Author: News

  • Breaking: APC Crisis Deepens As Protesters Barricades Cross River Office, Demands State Chairman’s Resignation

    Breaking: APC Crisis Deepens As Protesters Barricades Cross River Office, Demands State Chairman’s Resignation

    Culled Cross River Live

    The All Progressives Congress in Cross River State is facing serious crisis as protesters, comprising 35 chapter chairmen and secretaries, have blocked the party’s state office and demanded the resignation of State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba.

    The protesters on Wednesday at the party’s secretariat in Calabar were seen with various placards some of which read “Okadigbo must go”, “The party can’t be starving while you are living large” and “we are tired of your insolence and arrogance”.

    Other placards read “APC in Cross River State deserves a leader not a ruler and terror”, “for the interest of the party in Cross River State you are advised to throw in the towel”, “APC Cross River State deserves fresh air”.

    As at press time, no member of the APC SWC addressed the protesters who barricaded the secretariat and denied any access into and out of the party Secretariat.

    It could be recalled that in a communique presented on Tuesday, 18 APC chapter chairmen and 17 secretaries, represented by High Chief Kelvin Njong, demanded State Chairman Alphonsus Eba’s immediate resignation, citing loss of trust and withholding of three‑month stipends.

    They also alleged an unequal fund allocation by the State party chairman, misappropriation of election‑form proceeds and incitement.

    However, Eba denied the allegations , saying salaries are paid directly to ward executives and chairmen’s pay is withheld pending a probe.

     

  • In The Present Circumstance, No serious Politician With Electoral Ambition Will Seek To Contest On To The Platform Of The PDP – Bukola Saraki

    In The Present Circumstance, No serious Politician With Electoral Ambition Will Seek To Contest On To The Platform Of The PDP – Bukola Saraki

    Former Governor of Kwara State, former Nigerian Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has stated that with the current crisis going on in the party, no serious politician with electoral ambition will seek to contest on the platform of the PDP.

    Saraki made the disclosure on November 12th 2025, when members of the Board of Trustees led by Amb. Hassan Adamu, paid him a courtesy visit to seek his counsel on the way forward for the PDP.

    Sarika took to his veried Facebook page, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, to report the outcome of the meeting, noted that going with the convention in Ibadan on 15 – 16 November 2025 will only serve to further fuel the crisis. He stated that going ahead with the convention is a waste of efforts, and that it does not have his support.

    Find full text “On 12 November 2025, I had the pleasure to receive members of the BOT Reconciliation Team of our great party, the PDP, led by Wakili Adamawa, Amb. Hassan Adamu. They requested for a meeting in order to seek my opinion on the possible ways of restoring peace within the party. It was a meaningful and incisive meeting during which matters of great importance affecting our party were discussed.

    “We deliberated extensively on issues relating to the National Convention scheduled for 15-16 November 2025 in Ibadan.

    “In summary, I expressed deep regret that, despite the selfless and arduous efforts by some of us, the Convention has become mired in extensive controversy, both political and legal. This does not bode well for not only our party, but for Nigeria’s democracy in general.

    “I made it clear to the BOT team that political matters can hardly be resolved through the courts. Affairs of political parties are best resolved amicably with all sides seated round the table. Legal battles will only continue to cause friction.

    “As it stands, the fact is that there are conflicting court orders in relation to the validity of the scheduled convention. As a result, there is no assurance as to whether the conduct and outcome of the convention will stand.

    “As a leader, on whose shoulder lies the political weight of the yearnings and aspiration of my people, I cannot in all good conscience take or be part of any action that will jeopardise their aspirations

    “My advice to the BOT team is that the only solution available to us now is for the party to set up a Caretaker Committee to steer the affairs of the party for the time being. This must be done in the next two days. This is the path to true reconciliation and stability of the Party. It is also the best way to give confidence to our members who intend to contest elections on the PDP platform. In the present circumstance, no serious politician with electoral ambition will seek to contest on the platform of the PDP, not knowing whether his or her nomination will be valid or declared null and void.

    “It is clear that going ahead with the National Convention in Ibadan on 15-16 November 2025 will only serve to further fuel the present crisis. Therefore, going ahead with the Convention as scheduled is a waste of efforts, It does not have my support. It’s not too late to find a win-win solution”.

  • C’River APC Chairman Fires Back, Alleges ₦60m Fraud By Chapter Leaders

    C’River APC Chairman Fires Back, Alleges ₦60m Fraud By Chapter Leaders

    By Asuquo Cletus 

    The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, has dismissed calls for his resignation by a group of chapter chairmen and secretaries, describing them as individuals “running away from their shadows.”

    Eba, who spoke in reaction to a communiqué issued by the Forum of APC Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries calling for his removal over alleged high-handedness and diversion of party funds, accused the aggrieved officials of embezzling over ₦60 million belonging to the party.

    The forum, led by Kelvin Njong, Chairman of the APC in Boki Local Government Area, had on November 7 issued a communiqué in Calabar alleging that the state chairman withheld stipends meant for party officials at the chapter and ward levels for three months, diverted party funds, and ran the party “as a private estate.”

    But reacting to the claims, Eba described the allegations as “baseless and mischievous,” saying the affected chapter chairmen were being investigated for financial misconduct.

    “They embezzled monies meant for ward executives and some chapter executives running over ₦60 million. They must come and give account for that,” he said.

    The state chairman explained that the party has since adopted a direct payment system, where stipends are paid straight into the bank accounts of all 5,778 party executives across the state to ensure transparency and eliminate mismanagement.

    “We now pay all party executives directly into their accounts, and we have paid all of them up to date. But the 17 chapter chairmen’s salaries are being held until they clear themselves of the fraud alleged against them,” Eba stated.

    He further alleged that some chapter chairmen collect over ₦4 million monthly as dues from local government appointees and another ₦3.6 million from other sources but fail to remit or share the funds equitably among other officials at the ward and chapter levels.

    “They squander these funds, creating a disproportionate salary structure far higher than what members of the state executive committee earn. This is against the spirit of our administration and our commitment to transparency and accountability,” he added.

    Eba maintained that no chapter chairman or group of party officials has the constitutional power to demand the resignation of a state chairman or member of the state executive committee, stressing that the reverse is the case.

    “No chapter chairman has the power to call for the resignation of the state chairman or any member of the state executive. On the contrary, the state executive committee has full powers to discipline and sanction them, and this will be done immediately,” he declared.

    The crisis comes amid growing tension within the party over internal financial management and control of the state structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Eba reaffirmed his loyalty to the party leader and governor of the state, Bassey Otu, pledging to continue strengthening the APC at all levels for victory in the next election.

     

  • Just In: 35 APC Chairmen, Secretaries Demands Resignation of State Chairman, Eba, Over Alleged Financial Misappropriation

    Just In: 35 APC Chairmen, Secretaries Demands Resignation of State Chairman, Eba, Over Alleged Financial Misappropriation

    Culled From TheBeaglenewsonline.com

     Judex Okoro – Calabar 

    Smouldering crisis is brewing in Cross River All Progressives Congress (APC) as 35 chapter chairmen and secretaries have called for the immediate resignation of the state party chairman, Bar. Alphonsus Eba, over alleged financial impropriety.

    The notice for the demand is contained in a statement signed by 35 of the Chairmen and Secretaries at the end of their meeting in Calabar on Tuesday.

    The meeting, convened under the banner of “Forum of APC Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries,” alleged that Eba’s anti-progressive actions in piloting the party’s affairs in Cross River is destabilizing and destructive

    The forum chairman, Chief Kelvin Njong, who read the communique, based their demand for Eba resignation on “high handedness, insolent, underrating, and transactional approach in party administration, accusing the chairman of instigating chapter and ward party officials against the chapter leadership.

    “This action generated hatred, contempt, ridicule and disrepute on the Party leadership at the respective Local Government Chapters of our Party, contrary to section 21:2(i1 & v) of the APC Constitution as amended 26″ March, 2022,” it stated.

    Similarly, they further accused him of refusal to remit the percentage meant for the local local government areas and wards from the sales of forms during the 2023 general elections.

    According to the communique, “While the local government areas and wards comprising of 5,778 Party officials were given N9.2 million, the state executive with just 36 members took N40 million.

    “This is gross injustice and typical of the chairman. We also have other sundry remittances from the National Secretariat that are unaccounted for.”

    Sequel to the issues raised and the allegations, the forum demanded for the immediate payment resignation of the state chairman.

    It also demanded for the immediate payment of all the outstanding stipends of the local government and ward to the chapter chairmen to alleviate their sufferings.

    “Going forward, we wish to recommend that the stipends earmarked for the local government and ward party officials should be deducted at source and paid to the chapter chairmen who are leaders of the party and chairmen of caucuses at the local government level.

    “We strongly advocate for a review of the sharing formula of the funds accruing to the party.

    “Ideally, this should be shared in the ratio of 70 percent to the local government and wards comprising of 5,778 officials and 30 percent to the state officials that are 36 in number.

    “He (Eba) should also be mandated to pay our outstanding percentage arising from the sales of delegates and nomination forms in the 2023 general elections.

    “In the overall interest of the unity and progress of our great party, Eba should be mandated to resign honourably due to his anti-progressive actions and tendencies which has affected the party negatively,” it stated.

    The forum concluded that they remain committed to the reelection of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu in 2027.

    The communique was signed the 18 chapter chairmen and 17 chapter secretaries of the Cross River APC. The forum is comprised of 18 chapter Chairmen and 18 chapter Secretaries of the APC in the state.

    Also speaking, Comrade Odama Thomas Odama, chapter chairman Bekwarra and head of Operations of the Forum, said: ” What we have captured here is.a true reflection of the State of our party.”

    Equally speaking, William Book, Secretary of Chairmen Forum, said: “This is not a whitchurch. It is a matter of strengthening the party. So, it is out of place for chairman of the party to withhold dues meant for the party officials.

    “Alphonsus Eba should know other structures to play their role. We have met with him several times to resolve this lingering issues, but he gave deaf ears to it. Thus, this call for his resignation.”

    Reacting in a telephone interview, the State Chairman, Bar Alphonsus Eba said:” They are very stupid people, which I don’t mind. You know, when you are trying to make sure that things work very well, people resort to calling you names..

    “I have grown beyond that level. And all we try to do is to strengthen the party. Three months ago, the governor’s wife had a meeting with women, and in that meeting, I was shocked to hear that the monies I normally pay them directly they don’t remit to their ward chapters accurately.

    “I gave them a template of monies they should be paying as salaries. And they defaulted in following that template and only for me to discover that each of those people have been embezzling small, small stipends that should go to their own colleagues at the chapter level.”

    According to the Chairman, the chapter chairmen cannot distract us because we are focused and determined to instill discipline in the party.

  • Champions Of The North Unveils Maiden Edition of JARI Unity Cup

    Champions Of The North Unveils Maiden Edition of JARI Unity Cup

    By Patricia Onigah

    As parts of efforts to foster peace, unity, growth and development among young people, the “Jari Unity Cup 2025” is set to commence its maiden edition across the five Local Government Areas of Cross River North Senatorial District this December.

    The grassroot football tournament, is the brainchild of visionary leaders and stakeholders of “Champions of the North” committed to use sports as a unifying force for the region. The competition aims  to promote harmony among the youths as well as identify football talent who can represent Cross River State and Nigeria at various levels.

    With a star prize of ₦1,000,000 for the winning team and ₦500,000 for the runners-up, alongside several consolation awards for outstanding players, the Jari Unity Cup is set to ignite excitement and healthy rivalry across State Constituencies.

    The organisers intend to use the tournament to build friendships among young people, nurture discipline and revive the spirit of unity that binds the people of Cross River North.

    Matches will be held in Various LGA’s, drawing large crowds of enthusiastic supporters in solidarity for their teams.

  • Eteng Facilitates Over 40 Federal and Political Jobs for Constituents Constituents

    Eteng Facilitates Over 40 Federal and Political Jobs for Constituents Constituents

     

    In less than two years at the National Assembly, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, has facilitated employment opportunities for over 40 constituents across various federal ministries, agencies, and parastatals.

    According to verified records, about 40 indigenes of the district have been successfully employed into notable federal establishments, while others have secured political appointments and support roles under the senator’s structure.

    As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Senator Williams leveraged his position to secure placements for constituents in grade “A” agencies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), among others.

    Beyond these, several constituents have also been enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and Federal Fire Service, reinforcing the senator’s commitment to youth empowerment and employment creation.

    In addition, Senator Williams has facilitated the appointment of three constituents as Senior Legislative Aides (SLAs) to the offices of the Senate President and Deputy Senate President, respectively.

    Complementing these achievements are the constituency officers and political appointees across the six local government areas of Cross River Central who are on the senator’s monthly payroll, serving as liaisons between his office and the grassroots.

    A spotlight on some of the beneficiaries includes:
    Rasine Bolaji Anani, Jesam Offor, Asari Inyang, Ubangha Eteng, Bassey Ojeje Williams, Aji Martina Unung, Bisong Robert Bita, Akong Samuel Erunke, Ojong Ojong Ojong, Ndifon Ruth Odu, Onyekwere Chimmuanya, Goodness Okey Arowosong Iwowo, Eju Judith Enare, Ibor Divine-Oyoke Omori, Otu Ayei Otu, Abam Michael Ubi, Oka Michael Omini, Obeten Elijah Ibiang, Ofem Simon Udumo, Ntem Ubi Thankgod, Hon. Bernard Inah, Hon. Usang Eteng Mbang, Gabriel Ojie Otu, Hon. Jacob Ojie, Hon. Hossana Isong, Gifted Nelson, Ajugbor Williams, Hon. Joseph Nton, Ikoi Eteng, Theophilus Abri, Ogar Nkarense Obia, Kyrien Agbor, Ndoma Akunubor, Patra Asie, Henry Ofem, Rose Okojie, Lucy Etta, Godwin Christopher Egbe, Elemi Isong Nkanu, Ikpi Ibiang Eteng, and Awusa Dibang.

    Senator Williams, a former Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, has continued to receive commendations for his people-centered representation and efforts toward reducing unemployment in the senatorial district.

  • Jarigbe Attends Baze University’s 12th Convocation, Congratulates Wife on Milestone Achievement

    Jarigbe Attends Baze University’s 12th Convocation, Congratulates Wife on Milestone Achievement

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, today attended the 12th convocation ceremony at Baze University Abuja.

    The ceremony, which was held at the University campus in Abuja, witnessed the presence of the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, and his Senegalese counterpart, who was ably represented by the Ambassador to Nigeria, Babacar Matar Ndiaye, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Dikko Umar Radda, and many others.

    Senator Jarigbe congratulated his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Jarigbe, on her conferment with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration by the Institution, expressing that the degree is a reflection of her dedication and leadership.

    “Your success in deepening your intellectual curiosity should serve as an inspiration to all wonderful women out there, who are juggling the demanding tasks of running a home, raising children, running a business, yet keeping an eye on intellectual growth and advancement.

    “As you relish this moment of great accomplishment, I wish you luck and more blessings that this academic laurel will bring.

    “Once again, Congratulations, Doc,” Senator Jarigbe added.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Just In: UNICAL Council Approves The Appointment Of Prof Offiong E. Offiong As The Vice Chancellor

    Just In: UNICAL Council Approves The Appointment Of Prof Offiong E. Offiong As The Vice Chancellor

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Governing Council of the University of Calabar, has approved the appointment of Prof Offiong Effanga Offiong as the Vice Chancellor designate.

    Prof Offiong E. Offiong, a former Cross River State Commissioner for Education, has been confirmed as the 12th Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar.

    Offiong was confirmed by the 14th Governing Council led by DIG Udom Ekpoudom.

  • I Drive a Made-in-Nigeria Car – Senator John Owan Enoh

    I Drive a Made-in-Nigeria Car – Senator John Owan Enoh

     

    The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting local content and industrial development in Nigeria by disclosing that his official vehicle as a Minister of the Federal Republic is assembled in Nigeria by Mikano Motors.

    Speaking during an appearance on the Arise News Breakfast Show, Senator Enoh emphasised that Nigeria’s challenge is not the absence of robust policies but the consistent lack of implementation. According to him, genuine leadership requires leading by example, a principle he demonstrates by personally choosing to drive a Made-in-Nigeria car. “I believe the real challenge for Nigeria is not the absence of sound policies, but the will to implement them. That is why I’ve chosen to lead by example. My official car is made in Nigeria, and I’m confident that very soon, the President and other public office holders will also drive a Made-in-Nigeria car,” Senator Enoh stated.

    The Minister also revealed that the Nigeria Industrial Policy, a strategic framework designed to drive inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, has been finalised and awaiting consideration and approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). He assured Nigerians that once approved, the policy would transform the industrial landscape and unlock new opportunities for manufacturing, innovation, and job creation across the country.

    Currently representing President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Senator Enoh reiterated the government’s determination to position Nigeria as a premier investment destination in Africa. He noted that the FII serves as a vital global platform for showcasing Nigeria’s vast investment potential and reinforcing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda toward a diversified and resilient economy in line with Agenda 7 of Mr President’s Eight-points agenda. “Our participation in the FII is an indication to this government’s commitment to building a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable economy. Through foreign investment, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships, we can accelerate Nigeria’s industrial growth and create lasting economic opportunities,” Enoh added.

    Senator Enoh further harped on patronage of locally made products and promoting homegrown industries as cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial revival. He called on Nigerians in both the public and private sectors to embrace the “Made-in-Nigeria” initiative as a matter of national pride and economic necessity. “The success of the Nigeria First Policy depends on all of us, leaders and citizens alike choosing to believe in and support what we produce. That is the only sustainable path to job creation, wealth generation, and reduced dependence on imports,” the Minister concluded.

    ©️Media Unit, Office of the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
    30/10/2025

  • Former Chief Of Staff To Gov Ben Ayade, Martin Orim Receives Sen Jarigbe Agom Ahead Of Defection

    Former Chief Of Staff To Gov Ben Ayade, Martin Orim Receives Sen Jarigbe Agom Ahead Of Defection

    The former Chief of Staff to Gov Ben Ayade, Hon. Martin Orim, today October 29th 2025 received Sen Jarigbe Agom in his Abuja residence in preparation for his defection to the All Progressive Congress APC.

    Hon Martin Orim, who is also the Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Member of the Governing Council, FCE (Technical) Bichi, assured Sen Jarigbe Agom, of his support and commitment to consolidate party unity and enhance the progress of Cross River State

    The meeting focused on strengthening unity and stimulating collaboration ahead of Sen Jarigbe Agom’s formal entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC).