October 7, 2024

The Freedom Of Information Jurisdiction: Journalism, Justice, And The Journey To Accountability In Nigeria BY ODEH FRIDAY

120 The international community, CSOs, and the Nigerian government all must work together to make transparency and the rule of law priorities if these reforms are to be successful. Conflicts over access to information and the application of the government’s security architecture have revealed systemic problems with Nigeria’s laws, leadership, and governance processes. In this […]

August 21, 2024

Reforming The PDP: From Genu Valgum To A Stronger Opposition BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

375 At this time, PDP lawmakers need to be proactive and assertive in the National Assembly, effectively challenging policies that do not serve the people’s interests while also proposing alternatives. In 1998, when the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was established during the military regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, there was a widespread yearning among Nigerians […]

August 18, 2024

Rethinking Ogoja Statehood: From Missed Opportunities To Renewed Resolve BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

411 To rethink means, stakeholders and the drivers of this struggle need to critically evaluate and change the approach currently used in promoting the struggle. In my penultimate piece a few days ago on the proposed, rather agitation for Ogoja State creation which was titled: “The Unyielding Struggle for Ogoja State: A Journey Through Political […]

August 18, 2024

Support, But Don’t Silence Others BY INYALI PETER

383 Personally, I believe the Governor is doing well and deserves support, but I respect that others may disagree. The haughty attitude and disrespect shown by some individuals from the South towards Cross Riverians of other descent since the current administration assumed office is deeply concerning. Their attempt to silence dissenting voices, especially from other […]

The Unyielding Struggle for Ogoja State: A Journey Through Political Apathy and Missed Opportunities BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

338 Some of these obsessed individuals are those who converted a WhatsApp support platform of a PDP candidate into what they (he) call: “Who IS WhO IN NORTHERN CROSS RIVER.” If these folks continue to spearhead the agitation, it would be needless to dissipate energy as a pitfall would be imminent. In the early 1900s, […]

August 8, 2024

UNICAL SUG President’s 50-Man Army: A Symptom Of A Deeper Problem BY INYALI PETER

330 Ironically, some of the people seeking these titles often disregard whether they’ll derive any benefits or add value to the system. The recent appointment of 50 aides by the University of Calabar (UNICAL) first female President, Blessing Alims, has sparked widespread criticism. However, while I don’t condone the unnecessary appointments, I believe we’re focusing […]

May 27, 2024

Enough Talk, Where’s The Walk? Ending The Rhetoric On Sickle Cell Bills Implementation BY MARIYA BAGUDO

470 Despite these profound impacts, Nigeria’s response to the sickle cell crisis has been inadequate. Nigeria stands as the global epicenter of sickle cell anaemia, with an alarming annual birth rate of 100,000 to 150,000 affected children. This figure represents 33% of the global total, highlighting a severe health crisis that demands urgent and comprehensive […]

April 26, 2024

UNICROSS: Why We’re Heading To Court, Seeking Reconstitution Of Governing Council BY BARR. ROMEO OJONG

382 Since the National Executive Council (NEC) of the UNICROSS Alumni Association released a communiqué calling for the dissolution and reconstitution of the university’s governing council, there have been misleading insinuations spread by a few ignorant individuals and a minority within the association who have become tools for some retrogrades in the council. These individuals […]

April 4, 2024

Insecurity In Cross River State, The False Allegations, The Propaganda and The Facts BY RICHARD INOYO

377 Let me clarify, neither any documented victim of car theft, kidnapping, or criminal murder got any support from the State Governor or Government. It is public knowledge that calls were made for the Government of Cross River to prioritize security greatly, intervene technologically, and support victims of kidnapping and those who have suffered needlessly […]

January 6, 2024

When The Accused Alleges: Halima Shehu, Betta Edu And The Imperative Of Legal Clarity BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

741 While transparency and accountability are paramount, it is equally important to exercise caution and diligence in the pursuit of justice.  In recent times, the Nigerian political landscape has been marred by allegations of financial impropriety within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The focus of these accusations has shifted towards the Minister, […]

January 5, 2024

Bakassi, Still A Victim Of Circumstances … BY AGBA JALINGO

895 It is not election time but it is time to return the conversation to the front burner with a view to seeing how stakeholders can bring this matter to a mutual closure. In February 2018, the Supreme Court upheld the Appeal Court judgment which ordered INEC to delineate and conduct elections in 10 new […]

December 3, 2023

Consider This Before You Hate… BY AGBA JALINGO

598 Hate is in part what keeps us going when our lives have been put on hold. Every time there are severe disruptions in our lives, the stronger the hate we have for everything around us. Hate avails a major form of catharsis for releasing, and providing relief from such repressed emotions. Hate is also […]

November 30, 2023

Restoring Local Governance: Why Prince Otu Should Conduct Local Government Elections BY OGAR EMMANUEL

800 As the incumbent administration of Sen. Prince Bassey Otu reaches its seventh month in office, a noticeable void in governance persists with the absence of local government chairmen. This vacuum has widened the gap between the state administration and rural communities with a void in effective governance at the grassroots level. To say the […]

November 21, 2023

Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Raphael Ayama Offiong’s Remarkable Journey to Full Professorship BY OGAR EMMANUEL

1,509 In the hallowed halls of the University of Calabar, a brilliant young scholar has risen to the ranks of a full-fledged Professor of Biogeography in the Faculty of Geography. Dr. Raphael Ayama Offiong’s (aka Raph) ascension is nothing short of awe-inspiring, proof of his tireless diligence, unyielding work ethic, and unswerving determination in the […]

September 23, 2023

The Forgotten Cry: The Tragic Demise of Mohbad In The Shadows Of Bullying, Intimidation, And Neglect BY FIDELIS DUKER

734 The recent passing of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has exposed a darker side of the music industry, where artists are abandoned to endure bullying, intimidation, harassment and lopsided contracts at the hands of their record labels and promoters. Mohbad’s tragic end serves as a painful reminder of the collective failure of society […]

September 23, 2023

The Gates To Hell Were Opened Long Ago, By Owei Lakemfa

296 The world gathered this week under the United Nations to talk peace, security and socio-economic justice, but hawks circled and beneficiaries of a skewed world sat silent in cold complicity. It was the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, and even as the world on Thursday, 21 September, complemented the UN […]