By Edem Archibong, in Calabar
The Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has explained that he Invested the Local Government allocations which he received from the Federal allocations Commission for the past one year tenure in office into funding the Cross River State owned Cally Airline to acquire more aircraft for the company to ensure effective operations.
This information was revealed in Calabar during the Stakeholders meeting of the All Progressives Congress to harmonize all candidates for Local Government Elections and come out with consensus candidates for the 18 Councils in the state ahead of 2nd November, 2024 Local Government Elections.
Governnor Otu who is the leader of the party in the state also explained that he used the Councils’ Allocation to acquire four new aircraft to Cally Airline to enhance flights operations for Calabar routes which have experienced frequent flight cancellations with other airlines but the only available options is to ensure that the state airline now being operated under lease agreement with Aero Contactors airline is put to function.
He assured that a share holders certificate will be handed over to each Council Chairman soon after they have been elected as while an expert management team led by the Managing Director have been secured to ensure efficiency in the airline operations with regular updates to the state stakeholders including the state government.
The APC leader encourage the selected Chairmanship candidates to set positive examples, promote Community involvement and foster unity amongst diverse groups within their respective jurisdictions while upholding ethical standards, integrity and professionalism in the roles leaders of the local government councils.
In line with his “people’s first” vision, he charged them to be adaptive and show commitment in the advancement towards effective governance of the local government Areas.
Governnor Otu also used the forum to appeal that he is aware of the problem confronting the people on transportation in the state and promised to introduce a new technology for motorist, with trycycles to be converted into an electric driving vehicles and buses within the city.
List of Candidates selected are:
1. Egbala Bassey – ABI LGA
2. Yibala Igiri Inyang – Yakurr Local Government Area
3. Mr. Arikpo – Obubra LGA
4. Mrs. Beatrice Nyiam – Boki LGA
5. Hon. Henry Njar Anom – Etung LGA
6. Pastor MRS. Felix Nsor – IKOM LGA
7. Felix Akposi – Akamkpa LGA
8. Effiom Bassey Effiong – Akpabuyo LGA
9. Mr. Effiong Bassey Okon – Bakassi LGA
10. Edodi Edodi Eyong – Biase LGA
11. Pastor James Anam – Calabar Municipality
12. Patrick Archibong – Calabar South LGA
13. Chief Etim Asido – Odukpani LGA
14. Christopher Agbeh – Ogoja LGA
15. HON. Dr.Fred Okem – Yala LGA
16. Mrs. Theresa Ushie – Bekwarra LGA
17. Udiandeye Peter Akongfe – Obudu LGA
18. Ayang Sunny Ebebe – Obanliku LGA.
