The Lumine News

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  • Dr. Mrs. Mary Iji Receives Royal Blessings From The Paramount Ruler Of Bekwarra LGA As She Consults To Replace Late Sen. Rose Oko At The Red Chambers.

    By Admin

    Ahead of the yet to be fixed northern senatorial bye-election  to replace the late sen. Rose Oko, at the senate, the quintessential and trailblazing woman of valor, a pathfinder and social engineer of very high repute, Dr. Mrs. Mary Eru Iji has defiled all odds as she takes the bull by the horn to declare her intention, zeal and readiness to cling the People’s Democratic Party PDP, ticket to replace the replace the late Sen. Rose Oko.

    Dr. Mary Iji who has hails from the same place with the late Sen. Rose Oko in Yala local government area of northern cross river, has argued that being a woman and having being the late Senator’s personal friend and trusted ally, it was very proper for her to complete the tenure of her friend and sister at the red chambers.

    The prospective senator took to consult Ward Chairmen and local government Chapter Executives of the five wards that made up the northern senatorial district, also made her way to Akurinyi village in Bekwarra local government area to consult the Paramount Ruler.

    The custodian of Bekwarra traditions and customs, His Royal Majesty, Odey Ogbeche who listened to Dr. Mary Iji spoke passionately about her desire to return hope to the people through effective representation, good leadership, youth libration and equity, was very elated having been thrilled with her ovation and mastery of the political interplay in our recent democratic system.

    HRM however noted that “it is very appropriate for you to be given the mandate to complete the tenure of your sister in line with the 35 percent affirmation for women, as late Sen. Rose was the only female National Assembly member from cross river state.

    “In other climes, women have have occupied prominent positions of authority, example is Rwanda, we have more women in parliament than men. I have no reservation to bless you”

    The Paramount Ruler took time to communed in his dialect with the ancestors of his land, and gave Dr. Mary Iji his royal blessings and maintained that “on behalf of Bekwara nation who have blessed me and given me the mandate to bless others, I hereby bless you to go and get what rightly belongs to you. As many who gather to seek your dawn fall, they shall fall themselves”

    His Royal Majesty used the opportunity to intimate Dr. Mary Iji that the electorates are in dare need of a representative who understands the need and plight of the people in relation to time and season, and not the Abuja type of representatives who return and remember them only during elections.

    Akurinyi is a village that shares boundary with Yala local government area. The Paramount Ruler disclosed that, there is little or no government presence in the his community as the only source of good water is the borehole drilled by himself for his used.

    Akurinyi is situated along the dual carriage from OKpoma to Obanliku, it is hopeful that the road will see the light of the day as the road is impassable when there is downpour.

    Dr. Mrs. Mary Iji enjoyed the goodwill of all those she consulted as they all encouraged her and wished her the best as she navigate the length and breadth of northern senatorial district seeking support to get to the red chambers.

    On his part, UKani Paulinus Joseph Ekunke commended Dr. Mary Iji for the bold step taken to gun for the senate position and urged her not to underestimate any person in the course of her consultation as power comes from God, but God uses man to perfect his plans for mankind.

    Some stakeholders who for fear of being victimized, rather have decided to play from behind the scene in the Dr. Mary Iji’s to the red chambers.

    Voice of the North Media

  • Psychiatric Hospital Workers Protest Injustice In Covid-19 Hazard Allowance

    By George Odok Jr – Calabar

    Workers in the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH) in Calabar have staged a peaceful protest over what they described as “injustice” in the payment of Covid-19 hazard allowance to health workers in tertiary health institutions.

    The workers said some category of staff which include clinical staff, nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory and some health assistance were paid 40 per cent.

    They lamented that the accountant, environmental officers, the administrators, auditors and store keeper including cleaners where paid 10 per cent.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workers carried placards such as ‘Covid-19 hazard allowance: pay the 30 per cent allowance now’, ‘we say not to 10 per cent, pay us our balance now,’ Ministry of Health drifting to animal farm’ among many others.

    Speaking, Mr Daniel Odo, Chairman of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) FNPH branch, said that all staff in the hospotal were vulnerable to all risk and outbreaks.

    Odo maintained that all workers in the hospital were health workers, adding that it was the reason why all workers of the hospital irrespective of rank were paid N5,000 as hazard allowance.

    “As a branch of JOHESU, we say bold no to the skewed implementation of the payment of Covid-19 hazard and inducement allowance which was approved for all health workers by the Federal Government.

    “The haphazard selection of few members who were paid jumbo 40 per cent of their basic consolidated salary and the remaining half, a paltry 10 per cent was aimed at divide and rule us.

    “In the spirit of our resolved and solidarity that an injury to one, is an injury to all, I appeal to the generality of our members and particularly those that were privileged to receive the jumbo pay to be part of the collective struggle.

    “We cannot guarantee industrial peace in the health sector until we are paid the balance of 30 per cent. We have never and we cannot accept that our hospitals have become the animal farm where all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Secretary of JOHESU in FNPH, Mr Ken Bassey, said the peaceful protest was not against the management of the hospital, but rather it was agreed by the national body of JOHESU that they staged a peaceful protest to demand for the 30 per cent balance.

    Bassey also maintained that every worker in the hospital was also at risk of any health challenge or disease outbreak.

    “This peaceful protest is to send a message to the Federal Government over the displeasure and injustice in the payment of the Covid-19 hazard allownace.

    “The payment was to compensate the health workers for the risk they face in service delivery and for handling the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “But surprisingly, when the payment was effected, it was segregated. Some people were paid 40 per cent, while others got 10 percent.

    “We are saying no because we face the same risk from the gate man who stands at the gate to the ambulance driver who drives the patients and all that; we must be paid and treated equally because this is not an animal farm where some people are treated more equal than others,” he said.

    Addressing the protesters, Dr Bassey Edet, Managing Director of the Hospital, commended the staff for expressing their grievances, adding that he will communicate accordingly to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Health.

    “We will communicate to the authorities concerned. I feel pained myself because injustice done to one is done to all,” he said.

  • OMPAN Calls On CRS Govt To Reinvigorate Fight Against COVID-19 Lockout, Prosecute “General Iron”

    By Admin

    THE Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, OMPAN, Cross River State chapter has called on the Cross River State Government to reinvigorate the fight against COVID-19 lockout in the state.

    The association made the call in a communiqué after its monthly meeting held in Calabar on Thursday.

    The Communiqué signed by its state Chairman, Comrade Efio-Ita Nyok stated that the call has become imperative following the complete noncompliance with basic safety rules like wearing of face masks, use of hand sanitizers and physical distance by majority of the population in the state.

    “Ninety percent of residents in the state no longer use personal protective equipment and go about their businesses with an air of nonchalance which speaks volumes of what might befall the state in the event of an outbreak of the pandemic in the state”.

    OMPAN observed that the state sits on a time bomb as the borders and points of entry into the state which used to be closely monitored have now become open for free entry and exit into the state.

    “Reports from across the state shows that movement into and out of the state no longer witness scrutiny or restriction as was the case when the government announced the lockout against the pandemic”.

    The association said figures globally indicate that the rate of infection is on the increase and even in Nigeria there is a spike in the level of infection and the state having not witnessed any case should be sustained through continued and stringent lockout effort.

    “Initiating a policy without close and continued monitoring is like kicking a ball down the road and letting it rolls without being guided to a logical direction and that is not going to stop the infection from entering the state and causing havoc”. OMPAN noted.

    The association also called on the state government to call on the contracting firm handling the construction of the Tinapa-Odukpani junction roundabout road to expedite action to put pay to the frequent motor accidents that are being recorded along that road.

    “There have been records of frequent motor accidents particularly trucks crashing on that road and obstructing free movement and causing avoidable hardship on road users.”

    The association stated that though rainfall is on the increase but measures should be taken by the contractor to avoid frequent crashes on the road.

    The umbrella body for online media practitioners in the state particularly noted with profound reservations the unconscionable barbarity of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River on Forestry Security, Thomas Obi Tawo, popularly called “General Iron” who reportedly burnt Nigerians in Boki LGA recently (with some allegedly dead) for suspectedly being witches and wizards whom he said he saw in his dream fighting with him. OMPAN called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the so-called General.

    “We note with reservations the barbarity of the Special Adviser to the state Governor on Forestry Security, Thomas Obi Tawo, who recently burnt some Nigerians indigenous to Boki for suspectedly seeing them in his dream fighting with him.

    “It beggars the mind that this type of elements are still living with us in society and more still, he is still an appointee of a state governor who had claimed to be a politician with ethics.

    “OMPAN is therefore calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of SA Tawo. Such entities, if convicted should be kept faraway from society”, the statement concluded.

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are strictly that Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter and does not represent TheLuminrNews.

  • Amanke Invites Critical Stakeholders To A Crucial And Strategic Meeting In View Of School Resumption In The State

    The Commissioner for Quality Education, Dr. Godwin Amanke has invited critical stakeholders to a crucial and strategic meeting in view of school resumption in the state.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Commissioner, Dr. Godwin Amanke indicates that the meeting is to consider the pros and the cons of resumption of schools in the state in the circumstance of the ravaging Covid-19.

    The release reads in parts “The Cross River State Ministry of Education invites the following stakeholders to
    Crucial and Strategic  meeting on the “Pros” and“ cons” of resumption of
    schools in Cross River State.

    “Date: Friday,10thJuly,2020.
    Time: 2pmPrompt.
    Venue: The Auditorium, School of Health Technology,
    Calabar.

    “1. All Special Advisers on Education
    2. All Senior Special Assistants on Education
    3. All Special Assistants on Education
    4. The Executive Chairman and Members of The State Universal Basic Education
    Board
    5.The Chairman and Members of Secondary Education Board
    6.The Executive Secretary and Members of The Science and Technical Education
    Board
    7. Chairman and Members of Governor’s Advisory Committee on Education
    8. Chairman and Members of Private Schools Regulatory Board
    9. Chairman and Members of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT)
    10. Chairman and Members of National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria
    (NAPTAN/PTA) Cross River State.
    11. Chairman and Members of All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS)
    12. Chairman and Members of Association of Proprietors of Private Schools
    (NAPPS).
    13. Chairman and Members of Association of Heads of Primary Schools of Nigeria
    (AOHPSON).
    14. All Directors and Members of Management, Ministry of Education, Calabar”

  • C’River Northern Senatorial Bye-Election And The Search For Quality Representation And The Implication Of The Electorate’s choice: Candidates Not Political Party Will Unleash The Gains Of Democracy

    By Z-Effect Media

    The task of political recruitment of a legislator to serve in Nigeria’s red chambers is here again upon us people of Cross River State Northern Senatorial District. As the political climate condenses and gets politically charged, today I’ll be telling you the place of the party, people (electorates), candidate and how decisions hovering around them make for or truncate, torpedo, and makes the gains of political representation elusive.

    Notice that periodic elections is the hallmark of democratic governance. And it is this attribute that adds flavor and distinguishes it from other forms of government – military rule, monarchy, etc.

    These choices in the final analysis zeros up to two choices:

    1. Voting to liberate oneself from hardship misery and the agony of misrule; and
    2. Voting to legitimize through one’s consent his oppression.

    Ironically, the electorates in contemporary time seem not to recognize nor understand how supreme they are, and how critical their decisions in this political recruitment process (election) is to their survival.

    And it is on the basis of this political shortsightedness they make shortsighted electoral decisions that come with incalculable misery, hardship, and agony to them.

    The thing is this: they fail to recognize that a pro-people leader who is a friend of the people not the political party is key to their survival. And voting along that line rather that party is the best mans policy.

    Voting along tribal, religious and political lines and affiliation comes with some uncommon and rare contradictions: What do voters want? And what do they get? Voters want jobs, but joblessness and retrenchment have driven them into despair. Voters want decent living but all they get is against it – the few are rich, the majority are poor. The few exploit and keep the majority in poverty. Voters want freedom for all, but voters are in chains everywhere in conditions that make men torture. Voters want medical care, but what they get is neglect and abandonment. Voters want education for all but our rulers have sustained illiteracy for most.

    Elections after election, the hopes of the people were raised by promises of jobs, education, food, healthcare, transport, etc. But today with our voting patterns detected by party association and affiliation, and party spirit, the result is all the same: more poverty, more homelessness, more hunger, more neglect and misrule.

    You now see how that thing (political party) is useless in unleashing the gains of democracy and durable representation? It is disingenuous to expect anything tangible from such arrangement.

    The meat of the issue is that people oriented candidate, not political party will liberate and unleash the meaningful life we desire and yearn for. A pro-people candidate not political party will remove these living contradictions.

    The political party is nothing but a vehicle through which interests are moderated, sorted, and pressurized with vigor and attained. Only a people minded leader not political party will moderate those interests in the direction of the people.

    Those who want to see significant transformation on society and in the political space will have to base their political decision making not on party association and/or affiliation, tribe or religious groupings but on quality and competency of the candidate(s) and how they showcase to be leaders of the interest of the majority.

    As we shuttle and find aspirants to pitch our tent with, know we’ve a historical choice to make. It is a choice between freedom and oppression; between health and disease; between welfare and poverty. We’ve to make a decisive choice for freedom, education, jobs, health, decent homes, efficient and affordable transport system knowing a friend of the masses not party will serve. We’ve to choose against oppression, illiteracy, joblessness, neglect, homelessness, poverty, disease, and exploitation.

    Dear people of Cross River Northern Senatorial District, without mincing words, when we fail to act right and positively, we will just be fermenting political, social and economic cul-de-sac and combustibly assailant conditions that will annihilate and consume us all.

    Electorates, over to you.

    We strongly and enthusiastically recommend Prof. Zana to you.

    He has proven that he is a friend of the people.

    Zana is the way moving forward.

    He’ll be offering something more than a clue.

  • COVID-19: All Eligible Public, Private Hospitals Nationwide To Become Sample Collection Sites – Dr. Ehanire

    By Grace Anyanwu

    The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has stated that it is the plan of the Federal Ministry of Health to boost overall COVID-19 sample collection, by preparing all eligible public and private hospitals nationwide to become collection sites. The Minister disclosed this at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Press Briefing held on Monday, 6th July, 2020.

    He stated that this will require working with State governments and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) to identify the facilities and the space within them, to conduct training for the personnel selected and supply both PPE’s and sample collection kits, as well as the logistics to go around to recover test samples, and to better utilize available laboratory assets in the country, which even now are capable of handling far more cases than they presently do.

    “If logistics around samples collection and delivery to test sites are better organized, a lot more will be achieved”, he stated.

    Speaking further, Dr. Ehanire disclosed that the current figure of tested samples in the country stands at 152.952 of which 28,711 are confirmed COVID-19 positive cases while 11,665 have been treated and discharged with 645 fatalities, majority of them have underlying illnesses.

    Similarly,the Minister also revealed that a total no of 15,532 cases was confirmed from 74,580 with 303 death that was recorded was recorded for the month of June alone.

    The Minister also appealed to citizens especially those that are COVID-19 positive who show no symptoms at all, not to go to treatment centers but to cooperate with health officials and understand that measures taken are protective and it is in the interest of the public.

    He informed that a 17 man team of the Federal Ministry of Health, led by the Executive Director of National Primary Health Development Agency, left Abuja for Calabar to engage with the Cross River State government in setting up their COVID-19 response and aligning it with the national response.

    According to the Minster, Agencies and different Departments of the Ministry of Health, such as NCDC, Hospital Services, and Family Health are well represented in the delegation to make sure that there is equal level playing ground between the Federal and State service delivery pillars and also to ensure that the disruption of routine medical services, which has been observed in the State, is minimized or eliminated in Cross River State. “We have called also called on the Cross River State National Medical Association (NMA), to suspend their strike action and receive the Ministry’s delegation.”

    Dr. Ehanire hinted that His Excellency, Governor Ayeade has requested that a senior immigration officer is to map and study the border challenges with Cameroon, as well as a Port Health officer to assess risks posed by sea travelers arriving Cross Rivers State ports particular from neighboring Central African countries of Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, and Angola etc.
    He informed that arrangements are under way to beef up security at the Federal Medical Center, Lokoja for protections of staff and patients. “The Federal government will do all it can to attend to the needs of the citizens, while we seek ways to engage the State authorities.”

    The Minister revealed that the Federal Government through the NCDC has launched an E-Learning platforms on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for health workers. He stated that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) have been distributed to health facilities in good numbers and the use is being monitored to reduce wastage. “I urge our health workers to ensure appropriate use. “I also particularly warn against unprofessional disposal of used PPE’s in common waste dumps, where scavengers have been seen to pick them up for risky reuse.” This is dangerous and sure pathway to promoting community transmission.” “All COVID-19 waste is to be incinerated”, he added.

    The Minister also reminded Nigerians that testing for COVID-19 and treatment in government-run facility is totally free and urged them to report anyone who demanded payment, for necessary action.

    Signed:

    Olujimi Oyetomi,
    Director, Information, Media & Public Relations.

  • COVID-19: Federal Government Commends Cross River, Says Response Is Innovative And Imaginary

    By Admin

    The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has described as excellent, the various measures adopted by Cross River State against the pandemic, including a drive through test centre established by Governor Ben Ayade for the testing of samples for COVID-19.

    The team was in the state on Monday to assess its readiness for the management of the phase two of the pandemic.

    Speaking immediately after inspecting the testing center, and facilities as well as the state garment factory where they witnessed the production of Personal Protective Equipment including face shields, leader of the PTF team, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, lauded Governor Ayade for what he dubbed his creative imagination.

    His words: “I Think it’s excellent. I think it is incredible the level of innovation, creative imagination seen in Cross River since the team arrived here earlier today (Monday) and we are really impressed with what is going on in Cross River State and we believe that the sample collection centre will be a boost to the Covid 19 outfit response that the Cross River State government has elaborated in the last few weeks and I think it is really impressive.”

    Speaking on the mission of the team to the state, Dr.Shaibu who is also the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Healthcare Department Agency disclosed that “One of the reasons we are here today as the PTF and the Federal Ministry of Health is to come and see what Cross River State has done so far as a second phase of interactions with Cross River State. Just like the first team that came here were also impressed with the level of seriousness, the level of innovation that the Cross River State government has brought to bear.”

    On assessment of the face masks and face shields produced by the state’s garment factory, Shuaibu stated: “We where earlier at the garment factory where we have seen face masks and face shields and overalls being produced. Our partners, NAFDAC, the Standard Organization of Nigeria were really impressed with what is going on there.

    “We made a commitment to dig deep and see how we can collaborate with the government of Cross River to make sure that all of the work that is going on there will easily meet global standards. We have already assessed physically and our representatives from these two organizations are happy with what they have seen.

    “We just need some further testing to make sure that we can now scale up and make sure that Nigerians are able to benefit from the manufacturing that we are already seeing in Cross River State. It is an opportunity to encourage other governors to be very proactive in making sure that we use such an instance where there is necessity to become great innovators for PPE’s like we need right now.”

    Speaking on the partnership with the state government, the National Health care Development Agency’s CEO said: “It’s really Incredible what we have seen in the last few hours and the federal government will continue to partner with Cross River State government so that other governors can be encouraged by what is going on. In the next few hours we are going to continue our collaboration to look at the Public health emergency operation centre”

    He further said:”We will also look at the issues around the borders to see how FG can support Cross River State to maintain Integrity and security along the borders. But overall, we have had very fruitful conversations with His Excellency and his team and we are really amazed by all of the work that is going on.”

    Responding, Governor Ayade thanked Shuaib for his understanding of the issues around the state’s handling of COVID-19.

    “Let me specially commend Dr. Faisal for his personal intelligence and understanding of the local situation. Let me thank the team and I want to thank the federal ministry of health for deeming it fit to send a team to come and look at what Cross River has done. I want to thank you for for your kind words and I want to say that the federal government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, the PTF and Covid 19 response Team, the Minister for Health, the DG NCDC for sending a team with NAFDAC, SON to look at our PPE’s from the face shields to the face masks to the overalls with a view to supporting encouraging and patronising us.”

    According to the governor, “that is the incentive that Nigerians want to see and that is the impetus that will encourage other governors to go into it.”

  • UN Launches Sexual Misconduct Probe After Incriminating Car Video Emerges, Says The Behaviour Seen In The Video Is Abhorrent And Goes Against Everything We Stand For

    By Admin

    The UN says it is investigating a possible case of sexual misconduct by staff after a video surfaced of a woman straddling a man in a car with UN markings in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

    The 18-second video, filmed at night from a building alongside a busy road, shows a female figure in red moving astride a man in casual clothing on the back seat of a Toyota 4×4 vehicle. Another man is visible in the front passenger seat. The driver cannot be seen.

    UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told The New Humanitarian that the world body was “shocked and deeply disturbed by what is seen on this video.

    “The behaviour seen in it is abhorrent and goes against everything we stand for and have been working to achieve in terms of fighting sexual misconduct by UN staff”

    By identifying landmarks and comparing the video with images of the street, TNH has determined that the video was taken on HaYarkon street in Tel Aviv.

    Although the video is unclear, the number plate of the car appears to belong to UNTSO, which stands for the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, a UN body originally formed in May 1948 to monitor a ceasefire around the time of the establishment of the state of Israel. The UNTSO website says it manages 153 military observers, who are deployed to UN missions at the Lebanon-Israel border and the occupied Golan Heights.

    The UN has strict rules about sexual abuse and exploitation, including a ban on paying for sex, but has struggled to stamp out sexual misconduct by its staff and peacekeepers.

    In 2019, the UN investigated 175 allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by its own staff and soldiers serving in its peacekeeping operations, 16 of which it concluded were “substantiated”. It is not clear from the short video whether or not the activity shown is consensual or if it involved payment.

    The UN’s investigation by its Office of Internal Oversight – the body that probes misconduct, fraud and corruption – is moving “very quickly” and “the identification of the individuals in the video is close to being completed”, said Dujarric.

    Dujarric said the investigation started two days ago and “we expect the process to be concluded very quickly”.

    TNH can not independently confirm the authenticity of the video, which was shared by an anonymous source later circulated on Twitter. One of the earliest postings was on 23 June by Inner City Press, a New York-based news blog.

  • Citizens’ Solution Network’s Press Release On The Arrest Of Lance Corporal Idiakpeni Martins By The Leadership Of Nigerian Army

    By Admin

    CITIZENS’ SOLUTION NETWORK’S PRESS RELEASE ON THE ARREST OF LANCE CORPORAL IDAKPENI MARTINS BY THE LEADERSHIP OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY

    Date: 6/7/2020
    Time: 8am

    Today we wake up to a very depressing information concerning the arrest of Lance Corporate Idakpeni Martins of 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, Nigeria.

    In a video sent to us last week, Lance Corporal Idakpeni Martins criticised the leadership of the Nigerian Army and accused Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai of betraying Nigeria by not supplying the Army men fighting the insurgency in the North better and adequate fire arms.

    In the said video within our custody, Lance Corporal Martins accused the Army Chief of Staff of arresting and locking up innocent Nigerian Army personnel who are demanding better and adequate arms to fight insurgency in the North.

    Lance Corporal Martins went on to demand that in a case where he is arrested following the release of the said video, we should endeavor that his Court Marshall should be opened for all Nigerians to see, and not to be allowed to be tried in secrecy.

    At Citizens Solution Network, we expect that if officers who are willing to fight and die for this country demand weapons, they should be given and not to be rounded up, arrested and locked up in secret detention facilities as exposed by Lance Corporal Martins.

    From the foregoing, there is a depressing and serious implication to this. Which simply means, Nigerian Military Personnel are sent to die at battle front without proper and adequate supply of firearms, and in event where they are seen to complain, they are arrested, and locked up in secret detention facilities rather than issued the right article of combat (AoC).

    At Citizens’ Solution Network, we find this sort of arrest unfair, unjust and unacceptable, and call for the review of the conditions and on what ground an army officer or rank and file should be arrested, tried and detained. Hence the need for the National Assembly to speedily intervene and get involved into reviewing the extant laws surrounding same.

    That said, we are first and foremost condemning the arrest of Lance Corporal Martins and demanding that his Court Marshall, if the military deems it necessary to have him tried, be done fairly and transparently outside the purview of secrecy.

    Finally, we wish to call on the leadership of the Nigerian Military and the President of Nigeria to ensure that nothing unjust happens to Lance Corporal Martins.

    Let it be on public registry that there is genuine and broad need for all Nigerians, lawyers and human right activists to rally in defence of Lance Corporal Martins and his ultimate release.

    Thanks!

    Signed.

    Richard F. Inoyo
    Country Director, Citizens Solution Network.

    For: Military Population and Civilian Council.

    CC:

    President and Commandant-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The President of The Nigerian Senate.

    The Speaker of The Nigerian House of Representatives.

    The Chief of Defence Staff.

    The Chief of Army Staff.

    The National President, Nigerian Bar Association.

    Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria.

  • COVID-19: Sen. Ita Giwa Visits Akpabuyo, Distributes Palliatives.

    By Admin

    Sen. Princess Florence Ita-Giwa has visited Akpabuyo LGA in continuation of her Covid-19 sensitization campaign and distribution of palliatives.

    She was accompanied by prominent women and members of Nka Iban Isong Efik.

    She was received by the Chairman of the local government council, who appreciated her for having Akpabuyo LGA in mind.

    At the vsiti, Sen. Ita-Giwa appreciated the people for being very organized during the meeting.

    She expressed her willingness to sponsor some students in her scholarship and empowerment program were the aged could benefit as much as $10,000 to start up businesses.

    On the dangers of Covid-19 and it’s negative global impact, she enlightened the people on the need for proper and regular hand washing, stressing also on the need for regular use of nose mask.

    She encouraged residents of the LGA to make good use of the abundant fruits and fresh food the LGA is blessed with as a means of fighting the virus.

    Responding, the chairman of Akpabuyo LGA council, Hon. Emmanuel Offiong Bassey expressed his deep appreciation to the former presidential aide and commended her effort, stressing that such was rare.

    He said although the state was yet to register any case of Covid-19, yet the reality of the pandemic could not be overemphasized.

    He also said that the LGA will no longer be a hiding place for criminals as his adminstration will never condone any form of criminality.

    The meeting which witnessed a large turnout of aged people, had in attendance, the Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo LGA, HRM Etiyin Maurice Ekpenyong Edet Nya and members of his cabinet.