The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

Bekwarra LG Crisis: Acting Governor Odey Brokers Peace Between Chairman And Councillors

Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, has intervened in the political crisis unfolding in Bekwarra Local Government Area following the impeachment notice issued to Council Chairman, Hon. Theresa Ushie, by the councillors.

On March 20, 2025, nine out of ten councillors initiated impeachment proceedings against the council Chairman of Bekwarra LG, Hon Theresa Ushie, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and abuse of office. The accusation deepened as accusations of unilateral decision-making and poor communication between the executive and legislative arms dominated discourse at the meeting.

Responding swiftly, Acting Governor Odey convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting on March 24, 2025, followed by a second session on March 28, 2025, at his temporary office in the Glass House, Calabar.

After extensive deliberations, it was observed that the crisis primarily stemmed from a breakdown in communication between the Chairman and the Councillors. Acknowledging this, Hon. Ushie offered an apology for any lapses and reaffirmed her commitment to working harmoniously with the legislators and other stakeholders in the local government.

In his address, Acting Governor Odey urged all political stakeholders to set aside their differences and focus on governance and service delivery to the people of Bekwarra. He emphasized the need for due process, collaboration, and dialogue in resolving conflicts, stressing that effective communication and inclusiveness should be prioritized to prevent future disputes.

Acting Governor Odey, leveraging his experience as a former UNDP advisor and legislator, adopted a family-oriented approach to resolving the crisis but cautioned that such interventions may not always be available. He called on all public officeholders to be proactive in their duties and embrace dialogue and consultation as essential tools for conflict resolution.

Concluding, He stressed that impeachment should not be trivialized or used as a political weapon, as it is meant to be a last resort

In their separate remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, emphasized the importance of peace and unity. They urged stakeholders to support the State Governor’s “People First” mantra, noting that no society thrives in a disharmonious environment.

Also present at the reconciliatory meeting were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Hon. Charles Omang Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor Felix-Idem; Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere; Head of Personal Staff to the Acting Governor, Dr. Chris Ojiokpong, Bekwarra LG APC Chapter Chairman, Thomas Odama, and the Local Government Vice Chairman, Hon. Egbung Odama, among others.

Fred Abua, Esq.,
Press Secretary to the Acting Governor of Cross River State
28/03/2025

March 29, 2025
C’River Assembly Recommends Immediate Suspension of Four UNICROSS Governing Council members

The State House of Assembly has recommended the immediate suspension of Dr. Emmanuel Ettah, Dr. John Inah Ukam, Professor Mathew Nsing Ogar, and Professor Stephen Ochang, members of the 5th Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) for alleged misconduct and abuse of office.

The House had deliberated on a petition by A. B. Cobham and Associates ( legal practitioners, Corporate and Real Estate Consultants) solicitors to Mr Emmanuel Eyo, the petitioner.

Opening debate on the petition, the Leader of the House and Member representing Odukpani State Constituency, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo, drew the attention of Members to the allegations of gross misconduct against; Dr Emmanuel Ettah, Dr John Inah Ukam, Prof Mathew Nsing Ogar and Prof Stephen Ochang during their tenure as Members of the 5th Governing Council of UNICROSS.

The allegations as stated in the petition include; Illegal Tenure Extension and Unlawful Sale of University Property. The petition indicates that Dr. Emmanuel Ettah refused to vacate office at the expiration of their tenure in September 2023 and also sold University Property between May and August 2024, almost a year after the expiration of their tenure. The petition also emphasized that the auctioning of University Equipment was in total violation of the Public Procurement Act and the Bureau of Public Procurement.

The Lawmakers, in their separate contributions, while deliberating on the petition, viewed the action of Dr Emmanuel Ettah and Co as a total violation of the Extant Laws establishing the University. They further stressed that the State Government’s policy on the non-extension of tenures by public officers is still in force and emphasized that the continued stay in office of the Council Members after the expiration of their tenure is illegal.

They thereafter adopted the resolution moved by the Leader, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo(Odukpani ), and seconded by the Deputy Leader Rt Hon Davies Etta(Abi) which states in part;
” having unanimously agreed, the House recommends the immediate suspension of Dr. Emmanuel Ettah, Dr. John Inah Ukam, Professor Mathew Nsing, and Professor Stephen Ochang. They are to be suspended from all activities of the University until a proper investigation is carried out by the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution”.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem reaffirmed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and good governance. He assured that the House will carry out a thorough investigation on the matter and thereafter make appropriate recommendations to the Governor who is the Visitor to the University.

March 26, 2025
Impeachment Of Bekwarra Local Government Chairman And Matters Arising BY ELIJAH UGANI

It is no longer news that Councillors of Bekwarra Local Government Council has allegedly impeached the local government Chairman, Mrs Theresa Ushie over gross misconduct.

Despite denial by the Chairman in a press release signed by her Chief Press Secretary, Mr Agaji Ntamu, the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Mr Erasmus Ekpang, has on the directives of the Acting Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey, invited the embattled Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, the ten Councillors, Member representing Bekwarra in the Cross River State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Finance, the state party Chairman of APC and others stakeholders for an important meeting tomorrow to address the lingering crisis in Bekwarra. A development that the council chairman has not issued a rebuttal to the effect.
Her silence on the this directive from the Acting Governor and her continue refusal of the pending issues in Bekwarra, leaves much to be desired of her as a true servant of her people.

This matter was first hinted by Mr Solomon Ogar, of Solomon Island, but was refuted by all supporters of the council Chairman who are visible on Facebook. They described the report as a figment of Solomon’s imagination and labeled him a purveyor of fake news.

The Councillors remained undunted and issued multiple releases to support their position aided with press videos.

A former President Buhari Aide, and Chairman, Presidential Asset Recovery Committee, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has described the impeachment as a child’s play and averred that there are laid down procedures for impeachment of elected council chairman.

What should interest the public in this melodrama should be the veracity of the accusations and how best to handle the situation that will guarantee the collective interest of Bekwarra.

It was allegedly reported that Ada Bekwarra ii, Hon Omang Idiege, had brokered a meeting to resolve the lingering issues twice and the Chairman refused to show up for the meeting.

Many pundits suggests that the council chairman has been ground standing because of her closeness with the governor and so treats the councillors with a wave of hand and disdain.

As I commend the Acting Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey, for taking the bold step to convey a meeting to resolve this crisis, I will suggest that he tells the chairman that she cannot function alone without the councillors.

The Acting Governor should remind her that the Supreme Court just recently berated Gov Fubara for running River State government without the state house of assembly.

The chairman needs to humble herself and realize that she is rather a servant of Bekwarra and desist from lording herself over her people.

I wish them a fruitful deliberation as we look forward to having peace in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

EU.

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

March 23, 2025
A Historical Meditation on Rita Ushie Uguamaye’s Audacity BY DAVE IMBUA

History is replete with moments when individuals have dared to break long-held rules—rules designed not to uplift but to suppress, rules that prioritize the comfort of the powerful over the suffering of the weak. At such moments, these audacious voices become the target of scorn, vilification, and threats. Yet, as history has shown us time and again, the voices that defy oppression, injustice, and unbearable hardship often become the voices that posterity reveres, while those who seek to silence them are forgotten in the sands of time.

Rita Ushie Uguamaye, a youth corps member, has spoken her mind, which is more or less, the truth. She has voiced not just personal discontent but the collective agony of millions of Nigerians struggling to survive under an economic and social system that seems bent on breaking them. In response, some have chastised her, accusing her of violating an oath of allegiance—an oath that, as it is being interpreted, seems to demand blind submission rather than critical engagement with leadership. But history teaches us that there always comes a time when individuals must rise above oppressive conventions and speak out, regardless of the consequences.

The world once condemned Galileo Galilei for daring to assert that the Earth moves around the Sun, a claim that violated the religious and scientific dogmas of his time. He was silenced, forced to recant, and lived under house arrest. Yet today, he is celebrated as the father of modern science, while those who sought to silence him are relics of a forgotten past.

Martin Luther, the German monk who ignited the Protestant Reformation, was excommunicated and declared an outlaw for questioning the authority of the Catholic Church. His 95 Theses challenged long-standing religious practices, and he was hunted by those who sought to maintain the status quo. Yet today, his name is immortalized as a revolutionary who reshaped Christianity, while his persecutors are either footnotes in history or completely forgotten.

Rosa Parks, the Black woman who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, was ridiculed, arrested, and criticized by those who insisted that she had violated the law. Yet that singular act of defiance sparked the American civil rights movement, changing history forever. Her name is immortalized, while those who upheld segregation are but ghosts of a shameful era.

In South Africa, Nelson Mandela was branded a terrorist for fighting against apartheid. He was imprisoned for 27 years, condemned by those who insisted that his defiance violated the laws of his country. Yet, today, he stands as a global symbol of freedom and resilience, while his oppressors have been erased from the honor roll of history.

Even in Nigeria, history remembers Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who led women in defying colonial and traditional authorities that sought to silence them. She was brutalized, labeled a troublemaker, and dismissed by those who prioritized oppressive norms. Yet, today, she is hailed as a pioneering feminist and nationalist, while her detractors are long forgotten.

What do all these examples teach us? They teach us that those who dare to challenge unjust systems are often persecuted in their time, but history vindicates them. The same fate awaits Rita Ushie Uguamaye. Whether today’s Nigerians condemn or praise her, one thing is certain—posterity will remember and be proud of her.

This is not a legal argument. It may not even be politically correct. It is simply a historical meditation, a reflection on how truth and courage, no matter how inconvenient, eventually triumph over oppression. Rita Ushie has taken her place in the lineage of those who refused to be silenced. And history—our most honest judge—will remember her.

March 22, 2025
Meet Unical Best Graduating Student 2025, Moses Udofia With a CPGA 4.92

Meet Unical Best Graduating Student 2025, Moses Udofia With a CPGA 4.92

He won the overall Best Graduating Student of the 37th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Calabar and he won a prize of 1 Million Naira.

He’s a graduate of the Department of Accounting.

Congratulations 🎉🎊

March 21, 2025
The Purported Impeachment Of Chairman Theresa Ushie By The Councillors Of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Can Not Stand BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

The acts of impunity being perpetuated by the councillors of Bekwarra Local Government Council under the guise of deep-seated illegality are outrageous and must be condemned unreservedly.

The purported impeachment of Chairman Theresa Ushie by the councillors of Bekwarra Local Government Council, carried out without the slightest regard for due process as outlined in the Cross River State Local Government laws, is scandalous and cannot stand.

The removal of a Chairman is a serious matter, and the law has been designed to ensure fairness and transparency. According to the law, the Chairman must first be furnished with a Notice of Allegation, signed by at least one-third of the councillors. This Notice must be served on the Chairman to inform them of the allegations and provide an opportunity for defense.

Even after the Chairman has defended themselves—or failed to do so—the councillors must secure a two-thirds majority vote to appoint a panel to investigate the allegations. Only if the panel finds the Chairman guilty can the councillors proceed with impeachment.

In this case, however, Chairman Theresa Ushie was never furnished with any Notice of Allegation. Instead, she discovered scurrilous allegations against her on Facebook, accompanied by the shocking claim that she had been impeached.

This is a travesty of justice. All people of goodwill must rise to condemn this kangaroo impeachment of Chairman Theresa Ushie. It is an egregious act of injustice and blackmail, orchestrated by mediocre politicians seeking to intimidate her.

@ 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.

March 21, 2025
State of Emergency in Rivers State: C’River Acting Governor Backs Tinubu’s Decision

The Cross River State Government has formally dissociated itself from the South-South Governors’ Forum’s reservations regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing its full support for the federal government’s decision to restore order amid escalating unrest.

In a press release issued on Thursday by Barr. Fred Abua, Press Secretary to the Acting Governor, the state clarified that Acting Governor Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey was neither consulted nor informed prior to the forum’s public statement criticizing the presidential directive.

The forum, comprising governors from Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, had expressed concerns over the constitutionality and implications of the emergency declaration.

The press release underscored Dr. Odey’s alignment with President Tinubu’s decision, describing it as “a necessary step taken in the best interest of national security, peace, and stability.” It further stated, “Every responsible government must prioritize the protection of lives and property, and where circumstances necessitates decisive action, such measures must be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity.”

The statement reiterated Cross River State’s commitment to constitutional governance and collaboration with the federal government to address security challenges. It emphasized that the forum’s position “does not reflect the views of the Cross River State Government,” citing the lack of prior consultation as a critical factor.

The press release concluded with a call for unity: “Cross River State remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and will continue to collaborate with Federal Government in ensuring peace, security, and stability across the country.”

March 20, 2025
Section 130(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( 1999 (as amended) establishes the office of the President for the Federation BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

Section 130(2) of the same Constitution further defines the President’s role as the Head of State, the Chief Executive of the Federation, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The President possesses significant constitutional authority to address critical situations that threaten the peace and stability of the nation. This authority includes the power to declare a state of emergency, as outlined in Section 305(1), (2), and (3)(a-g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended):

Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the President may by instrument published in the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof.

(2) The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation, including the details of the emergency, to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or Speaker, as the case may be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the Proclamation.

(3) The President shall have the power to issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency only when:

(a) the Federation is at war;
(b) the Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war;
(c) there is an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security;
(d) there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger;
(e) there is an occurrence or imminent danger, or the occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity, affecting the community or a section of the community in the Federation;
(f) there is any other public danger that clearly constitutes a threat to the existence of the Federation; or
(g) the President receives a request to do so in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4) of this section.

The Emergency Powers (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act 2018 also grants the President certain powers.

A common, although controversial, understanding is that after declaring a state of emergency in a specific area, a logical step might seem to be the suspension of democratic institutions and elected officials in the affected areas. The reasoning behind this is purportedly to facilitate the administration of the emergency measures.

It is often assumed that a state of emergency entails the suspension of the rule of law and the implementation of emergency laws or measures as stipulated in the Emergency Powers (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act. This is done to enable the appropriate and adequate resolution of the issues that triggered the emergency declaration.

However, it’s vital to note that suspending democratic institutions and the rule of law are serious actions with significant legal and ethical implications and must be approached with utmost caution and within constitutional boundaries.

@ Okoi Obono-Obla

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

March 20, 2025
Just In: Tinubu suspends Governor Fubara, House of Assembly, Declares State Of Emergency In Rivers State

Text of the Broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, declaring State of Emergency in Rivers state on Tuesday 18 March 2025

Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.

With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.

Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.

On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:

“a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”

The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Going Forward in their judgment, and having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected

“are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the Governor) in cohorts with four members”

The Supreme Court then made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy. These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.

Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.

Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.

Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.

The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.

In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.

By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.

March 18, 2025
Amukwong Community Receives Contractor Handling Bridge Construction, Facilitated By Sen Jarigbe Agom

The Clan Head of Amukwong, Dr. Godwin Ekunke, alongside chiefs, elders, and youths, have formally received the contractor handling the Amukwong bridge construction in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State. This project was facilitated by the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

Chief Dr. Ekunke assured the contractor of the community’s full support, ensuring the safety of workers, equipment, and materials throughout their stay. He emphasized that no well-meaning member of Alege/Ugbang would sabotage the efforts to alleviate the community’s hardship caused by the bridge’s deplorable condition.

The proposed bridge will serve as a vital link between Amukwong and other communities in Alege/Ugbang, enhancing residents’ access to essential amenities, boosting economic activities, and improving overall quality of life for constituents.

The community expressed gratitude to Senator Jarigbe Agom for his initiative and prompt response. They pledged their support for him and his team, acknowledging the remarkable infrastructural and human capital development in Cross River North Senatorial District.

TEAM JARI MEDIA

March 18, 2025