The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • 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.

  • 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.