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Tag: Christian Ita

  • Ayade orders police search of campaign convoys

    The Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade has directed the State Commissioner of Police to immediately commence a stop and search operation of all political parties campaign convoys for illegal arms.

    Read Also: ‘ Ayade can’t stand opposition’

    A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Ita, on Monday read, “This directive is imperative following security reports that indicate that some politicians and their supporters were stockpiling arms and ammunition ahead of the forthcoming elections.

    “The Governor assures the Citizens of adequate security before, during and after the election.“

  • C’River partners Arewa on cotton production

    C’River partners Arewa on cotton production

    The Cross River government said that it is partnering with the Arewa Cottons in Kaduna state to cultivate a cotton farm project in Woda, Yala Local Government Area of the state.

    Mr Christian Ita, Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar.

    Ita said that the cotton project was designed to serve as feeder to the Calabar garment factory.

    He added that the 2,000 hectares Cotton farm was expected produce about 30 tonnes of raw cottons for the Factory before the state carnival celebration.

    He said that the farm would ensure that the Calabar Garment Factory operated at optimum capacity.

    “The garment factory needs raw materials to be fully operational and to meet World standard as well as pressures.

    “So, the cotton farm would provide this required raw materials, hence the need for the partnership”.

  • Ayade mourns victims of Calabar viewing centre tragedy

    Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has described as tragic and horrifying, the loss of several lives at a viewing centre in Calabar, the Cross River capital on Thursday.

    The governor said this in a statement issued by Mr Christian Ita, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press Secretary in Calabar on Friday.

    Ayade also said it was heart wrenching that the lives of the young men were lost through electrocution.

    “The incident marks a dark chapter in the life of the state where the precious lives of football lovers have been lost.

    “At this point in time, it is sad to know that the victims lost their lives at a viewing centre where they usually converge, at their leisure time to watch their matches’’, Ayade said.

    While commiserating with the families of the victims of the tragedy, the governor promised that the state government would look into the likely cause of the incident to preventing reoccurrence.

    No fewer than 30 persons died on Thursday night in Calabar at a viewing centre while watching the Europa Football League match between Manchester United and Anderlecht.

    The incident happened at about 9.30 p.m at Nyagasang area of Atimbo in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of the state.

  • Cross River denies annexation of community by Cameroon

    The Cross River Government said on Wednesday that none of its villages were illegally annexed by Cameroon on the orders of the Nigeria-Cameroon boundary demarcation officials.

    Mr. Christian Ita, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Liyel Imoke, told journalists in Calabar that the speculation was untrue.

    He, however, said that a pillar on the boundary between the two countries had been reported missing in Danare community of the state.

    “Yes, one pillar is missing, but there is just nothing to the story. They are still searching for it. When you are doing demarcation it is not as if you have one straight line you just go.

    “They (officials) are still looking for the pillar and even the National Boundary Commission officials are there. This is just unnecessary sensationalism. The petition from the Danare community did not say they have been ceded.

    “The petition was that if the stone is not seen. Cameroon may likely encroach. Nothing has been ceded and Cross River State has not lost any community in the central or northern senatorial district to Cameroon.

    “The Nigeria-Cameroon Joint Commission and the United Nations are there and boundary matter is no small issue. It is very clear; the state has not lost a single community to Cameroon,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the governor’s aide as saying to journalists on Wednesday.

     

  • Imoke calls for tolerance

    Imoke calls for tolerance

    Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has urged Christians to reflect on the significance of Christmas.

    The governor noted that the occasion came into being because of the birth of Jesus Christ and its redemptive hope for mankind.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, the governor advised Christians to use the celebration to rededicate themselves to love, peace, sacrifice and tolerance – as embodied in the birth of Jesus Christ.

    Imoke said: “As we celebrate Christmas, let us reflect on the significance of the season to extend our hearts to one another. May the occasion bring us peace, joy, the warmth of friendship and the steady hand of love.”

    The governor also urged Nigerians to eschew hate and bigotry, attitudes that Christ preached against.

    He said: “As we share gifts with one another, let the season be a reminder to all of us as a nation and as a people and groups that we are living at such challenging times that require us to demonstrate tolerance, forgiveness and respect for one another.”

    Imoke harped on compassion towards the less privileged, adding that Christians need to always remember those who cannot afford to celebrate and reach out to them.

    He said: “We should take time to ponder the sufferings of the poor, who are not privileged to celebrate. That is why as Christians, we have an obligation to leave the comfort of our everyday life to help the poor among us, just as Christ did for us. “Above all, let us reflect on things we value most – family, friendship and fellowship.”