Blog

  • Postgraduate Students, NACRISS Passes Vote Of Confidence On UNICAL VC, Condemns Fire Incidents

    Postgraduate Students, NACRISS Passes Vote Of Confidence On UNICAL VC, Condemns Fire Incidents

     

    OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, CROSS RIVER STATE POST GRADUATE STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (CROSSPGRASA) UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR, CALABAR.

    11/2/2022

    PRESS RELEASE

    In view of the recent happenings within the University of Calabar arising from unwarranted verbal, social media attacks and scandals directed on the personality of our Amiable Vice Chancellor and most recently the recurring fire outbreaks which we consider as arson ravaging the University.

    After carefully studying the event of recent weeks and after a comprehensive meeting between The Cross River state Community, Unical branch, Members of management staff, critical stakeholders of CROSSPGRASA, PGSG and NACRISS about the possible causes of this ugly and unfortunate trend which is condemable by all ramifications. The house have therefore resolved and recommended as Follows:

    1. That the fire incidents on campus is not a coincidence but a deliberate act by arsonists which the Cross State Community, CROSSPGASA, PGSG and NACRISS jointly and strongly condemn.

    2. That there should be flexibility in the implementation of the ‘No-Fee-No Examination Policy’ by creating an opportunity for those who could not meet the deadline to pay and have supplementary examination.

    3.Management should enhance confidence in the electoral process by providing cyber security for the online voting platform.

    4.Management should as a matter of urgency take a clear position aimed at alleviating the plight of students whose academic problems, probation and withdrawal were discoursed late and/or through no fault of theirs.

    5.There should be proper lighting and illumination of the entire campus.

    6.The security department should be motivated by giving them the required equipments to work with. Again, more security personnel’s should be recruited so as to increase the man-power.

    7.Student Union Leaders (SUG, PGSG, CROSSPGRASA, NACRISS and NANS) should be encouraged and motivated to work harder through veritable reward systems and empowerment.

    8.There should be regular and constant meeting between the Management, Cross River State Community, SUG, PGSG, CROSSPGRASA, NACRISS and NANS not only when there is crisis.

    9.Staff-students relationships especially the HOD’s and Examination Officers should be more cordial and collegial.

    10.University policies should be flexible and not rigid in order to enhance amicability when the need arises.

    11.Staff to staff relationship should be encouraged to be more collegial.

    12.University of Calabar and Cross River State should be put first before personal gains and also, more support should be given to management to succeed despite the slight adjustment in policies that are without doubt still for the good and benefits of the students and the University at large.

    13. CROSSPGRASA and NACRISS will no longer tolerate any form of assault on the personality of our Beloved mother (The Vice Chancellor) of our prestigious institution

    14. CROSSPGRASA and NACRISS believes in the Leadership qualities of our Esteemed Vice Chancellor; Hence pass a vote of confidence on her Leadership style.

    Finally, Cross River State Post Graduate Students’ Association, National Association of Cross River State Students and its parent body, the Cross River State Community, University of Calabar branch shall henceforth not tolerate any level of damage against the University or its Leadership, Especially, our Esteemed Vice Chancellor. Hence has immediately swung into action to bring perpetuators of this ugly and condemable acts into book.
    This is the Stand of all CrossRiverians In Unical!

    Long live University of Calabar!
    Long live cross River state!
    Long live our Amiable Vice Chancellor!
    Long live the Federal republic of Nigeria!

    Aluta continua….

    Comr. Ibok, Emmanuel Okon
    President, Cross River State Post Graduate Students’ Association, University of Calabar.

  • Women Have A Right To Vote And Be Voted For – Linda Ayade

    Women Have A Right To Vote And Be Voted For – Linda Ayade

    By Margaret Asikong —-MOI Office

    Office of the Wife of the Governor.

    The Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Lady Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade has said that women have a right to vote and be voted for in elections, as they can serve on boards and hold the highest offices in the land, as well as contribute in the decision- making process that will ultimately affect the people, families and communities.

    Dr. Ayade stated this recently at the Municipal Dome, Calabar Municipal Headquarters, during a symposium tagged New Voices Symposium, with the theme: “Leadership and Family Values in Women and Youth”, organized by the New Voices of the Lions Club International, District 404 A2.
    In her Keynote address on the topic: “Women in Political Leadership”, Dr. Ayade who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Survey. Dr. Gertrude Nanja Nja, said that women in Political leadership is a subject that has gained increasing interest in today’s world where women continue to be marginalized and left out of the political equation.

    According to her, when her husband, Senator Ben Ayade became the Governor of CRS, she initiated two pet projects—The Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF), with its focus on development and the Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative (CROWEI), in order to achieve political goals including women participation in politics. She disclosed that, MDF has won ongoing partnerships with several UN agencies including; United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Embassy (UN Embassy), Larfarge, First Ladies Against Cancer, amongst other partners. She stated that “with all these partners we are able to carry out various impactful interventions in the areas of health, education and sustainable livelihoods, amongst the less privileges and vulnerable in our society”.

    The Governor’s wife maintained that CROWEI was set up with the strategic objective of fighting for the political emancipation of women both in the urban and rural parts of CRS and has a simple leadership structure that boasts of membership in every ward of the 18 LGAs of the state, thereby making it easy to mobilize women in every community whenever there is a responsibility, as well as an opportunity for them, adding that women are making dramatic gains in electoral politics worldwide with some of them becoming Presidents and Prime Ministers of nations.

    She lamented the situation where Nigeria as a country continues to record low participation of women in both elective and appointive positions after 23 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999 till date, with the average of women’s political participation remaining at 6.7 percent in elective/ appointive positions, while citing an instance where out of 43 ministerial appointments by the Federal Government, only 7 are women and that currently there are only 7 women out of 109 senators and 22 women out of 360 House of Representatives members.

    She said that CRS is changing the status quo by surpassing the recommended 35% affirmative action in both elective and appointive public service positions, with CROWEI being responsible for the emergence of many women as, Commissioners, Council Chairmen, Special Advisers, Director-Generals, Chairmen of Boards, Councilors, amongst others and that if a woman is not the state Governor in 2023, a woman should be the Deputy Governor.
    Dr. Ayade lauded the efforts of Lions Club in carrying out extensive humanitarian services all over the world, focusing on areas that she is interested in and has made contributions in, such as; sight screening, donation of glasses to patients in need, cancer screening and provision of free drugs to patients, empowering the needy and less privileged in the communities, amongst others.

    She expressed thanks to the Lions Club International for the honour done her in recognizing her for an award.
    In her welcome remarks, the District Governor of Lions Club International, Lion Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi used the occasion to welcome all present, especially the wife of the Governor, while commending her for the good works she is doing in the state through her NGOs. According to her, Lions Club is a humanitarian service organization and enumerated some of their achievements in CRS to include; building a diabetic center in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), eye theatre in General Hospital, Calabar, building an E-library in the state library, carrying out free eye screening, screened 5,000 Cross Riverians on diabetes. She said that their focus in year 2022 is on diabetes, while disclosing that they are currently building an ultra-modern diabetic center in Ogoja and appealed to CRS government to support the project which has reached roofing stage and will be commissioned in April.

    Speaking on the topic “Women Empowerment through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), the Commissioner for Commerce, Barr, (Mrs.) RoseMary Archibong, said that to be a leader one must have capacity to solve the problems of others both financially and otherwise. According to her, MSME constitute the engine room for economic growth in the society and that they are beneficial to the economy for they create jobs. She admonished women to endeavor to make themselves permanent projects to their husbands and avoid losing their relevance, adding that they should be resilient and not give up on themselves due to the environment, while not neglecting the God factor as He is the multiplier and the one that gives good success.

    Highlights at the event included; presentation of an Award of Excellence to Dr. Ayade for her exceptional leadership and being a role model to the women, decoration of the Governor’s wife and her representative as automatic members of the Lions Club International by the Area Director of Lions Club International, Lion Sam Etuk, group photographs, amongst others.

  • If Not That Shamelessness Is A Key Ingredient In Nigeria Politics, APC Cross River State Cannot Be Talking About Zoning Now BY FIRST BABA ISA

    If Not That Shamelessness Is A Key Ingredient In Nigeria Politics, APC Cross River State Cannot Be Talking About Zoning Now BY FIRST BABA ISA

     

    #FBIRandomThoughts – Zoning

    1. As elections approach you will hear a lot about zoning and “it is our turn”. Even if you never kn what the hoopla about zoning entails, you will have a fair grasp this period.

    2. I love the concept of zoning. It is the very essence of democracy and the foundation on which participatory democracy is built on. Anyone who doesn’t know this yet, is still a far cry from understanding the concept of democracy as it were or the person is just pretending, to serve ulterior motives. I will come to the deployment of zoning using ulterior motives, presently.

    3. Our present constitution contemplated and enshrined the concept of zoning in several sections; like the sections dealing with Federal Character or the ones mandating the president and governor to make sure their ministers and commissioners come from each state or local government as the case may be.

    4. Clearly, the constitution did not outline a framework for zoning elective positions but the point I’m making is that zoning as it were is not a foreign concept to both democracy in general and our constitution in particular.

    5. Now, the constitutional provision that mandates the President to pick at least one minister from the 36 States of the Federation makes comedy of the thinking that zoning begets mediocrity. Again, this argument is only wielded by folks with a self serving motive. Zoning is not the opposite of competence. This is 2022, there is no state, local government, ward or even village without someone competent to fill an elective position.

    6. If the electorate is ignorant or gullible, they will always elect someone incompetent; if the president or governor is incompetent and ignorant, he will always appoint incompetent people even if he picks them from every village or just one village. Zoning is not to blame.

    7. So, whenever you hear someone say, “we don’t want zoning, we want competence”, that’s the voice of deceit or ignorance talking. Zoning and competence can exist together and there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t. Zoning is simply an agitation for equal and fair participation. No more, no less.

    7. If you all agree that it is the turn of my family to produce the next village chief and the kingmakers or voters decided to pick the most incompetent in my family to crown chief, how is that the fault of zoning?

    8. However, we have two major problems with zoning in Nigeria; no clear cut guidelines for its implementation and the insincerity of those who mouth it. I have not seen anyone who truly believes in zoning. It is always a tool of political shenanigans to them.

    9. Let me give you just one example; the Governor of Cross River State. He recently declared that the Governor must come from Southern Cross River State based on the principle of zoning. He has been applauded as an advocate of zoning. But is he? No. Definitely not. Why? The man has a presidential ambition. He confirmed that himself.

    10. If the two major political parties are zoning their presidential ticket to the south, then it should go to the South East. An Igbo man or woman should be president. The South West has taken before, the South South has taken, so it should go to the South East. But here is a South South Governor, who is being touted as an apostle of zoning, being asked about his presidential ambition, and instead of him to say “No, I’m an advocate of zoning, so it is the turn of the South East…” But, my guy said, “I’m ready if my party wants me.” Can you imagine the insincerity.

    11. His aides and supporters in Cross River State are busy sharing his posters for president and shouting #BackToSouth for the governorship position. If double standard had a face. Even in their back to South campaign, it is the Efik, who had produced a Governor that are angling for it. Is that the spirit of zoning? No. It should go round the local governments, wards and tribes.

    12. It is even laughable that the APC, the Governor’s party today, is talking about zoning. In the last election, the Governor who is from the North was running for reelection and the APC fielded two candidates from two factions and both were from the Central! If not that shamelessness is a key ingredient in Nigeria politics, APC Cross River State cannot be talking about zoning now.

    13. So, you see, the concept of zoning, without watertight guidelines for its implementation, will remain good as an ideology but wobbly in practice. So, as much as I love the concept, it is difficult to practice. You don’t even know when someone is using it to hoodwink you.

    14. I have, therefore, resolve to promote this as much as I can but not to split unnecessary hairs about it. I will always consider it but I will not put it first in my consideration for choosing someone for an elective position. That’s why you might see me rooting for someone from the North or Central of Cross River State for Governor if they meet other terms and conditions far above the person from the South.

    15. Look out… Make person no use your head. Zoning has conveniently become a tool of political yahoo yahoo.

    – Written By Firsts Baba Isa (FBI)

     

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of the author, First Baba Isa Esq and does not represent TheLumineNews or the organization the author works for.

  • PDP Primaries: FBI Calls On Jarigbe Agom To Reconcile Aggrieved Members

    PDP Primaries: FBI Calls On Jarigbe Agom To Reconcile Aggrieved Members

    A right lawyer and one of the counsels to Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Mr First Baba Isa Esq has called on the senator to speedily reconcile parties that are aggrieved following the outcome of the just concluded PDP primaries for Ogoja/Yala federal constituency bye-election slated for Feb 26th, 2022.

    Mr Isa made the call on his verified Facebook account:

    “I would have been seriously surprised if Senator Jarigbe Agom is not blamed for one thing or the other in the just concluded PDP primaries to elect its candidate for the upcoming by-election for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency.

    ‘My Learned Friend, Barr Offiono lost the primaries, it’s Jarigbe’s fault; if Mike Usibe had lost the elections, it would have been Jarigbe’s fault. Both of them were his key supporters in his battle for the Senate seat. Both of them expected his support and it will be assumed that any one who won was the one who got the support.

    “That’s my constituency too and as one of Jarigbe’s lawyers and supporters, if I had contested that primaries and lost, I and my supporters would have blamed the Senator. It is what it is. If you don’t get it, forget about it. There is nothing the Senator can do about it. That’s the price of being the leader of the party, especially in that constituency.

    “But I really want us to get it, because there is a positive side to blaming the Senator. That people blame him for their loss and assume he supported the winner to win is evidence that they believe in his leadership and capacity to lead and deliver. The conclusion is that he has all it takes to influence the emergence of a winner. The Senator should see this as a positive, get inspired and motivated by it.

    “It’s time for the Senator to lead the charge in reconciling his supporters at that level. That’s a task he must undertake immediately. The Senator or any other person should not just focus on explaining how neutral the Senator was. Those who do not want to believe this, won’t.

    “This challenge is not just for the Senator, it is for his followers too: for Goffio and his supporters who are supporters and aides to the Senator. We are about to see how strong their unity is, in the face of disagreement.

    “I write this because of my projections a few days ago. I had projected that if PDP fields a candidate from Ukelle to run against an APC candidate from Yala, PDP will win the elections, ceterius paribus. However, I must submit that this projection might not be possible with the present rancour in PDP.

    “APC seems more united at the moment; and no one has ever won a battle against unity.

    “By Firsts Baba Isa (FBI)”

  • Breaking: Mike Usibe Wins PDP Primaries For Ogoja/Yala Fed Constituency Bye-Election

    Breaking: Mike Usibe Wins PDP Primaries For Ogoja/Yala Fed Constituency Bye-Election

    Hon Mike Ede Usibe has won the PDP Bye-election for Ogoja/Yala federal constituency scheduled to hold on Feb 26th, 2022.

    Usibe pulled a total of 184 votes out of 232 votes cast.

    His closet rival, Mr Godwin Offiono scored a total of 42 votes while Mrs Margaret Odey scored 5 votes with one invalid vote.

  • CRSG Flags Off 2022 National Immunization Days Plus Campaign

    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

    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

    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.

    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

    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