The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Deputy Governor Pledges Youth Inclusion In Government

    By Fred Abua

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has assured members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, of the administration’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance. During the visit which held in his office on Wednesday, July 12th, 2023, Hon. Odey emphasized that although the administration might not appoint a large number of individuals to office, its agricultural programs would positively impact a significant portion of the state’s population.

    Hon. Odey expressed the view that young people should position themselves for leadership as a good number of youths will take up key positions in the Government, stating that young people like Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and Dr. Betta Edu who both hold national positions were propelled into the limelight when they distinguished themselves while holding executive positions in Cross River State as youths.

    Expressing his commitment to the group, the Deputy Governor assured them that their constituency would receive due attention during the current administration. He also lamented the prevalence of election petitions and shared his personal experiences of facing defeat in previous elections. Each setback, he emphasized, became an opportunity to regroup and re-strategize.

    Hon. Odey revealed to the group that he gave early support for the “Back-To-South” campaign unaware at the time that he would eventually be chosen as the Deputy Governor. He assured the youths of his intention to extend similar support to other zones when their time comes.

    Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Dan Obo, who led the delegation reiterated the support of his group, stating that the youths had supported the “Back to South” agenda and were now poised to support the “Back to Us” agenda which aims to place more young individuals in prominent government positions

    The Speaker of the Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Victor Kijuo, and the Chairman of the State Advisory Council, Comrade Ndiyo Ndiyo, expressed their satisfaction with having a youth serving as the Deputy Governor of Cross River State. They expressed their gratitude and pledged to continue seeking the Deputy Governor’s guidance. They emphasized that while election success is significant, the true measure of achievement lies in the actions and accomplishments during the government’s tenure.

    The event, which was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youths and Skills Acquisition, Dr. Sam Egbala, featured the singing of the solidarity song “Aluta” and the presentation of an award by the National Youth Council of Nigeria.

  • Ayade’s Approval: Due Process Was Rigorous, Water Tight, Egbelo Replies Ogbeche 

    Ayade’s Approval Due Process Was Rigorous, Water Tight

    Our attention has been drawn to an online publication purportedly authored by Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, the press Secretary to Gov. Bassey Otu

    We want to state categorically that under Governor Ben Ayade, at no time was any government approval granted via whatsapp or any social media channel as opined by Mr. Ogbeche

    Appointees of the Ayade administration are still alive and can bear testimony to the rigorous procedure of securing government approvals.

    Every approval, including major land allocations, compulsorily passed through the scrutiny of the Executive Council, Due Process and Audit before getting to the final nod of Governor Ayade.

    Former Governor Ayade and Gov. Otu share a very cordial relationship that has lasted for years, dating back to their years as lawmakers in the National Assembly.

    It is important for Mr. Ogbeche and his co-travellers to note that such statement will be misinterpreted as a rift between Gov. Otu and his immediate predecessor,  His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade.

    We are not unaware of Mr. Ogbeche’s long standing romance with the PDP, therefore, it is now imperative to state emphatically that Mr. Ogbeche is a PDP agent sent to cause disaffection among members of the APC in Cross River State.

    We advise Ogbeche to thread carefully and respect the existing peace and harmony amongst members of the APC family in Cross River State

    Governor Ayade gave his all to ensure Gov. Bassey Otu emerged victorious in the last gubernatorial election, so, Mr. Ogbeche is a beneficiary of Gov. Ayade’s wise decision and shouldn’t be acting like a fifth columnist.

    The APC family in Cross River State remains one indivisible family.

    Egbelo Edward N.
    For Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade Media

  • Under Ayade, Govt Approvals Were Done Via Whatsapp – Ogbeche

     

    Emmanuel Ogbeche, the spokesperson to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, said the new administration inherited a “rundown” state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the spokesperson stated this when he spoke with the members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, in Calabar on Monday.

    Mr. Ogbeche stressed that the state was “badly rundown” and that it would require the support and collaboration of all to put things in order.

    He, however, said Governor Otu is up to the task of turning things around.

    According to him, “Otu inherited a rundown state. It was badly rundown… There is no record of anything; approvals were given on WhatsApp messages.

    “It will require a lot to turn the state around, and thank God we have a capable and listening governor ready to provide the needed leadership.”

    Speaking further, Mr. Ogbeche solicited the NUJ’s support for the governor while promising that the governor would support the union.

    He said he is ready to give his all to justify the governor’s confidence.

    “This is a job I never lobbied for or didn’t make any call nor contact anyone to secure the job.

    “The job found me with God’s grace, and I am ready to do everything to justify that confidence reposed on me by the governor.

    “As a member of the union and the immediate past chairman of Abuja council, I will ensure a robust relationship between the governor and the media practitioners in the state,” he stated.

    The Chairperson of the NUJ in the state, Nsa Gill, congratulated Mr. Ogbeche on his appointment and promised that members of the union in the state would work to ensure he succeeds in his new office.

  • Hope Returns To Ukelle As Abandoned Road Facilitated By Jarigbe Reaches Advance Level

     

    There was joy on the faces of the rural dwellers as the North Ukelle Road construction reaches advance level, courtesy of the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS.

    Senator Jarigbe took this steps in fulfilling his promise made to the good people of Ukelle North on the 13th of January, 2023 where he announced to residents of the affected communities that the sum of N10 billiion has been approved for the road construction in the 2022 Supplimentary budget.

    The lawmaker has expressed optimism that when all the roads under construction are fully completed, there would be greater access to the agrarian treasures of the Senatorial District and more opportunities would be open thereafter.

    He further noted that, his time in office is symbolically opening the entire Senatorial District for accelerated growth and development, as the road connects both Cross River and Benue States.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Goodwin Offiono Moves Motion To Stop Illegal Deductions By Commercial Banks 

     

    The Member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives today, sponsored a motion on the floor of the house on the need to stop excess charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks in Nigeria.

    In his motion, Offiono accused commercial banks of causing hardship to customers through excess charges and illegal deductions, adding that the banks also charge outrageous interest rates on loans.

    He noted that the banks violate the Central Bank /Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) guideline with the arbitrary charges.

    “The creation of charges not recognized in the Central Bank guide to Bank charges is a common practice by Commercial Banks,” he said.

    He also raised concerns about “the wrong application of maintenance fees, banks overcharging maintenance fees, the inclusion of transactions exempted from maintenance charge, loan liquidation and bank-induced transactions amongst others.”

    Following the motion by Hon. Offiono, the House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the practice of excess charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks in Nigeria.

    The lawmakers resolved to mandate the Committee on Banking and Currency (when constituted) to investigate the issue of excess charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks in Nigeria and report back within four (4) weeks for further action.

    The House also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance (when constituted) to ensure implementation.

    GOFFIO MEDIA.

  • Odey Commends World Bank Funded APPEALS Project

    By Ukongikwen Adie

    The World Bank Agro Processing, Productivity, Enhancement and Livelihood improvement Support Project (APPEALS PROJECT) made up of the Task Team Leader, Mr. Manievel Sene, the National Project Coordinator, Mohammed Sani Jobdi, the State Project Coordinator Mr Marcel Agim and other high ranking officers called on the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Prince Bassey Otu, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.

    Speaking during the visit, Hon Peter Odey first appreciated the APPEALS Project leader and his team for the support given Cross River State. He conveyed the Governor’s commitment towards the project while assuring the team that they will continue to get the needed support because part of their mission is to commission the projects within the administration’s 100 days in office.

    Odey stated that having worked at the United Nations Development Programme, he is conversant with how donor- funded projects work. He assured the team that he will strive to see that Cross Riverians are not left behind. He added that as head of the State Steering Committee, he will go further to identify those contractors delaying the projects in order to give them the needed push to ensure that they deliver.

    Earlier, the Task Team Leader, Mr. Manievel Sene, thanked the governor for the support the project has received, while appealing for more support so that the projects can be completed early in August otherwise the funds will have to be returned to the World Bank and the opportunity for more funding will be lost.

    Also speaking, the National Project Coordinator Mohammed Sani Jobdi, thanked Sen Bassey Otu, for his timely intervention which will go a long way to add value to the the lives of Cross Riverians.

    On his part, the State Coordinator, Mr. Marcel Agim, said the project has done well so far with the efforts of the National office and Directors from the respective Federal Ministries who have done a lot to support the project. He added that since the assumption of the present administration, there has been very significant improvement and plenty of jubilation since His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu directed that the restrictions on the project accounts be removed. He solicited the that the zeal he has shown should be sustained in the few months left to enable the APPEALS Project finished strong.

    He said many Cross Riverians can now afford their daily meals and send their children to school because of farms and agric businesses that they have. They have also become entrepreneurs because the APPEALS Project assisted in registering their companies.

    Others present during the visit are: Chidozie Onyedikachi, Mrs Eucharia Nonye Osakwe (Financial Management Specialist)
    Dr. Salisu Garba (Project Operations Manager) Jummai Hashima (National Projects Accountant) and Alhaji Bukar Mussa (Director PCU-FMARD)

  • Abandoned Obudu Dam Project: Peter Akpanke Makes Case For His Constituency

     

    The Member representing Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwarra Federal Constituency, Hon. Peter Akpanke, has called on his colleagues to look into the abandoned delapidated Obudu Dam Project.

    According to the MP, the Obudu Dam resort is a facility that not only supplies water to over 60,000 people in its vicinity but also offers recreational activities. Unfortunately, the resort was flooded in 2005, prompting the Cross River State Government to secure funding from the International Development Agency (IDA) for its rehabilitation.

    Hon. Akpanke emphasized that restoring the dam would have multiple benefits, including facilitating irrigation on approximately 100 hectares of agricultural land, boosting fisheries, and promoting tourism in the northern part of the state.

    The motion which was sponsored by Hon. Akpanke, followed the recent assessment of the facility during a needs assessment tour of the federal constituency, and was seconded by Hon. Umar Usman Ajilo, representing Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency.

    The House mandated the committee on water resources (When constituted) to investigate why the contracts where abandoned and report back to the house within four weeks for further legislative actions.

    Awade Friday
    SSA Media and Publicity to Hon. Peter Akpanke.

  • What If The Mirror Is Lying To You? BY AGBA JALINGO

    What If The Mirror Is Lying To You?

     

    The mirror has numerous uses but the most common use of a mirror is looking at it to view a reflection of our image while we are at personal grooming. So most human beings in the world including the remotest hamlets, possess mirrors. There are even other mammals that consciously enjoy and relish a reflection of their images in a mirror.

    Looking at our image in a mirror swells our confidence more than a perfect description of our look by someone looking at us. We trust the image in the mirror more than the one in another’s eye. That’s because we are erroneously used to thinking we are seeing ourselves in the mirror as others see us in real life.

    Human images are not exactly symmetrical and the mirror only serves the purpose of a surface for throwing back our image, being incapable of absorbing it. So our reflection from that surface has its left and right backwards. Our reflection from the mirror is inverted. Let me explain, if you stand in front of a mirror and carry up your right hand, it will appear on the left side in the mirror.

    Similarly, if you open a book now, you can read the prints just perfectly? Go stand in front of a mirror while holding that same book and let the pages reflect in the mirror; then it will become difficult to read the reflection of the prints fluently. That is how your reflection looks different from you.

    Technology has further empowered the will and means to tamper with reflection. With modern cameras, lenses and even AI, our reflection can be tampered with, to suit desire. These days, we hear statements like, “he or she does not look in real life like what I saw in the picture or video.”

    It is congenitally desirable for most humans to see ourselves through other eyes, be it a mirror, a camera lens or a human retina. We seek perpetually to know how we look and how we are perceived by others. Our panting about external opinion of us, is compulsive. Yet, not one person who ever lived was able to behold a true reflection of his or her image. At best, we have only approximated in order to satiate an innate desire. Seeing our true reflection will remain illusory and out of grasp, not because it is not attainable but because truly truly, we all are a reflection of one God, whose image none has ever or will ever see.

    In a nutshell, it is the mirrors, the lenses, the human eyes and all such surfaces that reflect us, that show us the differences, the divisions and the clefts in mankind. It is them that divide us. It is them that give us the “we and them” mentality. Yet we cannot abandon them. We cannot live without them. We cannot afford to be blind to the reflection in the mirror. No we can’t! But if only we look more keenly, we may see that the mirror has been lying to us. It has never shown us the full picture.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Hope Francis Idika Challenges The Declaration Of Kichi-Akwo Godsgift As UNICAL SUG President Elect

    Miss Idika, Hope Francis, 1st runner up in the just concluded SUG Presidential Election has written to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, UNICAL challenging the declaration of Sen. Kichi-Akwo God’sgift as President Elect of the Students’ Union Government, SUG by the Calabar University Electoral Commission, CUECO.

    According to her petition, the president elect at the time of election, was not qualified to contest the election based on the provision of section 49 (4) of the SUG constitution as his current CGPA falls below the 3.50 required by law.

    She prayed that;

    1. An order to the effect that a planned inauguration and swearing in ceremony of Sen. Kichi-Akwo Godsgift as the SUG president should be cancelled.

    2. That it be determined that all votes recorded for Sen. Kichi-Akwo Godsgift are wasted votes owing to his ineligibility. (which automatically makes her the winner of the presidential election for being the 1st runner up)

    3. That it be determined that in the basis of the above grounds, the petitioner scored the majority of lawful votes cast at the election and therefore satisfied the requirements to be declared the winner of the SUG Election.

    ALTERNATIVE TO 3 ABOVE

    An order cancelling the election and compelling the Calabar University Electoral Commission (CUECO) to conduct a fresh election at which Sen. Kichi-Akwo Godsgift shall not participate.

    Credit: Calabar Blog 

  • Peter Odey Pledges Government Response To The Needs Of Ukelle Nation

    By Charity Ohotu

    The Cross River State Deputy Governor, Hon Peter Odey has pledged government’s commitment to respond to the needs of Ukelle Nation.

    The Deputy Governor made the pledge in his office when the leadership of Ukelle paid him a courtesy visit.

    Hon Odey acknowledge the concerns of the Ukelle people for infrastructural development in the area and sued for unity and cooperation.

    He pledged Sen Bassey Otu’s commitment to the plight of Ukelle Nation and will respond positively to their needs.

    Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Rt. Hon Ogana Lukpata, noted that it was necessary that Ukelle nation identifies with the Deputy Governor having been elevated to the position of Deputy Governor. He Reminisced on the long term relationship and bond that has existed between them and held that the time to strengthen the bond is now more than ever.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Julius Okputu, PhD, noted that Ukelle Nation had suffered infrastructural decay in the past and use the opportunity to call on the Deputy Governor to rise to the challenge to give hope to Ukelle Nation.

    Okputu held that the guiding light of righteousness, justice, truth and love should guide the decisions that this government will make for the benefit of the people.