Detailing News

Calabar—The representative of Cross River State on the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, has declared that Cross River state will eventually produce the Managing Directorship of the Commission, regardless of its current oil production status. Speaking at the recent commissioning of the NDDC’s ultra-modern state office and other projects in Calabar, Duke stated that Managing Directorship of the NDDC rotates among member states according to the Act and assured that Cross River’s turn would come. “The NDDC Chairman will rotate among the states of the Niger Delta, which means that after Bayelsa, we are going to have a turn. One day, it will come to Cross River whether we have zero production of oil or not,” Duke said, emphasizing the importance of local political organization in national representation. He also urged citizens and political actors in Cross River to remain vigilant and engaged in the national political discourse, stress...

  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...

In 2018, Nigeria made a historic shift when President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as the nation’s Democracy Day, replacing May 29, which had been observed since 1999 to mark the return to civilian rule. This change was more than symbolic; it was a recognition of the pivotal role the June 12, 1993, presidential election played in Nigeria’s democratic struggle. At the heart of this transition was the advocacy of Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, a delegate from Cross River State at the 2014 National Conference, whose impassioned call for honoring the victims of the June 12 crisis and recognizing Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola’s sacrifice helped reignite national discourse on the significance of that date. Duke’s contributions during the conference were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the eventual adoption of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day. The 2014 National Conference, convened by President Goodluck Jonathan, was a platform to address Nigeria’s socio-political and eco...

  Prominent leaders, lawmakers, and scholars gathered in Calabar yesterday the 10th of June 2025 for the inaugural Hilary Bisong Colloquium, a distinguished event organized to honour Rt. Hon. Hilary Ekpang Bisong for a decade of dedicated service in the Cross River State House of Assembly. Among the dignitaries present was Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, who expressed his admiration for Rt. Hon. Bisong’s legislative accomplishments and active contribution to constitutional democracy in Nigeria. Themed “Lawmaking and Constitutional Democracy: The Nigerian Experience,” the event offered more than just a celebration—it served as a platform for deep, strategic discourse on strengthening democratic institutions and legislative governance. Senator Williams participated in a high-level panel discussion alongside a roster of respected figures, including Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey, Prof. Pauline Ekuri, Prof. Okom (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Universit...

  The Office of the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Cross River State, has issued a strong condemnation of a reckless driving incident that caused extensive damage to vital public infrastructure at the Efioette area of Calabar. According to an official statement, the incident—which occurred at approximately 4:30 PM today—involved a vehicle that crashed into public property, severely damaging the roundabout, road pavement, and electric poles. The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, admitted the act was a mistake. However, authorities insist that such negligence endangers lives and undermines the state government's efforts to maintain and beautify the capital city. Speaking on the matter, the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM, expressed deep concern over the incident and described the act as "senseless destruction" that cannot be excused. He warned that reckless driving, particularly when it leads to the destruction of public ut...