WTC News Blog

Written by Comrade Ukeme Ekong   The Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Cross River State was signed into law in 2015 by Prof Ben Ayada the then governor. The law represents a significant stride towards reforming criminal justice in the state. Enacted to ensure that the system of administration of criminal justice is efficient, just, and effective, this law integrates national policies and innovations tailored to meet the local realities of Cross River State. Here’s what citizens should know about the ACJL:   1. Purpose and Objectives The ACJL of Cross River State is designed to ensure that the administration of criminal justice promotes efficient management of criminal justice institutions, speedy dispensation of justice, and protection of the society from crime. It aims to protect the rights and interests of the suspect, the victim, and society. This involves a series of legal frameworks to ensure fair and humane treatment of detainees, as well as respect for the rights

Written By Ngozi Cyril Dibia The Nigerian Police Force; Calabar, Cross Rivers State recently held a 2-Day Capacity Training Programme for Investigators in Cross River State Command. The program which was held on Monday, 14th of March 2024, took place at the Police Officer's Mess, Moore Road, Calabar. The program had in attendance: CP Gyogon A. Grimah, Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, DCP Bangs Kopshella, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Investigation( SCID),  DCP Uche Obiozor, Deputy Commissioner of Police(Admin), ACP Imeh Bassey Usanga, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Admin), ACP Kabiru Ibrahim, Assistant Commissioner of Police(Operations), ACP Judith Osim, Area Commander, Calabar Metro, ACP Clara Ifeanyi, Assistant Commissioner of Police(SCID) Also in attendance were all the top Police Investigators, Area Crime   Officers(ACOs), Divisional Crime Officers( DCOs) and  Tactical Team Investigators of Cross River State Police Command. The Training started at about 10

 COMPLETE LIST OF AGENCIES, COMMISSIONS AND PARASTATALS AFFECTED BY THE APPROVAL OF THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING [FEC] MEETING OF 26TH FEBRUARY 2023 ON THE ORONSAYE PANEL REPORT AGENCIES TO BE SCRAPPED 1. Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate to be scrapped and functions transferred to the Federal Ministry of Finance 2. National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) to be scrapped and functions transferred to the department of Basic and Secondary Education in Federal Ministry of Education. AGENCIES TO BE MERGED 1. National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) to be merged under the Centre for Disease Control in Federal Ministry of Health. 2. National Emergency Agency (NEMA) to be merged with National Commission Refugee, Migration and Internally Displaced persons [NCFRMI]. 3. Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA) to be merged with Directorate of Technical Aid (DTAC) and to function as a department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 4. Infrastruc

Written by Comrade Ukeme Ekong The experience of Heat weave in Calabar is a call for concern. It is no longer news that between December 2023 and February 2023. Calabar, Cross River State, has experienced some harsh weather due to excessive heat and effect ozone layer depleting. December 2023 residents did not witness the usual cold in the evening and early hours of the morning known as Harmattan. This, to many, was a call for serious concern as this help fruits and more. Hence the new waves of Heat was witnessed in the state Capital and it's environments. Where is our  thick Rain forest? Has it really been lost to deforestation activities? I remember that our forest usually protects citizens from exposure to excessive Heat and sun. Heat waves in Cross River, like in many other regions, are primarily caused by a combination of meteorological factors and human activities. The main drivers of heat waves include: Climate Change: Global warming, driven by the increase in greenhouse gas

  The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to step down the consideration of the bill for an Act to establish a regulatory agency for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The bill seeks to regulate the promotion of social development activities in Nigeria and for related matters, sponsored by Chairman, House Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Sada Soli.  In his lead debate, Hon. Soli observed that the bill seeks primarily to establish the Agency to ensure NGOs as well as CSOs live up to their full potentials of societal development, as well as coordinate private-public development partnership.  He stated that the Agency will also ensure that these NGOs and CSOs are well regulated and managed to ensure they do not abuse the room for their performance in favor of unwholesome practices. The Agency when operational, Hon. Sada stated, will ensure these organizations stick to stipulated policy guidelines, help government to track erring organ

Iloke, Egbe Reporting The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Budget Mr. Otu Otu Ita has asserted that the Governor, His Excellency, Senator. Prince. Bassey Edet Otu is sincerely committed to improving Food and Nutrition Programmes in the State.  He stated this in his office, Budget Office Complex Calabar when he received the State  Chapter of the CS-SUNN in collaboration with the State committee on Food and Nutrition who were on advocacy visit. He said the Governor has approved funding to support food and nutrition activities in the 2024 budget and can be access by any of the cluster MDAs that are into Food and Nutrition Programmes. According to Mr Ita Budget Office and State Planning Commission ordinary would have been together, but Government in her wisdom segmented them for more effective delivery and expressed excitement with the advocacy and collaborations already in progress. He acknowledged lack of funds as a major challenge that had confronted implementatio

Written by Comrade Ukeme Ekong The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is an international platform that aims to promote transparency, accountability, and civic participation in government processes. Cross River State of Nigeria has signed up to become a part of this global initiative, which has the potential to bring about positive changes for its citizens. However, for the State to truly benefit from the OGP and guarantee the “citizen-first mantra” and a “season of sweetness,” several key steps need to be taken. First, an OGP secretariat should be created in the OGP supervising ministry or agency in the state. The OGP secretariat would be responsible for coordinating and implementing OGP initiatives, ensuring that the State is held accountable for its commitments and progress.  Second, a steering committee should be constituted, with a co-chair from both State and Non-State Actors. This would help to ensure that the OGP is inclusive and responsive to the needs and priorities of all sta