The Lumine News

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  • APC’s Campaign Of Calumny: Another Invitation To Anarchy – PDP

    8th February 2023.

    Press Statement.

    APC’s Campaign Of Calumny: Another Invitation To Anarchy

    The attention of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party Cross River State, has been drawn to a malicious, demonic, barbaric and devilish video circulating on different social media platforms, wherein the occultic, bloodthirsty and murderous APC campaign team, led by their Gubernatorial candidate, Southern Senatorial Candidate and Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency Candidate, in a sacrilegious, unspeakable, despicable and abominable manner, carried out a burial ceremony of a man who is still much alive. For what appeared to be an occultic display, the APC procured a casket and inscribed the name of our Candidate Rt. Hon. Apostle Essien Ekpeyong Ayi, our Party Logo and the abbreviation R.I.P (Rest in peace) on the casket–a symbolic representation of the death and burial of a man who is still alive.

    Ordinarily, we would have preferred to ignore such ignoble display of infantilism, nothingness and tomfoolery, but given the criminal and abominable nature of such outlandish display, it has become imperative that we issue a statement and set the records straight. Hence, we make bold to state categorically that;

    1. It is quite regrettable how low the APC has reduced politics in our state. Prior to now, vicious campaign of calumny, subterfuge and violence were never part of our Politics, however, with the recent involvement of lowlifes, riffraffs, scallywags, and nonentities in the politics of our state, an unhealthy aspect of politicking has been introduced by the APC out of sheer desperation.

    2. For the past one week, the APC Gubernatorial candidate and his partners-in-mischief, like the infamous ringleader of the 1971 “commando- Girls” have continued to make inciting statements against various leaders of our party. Sensing a brutal defeat, especially in places like Akpabuyo Local Government and Calabar South, the never-do-well APC deployed their thugs to carry out wanton destruction of properties belonging to Chieftains of our party in Akpabuyo and Calabar South.

    3. As a Party, we condemn unequivocally this act of provocation and maiming of our supporters by the APC, as it has the tendency of inviting anarchy into the State.

    4. We condemn in the strongest terms, the destruction of properties belonging to our party faithfuls, maiming of our teeming supporters and the unspeakable, abominable and sacrilegious display of casket bearing the name of our Candidate for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Apostle Essien Ekpeyong Ayi, during the APC Gubernatorial rally in Calabar South.

    5. We call on Security agencies to investigate and arrest the perpetrators of such heinous and abominable acts. We call on our teeming supporters to remain calm even in the face of wanton provocation by the APC, as the APC is obviously displaying signs and symptoms of defeat.

    5. We reassure the good people of Cross River State that we are committed to the course of reclaiming Cross River State and call on all lovers of the state to vote massively for our party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

    Signed
    Prince Mike Ojisi
    (State Publicity Secretary)

  • How Can Florence Ita Giwa Have The Courage To Insult Donald Duke After Everything That Donald Has Done For Her – Grace Oyo-Ita

    Ntuanke Grace Oyo-Ita has wondered why Florence Ita Giwa should talk to Donald Duke in the manner she did after all that Duke has done for her by making her senator of the republic.

    Oyo-Ita made her displeasure in piece titled ‘My advise for Florence Ita Giwa’

    I came out to contest the first senior election under UNCP, to represent Southern Senatorial District, under the chairmanship of Ntufam Joe Ndem Ndifon. I contested with Sen Bassey Ewa Henshaw and won as candidate of the Party, then contested with an opponent, my senior sister, Mma Florence Giwa, and also won, the rest is history. Obong Victor Attah who later became the Governor of Akwa Ibom State invited me to an Association formed by Chief Alabo Graham Douglas, called National Summit. I was the coordinator of that group in Cross River State.

    From there we formed G34. I am the first and only member of G34 in Cross River State. I’m also Number One person in my state, Cross River during the formation of the PDP. if I go into the nitty gritty of how everything happened in Nuga Hilton Hotel in Abuja then, to Akwa Ibom House, to my house in Lagos and to Effanga Mkpa, my then Calabar residence. Then to Rt Hon Orok Otu Duke’s house at State Housing, we would not leave this place, I was given the mandate by all those who joined me in the PDP to appoint the people to run our party.

    My own interest was to be the Senator representing the Southern senatorial district, but man proposes and God can approve or dispose. Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, Gershom Bassey, Don Claimz Enamhe, Orok Duke, Hilliard Etta, Princess Sandra Achinong, and a few others were in these meetings. We brought in Rev. Benedict Ikobi, who was close to Kanu Agabi, as Chairman, Chief Bassey Edem who was close to Donald Duke as Secretary and John Olafor to represent the interest of Major Obi Odu.

    After all my stress, Sen Florence Giwa was preferred, and I was dropped. Since I know that God is the only one that gives power and that God wanted Florence to be announced, I sent a congratulatory message to her, but what did she do? She took my pictures that I suffered to go to Law School, placed them on a coffin, paraded round this God owned City and bought a peace of land at Hukins and buried it.

    Florence is very vindictive, Chief Anthony Ani former Finance Minister, during UNCP and APP gave each of us N2,500,000. I have remained loyal to him, despite his role in my PDP elections. When Chief Ani went in to contest the Obongship of Calabar, Florence was the first to carry placards against him. Without Donald and Liyel, Florence wouldn’t have been in the Senate, but as ungrateful as she is, she said Donald came to Calabar with a suit case and was squarting with Geshom Bassey.

    Donald is from a big home, Liyel is from a big home and Geshom is from a big home, I and Ma Florence are from what we call humble homes, who should insult the other? It was the belief of Donald and Geshom that an Efik lady should go to the Senate, and because of the bond of friendship among them, Liyel supported his friends, and today, as a result of that she is being addressed as a Senator of the Federal Republic. How could she so easily forget them? She referred to them in an uncultured manner. I, who should be angry, I’m happy, maybe because I know the Bible.

    Ayade is my son, Prince Otu is my brother, Donald and Liyel are my younger brothers, so as a mother and senior sister, if they quarrel, what is expected of me and Mma Florence Is to call them to order, settle issues amongst them and make peace. I’m shocked at the kind of things Mma Florence said with her mouth about Donald. Just as I and Florence have a right to support any person of our choice, the ultimate is God who has the final say.

    How can Florence Ita Giwa have the courage to insult Donald Duke after everything that Donald has done for her, just because she has found a new paymaster. Watch out and see, and you will remember my statement today that once PDP returns to power, Florence will run back to PDP. How can she accuse Donald Duke of selling Bakassi to Cameroon when she herself was deeply involved in everything that happened to Bakassi from the federal level at that time.

    When I was approached to support the Back to South agenda, I told them that I will support the idea, provided they microzoned to the Akamkpa – Biased axis because we cannot be talking about justice and equity without applying the same principle to our own brothers here in the South. As you can see, the back to south agenda is really a Back to Efik agenda, if not, how come Akamkpa-Biase was not even considered for the Senate position in terms of zoning, talk less of the governorship position?

    As for Prof. Sandy Onor, he is as well from the South because his mother is from Mkame in Oban axis of Akamkpa and as you are well aware, in our matrilineal tradition, a child is first from where his mother comes from.

    You cannot say that Donald was poor at any time. He got Uncle Ben’s rice franchise at Apapa before he became the Honourable Commissioner for Finance in Cross River State in Clement Ebri’s Administration.The first time I met him, was in his warehouse at Apapa.

  • Defection Hits APC As Sen Jarigbe Agom Receives Chieftaincy Title In Bekwarra

     

    In recognition, acknowledgement and appreciation of SenJarigbe’s selfless service to humanity, the traditional rulers Council of Afrike Ochagbe, conferred the lawmaker with the Chieftaincy title, Oti’ Inom 1 of Afrike (Chief of Riches).

    The conferment of the title took place at Afrike, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), concluded its ward-to-ward campaign tour in Bekwarra LGA with visits to Ugboro, Ibiaragidi, Afrike Ochagbe, Afrike Okpeche and Ukpah Wards of the LGA.

    Leading the campaign, the PDP candidate for Cross River North Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe in company of Amb Peter Akpanke, Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku House of Representatives candidate, Barr Omang Charles Omang, Bekwarra State Constituency candidate and other party stalwarts, took the party’s message of hope to the people.

    Reacting to the honor done him, the law maker thanked the people of Afrike and pledged commitment to delivering the needed services to his people.

    Other candidates of the party, took turns to address the enthusiastic supporters and constituents who trooped out in their numbers to receive the party, promising to attract dividends of democracy to the LGA.

    The event also witnessed mass defection from APC to the PDP. The defectors were led by a Member of the Board of the College of Health Technology, Calabar, Mrs Comfort Abibang.

    The Cross River State Chairman of the PDP, Barr, Vena Ikem, led other cheiftains of the party to the event including; Chief Austine Austin Edibe, Barr Godwin Offiono, Barr,Dorncklaimz Enamhe Dr Achu Olayi, Hon Rita Agbo Ayim , Dr Martins Achadu, Chief Ashakia, Chief John Ukwu, Barr Tim Ekawu, Hon. Adida Agabi, Hon Charles Eneji Prof Odey Osha, Hon. Ignatius Ejim, Mr Pekus, Barr DonHenry Akwaji, Hon David Obule, Dr Emmanuel Ogar Aimee Idoko amongst others.

    CRN CAMPAIGN MEDIA.

  • Ugep People Will Remember Sen Sandy Onor For His Good Work – Obol Lopon

     

    The Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, has assured the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate, Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor that his good works expressed through effective representation at the Senate will speak for him in his bid to become the next governor of Cross River State.

    The royal father who spoke while playing host to the PDP Cross River Central Campaign Committee currently on a ward to Ward tour within the Senatorial District, disclosed that Ugep people would always appreciate Senator Onor for renovating the Obol Lopon’s Palace to give it a befitting outlook.

    The royal father stated this on Friday, February 3rd, 2023 when the PDP Central Senatorial District Ward to Ward Campaign Team visited his palace at Ugep, Yakurr LGA of Cross River State.

    According to Obol Lopon, “When you arrive, I said, you are welcome to your home because two years ago, the Governorship Candidate of the PDP, Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor, listed this palace in the budget as constituency project without me begging him. Today, Ugep boost of a befitting palace courtesy of him.

    “I would never forget what Senator Sandy Onor did for me and Ugep people at large. Each time I’m in this house enjoying the comfort and fresh air, I remember Senator Sandy Onor. For him to have done this even without me begging proves that when God sends people to be our helpers we don’t need to beg them.

    “Since Senator Sandy Onor roofed this place every Ugep man that looks at the palace would ask me, how did you go about it, and I would say, Senator Sandy Onor did it for us. He did not discussed with me, he didn’t ask me before doing it. So, Ugep people can never forget Senator Sandy Onor. He has helped us to do the first thing. This is the first building in Ugep. When Ugep people decide to show appreciation, we would remember Senator Sandy Onor” he concluded.

    Speaking earlier, the Deputy Director-general, State Campaign Organisation and DG Caterpillar Movement, Chief Joe Obi Bisong, who represented the Governorship Candidate of the PDP, Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor said, “It’s traditional that we must stop over at the palace to pay homage and solicit your royal blessings first as Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Obol Lopon of Ugep and custodian of the rich culture and custom of Ugep.

    “We have come to deliver the message of the PDP which you’re already aware; the PDP remains the only political party that can guarantee our democracy. The comparative advantages the PDP has attracted to us individually and collectively can’t be overemphasized. From where the PDP stopped, the APC had not added an inch. Rather, they have plagued and destroyed what the PDP left behind”

    Also speaking during the visit, the Senatorial Candidate, Rt Hon Bassey Eko Ewa lamented the desecration of traditional institution by the incumbent administration in the state when he said, “You’re the traditional head of Yakurr Local Government Area. This is the time we need you the most. Your advice matters a lot.

    “Let me use this privilege to thank you for the chief that represented you when we came for the Governorship Campaign. He spoke brilliantly and captured everything. I was shocked that our chiefs are being taxed by the present government for certification. It has never happened since the advent of the fourth republic. We have never experienced such sacrilege on our traditional institutions”.

    The campaign team earlier visited Idomi community as part of the Central PDP Ward to Ward Campaign for Yakurr LGA.

    CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT MEDIA

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Has Done A Lot For Us, It Is Time For Us To Support Him – Bekwarra Paramount Ruler

     

    The custodian of Bekwarra traditional culture and Paramount Ruler of Bekwarra Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Odey Linus Ogbeche, has stated that Jarigbe has done so much for Bekwarra and that it was very natural and necessary for Bekwarra to support his reelection. The monarch hailed and commended Sen Jarigbe Agom for being a true son of Bekwarra and thanked him for honouring his Mother by executing various projects in Bekwarra LGA.

    The monarch made the disclosure during the ward-to-ward campaign of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, visit to Gakem, Beten, Otukpuru, Nyanya, and Abuochiche wards of Bekwarra Local Government Area.

    During the visit, the party was received by the Paramount Ruler of Bekwarra, Clan Heads and his council of chiefs before proceeding for rallies across the wards.

    Speaking during the visit while addressing Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the monarch averred that “You, Jarigbe, have done a lot of things for us. It is time for us to do something for you by supporting you.

    “We have our own son, the son of our late Paramount Ruler, Omang Jnr, also in the race. He knows every good thing we need and we’ll give him our blessings.”

    He used the opportunity to call on all well meaning sons and daughters of Bekwarra who are desirous of change despite political affiliation to pull their support for senator Jarigbe Agom to enable continue the good work he is currently doing.

    Speaking earlier, Sen Jarigbe Agom admonished the people to desist from listening to liars who swore he was not going to become a senator and all those who are only interested in their personal gains. He promised to attract more projects to Bekwarra.

    Amb. Peter Akpanke and Barr. Omang Charles Omang, PDP candidates for Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency and Bekwarra State Constituency respectively, took turns to address the teeming supporters who turned out in their numbers and urged the people to support them for quality representation.

    Some dignitaries in attendance were Barr. Vena Ikem, Chief Austin Edibe, Barr. Godwin Offiono, Barr. Dorncklaimz Enamhe, Mr John George, Hon. Adida Agabi, Barr. Tim Ekawu, Hon. Rita Ayim, Dr Martins Achadu, Hon. Charles Eneji, Mr. Joseph Ebeshi, Hon. Kingsley Agabi and many others.

    CRN CAMPAIGN MEDIA.

  • Jarigbe Agom Commends His People For Believing In His Leadership And Promised To Do More

    The senator representing Cross River Northern senatorial district, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has commended his people for their
    continuous support and their belief in his leadership while promising to do more.

    The law maker stated this during the ward to ward tour and campaign ahead of the 2023 general elections when he visited Ekajuk wards 1 and 2, Nkem Irede and Nkem Eborr wards.

    In his words “I want to thank you for believing in me and also for your support. We will not have been where we are today without your support. The challenge ahead of us is more demanding and I want to call on all of you to brace up and speak with your PVCs.

    “When realized that I have all of you standing behind me, giving the push I need and with God on side, I am encouraged. I can assure you that your continuous support is a call to do more”

    On his part, Barr Godwin Offiono, the Party’s House of Representatives candidate for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, pledged to hold the people’s mandate jealously (In trust) and replicate the quality representation displayed by Sen Jarigbe while in the House of Representatives.

    Also speaking, the House of Assembly Candidate for Ogoja State Constituency, Hon. Rita Agbo Ayim, stated that her vision is to change the narrative of representation at the State House level and ensure the people feels the positive effect of representation.

    The Campaign trail also had the presence of PDP State Chairman, Barr. Vena Ikem, State Vice Chairman (North) Chief Austin Edibe, DG of Senator Jarigbe’s Campaign Organization, Dr Don Klaimz Enamhe, Chief Francis Bullem, Mr John George, Hon. Egre Mike, Barr Charles Omang,Mr Egar Mgbantul, Barr Paul Ishabor, Mr Royjones Akpak and many others.

    CRN CAMPAIGN MEDIA.

  • More Wins For Sen Jarigbe Agom As Former APC State Women Leader, Other Groups Join PDP

     

    Former APC Cross River State Women Leader, who at some point served as ANPP Women Leader, Yala Chapter, Princess Felicia Edema who hails from Echumofana Ward of Yala LGA, led thousands of defectors comprising Market women, youths and student groups to the PDP.

    Other group of defectors include; the Eagle Night Operations, Yala LGA led by Oko Joseph Odey, Ede Kulata from Itega Ekpudu, amongst others.

    Speaking during the defection held at the on going mini stadium, Princess Felicia stated that it was her first time of switching parties and Sen Jarigbe’s performance is the major reason behind her decision. “I am defecting from APC today because the party has failed in all her promises and also due to the sterling performance of Sen Jarigbe since his stay at the National Assembly.”

    Receiving the defectors, Sen Jarigbe Agom, congratulated them for finally seeing the light and moving away from the deceit of APC.

    “I welcome you all to the PDP family. Here, we do not tell lies, that’s why they call me the ‘Talk and do Senator’ because I keep to my word unlike Ayade and his APC.

    “There’s no ward in our Senatorial District that is without 2 or more projects to my name and we’ll do more as we progress.

    “Your Years of suffering in politics are over and it will be visible in the coming days” he added.

    The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) candidates for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Barr. Godwin Offiono, Yala 1 &2 House of Assembly Candidates, Barr. Paul Ebiala PhD and Dr Martins Achadu, took turns to address the defectors, urging them to put in their best to ensure the party’s candidates emerge victorious in all the forthcoming elections.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Mbube Nation Declares Support For PDP Candidates, Commends Sen Jarigbe Agom For Facilitating Projects

     

    Traditional leaders, political elites and the entire people of Mbube nation, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River state has declared total support for Sen Prof Sandy Ojang Onor Campaign Group, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Barr Godwin Offiono, Hon Rita Agbo Ayim, Barr. Omang Charles Omang, Dr Ebiala, and Dr Martins Achadu in the forthcoming general elections.

    The four (4) wards of Mbube which include Mbube East 1 & 2 and Mbube West 1 & 2, reaffirmed their support today for the PDP as the party’s candidates in Cross River North Senatorial District, visited the various wards as part of the party’s ongoing ward-ward tour.

    During the various interactions, the Traditional rulers, on behalf of the people, thanked Sen Jarigbe for executing numerous projects in various communities within the wards and influencing many more into the 2023 budget.

    Sen. Jarigbe pledged to sustain the momentum when re-elected. He urged the people to give the PDP candidates running for various positions the needed support for a holistic representation.

    Barr. Godwin Offiono, the PDP House of Representatives candidates for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency alongside former Ogoja council Chair and House of Assembly Candidate, Hon Rita Agbo Ayim, in their remarks, thanked the people for the support towards “good over evil”. They urged them to trust the PDP candidates with their mandate to consolidate on the good works of Sen Jarigbe and the party in general.

    HRM Mathias Odey Abua- Paramount Ruler of Ogoja LGA, Chief Godwin Inyang, Sec Mbube Traditional Rulers Council, Barr Vena Ikem, Chief Austin Edibe, Barr Paul Ishabor, DG Reclaim Cross River, Mr Roy Jones Akpak, Mr John George, PDP Cross River State Assistant Youth Leader (North), Hon Agabi Jacobs, Hon Emma Odidi, Mr Atieo, Madam Martha Abang, Dr Francis Bullem, Hon Joe Eweh, PDP Ward excos, and other party stakeholders were in attendance.

    CRN CAMPAIGN MEDIA

     

  • A Religious Person Who Fuels Trouble In The Family, Congregation Or Community; Who Knocks Heads Together, Causing Anxiety Among People Is A Version Of One Who Lives In Darkness BY FR OBELE

    LIGHT

    The people of Israel thought they were a light in the world, because of their grand solemn ceremonies in the Temple, but they failed to understand that God is not just interested in external acts of piety, but also with works of mercy and love. That was the light he wanted to see shining on his chosen people.

    A religious person who fuels trouble in the family, congregation or community; who knocks heads together, causing anxiety among people is a true version of one who lives in darkness. Don’t heighten peoples problems by your half-educated principles and inflicting pain on innocent people. Dont do all these and afterwards take on long prayer programmes, with hours of fasting, to please God?. You are hiding your light in a bushel.

    This is what the Prophet Isaiah commands? Share your bread with the hungry, bring the homeless poor into your house, cloth the naked, be your own brother’s keeper? Stop pointing accusing fingers at others and speaking wickedness, increasing the yoke of pain and suffering for others (read Isaiah 58:7-10). Christianity is not just a religion that marks people present when they go to church or attend ceremonies. It’s a religion that brings Light to a world full of darkness through positive actions practiced by its adherents..

    Worship is not just showing up in church on sunday with clean cloths, it is actually going there to encounter God spiritually and following up with concrete acts of charity. If your worship is not followed up by kind acts, then you are like a clashing cymbal. A churchgoer (and that’s okay), who doubles as a troubleshooter; cares less about the needs of the less privileged, quarrels with friends and neighbours at will is more or less hiding his light under a bushel.

    Do not confuse people with half educated principles, oratoric skills, privileged position or the fact that you live an urbane life; leveraging on all these to take advantage of others. St. Paul simply calls this, the “Wisdom of men” (read 1 Cor. 2:1-5). Instead you are the salt of the earth… the light of the world, and a city set on a hill cannot be hidden (Matt 5:13-16).

  • Florence Ita Giwa Cannot Survive Outside Government Patronage BY BOBBY EKPENYONG

     

    I feel ashamed each time I listen to Florence Giwa make a political statement concerning Cross River State. I won’t begin to list all her blunders, but let me tell the people of Southern Cross River to know that Florence is not what she claims to represent now as far as 2023 is concerned.

    Let me quickly remind you that, in 1999, Senator Florence Giwa led me Bobby Ekpenyong and some Southern Crossiverians in APP guber Primaries to support Hon Mark Ukpo now late against the Southern interest in the person of Prof Eyo Etim Nyong. This same Prof Sandy Onor then Dr Sandy Onor(an Atam man today) and Chairman of Etung Local Govt led other Council Chairmen to support Eyo Etim Nyong. Prof Eyo Etim Nyong won the primaries. Dr Joe Wayas and Florence Giwa as National leaders as they then were used the National leadership to impose Hon Mark Ukpo on the APP as the candidate. This same Sandy Onor led many Council Chairmen to protest against the action of Wayas and Florence Giwa. When the National refused to change, Sandy Onor and others decided to support Donald Duke who had emerged candidate in PDP.

    This Same Florence Giwa attacking Donald Duke today and shouting South! South!! mobilized me Bobby Ekpenyong and other Southern Crossiverians in APP to support Mark Ukpo in APP in the general election because we were in APP.
    After the election, Donald Duke of PDP won. Florence Ita Giwa was the first to run to Donald Duke and declared support for Donald and PDP. Not quite long afterwards, Florence Giwa decamped from APP to PDP.

    Does Florenc Ita Giwa have any moral justification to speak for the defense of the South when the same scenario has repeated itself in 2023? Let others talk not Florence abegi. I know her too well. She can’t survive outside government patronage.
    Should we ask questions about the lost of Bakassi to Cameroun?
    This is the same Florence Giwa that left PDP to APC abusing Ayade. When she couldn’t survive without Ayade then in PDP, she ran back to PDP and abused APC. When Gov Ayade decamped to APC she shamelessly moved again to the APC that she abused and called all manner of names just because she wants to be around the governor and continue to pick crumbs.

    Let it be clear to her that the South has decided to listen to Donald Duke. Donald Duke is a National figure and very well respected throughout Nigeria. CRS now looks up to Donald Duke for salvation. We want to develop CRS and Southern CR is part of CRS. We MUST RECLAIM CRS after we win she will be the first to decamp to PDP in search of food as usual.

     

    DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of Bobby Ekpenyong and does not represent TheLumineNews or it staff.