Colossus Gists

The Governor of Cross River state, Benedict Ayade stole the show at the ongoing 2017 Calabar Carnival festival in Nigeria, also tagged “Africa’s Biggest Street Party”, when he arrived with his wife on a 'monster scorpion bike'.

The Governor was cheered by many onlookers who were wowed by the grand arrival. Earlier in the day, we shared photos of former governor of the state, Donald Duke and his wife, Onari, who emerged in another monster power bike to celebrate the event.

The Calabar Bikers Parade in Cross River State has become a ritual at the carnival since it was inaugurated by the Governor.

Calabar Festival was created as part of the vision of making the Cross River State in Nigeria, the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourists all over the world.

The carnival which falls from 1 December through 31 December every year, has boosted the cultural mosaic of Nigeria people while entertaining the millions of spectators within and outside the State, and boosting industry for all stakeholders.

At least three persons are reportedly dead after suspected naval officers attacked a police station in Calabar, Cross River State on Tuesday. According to our source, the naval officers attacked and burnt down the police station following a row with some police officers earlier in the day.

Some naval officers had allegedly ran the red light and were apprehended by police officers. “Rather than listen, they descended on the policemen and beat them up. This was around 5 p.m,” a witness said.

“Police officers now called for back up and and the Navy also called for reinforcement and they took over the road leading to the airport. But the Navy Commander and police commissioner in the state intervened and the two sides backed down.

However, around 8:00 p.m., when everyone thought the matter had been resolved, naval officers descended on Akim Police Station and started shooting and burnt down the facility. We confirmed three bodies but we feared there are more,” the witness added.

The attack started at about 8.30pm and continued up until midnight. The naval officers also allegedly blocked fire fighters from gaining access to the station.

Source

Premium Times

Photo Credit: Facebook

The indoor sport hall of the U.J Usuene Stadium has collapsed after a torrential rainfall hits Calabar on Friday.

The part of the stadium was under construction for over two years and the contract was awarded by Former Governor Liyel Imoke to Uzuola Giwa-Amu. A contractor who absconded with nothing less than 2.5 Billion Naira.

Pictures released by the Director General of Sport Commission, Orok Duke, shows that the whole structure built to house at least 50 thousand people has only 8mm rods in the pillars and deckings platforms.

The structure which collapsed this afternoon, happened at a time when the children competition taking place in the stadium was suspended to observe the Easter Holiday. According to Orok Duke, more than 2000 children would have been crushed to death.

The shady side of the story is that Governor Ben Ayade is aware of the dubious contract and how it was a drain pipe project of the Liyel Imoke admimistration, but has refused to order an investigation into it.

NEMA has called the State after hearing the sad development, but were relieved to note that no life was lost in the collapsed building.

I will be looking into a legal suit against the Cross River State government for remaining quiet over this dangerous project. I will be suing the State government of gross negligence, abuse of public trust, and lack of political will to order an investigation into this scam and to bring the contractor to book. I will be petitioning the contractor to the EFCC to return all monies dubiously gained through this contract.

A little investigation has revealed that the said contractor is now living a multi billionaire splendid lifestyles in Ghana and UK were he bought choicest buildings against the well being of Cross Riverians.

Everyone associates Cross River State with good food, right? Well, Bunmi of #DeliciousNaija stopped by Calabar to get a feel of this hype! As usual, she dabbled into some history before food time.

After a visit to the Mary Slessor Home, Bunmi got to hang out to lunch and a catch-up with friend and Calabar OAP, Diana-Mary Owan. What better meal to introduce us to Calabar cuisine than Edikang Ikong? They also showed us there’s more than one way to have your Edikang Ikong! What do you usually eat yours with, rice or swallow?

In this episode, there are two MAGGI stars o! The husband, John, was the one teaching Bunmi how to make Ekpang Nkukwo. We like us men that know their way around the kitchen! Before then though, the wife, Mercy, took Bunmi to Calabar’s Marian Market where she learned the right periwinkles & cocoyam leaves to buy. Did you know you can know if periwinkle is fresh from smelling it?

You’ll see the special Efik style of cleaning periwinkles in this episode, and as the Ekpang Nkukwo comes together, you’ll find yourself tilting into your screen. If you didn’t get to watch it this weekend on your TV, you can catch up. See the full episode below:

The food journeys of Delicious Naija can always be watched at 7.30 pm Saturday on Africa Magic (Family), at 5.00 pm Sunday on NTA and at 5.30 pm Friday on Arewa24.