The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Ayade Chief Press Secretary Bars Media Aides From Speaking For The Governor

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ben Ayade, Mr. Christian Ita has barred all Media Aides working in the Press to desist from speaking for the Governor.

    In a release sighted by The Lumine News, and signed by Mr. Christain Ita, he warned that on no account should an appointee in the Media unit posture, parade or pass himself/herself off as speaking for His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade.

    The release reads in full “I have observed with utter disappointment that some persons in the Media Unit have regrettably arrogated to themselves the role of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and have persistently been posturing as speaking for the governor.

    “The latest of such incident occurred yesterday when one of the appointees in the unit reportedly spoke on a delicate issue he had no authorization is a case in point.

    “While I am still battling to clear the mess occasioned by the brazen zealotry of the purported spokesperson, may I warn that on no account should an appointee in the Media unit posture, parade or pass himself/herself off as speaking for His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade.

    “As a reminder, the responsibility of speaking for His Excellency the Governor, remains the exclusive preserve of the Special Adviser on Media/Chief Press Secretary.

    “Moving forward, any further circumvention of this warning shall be greeted with the severity of penalty it deserves, including a redeployment from the unit.

    “For a coordinated flow of information and a strategic response to issues that border on the Governor’s image, ONLY the Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser on Media and Publicity holds the gavel, unless as he so delegates.

    “Signed.

    “Christian Ita

    “Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor”

  • UNICAL Announces Date For 34th Convocation Ceremony

    By Elijah Ugani

    The University of Calabar has announced a week long activities for the 34th convocation ceremony.

    In a release made available to The Lumine News signed by the Registrar, Mr. Gabriel O. Egbe fcal indicates that the ceremony is for graduands up to and including the 2019/2020.

    The release reads in parts “The 34th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar is hereby announced for the benefit of the general public and for graduands of this university. The ceremony which is for graduands up to and including the 2019/2020 session is as follows… ”

    According to the release, Press conference is to hold on Tuesday, March 23rd 2021 at the Council Chambers of the university.

    Convocation lecture is to hold on Friday, March 26th 2021 to be delivered by Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transport, on: The National Question and the Challenges of Nationhood.

    While Groundbreaking ceremony of the KAM-wire ODL Building and award of Diplomas/First Degrees/Higher Degrees/Conferment of Honorary Degree and induction into UNICAL Alumni will hold on Saturday, 27th March, 2021.

  • Pregnant Woman Hacks Her Husband To Death In Delta Over Extramarital Affairs

    By Admin

    A pregnant woman has allegedly hacked her husband to death over an alleged extramarital affair in Delta State.

    The incident happened on Monday, March 15, at Ekrejebor axis of Ughelli town in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

    The Lumine News gathered that the 22-year-old woman identified as Faith Okiemute allegedly killed her husband, Edafe Unuakpor, aged 27, with a machete.

    According to reports, after allegedly committing the crime, she fled to the Ughelli ‘A’ Division Police Station to escape jungle justice.

    “The woman was angry that her husband did not spend the night at home. After his return, she accused him of having been with another woman and machete him in one of his hands and abdomen,” a source said.

    “She ran to Ughelli ‘A’ Division police to report herself while friends of her husband rushed him to the Ughelli Central Hospital where he was confirmed dead. Angered by his death, the friends brought and dumped his corpse at the entrance of the Ughelli ‘A’ Division of the Nigeria Police which led to sporadic shooting by the police to disperse the crowd.” the source added.

    The Delta State Police acting Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident, said investigation is ongoing.

    The couple has a two-year-old child together while the pregnant woman is said to have two children with a former husband before she married the deceased.

     

    Warri Aproko TV wrote on Facebook;

    “#Update

    FURTHER DETAILS ON WOMAN WEY KILL HER HUSBAND FOR UGHELLI.

    VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

    Na Okiemute be name of the woman wey kill her husband Dafe for Ughelli this morning and she be marriage returnee as she don first go marriage before but return back to her papa house with two children before this young boy wey she kill today go marry her.

    Our reporter say na as the man return to his house this morning naim the woman engage am in a heated argument wey later degenerate into mortal combat Naim the woman carry cutlass take give the man finishing and doctors confirm the guy dead on arrival at the hospital.

    As at the time of this report, the killer wife dey chill out with police for Ughelli area command.”
    https://www.facebook.com/109349297877389/posts/115192770626375/?app=fbl

  • Anti-labour Bill: Cross River Organized Labour Takes Protest To House Of Assembly

    By Favour Izukah

    The Cross River Labour Chapter has embarked on a protest against a bill tagged by them as “Anti-labour” bill, which was proposed by Honourable Member Garba Datti Mohammed representing Sabon Gari Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.

    The protest which was held at the Cross River State House of Assembly Complex was to move against the bill which has passed the first and second reading seeking the transfer of minimum wage from Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.

    According to the organized labour,

    passing such bill to law implies that the effort of the work force in the country to free itself from unfavourable conditions is a waste. Moreso, the bill only places them at the mercy of the state.

    However, the protest was made at the State’s house of Assembly to call on the Speaker, Rt. Honourable Etanj Jona William, to rule against the bill when it comes to the Assembly for confirmation.

    The protest was also used to table Local issues affecting workers in the state which includes; Release of gratuities to retirees, promotion implementation, release of the deduction made on Worker’s Salaries amongst others.

    Reacting to the protest, the Speaker of

    the Cross River State House of Assembly assured that the Honourable Members are in support of the workers and if they tag the bill as Anti-Labour, so it is.

    ” We are in total solidarity with you as an Assembly. We stand by you and we will walk with you. If we need to go up with you we will and if we need to go down with you we will.

    “I am assuring you one thing, if the bill comes to us for a concurrent confirmation, we will reject it.

    ” We work for the people and we are elected for the people. If you say the bill is wrong, I don’t think we have any right to continue.

    ” You have told us the bill is Anti-people. We will maintain it. Cross River state of Assembly says no to it.

    “I will take the copy of the material presented to me to the conference of speakers. We will deliberate on it and that decision must be favourable for you.

    On the part of the local issues affecting the workers in the State tabled before the Speaker, he said that the issues have been raised on several occasions but he will work at addressing them soonest.

    “On the issue that concerns the state, on more than three occasion we have taken up the matter and we will continue to take the matter up. I will meet with the new Head of Service and this will be part of the

    issue I will be discussing with her, which I will then take up to His excellency for final approval”.

  • Over 1,000 Corps Members Takes Oath Of Allegiance In Cross River

    By Admin

    A total of 1, 100 Corps Members deployed to Cross River state for the 2021 Batch ‘A’, Stream 1 Service year have been sworn in.

    Declaring the ceremony open, NYSC State Coordinator for Cross River, Alhaji Mohammed Nakamba who presided over the event charged them to be good ambassadors of the scheme and the nation at large. He stressed the need for the corps members to uphold the tenets of the scheme which is geared towards promoting national unity and integration.

    The Coordinator further explained that the NYSC is a tool for promoting national unity and integration. He therefore admonished the Corps Members to interact freely across all cultural backgrounds, adding that they should see themselves as one and do away with every prejudice held against any tribe.

    He also urged them to maintain all COVID-19 protocols as stipulated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.

    His words “Most Nigerians believe that the coronavirus is a scam but you must understand that we are talking about your safety. COVID-19 is real and you must adhere strictly to the protocols that’s why you were all tested before you were allowed into the camp. You must wear your nose mask at all times, maintain social distancing and wash your hands regularly.

    “Let me also inform you that the NYSC scheme does not condone any form of misconduct. You must be responsible at all times and ensure that you contribute towards the the developmental strides of the nation”.

    He commended the federal and state governments for the ongoing erosion control works and renovation of some facilities at the orientation camp.

    The oath of allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Ikpeme who was represented by the Judge of Obubra High Court, Justice Emmanuel Ubua.

    Speaking with newsmen after the event, the Corps Members promised to be good ambassadors of the scheme. They were excited to have been inducted into the NYSC after the long break caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Four Signs Your Female Friend Want To Have S3x With You

    women are complicated , not only are they hard to read, but they often don’t disclose everything they’re feeling. This can make it especially difficult to understand if they’re interested in a friendship or a romantic relationship.

    I mean, it’s easy to tell when a guy wants to have s3x with his female friends.

    But what about the other way around? Admittedly, the world is full of women who are desperately trying to take their friendship to the next level. Nobody wants to be stuck in the “friendzone of shame.”

    But don’t worry, gentleman. If you’re wondering if your female friend wants to sleep with you, then there are a few key signs to look out for.

    1. She Puts Effort Into Her Appearance
    Sure, she rocks yoga pants and a messy bun when she’s out with the girls. But when you’re around, it’s full-on makeup and an outfit that makes her body look absolutely bangin’.

    You didn’t just catch her on the way to dinner. She knows exactly what she’s doing. And that’s making sure she’s the hottest thing in your line of sight.

    Eyeliner? Perfect. Lipstick? On Fleek. Hairdo? Not a single strand out of place.

    Oh, and what’s that lovely scent? That’s right — she also made sure to douse herself in her favorite perfume. Whether it’s White Almond Huckleberry Blossom or Indian Summer Fresh Citrus, she’ll want you to smell her long after she’s gone.

    2. She Doesn’t Talk About Her Dating Life
    While she loves to interject herself into your current relationships, she wants to keep hers off-limits.

    I mean, you wouldn’t brag about your love life to your crush, would you?

    Exactly.

    She’s keeping her doors open to a possible relationship with you. And that means avoiding any unwanted awkwardness or jealousy that could come from talking about her dating life.

    On the other hand, she might complain about how bad her new boy toy is in bed. If that’s the case, then she’s probably hoping that you’ll save her from her misery.

    3. She Texts You Randomly Throughout the Day
    She saw a cute dog. She heard a funny joke. She read about some heated debate in the New York Times. Everything she sees throughout her day reminds her of you.

    And she’s not afraid to tell you.

    Little reminders show you that you’re always on her mind. It also keeps her in the picture. You know, just in case you were out checking out other girls or something.

    4. She Uses Any Excuse to Touch You
    Fellas, this may be the most obvious sign yet.

    If she grazes her knee against yours or touches your biceps when telling a joke, she’s totally DTF. Trust me — no woman wants to touch or even go near a guy she didn’t find attractive.

    Also, take note of how she touches herself when you two are together (not like that — get your mind outta the gutter.)

    Is she playing with her hair? Is she licking her lips? Is she pulling down her shirt to expose a little bit more of her cleavage? These are just a few s3xy signals she’s trying to give off.

  • Ogoja Diocese Releases Programme Of Events For The Centenary Celebration

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Catholic Diocese of Ogoja has released a programme of events as streamlined for the centenary celebration.

    In a release signed by the Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Emma Eroh indicates that the Liturgical Commission Chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Omang will manned the diocesan retreat scheduled for March, 2021, while the Bishop, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Edet Akpan will visit deaneries for Cathedraticum and possible encounter with institutions, both church and circular.

    The release reads in parts “March 2021:
    Diocesan retreat with the same programme for the entire diocese to be manned by the chairman of the Liturgical Commission, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Omang and
    Bishop’s visit to deaneries for Cathedraticum and possible encounter with some institutions both Church and secular.

    “APRIL PROGRAMME:
    Religious profession of the Sister of Notre Dam (24th of April).

    “MAY PROGRAMME: 8th – 16th.

    “May 8th: Priestly ordination

    “Monday 10th May, 2021:
    Centenary Baptism of at least one hundred candidates drawn from all the parishes in the diocese.
    Laying of the foundation stone in the New Cathedral site. There is a possibility of cultural display in the course of this event.

    “Tuesday 11th May, 2021:
    Confirmation of at least hundred candidates drawn from all parishes in the diocese.

    “Wednesday 12th May, 2021:
    Bishop’s centenary visit to selected places such as the Nigerian Correctional Centres, orphanages, refugees settlements, the oldest diocesan school, old Catholics who can no longer go to Church, etc.

    “Thursday 13th May, 2021:
    Mass wedding of no less than hundred proposed couples drawn from all parishes in the diocese.
    Arrival of invited bishops

    “Friday 14th May, 2021:
    10am: Centenary lecture entitled: Recreating the Early Missionary Spirit in the Nigerian Modern Evangelization/presentation of awards
    The proposed paper presenter: His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji
    Proposed Paper Moderator: Sir Col. Paul Edor Obi
    Main discussants:
    Rev. Fr. Dr. Uche Obodo Echina
    Very Rev. Fr. Everastus Bassey
    Sir Dr.Bob Eriom
    Prof. Francis Ganyi
    Launching of history book. Conferment of Monsignors to Ogoja diocesan priests from 65 years of age and above
    Conferment of awards on:
    Selected Ogoja sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in supporting the Church in the diocese
    Best and exemplary couples.
    Outstanding catechists
    6pm: Vesper/investiture of awardees during the Gala Night

    “Saturday 15th May, 2021
    10am: Investiture of Catechists.

    “Sunday 16th May, 2021
    Thanksgiving Mass/public presentation of awardees”

  • No Amount Of Blackmail Will Change Akpagu’s Legacies – Unical Staff

     

    Some staff of the University of Calabar, Unical have raised alarm that some disgruntled elements who felt they didn’t benefit enough from the administration of the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Zana Akpagu are sponsoring smear campaign against him.

    Speaking on the condition of anonymity, they warned those behind the blackmail to desist from it and repent adding that their campaign won’t change the fact that Akpagu was and still remain the best Vice Chancellor of the University since its inception.

    One of them, a former Director in the university said that, “what is happening in Unical is very shameful. It is shameful in the sense that some cabal in the University, most of whom Prof. Akpagu gave name in the university, in a bit to show the current leadership loyalty have resorted to sponsoring smear campaign against him on social media.

    “Yesterday, I stumbled on one where they even claimed the University was given COVID-19 funds but was stolen under his administration. The FG announced resumption of school when Akpagu had almost left. And besides, when did they give the money when we were on strike throughout the peak of the pandemic? Even when we called off the strike, school didn’t resume immediately”.

    He added that “to succeed in pulling Akpagu down, they should go and undo all the faculties and departments he created, break all the gigantic buildings he built, destroy the roads he rehabilitated, make the University insecure. They should just do away with everything he did in Unical because it’s only then they can succeed”.

    Another, a Professor in the school of medical sciences who also didn’t want his name mentioned for fear of victimization said that fighting Akpagu is like fighting the wind because his performances will remain very tall in the history book of the University.

    According to him, “let me tell you, what is happening in Unical today cannot happen in the West or North. The other day I saw that they setup committee to investigate the employment done by Akpagu. What a shame. I was in Nasarawa State for an assignment when I saw one big man with 74 employment letters for his people. Most of those people didn’t even apply for jobs. We’ve not heard noise like we’re hearing in Unical.

    “I’m not a Cross Riverian but I know that Akpagu did everything within his power to employ qualified Cross River indigenes in Unical. It wasn’t like that before. Now, you setup a commitee with a predetermined agenda to sack all the people he has employed because you feel he didn’t support you to become Vice Chancellor. Are you doing him or the innocent people you want to render jobless?

    “Even if Akpagu was a devil, being the first alumnus to become VC, he deserves better. He deserves some respect. I’m not saying Akpagu is a saint but who is that saint that wants to cast the first stone? The current VC has made history as the first woman just like Akpagu did as the first alumnus, what we expect is that she should complement the efforts of her predecessor, where she see loopholes, correct and not try to wipe out the memories of him because she doesn’t know who will come after her “.

    Another who simply introduced himself as Dr. Effiom said that “when I came here, many people tried to poison my mind that the VC was fighting Akwa Ibom people but I later saw that that wasn’t the case. He employed me even when we have never met before. And if you check what Zana has done, you’ll struggle to justify why some people think they should bring him down by all means. He made some mistakes which is normal as human but what do they stand to benefit from all these? Cross River people should learn from the North. They like fighting themselves too much.

    “I know he was a tough guy but to achieve what he did, he needed to be tough. I saw one funny writeup about him increasing acceptance fee or running a no fee, no exams policy. These things are makebelief stories to misinform the public. No Vice Chancellor, no matter how powerful can take these decisions single handedly. These are Senate decisions and the University Senate compromised of intellectuals, Professors who don’t look at any body’s face to talk.

    “Another funny issue I hear them talk about is that he didn’t implement promotion arrears. I don’t know where they get these kinds of stories from but the truth is that, there’s no Senate in Unical history that has promoted more people to professorial rank like the one under Zana.

    “Also, remember that the federal government had more influence on salary payment under Zana than any other administration before him. When the government was paying incomplete salaries, people said it was Zana. If there were issues with promotion arrears, then it was with government not him. Now there’s IPPIS, would you blame the current VC over some people that are being short payed?

    “My appeal is for those looking for favour from the new administration to look for other means of doing that. Distracting the new VC or poisoning her mind against her former boss whom she served under as Deputy is not doing anybody any good. It’s just too early. If these things are not properly managed, don’t forget that Zana still enjoys strong support in the university. If his supporters start talking, the University not Zana will be the biggest victim “.

  • Jarigbe Agom Vs Stephen Odey: The Favour Factor By First Baba Isa

     

    Now, that I have read the full majority decision of the Supreme Court and the full minority decision of the Supreme Court, I make these comments.

    Jarigbe Agom has claimed several times that his battle is of the Lord, I’m beginning to see that. There is no way to explain what happened at the Supreme Court without ascribing it to the divine. The opposition handed him that victory on a platter of gold.

    Let me explain.

    1. That I love Jarigbe Agom is an open secret. Most people even think I’m one of his lawyers, on his pay roll, but I’m not. I was not that fortunate. 😀 I openly supported him in this fight simply because I felt and still feel that he was pushed into the battlefield. I feel the leaders of the PDP in Cross River State brought this unnecessary intra party fight upon themselves. My adumbrations on this is well known and well documented.

    2. Somehow I thought Jarigbe will win the legal battles about the authentic list, who is the party candidate and who was elected. I prayed for him to win. I wished I was even part of his legal team, even if it is pro bono. This is because I saw him as the underdog; I always support underdogs, I always want underdogs to win.

    3. So, as each of Jarigbe’s legal victories was announced, I celebrated, I congratulated him.

    4. However, when the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the FCT High Court ordering INEC to issue Jarigbe certificate of return as the duly elected senator representing Cross River State Northern Senatorial District, I went into a panicked celebration. I even wrote a piece where I expressed my fear that Jarigbe was at the cusp of winning big or losing it all.

    5. Why was I worried? It was clear as crystal to any lawyer who is not totally blinded by partisan politics that that decision cannot stand because necessary parties (PDP and Stephen Odey) were not joined. I didn’t say this much but I was 200% sure that the Supreme Court will throw it out. In fact, I was simply waiting for this to happen. That’s why I advised strongly against Jarigbe being sworn in before the determination of the case at the Supreme Court. I was worried he will lose his seat as House member and then still get thrown out as senator. There were still other ways (including the Election Tribunal) that he could still had bounced back; but I didn’t want him losing it all before bouncing back.

    6. When Stephen Odey appealed, I was like “oh my God, it’s gonna happen. Jarigbe can’t win this one.” First, appealing wasn’t the first best option I saw for Stephen, but appeal was the second best and his lawyers choose appeal. I wonder why they didn’t choose the first but well, it doesn’t matter, Jarigbe won’t survive the Supreme Court anyways.

    7. Of course, I didn’t shout about my fear and conviction that Jarigbe won’t survive Supreme Court; I didn’t want to dampen morale and I still hoped that he will come out victorious. In fact, I told my friend, Joseph Ishaje, that Jarigbe will only win at the Supreme Court if Stephen Odey and his lawyers make a grave mistake. And this is exactly what happened!

    8. Stephen Odey made that grave mistake. They failed to serve the notice of appeal properly. And when they were caught in the act, they attempted to correct it “fraudulently”; the majority of the Supreme Court Justices saw through it all and struck out the appeal.

    9. The minority of Supreme Court Justices who looked at the substantive appeal upheld it and overturned the decision of the Court of Appeal on the grounds I feared they would: the FCT High Court lacked jurisdiction because proper parties were not joined.

    10. The Supreme Court minority decision on the substantive appeal is sound and the majority decision striking out the Notice of Appeal is also very sound. In the end Jarigbe won. He won by the costly mistake of Dr Stephen Odey or what I see as favour from God. The appeal was struck out and the statutory period to relist has elapsed. So, the judgement of the Court of Appeal stands and the certificate of return issued to Rt Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe remains valid.

    11. This looks more like God’s favour when you consider the fact that Stephen Odey was represented by the legal god of election petition. The revered SAN doesn’t make those kind of mistakes. Even the Justice who read the lead judgement insinuated this much.

    12. So, why has Jarigbe not been sworn in? Why is Stephen Odey turning round to say the judgement he appealed doesn’t apply to him? All those ones na politics. If politicians can play politics with people’s lives, is it judgement of the Supreme Court they can’t play politics with?

    13. Is it over for Stephen Odey? From where I stand, there is still a lot of legal tiki taka to be played on this issue, but trying to stop Jarigbe Agom from being sworn in through letter writing by lawyers is not one of them.

    – Written By First Baba Isa (FBI), a Legal Practitioner, based in Abuja.

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are strictly that of the author, First Baba Isa and does not represent The Lumine News or the organization the author works for.

  • Man Arrested, Arraigned For Refusing To Return N2m Wrongly Paid Into His Bank Account

     

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, arraigned Odejobi Temitope Michael, before Justice E. N. Alukwu of the State High Court in Enugu.

    Michael was charged for failing to return N2,000,000 wrongly sent to his account. The money was inadvertently paid in February 2019, by Chikezie Chukuma, who thought the account belonged to an auto dealer. It was when Chukuma went to take delivery of the car he realized the error in payment.

    But the defendant failed to refund the money, forcing the owner to report the matter. Michael pleaded “not guilty” when the charge was read to him. His lawyer, B. J. Adigwe filed a motion for bail pending the determination of the case. The prosecution counsel, S. C. Anyanwu, opposed.

    Anyanwu argued that Michael might not return to face trial if he goes back to Benin Republic where he resides. Justice Alukwu ordered the remand of the defendant in EFCC custody and adjourned the case until April 25, 2021.