UNICAL suspends 19 students
The University of Calabar (UniCal) in Cross River State has suspended 19 students for one academic session over alleged examination misconduct, following recommendations by the Students’ Disciplinary Committee and approval by the university Senate. The action, conveyed in an official notice, takes effect immediately for the 2025/2026 academic year and restricts the students from sitting further examinations and accessing campus facilities until due process is complete. Authorities say the measure reinforces integrity in UniCal assessments and will be strictly enforced.
Leadership Standard for Eba
Cross River residents and party members are urged to demand a verifiable record of service from Alphonsus Ogar Eba as Cross River State moves toward 2027. The piece examines accountability, due process, and the impact of past leadership on governance and party building. It calls for data-driven comparisons of outcomes, including projects and employment, across districts, and asks how future leaders will ensure fair opportunities for all communities in Cross River.
Cross River Ends Road Contract
The Cross River State Government, through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, terminates the contract awarded to Sydney Construction Company for the Obanliku–Obudu–Abucheche–Mfom–Okpoma Road. The decision follows poor performance and failure to meet contractual obligations. Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Ankpo Edet, says the move demonstrates the state’s commitment to timely, quality infrastructure. The termination will prompt a new bidding process, potentially delaying completion but aiming to ensure durable roads for Cross River residents.
UNICAL SUG seeks police ties
The University of Calabar Students’ Union Government (SUG), under its president, Sen. Ebong Vordina Francis, announces plans to strengthen collaboration with the Cross River Police to improve campus security in Calabar, Cross River State. The move, described as a deliberate effort to boost safety on campus and in surrounding communities, will involve joint security meetings, information sharing, and coordinated responses to threats. The announcements emphasize proactive, ongoing engagement rather than a one-off visit, with implementation expected to begin in the coming weeks and expand through the new administration’s agenda.
Cross River Reaffirms CAP
The Cross River State Government, through the Ministry of Information and the SOMTEC team, reiterates its commitment to a Child-Centric Community Action Plan anchored in Governor Bassey Otu’s People First agenda. During a strategic advocacy visit in Calabar, Information Commissioner Dr. Erasmus Ekpang explained the UNICEF-informed CAP will strengthen paediatric health, nutrition, and social safety nets, with Nigeria’s immunization coverage already surpassing 95%. Officials will review draft documents for fast-tracked presentation to the State Executive Council to advance grassroots health governance.
Cross River govt denies cult funding claims
The Cross River State Government has rejected allegations that it pays cult groups between 10 and 15 million naira monthly, a claim publicized by Portrait Peterson. Information Commissioner Dr. Erasmus Ekpang told CrossRiverWatch that the accusations are baseless and designed to mislead residents. He emphasized the administration’s focus on governance and development, urging the public to base criticism on verified facts. The statement aims to reassure Cross Riverians about security and state resources while calling for responsible discourse.
Rights groups warn security agencies
The International Human Rights Protection Service, led by Amb. Dr. Charles Omini, has issued a public warning to Nigerian security agencies to uphold citizens’ rights and end abuses, delivered during the 2026 National Civil Society Organisations Summit in Lagos. The call emphasizes constitutional guarantees and international obligations, urging investigations, accountability, and improved training. Cross River residents should note that the group will document incidents and forward verified findings to oversight bodies, with a focus on protecting the rights of every Nigerian.
Blue Economy for Nigerian States
The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy hosts the Second Quarter 2026 Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement in Lagos, where Wasiu Eshinlokun, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, urges state governments to adopt and implement the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy to unlock the sector’s economic potential. He says successful federal-state implementation will attract investment, create jobs, and promote sustainable management of Nigeria’s maritime resources. Cross River residents should expect stronger collaboration between federal and state actors to translate policy into growth for ports, fisheries, and coastal tourism.
Calabar Lab Leadership Impact
Dr. Ivon Ettah has led the University of Calabar’s Science Laboratory Technology department since August 2024, driving a comprehensive reform program. In just under two years, infrastructure improved with an ultra-modern Animal House and a postgraduate laboratory, while postgraduate programmes and staff welfare initiatives expanded. The department now supports more than 600 graduates, introduced PGD and MSc programmes, and secured the university as an official examination centre for the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, benefiting Cross River students and professionals.
Calabar Rain Fatality Leaves Baby
The heavy downpour in Calabar, Cross River State, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, left a one-year-old girl dead after floodwaters breached an apartment along Mayne Avenue by Atu Street, Calabar South. Residents say the child and parents were asleep when water rose quickly, preventing rescue. Property losses include documents, crates, and daily goods, with gutters and walls showing flood damage. Local residents urge authorities to improve drainage and road infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.
Budget Tracking Training Calabar
A one-day capacity building training on state budget tracking and monitoring of public projects has ended in Calabar, Cross River State. The workshop, organized by Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) under the ActionAid Nigeria Local Rights Program, aimed to equip participants with practical skills to analyze budgets, monitor projects, document evidence, and engage duty bearers for transparency and better service delivery. Officials highlighted tools like budget analysis and social audits, with participants engaging in group work and site observations.
FG Adopts 112 Emergency Number
The Federal Government has approved 112 as Nigeria’s unified emergency number, a move designed to streamline help for Cross River residents and the rest of the country. The National Economic Council announced the plan, coordinating calls to medical, fire, security, and disaster services through a single toll-free line. Nigerian telecom operators will route distress calls to state emergency centers, enabling faster responses and reducing delays for people in Calabar, Cross River State, and beyond. Implementing agencies will establish standard procedures and awareness campaigns to ensure public readiness.