The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Ongoing: Bishop Akpan Receives Keys Of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja

    Ongoing: Bishop Akpan Receives Keys Of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, the Most Rev Donatus Edet Akpan, has been presented with keys to the edifice of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja.

    The temple keys were presented by Mr Felix Ibu, who noted that the foundation stone was laid on March 1st, 1964 and when Fr Felix Ekpe, the pastor of the church decided in January 2024, that the church be remodeled, the christain welcomed the idea and today we are here.

    “As the Chief shepherd, I present this key to you”. He said.

    Receiving the keys, the bishop thanked the very Rev Fr Felix Ekpe, for his abstute commitment and handed over the keys to the parish priest to open the church for the worship of Christian faithfuls.

  • Sen Jarigbe, Akpanke, Others To Be Honored At The Diamond Jubilee Celebration Of Holy Trinity Parish

    Sen Jarigbe, Akpanke, Others To Be Honored At The Diamond Jubilee Celebration Of Holy Trinity Parish

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as well as Hon Peter Akpanke, Member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency and his colleague, Hon Godwin Offiono, member representing Ogoja/Yala federal constituency, are among the dignitaries that will be honored during the rededication of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja, to mark 60th anniversary of the parish.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Parish, Rev Fr Felix Ekpe, indicates that the mass which will be presided by the local ordinary and Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, the Most Rev Donatus Edet Akpan, will begin at 10:00 am and will be followed closely with the rededication of the parish.

    The mass will be followed closely with a reception where notable personalities who have contributed to the development of the society and the church will be honored with different awards.

    Others to be honored during the Diamond Jubilee Celebration are: The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen Stephen Odey Esq, Engr Ebo Bitru Mbum, Col Ben Ugbuji, Brig Gen Deda Bulus, CP Gabriel Achong Rtd, Amb Capt Modey Magnus – Hart, Dr Christopher Lukpata, Mr Joseph Ntol Igbodor, Mr Okafa Edmund Briate, First Ferdinand Baba Isa

    The release further indicates that the Diamond Jubilee Celebration is a three day celebration with rededication, reception and award presentation slated for Friday 13th December 2024, while group wedding is slated for Saturday 14th December 2024 and Harvest Thanksgiving Mass is slated for Sunday 15th 2024.

  • How Not To Govern A People? BY AGBA JALINGO

    How Not To Govern A People? BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    The government is essentially saddled with the responsibility of fixing things. The task of bringing closure to teething issues. The onus of finding permanent solutions to problems. The burden of developing our communities and the duty of securing the citizens.

    It is charities and not-for-profit organizations, as well as philanthropy, that support the government with palliatives to augment societal challenges. Even when there are emergencies, government’s immediate intervention with palliatives is usually a stop gap expediency to ameliorate conditions before bringing a permanent solution.

    But when people in government take up the duty of charities, NGOs and philanthropists, and abandon the core duties of governance, there is no way society will grow. Such dereliction only ensures that society continues to deteriorate as time goes by. Let me elucidate further.

    Boreholes for instance, are emergency sources of water for non permanent residential camps, like Internally Displaced Persons IDP or refugee camps, etc. They are not permanent solutions or replacements for pipe borne water supply. The goal and duty of government is to connect remote communities and sub-urban areas with reticulated pipes and supply clean treated water to homes.

    And this is not a tall order. We have always had water-works from where clean water was reticulated to our homes. The last two decades of democracy, instead of modernizing and expanding the water supply facilities, has wrecked almost all of them and leaders have resorted to siting borehole in hamlets and clapping for the inanity. The truth is that what water is needed for, both in our homes, industries and agriculture, boreholes are a far cry and government has to become intentional about rebuilding permanent solutions to the supply of water.

    The same thing applies to solar street lights. Those are just rechargeable lamps strapped to aluminum poles and straddled along our streets. They only last a couple of months. They can’t bring development. They can’t power a clipper or a hair dryer or a vulcanizing or welding machine. Our communities need electricity and there are different sources and models of generating power nowadays and communities with municipal governments around the globe have taken self help initiatives to solve their power supply issues. The law in Nigeria also now supports both individuals, companies and governments at all levels to generate power.

    What of health outreaches? Our leaders are now making it look as though the health of the people can be taken care of in few days of community health outreaches. That’s tokenism. Those were activities that were hitherto organized by NGOs and supported by international donor agencies. It is more sustainable to revamp and equip our primary health centers and ensure supply of essential drugs to the health centers. Fix our decrepit general hospitals and have our population on year round health insurance packages. But hell no, our politicians have chosen the short path of out racing themselves in who gathered the highest number of old men and women in one football field in the village for three days, in the name of health outreach.

    I can go on and on and on. Instead of leveraging on technology and community cooperation to open up motorable roads, they prefer to supply bikes and keke, to cut-off and abandoned communities. But what is even more disheartening is that our people are clapping and calling them capacity leaders. But how do you blame the people? If you haven’t experienced good governance before in your life time, how do you know what is bad governance?

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • BREAKING: ASUU To Write Authorities On Expiration of Tenure UNICROSS Governing Council Members

    BREAKING: ASUU To Write Authorities On Expiration of Tenure UNICROSS Governing Council Members

    By Simon Odey 

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) chapter, has resolved to write to relevant authorities, notifying them of the expiration of the tenure of the governing council’s internal members.

    At its congress held today at the university main campus in Calabar, the union said that although it is within the powers of the Governor and Visitor to the university to appoint external members, it’ll play its part by ensuring elections are held for nomination of new internal members.

    Recall that the university alumni association has in several letters and statements demanded clarification on the legitimacy and tenure of the governing council who have stayed in office beyond the four-year term allowed by law.

    The association has also in a recent statement threatened to drag the university before the National Universities Commission over the legality of the reappointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor who had previously exceeded the six months limit allowed by law.

    Demanding that the incumbent Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. David Ogar be either made a substantive VC or another person appointed to bring some stability to the university, the association lamented that the university is at the risk of losing N4 billion TETFund allocation over the leadership crisis brewing in the institution.

    When contacted to react to the ASUU resolution, President of the association, Dr. Inyali Peter, citing extant laws and standard university practices, said that internal members are elected to represent various interests in a specific council and not just open four years term.

    “This is a great news for the university. Some people have misconstrued our agitations but we’re happy that a ASUU has joined us to correct the anomaly. The only thing I want to add is that contrary to some insinuations, the lifespan of all council members except the Alumni President is tied to the lifespan of a specific council. For instance, if internal members are elected to represent either the senate or unions in a particular council like the 10th or 9th council, and the Visitor dissolves and reconstitutes the council before the expiration of the tenure, they’ll all leave even though they’re elected and not appointed.

    The implication of this is that, ASUU cannot say the tenure of internal members is in isolation or that the internal members can stay as long as the Governor wants. The law says the tenure is four years. Therefore, even though I presume they want to try to please everybody, as they’re writing relevant authorities on this, they’re also saying that this particular council’s tenure has expired because they were elected into this council. However, the Visitor, if satisfied with the achievements of the council can reappoint the external members into the new council. This is the standard practice everywhere including our sister university, the university of Calabar.

    He added that “the key question now is whether the government will reconstitute a new council anytime soon to enable the immediate commencement of the process for appointing a substantive Vice Chancellor. While only time will tell, as an alumni association, we are once again calling on the Governor and Visitor to act decisively to bring the needed stability to the institution”.

  • UNICROSS Alumni Demands For Permanent Solution To Leadership Uncertainty In Versity

    UNICROSS Alumni Demands For Permanent Solution To Leadership Uncertainty In Versity

     

    The University of Cross River State Alumni Association commends Governor Bassey Otu, the Visitor to the University, for his consistent commitment and support to the institution since taking office. Notably, despite the nation’s challenging times, the Governor has prioritized the university’s needs, including ensuring steady salary payments, approving the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine, and successfully relocating the Obubra Campus to the Okuku satellite campus, thereby streamlining campus operations.

    Despite remarkable efforts, the University has been embroiled in a crisis surrounding the legitimacy of its leadership. A contentious issue has been the tenure of the current governing council, with internal members having exceeded their statutory four-year term, as stipulated in the University Establishment Law, by over a year and getting to two years. This protracted tenure has created a logjam, preventing the congregation, Senate and Convocation from holding elections to replace or re-elect outgoing members, as their terms are tied to that of the governing council.

    While the governing tenure remains a contentious issue, the alumni Association is also deeply concerned about the legitimacy of the current management, particularly in light of Section 3(3) of the First Schedule of the University’s Establishment Law. This provision stipulates that in the event of a vacancy in the Vice Chancellor position due to death, incapacitation, or removal from office, the Visitor to the University shall appoint an Acting Vice Chancellor to serve for a period not exceeding six months.

    However, the current Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. David Abua Ogar having served a six- month tenure in Acting capacity as stipulated by law, initially from November 17, 2019, to May 6, 2020, one would have expected that he should have been re-appointed in a substantive capacity as he has all the credentials to lead the institution as its substantive Chief Executive Officer. His reappointment in an acting capacity on August 31, 2024, raises questions about the governing council vis-a-vis the government’/ adherence to the institution’s laws.

    The alumni had initially perceived his reappointment in acting capacity as a misstep or the activation of the doctrine of necessity by the governing council because of the leadership crisis in the university at the time therefore opted to remain silent to avoid exacerbating the already tense atmosphere. However, with the former substantive Vice Chancellor’s suspension exceeding six months and the current Vice Chancellor’s re-appointment also exceeding three months (nine months all together), the government’s silence has become increasingly concerning. The association had anticipated a clear directive from the government regarding the former Vice Chancellor’s fate or an advertisement for a substantive replacement at least from the date the current VC clocked three months, but the prolonged silence has only added to the uncertainty.

    Unequivocally, the interpretation of section 3(3) of the UniCross Establishment law is simple; on no condition should a particular person serve for more than six months. But it can be less but not more. For instance, Prof. Emmanuel Ingwu was appointed Acting VC of UniCross for just one day before. Both Professors Joshua Akon and Prof. Augustine Angba were appointed Acting VCs for initial period of three months. Although they were both eventually reappointed after finishing their initial three months, on announcement, the governor stated clearly that their appointments were for three months. This lay credence to the fact that one can act for less than six months but no more on no account.

    Given the foregoing, it has therefore become imperative for the association to remind the governor about the uncertain leadership situation at the university. As we’ve previously stated, stability is important for the university’s growth, particularly in aligning with the Governor’s People’s First agenda. However, the lingering question mark over the leadership’s legitimacy hinders this stability. While some argue that the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor in between can justify the reappointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor who previously exceeded the legally allowed term, the facts remains that this reasoning contradicts the University Establishment Law and the Nigerian Universities Miscellaneous Act (1993).

    This argument is fundamentally flawed, suggesting that a former governor or president who has served the maximum eight-year term can recontest if there have been intervening administrations. For instance, it implies that His Excellency Mr. Donald Duke, who previously served as Governor of Cross River State, could run again simply because two governors have held office since his tenure. This reasoning not only defies logic but also contravenes the explicit provisions and underlying principles of the institution’s founding laws. There’s also the question of the reasoning behind considering Prof. Ogar only good enough for acting appointment and not substantive.

    Nevertheless, it is the alumni’s considered opinion that the governor should scrutinize the records to determine if the current council is legally qualified to oversee the appointment of a new substantive Vice Chancellor, having also exceeded the legally allowed four-year term without extension or reconstitution. If found to be qualified, in line with the law establishing the institution, he should direct the council to advertise for a new VC immediately, where Prof. Ogar can be confirmed as substantive VC or another qualified person appointed for the stability of the institution. However, if the council’s tenure is deemed illegitimate, the association urges the governor to constitute a new council promptly, ensuring the university’s progress through the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor.

    We equally urge the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice to provide a clear interpretation of the university laws to the Governor, ensuring that all decisions align with the existing laws. Specifically, we request guidance on the suspension and appointment of an acting Vice Chancellor, which we believe exceeded the legal authority of a governing council, or was ultra vires, tenure of office of an acting Vice chancellor and other principal officers, etc. A citadel of learning like UniCross cannot afford to perpetuate errors, as the consequences would be dire for the institution. The alumni association particularly fears that if the legitimacy of the university’s leadership were challenged in court, key decisions, including promotions and the validity of certificates could come under serious scrutiny, jeopardizing the university’s reputation and the future of its students.

    As concerned stakeholders, we hereby put the government on notice that, despite numerous private and public letters urging them to take action, our efforts have been met with silence. In light of this, we are calling for an immediate action from the government to provide clear direction to the university. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to escalate our actions, including seeking intervention from the regulatory body overseeing Nigerian universities.

    e-Signed:
    Comrade Inyali Peter, Ph.D.
    National President/Member of Council

  • Investigation Before Prosecution: Echoing the AGF’s Advocacy for Adopting the FBI Model BY CONFIDENCE MBANG

    Investigation Before Prosecution: Echoing the AGF’s Advocacy for Adopting the FBI Model BY CONFIDENCE MBANG

    Investigation Before Prosecution: Echoing the AGF’s Advocacy for Adopting the FBI Model

    The media space has been abuzz with discussions surrounding the activities of law enforcement agencies, including anti-corruption bodies. Among these activities are the arrest and prosecution of suspects in corruption-related cases. The process of investigation and prosecution has long been a significant area of concern. While anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have carried out impactful investigations and prosecutions, they have also faced accusations of bias—often tied to the manner in which investigations are conducted—or of being politically influenced and used for witch-hunts. Such perceptions undermine public confidence in these corruption-sensitive agencies, highlighting the urgent need for reforms.

    Recently, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince (Dr.) Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, advocated for the adoption of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) model for corruption investigations. Speaking at the Food and Energy Security in Africa Conference in Lagos on the theme, The Rule of Law and Attracting International Investment Towards Food and Energy Security in Africa, the AGF expressed admiration for the FBI’s investigative approach. He recommended that the EFCC and ICPC should prioritize completing investigations before making arrests.

    The learned Silk strongly advocated for the adoption of an “FBI Model Institution” and cautioned against the practice of prematurely celebrating arrests without thorough investigations. While this position does not imply that ongoing investigations and prosecutions are entirely flawed, it emphasizes the need for a more robust and systematic approach to tackling corruption.

    In the United States, the FBI’s undercover operations stand out as an effective investigative model. Guidelines issued by the U.S. Attorney General’s Office govern these operations, underscoring their importance. As noted in the Undercover Guidelines:

    “The use of undercover techniques, including proprietary business entities, is essential to the detection, prevention, and prosecution of white-collar crime, public corruption, terrorism, organized crime, offenses involving controlled substances, and other priority areas of investigation.”

    One of the hallmark features of high-profile corruption cases is the collusion among parties, which often makes it difficult to secure witnesses. This challenge makes undercover operations—where law enforcement agents infiltrate criminal networks under disguise—particularly suitable for uncovering deeply entrenched corruption.

    The FBI has successfully used this model to expose significant corruption scandals. Examples include:

    i. Operation Abscam (1970s): Led to the conviction of several congressmen and public officials for corruption.
    ii. Operation Greylord (1980s): Resulted in the conviction of numerous judges and court officials in Chicago for corruption.
    iii. Operation Bid Rig (2000s): Led to the conviction of several public officials in New Jersey.

    Although the undercover model is not entirely new to Nigeria’s security framework, the AGF’s advocacy calls for its strict and religious adoption by anti-corruption agencies for tackling corruption-related cases.

    The AGF has the powers and authority to issue guidelines for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases. While adopting the FBI model is not devoid of challenges and controversies, its implementation has the potential to address gaps that contribute to the negative perceptions of anti-corruption agencies. Stakeholders, agencies, and key players in Nigeria’s anti-corruption ecosystem should seriously consider this advocacy as a step toward fostering transparency, accountability, and credibility in the fight against corruption.

    By: Confidence Mbang
    (Abuja-based Lawyer)
    [email protected]

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Confidence MBANG, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Cross River Northerners, Open Your Eyes… BY AGBA JALINGO

    Cross River Northerners, Open Your Eyes… BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    If you are from Cross River North, kindly come with me. There is something important which you may already know but may not have given thought to, that I want to put in context for you.

    Do you know that by land mass, all the five local governments that make up Cross River North, put together, are smaller than Akamkpa LGA? That means the Chairman of Akamkpa LGA is ruling over a land space bigger than the one ruled by the five LGA Chairmen of Northern Cross River, combined.

    Ogoja is 972 km². Yala LGA has an area of 1,739 km². Obudu is 591.7km². Obanlikwu is 1,057km². And Bekwarra LGA is 306km². All the five combined, sum up to 4,665.7km². Akamkpa LGA alone has a land area of 5,049km². That means Akamkpa is bigger than the whole Cross River North by 383.3km². The remainder is still bigger than Bekwarra LGA. That also means Akamkpa alone is bigger than the entire Lagos State, which has a meagre land area of just 3,475 km².

    Cross River North, however has a combined population of 1,116,700 people out of a total population of 4.406million for the whole State. That’s 25.3 percent of the State population. Between July to September (third quarter, 2024), from official FG documents, the five LGAs of Cross River North, also received net allocation totalling N5,349,067,043 from FAAC, excluding internally generated revenues.

    So, 1,116,700 people, living within 4,664.7km square of land, were allocated N5.34billion in three months from FAAC. If you multiply this by four quarters of the year, that’s over N20billion. This is excluding internally generated revenues. Let’s also look at the constituency development funds allocated to Cross River North, through our federal lawmakers which also run into hundreds of millions of Naira. We have one Senator and two House of Reps members.

    Looking ahead, let us project positively that this financial routine will repeat itself or even perform better and Cross River North will within the next 12 months, get say 30billion in remittances from both FAAC, IGR and Federal Constituency Development Funds, let us also assume that the encumbrances that used to swallow up LG allocations have been torpedoed by the Supreme Court judgment, is it not time to begin to ask questions about where these monies will be spent?

    With this volume of resources, entering a space smaller than Akamkpa LGA, there is no tenable reason why our leaders cannot rebuild our water works instead of drilling boreholes, why they can’t give us electricity instead of rechargeable lamps they call street lights, why they can’t give us health insurance and equip our Primary Health centers, instead of three days health outreaches, why they can’t give us motorable roads, instead of bikes and kekes, why they can’t ensure food security instead of sharing rice and noddles and handouts? why they can’t give children free basic education instead of driving kids away from schools over illegal levies.

    Comparatively, there is no reason why Cross River North should not be ahead of other parts of Cross River State and that should perturb our leaders who seem more concerned now about their personal egos and retention of power than the gruelling conditions of our people.

    We just lost the golden opportunity of changing the fortunes of the North as the last eight years were blown away by our brother. The people who told us they were stepping in to rescue us should know that we will also hold them to account. They didn’t promise the people that they will step in and fight themselves. They didn’t tell us there were stepping in to divide and rule and hoodwink us. The people of the North know how to ask questions at the right time, and we will ask if the work is not done.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for 

     

  • NBA Statement On The Arrest Of Dele Farotimi And Alleged Invasion Of His Law Firm

    NBA Statement On The Arrest Of Dele Farotimi And Alleged Invasion Of His Law Firm

    STATEMENT BY THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION ON THE ARREST OF DELE FAROTIMI AND ALLEGED INVASION OF HIS LAW FIRM

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is gravely concerned about the arrest of Dele Farotimi on allegations of libel, as well as the reported invasion of his law firm and the harassment of lawyers and staff within the premises. These actions constitute a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession.

    While the Nigerian Police Force has the authority to investigate crimes, this power must be exercised within the confines of the law and in respect of offenses recognized under Nigerian law.

    We must reiterate that the alleged offense of libel, for which Dele Farotimi was reportedly arrested, is not recognized as a criminal offense under the laws of Lagos State. The Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalization of defamation by omitting it from its provisions. This progressive legislative move aligns with global best practices, which treat defamation as a civil wrong rather than a criminal offense.

    The Supreme Court in Aviomoh v. Commissioner of Police & Anor (2021) affirmed this position. Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, JSC, unequivocally held that defamation ceased to be a criminal offense in Lagos State following the enactment of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. This authoritative pronouncement leaves no room for doubt.

    Furthermore, under Sections 4 and 24 of the Police Act, 2020, the Nigerian Police Force is mandated to act only about conduct that constitutes a criminal offense under Nigerian law. Arresting individuals for non-criminal matters, such as defamation in Lagos State, is not only unlawful but also a blatant violation of the principles of legality and the rule of law.

    Of equal concern is the reported invasion of Dele Farotimi’s law firm and the harassment of lawyers and staff within the premises. Reports that phones were confiscated from lawyers and staff during this invasion highlight a severe disregard for the sanctity of legal practice and the constitutional rights of individuals. The legal profession is a cornerstone of justice and democracy, and any attempt to undermine its independence is a direct assault on the rule of law.

    The NBA unequivocally condemns the invasion of Mr. Farotimi’s law firm, the harassment of its lawyers and staff, and the unlawful seizure of their phones. Such actions are not only a violation of the constitutional right to dignity and privacy but also an affront to the independence of the legal profession.

    We, therefore demand the immediate release of Dele Farotimi, as his arrest lacks any basis under the laws of Lagos State. The authorities must swiftly launch an investigation into the invasion of his law firm, with the findings made public and those responsible held accountable.

    We urge law enforcement agencies to prioritize the principles of legality, fairness, and respect for human rights in their operations. These principles are foundational to justice, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ freedoms.

    #FreeDeleFarotimi #FreeDeleFarotimiNOW

    Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
    President
    Nigerian Bar Association

  • Sen Jarigbe Attends Funeral Rites Of Wantaregh Paul Unongu

    Sen Jarigbe Attends Funeral Rites Of Wantaregh Paul Unongu

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, on Saturday attended the funeral rites of a former Nigerian Minister of Power and Steel, Wantaregh Paul Unongu, in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

    Unongu who had held several political and public offices was until his death Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

    In a condolence message, Senator Jarigbe described the death of the elder statesman as a loss to not just the good people of Benue State but the entire Nigeria, adding that death has robbed Nigeria of a committed patriot.

    The lawmaker who was accompanied by his friend, Mr. John George and other delegation, described the late Unongu as a perfect gentleman who staunchly believed in the march towards achieving Nigeria’s true destiny as a great nation.

    “Paul Unongu was a true patriotic Nigerian and a quintessential politician who believed in the ideals of democracy. We will miss him but will continue to uphold the ideals he stood for in life,” Senator Jarigbe added.

    He expressed sympathy and offered prayers to the immediate family and the good people of Benue State, urging them to remain strong during this difficult time.

    Some of the dignitaries who attended the funeral include, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, H. E George Akume, the Executive Governor of Benue State, H. E Rev. Fr. Hycent Alia, other top government functionaries and Nigerians from all walks of life.

    May the soul of Pa Paul Unongu rest in peace!

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Give Us Time, We will Resolve Our Misunderstanding, Akpanke Tells Obudu PDP Stakeholders

    Give Us Time, We will Resolve Our Misunderstanding, Akpanke Tells Obudu PDP Stakeholders

     

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke, has assured stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, in Obudu Local Government Area that the widespread misunderstanding that seemed to have caused division among party faithfuls will soon be resolved.

    The Member of Parliament made the disclosure at his residence, Keting – Bendi in Obanliku today 3rd December 2024 when he hosted stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party PDP.

    Akpanke who reacted to the call by the stakeholders for the trio of Sen Jarigbe Agom, Hon Peter Akpanke and Mr Vena Ikem Esq, the PDP State Chairman to come together and provide the leadership that is required of them, noted that the leadership has decided to put the differences behind them to enable them provided the leadership and representation that is required of them.

    Stakeholders from the 10 wards of Obudu Local Government Area, took turns to expressed their disappointment over what they referred to as in-house differences, rather became an issue that was discussed everywhere and used the opportunity and charged the trio to unite for task ahead is very demanding.

    Hon Akpanke used the opportunity to appreciate stakeholders for the support given to the party, and noted that even husband and wives have some misunderstandings and how best they resolve their differences matters.

    He noted that “The little disagreement, we have met and decided that we should reunite ourselves, give us time, we will resolve fully.

    “All the people that were suspended, by the grace of God, they will be reinstated”.

    Akpanke berated the use of social media to vent anger when he said “There are more mature ways of settling issues other than going to social media.
    I don’t need to destroy people today and tomorrow I come and pretend to you that I need you.

    “We are very sorry for disappointing you. For those of you who wants to destroy others, please stop it. Some of you seated here are the ones spreading the rumors.

    “I have not told anybody that I want to defect to APC. I have not told anybody that I will run for senate. Whatever issues you think we have, we will resolve them. To

    “I will invite the three chapter chairmen to Abuja and we will have a meeting with leadership in Abuja to consolidate”.

    On the request for constituents to be awarded contracts to equip them for grassroot mobilization, Hon Akpanke, informed stakeholders that there seemed to be more bottle necks in the release of funds for projects execution now than before.

    He called on constituents to exercise some patience when he said “Please know that Sen Jarigbe Agom and I are in opposition. Give us the four years and access our performances”.

    On his rumoured defection, he said “I’m not defecting to anywhere. Those who are there, how well are they?
    Please don’t take anything personal.

    “All the issues you hear, are 80 percent resolved.
    They know our strength, and wants to infiltrate us. We will not give them the opportunity”.

    On the last local government elections, he averred that “The local government elections was not within our powers. The election was state government election. In Obanliku, they brought materials, they gave us result sheets, but they didn’t give us the ward result sheets, where will we have collated the results?”.

    ;