Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • Opinion: The Truth About Zoning of Ikom Chairmanship Position

    Opinion: The Truth About Zoning of Ikom Chairmanship Position

    By David Ojong

    Recent developments in the politics of Ikom has thrown up so many emergency groups agitating for their preferred interests. One of such, is the one headed by one Pastor Tony Bassey a decampee from PDP who has desperately tried to malign the truth.

    It is pertinent at this point to state the facts are there are so that those who are gullible don’t buy the wrong narratives trending in the media space.

    The truth is that Akparabong, Olulumo and Ofutop 1 wards are yet to have  elected council chairmen, while Olulumo and Ofutop 1 wards once had  appointed chief executives with full executive powers to pilot affairs for the  local government council, Akparabong had never in the history of the LGA had any opportunity to sit at the helms of affairs of the council Secretariat.

    In fact in the archives of Ikom LGA, it is  only Akparabong ward that does not have any of its sons or daughters picture displayed out of the 11 wards.

    In the past the slogan the Akparabong man hear is that, “You people have senator Victor Ndoma-Egba at the Senate, you can’t take the Senate and also take the local government council chairman position. Today Victor Ndoma-Egba is no longer in the Senate,  I think it’s high time the Akparabong man is given a chance as far as council Chairmanship position is concerned.

    In the build up to the 2023 general elections the APC Akparabong clearly stated what it wanted stressing that the chairmanship position was so dear to him, that accounted for the reason why the Akparabong man refused  to vie for the Cross River State House of Assembly seat on the platform of ruling All Progressives Congress APC notwithstanding the fact that they had many with proven integrity and capacity to vie for the Assembly seat on tbe platform of the APC, rather it’s party faithfuls threw their weight solidly behind Ikom Urban 1 ward to produce Comrade Agbor Bassey.

    Unfortunately the opposition PDP whose way of thinking and ideology did the contrary and decided to picked it’s candidate from Akparabong ward and that’s where the Politics of betrayal began. While Akparabong made a bold statement by voting massively for the APC and it’s candidates ( Senator Prince Bassey Otu and Agbor Bassey) the Olulumo and Ofutop APC members because of the struggle to cling to the Chairmanship position voted  for the PDP candidates that scenario led to emergence of the PDP candidate at the State House of Assembly, leading to loss of the CRHA State House of  Assembly seat by the APC.

    It’s rather shocking to hear people  begin to complain about Akparabong having an assembly member from PDP  whom they voted into power even when Akparabong voted against him.

    At this point should we reward political betrayal? What if our amiable Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu, needed those two wards to cling to power in the last general elections, would he have become the state Governor today? Would we be talking about Chairmanship elections in the APC today? The answer is No!

    It is instructive to note that most if not all the aspirants from Olulumo and Ofutop 1 wards are people who were in the PDP and worked against the APC in 2023 and only came to APC after the Supreme Court ruling against their candidate.

    One begins to wonder, if their candidate had succeeded in the court of law,  would they be here today in APC or would have contested under the PDP? These are questions that are still begging for answers.

    About appointments, let’s not dwell on that as it’s at the discretion of the state  chief executive to appoints whoever  he chooses to appoint, so long as he finds the fellow worthy to drive his policies and programmes.

    What we need now as Ikom people is one with wealth of experience from any of the three wards, one who can connect with the state and work in tandem with the Governor’s people first Agenda to attract development to Ikom and not to allow any ethnic bigot with  a selfish intention to serve his community alone mount the saddle so that we don’t regret at the end of the day.

    What Ikom people need at the moment, is one with robust capacity to expand the fast growing town to decongest the city centre and not an ethnic jingoist whose major pre-occupation would be  to use the resources of the people to foster the selfish agenda of his immediate community.
    It would be wise for Akparabong, Olulumo and Ofutop see the need  to present their best brains and allow the people of Ikom elect whoever they think have capacity to lead the LGA to witness a turnaround.

  • Cross River targets top spot among educationally most developed states

    Cross River targets top spot among educationally most developed states

    By Christian Njoku

    The Government of Cross River has announced its ambitious goal to elevate the state to the top tier of educationally developed states in Nigeria and shed its current status as an educationally disadvantaged state.

    Mr. Esu Esu, the Executive Chairman of the Cross River Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Calabar.

    Esu emphasised the state’s commitment to rewriting its educational history by implementing strategic initiatives aimed at improving school enrollment and enhancing educational infrastructure.

    “We are determined to move Cross River from being an educationally disadvantaged state to one that ranks among the best in the nation.

    “To achieve this, we need everyone’s effort to improve school enrollment and develop infrastructure to a level where we can compete with other leading states,” he noted.

    He stated that as part of the effort, SUBEB was set to commence a comprehensive needs assessment to identify schools facing infrastructure challenges.

    According to him, the findings will inform a detailed work plan, which will be submitted to the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC) in Abuja for approval.

    Upon assuming office, Esu said he inherited a SUBEB grappling with severe infrastructural decay and his mission was to lead the board from its current state to where they envision it to be, a beacon of educational excellence.

    While addressing the issue of  teacher-student ratio, he said efforts would be made to address staffing shortages by seeking approval from the governor for the recruitment of additional teachers.

    Speaking further, the chairman said in 2023, SUBEB implemented 49 interventions in schools across the state, however, in 2024, they planned to double that number to 100 interventions, to broaden impact across the educational sector.

    He also urged the media and residents to support the board’s technical team by identifying remote areas in urgent need of educational infrastructure, ensuring that even the most hard-to-reach communities would benefit from the state’s educational reforms.

    He also vowed to tackle the issue of ghost workers within the educational system by leveraging his experience in school board management to reduce this malpractice.

    “Many people are defrauding the system by collecting salaries without working, I am committed to addressing this issue head-on and ensuring accountability within our educational system,” he added.

    (NAN)

  • Mrs Otu describes skill acquisition as antidote to poverty alleviation

    By Solomon Azu

    The Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has described skills acquisition as a prerequisite to navigate the complexities of the current economic realities.

    Making the assertion during the opening ceremony of the free Skill Acquisition and Digital Empowerment Programme organized by the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, Calabar in conjunction with the Office of Wife of the Governor, Rev. Otu stated that the skill acquisition programme is a “vital initiative empowering individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in today’s competitive world.”

    The Governor’s Wife who was represented by wife of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Virginia Ironbar informed those present that, “the programme is a testament to our commitment to capacity building, innovation, and economic growth. By acquiring new skills, you will unlock your potential, enhance your employability, and contribute meaningfully to your communities.”

    She urged participants to be dedicated, persistent, open-minded and absorb the knowledge and expertise offered.

    While thanking the facilitators and partners for their support and collaboration, she expressed her delight to partner with the church in giving free skills to residents of the State.

    Earlier in his opening remark, the Resident Pastor, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, Youth Church, Calabar, Pst. James Obok Ogede, informed the gathering that the free Skill Acquisition Programme started in 2015 and has since empowered over 2000 youths resident in Calabar.

    Pst. Ogede stated that the skill acquisition is strategic and aimed at equipping youths to be self-reliant.

    He emphasized that the skill acquisition is not for members of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry alone but open to all irrespective of religious affiliations and tribes.

    He implored participants not to take the training for granted because it’s free but ensures that the skill acquired at the end of the exercise is put into judicious use to better their lots.

    Speaking in an interview, the Vice President II, National Council for Women Societies, Cross River State Chapter, Mrs. Julia Agbor lauded the Governor’s wife for the partnership to empower youths in the State, describing her as a humanity champion.

    Mrs. Agbor informed that the Governor’s wife is keen about empowering women, youths and the vulnerable to be self-sufficient and raised the hope that at the end of her tenure, Cross River will be better off in terms of visible economic indices .
    The three weeks free Skills Acquisition and Digital Empowerment is expected to cover baking and catering services, leather works, fascinators, ICT and digital business, beverage making, driving and barbing.

    Present at the opening ceremony were: the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam, Special Adviser Programmes, Office of the wife of Governor, Mrs. Queeneth Essien, Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr. Inyang Asibong, among others.

  • C’River Govt faces litigation over State Library contract

    C’River Govt faces litigation over State Library contract

    Cross River State government is currently facing charges for failing to adhere to a contract agreement with Henss Asset Company Nigeria Limited regarding the renovation and remodelling of the Cross River State Library Complex.

    According to documents obtained by our reporter, the State Government engaged Henss Asset Company Nigeria Limited to renovate and remodel the dilapidated State Library Complex in Calabar, located behind Millennium Park. The contract was awarded for N670,424,703.35 (six hundred and seventy million, four hundred and twenty-four thousand, seven hundred and three naira, thirty-five Kobo).

    The contract payment structure was outlined as follows:

    Mobilization Fee: 30% of the total contract sum, amounting to N201,127,411.00 (two hundred and one million, one hundred and twenty-seven thousand, four hundred and Eleven Naira).
    During Execution: 50% of the contract sum, amounting to N335,212,351.67 (Three Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Two Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-One Naira, Sixty-Seven Kobo), payable upon presentation of an interim payment certificate.
    Completion Fee: 15% of the contract sum, amounting to N100,563,705.50 (One Hundred Million, Five Hundred and Sixty-Three Thousand, Seand Five Naira, Fifty Kobo).

    According to a statement by the management of Henss Asset Company Nigeria Limited, the company began work on the site in December 2023.
    In February 2024, the government paid the contractor the sum of  N164 million 2024 as the 30% Mobilisation fee instead of N200 million. It was later realized that about N36 million was deducted from the N200 million mobilization fee as taxes.

    The management added that in April 2024, the state government had expected that the project will be completed and commissioned in May 29 which the contractor pointed as impossible due to delay in payment by the government and is not the agreed project delivery timeline. In April 2024, the government terminated the contractor’s contract, claiming that they could not meet the commissioning date of May 29, 2024.

    The management of Henss Asset Company Nigeria Limited argued that the slow pace of the job was due to the late release and paucity of funds by the government. Having tried to resolve the matter amicably with the government, all efforts proved abortive as the state Ministry of Special Duties took over the  project, and the state governor secured executive council approval to increase the contract sum.

    This prompted the contractor to take legal action against the administration.

    The contractor seeking that the court should remedy the matter by ordering the Cross River State government to pay the contractor for the work already done in the library and also pay the damages accrued.

    On May 6, 2024, the Cross River State High Court issued an order that both parties should maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the matter. This judicial directive was intended to prevent any actions that could alter the subject matter of the dispute and ensure that the legal process could proceed fairly.

    Alleged Violation of Court Order
    Despite the standing court order, the state government has continued the renovation project through the Ministry of Special Duties. This continuation of work has been deemed a clear violation of the court’s directive. By proceeding with the renovation, the administration is accused of undermining the authority of the court and disrupting the legal process.

    According to sources, the standing order to maintain the status quo is crucial for preserving the integrity of the legal proceedings. It aimed to prevent any irreversible changes that could prejudice the parties involved. The administration’s disregard for this order raises concerns about respect for the judicial system and the rule of law.

    Delays in Legal Proceedings
    In addition to violating the court order, the state government has repeatedly delayed filing its claims and processes in court. These delays have resulted in numerous adjournment, significantly hindering the timely resolution of the case. The contractor, Henss Asset Company Nigeria Limited, has expressed concerns about the impact of these delays on the case, emphasizing the need for a swift and fair judicial process.

    The contractor is particularly worried about how these issues might affect the final resolution of the dispute. The continuation of the renovation project and the delays in court proceedings could potentially lead to irreversible changes, complicating the situation further. Henss Asset Company is now seeking payment of the monies owed and damages for the breach of contract. It is imperative that the judicial process is respected and allowed to proceed without interference to ensure a balanced and unbiased resolution.

    According to a source familiar with the development but not authorized to speak on the matter, the ongoing renovation, despite a court order to halt, and the delays in legal processes underscore the tensions and complexities of the case. The contractor’s work was halted in April 2024 under the pretext that progress was slow and that the library was meant to be commissioned by May 29, 2024. However, the library has yet to be commissioned, and the governor has sought Exco approval to increase the contract sum by another N600 million and awarded to another contractor. This situation highlights the broader issues of governance, respect for the rule of law, and the administration’s commitment to fair contractual practices.

  • Group calls for zoning of Ikom local government chairmanship position to Olulumo ward

    Group calls for zoning of Ikom local government chairmanship position to Olulumo ward

    …Decries marginalization

    OPINION VOICE FOR IKOM LEADERSHIP
    Ikom local government area, Cross River State

    8th August 2024

    ZONING OF IKOM LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL CHAIRMAN TO OLULUMO WARD
    The Opinion Voice of Ikom Leadership is a pressure, non-governmental organisation resident in Ikom – Cross River State with over 800 members drawn across the eleven wards of Ikom.

    After painstakingly and unbiased opinion poll across the wards and from members of the public for over 6 months, we focused our findings on the most preferred ward for the next elective local government elections for Ikom local government Council. Out of eleven wards, eight wards have benefited or produced elected chairmen, while three wards namely: Akparabong, Olulumo, and Ofutop have not benefited nor produced.

    NOTE
    It is on record that Akparabong have an elected member of the State Assembly, a Commissioner and the Secretary of lkom Urban currently — while Ofutop Ward 1 has the State Deputy Chairrnan for APC and a Senior Special Adviser to the State Governor. Olulumo Ward is yet to benefit or produce an elected Chairman for Ikom Local Government Council. This is since 1999.
    This, to our opinion and with over 87% of those we seek their opinion, suggests and says strongly that Olulumo is the most preferred ward.

    OUR RESOLUTION
    On this note, on behalf of the entire members of Opinion voice of lkom Leadership therefore have voted and zoned the next lkom Council Chairman to Olulumo Ward.

    This is our position and the position of the majority in lkom. Olulumo Ward should produce the next lkom Council Chairman in the interest of equity and fairness.

    Signed by the underlisted members for and on behalf of the entire Opinion Voice for Ikom Leadership
    1. Pastor Tony Bassey, Chairman .
    2. Njor Collins Adekpe, Secretary.
    3. Okim Okim Ogoro
    4. Prince Atep Odo
    5. Oguda Thankgod E.
    6. Bojor Oben Neji
    7. Richard Agbor
    8. Ekawon E. Ekawon
    9. Odo Assam
    10. Ojen Catherine Bassey

  • Bassey Ogar resumes as Cross River’s new VGN commandant

    Bassey Ogar resumes as Cross River’s new VGN commandant

    By Solomon Azu

    Dr Bassey Moses Ogar has assumed office as the new commandant of Vigilante Group of Nigeria VGN Cross River State Command.

    Ogar was posted to Cross River State as VGN Commandant on 24th February, 2024 after the dissolution of the Cross River State Executive Committee and removal of the former state commandant, Mrs Mercy Felix Effiom by the National Headquarters of the VGN, Abuja.

    In his posting letter with reference no 008/VGN/NHQ/ Vol1/131, dated 19th February,2024 and signed by the national Chairman/Commandant General of VGN, Navy Capt Umar Bakori (Rtd) and copied to the state governor, state Commissioner of Police, state Director of DSS, said the posting is in line with the VGN constitution and aims to ensure the continued effectiveness and progress of the organisation in the state.

    According to a statement made available to newsmen in Calabar on Saturday by the state Public Relations Officer of the VGN, Martha Ntong, Dr Bassey Ogar was born on 19th June,1972 in Effraya, Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, holds a Bsc in Political Science and Public Administration State University of New York, Albany, USA, a masters degree in International Relations
    and Doctorate degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the prestigious Prowess University,  Delaware U.S.A.

    Throughout his career, Dr Bassey Moses Ogar has served in different capacities in the VGN.

    Some notable positions he has held include the division Vigilante Officer of Etung local government area Cross River State, promoted and appointed as Chief Superintendent of Vigilante CSV in-charge of five local government of the Central Senatorial District made of Abi, Boki, Etung, Obubra, Ikom and Yakurr LGA of Cross River State.

    In 2023, Dr. Bassey Moses Ogar was appointed by the National Executive Council of Vigilante Group of Nigeria as the Assistant Commander of Cross River State Command. On the 9th day of February 2024, he was appointed as Chairman and State Commander of Vigilante Group of Nigeria Cross River State by the National Executive Council of Vigilante Group of Nigeria, amongst others.

    Dr. Ogar is a fellow of Institute Of National Security And Intelligence Studies (INSIS), Institute of Arts Professional (IAPS), the Institute of Arts Management and Professional Studies (IAMPS). He was appointed a fellow of Ecolerite institute of
    Peace advancement (FEPIA).

    According to the VGN Spokesman, the new Commandant seeks the support and cooperation of the general public in combating crime in the state, and is also committed to implementing proactive policing strategies and community policing to ensure adequate safety of lives and property in the state.

    Ntong added that the new Commandant, who is happily married with children, loves conference presentations, farming, community services, leadership coaching, writing, and travelling.

    In another development, the Cross River State Commandant of the VGN, Mr Bassey Moses Ogar has advocated for the need to work with other security agencies for a well-coordinated response to insecurity in the state.

    Ogar made the advocacy in his maiden address to officers and men of the VGN at the state headquarters in Calabar on his assumption of office.

    The State Commandant said that on his watch, respective unit commands and tactical units must reposition officers and men for an improved and better security service delivery in the state.

    Ogar also charged officers to be more responsive and committed to duty, and directed the creation of training officers at the unit levels to retrain officers serving in the divisions in areas of community policing duties, unarmed combat and otherwise.

  • Gov Otu commends NDDC Rep, Hon Duke for enhancing waste management in C’River

    Gov Otu commends NDDC Rep, Hon Duke for enhancing waste management in C’River

    Governor Bassey Otu has lauded Hon. Orok Otu Duke, the Cross River State representative at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for his proactive measures in improving waste management across the state. Duke’s recent efforts have resulted in the provision of additional refuse bins, a move that has been met with widespread approval. These new bins bring the total number distributed across the state to 10, marking a notable step forward in the state’s waste disposal capabilities.

    Governor Otu emphasized the importance of this initiative in tackling the growing waste management challenges in Cross River State. He pointed out that proper waste disposal is crucial not only for maintaining cleanliness but also for safeguarding public health and the environment. The governor stressed that Duke’s efforts reflect a deep understanding of the state’s needs and a commitment to addressing them effectively.

    The governor also highlighted the broader impact of Duke’s contributions on the state’s development goals. By enhancing waste management infrastructure, the state is better positioned to attract investments and promote tourism, which are key to its economic growth. Governor Otu noted that such initiatives are essential for creating a sustainable and livable environment for all residents of Cross River State.

    In his commendation, Governor Otu called on other stakeholders, both within and outside the government, to take inspiration from Duke’s actions. He urged them to actively participate in initiatives that contribute to the state’s development and the well-being of its citizens. The governor reiterated that collective efforts are necessary to achieve the state’s vision of a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Cross River.

  • Heed the advice of Solicitor General on Cocoa Estate issue, Senior Lawyer urges Gov Otu

    Heed the advice of Solicitor General on Cocoa Estate issue, Senior Lawyer urges Gov Otu

     

    A senior lawyer, Mba Ukweni (SAN), has urged Cross River Governor, Prince Bassey Otu to heed the advice of the State Solicitor General on the contentious Cocoa Estate in Etung local government area.

    The legal luminary made the appeal on Wednesday during an interview with journalists at the Magistrate Court, Moore Road, Calabar.

    According to Ukweni, “the present Solicitor General of the state had written a letter, drawing the governor’s attention to the fact that these characters have interest in those estate in conflict with the interest of the state.”

    The Senior Advocate of Nigeria was speaking against the backdrop of ongoing trial of Mr Oscar Ofuka, former Special Adviser to erstwhile governor Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development.

    He alleged that Ofuka’s trial was instigated by the Secretary to the State Government and the State Security Adviser.

    “Most of you are aware of this problem. It is the Cocoa in Etung. I must be frank to state it clearly that the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, using the State Security Adviser, Major General O.U. Obono Rtd, and now want to eliminate my client.

    “Most of them have been working behind to appropriate the farm and sell part of it. There’s a vast portion of land they want to sell to one Prince Mark. It was Ofuka who met with the governor in their presence and let the governor knows that that parcel of land does not belong to the grand father of Prince Mark.

    “And that there’s even a judgement of the court in favour of the state government. There have been various litigations in respect of this. We even have an order of the High Court of Etung.”

    However, during the appearance of Oscar Ofuka who is standing trial at the Magistrate Court on allegation of murder that took place at the Cocoa Estate, the judge, Magistrate Okoho, ordered that he be taken to the Police Clinic Calabar to access medical care due to his health condition.

    Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh and the State Security Adviser, Major General Obono, have since denied their involvement in the trial of Oscar Ofuka.

  • C’River: Youth leader begs Army to restrain personnel from intimidating community  locals

    C’River: Youth leader begs Army to restrain personnel from intimidating community  locals

    By Nsan Ndoma-Neji

    Youth leader, Agbokim Waterfalls in Etung local government area of Cross River State, Comrade Williams Akam Takon, has called on authorities of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar, to cautioned its personnel in Afi Barracks Edor, Ikom local government area from intimidating community locals residing in their ancestral home.

    The youth leader made the appeal on Tuesday at Agbokim while reacting to the presence of military personnel trooping to the community on daily basis.

    Takon claimed that the community locals are always intimidated at the slightest provocation, sighting an instance where the uniformed men stormed the community in an unholy hour claiming to look for one of the youths, Mr Akem Aganchawa.

    According to him, they broke into the victim’s house in search of Mr Akem Aganchawa who is said to be at large as of the time of fielding this report.

    “We used to have some peaceful military men with us who are said to be military intelligence, of course they were friendly and so calm. They were like brothers to this community, unfortunately the reverse is the case now.

    “The military personnel entering our community since July this year, they  come with hostility, intimidation and sometimes even end up flogging the community locals, especially if they are unable to apprehend the individual that  had been penciled down for arrest.”

    Also speaking on the harassment and intimidation of community, a stakeholder in the area, Mr Asu Njoh,  said it was unfortunate for people who were supposed to give protection to the locals are the same persons intimidating the locals.

    Our correspondent who visited the Agbokim Waterfalls community in the course of doing this report saw a  group of heavily armed men in army uniform patrolling Agbokim Caraboat on motorcycles.

    One of the community locals, Mr Chris Ephraim who spoke with our correspondent at Agbokim Caraboat (farm settlement) alleged that the soldiers were being used by a certain cocoa farmer to intimate another farmer struggling hectares of cocoa with him.

    Reacting to the issue, Army Public Relations Officer, 13 Brigade  headquarters Akim Barracks Calabar, Captain Jamila Jumoh, denied the allegations, stressing that the only incident she is aware of was an incident concerning a kidnapping and the military authority raided the place and found some exhibits.

    “Anyone accusing the military of backing someone with military affiliation should come to the Barracks to make complaint,” the PRO stressed.

  • You raised false alarm over whereabout of missing worker – Njoh tells Mark Prince

    You raised false alarm over whereabout of missing worker – Njoh tells Mark Prince

    Mr Asu Njoh is one of the key players  in the cocoa sub-sector in Cross River State and doubles as allottee of state government, at government owned Cocoa estate in Abonita, Etung local government area. He denied the allegations over knowing the whereabout of a worker to a co-farmer, Mr Mbu Liku Mark -Prince who had fingered him of having a hand in the purported disappearance of the worker, one Mr Mike and at same time, seeking intervention of the state government.

    Below is the excerpts of the interview with our correspondent:

    What’s the total landmass of that area?

    The total landmass lend for Abonita Cocoa is 3,000 hectares but government only planted between Etomi and Agbokim, they planted only 422 hectares. The other land has been taken over by the host community as encroachment, so I don’t know how government that is still having extra land that is supposed to expand will now go to encroach on somebody’s land, when government has not even exhausted its own land, its now encroaching into people’s land, so I can’t understand, it’s funny.

    What is there is that, as they were planting, they started planting from Agbokim towards Etomi, they were supposed to extend towards Ajassor area but they could not continue, that’s why I’m saying out of the 3,000 hectares they only planted 322 hectares, so the Ajassor side that they were supposed to plant that they didn’t plant, they have encroach and they are planting Cocoa and  another economic trees.

    Funny enough, Mr. Mbu Liku has now crossed even the stream that is there and now entered inside part of the 422 hectares that government planted and Mbu Liku is now trying to claim ownership.

    There’s no single individual in Abonita Cocoa that planted his cocoa farm in hectares, that you can see a demarcation between this bloc and that bloc, I challenge that person to come and show us that his farm where you can see tractor lines, bloc parts like we can say 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B and so on. It is only government that planted cocoa in  that manner.

    The last report has it that you actually held one of his worker hostage, can you give an insight of what happened?

    That is why I am saying it is assassination of character. He wants to malign my name. Reason being that he is even the one who solicited for the release of that same Mike who was caught in government owned  Cocoa estate stealing Cocoa Allotted to me, Mike and his accomplices were handed over to the Agbokim Police station,you can go and find out and ofcourse  they subsequently transferred to Okuni area command in Ikom local government area of the state.

    The same Mbu Liku was the fellow  who  sent a lawyer to take Mike on bail. He even appealed to the Commanding  Officer (CO) of Afi barracks to discuss with the area command for the release of this same Mike and one Emmanuel who were arrested together and two others. Surprisingly, we heard that the same Mike that he solicited for and was released is the one again that he raised a false alarm that Mike was missing, fingering me (Njor Asu Njoh), of knowing Mike’s whereabout the question I’m asking is how? As I speak, I don’t even know the Mike, I don’t even know him before this incident.

    Why would you say you don’t know him, when it has been alleged  that your workers are the ones who  captured the  young man  and tie him up to a tree in the bush only to be set free probably because of the media report. What’s your take on this?

    It is not true. It’s a lie from the pit of hell. From what I gathered, the young man escaped during the period when other suspects were being arrested. That same day others were arrested, he escaped, as he escaped unknown to him that his partners in the crime had been taken to the police station as he went back to the farm in search of  other three suspects who were his partners in the crime, that was when he was arrested. I realized he was arrested the next day, he went in search of the other three because he didn’t know their whereabout, so on going back to search for them, that was when he was also apprehended and also handed over to the Agbokim Police station where he was subsequently transferred to Okuni police station. So the issue of tie or they did not tie is an unfounded story because that’s the story that Mbu Liku carries everyday when he wants to make his case serious, he resorts to making mischief.

    What is the message to him regarding the allegations?

    The message to him is that he should stop deceiving the public by sending false information and try to assassinate my character because I face matters and not individuals.

    And for his claim that the 32 hectares at Abonita cocoa estate which he alleged is in contention, is owned by one person, he should appeal if his interest is affected and he should appeal over suit number HM/73/2020, which stated that the 32 hectares belongs to the state government of Cross River and not late Chief Ogar Assam of Ajassor community.

    But Mbu Liku has authentic documents showing that the 32 hectares in contention belongs to late Ogar Assam?

    I disagree with that claim. To put the records straight, the Cross River State government is in full possession of the entire Abonita cocoa estate since its establishment in 1976. Late Chief Ogar Assam of blessed memory died on February 10, 1974, and had no claim of 32 hectares of cocoa farm at Abonita government owned cocoa estate as claimed by Mark Prince (Mbu Liku). Facts available show that Chief Ogar  Assam, of blessed memory died 2 years before the establishment of the estate. So why is Mbu Liku still making this false claim that the 32 hectares at Abonita which he had artificially put in contention belongs to his late uncle  Chief Assam?