[Developing Story] Out’s Aide Accuses Former Fed. Lawmaker of Business Betrayal and Illegal Mining as Legal Battle Looms

Ukorebi Esien | July 21, 2025

 

CALABAR -A heated dispute has erupted between the Chairman of the Cross River State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force, Prince Paul Effiong, and former federal lawmaker Hon. Daniel Asuquo, popularly known as DANSUKI, over allegations of business betrayal, illegal mining, and political intimidation.

What initially began as a verbal business agreement between two political allies has now snowballed into a full-blown public scandal, drawing in security agencies, federal regulators, and legal practitioners, with potential implications for the broader mining sector in Cross River State.

Prince Paul Effiong, who served as Director of Operations during Hon. Dan Asuquo's campaign for the Cross River South Senatorial Seat, disclosed in a recorded interview that after Dan's electoral loss, he encouraged him to venture into mining as an alternative livelihood.

"I personally facilitated the mining venture. I even filled the mining license forms with his wife at Zenith Bank for the registration process," Prince Paul stated. "We had a verbal agreement that I would receive 30% of whatever profit comes out of the mining business, while he and his wife take 70%."

According to him, despite securing contracts to supply iron ore to Lafarge and broker labor services and raking in over N280m, Dan allegedly reneged on their agreement and has not paid him a dime since operations commenced in 2023.

Beyond the personal grievances, Prince Paul, who now heads the state's Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force, alleges that the former Lawmaker who represented Akamkpa/Biase federal constituency in the green Chambers for 12 years, also engaged in illegal mining activities. He explained that DANSUKI has been mining outside the approved coordinates of his Small-Scale Mining Lease (SSML No. 55800) located in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

A letter from the Federal Mines Office dated April 7, 2025, confirmed that while Doveline Investment Limited, the company associated with Hon. Asuquo holds a valid mining lease, the coordinates observed during an inspection did not align with the approved boundaries. The Ministry directed the company to relocate its activities within legal limits or risk revocation.

 

Efforts to enforce the order were reportedly met with resistance. "He brought in armed soldiers to guard the illegal site," Prince Paul alleged. "This led to a standoff between our task force, civil defense, and his hired security."

Prince Paul informed that matters took a dramatic turn when He was arrested by operatives from the IGP Monitoring Unit allegedly on the orders of Hon. Asuquo. He was detained and charged with Obtaining by Trick (OBT), a criminal charge he strongly denies.

"He used his connections with the Chief of Staff to the President to bring in the IGP squad to intimidate me. I slept in a cell despite committing no offence. They started with a N5 million bail, which was later reduced to ₦1 million," Paul narrated.

He noted that his eventual release was facilitated by interventions from the Cross River State Government, including the State Security Adviser and the Commissioner of Police.

In response, Hon. Dan Asuquo, through his legal counsel, Dennis Tarhemba & Co., has issued a formal demand notice to Prince Paul, describing his public statements as "injurious falsehood and cyberbullying."

The letter, dated July 19, 2025, demands that Prince Paul retracts his statements within 48 hours via national dailies and pays ₦1 billion in damages or face legal action. The letter also confirmed that a petition had earlier been submitted to the Inspector General of Police over alleged unlawful interference with Dan's mining site and a claim of advance fee fraud.

State Government Maintains Neutrality

While Prince Paul currently serves under the Cross River State Government, a government official who is familiar with the situation but pleaded not to be disclosed because he hasn't been authorized to speak on the matter has affirmed that the Cross River Government has refused to shield Prince Paul from accountability.

"The situation is very delicate; these are two brothers affiliated with the governor. The governor has tried to play safe but wants justice served without favoritism. Answers are needed for these critical questions: Did Paul do the License for DANSUKI after collecting the acclaimed N10m? Was the site DANSUKI was mining legally his? That tells you the government is standing for due process, not personalities," he said.

Prince Paul revealed that Dan Asuquo is not the only one under scrutiny. "We've impounded several excavators from illegal miners and spent over ₦9 million to repatriate hundreds of illegal miners. The prison system cannot even accommodate them all," he said, urging The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to take up their role in monitoring mining activities in the state.

C’River Local Content Office Secures Strategic Partnership in Auto, Agriculture, and CNG Sectors

Ukorebi Esien | July 21, 2025

 

CALABAR - The Cross River State Government, through the Office of the Special Adviser on Local Content, has secured a strategic partnership with one of Nigeria's leading conglomerates, the Innoson Group of Companies, to invest in youth development across key sectors such as automobile production, agriculture, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure.

This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Edet Otu on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar on Monday.

According to Amb. Caleb, the partnership followed a recent official visit to Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman of the Innoson Group, at his residence in Nnewi, Anambra State. During the visit, Dr. Chukwuma expressed strong interest in extending the operations of Innoson to Cross River State, with a focus on youth training, automobile production, and agricultural investment.

"The governor is my friend. I'm ready to extend Innoson's operations to Cross River. Let's start with training your youths and setting up production in Tinapa," Dr. Chukwuma was quoted as saying.

Amb. Caleb who expressed gratitude to governor Out for facilitating the visit, explained that Innoson Group has indicated willingness to establish a Compressed Natural Gas station in the state and collaborate with local government councils to invest in commercial rice farming. The company will also supply improved rice seedlings capable of maturing within 3 to 6 months, a development expected to boost food production and agribusiness in the state.

He further revealed that the company plans to introduce CNG-powered vehicles, electric cars, and a rubber-to-tyre industrial value chain in Cross River. To this end, the company has requested detailed data on the state's rubber output for both export and local processing.

"This partnership is in line with Governor Otu's 'People First' agenda, which is committed to moving beyond policy statements to concrete actions that generate jobs and drive industrial growth. We are deliberately taking steps to open Cross River to real investments," Caleb said.

He also announced that Innoson has pledged to subsidize vehicle prices for Cross River indigenes, especially transport operators, to enhance affordability and support micro-enterprises.

Importantly, the Special Adviser assured that the selection process for the youth training programme will be strictly merit-based and free from political interference. "We want to be clear, the selection of participants will not be based on politics but on competence and genuine interest," he stressed.

Amb. Caleb, who was accompanied by retired army officer Akiba and other officials, noted that the delegation was also taken on a comprehensive tour of Innoson's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, where diesel, electric, and CNG vehicles are produced.

A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Cross River State Government and Innoson Group is expected to be signed soon to formalize the collaboration.

As part of broader plans to reposition the state's economy, the Special Adviser also disclosed that the government will host a Local Content Summit in October 2025, targeting professionals and investors from the Cross River diaspora. The summit aims to galvanize local expertise and investments for sustainable development.

"This is a defining moment for Cross River. With partnerships like this, we're not just talking, we're building a future where our youths are trained, empowered, and meaningfully engaged," Caleb concluded.

 

I Don’t Need Gossips, I Need Ideas That Will Move NUJ Forward, says Newly Inaugurated Chairman

 Ukorebi Esien | July 17 , 2025

CALABAR — The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, has reiterated her commitment to building a vibrant, professional, and people-centered Union that upholds the ethics of journalism and promotes the welfare of its members.

Speaking shortly after her official inauguration during the 2025 Triennial Delegates Conference of the Union held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, Bassey called on members of the Council to eschew rumour-mongering and focus on generating innovative ideas that would reposition the Union for growth.

"I don't need gossips, I need ideas that will move the Council forward," Don't come and tell me what this person said about me, rather come and tell me what ideas you have for our collective growth. If you must tell me what they said about me, also tell me what you said." She declared in a passionate address to members, stressing that her administration would prioritize unity, professional development, and accountability.

Bassey, who initially assumed office in an acting capacity on May 9, 2024, following the appointment of her predecessor, Comrade Nsa Gill, as Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Edet Otu, officially took the reins of leadership after a year of service which she  described as a "trial period."

In her acceptance speech, she acknowledged the challenges faced during the transitional year, including funding constraints, emotional burnout, and managing expectations. "There was a time I told my mother, 'I'm not doing it again.' But when I look back and see the support I get, it strengthens me," she said, with visible emotion.

Bassey emphasized the need for collective responsibility in running the affairs of the Union. "All hands must be on deck. This is not a one-person job," she said, calling on stakeholders to support efforts in revenue generation and programme implementation.

Delivering a detailed account of her one-year stewardship before her formal election and inauguration, Bassey listed several key achievements under her interim leadership to include:

Training and Retraining of over 120 journalists to improve professional capacity.

Renovation of the Chairman's Office and replacement of outdated furniture with modern conference chairs.

Welfare Interventions, including support for ailing and bereaved members.

Recognition and Awards, including the revival of the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Journalist of the Year Award after years of dormancy.

Press Freedom Initiatives, such as the 2025 World Press Freedom Day outreach to Afokang Correctional Centre and Mother Elizabeth Orphanage.

Infrastructure and Donations, notably a brand-new 18-seater executive bus from the Cross River State Government and other material donations from public-spirited individuals and institutions.

Partnerships for Welfare, including collaboration with a federal agency to procure 50kg bags of rice at subsidized rates for members.

Solemn Assemblies and Outreach, reinforcing the council's belief in spiritual guidance for leadership.

Bassey also acknowledged the strong support received from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs, Comrade Nsa Gill (Immediate Past Chief Press Secretary to the Governor), and expressed gratitude to the national leadership of NUJ, especially Zone F Vice President, for their guidance and solidarity throughout the transitional period.

"Going forward, we intend to build a Union that puts people first—a Union that listens, grows, and leads by example," she affirmed.

Other members of the State Working Committee re-elected unopposed alongside Comrade Archibong Bassey of the NTA chapel include Comrade Sunday Inah (CRBC chapel) – Vice Chairman,, Comrade Michael Abang (Correspondence Chapel) – Secretary, Comrade Kingsley Agim ( Information Chapel) – Assistant Secretary, Comrade Achiane Adams (Ministry of Information Chapel) – Treasurer and Comrade Benedicta Anam (FRCN) – Auditor

Their tenure is expected to last until 2028.

In his goodwill message, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, represented by Comrade Opakah Dokubo, Vice President of Zone F. urged members of the Cross River Council to remain united, cooperate with the newly inaugurated leadership, and shun any form of division or personal interest. "A united NUJ is a stronger NUJ," he stressed. He also used the opportunity to call for a befitting and bigger Secretariat for the council.

The Conference was chaired by Dr. Brenda Akpan, pioneer President of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), with prominent members of the Union, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Erasmus Ekpang and other government functionaries in attendance.

YOUTH COUNCIL CRISIS: Stakeholders Accuse Dan Obo of Inconsistency, Plot to Hijack Council Leadership

Ukorebi Esien | July 6, 2025

CALABAR — The leadership crisis rocking the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Cross River State took a new twist over the weekend as prominent stakeholders of the Cross River State chapter dismissed claims of any recent national election, reaffirming that the tenure of the current NYCN National President, Amb. Sukubo Saraigbe Sukubo remains valid until September 2025.

Speaking in separate interviews during a stakeholders' meeting held at the Youth House in Calabar, Comrade Ndiyo Ndiyo, former State Chairman and current Spokesperson to the National President, debunked widespread reports suggesting that a new national leadership had emerged were Comrade Daniel Obo ermeged as VP South South.

"There is no new leadership in the National Youth Council of Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Youth wrote to President Sukubo, acknowledging the expiration of his tenure in September and mandated preparations for a national congress. A Congress Planning Committee (CPC) and Electoral College have already been constituted. Until that congress is held in September, there is no vacancy at the top," Ndiyo asserted.

Ndiyo also clarified that the last valid NYCN election was the Unity Congress held in September 2021 in Calabar, which harmonized all factions and gave Ambassador Sukubo a four-year mandate that will expire in September 2025.

Responding to the claim by Comrade Dan Obo, immediate past Cross River NYCN chairman and current Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, that he had been elected as the South-South Vice President of the Council, Ndiyo described such assertions as baseless and illegal.

"How can someone claim to be elected when no congress has been held, and there's no endorsement from the State Chairman as required by the NYCN Constitution? Dan Obo was brought into office by this same president he now claims no longer exists. This contradiction is a clear reflection of inconsistency," he said.

Ndiyo also recounted several instances of political inconsistency on the part of Dan Obo, accusing him of shifting allegiances for personal gain.

"This is a young man who left Owan Enoh to follow Usani Usani, only to abandon Usani midway and run as Deputy Governor candidate for SDP. He later dumped the SDP and defected to the APC just before the election. I even chaired his defection planning committee. The pattern is clear," Ndiyo emphasized.

In a passionate rebuttal, Hon. OJ Coretta, immediate past Secretary of the Advisory Council and a stakeholder from the Central Senatorial District, condemned Dan Obo's actions and distanced the Central zone from his ambition.

"We only recognize one leadership in Cross River NYCN, and that is Comrade Emmanuel Olayi. No national office can be validly occupied without the endorsement of the State Chairman. Dan Obo's so-called election is illegal," he stated.

Coretta also revealed that the embattled ex-chairman had benefited significantly from Senator Eteng Williams, whom he now allegedly opposes.

"Eteng gave him money to bury his father, provided a live cow, paid his rent, and supported him in every way. Yet today, he turns around to attack the same senator. He has never won any election on his own, not even in his polling unit," Coretta said.

Both leaders affirmed that Cross River State is well-positioned to produce the next NYCN South-South Vice President but emphasized that it would be pursued through legitimate means during the September Congress.

"There is no position like South-South Vice President from Cross River as of now. We are prepared for Congress, and we will clinch that seat legally," Ndiyo declared.

They called on youths in the state to remain calm and focused, urging them not to be distracted by selfish political games but to support the leadership of Comrade Emmanuel Olayi in projecting the interest of Cross River youths nationally.

"There is only one NYCN in Cross River State, and we are going to the National Congress united and prepared," Ndiyo concluded.

NYCN C'River Denies ₦5 Million Misappropriation Allegation, Reaffirms Sokubo’s National Leadership

Ukorebi Esien |  July 7, 2025

CALABAR - The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, has debunked recent allegations of financial misappropriation levelled against his administration by his predecessor, Comrade Dan Obo, now serving as the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Youth Mobilisation.

Addressing a well-attended emergency stakeholders' meeting in Calabar over the weekend, Olayi described the accusation that ₦5 million out of a ₦10 million subvention given by the state government was misappropriated as false, malicious, and aimed at discrediting the focused and transparent leadership of the current NYCN state executive.

"I saw the allegations online just like many of you did. Out of respect for leadership, the first person I called was the immediate past chairman who was quoted in the story, but he never returned my calls," Olayi said.

Invoking the legal maxim "he who alleges must prove," the youth leader challenged Dan Obo to present evidence supporting the claim. Olayi insisted that all funds received by the council have been transparently appropriated to local government structures, voluntary organisations, and state-level activities.

"As we sit here in this very Youth House, let me remind you that the facility's current state is part of what we achieved with the funds appropriated. There is no ₦5 million missing," Olayi asserted.

The Chairman also clarified misinformation surrounding the purported appointment of Dan Obo as NYCN National Vice President, South-South. He maintained that there is currently no recognised change in the leadership of the council at the national level.

"As a member of the National Management Committee, I can confirm that Comrade Saraigbe Sukubo remains the National President of NYCN, while Comrade Ajayi Innocent from Edo State is the duly recognised South-South Vice President," he stated.

Olayi cited a letter from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development dated May 8, 2025, notifying of the expiration of the Sukubo-led administration's tenure by September 2025 and initiating preparations for a national congress. He revealed that 27 state chairmen, including himself, convened in Port Harcourt on June 15 to kickstart the electoral process in compliance with the ministry's directive.

"There is no tussle for leadership at the national level. The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is clear on who is recognized. Any contrary claim is not just misleading but illegal," he said.

The meeting also featured inputs from several former state executives and national officers who corroborated Olayi's position and condemned attempts to undermine the unity of the Cross River State chapter.

Prince Ndiyon Ndiyo, former NYCN state chairman and spokesperson to the national president, described the allegations and factional claims as "a show of desperation and a calculated attempt to distract the state chairman from delivering on his mandate."

He warned that any action taken outside the recognised constitutional procedures, especially without the endorsement of the state chapter, was null and void.

Engineer Chris Ndiye, former South-South Vice Chairman of the Council, further emphasised that Cross River NYCN remains united. "There is no faction in Cross River. We have one recognised executive led by Comrade Emmanuel Olayi," he said.

Olayi concluded the meeting with a strong call for unity and support among stakeholders, reiterating the chapter's readiness to contest and secure key positions in the forthcoming national congress.

"We will not go through the back door. We are prepared and will participate in the national congress come September. Cross River will not return empty-handed," he assured.

He also reaffirmed the chapter's commitment to accountability and development. "At the end of my tenure, I will give a full account of my stewardship. Until then, any unverified claims should be disregarded."

CRSG Lauds NDDC’s 25 Years of Transformational Impact, Calls for Sustained Partnership

The Cross River State Government (CRSG) has joined other states and stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), applauding the commission for its unwavering commitment to regional development, especially in the areas of infrastructure, social services, and the empowerment of youth and women across the state.

Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, led the Cross River State delegation and made the remarks while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the NDDC 25th Anniversary Plenary Session, held on Saturday at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday. 

"The good people of Cross River State join the rest of the Niger Delta in celebrating this momentous occasion of the NDDC," Odey stated. "Over the past 25 years, the Commission has made notable strides in transforming lives of citizens in Cross River State and across the Niger Delta, and we deeply appreciate the impact of its projects on our socio-economic development."

Highlighting the NDDC's infrastructural interventions, the Deputy Governor disclosed that the Commission has executed 227 completed and ongoing road projects across Cross River State. These projects, he noted, have  significantly enhanced connectivity, trade, and access to essential services in previously underserved areas.  

"These roads have revolutionized transportation infrastructure," Odey emphasized. "They have improved access to markets, farmlands, healthcare facilities, and schools, while also creating jobs and energizing local communities. The NDDC's work has stimulated economic activity in some of the hitherto hard-to-reach communities."  

In addition to roads, Odey acknowledged NDDC's significant interventions in electricity, healthcare, education, and youth skill acquisition, describing them as "lifelines" that continue to uplift the standard of living for residents of Cross River and the region at large. 

While highlighting the challenges posed by Cross River's exclusion from direct oil revenue allocations following the loss of its oil-producing status in 2013, the Deputy Governor commended the NDDC for ensuring the state remained a beneficiary of its development initiatives.  

As the NDDC enters its next chapter, Odey reaffirmed state government's readiness to partner with the Commission in driving inclusive development and bridging socio-economic gaps in the Niger Delta. 

"We urge the NDDC to sustain and deepen its interventions, and we reaffirm Cross River State's commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Commission toward shared development goals."

The state delegation to the grand finale of the commission's 25th-anniversary celebration included Hon. (Engr.) Francis Ogban - Member representing Biase State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Thomas Aruku - Ogoja Constituency, Chief of Staff to the Governor Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Deputy Chief of Staff Boniface Okache, Special Adviser on Special Duties Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, and NDDC Special Adviser Chief Ani Esin.

Other prominent Niger Deltans and Nigerians in attendance included the Senate President, H.E. Dr. Godswill Akpabio, former President of Nigeria, H.E Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Regional Development, State Governors, Senators, NDDC board members, including Cross River State Representative, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke; government functionaries, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders.