2-Day Workshop on Establishment of Community Governance in CRS

Praises for Ayade, Ewa as Boki Stakeholders Deliberate on Community Governance.

Stakeholders at a 2- day Workshop on Establishment of Community Governance Structure showered encomiums on Prof. Ben Ayade, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, for his leadership style which gives local governments in the State to function unfettered. The Workshop which held at the M. T. Mbu Conference Hall, Okundi in Boki Local Government Area of the State Wednesday, 28th through Thursday 29th September, 2022 drew participation from the LG\’s Executive Council including the Chairman, Pastor John Ewa and his deputy, Secretary to the LG and exco members while the Speaker and councilors represented the legislative arm of the council. The event also had in attendance the paramount ruler of Boki, other traditional rulers, village and clan heads as well as community, women and youths leaders. Security agencies were represented by the State Commissioner of Police, Commanding Officer of 245 Edor Army Barracks, and the Commander of the State Drug Law Enforcement for Boki. Also in attendance was the Visiting Judge of Boki LGA, Clergy Community, the Press and Well Wishers.

In his opening address, the Executive Chairman of Boki LGA, Pastor John Ewa charged the Chiefs, Community Chairmen, Women Leaders, Youth Leaders and the security agencies to continue to strive to keep the present peace enjoyed by the Boki people which is his administration mantra upon his swearing in, in may,2020. There were paper presentations by the Army Commanding Officer of 245 Edor Barracks on the security challenges in Boki LG Area, by the State Commissioner of Police, the visiting Judge of Boki LGA, the commander of Drug Law Enforcement among others on different important topics related to Security, Peace and development.

An address by the Boki Traditional Stool presented by the Paramount Ruler of Boki HRM Otu Fredaline Ankra Akandu, stressed the need for Boki people to shun cultism and other babaric practices. HRM sued for peace and enjoined Boki people to curb land dispute violence, and to avoid taking laws into their hands.

Highpoint of the Workshop was the official
presentation of two Bye Laws passed by the Boki Legislature for awareness and compliance with the provisions of the Bye Laws which is aimed at addressing the challenges of Community Governance in Boki LG Area.

Another highlight of the event was a
critical evaluation of the Administration of the Executive Chairman of Boki LGA Past John Ewa from May 2020 till date.
Participants praised the robust peace agenda of the Chairman which has brought near total peace in Boki LG Area. Pastor John Ewa also received high grades in infrastructure evinced in provisions of ultra modern health care facility in Bunyia Irruan (completed, equipped and fully operational),Bulldozing/grading of over 25 kilometers earth road from Irruan to Eastern Boki with the building of over 10 modern culvert/mini bridges, Renovation of the Administrative block of the Boki LG council secretariat, fully furnished and equipped and provision of water in the LG secretariat.

Still on infrastructure, participants took note of renovation of the Boki LG council Legislative Chambers, fully furnished and equipped with air conditioners, Renovation of the Boki LG council Governor Lodge, fully furnished and equipped,
provision of two modern culverts linking the Boki LG Council Headquarters to the immediate Boje community of Enyi and provision of street lights among many other developmental projects.

Participants after another recalled the lack of peace due to insecurity which was the lot of the people before the current administration. They were unanimous in their praises for the Governor and the Chairman. The whole community therefore, passed a vote of confidence on the administration of Pastor John Ewa, the Executive Chairman of Boki LGA. Those who gave their voice to the vote of confidence include: by the Boki LG Legislature, the Boki Traditional Stool led by the Paramount Ruler and the Clans Heads of Boki, the Chairmen of all the autonomous communities of Boki, Women Leaders and Youth Leaders led by the chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Boki LG Chapter Comrade Douglas Ekiwa.

Pastor John Ewa was given Royal blessings by the Boki Traditional Stool while prayers were offered by the clergy community.

The occasion closed with songs of praises by the women and youths who availed themselves the opportunity to show gratitude to God and thank the Chairman for his humility and opening up Boki to the rest of the world.