An Open Letter to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,  On the Recent Federal Cabinet Reshuffle and the Status of Cross River State in the Federal Administration

Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF)

An Open Letter to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,
On the Recent Federal Cabinet Reshuffle and the Status of Cross River State in the Federal Administration

October 27, 2024

His Excellency,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Your Excellency,

The Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF), representing the interests of Cross River State, extends warm regards to you and expresses our profound appreciation for your administration’s achievements within its first year. We recognize the strides you have made towards strengthening Nigeria’s economy and promoting inclusive development across the nation.

Under your leadership, we have witnessed a historic doubling of aggregate government revenues to over 9.1 trillion Naira and a significant reduction in the portion of revenue spent on debt service, from 97% to 68%. Additionally, the clearance of $5 billion in outstanding foreign exchange obligations has provided the much-needed relief for businesses and the economy. These efforts, among others, have laid a foundation of stability and growth for our country.

We also commend the resurgence of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with production increasing to 1.61 million barrels per day, as well as the signing of two Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) deals worth over half a billion dollars, underscoring your administration’s commitment to fostering a robust investment climate. Your launch of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative is another milestone, which we believe will pave the way for a more sustainable energy future.

Moreover, your signing of the National Minimum Wage law, raising the minimum wage to N70,000 per month, has been met with relief by Nigerian workers, especially during these challenging economic times. We applaud your administration’s support for youth through initiatives such as the Student Loan program, the establishment of the Credit Corporation, and the removal of tariffs on essential imports. These reforms reflect your dedication to the well-being of all Nigerians.

While we deeply appreciate these positive changes, we feel it is important to bring to your attention concerns regarding the recent cabinet reshuffle and its implications for Cross River State’s representation at the federal level. Our state, initially represented by Dr. Betta Edu in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Senator John Owan-Enoh in the Ministry of Sports Development, now has a single representative, Senator John Owan-Enoh, who has been re-assigned as Minister of State in the Ministry of Trade and Investment (Industry). This adjustment, though positive in some sense, has caused concern among our people, as it tends to reduce Cross River’s influence within the federal administration.

Cross River was until the recent victory of our great party in Edo State, the sole APC state in the South-South geopolitical zone, standing firmly by the party amid a complex political landscape and our Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has been consistent, clear and unambiguous in his vociferous support for the party, quietly midwifing her victories in Imo and Edo states as chairman of their campaign councils. Given this loyalty and our unflinching support for your administration, we humbly appeal for a reconsideration that would provide Cross River with another ministerial role to ensure our state’s concerns are adequately represented in the federal cabinet.

Further, Your Excellency, as you consider upcoming federal appointments, we request that Cross River citizens be given key opportunities in federal boards, commissions, parastatals, and ambassadorial roles. This enhanced representation would not only be a testament to your administration’s inclusive approach but also boost the morale and support of the Cross River people.

We also respectfully urge that attention be directed toward completing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a project with transformative potential for Cross River’s economy and regional integration. We are confident that this and other infrastructure projects will stand as enduring legacies of your tenure in our state.

In closing, we once again express our gratitude for your remarkable leadership. The people of Cross River State, through the CRSCF, appeal for fair and strengthened representation within your administration. We are confident in your dedication to a united Nigeria and remain committed to supporting your vision for a prosperous nation.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this appeal. May your administration continue to thrive and bring lasting progress to all Nigerians.

Yours sincerely,

Signed:

Sir Maurice Effiwatt

Prof Emmanuel Eyo, Esq.

Apostle (Hon) James Anam

Ntufam (Hon) Victor Okon

Hon. (Mrs) Ada Charles Egwu

Hon. (Chief) Ani Esin

Hon Joseph Etene, Esq

Hon (Mrs) Abigail Duke  Orok

Barr. Bassey Mensah

Chief Felix Idem

Prince Edwin Okon

Ntufam (Hon) Okon Owuna

Hon Charles Atu

Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq – Chairman.

For and on behalf of the Cross River South Consultative Forum.