The Lumine News

Author: News

  • On The Road With Senator Sandy Onor (1) BY DOMINIC KIDZU

     

    There was a bountiful harvest for the Peoples Democratic Party at the
    weekend as the party’s Governorship candidate, Senator Sandy Onor was received at ten different venues across the Central and Northern senatorial zones as part of the sensitization of the people on the need to make wise and informed choices in 2023 and the celebration of the new yam festival in various communities.

    In Ugep Elder Omini Ikpi Ewa who who led scores of disappointed APC members to join the PDP at the Ikpakapit village square advised the mammoth crowd that “when you see people chasing away a witch do not accommodate her. PDP chased Ben Ayade away but APC mistakenly accommodated him, and now APC has been thrown asunder.”

    Obol Goddy Eta who was a senatorial aspirant in the Central zone told the crowd that “Sandy has stood up for us and shown us love. We will vote for him and anyone who doesn’t want to vote for him will not come out that day. We know how to do it “.
    There were frequent chants of “APC since then how far” by the women in the crowd as Senator Sandy Onor officially received the over 500 decampees.

    Senator Sandy Onor in his remarks told the crowd that ” when APC came to the Central the other day a few of our brothers were grandstanding, they went back to lick their vomit, forgetting that the Internet does not sleep. They are leaders without integrity because they lost a ticket, because they were baptised in Government House, they are now singing a different tune. Ayade left the senate after four years and became governor. That is how we will leave the senate after four years and become Governor”.

    “So those who told lies the other day actually have no shame. CRS is in a crisis. Instead of talking about the civil service that is now dead, revenue generation into private pockets, you are deceiving the people. I don’t like politicians who do not remember. Who have no character and integrity, I take the people’s mandate seriously. I love Ugep, seventy – four polling units! I am in love with Ugep, because Ugep is in love with me.”

    Continuing, Senator Onor said ” we will run a government of justice, not a government of nepotism. All those who have something to offer throughout the state will be part of our government. We will not lie. Our state has suffered too much. I love being in Ugep. Dr Otu Abam Ubi told the story of the origin of Ugep people from Ejagham. I speak here with the audacity of an indigene of Ugep. Something new and something beautiful is coming your way. While they are saying Back to South we are saying Back to Cross River State”.

    Other dignitaries at the occasion included the Chapter Chairman of the party, Obol Enang Omini, Hon David Bassey, Mr Overcomer, Barrister Obeten Mkpang, Elder Ikpi Mbang Eyuk, Mr James Uket, George Stephen Ewa, Elder Tony Ebri Eteng, Dr Otu Abam Ubi and Professor Okoi Oliver Effiem, (who also defected to the PDP).

    Members of the Ugep Rainbow Coalition also received the Governorship candidate at the residence of Sir Ikpi Eni Plato
    in Convent Area, also in Ugep, where polling coordinators were inaugurated.

  • Sandy Onor Provides Financial Support To Central Senatorial District Students In Tertiary Institutions

     

    The Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial district and governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Prof Sandy Onor on Friday, 2nd of September 2022 gave financial support to 140 Students of the Senatorial district in tertiary institutions.

    The support became necessary to ease the financial pressure on students as some of them are at home due to ASUU strike.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the NACRISS WW Secretary General, Miss Winifred Ntaji, thanked the senator for the gesture.

    She maintained that “the gesture is rare and and would not have come at a better time than now”.  She prayed for God’s blessings and upliftment of Sen Sandy even as he seek to serve the state in the position of Governor.

    The Central Senatorial Students Association Chief, Rowland Takon also appreciated the Senator.

    Mr Taking stated that “this financial assistance will improve the welfare of Central students meet their academic demands.

    Recall that in 2020/2021, the Senator undertook the building of classrooms, providing ICT materials, school desks and writing materials all geared towards the enhancement of our educational system being an academician. He has continued to demonstrate interest in Education and his commitment to the Welfare of Students in his constituency.

    Caterpillar Movement Media

  • Sandy Onor Commissions Campaign Office In Ugep, Receives APC Stalwarts And Supporters Into PDP In Yakurr.

     

    The gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, and senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, SenS Onor commissioned his Campaign office donated by Chief Nelson Ofem in Ugep.

    Sen Onor received defectors from the All Progressives Congress to the People’s Democratic Party at Ikpakapit Ward.

    The spokesperson of the defectors, Elder Omini Ewa stated that “the APC is a party of wickedly insincere and treacherous people who have been rejected by the people of Yakurr and nothing will ever sway our votes away from Senator Sandy Ojang Onor and the the PDP to an unpopular party that has destroyed the State”

    Yakurr leaders present at the defection were Hon. Obol Godwin Etta, Chief Eto, Chief Ekpo Ofem, House of Assembly candidate for Yakurr 1, Steven Ewa, the Chapter Chairman Enang Omini Eyong, all ward Executive members, women leaders, chapter Executive members and others etc.

    The PDP supporters in Yakurr LGA used the occasion to reiterate their stand and support for Senator Sandy Onor as the man who is capable of breathing life into the almost lifeless condition of the State.

    Caterpillar Movement Media

     

     

  • Jarigbe Agom Embarks On Massive Rural Water Supply To 21 Communities In Cross River North

     

    No fewer than Twenty one (21) communities in Cross River North Senatorial District are set to benefit from Senator Jarigbe Agom’s rural water supply to the Senatorial District.

    The communities who have previously decried the perennial water shortage and lack of access to safe drinking water which has been one of the most complex challenges said, they have been abandoned to their fate by the government of the state.

    Senator Jarigbe while mobilizing contractors to site stated that, the Rural Water Project is primarily meant to fulfill the basic needs of the people, as well as to ensure rights of access to safe domestic water, good health hygiene and other basic amenities by the affected communities.

    According to the lawmaker, access to clean, affordable and drinkable water is a fundamental human rights recognized by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

    The Communities which cut across the 5 Local Government Areas of the Senatorial District include; Nyake/Nwang (Mfom 1, Ogoja), Central Mosque (Imaje Okuku, Yala), Akaraba (Gakem Ward, Bekwarra), Bewo (Otukpuru Ward, Bekwarra) Abuagbor (Abouchiche Ward, Bekwarra), Ukpada (Ugboro Ward, Bekwarra), Nwa Gba (Ukpah Ward, Bekwarra) Agida (Afrike Okpeche, Bekwarra) Ketting (Bendi Ward 1, Obanliku), Bagga (Utanga Ward, Obanliku), Bayaga (Bisu Ward, Obanliku), Sankwala (Bebi Ward, Obanliku).

    Others include, Akorshi Owhe (Ketting 1, Obanliku), Bukemanya (Bisu Ward, Obanliku), Belinge (Becheve Ward, Obanliku), Begiaba (Obudu), Ukwel (Obudu), Kakum, (Ipong Ward, Obudu), Utugwang North (Obudu), Utugwang Central (Obudu) and Utugwang South (Obudu).

    The projects after completion will be handed over to members of the respective communities.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

     

  • Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and the Burden of Selective Amnesia – DG Caterpillar Movement

     

    Let me reiterate that the Caterpillar Movement is determined to run an issue-based campaign, but in doing so, we are not oblivious of the many antics and shenanigans of those who are obviously terrified by the towering acceptability and goodwill that our Principal, Distinguished Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor and the Peoples Democratic Party are enjoying among Cross Riverians. Therefore, while we are devoted to pursuing a campaign devoid of mudslinging and bickering, we would not fail to tackle heads-on, any attempt by anybody to cast unnecessary aspersions on our Principal and the Peoples Democratic Party, no matter how highly placed.

    In view of the above, we condemn in strong terms the vitriolic and scathing comments made by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, who but for the purpose of scoring cheap political point, ought to concern himself more with the mission of redeeming his battered political timeline. For emphasis, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba had during one of their many poorly attended APC tours, attempted to cast aspersions on the personality of Distinguished Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor, by speaking disparagingly about the gubernatorial aspiration of our Principal. He is quoted to have made the following comment, to wit; “I served the Central Senatorial District for 12years as a Senator and I was focused, but some people have not even finished their first term in the Senate where we sent them, they want to be Governor. We in the Central Senatorial District believe in Justice and fairness. We are not greedy people”

    The above comment from Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba can best be described as a manifestation of selective amnesia. It is on record that Victor Ndoma-Egba, out of greed had a strangulating grip on the Senatorial seat of Central for 12years and greedily wanted a 4th term, but for the divine intervention of Stakeholders from Central Senatorial District that overwhelmingly rejected him and replaced him with a younger Senator John Owan-Enoh. Despite the humiliation and defeat, Victor Ndoma-Egba refused to see the hand writing on the wall. He refused to accept the fact that the glory has finally departed from him and the people were tired of his self-centeredness and greed. Yet again, he went on bended knees and begged for a federal appointment and was appointed Chairman of NDDC out of sheer pity. Not satisfied, he tried for the 5th time to go to the senate and got the rudest shock of his life. He ran against Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor and was roundly defeated. In fact, he lost in 60 wards out of the 66wards in the Senatorial District.

    In his characteristic manner, Victor Ndoma-Egba had in the just concluded APC National Convention lobbied for the position of a National Secretary, until Betta Edu through the intervention of Governor Ben Ayade took the carpet off his feet. For a man like Victor Ndoma-Egba who wanted to remain forever in the Senate, it smacks of arrogance and outright insult on the sensibility of Cross Riverians for him to speak about justice and fairness. Where was justice and fairness, when Victor Ndoma-Egba supported a central Candidate for Governor in 2019? Where was justice and fairness when Victor Ndoma-Egba greedily attempted going back to the Senate in 2019, instead of giving way for the younger generation? Where was fairness and justice when Victor Ndoma-Egba, for the 12years in the Senate, even as the Senate Leader and later Chairman of NDDC threw mentorship overboard by refusing to consider any young person fit for him to groom to run for the National Secretary that he lobbied for?

    It is apparently laughable for Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba who was mercilessly defeated by our Principal, to use the word “WE” in referring to our Central Senatorial Constituents that voted for Senator Sandy Onor . He is obviously not part of those that sent our Principal to the Senate, hence he lacks the moral standing to use the word “We sent him”.

    As an Elder Statesman, we would do him the honor of applying restraint but should he
    continue in the ignoble path of casting aspersions on our Principal, we would be forced to travel down memory lane and remind him of his many sins against the people of Cross River State. We urge him to remember that those who live in a glass house, ought not throw Stones.

     

    Chief Joe Obi Bisong

    DG, Caterpillar Movement

  • Governors Ben Ayade, Ganduje, Sule, And Others Honoured As Nigeria Mark Africa Immunization Week

     

    Cross River State Grovernor, Ben Ayade, has been honoured along side other Governors as Cross River State is said to be one of the top performing states in the Nation for distinguishing themselves and recording improved scorecards in all vaccination actives as well as setting standards in the operations of Primary Healthcare Activities in the country.

    This is part of the week long activities to mark the 2022 Africa Immunization Week organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with health care partners to encourage states meet their immunization benchmark in all Local Government Areas.

    Speaking after the presentation of the awards, His Excellency Sen Prof Ben Ayade, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, represented by the National Women Leader of the All Progressive Congress, Dr Betta Edu said it was a thing of honour to distinguish Cross River State from every other states in the South South region , noting that, the state has always been a formidable force to be reckoned with in Primary and Secondary health care service delivery since the early days of the Senator Ben Ayade’s administration.

    She congratulated and appreciated the Governor for always prioritizing health and for all the investment and innovations which are yield results.

    She thanked the Federal Government for its supports and contributions to the evolving health status of the country, noting that, in the nearest future, Nigeria will become the leading health providing nation in Africa and major player in the global health policy framework.

    She praised the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong and the entire health team , for always being result oriented.

    In her response, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara and the Director of Immunization Services, Mrs Joy Chabo expressed their appreciation for the honour as she appreciated His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade and his dear wife, Dr Linda Ayade for their continued support to the health sector. She also appreciated the Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu for leadership as the Chairman Task team on Immunization.

    The DG outlined the numerous parameters for the success attained and how the state ascertained it’s top spot.

    She noted that the collective contributions of health workers in the state and their selfless disposition to duties are some of the cardinal factors which has driven immunization campaign messages to all regions irrespective of physical and environmental barriers in the state. She thanked them profusely for their sacrifice.

    She also noted and appreciated the contributions of religious and traditional leaders, cso, and stakeholders from all sectors who played a huge role to this success.

    She promised that the state will continue to do it’s best to ensure Nigeria’s certification of a vaccine compliant state eradicate vaccine preventable deaths in the country.

  • UNICAL Security Nabs Prof’s Son, Two Others For Allegedly Stealing 2M Car Engine

    Culled From Daily post

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) internal security team has arrested a Professor’s son whose name was given only as Jerry for allegedly stealing a Hilux engine, estimated to worth two million naira. The incident is said to have happened inside the UNICAL Staff quarters on Saturday but the ‘Belgium’ engine was stolen from the mechanic workshop inside the staff quarters. The suspect was picked up alongside two other accomplices, also simply named as David and Paul.

    Chief Security Officer of the University, Capt Augustine Bisong (rtd) headed the investigation which led to the arrest after two weeks. Explaining to Journalists, Bisong said the engine was bought to replace a bad one in a vehicle that belongs to a principal officer of the school.

    “The engine is reported to cost some two million naira. We had to mount surveillance immediately we got the information.”

    According to him, the suspects stole and sold the engine, “From our investigation, we confirmed that the suspects stole the engine. We have identified the buyer and other accomplices who took the engine out from the University. “The buyer of the “tokunbo Toyota Hilux engine at Bogobri and the vehicle/driver’s used in moving the engine out from the University have been identified.”

    The chief security officer alleged that those arrested had terrorised the University community. He said they had been stealing car batteries, armoured cables and vandalizing street lights. He said they will hand them over to the police for prosecution.

    David, one of the suspects, disclosed that he is from Benue State but resides in the University staff Quarters with his mother. He confessed that they sold the engine at Bogobiri community in Calabar for N30,000 only.

    “We took the engine to Bogobiri where we sold it for N30,000 because we thought it was scrap metal, I am sorry because I will never get involved in such again, ” he said.

     

  • 2023 General Election: C’River PDP Demands Submission Of Candidates Manifesto

    23rd August 2022.

    Attention: All Candidates
    Peoples Democratic Party Cross River State.

    Submission Of Candidates’ Manifesto for 2023 General Election

    Sequel to the resolution reached during the meeting of the State Working Committee of our great party, on Tuesday 23rd August 2022, and in line with the party’s resolve to engage in issue-based campaign ahead of the 2023 General Election, all Candidates of our party are hereby requested to submit to the office of the State Publicity Secretary, copies of their campaign manifesto, on/before 30th August 2022.

    NB: Copies of manifesto Should be submitted both in hard and Soft Copies*

    Please accept the assurances of our esteemed regards

    Signed.
    Prince Mike Ojisi
    (State Publicity Secretary).

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Lit Up Government Primary School Ashikpe-Ukpe

     

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has lit up Government Primary School Ashikpe-Ukpe, Obudu Local Government Area.

    The senator decided to step up teaching and learning environment of the school for the pupils with the electrification and installation of ceiling fans in the school.

    The people’s senator and Jari wonders as commonly called had just renovated the longest building in the last month.

    The electrification and installation of fans in the school is to be completed within the shortest possible time.

  • Inibehe Effiong Vs CJ, Akwa Ibom State; Why Are Judges Against Recording Of Court Proceedings? BY FIRST BABA ISA

     

    This case of Inibehe Effiong is bringing a lot of things to the fore, a lot of things wrong with our justice system. Today, I will point out one:

    Why do judges always take offense when court proceedings are being recorded? I challenge any lawyer, judge or scholar to point me to a provision of the law or rule that prohibits litigants, lawyers, journalists or members of the public from videoing or recording court proceedings in Nigeria. (Apart from juvenile proceedings and maybe those consented to by parties).

    In fact, the Constitution provides that all court proceedings must be in public. Why do judges try to keep secret what is meant for the public?

    Inibehe’s purported contempt case might tell us why.

    The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State has released the records of proceedings in the case where she jailed the lawyer for contempt of court. Have you seen the irony this situation presents: this contempt case is between Inibehe and the CJ, and the only record the public and the Court of Appeal can rely on to determine what really transpired is the record produced by the CJ!

    Yes, I know the record of proceedings can be legally challenged and impugned, but all this drama wouldn’t be necessary if the proceedings were recorded by journalists and members of the public. How can we know the truth of what transpired in court by depending solely on the record of the judge, who is now a party in the whole saga?

    This continuous barring of members of the public from recording court proceedings has absolutely no positive side. Those who argue that allowing anyone who wants to record court proceedings to do so will lead to transparency and stem corruption and abuse of office on the bench have a salient point.

    I have read the records of proceedings and the judge wants me to believe that INIBEHE or any lawyer for that matter, will bang the table, shout and point and at a judge and say ”I will not continue…”? Hmmmm. Maybe it’s true. Maybe, Ini smoked something that day; but now that the CJ is both the offended and the judge, forgive me if I refused to take her word alone, on that record of proceedings, as final. Again, you see, this is where it would have been great to allow that Premium Times journalist she sent out to record the proceedings. But she sent him out and now wants us to believe her story as contained in the records of proceedings.

    As I said earlier, I know certainly that the records of proceedings will be challenged, but even as it is, the records of proceedings shows manifest irregularities and patent vacancies. The proper procedure for contempt in facie curia was not carried out. From where I stand the conviction for contempt is void.

    In closing we have to go back to the initial question: why are judges so uncomfortable with court proceedings being recorded? What’s going on?

    – By Firsts Baba Isa
    First Baba Isa – Page