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Tag: #Bassey Otu

  • From Propaganda to Reality – Ukelle Has Been Heard; The Practicality of a People-First Agenda BY PHYLO MODLIN ODU

     

    The Cross River State Government, under the administration of His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has demystified the long politicized Ukelle road with the near completion of Yahe–Wanokom–Wanikade-Wannihem-Benue border road.

    According to the people of Ukelle in Yala Local Government Area, they have carried for too long the burden of broken promises and endless propaganda. The Ukelle road has been a pawn on the chessboard of politics for many years. Every election season, politicians would troop to Ukelle, lamenting the condition of the road as though they were concerned, only to vanish after the elections.

    Governor Bassey Otu has broken this cycle of propaganda by prioritizing the people’s interests. The first phase construction of this road has already started to make significant impact on the welfare and livelihood of the people. Today, the Ukelle people speak of their road with pride and gratitude.

    Governor Otu’s intervention is more than concrete and asphalt; it is a statement of trust restored, hope renewed, and a people reconnected to the rest of the state. Ukelle will not forget those lost years of propaganda, but more importantly, they will remember the man who turned their symbol of neglect into one of progress.

    Modlin Philomena Odu
    SSA to the Governor,
    Tactical Media Research and Engagement.

     

  • Celebrating An Icon, Prof Peter Akpa Oti On His Birth Anniversary BY ELIJAH UGANI

     

    Prof Peter Akpa Oti hails from Nkirira – Utugwang, in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    Peter Akpa Oti is a Professor of Accounting and a Chartered Accountant. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and a member of Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. He teaches Management Accounting, Taxation and Fiscal Policy in the University of Calabar.

    Prof Oti is committed to the growth of his community and state. Oti has written his name in the sand of time as an envoy of emancipation, social development and justice in Utugwang community in particular, and Cross River State at large.
    As a detribalized and patriotic Nigerian, Prof Oti, has spearheaded community driven initiatives aimed at emancipating the underrepresented population. He has supported the education of the less privileged for undergraduates and post graduate students.

    A chartered Accountant and Budget expert, Oti galvanized support from sons and daughters of Utugwang community and utilized the Central Bank of Nigeria licensing of community banks, and midwieved the defunct Utugwang Community Bank. The bank gave non collateral micro loans to local community members, which secured and strengthened thier livelihood.

    He initiated the annual football tournament that brought together the youths of Utukalu communities that identified talents. He identified widows and the physically challenged and provided cash and material assistance to them periodically.

    Prof Oti is an epitome of fairness, committed to hard work and dedication, accessible and setting standards and challenging our disposition to hard work.

    Prof Oti identifies community interest, assets and leadership as a pathway for the local people to make contributions to the development of the community.

    Prof Oti’s leadership prowess epitomizes service delivery, integrity, empathy, and good decision-making skills.

    Prof Oti has held numerous positions in the university of Calabar, where he served as Head, Department of Accounting, Director, UNICALCON, among others. In the Cross River State Government, he served as member, Cross River State Executive Council, in the following positions:

    Special Adviser on Budget Monitoring and Evaluation: As Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr. Peter Oti rejected some reports of budget officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in 2012 due to non-compliance with budget implementation standards.
    Prof Oti developed a budgetary model that embraced participatory budgeting where stakeholders’ input became very necessary in budget preparation, through stakeholders’ engagement in the three senatorial districts of Cross River State. A model that became a reference point where other states consulted Cross River State.

    Chairman of State Internal Revenue Service: In this role, he announced that six revenue officers were standing trial for diverting government funds into their personal accounts, showcasing his commitment to transparency and accountability.

    Economic Adviser To The Governor: Prof Oti’s involvement as Economic Adviser has shaped the Economic Development Strategies of Gov Bassey Edet Otu’s administration, shaping the financial landscape of Cross River State could influence economic development strategies, potentially driving growth and investment.
    Prof Oti has potentially contributed to economic development, budget management, and revenue generation in Cross River State.

    Prof. Peter Akpa Oti’s work in the Budget Department and Internal Revenue Services highlights his involvement in shaping the financial landscape of Cross River State.

    To an Icon of hope and development:

    Dear Prof Peter Akpa Oti,
    As you celebrate another year of life, wisdom, and service, I acknowledge your remarkable contributions to Cross River State’s financial landscape. Your expertise in budget management and revenue generation has been a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

    May your birthday be as vibrant as the budgets you’ve crafted, as fruitful as the revenue you’ve generated, and as fulfilling as the lives you’ve touched. May your day be filled with joy, love, and celebration, surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers.

    As you mark another milestone, I pray that your wealth of knowledge and experience continues to inspire and guide future generations. May your legacy be a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and passion for public service.

    Here is to another year of wisdom, growth, and impact! May your birthday be the beginning of a year filled with happiness, good health, and success.

    You are a mentor, a teacher, community builder, builder of men, a counsellor, a role model, a guide, a pathfinder, a home maker, an inspiration to many who have come in contact with you. You are humility personified.

    Be rest assured of my continuous prayers and goodwill.

    On this auspicious occasion of your birth anniversary, accept my best wishes.

    Elijah Ugani
    Public Affairs Analyst and Commentator
    Community Mobilizer
    Social Change Agent
    He writes from the Hills of Ukwortung

  • Just In: National Association of Nigeria Nurses And Midwives Embarks On Warning Strike

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The National Association of Nigeria Nurses And Midwives NANNM, has had announced the commencement of a seven days warning strike with effect from 18th August 2025.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Secretary, Cross River State chapter, Ijeoma Njoku, the association is pressing for a five points demand.

    The release reads in full “Arising from the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on 16th August 2025, the SEC – session agreed that all nurses (State and LGA) should proceed to 7 days warning strike, following the expiration of a 7 days – ultimatum given to the state government by the Joint Action Committee of Health Sector Unions in Cross River State, begining from 12:00am of Monday 18th August, 2025.

    “Reasons for the strike

    1. Payment of 100% CONHESS (2024 review) for nurses

    2. Proper implementation of the new national minimum wage for nurses

    3. Review of hazard allowances

    4. Employment of more nurses in the state

    5. Promotion and release of promotion letters”.

    The release further mandated unit heads to ensure that all members under their supervision comply with the directives “You are therefore mandated to ensure total compliance by all members in your various units”

  • Otu Declares CIBN Zonal Conference Open, Charges South-South States To Harness Agriculture

     

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet has called on South-South states to urgently harness their vast agricultural and extractive resources to drive regional economic transformation and resilience.

    The Governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey made this call on Wednesday, while declaring open the South-South Zonal Banking and Finance Conference organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), held at the Calabar International Convention Center.

    In his address, Governor Otu emphasized the urgent need for states within the region to leverage their comparative advantages, particularly in agriculture, oil and gas, and solid minerals, to diversify their economies and reduce over dependence on federal allocations.

    “The South-South zone as a region must now act with urgency to diversify its economy, leveraging our shared natural endowments
    in agriculture and extractive resources,” the deputy governor stated. “The fertile land across our zone gives us a comparative advantage that we must convert into prosperity through agriculture and its value chain.”

    He described the conference as timely, given the growing global economic uncertainties and trade tensions, as well as the need for sub national governments to develop sustainable economic frameworks.

    While highlighting that Cross River State has taken bold steps in key sectors such as agriculture, aviation, maritime, tourism, and infrastructure, he urged participants at the conference to explore investment opportunities both within the state and across the South-South region. He commended the CIBN for its foresight in organizing the conference and for choosing Cross River as host and expressed hope that the conference deliberations would chart a bold and strategic path toward the region’s economic transformation

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Dr. Michael Odere, emphasized the importance of decentralizing the hosting of the CIBN conference to foster inclusivity and regional engagement. He urged stakeholders to leverage ongoing economic reforms to drive socioeconomic development across the South-South region. Dr. Odere also encouraged participants to actively contribute to the discourse and offer meaningful input that would shape actionable outcomes.

    In a special remarks, the President and Chairman in Council of the CIBN, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, praised Cross River State for its hospitality and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to deepening financial inclusion, institutional capacity, and economic policy advocacy across the geopolitical zones.

    He highlighted the vast untapped potential of the South-South region and stressed the need for coordinated support across financial, technological, and policy spheres to reposition the region for sustainable growth. He noted that financial institutions must be leveraged as catalysts for innovation, investment, and inclusive development.

    The event featured goodwill messages from Hon. Okon Owuna, Member representing Akamkpa I in the Cross River State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, as well as from the representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Branch Controller. The conference also included presentations by subject-matter experts, notably Professor Akpan Ekpo of the Centre for Public Policy, University of Uyo.

    Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar
    17/0702025

  • The Furor in Northern Cross River BY SYLVANUS USHIE

    In the last 2 weeks, the political barometer in Northern Cross River has been on the rise!

    There has been agitations and permutations all linked to 2027 politics. The salvo started with the formation or rebirth of NORTHCO! A group which claims to represent the North. Practically all its members have been in office more or less continuously since 1999, yet the North of Cross River has nothing to show for their countless years in power! Yet, they have resurfaced with a claim to loving the north! Can a vulture turn into a dove?

    All their years in power, they didn’t remember the North. Is it now, for the first time that a Senator is working for the north, that these forces are trying to realign. Is it now that members of the HOR from the North are meritoriously serving the people of their various constituencies that these expired fellows want to come and spoil the flow of development in the North!

    In all their years in office, most of these prodigal politicians never went near home. They operated in Calabar. Their politics was in calabar. Even when the government of Liyel sent them home with goodies for the people, they never went home. They took rooms in hotels in Calabar where they lavished the people’s money! Those of them that were in Abuja returned only to Calabar where they stayed until they went back to Abuja. They never cared for the north then!

    These same folks were part and parcel of the rapacious Ayade Administration. An Administration that left the North worse than it met it. It is during Ayade that the ranch collapsed. It is during Ayade that the Obudu international marathon was scrapped. It is during Ayade that many roads that the people were managing were scrapped but never repaired. Yet billions were siphoned off in the name of the North!

    These men ganging up now were mostly part and parcel of that regime that destroyed the North. That very regine that set the North back. They didn’t rise then. Instead they feasted on the carcasses of their own people.

    Today that Jarigbe and co are beginning to make our people have a taste of government amenities and facilities, they are now rising so that they can once again set the North back.

    Anyway, there is nothing to worry about. We know them, they are ganging up to see how they can deceive Prince Otu so they can engage in another round of choppings. They can go ahead, but we the people, we know them.

    They cannot win anything politically. They think that the people have forgotten! The people are waiting for them. We will advice Otu to look well. If these are the people who wants to use to win elections in the North, then he has a hard road in front of him.

    We, the people of the North, we are wiser than this. And we will send them back to sender when the time comes!

    Sylvanus Ushie
    Writes from Calabar!

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Sylvanus Ushie, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Governor Otu Eulogizes Late Abubakar Ewa, Attends Funeral Ceremony

     

    The remains of the late Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. (Chief) Abubakar Robert Ewa, were on Saturday committed to mother earth in his hometown of Wula, Boki Local Government Area.

    During the Funeral Mass held at the deceased’s compound in Wula and officiated by St. John the Baptist Parish, Governor Bassey Otu paid tribute to the late commissioner, describing him as a dedicated public servant who served with distinction as a member of the Cross River State Executive Council.

    Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Ph.D., Governor Otu recalled Ewa’s invaluable contributions to the development and promotion of the state’s cultural and tourism sectors, as well as his unwavering commitment to the progress of Cross River State.

    “As a former Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his people, earning their admiration and respect. He was a dutiful, easy-going, and fine gentleman whose kindness, leadership, and devotion to public service will not be forgotten,” the Governor remarked.

    Governor Otu expressed deep regret over the loss, noting that Ewa’s passing is not only a loss to his family but also to Cross River State and the Boki nation. He urged the family to take pride in the late commissioner’s remarkable achievements and to continue upholding the legacy of excellence he established. The Governor also assured the family of the government’s continued support during this difficult time.

    In his condolence message, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, described the late Ewa as a unifier, bridge-builder, and a friend to all.

    Similarly, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chairman of the College of Commissioners, Chief Victor Felix Idem, expressed profound grief on behalf of his colleagues, noting the void left in the State Executive Council. He remembered Ewa as a kindhearted, hardworking, and dependable colleague.

    The State Chairman of the All Progressives Party (APC), Alphonsus Eba, Esq., reflected on Ewa’s life, urging the family to find solace in his numerous accomplishments and the widespread friendships he enjoyed across ethnic and religious divide.

    Earlier in his homily, Rev. Fr. Ukwa Emmanuel Wonah encouraged people to emulate the late commissioner’s exemplary life, which was characterized by love, dedication to the welfare of his people, and a strong sense of responsibility.

    The funeral was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in the tourism sector. Among the dignitaries present were Senator Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, House of Representatives member for Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Abang, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, and Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the UNICROSS Governing Council.

    Other included members of the State House of Assembly, local government council chairmen, State Executive Council members, former House of Representatives member Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, former Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr. Martins Orim, Chief Peter Ojie, and State Executive Committee members of the APC, among others.

    Fred Abua, Esq
    Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor

  • Gov Otu, Donald Duke, Akpanke, Others Grace AJFIAJ Maiden Symposium, Lauds Initiative

     

    By Godwin Otang, CrossRiverWatch

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, Former Governor Donald Duke, Honorable Peter Akpanke and among other dignitaries have welcomed the establishment of the Agba Jalingo Foundation for Investigative and Accountability Journalism (AJFIAJ).

    The dignitaries drawn from both private, and public sectors converged in Transcorp Hotel Calabar, Cross River, the venue of a one-day maiden symposium of (AJFIAJ), cum birthday anniversary of Human Rights Activist Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    The symposium had the theme, “Journalism and Crossing the Cyber Crimes and Legal Huddles”.

    Governor Bassey Otu, re-emphasized his administration’s commitment to journalism, media and information dissemination as a tool for development.

    The Governor represented by Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Beshel Justine, acknowledged the critical role journalism plays in a society.

    In an evolving world of information dissemination, he said Journalists must adopt modern cutting edge technologies for proper information dissemination.

    “All we try to do in Cross River State is to make public all our government practices, projects and programs public, inline with the roles of journalism. Today, journalism must pave a new way for information dissemination. The theme of this event has become very apt at this time. Journalist must also adopt cutting edge practices to fit into the present technologically advanced world.

    In an address during the event, ex-Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke encouraged media practitioners and Journalists to trade on correct and accurate information, noting that information disseminated attracts degrees of consequences – positive or negative which they must brace up for.

    He said “the rapidity in which the world is changing, even office spaces are changing. I can not comprehend what the world will look like in the next ten years, in terms of information communication technology (ICT). But, they’re consequences, you must be ready to face the consequences of whatever information we put out there.”

    “My message to all of us is; as we go into a new year, let’s take responsibility for all we do. Speak the truth and know that they’re consequences even for speaking the truth. For government officers here, do not get shy or upset when people call you. Don’t get too irritated when you get calls from people you don’t know because you’re a servant , the day you begin to feel very irritated, you’re no longer serving,” he said.

    The Member representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency, Honorable Peter Akpanke, represented by his media aid, Awade Friday, commended the character of Mr. Agba Jalingo, noting that his activism has attracted positive results of public relevance and interest.

    “Jalingo is my constituent, your activism has produced good results. The theme of this symposium is timely considering the important role of Journalists in society,”Akpanke remarked.

    In his remarks, Citizen Jalingo Agba who is the Editor-In-Chief of CrossRiverWatch, reaffirmed his commitment to journalism practice, holding the government accountable and advocating for the voiceless in the society.

    Jalingo lauded Governor Otu for granting pardon to 45 inmates from Afokang correctional facility a few days ago, calling the action a good one.

    Other dignitaries in the event include wife of the immediate past Governor Ben Ayade; the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu Mr. Gill Nsa, lawyers, Journalists, government functionary and university students.

    Slide left for photos:

  • Despite The Paltry Sum Shared To Chairmanship Aspirants, Mr Jerry Ikwen Involved In Ghastly Motor Accident

    By Elijah Ugani 

    One of the Chairmanship aspirants for Obudu Local Government Council under the All Progressive Congress APC, in the just concluded local government elections conducted by Gov Bassey Otu, Mr Jerry Ikwen, spent the Christmas celebration in the hospital having been involved in a ghastly motor accident, while returning from Calabar, where the governor had invited them for a Christmas package.

    The accident occured at Oyadama, in Obubra Local Government Area.

    Mr Ikwen is said to have spent the Christmas celebration in the hospital for the first time since birth, and could not experience love from his family during this yelitud.

    Recall that the governor has received widespread condemnation for inviting the Chairmanship aspirants from across the state who payed transport and lodged in hotels only to be given a paltry sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira #100,000.00 only.

    As at the time of filing this report, efforts to reach Mr Jerry to ascertain the current state of his health failed as TheLumineNews has not gotten his contact.

  • 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

     

    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.