Christmas: C'River NDDC Rep, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Extends Goodwill to Former House of Assembly Members

 

In a move that has become a hallmark of his commitment to welfare and camaraderie, the Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Duke PhD, has met with former members of the Cross River State House of Assembly on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, to share seasonal goodwill and financial support.

Addressing his former colleagues in Calabar, Dr Duke emphasized the importance of mutual support among past legislators, particularly regarding health and economic stability in life after office.

The gesture marked the third consecutive Christmas season that Duke, a former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, has reached out to his former colleagues. This consistency was highlighted by Prof. Pauline Ekuri, a former member representing Etung State Constituency, who spoke on behalf of her colleagues.

"Right Honorable Orok Duke has been on this for the third Christmas or festive period," Prof. Ekuri remarked. "It's not that he is the richest amongst us, but it is from the bottom of his heart. We are very grateful."

During his address, Dr Duke spoke candidly about the physical and financial challenges that come with aging, noting that the "little token" provided was intended to ensure no member is left behind during the festivities.

"It always dawned on me that in this life, when you start getting to 40, 50, it is the money you have in your pocket that's likely going to sustain you," Duke stated. "Let us keep ourselves alive; the wisdom of those of us who were there ahead should be able to sustain the upcoming ones to know better."

In a practical demonstration of his support, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke announced a package of N100,000 and bags of rice for each of the 31 former assembly members present, including those from distant districts like Ogoja. He noted that while he initially considered a smaller sum, the current economic climate, where "one chicken is 50,000", necessitated an upward review to ensure families could celebrate comfortably.

He also used the forum to celebrate the political ascent of former members, noting that the current Deputy Governor of Cross River State is a product of their fold. He expressed optimism that more former members would continue to occupy high offices, including the Governorship and National Assembly.

Beyond the financial support, the NDDC state representative invited the former lawmakers to participate in the Tinkoriko annual procession on January 1st. He revealed that after decades of advocacy, the traditional procession has finally been officially integrated into the state’s 32-day tourism calendar by the current Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

"For 34 years, we've been playing Tinkoriko," Duke explained. "The Governor now said let us do 32 days as far as we include Tinkoriko on the 1st. We have buses now; when you dance and get tired, you enter the bus. We’re going to use drones to document everything."

Prof. Ekuri concluded the meeting by urging all former members to remain united, "Let us be meeting even when we don't have something to give; we are a body that God has put together."