Politics
C’River Assembly Calls For Upgrade Of CRBC Ikom
In a significant move to enhance information dissemination across Central and Northern Senatorial Districts of the state, the Cross River State House of Assembly called on the state government to upgrade moribund equipments at the Ikom station of Cross River Broadcasting Cooperation (CRBC) to meet information needs of the people in accordance to international best practices, hence the world is a global village.
Speaking at the floor of Assembly in a well-articulated and concise Motion, Hon. Samuel Neji Abang, Member representing Ikom 1 State Constituency noted that the broadcast station whose advent in 2003 was greeted with fanfare as it bridged information gap, is now on Oxygen, all thanks to obsolete equipments and high overhead thereby making the station unsustainable with attendant revenue flight to neighbouring states.
Hon. Neji prayed the magnanimity of the Otu led administration, reputed for Season of Sweetness to as a matter of public importance assuage the narrative of CRBC Ikom with propensity to keep masses updated on government activities and programs including projected revenue generation for state government through sponsored advertorials given improved commercial activities in Ikom. To activate this, he sued for equipments upgrade and adequate funding to meet expectations. In his context
“Today’s Motion is calling on the state government to revive CRBC Ikom to global standard with a view to meet information needs of Central and Northern Senatorial Districts respectively. Recall that in 2003, we used to have the station working, but now it is no longer working. We call on the state government to revive the station so that both radio and television stations can work effectively for the good of our people and state at large.
“Again, modern equipments be procured and installed to expand the scope and reach of viewers including use of solar friendly equipments against high cost of diesel usage which has made operation of the station near-comatose. Additionally, adequate funding be provided for the station to enable it operate 24 hours.” Hon. Neji stated.
This motion described as timely and people-oriented generated mass support from other parliamentarians who spoke affirmatively for a lease of hope to be brought to bear in CRBC Ikom, noting that Cross Riverians in Yakurr, Abi, Boki, Ogoja, Bekwara, Yala, Obudu, Obanliku among others rely on stations from Enugu, Benue and Ebonyi for radio services therefore alienating them from the goings in Cross River State including state government achievements.
Summarily, RT. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly in his remarks applauded mover of the motion for identifying information needs of Central and Northern Senatorial Districts, adding that with Ikom emerging as commercial nerve center of the state, there is need for a functional, effective, eco-friendly and standardized broadcast station like CRBC Ikom. He says
“We have graciously supported this Motion, which tells you clearly that whatever is needed to upgrade standard of living in the State, the 10th Assembly will do her best to ensure it materialization. Thank you very much for the strong motion intended to alleviate information challenges of our people.”