The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

Why Gov Obaseki Was Disqualified – Ayuba

By Admin

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has been disqualified from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, the chairman of the party’s screening committee declared on Friday.

He was disqualified alongside Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi and Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.

The disqualification was announced by the chairman of the APC screening committee, Prof. Jonathan Ayuba at a press conference in Abuja.
He gave as reason the governor’s failure to produce his Higher School Certificate, HSC, the instrument which he supposedly entered the University of Ibadan to read Classics in 1973.

He also said the committee could not verify the governor’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
Mr. Iduoriyekemwen, an ally of the governor was disqualified for supposedly dragging the party to court.

Engr. Ogiemwonyi who is an associate of the Oshiomhole camp was also disqualified for discrepancies in the names in his credentials.
The outcome meant that the race has been thrown open for three aspirants, namely: Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Dr. Pius Odubu and Mr. Osaze Obaze. Earlier on Wednesday, Obaseki expressed fears about his possible disqualification in a terse press statement where he accused Oshiomhole of masterminding the process. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Crusoe Osagie, he said:

“The extreme display of lawlessness and dictatorship by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole would reach its peak by 2pm today when he would announce in a press conference the disqualification of Governor Godwin Obaseki, from contesting the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC). “In record time, Oshiomhole has subverted all due process and broken all the laws in the books in his ultimate quest to crown himself as the godfather of politics in Edo State.

“Like he stated recently that he is the Supreme Court and the ultimate determiner of the fate of aspirants for governorship seat under the APC, he has executed his pre-conceived agenda of stopping Governor Obaseki from flying the flag of the party, at all cost.”
After pushing the failed narrative about Governor Obaseki’s educational qualification and meeting a brick wall with the University of Ibadan’s response, he resorted to using his characteristic brute force to disqualify the governor.

June 12, 2020
Citizens’ Solution Network’s Press release On June 12 Democracy Day

By Admin

Today ought to be a day that we all are supposed to celebrate with great joy and jubilation. It is however sad that to note that, the current set of leaders we have in Nigeria are yet to truly live up to the spirit of June 12th.

While we find the effort of the Buhari-led government to have made June 12 Nigeria’s Democracy Day commendable.

We at Citizens Solutions Network believe more still need to be done to thoroughly and completely honour the spirit of June 12.

As it stands, we are of the view that until the current crop of leaders we have in this country include M.K.O Abiola name among the official national list of Presidents we had ever had, their claim of believing in the ideology behind June 12 should be treated with strong and utmost suspicion.

We at Citizens Solution Network strongly believe that, anything short of including M.K.O Abiola name among the gazetted list of Nigeria’s Presidents is a dangerous mockery of the entire struggle of June 12 that led to the death of several Nigerians, and a display of lack of genuine democratic acknowledgment and historical honesty.

Let it be on public registry and national archive, that today, Citizens Solution Network demand the inclusion of M.K.O Abiola name to the officially recognised list of Presidents, Nigeria had ever had, and his name should come immediately after the name of IBB and before that of Abacha.

This is the way to go to truly demonstrate sincerity to the idea and struggle. And for those saying, he never took the oath of office, we demand that the current Chief Justice of Nigeria should administer the oath to M.K.O Abiola posthumously. Let’s lead the world in this way by doing the right thing.

Thanks

Signed

Richard F. Inoyo
Country Director, Citizens Solution Network.

For: Civilian Population and Council.

June 12, 2020
Obudu Local Government Chairman, Boniface Ewhe Felicitates Gov Ben Ayade And Cross Riverians

By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

The Executive Chairman of Obudu local government council, Mr. Boniface Eraye Ewhe has congratulated the governor of cross river state, Sir Ben Ayade on the 2020 democracy day celebration.

Ewhe in a massage sighted by The Lumine News called on all stakeholders to reflect on the annulment of the June 12 election and become resolute and decisive to ensure credible elections that will guarantee our democratic process.

The releases reads in parts “I write on behalf of my family, all stakeholders, the Obudu legislative Council, Traditional Council and the hospitable people of Obudu local government council to felicitate with the Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade, members of the State Executive Council, the Speaker Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jonas Eteng and all Honorable members of the 9th assembly, the state Acting Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Eneji and his team, on this unique day to remember and honor a great patriot, MKO Abiola, now democracy day, June 12, 2020.

“We are not there yet, but we have made tremendous efforts in achieving democratic principles in line with global practices.

“The annulment of June 12 1993 election adjudged to be the most freest in our democratic history as a country had had negative impact and insinuations about us in time past.

“As we mark this day, it is my firm conviction that we reflect on the ills associated with the annulment of the said election and ensure that we become resolute and decisive in the conduct of our subsequent elections that will reflect the yearnings and aspirations of the people, while acknowledging the commitment and sacrifices of our heroes for effective democratic structures.

“I wish all Nigerians, Cross Riverians and the humorous and accommodating people of Obudu local government area a happy and rewarding 2020 democracy day commemoration”

Long live federal Republic of Nigeria
Long live Cross River State
Long live Obudu local government area.

Mr. Boniface Eraye Ewhe
Executive Chairman,
Obudu Local Government Area.

June 12, 2020
Breaking News: Obaseki Defects To PDP, Picks Membership Card

By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He has just collected his membership card at Ward 4, Oredo Local Government.

The lumine news gathers that the governor is moving into the PDP with all the 18 Local Government Chairmen in Edo State together with 12 lawmakers in the State Assembly.

Also, Governors of the PDP are billed to visit him this weekend

Congratulations in advance!

June 12, 2020
C’River House Of Assembly Begins e-Legislation, Launches Official Website

By Hope Obeten – CPS To The Speaker

The Cross State House of Assembly, on Thursday, as part of activities to mark the 9th assembly one year in office anniversary kicked off its process of e-legislation with the official launching of its website.

In a speech at the press briefing held at the Assembly chambers, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams described it as a dream come true and a huge milestone recorded by the 9th assembly, which according to him would make the assembly more accessible to members of the public and the media.

Williams further stated that information played vital role in legislative processes and law making, adding “if it is technologically driven, it makes the job of the legislature easier and enhances productivity.

The functional website is www.crsassembly.com.ng for now this is the design site. The main site will be “crshoassembly.gov.ng” when ready.

It is hoped that when the relevant content is provided, the site will provide information on Membership, House Committees, past Hon. Members/Speakers and their Deputies, Clerks, and existing directorates.

It will also provide information on proceedings, Bills, Motions and major deliberations of the House. The site will equally display photos, videos and events or news in respect of the House.

Apart from this, the website will bring Honourable Members closer to their constituents and will provide authentic information for proper guidance of members of the public.

June 12, 2020
Ayade Directs BORDERCOM To Embark On A Baseline Survey And Needs Assessment Of Border Communities

By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

The Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade has directed the State Border Communities Development Commission to embark on a baseline survey and needs assessment of border committees in Cross River State.

This was disclosed by the Director General of the Commission, Mr. Noel Ugbong who averred that the exercise is geared towards the birth of a 5 year Strategic and multi year operational plan as well as a guide in budget preparations for the years ahead.

Ugbong stressed that “the development of Border Communities is key to the Ayade-led visionary administration of rural transformation”

Recall that just recently, the governor demonstrated a high level of commitment to his passion for Bakassi with the handing over of housing units.

The DG posited that “border
communities shall have the full attention of the Governor, who is poised to reach out to this communities in the areas of their greatest needs”

On the importance of the baseline assessment, the Director General held that “the data obtained from the exercise shall be useful in collaborative development of border communities with Federal Agencies like National Border Communities Development Agency NBCDA, Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, and other Development Partners.

“With the dwindling revenue accruing to the State, it becomes imperative for the commission to build a business case capable of attracting support from outside the State and to strengthen support from International Organizations”

The Baseline Survey according to the DG is to commence from Bakassi Local Government Area on Tuesday, 17 June 2020.

June 11, 2020
Akpagu Senatorial Ambition Gets Boost As Group Declares Support

By Admin

The Senatorial ambition of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu got a serious boost yesterday as a socio-political youth group, Youth Coalition For Positive Change (YCPC) endorsed him.

Recall that Akpagu is one of the leading aspirants jostling for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC for the Cross River North Senatorial district bye-election.

The seat became vacant after the passing on of its former occupant, Late Sen. Rose Oko in a London hospital few months ago.

Speaking on the position of the group concerning the bye-election, Convener, Sunday Unyor disclosed that the decision of the group to endorse Akpagu was reached during a meeting held in Obanliku local government area yesterday.

Unyor noted that after their independent assessment of all the aspirants across parties, Prof. Akpagu impressive resume and records of achievements as VC and former Commissioner for Education in the state made him the ideal person for the job.

According to him, “the decision to support Prof. Zana Akpagu was borne out of his numerous achievements in uplifting lives of people in Cross River North and beyond”.

He maintained that “from our findings, no aspirant in any party enjoys his level of acceptability and popularity and this means that he is the people’s choice. It means that he’ll be a Senator chosen by the people not the establishment”.

While urging the APC to hand him the ticket, the group pledged to work rigorously for the success of the party in the beyelection.

June 10, 2020
CRS-CSDA HOLDS BOARD AND MANAGEMENT RETREAT: SENSITIZE NEW BOARD ON ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency has organized a 3 day retreat for its newly inaugurated Board.

The retreat which provided a first leg sensitization of the new board members on the operations of the Agency was declared open by the Hon. Commissioner for MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong on behalf of the digital Gov. His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade. Speaking at the event, Dr Asibong charged the new Board to sustain the gains recorded by the Agency noting that the CSDP as a project is “government best foot forward” so far as development project in partnership with donors was concern.

The attendance of the National Coordinator of the CSDP, Dr Abdulkarim Obaje who as ably represented by the immediate past General Manager of the Agency, Pastor Victor Ovat broaden the Boards opportunities to get deeper understanding about their roles and responsibilities. In this regard, Pst. Ovat made a presentation that sensitized participants on their specific roles and responsibilities as stipulated in the law guiding the operations of the Agency.

Speaking earlier, the Ag. General Manager of the Agency Mr Fidel Udie noted that the retreat became imperative following the need to sensitise the new Board and bring them up to speed with development in the Agency especially as regard processes, achievements and emerging challenges.

The Board chairman Mr Toni Ikpeme who was visibly happy with the content development of the entire exercise noted on behalf of the new board that the “Board is a reinvigorated board with determination and commitment to sustain the gains recorded in the past”. He thanked the Gov, His Excellency Sir Ben Ayade for their appointment and further noted that the retreat has broaden their understanding of the operations of the Agency, promising a cordial working relationship with Management with the view of sustaining the gains of the Project for the state.

The highly engaging retreat had in attendance the 17 Board members comprising Permanent Secretaries from line Ministries and Civil Society Orgainization and the Project Management Committee of the Agency.

June 10, 2020
Austin Akan Congratulates Peter Ishoja And Other 9 Councilors As They Assume Office

By Elijah Ugani – Obudu

A front line supporter of Governor Ben Ayade and a business Mogul, Chief Austin Akan has congratulated the Hon. Peter Ishoja representing Obudu Urban 1 who emerged as the Leader of the 6th legislative council of Obudu local government area and nine other councillors for their successful inauguration today.

Akan who was elated having sensed the disposition of the councilors to duty, admonished the lawakers to use the opportunity they have been given to enact laws that will have direct impact on the lives of the citizens considering the fact the people have been in dare yearning for grassroot representation.

Akan averred that “as councilors who reside with the people, and finding yourselves at the grassroot level, your constituents expect you to spend more time with them, by doing this, you will appreciate their more pressing challenges and of priority too.

“Your call is majorly that of service, I employ you to concentrate more on service to humanity as posterity will always remind us of your contribution to the development of this council.

“The executive needs your collaborative efforts and synergy to deliver the devidends of democracy to our people. Let me congratulate once again and wish you a very successful tenure of office as councilors representing your various wards”

June 9, 2020
Vena Ikem’s Congratulatory Letter To Newly Elected Chairmen And Councillors In Cross River State

By Admin

Welcome to A New Dawn: A letter of congratulations to The newly elected Chairmen and councillors in Cross River State.

As Gov Ayade takes a few steps in the direction of the change we desire let me use this forum to encourage him and also congratulate the newly elected Chairmen of the 18 local govt councils and their vice Chairmen together with the 196 councillors and very soon about 518 appointees to various positions in the councils.

It is not true that we do not appreciate when positive steps are taken in the polity. It is that we desire to see more positive steps than occur in recent times and so we are usually skeptical of the steps when taken until they are concluded.

As the election process has been concluded we feel happy that a breathe of fresh air has been injected into the life of Cross Riverians, and into our body politics, no matter how Imperfect the process may seem. Already the euphoria that has greeted the new and incoming administrations is palpable and an indication that it is what the people desire. The people have been waiting for this for so long and they are happy that it has finally arrived !

I want to congratulate Gov. Ayade for finally arriving at a convergence with me in my anxiety to see Democracy take root once again at the grassroots level of our state. As a product of this tier of Govt I cannot help myself but encourage it’s elevation as a critical catalyst for grassroots development.

Let me use this opportunity to also advise the new administrations in the various councils, that despite the challenges you may face, you owe your people the onerous responsibility to deliver on some critical challenges that must be confronting them in order to endear yourselves to them.

Our people are yearning most of all to be listened to. To be heard. Building gigantic projects might appeal to them because we all yearn for development, but what is most critical is giving them a listening ear, empathizing with them and making the right effort to appreciate their yearnings and aspirations. This is most exemplified in making yourselves available to them when they need you in a timely manner.

Do not surround yourselves with too many ‘boys’ that will make it difficult for the ordinary citizen of the local govt to reach you and discuss with you, no matter how briefly once in a while. Do not create a “security” cordon around yourselves that insulates you from the people you have been given the responsibility to administer.

For most of you, your political career begins now. How you lay the foundation will determine how far you can go. Some of us did this 29 years ago and we are still blessed to be around. The secret is really as simple as I am spelling out to you: Live simple. Keep in touch with your people. Don’t be in a hurry to get rich. A good and impactful politician never really gets rich! He or she is often too busy making sacrifices to remember to accumulate enough to get rich. In this class of 18/18/196, of 2020, new stars will be made. Future ministers, Governors, commissioners etc are already being groomed. Are you going to be one of the few or will you return to relative obscurity and blame Governor Ayade for not “allowing you to make money”?

The Governor has given you this rare opportunity to distinguish yourselves which many have sought all their political career and never got. He cannot be your excuse for failure to live up to the aspirations of your people.

Your people are watching as you change friends, change appetite, change women/ men change clothes and accommodation but your excuse will constantly be that “the governor is not giving us money”! But he is giving you enough to change all these things except offer a little helping hand to those who today are all over you, supporting you. Those who put their lives on the line and quarrelled with others in the bid to support you to get here.

Watch your every step. Have empathy for your friends, brothers, sisters and electorates. If you think people are not seeing you, surely God is and will reward you abundantly over the course of time, if you do well, if not with material gratification, with long service to humanity and a good name.

Eschew crisis as much as possible. Avoid trouble in your councils and always prefer the path of amicable resolution of differences and there will be peace in your councils, which is the ultimate desire of our people.

Keep yourselves close, don’t harbour grudges against those who didn’t support you because you are now representing all.

Most of all make yourselves a vessel for good, no matter how little, day by day and you will be amazed how much good you are capable of doing in a very short time.

I want to live to be able to point at you in a couple of years at my retirement and say, (s)he was a chairman when Gov. Ayade organized the first local govt election and I was the State Chairman of our great Party !

Wishing you God’s abiding graces and guidance throughout your tenure.

Long live Cross River State!!!

Long live The People’s Democratic Party! ( PDP).

Vena. Ikem.

Disclaimer: This opinion is strictly that of Vena. Ikem and does not represent THELUMINENEWS or its staff.

June 5, 2020