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Tag: #Joe Obi Bisong

  • Caterpillar Movement Congratulates Usibe, Expresses Confident That Justice Will Be Done To This Grave Injustice Perpetuated By The Government Of The Day

    Caterpillar Movement Congratulates Usibe, Expresses Confident That Justice Will Be Done To This Grave Injustice Perpetuated By The Government Of The Day

    CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT
    28th Feb, 2022

    Dear, Hon. Michael Ede Usibe
    Member Elect,
    Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency,
    Cross River State

    CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR EMERGENCE
    On behalf of our principal Sen Sandy Onor and the entire Caterpillar Movement political family we wish to Congratulate you on your resounding victory at the just concluded By-election in your Federal Constituency held on the 26th February, 2022.

    Despite the militarisation and violence that was unleashed to intimidate law abiding, harmless and armless voters, your people spoke with a loud voice through the ballots that, they have great confidence in your leadership and our great party, the PDP. We are confident that justice will be done to this grave injustice perpetuated by the government of the day. Not too long, you shall assume office as the elected representative of your people.

    We, the Caterpillar Movement family will continue to support you and your people to ensure that the dividends of democracy is enjoyed by all and sundry. Do accept the assurances of our warm regards as you proceed to rendering effective representation.

    Once again, Accept our congratulations.

    Joe Obi Bisong Hon Chief
    Director General

  • 56th Birthday: Caterpillar Movement Calls On Supporters To Pray For Sandy Onor And His Gubernatorial Ambition

    56th Birthday: Caterpillar Movement Calls On Supporters To Pray For Sandy Onor And His Gubernatorial Ambition

    By Elijah Ugani

    As the senator representing Cross River Senatorial District, the Orator of the 9th senate, popularly known as the original Caterpillar marks his 56th glorious birthday, which coincides with the feast  of St Valentine, popularly known as lover’s day.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the DG, Caterpillar Political Movement Chief Joe Obi Bisong, supporters are enjoined to individually pray for Sen Sandy Onor, our dear State, and the entire citizenry. We need Gods country.

    The release reads in full:

    CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT (more…)

  • Sandy Onor Unveils Blue Print For Good Governance, Accountability And Sustainability

    Sandy Onor Unveils Blue Print For Good Governance, Accountability And Sustainability

    CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT

    PROJECT CROSS RIVER STATE 2023!

    OUR BLUEPRINT FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE, SUSTAINABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN OUR STATE.

    As a follow up to our decision to lay to rest the infertile issue of zoning. The Caterpillar movement hereby release to cross riverians and indeed members of the public details of our vision(blue print) come 2023.

    PREAMBLE:
    With the advent of democratic rule in 1999, Cross River State was blessed with visionary and dynamic leadership that facilitated steady development of the state in all sectors. Our dear state was moved from the fringes and placed firmly in the development map of Nigeria. The state became a leading destination for tourism, investment and international donor funding.
    The public sector was vibrant and efficient with the formulation of virile policies and the establishment of strong institutions.
    Cross River state was viewed nationwide as a model for development planning.
    The private flourished as government provided the enabling environment, particularly through the establishment of a virile security architecture with accompanying infrastructure outlay.

    Regrettably, we have in the last six years undoubtedly derailed from the trajectory by running a system that is hudely rich in theory but lacking in practice.

    Accordingly, we shall move forward ,vigorously evaluate the financial status of the state and build our plans upon the reality that we find ourselves.
    We shall carry our people along with transparency,
    respect and inclusiveness.
    We shall together set realistic targets and pursue the actualization of these goals with all the intellect, vision, contacts, that we will collectively harness.
    Our policies shall be people oriented..
    Our vision is to restore our state to a path of progressive growth. To this end, we propose to implement a RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM through which we intend to achieve our vision.

    OUR RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

    Our restoration and development program shall be hinged on the development of the following thematic areas in the socio-economic and political environment of our state
    1. Security
    2.The Economy
    3. Human development
    4. Infrastructure development
    5. The civil service and local government
    6. Tourism
    The security and safety of the people shall be the primary purpose of our administration. We shall put in place dogged security measures aimed at protecting lives and properties of our people with a view to ensuring that all citizens, residents and investors carry out their legitimate businesses in a crime free environment.
    We shall in subsequent editions bring you detailed measures at implementing our policy iniatives
    May God help cross river state.

    Joe Obi Bisong
    Director General.

  • Caterpillar Movement Felicitates DC Enamhe On His Appointment As UNICAL ALUMNI Relation Officer

    Caterpillar Movement Felicitates DC Enamhe On His Appointment As UNICAL ALUMNI Relation Officer

    CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT.
    21st January 2022.

    Dr. Enamhe Dorn Cklaimz.
    Department of Social Works,
    University of Calabar,
    Calabar.

    FELICITATION

    On behalf of our Principal, Dist. Senator Sandy Onor, the entire Caterpillar Movement Family and PDP in cross river central senatorial district, I heartily extend our warmest felicitation to you on your milestone achievements which have resulted in your appointment as Acting Alumni Relation Officer, University of Calabar by the amiable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi.

    Over the years, moving steadily on the path of selfless service and patriotism, you have affirmed your place as a dependable, productive and purpose-driven individual, capable of ensuring the welfare of people under your watch.
    You have demonstrated uncommon qualities of service to humanity and mankind.

    This appointment, therefore, is a mark of expression of this confidence that people have in you.

    I hereby urge you to remain assiduous, efficient and committed to the principles that have earned you this appointment, and to continue to blaze the trail . We are proud of you DC.

    Once again, Congratulations!!

    Joe-Obi Bisong (Hon Chief)
    DG, Caterpillar Movement)

  • Zoning Of Governorship Position Has Never Been Practiced In Cross River State – DG Caterpillar Movement

    Zoning Of Governorship Position Has Never Been Practiced In Cross River State – DG Caterpillar Movement

    The Director General of the Caterpillar Movement, Chief Joe Bisong has statedtstated zoning, as it concerns the Governorship, has never been practised in our dear state and is clearly not part of our political history.

    The DG made this assertion in Press Release and made available to TheLumineNews.

    The release reads in full:

    CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT

    PRESS RELEASE

    OUR POSITION ON THE 2023 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION IN CROSS RIVER STATE

    Over the past one year, the public space of both electronic and print media has been saturated with seemingly unending discussions, arguments and submissions on the topic of Zoning with regards to which senatorial district should produce the elected Governor of Cross River State, come 2023.
    The Caterpillar Movement has been consistent in its incontrovertibleassertion that zoning, as it concerns the Governorship, has never been practised in our dear state and is clearly not part of our political history  thus far. To that extent, let us for the umpteenth time state, that zoning as currently canvassed,is clearly a devious attempt to disenfranchise eligible aspirants from genuine and healthy competition for the highest office in the land. Even more, it is trite that the constitutional and inalienable right to contest or be voted for in any election, so long as such an aspirant is qualified within the templates of the Nigerian Constitution, is guaranteed. Accordingly, nobody can zone out the right of another person and in this particular regard of the cross River situation,it remains so, whether viewed from the prism of the law or from the perspective of our political history as a people. This explains why the zoning argument could not have been sustained and has indeed,for all practical purposes, died. Our conclusion therefore ,is that even the ghost of the issue of zoning of Governorship in cross river state has since been laid to rest.

    Accordingly, the Caterpillar Movement urges its supporters to forthwith, desist from any arguments relating to zoning of the governorship position, since such matters have crumbled into obsolescence. Conversely, we ask our supporters to instead, channel their intellectual resources in helping to profer solutions on how to redeem the state, moving forward.

    The position of our Principal is clear and emphatic. Competence must be emphasized over zoning,especially at this critical period in our political history and all three Senatorial zones have a fair share of competent men and women that Cross Riverians can choose from to lead them. Let the ultimate choice be that of the people and let all who are interested in leading the state, hit the ground and canvass the support of our people across the three senatorial zones.

    Our principal,
    Senator Sandy Onor has indeed just recently concluded a tour of the state with resounding success and huge acceptance across the three Senatorial zones and it is our belief that we shall not only clinch the party ticket but shall ultimately emerge victorious at the general elections, come 2023 through the overwhelming support of the people and the special grace of God.

    Let us at this juncture, state categorically,that the attempt to browbeat our Principal,Professor Sandy Onor from contesting the Governorship election, simply based on the concept of geo-ethnicity was untenable ab initio. For someone who spent the best part of his youth working for the unity of the state by supporting candidates from the south in the persons of Prof Eyo Etim Nyong and Mr Donald Duke,to the extent where the latter emerged Governor; this new and pernicious wave of geo-ethnicity is to say the least,deeply regrettable and worrisome.

    What our state requires now is a man of courage,
    confidence and humility who understands the history,culture and geography of our state; a man with the right intellect and experience; a man tested and proven enough to speak and act for all of cross river state without the odious emphasis on a single geo-political zone. Put differently, this is the time when our commonalities rather than our divisions ought to be emphasized. Our state,before our own eyes, is fast sliding into the abyss and this therefore, can not be the time to play to the gallery with provocative geo-ethnic sensibilities.

    We thank our teeming supporters across the state for their unflinching encouragement even as we beseech more well- meaning Cross Riverians to join us in this quest to restore our floundering State to its former heights of both Regional and National Pre-eminence. Infact,our dream is to take our state to higher levels of inclusiveness,productivity, peace,progress and development.

    Once again, Happy New Year and May God bless us all.

    Joe Obi Bisong ( Hon. Chief)
    Director General
    Caterpillar movement

  • Where Was The Calabar-Ogoja Accord When The Following Events Took Place BY JOE OBI BISSONG

    Where Was The Calabar-Ogoja Accord When The Following Events Took Place BY JOE OBI BISSONG

    As the Cross River Southern clamours for the position of the governorship to be zoned to them without contest as majority hinged their argument on the 1980 Calabar-Ogoja accord, the former State Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Chief Joe Obi Bisong has asked critical questions that requires sincere and genuine answers if we must get it right in the choice of who becomes our governor comes 2023.

    According Bisong,
    “1. When In 1999 Donald Duke from the South, Kanu Agabi and Mark Ukpo from the North contested.

    “2. In 2003 when Donald Duke from the South, John okpa from the central.
    Mark Ukpo, Rose Oko, Akpang Obi odu from the North contested

    “3. In 2007 when Prof Etim Nyong from the South and Walter Eneji, Paul Ukpo, Julius Okputu from the North contested against Liyel Imoke of Central Senatorial District.

    “4. In 2011 When Etim Nyong and NSE Adegoke of South contested against Liyel Imoke of Central and Paul Ukpo of Northern Senatorial District.

    “5. In 2015 when Eyo Ekpo from the South, Usani Usani from Central contested against Ben AYADE from the North.

    “6. In 2019 when John Owan Eno with Ntufam Ekpo Okon( Deputy Governor) of Central and South respectively, Former Attorney General of the State, Eyo Ekpo from the South, contested against Ben AYADE of Northern Senatorial district.

    “Where were the agitators of today when all these took place?

    “All Senatorial Districts have always contested. So 2023 should not be exclusive for any Senatorial District.

    “Joe Obi Bisong
    Fmr publicity Secretary
    PDP CRS chapter”

  • 56th Birthday Anniversary: Joe Obi Bisong Goes To Church, Holds Public Lecture

    56th Birthday Anniversary: Joe Obi Bisong Goes To Church, Holds Public Lecture

    By Elijah Ugani

    As part of the activities to mark his 56th birth anniversary, the Director General of the Caterpillar Movement birthed by Sen Prof Sandy Onor, Chief Joe Obi Bisong returned to God in thanksgiving and held a public lecture to ex ray successive leadership in Cross River State.

    The thanksgiving mass was held at the oldest parish in Ogoja Catholic diocese, St Patrick’s parish Kakwagom, on Thursday, August 19th 2021 and presided by Rev Fr Richard Otu Agbor.

    The homilist, Rev Fr (Sub-Lieutenant) Simon Bisong, stated that friends and well wishers are gathered here to thank God for granting the celebrant 56 years of good health.

    Referring to the celebrant, the priest stated that “there are so many times you have escaped assassination. During this 56 years of your eventful life, you have created so much impact within our community.
    There are so many people who have made so much efforts, but they have not made any impact.
    We are here to thank God and ask him to keep you to attain the biblical years and even beyond.

    “In this life, you have met a lots of people, some who will come into your life briefly and go away.
    They are some who have been with you from the beginning to the end. On a day like this, you need to appreciate those who have impacted on you positively or negatively.

    “A day where you need to rewrite the agenda of your life. In rewriting your agenda, I wish you to consider these three things.

    “First, Work on your relationship between you and your family members. When you speak, everyone including your family members listen to you.
    Who will take after you, who will take over from you. Build an empire where your family members will take after you.

    “Secondly, build your relationship with those who are working with you. A good leader is the one who want his followers to grow more than him. And that is what we know you for. All you need is to consolidate.

    “The last thing is that you need to consolidate your relationship with God. You have to work on your relationship with God. I know you believe in God, maybe along the way, something happened and you backsides, this is the time for you to put God first on your agenda”

    On his part, the Priest In-Charge of St Patrick parish, Kakwagom, Rev Fr Victormario Otu, described Chief Joe Obi Bisong as a trailblazing community builder and pathfinder whose echoes of goodwill permeates the entire Kakwagom nation and even beyond. He held that for Chief Joe Obi Bisong to have come to thank God for the gift of life further affirms his love for God.

    The parish priest used the opportunity to invite friends and well wishers of Chief Joe Obi Bisong to the centenary celebration of the parish next year.

    Eulogizing the DG, Caterpillar Movement during thanksgiving mass, Sen Prof Sandy Onor hinted that “Joe has limitations just as myself, but Joe is a profoundly good man. Very few are better than him, in terms of quality, honesty, commitment and knowledge of the politics.

    “When I am not around and I ask Joe to go and represent me, most of the times, people wonder whether it is me or not, you know we look almost the same. I am thankful to God for this community to have a son like Joe.

    “When people send you and you passionately commit all that you have to them, God will bless you abundantly, I have experienced this myself, it is too late for me to go back. All the monies available to me for constituency projects, I showed Joe everything, we give back to the people. We will continue to serve our people to the best of our ability.

    “In politics, once you have people who give you bad advice, that is the beginning of your fall. On the other hand, when you are lucky and bless to have people who give you good advice, then you will do very well. I am bless and lucky to have Chief Joe Obi Bisong as my DG.

    “Many people have had cause to say even to me whether Joe own DG is different and whether election has not finished and I say to them that election has not finished. Joe, as long as we have tasks, he will continue to direct us generally.

    “If you want me to be happy with you, speak good of Joe, and if you don’t want me to be happy with you, then speak ill of Joe”

    Reacting to the lecture, Sen. Onor berated leadership approach in the state and averred that “Yesterday we were very proud of Cross River State, today we’re ashamed of our state. People must speak the truth; this is no time for elegance. Our state is drifting. Our people are suffering. Our values and morals have been eroded. Young people are taught rubbish. Our local governments have to be resuscitated. Our councilors would have meaning. Our chiefs have to be respected. Cultism has to be given the back seat. There must be value for money. Cross River has to get back to where it used to be. We may not have money, but we have values as a people. People left their places with their wealth and all to come and rest in Cross River State because of our hygiene and propriety, we will get back there”.

    Presenting the lecture, Mr Ken Egbas, hinted that Cross River State has no development plan as compared to Lagos state that developed a 50 years development plan during the Amed Bola Tinubu reign as Governor. He lamented and argued that Cross River State does not deserve to belong at the bottom of the ladder of every index for measuring human and economic development in the comity of states in Nigeria. Statistics presented by Egbas, indicates that recently, Cross River State ranks the least out of the lowest 5 states on capital expenditure of a budget of about 1.4trillion naira. The five (5) states are: Taraba, Ogun, Imo, Benue and Cross River. In the same report ranking, physical discipline in state budgets, Cross River ranked 35th, only marginally above Borno State. Borno being the capital of insurgence in the North East would have contributed to Borno occupying that position, but what would be the excuse for Cross River? Egbas held that the answer is lack of leadership! He again stated that “given the precarious situation we find ourselves as a state, a ‘Messiah’ would be needed come 2023 to salvage the state from its current state of decay”

  • NANNM Commends Chief Joe Obi Bisong, Confers Award Of Honour On Him

    NANNM Commends Chief Joe Obi Bisong, Confers Award Of Honour On Him

     

    The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institution Sector, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar, has commended the Director General of the Caterpillar Movement, Chief Joe Obi Bisong for his display of professionalism in service, mentorship, and immense contribution to the nursing profession in particular and humanity in general. Speaking at the NANNM(FNPH, Calabar) Send-Off Party in honour of 38 retirees on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, NANNM Chairman, FNPH, Calabar, Mr Monday Patrick Anake described Chief Joe Obi Bisong as a qualified, certified and experienced nurse whose drive for empathy is worth emulating.

    In his speech, Chief Bisong who served as Chairman of the occasion poured encomium on the Medical Director, Dr Bassey Edet whom he described as “A man who combines competence and excellence” as he delved into what inspired him into the nursing profession: “The watch worn by nurses that time was not a common thing; they hung it on the chest protruding downward with two clear biros of which one must be red and one could be either black or blue. The immacularity of the uniform was another thing, sparkling uniform. But, the major drive for me was empathy. I enjoy putting myself in the shoes of the other person. These factors drew my admiration to the nursing profession.”

    Short of his expectations, Chief Bisong lamented the twist of hope that befell him as he said: “From my first day in the school of nursing my expectations were very different from what I came to meet. I thought I was going into an institution where there was going to be freedom, where there was going to be a lot of things. But, when I got there the very first thing they told me with emphasis was “this is nursing. The actions ordinary you could have carried out and become a stepping stone for the growth of the profession were said to be an affront to the profession. Questions for clarification were said to be disrespectful. This became the issue.”

    In a congratulatory message to the retirees Chief Bisong said: “In an event such as this where people have put in 35 years of meritorious service, it’s no mean feat and all we need to say to them is congratulations”. He lamented the poor preparation of workers towards retirement as he said: “It is a dangerous situation when you work for 35 years and retire without a house of your own and your children are still in school. Pension is supposed to be the money you use to buy drug supplements, eat good food and enjoy yourself. Having made this fundamental mistake and you begin to train your children with pension is not a very good development. We don’t use pension to build houses. When you begin to wait for monthly pension just to buy one or two bags of cement, that also is not a very good situation. If you are hit by health challenge in the course of such you discover that you would be buried in an uncompleted building.”

    The event drew the presence of representatives of national executive of NANNM, serving and retired nurses, and families and friends of retirees.

  • Governorship Zoning Process In Cross River State Politics: The True Position From Our Institution Library And Archives – Joe Bisong

    Governorship Zoning Process In Cross River State Politics: The True Position From Our Institution Library And Archives – Joe Bisong

     

    From the fits and starts of intervening Civilian and Military rule of decades past, democracy finally settled and stabilised in Nigeria in I999. Since then, to present day it has been unbroken civilian rule. It is therefore a given and common sense that when Cross Riverians talk of ZONING OF THE GOVERNORSHIP OF THE STATE, such dates back to 1999.

    1.ZONING in Cross River State has neither been a FORMALISED NOR INSTITUTIONALISED ARRANGEMENT. Although the three Senatorial Districts of the State have each produced a Governor dating back to Mr Donald Duke (South), Sen Liyel Imoke(Central),
    Sen Prof Ben Ayade(North), at no time has the political class of Cross River State, either intra Party or inter Party, institutionalised or enacted on the modus operandi or modus vivendi of the Rotational Governorship basis for the three Senatorial Districts! This is why in virtually all Gubernatorial elections, both intra Party and inter Party, ALL SENATORIAL DISTRICTS HAD CONTESTED!

    2.Rather, ROTATION HAS BEEN THE TREND BASED ON THE SIMPLE AND CONVENTIONAL PROCESS OF SELF ELIMINATION! Once a given Senatorial District got the Governorship for eight years, it eliminated itself from eligibility from the succeeding contest that followed. Such has the wily nilly process of ROTATION BY SELF ELIMINATION evolved that has seen all three Senatorial Districts get the Governorship and accordingly,all have been duly placated!

    3.This first circle of Rotation by self elimination ends in May 2023; and a new circle of same Rotation by self elimination commences . Accordingly, we shall provide proof to our assertion that conventionally, IT HAS BEEN AN ALL COMERS AFFAIR FOR ALL THREE SENATORIAL DISTRICTS IN ANY GIVEN GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION and that Rotation has been based on self elimination of the immediate Senatorial District that just left office after eight years; but not on any formal or institutionalised process!

    4. In 1999 intra Party Primaries in PDP, Mr Donald Duke from the South ran the Governorship Primaries with Barr Kanu Agabi from the North, while Prof Eyo Etim Nyong from the South ran with Mr Mark Ukpo from the North in APP.

    The Governorship election of 1999 was ultimately between Donald Duke from the South and Mark Ukpo from the North.

    5.In 2003,the Governorship election was between Mr Donald Duke of the PDP from the South and Chief John Okpa of the APP from Central.

    6.In 2007, the PDP Governorship Primaries was between Sen Liyel Imoke from Central and Mr Walter Eneji and Dr Julius Okputu from the North. The Governorship election proper of 2007 was between Sen Liyel Imoke of PDP from Central versus Prof Eyo Etim Nyong from South and Paul Ukpo from the North

    7. In fact, it is worth mentioning in retrospect, that even after Sen Liyel Imoke of Central had won the Governorship election in 2007, the North in Ukpo, engaged the Central in prolonged and convoluted litigation at the Election Tribunal that saw
    Imoke’s victory annulled twice.
    8. In 2011,Imoke from Central ran again for his second term against Eyo Etim Nyong, Ima Isa Adegoke(Labour Party),both from the South and Dr Onyuike(Accord Party), Mary Ekpre(CPC), Goddy Akpama (PPA) and Usani Usani(ACN)from the Central.

    9.Then, finally came the present tenure which dated back to 2019. The Governorship election was between Sen Prof Ben Ayade from the North, Sen John Owan Enoh from Central and BARR EYO EKPO FROM SOUTH! In fact, it is instructive to note that Barr Eyo Ekpo, then a renowned stalwart of PDP, decamped from PDP to Social Democratic Party (SDP) only for the purpose of running the 2019 Governorship election.

    10.Conclusively therefore, as it was in the beginning, and now is, so shall it be in 2023 Cross River State Governorship Election! To whom God wills, let the power fall, then the conventional or normative process of ZONING BY SELF ELIMINATION FOR THE THREE SENATORIAL DISTRICTS starts from there and then again in this new circle.

    Chief Joe Obi Bisong is the former State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Cross River State Chapter

     

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of the author, Joe Obi Bisong and did not represent The Lumine News or the organization the author works for.

  • Re: Building The Cross River State Of Our Dream. Interrogating The Position of Hon. Chris Njah Mbu-ogar: Facts Vs Farces

    Re: Building The Cross River State Of Our Dream. Interrogating The Position of Hon. Chris Njah Mbu-ogar: Facts Vs Farces

    By Joe Obi Bisong

    For the sake of clarity and in-depth exposition, I would love to give a brief synopsis of the events preceding the Supreme Court Judgement that dealt a traumatizing blow on Dr. Steve Odey and the Governor’s minions.

    Sequel to the unfortunate demise of Late Senator Rose Oko, erstwhile Senator representing the Cross River State Northern Senatorial District, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed a by-election to fill the Vacant position at the Senate. The electioneering process saw two factions within the People’s Democratic Party, both laying claim to Winning the election. The PDP Primaries conducted on the *5th of September 2020* had produced Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as winner of the primaries monitored by INEC officials and conducted using the “AUTHENTIC DELEGATE LIST” as approved by the NWC of PDP and Dr. Steve Odey on the other hand claimed to have won the Primaries using another Delegate List. Consequently, both factions went to court seeking legal validation to their individual claim, fortunately for Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the Supreme Court on the 25th of February 2021 struck out Dr. Steve Odey’s appeal against the judgement earlier delivered by a High Court and an Appeal Court in favour of Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe. This judgement incidentally became the last straw that broke the camel’s back and left Dr. Steve Odey’s camp perplexed, distraught and politically comatose.

    In view of the above, many political analysts, pundits, gladiators and Power Brokers have continued to give different opinions on the outcome of the Supreme Court Judgement, but I am very particular about interrogating the position of Hon. Chris Njah Mbu-ogar as captured in the interview granted to Beatrice Akpala. In doing that, I would gladly x-ray the Facts and Farces as captured in the interview.

    FARCE 1: “Northern Cross River May Never have a Leader”

    FACT: The truth is, every great leader is a product of the People. The People decide who they want as their Leader. Power resides where men believe it resides, it’s a trick, a shadow on the wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow, if he has the people with him. The People of Northern Cross River know their true Leader(s).

    FARCE 2: “The Conspiracy of Silence amongst Leaders of thought in Northern Cross River”

    FACT: To his Credit, Hon. Chris Njah Mbur-ogar admitted that His Excellency, Prof. Ben Ayade “attempted” carrying an all- inclusive decision making process in Northern Cross River but “ran into trouble”. This confession from Hon. Chris Njah Mbur-ogar further underscored the claim from some Leaders in Northern Cross River that the Governor has been unfair to them and has outrightly neglected them in the process of critical decision making. This could possibly be the reason for the silence on the part of the leaders of thought in Northern Cross River.

    FARCE 3: “External Interference”
    Hon. Chris Njah Mbur-ogar had accused His Excellency Chief Nyesom Wike, Governor of River State, of interfering in the political affairs of Cross River State in a bid to politically empower his friend and ally, Distinguished Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor.

    FACT: The truth is, a bad workman always blames his tools. He blames everyone and everything but himself for whatever ill-fate that befalls him. Let me assume without conceding that Governor Nyesom Wike is actually interfering in the affairs of Cross River State, won’t that be tantamount to saying that the person piloting the political affairs of Cross River State is weak or docile? How well has the Governor played his politics in the State in carrying members of his political party along? Would there be need for external interference if there was no internal negligence on the part of the Governor?

    FARCE 4: Consensus Building
    Hon. Chris Njah Mbu-ogar had appluaded His Excellency, Mr. Liyel Imoke for introducing the principle of Consensus Building into the politics of Cross River State, which has given Cross River State relative peace.

    FACT: Admittedly, the principle of Consensus Building has given Cross River State relative peace but the big question is, how well has the Governor played his own role towards building a consensus? Can you build a consensus in insolation? How well did the Governor follow the principle of Consensus Building in bringing on board the various Local Government Chairmen/Chairwomen? How well did the Governor follow the principle of Consensus Building in trying to foist Dr. Steve Odey on the people of Cross River North. It is worthy of note to stress that Dr. Steve Odey admitted on National Television that the Governor handpicked him and asked him to run for the Senate. This is against the principle of Consensus Building.
    Sometimes, you need to take your enemy’s side if you are going to see things the way they do.

    FARCE 5: “Prof. Sandy Onor’s Gubernatorial ambition will destroy the Political Family in Cross River State”

    FACT: The truth is Senator Prof Sandy Onor is yet to make any declaration about running for the Governorship seat. Hence, it is wrong to place the cart before the horse. Nevertheless, let me assume that Distinguished Senator Prof Sandy Onor will contest for the Governorship seat, how will his running for the Governorship position destroy the Political Family in Cross River State? The issue of Zoning and Power Shift to Southern Cross River is highly insignificant at this moment. The zoning principle is the political arrangement of PDP as a political party and the party can still decide to zone it’s Gubernatorial ticket to any Senatorial District. Remember, the Party is SUPREME
    FARCE 6:
    POWERS OF GOVERNOR AS LEADER OF POLITICAL PARTY

    FACTS:
    Every Governor is indeed, the leader of the party he belongs to and what qualifies leadership is the ability to take responsibility and understand that a whole lot of good or bad events depend on your decisions, actions and inactions.
    FARCE 7:SEN LIYEL IMOKE’S LEADERSHIP

    FACTS:
    His Excellency Sen. Liyel Imoke is a fantastic politician and great in all perspectives but he too, is human and had his shortfalls and the consequences are factors that have laid a foundation for the avoidable crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party in Cross River State now. A few, mismanaged issues led to the defection of the former Governor, H.E Donald Duke and Senator Victor Ndoma Egba who exited the party with his portfolio as Senate leader.
    Gov Imoke’s closest aides, the then Chief of Staff and his deputy, Sir Alex Egbonna and Jude Ngaji contested and failed elections and the former left the party to be later followed by his deputy after a second failed trial in the incumbent administration. A few of the myriad of good heads he had as appointees including a former speaker of the CRSHA who acted as Governor when Imokes election was annulled by the court contested and failed gubernatorial elections and exited the party as well. All these high profile defections gave prominence to Labour Party in the State. This dictatorial leadership style was what led to the hand picking of a governor in the person of HE, Ben Ayade as successor.
    Today, Hon Njar Mbu Ogar who at most partook as a chapter chairman during these events attempts to manipulate and arm twist the facts. Such impetus and negative audacity puts a question mark on his integrity.

    FARCE 8:
    Issue of Governor Ayade being undermined by the National leadership of the PDP
    FACTS:
    Contrary to what is being peddled by Hon Chris Njar Mbu Ogar about the Governor being undermined by the NWC of the PDP, indeed, Governor Ben Ayade is the most favoured PDP Governor in Nigeria despite his blatant disregard and noncommittal to the Party. He has never attended the National Executive Committee meeting of the People’s Democratic Party and has never held a successful Caucus meeting which comprises of All National Assembly Members, principal officers of State House of Assembly, some members of the State party exco and Board of Trustees, the only one he managed to put together ended like child’s play because he only called to inform party stakeholders about his choice for State Party Chairmanship yet. In the build up to Congress ,the National Working Committee gave him the sole responsibility of nominating members of the congress Committee to oversee the Ward and Chapter Congresses and after the same committee he selected went back with results, he started calling for a change as if the Party is a play toy.
    No serious party leadership will accept such demands.

    THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE PDP
    The People’s Democratic Party is founded on the following principles;
    – Consensus, where relevant party leaders sit and agree on certain vital decisions including zoning.
    – Strict Adherence to Zoning which is the consensus decision of the caucus.
    – Gender Sensitivity, where party leaders encourage balance in gender participation in party activities.
    – Qualification and Loyalty.

    From the three above, the party caucus finds qualified persons who have been loyal to the party and supports their aspirations.
    Gov Ayade has not kept faithfully, even one from any of these principles. Today, those whose counsel he preferred over sound reasoning are crying foul and looking for who to blame. There’s very little success, if at all, that anyone who builds a fence of sycophants around himself can achieve.

    FARCE 9:FEAR OF 2023

    FACTS: The energy they put into the fright of the outcome of 2023 should be used for sober reflection. 1Timothy 5:8 “any man who cannot provide for his household has denounced his faith and is worse than an infidel”
    Let it be on record that the likes of Chris Njar Mbu Ogar are the reason the crisis in Cross River State PDP degenerated to the level it is today.

    It is instructive to note that he Chris mentioned the fact that HE Sen. Liyel Imoke introduced consensus building at all levels as Governor of Cross River State. The idea of consensus building did not only bring about peace and stability in the polity, it also made him succeed as governor because respected leaders across board were widely consulted before major decisions affecting the state are taken. This gave them a huge sense of belonging and calmed frayed nerves.

    But today, we have a situation where the governor unilaterally takes decisions affecting the State without due consultation and not minding if there are consequences.

    Worthy of note also is the fact that it is not a crime to have a governor as a friend. Keep Governor Wike out of our self inflicted crisis.

    An attempt to pass the buck and make unguarded utterances rather than come by way of amendable statement will further polarize the system. Leaders must at all times surround themselves with followers who are honest enough to point out loop holes around them. Wrong advisors and praise singers constitute the major pitfalls of leadership because they tell you you are right even when they know you are wrong for the benefits.

    Senator Sandy is delivering excellently well on his mandate as Senator representing the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District.
    Rather than take media space to play a script in support for Mr Ben Akak to foster his Deputy Governorship ambition ,Chris Njar Mbu-Ogar should do well to show the good people of Etung his achievements as member representing Etung in the house of Assembly. If only he would enlist this energy in service to his people, Etung LGA would be better for him.
    If I may ask, in what capacity is Hon Chris Njar Mbu Ogar acting as the spokesman of Cross River State politics if not for the usual delusions of grandeur and the bloated ego of a failed empire.

    Conclusively, while it is good for us to build a better and stronger Cross River State of our collective dreams, it is worthy of note to further stress that those who live in glass houses, don’t throw stones.

    God bless Cross River State!!
    God bless the PDP!!!

    HON (CHIEF)
    JOE OBI BISONG
    Director General Caterpillar Movement.
    Former Publicity Secretary PDP, CRS.

     

    DISCLAIMER: The Opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of Chief Joe Obisong and does not represent TheLuminenNews or its agent.