Detailing News

  The Cross River State Government (CRSG) has joined other states and stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), applauding the commission for its unwavering commitment to regional development, especially in the areas of infrastructure, social services, and the empowerment of youth and women across the state. Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, led the Cross River State delegation and made the remarks while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the NDDC 25th Anniversary Plenary Session, held on Saturday at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday.  “The good people of Cross River State join the rest of the Niger Delta in celebrating this momentous occasion of the NDDC,” Odey stated. “Over the past 25 years, the Commission has made notable strides in transforming lives of citizens in Cross Ri...

  Calabar, Cross River State – June 14, 2025 —  The Cross River State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Ankpo Edet, has publicly criticized the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over what he described as an inappropriate attempt to commission the ongoing Nyaghasang road project in Calabar, which he asserted was solely initiated and funded by the state government. Speaking during a media briefing at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre on Saturday afternoon, Hon. Ankpo clarified that the project was never awarded by the NDDC and remains under the purview of the Cross River State Government. “The Nyaghasang road is a project initiated by the Cross River State Government,” Ankpo stated. “We had some delays due to an outstanding debt to the initial contractor, which was fully cleared in December. This enabled us to re-award the project to a new contractor who is currently on site.” He further detailed the level of work completed so far, including drainage...

On June 13, 2023, the 10th Senate was inaugurated with the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON as President of the Nigeria Senate. Today, the Senate clocks 2 years, this is therefore a mid-term review of performance of Distinguished Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Representing Cross River Central Senatorial District. In two years, Senator Eteng Williams showcases an enviable scorecard of effective representation as a legislator par excellence. His track record in the Senate is marked by the sponsorship of relevant bills, consistent constituency outreach, community interventions, human capacity development and empowerments.  Bills and Motions:  Senator Williams has demonstrated legislative prowess by sponsoring the following bills: 1. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB 525), which seeks to establish the Federal Medical Centre in Ugep. This institution will eliminate the burden of long-distance travel for tertiary medical care, bringing state-of-the-art...

Former Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has called on Nigerians to show compassion and make monumental sacrifice to promote the growth and development of the nation. Dr Ekpenyong made the call as part of her Democracy message to Nigerians noting that, the efforts of our heroes past who fought for the sovereignty, unity and sustainable democratic development of our nation remains fresh in our minds at all times. She praised the efforts of leaders who have fought and made significant sacrifices for a sustainable transition process all through. "As we celebrate this year's democracy day, I wish to extend my heartfelt wishes to all Nigerians. Since June 12 1993, our nation has risen and survived different phases of military coups, rules and gracefully survived as a nation who's voices chose democracy and uphold its ideology. As we continue to ride on the laurels of our heroes like His Excellency ,President Ahmed Tinubu and other compatriots who hav...

The Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has received commendation for his remarkable achievements and commitment to the “People’s First Agenda” as he celebrates his second anniversary in office.  In a congratulatory message Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, noted that the governor was lauded for redefining governance through bold, people-focused policies.  Senator Williams, on behalf of his constituents, praised Governor Otu for his focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and other key sectors that have led to significant improvements in the quality of life across the state. “Your Excellency, you have not only redefined governance but also shown the true essence of putting people first,” the senator noted. “Your strides in infrastructure and other critical areas are evident, and they continue to uplift the lives of our people.” The Senator stated ...

  The College of Commissioners in Cross River State has officially endorsed the State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for a second term in office. The collective endorsement was made during a strategic meeting held at the Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters in Calabar. The endorsement was led by Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Information, with the event anchored by Dr. Henry Ayuk, Commissioner for Health, who emphasized that the administration's achievements in health, education, infrastructure, and people-centred development made a second term not just desirable, but necessary. Speaking at the event, Hon. Lawrencia Ita, Commissioner for Establishments, Training, and Pensions, noted, “We’ve witnessed the tremendous work His Excellency has done in education, health, and people's welfare, including pensions and gratuities. Cross River State deserves such a governor for eight years.” From the Central Senatorial District, Ho...

  By Detailing News The Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, on Saturday led top stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in officially endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections. The well-attended endorsement rally, held at the Ikom Township Stadium under the aegis of the Central Progressive Initiative (CPI), attracted party leaders, traditional rulers, youth organizations, women groups, and thousands of supporters from all six local government areas in the Central Senatorial District. Senator Williams  in his remarks, expressed strong and unified support for Governor Bassey Otu from the people and leaders of the Central Senatorial District. He emphasized that while the governor has already performed commendably, the people are encouraging him to do even more.  “The applause and support he receives are not just expressi...

Distinguished Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, was given a rousing reception by the people of Bahumono during a town hall meeting held on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Ebom community, Abi Local Government Area. The event, organized by the Bahumono Peace and Development Union, offered an opportunity for the people to express their aspirations and appreciation for the Senator’s unwavering commitment to grassroots development. In a heartfelt address of welcome, community leaders and stakeholders praised Senator Williams for his outstanding service, particularly in critical areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and human capital development. His numerous interventions across these sectors were acknowledged as having significantly uplifted the welfare and living standards of the people. The Bahumono community specifically commended Senator Williams for his leading role in facilitating the construction of the Ndibe Bridge and Road P...

  The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, CON and other members of the party's National Working Committee, NWC will on Friday, 2nd, May, 2025 attend a Special Appreciation Dinner organized by an Abuja based socio-political group, Coalition of Ganduje Support Groups, CGSG-Abuja. The event, according to the Convener of C-GSG-Abuja, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim, MFR is to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Ganduje and other NWC members into various boards of the nation's institutions. "CGSG-ABUJA has concluded plans to host our performing and result oriented National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, members of the National Working Committee, NWC and political associates and friends of the Chairman in a colourful dinner to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership style", Dr. Aliyu noted. The CGSG-ABUJA Convener also added that the occasion will be used to rally support for the Ganduje led N...

  By Our Correspondent  Calm has returned to Etung Local Government Area following a swift and strategic intervention by political stakeholders aimed at resolving a brewing crisis within the Etung Legislative Council. The tension stemmed from an attempted impeachment of the Council Leader, Hon. Ekubnse ThankGod, by some councillors. In a closed-door reconciliation meeting convened at the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Etung’s political heavyweights—past and present—gathered to douse the flames and foster unity within the council. Among those in attendance were the council chairman, councillors, political appointees, former local government chairmen, and other influential figures from the area. Speaking after the meeting, Prof. Owan-Enoh described the outcome as “constructive and unifying,” stating that the deliberations allowed both the embattled Council Leader and the councillors to openly address their grievances in an atmo...

The All Progressives Congress, APC Intellectual Resource Center would play a vital role in impacting the ideals of progressive governance in Nigeria. The Director General, DG of the  National Productivity Center, NPC, Dr. Bafa Baba Dan Angundi dropped this hints during a courtesy visit of The Progressive Institute, TPI at his office in Abuja last Thursday. Led by its Director General, DG, Lanre Adebayo, PhD, The Progressive Institute, TPI was at the NPC to introduce the institute and seek the support of NPC management in actualizing the mandate of TPI.  Dr. Adebayo who was accompanied by the Director of Program and Training, Malam Muhammad Sanusi-Kiru, the Director of Legal services,  Barrister Ego Queen-Ezuma, Director of Finance and Account Dr. Ibor Bassey highlights the achievements and challenges of the institute, noting that APC is the best thing to happen to Nigeria with the establishment of TPI. The DG of TPI added that APC is ready to bring Nigeria to the highest ...

  The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step towards addressing the rising cost of data services in the country, following a motion moved by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong. Raising concerns over the relentless increase in data prices, Senator Ekpenyong emphasized that access to affordable and reliable internet is crucial for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity among young Nigerians. He warned that the continuous hike in data costs by telecom companies could stifle digital growth and widen the digital divide at a time when the world is fully immersed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution—dominated by the Internet of Things. Acknowledging the critical role of internet accessibility in national development, the Senate adopted all the prayers of the motion and expanded its scope to include other services offered by telecom providers. Senator Ekpenyong expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, as the Senate now seeks urgent interventions to ensure Nigeria...

Over the last eight years, Cross River State witnessed an avalanche of appointments under Ayade's administration, an initiative famously christened "Food on the Table." This program enrolled hundreds of youths onto the state's payroll, providing them with salaries for the duration of the administration. Upon assuming office, Sen. Bassey Otu introduced a more sustainable and enduring initiative, the "Skills-in-the-Hands," aimed at empowering young Cross Riverians to create wealth and achieve financial independence, elevating individuals to heights they never thought possible. In a country where unemployment rates have reached unprecedented levels, leaving millions of graduates in uncertainty and susceptible to various crimes, including fraud, kidnapping and other serious offenses, the importance of empowering youths with skills and setting them up cannot be overstated. Equipping them for financial independence paves the way for economic freedom for countless ...

  The member representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Cyril Omini, has urged local government councillors to remain steadfast in advocating for the interests of their communities in their legislative roles.  He made this appeal during a presentation at the three-day Capacity-Building and Utilization Workshop for Local Government Legislative Councils, held at Landmark Hotel in Ogoja.  The event, themed "Building Institutions to Deliver Service and Facilitate Sustainable Development in the Local Government Systems," was organized by the Cross River State Government in collaboration with the Center for Community Policy and Strategic Development (CCPSD). In his presentation titled "Understanding the Critical Role of Local Government Legislators in Facilitating Sustainable Community Development," Hon. Omini emphasized the crucial role of local legislators in crafting policies that directly influence the welfare of citizens...

  The Cross River State Government (CRSG), through the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, in partnership with the Center for Community Policy and Strategic Development (CCPSD), on Tuesday, commenced a three-day capacity-building and utilization training for local government councillors, clerks, and legislative officers across the state. The workshop, themed "Building Institutions to Deliver Service and Facilitate Sustainable Development in the Local Government Systems," held at Landmark Hotel, Ogoja, for participants from the Northern Senatorial District. Declaring the event open, the Deputy Governor of the State, Rt. Hon Peter Odey  Ph.D, represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jnr  emphasized the crucial role of local government legislators in strengthening democracy and governance. He noted that enhancing their capacity would lead to improved decision-making and service delivery in their respective communities and Local Gover...

  Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has weighed in on the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling for an open and transparent investigation to uphold the integrity of the Senate.  In a statement posted on his Twitter handle, Saraki expressed deep concern over the negative impact of the controversy on the sanctity, public perception, and credibility of the Senate. He emphasised that individuals come and go, but the institution must be protected at all costs. “I have watched from afar the recent development in the Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is a development that has made me sad because of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution," Saraki stated. He urged all parties involved, including their supporters within and outside the chamber,...

  Few figures have divided opinions and families across Nigeria as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan [Kogi Central, PDP] has in the past two weeks. Fewer have navigated controversy and legal brinkmanship with the same unyielding intensity. Her career, marked by a relentless pursuit of influence and a penchant for turning personal grievances into public legal battles, reads like an intriguing but dramatic saga of passion and retribution. While the media has been inundated with stories about the recent seat arrangement and her unwillingness to follow Senate rules, her latest response is a legal action against the leader of the chambers. In a claim filed by her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, who has emerged as a key figure in her battles, she is demanding N100 billion in general damages for defamation and N300 million in litigation costs. Therefore, as one delves into her storied past, a clear pattern emerges: For Natasha, leveraging legal threats and high-stakes litigation is not merely a...

By Kelvin Obambon  Cross River Governor, Prince Bassey Otu has eased political tension that emanates from an alleged face-off with some members of the National Assembly in the state. Responding to question bothering on the issue during a media chat in Calabar on Tuesday, the governor stated that he has no problem with any member of the National Assembly. He cautioned people against dwelling on social media narratives to form opinions about governance in the state. He said as governor, his primary concern is the development of the state, and that everyone must work to deliver on their mandate. He added that 2027 politics cannot take the place of governance, as it was too early to start talking about election that is two years ahead. "I am not against anybody and all those are social media skirmishes, I believe everyone must deliver on their mandate," the governor stated. The political space in Cross River has been tensed in recent time following rumours, especially on social m...

Senator Representing Cross River Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly is set to commission 9 (Nine) new projects to improve the lives of residents in Cross River Central Senatorial District.  The Senator has constructed and completed solar-powered water boreholes, which will provide much-needed access to clean water to rural communities in the area.  For years, residents of the benefiting communities have struggled with water scarcity, a problem now significantly alleviated by Senator William's initiative. The solar-powered boreholes will not only deliver clean water but also help prevent waterborne diseases like cholera, contributing to a significant improvement in public health. Community leader, Ewono Edom, from Ababene, thanked Senator Williams for his dedication to addressing the pressing needs of the people, adding, “This project will significantly improve the quality of life for everyone in our community.” This project underscores the Senator's ongoing c...

  In a move aimed at strengthening ties and advancing developmental goals, Senator Representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Williams today visited the Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at his office. The visit underscores Senator William’s commitment to building strategic relationships that can deliver tangible benefits to his constituency  During the meeting, Senator Williams highlighted key areas of interest, including security, infrastructure, and opportunities for human capital development, all aimed at addressing the needs of his constituency. He commended the Minister for his proactive approach to interior affairs and reiterated the importance of collaboration between legislators and the executive to ensure effective service delivery. The Senator’s visit reflects his dedication to leveraging partnerships for the advancement of his people, ensuring they receive the attention and resources needed to foster progress and sus...