The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Cross River Journalist Elected National Coordinator Of Leg’ACEs Community 

    Cross River Journalist Elected National Coordinator Of Leg’ACEs Community 

     

    Cross River Journalist, Efio-Ita Nyok is now the National Coordinator of the Active Citizens Engaging the Legislature (Leg’ACEs) Programme, NEGROIDHAVEN can report authoritatively.

    He assumed the leadership of the national caucus of the community in company of two others, namely, Deborah Obiabo (National Deputy Coordinator North/FCT Caucus Coodinator of the OPN Leg’ACEs) and Ukeme Anwan the National Deputy Coordinator South/Akwa Ibom Caucus Coodinator of OPN Leg’ACEs via an election which held on Friday the 30th of June 2023. Their tenures will last for one year.

    While notifying the community of Leg’ACEs, Temidayo Taiwo-Sidiq the
    Senior Programme Executive of OrderPaper Nigeria, said ‘As part of reform measures to infuse a breath of fresh ideas into the Active Citizens Engaging the Legislature (Leg’ACEs) Programme, we are pleased to formally announce the election of a national leadership for the National Caucus of the Leg’ACEs at a Special Meeting of the Zonal and State Caucus Leaders yesterday.

    ‘National Coordinator: Efio-Ita Nyok,
    Deputy National Coordinator (DNC) North: Deborah Obiabo, Deputy National Coordinator (DNC), South: Anwan Ukeme Archibong.

    ‘With great pleasure, OrderPaper congratulates these leaders on their well-deserved election and are confident that they will galvanise the Leg’ACEs Community towards greater heights.’

    The new national leadership also comprises Rabo Michael who is the
    National Chief Whip and Coordinator of the OPN Leg’ACEs in Nasarawa, and Effiong Innocent the Deputy National Chief Whip.

    In an address before the election, the Executive Director of Order Paper, Oke Epia said that two of the areas of concern for the Leg’ACEs is for the programme to aim at opening up the civic space in Nigeria view of facilitating engagement by the citizenry to demand quality public service from the national and state assemblies; as well as developing the best way to interact with the House of Assemblies.

    The Leg’ACEs initiative was created to fulfil the mandate of bridging the gap between citizens and parliament, the objectives of the community is to explore co-creation opportunities with stakeholders in furtherance of parliamentary reporting and education, and activate the agency of responsible citizenship to promote accountability from legislators.

    Order Paper is Nigeria’s leading policy think tank and media group aspires to bridges the gap between the citizenry and parliament. As a media body she has been dedicated to reporting, tracking, analysing and archiving activities of the Nigerian legislature in the digital age with a vision of being a parliamentary reporting, advocacy and public policy advisory in Africa, and vision of providing simple and ‘authoritative parliamentary data that empowers citizens to take action’.

  • CRSHOA Deputy Speaker Gets Seven Aides

    CRSHOA Deputy Speaker Gets Seven Aides

    The Deputy Speaker the of Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi has gotten seven (7) staff appointed into in his office.

    The was contained in a release signed and made available by the Director of Legislative Matter – Edi. M,  for the Clerk of the House.

    It stated that all appointments are with immediate effect.

    Those appointed are:

    Joseph Odama – Chief of Staff

    Anakia John Akawu – Protocol Officer

    |Agbor Mathias Ogar – Press Secretary

    Orim Daniel Asu – Media Liaison Officer

    Akpanke David – Special Assistant

    Adung Odey – Personal Assistant I

    Ekawu Odey Sunday – Personal Assistant II

  • Otu Bars All Former Aides From Official Functions

    Otu Bars All Former Aides From Official Functions

    The Cross River State Governor, Sen Bassey Otu, has barred all former appointees of the previous administration from representing or parading themselves as representatives of the State government, insisting that they have been relieved of their duties.

    In the same development, the office of the Governor has also called out Oscar Ofuka, former Special Adviser on Cocoa Development and Control to former Governor Ben Ayade, to stay clear from government functions concerning that office.

    In a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche, sighted by TheLumineNews, the State government warned also that: “Any agreement entered into on acquisition of Cocoa plots beyond December 31, 2023, do so at his or her own risk and are advised to review such erroneous transactions with Mr. Oscar Ofuka and seek for their refunds.”

    The release further stressed that : “It is imperative to inform the general public that Mr. Oscar Ofuka, former SA on Cocoa, has since been relieved of his appointment and is strongly advised to desist from presenting himself in that light.”

    The release added: “The State Government is reviewing activities in the cocoa value chain to ensure transparency and accountability and exploit the inherent potential in the sector as a veritable revenue earner.

    “Therefore, any attempt by any individual or group to undermine the government’s directive in this regard will be seriously dealt with. The Cross River State Government wishes to reiterate that all former political appointees have been relieved of their appointments, therefore, cannot act on behalf of the State Government.”

  • Jarigbe Agom Facilitates The Construction Of Mbube East Road Linking Utugwang

    Jarigbe Agom Facilitates The Construction Of Mbube East Road Linking Utugwang

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has fsciltated the construction of Mbube East Road.

    The Mbube East road, in Ogoja Local Government Area links Utugwang in Obudu Local Government Area.

    The construction firm handling the Mbube East road has commenced laying of asphalt on sections of the road.

    On completion, the road will boost the economic fortunes of residents within and around Ogoja and Obudu Local Government Areas of the Senatorial District.

    Residents of the benefitting communities are full of appreciation to Senator Jarigbe for bringing the project to bear. They prayed for God’s continuous guidance and protection as the lawmaker begins another journey of the 10th National Assembly.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • CSOs Calls On CRS Police To Arrest And Prosecute Killers Of Mrs Martina Okey Itagbor

    CSOs Calls On CRS Police To Arrest And Prosecute Killers Of Mrs Martina Okey Itagbor

    Press Release:

    THE CROSS RIVER STATE POLICE COMMAND AND A CALL FOR JUSTICE FOR MR. MARTINA OKEY ITAGBOR ON HER MURDERERS.

    30th June, 2023

    We the undersigned organisations are calling on the Cross River State Police Command and the Resident Police Commissioner to swing into action to have the gang of murderers (led by Christopher Sunday) arrested and prosecuted who took the life of Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor after chopping her fingers off and burning her to death in Old Netim, Akamkpa Local Government Area, after using the pretext of accusing her of being a witch.

    Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor needs not be executed extrajudicially by misguided bloodthirsty murderers without her soul getting justice from the State.

    The Nigerian Police must realize that this is one extrajudicial killing too many, and this primitive and unacceptable murder keep occuring in the State because those who killed innocent women, who they don’t like their faces in their local community went scot-free without any repercussions due to the visible refusal of the Cross River State Police Command to arrest, prosecute and ensure that those who take the lives of others get to face the full wrath of the law.

    For this reason with intention to prevent senseless and reprehensible killings in the future, we the organisations who are signatories to this press statement wish to call on the Nigerian Police Force to see that justice is served as we condemn the murder of Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor in the strongest terms.

    The Cross River State Police Command must deem it necessary to rise to the occasion to preempt further killings of old women who are defenceless in the face of hostility from unexpected quarters by ensuring that the murderers of Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor face the law and account for their brutal killing of Mrs. Martina_

    Let it be in public registry, that it is the statutory responsibilities of the State and its Police Force to see that this primitive killing is brought to an end and the older and defenseless female population get protected from summary torture, humiliation and killings.

    Signed

    1. Citizens’ Solution Network

    2. Agba Jalingo Foundation for Investigative and Accountability Journalism.

    3. Association of Cross River Online Journalists ACROJ

     

     

    CC:

    His Excellency,
    The Governor of Cross River State,
    Nigeria.

  • Court Acquits Lady Charged With Assault On Police

    Court Acquits Lady Charged With Assault On Police

    Lagos court acquits woman charged with assault on police

    Culled From Punch

    A 33-year-old woman, Olufumilayo Eriolowa, who was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly assaulting a police officer, Olufowobi Nureni, at the Ogombo area of Lagos State, has been freed of all the charges.

    Eriolowa, who had been remanded in custody since May 17, 2023, was freed by Magistrate M. O. Alao of the Magistrates’ Court in Eti-Osa, Lagos, after the case was struck out.

    The PUNCH had reported that the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a post on Twitter, revealed that was remanded for allegedly assaulting a policeman in the state.

    The post read, “Somewhere in Ogombo yesterday, she assaulted a police officer. She was arraigned today and has been remanded to the Kirikiri correctional facility till June 6 when the case comes up again in court.”

    Earlier, the hair stylist was arraigned before Magistrate M. O. Alao on two counts bordering on assault and resisting arrest at the Magistrate Court of Lagos, Eti-Osa.

    The police prosecutor, Jacob Samuel, during her arraignment, prayed to the court to remand the defendant in police custody.

    Granting the request, Alao ordered that Eriolowa be remanded for 21 days in police custody pending the completion of the police investigation.

    The charges read in part, “That you, Olufumilayo Erioluwa, on May 14, 2023, around 9pm, at Ajah, Eti-Osa, in the Lagos Magistrate District, did commit a felony with a serious assault on one Olufowobi Nureni, an Inspector and hereby commit an offence under Section 174 Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    “That you, Olufumilayo Erioluwa, on the same date, time and place, in the aforementioned Magisterial District, assaulted, resisted, obstructed and unlawfully prevented one Olufowobi Nureni, an Inspector attach to the Ogombo Divisional Headquarters, in the course of executing his lawful and official duty and thereby committed an offence punishable Under Section 174 (b) (c) and (e) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.”

    Eriolowa, however, pleaded not guilty to the accusations and the case was adjourned till June 6, 2023.

    Meanwhile, a rights activist, Inibehe Effiong and his team took over Eriolowa’s case.

    According to Effiong, the police could not produce a witness, and the complainant in court, adding that the Kirikiri Correctional Center did not also produce Eriolowa in court.

    He said, “On June 6 when the case came up a second time, my team and I were able to secure bail for her. She was admitted to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.”

    Effiong explained that they were working on perfecting her bail terms when the case was struck out.

    He said, “The complainant, Olufowobi Nureni, who claimed he was assaulted, did not show up in court for all the times the case was in court. The Kirikiri Correctional Centre did not also produce her in court, and the case was adjourned a third time till June 27, 2023.

    “We had however taken steps to perfect the bail before the charge was struck out. The police could not provide any evidence, witness, or complainant in court and so we pleaded that the case be struck out and the Magistrate saw reason with us and did the right thing according to the law. She is freed and discharged and the charges against her have been struck out on June 27, 2023.”

    Source: Punch Newspapers.

  • Gov Otu Calls On Citizens, CSOs To Report Irregular Appointments And Promotions

    Gov Otu Calls On Citizens, CSOs To Report Irregular Appointments And Promotions

    The Cross River State governor, Sen Bassey Edet Otu has enjoined citizens and Civil Society Organizations (CSO) to report complaints on irregular appointments and promotions in the State.

    This was contained in a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche, dated June 29, 2023, the public, particularly personnel and establishments who have issues bordering on irregular appointments and promotions, are requested to submit their written complaints to the committee set up.

    Governor Otu said such complaints are to be forwarded to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Conflict Resolution Department in the Governor’s Office, Calabar.

    The release reads: “Following the constitution of a committee for the revalidation of appointments/promotions and other sundry matters in the Cross State Civil/Public Service by the Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, the public, particularly personnel and establishments who have issues bordering on irregular appointments and promotions, are requested to submit their written complaints to the committee.

    “Such complaints or information are to be forwarded to the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Conflict Resolution Department, top floor of the Governor’s Office, Calabar.

    “Also, electronic messages should be forwarded to this email: [email protected]

    “All representations on the subject matter should be submitted on or before Tuesday, July 4, 2023.”

  • Support Groups Celebrates Gov Bassey Otu, Deputy

    Support Groups Celebrates Gov Bassey Otu, Deputy

    APC Support Groups in Cross River State have held a victory celebration in honor of the Governor of the State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, following the recent resounding election victory in March.

    Speaking at the event which held at the Dome in the Calabar Municipal Council Premises, the Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey thanked the support groups for their resilience stating that although the candidates in the election could not be in every street and every village, the support groups were everywhere to secure victory at the grassroots. He pledged that the supporters will never regret their support of this mandate as the people-first agenda will surely be fulfilled, assuring them of his track record as a people-oriented leader from his time as Member of House of Representatives, Senator and now Governor.

    The Governor assured the supporters that this was indeed the beginning of the season of sweetness because in this era, no one will be left behind, instead the hard work of supporters will be rewarded as exemplified by the few well-considered appointments that have already been made.

    In his opening remark, the Chairman of the occasion, High Chief, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, appreciated the organizing committee and recognized the physically challenged and all those who had taken great risks for what they believed in. He said the celebration was a sign of victory amongst the major APC Support Groups in the State. He encouraged all to stand firm for what they believe in because hitting the ground running might often involve being dropped into muddy ground which will take time to get moving. He assured the audience that their expectations from the government will come to pass given the pedigree of the Governor.

    Prof. Etim Nyong said the efforts of the various support groups at the grassroots levels expanded the victory of the party and that though every individual might not benefit directly, the various communities will all benefit. Speaking, further, Prof. Nyong said the state hand moved from the era of food on the table to that of product on the table. Concluding, he warned that in 2027, the APC will not be preaching ‘Back to South’ as it would be expected that we should leverage on this 4-year opportunity we now have.

    Dr. Bassey Ekpenyong, who delivered the keynote address at the event suggested that for the new administration to achieve its set objectives, certain features of good governance must be considered. Expressing confidence in Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu who had long distinguished himself through his contributions to charity and humanitarian efforts, Dr. Ekpenyong said the Governor Ben Ayade government had provided an industrial drive which would be the foundation for the Senator Bassey Otu government to build on.

    Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government thanked the support groups and praised the character of the Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu.

    Highlights of the event included musical perfomances, cutting of cake, unveiling of the victory gift and goodwill messages by supporters.

  • Let’s Pray Hard For Governor Otu, If We Don’t, Then We May Have Moved From Frying Pan To Fire BY AGBA JALINGO

    Let’s Pray Hard For Governor Otu, If We Don’t, Then We May Have Moved From Frying Pan To Fire BY AGBA JALINGO

    Let’s Pray Hard For Governor Otu…

    If we don’t, then we may have moved from frying pan to fire.

    First, the Anti-Deforestation committee is populated by timber thieves who are emotionally blackmailing him with “na we work for your election.”

    Lease agreement for Cally Aircraft, signed with a company that has no business whatsoever with aviation.

    And now, the vehicle recovery task force is being emasculated. Out of 500 missing vehicles, they have recovered 49. Most of the appointees in the former government that are being trailed by the task force members are so angry and have resorted to seeking the former Governor’s intervention. And now they are again, emotionally blackmailing the new governor with his pending matter in the election petition tribunal.

    It’s like “You want to embarrass members of the last government right? Your government we worked hard to install? We will embarrass you at the tribunal and you will lose the seat.” That’s the drama playing out.

    So everyone the task force tracks a vehicle to now, they make calls and the new governor is like, “please let that one be for now.”

    Who wan lose governor seat?

    Several vehicles have been tracked to different locations across the State and even as far as Lagos. One was even recovered in Ikoyi, Lagos and seized with the help of operatives of the DSS. But phone calls to the Governor have made nonsense of all those commendable efforts.

    My people, it may well be said that the assignment of that task force may have shared premature grace, unless Governor Otu, can damn the subtle blackmails, fund the committee adequately, stop interfering to hamper their operations and give them a free hand to move on all those involved.

    God please, don’t let us enter another one chance.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Peter Akpanke Decries Poor State Of Ongoing Rehabilitation Of Ikom-Obudu Highway

    Peter Akpanke Decries Poor State Of Ongoing Rehabilitation Of Ikom-Obudu Highway

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke has described as unfortunate the poor state of work done on the Ikom-Obudu highway.

    The lawmaker made the remarks during an on the spot assessment of work done on highway as part of the activities for the three days need assessment/town hall meeting across the three Local Governments that made up the federal constituency.

    Speaking to journalists, Akpanke noted that “It is disgusting to see this kind of work being done. The work is abandoned. It is already raining season, commuters find it very difficult to ply the road. This road leads to my community.

    “I will ensure that the right thing is done. I will write to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, to feed me with details on the award of contract and also to find out the slow pace of work despite payment of funds to the contractors ”

    The contract was awarded to Leophina Works Limited, as at the time of filing this report, efforts to Leophina to comment on the state of work done was futile.