The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Breaking News: Man Gets 7 Years Six Months Imprisonment For Rapping Six Years Old Child.

    By Admin

    Mr. Isaac Evaghoghome has been convicted and sentenced to 7 years, six months imprisonment for rapping a six year girl.

    According to the prosecuting counsel, James Ibor Esq, “Isaac pleaded guilty to the charge of rape of a child (6 years at time of incident) is been convicted and sentenced to a term of 7 years and 6 months imprisonment by His Lordship, Hon. Justice E. E Ita.

    “I thank the Ministry of Justice, Cross River State, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State and Basic Rights Counsel Initiative for the great job”

  • UBA, Former Staff In Court Over Entitlements

    By Joseph Kingston, Calabar

    The United Bank for Africa (UBA) and its former staff, Mr Anthony Idagu, are in court over an alleged refusal of the bank to pay him his entitlements since 2018, as well as an unjustified termination of Idagu’s appointment after 18 years of meritorious service.

    The case, which is in the National Industrial Court, Calabar with suit number NICN/CA/20/2019 was presided over by Justice M N Esowe before his transfer a few months ago. The new Judge, Justice Sanusi Kado, is now in charge of the matter.

    In his statement of claims, Mr Idagu said he was deployed from the Calabar branch of the bank to Ikom in central Cross River in April 2013 as a cash officer, and that he had served in the Ikom branch faithfully till January 31, 2018 when his ordeal with the bank started.

    He averred that as a cash officer of the branch, he was saddled with the responsibility of carrying out integrity test for all staff of the branch following reports of underpayment of customers, noting that he diligently discharged this duty without hitches whatsoever.

    “I carried out the integrity test in conjunction with the Operations Officer of the branch with the aid of cameras without the knowledge of the tellers and one of the tellers (name withheld), failed the test.”

    He said when one of the officers failed the test, he reported his finding to the Control Officer, Mr Kenneth Akpom, who rather than discipline the staff, said the erring staff should be advised verbally and allowed to continue work.

    “We have on record several queries on the said staff, bordering on allegation of cash suppression and under declaration, including that of integrity test on January 31, 2018, but no action was taken against him by Branch Operations Manager, Mr Kenneth Okpom and Matthew Nyiam.

    “The integrity test register was signed by the Operation Manager and he followed his instructions given to him by the Branch Operations Manager to register every outcome of the integrity test which he duly signed,” he submitted.

    According to him, when he insisted on the right thing to be done with sanctions against the erring staff, a committee was set up to investigate the matter but surprisingly, the committee suspended him while the erring staff was left untouched.

    The suspension, he said, went beyond the recommended three months, and that despite the obvious lopsided decision and injustice, he was later asked to resign for no justifiable reason.

    “After eighteen years of meritorious service I was asked to resign just like that, and when I wrote in the resignation letter that I was asked to resign, they rejected it and said I should remove the clause ‘asked to resign’ and that I should say that I was resigning voluntarily. This was designed just to ensure that I do not get my benefits.”

    The former UBA staff appealed to the court to order the bank to pay him his outstanding salary and emoluments. The case was adjourned to April 20, 2021.

  • Gunmen Killed APC Ward Chairman In Benue

    By Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) ward chairman of Gboko south, Tersoo Ahu, has been killed by gunmen in Gboko on Sunday.

    Ahu and other APC ward excos were said to be engaged in the training of party officials for membership registration and revalidation exercise when gunmen stormed the venue with clubs, cutlass as well as iron and manhandled him.

    The publicity secretary of the APC, Benue chapter, James Orgunga, who confirmed the incident, said the ward chairman who sustained serious injuries from the attack died later at a public hospital in Gboko, where he was receiving treatment.

    The brutal killing of the APC ward chairman in Gboko, the ancestral home of the Tiv people, may not be unconnected with the alleged factions within the party over the 2023 general election.

    The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) of the Benue Command Kate Anene, a DSP, confirmed the incident and said the investigation has commenced arresting the suspects.

    “Yes I can confirm the attack and killing of the APC ward chairman in Gboko, our men rushed to the scene but the suspects fled. However we have identified them and very soon we shall pick them up,” DSP Anene said.

  • Young Girl Who Beat Security To Grab Osinbajo Hands In Nyanya Market Is Now VP’s ‘Daughter

    By Admin

    The personal photographer to Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Tolani Alli, on Saturday, February 6, shared a very inspiring story about a girl named Chinaza.

    According to Tolani, Chinaza had breezed past the vice president’s personal security, grabbed his hand, and compelled him to visit her mum’s shop.

    The incident happened at the popular Nyanya market in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja when Osinbajo visited retail stores to promote the Trader Moni initiative of the Buhari administration.

    Osinbajo travelled to major markets in Nigeria when Trader Moni was launched to ensure that the funds reached traders.

    TraderMoni is an empowerment scheme of the federal government created specifically for petty traders and artisans across Nigeria.

    Tolani wrote on Twitter: “In 2018, Professor Osinbajo visited Nyanya market, Abuja to monitor the impact of the TraderMoni scheme, a mild shock greeted him.

    “Chinaza, whose mother owned a store at the market, and had promised herself to tell the VP what she thought of him from his appearances on her TV and other media, made her way through his security and grabbed his hand.

    “Amidst the presence of a security detail, and an extremely large crowd, she tugged at the VP’s hand ceaselessly, insisting that he visited her mom’s store, and telling him about how much he inspired her to be courageous and reach for her dreams.

    Fast forward to two years and some months later, Chinaza sits with her mum in the presidential villa, with a man who has now come to know her as a “daughter”.

    “Almost three long years since their time of contact and a few correspondences later, Chinaza is on her way to The University with dreams of becoming a Medical Doctor, and the ideals that she has picked up from observing The Prof. up close and afar are unchanged.”

     

  • Ndok – Itek Clan Confers Chieftaincy Title On Sen. Sandy Onor

    By Caterpillar Media Team

    The people of Ndok Clan in Ogoja Local Government Area has conferred a chieftaincy tittle Njuranfam of Ndok on Sen. Sandy Onor, for facilitating the opening of the Ndok – Kakwagom road.

    The event was held at Ndok-Itek Community in Ogoja Local Government Area to appreciate the senator for facilitating the repairs of the entire stretch of the Ndok – Kakwagom road.

    The community was overwhelmed with excitement noting that the repairs has alleviated the plight of motorists who ply the road.

    Speaking on behalf of the community, the Clan Head of Ndok – Itek, His Royal Highness, Chief Clement Ashaba Ijanga noted that “As a people, we are short of words to express our gratitude and appreciation. You’re God sent. For God to talk to you and move you to do this road for your brothers suffering somewhere, the Lord will continue to increase you.

    “You are the Original Caterpillar, and today the Ndok people confers on you this chieftaincy tittle Njuranfam of Ndok, which means, you can repair every year, from North, South, East and West, you can repair”

    Responding, Sen. Sandy Onor averred that “when my DG asked me to come that the people wanted to receive me, I said I won’t come, because I didn’t want people to read politics into it. Am not senator representing the North”

    Speaking further, Sen. Onor held that government is about the things that touch the people.

    His words “When you hold public office, you hold it for the people. Government is about things that touch the people. When you touch the people, give them the small one they want. We may not have tarred it this first time, we just open it up, but see how happy you are because it’s something that touched you”

    The road is said to have run from Boki Local Government Area in central senatorial district to Ogoja Local Government Area in northern senatorial district.

    Communities in Ogoja that the road link are: The Katsina junction popularly referred to as Ndok junction, Ndok aminica, Ndok itek, Ndok egrima.

    Boki communities: Oku aro, Buanakong, Orunghe Bawop, Kakwagom and Okundi clan.

  • Wike, Ayade, Diri, Gbajabiamila, Others Condoles With Jarigbe As He Lays His Father To Rest

    By Jari Media Team

    The governors of Rivers, Cross River and Bayelsa states condoled with the Member Representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency and Cross River North Senator Elect, Rt.Hon Jarigbe Agom as he laid his late father Pa. Leonard Agom Jarigbe (Ndah) to rest in his hometown.

    In his condolence message, Gov. Nyesom Wike stated that, Late Nda was a great administrator who worked tirelessly to stir the affairs of government at various levels maintaining an upright character.

    “As a civil servant, Pa Leonard was a tireless worker for the development of his State and progress of his people. Above all, we will also remember him as a genuine Christian and committed Catholic who dedicated his long life to the service of God and humanity”

    Pa Leonard’s passing away has left an irreplaceable void and loss not only in you and your family but also in the entire Ogoja community and Cross River State. We will miss him, but his priceless legacies will continue to keep him in our minds forever”

    Gov Ayade said ” Late Mr. Leonard Agom Jarigbe was a respectable gentleman, a fine administrator and a community leader. An acclaimed Civil Servant par excellence, he rendered dedicated and committed services to his fatherland and was a positive reference point to hard work, excellence and integrity… He was an acclaimed disciplinarian who brought up his children and others who passed through his tutelage with the proper academic and moral upbringing. He will indeed be missed by many.”

    Gov. Diri of Bayelsa, extolled the late patriarch saying “We recall the professional, spiritual and social achievements of your late
    father, as a devout Christian and accomplished administrator, Pa Jarigbe during his lifetime impacted positively on the lives of many and contributed to the development of his immediate community, Cross River State and
    indeed our Country Nigeria.”

    “His exemplary qualities are evident in the lives of his children and close associates, there is no doubt that his, immediate family, the ogoja community
    and indeed the nation has lost a great man. Although his demise is a painful
    one, we thank God for the life he lived and the ripe age he attained.”

    Speaker of the House of Representative, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila who was represented by Hon. Dennis Agbo in his condolence message, prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and the fortitude for the family to bear the loss.

    The burial rites of Late pa Leonard Agom Jarigbe, which was carried out on the 3rd and 4th of February 2021, had in attendance dignitaries from all works of life some of those in attendance include, HE Effiok Cobham, Sen Sandy Onor, Sen Michael Nnachi (Representative of Gov Wike), Rt.Hon Etta Mbora, Rt. Hon Daniel Asuquo (Representative of Gov Diri Duoye), Rt. Hon Essien Ayi, Hon Dennis Agbo, Prince Akwaji Offiono, Rt. Hon Regina Anyogo, Hon Matthew Ojugbo, Rt. Hon Peter Igbodor, Chief Igbaji Monkom, Alhaji Hassan, Alhaji Husseni, Hon Michael Usibe, Hon Rita Ayim, Barr Godwin Offiono, Prince Nwosu, John George, Mr Peter Akpanke, Barr Leonard Anyogo.

    Others were, Bishop Donatus Akpan (Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Ogoja), Priests, religious and other clergymen, Justice Eneji, Barr Venatius Ikem, Associate Prof. Dave Imbua, DG, Catapillar Movement, Joe Obi Bisong, Chief Jude Ngaji, Hon Omaga Odo, Barr. Paul Ishabor, Eddy Achi amongst others.

    Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom in his tribute, extolled the virtues of his late father. He alluded that his father’s counsel helped nurtured himself and his siblings.

    One of such counsels was the one given to him as a younger man which goes, “My son, sacrifice pleasure, in order to have pleasure that will last”.

    Dance groups from various communities, entertainers and traditional groups from different parts of Nigeria were present to display and entertain the guest, including the famous Zule Zoo dancers from Benue State.

    Late Pa. Leonard Agom Jarigbe, before his death was a retired astute administrator and devoted Christian who brought all his children up in a Godly way. He died on January 17, 2021 at 90 years and he is survived by his wife Mrs. Dorathy Moku Jarigbe and 11 children. He was laid to rest on the 4th February, 2021 at Ibil, Ogoja LGA.

    In honor of Late Pa. Leonard Agom Jarigbe’s memory, about N50 Million was raised in support of the construction of a new Auditorium for St. Michael Catholic Church Ibil, Ogoja LGA, Cross River State.

    May the soul of Nda and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace, Amen.

     

  • Unical SUG Election Holds On 19th February, 2021

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Calabar University Electoral Commission CUECO has fixed 19th February, 2021 for the Student’s Union Government (SUG) election for the 2019/2020 academic session.

    In a release made available to The Lumine News and signed by the CUECO Chairman and Secretary, Dr. George Atelhe and Mr. Emmanuel Emori indicates that campaign begins on Monday, February 15th 2021, Vice President debate holds on Tuesday, February 16th, while Presidential debate is to hold on Wednesday 17th February, 2021.

    According to the release, election begins (online) at 9.00am – 1.00pm with result of the election to be announced same day.

  • Sen. Sandy Onor Extols Late Pa Leonard Jarigbe, Describes Him As An Impeccable Bureaucrat.

    By Caterpillar Media

    The Distinguished Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Sen. Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor has extolled the virtues of Late Mr Leonard Agom Jarigbe whom he described as an impeccable bureaucrat who loved his job and did nothing to compromise it.

    The Senator stated this in a condolence message delivered at the Funeral Mass in honour of the Late Mr Leonard Agom Jarigbe held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ibil, Ogoja Local Government Area.

    His words: “In our many discussions with you, you regaled me with stories about your dad. Knowing that he was ninety, you had prepared yourself for this day even when you didn’t expect that it was going to be this dramatic. And so you told me that this man lived a good life, enjoyed himself, contributed maximally to the development of the community and did well for your family. You told me he was an impeccable bureaucrat who loved his job and would do nothing to compromise the essence of his job. He was a good civil servant. He also feared God and served man.”

    High points of the occasion was the presentation of condolence messages from the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Sen. Prof. Ben. Ayade represented by Hon. Mike Osibe, Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Barr. Nyesom Wike, represented by Sen. Mike Anachi, Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri represented by Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo (Dansuki), and the Speaker of House Representative, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who was also represented.

    The event drew the presence of family members, friends, and a multitude of sympathisers from far and near, reflecting the undisputable popularity, acceptance and goodwill that Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe enjoys.

  • PDP Rejects Ambassadorial Nomination Of Ex-service Chiefs

    By Admin

    The People’s Democratic Party PDP, has rejected the Ambassadorial nomination of ex-service chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The party in a release sighted by The Lumine News and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, accused the Buhari’s and APC administration of using the decoy of ambassadorial nomination to shield the ex-service chiefs from investigation of alleged killings of innocent Nigerians and crimes against humanity under their inglorious watch.

    The release reads in full “Ambassadorial Nomination:
    PDP Rejects Moves To Shield Ex-Service Chiefs From Investigation.

    “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) firmly rejects plots by the Buhari Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to use the decoy of ambassadorial appointments to shield the immediate past service chiefs from investigation over alleged killing of innocent Nigerians and crimes against humanity under their inglorious watch.

    “The PDP charges the Senate to eschew all partisan considerations and stand on the side of the people, particularly the victims of atrocious regime of the ex-service chiefs by outrightly rejecting the demand by President Muhammadu Buhari to confirm them as ambassadors.

    “It is indeed sacrilegious and a horrible assault on the sensibility of Nigerians that the APC government is seeking to use ambassadorial appointments as desperate measure to secure diplomatic immunity for the former commanders and protect them from investigation, arrest and possible prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the atrocities committed against innocent Nigerians under their command.

    “The PDP asserts that appointing the former service chiefs as ambassadors would confer diplomatic immunity on them and provide them a route for escape.

    “The party further stated that taking such actions at a time the ICC has declared its readiness to commence full investigation on their alleged involvement in the crime against humanity in our country, appears to further validate the allegations against them.

    “Moreover, the frenzy by officials of the Buhari Presidency in mounting pressure on the Senate to confirm such abominable ambassadorial nominations has further raised public apprehensions of a desperate attempt to cover the culpability of some other individuals connected to the APC administration.

    “It is shocking that instead of allowing the former service chiefs to answer for the alleged crime against humanity under their command including reported cases of extra-judicial execution, killing of unarmed protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, rape, illegal arrest as well as detention and torture of innocent Nigerians, the APC administration is rather plotting their escape.

    “The accused service chiefs must not be allowed to use diplomatic immunity to escape investigation and possible prosecution for the killing of unarmed EndSARS protester at Lekki Toll gate and other parts of the country as well as the hundreds of civilians reportedly killed by soldiers in the Zaria massacre.

    “This is in addition to series of reported military invasions and mass shooting in communities in Borno, Yobe, Rivers, Abia, Anambra among other states across the six geo-political zones of our country, where soldiers reportedly razed communities and massacred unarmed civilians under the command of the ex-service chiefs.

    “Our party therefore calls on Nigerians, across board, to unite in rejecting these ambassadorial nominations for the accused former commanders and demand that President Buhari should immediately withdraw their nominations from the Senate.

    “The least that is expected of President Buhari is to direct the former service chiefs to answer for the alleged crimes”.

  • As Unical Resumes Tomorrow 5th, Hostel Accommodation Will Be Open One Week Later – Egbe

    By Elijah Ugani

    The management of the University of Calabar has stated that hostel accommodation will be open to students on the 12th of February 2021one week from 5th February, 2021 the official resumption date.

    In a release made available to The Lumine News and signed by the Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe indicates that it is to give room for the completion of the renovation of the vandalized hostels.

    The release reads in full, “This is to inform our students that the University of Calabar will be resuming for normal academic activities tomorrow Friday 5th February, 2021. However, hostel accommodation will not be open to students until Wednesday 12th February 2021. This is to give room for the completion of the renovation of vandalized hostels. Returning students, especially those who were earlier allocated bed spaces in the hostels are please advised to seek temporary accommodation outside the campus until 12th February, 2021.

    “Students are advised to take note of this new development. Be informed also, that the university policy of “no squatting in the hostel” is still in force. All Students must adhere to all Covid-19 precautionary measures put in place by management.

    “On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, I wish all our returning students a safe and peaceful academic session”.