The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • SUKI Facilitates $400,000 Foreign Scholarship For 10 C’Riverians

    SUKI Facilitates $400,000 Foreign Scholarship For 10 C’Riverians

     

    In yet another groundbreaking achievement by the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial district, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, ten young scholars from the state are set to receive $400,000 to pursue different postgraduate degrees in some European and American Universities. The scholarship which is part of the second batch of the NDDC postgraduate scholarship programme will enable each scholar to receive $40,000, equivalent to N64 million, to support their academic endeavours.

    Recall that in the first batch, the Senator fondly called ‘SUKI’ facilitated $280,000 for seven young Cross River scholars who are currently pursuing degrees in several foreign universities.

    The second batch beneficiaries include Ernest Edim, who will study Msc. Data Science at the University of Salford, UK; Juliet Edem, Msc. Biomedical Science at the University of Salford, UK; Inde Immanuella Sikile, LLM Artificial Intelligence, Digital and Cyberlaw at Edge Hill University, UK; Egwu Sonia, Msc. Project Management at Northampton University, UK; and Umoh Anthony Effiong, Msc. Sustainable Transitions at the University of Aberdeen, UK.

    Others are Egwu Florence-Sarah Arong, MSC. Computer Science at Maharashi International University, USA; Eyo Victor Effiom, Msc. Public Health at the University of Wolverhampton, UK; Iyam Solomon, MRes (MPhil) Tropical Health and Infectious Disease Research at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK; Asuquo Utang Edet, LLM International Business and Commercial Law at Anglia Ruskin University, UK; and Edem Umoh Bassey, MSC. Renewable Energy Engineering at Kingston University, London.

    As Nelson Mandela aptly stated, “Education is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world”. There’s nothing more valuable than education, and Sen. Ekpenyong is empowering a lot of Cross Riverians with the viable tools to excel in their respective fields. Indeed, he is deliberate about supporting young people to build their capacities in contemporary and future-oriented fields. On graduation, these youths will be empowered to become thought leaders in their respective domains.

    I’m particularly impressed with the quality of most of the courses. We don’t have many Cross Riverians who have delved into some of these fields which are some of the the most in-demand fields in the labour market, both locally and internationally today.

    In the Journalism profession, most media house owners in Nigeria will tell you that when they offer you appointment letter even without pay, they’re giving you meal ticket. In like manner, I commend the Senator for his vision and commitment in supporting the next generation of leaders in our state with the solid meal tickets.

    Congratulations to all the deserving beneficiaries. May God guide and protect them throughout the duration of their programmes.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

  • Obono-Obla Wants CROSIEC To Clarify It’s Own TimeTable

    Obono-Obla Wants CROSIEC To Clarify It’s Own TimeTable

     

    A Human rights Lawyer and activist, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, a founding member of the All Progressive Congress APC, who was also a former President Buhari Aide, has called on the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission CROSIEC, to clarify it’s own timetable.

    According to the timetable released by CROSIEC, there is no provision for registered political parties to comply with section 20A of CROSIEC law.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews, Obono-Obla noted the importance of CROSIEC to correct the error to avoid someone challenging the process.

    The release reads in full:
    “CROSEIC NEEDS TO CLARIFY THE OMISSION ON ITS TIMETABLE:

    “Undoubtedly, the timetable released by CROSIEC today, the 25 September 2024, which kickstarts activities that would culminate in the Local Government councils elections in Cross River State, is nebulous.

    “CROSIEC, must as a matter of urgency, explains why in its timetable, no provision was made for registered political parties to comply with section 20A of CROSIEC Law (supra)

    “This time table is faulty because there is provision made for registered political parties to give 21 days’ notice in writing to CROSIEC of their intention to hold congresses to nominate their candidates for the election as provided by section 20A of CROSEIC Law (2002) (as amended).
    It is important for CROSIEC to take steps to correct this error ,otherwise, it is opening her flank for someone to challenge the process, which may result in the invalidation of the entire process.
    Is it a deliberate omission or an oversight?”.

  • Why Noel Ugbong Is The Best Material For The Chairmanship Position In Obudu BY JERRY AGBO

    Why Noel Ugbong Is The Best Material For The Chairmanship Position In Obudu BY JERRY AGBO

    WHY NOEL UGBONG IS THE BEST MATERIAL FOR THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF OBUDU

    Noel Ugbong’s political and administrative journey began 21 years ago (in 2003) when he was appointed as the Liaison Officer to Hon. Victor Agwu, the Honourable Member representing Obudu in the Cross River State House of Assembly, with a functional office at the then PDP Secretariat and enjoyed political tutelage and mentorship from the PDP Chapter Chairman, Chief Spokesman Agogo, Akoli Paul Unimke, Hon. Joe Ogar, among others.

    Due largely to his excellent performance as a Liaison Officer, Noel was appointed as the Personal Assistant to the Vice Chairman of Council, Hon. SPK Ogar, in 2004. Despite being the youngest aide to the Vice Chairman of Council, his sincerity, diligence, humility, loyalty, and creativity led to his being assigned complex responsibilities, one of which was assisting the Vice Chairman in the administration and payment of allowances to the Canopy Police (popularly known then as Tourism Police) deployed to Obudu by the then Governor, His Excellency Donald Duke.

    Furthermore, since boundary dispute matters fall under the Office of the Vice Chairman of Council, Noel Ugbong was a noticeable figure in that respect, being saddled with the responsibility of preparing briefs and reports in respect of security meetings held between Obudu and Vandeikya, as well as other security-related meetings. This exposed him early to the security challenges plaguing Obudu. It is also worthy of note that Noel Ugbong was a principal actor in the organisation of the most successful anti-cultism campaign carried out in Obudu in 2004, under the leadership of Comrade Adamade Odey.

    When Hon. Justin Ikor Ugbe took over as the Chairman of Obudu, he appointed Noel Ugbong as his Special Assistant on Childcare (ungazetted), through which several interventions were carried out, some in liaison with the Office of the Wife of the Chairman.

    During Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Uminya’s tenure, due to his resourcefulness in tourism, Noel Ugbong was appointed as a member of the Obudu Tourism Committee.

    From 2012 to 2014, Noel Ugbong was in Port Harcourt running a successful business in partnership with the late Mr. Cajetan Ogar, offering solutions in hospitality, tourism, events management, and logistics.

    In 2015, His Excellency Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade graciously appointed him to the Department of the Governor’s Office and Events Management as the Special Assistant on Administration. During this period, Noel Ugbong was the superintendent of Obudu Mountain Resort. He was also the Secretary to the Carnival Calabar and Festival Central Planning Committee. He served as the Assistant Production Manager of the Leboku Festival and later on as the Desk Officer for the Northern Cross River Cultural Festival (NorthFest).

    Consequent upon his creativity, wealth of innovation, and exceptional service delivery, His Excellency Senator Prof. Ben Ayade in his second term promoted him to the position of Senior Special Assistant on Events Marketing, Content Development, and Tourism. During this period, Noel Ugbong still maintained the ad-hoc roles of Secretary to the Carnival Calabar and Festival Committee, among others. Not quite one year into this new responsibility, His Excellency promoted him to the position of Director General, Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOM). It is worthy of mention that BORDERCOM is one of the biggest commissions in Cross River State, bigger than some ministries. It also has a far greater mandate than all other MDAs. It is established by law and mandated to develop border communities in the areas of education, health, security, economic empowerment, water, and sanitation. Incidentally, these are equally the mandates of the Local Government Councils. During this period, he attended several workshops, seminars, and other specialised training in the areas of project management, conflict resolution, planning, e-governance, etiquette, good governance, and accountability. He was a critical member of the State Boundary Committee, State Security Committee, State Prevent Council, among others. One of the hallmarks of his administration was the resolution of the Kutia-Ukwortung dispute. In furtherance of maintaining peace between the two communities and to combat crime in Obudu, the then Governor trusted him with the construction of the MOPOL 75 Base in Obudu. That project is one of the biggest embarked upon by the Ayade administration. This responsibility was a result of his capacity, integrity, and honesty.

    Within his reign as DG, he attracted numerous projects, programmes, and training from the Federal Government, NGOs, and development partners. Noel Ugbong also facilitated the construction of a Skills Acquisition Centre in Betukwel, Obudu Local Government Area. Noel Ugbong understands the borderline of Obudu, knowing the coordinates by heart. Due to his pragmatic, proactive, and intelligent nature, he was adjudged the best head of a border commission/agency in Nigeria.

    In December 2021, Noel Ugbong launched a mini resort in Obudu, called Hampton Luxury, with the first public swimming pool in Obudu. This feat was to serve multiple purposes of creating wealth, providing job opportunities, and offering a comfortable place for relaxation and talent discovery. This venture brought massive change to the social climate of Obudu, as before then there was hardly a befitting place for social activities. Noel Ugbong is a key player in the Nigerian tourism sector. He is the Chairman of the Tourist Guide Association of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter. He sits on the same page with major tourism players in Nigeria and West Africa. He is an associate of the heads of all the Culture and Tourism MDAs in Cross River State. That’s an asset that can transform Obudu into a preferred tourist destination.

    From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that Noel Ugbong has the requisite intellect, skills, administrative capacity, empathy, humility, connections, and creative, innovative mind to fast-track the development of Obudu to an enviable height.

    A support for Noel Ugbong is a support for the development of Obudu.

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

  • Buda Ward PDP Suspends Cross River State Secretary, Mr Anthony Edako, For Alleged Anti-party

    Buda Ward PDP Suspends Cross River State Secretary, Mr Anthony Edako, For Alleged Anti-party

    *PDP Suspends Cross River State

    Buda Ward, Boki LGA, Cross River State of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, has suspended the State Secretary of the party, Mr. Anthony Edako, indefinitely, effective from the 11th of September, 2024.

    The decision was formally communicated through a letter signed by key members of the ward, citing repeated acts of disregard for party leadership and involvement in anti-party activities.

    According to the letter issued by the Ward Chairman, Mr. James Ofre Enyia, and co-signed by prominent ward stakeholders, Mr. Edako’s suspension follows his continued engagement in activities contrary to the best interests of the party. Specifically, it was highlighted that Mr. Edako unilaterally took decisions affecting the ward executive members without proper consultation, disregarding the PDP’s established protocols of teamwork and consultation. His actions, which allegedly undermined the ward’s stakeholders, were considered violations of party principles.

    The letter emphasizes that Mr. Edako’s involvement in anti-party activities, alongside his failure to follow due process, necessitated the imposition of an indefinite suspension. The party leadership in Buda Ward made it clear that this action would remain in effect pending further investigations and recommendations from the party’s disciplinary bodies.

    In conclusion, the letter directed Mr. Edako to refrain from participating in any party-related activities in his capacity as the State Secretary until the disciplinary process has been concluded. The matter has been escalated, with copies of the suspension letter sent to the PDP National Chairman, the PDP State Chairman, and other relevant party bodies for further review.

    The suspension of a key official such as Mr. Anthony Edako marks a pivotal moment for the PDP in Cross River State as the party seeks to enforce internal discipline and maintain unity among its members ahead of forthcoming political activities.

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Empowers Constituents With Carriage Tricycles

    Sen Jarigbe Agom Empowers Constituents With Carriage Tricycles

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has once again demonstrated his commitment to empowering his constituents through economic empowerment initiatives.

    In a recent distribution exercise, the lawmaker presented carriage tricycles to beneficiaries across the Senatorial District, providing a boost to transportation and livelihood.

    This empowerment program aims to enhance transportation and logistics, support small-scale entrepreneurship, improve economic opportunities and alleviate poverty.

    Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, citing improved mobility and increased income potential.

    Senator Jarigbe’s consistent efforts to uplift his constituents have earned him recognition as a champion of grassroots development.

    “Empowering my people is my top priority,” Senator Jarigbe stated. “I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure they have the resources needed to thrive”.

    This initiative is another testament to Senator Jarigbe’s dedication to transforming lives and communities.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Bakor Traditional Rulers Council Confers Title “Irana Mfam Bakor” On Sen Jarigbe Agom

    Bakor Traditional Rulers Council Confers Title “Irana Mfam Bakor” On Sen Jarigbe Agom

     

    The Bakor Traditional Rulers Council conferred Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, a traditional title of “Irana Mfam Bakor” (The Light of Bakor Nation), during the 2024 Bakor New Yam Festival.

    Dr. Ikani Wogar, who spoke on behalf of Bakor nation, thanked Senator Jarigbe for honoring the festival and acknowledged his impactful work across the Senatorial District.

    On his part, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, encouraged Senator Jarigbe to continue his bipartisan approach to politics.

    In appreciation of Senator Jarigbe’s exceptional performance and generosity, Bakor nation presented him with a well decorated portrait himself, native cow and tubers of yams.

    Responding, Sen Jarigbe expressed gratitude to the people of Bakor for the warm reception, and the honor of the title conferred on him.

    The lawmaker said the title honored him is a call to do more and he accepts the challenge with all amount of seriousness. He prayed God to grant him the grace to continue to shine the require light foe the Bakor Nation.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on his promises, emphasizing his social contract with his constituents, when he said “Charity begins at home, and I will prioritize Bakor land while ensuring equitable distribution of projects across Cross River North Senatorial District,” he stated

    Notable dignitaries in attendance include; Alhaji Hassan Abba, Chief Austin Edibe, Hon. (Chief) Rita Agbo Ayim, Hon. Charles Eneji, and others. Senator Jarigbe was also honored as the Chief Harvester of the new yam in Bakor nation for 2024.

    Congratulations to Bakor Nation!

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Don’t Allow Weaklings Drag You Into Unnecessary Battles, You Are A Peaceful Man, Sen Jarigbe To Gov Otu

    Don’t Allow Weaklings Drag You Into Unnecessary Battles, You Are A Peaceful Man, Sen Jarigbe To Gov Otu

     

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North at the National Assembly, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has implored his state governor, Senator Bassey Otu to guard against being dragged into unnecessary political battles by political weaklings.

    Jarigbe stated this in Ogoja during the 2024 Bakor New Yam Festival held today Sunday, September 15, at Alladim, Nkum Clan in Ogoja local government area.

    Jarigbe applauded Governor Otu for his steady developmental strides and robust collaboration with political class irrespective of party affiliations noting that the peaceful disposition of the governor has checkmated the divisiveness which was gradually creeping into the state before the new new administration.

    According to Jarigbe,Our governor has proven beyond any doubt that he is a man of peace.

    I am appealing to him to be on guard perpetually to avoid being dragged into unnecessary battles by political weaklings who have since lost touch with trending political realities in the state, especially in Cross River North where glaring performance speaks louder than inducements or intimidations during elections.

    “After almost a decade, we now have a governor who is disposed to robust synergy with other political stakeholders, especially members of the opposition.

    This laudable gesture signpost the trademarks of a servant leader who has a listening ear,one who accord priority attention to peace and development of his people”

    Speaking, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, extolled the developmental strides recorded by Senator Jarigbe across Cross River North Senatorial District.

    Ayambem who spoke in dual capacity as a Bakor prominent son as well as the representative of Governor Otu said the present administration is poised to pursue the development of the state as a top agenda with a view of spreading the dividends of democracy across the nooks and crannies of the state.

    In his words” I am delighted to be here as a Bakor son to celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

    The Bakor nation boast of rich cultural antecedents emanating from our common ancestry. Politics is merely a vehicle to accelerate economic development and improve the well-being of our people.

    We must never allow politics to break our common bond as a people with historical affinities.

    “Bakor sons and daughters across the globe must unite to pursue a common blueprint to harness our vast potential and accelerate grassroot development.

    We need to add value to the lives of our people and communities. Let’s guard against enemies breaking our boundaries and instigating us against ourselves.

    The pull him down syndrome must be stopped” Earlier in his welcome remarks, a former Chairman of the Cross River state Forestry Commission, Dr Ikani Wogar applauded the prevailing peace in the state attributable to the cordial relationship between Governor Bassey Otu and members of political class.

    “I want to appeal to our amiable governor, Senator Bassey Otu to sustain the current momentum of collaboration so as to create enabling environment for peace and progress. We are impressed with his peaceful disposed and interest in the overall development of the state”

    Dr Wogar who is also the Chairman of the occasion applauded Senator Jarigbe for his effective representation and the various people- oriented projects across the senatorial district, assuring him of unflinching support in his quest to bring Cross River North at par with other part of the state with regard to socio economic development.

  • Bakor New Yam Festival: Gov Otu, Sen Jarigbe Calls For Unity

    Bakor New Yam Festival: Gov Otu, Sen Jarigbe Calls For Unity

    Culled From Sun

    The governor of Cross River State Prince Bassey Otu and the Senator representing Cross River North in the National assembly Jarigbe Agom have called for unity among the Bakor people of the State.

    The governor who spoke through the Speaker of the 10th Assembly Elvert Ayambem disclosed this at Alladim Nkum Clan in Ogoja during this year’s Bakor New Yam Festival.

    Governor Otu said political parties should be seen as a ladder and that the Bakor people should know the strength they have is the unity they portray.

    “I stand here of the APC extraction and Senator Jarigbe is of the PDP but when it comes to the unity of Bakor parties are seen as a ladder for development.

    “I came here to honour Senator Jarigbe in solidarity and let our people know that the strength we have as Bakor people is the unity we portray.

    “Senator Jarigbe is the pride of Bakor Nation, has empowered so many people and there is no better humanity than what he is doing”, he said.

    Also speaking, Senator Jarigbe who was honoured by the Bakor Nation said he seeks for unity and the Bakor people can only get better as a people.

    “We have come here as a people and what we seek for is unity among ourselves.

    “There is nothing that can stop us when we are together as a people and we can only get better as a people”, he said.

    He promised to deliver on his promises not just to the Bakor Nation where he had the highest number of votes but the entire northern senatorial district.

    He added that in the 2024 budget there are a number of projects for the the senatorial district which will commence shortly.

    Earlier, Engr. Robert Obeye, the president of the Bakor Nation said the New Yam Festival remains the flagship of their cultural heritage.

    “Bakor New Yam celebration on the 15th of September remains sacrosanct, deeply entrenched and provides indelible platform for our contact.

    ” It is the rallying point of our rich culture and the re-enactment of our communality as well as the resilience and undying spirit of our farmers”, he said.

    He added that it’s also a veritable platform to retrospect on the ensuring legacy of love, unity, team spirit and brotherhood.

    This year’s Bakor New Yam Festival had as theme “If politics divide us, culture should unite us”, and was graced by all the nine clans .

  • Obono-Obla Writes Gov Otu, Calls For The Suspension Of APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba

    Obono-Obla Writes Gov Otu, Calls For The Suspension Of APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba

    A former President Buhari Aide and foundation member of the All Progressive Congress APC, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has called on Gov Bassey Otu to to intervene and direct the appropriate organ of the Party to immediately initiate disciplinary proceedings against Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or in the alternative the State Exco convene a meeting to consider whether or a vote of no confidence should not be passed on Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or I will seek legal means to remove him from office as State Chairman of All Progressive Congress Cross River State Chapter.

    Obono-Obla in a letter addressed to Gov Otu on 9 September 2024, and made available to TheLumineNews stated among other allegations that Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba wrote an incendiary piece on his Facebook and other social media page titled Open Letter to Mr President calculated to promote ill feelings, incitement, and hostility by the populace against the APC Federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The letter reads in full:

    “His Excellency
    Senator Bassey Edet Otu
    Governor
    Cross River State of Nigeria
    Governor’s Office
    Hope Waddel Avenue
    Calabar, Cross River State
    Nigeria

    His Excellency,

    “WHY BARRISTER ALPHONSUS OGAR EBA SHOULD BE SUSPENDED AS STATE CHAIRMAN, ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS CROSS RIVER STATE CHAPTER

    “I write to you in your capacity as the Governor of Cross River State of Nigeria and the Leader of the All-Progressive Congress Cross River State Chapter and the South South Zone of Nigeria to bring to your attention the quiet crisis rocking our Party quietly but which would soon fester into a major one if decisive step (s) is not taken now to nip it in the bud. The State Executive Committee of the Party led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba is atrophied, rudderless, and has reached it menopause and has to leave when the ovation is still louder.

    “I therefore respectfully implore you to intervene and direct the appropriate organ of the Party to immediately initiate disciplinary proceedings against Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or in the alternative the State Exco convene a meeting to consider whether or a vote of no confidence should not be passed on Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or I will seek legal means to remove him from office as State Chairman of All Progressive Congress Cross River State Chapter.

    “MY REPRESENTATION TO HIS EXCELLENCY IS HINGED ON THE FOLLOWING GROUNDS:

    “1. CREATION OF FACTIONS:
    The APC has splintered into numerous factions in almost 18 local government areas of Cross River State as a result of Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Ebo dictatorial leadership style, which makes internal cohesion, solidarity, and unity practically impossible. Some of these factions enjoy the endorsement and support of Chairman Barrister Alphonsus Eba and cohorts.
    For instance, when I raised the existence of a faction in APC Yakurr Local Government Area known as Yakurr Embassy in an interview granted by me to an online newspaper known as TNT, which enjoys the tacit support, Chairman Barrister Alphonsus Eba falsely asserted that it was a support group.
    However, the said Yakurr Embassy is not registered, neither in Cross River State nor the National as a support group.

    “2. DISCREDITING MR. PRESIDENT’S POLICIES:
    Recently, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba wrote an incendiary piece on his Facebook and other social media page titled Open Letter to Mr President calculated to promote ill feelings, incitement, and hostility by the populace against the APC Federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “During the campaign in 2023, the APC made it quite clear that as part of its economic reform agenda, it would scrap the payment of subsidies on Petroleum products.

    “The hardship and high cost of living the country and its people are passing through presently is a natural consequence of the withdrawal of subsidies on Petroleum products.

    “As the Chairman of APC in Cross River State, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba must align his opinion and public utterances with the policy agenda of the APC Federal government and resist the temptation to pander to the sentiments and narratives been bandied by the opposition to score political points against the government. See attached screenshot of the Facebook page of Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba dated 3 September 2024

    “3. VIOLATION AND FLOUTING OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE APC CONSTITUTION:
    Violation and flouting of the provisions of the APC Constitution that the framers of the Constitution deliberately inserted to enhance smooth administration and management of the Party by someone like Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba continually since he assumed office is a calculated sabotage, inexcusable and unbecoming.

    “Article 13.8(v)of the APC Constitution 2022 provides that the State Executive Committee Create or appoint such Committee(s) as it may deem necessary, desirable, or expedient and assign to them such powers and functions as it may deem fit and proper, provided that the powers and functions of such Committee(s) shall not conflict with any Committee(s) set up by the National Executive Committee or the National Working Committee.
    As a deliberate failure, refusal and or neglect of Barristers Alphonsus Eba led State EXCO to activate organs and structures created by the Constitution to foster and promote smooth administration of the Party and ensure wide participation of major stakeholders across the State the Party has become purposeless and rudderless and wobbling on the verge of collapse.

    “These organs are the State Caucus (created by Article 12.10 of the APC Constitution); Local Government Area Caucus (created by Article 12.5 of the APC Constitution; and Senatorial District Committee (created by Article 12.2).
    The failure to activate these organs has led to disillusionment and perception of marginalization of the various tendencies that exist within the State Chapter of the Party.

    “For instance, the old members who have been members of the Party from 2013 to those who joined in 2017 on one hand and to those who defected from PDP in 2021 on the other hand are estranged and in a State of cold war because of the failure to activate these organs that would have used to harmonized these two tendencies and give each of them a sense of belonging.

    “4. LACK OF MEETINGS AND INCLUSIVITY:
    The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Eba has a penchant of non-conducting or convening meetings of both the State Executive and Working Committees, which amounts to a contravention of the Party Constitution. See Article 25 of the APC Constitution,2022.

    “5. STIFLING OF INTERNAL PARTY DEMOCRACY:
    The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba recently banned all members of the APC in Cross River State from holding meetings to ventilate their fundamental human rights to assembly, hold opinions and express themselves on matters concerning their well beings as members of the Party. This is against the fundamentals, traditions, and principles of Party democracy. Constructive engagement, consensus building, and discussions among Party members are requisite ingredients of democracy that should not be stifled under any guise.

    “6. LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:
    The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba has demonstrated a capacity and propensity for opaque and clandestine conduct and management of the affairs of the APC. Even though 2023, the campaign for the 2023 general election ended since March 2023 and the subsequent inauguration of the President, Governors, and members of the States and National Assemblies the State Exco has bluntly refused to render account for funds that are accrued to the party during the 2022 primary elections. Also, the State Exco has refused, failed, and / or neglected to account for other assets belonging to the Party, including the bus donated to the Party during the 2023 campaigns. Finally, refusal to call for a meeting to examine the fortunes of the Party after the 2023 general elections.

    “7. ARROGANCE:
    The Chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba, and his Exco have a predisposition of talking down and using uncouth and coarse language on elders and senior members of the party who critics their leadership style in extreme display of unbridled arrogance and haughtiness. For instance, one of the State Exco members recently referred to Chief Okoi Obono-Obla as self-claimed ex presidential aide.

    “It is on record that Chief Obono-Obla was a senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari from April 2016 to 29 May 2019. Failure to activate the Constitutional Organs of the Party in the State. The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba has deliberately failed, refused, and neglected to activate organs created under the Constitution to enhance internal democracy and fostering of transparency, accountability, smooth administration management of the affairs of the Party and participation of a wide and broad spectrum of the party.

    “8. Over 10,000 bags of Rice donated by Minister of Sports Development under the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration:
    Recently, the Minister of Sports Development donated over 10,000 bags of Rice under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renewed Hope initiative for distribution to vulnerable people in the state. These bags of rice were handed over to the leadership of the APC in the state.

    “However, the leadership, when pressured to give account on how the rice was distributed, admitted in a letter written to Senator John Owan Eno dated 4 September 2024 by Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang, State Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, Cross River State Chapter claimed that 732 bags of rice received, 196 bags were shared to the Ward Chairmen across the State, while 27 bags were shared to Chapter Executive members in each of the 18 Local Government Area Chapter Executive totalling 486 bags and 50 bags to State and Zonal Executive Committee members respectively.

    “This is not despicable and nauseous corruption, which is unbecoming of Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba’s Exco to decide to share these bags of rice only to party bureaucrats and executives rather to the ordinary members of the Party that it was meant.

    “In the light of the above, we pray His Excellency to cause Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba to proceed on suspension until the allegations made against him as encapsulated above is properly investigated or in the alternative a disciplinary proceeding should commenced by the appropriate executive Committee or organ of the Party against him.

    “Accept the assurances of my highest regards.

    “Yours sincerely
    Obol Okoi Obono-Obla.

    “CC:
    Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru,PhD
    National Secretary
    All Progressives Congress
    National Secretariat
    40 Blantyre Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja
    Federal Capital Territory
    Nigeria”.

  • What Is In A Name…. BY AGBA JALINGO

    What Is In A Name…. BY AGBA JALINGO

    Edited

    What Is In A Name….

    If you are still entangled in that hog wash about how names determine destinies and the Jabez and Jacob fable, then let us have a conversation.

    Bush is a shrub or clump of shrubs. But two Bushes (father and son), became Presidents of the US and their two sons became governors, and their mother became the only woman in America to be first lady and later first mother of the US.

    A thatcher is a person whose job is making roofs from straw or reeds. Yet Margaret Thatcher rose to become the first female UK Prime Minister.

    Rice – Is a grass or grain which is widely cultivated as a source of food. Yet Condoleezza Rice, rose to become America’s Secretary of State and she is also a Stanford University Professor.

    Stout is a beer, yet Christy Lu Stout, a CNN presenter, is one of the most popular faces on Earth.

    Dick is the male genital organ. Yet Dick Cheney became the Vice President of the US.

    Pussy is the female genital organ. Yet Pussy Jones is known till date as one of the most successful and prolific rugby union centers, who played club rugby for Cardiff and international rugby for Wales.

    Hemp is cannabis sativa. Yet Lauren Hemp became England’s Young Female Player of the Year in 2017, and still reigning as one of the best female footballers in the UK.

    Bill means, a printed or written statement of the money owed for goods or services, in order words, debt. And Gate means, a hinged barrier. Yet Gill Gates, is the fifth richest man in the world.

    Musk means, a strong-smelling reddish-brown substance secreted by the male musk deer. Yet Elon Musk is the richest man in the world.

    Ṣóyínká means, I am surrounded by sorcerers. Yet Wole Soyinka became Africa’s first Nobel Laureate.

    Fáyẹmí means, Ifá suits me. Yet Kayode Fayemi became governor and minister of the federal republic.

    Fáyóṣé means, Ifá will do it. And Ifa did it for Ayo Fayose, who became governor of Ekiti State.

    Tinúbú means,
    ti – belonging to
    inú – inside of
    ibú – the deep (ocean). Yet the ocean boy became governor of Lagos and President of Nigeria.

    Fáwẹ̀hìnmi means, Ifá watches my back. And Ifa watched the back of Gani Fawehinmi until he became Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Senior Advocate of the Masses and Nigeria’s most popular freedom fighter.

    Fálànà means, Ifá cleared the path. And Ifa has cleared the path for Femi Falana who has also become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the most popular CSO voice in Nigeria today after the death of Fawehinmi. His wife is also a SAN.

    Fáshọlá means, Ifá makes wealth. And God made Babatunde Fashola governor of Lagos state and Minister of the Federal Republic.

    My mother’s name till her passing was ‘Uwhanye’, meaning Barren. Yet she saw her great grand children before she died.

    Yet, we have seen so many people bearing Blessing, who have never been blessed. We have seen those bearing Abundance, who are living in lack. We have seen those bearing Marvelous, who are dangerous.

    Whether anyone will succeed in this life is dependent on the level of work you put in and the grace of God that waters the work. It also depends on the knowledge you acquire and how you are able to use it to the benefit of the world. The meaning, the spelling, the sound or texture of your name has nothing to do with it unless in a nepotistic country like Nigeria where your ethnic group and your name is what determines whether you will succeed or not.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

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