Author: Itam Offor

  • C’River Assembly Recommends Immediate Suspension of 4 UNICROSS Governing Council Members

    C’River Assembly Recommends Immediate Suspension of 4 UNICROSS Governing Council Members

    Calabar, Nigeria – The Cross River State House of Assembly has recommended the immediate suspension of Dr Emmanuel Ettah, Dr John Inah Ukam, Professor Mathew Nsing Ogar, and Professor Stephen Ochang, members of the 5th Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) for alleged misconduct and abuse of office.

    The House had deliberated on a petition by A. B. Cobham and Associates (legal practitioners, Corporate and Real Estate Consultants) solicitors to Mr Emmanuel Eyo, the petitioner.

    Opening debate on the petition, the Leader of the House and Member representing Odukpani State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, drew the attention of Members to the allegations of gross misconduct against Dr Emmanuel Ettah, Dr John Inah Ukam, Prof Mathew Nsing Ogar and Prof Stephen Ochang during their tenure as Members of the 5th Governing Council of UNICROSS.

    The allegations as stated in the petition include; Illegal Tenure Extension and Unlawful Sale of University Property. The petition indicates that Dr Emmanuel Ettah refused to vacate office at the expiration of their tenure in September 2023 and also sold University Property between May and August 2024, almost a year after the expiration of their tenure. The petition also emphasised that the auctioning of University Equipment was in total violation of the Public Procurement Act and the Bureau of Public Procurement.

    The Lawmakers, in their separate contributions, while deliberating on the petition, viewed the action of Dr Emmanuel Ettah and Co as a total violation of the Extant Laws establishing the University. They further stressed that the State Government’s policy on the non-extension of tenures by public officers is still in force and emphasised that the continued stay in office of the Council Members after the expiration of their tenure is illegal.

    They, thereafter, adopted the resolution moved by the Leader, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo (Odukpani), and seconded by the Deputy Leader Rt. Hon. Davies Etta (Abi), which states in part, “…having unanimously agreed, the House recommends the immediate suspension of Dr Emmanuel Ettah, Dr John Inah Ukam, Professor Mathew Nsing, and Professor Stephen Ochang. They are to be suspended from all activities of the University until a proper investigation is carried out by the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution.”

    The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem reaffirmed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and good governance.

    He assured that the House will carry out a thorough investigation on the matter and thereafter make appropriate recommendations to the Governor who is the visitor to the University.

  • Cross River Assembly Passes LG Amendment Bill 2025

    Cross River Assembly Passes LG Amendment Bill 2025

    CALABAR – The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed into Law the Local Government Amendment Bill 2025.

    The House passed the bill after deliberating on the report of its Joint Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution as well as Public Accounts.

    The Chairman of the Joint Committee, Hon Eyo Bassey (representing Bakassi) in his presentation noted that the State Local Government Law of 2007 was first amended in 2008 and further amended in 2011, adding that for clarity these previous amendments had been harmonised and repealed.

    The Lawmaker maintained that the bill will facilitate lots of positive changes to the third tier of government, adding that it will enhance economic development and growth, encourage broader and greater participation as well as enhance effective and efficient service delivery at the Local Government level.

    The Committee Chairman further informed that the bill will make Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) enjoy the status of Permanent Secretaries like their counterparts in the State Civil Service as a reward for hard work while also making financial provisions for the Auditor-General for Local Government to enable him to execute his responsibilities efficiently.

    Some major sections of of the Principal Law amended include; section 4(4)increment of departments from 7 to 12, section 5(2) readjustment of percentages of funds expected from the Local Government Councils to key MDAs to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, section 20(1) entrusting the responsibilities of humanitarian affairs, peace and conflict resolution, border and boundary issues as well as Sports to the Vice Chairmen of Councils and section 21 which specifies that all appointments into Executive Councils must reflect Federal Character.

    Other sections amended are; 22(3) and (6) which strengthened the offices of the Secretary of Council and the Clerk of the Legislative Council with additional staff, sections 22(a) and 22(b) which provide for statutory appointments of not more than 50 persons as well as the appointment of Ward Relations Officers with the status of Special Assistants for each Hyde Council Ward.

    Also amended are sections 33(3) stipulating the appointments approved for the Leaders (Including a Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary) and Deputy Leaders of Councils as well as sections 45(A, B and C) on the establishment of office of HOLGAs, criteria for appointments and cessation of office.

    Before the passage of the bill, the House had dissolved into the Committee of the Whole where Members deliberated extensively on the report to ensure that it would meet critical contemporary issues and requirements of rural dwellers in line with current realities. They expressed satisfaction with the amendments made adding that they will greatly benefit citizens at the Local Government level.

    The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem expressed appreciation to the members of the Joint Committee as well as all Lawmakers for their hard work which had resulted in the speedy passage of the bill.

  • Cross River 2025 Budget Passes Second Reading

    Cross River 2025 Budget Passes Second Reading

    Calabar, Cross River State – The Cross River State 2025 Appropriation Bill has been read a second time on the floor of the House of Assembly and committed to the Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further legislative procedures.

    The Bill was deliberated upon by legislators after its presentation by the Leader of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo of Odukpani State Constituency.

    Leading discussion on the bill, Asuquo recalled that the State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, had presented the 2025 budget estimates to the Assembly on the 29th of October 2024, adding that the budget tagged “Budget of Sustainable Growth” has a total size of N498 Billion, with N328 billion (66%) as Capital Expenditure and N170 (34%)for Recurrent Expenditure.

    Asuquo elucidated on the merits of the bill reiterating the Governor’s stance that the budget is benchmarked on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has placed emphasis on SDG 9 – Industry, Innovations and Infrastructure, SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 3 – Good Health and well-being; SDG 2 -Zero Hunger as well as SDG 16 – Peace Justice and Strong Institutions.

    Asuquo commended the governor for the sectoral allocation, which has N100 billion earmarked for Infrastructure, N81 billion for Education, N25 billion for Health, while N20 billion was set aside for the Judiciary and N18 billion for the House of Assembly.

    Other sectoral allocations include N16 billion for Aviation, N15 billion for Special Duties/ Intergovernmental Affairs, N14 billion for Power, N11 billion for Agriculture, N5 billion for Tourism, N4.7 billion for Science, Technology and innovation, N3.7 billion for Women Affairs, N3 billion for Information and N181.6 billion for others.

    In their separate contributions, Lawmakers who spoke, including Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, (Abi), Hon. Samuel Neji Abang (Ikom I), Hon. Odey Brian Wonah (Yala I), Hon. Thomas Aruku (Ogoja), Hon. Ovat Dickson (Obubura I), Hon. Martins Achadu (Yala II), Hon. Cyril Omini(Yakurr 1) and the Chief Whip of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong, commended the governor for the budget, which they emphasised is realistic.

    The lawmakers further applauded Governor Otu for laying emphasis on Infrastructure, Education and Health as these sectors will greatly improve the socio-economic well-being of the citizens.

    They, however, hinted that the allocations for some sectors, including Science, Technology and innovation, as well as Women’s Affairs, may be reconsidered for improvement to adequately address the needs of these sectors.

    The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, hinted that the House will painstakingly carry out its duties at the committee level to ensure an effective process.

    He further stressed that the budget process is the cardinal work of the legislature and called on all legislators to attend the budget defence exercise by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) which will soon commence before mandating the Finance and Appropriation Committee to do a thorough job and report back to the House on the 7th of December 2024.

  • CRSHA Wades Into Cross River and Abia Boundary Crisis

    CRSHA Wades Into Cross River and Abia Boundary Crisis

    Calabar, Cross River State – The Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA) has expressed worry over the alledged encroachment on Ikun land in Biase LGA by the people of Okon in Ohafia LGA of Abia State.

    Accordingly, the House has adopted resolutions calling on the State Government through its relevant Agencies, including the State Boundary Commission, to liaise with the Federal Boundary Commission to realign the boundary between the two neighbouring border communities to prevent violence.

    The House also wants the State Government to liaise with her Abia State counterpart to intervene in the looming crisis, by deploying armed security personnel to Ikun as well as establish military and police checkpoints at the boundary between the two neighbouring communities.

    These resolutions were adopted following a Matter of Urgent Public Importance brought before the House by the Member Representing Biase State Constituency Hon. Francis Ogban Onette.

    Onette recalled his earlier complain on the floor of the House about the activities of the Okon-Ohafia people of Abia State who had removed the half stump of the beacon stone which demarcates the two neighbouring communities.

    He also informed the Assembly that the Okon people had recently entered Ikun territory to clear and demarcate farm lands for themselves in preparation for the next farming season, adding that this can lead communal clashes.

    “It shows that they are ready to attack the peace loving people of Ikun community. This provocation, if not handled with care, can lead to communal clashes…like it happened in 1996,” Onette said.

    The Biase Lawmaker called on his colleagues to support the matter to prevent loss of lives and property, adding that the encroachment may be as a result of the rich mineral resources present in Ikun.

    In their reactions, the Lawmakers expressed concern over the matter while recalling their earlier resolution, calling for urgent government intervention to prevent crisis and protect lives and property.

    They further stressed that government’s primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property of citizens as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended).

    In his closing remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem commended the Lawmakers for their concern over the plight of the Ikun people and assured that the 10th Assembly will not relent in its efforts at legislation that will protect and improve the lives of Cross Riverians.

  • C’River Assembly seeks establishment of timber markets in each Senatorial District

    C’River Assembly seeks establishment of timber markets in each Senatorial District

    The Cross River State House of Assembly has adopted a motion calling on the State Government to establish timber markets in the three senatorial districts of the State.

    The House said that the establishment of the timber markets would enhance the State’s revenue as well as create employment opportunities for citizens.

    The House had deliberated on a Motion brought before it by the Member representing Obubra 1 State Constituency, Hon. Egbe Abeng Egbe.

    According to Egbe, “There is a need for the Government to establish timber markets across the senatorial districts of the State to provide a platform for registered indigenous timber loggers to sell their timber products. This will prevent outsiders from exploiting our State’s resources by carrying timber to other States and selling it at higher rates.”

    The Obubra Lawmaker maintained that the State has been vulnerable to exploitation of timber resources due to lack of regulation, adding that individuals from within and outside the State freely harvest timber from the State’s forests and sell to neighbouring states at high prices, thus making huge profits at the detriment of the State.

    In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, expressed unhappiness over the situation stressing that adequate measures should be put in place for the State to maximally benefit from its natural endowment.

    “God has graciously blessed us with timber; it is an aberration that CRS, which owns the forest,s, is not maximising the gains,” he said.

    Emphasising the importance of creating the timber markets, he added; “When the markets are put in place, people will travel from everywhere to our State to buy timber. The advantages of this include creation of employment opportunities as well as improvement in revenue generation.”

    Other lawmakers unanimously supported the motion describing it as timely given the State’s efforts towards the improvement of its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

  • Insecurity: C’River Assembly calls for increased police presence in Akamkpa

    Insecurity: C’River Assembly calls for increased police presence in Akamkpa

    The State House of Assembly has urged the State Government to impress on the Nigerian Police Force to increase manpower in the Area Command of old Netim and the two police divisions in Uyanga and Akamkpa towns.

    The House also wants the State Government to provide operational vehicles as well as arms and ammunition for the Area.

    The Legislators emphasised that these measures are critical to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens in the Akamkpa Local Government Area, which recently was invaded by Cameroonian Ambazonia Freedom Fighters.

    The issue was raised as a matter of urgent public importance by the Member representing Akamkpa I State Constituency, Hon. Okon Nyong Owuna.

    Owuna informed the Assembly that in the past two weeks, there have been cult clashes and an increase in the activities of Ambazonia Freedom Fighters in Akamkpa and its environs, which resulted in the death of four persons.

    Owuna further informed the Assembly that the activities of the Ambazonia Freedom Fighters have led to an increase in the acquisition of arms and ammunition by cult groups in Akamkpa LGA, adding that expatriate quarry workers, amongst other business people, were fleeing the area for fear of losing their lives.

    “Akamkpa LGA is an industrial area with multiple quarries and industries, it provides over 60% of the States IGR. In the past two weeks, there have been cult clashes and an increase in the activities of Ambazonia Freedom Fighters in Akamkpa urban, resulting in the death of about four persons,” Owuna explained.

    The Member representing Obanlikwu State Constituency, Hon. Ashakia Pius Ashas, stated that the menace of the Ambazonia Freedom Fighters is not peculiar to Akamkpa only but in most border communities. He cited an instance where they attacked the Belegete community in his constituency and murdered one of the chiefs of the community.

    Other lawmakers, in their contributions, noted that the Ambazonia Freedom Fighters are very deadly, adding that security agencies should be deployed to the area to dislodge them.

    The lawmakers stressed that the State’s borders are porous thereby giving free access to migrants from neighboring countries. They sued for improved border patrol by security agencies to prevent invasion of border towns by militant groups, which, amongst other ills, affects farming and food production and increases unemployment.

    In his remark the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem condemned the incident while urging security agencies to urgently intervene to prevent further loss of lives and property.

  • C’River College of Education Akamkpa, College of Agriculture Obubra to become universities

    C’River College of Education Akamkpa, College of Agriculture Obubra to become universities

    By Itam Offor/Victor Osim

    In furtherance of the Cross River State Assembly’s move to pass the Bill which will change the status of the College of Education (COE) Akamkpa as well as the College of Agriculture to universities, the House Committee on Education recently carried out oversight of the two schools.

    Speaking at COE Akamkpa, the Chairman of the Committee and Member representing Yala II State Constituency, Hon. Martins Achadu, said the visit is based on the proposed bill currently ongoing in the State House of Assembly which has passed the second reading stage to transform the College of Agriculture Obubura and the College of Education Akamkpa into a University of Agriculture and University of Education and entrepreneurship respectively.

    Achadu added that the Committee went to UNICROSS in the instance of Obubra Campus to see the level of preparation as to what is put on ground for the take-off of the various faculties and new programmes that will be introduced

    The lawmakers said the interest of Governor Bassey Otu is to see how agriculture becomes the main economy in Cross River State apart from Civil Service.

    “We want to see how students can be trained to build manpower in the field of Agriculture,” he said.

    The Member representing Obubura II State Constituency, Hon. Abeng Egbe, Member representing Bakassi, Hon. Eyo Bassey, Member representing Yakurr II, Hon. Mercy Akpama, amongst others, kicked against the movement of equipment from Obubura College of Education to Okuku Campus.

    They said since the Obubura Campus is to be transformed into a University of Agriculture, more equipment would be needed to cater for the influx of students. Therefore, new equipment should be provided for the Okuku Campus while the ones in the Obubura Campus remain where they are.

    While speaking, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. David Abua, told the Committee that they are ready for the College to become a University.

    Abua said the campus already has infrastructure, large hectares of land and other facilities. He added that a comprehensive Inventory has been taken in the Obubura Campus in preparation for the transformation.

    “When University of Uyo was established, we spent two years and we requested to go back to Uyo to go and graduate in that period of movement to Ogoja campus. I experienced it during my time so I understand what it takes and I know virtually every facility in the Okuku Campus

    “I think in terms of accommodation for staff, power, we have a little challenge. And that is why I’m saying that some of the hostels may be converted to staff offices, so we are quite ready,” he said.

    The Acting Provost of the College of Education Akamkpa, Prof. Patrick Nyong Asuquo, expressed gratitude while receiving the Committee.

    Nyong said transforming the College to a University is the best thing that will happen to the school because the school is lacking students based on the fact that is not a degree-awarding institution.

    He expressed gratitude to Governor Otu, for the idea, adding that Education is taking a different dimensions, shifting from mer theory to practical skills.

    Nyong said the idea of having University of education and entrepreneurship has come at a very good time for the state. He said he got appointed about a month ago, and the mandate is essentially to ensure that he put in place what is required to ensure that the midwife of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship is achieved.

    Prof. Nyong has interacted with the various segments of the population in the college, the students, and staff including the council and has also gone to Abuja to interact with National University Commission (NUC), NCCE, National Commission for Colleges of Education.

    He, however, interface with TETFUN and some other stakeholders that have one thing or the other to do with education in Nigeria, including Prof. Tambowa Vice Chancellor of Shehu Shagari University of Education Sokoto.

    Nyong used the opportunity to call on Governor Otu to renovate some of the structures, fix the library and the perimeter fence and the power issues of the school.

  • C’River Assembly seeks urgent intervention on Ugboro-Abuochiche-Gakem road

    C’River Assembly seeks urgent intervention on Ugboro-Abuochiche-Gakem road

    Cross River State Assembly members have called on the State Government through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to carry out intervention works on the Ugboro-Abuochiche-Gakem road in Bekwara Local Government Area.

    The Lawmakers maintained that the intervention works would greatly ameliorate the sufferings of commuters on that road while urging the Contractor awarded the rehabilitation of the road by the Federal Government to return to the site with a view to resuming work.

    They, however, expressed gratitude to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for its efforts in rehabilitating the road.

    The Lawmakers deliberated on a Matter of Urgent Public Importance presented by the Member representing Bekwara State Constituency and Minority Whip of the House, Hon Charles Omang Omang.

    Omang had informed the House that the Ugboro-Abuochiche-Gakem axis of the Ogoja-Katsina Ala Federal Highway has degenerated to an impassable state causing untold hardships to commuters.

    READ ALSO: Cross River Trade Fair to hold in November

    The Legislator added that the situation has resulted in; “Clashes between frustrated commuters and villagers thereby threatening the peace of the community.”

    According to the Bekwara Lawmaker, “Commuters have resorted to diverting through Ugboro village, and this heavy traffic has destroyed the already dilapidated internal road through Ugboro primary school.”

    Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, lamented that the deplorable state of that road has inflicted suffering on travellers, including undue delays and stress. He, however, expressed confidence that the State Governor, with his passion for improving the quality of life for citizens, will address the situation.

    Other Lawmakers in their separate contributions noted that palliative measures will ease the sufferings of commuters while urging the State Government to urgently intervene to forestall imminent increase in vices including criminality.

    In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem commended Members for their commitment to improving the lives of Cross Riverians through people-oriented legislation.

  • C’River Lawmakers seek reversal of GOVISCO to All-Boys school

    C’River Lawmakers seek reversal of GOVISCO to All-Boys school

    The Cross River State House of Assembly has urged the State Government, through the Ministry of Education, to reverse Government College (GOVISCO), Ikom, to an “All-Male School” as it was conceived and operated from its inception in 1961.

    The House further urged the Ministry of Education to take steps to transfer the female students in the school to other colleges of their choice within Ikom.

    The House adopted these resolutions after deliberating on a motion brought before it by the Member representing Ikom I State Constituency and Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Samuel Neji Abang.

    In his submission, Abang noted that GOVISCO was established on the 13th of April 1961 as Ikom Country Council School, with its first Governing Board chaired by Mr F.N. Akumjom, who was Counsellor in the then Eastern Nigeria under Sir Francis Akanu Ibiam as Governor.

    According to Abang, the School started with 40 students and five teachers under its first Principal, Revd. Father Brian J. Twomey. He said that GOVISCO was an all-boys boarding school until 1997, when it became a day school, adding that in 2010, the then Commissioner of Education, Professor Offiong E. Offiong, approved the enrollment of female students into the school.

    The Lawmaker maintained that GOVISCO enjoyed equivalent status with schools like Mary Knoll, Hope Waddel, and Kings College before its gradual decline, adding that it has produced many professionals who are willing to invest in the development of their Alma mater.

    Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House, a co-sponsor of the motion, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, stressed that female students in the school should be enrolled in other secondary schools in Ikom town.

    Other Lawmakers in separate contributions, stated that the reversal will contribute significantly to the improvement of academic standards and morals as well as preserve the educational heritage of the school.

    The Lawmakers noted that returning the school to its “all-male status” will further enhance academic excellence. They also agreed that the request of the “Old Boys” on the reversal of the school should be approved to encourage their investment in their Alma mater.

    The House agreed that since the “old boys” were ready to partner with the government to develop the school, it was imperative to support them in doing so.

    In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, noted that the preponderance of the opinions of the Lawmakers favoured the adoption of the motion as the resolution of the Assembly.

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  • C’River Assembly members pay tributes to late colleague

    C’River Assembly members pay tributes to late colleague

    The Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem has described the late Hon. Asuquoanwan Andem Attah as an astute Legislator who left footprints in the sands of time.

    Ayambem, who was speaking during a Valedictory Session held in honour of the late Lawmaker at the Assembly’s Chambers, admonished her family to build on the legacies that she left behind while praying for the peaceful repose of her soul.

    In their tributes, former and serving Lawmakers eulogised their late colleague describing her, amongst other things, as a mother and an effective Legislator who stood for what she believed in.

    The Lawmakers harped on the need for the welfare of former Lawmakers to be given priority attention to enable those who have served the State to live long.

    The deceased, according to a statement read by the Clerk of the House, Barr. Catherine Ubi, represented Odukpani I State Constituency under the auspices of the National Republican Convention in the 3rd Assembly. She died at the age of 70 years on 2nd April 2024 and was laid to rest on 30th August 2024.

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