As days ceremoniously walk through like a maiden expecting the advances of suitors, as the State grow busy with activities ranging from propaganda manufactured in Federal Housing against those in Ekpo Abasi, to the increased consumption of "thanks for coming" beer offered by seasonal politicians of charade benevolence, rendering the ritualistic catechism of good intentions as they do every four years, to the "they bought me form to run" politicians, the "body language" politicians and the "Am running for you" politicians have all made an interesting watch. May fall be far from such races. Amen.

It is no longer breaking News that, His Excellency Gov. Ben Ayade is unavoidably considered as the guber flag bearer of the People's Democratic Party. Whatever pluses and minuses produced this conclusion, it has come to stay. It is also not News that Sen. John Owan Enoh will bear the guber flag of the All Progressive Congress and their target is to take over Diamond Hill either by crook or hook. The obvious political rift between these two has sent an FCE student to the after life courtesy of their oveerexcitted loosed supporters. With the present display of federal might and resources by the APC, Cross River State may join Ekiti, Osun and Kogi. The possibilities however unpleasant, should not be underrated.

Whatever may have happened that night the news of automatic ticket was announced obviously didn't go well with some aspirants resulting to their automatic departure from PDP to the opposition party. Departure of aggrieved party faithfuls. What a plight! So, those who remained and intends to throw a dice of luck may equally take a bow when things go too messy or work to jeopardize the party's interest during general elections as pay back. Again, it will be suicidal for the party in the State if Prof. Ayade tow the line of his predecessor by fronting unpopular aspirants because, the APC of 2018 is stronger, bigger and much more sophisticated than the APC of 2011 and before. Now, they're out to win everything including the heart of one's wife. PDP must be careful.

Ayade is only working with his "pallies", and "Yes Sir" appointees which am afraid isn't enough to come out victorious. He must realize the election is not just about him but, the party. Now is not the time to treasure sycophancy, it is time for real business and selective partnership is just too risky for the task ahead. Whatever his political calculations and strategies are, methink, he should get good hands at the very base, the grassroot, in every ward, in every family if need be, particularly those wards that are already being penetrated and almost hijacked by the APC, he should have strong party men to match strength for strength and empower them to do so. Nothing should be left to chance else, APC from all permutations will win overwhelmingly as this guber fight to them is more of proving a point than actually delivering a more effective representation.

Too many dangerous loose ends in PDP and Ayade should tie them now if he must win Owan Enoh in 2019.

Na small small fire wey dey cook food dey start before e hot. As I see am, naim I dun talk am.

MODLIN ODU.

Former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ben Ayade on Communication and Branding, Dorncklaimz Enamhe has denied an allegation that he said there was a need for the replacement of the deputy governor of Cross River State, Professor Ivara Esu.

This is sequel to a publication in one of the online media in the State published on 23rd of September, 2018https://calabarreporters.com/36635/cross-riverian-writes-deputy-governor-letter, which claimed that DC as popularly called sent a letter conveying such message, to the organisation through whatsApp.

Addressing journalists in Calabar, who described Professor Esu as a technocrat, an administrator and a father, said he had great respect for Professor Esu and had no reason to think in that direction or take such action.

He added that the deputy Governor was his lecturer in the University of Calabar and had so far done so well in stabilizing the State.

The former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor warned that nobody should use his ambition to bring discord between him and the deputy governor stressing that he had no privilege to tell the Governor of the State who should be his deputy.

He also refuted an allegation that he betrayed the northern Cross River in the 1998 and 1999, explaining that he could not have betrayed people who were in a different political party as at then.

On why he resigned as aid to Governor Ben Ayade on the 23rd of July this year, Enahme said he has the intention to represent the Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal constituency of Cross River in the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Commending the State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, Enahme explained that the governor had done so much in the industrialization of the State and the welfare of the people especially, the civil servants who receive their salaries as and when due which is a big challenge in other States of the country.

He further explained that he had been cleared for the House of Representatives by the Peoples Democratic Party noting that he was going to run primaries come 30th of September, 2018 and would win.

DornCklaimz said he is law abiding, decent and respects the rule of law adding that he does not accept hate and would not encourage it.

Adoga Michael Oyilichi, a concern Nigerian Youth and CEO of a leading blog theeaglesvoice.com , from South South Nigeria, Cross River State and Yala Local government Area precisely penened down a brief letter cum advise to delegates especially of Cross River State origin. His letter reads..

Dear Delegates voting in today's PDP national Assembly primaries, the onus is in your hands, the decisions are right in your front. The decision to make our generation and the generation yet to come better, the decision to enslave our generation for yet another 4years, the decision to save and to kill our democracy, the decision to grow the Party and to kill the party the more, all are in yours hands.

I plead and urge you all to vote and vote wisely. Choose the people's choicest choices. Choose the heartbeat of the people. Choose the perfect choice.

Choose integrity
Choose transparency
Choose equity and fairness
Choose trailblazers
Choose the voices of the downtrodden
Choose capacities.
Vote wisely.

Dear PDP NWC we the electorate want a better primaries devoid of imposition and inducement. No delegates buying.

ABOVE ALL LET THE WILL OF GOD PREVAIL. GOD HELP US AT THIS CRUCIAL POINT OF YOUR CHILDREN'S  FUTURE IN JESUS CHRIST NAME AMEN.

You can reach Adoga 07068340400

#Goalchaser #theeaglesvoice #SelfBoss #ConcernNigerian

Ntufam Dr Sandy Ojang Onor who is a lecturer in department of History and International Relations impressed me while I was a Student in English and Literary Studies, University of Calabar. I always admired his aura of brilliance, his charisma, his finesse and best of all, his intellectuality. He had left lecturing to venture into politics, he paid his dues in his assiduous service to the good people of Etung as LGA Chairman and Cross River State as two times Commissioner for Environment and Agriculture respectively and then returned to the classroom with renewed fire to impact knowledge and thirst for more knowledge which got him a step up from PhD to Associate Professor. He at a point, became audaciously conspicuous in executing some responsibilities of the PDP in the State and headed many of her aspirants' campaign organisations both gubernatorial and Presidential. His astute pilotship earned him the name "DG Fantastic".  I consider all these mentioned here and a whole lot more stored up in the subconsciousness of our consciences, which Sigmund Freud holds that, there lies our true being, seeing his mien for uncommon productive representation, knowing his competence and capacity to be at the Red Chamber are all good augury of what is to come in days afew. 

There are good and better aspirants but, Ntufam Dr Sandy Ojang Onor is the best. His pedigree alone qualifies him. This is a truth that even mischief makers can attest to. The Caterpillar Movement Campaign Organisation has shown expertise and coordination, headed by a political luminary. It is One of its kind in the State. This assertion is subject to research.

Am told politics is not Church, I want to  believe it is also not a cult where good men and ideas are sacrificed on the unholy alter of interest. Therefore, participants in political communion should, in total submission to the will of the almighty conscience, do the needful.

For a better Nigeria,
For a better Cross River State,
For a better Central Senatorial District,
Think Sandy Ojang Onor.

My name is MODLIN ODU.

ON AKWA IBOM SOUTH(EKET)SENATORIAL DISTRICT AND 2019:- KEEPING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

The attention of All Progressive Congress Strategic Leaders' Forum and faithfuls in Akwa Ibom South(Eket)Senatorial District has been drawn to a radio interview by Senator Ita Enang(SSA to the President, Senate) alluding to a consensus arrangement that he said was already at "75%" concluded in the forthcoming APC Senatorial District electoral process. This assertion is not only profane and insensitive to the collective sensibility of the party faithfuls in the senatorial district, but a highlight of journeymen who have deployed anti democratic methods for self aggrandizement with our senatorial district as their potential conquered territory.

The proponents of this crippling impunity and their ball boys are in for the game of self destruct as any attempt to foist any agenda in conflict with the wishes of our people shall be met with a determined resolve that would be swift and resolute as a counter measure.

It must be stated for the umpteenth time, that some mindful leaders with democratic pedigree in the district recently reaffirmed their demonstrated commitment to the prescriptions of electoral democracy and shall resist with the collective resolve of their people, any effort or bare faced ostrich attempt to derobe the senatorial district  and its people their rich democratic reputation by the introduction of any act not in tandem with the democratic wishes of the people.

The people shall choose their representatives within acceptable parameters of international best practices and democratic culture. There will never be any resort to any form of external manipulations and introduction of any anti democratic subterfuge of any sort in the process of election of our party’s candidate for the Senatorial election in our Senatorial District.

To everyman must be the due of his/her vote. Senator Ita Enang did not and shall never speak for Eket Senatorial District, he has no such locus stadi and at the appropriate time, our people shall exercise their suffrage. Whoever our people consider ripe and right in this trying moment of our leadership deficit, shall be the outcome of the well intentioned prospectus of democracy. For even contemplating this statement, Senator Ita Enang and his journey men must apologise to the senatorial district within 48 hours or face our strength in diversity to restitute our long held proud leadership heritage.

Hon Eseme Eyiboh
CONVENER
Akwa Ibom South(Eket)Senatorial District APC Strategic Leaders' Forum

My fellow people of Bekwara/Obudu/Obanliku, it is a great honour to address this all important gathering today at this defining moment in our history. Bekwara/Obudu/Obanliku is standing at a crossroad, at a very pivotal point in the most consequential election where the need for quality representation cannot be overemphasized. The power is in your hands!

One of the paths before us leads to the past and the extinction of our rich cultural heritage, which is a strong part of our lives. I personally hold our culture dear, being one who has been bestowed with chieftaincy titles across all the communities. I will do my best to improve our cultural values, we will work and collaborate together to showcase our intrinsic values and festivities to the world.
The other path leads to the future, the future of our children born and yet unborn, which when we grow grey, when all has been said and done, they will be left with the decisions we make today. Hence, we must seek to build the future together that is where all the accomplishments are. We must choose wisely!

To this end, I plan to interact closely and work hand in hand with you if elected to, propose new legislation that will invest in improving our overall wellbeing.
Our economic prosperity has been greatly neglected in the past, with your help we plan to change all of that. We will build and renovate schools, improve infrastructural development, we will revamp and construct our markets so that our traders especially the women will feel secure no matter the weather or season. I am also working with my team to explore viable export opportunities for our farmers so they can begin to export their raw materials which are among the best quality you can get and compete favorably with world markets. This will bring new business and directly improve our living standards.

Furthermore as a sports lover, one who has won various prizes for my schools and country, I will resurrect the spirit of sport activities in our agile and vibrant youth. This spirit will take away youth restlessness, cultism, drug abuse, prostitution, human trafficking to mention but a few. Our youth have been neglected and are wasting away all this must change now. We must begin to create experiences that help youth develop social, ethical, emotional, physical, and cognitive competencies to build a new generation of leaders.
My brothers and sisters even though I have mentioned just a few sectors there is barely any area of our communities that does not need remedy. We must close the book of the bleeding wounds of the old politics of division and sail our ship on a mountain of hope to be able to fly our flag on the sunrise of a thousand tomorrows with a solid belief that we have acted well never to let Bekwara/Obudu/Obanliku down it will never die. I come to you today, to seek your cooperation, to speak with one voice, to heal the divisions that have torn us apart, for we are all one country and one Bekwara/Obudu/Obanliku family.
My faith in God teaches oneness and love. As a Knight of the Order of St. John, I was brought up with the fear of God. Permit me to give you a brief of my background, I come from a large family of 12 where we all live in unity. We have three great Lawyers, Proud Sons of Bekwara/Obudu/Obanliku. The First is a retired Perm Sec and former chiefs of protocol, the second is a former assembly member and former commissioner for law reform and the third is me, Your Son. Coming from a humble and noble family of lawyers who have all been tested in public office. The Eldest son is a retired educator and grandfather, the two young sons are also thriving, one is an assistant registrar in the renowned Federal College of Education Obudu while the other is a prominent and astute Pastor. All the daughters are happily married and doing great in their various spheres of contact. They have been backing me with their unalloyed support in this race and we will do our best to do service to humanity, Bekwara/Obudu/Obanliku and its people.


Finally, I will like to state clearly that as a homeboy who is constantly in touch with the people’s needs and concerns, I cannot promise to be less of a good guy, you know where I stand and you know I will fight for the priorities you hold dear. My experience and work as an educator and lawyer has given me a unique perspective on the pains and challenges you face daily. Therefore, I will like to reiterate that wherever there is a voice to be heard, I’ll be there. Wherever there is a need for a capital-gains readjustment for targeted small businesses, I’ll be there. Wherever there is national benefits that will impact my people of Bekwara/Obudu/Obanliku, I’ll be there, too!

I hereby look forward to your unflinching and unwavering support as our party the great Peoples Democratic Party prepares to conduct its primaries. While others will tell you that you have no choice but to vote for them, that is once again, old politics. Im appealing that you make the right choice and vote for me. You deserve better and more to bring about major changes in our society. There is a whole lot that is broken and we need to fix.

It starts with a vote, your vote! I’m calling on you on 3rd October, 2018 to mark your ballot for a renaissance. As our slogan goes” we are in it together” I promise it’s going to be an open door policy. Together we can do this!
Let us dare to look cynicism directly in the eye, and have faith that the best has yet to come. The time has come for someone to take on responsibilities. We are ready to take on this challenge! It can’t be done without you. Let’s work together. Let’s roll up our sleeves and start the work right now. You can play your part by talking to your relatives, friends and neighbours who will be delegates to vote wisely!
Lastly, to all my honourable brothers and sisters who will be delegates, you were not chosen in error, your contribution to our state as illustrious sons and daughters has earned you this status. I am counting on you to vote for me.

I beg you DO NOT BE COERCED TO VOTE AGAINST YOUR CONSCIENCE!
VOTE WISELY!
Thank you!



God bless Bekwara/Obudu/Obanliku ​Federal Constituency
Long Live the people of Cross River State
Long Live the PDP
Think Cross...River
God Bless Nigeria
God bless you all

Dc Enamhe
Gakem
Bekwarra

By Declan Ogar Genesis

I am very happy that majority of the population of Cross River State are Christians. And those who doesn't read the Bible are being preached for, by one way or the other.

God Almighty who has never been a partial God and would never be though, even in the eyes of those who may be ignorant of His operation over mankind, will always take His decision over man and gives His people the right Leader and, at the right time too.

We are often told of a story between a Master and Servants as recorded in the book of Matthew chapter 25, verses 14 to 30 concerning a master (who is symbolically God) who about to embark on a journey, shared talents (not equally) to his servants as presented accordingly;

"Matthew 25:14-30

The Parable of the Talents

 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[a] and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents,[b] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.  Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.[c] You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,  so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.  And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

By this foregoing story, as regards to the issue of political "zoning" in Cross River State for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections, and who becomes the next governor, and also, from which zone, is clearly to reeducate anyone labouring his brain arguing which of the senatorial districts that must produce the next governor for the state. Instead of insisting who is better of to handle our collective resources to the betterment of everyone, irrespective of family affiliation, political association or Senatorial District of origin.

Indeed, God may have been magnanimous to have shared the governorship seat (talents) to all the three senatorial districts of the state (eventhough, it might not be equally), what the individuals (servants) entrusted with this governorship seat (talent) have done with the mandate (talents), suppose to be the issue of concern. And definitely, not necessarily who's being shortchanged, or about to, as being presented in one corner or so.

In the adjoining history of Cross River State governorship elections, Mr Donald Duke of the south had it fairly (though with a lot of political ahearval), and benefited for eight years in two tenures with just two elections... Sen Liyel Imoke from the central Senatorial District on his part (turbulently), had his two terms in the office as governor of Cross River State. Turbulence in the sense that, by many political permutations and favouritism, it was highly considered to be the turn of the North. Turn of the North in the sense that, the Central senatorial district had already benefited in the person of Mr Clement Ebri. But despite Liyel's 8years of two tenures, no one can equate his experience to that of Donal Duke. Liyel had his election for the position of governor in Cross River State four (4) times. Yes, 4 maximum times as against just two (2) times of Donald Duke which is the normal way.

And in his magnanimity, Imoke voluntarily (though through the pressure mounted on him by some of us) relinquished the position of governor to the North, and Sen Prof Ben Ayade is now enjoying it.

To me and many other sincere and honest individuals, second or hundredth tenure is a bonus. A bonus that normally characterise by 1) Delivering of campaign promises and, as at when due 2) How one is able to perform with the first term (chance) in office as governor. 3) How one is able to woo (satisfy more people that will support him politically 4) How one is able to keep his die-hard supporters that initially stood steadfastly for him.

Anything outside that may be argument between a goat and a hungry lion in the same cage. A goat may be referred to someone who may want to continue in office base on "zoning" formula or equity in sharing political position to the detriment of the masses.  And then, lion as someone who is determined to change the narratives of the practice of nepotism in office. As well as the huge abject poverty in the midst of verse majority of Cross Riverians. And, the deterioration and dilapidation of public utilities across the state. And also, the total burial of grassroots politics and government. And the aberration in the distribution of power and resources in the state. You can as well, name the ugly trends yourself.

So, truly, our God in heaven who gives power to whoever He wishes to, at any point in time, has never been an unjust God. He gives according to His riches in glory.

Therefore, it is completely out of place if not suicidal, for anyone to continue arguing for who becomes the next governor of Cross River State solely on the basis of zoning. Other than, competence, credibility, capacity, integrity and the future of Cross River state as a whole.

Excuse me first, if it zoning for that matter, I feel Sen John Owan Enoh is hundred percent qualify to contest the forthcoming gubernatorial elections and will go ahead to beg everyone, man or woman, young or old, people from the north, central and south to please (for the interest of the state) give Sen John Owan Enoh the desired support to enable him win the governorship election come 2019.
 As I speak, I saw Senator John Owan Enoh traversing across the nooks and crannies of Cross River State consulting important Cross Riverians with a prepared mind of coming to lead Cross River State to expected end, and to the promise land set for Cross Riverians too. Not just as a dogged leader, or a citizen of Cross River State who is qualified to seek for any leadership position he deemed fit, that will enable him to make the right impact on the lives of the people in question. But, a politician who has the clear mind to run and win election.

 I detest those ones folding their hands, and enjoying their money with the mindset of coming to govern Cross River State through zoning or a thing of such foolish argument. The irony is that, should Cross Riverians relied on zoning, so our society will continue to dilapidate and enter extinction. Should our 2019 governorship elections based on zoning, then there is serious tendency that the next person who will invariably come from another zone will take the governorship responsibility to his pockets and go and sleep on the ground that he's usurping his chance of zoning, and the masses will continue to suffer and Cross River State will be a history.

Look at a state like Lagos that never regard anything like zoning, it has been growing steadily from one administration to another. Fashola surpassed the effort of Tinubu, and Ambode is performing more than Fashola. That's the only way people can enjoy and have faith in government and governance. But, in Cross River State, the reverse is the case. What do we do to change this ugly trends, other than removing the idea of zoning (that most time, encourage mediocrity and criminality and corruption) and emphasize on credibility, integrity and performance???

In real sense of it, Donald Duke never got the chance of governing CRS by the philosophy of Zoning. Liyel didn't get that based on Zoning either. Therefore, there's nothing like zoning in the Cross River State politics from the onset .
He who the cap fit, should wear it.

After all, the rotation has been able to go round from south to Central, and now the North is enjoying it. Despite the fact that God has never shared his gift equitably before, and would never do that even in the presence of the ignorance.

2019 should be the year for us to start the zoning, if zoning must prevails (which I strongly opposed) afresh, and then, we start with the central this time around.

The politics continuous......

I am coming with more of this, as my heavenly father continue to inspire me to say.

Thank you for reading!

By Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey

Shortly before Ayade­’s Supreme Court jud­gment, I was on a sh­ort visit to Calabar when my Archbishop asked that I represe­nt him during the op­ening of an ultra-mo­dern diagnostic cent­re built by General Ukpo, the brother of emeritus Archbishop Joseph Edra Ukpo. General Abdulsalami Abubakar was special guest, Governor Ayade was host, Donald Duke was present, as well as the Ndidem of the Quas and other prominent citizens. As I opened a psalm and asked everyone to repeat the respon­sorial, something to­ld me right there th­at God had heard Aya­de’s prayer, even as he recited that psa­lm. I called my cous­in and friend and to­ld him that Ayade wo­uld win his case at the supreme court. I thought Ayade would use his victory as second chance to ser­ve the good people of Cross River State.

Indeed a people dese­rve the kind of lead­er they get. After Donald Duke and his (tourism) transforming agenda, Liyel Imok­e, although on the dull side, consolidat­ed things but like Obasanjo who does so well and then scatte­rs it all through a choice of successors, Liyel Imoke bequea­thed to Cross River State a man who might well be described as a megalomaniac. For Ayade if it’s not big, it’s not done, and because he waits to do the big thin­gs, he ends up doing nothing of substanc­e.

The day I dismissed Ayade as a huge joke was when I looked through the 2018 amou­nts budgeted by stat­es in Nigeria. To my shock Cross River State budgeted higher than Lagos State. Even a state as rich as Rivers did not bu­dget up to a trillion naira. Only Lagos and Cross River Stat­es budgeted more than a trillion naira and Cross River’s was higher than Lagos’! I spent hours wonde­ring where the money would come from, and if Ayade were a gr­een horn I would thi­nk he was mistaking a budget for cash, because a second repu­blic house of assemb­ly member opened up to me that when she was newly elected she thought that amoun­ts budgeted automati­cally translated to money somehow. Even if these monies were to come through loa­ns, I wondered wheth­er the Cross River State government had forgotten that state loans are guaranteed by the federal gov­ernment. I went furt­her to check the Cap­ital Importation data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics for 2017 and saw th­at in all quarters, coming down in Q3 to 79.54% because other states such as Enu­gu, Oyo, Kogi, Edo, Ogun, Abuja, Akwa Ib­om, managed to squee­ze in something. I looked everywhere for Cross River State and did not see anywh­ere it imported capi­tal either as foreign direct investment in terms of equity or other capital; or portfolio investment in the form of equi­ty, bonds or money market instruments or even as trade credi­ts, loans or currency deposits.

So where will Ayade get nearly N2 trilli­on to execute his me­ga projects when the­re has been no trend at all recorded ? Will it be from all these small companies chased away by the exorbitant tax regime ? Even if there we­re investors, would monies belonging to private companies be counted as funds co­ming into state coff­ers ?

Someone sent me a vi­deo spot of the mega rally planned to en­dorse Ayade’s candid­ature. Among all the things listed as ac­hievements was a dual carriage way, a ro­ad that takes off fr­om the trans-African highway in Cameroun through Mfum in Ogo­ja, into Okuku in Ya­la and Abochiche in Bekwarra, passing th­rough Obudu and endi­ng in Obanliku. When completed, this road would speed up tra­vel along these rout­es.

But up till now what has been done is to scrape off the asph­alt on the existing single lane, and exp­anding the road to double lane, and grad­ing it. Not even a kilometer has been ta­rred yet. As I write, feedback I get ind­icates that accidents on that road have multiplied because of poor visibility due to heavy dust. Sch­ool children have to wear masks. I won’t even mention the he­alth hazards, as most vehicles that ply that road would not be air-conditioned. And this is mentioned as an achievement ?

Even the controversi­al superhighway is counted as an achieve­ment whereas what su­ccess has been recor­ded is felling trees along that path and destroying the ecos­ystem despite global outcry. And then the deep sea port. Ple­ase who has gone to verify? I have never seen a government that so celebrated pl­ans and fantasies as achievement, and the impoverished citiz­ens dancing along the emperor.

To be fair to Ayade, he has established a tailoring outfit where NYSC or Police uniforms could be se­wn in multiples, I mean the garment fact­ory. Also he has made more than a thousa­nd persons either sp­ecial assistants or special advisers, ma­ny of who have no sp­ecific job descripti­on but have an alert each month, although in the last months the alerts have cea­sed to drop as when due; he promptly pays salaries of state civil servants, alth­ough local government workers and pensio­ners go for long per­iods without their entitlements; and this is against the bac­kdrop of huge amounts given as bail out and Paris Club refun­ds by the federal go­vernment. In a way recession did not hit Cross River as hard, which is good.

Ayade has a good hea­rt. He loves the poo­r. But he loves hims­elf too much and is too spoilt to respect what is convention­al; a man who would declare his brother as Co-Governor and go ahead to practice it cannot be trusted to render selfless service. And worse of all, perhaps due to his frequent out of state visits or la­ck of coordination with security agencie­s, Calabar has sudde­nly become one of the most notorious cit­ies for armed robbery and kidnapping, ev­en as this is hushed up and not reported in the press. Calab­ar is now just like any city in Nigeria, with refuse strewn around, and potholes only hurriedly fill­ed to prepare for the annual carnival. Places like Ikot Ishie hardly have refuse bins at all and res­idents throw refuse in the gutters like Aba.

I think it is time to put sentiments asi­de and reflect on who can move Cross Riv­er State forward. The argument of allowi­ng Ayade to continue (in 2019) so that Cross River North cou­ld have its complete eight years so that the governorship can come back to the South is like saying we should continue under Buhari for anot­her four years so the North would finish its turn of eight years! So zoning is more important than good governance ? Unl­ike Lagos which has progressed consisten­tly from Tinubu to Fashola and now Ambod­e, Cross River has retrogressed substant­ially under Governor Ayade, without anyt­hing concrete to sho­w, despite earning a whopping 68 billion naira from the fede­ration in 2017, not to mention internally generated revenue from Akamkpa and oth­er LGAs.

I expect a barrage of attacks and insults from paid social media activists, where Gov Ayade is best performing governor in cyberspace. But let me say what I have to say no matter the consequences, so that when the time comes it will be reme­mbered that not ever­yone was fooled when the jester was play­ing his pranks. I al­so vow to apologize to Gov Ayade if his actual budget perfor­mance is up to N800 billion by first qua­rter of 2019.

By Declan Ogar Genesis

As it stance, it will be an eye-service position for one to posit that "the political weather is gathering momentum" even in Cross River State or any other states across the nation - Nigeria.
Whereas, the general notion in politics remains that, "there are no permanent friends, and no permanent enemies". Let alone, if the notion is a consensus, it therefore means that, the 2019 general elections particularly, in Cross River State will be a tumultuous one. Tumultuous in the sense that, no 'hasty generalisation' practitioner would come up to say "as usual, it's going to be a walkaway affairs", or "these other people are inconsequential ", or "are not important" as most people often times, when beggarly trying to convince their political benefactors at a given point in time, normally use in order to persuade and calm the foreseen challenges down in their selfish interest.

Although, a lot of alignments and realignments are going on separately. But the major ones which this article is focusing on, cannot be overemphasized. Hence, many have written other articles with a deliberate minds to educate the " ignoramus" and the  doubting "Thomases", long time ago. And so, this might be part of the ice on the cake. Whilst, some opines that the forthcoming general elections will no longer be determined by the usual popular (dominant) political party as it were. Rather, that it will be radically based on the individuals under whichever political parties out of the 92 registered political parties in Nigeria. Some are criticising in strong terms, the zoning methodology. The proponents of this stands holds that zoning remains the only yardstick that is guaranteeing mediocrity, nepotism, and ineptitude in a position of authority politically in Cross River State today. Many therefore, are advising public to disregard zoning and queue firmly on anyone who they believed have the capacity of transforming the state to the height of eldorado. And so on and so forth.

Giving that, Cross River State (since the magic carried out by Mr Donald Duke) has been described as a People Democratic Party (PDP) state, and things are rather going downwards. Which is roughly due to the propensity, loyalty and supports it has  enjoyed by the good people of Cross River State these years, there ought to be a rethink and possibly, a change of gear, method, and approach in all spheres, especially in the political realm.

 Unfortunately, and regrettably too, in Nigeria nay Cross River State, the general views remain that, the more the people becomes loyal to a particular political party, the arrogance such political party's leaders become, and also, the more corrupt the system becomes. And the more nepotistic the dividends of such politics turnout to be directed. Hence, the more deteriorated the whole situations are becoming, all to the detriments of the people. What a pathetic situation.

Going by this background therefore, it appears that the 2019 shall be a turning point for the good people of Cross River State nay Nigeria.

Like it currently the case in many other local government areas, Yala Local government is not an exception. It will be worthy of note that, Cross River State PDP as it stands, has few or no recognised 'elders' who are matured enough to control things anɗ makes it work the way it used to, exception of Sen Liyel Imoke. Unfortunately too, Sen Liyel Imoke in his wisdom understood the challenges (roughly caused by his successor) ahead of him. Imoke also believed (and still believing though) in the elders so much such a way that, he constituted Cross River State Elders Forum during his reign as governor. A platform that helped him in no small measure, to sustained the momentum and retained powers even to the level that, he swingled power to the people of the North with little or no stress as against the laid down plans.

All of these challenges are  keyed towards. So much such a way that, the only way Imoke can remedy the burdens and perhaps, woo more elders of the state back to his side, is to who the ticket of the party would be given to, in the forthcoming PDP primary elections to contest the governorship election.

In all, although there are pockets of verifiable allegations that the government of the day has already bribed some of these "strong politicians" (who may be seen as not in conformity with the current administration) with jumbo and jumbo contracts in order to hoodwink them over their possible opposition stand in the forthcoming elections for the interest of the masses. By these developments, you can't undermine or take-for-granted the decisions of some of these tough people, like Hon Fidelis Egoro, Julius Okpotu, Larry Odey, Tom Agi, Gabe Ugor, Jude Ngaji, to mention but few whom loyalty to the PDP are no longer guaranteed (owing to an individual Imoke handed over to). And their monmouth crowd with capacity of turning politics of the area around anytime, anyday. Not to talk of the emerging political gladiators like Declan Ogar-Genesis, Francis Ekpo and a few other consistent, determined and dogged young politicians who are springing up around the area by day.

No doubt, there are pockets of protests against the current administration in Cross River State State which began by the team of the members of the National Assemblies from Cross River State right from the onset. Ever since then, there have been protests from all angles and all strata of the Cross River State society. All against the administration of Sen Prof Ben Ayade without no visible change in response to the protests, exception of the recent declaration of the AUTOMATIC RETURN OF ALL THE ASSEMBLIES MEN AND WOMEN in Cross River State under PDP. Questions arising from this mimicked declaration are: to whose benefits? And to the detriments of who? Why this declaration now?

Take for instance, Hon Fidelis Egoro was a former Yala LGA Chairman. He garner political relevance in Yala LGA, particularly at the Ukelle axis till tomorrow. Hon Tom Agi is of the Okuku ward. He has represented Yala state constituency 1 in the CRSHA for two terms before. And then, has been one time this and that. Hon Gabe Ugor remains a shining star of the Yache - Gabu axis including Yala speaking axis, and a Chairman who has not got his replicant in terms of his sterling performance in office as chairman of the council in Yala LGA. Mr Jude Ngaji was a state publicity secretary in PDP before, and then deputy chief of staff, and then became the chief of staff during Imoke's era. Jude just resigned from a revered office as the state security adviser (SSA) to pursue the political career of his choice.
Imagine the young Declan Ogar-Genesis. A guy who acted like "John the Baptist" in favour of the current governor of Cross River State, Sen Prof Ben Ayade, and the one who just consulted (and still consulting though) for the position of Yala LGA Chairmanship (even though, Ayade bluntly refused to conduct the Chairmanship elections unlike his predecessors, all to his personal gains and nobody seems to be questioning him on that, while many have expended so much money towards the scheduled elections which he never bother to conduct), and remains an influential young personality both in social, political, media, etc, etc, waves, not just within the Yala nation, but across Cross River State and beyond.

These political juggernauts like in all other local government areas of Cross River State cannot be taken for granted, and assumed a usual political runaway in terms of permutations, divide-and-rule practice, and hooliganisms that have characterised and bedevilled the political scenario of CRS in the past.

And so, basically, the onus now lies on Sen Liyel Imoke to redefine the direction of Cross River State with the instrumentality of who carries the PDP flag for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Cross River State, and how to reunite the "family" for the interest of the people and the progress of the state in general.

Should Ayade dramatically clinch the PDP ticket in Cross River State during the primary, it will not be the uhuru.

By Declan Genesis Ogar
One day a man named Truth and a man named Lie stood by a river just outside of town. They were twin brothers. Lie challenged Truth to a race, claiming he could swim across the river faster than Truth. Lie laid out the rules to the challenge stating that they both must remove all their clothes and at the count of 3, dive in to the freezing cold water swim to the other side and back.

 Lie counted to 3, but when Truth jumped in, Lie did not. As Truth swam across the river, Lie put on Truth’s clothes and walked back in to town dressed as Truth. He proudly parading around town pretending to be Truth.

Truth made it back to shore, but his clothes were gone and he was left naked with only Lie’s clothes to wear. Refusing to dress himself as Lie, Truth walked back to town naked.

People stared and glared as naked Truth walked through town. He tried to explain what happened and that he was in fact Truth, but because he was naked and uncomfortable to look at, people mocked and shunned him; refusing to believe he was really Truth.

 The people in town chose to believe Lie because he was dressed appropriately and easier to look at. From that day until this, people have come to believe a lie rather than believe a naked truth.

The moral of this story, and how it applies to modern day society, is that we often either consciously or subconsciously reject certain truths in our personal lives or in the world around us for the sake of our peace of mind. These truths may be in our personal lives: financial issues, relationship issues, struggles with our faith, addiction problems; they are all areas where we often turn our back to the cold hard truth, even if it’s at our own peril. We’ve also seen this in public society as well. Our country is brutally divided among ideological lines on every front. People can be presented with irrefutable yet inconvenient truths regarding societal issues including terrorism, global warming, race relations, cultural differences, and countless other issues, but they shun those truths and decide instead to believe the well dressed lie, especially if it benefits their agenda or idealistic narrative. The story of Truth and Lie swimming in the river may answer why we do this to ourselves, but what it doesn’t answer is when and if we will ever learn from it.

The Cross River State PDP National Assembly screening panel was  held on the 23rd and 24th of September, 2018, in Calabar, Cross River State.

During this period, the panel received petitions against 4 (four) Senate aspirants and 17 (seventeen) House of Representatives aspirants.

The petitions bordered mainly on serving political appointees (clarification of status), tax clearance issues and one case of alleged forgery.

The panel in line with the guidelines of the party and its terms of reference, swung into action by writing to the PDP State Party Chairman, Ntufam Inok Edim, informing him of the petitions and requested that aspirants who had petitions against them be informed and make themselves available to the panel with all supporting documents.

To get further clarification, the panel, on September 23, 2018, wrote to the SSG, Cross River State, requesting clarification of the status of political appointees. In a letter replied by the SSG to the panel, dated September 24, 2018, the SSG stated the following :

1) That Agara Christopher Agam was not a political appointee.

2) That Hon. Mike Etaba is a serving National Assembly and does not resignation or the Governor's approval.

3) That the SSG, Tina Agbor, purchased, completed and submitted the nomination form but dropped the ambition because the Governor did not approve of her resignation.

4) That the other aspirants vying for the Senate and House of Representatives are all appointees of the State Government. She stated further that no record in her office shows that the Governor approved of their resignation.

Furthermore, the appeal panel received a petition from one Hon. Gabriel Idagu-Ugor, accusing one of the aspirants, Hon. Patrick Akpak Ugage, of forging his signature on his nomination form. The appeal panel, through the PDP State Party Chairman, invited Hon. Patrick Akpak Ugage but he refused to show up. On that note, the panel took a decision, withdrawing the clearance certificate earlier issued to Patrick Ugage, to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Ogoja/Yala Federal constituency.

Ntufam Ekpo Okon and George Ekpungu, were the only two aspirants who met the panel, provided copies of their resignation letters but could not provide any letter of acceptance of resignation and release from the Cross River State Government. Their inability to provide the acceptance of resignation and release from Cross River State Government confirms the  last paragraph of the SSG's reply to the panel.

Moreover,  Arikpo Dodeye  Ikpi and Christopher Agam Agara, were accused of failure to present tax receipts and certificates as required by the party guidelines.

Others been petitioned apart from the few mentioned above did not show up. They are still in the Cross River State Government pay roll.  On this ground, the panel found that these petitions have merit, hence, clearance certificates issued to the four Senate aspirants and seventeen House of Representatives aspirants with issues were withdrawn and the aspirants stopped from further participation in the primaries.

Aspirants disqualified from participation in the Senate primaries are:

Ntufam Ekpo Okon
Christopher Agam Agara
Arikpo Dodeye Ikpi
Hon. Godwin Ettah

Aspirants disqualified from the House of Representatives primaries are:

Edward Eta Ogon
George A. Ekpungu
Dane Osim-Asu
Tina Agbor
Prof. Walter Mboto
Emil Inyang
Patrick Ugage
K. J. Jedy-Agba
Enamhe Dorn Cklaimze
Amanke Gowin
John Etim-Bassey
Asuquo Ekpo Ada
Oqua Edet Oqua
Saviour Nyong
Austine Ibok
Edem Okokon Effiom

All candidates listed above are not cleared by the screening committee.

The Cross River State Government has commenced the allocation of land at it's industrial park along Goodluck Ebelle Jonathan bypass in Calabar free of charge to investors willing to set up factories.
A statement issued in Calabar by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ben Ayade, Mr. Christian Ita said the industrial park is fully serviced with water, street lights, free WiFi, good road networks and drains as well as electricity.
The location is less than five minutes drive from Margaret Ekpo Int'l airport, Calabar.
The statement added that certificate of occupancy will be issued at no cost to investors allocated land at the industrial park.
To qualify for the free land, however, the investor must be ready to build a factory that creates a minimum of twenty direct jobs.
The investor is further required to commence actual construction of a factory within six weeks after being allocated the land.

It was a day of glory for President Muhammadu Buhari as the State of New Jersey and City of Philadelphia gave him special citations in New York on Friday.

The President had made a presentation at the High Level Roundtable on Corruption, Migration and Bridging Africa's Infrastructure Gap, a programme on the margins of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly.

And then stepped forward, Diane Campbell, representing Senator Turner of New Jersey, who read a citation of the Nigerian leader, acknowledging his military, professional and political strides.

President Buhari stood ramrod straight, as the hall erupted in rapturous applause.

The Chairman, Nigerian Coalition for Business Development and Investment, Dr Jude Iheoma, also read a citation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia.

On hand to witness the honour were international investors and captains of industry. Also there were ministers; directors-general; Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO NEPAD International; Princess Gloria Akobundu, CEO NEPAD Nigeria; Prof Ibrahim Gambari, former Minister of External Affairs; and top senior government officials from Nigeria.

Truly, nothing succeeds like success.

FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
September 28, 2018

BY:WONAH FIDELIS ODEY

The 2019 general elections are months away and every elected political office holder is either preparing
 to seek re-election or handover to a successor. The political heat is already rising in every State of the federation and at the centre, with political realignments and performances being measured by the electorate. It is a normal phenomenon that every election throws up challenges that often create tension and confusion. But at the end,congratulations are exchanged and the political pressures would gradually calm down. The 2019 may not be different. In fact,the year is projected to witness another keenly contested poll.But our prayers are that the elections will come and go without the loss of the lives and properties of the citizenry.

Such elective positions in 2019 are basically the representatives for the three senatorial districts of every state of the  federation, representatives of every constituency of state of the federation, differing from state to state at an uneven proportion, and the  governors,for these states whose tenures are to expire on May 29.2019.In Cross River, these positions are open, though the vibrancy of the electioneering processes in the state often calls for caution.And Governor Ben Ayade has already indicated interest for a second tenure of four years.

Though like other past governor's of the state,there are a few things that distinguish him. Cross River State has been in the fold of the PDP since 1999.All the past executive governors enjoyed very cordial relationship with the federal government. It was normal because the centrial government was then controlled by the PDP. But that is not the case now.

In addition, the past two executive governors of the state emerged from the other two senatorial zones.The first Mr Donald Duke, was from the south; the second Sen.Liyel Imoke ,was from the central and Sen,PROF Ben Ayade is from the north. Each of the first two had two uninterrupted tenure, performances aside.

But Prof.Ayade, since inception, has kept the hopes of the Cross River people high. He's politically broadminded as,unlike some other governors of the PDP in southern Nigeria,he maintains a cordial relationship with the Federal Government.His  loyalty to the President who is of the ruling APC is commendable. That cannot be unconnected to the visit of the President last year and this year,which was possible even as the minister of Niger Delta pastor Usani uguru is from the state. At many fora,though, in PDP,has declared support for President Buhari led federal government because he believes in integrity.

Ayade's political profile in Nigeria, his political will to deliver dividends of democracy and his doggedness in fulfilling his electioneering campaign promises have put him in the minds of majority of Cross RIVERIANS.There can be no doubt that he has the greatest opportunity to be re-elected for the second term. Why not? After all, past governor's from other senatorial zones had their second tenures without quarrel.The turn of Cross River north should, therefore, not be compromised.

In reality and in consonance with the voices within the state, Ayade is performing and the next four years are required to further strike harder in developing the state. The giant strides he has made since he took over are speaking for  themselves. His administration has undertaken some gargantuan projects that will put the state ahead some of the states of the federation look at the different roads across the 18 LGA's,mfom-Okpoma-Okuku-Ogoja-Bekwara Obudu road,seaport, superhighway, garment factory,rice,cocoa factories etc.

During Buhari's visit to Cross River 2017-2018,President Buhari recognized the efforts of Ayade in transforming Cross River. He expressed gratitude to Cross Riverians and commended Governor Ben Ayade for his vision and commitment to the development of his state.

President Buhari was full of happiness to have the privilege of commissioning some projects in CRS.Ben Ayade has been a shining star.Recently,he was among President Buhari envoys to Togo.

For equity and fairness, Governor Ben Ayade should be given second term for he has work well in Agriculture, Health, Education and general infrastructure.

Ayade's achievements cannot be mentioned without acknowledging one of the best pillars of this administration,Dr.Stephen Adi Odey. A bridge builder

Wonah

By SaintAugustine Adula Odey

This grassroots political organization has Barrister Stephen Odey Ph.D as their patron and leader, the group whose membership is spread across the Cross River North Senatorial District is determined to carry out her campaign across the entire state for the governor because one good term deserves another.

The group converged at the country home of their patron Dr. Steve to register their satisfaction with the current administration who is working tirelessly in the face of dwindling Federal allocation yet projects are executed, some ongoing and others near completion. The beauty of democracy is for the people to get and gain its dividends, as such H.E. our Digital Governor Ben AYADE has done so well that every Senatorial district as well as every LGA in the state has the presence of government project either ongoing or completed, the group stated.

While responding, Dr. (Barr.) Stephen Odey assured the AYADE REALITY GROUP that H.E Governor AYADE is committed to bringing more dividends of democracy to the people and that the group should remain focused, dedicated and tell the world the good works of his father the governor who holds the people very dear to his heart as demonstrated by the good works H.E is doing.