The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Police Nabs Baby Factory Owner Who Sold Three Babies For N1.5M In Cross River

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has arrested Madam Ima-Obong Asuquo, for allegedly selling three babies for N1,500,000.00.

    Asuquo was arrested on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 in her house at Obot Udonna village in Aakampka Local government Area of the state.

    Speaking shortly after the arrest, the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Abdulkadir Jimoh, stated that the rescue operation took place about 3:40am following a tipoff.

    Jimoh noted that “the prime suspect has confessed to the crime”, adding that ” she had earlier sold three new babies for N1,500,000.00 in connivance with one other woman simply identified as Iquo of Technical Junction, Calabar “.

    The CP said, “three pregnant teenagers; Blessing Francis, 19, Blessing Okon, 19, and Blessing Solomon, 21 were rescued during the operation by my men.

    “Two children, Bright Solomon, 2, and Michael Etim, 7, were rescued.

    “Both suspects, Asuquo and Iquo are currently in our custody, while investigations are ongoing. One Mr. Solomon, a witness, has also made a recorded statement”.

  • C’River Govt, Dr Linda Ayade, MDF, And Pink Africa Walks Against Breast Cancer In Calabar

    By Admin

    In commemoration of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is globally observed on October annually, the wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Dr Linda Ayade, Cross River State Government, collaborated with Pink Africa Foundation (Convener of the walk) and other partners like Mediatrix Development Foundation, Lions Club International, Aruba Hospital, Nurse’s association, Labour union amongst others held a breast cancer awareness walk in Calabar, tagged ‘ Calabar gopink day; beyond walk the talk.

    Cross River State First Lady, Dr Linda Ayade who addressed participants at the Calabar Municipality Council Headquarters at the end of the walk disclosed the low level of awareness regarding the disease, its courses and prevention among women and men, coupled with the population not being proactive enough to leave their comfort zones and go for lifesaving screening for breast cancer,” These are the major reasons for poor prognosis of cancers in our environment and increase mortality .

    Against this backdrop, Her Excellency said she is calling on women to take advantage of Mediatrix Foundation free Breast cancer screening across the State especially at the grassroots. “Because given requisite information, early screening, early detection and management, most of this cancer related deaths are avoidable”, she stressed.

    The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu disclosed that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is one of those sad and most important month of her life. According to her she will continue to do everything possible to save lives of women, getting as many women as possible to go for breast cancer examination, screening and treatment.

    “It is important for both men and women to get regular checkup as breast cancer account for the highest mortality from cancer in women. She commended the wife of the Governor for introducing the grassroots strategy of mobilizing Women in all wards and town criers you bring their fellow women to primary health centers or General hospital for free breast screening this month. She said so far over 20 cases have been picked in the villages with some at very advanced stage needing urgent attention”.

    We say no to breast cancer devastating our women. That is why we are bringing this life saving message, to all people in our community that early detection, proper management and right habit, is the key to survive breast Cancer scourge”, Says Dr Janet Ekpenyong, Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

    Earlier Speaking, Dr Ani Nchewi of Pink Africa Foundation describe cancer as a deadly disease that affects a lot of people. When the good cell of the body stops producing and the body starts producing bad cell resulting to a multitude of bad cells, that health situation can cause cancer.

    She said Pink Africa Foundation will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring incessant lost of lives due to lack of breast cancer screening is avoided. According to her, “ women should be breast aware. that unusual difference between the two breasts, that visible lump, dimpling or indentation in the breast tissue, that redness, scaling or other changes to the skin or nipple that appear abnormal, that changes to your nipple that is newly inverted or pulling in, should be the first signals to get you discussing with health experts and then follow with up treatments.” The pink Africa Foundation is donating free post Mastectomy bras to women.

    In what turned out to be one of the most exciting numerous Breast Cancer Awareness walk, the streets of Calabar metropolis came aglow as passersby were caught in rapt attention, digesting the message and asking questions.

    The procession took off from the Eleven Eleven Roundabout where the calabar go pink day was flagged off by the Wife of The Governor Dr Linda Ayade, through Mary slessor to Rabana, Marian Road, and up to Calabar Municipal Council were the Mayor and Chief Host, Hon (Elder) Effefiong Nta Eke received the entire team at the Council Headquarters. The DG of SACA Dr Etcheri Ansa and Lions Club International representative amongst many others were in attendance to marked the breast cancer day while free breast scan for over 200 women happened at same venue.

  • Hon. Legor Idagbo Speech During The Factional Flag Off Of PDP Campaign Sounded Like An Anathema; Exposed His Total Disregards To The Sensibilities Of Our People – Jarigbe Agom

    By Admin

    The member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has described the speech made by his colleague, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo during the factional flag off of the campaign of Dr. Stephen Odey as an Anathema and a huge joke to our democracy.

    Agom took to his verified Facebook page to respond to his colleague who decided to take a swipe on other members of the PDP especially his humble self, instead of embarking on campaigns for the PDP.

    Find the complete response by Hon. Agom:

    “The Factional PDP Flag Off and the Speech by Hon Legor Idagbo:

    “The Speech that sounded like an Anathema, exposed his total disregards for the sensibilities of our people and makes a huge joke of our democracy. Legor and other gladiators chose to take a swipe at other members of PDP, especially my humble self, instead of embarking on campaigns for our Party. They did not Campaign against the opposition, but concentrated on parochial sentiments, that would not add value to the fortunes of the Party.

    “He qualified the former Governor, Donald Duke, as a TYRANT and that his approach to governance was brutish. That was not kind to the former Gov at all. He celebrated the fact that Obi Odu and Ugba Morphy were chased out of Cross River State by Donald Duke. He assumes that Governors are invincible and other people’s lives do not matter.

    “Legor Idagbo is among those who instigated the shooting and killing of our young men during the last Senate Primary Election, in Ogoja. We can clearly see that his approach is very barbaric and that’s what they mislead the Governor with.

    I want to remind you that, we are in a Democracy and I am a Parliamentarian. I am not oblivious of my rights and privileges. The right to life is one of them and I can never be intimidated by mere mortals.

    “You can have whatever positions, but do not forget that I am a Parliamentarian, that is also protected by the Constitution and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “I know Legor as a Christian, but he is beginning to sound like one of those basking in the euphoria of the moment and assuming the position of super humans.

    “Legor is always struggling to tell people, he is close to Gov Imoke. Who asked him? What is he struggling to correct? Conscience is an open wound and the only thing that can heal it, is the TRUTH.

    “I have never used the name of Gov Imoke to Campaign. I have nothing to say about his relationship with his Successor and I will not record Gov Imoke to play for Ayade, so Ayade can trust me. I am not a meddlesome interloper.

    “Legor and Ayade are Liyel’s political boys, just like me. I am not competing for closeness to Gov Imoke. As his
    mentee, I will rather do things that would make him proud, just like I am doing in my Constituency(without sounding immodest).

    “Legor’s Primary Election to the House of Reps in 2015 was conducted outside of his Constituency because he was not on ground with his people. It was conducted in Ogoja( my LGA) and I had to send my boys to help him. He has still not learnt his lessons. He is still looking for a Governor that will spoon feed him, like its always been.

    “Legor had described Ayade as “a bull in a China shop” and we should escort him out carefully, so he doesn’t cause so much damage. My Colleagues in the National Assembly can attest, if they want to state the truth. Today, he claims to be the most loyal because he has been promised a third term to the House of Reps. God will deliver that Federal Constituency from the hands of Oppressors.

    “He used the name of the Holy Ghost/in vain as he made his very demeaning speech, but may God forgive us. I would have thought that, our upbringing should manifest even in our politics, but its unfortunate that desperation has made us to let go, all our values.

    “The Rt Hon Legor said, he passes through Stephen Odey, to get favors from Gov Ayade. Those favors are personal because I cannot see any Infrastructure at his instance. Does that statement not indict our highly revered Governor? Legor’s attempt at laundering the Gov’s image was counter productive. As a member of Parliament, you should have unfettered access to your Gov , if you do not belong to a Conquered Generation.

    “Finally, I want to humbly appeal to Cross Riverians, especially the people of the North, to stay Civil but join this political revolution, that requires no mobilization. The facts Speak, in spite of the failed attempt at embellishment.

    “A happy Sunday to you all”.

    Rt Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe( Rep of the Masses)

  • TETFUND Completes Inspection Of The Institute Of Management and Technology, Ugep

    By Admin

    The Tertiary Education Fund TETFUND, responsible for funding of tertiary institutions in Nigeria has completed the inspection of the state owned Institute of Management and Technology, Ugep in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    This however comes on the heels of the enlistment of the institute as a beneficiary institution, facilitated by the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee in TETFUND, Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor.

    Speaking after the three day rigorous inspection, the leader of the delegation, Mallam Yahaya applauded the level of infrastructural development of the institution and pledged the reflection of the various concerns raised by all stakeholders during the inspection visit.

    The delegation was led by the Registrar of the institution, Dr. Emmanuel Yarie and the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Elvis Okon Jnr. on a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubangha Eteng and the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council, Hon. Ofem Ebri Obeten.

    The duo of the Obol of Ugep and the Chairman of Yakurr local government Council, thanked the team for undertaking the inspection of the state owned Institute of Management and Technology located in their land and requested that the intervention in the institution commence in earnest.

    Recall that since inception of the institution in December, 2012, this is the first time that the Institute of Management and Technology will get any intervention from TETFUND.

    When contacted, the senator representing Cross River Central senatorial district and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on TETFUND, Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor, expressed satisfaction with the efficacy of his people oriented representation at the red chambers, which has yielded this result of inspection and the subsequent intervention by TETFUND.

    The lawmaker maintained that he will stop at nothing to ensure that Cross River State gets all its entitlements, due and quota from TETFUND.

  • #EndSARS Protest Is Not Just An Indictment On The Nigerian Police Force, It Is A Call For Change In National Polity – Fr. Peter Abue

    By Admin

    As the demand by the Nigerian youth to end all forms of harassment, intimidation and brutality against the citizenry through the instrumentality of the Special Anti Robbery Squad SARS, by the government that whose role is to protect lives and properties, a revered teacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja and Parish Priest of St. Thomas Aquinas parish, Igoli-Ogoja, Cross River State Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Obele Abue has stated that the #EndSARS protest is not just an indictment on the Nigerian Police Force, but a call for a change in national polity.

    Fr. Obele took to his verified Facebook account to share his thought tagged: “GIVE BACK”

    “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God (Matt. 22:21). A lot of interpretations have been given to this statement of Jesus and sometimes, without reference to the source. Politicians have used it to say that Christians should not meddle with Politics. Christians have used it to argue that the state should not interfere in religious concerns. The actual words that Jesus Himself used were “give back” and although He was speaking in a particular context of the society in which he lived, His words are still relevant to us today. His words were an answer to the basic economic, political, and religious questions that bothered the people of his day against the backdrop of the oppression of the Romans authority over the Jewish people. And Jesus replies to them using the phrasal verb, “give back.”

    “The ordinary man on the street of Nigeria is using Jesus words to argue that they must be given what they hav a right to and that brings us to the ugly situation prevalent in our country today. The youth of Nigeria are demanding that what has been taken away from them be given back. The question is: what has been taken away from the youth and citizens of this country? Nigerians are saying that their freedoms, their right to live and move about in peace has been trampled upon by the Nigerian police under the auspices of the so called Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and so calling for its abrogation #EndSARS.

    “#EndSARS in Nigeria is not just an indictment on the Nigerian Police Force, it is a call for change in our national polity. As the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have said today “The Nigerian government must realize that what the youths on behalf of Nigerians clamour for under the code name #EndSARS is a total reform of the entire Police Force and not a change of name. They call for a reform of our government institutions and a reform of our entire nation. They are asking for a system that will be hard on crimes and criminals in the society within the ambience of the law. While at the same time treating every human being, citizens and visitors alike with respect and dignity”.

    “For us in Nigeria today, the first lesson is clear; it was Caesar’s image on the coin, so “give back to Caesar” implies a moral and civic duty first for the State to give back to its citizens what belongs to them. The state does not give back by sustaining a delapidated system; failing to care for its law enforcement department, encouraging the brutalization of citizens and denying them their rights. Citizens also give back to Ceaser (the State) by looking out for the common good, paying taxes (the same coin) and contributing their best as civic workers. Citizens do not give back by breaking the civil system and arguing all the time that the system is corrupt.

    “More importantly still, Jesus says Give back to God what belongs to God. This means nobody has the right to dominate or oppress others, for we are all created in God’s image. The brutalization of human beings by the police including exploitation of youth, women and children, are ways of stealing the human person from God. We must give back to God what belongs to him by treating others with dignity. Its time we begin to review our ways as a nation, making amends and ending all forms of inhumanity especially that pepertrated by the State on innocent citizens. Just as the coin must be returned to its owner, the emperor, because it bears its image, so we must return to God the creature that bears its image (read Gen. 1:27). #EndSARS”.

  • G F O Orim Foundation Pays Hospital Bill For Abandoned 22 Years Miss Theresa Who Delivered Triplets

    By Elijah Ugani

    As part of its intervention programme, the G F O Orim Foundation has unseated the hospital bills of an abandoned 22 years old Miss Theresa Emmanuel Odey who delivered triplets prematurely at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Obudu.

    The foundation has concluded arrangement in line with the referral to move Miss Theresa and her two surviving children to Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital on Monday next week for intensive care.

    Miss Theresa was admitted at the hospital and delivered the triplets prematurely on Wednesday, 14th October, 2020. Sadly, one of the triplets died yesterday, Friday 16th October, 2020 due inadequate intensive care.

    Miss Theresa hails from Utugwang in Obudu local government area of Cross River State.

    She was abandoned when she became pregnant and the man is said to have gone into hiding. Her mother is a peasant farmer who barely pays her bills.

    All thanks to the good Samaritan was keen about the future of the children, and drew the attention of The Lumine News to the situation and we immediately put a call to G F O Orim Foundation to the heart touching situation.

    When contacted, the Chairman of G F O Orim Foundation, Hon. Martin Orim who is also the Chief of Staff to Governor Ayade, and visited Miss Theresa at the hospital in person, noted that the situation is such that “I was touched when I saw this lady and her two surviving children, as the foundation will ensure the survival of these children. No one knows what they will become in future, we will do our best and hopefully, God will do his part”

    He thanked the management of Sacred Heart Hospital, Obudu and all the staff who had worked tirelessly to ensure the safe delivery of the triplets and charged them to continue the good work.

  • NITDA To Make Cross River State An IT Hub

    By Admin

    The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi has promised to make Calabar, Cross River State one of the Regional IT Hubs the Agency is set to establish across the Country.

    The DG, who is a Massachusetts trained tech expert disclosed this on the 13th of October 2020 when the Director General, Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOMM), Mr. Noel Ugbong led a delegation of his team to NITDA Headquarters, Abuja.

    Mr. Ugbong facilitated the DG, NITDA who is barely one year in office and extended the Governor’s goodwill message as well as commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing this young, vibrant and tech savvy business-minded youth as Director General of the Country’s IT regulatory Agency.

    Mr. Noel Ugbong praised the Agency for the post-graduate Scholarship program and noted that “It is only NITDA Scholarship that gives equal value to all the States which is very commendable”

    The BORDERCOMM Director General commended the Agency for the Smart Agriculture programme and requested the DG to extend the Programme to Cross River State especially now that the State is one the leading States in the Green Revolution.

    Mr. Noel Ugbong used the opportunity and appealed to the Agency to equip the Skills Acquisition Centres recently handed over to Cross River State border Communities by the Border Communities Development Agency Abuja.

    He posited that if NITDA provides the centres with IT equipment and technical support, it will go a long way to create wealth, IT solutions and control migration. He further briefed the Agency of the steps Cross River State has taken geared towards advancing IT solutions and expertise which NITDA can leverage on.
    Amongst which is the Tinapa Knowledge Centre and available optic fibre across the length of the state.

    Mr. Noel Ugbong appealed to NITDA to provide Internet support to Obudu Mountain Resort which is Nigeria’s number one Tourism Flagship.

    Responding, the enigmatic DG of NITDA assured the DG, BORDERCOM that his Agency was on the verge of creating regional IT Hubs across the Country. He stressed that Calabar has the enabling facility for easy takeoff, the Agency will Consider making it a regional hub. He promised to extend the smart Agriculture programme to Cross River State after the pilot program in Jigawa State.

    The Deputy Director IT Infrastructure Solutions, Dr. Muhammed Saidu thanked the BORDERCOMM team for the visit and commended the Governor of Cross River State for the tax exemption in the State.

  • Peter Akpanke Makes List Of Hon. Jarigbe Agom’s Campaign Council

    By Elijah Ugani

    Barely 24 hours after Mr. Peter Akpanke dissociated self from the campaign council of the factional candidate of the PDP in the October 31st 2020, CRN senatorial district rerun election, he has been nominated into the campaign council of Rt. Jarigbe Agom’s campaign council.

    Mr. Peter Akpanke is the President/Founder of The Akpanke’s Foundation, a nonprofit and humanitarian organization that has touched the lives of most vulnerable persons in the northern senatorial district and is said to have a broad support base across the district.

    He is said to be a staunch supporter of the Member of Parliament, who he believes is a pathfinder and the hope of the northern senatorial district of our dream.

    Though, Mr. Akpanke cited non compliance with with Democratic tenets by Dr. Stephen Odey over his inclusion into his campaign council, it is a known fact that his attachment and support for the MP is the major reason for his dissociation.

    This is however the first time since the return to democracy in 1999 that two persons are laying claims to the party ticket.

  • Peter Akpanke Dissociates Self From 2020 PDP Campaign Council For Northern Senatorial District

    By Admin

    A front line supporter of Rt. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe for the Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Mr. Peter Akpanke has dissociated self from the publication of a faction of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, supporting Dr. Stephen Odey.

    In release made available to The Lumine News and signed by Mr. Peter Akpanke, indicates that he was never consulted and that the action of the mischief makers violates every known democratic tenets, principles and practice.

    Akpanke however noted that he has no intention to join issues with any person or group of persons and called on the public to disregard the publication which has the intent of misleading the public.

    The release reads in full “My attention has been drawn to a misguided and purported list circulated in the social media under the Finance sub committee as member of a campaign council.

    “For the purpose of the records, I wish to state categorically that I was not at any point consulted to be part of any campaign council, and therefore dissociate myself from any form of membership of any campaign council.

    “My name as contained in that document violates every known democratic tenets, principles and practice. However, I have no intention whatsoever to join issues any person or group of persons.

    “The general public is hereby intimated to take note and disregard the purported publication of my name as a member of the Finance Committee of the campaign Council. This was done to mislead the public”

     

  • Police Rescues Pregnant Teens, Babies From Alleged Baby Factory In Cross River

    George Odok Jr

    Cross River State Police Command has rescued three pregnant women and two babies from an alleged baby factory in the state.

    The State Commissioner of Police, CP Abdulkadir Jimoh, disclosed this to newsmen in Calabar.

    He said a team of policemen in the state led by him rescued the victims when the team stormed the residence of one Madam Ima-Obong Asuquo in Obot Udonna village in Akamkpa LGA on October 13 2020.

    The Commissioner said the rescue operation took place at about 3.40hrs following a tip-off.

    The commissioner said three pregnant teenagers, Blessing Francis, 19, Blessing Okon, 19, and Blessing Solomon, 21, were rescued during the operation by his men.

    He confirmed that two children, Bright Solomon, two years old and Michael Etim, 7 years old were also rescued.