The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Gov Otu Lauds Hon Victor Abang ‘Mature’

    Gov Otu Lauds Hon Victor Abang ‘Mature’

    By Fred Abua

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu has congratulated the Member Representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. (Chief) Victor Bisong Abang, on his election victory and successful commencement of his term at the House.

    Speaking at the Thanksgiving Mass/Reception held at Akwagom, the Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described Hon. Victor Abang as an example of a man who loved God. He praised Hon. Abang’s sacrifices for the work of God, particularly the Catholic Church. The Governor disclosed that it was when Hon. Abang stepped down from the APC primaries for the sake of peace that God chose to give it to him. He called on those who were in court to challenge Hon. Abang’s mandate to have a rethink because it was already ordained that he will complete the term. The Governor praised Hon. Abang’s work in the House of Representatives as the work of a man who thinks about the people.

    The Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, Bishop Donatus Etim, who was not physically present sent words of congratulations assuring the Member of Parliament that he will continue to uplift the Member in prayers. In his words, ‘by entrusting you with their votes, the people have expressed their belief in your ability to bring about positive change, uplift their social well being and champion their interests. Do not disappoint them.’

    The Chief of Staff, Hon Emmanuel Ironbar, said Hon. Victor Abang, popularly called ‘Mature’ by his fans and friends, was a man to be emulated to get the kind of results the Member was getting in his life. Ironbar said the man worked for God and God is working for him.

    ‘Mature’ who was moved to tears by the massive support of priests, politicians, community leaders, family and friends, pledged that he will give his people quality representation at the House of Representatives. He said he had already sponsored 2 bills for the siting of federal educational institutions in Okunde and Ikom within only 67 days in office adding that within a short time, the constituency will be heard across the nation.

    Hon. Victor Abang who presented a car to each of the APC Chapter Chairmen of Ikom and Boki also gave several motorcycles to his constituents and led his friends and guests to make donations towards the building of a school within the church premises.

    Dignitaries who attended the ceremony included MP, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Odere, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Abubakar Ewa, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang, Member Representing Boki 1 in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Bette Obi, Gen. Moses Obi (Rtd), Prof. Zana Akpagu, amongst others.

  • UNICAL Suspends Dean Faculty Of Law, Prof Cyril Ndifon

    UNICAL Suspends Dean Faculty Of Law, Prof Cyril Ndifon

     

    The Management of the University of Calabar( Unical) has suspended the Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon for alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the institution.

    The suspension conveyed in a letter signed by the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe takes effect from August 17, 2023.

    According to the letter, the suspension came on the heels of the Dean’s response to a query earlier issued to him by the University Management which the Vice Chancellor was dissatisfied with.

    Dissatisfied with his response, the Vice Chancellor, according to the letter, has relieved Prof. Ndifon of his position as Dean and placed him on suspension while the matter is refered to a panel that will be set-up to investigate the allegations levelled against him.

    The letter reads this; ” Please refer to our letter Ref UC/REG/DISC.45A dated August 14, 2023 on your alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the University and your response to the said letter which was dated 16th August, 2023.

    “The Vice Chancellor has gone through your written representations and is not satisfied with your explanations. She has therefore directed that you should be relieved of your position as Dean, Faculty of Law and placed on suspension while the matter is refered to a panel that will be set-up to investigate these allegations.

    “The relief of position as Dean, Faculty of Law and suspension from official duties takes effect from August 17, 2023. You are to hand over all University property in your possession including all official responsibilities presently handled by you to the Sub-Dean of the Faculty before vacating office.

    “You are to stay away from the University premises except while responding to invitation from the panel investigating these allegations”.

  • Mother Dumps Baby In Refuse In Calabar

    Mother Dumps Baby In Refuse In Calabar

    BY Sylvia Akpan – CrossRiverWatch 

    An unknown mother has dumped her infant child in a refuse dump in Calabar, Cross River State.

    In the wee hours of Wednesday,  August 16, an unknown baby was found dead by the dustbin at Palm Street by Atakpa close to Pin Margaret Commercial School, Calabar South LGA.

    The baby whose gender is female was wrapped in an Ankara wrapper with flies perching on her.

    Eyewitnesses said that the baby was still alive before giving up the ghost.

    As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the woman who dumped her are yet unknown.

  • Tribunal Reserves Ruling In Sen Onor’s Petition To Remove Prince Otu

    Tribunal Reserves Ruling In Sen Onor’s Petition To Remove Prince Otu

    By Ndifon Joseph 

    The Cross River State Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Calabar has reserved ruling in the petition filed by Governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor challenging the eligibility of Senator Bassey Otu & Hon. Peter Odey of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 Governorship Elections in the state.

    The tribunal having adopted parties’ final written addresses, reserved judgement to a date to be communicated to the parties in the case.

    Chairman of the panel, Justice Oken Inneh who on the last adjourned date directed parties to prepare final briefs of argument and appear for adoption said the tribunal would later communicate the parties on a date for judgement.

    Addressing newsmen at the end of proceedings, Counsel to Sen. Onor & the PDP, Dr J. Y. Musa (SAN), said: “All the parties presented their final written addresses to be given the opportunity to adumbrate. In adumbrating, we drew the courts attention to the fact that the case is essentially on the fact that the 2nd & 3rd respondents lied on oath.

    “In the beginning we didn’t allege any forgery, but there were the ones who brought certificates showing that they could be forgery. There were the ones who tendered the documents. They opened the pandora box by themselves. So we adopted and it’s in our written address.”

    Asked on his clients prayers to the court, Dr Musa responded, “Of course to declare their votes ‘wasted votes’ and to declare our clients the winner. That’s it, because if the court nullifies their candidature upon the argument on qualification and declares their votes, wasted votes, they will be under obligation to declare us the winner because we have the geographical spread to be so declared.”

    When asked to commend on the controversy surrounding the INEC Form EC9, the Learned Silk concluded, “That’s the affidavit of personal particulars. The governor did not provide any qualification in his affidavit of personal particulars and the documents he attached to that affidavit were not verified by the affidavit. They were in conflict with the affidavit. And then, in their bid to try and see how they could answer us on that, they now brought out certificates that now, were in contradistinction with what was attached in Form EC9. That’s why we said he lied on oath.”

    On his part, counsel to the 2nd & 3rd respondents, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said: “From my submission today, the truth is that from the 10th of July, 2023, when they withdrew grounds 2 & 3 of the petition, which talked about discrepancies, non-accreditation, non-trasnmission through BIVAS, through iRev and all other alleged malpractices, which were funny, phony and untrue allegations, their petitions collapsed like a pack of cards. They personally sank the metis, they wrote the elegy of their own petition.

    “The truth is that they never had any case at all. We have been wasting our time. Their case is predicted on the allegation that the 2nd respondent, the governor was not educated up to school certificate level. That is their case, it’s here and it’s the ground of the petition. But, they abandoned that and started talking about forgery, about discrepancies in the certificates by saying that the documents attached to Form EC9 of INEC said the Primary School certificate was 1966, secondary 1972, and University Degree (B.sc Hons Sociology) was 1980.

    “But, from the very witness, their own witness (DW-1) we were able to extract under cross-examination that those mentioned were the dates of entry into the various schools, but that the certificates before the tribunal which we tendered, the very originals including the ones they themselves attached to Form EC9 show that where the governor mentioned 1966 which was the year of entry, the certificate showed 1972 which was the year of graduation from primary school. That, where they mentioned 1972 for the secondary school, the certificate shows that he graduated in 1977 and where the form was filled for B.sc in 1980, witness made it clear that the certificates shows 1984. So, where is the discrepancy,” he questioned.

    The adoption of the final written addresses is the precursor to fixing a date for the judgement.

  • Congratulations And Happy 20th Priestly Anniversary To Very Rev Fr Peter Abang Ochang BY ELIJAH UGANI 

    Congratulations And Happy 20th Priestly Anniversary To Very Rev Fr Peter Abang Ochang BY ELIJAH UGANI 

     

    20 years ago, you were called and ordained a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, you have lived your life in accordance with your vocation and calling.

    Fr Ochang is a living testimony of God’s benevolence and magnanimity in the lives of the poor of the poorest in the society.

    He is a crusader of ecumenism. He integrates Catholics, Pentecostals and non Christians alike wherever he is sent to propagate the gospel.

    Fr Ochang will go borrowing to solve problems of those in need. His parish house is a beheeve of people with different problems who comes to seek succor.

    Fr Ochang will raise money during mass for people who are critically ill, who comes to his parish house to seek help. He does not care to know whether you are a Catholic or a Christian, all he cares is that the Church must serve a soul. This attitude of his has converted so many souls to the glory of God.

    Whenever you come to visit him, including his brother priests, he struggles to give you fuel. The religious, the seminarians, catechists, his parishioners and all those who comes to him shares in whatever he has.

    His vocation, in addition to winning souls for Christ is that of arms giving. He has identified his calling, he is living the life and God readily provides for him to reach out to those in need. He prefers to drive on the road with an empty pocket than to see someone in need and drive pass.

    Fr Ochang finds joy when he put smiles on the faces of the destitute, the oppressed, the orphans. He has supported more than 25 young people acquired degrees in various disciplines, and others still counting. He has paid hospital bills to countless number of persons.

    Fr Ochang is one of the priests who identifies young people in his place of pastoral assignment, send them to school or to learn a trade.

    When you listen to him recite scriptural verses effortlessly at will, you will be tempted to assume that Fr Ochang is one of those that were inspired to write the scriptures.

    His melodious rendition during homilies/sermons connects his audience with God. A pathfinder and teacher of the gospel. He is an encyclopedia of grammar. If you want to listen to well structured and coordinated use of grammar in contexts, simply tell father not to speak grammar. No wonder, his brother priests nicknamed him “OCHANGISM”

    I encountered Fr Ochang on April 20th 2000. At which time he was still undergoing formation as a seminarian. I cannot forget in a hurry the aura of a good man. He is my friend, mentor, teacher, role model and above all, my spiritual guide. I’m very pleased in the priest he has become today.

    Fr has no room in his heart to harbour grudges. Quarrel with him today, if he sees you tomorrow he embraces you with smiles. He uses his open mindedness to disarm his enemies. While others may be busy speaking ill of Fr Ochang, he eulogies those who back stabs him.

    I wish this space will be enough to capture a true reflection of this trailblazing apostle of Christ, as his ministry has no doubt convinced many who encounters him without bias that Christ still live amongst us.

    Fr Ochang fights witchcraft branding and injustice. Community leaders who suppress their subjects will always have Ochang to contend with. Fr Ochang will make life unbearable for the leaders in that community to a point that such a community will take Fr reactions into consideration while taking decisions. He is fearless and speaks truth to power.

    My prayer for Fr Ochang daily is that God grant him the grace to see him face to face, having offered himself as an example of the living Christ.

    On this auspicious day of his 20th priestly anniversary, I wish him renewed strength, zeal, determination, the enablement and the auction to function as he continue to propagate the gospel of Christ to all ends of the earth. I wish him many fruitful years ahead, in his apostolic ministry.

    The Church in general and the Catholic diocese of Ogoja in particular is very pleased to have you as one of her pastors. The diocese is filled with echoes of your apostolic stewardship.

    I want to use this opportunity to request two things from all of you who will come across this piece.

    1. Join me in thanksgiving and pray for the ministry of Very Rev Fr Peter Abang Ochang, in his human frailty, kindly pray for and encourage him
    2. Make it a point of duty to support Fr Ochang to continue the good works he is doing in reaching out to the poor whenever you have the opportunity (You can do this by reaching out to the poor directly or send your contribution to Fr Ochang).

    My thoughts, goodwill and prayer is with you now and always.

    Once again, Congratulations and happy birth anniversary to you
    Comr. Elijah Ugani

  • Meet TheLumineNews Girl Of The Week, Blessing Alims

    Meet TheLumineNews Girl Of The Week, Blessing Alims

     

    Blessing Alims Iripia is a serial volunteer and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health facilitator (ASRH).

    Blessing hails from Gakem in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    She had served as a volunteer for both local and international organizations such as; Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI), Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), The Bridget Leadership Foundation,among others.

    Blessing is a passionate advocate for the rights of women and girls in Africa, and her work with women has been featured in local media blogs.

    Over the years, she has modelled for UNICEF posters and jingles.

    On account of her outstanding performance in the Female and More social impact fellowship, 2022, she was awarded a travel scholarship to Kigali, Rwanda, for a learning visit.

    Blessing Alims is the founder of “Walking in Her Shoes Africa”, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of girls and women by fostering access to skills training, quality and affordable education in Nigeria.
    She is passionate about service to humanity.

    Blessing is an undergraduate student of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Calabar, Calabar.

    Blessing is also skilled at making foot wears and loves to be addressed as “Alims-B, the shoemaker girl”.

    Blessing is motivated when her set goals are achieved.

    Her philosophy is that “The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried. Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying”.

    Blessing likes traveling, reading, singing, craftwork and dislike pride and arrogance.

    You can follow Blessing on:
    Facebook : Blessing Alims
    Instagram: blessingalims
    Twitter: blessing_alims
    LinkedIn: Blessing Alims

  • MARCO Alumni Global Association Announces Death Of The First And Oldest Non Teaching Staff

    MARCO Alumni Global Association Announces Death Of The First And Oldest Non Teaching Staff

    Pa Moses Njadani , aka Pa Moz Passes On

    Marco Alumni Global Association is deeply saddened to announce the death of Mr Moses Njadani, aka Pa Moz, the first and oldest non-teaching staff of Mary Knoll College, Okuku-Yala.

    Pa Moses, who was Marco Chief Cook passed on at the early hours of today 31st July, 2023.

    Joining Mary Knoll College in 1953, he carved a niche for himself and was recognized as a legendary cook. He was a treasured and beloved staff, colleague and friend to so very many who crossed his paths at Mary Knoll College.

    As Chief Cook, no one prayed to miss his charming, sumptuous and most delicious meals at the refectory. He fed the students beginning from 1953 till when he left the services of our Alma Mata due to old age.

    Burial arrangements will be announced by the immediate family.

    He will be greatly missed.

    May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.

    Ogar Solomon Ogar
    National Publicity Secretary.
    Marco Alumni Global Association

  • Ayade Loses First Round As Tribunal Rules Against Tendering Materials, Documents Outside Original Statement Of Witnesses

    Ayade Loses First Round As Tribunal Rules Against Tendering Materials, Documents Outside Original Statement Of Witnesses

    Dominic OKOH, Calabar

    After what could be described as legal fireworks between Counsels to Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Mba Ukweni, SAN, and former Governor Ben Ayade, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, at the ongoing National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Calabar, the chairman of the 3-man panel, Justice M. A. Sambo, ruled against witnesses’ moves to tender documents and materials that are not contained in deposed statement.

    Hearings began on Monday on the petition with Suit No. EPT/CR/SEN/02/2023 and Ayade had presented evidence from 310 polling units where he alleged there were electoral discrepancies during the February 25, 2023, election to open up his case.

    Ozekhome, the lead counsel had opened his case presenting over 700 documents and four witnesses so far. In presenting two of the principal witnesses from Bekwarra local government area, he had pleaded that they (the witnesses) be allowed to identify the Voters Register as part of the evidence to prove their case of alleged election malpractice.

    In arguing his case, the counsel to Ayade cited some authourities empowering him to present the documents and materials for identification by the witnesses to buttress their defense.

    But the counsel to Jarigbe, Mba Ukweni, objected vehemently citing some relevant authorities why the Tribunal should not allow such in judicial processes of this magnitude, saying it would amount to abuse of rules of due process.

    After listening to both parties on the matter, the chairman of the panel, Justice M. A. Sambo, ruled against witnesses’ moves to plead or identify documents not deposed in the earlier statement.

    According to him, any fact not pleaded by the witness or document not refereed to at the earlier statement, cannot also be identified or tendered by the same witness from the witness box during examination. He said the panel had not seen anything that would make them depart from the point of law. Other members of the Tribunal are C. Akabua and J. Zululu.

    Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, counsel to Ben Ayade, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, said: “We have tendered INEC documents and so many voter registers that showed there were some imperfections. We have called four witnesses so far to speak to theses documents. But two of them were prevented from identifying their very polling unit result registers after the witnesses have said they are from that polling units.

    “They have also mentioned registers, BVAS and voters. The only thing they said they did not do is that they should have said voters register. And the law is that pleadings are not evidence. It is evidence that cause the flesh that energises or enables pleadings.

    “We believe the ruling was wrong and we are going to challenge it in our final written addresses because a witness of a polling unit was made not to identify the documents and the Tribunal said no you cannot identify them even when it has been tendered. We shall test that.”

    Hailing the ruling, counsel to Senator Jarigbe, Mba Ukweni, SAN, said the matter is progressing and they have called for witnesses and have finished tendering over 700 documents just as his team has cross-examined and would continue to do so till they are done.

    On the issue of Ozekhome insisting on challenging the Tribunal ruling against allowing witnesses to identify their tendered documents, he said: “We are happy for that and we even offered that he asks for stay of proceedings. We would not oppose it. We would encourage him to go on Appeal because it is by testing those decisions that we know the views of Appellate Court on those issues and it guides other lower courts.

    “The point is straight forward. The Tribunal had given it’s decision. The witnesses that were called did not refer to the documents and then the law had already stated very clearly that for you to identify a document from a witness box or tender a document from the witness box, you must have referred to it in your deposition.

    “It is similar to the rule of pleadings. If you don’t plead any fact, you cannot give evidence on it. So if a witness dis not refer to the document at the earlier statement, he cannot also identify the documents from the witness box or tender it even in normal civil procedure. That is the rule.”

  • When Angels Descend, They Shall Build Us A Country.. BY AGBA JALINGO

    When Angels Descend, They Shall Build Us A Country.. BY AGBA JALINGO

    When Angels Descend, They Shall Build Us A Country…

    Amongst all the 13 member States of the, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC, Nigeria remains the only member that imports more than 90 to 95 percent of refined petroleum products to meet its domestic consumption. No other OPEC member, including other African members like Gabon and war torn Libya, are in the same mess.

    But workers at the three government-owned refineries were paid a total of N127bn in year 2021 and 2022 in salaries and wages, even as the plants generated zero revenue as they did not process a single barrel of crude oil.

    The plants, which are located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri, have a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but have been in a state of disrepair for many years. Yet, they talk very little about how to fix the refineries. Even when they budget money for turn around maintenance, they still share it amongst themselves without retribution.

    The national oil company NNPC, in its monthly presentation to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 2023, said they made zero contribution to the federation revenue account in the month under review. But the audited accounts of the company shows that they spent N788.7 billion in 2021 and N648.6bn the previous year on salaries, entertainment and other costs.

    And for so long as our refineries remain comatose and we continue to import petrol, nurse no hope that the pump price of fuel will ever come down. As the Dollar exchange rate continues to escalate, so shall the cost of petrol continue to rise and I predict N1000 per liter before year end.

    And as the cost of petrol continues to rise to the relish of the intrepid exploiters, rents, food prices, school fees, medicals, clothing, transport cost and all others will also sky rocket. So learn how to manage your finances.

    Nothing is about to change. Those who run our country have no interest whatsoever in building this country. If any one of them say they do, then they have lied to you. This set of politicians cannot even maintain the infrastructure that the military that we vilify so much, managed to build, not to talk of building new ones. They can’t even build their party headquarters in decades. Their interest is not nation building. They are rogues. Very mean rogues without any iota of goodness.

    So manage your meagre finances with frugality. Nothing is about to change. Since Nigerians have decided to only pray instead of fighting those who are making their lives miserable everyday, let us all keep praying for that elusive country that angels will come and build for us someday.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Alifokpa, Yache Road Facilitated By Sen Jarigbe Agom Reaches Advance Stage

    Alifokpa, Yache Road Facilitated By Sen Jarigbe Agom Reaches Advance Stage

     

    Progress report on the ongoing construction of Alifokpa, Yache road in Yala LGA, Cross River State, facilitated by senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, has reached advance stage.

    The lawmaker who is poised to see that the project is completed within the time frame insists that the job must be done according to specifications.