The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Reclaim Cross River Took The Initiative To Purchase Nomination Form For Sen Sandy Onor Because He Has The Pedigree To Take Cross River Out From The Doldrums Of Maladministration – Paul Ishabor

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Director General of the Reclaim Cross River, Paul Ishabor Esq, has stated that the group decided to purchase the expression of intent form for Sen Sandy Onor to actualize his dream to reclaim Cross River State from the doldrums of maladministration and return it to the path of growth and development.

    Ishabor disclosed this to TheLumineNews on a telephone call.

    His words “The dream to reclaim Cross River is meant to take Cross River State back from the doldrums of maladministration and return Cross River State to the part of growth and development.

    “And we found out that the only person who can do the job among those who have come out to aspire to lead us is Distinguished Sen Sandy Ojang Onor. He has the pedigree, he has the intellect, he has integrity, he has character and he has the institutional memory that can galvanize the needed support from those who mean well for Cross River State and bring us back to the path of growth and development.

    “We are happy that we took the initiative to purchase the expression of interest and nomination form for him as Reclaim Cross River.

    “As the Director General of Reclaim Cross River, I want to commend particularly the Board of Trustees Chairman, Mr John George, and all members of the group for our enormous support and contribution for the actualization of today”

    The DG noted that “the journey to reclaim Cross River was signaled by the judgement of the Federal High Court which took back our 18 House Assembly and two Federal House of Representative seats which the present administration felt that it was within their capracises to decide on”

    Ishabor used the opportunity to call on all lovers of Cross River State who are still undecided to come to terms with the fact that Cross River State is already ran underground, and we need to reclaim the state. “The umbrella is big enough to accommodate every Cross Riverian of goodwill, who has the right vision. Politics is a game of number. Our doors will be opened between now and 2023 to welcome Cross Riverians of all works of life into our fold to ensure that we actualize our dreams” He added.

  • Scores Of Heads As Armed Men Invades Kagoro Community In Kaduna

    By Steve E Okpale

     

    These are not Ukrainians, these are Nigerians.

    These are indigene of KAGORO right here in KADUNA STATE massacred in their own land by heavily armed, and sponsored men who successfully passed through various check-points unhindered. Over 50 persons lost their precious lives last night, and over 100 houses were razed down with fire.

    Let the world know that southern Kaduna, and KAGORO in particular is under ATTACK. These attacks occur every week either in different locations, or at spotted location.

    Let the world know that that these people were not supposed to die yesterday.

    Nigeria is experiencing GENOCIDE, we have not just accepted that.
    #Kagoro

  • Woman Caught With Kidnapped Children In Port Harcourt

     

    Children allegedly kidnapped by an aged woman have been rescued at Mango Estate, Elelenwo, Port Harcourt.

    The woman whose name is still unknown, allegedly kidnapped and kept the children in her house.

    According to an eye witness, one of the children had escaped and informed people around. A mob broke into the house and found 6 children with their hands tied to their back with one already dead.

  • Cross River APC In Urgent Need Of Peace, Unity And Healing BY DOMINIC KIDZU

    The much awaited National Convention of our great party is only three days apace yet there are still too many discordant voices coming from the party in Cross River State. It is almost as if there exists a simmering underlining discontent especially amongst the old members who held sway at the party before Governor Ben Ayade’s entrance and the deluge that followed him into the party. Although the malignant grudge has remained largely understated in open spaces it has been festering threateningly on the inside and now requires an urgent and masterful political apothecary to clean, heal and bind us all together even before the epoch making event of March 26, 2022 gets underway.

    Perhaps that is why in spite of the party’s attempt at consensus agreement in selecting its torchbearer for the position of National Women Leader zoned to the state, two other women went ahead to purchase forms for the contest and are even now campaigning vigorously for the same position in the Federal Capital and other states. A robust contest among the three women on the grounds of the convention will only expose the innate weakness on the part of party members from Cross River, the lack of cohesiveness thereof and show us off as an unorganised brigade of the APC army that is ill prepared for the general battle of 2023.

    Fortunately for the party, both sides to the argument have a valid point to canvass and it seems to me that the loincloth is at this point only soaked with water but not burnt in the fire. The state Chairman of the party and our leaders must move swifty to listen to the complaints from both sides and offer needed assurances urgently to forestall the possible shameful debacle that looms ahead in a few days. As a party man and a statesman what is important to me is the way that my party and my state are presented and seen in the comity of other states and the respectability that should be our just trophy if we conduct our affairs positively with unity, poise and candour.

    The old members of the party who unfortunately now feel that their years of labouring in the vineyard of opposition to hold the party aloft up until recently have not been rewarded and that instead of their just desserts the party has been stealthily taken away from them harbour genuine concerns and must be assured of their place and entitlement in the party and there is no better time to do so than now. The APC was formed in the first place as a bulwark against the perceived unfairness of the PDP in the distribution of advantage which drove many of its state governors and legislators to join forces with the opposition parties to form the APC. Such a party cannot now be seen as foisting injustice on its members be they old or new.

    It is important for the older members of the APC in Cross River State to also note that once there is a merger or collaboration with a larger and stronger group the political equity holding must of neccesity change and the balance of advantage would at first appear to be in favour of the arriving but powerful group until a proper and deliberate redistribution is put in effect that can assuage and satisfy all contending interests. While it may appear today that the new members of the party have seized the power base, the two groups must recognise the fundamental structure of the party nationwide which has put enormous power in the hands of the Governors as leaders of the party in their various states. The way this enormous powers is deployed however would be key in building a strong and cohesive party that both the old and new members can be proud of.

    Political parties are entities with a life of their own which grow and develop with time and space. Unfortunately, the APC is one of the youngest parties in the country and is still grappling with the teething challenges of stabilisation nationwide. In Cross River State the party is just taking its first few steps in governance and it will take some time for the new wine to mature in the cellar no matter that it was made from the most vintage of grapes. For the moment everything must be done by the Cross River State delegation to the National Convention to work together as a single interest so that they can bring back home the best that we deserve as a state and as a party. I have no doubt in my mind that in the coming days what appears today as differences would ultimately become the very wires that will bind us together as a solid party. For instance the position of Special Leader which was also zoned to the state has graciously been taken by someone from the old APC and I have not heard one complain from anyone from the new APC. That is the only way we can grow going forward and strengthen ourselves for the challenge of the PDP as we move closer to 2023.

  • PDP Hails Court Judgement Sacking 20 Lawmakers In Cross River State, Describes Verdict As Victory For The Electorates

    *PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY CROSS RIVER STATE*

    22nd March 2022.

    Press Statement.

    *PDP hails Court Judgement Sacking 20 Lawmakers in Cross River State*
    …..describes verdict as victory for the electorates.

    The Peoples Democratic Party Cross River State has describe the judgement delivered by the Federal High Court Abuja, sacking 20 lawmakers from Cross River State who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress as a landmark judgement and victory for the electorates in Cross River State.

    The judgement which was delivered by Justice Taiwo in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/975/2021 filed by the PDP, held that the defendants, having decamped from the Political party that sponsored their election before the expiration of the period for which they were elected have by virtue of the provisions of Section 68(1)(g) and Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) respectively, vacated their seats and are not entitled to continue to occupy the various seats or offices into which they were elected. The court also made an order of mandatory injunction compelling INEC to accept from the PDP, the list of its members for the purpose of filling the vacancy created by the exit of the lawmakers.

    In view of the judgement, the Peoples Democratic Party Cross River State congratulates the electorates for standing formidably with the PDP, assures them of more victories ahead.

    Reacting to the judgement, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Barr Venatius Ikem called on other members of the All Progressives Congress to take advantage of the “April Transfer” season and return to the Peoples Democratic Party. The State Chairman expressed optimism that the judgement of the court will be implemented and upheld by the appellate courts.

    The Peoples Democratic Party enjoins party faithfuls to remain steadfast and committed to the party in the quest to reclaiming the party’s mandate stolen by APC.

    God bless Cross River State.

    Signed:
    Prince Mike Ojisi
    (State Publicity Secretary)

  • The Obvious Disconnect Between The Constituents And Their Representatives Is My Motivation To Offer Myself To Serve My People – Okiri

     

    Mr Cosmas Okiri, an aspirant to represent Obudu State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, comes 2023 under the People’s Democratic Party PDP, has stated that the disconnect between the constituents and their representative is his major motivation to aspire to bridge the gap.

    In this interview with The Lumine News, he bares his mind.

    TLN: Can we meet you please?

    Cosmas: My name is Cosmas Okiri, from Ukwutia village in Utugwang North ward of Obudu LGA. I hold a masters in Business Administration from the University of Calabar and an international certified Supply Chain Professional with about 15 years experience in the oil and Gas industry. A former student unionist and Trade union leader with a passion for serving and liberating people.

    TLN: What is your motivation to serve?

    Cosmas: My motivation to offer myself to serve the people of Obudu state constituency is drawn from the obvious disconnect between the constituents and the supposed Representative in the state Assembly in the past administrations. Majority of Obudu constituents do not know who is representing them presently in the House of Assembly. worse still is the fact that the representative doesn’t know upto 2% of those she represents. How then can we achieve the best for our people when there is this gap disconnecting the people. I intend to bridge this gap and bring on board an all inclusive participatory approach of representation to midwife group impact and effect on the people and not individuals effect, where others are only onlookers.

    TLN: What is your plan for youth inclusiveness in your policy formulation and implementation?

    Cosmas: The youths remains the main focus of my policy blue print as I personally have a passion for youth development as the youths constitute more than 60% of the populace and remains the most active resource for our collective growth and development as a nation. I intend to engage the youths and carry them along in every project to be embarked on. I will work with the youth council and students associations to synergize and achieve this.

    TLN: How do you intend to harness the vast potentials in the youths to solving the myriads of challenges confronting us using the Tech Solution?

    Cosmas: The youths remains the most active part of the entire population in our constituency and the world over, this should be seen as an advantage to be utilized for the good of the populace. If the energy and active ingredients that the youths go about with is not properly harnessed and positively utilized, they will channel it to something negative and unwholesome to the detriment of the society. I will engage and encourage the youths in capacity building by providing the right activities and resources required to keep them on the positive track. This includes but not limited to special skills acquisition in ICT training majorly and other important sectors of the economy where they can provide needed services and earn income.

    TLN: How do you intend to advance the course of empowerment in your constituency?

    Cosmas: My approach to empewring my constituents will be first to engage the people in quarterly town hall meetings and getting first hand priorities from a collective perspective, the areas that would best benefit our people and then providing the needed resources to boost such activities our people engage in. Empowerment should have a collective impact and effect on the people and not only individual effect where others are only onlookers.

    TLN: Bearing in mind that your constituents are predominantly peasant farmers, what is your plan to advance their livelihood?

    Cosmas: Agriculture remains the most important aspect of any economy as we need food for sustenance and commercial purposes. The raw materials required by most of our industries are from the Agricultural sector and this has to be properly harnessed by our local farmers. We will encourage the peasant farmers with the necessary things required to boost and expand their farming scope to be able to earn better income from their farming activities. Empowerment in the Agricultural sector will be a focal point.

    TLN: How do you intend to strengthen stakeholders engagement in your constituency?

    Cosmas: I intend to be holding townhall meetings with the constituents every quarter, thereby providing opportunity for continued engagement with the people where needs assessment will be carried out per time and worked on for the collective good of the people.

    TLN: Your party, the PDP is all over saying that it has returned the powers to the people to elect their leaders, do you have the confidence that you will have a level playing ground to advance your aspiration?

    Cosmas: The people’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State is on a new pedestal with a leadership that fought strongly against imposition and anti-democratic tendency of previous party leaders. The narratives have changed as witnessed by party faithfuls in the recent by-elections for Akpabuyo state house of Assembly seat and Ogoja/Yala Federal house of Representative. The party conducted a transparent primaries where all aspirants had a level playing field and accepted the outcome of the process without bickering.

    This has given me confidence as an aspirant to remain hopeful that the party will do the right thing.

    I have been a long standing party faithful and strongly believe that PDP is the right democratic platform to progress my ambition to serve our people.

    TLN: How have you impacted your people previously?

    Cosmas: In my private and personal life, I have reached out and supported a lot of students and youths from the constituency and believe that with the expanded scope of public office will offer me, it will give a better opportunity and liverage to impact the general populace through programs and projects that will benefit the people.

    TLN: What is your campaign ideology and your advice to your supporters?

    Cosmas: My campaign ideology is providing an all inclusive participatory representation in the house of Assembly if voted into office, comes 2023.
    The Obudu constituents have not felt any sense of representation for some years going in the CRSHA and we intend to bring back those days of reckoning where the people are properly carried along and people oriented legislation is being promoted in the legislative assembly.

    We will review obsolete laws in existence and bring on more relevant motions and bulls related to trending issues that best suits the modern and evolving society of this digital age.

  • Sandy Onor To Run A Participatory Government

     

    By Amaechi Victor

    Democracy is often defined in the words of Abraham Lincoln as “Government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It is indeed a system of Government which gives power to the people as they not only choose those who preside over their affairs but are also expected to be active participants in the managing of their collective affairs towards the good of all. It is therefore no wonder that a society like ours as it is today, cannot in all truthfulness, be defined as a democratic society. A society where power belongs to a few cabal who dispenses such as they deem fit just as every conscious effort is made to deny the people freedom of speech in the running of their own affairs; cannot qualify as a democratic society. Can the people be exonerated from any blame towards this ugly situation?

    When we as a people for whatever reason fail to ask the right questions towards the pedigree and intent of those who seek to preside over our affairs; when avarice and wanton materialism make us settle for less than the best in choosing our leaders; when we allow sentiments to becloud our sense of accurate judgements; when we are complacent in the manner is which our affairs are handled: the result no doubt, would be bad leadership with all its attendant maladies such as those prevalent in our National and State Governments. For how long shall this dangerous dive towards the very lowest ebb of acclaimed leadership continue? For how long shall the people continue to wallow in compromise, ignorance and darkness? Who is that leader that would take the lead towards returning power to the people thus letting them witness first hand, the very many great potentials that they possess and how such can be harnessed for the good of the Society?

    Cross River, our dear State is a State blessed with unprecedented natural and human resources waiting to be tapped. A State of great minds in various fields of endeavour such that can be harnessed to bring about a mind-blowing development in the history of our Country. Why then, has ours remained a laughing stock in the comity of States, a complete shadow of itself? The answer is simple; there has not been a participatory Government engineered by a credible Leader with some sincerity of purpose towards harnessing our abundant human resources for the development of our State. This terrible situation no doubt brought about a total lack of confidence in Government hence, the people could not participate in the handling of their own affairs just as a few who tried even against all odds, do not have any good stories to tell as they were either ripped off of their resources or utterly neglected. The result of this bravado of callousness is the terrible shape of our State and her Citizens today. No doubt, the times of that ultimate decision is here again and the question is, is there someone bringing to the table, a total paradigm shift from the callousness and governmental decadence we have witnessed so far?

    “…Once I identify a talent that would be of significant help to move our State forward, I will never hesitate to work with such a person…”; “…Your input into the State economy is very significant..We will go into Collaboration with you..You are stakeholders in Cross River proejct…”; “…In appreciation of our limitations, we shall set up an Advisory Council that will be composed of seasoned, accomplished and knowledgeable Cross River Sons and Daughters to catalyze our much needed regeneration, reorganization and re-engineering..” Senator Prof Sandy Onor 2020. These Statements made at different occasions by the only credible frontline gubernatorial aspirant in our State, go a long way to demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt, his willingness and preparedness to run a participatory Government where Cross Riverians would reclaim and rebuild Cross River and make her a pride State.

    Yes, Senator Prof Sandy Onor is a firm believer in participatory Governance. This he demonstrated starting from his early year at the national assembly through constituency briefing and interactions. Participatory Government is indeed not alien to the person of R
    Senator Prof Sandy Onor and there is indeed no doubt that under his watch, Cross River people will no longer be spectators in the handling of their affairs rather active participants. His determination to tap into our abundant human resources towards reclaiming and rebuilding our State, is indeed commendable and a right step in the right direction. The question is, how ready are we to key into his optimism of reclaiming and rebuilding Cross River State and making her a proud home for all of us; how prepared are we to answer this clarion call?

    Vote integrity! Vote Credibility! Vote Preparedness! Vote Participatory Governance! Support Sandy Onor for Governor Cross River State!

    #JoinHandsToReclaimRebuildCrossRiverState

  • Why Okpoko: For me, It Is One Anambra, One People, One Agenda – Soludo

    Why Okpoko?

    One of the amusing retortions I have received since I expressed readiness to set off from Okpoko is, “why Okpoko?”. There seems to be some sense of self-centred prioritisation from a few who believe there are more pressing issues than heading to Okpoko on a rescue mission. When you probe further to situate their dissent in context, what you get is that innocent desire in all of us to always “begin charity from home”. This may not be totally bad, especially when we all agree where home is or should be.

    For me, it is One Anambra, one People, one Agenda.

    If this be the case, it then follows that the often taken for granted but real assumption that “every system is only as strong as its weakest link” must then apply. This makes Okpoko a priority for starters and should worry every onye Anambra how a State that prides itself as the light of the nation would keep a deafening silence as Okpoko dies, yet spreading infectious social, economic and environmental malady that leaves Onitsha as a City in self-destruct.

    Ụmụnnem, ife dị na Okpoko; the Genius, the unemployed and the criminal. The challenge before us is to decide whether to continue ruing the ugly situation or turn the flipside that will provide us enormous opportunities for the development of our Homeland.

    Okpoko is the largest Urban slum in Anambra State. Therefore, we have to begin our urban renewal effort from our weakest link. Like my now 16 year old daughter once asked me when she was just 14, “it is not enough to wish change or show the will to cause a change. How are you sure, Daddy, that the people themselves want to change?”

    Of course, this is not so easy a question to be answered without far-reaching consultation with the people. So far, the people of Okpoko and residents, from Ndikpa to East Niger, are more in a hurry for a change than we can ever be.

    That trip I made in 2009 to Okpoko where I was accosted by a little boy, who raced towards me and audaciously demanded, “Soludo nyem ego” still occupies a better part of my memory. That boy, and millions like him need much more than money. They need a life.

    May God help us!

    CC. Soludo

  • Just In: EFCC Arrests Obiano At Lagos Airport

     

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday arrested former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Lagos.

    Obiano, who has been on the Commission’s watchlist, was arrested at about 8.30pm.

    He was reportedly on his way out of the country to Houston, Texas in the United States after handing over to his successor, Governor Charles Soludo.

    Channels Television had reported last November how the EFCC had placed Mr Obiano on a watchlist.

    The EFCC had requested the Nigeria Immigration Service to inform it anytime the Governor is travelling out of the country from any of the international airports, as well as other points of entry and exit.

    It is, however, not yet clear why the anti-graft agency placed the governor on a watchlist.

    Sources told Channels Television that the move was an indication that the agency may have been discreetly investigating the governor and possibly have intelligence that he was planning to escape after handing over power to his successor, Professor Charles Soludo, on March 16, 2022.

    Former Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Don Adinuba, had, at the time, condemned the EFCC watchlist reports, claiming that they were politically motivated.

    “Governor Obiano has a whole four months to remain in office as the Anambra State chief executive,” Adinuba said. “Nobody in Nigeria can circumscribe his constitutionally conferred immunity which shields him from both criminal and civil prosecution.

    “The EFCC went too far to announce in November that it is observing him. We are not aware of any state governor who had up to four months to be in office and the EFCC went on to sponsor media reports that he was being investigated.”

  • NJC Places FCT Judge On Watchlist Over Misconduct

    Justice Muawiyah Baba Idris of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, has been placed on watchlist over alleged misconduct.

    Soji Oye, spokesman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), announced this in a statement, saying the action was taken at the 97th meeting of the council on March 15 and March 16, 2022.

    Justice Idris was indicted for signing the Writ of Possession for execution on the same day he delivered judgement in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/FT/36/19 between Sicons Nigeria Ltd V Nile Place Restaurant and Catering Services Ltd. The Suit was for recovery of demised property.

    The Council said the action was in contravention of Proviso to Order 27 Rule (16) (b) High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Civil Procedure Rules 2018 and Order 4 (1) and (2) of the Judgement Enforcement Rules 2004.

    Another judge, Mohammed M. Ladan of the Kaduna State High Court, was issued a warning.

    The Council reportedly found merit in the petition written against Ladan in Suit No. KDH/KAD/1321/2018 between VTLS Inc. Vs Ahmadu Bello University. He signed the Writ of Attachment while the Garnishee Order Nisi was pending.

    According to Oye, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Chief Justice of Nigeria, recommended the appointment of six heads of courts and nine judicial officers for the federal and state high courts.

    The Council considered the list of candidates presented by its interview committee and recommended 15 judges to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointment.

    Chief Judge David Gwong Mann (Plateau); Chief Judge Joseph Ahmed Awak (Gombe); Grand Kadi Abdulrahman Umar Abubakar (Kaduna); Kadi Abdurrahman Umar Abubakar (Kaduna); Kadi Shuaibu Dahiru Ahmad (Taraba); President Customary Court of Appeal Ihemnacho Wilfred Obuzor (Rivers); and President Customary Court of Appeal Sampson Mbeh Anjor (Cross River).

    Meanwhile, the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Emmanuel Gakko and the Deputy Chief Registrar, Segun-Bello Mabel Taiye are among the six judges appointed to the court.

    Others are, Bala Khalifa-Mohammed Usman, Aminu Garba, Musa Sulaiman Liman, and Ahmad Gama Mahmud.

    Others are Joseph Adebayo Aina (FCT); Sharia Court of Appeal Kadi Sallau Ismaila Madugu (Taraba); and Judge Customary Court of Appeal Bulus Samuelson Nyiputen (Taraba).