Obanliku Chairman Hon. Chief. Dr. Sunny Ayang Commend Organizers of Staff Training in the Council

By Emmanuel Ayang CPS 

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang,JP,  has  expressed appreciation for the organizers of an in-house staff training program in Obanliku local government council.

 He  acknowledged the importance of such initiatives in enhancing staff skills and promoting professional development within the local government, noting that the training is key to improving service delivery and ensuring that staff are well-equipped to meet the  demands of their job roles.

The chairman stated this today, Wednesday, while declaring open an internal training program organized by the administrative  heads of Obanliku Local Government Council for staff of the council employed between 2019 to date.

Hon. Sunny also urged the participants to take advantage of the training and upgrade their knowledge, especially as it concerns the civil service. He added that they should be open-minded and committed to the training towards upgrading their wealth of knowledge.

The Director, General Services and Administration (DGSA), Mrs. Felicia Kujoh who spoke on behalf of the council HOLGA, thanked the chairman for his commitment to the development of Obanliku and words of advice.

 *Press Unit* 

Obanliku Local Government Council 

16th July, 2025

Hon. Sunny Ayang's Visionary Leadership: A Bait for the Uncommon Drift of Opposition into APC fold in Obanliku

 By Kayang, Emma E.

In the melting pot of Nigeria’s political landscape, leadership remains a critical determinant of party loyalty and public allegiance.

In recent times, the Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, JP, has emerged as a formidable figure, gaining widespread recognition not only for his impressive governance record but also for his ability to galvanize diverse political factions into the fold of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His leadership has led to a strategic repositioning, with notable opposition elements drifting into the APC, an uncommon but telling political shift in Obanliku.

Hon. Ayang's leadership style is marked by inclusiveness, innovation, and a development-driven agenda. Unlike traditional politics steeped in rhetoric, Ayang focuses on pragmatic solutions to local challenges. His initiatives have alleviated transportation difficulties, improved healthcare and educational infrastructure, and bolstered youth empowerment. These tangible impacts have made him a rallying point for many who had become disillusioned with the status quo.

Crucially, Ayang recognizes the pivotal role of youth in governance. Through various programs and appointments, he has directly engaged Obanliku’s young population, empowering them and giving them a stake in the local government’s development agenda. This strategic inclusion has won over many young voters, including those who previously aligned with opposition parties.

Under his leadership, Obanliku has witnessed a wave of developmental projects that meet core community needs, ranging from a people-oriented transportation scheme ( Obanliku Riders') to upgraded health and education facilities. This results-oriented governance distinguishes Ayang as a leader committed to real change, not just political grandstanding.

Perhaps most significantly, Ayang’s open-door policy and commitment to dialogue have fostered a sense of belonging across party lines. His administration ensures that even opposition voices are heard and valued, building a political culture based on collaboration rather than confrontation. This inclusive governance model has prompted a growing number of opposition members to rethink their political affiliations.

Hon. Ayang’s leadership has inadvertently created *a magnetic pull* for opposition members, particularly from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), drawing them into the APC's expanding canopy. This political realignment stems primarily from Ayang's proactive and transparent leadership, which offers a sharp contrast to the fractured leadership and internal crises within the main opposition. For many, the APC under Ayang’s stewardship now represents stability, progress, and opportunity.

Hon. Sunny Ayang's visionary leadership has brought about a transformative shift in Obanliku’s political dynamics. His emphasis on inclusive development, youth empowerment, and community engagement has fostered a climate in which party loyalty takes a back seat to effective leadership and real progress. As more opposition members cross over to the APC, it becomes clear that Ayang’s model of governance offers a viable blueprint for sustainable development and political cohesion. The uncommon drift of the opposition into the APC is not just a political trend, it is a testament to the power of purposeful leadership and the enduring appeal of a united, forward-looking Obanliku.

Pioneer Female Chairmen of NuJ, Archibong Bassey and Grace Ike, Make list of Change Makers: 100 Nigerians Leading Change

The two pioneer female chairmen of NUJ, Grace Ike of the FCT chapter; and Archibong Etim Bassey of the Cross River State chapter; are among distinguished Nigerians listed in the 2025 edition of Changemakers: 100 Nigerians Leading Change. 

In a statement by the editors, Kammonke Abam and Steve Ogah, the two journalists were listed for their outstanding career, and for breaking the glass ceiling of the leadership of NUJ by emerging the first female chairmen of their respective chapters. 

Ike is an unwavering journalist, fervent advocate for inclusive reporting and beacon of professionalism. She has successfully navigated various beats and remains poised to emerge as a prominent voice in the media industry.

She is regarded as an authority in legislative reportings with over 10 years of her sixteen years of media practice in the coverage of the House of Representatives.

She  is a seasoned correspondent at ADBN TV ( Advocate Broadcasting TV) and served as the first female Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps from 2020- 2024 and first female Vice Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel

Archibong, on the other hand, is a dedicated journalist spanning over two decades whose dynamic approach to journalism has used her platform, the NTA Calabar, to effect change in communities through her reportage. 

Her work takes her to difficult-to-reach communities to produce reports, thereby beaming light into the plight of rural communities and drawing attention of the world especially those in positions of leadership to act and provide relief.

The two journalists join other outstanding Nigerians who do extraordinary work to change Nigeria for the better. They include, among others, Nkechi Onyinyechi Ogbonna, another journalist and the West Africa Correspondent for BBC;  the founder of Moniepoint, Olurowunmi; foremost human rights activist based in Nigeria, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu; Ibuoye, Akinade (“Gaise Baba”)

Changemakers is a foremost authoritative biographical compendium on Nigerians doing extraordinary things in their spaces to better Nigeria. It is a response to the variegated stereotypic image of Nigeria 

The compendium containing the profiles of all those that made the sterling list is published in www.livesonline.ng, the media partners of Profiles & Biographies

Inyali Peter Commend APC State Chairman, Call on Gov. Bassey Otu and National Assembly Members to Pressure Completion of Calabar-Itu Federal Road

Iloke, Egbe 

The UNICROSS Alumni Association President, Dr. Inyali Peter has bare his mind on some development in the State and commended some of our leaders while urging them to do more to reduce the pains and challenges on road infrastructure and political marginalization. 

In his words Mr. Peter said I commend Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, the State chairman of our party, the APC, for his courage in drawing attention to the marginalization of Cross River State by President Tinubu’s administration during the APC South-South leaders conference held over the weekend. 

It is disheartening that, among nearly 500 Federal Agencies, Cross River remains possibly the only State without a single appointment to the position of MD, DG, or Executive Secretary, despite its longstanding commitment to the APC as the only APC-controlled State in the geopolitical sone until recently.

Despite criticism in some quarters regarding the State chairman’s decision to reference former Governor Ben Ayade to make his point, we must be honest; there couldn’t have been any better person to use as a reference. Beyond Ayade being his benefactor, Cross River would not be an APC State today without Ayade’s pivotal role. 

So, as much as we believe so many other party leaders deserve appointments, we cannot in all sincerity undermine what Ayade did for the party. We cannot rewrite history. 

Rather than focusing in criticizing the State Chairman, methinks, as I proposed over a year ago, the State should send a high powered delegation to the Presidential Villa to meet President Tinubu. The President may genuinely not be on the know of this injustice. The delegation should present data, facts, and figures to show the extent of the state’s marginalization.

We can have this corrected but we need more of what the State Chairman has done and follow up with boardroom lobbying. 

Away from appointments, I urge Governor Bassey Otu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and National Assembly members from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States to press relevant Government Agencies for the swift completion of the Calabar-Itu road, a critical artery for economic growth and regional connectivity. I commend Governor Otu for his commendable efforts on the Adiabo-Odukpani road, which demonstrate his commitment to improving infrastructure in Cross River State. 

Also, I call on Cross River’s political leaders to remind President Tinubu of his pledge to dredge the Calabar port, a project vital to unlocking the state’s economic potential and enhancing trade in the South-South region.

Nigerian's Local Govt. Vice Chairmen Association to Hold AGM in Calabar, Award Otu Best Infrastructure Governor

The Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGOC) has announced Cross River State as Hosting State for her Annual General Meeting (AGM) and awarded Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as most outstanding Governor in Infrastructural Development in Nigeria.

The award which was presented during a courtesy call on the Governor on the 30th June, 2025 as part of activities  marking the 2025 National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting held in Calabar. 

Speaking while presenting the award to the Governor, the National Chairman of the Association, Hon. Princess Folashade Olabanj ably represented by the Association's Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT), ‎Dr. Hon. Lawrence Onuchukwu who applauded the Governor for the welfare of Vice Chairmen in Cross River State, particularly for sponsoring an executive bill to assign specific roles to the office of the Vice Chairmen of Council in Cross River State and providing highest quality brand new SUVs as official vehicles. This he said has in no mean major boosted the morale of Vice Chairmen and make them feel relevant and viable within the polity. The BoT Chairman on behalf of the Association appealed to the Governor to share this laudable initiatives and welfare package to his colleagues at the Governor's Forum to replicate same across the country.

Also Speaking at the visit was the Chairperson of all Vice Chairmen in Cross River State and Vice Chairman Bakassi LGA, Hon. Christiana Archibong Eso who eulogized Gov. Bassey Otu for being a pace setter and appreciated his overwhelming support to the forum. She assured the Governor of their massive support in the forthcoming 2027 Gubernatorial election in the State to continue the good works.

In his response, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu thanked the Association for recognising his honest efforts. He assured the Vice Chairmen that their request will be brought at the floor of the Nigeria Governors' Forum. He however admonished the Vice Chairmen to be loyal to their respective Chairman of Council and used the opportunity to invite them to grace the Calabar Carnival come December,  2025.

The Association held Special Dinner Night where Cross River State was announced as the Hosting State for the Annual AGM of the Association coming up on November,  2025. Highlight of the event was the presentation of Awards to the Accountant General of Cross River State and the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs for their meritorious support in ensuring the smooth running of LGAs in the State.

The event was well attended by the All the 18 LG Vice Chairmen of Cross River State who pledge support for the Association and passed vote of confidence on the State Forum Chairperson, Hon. Mrs. Christiana Eso and her Executive team.

Political Realignment and the Dynamics of Coalition Building in Contemporary Nigeria Politics: An Analytical Reflection.

By Victor Agbor  

A Concerned APC Stalwart

The phenomenon of political opportunism among elected and appointed officials, particularly those favorured by the incumbent administration, remains a disturbing and recurrent feature within Nigeria’s political landscape. It is not uncommon to observe that many of these politicians, despite struggling to secure electoral victories within their wards and constituencies, frequently engage in the systematic denigration of opposition figures  they once revered or aligned with. This pattern of behaviour typifies what may be termed “political jobbery,” wherein allegiance is fluid and often dictated by expediency rather than ideological commitment.

Historically, such political actors are among the first to defect when opposition parties gain ascendancy, underscoring a transactional approach to party loyalty. This opportunistic disposition undermines the consolidation of robust party systems and contributes to the volatility of Nigeria’s democratic process.

In recent months, the political terrain has witnessed significant developments, notably the strategic coalition-building efforts among opposition parties aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections. This emergent coalition represents a concerted attempt to coalesce diverse political interests into a formidable front capable of challenging the entrenched incumbency.

Despite the gravity of this political realignment, government affiliated commentators and partisans have been precipitous in dismissing the coalition’s efforts, often characterizing it as a futile exercise. Such dismissals are not only myopic but also historically incongruent. It is imperative to recall that the current administration itself ascended to power through a coalition of erstwhile opposition parties, a testament to the efficacy of strategic political alliances in Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

Moreover, comparative analysis within the West African sub-region reveals a consistent pattern wherein opposition coalitions have successfully mobilized electoral victories. Countries such as Ghana, The Gambia, and Senegal exemplify this trend, while recent widespread protests in Togo underscore popular demands for governmental accountability and change.

Within the APC, there is growing discontent stemming from an inadequate reward and recognition system. This has engendered covert dissatisfaction among party loyalists, many of whom, despite public declarations of support, harbour private grievances that may manifest electorally. The disconnect between grassroots mobilization efforts often involving significant personal sacrifices and the party’s subsequent patronage allocations threatens internal cohesion and electoral viability.

Political allegiance is not merely performative but is contingent upon tangible incentives and the equitable distribution of political capital. The failure to address these internal dynamics may precipitate defections and erode the party’s foundational support base.

While opposition leaders endeavour to institutionalize their coalition and present a united front, certain APC chieftains have resorted to dismissive rhetoric, labeling these efforts as mere political noise confined to media narratives. Such underestimation of opposition capacity is strategically unwise and risks complacency in the face of evolving political realities.

Looking ahead, the 2027 electoral cycle promises to be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic trajectory. The interplay of coalition politics, intra party dynamics, and voter sentiment will shape the contours of governance and political accountability.

In conclusion, the ongoing political contestation underscores the imperative for all stakeholders to engage in substantive dialogue, embrace coalition building as a legitimate democratic practice, and address internal party grievances to promote a more resilient and responsive political system.

Let the politics unfold with the rigor and seriousness it demands.

Milestone as Gov. Otu Receives New Navigational Charts for Bakassi Deep Seaport

 

The Cross River State Government has recorded a major breakthrough in its quest to transform the State  into a maritime hub with the official presentation of the Hydrographic, Geotechnical, geophysical Report and New Navigational Chart for the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport project.

Governor Bassey Otu, speaking at a formal ceremony held in the State Executive Council Chamber, described the event as a “historic milestone” that not only affirms Nigeria’s maritime boundaries but also sets the stage for an economic revolution across the Gulf of Guinea.

“This is truly a historic day, not just for Cross River State but for the entire country,” Governor Otu said. “What we have achieved today replaces charts dating back to 1903 and settles long-standing debates about Cross River’s status as a littoral State. This chart clearly affirms our coastal status.”

Governor Otu emphasized that the updated maritime chart now aligns with S-100 international standards, positioning Cross River for deepwater commerce and international shipping operations.

“When we connect this with the ongoing coastal highway, we’re looking at a completely different city,” he said. “The economic potential is enormous.”

“We picked up this dream where the former Governor, Professor Ben Ayade left off. Public funds had been committed, and we could not allow it to die. Today is another giant step toward its full realization,” he said.

With the technical phase complete and the report formally presented, Governor Otu disclosed that the project now awaits a final seal of approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“Once we get that FEC seal, work starts almost immediately,” he assured. “Cross River is ready, and this project is not just for us, it is for Nigeria and for West Africa.”

The presentation was led by Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, Hydrographer of the Federation and CEO of the National Hydrographic Agency of Nigeria, alongside senior naval officers including the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Rear Admiral Anyo Olokunle.

Rear Admiral Olugbode described the report as the culmination of an intensive multi-year effort, beginning with a formal flag-off on December 21, 2024, and followed by rigorous data acquisition starting January 6, 2025. The survey, he said, covered hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical dimensions, all aimed at ensuring safety, precision, and international compliance.

“This is more than just a technical report. It is the bedrock for constructing and operating the Bakassi Deep Seaport,” he said. “It provides essential data for engineering design, dredging, breakwater construction, and navigation safety.”

He added that the data would boost investor confidence, enable effective ocean governance, and contribute to global initiatives such as Seabed 2030, a project that aims to map the entire seafloor of the world by 2030.

Olugbode also praised the Cross River State Government for its unwavering support.

“Your Excellency, your administration’s commitment and facilitation of logistics created an enabling environment for the success of this complex operation,” he noted.

The Bakassi Deep Seaport is expected to catalyze investments in shipping, logistics, trade and tourism, while creating jobs and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy.