Category: Opinion

  • Governor Ayade and Poor Local Government Management by Sunny Omagu Ogar



    By Sunny Omagu


    Quite a while now, Local Government workers have been complaining of non-payment of salaries and arrears despite the economic downturn in Nigeria. But yet, know of them have had their voice heard.

    Sunny Omagu, an activists who found the government in a state of explicit favoritism couldn’t bear it but to write with lofty tears as it drops through his pen.

    Sunny, in respite of the treatment given to both the state and local government, wrote:

    “Both in government affairs and family affair, when you treat one person better than the other, it is a clear indication that you love one more.

    “From all indications, governor Ayade have very little interest in anything about local government; council members unpaid salaries, but the state workers get paid, unpaid local government pension, no project proposal for local government areas and no plans yet for the coming local government elections.

    “In all states, the governor is responsible to treat all workers equal and all area equal.” He concluded.

  • The Problem with Cross River State: A must Read.

    By Inok Solomon

    Chinua Achebe in His book “The Problem with Nigeria,” stated that, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” He somehow blinded creative  thinking, but  challenged the young generations to not only jump into conclusions rather to xray His statement and build more reasoning for our time.

    Judge Troward, opened my thought line to xray if truly our problem is “squarely a failure of leadership.” Judge said,  “if we regard the fulfilment of our purpose as contingent upon any circumstance, past, present or future, we are not making use of first cause. We have descended to the level of secondary causation, which is the region of doubts, fears and limitations.”

    Then the words of my great Mentor, Robert Collier, further pushed questions into my head, He opiened that, “When you are in need and creditors are hounding you on every side, what they may do is not the important thing. They are mere secondary causes, the result of conditions or circumstances.” He advised, “You must get back to the first cause – SUPPLY.” And that first cause lies in the thought pattern,  just as the first cause of a house lies in the thought pattern of the architect.

    “There is nothing basically wrong with the (Cross River) character, yes! There is nothing wrong with (Cross River) land and climate or water or air or anything else, yes!” But Cross River problem is not the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility,  to challenge of personal example.”

    The problem with Cross River and indeed Nigeria is that, “We have been kept ignorant about the subject of money and how to make Money.”

    All we hear is, “Money is dirty.” “People with money are greedy.” Businessmen are crocks.” “The love of money is the root of all evil.”

    We are confused about money,  even those who have lots of it. Robert T. Kiyosaki sum it up by saying that the confusion about money causes the majority of our world’s problems.

    Look at it this way, most frightening and disheartening is that many of the people who handle large sums of money, bankers, stockbrokers,  administrators and politicians, are often the most confused,  yet pretend not to be.

    If you doubt this, just look at the fiscal condition of our banks, savings and loan associations, government and businesses.  It is hard to deny that where you find a lot of money you will also find a lot of confusion, greed, and unfortunately,  evil.

    Rev. Ike,  a Southern Baptist preacher says: “it is the lack of money that is the root of all evil.” The first lesson we need to learn is that money itself is not evil. It is simply a tool, just as a pen is a tool. You can use a pen to write a love letter and also use it to write a letter or a memo firing someone. The thing that makes the difference is not the object, but the motives of the person handling the money.

    I believe today, we have a leader, just as we have gotten leaders in the past. Their motives in using money take us forward or backward. Governor Ayade, our leader today, is putting so much in place to address the subject of money. That it is not how much money you have, but how well and productive you make the money be. It is no doubt therefore, that all His projects have common bearing, “teaching people about money and how to make Money.”

    Why does our educational system do such a poor job of teaching us about money? Why did our teachers resist teaching about it, and why are our children teachers still resisting?

    Why do people who should know better continue to support the old myths that there is something inherently dirty about money? Could it be that the people running the schools have never learned about it themselves? If that’s true, we desperately need to make some changes. Directly or indirectly,  our continued ignorance about money is causing long term damages to generations of people.
    The negatives critics  in the state, the rumour mongers, the failed politicians and all should understand that the principles of making money are surprisingly simple. You don’t have to be intelligent or well educated to be rich.

    Most of us know at least one wealthy person who is neither educated nor smart. Igbos in our communities are in large numbers. In fact,  judging by the number of poor people with Ph.Ds, higher education must actually be a hindrance to financial success.

    Governor Ayade is building a future Cross River, where people will know about money and how to make Money. TINAPA is all about spending money, but we must make money to spend money. The Garment Factory, Superhighway, Deep Seaport and others are all institutions of well designed lines to understanding money and how to control money.

    A state where no civil servant  salaries for a month, keep people  jabbing themselves, is proof of poor knowledge about money.

  • Governor Ayade and the New Payment Style of Appointees in Cross River State by Ifere Paul

    By Ifere Paul

    The Cross River State government has brought out a new style of payment to its numerous appointees.

    According to reliable information, the government is now giving its appointees a particular form to fill. Appointees are mandated to sign that they have been paid a certain amount which is what the revenue mobilization has authorized.

    Going by the over bloated appointments in the promise to expand his administration and job creation, Ben Ayade of Cross River State has so far appointed over 1000 people into his exco. Appointees were made to accept to sign an undertaking for a 50% cut in salaries.

    Some of the appointees who had collected their letters of appointment has since began collecting the other 50% of their salaries.

    However, following an EFCC discovery of financial misappropriation and a deficit of over 700 Million Naira in government account books, the Governor has issued another type of form to all appointees to sign. The form mandates the appointees to sign a certain amount of money they have never been paid since they resumed their new appointment.

    A little breakdown of the new swindling scheme is as follows:

    1. PAs that are paid 150 Thousand Naira are made to sign that they have been collecting 300 Thousand Naira.

    2. SAs that are paid 200 Thousand Naira are made to sign that they have been collecting 400 Thousand Naira.

    3. Commissioners that are paid 250 are made to sign that they have been collecting 500 Thousand Naira.

    4. Board Chairmen & Chairwomen that have been collecting 400-500 Thousand Naira are now made to sign that they have been collecting 800 Thousand Naira-I Million Naira.

    According to a confidante in the government house, this scheme has been going on secretly ever since the time EFCC started inviting members of the State Executives.

    It is however unclear what the government intends to achieve now since EFCC has already established that monies have been misappropriated and all records are right now undergoing a forensic study. Most family members of the Ayade family who are appointees have all signed the new form and are encouraging their close friends to comply with the governor unless they want to be sacked.

    This story has already been confirmed by appointees who have signed the forms and a lot others that refused signing. One appointee who took the form home, was encouraged by his father who is a lawyer and a lecturer in the University of Calabar not to sign such form. Describing it the highest scam of all times.

  • More Governor Ben Ayade’s Special Advisers gearing for Resignation

    It is no longer news that a renowned political chieftain in Cross River State Mr. Ray Ugba Morphy recently resigned his appointment as the Special Adviser, Strategy and National contact citing reasons such as helping to save cost for workers who are been owed salaries for almost 4 months and how he has received wages without receiving any mandate or assignment since his appointment or the government seeking his advice.

    #YouthDecide will like to sincerely commend Mr. Ray Ugba Morphy for been an honorable man as only someone with a high level of ethics would do such and for someone of his age and caliber it would be foolhardy to collect appointment for appointment sake according to him.

    It with this resolve that #YouthDecide has decided to take a closer look into the list of appointments in Cross River State as we have learnt from credible sources that some SAs are gearing up to resign soon. As we thank Governor Ben Ayade for been very generous with the appointments especially for the numerous young men and women who have been given the opportunity to serve, our investigations revealed that due to a lot of political pressure some appointments were given on sympathetic basis.

    There are some appointees who have been in government since 1999 (the Donald Duke era) and even Liyel Imoke era and most of them made up a 3rd list of political veterans who we feel are too old and should be retiring for their younger ones to take over.

    Yes, experience is always needed but better in advisory roles as the youth must always take charge inevitably even in a Nigeria where the old politicians have refused to retire.

    Some of these old politicians have collected appointments and are sitting in their lavish houses and traveling for holidays while collecting tax payers’ money in form of wages paid from Governor Ben Ayade government for doing nothing. This is quite unfair and unacceptable and just as the honorable Ray Ugba Morphy has done we suggest that they resign to save the state money in this hard times. They will be saving the Governor and the state a lot of money in these harsh times that government is struggling to pay salaries.

    These appointees have been in government for as long the before the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999 and in order to prove it, we invite you to look at the following appointees who are now colleagues with some people young enough to be their children. They are former Senators, House of Reps members, Chairmen of councils, two to three time Commissioners and Special Advisers in both former Governors Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke government. When will the youth ever have a chance to be represented in government and why will the Governor spend so much money when no work or value is been added. The list is not limited to the following persons listed below as they are more than this. Here we will just mention a few #NoOffence but based on our assessment of the people named below we beg them to take a bow and return to the elders forum for advisory roles.

    Sen. Florence Ita Giwa – Chairman Cross River Ports Authority

    John Eyikwaji – SA, Chieftaincy Affairs

    Hon. Eddy Ogon – SA, Mortgage finance and estate development.

    Hon. Tom Agi – SA, Tourism Development

    Chief Tony Undiandeye – SA, Public affairs

    Chief Peter Ojie – SA, Political Affairs

    Barr. Edet Okon Asim – SA, Forestry and Biodiversity

    Barr. Joe Edet – SA, Mineral Resources

    Hon. Emmanuel Ibeshi – CRS Envoy to ADB

    Hon. Gab Eddy – SA, Legislative matters

    Eja-Don Esege – Director, Urban Renewal Agency

    Barr. Joe Aggrey – Director, Urban Renewal Agency

    Chief Igbaji Monkom – Director, Audit and investigation bureau

    Mr. Goddy Iyala – SA, Insurance

    Mr. Eko Atu – ES, Cross River Port Authority

    Mr Mark Obi – SA Admin

    The salaries paid to all of you can be used for those who need it the most. Thank you for your consideration.

    #LetTheYouthDecide
    Source: www.facebook.com/lettheyouthdecide

  • Cross Riverians to reward Calabar No. 1 Traffic Warden, Join the Campaign #letusrewardNKANU

    Nkanu doing his job at Mary Slessor 

    The above picture shows a Traffic Warden working in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital. Most of us plying the major roads and streets in the city should know him as he anchors Calabar Road by Mary Slessor, Mary Slessor by Target, MCC by Mobil, etc.

    His dramatical energy on the job is awesome, ‘compelling’ traffic compliance among drivers on the streets of Calabar. He wows you with his steps, the endless hand flicks, even the thumbs up that he gives those who comply… He is a rare Traffic Warden just doing his job EXCEPTIONALLY.

    Read Also | Calabar No. 1 Traffic Warden Account Opened for Donations, Enter To Donate

    You might want to know his name, he’s called Nkanu Nna. Most preferably, Nna.

    Nkanu with Iwara hanging out 

    A concerned Cross Riverian,  Mr. Iwara U. Iwara who spent a couple of time with him, is seeking the People’s support to reward this gentleman who is loved by all.

    Mr. Iwara who took the campaign to his Facebook page wrote:

    “Spent the afternoon seeking out NKANU, NNA, the hardworking Calabar based Traffic Warden whose amazing on the job disposition should inspire us all. It is about time to join us and reward him. #letusrewardNKANU”

    Please, we see need in rewarding this fellow, and it’s time. Most of us may say, ‘he’s doing his job and being paid for it’. But, if you realise something, Nobody  Does It Better Like Nkanu!

    To join the campaign and place your Donations, please follow this link http://www.calabarreporters.com/2016/09/calabar-no-1-traffic-wardens-account.html

  • It is only an insensitive leader that adds to the suffering of her citizens – Odok

    By Emmanuel Odok

    The government of the day needs put a stop to the unlawful extortions, harrassment and intimidation that has been going on in the state, most especially in Calabar the state capital. What the “law enforcement agents” are doing is illegal and unacceptable.

    Considering the dwindling economy and the hardship it has brought upon the citizens, I feel the governor should not have allowed people to be extorting money from those trying to eke a living.

    Tke Road Safety, VIO, DOPT, WRONG PARKING for cars and Keke, etc enforcements are on the road, only to boost government treasury and their personal accounts to the detriment the “poor” citizens.

    I therefore call on the state government to look into all these illegal ways of generating revenue and ensure that these agents desist forthwith.

    A tourist destination and an investor friendly state as Cross River cannot afford to be characterized as such.

    God bless the governor, God bless Cross River State!
    God is watching!

  • 7 Most Critical Things Buhari’s Request for Emergency Powers should tackle

    Don’t you agree that the President should be granted the powers in view of the prevailing economic downturn? Well, let’s take a look at the critical thongs to be tackled below…

    1. MORE FUNDS FOR STATE GOVERNMENTS

    According to The Nation, the bill seeks to amend certain laws, such as the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act 2004.

    The UBE Act states in section 11, sub-section 2, that “for any State to qualify for the federal government block grant pursuant to sub-section (1) of this section, such State shall contribute not less than 50% of the total cost of projects as its commitment in the execution of the project”.

    With most states cash-strapped, the bill seeks to overrule this section, and allow states access about N58 billion “stuck” in UBEC’s coffers.

    If the bill sails through, interested states would have N58 billion to spend through this economic crisis.

    2. BOOSTING THE FOREIGN RESERVES

    Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves fell to an 11-year low on August 19, 2016, standing at $25.7billion.

    With such depleting reserves, following a plunge in crude oil prices, the government is seeking to get emergency powers to sell and/or lease government property to raise $50 billion to shove the reserves.

    3. STRENTHENING THE NAIRA

    With reserves in good shape, it would become immediately easier for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to defend the naira, and shore up its value in the face of dwindling oil prices.

    A vote for this bill by the national assembly, should lead to a stronger naira against the dollar, an end to forex scarcity, and some stimulation in the Nigerian economy.

    4. CREATING EMPLOYMENT

    According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics report for the past three quarters, at least 1.5 million Nigerians have become unemployed.

    The president and his team promised employment, and had not effectively delivered on that.

    However, with the new bill, funds will be allotted for many capital projects, which will in turn generate employment.

    With states having access to the UBE fund as stated in the bill, the school feeding programme of this administration may kick off and create employment in Nigeria’s vibrant informal sector.

    5. EASIER PROCUREMENT

    The Nigerian procurement act has been reported time and again as cumbersome, stalling the speed of implementation of government projects.

    This bill seeks to also “support stimulus spending on critical sectors of the economy; make orders to favour local contractors/suppliers in contract awards”.

    6. DUBAI-LIKE VISA PROCESS

    Nigeria is desperate for foreign investment; foreign portfolio investment had declined by 86 percent in the past year, while foreign direct investment had plummeted by over 50 percent.

    Osinbajo, who confirmed this at a presidential policy dialogue in Lagos, said the government was working on policies aimed at reducing fiscal and forex imbalances, boosting dollar liquidity, lending to the real sector, and increasing “FDIs and FPI by sustaining enabling policies”.

    The bill, according to reports, seeks “to embark on radical reforms in visa issuance at Nigeria’s consular offices and on arrival in the country”.

    This visa process, similar to that of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ghana’s newly-adopted system, is to ensure ease of movement by investors into Nigeria.

    7. BETTER EASE OF DOING BUSINESS INDICES

    Nigeria has lagged many developing countries on the ease of doing. The bottlenecks are enormous, the laws are strenuous, the tax policies are repetitive.

    The bill seeks to address some of these issues and improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

    Culled from Cable.

  • Dan Franklyn and others to get the Man who named his dog after Buhari released from prison

    Credit: Google.com

    Cross River State born and social Activist, Dan Franklyn is organising an arrays of legit bodies to help salvage the poor man who was charged to prison for naming his dog ‘Buhari’ in Abeokuta. 

    Dan who posted on his Facebook wall, said this: “We are never a tribal idiots. This is how far we are going on the man charged for naming a dog Buahri. Those of UA involved to get him released from Abeokuta prison are not from Igbo extraction, yet we are working for him without asking for a dime. Come September 19th, the next adjourned date we planned to storm the court for him.

    “I am trying to network with a number of lawyers to see if we can mobilise at least 100 lawyers as defence team for the man charged to court today in Abeokuta for allegedly naming his dog BUHARI. It’s a political trial and we should make the nonsensical case political. If that vexatious and embarrassing charge is not withdrawn before the next hearing, those of us who are supporters of this government would turn the case as a trial of the government.” Dan concluded. 

  • Hardship will increase corruption in Nigeria – Bishop Emmah Isong

    It’s quite obvious seeing the nation of Nigeria going down the tunnel this way, though, it might not affect some but to many they’re crying loud and you don’t need to be told.

    This has left BISHOP Emmah Isong, President of Christian Central Chapel International, with no option but to speak out his ordeals to general public saying;
    “The CURRENT hardship affecting a large section of the population in Nigeria has the capacity to increase the rate of corruption in the country as people become desperate to survive.

    Bishop Isong who made the disclosure on Sunday while speaking with mycrossriver.com reporter also stated that; “Those who ordinarily would have kept away from corruption, could out of desperation want to make ends meet and be forced to engage in corrupt practices just to survive.

    Looking at his statement, did the man of God hit the right spot in the normal sense? Please dear readers, we need your observations. Just leave it in the comment section below, thanks.

  • Governor Ayade speaks about the definition of the foundation of his administration

    The foundation of my administration is defined by normative framework and openness/transparency – Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade. 

    After being involved in numerous policies and signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that is gradually transforming the state from grass to grace, Ayade speaks out the secret of his growing administration. His words:

    “Also, in appreciation of the reality that the people, collectively, constitutes the power-source of authority, this administration is devoted to operate an all-involving governance/policy process to give the people a sense of participation and position democracy in its right perspective.

    “Consequently, this administration places very high premium on media, not just for publicity or hyping sake, but for meaningful and productive interactive engagements where ideas and observations could be harvested from the people for formative appraisals and improvement of all government policies concerning this administration.

    “We are devoted to uphold the classical tenets upon which democracy was founded. Chiefest amongst these tenets is that power belongs to the people and the people will, rightfully, maintain their power, if they are properly informed.

    “It should be known that the government was not created to become a monstrous Leviathan to oppress and intimidate, but to serve the people that created it. Therefore, it is the people’s right to access information from government, as it is obligatory on government to provide such.

    “I present myself as a humble servant with unflinching dedication to serve my people. Starving the people of information about the same government or authority they created is akin to deforming them which is abhorrent to the principles of democracy.” Ayade concluded.