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Tag: #Eteng Jonas Williams

  • Ewa versus Eteng: Coalition Calls On Court Of Appeal To Look Into Some Tribunal Judgement In Cross River State

    Ewa versus Eteng: Coalition Calls On Court Of Appeal To Look Into Some Tribunal Judgement In Cross River State

    CROSS RIVER COALITION FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

    PRESS STATEMENT

    Sunday, September 10, 2023
    A PLEA FOR COURT OF APPEAL TO LOOK INTO SOME TRIBUNAL JUDGMENTS IN CROSS RIVER

    In the last few days, the Tribunals across the country have been delivering their judgments on State and National Assembly Elections Petitions with some mixed feelings.

    Cross River State National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal have become a case study based on some judgments they have delivered so far.

    The Panel headed by Justice O. A. Adeniyi is the case in point. Justice Adeniyi presidered over the petition with Suit No. EPT/CR/SEN/01/2023 between Mr. Bassey Eko Ewah of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Hon. William Jonas Eteng of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ewa had sought a declaration that the Ist respondent (Eteng Williams) did not score majority of lawful votes and thus not duly elected and returned.

    Delivering judgment on Friday, September 8,2023, the Honourable Justice Adeniyi, upheld the election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate, Senator Eteng Jonas Williams.

    The tribunal headed by Justice O. A. Adeniyi said Senator Eteng won the February 25, 2023 general elections after recomputing the scores of the elections.

    Bassey Ewa through his counsel, Mba Ukweni, SAN in suit number EPT/CR/SEN/01/2023 sought a declaration that the Ist respondent (Eteng Williams) did not score majority of lawful votes and thus not duly elected and returned.

    He also sought relief among others from the court cancelling votes of all the parties in about 96 polling units spread across the central senatorial district where there was clear evidence of over voting as well as re-computation of votes in the ventral senatorial district and declaration of the first petitioner as winner of the election.

    However, in a three hour judgment, Justice O. A. Adeniyi said the petitioner was able to establish cases of over-voting in only 49 polling units in the central senatorial district out of the 96 it claimed.

    In all the 49 affected polling units, the APC lost 3, 969 votes while the PDP lost 2, 066 votes.

    The recomputed results showed that the APC retained its victory by garnering 53, 375 votes while the PDP retained it’s runner’s up position with 51, 387 votes, thereby declaring Eteng winner.

    But we are alarmed at the way and manner the Panel chairman handled the case, wondering why a matter that judgment was reserved a month ago should be read from the Palm top instead of it being typed, printed out in clean copy and signed by the panel members.

    We wish to state that we followed the Tribunal proceedings untill August 3, 2023 when the final written addresses by the both parties to the suit were adopted. And the Justice decided to keep the judgement for almost a month before delivering judgment.

    We also alarmed at manner Justice Adeniyi singled handed selected 49 polling units out of the 96 and those selected for re-computing are polling units where PDP had majority of votes, leaving out polling units APC had an advantage in terms of over-voting to give a semblance of balance.

    We express shock that the Tribunal chairman read the judgement from his palm top and is yet to make a available a signed copy of the judgement three days after delivering the judgment even as we have it on grape vine that the other members of the panel had dissociated themselves from the said-judgment.

    We also gathered that the outcome of the judgement was already made available to Eteng’s as they were in jubilation mood before the final reading of the judgement, an indication that money had allegedly exchanged hands.

    We wish to also disclose that the same Adeniyi was here in Cross River in the 2019 Election Petitions Tribunal and he was again sent to the same Cross River State in 2023 Tribunal. In other words, Justice Adeniyi is on a familiar terrain and may have been brought here to do a hatchet job for his pay masters in Calabar.

    We, therefore would want to ask: Is Adeniyi the only Justice that should always be sent to Calabar at every Election Tribunal period? Why is his cases always controversial? Why has he refused to make available the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement almost four days after even when he promised to make it available the following day, Saturday, September 9, 2023?

    Based on these issues raised above, we call on the President of Court of Appeal to look into the matter and the Tribunal cases being handled by Justice Adeniyi and ensure that justice is done and seem to have been done in this case.

    The above case between Hon. Bassey Eko Ewah and Hon. Williams Jonas Eteng should be properly looked and enjoin the Lordship to adopt the same criterion used in cancelling the other 49 polling units to do same with the other 50 polling units he largely ignored.

    Thank You

    Comrade Ikpi E. Ikpi
    Coordinator

    Comrade John Agbor
    Secretary

  • Just In: Governor Ayade Assents To Legislative And Judiciary Autonomy Bills

    Just In: Governor Ayade Assents To Legislative And Judiciary Autonomy Bills

     

    The Cross River State Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade has signed two bills passed by the state house of Assembly that grant autonomy to both the state legislature and the state judicial arms of government.

    The two bills, Legislative Fund Management and Other Matters and Judicial Fund Management and Other Matters, were signed into law in the government house council chambers.

    According to the bills, all moneys due to the House of Assembly and Judiciary for capital and recurrent expenditure shall be paid by the Accountant-General into the their accounts in monthly instalments, in accordance with provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    While signing the bill into law, Governor Ayade stated that the bills were very important in the life of his administration, explaining that it is a win for the APC led government.

    He thanked the lawmakers for their cooperation and collaboration, noting that his administration had achieved a lot because of the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature.

    The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, in his remark applauded his colleagues of the 9th Assembly, saying under his leadership they have recorded giant strides in the quality of bills passed and assented to by the Governor.

    “We have made history with this signing into law today, it is my strong conviction that we will continue to work as partners for the growth and progress of our dear state and the good people of Cross River,” he noted.

  • Eid-El-Fitri: C’River Speaker Celebrates With Muslims, Urges Them to Support Government With Prayers

    Eid-El-Fitri: C’River Speaker Celebrates With Muslims, Urges Them to Support Government With Prayers

     

    The Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams celebrates with the entire Muslim faithful in the state and across the country, on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan Fast.

    In a statement signed by the Media Adviser to the Speaker, Hope Obeten, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams also wishes faithful Muslims abundant rewards and blessings, praying that the Almighty Allah give them long live to witness many more of Ramadan.

    The Speaker admonished Muslims to continue to support the State and Federal governments with prayers to overcome challenges of security, pandemic and economy to bring about more developments across all sectors.

    “I wish to heartily congratulate our brothers and sisters in Islam on the occasion of the successful completion of Ramadan Fast and ‘Eid-El-Fitri, as we celebrate, I urge everyone, regardless of your religious beliefs, to continue to keep the peace and to live in unity with one another,” Mr. Speaker said.

    Expressing the hope that the lessons of sacrifice, self-discipline, tolerance, kindness, good neighbourliness and empathy towards others as embedded in the holy month of Ramadan would abide beyond the month of abstinence, he further urged.

    “As we celebrate, let us remember that moderation is important. We should not let down our guards in the observance of COVID-19 protocols. Let us also remember the poor and less privileged people in our midst and extend a hand of love and support to them,” he said.

    The Speaker congratulated Muslims and wished them a blissful Ramadan.

  • C’R Assembly Calls For The Suspension Of The 2020 Calabar Christmas Carnival

    C’R Assembly Calls For The Suspension Of The 2020 Calabar Christmas Carnival

    By Itam Ofor 

    The Cross State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on the State Government and it’s agencies to suspend the 2020 Calabar Christmas Carnival and other related activities.

    The Assembly wants the annual Christmas Carnival suspended due to the destruction and looting of infrastructure following the #ENDSARS protest as well as the COVID 19 pandemic currently ravaging the world adding that Government should rather address pressing issues like the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure and Security in the state.

    The House adopted the resolution following a motion moved by the House Leader, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey (Ogoja) who decried the wanton destruction of infrastructure across the State during the recent #EndSars protest where most of the Carnival events are normally held.

    He said, though the carnival Calabar is an international event attracting people from all over the world with economic benefits, the possibility of hosting it this year is not realistic as the venue for some of the activities like the Calabar international conference center (CICC), Tinapa have been looted and vandalized.

    Odey also observed that the COVID 19 pandemic is not totally over hence holding the carnival which normally attracts large crowds may have devastating health effects on the State.

    Supporting the motion, the Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Joseph Bassey reiterated that the COVID 19 pandemic the world over has recorded very high death rates adding that currently, some Countries are observing a second lockdown hence organizing the usual carnival will be unwise.

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    Other Members unanimously supported the motion citing the current bad security situation in the State, the COVID 19 pandemic and the vandalism of infrastructure as reasons to suspend the event for this year.

    In his ruling, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams observed that all over the world, many international events were suspended because of the COVID 19 pandemic, adding that the safety of citizens is Paramount. He called on all Cross Riverians to join forces with the Government to bring the State back to its feet.

  • Gov Ben Ayade Presents N277.7bn 2021 Budget, Christened ‘Blush And Bliss’

    Gov Ben Ayade Presents N277.7bn 2021 Budget, Christened ‘Blush And Bliss’

    By Admin

     

    The Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade has presented Two Hundred and Seventy Seven Billion, Seven Hundred and Eight Million Naira (N 277,708,000,000) as Budget Estimates and Appropriation Bill for 2021 to the State House of Assembly.
    The Budget which he tagged budget of “Blush and Bliss” has One Hundred and Ninety Two Billion, Five Hundred and Eleven Million (N 192,511,000,000.00) representing Sixty Nine percent (69%) as recurrent expenditure while Eighty Five Billion, One Hundred and Ninety Seven Million (31%) is slated for Capital expenditure.

    The Governor stated that 2021 Budget will focus more on “the Humanitarian perspective” disclosed that 70% of the recurrent expenditure will be targeted for Youth empowerment, medical support, scholarships, immediate suspension of tuition fee for indigenous Students as well as other Humanitarian support to better the lives of Cross Riverians.

    Ayade described the Budget as unusual coming against the backdrop of several challenges including the COVID 19 pandemic and the #ENDSARS protest which hoodlums hijacked leading to wanton destruction of both public and private properties across the state. He condoled with all Cross Riverians who suffered losses during the mayhem and prayed that “may 2020 never come in the history of Nigeria”.

    Other specific areas which the 2021 Budget will address according to the Governor include; neighborhood protection to enthrone better security for citizens, extension of the NYSC period, boost in Agriculture as well as the take off of the State’s airline, CALI AIR.

    Earlier, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams in a welcome address commended Governor Ayade for his achievements including measures put to in place to tackle the COVID 19 pandemic, efforts to address Youth restiveness as well as his Industrialization drive. “your Excellency, recent happenings are not enough to cast doubts on the giant achievements your administration has made in the State. The Industrialization programme is on course and most Industries are either already completed or above 90% completion”. he said.
    Williams promised an early passage of the budget after due legislative processes.

     

  • CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE HON SPEAKER, CRSHA ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIA’S 60TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY.

    CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE HON SPEAKER, CRSHA ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIA’S 60TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY.

    CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE HON SPEAKER, CRSHA ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIA’S 60TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY.

    I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari,
    GCFR, all the 36 State Governors especially, Sen. Prof. Ben. Ayade, Governor of Cross River State, on the Occasion of the 60th Independence Anniversary of our great Country, Nigeria.

    I appreciate all those who fought for Nigeria’s Independence and indeed to every Nigerian, I say congratulations.

    It is not easy to attain 60 years of age. A man at 60 is a matured man and for Nigeria, we have had uninterrupted Democracy from 1999 to date and I must say democracy is the best option of governance”

    Our Independence represents freedom from oppression and I wish to also use this auspicious occasion to advise every Nigerian to stay closer to God. Nigerians should think of what to do to better the lives of fellow Nigerians.

    We must all; think Nigeria, think Cross River!

    God bless Nigeria!

    Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams,
    Speaker, CRSHA

  • Ayade Chief of Staff Rewards Party Faithfuls With Cars, Eulogizes Legor Idagbo

    Ayade Chief of Staff Rewards Party Faithfuls With Cars, Eulogizes Legor Idagbo

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chief of Staff to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, Hon. Martins Orim has rewarded five PDP party faithfuls with brand new cars as part of his benevolent gesture to reward their selfless commitment and support to him personally and the party at large.

    The presentation of the cars took place today September 6th, 2020 as part of the 2020 Obudu new yam festival held at Governor Ayade’s Chief of Staff residence, Okweriseng-Ubang, in Obudu local government area of cross river state.

    Presenting the car key to the Obudu Chapter Chairman of PDP, Mr. Enerst Ublibli, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonas Williams urged him to make judicious use of the car both for the service of the party and private use.

    Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo commended the Chief of Staff to the governor for considering Mr. Justine Ayabie Adie popularly called (Ajepota), as many people relegates his kind, he fuel the vehicle with the sum of (#100,000.00) one hundred naira and promised to take responsibility of the car maintainance.

    Speaking on the choice of the beneficiaries, the Chief of Staff to the governor noted that Hon. Philip Ikpah is one man who stood his grounds to support his (Hon. Martins Orim) aspiration to become councilor against the powerful forces that moved against him then. Hon. Philip Ikpah was ready to resign his appointment as Supervisor for Finance when the then Chairman of council was bent on removing Hon. Martins Orim as Deputy Leader of Council. He has however, remain very resolute and decisive in his support for the Chief of Staff, and is currently, a member of the Care Taker Committee of the PDP in the state.

    The former State Chairman and now Care Taker Committe Chairman of PDP, Ntufam Inok Edim, while presenting the car to Hon. Ikpah, called on the people of Obudu to support the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Martins Orim who started a foundation in honor of his late father and donated items to the less privileged and today, he is presenting cars to deserving party faithfuls.

    Those who were rewarded with the cars are:
    Mr. Henry Ublili- PDP Chapter Chairman, Obudu
    Mr. Augustine Odzie Abua – PDP Chapter Secretary, Obudu
    Mr. Justine Ayabie Adie – party supporter
    Hon. Sylvester Agabi – Former Leader of Obudu legislative Council
    Hon. Philip Ikpah – Member, PDP State Care Taker Committee.

    Speaking on behalf of the recipients of the Chief of Staff’s magnanimity, Hon. Philip Ikpah thanked Hon. Martins Orim for having recognized their contributions and efforts to stabilize the polity of their boss and plegded to make good use of the cars and stated that “the reward for good work is more work”
    He however noted that the car gift is a call to further strengthen their support and loyalty to their boss and principal, hecommended the support of the wife of the Chief of Staff over the years.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Martins Orim used the circumstance of the event to eulogize the member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo for his unwavering support for Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, the governor of cross river state.

    Orim held that “the support given to the governor by Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo is unprecedented. He has stood by the governor through the trying moments. While other National Assembly members picked expression of intent forms, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo waited for the governor to give him directives to pick the form. Rt. Hon. Legor said he can only pick the form if the governor ask him to do so, you can see the level of support and loyalty he showed to our brother. Whatever, Rt. Hon. Legor ask from Obudu, I’m sure we will give him in reciprocation of his support for us”

    The Chief of Staff further averred that “the bond of friendship that exist between Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo and I is very strong to a point that in 2018, some people told Rt. Legor that I was going to run election against him, and he said, if it is Chief of Staff, I will support him”

    On his part, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo stated that “everything the Chief of said is very correct. In fact, in the build up to the 2015 election, one of my supporters had complained and was at the verge of withdrawing his support for me, Hon. Martins Orim asked me what the problem was and I told him the man wants me to buy a car for him, the Chief of Staff willingly gave me his wife’s car to give to the man.

    “The Chief of Staff supported me morally and financially to see to the emergence of the Speaker of House Representatives, Rt. Femi Gbajamibiala.

    “My wife told me, the Chief of Staff is truly your friend, I will do everything to sustain this friendship. Whatever Hon. Martins ask for, I will support him”

    The event was graced by party faithfuls, women and traditional rulers across the local government area.

    The Chief of Staff’s humanitarian and philanthropic nature is hereditary as his late father was a renowned philanthropist who stopped at nothing to ensure that everyone who comes in contact with him gets something that tends to solve their problems.

    The Chief of Staff had just last week donated and installed solar lights in all the 19 villages including the palaces of all traditional rulers that makes up Ukpe, Alege and Ubang (UKALU) as well as the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Obudu of Obudu local government area, HRM, Uti JD Agba.