The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Nigeria @ 63rd: Gov Otu Calls On Labour Union To Give Govt A Chance For More Deliberation

    Nigeria @ 63rd: Gov Otu Calls On Labour Union To Give Govt A Chance For More Deliberation

     

    The Governor of Cross River State Sen. Prince Bassey Otu has called on the Nigerian Labour Union to sheath their sword and give government a chance for more deliberation.

    The Governor who spoke through his Deputy Rt. Hon.Peter Odey during the Thanksgiving service held today the 1st of October 2023 at The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Hope Waddle Parish, Calabar to celebrate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.

    Speaking at the event, the Governor said ” As a government,we have pledged to prioritize the welfare and well-being of our citizens. We have promised a ‘People- First’ approach to governance and today, I want to assure you that your commitment to the development of our state remains unwavering and we are determined to create an environment where businesses can thrive and create job opportunities for our people ”

    Earlier, the Prelate, His Eminence Ekpeyong Akpanika Ph.D said it is with mixed feelings of Joy and sadness that w celebrate the independence. According to him, the state of the nation calls for reflection as both the government and people are involved in building a legacy for the next generation.

    While reminiscing on the once organized state of the educational, transportation and vibrant middle class, he called on leaders at all levels to rise up and become generational thinkers and take actions to build a good legacy for the next generation.
    The Prelate called on all to remember that what imortalizes a man is not what he does for himself, but for others. Also that greatness is not a function of possession but a function of service to God and humanity. Further more, that the service you render today maybe the harvest of your child tomorrow.

    He commended the Sen. Bassey Otu’s led administration for their achievements in a few months particularly the noticeably frequent evacuation of waste in the metropolis, intervention in the area of Security and Her Excellency Rev. Eyoawan Otu’s welfare visits to the home of the aged, motherless and less privileged in the society, while encouraging them to do more.

    His Eminence appealed to the government to as a matter of urgency empower the youths by redirecting their energy into sports, revive the sports council. He called on the government to take advantage of the fertile land the state has to invest massively in agriculture while also encouraging technological know how to meet up with a competitive world.
    He wrapped up with a prayer for the success, guidance and sustianance of this administration and for the Lord to surround the Governor with men and women with vision to grow the state to the next level.

    The event was attended by the Speaker of the House of Assembly,Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Chief Judge of the state, His Lordship, Justice Akon Ikpeme, the Obong of Calabar and members of the Obong’s Council, members of the State Executive Council, the Secretary to the state Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Service Chiefs, top government functionaries, elder statesmen and a host of other dignitaries.

  • Peter Odey Congratulates Speaker Elvert Ayambem, Describes Him As A Team Player

    Peter Odey Congratulates Speaker Elvert Ayambem, Describes Him As A Team Player

     

    Rt. Hon. Peter Odey has congratulated the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem while lauding him as a trustworthy and loyal team player fit for the position. The Deputy Governor who recently spoke at the Speaker’s Thanksgiving ceremony at Nde in Ikom Local Government disclosed that Hon. Elvert Ayambem’s elevation was an indication that anybody can become someone in life despite humble beginnings. He urged the people of Ikom to support their representative and let love for one another guide their interactions.

    Speaking variously at the event, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, and the State Chairman of the APC urged the Speaker to remain focused, and to work with his colleagues who elected him. They urged him to strive to keep the goodwill of the huge crowd of supporters who were fanning him on as evidenced by the large turnout.

    In his response, Hon. Ayambem assured his community that he would remain the same accessible Elvert that they had always known while promising that he understood that he was only first among equals in the House. He said that he would remember this fact always as it is the key to holding the House together. The lawmaker thanked his colleagues for choosing him and supporting him as if the House was made up of only one party despite not being the finest, the tallest nor the most brilliant member in the House.

    The celebration was attended by Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly of Ekiti, Ondo and Adamawa, several former and serving Commissioners, members of the the CRSHA, etc

     

  • Labour Leaders Boycott Federal Government’s Last Minute Move To Avert Strike

    Labour Leaders Boycott Federal Government’s Last Minute Move To Avert Strike

    By Daniel Riwo

    The organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trace Union Congress, Nigeria, on Friday, boycotted an emergency meeting with the Federal Government that was scheduled for 3pm at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Federal Government had called an emergency meeting with the leaders of the organised labour at the Conference Room of the Office of the President’s Chief of Staff.

    Among other goals, Friday’s meeting was meant to talk the labour movement out of its planned nationwide strike from Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

    On September 26, the NLC and TUC disclosed plans to commence an indefinite strike on October 3 to protest the cost of living crisis after the scrapping of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu during his inauguration on May 29, 2023.

    The unions also directed their state chapters and affiliates to mobilise for the shutdown of critical facilities and infrastructure such as airports, seaports, electricity grids and fuel supply nationwide.

    “It’s going to be a total shutdown…until the government meets the demand of Nigerian workers, and in fact, Nigerian masses,” the union leaders affirmed in a joint statement on Tuesday.

    They accused the Federal Government of refusing to “meaningfully engage and reach agreements with organised labour on critical issues of the consequences of the unfortunate hike in the price of petrol, which has unleashed massive suffering on Nigeria workers and masses.”

    Despite several deadlocked talks, the Federal Government, after Thursday’s National Economic Council meeting, appealed to the unions to continue negotiations, warning that an indefinite strike could devastate the economy at this time.

    Although the government fixed Friday’s meeting for noon, it postponed the gathering around 3pm to enable labour to contact its leaders outside Abuja.

    Saturday PUNCH reported that the government sent the invitation to the meeting through the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Friday morning.

    However, one of our correspondents observed that although light refreshment was positioned on the table, signalling an expected meeting, the Conference Room was empty by 4pm as the labour representatives had yet to arrive.

    It was also gathered that the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, was in the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    A source, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH in confidence said, “They (representatives of labour) are supposed to be here by now. We have been expecting them since. The place is set and the Chief Of Staff and Labour minister are upstairs waiting.”

    Around 5pm, Gbajabiamila was seen exiting the Villa premises. He was said to be headed for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to await the arrival of President Tinubu from Paris.

  • FG Summons NLC And Other Trade Unions Leadership To An Emergency Meeting At The Presidential Villa

    FG Summons NLC And Other Trade Unions Leadership To An Emergency Meeting At The Presidential Villa

     

    The Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu had summoned NLC And other Trade Unions leadership to an emergency meeting last night at the Presidential Villa.

    Chief Of Staff, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila was expected to join the meeting last night. This meeting is part of moves to avert the planned October 3rd indefinite strike by Labour Unions.

    As at the time of filing this report, no information was gotten yet regarding the outcome of the meeting held last night.

  • UNICAL VC Receives Report Of Investigation Panel

    UNICAL VC Receives Report Of Investigation Panel

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi has formally received the report of the Investigation Panel set up to probe allegations of improprieties levelled against the suspended Dean of Law, Prof Cyril Ndifon.

    Receiving the report in a brief presentation ceremony in her office, the Vice Chancellor
    commended the Panel members for their effort and commitment towards the achievement of
    a thorough and objective report within a short period of time.

    She said though Management has not gone through the report, she knows the report will be
    useful to the University and it will help the University achieve the needed closure to the subject matter and consequently move forward.

    Prof. Obi who reiterated her happiness over the sacrifice and show of commitment by the Panel, assured that, the report will be presented to the Ministers of Education and that of Women Affairs as well as, Executive Secretary of NUC as delivered by the Panel, “nothing added, nothing removed”. On the scale of mixed comments in the public domain which has trailed the reportage of the subject matter, the Vice Chancellor said the report of the Panel would serve as the mouthpiece of the University to all.

    On the capacity of the panel members, the University helmsman stated that they were
    carefully selected based on their offices, position and credibility, describing them as individuals full of capacity and integrity.

    In her words; “I wanted someone who cannot be influenced, and on behalf of the University
    Management, I want to thank the Chairman for accepting to head this Panel. I want to also
    thank every member of the Panel. To take the University higher we need men and women who are credible”, she added.

    The Vice-Chancellor said it was very unusual to have an External Observer for any investigation
    in the university but, because of the sensitive nature of the issues raised and the personalities involved, Management had to make an exception. presenting the report, the Chairman of the Panel, Prof. Dorothy Oluwagbemi Jacob said the Panel was sent on an errand, on a fact-finding mission and collectively, they came to present
    their findings.

    In her words, “We went out of our way to investigate the issues point by point. We did not rely on hearsay. We did the work objectively. We allowed all stakeholders to speak their minds. Every finding has evidence with verification. The result was not made up or cooked. Every fact here can be verified”.

    She used the occasion to commend Members of the Panel for their cooperation, time and commitment towards the success of their mandate, adding that, should anyone find the report beautiful, it is because of the collaborations of the professionals involved.

    Public Relations Unit.

  • Gov Otu Begs Sandy To Sheath His Sword And Jettison Further Appeals

    Gov Otu Begs Sandy To Sheath His Sword And Jettison Further Appeals

    By Sylvia Akpan, CrossRiverWatch 

    Following the Election Petition Tribunal affirming the victory of Governor Bassey Otu, he has prayed his petitioner and opponent in the March 18 2023 polls – Senator Sandy Onor to accept defeat.

    The Election Petition Tribunal led by Justice Oken Inneh dismissed all the reliefs sought by the petitioners in suit No. EPT/CR/GOV02/2023 and affirmed the election of Senator Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, on March 18, 2023.

    Reacting to the judgment, Governor Otu urged the opposition to sheath their sword and join hands to rebuild Cross River State, Cross Riverians desire.

    “It is with great delight and a high sense of responsibility that I welcome the judgement of the Election Petition Tribunal, which gave us our deserved victory and has affirmed the mandate Cross Riverians freely and overwhelmingly gave to us on March 18, 2023,” he expressed.

    He commended the Election Petitions Tribunal for a fair judgment, adding that, “our confidence in the judiciary has never been in doubt. And it has been reinforced by today’s dispassionate ruling on the elections. I commend the Election Petition Tribunal for proving their mettle once again by upholding the virtues of justice, fair play and responsibility.”

    Also, he urged Cross Riverians to join his administration in realizing the People’s First mandate.

    “I call on all Cross Riverians to join hands with my administration as we continue to put in place the administrative framework needed to realize the noble objectives of our People’s First mandate.

    “With this judgment, I call on members of the opposition, who are our brothers and sisters, to take the ruling in good faith, jettison any further appeals and join hands with my administration to bring the much-needed dividends of democracy to our people.

    “It is expedient for me to stress that if our dear State Cross River must be counted amongst the comity of States with bright future and great economic potential and social security, then all hands must be on deck to make the lofty dream come true.

    “Our well-thought-out People First Agenda remains sacrosanct in attaining its goals. What I urge all citizens and those who have found here as home whether for business, investment, pleasure or education, is to be patient and give us the needed support as we work to reposition the State for the better.

    “Fellow Cross Riverians, the present times call for sacrifices on the path of everyone. We must remain resolute and strive to play our various roles in the development of our beloved State. “Finally, I thank the executive and members of our great party, the APC, and all Cross Riverians for their support, loyalty and unflinching solidarity before, during and after the elections.

    “As we take our destiny in our hands and resolve never to be left behind, may the Almighty God reward our efforts and remain our crowning glory.”

  • Betta Edu Inuagurates Program Coordinators In The Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs

    Betta Edu Inuagurates Program Coordinators In The Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs

     

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu had sworn in Unit Heads and cluster Executives under her ministry to help redeem the dignity of zero and low income earners across the country.

    In a much historic event held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Edu urged the new heads to kick start their duties immediately with optimism, transparency and total dedication.

    She noted that, with over 75 million Nigerians living below the poverty index, the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope initiative is set to create a lasting to issues of Malnutrition among young school and out of school children Internally displacement people, Youth and unemployed adults.

    She urged them to work harmoniously with other affiliate members to bring succor to the lives of the poor by regularly positioning themselves in the field for proper and immediate contact with the targeted population .

    Among those inaugurated are the National Head of Office, National Conditional Cash Transfer, Dr Michael Ajuluchuku, Deputy Head of Office/Deputy National Coordinator
    Dr Janet Ekpenyong, a seasoned Medical Doctor , health Financing specialist, experienced programme manager and a Philanthropist from Cross River State. Also inaugurated are Engr Mrs Anjor Obandi (Home Grown school feeding program), Mr Richard Romanus( YESSO Project), Dr Echeri Ansa (Renewed Hope Initiative for out of school children) amongst others.

  • C’River: Tribunal Upholds Governor Otu’s Election

    C’River: Tribunal Upholds Governor Otu’s Election

    The Governorship Election Tribunal in Cross River State, has upheld the election of Governor Bassey Otu.

    The tribunal in its ruling, held that, the issues of Certificate brought before it by sandy Onor of PDP, was a pre-election matter.

  • Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Betta Edu Releases 13 Appointment

    Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Betta Edu Releases 13 Appointment

    PRESS RELEASE

    The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, announces the following appointments in line with the President Tinubu’s directive to restructure the social safety net Programme to address the expanded mandate of the ministry.

    The appointed persons will join her team in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at providing succour to those affected by humanitarian crises and eradicate multi-dimensional poverty In Nigeria:

    1) National Coordinator NASSCO- Hon Abdulaziz Danladi

    2). National Cash Transfer Office NCTO Head of office – Dr Micheal Ajuluchukwu

    3) NCTO Deputy Head of Office- Dr Janet Ekpenyong

    4) National Programme Manager,Youth Empowerment Empowerment and Social Support Operations (YESSO) – Richard Romanus

    5) National Communication manager NSIP – Hon Jamalu kaburu

    6)National Programme Manager, Renewed Hope Shelter Programme for Refugees ,Poor and Internally Displaced Persons- Hon Chidinma Makuachukwu

    7)National Programme manager, Grant For Vulnerable groups – Hon Thalis Apalowo

    8)Programme Manager ,At Risk Children Programme- Hajia Salia Sanusi Yusuff

    9)National Programme Manager, National Home grown School feeding Programme (Renewed Hope Home Grown School feeding and End Hunger programme)- Hon Mrs Obande

    10) Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (Renewed Hope MSME Loan Programme)- Hon Dr Joseph Nkang.

    11) Programme manager
    N-Power Programme (Renewed Hope Skills Acquisition Programme – Dr Akindele Adekunle Egbuwalo

    12)Renewed Hope IDP Refugees out of school Programme (National Alternate school Programme )- Dr Mrs Etcheri Ansa

    13) National Project Manager, Community and Social Development Programme- Hon Olubunmi Bello

    The Honourable Minster of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, remains the Chairman, National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office(NASSCO) Management Team, while the Secretary NASSCO Management team is Hon Abel Enitan,the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    The Minister charges the new appointees to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new offices as there will be no room for excuses or failure, in the actualisation of Renewed Hope mandate
    and in moving Nigeria Forward.

    The appointments take immediate effect.

    Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, (ANIPR),Special Adviser On Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA.
    September 25, 2023

  • Richie Romanus Appointed YESSO National Program Manager

    Richie Romanus Appointed YESSO National Program Manager

    President Asiwaju Tinubu has appointed one of us, the convener of Us4Us, Mr Richie Romanus, as the National Programme Manager, Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operations(YESSO) through the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu