The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Group Demands Immediate Repairs Of Ogoja-Bekwarra-Katsina-Ala Federal Highway

    Group Demands Immediate Repairs Of Ogoja-Bekwarra-Katsina-Ala Federal Highway

    The who is who forum in Northern Cross River State has demanded the immediate repairs of the Ogoja-Bekwarra-Katsina-Ala Federal Highway, which has become a nightmare and many lives lost as a result of some parts of the road been spread with large portholes.

    A release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Convener, Mr Dormkclaimz Enamhe, and Mr Johnny Agim (SAN), Co-convener, indicates that: “Presently, this destruction is moving into our villages and towns centres as heavy duty trucks as well as other vehicles are gradually destroying roads that pass through them and are ordinarily not built for heavy vehicular movements in a bid to find alternative roads.
    Of utmost concern right now is the Abuochiche-Ijibor stretch which has been rendered completely non pliable with a huge muddy gully splitting the road in the middle.
    We cannot continue to be silent in the midst of this unfortunate circumstances that threatens our safety and means of livelihood as a people since commercial activities have been impacted negatively with movement of goods and passengers a herculean task.
    The Ogoja people are law abiding citizens contributing to the GDP of this country through agrarian and other activities,we therefore deserve to enjoy good roads like other Nigerian citizens”.

    The release further calls on the federal government to as a matter of urgency, fix the long neglected portion of the road to citizens go about their activities safely, “We therefore call on the Federal government to as a matter of urgency fix this long neglected road to enable us go about our activities safely and earn a living”.

    It further call on the government of Cross River State, lawmakers and other stakeholders to ensure that the necessary attention is paid to the project. “In addition, we call on the government of Cross River State, our lawmakers and other relevant stakeholders to do the needful in terms of ensuring that the necessary attention is paid to the execution of this project.

    “Ogoja People are tired of living with this menace of a road, we want it fixed now”.

  • Stakeholders Appeal To Gov Otu, Party Organs To Micro-Zone Yala APC Chairmanship To Wanikade Ward

    Stakeholders Appeal To Gov Otu, Party Organs To Micro-Zone Yala APC Chairmanship To Wanikade Ward

     

    Ahead of the November 2nd Local Government Elections in Cross River State, the entire Wanikade people have made a passionate appeal to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and All Progressives Congress leadership to consider the ward in fielding the party’s chairmanship candidate.

    The call aligns with the principle of justice and fairness as stakeholders of Wanikade Ward have called for fairness, justice, and equity by advocating for the zoning of the APC chairmanship ticket to their ward in the upcoming local government elections.

    It highlights a long standing tradition within Yala Local Government’s politics particularly the zoning arrangements between Constituency 1 (Yala) and Constituency 2 (Ukelle) with an established accord in 2010 in which committee led by Hon. (Bar) Ogana Lukpata formalised this zoning formula of ensuring a rotation of leadership positions among wards in Ukelle without conflict.

    Historically, each time the chairmanship is ceded to Ukelle, Ukelle leaders often meet to micro-zone to a specific ward that has not previously held the position.

    Citing instances, the people noted that “for instance in 2007, when the chairmanship was zoned to Ukelle, the leaders selected Mfuma/Ntrigom Ward, resulting in the election of Hon. (Bar) Fidel Egoro. Similarly, in 2013, the chairmanship again went to Ukelle, with the Igede Ward being selected and this led to the election of Hon. Mike Ede Usibe.

    Notably, during these meetings, Wanikade Ward was explicitly designated to receive the chairmanship in the next cycle given that it had not yet held the position in Yala Local Government Area.

    Since the local government’s inception in 1991, Wanikade Ward has been the only ward in Ukelle to have never occupied the chairmanship which is a significant representation imbalance.

    While appealing to Senator Otu and the party leadership to ensure equity and justice especially considering the fact that other wards in Ukelle have had different stints and tenures Chairmen in Yala Local Government Council while Wanikade has not had a shot at the council at any time which amplifies the plea for justice, equity and fairness to the ward.

    As the local government elections approaches with expression of Intent Form by All Progressives Congress, the Wanikade stakeholders stress the importance of addressing this historical disparity. They also argued that zoning the chairmanship to the ward would promote equitable representation in Ukelle and Yala Local Government Area.

    The Wanikade stakeholders expressed gratitude to His Excellency’s leadership an Barr Alphonsus Eba’s leadership of APC in Cross River State. They however appealed for balanced representation in chosing the party’s flag bearer as it moves forward in the electoral process.

  • Alumni Urges Gov Otu To End Uncertainty, Appoint Substantive VC For UniCross

    Alumni Urges Gov Otu To End Uncertainty, Appoint Substantive VC For UniCross

     

    The University of Cross River State (UniCross) Alumni Association commends Governor Bassey Otu’s giant strides since assuming office, notably the transformation Calabar as well as enhanced security across the state. The association also expresses its eternal gratitude to the Governor over his past support to the university, particularly in facilitating the construction of our administrative block.

    However, the Association is deeply disappointed that our beloved university failed to secure a spot in the top ten universities in Nigeria, according to the latest Times Higher Education Ranking. This is a significant drop from our previous ranking of seventh in the country and 37th in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are concerned that this decline is a direct result of the leadership instability that has plagued our institution.

    Consequently, we appeal to Governor Otu to appoint a substantive Vice Chancellor, rather than continuing with the current Acting Vice Chancellor arrangement at the end of the tenure of the current Acting VC. The constant changes in leadership have created uncertainty and hindered progress. In the past three months alone, we have had three different Vice Chancellors, which is unacceptable. Our university needs stability to grow and thrive.

    The Alumni wonders why UniCross is treated differently as the Governor has set a standard of swiftly replacing other suspended government officials in the past to bring stability and avoid derailing the focus of his administration. Five months have passed since the Vice Chancellor’s suspension, with no official communication from the government on the investigation’s outcome. This silence suggests a lack of interest in the former Vice Chancellor’s return. Therefore, we urge the Governor and Visitor to the University to boldly and firmly address this issue to bring the much-needed stability to UniCross. The prolonged uncertainty is undermining the institution’s focus and progress.

    This call became necessary as the constant uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the institution is not only stifling progress but significantly contributing to our institution’s decline, as evidenced in the latest ranking. As critical stakeholders, we’re very worried that our institution’s reputation hangs in the balance, with far-reaching consequences for students, staff, and alumni who hold the university certificates.

    Considering the standard the Governor has set for himself as a ‘People’s First Leader’, it would be disappointing to see our institution continue to regress under his watch. With over fifteen months in office, we believe he has had enough time to complete his restructuring process for the University to move forward. We appeal to the Governor to extend the attention he is giving to other sectors to UniCrosss which is one of the most significant assets of the state.

    The alumni also passionately appeals to all stakeholders and well meaning Cross Riverians to join us in advocating for a better future for our university. The Association remains committed to supporting the government and our dear institution to regain its place as one of the top ivory towers in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D
    National President
    UniCross Alumni

  • Quarrel Between Governor Sim Fubara And Nyesom Wike, Is History Repeating Itself? BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Quarrel Between Governor Sim Fubara And Nyesom Wike, Is History Repeating Itself? BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

     

    The open quarrel between Governor Sim Fubara and his former benefactor, Nyesom Wike,Minister of the Federal Capital Administration, is a reminisce of the one between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola in the defunct Western Region of Nigeria that took place in the early 1960s.

    Chief Obafemi Awolowo (SAN) was the leader of the Action Group,a political party that was founded in the late 1940s.
    Chief Awolowo was the leader of the Action Group and was in 1954 elected the Premier of Western Region of Nigeria.

    Chief Awolowo was the premier of the Western region from 1954 to 1960.
    He was later elected a member of the Nigerian Parliament and became the leader of the opposition.
    His ambition was to become the Prime Minister of Nigeria,and he therefore started playing politics to erect structures and networks across the country that would enable his ambition.

    On other hand, Chief Samuel Ládòkè Akíntọ́lá (S.L.A) was an orator and lawyer.
    He served as Oloye Aare Ona Kakanfo XIII of Yorubaland and served as premier of Western Nigeria from independence in 1960 until his assassination in 1966.
    He was the deputy leader of the Action Group.
    He did not want Western Nigeria to remain in opposition and accordingly sought alliance with the defunct Northern Peoples Congress that in control of the Federal government of Nigeria.
    Chief Akintola founded his own party known as Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) which entered into a coalition with the Northern Peoples Congress.

    The two approaches adopted by Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola led to a bitter feud which fragmented the Action Group into two irreconcilable factions ,namely Chief Awolowo’s faction and Chief Akintola’s own.

    The disagreement between Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola led to the eruption of crisis in the Western Region House of Assembly over a move by Chief Awolowo supporters in the Assembly to remove Chief Akintola from office as Premier of Western Region in 1962.

    There was a fight between supporters of these two political gladiators, Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola, on the floor of the Western Region House of Assembly by its members that had fragment into two irreconcilable factions in May 1962.
    The mace of the House of Assembly,was broken leading to the intervention of the Police to maintain law and order.
    Chief Akintola had accused Chief Awolowo of plotting to toppled his government.
    The intervention of the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was decisive and swift.
    A law was passed in the Nigerian Parliament authorizing the Prime Minister to declare a statement of emergency in the Western Region and dismantling of democratic institutions and governance.
    The Federal government appointed the then Federal Minister of Health. Dr. Moses
    .A Majekodunmi as the Sole Administrator of the Western Region from 29 June 1962 to December 1962.

    Chief Akintola challenged in Court his removal from office as Premier of Western Nigeria and he fought the case from the then Federal Supreme Court of Nigeria to the Privy Council (the Privy Council was the Judicial Commitee of the British House of Lords but was the apex judicial authority for Nigeria).

    However, Chief Akintola was restored as the Premier of Western Region of Nigeria in 1963.

    The chains of events that took place in the Western Region that emanated from the bitter political feud between Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola was one of the causes of military intervention in Nigerian politics.

    On the 15 January 1966 the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was toppled in a military coup detat leading to the suspension of the Constitution, the Nigerian Parliament and other democratic institutions.

    The military remained in power from 1966 to 1979.
    Unfortunately, Chief Akintola was assassinated by the ring leaders of the coup on the 15 January 1966.

    What lessons can all those involved in the current imbroglio in Rivers State learn from the bitter feud between Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola?

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for 

  • UNICAL Suspends Head, Department Of Pharmacology From Duty

    UNICAL Suspends Head, Department Of Pharmacology From Duty

     

    Unrelenting in her bid to rid the institution of vices, the Management of the University of Calabar has announced the removal from office and suspension from duties of the acting Head of the Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Joseph Akpan.

    According to a release signed by the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, the Vice Chancellor took the decision having received a report from the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC) revealing the involvement of Dr. Joseph Akpan in the alteration of examination scores in PHM 311 (Introduction to General Antimicrobial Pharmacology).

    The release reads in parts “…you altered 235 out of the 242 scripts marked by you. You also allotted marks to two students who did not participate in the examinations. You genuinely marked only five scripts without alteration. In your defense before the SEMC, you admitted that you inflated the scores of students in PHM 311 in order to “protect the image of the Department”.”

    The release adds that Management considers Dr. Akpan’s defense as ridiculous and unacceptable.

    Consequently, the University Management has directed that he should be relieved of his appointment as Head of Department and Coordinator of PHM 311, as well as suspended from duty with effect from October 8, 2024.

    While Dr. Akpan’s official responsibilities are to be reassigned to other qualified lecturers in the department, he has been further directed to stay away from the University forthwith unless while responding to the invitation of the AFIC.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • Profile And Manifesto Of Hon Mrs Mary Asabe Ugbe, Vying For The Chairmanship Position of Obudu Local Government Council

    Profile And Manifesto Of Hon Mrs Mary Asabe Ugbe, Vying For The Chairmanship Position of Obudu Local Government Council

     

    Hon. Mrs Mary Asabe Ugbe, was born on 25th November, 1960 in Bebuabie village, Obudu Local Government Area to the family of late Sargent Christopher and Mrs Theresa Ushie.

    Hon Asabe Ugbe began her education at RCM primary school Akwanga between 1966- 1972 and later Government Teachers College Akwanga, between 1973 – 1977, in the then Plateau State where she obtained Teacher Grade 2 certificate. She proceeded to the University of Jos for an Associate-ship in Education (A.C.E), 1987, and later obtained the Nigerian Certificate in Education NCE, from the Federal College of Education, Obudu. The quest for further knowledge took her to the University of Jos where she obtained the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Guidance and Counseling, 2001 and later Masters of Education (M.Ed), from Benue State University, in 2014.

    As a professional teacher, Hon Asabe Ugbe, has taught in both primary and secondary schools in both Obudu and Ogoja Local Government Areas.

    Due to her hard work, she was elevated to the positions of Headteacher and Principal before she retired from civil service on 1st July 2012.

    A devote Christian of the Roman Catholic Church, Mrs Asabe Ugbe, belongs to the Noble order of the Knight of Saint John International (KSJI).

    As a social engineer, Hon Mrs Asabe Ugbe, belongs to so many women groups, cooperatives and social clubs, including Lishi Gie Kushu social club of Obudu, where she currently serves as president.

    She is a community leader and mobilizer. She is a counseling psychologist, a peace lover as well as seasoned administrator. She is currently the Chairman of pensioners, Obudu/Obanliku branch.

    Political Career: Hon Asabe Ugbe, was a caretaker committee member of the defunct Social Democratic Party SDP, and a strong party stalwart. She has been delegate to so many elections.

    She is a grassroot politician from Obudu Urban 2.
    She is the immediate past Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, where she served under Hon Boniface Eraye Ewhe, from 2020 – 2023.

    Why Contesting For Chairmanship Position

    ASABE’S SEASON OF INNOVATIVE CHANGE.

    Over time, Local Government Councils have been run as mere administrative centres.
    There seemed to have been no significant improvement to justify the creation and existence of this tier of government.

    The need to change the dynamics to meet the growing expectations of the people at the grassroot whose interest the local government councils were established to cater for is very sacrosanct.

    The desire and quest to change this ugly trend, propelled me to put myself forward to run for the Chairmanship position of Obudu is to provide an alternative strategy to council administration.

    My design for Obudu Local Government is to apply simple methods to activate great changes.

    Education: I am a proud teacher whose career spanned both the primary and secondary streams. I know the place of primary education in the development chain. Primary education is the responsibility of the local government, and it will be prioritized to provide a sound foundation to prepare our children for further studies. This will done through:
    Schools renovation.
    Budgeted imprest for sundry items in schools.
    Monitoring compliance with set standards as enunciated by UBEC and SUBEB.
    Regular and prompt payment of teachers’ salary and benefits.

    HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT : This will be done through
    training of young men and women in artisanal crafts and proving start-up capital sourced from microfinance instutions and guaranteed by Council.
    Aggressive encouragement of our people to take trading as a vocation. It’s a profitable and sustainable venture.
    Harnessing of local produce and products for primary processing to create employment and economic activities in the area.

    AGRICULTURE: Our people are primarily peasant farmers. We will provide innovations on their farming methods to engender improved productivity. Provide farm inputs such as fertilizer, relevant chemicals and deploy Council Agricultural personnel as Extension Officers to assist farmers with emerging trends in modern farming methods

    HEALTH: We must be healthy first before we can carry out other human activities. Council under my supervision will rely on the advice of the health officials at our various primary health centers to ensure a steady availability of drugs to the health centers. Reactivate broken solar powered drug refrigerated infrastructure to ensure that stored drugs remain potent for patients.
    Motivate health officials through provision of regular imprest to run an effective and efficient primary health system to stem cases of maternal and child mortality.
    Liaise with relevant health organizations to access drugs and equipment for our health centers.
    Encourage retraining of the personnel to meet the challenges of new ailments and prevention methods.

    SECURITY: Security is the primary responsibility on government. Council under my watch will work with all security agencies in Obudu, Traditional Rulers Council, Youth Leaders and community volunteers to ensure the security of lives and properties.

    TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION AND CULTURE: Council will strengthen the traditional ruler’s institution in Obudu through regular interface to enable them maintain peace and order, providing general advice, preserving customs and culture, settling land disputes, granting religious authorizations, exercising social authority, and recognizing outstanding members of society.

    INFRASTRUCTURE AND ROADS: Council under my watch will ensure that the rural roads and culverts are taken care of to give access to our farmers to bring their produce to the market.

    INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE: Council cannot function solely on allocation from the federation account. Council will concentrate more to improve internally generated revenue to execute programmes. Build more lockup shops in Obudu main market, Utugwang market, Alege market, develop the mechanic village in Obudu town, naming of streets as well as strengthen revenue collection using the Point of Sale POS machines.

     

    SOLID MINERALS EXPLORING: Council will ensure that all relevant laws are enforced to ensure that council benefit from all exploration going on currently in Obudu. The quarries that are currently going on in Obudu. Council will engage the services of experts with the view to identify other minerals and ensure it’s exploration.

    ALIGNMENT WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT PEOPLE’S FIRST AGENDA

    Hon Mrs Asabe Ugbe empower women across the 10th wards in obudu local government during her tenure in office as the vice chairman of council 🎉🎉🎉🎉👑

    These and many more strategic areas shall be the core of my government should the good people of Obudu decide that it is time for innovative change in our Council administration.

    Best wishes from
    Hon Mary Asabe Ugbe.

  • Asabe Ugbe Felicitates With Obudu On Nigeria’s Independence Celebration

    Asabe Ugbe Felicitates With Obudu On Nigeria’s Independence Celebration

     

    A Frontline contender for the position of Chairmanship in Obudu Local Government Area, Mrs Mary Asabe Ugbe, has felicitate with the people of Obudu, on the 64th independent celebration of nationhood.

    In a message she personally signed and made available to TheLumineNews, the immediate past Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon Asabe Ugbe, urged Nigerians in general and Obudu in particular to be inspired by the independence to cherish our freedom, embrace diversity and work together to build a brighter future.

    The release reads in parts “Today we celebrate the spirit of freedom and the values that unites us as a nation. Let’s us honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our liberty, and continue to strive for justice and equity for all.

    “May this day inspire us to cherish our freedom, embrace diversity and work together to build a brighter future”

  • Jarigbe Begins Second Phase Distribution Of Fertilizer TO Constituents

    Jarigbe Begins Second Phase Distribution Of Fertilizer TO Constituents

     

    In a bid to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has commenced the second phase of fertilizer distribution across the 54 wards of Cross River North Senatorial District.

    The Constituency Officer, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, who represented the Senator said, the initiative is part of the Senator’s effort to support farmers and improve the livelihoods of his constituents. As a seasoned advocate for agricultural development, Senator Jarigbe has consistently pushed for policies and programs that promote food security and economic growth.

    The fertilizer distribution program is expected to benefit thousands of farmers across the Senatorial District, providing them with essential inputs to enhance crop yields and improve food production.

    Jarigbe’s commitment to agricultural development is evident in his previous endeavors, including his call for a deliberate plan to end food insecurity in Cross River North.

    Beneficiaries who were drawn from the 54 wards of the Senatorial District expressed their gratitude to him for the initiative. They prayed for God’s grace and pledged their unalloyed support to him.

    The second phase of the fertilizer distribution program is a testament to Jarigbe’s dedication to his constituents and the agricultural sector. By supporting farmers and promoting agricultural productivity, the lawmaker aims to create a more sustainable and food-secure future for Cross River North.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Diamond Jubilee: Emma Akwagiobe Congratulates APC Stakeholders, Obudu Community on Nigeria’s 64th Anniversary

    Diamond Jubilee: Emma Akwagiobe Congratulates APC Stakeholders, Obudu Community on Nigeria’s 64th Anniversary

     

    On the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2024, the Honorable Emma Akwagiobe campaign train extends warm felicitations to our esteemed All Progressives Congress stakeholders, supporters and the good people of Obudu Local Government Area, at home and in the diaspora.

    As we celebrate this milestone Diamond Jubilee which symbolizes our nation’s strength, we are reminded of our unity and resilience as one indivisible nation. May this momentous occasion inspire us to work together towards a brighter future for Obudu and Nigeria.

    As we move closer to the local government elections this October, we are confident that our collective efforts will culminate in a resounding victory at the polls. We are committed to take the reins of leadership to deliver exemplary governance that will bring prosperity and growth to our people.

    Therefore, as we move into this month of October, we thank our friends and growing support base for all your efforts in making this aspiration a success. We pray that God’s blessings, favor and grace will be our guiding principles. May this month of October be a month of victory and a month of joy for all of us.

    Once again, we congratulate our party members for their strong enthusiasm and dedication. We also invite those who are undecided to join our movement. Together, we will transform Obudu Local Government Area into a shining example of progress and hope for our collective good.

    Congratulations and Happy Independence anniversary.

    Signed:
    Hon. Emma Akwagiobe For Chairman Campaign Train.
    1/10/2024

  • UNICAL DVC, Okafor, Six Others Ranks Among Top 2% of Global Scientists

    UNICAL DVC, Okafor, Six Others Ranks Among Top 2% of Global Scientists

     

    The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration, Prof. Peter C. Okafor and six (6) other scholars from the University of Calabar have made the list of top 2% global scientists in the 2024 Stanford University, the United States of America, and Elsevier compiled list.

    The list shows the 2% of top scientists globally and which represents the records of scientists from any country. The American University of Stanford/Elsevier periodically established the most influential researchers globally which spans over 8 million researchers with the highest impact in their various fields.

    From the September 16th, 2024 data published by the Elsevier/Stanford University, Nigerian Scientists totaling 233 scholars made the list and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration of the University of Calabar, Prof. Peter C. Okafor, a lecturer in the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry in the institution apparently appeared as number 141 with a credited 75 publications in Scopus, ranking number 233,540 in the global index.

    Available information also showed that Prof. Martin Meremikwu of the
    Department of Pediatrics takes number 182 with 168 publications in Scopus and ranking 327,718 in the world.

    Prof. Aniekan Edet of the Department of Geology takes number 101 with 57 publications in Scopus and seizes number 163,100 in the world order.

    Dr Alexander I. Ikeuba of the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry also earned number 198 with 45 Scopus publications and ranking 395,630 in the world.

    Mr. Louis Hitler emerged with number 127 having 260 publications in Scopus while earning 209,994 position in the world.

    Also on the list are Mr. Otu, Akaninyene of the College of Medical Sciences and Mr. Gber, Terkumbur E. of the Department of Chemical Physics having the later occupying number 232 with 71 Scopus publications and ranking 1,393,314 in the globe and the former taking number 109 position with 91 publications in Scopus with 177,878 in the world index.

     

    (To search the name of any scientist, readers can visit the website https://topresearcherslist.com/).