Cross River Commissioner for Tourism Passes Away
Robert Ewa, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture in Cross River State, has died. He passed away on Wednesday evening at Arubah Specialist Hospital in Calabar, the state capital. Earlier in the day, Ewa attended the state executive council meeting led by Governor Bassey Otu. Following the news of his death, members of the council and the governor’s aides gathered at the hospital to support his family. Ewa’s career included roles as Secretary and Chairman of Boki Local Government Council, Special Adviser on Community Relations, and Secretary of the Anti-Deforestation Task Force.
Fire Guts Cross River High Court
A fire has engulfed the Cross River High Court building in Ogoja, leaving the structure in ruins. The fire, which broke out on Sunday, reduced the court’s infrastructure to charred remnants. The exact cause of the incident remains unknown as investigations are yet to begin. Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames consuming the building late into the night, with firefighters struggling to contain the blaze. FURTHER READING: Tinubu Tax Reform Bills: Buba Galadima Opens a Can of Warms Despite their efforts, the fire left behind a trail of destruction, damaging key documents, legal records, and critical infrastructure. A local resident, Mr. John Ekanem, expressed his concerns: “This court is not just a building; it’s a symbol of justice. Many people in this area rely on it to resolve their disputes and seek redress. This is a huge loss for us.” Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the fire’s cause. However, security personnel have cordoned off the area to prevent unauthorized access as investigations are expected to commence soon.
Body Of Ex-Senate President Joseph Wayas Arrives Nigeria After 33 Months
The body of Nigeria’s Second Republic Senate President, Senator Dr. Joseph Wayas arrived in Nigeria 33 months after his death in the United Kingdom. The remains of the elder statesman, who arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday morning, were received by his family members; Cross River North Senator, Jarigbe Agom; Hon. Peter Akpanke; kinsmen, and other stakeholders. The body was thereafter deposited at the morgue of the National Hospital, Abuja, after opening two years and nine months at a London morgue. Senator Jarigbe, Hon. Akpanke and the family members of the late former two-time Senate President, were full of praises for Cross River State governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, for his spirited efforts in facilitating the transportation of Wayas’ remains to Nigeria.
Drama Unfolds As Senator Flees Live TV Interview To Avoid 2024 Budget Questions
In a dramatic turn of events, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of Cross River North abruptly ended a live TV interview when pressed about the details of the 2024 budget. During the session, the senator expressed reluctance to delve into budget specifics and insisted on focusing on his constituency’s concerns. When confronted with questions regarding budgetary allocations for his district, the senator opted to disengage, citing a desire to avoid controversy. The unexpected departure occurred on the Arise News breakfast show, leaving the interviewers and viewers startled. “I was not elected by the people of Cross River North, you are, it is your duty, I believe, not mine (to scrutinise the budget), but let’s move on…., ” the TV anchor said. At that point, Senator Jarigbe quid in saying, “Come oh, what is this budget, budget talk nah? I want to talk about my thanksgiving and representation to my people. You people are doing budget, budget, I will walk away oh. You people want me to say something that I will go and face wahala, you should allow me oh, let me serve my people quietly.” Thereafter, the connection to Senator Jarigbe was lost. Efforts to get him back on line failed as the senator may have cut off the connection, thereby bringing the interview to an abrupt end.
PDP Gets New Women Leader
Amina Arong has emerged National Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Her appointment is coming after the death of the former leader, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe Stella died on October 29, 2023. National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Debo Ologunagba described Arong as a prominent women mobilizer. He expressed confidence that she would bring on board her intellectual capacity as well as experience as a women leader. Arong is from Cross River. She holds a Diploma in Banking and Finance and a B.Sc. in Accounting. “The PDP congratulates and tasks the new national women leader to deploy her capacity and experience in working with other members of the National Working Committee for the continuing stability, growth and success of our great Party”, the statement added.
Governor Bassy Otu Signs N296bn Budget, Economy Tops
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross Rivers State, Friday, signed the ‘Peoples First’ Budget of N296, 985, 631, 978.1k into law. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, of the governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche, stated that the event has the economic sector topping with N104, 986, 870, 898.59 billion. Presenting the estimates to the State House of Assembly on October 26, Gov. Otu said, “We have prioritized a higher capital expenditure over recurrent expenditure in our public expenditure structure, a “As a deliberate principle, we have maintained a higher capital–recurrent expenditure of 61.6% to 38.4%. “This not only emphasizes the importance of structural development but also a demonstration of the State’s commitment to the provision of the much-needed infrastructural facilities in our rural and urban centres.” Though the Governor had proposed a budget size of N250 billion with N154 billion as capital expenditure and N96 billion for recurrent expenditure, the Assembly jerked it up by N46 billion to N296 billion. The new budget bucket has capital expenditure of N180 billion and recurrent expenditure of N116 billion. Speaking at the budget signing, Governor Otu said, “the increase is predicated on the need to provide adequate financial support to our people living with disabilities which I requested for, after laying the Budget proposal before the State House of Assembly. “The increase in the budget allocation for this community is not just a necessity but a moral imperative: to erase social imbalance of this special demographics as they are a vulnerable group. They require specialized care, adaptive equipment, and access to resources that accommodate their unique needs. “This increase will facilitate better access to healthcare, assistive technologies, education, and employment opportunities tailored to their capabilities. Therefore, it is not just a fiscal decision but a statement of our values as a society which is espoused by my administration. “In addition, there is an upscale budgetary provision for payment of gratuity, debt services, counterpart funds, nutrition activities, social protection, climate change and gender responsive budget.” He further assured that, “This Administration is committed to prudent spending, effective governance, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of our people. “Towards this end, I have directed that efforts be made to ensure the earlier submission of the 2024-2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. “To achieve the laudable objectives of the 2024 Budget, we will further intensify our revenue mobilization efforts.” Aware of dwindling revenue inflow, the Governor noted that, “I am optimistic about our ability to finance the budget with creative funding options. We hope to surpass our revenue targets, therefore, revenue-generating agencies, and indeed all MDAs must ensure prompt and full remittances of collected revenues.” Highlights of the budget include; economic sector – N104, 986, 870, 898.59 billion; general administration – N95, 815, 641, 732.54 billion; law and justice – N7, 947, 139, 687.33 billion; regional sector – N1, 262, 390, 126.52 billion, and social sector – N86, 973, 489, 533.02 billion.
Gov Otu Presents N250bn 2024 Budget For Cross River
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River on Thursday presented a budget of N250 billion for 2024 to the state House of Assembly for approval. Presenting the budget titled: “The Peoples First Budget’’, Otu said that the figure was made up of N154billion capital expenditure and N96billion recurrent expenditure. He said that the budget was aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) goal 11, which focused on zero hunger, goal 111 which focused on good health and wellbeing and goal 1V which focused on quality education. “The 2023 budget of quantum infinitum which my administration inherited sought to transform as well as empower citizens through wealth creation and employment generation, improvement of educational standard, access to healthcare among others. “So, we intend to consolidate on the gains made by my predecessor as well as deliver quality service to our people. “For the 2024 fiscal year, the government is expecting N133 billion from the Federal Allocation Account (FAAC) while independent revenue is estimated at N35 billion,” he said. Otu said that the budget would priotise agriculture, education, healthcare delivery, environment, infrastructure, youth and sports development, security, tourism and general administration. The governor said as a newly elected governor, he would continue from where the previous administration stopped by continuing with some of priority projects while adding some innovative ones. “The 2023 budget of quantum infinitum which my administration inherited sought to transform as well as empower citizens through wealth creation and employment generation, improvement of educational standard, access to healthcare among others. “So, we intend to consolidate on the gains made by my predecessor as well as deliver quality service to our people. “For the 2024 fiscal year, the government is expecting N133 billion from the Federal Allocation Account (FAAC) while independent revenue is estimated at N35 billion,” he said.
Tinubu rejigs NDDC Board nominees, drops Akinjo, Okang; nominates Atikase, Duke
In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu has authorized changes to the nominees for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board. Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, made this announcement in a statement issued in Abuja at the weekend. The alterations involve the nomination of a new representative for Ondo State, as Mr. Victor Akinjo steps aside to make way for Hon. Otito Atikase. Additionally, Mr. Asi Okang, the previous nominee for Cross River State, has been replaced by Hon. Orok Duke. Furthermore, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, has been reappointed for a second term. However, Dr. Ogbuku will continue to serve in an acting capacity until his reappointment is confirmed by the Senate. These changes reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring effective representation and leadership within the NDDC board.