Pillar Today

  • RUMPUS OVER PAYROLL PADDING IN CROSS RIVER STATE

    RUMPUS OVER PAYROLL PADDING IN CROSS RIVER STATE

    BY DOMINIC KIDZU

    A rash of accusations, counter accusations, and bush-shaking grandstanding about who did and did not pad the Cross River payroll have headlined premium news coming out of the state for two weeks without end. Take a front seat, folks, and watch the rollercoaster from the edge of your seats. Hollywood is knocking at the door.

    Hydra headed John Odey fired the first shot, which was suitably responded to by his ubiquitous targets, Uko Inaku, Ogbang Akwaji and Joseph Adie, all very senior state officials and close associates of former governor Ben Ayade, having been Chairman Civil Service Commission, Head of the Civil Service and Accountant General respectively.

    John Odey himself was no less awesome during the dark ages, bestriding the three-fold world like a giant collosus, having corralled the three critical offices of SA-Salaries, Auditor-General, and wait for it, Chairman IRS to himself alone, all at the same time! But sudden greatness comes along with a goatskin bag of hubris. As Brutus soliloquised about his friend Caesar, “the abuse of greatness is when it disjoins remorse from power.” He has sang the swan song (?) and everyone else in the room is taking the bath of the hornbill.

    Iwara Iwara of Hit FM broke the water pot, Beatrice Akpala tried to pick up the broken shards, leaving everyone else in perplexity about who the real heroes and villains are in this tragic tale. And as the intriguing narratives unfolds, what is no longer in doubt is the  unconventional template and blatant impunity with which our poor state was run in the last eight years. And the sickening haemorage the public patrimony endured.

    The governor has been looking for a plug on the leakage like a needle in a haystack, trying to put a disheveled state together like a feather pillow bust asunder in a gale. I hope to God that John Odey is right and forthright with his bold accusations so that he does not become like the saying among my Irruan people “Olom ntseh ji Okpor, Okpor oji Olom” which translates to something like “The devil went to kill Okpor, but now Okpor has killed the devil.” The simple enigma is that the more people retire from service, the more the wage bill grows, like a thing of magic. Are mssrs John Odey, Uko Inaku, Ogbang Akwaji and Joseph Adie responsible for the mutant growth of the payroll, or is there a more sinister, well oiled criminal conspiracy under the rocks in the seabed? Are the four ‘accused’ and ‘accusers’ mere puns on a grander chessboard of power, money, more money and greed? As Mahatma Gandhi said “The Earth has enough for everyone’s needs but not for everyone’s greed”.

    Where are the fifty-two or fifty-four thousand civil and public servants in Cross River State? Where do they stay, where do they work? This racket appears rather massive to me. Have we even scratched the surface yet, I cannot say. What is certain is that the boat has already been rocked. Heads are inevitably going to roll as well. Even entrenched denizens and crocodiles may have to swim in shallow waters because one cannot make omelettes without breaking eggs. Otherwise, where is the Governor going to find the funds to pay the over 20 billion Naira backlog of gratuities he promised retirees.

    The other day I heard that the Cross River House of Assembly is recovering heavy duty construction equipment belonging to the state from private persons. Then yesterday, the House upended the lease of our 100-room facility in Abuja for N6m per annum. Who knows what bizzare repossession is next. To create a new narrative, Governor Bassey Otu, it seems, has his work cut out for him. It’s already one day, one story now, and the beat goes on and on and on.. … …

    (Dominic Kidzu writes from Calabar)

     

  • Massive Defection Hits Opposition in Cross River

    Massive Defection Hits Opposition in Cross River

    By Ekanem Wylie

    The pragmatic and people-oriented approach to governance by Gov Bassey Edet Otu has led to massive defection from opposition party members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River state.

    The scale of defection has seriously weakened the foundation of the main opposition party, the People Democratic Party, (PDP) as no week passes without reports of defections from the hills of Obanlikwu in the northern senatorial district down to the creeks of Bakassi in the south.

    This has resulted in the State APC secretariat witnessing a beehive of activities as if a pilgrimage of some sort was ongoing in the state.

    Pillar Today was able to confirm that the membership strength of APC in the state has witnessed a dramatic upsurge leading to fears that by 2027 general election, the ruling APC may encounter no stiff competition from any quarters in its quest to retain power.

    A source close to the camp of the PDP gubernatorial flag bearer in the last elections, disclosed that most of Prof Sandy Onor’s close associates were in a high level negotiations for a no distance defection to the APC even as most of his political foot soldiers have already jumped boat to prepare grounds for the eventual and final lowering of PDP flag in the state.

    The source further pointed out that the recent change of party membership cards by the likes of Hon Efa Esua, former member of the Cross River state House of Assembly, Hon Paulinus Asim, former PDP chapter chairman of Akamkpa and a lot more, are enough danger signal that the southern and central senatorial districts of the state were under the firm control of APC and that no strategic politician would go to bed comfortably with such disturbing realities.

  • Minister Lauds CR Basin for Employment-Driven Initiatives

    Minister Lauds CR Basin for Employment-Driven Initiatives

    By Magnus Effiong

    The Minister of State, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Mohammed Goronyo, has commended the management of the Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA) for its various initiatives which, he said, has helped in stemming the tide of unemployment.

    Speaking in Calabar during his familiarity tour of facilities at the headquarters of the Basin Development Authority, the Minister noted that what he was witnessing in CRBDA was in line with the renewed hope and wealth creation agenda of the federal government.

    He said the Songhai integrated farm in particular was of high standard capable of impacting the immediate community, particularly Nigerian youths, and therefore thumped up the Managing Director of the CRBDA, Engr. Bassey Nkposong for his dedication, commitment and ability to spur the staff to perform.

    “The staff here are in high spirit expressing the needed passion to deliver. On our part, we must also deliver having signed our performance bond with the President,” he stated.

    While commissioning the Songhai integrated farm, the minister said “We are not only commissioning this farm but a 3km access road which is a remarkable achievement also put together by the MD. We are ready to collaborate to deliver all that we promised.

    “We also know that there are challenges and we will improve to deliver on our expectations. You all know that we have another mandate added to the ministry in the area of sanitation, and it is our desire to end the problem of open defecation in Nigeria by 2030 which Nigeria has keyed into as a critical stakeholder.

    “As a government, we have already hit the ground running and we are out of our comfort zones to collaborate with critical stakeholders, private sector, traditional institutions and the management of the twelve River Basin Authority to reposition the sector and bring our people out of poverty,” he stated.

    Goronyo, who disclosed that Jigawa remained the only State free of open defecation, said the federal government was also mulling building more toilets in schools, hospitals and other public institutions and places.

    “We will engage community leaders, religious leaders, youths, critical stakeholders and indeed everyone to help in ensuring we end open defecation across the country,” he stated.

    Earlier, the Managing Director of CRBDA, Engr Nkposong said Basin Authority was doing everything possible to ensure it meets the reasons it was established, expressing satisfaction that his team was able to replace facilities destroyed during the ENDSARS protest.

    Nkposong said apart from the Songhai integrated farm which has attracted university students to do their Industrial Training, the Basin Model School, which is one his administration’s projects, is also replicated in Akwa Ibom State. He however solicited the federal government’s assistance in tackling pressing challenges.

    Pillar Today gathered that the Songhai farm is home to fisheries, poultry, snails and piggery farming as well as cultivation of bush mango, pineapple, banana, citrus, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, guava, pawpaw, cucumber, pepper, sweet potato, maize, okra, bitter leaf, scent leaf and fluted pumpkin amongst others

  • NPC Steps Up Preparation for Conduct of NDHS

    NPC Steps Up Preparation for Conduct of NDHS

    By Ita Williams

    The National Population Commission (NPC) in Cross River State has stepped up preparation for a successful conduct of the 2023-24 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

    The State Director of the NPC, Mr. Stanley Itam, in a press briefing held in Calabar, emphasized the importance of the NDHS, explaining that the NPC was collaborating closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and other key stakeholders to ensure the success of the survey.

    He noted that training of mappers, listers, and interviewers is a crucial part of the NDHS exercise, and it would serve as a framework for the survey.

    Mr. Itam highlighted the objectives of the NDHS to include accurate data on fertility rates, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender-based issues, nutrition, and HIV/AIDS awareness.

    The data collected through the NDHS, he said, would be instrumental in supporting and evaluating child health and family planning programs as well as enable evidence-based planning and resource allocation, ensuring that policies and interventions were targeted and effective.

    He also stressed the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s capacity for data collection, analysis, and utilization and that by enhancing national ownership of the process, the country could effectively address demographic and health-related social needs.

    “The collected data will not only assist in developing equitable growth strategies but also tackle social poverty and align with national development priorities,” he submitted.

    Also speaking, Mrs. Agu Glory, a team supervisor for the NDHS program, shed light on its implementation, noting that the survey follows a sample-type approach and is scheduled to be carried out in 16 out of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Cross River State.

    She said: “This comprehensive coverage will provide a solid representation of the state’s population, enabling a more accurate assessment of health and demographic indicators.

    “The significance of the NDHS cannot be overstated. It will provide a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the health and population dynamics in Nigeria. This data-driven approach will inform policies and interventions, ensuring that they are tailored to the needs of the population.

    “As preparations for the NDHS continue, the NPC and its partners are committed to executing a successful survey.

    “The collaboration between the NPC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders highlights the collective effort to enhance the health and well-being of the Nigerian population.

    “With the potential to shape policies and programs for years to come, the NDHS rHepresents a significant step forward in improving healthcare and population monitoring in Nigeria.

    “The exercise started last year in Calabar South local government area and will continue in other local government areas of the state.”

  • Otu Advocates, Charges Traditional  Rulers on Healthier Communal Ties

    Otu Advocates, Charges Traditional  Rulers on Healthier Communal Ties

    Cross River state governor, Senator Bassey Otu has called on traditional and opinion leaders of  Yala local government area in the state to foster healthier communal ties, peaceful coexistence and good neighborliness as his administration bids to explore the area’s huge agriculture potentials as well as reposition it to its once reputed place as a food basket of the state, nay Nigeria.
    The governor made the call, recently, when he received a delegation from the Yala speaking people, led by the Paramount Ruler of Yala local government area, Ogamode Clement Onah Ipuole, in Calabar.
    Speaking of his administration’s commitment to return the renowned Okuku market in Yala local government area to a thriving local commodity hub of international standard, Governor Otu assured the delegation that “we will open up roads for ease of transportation of goods from the interior communities to the urban areas and markets.”
    “We want the cooperation of our traditional authorities to nib the avoidable records of communal clashes and other disputes in the bud,” the Governor sued.
    He noted that the state was carrying out proper reforms to make sure that agriculture is well positioned as the mainstay of Cross River State’s economy.
    He maintained that security and other structures that would entrench sanity in the area are being put in place.
    The Governor promised to carefully look at requests made by the delegation with the view of uplifting the living standard of the Yala people, and expressed optimism that in the near future when the envisioned Okuku commodity market becomes a reality, the state government would definitely make areas like Okpoma and Okuku urban towns as the agricultural potentials of the area have all the trappings to make Yala an urban and commercial nerve center in the northern part of the state.
    In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler, Ogamode Clement Onah Ipuole, said the Yala speaking people in Yala local government area were in the governor’s office to identify with him and show solidarity in his leadership.
    Ogamode Ipuole, who was represented by Ogamode Odaji Ipuole, stated that “we have come here to assure him that we will continue work with him, stand by him at all times and support him all through his tenure as the governor of Cross River state.”
    The Royal Father drew the attention of the governor to teething challenges bothering the area, some of which he mentioned to include: access roads linking the various communities, lack of portable drinking water, upgrade of the Okuku local food commodity market to international standard.
    He also appealed for the creation of an irrigation dam in Yala to boost food production; exploration of the huge salt deposits in the area and establishment of a salt industry; expansion of the Okuku campus of the University of Cross River State to a full-fledged university, among others.
    The monarch, who described the governor as “a beacon of hope, unity and peace,” concluded his speech with a passionate plea for proper delineation of boundaries between communities, which he said, when done, would provide a lasting solution to crises plaguing the area and avert further destruction of lives and property.
    Also speaking, a major stakeholder in Yala and towering politician in the state, Chief Higgins Peters, expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the meeting and the governor’s assurances to address issues they presented before him.
    “Governor Otu’s response was exactly what the people of Yala have been waiting for and itching to hear. We are very happy that we met the governor today,” he concluded.
  • Gov. Otu Commissions 20km New Lafarge Evacuation Road

    Gov. Otu Commissions 20km New Lafarge Evacuation Road

    Cross River Governor, Prince Bassey Otu has commissioned the 20 kilometers new evacuation road, constructed by cement manufacturing giant, Lafarge Africa PLC.

    The road which construction started in 2010, spans from Mfamosing, extending through Abiati, Etamkpini and terminating at Odukpani junction.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Otu, assured that road users including customers and truck drivers would be safe while plying the road.

    “Development comes with implications. When you have a road, the good people will use it and the bad people will also try to use it.

    “I want to give you every assurance that the security agencies we have here are up and doing, I am not sure you will have issues on this road, particularly now that the security of the area has been highlighted.

    “I will give everybody assurance both the customers and the trucks that would ply the road that everybody would be safe.

    “For Cross River government, I want to give you every assurance that we will continue to give you the enablement, strength, proper and enabling environment for you to expand and succeed,” the governor assured.

    Otu who commended Lafarge for taking trucks and traffic out of the town in view of associated road crashes, urged other Corporate bodies to emulate the cement company.

    “It would have been difficult to have about 200 trucks passing through the town, driving out, amid stress and accident.

    “What you have done has taken this whole traffic completely out of town and straight to the road where they are actually looking for as to take things out of the state. I commend you and wish that other Corporate bodies would emulate Lafarge,” the governor concluded.

    The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, Alade Akinyemi, traced the history of the new evacuation road to 2010 when it started, remarking that it later faced suspension due to critical inadequacies in geotechnical studies and design.

    According to him, the road so commissioned would improve safety, enhance productivity and drive economic growth.
    Community leaders and traditional Chiefs represented by the paramount ruler of Odukpani local government area His Royal Highness Etinyin Otu Asuquo Otu Mesembe VI thanked both the government and the company for the economy implications of the road to the people and the adjoining communities.

  • Tension as Crisis Rocks Cross River Traditional Circle

    Tension as Crisis Rocks Cross River Traditional Circle

    … Again, Ani’s Faction Heads to Court, ECA Insists Itam Not Munene

     By Magnus Effiong

    This is certainly not the best of times for the traditional institution particularly in the southern senatorial district of Cross River as tension builds up over successions tussles in Efut kingdom and Henshaw Town community, even as the 15 years old crisis for the seat of the Obong of Calabar has refused to go away completely.

    Besides, the reported face-off between the State Council of Chiefs and the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Chieftaincy Affairs is also generating heat across the socio-political divides of the State.

    Henshaw Town

    The intense power-play in Henshaw Town (Nsidung) has made reconciliation of various stakeholders elusive for the past few years with plethora of court cases driving the once peaceful community into more crisis.

    Investigation revealed that Henshaw Town community has matters in court in Suit Nos: HC/186/2019; HC/60/2022; MC/64C/2022; CA/C/247/2020; MC/111C/2023; FHC/CA/FHR/55/2023; FHC/CA/FHR/56/2023 amongst others.

    Suit No HC/MSC/45/2024 contains the matter against Etubom Efio-Ita, Victor Inyang Effiom, Effanga Okon, Andem Abasi-Ekeng (Defendants) versus The Commissioner of Police Cross River State, while the nominal complainants in the case include HH Engr Ededem Richard Henshaw who is also the Village Head of Esiere Ebom Ewa Ekeng village as well as HH Efanga Nsa Henshaw.

    Our reporters observed that this intractable disagreement resulted in the locking up of the gigantic edifice housing the Henshaw Town Traditional Rulers Council and the imprisonment of the 80 years old Etubom Efio-Ita Efiom, the Traditional Head of the Efiom Ewa Nsa Royal family.

    Etubom Efio-Ita was sentenced to three years imprisonment with others mentioned above over what a source said was ‘land-related tussle’, a situation described by multiple sources of Efik extraction as a ‘sacrilege.’

    Disapproving Etubom Efio-Ita’s detention in Afokang prisons, women, under the umbrella of Mbono Iban Nsidung, protested and appealed for his immediate release.

    The protesting women, who stormed the Palace of the Obong of Calabar over the matter, carried placards with inscriptions such as “Release Obong Obio Nsidung, Others,” “Let Peace Reign in Nsidung,” “Women of Nsidung Need Our Obong Obio Back,” amongst others.

    Leader of the group, Obonganwan Nsidung, Barbara Etim James, who addressed Journalists, said the protesters were adorning black attire, a symbol of mourning “because evil has taken over our land and the people can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed.

    “The incarcerated man is the Etubom or Traditional Head of the Efiom Ewa Nsa Royal family in Henshaw Town/Nsidung. He is an eminent traditional leader in our community. We are talking about elderly, peaceful, frail man who should not be subjected to such torture.

    “It is such a man that is now being incarcerated over land. The incarceration of Etubom Efio-Ita is an abomination and we pray nothing evil should befall him in that dungeon. If a man of such calibre could be treated with such level of disdain, ordinary Nsidung residents are afraid of their lives. We are crying out for the intervention of the Palace.”

    A mild drama however played out when some of the protesting women openly betrayed emotion uncontrollably, demanding the release of the jailed Etubom.

    Investigations indicated that some prominent persons in the community were already making moves to replace Etubom Efio-Ita, since according them, nature abhors vacuum. But many other leaders and residents have vowed to resist such with every pinch of their blood. As at the time of this report, threats and counter threats were swirling in the community like a whirlwind.

    Special Adviser, Chieftaincy Affairs vrs Council of Chiefs

    Findings indicated that the relationship between Otuekong Francis Edet, Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Matters and the members of the State Traditional Rulers Council became significantly frosty, penultimate week, when the Royal Fathers forced the SA out of his office.

    Our team of roving reporters who visited the premises of the Chieftaincy Affairs observed that the SA’s office has remained locked and keyed. The angry Monarchs were said to have vowed never to have anything to do with Edet. Reason for this decision could not be ascertained as at press time.

    All efforts to speak with the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South local government area, Paramount Ruler of Odukpani local government area and the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, who were said to be on ground on that day, met a brick wall. Apart from the Royal Fathers’ unwillingness to comment on what transpired, the SA, Frank Edet, also kept sealed lips.

    When our reporter, after much effort, finally met the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, HRM Etubom Nyong Okon, over the matter, he told our reporter: “the best person to talk on what you want to know is our Chairman. He has not given me approval to speak on his behalf. Call him, if he directs you to me, then I will tell you what you want to hear.

    “Outside that, let me tell you that the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council is one. We speak with one voice and we thank God for giving us HRM Etinyin Etim Okon Edet as our Chairman. Some of us do not have the capacity to carry the burden that man is carrying. He spends his hard-earned money to ensure things do not go awry. It is this big heart that has caused all of us to queue behind him as our leader, nothing else.”

    However, some workers in the Chieftaincy Affairs Department, who spoke under the condition of anonymity said the Royal Fathers may have moved against the SA over what they considered an act of disrespect.

    “From what I saw, three Paramount Rulers were having a meeting, and as the meeting progressed, they sent for the SA, but Mr Frank told the messenger that he was busy trying to deliver on an assignment from the Governor. The messenger left but we do not know how the message was relayed to the Paramount Rulers.

    “The next thing was that the Paramount Rulers, who were obviously infuriated with the message they received, together with their entourage and other clan heads who were around, matched to the SA’s office and forced him out,” our source stated.

    Another source, who sounded worried over the development added, “The Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council was having a meeting with some Paramount Rulers from the South. In attendance were the Paramount Ruler of Odukpani, Paramount Ruler of Calabar South and Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, and some other clan heads. I don’t know what their discussion was.

    “After the meeting, they all left the chambers and went to the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs. The man was forcefully pushed out of his office. In clear terms, they were like ‘go, we don’t want you here. We cannot work with you.’

    We all felt bad about that development and to be candid, we were all disappointed. Proper investigations should be carried out to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of such an action.”

    As at press time, the situation had remained unchanged with the SA, who was appointed barely one month ago, still operating outside of his office. The government was yet to say anything over the matter.

    Efuts Insist Prof Itam not Munene

    Leaders of the Efut nation, under the umbrella of the Efut Combined Assembly (ECA), the apex decision making organ of the Efut people, have insisted they would not recognize Prof Itam Hogan Itam as their Munene.

    Recall that the State government had reinstated the Professor few weeks ago with all his rights and privileges as a certified Monarch restored.

    The Professor was removed from his position as village head, clan head and Munene of Efuts/Paramount Ruler of the Calabar South by the Ben Ayade-led administration for reasons believed to be political.

    But the Efut Combined Assembly said it would be a prejudice to accept the alleged imposition of Prof Itam as the matter was subsisting in the court of law.

    In a court document cited by Pillar Today, the applicants (members of ECA) in Suit No HC/102/2020, dated March 18, 2024 filed a Motion on Notice seeking an Order restraining all the parties in the Suit, both applicants and defendants “from doing anything that will prejudice the outcome of the cases involving the Muneneship of Efut.”

    The Motion also sought “An order staying every action which may have been taken by any of the parties in the course of the proceedings pending the hearing and determination of the matter.”

    In an interview, a member of the ECA, who preferred not be named said “We are not zombies but a people with laws. Imposing someone who was never capped on Efut people as Munene is not acceptable. It is not done anywhere. If this anomaly is swept under the carpet, it would haunt generations unborn.

    “It is good to do the right things now to avoid regret tomorrow. We stand on what we said earlier, let the courts give judgement on this matter and we will be satisfied.”

    Fresh Court Case Hits Obongship Stool

    Just as in the Efuts’ succession matter, Cross Riverians had thought that with the intervention of the Governor on the 15 years succession crisis to the stool of the Obong of Calabar, a final nail would have been driven into the matter but the reverse is case.

    Recall that the Governor had last year recognized His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V as the Obong of Calabar. This was after the Monarch re-emerged as such for the third consecutive times.

    A 7-man independent Truth and Reconciliation Committee thereafter set up by the Palace to reconcile and make peace with Etubom Anthony Ani and his loyalists, but regrettably, the panel has not succeeded in bringing the feud to an end.

    The panel was headed by a former Chief Judge, Justice Michael Edem Rtd, and had as members a former deputy governor, Mr. Effiok Cobham, a renowned Statesman, High Chief Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, former Commissioner Rosemary Archibong and former AIG Ene Okon.

    Others were Reverend Ubong E. Eyo (a serving Reverend of the Presbyterian Church) and Reverend Father Emmanuel Orok Duke, a serving Reverend Father of the Catholic Church. Their efforts became exercise in an futility as the Etubom Ani’s camp refused to bulge.

    The Etubom Ani’s group leaders, who addressed themselves as ‘Legitimate Etubom Traditional Council,’ found fault with the reselection process which again brought on board Edidem Abasi-Otu, and by December last year, they were back in court.

    The claimants, who filed interlocutory application in suit No. HC/278/2023 in a Calabar High Court, are Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Efiok, Etubom Okon Asuquo and Etubom Micah Archibong.

    The claimants, who are loyal to former Finance Minister, Etubom Tony Ani, said they had selected and proclaimed the former Minister as Obong of Calabar-elect.

    Their application is seeking an order restraining the Obong of Calabar from exercising his powers and parading himself as such, as well as “an order directing the government of Cross River State to issue a certificate of recognition to Etubom Ani as the Obong of Calabar,” amongst others.

    The matter which came up for hearing penultimate week was adjourned to June 11, 2024 for ruling on the interlocutory application filed by claimants.

    The defendants in the case are Edidem Abasi-Otu, Etubom Edem Offiong Effiwat, Edem Ita Essien Ededem, Government of Cross River State and the Attorney General of Cross River State, who incidentally, is said to be a son to the former Minister.

    But in a counterclaim, counsels to the defendants said the first claimant, Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Efiok, an Etubom from the Nsa Efiom Ekpo clan, Western Calabar, automatically ceased to be chairman with the demise of the then Obong, His Eminence Elijah Nta Henshaw, sometime in February 2008 and the emergence, coronation and proclamation, of the next Obong of Calabar, Edidem  Abasi Otu V.

    The legal luminaries explained that “the current and subsisting chairman of the Etuboms Council is Etubom Bob Bassey Duke of Central Calabar as the constitution of Etuboms Traditional Councils requires, as the Obong and chairman of Etubom Traditional Council cannot come from the same bloc as to ensure rotation.”

    According to them, “The order of the Court of Appeal was complied with as Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu emerged unanimously and was proclaimed the Obong of Calabar through due process. His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V was selected in compliance with Supreme and Appeal Court judgments of 13 January 2023 and 4 July 2013 respectively.”

    Both parties are again waiting for the Court to give its ruling in what has turned out to be the longest succession tussle ever over the stool of the Obong of Calabar. While the faction loyal to Etubom Ani believes it could oust Edidem Abasi Otu from the throne, the Effanga Nsa Palace of the Obong of Calabar has said there was no reason to worry as an Obong cannot be removed till death.

    However, with the gulf of division in the traditional institution growing wider, analysts believe the time has indeed come for Governor Otu to put on his thinking cap and fasten his socio-political belt to frontally tackle the complex nature of these feuds without fear or favour and in the spirit of fair play, give and take.

    This is necessary because when two elephants fight, the grasses and trees would know no peace.

     

     

  • Court Awards N50m Damages Against C/River Govt

    Court Awards N50m Damages Against C/River Govt

    By Uno Onete

    A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar has awarded N50 million damages against the government of Cross River State.

    The matter is contained in Appeal No. CA/C/457/2017 between Jumal Rubber Producing Coy Ltd and Government of Cross River State; Attorney General/ Commissioner for Justice, Cross River State.

    In its ruling on the matter, Hon. Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam made an “order directing the Respondents to set up the State Enterprises Arbitration Panel under Section 17 (1) of State Enterprises (Privatization) Law which is the ad-hoc body to be responsible for effecting prompt settlement of any dispute arising between an enterprise and the Cross River State Privatization Council or any other person or organization involved in privatization process”.

    The Court, in the 35-page judgment, reversed the ruling of the High Court and slammed the sum of N50,000,000 (Fifty million naira) only as general damages on the Respondents for their continuous refusal, failure and neglect to set up the panel.

    The judgment had come in the wake of the privatization exercise of 2004 that saw the privatization of Oban Rubber Estate Limited during which the Appellant was refused the refund of its deposit of N2.5 million it paid for the supply of rubber lumps.

    In the lead judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Onyemenam on Monday, 27 March, 2024, to which her brother justices, Hon. Justice Balkisu Bello Aliyu and Hon. Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari concurred, it held that: “The preliminary objection was premature as the affidavit of service was filed before the action was entered for hearing thereby curing the suit of any incompetency, if any.

    “From the above, I hold the view that the learned trial judge wrongly declared the suit incompetent. I resolve issue three against the Respondents in favour of the Appellant.”

    The Appeal sailed through after a failed attempt by the parties to have the case settled out of court, including a letter from the Executive Secretary of the Privatization Council and a memo from the Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Cross River State, on 20 September 2019 to Governor Ben Ayade to pay the Appellant.

    Speaking outside the court premises after the judgment, the Appellant’s counsel, Barr. Michael Emori said “As I rightly said in the open court, it’s a Lord Denning coming to judgment.

    “The judgment is a victory for the private sector against those oppressive and insensitive
    forces in the corridor of power who don’t want the common man to breathe. But I’m confident that with the coming of His Excellency Prince Bassey Otu all these will stop and the victorious Appellant will be paid its due.”