The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Insecurity: President Buhari Breaks Silence, Vows Action Against Criminals

     

    The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to deal with criminals stating that whoever wants the destruction of the system will soon have the shock of their lives.

    In release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the President, Mr Muhammadu Buhari indicates that those behind security threat wants the administration to fail.

    The release reads in full “I receive daily security reports on the attacks on critical national infrastructure, and it is very clear that those behind them want this administration to fail. Whoever wants the destruction of the system will soon have the shock of their lives. We’ve given them enough time.

    “I received a briefing today from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on the series of attacks on their facilities nationwide. These attacks are totally unacceptable, and we will not allow those behind them to achieve their evil objectives.

    “I have assured INEC that we will make available to them everything they need to operate efficiently, so that no one will say we don’t want to go, or that we want a third term. There will be no excuse for failure. We will meet all of INEC’s demands.

    “In the area of security, we have changed the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General, and we are demanding that they rise fully to the challenges confronting us. There must be zero tolerance for all those those bent on destroying our country by promoting crime and insurrection!

    “Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand”.

     

  • CRSG To Embark On Staff Audit, Set To Weed Ghost Workers

    The Cross River State government is set to commence staff audit across the state to weed ghost worker.

    The Office of the Head of Service (H.O.S),  has released a schedule for the 2021 Staff Audit of State-owned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    In a release sighted by TheLumineNews and signed by the Head Of Service, Mrs Geraldine Akpet- Ekanem indicates that the exercise is aimed at “removing ghost workers” from the payroll.

    Attached is the timetable for the audit.

  • NGO Sends SOS To 100 Boki Stakeholders, Call For Quick Action To Save Their Forest

    By Patrick Obia – CrossRiverWatch

    Rainforest Resource and Development Centre, RRDC, has sent SOS to 100 Boki Local Government Council (Cross River State) sons and daughters well placed in the society to rescue their God-given resources.

    The group in a letter signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Odey Oyama and addressed to the Boki stakeholders revealed that it had carried out a study (Reconnaissance Surveys) in the Local Government Council which is in the Central Senatorial District of the State and discovered that, the region’s natural resources are raped on round-the-clock without remorse.

    Letter reads in full: “Reconnaissance Surveys conducted by the Rainforest Resource and Development Centre (RRDC), has confirmed the existence of widespread destruction and degradation of the rich natural, pristine tropical high forest in the entire Boki Community. It is evident that the people of Boki have not benefited collectively from the colossal loss of their God-given resources. The implication of this unfortunate development will be the total loss of the rich natural heritage of the people of Boki and their unborn generations.

    “We are therefore by this clarion call, asking the under listed prominent sons and daughters of Boki communities, to please crystalize an action group. The proposed Action Group should incorporate and mobilize all the Royal Fathers and other respected Elders and Opinion Leaders, to take urgent action to stem the tide of destruction that is ongoing in their rich natural heritage.

    “It is our considered opinion that if properly preserved, the forest of Boki, including the Afi Wildlife Sanctuary, the Drill Ranch (Pandrillus) program as well as the Cross River National Park program at Bushi Okwangwo, could be presented to UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This would certainly bring greater honour and financial rewards to the landlord communities.

    “Urgent action is needed to stop the forest bandits from destroying the remaining forest resources of Boki Nation. If such collective action is taken promptly, the sons and daughters of the present day Boki will certainly be exonerated from blame, when future generations of Boki sons and daughters will demand for explanations of the whereabouts of their vast natural inheritances placed under your care. We therefore implore the following personalities to please institute URGENT ACTION to save the only remaining forest resources in Boki.

    The list of 100 Boki stakeholders the SOS was sent to by the NGO.

    “Honorable Chairman, Sir, we thank you and the above listed personalities for the time and the resources that this project will certainly demand from you. We wish to assure you that, future generations of Boki sons and daughters in particular; and of Cross River State in general, will remember you and your genuine efforts with gratitude and high honor. Please kindly act now before it is too late; for the World is watching your reaction. THE TIME IS NOW.”

  • Social Safety Net: Cross River Flags Off World Bank State-wide Rapid Response Register

    By Admin

    Cross River State Government has flaged off the Rapid Response Register (RRR), that will enable the low-income earners benefit from stipends as part of measures to ease the state economy from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.

    The state Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong while performing the flag off in Calabar Municipality Area of Cross River, said the target beneficiaries are “self-employed”, “wage employed” and “urban poor.”

    Asibong said Cross River State Government is collaborating with the World Bank , using “cutting-edge” technology, to undertake a pilot scheme for the programme.

    The commissioner explained that with the flag off, vulnerable people will be captured in the National Social Register (NSR) to enable them benefit from the National Social Safety net programme.

    “Governor Ben Ayade made this new opportunity possible , leveraging on the support of the Federal Government to enable this category of people, who were not previously captured in the social register, to rapidly identify, register and provide them with succour.

    “The RRR is designed to focus mainly on the urban poor wards selected using scientifically validated methods of satellite remote sensing technology, machine learning algorithm and big data analysis.

    “We are keying into the social protection method with the first strategy to be developed and tested across the 18 local government areas ,starting with 6 LGAs with poverty index in Cross River State.

    “Cross River State Government has flaged off the Rapid Response Register (RRR) Scheme aimed at reducing poverty among the poor and vulnerable citizens across the State”she added.

    Those in attendance at the flag off were Mr. Chris Anake, State Coordinator NASSCO; Mrs. Mbong Ausaji, Director of Administration MIDC; Mr. Mike Mgbekem, Director of Programs, MIDC; Mr. Otu Edem, Director PRS as well as the management and staff of State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU).

  • Margaret Inde Hosts Interactive Session For Cross River Urban To Rural Women Mentorship Programme In Obanliku

    By John Akpo

    The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Evang. Hon Mrs. Margaret Inde today played host to Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Linda Ayade as she held interactive session with Obanliku maidens, women, widows and others at the Council Secretariat in Sankwala.

    Dr. Linda Ayade who was represented by the Special Adviser, Cross River State Water Board LTD and Coordinator, Cross River Urban to Rural Women Mentorship Program, Hon. Agnes Atsu (JP) and Mr Fred Abua, the Press Secretary to her Excellency said this meeting was the first major interface with the 200 beneficiaries of the mentorship and empowerment program designed for young women.

    Receiving the team on behalf of Hon Margaret Inde, the First Lady and the Obanliku CROWEI Ambassador, Mrs Victoria Ugbe, along with the CROWEI Coordinator, Obanliku Chapter, Mrs Ulam thanked Dr (Mrs) Linda Ayade for matching her words with action.

    She expressed her sincere appreciation and happiness for Her Excellency choosing to commence the pilot phase of this laudable initiative in Obanliku.

    The Ambassador assured that Obanliku will ensure a smooth implimentation and sustainability of the program.

    Recall that on the 7th May, 2021, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade Inaugurated the State Exco for her new programme, CROWEI Urban To Rural Women Support Initiative Programme (CRU2RWI) with Hon. Agnes Atsu (JP) as State Coordinator with a charge to commence the pilot phase at Obanliku Local Government Area immediately.

    Today, Obanliku maidens, widows and others gathered at the Council Secretariat Sankwala from their various wards for an interactive session with the State Coordinator and her team.

    Speaking during the interactive session, the State Coordinator, Hon Agnes Atsu (JP) appreciated all participants and encouraged all to take advantage of the opportunity to better their life thereby fullfiling destiny

    Hon Atsu stressed that unlike other empowerment programs that has no good follow up, the organizers of this one will ensure proper monitoring and evaluation, hence plans are already on ground.

    In her words “Her Excellency is committed to ensure an implimentation of sustainable empowerment where beneficiaries can leverage on and create fortunes for themselves and their families”

    “We are aware, that many are here to get this empowerment, sell whatever would be given and return to their normal life, I assure you, we will drive you through a training process after which you will now be empowered”

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Press Secretary to her Execellency, Mr Fred Abua who also doubles as the Committee Secretary briefed the participants on the need for all to show seriousness and follow every step of the training.

    He also noted that “empowering women is very vital in every society especially like ours, if the society must experience rapid development, hence the idea of Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade”

    At the meeting, Hon Agnes Atsu informed the participants that very soon a team of trainers shall come and will take the participants on various entrepreneurial skills, trade and lots more.

     

  • The Sense And Nonsense In The “Think Obanliku” Movement BY DAVE IMBUA

     

    Perhaps, they are few people, most likely those who are not close to the social media that may not be aware of the emergent “Think Obanliku” movement, which is either exhilarating or infuriating constituents of Bekwarra/Obanliku/Obudu Federal Constituency depending on where they stand on the pendulum of justice as well as their understanding of democratic principles. A brief statement on power sharing in the said Federal Constituency may help some readers to put the yearnings and aspirations of the movement in perspective.

    For purposes of allocating seats in the Federal House of Representatives (the lower chamber of Nigeria’s bicameral National Assembly), Nigeria is divided into 360 Federal Constituencies, each of which is represented by one member in the House in a four-year term. As the name implies, the Bekwarra/Obanliku/Obudu Federal Constituency is composed of Bekwarra, Obanliku and Obudu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Northern Cross River State. The constituency elected Hon Mike Ogar of Bekwarra LGA as its representative in the 4th Parliament (beginning from 1999 when democracy returned to the country and ended in May 2003). His successor, Hon. Paul Adah, of blessed memory, represented the constituency in the 5th and 6th Parliament from 2003 to 2011. Hon. Adah was an indigene of Obudu LGA. Hon. Frank Adah of Obanliku LGA who succeeded Paul Adah was the constituency’s MP in the 7th Parliament (2011 – 2015). The incumbent, Rt Hon Legor Idagbo of Bekwarra LGA was first elected in 2015 and re-elected for a second term in 2019. This implies that he would have served for eight years when his second tenure will end in May, 2023.

    By virtue of the fact that the seat will become vacant in 2023, discussions are ongoing in several quarters on which of the three LGAs should produce the next MP. As part of their contribution to the debate, a group of progressive young people drawn from the three LGAs met in the nation’s capital sometime in January 2021 and brainstormed on the matter. Based on the fact that Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku have occupied the seat for 12, 8 and 4 years respectively, one of the attendees, Mr. Jeremiah Usheshe argued that for the sake of fairness, justice and equity, all constituents should “think Obanliku” (a phrase which could be interpreted as “consider Obanliku”) in the choice of the next MP for the constituency. His position which was unanimously adopted by other attendees became the basis of “Think Obanliku”, a slogan that is gaining popularity by the day. Irrespective of how anyone chooses to interpret the slogan or what the movement as a whole will become in the days ahead, it should not be forgotten that its original aim was to promote fairness, justice and equity among the LGAs in the Bekwarra/Obanliku/Obudu Federal Constituency.

    As is usually the case, the “For Justice, Fairness and Equity: Think Obanliku” (shortened simply as “Think Obanliku”) movement has both supporters and opponents in the three LGAs that make up the federal constituency in focus. Its supporters argue that as a “Government of the people, by the people, for the people” democracy should be inclusive by providing equal opportunities for both the majority and the minority. On the other hand, opponents of “Think Obanliku” see the movement as romantic nonsense and argue that democracy is purely a game of numbers and that those who have the numerical advantage should always have their way. Being promoters of the erstwhile undemocratic philosophy of “Might is Right”, they leave no one in doubt of their belief that those who are numerically powerful can do whatever they wish, even if their action promotes marginalisation and oppression. They have steadfastly dismissed the “Think Obanliku” movement with a flick of the hand and make jest of its proponents and supporters. Some of them have gone ahead to criticise Rt Hon. Idagbo for unwittingly giving credence to the movement by publicly saying that “Obanliku is the most marginalised Local Government” in the constituency.

    Ironically, the opponents of “Think Obanliku” are the same people that supported and applauded a similar movement, which culminated in the emergence of Sen. Professor Ben Ayade as governor of Cross River State in 2015. Cross Riverians still remember how Senator Liyel Imoke, whose leadership style transcends ethnicity and parochialism, ensured that power was transferred to the Northern Senatorial District, a district which before then had not produced a governor in the long history of Cross River State. This remarkable feat, as it were, gave the generality of the people of the state, especially the minority a sense of belonging, as they came to know that irrespective of their population and origin, they can aspire to the highest political office in the state on a rotational basis. Beneficiaries of that gesture, who are today insisting that democracy is purely about numerical strength should remember that it was not under military rule that Imoke took that brave decision, which has immortalised him in Cross River State’s political landscape. A product of justice, equity and fairness should not become the arrowhead of marginalisation in a lower political structure, where the circumstances to alienate, oppress and marginalise others favour him. He ought to be humbled and challenged by the goodwill that made him become a “strong man” in a state rich in tested and trusted political gladiators.

    Let me end by inviting the opponents of “Think Obanliku” to introspection and contemplation. You need to take some minutes to imagine what would have happened if the Bekwarra/Obanliku/Obudu Federal Constituency was a state of its own. Put differently, think about what would have happened if Cross River State was not blessed with Senator Imoke and his like, who defended justice, equity and fairness. By any ideal or religious standard, it is unethical to complain of injustice and marginalisation only when we are victims. Afterall, injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere! All lovers of justice, fairness and equity have a moral responsibility to “Think Obanliku” in their discussion of who takes over from Rt Hon Legor Idagbor in 2023. Rotation of power among the component units of any polity, however defined, is one of the surest ways of addressing alienation and marginalisation in a democracy.

    Dave Imbua writes from the beautiful hills of Bendi.

  • Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bags New Appointment

     

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Nigeria’s former President, Goodluck Jonathan as chairman of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise.

    ECOWAS disclosed the appointments in a statement published on its website after a two-day meeting which ended on May 25, 2021, in Ghana.

    As special envoy, Jonathan had helped ECOWAS to facilitate dialogue with all principal stakeholders in Mali’s leadership crisis.

    According to Jonathan’s media office, the former president ’s mediation efforts led to the release of the interim President of Mali, Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister, Moctar Ouane, by the country’s military.

    While Jonathan was appointed chairman, former Executive Secretary of the Mano River Union of Guinea, Madam Hadja Saran Daraba was named vice-chairman of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise – a supportive organ with a mandate to bring peace and stability among member states.

    According to ECOWAS, the council which was established in 1999 had been lying dormant for years, but was reconstituted lately due to the recent socio-political crisis across the region.

    Among the topical challenges bedeviling the West Africa region including Nigeria are terrorism and social unrest.

    On her part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, Ms. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, urged the new leadership of the council to “assist ECOWAS in delivering on its peace and stability mandate as a necessary condition for continuous development and regional integration efforts”.

  • World Menstrual Day: Wife Of Bekwarra Chairman, Mrs. Lucy Emeka Donates Sanitary Materials To Schools

     

    The wife of Bekwarra Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Lucy Emeka has donated sanitary materials to schools in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

    Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated on the 28th of May yearly. The theme for this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day is: “Action and Investment in Menstrual Hygiene and Health”

    The First Lady who was represented by the Bekwarra Local Government Director of Education, Mr. Akpanke Thomas Akpanke noted that Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is a global advocacy platform that brings together the voices and actions of non-profits organizations, government agencies, individuals, the private sector and the media to promote good menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) for all women and girls. It is also aimed at breaking the silence, raises awareness and changes negative social norms and stigma around Menstrual Health and Hygiene.

    The event attracted dignitaries at the event were the Secretary to Local Government Education Authority, Mrs. Agnes Adams, Supervisor for Education, Mr. Adie Benard Ojeni and S.A. to Chairman on Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Mary Ogbeche.

    High point of the event was the distribution of souvenirs containing several sanitary materials to school girls at Bekwarra Secondary School, Abuochiche and a brief sensitization on menstrual hygiene.

    The students were excited and appreciated the wife of the Chairman for affecting their life and changing the perspective about menstrual hygiene.

  • Dr. Linda Ayade Impacting Women And The Vulnerable In Cross River

     

    By Fred Abua

    If you are asking me what Dr. Linda Ayade can do to please those who insist on fitting her into the mould they have created and comparing her to their old role models, I will answer simply, NOTHING!

    Because everything she has done proves that she is a unique, focused, moral, self-motivated professional who is not propelled by a quest for fame and undue recognition! She is an educated, intelligent and urbane First Lady who is gifted with beauty and brains, elegance and poise, yet her chastity has never been at question. Never!

    Regrettably, if I may say so, blowing her own trumpet is a skill set she is reluctant to acquire, even after stepping into the murky arena of politics where self-appreciation is the way to go. So, she will continue to give secretly to those within her reach and be a true friend to her friends; she would continue to do only what is possible and within her means in the hopes that the Almighty God is watching. The approval of God is better than the praises of men.

    Critics often fail to understand that the Office of the First Lady has no budgetary allocation. It exists only in name and each occupant can only leverage on the platform it provides to pursue and fulfil their passions through collaborations with various stakeholders, relevant MDAs and development partners. Some First Ladies have even worked with business entities interested in fulfilling their Corporate Social Responsibility within their states while some have, unfortunately, blurred the lines between the First Lady and the various Ministries of Health, Women Affairs, Social Welfare, International Development Corporation, Education, or whichever they are interested in, usurping the functions of those Commissioners.

    This First Lady will NOT usurp another person’s duties!

    Dr. Linda Ayade is already running a pet project like almost all governors’ wives do – and she is not pedestrian about it, she is achieving her strategic goals with every passing day. Empirical evidence shows that her NGO, the Mediatrix Development Foundation, has impacted over 100,000 vulnerable and less privileged people within Cross River in various ways – various health services, sustainable livelihood interventions, educational services, advocacy for rights and justice.

    Those who try to diminish her achievements within this constituency by comparing them to some unrealistic once-upon-a-time feats done by someone somewhere are mere mischief makers who cannot differentiate media hype from actual impact on ground. Or perhaps, because of political differences, they are blinded to the very strides that have attracted many multinational organizations who now provide technical support and funding for many of MDF’s activities. Never in the history of Cross River has a First Lady’s pet project attracted funding from any UN organization (I stand to be corrected) but Dr. Linda Ayade’s MDF has partnered with the UNFPA, UNHCR, UNWomen, CUSO International, FHI360, GADA, US Embassy, Lafarge Holcim, 9Mobile Nigeria, amongst others. Pictorial evidence of interventions abound to prove all these claims.

    Dr. Ayade understands the problem of street children in Calabar and desires to contribute to solutions to this perennial problem that has been there from the early 2000s. This particular menace was one of the challenges Mrs. Obioma Imoke tried to address with her Destiny Child Centre located in Calabar South and we recall how some of the rehabilitated children always returned to the streets, rejecting reintegration with their families, while some of them either had no families to return to or were no more welcome there. Acknowledging this response and to avoid another failure in the effort to get our children off the streets means that a holistic programming that employs sustainable strategies relating to the protection of children is necessary. This, Dr. Linda Ayade, is fashioning with the Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare already.

    Time will fail me if I delve into the exploits of her political organization for women, Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative, CROWEI, which was created for the realization of the political and socio-economic goals of women in the state. This organization has ensured the inclusion of a reasonable number of women in appointive and elective offices in the state and has structures and an EXCO in all the wards of all the LGAs of the state.

    CROWEI is set to increase women participation in politics come 2023.

    Fred Abua is the Chief Press Secretary to Dr. Linda Ayade.

  • UNFPA Donates 1297 Dignity Kits To CRSG For Refugee Settlements in Ogoja

    By Elijah Ugani

    UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

    The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as part of its resolve to support the Cross River State Government to cater for the welfare of the Cameroonian Refugees in the state, has donated 1297 dignity kits to refugees in the settlements in Ogoja to help women and girls maintain their dignity during humanitarian crises.

    The dignity kit is a collection of different items: reusable sanitary pads, rechargeable solar lamp, omo detergent, medicated soap, female underwear, rubber slippers and blankets.

    Presenting the dignity kits to the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Head of UNFPA Calabar Sub Office, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin (represented by FGM Analyst- Ms Theresa Adah) noted that UNFPA is pleased to identify with the plight of the Cameroonian Refugees, as he commended the effort of the Cross River State Government and UNHCR to alleviate the plight of the refugees and stressed that the gesture is in consonant with the ‘delivery as one’.

    The Head of Calabar Sub Office averred that the focus of distribution of the dignity kits was on girls and women of reproductive age as well as other vulnerable women (such as women living with disabilities, women living with HIV and the elderly who may be the most vulnerable).

    She used the occasion to appeal to other refugees especially the male folks to bear with UNFPA at the moment.

     

    Receiving the Items on behalf of State Emergency Management Agency Director General, Mr. Princewill Ayim, the SEMA Supervisor for Adagom 1 settlement, Mr. Hillary Agida commended UNFPA for the donation and promised to work with UNHCR to ensure the successful distribution of the kits to the beneficiaries.

    Mr. Princewill Ayim, DG, State Emergency Management Agency, also used the opportunity to thank UNFPA for all the interventions in the state that seek to address the plight of Cross Riverians, and by extension the Cameroonian Refugees.

    He maintained that “Cross River State under the leadership of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade will continue to do its best for the Cameroonian Refugees”.

    Responding on behalf of the refugees, the Chairman, Relief Support and Crisis Management, Mr. Lawrence Eno thanked UNFPA for the support and averred that the gesture will support girls’ and women’s self-esteem and confidence to be able to participate in activities in the settlements. The solar lights, he says “will help our children read at night”.

    This donation of dignity kits comes barely one month after UNFPA organized a one-week training to increase the knowledge, skills and professional competencies of state and non-state actors to provide effective services to Gender Based Violence survivors in humanitarian settings.