Paradise News

Category: Opinion

  • Yala Group raises alarm over nomination of Political Neophyte, threatens protest
    Our attention has been drawn to the recent unconventional and absurd nomination of Mrs Beatrice Igwe, Former Bursar of UNICAL, by some unscrupulous political elements from Yala, with the ulterior motive to drain the state coffers, through the Ministry of Finance. 
    From our investigation, we discovered, to our utter dismay, that the nomination of Mrs Beatrice Igwe, which is borne out of an evil motive, is a clandestine move by this self-acclaim cabals who have concluded plans to take hold of His Excellency, Senator Prince Otu’s government since the Ministry of Finance is the life wire of any government. Their ploy is to plant her in the Ministry of Finance, to drain the state’s resources. 
    This clandestine move must be resisted at all costs for the following reasons:
    1. The said nominee, Mrs Beatrice Igwe has no political locus to take up such an appointment in the state. A trace of her political antecedents leaves no credence to prove her feats as a politician that merit this position.  In a clime such as Yala, where we have political gladiators who understand the nitty-gritty of politics, we cannot allow such political greenhorns to occupy such positions and decide for us.
    2. Mrs Beatrice Igwe, who was the Former Bursar of the University of Calabar, has a pending case of fraud to answer with EFCC. We cannot allow such a fraudulent character, with questionable social status, to represent Yala. Yala is too advanced and ethically clean to be soiled by such a character. Besides, His Excellency, Senator Prince Otu, has been known as a man of integrity, honesty and noble character. He should not allow someone with a questionable character into his cabinet, especially the exalted position of Commissioner of Finance, which her cohorts are pushing for. 
     We call on the relevant authority to investigate this unholy act and ensure all the culprits face the music. It must be made unequivocally clear that political positions, if they must serve the interest of the masses, should be earned; Cross River will become an El-dorado if we follow due process of ensuring that people of worthy character, are elected and appointed into positions of authority. 
    In light of the above, we want to appeal to the leadership of the party, the Cross River State House of Assembly, the law enforcement agencies, Yala Political leaders and His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, to take necessary measures to ensure the needful is done. 
    As responsible citizens, we are poised to explore every legal means to ensure that the right thing is done. However, we are ready to take to the street in peaceful protest, if nothing is done urgently.
    God bless Yala Nation!
    God bless Cross River State!!
    God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!  
    Signed:
    Comr. Philip Oko, 
    Leader, 
    Yala Political Concern Group

  • ‘Merchant of Lies at it Again’, Akpanke Carpets Orim over NASS Constituency Projects,
     
    The attention of Chief Hon. Peter Akpanke Media Team has been drawn to the falsehoods and half-truths that were sold by Hon. Martin Orim when Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo took his “Thank You” visit to Bekwarra LGA. Though George Orwell’s assertion that “in the time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act”, would have advised us to ignore a well-known merchant of lies, it is important to set the records straight.
    In doing so, we begin by asking Orim to learn to speak with facts if he wants to be taken seriously. It’s not enough to say that a certain representative told a certain contractor to advertise him as the facilitator of the solar lights that are to be installed in Bekwarra. We challenge him to attach names to these spurious fabrications. Having said this, let us educate him for free that government at all levels is a continuum and the office of the House of Representatives and that of a Local Government Councillor are completely different despite the fact that their occupants are both addressed as Honourable. His claim that it’s only at the state level that projects are inherited from a previous administration also shows his huge ignorance of the workings of other tiers and organs of government. He may wish to know that Rt. Hon. Idagbo had signed up the projects of Rt. Hon. Frank Adah in 2015. It goes without saying that the current members of the National Assembly will sign up the projects of their predecessors. The fact that the projects belong to the Constituency and not its individual representative should not be too difficult for him to understand. Our principal is liaising with the various agencies, departments and ministries in Abuja to ensure that all ongoing projects in our Federal Constituency are completed to specifications.
    Though Hon. Orim was a critical actor in the last administration in the state which did everything to institutionalise lying as a culture, he should realise that the current leaders are working hard to restore honour and dignity to public office. His tongue needs to be born again so that he doesn’t always remind us of that inglorious era in which truth became a rare commodity. Martin Orim should know that he can fool some of the people all the time and all of the people some of the time, but he cannot fool all of the people all of the time. The good deeds and work of charity of our principal which he is struggling to emulate will continue to speak for him. Unceasing attempts to demarket him will continue to produce the opposite effect as we all witnessed in his landslide victory in the last election. Chief Hon. Akpanke is God’s project and there is no need to waste one’s time to blackmail him.
    Hon. Orim also goofed when instead of apologising for the pain and anxiety he unleashed on our people during the last election, he chose to tell them how shocked he was and has indeed remained when the will of the electorates prevailed. Orim should realise that it’s expected of a democrat not to live in shock and bitterness of the result of a free, fair, transparent and credible election all the days of his life. The earlier he internalises Abraham Lincoln’s assertion that “Elections belong to the people and it’s their decision” to make, the better for him.
    Orim’s speech is a confirmation of the common saying that he is morally and emotionally unfit to lead a people in need of unity and development. We advise him to wake up from his wild dream that deceit and lies will take him to the National Assembly. Let him repent and draw closer to God who gives power to whoever He wills. Lies only expose his ineptitude and caprices.
    Anyone who is well-informed, acquainted and conversant with the present happenings in the  National Assembly and OBO in particular will know that Chief Hon. Peter Akpanke hit the ground running; he is doing everything to raise the standard of representation and we all need to give him the needed support. A member of parliament who within a month conducted  needs assessment,  visited all abandoned and ongoing projects in his Constituency and moved a motion that the Obudu Dam Resort should be resuscitated needs commendation, not blackmail. The restlessness with which he moves from agency to agency, from department to department and from ministry to ministry is a testament that OBO will soon wear a new face.
    We wish to appeal to the good people of OBO Federal Constituency to collectively join hands with our member of parliament in his determination to deliver the dividends of democracy.
    Signed
    Awade Friday
    SSA Media and Publicity to Hon Peter Akpanke.

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  • Your Political Silence is not going down well with us, citizens Query Akak

    Engr. Ben Akak
    CALABAR – According to an article published by Ekpenyong Isaiah fondly called Isababa, youths of Cross River state are concerned over what the theme the Political silence of Engr. Ben Akak, a philanthropist cum business tycoon. 
    According to Ekpenyong the young people are worried over the silence in the political camp of the Governorship aspirant in the recently concluded election in the state. 
    The article reads in full: 
    IS ENGR. BEN AKAK DEPLOYING STRATEGIC POLITICAL SILENCE ?
    This is the question I was confronted with recently by a Cross Riverian who wanted to know what is going on within the political circle of Engr. Ben Akak, the Chairman/CEO of Bengies Group of Companies/Ben Akak Foundation.
    The young Cross Riverian  had wanted to know because he is a political follower of the Otuekong Ukwa Eburutu and seems to be worried about the quietness in his political camp, after all the political sacrifices he made in the 2023 elections. 
    Though the semblance of quietness in the political camp of Engr. Ben Akak might be a wide held view by his supporters and others who are little far from him now that elections are over, the truth remains that Engr. Ben Akak has remained very active attaining to issues of great importance, most especially as it affects his promises to the people and his followers.
    One of those pertinent issues that attracted his attention recently  was the need to pay the allowances of traditional Chiefs and Pastors in the entire Ukwa Eburutu Community as promised by him which was recently paid through HRH, Etubom Effiong Udobong, the Etubom representing Ukwa Eburutu ancestral Clan in the Palace of the Obong of Calabar.
    Engr. Ben Akak is one leader that keeps to his promises whether in politics or outside politics. He is firmly committed to the unity and  growth of Cross River State under His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and to fulfiling all his promises to his ardent followers no matter the political torrent or wave. He is not known for noise making  and will surely prove his political capacity at due time. 
    Ekpenyong Isaiah-isababa
    Commander, Infantry Pen Battallion

  • Embracing Cycling Amidst Fuel Subsidy Removal

     By Sunday Omori
    Development Practitioner
    One cold morning, from my classroom window, I could see more than one thousand bicycles in the bicycle park at the Wageningen University premises. I began to wonder how the owners could easily locate their bicycles. It was my early days in the Netherlands a couple of years back as a master’s student. As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” I had no option but to start learning how to ride a bicycle because going to school daily by bus was telling on my finances. I summoned the courage to borrow a bicycle from a brother in Christ who happened to be a Nigerian resident in the Netherlands. Within one week of my efforts in learning, I began to hit the road. Many thanks to an evangelist who visited my hostel one bright Saturday to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He noticed I was struggling to maintain balance as I mounted the bicycle. He then approached me, gave me some tips, pushed the bicycle and off I went with utmost excitement. I was intentional about learning how to ride and was not discouraged by the injuries I sustained and the death I narrowly escaped as I was almost run over by a car on the road leading to my hostel.
    Cycling complements public transportation in the Netherlands as students, lecturers and other people from all spheres of life use bicycles to travel from one place to the other. In 2019, Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister, was spotted going to his office in the Hague, by bicycle. “I didn’t cycle a lot for 10 years. But for the past two years, I’ve had my bike again and, when the weather allows, I travel into the office that way,” he told the World Economic Forum.  
    In 2001, Chief Ojo Maduekwe of blessed memory who was the then Nigerian Transport Minister began to promote cycling as a partial solution to the growing gridlock that was crippling Nigeria’s economy. He was reported as one of the emerging Africa’s most vocal proponents of cycling. Late Maduekwe and his staff were regularly seen pedalling through the streets of Abuja en route to meetings, with their formal clothes and papers strapped to their rear carriers. Unfortunately, In June 2001, he was hit by a bus into a ditch while cycling to work. In 2013, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the then Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, called on the residents of the FCT to embrace the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation to improve their health and well-being (Premium Times – Online, 2013).
    On May 29 2023, a confirmation of fuel subsidy removal by President Tinubu threw Nigerians into another era of economic hardship as the cost of transportation increased tremendously translating to high cost of food and other commodities as well as increased cost of services. It is high time Nigerians began to rethink dependence on just cars, tricycles and motor bikes as mode of road transportation in rural, peri-urban and urban centers. Each time I travel through Akwa Ibom State, I am always excited to see women go by bicycle to markets and farms. Cycling is a key mode of transportation that Nigerians should begin to embrace. However, is the Nigerian government set to put in place the required infrastructure and enabling environment that would enhance the growth and sustainability of the bicycle mode of transportation? Will it really work for Nigeria as it is in The Netherlands and other developed countries? Let us look at how the bicycle mode of transportation works in the Netherlands.
    Amsterdam is well known as the bicycle capital of the world. This did not happen overnight because there was a time, in the 1950s and 60s, when cyclists were under severe threat of being expelled from Dutch cities by the growing number of cars. It took strong activism and other events for cyclists to gain grounds in Dutch cities. At the start of the 20th century, bikes far outnumbered cars in Dutch cities and the bicycle was considered a respectable mode of transport for men and women. However, at some point, the Dutch economy began to flourish and more people were able to buy cars and the use of bicycles began to drop year after year. In 1971, the death toll from traffic accidents increased dramatically which led to increased activism by Van Putten and other activists to ensure bicycle lanes and paths were constructed in Dutch cities. Following this activism, Dutch cities including Amsterdam, Utrecht and Groningen began to introduce measures for safer cycling. (The Guardian, May 2015)
    Currently, a report has it that The Netherlands is the number one country in the world when it comes to cycling. Her population of at least 17 million people shares 22.8 million bicycles. It is further reported that on short distances, and especially in the city, the bicycle constitutes a fully-fledged alternative to public transport and passenger cars. Bicycles fulfil more than one quarter of The Netherlands overall transport needs. The bicycle infrastructure is impressive with finely meshed network featuring 35,000 kilometres of bicycle tracks across the cities. (Government.nl, June 2023)
    Wikipedia reports that cycling is a common mode of transport in The Netherlands, with 36% of Dutch people listing the bicycle as their most frequent way of getting around on a typical day as opposed to the car (45%) and public transport (11%). Cycling has a modal share of 27% of all trips in the urban and rural centers nationwide. In cities this is even higher, such as Amsterdam which has 38%, and Zwolle 46%. The report further reveals that this high frequency of bicycle travel is enabled by excellent cycling infrastructure such as cycle paths, cycle tracks, protected intersections, ample bicycle parking and by making cycling routes shorter and more direct than car routes. In the countryside, a growing number of routes connect The Netherlands’ villages, towns and cities: some of these paths are part of the Dutch National Cycle Network, a network of routes for bicycle tourism which reaches all corners of the nation. (Wikipedia, June 2023)
    As the Nigerian government begins to deploy palliatives in the form of electric public buses and other vehicles that do not use the premium motor spirit, it is also important to think about putting systems and infrastructure in place to make cycling safer and to encourage cyclists in various localities. I recall vividly in Wageningen how motorists wait patiently for cyclists to cross the road unlike some drivers in Nigeria who do not understand what zebra crossings are meant for. Aside from complementing public transport, let’s examine other benefits of cycling.

     Health Benefits
    Medical experts reveal that cycling is one of the healthiest and low-impact forms of exercise because it causes less strain and injuries than most other workouts. Riding a bike burns calories, builds strength, defines shape and muscle tone, increases cardiovascular fitness, improves joint mobility, decreases stress levels, reduces anxiety and depression amongst others.
     Environmental Benefits
    Researchers have revealed that if everyone in the world who works less than five miles from home cycled instead of driving to work one day a week, it would reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by five million tons a year. That’s the equivalent of one million people getting rid of their cars. And it would save over 24 billion gallons of gas. According to a report, if you only rode your brand-new bicycle two miles a day for five days a week, you would be carbon neutral in less than a year. If you are riding a used rather than new bike, your carbon footprint drops even more, because you are reusing existing materials instead of generating more production emissions. The longer you use your bike, the better for the planet.  Aside from affecting the air, emissions or airborne-pollutants fall to the ground with precipitation, which pollutes our groundwater and our farmland too.
     
    Economic Benefits
    Like I narrated earlier, after buying a bicycle in Wageningen, my cost of transportation to school, church and market reduced drastically and I could graduate without financial and psychological stress. An average car owner or driver in Nigeria currently buys fuel (PMS) for an average of N500 which has skyrocketed weekly and monthly expenditure on transportation no matter the size of the vehicle tank.
    At this point, Nigerians need to manage fuel consumption and explore other modes of transportation that are cheaper, improve health and are friendly to the environment. Therefore, taking a walk once in a while or owning and using a bicycle cannot be overemphasized.

  • Obong of Calabar Congratulates Tinubu, Bassey Otu, and assures of Throne’s support and cooperation
    The Obong of Calabar and Grand Patriarch  of the Efik Eburutu Kingdom, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice Kashim Shettima, on their swearing-in and assumption of office as president and vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
    In the same vein, the Obong of Calabar on behalf of the Efik Kingdom also extended hearty congratulations to one of their sons  and now governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu on his swearing-in and assumption of office as the number one citizen of Cross River State.
    The Obong’s message  of congratulations was contained in a letter signed by the Chairman, Etuboms’ Traditional Council, HRH Etubom Bassey Duke, noting  that President Tinubu’s political trajectory since the return of  democracy in 1999, where he was elected governor of Lagos for a two-term of eight years, to his selection as leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country speaks volumes of his capacity and political experience. 
    The Efik Monarch, explained that Tinubu’s  achievements in Lagos “are well garnished with positivity, devoid of sectional interest, but geared towards national cohesion and unity,” describing such qualities as “necessities and requirements for the present Nigeria.”
    “It is on this premise that Nigerians, irrespective of geographical divide, gave you the overwhelming mandate on the 25th February, 2023, to preside over their affairs for the next four years, in order to reposition all facets of our national lives for the good and betterment of all and sundry.
    “The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V and Etubons’ Traditional Council, hereby, offer this message of congratulations to you and the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, on your assumption of office with prayer for God’s protection and guidance; and assurances of our utmost support and cooperation. Once again, Mr. President, congratulations,” the royal congratulatory message read.
    Conveying the Palace’s congratulations in a letter dated 30th May, 2023 and signed by the Chairman, Etuboms’ Traditional Council, HRH Etubom Bassey Duke, the monarch wrote: “It is the pleasure of The Obong of Calabar-in-Council to savour the grandeur of your being sworn-in as the Executive Governor of Cross River State on 29th May, 2023.
    Describing Otu’s political endeavours ranging from his eight years in the House of Representatives and later to the Nigerian Senate as “embellished with impactful contributions to the upliftment of human capacities of the society,” the throne further averred that, “Interestingly, these visionary pursuits by you have endeared you to the hearts of so many Cross Rivererians, who, on March 18, 2023, decided to give you their overwhelming mandate to govern the State with the hope that you would transform it for the good and betterment of all.”
    The reverred traditional stool also extended congratulatory greetings to the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, and prayed for the strength and divine direction to steer the State aright, assuring the administration of the Palace’s support and cooperation.
  • Youths’ Involvement In Politics (By Kolade Afeez Oladigbolu)

    Youths’ Involvement In Politics (By Kolade Afeez Oladigbolu)

    By Kolade Afeez Oladigbolu

    It is very unfortunate, that the youths of today have been given such a bad name when it is only a minority of people who are creating social disruption. Most youthful people are motivated and long to do well in everything they do. Which means they could be a very important aspect of all political activities.

    Nigerian youths have different perspectives and a host of different ideas. Allowing them to express their opinions is not only good for society, but paramount for a society that intends to grow bigger with every ramification.

    The importance of youth participation in formal political processes is not something to overlook at all if truly today’s youths are future leaders.

    For a political system to be representative, all parts of society must be included. When young people are disenfranchised or disengaged from political processes, a significant portion of the population has little or no voice or influence in decisions that affect group members’ lives. A key consequence is undermining the capacity of youths’ involvement in a political system and representation.

    To make a difference in the longer term, it is essential that young people are engaged in formal political processes and have a say in formulating today’s and tomorrow’s politics. Inclusive political participation is not only a fundamental political and democratic right but also is crucial to building stable and peaceful societies and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of younger generations. For young people to be adequately represented in political institutions, processes, decision-making, and in particular, elections, they must know their rights and be given the necessary knowledge and capacity to participate in a meaningful way at all levels.

    When there are obstacles to participating in formal, institutionalized political processes, young people can rapidly feel disempowered. Many tend to believe that their voices are not going to be heard or that they will not be taken seriously even if they are heard. The problem becomes circular as politicians may lose interest in responding to the aspirations of young people if they cannot win their votes. This in turn leads to young people being increasingly excluded from taking part in decision-making, or in debates about key socio-economic and political issues, despite their sensitivity to the demands for social equity and justice, environmental protection and cultural diversity.

    In new and emerging democracies, the inclusion of young people in formal political processes is mandatory.

    Young people’s active contributions can bring democratic values to life, leading to the overturning of authoritarian practices. In countries where young people have led protests that have forced authoritarian regimes out of power, they are likely to feel significant frustration if they are not included in new formal decision-making procedures. This can destabilize democratization and accelerate conflict dynamics.

    Government and other electoral stakeholders have a role to play in promoting young people’s participation in formal decision-making processes. For this role to be effective, it is necessary to understand the interconnected nature of the obstacles to participation.

  • APC Chieftain Rehabilitates Roads in Ogoja Communities
    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Cross River state, Ntufam (Dr) Peter Ojie, has commenced the rehabilitation of roads in Adagom and Odajie communities in Ogoja Local Government Area of the State.
     While flagging off the rehabilitation exercise recently the APC chieftain who is also the Senior Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the State Governor, Professor  
    Ben Ayade, said the gesture was aimed at mitigating commuting challenges facing the people, especially during the rains.
    According to Dr Ojie, “this project is in fulfilment of a personal promise and commitment to the people of these communities to repair their roads and thus alleviate their suffering.
    “Their plight was brought to my attention during the electioneering campaigns and I decided to tackle them with my personal funds instead of waiting for government”.Chief Ojei stated.

    He expressed optimism that when completed, the rehabilitated roads will ease difficulties faced by farmers and traders in evacuating their goods and farm produce to the markets.
    The rehabilitation work which commenced early this week will include the construction of a major drainage channel in Bansan community, Mbube to control perennial flooding in the area.

  • Tinkoriko supports Back to South as Politicians shop for votes amongst Nkoriko lovers

     

    By Able Winnard 

    CALABAR- Tinkoriko is a Calabar based socio-cultural and apolitical organisation recognised by the Federal Government of Nigeria, yesterday gathered prominent politicians in one of it’s major popular outings- the yearly new year day outings where youths from various backgrounds and colourations parade the streets of calabar in a Carnivalistic form singing and dancing to the popular agaba tunes. 

    For 2023, the sociocultural carnival took a different form as it’s organisers added a blend of politics to it theming it “Say No to Injustice, Back to South” in a bid to emphasise on the need of the gubernatorial seat to return to the Southern Senatorial District of the state. 

    This also signaled the large turnout as major political players especially those contesting for elective offices were on ground to join the parade with their supporters. 

    Prominent amongst the politicians  were a Federal Lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo who represents Akamkpa/Biase Federal constituency at the green chambers of the National Assembly who is currently seeking an elevation to the red chambers to represent their entire southern senatorial district. 

    Another big face on ground to celebrate Tinkoriko is a three term deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey who is also battling for the green chambers seat to unseat Apostle Essien Ayi. 

    Also in the midst is a first timer whom many have attributed his presence to merely political due to his family background. Many believe, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr., the immediate past commissioner for Finance who resigned to contest the senatorial seat to represent Cross River South in the red chambers isn’t not cut out for such street play as such his presence was mere political. 

    Crowd at the event 

    Addressing Journalist, Ekpenyong had said he was happy being part of the carnival, stating that groups like Nkoriko, have a way of uniting young people and imbibing positive influence on them. 

    “The thing about group and clubs is that they tend to hold each other so dearly, the positive influence tend to bring about  the positive aspect of other members which is why groups and numbers are important when it comes to the society.”

     He further explained that Nkoriko movement has impacted such on young people and today, it is moulding youth from the negative aspect of life to thinking about growth and development and about being fishers as suppose to give fish.

    For Daniel Asuquo, he said having been a regular supporter and sponsor of the Nkoriko movement, he feels at home been in the midst of the boys and young persons from the south.  And he totally supports the back to south agenda of Nkoriko, that despite being in Labour Party, he is supporting the candidacy of Sen. Prince Otu to ensure the south gets it. He said 2023 elections isn’t about party but the credibility of the persons involved. He used the opportunity to call on youths from Cross River South to support and give him their votes as he will be a loud voice for them in the red chambers just as he was for Akamkpa/Biase while in the green Chambers. 

    Joseph Bassey, known as Papa, said Nkoriko is one of the major unifying forces amongst young people in Calabar South as it creates a platform for friendship and togetherness. That this year’s celebration is unique as the entire calabar south youths are united with one voice to return governorship back to the south.

    The federal legislative hopeful who seeks to represent Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South in the Green Chambers called on youths to give him their mandate as he is ready to bring development to the area through legislative activities.  

    Addressing, journalist Orok Duke, one of the Organisers and major sponsor of the Nkoriko movement has said although the group is nonpartisan and apolitical, but as a sociocultural group whose mandate is to bring development to the land, they will vehemently support the restoration of power back to the South. 

    He said the group is none partisan thus the support and welcome giving to Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo who is of the labour party. He also informed that Asuqou has been a major so sponsor of the group’s activities.

    “You can see most of the major aspirants for Senate, House of Reps have identified with the drive to make a southerner the next governor of Cross River State. When the campaigns begin we’ll go to every nook and cranny of the south specifically to weep up that sentiment. Within the law we’ll do everything possible and probable.

    “We have 8-8-8 as formula. 8 for the south, 8 for the central and 8 for the north. We are suppose to start again. I don’t know what our ancestors will be saying if we let this opportunity slip pass us. Fortunately, it’s only one major party that has a candidate from the south, that’s APC. So we are totally supporting Prince Senator Bassey Edet Otu to be the next governor of Cross River State from the south,” he said.

    Similarly, President of the group, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, asserted that Tinkoriko is re-echoing the sentiment that is predominant in Cross River, especially in the southern part of the state, where the people sincerely desire Prince Bassey Otu as the next governor.

    “The central and the northern senatorial districts of Cross River State are aligning with the south to ensure that Prince Otu becomes the governor. We are talking about the ethical, ideological and political issues that have arisen. Common sense, ethnics, values, camaraderie, friendship should tell you let it go back to south. This is a simple thing. Supporting Prince Otu is the right thing to do,” he said.

  • Cross River North Fest: A Deliberate Action Plan For Tourism Development In Northern Cross River State By Governor Ben Ayade

     

    The Cross River North Fest may have come to an end, but its colourful memory will remain longer in the minds of the people, especially, in the Northern Cross River. 
    Since the development of Calabar Carnival, a street party displaying scintillating and sexy maidens clothed in elaborate and fanciful bands,  designed to showcase the hospitality of the Cross River State and its people, while attempting to display the socio-ethnocultural and economic development of the State.  This street party is the biggest in Africa, attracting millions of tourists far and wide. 
    The Calabar Carnival through a yearly program organized by the government had not had another competitive and appealing event that could also attract tourists, apart from the Yakurr International New Yam Festival. 
    The Yakurr International New Yam Festival is a traditional new yam celebration done to commemorate the God Almighty and the ancestors for a bountiful harvest and to offer prayers for many more bountiful harvests. This celebration was spiced up by Governor Donald Duke who gave the event a facelift to meet the standard needed to attract tourists to Ugep. 
    Apart from these two events, no other has met the potential to attract the attention of national or international tourists. Hence the idea to birth the Cross River North Fest. 
    The Cross River North Fest is the biggest socioeconomic and cultural celebration in Cross River North. It houses the 5 Local Government Councils of the Cross River Northern Senatorial District. Which comprises Bekwarra, Obanliku, Obudu, Ogoja, and Yala. 
    The Cross River North Fest was inaugurated in 2017 by Governor Ben Ayade towards promoting unity, commerce and trade cooperation, for economic growth and advantage amongst the 5 Local Government Councils. The uniqueness of these LGAs and the cultural semblance makes this event all too important for Governor Ben Ayade who has seen into the future. 
    The 2022 Cross River North Fest celebration came with a splendour never before seen or experienced. 
    It was well organized with different events and competitions that helped to entertain and promote the lifestyles of these LGAs to the outside world. It brought farmers and customers to a single market with different farm produce from the 5 Local Government Councils. 
    The 17th of December, 2022, is the grand finale of the Cross River North Fest. The Festival maidens are traditionally and culturally attired in colours representing each LGA. 
    Crisscrossing the event grounds up and down with their most uncommon sensual gait, showcasing their body refinement and curves, they wriggle their traditionally beaded waist with their nipples protruding out and nudging the linens on their chest to give way. Fine legs put forward, they catwalk round and about like the sunflowers of Nile Valley.
    The wrestlers are ready, the food-eating competitors are seated and waiting. The huge crowd is antsy and excited as the Digital Governor, Senator Ben Ayade waves from his stool. 
    From the distance not too far from the event ground, she stood with her majestic elegance. As the sun sets on the horizon its simmering rays cascade and cast it golden glow over her face. 
    The Ogoja Vitaminized Rice Mill stood there like a gigantic petrochemical company in the middle east, all round beautiful, producing one of Ogoja abundant agro produce from the Bansara alluvium plains. 
    As the engines hum inside, more and more bags of rice are produced. A stable but rare food in Nigeria. 
    As I look on back at the crowd at the event, it occurs to me Senator Ben Ayade, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, has delivered on his 2017 promise to Northern Cross River State. It occurred to me too, that, as these people go back to their local government, a new message is born. That the Ogoja Vitaminized Rice Mill is ready and functional. People would no longer take their paddy to Ebonyi and Benue States. 
    As 2023 elections draw near, the governor wants the people to judge him according to the projects he has attracted to Northern Senatorial Districts. 
    He has to his credit the Obudu German Hospital, Obudu International School, Obudu International Cargo Airport, Bekwarra Groundnut Oil Factory and many more.  
    The governor is now providing boreholes in hard to reach terrains, solar street light to community without national power grid. 
    In all, my honest opinion is that Governor Ben Ayade has done earnestly well for Northern Cross River. A little more than other senatorial districts. Therefore deserves a shot to be elected as the next senator of Cross River Northern Senatorial District. 
    By Chief Ifere Paul 
    SSA to His Excellency Governor Ben Ayade Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria.