The Lumine News

Author: News

  • TIFUH Berths In UNICAL As VC Seeks Robust Collaboration

     

    A Study Center under the aegis of the Institute for Universal Harmony (TIFUH) has berthed in the University of Calabar( Unical), just as the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Florence Obi is seeking a robust collaboration with the Center.

    Speaking at the institution’s Senate Chamber during the inauguration and launching of TIFUH Study Center, the Vice Chancellor commended TIUFH for finding Unical worthy of collaboration, saying the institution was looking forward to deepening and sustaining the partnership.

    DVC (Admin) Prof Eno Grace Nta
    Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration,Prof.Eno Grace Nta, the Vice Chancellor applauded TIFUH for choosing Unical as the host study center, saying the center will contribute immensely towards the promotion of peace and harmony in the various strata of the society.

    She said, “I congratulate and thank TIFUH for choosing University of Calabar as a worthy partner for this quest for peace in our community and the nation.

    “We believe that this relationship will yield lot of dividends in terms of how our students will develop, due to the fact that our degree is based on character and learning”.

    The University helmsman also reiterated her administration’s commitment towards providing a conducive environment for the Center to achieve it’s laudable goals, adding that, ” we will make sure the University facilities are available for the institute, you have not made a mistake in collaborating with unical.”

    Also speaking, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu described peace as an indispensable factor for the growth and development of any nation.

    Represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, the Governor commented TIFUH for establishing the study centre, saying the society is currently facing a lot of crisis hence the need to have professional peace ambassadors to help curb the menace.

    He assured the Institute of his total support to enable them produce managers that can address the issue of conflict management in the society.

    While charging TIFUH to engage people with proven integrity, the Governor said, “engage managers that will be consultants and advocates of peace in our society.”

    The Chairman of the occasion and Founder of Christian Central Chapel, Bishop Emmah Gospel Isong said no nation can achieve sustainable development without peace.

    Represented by the Chaplain of TIFUH, Apostle Dr.Glory Udoema urged everyone to be advocate of peace as only peace can bring meaningful progress in the society.

    He commended TIUFH for seeking to promote peace in Cross River State which is already touted as a peaceful state.

    Earlier, in her welcome address, the National President of TIFUH, Prof Mrs Akon Esu, said she was delighted over the birth of the institute particularly at a time when conflict is ravaging the whole world, saying the emergence of TIFUH at this time is very appropriate.

    Prof Akon Esu said TIFUH is on a mission to deliver quality training and give access to more people around the world to embrace peace advocacy.

    She disclosed that TIFUH is currently enrolling interested applicants into courses in the institute and urged members of the public to avail themselves the opportunity to be among the pioneer students.

    The International president of TIFUH, King Charles E. Bassey, in his remarks, said the institute has unique features that enable students to study anywhere in the world through online programmes.

    He said the vision is to be a conflict management institute in the world that conflict Resolution professionals can identify with for instilling peace building capacity in the minds of their professional members via intellectual and pragmatic training, locally and internationally.

    King Charles said TIFUH’s mandate is to help develop relevant training that will enhance manpower in peace building.

    He said the institute’s core values are anchored on passion for peace and harmony, human dignity.

    Highlight of the event was the conferment of the award of Honorary Fellow on the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Florence Obi.

    The event was graced by Royal Fathers, the Clergy, Security Chieftains and a coterie of Peace Advocates.

  • War Breaks Out Between Ugaga And Igbekurekor Communities In Yala

    By CrossRiverWatch Admin

    Two communities in Yala Local Government Area of northern Cross River State, Ugaga and Igbekurekor are currently at war with each other, information reaching CrossRiverWatch shows.

    The conflict started last weekend, Tim Ugaga Esq, the President of the Ugaga Family Union, says.

    “It is about land and boundaries. It is unfortunate that this is happening,” Mr. Ugaga said.

    Mr. Ugaga said the conflict between both communities has been dormant for a long while and was only triggered by allegations of an incursion into farmland.

    “The problem started with the story that Ugaga people tilled heaps and the Igbekurekor people went to plant on them. I learned there was an attempt at a peace meeting, but that failed, and now they are at war. It is shameful,” Mr. Ugaga explained.

    Ugaga who disclosed that he was at neighboring Okuku community when he was contacted by CrossRiverWatch, said he saw trucks of soldiers heading towards Ugaga which he hopes is to calm the situation.

     

  • Tribunal Sacks Emil Inyang, Orders INEC To Withdraw Certificate Of Return

     

    National assembly election Petition tribunal sitting in calabar, has sacked and ordered INEC to retrieve certificate of return from APC house of representatives member representing Akamkpa/Biase federal constituency, Dr. Emil Lemke Inyang. And conduct a fresh rerun election in affected polling units.

    Congratulations to my principal and boss Hon. Austine Aidam

  • Army GOC Expresses Readiness To Combat Crime In Cross River

    By Ukongikwen Adie

    The Cross River State Governor Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu today the 7th September, 2023, received in audience the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Hassan T. Dada and his entourage in a courtesy call.

    Speaking during the call, Major General Dada who recently assumed office as GOC, 82 Division, said it was customary to carry out familiarization tour of the states under an officer’s command, and he has therefore come to pay homage to the Governor of Cross River State as the Chief Security Officer of Cross River, one of the 6 states under the division. Major Dada added that it is both nostalgic and gratifying to be in the state having been here years ago as a Commanding Officer, 146 Battalion and also being a Malabite.

    The GOC solicited the co-operation of the state government and other sister agencies to tackle the challenges of kidnapping, piracy, cultism and communal clashes that have plagued the state in recent times. He assured the government that with their cooperation, even though the task ahead is Herculean, the command has the capacity and expertise to deliver.

    The Cross River State Governor, ably represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey welcomed Major General Dada who was also accompanied by the Commander of the 13th Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier Gen. E. I. Okoro and other high ranking officers. Rt. Hon. Odey thanked them particularly for being proactive in the lkang axis of the State by curbing the menace of kidnapping and also still manning the Yala/Benue State border to ensure that enduring peace and security returns to the state, while assuring them of government’s commitment to ensuring that Cross Riverians have the freedom to go about their businesses unhindered.

    Also present during the courtesy call were the Senator representing Cross River State Central Senatorial district, Send. Eteng Jones Williams, Commissioners for Information and Justice, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Head of Service, State Security Adviser and other Political Appointees.

  • Tribunal Victory: C’River PDP Congratulates Sen Jarigbe Agom

    PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) CROSS RIVER STATE.

    CONGRATULATES SENATOR JARIGBE OVER TRIBUNAL VICTORY.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Cross River State congratulates Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe on his victory at the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal yesterday 9th. September 2023.

    The Tribunal sitting in Calabar, Cross River state upheld the victory of Sen Jarigbe in the Feb 25th, 2023 polls as Senator representing Cross River North senatorial District, which was challenged by Senator Prof Ben Ayade.

    PDP hails the Tribunal for delivering substantial justice in the petition based on the facts and evidence tendered before it in line with the extant electoral laws, guidelines and regulations, thereby boosting public confidence in the judiciary.

    The party rejoices over the victory particularly as it re-established confidence of the electorates in his representation at the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
    Furthermore, the party is confident that Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe will deploy his wealth of experience and proven pedigree in political representation to bear on the 10th Senate.

    Congratulations once again and accept our assurances of the highest esteem.

    Signed.
    Prince Mike Ojisi
    State Publicity Secretary.

  • Ewa versus Eteng: Coalition Calls On Court Of Appeal To Look Into Some Tribunal Judgement In Cross River State

    CROSS RIVER COALITION FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

    PRESS STATEMENT

    Sunday, September 10, 2023
    A PLEA FOR COURT OF APPEAL TO LOOK INTO SOME TRIBUNAL JUDGMENTS IN CROSS RIVER

    In the last few days, the Tribunals across the country have been delivering their judgments on State and National Assembly Elections Petitions with some mixed feelings.

    Cross River State National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal have become a case study based on some judgments they have delivered so far.

    The Panel headed by Justice O. A. Adeniyi is the case in point. Justice Adeniyi presidered over the petition with Suit No. EPT/CR/SEN/01/2023 between Mr. Bassey Eko Ewah of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Hon. William Jonas Eteng of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ewa had sought a declaration that the Ist respondent (Eteng Williams) did not score majority of lawful votes and thus not duly elected and returned.

    Delivering judgment on Friday, September 8,2023, the Honourable Justice Adeniyi, upheld the election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate, Senator Eteng Jonas Williams.

    The tribunal headed by Justice O. A. Adeniyi said Senator Eteng won the February 25, 2023 general elections after recomputing the scores of the elections.

    Bassey Ewa through his counsel, Mba Ukweni, SAN in suit number EPT/CR/SEN/01/2023 sought a declaration that the Ist respondent (Eteng Williams) did not score majority of lawful votes and thus not duly elected and returned.

    He also sought relief among others from the court cancelling votes of all the parties in about 96 polling units spread across the central senatorial district where there was clear evidence of over voting as well as re-computation of votes in the ventral senatorial district and declaration of the first petitioner as winner of the election.

    However, in a three hour judgment, Justice O. A. Adeniyi said the petitioner was able to establish cases of over-voting in only 49 polling units in the central senatorial district out of the 96 it claimed.

    In all the 49 affected polling units, the APC lost 3, 969 votes while the PDP lost 2, 066 votes.

    The recomputed results showed that the APC retained its victory by garnering 53, 375 votes while the PDP retained it’s runner’s up position with 51, 387 votes, thereby declaring Eteng winner.

    But we are alarmed at the way and manner the Panel chairman handled the case, wondering why a matter that judgment was reserved a month ago should be read from the Palm top instead of it being typed, printed out in clean copy and signed by the panel members.

    We wish to state that we followed the Tribunal proceedings untill August 3, 2023 when the final written addresses by the both parties to the suit were adopted. And the Justice decided to keep the judgement for almost a month before delivering judgment.

    We also alarmed at manner Justice Adeniyi singled handed selected 49 polling units out of the 96 and those selected for re-computing are polling units where PDP had majority of votes, leaving out polling units APC had an advantage in terms of over-voting to give a semblance of balance.

    We express shock that the Tribunal chairman read the judgement from his palm top and is yet to make a available a signed copy of the judgement three days after delivering the judgment even as we have it on grape vine that the other members of the panel had dissociated themselves from the said-judgment.

    We also gathered that the outcome of the judgement was already made available to Eteng’s as they were in jubilation mood before the final reading of the judgement, an indication that money had allegedly exchanged hands.

    We wish to also disclose that the same Adeniyi was here in Cross River in the 2019 Election Petitions Tribunal and he was again sent to the same Cross River State in 2023 Tribunal. In other words, Justice Adeniyi is on a familiar terrain and may have been brought here to do a hatchet job for his pay masters in Calabar.

    We, therefore would want to ask: Is Adeniyi the only Justice that should always be sent to Calabar at every Election Tribunal period? Why is his cases always controversial? Why has he refused to make available the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement almost four days after even when he promised to make it available the following day, Saturday, September 9, 2023?

    Based on these issues raised above, we call on the President of Court of Appeal to look into the matter and the Tribunal cases being handled by Justice Adeniyi and ensure that justice is done and seem to have been done in this case.

    The above case between Hon. Bassey Eko Ewah and Hon. Williams Jonas Eteng should be properly looked and enjoin the Lordship to adopt the same criterion used in cancelling the other 49 polling units to do same with the other 50 polling units he largely ignored.

    Thank You

    Comrade Ikpi E. Ikpi
    Coordinator

    Comrade John Agbor
    Secretary

  • Akpanke Celebrates Obudu New Yam Festival With Different Unions 

    By Awade Friday 

    The Member Representing Obanliku, Bekwarra and Obudu Federal Constituency, celebrates the Obudu New Yam festival with members of different union at the park in Obudu, Local Government.

    The Representatives of the Different Union from Drivers, Cyclist, Hunters, The Collabo Association, Hair Dressers, Phone Repairers, Technicians, Tailors, Mechanics etc who came out in their Numbers to receive Hon. Peter Akpanke expressed gratitude over his show of Support and interest towards the Celebration of Obudu New Yam.

    In his address, Hon Akpanke thanked the different Union for their support during the Elections and reassured them of his Continuous availability and show of interest towards their Growth and Development as his constituents.

    Hon Akpanke’s continuous participation in the Obudu New Yam festival over the years, Demonstrates his love and respect for the cultural heritage of his people. His willingness to celebrate with the people and support their cultural activities is a clear indication of his leadership style, which is grounded in empathy, humility, and service to the people.

     

  • Nigerian Army Dismisses Musa Adamu For Preaching The Gospel Of Jesus While In Service Uniform On Social Media

     

    A soldier identified as Musa Adamu has been dismissed by the Nigerian army authorities for preaching about Jesus Christ while in service uniform on social media.

    It would be recalled that in July, 2023, Adamu, a Lance Corporal with service number 13NA/70/6100 and attached to Amphibious Training School Personnel (ATSCalabar) unit in Calabar, Cross River State, was locked up for preaching while in the uniform.

    In some videos seen on his page, the soldier with the Facebook name “Aaron Abraham” is heard telling his followers to repent and turn from their evil ways as he prayed for them. It is reported that he was born a Muslim and recently converted to Christianity.

    The Benue state-born soldier is said to have been in detention for over 45 days while his salary was stopped over 6 months ago.

    However, in a video released by Adamu in August 2023, he revealed he had been dismissed from the army.

  • GFO Orim Foundation Empowers 60 Persons In Northern Senatorial District

    By Elijah Ugani 

    A non governmental organization GFO Orim Foundation in partnership with Industrial Training Fund ITF has empowered 60 persons drawn from the 54 political wards of Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State.

    Presenting the started kits to the beneficiaries, the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Chief Hon Martin Orim, who was the Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Cross River State, congratulated the beneficiaries for their their patient through out the period of the training.

    In his words “Let me congratulate those of you who were painstakingly selected by your leaders for this training. You were taken out of your comfort to go to Calabar for this training where I provided accommodation and feeding for all of you for the period you stayed in Calabar. It was not easy that you left the comfort of your homes, some of you left your spouses just to attend this training.

    “This is the second batch of beneficiaries that we are partnering with ITF, the first batch was provided with starter kits here in the local government secretariat and the third batch is currently undergoing training.

    “Initially, we used to do our trainings and provide starter kits for the trainees until, a friend mentioned to me that I can partner with ITF that will train and provide starter kits for the trainees on payment of a counterpart fund.

    “I was shocked when I heard that some beneficiaries in the first batch sold the items they collected. I’m not doing this because I don’t know what to use the money for. To me, my philosophy about wealth is that you use the money you have to better the lives of those around you and not the amount in your bank account. For me, my wealth is all of you sitting here.

    “I want to appeal to all of you to please make good use of these items. We are making efforts to get grants from Bank of Industry for those who are serious about their business.

    “When I started this empowerment under the GFO Orim Foundation, many people said I was doing politics, I don’t know if we are still doing campaign. I want to say that I’m qualified to run any election. When I want to contest election, I will call politicians together and declare my intention to contest. You were all aware that I contested the senate primaries under the APC and won the ticket, and after a wider consultation, I withdrew for my boss. Prior to the primaries, I had said that I was not going to the senate to do motorcycle or Keke empowerment.

    “For me, these empowerment is a legacy for my family, I have told my son that he will take over from me and continue with it in memory of my late father”

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Spokesman Agogo stated that the program is all encompassing. The originator of this initiative is a humanity, as he congratulated the beneficiaries and held that the empowerment is qualitative.

    On his part, the Area Manager of Industrial Training Fund ITF, Mr Nwigboji Nwafagu, said that ITF is happy to be here. This collaboration started about three years ago. Last year we were here and today we are here are again
    We insisted that this must be done even though people fought against it. If you insist on the right thing, God has a way of lifting you.

    Nwafagu noted that the beneficiaries were trained in Calabar for three months and are ready to start their businesses.
    In his words “Some of these persons were transported from here to Calabar, lodge them in a hotel for three months. They have been trained, they have graduated and they are ready to start business. We are ready to continue this partnership”

    He charged the trainees not to sell the starter kits, and to make efforts to train others.

    In the same light, Mr Odey Adamade Esq, lauded the efforts of the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon Martin Orim for the initiative and stressed the need for the beneficiaries to make good use of the items.

    In his goodwill message, the Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN, Obudu chapter, Mr Linus Abuokwen, thanked the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon Martin Orim, for always thinking about the youths in his intervention. He charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills acquired and the items to better their lives.

    One of the beneficiaries Miss Vera Abue, from Mbube in Ogoja Local Government Area, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, thanked Chief Hon Martin Orim for finding them worthy of the gesture and prayed God to grant his heart desire and continue to bless him to enable him reach out to others.

    The event which was held today, September 1st 2023, at Obudu Local Government secretariat had dignitaries at the occasion to  include; Deputy Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi, Mr Edu Peter, Dan Urumulam Esq, Engr Tomas Aruku, Mr Thomas Odama, Mr Alpha Ublibli, Mr Noel Ugbong, Mr Eric Akpo among others.

    Highlights of the occasion was presentation of starter kits to beneficiaries and group photographs.

  • Deputy Governor Opens Second Day Of Investment Summit In Calabar

    By Fred Abua

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, took center stage on the second day of the International Cooperation & Investment Summit (ICIS) held at the prestigious Calabar International Conference Centre from August 30th to 31st, 2023. In his address, Rt. Hon. Odey echoed the state’s unwavering commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment by removing obstacles hindering seamless operations for investors in Cross River State.

    Drawing inspiration from the opening remarks made by the Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, on the inaugural day, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey reaffirmed the Cross River State Government’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of investments within the region. He highlighted the tangible demonstration of this commitment through the remarkable presence of high-ranking officials, including the Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, all commissioners, and all permanent secretaries, who collectively participated in the summit.

    Rt. Hon. Odey stated emphatically that the government’s pledge to safeguard investor interests was unequivocal and extends beyond mere rhetoric. Hon. Odey said: “This is not a political statement. We will ensure that whatever business you bring to Cross River State will have our protection.”

    The Deputy Governor further underscored the state’s determination to facilitate investor activities by providing security and land with Certificates of Occupancy for the investors. He proudly shared that Cross River State is the proprietor of 50% of Nigeria’s Carbon Credit reserves, boasting abundant forests, arable lands, valuable mineral resources, and an array of prospects spanning various sectors.

    Recalling his instrumental role in the enactment of the Cross River State Enterprise (Privatization) Law during the previous administration, Rt. Hon Peter Odey said this piece of legislation led to the establishment of the Privatization Council which sealed government’s departure from direct involvement in business operations. Odey cited instances of government-owned enterprises that have thrived after privatization, such as Lafarge Africa (formerly CALCEMCO), Flour Mills, and Transcorp Hotels (formerly Metropolitan Hotel). He said these ventures which now generate substantial profits for their owners are contributing taxes to the state, and providing employment opportunities for Cross Riverians, while surpassing their performance under government management.

    Distinguished speakers and luminaries from around the globe participated in the event, engaging in enlightening panel discussions, business-focused sessions, and pivotal business agreements with prospective investors on the sidelines. Notable figures present at the event included His Excellency, Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria; His Excellency, Kim Young Chae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria; Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, Country Representative of WHO; Dr. Iorwa Apera, Country Director of FHI360; Chief Diana Chen Emba, Vice Chairman of the China-Africa Investment Forum; Dr. Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO of Access Holding Plc; Mr. Lamin G. Barrow, Director-General of the African Development Bank, Nigeria Country Department; Dr. O. M. O. Ashimolowo, Vice President of Operations at ECOWAS Bank for Investment & Development; and Mr. Suren Abeywickkrema, Vice President of ARISE Industrial Integrated Platforms, among several other esteemed guests.

    The event was brought to a conclusion with an entertaining dinner and award night attended by the Deputy Governor, international investors, members of the State Executive Council and many other people.