Vena Ikem Re-Elected PDP Chairman in C'River State

Ukorebi Esien I  September 27, 2025

CALABAR – Barr.  Venatius Ikem has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State for a second term, following a peaceful and well-attended state congress held in Calabar.

The exercise, which took place in Calabar, witnessed a large turnout of delegates from across the 18 local government areas of the state and was widely described as transparent, peaceful, and orderly

Announcing the results, the State Electoral Commissioner of Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Mr. Venatius Ikem re-elected as State Chairman with 1,541 votes along side 38 other state executive council members 

Speaking after his re-election, Ikem described his second mandate as "a new charge to rethink the party, refine its vision, and strengthen its structures for victory in future elections." He dismissed criticisms of his first tenure, insisting that his leadership sustained the PDP during turbulent times and kept it politically relevant in the state.

"I didn't bring the party from top to bottom. What I did was to sustain it and reposition it to remain on ground. Now, this is a new course for us to correct ourselves and move forward toward ultimate success," he said.

Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who was present at the congress, described the exercise as "the only legitimate congress" of the PDP in the state. He noted that it was conducted in line with the party's constitution and the decision of its National Executive Committee (NEC), stressing that "there is no alternative or parallel process."

Sandy Onor: "All ingredients of success present"

Senator Sandy Onor, also present at the event, described the congress as a model of accountability and transparency.

"All the ingredients of success have been epitomised here today. We had a full house of delegates, a proper panel duly certified by the National Working Committee, and everything was done with accountability and transparency," he said.

Onor urged members to close ranks and rally behind the new leadership to strengthen the PDP's chances of reclaiming power from the ruling APC.

The newly elected executive, led by Ikem, is expected to reposition the PDP in the state and prepare it for the 2027 general elections, with a strong emphasis on unity, grassroots mobilisation, and internal reconciliation.

Jarigbe Hails PDP Congress as Legitimate, Dismisses Doubts Over Process

Ukorebi Esien I September 27, 2025

CALABAR —Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has described the just-concluded state congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River as both legitimate and credible, stressing that there was no alternative or parallel process to undermine its validity.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, Jarigbe said he was satisfied with the conduct of the congress, noting that it was calm, well-organised, and reflective of the will of party members.

"It is a legitimate congress. There is no alternative. This is the only congress," he stated firmly, when asked to clarify his use of the term "legitimate."

The lawmaker dismissed speculations that some groups within the party had sought to stop the congress, insisting that such voices were "incompetent to take that decision." Citing a popular legal maxim, he said: "In law, you cannot put something on nothing. That is disregarded."

When asked what would happen if any faction or group sought to challenge the outcome in court, Jarigbe maintained that the process was in strict alignment with the party's constitution and therefore unassailable.

"This congress holding today is predicated on NEC's decision. That's why we are holding this congress. I don't think there is any group that can go to court or challenge this in any way," he affirmed.

On whether the exercise will strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, the senator expressed optimism. "Very, very well. We chose very capable men and women to run the affairs of the party. So we are good to go," he said.

Jarigbe also addressed his past disagreements with the state chairman of the party, saying such issues had since been resolved amicably. "We had some disagreements, but we resolved it as a family. So we are good to go," he assured.

In his post-election remarks, the re-elected State Chairman, Venatius Ikem, said the congress offered the party an opportunity to rebuild and reposition itself.

The congress, which produced Venacious Ikem as chairman for a second term, is expected to reposition the PDP in Cross River State as the party prepares to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next electoral cycle.

Archbishop Josef Bassey Premieres C'River Destiny Awards to Promote Patriotism

Ukorebi Esien September 27, 2025

CALABAR —The Archbishop of Calabar and Spiritual Leader of God's Heritage Global Mission, His Eminence Archbishop Josef Bassey has called on Cross Riverians to be patriotic and be ready to sacrifice towards the actualisation of what he described as the Prophetic Destiny of Cross River State.

Speaking yesterday in Calabar while addressing a cross section of pressman, to mark his birthday, Archbishop Bassey unveiled the Premier edition of the Destiny Cross River Awards, a new initiative meant to celebrate landmark contributions to the social, moral and institutional rebirth of Cross River State. The inaugural ceremony is scheduled for 2 October 2025. He framed the awards as more than a ceremony,  but a deliberate attempt to define and pursue a corporate destiny for Cross River State, to immortalize selfless sacrifices and to inspire generations to come. He said the awards will be selective with just four categories at the premiere edition and will focus on figures whose long-term contribution has materially advanced the state's recovery and prospects.

"A birthday for me is not just about celebration; it is about purpose. Just as individuals have destinies, so do states. We must understand that destiny, align with it, and be willing to pay the price to see it fulfilled," Archbishop Bassey said.

Archbishop Bassey named four primary honourees for the maiden edition, saying the choices followed careful examination of records and contributions rather than partisan or opportunistic motives. Adding that the choice of the four honourees had nothing to do with politics even though some of them are politicians, but their exceptional contributions towards the actualisation of the Prophetic Destiny of the State. 

According to the father of faith, the four persons are;

His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State — honoured for leading what the Archbishop described as a painstaking process of institutional rebuilding and restoration after a period of severe institutional decay. 

Chief Anthony Ani — described as a patriarch of the state's development whose long years of public service and private sacrifice have helped shape Cross River's institutions.

Professor Kelvin Etta — recognised for his intellectual and civic contributions.

Sir Kanu Agabi — acknowledged as a legal luminary and statesman whose influence has guided public life in the state.

On Governor Otu's inclusion, Archbishop Bassey was emphatic that the award is not a political endorsement. Instead, he said, the governor's work, especially on salvaging and rebuilding state assets and institutions  merited public commendation because it returned the state from what the Archbishop termed "a dark season" toward a functioning, accountable government. Adding that Otu took over the  power when every sector of the state had collapsed due to mismanagement by the previous administration. But in less than two years Otu had not only transformed the state but dare to thread the part many wouldn't want to. He said the governor unlike his predecessors deliberately continue and completed projects of past administrations saving cost for the state.

"It takes a secure leader to invest in rebuilding rather than chasing personal glory," he said, urging citizens to recognise repairs and recovery work even if such projects do not generate headline-making monuments.

Addressing criticism and the nepotism charge

The Archbishop used part of his address to respond to circulating criticism about alleged regional favouritism in appointments and government programmes. While acknowledging heightened public sensitivity about appointments and distribution of resources, he challenged critics to produce concrete evidence of statutory breaches.

He stressed that civil service appointments follow statutory and procedural steps and that where those procedures were observed, questions of "nepotism" must be weighed against facts and records. He described demands that lack documentary backing as "mischief" and urged a more balanced, historically informed reading of appointment patterns.

The role of the church and civic leadership

The Archbishop defended the role of churches in public life, arguing they often function as community governments that deliver social cohesion and practical support where formal institutions are weak. He said the church's daily work in counselling, training and community organisation fills gaps that government cannot always reach, and urged that secular actors learn from the church's capacity to organise communities.

He also warned against reducing public leadership to mere political officeholding. "No nation is built by politicians alone," he said, insisting that patriots, citizens prepared to sacrifice for posterity remain the true architects of sustained national progress.

Editorial note

The Premier Destiny Cross River Awards, as described by Archbishop Josef Bassey, positions itself at the confluence of commemorative recognition and civic pedagogy: it seeks to reward those who have repaired institutions and to model a culture of selfless, long-term service rather than short-term gain. Whether the awards will shift public discourse or prompt greater interest in civic duty will depend on follow-through by the Foundation, the transparency of the awards process in subsequent editions, and how the event navigates the inevitable political readings that accompany public recognition of sitting officeholders.

Remove Paramount Ruler Now, Henshaw Town Acting President Tells Gov. Otu

Ukorebi Esien I September 26, 2025

CALABAR, – The Acting President of the Henshaw Town Council (HTC), Etubom Ekpo Nsa Ekeng, has issued a strong call to Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu to immediately remove Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon as Clan Head and Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, accusing him of land grabbing, intimidation, and frustrating peace efforts in the community.

Ekeng's demand comes on the heels of the failed peace meeting tagged "Nkot Mbok Nsidung 2025", which he convened on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to reconcile factions of the council. The gathering was aborted when the Paramount Ruler allegedly hijacked the venue, convened a parallel meeting, and ensured security operatives barred Ekeng's team from entering the council secretariat. Seven persons, including one Etubom, were arrested by the Anti-Cultism Squad in the process.

In a press release, Ekeng insisted that Okon who  had been removed as President of Henshaw Town Council in 2019 after a court ruling and later expelled from the council, has been illegitimately parading himself as leader, creating fear among residents and investors.

"If a government-certified clan head is found to be land grabbing, extorting people and investors, intimidating and overreaching their authority… such a clan head should be stripped of that authority, made to return land, property, and extortion money to the rightful owner, and punished to deter others," he declared.

Documents backing his claims—including the 2019 court judgment, a newspaper notice of expulsion, and petitions to police authorities were attached to his statement.

HRM Etubom Nyong Efiom Okon, the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South LGA, however, has defended his intervention, reportedly stating that he acted to maintain peace and ensure a more inclusive reconciliation process.

Despite his defense, community members and Ekeng are united in their call for state intervention.

"We call on the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to intervene in the crisis in Henshaw Town Council and remove Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon as Clan Head and Paramount Ruler," the statement concluded.

The escalating dispute has heightened fears of instability in Calabar South, with observers warning that only decisive action from the state government can end the protracted crisis.

PDP Crisis Deepens as Zonal Committee Confirms Postponement of C'River Congress

Ukorebi Esien I September 26, 2025

CALABAR — The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State deepened on Thursday following conflicting statements over the conduct of the state congress earlier scheduled for Saturday, 27th September 2025

While the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, backed by the party's National Working Committee (NWC), announced a postponement of the exercise, the State Deputy Secretary of the party, Mr. Joseph Ese, insisted the congress would still go ahead as planned.

Speaking in Calabar, during a meeting between Members of the South South Zonal Caretaker Committee and statekholders of the party in Cross River State, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Mr. Emmanuel Ogidi, confirmed that the NWC had taken the decision to shift the exercise in Cross River and Plateau States. He explained that the move was to ensure order and fairness in the process, stressing that "you don't do congress when there is confusion."

Members of the South South Zonal Caretaker Committee during the meeting with stakeholders in Calabar 

According to him, reports of a purported injunction against the exercise, allegedly obtained by one Nabuchadze, were false and only circulated on social media.

"Where did they get that injunction? They are seeing it online. The party is not run on social media, and the court does not run the party either. The Supreme Court has ruled that internal party affairs are governed by the constitution of the party once its rules are followed," Gidi stated.

He further clarified that the NWC is empowered by the PDP constitution to take decisions on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), subject to later ratification. "The NWC implements the decisions of the party's highest organs and can also take decisions in their absence. These decisions are subsequently ratified by NEC or the convention," he said.

A Cross Section of PDP Stakeholders during
 a recent meeting held in Calabar with members of the South South Zonal Caretaker Committee members 

Ogidi also warned that any parallel congress organized outside the authority of the NWC would not be recognized, noting that materials for the exercise remain under the control of the recognized party leadership.

However, in a counter position, State Deputy Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Joseph Ese, dismissed claims that the congress had been suspended. He maintained that the convention would still hold, insisting that "a group of persons identified as coordinators and members of the ADC cannot dictate for our party."

Ese explained that issues that would have led to the suspension had already been resolved at the national level in Abuja, adding that internal crises in politics are often settled even at the "eleventh hour."

"It is too early to conclude that the congress will not hold because of issues that can be resolved even at the last moment," he argued.

The conflicting positions have left party faithful in Cross River State uncertain, with some members aligning with the zonal caretaker committee's directive while others insist on proceeding with the state exercise.

Political analysts warn that the disagreement is an indication of the fragile state of the PDP in Cross River, which has struggled to regain cohesion since losing the governorship to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.

As of press time, no new date has been fixed for the rescheduled congress by the NWC, while the state secretariat insists preparations for Saturday's exercise remain intact.

Nsemo Dismisses Protest, Says Ikot Ishie Safe in Governor Otu’s Hands

Ukorebi Esien | September 25, 2025

CALABAR — The lawmaker representing Calabar Municipality in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Stanley Nsemo, has reassured residents of Ikot Ishie (Ward 6) that the community remains a top priority of Governor Bassey Otu's administration, dismissing recent protests as misguided.

In a statement issued in Calabar, Nsemo clarified that neither the leaders nor the elders of Ward 6 and Ishie Clan sanctioned the protest, adding that although the grievances raised will be addressed, they do not reflect the reality of Governor Otu's inclusiveness.

"To suggest that Ikot Ishie has been sidelined in the administration of His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, is a narrative that does not align with the evident facts," Nsemo said.

He listed several key appointments of indigenes of Ikot Ishie as evidence of the Governor's fairness and confidence in the community's competence. They include:

Chief Victor-Felix Idem, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs

Dr. Esu Effiong Esu, former Chairman of SUBEB

Hon. Stanley Nsemo, Member representing Calabar Municipality in the House of Assembly

Elder Terrence Eyo, Chairman, Technical Education Board

Barr. Eyoma Ededet, Federal Commissioner in the Federal Civil Service Commission

According to the lawmaker, these positions "are not mere tokens but testaments to the confidence Governor Otu has in the competence of our people." He stressed that the redeployment of an Ikot Ishie son from SUBEB was purely administrative and not an act of victimization.

Nsemo also reminded residents that Ward 6 gave Governor Otu the highest votes in Calabar Municipality during the 2023 elections, saying the community's trust in the Governor's People First agenda has not been misplaced.

"I urge everyone to see beyond a single appointment. The administration of Governor Otu is laying a foundation for sustainable development, and Ikot Ishie is primed to benefit significantly. Better things are indeed coming," he stated.

Calling for patience and unity, the lawmaker invoked an ancient proverb of the clan: "eyen ikot ishie isi yamkpe idiok udua" (the child of Ikot Ishie does not sell a bad market). He pledged to continue defending the interests of his ward and Calabar Municipality at large.

"To His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, sir, we are with you today, tomorrow and always," Nsemo affirmed, conveying the regards of his father, Ntufam Felix Okon Nsemo, and other elders of the clan.

₦800m Empowerment: Otu Moves Youth from Militancy to Agriculture

Ukorebi Esien |  September 24, 2025

CALABAR — Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to peacebuilding and food security with the empowerment of 400 citizens, including 200 repentant agitators, who graduated from an intensive agricultural training programme at CSS Farms, Nasarawa State.

At the graduation and empowerment ceremony held in Calabar, Governor Otu disbursed the sum of ₦800 million as start-up grants, that is ₦2 million each to the beneficiaries, describing the gesture not as charity, but as "a value-laden investment in humanity."

The Governor said the empowerment initiative was deliberately structured to redirect the energy of young people, especially former members of the Bakassi Defence Force, from militancy into productive agricultural ventures.

"Today's empowerment programme is primarily targeted at redirecting the strength and energy of our youths from destructive to productive ventures. Any failure to properly harness the potentials of our youths leaves them vulnerable to antisocial vices that threaten peace and development," Otu stated.

He explained that the agricultural value chain was chosen for its cascading benefits to the state economy and its role in ensuring food sufficiency before the end of his tenure.

The Governor also highlighted previous empowerment programmes of his administration, including the disbursement of ₦2 billion to vulnerable households under the FADAMA NG-CARES programme, provision of 100 commercial boats to riverine communities, retirees' entrepreneurship grants, and a ₦1 billion partnership with Sterling Bank to support SMEs.

Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbe, described the initiative as part of a broader policy to reduce poverty, create jobs, and strengthen entrepreneurship in Cross River. He commended Governor Otu's People First leadership for approving the empowerment package, noting that monitoring committees have been set up across the three senatorial districts to ensure judicious use of the funds.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Governor. Solomon Hussain, speaking on behalf of the ex-agitators, pledged loyalty to the state government, assuring that they would not return to militancy. Similarly, Mary Ekuri, representing women beneficiaries, said the training had equipped them with skills in food processing, packaging, and value addition, which would improve their families' livelihoods and contribute to the state's economy.

The Cross River State Government has also expanded empowerment into ICT, with the training of 100 young people in programming and web development, as well as collaborations with national and international partners including the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Governor Otu concluded that the programme underscored his administration's strategic focus on peace, productivity, and food security:

"This is not about handouts. It is about investing in our people, empowering them to become relevant to themselves, their families, and to society. Our target is food sufficiency and peace in Cross River State."

C"River State Govt. Partners NUJ on Calabar Carnival, Others

Our Reporter  |   September 23, 2025

CALABAR  —The Cross River State Government has declared its readiness to partner the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on boosting Calabar Carnival and other areas of interest.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar said this on Monday, September, 22 when the National President of the NUJ, Alhaji Al Hassan Yahaya and his team paid him a courtesy visit in Calabar.

Ironbar who stood in for the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, said "the government wants a partnership for the Calabar Carnival".

He acknowledged the fact that the media has been doing much to promote the media and other activities of the state government and the need for a partnership has come.

"I am happy with this visit. The media/NUJ is a reliable partner in good governance. The government in collaboration with NUJ will work out partnership for a Media tour.", he said.

On his part, the NUJ National President, Alhaji Al Hassan Yahaya, who was in the state to attend the just concluded,  "5th Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award 2025', on Saturday, September 20, lauded the developmental strides of Governor Otu".

He said just barely two years in office, the governor has been able to put the state back on track and urged him not to take his hands off the plough as there are more to be done.

The National President who was accompanied in the courtesy visit by the National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, the Cross River State Council Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey and others, said the state government should should "foster programmes that will bring journalists to the state on a media tour to see the developmental strides".

Caption: L-R The Chairman of the 5th Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Award Committee, Comrade Anietie Akpan; National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar; the National President of NUJ, Alhaji Al Hassan Yahaya and NUJ CRS Council Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey during the courtesy call on Monday.

He thanked Governor Otu in supporting the Union for the successful hosting of the, "5th Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award 2025'  ceremony and promised an effective partnership in promoting the economic and tourism potentials of the state.The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar (left) and the National President of NUJ, Alhaji Al Hassan Yahaya in a handshake.

Owan Enoh MSME Support Program And The Vain Attempt To Taint A Good Deed

Since the unveiling of the Senator John Owan Enoh-JOE MSME Support Program by the Minister of State for Industries in Calabar, the Cross River State capital in August, there are some persons in the State who have been having sleepless nights and gasping for their breathe in utter disbelief.

It appears to me that the sheer sum of the grant (N500million), is mesmerizing the faculties of these persons who would truly wish the funds were expended on other routine frivolities which have not had any meaningful impact on the fortunes of struggling people in our State. The thought of having such huge funds funneled to the ordinary people in our State to grow their small businesses, by bypassing the regular corrupt channels who will embezzle all but little, is unimaginable in some quarters and the only response is to spew half truths in a bid to discredit a move that has no precedent in the State.

I don't know who Chief Enu C.O. is, but the person described himself as a 'concerned citizen of Cross River State', in an article he wrote to attempt to throw mud at the Owan Enoh MSME Support Grant. I have tasked myself with responding to him because I am leading the charge in screening and dispensing the grant to prospective beneficiaries.

1. Chief Enu C.O. in his article questioned: Is this initiative truly a federal government program, or is it a personalized project branded for political visibility? Does it align with Nigeria's national MSME policies, or is it a selective empowerment drive meant to project one man's image?

I want to State clearly that, to the best of my knowledge, the grant is not a Federal Government program as some persons including Chief Enu, have been trying hard to misconstrue. It is the personal initiative of the Minister to support small businesses in our State with a view to creating an alternative economy. It is a marked departure from the regular 'copy and paste' political empowerments that haven't yielded desired results vis-a-vis, changing the fortunes of our people. 

I also thought that Chief Enu will tell his readers what is Nigeria's national MSME policies before asking whether this intervention aligns with the policies or rather point out which of the policies the intervention contravenes. But it is typical with people who spew half truths to ask vague rhetorical questions to create doubts and confusion in the minds of their uninformed readers. 

And to lace his question with the contemplation that it is a 'selective empowerment' to project one man's image is the worst form of perfidy emanating from a pained heart that is clearly on a vested political errand. This intervention opened its doors for two weeks, to all Cross Riverians living in and out of the State and even non-Cross Riverians who live in Cross River State, to apply. Forms were also dispatched to rural areas in all the 18 LGAs of our State for the informal sector to apply for the grant. How do you describe that as selective if not that you are pained and deliberately trying to lie? 

And why won't a person's image not be projected if he is doing good? When did projecting one's image by doing good become a crime, Chief Enu? It is a natural consequence of doing good for one's image to be projected. It is only those who try to discredit the good that others do, that have their images tainted. Those who do good will always have their  image projected because of the good they do and by the beneficiaries of the good they do.

2. Chief Enu also tried to mislead his readers by throwing another half truth into the mix. 'Nigeria's code of conduct for public office holders is unambiguous: no minister or elected officer should use state resources, platforms, or apparatus for personal glorification."

Oh really? So supporting your people with grants to build their small businesses is personal glorification? What dictionary is Chief Enu using? The Chief must really be in severe pains because 1000 beneficiaries have a chance to escape poverty and employ labor in our State. And if that is the new definition of personal glorification, then we should all begin to glorify ourselves in like manner beginning from Chief Enu. And by the way, this is not the first time the Minister is doing this. There are records of him doing this throughout his political career and I remember attending one of his programs in Ikom LGA, while he was representing Cross River Central as Senator, where N100million was given out to constituents as education intervention fund. I don't know where Chief Enu was then, or maybe he wasn't a Chief yet and couldn't comment.

3. The Chief also attempted to throw a jab at the media. "Equally concerning is the role of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Chapter, in amplifying the program without raising tough questions. The media is supposed to be the watchdog of democracy, holding leaders accountable, interrogating the source of funds, and demanding transparency in implementation."

Someone should tell Chief Enu that, it is a dangerous thing to say things you do not know. Everyone who was at the unveiling like I was, will attest to the fact that there was a question and answer session after the unveiling. The venue was packed full with press men and women and they were given ample time to ask all manner of questions that received adequate answers and clarifications. Maybe because the journalists were not on a political errand like you, their questions weren't as tough as you would want. And talking about interrogating the source of funds, it is not too late, you can approach the EFCC to help out with that. And for transparency of the process, wait till we are done and you will see that no other process has been more transparent.

4. In another paragraph, Chief Enu also quipped: "Nigeria already has multiple institutional frameworks designed to support MSMEs: the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Bank of Industry (BoI), and the Central Bank's intervention funds. The key problem has always been poor implementation, weak monitoring, and lack of access for ordinary citizens. If Owan Enoh's ₦500 million grant is not anchored within these existing structures, then its impact will be temporary and uneven."

This intervention, I repeat, is not a Nigeria program. It is not a Federal government program. It is a personal initiative of the Minister and does not fall into the crocodile concern of the Chief. Chief Enu himself alluded to poor implementation, weak monitoring and lack of access to ordinary citizens as factors that have been key problems in MSME dispensation. This personal initiative is actually fashioned to mitigate those factors and create direct access for ordinary people with a very robust monitoring program that has been designed, devoid of the usual bureaucracy and red-tapism.

It should also be made clear that, this personal intervention has not stopped nor detracted from the roles or responsibilities of statutory bodies ladened with the management of MSME support programs in Nigeria or Cross River State. Rather, it is being done under the guidance and active watch of these organs as was evident in the presence of some of their heads in the unveiling of the program in Calabar.

Out of the three interventionist agencies mentioned by Chief Enu, namely, SMEDAN, BOI and CBN, the first two are incidentally under the Minister's mandate as Minister in charge of Industries and initiating this intervention hasn't stopped him from pushing those agencies to continue executing programs to the benefit of all Nigerians, including Cross Riverians.This program doesn't replace their responsibility. In fact, the Minister has travelled to Cross River State more than once in company of heads of these agencies pushing for this, especially under the President's N200billion intervention for Manufacturers/MSMEs and NANO businesses.

Those who are struggling in vain to blur the benefits of this commendable initiative are actually the problem that needs to be solved and Cross Riverians should be mindful of their antics. If politics is to be played, it should be played to the benefit of the people like this program portends and not otherwise. Senator John Owan Enoh has made history by taking a bold step to support small businesses in our State with half a billion Naira, something that does not have a precedent, what he deserves is accolades and emulation.

Yours sincerely, 

Citizen Agba Jalingo.

WPD 2025: Ikom LG Boss Sue For Peace Between Alesi/Ochon

The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war." - Hon. Pst. [Mrs] Mercy Nsor

IKOM —The Executive Chairman of Ikom Local Government Area, Hon. Pst. [Mrs] Mercy Nsor has called for Peace between the warring communities of Alesi in Ikom local government area and Ochon in Obubra Local government area.

 This appeal was made in a statement marking the 2025 International Day for Peace also called World Peace Day,(WPD). Her call aligns with the global theme of the day, "Act Now For A Peaceful World,"  emphasizing the importance of collective action in promoting Peace and Unity.

The statement signed by her press secretary , Ntem Chris, reads in parts; Today, as the World joins hands to observe the International Day of Peace, Ikom Local Government Area stands at a critical moment in its history. Our beloved communities have recently been tested by violence, from cult-related clashes to the painful conflict between Alesi in Ikom LGA and Ochon in Obubra LGA. These incidents have left scars on families, disrupted livelihoods, and threatened the Peace we all cherish.

As Chairman of Ikom LGA, I deeply regret every life lost and every home shattered by these conflicts. I mourn with the families who grieve, and I stand in solidarity with the Youths, Women, Men, and Children who have borne the heaviest burden of violence. Every life is important and none is worth taking!

On this International Day of Peace, I reaffirm my sincerest and deepest commitment, and that of my administration, to ensuring that Peace is not just an aspiration but a reality for all communities in Ikom LGA. We are working tirelessly with security agencies, Ward Councillors, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and the government of Cross River State ably led by His Excellency Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu to:

Strengthen dialogue and reconciliation between disputing communities and ensure that they abide by the final decision of the State Government especially my people who have been badly hurt and brutalized.

Tackle cultism through youth engagement, youth sensitization, education, and empowerment initiatives for my people.

Establish local Peace structures to detect and resolve disputes before they escalate.

Promote tolerance, inclusion, and the values of brotherhood among our people.

I therefore call on the good people of Ikom, particularly our vibrant youths to reject violence in all its forms. Let us remember that no community wins in war; we all lose. But in Peace, we all prosper.

As a government, God bear me witness, we've not left any stone unturned as far as this matter is concerned. I've in every 24 hours of the day, been in touch with the security agencies, the Councillors representing these Wards, the traditional rulers of these communities, the Youths, and even the Women. Relief materials have been sent repeatedly to those communities as well as financial support/assistance.

I've at all times been on the phone with the Commanding Officer of the 245 Recce Battalion Affi, Col. Ajibade Bello. I've also been in touch with the Area Commander of Okuni, ACP Vincent Adelekun, and the Divisional Police Officer [DPO] of Ikom, CSP Abdulrahman. I've visited the good people of Alesi/Ekukunela with my Special Adviser on Peace and Security, and other of my Appointees, several times to let them know that we're all in this together. There's never a time that I've heard any form of threat on my people that I've not called the security agencies to mount security on my people. 

As a government certain details and update cannot be put in the public domain for security reasons, but my beloved Ikom people, I'm a mother and I understand the pains of losing a child, a husband, a wife, a brother and even a sister, trust me, I'm not sleeping as even the Deputy Governor would bear me witness that I've not allowed him rest for a second. The lives of my people are more important than anything on earth!

Lastly, I had a security meeting with all the security agencies yesterday, and I've mandated them to secure my people, and I want to reassure you that Peace is not even close, but peace is here.

I want to thank the State Governor, His Excellency, Apostle Sen. [Prince] Bassey Edet Otu, his amiable Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, Speaker of the CRSHA, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, member representing the good people of Ikom 1, Hon. Neji Abang, Senator Eteng Jones, Hon. Victor Abang, Sen. Victor Ndoma Egba, and a host of others for their outstanding and tremendous support from the inception of this crisis to date. To all the Stakeholders and political leaders of Ikom LGA who have stood firm in support of our people, I say thank you and God bless you abundantly. 

The State Government has not left any stone unturned as far as this matter is concerned. We'll continue to work closely as I'll not relent until my people can return to their homes and sleep with both eyes closed.

In line with the People First Agenda of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, we are committed to making Ikom LGA not just the economic heartbeat of Cross River, but also a shining model of Peaceful coexistence and development.

On this International Day of Peace, let us recommit ourselves: to dialogue over destruction, to unity over division, and to peace over violence.

May Peace reign in Ikom, may peace reign in Cross River State, and may Peace reign in Nigeria."

The International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21, serves as a reminder of the need for nations, communities, and individuals to work together towards a more Peaceful World. Hon. Mercy Nsor's initiative is particularly significant given the history of communal conflicts in the region.