BANNER NEWS

Year: 2026

  • Otu’s Govt Holds Carnival Dry Run, Targets More Visitors, Revenue

    Otu’s Govt Holds Carnival Dry Run, Targets More Visitors, Revenue

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Cross River State Government has held the first dry run for Carnival Calabar 2026, targeting increased visitor turnout and higher tourism revenue ahead of the December festival.

    The exercise, flagged off in Calabar on Sunday by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu, took place amid torrential rainfall.

    Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gab Onah, said the government was seeking to build on the estimated N19 billion economic impact of the 2025 carnival by attracting more visitors, expanding business opportunities and increasing public participation.

    Onah said the commission had introduced online registration and voting to enable members of the public to register as band members and vote for the Band of the Year.

    He said the initiative was aimed at expanding participation beyond spectators at the carnival parades and connecting more people to the festival.

    The 2026 edition is themed “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny.” Onah said the theme promotes unity, inclusiveness and shared humanity.

    He added that the dry run would help the commission assess the preparedness of competing bands ahead of the main carnival in December.

    On entertainment, Onah disclosed that Nigerian music star Davido had indicated his readiness to participate in this year’s festivities, while discussions with international participants were ongoing.

    Carnival Calabar is one of Cross River State’s major annual tourism events, attracting visitors and creating business opportunities across the state.

  • After Church Service, Father and Son Burnt to Death in Plateau Road Crash

    After Church Service, Father and Son Burnt to Death in Plateau Road Crash

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Jos

    A man and his son were reportedly burnt to death, while three others were injured in a crash involving a commercial bus and a tricycle in Sabon Barki, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    The incident occurred at about 4:20 p.m. on Sunday as the family was reportedly returning from church.

    Eyewitnesses said the tricycle caught fire after being hit by the bus, trapping some occupants and killing two.

    An eyewitness, Kefas Gyang, said the deceased man’s wife sustained a broken leg, while two other children and the tricycle driver were taken to hospital.

    Gyang said he arrived shortly after the crash and found people trying to rescue victims from the burning tricycle.

    “I saw people trying to rescue the victims, but the fire was too much for us to handle. It was beyond our strength, and we could not do much to save them,” he said.

    He added that the man and his son were burnt beyond recognition.

    Although Gyang did not witness the collision, he alleged that the bus driver fled the scene.

    The Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Peter Longsan, confirmed the incident and said the injured victims had been taken to hospital.

  • APC Sweeps 21 Chairmanship Seats in Kogi LG Election

    APC Sweeps 21 Chairmanship Seats in Kogi LG Election

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lokoja

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won all 21 chairmanship and 239 councillorship seats in Saturday’s local government elections in Kogi State, according to results announced by the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC).

    The commission’s chairman, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, announced the results early Sunday at its headquarters in Lokoja, declaring APC candidates elected across all 21 local government areas and 239 wards.

    He said 12 political parties were cleared to participate after meeting statutory requirements, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were among those excluded over alleged failure to meet documentation and deadline requirements.

    Nda Eri said the election covered 3,508 polling units and was conducted peacefully in line with the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025, and the Electoral Act, 2022.

    He added that certificates of return would be issued to the elected officials on a date to be announced.

    The commission commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing logistical support and what it described as a non-interference environment, while also acknowledging the contributions of security agencies, political parties, observers, journalists and voters.

    Ododo described the exercise as peaceful, contrasting it with previous local government elections in the state that he said were marked by violence.

    “ You can see that local government elections are now just like a carnival,” the governor said, while thanking President Bola Tinubu for supporting security efforts.

    An election observer, Dr. Joseph Aremu, an associate professor at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) and chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, also described the exercise as peaceful and reported a substantial voter turnout.

    However, opposition figures disputed the credibility of the process.

    Kogi CNPP Chairman, Comrade Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi, described the election as “the biggest mockery” of democracy, arguing that the country had regressed rather than advanced democratically.

    Similarly, PDP Organising Secretary in the state, Abdukadir Ibrahim, alleged that electoral materials were diverted to undisclosed locations instead of the designated local government areas.

    The outgoing chairmen and councillors were sworn in on October 23, 2024, for a two-year tenure.

  • Kankwaso Rules Out Obi’s Withdrawal for ADC

    Kankwaso Rules Out Obi’s Withdrawal for ADC

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Kano

    The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has ruled out any plan by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Kwankwaso said the NDC remained in the contest and was confident of winning the election, dismissing speculations that its presidential ticket could step down for the ADC.

    In a statement posted on his Facebook page, he accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of focusing on attacks against him, Obi and the NDC rather than selling its candidate to Nigerians.

    He described claims that the NDC was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or planning to withdraw for the ADC as baseless attempts to mislead voters.

    “We will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party. We remain confident in our capacity, competence and readiness to lead Nigeria,” he said.

    Kwankwaso accused the ADC campaign team of engaging in what he called mischief against the NDC and cautioned party supporters against alleged last-minute moves to portray the party as having endorsed another presidential candidate.

    He also challenged the ADC campaign council to address allegations reportedly levelled against its candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima instead of attacking the NDC leadership.

    Describing the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as the “OK ticket”, he insisted that the party was neither working for the APC nor acting on behalf of any of its candidates.

    “The OK ticket is neither working for nor acting on behalf of the APC or any of its candidates. We see no possibility or reason to withdraw from the presidential race in favour of the ADC candidate or any other,” he said.

    While criticising the APC-led administration for what he described as its failure to meet Nigerians’ expectations, Kwankwaso argued that the ADC did not offer a better alternative.

    He described the NDC as the country’s most formidable opposition party and urged its supporters to remain committed to its electoral ambition.

    Kwankwaso said the party’s agenda included tackling insecurity, improving education and healthcare, boosting agriculture, developing infrastructure and reviving the economy, while promoting national unity.

  • Wike’s Camp Meets Gov Fubara Again Behind Closed Doors

    Wike’s Camp Meets Gov Fubara Again Behind Closed Doors

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Port Harcourt

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his loyalists on Sunday held another closed-door meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid renewed efforts to reconcile the two political camps.

    The meeting, held at Fubara’s private residence in Port Harcourt, was the second between the parties in two weeks as efforts continue to resolve the prolonged political crisis in the state.

    Wike arrived at the governor’s residence at about 4:20pm with a delegation comprising Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, other lawmakers and the 23 local government council chairmen.

    Also present was the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Kingsley Chinda, alongside other political stakeholders.

    Fubara received the delegation before both sides proceeded into the meeting, which reportedly lasted about two hours.

    As with their previous engagement, the participants declined to speak to journalists after the meeting. No official statement was issued on the discussions or any agreements reached.

    A source familiar with the meeting said the engagement was another attempt by the political leaders to build on previous discussions and advance efforts to resolve their differences.

    The crisis began in October 2023 following a political fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. It triggered divisions in the State House of Assembly, attempts by lawmakers to impeach the governor and the destruction of part of the Assembly complex in a fire.

    The dispute later drew the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, who declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025. The emergency led to the suspension of the governor, his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly before the elected officials eventually returned to office.

    Sunday’s meeting brought together key political figures aligned with the two camps, whose disagreements have continued to shape the state’s political landscape.

    The participation of the Assembly Speaker, lawmakers and the 23 local government chairmen also underscored the involvement of political structures aligned with Wike in the latest reconciliation effort.

    However, with no official details of the discussions made public, it remains unclear whether the meeting produced any concrete agreement or specific steps towards resolving the crisis.

  • BCS Bishops Urged to Be Exemplary, Promote Peaceful Family Relationships

    BCS Bishops Urged to Be Exemplary, Promote Peaceful Family Relationships

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lagos

    Bishops and Archbishops of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) have been urged to promote peaceful family relationships, lead by example and take responsibility for their homes.

    The clerics were also advised against domestic violence, with emphasis on resolving marital disagreements through love, prayer and the word of God.

    The recommendations were contained in a communique issued after an interactive session on “Building a Perfect Family Relationship” at the Lagos State Bishops’ Congress held on Saturday, October 17, at Idimu Bethel, Ikotun Zone, Lagos State.

    The communique, supervised by the Supervisor of Bishops in Lagos State, Archbishop Enefiok James, said bishops and archbishops should not abandon their family responsibilities to their wives but should provide leadership guided by biblical teachings.

    It urged the clerics to dedicate a day each week to reflecting on the word of God, particularly the Everlasting Gospel, and to seek divine guidance through prayer in addressing family challenges.

    The bishops were also encouragedu to maintain cordial relationships with their families, including members who do not belong to the BCS, and to organise occasional outings to strengthen family bonds.

    On domestic violence, the communique stated that no bishop or archbishop should raise a hand against his wife, urging them to correct their spouses with love and the word of God.

    It further called on the clerics to build good relationships with their children, share testimonies of their faith with family members and seek reconciliation promptly whenever disagreements arise.

    The communique stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups, healthy eating and general attention to personal health, noting that the wellbeing of family heads was important to their ability to care for their households.

    It also encouraged the clerics to identify with and support their home Bethels or the nearest available Bethels, as well as their respective community associations in Lagos State.

    The bishops were further advised to communicate their commitment to the Father and the BCS to their families to minimise misunderstandings and controversies over their religious affiliation and commitments after their death.

    The communique recommended that similar interactive sessions be organised periodically to strengthen family relationships and promote peaceful coexistence within families and the wider Brotherhood.

  • Odey, IPAC Chair Congratulate Otu at 67

    Odey, IPAC Chair Congratulate Otu at 67

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, and the state Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, have congratulated Governor Bassey Edet Otu on his 67th birthday, highlighting his administration’s development efforts and commitment to the welfare of residents.

    In his tribute, Odey cited interventions in roads, housing, electricity, water supply and public facilities, alongside efforts to improve security and promote agriculture, youth empowerment, education, healthcare and skills acquisition.

    He also highlighted initiatives to revive Tinapa, strengthen Cally Air and restore facilities at Obudu Mountain Resort, describing them as important to the state’s economic growth and tourism potential.

    The deputy governor expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve alongside Otu, noting that the administration had continued to pursue its development agenda despite criticism and public scrutiny.

    On his part, Okon described Otu’s People First philosophy as a leadership approach that prioritises the needs and welfare of citizens, adding that the governor’s birthday offered an opportunity to reflect on his commitment to the state’s progress.

    The IPAC chairman reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting political tolerance, constructive engagement and peaceful coexistence among political parties, stressing that unity and stability were essential to sustainable development across Cross River State’s 18 local government areas.

    Both leaders wished the governor a happy 67th birthday, expressing hope for improved citizens’ welfare and greater development across the state.

  • Ayambem Wishes Gov Otu Well at 67

    Ayambem Wishes Gov Otu Well at 67

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, has congratulated Governor Bassey Edet Otu on his 67th birthday, praying for his continued good health, wisdom and strength to lead the state.

    Ayambem, in a goodwill message dated October 18, 2026, congratulated the governor on behalf of his family and members of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly.

    He said Otu’s commitment to the People First philosophy and the development of Cross River State continued to shape the state’s collective aspirations.

    According to the Speaker, the governor’s leadership reflects a sense of responsibility and dedication to the progress of the state.

    Ayambem prayed for God’s continued guidance upon Otu, expressing hope that he would have more years of good health, peace and strength to serve the people.

    He also wished the governor fulfilment in his responsibilities and continued success in his efforts to develop Cross River State.

  • 11 C’River Lawmakers Withhold Support For Otu’s Re-election

    11 C’River Lawmakers Withhold Support For Otu’s Re-election

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Eleven aggrieved members of the Cross River State House of Assembly have expressed reservations about supporting Governor Bassey Otu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the forthcoming elections following their exclusion from the party’s ticket arrangements.

    The lawmakers, however, reaffirmed their support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

    They stated their position on Saturday after returning from Abuja, where they visited the national office of the Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria movement and met with its National Director of Strategic Deployment and Implementation, Hon. Innocent Egede.

    Led by the House Majority Leader, Francis Asuquo, the lawmakers expressed displeasure over their exclusion from the APC’s re-election arrangements, arguing that they should have been given the opportunity to seek fresh mandates.

    While some were seeking a third term, others were pursuing second-term tickets.

    They reportedly questioned why they should be denied re-election tickets while Governor Otu was seeking a second term in office.

    Egede, who advocates the re-election of Tinubu and Otu, appealed to the lawmakers to reconsider their position and support all APC candidates in the state.

    He warned that internal divisions could weaken the party’s electoral prospects and affect Tinubu’s performance in Cross River.

    Egede said the movement was targeting 600,000 votes for Tinubu in the state, stressing the need for party unity and coordinated grassroots mobilisation.

    He subsequently led the delegation to meet the movement’s Director-General, Hon. Bala Ahmed, who also urged the lawmakers to resolve their differences and align with the APC’s electoral objectives.

    Ahmed pledged to integrate the lawmakers into the movement’s national operational structure, subject to approval by Barr. Seyi Tinubu, its chief founder.

    The other lawmakers in the delegation were Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon. Dr. Davies Etta (Abi); Egbe Abeng Egbe (Obubra II); Ovat Dickson Agbor (Obubra I); Ashakia Puis Ashaks (Obanliku); Victor Nsa (Calabar South II); Bassey Effiong Bassey (Akpabuyo); Eyo Bassey (Bakassi); Okon Nyong Ewona (Akamkpa I); Mercy Akpama (Yakurr II); and Kingsley Ntui (Etung).

  • NPC Materials Were Not Diverted, Odey Insists

    NPC Materials Were Not Diverted, Odey Insists

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar 

    The National Population Commission (NPC) in Cross River State has dismissed allegations that materials meant for a population exercise were diverted to APC wards in Biase and neighbouring local government areas for political purposes.

    The allegations, which circulated on social media, accused the NPC Federal Commissioner in the state, Alex Ukam, of diverting items, including power banks and life jackets, to his political associates and supporters to secure their loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    But the Director of Administration of the commission in the state, Mr Roland Odey, described the allegations as unfounded, insisting that they were intended to tarnish Ukam’s image.

    Speaking in his office yesterday, Odey explained that sensitive materials meant for population exercises and elections were usually kept in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for security reasons.

    He said the materials, including laptops, tablets, power banks, documents, raincoats and life jackets, had been stored at the CBN for a long time.

    According to him, concerns over the safety of some items, particularly power banks nearing their expiry dates, prompted the CBN to write to the Presidency, which authorised the auction of items considered to pose potential risks.

    Odey said the NPC national headquarters in Abuja subsequently directed its state offices to liaise with the CBN to facilitate the auction of the affected materials.

    He added that the national office engaged the auctioneers, who visited the various states on different dates, with Cross River’s auction taking place last Monday.

    “The huge crowd of buyers who turned out at our office in Calabar for the two days the auction lasted made the place look like a market,” he said.

    Odey insisted that the state office had no control over the sales, explaining that the auctioneers were responsible for conducting the exercise.

    He further disclosed that only power banks were auctioned in the state, adding that some major buyers followed the auctioneers to different states to participate in the sales.

    The NPC official urged politicians and social media commentators to verify information before making public allegations, warning that unsubstantiated claims could damage reputations and cause unnecessary embarrassment.