Paradise News

Category: Opinion

  • Press Release: Misleading, Deceitful And Fraudulent Agitation For Unceded Part Of The Erstwhile Bakassi: The Truth Perspective

    Press Release: Misleading, Deceitful And Fraudulent Agitation For Unceded Part Of The Erstwhile Bakassi: The Truth Perspective

    The attention of the peace and development loving Ikang Joint Assembly, Bakassi Local Government Area has been drawn to the selfish and greed-driven TVC interview granted by Barr. Okoi Obono Obla, TVC interview granted by Senator Florence Ita Giwa, petition requesting the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to delist Bakassi from the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria and their agitation for unceded part of the erstwhile Bakassi in Dayspring 1, 2 and Kwa Island under the name of “Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi”.

    The underlying upshot of this wicked agitation is perpetuation of underdevelopment and backwardness in Bakassi Local Government as presently constituted. This same people whose style of administration has always been, collection of Federal Allocation and sharing same in a Leader’s sitting room without consideration for infrastructural and human capital development have consistently defrauded Bakassi for many years without anything to show until now that Bakassi is greeted with practical and evidential development.

    Now development committed and determined administration is on the saddle to change such narratives that can best describe the agitators’ many years era as benighted. And because of that, Bakassi should be delisted from the Nigerian Constitution. Why? It is even more wicked that the front-liner in this agitation, Hon. Iyadim Amboni Iyadim who left office as Chairman of Bakassi less than 1 year ago, is now crying wolf.

    THE UNCEDED PART OF ERSTWHILE BAKASSI QUESTION
    Ine Inua Esighi which the agitators try to rename was captured in the Cross River State Edict No. 1 of 1996 and listed as the 8th Village under Esighi Clan in Akpabuyo Local Government. Even when Bakassi was created later in 1996, Ine Inua Esighi in the so-called Dayspring was still not under the former Bakassi Local Government Area.

    The people of Esighi till today, are collecting royalties for Dayspring with receipts to show and strengthen their position. We have gazetted maps showing names of the villages that belong to Esighi and Ikang clans before the arrival of the plunderers. What do they have to show that Dayspring, so called, is the unceded part of former Bakassi?

    The plan and design to forcefully and cunningly annex these islands that belong to the people of Esighi together with their call for relocation of a fully established Local Government Administration with a functional Local Government Secretariat to where their duplicity will continue thriving, is all the more very discomfiting. The huge benefit Bakassi Deep Sea Port Project is bringing to Bakassi, Cross River State and beyond does not sit well with them.

    PERTINENT QUESTIONS
    Without mincing words, Senator Florence Ita Giwa was a “particeps crimini” in all the events, talks and negotiations that culminated in the heartless ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon. And the questions are:
    Senator Florence Ita Giwa having been a law maker, Presidential Aid and many more in the Government that supervised the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon, why didn’t she achieve all her agitations when she had the chance to effortlessly get them all?

    Given all Senator Florence Ita Giwa’s various appointments and positions vis-à-vis her inclinations as an activist and Dayspring pressure group leader, how many people did she empower to build even one house in Atabong in justification of their agitation for a place of their own as displaced people who left their homes in Cameroon?

    At what point did these places she is strongly agitating for become unceded part as edict no 1 of 1996 has never mentioned Dayspring or any island to be a village under any place other than Ine Inua Esighi in Esighi clan?

    Calling the Federal Government to delist or delete Bakassi from the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria by these set of selfish antagonists, reminds us of Solomon’s judgment that revealed the true  owner of the child that two mothers claimed, 1 Kings 3:16-28.

    It was in an attempt to maintain its structure as a sovereign nation that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) decided to assist these strangers to return and join real indigenous people of Bakassi who are now busy developing their Local Government and are being applauded for it. Cross River State Government even decided to make them comfortable by maintaining the name Bakassi in the adjustment of the boundaries between Akpabuyo and former Bakassi through the Cross River State Law No. 7 of 2007. As such, the name Bakassi cannot be delisted from the constitution as it remains part and parcel of Cross River State, having been a duly and validly passed law of Cross River State.

    We wish to restate that Dayspring 1, 2 and Kwa Island were never part of the erstwhile Bakassi Peninsula and/or part of the defunct Bakassi communities now under the jurisdiction of the Cameroon Republic by virtue of the ICJ judgment of 2002. These Islands can therefore not be said to be unceded parts of the former Bakassi Local Government. Even when the Supreme Court Judgment made it clear that there was no unceded part of Bakassi as it was ceded in its ENTIRETY, these dare devil liars keep taunting and pushing their deceitful narrative that Dayspring 1, 2 and Kwa Island are their unceded part of the erstwhile Bakassi.

    These people are dangerously steep in lies. This is how they flew the kite and propaganda that the Governor had given them Dayspring 1, 2 and Kwa Island for their Local Government and that Ikang people must move to Akpabuyo where they belong and leave them alone. On the basis of this cheap propaganda, they filed strangers to impersonate landlords of the Deep Sea Port Project and collected royalties during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port in Esighi.

    During an interface with the Governor, His Excellency made it categorically clear that Bakassi is one, that is, one indivisible people. But the impersonators keep undermining the policies of Government just because their selfish interest is not fertilized.

    The Green Tree Agreement gave them the option of staying in Cameroon or coming to Nigeria. So, if they want to go back to their ancestral communities now in Cameroon, they don’t need to ask for delisting of Bakassi from the 744 Local Government Areas in Nigeria. We are comfortable with the authentic Bakassi indigenes now in power and clearing the underdevelopment mess they piled up for many years.

    Greed, duplicity and loss of power to share Bakassi Local Government allocation meant for meaningful development is eating them up.

      

  • Setting The Record Straight: NDDC Christmas Bonus Controversy

    Setting The Record Straight: NDDC Christmas Bonus Controversy

    Our attention has been drawn to deliberate attempts to divert public scrutiny from the real issue surrounding the ₦100 million Christmas Bonus fund meant for 50 groups in Cross River State. Rather than addressing the fundamental question—where is the money?—certain individuals and media actors have resorted to attacking the person of Rt. Hon. Otuekong Orok Otu Duke, the Cross River State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    For clarity:

    The Real Issue is the ₦100 Million Fund, Not Personality Politics

    The funds in question were allocated by NDDC for youths and women across the three senatorial districts of Cross River State. However, instead of allowing due process through the state representative’s office, the Senator representing the Southern Senatorial District, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, allegedly hijacked the process and took control of the funds. This is a matter of public concern, and no amount of media diversion can erase the fact that Cross Riverians are still waiting for transparency regarding the ₦100 million.

    The Fake Beneficiary List: A Smokescreen to Misdirect the Public

    After sustained pressure from the media demanding accountability, a list surfaced, purportedly showing groups handpicked by Orok Duke to receive the funds. This list is false. Rt. Hon. Orok Duke has openly challenged its publishers to provide verifiable details, including the account numbers and contact details of the supposed beneficiaries. Until this is done, the list remains a deliberate act of misinformation.

    Denial of Interviews is a Common Political Tactic—The Focus Must Remain on Accountability

    Recent efforts by certain journalists to discredit Orok Duke’s reputation over a past interview are nothing but a calculated distraction from the real issue. This is a non sequitur.

    The same journalists pushing this agenda are aware that politicians routinely deny interviews or public statements when it suits their political survival. Even Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong himself, while serving as Commissioner for Finance in 2018, publicly denied his gubernatorial ambition within 24 hours of making a clear statement on record. This is a failed attempt to divert attention from the missing ₦100 million?

    Cross Riverians Must Not Be Distracted—Demand Accountability!

    The people of Cross River State deserve to know the whereabouts of the ₦100 million meant for youths and women across all three senatorial districts. Those responsible for disbursing the funds should present verifiable records rather than sponsoring personal attacks against the NDDC state representative.

    Rt. Hon. Orok Duke remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the equitable distribution of resources meant for the development of Cross River State. He will not be intimidated by smear campaigns aimed at shielding those who have questions to answer.

    Cross Riverians, stay focused—demand accountability!

    Signed

    Cross River Rep NDDC Media Team

  • Illegal Mining in Cross River State: A Call to Action – Okoi Obono Obla

    Illegal Mining in Cross River State: A Call to Action – Okoi Obono Obla

    The unabated influx of illegal miners and their cohorts from the Sahelian region into Cross River State’s Yakurr Local Government Area is disconcerting. Despite efforts to draw attention to this issue over the past three months, the problem persists. These foreign nationals, aided by Nigerian collaborators, have settled in towns like Ugep, Ekori, and Nko, receiving accommodations and hospitality that enable them to blend in and evade authorities.

    The sheer scale of this operation suggests collusion between traditional institutions, local communities, and external forces. It’s implausible that individuals from Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Chad could traverse thousands of kilometers, navigating Nigeria’s rugged terrain without internal assistance.

    The Nigerian Immigration Service and security agencies must take decisive action. Powerful illegal syndicates, backed by foreign interests, have infiltrated Cross River State, exploiting its resources and engaging in money laundering, human trafficking, and potentially terrorist financing. These crimes are inextricably linked, destabilizing communities and undermining national security.

    Read Also: Reps dismiss reports on demand of N480m to approve varsities’ 2025 budgets

    The Cross River State contingents to the National Assembly have been conspicuous in their absence, despite mining, immigration, and security falling within their legislative purview. As national parliamentarians, they should be at the forefront of addressing this crisis.

    I urge the Government of Cross River State to declare a state of emergency and take proactive measures to engage national authorities. The problem of illegal mining has also been reported in Biase and Obanliku Local Government Areas, with reports of heavy illegal gold mining activity as far back as 2023.

    As for why the Government of Cross River State must declare an emergency on the issue:

    1. Magnitude of the problem: The write-up suggests that the issue of illegal mining is widespread and has been ongoing for some time, with reports of heavy activity in multiple local government areas.

    2. Security implications: The presence of illegal miners and their cohorts from the Sahelian region raises concerns about national security, particularly with regards to terrorism and banditry.

    3. Environmental degradation: Illegal mining activities can have devastating environmental consequences, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation.

    4. Economic losses: The state is likely losing significant revenue due to the illegal mining activities, which could be better harnessed for development purposes.

    5. Need for coordinated response: Declaring an emergency would enable the state government to mobilize resources, coordinate responses, and take decisive action to address the issue.

    By declaring an emergency, the Government of Cross River State can demonstrate its commitment to addressing the issue of illegal mining and ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of its citizens.

    The government must warn traditional rulers in affected areas to cease collaborating with these illegal miners and criminal syndicates, lest they face legal consequences.

  • APC CRS Congratulates Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong On His Recognition As Young Global Leader By THISDAY Award

    APC CRS Congratulates Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong On His Recognition As Young Global Leader By THISDAY Award

    The State Chairman Alphonsus Ogar Eba Esq JP and the entire State Executive Committee Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Cross River State joyfully celebrates you, Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, on your remarkable achievement in being honored with the prestigious Thisday Award for Young Global Leader at the event held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, on January 27, 2025.

    Your outstanding accomplishments first as the former Commissioner for Finance, Cross River State and now as a Senator representing the good people of Cross River Southern Senatorial district, have continued to set the benchmarks for excellence, effective leadership and service.

    This award serves as a recognition not just of your potential but of the milestones you have already achieved in governance and public life.

    We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and we are confident that this award will further inspire you to continue striving for excellence in service to our party, state and nation.

    As a party, we appreciate your loyalty and collaboration with our dear leader, His Excellency,  Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

    We urge you to see this award as a call to stay humble and loyal to the party and it’s leadership; committed, honest and dedicated to your constituents, above all, to remain fully focused on your duties as a legislator so that at the end of your first term, you should have earned the confidence of party and it’s leadership to seek re election back to the National Assembly.

    We use this medium to further pray for God’s protection over you as well as your growth and prosperity even as we encourage you to continue to close ranks with the leadership of our great party in all you do.

    Congratulations once again Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.

    SIGNED

    Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang JP
    Publicity Secretary
    All Progressives Congress
    Cross River State

    28th January, 2025.

  • Press Release: My Position on the Fake List of NDDC Christmas Bonus Beneficiaries

    Press Release: My Position on the Fake List of NDDC Christmas Bonus Beneficiaries

    My attention has been drawn to a list making the rounds, purportedly showing beneficiaries I allegedly shortlisted for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Christmas Bonus for groups in Cross River State. I want to categorically state that the list is false and did not originate from me or my office.

    The Commission had earmarked ₦100 million for distribution to 50 groups in Cross River State, with each group expected to receive N2 million. Unfortunately, this project was hijacked by the Senator representing the Southern Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who took control of the funds without consulting me as the state representative. For the records, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong is currently keeping the N100 million released by the NDDC for youths and women across the three senatorial zones of Cross River State.

    I want to emphasize that the list being circulated is fake, and I strongly urge those responsible to desist from such political manipulation. For transparency, I challenge the publishers of the list to make public the details of the 50 groups that were supposed to benefit from the project. These details should include the group names, account numbers, phone numbers, and the names of beneficiaries.

    It is disheartening that instead of focusing on the legislative duties he was elected to perform, the Senator has chosen to interfere in my role as the state representative of the NDDC. While he has the constitutional duty to provide oversight on the Commission, that responsibility extends across nine states, not just Cross River. He should use his position to secure benefits for Cross Riverians from across the Niger Delta region, rather than scrambling for what has already been allocated to the state.

    This fund was meant to benefit 50 groups across all three senatorial districts of Cross River State, and it was to come through my office for proper coordination. It is not a Southern Senatorial District project; it is for the entire state.

    I also want to clarify that while two of the groups on the list being circulated are affiliated with a cultural organization I coordinate, I did not submit their names, nor did I authorize the publication of that list. Whoever released it should also provide the full details of the 50 groups that were supposed to benefit.

    I urge all political actors to refrain from politicizing this issue and focus on working together for the good of our people, our party, and our state. Our collective goal should be to empower Cross Riverians and ensure the fair distribution of benefits that rightfully belong to them.

    This is my official position on the matter.

    Signed,
    Rt. Hon. Otuekong Orok Otu Duke
    Cross River State Representative, NDDC

  • The Politics of Yakurr: A Shift in Loyalty and Leadership

    The Politics of Yakurr: A Shift in Loyalty and Leadership

     

    By Enang Eja

    The unfolding dynamics in Yakurr’s politics bring to mind the tale “How the Cookie Crumbles,” a childhood story my father often narrated. This story perfectly mirrors the sudden shift within Yakurr’s political landscape, recently highlighted by an alleged meeting of loyal supporters of John Owan-Enoh with Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Hon. Cyril Omini, and Hon. Yibala Igiri Inyang. The meeting, allegedly held at Augustine Omini Iwara’s hotel in Ugep, sought to shape a new political direction for 2025.

    However, the question lingers: is this realignment against the political interests of Governor Bassey Edet Otu?

    A Facebook post caught my attention recently, with a few people expressing support for Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Hon. Cyril James Omini, and Hon. Yibala Igiri Inyang, the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council. While this display of loyalty was intriguing, it also highlighted the fervent but sometimes misplaced devotion of political supporters in our clime.

    But what drives this sudden outpouring of allegiance?

    Hon. Inyang, elected less than three months ago, is already being mentioned alongside Senator Eteng, a political figure since 2011. Senator Eteng’s journey began in the Cross River State House of Assembly, where he was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015. By 2019, he had become Speaker of the House, a position he held until 2023. However, his tenure was marked by a lack of notable achievements.

    In 2023, he ascended to the Senate, thanks to imposed politics rather than widespread public endorsement. Sadly, his time in the Senate has been underwhelming, with no significant results to show. One wonders if Senator Eteng has appreciated those who worked tirelessly for his election or if this is another case of self-serving politics.

    Hon. Inyang should tread carefully. My advice to him is to avoid aligning with individuals whose actions may embroil him in unnecessary disputes. Failure to do so could tarnish his reputation and leave him vulnerable to political fallout.

    Hon. Cyril Omini’s actions over the past 17 months have revealed a leader whose priorities are one-sided. By aligning with Senator Eteng, despite his underperformance and lack of gratitude towards the people of Yakurr, Hon. Omini has made his stance clear. His decision demonstrates poor judgment and disregard for the constituency’s expectations.

    The Yakurr 1 State Constituency, however, remains a closely-knit community. It is only a matter of time before the people make their voices heard. Representatives who show arrogance and a lack of accountability will ultimately face the consequences of their decisions. For Hon. Omini, the choices made today will undoubtedly shape his political future tomorrow.

    Enang Eja writes from Yakurr.

  • My Only Word For Peter Obi – Anambra Anglican Bishop, Ibezim

    My Only Word For Peter Obi – Anambra Anglican Bishop, Ibezim

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anglican Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of the Awka Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Ibezim, has reminded Mr. Peter Obi that, given his position and his principles, he would continue to face opposition from various quarters. However, the Cleric assured him  in what he called his “only word for him”  of his unwavering support, stating that while he might not physically fight for him, he remains on his knees in prayer, asking God to protect Obi and accomplish His divine plans for him. He called on others to join in these prayers, noting that when God keeps Mr. Obi safe, both the common man and the institutions of the state are assured of safety.

    The Archbishop made the statement during the presentation of a cheque for ₦30 million to him at Paul University, Awka, on Saturday to support the continued improvement of the institution’s facilities.

    Describing Mr. Peter Obi as a lover of Nigeria and a champion of the masses, the Archbishop said that the history of the revival of education in Anambra State would be incomplete without recognising Obi’s contributions as Governor and his continued support thereafter.

    He further informed Obi that the Paul University had recently been granted a licence to offer Nursing programmes and expressed confidence that, given Obi’s passion for Nursing Education, he would extend his support to the new programme.

    Read Also: Bakassi Deep Seaport Gradually Becoming a Reality – Edem Darlington

    Earlier, during the presentation of the cheque, Obi expressed his satisfaction with the progress being made at the university and commended the Archbishop for his outstanding work in transforming the institution. He explained that the cheque brought his total contribution to the university for 2024 to ₦50 million, noting that he had been unable to complete the donation within that year due to the unfortunate kidnapping of Archbishop Godwin Okpala (Rtd). Obi further assured the institution of continued support in 2025.

    Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Paul University, expressed her delight at being part of the event, especially given her special relationship with the institution. Playfully addressing Obi, she said, “As an institution that trained some of your aides, including Valentine Obienyem, I think you should show a little bias for this university over others.” She emphasised the importance of Obi’s partnership, particularly with their new Nursing Programme.

    After the cheque presentation, Archbishop Ibezim took Obi on a tour of some of the ongoing projects at the university and appealed to him to encourage his friends to also support the institution. He called on both the federal and state governments to assist Missionary institutions, noting that the students they train are all Nigerians contributing to national development.

    The Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Ven. Prof. Obiora Nwosu, expressed gratitude to Obi for his consistent support and encouraged him to feel at home whenever he visits the school. He assured him that the university would always welcome him warmly in the future.

  • Bakassi Deep Seaport Gradually Becoming a Reality – Edem Darlington

    Bakassi Deep Seaport Gradually Becoming a Reality – Edem Darlington

    The Bakassi Deep Seaport, a potentially viable economic fortune staring right at the faces of Cross Riverians, nay Nigerians is gradually becoming a reality. With the ongoing hydrographic, geotechnical, and geophysical survey, the dream of the coastal state, South – South Nigeria becoming a major maritime evacuation corridor is gradually unfolding.

    At a recent event at the Calabar jetty of the Nigerian Navy, the hydrographic, geotechnical, and geophysical survey for the Bakassi Deep Seaport was flagged off by the State governor, Sen. Bassey Otu. That important milestone signaled a critical and crucial phase of birthing the port.

    Over the next three months, huge Nigerian Navy vessels, will be stationed offshore, employing modern techniques to study the waters in order to ascertain that large vessels expected to dock at the port will not encounter any form of difficulties. A primary objective of the survey is to obtain data necessary for creating nautical charts, which show water depths, navigation channels and coastal structures, serving as essential tools for mariners. To make it even more simple, let us do an elementary analysis of what these processes involves.

    What is a Geophysical survey ?

    This is the study of the earth’s physical properties and environment using physics. Geophysicist, those vested with the knowledge of the study, use a variety of methods to collect and analyze data, gaining insights to understand the earth’s subsurface.

    What is Geotechnical survey?

    This is the study of how soil and rock behave in engineered systems. As a branch of civil engineering, it applies the principles of soil and rock mechanics to address engineering challenges. They play a key role in industries like oil and gas, mineral extraction, and geothermal energy

    What is Hydrography?

    It is the science that measures and describes the physical features of bodies of water and the land areas adjacent to those bodies of water. Surveying with multibeam echo sounders is the primary method of obtaining hydrographic data.

    The Cross River State government have received commendations for engaging the services of the Nigerian Navy to carry out this important process. Apart from the fact that it is economically prudent, the Nigerian Navy boasts of very competent personnel who have successfully carried out similar projects in other countries.

    Why is the Bakassi Deep Seaport important to the Nigerian Maritime and the Oil and Gas sector?

    For several years, Nigeria, despite being the largest oil-producing nation in Africa and the 16th largest in the world continues to bunker oil vessels outside the shores of the country. Bakassi Deep Seaport will put an end to that, with an impressive depth of about 17ft below the seas, it’ll be the deepest Seaport in the country with modern facilities that will encourage easy and seamless maritime activities at the port.

    It is believed that the completion of the different surveys will allow for effective commencement of the actual physical construction.

    One we can pray that the good policies and programs of the governor receives the blessings and cooperation of the federal government so as to bring the Bakassi Deep Seaport to a reality for the general good of the people.

    Edem Darlington is the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State.

  • RE: Protest At PHEDC Headquarters, Calabar

    RE: Protest At PHEDC Headquarters, Calabar

    Good morning my dear youths and stakeholders of The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

    Information reaching us that some youths under the auspices of the youths umbrella body the NYCN-CRS code named “Young people from the 18 Local Government Areas of CRS” gathered at the headquarters of PHEDC on a protest for insufficient power distribution in the state yesterday the 16th day of January, 2025.

    The Information further states that the youths cut, across the 18 LGA and a picture painted erroneously in semblance of our Esteemed Organization.

    We wish to state categorically the following positions as follows:

    a. The protest was carried out by unknown persons to NYCN-CRS Chapter.

    b. The council never authorized any of her member either at the state level or LGA Chapter to lead or carry out any protest connected to the above subject matter.

    That as UMBRELLA youth body in Nigeria and CRS, the Council MUST at all times be DULY informed before any attempt to infiltrate, mobilize and lead young people within our jurisdiction to any engagement to avoid possible hijack by miscreants.

    c. The council therefore distance herself from whatever act that was led by the group using the code name ” Young people across the 18 L.G.A”

    C. We at the NYCN, DO NOT argue with the fact that PHEDC and other relevant agencies may need to ups their game in attending to the unending energy demands of the people and this they MUST do with URGENCY and COMMITMENT.

    The Leadership of the NYCN at this time,  believe in “DIALOGUE OVER PROTEST” as a means of settling dispute, reason for our constant state wide tour, advancing the importance of Dialogue.

    Sign: comrade Melchizedek David PRO NYCN CRS

  • We are here to complement and augment the efforts of the very capable Governor in CRS, NDDC rep replies critics

    We are here to complement and augment the efforts of the very capable Governor in CRS, NDDC rep replies critics

    The Commissioner representing Cross River State in the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Honourable Orok Duke, has countered criticisms that trail the distribution of rice given to the state by the Commission.

    Replying to a Facebook post made by one Kalita Igbe Aruku, the Commissioner stressed that NDDC as an interventionist agency serves to complement the effort of the state government.

    Below are screenshot of Kalita Igbe Aruku’s Facebook post and the Commissioner’s reply:

    @Kalita Aruku

    What is really the intention of this post?
    “My people perish due to lack of knowledge”

    If there are issues, the author should bring them up and I would gladly respond to all of them, accordingly.

    We don’t do innuendoes, at all.

    Federal Govt sent rice to every state during the Yuletide season
    NDDC sent rice to the 9 states within its jurisdiction, the consignment for CRS arrived late and I insisted that the gifts should go around accordingly

    Is that a crime?

    Rights are different from privileges.

    NDDC is not in contention or competition with anybody, we are there to complement and augment the efforts of the very capable Governor in place, in CRS.

    Whoever does not see the solar street lights, the hundreds of refuse bins, the hundreds of roads ongoing and even the ongoing major road in Etung, that the Hon Minister participated in flagging off the other week.

    A hunter would always feel aggrieved and angry at a tree that prevented it from killing an animal during a hunt.

    Governor Otu will complete his 8 years in Office neatly and effectively and we would be there to continue to give him and his Govt the requisite covering fire.

    Take that to the bank, please.

    Attacking NDDC projects and programmes would not help the Author or tamper with the hands of Providence.

    Otuekong Orok Otu Duke
    Commissioner/CRS Representative,
    NDDC