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Tag: Cross River State

  • Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke: Championing Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Cross River State

    Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke: Championing Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Cross River State

    Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke, a visionary leader and gender advocate, has dedicated her life to advancing gender equality, amplifying women’s voices, and driving sustainable development in Cross River State and beyond. Currently serving as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, her work has made significant strides in addressing gender disparities, empowering women, and influencing policy changes that foster inclusivity.

    A tireless advocate, Utibe-Abasi has played a pivotal role in promoting women’s political participation. In 2024, she was a key panelist at the UN Women’s “Advance Women’s Political Participation” event, where she championed the importance of increasing female representation in governance and leadership. Her insightful contributions have inspired numerous women to step into political and leadership roles.

    Under her leadership, the state has made progressive steps in gender mainstreaming. As Special Assistant to the Governor, she has spearheaded initiatives that ensure government policies, programs, and laws are examined through a gender lens. One of her key goals is to see the adoption and implementation of gender-sensitive laws and policies that address issues such as gender inequalities, power imbalances, and women’s participation in all sectors.

    Utibe-Abasi’s passion for health advocacy shines through her social enterprise, which focuses on increasing access to self-injectable contraception. Her innovative approach aims to serve 100,000 women within five years, providing them with accessible healthcare options through a private health network. This effort not only empowers women to take charge of their reproductive health but also addresses broader societal challenges related to family planning and maternal health.

    Read Also: Edo Governorship Election: Politicians, INEC Must Save Democracy

    Her work extends into the realm of peacebuilding and human rights through her involvement with the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom As a member of WILPF Nigeria, she is committed to advancing the rights of women in conflict-affected regions, ensuring their voices are heard in peace and reconciliation processes.

    In addition to her gender advocacy work, Utibe-Abasi has shown dedication to uplifting young girls and boys In preparation for the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, she organized an event under the theme “Elevating Girls’ Voices for Sustainable Development,” creating platforms for girls to share their stories and contribute to solutions that affect their lives. She encourages boys to champion gender equality through the International Day of Boy Child Celebration.

    Utibe-Abasi’s influence is also felt in the local community, where she was recently honored as a patron of the National Association of Akpabuyo Students Worldwide. Her message to the students emphasized the importance of using their platform to make a lasting impact on their communities.

    With a deep understanding of the power of government involvement in shaping a more equitable society, Utibe-Abasi continues to lead initiatives that promote gender equality, social justice, and women’s empowerment. Her remarkable work stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

  • Cross River Governor Bassey Otu leads call for dedication to nursing profession

    Cross River Governor Bassey Otu leads call for dedication to nursing profession

    …Cross River College of Nursing Sciences Itigidi Holds 4th Matriculation Ceremony

    The Cross River State College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi, celebrated its 4th Matriculation and Capping Ceremony on Friday, with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, representing Governor Bassey Otu as the special guest. Dr. Ayuk congratulated the newly admitted students, urging them to take their studies seriously and to embrace the responsibility that comes with a career in healthcare. He emphasized that nursing is a profession rooted in service, requiring a lifelong commitment to learning and care for others THE PARADISE has confirmed.

    Dr. Ayuk’s message reinforced the state government’s dedication to healthcare and education, stressing the importance of the College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi, in producing the next generation of skilled healthcare professionals. “The Governor’s vision for education and healthcare is clear—Cross River State must continue to lead in training professionals who will serve not only locally but also nationally,” he said.

    The ceremony also witnessed Hon. Cyril James Omini, Member representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency at the Tenth Cross River State House of Assembly, announce scholarships for 50 students—20 Nursing students and 20 Midwifery students. His generous support, coupled with Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu’s sponsorship, was widely appreciated as a significant contribution toward the academic and professional growth of the students.

    In her address, Mrs. Uduak Spencer Efem, Special Adviser on Nursing Education to Governor Bassey Otu, highlighted that nursing is more than just a profession—it is a calling. She emphasized the importance of service, empathy and dedication in the nursing field, urging students to develop these qualities during their training. “Nursing is a calling. It’s not easy to serve someone you don’t know, especially when they are vulnerable. This profession requires compassion as well as empathy and our students must develop this sense of duty before they complete their training,” Mrs. Efem said. While extolling the virtues of the governor Bassey Otu as pragmatic, Efem also described the wife of the governor as the ‘Florence Nightingale of our time’. She urged students to resist the temptation of seeking opportunities abroad, which has become a growing trend in the profession.

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    Dr. Margaret Mombel Opiah, Chair of the Governing Council, echoed the governor’s remarks, congratulating the students and reminding them of the discipline required to excel in their studies. She expressed gratitude to Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, wife of the Governor, for sponsoring 10 students, covering their entire academic journey. Dr. Opiah encouraged other stakeholders to follow this example and invest in the future of healthcare through education.

    Provost of the College, Mrs. Ruth Ita Ebong, commended the students for their hard work and dedication to the program. She reassured them of the institution’s commitment to providing both academic and moral guidance throughout their studies, emphasizing the importance of discipline and perseverance.

    The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Enyieko Ohora Osim, Pioneer Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences, Ogoja. Dr. Osim explored the evolving relationship between nursing and politics, urging the future healthcare leaders to be involved in shaping policies that affect the healthcare sector. She called for active participation from nursing professionals in the political sphere to ensure better resource allocation and healthcare policy improvements.

    The event, attended by dignitaries including Obol Eteng, Head of Service, concluded with a call to the matriculants to uphold the dignity of the nursing profession and excel in their pursuit of becoming future healthcare leaders.

  • Effi Community Women President Disassociates Self From Protest, Says Protesters Misfired

    Effi Community Women President Disassociates Self From Protest, Says Protesters Misfired

    Women President Effi Community, Chief Mrs. EKim Ejukwa, has disassociated self from Saturday’s protest carried out by the community women against the establishment of Chinese firm in Effi  land, Okuni community, Ikom local government area of Cross River State.

    The women president made the assertion during a telephone conversation with our correspondent in Calabar yesterday, shortly after the purported  protest carried out by Effi community women.

    The female monarch stressed that she and a faction of women that endeared her weren’t part of the protest based on the fact that she had no knowledge that women were going to carry placard for demonstration on Saturday.

    The women president who spoke in Pidgin English said, “why I go follow them protest, wey I no get proper  information say them want do protest?  I no dey with them ooh. They just wear black clothes come stay for my house. My hand no dey inside there ooh.”

    Read Also: Police arrests two women for alleged sales of newborn twins in Lagos

    The women president stated that she returned from Saturday’s church programme only to find a group of women dressed in black gathered at her residence convincing her to join them in a protest which she had no knowledge of.

    “I no support them because them no respect me like chief”, stressing that it’s the reason behind her refusal to participate in the protest or give consent to the protest. She said that the protest was null and void.

    When asked to explain if she participated in signing of agreement that authorized the Chinese nationals to do business in Effi community, the women president retorted, “I signed am I no fit lie”.

    Recalled that there had been series of petitions written by
    conservationists Mr. Odey Oyama who is also an illustrious son of the community opposing the establishment of white wood particles board processing factory in the community.

    The situation led to visitation of chairman Forestry Commission and members of his team visiting the community to ascertain if really the Chinese businessmen set up their factory in the forest. Upon visitation to the community by chairman forestry commission chairman Dr. George Obene’chi, early this year, it was discovered that there was no factory in the forest, instead the factory is in the heart of the community contrary to what was alleged.

    Again, lawmakers of the state House of Assembly led by member representing Obubra 11 state constituency, Hon Egbe Abeng, stormed the community  about a month ago to see things for themselves and thereafter summoned the community lawyer Barr. Ichire Okim, the Executive Director Rainforest Resources and Development, Prince Odey Oyama, and other community stakeholders to appear before the House of Assembly where the matter was resolved.

    In his remarks, one of the youth leaders in the community Stanley (surname withheld) said, “Contrary to claims in some quarters that Chinese nationals set up their word particles board  factory in the forest, it has finally been confirmed that the factory isn’t in the forest but in the heart of the community and the matter has been resolved.

    “The issue of asking who the Chinese are, and content of the agreement to me remains inconsequential, as the agreement was finally made available to everybody. I am surprise that some women are still asking at this time, who the Chinese are, even when they visited Calabar Thursday last week and the law makers asked those present at the complex if they knew the firm, they accepted.

    “I am surprise to see the women coming to lead a protest raising the question about who the Chinese nationals are. They should leave our forest, this is absurd.

    “Effi Women misfired, unfortunately the issue and identity of the Chinese have been known, the agreement is all over the place. The issue of the company being in the forest has been resolved.

    “It has been confirmed that the Chinese nationals are not in the forest, it’s not a good idea to lie,” the community youth stressed.

    In her remarks, spokesperson for the protesting women, Mercy Akpet who spoke with our Correspondent in a telephone conversation said that they protested because they were seeking recognition from the Chinese nationals and not that they hated to see  entrepreneurs in thier community.

    Also speaking, the Effi community senior traditional ruler, Chief Ntui Ojong-Nyambi expressed shock that women could disrespect their women president to the extent of attempting to disrupt the community peace without first alerting the female monarch who was among the chiefs who signed agreement with the Chinese investors.

  • “Walk the talk,” CNS urges naval warfare course graduates

    “Walk the talk,” CNS urges naval warfare course graduates

    Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla has charged graduands of the Naval Warfare Course Eight to translate the knowledge gained in the course to improve operations in their respective units and establishment.

    Ogalla made the call on Friday during the graduation event of 24 participants of the course from the Naval War College Calabar.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Naval Warfare Course Eight which commenced on Jan. 29, 2024 had as participants 17 Cdr., two Lt. -Col., two Wing Cdrs., a Capt. from Guinea Bissau and two Cdrs. from Ghana and Cameroon.

    The Chief of Naval Staff who congratulated the participants for successfully completing the course urged them to be good ambassadors of the college.

    Read Also: Amended CROSIEC Law reduces cost of chairmanship, councillorship forms

    According to him, the maritime domain is susceptible to various forms of threats which result to trade disruptions and increased shipping costs, affecting economic prosperity of countries.

    He said as such, multidimensional security and safety initiatives were required to combat these threats.

    “The objective of the Naval War College is to build capacity of operational level commanders for the conceptualisation, planning and execution of operations towards combating maritime security threats.

    “It is instructive to note that the College is satisfactorily actualizing its mandate amongst several other initiatives,” he said.

    He said in a bid to make the nation’s maritime environment safer, the Nigerian Navy has carried-out operations such as OP. Calm Waters, Delta Sanity and Tsare Teku, which have achieved remarkable successes by curbing maritime crimes.

    He added that the Nigerian Navy was also bolstering regional maritime security collaborative engagements under the 2013 Yaoundé Code of Conduct, to curb transnational maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea region.

    On his part, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed, Commandant, Naval War College Calabar said the college was mandated to run various courses, principal among which was the Naval Warfare Course.

    He said this was to develop operational level commanders with understanding  of complex national security problems and are prepared to make sound decisions in the application of maritime force as a policy option.

    “I call on the graduands who have been strategically trained to understand operational environment, to note that the end, means and ways of solving any problem must rest on a solid and objective understanding of the problem,” he explained.

    NAN also reports that the weeklong graduation events also saw the participants visit motherless babies homes, played a novelty match among other events.

  • Amended CROSIEC Law reduces cost of chairmanship, councillorship forms

    Amended CROSIEC Law reduces cost of chairmanship, councillorship forms

    The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has clarified that the tenure for elected officials in the local government councils in the state remains three years, and not four as earlier reported.

    The Speaker’s clarification comes as corrigendum to a previous report where he was quoted to have said elected officials at the local government will now serve four-year tenure as other elected officials at the state and federal government levels, in compliance with the recent ruling of the Supreme Court.

    He emphasized that, as stipulated in the state’s local government law, the tenure for local government councils remains three years and has not been amended.

    In his words, it is important to note that the state local government law differs from the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) law, which governs the procedures for conduct of the state local government elections.

    Read Also: Tenure of elected LG officials in Cross River remains three years, Assembly Speaker clarifies

    “The judgement by the supreme court, delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba and six other justices on May 11, 2024, was only recently been disclosed. This ruling asserts that local government chairmen and councilors are ‘entitled’ to a four-year tenure, aligning with the tenure of officials at other government levels.”

    In providing further clarification regarding the tenure in Cross River State, the Speaker reiterated that, according to the existing law, the tenure for elected council officials in the state remains three years.

    He elaborated on the amendments made to the CROSIEC law, saying  the amendment focused primarily on three key areas; Firstly, the amendment now allows individuals who have served in CROSIEC to contest elections after their tenure, if they so aspire; reversing the previous prohibition.

    Secondly, the amendment revised the fees for forms to be procured from CROSIEC by potential candidates. The previous provisions stated fees of N10,000,000 for chairmanship and N5,000,000 for councillorship, now slashed to N5,000,000 for chairmanship and N1,000,000 for councillorship.

    Lastly, the third amendment pertains to the timeframe for the conduct of the elections by CROSIEC and is here captured in verbatim thus: “Delete the phrase and figure “not less than 30 days before the date of an election” appearing in line one of subsection (1) of Section 20 of the Principal Law and substitute it with the following new phrase “in line with the relevant provision of the Electoral Act in force;
    “Provided that in the absence of a subsisting tenure of an elected council, the Commission shall not more than 90 days publish a notice and conduct election into the Council(s)”
    The Speaker reaffirmed that the tenure for elected council officials will remain three years until the necessary amendments are made.

  • Tenure of elected LG officials in Cross River remains three years, Assembly Speaker clarifies

    Tenure of elected LG officials in Cross River remains three years, Assembly Speaker clarifies

    The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has clarified that the tenure for elected officials in the local government councils in the state remains three years, and not four as earlier reported.

    The Speaker’s clarification comes as corrigendum to a previous report where he was quoted to have said elected officials at the local government will now serve four-year tenure as other elected officials at the state and federal government levels, in compliance with the recent ruling of the Supreme Court.

    He emphasized that, as stipulated in the state’s local government law, the tenure for local government councils remains three years and has not been amended.

    In his words, it is important to note that the state local government law differs from the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) law, which governs the procedures for conduct of the state local government elections.

    Read Also: You are a champion of justice, Bakassi people hail Gov Otu

    “The judgement by the supreme court, delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba and six other justices on May 11, 2024, was only recently been disclosed. This ruling asserts that local government chairmen and councilors are ‘entitled’ to a four-year tenure, aligning with the tenure of officials at other government levels.”

    In providing further clarification regarding the tenure in Cross River State, the Speaker reiterated that, according to the existing law, the tenure for elected council officials in the state remains three years.

    He elaborated on the amendments made to the CROSIEC law, saying  the amendment focused primarily on three key areas; Firstly, the amendment now allows individuals who have served in CROSIEC to contest elections after their tenure, if they so aspire; reversing the previous prohibition.

    Secondly, the amendment revised the fees for forms to be procured from CROSIEC by potential candidates. The previous provisions stated fees of N10,000,000 for chairmanship and N5,000,000 for councillorship, now slashed to N5,000,000 for chairmanship and N1,000,000 for councillorship.

    Lastly, the third amendment pertains to the timeframe for the conduct of the elections by CROSIEC and is here captured in verbatim thus: “Delete the phrase and figure “not less than 30 days before the date of an election” appearing in line one of subsection (1) of Section 20 of the Principal Law and substitute it with the following new phrase “in line with the relevant provision of the Electoral Act in force;
    “Provided that in the absence of a subsisting tenure of an elected council, the Commission shall not more than 90 days publish a notice and conduct election into the Council(s)”
    The Speaker reaffirmed that the tenure for elected council officials will remain three years until the necessary amendments are made.

    Nsa Gill
    21/09/24
    Chief Press Secretary to Governor

  • You are a champion of justice, Bakassi people hail Gov Otu

    You are a champion of justice, Bakassi people hail Gov Otu

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    People of Bakassi local government area have showered encomiums on the Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, describing him as a champion of justice.

    The commendation follows the governor’s declaration that the state government would no longer accept the idea of the displaced Bakassi people living as refugee in their own land.

    Speaking during the official signing and endorsement ceremony for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project by stakeholders in Calabar on Thursday, gov Otu particularly expressed concern about the plight of Bakassi people who over the years have been alienated in their own land and forced to live as refugee, and therefore demanded an end to it.

    Applauding the governor for the bold declaration, the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi, HRM (Dr) Etim Okon Edet, at a press conference in Calabar on Friday, said that governor Otu has given the Bakassi people a future they had long yearned for. He commended the people of Bakassi for their courage, determination and resilience, which according to him, has paid off.

    Read Also: EDO GUBER: Two Suspected Political Thugs Arrested With Firearms

    “I salute you O Bakassi people. I salute your courage, your resilience. I salute your determined spirit. When all else beareth chains, when part of your home was taken away from you, your heart became your home and only sanctuary in a devastating world. Apart from the children of Israel, you are the next courageous and most determined race on earth.

    “The Exodus of the Hebrews from the hands of their cruel task-masters is one of the most triumphant stories in the Old Testament history and the book of Exodus is an amazing book. It is an epic tale of oppression, deliverance and freedom. But Israel’s bondage in Egypt had disciplined Israel, preparing them to go through the wilderness in order to be in the promised land. Your bondage has indeed prepared you for an exciting future. The future started yesterday by no other person than the State Gov Prince Bassey Otu.

    “My dear Bakassi people and gentlemen of the press, justice has been a universal longing of human heart since the beginning of time. In the most basic context, the ten commandments for example present the idea that wrong doings and violations of others for one’s own benefit is not only a sin against the Creator of the human race, but it is also unacceptable in a civilized society where respect and protection are essential. In our own case, “JUDGEMENT turned away backward and justice standeth afar off, truth fell on the street and equity could not enter”. We are here today to thank Gov Otu for being the CHAMPION OF JUSTICE AND TRUTH IN THE BAKASSI SITUATION.

    “FOR the past 17 years we have faced humanitarian, economic, social, political and security problems. Our welfare and security was no more the primary purpose of government. The devil hates free people. But we have been set free by the blood of the lamb.

    “May God bless Prince Otu. May God bless his family. May we specially thank the Press for their support over the years.

    “In the words of O.J. Sanders, “the eyes that look are common, the eyes that see are rare”.

    “Senator Prince Bassey Otu is the “OTU-EKONG BAKASSI,” he said.

    Throwing more light on the import of the governor’s declaration, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Host Communities, Chief Udeme Okon, explained that “Yesterday (Thursday), the governor made it practically clear to everybody, which is also an established fact from the presidency to the National Boundary Commission, and other institutions, including the traditional institutions, that Bakassi Peninsula was a conglomeration of islands.

    “Those islands were five. Only two were ceded to Cameroon. The remaining three are: Dayspring 1, Dayspring 2 and Qua Island. That’s why the governor said the people cannot be in camp. The traditional rulers cannot govern in a camp. A camp is not a community. Let the people return to the unceded part of the peninsula that remains in Nigeria.

    “That peninsula is going to secure the litoral status of the state because the communities will be litoral and the National Boundary Commission is going to profile and gazette them. Then the 13 percent is paid to the state because the state will now be able to secure the litoral status back. It is not the landlocked environment of Ikang.”

  • BIOPAMA concludes IMET training workshop for academics, students in Nigerian universities

    BIOPAMA concludes IMET training workshop for academics, students in Nigerian universities

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) Programme in partnership with the African Network of Coaches for the Effective Management of Protected Areas (RACEGAP), has concluded a 5-day training workshop on the introduction and use of the Integrated Management Effectiveness Tool (IMET) in selected universities in Nigeria, West Africa.

    BIOPAMA Programme is a 60 million euro initiative of the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States to improve the long-term conservation and sustainable use of natural resources through better use and monitoring of information and capacity development on management and governance.

    The programme is implemented through the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (EC-JRC). It focuses on the 79 ACP countries, which cover a huge diversity of ecological, social and cultural systems.

    IMET was developed by the Joint Research Center of the European Union in the context of the BIOPAMA programme to contribute towards improving protected area management effectiveness and meeting conservation targets. The tool concerns the planning, monitoring and evaluation of protected areas and it directly support managers on the field and at national agencies level.

    READ ALSO: BIOPAMA commences training workshop on introduction of IMET, IUCN Green List in UNICAL, UNICROSS

    The training in Nigeria which took place from the 16th to 20th September, 2024 at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), drew 25 academics and students from both the host institution and the University of Cross River (UNICROSS), who were rigorously tutored on IMET and IUCN Green List by conservation experts from RACEGAP.

    According to the facilitator of the workshop, Sonigitu Ekpe, the objective of the training was to introduce IMET into the universities curriculum and enhance the knowledge of academics on the tool which is novel in Nigeria.

    “We have four professors from the University of Calabar and the University of Cross River in this training. We have 21 undergraduate and graduate students taking part in this training. They will learn the offline tools. IMET is a tool use to assess the management effectiveness of protected areas. Protected areas are like National Parks, conserved areas and reserved areas. We have various categories,” he said.

    Similarly, Ali Coulibaly, IUCN project officer from Dakar, Senegal, explained that the workshop was organized in order to have a set of experts on IMET, adding that it was part of the sustainability plan of the BIOPAMA Programme.

    “It is for us to start training students to enable them to work as protected areas managers; this is why we introduce this tool to them and advocate also for it to be included in the curriculum of universities,” Coulibaly said.

    Sharing their experiences, some of the participants said the workshop was an eye opener that exposed them to latest tools in assessing and evaluating biodiversity conservation.

    Dr Nelson Inyang from the department of geography and environmental science, University of Calabar, said “I have used several tools, but the IMET is one of a kind. It is fully loaded – from the management to the intervention, to the planning and up to the output. The tool is so systematic that you cannot skip an item. It will definitely reflect.

    “I will like to thank BIOPAMA and the IUCN for developing this tool to enable us tackle the challenges in our protected areas and to also have a perfect result.”

    Another participant, Bridget Kekong, a post graduate student in the department of fisheries and aquatic science, UNICROSS, remarked that the training was exciting, informative and educative.

    “Personally I have not had this kind of experience before. I can say that I have learned a lot. I can now use the IMET. I can go to the National Park, take data and know what to do with the data, using the tool. I will like to appeal that this kind of training should be held frequently so that others can learn too,” she said.

    The workshop featured a field trip to the Cross River National Park, Akamkpa, where the Integrated Management Effectiveness Tool was used to assess and evaluate some protected areas in the Park; certificates were also presented to participants at the end of the training.

  • Odukpani Chairmanship Seat: Edem Darlington Best Prepared, Most Acceptable

    Odukpani Chairmanship Seat: Edem Darlington Best Prepared, Most Acceptable

    As Cross Riverians continue to anticipate the conduct of local government elections in the state, and with the State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) further stating that elections will hold before the end of December, 2024, permutations are rife as to who is most prepared, deserves to or should occupy the plomp position in the third tier of government across the 18 councils of Cross River State.

    In Odukpani local government area, names like Edem Darlington, Governor Bassey Otu’s Deputy Press Secretary (from Ikoneto ward), Etim Asido, a former councillor and secretary of the Governor’s family (Otu Mesembe House – Adiabo), Bassey Inyang, a Public Affairs Manager with Lafarge Africa PLC, Mfamosing Plant, and Eyo Nsa, have all been touted to be aspiring for the chairmanship position.

    Even a cursory look at the the aforementioned aspirants individuals records shows has laid bare who is better prepared for the position and more acceptable by the masses as well as those who are merely seeking political attention and/or swimming against the political tide.

    Etim Asido’s aspiration for chairman has already hit the brick wall being that he is the governor’s cousin. Political pundits have predicted that the odds are against him, knowing that Governor Otu will not want to be accused of nepotism where his direct relatibe becomes chairman of council.

    Inyang Bassey, here, has been termed a featherweight among them for being largely unknown by the political class nor the vast majority of Adukpani citizens. He has been perceived in some circles as crafty, braggadocios and self-centered, lacking the pulchritude of such ambitious office.

    In Elder Eyo Nsa’s case, concerns are being raised over his allegiance to forces working at cross-purposes to the government of the day, with a lot of people wary of him rocking the leadership boat should he be given the chairmanship opportunity. Nsa who belongs to the old political stock, also seems too elitist and lacks the acceptability of the other political actors in the area.

    Edem Darlington, the youthful, vibrant and farsighted Deputy Press Secretary to the Governor that is enjoying massive acceptability across all segments of the Odukpani masses. His tentacles, having blossomed in the private, and later heading the association of online journalists, sector before becoming an integral part of the governor’s virile media team.

    Coming from Ikoneto political ward, which is to produce the next Chairman, according to the gentleman’s zoning arrangement of Odukpani LGA, stands Edem in good stead to take the position. Having worked with the governor on a daily basis since the pre-election days until now, Darlington understands the Otu-led administration’s policy direction, especially to drive development in the grassroots. His mental alertness, humility, friendly disposition and progressive mindset pitches him above every other aspirant to the Chairmanship position of Odukpani LGA.

    Edem Darlington’s prospects for taking the Odukpani Chairmanship seat are looking promising, considering his experience and initiatives. As the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Cross Rivers Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, Edem Darlington has become a  totem in promoting the state’s tourism potentials and business opportunities. His brainchild, the “Think Cross River” phenomenon has deepened advocacy for patriotism, unity, and social justice, which resonates with both the government and the citizenry.

    Some of his notable strengths include:

    – Leadership Experience: As Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Edem Darlington has likely gained valuable experience in governance and administration.
    – Community Engagement: His role as Chairman of the Association of Cross River State Online Journalists (ACROJ) demonstrates his ability to engage with the community and promote local development.
    – Vision for Progress: Edem Darlington’s initiatives suggest he has a clear vision for the state’s progress and is committed to promoting social justice.

    While we all expect the best for our LGAs, I wish to beckon on all sons and daughters of Odukpani to realize that the expected best can and is palpably visible in their leading Chairmanship aspirant, Edem Darlington. Let us give him the opportunity to replicate the same hard work he is putting in the media management of the governor’s activities, policies, programmes and projects in our dear Odukpani local government area.

    K. A. O. Etta, writes from Calabar, the state capital.

  • LG Chairmen, Councillors to do 4 years as Gov Otu signs amended C’River Electoral Law

    LG Chairmen, Councillors to do 4 years as Gov Otu signs amended C’River Electoral Law

    Governor Bassey Otu has granted assent to the amended Cross River Electoral Law passed by the State House of Assembly.

    The amendment by House of Assembly was necessitated by the Supreme Court’s verdict granting autonomy to local government as well as ensuring that states of the federation to ensure local administrations are headed by elected officials in accordance with the constitution.

    Signing the amended Law, Governor Otu stated: “Let me thank Mr. Speaker and members of the House of Assembly, and of course, our own Electoral Commission for making sure that we have an up-to-date act that is ready to put the third tier of government into office.

    “Local government is very important. That is the government that is closer to the people than any other government that we have in the Federation.

    Read Also: Calabar Festival & Carnival 2024: We Are Bringing New Vitality – CR Govt

    I want to appreciate the fact that you’ve done a good job and I know that Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), as they are going, they are going to announce the date for the election and people will be ready; so that we will follow the rules of the game,” adding that, “We want this particular segment of our government to be active so that the dividends of democracy will trickle right down to the downtrodden and the people who need it most.”

    The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem told newsmen that “what we have done today is in line with the Supreme Court judgment that was passed ab initio, and the Otu-led government being a proactive one, decided that the third tier government must come up almost immediately.”

    “For some time, we have not had the opportunity of having substantive chairmen in their right places of authority. And the governor thought it wise that we need to come up with the conduct of local government election.

    “And the House of Assembly, in her wisdom, looked at the CROSIEC laws land realized that there were some grey areas that needed urgent attention. And those grey areas are the areas that have been largely attended to.

    Speaker Ayambem said one of the most cardinal points tackled in the amended Law was the review of the tenure of office of chairmen and councillors from three to four years on par with their elected officials at the state and federal levels.

    “As the Supreme Court judgment rightly had outlined that the third tier government should enjoy the same status with that of the executive, the status of a governor and the status of a president where they have a tenure of four years in office and not three years at it were. So we looked at it in consonance with the Supreme Court judgment.

    “All that we have done is align strictly with what the Supreme Court has outlined. So we looked at it in consonance with the Supreme Court judgment all that we have done is aligning strictly with what the Supreme Court has outlined,” the Speaker added.

    Rt. Hon. Ayambem reiterated the State Government’s stance on holding local government elections before the end of the year 2024.