It is with great pleasure that I congratulate our dear Governor, His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu on the very special occasion of his first budget presentation, christened, the People’s First budget for 2024.
Let me also commend the early presentation of the 2024 appropriation bill which is a result of the seamless cooperation and collaboration between the Executive and the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Your Excellency, it is heartwarming to note that the financial estimates of N250bn have brought glimmers of hope that the year 2024 will be a promising one and indeed, the season of sweetness is here for everyone.
Another important significance of this early budget is the opportunity this has provided for us as Members of the National Assembly to look at areas of possible Federal Government interventions through our various committee memberships and supervisory MDAs.
Despite the current economic challenges, I am optimistic that with you on the wheels, the task of rebuilding our State and laying a more formidable foundation for its development will be a success.
Congratulations once again, God bless you and God bless Cross River State.
*Senator Eteng Jonah Williams*
Senator Representing Cross River Central and Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream
[11/3, 8:32 AM] Bill Tinubu,Gov Otu,Betta: *Senator Williams Makes Case for Ovonum and Ofatura Communities in Obubra Over Communal Clash*
The Senator Representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Williams has moved a motion on the floor of the Nigerian Senate, calling on the Federal Government to support citizens affected by the communal clashes between Ovonum and Ofatura communities in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River Central Senatorial District with relief packages.
Williams who spoke on the motion disclosed that the Ovonum and Ofatura communities in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State have a long history of peaceful coexistence, but unfortunately, recent events have led to a breakdown in this harmony.
He also noted that the clashes between these communities have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of properties, displacement of families, and a general sense of insecurity among the residents.
While expressing concern, Sen. Williams informed the Senate that the affected citizens are currently in dire need of humanitarian assistance to help rebuild their lives and communities.
Following the adoption of the motion, the Senate accordingly resolved as follows:
i. Urge the Military and other Security Agencies to deploy security personnel to the affected communities to restore peace and order, protect the lives and properties of the residents, and prevent any further escalation of the conflict.
ii. Also, urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to map out an intervention scheme and provide relevant relief materials to the affected communities to help the citizens regain some semblance of normalcy in their lives.
iii. Further urge the Federal Ministry of Health through its relevant agencies to carry out an urgent community disease prevalence diagnosis and provide medical support to the communities affected by the communal clashes.
Published by Governor Prince Otu spokesperson and Ceo Billionaire Bill media Team and Blog.
