Cross Riverians have been tasked to hold their leaders accountable. Former speaker Cross River State Assembly Barr. John Gaul Lebo gave the charge during the annual dinner and award ceremony organized by the Cross River Journalists Forum in Abuja.
The event which consisted of an annual lecture delivered by the former speaker and presentation of awards to deserving Cross Riverians including the former Chief Justice of Nigeria ,Hon Mr Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen was well attended by dignataries and friends of the forum.
In his keynote address on the theme Cross River State: A people and a Future, the former speaker lamented the decay of infrastructure in the state citing the Tinapa resort which was the cynosure of all eyes but is now in ruins. According to him, the leadership challenges over the years which he said is sometimes fueled by political pressure is responsible for the underdevelopment of the state.
He emphasized the need for capital infrastructure which will drive tourism and facilitate the actualization of a non-oil economy and called on Cross Riverians ahead of 2023 to hold their leaders accountable and demand good governance.
In a good will message, the former Chief Justice said it is a privilege to serve in aƱy capacity hence leaders should ensure they act as role models and mentors
Chairman of the forum, Mr Gabriel Odu in his welcome address ,accused journalists of complicity in poor governance by not holding leaders acceptable and poor discharge of the watchdog role. He congratulated the awardees stating that they were deserving of the award.
Awardees at the event are, Hon. Mr Justice Walter Onnoghen, Major General Moses Obi, Senator Sandy Onor, Hon.Alex Egbona, Dr Ebeten Ivara, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche , Hon. Gabriel Oluohu and a post humous award in Philanthropy to Late Chief Ben Otu.
NewsAnnexOnline 