Author: News

  • Unity Schools To Reopen In October 12th – Adamu

    Admin

    The Federal Government has directed unity schools in the country, earlier closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to reopen on October 12th, 2020.

    The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, announced the reopening of the schools on Friday in Abuja, explained that the COVID-19 curve has been flattened.

    According to the Minister, schools across the country, are, however at liberty to fix resumption dates and ensure that there are adequate safety measures while doing so.

    Mr Adamu warned that schools that fail to adhere to outlined COVID-19 safety protocols, risk closure if there is any outbreak from such learning facilities.

    Source: Channels

  • C’River North APC Ticket : Agi Only Holding Brief For Me, Akpagu Breaks Silence

    By Inyali Peter

    The winner of the All Progressives Congress, APC Cross River North Senatorial primary, Prof. Zana Akpagu has said that he remains the legally nominated candidate of the party for the October 31st bye-election.

    Akpagu who spoke for the first time since the September 3rd APC primaries said that he’s not bothered by the decision of the party to forward another name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as candidate, assuring that his “stolen’ mandate will be retrieved.

    It will be recalled that Akpagu who’s the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (Unical) was declared winner of the primary at the collation centre in Ogoja by the Senatorial Returning Officers but Chairman of the panel, Alhaji Suleiman Nakowa later announced Joe Agi who came second in the election as winner in Abuja.

    Since the development, they have been disenchantment within the APC in Cross River with some members even threatening to mobilize against the party in the election if the winner of the primary is not allowed to fly the ticket.

    But Akpagu has urged his supporters not to panic as he was in the process of reclaiming the ticket.

    According to him: “the events of the past four weeks regarding our great party’s ticket for Cross River North has not been really palatable for every lover of democracy but we expected it as darkness and light are constantly in disagreement. For some reasons, I decided to remain quite and calm but my calmness at some point has been misconstrued for something else, hence my decision to speak through this address.

    A lot has happened and happening in our great party regarding the ticket for Senate bye-election. Our victory in the party’s primaries is already in the public domain but for whatever reason, the party through the instrumentality of some strong individuals who are tacitly working with the opposition to frustrate our Party’s chances of winning elections in the state decided to substitute my name for my brother who came second to me.

    The development has been shocking but expected. They may have succeeded in sending a wrong name to INEC as candidate but I can assure you that it’s just for a moment. It’s not yet uhuru for them because their candidate is only holding brief for us”.

    He added that “We’re more confident now than ever that the party has learned some lessons from the ugly Zamfara and Rivers States scenarios as such would not want to trade in such paths again especially now that it’s rebranding. APC cannot continue to blow its chances of winning elections by imposing people who were never properly nominated as candidate.

    If we lost in the field, we’ll have accepted defeat as democracy is all about the people. But since we did not, we’re not going to stay and watch some people with vested interests continue to destroy the party in the state for their selfish reasons”.

    The VC maintained that “We are not deterred by what has happened because for us, we know and believe that power only come from God through the people and not just a select few. There’s something we have that they don’t and that’s you, the people.

    I want to urge all our supporters to remain calm but steadfast. We didn’t come into the Senate race for a joke. We came to fight for the emancipation of our people and nothing has changed our resolve. We remain very committed and unrelentingly dedicated to seeing it through to the end not as spectators but as active participants and eventual winners”.

    While thanking his supporters and members of APC in the state for the support so far, he said “I call on all our supporters not to join our opponents in horse-trading but remain committed to the ideals that make us unbreakable and unbeatable. We’re still fully in the race and we don’t have any doubt that in the end, we’ll reclaim our stollen mandate.

    The party belongs to all of us and not a privileged few thus, we won’t rest until the impunity in Cross River State APC is sent to the abyss”.

  • Desecrating Our Institutions As A Legacy – Barr. Venatius Ikem

    By Admin

    Governor Ayade who has refused to abide by the persistent recommendations of the National Judicial Council and swear in Justice Ikpeme as Chief Judge of the state, hopes to rely on a Judicial process to advance his Political career as an affront on civilised society. To be fair, he is not hoping to rely on a legitimate judicial process because he has no legitimate case anywhere. He hopes to corrupt his way to “Justice” by obtaining illegal Court Orders.

    As it stands the Judicial arm of Govt in Cross River State is on her knees, comatose, without a Chief Judge for the first time in history because the National Judicial Council refused to do Gov Ayade’s bidding and recommend his choice as a Chief Judge of CRS! The standoff has left the state without a Chief Judge. How sad! I hope those judges in his “faction” are learning. I must commend those judges who are seeing beyond Ayade at their sacred call in the service of the motherland.

    Currently, the Governor has moved his contempt for the judiciary further to the Federal High Court of Justice sitting in Cross River State, obtaining embarrassing Court Orders against all known processes of Law, in a desperate bid to force a Senatorial Candidate as a surrogate for his return to the Senate in 2023! How much more desperate can Ayade become?

    It is becoming clear to all that Gov. Ayade’s megalomania or obsession with Power is bringing a new dimension hitherto unknown into the body Politics of Cross River State. The predictable next move will be killing of Political opponents. His brother the co-Gov is alleged to be boasting that he can do anything to opposition voices and nothing will happen! As things stand, kidnapping is on the upswing.
    We remain focused and undaunted.

    Those he labelled as “desperate” are now looking like saints! For a man overwhelmingly rejected as a monumental failure in the history of governance in our state to attempt to perpetuate himself in power against the will of the people through illegal and violent means, spells doom for the future of our state, yet most of our “enlightened” citizens are in silent subservience because we lack the courage to speak truth to power!

    Gov Ayade has desecrated all known norms and destroyed all institutions of Government, his family members throw their ill-gotten acquisitions from the public till in our faces and he continues to move deliberately to dictate what our future should look like, allegedly corrupting all institutions on his way.

    Well, some should know that there will be consequences, now or later. Already a couple of careers are on the line of destruction in the judiciary and INEC. The resistance is not sleeping. Some folks in INEC who issued unauthorized endorsement of illegal congress results know what I’m talking about as well as some Judges already making visits to the National Judicial Council.

    Let the message be clear: we must fight to redeem our state and salvage her because nobody from anywhere else is going to change things for us, but ourselves. Unless we stand up to this bully and his totalitarianism, using extant Civil society structures for good governance there will be nothing left when Gov. Ayade is done with us.. We will seek Judicial redress and file complaints against abuse of office by public Servants as become necessary. It might be slow, but Justice will surely come. Don’t despair; don’t think nothing is happening. A lot is happening. The only thing not happening is governance because the Gov has redirected all resources of government, human and material, towards fighting for his Political survival and continued relevance.

    For His Emperial Majesty’s information, The National Judicial Council, is not an arm of the Cross River State Govt that he can intimidate into submission and buy at will like the Cross River State House of Assembly! It is a body of very eminent jurists and judiciary Administrators who understand the critical role of the Judiciary in sustaining a civil society. They may not be perfect, but they know their job.

    The judiciary may have some judges who may be corrupt like all human institutions, some whose courage may fail them sometimes, but largely they are men and women who stand for Truth and Justice!

    Governor Ayade is hardly comfortable with such men and women.

    It is even terrible when you remember that Gov.Ayade claims to be a “Lawyer” or that he read Law! Actually, I have not heard him claim that he is a lawyer, just that he read Law and went to Law School. I know if he passed the Bar Examination, we would have been regaled with pictures of him in a wig or wig and gown. I am sure that very soon University of Calabar will offer him an LLM degree with distinction and before the end of his tenure an LLD. I am very sure that by that time he would have attended less than a dozen lectures!
    He is the Governor!

    Come to think of it doesn’t it surprise you that you have never seen Gov. Ayade in wig and gown? Or address himself as “Barrister” despite his love for titles? Yet we are told that he attended Law School?

    For the clergy, I wish all his spiritual Advisers many more praying hours. Of course Christ said he came for the lost sheep, not for those who are sinless. Your job has been cut out for you. Who am I to judge, seeing that we all sin differently. But remember that our land cries out for Justice and restitution…
    But remember also the prophets of yore who stood up against bad governments in their time, like Prophets Jeremiah, Elijah, John the Baptist. Those who have chosen to use the sacred scriptures to justify bad governance in return for a table in the action and taken refuge in cold complicity should remember that there is a day of reckoning for them too.

    Anyway, more relevant to us is that for all those he is paying and destroying with his mantra of “Politics with Ethics” , I wish you well but you will be remembered when the New Cross River State will emerge after the years of the locust!

    Have a great day all.

    Long live CRS!

    Vena.

    Disclaimer: This article is purely the opinion of Barr. Venatius Ikem and does not in any way reflect that of The Lumine News.

  • #29 Sacked Magistrates, Simon Utsu Writes Governor Ayade

    By Admin

    A social commentator and critique, Mr. Simon Utsu has written Governor Ben Ayade demanding the reinstatement of 29 magistrates that were sworn in since February 2019.

    Mr. Ustsu took to his verified Facebook account @Simon Utsu to call on the Governor to consider the reinstatement of these magistrates.

    Find full text of the letter:

    “Dear Gov Sir Benedict Ayade,

    “I read your reasons for delisting the 2,000 civil servants from the payroll- they were valid. By choosing to reinstate them in light of that, you did noble. Very commendable. I owe you one bottle of Jacob’s tonic wine 🍾 for that… to be delivered/redeemed when next I’m in Calabar.

    “You should also address the 29 magistrates that were sworn in since February last year but who were also sidelined and are yet to be paid. They were duly employed after a rigorous recruitment process that was advertised on national dailies.

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    “They were then posted to various courts across the country. 29 were sent to Cross River state but due to some differences you(Ayade) had with the former chief judge of the state, they haven’t being paid a dime in over 19 months and are not being engaged.

    “The speaker of the CRSHA Eteng Jones Williams, Deputy speaker Joseph Bassey and the leader, Peter Odinga should please do all that they can to make sure this is also resolved amicably.

    “Your administration has had the worst relationship with the judiciary since the state’s creation.

    “Kindly do all you can to make sure the relationship status changes from bad to at least good. Regularisation of the employments of the 29 magistrates currently wallowing in career limbo, is going to be a very good step in that direction. And that should be followed by the confirmation of a substantive Chief Judge in line with the directives of the NJC.

    “Happy new month to you and the family Sir.

    “Warm Regards
    Simon Utsu”

  • Sen. Sandy Onor Supports Three Constituents In Central Senatorial District To Start Business.

    By Modlin Odu

    The Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial district, Ntufam Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor have been described as a Youth friendly leader who is very concerned with their yearnings towards growth.

    This assertion was confirmed by Sylvester Okare of Osopong ward in Obubra LGA, who is one of the beneficiaries of the senator’s magnanimity. The elated Sylvester took to his verified Facebook account @Sylvester Okare to pour encomium on the Special Assistant to the distinguished senator, Miss Modlin Odu for providing the opportunity for him to benefit from the senator’s benevolence.

    Mr. Sylvester had profusely thanked the senator and referred to his as a man who understands the needs of his constituents, prayed God to enlarge his coast to enable him reach out to others.

    Okare made this disclosure when Miss Modlin Odu presented a cash donation from the cerebral Senator to three Youths of the district today, October 2nd, 2020 for skill acquisition and business initiatives.

    Other beneficiaries are Bruno Ikpi and Jerry Roland Abang alias Okosisi from Buda ward in Boki local government area.

    These personal reach out and other youth development programs soon to be launched are among the Senator’s strategies of encouraging gainful engagements of youths in the Senatorial district to enable them add value to the society in general.

    The beneficiaries thanked the Senator, describing his gesture as uncommon and thoughtful giving the challenges of the times and promised to be diligent in their respective ventures.

     

  • CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE HON SPEAKER, CRSHA ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIA’S 60TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY.

    CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE HON SPEAKER, CRSHA ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIA’S 60TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY.

    I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari,
    GCFR, all the 36 State Governors especially, Sen. Prof. Ben. Ayade, Governor of Cross River State, on the Occasion of the 60th Independence Anniversary of our great Country, Nigeria.

    I appreciate all those who fought for Nigeria’s Independence and indeed to every Nigerian, I say congratulations.

    It is not easy to attain 60 years of age. A man at 60 is a matured man and for Nigeria, we have had uninterrupted Democracy from 1999 to date and I must say democracy is the best option of governance”

    Our Independence represents freedom from oppression and I wish to also use this auspicious occasion to advise every Nigerian to stay closer to God. Nigerians should think of what to do to better the lives of fellow Nigerians.

    We must all; think Nigeria, think Cross River!

    God bless Nigeria!

    Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams,
    Speaker, CRSHA

  • Nigeria at 60: Inyang Asibong Joins Sports Commissioner To Celebrate Para- Soccer Team In Calabar

    By Admin

    To give back to humanity and in support of the physically challenged persons on Independence Day, the Cross River State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong joined her counterpart from the Ministry of Sports and Cinematography, Chief Offu Aya to flag off the the 2020 Para-soccer novelty Match.

    The event was put together by the Paradise Para-soccer Team in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Ministry of International Development Cooperation, held at Botanical park field Calabar.

    The program tagged, “match for the vulnerable” according to Dr. Inyang Asibong, was a novelty tournament to celebrate the “unity in diversity of Nigeria and indivisibility of our country starting from Cross River”

    Asibong maintained that “I am happy that the Ministry of Sports has assured them of their participation at National and International competitions, and as a Ministry with Global presence, we are going to partner and support them.

    “Governor Ben Ayade is particularly interested in the vulnerable whom despite their challenges, have the resilience to do something noble that can bring Cross River and Nigeria to International focus”

    The Event was attended by the Commissioner for Sports and Cinematography as well as other top government functionaries.

  • GOODWILL MESSAGE BY THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF OBANLIKU LOCAL GOVERNMENT EVANG. HON. (MRS) MARGARET INDE ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIA’S 60TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

    By Admin

    The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area Evang. Hon. (Mrs) Margaret Inde on behalf of the good and patriotic people of Obanliku LGA is delighted as she felicitates with the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prof Ben Ayade and indeed all Nigerians at home and in diaspora on the occasion of our nation’s 60th Independence day Anniversary.

    For the past six decades, Nigeria has constantly celebrated 1st October of every year to commemorate our nations independence.

    Today affords us another opportunity as a people to retrospect, review and look forward as we continue to build a great nation.

    The time is ripe for us to show that we are a great people from a great nation and this can only be achieved through our collective engagement in positive endeavors and attitudinal change to our country’s value system.

    As we celebrate our nations Independence, let’s remember our leaders who gave their lives in the battle for the freedom we are enjoying.

    Also think on what we can do to sustain the gains and protect this heritage for the generations yet unborn.

    We must put extra effort into performing our civic responsibility.

    Our diversity in tribes, languages and culture should not be seen as weakness rather as our greatest strength.

    Let us be mindful of everything we can do for our nation to make it a place of wealth, peace, and happiness.

    As we remember our national heroes today, let’s renew our pledge to always live together in peace and harmony in our communities.

    Finally, my dear good, peace loving and progress minded people of Obanliku LGA, as we join other LGAs and States to celebrate Nigeria at 60, I heartily wish us all peace and harmony, love and unity, strength and power.

    Long live Obanliku LGA
    Long live Cross River State
    Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria

    God bless

    Akpo John U.
    Chief Press Secretary
    For the Executive Chairman
    01/10/2020

  • Nigeria @ 60: Goodwill Message by The Chairman Obudu LGC, Hon. Boniface E. Ewhe.

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Chairman of Obudu local government council, Mr. Boniface Eraye Ewhe has called on the youths of Nigeria to feel the special pride of being citizens of a free nation and charged the youths to exercise some restraint in their restiveness as we anticipate a better Nigeria.

    Mr. Ewhe made the call in a felicitation message to mark the 60th independence celebration of our nationhood.

    Find full text of the address:

    “It is my great pleasure to felicitate with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, all the people of Nigeria, living in the country and abroad, in general and Obudu Local Government Area in particular, on the occasion of 60th Independence Day.
    October 1st fills us with the excitement of unfurling the tricolour, taking part in celebrations and listening to patriotic songs. School children coming out to take part in match pass, traditional dances and other forms of activities to commemorate this day.

    “On this day, the youth of Nigeria should feel the special pride of being citizens of a free nation. We are very appreciative and we gratefully remember our freedom fighters and martyrs whose sacrifices have enabled us to live in an independent nation.

    “The ethos of our freedom struggle forms the foundation of modern Nigeria. Our visionary leaders brought together a diversity of world views to forge a common national spirit. They were committed to the cause of liberating Nigeria from oppressive foreign rule and securing the future of her children. Their thoughts and actions shaped the identity of Nigeria as a modern nation.

    “The celebrations of Independence Day this year will be rather restrained. The reason is obvious. The whole world confronts a deadly virus which has disrupted all activities and taken a huge toll. It has altered the world we lived in before the pandemic.

    “It is a fact that after 60 years of independence, there is still much to be done as we attempt a comparison with other countries. However, be rest assured that we are in the trajectory to mend our paths.

    “As Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, I want to reassure my people of my commitment to the ideals of genuine stewardship and providing the needed basic needs in line with the available resources.

    “Let us not loose hope in our country. Let me also use this opportunity to call on all sons and daughters of Obudu to consider making our contributions to guarantee the Obudu of our dream.

    “It is my honor also to use this opportunity to call on the youths of Obudu in particular and the country at large to exercise restraint in their restiveness, while as leaders, we are charged to live up to our responsibilities by providing the leadership we yearn for.

    “Once again, congratulations!
    Long live federal Republic of Nigeria
    Long live Cross River State
    Long live Obudu local government area.

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

  • Nigeria @ 60: Sen. Sandy Onor Encourages Unity In Diversity

    Admin

    NIGERIA AT 60: SENATOR SANDY OJANG ONOR ENCOURAGES UNITY IN DIVERSITY.

    Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Cross River State Central Senatorial District, Sen. Prof Sandy Ojang Onor celebrates with constituents on the occasion of Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary.

    The history of 1960 which serves as the backdrop of our jubilation every 1st of October is the collective vision and efforts of great men and women who committed the value of their cultural, Political, economic and religious existence for the cause of achieving Independence. This landmark achievement transcended and was indeed placed above all sentiments.

    There is an interconnectivity in the substance of our cultural heritage which repels disintegration and shall continue to bind us in oneness as we make efforts towards achieving a better Nigeria.

    It is a task on us as a people to love, tolerate and contribute our quota for the development of our dear Nation.

    Congratulations and Happy Independence day,
    God bless Nigeria!

    Modlin Odu,
    SA Media and Publicity To Sen. Sandy Onor