The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • My Ambition As APC State Chairman Is Still Alive & Running – James Alicha 

    My Ambition As APC State Chairman Is Still Alive & Running – James Alicha 

    By Solomon Island

    Distinguish Party Faithfuls & Supporters,
    Sequel to the Press Statement issued by the APC State Publicity Secretary disregarding the micro zoning arrangements earlier published by some high ranking members of the party in the 3 senatorial districts, I want to say that I am still in the race for the Cross River State APC Chairmanship.

    I want to use this opportunity to tell all party stakeholders, particularly, my teeming supporters that my ambition to vie for the position of the State Chairman of our party received the blessings and endorsement of His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade. The Governor, to extent I know him, cannot endorse any arrangement that will be inimical to the party’s future and successes. The Governor, having consistently advocated for inclusion of all party stakeholders in decision making processes, cannot do otherwise when decision of micro zoning arises.

    The party cannot attempt to exclude other members from it fold by micro zoning sensitive positions, especially that, majority of persons vying for positions, had earlier purchased nomination forms of the party.

    To then micro zone position without recourse to engaging these persons is to exclude them from the party. That in itself will erase the confidence of most party followers and well-wishers. Non- inclusive micro zoning is not a suitable option because it will lead to exclusion, and will kill cohesion and internal democracy.

    Therefore, I am in alignment with the State Leadership of the Party in disregarding the micro zoning, until stakeholders are comprehensively carried along.

    ✓✓∆Mr. James Alicha Okpuma is an APC Chairmanship aspirant , Cross River State

  • C’River APC Caretaker Committee Disowns Legor And Others Micro-zoning Committees

    C’River APC Caretaker Committee Disowns Legor And Others Micro-zoning Committees

     

    The Cross River chapter of the All Progressive Congress APC, has witnessed a lot of infighting since the defection of the governor, Sen Ben Ayade from the PDP to join the ruling APC.

    Ahead of the nation wide state congresses, the State Caretaker Committee had named the Sen Victor Ndoma-Egba led zoning committee to recommend for approval the zoning of all party positions in the state.

    Just recently, Hon Legor Idagbo, member representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku federal constituency hosted party stakeholders in his country home, Ijobor – Bekwarra Local Government Area, and release a zoning format of positions in the Northern senatorial district of the state.

    The self assumed committee headed by Hon Legor Idagbo announced that the state party chairmanship that the Ogoja Local Government had vyed for with over eight qualified sons indicating interest and consulting for, was zoned to Yala.

    A development that stirred controversy across the entire state with party supporters lamenting on social media, accusing the governor of possible highjacking the party.

    In swift response, the Caretaker Committee in a release sighted by LumineNews and signed by the Publicity Secretary of the APC, Bassey Ita, disowned the micro zoning committee and said he never authorized or consented to the zoning as currently conducted across the senatorial district.

    The releases reads in full;

    “All Progressives Congress

    Cross River State

    Office of the State Publicity Secretary

    “MICRO- ZONING OF PARTY POSITIONS SHOULD BE DISREGARDED.

    “The State Leadership of our great party, is taken aback at the news of the micro-zoning of party positions for the State Executive Committee(zoning of positions to local government chapters)

    “The State Chairman, Sen. Matthew Mbu Jr has also affirmed that he has not authorized nor consented to the zoning process as currently conducted across the senatorial districts.

    “In the light of the development,the State Caretaker Committee wishes to dissociate from the exercise.

    “The report of the Zoning Committee recently submitted to the party is still being reviewed by the leadership and will soon come up with a ratified arrangement on the exercise.

    “The leadership has a well intended plan to sustain the existing stable climate within the party by involving all interests in the party administration and will therefore not compromise this position.

    “Stakeholders are to therefore disregard whatever is done in the guise of zoning to local government chapters which is without due authorization by the leadership.

    Thank you and God bless!

    “BASSEY ITA
    State Publicity Secretary
    October 5,2021”.

  • UNICAL Drums Support For Godwin Nyiam As C’River APC Chairman

    UNICAL Drums Support For Godwin Nyiam As C’River APC Chairman

     

    The Association of Nigerian Universities Professional Administrators, University of Calabar chapter has called on the leadership of the All Progressive Congress APC, in Cross River State to give Comrade Godwin Nyiam the opportunity to serve the party as Chairman in the soon to be conducted state Congress.

    The association made the call at its Secretariat on Tuesday September 28th, 2021 during a media briefing.

    The Chairman ANUPA UCB, Barr George Igbikikuno hinted that Comrade Godwin Nyiam is one of their constituents having served as an Administrative Assistant in the University and was appointed as the Protocol Officer to 12th Senate of the University, where he served creditably. He noted that “Comrade Godwin Nyiam has the requisite capacity to galvanize the needed support to reposition the party”

    Speaking further, he maintained that “Nyiam has revamped, reinvigorated, remodeled and reformed the Cross River State Traffic Regulatory and Management Agency.

    “He was employed by the University of Calabar as an Admin Assistant and participated very actively in the association. While he was here, he was very positive, unique and integrity based force to be reckoned with. For Prof Zana Akpa to recognize ant found in him the qualities that his administration could invest in and subsequently appointed him as the Chief Protocol Officer of the University of Calabar, barely shows that he has in him very well known leadership qualities. He is a go getter, he is a transformer. He is an uncommon achiever, very sociable and principled.

    “When there were internal some internal contradictions within the university system, he was able to take the bull by the horn and brought in innovations that gave the management some respites. In our association, he is a force to be reckoned with even though he is now with the Cross River State government. We still treat him as one of our members because of his immutable contributions to our association.

    “He is a man with sound organizational skills. His capacity, competence, pedigree to deliver on assigned duties couple with antecedents of his previous leadership qualities are very outstanding. He is a man who speaks truth to powers. He is a detribalized comrade. All he want is the ability to deliver.

    “We are fully aware and supported his intention when he wanted to represent Cross River Northern Senatorial district after the death of Sen Rose Oko, but the political gladiators schemed him out though our voice as an association was heard and that is why we have decided to come out to appeal to these powers brokers to give him the opportunity to unify the party”

    This call came barely two days just as the National Association of Unified Commercial Transport Workers, Cross River State had call on the party stakeholders to consider the aspirations of Comrade Godwin Nyiam as the state party Chairman of APC.

  • UN, CRSG Signs 2021/2022 United Nations ‘Delivery As One’ Work Plan

    UN, CRSG Signs 2021/2022 United Nations ‘Delivery As One’ Work Plan

    By Elijah Ugani

    The United Nations and the Cross River State government has jointly signed the 2021/2022 Work Plan.

    The Country Rep of the United Nations Population Agency UNFPA, Ms Ulla Elisabeth Mueller thanked Governor Ben Ayade for the opportunity and time created for the signing of the work plan and commended the collaboration from the Cross River State Government for the development of the work plan.

    Mueller noted that “Cross River State is one of the leading states in the implementation of the Delivery as One project in Nigeria. It has been an interesting journey working with Cross River State in the past years.

    “Cross River State has dynamic youths who want to contribute to the building of this country despite the challenges confronting them.

    “The UN has moved to support you to overcome these seemingly myriad of challenges. During implementation, your team and the UN team will prioritize and ensure that every body gets the services that will be rendered”

    On his part, Governor Ben Ayade commended the UN for the passion shown to Nigeria, particularly the challenges of Covid19 and the security within the Niger Delta region.

    Ayade noted that “the choice of Cross River State for implementing all of these programs is not a surprise to us. Our concern is that we need to find time to sit on a table to share our concerns and find a sustainable way to addressing these concerns.

    “I am particularly grateful because you are here to assist me deliver on my core mandate as Governor because your areas of delivery speaks to my core mandate. Our youths come out of school without job placement and that is why we line up industries to address unemployment in the state as well as expanded government to accommodate the interest of the youths.

    “We started the Welding and Fabrication Academy, we will graduate our first batch in a couple of weeks from now, let’s see how we can incorporate them into this plan and see how we can provide basic start up kits for them.

    “While I commend your dexterity to assist our state, I hope to see the change that will be associated with this humanitarian intervention”

    The Governor seized the opportunity to commend the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong for her resilience and commitment to ensuring the coordination of UN activities in the State.

    Earlier, the Commissioner, MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong commended efforts made by the UN Agencies working in Cross River State with UNFPA as the lead agency for the various interventions under the Delivery as One.

    Asibong mentioned key result areas for the intervention to include:
    a) Governance, Human Right, Peace and Security
    b) Equitable Quality Basic Services and
    c) Sustainable and Inclusive Growth and Development.

    The Cross River State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Tanko Ashang signed the work plan on behalf of the Cross River State Government while the UNFPA Country Rep, Mrs Ulla Elisabeth Mueller signed for the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Martins Orim led other government functionaries to witness the signing, while the Head of Calabar Office of UNFPA, Dr Aliyu Yakubu led other UN agencies in Cross River State.

  • UNICEF Partners Cross River Government To Provide Nutritional Services For Children And The Vulnerable

    UNICEF Partners Cross River Government To Provide Nutritional Services For Children And The Vulnerable

     

    The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund,(UNICEF) has renewed its commitment to partner with Cross River State Government in providing nutritional services to vulnerable persons in the State.

    Head of UNICEF, Enugu Field office who oversees Cross River , Ibrahim Conteh, made the disclosure during his visit to the Ministry of International Development Cooperation in Calabar.

    Conteh who was accompanied by the
    UNICEF Nutrition Officer, Ngozi Anora and the Head of Planning and Monitoring Services, Maureen Okolo, explained that the UN Agency is determined to reach the most disadvantaged children and vulnerable adolescents in a bid to protect the rights of every child, everywhere in Nigeria.

    He said providing nutritional services will help children to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for International Development Corporation, Inyang Asibong assured the UNICEF representatives that the State is set to roll out it’s Social Protection Policy and multi-sectoral plan for Nutrition .

    According to Asibong, the policy will cater for the nutritional needs of children, educational needs, and support the less privileged in communities.

    The launch of the social protection policy is slated to hold in October, 2021 following activity meetings with line Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government as well as stakeholders and clusters across the State with the Ministry of International Development Cooperation (MIDC) as the cordinating partner.

    Those who joined Commissioner Asibong during the meeting were, Mr Ogbang Akwaji, Permanent Secretary MIDC, Mrs Mbong Ausaji , Director of Admin., MIDC, amongst others.

  • Ekpenyong Joins South South Leaders for Covid19 Town Hall Meeting in Benin, Edo State

    Ekpenyong Joins South South Leaders for Covid19 Town Hall Meeting in Benin, Edo State

     

    As measures to hit herd immunization and achieve 100% coverage on Covid-19 Vaccination remains a priority, leaders from the South South region of Nigeria have converged in Benin, the Edo state Capital to seek ways of combating rumours, fears and misconception about the Covid19 Vaccines.

    The Town Hall Meeting which was organized by the Presidential Steering Committee on Covid-19 in collaboration with National Primary Healthcare Development Agency had representatives from all South South states share their experiences on strategies adopted in reaching out to the already vaccinated groups.

    It was also an avenue to galvanize support and buy-in from all stakeholders and key influencers including traditional, religious leaders, government, academia, private sector etc on the need to encourage people to get vaccinated while dispelling all rumors and myths surrounding the Covid-19 Vaccination.

    At the end of the event, everyone pledged their support to the ongoing Vaccination exercise in the country and called for Nigerians to embrace vaccines as it will help the nation achieve herd immunity.

    With Cross River State emerging top performer in the first round of the Nationwide vaccination exercise, the state has remained a reference point with it’s strategies of mass Mobilization, deliberate Sensitization and awareness creation to both private and public institutes, Religious groups being recommended to other states.

    Present at the meeting were the Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong , the Honourable Minister of health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Executive Director of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Chairman House Committee on health, Dr Yusuf Sununu, the Obol Lopon of Ugep, HRM Obol Ofem Eteng Ubana and other first class traditional rulers from the zone, Executive Secretaries of state Primary Healthcare boards, WHO country rep W. Kazadi Mulombo and state reps including Mrs Chisom Emeka(CRS WHO coordinator), Cross River State Coordinator of NPHCDA Mr Julius Idoko and other key stakeholders across the zone.

  • CRS APC Chairmanship Tussle: Group Drums Support For Godwin Nyiam

    CRS APC Chairmanship Tussle: Group Drums Support For Godwin Nyiam

    By Admin

    As preparations for the nation wide state congresses of the All Progressive Congress APC gain momentum, a group of commuters under the umbrella of
    Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Nigeria, Cross River State chapter has called on the leadership of the APC in the state to support the aspiration of it Director General, Comrade Godwin Nyiam, for the Chairmanship position of APC during the forthcoming state congress.

    The group made the call through it Chairman, Pastor Thomas Effiom Okon during a press briefing held on Sunday September, 26th 2021 at Transcorps Hotels, Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    Okon appealed to the leadership of the party through the zoning committee to zone the Apc State Chairmanship to Ogoja and support the aspirations of Mr. Godwin Nyiam.

    Okon noted that “Nyiam, a one-time aspirant of the North senatorial seat and the DG of Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMA) is very qualified outstanding and Young among other contestants for the position, having the pedigree and experience to deliver on the Job as State Chairman”

    He added that “zoning the Chairmanship to Ogoja and supporting Nyiam’s candidature is critical to ensuring the party’s success and Unity considering the stability he has brought to the agency under his watch”

    Speaking further, he maintained that “Nyima was among the first persons the governor reappointed in his second term in office, which is premise upon his sterling performance during the concluding part of his first term in office. He as held various positions in the state, from Student Unionism, to serving in the University of Calabar. His wealth of experience as a grassroots politician will move the party forward and his leadership will bring about love, unity, and progress for the overall interest of the party”.

    Recall that the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr Bassey Ita had signed a release on the 21st where the party announced the composition of the zoning committee.

    The committee has Sen Victor Ndoma-Egba as Chairman and Chief Peter Ojie as Secretary.

    According to the release “The leadership of the party has appointed the following leaders into the Zoning Committee for purpose of zoning positions regarding the State Executive Committee of the party”

  • Cross River: UNHCR Pledges To Strengthen Humanitarian Support To Thousands Of Refugees From Cameroon.

    Cross River: UNHCR Pledges To Strengthen Humanitarian Support To Thousands Of Refugees From Cameroon.

     

    By Admin

    The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has promised strengthening of humanitarian support services to thousands of refugees from Cameroon residing in various parts of communities across Cross River State.

    Statistics made available to our correspondent reveal that there are over 38,000 Cameroonian refugees living at Etung, Akamkpa, Obanliku, Bakassi, Calabar, Ikom, Boki, Ogoja and Obudu communities and are facing various challenges. These refugees fled from Southern Cameroon following in-fighting between the Cameroonian government and some freedom fighters from Southern Cameroon.
    Since then, the UN Refugee Agency has supported the Cross River government by rehabilitating and upgrading public facilities including health, education and WASH as well as distributing non-food items, food, medicine, tools, and farm implements to the refugees and host communities.
    Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for International Development Corporation, MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong, in her office in Calabar at the weekend, the UNHCR Head of Sub-Office Ogoja, Mr Tesfaye Bekele, commended the State government for their commitment towards providing humanitarian services to the refugees and advocated for continuous support.
    Bekele promised to work in synergy with the coordinating ministry and other MDAs to deliver their mandate in line with the vision and mission of the organization to the people of Cross River.
    In her response, the Commissioner for International Development Corporation, MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong, said the State government is committed to providing succour to the refugees residing across the communities in the State.
    She explained that the population of the refugees have been overwhelming and assured the team of the government’s readiness to partner with them in playing a role in humanitarian services and other areas as requested by MIDC as the coordinating partner.

  • Thanksgiving: Prof. Obi Dedicates Appointment As UNICAL VC To God

    Thanksgiving: Prof. Obi Dedicates Appointment As UNICAL VC To God

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has held a thanksgiving mass in her honour to dedicate her emergence as the first female and 11th substantive VC of the institution to God.

    The thanksgiving mass was held in her home town of Bansan community, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Boki local government area, Cross River State.

    The VC, who led her family, friends, colleagues and well wishers to thank God for her emergence, said that her educational career towards attaining the highest rank of a Professor wasn’t a smooth one, hence it came with challenges, but she was determined towards achieving success.

    She told the congregation that as a young child from a humble background, she was focused on becoming great through her educational pursuits in spite of the challenges.

    Prof. Obi noted that her emergence as the 11th VC of UNICAL was divine.

    The VC encouraged women to always have a positive outlook towards life, adding that success does not come easily, but with determination and perseverance.

    She solicited the support of management staff, workers and students of the University towards achieving her mission and vision for the institution.

    The VC explained that her choice for the thanksgiving in her home town was to also honour the church and her community for their separate contributions in her life from childhood.

    Prof. Obi, who was filled with joy, donated 150 long pews to the church, 100 medium ones, lighting of the church and others, while her friends and colleagues also made financial donations to the church

    She explained that the donation was one of the ways of giving back to the church that played a significant role in her life and upbringing.

    The colourful event attracted the presence of politicians, captain of industries, the academia, religious and traditional leaders, students, Youth Council amongst others.

  • Koko Dan Writes The Ukpo’s Heart Touching Condolence

    Koko Dan Writes The Ukpo’s Heart Touching Condolence

    Dear Ukpo’s
    Growing up was really imaginary when my father used to tell me about you.

    As a child, I used to think that Ukpo was a town not knowing that it was a name of a great family. Ukpo is one of the names that magnifies the great Ogoja nation.

    As early as five years I knew every name in the Ukpo family.

    The name was chanted in every tales by moon light in our local community. It was a lullaby to us.

    This family is a pace setter, This family is the light and this family was everyone’s point of positive references and guides to progress and hope.

    My father who was Dr. Emmanuel Ukpo’s Tailor in the 60’s would go all out inviting people in my community to come vote for Dr. Paul Ukpo in the 1993 Senate election. The Ukpo’s were my father’s role model and I think my father passed that on to me.

    It was a meritorious moment for me knowing the Late. John Akuma Ukpo family in Baltimore USA. It was one of my fulfilled dreams meeting the family that is a morning side dew and a star Trek to every visionary soul.

    Today I am a friend to the Ukpo’s and I can’t help but share in their lives in their sorrows, in their gains and in their loses.

    As the funerals commences, it will be an honor to have my tears on the ground of the Ukpo family compound and on the great Okpoma soil in honor of your name and for the losses.

    At the moment, words are not enough . May you be consoled and be rest assured that a good name is better than silver and gold. And in all it was yesterday. You are today and always.

    Accept my condolences.
    With love.
    Koko Dan.