C’River to Enforce Approved Vehicle Colours, Security Numbers, Kicks against off Colour

Ukorebi Esien  |  December 15, 2025

CALABAR – The Cross River State Government has announced that it will commence full enforcement of the use of state-approved colours and a mandatory security number system for commercial vehicles across the state with effect from January 31, 2026.

The directive was issued by the Ministry of Transportation in a press release dated December 15, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. (Pst) Ekpenyong Ene Cobham.

According to the statement, the enforcement exercise will apply to all commercial vehicle operators, transport unions and other stakeholders within the state's transportation sector. The ministry said the policy is aimed at promoting uniformity, safety and accountability in public transportation.

The government stressed that it does not recognise the re-introduction of off-colours or any deviation from officially approved state colours, warning that all operators are required to comply fully with the regulation.

"The Ministry emphasises that it does not recognise the re-introduction of off-colours or any deviation from the approved State colours," the statement read, adding that defaulters will face sanctions as stipulated by law.

The ministry explained that the security number system and state-approved colours are designed to strengthen regulation within the transport sector, enhance public safety, safeguard lives and property, and align with the state government's broader vision for a clean, safe and well-regulated transportation system.

Transport operators and stakeholders were urged to embrace the directive in good faith and ensure compliance ahead of the enforcement date.

For further clarification, the ministry advised operators to contact the Ministry of Transportation at its headquarters located at the Water Board Premises, 147 Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Calabar.

The Cross River State Government reiterated its commitment to improving transport management and security across the state through effective policy implementation and stakeholder cooperation.

Five Special Advisers Helping To Enable The Sweetness Agenda

Dominic Kidzu | December 13, 2025

The strength of a leader or lack thereof sometimes depends on his advisers and subordinates, especially in a complex framework such as government. This is why some chief executives are fastidious and very intentional about the people they entrust certain strategic offices to in terms of their intellectual capacity, work history, human relations and even personal peccadillos and nuances. 

In Governor Bassey Otu's government, five Special Advisers stand out to me for having achieved their core mandates, and some, which has buoyed up the overall positive performance of the administration so far. The choice of these five Special Advisers was made through my singular perspective and therefore it is subjective and by no means the result of a forensic scientific evaluation. If you think differently, I will respect your perspective too. 

1. BARR. EKPENYONG AKBAR: 

SPECIAL ADVISER, SPECIAL DUTIES

Probably the most active member of the entire government. Young, energetic and upwardly mobile, he is a longstanding ally of Governor Bassey Otu, all the way back to when the governor was a member of the National Assembly. It is impressive that he has not taken his close relationship with his boss for granted and has planted his footprints all over the state in service to the people. It was pleasant seeing him meander through the difficult roads in Boki on his way to the second term endorsement in Boje sometime last year. 

There is hardly a local government area he has not gone to in representative capacity for the governor. His role for the position of special duties seem to have been very well thought out because he is an adviser who doesn't wait to be prompted, who sets his own agenda and who leaves no stone unturned. He carries the administration wherever he goes to and the people see him as a critical part and parcel of government. He is by all means the governor's Man Friday and also the chairman of the forum of special advisers. 

2. BARR. GILBERT AGBOR

SPECIAL ADVISER, ASSET MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY. 

Young, cool-headed and impassioned, Gilbert Agbor is a young attorney from Etung local government area who seems to have dedicated his life to the optimum management and recovery of public assets with a single-minded mission to protect their inviolability that has spared neither friend nor foe. Under his leadership the department has reclaimed several government properties including houses and lands illegally acquired by unscrupulous government officials and has even received some awards from private institutions for his good works. 

The governor himself lauded Agbors efforts aas both courageous and impactful. "Agbor has shown a rare blend of tenacity, integrity and a high sense of duty. His work has brought to light many assets that have either been abandoned or illicitly acquired." It is for his tenacity and integrity that I believe he has contributed to the People First aganda and enabled good governance in Cross River State. Unfortunately, most of his best works cannot be exposed here because of the sensitive nature of the department. Take your flowers, Barrister Gilbert Agbor. The civil servants are also very happy that for the first time there is a complete inventory of government owned assets throughout the state as directed by the governor and implemented by the department. No one can in the future appropriate government property for their personal use without following officially certified channels. 

3. RAPHAEL MURPHY ADOGA:

PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The core mandate of this department is to function as the governor's independent watchdog on capital projects and to ensure that these projects are delivered according to specified scope, budget, timeline and standards using key performance indicators. To this end the Special Adviser has truly delivered on his mandate by the way he has rigorously applied himself to the task and pressured contractors to stick to their various targets and frameworks. 

Adoga has been uncompromising when it comes to bills of quantity. It was his reports that led to the termination of the initial contact for the renovation of the state library complex, leading to its eventual takeover by the office of the Commissioner for Special Duties. He also halted the construction of a bridge in Yala local government area because piling was not included in the bill of quantities until the contract was reviewed and piling included. For his dedication to duty and attention to specifications, Murphy has been of great value to the administration. 

4. MR. LINUS OBOGO

SPECIAL ADVISER/CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

Linus Obogo came to the job with a wealth of experience both in the newsroom and in the corridors of governmental power. He was an understudy to Christian Ita, the longest serving Chief Press Secretary in the history of Cross River State, who served both governor Liyel Imoke and Ben Ayade, and that was after his very fruitful years at the Vanguard newspapers. Simple, jovial and humble, Linus Obogo is a wordsmith in his own right who string English words together like a cobler putting together  cracked shoes during harmattan. 

Interestingly, it is not his prodigious grammatical prowess that only stands him out, it is also his amiable disposition and passion for the well-being of all journalists both in service and in retirement. This fellow feeling has endeared him to his colleagues and helped to win more media friends for the government and kept social commentary about the administration on an even keel.

5.MAJ. GEN. OKOI UBI OBONO

STATE SECURITY ADVISER

Major General Obono (rtd) is a former army general with enormous experience in tactical and intelligence work, which has had a lot of bearing in the way he has delivered on this assignment. Even though details of security matters are not publicly shared in the media it is obvious that working in concert with other security agencies he has been able to bring down the crime rate in the state. 

Before he came into the job, incidents of kidnapping had become a frequent occurrence in the state, especially around the state capital. There is no doubt that he has been able to send most of these boys packing. Today, the people of Cross River are now able to sleep with their two eyes closed while the state has dropped very low in the national crime index. For ensuring a general atmosphere of peace and security in the state, the SSA has tremendously contributed to enabling Governor Bassey Otu's sweetness agenda.

My appreciation goes to the governor himself, for his keen discernment in selecting an excellent team of mostly young people to work with him. These hidden diamonds would not have had the opportunity to excel this way if the governor did not discover and appoint them into office.

C'River Consultative Forum to Inaugurate Elders Advisory Council Thursday

CALABAR — In line with Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu's renewed drive to rebuild trust and strengthen unity across Cross River State, the; Elders Advisory Council of the Cross River State Consultative Forum will be inaugurated Thursday 11, December 2025. TDN can authoritatively report.

The event is part of the Forum's ongoing effort to strengthen political harmony, enhance grassroots coordination, and support effective governance across the state.

Addressing journalists during a press briefing in Calabar, the Chairman of the Forum Eyo Nsa Ekpo said the inauguration marks "a major step toward institutionalising consultative leadership" that reflects the collective wisdom of statesmen and community leaders.

He disclosed that former Governor Clement David Ebri will chair the Elders Advisory Council. The announcement coincides with Ebri's birthday, which the Forum described as "a symbolic alignment that reinforces the importance of his role."

Also speaking, the Forum's Treasurer, Sir Maurice Effiwat, explained that the 18 Local Government Coordinating Committees being inaugurated alongside the Council will serve as the "operational backbone" for mobilising citizens, guiding local engagements, and fostering inclusive participation across the three senatorial districts.

"These committees will help us deepen consultation and ensure that every community feels represented in the broader conversation about Cross River's future," he said.

The Secretary of the Forum, Dr. Julius Ukpoto, said the decision to inaugurate the Council and the LGA committees was informed by ongoing efforts to maintain stability and provide structured support for the current administration.

According to him, members of the Forum believe the state needs a strong advisory mechanism to consolidate recent gains and sustain development momentum.

He noted that the governor's strides in public service reforms, social investment programmes, and institutional recovery "have created the need for a united front to guide continuity and long-term planning."

"These structures will help ensure that the state does not drift or lose cohesion as we move toward another electoral cycle," he added.

C'River State Govt Unveils Ebri as Chairman, Elders Advisory Council

Ukorebi Esien | December 12, 2025

CALABAR — The Cross River State Government has unveiled former governor of the state, Chief Clement Ebri, as Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council, a body established to strengthen consultative governance and provide strategic guidance to the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.

The unveiling which took place on Thursday in Calabar under the auspices of the Cross River State Consultative Forum, brought together eminent leaders, former public office holders and respected statesmen from across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Performing the iinugurrtion ceremony Governor Bassey Otu  described the Elders Advisory Council as a vital asset to the administration, noting that governments that listen to credible and experienced advisers are better positioned to succeed.

Otu who was represented by his deputy Rt. Hon. Peter Odey reaffirmed the administration's commitment to listening to the council's advice, adding that the government was determined to consolidate its achievements in infrastructure, asset recovery and economic development across the state.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Cross River State Consultative Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, said the council was established to provide a platform where experienced leaders from all parts of the state could contribute to shaping policies and programmes aimed at accelerating development.

Ekpo explained that the advisory council would also serve as a feedback mechanism to monitor the implementation of government projects and interventions at the grassroots, ensuring that policies reach ordinary citizens and reflect their needs.

According to him, the forum would intensify citizens' engagement across the state, with a focus on political awareness, participation in governance and increased voter turnout during elections to enhance Cross River State's relevance at the federal level.

He also announced the inauguration of coordinating committees of the Consultative Forum in all 18 local government areas, noting that the local government structures would be responsible for establishing ward-level committees to drive grassroots participation.

Shortly after his unveiling as Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council Chief Clement Ebri, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and assured that the council would offer sincere, independent and constructive advice in the interest of the state.

He commended Governor Otu for embracing inclusive leadership and creating space for elders to contribute meaningfully to governance, stressing that experience and institutional memory remained critical to navigating the challenges of leadership.

The inauguration of the Elders Advisory Council marks a new phase in the state's consultative governance framework, with expectations that the body will play a key role in fostering unity, accountability and sustainable development in Cross River State.

Unity in Diversity: How Bunyà Wà Efut Brings Together Calabar’s Tribal Kings

Calabar's cultural calendar is set to witness a historic moment this December as the maiden full-scale edition of Bunyà Wà Efut (Efut Day 2025) brings together the city's frontline traditional rulers in an unprecedented show of unity.

For years, Efut celebrations were modest and community-centered. But the 2025 edition, organisers say, is designed to project a strong message of cohesion, collaboration, and peace among the major tribes in Calabar. The Muri Tata-Ribu I, Prime Minister of Efut Nation and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, HRH High Chief Efeffiong Nta Eke, Ph.D, emphasised that this gathering is as much political as it is cultural.

"This festival is about positioning the Efut people not only in the traditional landscape but also within the political and social fabric of Cross River State," he said. "It is a statement of unity among our people, and it is a testament to the collaboration that exists with our neighbouring tribes."

Indeed, the event is expected to host the three traditional rulers of old Calabar: the Muri Munene of the Efuts, the Obong of Calabar, and the Ndidem of the Quas. Their joint presence signals a renewed commitment to mutual respect, collaboration, and conflict resolution across ethnic lines.

Chief Charles Offiong Obo, Secretary of the Planning Committee, highlighted the festival's historical significance: "Far and near, we are putting our heads together to build a formidable Efut people. But this is also about celebrating peaceful coexistence with our neighbours. The presence of the Obong of Calabar and the Ndidem of the Quas shows that tradition and diplomacy can go hand in hand."

The festival also reflect the evolving role of traditional institutions in modern governance. By uniting these leaders under a single cultural platform, organisers hope to reinforce the Efut's visibility in the state's political and social spheres, while promoting broader community cohesion in Calabar.

High Chief Nta Eke described Bunyà Wà Efut 2025 as a historic benchmark: "It is going to be very impactful. It will stand the test of time, showing that under certain leadership, we were able to bring together our kings, our people, and our heritage in a way that fosters peace, progress, and unity."

As Cross Riverians and tourists prepare to witness the festival, Bunyà Wà Efut promises more than dance, music, and cultural displays. It is a bold statement: unity in diversity remains a defining strength of Calabar, and tradition can coexist with modernity to shape a peaceful, cohesive society.

Bunyà Wà Efut (Efut Day) celebration which is billed to hold on Saturday, December 13 is the homage to the Efut King, The Muri Munene, Tribal King, Natural Ruler and Grand Patriarch of Efut Nation to intensify a collective ideology of the Efut people and heighten the unity, peace and love amongst the Efuts of Calabar.

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ALGON Fires Back: C'River LG Chairmen Dismiss “Inciting Lies,” Say Projects Expose False Corruption Claims

Ukorebi Esien | December 8, 2025

CALABAR The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Cross River State and Executive Chairman of Yakurr LGA, Hon. Yibala Igri Inyang, has strongly reacted to what he described as false and inciting claims made by a senior media aide to Governor Bassey Edet Otu, insisting that the allegations of corruption and mismanagement against council chairmen are baseless and disproven by ongoing developmental projects across the state. 

The comments by the governor's aide, published online and widely circulated on social media, criticised council bosses for alleged absentee leadership, mismanagement of council resources, and a disconnect from grassroots communities. 

Speaking in an Interview with TDN, on behalf of all LG heads, Yibala described the allegations as "unfounded, unfair, and capable of inciting unnecessary tension within the government."

According to him, the aide failed to verify information or seek clarification from the accused chairmen before going public.
"Chairmen have been in their councils; chairmen have done a lot of projects that some former chairmen could not do in three years. We have completed almost ten projects in one year in Yakurr alone across nine wards, and we are still going," he stated.

He added that he is aware that "most chairmen across the state have executed several people-oriented projects in line with the People's First agenda". He described the sweeping accusations as "a generalisation based on isolated grievances." 

Hon. Inyang condemned the approach taken by the governor's aide, saying such public criticism without verification was unnecessary, unhelpful, and capable of demoralising hardworking chairmen.

"It is not proper for somebody to go to the media and generalize things. We are all from the same government, and it is wrong to wash our linen openly," he said. "One person may have an issue with one chairman, but extending that to all chairmen is not correct."

He further explained that the councils are functioning strictly within the legal framework, including the controversial joint account system, which remains active under state law.
"There is a law that we must have a joint account in the state. That law has not been set aside. We are working within that framework," he clarified.

Responding to accusations that some chairmen run their councils from Calabar or Abuja and have allowed council headquarters to deteriorate, the ALGON Chair insisted that several council Chairmen, including Yakurr, have already renovated their secretariats and are implementing development projects across wards.

He also addressed claims of mismanaged internally generated revenue (IGR), adding that, "Most chairmen are transparent and connected to the needs of their communities. The projects are visible. People are not complaining," he maintained.

Commenting on reports of clashes between some chairmen and their councillors, especially in areas where suspensions or legislative disputes have occurred, Inyang noted that such tensions are normal in a democracy.

"Democracy is not a church. There must be disagreements to agree. Chairmen are human beings; they may make small mistakes, but they should be allowed to correct them," he said.

He added that many chairmen are first-timers who are still learning the dynamics of local governance and should not be condemned based on early challenges.

Reacting to calls for the reinstatement of the suspended Chairman of Bekwara Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs Theresa Ushie, the ALGON leader emphasised that such decisions fall under the jurisdiction of party leaders and state authorities.

"Whatever the government and stakeholders decide is what we will align with. My duty is not to condemn but to support corrective measures where needed," he noted.

The chairmen reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining developmental efforts across all Local Government Areas in line with the People's First vision of Governor Bassey Otu. They urged the public to disregard unverified statements that could destabilise the third tier of government.
"Our focus is on service delivery, not distractions," Hon. Inyang concluded.

Efut Nation to Host First Large-Scale Bunyà Wà Efut day Celebration on December 13

The Council of Efut Nation has announced plans to hold the first large-scale edition of Bunyà Wà Efut (Efut Day)celebration on Saturday, December 13, 2025, marking a major shift from previous low-key commemorations of the annual cultural event.

This event is the homage to the Efut King, The Muri Munene, Tribal King,  Natural Ruler and Grand Patriarch of Efut Nation to intensify a collective ideology of the Efut people and heighten the unity, peace and love amongst the Efuts

Speaking during a briefing in Calabar, the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Chief Charles Offiong-Obo, said the Efut Nation has "come of age to launch its cultural brand," adding that the 2025 edition represents the first time the festival will be hosted with extensive publicity, community mobilisation, and high-profile attendance.

According to him, the event, scheduled to hold at Atu Field, Mayne Avenue, in Calabar South Local Government Areais expected to attract a large turnout, including traditional rulers, government officials, and Efut sons and daughters from home and abroad.

Chief Offiong-Obo noted that the celebration aims to showcase the heritage and identity of the Efut people while expressing gratitude to God for preserving the community as a distinct nationality. He added that this year's event also reflects renewed unity among Efut clans after years of internal divisions.

Also speaking,  the Muri Tata-Ribu I, Prime Minister of Efut Nation and Chairman of the Central  Planning Committee, HRH High Chief Efeffiong Nta Eke, Ph.D, described the event as a "maiden high-profile edition" designed to reposition the Efut Nation within the cultural and traditional landscape of Cross River state. He said the festival will feature cultural displays, conferment of chieftaincy titles, and the unveiling of a model for a proposed modern palace for the Muri Munene, the Grand Patriarch of the Efut Nation.

The organizers also confirmed that the three royal fathers of Old Calabar—the Obóng of Calabar, the Ndidem of the Quas, and the Muri Munene of the Efuts—are expected to attend the event in a show of unity.

The annual celebration, which the Efut Nation intends to sustain every December, is part of the ongoing efforts to revive cultural consciousness, strengthen communal ties, and preserve the tribe's historical origins traced to the Balondo  people of southern Cameroon.

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Journalists Tasked to Strengthen Ethical Reporting of GBV Cases in Anambra

 Ukpa Ewa  | December 6, 2025

Journalists in Anambra State have been urged to improve the quality, sensitivity and ethical standard of reporting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as the menace continues to grow due to deep rooted cultural norms and weak enforcement structures. The charge was made during a one day capacity building workshop in Awka for media personnel on GBV reportage, content development and amplifying survivor voices.

The training, titled "Empowering Christian Women and Women Leaders of Culture for Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria, Through the Strengthening of Grassroots Organizations " was implemented by Gender Perspective and Social Development Center (GPSDC) with support from WomenAid Collective (WACOL).

Speaking at the workshop, Executive Director of GPSDC, Mrs. Eucharia Anakwe said many GBV cases collapse at the police level because the media often publicise details prematurely, enabling perpetrators to flee. She noted that improved reportage would enhance justice delivery, strengthen advocacy and promote the work of civil society organizations. She implored journalists to apply the knowledge gained and raise the standard of GBV reporting across their platforms.

Delivering a presentation on the legal and ethical framework for GBV Reporting in Nigeria, a Developmental Communication expert and lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Dr. Julius Nwosu described GBV as pervasive in Nigeria, manifesting through domestic abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, female genital mutilation among others. Citing recent demographic survey, he noted that at least 30 percent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence. He advised journalists to understand national and international legal frameworks such as Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and Child Rights Act, protect survivors identities and avoid retraumatizing them through insensitive reporting.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, emphasized that journalists must prioritize survivors dignity, consent and safety. He warned against sensational headlines and urged reporters to focus on solutions, use visuals responsibly and adopt survivor centred storytelling that drives social change. He added that every story should inspire hope, strengthen accountability and encourage community action.

Giving an overview of the project, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer GPSDC Mr. Christian Madubueze said the programme aims to empower Christian women and female cultural leaders to challenge harmful norms and promote gender equality within their communities. He stressed that the media remains a crucial bridge between survivors and support systems.

Contributing during the training, Hajia Khadijat Olahan, Assistant Zonal Coordinator of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), South East II, said the session exposed her to better ways of documenting and reporting GBV cases without endangering survivors. She narrated cases where victims were afraid to speak out due to fear of being identified, adding that the training has provided safer alternatives for reporting incidents.

On his part, a Journalist with Radio Nigeria, Mr. Uche Ndeke, commended GPSDC for the training, noting that GBV cases continue to rise despite existing laws and treaties. He added that although a one day session may not exhaust all aspects of GBV reporting as the training has laid a vital foundation for deeper understanding and responsible media practice.

National Working Committee Intervenes in C’River APC Turmoil

Ukorebi Esien | December 8, 2025

CALABAR – The crisis within the Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has taken a significant turn as the party's National Working Committee moves to restore order and enforce due process amid growing internal tensions.

This development follows a formal summons issued by the APC National Legal Adviser, Murtala Aliyu Kankia, directing State Chairman Alphonsus Eba to appear before the national leadership over allegations raised by members of the State Executive Committee.

It could be recalled that the State Executive Committee had recently passed a vote of no confidence on Eba and claimed to have removed him from office. Immediately at the party's secretariat in Calabar, Ntufam Ekum Ojogu was unveiled as acting chairman,  according to earlier reports by TDN.

In a letter dated December 4, 2025, made available to newsmen on Friday in Calabar, Kankia instructed the embattled chairman to appear at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday,(today) December 8, 2025, at 4 pm to respond to the allegations, emphasising that the meeting would allow the national leadership to hear directly from Eba and ensure that established procedures are strictly followed.

The latest NWC intervention comes amid rising factional disputes triggered by reports that some SEC members were informed that "The System" no longer wanted Eba to remain in office. His purported impeachment was dismissed by Eba as unconstitutional and "a joke taken too far." 

Party insiders suggest the move also reflects Eba's growing influence within the APC. A key figure in the party's ongoing constitution review, he was personally nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the February 2025 NEC meeting. Eba also serves as the National Secretary of the Forum of APC State Chairmen and represents the South-South geopolitical zone in the constitution review committee.

With national intervention now underway, party stakeholders are hopeful that a ceasefire is imminent as the NWC moves to enforce order and guide the chapter toward reconciliation. 

CAC to ban unregistered PoS operators from Jan 1

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has directed all Point-of-Sale operators (PoS) across the country to complete their registration before 1 January 2026, warning that unregistered operators will be barred from conducting business thereafter.

In a public notice on Saturday, the Commission said it had observed a surge in unregistered PoS operators across the country.

The Commission stressed that operating an unregistered PoS business violates the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the Central Bank of Nigeria's Agent Banking Regulations.

The CAC also faulted some fintech firms for onboarding unregistered agents, describing the practice as reckless and harmful to the stability of Nigeria's financial system.

It warned that the trend exposes millions of Nigerians, including small business owners and rural users, to economic and investment risks.

"Fintechs enabling illegal operations will be placed on the watchlist and reported to the CBN. All operators are advised to regularise immediately. Compliance is mandatory

"Beginning from 1st January 2026, no PoS operator will be allowed to conduct business in Nigeria without completing full registration," the CAC said

Daily Trust reports that this is not the first time the call regarding enforced regulatory monitoring of the PoS has been made.

There have been several calls on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take urgent steps toward curbing worsening cases of fraud affecting PoS businesses across the nation.

[DailyTrust]