By Seun Opejobi - The eagles voice

Senator representing Kaduna North Senatorial District, Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi, has maintained that the State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai was operating a “tyrannical government.”
He said this while alleging that El-Rufai was plotting to demolish his personal House, despite a subsisting court order.
The Senator, in a Facebook post, wrote: “Kaduna State Government is set to demolish my personal house despite a valid and subsisting court order. The matter is still pending in the High Court of justice Kaduna as I write this but the government is bent on carrying out its atrocity.
“This is just one of the many court order violations by the Kaduna State Government. We in Kaduna are very much aware of its antecedents when it comes to violation of court orders, because they feel they are above the law.
“It’s ironic for a government that rushes to sue people in court for mundane issues but turn around to completely ignore court orders against it. It tells so much on the kind of disrespect that they have for rule of law.

“Such injustices and abuse of office will not go unchallenged, we will remain committed to the fight against such a tyrannical government legally within our constitutional rights, and we will certainly not relent in ensuring that justice prevails.”

By Wale Odunsi The Eagles Voice

Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Lawali Shuaibu has said “demand to stop the trial” of the Senate President Bukola Saraki before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) did not come up during Monday’s meeting between Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former members of the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) in the APC.
Saraki himself had stated that his CCT trial was not discussed at the meeting.
On Thursday, Shuaib told newsmen at the APC National Secretariat that reports suggesting that the matter was raised were false.
“There was no time during Monday’s meeting the condition was given that Sen. Bukola Saraki’s CCT trial must be withdrawn”, he said.
Shuaibu, who is the representative of the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in the talks with the nPDP members disclosed that the meeting agreed to reconvene next Monday with a smaller group of eight, which will comprise the Vice President, the Attorney-General, himself (Shuaibu) and five representatives of the former nPDP members.
Shuaibu: “When we got to the meeting venue in Aguda House, the Vice President felt we were too many. He said for the meeting to achieve any meaningful result, we needed a much smaller group. On that, there debates as to how many people.
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“The Vice President suggested that the nPDP bring three representatives, and then himself, the Attorney General and myself to make up three so that we have six.
“But they (nPDP) insisted that they needed more than three representatives and we finally settled on five. From there we went into general discussions, nothing specific.
“We said when they (nPDP) are ready with their five representatives, then we will sit down and go into the business of discussing the specific demands.
“There was no time during Monday’s meeting the condition was given that Sen. Bukola Saraki’s CCT trial must be withdrawn. I don’t know where they got that story from. I have a strong feeling that whoever wrote that story was only being speculative because nobody could have said that.’
Shuaibu added that the basis for last Monday’s meeting was the content of the former nPDP’s letter submitted to the Party and copied to the President and Vice President.
“The content of the letter which is now public, that is what the basis of their demands are. At the next meeting on Monday, we will go into the specifics. That letter will be x-rayed point by point.” He said.
Responding to whether the meeting touched on the recently conducted ward, local government and state congresses, he said: “The letter did not even bring the issue of congresses because it was written before we started congresses.
“But the issue of congresses was raised in the meeting of Monday. The House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara raised the issue and we said when we come for the specifics, we will talk about that.
“When certain issues come up, there are ways we can always address them. Are you saying we can’t make amends? Yes we can. Decisions are made and amends of such decisions are always possible.
“Politics is not madness, there must be a way of accommodating people’s grievances. There must be a way of carrying people along, especially those who are left behind in any process.”

By Seun Opejobi - The Eagles Voice

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to President Muhammadu Buhari’s signing of the Not Too Young To Run bill.
Buhari had on Thursday, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja signed the bill into law.
Reacting, PDP lampooned Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for “attempting to parade themselves as the architects of the ‘Not Too Young to Run Act.”
A statement by PDP’s spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan said the bill was sponsored and pursued by its members in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
The statement reads, “President Buhari had no input whatsoever in the bill; never showed any support or enthusiasm towards the initiative but had no option than to perform a mandatory statutory duty of assenting to the bill, given that it had already passed through the constitutionally required approval of two-third of states in the federation.
“This development is indeed a democratic victory for the Nigerian youths over forces, particularly, the All Progressives Congress (APC), that had hitherto disdained and disregarded them as lazy and inconsequential but had to succumbed to the dictates of the law and pressure by the youths and the PDP.
“The party commends the sponsor of the bill, Hon. Tony Nwulu (PDP, Lagos) and the resilience of the Nigerians youths in getting the initiative through, in line with the vision of the PDP to allow younger Nigerians to actively participate in elective positions in governance at all levels.
“In preparation for the passage of the bill, the PDP had since launched our ‘Generation Next Movement’, which has already put younger Nigerians at vantage positions to participate in elective positions ahead of the 2019 general elections.
“In line with the ‘Generation Next Movement’, the rebranded PDP among other pro-youth incentives, has since approved certain critical clauses and waivers so that the young people will actively vie for positions in the 2019 general elections.
“In line with our dream of providing enabling environment for youths participation in elections and governance, the PDP, after winning in 2019, will further lower the age qualification to entrench our vision that ‘whoever can vote can be voted for’, which is a global standard.
“The PDP therefore urged the Nigerian youths to immediately take advantage of the Generation Next platform and incentives already established by the repositioned PDP and actively participate in the collective quest to rescue our nation from the misrule of the APC.”

By Chijioke Jannah - The Eagles Voice

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the July 14 polls in Ekiti State, John Kayode Fayemi, has picked former Executive Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government, Chief Adebisi Adegboyega Egbeyemi, as his running mate.
A statement from JKF Campaign office in Ado-Ekiti disclosed that 74-year-old Egbeyemi was picked in the late hours of Wednesday, after party leaders met for long hours.
The statement, which was signed by Wole Olujobi said Egbeyemi’s choice came after speculations by the expectant public spread that certain eminent indigenes of the state had been picked to fly the ticket with Fayemi in the July 14, 2018 governorship poll.
Egbeyemi, an indigene of Ado-Ekiti, was born on May 8, 1944 to the family of the late Egbeyemi Alade and late Madam Tinubu Egbeyemi.
He started his education at the Holy Trinity Anglican School, Ilawe-Ekiti and Baptist School, Ado-Ekiti, after which he attended Harding Memorial Modern School, Ado-Ekiti.
He studied privately while working as a Laboratory Assistant at Ekitiparapo College, Ido-Ekiti, and while working as a bursar at Notre Dame Grammar School, Usi-Ekiti, Egbeyemi sat as a private student to pass both the GCE O’Level and Advanced Level examinations.
He later proceeded to the University of Lagos College of Education where he graduated in Biology and Physical Education with distinction. He taught briefly at the St Mary’s Girls Secondary School, Ikole-Ekiti, in 1975 before he was transferred to the Teachers’ College, Oye-Ekiti, as a pioneer Physical Education tutor between 1975 and 1977.
He later went to the University of Ife to read Law between 1977 and 1980 before proceeding to the Law School in Lagos for his Barrister at Law certificate and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
His political experiences spanned many fields, including the Youth Leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) between 1979 and 1983; a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly in 1983; and Executive Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government between 1991 and 1993.
Others include Leader of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) in Ado-Ekiti Local Government between 1996 and 1997 and was founding member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), using the platform to win the House of Representatives election that was cancelled by the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, in 1998.
Between 1991 and 1992, he was Commissioner of Education and between 2001 and 2002, Egbeyemi was a member of the Governing Council of the National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna.
A receiver of many awards, the lawyer was appointed the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General between 2002 and 2003.
He was a founding member and Leader of the Action Congress in Ado-Ekiti Local Government and currently a foremost leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State.
A top chieftaincy title holder in Ado-Ekiti, Egbeyemi is married with children.

The Eagles Voice
The Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of making derogatory statements about him and the National Assembly.
He was referring to a statement credited to Mr Buhari where he accused the National Assembly of indolence.
Speaking when he received a delegation of Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) at the Presidential Villa on May 22, Mr Buhari came down hard on the members of the National Assembly.
“Let anybody come and confront me publicly in the National Assembly. What have they been doing? Some of them have been there for 10 years. What have they been doing?” he asked.
Mr Melaye described Mr Buhari’s statement as “unpresidential” and “unconstitutional.”
“As a senator who came to the National Assembly in 2007, about eleven years ago, I am particularly unhappy that my privilege is abused by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari last week.
“Last week, the president in the Presidential Villa while addressing the delegation of the Buhari Campaign Organisation and this was televised in Channels Television and AIT and I have a copy to tender.
“The president in his address said he doesn’t know what we are doing in the National Assembly. He said that some of us have been in the National Assembly for over 10 years and we have nothing to show for it. This statement is not only unpresidential, but it’s an assault on my person and the institution of the National Assembly where I am proudly a member. Such derogatory statement and insult on the National Assembly should not be allowed to go unnoticed.
“For the president to so speak in low tones about the National Assembly, I begin to ask myself if Donald Trump will address the Senate of United States in like manner,” he said.
The lawmaker said such statement by Mr Buhari is the reason why some government appointees disrespect the National Assembly.
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“One then begins not to wonder why we will summon the IG and he refused to come. We are not then surprised why Directors-General and heads of agencies will refuse to honour the summons of the Senate. Because the body language and the statement of the president is already demeaning the integrity of the National Assembly.”
Mr Melaye faulted the leadership of the campaign group that visited the president. He noted that such group should not be led by a government appointee, Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, as was the case.
“The occasion where the president made this statement was the delegation (of) the Buhari Campaign Organisation led by the Comptroller-General of Customs. Comptroller-General of Customs is a rank and customs is a para-military organisation and if the Comptroller-General of Customs will be leading Buhari Campaign Organisation; that is an aberration and his oath of office.
“So that this will not continue, so that very soon we will not see the IG attending the APC convention on June 23rd. so that we will not see the Chief of Army Staff shouting APC in some of the campaigns. We must as a Senate take a strong decision today to protect our institution.
“The statement of Mr President and the reason for allowing all these people to make all these kind of political affiliation despite their offices is reducing these institutions. And our responsibility we have at this Senate is to preserve these institutions.”
He called on Mr Buhari to apologise to the National Assembly for the statement while urging his colleagues to address the practice of heads of agencies getting involved in politics.
As evidence that he and his colleagues are working, the lawmaker said the National Assembly has been passing budgets and has been working with the executive in the fight against corruption even before Mr Buhari’s emergence as president.
“I want to call on Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari, for using this unparliamentary, unpresidential and unconstitutional statement on the National Assembly, apologise. I call on him to apologise for using this language and that is where most of the appointees draw their inspiration from. That is why they disregard this National Assembly.”
In reaction, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, urged his colleagues to give Mr Buhari a benefit of doubt while they look into the matter.
“I want to believe that Mr President was misquoted. We should not rush to come to this conclusion. The agencies that continue to participate in politics, we must call them to order,” he said.
With the aid of a walking stick, still with his neck support, Mr Melaye slowly walked down the chamber’s gangway to submit the compact disc as evidence.
PREMIUM TIMES reported how the president criticised the National Assembly and his predecessors last week.
Mr Melaye, who survived a recall exercise, is officially a member of the president’s party, APC. He, however, requested and was allowed to sit with the opposition PDP on Wednesday. He thanked the PDP for supporting him during his travails.
Apart from surviving a recall which he blamed on his state APC governor, Yahaya Bello, Mr Melaye is also being prosecuted by the police in two separate charges in Abuja and Kogi.
In Abuja, he is being prosecuted for attempted suicide after forcing himself off a police vehicle to escape being taken to Kogi where he is being prosecuted for allegedly arming thugs. He has denied any wrongdoing

By Wale Odunsi - The Eagles Voice

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Isah Misau, has blamed politicians for Nigeria’s problems.
He spoke on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Nigerian Navy Military School, Ikot-Ntuen, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, of Akwa Ibom State.
Misau lamented that “politicians withdraw themselves from the people that elected them into office”.

The lawmaker said challenges will continue to increase if those who should be the voice of the masses abandoned them to their fate.
He urged politicians to learn from military, which works with the people, irrespective of tribe or religion to attain the country’s oneness, and do not care where their personal aides or assistants hail from.
Misau said he was proud as chairman of Senate Committee of the Nigerian Navy.

The Eagles Voice


President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has reacted to the defection of Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye from the All Progressives Congress, APC.
DAILY POST reports that the embattled lawmaker had on Wednesday decamped from the APC to the PDP on the floor of the senate.
Melaye, who appeared with clutches and neck support at Wednesday’s plenary, said he was no longer comfortable sitting on his seat at the wing of the All Progressive Congress (APC). He requested to
cross over to the wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
However, reacting, Saraki said Dino Melaye was still a member of the APC.
He said ”As far as I’m concerned, Dino Melaye is still a member of the APC.”
Saraki who was laughing after Dino announced his defection, added that “Melaye will be allowed to temporarily seat among the opposition for now.”
He added “I don’t think at any time in his contribution the issue of change of allegiance or party ever came up. It’s not an issue that has come up today at all. He talked about his state of mind and comfort.

”None of us has been through what he has been through neither do I think the rules have ever foresaw this kind of situation. As part of our spirit of giving support, we will accommodate his request and make sure that seat is comfortable so that you can come back.”

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Zinedine Zidane has announced this decision to step down as Real Madrid manager with immediate effect.
The news, revealed at a press conference on Thursday, comes as a great shock, considering that the Frenchman guided Los Blancos to a history third consecutive UEFA Champions League title only five days ago.
"This is the right moment for everyone; it might seem a bit strange, but it had to be done for the good of everyone, the players, the club, and myself," Zidane said.
"This team must keep winning, and it needs a change after three years, another voice, another method of working."
Details soon...

By The eagles voice
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Kaduna office, today May 31, 2018, arraigned the former Executive Governor of Kaduna State Mukhtar Ramalan Yero; former Minister of State, Nuhu Somo Wya; former People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Kaduna State Chairman, Abubakar Haruna Gaya and the former Secretary to the State Government, Hamza Ishaq. They were arraigned before Justice S.M Shuaibu of the Federal High Court Kaduna on a Four Count charge bordering on Criminal Conspiracy, Bribery, Money Laundering and Criminal Diversion of Funds to the tune of N7000,000,000 (Seven Hundred Million Naira) only.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Lead prosecution counsel, Joshua Saidi then prayed the Court for a date for commencement of trial, while remanding the accused persons in prison custody.
Lead defence counsel, Yunus Ustaz Usman (SAN) made application for bail orally but Justice Shuaibu refused.
The Court ruled that formal applications for bail of the accused must be filed. He, therefore, adjourned the matter to the 6th of June, 2018 for hearing of bail application. He also ruled that the accused be remanded in prison custody.
Their arraignment followed a petition alleging criminal diversion of One Hundred and Fifteen Million Dollars equivalent to Twenty Three Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Five Thousand Naira (N 23, 299,705,000.00) NNPC missing funds some years ago by the former Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Alison Madueke. The missing sum was later traced to have funded the bribing of officials across the 36 state of the federation for the 2015 presidential election through Fidelity Bank.
Investigations into the case has so far revealed that the over Twenty Billion Naira was wired to some top PDP and INEC officials across the country which was specifically disbursed through various branches of the Fidelity Bank with Kaduna State benefitting over N800 million (Eight Hundred Million Naira) only in two instalments of N700,000,000 and N190,000,000.
The sum was received and acknowledged by Nuhu Somo Waya, Abubakar Gaya Haruna and Hamza Ishaq on behalf of the State for onward sharing to INEC staff spread across the 23 Local Government Areas in Kaduna State.
Count one of the charge reads: “that you, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (Whilst being the Executive Governor of Kaduna State ), Nuhu Somo Wya (Whilst being a former Minister of the Fedearl Republic of Nigeria), Ishaq Hamza (whilst being the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government) and Abubakar Gaya Haruna (Whilst being the Chairman PDP Kaduna State Chapter), sometime in 2015 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court (Federal High Court) did conspire amongst yourselves to commit a crime to wit: indirectly taking possession of the of N700, 000, 000 (seven hundred million Naira) which you ought to have known forms part of unlawful activity to wit: bribery and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a)of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as ammended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Same Act.

Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri - Leave a comment
THE Association of Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (APMPN) has called on the Federal Government to permanently resolve the ongoing strike by members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to avert comatose of the health sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of Lily Hospitals, Warri and member of APMPN, Dr Austin Okogun, gave the charge on Thursday during a visit to B Division Headquarters, Warri Area Command of the Nigeria Police.
He urged the FG to genuinely jaw-jaw with the striking medical staff with a view to ending the one a month old industrial action.
“Well, I’m in private practice, but that doesn’t say we are not concerned about it; the entire health system is in chaos.
“It’s very unfortunate what is going on and I think that the government needs to come out and fix this once and for all.
“I don’t want to say that the government’s approach to it is what is making it to get prolonged!
“You can only assess impact of lives lost and pains prolonged; I would rather that the government sit down and get everybody to the table and address this issue once and for all.
“The government should put a final fix to this whole thing; lives are being lost and it’s very unfortunate.
“I don’t know why there are strikes; what I’ve told my colleagues is that the more we do the strike, the less the confidence of government will be in investing in health care.
“If we are chaotic in the industry, then the money goes to the ministry of other people that are willing to use the money for something better.
“This is a service that has impacts on everybody and we need to take it more seriously. It’s a sad and embarrassing thing it should be fixed once and for all,” the medical doctor, who was accompanied by some of his colleagues, stated.
Speaking on the reason for visiting B Division, Dr Okogun disclosed that CSP Eyoh Anietie, who’s the Divisional Police Officer, has assisted hospitals and clinics in Warri and environs to ward off criminals harassing their businesses.
“Recently one of our members had his hospital attacked by robbers and so we thought that once one person had experienced it, it’s possible that other persons are going to experience it.
“So, we needed to come and see the DPO here to discuss with him on how to further secure ourselves and our patients and what we’ve got in our business in order to continue to render the kind of services we are supposed to be rendering to our people,” he noted.
He added that “we have a lot of confidence in the DPO here because since he came to this division, we’ve seen what he has done here, a lot of changes in the division as a whole and even in the local station here and we have a part to contribute to what he is doing.
“Seeing the way he did what he did with so much transparency, so with that same confidence, we came back to talk to him as a security expert to advise us on what we needed in our various hospitals to secure it and see how we can get quicker response from the police team in the event of any such incident.
“So, that’s why we are here and I think we had a very fulfilled meeting with him with an assurance that we are secured with what we have.”
Comparing us to past govts shows we’re doing well ―Osinbajo
Dr Okogun promised to contribute more to the completion of the ongoing modern building project embarked upon by CSP Anietie in the divisional headquarters.
He described the authorities of the station as honest, forthright and prudent in the management of resources given to them.
“The experience here has been a bit different since he (Anietie) came on board because I know that in the past, what you see is that one way or the other, people made you part away with money for whatever reasons you are there for.
“But since this DPO has been here, he made it quite open that you make donations to his cause, that is, trying to improve police performance, infrastructure and everything and you will see the money being spent.
“Sometimes, he would say ‘I’d rather take materials from you than money; give me blocks, rods, etc, I want to build and make the division more comfortable’ and I could say that over the years, the area has been more secure, incidences of robbery have reduced significantly unlike three years ago,” Okogun enthused.
Reacting to the visit, elated CSP Anietie, who thanked the group of medical practitioners for their contributions to the projects at hand so far, vowed to sustain the peace and security pervading his jurisdiction.
Anietie, who took the visitors round the project, also hinted that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, would be on hand to inaugurate it when completed.

by Henry Umoru

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ABUJA- CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator Dino Melaye, APC, Kogi West has asked President Muhammad Buhari to as a matter of urgency, apologize to the National Assembly for allegedly making what he termed, disparaging statements against the integrity of the Parliament when he said some lawmakers have been there for 10 years without doing anything.
Dino Melaye
Senator Melaye who came under Order 14, personal explanation drew the attention of the Senate to what he described as “in parliamentary and uncomplimentary language” of President Buhari; asking him to tenders an unreserved apology.
Presenting video evidence before the Senate, Melaye said that Buhari made the uncharitable statement when he met with members of his campaign organization led by the Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs, Col. Hameed Ali in his Aso Rock Villa last week; pointing out that most appointees of government draw strength from the President’s disposition to behave rudely to the institution of the Senate.
Melaye also questioned why the Comptroller General of Customs, Handed Ali should be at the head of the campaign organisation of President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that the Nigeria Customs is a paramilitary organisation and that the position of Comptroller General is a rank which should be separated from politics.
The lawmaker who noted that this explained why he moved earlier that the Comptroller of Customs should wear his uniform, said, “If he had worn his uniform, he wouldn’t have led the Buhari Campaign Organisation.”
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser. NSA, Major- General Mohammed Babagana Monguno, retd is at the moment at a closed session with the Senators, briefing them on the proliferation of dangerous firearms, spate of killings by terrorists and kidnapping by Hoodlums across the country.
Details later …

Uchino Amatey

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Arising from His Excellency’s approval to regularise contract staff of Cross River Water Board Limited (CRSWBL), about two hundred and twelve (212) Junior staff have been regularised, and are to commence full working activity with effect from 1st of June 2018.

While, two hundred and twenty-one (221) Senior staff are awaiting documentation from next week to perfect the regularisation process.

While thanking Governor Ayade for this feat, the Acting Managing Director, Dr Stephen Odey said he appreciates his fatherly love and concern over contract staff and Cross Riverians at large.

Dr Odey charged all beneficiaries to live up to their responsibility and continue to support the administration of Prof. Ben Ayade.

“You all need to re-dedicate yourself to this Job. I will conduct inspection from time to time to ensure that everyone is carrying out their duties and contributing positively to the development of this Board which was not done in the past. This is a new dawn and we must ensure that the right thing is done at all times,” he emphasised.

He further  added that not all regularised staff will remain with the Board, others will be deployed to various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for proper utilization.

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The United States Consul General to Nigeria, Mr. John Bray says he is impressed with the industrialisation drive of the Cross River Governor, Prof Ben Ayade within his three years in office.

Bray stated this in Calabar on Wednesday shortly after being conducted round several industries built by the Ayade-led administration in the state.

Industries visited included the Cross River Garment Factory, the Rice Seeds and Seedlings Factory, the Calabar Pharmaceutical Company and the 21 megawatts power plant.

"I am really impressed as I have not seen a lot of things like these in Nigeria in my five years in the country. Seeing all these developments in one area is very impressive," the US Consul General remarked.

Bray who was in Calabar to prepare grounds for some visitors into the state explained that he had to take time out to see investments opportunities in the state and that what he saw is a beautiful state that would compel him to visit often.

On possible areas of collaboration between the United States and Cross River, he said it was evident that such exist already with the American-made tractors on ground at the rice seeds and seedlings factory as well as American engineers at the power plant.

His words: "There are always areas of collaboration. Seeing the American-made tractors in the rice city with United States engineers on ground, that is an evidence of collaboration between the United States and Nigeria, though from a private sector, but there is collaboration already."

Continuing, Bray said: "it is beautiful because government cannot do everything, so seeing the private sector here and United States products and engineers on ground, it is very great."

In his reaction,  Governor Ayade expressed delight that his efforts at developing the state were being acknowledged, adding that "it is a reflection of the fact that I have a pass mark from America and Germany. Americans don't mince their words, when they want to say something to you, they will tell you truly how they feel."

"This is my third year in office and we have gone round three factories with many more to go if we had the time. I wanted to take him to the largest banana plantation in Africa few minutes away from here, but I am sure we have other things to do, but one day we will be back and I will take them through."

Ayade who commended Bray for accentuating and concentrating America investments and interest in Cross River, noted that the deployment of American turbines, engines and other machines in the factories remain a source of delight to him.

Highpoints of the visit was the planting of rice seedlings with the transplanter machine at the factory amidst cheers by Cross Riverians who gathered at the scene chanting, "digital," "digital governor," "super digital," "na you we know."

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It has become a disapproving irritating habit of members and leaders of the APC to blame her constant party failure on PDP both at the National and State levels. This probably is their only achievement since 2015 they came onboard as ruling party. One would wonder If PDP is the Ruling party in Nigeria with the way she is fiercely opposed. I suppose its fear of their impending doom, they can feel it and its coming with a ravaging voracity, without mercy because the APC government has failed pitiably in all ramifications; infrastructural development, security of lives and properties, economic stability, employment opportunities and so on. The so called "fight against corruption" is a mighty mirage from the pit of hell and must be sent right back. Where are the recovered loots? How about the celebrated thieves in agbada and kaftan we see daily on our TV screens smiling mischievously in decorated lies they feed us with daily?

In Abuja, till tomorrow, the clueless agbada thieves through their Liar Mohammed if he must talk to Nigerians, PDP Jonathan's administration form the basis of his criminal speeches in an attempt to hide their APC government's incompetence and maladministration. The blunt truth is that Buhari has failed and there's just one decision Nigerians will make in 2019, "SEND BUHARI BACK TO DAURA". Back here in Cross River State, these shameless, disgruntled, uncoordinated APC members without any means of party identification have made it a breakfast, lunch and dinner duty to take on the PDP government of Cross River State on social media. Pastor Uguru Usani is your party man, has been in the party since God knows when and today, as in many other cases, to hide your disunity, greed and failure to produce an acceptable State exco, you blame the governor of the state, a PDP man. Continue to accuse the PDP family while we wax stronger in readiness to devour the existence of a party called APC in 2019.  Not even shattered pieces of the party will be left to pick.

So long as Cross River State is concerned, APC can climb up to mount Kilimanjaro and shout out accusations on the government, it will not even be convincing to a day old baby. Not even councillors will emerge from APC. Face your party problems and if its not working, move out. Soon, when APC members fail to impregnate their wives, feed their families and pay their bills, they will accuse PDP as they are now,  accusers of PDP brethren.

MODLIN ODU

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Unlike Sergio Ramos, it’s not in Mo Salah’s character to be an awful bastard .
And as a result, he hasn’t tried to blame the Spaniard for the calculated takedown that injured our Egyptian’s shoulder.

Salah, who scored 44 goals for Liverpool this term just gone, left the field early against Real Madrid in Kiev – and with his exit went the majority of our spark up top.
Many believe Ramos purposely injured Salah, as there’s evidence of him doing the same to Dani Alves in the past, but Mo isn’t holding a grudge.
Ruben Pons, speaking to the Independent , said: “Salah has not told me anything about Sergio Ramos.
“I don’t think he is angry with him. It was an accidental challenge.
“We knew that it was something serious as soon as he fell on the ground because he never complains. We feared the worst.
“I was devastated. I tried to keep him calm. I told him he couldn’t do anything about it now and that he should not worry. It was time to look for solutions and not regret that things had not worked out.”
In our opinion, this says much more about Salah as a person than it does Ramos.
The defender is a winner, but he’s also a cheat.
Having said that, if Virgil van Dijk had injured Cristiano Ronaldo, we’re not sure we’d mind too much – so we guess it’s about the lengths you take to secure the top prizes.
Now, Salah is facing a race against time to get fit for the World Cup. We really hope he can make the competition and show everyone he’s the best player on the planet, which he wasn’t able to in the Ukraine because of Ramos.

May 30, 2018



The cross river state Director General for due process and price intelligence bureau, Hon.Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba has expressed shock over the sudden death of Obudu lawmaker, Hon.Steven Ukpukpen.





In a statement made available on social media by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Egbara Emmanuel Ikaba, he described the late  as very vibrant in legislative activities.






“The late Gentleman was a vibrant lawmaker and public servant who was very passionate about his assignment and engagements in the Cross river state house of Assembly.





“Hon.Steven Ukpukpen is one lawmaker you can never be in doubt where he stands on a particular issue. He spoke his mind fearlessly,” Eba said.
“His contributions at plenary were always very incisive and rich. I find it difficult to acknowledge that he will not resume plenary again.






“My heart goes out to his family, the Cross river state house of Assembly and the government and people of Cross river State over the loss of this conscientious and patriotic Cross riverian. He shall be sorely missed,” he added.






The Director General prayed God to grant Hon.Steven a place among the righteous in Heaven and his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.





Egbara Emmanuel Ikaba Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.

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TOURISM
" Introduced the International Carnival
' Introduced Bikers' Parade
‘ Introduced the Vintage Car Parade
‘ Introduced the Miss Africa Calabar Beauty Pageant . ’
‘ Introduced the Green Carnival ‘
’ Completed the First Operational Monorail in Nigeria
‘ Completed the Calabar International Convention Center
’ Introduced the Northern Cross River Festival (NORTHFEST)

INDUSTRY
* Single Largest Garment Factory Floor In Africa
* Currently Employs 3000 Staff 90% Women
* In Operation Since 2016

AGRICULTURE
*Establishment of Banana Plantation at Odukpani (Ready for Harvest/Export)
*Cross River Rice Farm Project, Bekwarra LGA, ready for  Harvest.
* Construction of 50,000 metric tons Cocoa Processing Plant at Ikom
* Reactivation of Cross River Cocoa Estates
* Cultivation of Cotton at Woda for backward integration with the garment factory.
* Construction of Automated Rice City in Calabar.

POWER
* Construction of 21 Mega Watt Power Plant for 24hrs Power Supply within Calabar Metropolis
* Construction of German Technology Based Internet Enabled Solar Power Systems for the Ayade Industrial Park in Calabar
* Procurement and Distribution of 200 Transformers to stabilize Power supply in Calabar
* Provision of 132 transmission line from Calabar to Obudu
* Installation of 4 Megawatts Power Turbines in Obudu Urban
* Commencement of Work on 26 Megawatts Power Plant

ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
* Ongoing construction of 274km six lane superhighway
* Ongoing construction of 145km Mfon-Yahe-Okpoma-Okuku-Bekwarra-Obudu Ranch Dual Carriageway
* Ongoing Construction of 27km Boki East-West Link Road
* Resurfacing, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Major Roads within Calabar Metropolis
* Construction of Ovukwa Road, Obubra
* Construction of Boje bridge
* Ongoing Dualization of Tinapa Junction to Odukpani Junction
* Ongoing construction of 38.5km Wanihem-Wanikade Road, Yala.
* Arthur Jarvis Road, Akpabuyo
* Usung Esuk Road, Odukpani.
* Senator Ben Ayade Road, Ugep.
* Housing Estate, Ishibori Road, Ogoja.
* Bebuatsuan Road, Obudu.

HEALTH
* The Calabar Pharmaceutical Company (Calapharm) Project, is currently undergoing installation of basic machines for the manufacture of 68 drugs including capsules, tablets and syrups. At optimal capacity, it will produce vaccines for meningitis and lifestyle medication.
* The Construction of 10 new Primary Healthcare Centres.
* Comprehensive renovation and equipping of (60) Primary Healthcare facilities across the state.
* Rehabilitation of wards at General Hospital, Calabar
* The Construction of Ayadecare Specialists Hospital across the state
* Introduction of a contributory Health Insurance Scheme (Ayadecare).
* Provision of Solar Power and Ultrasound machines to (149) evacuation corridor a a catalysts for Primary Healthcare Centres
* Ongoing construction of a mini-hospital in Yache, Yala LGA. This projeet has commenced.

EDUCATION
* Distribution of free uniforms to primary school pupils in the state.
* Ongoing construction of world-class British-Canadian school.
* Ongoing construction of Continuous Teachers Training School
* Distribution of 85, 000 text books
*Distribution of 67, 000 plastic chairs to schools.
* Comprehensive Rehabilitation of 185 schools
* Installation of computers and solar panels in schools.
* Award of scholarship to students
* Repositioning of Institute of Technology& Management (ITM) Ugep- Yakurr LGA, for academic productivity /efficiency
* Improvement from 27th position to 2nd, in national examination

IINDUSTRY
* Ayade Industrial Park is fitted with ashplated road network, internet enabled solar power/street light, independent power source, 24 hours independent power supply
* Automated Rice Seed and Seedling plant ready for commissioning.
* Ongoing construction of automated Rice mill at Ogoja
* Ongoing construction of a 30,000 metric tons per year cocoa processing plant in Ikom LGA
* Construction of Toothpick Factory in Ekori, Yakurr LGA
* Commencement of Construction works for noodles factory in Calabar
* Commencement of Construction of Piles and Pylons Factory in Akamkpa LGA.

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AS NIGERIANS CELEBRATE THE NINETEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RETURN TO DEMOCRACY, I AM COMPELLED TO COME OUT OF MY RECESS BECAUSE THINGS ARE STILL AS BAD AS IT WAS IN OUR SENATORIAL DISTRICT, IF NOT WORSE WHILE THE SENATOR'S DESPERATION TO HOLD ONTO POWER HAS HEIGHTENED.

IF I MAY ASK , WHY CAN'T YOU TREAT YOUR CONSTITUENTS AND AIDES THE SAME WAY YOU TREAT YOUR CHILDREN AND IN-LAWS WHO ARE NOT EVEN REGISTERED VOTERS AND HAVE NEITHER CAMPAIGNED NOR VOTED FOR YOU BEFORE?

IF YOU GENUINELY WISH TO RECIPROCATE THE UNCOMMON SACRIFICE OF THE PEOPLE THAT VOTED FOR YOU AGAINST ALL ODDS IN ABSENTIA WHILE YOU WERE AWAY IN A LONDON HOSPITAL, THAT TODAY YOU EARN APPROXIMATELY 17MILLION NAIRA MONTHLY INCLUDING MEDICALS AND HAVE ALSO USED YOUR PRIVILEGED  POSITION TO ACCESS OVER 2BILLION NAIRA CONTRACT IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, WUKARI, ABOUT 1.9BILLION NAIRA CONTRACT IN THE  UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR  UNDER TETFUND AND MANY MORE IN UBEC IN OGOJA, NIGER AND KADUNA STATES TOTALLING OVER ANOTHER 2BILLION.

WICKEDNESS IS WHEN YOU DON'T USE THE NUMEROUS ENGINEERS TO EXECUTE THOSE CONTRACTS NOR THE MANY LAWYERS FROM YOUR CONSTITUENCY TO WRITE AGREEMENT OF CONTRACTS, YOU RATHER PREFER TO EMPOWER OUTSIDERS SO THAT
YOUR CONSTITUENTS WILL NOT BE AWARE HOW THEIR VOTES HAVE EMPOWERED YOU TO MAKE MORE MONEY WITHOUT GIVING THEM THEIR DUE.

 BUT ONCE IT'S ELECTION YEAR, YOU ASSEMBLE THOSE FAKE ITEMS AND CALL IT EMPOWERMENT TO DECEIVE OUR ECONOMICALLY BACKWARD PEOPLE TO CALL YOU GOOD MAMA. IS YOUR GOOD MAMA AFTER EVERY FOUR YEARS OF ELECTIONS?

YOU BUILD AND OWN HOUSES EVEN ESTATES BUT NONE OF YOUR AIDES HAVE A KITCHEN IN ABUJA INCLUDING THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED FOR YOU FOR OVER 27YEARS INTERRUPTED. I CAN SEE HOW YOU CLAIM TO LOVE THOSE WHO WORK FOR/WITH YOU.

ONE OUT OF YOUR NUMEROUS AIDES OWN A CAR BUT IT DOESN'T WORRY YOU, AS LONG AS YOUR CHILDREN AND IN-LAWS HAVE A MINIMUM OF TWO TO THREE CARS. I CAN SEE HOW YOU LOVE OUR PEOPLE.

IN YOUR DESPERATION TO HOLD ONTO POWER,
RATHER THAN RESPOND TO MY CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM BY DOING THE NEEDFUL WHICH IS TO DELIVER APPROPRIATE AND VISIBLE RESULTS, YOU RATHER FAILED BY ENGAGING YOUR MEDIA AIDES TO MISLEAD AND DIVERT THE ATTENTION OF OUR PEOPLE BY CALLING US NAMES BUT WE CAN NEVER BE DETERRED.

PAINFULLY, YOU ONLY REALISED AFTER THREE YEARS IN OFFICE THAT YOUR CONSTITUENTS NEED EMPOWERMENT LIKE CARS, GRINDING MACHINES, MOTORCYCLE, TRICYCLE (WHICH YOU HAVE KEPT SOME FOR MORE THAN THREE YEARS IN ANTICIPATION OF ELECTION TIME) IN YOUR CHURCH MIND WHO ARE YOU DECEIVING? I PUT IT TO YOU THAT IF NOT FOR THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS WHICH YOU DESPERATELY WANT TO RETAIN YOUR SEAT AGAINST ALL ODDS YOU DO NOT WANT TO GENUINELY EMPOWER YOUR PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR YOU OVER TIME.

THE ONLY REASON WHY YOU HAVE SHIFTED YOUR EMPOWERMENT CAMPAIGN TWICE WAS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A CONVENIENT TIME FOR BOTH THE SENATE PRESIDENT AND STATE GOVERNOR TO POSSIBLY ENDORSE YOU AGAINST THE WISH OF THE PEOPLE LIKE YOU DID WHEN YOU WERE IN THE HOUSE OF REPS.

YOUR SUBTLE CAMPAIGN AND  BLACKMAIL IS FOR THEM TO SUPPORT THE WOMEN FOLD AND THAT YOU WANT TO HOLD THE SEAT IN TRUST FOR SEN. AYADE PENDING WHEN HE FINISHES HIS GOVERNORSHIP IN 2023 AND TAKEOVER FROM YOU. THIS I S THE SAME PROMISE YOU MADE TO OGOJA PEOPLE IN YOUR DESPERATION. CAN YOU A PAPER WEIGHT POLITICIAN DECIDE WHO WILL SUCCEED YOU? CAN YOU WHO HAVE NO FEAR OF GOD ALMIGHTY AND THAT LIED ON OATH WITH HOLY BIBLE THAT YOU WHERE IN THE COUNTRY DURING THE LAST ELECTION IN THE JUST CONCLUDED TRIBUNAL KEEP TO ANY AGREEMENT? BUT OUR PRAYERS IS THAT THIS AFFLICTION SHALL NOT VISIT US TWICE.

IF I MAY ASK, HOW MANY WOMEN HAVE YOU SUPPORTED? EVEN THE ONES WHO HAVE REDUCED THEMSELVES TO UNAPPOINTED PAs BY CARRYING YOUR BAGS PUBLICLY IN OCCASIONS SOME WHO ARE YOUR SENIOR BY AGE, STILL NEGOTIATE PUBLIC TRANSPORT AT MIDNIGHT, METHINK, THESE AND YOUR AIDES ARE THE ONES WHO ARE IN DIRE NEED OF YOUR EMPOWERMENT AS  CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME. THE MOBILITY WILL BE MORE USEFUL TO THEM THAN FOR PUBLIC SHOW AS YOUR CAMPAIGN STRATEGY.

LATE LAST YEAR, YOU DECEIVED SOME OF YOUR AGITATED/DEMORALIZED SUPPORTERS WITH APPOINTMENTS FROM THE STATE GOVERNMENT BUT I TOLD THEM THAT NOTHING GOOD WILL COME OUT FROM YOUR CAMP, SOME DOUBTED ME, WENT FOR SCREENING FOR MORE THAN THREE TIMES, GOT STRANDED IN CALABAR, CALLED FOR HELP FROM ALL QUARTERS TO FIND THEIR WAY BACK TO THEIR VARIOUS DESTINATIONS. ONE OF THEM NARRATED HIS PAINFUL ORDEAL IN THE HOTEL WHERE HIS LUGGAGE WAS ALMOST SEIZED FOR HIS INABILITY TO FOOT HIS BILL WHILE WAITING FOR THE PAYMENT THAT HAS NOT BEEN PAID TO DATE. SOME CALLED, APOLOGIZED AND CONFESSED THAT I AM LIKE THE MAN WHO SAW TOMORROW AS THEIR PAYMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE AFTER SIX MONTHS POST APPOINTMENT. ARE YOU SURE THIS IS NOT HOW THE ESTABLISHMENT AND THE SAME PEOPLE YOU HOPE SO MUCH ON FOR YOUR 2019 TICKET WILL NOT DECEIVE YOU? BECAUSE THERE'S NOTHING GOD CANNOT DO TO STOP A WICKED PERSON LIKE YOU.

GABRIEL BRAVO OLUOHU.
THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS

On behalf of our principal, Ntufam Dr. Sandy Ojang Onor, Members of the political family of Caterpillar Movement and indeed all our supporters, WE heartily congratulate the promise keeper, achiever, quintessential leader, digital governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Prof. Ben Ayade, the PDP family Cross Riverians and the good people of Nigeria on this special occasion of the 2018 democracy day.

The Caterpillar Movement is proud of your achievements and giant strides in the repositioning and development of Cross River State. Your Excellency you've done well.

Congratulations.

#GEJ
On this Democracy Day 2018, I want to urge all Nigerians to pray for peace in Nigeria. We need peace in Nigeria. And it is up to you and I to ensure that our National Motto: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress, is a reality and not just mere rhetoric. I urge Nigerians to understand and accept that nobody’s political, economic, religious or social ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.

As this year’s Democracy Day falls on the holy month of Ramadan, let me seize the opportunity to also extend Ramadan greetings to the Muslim Ummah. As you pray for Nigeria, I join my faith with yours and look forward to our prayers being answered by Almighty God.

There are many opportunities and crises on the horizon, but we must have the mentality of seeing the opportunity in crisis rather than the crisis in opportunity.

We have one of the fastest growing youth population in the world and we must see this as an opportunity, not a crisis.

As I said previously, Nigerian youths ARE NOT LAZY.

What our youth need are opportunities to showcase their positive talents. They need leaders who believe in them and show affirmation for them through their words and actions.

Democracy is a game of numbers and the youths have the numbers. More than 50% of our population are youths. If we develop policies, programs and projects to empower the youth of Nigeria, the Nigerian youth, who single handedly created Nollywood, the third largest movie industry in the world, can be expected to return the favour and make Nigeria proud.

And they are already making us proud both locally and internationally.

Nigerian youths are showcasing their brilliance around the world and I want to make special mention of Ukoma Michael, who at thirteen years of age invented a battery operated fan that lasts for 19 hours on a full charge. This ingenuity domiciled in Michael should be encouraged by our leadership.

Internationally, Princess Elizabeth Bright and Ramota Tele Lawal, two 22 year old Nigerian youths who in May of 2018 became the youngest elected councillors in the United Kingdom, have made us proud. Very proud indeed.

These youths are the epitome of the hardworking, talented, innovative and ambitious Nigerian youth who make our nation respected in the community of nations and give us hope for tomorrow and national pride for today.

Rather than discourage them with our words and actions, we as leaders must give our youths hope by using our language to draw out the very best in them. We must accept that nations only grow when elders plant trees whose shade they know they may never personally enjoy. Leaders must think of the next generation and not just the next election.

While we celebrate Ukoma, Elizabeth and Ramota, I know that there are perhaps millions in Nigeria who are equally brilliant and only need the right enabling environment to unleash their creative genius. They are my inspiration on this Democracy Day. They are the reason why I believe in the continued corporate existence of this great nation founded on justice, equity and freedom.

Happy Democracy Day. God bless you and your family and may God bless Nigeria. GEJ.

By Egbara Emmanuel Ikaba.


May 29,2018.



Ants are wonderful creatures and they affirm there can be unity in diversity.





These creatures work collectively and in harmony for one goal ‒ to support their colony during hard times and in the time of harvest.







 The ant colony is made up of the queen, whose role is to lay eggs that will replenish the population to avoid extinction. Workers are another group, and their function is to hunt for food, care for the little ones, work the nest and safeguard the colony.






 For the male ants, their function is to mate with the queen for reproduction. It is said that after they have performed this function, they may die.







Comparably, it can be said that the extent to which a state,a nation or a community can excel is determined by how well it can function like the ant colony. In that light, it becomes a necessity rather than an option that we the Yala nation rise and rescue land.









Arise Yala people for your Land,
The Yala Nation demands your devotion.
Let us all unite to uphold her,
And make her great and strong.






We are all involved
In building our motherland.
This is what I glean from this dream: Having a sense of belonging is the foundation of getting involved, and it’s not a one-man affair. On the contrary, ‘we are all involved’ in building the ‘colony’.







Unfortunately, not everyone perceives it this way. Sometimes, what the citizenry should hold themselves responsible for is quickly attributed to government officials. The name Ogar omeka (meaning government in Yala) has become a household name, but sadly for the wrong reasons.






 Government has her role in  development and so does the citizenry. We don’t have to intentionally make a public place dirty with filth and say to ourselves that Ogar omeka will clean it.






 We can do better and assume responsibility for cleanliness of those places. After all, we are all involved in keeping the homes clean.







Different arms of government have their roles and the citizenry also have something to contribute. The functions are different but the goal is one to build the motherland.






 According to Good Luck Jonathan, we face neither east nor west but forward. We must therefore raise our voices together, march forward together and raise that voice for Yala. More than ever before, let the sense of belonging be cultivated in homes, schools and institutions. We can do better. Yala is our motherland and here we call home.







I am very passionate about student empowerment and I would love to see students get more involved. Students should not think that they belong to society only after school, but they should get involved even now while they are in school. I believe students are an asset and they are part of the solution to  development. Not in the future but now, hence its needful that students start seeing themselves as such and come on board fully in building our motherland.






A student may not be the queen or the male ant but a student can function as a worker to ‘work the nest’. It is said that the left hand is for cleaning the right hand and the right hand for cleaning the left hand. In the same way, students have their role to play in  development and their needed support must not be denied.






My name is Egbara Emmanuel Ikaba and I am involved in building my motherland. I am a ‘worker’ and I work the nest by championing student empowerment. Get involved, discover where you belong in the ‘colony’, that is if you haven’t already discovered it. Let the government worker be wholly devoted to his duty, and let the private worker also be dedicated at his post.







Let the teacher be wholly devoted, and let the student also be faithful in bringing their quota to the table. We need to do it right because we are all involved. It ought to be so because Yala demands our devotion and we have to unite to uphold her in making her great and strong.






We are one people, one hope, and we are all involved in building our motherland.



I remain your friend Egbara Emmanuel Ikaba.

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Dear compatriots,
Today, we celebrate the re-birth of our nation’s democracy. On this day, eighteen  years ago, the world watched as we ushered in a new era of government chosen by the people  after countless years of military rule.





Democracy Day marks the turning point in our history, when we as a nation defied all odds and expectations, and chose to rebuild our motherland on the principles adhered to by many nations before us: that the people of a country can stand sovereign over their elected leaders, by exercising their right to choose at the ballot box.








Our democracy since 1999 has hurtled through numerous crossroads that have served to define our strength as a state/ nation, and have made many of our institutions stronger. On this day, I want us to recognise Cross riverians from all walks of life for their tireless and heroic sacrifices that have kept us together  in spite of the difficult challenges that have confronted us.






 I want us to take a moment to pause, reflect on, and appreciate the millions of our fellow country-men and women, and those in every corner of the globe who have joined us to campaign tirelessly against the challenges facing  us particularly the killings that emanate from radical insurgents.






We must bear in mind that our organised strength lies in the common experiences we share with our fellow country men and women, and our everyday successes as a state are rooted in the foundations of our citizen-centered democracy.






Nevertheless, we must also never forget that just as our strength lies in our commonalities and shared experiences, our most potent power emanates from our strong voices.





 When our minds are as one, we are strong. When we speak out as one, we are formidable. When we demand as one, we are insurmountable.







 For this reason, on this anniversary of the founding of our Fourth Republic, I urge all Cross riverians to collectively work for the cross river dream.





We must demand that in 2019 Nigeria and Cross river state display its commitment to democracy, so that we have credible, free and transparent elctions. We must have the will and courage to defend our democracy. This is a process that starts now, that sees democratic and transparent processes to select candidates through to election day where we re free to vote for the candidate we believe in.






 democracy is not practiced by mirroring the language that we speak, where we come from or what religion we practice; democracy is the opportunity to address the issues that affect us all across board regardless of gender, age or religion.







We must acknowledge some of the realities that have presented themselves when election-time comes in our state, and enlighten others and ourselves against them.





One flaw that we have experienced in our young democracy is that it is often the case that many of our people choose leaders based on the constraints of sameness of , similarities in ethnicity, and other largely inconsequential values of state-building






 To counter this, we must view leadership through a lense of: who will best address our state and  local government  problems? In a nutshell, we must elect the best amongst us.








We must also continue to strive towards the definition,  or perhaps redefinition of the path that we as a state have chosen to take.






 It is not prudent for a complex state such as ours to always be reactionary in our response to events.





 We must begin to look into supporting and elevating proactive leaders who will not only defend the state when it is attacked, but will make her strong  so that any enemies, foreign or domestic, that may aspire to threaten our security and its people will be dealt with before they have the chance to cause us harm.











As a state founded upon our diversity, we come to this task well equipped with the resources, indigenous skills and zeal to surpass all expectations and projections that have, and are, being made by our state.







Let us continue to uphold the bond of citizenship that has kept us together as one indivisible people.






Let us also be diligent and firm in the belief that we shall harvest the dividends of the sacrifices that many have given to obtain and sustain our democracy.






Let us also understand, that this democracy of ours is not just a gift, but a responsibility to be harnessed and developed  for the benefit of generations that are yet to come.








In this regard, as we reflect, and celebrate yet another Democracy Day, I urge us all to march into the future knowing that in the spirit of togetherness, we can achieve more for our common success.






May God continue to bless Cross river state.



Hon.Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba,Director General due process and price intelligence bureau, Cross river state.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2018


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Address by Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria In commemoration of the 2018 Democracy Day Celebration, Tuesday, 29Th May, 2018
My Dear Nigerians!
Today marks the 19thyear of our nascent democracy and the 3rdAnniversary of this administration. I am thankful to Almighty God for bringing us thus far. This administration came at a time that Nigerians needed Change, the Change we promised and the Change we continue to deliver. We have faced a lot of challenges on this journey and Nigerians have stood by us in achieving the three cardinal points of this administration namely; Security, Corruption and the Economy.
2.The commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day is a celebration of freedom, a salute to the resilience and determination of Nigerians and a recommitment by Government to keep its promise to lead Nigeria into a new era of justice and prosperity.
3.Public safety and security remains the primary duty of this Government. Before this Administration came into being 3 years ago, Boko Haram held large areas of land spanning several Local Governments in the North East.
4.Today, the capacity of the insurgents has been degraded leading to the re-establishment of authority of government and the release of captives including, happily, 106 Chibok and 104 Dapchi girls, and over 16,000 other persons held by the Boko Haram.
5.In order to minimize the impact of the insurgency on Internally Displaced Persons, Government has established secure IDP Camps and has improved the mechanism for the distribution of basic aid, foods and essential commodities using various strategies in collaboration with local and international Organizations.
6.Efforts are in process for resettlement of IDPs in their home communities by providing schools, hospitals, clinics, water and sanitation to facilitate a quick return to economic activities. Government is similarly implementing de-radicalization and rehabilitation programmes to facilitate sustainable peace and development.
7.The unfortunate incidences of kidnappings, herdsmen and farmers clashes in several communities which have led to high number of fatalities and loss of properties across the country is being addressed and the identified culprits and their sponsors shall be made to face the full wrath of the law. All the three tiers of Government are presently engaged with communities and religious organizations to restore peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.
8.I want to commend members of the Multinational Joint Task Force drawn from Niger, Benin, Chad, Cameroon and our own country in collaboration with the International Community who are assisting in the fight against insurgency in the North East. I also commend the gallantry of members of our Armed Forces and other security agencies that have continued to provide security for lives and properties across the country. State and Local traditional authorities are helping with much needed intelligence in this fight against insurgency.
9.This administration is pained over the grievous loss of lives and properties occasioned by the carnage of insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country. I wish to assure Nigerians that we will not rest until all criminal elements and their sponsors are brought to justice. Government is boosting the capacity of our security agencies through recruitment of more personnel, training and procurement of modern equipment, enhancement of intelligence gathering as well as boosting their morale in the face of daunting challenges.
10.The Niger Delta Region has enjoyed relative peace through social inclusiveness and cooperation of the Elders and the good people of the region. Government is committed to implementing the comprehensive peace, security and development plan for the region. The environmental clean-up of the region which commenced with the launch in Bodo, Ogoni in June, 2016 is progressing satisfactorily. Furthermore farming assets are being revived and investors in cocoa and palm oil plantations are showing serious interest.
11.The second primary object of this Administration is to fight corruption headlong. Like I have always said, if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will destroy the country. Three years into this Administration, Nigerians and the international community have begun to applaud our policies and determination to fight corruption. We are more than ever before determined to win this war, however hard the road is. I therefore appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to continue to support us in this fight.
12.Various policy measures already put in place to stem the tide of corrupt practices are yielding remarkable results. Some of these key reform policies include:
a.The Treasury Single Account (TSA) has realized Billions of Naira being saved from maintenance fee payable to banks. N200 Billion has also been saved from elimination of ghost workers in public service.
b.The Whistle-Blowing Policyhas helped to recover over N500 Billion;
c.The Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit set up with a mandate to validate controls, assess risks, prune personnel costs, ensure compliance with Public Financial Management reforms has helped to identify and remove over 52,000 ghost workers from the Federal Government MDAs Payroll;
d.The Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) aimed at expanding tax education and awareness has offered the opportunity for tax defaulters to regularise their status in order to enjoy the amnesty of forgiveness on overdue interest, penalties and the assurance of non-prosecution or subject to tax investigations.
e.The Sovereign Wealth Fund project portfolio has been expanded with an injection of US$650 million so as to strengthen its investment in local infrastructure, power, health, re-construction of Abuja-Kano road, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, East West Road (Section V) and the Mambilla Hydro-electric Power project as well as the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge.
13.The fight against corruption through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has resulted in recoveries of Billions of Naira, as well as forfeiture of various forms of assets. This alongside other efforts has improved Nigeria’s international image and regional cooperation.
14.We have retained the services of one of the world’s leading assets tracing firms to investigate and trace assets globally. This is in addition to the exploitation of provisions of existing Treaties, Conventions as well as Bilateral Agreements with Multilateral bodies and Nations. Nigeria has also signed Mutual Legal Assistance Agreements to ensure that there is no hiding place for fugitives.
15.This Administration has therefore focused on revamping the ailing economy it inherited in 2015. In 2016, Government executed an expansionary budget and developed the Strategic Implementation Plan. For the first time, 30% of the budget was earmarked for capital expenditure which represents an upward review when compared with the 2015 budget. The SIP was followed by the development of a comprehensive medium term plan – the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017 – 2020.
16.The broad strategic objectives of the ERGP were to; Restore and sustain economic growth; Build a globally competitive economy; and Invest in our people. The implementation of the ERGP has started yielding results. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that the economy grew by 1.95% in 1stquarter 2018, which is a good performance when viewed against -0.91 in 1st quarter 2017 and -0.67% in 1st quarter 2016 respectively.
17.Our foreign reserve has improved significantly to 47.5 billion USD as of May, 2018 as against 29.6 billion USD in 2015. The inflationary rate has consistently declined every month since January, 2017.
18.Recently, Government conducted Focus Labs in three key sectors of the Economy namely, Agriculture & Transport, Manufacturing and Processing as well as Power and Gas. These have yielded significant prospects for investments and Job creation to the tune of US$ 22.5 billion with a potential for creating more than 500,000 jobs by 2020. These investment generation initiatives are expected to increase capital inflows in the form of foreign direct investment. There is a high prospect that the cumulative investments from this first phase of the Labs will hit US$39.2 billion by 2025.
19.Under agriculture, Nigeria continues to pursue a strategic food security programme built around self-sufficiency and minimization of import dependency. As a result, rice importation from other countries has been cut down by 90% which has a direct impact on foreign reserves.
20.The Social Investment Programmes (SIP) has been created as a means to graduating our citizens from poverty through capacity building, investment and direct support. The major strategic objective is to restore livelihood, economic opportunities and sustenance for the poor across the country. The SIP programmes and projects include:
a.Home Grown School Feeding Programme – About 8.2 million pupils are currently being fed from 24 States of the Federation with over 75,000 Catering Staff engaged under the programme.
b.The Conditional Cash Transfer has so far recorded over 297,000 caregivers and being trained by 2,495 Community Facilitators in 21 states. Less privileged Nigerians are now being paid N5,000 monthly stipend in 9 pilot States of Bauchi, Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Osun and Oyo. Eventually the scheme will cover all the 36 states of the federation including the FCT.
c.Under the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme – About 264,269 loans had been disbursed to 4,822 societies in the 36 States and FCT, while another 370,635 are awaiting release of funds.
d.N-Power Job creation Scheme – is targeted at providing jobs for unemployed young graduates and has so far recruited 200,000 youths while the next batch of 300,000 have been selected, verified and would soon be deployed across the 36 States and the FCT. Furthermore, 20,000 non-graduate volunteers have also been selected to kick off the N-Build programme in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria.
21.In the area of power generation, Nigerians from all parts of the country continue to report better power supply and less use of generators. This underscores the effectiveness of the methodical plan to deliver incremental and uninterrupted power supply to our homes, markets, offices and factories.
22.The country achieved 5, 222.3 MW representing the highest peak of power generated onto the national grid and delivered to customers in December, 2017. With new facilities, repairs and rehabilitations by Government and private investors, generation capability now exceeds 7,500 MW.
23.This Administration is committed to lawful interventions to ensure the operators of the distribution business live up to expectations especially in the areas of distribution capacity, service delivery, collection efficiency, and metering to eliminate contentious estimated billing.
24.The Transportation Sector continues to undergo a series of reforms in order to sustain the international best practices and ensure safety and security. The nation’s major airports have witnessed reconstruction of runways, installation of navigational equipment and new international terminals due for commissioning in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Enugu. Bilateral Air Services Agreements between Nigeria and the Governments of other countries will significantly open up new flight routes.
25.As a result of strict regulatory and compliance policies, Nigeria retained her Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category 1 status, after a routine international audit. Recently, a new Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility with capacity for aircraft C-checks and other comprehensive levels of maintenance was established in Lagos. This would save the country an estimated $90m annually.
26.Giant strides have been recorded over the past three years to improve road transport infrastructure in all geopolitical zones of the country.
27.The Railway Sector has also received tremendous attention as this Administration is committed to the goal of linking all State capitals in the Federation by rail network to ease the movement of goods and passengers.
28.The Education Sector especially at tertiary level has continued to witness expansion in order to improve access to higher education by millions of youths in Nigeria. Over the last three years, Government has approved the establishment of 1 new Federal Polytechnic, granted licenses for the establishment of 4 State and 14 private-owned Universities as well as 12 private Polytechnics.
29.Government has also continued to support the implementation of various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of Basic Education delivery. Thus, it has ensured proper funding at the Basic Education level with the disbursement of N42.2 billion UBE Matching Grant to 26 States and the FCT, N851.5 million Special Education Grant disbursed to 23 States and private providers of Special Education and N2.2 billion Teachers Professional Development Fund to 33 States and the FCT.
30.The Federal Government has continued to support fiscal sustainability at the sub-national governments through the implementation of the Budget Support Facility which was accompanied by the 22- point Fiscal Sustainability Plan. Thus, bailouts funds were made available to States to ease their fiscal challenges and other obligations including payment of salaries.
31.In addition, a total of 73 Ecological Fund projects for the control of gully erosion in different communities across all geopolitical zones have been completed in the last three years and are undergoing commissioning while 53 other projects are ongoing. The execution of these projects has generated 357 skilled jobs and 1,350 unskilled jobs during this period.
32.It is pertinent to also make mention of the immeasurable contributions of the Nigerian woman to national development and advancement of democracy, over the last three years. The government and people appreciate you all as mothers of our great country.
33.My dear country men and women, as we all celebrate our democratic experience, let us resolve to avoid hatred and intolerance; we can only achieve our objectives in an atmosphere of harmony and peaceful co-existence.
34.Finally, the up-coming months will usher us into another season of general elections. Let me use this opportunity to urge us all to conduct ourselves, our wards and our constituencies with the utmost sense of fairness, justice and peaceful co-existence such that we will have not only hitch free elections but also a credible and violence free process.
35.In few days to come, I will be joined by many promising young Nigerians to sign into law the “Not Too Young to Run” Bill