The Lumine News

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  • CRSG Flags Off 2022 National Immunization Days Plus Campaign

    By Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Government have flagged off the National Immunization Plus Days Exercise with a call to parents and caregivers to maximize the opportunity in getting rid of vaccine preventable diseases in the state.

    The state Deputy Governor , His Excellency, Prof Ivara Esu gave the charge in Calabar during the official flag off ceremony of the National Immunization Plus Days Exercise at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Governor’s Office Calabar.

    Performing the exercise, Professor Ivara Esu described the exercise as one amongst the most essential civic responsibilities that must be performed by parents in order to raise a guaranteed society rid of common communicable and preventable deaths.

    The Dep Governor assured that the administration of Senator Prof Benedict Ayade will continue to place greater premium to the health needs of the people of the state through funding and regular upgrading of facilities and equipment to move along with the developed world in the 21st century world.

    Prof Esu maintained further that the importance of the Immunization exercise cannot be overflogged bearing in mind the devastating effects of such childhood diseases such as measles and polio in particular which affect the limbs of children amongst others.

    He commended the Director General of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency SPHCDA, Dr Janet Ekpenyong for the level of passion and enthusiasm she has put into ensuring that the health agency is one of the flagship and point of pride in the country, stressing that the achievement recorded by the agency and the state health sector in general during the COVID-19 right from 2019 is proudly amazing. He also commended the entire health team led by the Commissioner for health, Dr Betta Edu for their response against Covid-19 and other health matters in the state.

    In her remarks the Director General, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong said the NIPDs is one of those high impact interventions initiated by the federal and state government with partners to sustain the gains made in the eradication of the wild polio virus. She said the NIPDs serves as an opportunity to get all children within the ages of 0-5years protected against polio, particularly those who for some reason may have missed out on the routine Immunization. She said the exercise targets over 900,000 children which she promised that the state will achieve 100%.

    She expressed her profound gratitude and appreciation to the state Governor, Senator Prof Benedict Ayade through the Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu for his sincere commitment towards the realization of the the lofty ideals set out for the agency and the health sector to achieve.

    According to her, the commitment and support from the state hierarchy including Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade, has actually fast tracked the achievements of the agency and the health sector as shown in previous successes and current strides which today has rated Cross River State among top performing state in the country.

    Dr. Ekpenyong disclosed that it is as the result of this encouragement from their Excellencies that her agency and the health sector is at the forefront of other health care development drive in the country to ensure that the gains of the past are sustained and more strides are achieved for the benefit of the people. She also commended, the Hon Commissioner for health, Dr Betta Edu and other health team members for the great leadership and team spirit which is yielding result.

    On his part, the Chairman House Committee on health, Cross River House of Assembly, Dr. Ekpo-Ekpo Bassey, revealed that the primary purpose of government is to provide security and welfare as lucidly captured in the nation’s constitition.

    He maintained that health care is one of the essential components of the welfare programme on which is placed on the shoulder of government, while pledging on behalf of the CRHA to partner with the PHCDA to ensure that the people enjoy quality and robust health services.

    The Chairman of Akpabuyo LGA, and Chairman of Chairmen Hon Emmanuel Bassey pledged support of all LGA Chairmen to Immunization and other PHC activities.

    The event coincided with the 2022 Maiden Meeting of the state Task Team on Immunization, the Deputy Governor who is also the Chairman of the meeting said that Immunisation is a veritable national and state exercise which is ultimately vital in the life of the citizenry, most importantly for those from zero to 59 months.

    High points of the day was goodwill messages from development partners including WHO, UNICEF, while the Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu administered the vaccine to some babies assisted by the Chairman, House Committee on HEALTH, Dr. Bassey, the Director General of PHCDA, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, the Chairman of Akpabuyo Local government Area and Chairman of Chairmen in the state, Emmanuel Bassey.

  • Stakeholders Seeks Funding As Cross River Marks World Neglected Tropical Disease Day

    By Simon Ushie

    An estimate of One in every walking Five people globally are said to be suffering from some form of Neglected Tropical Disease with a higher percentage of patients residing in poor income countries of the world.

    Globally, January 30th has been set aside to mark the “World Neglected Tropical Disease Day” with stakeholders uniting to chat a new course towards reduction and possible elimination of these “stigma ” bound diseases which leaves patients socially excluded from other people.

    In Cross River State, the day was marked with deep sense of reflection on the dangers these ailments poses to communities as greater attention was given in alignment to this year’s theme, “Achieving Health Equity To End The Neglect Of Poverty Related Diseases” with various speakers sharing their thoughts.

    Addressing participants and stakeholders the lead to whom greater responsibility rest upon in the sensitization, awareness creation, prevention, detection, care and treatment of these diseases, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,.
    Dr Janet Ekpenyong calls for greater resource mobilization from partners for cohesive and radical fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases.

    The DG noted that, although much resources is already earmarked towards the cause, improved budgetry provision should be made in order to help incorporate NTDs with other common diseases which are highly sort after in the Primary Healthcare facilities.

    She said, the state is commited towards fighting these disease as it has shown commitment through the appointment of Community Informants, NTD focal persons in all the LGAs which has contributed in improved surveillance and tackling suspected cases especially in Children.

    “I’m proud of the outcome in recent survey as we saw the need to intensify surveillance in our various Communities through the appointment of Community Informants, NTD focal persons who go around enlightening people on the dangers of NTDs and administration of deworming tablets to children.
    These diseases lead to high mortality in our Communities and that is why we are calling on all stakeholders to mobilize resources to fight the diseases, so that they are been tackled at the earliest stages and we will ensure they are integrated into Primary Healthcare services along other diseases”.
    She thanked RTI for all their support in tackling NTDs in the state and their commitment to partner with the state to
    Also speaking, the Chairman house committee on health, Dr Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, assured the participants that the house of assembly will ensure health is prioritized in the state budget and will also work with the ministry of health to include NTDs in the budget.
    The Director of Public health reiterated the health sector commitment in ensuring that NTDs like other diseases will get the necessary attention. He also appreciated RTI for all their support to the state

    Other speakers who spoke commended the Cross River State Government for timely interventions in Riverine Communities through aggressive mobilization of health workers in offering deworming tablets to pregnant women and children who are more prone to these infection.
    They also called on Government to invest more in the health sector, to ensure those with NTDs have equitable access to health care services.
    At the end of the forum, all parties present agreed to
    1)Create sense of ownership and the drive the Neglected Tropical Disease program sustainability agenda In the state .
    2)Advocate for state program counterparts funding and promote local resource mobilization for Neglected Tropical Disease elimination.
    3) Consolidate on the state’s achievements in Creating more awareness and sensitize stakeholders towards complete elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Cross River State.

    These diseases which are most predominate in rural Communities where water supply and sanitation are substandard are either being spread by Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites and can be minimized by observing personal and environmental hygiene.

    Participants were drawn from the Federal and State ministries of Health, the Nigerian Medical Association, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, UCTH Development Partners and other Private Medical Practitioners.

  • Concerned Constituents Writes Governor Ben Ayade, Insists On Level Playing Ground For Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency

    *OPEN LETTER TO*:

    1. His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade (Leader of APC South South)

    2. Barr. Alphonsus Eba
    (Indefatigable Chairman-elect, Cross River State APC)

    3. APC Leaders and Stakeholders Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency.

    *BEFORE THIS SHIP SINKS*

    *Preamble*:
    We are foundation members and concerned card carrying members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) drawn from Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency. In view of the forthcoming general election and in furtherance of our resolve and commitment to the party towards winning the general election in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, we are constrained to bring to your attention an imminent political danger and a seeming harbinger of doom, should the party continue to steer her ship towards the precipice in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency. As Patriotic and Passionate Party Faithfuls, we owe our party a duty to draw her attention to situations capable of jeopardizing the Party’s chances of winning the next election in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency and to forestall an apparent act of anti-party activities amongst party faithfuls.

    *OUR OBSERVATION*
    We find it very worrisome that the leadership of our great party, appears to have ceded the party ticket to Hon. Mike Etaba for a 3rd term in the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency against the interest and wish of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency. As Party members, we understand that Hon. Mike Etaba has shown immense loyalty and support to the leadership of our great party, which has fetched him a 2nd term into the National Assembly, even against the wish of the people. For his show of loyalty, we dare say that 8years in the house of Reps is already a good compensation for him and the people of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency do not intend to extend his stay in the National Assembly with another unfruitful 4years. For the Obubra People, specifically, the 8years spent by Hon. Mike Etaba at the National Assembly appears to be a total waste as there is no commensurate effort or democratic dividend from his part to his people, and we do not intend to continue in this style of retrogressive Politics. For almost 8years in the National Assembly, Hon. Mike Etaba has not contributed meaningfully to any debate on the floor of the National Assembly. He appears to be too elusive on the floor of the National Assembly, and we do not intend to continue in that trajectory, as Obubra/Etung Legislators are known to be quintessential on the floor of the National Assembly.

    Furthermore, we wish to warn that should Hon. Mike Etaba or any other lackey be given the ticket of our party, we stand a chance of losing outrightly to the opposition, and we do not pray for such to happen. Presently, the opposition Party, PDP parades formidable aspirants for the position of House of Reps and we make bold to say that, should our party decide to fly Hon. Mike Etaba, we are cocksure that even as a sitting House of Reps member, Hon. Mike Etaba cannot withstand any of the PDP’s Aspirants. It is on record that in 2019, he lost woefully on the field.

    Emphatically, PDP has the following Persons as frontline Aspirants,
    1. Rt. Hon. Fabian Okpa
    2. Mr. Ken Egbas
    3. Barr. Innocent Chima
    4. Rt.Hon. Friday Okpechi.
    It is therefore apparent to say that we need a new face to fly our party ticket. The people are tired of Hon. Mike Etaba.

    *OUR PRAYERS*
    We humbly solicit for a level playing ground for all aspirants; and we make the following submissions.

    1. That the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency leaders be allowed to choose their Candidate.

    2. That Hon. Mike Etaba should not be forced on the people.

    3. That, the inactivity of Hon. Mike Etaba on the floor of the National Assembly has adversely affected our chances on the floor of the National Assembly, and so should not be encouraged by bringing another person who is of the same stock or even worse.

    4. That we need a man with a strong voice on the floor of the National Assembly. Someone with massive goodwill and grassroot support.

    We make this prayers in the best interest of our party in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, believing that if our prayers are granted, this sinking ship will be restored.

    Signed:
    Hon. Ntui Victor Omang
    (For: Etung Local Government)

    Chief Okimba Edim
    (For: Obubra Local Government)

    On behalf of the entire members of Concerned APC faithfuls Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency.

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Inspects Road Project in Yala LGA.

     

    The Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, today, inspected the ongoing construction/Rehabilitation of 1.3 KM Prince Akwaji Offiono Road.

    The project which is being handled by Executive team managers, was Facilitated by the Senator through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and it’s one of many roads facilitated so far by the lawmaker.

    During the inspection, the lawmaker commended the contractor for the quality of work being done.

    The 1.3KM road is the longest stretch of road ever facilitated by a legislator to Yala LGA.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Projects Facilitated By Sen Sandy Onor In Central Senatorial District

     

    (1). Construction and Rehabilitation of Okuni/Nsofang Road, Ikom/Etung LGA – Completed

    (2). Rehabilitation of Mile 2 Road, Ikom, Ikom LGA – Completed

    (3). Rehabilitation of Market Lane, Ikom Main Market, Ikom LGA. – Completed

    (4). Rehabilitation of State Housing Lane Ikom, Ikom LGA – completed

    (5). General Maintenance & Rehabilitation of Ogoja-Ikom Road with spur at Okundi – Completed

    (6). General Maintenance & Rehabilitation of section of Ikom – Obudu Road with a spur at Bendeghe, Etung LGA – completed

    (7). Maintenance of Ikom Apiapum Road, Cross River Central – completed

    (8). Supply and Installation of ICT Laboratory Equipments – Completed

    (9). Entrepreneurship Development Training for Youth in Cross River Central from 5th – 9th October 2019.

    (10). Supply and installation of ICT Laboratory equipment to Holy Child Sec Sch Ikom, Ikom LGA- Completed

    (11). Completion of Community Civic Centre, Abijang, Etung LGA – Completed

    (12). Installation of solar street lights @ Abia, Etung LGA – Completed.

    (13). Installation of Solar Street Lights @ Ajassor, Etung LGA – Completed

    (14). IInstallation of solar Street lights @ Etomi, Etung LGA – Completed

    (15). Renovation of Obol Lopon palace @ Ugep, Yakurr LGA- Complete

    (16). Bulldozing /Grading of 6 km Farm Road @ Ekori, Yakurr LGA – Complete

    (17). Renovation of Pavilion @ Primary School Mkpani, Yakurr LGA – Complete

    (18) Construction of Schools Desks for Community Secondary School Idomi, Yakurr LGA.

    (19). Construction of Schools Desks for Bahumono Secondary Grammar School Ebom, Abi LGA – Complete

    (20). Construction of two (2) solar powered Boreholes @ Ikom Main Market, Ikom LGA – Complete

    (21). Construction of Solar Powered Boreholes @ Bendeghe Afi, Ikom – Complete

    (22). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Onyadama in Obubra LGA – Complete

    (23). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Ofodua in Obubra LGA – Complete

    (24). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Ovonum, Obubra LGA – Complete

    (25). Provision of Solar Street lights @ Ochon in Obubra LGA – Complete

    (26). Construction of Pavilion at Paramount Ruler Palace @ Olom, Boki LGA – Complete

    (27). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Bumaji in Boki LGA – Complete

    (28). Provision of Solar Power Borehole @ Bunyia Irruan in Boki LGA – Complete

    (29) Completion of Community Town Hall @ Biakwam in Boki LGA – Complete

    (30). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Wula, Boki LGA – Complete

    (31). Renovation of Primary School Block @ Bafin-Etintim, Boki LGA – Complete

    (32). Bulldozing and Grading of Kakwagom – Ndok Road in Boki LGA – Complete

    (33). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Bansan Osokom in Boki LGA – Complete

    (34). Completion of Corpers Lodge @ Imabana, Abi LGA – Complete

    (35). Grading of Obubra – Ogada Main Town in Obubra – Complete

    (36). Grading of Iyamaoyong to Ikom-Calabar Road- CRBDA – Complete

    (37). Construction of Bridge @ Osopong in Obubra LGA – Complete

    (38). Construction of Community Civic Centre @ Mkpot, Etung LGA – Complete

    (39). Construction of Community Civic Centre @ Itaka, Etung LGA – Done

    (40). Manual Borehole construction @ Itigidi, Abi LGA – Done

    (41). Construction/Furnishing of (1) Block of Four (4) Classrooms @ Itigidi, Abi LGA. – Done

    (42). Items donated to Holy Child Secondary School, Ikom ICT Centre; 40 desktop computers, 2 laptops, 1 scanner, 1 HP Laserjet Printer, 1 Electronic Board, 1 Projector, 2 Solar Inverters, 8 Solar Batteries, 1 Fire Estinguisher, 1 Storage Rack, 1 Cabinet.

    (43). Distribution of Motorcycles to Youths across the Central Senatorial District for easy transportation.

    (44). ICT Equipment supplied to the following Schools:

    – Community Sec Sch Etomi, Etung LGA

    – Community Sec Sch Nsofang, Etung LGA

    – Community Sec School Ugep, Yakurr LGA

    – Community Sec Sch Ekunekune Asiga Yakurr LGA

    – Regina Pacis Secondary School Ofombongha, Obubra LGA

    – Community Secondary School Bawop, Boki

    EMPOWERMENT ITEMS DISTRIBUTED TO CONSTITUENTS IN 2020 FISCAL YEAR

    – 40 Motorcycles
    -220 Deep Freezers
    – 250 Vulcanizing Machines
    – 200 Sewing Machines
    – 100 Water Pumping Machines
    – 250 Grinding Machines
    – 5 Tricycles
    – 2 Toyota Camry Salon Cars.

    2021 PROJECTS OF SEN SANDY ONOR

    (1). Grading of Yala (Nkum) Road, Ikom LGA – Done

    (2). Grading of Ochon – Isabang Road, Obubra LGA – Done

    (3). Grading of Ugep – Usumutong Road, Abi LGA – Ongoing

    (4). Grading of Effraya – Etomi – Bendeghe Road, Etung LGA – Ongoing

    (5). Grading of Abo/Ugba Ntan to Abo Nkpamg in Boki LGA – Ongoing

    (6). Construction of Guest House @ Etomi, Etung LGA – Ongoing

    (7). Construction of Guest House, Nsofang, Etung LGA – Ongoing

    (8). Construction of Town Hall @ Okuni, Ikom LGA – Ongoing

    (9). Renovation of Bokomo Town Hall, Ikom LGA – Ongoing

    (10) Construction of Borehole with Overhead tank, generator @ Bankpor Irruan, Boki LGA – Ongoing

    (11). Construction of Borehole @ Etomi, Etung LGA – Ongoing

    (12). Donation of 27Kva Generator to Steady Flow University(SFU), Ikom LGA – Done

    (13). Solar lighting in Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Ugep – Done

    (14). Solar Lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler of Abi – Done

    (15). Solar lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler of Boki – Done

    (16). Solar Lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler of Etung – Done

    (17). Solar lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler, Ikom – Done

    (18). Solar lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler, Obubra – Done

    (19). Solar Lighting @ Ikom Main Market and Motor Park – Done

    (20). Solar lighting of Kakwagom/Bawop Ward – Done

    (21). Solar lighting in Ajassor – Done

    (22). Solar lighting in State Housing Ikom -/Done

    (23). Training of 100 Constituents on Agriculture Value Chain for Rural Farmers, Cross River Central – Done

    (24). Training of Cocoa Farmers, Cross River Central – Done

    (25). Skill acquisition training for youth, women and artisans in Cross River Central – Done

    (26). Facillitated Covid-19 intervention fund to 600 households in Cross River Central – Done

  • Mr Peter Akpanke And His Mission To Annihilate The Sufferings Of The Masses

    By Linus Ushie

    Poverty is unarguably one of the many setbacks of man. It affects not only a man’s social network, but his ability to access and utilize opportunities.

    Mr Peter Akpanke (DE SOLID ROCK) who is the Chairman of the Non profitable organization; The Akpanke Foundation, has never relented in his quest to alleviate the sufferings of people in his constituency, state and country at large. His enormous strides towards human and infrastructural development, women support initiatives , youth empowerment and Education has impacted positively on the society and engineered a refined political narrative.

    In these trying times of our country’s degenerating economy, DE ROCK through his Foundation has constantly sustained it show of Love to the vulnerable. These acts of kindness has restored hope to the hopeless, provided succor to the less privileged and salvaged many families from the whips of starvation.

    As the people continue to yearn for effective representation and leadership, the choice of Mr Peter Akpanke (DE SOLID ROCK) for Federal House of Representatives, for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal constituency in the 2023 general elections will be most beneficial.

    His drilled, trusted and proven ability to deliver on democratic dividends has positioned him worthy of our support.

    De Rock Is Solid!!!

  • Minister Assures NAPTIN Of Improved Funding, Support For 105-Bed Hostel Project

     

    The Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, has assured the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) of his commitment towards ensuring improved funding of the institute.

    Jedy-Agba who stated this on Friday during a working visit to the Institute Corporate Headquarters located along Idu Industrial area, Mbora District, Abuja also assured the institute of his support towards the speedy commencement and completion of the proposed 105-bed hostel project to be embarked upon by the institute.

    According to him, “this place is adding to the overall value of the power sector in Nigeria. One of the key challenges affecting the power sector in Nigeria is poor infrastructure and to ensure we address that, we need to develop the man power to build and maintain our power infrastructures. This is why the institute is very strategic.

    I’m happy with what I’ve seen here. I commend the efforts of the DG and all the management staff. I want to assure you that in anyway I can, I’ll work to ensure the issue of funding which the DG has discussed with me is addressed”.

    While charging the staff to corporate with management and be committed to duty, he said that “I encourage you all to corporate with the DG so that by the time I return here, the transformation I’ve seen here today will be better”.

    Earlier, in his remarks, the Director General of the institute, Ahmed Bello Nagode lauded the Minister for his support and guidance in ensuring that NAPTIN becomes a global force in power training.

    Nagode said that “The Minister has been very supportive to the course of NAPTIN. I have two Directors who he graciously approved their promotion recently. It’s a huge achievement.

    Also, when we had issues with our internal road network, we ran to the Minister and he responded swiftly and today, we’ve a smooth access road to the corporate headquarters. Funding too has been a major issue but through the Minister’s intervention, there’s improvement in the 2022 budget.

    The DG however appealed to the Minister to also intervene in the institute’s effort to fence the headquarters to not only protect the staff but to preserve the land which he said was suffering encroachment already.

    He added that, “We’re set to embark on a 105-bed hostel and workshop/training Centre projects which is an outcome of the France/Nigeria agreement signed by President Muhammadu Buhari with the France government recently. We’ve all the designs ready and will invite you for the groundbreaking ceremony in the coming days. We’re targeting two years to complete this project but we want it to be on record that you started it”.

  • Sandy Onor Unveils Blue Print For Good Governance, Accountability And Sustainability

    CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT

    PROJECT CROSS RIVER STATE 2023!

    OUR BLUEPRINT FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE, SUSTAINABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN OUR STATE.

    As a follow up to our decision to lay to rest the infertile issue of zoning. The Caterpillar movement hereby release to cross riverians and indeed members of the public details of our vision(blue print) come 2023.

    PREAMBLE:
    With the advent of democratic rule in 1999, Cross River State was blessed with visionary and dynamic leadership that facilitated steady development of the state in all sectors. Our dear state was moved from the fringes and placed firmly in the development map of Nigeria. The state became a leading destination for tourism, investment and international donor funding.
    The public sector was vibrant and efficient with the formulation of virile policies and the establishment of strong institutions.
    Cross River state was viewed nationwide as a model for development planning.
    The private flourished as government provided the enabling environment, particularly through the establishment of a virile security architecture with accompanying infrastructure outlay.

    Regrettably, we have in the last six years undoubtedly derailed from the trajectory by running a system that is hudely rich in theory but lacking in practice.

    Accordingly, we shall move forward ,vigorously evaluate the financial status of the state and build our plans upon the reality that we find ourselves.
    We shall carry our people along with transparency,
    respect and inclusiveness.
    We shall together set realistic targets and pursue the actualization of these goals with all the intellect, vision, contacts, that we will collectively harness.
    Our policies shall be people oriented..
    Our vision is to restore our state to a path of progressive growth. To this end, we propose to implement a RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM through which we intend to achieve our vision.

    OUR RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

    Our restoration and development program shall be hinged on the development of the following thematic areas in the socio-economic and political environment of our state
    1. Security
    2.The Economy
    3. Human development
    4. Infrastructure development
    5. The civil service and local government
    6. Tourism
    The security and safety of the people shall be the primary purpose of our administration. We shall put in place dogged security measures aimed at protecting lives and properties of our people with a view to ensuring that all citizens, residents and investors carry out their legitimate businesses in a crime free environment.
    We shall in subsequent editions bring you detailed measures at implementing our policy iniatives
    May God help cross river state.

    Joe Obi Bisong
    Director General.

  • Caterpillar Movement Felicitates DC Enamhe On His Appointment As UNICAL ALUMNI Relation Officer

    CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT.
    21st January 2022.

    Dr. Enamhe Dorn Cklaimz.
    Department of Social Works,
    University of Calabar,
    Calabar.

    FELICITATION

    On behalf of our Principal, Dist. Senator Sandy Onor, the entire Caterpillar Movement Family and PDP in cross river central senatorial district, I heartily extend our warmest felicitation to you on your milestone achievements which have resulted in your appointment as Acting Alumni Relation Officer, University of Calabar by the amiable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi.

    Over the years, moving steadily on the path of selfless service and patriotism, you have affirmed your place as a dependable, productive and purpose-driven individual, capable of ensuring the welfare of people under your watch.
    You have demonstrated uncommon qualities of service to humanity and mankind.

    This appointment, therefore, is a mark of expression of this confidence that people have in you.

    I hereby urge you to remain assiduous, efficient and committed to the principles that have earned you this appointment, and to continue to blaze the trail . We are proud of you DC.

    Once again, Congratulations!!

    Joe-Obi Bisong (Hon Chief)
    DG, Caterpillar Movement)

  • How LG System Will Thrive Under My Watch As C’River Governor – Sandy Onor

     

    Senator Sandy Onor, the first aspirant to declare his ambition to contest for the governorship seat of Cross River State before PDP, met with journalists at the NUJ press centre last week where he unveiled his agenda for the state and also answered questions on his relationship with the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike.

    TNN recorded the question and answer session.

    Excerpts:

    There’s no record that you have visited this press centre for any press conference since you got to the senate. So how are you going to turn that around when you become governor, to be hold periodic conferences with journalists and brief us how your work is going, as you said?

    I may not have been interacting with journalists in the state as much as I’ve been interacting with those in the National Assembly, but I’ve been interacting with the press. I’ve spoken to AIT, Channels, NTA, Arise TV et al. I’ve engaged the print media and I’ve been speaking with the press. Maybe I haven’t gone to the press as formally as I have now and I’m here right now my brother. I understand democracy, beauty and strength of the press and I’m a democrat. So I cannot treat the press with disdain.

    Looking at the state today, there is a very huge debt; there are lean resources in terms of allocation coming to the state. Will you please throw more light on how you intend to execute the laudable projects you listed down here in your blueprint?
    I’ll be very open and transparent and I’ll like for us to cut our coat accordingly to our cloth, and not size. What I see today is a situation where we speak in huge terms beyond our resources. Our budget is blown out of proportion and our capacity is hyped for nothing. It is important to tell our people the truth. There are three kinds of states- the very big ones, the medium and the small ones. I think Cross River today belongs to the small category. Smallness is not bad; stay where God kept you but work so hard that Cross River will be such a beautiful place that those who have the capacity for creating bigness will come to your state. That was the vision before now. We know we don’t have money; we can’t begin to put together a budget that is bigger than that of Lagos, Rivers or that of Kano. That is out of context of reality. Get together, see what your resource base is, plan within that context. The issues of security, Cross River is geographically located in such a way that it is easy to give us security and have our people sleep well. The issues of hygiene for our state, basic education, basic healthcare facilities, release the local governments to work so that the bulk of our rural population can flourish. Show less greed and be more service propelled. If you do this, it doesn’t take much money. It is difficult, but let your people understand where you are. Plan with them, carry them along, show them respect and don’t say things you cannot do. Simple, and Cross Riverians will begin to follow, things will begin to get good again and people will begin to invest in Cross River again, and the big things we even see with our small size will begin to happen, that is how I want to run government in an honest, God-fearing manner, with our people as the prime object; you do these and it will be nice. That’s my purpose, my essence, our prayer, trusting God and with grace and our people behind us, we’ll make Cross Riverians happy again.

    One of the most striking things in your press conference texts this morning was the local government autonomy. You said you were going to restore it back to local governments. Looking at the funds coming to Cross River State, the lean resources and all of that, we know that most governors depend solely on local government finances to execute projects. You’ve been a local government chairman before, how do you intend to release all these funds that have accrued to the local government if you become the governor of Cross River state?

    The situation we have now with the local government is that they are treated with absolute disdain and the local government chairmen are not taken into account when planning is being done and given the impression that the money they have is not their own. That’s the impression I want to take away. Yes, the state may be in a position where you need to cooperate with the local government system for you to organically and totally survive. But you must approach them with dignity. There must be a buy-in, because you cannot completely confiscate with their resources and they begin to look like beggars. You will rather partner with them even if you’re going to depend on some of their resources, leave them with enough resources to be the local government that the constitution expects them to be. That is why I’m saying we will cooperate and partner with the local government system and allow them meaning, allow them resources to operate, because the bulk of our people depend on the local government system to survive. When I was chairman of Etung Local government, God knows, whenever we received allocation, there’s momentum in Ikom market. Immediately you go to the market, you will hear that the local government has received allocation. But now, you won’t know if local governments have received allocation or not. Now, it is the state that receives allocation and the local governments are just there, the officers don’t function anymore, the local government don’t do projects anymore. Even when they pretend that the local governments are doing projects, they will midwife all of those projects from the centre in such a way that nothing comes out of it that is reasonable. I will ensure that we reverse that trend, on my honour. And we will create an economy at the rural areas where young people will begin to learn the rudiments of democracy. You’re a councillor in the local government system, you should have resources enough to practice what it means to be a councillor. You’re a chairman, you should likewise have resources to leave a legacy. I was a chairman in Etung, I left a legacy in projects and proper administration. We must get back to that. We will grow from there to the state and national, that’s the complete package.

    This isn’t a signed document, but it is a departure from the past where we are just doing things without any concrete document to back it up. Should we then hold this paper and if it pleases God to make you governor, to come to you one day and say Oga, this is what you told us, is it working the way it is working?

    You can take the paper to the bank.

    The fear of so many Cross Riverians and some critical stakeholders are that you are being sponsored from outside, and that if they finally allow somebody from the central zone to emerge as governor come 2023 it will cause some disaffection, disunity and discontent in the state. What is your impression about this?

    I will like you to give me your ears please. I’ve heard all those kinds of stories, that I am being sponsored from outside, that I have a friend called Nyesom Wike, let me help you by mentioning his name; and that when I become governor, he’s the one sponsoring and funding me and when I become governor, I’m answerable to him and all that. Let me take it in two parts. Has there been anybody from Cross River State who has become governor without support from people outside? No. Then why is my own so different?

    When Clement Ebri became governor, for all of you who know, it was common knowledge that Tom Ikimi helped him become governor. Donald Duke became a member of the economic intelligence unit with Professor Sam Aloko; it’s common knowledge that it added to his contacts and exposure and men like Dangote were behind him. Ben Ayade and the story of Tompolo is all over the place. Liyel Imoke did not become governor because he was a superman. He had supports from everywhere; even the fact that he’s resigning from the Obasenjo government, he had to approach people from elsewhere to help him. People say all politics is local, but please let me add a rider to that, tell them that Professor Sandy Onor says yes, but all politics is also universal. You want to be councillor, ordinary councillor, most of the time, you are made councillor by people from other places as well as a chairman, recommendation comes from other places. You want to be senator, you must have contacts across this country. You want to be governor, ah you must have friends across the states and at the national. You want to be become president, you must have international links and contacts. Those who are speaking about me and my relationship with Wike are intellectually lazy. It is a given. Even all those who are contesting with me now all have friends from outside who are giving them support and showcasing them. Why is my relationship with Wike such a big deal? It is because he’s the one who has put his life, resources, time and energy maximally to the survival of the PDP and I’m very proud of my relationship with Wike.

    Now let me say this, if Governor Wike were supporting just anybody, they won’t say anything but he’s supporting the Original Caterpillar.
    On my own as an individual, I’ve got vibes and momentum in the established force of the politics of our state. I have, by the grace of God, made a name. I come from a little place called Nsofang in the middle of the tropical rain forest. As I speak with you now, I’m just trying to make sure the road to my village is motorable because we’ve never had a road. It is the grace of God that has taken me thus far. But on my own, I’ve done well for myself.

    I was the best graduating student of history in 1987. By 1988, at age 22, I returned to the university to teach as graduate assistant. Then it was the policy of the university that all best graduating students should go back and teach. I started my masters in 1988 but by dint of my exceptional brilliance and performance, I was advised to do a PhD. So, I have no master’s degree. I have a BA (Hon), PhD, and I got my PhD just as I was turning 27. Was Nyesom Wike there? No! I returned to the University in 2016. I’m a professor of history. Is it Wike that made me? I was a chairman of Etung local government, that was where Nyesom and I met. I became chairman of local government service commission; I became commissioner for agriculture and later commissioner for environment. In 2005 as chairman local government service commission, the former governor, Donal Duke considered me fit and proper to be one of the few Cross Riverians, led by Wayas, to be sent to the political reforms conference and I performed very well in that conference. I went to the senate in 2019; within three months in the senat,e I was declared orator of the 9th senate. Was it Nyesom Wike that crowned me orator?
    So, on my own, I have the qualities and these men know. You people should investigate. You’re journalists. Most of the people who are against my ambition to be governor think that they can’t turn and twist me and make me a pun. But they didn’t know that I will listen to everybody. One of the hallmarks of a good intellectual is the ability to listen, because you will know that, the more you know that you know only little.

    One of the things governors do after elections is to, for instance, do their local government tour across the state, listen to the people and their needs. Don’t stay in Calabar and pontificate on a high horse as if the people don’t know anything, I will consult and I will talk to the press all the time at intervals. And I don’t mind ugly questions, I have the capacity to deal with beautiful and ugly questions. So I am good and fine. The issue of being sponsored from outside, like I said, is a perspective that is intellectually lazy at best.

    On the second part, I have made the point that we’ve never had a tradition of zoning in Cross River. If you have facts to contradict that fact, please I challenge you all to bring them up, and we will deal with them here. There are no such facts. Those who are giving the impression that if the central takes it, there will be crisis are those who are imagining that other sections of the state can be intimidated. Nobody can be intimidated. It is politics we are playing and not political anthropology. Nobody made the south the first born of Cross River politics. It’s a new round we are going into, compete for it. Let the eagle perch, let the kite also perch, he who says the other should not perch, let his wings break.

    Someone had told us that in 2015, you had a short departure from the PDP to Labour party and within that time, in the course of bringing the Ayade government into limelight, they had negotiations and they said PDP caucus zoned the governorship to the north. From 1999, we all know there was no zoning but in 2015, by whatsoever desire, we had Donald Duke from the South, Liyel Imoke from the Central and there was clamour from the north. In 2015, the caucus of the PDP sat with a proviso like they said (because I don’t have the document), and they zoned it to the north. So, I want you to address that issue, whether or not there was zoning to the north and with a proviso, for power to return back to the south in 2023.

    Assuming but not conceding that there was that kind of arrangement; let me take your mind back. 1999, as you admitted, there was no zoning. South and north contested and south won. In 2007, central and north contested and central won. The south took, the central took through a struggle. It was only one senatorial zone that had not taken. So what happened in 2015 was a cessation and not zoning. Power was ceded to the north, not zoning. If there were zoning, why was it that in 2019 when Ben Ayade had just done four years, somebody from the South (Eyo Ekpo), and somebody from the Central (John Owan Enoh) ran the elections? Why? So where was the zoning? So I have described it ably as a mere cessation, inevitably, understandingly, no more, no less. You know that in this state, there are a set of persons that have held the state by the jugular, who has made it their own property; so they must give us leaders. They are the ones who are bringing all this kind of false theories so that again, they can produce the next governor. It won’t work, by the grace of God.

    In the event that, you become the candidate of PDP and your fellow contestants or aspirants try to go to other parties to vote against you, what will you do? Secondly, the governor, Ben Ayade’s administration has lots of projects that majority of Cross Riverians are not sure will come to fruition, if you come into power, will you continue those projects?

    When we get to that bridge, we will cross it.