Author: News

  • Court Of Appeal Affirms Sen Jarigbe’s Election Dismisses Ayade’s petition

     

    In what could be best described as ‘end of the road’ for former Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos, on Saturday November 4th 2023, affirmed the election of Distinguished Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, as duly elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The Appeal Court upheld the victory of Senator Jarigbe in the February 25th 2023 National Assembly election, affirming the judgement of the Tribunal Panel. While dismissing the Petition filed by the Appellants for lacking in merit, the Court also fined Ayade the sun of five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000).

    Reacting to the judgement, Senator Jarigbe dedicated his victory to God Almighty for staying true to His words In the book of Lamentations 3:36 & 37. He appreciated his constituents for their commitment and support throughout the electioneering and litigation period, while applauding the Judges for remaining firm, brave and courageous in their decisions.

    Senator Jarigbe stated that, as ever before, he will remain committed to delivering on his infrastructural and human-capital development objectives by the grace of God.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Sandy Appeal Against Otu: Court Of Appeal Reserves Judgement

     

    By Ndifon, Joseph

    The Court of Appeal, sitting in Lagos, has reserved judgement in the appeal filed by Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against the judgement of the Governorship Panel of the Cross River State Elections Petition, which affirmed the victory of Sen. Bassey Edet Otu in the Governorship Elections.

    A three-man panel of the court, led by Hon. Justice (Name withheld), announced this decision on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, after counsels for the parties adopted their brief of arguments and made their final submissions.

    Unsatisfied with the judgement of the tribunal, Sen. Onor had approached the higher court, citing 34 grounds of appeal in an effort to set aside the judgement of the lower court.

    Sen. Onor and the PDP, represented by their lawyers led by Dr. J. Y. Musa, SAN, urged the court to uphold the appeal and set aside the judgement of the Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal, which had previously dismissed their petition.

    Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sen. Bassey Otu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), through their respective lawyers, have requested the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking merit.

    Sen. Onor, who secured the second position in the election, argued in his 34 grounds of appeal that the tribunal had made legal errors and reached an incorrect conclusion when it dismissed his petition.

    The court also re-affirmed the victories of Sen. Jarigbe Agom and Barr Godwin Offiono as winners of the Cross River North Senatorial and Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency Elections respectively.

  • Time To Share… BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    If you have something, this is the best time to share it. Just anything that you can spare. At the same time, if you do not have, do not over stretch your means. Things are really really difficult for the person next door and those far off. There is no free meal even in grandma’s house any longer. If you are not aware already, you either live in isolation or you haven’t been checking on your neighbors.

    From family members and relations to friends, to coworkers, to co-worshippers, to neighbors, to acquaintances to even random strangers, more and more persons are resorting to seeking financial augmentation from someone else who they think things are better with. But the reality is truly that not many people are exempted from the prevailing crunch, including those we are calling for help.

    The middle place here is to endeavor to provide a shoulder for someone this period not minding some inconvenience.

    If you have a means, avail someone.

    If you have some money, share with someone.

    If you have food, share with someone.

    If you have an opportunity, call someone up.

    If you have an idea that can earn, share it with someone or pursue it with someone.

    If you have left overs or things you aren’t using, give them out. Someone somewhere needs them.

    If you have love, spread it. That’s what we need most now.

    If you have hope, give as many as are hopeless.

    If you have advice, give those who ask for it.

    If you have a word of prayer, pray for the needy.

    And for the needy, do not always think that others have to give. If you fail to get, do not always conclude that you were denied because the person is wicked. It is not true, most of the time. Things are not always the way you assume they are with others. They may not tell you but their hesitation should explain it.

    But generally speaking, it must be emphasized that giving to others has been proven to make the giver feel good. It improves our self-esteem and promotes changes in the brain that are linked with happiness. It creates a sense of belonging and reduces isolation and ultimately, it helps to make our world a happier place. So if you have anything, reach out this Sunday morning and give it out to someone to appreciate our humanity. If you don’t have anything, pray that God will enable you so you too will become a giver. Remember, the hand that gives is on top!

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • On The Unpredictability Of Things BY RICHARD INOYO 

     

    There are those who came to us with opened arms and demand we give them all we have, for hunger has found refuge in their pouch and their soul is tormented with want of food. Some, with arms they approach residence and offices and loot what isn’t theirs and justify the terror. Not many has seen the boundary of raw rage in the absence of opportunity to earn, feed, cloth and shelter. As a country, the notion that the doctrine of survival is a textbook exercise and has no real bearing to human unpredictability as regards new danger or old terror is questionable and misleading. If there is one thing evolution taught earliest humans is that humans will feed on humans in the absence of alternative meal.

    Cannibalism isn’t necessarily the societal construct of humans eating other human flesh and getting drunk in the blood and liquidates of fellow humans, rather it is the sociopathic manifestation and reminder that in the absence of shared affection and care, new terror and old danger abound. The epistemology which occupies the realm of thought and imposes the thinking that man can’t degenerate into confrontation, arm conflicts and eventual destructions of his own race has dominantly failed to capture war history into the bricks that lay the groundwork for such ahistorical conclusion. We call on all to proceed with caution and offer care when it’s truly needed, in such we survive self-destruction.

    The Nigerian government should act with all urgency to end the looting of our sovereign wealth by its leadership, lest the public arms in the care of military and paramilitary institutions may fail them as they rest their protection on such. 340,000 police men and an equally rough population of all military forces combined may not prevent the keg of gunpowder which they have concluded won’t explode to explode. Make hay while the sun is seen for the N5Billion Presidential Yacht and N160million SUVs are exceeding the boundaries of the Nigerian patience and public anger. We condemn the brutalization of NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero.

    Signed.

    Richard F Inoyo,
    Country Director,
    Citizens’ Solution Network

  • Bad Economy: Are You Seeing Wolves Or Calm? BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Ibn Sina, also known as “Avicenna”, is the best known persian and Islamic scholar in Medicine. His medical treatise, the ‘Canon’ was said to be the standard textbook on Medicine in the Arab world and Europe in the 17th century. He was a philosopher, physician, psychiatrist and poet.

    The famous scholar once conducted a medical experiment. Avicenna put two identical lambs, both in weight and health, in two separate cages, and placed a wolf in a third. The wolf could only be seen by the lamb in the second cage and the other was placed out of sight.

    Both lambs were kept under the same conditions and fed the same meals. But months later, the lamb that could see the wolf died out of sheer stress and fear, though the wolf did not physically go near or pose any threat to the lamb. The other lamb that had not seen the wolf lived on healthily and even added weight.

    While one of the lambs was perceiving her condition through the cage and the care giver, the other was seeing her fears, the wolf, next to her, about to take her life. The constant visualization of the wolf which is an imminent threat to her life, diminished the quality of life of the second lamb and consequently took it.

    How are you perceiving the numerous constraints and challenges you are facing right now? As a wolf waiting to devour you or through the view of your loving care giver? With the exception of politicians, almost everyone in the country is living in constant fear and internal unrest. Unrest about where the next meal or bill will come from. That is the prevailing trauma as the social media exacerbates it with fearporn and gaslighting.

    You have to accept that there is actually no day, no matter how bad it promises to turn out, that will not come and go. The wolf in the next cage isn’t going to kill you. It only depends on how you view it. If a paraphilic mind views a naked body from a balcony, the physical sexual organs are immediately aroused but an artist will view same and see a perfect image that expresses the sensuality of nature. If you bump into someone you are holding malice with, there is a sudden surge of adrenaline into your blood streams that lasts until that person is out of sight, but a self-effacing person will use the opportunity for amends and protect his or her nervous system from adrenalin poisoning.

    Many times, as we coddiwomple through the web of life, the challenges are the same for most of us, the difference is how we react to them individually. While some of us see wolves about to devour us, others see calm in the midst of the storm. The country is indeed very tough at the moment for most people. But we have to be tougher. The concept of mind over body is that through the power of the mind and its thoughts, whether through specific exercises or our everyday thoughts, we can make our body do things that we would otherwise view as incredibly difficult or impossible. We can defy limits imposed by our bodies. Like the two experimental lambs of Avicenna, what we decide to see in our tough moments, will eventually determine our fate. Stay strong!

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • C’River Deputy Governor Gifts Long-Distance Walker One Million Naira Cash

     

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Hon Peter Odey, today, 2nd November 2023, welcomed Mr. Agbor Joseph Ejini popularly known as ‘Joe Sweet’ in his office with a cash gift of N1m.

    Odey celebrated Mr. Ejini for the great feat of walking from Obudu to Calabar as a show of solidarity and celebration of the emergence of Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu and Peter Odey as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively.

    The native of Utugwang in Obudu Local Government Area of the State, who is a musician and skitmaker, had composed songs used in the gubernatorial campaign and promised that he would walk from Obudu to Calabar if His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Otu and Rt. Hon. Peter Odey emerged as winners.

    Speaking after his meeting with the Deputy Governor, Mr Ejini said “I have never been so happy in my life. I thank the Deputy Governor for acknowledging what I have done and for gifting me the sum of One Million Naira. I pray that God will bless him and give him wisdom”. He added that he would use the cash gift to upgrade his musical career and create opportunities for youths in his locality.

    It would be recalled that the artist who embarked on a seven-day journey on foot from Obudu to Calabar from Wednesday, 18th October, arrived Calabar on Tuesday 24th October, 2023. Joe Sweet, the passionate supporter of the new administration was received by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, on behalf of the Governor, Send. Prince Bassey Otu.

    The artist, on arrival in Calabar, presented both the Governor and his deputy with portraits as well as a victory song he recorded in their honor.

    © Ukongikwen Adie

  • I was Born On 30th October Several Years In A Politically Turbulent Year When The Country Was Teetering On The Brink Of A Civil War Disintegration BY CHIEF OBONO OBLA

    THANK YOU ALL:
    I was born in Jos, Northern Nigeria (now) Plateau State on 30 October several years in a politically turbulent year when the country was teetering on the brink of a civil war disintegration.

    I was born a twin but my twin sister couldn’t make it past our 10th birthday anniversary.
    I have miraculously survived to celebrate my birthday on the 30 October 2023.
    I give thanks and glory to the almighty God.
    I wish to acknowledge every one of you who took our precious time to celebrate with me through messages, phone calls, Facebook, etc.

    I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of messages of goodwill, tributes, write-ups, etc saying nice things about me.
    It was very emotional.

    I will especially thank the following:
    My darling wife, Justina Oka Obono-Obla
    (Barrister at Law), Obol Oliver Okeke, the Honorable Chairman and Exco of the Cross River State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, MARCO Global Alliance, Mary Knoll College Alumni Association, Dr . Peter Inyali, Obol Philip Obin, John Ogar, Joshua Obaji, My sisters in Law, Kodeye Mateola and Mrs Grace Eni Effiong, my brother in law, Barrister Efa Otu Oka, Dr . Arch. Aisha Valerie Lawal, Dr Lekam Offem, Barrister Solomon Dalong, Frank Okhai Lawal, Madam Agnes Ameh, Dr. Chief Uche Diala, Lilian Okafor, Obol James Uket, Barrister Emmanuel Ochugboju, Rev.Father Eworo, Alexander Gaadison, Obol Onen Ofem;
    Hon. Solomon Edojah, Ekubi Bassey,
    Her Majesty Queen Jessy, Mrs. Ally Willy Ebri,
    Barrister Stanley Dien, Solomon Island, Jesam Ibiang, Professor Edward Okey-Ntui, Otu Arikpo, Engr. Abala Ayuk, the Leader and members of Group 8, Ugep, Members of Ugep Welfare Association, Hon. Dr. Inok Kuti, Sir Patrick Iwara, Sir Abam Abam Obono, Chief Daniel Ubana, Sir Patrick Otu, Elder Ikpi (aka CK), Peter Williams, Peter Willy, Sab Eko, Ugep Dialogue, Usang Moses, Surveyor Eko Ibiang Bassey, Ntufam Hilliard Agbor Eta and members of the defunct Publicity and Media Directorate of Tinubu Shettima Independent Grassroots Campaign Council, the Queen of the Digitalized Media, Beatrice Akpala, members of B4T Good Governance, Alhaji Tanimu Sule,
    Okoi Effiom Asuquo FCA, Kebe James of CRISPON, Yakurr Chapter, Sunday Eyong, Anthony Enyi, Boniface Ndem, Prince Otu Arikpo, Faith Osiobe Riode, President of University of Liverpool Alumni Association Nigeria, Odey Joseph, Kalita Joe Aruku, Clinton Ekoh, Hon Cyril Omini James, Ejim Kenneth, Amark Elias Modu, Kate Ebri, Obol Onen Ofem, Joshua Obaji, Donatus Ibiang, Saviola Eteng, Ambassador Fatima Adams, Abu Maigoro, Ikona Kutason, Ayei Ettah, KC Iwara, Kennedy Ubi Ibiang, Chief Ofeh Edet, Fred Uguru Okoi, Elder Mbang Bassey, Abam Mike, Mathias Enang Ejukwa, Dr Afebaumeh Ogbesor, Members of One Nigeria Forum and members of Tinubu Shettima 4 Good Governance, Allan Obongha and his wife; Arikpo Sampson Venatius and others too numerous to mention.

    I acknowledge that made all the posts made by all my friends on Facebook and or comments on posts made to celebrate me on 30 October 2023.
    I love all of you.
    God bless every one of you.

    Obol Okoi Obono-Obla, 31st October 2023

  • Chief Obono Obla Was There For All And Sundry While He Was In Office BY EMMANUEL OCHUGBOJU

     

    I recall he pointedly asked me where I wanted to serve, whether in the Federal or State. He was that gracious. For me the gesture of offering to assist is uncommon. Usually, a friend in power as they say is a friend lost. Chief OOO Obla was accessible and helpful.

    On the occasion of his birthday a few years ago….by the way it is his birthday today…more reasons we should be in solidarity with him.

    Still on that Obono Oblas birthday party. He was overwhelmed by friends. His lovely wife noticed I couldn’t get his attention. She walked into a group that had been holding his attention. She excused them politely, asked to see her husband privately, and brought him to the table where I was sitting alone.

    I complimented Obono Obla on the safari-styled attire he was wearing, looking a shade like Chairman Mao. He asked if I liked it. I honestly said of course. He waved at a gentleman in the crowd. The fresh-faced young man came to our table. He asked the man if he knew me. We both looked at ourselves. No recollection. He told the young man that’s Manni Ochugboju your brother from Idoma land. Now, go take his dress measurements and make two beautiful outfits like the one I am wearing for him. Waaaoo. On his birthday, he was giving me a gift instead of the other way around.

    To keep my solidarity salute with Chief OOO Obla brief, I will mention one last professional and nationalistic support he rendered me.

    I have been struggling with aspects of the Late Chief Anthony Enahoros’s brief for over a decade. Obono Obla suggested we work on the post-humous Amnesty or Presidential Pardon for him. Well, some of the issues are in the public domain so no breach of client confidentiality here. Obono Obla guided us diligently and appropriately. And, to the Glory of God, President Buhari declared amnesty or Presidential Pardon for Chief Anthony Enahoro.

    Chief Okoi Ofem Obono Obla have a wonderful birthday ????????????
    By Barrister Emmanuel Ochugboju

  • Illegal Levies: C’River Commissioner For Education Suspends Two School Principals

     

     

    Senator Stephen Odey Ph D , Cross River State Commissioner for Education payed unscheduled visit to Government Secondary School State Housing Estate Calabar Municipality, and West African People’s Institute (WAPI) Calabar, the visit was due to the incessant complaints from parents and guardians about the schools’ illegal levies collection.

    The Commissioner discovered upon his arrival at Government Secondary School, State Housing Calabar, that the the School Principal was found wanting in the collection of illegal and unapproved levies, a parent who was in the school to pay the levies further confirmed by saying how much she paid contrary to the Ministry of Education approval. In further confirmation, the Commissioner went into JSS 3, JSS 1 and SS 2 classes and discovered how much that they have been paying as illegal levies.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner has ordered the suspension of Mr Esang Usang, the Principal of GSS State Housing, pending further investigation into the matter, and the Vice Principal Administration, Mrs Effiom Uduak Orok, was immediately directed to take over as the Acting Principal.

    In a related Development, the Principal of West African People’s Institute(WAPI), Mr Owoh Effiong was also suspended following the evidence/records of illegal levies he has been collecting which he admitted himself. Records available on comparison, shows clearly that the Principal was faulty. Similarly, the Vice principal Administration, Mrs Emem A. Ijang has been directed to take over as the Acting Principal following an interview conducted on the spot by the Commissioner among the school three Vice Principals, pending further investigation by the Ministry of Education.

    The commissioner further warned other school Principals to stick only to Government approved levies to avoid sanctions as he also urged parents not to hesitate to report any School Principal acting outside the Ministry of Education directives.

    #Office_Of_The_Commissioner_For-Education

  • Gov Otu Suspends Cross River SEMA DG, Directs Her To Handover To The Most Senior Director

    The Cross River State Governor has suspended the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Angela Odey.

    The reason for the suspension as at the time of this report is not yet known.

    Critics has complained of the appointment released by the SEMA DG.