Ayade decentralises security operations, approves new appointments

November 26, 2018

Following the need to improve on the security condition of the state, even as the general elections draws closer, the digital governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade as approved the decentralization of the operations of the office of the States's Security Adviser. 

The decentralization according to a press release signed by the governor's Senior Special Assistant Media and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, will be centered on the three senatorial districts of the state. 

Consequently, his Excellency  approved the appointment of Hon. Ani Esin as the State Security adviser -South while Mr Leo Inyambe,  was appointed State Security Adviser - North.

The press release however, was silent on the appointment of a security adviser for the central senatorial district of the state. 

In a related development, the state governor also approved the appointment of Mr. Godwin Igile as the new Chairman, Cross River State Water Board Limited.

While Barr Ekpo Ada, was appointed Managing Director, Cross River State Water Board.

Also among the list of the new appointees is Mr. Godwin Nyam, who was appointed Director General, Department of Public Transportation (DOPT).

According to the release, all the appointment are with immediate effect. 

It should be recalled that the former security adviser to the state government Mr. Jude Ngaji had resigned, and defected to the main opposition party in the state, the APC where he will be flying the party's flag as its senatorial candidate for the Northern senatorial district in the forthcoming general elections. 

On the other hand, Mr. Godwin Igile whose re-appointment is already causing a stir was fired from the office he is beign re-appointmented into for what maybe described as ineffectiveness. 

While the appointment of Mr. Godwin Nyam, as the Director General, Department of Public Transportation (DOPT) is said to be about the third in three years as Mr. Emmanuel Mbora who was recently appointed DG of the Department was unceremoniously removed and transferred to the state sanitation agency known as CUDA.

Ukorebi Esien blogs for TDN where he tells the Nigerian story, one article at a time. 

Ayade to grace 28th anniversary of Nna Ndigboship / cultural day celebration of Ohanaeze C'River

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Cross River state recently led a delegation on a courtesy call to the Chairman Traditional Rulers Council of Cross River state

By VITALIS UGOH, Calabar

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo socio-cultural Assembly, Cross River state chapter, has concluded plans to mark its Day/Celebration of 28th years anniversary of Eze, Sir. E.A. Ezenwenyi as Igbo leader in Cross River state.

A statement issued by the chairman, Publicity/Brochure committee, Mazi Judex Okoro in Calabar yesterday said the occasion will be chaired by Prof. M.U.Ojua, a lecturer in the University of Calabar, "Oji Mmuta", while the state governor, Prof. Senator Ben Ayade, will be the Special Guests of Honour.

According to him, the event which is coming up on November 24th, 2018, will hold at the Abraham Ordia Stadium, University of Calabar at 10.O0a.m.

He said the Royal Father's of the Day include, the Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council of Cross River state, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet, His Royal Majesty, Modem Dr. Barr. Patrick Inok Oqua Agbor V, Paramount Ruler, Calabar Municipality and His Royal Majesty, Muri Munene of the Edit, Prof. Hogan Itam, Paramount Ruler of Calabar South.

Other dignitaries are His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi.Otu V, Obong of Calabar Natural Ruler, Treaty King and Grand Patriarch of Efik Kingdom, HRH, A.O Ogidinta of autonomous community Obi Ngwa, representing the chairman of South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, Igwe (Dr) Emeka Ilouno, Eze Dunu, Ifitidunu and Chief(Dr) Nnis Nwodo, President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo as host.

Also, he said, Prof.Zana Akpagu, Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar and Sir Daniel Chukwudozie, CoE Dizzy Oil and Gas Limited are special guests of Honour on the occasion.

He however reassured host communities that the event is aimed at uniting the Igbo across the state together by celebrating the Ohanaeze  Day and their leader, Eze Sir E.A Ezenwenyi and promoting socio-cultural heritage.

He appealed to all Igbo sons and daughters in the state to be law-abiding and continue to live in peace and harmony with their landlords while carrying out their normal businesses.

Okoro also advised leaders of various states and communities to ensure that their subjects maintain peace and order during and after the celebration.

Ends

Breaking: Ayade's aide graduates as first man to be certified for studying women

Since 2015 When Sen Prof Ben Ayade, the digital governor of Cross River State took over the mantle of leadership, there have been one  controversial story or the other about him, his leadership or the people around him.

Today, our gossip editor stumbled on a story where an aide to the digital governor who was admitted to study the female gender in a Master's Degree program outside the state has graduated.

According to the story the said aide has finished the program and will be convocating soon, making him the first man to be certified for studying women.

Details coming soon... 

Guber race 2019: See what Owan is likely to face

Owan Enoh's guber ambition to suffer set back as Efik Youth vows to stop marginalisation agenda  

31 Oct. 2018 | By; VITALIS UGOH, Calabar

Efik youths under the auspices of a socio-cultural group known as "Esop Mme Etubom Mkparawa Esien Efik Duob-Eba, have said they will hevemently kick against anyone who wants to undermine the Efiks as they expressed concern over they described as "a gang up against us".

This was made known in a statement issued to newsmen in Calabar and read by it's spokesman, Obong Mkparawa Efik, Ekpo Ekeng, they said, "we the Efik youths and the entire people of Efik Kingdom as you all know are peace loving and honest people".

The youths argued that as a peace loving tribe, the Efiks have continually stood by other tribes in the state to achieve their political goals, but observed that they have always been back stabbed by the same people they assisted. 

"We always stand by other tribes during election, but when it comes to comes to our own Efik interest, there is always a gang up against us, they argued".

The youths linked their griviance to a recent news which circulated on the media and where the senator representing Central Senatorial district and the controversial flag bearer of the APC in the forthcoming gubernatorial election was alleged to have said he doesn't need votes from the Efiks to win elections, but was quick to make a U-turn after realising the that the statement was not only damaging, but disturbing and disgusting".

According to them, " the recent events have started from our national representative to state level even his selection of his governorship running mate had shown "there is a gang-up against the Efik people to achieve a specific ethnic agenda in the state".

The statement however recalled that "this is not the first time, we remember in 1999, somebody made a statement that over his dead body that Efik people cannot produce a governor but we stamped our feet on the ground and brought out Donald Duke as governor".

This followed with the issue of Atam Peoples'Congress which came into play in the political arena, but also failed to achieve any meaningful results, it added.

"it is on this ground that we the entire Efik youths and Efik nation, strongly condemn in very strong terms the Ejagam agenda now allegedly been promoted by the All Progressives' Congress (APC)".

"We have therefore vowed to do anything possible to stop any party that promotes such agenda, as far as the Governorship race is concern".

 Reacting to the statement, the Director General of Senator John Owan Enoh, Sir Maurice Effiuwat, described the allegations as false.

He said "there has never been a time that his principal had made such a derogatory statement or comment against the Efiks and as such had never denied it.

Okoyong people are not from Ejagam, but are a disticnt simi-people from the Bantu area or Cameroon like any other people that came to settle in a comfortable place of their choice.

He described those peddling the news as "mischief" makers.

Why should the Efiks complain now. Hon Essien Ayi is from Okoyong representing three powerful local government areas for 16 years. Why Hon. Ekpo Okon now, he queried?

"Ekpo has the political pedigree and has a great political structure to march, adding"he was responsible for Donald Duke election. He was a former chairman of the Peoples'Democratic Party in the state.

"Our course is a rescue mission. We need to rescue the state, reposition it as well as restore its lost glory, he added".

He debunked the rumour that Senator Owan Enoh, had promised any one deputy governor before rooting for Hon. Ekpo Okon.

He appealled to APC supporters in the state to remain calm and resolute and be prepared to win the election come 2019 general elections.

Ayade's aide provides educutional succor for over 2000 Children in Abi LGA

| 26 October 2018 | Correspondent 

Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Betta Edu has brought relieve to parents of about 2186 secondary and primary school children in her Adadama ward of Abi Local government area, as she foot the bill of their school fees while providing writing materials in an event which held in Community Commercial Secondary School, Adadama.

Thereafter, the Director General of CRSPHCDA, Dr Betta Edu moved to Ibalebo Clan in Adadama to inspect the newly renovated primary healthcare centre and hold a town hall meeting with the chiefs and clan head of the community.

According to her, Cross River State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade has been working on providing solutions to communities and Adadama is not left out.

She said the community had been beseech with war and alot of people injured,  thousands have been killed by people from Ebonyi State over boundary issues as Economic growth of the community have drastically gone down due to this crisis.

Dr Edu said "my support today is not political, this is about my passion to save lives and preserving the future generations. I have been offering free health outreaches and paying fees for people of Adadama before I can into Government. I will continue to do my much even after holding political office. Am not giving because I have enough but like my father Prof Ben Ayade taught me, Am giving because I care enough" 

She expressed gratitude to Governor Ben Ayade for his support and decision of the Government to take a 360 approached by going ahead to provide new class rooms for pupils/students  in the community and equally bringing their health facilities up to standard which has been helpful in managing injuries sustained  during war.

She said many families are deteriorating to poverty and having malnutrition which is a major concern to the state government and as such Micronutrient will be sent to the ward to support children under five and pregnant women while provision for the maternal neonatal tetanus immunisation campaign and other immunisation exercise that can protect children from vaccines preventable  diseases will be explored.

She call on the FG to quickly look into the boundary issues affecting the community so peace can be restored. While she called for support for ATIKU, AYADE, ONOR, GAUL & DAVID in the 2019 elections.

Responding on behalf of the community, the Clan Head of Ibalebo, His Royal Highness, Eval Lawrence Emori said the scholarship award will help in taking away the burden from parents who struggle to pay school fees for their wards even when such parents lack the capacity to pay the fees.

He commended the Governor, Speaker and the DG for also stopping by to inspect the newly renovated health centre which according to him will served the community to the fullest and prevent maternal death.

Eval Emori said the support of Adadama is intact for the Governor and their son, the Speaker comes 2019 general elections.

Reacting to the development, one of the Head Teacher Mrs Grace Ebong commended the DG for her philanthropic gesture to the schools, assuring that they will live up to expectation by bequeathing academic excellence to the students.

It would be recalled that the DG, Dr Betta Edu and the Speaker, Rt Hon. John Gaul Lebo had over the years been paying fees and securing employment to students and graduates from the community in the state parastatals.


The event in Pitcures:

Eyo Ekpo berates Ayade says new set of appointments is a continuation of a wasteful culture

L -R Barr Eyo Ekpo and Sen. Ben Ayade 

| 24 October 2018 | Ukorebi Esien 

The Eyo Ekpo campaign organization headed by Mr. Ambo Ekpenyong have raised an eyebrow on the recent set of appointments approved by his excellency, the digital governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade. 

In a press statement signed by the DG of the organization, and made available to TDN, Mr. Ambo described the appointment as a wasteful culture arguing that where the state was struggling to meet up with its basic financial responsibilities that will push the state forward it was rather wasting resources in appointments that had no corresponding benefits to the state. 

The statement reads in full: 

PRESS RELEASE 

The Eyo Ekpo Campaign Organisation receives with dismay, news of the appointments of new special assistants by Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade. These appointments highlight once more the wastefulness of the Ayade's administration. It is now no surprise that Cross River ranks last among all the states of the federation in terms of meeting its monthly financial commitments.

At the last known count, Ben Ayade, since 2015, has brought on a staggering 5000 plus political aides on the CRSG payroll, including 1100 appointed in one day without any allocation to cater to them, in a state struggling to pay and elevate civil servants. This waste deprives the state of investments in the desperately needed enablers of growth that we lack such as water, good waste management, roads and viable healthcare and education sectors.

Consequently, public services are lacking in many parts of the state; potable water have stopped flowing from the state water board, waste management has ground to a halt, and poor roads are the order of the day. 

These new appointments will do nothing to solve these challenges, but will only further increase the cost of our constant resort to debt to fund salaries to the detriment of Cross Riverians. 

Political appointments must first and foremost deliver value to citizens, rather than be used as a cynical patronage system for buying support for a government that has failed in practically every factor of development in the state.

As elections approach, we are confident that the people of Cross River State will come together to reject this administration at the polls, and put behind them the last four years of wasteful spending.

It is time to recover and restore Cross River State. 

Signed 

Ambo Ekpenyong 

DG, Eyo Ekpo Campaign Organisation

2019: Hon.Orim Congratulates Ayade, Others

Chief of Staff to the Cross River state Governor, Honourable Martin Orim, has congratulated the Governor, Professor Ben Ayade over his emergence as gubernatorial flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for next years governorship poll in the state.

In a press statement signed by his Press Secretary, Chidi Onyemaizu, Orim said it was not a surprise that the party found Governor Ayade worthy of second term in office. 

"Professor Ayade is a gold fish that has no hiding place.His unprecedented socio- economic and infrastructural re- engineering of Cross River resonates far and wide; beyond the borders of the state.It was there not a surprise that the state's PDP delegates effortlessly gave a return ticket.Ayade's good work has made his second term a fait accompli", Orim said in the statement.

The Chief of Staff also congratulates all PDP candidates in the state who won tickets for various other elective offices, reminding them that they had been called upon to render selfless service to the people of Cross River.

 " I urge to see your selection as a call to serve our dear state with passion and patriotism. Remember the people you represent will hold you accountable at the end of your tenure", Hon.Orim charged them.

Appealing to all aspirants who lost in the primaries to remain with the party, Orim asked them not to be disillusioned by the turn of event for there is hope in the horizon, saying their defeat was no indication they are less important in the PDP.

 "Our party is one big family, the PDP umbrella is large enough to accomodate everyone.Our digital Governor is aware of your loss and will accommodate you adequately he assured

Cross River state health insurance scheme and the man behind the saddle

Mr. Godwin Iyala, DG, CRS Health Insurance Agency

| 26  May, 2018 | Simon Ustu

Of a truth, no matter how one wants to pummel Governor Ayade with criticism, it's almost impossible not to laud his achievements in the health sector. From the gigantic achievements recorded by primary health care boss, Dr Betta Edu to the colossal strides of the Health commissioner, Dr Inyang Asibong! 

And just recently, a genius personality, Mr Iyala Godwin has been appointed to be the pioneer head of the state's health insurance scheme which is officially going to be launched on Monday  the 28th of May 2018. They say behind every successful man is a great woman; maybe the reason why Governor Ayade keeps ticking the right boxes in the health sector is because of his wife, Dr Linda who I understand, is very passionate about the medical/health sector. On hearing about the scheme, I reached out to the DG via the phone and was privileged to be granted audience for over ten minutes- he literarily blew my mind away! For starters, Mr Iyala was one of the pioneer staffs of foremost insurance company, IGI insurance and worked directly and extensively with the founder for decades. 

He garnered enough experience and was seconded to lead many global insurance projects by IGI. He grew through the ranks in leaps and bounds and was a top management staff before joining the Imoke administration to kickstart the state's signage agency- which is amongst the most vibrant signage agencies in the country till date. 

The (health insurance) model he came up with as he revealed to me, is a very robust one; one that would seamlessly drift into cruise control in no distant time. It's a well planned contributory and affordable scheme designed to take less from the poor even as it delivers comprehensive healthcare to all and sundry. I was also informed that highly competent HMOs(Health Maintenance Organizations) have been co-opted to ensure the scheme is as hitch and glitch free as possible.

Going by the insurance guru's track record and wealth of experience, we're expecting him to go beyond "gigantic" and "colossal" and make astronomical strides as the head of this delicate scheme/sub-sector. We wish him the very best and pray the scheme takes it's place in history as one of Governor Ayade's unforgettable legacies.

 I also admonish Cross Riverians to give this program their maximum support because if it succeeds, it's going to kickstart a nationwide health insurance revolution. The aim would be to at least get to the level of the UK's NHS which is one of the best in the world. I'm speaking from experience as I was once covered by that scheme and I saw people who didn't have up to one million Naira in their bank  account getting Medicare of over ten million without having to pay any hospital bills.