Cross River Governor Visits Flood Victims, Pledges Government Support

The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has visited victims of the recent flood disaster in Calabar, describing the scale of destruction and loss of lives as heartbreaking, while assuring residents of government intervention to mitigate future occurrences.
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At least five persons, including four children of Mr and Mrs Kingsley Edu and a tanker driver identified as Mr Udo, reportedly died in the flood and landslide that affected communities including Ikot Awatim, Ikot Ansa, Calabar South, Mbukpa, Big Qua Town, Ibom Layout and 8 Miles.

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu and his entourage during his visit to the victims of the recent flood disaster in Calabar. Photo: Emem Julius
The governor, who toured some of the worst-hit communities in the Calabar metropolis on Sunday, said his heart was “deeply burdened by the magnitude of the devastation and the tragic loss of lives.”

He said, “Today, I visited victims of the recent flood disaster in Calabar, and my heart was deeply burdened by the magnitude of the devastation and the tragic loss of lives.

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu and his entourage during his visit to the victims of the recent flood disaster in Calabar. Photo: Emem Julius
“No words can truly compensate for the precious lives we have lost, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to every family affected by this unfortunate tragedy.”

Otu assured residents that the state government remained committed to taking decisive steps to reduce the risk of future disasters.

He added that the government was already working on sustainable, long-term solutions, including improved drainage infrastructure and better environmental management, to protect communities from future flooding.

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu and his entourage during his visit to the victims of the recent flood disaster in Calabar. Photo: Emem Julius
“While we cannot undo the pain of this moment, we can, and we will do everything within our power to prevent a recurrence,” Otu said.

Cross River

The governor urged affected residents not to lose hope, assuring them that the government would continue to provide the necessary support as efforts to rebuild lives and restore normalcy continue.

“To every affected resident, please know that you are not alone. Your government stands with you and will continue to provide the necessary support as we work together to rebuild lives, restore hope, and implement responsible, long-term solutions,” the governor said.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with every family impacted. Together, we will overcome,” he added.
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How Sowore Unveils Free Education Plan, Pledges To Scrap WAEC, NECO Fees

The human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has unveiled what he described as his administration’s education blueprint ahead of the 2027 general election, promising free education at all levels, the abolition of public examination fees and sweeping reforms across Nigeria’s education sector.

Sowore, who shared the policy document on his verified X handle on Monday, said no child would be required to pay for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, the National Examination Council examination or any other public examination under his administration.

Presenting the proposed policy, Sowore said, “Let’s use this opportunity to show you, at a glance, what our education policy will look like after 2027.

Sowore’s free education plan. Photo: X | Omoyele Sowore.
“No government under a #Sowore2027 administration will ever ask your child to pay WAEC, NECO, or any other public examination fee. Education will be free because knowledge is a right, not a privilege.

“Our revolutionary education policy guarantees free, high-quality education from early childhood through university, backed by modern classrooms, virtual learning, well-paid teachers, student grants, and equal opportunities for every Nigerian child.

“This is not a promise of politics. It is a revolutionary commitment to build a nation where no child’s future is determined by poverty. Read it. Share it. Debate it. Join the movement to make it a reality.”

The policy document outlines a 20-point education manifesto covering access to education, infrastructure, funding, curriculum, technology, research and student welfare.

On the overall vision, the document states, “Sowore 2027 Education Manifesto – Building a modern, free, inclusive, and future-ready education system.”

It further promises, “Free education at every level – Free from early childhood through university. No Nigerian will be denied education because of poverty.”

To support students financially, the manifesto stated, “Semester education grants – Students in public tertiary institutions will receive semester grants to support their academic and living expenses.”

Sowore also proposed a restructuring of the education system, stating, “A new educational structure – 5 years primary, 5 years secondary, 4 years university degree. Every LGA will establish a community college offering 2-year associate degree programmes.”

The document also promised expanded early childhood education, saying, “Early childhood education – Universal early childhood education through well-equipped nursery and pre-primary schools.”

On technology and digital learning, the manifesto stated, “Physical & virtual learning – Every school will have high-speed internet, digital classrooms, virtual labs, online libraries and cloud learning resources. AI & digital education – AI-assisted learning, coding from primary school, digital literacy for all, robotics & automation, AI tools, data science and cybersecurity. Community colleges – Associate degrees, technical certifications, entrepreneurship programmes, adult education, continuing education and digital skills training.”

For polytechnic education, he stated, “Polytechnic reform – All polytechnics & monotechnics will become universities.”

The proposed reforms also prioritise teachers. It read, “Teachers first – Better salaries, housing, research opportunities & recognition.” It also promises “2-year teachers’ institutes, modern pedagogy, AI & digital learning, educational technology, classroom leadership and curriculum development.”

The manifesto further pledged, “University autonomy – Free from political interference. Transparent & democratic governance. Academic, financial & administrative autonomy with accountability.”

On academic freedom, the document stated: “Academic freedom – Freedom of research, expression, association & peaceful participation. Campuses as centres of free thought and intellectual debate.”

The policy also supported student representation. It stated, “Student unionism – Independent student unions will be protected. No suppression for legitimate activism.”

To strengthen research, he promised, “Research & innovation – Merit-based grants, impact-driven research” in areas including “medicine, AI, renewable energy, biotechnology, climate science, manufacturing, transportation, defence technology and public health.”

The activist also proposed establishing a “National education & innovation cloud” featuring “digital libraries, academic journals, AI learning assistants, virtual laboratories, educational software, research databases, open educational resources,” with “access for every student & teacher, everywhere.”

Sowore

On infrastructure, the manifesto stated: “School infrastructure – AI-powered smart hostels on campuses,” alongside “modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, safe hostels, clean water, renewable electricity, internet connectivity, sports facilities, arts centres and disability access.”

Student welfare also features prominently. He added, “School feeding & student welfare – Healthy daily meals for pupils, health services, counselling, menstrual hygiene & mental health support. Inclusive & special education – Accessible infrastructure, assistive technologies, Braille & sign language, special educators and individual support. No child will be left behind.”

The final pillar of the policy focuses on extracurricular development. It stated, “Sports, arts & culture – Sports, music, theatre, literature, visual arts, film & culture will be fully funded. Talent + education = total development.”

Online media reports that Education has remained a major campaign issue in Nigeria, with stakeholders repeatedly calling for increased funding, improved infrastructure, better welfare for teachers and expanded access to quality education.

Public debates have also intensified over examination fees, out-of-school children, university funding and the need to align the education system with technological and labour market demands ahead of the 2027 general election.
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ADC Dismisses Rival Portal Claim, Asks INEC To Probe Potential Forgery By Nafiu Bala

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed as false claims that a group led by Nafiu Bala Gombe uploaded the names of a presidential candidate and other nominees to the INEC nomination portal.
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In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said it was formally drawing INEC’s attention to what it described as the apparent forgery and unauthorised use of documents purportedly issued by the Commission, urging it to investigate and take appropriate action. The party urged the public to disregard what it called attempts to create confusion and insisted it remains focused on offering Nigerians a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general election, the leadership of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

The full statement read:

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to draw the attention of the media and the general public to false reports claiming that a group led by Mr. Nafiu Bala Gombe has uploaded the names of a presidential candidate and other nominees to the INEC nomination portal. The claim is a blatant lie. And it is quite easy to verify why.

INEC does not issue nomination portal access or nomination codes to a leadership it does not recognise. Secondly, the Commission will not issue two codes to the same party.
Otherwise, every impostor would simply upload names to the portal and proclaim themselves the authentic leadership of a political party. That is plainly not how the law or the Commission’s processes work.

The question, therefore, is straightforward: where is the evidence of this purported upload by a group of individuals not known by law or the electoral body?

We are also, by this statement, formally drawing the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to what appears to be the forgery and unauthorised use of documents purportedly emanating from the Commission in a manner capable of creating confusion and undermining public confidence in its integrity and reputation as Nigeria’s electoral umpire. We trust that the Commission will investigate this matter and take the necessary steps to correct this blatant misrepresentation.

Even as ridiculous as this claim appears, it is nothing more than another scheme to create doubts and confusion in the minds of unsuspecting members of the public.

For the avoidance of doubt, the African Democratic Congress is not factionalised. INEC has issued nomination portal access only to the leadership it recognises, and that leadership has duly concluded the party’s nomination process in accordance with the Electoral Act and the Commission’s guidelines.

As we informed the public last week, the details of our Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (GCON), and our Vice-Presidential Candidate, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi (CON), have been uploaded on the INEC portal. Those are the facts.

As the election approaches, there will be repeated attempts to distract the party and mislead the public. We will not be distracted. Our focus remains firmly on presenting Nigerians with a credible alternative that can restore security, tackle the rising cost of living, revive the economy, create jobs, and return the country to the path of progress in 2027.

ADC

We therefore urge our members, supporters, the media, and the general public to ignore these agents of distraction and rely only on official communications issued by the African Democratic Congress through its authorised channels.

Signed:

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
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