The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • 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

     

    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

    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

    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

    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

     

  • UNICAL VC Condemns Assault On Students, Calls For Immediate Investigation

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi has in strong terms condemned an alleged assault on students of the Institution by a suspected Lecturer.

    In a video clip that surfaced online on Sunday night, a suspected Lecturer in the Institution was seen flogging a group of students who were gathered around an entrance to a classroom with a belt.

    According to reports, the students were students of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences who were waiting for their practical before the unfortunate incident occurred.

    The Vice-Chancellor who is currently on official function outside the state said her attention has been drawn to the said clip, but the Acting VC, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, Director of ServiCom, Prof. Patrick Egaga, Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Tony Enyang and the Acting Chief Security officer of the Institution, Capt. Austine Bisong(rtd) are already handling it.

    Prof. Obi who condemned the incident said it was unprofessional and against the University’s rules of engagement. She however appealed to the students and the general public to maintain calm as justice would be served as investigation had commenced already.

  • Jarigbe Agom Facilitates Rehabilitation of Refreshment Spot at Calabar Sports Club

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, has facilitated the rehabilitation and upgrading of the refreshment spot at Canaan City Sports Club (Calabar Sports Club), located at Calabar – Calabar Roundabout, Calabar, Cross River State.

    The facility which previously housed the club’s gym, a mini-bar and other indoor games has suffered years of neglect, prompting the lawmaker’s intervention.

    Senator Jarigbe noted that, infrastructure is key in sports development and will further provide the facilities to harness the rich sporting talents within and outside the shores of Calabar as well as, boost economic activities in and around the facility.

    “To enable the State compete favourably at the global stage, there is need to have standard sporting facilities where abundant talents can be discovered and nurtured to stardom” he added.

    Recall that the lawmaker had facilitated the construction of a Mini-Sports Stadium and Recreational Centre, in Cross River North Senatorial District.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • Suspected Armed Men Arrested, Gun Factory, IED Discovered In Cross River

    By Tori.ng

    Operatives of the Cross River State Police Command uncovered an Improvised Explosives Device (IED) and gun manufacturing factory, on Wednesday, at Osomba Community in Akamkpa Local government Area of the State, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects.

    The Operation was led by Commander, Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Squad, ACKS, (Dragon Squad) SP Ogini Chukwuma on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogo Grimah.

    Findings by Vanguard showed that police recovered remote-controlled IEDs, detonators, other explosive devices, several automatic weapons, dozens of locally made double barrels, and pistols while nine suspects were arrested including bomb makers.

    When contacted, the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo who confirmed the development said that nine persons have been arrested and were now in their custody.

    She noted that even a notorious gangster, armed robbery suspect simply identified as Orok Etim a.k.a Gowon is equally in their custody.

    The following items were recovered according to SP Irene Ugbo: explosive devices (High explosives 90M) 8 pieces, 60M 6 pieces, Detonator 10 pieces and Indicators 15 pieces as well as 10 pieces of remotes devices and 10 pieces of battery as power source.

    Other items recovered include; G3 automatic machine gun 2 pieces, 3 pump actions, MAC 4 automatic rifles 5 pieces, 5 locally fabricated pistols, LAR rifle, a fabricated revolver, a locally beretta Pistol, 650 rounds of 7.6×51 LAR ammunition 29 rounds of 7.62×39 AK-47 AMMUNITION X 70 pieces of cartridges amongst others.

  • Otu Charges Hon Justice Jane Inyang, Newly Appointed Judge Of Court Of Appeal To Discharge Her Duties With Integrity And Fairness.

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu has charged the newly appointed Justice of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Jane Inyang, JCA, to discharge her duties with compassion, integrity and fairness.

    The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, during the reception that followed the swearing-in of Hon. Justice Jane Inyang, JCA, expressed joy that Justice Inyang had distinguished herself over the years through her dedication to her job while on the Federal High Court Bench. Hon. Odey extended the Governor’s apologies for his inability to attend the event while disclosing that plans were underway to hold a reception in honour of the newly sworn-in Justice in Calabar.

    Hon. Odey, while urging Justice Inyang to conduct her affairs with the fear of God, opined that lawyers are the mirror of society and their conduct will always be observed and emulated by the society.

    Speaking earlier at the event, Justice Emmanuel Agim, JSC, admonished Justice Inyang, JCA, to be upright and just in her dealings with litigants as the promotion from God is better and more rewarding than any wealth one may acquire through subverting justice. Justice Agim who shared several personal experiences with the audience, encouraged the newly sworn-in Justice to be hardworking and to give as many judgements as possible so that more people will read her work and speak about her, stating that lawyers always talk about judges whether for good or for bad.

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, aligning himself with the counsel of the Supreme Court Justice, endorsed the character of Justice Jane Inyang, JCA, having worked with her from the time she was first joined the bench. He said the elevation of Justice Inyang to the Court of Appeal was a lesson to those who have the tendency of looking down on the young but assured her that he was happy to have tutored her until she had risen beyond him.

    Responding to the goodwill messages and words of advice, Justice Jane Inyang, JCA, said she was overcome with emotions because of the show of love and the opportunity she had been given to serve. She promised not to disappoint those whose faith had been placed on her.

    Justice Jane Inyang who is the only Cross Riverian appointed with 8 other Justices to the bench of the Court of Appeal on Wednesday, 20th September, 2023, hails from Ikoneto in Odukpani Local Government Area. She has served as a judge of the Federal High Court since 2015 and has, within this period, recorded a number of remarkable and high profile convictions while serving in Bayelsa, Kano and Delta and other jurisdictions.

    The Deputy Governor was accompanied by Senator Eteng Jones Williams, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo to the event which was attended by legal luminaries including judges, Attorneys-General of states and other distinguished personalities.

  • I00 Days In Office: Akpanke Set The Pace, Splashes Projects And Interventions Across Federal Constituency

     

    In the February 2023 general elections, the people of Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency (OBO) ushered a new dawn when they signed a social contract with Hon. Peter Akpanke by massively electing him as their Representative in the Green Chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly.  His victory came as a product of hope from his campaign promises for an effective, responsive and active people’s-oriented representation that will give priority to the wellbeing of his constituents.

    Admittedly, the first 100 days in a four-year term is too short to assess the performance of a legislator, especially when he/she has not taken part in the making/implementation of a budget. Nevertheless, the tradition introduced by the 32nd president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1932 has become a tradition among public office holders. Hon. Peter Akpanke assumed office as member of the 10th assembly with a sense of urgency and has done the following within the first 100 days in office.

    COMMUNITY RELATIONS/PARTNERSHIP
    To achieve the goals of offering a people’s-oriented representation that will drive down the dividends of democracy to his constituents, Hon Peter Akpanke promised to form a strong partnership with the people for the smooth distribution and execution of constituency projects. To achieve this, the MP did the following immediately after his inauguration;

    i. Needs Assessment Tour: He embarked on needs assessment tour with elders, stakeholders, youths and opinion molders across the three LGAs of OBO Federal constituency.

    ii. On-the-spot assessment of uncompleted and abandoned federal projects in OBO. He is in discussion with the various ministries, departments and agencies to rehabilitate/complete the construction of such projects.

    III. On-the-spot assessment of Economic sites like the Obudu Dam Resort, illegal mining sites in Utanga, Obanliku LGA etc. for possible attraction of government’s attention so that royalties could accrue to the host communities.

    2. LEGISLATION
    The primary function of a House of Reps member is to make laws and sponsor bills. Within the few days of his legislative activities, MP Peter Akpanke has been active on the floor of the House. He has the following motions/bill to his credit;

    I. A Motion for the immediate rehabilitation of the abandoned Obudu Dam Resort.

    ii. He co-sponsored a motion (with other Cross River law makers) which raised alarm that the country was on the verge of losing some parts of Cross River State to Cameroon.

    iii. He presented a petition on the floor of the House from some constituents who felt that they were unjustly withdrawn from the University of Calabar.

    iv. He sponsored a bill for the establishment of a Federal University of Technology in Obanliku, Cross River State.

    3. PROJECTS
    * Installation of solar street lights in some communities in Obanliku LGA.
    * Construction of solar powered borehole in Sankwala Market.
    * Distribution of hand pumps and herbicides to farmers in Obudu LGA.
    * Distribution of sewing machines and motorbikes to selected constituents in Obudu
    * Construction of solar powered borehole at Obudu Central Market (Old Park)
    * Distribution of sewing machines and motorcycles to selected beneficiaries in Bekwarra LGA
    * Construction of solar borehole and toilet in Bekwarra Motor Park.
    * Distribution of hand pumps and herbicides to farmers in Bekwarra
    * Distribution of hand pumps, herbicides and liquid fertilizers to Obanliku female farmers
    * Entrepreneurial training/empowerment of young ladies in hair dressing and makeup business in Obanliku LGA
    * Distribution of motorbikes to 20 Obanliku youths
    *Entrepreneurship training and distribution of hair-making and makeup kits for hair stylists in Obudu

    4. AIDS AND INTERVENTIONS
    * Launching of the Akpanke Health Scheme for the benefit of his constituents
    * Distribution of food stuffs to about 200 widows across the ten wards of Obudu
    *Payment of hospital bills for patients in Bekwarra General Hospital
    * Payment of hospital bills for the less-privileged in different hospitals across Obudu
    *Distribution of food items to widows across the political wards of Obanliku LGA
    *Distribution of food stuffs to over 200 widows and people living with disabilities in the 10 wards of Bekwarra
    * Distribution of incentives, gift packages and cash to constituents, unions and associations across Obanliku, Obudu and Bekwarra LGA for new yam celebrations
    * Timely response to the collapsed of Kafa-Bridge linking Lishiche/Shikpeche and eight other communities of Bishiri North and South where he sponsored temporary paths while waiting for the relevant government agencies to commence rebuilding work on the collapsed bridge.

    JOB CREATION
    Hon Akpanke has within the short time in office facilitated jobs for several constituents, the last being 5 of his constituents that are currently undergoing training in NDLEA camps and 2 of his constituents who have resum work at the Federal College of Education,Obudu

    CONCLUSION
    It is evident that the first 100 days of Hon. Peter Akpanke in the House of Reps have been quite impactful and promising. The MP has no plans of slowing down in his quest to deliver the dividends of democracy to OBO Federal constituency. He is determined to leave no stone unturned until he delivers on his campaign promises of harnessing opportunities for his constituents, emancipate women, empower youths, support children education and better the lot of his people.  The MP admonish all his constituents to remain steadfast and continue to pray for him as he continues to put their interest first.

    Once again, welcome to a new dawn in OBO

    Awade Friday
    SSA Media and Publicity to Hon Peter Akpanke