“…all projects at the Local Government levels will be completed before the expiration of Governor Ben Ayade’s Administration” – Ivara Esu
The Deputy Government of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu has adjudged Calabar South as the cleanest Local Government Area in the State.
Esu scored Calabar South Council 100% for maintaining a clean and serene environment, as he tours the State for Performance Evaluation of projects across the 18 Local Government Areas.
The Deputy Governor stated that “cleanliness is part of his assessment of Local Government Councils” as he tours the 18 Local Government Areas which he commenced this month.
He disclosed that all projects at the Local Government levels will be completed before the expiration of Governor Ben Ayade’s Administration.
Esu commended the Chairman of Calabar South Council, Hon. Ndabu Robert Hogan for his excellent leadership, expressing surprise at the massive turnout of personalities during the visit.
“This crowd is an indication that the people of Calabar South have fully accepted the Chairman”, he said.
He further stated that as a State Government, there is a need to revisit those projects that were dully assigned to Local Government Authorities for transparency and accountability, hence the visit.
He noted that the Late Chairman, Hon. Esther Bassey was focused on developmental projects – “like the Etim Edem and Watt Market locked-up stores, and rehabilitation of Uwanse Market for the purpose of revenue generation”.
Esu hinted that Calabar South LGA will be exempted from the inspection exercise due to the fact that they are mourning their past Chairman who started those projects.
The Deputy Governor mandated the newly sworn-in Chairman to visit those project sites and report their statuses to the government.
Esu assigned the Chairman to effect the general cleanliness of Hawkins Cemetery and its beautification with flowers, to give the deceased a befitting resting place.
Earlier, in his welcome speech, the Calabar South Council Chairman, Hon. Ndabu Robert Hogan, informed the Deputy Governor of the tremendous support he is enjoying from the security agencies, especially the Army, the Legislature, Council Staff and the Political Appointees.
He said he has commenced the furnishing of Offices and appealed to the Deputy Governor to help in the renovation of Uwanse market, Hawkins Primary School, Installation of street lights and grading of some major roads in Calabar South.
In his contribution, The Paramount Ruler of Calabar South LGA, HRM Etinyin Nyong Effiom, expressed his disappointment over the state of the Hawkins Cemetery, regretting that it has become a hideout for hoodlums, cult activities and kidnappers, and pleaded for urgent attention.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Oliver Orok in his Goodwill message thanked the Deputy Governor for his fatherly advice which has helped sustained peace in Calabar South LGA.
He commended the Council Chairman for ensuring continuity in the administration without changes.
On her part, Hon. Stella Odey, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, who was ably represented by Mr Ebung Odama, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Ministry of Local Government Affairs, said the Commission is very ready to give a listening ear to all Council Chairmen to help present and push matters that concern their projects for actualisation.
The leader of the 6th Legislative Assembly in Calabar South LGA, Hon. Ukpong Ani, while giving the vote of thanks appreciated the Deputy Governor for always suing for peace. He also thanked him for accepting to handle most of the appeals put before him.
Also in attendance were Mr Effiom Bassey, the HOLGA of Calabar South LGA, Councillors, Royal Fathers, Directors in the Council, Political Appointees, Council Staff, amongst Others.
