Paradise News

Tag: Ben Ayade

  • Empty treasury inheritance: C’River Commissioner distances self from media report

    Empty treasury inheritance: C’River Commissioner distances self from media report

    …Says I’ve lot of respect for ex-Gov Ayade

    By Anthony Uwadiegwu

    Cross River State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Edet, has debunked media reports credited to him alleging that the immediate past governor, Prof. Ben Ayade left an empty treasury and dilapidated infrastructure across the state.

    Hon. Edet dismissed the media reports while briefing journalists Friday, in Calabar, the State capital.

    Our reporter gathered that the Works and Infrastructure Commissioner had earlier in the week addressed journalists on the activities of his ministry and the ongoing road rehabilitation and constructions in Calabar, the state capital.

    He said: “There was no time in the course of my press briefing that I made reference to former Governor Ben Ayade or his administration.”

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    “I had made it clear to reporters that His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu was committed to giving the state capital a face-lift, despite paucity of funds, because Calabar remains the face of Cross River as well as Nigeria’s tourism hub,” the Commissioner added.

    Hon. Edet  also said he could not have spoken about the financial situation of the state “when I am neither the Commissioner for Finance, the Commissioner for Information nor the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.”

    “I must state very clearly that I have a lot of respect for the former governor, Prof. Ben Ayade who made me a commissioner during the final year of his administration. I still owe him a debt of gratitude,  even as he remains one of my benefactors.

    “The report was totally untrue and a deliberate act of mischief. For reiteration and for emphasis, I did not say what was wrongly imputed to me in the news report about the former governor and his administration. If anything, I was also part of that administration.

    “It is imperative, therefore, to clarify and state that at no point did I mention the former governor’s name or refer to the state’s treasury.

    “My remarks during the interview were strictly on matters pertaining to my ministry, where I revealed the dire financial challenges the ministry was facing, owing to the general economic crunch in the country.

    “As Commissioner for Works, I am not competent to speak on the financial status of the state or its treasury,” he further stated.

    Edet maintained that, “the attempt to tarnish the past administration of Governor Ben Ayade, under which I served as Commissioner, is ostensibly aimed at sowing a seed of discord between the former governor and his successor, Senator Bassey Otu.”

    “It is outright mischief and we condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms,” he remarked.

    While urging that the report be disregarded, Edet said he remains committed to assisting Governor Bassey Otu provide quality infrastructural development to the people of Cross River State.

  • Former Cross River Governor, Ben Ayade, losses younger sister

    Former Cross River Governor, Ben Ayade, losses younger sister

    By Kelvin Obambon 

    Former governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, has announced the demise of his younger sister, Mrs Ateb Janet Oniga.

    According to a statement signed by Prof. Ayade which was sighted by The Paradise News, Mrs Oniga died on Friday 24th November, 2023 after a brief illness.

    “Until her transition Janet was a God-fearing woman, a devout christian, a loving mother to her children, and a caring sister to her siblings.

    “She was exceptionally kind, vivacious, and engaging. The family and all those who knew her will surely miss her,” the statement reads in part.

     

  • Cross River: 39 New Commissioners, Their Portfolios And Contact Details

    By Frank Ulom

    Below are the 39 Commissioners appointed by Governor Ben Ayade and their portfolios and contact details.

    (1). Barr. Tanko Ashang, Attorney General and Commissioner For Justice

    (2). Hon. Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr., Commissioner For Finance
    Phone: 08039742021

    (3). Prof. John Inyang, Commissioner for Lands
    Phone: 08039860118
    Email: jesameasy2009@yahoo.com

    (4). Hon. Dan Osim-Asu, Commissioner for Works
    Phone: 080367449245
    Email: engrdaneosimasu@gmail

    (5). Dr. Godwin Amanke, Commissioner for Quality Education

    (6). Comrade Asu Okang, Commissioner for Information and Orientation
    Phone: 08035044102
    Email: sukanghart@yahoo.com

    (7). Hon Stella Oreme Odey, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs
    Phone: 08069219586
    Email: ngushu@yahoo.com

    (8). Hon Okon Owuna, Commissioner for Agriculture

    (9). Dr Betta Edu, Commissioner For Health

    (10) Hon. Rita Ayim, Commissioner for Women Affairs

    (11). Hon Eric Anderson, Commissioner For Culture and Tourism

    (12). Hon Mfon Bassey, Commissioner For Environment

    (13). Hon. Thomas Udam, Commissioner For Foreign Affairs (New Ministry)
    Phone: 08039109969

    (14). Prof. Alice Ekwu, Commissioner For Establishment and Payroll (New Ministry)
    Phone: 07034493343
    Email: ekwualice@yahoo.com

    (15). Hon. Francis Etta, Commissioner for Special Duties (New Ministry)
    Phone: 08108436025
    Email: ettahfranc@yahoo.com

    (16). Dr. Inyang Asibong, Commissioner for International Development Cooperation
    Phone: 08037150872
    Email: inyangasibong@yahoo.com

    (17). Hon Victor Agwu, Commissioner for Power
    Phone: 08058298163
    Email: vicegwu2004@yahoo.com

    (18). Dr. Jake Otu Enyia, Commissioner For Aviation (New Ministry)

    (19). Hon. Mike Usibe, Commissioner for New Cities Development

    (20). Barr. (Hon.) RoseMary Archibong, Commissioner of Commerce (New Ministry)
    Phone: 08033244694
    Email: rosemaryarchibong@yahoo.com

    (21). Hon. Peter Egba, Commissioner for Industry
    Phone: 08039575856
    Email: akampeter@yahoo.com

    (22). Hon Chris Njar, Commissioner for Social Housing
    Phone: 08037168329
    Email: cnjar2011@yahoo.com

    (23). Hon. Donatus Etim, Commissioner for Climate Change

    (24). Hon. Signor Omang Idiege, Commissioner for Youths and skills Acquisition

    (25). Hon. Ofu Aya, Commissioner for Sports and Cinematography (New Ministry)
    Phone: 08033788881
    Email: dr.aya.foundation@gmail.com

    (26). Barr. Joe Abang, Commissioner for ICT (Information, Communication and Technology)

    (27). Hon. Dr. Godwin (Goddy) Ettah, Commissioner for Water Resources
    Phone: 07089030455
    Email: ettah2000@yahoo.com

    (28). Hon. Saviour Nyong, Commissioner For Gas Development
    Phone: 08037321089
    Email: saviornyong@yahoo.com

    (29). Hon. Oliver Orok, Commission For SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
    Phone: 08063350686
    Email: orokoliva@gmail.com

    (30). Engr. Mike Eraye, Commissioner For Robotics & Artificial intelligence (New Ministry)
    Phone: 08036174101
    Email: raykor08@yahoo.com

    (31) Blessing Egbara, Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare (New Ministry)

    (32). Hon. George O’ben-Etchi, Commissioner for Solid Mineral
    Phone: 08038882128
    Email: george.etchi@gmail.com

    (33). Hon. Edem Okokon Effiom, Commissioner For Rural Transformation
    Phone: 08033185864
    Email: edemeffiom56@yahoo.com

    (34). Hon. Gabe Odu Orji, Commissioner for Infrastructure
    Phone: 08023390429
    Email: ojigab@yahoo.com

    (35). Prof. Anthony Eneji, Commissioner For Training and Doctoring
    Phone: 08060747554
    Email: aerinya@yahoo.com

    (36). Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua, Commissioner For Transportation

    (37). Hon. Itaya Asuquo Nyong, Commissioner for Petroleum Resources
    Phone: 08030621288
    Email: itayausus@yahoo.com

    (38). Hon. John Ulafor, Commissioner For Grants and Economic Empowerment (New Ministry)
    Phone: 08033710317
    Email: johnulafor@yahoo.com

  • CRSPHCDA Partners Positive Care And Development Foundation to Fight HIV/AIDS

    Dr Betta Edu (standing) addressing PACF IMPACT project meeting
    Charles Ekanem|14 June 2017 
    As part of effort to eliminate HIV infection among Nigerian Children and prevent positive mothers from transmitting the disease to their unborn babies, a stakeholders meeting was held at City Gate Hotels, Calabar with key stakeholders from various MDAs and Primary Health Care Staff selected from facilities where the PACF IMPACT project will be undertaken.
    Speaking, Dr  Betta Edu said elimination of HIV infections in Cross River State is one of the priorities of the State while advising them to also work closely with SMOH, SACA and other relevant NGOs on Prevention of Mother To Child Ttransmission of HIV in communities. She charged the Impact consortium to always share data and report gotten from their work with the state for records purpose and documentation.
    She noted that the project will  improve access to prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT), Ante Natal Care (as delivery kits will be provided in this facilities as incentives for mothers), increase access to family planning services and Comprehensive treatment/ support for HIV patient which will contribute to the elimination of new HIV infections in Cross River 
    The DG passionately spoke to the health workers, appealing to them to treat HIV patient with all dignity and give them support the need or they will run from health centers and resort to traditional medicine or TBAs which is dangerous. “no matter how much state government and partners invest in fight against HOV/AIDS if you don’t show them care and empathy, our investments will not produce results.
    Earlier Speaking, Project Coordinator, Mr Patrick Onen said the project is planned to reach not less than 48,803 direct beneficiaries comprising pregnant women living with HIV and other women of childbearing age including those living in rural, hard to reach LGAs and communities in Cross River State. 
    He further stated that Commodities such as contraceptives, female condoms, drugs, telephone for centers, delivery kits etc will be provided to supported facilities.
    Their package was unveiled by the Hon. Commissioner For Health Department Inyang Asibong who was represented by Dr Joseph Bassey the PS SMOH and supported by DG PHC, Dr Betta Edu and DG SACA Mrs Rosemary Iyambi
    Also Present at the meeting were Executive Director of Dreamboat Foundation, PHC Cordinators Heads of facility and a host of others.

    Charles Ekanem 
    Writes from Calabar 

  • When corruption becomes a necessity, Princewill Odidi, Int'l Dev't expert explains

    Mr Princewill Odidi
    Efio-Ita Nyok|6 June 2017 
    Princewill Odidi, international development economist, Monday, stated that when the basic earnings of an individual cannot take care of his elementary needs,at such a point corruption becomes inescapable NegroidHaven can report.  
    The Atlanta-based social entrepreneur who differentiated between ‘basic sustenance’ and ‘luxury’ observed that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, by reason of its organisational design encourages corruption. He thus stated that corruption isn’t intrinsic in the country but a category of human creation. 
    By sound economic policy and efficient administrative legal system according to Odidi said that corruption could be eliminated. 
    His words, ‘When a man’s basic wage is Not commensurate with his basic sustenance, NOT luxury, then you encourage corruption. At that point corruption becomes a necessity not a choice. 
    ‘The organization of the Nigerian state by design encourages corruption. It is not inborn neither is it in our DNA. Corruption is man made, it can also be eliminated based on sound economic policy and efficient administrative legal infrastructure’. 
    Odidi in essence highlighted two types of corruption, namely, that necessarily born out of the need for basic survival and corruption born out of greed. According to him, the former ‘should not be confused with corruption borne out of greed like the stealing and concealing of billions in holes and apartments’.
    What’s your take on Odidi’s submissions? I couldn’t agree less, what about you? 

    Efio-Ita Nyok
    Is a Blogger, the Editor & Publisher of NegroidHaven.org 

  • When corruption becomes a necessity, Princewill Odidi, Int'l Dev't expert explains

    Mr Princewill Odidi
    Efio-Ita Nyok|6 June 2017 
    Princewill Odidi, international development economist, Monday, stated that when the basic earnings of an individual cannot take care of his elementary needs,at such a point corruption becomes inescapable NegroidHaven can report.  
    The Atlanta-based social entrepreneur who differentiated between ‘basic sustenance’ and ‘luxury’ observed that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, by reason of its organisational design encourages corruption. He thus stated that corruption isn’t intrinsic in the country but a category of human creation. 
    By sound economic policy and efficient administrative legal system according to Odidi said that corruption could be eliminated. 
    His words, ‘When a man’s basic wage is Not commensurate with his basic sustenance, NOT luxury, then you encourage corruption. At that point corruption becomes a necessity not a choice. 
    ‘The organization of the Nigerian state by design encourages corruption. It is not inborn neither is it in our DNA. Corruption is man made, it can also be eliminated based on sound economic policy and efficient administrative legal infrastructure’. 
    Odidi in essence highlighted two types of corruption, namely, that necessarily born out of the need for basic survival and corruption born out of greed. According to him, the former ‘should not be confused with corruption borne out of greed like the stealing and concealing of billions in holes and apartments’.
    What’s your take on Odidi’s submissions? I couldn’t agree less, what about you? 

    Efio-Ita Nyok
    Is a Blogger, the Editor & Publisher of NegroidHaven.org 

  • 1 June Osinbajo C'River visit: Utum Eteng task 31 APC kingpins over Ayade 'stealing' the show

    Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River is alledged to highjack the 1st June Visit of Acting president Yemi Osinbajo
    Utum Eteng|4 June 2017 

    This is my passionate appeal to the following APC leaders to sit up in the overall interest of the party. Acting state Chairman John Ochala, Ntufam Hiliard Eta, His Excellency Chief Clement Ebri, Hon Minister Usani Uguru Usani, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba SAN, Chief Okoi Obla, Senator Bassey Otu, Senator John Owan Enor, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Mrs Mary Ekperi Eta, Chief Wabilly Nyiam, Chief Edem Duke, Chief Eno-Obong Umana, Martins Bissong, Elder David Okon, Chief Eyo Nsa, Chief Utum Eteng, Chief Francis Bullem, Chief Wilfred Inah, Chief Ogban Ebock, Ntufam Dr Peter Out, Ntufam Fidelis SankwalaUgbo, Ntufam Dr Sandy Onor, Alex Egbona PhD, Ntufam Dr Peter Oti, NDDC commissioner, Hon Paul Ada, Hon Venatius Ikem, Dr Ntete Duke, Elder David Okon, Rechard Ogbeche and all APC members recently given Federal board appointments etc.

    The reason for us to resign both our positions and membership of the APC is becos by our commissions and omissions we watched helplessly Ayade govt turning a scheduled rountine interface visit of the Acting President hijacked and turned as if it was a state visit of the Acting President organised by the Ayade govt to re-commission some already commissioned Donald Duke and lmoke projects without  giving crossriverians  and party members the opportunity to interface with the Acting President. 
    Hon Minister Usani Usani and Senator Ndoma-Egba SAN ,Hilard Eta (who was billed to represent the APC national chairman ) jointly owe the state APC explanations for this scam on the party. I am  asking these set of our leaders whose potfolios are proximate to the Niger delta matters to tell us the truth including our Acting president whether his visit to Cross River state was at the instance of governor Ayade or a continuation of his meeting the people of the Niger delta town hall visits already done in other Niger delta states? 
    We need the explanation of our mentioned leader so that we as peopl and a party interested in what is going in our other Niger delta state will insist to be part of the Acting Presidents  political exploits.

    Utum Eteng 
    Is a Legal Practitioner 

  • 1 June Osinbajo C'River visit: Utum Eteng task 31 APC kingpins over Ayade 'stealing' the show

    Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River is alledged to highjack the 1st June Visit of Acting president Yemi Osinbajo
    Utum Eteng|4 June 2017 

    This is my passionate appeal to the following APC leaders to sit up in the overall interest of the party. Acting state Chairman John Ochala, Ntufam Hiliard Eta, His Excellency Chief Clement Ebri, Hon Minister Usani Uguru Usani, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba SAN, Chief Okoi Obla, Senator Bassey Otu, Senator John Owan Enor, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Mrs Mary Ekperi Eta, Chief Wabilly Nyiam, Chief Edem Duke, Chief Eno-Obong Umana, Martins Bissong, Elder David Okon, Chief Eyo Nsa, Chief Utum Eteng, Chief Francis Bullem, Chief Wilfred Inah, Chief Ogban Ebock, Ntufam Dr Peter Out, Ntufam Fidelis SankwalaUgbo, Ntufam Dr Sandy Onor, Alex Egbona PhD, Ntufam Dr Peter Oti, NDDC commissioner, Hon Paul Ada, Hon Venatius Ikem, Dr Ntete Duke, Elder David Okon, Rechard Ogbeche and all APC members recently given Federal board appointments etc.

    The reason for us to resign both our positions and membership of the APC is becos by our commissions and omissions we watched helplessly Ayade govt turning a scheduled rountine interface visit of the Acting President hijacked and turned as if it was a state visit of the Acting President organised by the Ayade govt to re-commission some already commissioned Donald Duke and lmoke projects without  giving crossriverians  and party members the opportunity to interface with the Acting President. 
    Hon Minister Usani Usani and Senator Ndoma-Egba SAN ,Hilard Eta (who was billed to represent the APC national chairman ) jointly owe the state APC explanations for this scam on the party. I am  asking these set of our leaders whose potfolios are proximate to the Niger delta matters to tell us the truth including our Acting president whether his visit to Cross River state was at the instance of governor Ayade or a continuation of his meeting the people of the Niger delta town hall visits already done in other Niger delta states? 
    We need the explanation of our mentioned leader so that we as peopl and a party interested in what is going in our other Niger delta state will insist to be part of the Acting Presidents  political exploits.

    Utum Eteng 
    Is a Legal Practitioner 

  • CRUTECH: State gov't recalling students themselves is a slap on varsity's authority —Int'l Dev Consultant

    Efio-Ita Nyok|24 May 2017 
    International development consultant, political scientist, social entrepreneur and public affairs analyst, Mr Princewill Odidi, has frowned at Cross River State Government’s unilateral decision, Tuesday, to recall students of Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) without conferring with the management of the University NegroidHaven can report. 
    According to Mr Odidi that action of the state governor through his Commissioner for Education, Mr Godwin Etta, is administratively wrong. He contended that the state governor would have consulted with the varsity’s management. 
    Such an action would compel the school authority to lost her integrity in the face of the students. 
    Hear him: ‘Administratively this is wrong. The Governor should have consulted with the University management and allow the management recall the students back to class. With that the management retains her integrity with the students. 
    ‘The state government recalling the students themselves is a slap on constituted authority in the school. In developed climes, the action of the governor through his commissioner going on press to take an alternate stand against the school means a vote of no confidence on the administration of the school.
    Mr Odidi has observed that, given such scenario, the Vice-Chancellor and the entire governing board of CRUTECH should resign.  ‘Ordinarily the VC and entire governing board should resign to save face’. 
    Recall that on Monday 22 May the school was shut down by the management because of students protest against Management decision to implement the No-fees-no-exams policy. On Tuesday 23 May, the Commissioner for Education, Mr Ettah, ordered the resumption of the CRUTECH. 

    Efio-Ita Nyok
    Is a Blogger, the Editor & Publisher of NegroidHaven.org 

  • CRUTECH: State gov't recalling students themselves is a slap on varsity's authority —Int'l Dev Consultant

    Efio-Ita Nyok|24 May 2017 
    International development consultant, political scientist, social entrepreneur and public affairs analyst, Mr Princewill Odidi, has frowned at Cross River State Government’s unilateral decision, Tuesday, to recall students of Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) without conferring with the management of the University NegroidHaven can report. 
    According to Mr Odidi that action of the state governor through his Commissioner for Education, Mr Godwin Etta, is administratively wrong. He contended that the state governor would have consulted with the varsity’s management. 
    Such an action would compel the school authority to lost her integrity in the face of the students. 
    Hear him: ‘Administratively this is wrong. The Governor should have consulted with the University management and allow the management recall the students back to class. With that the management retains her integrity with the students. 
    ‘The state government recalling the students themselves is a slap on constituted authority in the school. In developed climes, the action of the governor through his commissioner going on press to take an alternate stand against the school means a vote of no confidence on the administration of the school.
    Mr Odidi has observed that, given such scenario, the Vice-Chancellor and the entire governing board of CRUTECH should resign.  ‘Ordinarily the VC and entire governing board should resign to save face’. 
    Recall that on Monday 22 May the school was shut down by the management because of students protest against Management decision to implement the No-fees-no-exams policy. On Tuesday 23 May, the Commissioner for Education, Mr Ettah, ordered the resumption of the CRUTECH. 

    Efio-Ita Nyok
    Is a Blogger, the Editor & Publisher of NegroidHaven.org