2027: Akak Urges C’River APC to Learn from Osun, Unite for Victory

Ukorebi Esien | August 17, 2026

CALABAR — The National Deputy Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Ben Akak, has called on stakeholders of the party in Cross River State to draw constructive lessons from the outcome of the recent Osun State governorship election and use them to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Akak described the Osun election as a valuable reminder that electoral success is sustained not only by political structures and government achievements, but also by the trust, confidence and continued engagement of the electorate.

Speaking on the outcome, the APC national officer urged party leaders and members in Cross River State to approach the period ahead with renewed commitment to unity, reconciliation, grassroots mobilisation and more responsive leadership.

According to him, every election provides an opportunity for political parties to assess their strengths, identify areas requiring improvement and re-strategize.

“Osun has reminded us that though political structures are important, what's more pertinent is the government's connection with the grassroots through its lofty initiatives and programmes geared towards impacting the lives of the people," he said.

Also, Akak particularly urged APC stakeholders to turn the conclusion of the party's recent primaries into a new beginning, rather than allowing the outcome to create divisions among members.

He therefore alluded to the fact that political contests would naturally produce both winners and disappointed aspirants, but the true strength of a political party is demonstrated by its ability to bring everyone together after the contest.

“Every political contest produces people who are happy with the outcome and people who may feel disappointed. What matters is what we do afterwards. Nobody should lose his place in our party simply because he did not win a primary,” he stated.

The Deputy National Treasurer consequently appealed to party leaders, aspirants and supporters to embrace genuine reconciliation and recognise that every member has a role to play in building the APC ahead of 2027.

“We need every leader, every aspirant, every supporter and every structure. The strength of APC in Cross River in 2027 will depend largely on our ability to work together as one family,” Akak said.

He also called for stronger grassroots engagement, particularly with farmers, young people, small business owners and residents in rural communities, stressing that political leadership must remain connected to the everyday realities of the people.

According to him, government achievements should not only be measured through statistics and official reports, but also by the extent to which citizens experience tangible improvements in their daily lives.

“The farmer wants to know whether his farm can produce and his produce can reach the market. The young person wants to know whether there is an opportunity for him. The small business owner wants to know whether his business can survive. These are the realities we must continually pay attention to,” he said.

Akak noted that this approach would not only strengthen the APC politically but would also help government understand where more attention and intervention are required.

He further encouraged party stakeholders to support the administration of Governor Bassey Otu by providing constructive feedback and helping to communicate government programmes more effectively to the people.

“Governor Otu has made tremendous progress, but there is always more to do. Supporting the Governor should also mean helping him succeed as he continues to strategically touch the lives of Cross Riverians,” he stated.

He stressed that effective party structures should serve as a bridge between government and the electorate, rather than merely defending government policies.

“A good political structure is not one where everybody tells the leader that everything is perfect. A good structure is one where people can bring the concerns of the people to the leader and help government respond to them,” Akak explained.

While acknowledging the strength of the APC in Cross River, Akak cautioned stakeholders against complacency, noting that political advantages must be continuously strengthened through performance, effective communication and meaningful engagement with citizens.

“We have a strong party, we have an incumbent Governor and we have structures across the state. Those are advantages, but advantages must be protected and strengthened. We must continue to earn the confidence of Cross Riverians,” he said.

The APC national officer urged members to begin preparations for 2027 immediately, stressing that electoral victory should be built through sustained organisation and engagement rather than last-minute mobilisation.

“2027 is not going to be won by slogans. It will be won by organisation, unity, performance, communication and the confidence of the people. We have time to prepare, and we must use that time wisely,” Akak said.

He expressed confidence in the ability of the APC to retain Cross River State in 2027, provided stakeholders remain united, responsive and committed to serving the interests of the people.

Akak concluded by appealing to members to place the collective interest of the party and the state above personal differences, describing the period ahead as an opportunity to build a stronger, more united and more people-centred APC.

“Our objective should be bigger than any individual. It should be about APC, it should be about Cross River and it should be about ensuring that the gains we have made are consolidated,” he said.

2027: C’River Elders Back Otu, Warn Against Abuja Imposition

Ukorebi Esien | August 15, 2026

CALABAR — Elders and political leaders in Cross River State have passed a vote of confidence in Governor Bassey Otu, declaring their support for his administration while warning against attempts by political actors outside the state to impose candidates on Cross Riverians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The position was contained in resolutions reached at the inaugural meeting of the Elders Advisory Council of the Cross River State Conservative Forum, held in Calabar on Saturday.

The council, comprising former governors, former senators, members of the House of Representatives, former ministers, former local government chairmen and other political stakeholders, said decisions concerning the political future of the state must be driven by Cross Riverians.

Presenting the resolutions at the meeting, the council declared that Cross River must not become a “dumping ground” for political candidates from outside the state.

The council resolved that every decision affecting the future of Cross River should be taken by people with genuine knowledge of the state and its interests.

“Cross River will not be a dumping ground for anybody outside Cross River to carry out their will. This is our resolution,” the council declared.

The elders also passed what was described as a “resounding vote of confidence” in Governor Otu, commending his administration for its development initiatives and prospects for the state.

Earlier, Chairman of the Cross River State Consultative Forum, Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, said the forum was established to provide constructive engagement, mobilise citizens and create feedback mechanisms between government and the people.

He said the forum was also committed to ensuring continuity in governance, particularly by discouraging successive administrations from abandoning viable projects initiated by their predecessors.

“For too long, we have witnessed a dystopian cycle. A new government takes over, jettisons and abandons projects initiated by its predecessor and starts afresh, wasting resources of the state and in the process setting the state backwards,” Ekpo said.

He added: “We cannot continue to abandon viable projects simply because they were initiated by a previous administration. This forum will advocate for continuity of projects, building on what is already working rather than reinventing the wheel.”

The chairman said the forum would work with the state government through constructive engagement and citizen participation, stressing that its objective went beyond electoral politics to the development and progress of Cross River.

The council's terms of reference, adopted at the meeting, include providing strategic advice to government, monitoring government policies and projects, promoting peace and stability, advocating the interests of Cross River at the national level and ensuring institutional continuity.

Also speaking after the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, said the emergence of the elders' council would give the state a stronger voice on issues affecting its interests.

According to him, the elders had resolved to speak on issues including the state's oil wells, revenue mobilisation and what accrues to Cross River from the federation.

“There was a time where Cross River was not heard, because only the governor would speak and a few senators. But now the elders have come together,” Duke said.

He added: “They've resolved today to speak for Cross River. So Cross River will be heard.”

Duke said the council would also resist attempts by political actors outside the state to determine who should occupy political offices in Cross River.

“So all those people sitting in Abuja and think they have power, and they're going to perpetuate or institute people in Cross River. This is the end. The elders have woken up,” he said.

The elders also resolved that their activities should remain focused on providing counsel and serving the broader interests of Cross River, while maintaining a structured channel for communicating their views to government.

The inaugural meeting therefore marked the formal beginning of an advisory structure which its promoters said would combine the experience of former political office holders with the need for continuity, policy advice and stronger representation of the state's interests. 

Int’l Youth Day: NYCN secures release of five inmates in C’River

Ukorebi Esien | August 11, 2026

CALABAR – The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, has secured the release of five young inmates as part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day.

Chairman of the NYCN in Cross River State, Comrade Olayi Emmanuel, disclosed this in Calabar while speaking at a press conference organised by the council in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Youth Development and Skills Acquisition to commemorate the International Youth Day.

Olayi said the intervention followed a visit by youth leaders to the correctional facility as part of activities for the week-long celebration.

He said the council decided to extend its youth advocacy to young people in correctional facilities who, despite being incarcerated, also had concerns and needed support.

According to him, the council's engagement with the prison authorities resulted in the approval for the release of five young inmates.

He said the beneficiaries were expected to regain their freedom by the end of the week, following the necessary processes with the correctional authorities.

Olayi said the intervention was informed by the council's belief that young people should be given opportunities to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.

He said the theme of this year's International Youth Day, “Different Contexts, Same Aspiration,” underscored the need to recognise that young people came from different backgrounds but shared common aspirations for development and a better future.

The NYCN chairman said the council would continue to engage government agencies and other stakeholders on issues affecting young people, including those in difficult circumstances.

He said the council had also embarked on engagements with youth leaders and other stakeholders across Cross River State as part of efforts to identify challenges affecting young people and communicate their concerns to government.

Olayi said the council had, during its engagements across the state, identified gaps in youth development and was working to ensure that the concerns of young people were brought to the attention of relevant authorities.

He urged young people to embrace peace, avoid criminal activities and contribute positively to the development and security of the state.

He also called on journalists and other stakeholders to continue to project Cross River positively while holding government and other institutions accountable for their responsibilities to young people.

The NYCN chairman said the council would continue to work with government and other stakeholders to create opportunities that would enable young people to become productive members of society.

LG Elections: Civil Service Chiefs Task CROSIEC Officers on Non-Partisanship, Professionalism

Ukorebi Esien | August 10, 2026

CALABAR — Chairman of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), Dr. Ekong Boco, has charged newly recruited electoral officers to remain non-partisan and conduct themselves in accordance with civil service rules as they assume responsibilities in the management of local government elections.

Boco gave the charge in Calabar during a capacity-building workshop organised by CROSIEC for newly recruited Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers and Store Officers on administrative procedures and contemporary issues in the management of local government elections in Cross River State.

He warned the officers that their conduct at the local government level would be critical to the credibility of the commission, stressing that while he could operate from the commission's headquarters in Calabar, the newly recruited personnel would serve as CROSIEC's representatives in the various local government areas.

“I'm only a chairman based in Calabar. I cannot be in other local government areas at the same time. It is you that are in those local government areas. Therefore, your conduct will also be questionable if you do not meet the public expectation,” Boco said.

He urged the participants to pay close attention to the training and apply the knowledge acquired in their respective places of assignment.

The CROSIEC chairman said the workshop was designed to induct the new personnel into civil service administration while introducing them to the principles and practices of managing credible elections.

“This is the time that we have come on board. Therefore, I want to properly induct you into civil service administration. And as an election management body, we also want to introduce you into the system of managing credible elections,” he said.

Boco disclosed that the recruitment of the new personnel followed a request by the commission to address its manpower shortage occasioned by retirements and deaths.

According to him, Governor Bassey Edet Otu approved the deployment of 82 staff to the commission and also approved their training to enable them meet public expectations.

The chairman added that the workshop marked the first major capacity-building exercise for the new personnel under the current commission.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Cross River State Civil Service Commission, Sir Maurice Effiwat, told the officers that their first identity was that of civil servants and, therefore, they must remain impartial in the discharge of their electoral duties.

Effiwat described the Public Service Rules as the “Bible of the service”, urging the new personnel to study and abide by the provisions guiding public servants.

“You must remain impartial in the conduct of your duties as electoral officers. And that also means that you will also be guided and judged by the public service rules,” he said.

He noted that the one-day training could not adequately equip the officers with all the knowledge required for their assignments, describing it as a starting point for further training.

Effiwat urged the participants to take the exercise seriously, stressing that they would eventually be required to pass the knowledge acquired to other electoral personnel they would work with in the field.

“When you are posted to your various locations, you will meet senior officers and other electoral officers. At that point, it will be your duty to train them. And you cannot give what you don't have,” he said.

He commended CROSIEC for organising the training, describing continuous capacity building as essential to effective public service.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, who declared the training open commended CROSIEC for organising the training for the newly employed personnel and declared the workshop open.

Represented by Mr. Okpa Akpet, Owan-Enoh said the decision to begin the officers' service with training was important, urging them to take the exercise seriously.

He said the training would expose the officers to the “nitty-gritty” of what was expected of them at their various places of assignment.

Akpet also commended Governor Otu for approving the employment of the personnel, saying the administration's People First mantra was centred on the welfare and development of the people.

Chairman of the Cross River State Local Government Service Commission, Barrister Eyo Nsa, urged the electoral officers to protect the integrity of elections and ensure that the will of the people prevails.

In his goodwill message, Nsa said the growing awareness among citizens meant that electoral officials must discharge their responsibilities with fairness and credibility.

“It is very important that as the people who are going to carry out the process of electing people into office, that you discharge your duties with all fairness and with all credibility, and you allow the will of the people to prevail at all times,” he said.

Nsa warned that electoral officials must not allow themselves to become participants in the political contest they are expected to administer. “The umpire must never become a participant,” he stressed.

He said decisions made by elected governments could affect generations, making it imperative for electoral officers to protect the democratic process by ensuring that citizens' choices are respected.

The Cross River State Head of Service, Mr. Orok Bassey Okon, Esq representated by Dr. Ignatius Edu, identified neutrality, professionalism and conduct as three principles the newly recruited officers must observe in their official duties.

Edu warned them against allowing personal interests or political preferences to influence their work.

“You are not a politician. You are a civil servant. You are not to participate in elections, and also you are not expected to be one-sided,” he said.

He urged the officers to treat all candidates and political parties fairly, irrespective of their personal preferences.

The workshop brought together newly recruited Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers and Store Officers, as well as senior officials from CROSIEC, the State Civil Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission and the state government.

Otu Govt Has Turned C’River Into Poverty Capital — Arthur Javis

Ukorebi Esien | August 15, 2026 

CALABAR — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, has accused the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu of kworsening poverty across the state, particularly in rural communities.

Archibong made the allegation on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during a press conference at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Center, Calabar in which he gave his assessment of the Otu administration, less than a year to the end of its current four-year tenure.

The PDP candidate said the administration had failed to implement programmes capable of addressing rural poverty, arguing that the situation had further weakened the capacity of local governments to improve the living conditions of residents.

“This government deliberately and effectively encourages and promotes deep-rooted rural poverty,” Archibong alleged.

He said the absence of what he described as clear government programmes targeted at rural poverty had left communities struggling with inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities.

According to him, the situation had affected rural electrification, feeder roads for farmers, local businesses and community health centres, thereby worsening the quality of life of people outside the state capital.

Archibong also linked the situation to the financial condition of local governments, alleging that they had been “practically handcuffed and choked” and unable to perform their constitutionally designated functions.

He argued that the situation persisted despite the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy and calls for the implementation of financial autonomy for the third tier of government.

The PDP candidate said the consequences were particularly severe for rural residents who depend on local government structures for basic services.

He accused the administration of suppressing the hopes of citizens while claiming to put the people first.

Archibong's criticism formed part of a broader indictment of the Otu administration, which he accused of being disconnected from the people and overly concentrated in Calabar.

“Calabar is not Cross River State; it is only the state capital, and the Governor is clearly the Governor of Cross River, and not the Governor of Calabar,” he said.

He alleged that Central and Northern Cross River had been neglected, arguing that the governor's limited visits outside Calabar had prevented him from fully understanding the challenges confronting communities across the state.

Archibong also criticised the administration for what he described as a lack of signature projects, alleging that almost four years into the administration, there was little to demonstrate a new development vision for the state.

“The clearest proof of this administration's lack of capacity is its failure to deliver any signature project in almost four years,” he said.

He acknowledged the renovation of some projects inherited from previous administrations but questioned whether the government had entered office with a clear development plan.

The PDP candidate further compared Cross River's development with neighbouring Akwa Ibom, Abia and Enugu states, claiming that while those states were developing infrastructure capable of transforming their economies, Cross River was being left behind.

“All these are happening at a time when federal allocation to the state has at least quadrupled,” he said, arguing that the situation demonstrated the extent to which the state had slipped into stagnation.

Archibong promised that if elected governor in 2027, his administration would prioritise grassroots development and restore financial autonomy to local governments.

He pledged to ensure that every senatorial district, local government and ethnic group was included in the state's development agenda.

“To ensure development gets to the grassroots, we will unshackle our Local governments and allow them to enjoy their financial autonomy to facilitate proper development of our rural communities,” he said.

He also promised to make sustainable wealth creation the focus of his administration and said all Cross Riverians, irrespective of political affiliation, would receive equal treatment.

The PDP candidate's allegations could not be independently verified from the material available during the briefing. The Cross River State Government is yet to respond to these allegatuins as press time.

We Are Fully Funded, ALGON Chairman Replies PDP Candidate

Ukorebi Esien | August 15, 2026

CALABAR — The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Cross River State chapter, Chief Yibala Inyang, has dismissed claims of underfunding of local government councils in the state, insisting that the councils are fully funded under the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.

Inyang, who is also the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, made the clarification in reaction to claims made by the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis, during a press briefing on Monday at the Ernest Etim Press Centre in Calabar.

Jarvis had, during the briefing, raised concerns over the alleged underfunding of local governments and the worsening economic situation at the grassroots, among other criticisms of the Otu administration.

But responding to the claims, the ALGON chairman described the allegation of underfunding as “a total fallacy,” maintaining that local governments in Cross River were receiving adequate funds to discharge their responsibilities and execute development projects.

“That’s a total fallacy because the local governments are having the best in terms of funding. In this administration, we have power to the level that local governments are doing projects and partnering with the state to intervene in critical areas such as health, sanitation, local security and infrastructural development,” Inyang said.

He explained that the funds allocated to the councils were being utilised for their intended purposes, stressing that the partnership between the state and local governments had enabled the even distribution of development across the 18 local government areas.

According to him, the joint account arrangement between the state and local governments had also helped some councils meet their obligations, particularly in periods when allocations were insufficient to independently cover salaries and running costs.

“The reason why in this administration no LGA is owing salary in the state,” he said.

Inyang argued that local government autonomy should not be reduced to the question of who physically controls the funds, but should be measured by the ability of councils to access resources, pay workers, execute projects and deliver services to the people.

“Being autonomous in a system entails accessing your funds as at when due, utilising it properly and ensuring all staff of local governments get their due and carrying out welfare for the people. To me, autonomy is just semantics. It is the performance and the dividend that accrue therefrom that are the most important thing,” he stated.

The ALGON chairman further challenged those alleging diversion of local government funds to produce evidence, insisting that councils across the state were implementing projects in their respective communities.

“This is the first time in the history of Cross River that you have a governor who allows funds meant for local governments to be used to carry out developmental projects and interventions in our various wards. So, I do not know why anybody should allege that local government funds are being diverted. To where?” he queried.

Giving an insight into activities in Yakurr, Inyang listed road construction, drainage works, culvert construction, market rehabilitation, health infrastructure and sports facilities among projects being undertaken by the council.

He said the council had implemented projects in almost all its 13 wards based on identified community needs, including the construction of culverts along farm roads to ease the movement of agricultural produce.

The council chairman also cited the rehabilitation of the Nko Modern Market, construction of a modern market in Ekori, construction of a primary healthcare centre in Ijiman Ward, rehabilitation of the Ugep Stadium and construction of pavilions in Ugep and Mkpani.

He said the state government was complementing the efforts of the councils through major road projects, particularly in Ugep, with Ekori and Idomi expected to benefit from similar interventions.

On allegations of deepening poverty at the grassroots, Inyang said the claim was not supported by facts, stressing that local government workers were receiving their salaries and other entitlements.

“Since we came on board at local government, we’ve been paying imprest to all of the civil servants, salaries have been paid completely and no local government is owing,” he said, challenging critics to provide evidence of any council indebtedness.

The ALGON chairman also defended the role of local governments in security management, saying council chairmen had continued to work with the state government to address communal conflicts and other security challenges.

He maintained that given the interconnected nature of the 18 local government areas, security challenges in one council could easily become a wider state problem, making collaboration between the state and councils necessary.

Turning to the 2027 political contest, Inyang urged opposition politicians to focus on issues and present clear alternatives to the electorate rather than resorting to what he described as misinformation and blackmail.

“For opposition politicians seeking political offices in 2027, they should outgrow this politics of blackmail, politics of misinformation and focus on what they think they can do better,” he said.

He also dismissed Jarvis’ advocacy for a one-term administration, arguing that governing a state required extensive political and administrative experience.

Inyang expressed confidence in Governor Otu's administration, citing what he described as its achievements in development and the recovery of strategic state assets as reasons why the governor deserved support for continuity.

A State in Transition: Why Continuity Could Define C'River’s Next Chapter

Michael Eja | August 15, 2026

CALABAR — Governments should not be judged only by what they start, but by what they are able to sustain, consolidate and turn into lasting institutions.

That is why the debate over Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s second-term bid should go beyond politics.

It should be about continuity and whether the foundations being laid across Cross River can be strengthened enough to deliver lasting benefits.

The Cross River State Lottery and Gaming Agency is one example. As its pioneer Director-General, I witnessed its transition from an idea into a regulatory institution, supported by the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2025.

Its significance goes beyond gaming. It represents an effort to regulate an emerging industry, protect consumers, create jobs and develop legitimate revenue opportunities for the state.

The next task is consolidation-modernising its systems, improving compliance and positioning it to become a stronger contributor to Cross River’s revenue architecture by 2031.

But the larger story is the broader development agenda.

Cross River must continue to diversify its economy through agriculture, oil and gas, maritime investment, tourism and private-sector development.

Its potential in cocoa, cassava, rice, oil palm, rubber, cashew and fisheries requires sustained investment in production, processing and value chains.

Education and healthcare also require long-term commitment. Student support, STEM and skills development, modern health facilities, specialised services and healthcare training are investments whose full benefits will emerge over time.

Security remains fundamental, particularly across the 18 local government areas, the riverine communities and the Cameroon border corridor from Bakassi to Obanliku. Without security, investment, agriculture and tourism cannot thrive.

Infrastructure is equally important. The Bakassi Deep Seaport, investment in water transportation, the blue economy, improved roads and stronger air connectivity through Cally Air can expand economic opportunities if given consistent policy attention.

Tourism perhaps offers Cross River its most distinctive advantage. The revival of the 32-day Calabar Festival and Carnival Calabar should be complemented by a deliberate effort to reposition the state’s wider tourism assets.

Tinapa must be part of that conversation. Its return and repositioning as a major tourism, hospitality, entertainment and investment destination could complement Carnival Calabar and other attractions, create jobs and strengthen Cross River’s tourism economy.

The central issue, therefore, is continuity.

What happens to the Bakassi Deep Seaport? What happens to emerging oil and gas opportunities?

What happens to security along the waterways, border and riverine communities? What happens to Tinapa and the wider tourism strategy?

What happens to reforms in education, healthcare, agriculture, aviation and revenue generation?

These are development questions, not merely political questions.

No administration can solve every problem within four years. But where foundations have been laid, abandoning them before they mature can be costly.

Governor Otu’s first term has created foundations in several areas. A second term should therefore be about consolidation, completion and scaling up-not starting again.

For the Lottery and Gaming Agency, it means moving from establishment to institutional maturity.

For tourism, it means making assets such as Tinapa, Obudu Cattle Ranch and Bebi Airstrip part of a stronger year-round tourism economy.

For agriculture, it means moving from production to value addition. For healthcare and education, it means strengthening institutions and human capital.

For infrastructure and security, it means sustaining the work required to unlock wider economic opportunities.

Cross River has the people, resources and strategic advantages to reclaim its place as one of Nigeria’s leading destinations for tourism, investment and innovation.

But potential alone does not build a state.

Vision must become policy. Policy must become implementation. Implementation requires continuity.

That, in my considered view, is why Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s second-term bid deserves serious consideration—not simply as a political proposition, but as an opportunity to consolidate the foundations already laid and take them further.

Not because one man knows it all, but because Cross River is bigger than all of us.

The work of building its future must continue with leadership that identifies opportunities, activates ideas and places the right people in the right positions to deliver results. 

And that leader, at this time, is His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

Michael Eja

Pioneer Director-General, Cross River State Lottery and Gaming Agency

Writes from Calabar

Otu Celebrates Yilwatda at 58, Praises His Political Ingenuity

Ukorebi Esien | August 11, 2026

CALABAR — Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has celebrated the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on his 58th birthday, praising his political ingenuity and expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Otu, in a goodwill message signed by his Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Ironbar, described Yilwatda as an experienced administrator and politician whose wealth of experience would be valuable to the APC at a critical period in the nation's political journey.

The governor commended the national chairman for his efforts towards strengthening the party and promoting unity among its members, stressing that cohesive leadership was necessary for the APC to consolidate its structures and expand its political base across the country.

Otu said Yilwatda's experience in academia, electoral administration, public service and politics had equipped him with the requisite knowledge and skills to lead the governing party effectively.

He said he was confident that the APC national chairman would continue to deploy his experience and political ingenuity towards building a stronger and more united party capable of achieving greater electoral success.

“As we look towards 2027, I am confident that a united, focused and determined APC will consolidate its achievements, expand its electoral frontiers and renew the confidence of Nigerians in our party,” Otu said.

The governor also expressed optimism that the party under Yilwatda would deepen its presence across the states, strengthen its grassroots structures and secure more victories in the 2027 elections.

Otu, who congratulated Yilwatda on behalf of his family, the government and people of Cross River State, wished him many more years in good health, wisdom and strength.

He prayed that God would continue to guide and strengthen the APC chairman as he leads the party towards greater heights and electoral success.

Young people now rejecting political appointments in C'River – Commissioner

Ukorebi Esien  | August 10, 2026

CALABAR – The Cross River State Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, Hon. Odum Ijom Ukam, has said young people in the state are increasingly looking beyond political appointments, as government’s skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and empowerment programmes provide alternative pathways to economic independence.

The Commissioner made the assertion in Calabar while speaking at a press conference organised by the Ministry in partnership with the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.

According to him, the government’s youth development programmes were deliberately designed to change the mindset of young people who traditionally saw political appointments as one of the few routes to economic advancement.

He said the administration had created opportunities for young people in skills acquisition, information and communication technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, agriculture, fabrication, welding, baking, electrical installation and other areas.

Ukam said, “the new narrative across the state” was that young people should no longer regard political appointments as an escape route from financial difficulties, but should instead develop themselves through skills, innovation, entrepreneurship and other productive ventures.

He said the state government had approved and commenced various youth empowerment programmes, including training for thousands of young people, adding that the objective was to equip beneficiaries with skills that could provide sustainable livelihoods beyond government employment.

Commissioner Ukam cited ongoing training programmes in fabrication and welding, AI and robotics, drone technology, cake making and pastries, agriculture, electrical installation, masonry, block-making, tiling and other trades.

He said the government was also partnering with private companies and federal agencies to expand opportunities for young people, noting that some beneficiaries were being trained within corporate facilities with prospects of employment after completing their programmes.

He disclosed that more than 2,500 young people had already been trained through the ministry’s Skills Enhancement Initiative, while another 4,500 youths were undergoing empowerment programmes under the government.

The Commissioner also disclosed that the state had recently approved more than N1 billion for a youth empowerment scheme, while efforts were ongoing to attract additional support from federal agencies and development partners.

He said the programmes were intended to create a generation of young Cross Riverians who could earn a living independently rather than depend on political appointments.

The position echoes Governor Bassey Otu’s declaration shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return in 2023, when he said his administration would empower young people to the extent that political appointments would no longer be attractive to them.

At the time, Otu was quoted as saying: "Appointments won't be popular again, we will support our young people in various skills development and support their entrepreneurial dreams.”

Three years into his administration, the Commissioner said the government was now seeing a new attitude among young people, with skills, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment increasingly becoming alternatives to the pursuit of government appointments.

He, however, acknowledged that the state had not reached its desired destination, saying more still needed to be done to expand opportunities for young people across the state.

The Commissioner also said the ministry had introduced measures to make its programmes more inclusive, including specialised training for young women, persons with disabilities and youths in rural communities.

He said the ministry had decentralised its activities through youth employability and entrepreneurship structures designed to connect young people in the 18 local government areas with opportunities available through the ministry.

Ukam maintained that the ultimate objective was to build a youth population that could create wealth, generate employment and contribute to the state's economy rather than depend principally on political office.

2027: CROSIEC to Train New Personnel on Civil Service, Election Management Body Procedures

Ukorebi Esien  | August 8, 2026

CALABAR – As part of efforts to build electoral workforce capable of conducting crdible Local Government elections, the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) is set to commence a capacity-building programme for its newly recruited personnel to acquaint them with the principles of the civil service and the specialised operations of an Election Management Body (EMB).

Chairman of the commission, Hon. Ekon Boco, disclosed this during an interview on Political Roundtable, explaining that the programme marks the first phase of a broader capacity-building initiative for staff recruited after the 2024 local government elections.

According to him, the recruits, who have since been absorbed into the Cross River State Civil Service following the approval of Governor Bassey Otu, require proper orientation because many of them are entering the civil service for the first time.

"Our first responsibility is to introduce them to the administrative processes of the civil service," Boco said.

"Most of them have never worked in the civil service before, so they need an induction to understand the dos and don'ts of public service."

He noted that beyond the general civil service orientation, the programme would expose participants to the unique responsibilities of working in an Election Management Body, stressing that CROSIEC operates differently from conventional government establishments.

"An Election Management Body is not like the normal civil service where people simply process files. It is a specialised institution established to organise and manage elections. Staff must understand the rudiments of the organisation and what is expected of them," he explained.

The CROSIEC chairman said participants would also receive introductory lessons on electoral administration to help them appreciate the processes before, during and after elections, while more specialised training on election management and the legal framework governing elections would be conducted subsequently.

"This is only an introduction. The detailed election management training will come later. By next year, we will begin more comprehensive training on electoral processes and the laws that guide the commission's operations," he said.

The induction programme will bring together Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers, Stock Officers and other support staff serving across the state's local government areas.

Boco disclosed that facilitators for the exercise would include experts from the University of Calabar and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who will guide participants on public service administration and the foundational principles of election management.

He described the exercise as an important investment in the commission's workforce, noting that competent personnel are essential to the delivery of credible local government elections.

The CROSIEC chairman added that the commission has already commenced preparations for the next local government elections, with the induction programme forming part of activities aimed at strengthening the institution ahead of the release of the election timetable.