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Tag: #Donald Duke

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

    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:

  • Duke, Imoke, Onor And Other Party Leaders Pays Last Tribute To Prof Stella Attoe

    Duke, Imoke, Onor And Other Party Leaders Pays Last Tribute To Prof Stella Attoe

     

    In a poignant service held on Friday, December 15th, 2023 at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Hope Waddell Parish, Calabar, the Governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor in company of his dear wife, Barr (Mrs) Gertrude-Manyo Sandy Onor, joined other prominent leaders of the party in a solemn Service of Songs, paying heartfelt tribute to the late Prof. Stella Effa-Attoe.

    The heart-rending gathering served as a reflection on the remarkable contributions of the departed academician to the church, party, academic community and society at large.

    The church resonated with shared grief and fond memories as those present were united in honouring the legacy of the amazon of beauty and excellence, while celebrating a life dedicated to service and knowledge.

    The service witnessed the presence of distinguished individuals, including former governors of Cross River State, HE Donald Duke and Sen. Liyel Imoke, as well as Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo. Among the notable attendees were the State Chairman of the Party and his deputy, Barr Vena Ikem and Hon. Denis Nkiri, respectively. Also in attendance were State Women Leader, Hon. (Mrs) Florence Inyang, and Members representing Ogoja/Yala and Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituencies, Barr Godwin Offiono and Hon. Peter Akpanke.

    The gathering further included Commissioner for Youths, Barr Ukam Charles Ijom, former Obudu Council Chairman, Hon. Emma Ugbe, and Dr Richard Omang Ntui, among others. Notably, representatives from the academic community, such as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Calabar, Prof. Stella Ekpe, and Dr Dave Imbua of the Department of History and International Studies, also paid their respects.

    Ndifon Joseph

  • Back To South Is Back To Ayade – Donald Duke

    Back To South Is Back To Ayade – Donald Duke

    By Dominic Kidzu 

    Former Governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke has described the Back to South Ideology of the APC as actually Back to the Ayades.

    “Let nobody deceive you. He who pays the Piper dictates the tune. And I believe that it will be unfair to allow our state to continue like this. I know that what I am doing is not popular amongst our people, but I also know that good leaders don’t always do what is popular, they do what is right .”

    Duke who addressed a cross section of wards and polling unit coordinators of the Labour Party in Calaabar South and Municipality at his home in Calabar yesterday admonished them to repeat the work they did for Peter Obi two weeks ago by working for Senator Sandy Onor.

    “I spoke with Peter Obi, whose victory has been temporarily suppressed by the ruling APC, and he asked me to tell you to work for Sandy. If you have ever believed in me, if you have ever trusted me, or loved me then go out on Saturday and work for Sandy”.

    “Peter has been investigating, he didn’t know Sandy before, but he has found out and believes he is the right man for the job. He needs a formidable platform to work when he eventually becomes president. He needs people of intellect, of integrity, people like Sandy ”

    “I’m very involved because things have become too bad. Otu said he wants to continue the legacy of Ayade, the industries, and so on and he means it. He even defended it on television yesterday. He doesn’t even know who actually owns those industries “.

    The former Governor said that what Ayade has cost Cross River in eight years will need an experienced hand to reverse. ” When I was Governor, couples used to wed in Uyo and hold their reception party in Calabar before proceeding to the ranch for honeymoon. Now nobody comes to Calabar again. Ayade has been so bad that even his own people have rejected him and that same person want to give you a Governor “.

    One after the other, the coordinators decried the present state of affairs in the state and pledged to work for the candidate of the PDP in Saturday’s election.

  • How Can Florence Ita Giwa Have The Courage To Insult Donald Duke After Everything That Donald Has Done For Her – Grace Oyo-Ita

    How Can Florence Ita Giwa Have The Courage To Insult Donald Duke After Everything That Donald Has Done For Her – Grace Oyo-Ita

    Ntuanke Grace Oyo-Ita has wondered why Florence Ita Giwa should talk to Donald Duke in the manner she did after all that Duke has done for her by making her senator of the republic.

    Oyo-Ita made her displeasure in piece titled ‘My advise for Florence Ita Giwa’

    I came out to contest the first senior election under UNCP, to represent Southern Senatorial District, under the chairmanship of Ntufam Joe Ndem Ndifon. I contested with Sen Bassey Ewa Henshaw and won as candidate of the Party, then contested with an opponent, my senior sister, Mma Florence Giwa, and also won, the rest is history. Obong Victor Attah who later became the Governor of Akwa Ibom State invited me to an Association formed by Chief Alabo Graham Douglas, called National Summit. I was the coordinator of that group in Cross River State.

    From there we formed G34. I am the first and only member of G34 in Cross River State. I’m also Number One person in my state, Cross River during the formation of the PDP. if I go into the nitty gritty of how everything happened in Nuga Hilton Hotel in Abuja then, to Akwa Ibom House, to my house in Lagos and to Effanga Mkpa, my then Calabar residence. Then to Rt Hon Orok Otu Duke’s house at State Housing, we would not leave this place, I was given the mandate by all those who joined me in the PDP to appoint the people to run our party.

    My own interest was to be the Senator representing the Southern senatorial district, but man proposes and God can approve or dispose. Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, Gershom Bassey, Don Claimz Enamhe, Orok Duke, Hilliard Etta, Princess Sandra Achinong, and a few others were in these meetings. We brought in Rev. Benedict Ikobi, who was close to Kanu Agabi, as Chairman, Chief Bassey Edem who was close to Donald Duke as Secretary and John Olafor to represent the interest of Major Obi Odu.

    After all my stress, Sen Florence Giwa was preferred, and I was dropped. Since I know that God is the only one that gives power and that God wanted Florence to be announced, I sent a congratulatory message to her, but what did she do? She took my pictures that I suffered to go to Law School, placed them on a coffin, paraded round this God owned City and bought a peace of land at Hukins and buried it.

    Florence is very vindictive, Chief Anthony Ani former Finance Minister, during UNCP and APP gave each of us N2,500,000. I have remained loyal to him, despite his role in my PDP elections. When Chief Ani went in to contest the Obongship of Calabar, Florence was the first to carry placards against him. Without Donald and Liyel, Florence wouldn’t have been in the Senate, but as ungrateful as she is, she said Donald came to Calabar with a suit case and was squarting with Geshom Bassey.

    Donald is from a big home, Liyel is from a big home and Geshom is from a big home, I and Ma Florence are from what we call humble homes, who should insult the other? It was the belief of Donald and Geshom that an Efik lady should go to the Senate, and because of the bond of friendship among them, Liyel supported his friends, and today, as a result of that she is being addressed as a Senator of the Federal Republic. How could she so easily forget them? She referred to them in an uncultured manner. I, who should be angry, I’m happy, maybe because I know the Bible.

    Ayade is my son, Prince Otu is my brother, Donald and Liyel are my younger brothers, so as a mother and senior sister, if they quarrel, what is expected of me and Mma Florence Is to call them to order, settle issues amongst them and make peace. I’m shocked at the kind of things Mma Florence said with her mouth about Donald. Just as I and Florence have a right to support any person of our choice, the ultimate is God who has the final say.

    How can Florence Ita Giwa have the courage to insult Donald Duke after everything that Donald has done for her, just because she has found a new paymaster. Watch out and see, and you will remember my statement today that once PDP returns to power, Florence will run back to PDP. How can she accuse Donald Duke of selling Bakassi to Cameroon when she herself was deeply involved in everything that happened to Bakassi from the federal level at that time.

    When I was approached to support the Back to South agenda, I told them that I will support the idea, provided they microzoned to the Akamkpa – Biased axis because we cannot be talking about justice and equity without applying the same principle to our own brothers here in the South. As you can see, the back to south agenda is really a Back to Efik agenda, if not, how come Akamkpa-Biase was not even considered for the Senate position in terms of zoning, talk less of the governorship position?

    As for Prof. Sandy Onor, he is as well from the South because his mother is from Mkame in Oban axis of Akamkpa and as you are well aware, in our matrilineal tradition, a child is first from where his mother comes from.

    You cannot say that Donald was poor at any time. He got Uncle Ben’s rice franchise at Apapa before he became the Honourable Commissioner for Finance in Cross River State in Clement Ebri’s Administration.The first time I met him, was in his warehouse at Apapa.

  • I Promise Bahumono People That If We Win, We Would Construct This Road And Reactivate The Songai Farms – Sandy Onor

    I Promise Bahumono People That If We Win, We Would Construct This Road And Reactivate The Songai Farms – Sandy Onor

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Sen Sandy Onor has promised to reactivate the Songai Farms, construct the Bahumono and other ring roads as well as provide water for the people of Abi if elected governor.

    Sandy made the promise during an interactive session with traditional rulers at Usumutung, Abi local government area, as part of activities for the statewide campaign of the PDP.

    In his words “I promise Bahumono people that if We win, we would construct this road. We would reactivate the Songai farms, rural water, hospitals and roads. Please vote for PDP with character and integrity so we can move the state forward.

    “As custodians of our tradition, the onus lies on you to tell the truth. Any chief that is incapable of telling the truth would have a divided community. So I want Chiefs to know me for truth. I am not that type of politician that tell lies. We respect our people and fear God. We would make promises we can redeem. It would not profit us anything to tell lies because we want power.

    “PDP had produced great leaders till Ayade came on board who was an outsider and does not understand the political culture of our state.

    “We take our mandate very seriously. Bahumono had hard times in brutal communal wars. We brutalize ourselves and make no progress at all.
    One of the consequences of such communal wars is that it breeds criminal bands.

    “I am doing this because I heard you have been making peace between Ediba and Usumutong. I don’t believe land is so important thay we should begin to kill ourselves.

    I urge the Chiefs to also pray for peace and love in our communities. When we come to government, we would constantly interact with you people to bring lasting peace.

    “PDP is your first husband, please return to us, we shall not disappoint you”.

    On his part, a governor and Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, Mr Donald Duke averred that he cannot rest because our state is on fire “We cannot rest because our house (state) is on fire. We came out because the state of our state is deplorable.

    “In our time, only two communities were left without light. Abi was the only local government that had electricity in every community. Infrastructures were built here including Pa Imoke bridge.

    “You can do your big projects, but do the small things to increase productivity, healthcare was better but when the undertaker came, paradise was lost. But we have the man who knows the road and would restore the paradise first.

    “We have to restore our state before we talk of how to move forward. We have a lot of work to do and PDP would do it. We should entrust our destiny into their care.

    “So go out and vote because if you don’ t vote, you lose the right to complain. Traditional Rulers should make it a toboo for anyone who is 18 and has no voter’s card or has and refuse to come out and vote. Such people should be ostracized. Don’t allow anybody to intimidate you.

    “We would look into the traditional rulers welfare. When we come in, we would review the stipends to reflect the inflation in our time.

    Responding on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Ovai Solomon Edward, affirmed that “All Sandy has said has element of truth and we are here to let you know that, as far as Abi is concerned, we maintain a very good relationship with all political parties.

    “I know that the society is indeed yearning for good leadership that touches and affect the people.

    “I believe that this time around, God would bring surprises to the leadership”.

     

  • Sandy Is The Last Hope For Cross River, If He Fails Me, Them I Will Lose Hope In Humanity – Donald Duke

    Sandy Is The Last Hope For Cross River, If He Fails Me, Them I Will Lose Hope In Humanity – Donald Duke

    By Elijah Ugani 

    Former Gov Donald Duke and Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, has stated that if not for Gov Ben Ayade, that Liyel Imoke brought who have taken the State back by 20 years, Cross River State would have been ahead of many states. He argued that Sandy is the last Hope for Cross River State.

    Duke made assertion during the PDP Campaign Council consultation with Etung Traditional Rulers held on January 19th 2023.

    His words “If not for the undertaker, Gov Ben Ayade, that Liyel Imoke brought who have taken the State back by 20 years, we would have been ahead of many states. So the royal fathers should be wise enough to vote for Sandy, because Sandy is the last Hope for Cross River State. And if Sandy loses, then I will be very sad.

    “When Sandy stood for the primaries, I kept quiet, but when Sandy clinched the ticket I told myself this is the man who would turn things for good in our state.

    “Sometimes we pray and the prayers are not answered, sometime we pray and the prayers are answered, all these teaches us a lesson. We must learn from our past.

    Speaking further, Duke said he will lose faith in humanity if Sandy fails to deliver to cross riverians good governance “If Sandy fails me, l will lose faith in human being, but l know he will not fail. l know him and he has been tutored by past good leaders. Sandy is for the entire State, not just for Etung.” Said Duke.

    Responding on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Augustine Agbor Imoh, thanked the PDP Campaign Council, especially former Donald Duke, for the bold step taken to reposition the state. He stated that Sen Sandy’s performance as Etung Local Government Council Chairman remains unmatched. As senator, he has spread projects across all the local governments in the Central Senatorial District.

    The royal father used the opportunity to appeal to other traditional rulers to support Sen Sandy Onor “I appeal to my fellow chiefs to support Sandy and all other candidates of the PDP”. Said he.

    The royal blessings was performed by HRH Obase Etim Obase.

    On his part, the governorship candidate of the PDP, Sen Sandy Onor maintained that he undertook a lot of projects as Chairman of Etung and as senator of the federal republic. “I did a lot of projects as chairman of Etung local government area and as Senator of the federal Republic.

    “Come March 11th, 2023, the chiefs should go out and vote for me because when I become governor, I will make a difference for the people.

    “I am worried at the action of some people among the community whose behaviours are repugnant and negates the doctrine of live and let’s live.

    “PDP is campaigning and APC is quietly plotting how to cause violence and rig the election.

    “I enjoin you not only to give all PDP candidates your royal father’s blessings, but should talk to your subjects to go out there and collect their PVCs and do the right thing by voting the right Party -PDP”.

  • I Commend You For Enduring The Sufferings For 7 And Half Years And You Would Be Stronger – Donald Duke To Ikom Traditional Rulers

    I Commend You For Enduring The Sufferings For 7 And Half Years And You Would Be Stronger – Donald Duke To Ikom Traditional Rulers

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The former Governor of Cross River State and Chairman, PDP Campaign Council, Mr Donald Duke has commended the Ikom Traditional Rulers Council for enduring the long sufferings mated on cross riverians by the government of Sen Ben Ayade and assured them that things are going to be better.

    Former Governor Duke made the remarks during the PDP consultation with the Traditional Rulers on January 19th 2023 at Ikom.

    In his words “I commend you for enduring the sufferings for seven and half years and you will be stronger.

    “This is the time for your all to stand up and be counted. This election would determine the next level of the state. If what has happened in the state is right, then vote for them, but if not vote wisely for the future of your children.

    “We want to groom young people. But you don’t get it by sitting down and hoping for honey. Don’t wait for monthly alert and other forms of deception”

    Speaking further, Duke called on community leaders to effect the needed change. “We call on community leaders to effect this change because our communities are decaying. We believe in you and your subjects.

    “Sandy is the arrowhead to rescue the state at this time. It has nothing to do with where you come from. We hope with him things would be different. We need restoration and if we don’t get it right this time, we are doomed”

    On his part, the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Sen Sandy Onor thanked the Ikom Traditional Rulers Council for honoring his invitation and maintained that “We came to formerly let you know that I am the official candidate of PDP.

    “Chiefs are custodians of truth. The voice of the people is the voice of God. We must stand up together and repair our state.

    “We have quality people and would give you quality representation.

    “Old Ikom has never had the privilege or opportunity of producing a governor. And we have not done anything wrong.

    “We have joined hands in the past to make others governor. So they should join hands to reciprocate our gesture. We are qualified, we have the intellectual capacity and are in the right party.

    “I have been endorsed by Duke and Imoke whose years as governors were brilliant.

    “And then Gov Ayade came and put the state in reverse gear instead of going forward, we are going backward. They have turned things upside down. Govt has been reduced to wururu.

    “They recruit young men with no office and job description and then pay them higher than the chiefs that govern our land.

    “All the APC candidates would resemble Gov Ayade. Your mandate is a value and trust. It should be used responsibly”.

  • Hon. Legor Idagbo Speech During The Factional Flag Off Of PDP Campaign Sounded Like An Anathema; Exposed His Total Disregards To The Sensibilities Of Our People – Jarigbe Agom

    Hon. Legor Idagbo Speech During The Factional Flag Off Of PDP Campaign Sounded Like An Anathema; Exposed His Total Disregards To The Sensibilities Of Our People – Jarigbe Agom

    By Admin

    The member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has described the speech made by his colleague, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo during the factional flag off of the campaign of Dr. Stephen Odey as an Anathema and a huge joke to our democracy.

    Agom took to his verified Facebook page to respond to his colleague who decided to take a swipe on other members of the PDP especially his humble self, instead of embarking on campaigns for the PDP.

    Find the complete response by Hon. Agom:

    “The Factional PDP Flag Off and the Speech by Hon Legor Idagbo:

    “The Speech that sounded like an Anathema, exposed his total disregards for the sensibilities of our people and makes a huge joke of our democracy. Legor and other gladiators chose to take a swipe at other members of PDP, especially my humble self, instead of embarking on campaigns for our Party. They did not Campaign against the opposition, but concentrated on parochial sentiments, that would not add value to the fortunes of the Party.

    “He qualified the former Governor, Donald Duke, as a TYRANT and that his approach to governance was brutish. That was not kind to the former Gov at all. He celebrated the fact that Obi Odu and Ugba Morphy were chased out of Cross River State by Donald Duke. He assumes that Governors are invincible and other people’s lives do not matter.

    “Legor Idagbo is among those who instigated the shooting and killing of our young men during the last Senate Primary Election, in Ogoja. We can clearly see that his approach is very barbaric and that’s what they mislead the Governor with.

    I want to remind you that, we are in a Democracy and I am a Parliamentarian. I am not oblivious of my rights and privileges. The right to life is one of them and I can never be intimidated by mere mortals.

    “You can have whatever positions, but do not forget that I am a Parliamentarian, that is also protected by the Constitution and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “I know Legor as a Christian, but he is beginning to sound like one of those basking in the euphoria of the moment and assuming the position of super humans.

    “Legor is always struggling to tell people, he is close to Gov Imoke. Who asked him? What is he struggling to correct? Conscience is an open wound and the only thing that can heal it, is the TRUTH.

    “I have never used the name of Gov Imoke to Campaign. I have nothing to say about his relationship with his Successor and I will not record Gov Imoke to play for Ayade, so Ayade can trust me. I am not a meddlesome interloper.

    “Legor and Ayade are Liyel’s political boys, just like me. I am not competing for closeness to Gov Imoke. As his
    mentee, I will rather do things that would make him proud, just like I am doing in my Constituency(without sounding immodest).

    “Legor’s Primary Election to the House of Reps in 2015 was conducted outside of his Constituency because he was not on ground with his people. It was conducted in Ogoja( my LGA) and I had to send my boys to help him. He has still not learnt his lessons. He is still looking for a Governor that will spoon feed him, like its always been.

    “Legor had described Ayade as “a bull in a China shop” and we should escort him out carefully, so he doesn’t cause so much damage. My Colleagues in the National Assembly can attest, if they want to state the truth. Today, he claims to be the most loyal because he has been promised a third term to the House of Reps. God will deliver that Federal Constituency from the hands of Oppressors.

    “He used the name of the Holy Ghost/in vain as he made his very demeaning speech, but may God forgive us. I would have thought that, our upbringing should manifest even in our politics, but its unfortunate that desperation has made us to let go, all our values.

    “The Rt Hon Legor said, he passes through Stephen Odey, to get favors from Gov Ayade. Those favors are personal because I cannot see any Infrastructure at his instance. Does that statement not indict our highly revered Governor? Legor’s attempt at laundering the Gov’s image was counter productive. As a member of Parliament, you should have unfettered access to your Gov , if you do not belong to a Conquered Generation.

    “Finally, I want to humbly appeal to Cross Riverians, especially the people of the North, to stay Civil but join this political revolution, that requires no mobilization. The facts Speak, in spite of the failed attempt at embellishment.

    “A happy Sunday to you all”.

    Rt Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe( Rep of the Masses)