The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • The Agitations Of Nigerians Are Genuine, But One Year Is Not Enough To Fix The Economy – Akpanke

    The Agitations Of Nigerians Are Genuine, But One Year Is Not Enough To Fix The Economy – Akpanke

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Member representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Chief Hon Peter Akpanke, agreed that the agitations of Nigerians are genuine but that one year is not enough to fix the economy.

    The lawmaker made this known while addressing his Constituents at Animal Junction in Obudu LGA, after his early morning walkout from Obanliku to Obudu with his constituents constituents.

    According to the Member of Parliament, “The agitations of Nigerians are genuine, but one year is not enough for the current administration to fix the economy.

    “Please my dear Constituents, I appeal that we give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sen Prince Bassey Otu and others in Government more time to work on the demands made by Nigerians ” Hon Akpanke appealed.

    Akpanke who commended his Constituents for not joining the ongoing Nationwide protest, assured the people of government’s commitment to deliver dividends of democracy and support at all levels.

    Akpanke believes that with the support of the masses, things will change for a brighter future of the country.

    Hon. Akpanke used the opportunity and commended his Constituents for joining him in the walkout and promised to serve the constituency with unwavering dedication.

  • Let Us Support Advancement Of People’s First Agenda Of Gov. Otu – Okputu

    Let Us Support Advancement Of People’s First Agenda Of Gov. Otu – Okputu

    Let Us Support Advancement of People’s First Agenda of Gov. Otu – Okputu

    A member of the State Policy Advisory Committee, Dr Julius Okputu, has advocated for support from all and sundry towards governor Otu’s people centered development agenda in the state.

    In a chat with newsmen on Wednesday, he affirmed that, “a very close scrutiny of the Governor’s development strides within one year clearly reveals a determination to restore a glorious past, that which the locusts have eaten within a humanitarian agenda”.

    According to Dr Okputu, the most audaciously bold from very genuine emotions is ” the setting aside the sum of Ten Billion Naira to clear arears of gratuity from 2014.

    While highlighting new heights under the present administration within one year in office include;

    Construction of near impassable roads across the state, the Yahe-Wanokom-Wanikade- Wanihem Benue Border Road

    The forgotten Oban Nsan Road in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

    The Adiabo Road in Odukpani Local Government, restoration of the aesthetics of Calabar, Street lights and cimplete rehabilitation/ reconstruction of roads in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South.

    Back to the North, construction of 17km internal roads in Ogoja, the Alifokpa road and Akreha Bridge, Mkpani Agoi and othe roads in the Central for commencement of work. Rehabilitation and restoration o Government buildings and other facilities.

    The policy thrust of the Governor’s development agenda has a Grassroots bias with intentions that are clearly noble. “Let us pray and support the Governor’s resolve to restore our Tourism flagships: the Obudu Mountain Resort, TINAPA, upgrading and effective utilisation of the Calabar International Conference facility”, he said.

  • C’River SA On Content Development Dissuades Youths From Participating In The Planned Protest

    C’River SA On Content Development Dissuades Youths From Participating In The Planned Protest

    By TheLumine Admin 

    The Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor, Ambassador Calab Awatt, has called on youths of the state to stay off the nation wide protest billed to commence on the 1st of August, 2024.

    The SA made this known in Calabar while addressing a section of youths who paid him a courtesy visit at his residence.

    Mr Awatt expressed empathy towards the state of our nation’s economy, and noted that protest ordinarily should not be viewed as a problem but that the biggest issue will be hijacking the whole process.

    The SA who previously was the Speaker of The APC Youth Parliament (1st Assembly) analyzed the ENDSARS protest which culminated into destruction of properties, theft, lost of lives and numerous ill-fated behaviors from most protesters, appealed to youths to desist from joining the protest.

    He further cited another instance where the popular state owned newspaper corporation is yet to be revitalized, the then State library currently undergoing serious revamp and millions of naira already being sunk in to ensure it is fully revitalized to commence operation. He opined that such expenditure would go a long way to address needs in other grey areas such as human capital development, empowerment, etc.

    Finally, he advised the youths in a general spectrum to shun irrational, uncalculated and politically driven form of protest and reassured them the readiness of the current administration to continually deliver dividends of democracy as a benchmark for THE SEASON OF SWEETNESS.

  • C’River State Continues The Distribution Of FG’s Palliatives

    C’River State Continues The Distribution Of FG’s Palliatives

     

    The Cross River State Government through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has continued the distribution of 42 metric tons of grains received from the Federal Government as part of President Tinubu’s Food Security Programme to cushion the effect of the recent subsidy removal on Nigerians.

    Speaking at the presentation of food items (grains) to representatives from Cross River State Northern Senatorial District for onward distribution to the Five LGAs and 54 wards in the district, the Director-General of SEMA, Hon. Apostle James Anam intimated that the distribution exercise in the state was formally flagged-off by the Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, on July, 13th, 2024, at the agency’s premises in Calabar.

    According to the DG, so far, several groups like the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE), Traditional Institution, National Association of Cross River State Students World-Wide (NACRISS-WW), Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs), Pensioners, Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, among others, have taken delivery of the grains on behalf of their groups from the inception of the distribution exercise.

    In ensuring that rural dwellers and other residents’ benefits from the food security programme of the Federal Government and in line with the People First Mantra of the Governor of ensuring fair distribution of the grains, Hon. Anam said the agency has set-up three centres and supervisory team per senatorial district and local government level to monitor the distribution exercise across the 18 LGA and 196 wards of the state.
    On Monday, 22nd July, the Northern Senatorial Committee Distribution Committee that includes members of the House of Assembly, Commissioners and Community Relation Officers from the zone, at Ogoja LGA, took delivery of trucks of items. He intimated that the Central Senatorial District and Southern Senatorial District will take delivery of their items at Ikom and Calabar on Wednesday and Friday respectively.

    He commended Governor Bassey Otu for his commitment and unwavering support for the exercise especially in the area of logistics, describing him as one who prioritizes the welfare of his people. He passionately admonished the stakeholders and the supervisory team to be transparent and also adhere to the agreed template to promote fairness and equitable distribution and hence that food items get to those who actually needs them.

    Speaking more, the DG said, “time for politics is over, now is time for governance”. He called on ward leaders and stakeholders as well as members of the distribution committee to ensure that food items is shared beyond party lines.

    He expressed the hope that more items will be sent to the state by the federal government and appeal to those who are yet to benefit to give the agency some time as they would be reached.

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom, Others Inaugurated As Governing Council Of NILDS

    Sen Jarigbe Agom, Others Inaugurated As Governing Council Of NILDS

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, on Monday was inaugurated as Board Member of the 10th National Assembly Members of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) Governing Council, representing the South South geo-political zone.

    The inauguration, marking the first NILDS Governing Council meeting held at the Institute’s state-of-the-art permanent site, was attended by the President of the Senate and Chairman of the Institution, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Alternate Chairman of the Governing Council and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D alongside other members of the Council and Prof. Abubakar O. Suleiman, DG NILDS and Secretary to the Council.

    During his remarks, Senator Jarigbe emphasized the need for the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to continue to strengthen the National Assembly and other legislative institutions in Nigeria.

    According to him, NILDS is the research and academic arm of the National Assembly, which offers certificates, diplomas, degrees, and post-graduate degrees in various programmes in affiliation with some universities hence, deserves utmost attention and priority which the Council will offer the institution.

    The 17- member board of the Institute has the President of the Senate as Chairman, Speaker of the House of Representatives as Alternate Chairman and the Director General of the Institution as Secretary of the Board.

     

  • Cyberstalking: Foremost Abuja Lawyer, F. Baba Isa, Esq., Obtains Judgement Discharging And Acquitting Frontline Journalist Agba Jalingo

    Cyberstalking: Foremost Abuja Lawyer, F. Baba Isa, Esq., Obtains Judgement Discharging And Acquitting Frontline Journalist Agba Jalingo

     

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, agreeing with the arguments of Barrister F. Baba Isa, has discharged and acquitted frontline journalist Agba Jalingo on Cyberstalking offences preferred against him by the police. This charge was instigated by one Elizabeth Alami Ayade, the in-law of the former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade. Upon her complaint to the police, Agba Jalingo was arrested from his residence in Lagos and brought to Abuja were after detention in police custody he was arraigned at the Federal High Court.

    In CHARGE NO: FHC/ABJ/CR/565/2022, Commissioner of Police vs Agba Jalingo, dated the 6th of December, 2022 and filed on the 8th of December, 2022 the following two counts were preferred against the Defendant;

    COUNT 1
    That you Agba Jalingo male of No. 14 Oremeji Street, Ojudu Alapere Lagos on 30th June, 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did intentionally Published Online at Cross River Watch and alleged that one Mrs. Elizabeth Ayade procured the services of one Pascal Aboh to write Nigeria Law School Examination Bar Examination for her an information you know to be false for the purpose of causing her annoyance, ill will and insult. You thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 24 (1) b of CYBERCRIMES (PROTECTION, PREVENTION ETC) ACT, 2015.

    COUNT 2
    That you Agba Jalingo male of No 14 Oremeji Street, Ojudu Alapere Lagos on 30th June, 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did intentionally Published at your Facebook page known as Agba Jalingo that one Mrs Elizabeth Ayade procured the services of one Pascal Aboh to write Nigeria Law School Examination Bar Examination for her an information you know to be false for the purpose of causing her annoyance, ill will and insult. You thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 24(1) b of CYBERCRIMES (PROTECTION, PREVENTION ETC) ACT, 2015.

    To prove these counts beyond reasonable doubt, the Prosecution called three (3) witnesses, including Elizabeth Alami Ayade, the purported victim of the cyberstalking and tendered 9 documents.

    Speaking to journalist after his client was discharged and acquitted of all charges by Honourable Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja based lawyer, F. Baba Isa, said, “At the close of the prosecution case, we elected to enter a no-case submission, confident that the prosecution had failed to prove elements of the offence our client was charged with. I argued this in an over 40-page document, and the court in a well-considered ruling agreed with me and discharged and acquitted my client, bringing to a close a two-year stressful trial.”

    Efforts to reach the prosecution lawyer to find our if they will be appealing this decision of the Federal High were unfruitful as he did not take or return his calls.

  • C’River Deputy Governor Charges Youths To Be Models Of Society

    C’River Deputy Governor Charges Youths To Be Models Of Society

    Ukongikwen Adie

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Ph.D, has called on youths in Nigeria in general and Cross River State in particular to use their youthfulness to do great things for the society.

    Odey made this call in his office on Friday, 19th July, 2024, when a delegation of the National Youth Council (NYC) led by State Commissioner for Youth and Entrepreneurship, Barr.ljom Ukam, and the President of the National Youth Council (NYC), Ambassador Dokubo, paid a visit to his office.

    Rt. Hon. Odey gave the National Youth Council (NYC) leadership the assurances and support of the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, to ensure free and fair elections for offices in the State Chapter of the National Youth Council.

    Odey added that the State government is proud of the youths of Cross River State who are using their time and talents for the good of the nation as against those involved in kidnapping, violent demonstrations and other social vices.

    “We believe in encouraging the youth population. That is why there is a fair representation of the youth in the present administration”

    He charged them to ensure that the elections are free and fair, devoid of violence.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth, Barr. Ijom Ukam, who led the delegation, said the purpose of their visit was to update the Deputy Governor on the activities preceding and during the election into offices in the State Chapter of the National Youth Council.
    Barr. Ukam acknowledged that with the charge by the Deputy Governor and the assurances of support from the State government, the election will be hitch-free and the visions and ideals of the National Youth Council will be achieved in Cross River State.

    Also Speaking, the President of the National Youth Council, Ambassador Dokubo, reiterated the resolve of the leadership at the national level to ensure a free and fair election in the State. He called on all Nigerian youths to shun violence and explore diplomacy in channelling their grievances.

    Other government functionaries present during the visit were Dr. Erasmus Ekpang (Commissioner for lnformation), Dr. Chris Ojikpong (Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor), Barr. Don Claimz Enamhe, Mr Akiba (Senior Special Adviser Special Duties), Comrade Dan Obo (Outgoing Chairman, NYC-CRS) and other members of the National Youth Council, Cross River State Chapter.

  • Special Adviser Local Content Urges Industries In The State To Evolve Local Content Development Plan

    Special Adviser Local Content Urges Industries In The State To Evolve Local Content Development Plan

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Amb. Awatt Caleb Ekpenyong has raised public advocacy for industries in the state to evolve a local content development plan.

    Awatt stated that “such a plan should have certification of the local content office to give backing to economic needs of host communities and address issues of conflicts between industries and host communities over resource utilization”.

    The Special Adviser who raised the advocacy in Calabar when he visited Niger Mills Nigeria, observed that “while electronic projections are necessary, structural evidences suffices. The Local Content Development Plan  will build more confidence and transparency as industries desires to serve local communities”.

    The Special Adviser expressed joy at the level of progress recorded by the company explaining that the oversight became necessary to forge relations by the state local content office with the company.

    Mr Awatt who made the case for the employment of indigene of the state in the company promised to sustain existing relations between the two organizations.

    On his part, the legal Adviser,  Local Content Monitoring Regulatory and Enforcement Committee , Barrister Wilson Ajogbor said the state local content office is backed up by the Nigerian Content Development Act and commended Governor Bassey Otu for domesticating local content in the state.

    Speaking on the challenges facing implementation of local content in the state , Engineer Elvis Ntui called for employment of indigene of the state in skill , unskilled and managerial positions in industries in the state.

    Responding , the General Manager of Niger Mills Nigeria , Mr. Gregory Ehhemiken said the industry has successfully justified it’s corporate social responsibility over time to catchment communities.

    He thanked the committee for the visit and promised to work in close relationship with government through the office of the special Adviser on Local Content.

    Niger Mills PLC has pledged it’s willingness to cooperate with the state government in actualizing local content core values.
    Speaking in Calabar when he received in audience the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Amb . Awatt Caleb Ekpenyong and the 13 man Local Content Monitoring Regulatory and Enforcement Committee paid a working visit to the company, the GM expressed satisfaction at the urban renewal by the present administration in the state.

    “I’m happy over your visit. Niger Mills have a good track of corporate responsibilities to it’s catchment communities and the state . Henceforth , we will align with the local content office in the effort to build more public confidence in our activities. Thank you for the visit”.

  • Wife of Ayade’s Ex-Aide Seeks IGP’s Intervention Over Alleged Detention of Hubby By Gov Otu’s Security Adviser

    Wife of Ayade’s Ex-Aide Seeks IGP’s Intervention Over Alleged Detention of Hubby By Gov Otu’s Security Adviser

    Culled From Paradise News

    Wife of ex- Special Adviser to the Cross River State governor on Cocoa Development and Control, Mrs. Joy Ofuka, has charged the Inspector- General of Police, IGP, Kayoede Egbetokun, to wade into what she described as unlawful arrest and detention of her husband, Dr. Oscar Ofuka, by Gov. Otu’s State Security Adviser (SSA) Rtd. Maj. Gen. Okoi Obono.

    Ofuka’s wife gave the charge while reacting to detention of her husband, by the State Security Adviser to governor Otu in Calabar on Wednesday.

    Speaking in a telephone conversation with our Correspondent, Ofuka ‘s wife disappointment over what she described as use of political power to intimidate and oppress former aide to Gov. Ayade, stressing that no political office is occupied forever but as all would fade a way with passage of time.

    In her words, Ofuka’s wife said, “I still do not understand the gang up against my husband despite the effort which he sank to ensure that money owed cocoa landlords communities for sixteen years were paid.

    “I see this detention as a strategy to distract the ongoing court process to intimidate my husband so that allottees whose monies were used by the state government to defray the debt burden that was hanging on the government’s neck would come after my husband.

    “Let me state categorically clear that there was no dime paid into my husband’s private pocket instead all the money used by the state government to settle the cocoa landlords communities passed through the state government account through the smart gov. platform as authorized by the court’s consent judgment.

    “This is why I am calling on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD whom I am quite sure hates oppression, not to allow this evil perpetrated against my husband to continue.

    “Even though am not a lawyer, I know too well that once a matter is in court, no one is allowed to arrest someone, unfortunately, the reverse.

    “The harassment and intimidation by the State Security Adviser who is out to see my husband dead is unacceptable.

    “He cannot use his position to oppress my husband like that. What crime or treason did my commit, that you took him to Afi Army Barracks at Ikom local government area, whisked him to Akim Barracks and finally to Federal Housing police station and to Zone 6 Police Commands Calabar in less than 48 hours?

    “Is he a terrorist to be treated the way he was being mal-treated? These are questions that State Security Adviser needs to answer.

    “His kids and I are really traumatized. The entire family have been in serious pain since all these started.

    “We have not been able to sleep in the last three days. We are indeed so emotionally drained.

    “My husband has not siphon any money belonging to the state government, all the cash that accrued from lease of government cocoa farms were paid into Cross River State government’s account and not to his private pocket. So why the oppression and harassment?

    “Government they say is a continuum, what is the rational behind this arrest and detention?

    “Is it because they tried to evict the allottees that got farms through my husband and legitimately paid money into the coffers of the state government and at the same time and the plot by certain individuals to evict the allottees out from the farms failed following court injunction order?

    “I called on Cross Riverians, well-meaning Nigerians that my husband did no wrong, except for the fact that he was only an agent to the immediate past administration led by Prof. Ben Ayade.

    “To the best of my knowledge, money realized from lease of farms were money used by the immediate past administration to defray 16-years old debt that previous administrations owed the cocoa landlord communities as royalties for the land that the communities donated to state government to cultivate its cocoa estate.

    “First they interrupted the court processes, secondly they alleged that a worker who died in the estate was masterminded by Ofuka, the question how?

    “Why not allow the police to carry out a thorough and independent investigation? From what we gathered the deceased died in plot 59/64 which is a bid far away from the cocoa plot that concerned my husband.

    “Besides that, the master of the deceased can attest to the fact that my family do not have any problem with him, the cocoa plot which the master of the deceased work is not even in contention with my husband.

    “I urged the State Security Adviser whom I know has integrity not to hinder the ongoing investigation, but to allow the police to do their job by carrying out a thorough investigation without prejudice, rather than resorting to intimidate our family members.

    “What they are doing is a ploy to distract and scare off beneficiaries allottees that genuinely paid for farms so that they will be afraid to access the farms.

    “When a matter is in court, as law abiding citizen, we allow justice to take its course. It’s barbaric for anyone to begin to harass and intimidate one whom they are in court with.”

    However, the State Security Adviser, Rtd. Maj. Gen. Okoi Obono, who reacted to the allegations during a telephone call with our Correspondent, denied issuing any order for the arrest and detention of Ayade’s ex-aide Ofuka, stressing that the allegations were not true but lies.

    “I am not responsible for his arrest and detention,” he said.

  • Special Adviser, Local Content To Gov Otu, Organizes Essay Competition For Secondary Schools

    Special Adviser, Local Content To Gov Otu, Organizes Essay Competition For Secondary Schools

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Special Adviser on Local Content to Gov Bassey Otu, Mr Awatt Caleb, has released a schedule for a state wide essay competition for senior secondary schools across the state.

    In a release signed by the Special Adviser, Mr Awatt Caleb, and made available to TheLumineNews, Southern Senatorial District is scheduled to hold on the 29th of June, 2024, while central and northern senatorial districts will hold a later date to be announced.

    The release further indicates that “Star Price, second runner up and third runner up will be presented to deserving students”.

    Participants were assured by the release that “winners will be officially awarded at the grand finale and published in our journal of footprint”.

    Mr Awatt in the release further stated that the essay competition will also lead to the award of scholarship to deserving students to promote advocacy for local content and reward hard work and excellence amongst students. “Award of scholarship to senior secondary school students to depen local content advocacy, promote academic excellence and reward hard work among students”.

    Mr Awatt on a telephone call with TheLumineNews, revealed that this is the fifth edition of the essay competition in honor of Sen Prince Bassey Otu.

    He disclosed that the competition has been on while  Sen Otu was in the Senate.