Obubra/Etung: Hon. Egbe rejects INEC result in Cross River

Mr Egbe  Abeng-Egbe, the candidate of the All Progressive Congress for Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency of Cross River has rejected the announcement of result by the Independent National Electoral Commission declaring the candidate of the People's Democratic Party, Mr Mike Etaba as winner.

The rejection of the result is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Calabar by the Director General of the Campaign Organization, Barrister Agbor-Agbor Njok.

INEC had earlier declared Etaba winner of the election with a total vote of 7,799 votes as against the APC candidate who got 7,036 votes.

"The attention of Mr Egbe Abeng Egbe Campaign Organization has been drawn to the announcement of result by INEC, declaring Etaba as the winner of Saturday February 23 National Assembly election.

"To the best of our knowledge, elections in Etung Local government area were cancelled by INEC while the results of three wards of Obubra, namely Ofodua, Osopong 2, Ofumbongha/Yala were also cancelled. 

"It is significant to note that the total registered votes in the affected areas including Etung 37,000 while the three wards in Obubra are 21,500 registers voters totalling 58,500.  

"This figures are far in excess of the margin between the two leading candidates whose total scores as reported by INEC returning officer for Etung/Obubra indicated as 7,799 for PDP and 7,036 totalling the actual votes of the constituency on the said election date to 14,835 which is less than one third of the total registered voter's in the federal constituency. As a result of these and other reasons, the elections remain inconclusive

"In view of the above issues, which affected the credibility of the elections, we outrightly reject the announcement of the result by INEC.

"We, therefore, demand that INEC relies on precedents and relevant provisions in the Electoral Act and its own Guidelines for the 2019 Elections to conduct rerun elections in the affected areas. 

"We request INEC to do the right thing, let the discerning people of Obubra/Etung Federal constituency decide their fate and give legitimacy to the electoral process", the statement added.

The campaign organization urged the teeming supporters to remain calm as legitimate means are been taken to reclaim the mandate.

Read More

Obubra/Etung: Hon. Egbe rejects INEC result in Cross River

Mr Egbe  Abeng-Egbe, the candidate of the All Progressive Congress for Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency of Cross River has rejected the announcement of result by the Independent National Electoral Commission declaring the candidate of the People's Democratic Party, Mr Mike Etaba as winner.

The rejection of the result is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Calabar by the Director General of the Campaign Organization, Barrister Agbor-Agbor Njok.

INEC had earlier declared Etaba winner of the election with a total vote of 7,799 votes as against the APC candidate who got 7,036 votes.

"The attention of Mr Egbe Abeng Egbe Campaign Organization has been drawn to the announcement of result by INEC, declaring Etaba as the winner of Saturday February 23 National Assembly election.

"To the best of our knowledge, elections in Etung Local government area were cancelled by INEC while the results of three wards of Obubra, namely Ofodua, Osopong 2, Ofumbongha/Yala were also cancelled. 

"It is significant to note that the total registered votes in the affected areas including Etung 37,000 while the three wards in Obubra are 21,500 registers voters totalling 58,500.  

"This figures are far in excess of the margin between the two leading candidates whose total scores as reported by INEC returning officer for Etung/Obubra indicated as 7,799 for PDP and 7,036 totalling the actual votes of the constituency on the said election date to 14,835 which is less than one third of the total registered voter's in the federal constituency. As a result of these and other reasons, the elections remain inconclusive

"In view of the above issues, which affected the credibility of the elections, we outrightly reject the announcement of the result by INEC.

"We, therefore, demand that INEC relies on precedents and relevant provisions in the Electoral Act and its own Guidelines for the 2019 Elections to conduct rerun elections in the affected areas. 

"We request INEC to do the right thing, let the discerning people of Obubra/Etung Federal constituency decide their fate and give legitimacy to the electoral process", the statement added.

The campaign organization urged the teeming supporters to remain calm as legitimate means are been taken to reclaim the mandate.

Read More

2019 ELECTIONS: DR BETTA EDU SPLASH GIFTS ON WOMEN IN ADADAMA WARD, AS SHE CANVASSES VOTES FOR AYADE, ATIKU, GAUL & OTHERS IN ABI LGA.

The Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,  Dr Betta Edu has called on women to come out and vote massively for the re-election of Sen Ben Ayade as Governor and  election of H. E Atiku Abubakar for President respectively by saying that Atiku is coming to get Nigeria working again and make life easy for every citizens with improve economy, health care and security while the Governor had delivered on the promises he made to Cross Riverians in 2015 and wants to compliment it from 2019 - 2023.

Dr Edu stated this on Monday in her country home in Adadama, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, during a village meeting with women across the ward on the need to put behind the disappointment of last weekend postponed poll and come out en mass again on 23rd February, 2019 to vote all PDP candidates from top to down.

She maintained that Atiku will change the fortune of the country while Governor Ayade who had done well in building vast industries, providing healthcare and putting food on the table of every Cross Riverian needed a second term to consolidate on the gains recorded so far. She expressed confidence that their Son Rt. Hon John Gaul and Hon Sandy Onor will give the constituency quality representation at the federal leve and end the land disputes between Adadama and Ebony's community

She expressed appreciation to women for their continuous support to the Governor, Speaker and herself for the past three and the half years of governance. Lastly she tasked Abi Women to vote PDP all through come 23rd February and 9th March, 2019.

Hight point of the meeting was donation of several gift items  to all the women in attendance amidst cheers and prayers for all PDP Candidates.

Fees for every pupil in the ward was distributed to all the head teachers at the chief palace with the king and his council as witnesses.

Read More

2019 ELECTIONS: DR BETTA EDU SPLASH GIFTS ON WOMEN IN ADADAMA WARD, AS SHE CANVASSES VOTES FOR AYADE, ATIKU, GAUL & OTHERS IN ABI LGA.

The Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,  Dr Betta Edu has called on women to come out and vote massively for the re-election of Sen Ben Ayade as Governor and  election of H. E Atiku Abubakar for President respectively by saying that Atiku is coming to get Nigeria working again and make life easy for every citizens with improve economy, health care and security while the Governor had delivered on the promises he made to Cross Riverians in 2015 and wants to compliment it from 2019 - 2023.

Dr Edu stated this on Monday in her country home in Adadama, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, during a village meeting with women across the ward on the need to put behind the disappointment of last weekend postponed poll and come out en mass again on 23rd February, 2019 to vote all PDP candidates from top to down.

She maintained that Atiku will change the fortune of the country while Governor Ayade who had done well in building vast industries, providing healthcare and putting food on the table of every Cross Riverian needed a second term to consolidate on the gains recorded so far. She expressed confidence that their Son Rt. Hon John Gaul and Hon Sandy Onor will give the constituency quality representation at the federal leve and end the land disputes between Adadama and Ebony's community

She expressed appreciation to women for their continuous support to the Governor, Speaker and herself for the past three and the half years of governance. Lastly she tasked Abi Women to vote PDP all through come 23rd February and 9th March, 2019.

Hight point of the meeting was donation of several gift items  to all the women in attendance amidst cheers and prayers for all PDP Candidates.

Fees for every pupil in the ward was distributed to all the head teachers at the chief palace with the king and his council as witnesses.

Read More

AYADE'S GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF CROSS RIVERIANS ----DR BETTA EDU

Rays of hope beams on the people of Isong Inyang of Eniong Abatim ward in Odukpani Local Government Area as the state government led by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Hon.  Dr.  Inyang Asibong and the Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,  Dr. Betta Edu officially commissioned and opened Isong Inyan Primary Healthcare Centre yesterday. 

Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Commissioner for Health,  Dr.  Inyang Asibong thanked the government of Cross River State on behalf of the good people of Isong Inyang for making this a reality.  Cutting the tape,  she said with the provision of the health centre,  Isong Inyan populace can now access quality healthcare services in their community without going miles of distance to seek medication when they are sick.

Also speaking,  the Director General,  Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,  Dr.  Betta Edu said the government of Prof.  Senator Ben Ayade is committed to ensuring quality health care at their door steps for every one in Cross River.  She added that the health centre has been equipped with medical equipment worth millions of Naira by the state government and they  don't need to cross water for hours to seek care,since the state is resolute in fighting maternal mortality.  She therefore implores members of the community to always access the facility for proper health medication and treatment and not to patronize quacks or traditional homes when they fall sick.

The clan Head of Isong  Inyang,  HRH Edet  Emmanuel thanked the state government for providing a health care centre for them. 

Through their son Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong, Barrister Ekpe, Elder Ekpenyong Bassey and DG Udiba Effiong Udiba . He assures the state government of massive  support  from his subjects in the forthcoming general elections for PDP.  

He ask the team to extend the  goodwill of Isong Inyang people to the digital Governor of Cross River, Senator (Prof)  Ben Ayade and other PDP candidates.

It will be recalled that in last quarter of 2018, a health centre in Ito community still in Odukpani LGA was rehabilitated and refurbished with medical equipment.

The high point of the ceremony was the cutting of tape by the Honourable Commissioner for Health and assisted by the Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency while  the Director General of Public Private Partnership,  Mr. Udiba Udiba and the clan council of Chiefs watched with keen interest.

Also at the event were the State Nutrition Officer,  Mrs. Regina Adie,  State Mobilization Officer, Mrs.  Agnes Ogogo.

Read More

AYADE'S GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF CROSS RIVERIANS ----DR BETTA EDU

Rays of hope beams on the people of Isong Inyang of Eniong Abatim ward in Odukpani Local Government Area as the state government led by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Hon.  Dr.  Inyang Asibong and the Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,  Dr. Betta Edu officially commissioned and opened Isong Inyan Primary Healthcare Centre yesterday. 

Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Commissioner for Health,  Dr.  Inyang Asibong thanked the government of Cross River State on behalf of the good people of Isong Inyang for making this a reality.  Cutting the tape,  she said with the provision of the health centre,  Isong Inyan populace can now access quality healthcare services in their community without going miles of distance to seek medication when they are sick.

Also speaking,  the Director General,  Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,  Dr.  Betta Edu said the government of Prof.  Senator Ben Ayade is committed to ensuring quality health care at their door steps for every one in Cross River.  She added that the health centre has been equipped with medical equipment worth millions of Naira by the state government and they  don't need to cross water for hours to seek care,since the state is resolute in fighting maternal mortality.  She therefore implores members of the community to always access the facility for proper health medication and treatment and not to patronize quacks or traditional homes when they fall sick.

The clan Head of Isong  Inyang,  HRH Edet  Emmanuel thanked the state government for providing a health care centre for them. 

Through their son Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong, Barrister Ekpe, Elder Ekpenyong Bassey and DG Udiba Effiong Udiba . He assures the state government of massive  support  from his subjects in the forthcoming general elections for PDP.  

He ask the team to extend the  goodwill of Isong Inyang people to the digital Governor of Cross River, Senator (Prof)  Ben Ayade and other PDP candidates.

It will be recalled that in last quarter of 2018, a health centre in Ito community still in Odukpani LGA was rehabilitated and refurbished with medical equipment.

The high point of the ceremony was the cutting of tape by the Honourable Commissioner for Health and assisted by the Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency while  the Director General of Public Private Partnership,  Mr. Udiba Udiba and the clan council of Chiefs watched with keen interest.

Also at the event were the State Nutrition Officer,  Mrs. Regina Adie,  State Mobilization Officer, Mrs.  Agnes Ogogo.

Read More

Slimcase to perform at official opening of Brix Club in Calabar today

Popular Nigerian music sensation, Oluwafemi Oladipo Oko-Eko popularly known as Slimcase is to perform live at the official opening of Brix Lounge, a new night club in Calabar.

The organizers of the event have confirmed to newsmen that the Oshozondi crooner who some claim popularised the popular Shaku Shaku dance step would be performing live along with other Calabar based artistes.

The lunch of the exclusive pub and night club which is located at Parliamentary Extensive, opposite Ayade Power Plant would be a two days affair starting from tomorrow to Wednesday,  the Valentine's day.

The Brix poised to make a grand splash in the party scene, features an ultra-modern state-of-the-art facilities with lighting from the interior to exterior, world class customer service and hospitality. It has a holding capacity of about 200 people.

Along with Slimcase, the club opening will feature appearances from Real Pee, Okpo Recordz, Ice Boxx, Dwight Walker, Leo Ceaser , Daddy Jay, Koboko, Mc George, Whokess and Calabar Chic.

Speaking, Manager of the club, Peter Idang AKA Mega Pee said that the Brix would offer Cross Riverians and fun lovers exciting experience that has never been felt before in Calabar.

He said there is adequate security measures put in place as the management have made arrangement for Police van to be station in the club vicinity 24 hours to ensure safety of customers.

Read More

Slimcase to perform at official opening of Brix Club in Calabar today

Popular Nigerian music sensation, Oluwafemi Oladipo Oko-Eko popularly known as Slimcase is to perform live at the official opening of Brix Lounge, a new night club in Calabar.

The organizers of the event have confirmed to newsmen that the Oshozondi crooner who some claim popularised the popular Shaku Shaku dance step would be performing live along with other Calabar based artistes.

The lunch of the exclusive pub and night club which is located at Parliamentary Extensive, opposite Ayade Power Plant would be a two days affair starting from tomorrow to Wednesday,  the Valentine's day.

The Brix poised to make a grand splash in the party scene, features an ultra-modern state-of-the-art facilities with lighting from the interior to exterior, world class customer service and hospitality. It has a holding capacity of about 200 people.

Along with Slimcase, the club opening will feature appearances from Real Pee, Okpo Recordz, Ice Boxx, Dwight Walker, Leo Ceaser , Daddy Jay, Koboko, Mc George, Whokess and Calabar Chic.

Speaking, Manager of the club, Peter Idang AKA Mega Pee said that the Brix would offer Cross Riverians and fun lovers exciting experience that has never been felt before in Calabar.

He said there is adequate security measures put in place as the management have made arrangement for Police van to be station in the club vicinity 24 hours to ensure safety of customers.

Read More

Vote candidates of your choice on Saturday - Rev. Agor tells members

Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Warriors of faith Christian Centre, the fastest growing church in Calabar, Rev. Victor Agor today during church service charged his members to go out en mass on Saturday to vote any candidate of their choice.

On Saturday January 16th, Nigeria would be having Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Rev. Agor while charging his church members who are yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards to take advantage of the extension by INEC and do so tomorrow warned them against selling their votes.

The Clergy who made reference to the call by President Muhammadu Buhari in Imo State recently during APC Presidential that his supporters should vote whoever they like said that unlike other spiritual leaders, he won't tell his members who to vote in the elections.

He emphasized that while preparing for the elections, Christians should pray to God to direct them on who to vote.

While praying for Nigeria to have a peaceful elections, he however added that any member of his church who want to follow his choice should contact him privately to know who he has decided to support in the elections.

According to him, "I will not tell you who to vote for, even President Muhammadu Buhari during his campaign in Imo State said the people should go out and vote for the candidates of their choice.

"If you want to vote whom I've made up my mind to vote for in the Presidential election, call me on phone and I'll tell you but I won't stand here to tell you who to vote for.

Go out on Saturday and vote your conscience. Pray to God to give you direction on the right person to lead this great country and please, don't sell your votes for anything".

He added that members of the church are permitted to avoid church weekly activities to enable them travel home for the 2019 elections.

Read More

Vote candidates of your choice on Saturday - Rev. Agor tells members

Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Warriors of faith Christian Centre, the fastest growing church in Calabar, Rev. Victor Agor today during church service charged his members to go out en mass on Saturday to vote any candidate of their choice.

On Saturday January 16th, Nigeria would be having Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Rev. Agor while charging his church members who are yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards to take advantage of the extension by INEC and do so tomorrow warned them against selling their votes.

The Clergy who made reference to the call by President Muhammadu Buhari in Imo State recently during APC Presidential that his supporters should vote whoever they like said that unlike other spiritual leaders, he won't tell his members who to vote in the elections.

He emphasized that while preparing for the elections, Christians should pray to God to direct them on who to vote.

While praying for Nigeria to have a peaceful elections, he however added that any member of his church who want to follow his choice should contact him privately to know who he has decided to support in the elections.

According to him, "I will not tell you who to vote for, even President Muhammadu Buhari during his campaign in Imo State said the people should go out and vote for the candidates of their choice.

"If you want to vote whom I've made up my mind to vote for in the Presidential election, call me on phone and I'll tell you but I won't stand here to tell you who to vote for.

Go out on Saturday and vote your conscience. Pray to God to give you direction on the right person to lead this great country and please, don't sell your votes for anything".

He added that members of the church are permitted to avoid church weekly activities to enable them travel home for the 2019 elections.

Read More

2019 BUDGET OF QABALISTIC DENSIFICATION: DRIVEN BY ESOTERICAL AND INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY – ARCHIBONG

By Kingsley Agim

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong has stated that the humongous 2019 budget presented by Governor Ben Ayade to the State House of Assembly, yesterday, is such that is propelled by esoteric and intellectually driven force.

Mrs. Archibong made this known while speaking to newsmen after the Governor's budget presentation held at the Hallowed Chambers of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

The Commissioner quipped that the budget which is aimed at densifying the kinetically crystallized budget of 2018 and the trailblazing achievements actualized through it, will not only maintain regular salary payment but will continue to put food on the table, and will also get Cross Riverians' hand on the plough.

Speaking further, Mrs. Achibong described the budget as "a product of hard work" that is yielding into fruition, Governor Ayade's dream of making Cross River State an industrial nerve centre among Nigerian States.

The Commissioner, who said the budget and indeed the present administration's previous budgets have not based on accruable income from the federal allocation, marveled at how a State that is second to last in terms of federal allocation, is first in the performance index, hinting that Governor Ayade holds the magic wand to drive Cross River to its desired height.

Enumerating some of the exploits of the Ayade-led administration, the over 7, 000 appointees, 2, 000 teachers and security officials, 1, 000 primary health care personnel, among the numerous industries scattered across the State; Mrs. Archibong urged Cross Riverians to support the second term bid of Governor Ben Ayade in order for him to consolidate on the gains and achievements of his first tenure.

Read More

2019 BUDGET OF QABALISTIC DENSIFICATION: DRIVEN BY ESOTERICAL AND INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY – ARCHIBONG

By Kingsley Agim

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong has stated that the humongous 2019 budget presented by Governor Ben Ayade to the State House of Assembly, yesterday, is such that is propelled by esoteric and intellectually driven force.

Mrs. Archibong made this known while speaking to newsmen after the Governor's budget presentation held at the Hallowed Chambers of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

The Commissioner quipped that the budget which is aimed at densifying the kinetically crystallized budget of 2018 and the trailblazing achievements actualized through it, will not only maintain regular salary payment but will continue to put food on the table, and will also get Cross Riverians' hand on the plough.

Speaking further, Mrs. Achibong described the budget as "a product of hard work" that is yielding into fruition, Governor Ayade's dream of making Cross River State an industrial nerve centre among Nigerian States.

The Commissioner, who said the budget and indeed the present administration's previous budgets have not based on accruable income from the federal allocation, marveled at how a State that is second to last in terms of federal allocation, is first in the performance index, hinting that Governor Ayade holds the magic wand to drive Cross River to its desired height.

Enumerating some of the exploits of the Ayade-led administration, the over 7, 000 appointees, 2, 000 teachers and security officials, 1, 000 primary health care personnel, among the numerous industries scattered across the State; Mrs. Archibong urged Cross Riverians to support the second term bid of Governor Ben Ayade in order for him to consolidate on the gains and achievements of his first tenure.

Read More

GOV. AYADE PRESENTS 2019 BUDGET TO STATE ASSEMBLY

By Kingsley Agim

Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade has presented a budget of N1, 043, 967, 000, 000 only to the State House of Assembly for the 2019 fiscal year.

Presenting the budget, recently, at the Hallowed Chamber of the State House of Assembly, Governor Ayade stated that the budget, tagged 'Budget of Qabalistic Densification,' "is a magical budget of concentrating all ideas and ideals into a cumulative action point that will be delivered with tested velocity."

"The budget, with 30 percent allocated to infrastructure, seems to address the fundamental thrust of our governance architecture, creating a prosperity direction and pathway, focusing on the realization of the core mandate of this government and shifting Cross River State from a third world to first world within eight years," the Governor stated.

Speaking further, the Governor maintained that the transformation of the State can only be achieved by strategic long-term plans, dealing effectively with issues of active industrialization of every Local Government Area in Cross River State, seeking and connecting it through the super highway and serving as a nexus that connects the industries as the evacuation corridor emptying at the deep seaport for exports.

The Governor said the overall master plan of his government is "to create a new Cross River State that is industry-based, create industries that draw raw materials from local resource base and create a prosperity agenda that focuses on the people and densifies a classical densification of the individuality of the population,"

He also pointed out that the cabalistic nature of the budget signifies the magical wand behind such huge figures that would come without a corresponding envelop to support it; but an intellectual envelop of magical perspective, inspired by God.

He revealed that the performance efficiency of the 2018 Budget of Kinetic Crystallization stood at 74 percent, which is evident in the massive industrialization of the State, expansion of governance and employment opportunities for the common wealth of the State.

Senator Ayade also disclosed that work on his administration's signature projects are in top gear, as earth work and dredging are ongoing at the Super Highway and Deep Seaport respectively.

He said his first term in office had as a priority, putting food on the table for the citizenry; but his second tenure will be putting food on the table and hands on the floor, while urging the State House of Assembly to expedite action in ensuring speedy signing of the budget into law.

Read More

GOV. AYADE PRESENTS 2019 BUDGET TO STATE ASSEMBLY

By Kingsley Agim

Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade has presented a budget of N1, 043, 967, 000, 000 only to the State House of Assembly for the 2019 fiscal year.

Presenting the budget, recently, at the Hallowed Chamber of the State House of Assembly, Governor Ayade stated that the budget, tagged 'Budget of Qabalistic Densification,' "is a magical budget of concentrating all ideas and ideals into a cumulative action point that will be delivered with tested velocity."

"The budget, with 30 percent allocated to infrastructure, seems to address the fundamental thrust of our governance architecture, creating a prosperity direction and pathway, focusing on the realization of the core mandate of this government and shifting Cross River State from a third world to first world within eight years," the Governor stated.

Speaking further, the Governor maintained that the transformation of the State can only be achieved by strategic long-term plans, dealing effectively with issues of active industrialization of every Local Government Area in Cross River State, seeking and connecting it through the super highway and serving as a nexus that connects the industries as the evacuation corridor emptying at the deep seaport for exports.

The Governor said the overall master plan of his government is "to create a new Cross River State that is industry-based, create industries that draw raw materials from local resource base and create a prosperity agenda that focuses on the people and densifies a classical densification of the individuality of the population,"

He also pointed out that the cabalistic nature of the budget signifies the magical wand behind such huge figures that would come without a corresponding envelop to support it; but an intellectual envelop of magical perspective, inspired by God.

He revealed that the performance efficiency of the 2018 Budget of Kinetic Crystallization stood at 74 percent, which is evident in the massive industrialization of the State, expansion of governance and employment opportunities for the common wealth of the State.

Senator Ayade also disclosed that work on his administration's signature projects are in top gear, as earth work and dredging are ongoing at the Super Highway and Deep Seaport respectively.

He said his first term in office had as a priority, putting food on the table for the citizenry; but his second tenure will be putting food on the table and hands on the floor, while urging the State House of Assembly to expedite action in ensuring speedy signing of the budget into law.

Read More

CRIRS COMMENCES SENSITIZATION CAMPAIGN FOR VOLUNTARY TAX COMPLIANCE

By Anita Ekpenyong

The Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has commenced a sensitization and enlightenment campaign of the tax-paying public to secure their buy-in for Voluntary Tax Compliance in the State.

The Executive Chairman Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS), Mr. Akpanke Ando Ogar who stated this recently during a press conference held at Hit FM, Calabar said that the Campaign is Part of efforts by the Service to reposition and redefine its relationship with tax payers in the State.

He added that the Campaign is designed to improve the CRIRS's tax base; increase the number of Tax Payers in the informal and structured sectors of the State's economy as well as improving the collection of taxes from the informal sector.

According to the CRIRS Boss, the campaign would also aim to acquaint Tax Payers with various modern means to Tax payment, including online platforms and other channels towards growing compliance levels among the populace. "We will deploy a robust social media platform in reaching out to tax payers and have a viable feedback mechanism to address grievances from tax payers". He said.

Mr. Ogar also stated that the campaign will last for 9 months (January to September, 2019) during which various mass media platforms, including the electronic media and bill boards, will be utilized to disseminate information on Tax payment; its benefits to the overall well-being of the indigenes of the State and why voluntary Tax Compliance was the best option for every well-meaning citizen.

He added that the CRIRS's target was to grow the tax base by increasing the compliance level from its current 8 percent to about 30 percent within the period of the campaign.

The Chairman listed some achievements recorded by the Department to include; sustaining the trends of revenue generation in the state deepening collaboration and partnership with stakeholders at both state and local government levels with international development partners - the World Bank/State and Local Governance Programme (SLOGOR) project, automation of records, processes and services, improvements in data management, and improving staff morale as well as improving tax education and enlightenment.

The Press Conference was climaxed with question and answer session on check mating the excesses of tax invaders, deliberating on the major source of revenue generation in the State, a call for a comprehensive data base for proper tax collection among others.

The CRIRS is the revenue collection agency of the Cross River State and has since its inception, launched various dynamic initiatives aimed at actualizing its vision of being the leading revenue collection services in Nigeria, towards facilitating the overall development of Cross River State.

Read More

CRIRS COMMENCES SENSITIZATION CAMPAIGN FOR VOLUNTARY TAX COMPLIANCE

By Anita Ekpenyong

The Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has commenced a sensitization and enlightenment campaign of the tax-paying public to secure their buy-in for Voluntary Tax Compliance in the State.

The Executive Chairman Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS), Mr. Akpanke Ando Ogar who stated this recently during a press conference held at Hit FM, Calabar said that the Campaign is Part of efforts by the Service to reposition and redefine its relationship with tax payers in the State.

He added that the Campaign is designed to improve the CRIRS's tax base; increase the number of Tax Payers in the informal and structured sectors of the State's economy as well as improving the collection of taxes from the informal sector.

According to the CRIRS Boss, the campaign would also aim to acquaint Tax Payers with various modern means to Tax payment, including online platforms and other channels towards growing compliance levels among the populace. "We will deploy a robust social media platform in reaching out to tax payers and have a viable feedback mechanism to address grievances from tax payers". He said.

Mr. Ogar also stated that the campaign will last for 9 months (January to September, 2019) during which various mass media platforms, including the electronic media and bill boards, will be utilized to disseminate information on Tax payment; its benefits to the overall well-being of the indigenes of the State and why voluntary Tax Compliance was the best option for every well-meaning citizen.

He added that the CRIRS's target was to grow the tax base by increasing the compliance level from its current 8 percent to about 30 percent within the period of the campaign.

The Chairman listed some achievements recorded by the Department to include; sustaining the trends of revenue generation in the state deepening collaboration and partnership with stakeholders at both state and local government levels with international development partners - the World Bank/State and Local Governance Programme (SLOGOR) project, automation of records, processes and services, improvements in data management, and improving staff morale as well as improving tax education and enlightenment.

The Press Conference was climaxed with question and answer session on check mating the excesses of tax invaders, deliberating on the major source of revenue generation in the State, a call for a comprehensive data base for proper tax collection among others.

The CRIRS is the revenue collection agency of the Cross River State and has since its inception, launched various dynamic initiatives aimed at actualizing its vision of being the leading revenue collection services in Nigeria, towards facilitating the overall development of Cross River State.

Read More