BANNER NEWS

Year: 2026

  • 2027: Amaechi Hints at Relocating Calabar, Warri Ports if ADC Wins

    2027: Amaechi Hints at Relocating Calabar, Warri Ports if ADC Wins

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, has hinted that his party would consider relocating the Calabar and Warri seaports if it wins the 2027 general elections.
    Amaechi said the channels leading to both ports were too shallow to accommodate modern vessels, making relocation necessary to improve their capacity to handle larger ships.
    Speaking at a town hall meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, the former minister of transportation said the development of a deep seaport in Cross River must take into account the limitations of the existing Calabar port.
    “The Calabar and Warri seaports must be moved from where they are. The new vessels they are building today are about 18 metres,” he said.
    Amaechi also alleged that a prominent politician in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had been awarded a $350 million contract to dredge the Calabar seaport channel, but failed to execute the project.
    According to him, the contractor was about to be paid when the Nigerian Ports Authority intervened and indicated that the work had not been completed.
    The ADC candidate’s remarks came amid discussions about the prospects of establishing a deep seaport in Cross River State, which has long sought to improve its maritime infrastructure and commercial activities.
    Amaechi also revisited the controversy surrounding the departure of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, from office, insisting that the Cross River-born jurist resigned rather than being removed.
    He alleged that the late President Muhammadu Buhari rejected Onnoghen’s resignation, but the former chief justice maintained his decision to leave office.
    Amaechi argued that the president could not unilaterally remove a chief justice, pointing to the role of the National Judicial Council in the appointment and disciplinary process involving judicial officers.
    The former Rivers State governor also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s removal of petrol subsidy, arguing that the government should have consulted economists and carefully assessed the policy’s consequences before implementation.
    He said the distinction between courage and recklessness was narrow, adding that the government should have developed measures to cushion the impact of the decision on Nigerians.
    Amaechi blamed the abrupt subsidy removal for worsening inflation and living conditions, claiming that more than 80,000 Nigerians were being pushed below the poverty line weekly.
    He further argued that Nigerians were poorer than when Tinubu assumed office, while rising unemployment was contributing to increased criminal activities.
  • Cross River Police Warn Schoolgirls Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

    Cross River Police Warn Schoolgirls Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

    BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
    The Cross River State Police Command has sensitised students of Holy Child’s Girls Secondary School, Calabar, on child rights, cultism prevention and positive values as part of efforts to protect the girl-child.
    The exercise, conducted on Monday, October 12, 2026, by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), was held to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.
    The state POCACOV coordinator, ASP Isiwu Marvellous, led the outreach, which focused on educating students on their rights, responsibilities and the need to make positive life choices.
    During the engagement, the students were educated on the Child Rights Act, particularly their rights to education, dignity and protection from abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
    They were also warned about the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, negative peer pressure and other social vices, and urged to embrace discipline, self-confidence and responsible decision-making.
    The police team distributed exercise books to the students to support their education and encourage learning.
    The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, said the command remained committed to protecting children, promoting safe learning environments and working with school authorities, parents and community leaders to prevent crime.
    The command urged parents, teachers and members of the public to guide children appropriately and report cases of abuse, exploitation, cultism and other criminal activities to the police.
  • Cross River Renovates Presidential Lodges Ahead of Tinubu’s Visit

    Cross River Renovates Presidential Lodges Ahead of Tinubu’s Visit

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Cross River State Government has commenced extensive renovations of presidential lodges in Calabar after years of neglect, ahead of a proposed visit by President Bola Tinubu.

    The President is expected to visit the state to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport project and is reportedly interested in spending about two nights in Calabar.

    Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to Governor Bassey Otu, disclosed the renovation plans when he received a delegation of bishops from the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star in his office at the weekend.

    Ironbar said the government was undertaking the repairs to provide suitable accommodation for the President and members of his entourage.

    He, however, stressed that the exercise was not solely motivated by Tinubu’s anticipated visit but was also intended to restore the aesthetics, dignity and prestige of the state’s public infrastructure.

    According to him, some of the lodges had deteriorated significantly after being left unattended by previous administrations.

    The renovation comes amid concerns over the state’s capacity to accommodate high-profile visitors in befitting government facilities.

    A previous visit by the Oba of Benin, who reportedly travelled with his traditional entourage, saw him lodge in a hotel rather than a government facility.

    The Otu administration has also undertaken renovations at the Governor’s Office and other government facilities as part of efforts to improve public infrastructure across the state.

    The refurbishment of the presidential lodges is expected to improve the state’s capacity to host visiting dignitaries, although the date of Tinubu’s proposed visit has yet to be confirmed.

  • Cross River Govt, CAN Hail BCS’ Role in Boosting Religious Tourism

    Cross River Govt, CAN Hail BCS’ Role in Boosting Religious Tourism

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Cross River State Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have commended the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) for its contributions to religious tourism, humanitarian services and economic development in the state.

    The commendations came during separate courtesy visits by a delegation of the BCS College of Bishops, led by its Dean, Patriarch Christ Shepherd Bassey Imowo, to the Government House and CAN secretariat in Calabar.

    Receiving the delegation at the Government House, the Chief of Staff to Governor Bassey Otu, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, said the organisation had contributed significantly to the state’s economy over its more than 70 years of existence.

    He said the influx of foreign visitors, worshippers, researchers and tourists attracted by the organisation had boosted economic activities through patronage of hotels, markets and other businesses.

    “The BCS has been around in the state for several decades, and you have been very supportive through the continuous influx of your brethren from different countries for worship and pilgrimage.

    “They stay in our hotels for several days and weeks, buy in our markets and spend foreign currencies in our state. Because of your founder, tourists have continued to visit his birthplace for research and worship. This is religious tourism, a real booster to the state economy, which we cannot take for granted,” he said.

    He added that Governor Otu held the spiritual leader of the BCS, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, in high esteem and would personally visit him in recognition of his contributions and prayers for the state.

    At the CAN secretariat, the Acting Chairman of the association in Cross River State, Apostle Trinity Ogar, welcomed the delegation, saying its explanations had clarified several misconceptions about the organisation’s brand of Christianity.

    Ogar commended the BCS for its contributions to the propagation of the Christian faith and humanitarian services, describing the organisation as unique.

    He explained that CAN served as an umbrella body for Christian churches across different blocs, adding that the association was open to collaboration with the BCS.

    The CAN chairman appealed to the organisation to donate more copies of Everlasting Gospel, a compilation of its leader’s religious teachings drawn from the Holy Bible, to the secretariat.

    He also urged the BCS to develop Biakpan, the birthplace of Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, into a major pilgrimage destination comparable to Jerusalem and other renowned religious sites.

    Speaking earlier, Imowo spoke about the BCS belief in the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in human form, declaring that the long-foretold eternal Kingdom of God had been established on earth.

    He said the organisation’s teachings emphasised love, peace, forgiveness and other virtues, adding that its leader’s mission was to unite humanity and restore people to God’s original standards and expectations.

    Presenting a special message from His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, whom BCS faithful revere as the King of kings and Lord of lords, Imowo urged government leaders to govern with humility, love and truth.

    He also appealed to the state government to assist in rebuilding the organisation’s vandalised multipurpose auditorium in Biakpan.

  • Nigeria Is Seat Of New World Government – O. O. Obu

    Nigeria Is Seat Of New World Government – O. O. Obu

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The spiritual leader of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star and Head of the Unified Universal Theocratic Government, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, has declared Nigeria the seat of the New World Government.

    Obu said in a statement that the “Man Child” through whom the New World Government would be established had manifested in Nigeria, describing the country’s position as significant in divine revelation.

    He said Nigeria’s political journey since independence, through different systems and forms of government, had deeper significance, adding that the aspirations of Nigerians for peace, justice, equality, security and prosperity remained fundamental.

    According to him, Nigeria is the Kingdom that “shall not be left to other people” but would ultimately be ruled by God.

    He urged Nigerians not to place their entire hope in human systems, saying governments and political structures would change, but “the Divine Will of God cannot be altered.”

    Obu also warned political leaders against sacrificing the long-term interests of the country for temporary political gains.

    He described leadership as a sacred responsibility and urged those in authority to protect the vulnerable, uphold justice and peace, and build institutions that would serve future generations.

    The spiritual leader called on Nigerians to rise above tribalism, regionalism, religious divisions, political differences and selfish interests.

    He said Nigeria’s strength was not in any particular tribe, region, political party or religion, but in its collective national purpose.

    Obu urged young Nigerians to pursue knowledge, develop their talents, reject violence and channel their energy towards creativity, innovation, service and national development.

    He also appealed to the international community not to judge Nigeria solely by its economic challenges, political disagreements and other difficulties.

    “Watch Nigeria closely, for something great and glorious is about to unfold in this nation,” he said, adding that the development would bring honour, distinction and transformation to the country.

    Obu further said true freedom should go beyond independence from colonial rule to freedom from hatred, tribalism, religious intolerance, corruption, violence and oppression.

    He declared: “Nigeria is Brotherhood and Brotherhood is Nigeria,” adding that he had “covered this Nation with My Peace and Grace.”

  • C’River Police Intensify Security On Waterways, Engage Riverine Communities

    C’River Police Intensify Security On Waterways, Engage Riverine Communities

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    The Cross River State Police Command has intensified security operations on the state’s waterways through increased engagement with riverine communities and maritime stakeholders.

    The command said the measure was part of efforts to strengthen Operation Velvet Marine and improve security across the state’s maritime domain.

    The State Marine Police held a stakeholders’ meeting on Friday at the Dolphin Marine Base, Calabar, with 21 representatives from fishing settlements, including Tiger, Efik, Nsere, Ikpaedok, Natonda and Okon beaches.

    The meeting focused on the safety of the waterways, welfare of fishermen and closer cooperation between riverine communities and security agencies.

    The stakeholders were urged to strengthen lawful community vigilance and promptly report suspicious activities to the Marine Police and other security agencies.

    The command also received complaints and feedback from the fishermen on issues affecting their safety, welfare and operations, saying the concerns would be assessed and referred to relevant authorities where necessary.

    It said information and complaints received from members of the public would be verified before further action was taken.

    The police also released emergency contact numbers 07041777060 and 07053355415 to the participating communities.

    Fishermen and other maritime operators were advised to use the numbers to report distress situations, suspicious activities, threats and other incidents requiring police intervention.

    The command said it would sustain patrols, intelligence-led operations and engagement with riverine communities as part of efforts to curb maritime crimes.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, signed the statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue.

  • C’River Moves To Avert Redundancy In Etung Magistrate Court

    C’River Moves To Avert Redundancy In Etung Magistrate Court

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar

    Cross River State judiciary has directed the transfer of all pending criminal cases originating from Etung Local Government Area from courts in Ikom to the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Effraya, to prevent redundancy at the court.

    The directive is contained in Chief Registrar’s Circular No. 7-2026, dated June 29, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar, Iquo B. Ekanem, Esq.

    The Chief Judge, Justice Edem Ekong Ikpeme, also directed that all new criminal matters arising from Etung be filed at Effraya, irrespective of distance.

    The decision followed a complaint by the Legal Adviser of Etung Local Government Council, Daniel Enage Mgbe, Esq., in a letter dated June 18, 2026.

    The circular said the measure was intended “to keep Magistrate’s Court in Etung busy and reduce redundancy.”

    It noted that prosecuting agencies in Ikom had “consistently” filed criminal complaints arising from Etung in Ikom, citing distance and convenience.

    Justice Ikpeme consequently directed that “all matters emanating from Etung must be filed at Effraya irrespective of distance,” while cases originating from Ikom should remain in Ikom.

    The directive is in line with Section 92(1) of the Cross River State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2016.

    Accordingly, all Etung matters currently pending in Ikom courts are to be transferred to Effraya forthwith, while subsequent criminal cases from the area must be filed there.

    The Administrative Magistrate was directed to ensure compliance and monitor the handling of the affected cases.

    Judicial officers, police authorities, prosecuting agencies and staff within the affected jurisdictions were also directed to take note and comply with the new arrangement.

  • Wike Pledges To Sponsor Funeral Expenses of Rivers Traditional Ruler

    Wike Pledges To Sponsor Funeral Expenses of Rivers Traditional Ruler

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Port Harcourt

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to personally foot the funeral expenses of the late former acting Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, ENB Opurum, the Onye Ishi Etche of Echie of Etche kingdom) in Rivers State.

    Wike made the pledge yesterday when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the foremost traditional ruler, who died peacefully at the age of 106, over two weeks ago.

    Paying tribute to the late monarch, Wike, who was accompanied by the APC governorship candidate, described Opurum as a father who played an important role in his life and political journey.

    He recalled that when he was preparing to contest the governorship election, he visited the late traditional ruler, who prayed for and blessed him.

    According to him, the blessing became effective, adding that the late monarch remained a father figure to him and the people of Etche Kingdom.

    “I will personally take up the burial expenses of our late father. I remember how good and fatherly he was to me and the people of Etche Kingdom.

    “He was always after truth, peace and unity of the people as a father. I want to be involved in this burial actively.

    “I have to pick the funeral bill because I know that you will have a lot of other expenses to make after the burial,” Wike told the deceased’s first son, Prince Opurum, who received him alongside other family members.

    Earlier, Prince Opurum recalled the contributions and achievements of his late father, His Eminence Opurum, in Rivers State, expressing joy that he was the last surviving member of the state’s set of founding fathers.

    He said the late traditional ruler often spoke fondly of Wike, referring to him as his son.

    Prince Opurum also reminded Wike of his promise to build a befitting palace for the people of Etche, saying his late father had also expressed the wish that the main road leading to the palace be constructed.

    He disclosed that the funeral of the late traditional ruler, who was also the International Chairman of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Traditional Rulers’ Fellowship, is expected to hold in the last week of December 2026.

  • Court Sentences 24-Year-Old Man To Death For Killing Father In Lokoja

    Court Sentences 24-Year-Old Man To Death For Killing Father In Lokoja

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lokoja

    A High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has sentenced 24-year-old Dahiru Yusuf Abbah to death by hanging for killing his father, Dahiru Yusuf.

    Justice M.M. Gwatana, in a judgment delivered on Monday, found Abbah guilty of culpable homicide punishable with death under Section 221 of the Kogi State Penal Code, 2019.

    The court held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Abbah intentionally inflicted fatal injuries on his father during an attack at Sarkin-Noma area of Lokoja on October 5, 2024.

    The victim, who was stabbed in the chest and back, was taken to hospital but died from his injuries on October 9, 2024.

    Abbah was subsequently arrested and arraigned on a two-count charge of culpable homicide and criminal conspiracy under Sections 221 and 97(1) of the Penal Code in suit No. HCL/01C/2025.

    Prosecution counsel, M. Abaji, called nine witnesses, including the deceased’s wife, Hajia Jumai Dahiru, and the defendant’s siblings, Nafisat and Auwwal Dahiru.

    The prosecution also tendered nine exhibits, including the defendant’s blood-stained shirt, the deceased’s blood sample, a knife, a digital forensic report and a CD analysis.

    Although none of the prosecution witnesses witnessed the stabbing, Justice Gwatana held that the circumstantial evidence established the defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

    The judge said the evidence, including the blood-stained clothes and testimonies of key witnesses, was sufficient to establish the prosecution’s case.

    The court also noted that the defendant did not call any witness in his defence, apart from an Islamic cleric whose testimony on inheritance was dismissed as irrelevant to the case.

    It further observed that three persons the defendant had named in support of his alibi — a tea seller known as Mai Shai, Aunty Ladidi and Danladi — did not appear in court to testify.

    Justice Gwatana consequently convicted Abbah of culpable homicide and sentenced him to death by hanging.

    However, the court dismissed the criminal conspiracy charge for lack of sufficient evidence.

    Counsel to the defendant, Mohammed S. Inuwa and Mohammed S. Maihaja, said their client would appeal the judgment, arguing that the court relied on inadmissible evidence in reaching its decision.

    The head of the deceased’s family, Yusuf Bala, welcomed the judgment, saying the family had no personal grievance against the defendant but wanted justice to prevail.

    “We have nothing against the defendant, but we wanted justice to be done to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.

  • Illegal Mining Major Catalyst For Insecurity As 14 Arrested in Kogi

    Illegal Mining Major Catalyst For Insecurity As 14 Arrested in Kogi

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lokoja

    Security operatives have arrested 14 suspected illegal miners in two separate operations in Kogi State.

    Eight of the suspects were arrested last week, while six others were apprehended on Monday.

    The State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), disclosed this while parading the suspects in Lokoja.

    Omodara described illegal mining as a major catalyst for insecurity, saying the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities and illicit mining in the state.

    He said the eight suspects arrested in the first operation were being prosecuted by the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    The Security Adviser commended officers and men of the 12 Brigade for their contributions to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

    He also cautioned motor park officials to strictly monitor passengers and cargo in transit, warning that vehicles found conveying contraband items would be impounded.

    Omodara urged traditional rulers to desist from harbouring illegal miners in their domains, stressing that the state government would not tolerate compromised traditional leadership.

    He said the government, in collaboration with security agencies, remained committed to ensuring that illicit mining activities did not thrive in Kogi.

    The Kogi State Commandant of the NSCDC, Olumide Aletan, said operatives would conduct thorough investigations into the newly arrested suspects before prosecuting them in accordance with the law.