The Lumine News

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  • Tribunal Reserves Ruling In Sen Onor’s Petition To Remove Prince Otu

    By Ndifon Joseph 

    The Cross River State Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Calabar has reserved ruling in the petition filed by Governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor challenging the eligibility of Senator Bassey Otu & Hon. Peter Odey of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 Governorship Elections in the state.

    The tribunal having adopted parties’ final written addresses, reserved judgement to a date to be communicated to the parties in the case.

    Chairman of the panel, Justice Oken Inneh who on the last adjourned date directed parties to prepare final briefs of argument and appear for adoption said the tribunal would later communicate the parties on a date for judgement.

    Addressing newsmen at the end of proceedings, Counsel to Sen. Onor & the PDP, Dr J. Y. Musa (SAN), said: “All the parties presented their final written addresses to be given the opportunity to adumbrate. In adumbrating, we drew the courts attention to the fact that the case is essentially on the fact that the 2nd & 3rd respondents lied on oath.

    “In the beginning we didn’t allege any forgery, but there were the ones who brought certificates showing that they could be forgery. There were the ones who tendered the documents. They opened the pandora box by themselves. So we adopted and it’s in our written address.”

    Asked on his clients prayers to the court, Dr Musa responded, “Of course to declare their votes ‘wasted votes’ and to declare our clients the winner. That’s it, because if the court nullifies their candidature upon the argument on qualification and declares their votes, wasted votes, they will be under obligation to declare us the winner because we have the geographical spread to be so declared.”

    When asked to commend on the controversy surrounding the INEC Form EC9, the Learned Silk concluded, “That’s the affidavit of personal particulars. The governor did not provide any qualification in his affidavit of personal particulars and the documents he attached to that affidavit were not verified by the affidavit. They were in conflict with the affidavit. And then, in their bid to try and see how they could answer us on that, they now brought out certificates that now, were in contradistinction with what was attached in Form EC9. That’s why we said he lied on oath.”

    On his part, counsel to the 2nd & 3rd respondents, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said: “From my submission today, the truth is that from the 10th of July, 2023, when they withdrew grounds 2 & 3 of the petition, which talked about discrepancies, non-accreditation, non-trasnmission through BIVAS, through iRev and all other alleged malpractices, which were funny, phony and untrue allegations, their petitions collapsed like a pack of cards. They personally sank the metis, they wrote the elegy of their own petition.

    “The truth is that they never had any case at all. We have been wasting our time. Their case is predicted on the allegation that the 2nd respondent, the governor was not educated up to school certificate level. That is their case, it’s here and it’s the ground of the petition. But, they abandoned that and started talking about forgery, about discrepancies in the certificates by saying that the documents attached to Form EC9 of INEC said the Primary School certificate was 1966, secondary 1972, and University Degree (B.sc Hons Sociology) was 1980.

    “But, from the very witness, their own witness (DW-1) we were able to extract under cross-examination that those mentioned were the dates of entry into the various schools, but that the certificates before the tribunal which we tendered, the very originals including the ones they themselves attached to Form EC9 show that where the governor mentioned 1966 which was the year of entry, the certificate showed 1972 which was the year of graduation from primary school. That, where they mentioned 1972 for the secondary school, the certificate shows that he graduated in 1977 and where the form was filled for B.sc in 1980, witness made it clear that the certificates shows 1984. So, where is the discrepancy,” he questioned.

    The adoption of the final written addresses is the precursor to fixing a date for the judgement.

  • Congratulations And Happy 20th Priestly Anniversary To Very Rev Fr Peter Abang Ochang BY ELIJAH UGANI 

     

    20 years ago, you were called and ordained a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, you have lived your life in accordance with your vocation and calling.

    Fr Ochang is a living testimony of God’s benevolence and magnanimity in the lives of the poor of the poorest in the society.

    He is a crusader of ecumenism. He integrates Catholics, Pentecostals and non Christians alike wherever he is sent to propagate the gospel.

    Fr Ochang will go borrowing to solve problems of those in need. His parish house is a beheeve of people with different problems who comes to seek succor.

    Fr Ochang will raise money during mass for people who are critically ill, who comes to his parish house to seek help. He does not care to know whether you are a Catholic or a Christian, all he cares is that the Church must serve a soul. This attitude of his has converted so many souls to the glory of God.

    Whenever you come to visit him, including his brother priests, he struggles to give you fuel. The religious, the seminarians, catechists, his parishioners and all those who comes to him shares in whatever he has.

    His vocation, in addition to winning souls for Christ is that of arms giving. He has identified his calling, he is living the life and God readily provides for him to reach out to those in need. He prefers to drive on the road with an empty pocket than to see someone in need and drive pass.

    Fr Ochang finds joy when he put smiles on the faces of the destitute, the oppressed, the orphans. He has supported more than 25 young people acquired degrees in various disciplines, and others still counting. He has paid hospital bills to countless number of persons.

    Fr Ochang is one of the priests who identifies young people in his place of pastoral assignment, send them to school or to learn a trade.

    When you listen to him recite scriptural verses effortlessly at will, you will be tempted to assume that Fr Ochang is one of those that were inspired to write the scriptures.

    His melodious rendition during homilies/sermons connects his audience with God. A pathfinder and teacher of the gospel. He is an encyclopedia of grammar. If you want to listen to well structured and coordinated use of grammar in contexts, simply tell father not to speak grammar. No wonder, his brother priests nicknamed him “OCHANGISM”

    I encountered Fr Ochang on April 20th 2000. At which time he was still undergoing formation as a seminarian. I cannot forget in a hurry the aura of a good man. He is my friend, mentor, teacher, role model and above all, my spiritual guide. I’m very pleased in the priest he has become today.

    Fr has no room in his heart to harbour grudges. Quarrel with him today, if he sees you tomorrow he embraces you with smiles. He uses his open mindedness to disarm his enemies. While others may be busy speaking ill of Fr Ochang, he eulogies those who back stabs him.

    I wish this space will be enough to capture a true reflection of this trailblazing apostle of Christ, as his ministry has no doubt convinced many who encounters him without bias that Christ still live amongst us.

    Fr Ochang fights witchcraft branding and injustice. Community leaders who suppress their subjects will always have Ochang to contend with. Fr Ochang will make life unbearable for the leaders in that community to a point that such a community will take Fr reactions into consideration while taking decisions. He is fearless and speaks truth to power.

    My prayer for Fr Ochang daily is that God grant him the grace to see him face to face, having offered himself as an example of the living Christ.

    On this auspicious day of his 20th priestly anniversary, I wish him renewed strength, zeal, determination, the enablement and the auction to function as he continue to propagate the gospel of Christ to all ends of the earth. I wish him many fruitful years ahead, in his apostolic ministry.

    The Church in general and the Catholic diocese of Ogoja in particular is very pleased to have you as one of her pastors. The diocese is filled with echoes of your apostolic stewardship.

    I want to use this opportunity to request two things from all of you who will come across this piece.

    1. Join me in thanksgiving and pray for the ministry of Very Rev Fr Peter Abang Ochang, in his human frailty, kindly pray for and encourage him
    2. Make it a point of duty to support Fr Ochang to continue the good works he is doing in reaching out to the poor whenever you have the opportunity (You can do this by reaching out to the poor directly or send your contribution to Fr Ochang).

    My thoughts, goodwill and prayer is with you now and always.

    Once again, Congratulations and happy birth anniversary to you
    Comr. Elijah Ugani

  • Meet TheLumineNews Girl Of The Week, Blessing Alims

     

    Blessing Alims Iripia is a serial volunteer and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health facilitator (ASRH).

    Blessing hails from Gakem in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    She had served as a volunteer for both local and international organizations such as; Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI), Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), The Bridget Leadership Foundation,among others.

    Blessing is a passionate advocate for the rights of women and girls in Africa, and her work with women has been featured in local media blogs.

    Over the years, she has modelled for UNICEF posters and jingles.

    On account of her outstanding performance in the Female and More social impact fellowship, 2022, she was awarded a travel scholarship to Kigali, Rwanda, for a learning visit.

    Blessing Alims is the founder of “Walking in Her Shoes Africa”, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of girls and women by fostering access to skills training, quality and affordable education in Nigeria.
    She is passionate about service to humanity.

    Blessing is an undergraduate student of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Calabar, Calabar.

    Blessing is also skilled at making foot wears and loves to be addressed as “Alims-B, the shoemaker girl”.

    Blessing is motivated when her set goals are achieved.

    Her philosophy is that “The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried. Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying”.

    Blessing likes traveling, reading, singing, craftwork and dislike pride and arrogance.

    You can follow Blessing on:
    Facebook : Blessing Alims
    Instagram: blessingalims
    Twitter: blessing_alims
    LinkedIn: Blessing Alims

  • MARCO Alumni Global Association Announces Death Of The First And Oldest Non Teaching Staff

    Pa Moses Njadani , aka Pa Moz Passes On

    Marco Alumni Global Association is deeply saddened to announce the death of Mr Moses Njadani, aka Pa Moz, the first and oldest non-teaching staff of Mary Knoll College, Okuku-Yala.

    Pa Moses, who was Marco Chief Cook passed on at the early hours of today 31st July, 2023.

    Joining Mary Knoll College in 1953, he carved a niche for himself and was recognized as a legendary cook. He was a treasured and beloved staff, colleague and friend to so very many who crossed his paths at Mary Knoll College.

    As Chief Cook, no one prayed to miss his charming, sumptuous and most delicious meals at the refectory. He fed the students beginning from 1953 till when he left the services of our Alma Mata due to old age.

    Burial arrangements will be announced by the immediate family.

    He will be greatly missed.

    May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.

    Ogar Solomon Ogar
    National Publicity Secretary.
    Marco Alumni Global Association

  • Ayade Loses First Round As Tribunal Rules Against Tendering Materials, Documents Outside Original Statement Of Witnesses

    Dominic OKOH, Calabar

    After what could be described as legal fireworks between Counsels to Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Mba Ukweni, SAN, and former Governor Ben Ayade, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, at the ongoing National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Calabar, the chairman of the 3-man panel, Justice M. A. Sambo, ruled against witnesses’ moves to tender documents and materials that are not contained in deposed statement.

    Hearings began on Monday on the petition with Suit No. EPT/CR/SEN/02/2023 and Ayade had presented evidence from 310 polling units where he alleged there were electoral discrepancies during the February 25, 2023, election to open up his case.

    Ozekhome, the lead counsel had opened his case presenting over 700 documents and four witnesses so far. In presenting two of the principal witnesses from Bekwarra local government area, he had pleaded that they (the witnesses) be allowed to identify the Voters Register as part of the evidence to prove their case of alleged election malpractice.

    In arguing his case, the counsel to Ayade cited some authourities empowering him to present the documents and materials for identification by the witnesses to buttress their defense.

    But the counsel to Jarigbe, Mba Ukweni, objected vehemently citing some relevant authorities why the Tribunal should not allow such in judicial processes of this magnitude, saying it would amount to abuse of rules of due process.

    After listening to both parties on the matter, the chairman of the panel, Justice M. A. Sambo, ruled against witnesses’ moves to plead or identify documents not deposed in the earlier statement.

    According to him, any fact not pleaded by the witness or document not refereed to at the earlier statement, cannot also be identified or tendered by the same witness from the witness box during examination. He said the panel had not seen anything that would make them depart from the point of law. Other members of the Tribunal are C. Akabua and J. Zululu.

    Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, counsel to Ben Ayade, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, said: “We have tendered INEC documents and so many voter registers that showed there were some imperfections. We have called four witnesses so far to speak to theses documents. But two of them were prevented from identifying their very polling unit result registers after the witnesses have said they are from that polling units.

    “They have also mentioned registers, BVAS and voters. The only thing they said they did not do is that they should have said voters register. And the law is that pleadings are not evidence. It is evidence that cause the flesh that energises or enables pleadings.

    “We believe the ruling was wrong and we are going to challenge it in our final written addresses because a witness of a polling unit was made not to identify the documents and the Tribunal said no you cannot identify them even when it has been tendered. We shall test that.”

    Hailing the ruling, counsel to Senator Jarigbe, Mba Ukweni, SAN, said the matter is progressing and they have called for witnesses and have finished tendering over 700 documents just as his team has cross-examined and would continue to do so till they are done.

    On the issue of Ozekhome insisting on challenging the Tribunal ruling against allowing witnesses to identify their tendered documents, he said: “We are happy for that and we even offered that he asks for stay of proceedings. We would not oppose it. We would encourage him to go on Appeal because it is by testing those decisions that we know the views of Appellate Court on those issues and it guides other lower courts.

    “The point is straight forward. The Tribunal had given it’s decision. The witnesses that were called did not refer to the documents and then the law had already stated very clearly that for you to identify a document from a witness box or tender a document from the witness box, you must have referred to it in your deposition.

    “It is similar to the rule of pleadings. If you don’t plead any fact, you cannot give evidence on it. So if a witness dis not refer to the document at the earlier statement, he cannot also identify the documents from the witness box or tender it even in normal civil procedure. That is the rule.”

  • When Angels Descend, They Shall Build Us A Country.. BY AGBA JALINGO

    When Angels Descend, They Shall Build Us A Country…

    Amongst all the 13 member States of the, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC, Nigeria remains the only member that imports more than 90 to 95 percent of refined petroleum products to meet its domestic consumption. No other OPEC member, including other African members like Gabon and war torn Libya, are in the same mess.

    But workers at the three government-owned refineries were paid a total of N127bn in year 2021 and 2022 in salaries and wages, even as the plants generated zero revenue as they did not process a single barrel of crude oil.

    The plants, which are located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri, have a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but have been in a state of disrepair for many years. Yet, they talk very little about how to fix the refineries. Even when they budget money for turn around maintenance, they still share it amongst themselves without retribution.

    The national oil company NNPC, in its monthly presentation to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 2023, said they made zero contribution to the federation revenue account in the month under review. But the audited accounts of the company shows that they spent N788.7 billion in 2021 and N648.6bn the previous year on salaries, entertainment and other costs.

    And for so long as our refineries remain comatose and we continue to import petrol, nurse no hope that the pump price of fuel will ever come down. As the Dollar exchange rate continues to escalate, so shall the cost of petrol continue to rise and I predict N1000 per liter before year end.

    And as the cost of petrol continues to rise to the relish of the intrepid exploiters, rents, food prices, school fees, medicals, clothing, transport cost and all others will also sky rocket. So learn how to manage your finances.

    Nothing is about to change. Those who run our country have no interest whatsoever in building this country. If any one of them say they do, then they have lied to you. This set of politicians cannot even maintain the infrastructure that the military that we vilify so much, managed to build, not to talk of building new ones. They can’t even build their party headquarters in decades. Their interest is not nation building. They are rogues. Very mean rogues without any iota of goodness.

    So manage your meagre finances with frugality. Nothing is about to change. Since Nigerians have decided to only pray instead of fighting those who are making their lives miserable everyday, let us all keep praying for that elusive country that angels will come and build for us someday.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Alifokpa, Yache Road Facilitated By Sen Jarigbe Agom Reaches Advance Stage

     

    Progress report on the ongoing construction of Alifokpa, Yache road in Yala LGA, Cross River State, facilitated by senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, has reached advance stage.

    The lawmaker who is poised to see that the project is completed within the time frame insists that the job must be done according to specifications.

  • Respect Them: Those Girls From Poor Homes Who Jettison Transactional Sex For Legitimate Hustle! BY ADIE IKOR JR

    Respect them!

    Those girls from poor homes who jettison transactional sex for legitimate hustle!

    It has not being easy with them.

    With fine shapes and poor background

    They resist taking the easy route.

    Opting for legitimate hustle and decency

    At a time when glamour and grandeur have taken centre stage.

    A young girl, choosing to be a waiter at a hotel instead of a hooker at a motel.

    Earning about 50k in a month and watching her mates earn 7x that amount in a week.

    E not easy at all

    Watching a friend who you shared neighbourhood in the slums, moving into the heart of town courtesy of hooking up.

    Soon after she comes back with expensive toys and wears and rub them on your face

    In most cases, she comes and moves her parents and sibling out of poverty into the coziness of the city. And your parents will give you that look as if to say “see your mate”

    While you struggle and toil, they bubble and tour.

    And they will never stop taunting you. Some would say ” There is no difference between having sex with 36 men and having sex 36 times with one man”

    So they shade you for shunning transactional sex but sticking to a poor boyfriend and leaving you in deep thoughts.

    Most girls will throw in the towel. Others will trudge on and on.

    Then boom!!

    One day you scroll through Facebook and see her wedding pix going viral in the internet. She did hook up and hooked up a rich cute guy.

    You feel frustrated because you have stayed decent and true but no engagement ring in sight.

    You question yourself, and your creator.

    In your closet, you sob and whimper.

    My dear sister,

    Life no get manual

    But you have earned my respect. Whatever that means.

    You are a BRAVE girl.

    ©️Adie Ikor Jnr
    ✅ Pen Bandit
    🇳🇬🇳🇬 FCT

  • Gov Otu Begins Plans Towards Carnival Calabar 2023

    By Fred Abua, Esq

    Carnival Calabar an event that showcases the cultural heritage of Cross River State and Nigeria at large is 21 Years Old.

    The State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, recently received a team of Turkish Investors interested in investing in the Carnival Calabar. The Governor said “after 20 years, Carnival Calabar, like any other longstanding investment was due for rejigging, relaunching and reimagining .”

    The Turkish team of investors which met separately with the Governor and the Deputy Governor went on an inspection tour of the 12km Carnival Route with the Chairman of the Tourism and Culture Cluster of the Transition Committee, Mr. Gabe Onah, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development, Mrs. Eme Afiah. The group was accompanied by the Director of Tourism, Mr. Ekpenyong Ojoi, Mr. Thomas Ikpeme, Mr. Mathias Amgba, amongst others.

    The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who later received the visiting team in his office in the company of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem and the Member representing Akamkpa 2 State Constituency, Hon. Linus Etim, said Calabar Carnival was the most colorful in the world comparable only to that of Brazil.

    Hon. Odey assured the Turkish team of their security and the Governor’s commitment to ensuring that Cross River regains her place as Number 1 Tourism Destination in Nigeria.

    He said Cross River State was the most welcoming group of people in the world while eulogizing the Head of the Culture and Tourism Cluster, Mr. Gabe Onah who had sold the Carnival to the world and led the brand for more than 16 years.

    Agreeing with the earlier position of the Governor, Hon. Odey said it was time to move the Carnival Calabar brand from its routine to the next level and expressed faith that the partnership would ensure that the 2023 carnival is the best ever.

    Speaking at the event, Mr. Gabe Onah, presented the team from GL Events who he said were in Calabar to introduce the hidden areas that will make the brand self-sustaining to achieve its primary objectives and opined that after 21 years, Carnival Calabar had come of age. He expressed confidence in GL Events who had organized global events including the African Nations Cup.

    He said carnival bands were private sector-driven and ought to be self-sponsoring; this innovation will ensure that the bands stop depending on Government.

    Accompanied by Mr Ikechi Uko , the consultant to the international carnival , Ms Umran Alinak and Seda Diker, representatives of GL Events said they had come to Calabar to inspect and tell the story of Carnival Calabar by themselves. They added that a larger team would return to Calabar by September to prepare for the Carnival in December.

    Diker promised that their group was ready to make Carnival Calabar global having organized events like the world cup and the likes of the Super Ball.

    In his comments , the organizer of Akwaba Africa Travel Market , Mr Ikechi Uko observed that, from all indications, Carnival Calabar 2023 has the potential to maintain her lead as the foremost cultural event in Nigeria after Afrobeat and Nollywood to open up Nigeria in positive ways beyond Africa to the whole world.

     

  • Akpanke Calls For End To Conflict Arising From OBO Federal Constituency Election

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke has called on both his supporters and that of his friend, Hon Legor Idagbo, his predecessor to let go the conflict that arose from the election that gave him the opportunity to serve.

    Akpanke made the call during a thanksgiving mass organized by the Idagbo family at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ikot Ansa, Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    Speaking during the event, Akpanke noted that
    “Legor has always been there for me, even when I call him at midnight, he still takes my calls and puts me through. If you are my Supporter and you are having issues with Legor or his supporters I will advise that you let it go because I and Legor are not quarrelling. On the other hand, if you are Legor’s supporter and you have issues with me or any of my supporters, please let it die because me and Legor are not fighting, we are brothers, and party affiliation will not separate us”

    Akpanke expressed deep admiration for his predecessor, Hon Legor Idagbo, and lauded him for his maturity and display of affection.

    He extolled Idagbo’s noteworthy contributions to the political landscape of Cross River State, and recounted unprecedented approach he brought to politics. “My friend graciously called to congratulate me after the election results were announced, pledging not to pursue legal action, a promise he kept”.

    Akpanke used the opportunity to express appreciation for Idagbo’s unwavering support since assumption of office as the new Member of Parliament for the Federal Constituency, noting that Legor Idagbo has consistently offered guidance and assistance whenever needed.

    On his part, Hon Legor Idagbo, reflected on his political journey, and expressed gratitude to God having provided him with numerous opportunities to serve the people. The Idagbo’s used the thanksgiving to acknowledge God’s blessings for his younger brother, who marks 18th priestly anniversary in the Lord’s vineyard.

    The homilist, Rev. Father Bob Emmanuel urged the congregation to practice forgiveness, as God continually forgives their own trespasses.