₦airaland Forum

*Over 1000 Women Decamp From NNPP kwankwasiya Movement To The APC In Zamfara State.*

Various party women had today collapsed structures into the ruling APC at the empowerment programme organized by the workaholic and result oriented National Women Leader of the party in Zamfara State. This they said is evident on the way the National Women Leader has continued to advocate for the women across the Country and the narratives has continued to change everyday.

The APC National Women Leader Dr. Betta Edu in her usual way empowered female farmers with start up funds to support the farming seasons and funds to support petty traders to expand their businesses.

Earlier today, Saturday 25th of June 2022, The Executive Governor of Zamfara State Alh. Bello Matawalle Flagged off the APC National Women Leader empowerment programme for APC women at grassroots in Nigeria.

The wife of the Governor Her Excellency Hajiya Asha Matawalle Mohhammed was also present to support the mobilization of women in Zamfara to vote for APC in the coming elections.

This is in fulfilment to the earlier promises made by the capacity National Women Leader Dr. Betta Edu during her campaigns and immediately she was inaugurated into office. Dr. Edu has set the ball rolling as Zamfara State has just been covered just like Ekiti State and this she has assured will continue across the entire 36 States as her vision and mission is to ensure an all inclusive government for the women and her making sure that women are mainstreamed into the politics of Nigeria.

2023: APC National Women Leader Seeks Chinese Govt’s Support For Female Candidates

The National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Betta Edu, has continued her advocacy for women seeking elective offices in the forthcoming general election with a call on the Chinese Government to deliberately draw up support as the country’s contributions towards deepening democracy in Nigeria.

Dr Edu disclosed this at a roundtable hosted by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, CUI Jianchun, aimed at creating a symphony between political parties in Nigeria and the Communist party in China for shared experiences.

She restated the resolve of the APC to continually mainstream women and includes them in playing significant roles in governance and nation building.

The women leader also acknowledged the unique roles women had played in the past and in the current dispensation, but argued that women’s capacities can be further enhanced if they get the needed support from both the Chinese Government and other developmental partners.

She stated: “It is very important to note at this point that several women have played very significant roles in Nigeria nation building but this can be improved if we are supported.

"This can be improved if we are given a voice at all levels, from the grassroots all the way to the top and of course as it concern every policy and decision made, given us that place on the table to make our inputs.

"We said this because we want you to be specific in supporting women. We are going into the next general election and we want China to support women in the various parties that are running to emerge victorious in their elections.

"As we go into the next phase of development as a country, we seek specific assistance in providing jobs, educational programmes, providing scholarships that are directly targeted at women and giving them the rightful place.

"I want to appreciate this giant stride and move by the Chinese government to create a Nigeria-China symphony. It is one that will help in experience sharing, strengthen the bond between both countries and it can deepen our reforms as well as our democracy.

"Today we are looking at the communist party of China which basically is over a hundred years and has contributed immensely to building the economy of China, to making China the fastest developing country in the world and of course, as well as fighting corruption and empowering women and youth in their country.

While commending the Chinese government, Edu appealed on behalf of the Chinese women to be included in the standing committee of the Republic of China

In his remarks, the Ambassador recalled that in China, several governors are female and in different positions of leadership. He called on Nigeria to immediately imbibe that culture and support women to emerge as Governors, President, Chairmen, Senators, members of House of Representatives and other political leadership positions.

He added: "Parties should become more deliberate about ensuring that women are victorious and contribute their quota to national development. Remember, if we must make speed, women must be given their rightful place.

"I have seen the five plans that have been listed, we want to put the 6th one in your agenda and that number six will be women empowerment and inclusion in deepening of democracy and development.”

2023: Cross River will deliver 100 percent for Tinubu -Ayade




Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade on Tuesday disclosed that the state will work hard to ensure the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 Presidential election.

Speaking for the first time after the party’s Presidential Primaries, Ayade said he remained committed to the victory of the party at the polls regardless of the outcome of the presidential primaries.

Ayade who addressed the Press at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, said: "As for my presidential ambition, indeed, l am grateful to God that He gave me the opportunity to showcase to the country what I had to offer. I am happy because sincerely, l like the reactions that l have received from various people about my speech at the primaries.”

Continuing, the governor said “there was a clear indication that everyone knew that l had something to offer this country, but it was not my time, it was not my day. It was someone else's and l am happy for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has taken the ticket of our party.

“Based on the principle of our party, we will all work to deliver him come 2023. Cross River will ensure a hundred percent votes for our presidential candidate.”

On his recent foreign business trip, Ayade disclosed that the object of his visit to Spain was to explore opportunities for the take off of Cally Airline as an entity.

"I just got back from Spain where l went for an extensive meeting and discussions with the intent to actually bring oxygen to Cally Air. As you are well aware, Cally Air has two aircraft and we need three to be licensed to actually run an independent airline. That has been a challenge for sometime now."

According to the governor, "We had a useful and fruitful conversation with some companies out there with the intention to provide us one aircraft that will enable us have three aircraft, so we can run in full swing.”

Additionally, Ayade further hinted that "we have spoken to some cargo companies to see how they can partner with us for the Obudu Cargo Airport. Work at the airport has reached a very advanced stage and l am very convinced and confident that before long, the Obudu Cargo Airport should be fully operational. So we need to start having a foot falls ahead of time. That explains why l really took out time to get that done."

#Ekiti Decides BAO2022:

*Guber Elections: APC NWL Dr Betta Edu Charges Ekiti Women to deliver 16/16 for APC*

National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Betta Edu on Saturday alongside the Wife of Ekiti State Governor Mrs Bisi Adeleye- Fayemi and the APC Governorship Aspirant, Biodun Oyebanji call on women to ensure that ensure Ekiti is totally deliver 16/16 for APC ahead of the upcoming Gubernatorial election slated to hold on 18th June 2022 in Ekiti State.

Ekiti State Women from different LGAs and different Women Support groups came out in their numbers to a grand rally at Ado Ekiti Pavillion amidst Obinrin Kete Celebration.

The National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu while addressing the mammoth crowd at the Pavillion thanked the good women of Ekiti State for their warm reception and expressed confidence that the winning of Ekiti Gubernatorial election is not negotiable while educating the women on the electioneering and voting processes.

Dr. Edu further buttress her statement by intimating the indigenous people of Ekiti State that she came with good packages and empowerment for the good people of Ekiti State beginning from the polling units, wards and chapters and as well to extend the benovelence to all and sundry before the Gubernatorial election in the states. Amongst these empowerment includes trader money to market Women, fertizers to farmers, financial empowerment to people living with disabilities and many more.

She also stressed on the democratic dividends that the people of Ekiti State stand to enjoy by voting for APC in the forthcoming Gubernatorial election of 18th June 2022 and the General Election in 2023 respectively.

Dr. Edu had put up mechanism to deliver votes that will produce the Governor of Ekiti State in the next seven days by calling on the women to mobilise across board and ensure every eligible woman cast her vote on Saturday and for the APC Candidates.

*APC National Women Leader Congratulates Tinubu, Assures Him Of Women Wing's Support*

The All Progressive Congress (APC) National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu, has congratulated Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his emergence as the Presidential flag bearer of the party.

In a statement on Thursday, Dr Betta stated that the emergence of Tinubu as Presidential flag bearer is well deserved, and that his immense contribution to building APC and the nation at large has paid off, assuring him of the massive support of the women's wing of the APC.

Edu, a former Health Commissioner in Cross River State, added that Asiwaju Tinubu has clearly proven that investment in human capital development, good governance, experience, and wide networks are necessary ingredients for political advancements, adding that his drive, commitment, determination and effort towards women empowerment have been exceptional.

The statement reads in parts: "It gives me great honour and pleasure to congratulate His Excellency, Sen. Ahmed Bola Tinubu on his victory from the just concluded Presidential primaries of our great party at the Special National Convention held on 6th - 8th June 2022.

"Your emergence as the Presidential flag bearer of our great party is well deserved. Your immense contribution to building APC and the nation at large has paid off! You have clearly proven that investment in human capital development, good Governance, experience, and wide networks are necessary ingredients for political advancements. Your drive, commitment, determination and effort towards women empowerment have been exceptional.

"I know that the task ahead is humongous but be rest assured that you have the full support of the APC women's wing and Nigerian women by extension who you have constantly supported and given a voice, as well as a seat on the table of Leadership politics and Governance. APC women in our millions will come all out to stand by you as we walk this road to success at the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

"I trust you to keep the flag flying, prioritize women affirmative inclusiveness and mainstreaming in your agenda as our great women will With one voice go the extra mile to deliver a President who is not only gender sensitive but a Promoter of the female Gender!

"Finally, I overtly pour out my heart of gratitude to his Excellency, Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari for strengthening democracy as shown in the just concluded Presidential race of our great party, I congratulate our National Working Committee Headed By Sen Abdulahi Adamu for hosting one of the best Conventions in the history of our great party."

Ayade Congratulates Tinubu, describes him as soldier of democracy


Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has congratulated Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his emergence as the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC for the 2023 presidential election.

A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, quoted Professor Ayade in a congratulatory message to Tinubu as expressing an "unwavering optimism that this soldier of democracy who has seen it all will lead our great party to victory.”

Continuing, the Cross River State governor assured the APC presidential candidate of his total support at the polls.

Extolling Tinubu's sterling qualities, Ayade said: "Your Excellency, from your NADECO days to the ACN era and then to your immeasurable contribution to the formation of APC and its subsequent ascension to power, there is no doubt that you have laboured and sacrificed for democracy and its enthronement in our nation.

" Therefore, your emergence as the presidential candidate of our great party is a fitting and deserving reward for a man who has been in the trenches for democracy and good governance for decades now.

"I have an unwavering belief that as a soldier of democracy who has seen it all, you will lead the APC to seamless victory next year. Rest assured that as you look back, you will find me matching with you 100 per cent to the threshold of victory.

"I heartily and warmly congratulate you on this monumental milestone.”

Owo Catholic Church attack: We’re losing our humanity, Ayade cries out

Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has expressed sadness about the Sunday’s attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in which over 38 worshippers were killed.

Ayade who condemned the horrific attack, regretted that it was one attack too many, just as he called on security agents to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice. 

While commiserating with his counterpart governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and the grieving people of Ondo State, the governor in a condolence message signed by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, said: "I am outraged by the mindless and barbaric murder in a church of God where several worshippers were killed. 

“I join all well-meaning Nigerians to condemn this unprovoked attack at a worship centre."

According to him, "This should not have happened. It is indeed, saddening that gradually, our society is losing its humanity and something must be done to arrest the drift into barbarism."

Ayade said the loss of value for human lives and the audacity with which the attack was carried out is rather confounding, noting that "it is a terrible tragedy which must be condemned by all people of good conscience. I join other well meaning Nigerians to express my profound condolences and I offer my  prayer for those who lost relatives and friends in the heinous killings."

CharleyBright:
Will you shut the fvck up.
You think Nairaland is playground for children and teenagers?

Bros be calming down na joke oj �

Una go shock. Truly Ayade can turn around Nigeria

Breaking!

Gov Ben Ayade likely to emerge APC Presidential consensus candidate as most aspirants begin stepping down for him

Small propaganda una go de shake like water proof everywhere. He was never on the ballot ohhhhhhhhhhhhh

Press Release


Cross River APC petitions police, demand immediate arrest of imposters for forgery

The Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has petitioned the state police command, demanding the immediate arrest of those behind a fake primaries video.

The party in a statement signed by the state publicity secretary, Erasmus Ekpang, accused those behind the video of forgery.

“Forgery is a crime punishable under the laws of this country. The party wants the police to declare these people wanted, arrested and prosecuted for forging the letterhead of our dear party, which they used to put together that charade.

“Forgery is a serious offence and the party is determined to bring the characters behind the crime to book.

“Subsequently, the APC in Cross River state has petitioned the state police command and demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the masterminds,” the statement concluded

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btf7hpJICW0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPYYyOXEook

2023: Ayade promises to review cost of oil production as President


A frontline presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Ben Ayade has promised to review the cost of production of crude oil per barrel in the country.


Professor Ayade, who is also the governor of Cross River State, made the promise while speaking on the need for Nigerians to elect a president with cognate experience in relevant fields to change its economic trajectory.


He decried the current situation where the country spends about 35 dollars to produce a barrel of crude oil.


According to him, “I come from the oil and gas sector where I was a consultant responsible for crude oil analysis, responsible for process engineering, pipeline construction, piling processes and foundation work.


“So, like the back of my palm, I understand the oil economics of Nigeria. I understand our production quota, I understand the cost of production.”


The presidential hopeful pledged that if he secures his party's ticket and subsequently got elected as president, one of the critical decisions he will take would be to review "the cost of producing a barrel of crude oil in this country".


“When I become president of Nigeria, we are going to revisit the cost of producing a barrel of crude oil. It is the most unacceptable production cost in the world. At 35 dollars per barrel, that is staggering for oil that gushes from the ground naturally. We do not even need secondary recovery process to be able to allow for the capillary rise of our oil.


“ It is very easy to say I want to run for president, to speak to the pleasure and give special talks that generate excitement among the watching public but when it comes to the real thing, the real deal, it is the dept of knowledge, it is the capacity, the experiential capacity that is what you really have to count on. And that is what I am bringing to the table,” he further stated.

2023: How I’ll tackle Nigeria’s electricity problem -Ayade



A frontline presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade has laid out his plans on how he would address Nigeria’s electricity problem should he become the country’s next president.

Ayade unveiled his blueprint in an interview in Calabar at the weekend.

He decried the current approach of using gas-fired turbines to generate electricity, describing it as dysfunctional.

The governor whose administration has built two power plants in Calabar with a combined capacity of 50 megawatts, said “the energy mix of Nigeria is dysfunctional because you cannot use gas to fire turbines to be able to generate electricity. It is a bit medieval.

“Gas today has too many alternatives. A small country like Qatar exports gas as their core business and they are doing so well. They are number one exporter of ammonia. Nigeria can build her ammonia plant. We can have our heterogenous fertilizer plant, we can do so much with the gas.”

He said as President, his focus would rather be on hydropower and renewable energy, “using solar, using underwater current systems, using copper-plated blades to draw and run hydro turbines to generate electricity from saliferous acuival and from saliferous water sources such as the Atlantic Ocean.

“If you have a major turbine in Calabar to drive power up to Maiduguri, if you have a major turbine in Port Harcourt to drive power to Kano, if you have a major turbine in Lagos to drive power to Sokoto, you would have had three master transmission lines managed by private companies.

“Government should hands off power transmission because the vertical mercantile structure that has a guarantee from world Bank that guarantees that whether you take electricity or not you must pay, has created a situation where people luxuriate on that and make money without power generation. And because it is a captive transmission line, dedicated under the monopoly of the federal government, its inadequacies bring this national power challenges.

“So when you have a licensed structure where different regions have different power suppliers like Siemens, for example, supplying Niger Delta, General Electric supplying South-East and General Electric feels it is better to go solar and decides to have massive solar farms and generate electricity, it will solve our energy crisis. Same thing for those who supply the North-East. They could decide that the wind is good and decides to use wind turbines.”

2023 Presidency: Why Nigeria needs Ayade


By Chidi Onyemaizu


In the words of Warren Bennis, "leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
A character and personality critique of a frontline presidential aspirant of the All progressives Congress (APC) and the governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade establishes him as clinically encapsulating Bennis' treatise on leadership.

Ayade as governor has transformed into reality, a vision of a society where ethnic and religious faultlines can be effortlessly bridged, where tongue and teeth can live peacefully in joy and in brotherhood, a society where an economy can be created from ground zero through the deliberate recalibration of factors of production and a new lease of life created for the people.

Indeed, a thorough perusal of every chapter of Professor Ayade's political and academic Odyssey profoundly recommends him for the office of the presidency of Nigeria, as the man Nigeria needs as its leader at this critical juncture in its chequered history.

This Presidential hopeful who has reinvented Cross River is a unifier of interests and a welder of disparate ethnoreligious and cultural cleavages. His predisposition to patriotism and nationalism is very evident. He is a pan Nigerian, a man who sees Nigeria as his constituency, a man who speaks and understands Nigeria's major languages and is at home with all Nigerians of different cultures and religions.

This is reflected in the composition of his cabinet.

Essentially, as a detribalised Nigerian, Ayade's cabinet is comprised of Nigerians of diverse cultures and tribes. He is the only Nigerian Governor whose cabinet is a microcosm of Nigeria. In Ayade's cabinet, you have Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa/Fulani, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Nupe, Ijaw etc, many of them holding strategic and sensitive positions.

Nigeria needs a personality of Ayade's character trait, temperament, education and worldview as president come 2023 to bring about an exhilarating freshness to the polity.

In the economic sphere, here is a man with a deep knowledge of the Nigerian economy; one who understands the workings of the micro and macro economy indices.

Ayade understands that for the Naira to appreciate, Nigeria needs to be self-sufficient in food production instead of spending scarce foreign exchange importing foods.

It is Ayade's economic philosophy that Nigeria should transit from an importing and consuming nation to an exporting nation to earn dollars.

He has understudied the economic models of developed nations whose industrial strides were ignited by the industrial revolution of 1760 which began with agro industrialisation because agriculture itself does not create jobs; what creates jobs is the value additions that are brought to agriculture.

This explains why all the industries Ayade built across the 18 local government areas of Cross River are agro allied.

A very learned person, Ayade is sufficiently equipped with the necessary academic qualifications to superintendent over a complex and diverse country like Nigeria.

Ayade's sterling leadership qualities can also be gleaned from his succession plan for Cross River. His choice of successor speaks to how tidy and organised the governor is.

Of course, he has picked a governorship candidate for APC who is loved, accepted, rated and venerated across party lines and across Cross River's diverse ethnic society.

APC will be shooting itself in the leg; it will amount to self-immolation for the party if it fails to crown this goldfish from Cross River as its presidential candidate. Ayade is simply tailor-made for the high office of the presidency of Nigeria!


Chidi Onyemaizu is the Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to Ayade

Ayade receives report for review of judges' welfare, pledges new template in a week


Cross River state governor and frontline presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Ben Ayade Wednesday received the report of the State Judicial Welfare Review Committee with a pledge to announce a new salary template for the state's judicial officers within one week.

Speaking at the Conference Hall of the Governor's Office, Calabar, venue of the presentation ceremony, the governor expressed optimism that the report will lay a foundation for a review of the welfare of judicial officers across the country.

According to him, "the request for the 200% raise for the salaries of judges and 100% for the salaries of magistrates is before me and you have been kind enough to give a second option of 100% and 50% respectively.

"Within one week, we will call all the judicial officers and magistrates back into the Executive Council Hall where we shall pronounce in clear elucidation all our own action points based on your report.

"We believe that this report will lay a foundation for the entire country to emulate. We believe that this report will form a basis for a corruption-free judiciary, we believe that this will form a basis for which the inducement and challenges that characterise the Nigerian space where people are compromised by circumstances of their services and conditions they may find themselves will come to an end."

Ayade reiterated his administration's commitment to the well being of Cross River judicial officers despite lean financial resorces the state is grappling with occasioned by meagre federal allocation.

He vowed to pay the new salary structure for the judicial officers when adjusted "without fail until I leave office.”

Earlier, Chairman of the Committee, Rtd Justice Eyo Effiom Ita thanked the governor for reposing confidence in them and for giving them the necessary support to carry out their assignment.

While calling for the inclusion of retired judges in the new welfare package, Justice Ita told the governor that he and his members did a thorough job.

Inaugurated on May 5th, 2022 with a mandate to review the welfare of Cross River judicial officers and come up with an acceptable template, other members of the committee included the state Head of Service, Timothy Ogbang Akwaji who served as Secretary, the state's Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tanko Ashang, Justice Syvelster Obi (Rtd) and Justice Francesca Isoni.

All female APC Support Groups are by this notice adviced to register at the office of the National Woman Leader

*Dr Aisha Buhari, APC National Women Leader, Dr. Betta Edu hold summit for over 700 APC female Aspirants in Abuja.*


Her Excellency Dr Aisha Buhari, The First Lady of Nigeria, in collaboration with All Progressives Congress and Office of the National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu on Saturday, hosted over 700 APC Female Aspirants Summit at the State House Banquet Hall.

In an opening remark by APC National Women Leader, Dr. Betta Edu, she expressed her gratitude and thanked the Wife of the President, Her Excellency Dr Aisha for her doggedness, for giving women the support, voice and confidence to come out and run for elective positions.

She expressed her gratitude to the First Lady, for always being at the forefront fighting the women course and emancipating them while taking care of the core needs of women and children through the project Future Assured.

She advised all APC women to support one another, stating that they gain nothing bringing down one another.

The First lady Dr. Aisha Buhari in her speech advised and encouraged all Female Aspirants to build a strong, formidable and united front as well as demonstrate high sense of responsibility and confidence towards emerging victorious in the various positions they are vying for.

The First Lady assured female aspirants of her total support stating that she will stand by them through out the process and ensure victory for women. She called on women to unite and support the party, while she praised the new APC Women Leader Dr Betta Edu and her team for the great job they are doing to strengthen the womens wing of the Party!

In the same vein, wife of the Vice president Mrs Dolapo Osibanjo advised all Aspirants to remain united as one indivisible body for effectiveness as she advocates and task all Aspirants to get ready for the job ahead.

In attendance at the event, were Wife of the President Her Excellency Dr Aisha Buhari, wife of the Vice president Mrs Dolapo Osibanjo, APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu, ably represented by the Deputy Chairman South, Emma Enukwu

Hon. Minister of Women Affairs HE Dame Paullen Tallen, APC National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu, Deputy National Women Leader, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim, Wife of Ondo State Governor, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, Female Senators and Members of House of Representatives, Zonal and state women Leaders as well as aspirants at all levels from President to house of Assembly!

Ayade submits presidential nomination and intent forms

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has submitted his presidential nomination and expression of intention forms at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja.

The Submission which took place at the office of the National Organizing Secretary of the party, was done on behalf of Ayade by Barr Alphonsus Eba, the Cross River State chairman of the APC.

Eba eulogized the governor for his achievements in the last seven years, declaring that Nigeria needs an Ayade to fix the country.

“With near zero allocation, Ayade has been able to do magic in the state. We can boast of over 32 factories, network of roads and world class infrastructure strategical situated across the state. These great achievements and more will be replicated in Nigeria if Ayade becomes President”, he said.

Eba added that every problem faced by the country would be surmounted when Ayade becomes the president of the country in 2023, describing the governor as the ‘best light that will illuminate Nigeria.”

Continuing, he said: “What Nigeria needs at this moment is a man who can frog leap the country into a first world economy and we have found such man in the person of Senator, Professor, Barrister Ben Ayade, the Executive Governor of Cross River State”.
Receiving the forms, the Party’s National Organizing Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, who spoke on behalf of the National Chairman of the party certified Prof. Ben Ayade fit and qualified to be the party’s presidential candidate having fulfilled all the party’s requirements to enable him vie for the position.

The State Party Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba was accompanied by Senator Stephen Odey, National Women Leader of the party, Dr. Betta Edu, former Chief of Staff to Governor Ayade, Hon. Martins Orim and Member representing Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo.

Others were former commissioner for Finance, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr., his Agriculture counterpart, Ntufam Okon Owuna, Rt. Hon Itaya Nyong, Hon. Titi Ndifon as well as council chairmen of Biase, Obanliku and Calabar South.

Press release

I'm running for president- Ayade

Cross River state governor and a frontline All Progressives Congress, APC presidential aspirant, Professor Ben Ayade has said he is in the presidential race to win and is thus not running for senate as being speculated.

Ayade said while his attention has been drawn to the purported purchase of senatorial nomination form in his name, those behind it did so without his knowledge or authorization.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, the governor emphasized that the only election he is contesting is for the office of the president.

According to him, "I make bold to say, and also reassure millions of my supporters across the country that I am in the presidential race to win and will pursue this ambition to its logical conclusion.

"I am currently engrossed in octane consultations with critical party stakeholders on how to clinch the presidential ticket of my great party, the APC and have nothing to do with a purported Senate form bearing my name" the statement further quoted the presidential hopeful as saying.

Describing the alleged Senate form as a distraction targeted at his presidential ambition, Ayade urged his supporters to remain resolute in their support and not to fall for "this distraction targeted at our collective resolve to reinvent Nigeria through our impending victory.”

Ita-Giwa, other prominent Cross River indigenes laud Ayade’s presidential ambition, say governor perfect fit


Several prominent indigenes of Cross River State, including Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Legor Idagbo, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo amongst others, have applauded the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade for aspiring to become Nigeria’s next president, saying he is tailor-made for the country's topmost office.


Ita-Giwa believes that Ayade has the charisma and enough sagacity to effectively run the country.


The frontline politician said in a statement that the governor’s performance in the state will stand him in a good stead to clinch the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ultimately becoming Nigeria’s president.


She also used the opportunity to thank the governor for keeping his promise to return power to the Southern senatorial district of the state with the emergence of Prince (Senator) Bassey Otu as the consensus candidate of the APC in the forthcoming governorship election.


According to her, Ayade’s “endorsement of Senator Abasi Otu's governorship aspiration is universally acknowledged as sound by all true patriots in Cross River State. Indeed, it is widely believed that Otu's candidacy will ensure victory for the APC in the state. 

“My prayer is that the sagacity and charisma you have displayed in the governance of our state will stand you in good stead in your quest for the presidency of Nigeria.”

On his part,  Hon. Idagbo explained that his support for the Ayade as he strives to become the country’s next President is based on the Governor’s performance in Cross River.

“We believe in him because of what he has done in Cross River State with the limited resources at his disposal. He has done so much by industrialising Cross River State.

“ He is people friendly, and is caring. We believe that once he ascends the presidency he will take the country to unbelievable heights. So we are fully behind him and we are proud of him,” he said.

Speaking in a similar vein, Senator Bassey Otu said Ayade is more than deserving to take a shot at the presidency.

This, according to him, is because “he (Ayade) has turned Cross River State around. He has decoupled the state from a mono -economy to an industrial economy that is  sustainable,”

For Ugbo, “Ayade richly deserves it and is eminently qualified to aspire to the highest office of the land. He has a broader vision than the state, 

“Ayade is a man of the people, we all like him and are praying for him to become our next president.”

Ayade receives APC presidential forms from groups, pledges to fix Nigeria

Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade yesterday in Abuja, received the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination and expression of interest forms purchased for him by various groups, including Arewa youths.

Ayade, who was overwhelmed by the gesture, promised to fix the country, starting with security and power.

He said he understands the challenges of the country and was bringing to the table, a commitment to effect change.

“I have a commitment to effect change, I have the commitment to accelerate progress. I have a clear picture of the prosperity I want to bring to this country. It is crystal clear.

“ I am committed to taking advantage of the huge natural resources and huge human resources and create an embrace to bring prosperity to this country,” he stated.

While presenting the forms to Ayade, a former governorship aspirant, Prof Eyo Etim Nyong spoke glowingly of the governor.

“Ayade is a man of extra capacity, a man who has what it takes to lead this country. You are not making a mistake, you are charting the way forward for our great country.

“ All of us have visions but a lot of people are looking for wealth to drive that vision but here’s a man that transforms his vision into wealth. Cross Riverians are witnesses on how he transformed the vision into wealth.”

2023 Presidency: Groups to present forms to Ayade Monday


Cross River state Governor, Professor Ben Ayade's presidential ambition has received a huge boost as his supporters across the country under different aegis including Niger-Delta Youth, Eko Boys, Arewa Youth and Friends of Ayade for President are set to pick the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination and expression of intention forms for the governor.

The forms will be presented to the governor on Monday at the Cross River state Liaison office, Abuja at 3pm.

A statement released on Saturday said the governor fits the description of a president Nigeria needs in 2023.

"At this critical stage in Nigeria's history, we need a president who is a unifer, a pan Nigerian, urbane and cerebral . Nigeria needs a president who will bring an exhilarating freshness to the polity and His Excellency, Senator (Professor) Ben Ayade undisputably fits this description.

"This explains our tireless effort to see that he emerges Nigeria's next President and we will not rest till the Ayade presidency berths on the shores of reality ", the statement read in parts.

Continuing, it read: “Ayade is Nigeria and Nigerians' only chance to forge enduring nationhood and unity. Here is a man who sees no tribe and sees no religion in anyone; all he sees is humanity. Indeed Ayade's constituency is Nigeria and humanity. He is the only Governor in Nigeria that has Nigerians from all ethnic and religious groups-Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Ijaw, Edo, Akwa Ibom etc- in his cabinet with many holding vital and sensitive positions.

“Nigeria cannot afford to miss this man. Not only is he a detribalised Nigerian and a bridge between the young and old, he is also a performer, having dotted Cross Rivers' landscape with industries in just seven years in an industrialisation drive never before witnessed in any state in this country.”

On why various support groups pooled resources together to purchase the presidential nomination and intent forms for the governor, it said: "No amount of money is too big to sacrifice for a noble cause which the Ayade presidency project represents. We met and resolved that N100 Million should not be a barrier between us and the best man for the job because Ayade is simply the best of the pack.”

Let's be reasonable. No matter how bad you think Ayade is , whoever succeeds him cannot allow all the monies put into building those factories to go to waste. It is our states common weatlh and he or she has to find a way to make those things work.

*2023 Guber: Asuquo Ekpenyong Consults Cross River State House of Assembly, Promises to sustain Ayade's legacies*

Immediate past Commissioner for finance Cross River State Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong on Wednesday promised to continue from where Governor Ayade stopped thereby sustaining his legacies.

He made this known while on a consultative visit to the speaker and members of the Cross River State House of assembly in calabar.

Mr Ekpenyong who was consulting the House of Assembly with regards to flying the APC Flag at the 2023 Gubernatorial Elections stated that Governor Ayade has built an economy for Cross River State and all the state needs now is an astute manager of resources to leverage the investments in the best interest of the State.

"During our tour of the 18 local councils of the state we inspected industries built by Governor Ben Ayade that can significantly improve the economy of the state when properly aligned with the private sector. Industries that can make our young people millionaires across the state, this is what we intend to do if given the opportunity to serve" Ekpenyong said.

He added that "Having built several successful thriving businesses from scratch in the private sector and having garnered valuable experience working in the public sector as commissioner for finance Cross River State over the last 7 years, In all humility, I believe that I am well equipped to serve this state.

Responding, the speaker of the Cross River State House of assembly Eteng Jonas Williams extolled Asuquo's qualities having known and worked with him during their time at the finance and appropriation committee.

"You are one of us, you don't need any introduction to us and you have always shown that you have the qualities to be a leader we are here to support you and give you all the backing you need to succeed." The speaker said.

He however advised the former Commissioner not to rest on his oars and to continue to consult stakeholders across the state as everyone is important in the political process.

Mr Ekpenyong was accompanied by over 300 members of his team which included former colleagues in the state Exco, Oliver Orok, Hon John Ulafor, Hon Oqua Edet Oqua, Mfon Bassey, Mr Eric Anderson and Dr Asibong as well as major party Elders and stakeholders such as Ntufam John Okon, Chief Sam Bassey, Mr James Alicha, King Harry Obeten, Dr Peter Adigeb, Bishop Christian Agbor, Hon Justina Edem, Elder Chief Onoyom Ette amongst many others.

Cross River APC Lobby Group commends President Buhari For Road Infrastructures*

Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of Mobilisation of the Cross River State APC Lobby Group, on Saturday commended President Mohammadu Buhari for the infrastructural development of the new Ikom Bridge the calabar/Itu road, and the Second Niger Bridge as well as others still undergoing construction across the Nation.

Ekpenyong, who made the commendation in an interview with journalist shortly after the Cross River State APC Youth Lobby group Voters Sensitization tour of Ikom and Etung Local Government Area Councils described Buhari’s completion of the New Ikom bridge and many others as a huge success.

He said the brigde was very timely, considering its economic and trade significance to Central and Northern Cross River State connecting to the Southern part of the State in terms of economic activities. He also noted that the Calabar/Itu road would help to alleviate the suffering of road users who had suffered for over a decade while commuting on that road.

Ekpenyong, also commended the Cross River State Governor, Senator Prof Ben Ayade for his timely identification with the party at the center to attract more developmental projects to Cross River State that will benefit the people.

He, however, called on Cross Riverians to appreciate Mr President and not to play politics with the various vital infrastructure Project, saying the overall developmental interest of the State was paramount.

“National interest must come first before partisan affiliation. We must endeavour to collectively join hands in moving this State forward, irrespective of our political differences,’’ he said.

Recently there has been a clamour for more women inclusion in politics and in Cross River State it seems the women folk are not resting on their oars.

One of such women is Emana Duke-Amawhe an accomplished broadcaster and business woman.

Having had successful stints with popular news networks such as channels television, Galaxy television, Tv continental, Emana has returned home to challenge the monopoly being currently witnessed at the Calabar south, Akpabuyo, Bakassi federal constituency under the people's democratic party PDP.


Emana has come with a breath of fresh air, she will be the first woman to hold that position if elected after 24 years and with her track record she seems well equipped for the job.


The general feeling in calabar the Cross River State capital is that the electorate want more youth involvement in the polity and with her track record there are few young women more qualified for public service than Emana.

The Akpabuyo born media consultant has garnered some experience in the public service having served as member Cross River State economic summit and co chairman ease of doing business committee.

All these assignments have prepared her for the role of a federal legislator who will bring the needed change to a federal constituency that has been highly neglected due to docile representation.

With Emana Amawhe Calabar South, Akpabuyo and Bakassi federal constituency will have an eloquent and vibrant young woman capable of attracting key developments to the area.

If the PDP in Cross River is serious about winning elections come 2023 then it's leadership need to ensure that candidates like Emana are given priority as the party elects it's flag bearers for the 2023 polls

Dominic Ukeh writes from Calabar.

Incredible! Cross River gets N34 Million from FAAC for March

For a second successive month, Cross River State’s allocation from Federal Allocation is in the negative.

Figures just released shows that the state’s net statutory allocation for the Month of March is N34,960,344.53 (Thirty Four Million, Six Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty Four Naira, Fifty Three Kobo).

While the state earned a gross statutory allocation of N2,222,635,051.79 (Two billion, two hundred and twenty two million, six hundred and thirty five thousand, fifty one naira, seventy nine kobo), a whopping N2,187,674,707.27 (Two billion, one hundred and eighty seven million, six hundred and seventy four thousand, seven hundred and seven naira, twenty seven kobo) was deducted at source to service debts incurred by previous administrations.

This leaves the state with a paltry thirty four million naira as allocation from federal allocation for the month of March.

This is coming on the heels of a similar abysmal figure of one hundred and seventy one million naira allocation for the month of February, 2022.

Financial analysts believe that it is nothing short of a miracle that the state has not ground to a halt.

Cross River: Ayade signs Livestock Grazing Management, anti-corruption bills into law


Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade has signed the Cross River State Livestock and Grazing Management bill into law.

The governor also signed the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption bill recently passed by the Cross River State House of Assembly into law.

At the signing ceremony at the Conference Hall of the Governor's Office, Calabar, Ayade described the two new laws as master pieces of legislation.

He commended the speaker and members of the state Houss of Assembly for their foresight and dexterity in fashoning the laws.

Giving details of the law on open grazing which significantly differed from what most states have, the governor said: "Contrary to what most states have done, we have made containment and control measures to define the beacons of range through which any form of ranching can be done.

"The law is very detailed. It provides penalties for straying cattles as well as cattle rustling. Anybody who steals a cattle belonging to a herdsman, there is a penalty provided in the law. Any herdsman who allows his cattle to stray out of the ranch, there is a penalty. So with this law, we have protected the farmers and we have protected the herders too.

"This way we we did not absolutely ban but we have controlled grazing, we have controlled movement of cattle and made a provision that all movement of cattles within the state has to be by vehicle, so, there would no more be trekking with cows through farm lands.”

Ayade debunked insinuations that the law has legitimatized destruction of farmlands by farmers.

"For those who do not know, this law is not designed to entertain the destruction of our farm lands. It is also not designed to exterminate the business of herders because it is not only non Cross Riverians that are into livestock farming. We also have Cross River indigenes who are into livestock", he clarified.

On the anti-Corruption law, the Cross River state governor explained that it offers guarantee of transparency in the way and manner public offices are handled.

"It brings the watch dog closer to us and brings us to a point where we will have ultimate value for the resources of our state", he said.

According to him, "it is the domestication of the criminal administration law of Nigeria which Cross River has domesticated and this law derives it's strength from the concurrence of the criminal Justice of Nigeria.

“Essentially, by the provisions of the new law, the Cross River state House of Assembly now has a superintending authority over the disbursement and distribution of resources of the state.

“The House plays more or less a super auditing role and vested with the powers to make final statement of clearance for any expenditure that is consistent with the appropriation law of each year.

"I believe that this is ground breaking and this is very novel and this also makes it clear that you will no longer wait for somebody outside to come and investigate you. There is now a watchman taking stock of all your activities right here in your own domain", the Governor enthused.

Earlier, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jones Williams expressed optimism that "the two important laws will shape the behavioural pattern of Cross Riverians.”

Umahi: Our judiciary is on trial

By Emeka Okoro

I read the judgement of the Federal High Court sacking His Excellency, Dave Umahi, his deputy and members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with disbelief.

The judgement is very defective and won’t survive appeal for a number of reasons.

First is the fact that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees Nigerians the right to freedom of association.

Section 40 reads and I quote: “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons , and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.”

As such anchoring the judgement on the provisions of the Electoral Act, which are inconsistent with the constitution that guarantees right to freedom of association is an error.

Sections 1 and 3 of the Constitution not only affirms the supremacy of the constitution but also declares the provisions of any other Act that is inconsistent with the constitution as null and void to the extend of the inconsistencies.

It should also be pointed out that the constitution provides for four ways a governor can be removed from office. Defection is not one of them.

It is also common knowledge that the Supreme Court has since discarded the ratio in Amaechi v Omehia and said it is a bad law and should not be cited.

How this is lost on the trial judge beats my imagination.

The court held in Abdulrauf Abdulkadir Modibbo Vs Mustapha that unlike in the Amaechi’s matter, a political party is just a vehicle and that the courts should not declare anyone who did not participate in all the stages of the electoral process as the winner of an election.

The question then is, if as the court has ruled, Umahi was to vacate office, who is in the PDP that can be declared governor since he or she must have participated in the entire electoral processes? The answer is NO ONE.

This is Umahi was the candidate of the PDP and only Umahi and his deputy took part in the entire electoral process.

However, the most scandalous aspect of this judgement has to do with the fact that a Federal High Court in Abakaliki had earlier dismissed the same suit.

So rather than go on appeal, the PDP approached another federal high court that has now entered judgement in their favor.

Why would a court of coordinate jurisdiction sit on appeal, because this is what it amounts to, over the judgement of a court of same jurisdiction? Haba!!

Also, What happened to Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) that confers immunity on a governor from criminal or civil proceedings?

Nigeria’s judiciary is clearly on trial.

Emeka wrote from Abakiliki