Cross Riverians Hail Otu At One, Score People First Gov High
By Hannah ARIKPO
As the present administration in both state and national clock one year in office, Cross Riverians have expressed diverse views on experiences with the present government since May 29 2023.
Beagle News Correspondent, Hannah Arikpo, captured these views in a Vox pop.
•Commissioner for Youth, Ukam:
Cross River Commissioner for Youth Development Barr. Odum-Ijom Ukam described the Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu as an all-rounder, whose development efforts cuts across all sectors simultaneously “our roads are wearing new look, street lights and traffic light shining adorning the streets of Calabar, Power supply restored to communities disconnected from the National grid while the Ikom urban health centre was upgraded to a General hospital and many more.
On achievements of the ministry of youth development, Barr Ukam disclosed that right from inception the authorities initiated a skills acquisition training programme which partners a few private enterprises like NEPZA, LARFARGE, NDDC, Federal Ministry of Youths and MEDA.
Currently, young persons are undergoing technical training with NEPZA facility at EPZ, Skyrun Nigeria on Electrical installations, maintenance and repairs while similar feat is being recorded at the federal ministry of youths and the NDDC, we also collaborated with MEDA to provide grants and loans to enterprising youths.
Ukam noted that plans are underway to establish a onestop youth friendly hub to decentralise youth development programmes with the establishment of youth desk officers across the 18 LGAs of the state to bridge the gap between the ministry and the wards, hamlets and villages, while youths who distinguished themselves in different endeavours were awarded ambassadorial positions to motivate others to act as role models and vocal persons for the ministry.
•Special Adviser Cross River Liaison office, Lagos, Esther Bepeh
Just entering Calabar, the Special Adviser to the Governor, Cross River Liaison office, Lagos, Hon Esther Bepeh stated that the Governor also extended his infrastructural development everywhere Cross Riverians are found, as the state liaison office, usually water logged is being given a face lift including welfare packages to staff.
•Chief Magistrate in the state, Ekong Imona,
Speaking from the judicial arm of government, a Chief Magistrate in the state, Ekong Ekong Imona, Esq, observed the present administration is a people centred government that works hard to justify its 'People First Mantra'. According to him, the three tiers of government have never had it so beautiful, we can see the mutual respect existing between the legislature, executive and judiciary, and of course the facelift witnessed in the state Capital.
Imona who also commended the training programmes of the present government to enhance the capacity development of state officials especially in the area of Child rehabilitation is a deliberate attempt to keep Cross Riverians abreast of modern terminology and technology in the globe.
"This shows that the government is deliberate about the next generation, if we don't get it right with children, we can never get it right. Some years back Cross River was known for a 'State fit for a Child' nationally and internationally, the present administration is bringing back that culture." Imona stated. He emphasised, one year is not enough to assess a four year term administration, “saying, I can see that we have had it so good in just one year."
•State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission, Ajuga
Another respondent, Mr Remi Ajuga, State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission, lauded the timely intervention of last year's kidnapping incidents at the Akamkpa/ Biase axis along Murtala Mohammed highway shortly after resumption of the present administration, as people now go about their businesses without fear of molestation, thereby ensuring safety of lives and property.
Ajuga however differed in his opinion as he identified violations of human rights in the area of education citing occasions where majority of public schools require urgent attention to ensure both teachers and learners enjoy conducive learning environment, increase in Child abuse and violation of Child rights law amended in 2023, due to lack of awareness pointing out that bullying, flogging and corporal punishment which is outlawed by the human rights law is still prevalent in schools and homes.
He further suggested the removal of Street Children, disabled persons and mentally challenged persons off the streets of Calabar by government, NGOs, as well as CSOs adding that their condition as vulnerable persons with human rights qualifies them for better care by the society.
In the area of dispensation of justice, Ajuga called for the expansion of the family court to support the social welfare unit to enable professionals provide more counseling services for victims to pick up skills to cope the condition they find themselves and reduce the volume of tension and violence which emits from homes, while Prisoners should be adequately catered for as vulnerable segment of the society.
"Prisoners have rights as human beings, more so they spent their youthful energies working for the well-being of society in different facets,"Ajuga stated.
•Technocrat Nyong
I am optimistic that by the end of four years to eight years, Cross River must have been transformed, I am impressed with the administrative competence of Gov Prince Otu, I give kudos to him," Nyong emphasised
