The Lumine News

Author: News

  • 18 Arthur Javi’s Varsity Students Bags First Degree In Cross River

    By Richard Ndoma – Leadership Newspaper 

    No fewer than 18 students of Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross Rivers State, have graduated from the institution with First Class degrees in different disciplines.

    Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ani Nkang, disclosed this at the institution’s maiden convocation ceremony, which took place on Saturday in Calabar.

    Prof. Nkang stated that apart from the 18 graduands, who graduated with First Class degrees, 115 other students graduated with Second Class (Upper Division), with 91, who bagged Second Class (Lower Division), and 161 graduated with Third Class out of the total 385 graduands who graduated from the institution.

    “Over the past four years (2019-2022), Arthur Jarvis University has consistently scored 100 per cent in the results of accreditation of academic programmes in Nigerian universities by the National Universities Commission.

    “At present, teaching and research is conducted actively in 32 programmes under four faculties,” the VC stated.

    In his remarks, the Chancellor of the University, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, while trying to encourage hardwork and good character among undergraduates of the institution, stated that the school expected high moral standards from student pursuing one or two courses in the institution.

    “Our University is not a rehabilitation center for drug users, unruly students and cultists,” the Chancellor declared, stressing that the management of the institution would not hesitate to release its sledge hammer on erring students.

    In a brief interaction with 22-year-old Miss Yeneochia Ogar Agbor, who is one of the best graduating students from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, stated that hardwork was behind her bagging a first class degree and encouraged others to do same.

    In his remarks, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu the V, the Obong of Calabar, appealed to all Crossriverians to stand up and invest in education.

    “We have the landmass, all we need is the infrastructure. Our people should be glad to send thier students here, rather than struggling to send our kids in far away states to pursue their academic courses,” the monarch stated.

  • May Prince Otu, Weather The Herculean Start… BY AGBA JALINGO

    May Prince Otu, Weather The Herculean Start…

    The spotlight has shifted to the Cross River State Governor-Elect already. Expectedly, Prince Otu’s residence is the new mill for those who earn a living only from government house. With only 50 days to go, the incumbent governor is spent and fizzled out and the newest hood is buzzing. That is nothing unusual afterall. It’s a political culture.

    First was the group of hawks I refer to as “entitlers.” They were quick to appear around him. Like the panting of a dehydrated Deer after water, these folks looked weary and desparate to have a dip in the incoming pot. They have spent their years in power or close to power but they can’t have enough and must always be around every government in power, so they can perpetually remain in power or near power.

    They feel entitled. They claim they have “suffered” so much for our State over the years, therefore, they must be allowed to continue to be the Praetorian Guards of power for us. They are still hanging around; not with ideas to move our State forward, but with pockets waiting to be filled and names pressing to get appointments.

    Then there is the very nauseous group of those who are lurking around for appointments and the only reason they say they deserve the appointment is that they won their polling units for Otu. Some say because they have “crowd” in their constituencies and can mobilize for Otu. Some say because they have “suffered” for their party for years and it’s their turn to enjoy. Some say because their community has never gotten any government appointment since 1700. Some say because Prince Otu has been their friend and man Friday since 1823. Some say because even when people didn’t believe in Prince Otu’s aspiration to be Governor, they were the ones who carried him and sold him like garri to the voters and some say because it’s their turn in the zoning formula etc.

    While all these considerations can rightly be aggregated for compensation, it is more necessary for Prince Otu, to look for a coterie of patriots who are going to assist him clean the mess he will meet on ground and grab a lot of quick wins, lest he loses the Herculean start. Not many of these sort of performers are keen about going to homes of those who win elections to genuflect. Yes, not many of them!

    Prince Otu, has to deliberately look beyond the throng of buzzards in his abode and search for them as a primary role to help him provide overall political direction and take the necessary decisions to ensure a coherent and coordinated take off. From day one, there should be a marked departure from where we are exiting; where appointment into government office has been reduced to a laughable spectacle and a nefarious conduit. That take off speed is very crucial to determine the outlook of the journey.

    Happy Easter Celebration.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Janet Ekpenyong Charges Christians To Emulate The Sacrificial And Exemplary Life Of Jesus As We Celebrate Easter

    Dr Ekpenyong Greets Christians On Easter Celebration, Calls for Ultimate Sacrifice at all times

    Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has called on Christians to at all times practice selflessness and practical sacrificial living in order to actualize desired growth and development in the state .

    Dr Ekpenyong in an easter message charged christians to emulate the sacrificial and exemplary lifestyle of Jesus in order to promote ethical growth and development especially at a moment like this where many are still yet to heal from the last general elections.

    she noted that contributory enhancement and unity of the people will promote an effectual living and worthy state of affairs in the state which will guarantee fairness, equity and progress in the state.

    she asked all to jointly pray for the success of the present administration and that of the incoming one as she noted that we only have one state which we can be proud off, laying a foundation for the next generation to benefit from.

    “Cross river state is blessed with all categories of experts with diversed specialization in the health, environmental, social and scientific background, as a state we can achieve all we wish to if only we lay aside tribal, political and sectoral differences .
    If we all can let go of our differences and make tangible sacrifices just as the one Jesus made on the cross, we will be having the most resourceful time of our nations history.

    As we celebrate, I encourage all to do that with all sense of causiousness, eat and celebrate healthily and continue to promote quality health care for all.

    We are aware of various diseases that are common in this period, I want to call on all to also help and be their brothers keepers in referring health emergencies to appropriate facilities and seeking first hand health services in Government approved facilities.

    Once again, Happy Easter to all

  • It’s HAPPY EASTER Because The Empty Tomb Has Become The Sign That Points To A New Direction; The Empty Tomb Has Become The Place Where Our Faith In The Resurrection Of The Lord Jesus Is Born BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    HAPPY EASTER!

    Easter is the festival and holiday celebrated by millions of Christians around the world in honour of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death three days after his crucifixion at Calvary. We say HAPPY EASTER because modern day Christians have attached HAPPY meaning to the Easter celebration, making it a commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the death and the rebirth of those born again with Him by the waters of baptism (cf. Romans 6:3-11). Today, Easter has become a movable feast, yearly fixed to correspond with the first Sunday following the full moon after the March equinox and occurs on different dates around the world since western churches use the Gregorian calendar.

    Whearas most biblical scholars agree that Easter was originally a pagan festival, the early Church successfully moved to change this practice through the Emperor Constantine, one of the early Christian leading converts whose main aim was to exterminate the pagan practice, thus making Easter a HAPPY celebration. Easter has become a HAPPY time for families to enjoy the coming of spring with most western civilizations celebrating with egg decorations and Easter bunnies; and still retaining the same spirit of rebirth and renewal, as it has been for thousands of years.

    On Easter night, we gather and sing triumphantly: “Oh HAPPY fault, Oh necessary sin of Adam,” HAPPY fault, because if Adam had not sinned, we would not have had this victory. HAPPY fault, because for the first time, we refer to sin as a victory, thanks to Christ who paid the price in full through his death and resurrection. “What good would life have been to us, had Christ not come as our Redeemer?” He has transformed us, making us a new creation, giving us new life in the Holy Spirit and we celebrate with intense pride and great jubilation.

    Its HAPPY EASTER because the empty tomb has beco

    HAPPY EASTER!

    Easter is the festival and holiday celebrated by millions of Christians around the world in honour of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death three days after his crucifixion at Calvary. We say HAPPY EASTER because modern day Christians have attached HAPPY meaning to the Easter celebration, making it a commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the death and the rebirth of those born again with Him by the waters of baptism (cf. Romans 6:3-11). Today, Easter has become a movable feast, yearly fixed to correspond with the first Sunday following the full moon after the March equinox and occurs on different dates around the world since western churches use the Gregorian calendar.

    Whearas most biblical scholars agree that Easter was originally a pagan festival, the early Church successfully moved to change this practice through the Emperor Constantine, one of the early Christian leading converts whose main aim was to exterminate the pagan practice, thus making Easter a HAPPY celebration. Easter has become a HAPPY time for families to enjoy the coming of spring with most western civilizations celebrating with egg decorations and Easter bunnies; and still retaining the same spirit of rebirth and renewal, as it has been for thousands of years.

    On Easter night, we gather and sing triumphantly: “Oh HAPPY fault, Oh necessary sin of Adam,” HAPPY fault, because if Adam had not sinned, we would not have had this victory. HAPPY fault, because for the first time, we refer to sin as a victory, thanks to Christ who paid the price in full through his death and resurrection. “What good would life have been to us, had Christ not come as our Redeemer?” He has transformed us, making us a new creation, giving us new life in the Holy Spirit and we celebrate with intense pride and great jubilation.

    Its HAPPY EASTER because the empty tomb has become the sign that points to a new direction; The empty tomb has become the place where our faith in the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus is born, The empty tomb represents the fact that Christ is capable and has indeed taken our sorrows, our problems, and our worries away. As Christians on Easter day, we are reminded, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised!” (Lk. 24:5-6). With that resurrection came the death of all our fears. We no longer have cause to be moody or sad for Christ’s resurrection assures us that victory is ours forever. The Lord has teuly risen! HAPPY EASTER indeed!

    me the sign that points to a new direction; The empty tomb has become the place where our faith in the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus is born, The empty tomb represents the fact that Christ is capable and has indeed taken our sorrows, our problems, and our worries away. As Christians on Easter day, we are reminded, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised!” (Lk. 24:5-6). With that resurrection came the death of all our fears. We no longer have cause to be moody or sad for Christ’s resurrection assures us that victory is ours forever. The Lord has teuly risen! HAPPY EASTER indeed!

  • 2023 Easter: Sen Jarigbe Agom Calls On Constituents To Allow The Grace Of The Season Penetrate Every Fabric Of Their Lives

    Sen Jarigbe Agom’s EASTER MESSAGE TO HIS CONSTITUENTS

    My dear brothers and sisters, a new dawn has come. Weeping indeed, endured for the night, but look, joy has come in the morning. The Lord has Risen, indeed Alleluia!

    As a people, we no longer stand and weep at the grave. The grave is empty. The chains are broken. Our Lord and saviour has outsmarted the conquerors of Good good Friday. Behold Easter is here and we remained Unconquered.

    As we celebrate the death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus christ, let us allow the grace of the season penetrate every fabric of our lives. Let’s embrace each other in love, peace, unity and progress. Let’s resist the devil and his tendencies to dominate, conquer destroy us.

    We should never forget that he that the Lord has set free is free indeed.

    Happy Easter.

  • Agba Jalingo Released After One Week In Prison For ‘Insulting’ Governor Ayade’s Sister In-Law

    By Jonathan Ugbal, CrossRiverWatch 

    Nigerian Journalist and rights activist, Citizen Agba Jalingo has regained freedom one week after he was remanded at the Medium Security Custodial Center Kuje, Abuja by Justice Zainab Abubakar of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court for alleged acts of cybercrime.

    Citizen Jalingo was docked last week Monday on charges bordering on false publication intended to cause, “annoyance, ill will and insult,” on the person of Mrs. Ayade, wife of Mr. Frank Ayade, who is the younger brother of Cross River Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade.

    He is alleged to have committed offenses punishable by Section 24 (1)b of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015, Court documents in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/565/2022 show.

    Agba who had pleaded not guilty when arraigned on Monday, was remanded but later admitted to bail on Thursday, March 31, 2023. However, he failed to perfect the conditions on time on Friday, leading to his extended stay in custody.

    On Monday, his release warrant was signed and served on the correctional authorities who released him.

    The Case

    Mrs. Ayade had in July 2022, through her lawyer, Uyi Frank Obayagbona Esq. had written to Mr. Jalingo seeking a retraction of an article that queried why a suspended staff of the University of Calabar, Paschal Aboh Esq was facing trial for impersonating a student of the Nigerian Law School, Abuja campus while the person who allegedly contracted him (Mrs. Ayade) was walking free.

    She asked for an apology to be published in two national dailies, including, but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, and Cross River Watch (not CrossRiverWatch) as well as NGN 500 million in damages. He was given fourteen days to comply otherwise legal proceedings will be instituted against him.

    However, Police from the FCT Command on August 19, 2022, stormed the Ogudu, in Lagos State residence of Citizen Jalingo, and arrested him, several hours after holding his wife and daughter hostage.

    He was subsequently detained at the Alapere police station and later, at Area F Command in Ikeja before he was flown to Abuja the next day where it was revealed that Mrs. Ayade had abandoned the civil approach and rather petitioned him for allegedly defaming her character.

    He was released later that night and when asked to return two days later on August 22nd, was asked to go back to Lagos since Mrs. Ayade failed to show up.

    But, news filtered in, in January 2023, that the Police abandoned the criminal defamation case and opted to sue Citizen Jalingo for alleged cyber crimes.

    Also, civil proceedings secretly filed in September 2022 at the High Court of the FCT, were served via substituted means at the gate of Hit 95.9 FM Calabar where Mr. Jalingo is not a staff.

  • Fake Audio Conversation With Oyedepo, Product Of APC’s Forgeries – Obi

    Culled From Vanguard 

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Elections, Peter Obi, has distanced himself from a purported audio recording of a telephone conversation between him and the Presiding Bishop, Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo.

    According to Obi, the audio recording is a product of the endless forgeries peculiar to the All Progressives Congress.

    In the trending audio recording, there is an alleged conversation between Obi and the influential Christian cleric in which the LP candidate was purported to have asked the cleric to mobilize support for him ahead of the disputed election.

    Speaking through the Head, Obi Datti Media Office, Diran Onifade, in Abuja, on Sunday, Obi said APC’s desperate bid to grab and retain power using subterfuge must stop.

    Related News
    Those calling for arrest of Obi must stop – Labour Party youths
    Obi, Oyedepo’s alleged leaked phone conversation throws LP’s media team into confusion
    I’m not against Igbo people voting for Obi – Umahi
    He said, “It appears the All Progressives Congress’ desperation to grab and retain power by foul means has refused to go away more than a month after they have grabbed the election as they planned.

    “While we are toeing the constitutional path to retrieve our mandate, those who have truncated the wishes of the majority of Nigerians have recoursed to mischief and endless subterfuge to continue to hold on to what they know does not belong to them.

    “From the show of shame in Portharcourt to the drama in the Ibom Air aircraft, both of which they contrived, they have now moved to the circulation of a deep fake audio file aimed at promoting religious tension in the country.

    “All these are meant to serve no other purpose than egregious mischief aimed at demarketing Peter Obi. If the goal is to create a credibility problem, the ploy has failed woefully.

    “Peter Obi has long been on record as the only presidential candidate who has urged the Nigerians electorate not to vote for him on the basis of religion or tribe.

    “We will therefore like to advise our beloved Nigerian people to remain focused on the task to take back the mandate we know was freely given to Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed through legitimate means.

    “That is more important than to expect those who ran election on forged credentials and even fake Bishops to stop faking. They cannot stop being fraudulent because that is who they are.”

  • Female Passenger Arrested With 12,000 Tramadol Pills In Cross River

    A female passenger with the name, Talatu Sale Adamu has been arrested with 12,000 pills of Tramadol in Cross River State.

    CONVERSEER learned that Talatu, who is 46 years old was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) last Monday, March 27, 2023, in Ogoja, Northern part of the State.

    According to Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Talatu was apprehended along Ogoja/Katsina-Ala road.

    The statement read in part: “In Cross River, 12,000 pills of Tramadol (225mg) were seized from a female passenger, Talatu Sale Adamu, 46.

    “The NDLEA officers intercepted the commercial bus she was travelling in along Ogoja/Katsina-Ala road on Monday, 27th March”.

    The statement added that the Agency also intercepted no less than 63 bags of cannabis sativa, weighing 600kg and stored in a house at Okpe village in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

    Babafemi said that the drugs were recovered on Friday, March 31, when operatives raided the area.

    He also said that a raid of a warehouse, owned by one Shehi Mallam at Tomato market, Dei Dei, Abuja, on the same day led to the seizure of 80 sacks of cannabis sativa, weighing 842.4kg.

    In the statement, the NDLEA spokesperson said that a suspect, Abraham Alaigwu, was arrested at Slaughter, Trans/Amadi area of Port Harcourt, Rivers state, with 91.7kg of cannabis.

    He said that the suspect was arrested on Thursday, March 30, adding that 228kg of the same substance was seized from Ayodele Osuya, 35, in a Toyota Camry car around the Quarter Guard area of Akure, Ondo

  • CRSG Marks WHO Diamond White Jubilee @ 75, Commends Her Unrelenting Support 

    By Kenneth Anam

    The streets and suburbs of Calabar went agog as the Cross River State Ministry of Health alongside other partners, agencies and health Organizations graced the streets in display of eventful and colorful spree to celebrate The World Health Organization (WHO) a topmost ranking Non Governmental Organization as she marked her “Diamond White” jubilee anniversary of 75 years of meritorious services to humanity.

    The event which was themed “Walk the Talk” witnessed a 7km health walk to celebrate World Health Organization (WHO) who will officially mark her 75th anniversary on the 7th of April in celebration of her unending and unrelenting supports to countries across the globe witnessed beehives of activities and soul thrilling success stories.

    On the 7th of April 2023 ̶The World Health Day ̶ the World Health Organization will observe its 75th anniversary. In 1948, countries of the world came together and founded WHO to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health and well-being.

    This dream which has seen all works of live join the WHO on a journey to achieve Health For All and to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today and tomorrow has witnessed milestones achievements and memorable moments that has aided in serving lives through quality health initiatives and interventions.

    The event which had the Commissioner for Health, Permanent secretary, all Directors, Heads of units and Focal Persons in charge of Health programs in the State in attendance, kicked off at the Mary Slessor Roundabout in the early hours of the day and saw a carnival walk of advocacy and health sensitization through the routes which ended at NAKS Hotel Pavilion, Ndidem Usang Iso Road Calabar.

    Speaking at the event the Commissioner for Health Dr. Janet Ekpenyong who was in an ecstatic mode said the walk was organized to signify our resolve to continue to support “Health for All” as the mandate for which WHO is known for above all a way of sending a message of solidarity and unfettered commitment to the WHO who have been a faithful and worthy partner to the state over the past decades through their unwavering supports and commitments to saving lives.

    The Commissioner appreciated all partners present at the event as she further eulogized and lauded the WHO for being so consistent and supportive in tackling diseases, building capacity and improving interventions and health services from immunization,support programs and lots more. She however ceased the opportunity to solicit more support from the Organization for the state even as she pledged that the Cross River State Government through her office will continually provide enabling environment and necessary partnership for them to thrive in their implementations and goals .

    Also speaking at the event, the State coordinator for WHO Dr. Olatunde
    Yewande, revealed that the activity will not end only in the capital city but will snowball to other parts of the state like Ogoja Local Government Area on Tuesday in Collaboration with other partners to ensure that everyone in Cross River State irrespective of social status are carried along and have access to health in line with the general program of work and Sustainable Development Goals that have been set to enhance “Health for All”.

    She however thanked the Cross River State Government for her total cooperation and supports in ensuring they play the role of good partners as they’ve always been at the organization’s beck and call thereby profering a seamless stay and operation for their various projects and implementations.

    Also present at the event were PS SMOH, DIRECTORS AND STAFF OF SMOH AND SPHCDA, NANNM Chairman, NHIS, NPHCDA, RED CROSS, Heartland alliance and others.
    Memorable moments accompanied by photo ops to mark the epoch event followed suit with preparations for other activities scheduled to take place in the coming days.

    Hearty Congratulations to WHO on this milestone celebration and wishing them more fruitful, successful and impactful years of services to humanity.

  • Cross River: Ayade, Onor, Others Files 13 Petitions At The Election Tribunal

     

    In Cross River State, the Secretary of the three-man Election Petition Tribunal sitting over the February 25 National Assembly elections in the state, A.D Bambur, acknowledged that they had received 13 petitions from the different political parties.

    Of the 13 petitions, three candidates challenged those INEC declared as winners in the three senatorial districts of the state, just as 10 others queried the conduct of the House of Representatives poll.

    Bambur said the tribunal had commenced sitting, and already granted leave to parties to inspect materials used for the elections, following their respective applications. He added that the parties were currently serving summons and petitions to each other.

    A passing look at the cases shows that Governor Ben Ayade, who lost his bid to return to the Senate to the incumbent senator, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, filed petition number EPT/CRS/Sen/2/2023 against Jarigbe.

    Ayade vied for the Cross River Northern Senatorial District seat on the platform of APC.

    The PDP candidate in Cross River Central, Hon Bassey Eko Ewa, filed a petition listed as EPT/CRS/SEN/1/2023 against Rt. Hon Eteng Williams of the APC, who is the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

    Cross River Southern Senatorial District petition is from Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo of the Labour Party, and others versus Mr. Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr of the APC in suit number EPT/CRS/SEN/03/2023.

    Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Atta Ochinke, also filed a petition against APC’s Hon Victor Abang in Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency.

    The APC candidates for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency and Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Hon. Jude Ngaji and  Rt.Hon. Legor Idagbo, are said to be at the Tribunals but their summons haven’t gotten to their opponents.

    The PDP governorship candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, has also vowed to challenge the process that made INEC to declare Sen. Bassey Otu as the winner.

    Onor alleged that the exercise was characterized by irregularities, including over-voting, and vote-buying amongst others.

    Hon. Thomas Aruku of the APC, who contested the Ogoja State Constituency seat, is also going to the tribunal to challenge the victory of Hon Rita Ayim of the PDP.

    Sunday Vanguard reports that there was still time for the submission of more petitions, as many of those who participated in the House of Assembly polls were putting finishing touch to their petitions before submission.