SERVICOM reviews MDAs performance
The Federal Government’s SERVICOM urges MDAs to strengthen accountability, transparency and citizen‑centred service delivery during a quarterly charter performance meeting in Abuja. Acting National Coordinator Helen Lawal leads discussions on work plan implementation, charter performance, customer surveys and complaint handling, highlighting progress across institutions like NOUN, NHIA and TETFund. Cross River residents stand to benefit as agencies boost service standards, with NOUN reporting 85% activity completion and NHIA expanding complaint channels.
NCC seeks stronger African voice
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja has called for closer collaboration among African nations to secure a coordinated, technically sound position for the ITU 2026 Conference. Speaking at the African Telecommunications Union CPC meeting, NCC Executive Vice-Chairman Dr Aminu Maida stated Africa must work together to shape global telecom and digital economy policies. The two-day meeting aims to harmonize Africa’s approach, establish practical cooperation mechanisms, and ensure sustained African technical participation in ITU processes, benefiting Cross River institutions, workers, and students through stronger regional alignment and standards.
Digital Evidence for Cybercrime
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, including investigators, prosecutors, and Federal High Court judges, gathered in Lagos for a four‑day specialised training on cybercrime, AI and digital evidence. The training, organised by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in partnership with the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime, aimed to strengthen inter‑agency collaboration, improve recovery and preservation of digital evidence from phones and computers, and accelerate prosecutions. The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation emphasised that AI‑assisted crimes require innovative, evidence‑driven responses, noting cross‑border coordination as a key challenge. The workshop left participants better equipped to identify red flags, conduct thorough investigations, and present electronic evidence in court.
Cross River exempts women, elderly
The Cross River Government, through the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency, has announced exemptions from vehicle registration and daily operating levies for female commercial drivers and elderly men aged 60 and above in Calabar and the southern district. The policy was unveiled at a drivers’ union meeting on July 20, 2026, with further steps including a phased enforcement from August 1 and continued support such as reduced ticket prices and periodic fuel aid to boost local transport.
C’River APC primary result
Two Cross River Central APC aspirants, Eteng Jones Williams and Ms Mary Ekpere, reject the circulating results, saying no ward-level voting occurred across the 66 wards. Despite their objections, Oden Ewa is reported to have secured the party’s ticket for the 2027 elections after the intra-party process. The party calls for unity as campaigns are set to commence; residents should expect upcoming mobilisations and party activities in Calabar and surrounding areas.Brown
Cross River cleric sentenced to death
A Cross River State High Court in Calabar has handed down a death sentence by hanging to a 51-year-old cleric, Ubong Bassey Etim, for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, who was accused of witchcraft. The judgment, delivered in July 2026, follows evidence that Deborah, who lived with Down syndrome, was killed after being branded a witch. The court found the defendant guilty beyond reasonable doubt, marking a significant ruling against witchcraft accusations and protecting vulnerable children in the state. The case underscores ongoing efforts by Cross River authorities to curb gender-based violence and superstition-driven abuses.
Jarvis promises Cross River jobs
Cross River State PDP candidate Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong announces plans to transform the state with massive infrastructure development and broad job creation. Speaking at a Betem Community gathering in Biase Local Government, he welcomes new defectors and pledges inclusive governance to deliver public works, roads, and economic growth ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The pledge comes as party officials urge unity and mobilize supporters to back the PDP’s development blueprint for Cross River residents.
Reunite Wandered Teenager Sought
The Cross River State Police Command is appealing to the public to identify the family of an 18-year-old woman, Justina Okon, found wandering around the Tinapa Junction area of Calabar. Discovered at about 10:35 AM on Sunday, July 20, she speaks English, Pidgin English, and Anang but cannot provide details to help locate relatives. She is in protective custody at Ikpai Omin Police Division, awaiting identification and reunification with her family. The police urge anyone with information to contact the division or nearest station.
BPP, NIQS strengthen partnership
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) announce a strengthened collaboration to raise procurement standards and ensure value for money across Nigerian public projects. Through joint training, standards development, and shared data platforms, the partners aim to deepen compliance, reduce contract variations, and improve project delivery. The initiative will affect Cross River State institutions and contractors by improving tender processes and ensuring registered quantity surveyors are involved in capital projects where Cross River residents benefit from cost savings and transparency.
Ex-NCoS Spokesman Urges Non-Custodial Measures
The former Nigerian Correctional Service spokesman, Dr. Francis Enobore, says state governments must embrace non-custodial sanctions to ease overcrowding in custodial centres, a move he says will speed justice delivery. Speaking to NAN in Abuja on July 20, 2026, he highlighted Nigeria’s high custodial population and urged states, including Cross River, to adopt community service, probation, and electronic monitoring as alternatives, funded and supported by existing laws like ACJA 2015. He calls for a national stakeholders’ meeting to coordinate reforms.