tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39392281386376894232024-03-13T22:19:08.418-07:00Made-In-Calabar ... Cross River To The WorldUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-88751308519966719122019-11-20T02:17:00.001-08:002019-11-20T02:17:21.164-08:00PDP Gov's Forum set for 2019 IGR Summit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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... Dr Peter Obi to deliver keynote address on IGR options in a recessed economy<br />Nelson NseAbasi<br />The PDP Governors Forum is set to host the 2019 Edition of its annual IGR Summit in Abuja at the BON Hotel Stratton, (formerly Protea Hotel), Asokoro on Wednesday and Thursday, November 27-28, 2019.<br />The information is confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by the Summit Organizing Committee and signed by Patrick Okon on behalf of the Forum.<br />The former Governor of Anambra State and 2019 Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, Dr. Peter Obi, the Chairman of the Summit, will also deliver the keynote address on the theme “The Imperatives of Developing Internally-Generated Revenue Options for State Governments in a Recessed Economy”.<br />The statement in part reads: ‘’The current economic reality in the country has more than ever informed the need for the forum’s initiative to escalate same for public discourse at the upcoming summit.<br />It added that: “The challenge of declining internally-generated revenue and the need to boost alternative sources of income for the PDP-governed states outside reliance on the monthly federal government allocation will be receiving adequate attention at the converge.<br />“It will also strive to define the extant possibilities and proffer fresh initiatives to increase revenue for economic growth and development in the states.<br />Titled “The Imperatives of Developing Internally-Generated Revenue Options for State Governments in a Recessed Economy”, the summit which is facilitated by the PDP Governors Forum and managed by Messrs Red Sapphire Nigeria Limited, in conjunction with the Producers of high-profile Finance programme, “Money Line on AIT”, will parade the Finance expert, Nancy Iloh as Summit Anchor.<br />Key Resource persons and Finance Experts with tested knowledge and transfer experience drawn from the IGR/Finance Sector have been penciled down to deliver thought–provoking papers and case studies to address as well as proffer enduring and sustainable solutions; aside crafting fresh ideas for the development, generation and effective application of digital formats to improve internally-generated revenue (IGR) strategies and platforms in the states and local government areas (LGAs) in a recessed economy.<br />The expected participants are - State Commissioners of Finance, Trade/Investments, Budget/Economic Planning, Tourism and Local Governments/Chieftaincy Affairs; National/State Assembly Committee Chairmen on Local Governments whose input will generally provide statutory and parliamentary backing for the major determinants and considerations on IGR Resources; SSAs on Trade/Investments, Economy, Finance and Revenue Generation; LGA Chairmen/ Secretaries, as well as Heads of State Boards of Internally-Generated Revenue and Senior Executives engaged in the Development and Management of Rural Economy amongst others.<br />The high-profile summit will feature the Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson as the Chief Host of the summit, and the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus as the Special Guest of Honour.<br />Mr. Akinyele Oladeji, an IGR Expert and Managing Consultant/Country Representative of Canadian Software Development Corporation (CSDC Consulting Nigeria) will lead a coterie of frontline speakers, session chairmen, faculty members and renowned IGR/Finance Experts cum Consultants drawn from allied and related agencies.<br />#PDPGovernorsForum<br />#PDPGovernorsForumIGRsummit<br />#PDPIGRSummit2019</blockquote>
<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-58240868140397479252019-11-19T22:37:00.002-08:002019-11-19T22:37:12.740-08:00Cross River to partner Taiwan on African Agro Revolution<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The government of Cross River in conjunction with the Taiwan-African Business Association is set to host a conference for business men and women on the 20th to 23rd of November, 2019 at the Channel View hotel,MCC road Calabar.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The conference is set to receive the Taiwan - Africa Business Association on a mission to enlighten the people of Cross River State on possible partnerships to forge valuable economic development and business ventures. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The conference promises to be an eye opener for many business owners and economy leaders across the state and nation.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Cross River State government is urging the indigenes and residents to turn out in their numbers to contribute their quota to make the state a better place.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-64864930672839310392019-11-18T22:51:00.001-08:002019-11-18T22:51:23.268-08:00Court of Appeal Calabar yet to release election petition judgments weeks after ruling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />The Court of Appeal, Calabar Division is yet to release copies of the Election Petition judgments it delivered on 2nd November 2019, several weeks after, investigation has revealed.<br /><br />The chairman of the panel, Justice Tijani Abubakar, had said before the counsels, their clients, their supporters and journalists that enrolled orders of the full judgments can be obtained immediately after the court session.<br /><br />However, several weeks after the judgment, the report is nowhere to be found after efforts put up by the counsels.<br /><br />This became imperative as a result of the Court reading only the concluding parts of the judgments and not the full text of the judgments due to time constraints.<br /><br />The situation has left litigants in a state of confusion as getting the full judgments would have availed them the reasons why the learned justices arrived at their decisions.<br /><br />A source close to the Appeal Court revealed that typically, applications for certified true copies of judgments are met within two days as it simply means a situation where the judgments are reproduced and certified for the applicants.<br /><br />He, however, expressed regret on the development, even as he hoped that his superiors will address the situation without further delay.<br /><br />When contacted, a lawyer to one of the litigants decried the development and lamented the negative implications. For instance, parties and counsel were denied reasons for the judgment and as such are unable to appropriately brief their clients about the underlying considerations that led the Court’s arrival at the judgments delivered, whether such judgments were favourable or not.<br /><br />Furthermore, counsel who need copies of the judgment for records and submission to their clients or relevant institutions or even for applications requiring evidence of matters pursuant to the conclusion are also left in limbo, and still waiting for the judgments delivered about two weeks ago.<br /><br />The lawyer confirmed that he applied for certified true copies (CTCs) of the judgments delivered by Court of Appeal on the 2nd & 5th November 2019 on 5/11/2019 and his application was acknowledged on the same date.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-58406741630829980422019-11-18T22:43:00.002-08:002019-11-18T22:43:57.705-08:00Parents hail Rotary for funding basic education/lIteracy project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />Parents of 12 indigent students from eight public schools in Cross River State have commended Rotary Club of Calabar for paying N30, 000 each for their wards, WAEC and NECO fees.<br /><br />The gesture, which was for deserving students from public schools in Akpabuyo and Calabar South Local Government Areas, also included the payment of their three terms school fees for 2018/2019 session.<br /><br />One of the beneficiaries, who spoke on behalf of other parents, Mr. Edet Bassey expressed gratitude to Rotary at the official handing over of the cash to beneficiaries at Community Secondary School, Ikot Ewa in Akpabuyo. <br /><br /> He said the goodwill extended to their wards had reduced burden of payment.<br /><br /><br />He said: “We don’t know what to say than to say thank you to Rotary. Most of us would have had it tough, if not for your great assistance to our children. Thank you again and may God bless you.”<br /><br />Speaking on behalf of the students from Government Secondary School, Uwanse in Calabar South, Effiom Eke, who thanked Rotary for the sponsorship, assured the club that she would work hard to ensure she graduates with good grades.<br /><br />The President of Rotary Club of Calabar-UNICAL, Rotarian Carole Edem, said the gesture was one of the club’s Basic Education and Literally projects.<br /><br />She explained that the N30, 000 was to help intelligent students whose parents could not afford to pay their exams fees.<br /><br />While addressing the beneficiaries, Rotarian Edem said: “This is part of our area of interest. We are here for the purpose of assisting and serving humanity, reaching out to the society<a name='more'></a><div class="mrf-adv sRoba mrf-preInsertedMad mad adSemiInvisible mrf-madLoaded mrf-madWidth-320 mrf-madHeight-480 mrf-madFluid mrf-adv--all mrf-adv--0000" data-invalidatelayout="false" data-layout="inline_square_deeplinking_s" data-loadonevent="navigationChange" data-loadstrategy="onScroll" data-madid="2" data-madprocessed="true" data-madtype="sRoba" data-mrf-madstyles="mrf-madWidth-320 mrf-madHeight-480" data-navigationlevel="1" data-placement="" data-refreshfrequency="0" data-scrollposition="2" data-sectionid="home" data-virtualpageid="2" style="background-color: #fafafa; clear: both; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: SecondaryFont; font-size: 18px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px -15px 26px; text-align: center;">
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kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-65168648063253404622019-11-18T22:26:00.003-08:002019-11-18T22:26:35.933-08:00Ayade is Champion Newspaper Governor of the Year <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade has emerged the Champion Newspaper Governor of the Year for 2019.<br /><br />The choice of Ayade as Governor of the year was contained in a letter signed by the newspaper's Managing Director and Editor in chief, Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa. <br /><br />While justifying the choice of the governor for the award, Iheakanwa said: "The award which is a product of painstaking selection of our Board of Editors, is our modest way of recognizing leaders who have paid a greater sacrifice in ensuring that the objectives and ideals of our nationhood are sustained." <br /><br />She said Ayade's emergence has been corroborated by an independent team of assessors.<br /><br />"On all scores, our findings, largely corroborated by that of independent assessors, confirmed that Cross River State under your watch has become a model state in terms of value creation in the art of governance, she stated.<br /><br />Continuing, Iheakanwa said: “We note with delight, your uncommon zeal and pragmatism with which you have pursued the business of transforming Cross River into a resourceful state.<br /><br />"Most importantly is the patriotic and noble steps in transforming the state into an industrial hub."<br /><br />According to the Editor in Chief, "As a watch dog of the society, it is our duty not only to track and document your sterling performance but also to acknowledge your commitment and love for your state in particular and the country in general." <br /><br />The letter of notification, however, fix the award ceremony for February 2020.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-59368549013925932292019-11-17T22:15:00.001-08:002019-11-17T22:15:15.048-08:00Journalists, others allegedly barred as ‘secret trial’ of Jalingo begins in Calabar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />The “secret trial” of a journalist and human rights activist, Agba Jalingo, began yesterday in Calabar with journalists, lawyers and others allegedly locked out.<br /><br />The publisher, who is believed to be incarcerated by Governor Ben Ayade, is facing charges bordering on conspiracy, terrorism, treasonable felony and attempt to topple the Cross River State Government.<br /><br />Court officials and policemen reportedly chased out journalists filming and photographing what was believed to be like a circus at the Federal High Court, Calabar.<br /><br />Strangely, the three lawyers in the defence team were reportedly asked out of the courtroom alongside prison officials.<br /><br />Earlier yesterday, the court, presided over by Justice Simon Amobeda, dismissed an application by Jalingo’s counsel to modify his order of October 23, 2019, which granted leave for the prosecution to “mask its witnesses.”<br /><br />In that ruling, the judge had also ordered that the public and the press would not be allowed during the cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses.<br /><br />The case was supposedly stood down until noon when Justice Amobeda resumed sitting at about 1:34 p.m. with the prosecution counsel, Dennis Tarhemba; Jalingo, two court clerks and the judge’s police orderlies.<br /><br />Before the court resumed sitting, security agents allegedly restrained all, including correctional officers, to outside the courtroom.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After the ruling, Jalingo’s counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had said his submissions were “mis-characterised,” adding that he was not confident that a “secret trial will bring justice especially as there will be no independent recording of court proceedings.”<br /><br />Jalingo had in July this year published an article where he demanded the Cross River State Government to clarify the N500 million approved and released for the floating of the Cross River Microfinance Bank.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-22838605787658654502019-11-17T22:05:00.000-08:002019-11-17T22:05:03.246-08:00Cross River governor, ASUU at loggerheads over appointment of state university vice chancellor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) chapter are at loggerheads with the authorities of the state over the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor for the state-owned institution.<br /><br />They vowed to cripple academic activities if due process was not followed in appointing a new Vice Chancellor for the institution.<br /><br />Briefing newsmen in Calabar, Chairman of ASUU, CRUTECH chapter, Com. Emmanuel Ettah, said the term of the current acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akon Monday Joshua, would come to an end on November 7, 2019.<br /><br />He added that five names had been submitted by the institution’s Governing Council to Governor Ben Ayade, who is visitor to the institution.<br /><br />He revealed that there was a plot to appoint an acting Vice Chancellor outside the five names submitted to Ayade, stressing that all students’ examination scripts had been returned to the VC’s office until a new acting VC took over the students’ examination scripts,.<br /><br />However, when contacted, the Special Adviser Media & Publicity to Ayade, Mr Christian Ita, said,”It was a mere speculation and rumor on the part of ASUU.”<br /><br />Added Ettah: “On Thursday 7 November 2019 will be six months when the acting VC, Prof. Akon Monday Joshua, was appointed to pilot the affairs of the university. Before then, the council was not constituted. But a month ago, the council was newly constituted led by Dr. Emil Inyang.<br /><br />“The government appointees, Senate elected members, admission elected members and convocation elected members are the people that constituted the Governing Council. But the time was too short for the council to advertise for the position of Vice Chancellor since it requires at least 6 weeks to advertise.<br /><br />The tenure of the Acting VC will be expiring on Thursday, 7th of November 2019. By law, she cannot continue and neither be reappointed.<br /><br />“There’ is a procedure to appoint an acting VC and the procedure is that the university Senate through management and council will recommend a few professors to the Governing Council for onward forwarding to His Excellency, the visitor.<br /><br />“Five names have been forwarded and we are in the know from a reliable information that the visitor wants to appoint an Acting VC outside that list. And that would be a breach to the University Miscellaneous Act 2003.”<br /><br />“Our action as a union is not to oppose government, but to inform the government that due process is involved and should be followed through in appointing a Vice Chancellor.<br /><br />“So the union feels that if that is done, the autonomy of the university as entrenched in the constitution and as entrenched in the 2009 agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government of Nigeria will be eroded and that might lead to litigation,” he said.<br /><a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-4660846373072975782019-11-17T22:01:00.002-08:002019-11-17T22:01:45.635-08:00500 teachers barricade Cross River governor’s office over unpaid salaries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br /><br /> In less than two weeks, over 500 science teachers in Cross River State again barricaded the Governor’s Office with mats and wrappers, protesting the alleged removal of their names from the government’s payroll.<br /><br />They also raised the alarm over non-payment of their September and October 2019 salaries, adding that “We have turned to beggars and doing odd jobs in a bid to survive on daily basis.”<br /><br />It would be recalled that the teachers had earlier on November 5 protested, blocked gate to the Governor’s Office and denied everyone entry and exit.<br /><br />Narrating their ordeal, Spokesperson for the science teachers, Kenneth Bisong, said that they (teachers) did not understand the rationale behind the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration in its decision to stop paying them and remove their names from the payroll.<br /><br />“We are among the best brains as far as Science teaching is concerned in Cross River State. Our recruitment in 2015 was done by Educom, an Indian firm with a proven track record for standard and excellence.<br /><br /><br />“Initially we did not know that anything happened until our colleagues started getting paid and our people were not. We went to the relevant offices to find out what happened; we discovered that our names have been removed from the payroll by government.<br /><br />“Our names were removed from the payroll in September; we started since 2015. We are about 500 teachers affected and it could be more.<br /><br />“Government did not follow the service rules, we do not know what the government wants to achieve by removing our names from the payroll and treating it with injustice.<br /><br />“We are the livewire of secondary schools. Does the government intend to engage quacks? All we want is the payment of our September and October salary arrears”.<br /><br />When contacted, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Christian Ita, said it was just an audit by government and no one was sacked.<br /><br />“Nobody has been sacked. It is just an audit, a lot of people who joined the civil service in 2015 did so through the back door. There is no cause for alarm, no one has been sacked.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-8085188618419304512019-11-14T00:16:00.001-08:002019-11-14T00:16:56.832-08:00AYADE BREATHES LIFE INTO OBUDU RANCH RESORT <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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... RANCH TARGETS GLOBAL APPEAL AFTER FACELIFT - JOE EDET<br />
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Nelson NseAbasi<br />
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The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ben Ayade on Obudu Ranch, Mr Joe Edet is the new face of Obudu Ranch and has opened up on the new phase of the resort following the Governor's investments to revamp the ranch.<br />
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He shared insight when he granted an exclusive interview during a working visit to Lagos to negotiate partnerships and build frontiers to change the story of the once defunct state of the art edifice.<br />
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Happily married to Mrs. Ushang Edet, Joe creatively marries his Lagos upbringing, his Computer Science degree background to his brand development and entrepreneurial skills to redefine his approach to leadership and service delivery.<br />
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"We are approaching the management of the ranch with the spirit of enterprise, kicking out the civil service mentality" he stated, while giving his scorecard.<br />
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As we speak, Obudu Ranch is wearing a whole new look, the visionary Prof. Ayade had graciously approved funds for general renovation, from painting to intercom to WiFi which is basic in this digital age. All features of the ranch have come alive, the flags are now flying and the cable car is working.<br />
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Mr Edet is so excited to announce that Governor Ayade had given blessings for the comprehensive rehabilitation of Obudu Ranch Resort. The massive renovation of the Obudu Ranch Resort facility, which is one of Nigeria's premier tourism destinations and a key revenue earner for Cross River is aimed at creating a rebirth perception to attract more visitors.<br />
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According to him, areas undergoing restoration at the moment include the Gym, Game house, Steak House, lawn tennis club, Restaurant and Bar.<br />
Also, the moribund cable car section is being revived just as the water park, the canopy walkway and Grotto have been renovated.<br />
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Accommodation facilities, including the exotic mountains villas and offices have all been given facelift.<br />
Power, street lights, intercom and Wifi services, have all been restored.<br />
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"We are building an experience and not just a visit. As you touch down in Calabar, there are series of activities to make your stay or journey to the ranch a memorable experience" , Joe explained.<br />
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On how it took him such a little time to achieve so much, Joe said he is inspired by Sir Ben Ayade's style of leadership, first he knows how to fix square pegs in square holes. ' I am less than 100 days in office, I took the first month to do my observation and assessment, then I arrived at the conclusion that there are a few tangible things that don't cost a fortune to fix, once the spirit is right, so we hit the ground running immediately to redeem the brand of Nigeria's preferred destination '.<br />
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Governor Ayade had stated that apart from restoring the lost glory of the Ranch Resort, the total reinvention of the tourism facility was also aimed at giving it a more global appeal.<br />
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"I'm determined to revamp, rebrand and strategically market the Obudu Mountain Resort to the world, " the governor had declared at a function recently.kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-47631194565349834272019-11-14T00:13:00.001-08:002019-11-14T00:13:21.568-08:00Ayade woos investors to Cross River at Africa Investment Forum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Emmanuel Ulay<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade Wednesday turned on the charm offensive in South Africa , wooing investors at the Africa Investment Forum (AIF), to invest in the state.<br /><br />A statement issued by Ayade's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita, said Governor Ayade is at the Summit on the invitation of the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumni Adesina along side the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, his kwara and Abia states counterparts, Dr Abdulrasaq Abdulraman and Dr Okezie Ikpeazu respectfully.<br /><br />While speaking at the cluster session on the opportunities Investors can find in Cross River State, Governor Ayade said there can never be a better time to invest in the state than now when his administration has established an industrial city with all round infrastructure and tax free regime.<br /><br />"There are lots of opportunities in my state , Cross River, a state that flows with milk and honey, inhabited by very warm people. It is home to the remaining largest Tropical rainforest in West Africa where natural wildlife still exist.<br /><br />"It is blessed with huge arable land mass that is good for Agriculture, my state has large deposit of gas as the end-point of the oil rich Niger Delta region with international boundaries with Cameroon, Equitorial Guinea and Sào Tome and Principe on both lands and waterways Corridors.<br /><br />"What's is more, Cross River is unarguably the toursim destination of Nigeria with Carnival Calabar as the apex annual event in Nigeria every December.<br /><br />"As a government, we have invested in the Rice Value Chain, seeds and seedlings, Millings as well as Ultra Modern Cocoa factory just to mention but a few of our Agricultural projects of action.<br /><br />"Come and Invest in Cross River because our land, though in the Niger Delta Region, is very safe and secured<br /><br />Governor Ayade would on the second day of the three days event lead participants at an investment cluster meeting to a wider panel discussion with global investors to discuss opportunities in an effort to secure the nod of the Africa Development Bank (AFDB) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) to partner Cross River in its agro-industrial sector.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-59096860780484229342019-11-11T23:03:00.002-08:002019-11-11T23:03:27.809-08:006 REASONS TO CELEBRATE PMFA 2019 - SEASON 6 !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Nelson NseAbasi<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For 6 years, South Central has successfully hosted the most credible, successful and most celebrated music awards in the South South of Nigeria, Paradise Music Festival & Awards (PMFA).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In this succinct write up, I present to you 6 bullet points on reasons to be excited about PMFA season 6; <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />1 - Celebrating the relationship between the international and Indigenous musicians <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2- Celebrating the link between talents from the older generation to the new school <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />3 - Celebrating music as a uniting factor contributing to the relative peace enjoyed in the region <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />4 - Celebrating the bridge between government and the music industry <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />5 - Celebrating the transformation of music from analog to digital.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />6 - Celebrating the 6th edition of the prestigious awards <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> P. M. F. A 2019 ... Celebrating Harmony !<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />* Mark Your Calendar- Sunday, 8th of December 2019 @ The Dome - Calabar. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />#PMFASeason6<br /><br />#PMFA2019<br /><br />#CelebratingHarmony<br /><br />#DigitalEntertainers<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-3060042421234524602019-11-11T22:59:00.001-08:002019-11-11T23:00:15.378-08:00All is set for the Grand Opening of De Echo Lounge - Calabar <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nelson NseAbasi<br />
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The management of UG Wills Hotel & Suites is set to host funlovers in Calabar for the official opening of their 5 Star lounge - De Echo Lounge. <br />
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Scheduled to hold on Friday, 22nd November 2019 at MCC road Calabar, the grand opening event will feature sterling performances from the guest act, 'Shoki' sensation, Lil Kesh and carefully selected homegrown acts, Yung Bone & Shark2Six. <br />
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The Lounge is set to change the status quo of nightlife in the paradise city, hereby beating the competition for the top spot of hangouts in Calabar. <br />
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The management is calling on residents and visitors to Calabar to turn out in their numbers for a whole new experience in nightlife as De Echo Lounge is set to satisfy the needs of funseekers who desire a more comfortable and secure spot for varieties of fun activities in pubs, including karaoke etc.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-63628881045757437732019-11-10T22:06:00.001-08:002019-11-10T22:06:15.436-08:00Teachers, lawyers protest, block governor’s office in Calabar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba of the All Progressives Congress says he doubts the nation’s electoral process even though he has implicit confidence in the judiciary.<br /><br />He stated this in Calabar after he lost his appeal against Senator Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party at the Court of Appeal in Calabar.<br /><br />Fourteen other candidates of the APC in Cross River State also failed in the Court of Appeal.<br /><br />Ndoma-Egba said, “I have implicit confidence in the judiciary but I have doubts on our electoral process. I congratulate Sandy on his victory and recent conferment as a professor as I wish him the best.”<br /><br />Ndoma-Egba contested the Central Senatorial District election in Cross River against Onor and lost both in the field and at the tribunal.<br /><br />Another APC candidate, Alex Egbona went to the Appeal Court to contest the declaration of John Gaul-Lebo of PDP as winner of the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency at the tribunal.<br /><br />While delivering judgment, Justice Tanko Hussein said all the judgments were delivered in brief as details could be got later due to lack of time.<br /><br />He affirmed the decision of the tribunal and said all the appeals by the APC petitioners “lacked merit and were dismissed.”<br /><br />In the case of Egbona, the Appeal Court ordered a re-run election in Igbo Ekureku Wards 1 and 2 to be conducted by Independent National Electoral Commission within 90 days.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-81810618426084942452019-11-10T09:17:00.003-08:002019-11-10T11:38:57.016-08:00Calabar Talent Factory: Cross River begins search for underground music talents <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nelson NseAbasi<br />
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Cross River State Government has commenced the search for talented artistes who require the necessary push to catapult them from street to stardom.<br />
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Themed 'Calabar Talent Factory' , it is an initiative of the Cross River state Government in partnership with 1327 Entertainment to create a platform that would unearth new talents from the state.<br />
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The platform would become an avenue through which splendor and creative ingenuity of youths in the state would be showcased to the world, especially through the internationally acclaimed Calabar Festival events.<br />
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Talent Factory would position the state, under the leadership of Sir Ben Ayade as one that invests in talents and human capacity development, through the discovery and promotion of local talents in the state.<br />
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The event which would attract the cream-de-la-cream in the music industry and beyond, would feature top Record Labels, Artistes and their managers looking out for talents that can take the world by storm.<br />
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Follow the link below and register now!<br />
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#CalabarTalentFactory<br />
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<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-6510371729451634442019-11-07T23:56:00.001-08:002019-11-07T23:56:36.361-08:00Appeal Court verdict: I doubt our electoral process, says Ndoma-Egba<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba of the All Progressives Congress says he doubts the nation’s electoral process even though he has implicit confidence in the judiciary.<br /><br /><br />He stated this in Calabar after he lost his appeal against Senator Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party at the Court of Appeal in Calabar.<br /><br /><br />Fourteen other candidates of the APC in Cross River State also failed in the Court of Appeal.<br /><br /><br />Ndoma-Egba said, “I have implicit confidence in the judiciary but I have doubts on our electoral process. I congratulate Sandy on his victory and recent conferment as a professor as I wish him the best.”<br /><br /><br />Ndoma-Egba contested the Central Senatorial District election in Cross River against Onor and lost both in the field and at the tribunal.<br /><br /><br />Another APC candidate, Alex Egbona went to the Appeal Court to contest the declaration of John Gaul-Lebo of PDP as winner of the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency at the tribunal.<br /><br /><br />While delivering judgment, Justice Tanko Hussein said all the judgments were delivered in brief as details could be got later due to lack of time.<br /><br /><br />He affirmed the decision of the tribunal and said all the appeals by the APC petitioners “lacked merit and were dismissed.”<br /><br /><br />In the case of Egbona, the Appeal Court ordered a re-run election in Igbo Ekureku Wards 1 and 2 to be conducted by Independent National Electoral Commission within 90 days<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-54391228960541522982019-11-07T23:53:00.000-08:002019-11-07T23:53:11.420-08:00Eastern Naval Command Intra-Command Sports Begin in Calabar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Eastern Naval Command (ENC), flagged off a five-day Intra-Command Sports competition as part of its preparations for the upcoming Nigerian Navy Inter Command Football, Swimming and Tug of War competitions. Eastern Naval Command (ENC), flagged off a five-day Intra-Command Sports competition as part of its preparations for the upcoming Nigerian Navy Inter Command Football, Swimming and Tug of War competitions.<br /><br /><br />Addressing participants at the opening ceremony of the week-long event, on Monday at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State, the Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral David Adeniran, said aside from preparing its sportsmen and women for the national competition, the Intra-Command sports competition would keep navy personnel with the command fit to perform their professional duties.<br /><br />“We have converged here today to witness the sports competition, speaks volume on the readiness of the service to develop capacities of personnel and make them fit to do their respective duties efficiently.”<br /><br />He said the ENC has already keyed into the fitness policy of the Nigerian Navy headquarters.<br /><br />“The desire for all personnel to be physically and mentally fit informed the Naval Headquarters to introduce the Body Mass Index Scale as a measure of fitness to be sure that all personnel are fit to undertake normal routine operations and activities. Body Mass Index is based on your height and weight to ascertain if one is in a healthy weight,” Adeniran said.<br /><br />The FOC said at the end of the weeklong event, the Command would be fully prepared for the Nigerian Navy Inter Command Football, Swimming and Tug of War competitions which will be staged soon at the instance of the Naval headquarters.<br /><br />The state’s Deputy Governor, who was represented by Dr. Alfred Mboto, Special Adviser Security, Governor’s Office, commended the ENC for enhancing the mental and physical fitness of its personnel.<br /><br />The deputy governor said the ECN has contributed immensely to the peace, security and prosperity of the state, and the Niger Delta region.<br /><br />It is not a coincidence that the Command has produced many athletes that have done well in state and national sporting events.”<br /><br />“To the competing athletes, the Games can be a spring board to an even brighter future. Therefore, express yourselves, perform gallantly and uphold fair play in your quest for medals,” he concluded.kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-11388216078977345482019-11-07T01:39:00.000-08:002019-11-07T01:39:16.553-08:00BREAKING NEWS: US Warns Americans From Travelling To Cross River, 13 Other ‘High Risk’ States<br /><br />United States of America has warned its citizens not to travel to some States in Nigeria categorised as “high-risk areas”.<br /><br />In a release published by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, 14 Nigerians States were listed with a “do not travel” instruction.<br /><br />The country urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria “due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime, which includes kidnappings, hijackings, boardings, theft, etc. Some areas have increased risk.<br /><br />Do Not Travel to Borno and Yobe States and Northern Adamawa State due to terrorism. Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, and Yobe States due to kidnapping.<br /><br />“Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime,” US advised its citizens.<br /><br />It added that the country might be unable to provide emergency services to its citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.<br /><br />Culled from Sahara Reporters.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-29539956475840282042019-11-07T00:44:00.000-08:002019-11-07T00:44:20.776-08:00Egor Efiok, Omokri, Atiku, Jeta Amata shine at 2019 Hollywood Weekly Film Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />It was glitz and glamour at the 6th Annual Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival & Awards, held November 2, 2019, at the iconic Warner Bros. Studios in California, United States of America.<br /><br />And Cross River born Multi Award winning filmmaker and movie producer, Egor Efiok, were among top-guns in the movie industry that were honoured at this year’s event.<br /><br />At the event tagged; ‘Hollywood Meets Nollywod;’ the movie – Road To Redemption, directed by Jeta Amata and produced by Egor Efiok, Tess Cacciatore, Vanessa Martini and Joan McCarthy, won “Best Feature Film 2019”.<br /><br />The film teaches awareness about the dangers of Vesticovaginal fistula (VVF) and stars musician, Akon, Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives), Zack Amata, Fred Amata, Viva Bianca, Yvonne Nelson, Margaret Avery and many other top stars.<br /><br />Egor who sits as the Director General of Callyhood also bagged the Hollywood Excellence Award for her sterling contributions to the development of the industry both home and in diaspora.<br /><br />Also honoured at the event are former spokesman to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Reno Omokri, who won the Hollywood “Most Outstanding Humanitarian Cause Award”; as well as Nollywood sensation, Regina Daniels who scooped the “Most Outstanding Child Star Award – outside of the USA).<br /><br />Hollywood Weekly Magazine’s Film Festival is a leading platform where filmmakers from all over the world showcase their creativity and experience in the business of filmmaking.<br /><br />Now in it’s 6th year, the film festival attracts filmmakers from countries around the world who share greater diversity, by fostering a formidable force in the production of films with strong female characters, and stories that reflect ethnic cultures from other parts of the world.<br /><br />The festival is held on an actual major studio lot, and provides added value by being the only Hollywood Film Festival that also publishes it’s own Hollywood Magazine.<br /><br />Some of the special guests at the event includes: former Nigeria’s President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, represented by the Chairman of The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation; Mr. Stephen Tobbins, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, ably represented by his son, Abba Atiku; as well as veteran Nollywood actors, Zick Zulu Okafor and Ejike Asiegbu.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Source - Paradise news <br /><a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-21812536466484504642019-11-06T21:49:00.001-08:002019-11-06T21:49:59.824-08:00Truck crushes three in Akwa Ibom Close to calabar <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />A heavy-duty truck, marked Rivers BNY 137 XA on Wednesday killed three persons at the ever-busy Urua Ekpa junction along Itu Highway during the early morning rush hours.<br /><br /><br />The victims included two boys and a young lady, who sources said was planning to tie the knots in a couple of weeks.<br /><br /><br />The Mack truck reportedly going towards Calabar was said to have lost control while trying to avoid a commercial tricycle rider who crossed the highway recklessly and ramped into the packed filling station, killing them and injuring one woman who sweeps the road, as sympathizers wailed uncontrollably.<br /><br /><br />An eyewitness who simply identified himself as Effiong said, ‘’ the driver apparently applied his break suddenly on sighting the Keke man crossing the road and veered off to the filling station were a good number of commuters standing by the fringes to catch buses to their various destinations.<br /><br /><br />‘’Only God knows because the lady was planning for her marriage and one of the boys which died wanted to bury his mother who is still in the morgue. The boy is from Obon while the lady hails from Uruan. Their families were here to identify them’’.<br /><br /><br />Contacted, Itam Divisional Police Officer, Francis Erhabor, confirmed the incident, disclosing that the truck driver has been arrested and would be prosecuted after an investigation has been concluded.<br /><br /><br />Expressing sympathy to the families of the victims, he said their remains have been dumped in the morgue, while the only survivor was taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.<br /><br /><br />He said, ‘’ I got a call this morning (yesterday) from the control room that there was a fatal accident and I dispatched my men to the scene. The driver of the truck has been arrested. Once, there is a fatal accident, the dead are taken to the hospital, the survivor to the hospital, while the culprit is arrested. We have done just that. My concern is that the one that survived is catered for. As for the culprit, he would be prosecuted. That is the normal thing to do because that was a fatal accident’’.<br /><br /><br />However, Police Public Relations Officer, Macdon Odiko, Superintendent of Police, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident, stating, ‘’I don’t have information yet, I have not been briefed’’.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-45482114793630291652019-11-06T21:44:00.002-08:002019-11-06T21:44:51.046-08:00DPR seals five filling stations in Cross River for sharp practices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed five fillings stations in Cross River for selling petrol above the government approved price of N145 per litre and other offences.</div>
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DPR Operations Controller in Cross River, Mr Philip Awolu, disclosed this to newsmen in Calabar on Sunday.</div>
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The intensified surveillance across the state was led by Mr SirCham Musa-Mohammed, Head of Operations of DPR in Calabar.</div>
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Awolu said that the filling stations were sealed for cheating the public in violation of stipulated rules guiding operations in the petroleum sector.</div>
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“During the week, my officers visited 51 filling stations in Northern Cross River and out of that, 48 were active while 3 of them were not having petrol.</div>
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“Out of the 51 stations visited, five were sealed for selling above the pump price of N145 per litre, others closed for under dispensing and other offences,” he said.</div>
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The Operations Controller said that notices had been given to marketers who had not regularised their filling stations to do so and get their operating licenses or face sanctions.</div>
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“When we deployed our officials to the field, we sensitised the public on the need to have a licence before they can set up a filling station</div>
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As part of our activities, we hope that in a short while, all filing stations operating in the state would come forth and register for their operating license,” he added.</div>
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On distribution of the product from the Calabar depot, Awolu said that there was availability of the product that would serve the state pointing out that there was no need for panic buying.</div>
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“The only challenge we have is in the Northern part of the state because of the distance, that is why some of them are still selling above the pump price.</div>
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“We keep advising them not to sell above the pump price. We know their challenges; the distance from Calabar and the bad road.</div>
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“They are supposed to be part of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund sponsored by the Federal Government to cushion the effect of transportation fare of the petroleum product. As it stands, they are not part of that regime.</div>
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“From the side of government, we are thinking of making a report to the government to help them enjoy some subsidy in the transportation of the product to Northern Cross River,” he said</div>
<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-7169912824227935332019-11-05T22:50:00.000-08:002019-11-05T22:50:03.572-08:00METROTraffic warden shot dead on duty in Calabar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A traffic warden, who was on his duty post regulating traffic at Etta Agbo Street, Calabar, Cross River State capital has been shot to death.</div>
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An eyewitness, who would not want his name mentioned, said that the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday.</div>
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The traffic warden was conducting traffic in the area close to the University of Calabar small gate when he was shot,” he said.</div>
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The eyewitness further said the reason for the shooting was not immediately known but alleged that it may not be unconnected with the violent cult clash currently going on in the state capital.</div>
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Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPR0) DSP Irene Ugbo in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Thursday, said the victim was shot by yet-to-be identified gunmen.</div>
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The traffic warden was on his duty post regulating traffic before he was shot by yet-to-be identified gunmen along Etta Agbor Road, Calabar, so far some suspects have been arrested in connection with the matter.</div>
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“To this end, those involved in this unwholesome act and their sponsors are warned to shun barbaric practice(s) as the command has resolved to tackle all forms of crimes and criminalities as well as bring to book all perpetrators.</div>
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“In the light of the above, good-spirited citizens, traditional leaders, youths, community and religious leaders are enjoined to always act proactively by reporting these groups of persons to the Police as information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” she stated.</div>
<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-77211732221991844442019-11-05T22:45:00.000-08:002019-11-05T22:45:49.119-08:007 people feared dead in Boki cult war<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />A community member, Mr Joseph Osor, told newsmen in Calabar on Tuesday that 12 villages that made up the Old Osokom Clan in Boki local government area had earlier met seeking ways to eradicate cult activities in the community.<br /><br />Seven people have been feared dead in a cult war in the once serene Okundi village of Boki Local Government Area in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River.<br /><br />A community member, Mr Joseph Osor, told newsmen in Calabar on Tuesday that 12 villages that made up the Old Osokom Clan in Boki local government area had earlier met seeking ways to eradicate cult activities in the community.<br /><br />Osor said the cult groups, however, got the information that the community was plotting to counter their activities and decided to strike first.<br /><br />According to him, the cultists allegedly camped in a Church in Okundi, close to Boki Boys’ Secondary School.<br /><br />“On Monday night, they struck killing their first victim, Bukie Bankong, who spoke vehemently in the community condemning activities of the cultists.<br /><br />“The entire community then rose attacking all alleged cult members killing Alphonsus Ewung, Otu Edum, Joseph Bankong and the son of one Chief Paulinus Out, among others.<br /><br />“Several houses and property worth millions of naira have been burnt between Monday and Tuesday that the trouble started,” he said.<br /><br />The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Austin Agbonlahor, confirmed the development but could not confirm the number of casualties.<br /><br />He however said that the police have been mobilised to the area to restore peace.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-38858400909446001602019-11-05T22:40:00.002-08:002019-11-05T22:40:55.431-08:00Amid claims of compromise, fresh six-man appeal panel arrives in Cross Rivers State<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />There was surprise and consternation when the Appeal Court panel arrived Calabar last Tuesday to replace the former one, following allegations of compromise from some political actors.<br /><br />Already, tension is mounting at the Appeal Court as all appeal cases arising from the Election Petition Tribunals for Cross River and Akwa Ibom States have been moved to the Appeal Court, Calabar.<br /><br />Heavily armed security agents were seen accompanying various documents and materials that arrived Calabar in six vans in respect of the case between Governor Udom Emmanuel of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his challenger, Nsima Ekere of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as the High Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).<br /><br />The Guardian gathered from high-ranking sources in the judiciary that there are lots of petitions against the old Appeal Court panel and the tribunals that concluded sittings in Calabar and Akwa Ibom State earlier in September, which prompted Abuja to send in a fresh special panel.<br /><br />But, in a sudden twist of events, two out of the six new judges were withdrawn, even as their replacements are expected soon.<br /><br />Said a source, “As we speak there are six new special Appeal Court judges that came in from Abuja on Monday to take over from the four old ones on the ground. Three of the new judges will handle all Akwa Ibom appeals, while three will handle that of Cross River State.”<br /><br />It was however observed that the old and new Judges met on Tuesday to sort out issues as scheduled judgments were put on hold, just as the old Judges moved to Abuja same Tuesday to clarify some grey areas. Consequently, it was not clear if their stalled judgment will still hold or the new panel will start the cases all over again.<br /><br />The arrival of the six new judges must have stalled the sittings and judgment slated for Tuesday as the old judges were set to give judgment on the matter involving Senator Bassey Albert of PDP for the Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial contest and his APC challenger, Mr. Bassey Etim. They were to also to deliver judgment on three other cases from Cross River.<br /><br />But in a curious development, the jam-packed Appeal Court in Calabar was shocked when one of the court officials came out at about 10:04am to announce that the court would no longer sit again, indicating that all matters stood adjourned indefinitely.<br /><br />Although no reason was given for the adjournment, The Guardian however gathered that the arrival of the six-man Special Panel and some political considerations, which may not be unconnected to petitions and allegations of compromise, must have necessitated the decision.<br /><br />There were series of petitions in the state accusing the rested tribunal and the Appeal Court of compromise in the ongoing election petition matters.<br /><br />Sources further disclosed that the 10 judges (the six new ones and the four old ones) went into a close-door meeting due to the adjournment and various unsettled issues. “It is most likely,” the source added, “that the old judges on ground may not sit on any of the election appeal matters as the old ones moved to Abuja immediately after the closed-door meeting to clarify some grey areas. It is also not clear if their stalled judgment will still hold or the new panel will start all over again.”<br /><br />They also pointed out that the cases for Cross River would commence next week, while that of Akwa Ibom is still being sorted out in terms of documentation.<br /><br />However, as the petitioners head to the Appeal Court, some groups are raising concerns over the issue of transparency of the tribunals and at the same time pleading with the Appeal Court expected to handle over 40 appeals from both Akwa Ibom and Cross River States to sustain the sanctity of the judiciary and restore hope to the electorate, who are the owners of democracy.<br /><br />It is expected that the various appeals will pertain to State and National Assemblies’ Polls to Governorship, especially as there have been knocks and kudos on the quality of judgments delivered, integrity and transparency of the tribunals and the litigants.<br /><br />Sources at the Appeal Court disclosed that so far, 11 appeals have been received from Cross River, while over 30 are expected from Akwa Ibom State. For instance, a concerned group, Cross River Youth Vanguard for Justice has condemned the judgments of the three Election Petition Tribunals in the state alleging that their rulings were bought with over N1billion.<br /><br />In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr. John Ekanem and Takon Ebonja, the group alleged: “It is an open secret that there was a strong romance between the state government and the tribunals and we are calling on the EFCC to probe the activities of the tribunals that have just rounded-off sittings in the state…<br /><br />“We have observed with great dismay the activities of the tribunals and have come to the conclusion that definitely, huge sums of money must have exchanged hands.”<br /><br />It would be recalled that recently the state government secured the approval of Cross River State House of Assembly for a N5billion loan, saying it needed the loan to pay pension, gratuity and sundry services, which one of the lawmakers insisted government should be specific on what it needed the money for, but there was none.<br /><br />The group claimed that Cross River State citizens deserve to know the expenditure outline of such loan if it was collected eventually. But, the group further alleged that such money might have gone down the drain all in the name of sustaining power by all means.<br /><br />“Same government is crying it does not have money to fix lots of infrastructural facilities, pay pensioners their gratuity and many others. This is not acceptable to us the people of Cross River state.”<br /><br />The group also accused the tribunals of giving contradictory judgments on some issues thereby giving room for suspicion on the type of judgements that were delivered.<br /><br />They stated: “For instance, tribunal one headed by Justice Vincent Agbata ruled that the cases Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, APC, and few others brought against Senator Sandy Onor, INEC, the PDP and others (involving the National Assembly Elections) were a pre-election matter.<br /><br />“The tribunal No 3, headed by Justice Josiah Majebi on Owan-Enoh against Ayade also said it has no jurisdiction, but tribunal No 2, headed by Justice A.A. Babawale in the matter by Chief Wabilly Nyiam of the APC against Senator Rose Oko of the PDP and Hon Dominic Aqua Edem of APC against Pastor Essien Ayi of the PDP and others, ruled that it was a post election matter, saying that it has jurisdiction.”<br /><br />The Cross River State chapter of APC has however reaffirmed it’s faith in the judiciary, even as it describes the verdicts of the elections petition tribunals in the state as a rape of democracy.<br /><br />The State Chairman, Sir John Ochala, declared: “We wish to state that we still have confidence in the judiciary to deliver justice in the face of travesty. Let me also say without equivocation that the verdicts of the tribunals were a complete rape or travesty of justice.<br /><br />“The Supreme Court has always pointed out in several instances and judgments that exclusion remains an election matter, but for the tribunal to throw away our petitions on grounds of locus further confirms the travesty we are talking about. The verdicts were all fraught with error except that of Hon. Iwara, who contested the House of Assembly seat for Abi State Constituency.<br /><br />The judgments were fraught with errors even as the tribunals approbated and reprobated. For us as a party, we find this as a grave danger to our fledgling democracy. Our party was robbed of victory both at the polls and at the tribunal unfortunately, by a combined effort of the electoral umpire, security operatives…<br /><br />“It was even sickening that the only hope of Justice, the Judiciary, also joined the fray. We condemn the obnoxious verdicts in totality…We are appealing against the obnoxious judgments just as we are upbeat that justice will come our way.”<br /><br />Also making his observations on the judgment of the tribunals, a social critic and former lecturer with the University of Calabar, Dr. Joseph Odok said, “It is funny that the tribunal said it had no jurisdiction to entertain issues of exclusion of candidates during election. And exclusion of candidate suddenly became a pre-election matter. This shifting of goal posts by the Cross River State Elections Petition Tribunals.<br /><br />“At last Ayade’s aides are begging APC candidates not to carry out their constitutional right to appeal the matters in court. They must have known that compromised judgment may not take them far enough.”<br /><br />As if he was expecting the plethora of such allegations, after delivering his judgment on the governorship petition by Senator Owan-Enoh against the governor, Senator Ayade on September 5, Justice Josiah Majebi had said: “We have finished our work at our level and we know that there is another level to go and test the work we have done here…I as the Judge is always the one on trial.<br /><br />“We have done our work down here with a clear conscience, without fear or favour and that is final for us at this level, you are free to go and test our work at the upper level if you deem it necessary, but we have done our part with no fear nor favour.”<br /><br />Nonetheless, last Wednesday, the APC governorship candidate in the state, Senator Owan-Enoh, rescinded his earlier intention to appeal the Judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal, which reaffirmed Governor Ayade as the duly elected.<br /><br />His action, which shocked the entire APC team in the state, was seen as a betrayal in some quarters, thus swelling the long standing speculations in the state that the state governor is most likely to move over to the APC.<br /><br />One APC chieftain in the state, who confided in The Guardian said, “We saw it coming; the recent visit to the presidency in the name of obtaining Federal Government’s approval for an Outline Business Case (OBC) for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port is just a smokescreen. The main issue was most likely the crossover to APC as the powers that be in the Presidency may have exerted some pressure on Owan-Enoh to drop his appeal.<br /><br />“I see this as strategic and double victory for Ayade, because when he crosses over to APC, automatically a safe heaven is guaranteed in case of any future disturbance by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) when he leaves office in 2023.”<br /><br />But, reacting to the issue of alleged bribe, the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor, Mr. Christian Ita, dismissed the allegations as “baseless and fictitious,” saying, “I cannot react to anything from a group that does not exist. Anybody can sit down and create anything.”<br /><br />Also, a member of House of Representatives, representing Calabar Municipality, Odukpani Federal Constituency in the state, Ntufam Eta Mbora (PDP), hailed the judgment of the tribunals, but expressed dismay with politicians for their habitual resort to litigation in settling electoral matters without exhausting amicable options.<br /><br />He is therefore canvassing for use of alternative dispute resolution mechanism in electoral disputes to strengthen intra-party relations and promote unity in the polity.<br /><br />Mbora, spoke while reacting to the tribunal judgments which upheld his election, after the tribunal dismissed the petition filed by Bassey Akiba of APC on grounds of incompetence and lack of merit.<br /><br />He described the court option for minor issues as contained in the petition against him as a mockery of the country’s electoral system based on greed of some politicians.<br /><br />Mbora, who is also the Vice Chairman, House Committee on Housing and Habitat, said the interest of Cross River must supersede party sentiments, even as he sued for a by-partisan approach to drive the developmental initiatives of the state for optimum results and mutual benefits.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-14603893198258704722019-11-05T22:30:00.000-08:002019-11-05T22:30:22.541-08:00Ex-UNICAL lecturer charged with treason, incitement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has charged former University of Calabar (UNICAL) lecturer Mr Joseph Odok with terrorism and incitement.<br /><br />Odok, an activist and a blogger, who is being remanded in Afokang, is the second activist that is facing trial for allegedly criticising the governement of Cross River.<br /><br />Agba Jalingo, a publisher of the Crossriver Watch blog, has also been charged with treason, terrorism and planning to topple the government, and has been in Afokang prison, Calabar South.<br /><br />DSP Denis Tarhemba, Esq, is the prosecution counsel for both activists.<br /><br />Odok was arrested on September 26 at his residence in Abuja and transported to Calabar on September 27 by the men of the Nigeria Police’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).<br /><br />The dated October 14, 2019, reads: “That you Joseph Odok ‘m’ and others now at large on or between the month of July – August 2019 in Calabar and Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did incite Cross Riverians to declare full blown war between the people of Ugep Osokom and Oku people of Cross River against themselves and carry out various unlawful acts to wit: terrorism, which you knew are capable of undermining the state security of Cross River and Federal Republic of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 1 (2) (a) (b) and (h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.<br /><br /><br />“That you Joseph Odok ‘m’ on or about in the month of July – August 2019 at Abuja and Calabar within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did publish a false statement on Social Media on your Facebook account titled “Why Martins Orim must call his cult brother ‘General Iron’ to order” in order to cause alarm, hatred and disturb public peace in Cross River State for the purpose of bringing the reputation of Martins Orim down..<br /><br />All this in a bid to annoy him which you knew it will cause insult, enmity, hatred and ill will and incite the people of Cross River State to lunch an attack on him and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Prevention Act, 2015.”<br /><br />Odok pleaded not guilty of the charges before the court.<br /><br />Earlier, Odok’s (Defendant) Counsel, Osim Esq, notified the court in a petition demanding for a bail, but the Prosecution Counsel, DSP Denis Tarhemba, Esq., said “We are not ready to proceed because we were being served yesterday, so we are applying for adjournment.”<br /><br />On his part, Justice Amobeda said the Prosecution has 90 days to detain the Defendant, adding that he gave them 45 days and they did filed before that date. So, he adjourned the matter to 29 November, 2019.<br /><br />After hearing the motion, the learned Justice ruled he (Odok) be remanded in the prison until the adjourned date.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3939228138637689423.post-54893268111323346672019-11-05T22:26:00.001-08:002019-11-05T22:26:43.261-08:00Agba Jalingo: Court grants prosecution’s request to mask witness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, has granted the request of the prosecution to mask its witness in the suit between the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), representing the state, and Agba Jalingo.<br /><br />In its ruling, the court, presided over by Justice Simon Amobeda, on Thursday relied on sections 33 and 34 of the Terrorism Prevention and Amendment Act, 2013, as well as international conventions, including those of the United Nations (UN) and African Commission of Human and People’s Rights, to grant the plea of the prosecution.<br /><br />Under the conventions, the public and the media will not be allowed into the courtroom when the witness is testifying, Justice Amobeda ruled.<br /><br />He also held that the witness will testify behind curtains in a cubicle and to a camera. The defendant and his counsel will also not be privy to the name, alias or any other detail of the witness, the judge held.<br /><br />The prosecution counsel, Dennis Tarhemba, on October 11, 2019, filed a motion seeking the amendment of charges and to protect the witness in the matter.<br /><br /><br />The prosecution sought the order based on sections 33 and 34 of the Terrorism Prevention and Amendment Act, 2013; Section 216, sub-section 1 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.<br /><br />The motion was supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Inspector Ihezuo Ibe and accompanied by a written address.<br /><br />During the hearing, the counsel to the defendant, James Ibor, submitted that the defendant did not constitute a threat.<br /><br />The lawyer faulted the application for the masking of the witness, saying there was no proper evidence as to when, where and how the witness was threatened.<br /><br />He averred that the person said to have carried out the threat was not named, even as he posited that masking the witness would not be in the interest of justice.<br /><br />The matter was adjourned till October 30, 2019 for commencement of trial.<br /><br />Jalingo was remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service where he has spent 29 days, besides 34 days he had spent in police custody.<a name='more'></a>kenneth umoekpehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037123784137087905noreply@blogger.com0