Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • C’River: We’re almost getting 100 percent compliance in monthly sanitation – Commissioner for Environment

    C’River: We’re almost getting 100 percent compliance in monthly sanitation – Commissioner for Environment

    Cleanliness they say is next to godliness. This aphorism is gradually gaining expression in Cross River as the monthly environmental sanitation that is carried out every last Saturday, has come to stay.

    The exercise is sustained by the increasing level of compliance among the populace who have now embrace it as a routine in their monthly calendar. Buttressing this, the state Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, who monitored the exercise at major streets in Calabar metropolis on Saturday 25th May 2024, stated that the compliance level is almost getting to 100 percent.

    “From what I have seen, the compliance level is growing. We are almost getting to the top. Having 100 percent. Human attitude is very difficult to tame, but gradually we will get there. I must appreciate Cross Riverians, especially the ones that are domiciled in Calabar metropolis. They are really trying. We have been preaching to them to do the needful and let government complete it. They should clean up their environment, then every other thing that comes up, like flood government will respond. This is the people’s government. The government is ready to do a substantial number of what the populace need in Cross River State,” he stated.

    The Commissioner however warned some religious organizations not to test the government’s resolve in enforcing the monthly sanitation exercise, regretting that “Some of them are not informed. They are only using religion as a flimsy excuse. God did ask anyone to flout the law.”

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    He also sounded the same warning to commercial transport companies operating within the city, assuring them that “Any commercial transport company that is found open during the sanitation exercise will be sealed up.”

    Additionally, the Honourable Commissioner commended royal fathers for their support towards ensuring their subjects observe the sanitation exercise in their various domains.

    “The royal fathers are really trying their best. We’ve interfaced and communicated with them. We told them the need for the environment to be kept clean and their role as royal fathers to support what we are doing. And they are all out to support the government,” he said.

  • Ndoma-Egba Disassociates Self From Speaker’s Travail

    Ndoma-Egba Disassociates Self From Speaker’s Travail

    By Nsan Ndoma-Neji

    Former Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba, has dissociated himself from the removal of the Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker, Elvert Ayambem.

    Ndoma-Egba, a political heavy weight in Cross River (same Senatorial district with embattled Speaker) refuted allegations that he is interested in the replacement of Ayambem with the member representing Etung state constituency, Mr Kingsley Ntui who is also from Cross River central with Ndoma-Egba.

    “I have not endorse anyone for positions of Speaker of State Assembly,” he said.

    The former Senate leader refuted the allegations through his media aide Sunny Udeh, Friday in Calabar.

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    “It has just come to the notice of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba that he is purported to have endorsed Hon. Kingsley Ntui of the Etung State Constituency as the next speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

    “For the avoidance of doubt and to set the record straight before the general  public, Senator Ndoma-Egba has not endorsed any one to become Speaker of the Cross River State Assembly.

    “He debunks that story making the rounds in the social media and advise mischief makers to desist from misleading the public.

    “Senator Ndoma-Egba is not a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly and as such cannot determine who should be the Speaker.

    “Ndoma-Egba, like every other well meaningful leaders in the state  decries recent developments in the Cross River State House of Assembly and expresses hope and expectation that the matter will be amicably resolved in a timely manner for the good of the state.

    “The state cannot afford any political crisis especially now that the State is beginning to enjoy the fruits of the exemplary leadership displayed by governor Bassey Otu, who is vigorously implementing the People’s First agenda that is already yielding positive and tangible results,” he stated.

    The former Senate leader urged residents of the state to disregard whatever allegations leveled against him in the social media regarding the travail of the embattled speaker.

  • C’River: We face exploitation in the local music industry – Flawless Duke

    C’River: We face exploitation in the local music industry – Flawless Duke

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Cross River’s fast rising female singer, Flawless Duke, has bare her mind on the local music industry in the State.

    In this exclusive interview with the Paradise News, she talks about her sojourn into music, challenges in the industry, how the Cross River Christmas Festival has impacted on home-based music talents and the way forward.

    Excerpts below:

    Tell us about yourself

    My name is Flawless Duke, an indigene of Cross River State, Nigeria. I’m a versatile music artiste as I have done different genres of music such as Reggae, Afropop and RnB.

    Please take us on a journey into your music career

    My music career started in 2019 with my first single ‘Pompori’ which I featured Jazy M, the fast rising artiste at that time. The song was produced by Teddybanty who is still my producer till this day. I have done other collaborations such as ‘Level Up’ with Nicekris, ‘Faaji’ with Jeokachi and ‘This Love’ with my producer Teddybanty. I have also done great jams like ‘Bad Baddie’ which is my latest single and currently working on my next single ‘Energy’ which will be hitting the entire media space this year.

    Which would you say is your best musical work and why?

    I would say my best is yet to come, because I keep getting better and better, but based on fans review I will say, ‘This Love’ the song I did with my producer.

    Looking at the music industry, particularly in Cross River, what do you think are the challenges?

    The challenges we are mostly facing in the industry is that we are very underrated; we have it all but no one is ready to invest in us; we also do not have enough platforms to promote our crafts. If it is not December, most musicians don’t get performance slots. We also face being exploited. Show organizers wanting us to perform for free and offering exposure as payment.

    What can be done to take local artists to the big stage, that is, national and international?

    If the government brings brands and investors to invest in our craft that will go a long way. We need good media presence, promotions and publicity.

    Who is your role model in the music industry?

    For my role model I will say Tiwa Savage. I like her vibes, I love her energy.

    Do you think the Cross River Christmas Festival has had any impact on local musical talents in terms of giving them the much needed exposure?

    The Cross River Christmas Festival last year was actually on track, it did give some of us a certain level of exposure, but I would love if it’s not just during the festive period. We need this exposure frequently.

    Lastly, what is your advice to upcoming musicians in Cross River State

    My advice to musicians in Cross River state is that they should keep the fire burning. Always show up, and ‘don’t be caught Unfresh’.

     

  • Torchlighting the Candidature of Emmanuel George Ndoma, Aspirant for NYCN’s State Deputy Chairmanship

    Torchlighting the Candidature of Emmanuel George Ndoma, Aspirant for NYCN’s State Deputy Chairmanship

    Comrade Emmanuel George Ndoma is a native of Ikom Local Government Area. He is a community-centred individual committed to serving and uplifting communities through impactful programmes and he’s deliberate about seeking and creating opportunities in Cross River State and beyond by leveraging his extensive experience in community and organizational leadership to implement impactful initiatives. He loves Community service.

    Emmanuel George Ndoma holds an M.Sc. in Health and Radiation Physics from Akwa Ibom State University, complementing his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from CRUTECH (now UNICROSS), along with a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) from St. Joseph Comprehensive Secondary School, Ugep.

    As a candidate for the  NYCN state elections, his objective is crystal clear: to provide effective and supportive leadership to the emerging Chairman. Being a young individual with a dynamic mindset, he is confident in his God-given abilities to initiate the necessary change and represent everything that the Youth Council stands for in Cross River State.

    These include: assisting the emerging Chairman and the government in driving community development initiatives, advocating for youth-related issues, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive in various sectors of life. This vision is firmly rooted in his principle of progress and inclusivity, aligning seamlessly with the overarching vision of the NYCN.

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    The NYCN-CRS leadership, the emerging Chairman, and the entire Youth of CRS require a reliable, dedicated, supportive, trusted, and seasoned administrator as their Deputy Chairman. Someone with a keen understanding of our political landscape and its challenges.

    Emmanuel George Ndoma is committed to injecting fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to propel the NYCN vision forward. Ndoma’s candidacy represents a fusion of youthful ambition and seasoned insight, aimed at revitalizing our governance structures and amplifying the voices of those traditionally underrepresented in political discourse. This is the change we need, and with him in the coming administration, we can make it happen.

    Ndoma runs a global platform called RESET. A platform that has recorded tremendous success in reaching out to participants from 27 states and 3 African countries since it was founded in 2018. RESET has inspired several young people and organizations who are actively participating in nation-building both within and outside the State.

    In 2021, Ndoma was elected the Public Relations Officer for the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN, Ikom Chapter and he’s also a member of the State planning committee of NYCN Sport Fiesta.

    Interesting to mention, that Emmanuel George Ndoma is also an alumnus of the School of Politics, Policies and Governance (SPPG) where he obtained a certificate in Public Leadership and Policy; the Electoral College where he completed a course on Politeracy and Governance; and the Tekedia Institute, among others. Ndoma is a member of Toastmasters International and a member of the Nigeria Institute of Physics (MNIP).

    Furthermore, he has participated in several trainings such as: Intensive Capacity Building and Development of Local Content on the Use of Synthetic Aperture Radar for Tackling Environmental and Security Challenges in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria, 2023; The COVID-19 Contact Tracing by John Hopkins University in 2022; Global Leadership Summits; Imperatives of Cutting-Edge Research in Rebranding of Universities by Researchers Journal of Science and Technology (REJOST). Ndoma has authored and coauthored academic articles in high-impact journals. Ndoma has received several commendation letters and certificates including from National Youth Services Corps (NYSC) for his transforming initiatives in nation-building and Community Service/Development.

    This portfolio represents his unwavering commitment to serving the Cross River State Youth and our community while being a perfect and integral ingredient to the leadership of NYCN. From his proven track record of achievements to his comprehensive platform aimed at addressing the needs of our constituents, Ndoma is very ready to serve the Youth leadership and the entire Youth with a high sense of passion and purpose.

    Therefore, as he embarks on this journey, let us not allow another change-maker to slip the corridors of youth leadership. Let us all support Comrade Emmanuel George Ndoma to emerge as State Deputy Chairman, NYCN-CRS. Together, we can make a positive difference and create a thriving community that we can all be proud of!

  • NDDC Fulfills Promise, Installs Solar Lights at NIS C’River Command

    NDDC Fulfills Promise, Installs Solar Lights at NIS C’River Command

    Recall an earlier report made on 26th March 2024 on the visit of Cross River State NDDC Commissioner Hon. (Chief) Orok Duke to the Command.

    A total of fifteen(15) solar lights were earmarked to be installed at the Command premises, the flag house and barracks.

    Installation commenced on Tuesday 21st May 2024 and concluded yesterday 22nd May 2024.

    Below are photos taken at night to show the illuminated areas.

    ASI2 DI OMELAGAH
    CPRO

  • No vacuum in the leadership of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Says Obono-Obla

    No vacuum in the leadership of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Says Obono-Obla

    On 22 May 2024, something that startled political pundits happened in the Cross River State when the people were hit with the breaking news that the Speaker of the House of Assembly has been removed.

    However rumour mongers started speculating that because the removed Speaker was not replaced the removal of the previous speaker would not stand.

    There is No Rule in the Rules and Regulations of the Cross River State House of Assembly that says when the Speaker of the House of Assembly is removed, another Speaker must automatically with alacrity elected to replace the one removed.

    The Cross River State House of Assembly is independent and indeed a sovereign. Its proceedings are internally regulated by the Assembly.

    Read Also: C’River Assembly Crisis: IPAC Appeals For Calm

    Therefore the insinuation that the removed Speaker remains in office because another Speaker was not elected on 22 May 2024 when he was removed upon a resolution signed by 17 members is bunkum and constitutionally a balderdash.

    four and not more than forty members.
    Section 92 (1) and (2) (a)(b) and (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 provides as follows:
    (1) There shall be a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of a House of Assembly who shall be elected by the members of the House from among themselves.

    (2) The Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly shall vacate his office –

    (a) if he ceases to be a member of the House of Assembly otherwise than by reason of the dissolution of the House;

    (b) When the House first sits after any dissolution of House; or

    (c) if he is removed from office by a resolution of House of Assembly by the votes of not less than two-third majority of the members of the House of Assembly

    Section 92 (c) (c) of the Constitution is very explicit, the Speaker stands removed from office if he is removed by a resolution of votes of not less than 2/3 of the members of the House of Assembly.

    In other words, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall vacate his office in three circumstances namely:
    (a) when he ceases to be a member of the House of Assembly;
    (b) the House sits after dissolution; and
    (c) If he is removed by a  resolution of votes of not less than 2/3 of the members of the House of Assembly.

    Finally, there is no vacuum in the Cross River State House of Assembly because the Deputy Speaker is still in office as he was not affected by the removal  Speaker.

    Section 95(1) and (2) of the Constitution is handy and therefore comes into aid.
    Section 95 (1) and (2) of the Constitution provides as:
    (1) At any sitting of a House of Assembly, the Speaker of that House shall preside, and in his absence the Deputy Speaker shall preside.
    (2) In the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House, such members of the House as the House may elect for a purpose shall preside.

    In the light of the above, there is no vacuum whatsoever in the leadership of the Cross River House of Assembly presently.

    The Deputy Speaker will preside over the House whenever it reconvenes and a new Speaker will be elected there after.

    Chief Okoi Obono-Obla

  • C’River Assembly Crisis: IPAC Appeals For Calm

    C’River Assembly Crisis: IPAC Appeals For Calm

     

    …Sets Up Committee To Investigate Allegations Against Embattled Speaker

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Cross River chapter, has reacted over the leadership tussle that engulfed the State House of Assembly which led to the purported impeachment of the Speaker, Mr Elvert Ayambem, on Wednesday 22nd May, 2024.

    17 of the 25-member Assembly removed the Speaker, citing financial misconduct, incompetence, non-compliance with the Cross River State Legislature Fund Management Law 2021, and total failure to convene a leadership meeting.

    Ayambem was also accused of
    misappropriating the sum of N48,000,000.00 (Forty-Eight Million Naira) meant to pay NEPA bills for the House of Assembly complex and the House of Assembly Quarters.

    Misappropriation of 2% of all revenue collected by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) monthly for oversight functions of the House of Assembly in line with Section 18(a)(i) of the Cross River State Revenue Administration Law 2011 as amended to the tune of N404,683,855.10 (Four Hundred and Four Million, Six Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Five Naira, Ten Kobo).

    Read Also: Revealed: Forces Behind Removal of Cross River Assembly Speaker, Ayambem

    Misappropriation of the sum of N19,437, 844.00 (Nineteen Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and forty-five Naira) from Local Government deduction and 11 months deductions which he allegedly failed to disclose to members.

    Reacting over the development, IPAC Chairman, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon in a statement Wednesday night, called on members of the Assembly to exercise restraint and maintain calm in order not to throw the entire state into needless crisis that could jeopardize the existing peace vital for development to thrive.

    The Council however stated that its solidarity lies with the good people of Cross River, adding that “we are mostly concerned about the negative effects this imbroglio in the legislative arm of government would have on the state. His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is making so much effort to move the state forward and all of these distractions are not needed. They are capable of derailing the governor’s good plans for the state.”

    The statement continues, “A house divided against itself cannot stand. Inter-Party Advisory Council understands that the Cross River State House of Assembly is mostly dominated by the APC and as such this misappropriation of fund for personal interest as published by some aggrieved members of the House, is to say the least, detestable.

    “Accordingly, IPAC has set up a committee to investigate the allegations of financial malfeasance against the embattled Speaker in order to determine our next line of action, which will ultimately be in the interest of the people.

    “We wish to reiterate that the People First agenda of the Prince Bassey Otu-led administration resonates well with us and we therefore urge all well-meaning Cross Riverians to support this government to enable it deliver on its mandate.”

  • Revealed: Forces Behind Removal of Cross River Assembly Speaker, Ayambem

    Revealed: Forces Behind Removal of Cross River Assembly Speaker, Ayambem

    The Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr Elvert Ayambem, was on Wednesday morning impeached by his colleagues in the legislative arm of government at the sub nation level.

    17 of the 25-member assembly removed the speaker, citing financial misconduct, incompetence, non-compliance with the Cross River State Legislature Fund Management Law 2021, and total failure to convene a leadership meeting.

    In the ‘Removal Notice’ obtained by the Paradise News, the aggrieved lawmakers said, “We bring this all important Motion under matters of urgent public importance inline with Order 24 of the Rules of the Cross River State House of Assembly and pursuant to Section 92(2)(C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as altered.

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    “Having met the Constitutional requirements of two-third majority, we the under-listed members of the Cross River State House of Assembly hereby pass a vote- of-no- confidence on Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the House of Assembly and he is hereby REMOVED.”

    Also covered in the accusations against the embattled Speaker were the misappropriation of the sum of N48,000,000.00 (Forty-Eight Million Naira) meant to pay NEPA bills for the House of Assembly complex and the House of Assembly Quarters.

    Misappropriation of 2% of all revenue collected by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) monthly for oversight functions of the House of Assembly in line with Section 18(a)(i) of the Cross River State Revenue Administration Law 2011 as amended to the tune of N404,683,855.10 (Four Hundred and Four Million, Six Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Five Naira, Ten Kobo).

    Misappropriation of the sum of N19,437, 844.00 (Nineteen Million,Four Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and forty-five Naira) from Local Government deduction and 11 months deductions which he allegedly failed to disclose to members.

    Forces within the Assembly that orchestrated the removal of the Speaker, and who also appended their signatures to the Removal Notice are captured in the document below:

  • South-South group commends NSCDC leadership for war against economic saboteurs

    South-South group commends NSCDC leadership for war against economic saboteurs

    By Christian Njoku

    The South-South Youth Vanguard for Excellence in Leadership has commended CG Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for his effective war against economic saboteurs in the region.

    The commendation was made by the leader of the group Mr Ekpo Ekpo during its meeting on Tuesday in Calabar.

    Ekpo who drummed support for the leadership of the Corps said the achievements of NSCDC under Audi had tremendously changed the narrative in the fight against those degrading the nation’s economy

    He said NSCDC had risen from obscurity to become one of the most enviable security outfits under the leadership of the present CG.

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    According to him, “we have closely watched with kin observation the trajectory of successes of NSCDC in the past years and are proud of the institution.

    “The Corps has carried out its function of combating the activities of vandals, oil thieves, disaster mitigation and crisis management, training, supervision, licensing and regulations of  private guard Companies in the nation with a sense of responsibility.

    “This shows that the NSCDC has grown to become an elite organisation of international standard and should be allowed to continue under the present Audi led administration,” he said.

    While highlighting some of the achievements of NSCDC which include
    a robust staff welfare for personnel, creation of a civil defence academy among others, he appealed to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to continue to support the Corps for more results.

    He also called on stakeholders at all levels to support the NSCDC in the fight against crime and criminalities so as to make the country a more peaceful home for all.

  • Mswizz Advocates for Discovering, Building Local Talent in Music Industry

    By Our Reporter

    Nigerian musical artist Mswizz, whose real name is Saviour Kelvin, is advocating for the discovery and development of local talent in the music industry.

    In an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Calabar, Mswizz emphasized the importance of grassroots support and creating platforms for homegrown artists to showcase their talent.

    He shared his own experiences breaking into the mainstream and the need for guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for homegrown artists to grow.

    Mswizz’s latest single, “Grace,” is a melodic blend of Afrobeat and Amapiano vibe that speaks to the heart and soul. He collaborates with emerging artists, including Lakassablanka, and is known for his engaging stage presence and charismatic persona.

    Mswizz remains committed to supporting local talent and making a positive impact in his community.

    With a passion for nurturing emerging artists, Mswizz shared his insights on how to identify and develop local talent, highlighting the significance of grassroots support in the growth of the music industry.

    According to Mswizz, “The music industry needs to focus on discovering and building local talent. There are so many gifted artists in Nigeria, especially in Calabar, who have the potential to make a significant impact in the industry. However, they lack the necessary support and resources to reach their full potential.”

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    Mswizz, who has been in the music industry for several years, has experienced firsthand the challenges of breaking into the mainstream. He believes that local artists need guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to showcase their talent.

    “We need to create platforms for local artists to perform, collaborate, and learn from each other. This will help them gain exposure, build their fan base, and develop their craft,” he emphasized.

    When asked about his latest single, “Grace,” Mswizz explained that the title was inspired by his personal journey and the role of grace in his life. “Grace is a reflection of my experiences, struggles, and triumphs. It’s a song about hope, resilience, and the power of grace in overcoming adversity,” he said.

    “Grace” is a melodic blend of Amapiano and calapiano, with lyrics that speak to the heart and soul. The song features Mswizz’s signature smooth vocals, accompanied by a catchy beat and harmonious instrumentation. “I wanted to create a song that would inspire and uplift people, reminding them that grace is always available to help us navigate life’s challenges,” he added.

    Mswizz’s commitment to supporting local talent is evident in his collaborations with emerging artists. His latest single features a talented homegrown artist, Lakassablanka, who brings a fresh perspective and energy to the track. “Collaborating with homegrown artists not only helps them gain exposure but also brings new ideas and creativity to the table,” Mswizz explained.

    In addition to his music, Mswizz is also known for his engaging stage presence and charismatic persona. His live performances are electric, leaving audiences spellbound and craving more.

    “I believe that a live performance is an opportunity to connect with fans on a deeper level, share my story, and inspire them through my music,” he said.