The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Sandy Onor Thanks Cross Riverians, Describes Tribunal Judgement As Unfortunate And Surprising Verdict

     

    The Cross River State Gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, in the March 2023 general elections, Sen Sandy Onor, has described the judgement of the Governorship Election Tribunal as unfortunate and surprising.

    Sen Onor made the disclosure in a press statement he personally signed and obtained by TheLumineNews while reacting to the judgement of 26th September, 2023.

    The statement reads in full, “As you are now aware, the Cross River State Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal, sitting in Calabar the Cross River State capital delivered an unfortunate and surprising verdict on the Cross River State Governorship election which took place on 26th September, 2023.

    “Whilst I am extremely dissatisfied with the Tribunal’s judgement on the matter, I have decided to take it with equanimity, for now. However, I am yet to receive a formal copy of the judgement, and the attendant briefing from my legal team.

    “I propose to meet with the members of my campaign organisation in the coming days to ruminate on the instant situation, and to decide on the appropriate way forward.

    “Permit me to use this medium to convey my heartfelt appreciation to the campaign organisation for their wonderful efforts which gave us a successful election, notwithstanding the situation as it has now been made to appear.

    “I also thank the people of Cross River State for their unalloyed, unstinting and unwavering support, and to the various prayer warriors, the numerous widows and other women, not forgetting the children, all of who took out time to fast and to pray for us, all through the period of the elections, and during the subsequent litigation at the tribunal.

    “Finally, I enjoin us all to remain calm in the face of the provocation and injustice to which we have been repeatedly subjected, and hereby assure you that your efforts and prayers shall not be in vain.

    “I pray that God will bless and reward you all for your efforts”.

  • C’River Governor Congratulates 2023 Naval War College Graduands

     

    By Ukongikwen Adie

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has congratulated the 22 graduates of the Naval Warfare Course 7 in Calabar, Cross River State.

    Senator Otu who was represented at the graduation ceremony by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, said the Nigerian Navy had been of great help to the State. He stated that apart from the Navy Reference Hospital which had become known as the best hospital in the South-South Region of Nigeria, the men of the Nigerian Navy had been proactive in carrying out their security duties with so much dedication. He cited an instance earlier this year when many students who were involved in a boat mishap around Marina were saved by the prompt intervention of men of the Nigerian Navy.

    On behalf of the Governor, Hon. Odey assured the Navy of the State’s determination to support them with land and any other thing that they might need from the State.

    Presenting the Warfare Course 7 Graduands for award, the Commandant of the Naval War College of Nigeria, Rear Admiral MB Hassan, assured participants in the ceremony that the graduands had been imbued with the same skills as their predecessors. Rear Admiral MB Hassan said the 22 officers represented the final crop among their contemporaries who were now capable of undertaking higher operational level command responsibilities and making meaningful contributions towards solving many of the nation’s security challenges. He charged the Course 7 graduands to showcase the defining character of the War College when they return to their respective services.

    The Special Guest of Honour and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral EI Ogalla, thanked the government of CRS for the provision of land and support for the Navy. He also commended the Commandant for accomplishing the mission of the College by not only producing well-trained operational level Commanders, but also by training foreign participants. This, according to the CNS, was an indication that the War College had attained international standards and recognition. While congratulating the graduands, the Special Guest of Honour thanked the Almighty God that the training did not record any adverse incident. Rear Admiral Ogalla drew attention to the global nature of security challenges that were destabilizing in nature, stating that these spates of challenges constituted a clarion call for militaries all over the world to embrace long-term and robust strategic postures to be able to combat such threats.

    While highlighting insurgency and banditry as some of the irregular challenges facing the nation, Rear Admiral Ogalla noted that the Nigerian Navy had changed its operations to meet up with such emerging irregular security challenges that were prevalent in Nigeria today

    The Naval War College is the highest Naval training institution in Nigeria. It was built to boost security in the maritime sector, as well as enhance the capability of Naval officers to make sound decisions both in command and management positions.

    Since the inception of the Naval War College in line with the Nigerian Naval Order 08/17 which promulgated its creation, it has continued to graduate intakes. The War College started on its temporary site at Ubima, Rivers State in 2017, before relocating to Calabar.

    Highlights of the event included the presentation of a souvenir to the State Governor by the Nigerian Navy.

  • Senate Committee Chairman On Gas, Jarigbe Agom Commends Tinubu’s CNG Project

     

    Barely 48 hours after President Bola Tinubu announced interventions to cushion the pains of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians in his speech to mark the country’s 63rd Independence, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, yesterday, urged the President to expeditiously mark his words with action by sending a 2023 Supplementary Budget to kick start the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project and other projects in the gas value chain, which are cheaper than the use of fossil fuel.

    According to a statement, the Senator also advised against extra budgetary expenditure through ‘Ways and Means,’ saying the legislature was ready to support and bring succour to the people.

    He was quoted to have said this after the Interdenominational Service on Independence Day.

    Jarigbe commended Tinubu on his CNG revolution to power vehicles. He said the noble initiative would ameliorate the hardship of the citizens.

    He also emphasised the need for the President to come up with a supplementary budget to enable the government fund the gas value chain, including the provision for CNG infrastructure and CNG vehicles, adding that the workshops and trainings would need to be funded.

    He advised the President not to embark on extra- budgetary expenditure because it would be inconsistent with the provisions of the law.

    He stated that the National Assembly, under the leadership of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was poised to support the lofty programs of his administration, adding that a 2023 supplementary budget would be most appropriate, instead of the ‘Ways and Means’ approach of the previous administration, which is currently a major issue of contention in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    In his Independence speech, the President had explained that,”At my inauguration, I made important promises about how I would govern this great nation. Among those promises, were pledges to reshape and modernise our economy and to secure the lives, liberty and property of the people.

    “I said that bold reforms were necessary to place our nation on the path of prosperity and growth. On that occasion, I announced the end of the fuel subsidy.”

    In announcing the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, the implementation of the policy came with severe hardship on the people and “I am attuned to the hardships that have come. I have a heart that feels and eyes that see. I wish to explain to you why we must endure this trying moment.

    Rationalising the fuel subsidy withdrawal policy, the president explained that, “Those who sought to perpetuate the fuel subsidy and broken foreign exchange policies are people who would build their family mansion in the middle of a swamp.

    “I am different. I am not a man to erect our national home on a foundation of mud. To endure, our home must be constructed on safe and pleasant ground,” he pointed out.

    He promised that though, “reform may be painful, but it is what greatness and the future require. We now carry the costs of reaching a future Nigeria where the abundance and fruits of the nation are fairly shared among all, not hoarded by a select and greedy few.

    “A Nigeria where hunger, poverty and hardship are pushed into the shadows of an ever fading past.

    “There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago. I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.

    “We have opened a new chapter in public transportation through the deployment of cheaper, safer CNG buses across the nation. These buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively affecting transport fares.

    “New CNG conversions kits will start coming in very soon as all hands are on deck to fast track the usually lengthy procurement process.”

    He said his administration was also setting up training facilities and workshops across the nation to train and provide new opportunities for transport operators and entrepreneurs.

  • 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

     

    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

    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

     

    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

     

    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

    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.