By John Obi Odu Power, as Niccolo Machiavelli’s “The Prince” reminds us, is never secured by sentiment, habit, or inherited arrangements, but by clear-eyed judgment, decisive action, and an unflinching willingness to prioritize survival over comfort. For a governor still consolidating his authority and identity, often metaphorically described as a “new prince” in the state’s…
High Chief Higgins Peters did not wait for a crown to find his head—the crown, discerning and deliberate, recognized its bearer from afar and inclined itself in quiet allegiance. In the grand theatre of Cross River politics—where many rehearse power but few truly embody it—Higgins emerged not as a spectacle, but as a presence. He…
Today, we celebrate a man whose life has become a testament to vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to community progress—Chief Higgins. As he marks another remarkable year, it is not just his age we honor, but the enduring legacy he continues to build through enterprise, leadership, and service. Chief Higgins stands as a rare blend…
The recent article by Paul A. Obi, titled “Cross’River, Otu and the Crisis of Governance,” published in THISDAY, attempts to paint a picture of administrative failure in Cross River State. However, a factual examination of Governor Prince Bassey Otu’s administration reveals a deliberate “People First” agenda that prioritizes human dignity and long-term economic justice. It…
By Bassey Ita Initially created as South Eastern State on 27th of May,1967 by the General Yakubu Gowon led Military regime, Cross River State formally came to being on the 3rd of February 1976, after the regime of the Late General Murtala Muhammed had renamed it as Cross River State. In September 1987, a part…
As a follow-up to his speech in Ukelle at the reception for Rt. Hon. Dr. Ogana Lukpata, the Deputy Chairman of All Progressives Congress, (APC), High Chief Higgins Peters, the indomitable, bold, courageous and revered natural leader of Cross River North has categorically stated that Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade wanting to go back to the…
The attention of the Management of the Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), Cross River State, has been drawn to a sensationalized report authored by one Patrick Obia of CrossRiverWatch. The publication levels several unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations against the Institute and its leadership. Since its inception in 2021 under the pioneering leadership of the Director-General,…
By Inyali Peter, PhD Cross River North has produced some of the finest and most influential leaders in Cross River State and indeed Nigeria. Many of these leaders, however, are largely defined by the high positions they have occupied. High Chief Higgins Peters stands out differently. Widely regarded as the Natural Leader of the North,…
On the night of Friday, March 27, 2026, Calabar once again woke to the terrifying glow of uncontrolled flames. Around 8:45 p.m., a raging fire engulfed sections of the Akim Timber Market in Calabar Municipality, near the Akim Police Area Command. Shop owners and residents scrambled in the darkness to salvage what they could –…
By Sir Abayomi Apata Let me put a caveat at the outset. Firstly, I was Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim’s coursemate at OAU almost four decades ago. In addition, he made me the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nicon Insurance Ltd a couple of years ago. However, I do not intend to relinquish or surrender…
