The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • The King And The Weight Of The Royal Beads BY AGBA JALINGO

    The King And The Weight Of The Royal Beads BY AGBA JALINGO

    There is an African proverb amongst royalty that says that, “it is the one who wants to suffer for the people that accept the heavy weight of royal beads.”

    And truly speaking, royal beads are many and very heavy. Not just heavy in terms of responsibility but physically when measured on a scale. A complete set of royal dressing includes not just the beads but also several age long metals that carry a lot of weight on the scale. Part of the idea is to constantly remind the carrier of the huge responsibility he or she bears.

    With all its envied privileges, royalty confers even greater responsibility and denial. Because to lead, is to be in a position of advantage, in the first place amongst equals. To be a pathway, a leading light and bridge for others into a new destination; holding them by the hand to find their way from ignorance; shining as an example for them to follow.

    Talking about new destinations, if I were to be a leader, I would endeavour to build on the good things my predecessors did by thinking out new and improved methods of doing those same things for the good of the people.

    Assuming that my predecessors many years ago, bought hoes and cutlasses for our people who are predominantly farmers, Me, their new King, should be able to move it further and introduce our people to modern farming tools, to boost resources utilization and yield per hectare, as well as expanding economic opportunities. If they were given fishing nets, can we now explore the chances of giving them fishing boats?

    Bringing it down to political leadership, if our leaders distributed Okada to our people 20 years ago, dug boreholes for our people 20 years ago, distributed generators for our people 20 years ago, gathered our people under canopies and trees for health outreaches 20 years ago, campaigned with wrappers and rice, 20 years ago, etc, after two decades, isn’t there any new thinking to improve on, modify or do away with these methods after such a long period? Are we so bereft of innovating new initiatives to improve on executing these same programs by employing new ways of doing things? Or is there a deliberate ploy to perpetuate our state of being 20 years ago?

    The budget figures are scaling up yearly and changing rapidly, can the methods of implementing these budgets also change along? Can we intentionally decide to improve on our governance processes and discard this copy and paste model? Is our goal to develop our communities or just to share power? Can these thrones survive by keeping the people down perpetually?

    If the King must lead and enjoy the perquisites of the throne, he must not forfeit the sacrifice of appeasement, lest he falls.

    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.

  • PDP Cross River Northern Senatorial Holds Reconciliatory Meeting

    PDP Cross River Northern Senatorial Holds Reconciliatory Meeting

     

    It was a moment of ease for members of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, as leaders of the party in Northern Senatorial District, converged at the residence of Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, today Thursday 6th March 2025, to chat a way forward for the party.

    The meeting which was conveyed by the leader of the party in the state, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, to reconcile all arrived members of the party that led to the suspension of the state party chairman, Mr Venatius Ikem.

    The leader of the party, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, acknowledged the fact that the suspension of the party chairman had some leaders played pivotal role, was however reversed by the National Working Committee of the party. A decision which has been accepted by the executive committee members of the party from northern senatorial district. He enjoined party leaders to embrace peace and charged them to put the collective interest of the party above personal interest.

    He averred that no meaningful development can be achieved when the party is divided, called on stakeholders to bury whatever grievances that may have culminated into the disagreement that had ensued that led to the suspension of the state chairman.

    He used the opportunity to thank party faithfuls for the continuous support and charged them to be more united now than ever.

    The members representing Ogoja/Yala and Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituencies, Hon Godwin Offiono and Hon Peter Akpanke took turns to encourage party members to embrace peace as all the leaders have seen the need to summon them for the reconciliatory meeting.

    Akpanke used the opportunity to demiss insinuation of his defection to the All Progressive Party.

    He admonished party faithfuls to remain resolute in their support for the party as there nothing happening in the APC in the northern senatorial district of the state.

    Leaders from the five local government areas took turn to commend the party leadership in its wisdom to return the state party chairman and pledged their support for the betterment of the party.

    On his part, the state party chairman, Mr Venatius Ikem, thanked Sen Jarigbe Agom, for making it possible to convey the crowd for the all important meeting the reconciliation.

    He used the opportunity to apologized for whatever ills he may have done in the course of administering the party and pledged to be more committed to the party as he forged ahead.

  • The Unending Ordeal of Ntufam Maurice Omin Iso: A Case of Gross Human Rights Abuse BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The Unending Ordeal of Ntufam Maurice Omin Iso: A Case of Gross Human Rights Abuse BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Those holding Ntufam Maurice Omin Iso since December 23, 2024, seem to have ulterior motives, aiming to eliminate him for advocating minority and land rights in Esuku Otu, Ikot Ansa community, Calabar Municipality. Interestingly, the Attorney General of Cross River State, Ededem Ani Esq., has denied involvement in Iso’s alleged arrest and detention, dismissing claims that Iso was arrested for obtaining judgments against the state as “fabrication”.

    Iso was arraigned on February 10, 2025, on charges of forcible entry and attempted kidnapping, and remanded until April 18, 2025. However, Chief Magistrate Agbor Achere-Achere ordered his release on March 4, 2025, after his lawyers applied for his production and release. Despite this, Iso remains in custody, with authorities citing “orders from above” for his continued detention.

    This blatant disregard for the judiciary and human rights is alarming, especially given Nigeria’s history of respecting the judiciary, even during military dictatorships.

    @ Obol Okoi Obono-Obla
    Counsel to Ntufam Maurice Omin Iso
    6 March 2025

  • Job Vacancy At The Home Restaurant And Lounge

    Job Vacancy At The Home Restaurant And Lounge

    Job vacancy in Calabar

    Female Bar Supervisor needed for immediate employment at The Home Restaurant and Lounge. Apply in person with a passport photo at 75 Marian Road, Calabar. Min of SSCE, must be single, have huge social capital, and able relate with people of all classes.

    Based on the Facebook post, here are the job requirements and expectations for the Female Bar Supervisor position at The Home Restaurant and Lounge:

    Requirements
    1. Minimum Qualification: Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE)
    2. Marital Status: Must be single
    3. Social Capital: Must have huge social capital
    4. Interpersonal Skills: Must be able to relate with people of all classes

    Expectations
    1. Supervisory Role: Oversee the bar operations
    2. Customer Service: Provide excellent service to customers
    3. Team Management: Manage and lead a team of bar staff
    4. Social Interaction: Interact with customers and other stakeholders

    Benefits
    1. Salary: N50,000 – N100,000 per month
    2. Meal: One square meal per day

    Job Title: Female Bar Supervisor

    Location
    The Home Restaurant and Lounge, 75 Marian Road, Calabar

    Application Instructions
    Apply in person with a passport photo at the specified location.

    Contact Information
    Phone number: 08053559098

    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A4NNizjZo/?mibextid=oFDknk

  • The Gathering Storm in Rivers State: A Lesson from History BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The Gathering Storm in Rivers State: A Lesson from History BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The Rivers State House of Assembly has given Governor Siminalayi Fubara an ultimatum to sack all commissioners and functionaries whose appointments required confirmation by the assembly within 48 hours, starting from March 5, 2025. This move comes after the Supreme Court’s judgment last week, which declared the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as the legitimate representatives, while the 4 members supporting Governor Fubara were deemed not to constitute the Assembly.

    Prior to the judgment, the Assembly was divided into two camps: the pro-Wike camp with 27 members and the pro-Fubara camp with 4 members. During the crisis, Governor Fubara dissolved his cabinet after many commissioners and top functionaries resigned. He then appointed replacements and submitted their names to the 4-member assembly for confirmation.

    Now, with the Supreme Court’s judgment, the Rivers State House of Assembly is asserting its authority, demanding that Governor Fubara sack his entire cabinet and nominate new appointees for confirmation This move is seen as a necessary step to restore legitimacy and ensure that the Assembly’s constitutional role in confirming appointments is respected.

    According to the Constitution, the Governor has the power to appoint commissioners, but their nominations must be confirmed by the House of Assembly.

    Other positions that require confirmation by the Assembly include the Attorney-General, State Civil Service Commission, State Independent Electoral Commission, and the State Judicial Service Commission.

    If Governor Fubara fails to adhere to the directive of the House of Assembly, he risks laying the foundation for another crisis and a possible charge of gross misconduct, which is a ground for impeachment. On the other hand, if he adheres to the directive and proceeds to direct the affected appointees to resign, he may open himself up to a future confrontation with the Assembly, which may refuse to confirm the new appointees.

    This scenario is reminiscent of what happened in the Old Kaduna State in 1979, where Governor Balarabe Musa’s list of commissioners was rejected by the House of Assembly ten times. Governor Musa was compelled to run the State for nearly two years without the State Executive Council, and later, the Kaduna State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against him.

    In light of this, it is imperative that Governor Fubara extends an olive branch to his antagonists to avoid a similar scenario in Rivers State.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

  • Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (3), Cross River North Senatorial District

    Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (3), Cross River North Senatorial District

    Today is the turn of the Cross River North Senatorial district projects budgeted for in the 2025 appropriation law. The Senatorial District is represented by Senator Jarigbe Agom (leader of the unconquered generation.)

    1.ERGP2026697
    SUPPLY OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS IN YALA, OGOJA, OBUDU, BEKWARRA AND OBANLIKU LGAS, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    2.ERGP20259546
    SUPPLY OF MOTORCYCLES TO YOUTHS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N120,000,000

    3.ERGP20260030
    VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN WITH GRANTS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N100,000,000

    4.ERGP20260419
    RURAL ELECTRIFICATION OF NKUM IREDE COMMUNITY, OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: 300,000,000

    5.ERGP20260420
    CONSTRUCTION OF RECREATION CENTER IN OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N500,000,000

    6.ERGP20260421
    SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF TRANSFORMERS TO COMMUNITIES IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N300,000,000

    7.ERGP20260422
    RURAL ELECTRIFICATION OF BEKWARRA LGA IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N500,000,000

    8.ERGP20261156
    SUPPLY OF LABORATORY EQUIPMENT TO GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL UKENDE, IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N100,000,000

    9.ERGP20261157
    CONSTRUCTION OF CLASSROOM BLOCKS AND FURNISHING IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADAGOM AND UKENDE COMMUNITIES, IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT
    Cost: N150,000,000

    10.ERGP20261370
    CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREETLIGHTS IN IGODOR, OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: 30,000,000

    11.ERGP20262746
    CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN IPONG, UKWEL-UGBUDU, ANGIABA-BEGIAKA, BETUKWEL, OTUGWANG ALEGEE, UKPE, BEBUABONG, NGORKPU AND UKPE COMMUNITIES IN OBUDU LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: 500,000,000.00

    12.ERGP20262747
    BUILDING OF TOWN HALL WITH SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE AND STREET LIGHTS IN BETUKWEL COMMUNITY, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    13.ERGP20262754
    AGRICULTUE, TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN WITH GRINDING MACHINES IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N400,000,000

    14.ERGP20262760
    CONSTRUCTION OF RING ROAD IN EGBE, OGOJA LGA, IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N250,000,000

    15.ERGP20262761
    CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREETLIGHTS IN BRIGADIER ALLY BARRACKS, OGOJA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N200,000,000

    16.ERGP20262763
    TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN WITH SEWING MACHINES, FABRICS AND GRANTS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N350,000,000

    17.ERGP20262758
    CONSTRUCTION OF RECREATION CENTER IN IBIL COMMUNITY IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT.

    Cost: N500,000,000

    18.ERGP20262755
    CONSTRUCTION OF UKELE ROAD IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    19.ERGP20262757
    CONSTRUCTION OF ALIFORKPA ROAD IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    20.ERGP20262759
    CONSTRUCTION OF CIVIC CENTRE IN WANOKOM IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    21.ERGP20262762
    CONSTRUCTION OF POLICE POST IN BUFFER AREA OF IGBEKURIKOR AND UGAGA, YALA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N100,000,000

    22.ERGP20263628
    CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN OBUDU, BEKWARRA, OBANLIKU, OGOJA AND YALA LGAs, IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N200,000,000

    23.ERGP20259788
    TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF YOUNG GRADUATES ON INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N100,000,000

    24.ERGP202502658
    CONSTRUCTION OF IBIL ROAD, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N425,000,000

    25.ERGP20262748
    CONSTRUCTION OF IGWO ROAD, OBUDU, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    26.ERGP20262749
    CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLES IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL

    Cost: 500,000,000

    27.ERGP20262750
    SUPPLY OF TRICYCLES TO FARMERS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    28.ERGP20262751
    EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTH WITH CNG VEHICLES FOR MASS TRANSIT IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    29.ERGP20262752
    SUPPLY AND EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTH WITH TILLERS FOR MECHANIZED FARMING IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N250,000,000

    30.ERGP20262756
    CONSTRUCTION OF GLADO SCHOOL ROAD, OKUKU- YALA LGA CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    31.ERGP20260423
    CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS (LOT 1-10) IN BEKWARRA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N200,000,000

    32.ERGP202503425
    PROVISION AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWERED LIGHTS AT ABAKPA-JOSEDDY STREET OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N10,000,000

    33.ERGP20259861
    CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN IDUM-EKUMTAK, MBUBE OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N150,000,000

    34.ERGP20259855
    SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ICT EQUIPMENT IN FCE OBUDU LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: 30,000,000

    35.ERGP20259911
    SUPPLY OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING OF HEALTH WORKERS ON CLINICAL GOVERNANCE IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N30,000,000

    36.ERGP20229342
    PROVISION AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWERED STREETLIGHTS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N16,500,000

    37.CONSTRUCTION OF BOREHOLES IN SELECTED LOCATIONS IN CROSS RIVER NORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N200,000,000

    38.SUPPLY OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO HEALTH FACILITIES IN THE FIVE LGAs OF CROSS RIVER NORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT.

    Cost: N500,000,000

    39.PROVISION OF AGRICULTURAL AND GARDENING EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING OF YOUTHS IN AGRICULTURE AND GARDENING IN THE FIVE LGAS OF CROSS RIVER NORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    This comes to a total of 39 projects, amounting to N12,011,500,000 (Twelve billion, eleven million, five hundred thousand Naira.)

    Kindly note that these projects do not include the ones budgeted separately in the SDGs and NDDC appropriations; and those that may come up in the supplementary budget. This is applicable to all members of the NASS. Both those I have written their projects and the ones I will still write.

    Go ye and hold your Senator accountable. Monitor and make sure these projects are executed.

    I am now done with the Northern Senatorial district, which is the smallest. Next is the Central Senatorial District. I will start with Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, represented by Honorable Victor Abang (aka Mature).

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Re: Know Your Constituency Projects in 2025 Budget BY INYALI PETER 

    Re: Know Your Constituency Projects in 2025 Budget BY INYALI PETER 

    I commend Citizen Agba Jalingo for his unrelenting efforts in ensuring that our National Assembly members are accountable to the people whose mandates they hold on trust. By highlighting projects facilitated into the budget by them, he is not only equipping the people with more information on the activities of their representatives but also promoting the efforts of lawmakers.

    However, we must also sensitize our citizens to know that appearance of projects in the budget does not translate to funding of the project. This is important to avoid a situation where we’ll begin to harass our lawmakers for projects that the executive arm is yet to fund. The legislative arm only has appropriation power and not the authority to fund/execute projects.

    Currently, Nigeria is unusually running more than one budget. The 2024 budget is now running concurrently with the 2025 budget even though so many projects there are yet to be funded. Even though we expect that the Nass members who nominated these projects will follow up and lobby relevant authorities to ensure contracts are awarded and funded, people should be educated on where their power end.

    Also, some privileged Cross Riverians who are working in offices where they can make case for the funding of these items should help. The Nass members definitely need the support of everybody to ensure that their vision for these projects are actualized.

    I commend Honourable Peter Akpanke and Godwin Offiono for the overwhelming number of projects they’ve facilitated into the budget for their respective constituencies. As first timers and opposition lawmakers, this is a huge statement of intent. I encourage them to take their efforts further by lobbying to ensure that the projects are funded and executed.

    Once again, bravo Citizen Agba!

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

  • Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (2) Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency BY AGBA JALINGO

    Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (2) Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Today, I move on to Ogoja Yala federal constituency projects budgeted for in the 2025 appropriate law. The Federal Constituency is ably represented by Honorable Godwin Offiono (Goffio).

    1.ERGP20256884
    SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT FOR SELECTED FARMERS AT OGOJA AND YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N100,000,000

    2.ERGP20256885
    CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF MOTORIZED BOREHOLES AT SOME SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF OGOJA AND YALA LGA’S IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N100,000,000

    3.ERGP20256886
    MEDICAL OUTREACH TO HEALTH CHALLENGED CONSTITUENTS OF OGOJA AND YALA LGA’S IN OGOJA/ YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N100,000,000

    4.ERGP20257636
    ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICAL RESEARCH FARMS AND GRADING OF ADJOINING ACCESS ROADS AT OKUKU WARD IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N150,000,000

    5.ERGP20253935
    TRAINING AND SCHOLARSHIP GRANT TO STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N50,000,000

    6.ERGP20256880
    CONSTRUCTION OF 1.2KM FEEDER ROAD, AT OKUKU WARD, YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N300,000,000

    7.ERGP20256881
    CONSTRUCTION OF CLASSROOMS BLOCKS AND PROVISION OF FURNITURE AT SCHOOLS IN YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N200,000,000

    8.ERGP20256882
    CONSTRUCTION OF CLASSROOMS BLOCKS AND PROVISION OF FURNITURE AT SCHOOLS IN OGOJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N100,000,000

    9.ERGP20256883
    SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWERED STREET LIGHTS AT SOME SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF OGOJA AND YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER

    Cost: N100,000,000

    10.ERGP20257637
    SUPPLY OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS AND TRAINING ON MAINTENANCE OF SOLAR INSTALLATION, IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N50,000,000

    11.ERGP20257638
    TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF YOUNG GRADUATES ON RENEWABLE ENERGY INSTALLATION IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N50,000,000

    12.ERGP20258081
    INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: 40,000,000

    13.ERGP20258448
    FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N50,000,000

    14.ERGP20223665
    EROSION CONTROL WORKS IN SELECTED LOCATIONS IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N40,000,000

    15.ERGP20263202
    CONSTRUCTION OF CULVERT IN IKURINU COMMUNITY (ECHUMOGA) YALA LGA, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N20,000,000

    This is a total of 15 projects amounting to N1,450,000,000 (One billion four hundred and fifty million Naira.)

    Now you know what to look out for.

    Next will be Cross River North Senatorial District projects.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Reining In The Powers of Governors: The Rivers State Example BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Reining In The Powers of Governors: The Rivers State Example BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria made several damning findings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in its two judgments delivered on February 28, 2025. These rulings arose from the prolonged political crisis that has engulfed the state since 2023. According to the Supreme Court, Governor Fubara presented a budget to only four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which they passed, and he subsequently signed into law.

    The Supreme Court condemned the Governor’s actions, stating that he behaved like a dictator, showing no respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and principles of good governance. Furthermore, the Court held that Governor Fubara’s actions were those of a lawless individual, unbecoming of the office he holds, particularly given his order to demolish the buildings housing the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    The Supreme Court also found that Governor Fubara breached the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( 1999) (as amended), which he swore to protect, preserve, and defend. Additionally, the Court held that Governor Fubara prevented the Rivers State House of Assembly from convening to perform its constitutionally assigned role. The Supreme Court lamented that, effectively, there was no functioning government in Rivers State.

    Some pundits believe that Governor Fubara may face impeachment proceedings due to the Supreme Court’s findings, which constitute gross misconduct under the Constitution.

    Gross misconduct refers to a grave violation or breach of the Constitution or a misconduct that the House of Assembly considers serious enough to warrant removal from office. According to Section 188(11) of the Constitution, gross misconduct is subjective and determined exclusively by the House of Assembly.

    The procedure for removing a governor from office due to gross misconduct is outlined in Section 188(1-10) of the Constitution. Here’s a breakdown:

    Step 1: Notice of Allegation: A written notice signed by at least one-third of the House of Assembly members, stating the Governor’s gross misconduct.
    Step 2: Investigation: The House of Assembly resolves to investigate the allegation, requiring a two-thirds majority vote.
    Step 3: Panel Appointment: The Chief Judge appoints a seven-person panel to investigate the allegation.
    Step 4: Defense and Findings: The Governor defends themselves, and the panel reports its findings to the House of Assembly.
    Step 5: Removal: If the panel’s report is adopted by a two-thirds majority vote, the Governor is removed from office.

    It’s essential to note that the House of Assembly has the exclusive power to determine what constitutes gross misconduct, making it a subjective decision.

    The case of Governor Fubara may be a litmus test to curb the magisterial and unconstitutional manner in which governors in the country have been exercising their powers, incurring the wrath of Nigerians. It is left for the Rivers State House of Assembly to decide the best course of action to take against the Governor, whose relationship with the majority of the members has been greatly strained.
    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

  • Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (1)… Obanlikwu/Bekwarra/Obudu OBO, Federal Constituency BY AGBA JALINGO

    Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (1)… Obanlikwu/Bekwarra/Obudu OBO, Federal Constituency BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    The 2025 budget has been passed and signed into law. And as I promised, I will be extracting and serializing all the constituency projects of all the 8 members of the House of Representatives and all the three Senators from Cross River State.

    Today, I begin with the constituency projects budget for my own Federal Constituency, Obudu/Obanlikwu/Bekwarra OBO, represented by Honorable Peter Akpanke (DeRock).

    1.ERGP20256877
    CONSTRUCTION OF UTUGWANG MAIN MARKET ROAD IN OBUDU LGA OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

    Cost: N300,000,000.00

    2.ERGP20258136
    FURNISHING OF BLOCKS OF CLASSROOM ACROSS HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

    Cost: N25,000,000.00

    3.ERGP28222884
    CONSTRUCTION OF WATER SCHEME AT NO 3 HOSPITAL LANE UPEL-WAGA COMMUNITY, OPPOSITE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OBUDU LGA, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N20,000,000.00

    4.ERGP20263600
    CONSTRUCTION OF THE OKAMBI-IGWO RING ROADS IN OBUDU, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N500,000,000.00

    5.ERGP12231988
    REHABILITATION OF IKOM-WULA-OBUDU ROAD PHASE II IN CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N100,000,000.00

    6.ERGP20263447
    SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN BEGANG AND IBIARAGIDI COMMUNITIES OF OBUDU/OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N50,000,000.00

    7.ERGP20256878
    RURAL ELECTRIFICATION OF SELECTED COMMUNITIES WITH SOLAR POWER STREET LIGHTS IN OBUDU, BEKWARRA AND OBANLIKWU LGA’S OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N200,000,000.00

    8.ERGP20256877
    CONSTRUCTION OF UTUGWANG MAIN MARKET ROAD IN OBUDU LGA OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY.

    Cost: N300,000,000.00

    9.ERGP20256876
    CONSTRUCTION OF ATULUM ROAD IN BEKWARRA LGA OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N300,000,000.00

    10.ERGP20256675
    CONSTRUCTION OF KAFA BRIDGE IN BISHIRI OBANLIKU LGA OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N100,000,000.00

    11.ERGP20256879
    SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS TO FARMERS IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN OBUDU, BEKWARRA AND OBANLIKWU LGAS OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/ OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N100,000,000.00

    12.ERGP20254223
    VOCATIONAL TRAINING OF UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS AND WOMEN IN OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU

    Cost: N20,000,000.00

    13.ERGP20253936
    MEDICAL OUTREACH FOR WIDOWS AND VULNERABLES IN OBUDU/BEKWARRA/OBANLIKWU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N50,000,000.00

    14.ERGP5223868
    NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DEVELOPMENT OF PROTOCOLS AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DISEASE FREE ZONES AND COMPARTMENTS FOR EXPORTS OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY (CATTLE- MAMIBILLA PLATEAU IN TARABA STATE, OBUDU CATTLE RANCH IN CROSS RIVER STATE AND SHEEP AND GOAT-JIGAWA, POULTRY-OGUN STATE

    Cost: N92,500,000.00

    15.ERGP20263202
    TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTHS IN OBANLIKWU/OBUDU/BEKWARRA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

    Cost: N100,000,000.00

    16.ERGP20263196
    SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENTS AND FARM PRODUCE TO FARMERS AND WOMEN IN OBANLIKWU/ BEKWARRA/ OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY PAA CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N150,000,000.00

    17.ERGP20258869
    SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREETLIGHTS IN OBUDU/BEKWARRA/OBANLIKWU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY OF CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N40,000,000.00

    This makes a total of 17 projects amounting to N2,447,500,000 (Two Billion four hundred and forty seven million, five hundred thousand Naira.)

    Excluding the N87,600,000 Mini stadium in Keting village which is supposed to have been completed by now, having been included in last year’s budget.

    Next will be Ogoja/Yala federal Constituency.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.