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Efik Group Cautions Deposed Obong To Respect Supreme Court, Stop Parading As King

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Deposed Obong of Calabar, Etubom Otu

 

A socio-cultural group, Efik Unity Forum has called on the dethroned Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu to stop parading himself as the Obong of Calabar.

 

 

 

 

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Chief Isaac Effiom and made available to the media, the group said for the sake of peace and unity of the Efik people at home and in the Diaspora, they want Nigerians to appeal to the deposed Obong not to diminish the prestigious position with his ambition.

 

 

 

They urged him to stop embarrassing the revered institution by still parading himself as king despite Supreme court judgement, rejection by majority of the people and the selection of a bona fide occupant.

 

 

 

 

 

They stated that in the first place he ascended the throne in contravention of the 1970 Calabar-Creek Town Accord and even a 2008 government white paper that was released after a Commission of Inquiry which was why many indigenes have not recognized him.

 

 

 

They alleged that the deposed Obong knew that what he was doing was wrong which was why he never went for the traditional ceremonies of sitting on the Obong Stool or even using the official staff of office.

 

 

 

 

 

According to Chief Effiom, “People should ask him why he has not gone to Atakpa to wear the original crown or seat on the stool, why did he have to make a throne for himself? Why did he not enter Eyamba House and take the original staff of office?.

 

 

 

“He knows the spiritual and physical implications of taking that action, and the fact that he has not done these things is the evidence we need to state with confidence that he is not the rightful person to be Obong and he himself in his heart of hearts knows this”

 

 

 

Going down memory lane, the group noted that Etubom Otu in usurping the position, denied Ikoneto which was to take its turn on behalf of Western Calabar.

 

 

 

According to the statement “The Rotation was to be between Western Calabar comprising of Creek Town, Mbiabo and Adiabo and Central Calabar consisting of Duke Town, Henshaw Town, Cobham Town and Old Town (Obutong).

 

 

 

“ Since the rotation started ,the stool has been occupied as follows: David James Henshaw (Henshaw Town, Central), Essien Ekpe Oku (Creek Town, Western), Eyo Ephraim Adam (Duke Town, Central), Otu Ekpenyong Efa (Adiabo-Western), Boco Ene Mkpang Cobham), Cobham, Central), Nta Elijah Henshaw (Henshaw Town, Central).

 

 

 

The statement noted that the deposed Obong claims Adiabo which had already taken its turn through Otu Efa when the Western got its last opportunity.

 

 

 

In addition, to worsen matters, he is allegedly from Okobo and not Efik and his claim to the stool even if true is not from the male stock. His family name is reportedly Isukise, which he has tried to hide over the years.

 

 

 

 

 

The Forum stated that the last true occupier of the throne who fulfilled all traditional rites and duly recognized was Otu Ekpeyong Efa and urged that the deposed Obong should allow Calabar return to its glory days by allowing the proper process take place and Ikoneto to take its turn and fulfil all traditional rites.

 

 

 

Furthermore, the security agencies should not be used as tools to harass people who have stood against this desecration and urged them to rather stand by the people and all well-meaning Nigerians by protecting the decision taken on May 22, where four of the 7- member Council as is the practice, formed a conclave and chose Etubom Anthony Ani, the former Minister of Finance as the Obong-elect of Calabar.

 

 

 

 

 

Their decision was also communicated to then Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade and there may be a breach of peace if Etubom Otu continues to ignore the Supreme Court and the wishes of the people as expressed by the traditional Council.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Glo Boosts Lagos Security with N1bn Donation to LSSTF

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In a landmark gesture underscoring its enduring commitment to national development and public safety, communication giant, Globacom, has donated ₦1 billion to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), to strengthen security infrastructure across Nigeria’s commercial capital. The contribution stands among the most significant private-sector interventions from the telecommunications industry to the Fund in recent years and reinforces Globacom’s position as a responsible and patriotic corporate citizen.

The donation follows Globacom’s participation in the LSSTF-organised Private Sector Breakfast Meeting with CEOs, hosted by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, January 30, 2026. The high-level forum emphasised deeper collaboration between government and business on security, innovation and economic resilience—an agenda Globacom has consistently supported through sustained social investment.

Expressing appreciation, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Fund, Dr Ayo Ogunsan, described Globacom’s gesture as “a powerful demonstration of corporate citizenship and a strategic investment in the stability of Lagos State.” He noted that the LSSTF was established to bridge funding gaps in security infrastructure and therefore relies heavily on voluntary contributions from corporate bodies and well-meaning partners.

According to Dr Ogunsan, the ₦1 billion donation will significantly enhance the Fund’s capacity to address critical priorities for 2026, including multipurpose security helicopters and drones, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), water cannons, digital communication equipment and Smart CCTV systems.

These assets are central to proactive policing, rapid response and intelligence-led operations across the state.

Reacting to the development, a senior executive of Globacom described the donation as an extension of the company’s long-standing belief in Nigeria’s future. “At Globacom, we see security not as a government burden alone, but as a shared responsibility. When people feel safe, enterprise grows, creativity flourishes and hope becomes practical,” the official said. “Our support for the LSSTF is about protecting the everyday dreams of millions of Lagosians.”

Globacom’s intervention is consistent with its long-standing approach to social responsibility—practical, timely and aligned with national priorities. Over the past decade, the company has supported relief efforts for flood-affected communities, assisted displaced persons, advanced youth skills through structured training programmes, and invested in education, culture and digital inclusion. These initiatives reflect a philosophy of giving that privileges institutional impact over personal acclaim.

Dr Ogunsan also urged Lagosians to support organisations that invest in the safety and development of the state. “When companies step forward to secure our environment, residents should reciprocate by patronising them. Their support directly impacts the protection of lives, property and economic activity,” he said.

By strengthening the LSSTF, Globacom is investing directly in the conditions that enable commerce to thrive—safety, confidence and stability. With this support, the Fund is poised to scale its interventions further, reinforcing Lagos State’s position as the country’s safest and most vibrant commercial hub.

As Lagos continues its journey toward global competitiveness, Globacom’s partnership with the LSSTF stands as a model of how the private sector can help secure shared prosperity.

In an industry built on signals, Globacom’s clearest signal remains trust—earned through consistency, conscience and action.

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Ex-AfDB Chief Akinwumi Adesina Launches Investment Platform to Drive Capital to Africa

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Africa appears to have found a deal and investment channel that will help lure scarce capital into a continent that houses 12 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies, as rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions weaken capital flows.

The Global Africa Investment Summit (GAIS), a transformative platform co-founded by Akinwumi Adesina, former president of the African Development Bank, is set to bridge African governments, global CEOs, and institutional investors to accelerate the continent’s shift from aid dependency to investment-driven growth.

With the fastest young demographic in the world and a population of nearly 1.3 billion, Africa is punching below its weight as fragmented markets, under-prepared public assets, and a reliance on aid rather than scalable private investment pose the biggest constraint to growth.

“Africa must unlock its vast sovereign assets to generate wealth,” Adesina said in a statement ahead of the summit scheduled to be held in Angola later this year.

“The Global Africa Investment Summit, as a market maker, is the globally trusted platform to unlock mega deals and assets by connecting Africa to global capital.”

Africa’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) continues to lag behind both developed and developing economies, representing only 6 percent of global FDI in 2024, according to the United Nations Trade and Development World Investment Report.

GAIS aims to boost Africa’s lagging foreign direct investments by providing investors the enormous opportunities abound in the continent some of which includes the continent’s population projected to double by 2030, with a rapidly growing middle class.

Its consumer market is growing, from $1.4 trillion in 2015 to an expected $2.5 trillion in 2030, opening investment windows for FDIs.

According to the organisers, strategic sectors, including critical minerals, metals, rare earths, energy, agriculture, and digital infrastructure, are primed for investment.

Global leaders including President of Ghana John Mahama, William Ruto of Kenya, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair, Africa’s richest man and President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and Robert Gumede, founder and chairman Guma group have all backed the need for Africa to harness its potential for economic growth.

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ADC Knocks Senate over Rejection of Electronic Transmission of Results, Says APC Afraid of Transparent Polls

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the APC-led Senate of being afraid of free and fair elections after rejecting key electoral reforms meant to strengthen transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s voting process.

This was contained in a statement signed and released by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdulahi on Wednesday.

The party criticized the Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of election results, saying it signals yet another effort by the APC to manipulate future elections.

Other rejected reforms included the electronic download of voter cards from the INEC website, a reduction in election notice periods, and a shortened timeline for the publication of candidates from 150 days to 60 days.

“The proposed provisions were intended to provide safeguards against electoral abuse and restore voter confidence.

“But the Senate’s action amounts to tampering with the law, creating opportunities for rigging and imposing logistical challenges on INEC that could weaken future elections,” the statement read.

The ADC accused the APC of exploiting its majority in the National Assembly to entrench malpractice, warning that the party’s fear of free and fair elections is driving legislative manipulations.

“By rejecting reforms meant to improve election conduct, the APC has shown its desire to cling to power by all means,” the statement added.

The opposition coalition urged Nigerians to hold the APC accountable and called on the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to reject the Senate’s submissions.

It also appealed for amendments that reflect democratic principles and the will of the Nigerian people.

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