholic Order, has commenced its 45th Supreme Council Convention in the serene city of Calabar.  Speaking during a press briefing today, the Worthy Supreme Knight, Sir. Dr. Charles Mbelede stated the significance of the event, which gathers leaders and members from across the country for deliberations on deepening Christian spirituality, fostering family values, and addressing pressing national issues. The convention, themed “Deepening Christian Spirituality and Family Values - Roles and Challenges,” is scheduled to feature a Concelebrated High Mass led by Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Calabar, followed by a formal opening ceremony.  Sir. Dr. Mbelede described the theme as "germane to our Christian faith," emphasizing the need for spiritual depth and family stability in navigating societal challenges. Sir. Dr. Mbelede celebrated KSM's 71-year legacy, noting its commitment to charity, faith defen...

FHSS Arthur Jarvis University Launches Rebranded Academic Journal: "Onion" Takes Center Stage

  The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State, marked a historic milestone on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, with the official unveiling of Onion: AJU Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies. The ceremony, held at the University High School Hall, brought together an impressive array of academics, political leaders, faculty members, and students from within and beyond Cross River State. The event was a platform to reflect on the Faculty’s accomplishments since its inception and chart a bold new direction. Described as one of the university's flagship programmes, the journal’s rebranding is seen as a significant step toward fostering scholarly dialogue and advancing multidisciplinary research. In his welcome address, Dr. David Egbe, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, emphasized the journal’s strategic intent.  He described Onion as a medium for embracing diverse research ideologies and a testament to...

Obol Applauds Senator Williams for Empowering 550 Constituents with Life-Changing Training, Grants

The former Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State on Haulage, Pastor Sampson Ijo Obol, has commended Senator Eteng Jonah Williams for his remarkable contributions to tackling unemployment and improving the livelihoods of constituents in the Central Senatorial District. In a recent interview with Detailing News on Monday, November 25, 2024, Obol noted the positive impact of Senator Williams' initiatives, particularly in human capacity development. He stated that Senator Williams had trained 200 constituents in livestock farming during a two-day seminar at the Gold Palm Hotel in Ikom on November 8th and 9th, 2024.  The training included practical support such as day-old chicks, starter packs, feeds, drinkers, and grants to enable participants to immediately start their poultry farms.  Pastor Obol expressed his admiration for the Senator’s foresight, saying, “A man that's focused on human capacity development is a man we will follow and support.” Furthering his su...