Pirates now control Calabar Creeks

Boat operators and traders in Oron, Akwa Ibom, have decried the increasing rate of piracy activities around the Calabar creeks. The operators and traders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Oron that attacks on boats and vessels have been the major challenge in their business.
NAN gathered that the development had led to a hike in water transportation charges
as the operators claim to be operating under risks.
Mr Ime Etim, a boat owner, told NAN that piracy was affecting water transportation in the area.
"If pirates attack us, we give them
money. Sometimes, they seize our boats or the goods of the traders,” Etim said.
Mr Taju Balogun, another boat owner, corroborated Etims’ complaint, saying that pirates not only seized boats, but sometimes killed passengers in the boats.
Mrs Ndi Okon, a fish trader, told NAN that boat owners have increased their fares because of the activities of the pirates.
"Before now, we paid between N400 and N500 within the Calabar creeks, but now, we pay N1,200 per trip.
"This is affecting the cost of business,” Okon said.
Sources told NAN that vessels navigating within the Calabar creeks, around 40 nautical miles from the Fairway Bouy, up to the Calabar Port, have been operating in fear.
The source said that reports of attacks on vessels and boats around the port have increased in recent times.
There are several islands around the passage leading to the port.
These islands, the source said, served as hideouts for militants who carried out illegal operations on the water.

Motorcycles completely banned in Calabar Metropolis

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross State has issued an executive order banning the use of motorcycles within the Calabar, the state capital, and its environs.
In a statement issued by the State Security Adviser, Mr. Rekpene Bassey, the governor said any violation of the order will attract appropriate and severe penalty.
It read, “Governor Liyel Imoke has issued an executive order of total ban on the use of motorcycles within Calabar and its environs. This order comes into full force with October 25.
“Consequently, any violation of this order will attract appropriate and severe penalties, including the
impounding of the bikes irrespective of whether or not the rider is wearing crash helmet.
“This action is in the interest of safety, security and welfare of all persons in the state capital, particularly following the persistent abuse of exemption accorded bike owners and users by the governor.”
The statement however pointed out that there were arrangements to grant special passes and identification to persons performing special duties requiring the use of motorcycles including courier services.

EDEM DUKE named MAN OF THE YEAR by GOODWILL AMBASSADORS

                             
For fascinating Nigerians, High Chief Edem Duke is named Man of The Year by the GOODWILL AMBASSADORS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION. Also, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio, will alongside his wife, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, Don Jazzy, Dele Momodu, Yvonne Nelson amongst other well known celebrities bag the Nigeria Goodwill Ambassador award on 31st of October, 2013.