Detailing News

CROSS RIVER –AKWA IBOM OIL WELLS DISPUTE AND THE RECOGNITION OF WESTERN BAKASSI ISLANDS:  MAKING A CASE FOR LEGISLATIVE COLLABORATION AND RESOLUTION. The lingering dispute between Cross River State and its sister state, Akwa Ibom, over maritime boundaries and oil wells remains one of Nigeria’s most delicate subnational tensions.  More than two decades after the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment ceded the southern Bakassi Peninsula—including Atabong, Archibong Town, Akwabana, and the Akwayafe Estuary to Cameroon, critical questions surrounding the western Bakassi axis and associated oil assets remain unresolved. While the ICJ judgment ceded portions of Bakassi, it unequivocally retained the western Bakassi islands—Dayspring 1 and 2, Qua Island, Western Abana, and crucially, the Cross River Estuary within Nigeria’s sovereign territory.  This distinction is not merely cartographic; it is strategic, economic, and geopolitical. The delineation of boundaries us...

  Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to resolving long-standing grievances driving insecurity across the country. Speaking in New York while presenting his letter of credence to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, Ibrahim conveyed Tinubu’s message, underscoring Nigeria’s resolve to confront both domestic and global security challenges. He emphasised Africa’s strategic importance in global governance, renewing calls for a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council.  The envoy said such a move would strengthen collective security and reflect current global realities. Ibrahim noted that Nigeria would continue to mobilise support to tackle insecurity in the Sahel and West African sub-region.  He added that the country remains committed to advancing peace-building efforts across the continent. On the economy, Ibrahim highlighted key reforms by the Tinubu a...

  Today, I am deeply humbled to have been named Legislator of the Year by Independent Newspaper, on the occasion of its Silver Jubilee. As this honour was being conferred, I was away in Türkiye at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), representing Nigeria alongside colleagues under the leadership of the President of the Senate. Though I could not be physically present, I was ably represented by my wife Netanela. This award has led me to a deep introspection, recalling the words written by Sir Isaac Newton in 1675, wherein he stated that he was able to see further because he stood on the shoulders of giants. Whatever recognition I receive is not mine alone. It rests on the vision and belief of leaders who have created space for a new generation to serve and to lead. I thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his vision and belief in young Nigerians.  I am equally grateful to the leadership of the Senate — the President of the Senate, His Excell...

The Cross River State Chapter of the City Boy Movement has held its maiden strategic meeting in Calabar, ahead of the forthcoming Renewed Hope National Youth Tour scheduled to take place in Benin City, Edo State, on April 23 and 24. The meeting focused on mobilizing strong participation from Cross River State for the South-South rally, with members emphasizing the need for robust representation at the regional event. Speaking at the meeting, the State Coordinator of the movement, Mr. Ralph Adoga noted that the gathering was convened to ensure effective coordination and mass mobilization of supporters from the state. He described the City Boy Movement as a coalition of young Nigerians who believe in and support the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda. Ralph Adoga also commended the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, for his developmental strides, noting that they align with the broader policy direction of the current administratio...

The atmosphere in the ancient city of Calabar was somber on Saturday April 18, 2026, as the remains of the late Associate Professor Edisua Ita, a renowned academic, clergy woman, and development expert, were laid to rest. Among the high-profile dignitaries in attendance was Rt. Hon. Orok Duke PhD, who paid a moving tribute to the deceased who was his classmate (Class of 1981) Theater Arts at the University of Calabar. The funeral service, which drew mourners from the academia, civil society, and the clergy, served as an attestation to the multifaceted life of the woman fondly called "Aunty Edisua" and "Edi Mama." According to her biography, late Associate Professor Edisua Ita was born on December 30, 1964, in Calabar. She was the daughter of Etubom Asuquo Okon Ita and Elder Princess Mabey Essien Ita. She hailed from a pedigree of royalties spanning the Eki Clan and Asang Eniong Abatim. Her childhood was marked by sophistication; she grew up in Santa Isabel, Equatori...

  Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not back down on the administration’s economic reforms despite current hardships, assuring that Nigerians will soon reap the benefits. Speaking at a parliamentary session on the sidelines of the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, Ibrahim stressed that the reforms, though painful in the short term, are essential for long-term growth and national prosperity. He noted that no meaningful global economic progress can be achieved without addressing rising tensions around Iran, particularly the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to him, “No country can achieve significant economic development this year or thereafter until we jointly secure peace in the ongoing tensions involving Iran, especially as it concerns international passage through the Strait of Hormuz.” Ibrahim warned that disruptions in the region could trigger far...

Today marks the birthday of Professor Francisca Bassey, the dynamic and amiable Vice Chancellor of University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), whose tenure has been defined by purposeful reforms, infrastructural renewal and people-centered leadership. Appointed Acting Vice Chancellor in January 2025 by the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and confirmed as substantive Vice Chancellor on July 17, 2025, Professor Bassey has, within a relatively short period, repositioned UNICROSS for excellence.  One of the most impactful milestones under her leadership is the approval and implementation of the new minimum wage for staff of the institution by the Cross River State Government. This development has significantly boosted morale and productivity across the university community. In addition, her administration moved swiftly to address longstanding academic and administrative challenges.  For instance, the creation of a Directorate of Exams a...