The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Gov Otu Calls On Citizens, CSOs To Report Irregular Appointments And Promotions

    The Cross River State governor, Sen Bassey Edet Otu has enjoined citizens and Civil Society Organizations (CSO) to report complaints on irregular appointments and promotions in the State.

    This was contained in a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche, dated June 29, 2023, the public, particularly personnel and establishments who have issues bordering on irregular appointments and promotions, are requested to submit their written complaints to the committee set up.

    Governor Otu said such complaints are to be forwarded to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Conflict Resolution Department in the Governor’s Office, Calabar.

    The release reads: “Following the constitution of a committee for the revalidation of appointments/promotions and other sundry matters in the Cross State Civil/Public Service by the Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, the public, particularly personnel and establishments who have issues bordering on irregular appointments and promotions, are requested to submit their written complaints to the committee.

    “Such complaints or information are to be forwarded to the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Conflict Resolution Department, top floor of the Governor’s Office, Calabar.

    “Also, electronic messages should be forwarded to this email: rockyokon@yahoo.co.uk

    “All representations on the subject matter should be submitted on or before Tuesday, July 4, 2023.”

  • Support Groups Celebrates Gov Bassey Otu, Deputy

    APC Support Groups in Cross River State have held a victory celebration in honor of the Governor of the State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, following the recent resounding election victory in March.

    Speaking at the event which held at the Dome in the Calabar Municipal Council Premises, the Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey thanked the support groups for their resilience stating that although the candidates in the election could not be in every street and every village, the support groups were everywhere to secure victory at the grassroots. He pledged that the supporters will never regret their support of this mandate as the people-first agenda will surely be fulfilled, assuring them of his track record as a people-oriented leader from his time as Member of House of Representatives, Senator and now Governor.

    The Governor assured the supporters that this was indeed the beginning of the season of sweetness because in this era, no one will be left behind, instead the hard work of supporters will be rewarded as exemplified by the few well-considered appointments that have already been made.

    In his opening remark, the Chairman of the occasion, High Chief, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, appreciated the organizing committee and recognized the physically challenged and all those who had taken great risks for what they believed in. He said the celebration was a sign of victory amongst the major APC Support Groups in the State. He encouraged all to stand firm for what they believe in because hitting the ground running might often involve being dropped into muddy ground which will take time to get moving. He assured the audience that their expectations from the government will come to pass given the pedigree of the Governor.

    Prof. Etim Nyong said the efforts of the various support groups at the grassroots levels expanded the victory of the party and that though every individual might not benefit directly, the various communities will all benefit. Speaking, further, Prof. Nyong said the state hand moved from the era of food on the table to that of product on the table. Concluding, he warned that in 2027, the APC will not be preaching ‘Back to South’ as it would be expected that we should leverage on this 4-year opportunity we now have.

    Dr. Bassey Ekpenyong, who delivered the keynote address at the event suggested that for the new administration to achieve its set objectives, certain features of good governance must be considered. Expressing confidence in Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu who had long distinguished himself through his contributions to charity and humanitarian efforts, Dr. Ekpenyong said the Governor Ben Ayade government had provided an industrial drive which would be the foundation for the Senator Bassey Otu government to build on.

    Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government thanked the support groups and praised the character of the Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu.

    Highlights of the event included musical perfomances, cutting of cake, unveiling of the victory gift and goodwill messages by supporters.

  • Two Pillars: A Lot Of Good Can Be Achieved If Leaders Work Together To Build Up Community, The Church And Society In Spite Of The Differences BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    TWO PILLARS

    Two people (Pillars) with totally different upbringing and character patterns. One a cradle Christian with official authority and power of the keys to bind and loose (Matt. 16:19). The other a convert and former persecutor of the church turned apostle of pagans (Acts 22: 3-16). Both died a martyr’s death and today are revered as the two main pillars of the church.

    Why are they remembered together? Because both combined their efforts to lead the early church irrespective of their differences. No one put down the other. Both put aside any fear or suspicion of each other to champion the cause of leading the early church to maturity.

    A lot of good can be achieved if leaders work together to build up community, the church and society in spite of their differences. The problem is often that we see differences more than similarities in one another and so don’t make much progress.

    Today, whole communities have launched themselves into irrepressible blunders because of bad leadership that arose first and foremost from the inability of leaders to see themselves as brothers in the struggle.

    Why do you castigate your colleague who can contribute to the system because in your mind he does not belong to the inner class, he does not possess the mandate like you do, he was not there from the beginning when you formed the party. You are afraid your colleague will wield so much power if you let him in and so you are ready to malign him so only you will appear relevant. You are very well misled because your own time will soon expire. If Peter and Paul feared each other that much they would not been the pillars we are celebrating today.

    The greatest problem and most dominant emotion of leaders today is fear. Fear has a tendency to imprison us. Fear stops most people from doing something incredible with their lives than lack of ability, contacts, resources, or any other single variable. Fear paralyses the human spirit and because of fear, when talented leaders sometimes do emerge, we we make their paths almost impossible.

    For the Christian, part of your witness is never to allow yourself be suppressed by another or feel inferior no matter the intimidation to the extent that you withhold your proclamation of truth. Be a pillar wherever you find yourself, remember that “it is not flesh and blood that has revealed this to you but Your heavenly father ” (Matt 16:17).

  • Let’s Pray Hard For Governor Otu, If We Don’t, Then We May Have Moved From Frying Pan To Fire BY AGBA JALINGO

    Let’s Pray Hard For Governor Otu…

    If we don’t, then we may have moved from frying pan to fire.

    First, the Anti-Deforestation committee is populated by timber thieves who are emotionally blackmailing him with “na we work for your election.”

    Lease agreement for Cally Aircraft, signed with a company that has no business whatsoever with aviation.

    And now, the vehicle recovery task force is being emasculated. Out of 500 missing vehicles, they have recovered 49. Most of the appointees in the former government that are being trailed by the task force members are so angry and have resorted to seeking the former Governor’s intervention. And now they are again, emotionally blackmailing the new governor with his pending matter in the election petition tribunal.

    It’s like “You want to embarrass members of the last government right? Your government we worked hard to install? We will embarrass you at the tribunal and you will lose the seat.” That’s the drama playing out.

    So everyone the task force tracks a vehicle to now, they make calls and the new governor is like, “please let that one be for now.”

    Who wan lose governor seat?

    Several vehicles have been tracked to different locations across the State and even as far as Lagos. One was even recovered in Ikoyi, Lagos and seized with the help of operatives of the DSS. But phone calls to the Governor have made nonsense of all those commendable efforts.

    My people, it may well be said that the assignment of that task force may have shared premature grace, unless Governor Otu, can damn the subtle blackmails, fund the committee adequately, stop interfering to hamper their operations and give them a free hand to move on all those involved.

    God please, don’t let us enter another one chance.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Do Not Fear: What You Really Need Now Is The Fortitude To Carry On BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    DO NOT FEAR

    Some things in life instill fear in us: a bleak and unkown future, dwindling resources and increasing list of needs, those who are our backbone dissappearing and we feeling alone, everyone mocking us and friends deserting us, the list goes on. At times like this, we run helter skelter looking for protection, but what we really need is fortitude to carry on. Fortitude is not only needed when we loose a loved one, it is the strength of mind or character in times of adversity. It ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of virtue. In this odd world, we need to be strong and fearless or else we will lose it.

    Jeremiah was one such character imbued with fortitude. He was not afraid and was able to conquer the glaring obstacles he faced. He spoke the truth and his adversaries were after his life. His truth got him in trouble with the leading army officers who wanted him dead at all cost. But would God allow his innocent servant suffer humiliation? No! God intervened and Jeremiah won at the end because he did not give up in the face of trials (Jer. 38: 4-10 also read Jer. 20:10-13). At the end he was able to exclaim: “The Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed.”

    Like Jeremiah, Jesus pronounced the words “Do not fear” to his disciples several times in the scriptures to remind them that he cares for them and will defend them at every step of the way: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt.10:28). What Jesus means here is that we should not be scared of those who threaten our lives with demonic powers. You fear that if you go home your village people will end your life. You fear that if you terminate that occultic deal you got involved in, you will die. You fear that you must consult a soothsayer to fortify your life with charms for protection. Listen to this: no mortal being is capable of harming you who did not create you. What harms you is the fear in you. God assures you like he did to Jeremiah when he prayed “O Lord of hosts…, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause”

    The good news as says the book of Hebrews is that: we are not alone in the struggle. “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses… and so we must persevere in running the race that lies before us, while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12: 1-4). Fear is not your portion. Any Christian who still lives in fear or doubt of God’s divine protection over witches and wizards should listen again to the words of the Psalmist: “Sing to the LORD; praise the LORD! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hand of evildoers.” May you be truly delivered from all your fears and anxieties

  • Peter Akpanke Decries Poor State Of Ongoing Rehabilitation Of Ikom-Obudu Highway

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke has described as unfortunate the poor state of work done on the Ikom-Obudu highway.

    The lawmaker made the remarks during an on the spot assessment of work done on highway as part of the activities for the three days need assessment/town hall meeting across the three Local Governments that made up the federal constituency.

    Speaking to journalists, Akpanke noted that “It is disgusting to see this kind of work being done. The work is abandoned. It is already raining season, commuters find it very difficult to ply the road. This road leads to my community.

    “I will ensure that the right thing is done. I will write to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, to feed me with details on the award of contract and also to find out the slow pace of work despite payment of funds to the contractors ”

    The contract was awarded to Leophina Works Limited, as at the time of filing this report, efforts to Leophina to comment on the state of work done was futile.

  • Be Good Ambassadors Of NYSC, Zemoh Counsels Passing Out CMs, As 500 Bows Out Of The Scheme

     

    The 2022 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Corps Members in Cross River State passed out of the national service today 22nd June 2023.

    Speaking to the outgoing Corps Members in Calabar zone at Calabar Municipal Council, the State Coordinator Mr Andrew Zemoh commended them for exhibiting good conduct and high level of patriotism in the discharge of their service throughout the period of their service year.

    He went on to advise the outgoing Corps Members to remain good ambassadors of the Scheme wherever they find themselves and refrain from acts capable of tarnishing the name and good image of the Scheme, family and the nation at large. He advised them against night journeys as some of them will soon be travelling home, and reminded them to keep accessing NHIA during the period of their three(3) weeks terminal leave if they fall sick.

    Highlight of the ceremony was sample issuance of Certificate of National Service to some outgoing Corps Members by the SC to flag off its distribution by the Local Government Inspectors.

  • Hon Hilary Bisong Thanks Constituents For Inaugural Victory, Support

    The member representing Boki 2 State Constituency in the Cross River House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, has expressed appreciation to stakeholders, members of the All Progressives Congress and his constituents for the unflinching support given to his aspiration.

    He said that his re-election as a third term member in the state assembly indicate the overwhelming support for his political growth and the rare privilege given to him to serve.

    The lawmaker stated that in the face of many challenges, he was elected for a third term to serve, hence his desire to collectively work with the people of Boki 2 in addressing their concerns.

    “During these uncertain times, my highest commitment is to be your bipartisan voice in the state Legislature so that we can achieve our shared goals.

    “From this point forward, your struggles are my struggles, your concerns are my concerns, and your hopes are my hopes. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am ready and excited to work for you.

    As brothers and sisters, let us shun the things that divides us as one big family and look in-wards toward making our constituency a great one.

    Thank you for this tremendous honour done on me to once again represent you in the state legislature, this is a shared mandate and we will always work together.

  • Jarigbe Joins Acting Inspector General of Police to Decorate Newly Promoted AIG Suzan Akem Horsfall

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, earlier today joined the newly appointed Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to decorate his constituent and newly promoted Assistant Inspector General of Police, Suzan Akem Horsfall, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    Until her promotion, AIG Suzan was a Commissioner of Police at the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), Criminal Investigation Department (Force CID), Area 10, Abuja.

    Speaking shortly after the event, the lawmaker noted that, the new rank is to a well deserving personnel as well as a call for higher responsibility. He congratulated the officer who hails from Obudu LGA of Cross River State and admonished her to remain committed in her worthy service to the Nation, Nigeria.

    Also present to witness the occasion were; the Executive Governor of Imo State, H. E Hope Uzodinma, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibril Barau, the immediate past Inspector General of Police, Usman Akali Baba, and a host of others.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • Governor Otu Condoles With Maryann Anam

    By Charity Ohotu
    S A – New Media
    Deputy Governor’s Office

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has condoled with the family of Late Mr William Awak Anam who passed away on 29th April, 2023.

    The Governor, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed, asking that the Almighty Creator would grant the entire bereaved family the fortitude to cope with his demise.
    Odey also used himself as an example of a man who had lost his dad at a young age but today he is a Deputy Governor by God’s grace. And as such, God will see her children through and someday, they will become Governor, President and all they desire to become in life.

    In the condolence message to the family of the deceased, Senator Bassey Otu said, “Your beloved husband, father, uncle and friend will be greatly missed not only by his biological family members but also those he touched positively during his lifetime.”

    Late Mr William Anam was a well-traveled family man. He was an agriculturist, businessman and marketing executive who worked in many reputable international companies including Nigerian German Chemicals Plc, SmithKline Beecham, Seven-Up Bottling Company, UNICEM and others.

    The funeral service, which was held at the Flourishing Branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Calabar, was attended by family and friends.