Pillar Today

  • Umo Eno’s 18-Storey Lagos Building

    Umo Eno’s 18-Storey Lagos Building

    Governor Umo Eno

    OPINION 

    By Etim Etim 

    I am not surprised that Gov. Umo Eno’s plans to invest in property development in Lagos and a hotel in Abuja has generated some controversy among his people. Few trust their governments in Nigeria; so, every action is taken with a high dose of cynicism. Akwa Ibom government is erecting an 18-storey building for commercial use on Bishop Abayode Cole Street, Victoria Island, while the state’s liaison office in Abuja would be converted to a four-floor hotel. The VI building, to be known as Ibom Towers, will consist of one- and two-bedroom flats (31 of them) and some business suites, that would be sold to investing public. Conservative estimates indicate that the government may generate up to N100 billion from this transaction. The VI property is a small bungalow sitting on a large parcel of land acquired over 30 years ago. It served as the governor’s office annex in Lagos, providing the chief executive with ample space for meetings and official business in the nation’s most industrialized city. I actually met Governor Godswill Akpabio there sometime around 2009. He is the last chief executive of the state to use the place.

    In 2017, Gov. Udom Emmanuel acquired a more modern property on Coopers Road in Ikoyi for use as official residence and office. The VI property had long remained largely unused. Similarly, the Abuja property, located in the Central Business District, has also been abandoned for many years now. Converting it to a hotel and handing it over to a successful hotel manager to operate makes business sense. In addition to these two, investments, Eno is also building a low-density residential estate in the heart of Uyo. He hopes to sell the residential units to the public. But it is the Lagos development that is kicking off the most storm. Many a commentator believes that the Akwa Ibom people will benefit more if the funds to be used in developing the property were invested in some economic activities in the state. They have a point, but the government’s decision also has some merit. A commercial property development in VI, Lagos is not a bad venture.

    The reason the governor is being criticized is because of our recent experience in property investment. In 2021, Gov. Emmanuel completed a 21-storey building in Uyo. When he mooted the idea, he was trenchantly criticized for wasting resources on such a white elephant project. But the governor claimed that ExxonMobil was soon relocating its corporate headquarters to the state and would occupy several floors in the building. I doubted the claim and said so publicly, having spoken to many Mobil executives then. It turned out that the oil company was at that time exiting its onshore operations, which were based in the state, and were actually selling off the business to Seplat Energy, an indigenous oil-producing company. Udom Emmanuel was actually lying to the people, and till today the 21-storey building has remained unoccupied, apart from two floors donated by the government to the Bank of Industry. Many other investments made by the former governor and located in his hometown, like the coconut factory; the syringe manufacturing plant; the electric meter manufacturing plant and the flour mills factory, have all floundered. In May, the former governor announced at a public function in Uyo that the 21-storey building is still vacant because of COVID-19. Such a barefaced falsehood!

    This why our people are so distrustful of their leaders. They do not want to be deceived the second time in this property business, and that is why they are kicking against the 18-storey development. I understand their position; however, I should emphasize that the government is not always wrong in its investment decisions. In 2019, it launched an airline, Ibom Air, and I was one of those who expressed reservations about its viability. Airline business, I reasoned, is risky, largely unprofitable and difficult to run successfully. Five years on, Ibom Air has become the nation’s favorite domestic carrier and a major source of employment for young people. I understand that the airline has since broken even and is not relying on government to meet its operational expenses. But the government continues to support it in in capital investments like aircraft acquisitions and training of young Akwa Ibom people in aviation careers.

    A residential development in Victoria Island should be a huge commercial success, and in this particular case, an abandoned, non-earning asset would be converted into a profitable business transaction. I support it, but it is, however, important to emphasize that if the expected N100 billion proceeds are not well managed, the raging criticisms would have been justified. For one, the proceeds should not be used to pay salaries, wages, pensions or gratuities. The money should be invested in sustainable income-generating and jobs-creating businesses. For instance, Ibom Power plants should be upgraded and made to adequate power to the state. regular supply of electricity will trigger untold multiplier effects. Parts of the proceeds should also be invested in a wealth fund, established by law, for future generations of Akwa Ibom State.

    I enjoin the governor to handle the Lagos investment, and indeed, all others, with utmost transparency and openness; and reject any urge for him and government’s officials to profit from them personally.

    Étim is a Journalist and a Political Analyst based in Abuja.

  • Cross River Remains An Oasis Of Safety For Business And Leisure

    Cross River Remains An Oasis Of Safety For Business And Leisure

     

    Governor Bassey Otu with one of the security chiefs

    OPINION 

    By Nsa Gill

    When a lie is told against you and you allow the same to fester without setting the record straight, you risk losing your dignity.

    A middle-aged man who claims to be an activist and borrows the sleeves of a journalist recently told a lie about Cross River State by saying that Calabar, the state capital is where criminals are confident. He lied! He cited petty instances of crime incidents which are isolated and made his wrong and faulty conclusions.

    Truth be told: Calabar and indeed Cross River have never had it this good security-wise. The dedication of Governor Bassey Edet Otu and the Cross River State Police Command to safeguarding the populace is top-notch and evident in the proactive crime-fighting strategies and successful efforts in reducing criminal activities.

    Security personnel are not just diligently working behind the scenes but are also well equipped by the government with the necessary tools for the job thus making the bolstering of security across the state seamless, effective and effortless as can be seen in the exhilarating security situations in many parts of the state.

    For example, hitherto volatile areas such as Bakassi, Akpabuyo, and Calabar South Local Government Areas have since been pacified under Governor Otu’s administration. Law enforcement operations have rendered these areas inhospitable and impregnable to criminal elements.

    Criminals of other hue-fraudulent activists and blackmailers- have also been put in their places by the Otu administration. Gone are the days when, through blackmail, the government of Cross River and the Governor are turned into cash cows, held hostage and milked dry by blackmailers.

    Essentially, there have been instances where certain individuals, known for deceitful practices and fraudulent activities under the guise of activism, have alleged personal property theft and then publicly demanded compensation from the Governor.

    However, Governor Otu, focused, visionary and committed to serving the people of Cross River with the fear of God, has refused to bow to these baals as their claims and demands lack credibility.

    The bottom line is that the overall security situation in Calabar nay the entire state remains robust, solid and encouraging.

    Recent assessments by independent rating agencies returned Cross River State as the second-best most safe, secure and conducive state in Nigeria for conducting business. Following closely behind is Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

    Governor Otu’s recent initiatives, such as the procurement of surveillance vehicles for security purposes and the stern warning issued to traditional leaders against sheltering individuals of questionable character signposts a leader resolute in denying criminals a foothold and securing his people against undesirable elements.

    The city of Calabar and the entirety of Cross River State have always been synonymous with peace and tranquillity and a haven for tourists and potential investors.

    Governor Otu’s investment in security, his unwavering commitment to root out criminals from the state and his uncompromising stance against criminal and abhorrent behaviours are all geared towards restoring this elegant feature which the state had been known for.
    Security is everyone’s responsibility. Rather than celebrate or blow out of proportion isolated cases of crimes, citizens should collaborate with the government and security agencies to fight criminals or nip crimes in the bud.

    The collaborative efforts of the government, law enforcement agencies, citizens and community leaders in maintaining law and order, fighting criminals, maintaining security standards and curbing criminal activities of deviants are key to keeping the state safe.

    The ongoing implementation of various measures, including regular State Security Council meetings, security operations, community outreach, and the integration of sophisticated technologies like Artificial Intelligence, underscores the commitment to enhancing security within the state.

    Residents and visitors alike must cooperate with security forces, report any suspicious incidents, and adhere to safety protocols to preserve the peaceful environment in Cross River State.

    Nay sayers’ bile and ghoulish ranting notwithstanding, this is self-evident: Given the foregoing, when juxtaposed with many other states across the country, Cross River remains an oasis of safety; secure and conducive. One needs no soothsayer to know this or a binocular to see it!

    Yes, just as other cosmopolitan cities around the world, Calabar occasionally witnesses a flash and pocket of acts of misdemeanour by deviants and petty thieves but these are isolated cases; flashes in the pan that do not define the city nor the administration of the Governor Bassey Otu.

    There may have been a time past when crime records were of concern to some residents but it has never been the defining feature of everyday life in Calabar and since the advent of the present administration, criminals have been receiving bloody noses and isolated crimes have been on a downward decline.

    The resultant effect of this is that residents of the city can now drive in and out of their houses without entertaining the fear of marauders and kidnappers lurking around the corner to strike.

    Residents sleep with their two eyes closed and equally, nightlife in Calabar is once again booming.

    Even pessimists and chronic critics admit that more than ever before, Cross River, particularly its serene and beautiful capital city, Calabar is enjoying unprecedented security and safety.

    Gill is the Chief Press Secretary to Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu

  • Monarch Seeks Gov Otu’s Intervention over Ofuka’s Incarceration

    Monarch Seeks Gov Otu’s Intervention over Ofuka’s Incarceration

    By Magnus Effiong

    The Paramount Ruler of Etung local government area of Cross River State, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Dr. Emmanuel Oru-Ojong, has appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to intervene in the incarceration of Dr. Oscar Ofuka, former Special Adviser on Cocoa Development and Control in former governor Ben Ayade’s administration.

    Some powerful officials of government were said to have arrested and locked Dr Ofuka up over issues related to allocation of cocoa plots at government cocoa estates, to farmers as ordered by the last administration as well as a recent death of a worker in the government cocoa estate.

    The Monarch, who spoke through the Chairman, Crises Management Committee of Mbume Blocks of Clan, which is made up of Abia Bendeghe Ekiem and Etomi communities in Etung local government area, Chief Odu Ndep, wondered why Ofuka should become a scapegoat for an alleged misdoing of the last administration.

    Oru-Ojong, who was sacked by the Ayade administration but reinstated in suit number HC/96/2022 on March 23,2023, called on the Governor to set up a commission of inquiry, made of men and women of proven integrity to dig into allegations against Ofuka.

    “Your Excellency, many would consider any attempt to link the name of Dr. Ofuka or that of any member of his family to the recent dead of a worker in the government cocoa estate as absolutely outlandish, ill motivated, grossly unfounded, trumped up and political witch hunt.

    “Unless there is factual evidence to invalidate my assumption, I am in earnest inclined to think that as a lawmaker in which capacity you once served our great nation, you cannot knowingly condone the abuse of office being perpetrated against Ofuka by some government officials and security operatives.

    “There is no gainsaying that Ofuka had discharge his duties in the capacity officially conferred upon him following the directives clearly defined by the immediate past administration under which he served concerning cocoa farms allocations without any incident.

    “It is on that score that I am fervently appealing for your kind intervention against the backdrop of overwhelming calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Ofuka.

    “I am appealing that Ofuka should be released once he recuperates at the hospital. He should be released as he cannot be held directly responsible for any presumed error of the past administration,” he stated.

    The Royal Father posited that Dr Ofuka, an appointee in the then administration, worked tirelessly to ensure that sixteen years old debt owed the cocoa landlord community was cleared through a special arrangement to which the then Attorney General of the state, the ministry of Agriculture and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) were signatories to the agreement.

    “The ongoing harassment,” he continued, “and torment which Ofuka is being subjected to is outrageous, grossly misplaced and absolutely unacceptable. Death is not the price he pays for a job more than well done.

    “The consent judgment to which the aforesaid arrangement alludes to is appropriately deemed an inherited commitment, legally binding on the incumbent administration of the State by law since government is continuum.

    “I wish to state categorically that the initial bloc payment of arrears of rent and royalties, amounting to over thirty seven million naira, has been paid to all cocoa landlord communities who can attest to it.”

  • Sulaimon Shines Despite Nigeria’s Loss To Kenya On Day 5

    Sulaimon Shines Despite Nigeria’s Loss To Kenya On Day 5

    Nigerian cricket team captain Sylvester Okpe receiving a trophy from one of the officials .

    By Akanimo Kufre

    The Nigerian Senior Men’s Cricket team, the Yellow Greens on Wednesday scored 155 runs in the first inning but failed to defend as Kenya batted 156 runs to win 3-2 in the bilateral series.

    Nevertheless, Nigeria’s Runsewe Sulaimon continued his class performance in keeping the highest batting scores for the Yellow Greens.

    Sulaimon has gathered a personal total of 153 after 5 games to top the bilateral series while Kenya’s Sachin Bhudiya follows with 138 runs from 5 innings.

    The Nigerian captain, Sylvester Okpe won the toss on the fifth day and opted to bat. The team kept a fair runs rate and scored 51 runs in 6.3 overs. Nigerian total was 155 runs which seems comfortable for another victory against the host. Runsewe Sulaimon contributed 51 runs off 41 balls while his compatriot Isaac Danladi batted 31 off 15 balls.

    The second-inning chase by Kenya was more exciting as they played with a better runs rate than the Yellow Greens. Kenya scored 53 runs in 5.3 overs.

    Nigerian bowlers were a little sloppy as they gave 11 extra balls to the opponents compared to 4 extras from Kenya.

    Rakep Patel batted 51 off 35 balls while Neil Mugabe contributed 27 runs and Sukhdeep Singh played 26 runs to bring Kenya’s tally to 156 runs in 19.1 overs for their third win against Nigeria.

  • CRSG Lifts Fisherman With 100 Boats, N2b Grants To Poor, Vulnerable C’Riverians

    CRSG Lifts Fisherman With 100 Boats, N2b Grants To Poor, Vulnerable C’Riverians

    The Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey (Left, pix 1), presenting a speed outboard engine to one of the fishermen.

    By Anietie Akpan

    Cross River State Government has flagged off the livelihood component of the COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme with the distribution of 100 boats to fishermen and riverine communities of the state.

    The state government also dished out N2b grants to poor and vulnerable Cross Riverians.

    This was contained in a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Comrade Nsa Gill and made available to some newsmen on Thursday.

    Governor Bassey Otu, while presenting the items to beneficiaries Thursday at Calabar Municipality headquarters, described the event as another milestone in his administration’s drive towards achieving food security through enhanced agricultural methods.

    “It is now time for the State Government to support those whose occupation is to harvest the marine resources because of their nearness to water. It is time to reduce the labour of our fishermen’s hand-paddling canoes to go fishing and artisans to ferry people across rivers. It is time to put smiles on the faces of those who care for our nutritional needs. It is the fishermen’s time!

    “Today is, therefore, a day our people in the riverine areas cannot forget quickly. The boats distributed today will enhance your productivity, improve your livelihood, ease the movement of your farm products and people across bodies of water,” he remarked.

    The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, stated that the 100 units of fishing and commercial boats distributed are a bold step by the present administration to touch lives positively in fulfilment of its election campaign promise.

    The event also witnessed the commencement of distribution of over N2 billion grant to the poor and vulnerable in the state.

    “These grants are therefore more than just financial aid; rather a form of humanitarian investment – empowering our fellow Cross Riverians who are most disadvantaged, with the resources they need to lift themselves economically; invariably making meaningful contribution to the society.

    “This is an all-inclusive growth strategy employed by my administration to remove barriers to economic emancipation of all the citizens of this state irrespective of the circumstances they may find themselves,” Governor Otu further stated.

    He urged the beneficiaries of the fishing and commercial boats to make judicious use of the items received so as to justify the interest and sacrifice made by government to place the people first, before other considerations.

    “I will be glad to see all of you in no distant time acquiring new boats from the gains you make from these ones distributed to you,” he hoped, while cautioning them to pay attention to safety measures such as wearing of life-jackets, loading the boats according to built-in capacity to avoid boat mishaps.

    He said, “to the grant beneficiaries, the funds you are given today are not meant for the acquisition of latest tech gadgets, clothing etc.; rather they are seed money that should be invested in any small business to yield income and expand your businesses thereafter. So, use same judiciously.”

    Otu sued for patience from those who are yet to benefit from any of the intervention programmes, assuring that “soon you will also enjoy the season of sweetness.”

    In their separate remarks, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, Wife of the State Governor, Rev Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu (represented), Commissioner for International Donor Coordination, Dr. Hippolatus Lukpata, all spoke glowingly of the Otu-led administration and its huge impact on the masses.

    Beneficiaries also took turns to render testimonies of the life-enhancing effects interventions like the NG-CARES is bringing to the ordinary Cross Riverians, with the pledge to make the most out of the gestures.

    The development objective of NG-CARES aims to expand access to livelihood support, food security services, and grants for poor and vulnerable households and firms.

  • CRHA Charges DG NYSC To  Produce Missing Cross River Corps Member

    CRHA Charges DG NYSC To  Produce Missing Cross River Corps Member

    The missing Corps Member, Miss Dorcas Paul Ojong.

    By Ita Williams, Calabar

    The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to produce Miss Dorcas Paul Ojong, a missing corps member from Cross River state.

    The state lawmakers in a recent sitting in Calabar, made the call to the state government, through the office of the Attorney General, to mandate the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to produce Miss Ojong.

    The House adopted a resolution requesting an immediate investigation into the mysterious disappearance of the NYSC member, an indigene of Akamkpa Local Government Area who was serving in Awka, Anambra state.

    “Mr Speaker, Dorcas with NYSC NO. AN/2023/4309, a Batch A, Stream 2 2023 Corps Member who was supposed to end her service in March 2024 was last seen on the 18th of February, 2024 by her landlady who said Dorcas told her that she was going to her place of primary assignment, Federal Ministry of Health, Awka”, said Hon Okon Nyong Owuna, the Member representing Akamkpa 1 State Constituency.

    According to the Akamkpa Lawmaker, Miss Ojong, who attended the College of Health Technology Calabar, has not been seen since then, and all efforts by her family and friends to trace her whereabouts have remained fruitless.

    “The disappearance of Ojong has thrown her family into confusion, trauma, and grief, and the NYSC Anambra State authority has failed to take adequate steps to trace her whereabouts,” Owuna lamented.

    In their separate contributions, the Lawmakers expressed their concerns over the disappearance of Ojong and called for an immediate investigation of the matter to ensure that the corps member is found wherever she is.

    “The protection of lives and property remains the prerogative of the Federal Government. We urge the government to be responsive and rise to the challenge of investigating the disappearance of the Corps Member,” said one of the Lawmakers.

    The Lawmakers further expressed empathy with the missing girl’s family while expressing hope that she would be found.

    In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, assured the House of the Assembly’s commitment to the matter, which he described as “very unfortunate.”

  • Borno, Niger  IDPs Beg Tinubu To Reinstate Betta Edu

    Borno, Niger  IDPs Beg Tinubu To Reinstate Betta Edu

    Dr Betta Edu with some of the IDPs

    By Anietie Akpan

    The leadership of Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) in Borno and Niger states have passionately appealed to President Bola Tinubu to in the spirit  of humanity and performance, reinstate Dr. Betta Edu to office as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to reduce their suffering.

    The IDPs who separately made this appeal recently recalled with nostalgia, how they enjoyed a new lease of life during the four and half months when Dr. Edu held sway as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    Speaking  at Muna IDPs’ camp in Maiduguri, hosting over 52,000 IDPs from various local government areas of the state, Usman Monguno  who said he has been an IDP for the past five years commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to lifting vulnerable Nigerians, especially IDPs,  out of multi- dimensional poverty.

    He however pleaded with him to restore Dr Edu to office as according to him, “her visit to us when she was in office as Minister was reassuring, and  her track record clearly showed she is deeply committed to executing His Excellency’s mandate in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Here is a minister who exudes empathy, love, and care  for vulnerable Nigerians. I remember how she personally interacted with us, mingled with us, and supervised the distribution of relief materials to us when she visited us in our Maidugri IDP camp.

    “Dr. Edu did not only give us hope when she visited, but she also gave us a new lease of life. I can never forget that memorable visit, “Monguno said.

    Further appealing for Dr. Edu’s reinstatement, Usman said: “I fervently beg Mr President to please, bring back our Betta for better days.”

    Another IDP who gave his name as Kashim Muhammed  expressed optimism that, “Mr President will eventually see reason to restore Dr Edu to her office as she has not been indicted, charged to court, tried, convicted and jailed by any court.

    “Her continuous suspension is causing great setbacks to Mr. President’s poverty alleviation agenda. This is because Dr. Edu’s achievements during her short stay in office went a long way to reassured vulnerable Nigerians that the government has not and will not abandon them”

    On his part, Abdullahi Ndako who spoke on behalf of 22,000 IDPs in Niger state said, he became an IDP when his community was overran by bandits, explaining that the greatest gift President Bola  Tinubu can give IDPs in Niger state was to restore Edu to office so that she can continue with her exceptional drive to renewed hope agenda to end  poverty, lack and want among the displaced persons.

    “Few days after she was appointed Minister, Dr Edu stormed Niger state with a message of renewed hope, in fact she came to renew our sagging hope- bringing with her empathy, care, love and relief materials. Dr. Edu gave us a sense of belonging and assured us that our days of misery and tears would soon end with her relocation plan. Since she was suspended, nobody has remembered us.

    “I humbly beg Mr Presiden to look upon us with pity and bring back Dr Edu.We miss her care and motherly instincts,”

    Another IDP, Amina Muhammed, a mother of three young kids, lamented the pitiable condition of the IDP camp, saying if Dr. Edu was not suspended. Life would have been much better in the camp.

    “When she visited here, she saw our condition and then promised that our woes would soon be over. It is sad that she is not in the office to fulfil her promise. I’m begging our Jagaban ( president Tinubu) to reinstate the Hon. Minister to office, we miss her”

  • Growing Rate Of Arms Importation Into the Country By Expatriate Workers Worries Governor Otu

    Growing Rate Of Arms Importation Into the Country By Expatriate Workers Worries Governor Otu

     

    Governor Bassey Otu 

    By Anietie Akpan

    The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has raised the alarm over the growing rate of arms importation into the country by expatriate workers.

    Otu who raised this concern on July 17 at the 6th meeting of the State Executive Council (EXCO) for 2024, said something urgent needs to be done as the situation “is now a huge security risk to the state”.

    This was contained in a  resolution of the meeting signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang which the governor called for “documentation of the profiles of all expatriates working with indigenous and foreign companies in the state, failing which will lead to revocation of operational  Licences and closure of such companies”.

    He also used the occasion to direct the enforcement of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by all companies in the state.

    Governor Otu expressed appreciation to the members of the State Executive Council for the successes recorded in the last one year of his “People First” administration, emphasizing that from the second year and beyond, EXCO members must up their game during meetings by making useful contributions and interrogating all Memos presented before Council.

    This, the Governor noted will strengthen the operations of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), enrich the quality of Executive Council discourse as well as enable EXCO members to keep track of government development plans, policies and projects and be able to defend such government positions irrespective of whether it is their Ministry or not.

    He advised EXCO members and senior civil servants against absence from their official duties, especially when he is out of the state, stressing that “continuing with such unhealthy practices will not promote the needed development in the state”.

    He used the occasion to intimate the State Executive Council of the arrival in the country of the body of Late Elder Statesman and former Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas through the efforts of his administration and announced the constitution of the State Burial Committee headed by the State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.

    In the four point resolution, the EXCO ratified the approval of funds for the conduct of the 2024 Cross River State Primary Six Placement and Secondary School Examinations

    Ratified the approval of funds for direct purchase of 21 Units of Innoson Vehicles by the State Government to boost security surveillance by Security Agencies across the State.

    It also approved the development of the new Calabar Central Business District with the new Cultural Centre as the focal Point.

    The release of funds for payment to AFG Aviation Ireland Limited for  Leasing on two CR-J Aircrafts, including the perfection of the entire Lease arrangements and delivery of the two Aircrafts by October 2024.

  • Harbour Criminals And Risk Being Treated As One, Otu Warns Traditional Rulers

    Harbour Criminals And Risk Being Treated As One, Otu Warns Traditional Rulers

    Governor Bassey Otu Inaugurating the new bodies

    By Anietie Akpan

    Cross River state government has resolved to treat traditional rulers who harbour criminals in their domain as accomplices.

    Governor, Senator Bassey Otu read the riot act to the traditional rulers on July 17 when he inaugurated the new Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty (Ovai) Elder Solomon Osim Edward.

    In press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Nsa Gill, the governor warned that “any royal father who harbours persons of deviant character will lose his office and be treated as an accomplice.”

    He urged the Chairman to take the message to other traditional leaders in the state as he promised that his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for them to function effectively.

    Ovai Edward, who is the Paramount Ruler of the Abi local government area in the Central Senatorial district of the state, has a two-year term on the saddle of the leadership of the state’s traditional institution, in line with the provisions of the Council of Chiefs Law of Cross River State.

    The formal inauguration was held alongside six other executive bodies of government, namely the State Planning Commission, State Civil Service Commission, State Universal Basic Education Board, House of Assembly Planning Commission, Audit Service Commission, and Cross River State Privatization Council.

    In his address to the inaugurated bodies, beginning with the Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, the Governor congratulated him, noting that his administration places high regard on the traditional institution as not only the custodian of the culture and tradition of the State’s people but as a grassroots guarantor of peace and security.

    To the new Chairman and members of the state civil service commission, Governor Otu lamented that, “it is rather a sad commentary that the commission had in recent times been under public scrutiny for perceived corrupt practices which directly exploded the state wage bill, warning that as unacceptable and abhorrent as such infractions are, his administration “will spare no effort in invoking relevant service rules and regulations against any erring staff.”

    “While we await the final report of the ongoing personnel audit and this inauguration”, Governor Otu charged the Chairman and the members to “put in place a robust internal mechanism to check every aspect of corruption in the commission.”

    Similarly, the Governor charged heads and members of all other boards and commissions inaugurated to bring about good reports that will positively impact the growth of the State’s gross domestic economy index.

    He specifically disclosed that his administration would develop and remodel at least a thousand schools across the state and urged the State Universal Basic Education Board to ensure that the literacy level of the people is greatly improved, as well as the non-formal education component and skill acquisition programme is pursued vigorously insisting that “emphasis should equally be placed on the capacity training of teachers, and head teachers”.

    In a vote of thanks, on behalf of all the inaugurated executive bodies, the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Sir Maurice Effiwatt, thanked the governor for his careful selection of people with proven track records to contribute their quota to the ‘People First’ agenda of his administration which is centred on the growth and development of Cross River, assuring that they will discharge their duties and responsibilities diligently to justify the confidence reposed on them.

  • Gov. Otu Seeks Assembly’s Approval To Overhaul CROSIEC

    Gov. Otu Seeks Assembly’s Approval To Overhaul CROSIEC

    Gov. Bassey Otu 

    By Ita Williams, Calabar

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has requested the State House of Assembly’s approval to reorganize the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), citing the Commission’s ineffectiveness in conducting local government council elections.

    In a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, the governor expressed his dismay at the “cavalier work attitude” of the CROSIEC Chairman and members, which has led to the state’s inability to hold local government elections scheduled for 2023.

    The letter, addressed to the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, sought the legislature’s approval to “remove the Chairman as well as all the Members of the commission owing to serial ineffectiveness” and to give the governor “the latitude to reorganize the Commission to enable the State to have elections to its Local Government Councils as soon as possible.”

    Commenting on the governor’s request, the Speaker referred the matter to the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petition, and Conflict Resolution for in-depth study and recommendation.

    Meanwhile, the CROSIEC Chairman, Dr. Mike Ushie, has tendered his resignation letter to the state government, dated July 17, 2024.

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

    These requests have also been referred to the same House Committee for further legislative action.