The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Replies Gov Ben Ayade, Says He Has Never Been Ayade’s Boy, And That God Rules Over The Affairs Of Men

    Sen Jarigbe Agom Replies Gov Ben Ayade, Says He Has Never Been Ayade’s Boy, And That God Rules Over The Affairs Of Men

    PUTTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT AND EXPOSING THE LIES OF GOV AYADE:

    GOV AYADE HELD A MEETING WITH APC PARTY STAKEHOLDERS AND STATED THIS;

    1. That I, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe was his Boy.

    CORRECTION:

    I am in my 50s and Ayade is in his 50s, from the records in his preferred Age Declaration. I never heard of the name, Ayade, in Cross River State, until I turned 36, when he came to run for the Senate Primary Election against Senator Greg Ngaji and I was running for the House of Representatives. He was asked not to run, because he was a political neophyte and could not stand the storm of going against Sen Greg Ngaji. I took part in that House of Reps Primary Election and it was skewed for Hon Gabe Edi. I came after Gabe in that Primary Election. It was later, I got to know that Ben Ayade, was the young man who was Hon Emma Ibeshi’s boy, when Hon Emma Ibeshi was running for the House of Representatives in 1992.

    At what point would I have been his boy, when I had already established a business in 1995 and bought my first Car in 1996, during the Military ? At that time, did Gov Ben Ayade own a bicycle ? At what point did I become a boy to someone in my age bracket? I grew up from a proper home and was brought up to work hard, so I will not carry hand bags for my peers. Ayade’s fantasy of being in a position to suppress and Lord over people, has do with his psychology. God has made it impossible for me to belong to the group of people that will be subservient to him, even as Governor. Foreg, he could not stop me from becoming a Senator of the FRN. God rules in the affairs of men.

    Gov Ayade was in the Senate between 2011 and 2015, but did not see me in his Office or Home, asking for a favor, nether did he get a Call from me, soliciting for help. We all supported him to go to the Senate. In 2015, when he came to run for Governor, I was in the forefront of the agitation, because I felt he was the highest political office holder from Cross River North. He was skeptical because there were no clear signals, but I urged him on, because I was in a position to appreciate the issues, better than he did. When he emerged as Gov, he always asked me, how I knew he was going to be Governor. He always wondered if I had a crystal ball, LOL. Today , out of puerile excitement and superiority complex, he has the effontery to refer to a Serving Senator as his Boy. Why should a man lie to himself ?

    Ayade has asked that Water Boreholes be drilled in Communities across the North, leaving out other Senatorial Districts, because he wants votes from the North, to win the Senate Seat. This is because I have provided Water for our people and I have become his ROLE MODEL. He will soon Constuct Street Lights, because I have done so. I have also completed the Construction of some roads in Cross River North. He should also complete the only one he started in 2016, from Mfom to Obudu. It’s 6 years and running. It is simple logic that, your Role Model cannot be your Boy.

    Ayade has come to fool us again, in an attempt at getting the Senate Seat, because our people are vulnerable and most of us are impecunious, but I know that God will reveal the truth, make our people strong and resilient, so that Ayade will never happen to us again, as a people.

    Finally, Power comes from God and He should choose between Ayade and I, who will best serve the interest of our People. Getting paranoid, because of just food will not help us. Ayade has made a lot of you guys, build castles in the air for the past 12 years and it should be clear that you have been basking in the euphoria of an optical illusion.

    Happy Sunday.

    Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District.

  • #500m Stabilization Fund: Cross River State Is A Crime Scene BY UMEZULIKE DESMOND-CRUZ

    #500m Stabilization Fund: Cross River State Is A Crime Scene BY UMEZULIKE DESMOND-CRUZ

     

    A senior citizen of this State called me earlier today and insisted that he would love to read my opinion on the trending issue of #500million Stabilization fund received monthly by the government of Cross River State as revealed by the RMAFC recently. Though, a Chieftain of the APC and a close ally of the Governor from the Northern Senatorial District, he had expected me to heap a truck load of coal on the governor over the issue. While I admit that the CPS to the governor tried strenuously to robe the past administration of His Excellency, Mr Liyel Imoke, into the inglorious Bakassi-gate saga, by alluding to the fact that the state have been receiving the #500million since 2008. By making reference to past administration, the CPS aimed to gaslight Cross Riverians and stylistically shift the focus from an issue-based debate to partisan Politics. The aim is simply to share the blame equally between Leaders of the PDP and that of APC, thereby turning a serious matter into Political chicanery.

    But then, I feel there’s a dimension to this whole thing that we care less about. The truth is, there’s an organized crime going on in this state, orchestrated by the elites and fueled by their inordinate desire for resource control and one of the conduit pipe for such display of avarice is the Bakassi Resettlement Project. Since the lost of Bakassi peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon and the subsequent lost of 76 Oil wells to Akwa Ibom State, they have been a few elites eating fat from the plight of Cross Riverians, irrespective of their Political Party affiliation. Till date, they are still Cross Riverians amongst the elites whose company accounts are used to launder money and subsequently shared amongst few cartels in this State. Have you bothered to ask yourself why some elites, even those in the opposition Party, don’t have the nerves to speak even if our state is on fire? The answer is simple, most of them are complicit in this heinous crime against our state. I know of one woman that have continued to make a heavy fortune out of the plight of the people of Bakassi, unfortunately, while she continues to milk her own people, she’s lionized and canonize by the same people whose future and destiny she has bastardized.

    The control of resources, like in most Capitalist venture, is the major yardstick for Politics in this state. Most of our leaders are not necessarily interested in what becomes of the State. They are only interested in what becomes of them and their pockets. This is why you hardly see or hear them condemn the ills of this current administration, because they are either benefiting from it or hoping to benefit.

    By the way, why are we all acting surprised about the #500million as if we are not aware that this current administration is the era of Intellectual Money and Other People’s Money? Is this not the same administration that received 18billion Naira from Federal Government as payment for the Federal Government Roads constructed/maintained by past administrations? Is this not the same administration that received Paris Refund money, Bailout funds and receives ecological funds yet cannot holistically account for it. If they can voraciously gulp 18billion Naira, Paris Refund, Ecological fund, Bail out Funds, what is small sum of #500million that they cannot embezzle?

    #500million is it for eba, is it for Garri, is it for Ewa, dodo or Agbado?

    May Affliction Never Arise The Second Time!!!

    *©Umezulike Desmond-cruz*

  • Wike, Saraki, Lawan, Cross River Elites Storms Sen Sandy Onor’s Book Presentation

    Wike, Saraki, Lawan, Cross River Elites Storms Sen Sandy Onor’s Book Presentation

    By Ndifon Joseph

    Captains of industries, the political class, business men & women as well as members of the academic community within and outside the state on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022 converged at the Nigerian Airfoce (NAF) Conference Centre, Abuja to witness the historic and landmark Public Presentation of “Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity,” a critique of previous scholarship and insights that validates the existence of a long lasting and dynamic relationship amongst the various ethnicities before the advent of Europeans, meticulously written by Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor, an academic colossus cum erudite professor of African History.

    A document for historical reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation, “it is well researched and properly written; using the skills and method of the historian. Sen Onor painstakingly captured the high degree of sacrifices, compromises, team work, harmonisations, reconciliation, assimilation, enculturation and blending that set in motion the slow but steady process that culminated in the emergence of the Nigerian state” (Ahmed Lawan PhD).

    The book offers compelling answers to critical national queations, national issues of disquieting crises of relations, development and nation building confronting contemporary Nigeria. And as contained therein, critical National Question would remain intractable and insurmountable only if we continue to fail in managing and converting our diversities into assets like most nations characterized by ethnic plurality have done around the world.

    Declaring the event opened, the Chairman of the Occasion, His Excellency Dr Bukola Saraki, ably represented by former Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency, Mallam AbdulFatai Ahmed, described “Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity” as apt, timely and a recipe for the 2023 General Elections.

    The Book Reviewer and Director of Research, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, Prof Chris B N Ogbogbo described the scholarly work as “Refreshing, in a class of its own and a breath of fresh air from the centrifugal calls across the country.” He recommended the “Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity” to be read and distributed not just by patriots, but all those who intend to ginger the patriotic spirit.

    On his part, the Chief Presenter and Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, represented by the Attorney General of the state, Barr Zaccheus Adongor, congratulated the author for the feat and auspiciousness of the occasion which he described as “Rich intellectual assembly” and stressed the need for equity and fairness in our polity while allowing constituents units to grow and develop at their pace and speed; the fundamental principles of federalism. He made a donation of 20Milliom Naira.

    The occasion witnessed rendition of goodwill messages from different stakeholders. The Cross River State Chairman of the PDP, Barr Venatius Ikem described the author as an outstanding and erudite scholar whom Crossrivarians would gladly donate to the centre in views of his competence for global service. The Deputy-Governorship Candidate of the PDP, Lady Emana-Duke Ambrose Amawhe appluaded the author for dedicating a chapter exclusively for women.

    A former Governor of Cross River State, Chief Clement Ebri described”Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity” as Nigeria’s history under the umbrella. An elder statesman and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) called for the establishment of a National Integration Commission, a commission to integrate the nation. President of the Senate, His Excellency Dr Ahmed Lawan described the occasion as an event for the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Highpoint of the occasion was the investiture and formal induction of the author, Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor as Fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN), Nigeria’s famous and oldest professional body.

    The author, Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor graduated top of his class from the prestigious University of Calabar in 1987 where he studied History and International Relations and proceeded to bag a PhD in African History from the same department where he also started his academic career. A highly referenced, recognized and decorated scholar, Senator Prof Sandy Onor currently serves as an elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District and holds the Governorship ticket of the PDP to reclaim and restore Cross River State.

  • N500m Stabilization Fund: The Lie From Abuja And The Silence From Calabar BY AGBA JALINGO

    N500m Stabilization Fund: The Lie From Abuja And The Silence From Calabar BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Barely forty days to the end of former Cross River Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke’s administration, in a petition dated April 16, 2015, Cross River lawyer and former presidential aide, Okoi Obono Obla, petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, to investigate the expenditure of allocations to the 18 local governments in Cross River State from the federation account, under Imoke’s watch.

    The petitioner, Obono Obla, amongst other demands, asked the EFCC to investigate the expenditure of the sum of N15 Billion by Governor Liyel Imoke approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria to ameliorate the economic losses suffered by Cross River State as a result of the judgment of the Supreme Court that led to the loss of 76 Oil Wells to Akwa Ibom State by Cross River State and the transfer of the sovereignty of Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon.

    And to also investigate the expenditure of a monthly augmentation of N500m (Five Hundred Million Naira) from the Stabilization Fund paid to the Cross River State Government in 2013 by the Federal Government of Nigeria for two years at the first instance.

    Obla’s request was sequel to information disclosed in a leaked letter dated April 12, 2014 which the RMAFC sent to Imoke, requesting to visit the State to monitor and evaluate what the Bakassi intervention fund had achieved. The letter also disclosed that a lump sum of fifteen billion naira was released from the Stabilization Fund by RMAFC, to the Cross River State government, plus five hundred million naira monthly augmentation for two years, amounting to 6 billion naira, which was also paid in bulk in June 2013. In addition to another N400million Naira every month. (The letter is attached here.)

    Then in May 2017, a former Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Aliyu Mohammed, during a visit to the State to see Governor Ayade, said as part of efforts to assuage the pains caused by the loss of Bakassi, about N38billion has been paid as special allocation to the State by the Federal Government over a period of 11 years, as compensation.

    CrossRiverWatch has been tracking this development since 2012. So when the incumbent Chairman of RMAFC, Mr. A.M. Shehu, mentioned $500million, it conflicted with all I have heard previously about this matter and created doubts in my mind. While it is clear that A.M. Shehu, told a lie about the currency they send to Cross River State and replaced Naira with Dollars, it is even more worrisome that Calabar is silent on the whereabouts of the money. Calabar is more anxious to tell us it wasn’t Dollars but reluctant to tell us what the Naira they accept they have been collecting has been utilized on.

    After joining their political party, Obono Obla, abandoned the petitions he wrote against Governor Imoke and the press statement from Governor Ayade’s office on Friday, though conceded that they get N500m every month, still didn’t not tell the public what exactly the money has been used for. That exactly should be our bone of contention. It is our right to know and we need to know and we actually need to know NOW!

    Meanwhile, I was abruptly corrected yesterday during an interview with a relevant source. A top source in RMAFC, who pleaded anonymity, told yours sincerely that, contrary to what people are saying, the Bakassi augmentation fund is meant for the entire Cross River State and not one LGA alone.

    The source said: “Before Cross River lost the Bakassi oil wells to Akwa Ibom, money for the 76 oil wells was not sent to Bakassi LGA alone. It was part of the Cross River State share from FAAC for the development of all the LGAs. Bakassi LGA has its own share from the center like the other 17 LGAs. The augmentation is to serve the same purpose that the oil revenue was serving and I am sure the revenue was not used in Bakassi alone. It is for the whole of Cross River State to augment her allocation for the lose of revenue following the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon. I need you to correct that impression out there please.”

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Matters Arrising From That 500M Monthly Manna From Heaven BY DOMINIC KIDZU

    Matters Arrising From That 500M Monthly Manna From Heaven BY DOMINIC KIDZU

     

    As a leading member of PANDEF in Cross River State and the All Cross River Nationals Forum, together with Honourable Bassey Ekefre, Eric Ani Esin, Dr Joe Edet, Col. PAM Ogar Senator Bassey Henshaw, General Ennang, late AVM Osim, among others, we have severally discussed strategies to engage the Federal Government on the necessity to provide adequate compensation to Cross River State for the loss of the notorious 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom State. Little did we know that the Federal Government was already providing such necessary assistance to the state on a consistent basis.

    There had been a flurry of activities on the back of that loss in the form of compensation to the people of Bakassi and provision of living homes for those who relocated back to Nigeria back then, but regrettably, neither Governors Liyel Imoke nor Ben Ayade has told Cross Riverians the true facts and figures thereof. It would take the Chairman of RMFC (who himself could not distinguish the difference between Naira and USD) to bust open the Pandora box.

    What is clear to the people right now is that the N500m monthly payment is not lumped into the monthly allocation to the state, but rather paid alone, or perhaps under the table. Therefore when figures of income accruing to Cross River State are advertised by the Governors freely to underscore the poverty of the state, the regular and consistent payment of the N500m to shake off our sterile and mendicant curse is never mentioned.

    In the present dispensation, the question to ask is whether that sum is reflected in the budget of
    QUANTUM INFINITUM, or its mouth-filling predecessors in the last seven-plus years, or not. If it has not been captured in all these budgets, then where and how has the money been expended? Again, why have Governor Ben Ayade and his predecessor, Liyel Imoke been so close-lipped about these payments?

    I was bemused by the Press Release from the Governor’s Office in which the use of the wrong currency was sufficiently belaboured, followed by a tortured admission of the receipt of the invisible monies. Even if the entire windfalls have dissolved into debt repayment should the people on behalf of whom Government collects these monies not know about it? Why should it take one Fulani man who could not tell the difference between the Naira and the greenback to make the great announcement on national television for Cross Riverians to know and for government to finally admit the fact?

    The very idea of democracy is coterminus with transparency because it promises a government of the people, by the people and for the people. That being the case, the people reserve the right to know about their money and the use to which it has been put even as they continue to endure an electoral authoritarian regime in the hands of people who may have come to town without a stitch of moral fibre or a whif of political philosophy.

  • Again They Failed, As There Is No Pandemonium Between Gov Wike And Our Principal – Joe Bisong

    Again They Failed, As There Is No Pandemonium Between Gov Wike And Our Principal – Joe Bisong

     

    The attention of the Caterpillar Movement has been drawn to an unfortunate, disjointed and malicious article circulating on the media space alledging a “pandemonium” in the relationship between our Principal Sen Sandy Onor and his bosom friend, the Rivers state Governor, Barr Nyesom Wike over supposed mismanagement of funds. The said article was clearly written by a hireling and circulated by a handful of our detractors, ignorant rabble-rousers and mischief makers. Ordinarily, we would ignore these spurious claims and forge ahead in our quest to liberate our dear state but as Jonathan Swift will say ” Falsehood flies and the the truth comes limping after it.” It is with this hindsight we have elected to respond, knowing that when not quickly exposed, a false story begins to take on a shimmer of truth.

    Against this backdrop, we wish to inform our teeming supporters and the general public that our Principal, Distinguished Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor enjoys an unbreakable bond of friendship with His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. This relationship is founded on genuine fraternal love, integrity and probity.

    We are aware that the intention of the sponsors of the article was to derail the successful presentation of the latest book of our Principal, “Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity”. This attempt was a miserable failure as the book launch witnessed an unprecedented success .It was well attended by esteemed and illustrious Nigerians including the Senate President Dr Ahmed Lawal, Gov Nyesom Wike ably represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bukola Saraki, who is currently in the United States of America was fittingly and at his behest represented by his successor, Abdulfatai Ahmed. Past and Serving Governors of various states, Senators and Gubernatorial candidates of various states, members of the House of representatives, party chieftains and captains of industries among others, were also in attendance. These diginatories spoke in acceptance of the philosophy and content of the book especially it’s pan Nigerian content.

    We wish at this juncture to reiterate and underscore the fact that the relationship between our Principal Senator Sandy Onor and his friend Gov Nyesom Wike, which has spanned over decades remains unflinching. Indeed, we must categorically state as a matter of fact, that the relationship is getting stronger owing to their common interest on issues of justice,equity and integrity.

    Aware of their failures for the past seven years and counting, our opponents have resorted to mudslinging to discredit our Principal, whose credentials they do not have and can not match. We understand the desperation of the sponsors of the write up judging by how formidable and widely accepted our Principal has become against those still running from pillar to post in search of soft landing.

    We are further aware that their Leader having failed to secure a soft landing upon sneaking into Rivers State, the sponsors of this write up are now more resolute in their evil attempt to cause a rift between our Principal and his bosom friend, Chief Barr Wike. Understandably, our detractors are deep in quicksand and swinging wildly , grasping on any wild propaganda to confuse well meaning cross riverians who resent their bad governance style and wanton acts of squandermania in the last seven years.

    Sen Prof Sandy Onor has the track record of integrity and accountability and can never mismanage any fund entrusted in his custody. We are even aware that plans are afoot to concoct just anything to tarnish the image and character of Professor Onor by going even as far as his days as chairman of Etung LGA. So the cross river public should be prepared for more fable and falsehood by desperate and rejected politicians in the APC. Rather than continue to spew falsehood, we urge our detractors to concentrate on finding an anchor to slow its
    rudderless drift into oblivion.

    On the claim that our state will be annexed following the overwhelming support our Principal enjoys from his friend, Nyesom Wike, we make bold to reiterate for the umpteenth time that no Governor has ever emerged in any state without the support of someone from another state;yet no state has ever been annexed by another. In any case, the Leader of the APC in the state has since silenced these detractors by sojourning to the same Governor Wike for succour. Let it be made abundantly clear that whereas all politics is said to be local, all politics is also universal.

    We call on all well meaning Cross Riverians to ignore the diabolic campaign of calumny against our Principal, Senator Sandy Onor as we are committed to the project of reclaiming, restoring and rebuilding Cross River State for the good of all the people. We urge you all to remain focused,diligent, and unperturbed as we set about our reclamation agenda. We shall not allow ourselves to be drawn into the abyss of cheap propaganda and palpable hate being demoostrated by the said nauseating publication. Once again , we wish to remind you that the price of eternal liberty and freedom remains vigilance. We shall continue to be vigilant until we rescue our dear state from the maladministration of this present APC government.

    May God bless you all

    Joe Obi Bisong, DG

  • Ayade Signs Law Increasing Jurisdiction Of Magistrate Court In Cross River

    Ayade Signs Law Increasing Jurisdiction Of Magistrate Court In Cross River

     

    Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade Thursday signed the state’s Magistrate Jurisdiction Law 2022.

    The law increases the jurisdiction of magistrate courts in the state on civil matters.

    The signing ceremony which was witnessed by the state Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, State Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Willams Eteng Jones among other top government functionaries, held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Calabar.

    Speaking at the event, the governor said with the law in place, the administration of justice is now closer to the people.

    “The social import of this exercise is that we are taking the administration of the law closer to our people so that those who have need to approach the courts will not have to look for a High court, but can now access justice anywhere there is a magistrate just because of the increased jurisdiction.

    “With this, access to law, access to legal services, access to justice is now closer to our people” the governor said.

    According to him, “It is in my exercise of the powers conferred on me as Governor by section 31, sub section 1 of the Magistrate Court Law of Cross River State of Nigeria 2004, that l hereby sign to law, an order which will increase the jurisdiction of Magistrate Court in civil matters. The order shall come into effect on the 3rd of November, which is today.”

    Ayade commended Justice Ikpeme “for being very very balanced in all the recommendations that have come before me.”

    Earlier in her remarks, Justice Ikpeme noted that the last time the jurisdictions of Magistrate Courts were increased in the state was on July 25th, 2005.

    Commending Ayade for signing the law, the Cross state Chief Judge said: “Today, 17 years after, the digital governor has signed into law, an increase in the jurisdiction of magistrate courts in civil matters, and it is to the following effects: Chief magistrate court 1; The limit before now was 7 million Naira, it has now been raised to 10 million Naira, Chief magistrate court 2 has been raised to 7 million Naira, senior magistrate grade 1 is now 5 million Naira, senior magistrate grade 2 is now 3 million Naira and magistrate grade 1 is 2 million Naira”

    According to her, every local government area of the state now has a Chief magistrate court where cases can be filed.

    “I want to congratulate our Governor for doing this. When l suggested it to him he immediately agreed and l want to say today, the judiciary appreciates you very much”, the Chief Judge stated.

  • Sandy Onor Presents Book, Becomes Fellow, Historical Society Of Nigeria

    Sandy Onor Presents Book, Becomes Fellow, Historical Society Of Nigeria

    The Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District and PDP Governorship Candidate for Cross River State for 2023 general elections, Sen Sandy Onor presented his book titled “FOUNDATION OF NIGERIA’S UNITY” at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja, on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2022.

    The Book Reviewer, Prof. C.N Ogbogbo described the book as a must – read for all Nigerians considering the importance of the book.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Sen Dr Bukola Saraki submitted that at this critical point in Nigeria’s trajectory, the decision of the author to examine such a delicate and intrinsically pertinent issue in society is an indication that the author is ready for leadership and service delivery.

    On his part, the Special Guest of Honour, Distinguished Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, posited that the author, Sen Sandy Onor was in fact, a leading light in the Senate and praised him for being able to comfortably combine the tedious and herculean task of lawmaking with equally the mentally draining demands of scholarship.

    The book, Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity is a ten-chapter treatise that examines Nigeria’s history from the precolonial, through the colonial and post colonial epochs.

    To cap off the event was the Investiture and Induction of the Author, Sen Prof Sandy Onor as a Fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Nigeria’s Oldest professional body.

    Other dignitaries at the event were: the Former Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulFatai Ahmed who represented the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Bukola Saraki, and the Governor of River’s State, Chief Nyesom Wike who was ably represented by the Attorney General of the State , Prof Zaccheus Adangor.

    Already a prolific author and Consummate researcher, this work adds to a long and stimulating catalogue of books written by the author.

    Caterpillar Movement Media

     

  • Breaking: Federal High Court Calabar Prevents INEC From Recognizing Cynthia Nkashi As APC Candidate To Contest Yala 2 State Constituency Election

    Breaking: Federal High Court Calabar Prevents INEC From Recognizing Cynthia Nkashi As APC Candidate To Contest Yala 2 State Constituency Election

     

    The Federal High Court, Calabar, has entered judgment in favour Dr Martins Achadu and  the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), granting among others:

    AN ORDER nullifying the publication of the name of Cynthia Nkasi, by INEC, done on the 22nd of July, 2022, Cynthia Nkasi having not emerged the candidate of the APC by due process of law to contest with the Plaintiffs for the Cross River State House of Assembly, Yala II Constituency in the 2023 General Elections.

    AN ORDER directing INEC not to accept, recognize or include Cynthia Nkasi as the candidate of the APC to contest with the Plaintiffs for the Cross River State House of Assembly, Yala II Constituency in the 2023 General Elections.

    F. Baba Isa, Esq.
    FBI LEGAL

  • Now That We Have Seen Governor Ayade’s Last Budget… BY AGBA JALINGO

    Now That We Have Seen Governor Ayade’s Last Budget… BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Yesterday Governor Ayade presented his 2023 budget proposal to the State House of Assembly, and as usual, he gave the N330Billion proposal, which is his last budget in office, another buzz name: Budget of Quantum Infinitum.”

    For the records, let’s see the budgets from year 2016, since Governor Ayade took over:

    2016, Budget of Deep Vision – N350Billion.

    2017, Budget of Infinite Transposition – N707Billion.

    2018, Budget of Kinetic Crystallization – N1.30Trillion.

    2019, Budget of Quabalistic Densification – N1.43Trillion.

    2020, Budget of Olympotic Meristemasis – N1.10Trillion.

    2021, Budget of Blush and Bliss – N277Billion.

    2022, Budget of Conjugated Agglutination – N355Billion.

    2023, Budget of Quantum Infinitum – N330Billion.

    That’s a cumulative Total Eight Year Budget of: ( *Five Trillion, Eight Hundred And Forty Nine Billion Naira)*

    Budgets are proposals not birds in hand. But these proposals are meant to be measured by realistic frameworks and based on concrete projections and not only wishful thinking. Close to Six Trillion Naira has been budgeted in eight years. I am till this date, still mounting pressure on my brother, the governor of our State, Senator Ben Ayade and waiting for the commencement of functionality and market presence of products from his 38 industries. It will be to the delight of all of us, including yours sincerely.

    In 213 days time, we will have a new governor and most of those factories he built are not functioning yet. There is no guarantee that they will function and get their products to the market after his tenure. That model has not worked in our State since 1999. I don’t want to be fed with the periodic optics when the governor visits those places. I just want to see those products hit the market and folks earning genuine income from there and I think that is the desire of most Cross Riverians and trust me, I will be out there drumming it, once that happens.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.