₦airaland Forum

2019 Eburutu Day: Obong of Calabar preaches Unity Among Efik Communities.

The Obong of Calabar HRM Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu the 5th has has preached for peace among efik communities in the state.

He stated this during the 2nd Eburutu day celebration with the theme " Globalizing our potentials" which held at Atan Onoyom in Eniong Abatim Odukpani local government area.

The monarch who was clearly amazed by the organization and how much work was put in for this year's event, praised the organizers and the people of Eburutu.
" I am hugely impressed with what I have seen here today and I am glad to be a part of it, I thank all those involved in ressurecting this festival as I have been made to understand that the last time it held was in 2010,"

Continuing, the monarch said " I have been given full assurance by the Chairman of the occasion,
High Chief Dr. Asuquo Ekpenyong that going forward, this festival will be sustained and I promise to lend my support whenever I am needed."
This is a festival that promotes unity, love and togetherness amongst our people and I charge all of you to stay as one.

Edidem Abasi otu who observed that Odukpani LGA is such a vast Local Government and should in ideal circumstance, be further given additional LGA's to allow for more rapid developments, urged the people not to give up hope but to continue in their fervent participation in the scheme of things, so that Odukpani will not be forgotten when the time comes.
"Odukpani is such a massive local government and in reality another two local governments can be carved out from Odukpani but I urge you all not to despair as festivals such as this will bring the needed attention to Odukpani"

Speaking earlier, the chairman of Eburutu assembly High Chief Dr Asuquo Ekpenyong enumerated why the Eburutu day is important to the people of Odukpani.
" As a people we are not just here for show or to make fun, but to showcase the rich economic potentials and cultural heritage of the Eburutu people. "

Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong who opined that Eburutu has been silent for too long advised the people to participate fully in the political process to elect leaders that can bring developments to the area.

"Eburutu has been silent for too long and we want that to stop, we have already started and you can see that by the political appointments that are already coming to Eburutu. You also have developments in terms of infrastructure coming into Eburutu and I am happy to announce to you that in this year's budget in Cross River all the 5 mother clans of Eburutu have been captured with one project or the other."

Also speaking, the Paramount ruler of Odukpani HRM Otu Asuquo Otu Mesembe the 6th praised the organizers of the event and advised that invitation should be extended to other efik communities to ensure a larger crowd.
" I sincerely want to thank the organizers and the good people of Eburutu for this day, my wife is from Atan and I know Atan Onoyom boast of an array of beautiful women. This festival is such beauty to behold and I would like to advise that other efik communities be invited for the next edition" . He also advised that the event should be held bi- annually so that it can be more recognized.

Highlights of the day include: Presentation of awards to deserving sons and daughters of Eburutu for their outstanding service to the community and the formation of Eburutu traditional rulers council which will be headed by High Chief Dr Asuquo Ekpenyong.
Accordingly, a staff of office was presented to him by the Obong of Calabar as a symbol of authority vested on him to superintend as proclaimed and agreed by the Etuboms and clan heads of Eburutu who presented him for installation by the Obong of Calabar as His Royal Highness Dr Asuquo Ekpenyong.

The awardees include:
Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong commissioner for finance
Dr James Ekpenyong Okon
Elder Dr David Okon
Elder Esu Ayara
HRH Etinyin Asuquo
Rev Augustine Eyibio
Dr Mrs Edisua Ita
Engr Chief Essien E Ntung
Chief Edet Bassey .

End...

148 Kilometre dual carriage road to change economy of Cross River North- Ayade

The economy and social status of the people of Nothern Cross River State will soon change upon the Completion of the construction of the 148km mini super highway which cuts across the five local government areas of the Senatorial District, so says Governor Ben Ayade.

Governor Ayade disclosed that this recently after inspecting the completed portion of the dual carriage way fitted with street lightings along Obudu, Bekwara axis of the road.

Ayade said the mini superhighway which stretches through the northern senatorial district of the state is intended to bring back life to the Africa Tourism hotspot of Obudu Ranch Resort amongst others.

"This road is intended to stretch into Obudu Ranch to bring back life to the Ranch. People think the Ranch is dying, it is dying for the things that keep killing any city or project that is stranded. The Ranch is located in too far a place and the access has been a problem, so I knew that the only way we can bring back life to the Ranch is to make the approach to Ranch very worthy," the governor intimated.

He maintained that, "as a son of the northern senatorial district, this mini superhighway, giving a dual carriage way through the heart of the north represents a true message that this place has also seen civilization."

The governor who was accompanied during the inspection by his deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, hinted that every local government area in the state will see something striking in his administration as he had taken a study of what will make a major transformational change in the lives of the people and how to go about them.

According to him, "in three years plus, a 148km dual carriage way is already in this level of beauty. Where we are standing is Obudu local government area, we are not in London, not in Calabar and this is what will stretch to the entire Cross River as this is also what the people want."

On how he was able to conceive and institute the project in spite of the lean resources in the state, the governor explained that, "it comes from intellectual money which is the advance college of thought that believes that the brain is higher than the pocket," adding, "anytime the pocket is empty, you switch on the brain and you will never fail."

Continuing, Ayade explained that, "when intellectualism takes over your governance architecture, materialism becomes zero, so the search to make money is out. What I am looking for now is making a name."
He added that, "you cannot look at making money without looking at my integrity, internal transparency and fear of God, that is why my elections is almost like a walkover. I am satisfied with this."

On his part, the deputy governor, Prof Ivara Esu said, "I don't even know where I am because Obudu has been totally transformed and I stand here, I won't tell a lie, my heart is full of praises not for the governor but for the people of northern Cross River who donated him to Cross River . This indeed, is the kind of democracy dividend that we are really talking about."

Esu pointed out that, "the people of the north will know that their son who loves them and have traveled all over the world wants to truly transform the state from a third world to a first world. I am really overwhelmed".
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APC factional gubernatorial Candidate in Cross River State, Sen. Owan Enoh charges his supporters to dissociate self from plan protest against the illegal removal/humiliation of CJN justice Onnoghen but rather should be celebrating as his removal is advantageous to his gubernatorial ambition...

In a text message conversation between senator John Owan Enoh and an APC supporter in Cross River, the gubernatorial hopeful is clearly seen telling the supporter to dissociate self from such protest as Onnoghen's sacking is to their advantage.
See attached screenshot

Cross River APC scribe, 1000 others defect to PDP, campaign for Ayade

The mass exodus of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River state continued at the weekend when the assistant secretary of the party, Mr. Sunday Omang, led over one thousand of his supporters to defect to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during Governor Ben Ayade's campaign rally in Bekwarra local government area of the state.
Until his defection, Omang was also a member of President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign organization in the state.
Addressing thousands of cheering PDP supporters at the rally, the erstwhile APC scribe, flanked by his co-defectors said no sensible Cross Riverian will remain in the APC after seeing Governor Ayade's massive industrialization drive and infrastructural development of the state just within three and half years in office.
Omang said:" my decision to join the PDP was never influenced in anyway by anybody. Rather, I took the decision alongside my supporters to join PDP because of the good works Governor Ayade is doing to transform Cross River."
According to him, “we are very impressed with development under Ayade, hence our decision to join the PDP train in support of our northern brother to move the state forward. And l want to assure you that we would work for your victory and we appeal, we should be fully integrated and accepted in the party."
Also at the rally, the northern zone of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) declared their unalloyed support for the governor in his re-election bid.
They predicated their support for Ayade in office on his achievements including the ongoing dualization of the 147km mfom-okuku-Obudu dual carriage highway which cuts across the five local government areas of the north.
The Governor was also adopted by fifty thousand member strong okada riders association in Bekwarra who pledged their total support.
In his response, Governor Ayade said his government has already acquired machines to set up a groundnut shelling factories in four locations of the local government.
He also announced plans by his administration to set up a vegetable oil factory in Bekwarra. Ayade also told the cheering crowd that Bekwarra will be the biggest beneficiary of the ongoing 270 kilometers super highway when it is completed linking Cross River state with the northern part of the county.
Earlier, the Governor was overwhelmingly endorsed by the Paramount ruler, clan heads and all the chiefs of Bekwarra.
The Paramount ruler, HRM, Linus Ogbeche Odey, informed the Governor that Bekwarra has over seventy thousand voting strength, assuring the governor that 100 percent of the votes will be cast for him.
He thanked the Governor for the several appointment given to Bekwarra sons and daughters.

BREAKING: I did not endorse Owan Enoh, he has apologized for the lie - Iyanya

Popular Cross River born Nigerian music star, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, popularly known as Iyanya has denied reports making the round on social media that he has endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC for the forthcoming elections in the state.

The multiple award winning musician in a reaction sent to Fearless Reports by his media aide, Offiong Akabom said his meeting with Owan Enoh lasted only for two minutes and was not political.

While admitting that Owan Enoh has apologized to him for the false story, the Kukere Crooner added that he doesn't know him enough nor his plans for the state to have endorsed him.

He berated politicians and their media team over what he described as the manipulation to gain unmerited supports.

According to him "I never endorsed Owan Enoh, governorship candidate of APC in Cross River State
as it's been rumoured in the internet.

"I feel terrible about the manipulation of some politicians and their media team in a bid for power and unmerited support".

Iyanya added that "I have immediately sent a clear message to Mr. Owan Enoh about this and he has immediately communicated his sincere apologies as we’ve never met before now enough to endorse him. Our conversations were barely up to two minutes and we were involved in a few handshakes and he asked to take photos.

I was bemused to find out the following day that his overzealous media team took an event that lasted less that two minutes to be an endorsement on my side.

I do not know his plans for Cross River State, neither I’m I partisan.

I ask all my fans, friends and family to disregard any news or rumor concerning me endorsing Mr. Owan Enoh. I have never endorsed him. Thank you".

It will be recall that Owan Enoh media team last week flooded the social media with pictures of the politician and the musician claiming that Iyanya has endorsed the APC candidate.

Iyanya reaction is coming barely few days after Prince Goddy Jedy Agba denied similar reports by Owan Enoh's media aide that he said Gov. Ben Ayade won't be Governor beyond 2019.

Thousands of party faithful, support groups, youths, traders as well as various social groups, Tuesday, thronged Ukelle and Okpoma in Yala Local Government Area as well as the Ogoja Township Stadium as Governor Ben Ayade flagged of his re-election campaign in Northern Cross River.
Decked in their different regalia and armed with posters and banners, they proclaimed the governor as the best thing to happen to the state.
In Wanikande in Okpoma, a prominent member of the All Progressives Party (APC) and a former governorship aspirant, Dr. Julius Okpotu decamped to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Received by Governor Ayade and members of the PDP campaign council at the venue of the campaign rally, Okpotu said governor Ayade would be reelected on account of his sterling performance in office.
He said Ayade’s support base cuts across party lines, adding, “even members of the APC will work to get him re-elected.”
“I am here because of the good works of Governor Ayade. He has worked tirelessly to change the story of Cross River. His re-election therefore, will be a smooth sail.”
Chanting solidarity songs, the enthusiastic crowd, in appreciation of Governor Ben Ayade's developmental strides, vowed to protect their votes for the governor's return.
This even as the paramount ruler of Yala Local Government Area, Buturo Godwin Denis Odu, said the people of ogoja have decided that Ayade must go back to government house to complete his wonderful performance.
In his word: “we are oracle and we have spoken that our son must return.”
Earlier, the council of chiefs of ukelle received the governor and his team and prayed and blessed him for a smooth re-election.
The clan head, Anthony Eji, stated “you are our son and our people are fully with you as you have represented us well and we would not disappoint and abandon you now”.
Responding, Ayade said: "I know I have done a lot by appointing 6000 appointees, engaged 2500 teachers and 1000 nurses among others, but surely I will know no sleep until everyone of you here gets a job."
The governor who apologized for the inconveniences created by dust at the ongoing 148km northern dual carriage way, enjoined the people to bear with him as such a gigantic project could not have been completed within two years.
He disclosed that the Okpoma water project has been completed among other projects aimed at alleviating the pains of the people.
“This is the turn of the north as both south and central have had their different eight years as governors, so do not allow anybody to come and stop this road we are constructing."
At the Ogoja township stadium, overwhelming crowd of supporters who waited into the night to welcome the Governor burst ecstasy upon his arrival.
An obviously elated Ayade who spoke after some dance steps said: "I thank you for your patience as only the Ogoja people can come together in darkness. Today, I am proud that I am an Ogoja son as no where in this country will you have a rally in this darkness and witness such peace and tranquility as i have seen here now”
At a meeting with the traditional rulers held at Ogoja council hall, the governor disclosed that he intends to organise a leadership and security training for the traditional institution, adding that, he will also ensure that chiefs yet to receive certificate of recognition are duly recognized.
PDP bigwigs who were at the rally,including Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong, Senator Rose Oko and the coordinator of Cross River presidential elections, Barr Chris Agara enjoined the governor to return home and sleep as there was no need to campaign, having since embarked on giant strides aimed at impacting favourably on the citizenry.

Owan-Enoh,APC accused of violence against PDP supporters in C/River

The factional gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Senator John Owan-Enoh and his party have been accused of unleashing violence on peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters in the state.
The Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, Director General of the PDP campaign Organization, Mr. Effiok Cobham PDP Cross River Central Senatorial District candidate, Prof. Sandy Onor and other PDP stalwarts made the accusation when they paid a sympathy visit to two of their supporters who are receiving treatment at a private hospital in Calabar after being attacked by thugs suspected to be loyalists of the APC candidate in Calabar, yesterday.
Ayade who said that he was not desperate to return as the governor in the March 2, gubernatorial election described the act as inhuman, barbaric and called on the law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetuators of the devilish act are brought to book.
In his words: “Cross River State is a state that is known for peace, it is a State that is known for good ambience, clean, green and warm people,” stressing that, “Never in the history of Cross River State have we witnessed the orgy of violence that has befallen the State the way it has in the last one week.”

The Governor recalled that, “Few months ago the factional Governorship candidate of the APC, Senator John Owan-Enoh went on campaign in Obudu, there was loss of life. He moved on to Boki recently, yet again one of our strong political stalwarts in Boki; had father-in-law who lives kicked, matcheted and killed. The body is still in the mortuary.”

He further disclosed that, “Just few days ago in Etomi, Etung Local Government Area, the ward secretary of PDP was again matcheted in a very unholy and ugly manner. His was completely cracked and broken by the supporters of Senator John Owan Enoh’s supporters.

Ayade who said violence is Mr. Owan-Enoh's signature, called on the federal government to intervene as security reports concerning him were not pleasing, explaining that, “It is sad also that he is boasting that those people who have been arrested with live ammunitions, will be freed and he will ensure that he releases them. I therefore call on the Inspector General of Police, the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria to put an eye on Cross River State.”
“The level of arm build up by this man is too much and there have been several security reports that he is sewing army and police uniforms. There are reports that he is bringing arms from Cameroon. There are reports that he is cutting down the forest reserves of Cross River State, doing illegal logging and exporting woods, nothing has happened; the killing so far, nothing has happened and therefore he has the arrogance and protestant masculinity to assert that he will release all his boys that have been arrested.

The Governor who disclosed that the state government has sought redress in court, sued for calm from residents and warned his supporters to desist from any form of retaliation as it was the duty of the police to handle such matters.
On the measures put in place to stem the violence during and after the electioneering period, the governor said, “I am asking the Commissioner of Police, you must stop and search the convoy to ensure that nobody other than the official people who are authorized to bear arms which are the police or the DSS or indeed civil defense bear arms. Anybody in the Governor’s convoy or the candidate's convoy that is carrying arm that is not authorized is a criminal and must be treated as one. So, I now hereby as the Chief Security officer of the state, order the continuous and immediate search of all political convoys because the level of arm buildup from the Cameroon is too huge and we must check it urgently before it become unbearable.”

Continuing he said, "The Amazonian conflict has also brought in a lot of arms into Cross River State. This is not what we are known for and suddenly this John Owan-Enoh has brought in this orgy of violence that has not been part of Cross River State. It saddens my heart to go to the hospital and visit supporters with almost half limbs, half arms for nothing. I think this is not the kind of democracy that we should have twenty years from 1999 and we are going back to those primitive days. I think Mr. President; it is your responsibility as the President of this federal republic to bring this desperate man to book.”

Director General of Ben Ayade Campaign Organization, Mr. Effiok Cobham who described the act as inhuman and totally condemnable, called on the federal government to check the rate of violence recently unleashed by the APC candidate on the supporters of their party with a view to bringing the culprits to book.
Narrating his ordeal, one of the victims and a farmer who had earlier accompanied owan Enoh’s Kinsmen to endorse Ayade for a second term in office, Mr. Joseph Ikpe said,”when I came to Etomi, I met a group of boys chanting APC and urged me to respond and I told them that I don’t know what the response is. In fact, I disagreed and they insisted. At first, I thought it was the PDP group who want me to reaffirm what I said in Calabar when we visited Government House to endorse the governor but when they came closer, I discovered that they were APC people. When I refused to denounce my membership of governor Ayade’s camp, they started butchering me all over which led me to being hospitalized.”
Another victim who is also the PDP ward secretary of Etomi Ward, Mr. Amba Achima on his part also said he was compel to chant the APC slogan which he declined as he was not sympathetic to the party.
According to him, “This made my attackers to bounce on me using matchets to cut my head leaving me in this state you found me now. Please help beef up security in Etung if we must be alive to witness the forthcoming elections.”

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Ayade receives ex-Attorney General Nella back to PDP
. Says power returns to South in 2023

A former Attorney-General of Cross River State and deputy governorship candidate of the Labor Party in the 2015 general elections, Mrs. Nella Andem Rabana on Wednesday returned to the Peoples Democratic Party with a pledge to work for the reelection of Governor Ben Ayade.
Explaining her reason for returning to the PDP, Rabana said she has always been an advocate of the interest of her constituents and having seen the performance of the Governor, it was only fitting that she returned and support his reelection bid.
"I was not enticed out of PDP, it was a decision that I made and why did I make that decision? I felt that the interests of the people and the community that I belonged was not served and I left.
"I moved to Labour, but at the same time, I have always said and will continue to say, my state comes first. It is above and should be above all other interests. As a result, when the announcement happened, I said it is God who enthroned and if He has enthroned someone, that is who I will recognize, full stop and who was it? Professor Ben Ayade."
She disclosed that her departure from the PDP had afforded her the opportunity to view things in a holistic manner and after her first meeting with Ayade, she became convinced that the governor had a "heart of gold.
"I have engaged the Professor, our governor, not as PDP but as another party and sometimes for you to have objectivity, you need to be standing outside and looking in. I have had the opportunity of standing and I have seen what is outside and I have decided to come back because this is a family," she said.
Continuing, she disclosed: "There was something about PDP, there was camaraderie, there was friendship, there was brotherhood, you felt you are a family, you knew everybody and everybody knew you and you looked out for each other. Things happened, yes, but generally there was camaraderie and that is what I missed and I say I missed.
"Now, it is a good thing and I thank God for the opportunity to have sojourned a little bit outside. It gave me an opportunity to compare because I believe that when you make a comment, it should be based on something; that is why I love statistics, I like numbers, if I don't have a number, I will keep quiet; so I have compared and I say where we are in Nigeria today, in our interest, we had better go back to PDP," she added."
On the reelection of the governor, she said: "I came to fight, to make sure and I will fight with others. The point is, we cannot be disjointed," adding: "We will not be afflicted with injustice, we will not be afflicted with undue semantics."
The state chairman of PDP, Mr. Inok Edim, while presenting Rabana with a membership card from her ward said: "From today, on behalf of the PDP family in Cross River State, on behalf of the leadership and by the powers conferred on me as the chairman of Cross River State PDP, I hereby welcome you back to the party and promise you that all your rights will be restored."
Governor Ayade, in his remarks, explained that the next elections would be more about the peace of the state, even as he wondered why some politicians were taking actions that were inimical to the states socio-polity.
"From your house, from your own family, from your own local government, the people come out, everybody comes and says no, we don't want you this is our son, what he is trying to do is not good. We have given him opportunity for 20 years and we cannot see what he has done. He has always taken it all to himself and from your own family, they choose to go back and support another person.
"They did not stop at that, they say it is turn by turn. The south had it for eight years, the central for eight years and I have just done only three years plus. If you are in haste to collect it, that is why even if you want to do it for only one term, you will be in haste to hold it back," he said.
Promising that power will return to the southern Cross River in 2023, the Governor averred: "Any man who says that he will take another man's turn is not a good person. It is the turn of the north and for you from the south, you know that in four year's time, you are the one to produce the governor; if you allow it to go to the central, it means that you are extending your stay out of office for another 20 years because you have been out for almost 16 as it were, if you add my total tenure.
"So, it is for your own good to know that what SAN said today that she returned because for her it is an existential battle, it is about a good governor who has done so well."
Ayade who promised that residents of Calabar South Local Government Area will enjoy stable power supply before the presidential polls added: "Today, I am telling you it is not about politics of PDP and APC, it is about the peace of Cross River State; turn by turn."

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The Spirit of Enterprise and Economic Success starts with helping those who have the capacity to work and start up Businesses that will contribute to the Economy of our Dear State in the Long Run.
Let's build Captains of Industries and Future Millionaires.

APC guber candidate's brothers, paramount ruler, kinsmen endorse Ayade

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator John Owan Enoh’s ambition suffered a major set back yesterday, as his elder brother, Professor Anthony Owan Enoh, as well as his kinsmen unanimously endorsed Governor Ben Ayade for the 2019 governorship election.

Also throwing their weight behind Ayade's second term bid were top political leaders including former military governor of Kwara State and leader of the delegation Col. Palm Ogar (rtd), traditional rulers, youths and elders from the eight political wards of Etung Local Government Area, where Owan Enoh hails from.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, at the Executive Council Chamber, venue of the endorsement, Col. Ogar said by the sheer number of Etung leaders present in the meeting was a clear indication that the people held the governor in high regards.

Ogar lauded Ayade for he noted were his giant strides in industrial, economic and agricultural revolution, as well as the siting of a project in each council area of the state of the which Etung has a Reference Hospital, and a Cocoa Processing Plant in Ikom which local government will hugely benefit due to proximity.

"Thank you, Your Excellency, for the opportunity to interface with the government, rub mind and share ideas on how to move the state forward. The large number present here, not minding the short notice and communication challenge represents how much you mean to the people of Etung.

"Your industrial, economic, agricultural drive and revolution in the state is legendary as you ensure that every LGA has a major project with Etung having a reference hospital and also stand to benefit from the cocoa processing factory in ikom as result of proximity. To this end, we the people of Etung have every reason and justification to collectively support your re-election this year," the former Military Administrator lauded.

Also in his remarks, elder brother brother of the APC candidate and Vice Chancellor of Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, praised Governor Ayade for the transformation which Cross River State is currently experiencing.

Prof. Enoh, lamented that for too long, Etung was neglected, ignored and the people had been suffering, adding that "today if going with the person I know in order for my people to be liberated I will do so," noting that Ayade by conducts and actions has proven that he was a real leader with the heart of a gold, a humane heart that feels for all.

The CRUTECH VC, therefore thanked the governor for awarding contract for the rehabilitation of Ikom-Agbokim to Agbokim water falls road, just as he assured him of the total support of Etung people to ensure that he was reelected to continue with his transformational work.

"Today Etung has a name because of Ayade and this is the beginning of Etung's glory.
Thanks for the rehabilitation of the Ikom Agbokim to Agbokim water falls road which has been a thorn in the flesh of the people for so long.

"The entire Etung people are behind you and will massively vote for you to ensure you continue in the Government House, Diamond Hill, Calabar, beyond May 29, this year."

Also voicing his unflinching support for Ayade and to his re-election, the first grandson of the Owan Enoh's family, Obi Steven said the entire people of Etung were so happy with Governor Ayade for giving them a voice in terms of appointments, and location of projects such as the reference hospital and the Ikom Cocoa Processing Plant which is very near to Etung and for which the people will be huge beneficiaries."

He maintained that "the family and the entire Etung people cannot make the mistake to vote against Ayade because under his leadership, the LGA has witnessed rapid growth and development in both human and material," assuring that come March 2, this year, they will put their words into action by voting Ayade for his second term.

Speakers after speakers from the eight wards took turns to eulogize Ayade for his giant strides in less than four years in office.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Gabriel Oji, informes the governor that all the outstanding leaders of Etung from all nooks and crannies were represented in the meeting with eight out of 10 Wards of the council leadership present.

The Commissioner particularly thanked Ayade, noting that he was one leader who had done so much for Etung and as such they had every reason to fully support his Re-election for giving them the highest number of appointments, establishment of the Cocoa Processing Plant in Ikom not far from Etung.
He said the APC candidate, Owan Enoh could not have done one tenth of what Ayade has done with three years in office.

"I want to inform the governor that represented in this meeting are all the leaders of the Etung nation and also represented are the eight ward leaders to show you that we support you totally. All the outstanding leaders of the Etung nation are here and l am one person that is known for speaking the truth and the truth is that you are one governor who has done so much for our people."

Justifying Ayade's endorsement, Oji said: "The Etung nation has every reason to support and endorse you for a second term. You are one governor who has given the Etung people the highest number of appointments. You have brought the cocoa processing factory to Ikom which is near to us in Etung.

"The APC candidate cannot do one tenth of what you have done. When somebody has not shown charity for his 20 years in the highest representative political position, how can we trust such a person? This gathering consists of 99 percent of the leadership of the Etung people and we would not fail you. Owan Enoh has failed us as a Senator."

Another leader and political heavyweight from the LGA, and PDP Central senatorial district candidate, Prof. Sandy Onor, while speaking, described Ayade as a man with divine mandate with which the grace of God rest upon, taking into consideration the developmental work across the state.

"Ayade is a man with a divine mandate with which the grace of God rests upon, taking into consideration the monumental developmental work ongoing under the governor.
"Most governors that we consider truly great today were not great in their first four year but Ayade is already great in his four year and would be legendary in the next four years."

By Kingsley Agim

Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong has cautioned journalists and media outlets in the State against fake news/hate speech and anything that would incite chaos, especially at this critical period of the nation's democracy.

Mrs. Archibong gave this warning during a recent roundtable with media executives and representatives in the State at Calas Vegas, the latest tourism spot in Calabar.

Ahead of the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria, the Information and Orientation Boss enjoined journalists to continue in their roles of setting agenda, contributing to the electoral process and being the only hope of the masses.

"It is out of hatred that you see black and call it white. We do not need to indulge in false reporting. We do not need to colour what we see. It is unethical in journalism. As journalists, you must not succumb to the pressure of self-seeking politicians," she remarked.

Mrs. Archibong also stated that the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration's investment opportunities, industrialization strides and tourism enhancement are palpably visible across the State, while urging media practitioners to effectively publicize such lofty achievements.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Culture and tourism, Mr. Eric Anderson commended Mrs. Archibong for bringing the pantheon of media executives and practitioners to the latest tourism spot in the State to interact and chart a course for the noble profession.

He said Calas Vegas, which had already received more than 1500 guests, is the Governor's brainchild aimed at expanding the tourism frontiers of the State.

Another speaker, the Commissioner for Sustainable Development and Social Welfare, Mr. Oliver Orok, commended the wisdom of his Information and Orientation counterpart in bringing her constituents to the spot (Calas Vegas), pointing out that with journalists having a firsthand experience of the tourism destination, the perception of Calas Vegas as a façade will be eroded.

Articulating his views, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council, Mr. Victor Udu, said the roundtable will spur journalists to work with the government and continue present the State in a positive light ahead of the New Year.

Heads and representatives of the various media in the State, who thanked the Ayade-led administration for the press freedom accorded them in Cross River State, also lauded the Commissioner for Information and Orientation for her media-friendly disposition, while arriving at a consensus to support government and contribute to the development of society.

The Immediate past governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, says only the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) exists in the state.

Imoke stated this while playing host to his successor, Governor Ben Ayade as well as an unprecedented crowd of members of his political family at his country him in Itigidi, Abi Local Government Area on the first day of January.

Turning to a mammoth crowd of his political family and party faithful who had besieged his country home as early as 8.am to celebrate the New Year, the former governor, apparently reiterating the fact of a united PDP family, asked: "Do we have opposition in the state? Is anyone running against us in the next election?" to which the crowd chorused: "No!"
Continuing he insisted: "There is no other party and candidate in Cross River, only PDP and Governor Ayade.

In this state it is PDP all the way. Today is not for campaign but we will come back for campaigns," the former governor said.
He described the gathering of the PDP family members at his home every first of January as "an annual retreat where we all come to give thanks to God and commune as a political family and as a larger family."
Imoke thanked Governor Ayade for honoring and sustaining the yearly event of spending January first with him and the entire family at his Itigidi home, noting that, "we have been doing this for over 20 years now and I want to thank Ayade for doing us the honour of coming for this celebration."

The gathering which turned out to a political carnival saw youth groups across the entire state display various placards and chanting support songs for Governor Ayade's re-election bid.
In a brief remark, Ayade described the yearly gathering as fantastic, assuring the youths that he is working hard to give them a very bright and secured future.
"You are the future, it is for your sake that I am already becoming an old man. I am working hard to build your future," he stated.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and one-time National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Venatius Ikem, has defected back to the Party.
Addressing a mammoth crowd who came out to receive him at the Obudu council headquarters, Ikem who returned with about 3000 APC supporters including others from SDP, said his former party was dead in the state.
He said the APC in the state, particularly in his home local government of Obudu has been "depleted irreperably."
"Each time I see PDP people I frown, they think that I am still angry with them and I say, why are you filling my space? Leave me to fill the space so that you know there was APC and I know that I have the capacity to collapse it, we have done so today," Ikem disclosed.
The returnee who said he adds value wherever he finds himself noted that "we will do more than collapsing APC in Obudu, as I come, I come with my full heart with everything I have and I will work for Ayade unconditionally."
On reasons why he is returning to PDP after three years of romance with the APC, Ikem said: "The party I ran to has proven to me to be worse than I experienced in PDP," adding that "my anger was maltreatment and I was getting worse than I got where I was, so, I told myself, let me go back to my house."
Continuing, the former state Commissioner for Works maintained: "I believe that we must constantly add value wherever we find ourselves and fill the gap wherever we find one. To me, that is the only thing I can do for you as I have no money or any other special thing to do for you during the campaign."
Speaking specifically to Ayade, Ikem said: "I know the resistance you may face or have, we can muster and harness them to add value for your return as the governor as we hope that with us together, you will continue to represent us well."
Receiving the defectors, state PDP chairman who was represented by the state Legal Adviser, Barr Pius Awah said Ikem's return to the PDP " is a great occasion for us because one of our sons whom we thought was lost has come home. We welcome him and his supporters and promise that none will be marginalized."
Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu, in his remark, described Governor Ayade as one who does not go to bed even when he is the one offended, pointing out that "only a few people act like that in this world."
Insisting that there was no other gubernatorial candidate in the state for 2019, Esu charged the returnee and his supporters to support the return of Ayade and never allow anybody to distract them again but do well to bring back all who left with them so that everyone will sleep well.
Responding, Governor Ayade described Ikem as one who adds value, brings capacity, intellect and a loyal person, adding that "this is somebody who can fight, can give his right eye to defend Ayade once he is committed to a cause. He doesn't double speak and I respect him for that. If he is not with you he is not with you."
Continuing, Ayade said: "A very good politician will first select those he doesn't need as enemies before making friends. I am very smart and when I see a smart person I know him, Vena Ikem is one and truly he is going to bring value."
Earlier, a former Legal Adviser of APC, Comrade Emmanuel Asinde and Godwin Azuoka who spoke for the returned youths, in their separate remarks, reaffirmed their support to work for the interest of PDP, enjoining party faithful not to molest or suppress them for testing the waters of another party.

Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade on Wednesday inauguated the People's Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council in the state with a charge on members to win their polling units.
Ayade who expressed confidence that the party will sweep next year's general elections given the achievements recorded by his administration in the areas of human resource development and industrialization, said the inauguration of the council was a mere formality.
He however, warned against complacency.
"The super abundance of every performance is always detrimental to the performer. And therefore, no matter how competent, no matter how experienced you are, you must allow yourself the luxury of inexperience and give opportunity to do more calculation and plan better," Ayade stressed.
The governor also charged the council to embark on issues-based campaign.
"This election cannot be won by money because once you use money, it becomes commercial and that is against the law. It should be won by what we have done for the State, it should be won by understanding what we have done.
"It should be won by the fact that this government lifted embargo on employment; this government created employment for over 6,000 people by the instrumentality of appointments alone; this government pays salaries promptly,; pays pensions promptly; this government created opportunity to promote 33 permanent secretaries, that never happened in Cross River. This government also directed the Primary Healthcare Agency to employ 1,000 nurses; employed 1,000 primary school teachers; created opportunity for people to be given jobs which is the core essence of government; people, people, people."
Continuing, the governor insisted his administration is "about the people and so we have something to tell the people. That is what you should go and tell your people in your polling unit," adding that: "We are indeed a government of the people, you know how difficult it is at this time, as perilous as the economy is, we have sustained and placed people first above every other consideration."
The Director General of the campaign council and former deputy governor of the State, Efiok Cobham in his remarks said the decision to have a very large campaign council was based on the need to win elections in a manner that will be wholly convincing.
Hear him: "We have gone to the extent of having a large campaign organisation because we are passing through interesting times and interested times call for interesting behavior. That is why we have about 1,600 members of the campaign organisation. If I should have my way, I think we should even go beyond that because the focus of this campaign is to win and win all."
Explaining the reason for the aim of winning all polling units, Cobham posited: "We shall have campaign organisation up to the polling unit level because we want to win and we want to win fairly. We want to win observing all the decency and conventions and even the law that governs everything so that those who thought our previous elections were flukes, let them see us win and win convincingly. That is why it is Operation win your polling booth."

Tourism Commissioner Proffers Solutions To Accommodation Problems During Calabar Carnival

Over the years the influx of visitors and tourist into Cross River State during the Yuletide to experience varieties of events(Carnival Calabar, Bikers Parade, Cultural Festival, Barbecue party, etc), has continued to raise concerns when it comes to access to accommodation.

As it has been one of the growing challenges in the State season in and out, the office of the Honorable Commissioner, for Culture and Tourism Development, Has engaged in a win win partnership with MUSTER for an accommodation solution during the festival season.

Muster is an international firm that proffers accommodation management services.
The partnership with Muster is simply people driven, where families with spare rooms will trade such space for visitors and make money as well as meet people.

This is an accommodation solution initiative which has in place elements that will regulate rates, check security risk and promote cultural values.

Just In! Buhari Commends Ayade For Prompt Action in Biase Crisis

President Mohammadu Buhari has commended Cross River State Governor Professor Ben Ayade for his handling of the Erei crisis in Biase local government of cross River State.

President Buhari stated this on his official twitter handle @Mbuhari " I commend the Cross River State Government and the State Police Command for acting swiftly to prevent the violence in Biase Local Government Area from escalating. There is no justification whatsoever for the bloodshed and destruction of property."
Following the outbreak of hostilities, Governor Ayade mobilised security agencies to the troubled spots to de-escalate the crisis and return peace to the affected communities.
President Buhari further stated that our communities must be ready to live together in peace and that no development can take place in an atmosphere of recurring violence.

Continuing, president Buhari added that law and order must be allowed to prevail in our communities.
The villages of Abawan Urugbam, Ipene and Egbor in Erei Biase have been in perennial hostilities over ownership of an oil palm estate.

Farmers in Cross River State yesterday bestowed the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade with an award as best performing governor in agriculture.

The farmers, under the aegis of Cross River Farmers' Cooperatives Empowerment also threw their weight behind the governor's second term bid. The award and support they said was in appreciation of the governor's revolutionary strides in agriculture.

Speaking at a solidarity rally for Ayade, State Coordinator of the group, Sir Oliver Ntui hailed the governor's diversification into agriculture.
He commended him for sending hundreds of farmers to Abuja to be trained by Isreali agricultural experts:
"You have demostrated that agriculture is the engine room of growth in developing economies through your various farmers' empowerment initiatives, agricultural development policies and programmes", Ntui told the governor.

He added further:" You have graciously approved the training of 1000 rice farmers in modern and cutting edge technologies in rice farming by a reputable agricultural research and technology transfer institute in Abuja...we pledge our total support for your re-election"

Responding, Ayade said the era of manual tilling of the soil in the state was gone for good as he was committed to mechanising agriculture.
The governor used the occasion to flag off the distribution of iPad to farmers in the state.
He told the farmers that the Ipads would go a long way in helping them embrace mordern farming techniques.
He announced the state government's decision to buy off all bags of rice and cocoa produced by Cross River farmers.

Early Christmas in Cross River as Ayade pays December salary

Barely four days after receiving their November salary, public and civil servants in Cross River State were on Thursday November 29 paid their December salary.
This is even as the state is yet to receive federal allocation for November.

It has become a tradition in the state under the governorship of Senator Ben Ayade for workers in the state to receive their December salaries in November.

Although a section of the workforce has on many occasions protested against early payment of salaries in the state, Governor Ayade has stayed steadfast to early payment of salaries.

On the rationale for the payment of December late November, the governor explained that the idea is to get workers to do their shopping early to avoid inflation that always occasion shopping close to Christmas.

According to him, "We pay workers in the state early to usher in the Christmas festivities that begin in the state on December 1st. Besides, it also saves our workers the stress and strain of shopping close to Christmas given the tendency for prices of goods to skyrocket.

"So by paying early we ensure that our workers do their Christmas shopping early, thus getting true value for their money instead of buying goods at highly inflated prices if they shopped close to Christmas.

Given that the payment of December salary was done early, he assured that salary for the month of January will also be paid early.

"Because we have paid December salary early, we will also pay January salary early so as to assist our workers who are parents meet up with the obligation of paying schools fees for their children," he assured.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus and a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, have hailed what they described as Governor Ben Ayade's wind of industrialization sweeping across the state.

Both Secondus and Ihedioha, who were in Calabar to receive the All Progressives Congress Party decampees to PDP spoke after inspecting various ongoing projects at the Ayade Industrial Park as well as the 21 megawatts power plant in Calabar.
Similarly, the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Liyel Imoke and former Special Adviser on National Assembly (Senate) Matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, also lent their voices, extolling the vision of Ayade in industrialising the state.

Speaking on the projects, Secondus said: "I think it is a major landmark achievement not only for Cross River but for the entire nation because, if all the states adopt this strategy, we can see Nigeria moving towards industrialization."

He noted that "it is not an easy task but you can see that Ayade has started very well, laying good foundation and in a couple of years to come, people will begin to see this as a destination for both tourism and industrialization."

Listing the rice seedlings and seeds multiplication factory, Chicken factory, the garment factory, the pharmaceutical company as well as the instant nodules factory and power plant, being undertaken by Ayade in the state within such a short period, the PDP national chairman said: "All of these put together in this industrial estate will turnaround the economy of the state and most importantly too, because this is the era that most of our youths are unemployed, this is going to provide massive employment to our people.

"We are not only proud, we are excited and happy that he is one of us. I also believe that other states should imitate the PDP states as they are all doing very well and I know that Emeka is waiting on the line to take this to Imo State."

On his part, Ihedioha expressed happiness "with the giant steps recorded by Cross River and I am happy that Governor Ben Ayade is keeping faith with the economic strides."

He maintained that industrialization remains very fundamental as it facilitates job creation which is very fundamental to the people as well as the provision of power which is the basics of it."

Expressing excitement at the direction Governor Ayade is headed, Ihedioha said: "I am happy that Ayade is taking a direction that the national should be angling towards, truly I am impressed."

In a similar vein, Senator Imoke remarked that "you know what we represent in Cross River, what our party represents in Cross River and what our governor represents in Cross River. Today we have seen the continuous growth and development taking place here and the national chairman has come in person to also see same."

Continuing, the immediate past governor said: "Ayade has a very big vision. I was reminding him of those days when he expressed an interest to run for governor and I told him that one of the things I liked about him was that his vision was much bigger than his person. I always encouraged him to drive that vision that Cross River needed to be able to catch up on other states that have much more resources than Cross River."

Imoke, while applauding his successor's vision in the industrialization of Cross River said: "We commend his efforts and this power plant in particular, I believe it will be delivering power shortly and that is very important."
Ita-Giwa who was full of excitement all through the inspection exercise also bared her mind to newsmen as she revealed that "one of the reasons I came back home was when Ayade brought me to show this project.

I was really amazed because what Cross River needs is where we are today, which is industrialization."
Continuing, Ita- Giwa who is also a returnee to the PDP, having had a brief stint with APC for more than a year, explained that "each government comes with its own project but today, what we see here, I call it the silent industrial revolution; that is how I can describe it.

"This is what is going to turn around the economy of this state, this is what is going to provide jobs, this is what is going to take the kids off the streets because they will all be engaged and this is what is going to change our lives. And of course with the Bakassi deep seaport and once it comes on stream, then we are a billionaire state and that is why when I saw this, I was so elated."

Ita Giwa further added: "I was so happy and I said to him (Ayade) that please, let me be the ambassador of this industrial revolution and that is one of the things that really made me decide to come back and assist this man in his efforts and what he is doing for this state."

Outside Calabar, the Cross River state capital, shaku shaku dance may not mean anything to market women and small business owners. But on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, Governor Ben Ayade's enthralling shaku shaku dance steps at the commissioning of the first Cross River Micro finance bank in the state capital, got some rusted waists cranking as market women shrugged off weariness to dig it out with His Exellency.

Seeing their workaholic governor, who a broad spectrum of Cross Riverians have given various elegant sobriquets such as, "Salary Master", in appreciation of his prompt payment of workers salaries; "Mr.Project", in recognition of the industrialization policy of his administration, and "Digital" in reference to his modernization of governance, on the dance floor was the elixir that stirred the women into action but obviously, nothing could be more stirring than the goodies the Micro finance bank offers the women.

It was therefore no surprise that "macro- votes and macro victory for our ditigal governor" wafted from the crowd, giving the musical displays a blend of soul-stiring rendation of a pledge, chorous and music! Such was the dramatic setting at the commissioning ceremony.

The facility with a N500 million start up capital courtesy Governor Ayade, is the first ever state-owned Micro finance bank in the state and the governor is optimistic that the bank will contribute immensely to the economic growth of the state.

Paying glowing tribute to women, the Cross River state Governor urged them to take advantage of the services the bank offers to better their economic lot.
Licenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the Cross River Micro- finance bank will open offices in every local government in the state. For a state saturated with small scale businessnes whose operators are not equipped enough or qualified to access soft loans from traditional mainstream banks, Cross River, according to industry watchers, is on a sure footing for business growth with the establishment of the Micro finance bank.

According to the governor, at the heart of the establishment of the Micro finance bank is the need for financial inclusion for all Cross Riverians.The bank, he is said, is therefore a credible platform for small business owners to be financially stable and independent rather than depend on the government.
"Our interest is to bring value to humanity, to make people feel the dignity of mankind...this bank is not intended to make money but targeted at helping women, the vulunerable and physically challenged; and to encourage them that there is always a banking sector that can provide for them"

In order to cater for the economic and business interests of the category of Cross Riverians mentioned above, the Cross River Micro Finance bank is structured to charge zero to 5 percent interest on loans as the criteria for loans include, ownership of a farmland, being a civil servant and ownership of a market stand.
Going forward, the over 3000 staff of the state owned-Garment Factory as well as local government staff across the state are among the immediate beneficiaries of the financial freedom the Cross River Micro-Finance bank offers as they have been asked to immediately open accounts in the bank to enjoy the benefits of loans.

"For all young men, as we offer you appointments and create jobs for you in this administration, you will now put food on the table and with hands on the plough as the microfinance bank will be available to give you loan for you to do that 30,000 hectares of cocoa, to give us over 60,000 hectares of rice farm that we are looking for, or organic bamboo plantation to feed our toothpick factory," the governor enthused.
Boki local government area of the state which lacks an institution or bank will be the first to get a branch of the Cross River Micro finance bank.The groundbreaking ceremony for the branch is slated for next month.
"I promised Boki that I will bring an institution because the area is too big not to have an institution. I hereby implement the promise I made during my campaign," the Governor said, adding that, "it is now left for Boki sons and daughters through the Secretary to the State Government to chose a location where we can set up the microfinance bank in Boki"
Some indigenes of the local government present at the commissioning ceremony could not hide their joy at the prospect of the area hosting a banking institution.One of them who simply identified herself as Catherine, a fashion shop owner described Ayade as a promise keeper.
Her words: "Our digital governor is a promise keeper. Here today, he has again demostrated that and given Boki people yet another reason to queue behind him during the governorship election next year. For giving us a micro finance bank, we will give him macro votes!"
Chairman, National Association of Microfinance Banks in Nigeria, John Owan, lauded Professor Ayade for pioneering a state-owned Micro finance bank:"We are happy to have a new baby born into the industry as all microfinance banks in Cross River before now were privately owned.

Having seen the state-of-the-art facilities here, I have no doubt that those who patronise this bank will not regret doing so", he said
On his part, Cross River Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria, Sampson Esua, pointed out that Ayade has made the job of CBN easy as the bank has several packages to offer those who patronise it.

Gov Ayade mourns Achigbe

Cross River State governor, Professor ben Ayade, has expressed sadness over the tragic death of one-time Permanent Secretary in the state civil service, Mr. Mathew Achigbe.

In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, Governor Ayade said he received with shock the news about the death of Mr. Achigbe.

He described the late politician as "an elder statesman, a devout catholic and a community leader who lived a life of selflessness and dedication to the service of the state, his community and the church.

While lamenting the passing of the Obubra-born retired permanent secretary, he said words can scarcely comfort those he left behind.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this moment of unspeakable grief. The Cross River State Government shall work closely with his family to ensure he gets a befitting farewell," the statement quoted the governor.

Defection tsunami hits Cross River APC, as Ita Giwa, APC BoT member, ex-envoy, others formerly join PDP

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Thursday, at the Municipal Council grounds in Calabar, suffered a serious political tsunami as a former senator and two-time Special Adviser to two Nigeria presidents, Princess Florence Ita- Giwa, returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Others who also washed their hands off the APC in the state with about 5000 supporters were the former Ambassador to Mali, Amb. Soni Abang, former APC Board of Trustee member, Barr Tony Odey, as well as the duo of 1992 legislators, Senator Patrick Ani and Hon. Ernest Irek among others.

Ita Giwa, speaking at the event said: "I am back to ensure that the turn by turn policy is followed, as only zoning can sustain democracy without fight while creating opportunities for all to raise their heads."
Waxing philosophical, Ita-Giwa disclosed: "In over one year I went on that trip to APC, it wasn't good for my body because a white goat loves no stain or dirt," adding that "I feel guilty leaving this family as upon my return, so much love was shown to me and I was not shut out or looked down upon."

She added that the governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has performed so much magic which all must collectively return him back to sustain his vision aimed at repositioning Cross River and making it the envy of others.

"I cannot fight Ayade because he made the hitherto abandoned Bakassi Local Government Area to be celebrated among the existing local government areas in the state and indeed Nigeria. I am back to sustain democracy, to join hands with Ayade to win elections, for the sustenance of carnival which is dear to me and for the governor's industrialization drive," Ita- Giwa intimated.

On his part, Ambassador Soni Abang expressed happiness that he finally took the decision to return to the PDP.

"My supporters and I are happy to be back home. I had within the past few years withdrawn from active politics because when you marry a wife with a problem, staying in the same house becomes a problem, not to talk of going into the other room."
According to him, "PDP is a great family and there is no way Uche Secondus will be a national chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku contesting as President and Prof Ben Ayade coming as governor or Senator Imoke urging me to come back to the fold and I will say no," the former envoy noted.

On his experiences during his stint with the APC, Abang disclosed that "while there, we couldn't agree even on the party exco, we couldn't conduct our primaries, the party does not respect court orders and today the same party is trying to cripple our judiciary," adding that, "the national chairman of PDP today has redefined and remodeled the party as evidenced in the last national convention adjudged as the most transparent in the country."

Another returnee, Hon Ernest Irek, said "it is only the PDP that has a reward system and anything that has no reward system is not a better option."
Lauding the programs and policies of Governor Ben Ayade which has endeared him and his team to return to the political family, Irek who was a 1992 House of Representatives member representing old Obubra Federal constituency said: "Your programs are programs of tomorrow, nobody will allow any senatorial district to cheat the other, we are back to our home and the time for business is now and we are going to deliver."

Former governor, Senator Liyel Imoke said he feels like a "contented old man to see the family gathered today as one. It takes the collectives to get results, as such, these key leaders who have returned to the fold are very fundamental in our struggle for 2019."

Imoke who applauded Ayade for accommodating the returnees, pointed out that for this to happen, it is a great effort aimed at uniting the political family.
Receiving the returnees in the presence of the governor, Prof Ben Ayade, his deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, some members of the national leadership of the party, the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, assured them that, "the party is for all, for the entire people, you are all co-owners in this party and everyone is a leader."

He applauded Ayade for his industrialization drive in the state, maintaining that the vision to decouple Cross River from its dependence on federal allocation while creating jobs for the teeming unemployed youths must have endeared the returnees to come back.

While extending hand shakes with the political bigwigs who returned to the PDP, Secondus said: "On behalf of the national leadership of our party, we welcome you back to your home and I can assure you that all your rights and privileges are this day restored unto you.

The Federal Government has lauded Cross River State Government for demonstrating a strong commitment to the implementation of the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Commending the state governor, Senator Ben Ayade, during a courtesy call along with her team, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, was full of praises for the governor for the full implementation of the 17 goals, 169 indicators and 232 targets of the SDGs in the state.

In her words, “I am happy to note that Cross River State has already been demonstrating leadership and strong commitment to the implementation of SDGs. SDGs is about people. It is a universal call for action to end poverty, safeguard our planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030 and I’m happy that Cross River is already toeing this path.”

Continuing she said: “I want to commend His Excellency for his vision in all that you are doing especially in the empowerment of your people and investment in agriculture. You also talked about construction of Teachers’ Continuous Training College which you noted will not only train Nigerian teachers but teachers in sub-Saharan Africa and I must say that this indeed is a welcome development and it is very apt given the level of decay in the educational sub sector.”

Princes Adefulire also noted that “This will not only empower the teachers but will be translated into better learning which will have direct impact on our children and bring them at par with current realities. I like your interest in education which properly aligns with our activities as well as what you have done so far to achieve qualitative education because without education, they won’t be an end to poverty, disease and other things hampering our growth as a nation.”

Stressing the importance of the training facility in the overall development of children as most graduates are not employable, the SDG boss explained: “Some children are in school but they are not in school and some are out of school but they are in school. So, if they are not well taught, I’m sure they are not in school which is why we emphasis that we engage the right people to teach our children particularly at the kindergarten level.”

She further commended the state government for initiating a healthcare insurance scheme, "Ayade Care", as well as the construction of three ultramodern referal hospitals in the three senatorial districts which she said will contribute significantly to improve the living conditions of the people.

Adefulire sued for closer ties with the state to deliver on the goals for the overall benefits of the citizenry.
Responding, Governor Ayade lauded the political will of President Muhhamadu Buhari at ensuring that every part of the country gets the desired democratic dividends, even as he pledged the readiness of the state to fulfil its parts.

Ayade who enumerated some of the machineries he has put in place to achieve the SDGs in the state hinted: "We have a connectivity between our Ministry driving SDGs by improving on the livelihood of the people."

He explained further: "The applicability of SDG in our governance structure allows us the flexibility of developing while carrying our people along and I think that is the hallmark of the programme which must be supported at all levels."

Continuing, he said: "SDG is the way to go. It's the one catalytic balance between society pressure and self limit and I think I am now an apostle, I support it, I represent it and I speak strongly for SDGs."
While urging the focal person to ensure adequate budgetary provision to the programme in the country, Ayade reasoned:

"Let me use this medium to ask the Federal Government to increase its funding to SDG and of course increase budget performance particularly when it comes to SDG, because it deals directly with people and touches those who feel rejected."

Ayade assures of timely completion of 147km Mfom-Obudu road

Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at the ongoing dualization of the 147km Mfom-Yala-Bekwarra-Obudu ranch road.

The Road project which is being handled by Sydney Construction, stretches across the five local government areas in the Northern Senatorial District of the state.
It is wholly being financed by the Cross River government.

Ayade who was in Yala Local Government Area of the state for the burial of the former Minister of Information and later Environment, Hon John Odey, used the opportunity to see the progress of work done at the Okuku- Igoli axis of the road.

"I am quite impressed and satisfied with the quality of work. The contractors, Sydney Group, are defying the rain to ensure that the job is done and I must commend them as they have really shown capacity while demonstrating patience and understanding with government," the governor remarked.

While expressing shock that the rains were still heavy in November, Ayade assured that in three months time, the job target will be reached as the contractors have continued to work despite the heavy rains that threaten the ongoing project aimed at ameliorating the sufferings of the citizenry as well as other road users.

According to the governor, "it is like doing the job twice. They have finished preparing this place, ready for stone base. Now, because of the heavy rain, they have to do another redressing, getting it ready yet again, which is another full earthworks, full compaction in readiness for stone base."

He disclosed that although the state had no money to finance such project, he had no option than to give his commitment, using intellectual money to get it done as an appreciation for the overwhelming support he got from the electorate during the election that brought him to office as the governor.

"You can see that they (contractors) are already at Yala, they have crossed the Rice mill and by next week they will be at Okuku junction and start facing Okpoma," Ayade intimated, adding that "the job is almost done and I am particularly impressed with the quality of work."

The governor enjoined the people of the Northern Senatorial District and the entire Cross Riverians to be patient, "for surely, the road will be done. There is no day you have driven through this road, during rain or no rain except for Christmas or national strike, that you will not see work going on here."

Site manager of the construction group, Engr. Elias Kalouf, while offering an insight on the project explained that "we have started laying stone base from the beginning of Ogoja and this is followed with priming. In Obudu, we have started asphalting from the Army checkpoint."

On why they chose not to do the job from end to end, Kalouf clarified that "here in Ogoja, the area is down. If you keep the latrite inside the town, it will make the place dirty especially now that it is still raining."
He assured that Cross Riverians will begin to enjoy the road in three months time as the laying of stone base will be achieved from end to end in spite of the challenges posed by the rains.

Ayade mourns former Environment Minister, John Odey

Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade has expressed deep shock and sadness over the death of former Minister for Environment, Mr. John Ogar Odey.
The governor who expressed shock at the the demise of the ex- Minister, said the news of his passing was depressing.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Ita, Professor Ayade described Odey's departure as a monumental loss to the government and people of Cross River state.
"We have lost an illustrious son, a good ambassador of Cross River. Our state is in shock, Cross River is grieving because Odey's death is a huge loss to our dear state.The pain of Odey's demise is too heavy in my heart to bear, " the statement quoted the governor.
Eulogising the virtues of the late Minister, Professor Ayade recalled that Odey was a patriot who meticulously discharged his duties assigned to him creditably.
"Not only was Odey a loyal party man of the PDP family, he was a quintessential gentleman and a team player whose imprints as the Party's National Publicity Secretary and later Minister for the Environment, are there for every one to see. He carried out his duties with utmost dedication and patriotism."

While lamenting that Odey will be sorely missed by all, including the PDP and his immediate family, Governor Ayade offered his heart felt condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, saying: "my heart and prayer are with you at this very difficult period. I pray for the repose of John's soul, we loved him so much but God loves him more; He alone knows why John departed at this time. We can not question God."

Ayade Industrial Park commences allocation of free land to investors

The Cross River State Government has commenced the allocation of land at it's industrial park along Goodluck Ebelle Jonathan bypass in Calabar free of charge to investors willing to set up factories.

A statement issued in Calabar by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ben Ayade, Mr. Christian Ita said the industrial park is fully serviced with water, street lights, free WiFi, good road networks and drains as well as electricity.

The location is less than five minutes drive from Margaret Ekpo Int'l airport, Calabar.
The statement added that certificate of occupancy will be issued at no cost to investors allocated land at the industrial park.

To qualify for the free land, however, the investor must be ready to build a factory that creates a minimum of twenty direct jobs.

The investor is further required to commence actual construction of a factory within six weeks after being allocated the land.

Governor Ayade: The Man With The Magic Wand

Managing resources, even if lean, in an efficient manner is not what many state governors can do successfully.
That is why some Governor's with access to hefty monthly federal allocations still find it difficult to pay workers at the end of the month. In some states workers are owed several months salaries. Unfortunately, payment of salaries is not a priority to insensitive Governor's of such states.

Take Ekiti State for example, the ruling party in the state just lost elections and it is widely percieved that non payment of salaries played a huge part in their loss. Osun state is another case in mind, where elections are about to be conducted and prompt payment of salaries have played a prominent role as a campaign tool.

The case is, however, different in Cross River State where the Governor, Senator Professor Ben Ayade, has performed a great feat managing the lean resources of the state with such dexterity that has left even his detractors confounded. The prompt salary payment disposition of the Governor absolutely resonates with his humane desire to always put food on the table of every Cross Riverian.

For a state that gets a pittance from the federation account, the 35th out the 36 states in terms of amount of allocation, paying workers’ salaries regularly and sometimes two months in advance, and still having resources to execute life-changing projects that dot the entire landscape of the state is what many of Governor Ayade’s counterparts, with more than double the allocation he gets, have not been able to achieve. Upon his assumption of office in 2015, Governor Ayade kept to his promise of expanding government by employing over 3,000 personal assistants who also receive salaries regularly.

Those who argue that regular payment of salaries is not a big deal miss the point. They do not know the positive impact it has on the economy of the state. Regular payment of salaries enables workers have income which they spend on goods and services. And the providers of such goods and services depend on the workers for their businesses to thrive. The multiplier effect trickles down to all facets of the economy and the state is the better for it.

The monthly allocation to the state fluctuates between N1.8b and N2.5b which is barely enough to pay workers’ salaries. With internally generated revenue which is also quite meagre, the governor, with his magic wand, has continued to deploy resources in such a manner that has not resulted in a drop in the standard of governance in the past three years. Since it lost 76 oil wells to neighbouring Akwa Ibom State, Cross River with a very huge wage bill, has been grappling with dire financial straits. But Governor Ayade has been bending over backwards to meet government’s obligation to the workers by paying them regularly. It is in acknowledgement of this unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state conferred on him the ‘Best Labour Friendly Governor’ award. It is also for this reason that workers in the state call him ‘Salary Master’ and ‘Promise Keeper’. By and large he is a governor who walks the talk.

Always thinking out of the box, the digital governor has relentlessly engaged in massive industrialization programmes designed to end the state’s over dependence on federal allocation. He had promised to do so in a statement he made earlier at the inception of his administration. He had stated unequivocally that “My conviction is that I am going to bring all my business acumen to bear and reconstruct the economy based on commoditising and commercialising the state and shift away from depending on the Federal Allocation. I will isolate the state and run it as a business model and with that in combination with my contact and exposure I believe we can overcome whatever challenges as a state and turn the carcass to a huge economy.”

Hitherto, Cross River was derisively dubbed a civil service state. But that ignoble tag that hung on the state since its creation in 1967 like a sore thumb is fading away as the industrialization programme of the Ayade administration gains full traction.

The imprint and abiding commitment of the governor to the industrialization drive is highly visible and impactful in the area of agriculture which is witnessing what could be described as a revolution and the first of its kind in the state. Top on the agricultural revolution list is the multi-billion rice seedling plant at the Rice City in Calabar. The factory produces vitaminized rice seedlings and already, order worth N2.5b has been received after President Muhammadu Buhari visited Calabar and commissioned the factory a couple of months ago.

The project comes with enormous value chain which will change the way rice is produced in the state with the high yield derived from the specie. It will also boost the internally generated revenue profile of the state. The Governor himself once said the state could earn as much as N75 billion annually from the factory. Apart from being a revenue spinner, the factory will create employment for the people.

Located close to the rice seedlings factory is Calapharm. The Calabar Pharmaceutical Company, which has been completed and waiting to be commissioned, is to produce dozens of drugs and vaccines and syringes by the time it kicks off production. The factory would be a major supplier of drugs in the country and to neighbouring countries. This would save Nigeria and the state the foreign exchange that would have been spent on importation of those drugs that would now be manufactured locally at Calapharm. The governor has done greatly in the health sector, with fifty of such positive, impactful exploits attracting awards to the state from the WHO and the Federal Government.

Opposite Calapharm is the garment factory which employs thousands of women, especially widows, whose lives have been transformed since they were employed there. The Industrial Park where all these factories are located is a burgeoning industrial hub that would transform the state economically in the nearest future.

The Cocoa Processing Plant in Ikom is another giant leap in the industrialization of the state. The plant, the first of its kind in this part of the country, would afford cocoa farmers in Ikom the opportunity of processing their produce right there in Ikom and get substantial value for their money rather than allow cocoa merchants from outside the state to come and buy the produce at give-away price as has been the case in the past. Cocoa produced in Ikom is said to be one of the best species in the world. Again, the immediate community would benefit from the value chain arising from the processing of cocoa there. It would also boost the state’s internally generated revenue.

Governor Ayade took his industrialization drive a notch higher with the establishment of the Rice Mill in Ogoja. The mill would save rice farmers the ordeal of taking their produce to Abakaliki for processing after which the produce loses its original identity as "Abakaliki Rice" tag is ascribed to it. The state would now have ‘Ogoja Rice’, not ‘Ogoja Rice re-bagged as "Abakaliki Rice".

Ekori Toothpick factory in Yakurr Local Government Area has already been commissioned and is churning out toothpicks in commercial quantity. It is a component of the industrialization drive and has created employment opportunities for the people of the state.

Produce from the banana plantation in Odukpani Local Government Area would be exported to Europe and earn a huge foreign exchange for the state. Also, the proposed Fish Market in Calabar South is another worthwhile employment opportunity for those that would engage in the business of selling fish in the market. The state’s agricultural revolution has not gone unnoticed. In fact, state governors have come to witness the agricultural feat and learnt a thing or two from Governor Ayade.

Road projects that would open up the state and drive the industrialization process are ongoing all over the state. The biggest of such projects is the N36 billion Mfom-Okpoma-Okuku-Bekwara-Obudu road dualization. With all earthwork completed and asphalting expected to begin soon after the rains, the road is expected to link the five local government areas in the Northern Senatorial zone and change the landscape of that zone.

The dualization of Odukpani road and the construction of the spaghetti flyover would also improve traffic in and out of Calabar, the state capital, and boost economic activities in and around the state capital. The impact of these projects would be felt after the projects would have been completed as they would ease traffic and reduce travel time drastically.

Industrialisation cannot take place successfully without a vital component which is reliable energy. This explains why Governor Ayade has established the 21mw power plant in Calabar to complement power generation from the national grid. The state has also assisted the State Electrification Agency (SEA) with transformers to facilitate the evacuation of electricity generated by the power plant.

The deep seaport and the super highway projects are by far projects that would change the economic landscape of the state in a manner that would be difficult to describe by the time those projects take off and are completed. They may appear grandiose to some people but they are doable.

Governor Ayade’s giant strides in agriculture have earned him accolades by President Muhammadu Buhari and prestigious awards in other areas by media organisations. Nothing points more to his acceptance and approval of his achievements than the referendum victory his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in the Obudu by-election on Saturday, 11 August this year.

For all the projects to be crystalized with the lean resources at the disposal of the state is a clear demonstration of the focused and ingenious administration the state has witnessed in the past three and half years. Governor Ayade is not the typical kind of governor that would throw his hands in the air and bemoan the state’s financial predicament.

He has proven undeniably that challenges of any kind could be surmounted with sheer determination and that a lot could be achieved with little or nothing at his disposal. He once said that with intellectual money, you could achieve lofty goals. If given another chance after the completion of all of these life-transforming projects his detractors describe as utopian, the state would witness consolidation of the existing achievements and another unprecedented and uncommon transformation post 2019. One good term, as they say, deserves another. Let Cross Riverians give Governor Ayade another term in 2019 to enable him complete ongoing projects. He is the man who has the capacity to manage the state’s lean resources. Above all, justice and equity demand that he gets another term of four years to complete the existing zoning arrangement in the state so that by 2023 it would be the turn of the south to produce Governor Ayade’s successor. That is the rallying cry well -meaning Cross Riverians should heed.

Donald Duke:Those Who Live In Glass Houses Do Not Throw Stones.
By Azogor Ideba
http://www.newsvanguard.com/2018/09/18/donald-duke-those-who-live-in-glass-houses-do-not-throw-stones/

His Excellency vice President Yemi Osibanjo with Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade at the site of the ongoing construction of the first phase of the state's Superhighway at Odukpani junction bypass yesterday.

This country requires forward thinking leaders like Ayade - Bukola Saraki.
The Senate President made the statement moments ago when he paid a courtesy call to Governor Ben Ayade in Government house Calabar.
Details later..