Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has presented a proposed budget of ₦987, 808, 089, 235.92bn for the 2027 fiscal year christened: The Budget of Consolidation and Renewed Hope.

Presenting the budget before the lawmakers at the Assembly Complex in Calabar, Governor Otu described the proposed estimates as ” a Solemn and sacred pact laden with the trust, expectation and aspiration of the people for their improved livelihoods”.

The 2027 proposed budget represents an increase of about 2.57 percent increase over the 2026 budget was prepared to consolidate the achievements of his administration while addressing critical developmental needs in key sectors of the state’s economy.

According to him, the proposed expenditure comprises ₦279.38 bn or 28.28 percent for recurrent expenditure and ₦708.43 bn for capital expenditure, representing 71.72 per cent of the total budget respectively.

He explained that the substantial capital allocation reflects his administration’s commitment to prioritise infrastructure, human capital development and productive investment to stimulate economic activities.

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On the state’s debt profile, Governor Otu disclosed that his administration had refrained from domestic and external loans since assumption of office stressing that debt servicing from previous administrations had constrained the pace of development projects.
” I cannot, and will never mortgage the future of our children with unsustainable loans”. He declared.

On sectoral allocations, the Governor stated that ₦246.1bn had been earmarked for infrastructure and road development, followed by education with #99.6 to strengthen educational infrastructure and improve the quality of learning across the state.
The health sector is projected to receive ₦85.4bn to improve healthcare delivery, agriculture has #28.2bn and aviation #21.8bn.
Other provisions include #20.2 bn for the House of Assembly, #19.1bn for the Judiciary, #16.6bn for power and #11.3 bn for Tourism.

The Governor assured that the budget will continue to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while promising continuity in uncompleted projects. He also pledged continued investment in forest conservation and the green economy, Judicial Infrastructure, security and youth empowerment.

Governor Otu further highlighted his administration’s plans to improve internally generated revenue, attract private-sector investment and strengthen fiscal discipline to ensure effective implementation of the budget.
“My administration shall continue to be responsive to the yearnings of the citizenry, prudent in the management of the State’s resources and accountable to the people. l will continue to work with the legislature and Judiciary for the betterment of the State.”

He commended the 10th Assembly for hardwork and urged the lawmakers to give the proposed estimates the necessary legislative consideration and speedy passage to facilitate the timely execution of government programmes and projects.

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In his remarks, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the Governor for presenting the budget which demonstrates his respect for democratic institutions. He assured Governor Otu of the Assembly’s commitment to a thorough legislative examination of the estimates.

The Speaker said the House would scrutinise the proposals to ensure that the budget reflect the needs and aspirations of Cross Riverians as well as promote transparency and accountability in public expenditure.
” I wish to assure you, your Excellency and the good people of Cross River State that this Assembly will subject the estimates to thorough, rigorous and expeditious scrutiny”.

Speaker Ayambem assured that the Assembly will engage with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that the budget promotes even development across the State and is implemented within available resources.

He commended the Governor for zero tolerance for cultism, kidnapping, and other social vices which has restored peace and tranquility in the State adding that the 10th Assembly remains committed to providing robust legislative support to the Executive for the benefit of Cross Riverians.
“We have passed critical bills and motions aimed at strengthening governance, improving the ease of doing business and ensuring the welfare and security of Cross Riverians. We have diligently performed our oversight functions to ensure that projects and programmes captured in the 2026 Budget are executed to specification for the benefit of our people.

He hailed Governor Otu for his achievements in the various sectors of the state while appealing for the Governor’s assistance in the comprehensive renovation of the Assembly Complex and Quarters as well as the provision of buses for the Assembly’s use.

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The event featured presentation and cutting of birthday cake by the Governor who recently turned 67 years as well as good will messages from Rt Hon Hillary Bisong (Boki 2) and Rt Hon Davies Etta (Abi ) and a vote of thanks from the Leader of the House, Rt Hon FrancisBasseyAsuqu ( Odukpani).

Present at the event were; the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Peter Agbe Odey, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Anthony Owan-Eno, Service Chiefs, Members of the State Executive Council, Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission amongst other dignitaries.

The 2027 budget estimates will undergo the necessary legislative processes in line with constitutional provisions before its passage.

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeking to establish a constitutional framework for State Police Services in Nigeria.

The bill was passed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with 22 of the 25 members of the Assembly voting in favour, while three members were absent during plenary.

The passage followed deliberations by lawmakers on the proposed constitutional amendments and the need for a decentralised policing system to strengthen security, improve intelligence gathering and enhance the protection of lives and property across the state.

Contributing to the debate, the Leader of the House and member representing Odukpani State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo, highlighted the importance of bringing policing closer to the people, noting that decentralisation could improve security responses and address challenges peculiar to communities at the grassroots.

Similarly, the member representing Yala I State Constituency, Hon. Brian Odey, emphasised the need for effective coordination between state and federal security agencies to ensure that the proposed State Police Services complement existing security structures and improve security operations.

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The Deputy Leader of the House and member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Davies Eta, stressed the importance of adequate safeguards, accountability and professionalism in the proposed framework, insisting that state police must operate within the law and respect citizens’ fundamental rights.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly’s decision demonstrated its commitment to constitutional reforms aimed at addressing security challenges and protecting lives and property.

Ayambem added that the implementation of state policing must be guided by the rule of law, accountability and democratic principles.

“By this vote, the 10th Assembly has demonstrated its support for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which seeks to establish a constitutional framework for State Police Services,” the Speaker said.

The bill comprises 26 clauses and proposes 25 alterations through substitutions to provisions of the principal Act. Sections listed for amendment include Sections 84(4), 89(2), 121(3), 124(4), 109(2), 153(1), 157(2), 158(1) and 160.

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The passage marks the Cross River Assembly’s endorsement of the proposed constitutional amendments, which seek to pave the way for the establishment of State Police Services in Nigeria.

Matthew Okache
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
October 20, 2026

…Police Arrest Suspects, Begin Investigation

By George Uchendu, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Chief Sunday Inyima, has dismissed claims that the murder of his younger brother, Mr Egeonu Inyima, in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state was politically motivated.

The commissioner described the insinuations as false and misleading, insisting that his late brother was not involved in any political dispute that could have led to his death.

The deceased was reportedly lured to a village primary school at Umuogudu-Oshia Ngbo on Sunday by suspected assailants from Adaburuebenyi, where he was allegedly beaten to death.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abakaliki, Inyima condemned attempts to attach political motives to the killing, warning that such narratives could create unnecessary tension in the area.

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He spoke when members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ohaukwu Local Government Area chapter, visited his country home in Izhiangbo to commiserate with his family.

Describing the incident as barbaric and regrettable, the commissioner appealed to security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

“Though I am severely traumatised by the gruesome murder of my younger brother, I would not want anyone to suffer unjustly. No innocent person should be implicated or made to suffer for a crime he or she did not commit.

“Nobody, and I mean nobody, regardless of their status, including myself, should interfere in the matter. The legal process must be allowed to run its course until justice is fully served,” he stated.

Also reacting, the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Comrade Paul Eze, and the member representing Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Chief Eze Nwachukwu Eze, condemned the killing and called for decisive measures to tackle criminal activities in the area.

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The leaders urged village heads, town union executives and local vigilante groups to strengthen community security arrangements to prevent further loss of lives.

Similarly, former National Assembly member, Senator Anthony Agbo, expressed sadness over the incident and urged security agencies to establish both the immediate and remote causes of the killing.

Confirming the murder, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed that some suspects had been arrested, adding that investigations were ongoing.

He said the command would provide further details upon the conclusion of its investigation.

The latest incident comes barely two months after an elderly man, Elder Onwe Ubochi, was reportedly murdered by unidentified gunmen at Osege village in the same Umuogudu-Oshia Ngbo community on August 17, 2026.

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Ubochi was allegedly killed after offering prayers for three All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidates, an incident that raised concerns over security in the area.

By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Tension is mounting in the Anglican Diocese of Awka, Anambra State, following concluded arrangements by the newly appointed Supervising Bishop, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, to formally take over the administration of the Diocese on Wednesday, in compliance with the directive of the Primate, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.
Recall that Ndukuba had, in a letter suspending the Archbishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, directed Ezeofor to assume responsibility for the administration of the Diocese as Supervising Bishop.
However, Archbishop Ibezim has instituted legal action at the High Court, challenging the Primate’s directive and the constitution of the panel of inquiry set up to investigate allegations levelled against him.
The lingering crisis took another dimension last Sunday when a combined team of heavily armed security personnel was sighted within the premises of St. Faith’s Cathedral, Awka, ostensibly to maintain law and order.
Despite the suspension directive, Ibezim attended the Sunday service in his capacity as Archbishop of the Diocese, describing the ongoing crisis as a spiritual battle against principalities and spiritual forces.
Reports indicate that additional security operatives are being deployed to the Cathedral ahead of Wednesday’s planned takeover to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
It was gathered that Bishop Ezeofor plans to hold his first meeting with the Diocesan leadership, but several members believed to be loyal to Ibezim have reportedly declined the invitation.
Their decision was said to have followed the alleged removal of the incumbent Diocesan Chancellor by Ezeofor even before formally assuming office.
The aggrieved members had earlier passed a resolution warning that they would not be party to what they described as undue interference and overbearing influence on the administration of the Diocese.
Police Deny Taking Sides, Warn Against Breakdown of Law and Order
Reacting to the heightened tension, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, dismissed suggestions that the heavy security presence at last Sunday’s service was intended to favour any of the factions.
Ikenga explained that prominent political officeholders, including the Governor and Deputy Governor, regularly attend services at St. Faith’s Cathedral with their respective security details, adding that Archbishop Ibezim also has his own security personnel.
“We had security presence at the last Sunday service there, but it was not targeted at protecting or taking sides with any of the parties.
“Remember that top government functionaries attend service there, including the Governor and Deputy Governor, among others. You also know that the Archbishop himself has his own security personnel, so it is not true that the Command is protecting any of the groups,” he stated.
The Police spokesperson further confirmed plans for additional security deployment, stressing that the measure was aimed solely at maintaining peace and preventing any breakdown of law and order.
He urged all parties involved in the dispute to exercise restraint and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
“The Command uses this medium to advise all interest groups to be law-abiding and conduct themselves within the ambit of the law, as it is determined to ensure that people do not take laws into their hands,” Ikenga warned.
The planned Wednesday takeover is expected to be another major test for the crisis-ridden Diocese as the leadership dispute continues to deepen.

The Diocese of Awka of the Anglican Communion has rejected the directive by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Revd Henry C. Ndukuba, ordering Archbishop Alexander C. Ibezim to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave, describing the decision as unlawful and unconstitutional.

The diocese also rejected the appointment of the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Revd Samuel C. Ezeofor, as supervising bishop of Awka Diocese and coordinating bishop of the Province of the Niger, warning that it would not tolerate any interference in its affairs.

The positions were contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the Diocesan Board held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Chapel of Divine Favour, Anglican Village, Ifite-Awka, Anambra State.

The communiqué was signed by Sir B.E.I. Nwofor, SAN, Lord Chancellor of the Diocese; Ven. K.E.N. Chukwukamma, PhD, Synod Secretary; and Mr Eugene Chukwudi Okonkwo, Lay Synod Secretary.

The board said it had carefully considered a letter dated October 13, 2026, issued by the Primate, before unanimously rejecting its directives concerning Archbishop Ibezim and the administration of the diocese.

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According to the board, the appointment of Ezeofor and the compulsory leave directive were made despite pending court cases involving Ibezim, the Primate and other parties.

It cited three cases before the High Court of Anambra State: Suit No. A/Misc. 446/2025, involving Ibezim and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Suit No. A/Misc. 494/2026, involving Ibezim and the Inspector-General of Police and others; and Suit No. A/371/2026, involving Ibezim, Ndukuba and another party.

The board argued that the issues raised in the cases remained before the court and that the parties should refrain from actions capable of interfering with the judicial process.

It further alleged that existing injunctions and pending applications for injunctive relief concerning the matter had not been given due consideration, warning that actions capable of pre-empting the court’s decision could have legal consequences.

The communiqué also questioned the authority of the Primate to direct a fellow bishop and archbishop to proceed on compulsory leave or appoint another bishop to assume his responsibilities.

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It maintained that neither the 2020 Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) nor the 2023 Constitution and Regulations of the Diocese of Awka empowered the Primate to take such action.

The board specifically disputed the application of Section 29(1) of the church’s constitution, which it said did not confer the powers exercised in the October 13 letter.

It also argued that the directive violated Sections 36(5) and 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, relating to the presumption of innocence and freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

On the stated objective of facilitating an impartial investigation and promoting peace and reconciliation, the board alleged that the Primate had previously constituted two panels to investigate allegations against Ibezim.

It identified the first panel, headed by Justice Babashola Ogunade, as having been constituted in August 2025, while the second, headed by Archbishop Blessing Enyindah, was established in June 2026.

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According to the board, both panels had submitted their reports to the Primate, but the findings had not been released.

The board argued that withholding the reports violated provisions of the church’s Constitution and Canons requiring the findings and recommendations of such panels to be submitted to the Episcopal Synod for consideration, with further review and ratification by the appropriate church authorities.

The diocese consequently reaffirmed its confidence in Ibezim, insisting that he remained the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese and should continue discharging his official responsibilities.

It described the diocese as peaceful, united and progressive, while expressing confidence in Ibezim’s integrity, competence, commitment and leadership.

The board also dismissed allegations of financial impropriety against the archbishop, declaring that no diocesan funds had been missing, stolen, misused or misappropriated by him. It further claimed that the two investigative panels had not indicted him for financial misconduct.

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However, these assertions reflect the position of the Diocesan Board, and the allegations and legal issues cited in the communiqué remain subject to the relevant proceedings and any official findings.

Commending Ibezim for what it described as significant infrastructural development across the diocese, the board urged him to remain focused on his duties despite the ongoing controversy.

It also warned Ezeofor against interfering in the affairs of Awka Diocese, urging him to concentrate on his responsibilities as Bishop of Aguata Diocese.

The board said it would not hesitate to seek legal remedies and involve law enforcement agencies if its warning was ignored.

In a further directive, the board instructed all organs of Awka Diocese to remain loyal to Ibezim and continue their lawful activities, while rejecting directives or interference from Ezeofor. It warned that non-compliance could attract appropriate sanctions.

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The communiqué concluded with a strong warning to the Primate and Ezeofor, stating that the diocese could withdraw from the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and continue under the Church of England if what it described as unlawful interference in its affairs persisted.

The latest development signals a deepening dispute within the Anglican Church, with the Awka Diocesan Board insisting that the leadership question and related allegations should be handled in accordance with the church’s governing instruments and the rule of law.

As of the issuance of the communiqué, the board’s position was that Ibezim remained in office and should continue to exercise his episcopal responsibilities.

The positions of the Primate and Ezeofor on the claims and threats contained in the communiqué were not included in the document.

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