Niger Delta

APC Zones Governorship To C’River North

Published

13 years ago

August 9, 2013

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State says it would be an act of injustice to deny the Northern Senatorial district of the State to take a shot at the Governorship of the State hence its decision to zone the position to area.

APC shortly after its inaugural meeting in Calabar recently re-echoed the consideration for the Northern Senatorial District of the state to produce the next governor.

The party stated that it would be an act of injustice to deny the north the governorship slot having not occupied the seat since the inception of the present unbroken democratic dispensation.

Chieftains of the APC and Chairmen of the defunct parties in the merger, Mr. Hilliard Eta (CAN) Prince Terry Bisong (ANPP) and Hon. Mike Agbeh (CPC) told Journalists at a press briefing shortly after the meeting that the position of the APC to zone the governorship to the north was to further affirm the earlier resolve of their individual parties which have fused into the new party to zone the seat to that senatorial district.

Eta maintained that “the APC does not believe in the Ogoja/ Calabar accord as held in some quarters which is whipped up to rotate the Governorship of the State.

He said “zoning the number one office to the North was a way of doing Justice to the North that has been denied the seat since the inception of unbroken democratic governance in 1999.

Chairman of the defunct CPC, Hon. Agbeh said the APC leadership will guard against internal wrangling but will ensure that it sacrifice for the success of the party in the state.

On his part, the defunct ANPP Chairman, Prince Bisong said the days of the PDP ruler-ship of the State are over recalling that the opposition party had held sway to the Governance of the State and has come back to take its pride of place.

APC’s statement was coming on the heels of political permutations within the ranks of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rotate the governorship of the State based on ‘the Calabar-Ogoja accord.’

The accord which is premised on provincial geo-political considerations, groups the people of the Central and Northern Senatorial districts as one (Ogoja) while the people of the southern senatorial district (Calabar) are the other.

Based on this consideration, the end of the Senator Liyel Imoke administration signals the beginning of agitation for another governor from the Southern Senatorial District about 8 years after their son Ex-Governor Donald Duke had occupied that office. Imoke is from Abi local government area in the central senatorial district, a part of the old Ogoja province.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.