The Lumine News

Author: News

  • 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.

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    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.

  • Akung Adie’s Family Releases Funeral Arrangement Of Matriarch, Late Mrs Grace Elima Akung Adie

     

    The family of Mr Akung Adie of Ejakpe, Ukwutia – Utugwang, Obudu Local Government Area, is set to lay to rest her matriarch, late Mrs Grace Elima Akung Adie.

    A released made available to TheLumineNews and signed by Mr Adie Sunday Ekunke, for the family indicates that, Friday 15th April, 2023, body leaves University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), for Obudu and lying in state and wake keep at Mr Adie Ereh’s compound, Ejakpe – Ukwutia, Utugwang, Obudu Local Government Area.

    Funeral service will be held at St Peter’s Catholic Church, Ukwutia – Utugwang, Obudu Local Government Area, while internment and reception will be at Mr Adie Ereh’s compound on Saturday, 15th April, 2023.

  • If We Can Live Like Jesus Only For This Week Alone, He Will Exalt Us To A Position Of Promise As We Prepare To Celebrate His Resurrection BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    WELCOME TO HOLY WEEK
    JESUS IS OUR GREAT EXAMPLE

    Welcome to the week that challenges us to live up to the expectations of our faith. Welcome to the week where Jesus is the focus and the rest of us are called to follow and imitate. This is what Jesus did for us

    1. He was humble: Jesus already existed in his divine nature before he became man. Yet, he accepted to become the most despised of men, a slave whom the Romans put to shame and condemned to a humiliating death on a Cross (Phil 2:6-11). The apostle Paul was advising the Philippians. not to be empty boasters but to “do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those off others” (3-4). What is your attitude when people despise or insult you even when you don’t deserve it?

    2. He accepted suffering: Jesus was well aware that he would not be allowed to carry out his mission in peace; that he will meet with strong opposition, insults and even physical violence. They will spit on his face, beat him up, torture and scourge him. Yet, he still wanted to carry out his mission because it was not to man that he owed allegiance but to God Almighty. What is your attitude in the face of your sufferings or sickness or death of a loved one?

    3. He shunned violence: Matthew tells us what Jesus said to Peter when he tried to defend him with his sword. “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt. 26:52). Many people today experience violence by inciting others to mob action or by provoking them through acts of terrorism, kidnapping, murder, election voilence, etc. What is your attitude when you are provoked into such a fight or to start a quarrel with someone?

    If we can live like Jesus only for this week alone, He will exalt us to a position of promise as we prepare to celebrate his resurrection.

    Welcome to Holy Week!

  • Cross River Guber Polls: Sandy Onor To Seek Legal Redress

  • Sandy Onor Remains The Candidate Of PDP In Tomorrow’s Election

     

    Senator Sandy Onor remains the proud and worthy candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Cross River State for tomorrow’s Governorship election.

    The public is advised to take every information coming from the APC with circumspection especially in these desperate days for the party.

    A party and government that began with high powered lies is determined to finish strong on lies and should be robustly rebuffed by our long suffering compatriots.

    The PDP and his teeming supporters across the state remain proud of his sterling qualities and pedigree and are rearing to go for tomorrow’s polls.

    We have observed that from the day Mr Peter Obi and the Obedient Movement decided to work with the PDP to democratically elect Senator Onor as Governor, the APC has been unable to find sleep at night and have returned to their well known track record of telling lies as state and party policy.

    Caterpillar Media

  • Begiaba Community Association Endorses Sen Sandy Onor

     

    Begiaba Community Association, Abuja branch, has endorsed Prof Sen Sandy Ojang Onor as governor of cross river state in the forth coming elections scheduled for Saturday, March 18, 2023.

    The Group, which rose from its Extra Ordinary General Meeting on Sunday, noted that it has followed closely the campaigns of the various political parties and their candidates and has come to the conclusion that the best option for the state at this moment is Sen Sandy Onor.

    It noted that over the last eight years, cross river state has witnessed a decline in all major development indices due to poor governance and misplaced priorities. The state therefore need a governor with the right pedigree, a proper grasp of the challenges facing the state and the boldness to take tough decisions.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Godfrey Ashaka, the Association noted that from all available evidence, Sen Sandy Onor has the requisite experience, knowledge and capacity to lead the state and return it to its glorious days.

    They called on all chapters across the country to align with its position and advice their members to return home ahead of the election to work and mobilize support for the PDP candidate, Sen Sandy Onor, who enjoys wide acceptance across the state due to his good record in public office at various levels.

    The Association appealed to security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure a free and fair election come Saturday so that the peoples votes will count.

    Signed:

    ASHAKA Godfrey
    Chairman

    Udie Michael
    Gen Secretary