By Ushang Ewa
The unveiling of the new Cross River State logo and most of the activities lined up for Day 1 of the Cross River At 50 celebrations did not hold Wednesday as planned CrossRiverWatch authoritatively reports.
The logo was scheduled to be unveiled at the Calabar International Convention Center (CICC) in the evening after an interaction with traditional rulers slated for 1:00 PM and a football match at the U.J Esuene stadium slated for 3:00 PM.
The only event which held was the inter-denominational church service at the Cultural Center initially billed for 10:00 AM but eventually started at about noon while Government House sources say traditional rulers waited at the traditional rulers chambers close to the Governor’s office until about 4:00 PM when they left.
Also, the football match did not hold neither did the unveiling of the logo which has drawn so much criticism with the planning committee yet to issue a statement concerning the failure of the events to hold.
But, the committee had denied knowledge about the logo with the Commissioner for Information, Rosemary Archibong telling journalists that the committee had earlier thought of a logo to commemorate the state at 50 but did away with it later on.
Yet, it was still mentioned by the Chairman of the committee, Colonel PAM Ogar (rtd) as part of the itinerary.
Sources in Government House Calabar blame the situation on the non release of funds with the Governor, Senator Ben Ayade travelling Tuesday evening to Abuja.
As at press time, the city walk and clean up exercise scheduled for 9:00 AM on Day 2 (Thursday) were yet to commence with Governor Ayade returning from Abuja at about Noon and instructed his security aides not to turn on the sirens in the convoy which headed straight for the Governor’s lodge.