Paradise News

Tag: Prince Bassey Otu

  • Gov Otu calls for collective action in tackling humanitarian challenges

    Gov Otu calls for collective action in tackling humanitarian challenges

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu has called for collective efforts to address humanitarian challenges in Cross River, Nigeria and the world at large.

    Otu made the call on Thursday at the 2024 World Humanitarian Day Public Symposium organized by the Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Calabar.

    According to the governor, the theme for this year’s World Humanitarian Day, “Act For Humanity,” is a clarion call for action in the face of escalating violence against humanitarian workers. He stated that the Day was a poignant reminder of the need for collective action towards addressing humanitarian issues which have become more pressing now than ever.

    “The world is facing so much Challenges, from conflicts and displacements to climate change and pandemics, the scale and complexity of humanitarian crises demand a unified response. We are witnessing unprecedented levels of human suffering, with millions displaced, injured, or lost.

    “There is power in collective action, even in the darkest moments, we find hope in the resilience of affected communities and the unwavering dedication of humanitarian workers. Heroes and ambassadors that we all are. We see the impact of collective action in the lives saved, the families reunited, and the communities rebuilt,” he stated.

    The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishment, Mrs Lawrencia Ita, emphasized that collective action is needed in “Supporting all humanitarian workers. Addressing the root causes of crises. Fostering inclusive and equitable partnerships. Embracing innovative solutions and technologies. Advocating for policies and practices that prioritize humanity,” among others.

    In her remarks, the wife of the governor, Rev. (Mrs) Eyoanwan Otu, urged Cross Riverians to be their brother’s keeper by extending a helping hand to one another.

    Represented by her Special Adviser on Programmes and Events, Apostle Queen Eton, the governor wife emphasized the importance of compassion, empathy and kindness, which according to her, are essential ingredients for humanitarian works in a contemporary world defined by conflict, injustice and suffering.

    “I stand before you today to say that our individual actions can collectively make a significant difference. ‘Act For Humanity’ simply means to stand up against injustice and inequality, showing compassion and empathy towards those in need, volunteering our time and resources to support humanitarian causes, being a voice to the voiceless,” she said.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Helen Isamo, declared that the state government in recognizing the critical role humanitarian workers play and the need to take the lead in coordinating and providing humanitarian services, established the Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to serve as a coordinating institution for all humanitarian responses and interventions in the state.

    According to her, “The Ministry has a mandate to develop humanitarian policies and provide effective coordination of local, state, national and international humanitarian interventions within the state, ensuring strategic disaster mitigation, preparedness and response and as well manage the formulation and implementation of fair and focused social inclusion and protection programmes, among other specific objectives in the state.”

    Continuing, she said “Everywhere in the world including here in our state, Humanitarian workers are the embodiment of compassion, courage, and resilience. They are the unsung heroes who step into the aftermath of natural disasters, conflict zones, and health crises. They are there when the world seems to be at its darkest, bringing light and hope to the most vulnerable. The work they do is not just a job; it is a calling—one that requires a deep commitment to the values of humanity and service to all.

    “Today, as we celebrate ourselves, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all the humanitarian workers who have dedicated their lives to helping others. Thank you for the sacrifices you make, for the risks you take, and for the unwavering dedication you show every day. Your work saves lives, restores dignity, and offers a lifeline to those who have nowhere else to turn.”

    Humanitarian Day Symposium
  • 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.

  • Why Cross Riverians didn’t participate in protest – Barrister Akiba

    Why Cross Riverians didn’t participate in protest – Barrister Akiba

    The Special Adviser on General Duties to Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, says Cross Riverians refused to partake in the nationwide protest that commenced on August 1, 2024, because of the respect they have for the governor who has been working vigorously round the clock to transform and reposition the state for the betterment of the populace.

    Speaking in an interview, Akiba maintained that Governor Otu earned the confidence of Cross Riverians from his purposeful leadership, commitment towards the fulfilment of his campaign promises and delivery of democracy dividends to the doorsteps of the people.

    He said it was for the trust the entire people of the state have in the governor that made them listen to his passionate appeal to remain calm, show patience and understanding by shunning the protest and embracing dialogue.

    His words: “In Cross River today (August 1), it’s been very peaceful and for me it was expected. It has been very peaceful not because residents and citizens of Cross River are not in support of the numerous questions that are being asked nationally, not because they are not affected by hardship, not because they not are not affected by the pump price of fuel and a number of societal and economic issues. But because most of these questions, if not all, are begging for answers nationally. The answers cannot directly be provided within our state.

    “Now, in the state, the people are in consensus that the governor right from his assumption of office has been able to display goodwill and purposeful leadership. He has been able to display reasonable and justifiable action. He has been able to present himself as an icon worthy of emulation in this generation. The people of Cross River State have seen that the potholes we witnessed a year ago are disappearing. The people have also seen that the weekly, sometimes daily kidnapping incidents in Cross River are disappearing.

    “The young people have seen that our famous state library complex that was ramshackle and not given attention has received 60% action. The people have seen the governor roll out 40 fishing boats and 40 transport boats to riverine communities to enhance their livelihood. In his empowerment efforts, the people have seen the governor through ITF (Industrial Training Fund) partnership, has trained young people in crop production, sewing, etc, and at the end of the training, they are empowered. The governor has partnered with a Chinese company to train young people in electrical electronics. The people have seen it.

    “The pensioners are saying that the governor inherited debt that was not his and has approved N10 billion for payment of gratuities. It has never happened. A governor came in to inherit that kind of debt and has the large heart to approve 10 billion naira so that our mothers, our grandmothers, our fathers should be able to earn what they have worked for. The people are saying if the governor has taken this kind of step should he not be supported? Should he not be prayed for? Should he not be encouraged?”

    Continuing, the special adviser on general duties added: “So in Cross River State, the Nigerian Labour Congress leadership, TUC leadership, NANS leadership, NACRISS leadership, Transport association leadership, market women leadership, civil society organisation leadership, name it, they have all come together to say that the governor in Cross River State has displayed readiness to deliver democratic dividends to the people, and there will be no need to embark on any protest that will not bring results. Because the questions that we want the federal government to answer are questions that can be answered without destroying, vandalising, and creating a situation that might lead to the loss of lives.”

    He noted that Cross Riverians completely agreed with the governor as indicated in his state broadcast that the massive destruction occasioned by the ENDSARS protest in 2020, and the heavy loss it brought upon Cross River, should be a good reason why a repeat of such shouldn’t be allowed.

    He thanked the people of Cross River for their understanding and commended the religious leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders who have given the direction of peace in the state.

  • Gov Otu seeks Assembly’s approval to sack CROSIEC Chairman, members

    Gov Otu seeks Assembly’s approval to sack CROSIEC Chairman, members

    … Blames them for state’s inability to conduct local government election

    The State Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has requested the State Legislature’s approval to reorganize the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC).

    The request, contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. A. Owan Enoh, highlighted the Commission’s  ineffectiveness and prayed the Legislature to ” act, under section 201(1) – (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, and pass an address to remove the Chairman as well as all the Members of the commission owning to serial ineffectiveness.”

    According to the letter the State Government has, “observed with dismay a cavalier work attitude by the Chairman and members of the State Electoral Commission. This inertia has led to the State not being able to conduct Local Government Council elections which ought to have been held in 2023”.

    The letter subsequently sought the Assembly’s approval to give Governor Otu, “the latitude to reorganize the Commission to enable the State to have elections to its Local Government Council as soon as possible”.

    After considering the request, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem referred the matter to the House Committee on Judiciary Public Service Matters, Public Petition, and Conflict Resolution for in-depth study and recommendation.

    In a related development, the State House of Assembly has also received the State Governor’s request for the confirmation of nominees for appointment into the Local Government Service Commission, Board of Internal Revenue Service as well as the State Privatization Council.

    The requests have also been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution for further legislative action.

  • Gov Otu celebrates Imoke at 63

    Gov Otu celebrates Imoke at 63

    Cross River state governor, Senator Bassey Otu has conveyed felicitations to erstwhile governor, Senator Liyel Imoke on the occasion of his 63rd birth anniversary.

    Expressing his warm wishes in a message to the sexagenarian elder statesman, Governor Otu wrote, “It’s my pleasure, on behalf of my family and our good people of Cross River State, to join many other friends and relatives of yours to wish you a happy Birthday.

    “May your special day be filled with joy, blessings, and beautiful memories.”

    He hailed the remarkable impact he made as a Governor of Cross River State, saying “your contributions to the growth and development of Cross River State can not be forgotten.”

    Read Also: We are not ghost workers, embattled Anambra workers tell Soludo

    “My administration is building on the gains of previous ones, including yours, which was between 2007-2015.

    “I wish you continued success and happiness in all your endeavours,” Otu said.

    Senator Liyel Imoke, born 10 July 1961, is a Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Cross River State, Nigeria from 29 May, 2007 till 29 May 2015.

  • Gov Otu congratulates Canaan Queens as they finish 2nd place in African Club Table Tennis Championship in Libya

    Gov Otu congratulates Canaan Queens as they finish 2nd place in African Club Table Tennis Championship in Libya

     

    Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has congratulated Canaan Queens, players of the Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, for giving a good account of themselves in the just concluded African Club Table Tennis Championship in Libya.

    The governor who congratulated the team via a video call, lauded them for their doggedness and determination which saw them through to the finals and subsequently emerging second runners up in a competition brimmed with stars from across the continent.

    He said their performance in the continental tourney exemplifies the unwavering spirit of Nigerians, adding that the Queens beyond flying the country’s flag in the international competition, are worthy ambassadors of Cross River and that the state is proud of them.

    Read Also: Benghazi 2024: Nigeria’s representative at African Table Tennis Club Championship, Canaan Queens of Calabar, qualify for finals

    Gov Otu therefore promised to support Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, and as well as the two Olympians among them that will represent Cross River, Nigeria and Africa at the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris, France.

    Canaan Queens who represented Nigeria won their matches against Benghazi Al Jahdida of Libya and Commercial Bank Club (Ethiopia) in the Women’s Team Semifinals to set up a finals with Petrojet Tennis Club of Egypt.

    They emerged runners up after losing to the Egyptian side Petrojet 3-1, 3-1, 3-2 in the finals.

  • Gov Otu committed to driving transparency and fiscal responsibility in governance

    Gov Otu committed to driving transparency and fiscal responsibility in governance

    By Innocent Akamba

    Since the current administration of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu assumed the reins a little over a year ago, he has made transparency, fiscal responsibility and accountability one of the cardinal planks of his government.

    This does not, however, exclude the running of government agencies such as the state’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS), under whose watch has seen an exponential leap in revenue accruals to the government to above average of 60.6% in just one year.

    This could only have been achieved through diligent, aggressive, effective, efficient and transparent tax automation process instituted by Governor Otu.

    This explains why improvement in the transparent and accountable tax administration of the Cross River State IRS has also earned the agency plaudits from a vast concourse of Cross Riverians for the rare feat.

    The Service is not resting on its oars to continually improve the state IGR, knowing the commitment of the Governor to drive development and trigger a positive economic turnaround.

    However, there are still doubting Thomases, just as there will always be scatterbrained Thomases, incurable cynics and skeptics who are bent on gaslighting the government in order to either trend or distract or perhaps both.

    It is against the background of the activities of these merchants of mischief such as a certain Austin Ibok whose communication/writing skills have of late, mysteriously attained some incredible level of coherence, that we are inclined to challenge him to come open and with facts at his disposal regarding the day-to-day operations at the state’s Internal Revenue Service.

    Ordinarily, Ibok who signed off as “writing from my balcony” should not have deserved any response for his posers until he provides, according to him, “in my next write-up, full details of transactions involving companies used in siphoning public funds.”

    Suffice it, however, to say that the IRS remains strongly committed to improving the revenue profile of the state by abiding strictly by the international best practices of due process, transparency and accountability.

    Accordingly, government revenue from taxes will continue to be meticulously paid into the government account, judiciously managed for the well-being of the citizenry, and never lodged into individuals accounts. International best practice allows for two approaches to revenue collection; for instance, there is Target Driven system and also Commission Based system.

    The State IRS has adopted both approaches which allows some transactional based taxes to be paid through target based system where the consultants are given targets and made to either pay upfront or at the end of each month. This has assisted in growing the revenue of the State including the Ministerial revenue by over 250% in the past 9 months.

    As the government continue the ongoing automation process, the expectation is to gradually bring every one into the tax net and reduce the prevalence of allowing direct collections by consultants and encourage payments into the government account where they will be paid based on commission.
    With the adopted measures, leakages are promptly addressed and all funds are directly deposited into the government account.

    Through effective and efficient revenue drive, the administration has also been able to reactivate the State Reserve Fund account, that had laid dormant for about eight years but which currently holds a balance of 3.7 billion naira, meant for unforeseen circumstances.
    Governor Otu’s administration, through prudent resource allocation, has ensured that the state government has met its debt and contractual obligations amounting to over N55 billion from the beginning of this administration to the present.

    Only a responsible administration, such as the one currently led by Governor Bassey Otu in Cross River State, could have achieved these milestones.

    While other agencies of government, such as CRISSA and SUBEB, mentioned by the timid author from the balcony, are no different in terms of effective and efficient service delivery, yet, we do not doubt that they are autonomous of each other, as their performances under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu are equally a testament to his People First agenda of service delivery. We await the nitwit who writes from his balcony for his full details of transactions involving the IRS.

    Written By
    Innocent Akamba

    For People First mandate support groups

    27/06/2024

  • Gov Bassey Otu flags off the construction of Adiabo road

    Gov Bassey Otu flags off the construction of Adiabo road

    Sen. Bassey Otu, the governor of Cross River State has flagged off the construction of Adiabo road. The Adiabo road which was initiated by the military government was abandoned over 30 years ago by previous administrations, was recently awarded by the Sen. Otu led administration. The ground breaking took place at Adiabo Village marking an important milestone for the region.

    Speaking during the event, Governor Otu expressed deep concern over the prolonged abandonment of the Adiabo road. He underscored the crucial role that the road would play in driving development and progress in the area.

    “It gave me a lot of pain when the work on this road was stopped. The construction of Adiabo road which was initiated by the military in the 90’s had since been abandoned. I never knew God had designed that I’ll be the one to complete this road”

    “This road will bring development and improve the economy of this region.”

    Read Also: FG Crashes Signature Bonus For 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round To $10m To Attract Fresh Investments Into Upstream Sector

    Continuing, Gov. Otu said government has been actively involved in various infrastructure projects, including extensive road construction in Calabar, the state capital, and across all the senatorial districts of the state. Despite limited resources, government remains committed to addressing the infrastructure challenges in the state, Governor Otu affirmed.

    “What we are doing here is ongoing across the central and Northern senatorial districts in Ikom, Ogoja, Ugep and other locations.”

    “The challenges are high, but we will complete this road. This government came to change the narrative, we will create an improved economy and provide equal opportunities for everyone.”

    Earlier, the commissioner of works, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet reiterated the committed efforts of the state government to complete Adiabo road and other roads ongoing in the State.

    He said the road will serve as an evacuation corridor to the coastal road. Ankpo noted that the contract was awarded to the same company who started the construction of the road 30 years ago and will engaged youths of the community in the construction.

    “When this road is completed, the burden of going through Odukpani will be taken off.”

    “The company has been advised to adhere to engaging local content. So our youths will be engaged in the project”

    The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the deputy governor, other top government functionaries, the speaker of the house of Assembly, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V., paramount rulers of Calabar Municipality and Odukpani local government area, as well as the general public. This event symbolizes the commitment of  government to improving infrastructure and fostering development in the state.

  • IPAC calls for removal of Gov Otu’s SA on Inter-Party Affairs

    IPAC calls for removal of Gov Otu’s SA on Inter-Party Affairs

    …Says office should be reserved for experienced party leader

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State chapter, has called for the removal of Hon. Nkoyo Otu, the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Inter-Party Affairs, saying she lacks the capacity and experience to hold such an office.

    The call was made in a 6-point resolution drawn by an enlarged general meeting of IPAC, held Wednesday, 12th June, to mark the 2024 Democracy Day, which was chaired by the State Chairman of IPAC, Engr. Effiom Okon.

    For not having the experience of leading a political party, the group urged Governor Otu to replace Hon. Nkoyo Otu with someone from IPAC who is a leader of a political party.

    “Our observation is that the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the State Governor, Mr Nsa Gill, was appointed from NUJ as well and the the Special Adviser on Labour was also appointed from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) because every organisation understands its dynamics, and uses that to their advantage to communicate if need be.

    Read Also: Governor Otu’s first year in office? Absolutely miraculous – Archbishop Josef Bassey

    We appeal that IPAC should not be an exception. Our appeal is that an SA Inter-Party Affairs should be appointed from amongst our party leaders.

    “Nkoyo Otu lacks the capacity and experience to lead political parties having not been a party chairman.

    “The period she interfaced with our women leaders, we got reports that she invited them against party leadership.”

  • Governor Otu’s first year in office? Absolutely miraculous – Archbishop Josef Bassey

    Governor Otu’s first year in office? Absolutely miraculous – Archbishop Josef Bassey

    A renowned father of the Christian faith and Grand Pontif of God’s Heritage  Centre Worldwide, Archbishop Josef Bassey, has spoken glowingly of the Governor of Cross River, Senator Bassey Otu’s impact on the state and its people since he mounted the saddle, describing his first one year as “absolutely miraculous.”

    The Archbishop made the assertion during a media interaction in his office in Calabar.

    “Governor Bassey Otu’s one year in office was miraculous in many ways. As a privileged citizen of the state, I am aware of what the state of the state was. Nothing was working, we witnessed eight years of total robbery and destruction of every thing of value in the state. Nothing was spared, our institutions, assets, values, standard operating systems of governments, etc. Cross River state was taken backward by at least 100 years. The gains of all previous governments where eroded while the state was being plundered to death. So I know like many informed Cross Riverians do that the Governor inherited a dying state, empty treasuries with virtually all bank accounts in red and a huge dead burden. It was a most tragic situation. I wept for years watching the decimation of what was once a most glorious and enviable state.

    Read Also: Nigerian Police To Review 10,000 Constables’ Recruitment Over Corruption, Shortlist Of Failed Candidates, Non-Applicants

    “It is therefore amazing that in one year, the  Governor Otu administration has been able to  breathe life into virtually every facet of the state. I see a tireless work at restoring, rebuilding and rebirthing taking place everywhere: the civil service, education, health, ease of doing business, infrastructural rehabilitation and development etc

    “This is simply nothing but a miracle in progress, and I appreciate God for it, because the prayers of the saints over the years for the deliverance and redemption of Cross River from the hitherto comatose situation we found ourselves has been answered. We can only pray and believe God that in the following years, with Governor Otu continuing in that same direction, Cross River will enter into her most glorious day,” the revered cleric expounded.

    He prophesied that under God, with the massive infrastructural interventions going on in  the state  as well as other farsighted policies, programmes and projects the present administration is carrying out, Cross River, before the end of Governor Otu’s  tenure, would have been transformed to its truest status as a paradise of sort in Nigeria.

    Archbishop Bassey, who is also the leader of Cross River State Christian Leaders Forum, reiterated that the present administration has put up an uncommon  show of maturity in leadership in the last 12 months, bolstering that, “I have not heard the Governor come to the public to complain about the troubles of the state or the countless disasters he met on arrival. That means that Cross Riverians are blessed with a governor who clearly understands that leadership is about  responsibility.”

    “I want to, on behalf of Cross River State Christian Leaders Forum, Cross River Project Stakeholders Roundtable, Calabar Charismatic Episcopacy, and God’s Heritage Centres worldwide, wish the Governor greater wisdom, strength, good health and favour of God, as he continues to pilot the affairs of the state in this second year and the remaining years of his tenure.”