Pillar Today

  • Debt Profile Saga: DMO Should Respond to Loan Denial By C/River Govt

    Debt Profile Saga: DMO Should Respond to Loan Denial By C/River Govt

    The reports from Debt management office, DMO, portraying the Cross River state government as having collected a fresh loan to the tune of N16.4billion is quite disturbing.

    Though the State government has made some spirited efforts through the office of the Chief Press Secretary, to repudiate such claims, the intention of the DMO over such postulations is what is worrisome

    Coming at a time the Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu-led administration is trying to lay a solid economic foundation to promote a financial management reliant, raises serious doubt as to the real intentions of DMO.

    A State government that has deliberately employed the factor of financial prudence as an act of governance deserves applause instead of unnecessary distraction.

    DMO should know that any inaccurate records they push out to the public domain is bound to send shock waves across the length and breathe of the geographical space of the affected entity

    At the center of controversy between the State and the DMO is the controversial figures of N204.4 bilion which, according to DMO reports, reflect the debt profile position of the State between June 30,2023 (N204.4billion) and Dec 2023 (N226,26billion) with a difference of N16.26 billion as fresh loans.

    But the government has said that at no time did it contemplate the need for loan, be it domestic or foreign, and to further buttress its position, challenged DMO to provide evidence of both loan request and approval from the State legislature, which is a cardinal loan request requirements.

    Funny as it may appear, DMO has taken a path of inglorious silence which can ordinarily be interpreted as an admittance of guilt.

    However many CrossRiverians are of the opinion that the DMO owes the state government a public apology which should be widely publicized to demonstrate their penitence since they failed in their sacred duty of differentiating figures representing contract debts, court garnishee debts and interest accruals over time on the principal sum collected as loan

    And, it should be emphasized that the misrepresentation of the State Debt profile has the capacity to set the State ablaze considering the dicey economic situation where Nigerians are pointing fingers on anything and everything as reasons for their suffering.

    It is therefore pertinent for the DMO to come clean over this matter, set the record straight so that Peter would not suffer for Paul’s misdeeds.

  • Otu Launches Strategic Plan of Action to Boost Food Security

    Otu Launches Strategic Plan of Action to Boost Food Security

    Gov Bassey Otu has launched the Cross River State Strategic Plan of Action on Food and Nutrition with a view to achieving food and nutrition security through enhanced investment in agriculture.

    The Governor, who made this known through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, in Calabar, said the policy would boost food production, availability, accessibility and affordability.

    He reiterated government’s commitment to work assiduously with the State Planning Commission and relevant stakeholders to achieve set goals and targets.

    According to him, measures would be taken to improve food harvesting, processing and preservation to reduce post-harvest losses, adding that this would also include school-based strategies to reduce malnutrition among school age children and improve their learning, health and nutrition status.

    The Governor reassured the participants that the state planning commission would drive the process of coordination as stipulated by the state policy, and added “We are determined to change the statistics we met on ground in other to  meet our proposed target by 2027.

    “My government is poised to scale up food and nutrition interventions in Cross River State  through the provision of matching fund of  One Hundred Million Naira (100,000.000) for food and nutrition interventions in the state”.

    He commended UNICEF, relevant MDAs, the organized private sector and other non-state actors for their contributions.

    In his remarks, the Vice-chairman of the State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke said that going by the plans on ground, Cross River would have the healthiest people not just in Nigeria, but in Africa by 2027.

    “We are using a multi-sectoral approach to fight malnutrition in the state. The Ministry of Agriculture will make sure that our cassava is fortified. The school feeding program will be used to ensure that the nutrition status of children improve,” he submitted.

    Also speaking, Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, Officer-in-charge,UNICEF Nigeria, Enugu Field Office, congratulated the government for charting a pathway to address nutrition issues by domesticating and formally launching the Cross River State nutrition policy and costed multisectoral  strategic action plan.

    She assured the government that UNICEF would to continue to collaborate with Cross River State government to improve the lives of children and women in the state.

    The event drew dignitaries including Commissioners and Permanent secretaries from relevant MDAs, Permanent Secretaries from Benue and Enugu States. Also participating were, Development Partners such as the WHO, UNFPA, NI, CS-SUNN, GAIN, SELF HELP AFRICA and Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter.

     

  • Super Cop, Eyo Nsa, Goes Home Amidst Pomp, Pageantry

    Super Cop, Eyo Nsa, Goes Home Amidst Pomp, Pageantry

    It was a mixture of sadness and joy at Ikot Omin community in 8 miles, Calabar when the family of the Late Elder Chief Eyo Nsa Eyo Obong Eno laid him to rest after 76 years of solid service to God and humanity.

    A biography of the departed Eyo Nsa, who the family said was a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and an Elder of the Living Faith Church, described the Odukpani-born man as ‘self-made’ who rose from the ranks and files of the Nigerian Police through a dint of discipline and hard work.

    This may have explained why a contingent of the Nigerian Police were on ground to give the departed retired officer a final farewell through a well-organised parade and salutations.

    In his brief message at the occasion, the Resident Pastor of the Living Faith Church, Ikot Omin, Pastor Obed Onos, who spoke on a topic ‘Death is an Appointment,’ derived his message from Eccl 8:8, warning that because nobody actually owns his/her life, everyone should prepare to answer the divine call by surrendering to Christ.

    Describing death as an appointment which everyone would have to honour one way or the other, Pastor Obed called on every human to maintain a good name, have a good character and engage in good works for, according to him, “we shall all stand before our maker one day to give account of how we lived our lives on earth.”

    He warned further that “we have no power to resist the appointment. We are all waiting in the queue and there is no negotiation when death comes.

    “Even if you live on earth for 120 years, your time to depart shall come but where you depart to is what actually matters most. It is a life with Christ which determines your final destination. The time to amend your ways and surrender to Christ is now.”

    He heaped encomium on the departed Elder for playing his part well and therefore challenged those the Late DCP Eyo Nsa left behind to emulate him and sustain his legacy.

    Other Ministers who were on ground to assist Pastor Obed in officiating were the Associate Pastor Hero Bassey, Dr Pastor Peter Oka, Pastor Dominc Uloko, Pastor Harrison Ogar, Pastor Peter Obuo, Pastor David Irek amongst others.

     

  • Ikpeme Explains Why UCTH is Investing Heavily in Modern Medical Equipment

    Ikpeme Explains Why UCTH is Investing Heavily in Modern Medical Equipment

    By Magnus Effiong

    The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) is investing heavily in the procurement of modern medical equipment and infrastructure to stop medical tourism and provide affordable and quality healthcare services to the people, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Prof Ikpeme Ikpeme has disclosed.

    Prof Ikpeme said this in Calabar while playing host to the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River state council who paid him a courtesy visit..

    He explained that the intensive care unit (ICU), molecular/ research laboratory, radiology with ultrasound computers, dialysis equipment for early detection and treatment of cancer, cardiac theatre with automated cardiac surgery machines, infectious disease and isolation centre amongst many others, have all been upgraded with state-of-the-art equipment.

    Speaking while conducting Journalists around the upgraded facilities, Prof Ikpeme further disclosed that a 56 apartment two-storey building for incoming House Officers has also been constructed by his administration.

    “UCTH has become an epitome of high quality in healthcare delivery with the upgrading and installation of state-of-the-art medical equipment and facilities.

    “For instance, the electronically powered 10 bed intensive care unit has each bed fitted with an air bag mattress, television monitor and other high tech medical equipment meant for comfort and speedy recovery of patients.

    “We have spent a total of N940 million – 345 million naira for the ICU, more than 400 million for the molecular laboratory and over 100 million naira for Personal Protective Equipment, PPEs and another 100 million naira for isolation centre equipment. So, it is specific and targeted; we had to choose the equipment and structure needed within the amount available.

    “We have done all that because as a specialist healthcare provider, we must contribute our quotas to reduce and discourage medical tourism and to end the flight of foreign exchange in our country.

    “So whatever we can provide here, we will do. We will try to provide the facility. We will try to provide the personnel and try to provide the environment so that those who want to seek those services would be able to seek those services here and get treated.
    “That has been the focus of what we have done in the last few years. That is why we have invested in the thing we have invested in. As I have said, infrastructural upgrades, creating a critically appealing environment, getting more equipment and training our personnel as well as dealing with the attitude of our staff had been a focus.

    “We are here to provide services, preventive, curative and all of that. So in terms of your health, we have a wellness clinic now. So you don’t have to be sick before you come. We have healthcare. You don’t have to know anybody in this hospital to get services at 3 am,” Ikpeme submitted.

    The CMD lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for displaying sheer commitment towards improving healthcare, noting “The Infectious Disease and Isolation Centre, the ICU and the Molecular Laboratory are all from COVID-19 funds. The Nigerian Government made available COVID-19 funds and we used the funds to get these structures.”

  • Gov Otu Orders Statewide Electrification Assessment, Intervention

    Gov Otu Orders Statewide Electrification Assessment, Intervention

    By Andrea Ekeng Inyang

    Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has initiated a statewide assessment of the electrification situation to promptly address the needs of communities and fulfill the government’s promises.

    This directive was personally conveyed to Francis Ekpo, Director General of the Cross River State Electrification Agency (SEA), and his dedicated team of engineers. They have already embarked on immediate assessments across various local government areas (LGAs) within the State, starting with Obanliku and Obudu LGAs in the Northern Senatorial District. Interactive sessions held during these visits engaged youths, women, and traditional rulers from all clans, fostering open dialogue and understanding.

    Speaking at these events, Francis Ekpo expressed heartfelt appreciation to the participants and reiterated the State government’s commitment to improving the electricity situation. “I carry the heartfelt directives of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, who deeply cares for the people of this region and recognizes the vital need for basic amenities, including electrification,” Ekpo emphasized. “Our mission here is to assess our facilities firsthand and swiftly implement necessary interventions.”

    Traditional rulers and community leaders, taking turns to address the gatherings, praised Governor Otu’s empathetic leadership style, focusing on people’s needs first. They hailed the proactive steps taken by the Director General and his team, recognizing the significance of their efforts. With optimism, they anticipated tangible improvements in lighting infrastructure within their LGAs.

    A poignant moment during the event was the joint site inspection conducted by the Director General of CR-SEA and his team of engineers, alongside community leaders and traditional rulers. This collaborative approach underscores a shared commitment to bettering the lives of Cross River State’s residents and ensuring equitable access to essential services.

     

  • Efut Throne Tussle: Combined Assembly Rejects Prof Itam’s Recognition, Says Case in Appeal Court

    Efut Throne Tussle: Combined Assembly Rejects Prof Itam’s Recognition, Says Case in Appeal Court

    By Magnus Effiong

    Despite the recognition of Prof Itam Hogan Itam as Munene and Paramount Ruler of the Efut by the Cross River state government as contained in its press release dated February 29, 2024, the Efut Combined Assembly, the apex decision making body of the Efut people, has again rejected the Professor.

    The Combined Assembly said the succession case involving Prof Itam was pending at the Appeal Court in Suit No.CA/C/46/2023 where Appeal and Stay of Execution had already been entered, and that the succession matter, which “came up on the 21st of February, 2024, was judiciously adjourned to 15th April, 2024,” submitting ” Government has no right whatsoever in the selection of the Muri Munene of the Efuts.”

    Recall that the succession tussle had witnessed plethora of court cases and physical fights since 2009 when the last occupant of the throne, Munene Ita Okokon, joined his ancestors.

    Few years ago, the Ben Ayade’s administration had given the Staff of Office to Professor Itam as Munene of Efuts and Paramount Ruler of Calabar South but the same government later deposed him over what was believed to be on political reasons. This however, caused the Professor to approach the court for redress.

    Few days after Prof Itam was deposed, Muri Maurice Okon Eyo, Clan Head of Akwa Ikot Ekpe Clan, was presented to the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council and inducted into the Council as Munene of the Efuts.

    But, in a press statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, and dated February 29, 2024, Gov Otu directed the immediate reinstatement of Prof. Itam, explaining that the “decision is based on the ruling of the High Court of Cross River State in Suit No. HC/MSC/154/2022,” which reportedly ordered the reinstatement of the Professor.

    However, the Efut Combined Assembly, which has equally obtained many court judgements in its favour and against the Professor, is crying foul over the Governor’s order.

    Their position is contained in a press statement made available to our reporter and signed by twelve Muris of the Efut clans, some of who are: HRH Muri Edet Asuquo Okon, HRH Eyo Effiong Okon, HRH Muri Abraham Mkpa, HRH Muri Ekpe Efiong Efiok, HRH Archibong Ika, HRH Muri Bassey Eyamba, HRH Muri Akabom Edet, HRH Muri Ekpenyong Okon, HRH B. B. Ekpenyong, HRH Ndabu Godwin Bassey (Secretary-General, ECA) amongst others.

    In the release, the Efut Combined Assembly said the “Court Judgment in Suit No. HC/MSC/154/2022, which ordered the re-instatement of Prof. Itam Hogan Itam as the Village Head of Obufa Obio Ukem, Clan Head of Efut Ukem Clan, Odukpani L.G.A, Muri Munene of the Efuts and Paramount Ruler of the Calabar South LGA, is in Appeal Court in Suit No.CA/C/46/2023, where Appeal and stay of execution was properly entered.”

    According to the Combined Assembly, “the Press Release of 29th February, 2024 (government’s release), clearly contravenes the said Appeal and Stay of Execution and should, as a matter of urgency, be reversed in the interest of justice, even as someone else has been issued with certificate of recognition as Village/Clan Head of Efut Ukem, Odukpani L.G.A.”

    The body argued that “Efuts, the Efiks and the Quas have a common traditional/customary affinity in that without capping, one cannot ascend the throne of the forefathers,” adding “Prof Itam has never been selected by Efut Combined Assembly nor capped by a sitting Muri Munene and therefore cannot ascend the throne of Muri Munene of the Efuts.

    “It is worthy to note that this matter is being challenged in Suit No. HC/304/2010, HC/210/2011, HC/111/2012, (Consolidated) and tagged HC/111/2012 still pending before justice Benedict Ayade of the Calabar High Court. The matter came up on the 21st of February, 2024 and was judiciously adjourned to 15th April, 2024.

    “This is a clear indication that the matter affecting the Muneneship of Professor Itam Hogan Itam is still pending in court. Government has no right whatsoever in the selection of the Muri Munene of the Efuts.”

    The Assembly submitted further that the government’s order “constitutes imposition of Muri Munene on the Efuts,” adding “Suit No. HC/111/2012 should be duly determined before any other action.”

    It submitted that “In the interest of peace, justice and fair play, the government of Cross River State should re-visit its position on this matter and call for interrogation of parties for proper enlightenment.”

  • Nnyin Imibo Eno: Synopsis of Governor Umo Eno’s Giant Strides  

    Nnyin Imibo Eno: Synopsis of Governor Umo Eno’s Giant Strides  

    By Emmanuel Ndon

    In Akwa Ibom State,  people are living life in a whole new, different way. The food security scheme – an initiative of Governor Umo Eno and  intervention program of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency,  enable vulnerable individuals to have essential staple foodstuffs for  their families.

    This reminds one of the past, good old school days where meal tickets provided passage to the refectories. Some meal tickets could serve two or more weeks /days depending on the particular institution.

    The depressing economy, coupled with incessant kidnappings, high cost in  fares occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, has caused food shortage, forcing prices upward.

    Affording a square meal, has become increasingly difficult for average households in the country. but someone is lighting up the hearts of men in Akwa Ibom State with glittering stories of love and hope.

    In a little less than one year, Governor Umo Eno is not only restoring hope but winning the hearts of the people through fulfilled promises.

    Every passing day, one achievement or the other is ticking the box for the governor’s ARISE Agenda which he campaigned with in 2023.

    Even though it’s a long list, the ease with which these deeds get done, the needs they meet, and the eventual ecstasy it radiates from beneficiaries provokes a reel-out and continuous mention. The pastor does not only exhibit the attributes of his calling but comes as a man with a mission, well prepared to change the fortunes of the state.

    Within his first one month in office – and I would like to put it as the first time he touched the money of the state – the first thing on his mind was to set a large chunk – about N2 billion, to kick start payment of outstanding pension and other entitlements to workers.

    This in itself is by no means a mean achievement,  particularly,  when you discover that the backlog of these arrears traversed three administrations and over a decade.  For a man or woman who has put in his best years (say 35 in service or 60 by age), to leave the service without his due reward for as long as ten years and more, could better be imagined. As it stands today, over N15 billion has been committed to that effect along with regular payment of salaries to all civil servants in the state.

    As a pastor, Governor Umo Eno is leading according to the dictates of the scriptures. When the Bible says “the labourer deserves his wages”, he knows what it means. Like I mentioned in a piece elsewhere where I joined voices in commendation of the Governor, when he released the third tranche of the pension arrears, I drew the attention of the people to a common axiom held by eighteenth-century American which noted that “national prosperity and political happiness were directly related to the moral character of a nation’s civil rulers, and this found expression in the authority of the scriptures that ‘when the righteous is in authority, the people rejoice’ (Proverbs 2:9). Governor Umo Eno is true to type.

    Only last week, he again demonstrated his commitment to his sacred duty and service to humanity by flagging off the free food voucher programme for the vulnerable and needy at Itam market, in Itu Local Government  Area.  This singular act represents a moral response to the biting economic hardship in the country.

    Interestingly, matters relating to the “poor” and “needy”, are very sensitive because its implications and applications are both spiritual and temporal. It is spiritual because it relates to a person’s spirit and founded on deeper religious values.

    Likewise, it is secular because the government has a larger responsibility concerning the welfare of citizens. Thus, Jesus Christ directed us to the stark reality and admonished on how best to deal with it; “For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.” (Deuteronomy 15:11; c.f. Matt.26:10).

    The governor’s gesture concerning the bulk purchase agency law (BPA) of which the food voucher is just a small part, is intended to cater for the immediate and long term needs in his drive towards food sufficiency and security. In the first instance, the food vouchers programme will enable poorest of the poor (needy) to obtain free food while the poor can purchase food at affordable prices (subsidized by government). So at whatever level, everyone can eat, because of its availability and affordability.

    The governor himself had emphasized on the long term solution urging everyone to return to the farm, and added yet another impetus in the form of a N1.5 billion interest-free loan for traders in the state.

    These bold steps can only add up to the purposeful leadership that puts the people first. But there are lots more to come while some are already happening.

    TO BE CONTINUED

     Emmanuel Ndon is the Founder / BoT Chairman, Bo Enọ, and  Transition Secretary, Itu Local Government

  • Gov Otu’s Massive Urban Renewal Efforts Thrill Opposition, Others

    Gov Otu’s Massive Urban Renewal Efforts Thrill Opposition, Others

    By Magnus Effiong/Ita Williams

    Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has received commendation from the opposition political parties and indeed all Cross Riverians for the physical proofs of performance the State is experiencing within his few months in office.

    The Governor, who seems to have declared emergency on road infrastructure in the State capital and indeed all major towns in the State, may have restored the glory of the ancient city of Calabar. Major stakeholders in the opposition have lend credence to this.

    In his Facebook page, a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Dominc Kidzu said Otu was doing the simplest things that impact the people and improve their living conditions and that the capital city which he described as a once ‘dinghy, decrepit and decaying capital city’ under the last dispensation, was now “on the path of recovery” and that a “paradise once lost, on the road to being regained.”

    The former General Manager of the State-owned newspaper corporation, publisher of The Nigerian Chronicle, believed that “the spectre of fragmentary self-ennobling, self-gratifying leadership is over as we begin to witness the first few, but steady footsteps to the future of our state.”

    To the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the Bakassi State Constituency, Comrade Emanuel Asuquo, Gov Otu is performing because he had prepared his mind to take the State from “dungeon of hopelessness and socio-economic despair and infrastructural uncertainty”

    He said “Even though we are in the opposition, the truth is that we all work for Senator Otu because we saw that he has what it takes to change the chequered narratives of our State. His victory was across party lines, it was not solely the APC matter.

    “Within these few months, we can see that the environment has taken shape as compared to the previous administration. Even evacuation of refuse has become more regular, you could look the orderliness, everywhere is calm.

    “He is doing well but as humans, we still expect more from him. We give him a pass mark but he should expand government and bring in members of the opposition who worked for his victory,” he stated.

    Lending his voice to the goodwill which the government is currently receiving, Sen Sandy Onor of the PDP, Gov Otu’s bitter opponent in last year’s governorship election, in a congratulatory message to the Governor, urged Cross Riverians to give the Odukpani-born Senator “all the support, advice and prayers.”

    He believed that Otu can “make Cross River State the dream homeland that we would all cherish.” To many, Senator Onor’s belief is becoming a reality.

    Our reporter also observed that apart from the anger Gov Otu is spewing against potholes-filled roads he inherited, other infrastructures are also being frontally tackled.

    The abandoned Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC) which was destroyed since 2020 by the EndSars protesters and abandoned for three solid years, has received attention and brought back on stream better than it was before. Major events are now taking place there as we speak.

    The shameful negligence of Calabar’s street and traffic lights has changed. The installation of traffic lights across major junctions in the metropolis has brought sanity to the traffic situation in the ancient city. Besides, the Murtala Muhammed Highway has become a beauty to behold. Motorists are heaping praises on the Governor as they enjoy the smooth intra-city pathways.

    Penultimate week, the Commissioner of Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang, had led Journalists on project inspection tour within the Calabar Metropolis.

    Among the projects visited were the nearly 60 percent completed culvert at Chamley Street, the Clerks Allay road construction, Nyong Edem and Eyo Okon concrete solid road construction, the Yellow Duke gully construction, the Zoo-Garden fruits Market building, the Parliamentary Extension road renovation project, the Esuk-Utan road dualization project, and the Mauri Ntah Eke street construction amongst others.

    During the inspections, engineers at many of the project sites confirmed that some of the projects were nearly 90 percent completed.

    The Commissioner expressed the Governor’s commitment to restoring Calabar to its former glory, and noted “We are truly in a season of progress. We have inspected 8 physical projects, and many roads have been successfully fixed through Direct Labour. The Governor has pledged to do even more.”

    Residents also expressed their gratitude to Governor Otu for his dedication to improving their living conditions.

    Speaking, Elder Saviour Etim, a resident of Clerks Allay Street, where new road construction is underway, expressed his happiness, saying, “I am very pleased with the Governor for considering us here at Clerks Allay.

    “We are all thrilled. I have been living here for over 30 years, and people have been deviating and urinating in this area, using the street as a toilet. So, I want to thank the Governor for coming to our aid. He deserves commendation for this remarkable achievement.”

    Engineer Nta Edet of FaithPlant Construction Ltd provided an update on the Esuk Utan road project, saying his company had already completed 70 percent of the work and were working tirelessly to finish it on time.

    Comrade Clement Effiong Etim, a youth leader from Esuk Utan, expressed his gratitude to Governor Otu, stating, “I want to thank Governor Bassey Otu for ensuring the construction of this road. It will greatly improve our people’s mobility. We appreciate your good work, our Sweet Prince.”

    Former Youth Leader in Ekorinim 1, Mr. Okon Iyasa also commended the Governor for his massive road rehabilitation and construction, and noted with the speed the Governor was going, in no distant time, visitors to the new Cross River would find it difficult to explain the magic wand the man on the saddle was employing.

  • Anxiety as Cross River Assembly, Executive Lock Horns  

    Anxiety as Cross River Assembly, Executive Lock Horns  

    By Ekanem Wylie/Magnus Effiong

    The passage of the 2024 Service Commission Amendment Bill by the Cross River House of Assembly may have succinctly pitched the Honourable Members against the Executive arm, that is, if feelers reaching Pillar Today is anything to by.

    The Bill, according to a source in the Governor’s Office who preferred anonymity, is not only offensive as it seeks to strip the Governor of his constitutional powers but was allegedly passed in bad faith.

    He described the Bill as “Ill motivated move to oust the Governor’s power to approve who emerges as Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Assembly, as the Bill now confers such powers on the Speaker, unlike before.

    “With the passage of the Bill, it has become manifestly clear that there is a crack in the relationship between the legislative arm and the executive in the State despite the cordial relationship claims in the public.”

    Pillar Today learnt that few weeks ago, the Governor, Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu, had approved the appointment of Mr Patrick Eddy as the substantive Deputy Clerk of the Assembly, a moved said to have angered some principal officers of the Assembly who allegedly have preference for the person already acting on the same position.

    Unconfirmed reports alleged that some members had felt slighted by the Governor’s action and from there, behind the scene moves had commenced with most of the lawmakers unknowingly drafted into the plot.

    The planners reportedly succeeded in luring other members to their side by convincing them that their overwhelming support for the Bill would attract the Governor’s attention to their plight which, our source said, has to do mainly with the issue of official vehicles and allowances.

    Unconfirmed reports say the lawmakers are claiming that what was provided to them was not official vehicles but utility vehicles meant only for their oversight function, and that to the Honourables, the utility vehicles make them look inferior comparable to what is obtained in other States.

    Another bone of contention, it was gathered, was the issue of political appointment. A reliable source in the Assembly alleged that the Executive did not consider the interest of the House members as far as the recent political appointment was concerned.

    “The truth is that the guys are not happy. The recent political appointment has further widened the gap as Members are alleging that the Executive did not consider their own interest as their loyalists’ names were dropped.

    “The Bill issue you raised is in fact a sensitive matter and may not have been brought up to generate bad blood. While I believe the Lawmakers were just doing their duties, one should also note that they could have resolved to use such Bills and any available tool at their disposal to attract the Governor’s attention,” he told Our Reporter.

    However, an immediate past member of the House, who preferred anonymity, found fault with the approach of the Honourable members, saying the Governor has done what is statutory in terms of providing utility vehicles to them.

    “Utility vehicles are official vehicles. If they say utility vehicles are for oversight functions, they are correct because that is exactly why the vehicles were given to them in the first place. They help you to navigate the rough terrains and then carry out your oversight functions.

    “That is what the government (Executive) is expected to do and which Gov Otu has done. The issue of another official vehicles is actually more of the prerogative of the Executive, that is, if he so wishes, and this also depends on the economy of the State. It is not a right and should not attract a fight or passage of provocative Bills.

    “The official vehicles the Honourable members are talking about is more of a luxury which I am not sure the government would involve in buying for now,” he stated.

    A Director in the Ministry of Information, who also did not want his name on print, corroborated, and added: “politicians should allow Gov Otu to focus on restoring Cross River. They should not bring up any controversial issues at all.

    “In just few months, you are given SUV worth almost N50 million and yet you complain and start raising issues. You want a bigger one, maybe it should be limousine. What about some of us who are still managing one vehicle for donkey years,” he asked rhetorically.

    On the matter concerning appointment, he said “political appointment is the prerogative of the Governor and I think it is not right for him to be arm-twisted. Governor Otu cannot appoint every Cross Riverians and cannot please everybody at the same time.

    “If the House members are saying their loyalists were not given political appointment, what about a million others who are not close to the corridor of power?

    “Let’s tell ourselves the truth, You remove powers to make appointment in your area of authority from the Governor and at the same time you want him to give your friends and brothers political appointment. Whatever you sow is what you reap.

    “They should know that it is easy for the carmel to pass through the eye of the needle than for the Governor to give accent to that obnoxious law, and that is a terrible way to start. I advise that everyone should sheath his sword for the interest of Cross River,” he submitted.

  • Cross River APC Chair, Alphonsus Eba, Survives Impeachment Plot

    Cross River APC Chair, Alphonsus Eba, Survives Impeachment Plot

    The Cross River state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr Alphonsus Eba, has survived plots to remove him from office, orchestrated by a group which addressed itself as ‘APC Stakeholders Forum,’ headed by two chieftains of the party, Chief Mark Ayo and Mathias Ake.

    Recall that the group, which quoted Article 3(5); Article 12(10), Article 12(12) and 21(1) (2) of the APC constitution to support its position, had, in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party, said one Mr James Okpamu had been appointed as acting State Chairman.

    According to them, Barr Eba was suspended for not only being dictatorial but for “abysmal outing in the general elections and the just concluded bye-elections in his senatorial district and local government area,” as well as his alleged failure to constitute ward and local government caucuses.

    But, rising from a well-attended meeting in Calabar, weekend, the State Executive Council of the party said the APC constitution does not recognize any organ of the party known as ‘APC Stakeholders Forum,’ and therefore passed a vote of confidence on the State Chairman.

    Speaking while moving a vote of confidence on Eba, the State Assistant Treasurer of the party, Egong Mathew, said “all the allegations against our chairman have not been substantiated and are therefore false.

    “As a party, we remained united and formidable. I hereby move a vote of confidence on our State Chairman that he has led the party well since he took over and so must continue in office till his constitutional tenure expires.

    Also, Okara Ekawu, the State Welfare Office, who seconded the motion, said the Exco was ready to stand with Eba in all circumstances.

    Speaking shortly after, Barr Eba said he had done nothing wrong that would have generated outburst from the said aggrieved members, but warned that the party would not accept misconduct and the seed of discord which some people were bent on sowing.

    I am here to render selfless service to our people. When we came on board on the 16th day of October 2021, this party called APC was fragmented but to God be the glory, we were able to unite every member of the party, transforming the party to become the giant that it is today.

    “We will refer to the disciplinary committee of our party those who are seeking attention through the bogus allegations. Everyone knows the consequence of impersonation as spelt out in our constitution. Article 21(ii) is very clear on that. The APC is united under the leadership of Senator Prince Bassey Otu,” he stated.