|
Windstorm wreaks havoc in 5 Cross River towns
CALABAR—A windstorm has wreaked havoc in five towns in Cross River State, removing roofs of buildings, destroying electrical installations, damaging school buildings and generally defacing the towns.
1. The windstorm, which accompanied a heavy downpour, was initially seen as a form of succour as the towns, Ogoja, Obudu, Okuku, Igoli and Bekwara had before then witnessed unbearable heat until its violence left destruction and agony in its wake.
One of the affected residents, Rev. Moses Omoyenwa, compared the windstorm to the one that occurred the same time last year.
"Last year, it was our church that was pulled down. This time it is my residence; tell me what I am going to do.
"My members have put in extra time and resources to put the church building back. How fair will it be for me to ask them do same for my house?"
While almost all the houses in Okuku were destroyed, at Igoli, only the storey buildings were affected by the storm.
A landlord, one of the victims of the windstorm, Mr Thomas Ogonyi, was at a loss on what to do next, but called on government to come to the assistance of the people.
On the damaged roofing sheets, he said "most of them have been rendered useless by the storm, so why be in a hurry to pack them?
"Now we are at the mercy of the elements, though the rains have been slow in coming now that they are here, it is going to be an every day affair."
Chaiman of Yala Local Government has, however, assured that government will come to the aid of the people to ameliorate their pitiable condition.
According to him, "I was away in Calabar to attend the caucus meeting when the storms struck, but I have been briefed.
"We shall soon undertake measures to cushion the impact of the devastation on our people. I will also inform the governor, be assured that when next you call something has been done."
Source: Vanguard, 19th April 2010.
The Security Breach At Calabar Airport
The recent dramatic incident at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, in which a taxi driver breached airport security and drove his cab straight onto the tarmac and rammed into an Abuja-bound Arik Aircraft waiting to take off with 200 passengers on board is puzzling. The loose and porous security at the airport is to blame.
Luckily enough, the car turned out not to have any bomb planted in it. Had this been the case, or has there been an explosion, the story would have been different, as a major disaster would have occurred. Both the plane and the passengers could have been torn apart in the blast. How did the man manage to get into the restricted area of the airport unhindered? Where were the security personnel who were supposed to guard the two Air Force gates through which the man accessed the tarmac? Are there no security restrictions at the Calabar Airport?
The incident clearly exposed the security lapses at Nigeria's airports. Once again, it serves as a wake up call for the authorities to review and overhaul the entire security system at the nation's airports. What we are dealing with is a failure of security that could have disastrous consequences.
Happening at a time attention is on Nigeria's aviation security following the December 25, 2009 attempt by the Nigerian-born Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab to blow up a Detroit-bound plane in the United States, the incident, certainly, is a bad advertisement for Nigeria. Mr. Abdulmutallab stopped over at the Lagos Airport from Ghana en route the US through Amsterdam. But the fact that he is a Nigerian and passed through the Lagos Airport put Nigeria under focus. We expected that the ugly incident which led the US authorities to put Nigeria on the terror watch list would have spurred the Nigerian authorities to provide extra security measures at the nation's airports. But the Calabar Airport incident has proved the contrary.
Perhaps, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) should be reminded once again that the time to secure the airports is now in view of the growing threats of terrorism from within and outside the country. Nothing should be taken for granted any more. Not even the culture of giving Nigerian "big men" and their entourage unrestricted access around the airport including the tarmac. Such dangerous practices should be discouraged.
Thus, it happened that the taxicab passed through what was supposed to be two guarded Nigerian Air Force gates right onto the tarmac without any checks or hindrance. The car knocked down the gates, raced onto the tarmac and smashed unto the belly of the parked aircraft waiting to take off.
The impact of the car reportedly triggered off an alarm. Where were the security men? Apart from the Air Force personnel that were supposed to man the gates, there should have been policemen as well as FAAN security personnel on duty.
It should be clear to the authorities that airports are national frontiers linking the country to the outside world. Unfortunately, our airports are poorly maintained. The infrastructures are poor and sub-standard. That explains why the airports are not protected even with perimeter fences.
Nigeria's airports may have built at a time when there was no major security threat in the country. As a result, airport security has all along been taken for granted. In the Calabar airport case, it will in fact be surprising if there is any video recording of the entire saga as there may be no Closed Circuit Television Cameras at the airport. Such gadgets are supposed to be part of the installations to monitor security. How many airports have them in Nigeria?
Airport security has become a global issue. The Nigerian authorities owe it as a duty to protect life and property at the airports and elsewhere in the land. There is no alternative to that. In the meantime, the cab driver who claimed that he wanted to punish "unrepentant sinners" and that he would return to complete his attack should be made to face the full wrath of the law. His interrogators must try to find out if he has any hidden sponsors or persuaders.
Source: The Guardian, 11th April 2010.
Cross River Vows to Arrest Masterminds Behind Airport Incident
From Anietie Akpan, Calabar
THE Cross River State government has vowed to arrest the masterminds behind the recent incident at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar in which a car driven by one Anieniok Elijah Okon crashed into an Arik aircraft.
Last Wednesday, a taxi driver rammed through two old gates of the Air Force base leading to the airport and crashed into an Arik plane that was about to take off with about 95 passengers onboard.
A statement issued by the state government and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Edet Okon Asim, said: "Government is however aware that last Wednesday's incident at the Calabar Airport is one of the series of grand conspiracies by detractors of government, who are obviously envious of the monumental achievements of the Liyel Imoke-led administration to make Cross River State a trailblazer in leadership and good governance among the comity of states in Nigeria."
Asim said: "Government is not unmindful of the activities of such fifth columnists and is working assiduously to unmask their identities and modus operandi at the appropriate time."
He assured that the security agencies were carrying out their routine investigations to unravel the circumstances that resulted in the incident.
Asim enjoined the public to be "alert to the activities of saboteurs who are out to tarnish the rising profile of the state as the foremost tourist destination and emerging enterprising state in Nigeria."
He said: "The government of Cross River State wishes to assure members of the public, tourists and air travellers to and from Calabar in particular of their safety and security in spite of the unfortunate slight security breach that occurred at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport last Wednesday, March 31, 2010.
"Undoubtedly, Cross River State is the most serene, secure environment and would ever remain so because hospitality, peaceful disposition, warmth and good neighbourliness are the hallmarks of the people's character.
"Meanwhile, government urges the management and all relevant security agencies at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport to be alert to their statutory functions and responsibilities, and ensure the smooth running of the airport to the enviable standard the government desires it to be."
Source: The Guardian, 6th April 2010.
Imoke Returns from Medical Trip Abroad
From JUDEX OKORO, Calabar
Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State returned to the state yesterday after barely one month of absence, dousing the rumours that he has died.
In the last two weeks there has been speculation within the state that Imoke had passed on.
The rumour is not unconnected with his long absence from work.
Imoke travelled to the United States of America for medical treatment following a car accident he had on the Obudu Mountain Resort.
Speaking to newsmen at the Magaret Ekpo International airport in Calabar yesterday shortly after his arrival in company of his wife, Mrs. Obioma Imoke, the governor who had plaster of paris (POP) on his arm said: "We had an accident which was unexpected. It can happen to anyone. I am almost fully recovered besides my hand.
"The good thing about Cross River State is that we have such structure that government and governance continue with or without me."
Fielding question from newsmen on whether he is fit enough to take the reins of power, he said, "you can see me standing, walking, smiling and doing everything. I think it is clear that there is some injury which were sustained in the accident, but I think there was some exaggeration in the media about the extent of my injuries."
On hand to receive Imoke include the deputy governor, other top state functionaries, political aides, party chieftains and sympathizers.
Source: Sun, 5th April 2010
Senate Panel Decries Security Breach at Calabar Airport
THE Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Anyim Ude, has expressed dismay at the manner in which a taxi driver broke through the Air Force Gate at the Margaret Ekpo Airport, Calabar and rammed into the bottom of an Abuja-bound aircraft.
In a statement on behalf of his committee yesterday, Ude said the incident had further exposed the lapses in the security arrangement at "our airports."
The statement read thus: "The committee is also shocked that security at the airports could be so porous that a man who appeared to be insane could gain unhindered access into the tarmac.
"This incident raises the question on the need to review the co-existence of commercial airports and Air Force Bases across the country.
"The committee therefore enjoins the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and other relevant security agencies to once again take a critical look at the issue of effective security and safety at our airports. The agencies should also put in place structures and efficient machinery to check unnecessary incursion of unwanted persons at the tarmac and indeed, the entire airport environment.
"The committee charges all the agencies concerned, especially the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) to carry out thorough investigation into this ugly incident and hope that this time around they will make the result of their investigation public, with a view to forestalling future occurrence.
The Federal Government last Thursday ordered detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to a security breach at the airport.
A statement from the Presidency said anybody or agency found culpable in the incident would not go unpunished.
Source: The Guardian, 5th April 2010
Imoke Returns in Plasters
* Says "I'm fit to rule
From Anietie Akpan, Calabar
GOVERNOR Liyel Imoke of Cross River State is now back to the state after over one week of absence following a car accident he had on the Obudu Mountain Resort before going abroad.
The governor's convoy was involved in an accident on March 6 at the Obudu Ranch.
Speaking at the Magaret Ekpo International airport in Calabar yesterday evening, the governor, who had Plaster of Paris (POP) on his right arm said, "We had an accident which was unexpected. It can happen to anyone. I am almost fully recovered besides my hand.
"The good thing about Cross River State is that we have such structure that government and governance continues with or without me.
On whether he is fit enough to take the reins of the state, he said, "You can see me standing, walking, smiling and doing every thing. I think it is clear that there is some injury which were sustained in the accident, but I think there was some exaggerations in the media about the extent of my injuries."
Large number of party faithful (PDP) and some members of his cabinet were on hand to receive the governor.
Imoke arrived with his wife onboard an Arik Airline plane and drove straight to the government house.
Source: The Guardian, 5th April 2010
Calabar Airport Terror Attack
Jonathan orders probe
By Our reporter
The presidency has ordered an investigation into the very unusual incident at the Margaret Ekpo Airport , Calabar on Wednesday in which a lone driver beat all the airport security and rammed into an Abuja-bound Arik aircraft.
The special adviser to the president on aviation, Capt. Shehu Iyal disclosed this in Abuja yesterday when he briefed newsmen on the incident, saying the Presidency considered it not only embarrassing, but also a very serious security breach and had resolved to get at the root of the matter.
Wondering how the driver could have beaten the security at the airport and ventured into the otherwise secure tarmac, he said the Presidency, through the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) had directed that detailed investigations be carried out to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"Requisite agencies and airport authorities are already briefing the NSA on this very condemnable breach at the Calabar airport. The presidency is assuring that maximum penalty shall be meted out to concerned persons or airport authorities if any form of dereliction of duty is established as a causative factor in the very embarrassing Calabar airport incident," he stated.
He said the Calabar airport incident had shown that despite efforts at strengthening security at the nation's airports, a lot needed to be done in that regard and vowed that government would leave no stone unturned in its determination to ensure all the airports attained the security standard recommended by the world aviation authorities.
"The presidency wishes to assure travelers that the nation's security agencies are working virtually round the clock to keep our airports safe and secured. The Calabar incident is indeed a reminder that in spite of our efforts, a lot more needs to be done on improving security as per International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standard and recommended practices (SARPs) in all the airports in the country", he added.
It would be recalled that a taxi with registration number Cross River XA 254 KMM, painted in the Cross River State's taxi colour of blue-white-blue and driven by a lone driver beat all security at the airport, ran into the tarmac and rammed into an Abuja-bound Arik aircraft waiting to take off.
The incident said to have occurred at about 2.35 pm sent the entire airport into confusion as passengers, crew members and airport workers ran for the safety of their lives, fearing that the taxi was laden with bombs waiting to detonate.
Upon his arrest, the driver of the taxi claimed that his mission was to blow up the plane and the passengers in protest of the sinfulness of Nigerians who he dubbed unrepentant sinners.
"Jesus is the redeemer. Everyone should repent and follow him because I will come back and complete the attack," he was quoted as saying.
Source: Sun, 2nd April 2010.
Nationwide Red Alert Over Calabar
Airport Incident
•Jonathan orders investigation
From George Oji in Abuja, Chinedu Eze in Lagos and Ernest Chinwo in Calabar
Security has been beefed up at the airports in the country following Wednesday's incident in which a commercial driver rammed into an Abuja-bound Arik airplane at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar.
A senior official of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who confirmed this last night, said the Calabar incident was regrettable.
The Federal Government has also ordered immediate investigation of the incident.
Government also assured all air travellers that security agencies were working round the clock to continue to keep the nation's airports very safe and secured.
A man, whose name is yet to be ascertained, had driven a blue Audi 80 salon car with Cross River State registration number XA 254 KMM and rammed into Arik's Boeing 737 commercial aircraft marked 5N-MJJ. The plane was preparing to take off with 95 passengers on board.
He had bashed through two gates of the Air Force Station before driving to the tarmac where he rammed into the under belly of the aircraft.
Security has, however, been beefed up at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar following the Wednesday incident.
According to the Presidency statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Aviation, Captain Shehu Usman Iyal, government is "appalled by the obvious and unfortunate security breach at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport.
"The Presidency through the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has directed that detailed investigations be promptly carried out to unravel the circumstances/factors that led to the very unusual venturing of a lone driver onto the otherwise secured tarmac of the Calabar Airport to ram into an Abuja bound Arik Aircraft at the Calabar Airport."
The statement said requisite agencies and airport authorities were already briefing the National Security Adviser on "this very condemnable breach" at the Calabar airport.
Iyal said: "The Presidency is assuring that maximum penalty shall be meted out to concerned persons or airport authorities if any form of dereliction of duty is established as a causative factor in the very embarrassing Calabar airport incident.
"The Calabar incident is indeed a reminder that in spite of our efforts, a lot more needs to be done on improving security as per International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standard and recommended practices in all the airports in the country."
Also, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have called on the Federal Government to thoroughly investigate the attack on Arik airplane.
Briefing newsmen at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the AON Assistant Secretary-General, Alhaji Muhammed Tukur, said the association would write a formal letter to the National Security Adviser (NSA), General Aliyu Gusau, for the government to look seriously into the matter.
According to Tukur, the attack was orchestrated and intentional because there are other airlines that use the airport.
"There is an attempt for people to threaten our businesses and investments; it seems like it was planned; they need to improve on security especially at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) and MMA2 (the new domestic terminal at MMIA) and other airports in the country; we should not take this lightly," the AON scribe said.
Meanwhile, after the failed bombing of American jetliner by a Nigerian in Detroit last Christmas day, it became known that one of the two gates leading to the tarmac of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja was being manned by the Air Force.
According to officials from the FAAN, many people, especially VIPs, gain entry to the tarmac and board aircraft without going through the mandatory screening carried out by aviation security, in conformity with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
A FAAN official told THISDAY that security is lax at those Air Force bases because they are not subjected to the security rigours mandated by ICAO.
"So security at the airports should be fully managed by FAAN because that is the body recognized by ICAO to provide security at Nigeria's airports," the source said.
When THISDAY visited Margaret Ekpo Airport yesterday, there were about eight armed Air Force personnel at the gate through which the cab driver bashed through to the airport.
This is a departure from the past when only two guards were seen at the gate.
Also, while the gate has not been repaired, barricades made of disused drums and wood has also sprung up in front of the gate while a surface bunker made of sand bags has also been put in place.
The Air Force personnel at the location would not respond to enquiries. However, besides the Air Force Base section, there was no noticeable security presence at other sections of the airport, while normal activities were going on.
At the Airport tarmac, THISDAY noticed that the taxi had been removed from the scene of the incident while there is a noticeable dent in the under belly of the aircraft.
A worker at the airport who would not wish to be mentioned disclosed that the offending cab had been taken to the state Police Command headquarters, Diamond Hill, Calabar.
The police, however, would not say anything.
The state Police Public Relations Officer Etim Dickson said on telephone that he had been on tour of police formations in the state and did not have details of the incident yet.
Source: Sun, 2nd April 2010.
C/River Acquires 140,000 Hectares for 50,000 Housing Units
TOM MOSES, Calabar
The Cross River State government has reiterated its commitment to providing at least, 50,000 housing units by 2012.
Already, the government said 140,000 hectares of land had been acquired at various locations across the state to facilitate the commencement of that project by prospective housing developers.
Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Engr. Bassey Eka Oqua, told newsmen during his ministry's strategic media briefing held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, Thursday, said the land which were already accessible to individuals and groups, had been surveyed, parcellated and compensations paid to their original owners.
He explained that the effort was in line with the state's vision of ensuring adequate quality and balanced housing development, complete with social and recreational facilities to bridge the housing gap of 50,000 houses by 2012.
According to him, the ministry adopted strategic initiatives to roll out a workable framework to ensure development control which would facilitate increase of housing stock by an average of 12,500 units annually while reducing a turn around time for granting approval for all forms of development within 30-days.
Engr. Oqua also revealed plans by the ministry to establish and implement a comprehensive and uniform statewide urban and rural planned land use to promote physical, social, economic and environmental development by 2012, adding that the state had appointed a consultant to work with other stakeholders to prepare an Urban/Regional Development Master Plan for Calabar, Ugep, Ikom, Ogoja and Obudu which he noted was at an advanced stage .
The commissioner also said the state has concluded plans for the automation of land information system and established Cross River State Geographical Information System (CRGIS), which he noted, a steering Committee headed by Governor Imoke has been put in place along side project strategic management consultants to ensure full implementation of the project.
He added that topographic based and thematic maps of Calabar and that of the entire state was now ready.
He spoke of efforts by the ministry to check the menace of illegal structures especially the haphazard development of the Calabar Capital City and erection of unapproved buildings across the state by setting up an urban development control task force with the task of demolishing illegal and unsightly buildings and structure while another team headed by the Legal Adviser to the Governor was currently working with relevant agencies to update existing Urban/Regional Planning laws to align with current realities.
Source: Daily Champion, 30th March 2010.
Imoke's Wife Tasks Women on Good Health
CALABAR—Wife of Cross River State Governor, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, has called on women in the state to take advantage of the upgraded health facilities in the state to improve on their health practices.
She spoke as guest of honour at a one-day seminar organized by a network of NGO's in partnership with Pathfinder International held at the Conference Hall of Unical Hotel in Calabar, Cross River State.
The seminar witnessed paper presentations on the need for family planning among the reproductive age-group and explored ways to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.
Some of the NGOs that presented papers at the seminar include, IRHIN, The Association of General and Private Practitioners of Nigeria, AGPMPN, Medical Women and We-Women Network.
Mrs. Imoke, who was represented by Dr. Regina Nwadiaro, commended the organizers for their foresight in organizing a seminar which she described as apt and very important.
She expressed the view that the seminar would go a long way in sensitizing more community-based organisations, CBOs, NGO's and FBO's on the importance of getting women thoroughly sensitized and informed on the importance of proper health care practices.
Source: Vanguard, 23rd March 2010.
Rainstorm ravages Cross River
From Anietie Akpan, Calabar
THE rains are just beginning and many people in Cross River State are worried about what the season may portend for them.
Their fears are not without reason, as what may be the fiercest rainstorms since the year have occurred in the state.
Last week, heavy rains, accompanied by fierce winds, destroyed homes and farmlands in Ekori, Yakurr Local Council, leaving more than 100 houses destroyed and 300 people homeless.
Another heavier rain and more ferocious wind struck Abi Local Council leaving over 600 persons homeless.
Schools, churches, hospitals, markets, public and over 310 private buildings were seriously affected.
Following the incident, pupils in the affected primary schools now study under makeshift structures.
The rainstorm could not have come at a less propitious time as people of the area are still licking their wounds and are yet to recover from different kinds of disasters, including hailstones, rainstorm, windstorm and flood, which ravaged the area last year.
Some of the areas affected in the recent storm include Itigidi and Ediba, where there is intense human suffering among the displaced on account of the disaster.
Some of the victims who spoke to The Guardian wondered if the world was coming to an end in Abi Local Council " since we now have to face such disasters as flood and storms as well as the incidents of kidnappings which we never experienced in years gone by," an 80-year-old Mama Bassey said, as she crouched shivering in a corner of what was once her room.
Her thin shoulders were covered with a tattered blanket while in another corner of the room, the roof of which had been blown off by the storm, a pot sat on a dying fire.
"We are now living in fear in this place and we are appealing to the state government to intervene and help us in these terrible times when all that we had have been destroyed by the storm."
She said she was already asleep about 8.30p.m. that Monday when she was woken up by a loud noise caused by the storm. pShe said when she looked up, her roof had gone.
With tears rolling down her wrinkled cheeks, she said that everything in the house was soaked and she was drenched.
The plea of victims for succour may bring them the desired results as the Director-General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA), Mr. Vincent Aquah who visited the area promised that the state government would take necessary steps to bring them assistance.
The Director General who was represented by the Planner/Assessor, Miss Peggie Inyang also appealed to philanthropic organizations and well-spirited individuals to collaborate with SEMA in its efforts towards meeting the needs of victims across the state.
Meanwhile, Cross River State is now on the list of natural disaster-prone states as it has experienced 14 out of the 18 disaster types in the country.
Within a period of seven months, either rainstorm has ravaged many parts of the state, or erosion has sacked many communities while thousands are rendered homeless.
The Director General raised the alarm last year while receiving relief materials from Taiwan- based Non-Governmental Organization, the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association on behalf of disaster victims.
He had then appealed for an urgent intervention before the situation got out of control.
He lamented that the situation deserved international attention as not less than 10,000 persons were displaced in a devastating rainstorm that rocked Ogoja and Yala Locpal Councils of the state.
Similar rainstorms have since ravaged areas such asCalabar South and Calabar Municipality, Agwagwene in Biase, Ikom, Etung Councils and other areas of the state.
Source: The Guardian, 22nd March 2010.
C/River Spends N1.3bn
TOM MOSES, Calabar
To cushion the effect of the recent ban on the commercial motor cycle operations in Cross River state, approximately N1.3 billion has so far been expended to provide a sustainable alternative means of transportation in the state.
Special Advisesr to Governor Liyel Imoke on Public Transportation, Mr. Gabriel Okulaja stated this during in an interview with our correspondent in Calabar saying the money was expended by interested stakeholders who included the state government, commercial and micro-finance banks and private participants to flood the state with taxis and buses.
Okulaja explained that the activities of the Okada riders were becoming embarrassing to the public as the operators were becoming reckless and unorganised thereby compelling the government as a leading tourism state in the country to introduce a perfect transport system that would guarantee the safety of passengers and engender the image of the state.
He said due to the cordial relationship between the state government and micro finance banks in the state, they collaborated to procure the first set of 50 cabs and a new transportation scheme was being handled by the association of urban taxi drivers.
According to him, four licensed taxi operators had indicated interest to manage the transport scheme and have invested enough into the scheme, stressing that the state government has given four years guarantee to them with a promise to protect them and create conducive business environment for them.
The special adviser said that for any taxi to operate in the state, it has to be registered with any of the four operators namely; the pronto cab, canaan cab, city shuffle and red cab and fly the colour of the operator before government gives operational permit.
He assured that the state government would provide a good environment for everybody in the state especially passengers, just as he said that plans were on the way to establish passengers drive insurance scheme which would protect both the passengers and drivers in case of any accident.
Fielding question on the allegation that the state government had given the department of public transportation the revenue target of N23 billion to make up the loss of revenue from the 13 per cent oil derivation, he said the allegation was false, that no such target was given.
He however confirmed that some of the old taxis and buses plying the roads in the state would soon be phased out as government would not want rickety vehicles that constitute environmental hazards on the roads.
It was gathered that for any taxi to operate in the state, it must register with the sum of N75, 000.00, while buses are to register with the sum of N85, 000.00 with any of the operational companies with agreed percentages going to the companies and some part to provide the necessary documents and training for the drivers.
Source: Daily Champion, 22nd March 2010.
The Okada Flight in Cross River
By Patrick Ugbe
DO not misunderstand me. I know we used to have an airline that went by that name, which eventually took flight off the Nigerian skyline. What I am actually referring to is the Cross River State experience with the commercial motorcycles popularly referred to as "Okada". It is not news anymore that their operations have been banned in the Canaan City of Calabar and to good effect for that matter.
When the idea was first mooted, the question asked by most people was: Can it be done? One can understand their skepticism. Afterall this is one of the places where commercial motorcycle was first introduced. Then it was known as "ake-uke" meaning "where are you going", before its national rebranding scheme that saw it emerge with the new name of "Okada". Apart from that, Cross River State had a well-organised commercial motorcycle set-up, even with a regulatory agency. The Cross River model was actually the model recommended by FRSC to other states especially with their compliance with the use of crash helmets.
So to some people, this was going to be a tough call. But His Excellency Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River State once again demonstrated that he is not one to shy away from taking tough political decisions, especially if such decisions are for the common good. Months leading to the phase-out date, the Governor had set the machinery in motion by setting up a committee to work out the modalities. This committee which included officials of Okada Riders Association, met with all stakeholders including the Okada riders themselves and charted a pathway to follow. There was palpable apprehension as the day for the phase-out approached. Will the plan work? Will it fail? But lo and behold, Sunday, November 22, 2009 came and the ban kicked into effect, albeit with a little hiccups, which is quite understandable. These hiccups have long been corrected.
The interesting thing about the Cross River experience which I believe will also become a model for the country is the way and manner the phase-out was structured.
This is the first time that a ban will be effected, with a plan to cushion the effect on both the masses, and the Okada riders who were directly affected. For the masses, government knew that it had to provide an alternative, though a new urban taxi scheme. So Government procured 250 brand new Chevrolet and Suzuki cars and 60 Toyota Hiace buses, all "tear rubber" as they would say. The vehicles were procured through micro credit funding managed by two Micro-Finance banks and supported by the State Government. With these in place, the ban was set to kick in.
I remember once before the hosting of the Under-17 tournament, someone suggested an immediate ban of "Okada" and His Excellency vehemently opposed the suggestion, saying you must provide the people with an alternative, so that you don't inflict pain on them. Such is the nature of Senator Liyel Imoke, that driving by the road and seeing a large crowd waiting by the bus-stop, would immediately scream at the operators and the Department of Public Transportation to ensure they get out the cars and move the people. Because of that, the numbers of the taxis have been increased by another 100, to 350.
The transition plan for the operators (Okada riders) was to make them form co-operatives to enable them operate the new taxis and buses that Government had provided to replace the okada. Government had to educate them on how to form co-operatives and how to run their businesses. So invariably, government was building a new class of entrepreneurs as those who bought into it are today the better for it and we shall see how in a moment.
For me, the positives from this ban are many. Firstly, in this 21st Century, using the motorcycle as a means of public transportation is an aberration. It distorts the aesthetic beauty of the city, and for Cross River to succeed as a tourism destination, then we must be forward thinking and provide modern means of public transportation that is safe and secure, befitting its status. That is what we are doing. Again since the ban, the casualty wards of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and the State General Hospital have been virtually empty. Before the ban, you could hardly find any space in the wards due to accidents involving Okads, some of which were fatal or got the passengers and the riders themselves maimed for life. Today even the traditional bone healers are seeing a decline in their clientele.
Thirdly, the operators have witnessed a massive boost of their revenues. From investigation, the least daily take-home by any of the operators on a bad business day is N20,000.00, which more than doubles what they were making from the bikes, and if you add the risk factor, then you'll see what I mean. And then crime. Need I say more that petty crime has reduced drastically in Calabar. It was becoming the norm to hear of criminals using Okada to get away quickly from their crime scenes, but since the ban, the city has been calm.
Also, the ban has positively produced a new generation of car owners. A friend who just bought a car, recently told me that he owes His Excellency, Governor Imoke a lot of gratitude for inspiring him to own a car. He surely won't be the only one, as there are more like him. The Okada ban in Cross River State has been hugely successful mainly due to the fact that there has been a concerted development of urban roads. A couple of years ago, the taxis wouldn't have been able to venture into Calabar South as the roads were not just deplorable but impassable. But today, thanks to the Imoke administration, Calabar South has some of the best urban roads in the country. This has encouraged a lot of people, not just the Okada operators, to key into the taxi scheme, and this scheme is being managed effectively by the private sector through Pronto Cabs Limited, with the supervision of the Department of Public Transportation. A perfect example of the Public Private Partnership model, being propagated by Governor Imoke.
To those who doubted the workability or the success of the phase-out, it is gladdening to let them see that it is not only workable but hugely successful, and is further transforming the City of Calabar into a modern City, living up to its billing as a destination. To those who asked - Can it be done? The answer is "Yes it can", and in Cross River , "Okada" has taken flight.
Ugbe is Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River State Governor
Source: The Guardian, 22nd Feb 2010.
Gauging Tourism TEMPO In Cross River
ONE year into the task of helping of building Cross River State's tourism into a quality brand and attract all-season patronage, Tourism Employment and Opportunity (TEMPO) has debuted with Cross River Quality (CRQ) Ambassador promotional tour packages. ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA periscopes the five different tourism offerings of the promotional tour packages for the delight of tourists commencing in this month of sharing love - Valentine.
THERE could have be no other befitting month to commence an introductory tour package to Cross River State by Tourism Employment and Opportunity (TEMPO) than this month - February, which is symbolically dedicated to sharing love.
TEMPO is the CDC Development Solutions initiative funded by the MSME Nigeria Project of the federal government of Nigeria and the World Bank alongside other private bodies as a pilot project to help develop quality products and services in what is known as Cross River Quality (CRQ) platform in a bid to push the Cross River Tourism brand to the frontiers of global tourist destination.
According to the team leader of TEMPO, Mr. Alvin Rosenbaum, the Ambassador tour promotional packages are billed to commence on February 12th and end on March 14. Rosenbaum informs that the bottom line is to offer a lifetime opportunity for people to savour a blend of the vast and rich tourism treasures of Cross River State.
"It is a chance to experience it first hand through our exciting introductory Cross River Quality (CRQ) Ambassador promotion," he says, stressing "we guarantee that once you have had a taste of the quality, value and security of Cross River State, you would become ambassador of Cross River."
At the formal public presentation of the promotional tour packages last month in Lagos, the Acting Managing Director of Cross River State Tourism Bureau (CRSTB), Mrs. Elinda Osima-Dokubo also harped on the importance the state government places on the project, as it is hoped that it would jumpstart the process of making Cross River Tourism brand all season attraction for tourists.
This indeed is an ambitious project however, Rosenbaum, sees no reason why Cross River Tourism brand should not achieve this record in no distant time. He hinges his faith on the enchanting destination, which he says is waiting for the world to discover its famous "hospitality, luxury accommodation, mouthwatering traditional cuisine, nature's abundance and other fun-filled activities."
It is in this wise that the five different promotional offers now on sale offer something exciting, captivating and colourful, ranging from the "beautiful Obudu Mountain Resort to the halls of Calabar's churches and the historic water front of Calabar South to the shops of the Tinapa Business Resort."
Here are details of the five tour packages:
Valentine's Romance: This is a special package that is dedicated to the celebration of Valentine's Day and is scheduled for next weekend (February 12 - 14). This is a package every lovebird and couple should look forward to as it offers a memorable moment for them to rekindle their relationship in a romantic and delectable atmosphere.
One of the prime activities of the package is a special Valentine's Soiree that is scheduled to hold on Saturday February 13 while events of the two- nights' accommodation in Calabar (breakfast inconclusive) package include city tour, music and entertainment festival and locally produced gift items.
Meet Me In Cross River: This is billed for conference and business meetings (MICE) planners to exploit the natural and calm ambience of the city of Calabar, Tinapa Business Resort and Obudu Mountain Resort among others, which are known for their captivating sceneries.
The details of this package include - accommodation (breakfast inconclusive), conference/meeting venue with tea breaks and standard multi-media equipment, city tour of Calabar, roundtrip fare and airport pick-up and drop-off.
Also expect a lavish treat to the artistic and cultural entertainment offerings of Cross Riverians with musical concerts, theatre shows and traditional hospitality.
Destination Calabar: It is a getaway leisure package that is expected to treat tourists to the whole gamut of Calabar tourism offerings ranging from the famous traditional hospitality of the people, lifestyle, arts, culture, cuisine and nightlife of Calabar.
It is a weekend package that includes two nights' accommodation in Calabar (breakfast inconclusive), airport pick-up and drop-off, city tour of Calabar, gift basket of local products and music and festival entertainment.
Paradise In The Clouds: It is a special treat at the Obudu Mountain Resort, which is noted for its temperate climate where one could exploit nature unspoiled to one's fill.
Some of the details of the package include two nights' accommodation (breakfast inconclusive), cable car ride and canopy walk, bonfire, local products gift basket, airport pick-up and drop-off, ground transfer by bus to Obudu, musical and entertainment festival and a tour of the rolling hills of Obudu and the local communities.
Gospel Encounters: This package is geared at exploring the religious content of the destination and is meant for religious groups and individuals of different religious persuasions to embark on a retreat and religious pilgrimage or sort of religious rejuvenation.
Details of the package are two nights' accommodation in Calabar (breakfast inconclusive), one ticket to gospel musical concert, church worship session, gift basket of local items, picnic in a Christian community with lunch served, and a tour of Calabar, airport pick-up and drop-off.
Besides the Okoi Arikpo House, 10, Calabar Road office of TEMPO, these tour offerings can be purchased from any tour operator and travel agent across the country. You may want to also visit TEMPO's website: www.crossriverquality.com as well as Skytrip Services on 65, MCC Road, Calabar - www.skytrip.calabar@yahoo.com; 08023804217, 08061303339, 08052741600 and 07028913733.
This is one exciting and trail blazing promotional tour packages anyone should not miss because it cannot come better packaged and prized than this. This is hoping as Rosenbaum and Mrs. Osima-Dokubo have declared that this is the beginning of a new move to establish the Cross River Tourism brand as an all season and must visit destination.
Source: The Guardian, 6th Feb 2010.
Imoke Lauds VP Over Bakassi Resettlement
GOVERNOR Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has lauded the efforts of Vice President Goodluck Jonathan for adopting a pragmatic approach to ensure a peaceful and full implementation of the resettlement of the displaced people of Bakassi despite its challenges.
Imoke spoke when he received a delegation of the Presidential Committee on Security in Bakassi led by Mrs. Moremi Onijala, on a courtesy visit. He added that the gesture was a demonstration of the goodwill and commitment to the state in ensuring that the people were fully resettled and integrated with their kinsmen.
He noted the efforts of the various agencies that had worked assiduously in collaboration with the state's agency since the commencement of the successful withdrawal process in August 2008, maintaining that the state had remained peaceful, patriotic and loyal to the higher authorities in order to fully implement the Green Tree Agreement reached by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and would continue to remain useful partner.
The governor, however, decried the painful loss of some oil wells belonging to the state to another state and the delisting of the state from the league of oil-producing states following the ceding of Bakassi.
Source: The Guardian, 1st Feb 2010.
Kinsmen at War Over Senate/Rep
Slots in Cross River
From Anietie Akpan, Calabar
Central Senatorial district, Cross River State is in virtual political fire. The fight is over which community grouping within the district produces the next slots for the Senate and House of Representatives in the 2011 election.
At the centre of the showdown are the old Obubra Local Council comprising Obubra, Abi and Yakurr local councils and the old Ikom comprising Ikom, Etung, and Boki local councils. The Obubra people are insisting that it is their turn to have both the Senate and House slots in 2011. Their contention is that since 1999, the old Ikom has had the seats as though it belonged exclusively to them.
However, their kit and kin in the old Ikom divide are not buying the logic. The Ikom people are firing back that almost all political offices that came the way of the two old councils have gone to old Obubra, adding that if anyone is to complain it should be the people of old Ikom. According to them, the highest political office at the state level (governor) in 1992 went to Yakurr in old Obubra and current governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, is from Abi also on that side.
However, Chief Victor Ndoma-Egba from Ikom currently occupies the Senate seat while Dr John Owan Enoh from Etung also on the Ikom side is in the House of Representatives. Right now, a king maker and retired Permanent Secretary, Mr Patrick Hyacinth Iwara, from Ugep on the Obubra side wants the Senate seat.
He says: "I am transiting from the civil service to political service and I intend to run for the Senate seat of the central senatorial district of Cross River State. I am married with seven children," he said. According to him, "the senate is for me. It is a very mature house and I see myself as a very mature man having gone through 34 years in the service in different capacities and I was born in 1950. The senate is a place where I can contribute what I have gathered these 34 years. What has happened in Nigerian politics is that somebody just wakes up from sleep and they push him to a position.
"It is like moving from a lower level of incompetence to a higher level of incompetence. You find out that the person spends the whole time trying to learn the dynamics of the system. I don't need to learn the dynamics of any system. As a civil servant at the top, I am a politician. Civil servants are politicians who are told to be silent but I think if we talk about the politics of this country, I have participated. I just need my people to give me a voice, particularly from the area where I come. I believe I am mature and experienced enough to represent the people of the central senatorial district. I am exposed enough and I understand the dynamics of the system."
On the old Obubra/old Ikom tussle, Iwara said, "It is politics. You would not expect people who want Senator Ndoma-Egba to say that the seat is vacant. But for us technically, it is vacant. It would be vacant at the end of this tenure. Basically, when you share a position with people from the very first day you get into office, it should get into your head that that position has a beginning and has an end. That means, it has to transit to another person within the area. The problem with Nigeria is that nobody ever wants to leave power once he takes power.
"We are aware of the third term saga in Nigeria and believe we all vowed that third term was not an issue for Nigerians to swallow. We are a developing society and because we are developing, the only thing that would bring development is change. You see, if you have a lot of people educated, unless you are able to try every one of them, you do not know the difference. The point I am making is that the Senate seat is shared between six council areas. In the first dispensation, (1999-2003) the first senator was Senator Mathew Mbu (Jnr) from that same council area served for 4 years. The next Senator, Victor Ndoma-Egba, is now serving for eight years, which means that that council (Old Ikom) has been able to serve for 12 years. If you were for instance from Old Obubra, how would you feel in terms of this position that we share amongst us. Would you say the seat is not vacant or that your people are not entitled to it?"
Told that the Nigerian constitution gives no time limit on a legislature's tenure, Iwara replied that "our development as a nation has not reached a point where one person can continue indefinitely. That is the point I am making. I am not attacking anybody. The constitution is clear. You can stay there till you die if you like. Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba has done very well in his own style. I am not criticizing him. But if you look at the political terrain where we come from it is not ideal. If you go to Ikom where we come from, there are people there who speak Etung and who don't understand the Ikom language itself. There are people who speak Boki in a large area and within that there are still some minorities among them who speak different languages. In Abi, Obubra and Yakurr you still find the same situation.
"For a society that is not homogenous, different people, different languages, different backgrounds and different cultures, it is not politically expedient not to allow them partake in the cake that they baked together because that is the way democracy can truly touch everybody. People will tell you "Oh in America so and so has been there for years and so on." The American society is clan-less, despite the different kinds of people there. Over the years they have evolved into a homogenous society with more or less a single understanding of what the people want and not what is imposed on them.
On the power structure of PDP and the call for power shift in central, the Macro-Economics and Planning Investment expert who later read Law said, "as far as I am concerned I am even in support of people who believe in someone emerging from a consensus. When I backed a local government chairman in Yakurr for example, he had to go through several processes. In fact when the entire Yakurr sat and decided it was him I was not there. All I did was that I supported him. I proposed him. I did not have the power to force him on the party. I only proposed him. When he went for that election, it was almost like he went there unopposed. The community had peace.
"You are aware that a lot of PDP candidates have been thrown out. That is because if you take a candidate that is not popular and there is a more popular candidate somewhere, people would tend to follow the popular one and the only way to make the unpopular one to win is to rig. And if you rig, you expose yourself before the courts.
He pointed out that for the House of Representative seat "it is the same problem we have been discussing. It has become imperative for the Obubra people to rise and say enough is enough. Obubra is double the size of Etung. In fact, if all Obubra people vote for an Obubra man and all Etung people vote for an Etung man the Obubra man would win. But the party twisted their hands and said it must be Etung and as loyal people, they followed. For 12 years, just like we have not produced a senator for 12 years. And if anyone of you comes from this place you won't be happy."
Reacting, however, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) said, "internal crises between Obubra and Ikom of old I know that one or two persons are making that arrangement but it is an argument that is likely to back fire with due respect to them because when you're looking at a basket, you don't just isolate one content of the basket and say 'oh this one has stayed so long in this part of the basket.' You will have to look at every thing that is in the basket.
"From 1999 till date we have had opportunities that have come to Central Senatorial district and how they have been allocated. The first was Special Adviser to Mr. President that went to old Obudu, then ministerial appointment that went to old Obubra and after that governorship positions came and went to old Obubra. The two commissions that we have, the Federal Character Commission and the Civil Service Commission went to old Obubra, in fact to Yakurr particularly. So how do you now isolate only the Senatorial seat, when you have a cocktail of opportunities that have come and say the senatorial seat has remained in one place? What of other positions? You have to put everything together and share.
On 2011, he said, "I am hoping that we would be able to at least complete the electoral components of constitution review exercise, so that we go into 2011 election under a new legal framework. Having said so the problem largely is not the legal regime under which we hold our elections because I think that the shortcoming of the present legal regime not withstanding is a regime that can work if we have the appropriate mind set.
"In Ghana for instance, the electorate is not making any demands on the politicians other than what are your policies. If they compare policies, with policies in USA you will know that the members of the public who funded president Obama's campaign in USA you are looking at the programmes of the political party to arrive at a choice. But in Nigeria, just indicate the ambition to run for counselor, you must pick all the bills in that community, you must pay for every burial, sick child and pay for everybody going to school. So the expectations are totally different. I think that if we could get the Nigerians to begin to see their ballot a secret and know at one point that the secret-ness of their ballot can not get compromised then we will be making a head way. The legal regime is just minimum aspect of our problems. We should not be fixated on tenure, rather should get every vote to count and that every vote should be counted, so that, at any point even during the constitutionally provided term, and the electorate is dissatisfied with the performance, of the incumbent, they can vote him out."
On his possible third term at the Senate Ndoma-Egba said, "it is a matter of choice. For me as a person, I have options. You know I am a legal practitioner and I have reached the highest point I can possibly reach in my profession. So for me the decision is to be taken by the people themselves. If they want to build on what they have achieved, fine. For me, all that I can say is that I am available to continue to serve. But whether I am going to run or not is absolutely the decision of the people."
Source: The Guardian, 14th January 2010.
Top
|
