May 2, 2019

The Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar , have faulted President Muhammadu Buhari for saying his academic certificates are with the Nigerian Army.

Replying to Buhari ’s response to their petition filed before the Election Petitions Tribunal, they said if it was true that the certificates existed , Buhari as the Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces could order the army to produce them.

Atiku said he attached his academic certificates to the Form CF001 he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

In a joint petition filed on March 18 , the former Vice-President and his party urged the tribunal to declare them the authentic winner of the February 23 presidential election , insisting Buhari did not possess the educational qualifications he claimed to have in his INEC Form CF 001.

They said in the reply filed on April 15 by their legal team , led by Dr Livy Uzoukwu (SAN ) , that having not been able to attach his academic certificates to INEC Form CF 001, Buhari had falsely claimed that his certificates were in the custody of the Nigerian Army.

The joint reply filed by Atiku and the PDP read in part , “ In further response to paragraph 381( iv) of the 2nd respondent ’ s reply , aver that the petitioners have no knowledge of any certificates or alleged qualifications issued to the 2nd respondent ( Buhari ), but contend that 2 nd respondent falsely represented that his certificates are in the custody of the Nigerian Army when the 2 nd respondent by his own admission is the Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria .

“ In further response to paragraph 381( iv) of the 2nd respondent ’ s reply , the petitioners aver that the 2nd respondent as Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria could easily order the Army Secretary to produce the certificates allegedly submitted if they actually exist.

“ Contrary to paragraph 381(i-iv ) of the 2 nd respondent ’ s reply , the petitioners aver that the 2 nd respondent does not possess the educational qualification he claimed to have in his INEC Form CF001 submitted to the 1st respondent ( INEC ) having not been attached as required. ”

The petitioners also stated that “ the purported training and courses” , which Buhari claimed placed him “head and shoulders above ” Atiku regarding educational qualifications to contest the presidential election , “did not culminate in the issuance of any certificates he claimed in his INEC Form CF 001”.

They also described Buhari ’ s claim of being head and shoulders above Atiku as “ erroneous ”.

Responding to Buhari ’ s allegation that Atiku didn’ t have the statutory educational qualifications to contest the polls , the petitioners stated that the ex -VP attached his educational qualifications to his Form CF001 submitted to INEC .

Insisting Atiku was qualified to contest election for the office , the petitioners stated that Buhari was unable to present any certificates because he did not possess any “ as he falsely claimed ”.

They stated, “In reply to paragraph 383 of the 2nd respondent ’ s reply , the petitioners aver that the 1st petitioner (Atiku ) is eminently qualified to contest election to the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , and had indeed attached evidence of his educational qualifications to his INEC Form CF 001 submitted to the 1st respondent , unlike the 2nd respondent ( Buhari ) who did not attach evidence of the qualifications he claimed in his INEC Form CF 001 because he does not possess them as he falsely claimed .”

INEC , Buhari , and the All Progressives Congress (Buhari ’ s party) are the 1 st to the 3rd respondents to the petition .

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the petition by the tribunal .

POTENTIAL CONTENDERS SERIES PART V

 FOCUS ON: PROFESSOR NDEM AYARA

Experts have projected that more Nigerians will fall into poverty level except urgent drastic measures are taken to reverse the ugly trend. To reverse these, 2023 presents an opportunity for Cross Riverians to select amongst its best hands from Southern Cross River State to sustained the current economic milestones of the Prof. Ayade administration and improve on it.

To improve on our current economic status, Cross Riverians must not shy away from the fact that we need someone that understands economic principles and application and someone that is courageous enough to take bold steps that will grant Cross River State economic and financial independence for sustainable growth, here comes Professor Ndem Ayara.

The story of Professor Ndem Ayara, is a story of every successful African child whose story of success has to do with perseverance, endurance and the inner zeal to succeed in life. He is a success story of a child that was never born with silver spoon in his mouth but strived to to get to the zenith of his career academically and at the same time climbing the ladder of politics in both Cross River State and Nigeria. He is a holder of Bachelors, Masters and P.hD in economics and currently a Professor of economics in the economic department of the famous University of Calabar. Prof. Ayara by training is a specialist in economic development and economic policy analysis.

Prof. Ndem Ayara was the head of the economic team of His Excellency Senator Lyel Imoke which achieved so much in rural development to wade against rural-urban migration. That administration through the advise of Prof. Ayara, achieved so much in rural road construction, rural electrification and rural farmers empowerment where yours truly community was a beneficiary of that great feet.

Read also: Cross River State of Dream, Who takes over from Ayade

One unique thing about Professor Ayara is his believe in human empowerment. His believe that the society can only develop if you empower the people academically and otherwise have seen him take a lot of giant steps which includes the establishment of a vocational institute in his community, Ukwa Eburutu Odukpani L.G.A (Charity begins at home) where experts are employed and idle minds empowered for a better tomorrow.

The consciousness that Southern Cross River State has someone like Prof. Ndem Ayara who is very capable and may take over from Prof. Ben Ayade in 2023 if Christ tarries, gives one a lot of joy.

This is the fifth of our series, please follow us.

Ekpenyong Isaiah
Commander, Infantry Pen Battalion
isacool4good@yahoo.com

May 01,2019

Chief Mrs.Theresa Ezama  has hailed the  Cross  River state governor, Senator Benedict Ayade.


Ezama said the governor has always been a performer right from his days as a Senator.

"Ayade’s approach to leadership is defined by the vision to build people and enduring structures that can stand the test of time.

 While most are admired because they move others to follow their example, Ayade belongs to the category of a few who are special enough to encourage others to find their own unique path.

Just by being who he is, he has sparked many to be who they want to be. Through thoughtful leadership, great vision and sincerity, all parts of Cross River State have felt the best positive impact of his activities. And for that, if for nothing else, he deserves to called a leader who inspires.

Ezama said in one tenure, Governor Ayade has achieved beyond expectation.

Her words: ''You will know Governor Ayade  is really working, when you see people comparing his first term with other Governors.She  said since Ayade became governor, he has recorded giant strides in many sectors particularly in the area of the economy.

''Salary Master, continue. You have always delivered in all sphere of leadership.
''To me you are also Mr. transformation and industrialization because even the blind can see your work.

''My Governor of the Year, may God continue to direct, protect and bless you.

Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade has influenced the appointment of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Hon. Gabriel Edi, into the board of the Federal Railway Corporation.

Edi's appointment is a demonstration of Gov. Ayade's spread of influence across political party lines. His sphere of influence and capacity to play national politics beyond party lining has been displayed by the appointment.

Ayade enjoys the goodwill of the government at the centre because of his performance in Cross River State in his first term in office, especially in the area of workers welfare. Cross River state, apart from being prompt in payment of workers salaries, did not owe their salaries.

Ayade has also proven by this appointment that his network of contacts at the federal level of government is for the benefit of his people.

The appointment of the new Vice Chancellor of State-owned varsity, Cross River University of Technology, CRUTECH Prof Emmanuel Ingwu has been reversed by His Excellency the Executive Governor of the state, Sen. Ben Ayade.

According to the Chair of the Governing Council of the University, Dr Emil Inyang, the governor requested the submission of names of eligible candidates for the plum job from where he would have the luxury of choosing one to act in the interim as against the initial decision which announced just an individual foreclosing any options. 

His words, 'the governor is of the opinion that we open up the acting issue, he has requested that we forward to him the names of all those we think are qualified. He wants a wider option. So, we have forwarded seven names to him.' According to Inyang, any one who finally emerges as the Acting Vice Chancellor would not be eligible to be reappointed in substanctive capacity. 

Sources close to the development said the Governor gave the directive today and the decision of His Excellency was communicated in an emergency Governing Council meeting that held earlier in the day. 

In his reaction, the deposed VC Ingwu walked out of the council-in-session in obvious embarrassment.

Source Negroidhaven

A Nigerian, Ernest Ezeajughi, has made history by winning election as the first Black Mayor of the London Borough of Brent, United Kingdom.

Information reaching News Express has it that Ezeajughi, a native of Anambra State, was elected Mayor on the April 16, 2019 by the College of Councillors on Brent, London, and is scheduled to be sworn into office tomorrow, Wednesday, May 1.

Prior to his election as Mayor, Ezeajughi, a strong member of the Labour Party, won election for a Councillor position representing Stonebridge ward at Brent Council in 2014.

He was re-elected again in 2018, retaining his seat all in the white-dominated political environment after a very keenly contested election. He was elected Deputy Mayor of Brent within a year.

Born in Awgbu Town, in Orumba North, Anambra State, Ezeajughi had his primary, secondary and tertiary education in Anambra. He attended Aguata High School, Aguata, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where he studi

By: Egbara Emmanuel Ikaba


May 01,2019


The transformation of Cross River State Governor, Senator Benedict Ayade from Digital Governor‘ to ‘Salary Master ‘ over the last four years is one of the most enduring narratives of this political dispensation.

From the very day Governor Ayade took over the reins of leadership and showed the signs of performance, his detractors have been waiting for him to falter. They may have to wait for eternity as the make-up of Governor Ayade has no room for developmental loss of focus .

Coming at a time when the homeland is in ominous need of farsighted leaders with the wisdom of King Solomon, guts of the Biblical Daniel and the leadership understanding of Joseph in the holy book, the people of Cross River State without a doubt have genuine reasons to be proud of their own.

His Excellency, Governor Benedict Ayade is a mystical revelation from the south-South part of the country; he is both a Lion and Jewel to South -South region.

His clout in the polity cuts size of someone who is exquisitely authorized to do what he is currently doing in the state, in the oval interest of all.

He has obviously clinched virtually every Laurel given as a reward of excellence, altruism and studiousness in governance by the Nigerian Media; all as proofs of his purposeful and responsive administration in the heart of the South-South.

He has equally notched the coveted prize of “Most Labour Friendly Governor” of the year in 2016; a major recognition and known recompense for prudence in the management of resources of the state, as well as his timely payment of workers’ salaries, irrespective of contingencies.

He has also landed on himself, the enviable tag of “most digitalized Governor” among his peers across the country .

Ayade is a father like no other in the nation; and a leader in the mold of ancient servants; worthy of their praises.

Ayade has similarly received the “greatest leadership medal” from all sectors.

He is in the business of road construction like the hurricane he is; tarring where indispensable and rehabilitating where obligatory in the general interest of the state, so as to make our cities and communities accessible.

He is creating jobs in bunch like a whirlwind in other to contain the spate of unemployment in the state; just as he is issuing  grants to help boost business ideas and nurture them to fruition for job creation and value generation.

In a society that listens, men of valor, candor, zeal and zest like Gov.Benedict Ayade ought to have been solely and wholly given a clean bill of health to return as Governor without subjecting him to the rigors of squaring with any contender in any election; as was the case in the governorship primary election of his party, (PDP, where he was a sole candidate); few months ago.

At the risk of sounding immodest, there is no single serving governor that can contend with Ayade.

Though with several verifiable reasons why he should fail, Governor Ayade chose the path of success–because that is what he promised the good people of Cross River State .

Today, Governor Ayade has proved the Cross River people right. He has lived up to their expectations through consistent initiation and execution of pro-people projects and programmes.

 Everywhere you turn in Cross River State, you see projects.

The Ayade administration has ensured that governance gets a human face. Governance has come to live with the people and the people are glad.

MR. ERIC WIREKO  (EDUCATIONIST, TEACHER)

- A salary is a bribe for one to forget their ambition.

Research has it that the poorest group of people in the world are the salary earner's group, which is practically next to beggars' group.

They live in a vicious cycle of poverty, managed on a 30-day duration while their freedom and opinions totally gone.

For them, salary is continuously being awaited every month, and any slight delay brings heartbreaking anxiety, pressure and disappointment.... That is the reasons many steal to survive.

Salary is a short-term solution to a life time problem. Salary alone cannot solve your money problems.
You need multiple sources of income to balance.

The tax return form contains about 11 income streams, of which salary is just one.
Don't live life fishing with just one hook; there are many fishes in the ocean.

Salary is the MEDICINE for managing POVERTY, not for CURING it. Only your BUSINESS or INVESTMENT cures poverty.

Most investors are not salary earners.

 The difference between those beggars on the street and salary earners is one month salary.

Truncate the flow of their salary for one month and you would realize that majority of them are pure paupers.

If you divide your salary by the rate of exchange, you will discover that you are poorer, relative to when you started work; or divide your salary per annum by 2,000 on hours to know what your one hour is worth.

If you do not have 3 months salary in savings, you are already poor.

Being a salary earner is a mentality, break It!

Your worth is far more than your salary.

Salary is the value someone has put on your efforts.

How much do you value yourself?

You can't increase in value, unless you value yourself differently.

Life is a trade off between time, effort and reward.

To be rewarded more, you have to become more valuable.

Most salary earners end up poor in the long and short term. I therefore urge every one of us to be FINANCIALLY INTELLIGENT, FINANCIALLY LITERATE, and OPEN OUR EYES TO SEE OPPORTUNITIES IN PROBLEMS.

Delve into entrepreneurship because salary is a lifetime disappointment.
Being a salary earner or investor is a decision.

Life will not change until you decide.

 Make the move!

Remember what I just said "Salary is a bribe to forget one's ambition".

    HAPPY WORKER'S DAY （YAPP MEDIA）

The Digital Governor of Cross River State, the salary alert master and promise keeper has once again done that which others dare to do.

A few hours ago,  Cross River State workers and particularly over 6000 appointees on the payroll of the state  woke up to the cheering news to what they described as unbelievable pleasant surprise of the year when news went virile that the Governor who only few days ago paid April salary to workers could muster resources from the lean purse of the state to pay May salary at a time that the financial stress of post election is  plaguing every state and preventing them from meeting crucial needs of Governance.

Cross Riverians who expressed their views across political parties, ethnic and religious lines stated that the Governor has proven every doubting thomases wrong.

According to one Mr Bassey Eneobong, a chieftain of APC in calabar municipality, he said he and his party never believed that the Governor would be able to carry the heavy load of payment of salary from June 2015 to May 2019 but the Governor has shocked everyone.

He further stated that, he was aware of the huge debts Governor Ayade inherited including the backlogs of salary, pension and gratuity, judiciary workers strike and many more which Governor Ayade has cleared and even proceeded to lift 19 years embargo on employment and has in four years taken cross river state from its abysmal state to great heights.

Another civil servant, Mr Inyang Akpama said the greatest thing Ayade has done is that by keeping his  promise to Cross Riverians on payment of salary, he has defiled  the negative notion against  politicians that they don't keep promises.

The name PROMISE KEEPER is a synonym for Ayade.

He described Governor Ayade as a Man of Political Fidelity and a good material for the centre.

An appointee of Governor Ayade from  Yala  Mr John odey ohiero from Yala  said he was not only shocked when he received the May alert  but he is happy that enemies of progress from the  opposition party who  took over the social media space to say that the Governor will not pay April and May salary will now hide their faces in shame and may become sick because the Governor will not abandone his people.

He said he is proud and can tell every one in the world that the best Governor that thinks first about the welfare of workers in the world remains Governor Ayade.

To have ended what he started with four years ago without borrowing a kobo despite being the second to the last after osun state on FAAC and huge debts servicing of between 1.8 to 2 billion naira monthly  has made Governor Ayade the best Governor of the century.

The consensus in Cross River state today is that the only person that will surpass Governor Ayade is Governor  Ayade and Governor  Ayade.

CROSS RIVER STATE NEEDS MORE FRONT LINE HEALTH WORKERS. GOV. AYADE WILL EMPLOY YOU IF YOU GRADUATE WITH FLYING COLORS- DR BETTA EDU

The world health organization has said that Nigeria need to produce 10 times the present number of its health workers over the next ten years to achieve universal coverage. Over the years, College of Health Technology has continue to produce very seasoned frontline health workers as Med lab Tech, Community health workers, Public health nurses among others.

The Deputy Governor  Professor Ivara Ejemot ESU, who was ably represented by the Commissioner for Education Bar. Goddy Ettah says Education and health has continued to improve under the administration of Sen Ben Ayade because it is been managed by 2 professors who understand the importance of both. He commended the school authorities for the many positive changes he saw on inspection, commended the student union Government for their support to projects in the school, promising that the Governor will continue to support them to keep high standards and send out seasoned graduates needed in our State.

Speaking Dr Betta Edu, DG CRSPHCDA congratulated the students for making it into one of the best colleges of health tech in Nigeria. She said practically speaking, in her interactions with health workers it was very easy to know those who trained in calabar and those who trained else where are product are way better. She asked the students to shun evil vices that could jeopardize their stay, assuring them that if the graduate with flying colors, Governor Ben Ayade will employ them into the system because we need more frontline health workers in Cross River State. She said the ongoing employment of 1000 health workers should give them the assurance that if the study hard a job awaits them.

The Provost of the College Dr Janet Adah in her speech said the college has achieved so much and this is due to the enabling environment and the resourceful support from the goal getter Governor Sen Ben Ayade who recently approved a new salary structure and welfare package for staff of the college. She congratulated him on his re-election and prayed that he will do more for the college in his 2nd term as the needed more utility vehicles and construction of more hostels to accommodate more students.

The SUG presidential praised Governor Ayade, Adjudging him the best Governor in Nigeria when it has to do with health and education. He commended his approval for employment of 1000 workers, noting that it is a great assurance that their skills upon graduation will not be wasted.

The colorful event had in attendance many big dignitaries like the representative of the commissioner for health, the Chairman and members of Governing council, traditional rulers amongst others.