Skip to main content

Cabinet Reshuffle: CRSCF Urges President Tinubu to Strengthen Cross River Representation in Federal Cabinet

 


Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF)

An Open Letter to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,

On the Recent Federal Cabinet Reshuffle and the Status of Cross River State in the Federal Administration

October 27, 2024

His Excellency,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,

Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Your Excellency,

The Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF), representing the interests of Cross River State, extends warm regards to you and expresses our profound appreciation for your administration's achievements within its first year. We recognize the strides you have made towards strengthening Nigeria’s economy and promoting inclusive development across the nation.

Under your leadership, we have witnessed a historic doubling of aggregate government revenues to over 9.1 trillion Naira and a significant reduction in the portion of revenue spent on debt service, from 97% to 68%. Additionally, the clearance of $5 billion in outstanding foreign exchange obligations has provided the much-needed relief for businesses and the economy. These efforts, among others, have laid a foundation of stability and growth for our country.

We also commend the resurgence of Nigeria's oil and gas industry, with production increasing to 1.61 million barrels per day, as well as the signing of two Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) deals worth over half a billion dollars, underscoring your administration’s commitment to fostering a robust investment climate. Your launch of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative is another milestone, which we believe will pave the way for a more sustainable energy future.

Moreover, your signing of the National Minimum Wage law, raising the minimum wage to N70,000 per month, has been met with relief by Nigerian workers, especially during these challenging economic times. We applaud your administration’s support for youth through initiatives such as the Student Loan program, the establishment of the Credit Corporation, and the removal of tariffs on essential imports. These reforms reflect your dedication to the well-being of all Nigerians.

While we deeply appreciate these positive changes, we feel it is important to bring to your attention concerns regarding the recent cabinet reshuffle and its implications for Cross River State’s representation at the federal level. Our state, initially represented by Dr. Betta Edu in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Senator John Owan-Enoh in the Ministry of Sports Development, now has a single representative, Senator John Owan-Enoh, who has been re-assigned as Minister of State in the Ministry of Trade and Investment (Industry). This adjustment, though positive in some sense, has caused concern among our people, as it tends to reduce Cross River’s influence within the federal administration.

Cross River was until the recent victory of our great party in Edo State, the sole APC state in the South-South geopolitical zone, standing firmly by the party amid a complex political landscape and our Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has been consistent, clear and unambiguous in his vociferous support for the party, quietly midwifing her victories in Imo and Edo states as chairman of their campaign councils. Given this loyalty and our unflinching support for your administration, we humbly appeal for a reconsideration that would provide Cross River with another ministerial role to ensure our state’s concerns are adequately represented in the federal cabinet.

Further, Your Excellency, as you consider upcoming federal appointments, we request that Cross River citizens be given key opportunities in federal boards, commissions, parastatals, and ambassadorial roles. This enhanced representation would not only be a testament to your administration’s inclusive approach but also boost the morale and support of the Cross River people.

We also respectfully urge that attention be directed toward completing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a project with transformative potential for Cross River’s economy and regional integration. We are confident that this and other infrastructure projects will stand as enduring legacies of your tenure in our state.

In closing, we once again express our gratitude for your remarkable leadership. The people of Cross River State, through the CRSCF, appeal for fair and strengthened representation within your administration. We are confident in your dedication to a united Nigeria and remain committed to supporting your vision for a prosperous nation.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this appeal. May your administration continue to thrive and bring lasting progress to all Nigerians.

Yours sincerely,

Signed:

  

Sir Maurice Effiwatt  

Prof Emmanuel Eyo, Esq.  

Apostle (Hon) James Anam  

Ntufam (Hon) Victor Okon  

Hon. (Mrs) Ada Charles Egwu  

Hon. (Chief) Ani Esin  

Hon Joseph Etene, Esq  

Hon (Mrs) Abigail Duke Orok

Barr. Bassey Mensah  

Chief Felix Idem  

Prince Edwin Okon  

Ntufam (Hon) Okon Owuna  

Hon Charles Atu  


Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq - Chairman.

For and on behalf of the Cross River South Consultative Forum.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BREAKING NEWS: Youths of Ikot Ansa Nab Vandals Destroying Public Utilities, Hand Over to Authorities for Prosecution

  In a combined effort to curb the rampant vandalism of public utilities in Cross River State, the youth leader of Ikot Ansa, Prince, Victor Otu Iso JR, alongside his community, successfully apprehended criminals involved in the destruction of vital public infrastructure. The vandals were caught red-handed this morning, 13th day of September 2024, as they attempted to steal Amor cables belonging to state transformers at Ekpo Iso. Acting swiftly, the youth leader invited the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe KSM, and his counterpart on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, to the scene. The Special Advisers arrived promptly, accompanied by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force from the Federal Division, and took custody of the criminals. The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further interrogation and prosecution. While addressing the youths of Ikot Ansa, Engr. Dr. Egbe and Barr. Akiba commended t...
1 comment
Read more

Engr. Jerome Egbe Visits NSCDC Command for Strategic Partnership on Public Utilities

  The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM, today, October 8, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River Command, Mr. Brown Charles, in Calabar.  The visit centered on establishing a strategic partnership to protect and secure public utilities across the state from vandals and criminal elements. During the meeting, Engr. Egbe emphasized the importance of safeguarding all critical public infrastructure and ensuring close collaboration between the Ministry of Public Utilities and the NSCDC in achieving the Governor’s vision for a sustainable and secure state. He also inspected the state of the Command’s facilities and sympathized with the personnel over the recent rainstorm that destroyed parts of the roofing, leaving the building flooded and disrupting operations. Engr. Egbe conveyed the administration’s sympathy and reiterated Governor Bassey O...
1 comment
Read more

UNICROSS ACTING VC EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER DAMAGE OF UNIVERSITY STUCTURES AFTER RAINSTORM IN CALABAR

  The Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Cross River State, Professor Francisca Bassey, has expressed concern over the gravity of damage of the University's structures recorded in the wake of the rainstorm which swept through Calabar city yesterday, the 7th of May, 2025.  The Acting Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Director of Administration,  Professor Tom Ojikpong, expressed this concern when she led members of the University's management team on an on-the-spot inspection of the affected buildings in Calabar campus of the University. Yesterday's fierce rainstorm partially affected some offices including the conference room in the Administrative Building housing the Vice Chancellor's office. Other affected buildings are: the University's Library, Student Affairs building, Biological Science building, Environmental Studies building, New Science Block A, JAMB/CBT center, former Post Graduate School building, Mass Communication old block and the New Aud...
Post a Comment
Read more