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CRSHA Speakership: Hon Elvert, Ikom And Need For Equity
We must be careful not to twist the arms of equity to what is convenient, rather than just. The crust of the triumph of our party is an endorsement of the spirit of equity. The need for the strong to protect the weak especially when it is within the confines of equal distribution of power.
We must resist the sin of allocating to ourselves the prerogative of using the doctrine of might is right, especially not when we rode on the wheels of spirit of brotherhood.
The Ikom man is yet again cornered to the hard place of crying out to the people, to reinstate their resolve for fair play.
Ordinarily this debate shouldn’t be held if we all seek to stay true to that conviction that was given life by the progressive leadership of our party, but here we are, appealing yet again to the deepest alter of of our consciences.
It is no longer news that by virtue of the political outcome of the last election, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly should come from the Central Senatorial District, that being a given, we must yet again remind ourselves of what the true position of things are.
In the Central Senatorial District, four of the five Senatorial Districts are now representing the Senatorial District in different strata of the National assembly.
With Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency being represented by an Abi Man, Dr. Alex Egbona.
Yakurr having left the state Assembly is now to represent the Central Senatorial District in the Senate.
In Obubra/Etung, Hon. Mike Etaba from Obubra is ably representing the people of that Constituency.
While in Ikom/Boki, a Boki Son Sir. Victor Abang is going to the house of Representatives.
There is no gain say, that only Ikom and Etung are without a representative going forward. Notwithstanding Etung has been in the Senate for the last eight years and is being tipped for a very select appointment.
One will wonder why Ikom is to be left without a principal office holder, the same argument has been advanced that while the Old Obubra has the Senate, Old Ikom should produce the Speaker.
Furthermore, it will have been a point of distraught if Ikom had no returning and High ranking member, but God bless the hands of equity who having won a decisive return elections Hon. Elvert Enyambem is eminently qualified as a high ranking member for that seat.
Elvert has not just satisfied the primary qualification to be elected by virtue of being a high ranking member but is also from the Ikom political division, it is expected that the principle of fairness should prevail.
Ikom is regarded as the political headquarters of the Central Senatorial District, and to allow ikom empty is to allow it to opposition.
The commercial nerve Centre parades a metropolitan demography of voters, whose sensibilities cannot be mocked.
It goes to show that it must be protected and secured by not just occasioning injustice but most importantly giving that town a reason to stay connected to the progressive leadership of the state.
While it is a democracy and everyone is allowed to contest, however it behoves on us as purveyors of equity to remain resolved in its implementation.
It will be a grave political miscalculation to yet again allow for a local Government that is representing the Constituency in the national assembly to still retain the speakership; that will be double portion, it offends the natural sense of equity and Justice, and will create an untoward balance of power and the allocation of values if we use the borrow the words of a certain political philosopher.
Those who are regrouping to occasion such injustice must be reminded of the new normal, now is not the time to take the sensibilities of a people for granted. Political elections are won and lost by doing so and a party that parades itself as the paragon of justice as seen in the back to South drive cannot now contradict itself.
We must remember the solidarity of the Ikom people, when there Unanimously supported power shift to their brother LGA boki, so much so that the candidate of the PDP Mr. Chris Agibe despite kneeling down to beg was still turned down. Infact the APC members refused to obtain any nomination form to contest that election.
We are saddened that some folks have decided to mischievously use the outcome of the Gubernatorial Elections to justify the move to deny Ikom a chance and one will wonder if we could use the same crucible to measure up across the state. It is nauseating that we are seemingly attempting to punish Ikom by denying them the chance.
It is my believe that well meaning leaders of even Boki are not wavering on the course, they have a duty to show solidarity and to do so against all odds.
Away from the sentiments of zoning, Hon. Elvert is a meticulous, level headed and diplomatic legislator. Whose stay in the house is marked by devotion and commitment and who earned the trust of his colleagues.
Having rose from the a very humble background he understands the yearnings of Cross Riverians so well and will surely steer the Leadership of the house towards complimenting the great strides of the executive arm.
Under his leadership we will see not just a legislature that works but one who supports innovation, and viable debates that will birth the Cross River of our dreams.
It goes without saying that supporting Elvert is not only the right thing to do, but the step in consolidating the wins of our party and guaranteeing justice, equity and fairness.
By Victor Egba
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
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