The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Ayade’s Defection: PDP Dissolves, Replaces Cross River State Caretaker Committee

    Ayade’s Defection: PDP Dissolves, Replaces Cross River State Caretaker Committee

    By Admin
    The National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, has dissolved the State Caretaker Committee for the Cross River State Chapter of the party.
    In a release signed by the National Publicity of the Party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, and sighted by TheLumineNews, named a ten man committee headed by the immediate past Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Effiok Cobham to oversea the affairs of the party.

    The release reads in full “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), has approved the dissolution of the State Caretaker Committee for the Cross River state chapter of the party

    “The decision is in pursuant to the powers conferred on the NWC by the PDP Constitution.

    “Consequently, the NWC has constituted a new State Caretaker Committee to pilot the affairs of the chapter of the party at the state level

    “The members of the new State Caretaker Committee for Cross River state are as follows:

    “Barr. Efiok Cobham (Chairman)
    Barr. Attah Ochinke
    Dr. Uke Enun
    Prof. Walter Mboto
    Hon. Rita Ayim (Publicity Secretary)
    Hon. Mike Usibe
    Hon. Christopher Ekpo
    Mr. Victor Effiom Okon
    Prince K.J. Agba
    Hon. Eko Atu (Secretary)

    “All other structure of the party at the local government and ward levels in the state remain intact.

    Signed:

    “Kola Ologbondiyan
    National Publicity Secretary”

     

  • The Akpanke Foundation Commences Collation Of Data Of Cross Riverians For Grant Assistance

    The Akpanke Foundation Commences Collation Of Data Of Cross Riverians For Grant Assistance

    By Admin

    The Peter Akpanke Foundation has announced its intention to collate data of Cross Riverians for free financial grant.

    This was disclosed through a release signed by the Chairman of the Akpanke Foundation, Mr. Peter Akpanke.

    The release eads;

    The management of The Akpanke Foundation (TAF), a non profit organization designed to provide succor to the needy and less privileged through empowerment,  programs and other Humanitarian services in her relentless fight against Poverty has commenced the collation of data for free financial Grants for the people of Cross River State.

    Stand a chance of benefiting from this rare opportunity by filling the form in the link below.

    Note; All processes are free of charge and you can fill for those who don’t have internet access.

    Kindly fill the form below by clicking the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZLZ54oeZ8xM6Z_x_DTIwJKxJn_RsglrfvrYvfDoYS3swnvg/viewform?usp=sf_linkAkpanke Foundation Grant- Click here to register.

  • Obudu State House Rep, Hon. Maria Akwaji Joins APC

    Obudu State House Rep, Hon. Maria Akwaji Joins APC

    By Admin

    The member representing Obudu State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Maria Akwaji has announced her defection from the People’s Democratic Party PDP, to the All Progressive Congress APC.

    The law maker made this known following the announcement of the Governor of his defection from PDP to APC earlier today in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital.

    Speaking to TheLumineNews, Hon. Maria Akwaji averred that her loyalty is to the Governor, and pledged her commitment to effective service delivery to her constituents.

  • Ogoja Diocese Centenary Celebration: Sen. Sandy Onor Receives Papal Recognition

    Ogoja Diocese Centenary Celebration: Sen. Sandy Onor Receives Papal Recognition

    By Caterpillar Media Team

    The Holy Father and Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis 1, has specially recognized distinguished Senator Sandy Onor on the occasion of the Centenary celebration of the Catholic Church in Ogoja Diocese on Friday, 14th May 2021 at St. Benedict’s Cathedral for his selfless, passionate, tremendous contributions and humble devotion to the growth of the Roman Catholic Church in the diocese.

    The Award was conveyed to the Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus E. Akpan by the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, His Excellency, Arch Bishop Antonio Guido Fillipazzi and was presented to the senator by the Catholic Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. William Avenya.

    The Papal award is the highest category of awards presented during the centenary celebration and the lawmaker was considered for this award after a careful review of his antecedence.

    Reacting to the award while filing questions from journalists, the elated and cerebral Sen. Sandy Onor averred that “we take this award very seriously as an honor from the priests who are representatives of God and as an honor from God.

    “The consequence therefore is that we are expected by the Church to do more whatever we are doing to get the recognition of the Church. The recognition shows that we are on the part to gaining salvation or else, at the end of the day, all is vanity”

    Speaking further, the lawmaker congratulated the Church, the Clergy and all the laity that worked to bring the gospel to where it is today, “I want to congratulate the Church, the forerunners, the Clergy and all the laity that worked with them at the time when it was so difficult. They are examples of faith and works, for faith and works goes together”

    Sen. Onor used the opportunity to stress that, the award is a call for those of them in leadership to redoubled their efforts to make the country work. “And for those of us who are in power today and for the country, it makes us redouble our efforts to make the country works, Nigeria is a beautiful place.

    “When we look for result and work as diligently as our forefathers worked, all other things will be added unto us. Congratulations to all of us”.

    Other awardees during the celebration include but not limited to the Former Senate Leader, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba OFR CON SAN, former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi, Brigadier General Anthony Ukpo, Rtd, Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Bishop *John Ayah, Nigerian Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonaya Onu, former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN and others.

    The Arch Bishop Emeritus of Abuja Diocese,  Cardinal John Onayekan, the Local Ordinary and Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji and Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. William Avenya were among the religious leaders that graced the occasion.

  • Showcasing Ticha Ogbu E-Library, One Of Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji Constituency Projects

    Showcasing Ticha Ogbu E-Library, One Of Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji Constituency Projects

    By Admin

    The over 250 capacity Ticha Ogbu E-Library that is housed in Ebunwana Civic Centre, Afikpo South Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, furnished with ultra modern and state of the art equipment is ready for use by the general public.

    The Techa Ogbu E-Library has over 250 computers with functional internet facilities, a generating plant and solar power, is one of the 2016 constituency projects facilitated by Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji, who represented Ebonyi South Senatorial District, between 2015 to 2019.

    The impact created by the E-Library cannot be overemphasized as the Ebunwana Business Services Limited is set to offer various services to the public which include but not limited to; UTME registration, Remitta, O’Level uploading, WAEC, NECO and GCE registration, NYSC, TRCN, NABTEB, Army, Civil Defence, Police, Air force application amongst others.

    When contacted, Mr. Ibiam Azu Agwu, a Development Consultant who hails from the community commended the foresight of Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji to have initiated such a constituency project that meets the demands of the moment.

    Agwu noted that “this project is set to provide solutions to some of our challenges as majority of our youths needs to take advantage of the E-Library for research and knowledge acquisition.

    “The E-Library has also provided opportunity for those registering JAMB and writing the Computer Based Test exams not travel long distances for the test”

    He used the opportunity to call on the general public to take advantage of the opportunity created by the E-Library to acquire knowledge and get the services provided by the Ebunwana Business Services.

  • Eid-El-Fitri: C’River Speaker Celebrates With Muslims, Urges Them to Support Government With Prayers

    Eid-El-Fitri: C’River Speaker Celebrates With Muslims, Urges Them to Support Government With Prayers

     

    The Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams celebrates with the entire Muslim faithful in the state and across the country, on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan Fast.

    In a statement signed by the Media Adviser to the Speaker, Hope Obeten, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams also wishes faithful Muslims abundant rewards and blessings, praying that the Almighty Allah give them long live to witness many more of Ramadan.

    The Speaker admonished Muslims to continue to support the State and Federal governments with prayers to overcome challenges of security, pandemic and economy to bring about more developments across all sectors.

    “I wish to heartily congratulate our brothers and sisters in Islam on the occasion of the successful completion of Ramadan Fast and ‘Eid-El-Fitri, as we celebrate, I urge everyone, regardless of your religious beliefs, to continue to keep the peace and to live in unity with one another,” Mr. Speaker said.

    Expressing the hope that the lessons of sacrifice, self-discipline, tolerance, kindness, good neighbourliness and empathy towards others as embedded in the holy month of Ramadan would abide beyond the month of abstinence, he further urged.

    “As we celebrate, let us remember that moderation is important. We should not let down our guards in the observance of COVID-19 protocols. Let us also remember the poor and less privileged people in our midst and extend a hand of love and support to them,” he said.

    The Speaker congratulated Muslims and wished them a blissful Ramadan.

  • Eid-el-Fitr Celebration: Sen. Sandy Onor Felicitates with Muslims, Calls for Peaceful Coexistence

    Eid-el-Fitr Celebration: Sen. Sandy Onor Felicitates with Muslims, Calls for Peaceful Coexistence

     

    As Muslims across the world mark the successful completion of the month-long Ramadan fasting, the senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor has felicitated with Muslim faithfuls across the District, State and Nation at large while calling for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

    In a goodwill message sighted by TheLumineNews, Sen. Onor commended Muslims faithfuls for a successful conclusion of this year’s Ramadan on a good note despite the current security challenges facing the nation.

    The message reads in parts “lt’s rewarding to commend our Muslims brothers and sisters for their adherence to the holy scripture through dedicated fasting, charitable sacrifices and steadfastness in the midst of subversive actions and intentions intended to create a weak and vulnerable system in our polity by rabble-rousing elements.”

    The lawmaker further held that: “When we uphold and practice the teachings of our holy books, love, peace and tolerance would reign amongst us. And as the Holy Month of Ramadan offered us a fresh opportunity to deepen and strengthen our relationship with Allah, it’s also an opportunity for us to promote love, tolerance and peaceful coexistence amongst ourselves. On behalf of my family and the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District, I wish you Allah’s continuous guidance and protection, Amen.”

  • FG Reintroduces COVID-19 Restrictions, Shuts Bars, Recreational Centres, Limits Public Gatherings

    FG Reintroduces COVID-19 Restrictions, Shuts Bars, Recreational Centres, Limits Public Gatherings

    Culled From Chanel’s Tv 

     

    The Federal Government has reintroduced COVID-19 restrictions across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    This new directive is to take effect by midnight of Tuesday, a member of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Dr Mukhtar Mohammed, declared.

    Mohammed, who is the Head of Technical Secretariat of the PSC, made the announcement while briefing reporters on Monday in Abuja.

    With the restrictions imposed, mass gatherings in public spaces have been restricted to 50 people at any given time.

    Access to government institutions would also be denied to anyone not wearing a face mask while government meetings and travels have been limited to the virtual platform.

    According to Mohammed, the government has directed that bars and nightclubs should remain closed and the nationwide curfew will be in force until further notice.

    He added that only essential international travels would be encouraged, and all existing protocols must be strictly adhered to.

    The PSC member, however, stated that there was no limitation to intra-state travel.

  • Obudu Council Vice Chairperson Declares Open One Month Training Of 20 Youths By Hon. Maria Akwaji

    Obudu Council Vice Chairperson Declares Open One Month Training Of 20 Youths By Hon. Maria Akwaji

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mrs. Asabe Ugbe declared opened a one month training for 20 youths as make-up artists organized by Hon. Maria Akwaji as part of activities streamlined to mark her late husband’s one year funeral anniversary.

    Recall that the lawmaker had inaugurated a committee last month to assist in the planning of the event.

    Declaring the training opened, Mrs. Asabe commended the resilience of the lawmaker to undertake the programme, and urged the trainees to be grateful to the State House Member who availed them the opportunity to be nominated for the training.

    She averred that “my daughter was charged (#80,000.00) eighty thousand naira to be trained for this makeup. She is now in Abuja, and so if you are selected to trained, you have to be grateful to her and ensure that you use this opportunity very productively”.

    Mrs. Asabe charged the participants to ensure that the develop interest in the training which is likely going to put food on their table and assured them that when they show interest, they are sure to come out successful.

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the
    Planning Committee, Hon. Peter Okaba, stated that the one month training was part of the activities streamlined to mark one year funeral anniversary of late Hon. Dr. Godwin Akwaji and a thank you session by Hon. Mrs. Maria Akwaji as she marks six months in office.

    Hon. Peter Okaba was represented by the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Hon. Emmanuel Akwagiobe.

    Okaba further stated that “this selection was done in consultation with ward leaders, as two persons were sent from each ward in the Local Government Area. This will be followed by providing a support fund for 20 widows to be nominated from the 10 wards and distribution of fertilizer to our farmers during the thanksgiving service slated for 20th June, 2021.

    “This training will last for one month. We understand you may some challenges like transportation, but we want to appeal to you to bear with us, at the end of the training, we bet you, you will smile”

    On his part, the Leader of Obudu Legislative Council, Hon. Peter Ishoja, appreciated very sincerely, Hon. Maria Akwaji to have deemed it necessary to train the youths.

    Ishoja noted that “it is one thing to have and it is another thing to give. If some of us had envisaged the future, we would have acquired skills.

    “I want to encourage you to take this training very seriously, so that at the end of the training, the sky will be your starting point”

    Responding on behalf of others trainees, Miss Paulina Udie, thanked Hon. Maria Akwaji for the opportunity given them to be trained as make-up artists.

    She held that “We want to say a very big thank you to our State House Member, Hon. Maria Akwaji. We are seriously grateful.

    “When we go out there, we know what it cost to acquire this skill, but here we are having this training at the plater of gold. Wherever she gets this money from, we say God should bless her more and more”

  • Mob Action Against Bekwarra Son: Council Chairman Calls For Calm Among Youths

    Mob Action Against Bekwarra Son: Council Chairman Calls For Calm Among Youths

    By Admin

    The Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Dr. Josephat Emeka, has called on the youths to exercise calm and orderliness as government and security operatives are top gear to bring to justice the perpetrators and killer of one of their sons in gruesome manner.

    The Chairman was made the called while reacting to the mob action against Bekwarra son along Vandekyia-Gboko highway, last week.

    The call was contained in a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Chairman.

    The release reads in full “Jungle justice has added another negative dimension to our peaceful coexistence as a people living together bound with a common heritage, culture and tradition.

    “Jungle justice is one of the very many banes Nigeria is plagued with, despite efforts by the government, the media and other non-governmental organisations to discourage people from participating in this unjustified public execution of people, this effort only seems unproductive and not yielding any result.

    “Even though section 33 of the Nigerian constitution clearly provides that no citizen shall be deprived of his/her right except in a manner excused by law, sad episodes of extrajudicial killings still persist in the Nigerian society.

    “Different people have been killed in unjustified circumstances, while some have survived to tell their stories others have being lynched and burnt to death immediately.

    “This brings to bear the information and posts making the rounds on social media on the unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of some persons including an illustrious son of Bekwarra origin in the hands of hoodlums along the Vandekyia-Gboko highway recently.

    “After a very objective and careful investigation, I have been reliably informed that the remote cause of the circumstances leading to the unfortunate and gruesome death of the victims; a Bekwarra son and another was a case of a mistaken identity.

    “Preliminary and secondary on the spot investigation has proven to the fact the Okada rider; a Tiv man in possession of some amount of money mistook them for robbers. He, the Okada man thought they ( the commercial driver and passengers) were trailing him, and so raised a false alarm which led to the attack by hoodlums and miscreants. This attack was what led to the unfortunate death of our dear Bekwarra son (Commercial Driver) who was going about his lawful business to earn a living.

    “It is regrettable that the sad incident which took place in Benue State; around Gbem Community claimed the life of the driver who is Bekwarra origin. So the spurious allegations that four Bekwarra youth were victims of the mob action is totally false and misleading.

    “Even though I was unavoidably absent at the time of the sad incident, relevant security agencies and apparatus, the youth council, concerned citizens etc were immediately mobilized to avert retaliation which may trigger a breakdown of law and order

    “It is quite unfortunate that jungle justice, which is the unlawful killing of suspects in the most brutal manner, has become so common in Nigeria.

    “It should be noted that those who commit this barbaric act which is spreading like wildfire are no respecter of age, sex, religion, ethnicity, geographical location, gender or societal status. Men, women and children from various backgrounds have been victims of this criminal act. Cases of jungle justice have resulted in the death of many individuals; some properly documented and others not.

    “Victims of these barbaric acts are believed to have committed crimes that are as silly as mere suspicion, stealing pepper or salt from a roadside shop or at a supermarket before then being killed.

    “May I use this medium to appeal for calm and orderliness on the part of the Bekwarra Youth as the government, security agencies and other relevant authorities are on top of the situation. We shall leave no stone unturned to get to the root of the matter and perpetrators brought to book ensure justice prevails.

    “I therefore express my deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and relatives of this illustrious son of Bekwarra whose life has been caught short. I urge them to bear the unfortunate incident and irreplaceable loss”.