CRS Solemn Assembly: Unjust Ceding of Oil Wells takes Centre Stage

By Kingsley Agim

Christians in Cross River have held a solemn assembly to seek God's divine intervention as the State prepares to revisit the unconscionable ceding of the State's 76 oil wells to neighboring Akwa Ibom.

The event, themed "Cross River: It's Time to Reclaim Your Lost Glory," held recently at the Millennium Park in Calabar, brought Christian faithfuls together for supplications over the affairs of the State.

Speaking at the event, the immediate past Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong described the 'Bring Back Our Oil Wells' initiative as "laudable" and reminiscent of the 'can-do spirit' she advocates for, while averring that the retrieval of the State's Oil Wells is a possibility.

"When it appears all is lost, we are reinvigorated to say we cannot lose it all; there is still an avenue for retrieval of whatever is lost. This is the spirit that we must all embrace," Mrs. Archibong added.

The ex-information boss commended the 'Bring Back Our Oil Wells' Director-General, Ambassador Jerry Odey and his team for their dogged effort towards the cause, maintaining that "it is a fallout of the enterprise spirit inculcated in Cross Riverians by Governor Ben Ayade."

Also speaking, Government House Chaplain, Reverend Father Patrick Eneyo stressed on the importance of laying the 'Bring Back Our Oil Wells' foundation on God, believing that "with God all things are possible."

In his remarks, the 'Bring Back Our Oil Wells' Director-General, Ambassador Jerry Odey, called for the review of the unjust ceding of the Cross River's 76 Oil Wells to Akwa Ibom, describing the 2012 judgment as "a travesty of justice."

Odey maintained that while the State seeks reclamation of her Oil Wells, Cross Riverians will continue to belief in the saying by the iconic American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. that "the arm of the moral universe still bends towards justice."

The Solemn Assembly also had in attendance dignitaries, clergymen and groups; notably, Bishop (Prof.) Mike Okom, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Apostle David Ogaga of Zion Embassy Church, Pastor Augustine Philip of Living Glory Gospel Centre,Former SA – Religious Affairs, Calabar Municipality, Venerable Augustine Oqua, Pastor Agnes Usang, the Coordinator, Cross River Prays, Mrs. Catherine Agba.

Others were Rev. (Mrs.) Mercy Akpama, Members of Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative (CROWEI), National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, the African Church Choir, and students.

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CRS Solemn Assembly: Unjust Ceding of Oil Wells takes Centre Stage

By Kingsley Agim

Christians in Cross River have held a solemn assembly to seek God's divine intervention as the State prepares to revisit the unconscionable ceding of the State's 76 oil wells to neighboring Akwa Ibom.

The event, themed "Cross River: It's Time to Reclaim Your Lost Glory," held recently at the Millennium Park in Calabar, brought Christian faithfuls together for supplications over the affairs of the State.

Speaking at the event, the immediate past Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong described the 'Bring Back Our Oil Wells' initiative as "laudable" and reminiscent of the 'can-do spirit' she advocates for, while averring that the retrieval of the State's Oil Wells is a possibility.

"When it appears all is lost, we are reinvigorated to say we cannot lose it all; there is still an avenue for retrieval of whatever is lost. This is the spirit that we must all embrace," Mrs. Archibong added.

The ex-information boss commended the 'Bring Back Our Oil Wells' Director-General, Ambassador Jerry Odey and his team for their dogged effort towards the cause, maintaining that "it is a fallout of the enterprise spirit inculcated in Cross Riverians by Governor Ben Ayade."

Also speaking, Government House Chaplain, Reverend Father Patrick Eneyo stressed on the importance of laying the 'Bring Back Our Oil Wells' foundation on God, believing that "with God all things are possible."

In his remarks, the 'Bring Back Our Oil Wells' Director-General, Ambassador Jerry Odey, called for the review of the unjust ceding of the Cross River's 76 Oil Wells to Akwa Ibom, describing the 2012 judgment as "a travesty of justice."

Odey maintained that while the State seeks reclamation of her Oil Wells, Cross Riverians will continue to belief in the saying by the iconic American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. that "the arm of the moral universe still bends towards justice."

The Solemn Assembly also had in attendance dignitaries, clergymen and groups; notably, Bishop (Prof.) Mike Okom, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Apostle David Ogaga of Zion Embassy Church, Pastor Augustine Philip of Living Glory Gospel Centre,Former SA – Religious Affairs, Calabar Municipality, Venerable Augustine Oqua, Pastor Agnes Usang, the Coordinator, Cross River Prays, Mrs. Catherine Agba.

Others were Rev. (Mrs.) Mercy Akpama, Members of Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative (CROWEI), National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, the African Church Choir, and students.

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GOV. AYADE’S UNPARALLELED HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

By Kingsley Agim – Ministry of Information and Orientation

Nobel Laureate and Holocaust Survivor, Elie Wiesel, once stated: "Just as despair come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings."

The import of the above quote is seen in the humanitarian efforts of the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration in the Cameroon crisis that has left Cross River State with over 75% of the total Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria.

The ongoing political unrest between the Paul Biya-led Cameroonian government and the Southern region (Ambazonia) – clamoring for secession, threw Nigeria with an influx of refugees from her neighbouring country; with Cross River State worst hit by that situation.

Such unprecedented influx of refugees to the State – nay Nigeria and its attendant challenges, posed enormous danger of outbreak of epidemic, spread of diseases, hunger and even death. The situation drew international attention.

The State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade, in his empathic disposition, partnered the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), enumerated, transferred refugees from Ikom to Adagom Refugee Settlement in Ogoja and ameliorated the living standard of refugees in Cross River State. Governor Ben Ayade went ahead with the provision of nursery, primary and secondary schools, medical centre, pipe borne water, as well as other amenities, in a bid to making the centre habitable for the people.

Governor Ayade, humane as he has been, has made the welfare and wellbeing of the refugees his utmost priority, with interventions through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and his wife's Mediatrix Foundation.

Governor Ayade also made sure that there was peaceful coexistence between the refugees and their host communities, while stressing on the need to reintegrate the Cameroonians into the society.

The following remarks by notable stakeholders in the refugee situation in Nigeria, speak eloquently of the governor's effort in ensuring that a shoulder is lent for our fellow African brothers and sisters:

On the 20th of May, 2019, at the event of Cameroon's Unity Day Celebration, held in Calabar, the Cameroon Consul to Calabar, Mr. Onana Patrice said: "I thanked Governor Ben Ayade and the people of Cross River State, as our hosts, for their hospitability, especially during the recent refugee crisis in Cameroon."

On June 20th, 2019, UNHCR's Senior Protection Officer, Ntampaka Clarisse, gave the commendation at the World Refugee Day, held 20th June, 2019, at the Conference Hall of Channel View Hotel, Calabar.

"We want to thank the Government of Cross River State for all the support. We also want to recognize and thank the host communities who opened their hearts and homes to the refugees. We want to thank the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for working with us, and the Federal Government's National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and our partners, UNICEF, Fhi 360, CUSO, Mediatrix Foundation, etc, for the great work," Clarisse remarked.

In November, 2019, Speaking as one of the panelists at the "Conversation," an orientation programme of the Ministry of Information and Orientation aimed at creating a mix between the government and the governed, held at the Conference Hall of Ogoja Local Government Council, the UNHCR representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Antonio Jose Canhandula commended the Governor Ben Ayade for "his empathic disposition and tremendous support towards alleviating the living standard of refugees in Cross River State."

Another representative of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr. Muhammed Rafiq Nasry, also remarked: "in all my years with United Nations, I have not seen the type of commitment like that shown by Senator Ben Ayade."

With a leader like Ayade – imbued with so much empathy and the penchant to positively affect humanity, he is replete with the wherewithal to change humankind and deserving of a Nobel award/recognition for his entrenchment of peace and humanitarian efforts.

Read More

GOV. AYADE’S UNPARALLELED HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

By Kingsley Agim – Ministry of Information and Orientation

Nobel Laureate and Holocaust Survivor, Elie Wiesel, once stated: "Just as despair come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings."

The import of the above quote is seen in the humanitarian efforts of the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration in the Cameroon crisis that has left Cross River State with over 75% of the total Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria.

The ongoing political unrest between the Paul Biya-led Cameroonian government and the Southern region (Ambazonia) – clamoring for secession, threw Nigeria with an influx of refugees from her neighbouring country; with Cross River State worst hit by that situation.

Such unprecedented influx of refugees to the State – nay Nigeria and its attendant challenges, posed enormous danger of outbreak of epidemic, spread of diseases, hunger and even death. The situation drew international attention.

The State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade, in his empathic disposition, partnered the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), enumerated, transferred refugees from Ikom to Adagom Refugee Settlement in Ogoja and ameliorated the living standard of refugees in Cross River State. Governor Ben Ayade went ahead with the provision of nursery, primary and secondary schools, medical centre, pipe borne water, as well as other amenities, in a bid to making the centre habitable for the people.

Governor Ayade, humane as he has been, has made the welfare and wellbeing of the refugees his utmost priority, with interventions through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and his wife's Mediatrix Foundation.

Governor Ayade also made sure that there was peaceful coexistence between the refugees and their host communities, while stressing on the need to reintegrate the Cameroonians into the society.

The following remarks by notable stakeholders in the refugee situation in Nigeria, speak eloquently of the governor's effort in ensuring that a shoulder is lent for our fellow African brothers and sisters:

On the 20th of May, 2019, at the event of Cameroon's Unity Day Celebration, held in Calabar, the Cameroon Consul to Calabar, Mr. Onana Patrice said: "I thanked Governor Ben Ayade and the people of Cross River State, as our hosts, for their hospitability, especially during the recent refugee crisis in Cameroon."

On June 20th, 2019, UNHCR's Senior Protection Officer, Ntampaka Clarisse, gave the commendation at the World Refugee Day, held 20th June, 2019, at the Conference Hall of Channel View Hotel, Calabar.

"We want to thank the Government of Cross River State for all the support. We also want to recognize and thank the host communities who opened their hearts and homes to the refugees. We want to thank the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for working with us, and the Federal Government's National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and our partners, UNICEF, Fhi 360, CUSO, Mediatrix Foundation, etc, for the great work," Clarisse remarked.

In November, 2019, Speaking as one of the panelists at the "Conversation," an orientation programme of the Ministry of Information and Orientation aimed at creating a mix between the government and the governed, held at the Conference Hall of Ogoja Local Government Council, the UNHCR representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Antonio Jose Canhandula commended the Governor Ben Ayade for "his empathic disposition and tremendous support towards alleviating the living standard of refugees in Cross River State."

Another representative of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr. Muhammed Rafiq Nasry, also remarked: "in all my years with United Nations, I have not seen the type of commitment like that shown by Senator Ben Ayade."

With a leader like Ayade – imbued with so much empathy and the penchant to positively affect humanity, he is replete with the wherewithal to change humankind and deserving of a Nobel award/recognition for his entrenchment of peace and humanitarian efforts.

Read More

GOV. AYADE’S UNPARALLELED HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

By Kingsley Agim – Ministry of Information and Orientation

Nobel Laureate and Holocaust Survivor, Elie Wiesel, once stated: "Just as despair come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings."

The import of the above quote is seen in the humanitarian efforts of the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration in the Cameroon crisis that has left Cross River State with over 75% of the total Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria.

The ongoing political unrest between the Paul Biya-led Cameroonian government and the Southern region (Ambazonia) – clamoring for secession, threw Nigeria with an influx of refugees from her neighbouring country; with Cross River State worst hit by that situation.

Such unprecedented influx of refugees to the State – nay Nigeria and its attendant challenges, posed enormous danger of outbreak of epidemic, spread of diseases, hunger and even death. The situation drew international attention.

The State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade, in his empathic disposition, partnered the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), enumerated, transferred refugees from Ikom to Adagom Refugee Settlement in Ogoja and ameliorated the living standard of refugees in Cross River State. Governor Ben Ayade went ahead with the provision of nursery, primary and secondary schools, medical centre, pipe borne water, as well as other amenities, in a bid to making the centre habitable for the people.

Governor Ayade, humane as he has been, has made the welfare and wellbeing of the refugees his utmost priority, with interventions through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and his wife's Mediatrix Foundation.

Governor Ayade also made sure that there was peaceful coexistence between the refugees and their host communities, while stressing on the need to reintegrate the Cameroonians into the society.

The following remarks by notable stakeholders in the refugee situation in Nigeria, speak eloquently of the governor's effort in ensuring that a shoulder is lent for our fellow African brothers and sisters:

On the 20th of May, 2019, at the event of Cameroon's Unity Day Celebration, held in Calabar, the Cameroon Consul to Calabar, Mr. Onana Patrice said: "I thanked Governor Ben Ayade and the people of Cross River State, as our hosts, for their hospitability, especially during the recent refugee crisis in Cameroon."

On June 20th, 2019, UNHCR's Senior Protection Officer, Ntampaka Clarisse, gave the commendation at the World Refugee Day, held 20th June, 2019, at the Conference Hall of Channel View Hotel, Calabar.

"We want to thank the Government of Cross River State for all the support. We also want to recognize and thank the host communities who opened their hearts and homes to the refugees. We want to thank the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for working with us, and the Federal Government's National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and our partners, UNICEF, Fhi 360, CUSO, Mediatrix Foundation, etc, for the great work," Clarisse remarked.

In November, 2019, Speaking as one of the panelists at the "Conversation," an orientation programme of the Ministry of Information and Orientation aimed at creating a mix between the government and the governed, held at the Conference Hall of Ogoja Local Government Council, the UNHCR representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Antonio Jose Canhandula commended the Governor Ben Ayade for "his empathic disposition and tremendous support towards alleviating the living standard of refugees in Cross River State."

Another representative of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr. Muhammed Rafiq Nasry, also remarked: "in all my years with United Nations, I have not seen the type of commitment like that shown by Senator Ben Ayade."

With a leader like Ayade – imbued with so much empathy and the penchant to positively affect humanity, he is replete with the wherewithal to change humankind and deserving of a Nobel award/recognition for his entrenchment of peace and humanitarian efforts.

Read More

GOV. AYADE’S UNPARALLELED HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

By Kingsley Agim – Ministry of Information and Orientation

Nobel Laureate and Holocaust Survivor, Elie Wiesel, once stated: "Just as despair come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings."

The import of the above quote is seen in the humanitarian efforts of the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration in the Cameroon crisis that has left Cross River State with over 75% of the total Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria.

The ongoing political unrest between the Paul Biya-led Cameroonian government and the Southern region (Ambazonia) – clamoring for secession, threw Nigeria with an influx of refugees from her neighbouring country; with Cross River State worst hit by that situation.

Such unprecedented influx of refugees to the State – nay Nigeria and its attendant challenges, posed enormous danger of outbreak of epidemic, spread of diseases, hunger and even death. The situation drew international attention.

The State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade, in his empathic disposition, partnered the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), enumerated, transferred refugees from Ikom to Adagom Refugee Settlement in Ogoja and ameliorated the living standard of refugees in Cross River State. Governor Ben Ayade went ahead with the provision of nursery, primary and secondary schools, medical centre, pipe borne water, as well as other amenities, in a bid to making the centre habitable for the people.

Governor Ayade, humane as he has been, has made the welfare and wellbeing of the refugees his utmost priority, with interventions through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and his wife's Mediatrix Foundation.

Governor Ayade also made sure that there was peaceful coexistence between the refugees and their host communities, while stressing on the need to reintegrate the Cameroonians into the society.

The following remarks by notable stakeholders in the refugee situation in Nigeria, speak eloquently of the governor's effort in ensuring that a shoulder is lent for our fellow African brothers and sisters:

On the 20th of May, 2019, at the event of Cameroon's Unity Day Celebration, held in Calabar, the Cameroon Consul to Calabar, Mr. Onana Patrice said: "I thanked Governor Ben Ayade and the people of Cross River State, as our hosts, for their hospitability, especially during the recent refugee crisis in Cameroon."

On June 20th, 2019, UNHCR's Senior Protection Officer, Ntampaka Clarisse, gave the commendation at the World Refugee Day, held 20th June, 2019, at the Conference Hall of Channel View Hotel, Calabar.

"We want to thank the Government of Cross River State for all the support. We also want to recognize and thank the host communities who opened their hearts and homes to the refugees. We want to thank the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for working with us, and the Federal Government's National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and our partners, UNICEF, Fhi 360, CUSO, Mediatrix Foundation, etc, for the great work," Clarisse remarked.

In November, 2019, Speaking as one of the panelists at the "Conversation," an orientation programme of the Ministry of Information and Orientation aimed at creating a mix between the government and the governed, held at the Conference Hall of Ogoja Local Government Council, the UNHCR representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Antonio Jose Canhandula commended the Governor Ben Ayade for "his empathic disposition and tremendous support towards alleviating the living standard of refugees in Cross River State."

Another representative of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr. Muhammed Rafiq Nasry, also remarked: "in all my years with United Nations, I have not seen the type of commitment like that shown by Senator Ben Ayade."

With a leader like Ayade – imbued with so much empathy and the penchant to positively affect humanity, he is replete with the wherewithal to change humankind and deserving of a Nobel award/recognition for his entrenchment of peace and humanitarian efforts.

Read More

Tribunal: Ayade's victory, mine, well-deserved -- Hon. Mbu-Ogar

By Kingsley Agim 

The Lawmaker representing Etung State Constituency, Hon. (Barr.) Chris Njah Mbu-Ogar, has described respective tribunal rulings upholding his victory and that of Governor Ben Ayade at the last elections as "well-deserved." 

A statement signed by the legislator in reaction to the judgments read: "Today's ruling at the election petition tribunal is a well-deserved victory for our constituents and indeed all Cross Riverians who turned out en-masse to vote my Boss, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade and I into Office. 

"Once again, your voices have been clearly heard. Our resolve to bring growth and development to our beloved State and Local Governments is undaunted," the statement continued.

Continuing, the amiable and adept political solon stated: "More than ever, we are committed to fulfilling the mandate given us by you all and bringing to bare the reality of our promises to the people. Yet again, we extend our hands of goodwill and fellowship to our co-contestants and other well-meaning Sons and Daughters; the movement for our growth and development as a state calls for collaborative efforts."

"We remain deeply appreciative of all who continued to work tirelessly in our vanguard for the true emancipation of our common heritage. Together, we join hands to move Cross River State and Etung Local Government Area forward," he solemnly pledged.

Read More

Tribunal: Ayade's victory, mine, well-deserved -- Hon. Mbu-Ogar

By Kingsley Agim 

The Lawmaker representing Etung State Constituency, Hon. (Barr.) Chris Njah Mbu-Ogar, has described respective tribunal rulings upholding his victory and that of Governor Ben Ayade at the last elections as "well-deserved." 

A statement signed by the legislator in reaction to the judgments read: "Today's ruling at the election petition tribunal is a well-deserved victory for our constituents and indeed all Cross Riverians who turned out en-masse to vote my Boss, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade and I into Office. 

"Once again, your voices have been clearly heard. Our resolve to bring growth and development to our beloved State and Local Governments is undaunted," the statement continued.

Continuing, the amiable and adept political solon stated: "More than ever, we are committed to fulfilling the mandate given us by you all and bringing to bare the reality of our promises to the people. Yet again, we extend our hands of goodwill and fellowship to our co-contestants and other well-meaning Sons and Daughters; the movement for our growth and development as a state calls for collaborative efforts."

"We remain deeply appreciative of all who continued to work tirelessly in our vanguard for the true emancipation of our common heritage. Together, we join hands to move Cross River State and Etung Local Government Area forward," he solemnly pledged.

Read More