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Tag: #Peter Odey

  • Bekwarra LG Crisis: Acting Governor Odey Brokers Peace Between Chairman And Councillors

    Bekwarra LG Crisis: Acting Governor Odey Brokers Peace Between Chairman And Councillors

     

    Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, has intervened in the political crisis unfolding in Bekwarra Local Government Area following the impeachment notice issued to Council Chairman, Hon. Theresa Ushie, by the councillors.

    On March 20, 2025, nine out of ten councillors initiated impeachment proceedings against the council Chairman of Bekwarra LG, Hon Theresa Ushie, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and abuse of office. The accusation deepened as accusations of unilateral decision-making and poor communication between the executive and legislative arms dominated discourse at the meeting.

    Responding swiftly, Acting Governor Odey convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting on March 24, 2025, followed by a second session on March 28, 2025, at his temporary office in the Glass House, Calabar.

    After extensive deliberations, it was observed that the crisis primarily stemmed from a breakdown in communication between the Chairman and the Councillors. Acknowledging this, Hon. Ushie offered an apology for any lapses and reaffirmed her commitment to working harmoniously with the legislators and other stakeholders in the local government.

    In his address, Acting Governor Odey urged all political stakeholders to set aside their differences and focus on governance and service delivery to the people of Bekwarra. He emphasized the need for due process, collaboration, and dialogue in resolving conflicts, stressing that effective communication and inclusiveness should be prioritized to prevent future disputes.

    Acting Governor Odey, leveraging his experience as a former UNDP advisor and legislator, adopted a family-oriented approach to resolving the crisis but cautioned that such interventions may not always be available. He called on all public officeholders to be proactive in their duties and embrace dialogue and consultation as essential tools for conflict resolution.

    Concluding, He stressed that impeachment should not be trivialized or used as a political weapon, as it is meant to be a last resort

    In their separate remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, emphasized the importance of peace and unity. They urged stakeholders to support the State Governor’s “People First” mantra, noting that no society thrives in a disharmonious environment.

    Also present at the reconciliatory meeting were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Hon. Charles Omang Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor Felix-Idem; Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere; Head of Personal Staff to the Acting Governor, Dr. Chris Ojiokpong, Bekwarra LG APC Chapter Chairman, Thomas Odama, and the Local Government Vice Chairman, Hon. Egbung Odama, among others.

    Fred Abua, Esq.,
    Press Secretary to the Acting Governor of Cross River State
    28/03/2025

  • Impeachment Of Bekwarra Local Government Chairman And Matters Arising BY ELIJAH UGANI

    Impeachment Of Bekwarra Local Government Chairman And Matters Arising BY ELIJAH UGANI

    It is no longer news that Councillors of Bekwarra Local Government Council has allegedly impeached the local government Chairman, Mrs Theresa Ushie over gross misconduct.

    Despite denial by the Chairman in a press release signed by her Chief Press Secretary, Mr Agaji Ntamu, the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Mr Erasmus Ekpang, has on the directives of the Acting Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey, invited the embattled Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, the ten Councillors, Member representing Bekwarra in the Cross River State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Finance, the state party Chairman of APC and others stakeholders for an important meeting tomorrow to address the lingering crisis in Bekwarra. A development that the council chairman has not issued a rebuttal to the effect.
    Her silence on the this directive from the Acting Governor and her continue refusal of the pending issues in Bekwarra, leaves much to be desired of her as a true servant of her people.

    This matter was first hinted by Mr Solomon Ogar, of Solomon Island, but was refuted by all supporters of the council Chairman who are visible on Facebook. They described the report as a figment of Solomon’s imagination and labeled him a purveyor of fake news.

    The Councillors remained undunted and issued multiple releases to support their position aided with press videos.

    A former President Buhari Aide, and Chairman, Presidential Asset Recovery Committee, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has described the impeachment as a child’s play and averred that there are laid down procedures for impeachment of elected council chairman.

    What should interest the public in this melodrama should be the veracity of the accusations and how best to handle the situation that will guarantee the collective interest of Bekwarra.

    It was allegedly reported that Ada Bekwarra ii, Hon Omang Idiege, had brokered a meeting to resolve the lingering issues twice and the Chairman refused to show up for the meeting.

    Many pundits suggests that the council chairman has been ground standing because of her closeness with the governor and so treats the councillors with a wave of hand and disdain.

    As I commend the Acting Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey, for taking the bold step to convey a meeting to resolve this crisis, I will suggest that he tells the chairman that she cannot function alone without the councillors.

    The Acting Governor should remind her that the Supreme Court just recently berated Gov Fubara for running River State government without the state house of assembly.

    The chairman needs to humble herself and realize that she is rather a servant of Bekwarra and desist from lording herself over her people.

    I wish them a fruitful deliberation as we look forward to having peace in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

    EU.

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

  • CRSG Strengthens Local Government Autonomy Through Staff Training Initiative

    CRSG Strengthens Local Government Autonomy Through Staff Training Initiative

    The Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration to ensuring the effective functioning of the local government system in compliance with legal provisions.

    Speaking on Monday at the opening of a two-day induction and training workshop for Principal Officers, Heads of Departments, and newly employed staff of the Unified Local Government Service, Odey emphasized that the state is set to experience, for the first time, true local government autonomy.

    Reiterating the administration’s stance on local government autonomy, Odey stated: “His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, fully supports local government autonomy. During my tenure in the House of Assembly, I voted twice in favor of it because I firmly believe that granting autonomy to local governments as the third tier of government will drive grassroots development.”

    He urged participants to maximize the training opportunity by learning from experienced facilitators. He also encouraged senior employees to mentor the newly recruited staff, stressing that the Otu administration remains dedicated to workers’ welfare, capacity development, and the repositioning of the public service.

    In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Darlington Eyo, highlighted that the training aims to equip the new workforce with essential skills, knowledge, and values to enhance their performance as civil servants.

    Eyo commended Governor Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Odey for their unwavering commitment to capacity building and career development, noting that despite the state’s financial constraints, significant strides have been made in human capital development.

    He further stated that the training, currently taking place in Calabar, had previously been conducted in the Northern and Central Senatorial Districts under the theme “Rejuvenating the Local Government System in Cross River State.”

    The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Head of Service, Obol Dr. Innocent Eteng, Commissioner for Establishment, Training, and Pension, Mrs. Lawrencia Ita, as well as Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Heads of Departments.

    Fred Abua, Esq.,
    Press Secretary to the Acting Governor of Cross River State

  • “We Are Family” – C’River Deputy Governor Tells Council Leaders

    “We Are Family” – C’River Deputy Governor Tells Council Leaders

     

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD, has called on the 18 Leaders of Councils across the state to foster unity and work together as a family.

    Odey made this call on Tuesday at a meeting with the council leaders at the Glass House, his temporary office in the Government House, Calabar.

    Odey, while assuring the Leaders that their official vehicles would be delivered within the month of January, urged them to always remember their role as “primus inter pares” (first among equals) and to treat their colleagues with respect and decorum.

    Rt. Hon. Odey emphasized the need for collaboration, reminding them of their shared mandate under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Drawing from his experience as a former Leader of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Odey shared insights on effective leadership, advising the council leaders to prioritize the interest of their people above personal interests, stressing that to achieve effective delivery of the dividends of democracy, they was need for sacrifice on their part.

    He also cautioned them against divisive practices such as gossip and hearsay, urging them to maintain a harmonious working relationship with their council chairmen. He intimated that his doors remains open and encouraged them to take advantage should they need his guidance and support.

    In anticipation of upcoming legislative training for all legislators in the 18 Local Government Areas, Rt. Hon. Odey highlighted the importance of building capacity for effective governance.

    In his vote of thanks on behalf of the group, Hon. ThankGod Ekupnse, Leader of the Etung Local Government Council, who commended the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for his open-door policy, which facilitated the group’s visit on short notice, also praised the Deputy Governor’s collaboration with the ‘People First’ Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, in prioritizing the welfare of Cross Riverians, particularly the youth.

    The meeting was attended by the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council and Chairman of Forum of Council Chairmen in Cross River State, Hon. Yibala Inyang.

    © Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar

  • C’River Deputy Governor Odey Condoles With Godwin Iyala Over Mother’s Death

    C’River Deputy Governor Odey Condoles With Godwin Iyala Over Mother’s Death

     

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, on Friday, at Forté David in Ushara-Gakem, Bekwerra Local Government Area, offered his condolences to Mr. Godwin Iyala, Director General of the State Health Insurance Scheme, on the loss of his beloved mother, Late Mother Theresa Okpele-Iyala.

    The late Mother Okpele-Iyala, known for her strong business acumen, generosity, and nurturing spirit, passed away on July 12th, 2024, at the age of 84.

    In a condolence message to the Director General of State Health Insurance Scheme, Sir Godwin Iyala, KSJi, JP, the Deputy Governor said: “Your mother was a woman of exceptional character, a devout Catholic whose faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a chef and home builder, she not only nourished bodies but also nurtured hearts, creating a home filled with love, warmth, and peace. Her simplicity and contentment were testaments to a life well-lived, grounded in values that many aspired to but few truly embodied.

    “Madam Okpele-Iyala’s legacy as a peace-loving woman and a firm yet loving disciplinarian will continue to live on in the lives of those who she touched”

    Odey further stated that, “though her time on this earth was shorter than wished, we must take comfort in knowing that the value of life is not measured by its length but by the profound impact one makes during their time”

    He encouraged the Iyala family to find comfort in the knowledge that their mother lived a fulfilling life, dedicated to spreading love, compassion, and kindness to her family and community.

    Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar

  • Bekwerra New Yam Festival: We’ll continue To Prioritize The Welfare Of Traditional Rulers – Gov. Otu

    Bekwerra New Yam Festival: We’ll continue To Prioritize The Welfare Of Traditional Rulers – Gov. Otu

     

    Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has pledged government support to traditional rulers across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas, with a focus on improving the socioeconomic well-being of Cross Riverians.

    The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, gave this assurance during a visit to the Paramount Rulers of the Northern Senatorial District at the Bekwarra Local Government Council Headquarters on Saturday.

    He emphasized the vital role that traditional institutions play in maintaining peace and order and assured that the government remains committed to prioritizing the welfare of chiefs in line with the administration’s “People First” mantra.

    Governor Otu also outlined the government’s interventions in key areas such as road rehabilitation, healthcare, security, education, and agriculture across the five LGAs in the North. He assured the completion of ongoing projects and the initiation of new ones. He further encouraged the people of Bekwarra to embrace the Governor’s agricultural policies, aimed at boosting food production and security.

    Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers from Northern Cross River, HRM Linus Ogbeche Odey, Paramount Ruler and Chairman of Bekwerra Traditional Rulers Council praised Governor Otu and Deputy Governor Odey for their leadership and foresight in implementing people-centered policies, particularly the ongoing road projects and the provision of farm inputs to farmers not just in the senatorial district but across the state.

    He assured the deputy governor that traditional rulers would continue to support government policies and program which he described as “grassroots and people-oriented”

    In his vote of thanks, the Paramount Ruler and Chairman of Obanliku Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Uchua Amos Uyimulam appealed to the Governor to restore the Northern Festival (Northfest), which serves as a rallying point for the five LGAs, and also to ensure the timely completion of the ongoing road project projects and initiation of new ones for the overall interest of the Northern Senatorial District and the state at large.

    The Deputy Governor was accompanied on the visit by the member representing Boki I in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, former House of Representatives member for the Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbor, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Michael Odere; and the Chapter Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the five LGAs in the North, among others.

  • Governor Otu Pledges Continued Support for Business Growth in the State

    Governor Otu Pledges Continued Support for Business Growth in the State

     

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the state’s socioeconomic landscape by fostering a conducive environment for business growth.

    Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Otu made this statement when he received in audience, Mr. Charles Odii, the Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), at Government House in Calabar on Tuesday.

    Odey highlighted the vital role that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play in driving state development, emphasizing their importance within his administration’s ‘People First’ agenda.

    He emphasized the efforts of the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA), led by Mr. Great Ogban, and stressed the need for collaboration with SMEDAN to maximize the contributions of SMEs in job creation, economic revitalization, and expanding economic opportunities for the citizens of Cross River State.

    The Governor also revealed that his administration is actively developing strategies to empower small business owners by leveraging local content policies to help their businesses thrive.

    Deputy Governor Odey commended Mr. Charles Odii for his dedication to engaging young people in productive activities and providing crucial support for their creative and income-generating endeavors.

    “The only way to build a sustainable and globally competitive economy is through serious commitment, and as a government, we are fully committed to this partnership and future collaborations,” Odey stated.

    Speaking earlier, SMEDAN’s Director-General, Mr. Charles Odii, appreciated the Cross River State Government for its efforts to strengthen SME activities through MEDA, providing necessary support and financial services to boost their operations.

    He highlighted SMEDAN’s role in Nigeria’s economic growth and development, noting that the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) ecosystem in Nigeria comprises approximately 40 million businesses, with 38 million classified as Nano businesses, primarily youth-led and youth-owned.

    Mr. Odii emphasized that with proper guidance, improved resources, and adequate opportunities as well as workforce support, Nano businesses have the potential to grow into major enterprises.

    In attendance were the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede, Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom-Odum Ukam, Commissioner for Information, Hon. Erasmus Ekpang and the Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong as well s the Director General of MEDA, Mr. Great Ogban, along with other government officials.

    Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar

  • C’River Deputy Governor Charges Youths To Be Models Of Society

    C’River Deputy Governor Charges Youths To Be Models Of Society

    Ukongikwen Adie

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Ph.D, has called on youths in Nigeria in general and Cross River State in particular to use their youthfulness to do great things for the society.

    Odey made this call in his office on Friday, 19th July, 2024, when a delegation of the National Youth Council (NYC) led by State Commissioner for Youth and Entrepreneurship, Barr.ljom Ukam, and the President of the National Youth Council (NYC), Ambassador Dokubo, paid a visit to his office.

    Rt. Hon. Odey gave the National Youth Council (NYC) leadership the assurances and support of the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, to ensure free and fair elections for offices in the State Chapter of the National Youth Council.

    Odey added that the State government is proud of the youths of Cross River State who are using their time and talents for the good of the nation as against those involved in kidnapping, violent demonstrations and other social vices.

    “We believe in encouraging the youth population. That is why there is a fair representation of the youth in the present administration”

    He charged them to ensure that the elections are free and fair, devoid of violence.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth, Barr. Ijom Ukam, who led the delegation, said the purpose of their visit was to update the Deputy Governor on the activities preceding and during the election into offices in the State Chapter of the National Youth Council.
    Barr. Ukam acknowledged that with the charge by the Deputy Governor and the assurances of support from the State government, the election will be hitch-free and the visions and ideals of the National Youth Council will be achieved in Cross River State.

    Also Speaking, the President of the National Youth Council, Ambassador Dokubo, reiterated the resolve of the leadership at the national level to ensure a free and fair election in the State. He called on all Nigerian youths to shun violence and explore diplomacy in channelling their grievances.

    Other government functionaries present during the visit were Dr. Erasmus Ekpang (Commissioner for lnformation), Dr. Chris Ojikpong (Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor), Barr. Don Claimz Enamhe, Mr Akiba (Senior Special Adviser Special Duties), Comrade Dan Obo (Outgoing Chairman, NYC-CRS) and other members of the National Youth Council, Cross River State Chapter.

  • We’re Ready To Partner French Government On Economy, Projects Implementation – CRSG

    We’re Ready To Partner French Government On Economy, Projects Implementation – CRSG

     

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Thursday, received in audience Mr Florent Mangin, the Head of Regional Economic Department Nigeria-Ghana and his entourage, at the Government House in Calabar.

    The Deputy Governor who expressed delight in welcoming Mr. Mangin and his team, emphasized the state government’s readiness to partner with France and other non-state entities to enhance economic development. He said the administration of Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has made substantial investments to foster a secure and an enabling business environment.

    He expressed gratitude to both the French government and her business community for expressing commitments to supporting the state’s initiatives in line with its ‘People First’ agenda for the welfare of its citizens.

    Mr. Mangin stated his purpose for visiting the state was to convey the eagerness of the French business community to partner with the Cross River State Government in vital sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure projects. These collaborations aim to enhance economic growth and development, aligning with Governor Otu’s ‘People First’ agenda.

    He expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Government for the warm hospitality accorded him and his entourage through some relevant agencies of government since they arrived in the state.

    In attendance at the event were some members of the State Executive Council, Senior Special Advisers and the State Economic Team.

    Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar

  • Egbe-Mbube Community Confers Chieftaincy Title on Cross River Deputy Governor

    Egbe-Mbube Community Confers Chieftaincy Title on Cross River Deputy Governor

    The Council of Traditional Rulers in Egbe -Mbube, Ogoja Local Government Area, have conferred the highest honourary chieftaincy title on the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt Hon. Dr. Peter Odey.

    Odey was conferred with the title of ‘Likeuel é’mpam I’ of Egbe Community, which means, the ‘Pillar of Egbe’ community as a reflection of the positive impact his immense contributions have made towards the development of the community and Mbube nation.

    The title was bestowed on the Deputy Governor recently during the Egbe Day Celebration, an annual event dedicated to celebrate the values of community development.

    Speaking after the conferment, Deputy Governor Odey, represented by his Head of Personal Staff, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, expressed gratitude to the people of Egbe Community and the Council of Traditional Rulers for the honour and recognition, emphasizing its significance to him, and assured the people of his commitment to community development.

    Continuing, he extended congratulations to the good people of Egbe-Mbube community for the successful 2024 Egbe Day Celebration, urging them to continue their support for the administration of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu to fully realize the ‘People First’ Agenda.

    In praising the efforts of the Egbe-Mbube community in undertaking self-sustaining development projects, he hailed the initiative as valuable and encouraged them to persist in launching and completing projects that offer economic advantages and benefit everyone.

    The Clan Head of Egbe-Mbube, HRH Buturo Thomas Akung, stated that conferring the title on Odey recognizes his steadfast dedication to the advancement and progress of not only Mbube nation but also the state and nation as a whole.

    He reassured the Deputy Governor of Egbe people’s support for the current administration, under the capable leadership of Senator Prince Bassey Otu, whom he described as truly embodying the ‘People First’ approach.

    Major highlight of the event, held at the Primary School Field in Egbe-Mbube, Ogoja Local Government Area, included the commissioning of an ultramodern town hall by the Deputy Governor’s representative, presentation of awards and chieftaincy titles to deserving individuals from Ogoja, as well as captivating cultural displays.