Author: The Lumine News

  • Police investigation vindicates Pastor Bassey Udosen of N5million claim by Helen Isamoh

    Police investigation vindicates Pastor Bassey Udosen of N5million claim by Helen Isamoh

    By Admin

    Police interim investigation has vindicated Pastor Bassey Udosen of Message Point Assembly of N5million claim by Helen Isamoh, who is the SSA to Gov. Ben Ayade on Gender and Development.

    In a report signed by ASP Igri Ewa, the O/C Public Complaint Bureau, State Police Headquarters Calabar, the report vindicated Pastor Udosen of the allegation, thereby asking Engr. Orok John, the agent of Russell Investment, an online trading platform with headquarters in America to pay back Helen Isamoh the N5million.

    Helen Isamoh had earlier petitioned Pastor Bassey Udosen and Orok John, alleging that they both collected N5million from her under false pretence.

    But, the police investigation viewed the matter as a business investment.

    The police report said. “The second suspect, Orok John, admitted collecting five million from the complainant to invest in the business, that he never gave any kobo to the first suspect-Bassey Udosen.

    “In the light of the above, it is suggested that the second suspect, Engineer Orok be made to return the complainants money to her and Engineer Orok be made to face his case.

    In a chat with newsmen, Pastor Udosen said he has known Helen for almost four years because she usually come to his church for prayers and counselling.

    He said that he has never been into any marketing business before, but as a Pastor, he has congregation members who are into different fields of human endeavour.

    He explained that in 2017, Helen approached him and said she is into networking and would like to introduce him into “Micheno”.

    “Based on how I trusted her, I decided to invest because she had told me that all investors normally get 50% of their investment in return.

    “I gave her N9million to invest. When she did the investment, she came out to tell me that the money has crashed, therefore I need to forget about the money.

    “I told her that I needed to use the money for something and she was able to raise N5million for me. I knew she was lieing because she did not invest the money.

    “When I went to Micheno, I discovered that she did not put the money with Micheno, rather she invested the money with one woman, and when I confronted her, she accepted that she didn’t invest the money with Micheno because she heard that Micheno had already crashed.

    “I discovered that she used Micheno to collect the money from me. I collected N5million from her and she promised to pay me the balance of N4million in 2018 and till date, she hasn’t paid me the money, and I didn’t want to start having problems with her.

    “At the presence of the police, they asked her if she had introduced me into Micheno and if she was also owing me N4million, she admitted.

    “In February 2020, one member of my Church called Ephraim, told me about MBA investment and I quickly introduce Helen into it and she invested over N9million. As we speak, Helen makes nothing less than N1million from that business I introduced her into every month.

    “She has not come out to say anything on this because she is still collecting money from there every month. I want to make it clear here that I don’t have any business with Helen on any online marketing platform anymore.

    “When Engr. Orok, a member of my church told me about the Russell investment, I gave him N1.5million to invest for me,” he said.

    Pastor Bassey further said that he had to introduce Helen to Orok so that she can also invest in Russell Investment since she was into online business.

    According to him, Helen first invested N400,000 with Orok in Russell Investment and he was aware of the payment.

    “Aside the N400,000, I didn’t know of any other transaction again that happened between Orok and Helen. She kept telling me how she was benefitting.

    “One month after, Orok called me and said that there was a challenge because he could no longer withdraw money from the account.

    “I called both Helen and Orok to my office and I asked Orok to explain what happen, he then opened his phone and showed us all that transpired. I was worried because I have invested N4.5million too.

    “Orok explained to us that they were doing maintenance and after 14 says, nothing happened. It was then that I called her again so that we can see how to handle the matter, the only thing I saw was that Helen went ahead and brought police to invite me for questioning,” he said.

    Pastor Bassey maintained that Helen threatened his life and boasted on how she was going to use the social media to run him down in Cross River State because he is a pastor.

    He however, urged Helen to tell the public the truth and stop blackmailing his name and dragging his church into unnecessary social media fight.

    Speaking also, Orok corroborated Pastor Bassey’s statement, saying that Helen was dealing directly with him and not the pastor.

    Orok said that he had told Helen in the presence of the Police and his lawyer that he will be paying her N200,000 monthly until the N5million is exhausted.

    He said that after showing her the transaction which was no longer fruitful for withdrawal, he pleaded with Helen to agree with him on a repayment plan for the N5million, but she refused and said she wanted the cash in bulk.

  • BREAKING: INEC Announces December 5th For All Bye Elections

    BREAKING: INEC Announces December 5th For All Bye Elections

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has fixed December 5, 2020 for all pending bye election in the country.

    The decision was taken today after a critical meeting with all stakeholders by the Commission.

    In a release sighted by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Voters Education, Mr. Festus Okoye Esq., indicates that all bye elections will hold on December, 5th 2020.

    The release reads in parts “Based on these consultations, the Commission believes that security in the affected states has improved while the environmental challenges has reasonably abated. Consequently, the Commission has decided to hold all pending bye elections on Saturday, December 5th, 2020”

    Recall that the Commission had met with all Resident Electoral Commissioner on  October 22, 2020 and postponed the bye election that was fixed for October 31 due to the security and environmental challenges.

  • NCDMB Under Legor Awards Contract For The Development Of Three Youth Centres In His Constituency

    NCDMB Under Legor Awards Contract For The Development Of Three Youth Centres In His Constituency

     

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB has awarded contracts worth over four hundred and ninety million Naira for youth development focused projects in Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas in Cross River State.

    The contracts include NCDMB ICT Centre in Bendi Technical School, Bendi, Obanliku LGA, NCDMB ICT Centre in Clement Ebri Technical School at Utugwang, Obudu LGA and completion and upgrade of Youth Resource Centre at Abuochiche, Bekwarra LGA.

    The contracts were awarded to Ayioludo Nig. Ltd of 16 Okpaoloko Road, Abachor Igbeku-Yala, Cross River State, Ibex Train Ltd, Abuja and Kresto Paco, Abuja.

    The projects are facilitated by Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo who is Chairman Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring in the House of Representatives.

    The Member Representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives said the intention is to build the capacities of young persons to seize the opportunities provided by Local Content in the oil and gas, power, ICT and other sectors.

    He added that as part of his oversight functions he would ensure that the contracts are executed to specification and are completed within specified timelines which is six months in order for his constituents to enjoy the benefits of the project and the dividends of democracy.

    He concluded that the leaning to youth development focused projects were intentional as the youth demographic are the key to national development and are close to his heart; the recent agitation by youths nationwide being a pointer to the neglect of the demographic.

    It can be recalled that only recently, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo facilitated a month long training of over 300 young people in GSM phone repairs, hardware, software and entrepreneurship development in his Federal Constituency by Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

    Indeed, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo is an outstanding representative in the Green Chambers and is drawing development to his Federal Constituency and making a difference for his people. He is deserving of the continuing support of the people.

  • Social Safety Net: Cross River Emerges First State to Transit From YESSO To NASSCO In Nigeria

    Social Safety Net: Cross River Emerges First State to Transit From YESSO To NASSCO In Nigeria

     

    Cross River State has emerged the first state in Nigeria to successfully qualify and transit to National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) after the closure of Youth Employment and Social Support Operation ( YESSO) in the country.

    The state under *Governor Ben Ayade* had met all the required criteria and completed the full documentation and assessment by NASSCO, hence the commencement of the programme.

    Speaking during the take off of the program in Calabar, Governor Ben Ayade said that Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) in Cross River State through the State Operation Coordination Unit(SOCU) has been touching lives in the last Seven years.

    “Cross River State intends to use the Social register to drive Human Capital Development and increase access to targeted transfers to poor and vulnerable households under an expanded state social safety net system

    Earlier in his speech, *Mr Apera Iorwa* , the National Coordinator of NASSCO assured the state Government of his cooperation in increasing and building the state social register of poor and vulnerable households within the stupulated record time.

    NASSCO is saddled with the responsibility of building the National Social Register and coordinating livelihood support to extremely poor & vulnerable households in Nigeria.

    “We are developing a social safety nets framework that will help the state in implementing its social protection policies inline with the new NASSCO guidelines and protocols.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner, Ministry of International DevelopmentCooperation, *Inyang Asibong* opined that ” His Excellency Senator Prof Ben Ayade has prioritized social protection (SP) interventions as a key strategy towards reducing poverty and socio-economic vulnerabilities in cross river state” Asibong added.

    “The Permanent Secretary *Mr Felix Ita* envisaged that about fifty four thousand (54,000) households, and almost two hundred and ninety nine thousand (299,000) persons were captured in the intervention projects and programes in all the eighteen local Government Areas”.

    The State Coordinator, State Operation Coordinating Office, *Mr. Chris Anake* while commending the Governor, reassured him of SOCU commitment on achieving the state deliverables.

    Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the Cross River YESSO seven- year programme exit report by the Commissioner, MIDC to the State Governor, Sen Prof Ben Ayade.

  • Gully Erosion That Threatens Residents Of Ikot Effanga Mkpa

    Gully Erosion That Threatens Residents Of Ikot Effanga Mkpa

    By Elijah Ugani

    The ravaging gully erosion at Stream Road (Usung Efag)/Water Board in Ekot Effanga Mkpa Clan, Ward 9, Calabar Municipality remain unabated as residents continue to call government attention to the deadly trap occasioned by the gully erosion.

    One of the residents, Hon. Ekuma JP, told The Lumnine News that “we are helpless in the circumstance and until government comes to our rescue, we are going to be cut off from our normal life. I want to appeal to both the Chairman of Council and the governor to please come to our rescue.

    Recall that the Councillor representing Ward 9, Calabar Municipality Council, Hon. Solomon Etim Ika, had on Friday, 30th October, 2020 through a MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC INTEREST, during plenary, drew the attention of the legislature to the ugly situation and called on both the local and state governments to rise to the challenge of the moment to safe residents of the clan the stress of not being able to access their homes should the erosion persist.

  • Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom Felicitates With Aides, Stephen Okpako, Odey Aganyi and Okwori Mary Amicable On Their Birthday

    Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom Felicitates With Aides, Stephen Okpako, Odey Aganyi and Okwori Mary Amicable On Their Birthday

    The member representing Ogoja/Yala federal constituency heartily felicitates with members of his team, Stephen Okpako, Odey Aganyi and Okwori Mary Amicable on the occasion of their birthday.

    The MP in a statement, on his verified Facebook page, @Jarigbe Agom, extended his regards to the celebrants, and wished them a fruitful year.

    His words, “I wish you all a fruitful new year as you open new chapters of your lives, may joy and progress never cease to locate you all”

    Congratulations and happy birthday to you all.

    Sign: Rt.Hon Jarigbe Agom
    Member Representing Ogoja/Yala federal Constituency.

  • Breaking: Two inmates Of The Nigeria Correctional Centre, Tests Positive For COVID-19.

    Breaking: Two inmates Of The Nigeria Correctional Centre, Tests Positive For COVID-19.

    Two inmates of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Cross River State Custodial Center has tested positive for COVID-19.

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Beta Edu confirmed the first-hand development as she disclosed that, they are two, one male the other female. She further revealed that they have been isolated to avoid spread.

    ©CrossRiverWatch

  • Gov Umahi Set To Leave PDP For The Ruling Party APC

    Gov Umahi Set To Leave PDP For The Ruling Party APC

    The Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, told the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja on Tuesday that he was leaving the party.

    He said he would join the ruling All Progressives Congress which he claimed would protect the interest of the South -East in the 2023 elections.
    Our correspondent gathered that Umahi told the members of the National Working Committee of the PDP that his decision to join the APC was irrevocable.

    The members of the PDP NWC , who were led to the meeting by its National Chairman , Prince Uche Secondus , were said to have tried in vain to convince the governor not to abandon the party.

    Apart from Secondus, among those that were at the meeting at the Ebonyi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja were Deputy National Secretary, Agbo Emmanuel ; National Organising Secretary, Austin Akobondu; Financial Secretary, Abdullahi Maibasira; National Women Leader, Mariya Waziri and Senator Sulieman Nazif.
    The governor was said to be friendly when he received the PDP delegation, but stuck to his decision to leave the PDP when the issue came up.

    It was gathered that the PDP delegation impressed it upon the governor that there was no need leaving the PDP for the APC , which they argued had become unpopular.
    Sources at the meeting, however, said the governor was not convinced, insisting that the APC was planning to zone the 2023 Presidency to the South-East.
    He was said to have promised to stay in the PDP if the party could make a pronouncement that it would zone the Presidency to the same zone.

    One of the sources said, “I think his (governor’s ) mind was made up. We told him there was no need for him to abandon the party that had made him a deputy governor , state chairman of the party , two -time governor and all that. But he refused.

    “He wanted us to unilaterally zone the office of the Presidency to his area . We cannot do that. Parties are not run that way. He told us he was leaving . That is what we got from him.”

    When contacted, Secondus confirmed that the party ’s leadership met with Umahi .
    He, however, refused to declared the details of the meeting , insisting that the meeting was on ‘‘ national issues. ’’

    Punch

  • SACA DG Decries Stigmatization Of Persons Living With HIV, Debunks Myths That HIV Is A Scam.

    SACA DG Decries Stigmatization Of Persons Living With HIV, Debunks Myths That HIV Is A Scam.

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Director General of the Cross River State Action Committee on AIDS SACA, Dr. Ansa Etcheri has expressed concern on the stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS, especially by health personnel who ethically should protect them.

    Etcheri stated this at the inaugural planning meeting for the 2020 World AIDS Day.

    Her words “The Human Immuno-deficiency Virus(HIV) still exists. It is heart touching to note that persons infected with HIV are being stigmatized, especially by health personnel who ethically should protect them”

    The DG stressed that HIV is like other illnesses such as Malaria, Hypertension amongst others. She used the opportunity to call on those who have hitherto tested positive to HIV, to gracefully access anti-retroviral drugs bearing in mind that the new drug reduces the viral load that would make a patient healthier.

    Dr. Etcheri maintained that with the theme for the 2020 World AIDS Day, “Global Solidarity; Shared Responsibility”, the celebration will not be a fanfare but more of communicating the right information to the grassroots and community level in order to reduce the current prevalent rate of 2% in Cross River State.

    The DG however entreats all Cross Riverians to adhere to the Covid – 19 protocols and ensure regular use of nose masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Tuberculosis and HIV.
    She maintained that ” the carting away of samples from the Infectious Disease Hospital in Calabar, has made majority of the resident in Calabar susceptible to contacting this viruses, and encouraged adherence to preventive measures.

    The planning meeting was attended by critical stakeholders and partners in the health sector, where they made commitment to the success of this year’s celebration.

  • Dearest Sikile Inde, You’re Are A Shinning Star Clothed With Wisdom For The Manifestation Of God’s Glory.

    Dearest Sikile Inde, You’re Are A Shinning Star Clothed With Wisdom For The Manifestation Of God’s Glory.

    By Elijah Ugani

    Happy birth anniversary to you dear Sikile Inde,

    You’re are a shinning star clothed with wisdom for the manifestation of God’s glory.

    You have been a blessing to your parents, siblings, peers and associates. Your presence has always created positive impacts wherever you go.

    You’re humility personified, your beauty is priceless.
    Your respect for humanity is highly commendable.
    Your love for your creator is quite exhilarating.
    Your resolve in the pursuit of the ideals with dexterity and equanimity leaves much to be desired about you.

    On this auspicious day of your birth anniversary, may God in his benevolence and magnanimity enlarge your coast for greater exploits both in your anticipated profession and your quest to serve him and humanity.

    As you mark this day in this physio-temporal terrain, may God perfect everything that concerns you, provide you with global platforms as well as the auction to function for the manifestation of his glory that he may be glorified in your existence. May your life be a leading and shinning example for others to follow.

    I wish you heaven choicest blessings as you begin another cycle of life today.
    May all doors that were shut against you be opened and may you find exceptional favour and grace to direct your affairs.

    May the Lord grant you his love, wisdom and care, may he never depart from you in times of challenges. May his face shine upon you to direct your affairs in times of difficulties.

    Congratulations to you once again.
    The future is even brighter as the best is yet to come.

    Be rest assured of my goodwill and prayers even now and always.
    Enjoy your day and have a blast!

    With much of love, I heart you, my adorable Queen.

    Elijah Ugani Cares!