The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Gov. Ben Ayade Relaxes Curfew, Extends Time To 10pm

    By Admin

    The Cross River State Governor, Sir. Ben Ayade has again relaxed the curfew imposed on the state capital following the wanton looting and destruction of properties worth millions of naira.

    In a release sighted by The Lumine News and signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian Ita, indicates that restriction movement is now relaxed by the hours of 6am and 10pm.

    The release reads in parts “The state governor, His Excellency Sir Ben Ayade has further relaxed the curfew imposed in the state.

    “Starting from tomorrow, Sunday, November 8, 2020, curfew will now be between the hours of 10pm and 6am.

    “Consequently, restriction of movement is now relaxed between the hours of 6am and 10pm.

    “By this development, members of the public are free to go about their businesses from 6am to 10pm”.

  • Youth Barricades Ogoja Road, Burnt Houses Suspected To Belong To Youth Council Members

    By Elijah Ugani

    The youths of Obudu took the street to protest the unjustly killing of an innocent fifteen years boy by the members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN, who was reported by his father on the guise of having stolen his ten thousand naira.

    The youths barricaded Ogoja road the major road in Obudu the late hours of Saturday, 7th October, 2020 to register their displeasure over the killing of the innocent boy.

    According to our source, Mr. George Abetianbe “The whole Streets of Ogoja Road in obudu was filled with young men and women today protesting the unlawful killing of a young boy carried out by the Obudu youth council alleged to have stolen from the father the sum of ten thousand naira, and the father as a way of reprimand, handed over the boy to the Obudu youth council to take disciplinary measures which resulted to death after incessant beatings and manhandling.

    “Presently this has caused tension as boys are every where looking for members of the youth council. Some have began destroying properties suspected to belong to members of the youth council.

    “Just like the #EndSARS degenerated to something else in Lagos, Calabar, Abakeliki and so forth, this may follow the same path seeing many aggrieved already.

    “I have also gathered that two persons are dead already as they engaged in physical confrontation with the youth council at their hide outs”

    Fidelis Ishoja took to his verified Facebook page, @Fioe Castro to express his grief over the burning of their house when they are not connected to the youth council.

    His words “This act is barbaric, how on earth will you set our innocent house ablaze when we neither know or have anything to do with Obudu Youth Council. God will never forgive anybody involved in this act”

  • Fifteen Years Boy Beaten To Death By National Youth Council, Obudu.

    By Admin.

    A yet to be identified boy, age fifteen is beaten to death this evening by the members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The Lumine News learnt that the boys guardian reported a missing sum of money to the council where the innocent boy was suspected to have stolen the money.

    According to our source, the boy was beaten to death with the malicious intent to coerce the boy to admit to the theft.

    A development according to reports that has led to the killing of two other persons in the Obudu main town causing chaos and social malady according to our source.

    When contacted council Chairman, Mr. Boniface Ewhe confirmed the killing of the innocent boy as well as the unrest in Obudu following the death of the boy.

    Eraye confirmed the proscription of the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN, Obudu Chapter and he is making adequate arrangement to deploy men from the Brigadier Godwin A. Ally military cantonment to restore peace as at the time of filling this report.

  • Obudu Local Government Chairman Proscribes National Youth Council

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mr. Boniface Ewhe has proscribed the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Obudu Chapter.

    The proscription comes on the heels of a fifteen years boy accused of stealing money which led to his death by members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Obudu Chapter.

    In a release signed by the Chairman and made available to theluminenews, investigation has commence into the ugly and barbaric situation, and all those involved would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    The release reads in full:
    “Press Release.

    “The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYSC), Obudu Chapter is hereby proscribed. This is sequel to the unacceptable manner in which a suspected fifteen years old boy accused of stealing was beaten to death in Obudu by overzealous members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Obudu Chapter.

    “I urge the public to remain calm, law abiding and cease to relate with any person or group of persons as NYCN, as the police commences thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident.

    “Be rest assured that all the people involved in this barbaric act will be made to face the full weight of the law.

    “Meanwhile, people with useful information are encouraged to provide same to the police to aid investigation.

    “Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe
    Executive Chairman
    Obudu Local Government Council”

  • Looting: JOHESU seeks FG, NDDC Assistance For Psychiatric Hospital Calabar

    By George Odok Jr.

    The Join Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and Assembly of Health Professionals, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar branch, has called on the Federal Government and corporate organisations to assist them over the looting of their valuables by hoodlums.

    The Union made the call in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Mr Daniel Odo, and Mr Ken Bassey and made available to newsmen on Friday in Calabar.

    The Union said that on Oct. 24, hoodlums made up of women, men and children, heavily armed with guns and machetes, descended on the hospital in a Gestapo-style operation.

    The statement said that when members of staff finally settled to know what went on, they discovered that the once pride of mental health services in the country had been looted dry.

    “The unimaginable plunder of our institution was an exhibition of man’s bestiality at its best. Items looted include refrigerators, computers, fans, generators, hospital beds, laboratory x-ray equipment, drugs, books, tables and chairs among others.

    “All the official and private cars parked within the precincts of the hospital were vandalised without any milk of human kindness. Also caught in the melee are members of staff who lost substantial amount of money and other valuables.

    “The attack and desecration of our establishment to say the least was satanic and should be condemned by well meaning individuals and groups.

    “We seize this rare opportunity to salute the courage, resilience and sense of commitment to duty displayed by both management team and members of staff who braved all odds to ensure that they render mental health services to our patients literally on top of rubbles,” the statement said.

    The Union appealed to the Federal Ministry of Health to dispatch a high-powered team to assess the extent of destruction towards finding a remedy.

    “We are constrained to specifically appeal to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Federal and Cross River State Emergency Management Agencies and the Niger Delta Development Commission to come and assist us.

    “We also call on members of State Assembly and National Assembly from Cross River, Non Governmental Organisations and philanthropists to come and help us’’, the statement added. (NAN)

  • Rt.Hon Jarigbe Agom Hosts Senate President, Ex-Gov, NASS Members And Others

    By Admin

    The member representing, Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom, today, hosted Nigeria’s Senate President ably represented by Sen. Abaribe as well as Former Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Liyel Imoke and Other members of the National Assembly at his Ogoja residence.

    After the burial of Late  Sen Rose Okoji Oko, The MP in his usual nature, decided to host visitors to his federal Constituency in honor of the late Amazon.

    The National Assembly members were led by Sen. Abaribe who represented the Senate President, other members in attendance include, Sen. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sen. Gershom Bassey, Sen. Sandy Onor and Rt.Hon Etta Mbora amongst others.

    Former Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Liyel Imoke and other dignitaries were also in attendance.

  • Sen. Rose Shone At Every Stage Of Her Career – Sandy Onor

    By Admin

    The Senator representing Cross River State Central Senatorial District, Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor has described the late Sen. Rose Oko as a woman who shone at every stage of her career and overwhelmingly productive as a member of the Cross River State Executive Council.

    Sandy stated this at the funeral mass of the late Sen. Rose Oko at her country home Ijegu Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    In his words “Senator Oko shone at every state of her career. She flourished in the academia and was exceedingly brilliant and overwhelmingly productive as a member of the Cross River State Executive Council. She performed so well that it attracted several appointments in apex institutions over the years until she joined politics as a legislator, where she offered quality representation to her people, as a devout Catholic, Dr Rose Oko lived a life in service to God and humanity. She was an excellent mother, sister, and friend to many across the Nigerian landscape. She was indeed a model, mentor and benefactor to several persons who would surely miss her, therefore on behalf of the good people of Cross River State Central Senatorial District, my family l commiserated with the family of late Sen Dr. Rose Okoji Oko at this trying moment in their lives and prayed that God gives them the fortitude to bear the huge lose.

    May her soul find rest in the bosom of the lord. Amen”

    A 23 man high power delegation of the NIGERIA Senate to the burial obsequious was led by the senate minority leader ,Sen Abaribe, who presented a condolence message to the family on behalf of the Nigerian Senate.

    Other dignitaries at the event include former governor of cross River State, Sen Liyel and the incumbent governor His Excellency Sen prof Ben Ayade amongst other dignitaries.

     

  • Breaking News: CRUTECH Gets Substantive Vice Chancellor

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The management of the Cross River State University of Technology CRUTECH has announced Prof. Austin Angbah as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

    Prof. Angba was until now the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, and the third VC in the series in eighteen months after the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh.

    On assumption of office, Prof. Angba has exhibited a high administrative prowess in the discharged of his duties.

    The confirmation of Prof. Angba appointment as the substantive Vice Chancellor, comes on the heels the numerous calls from all spheres condemning the path government had taken to reduce the position of Vice Chancellor to acting capacity.

    Angba’s appointment is greeted with widespread jubilation as cross riverians took to Facebook to celebrate his appointment, stating that they believed in his capacity to deliver.

    Prof. Austin Angba is a lecturer, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State.

  • Gov Ben Ayade Presents N277.7bn 2021 Budget, Christened ‘Blush And Bliss’

    By Admin

     

    The Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade has presented Two Hundred and Seventy Seven Billion, Seven Hundred and Eight Million Naira (N 277,708,000,000) as Budget Estimates and Appropriation Bill for 2021 to the State House of Assembly.
    The Budget which he tagged budget of “Blush and Bliss” has One Hundred and Ninety Two Billion, Five Hundred and Eleven Million (N 192,511,000,000.00) representing Sixty Nine percent (69%) as recurrent expenditure while Eighty Five Billion, One Hundred and Ninety Seven Million (31%) is slated for Capital expenditure.

    The Governor stated that 2021 Budget will focus more on “the Humanitarian perspective” disclosed that 70% of the recurrent expenditure will be targeted for Youth empowerment, medical support, scholarships, immediate suspension of tuition fee for indigenous Students as well as other Humanitarian support to better the lives of Cross Riverians.

    Ayade described the Budget as unusual coming against the backdrop of several challenges including the COVID 19 pandemic and the #ENDSARS protest which hoodlums hijacked leading to wanton destruction of both public and private properties across the state. He condoled with all Cross Riverians who suffered losses during the mayhem and prayed that “may 2020 never come in the history of Nigeria”.

    Other specific areas which the 2021 Budget will address according to the Governor include; neighborhood protection to enthrone better security for citizens, extension of the NYSC period, boost in Agriculture as well as the take off of the State’s airline, CALI AIR.

    Earlier, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams in a welcome address commended Governor Ayade for his achievements including measures put to in place to tackle the COVID 19 pandemic, efforts to address Youth restiveness as well as his Industrialization drive. “your Excellency, recent happenings are not enough to cast doubts on the giant achievements your administration has made in the State. The Industrialization programme is on course and most Industries are either already completed or above 90% completion”. he said.
    Williams promised an early passage of the budget after due legislative processes.

     

  • NDAF Set To Shut Down Julius Berger’s Quarry Site At Akamkpa LGA.

    By Admin

    The Niger Delta Activists Forum NDAF, has disclosed that it would not hesitate to shutdown all Julius Berger’s facilities across the Niger Delta region with emphasis on their quarry site at Akankpa local government area if their demand is not given deserved priority attention within 7-days of its publication.

    The forum made this known in a press release sighted by The Lumine News and signed by the National President, Comr. Jack Success, National Youth Leader, Comr. Bernard Oko Okori, Cross River State Chairman, Comr. Paul Ajie, State Public Relation Officer, Comr. Ogar, Emmanuel Oko.

    The release reads in full:

    “5th Noverber 2020

    PRESS STATEMENT BY THE NIGER DELTA ACTIVISTS FORUM ON THE DELIBERATE MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUND BY JULIUS BERGER IN FLAGRANT NEGLECT TO THE DIRECTIVES OF THE FEDERAL MINISTER OF WORKS PERTAINING TO ODUKPANI-ITU ROAD.

    “Good morning Comrades and gentlemen of the Press!
    The Niger Delta Activists Forum (NDAF) is constrained by the reality on ground to make this statement on good authority as we also rely upon the veracity of our sources that had informed us of the intel between the Honourable Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola and the management of Julius Berger over the construction of Odukpani/ITU road.

    “It is now an incontestable fact that huge fund has been released to Julius Berger via Sukkuk Bond with specific instruction to commence work from the Cross River State axis of the Odukpani/Itu road since it’s most deplorable. Since the release of the money, nothing is yet happening at the site and we are worried and disturbed.

    “It baffles us at this juncture as we observed that the fund appears to have been misappropriated in flagrant disregard to the Minister’s directives.

    “NDAF frowns at this highhandedness and being the only proponent agitating for the reconstruction of the road, and not ignorant of the latest happenings in the country with particular reference to the many unrests and #EndSar protest, would not want to be compelled to hit the streets as that would be colossal considering this volatile time of the moment.

    “However, we would not hesitate to shutdown all Julius Berger’s facilities across the Niger Delta region with emphasis on their quarry site at Akankpa local government area if this release is not given deserved priority attention within 7-days of its publication.

    “Failure to adhere to the aforestated within the stipulated time, the Niger Delta Activists Forum will respond accordingly including but not limited to sustained mass action.

    “For the Niger Delta people:

    Comrade Success Jack
    (National President)

    Comrade Okori Benard Oko
    (National Youth Leader)

    Comrade Paul Ajie
    (Chairman, Cross Rivers State Chapter)

    Comr.(Hon) Ogar Emmanuel Oko
    (State Public Relations Officer)

    “Cc:
    The Director Department of State Service (DSS) CRS Command
    The Commissioner of Police CRS Command
    The Brigade Commander 13 Brigade Calabar
    The Commandant Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Core CRS command.
    The Federal Controller Works CRS.
    The GM Julius Berger Nig.LTD.”