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Tag: #Bassey Otu

  • An Open Invitation to Join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) BY AUSTIN IBOK

    An Open Invitation to Join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) BY AUSTIN IBOK

     

    Dear APC Aspirants in the Recently Concluded CRS LGA Elections,

    I commend your unwavering dedication to leadership and your active participation in the democratic process within our state. Your commitment to the progress and development of our communities is truly admirable. However, the recent treatment many of you have received from the Governor and the APC leadership highlights a troubling disregard for your contributions and aspirations.

    The selection processes within the APC were marked by arrogance, impunity, and a lack of respect or consultation with key leaders representing various LGAs. Many of you were denied the opportunity to demonstrate your capacity and competence in the field, with rewards seemingly reserved for those with close personal ties to the Governor or members of the old APC. If figures like Ayade and Dr. Frank, who played instrumental roles in the Governor’s emergence, could be marginalized, what hope is there for others?

    This presents a unique opportunity for true supporters of Ayade to reconsider their position and align with the PDP, while leaving Ayade himself in the APC. This allows his administration to continue enjoying the protection it seeks, while core supporters can chart a new path within a platform that truly values their efforts.

    At both the state and national levels, the APC administration has brought untold hardship to Nigerians through poor policies, mismanagement, and broken promises. Aspirants like you, who have sacrificed so much, have been sidelined and denied the recognition and support you rightfully deserve.

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) offers a fresh start—a platform that prioritizes inclusiveness, progress, and genuine leadership. In the PDP, your contributions will not only be valued but celebrated. Together, we can rebuild our state and restore hope to our people. We have learned from our past mistakes.

    We warmly invite you to join us in shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for our state. Let us unite to deliver real results and lasting progress for all.

    Compliment of the season.

    Yours sincerely,
    Austine Ibok
    PDP Stakeholder, CRS

  • GOV Otu Set To Undertake Renovation Of NYSC Orientation Camp

    GOV Otu Set To Undertake Renovation Of NYSC Orientation Camp

     

    The Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, is set to change the face of the Orientation camp with total renovation project for the betterment of Corps members deployed to the State.

    The governor made the disclosure during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch C stream 1 Corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Obubra Cross River State.

    Sen Bassey Otu who represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr Ijom Ukam, undertook a thorough camp inspection to access the dilapidated nature of the camp facilities.

    He however charged Corps members to carry out laudable community projects in the state that will stand them out for state and National honours award.

    The Chief judge of Cross River State, Hon Justice Akon Ikpeme who was represented by His Worship, Magistrate Eno Iyamba, of the Cross River state Judiciary, administered the oath of Allegiance on the Corps members.

    Earlier in her opening address, the state Coordinator of NYSC Cross River state, Mrs Onyenuga Mojisola Joke, Congratulated Corps members on their successful completion of their various academic programmes that have earned them the status of Corps members. She also used the avenue to appreciate the Government of Cross River State for the previous support to the scheme and appealed for more welfare packages to Corps members deployed to the state as well as their personal security.

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Council Chairman of Obubra local Government Area, Hon Kingsley Arikpo assured Corps members of their safety and promised a good working relationship with the NYSC management.

    The event also featured side attraction such as man O war display by Corps members to thrill the guests.

  • C’River NYCN: Olayi Holds Enlarged Stakeholders/Youth Leadership Meeting, Extol Gov Otu’s Magnanimity To Youth

    C’River NYCN: Olayi Holds Enlarged Stakeholders/Youth Leadership Meeting, Extol Gov Otu’s Magnanimity To Youth

     

    The State Chairman of the National Youth council of Nigeria, Cross River State chapter, His Youthfulness Obol Comr. Emmanuel Olayi has poured encomium on the Governor of Cross River State Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu for being youth friendly and expeditiously responding to the challenges of Cross River youths.

    Olayi made the remarks during an NYCN Stakeholders Roundtable Engagement held at the Cross River Youth house in calabar, where he disbursed subvention to NYCN State officers, local Government coordinators, ward councillors and voluntary youth Organizations, Youth Parliament among other groups to mark another great achievement of the council in the administration of Sen. Prince Bassey Otu.

    He further implored young Cross Riverans to set aside ethic divergence, party interest, sentiments and support every pro-youth development initiative of the Sen. Prince Bassey EDET Otu’s administration, as to enable them contribute their youthful energies and adapt to changes to make the Government succeed in delivering her vision for Cross River State which in turn would benefit the youth through elevating them into several positions of leadership and making them independent.

    He reeled out the achievements of the Council since his inception as State Chairman to include, collaborating with the Cross River State Ministry of Youth development in mobilizing 1,000 young persons for a 3-month ICT training sponsored by the World Bank, Discouraged Cross River youth from joining the nationwide hunger protest in October through working collaboratively with relevant agencies to dialogue with young persons for the general sustenance by of peace and protection of critical state infrastructures.

    The council Chairman further stated that as a team, they deemed it a necessity to respond to health challenges of Cross Riverans and this led them to organizing a free medical outreach for the host community of the Youth house which over 100 persons from the community benefitted from the medical outreach. Medications, counselling and health education that were offered to them without fees, while the Governor’s wife in her goodwill and support to the council, sponsored patients who’s conditions required surgical operation. Extensively he said, the Cross River State Chapter of NYCN had engaged and made representation on the Calabar-Itu road before the Minister of Youth Development and was optimistic that the Minister had followed it up with relevant federal government agencies responsible for the rehabilitation of the road.

    The Chairman in another applaudable speech, mentioned the result bearing engagement the council had with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture which led to the selection of 25 young Cross Riverans who are presently being camped in Port Harcourt and are undergoing training on different agricultural value-chain.

    On the just concluded Local Government elections, the NYCN Chairman informed that “the Council advocated for young people to participate, and he was happy to announce that across party lines, young persons have been given privileges to run for offices and an encouraging number of them have been elected into offices, serving as Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councillors, and some made leaders of legislative councils.

    Emphasizing inclusivity as the thrust of the current NYCN leadership, Comrade Olayi announced that the council would unveil a structure to cater for people with special needs on the 3rd of December, 2024. He also said that there are ongoing plans to organize a youth summit in 2025, where young persons would engage with the government as an offshoot of the dialogue the council had during the hunger protest. He went further to announce plans to constituted the State Advisory Council and requested nominations from the Local Government Chapters.

    In her remarks, the Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth Development, Lady Jane Frances Kamgba, commended the youths for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during the NYCN election, urging them to continue to be orderly as they represent the future of the State.

    She also commended the Chairman of the Council, His Youthfulness Comrade Emmanuel Olayi for showing leadership in his engagements within and outside the state, while assuring the NYCN of continued support from her ministry to enable the council achieve it’s mandate.

    The round table engagement was attended by past and serving stakeholders of the council, voluntary Youth Organizations, Government officials, private entrepreneurs, clergy men and Youth of Cross River State.

    Comr. Olayi also thanked Governor Bassey Otu and his wife for their Godly forthright leadership that has given Cross River a facelift through addressing the issues of damaged infrastructures, extirpated insecurity from the State, and given Cross Riverians a conducive environment to do business and prosper, assured them of consummate support from the National Youth council of Nigeria.

  • Governor Otu Appeals to Workers to Suspend Planned Two-Day Warning Strike

    Governor Otu Appeals to Workers to Suspend Planned Two-Day Warning Strike

     

    Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu has called on organized labour in the state to reconsider its planned two-day warning strike scheduled to commence from midnight of Sunday the 24th of November, to Tuesday 26th November, 2024.

    Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made this appeal during the 5th edition of the State Solemn Assembly held on Saturday at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

    “Governor Otu prioritizes the welfare of the workforce,” Odey stated. “In light of this, I appeal to the leadership of organized labour, along with all affiliates of the NLC and TUC, to suspend their planned state-wide strike, and I enjoin them to support the Governor in his quest to improve the lot of our people”.

    Highlighting the progress made since the inception of the Solemn Assembly, Odey emphasized that Governor Otu is committed to building a better Cross River for the benefit of all citizens. He urged Cross Riverians to sustain their support and prayers for the administration to achieve its ‘People First’ mantra in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, Bola Tinubu.

    Odey noted significant infrastructural improvements across the state’s three senatorial districts, including road construction and renovation, the rehabilitation of the Governor’s Office, the State Library, and government lodges in Calabar, Abuja, and Lagos. He assured the Cross Riverians that the administration is equally focused on enhancing the Health, Agriculture, and Education sectors to ensure the welfare of the state’s citizens.

    Speaking further, Odey intimated that Governor Otu is committed to improve conditions for both serving and retired workers. These include clearing backlogs of gratuities, regularizing pension payments, and implementing overdue worker promotions. He also mentioned that Cross River State was among the first states in Nigeria to increase the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦40,000, even before the Federal Government’s recent announcement of a ₦70,000 new national minimum wage.

    In his homily, the Guest Preacher and Founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, delivered a message on the theme, “Ebenezer: A State Helped by God.” He urged Christians, particularly those in leadership positions, to lead with the fear of God and embody Christlike values in their actions.

    Pastor Eze praised the state’s administration for organizing the solemn assembly, highlighting its commitment to seeking God’s guidance. He noted that Cross River is one of the few states that prioritize putting “God First.”

     

    Highlight of the event was a special prayer session offered for the Governor and his family, Deputy Governor, State Executive Council members, traditional rulers, and other top government officials.

    Fred Abua, Esq.,
    Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Cross River State
    23:11:2024

  • Governor Otu, Others Attend Funeral Mass for Former Commissioner Tanko Ashang

    Governor Otu, Others Attend Funeral Mass for Former Commissioner Tanko Ashang

    Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, Saturday, attended the funeral mass in honour of the late Tanko Mathias Ashang, SAN, held at Mater Redemptoris Parish, Sankwalla, in Obanliku Local Government Area.

    Ashang, aged 54, once served as Commissioner for Works and was the immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state.

    In a tribute delivered to the Ashang family, Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, praised Ashang for his professional accomplishments, compassionate nature, and the lasting legacy he left.

    Deputy Governor Odey described Ashang as a legal luminary, an astute administrator, and an exemplary ambassador who dedicated and committed himself tirelessly to the service of the state.

    Odey highlighted Ashang’s impactful contributions during his tenure as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, including his leadership in the holistic review of outdated state laws. His efforts to realign the ministry of justice led to enhanced service conditions and overall improvements in service delivery.

    Speaking further, Rt. Hon. Odey intimated that Ashang’s vision and commitment to progress have left a profound impact on the state that will resonate for generations to come.

    Offering words of comfort to Ashang’s family, Odey encouraged them to find peace in the belief that Ashang is now at rest in the bosom of the Lord, having lived a life of compassion, dedication to God and humanity, and a relentless drive to make the world a better place.

    Among other speakers at the well-attended funeral, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo remembered Ashang’s support for Cross River North and assured the family of Northern Leaders’ steadfast support during this time of loss and beyond.

    Senator Eteng Jones Williams, representing Cross River Central in the Nigerian Senate, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alphonsus Eba, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, former Chief of Staff to the immediate past Governor of CRS, Hon. Martin Orim and the immediate past of Representatives member for Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo graced the well attended event.

    Others were former and serving House of Assembly members, Commissioners, top state and federal government officials, party members across party lines, friends, family, and other well-wishers graced the occasion.

    Fred Abua, Esq
    Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Cross River State
    26th October, 2024

  • CRS NYCN Donates Writing Materials To Pupils At Adiabo, Odukpani LGA To Mark Gov Otu 65th Birth Anniversary

    CRS NYCN Donates Writing Materials To Pupils At Adiabo, Odukpani LGA To Mark Gov Otu 65th Birth Anniversary

     

    The Executive and members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in the State led by the Chairman, His Youthfulness Obol Comr.Emmanuel Olayi, yesterday celebrated the 65th birthday of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State with a launching of an Education support programme which commenced it’s reach out with the pupil of St.Patrick primary school Adiabo Odukpani Local Government Area. The back to school project is an initiative of the Odukpani Local Government Chapter of NYCN ably led by Bassey Williams and with the full endorsement and support of the State Council.

    In his address at the school premises, the NYCN Local Government Co-ordinator of Odukpani, Comr. Bassey Williams who hosted his colleagues, applauded the state Chairman Comr. Olayi for restructuring and bringing refinement to the council which poses a better future for the youths of Cross River State. Said the Education support programme is meant to support the pupil and low income earning parents towards the training of their wards, while he encouraged the pupil to be Steadfast in their academic activities as the future of the Nation lies on them.

    Also speaking, the former State Chairman of NYCN, Comr. Ndiyo Ndiyo applauded the efforts of the Odukpani leadership of the Council, stated that the best way to invest is to invest on the young ones who are aspiring leaders of the future. Assured the council of his timeless support.

    The State Chairman, Comr. Emmanuel Olayi described the education support programme as laudable, appraised the thoughtfulness of the Odukpani coordinator and his executive for initiating a project that contributes to developing their children, added that as a purpose driven person that he is, he would love the project to be replicated in all schools located in the thirteen council wards of Odukpani local Government area.

    His Youthfulness also emphasized that, as young people it is important to support and celebrate leaders, as the flag off of the educational support programme is used to celebrate the 65th Birthday of the Governor of Cross River State, a man who’s leadership has vastly developed the State and her people. He prayed to God to grant Governor Bassey Otu wisdom and strength to lead Cross River State aright.

    Part of event to mark the Governor’s birthday was the cutting of a birthday cake with the staff and pupil of the school, presentation of exercise books and other items to the teachers and pupil of the school.

    The Chairman Comr. Emmanuel Olayi, after the outreach at Adiabo, led his team of Executives and other leaders to the private residence of the Governor were he presented a giant birthday Cake to His Excellency on behalf of the Youth of Cross River State.

    Present at the event was, the NYCN State Chairman and his executive, local Government coordinators, appointees of the chairman, union leaders of tertiary institutions and members of voluntary youth organizations.

  • Sen Jarigbe Felicitates Gov Bassey Otu On 65th Birth Anniversary

    Sen Jarigbe Felicitates Gov Bassey Otu On 65th Birth Anniversary

    18th October, 2024

    His Excellency,
    Prince Bassey Otu,
    Governor, Cross River State,
    Government House,
    Calabar, Cross River State.

    Your Excellency,

    FELICITATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF YOUR 65TH BIRTHDAY

    It is with immense pleasure and a profound sense of respect that I, on behalf of the People of Cross River North Senatorial District and in my personal capacity, extend my heartfelt felicitations to Your Excellency as you mark your 65th birthday.

    This occasion offers us an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate your exemplary leadership, unyielding commitment to the development of our dear state, and your remarkable contributions to the welfare and prosperity of our people. Your tenure as Governor has been marked by vision, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility, and your passion for public service continues to inspire many.

    As you celebrate this significant milestone, I pray that Almighty God grants you many more years of sound health, wisdom, and strength to continue serving Cross River State and our Nation with distinction.

    Once again, happy birthday, Your Excellency.

    Yours sincerely,

    Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe
    Senator, Cross River North Senatorial District
    Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas

  • Stakeholders Appeal To Gov Otu, Party Organs To Micro-Zone Yala APC Chairmanship To Wanikade Ward

    Stakeholders Appeal To Gov Otu, Party Organs To Micro-Zone Yala APC Chairmanship To Wanikade Ward

     

    Ahead of the November 2nd Local Government Elections in Cross River State, the entire Wanikade people have made a passionate appeal to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and All Progressives Congress leadership to consider the ward in fielding the party’s chairmanship candidate.

    The call aligns with the principle of justice and fairness as stakeholders of Wanikade Ward have called for fairness, justice, and equity by advocating for the zoning of the APC chairmanship ticket to their ward in the upcoming local government elections.

    It highlights a long standing tradition within Yala Local Government’s politics particularly the zoning arrangements between Constituency 1 (Yala) and Constituency 2 (Ukelle) with an established accord in 2010 in which committee led by Hon. (Bar) Ogana Lukpata formalised this zoning formula of ensuring a rotation of leadership positions among wards in Ukelle without conflict.

    Historically, each time the chairmanship is ceded to Ukelle, Ukelle leaders often meet to micro-zone to a specific ward that has not previously held the position.

    Citing instances, the people noted that “for instance in 2007, when the chairmanship was zoned to Ukelle, the leaders selected Mfuma/Ntrigom Ward, resulting in the election of Hon. (Bar) Fidel Egoro. Similarly, in 2013, the chairmanship again went to Ukelle, with the Igede Ward being selected and this led to the election of Hon. Mike Ede Usibe.

    Notably, during these meetings, Wanikade Ward was explicitly designated to receive the chairmanship in the next cycle given that it had not yet held the position in Yala Local Government Area.

    Since the local government’s inception in 1991, Wanikade Ward has been the only ward in Ukelle to have never occupied the chairmanship which is a significant representation imbalance.

    While appealing to Senator Otu and the party leadership to ensure equity and justice especially considering the fact that other wards in Ukelle have had different stints and tenures Chairmen in Yala Local Government Council while Wanikade has not had a shot at the council at any time which amplifies the plea for justice, equity and fairness to the ward.

    As the local government elections approaches with expression of Intent Form by All Progressives Congress, the Wanikade stakeholders stress the importance of addressing this historical disparity. They also argued that zoning the chairmanship to the ward would promote equitable representation in Ukelle and Yala Local Government Area.

    The Wanikade stakeholders expressed gratitude to His Excellency’s leadership an Barr Alphonsus Eba’s leadership of APC in Cross River State. They however appealed for balanced representation in chosing the party’s flag bearer as it moves forward in the electoral process.

  • Alumni Urges Gov Otu To End Uncertainty, Appoint Substantive VC For UniCross

    Alumni Urges Gov Otu To End Uncertainty, Appoint Substantive VC For UniCross

     

    The University of Cross River State (UniCross) Alumni Association commends Governor Bassey Otu’s giant strides since assuming office, notably the transformation Calabar as well as enhanced security across the state. The association also expresses its eternal gratitude to the Governor over his past support to the university, particularly in facilitating the construction of our administrative block.

    However, the Association is deeply disappointed that our beloved university failed to secure a spot in the top ten universities in Nigeria, according to the latest Times Higher Education Ranking. This is a significant drop from our previous ranking of seventh in the country and 37th in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are concerned that this decline is a direct result of the leadership instability that has plagued our institution.

    Consequently, we appeal to Governor Otu to appoint a substantive Vice Chancellor, rather than continuing with the current Acting Vice Chancellor arrangement at the end of the tenure of the current Acting VC. The constant changes in leadership have created uncertainty and hindered progress. In the past three months alone, we have had three different Vice Chancellors, which is unacceptable. Our university needs stability to grow and thrive.

    The Alumni wonders why UniCross is treated differently as the Governor has set a standard of swiftly replacing other suspended government officials in the past to bring stability and avoid derailing the focus of his administration. Five months have passed since the Vice Chancellor’s suspension, with no official communication from the government on the investigation’s outcome. This silence suggests a lack of interest in the former Vice Chancellor’s return. Therefore, we urge the Governor and Visitor to the University to boldly and firmly address this issue to bring the much-needed stability to UniCross. The prolonged uncertainty is undermining the institution’s focus and progress.

    This call became necessary as the constant uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the institution is not only stifling progress but significantly contributing to our institution’s decline, as evidenced in the latest ranking. As critical stakeholders, we’re very worried that our institution’s reputation hangs in the balance, with far-reaching consequences for students, staff, and alumni who hold the university certificates.

    Considering the standard the Governor has set for himself as a ‘People’s First Leader’, it would be disappointing to see our institution continue to regress under his watch. With over fifteen months in office, we believe he has had enough time to complete his restructuring process for the University to move forward. We appeal to the Governor to extend the attention he is giving to other sectors to UniCrosss which is one of the most significant assets of the state.

    The alumni also passionately appeals to all stakeholders and well meaning Cross Riverians to join us in advocating for a better future for our university. The Association remains committed to supporting the government and our dear institution to regain its place as one of the top ivory towers in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D
    National President
    UniCross Alumni

  • Don’t Allow Weaklings Drag You Into Unnecessary Battles, You Are A Peaceful Man, Sen Jarigbe To Gov Otu

    Don’t Allow Weaklings Drag You Into Unnecessary Battles, You Are A Peaceful Man, Sen Jarigbe To Gov Otu

     

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North at the National Assembly, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has implored his state governor, Senator Bassey Otu to guard against being dragged into unnecessary political battles by political weaklings.

    Jarigbe stated this in Ogoja during the 2024 Bakor New Yam Festival held today Sunday, September 15, at Alladim, Nkum Clan in Ogoja local government area.

    Jarigbe applauded Governor Otu for his steady developmental strides and robust collaboration with political class irrespective of party affiliations noting that the peaceful disposition of the governor has checkmated the divisiveness which was gradually creeping into the state before the new new administration.

    According to Jarigbe,Our governor has proven beyond any doubt that he is a man of peace.

    I am appealing to him to be on guard perpetually to avoid being dragged into unnecessary battles by political weaklings who have since lost touch with trending political realities in the state, especially in Cross River North where glaring performance speaks louder than inducements or intimidations during elections.

    “After almost a decade, we now have a governor who is disposed to robust synergy with other political stakeholders, especially members of the opposition.

    This laudable gesture signpost the trademarks of a servant leader who has a listening ear,one who accord priority attention to peace and development of his people”

    Speaking, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, extolled the developmental strides recorded by Senator Jarigbe across Cross River North Senatorial District.

    Ayambem who spoke in dual capacity as a Bakor prominent son as well as the representative of Governor Otu said the present administration is poised to pursue the development of the state as a top agenda with a view of spreading the dividends of democracy across the nooks and crannies of the state.

    In his words” I am delighted to be here as a Bakor son to celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

    The Bakor nation boast of rich cultural antecedents emanating from our common ancestry. Politics is merely a vehicle to accelerate economic development and improve the well-being of our people.

    We must never allow politics to break our common bond as a people with historical affinities.

    “Bakor sons and daughters across the globe must unite to pursue a common blueprint to harness our vast potential and accelerate grassroot development.

    We need to add value to the lives of our people and communities. Let’s guard against enemies breaking our boundaries and instigating us against ourselves.

    The pull him down syndrome must be stopped” Earlier in his welcome remarks, a former Chairman of the Cross River state Forestry Commission, Dr Ikani Wogar applauded the prevailing peace in the state attributable to the cordial relationship between Governor Bassey Otu and members of political class.

    “I want to appeal to our amiable governor, Senator Bassey Otu to sustain the current momentum of collaboration so as to create enabling environment for peace and progress. We are impressed with his peaceful disposed and interest in the overall development of the state”

    Dr Wogar who is also the Chairman of the occasion applauded Senator Jarigbe for his effective representation and the various people- oriented projects across the senatorial district, assuring him of unflinching support in his quest to bring Cross River North at par with other part of the state with regard to socio economic development.