Cross River, NDDC Strengthen Partnership as Gov. Otu Hosts Commission MD

The Cross River State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strategic collaboration in advancing infrastructure and social development across the state. This emerged during a courtesy visit by the NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and his management team to Governor Bassey Otu at the Executive Council Chambers, Calabar.

Governor Otu, while welcoming the NDDC team, described the visit as timely and necessary for deepening synergy between the state and the federal interventionist agency.

“Cross River is a state eager to develop, but often constrained by limited resources. We turn every available intervention, be it from the Federation Account or agencies like NDDC, into impact-driven projects that uplift our people,” the governor said.

He expressed appreciation for the renewed partnership and the willingness of the Commission to re-engage stalled or abandoned projects, while also advocating for greater state inclusion in project planning and execution.

“We do not have any issues with the NDDC. What may have occurred in the past was a breakdown in communication, which we are now set to fix. Our approach is lawful, organized, and people-centered,” Otu affirmed.

He specifically referenced key NDDC projects in Cross River such as the Adiabo-IkoNeto road and the abandoned Ikom Medical Centre, urging swift recommencement and completion. The Governor also raised concerns about long-neglected projects like the youth centre in Akpabuyo and called for NDDC’s intervention in refugee support, noting that the state currently hosts over 54,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Highlighting the importance of state input, Otu called for the inclusion of more Cross River-specific needs in the Commission’s work plan.

“There must be intentional inclusion. We may not be an oil-producing state at the volume of others, but we are part of the Niger Delta. Exclusion should not be our reward for peace and cooperation,” he said.

In his remarks, NDDC MD/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized that the Commission is now focused on building sustainable institutions, improving accountability, and completing legacy projects.

“We are transitioning from transactional governance to transformational impact. Since assuming office, we have cleared all staff salary backlogs, engaged the Nigerian Liquified and Natural Gas (NLNG) to develop institutional governance policies, and commenced needs-assessment-driven projects across the region,” Ogbuku stated.

He commended Cross River’s cooperative stance and highlighted ongoing partnerships with private and public institutions such as NLNG and NNPC in delivering infrastructure, including the world-class hospital project underway in Ikom.

Dr. Ogbuku used the occasion to officially invite Governor Otu and the people of Cross River to the Commission’s upcoming 25th anniversary celebration, scheduled for July 6–12, 2025, in Abuja. The grand finale, billed for July 12, according to the NDDC boss, will feature a public lecture by Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected as Special Guest of Honour and former President Goodluck Jonathan as Guest of Honour.

“This silver jubilee is not just NDDC’s celebration; it is a moment to reflect on the shared journey of the Niger Delta. The ecological, environmental, and economic challenges that unite us should also unite our development efforts,” Dr. Ogbuku said.

Both parties agreed to immediately deepen technical engagement, with Governor Otu directing relevant state officials to remain in close touch with NDDC’s Executive Director of Projects (EDP) to finalize priority interventions in Cross River.

Gov. Bassey Otu Restructures Media Team, Appoint Nsa Gill SA Public Affairs, Linus Obogo New CPS.

Iloke Egbe 

The State Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has appointed Mr Linus Obogo as his new Chief Press Secretary. This was made public In a letter signed by Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. A. Owan Enoh. Mr. Obogo also double as the Special Adviser Media and publicity to the Governor. 

While Comr. Nsa Gill takes over a new responsibility as special Adviser on Public Affairs. According to the SGS Mr. Gill is expected to bring his wealth of experience to deepen interface between Government and public, ensuring clarity, engagement and transparency in public communication.

According to the letter, the appointment of Mr. Linus Obogo as the CPS and special Adviser Media and publicity is in line with Governor Otu's administration commitment to strengthen it information machinery for effective and responsive communication.

Until his appointment as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr. Linus Obogo was Special Adviser, Media and publicity. Both appointments are with immediate effects.

Ensure Harmony with your Legislature, Gov. Otu Charges LGA Chairmen, Swears in Acting Chairman for Bekwarra Local Government.

Iloke Egbe 

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has urged Local Government chairmen to maintain close synergy with their legislative arms and key stakeholders, stressing the importance of unity and peace at all levels of Governance.  

Governor Otu gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of Egbung Odama Egbung as the Acting Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area.  

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr Nsa Gill, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to a people-first, service-oriented leadership, noting that any disunity between the legislative and executive arms could jeopardize effective Governance and service delivery.  

In the words of the Governor “We will continue to defend the fidelity of the people-first mantra. Our primary concern is the quality of service to our people. The only card to play is the people’s card,” the Governor stated.  

He charged the acting chairman to Work with the elders, the youths, and all stakeholders while admitting that he is pleased with the efforts of many LG chairmen across the State, but he will not hesitate to confront issues when necessary. No one, not under my watch, will shortchange Cross River State and go scot-free.

Also speaking during the event, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Owan Enoh, noted that this is an opportunity for the former vice chairman to bring unprecedented results and development to the State.  

In his remarks, Mr. Egbung Odama Egbung, the newly sworn-in Acting Chairman of Bekwarra, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity to serve and pledged to lead with purpose, inclusiveness, and urgency.  

“I want to thank His Excellency, the People’s First Governor. I see this as a call to serve, and by God’s grace, I will not deviate,” Mr. Egbung said, adding, “I will immediately convene a stakeholders’ meeting with elders, youth, and market women to unite our people and begin the hard work of development.

The embattled former Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Ms. Theresa Ushie, was impeached by the Local Government Councilors and petitioned to the State legislature as well as to the State executive of the ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC). The State House of Assembly subsequently passed a resolution slamming a 90-day suspension on the former chairman and directed the swearing-in of the Vice Chairman to take over as chairman in an acting capacity.

NDDC Refutes Claims Over Cross River Community Road, Warns Against Politicization of Projects.

 

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has refuted claims that the Nyanghasang community road project in Calabar, Cross River State was executed by the commission.

Speaking to journalist, Commissioner representing Cross River State on the board of the NDDC, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, while attributing the controversy surrounding the Nyanghasang Community Road project to attempts to downplay the contributions and initiatives of the Cross River State Government, said the road was not one of the projects captured for execution by the commission.

According to Duke, the Nyanghasang Community Road is a project of the Cross River State Government, and not that of the NDDC. He emphasized that the project’s origins dated back to the administration of former Governor Liyel Imoke and continue under the current Governor Bassey Otu, who is actively intervening in road infrastructure across the Nyanghasang community.

Duke reinforced the State Government’s earlier position, laying to rest speculation over the project’s ownership. “If anyone is in a position to clarify this issue, it is me. I represent the NDDC in this state, and I am fully aware of all NDDC projects as captured in our budget,” he stated.

“I want to categorically reiterate that the Nyanghasang Road project is not an NDDC initiative. From inception to this point, the entire effort has been undertaken by the State Government,” he added.

He criticized attempts by some Federal lawmakers to take undue credit for state-led projects, describing it as a tactic to siphon public funds and mislead constituents.

“Some individuals from the Senate came in, hurriedly asphalted a section of the road, and tried to claim ownership to divert funds. There is no Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), voucher, or award letter to substantiate their claim. It is unfortunate that Cross River is being used as a smokescreen for financial misappropriation,” Duke asserted.

He further stressed that all NDDC projects are properly documented and budgeted for. The only project captured and commissioned recently was a 900-meter stretch of Idang Road in Calabar South. He explained that the controversy began when some individuals attempted to rename Nyanghasang Road ahead of an NDDC commissioning event without the consent of the Local Government council.

“At NDDC, we insist on transparent processes, including proper site handovers, devoid of political manipulation. If Nyanghasang were an NDDC project, it would have followed due process involving the State Government, not a Federal legislator who played no oversight role but chose to brand the project with personal images,” he said.

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Cross River State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet, reaffirmed the State government’s ownership and execution of the project. He confirmed that the road was awarded and fully funded by the State, from the previous administration to Governor Bassey Otu’s current tenure.

“This road is vital to the people and Government of Cross River State. The construction has been ongoing, except for a short segment that was previously delayed. Governor Otu made its completion a priority upon assumption of office,” Ankpo explained.

He described attempts by a federal legislator to claim the project as “deceptive and unfair,” adding that the purported commissioning took place without consultation or involvement of the State Government.

“There was no coordination with the Ministry of Works. The event was advertised solely as the commissioning of an NDDC office. This road project is neither an NDDC nor a Federal Government initiative,” Edet stated.

Echoing this, Commissioner Duke revealed he was not informed of any official commissioning and condemned the use of political campaign-style images on public project materials.

He also referenced similar issues with the Idang Road project, noting that it was inappropriately renamed without local consultation.

“Only half of Idang Road has been completed. Renaming it to ‘Etinyin Ekpenyong Oniong’—a senator’s uncle—without consulting local residents sparked anger and division in the community,” he said.

Duke further criticized the placement of the senator’s photograph on NDDC-funded streetlights, calling it misleading and inappropriate.

“These are NDDC projects. If any image is to be displayed, it should be that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not a contractor’s or politician’s. You execute a project as a contractor, get paid, then try to rebrand it as a personal initiative. That’s dishonest,” he declared.

He emphasized that NDDC is not competing with the State Government; instead, the Commission seeks to collaborate and complement the Government in critical areas of intervention. Duke also lauded Governor Bassey Edet Otu for the massive infrastructural projects embarked upon since assumption of office, adding that Governor Otu’s policies and programs broadly align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda; hence, there is no conflict between NDDC as a Federal Government agency and the State Government. “The Governor has consistently advocated for an even spread of NDDC projects across the three senatorial districts to eliminate the feeling of marginalization within the State.”

He concluded with a firm call on Federal lawmakers to focus on delivering their designated constituency projects rather than attempting to hijack and politicize NDDC efforts for personal gain.

Cross River Govt. Reflects False Narratives on NDDC Projects Commissioning in Calabar

Iloke Egbe 

The Cross River State Government has firmly rejected misleading reports surrounding the recent commissioning of select projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Calabar, describing the narratives as inaccurate and politically motivated.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor Mr. Nsa Gill on Friday, June 13, 2025, refer to the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, who officially commissioned several NDDC projects in Cross River State, which included a newly acquired office complex now serving as the NDDC Secretariat in the State, Agricultural equipment, and a road project at Idang Street in Calabar South. That the event was conducted peacefully and broadcast live on TVC, contrary to certain media reports suggesting controversy or disruption.

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was ably represented at the event by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ankpo P. Edet and that no point was the event disrupted, either by the Governor or any other State official. Affirming that Governor Otu is a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and remains committed to supporting Federal initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and livelihoods across the State.

According to Mr Gill, it's worth noting that Cross River State, was the first APC-governed State in the South-South region and continues to benefit significantly from Federal Government projects. These include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Special Agro-Processing Zones, and the Federal Housing Scheme, among others. The State Government reiterated that no level of “sponsored blackmail” by fifth columnists would succeed in straining the existing cordial relationship between Cross River and the Federal Government, which share a common progressive ideology.

Among the projects listed for commissioning was the Nyaghasang Community Road, which was eventually postponed. The State clarified that this particular road project was not initiated by the NDDC but by the Cross River State Government.

Speaking on the matter, Hon. Pius Ankpo stated, “The Nyaghasang road was initiated and funded by the Cross River State Government. We have completed the drainage, concrete works, and channelization of the area, with construction still ongoing.”

He explained that the NDDC was never formally involved in the planning or execution of the project, and emphasized the importance of coordination when implementing infrastructure projects within the State. According to Edet, the NDDC has been advised that, going forward, it must engage the State Government, review the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), and adhere to State construction standards before undertaking any project.

The Cross River State Government reiterated its openness to development partnerships but emphasized that all interventions must be transparent and coordinated for the greater good of the people.

“We are not in conflict with the NDDC or any Federal Agency,” clarified Hon. Ankpo Edet. “However, for the sake of public trust and historical accuracy, it is important to state unequivocally that the NDDC projects were commissioned peacefully, and without any form of disruption.”

Supporting the government’s position, the Secretary-General of the Nyaghasang Qua Clan Council, Mr. Iso Bassey Edim, recalled that Governor Otu had personally pledged to address the road infrastructure in the community during a health center commissioning in July 2024. “True to his word, work began on the roads just three weeks later, led by the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure,” he said.

Edim noted that while work was ongoing, the NDDC appeared to have intervened by asphalting certain sections of the road, only to later return and announce a commissioning. “We advise the NDDC, as an interventionist agency, to align and synergize with the State Government to avoid duplication and confusion,” he cautioned.

In his remarks, the Mayor of Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Anam, confirmed that the project contract had already been awarded by the State and was actively in progress before the NDDC’s involvement. “What we need now is constructive collaboration between the NDDC and the State Government. Projects should not be initiated or claimed without proper consultation,” he stressed.

Senator Jarigbe Voted 2025 Hero of Democracy

By  Uwem Ansa

As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day in honour of the historic June 12, 1993 elections, THE BEAGLE NEWS has announced Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as the recipient of its maiden prestigious 2025 Hero of Democracy award in Cross River State.

The award, which celebrates outstanding commitment to democratic values and impactful public service, was conferred on the senator following a rigorous editorial review and an independent opinion survey among readers across the state.

In a formal notification dated June 10 and signed by the newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Judex O. Okoro, and Executive Editor, Dr. Anthony Bassey Ekpo, the editorial board praised Senator Jarigbe for his “resolute defence of democratic principles,” “remarkable contributions to human capital development,” and “numerous empowerment initiatives” that have uplifted lives, particularly in Cross River North Senatorial District.

“This honour reflects your continued efforts to foster inclusive and participatory governance, championing policies and programmes that prioritise the people,” the letter read in part.

THE BEAGLE NEWS described the award as part of its broader effort to highlight exemplary leadership and encourage the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria, particularly as the country continues to grapple with challenges to transparent and accountable governance.

Senator Jarigbe, who currently represents Cross River North in the National Assembly, has been widely commended for his grassroots-oriented approach to legislation and advocacy. Under his leadership, numerous development projects, education scholarships, and youth empowerment programmes have been initiated across his constituency.

Democracy Day, celebrated annually on June 12, commemorates the 1993 presidential election widely considered the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, and honours the sacrifices of those who fought for the return of civilian rule.

As the South-South-based community newspaper marks the day with this recognition, it called on public servants across the nation to draw inspiration from Senator Jarigbe’s example and deepen their commitment to the democratic ideals of transparency, accountability, and service.

The official date for the presentation of the 2025 Hero of Democracy award will be announced soon, according to the editorial board of THE BEAGLE NEWS.

Governor Otu signs Nine Bills into Law, Earns CRSHA Endorsement for outstanding Two-year Performance.

Iloke Egbe Calabar 

In a bold legislative stride aimed at repositioning Cross River State for inclusive growth, Governor Bassey Edet Otu has signed nine bills into law and received a unanimous endorsement from the Cross River State House of Assembly for his sterling performance during his two years in office. The legislators, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, used the opportunity of the audience with the Governor to formally pass an endorsement motion supporting the Governor for a second term in office, come 2027. 

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr. Nsa Gill chronicle the nine bills signed into law by the Governor which span critical sectors such as water, health, security, infrastructure, and environmental research, reflecting the administration’s push to modernize State governance and address pressing developmental needs.

The new laws are as follows: 

* The Cross River State Water Supply and Sanitation Law No. 5, 2025, which guarantees citizens' access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. It also sets up a regulatory framework for the sector. 

* The Cross River State Fire Fighting and Rescue Service Law No. 4, 2024, which enhances emergency response operations and contributes to increasing the state’s internally generated revenue.

* The Cross River State Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Law No. 6, 2024, which empowers the Governor to appoint a qualified person as chairman to lead the Fund, ensuring better focus on the state's security challenges. 

* The Cross River State Scraps Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law No. 9, 2025, which aims to curb the activities of scavengers and vandals targeting public and private property.

* The Cross River State Rural Access Road Authority Law No. 8, 2025, which seeks to prevent the neglect of vital rural routes, particularly those linking farming communities. 

* The Cross River State Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law No. 4, 2024, which clarifies key functions and addresses revenue-related overlaps, particularly in motor vehicle licensing.

* The Cross River State Records and Archives Bureau Law No. 7, 2024, which establishes an agency to manage and archive critical state documents. 

* The Cross River State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency Law No. 10, 2025, which strengthens the supply of medical essentials to both public and private healthcare facilities while encouraging public-private partnerships.

* Rounding out the list is the Cross River State Forestry Research Institute (Establishment) Law No. 6, 2024, which creates an institution dedicated to forestry and environmental research, supporting both academic development and sustainable resource management.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Otu commended the legislature for its dedication and responsiveness over the past two years.

In the words of the Governor “We assumed office in a tough economic climate marked by inflation and limited access to funds, yet we’ve managed to stay focused. These laws will directly improve governance and service delivery. We've ordered three new fire trucks, unlocked ₦4.5 billion for rural roads, and restructured the security trust fund for better oversight. Each of these laws pushes Cross River forward.”

Adding his voice, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, praised the Governor’s performance and confirmed the Assembly’s endorsement of his second-term bid. 

The speaker praised the Governor saying “Your leadership has been exemplary. In just two years, the 10th Assembly has passed 30 bills and 87 resolutions, with more than half implemented. The 9th Assembly couldn’t match that. We are proud of what we’ve achieved together and fully endorse your re-election.”

The endorsement motion was moved by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi, and supported by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Davis Ettah, symbolizing a strong partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.

In attendance were the State Deputy Governor, chief of staff to the Governor and across section of principal officers of the State House of Assembly.