By Elijah Ugani
Two persons are said to have lost their lives to a communal Skirmishes that ensued between Abankang and Alok both in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The two communities are along Ikom – Ogoja high way.
Commuters have expressed concern that the Skirmishes if not checked might put their lives at risk.
The crisis is not unconnected with land dispute.
As at the time of filing this report, soldiers have been deployed to the boundary to maintain peace.
Culled From CrossRiverWatch
Three residents of Okambi community have been shot by a combined team of Police personnel and civilian gunmen in Obudu Local Government Area of northern Cross River State, over the controversial proposed Passenger and Cargo Airport, eyewitnesses say.
The victims are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility while two others arrested are also detained at the Mopol 75 base in Obudu.
The victims include a woman who was shot on both legs, a young man shot in the wrist, another was shot in the elbow while the fourth was hit by a heavy stick by a Police officer which led to him losing consciousness for a while.
The shooting, beatdown and arrests occurred when resident protested to halt the demolition of houses without compensation by the Cross River State Government to pave way for its proposed Obudu International Cargo and Passenger Airport.
Mr. Paul Obi, an aide to Governor Ben Ayade who is in charge of the project had written the community to inform them that demolition will commence today while compensation will be processed at a later date.
“We mobilized our youths and women and went there to tell them that they had to resettle us first and pay compensation before the demolition of our homes, but they brought guns, Operation Akpakwu and gangstars to shoot at us and chase us away while the bulldozers moved in,” a senior resident (name withheld based on advice from security experts) told CrossRiverWatch moments ago.
Operation Akpakwu is a security team comprising of personnel from the Police, military and paramilitary forces operating in the State set up in December to combat the rising spate of kidnappings, gang wars and armed robbery.
Meanwhile, Mr. Paul is said to have employed civilians and armed them to protect himself following allegations that he was not advising Mr. Ayade properly which led to the myriads of challenges bedeviling the airport project.
In his statement to CrossRiverWatch, he claimed those injured were shot by natives of Okambi community and accused them of attacking a Police officer.
“Community men shot an Operator, burnt a Dozer (sic), vandalized many, deep machete cut on a Police officer attached to project (sic),” he wrote.
On those injured, he wrote: “Those who got gun shots were from unprofessional handling of firearms within Okambi Youths. One Iduku Udide and Alonso Ukaba did the shooting that affected them within the crowd.
But, Kajetan Ifeanyi, another eyewitness said the protesters demanded to see the Governor in person for meaningful agreement to be reached, and also ordering the suspension of work within the Okambi axis.
According to Kajetan, “Today being Tuesday, 5th of January 2021, it was indeed a tragic morning in the Community as security operatives numbered in their hundreds alongside some thugs and contractors stormed the project site to resume work, reacting to this development, the villagers mobilised themselves to protest against this public ignominy.”
He explained that the lady shot is a breastfeeding mother.
This is not the first time violence has erupted over the airport which has cost two lives including those of a Senior Immigration personnel, Mr. Emmanuel Ushie and one community chief in Igwo village.
Dozens have been arrested with some facing trial while properties of those who spoke vocally over the discrepancies in compensation have had their properties seized and kept at the Mopol 75 Squadron base at the Mega Hilton hotel owned by Mr. Ayade.
Several protests have rocked the project with the Police often drafted in to shoot and scare away residents several times.
The State recently claimed that over NGN900 million was paid as compensation to the residents of the five impacted communities. But, natives of these communities have continuously denied this, especially Okambi and Ikwomikwu which will lose at least 80 and 90 percent of ancestral lands. Those affected have also challenged the State to publish the list of beneficiaries.
By Admin
The Cross River State Government has received support from the World Bank after the destruction of properties during the #EndSars protest by hoodlums that took place in Calabar on Oct. 23 and 24.
After the destruction, the state government through the Ministry of International Development Cooperation had approached the World Bank to render support to the state, especially in the delivery units of the World Bank Assisted Programme, CARES, which is scheduled to commence very soon in the state.
The items donated include furniture, 20 seater conference chairs, air conditioners and inverters, laptop computers and printers, virtual meeting equipment, hybrid inverter with solar among many others.
Speaking after distributing the equipment to the different units, the Commissioner for MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong, expressed happiness with the gesture from the World Bank, saying that the distribution was coming at the first day of resumption of duties in the year.
She explained that two result areas of the Ministry, FADAMA and EDF were badly affected during the protest and all the items were destroyed by hoodlums.
According to her, the items will go a long way to enable the staff of the result areas to get back to work in preparation for the CARES programme.
“The CARES is COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus of the government. It is going to be a state owned project and Gov. Ben Ayade is so committed about improving the lives of residents in the state.
“We know that the poverty index in Nigeria is 40.1, and this is really high. Cross River is lower than the national average, 36.3, we want to further reduce that our percentage to at least a single digit.
“I want to thank the World Bank for coming to our aid at this point in time, and we can assure them we will make the best use of these equipment,” she said.
Also Speaking, Mr Fidel Udie, the Acting General Manager of Community and Social Development Agency, said that the donation confirms the good working relationship between the state government and the World Bank.
Udie said that the donation will now put the state in a good position to participate in the CARES programme, which is a World Bank Assisted Programme.
“These programme is basically meant to target the poor and vulnerable in the society. Of course, without these agencies and their platforms been able to have their working tools and be ready for the implementation of the programme, the state cannot join other states for the programme.
“Gov. Ayade was able to follow up with the World Bank and here we have these equipment to help the delivery units to be ready for this programme,” he said.
He mentioned the platforms benefiting from the equipment to include; CSDA, the state coordinating unit, FADAMA, Enterprise Development Funding, Smart City, Public Work Fare and the state Cash Transfer Unit.
The Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Dr. Josephat Emeka in company of his dear wife, Mrs. Freda Luu Emeka celebrates the 2021 new year with orphans as part of his efforts to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged in the society.
Dr. Emeka noted that “we have decided to embark on this hospital visitation to appraise the state and situation of the patients, who not privileged to celebrate this year’s new year in their homes on account of various ailments.
“We cooked for the new born babies. We paid hospital bill for an accident victim and he was discharged.
“Every position comes with responsibility, and my husband and I have made frantic efforts to reach out to the less privileged. It is our desire that we continue to touch lives as many as we within our lean resources”
One of the beneficiaries who identified himself simply as Eneji, thanked the Chairman and his dear wife for the show of love and prayed God to continue to bless the family while their resources continue to increase to enable them reach out to others.
The Chairman and his dear wife undertook the visit to General Hospital Abouchiche, and Primary Health Centre.
Items provided during the visit includes; Cooked food, drinks, wrappers, diapers for the new born babies and tissues.
By Elijah Ugani
As parts of her ingenuity and disposition to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged, the wife of the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mrs. Angela Eraye Ewhe has decided to pay hospital bill for all babies born today, January 1st, as part of her celebration to Mark the 2021 new year.
Mrs. Eraye Ewhe said “I decided to identify with the babies born today, as part of my celebration of the 2021 new year. Today is a very unique day in my life as part of my dreams is fulfilled. I’m delighted not because I have reached some persons, my joy is that I have put smiles on the faces of the vulnerable.
“One of the patients spent the Christmas at the hospital just because he couldn’t afford to pay the bills. If I had remained in my house to cook, eat and drink when these patients are left at the hospital without any form of aid, I would not have been a happy person.
“With the smiles on their faces, I can now go home and celebrate because, God has used me to cause celebration in the homes of these patients and especially the new born babies”
No fewer than ten new babies were put to birth at Sacred Heart Hospital, Obudu on January 1st, 2021 and 15 indigent patients were discharged from the hospital as Mrs. Eraye Ewhe pays off their bills.
When contacted, one of the beneficiaries of the Chairman’s wife benevolence, who gave his name as Peter, said “the year 2021 is already a year of hope and expectations. I have long been discharged, but I have no money to pay the bill. God who knew my situation, came at the time he has programmed.
For him to have chosen to come through the Chairman’s wife on this new year day, he certainly have something in stock for me.
“I can’t thank her enough, if you know her, please help me thank her. She has really taught me a lot, I wish I will have money some day, I will reach out to others who are in need. May God bless her abundantly and continue to provide for her to enable her bless others”
By Admin
Operation Akpakwu averted a robbery incident in Satellite town in Calabar, and arrested two thieves.
The incident happened when the thieves broke into the Presbyterian church, grace land, Satellite town, to cart away chairs, musical instruments and other valuables belonging to the church.
Unfortunately, luck ran out of them when concerned members of the church saw when they broke into the church and alerted Operation Akpakwu, and in their swift response to crime, the team caught these two thieves.
One of the defining moments of 2020 was the setting up of the Operation Akpakwu by Gov. Ayade. The team has recorded unprecedented success in the fight against crime.
Interestingly, the ancient city of Calabar is beginning to witness relative peace.
By Richard Abu
The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe today, Thursday December 29th, 2020 presented the 2021 appropriation bill christened Budget of Consolidation to the Obudu Legislative Council.
Drawing from the total estimate, N3,158,951,201 representing 53% is set aside for capital expenditure while N2,760,185,585 representing 43% of the budget is earmarked for recurrent expenditure.
Hon. Ewhe explained that, with his adminstration coming halfway 2020, taking over from bureaucrats, he is consolidating on their collective gains to bring democratic dividends to his people in 2021.
The Chairman further stated that “drawing from the 2020 experience, council shall in 2021 introduce measures to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to help finance the budget”.
Ewhe implored the honourable members to educate their constituents on the need to pay revenue to Council as at when due to enable him deliver democratic dividends to his people in line with his campaign promises.
On his part, the Leader of the Obudu Legislative Council, Hon. Peter Ishoja thanked the Chairman for acting promptly by presenting the 2021 appropriation bill for proper planning and diligence management of council’s income and expenditure for the overall development of the Obudu and assured the Chairman of the house’s willingness to ensure quick passage of the bill into law.
By Elijah Ugani
The Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mr. Boniface Ewhe inspected the ongoing construction of four roundabouts in Obudu metropolis.
The Chairman undertook the inspection tour in the company of the Executive Secretary, Obudu Urban Development Authority, Ms. Elizabeth Adie, Chairman, Obudu Commercial Cyclists Union.
The Chairman expressed satisfaction with the quality of work going on at the Ogoja road/Ranch road point, but however queried the delay in the commencement of work at the Cyclist park, T Boy and Animal junctions site of the project.
At the Cyclist park, the chairman expressed concern over the traffic jam caused by roadside hawkers who have turned part of the road to selling, as well as commercial drivers who pack their cars and motorcycles indiscriminately.
Mr. Ewhe held that the continuous use of the road for the wrong reason is an eye sore and directed that all hawkers who are currently using the road at the cyclists park relocate to the market to avoid defacement of the roundabouts when completed. He also directed commercial drivers who have turned the roundabout at the cyclist park into their motor park to desist from the act.
Reacting to the use of the roundabout by hawkers, the Chairman of Obudu Commercial Cyclists Union, Mr. Michael Esor assured the Chairman of council that the hawkers will relocate to prevent traffic jam at the cyclist park as well as give the roundabout the beauty it deserves at the completion of work.
Speaking with the contractor handling the project, Engr. Peter Yuguda Kumbo of YRK Global Ventures Ltd, stated that the roundabout the cyclist park and former Microfinance Bank will have water to water the flowers while the roundabouts at T Boy junction and Animal junction will have artificial grasses and materials which will be easier for council to maintain, because the Governor made it clear that it was supposed to be water fountain, as a water fountain, it will be beautiful and expensive, but we thought of the maintenance culture when the governor leaves office.
On when the project is expected to be completed, Kumbo maintained that “all the materials are on ground, and like I said, give and take, before the end of January if God keeps us alive, we will complete the project”
The four roundabouts are to be located at T Boy Junction, former Microfinance Bank, cyclist park and Animal junction.
The project if completed is expected to add beauty to Obudu metropolis.
By Elijah Ugani
It was a boisterous celebration as priests, religious, and catholic faithfuls converged at St. Columba Parish, Idum-Mbube to celebrate the Vicar General (Administration) of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja and Parish Priest of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Ogoja, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Obele Abue as he marks 35th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
The event was a tripartite celebration for Fr. Obele as he marks 35th priestly ordination anniversary, launching of his three books and thanking God for surviving a ghastly motor accident alongside his sister Ms. Monica Abue.
The homilist, Very Rev. Fr. Bob Etta extolled the virtues of the celebrant and reminded him of the common denominator among the prophet.
According to Fr. Bob, “the common denominator among the prophets is that all prophets regretted their call.
The only person who never regretted his call was Abraham”
Fr. Etta posited that “Every prophet must go through a difficult time. He listed prophets who at one point or the other regretted the essence of their existence on account of the trails and persecution they faced to include but not limited to; Jeremiah, Job, Jonah and Elijah.
“As priests, there are going to be very difficult moments and those moments are part of our calling.
“I want to remind father that whatever he is going through, be it frustration, rejection, false accusation or backstabbing, it is not extraordinarily, it is part of our calling.
“Non of us priest is worthy of our calling. Everyone of us sitting at the alter has our negatives and God called us in spite of our negatives”
He admonished the celebrant to be strong in the Lord and that God Almighty is with him till the end of time, and that as he enters the year 2021, he should forgive every person who offends him, and stressed that forgiveness has no limit.
On the apostolic mandate, Fr. Etta called on the Vicar General (Administration) to assist the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Akpan steer the ship of the diocese “The Lord gave you the responsibility to help the bishop, you must do it with every sense of commitment, but remember that the Lord is with you till the end of time”
Fr. Peter Obele Abue was born in the village of Idum-Mbube, Ogoja LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria on April 27th 1958 to the family of Butro Peter Muan Abue (Paramount Ruler of Ogoja) and Ma Clara Elejie Abue, both of blessed memory.
He was ordained a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja on December 28th, 1985.
Fr. Obele Abue obtained a Diploma in Radio Broadcasting, Media Centre, Kaduna, Nigeria (1988), Diploma in Video Editing and Production, School of Telecommunication, Dallas, Texas, USA (1991), B. A. Philosophy from Urban University, Rome (1979), B. D. in Theology from Pontifical Urban University, Rome (1985), M. A. Mass Communication from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA (1994) and a Ph. D. in Development Studies from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA (2006).
He is vested with both pastoral and Development strides with numerous success stories to his credit. He was honoured by the Cross River State with a special award for humanitarian services during the state jubilee celebration, Cross River State @50 in June 2017.
In partnership with Abode for Children, Inc, USA, he founded the St. Joseph Primary/Secondary Schools and a Medical Clinic in Idum-Mbube, Ogoja. Now a property of his home diocese, managed in collaboration with Abode for Children Inc. USA, a nonprofit organization.
He is presently the Vicar General (Administration) of Ogoja Diocese, Parish Priest of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Igoli-Ogoja, Chaplain of the Catholic Women Organization, Ogoja Diocese, Vice Chairman of the Ogoja Diocesan Agric Commission (ODAIP), Chairman of the 3rd Synod of Ogoja Diocese and Chairman of the New University Commission, Ogoja Diocese.
Highlight of the event was the launching of the three books; 1. Remove the stone: Obeying God’s Command to Break your poverty Cycle.
2. Give Them Something To Eat: Essays on Community Empowerment.
3. Light For Our Path: Sunday Homilies. A, B, C, Feasts and Solemnity.
In his vote of thanks, the cerebral Fr. Peter Obele Abue thanked God for the gift of his life and all those who have been instrumental to his apostolate and especially those who have found time from their crowded schedules to identify with him on this auspicious day of his tripartite celebration, and prayed God to grant everyone safe journey back home.
Proceeds from the book launch was to be channelled into St. Columba Idum-Mbube church building project.
By Elijah Ugani
The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon. Martin Orim has been honored by Bedia Community in Obudu Local Government Area.
The event was held at Sacred Heart Primary School, Bedia today, the 27th December, 2020.
In an address of welcome presented by the community Secretary, Mr. A. U. Alawa, the community maintained that their sons and daughters in government appointment in the state was facilitated by the Chief of Staff. “May we use this opportunity to appreciate your generosity towards Bedia community. Our sons and daughters who are now on government appointment wouldn’t have been so easy without your concern”
“Let us sound it loud and clear that your recognition in Bedia is not just as a son in-law, but as an illustrious of Bedia. We pledge our solidarity and maximum support to you whenever the need arises”
Bedia community used the opportunity to request the Chief of Staff to consider empowering its youth through skill acquisition. “This community will appreciate and celebrate you the more if you can help empower our teaming youth through skill acquisition; so that when trained, they will be of use to the development of the community and depend less on their parents.
“We may not have enough to give you for all you’ve done for us but whatever we shall offer you, we pray you take it in good faith as a mark of honour and appreciation for you good works”
In the same light, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of an emerging hospitality industry in Obudu, Valley of Barachy Hotel, Obudu, Uknandi George Utsu Imayi, presented a plaque award to Hon. Martin Orim for his magnanimity in both humanitarian services and empowering the teaming unemployed youth in Obudu.
On his part, the Clan of Bedia Likwu, who is also the Chairman of Forestry Commission, Chief Tony Unianyandeye eulogized the Chief of Staff to the Governor. He maintained that “As much as I avoid talking about the Chief of Staff, I’m always compelled by his sterling performance to say a few things about him. The Chief has indeed touched the lives of so many persons positively and I can say is that I wish him the very best”
Responding, the Chief of Staff thanked Bedia community to have honored and treated him to a sumptuous reception despite the fact that he has continuously turned down the invitation for a reception by his community.
Hon. Orim stressed that the peace he enjoyed to effectively carry out his functions as the Chief of Staff is courtesy of the support of his dear wife who is a daughter of Bedia community, and so he has no reason to turn down the invitation for a reception from Bedia.
The Chief of Staff assured the community that his pet project, GFO Orim Foundation, which he founded in memory of his late father will liaise with the community to enroll some youth for the skill acquisition.
Hon. Orim had earlier joined in the thanksgiving mass of two sons of Bedia who recently ordained Deacons in the Catholic faith that was held at the Roman Catholic Mission (RCM), Bedia and pledged to undertake the fixing of rails in the church.
Hon. Orim stressed that to be singled out from over 4 million Cross Riverians to be appointed Chief of Staff, remains a mystery.
In a vote of thanks, Utsu Christopher Ugbe thanked the Chief of Staff to have found time to honor their invitation and prayed for God’s guidance and journey mercy for all those who came to identify with Bedia community.
The event was attended by a litany of dignitaries as Mr. Boniface Ewhe, Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Victor Agwu, Commissioner for Power, Hon. Kenn Aklah, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Governor’s Office, Hon. Edward Ajang, Member representing Bekwarra State constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Evangelist Margaret Inde, Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Engr. Thomas Aruku, Director General, Road Maintenance Agency, Mr. Thomas Odama, PDP Chairman, Bekwarra Local Government Chapter.