Business
Hon. Minister of State for Industry Flags Off Ikom-Etomi-Agbokim Waterfalls Road Project
Ikom, Cross River State – In a landmark event held on January 8, 2025, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, officially flagged off the construction of the much-anticipated Ikom-Etomi-Agbokim Waterfalls road. The project, initiated under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to address decades of challenges faced by the region, enhancing connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.
During his speech at the flag-off ceremony, Senator Enoh highlighted the historical and economic importance of the route, which links the four government-owned cocoa estates established during the late Michael Okpara administration. He emphasized that this project is not just about building a road but about addressing longstanding issues and fostering development for the people of Cross River State.
“The importance of this route cannot be overstated,” the Minister remarked. “From boosting tourism at Agbokim Waterfalls to improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and local traders, this project will transform the region.”
The Minister expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support and transformational leadership. He lauded the President’s initiative in naming the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which includes this road, as a critical federal project, thereby cementing Cross River State’s inclusion in national infrastructure plans.
Senator Enoh also thanked the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), led by its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for taking decisive steps to redeem the region’s infrastructure legacy. He acknowledged the initial setbacks faced by the project, including poor contractor selection in 2012, and praised
the current leadership of the NDDC for ensuring a fresh start with competent contractors and a renewed commitment to quality and timely delivery.
Reflecting on the personal significance of the project, Senator Enoh shared his emotional connection to the road, which has been a subject of controversy and delays for years. “For me, public service is about delivering happiness and excitement to the people,” he stated, adding that the successful commencement of this project marks the end of a longstanding jinx.
The road is expected to significantly boost tourism in the region by improving access to the renowned Agbokim Waterfalls, one of Nigeria’s most famous natural attractions. Additionally, the project is poised to enhance economic activities, particularly in agriculture and trade, benefiting local communities along the route.
The ceremony witnessed a large turnout of community members, stakeholders, and government officials, all united in their excitement and optimism for the positive impact the road will bring.
As the construction begins, the people of Cross River State look forward to the fulfillment of this transformative vision, one that promises to strengthen infrastructure, foster economic development, and create a lasting legacy for the region.
Business
Court Orders Arrest Of Wike-led FCTA Director, 10 Others
By Aliyu Galadima
An Abuja High Court has issued a bench warrant against the director of investigation and prosecution of the FCTA, Joseph Eriki, and 10 others.Justice Suleiman Belgore has issued an order to compel the director and others to appear before the court for a suit filed against them.
The Judge’s decision followed the application of the prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, who lamented the failure of the efforts to ensure that the suspects appear in court.
Justice Suleiman Belgore of the High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant of arrest against Joseph Eriki, the director of investigation and prosecution of the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration ,FCTA, and 10 others.
The judge had issued the order to compel the appearance of Joseph Eriki and 10 others before the court, as they had been arraigned in a suit filed against them by the federal government.
The warrant was issued following an application by the prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, who stated that all efforts to ensure the suspects’ presence in court had failed. Kaswe informed the court that the prosecution had made several attempts to notify the suspects’ lawyers and sureties, but to no avail.
He cited Section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act ,ACJA, which allows for the issuance of a bench warrant to compel attendance in court.
The court agreed to the application, issuing the warrant to ensure the suspects’ appearance for arraignment on a six-count charge. The charges against the suspects include criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, forgery, and using a forged document as genuine.
They are also accused of using criminal force to deter a public servant from performing their duty. The suspects allegedly entered a plot of land belonging to Etha Ventures and constructed structures without authorisation, to defraud the company.
According to the prosecution, the suspects fraudulently obtained a consent judgment for the land, which was given to Super Structures Limited. The case has been adjourned until June 4 for arraignment.
The court’s decision to issue a bench warrant highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the need for the suspects to face trial. The suspects are facing a six-count charge, which was filed in February.
The court’s ruling emphasises the importance of a speedy trial and the need for the suspects to be held accountable for their actions.
With the bench warrant in place, the court is taking steps to ensure that the suspects appear in court and face the charges against them
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