Cross River Deputy Governor certifies Calabar South cleanest council area

Last weekend, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State Prof. Ivara Esu has described Calabar South Local Government Council as the cleanest Council Area and scored them 100% for maintaining a clean, green and serene environment, as he tours the state for performance evaluation of projects across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

Esu stated that “cleanliness is part of his assessment of Local Government Council” as he commenced the 18 Local Government Area tours earlier this month as the administration winds down to May 29.

He commended the incumbent chairman Hon. Ndabu Robert Hogan who suceeded the late chairman chief (Mrs.) Esther Basssey who passed on February 24, 2023 before the presidential and National Assembly elections.

Esu hailed him for his excellent leadership, expressing surprise at the massive refuse evacuation and turn-out of personalities during the visit and said that as a state government there is need to revisit projects that were duly assigned to local authorities to ensure transparency and accountability.

He acknowledged the effort of the former chairman late Hon. Esther Bassey on some developmental projects like the Etim Edem and Watt Marktet locked-up stores as well as rehabilitation of Uwanse market for the purpose of raising IGR to sustain the local administration. He hinted that Calabar South will be exempted from the inspection exercise to conclude burial rite for the late chairman, chief (Mrs.) Esther Bassey.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Calabar South Council chairman Hon. Ndabu Robert Hogan informed the Deputy Governor of the tremendous support he is enjoying from the security agencies, especially the Army, legislature, council staff and the political appointees and commended the furnishing of council offices which was destroyed during the EndSARRS protest and appealed to him to facilitate the renovation of Uwanse Market, Hawkins Primary school, installation of street lights and grading of some major roads in Calabar South Local Government Area.

The Paramount Ruler of Calabar South LGA, HRM Etinyin Nyong Effiom and the Commissioner for Agriculture Hon. Oliver Orok thanked the Deputy Governor for his fatherly advice which has facilitated peace in the Area.

Hon. Stella Odey, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, who was represented by Mr. Ebung Odama, the special Adviser to the Governor on Ministry of Local Government Affairs and leader of the 6th Legislative Assembly in Calabar South LGA, Hon. Ukpong Ani in the vote of thanks appreciated the Deputy Governor for always suing for peace and appreciated him for accepting to handle most of the proposals put before him.

Other attendees were Mr. Effiom Bassey, the HOLGA of Calabar South LGA, Councilors, royal fathers, community leaders, directors in the Council, political appointees and council staff.

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)