'You're Still in the Kindergarten of Politics' — Mayor of Cal. Takes Swipe at Arthur Jarvis' Ambition

Ukorebi Esien | August 3,2026

CALABAR– A former Mayor of Calabar Municipality, Chief Okon Asuquo, has taken a scathing swipe at the governorship ambition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, describing him as "still in the kindergarten of politics" and urging him to abandon his ambition in support of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.

Speaking during an interview with Calitown, Asuquo dismissed Jarvis' recent criticisms of the Otu administration, insisting that the PDP flag bearer lacks the political experience required to govern Cross River State.

According to the former mayor, the state cannot be entrusted to someone who is "still learning the ropes" of politics.

 "You are still in the kindergarten of politics. We can't hand over our state to someone who's learning the ropes," Asuquo was quoted as saying.

He argued that leadership of a state requires years of political experience, maturity and an understanding of governance, adding that Governor Otu has demonstrated capacity and deserves the support of Cross River people.

Asuquo reportedly advised Jarvis to shelve his governorship ambition and instead align with the incumbent governor in what he described as the overall interest of the state.

The former mayor also maintained that Governor Otu's administration has recorded significant achievements across critical sectors and should be given the opportunity to consolidate on its developmental strides rather than being distracted by what he termed "premature political ambitions."

His remarks come amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Cross River State, with Arthur Jarvis emerging as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and intensifying his criticism of the APC-led administration. Jarvis has repeatedly accused the Otu government of underperformance and vowed to unseat the governor in the 2027 election. 

The comments by the former mayor are expected to further heighten political exchanges between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition PDP as both parties prepare for what is shaping up to be a keenly contested governorship race.

Source:Adapted from a report published by Calitown, titled "PDP Gubernatorial Candidate in Cross River Urged to Dump Ambition, Support Gov. Otu."

C'River Youth Council Endorses Governor Otu's Second-Term Bid

Ukorebi Esien  | July 24, 2026

CALABAR –The Cross River State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has endorsed Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term in office, citing his administration's performance and responsiveness to issues affecting young people across the state.

The endorsement followed a meeting of the State Management Committee (SMC) of the council, where members reviewed reports from all 18 local government areas and assessed the council's activities over the past two years. 

Speaking after the meeting in Calabar, the State Chairman of the NYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, said the decision was informed by findings from the council's statewide assessment tour, during which youth leaders engaged communities and evaluated government projects and interventions.

According to him, the council's report captured both positive developments and areas requiring urgent attention, noting that government had already begun responding to some of the concerns raised.

"We presented to the management committee the outcome of our tour across the local government areas. Based on what we found on the field, the National Youth Council resolved to support His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, for a second-term bid," Olayi said.

"Our report was in two parts – the positive achievements and the challenges we observed. We submitted our findings to government, and I am pleased that interventions have already commenced in some of those areas." 

The NYCN chairman explained that the meeting also reviewed the council's programmes since assuming office two years ago, including the Solemn Assembly, the Youth Convergence, statewide engagement tours, and preparations for upcoming International Youth Day Activities. 

As part of efforts to strengthen youth coordination in the state, the State Management Committee approved the immediate commencement of a registration and revalidation exercise for youth organisations in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Youth Development.

Olayi disclosed that a digital portal would be launched within two weeks to enable youth organisations operating in the state to register, revalidate their status or formally affiliate with the council.

He said the initiative would provide government with reliable data on youth organisations, improve coordination, and ensure that programmes and opportunities reach a broader segment of the youth population. 

The committee also empowered the state leadership to constitute a committee to investigate the conduct of some members of the council and make recommendations for appropriate action in line with the organisation's constitution. 

Reaffirming the council's statutory role, Olayi noted that the Cross River State Government had consistently recognised the National Youth Council of Nigeria as the umbrella body for youth organisations in the state, pledging that the council would continue to work with government to promote youth development, leadership and civic participation. 

C'River Youth Council to Register All Youth Organisations, Launch Affiliation Portal

Ukorebi Esien |  July 24,  2026

CALABAR – The Cross River State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has announced plans to commence the registration, revalidation and affiliation of all youth organisations operating in the state as part of efforts to strengthen youth coordination, improve government engagement and build a comprehensive database of youth groups.

The initiative, which received the approval of the State Management Committee (SMC) of the council, will be implemented in partnership with the Cross River State Ministry of Youth and Skills Development.

Speaking at the end of the State Management Committee meeting in Calabar, the State Chairman of the NYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, said the exercise would commence with the launch of an affiliation portal through which youth organisations would register and provide details of their operations.

According to him, the portal is expected to become operational within the next two weeks, allowing youth organisations across the state to register, revalidate their status and formally affiliate with the council.

Olayi explained that the initiative was not intended to restrict the formation of youth organisations but to ensure that groups operating in the state align with the objectives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and the Ministry of Youth and Skills Development.

"We are not trying to reduce the number of youth organisations. Young people are free to associate. What we want to establish is whether these organisations are working in line with the mandate of the National Youth Council and the Ministry of Youth Development. If they are, we will work together; if they are not, government should also know the difference," he said.

He said every organisation seeking affiliation would be required to submit its constitution, leadership structure and operational focus to enable the council determine its eligibility and maintain credible records of youth organisations in the state.

The NYCN chairman noted that the database would provide government with reliable statistics for planning and implementing youth-focused programmes, adding that it would also ensure that interventions, grants and opportunities reach genuine youth organisations across the state.

"If government wants to engage the youth community, we should be able to present verifiable data. We want to know how many youth organisations we have, who their leaders are and what they do. That way, whatever opportunities come to young people can reach all registered organisations," Olayi stated.

He further disclosed that the State Management Committee also approved the establishment of senatorial advisory councils to strengthen mentorship, leadership development and conflict resolution within the council's structure.

According to him, the advisory councils will serve as support platforms for youth leaders at the senatorial district level, identify outstanding young leaders for greater responsibilities and provide guidance to local government chapters before issues escalate to the state leadership.

Olayi said the resolutions formed part of broader reforms aimed at repositioning the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Cross River State as the umbrella body for youth organisations and enhancing collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Skills Development.

He added that the council remained committed to promoting youth participation, institutional development and effective partnerships with government in advancing policies and programmes that improve the welfare of young people across Cross River State.

C'River Commissioner Backs NYCN Leadership Following Court Verdict

Ukorebi Esien | July 23, 2026

CALABAR –The Cross River State Commissioner for Youth and Skills Development, Barr Ukam Ijom Charles, has reaffirmed the state government’s confidence in the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) following a Federal Court judgment that validated the re-election of Ambassador Sokubo Sara-Igbe Sokubo as National President of the council.

The Commissioner gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of the NYCN National Executive Council led by Ambassador Sokubo during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Calabar.

He described the court verdict as a welcome development that had strengthened the legitimacy of the NYCN leadership and would further promote unity among youth organisations across the country.

According to him, the Cross River State chapter of the NYCN had remained steadfast in its support for the national leadership throughout the period of litigation, believing strongly that the matter would be resolved through lawful means.

“Having participated in the congress where Ambassador Sokubo was unanimously re-elected and having carefully examined the constitution of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, we were convinced that he was duly elected. As law-abiding citizens, we waited for the court to pronounce its judgment, and today that trust has been validated,” the Commissioner said.

He commended the NYCN for pursuing legal channels rather than resorting to violence during the leadership dispute, noting that the peaceful resolution of the matter demonstrated maturity and respect for democratic institutions.

The Commissioner also assured the visiting delegation of the Cross River State Government’s continued partnership with the NYCN in advancing youth development, skills acquisition, and empowerment programmes in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the National Executive Council, the Deputy National Secretary of the NYCN, Prince Ndiyo Ndiyo, said the Federal High Court judgment had restored the council to the status quo, affirming that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) lacked the legal authority to deregister the National Youth Council of Nigeria. He noted that the judgment, delivered on June 5, 2026, also affirmed Ambassador Sokubo Sara-Igbe Sokubo's leadership following the legal action instituted by the council.

Ndiyo explained that following the judgment, the Director-General of the CAC formally acknowledged Ambassador Sokubo as National President and invited him for a meeting, while the council had embarked on nationwide engagements with ministries, security agencies and other stakeholders to consolidate the gains of the court victory. He described the visit to Cross River as significant because of the state's unwavering support for the council throughout the leadership dispute, adding that the NYCN remained committed to protecting the institution as the umbrella body for youth organisations in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Cross River State Chairman of the NYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, said the state chapter had remained resolute in defending the council's constitutional mandate despite the leadership dispute at the national level. He noted that the relationship between the council and the Cross River State Ministry of Youth and Skills Development had remained cordial and productive, describing the ministry as a dependable partner in promoting youth development initiatives across the state.

Olayi further disclosed that the State Management Committee had resolved to strengthen the council's institutional framework by commencing the registration and revalidation of youth organisations in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Skills Development. According to him, the initiative is aimed at creating a comprehensive database of youth organisations operating in Cross River State to improve coordination, policy implementation and government engagement with young people.

Earlier, Ambassador Sokubo said Cross River was one of the first states he chose to visit after the court judgment because of the unwavering support the state chapter and the Ministry had shown during the period of uncertainty.

He expressed appreciation to the Commissioner, the Ministry, and the youth of Cross River State for standing by the national leadership, adding that the NYCN would continue to work closely with the state government to promote peace, unity, and youth empowerment.

The NYCN delegation used the visit to formally present copies of the court judgment and official communication confirming the recognition of Ambassador Sokubo as the bona fide National President of the council.

CROs Endorse Otu’s Social Investment Programme, Say It Will Benefit the Poorest

Ukorebi Esien  |  July 21, 2026

CALABAR – Community Relations Officers (CROs) from the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State have expressed strong confidence in Governor Bassey Otu’s Social Investment Programme, saying the initiative would significantly improve the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable residents across the state.

The officers gave the endorsement following the recent training of Ward Development Officers organised by the Office of the State Coordinator, Social Investment Programme in preparation for the implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) project and skills acquisition programme targeted at over 150 Cross Riverians.

Speaking shortly after the training held at Axari Hotels in Calabar, Comrade Nkese Ita of Bakassi said the governor’s people-driven agenda had continued to inspire confidence among grassroots stakeholders.

Ita, who spoke on behalf of her colleagues from the Southern Senatorial District, noted that the social investment programme would provide much-needed relief to poor households, particularly through direct cash transfers and vocational training opportunities.

“Projects and programmes such as this will go a long way in assisting the poorest of the poor within our communities. It will serve as start-up support for small table businesses while also equipping others with skills that will add value to their lives and provide them with lifelong income-generating opportunities,” she said.

She described Governor Otu as “God-sent” to the state, adding that his administration had transformed the fortunes of Cross River through deliberate policies aimed at improving the welfare of ordinary citizens.

Ita also commended the governor for sustaining a stable local governance system, which she said had allowed development and democracy to trickle down to the grassroots through the local government structure.

“Governor Otu’s deliberate efforts to allow democracy to thrive at the local government level have sustained democratic governance at the third tier of government and brought development closer to the common man,” she added.

Also speaking, Hon. Edem Effiwat of Calabar South Constituency I described Governor Otu as a “stabiliser” who had brought political stability to the state and carried all segments of society along.

Effiwat praised the governor’s humanitarian efforts, particularly his commitment to people-centred programmes such as social investment projects, youth empowerment initiatives, and skills acquisition schemes.

The CROs specifically hailed several other empowerment and human capital development programmes introduced by the Otu administration, including the planned empowerment of 4,500 youths across the 18 local government areas of the state through the Cross River Youth Development Summit.

They also referenced the People’s First Youth Skills and Empowerment Programme, which offers training in tailoring, shoemaking, poultry farming, aquaculture, and basic ICT, as well as the administration’s ICT training initiative designed to develop world-class digital talents among Cross River youths.

In addition, the officers applauded the governor’s support for entrepreneurship development programmes aimed at equipping young people with business skills, mentorship, and access to economic opportunities.

Earlier in his address, the State Coordinator of the Social Investment Programme, Hon. Edem Effiom, explained that the training was designed to build the capacity of Ward Development Officers to update the State Social Register and ensure the successful implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer programme.

He noted that the programme forms part of the state government’s broader effort to strengthen social protection, reduce poverty, and empower vulnerable households across the 196 wards of Cross River State.

Effiom added that the government plans to train 196 Ward Development Officers and 25 Local Government Liaison Officers across the state, while 100 beneficiaries are expected to receive direct cash transfers and others benefit from skills acquisition and empowerment support.

Photo Gallery 

Community Relations Officers during the recent training held in Calabar

Kijuo Calls for Stronger Community Partnerships to Advance Youth Development in C'River

Ukorebi Esien | July 22, 2026

CALABAR – The Senior Special Assistant to the Cross River State Governor on Youth Development, Dr. Julius Obanghe Kijuo, has called for stronger partnerships between government and community-based organisations to accelerate youth empowerment and sustainable development in Cross River State.

Dr. Kijuo made the call while receiving the leadership of the ATAM Community, led by its Coordinator, Mr. Agape George, during a courtesy visit in Calabar.

The meeting centred on issues affecting young people and explored practical areas of collaboration aimed at promoting leadership development, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth among youths across the state.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Kijuo emphasized that meaningful youth development can only be achieved through collective efforts involving government, communities, and other stakeholders.

He commended the ATAM Community for its commitment to uniting its members at home and in the diaspora and for championing initiatives that create opportunities for young people to thrive.

The SSA reaffirmed his office’s readiness to support programmes that align with Governor Bassey Otu’s vision of empowering youths and fostering people-oriented development.

Earlier, Mr. Agape George said the ATAM Community remains dedicated to advancing initiatives that will positively impact young people and contribute to the overall development of Cross River State.

He noted that engaging relevant government stakeholders was crucial to achieving the community’s developmental objectives.

The visit concluded with both parties pledging to strengthen cooperation and pursue initiatives that will enhance opportunities for youths and drive sustainable community development in the state.

To ensure inclusiveness, the state government said training will be conducted across the three senatorial districts, while application forms will be made available at the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth in Calabar, as well as all 18 Local Government Council Headquarters to accommodate applicants, particularly those in rural communities with limited internet access.

An online application portal has also been provided to enable interested youths to register conveniently. 

See the link here; https://bit.ly/3Tp6wVj