The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • C’River State Govt Partners UNDP To Control Use Of Small Arms In Border Communities

     

    The Cross River State government and the United Nations Development Program
    (UNDP) is working on introducing a program that will deal with matters of security in border communities, on controlling the use of small arms in the State.

    This disclosure was made when a delegation of the UNDP paid a working visit to the Cross River State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation (MIDC) on Monday in her office in Calabar.

    According to the Comptroller-General for the South-South Center, Maj. Gen Martin
    Obot (rtd), the delegation was in the State to intimate the Commissioner of its entry to the state to liaise and undertake the program.

    Speaking also about the program, the Head, Center for Control of Small Arms and Programme Analyst for the UNDP, Mr. Jonathan Madaki noted that the core mission was to proliferate the use of small arms around border communities of the state as a means of securing the areas.

    Mr Madaki said the delegation was delighted to meet with the leadership of the Ministry as the coordinating MDA in the State. He said the collaboration will make the task much easier and achievable.

    In her remarks, Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong described the mission as a timely intervention considering the possible hike in social vices during this festive season.

    Dr Asibong thanked the delegation over the planned partnership in securing border villages and suburbs in the state, reiterating that Cross River State is relatively peaceful when compared with others and should remain so.

    The Commissioner specially acknowledged efforts of the UNDP on interventionist policies in the state, highlighting the Hydro Power Project at the Obudu Ranch Resort and lots more as case studies.

    She noted that the program is key as regards the hosting of the Carnival Calabar as the state anticipates the influx of visitors to grace the carnival in the days ahead, while pledging Governor Ben Ayade’s unalloyed resolve to the successful implementation of the program in the state.

    The session had critical functionaries among who were the representative of the CSOs Mrs Doris Okzia, UNDP Consultant Josephine Aba, the Chief Programme Officer for Security Intelligence, the Director of Administration of the MIDC and other management staff.

     

  • UNICROSS Management Assures Students Of Safety Within The University Environment

     

    The Management of Unicross wishes to inform parents , students , stakeholders , Government and all residents of Cross River State that the University acknowledges the sad experiences of some of its female students culminating in the theft of their phones and personal belongings by hoodlums .
    The Management of the University wishes to reiterate its commitment to the complete eradication of these criminal elements inimical to the peaceful coexistence of the university .

    The University Management has already contacted relevant security agencies to fish out these hoodlums who have decided to constitute themselves as a nuisance to the institution .

    It assures all staff, students, parents and stakeholders that the hoodlums would be caught and made to face the wrath of the law within a very short time .

    It also wishes to state that there were no cases of rape as mischievously peddled by some bloggers and news sites. Management frowns at the despicable act of publishing information without towing the noble path of verifying information for facts .

    The University wishes to appreciate the maturity of the students who though affected by the untoward situation, have gone back to their classrooms to continue with their normal activities and admonishes those who may want to destabilize the system using this sad occurrence to desist forthwith, as the institution would not hesitate to invoke all disciplinary measures as deemed necessary.

    Unicross Media Team

  • Jarigbe Commences The Rehabilitation Of 27 KM Yahe-Wanokom-Wanikade-Wanihem Road

    By Judex Okoro, Sunnewsonline

    Committed to improving the living standard of the people of Cross River north senatorial district, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has commenced rehabilitation work on the 27 kilometres Yahe-Wanokom-Wanikade-Wanihem road in Yala local government area of the state.

    The road is one of the major projects that Governor Ben Ayade had in 2016 promised to complete before leaving office.

    Jarigbe, who was represented by the Constituency Officer during the inauguration exercise, Mr Egar Mgbantul, said he decided to take up the road project to ameliorate the sufferings of his people, explaining that he is the National Assembly to protect the interest and welfare of his people.

    According to him, when completed the road would enhance community integration, boost inter- community trade and give the constituents access to other economic opportunities that abound within the senatorial zone.

    He commended the people of Yahe and Ukelle for their tremendous support so far, promising to attract more democratic dividends.

     

    He enjoined the contractor to try and deliver quality work and on time to ease rural transportation.

    Dignatories present at the short ceremony before commencement of construction work include
    Mr Julius Elah, Manus Ugboji, Hon. Martins Achadu, Mr Isaac Okpoko, Stephen Okpako, Mr Igbologidi, Chief Emmanuel Egwu and party leaders and stakeholders from the four wards of Ukelle and Yahe as well as supporters.

     

  • UNHCR Hands Over Completed Health Facilities To Cross River State Government

     

    The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, has handed over two constructed and fully equipped Health Centres to the Cross River State government for use by the refugees and host communities in Ogoja Local Government Area.

    The UNHCR Country Representative, Chansa Kapaya, while commissioning the health centres, commended the cooperation of all stakeholders and thanked the federal government in general and Cross River State in particular for hosting the Cameroonian Refugees.

    She maintained that the statistics of 85,000 refugees in Nigeria is the official registered refugees by UNHCR and National Commission for Refugees, and stated that Cross River State government alone hosts 50,000 refugees and Ogoja Local Government Area host about 15,000 refugees.

    The Country Rep held that “Just recently, we distributed 200 vaccine carriers boxes and fully equipped ambulance, security pick up van to ensure security for locals and refugees in Ogoja”

    She used the opportunity to call on the Cross River State government to increase the number of health workers in the facilities so that health care services will reach the vulnerable population and expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for providing the enabling environment for the refugees.

    The Head of Ogoja Field Office of UNHCR, Mr Tesfaye Beleke, thanked the UNHCR Country Rep for finding time to hand over the constructed health facilities to the Cross River State government.

    “Apart from these health facilities, very many schools were renovated and some were constructed across the state.

    “Today’s occasion is a very unique one that we don’t have very often. The Country Rep is here to handover these facilities to the government” he added.

    The Director General, State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Princewill Ayim, reiterated government’s commitment to providing the needed support to enhance effective intervention.

    On his part, the Zonal Coordinator, National Commission For Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Mr Innocent Efoghe thanked UNHCR for providing and equipping the health centres.

    Receiving the Health facilities on behalf of the Cross River State government, the Director General of the Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, thanked UNHCR for the interventions to better the lives of the Cameroonian refugees and host communities.

    She used the opportunity to extend the felicitations of the Wife of the governor, Dr Linda Ayade and pledged the commitment of the state to support refugees through the livelihood intervention as implemented by Mediatrix Development Foundation.

    Dr Ekpenyong pledged commitment to full utilization of the facilities as she announced that the Adagom Health facility will be enlisted as one of the facilities for the implementation of the Cross River State Insurance Scheme. She further announced that more Health Workers will be sent to the facilities to enhance maximum health service delivery.

    Speaking on behalf of Adagom and Ukende communities, Chief mankom Stephen and His Royal Highness, Ajiji Pius Ipole, Clan Head of Ogboja, separately welcomed UNHCR and held that “this has been a dream come true that access to comprehensive health care is now very close to the PoCs and the locals”

    They used the opportunity to request UNHCR to reconsider the policy of making the locals pay for healthcare services as the it is telling very negatively on them.

    The Chairman of Adagom 1 settlement, Mr Ngale Samuel, commended the Adagom community for the magnanimity in hosting the refugees. He applauded UNHCR for the enormous concerned to assist refugees accessed health Services and maintained that “we are proud of this UNHCR intervention and refered the health facility to a wonderful intervention”

    He requested for more health personale and doctors to assuage the doctor to patient ratio.

    The Chairman of Ogoja local government council, Hon Emmanuel Ishabor thanked UNHCR for recognizing the support given to the refugees and thanked particularly the leadership of Adagom community for the provision of land other support for the refugees and appealed that their concerns and challenges be channeled appropriately.

    The health facilities handed over were, Primary Health Centres Adagom 1 and Ukende.

    The occasion featured presentation of gift items to the Country Rep by Adagom 1 and Ukende host communities

  • Imo Police Command Parades Two Suspects Arrested In Connection With The Gruesome Murder Of Their Colleague

    The Imo State Police Command has paraded the two suspects arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of their colleague, Joy Uchechi Nwachukwu, a cashier of a gas plant in Owerri, Imo State.

    LIB had reported that that Nwachukwu was allegedly killed by her coworkers and her body buried in a shallow grave within the premises of the gas plant.

    The victim was allegedly murdered by the suspects including the manager, in an attempt to steal the company’s money.

    Spokesperson of the command, CSP Michael Abattam, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, November 7, 2022, said a shovel and a cutlass believed to be the murder weapons used in killing the victim, were recovered from the shallow grave.

    According to the PPRO, the two suspects are undergoing interrogation for the gruesome murder of Miss Nwachukwu while two others are on the run.

    “Following a case of Missing Person reported on the 24/10/2022 by the family of young woman, Miss Joy Uchechi Nwachukwu aged 36yrs who left home for work at HALIM 633 SYNERGY COOKING GAS STATION, Toronto/Road Safety by MCC Road Owerri, Imo State and never returned home,” the statement read.

    “After a futile search, the family decided to complain to the Commissioner of Police through a petition written by one Pastor Mrs Precious Abara. On receipt of the petition, it was immediately referred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (SCIID) for discreet investigation. Detectives from the FORENSIC SECTION were detailed to investigate in conjunction with a team of CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATORS (CSI’s) led by Inspector Obele Fredrick.

    “The investigating team, on the 26/10/2022 at about 1200 hours left the Police Headquarters to the scene of crime on investigation, armed with Forensic Equipments. On arrival, preliminary investigation revealed that Miss Joy Uchechi Nwachukwu who doubles as the Secretary/Cashier of the Gas Plant, takes the weekly money sales to the bank on Tuesdays and manages the day to day running of the company because the owner who resides abroad entrusts the business in her care.

    “These unfolding revelations gave the team of detectives an insight into puzzle surrounding the disappearance of the lady and a thorough search was made in the premises of the entire gas station for clues.

    “Unfortunately, nothing incriminating was discovered hence they moved to the back of the COOKING GAS STATION. In the course of search, a blood stain was observed on the wall of the fence. This made the team to suspect fowl play hence, they carefully and professionally traced the blood stain to an area where dried grasses were packed deceptively with two heavy stones placed on them to create an impression that nothing has been done around area for long time.

    “But, the operatives were not fooled. They removed the heavy stones, the grasses and gently dugged out the earth, alas an offensive stench oozed out. Excitedly, they dug further only to discover it was a shallow grave. Inside was a shovel and a cutlass and the decomposing body of Miss Joy Uchechi Nwachukwu.

    “Consequently, the corpse was exhumed, the shovel and cutlass recovered to the Station. Hypothetically, it is reasonably suspected that the two items recovered in the shallow grave are the murder weapons used in killing the victim.

    “The corpse was later evacuated and deposited at Federal Medical Centre mortuary for autopsy.

    “Two suspects have been arrested and are undergoing interrogation for the gruesome murder of Miss Joy Uchechi Nwachukwu while, two others are on the run.

    “The police operatives are not relenting in their search for the fleeing suspects and within the shortest possible time, they will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement conncluded.

    Lindaikeji

  • Sandy Onor Donates 3M For The Construction Of A Passage Way At Ndebeji Collapsed Bridge

     

    The Governorship Candidate of the PDP and Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor has donated the sum of Three Million Naira (#3,000,000.00) for the construction of a passage way to ease movement on the broken bridge of Eku near New Ndebeji Community in Akamkpa LGA of Cross River State.

    Senator Onor made the donation on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 in Calabar when the committee saddled with the responsibility to create a safe passage way paid a courtesy call on the governorship candidate.

    Making the donation on behalf of Sen Onor, Ntufam Dr Omang Ntui admonished the committee to make judicious use of the resources in order to achieve timely result considering the stalled human and vehicular movement in and out of the community.

    Responding on behalf of the group, the elated Chairman of the committee to over see the creation of a safe passage route, and village head of Akoh, Ntufam ASU Clement said: “We have never had someone like him. Today, we ‘re grateful that our own son, Senator Sandy Onor heard our cry and came in timely to intervene and assist us. We thank him so much.”

    Recall that Sen Sandy Onor was the first public office holder to visit the stranded communities and motorist, when the bridge collapsed, he had promised to engage and facilitate more allocation for the construction of the road; an improvement of the previous budgetary provision he had facilitated.

    Caterpillar Movement Media

  • Wike, Saraki, Lawan, Cross River Elites Storms Sen Sandy Onor’s Book Presentation

    By Ndifon Joseph

    Captains of industries, the political class, business men & women as well as members of the academic community within and outside the state on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022 converged at the Nigerian Airfoce (NAF) Conference Centre, Abuja to witness the historic and landmark Public Presentation of “Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity,” a critique of previous scholarship and insights that validates the existence of a long lasting and dynamic relationship amongst the various ethnicities before the advent of Europeans, meticulously written by Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor, an academic colossus cum erudite professor of African History.

    A document for historical reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation, “it is well researched and properly written; using the skills and method of the historian. Sen Onor painstakingly captured the high degree of sacrifices, compromises, team work, harmonisations, reconciliation, assimilation, enculturation and blending that set in motion the slow but steady process that culminated in the emergence of the Nigerian state” (Ahmed Lawan PhD).

    The book offers compelling answers to critical national queations, national issues of disquieting crises of relations, development and nation building confronting contemporary Nigeria. And as contained therein, critical National Question would remain intractable and insurmountable only if we continue to fail in managing and converting our diversities into assets like most nations characterized by ethnic plurality have done around the world.

    Declaring the event opened, the Chairman of the Occasion, His Excellency Dr Bukola Saraki, ably represented by former Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency, Mallam AbdulFatai Ahmed, described “Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity” as apt, timely and a recipe for the 2023 General Elections.

    The Book Reviewer and Director of Research, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, Prof Chris B N Ogbogbo described the scholarly work as “Refreshing, in a class of its own and a breath of fresh air from the centrifugal calls across the country.” He recommended the “Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity” to be read and distributed not just by patriots, but all those who intend to ginger the patriotic spirit.

    On his part, the Chief Presenter and Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, represented by the Attorney General of the state, Barr Zaccheus Adongor, congratulated the author for the feat and auspiciousness of the occasion which he described as “Rich intellectual assembly” and stressed the need for equity and fairness in our polity while allowing constituents units to grow and develop at their pace and speed; the fundamental principles of federalism. He made a donation of 20Milliom Naira.

    The occasion witnessed rendition of goodwill messages from different stakeholders. The Cross River State Chairman of the PDP, Barr Venatius Ikem described the author as an outstanding and erudite scholar whom Crossrivarians would gladly donate to the centre in views of his competence for global service. The Deputy-Governorship Candidate of the PDP, Lady Emana-Duke Ambrose Amawhe appluaded the author for dedicating a chapter exclusively for women.

    A former Governor of Cross River State, Chief Clement Ebri described”Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity” as Nigeria’s history under the umbrella. An elder statesman and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) called for the establishment of a National Integration Commission, a commission to integrate the nation. President of the Senate, His Excellency Dr Ahmed Lawan described the occasion as an event for the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Highpoint of the occasion was the investiture and formal induction of the author, Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor as Fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN), Nigeria’s famous and oldest professional body.

    The author, Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor graduated top of his class from the prestigious University of Calabar in 1987 where he studied History and International Relations and proceeded to bag a PhD in African History from the same department where he also started his academic career. A highly referenced, recognized and decorated scholar, Senator Prof Sandy Onor currently serves as an elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District and holds the Governorship ticket of the PDP to reclaim and restore Cross River State.

  • Ayade Signs Law Increasing Jurisdiction Of Magistrate Court In Cross River

     

    Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade Thursday signed the state’s Magistrate Jurisdiction Law 2022.

    The law increases the jurisdiction of magistrate courts in the state on civil matters.

    The signing ceremony which was witnessed by the state Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, State Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Willams Eteng Jones among other top government functionaries, held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Calabar.

    Speaking at the event, the governor said with the law in place, the administration of justice is now closer to the people.

    “The social import of this exercise is that we are taking the administration of the law closer to our people so that those who have need to approach the courts will not have to look for a High court, but can now access justice anywhere there is a magistrate just because of the increased jurisdiction.

    “With this, access to law, access to legal services, access to justice is now closer to our people” the governor said.

    According to him, “It is in my exercise of the powers conferred on me as Governor by section 31, sub section 1 of the Magistrate Court Law of Cross River State of Nigeria 2004, that l hereby sign to law, an order which will increase the jurisdiction of Magistrate Court in civil matters. The order shall come into effect on the 3rd of November, which is today.”

    Ayade commended Justice Ikpeme “for being very very balanced in all the recommendations that have come before me.”

    Earlier in her remarks, Justice Ikpeme noted that the last time the jurisdictions of Magistrate Courts were increased in the state was on July 25th, 2005.

    Commending Ayade for signing the law, the Cross state Chief Judge said: “Today, 17 years after, the digital governor has signed into law, an increase in the jurisdiction of magistrate courts in civil matters, and it is to the following effects: Chief magistrate court 1; The limit before now was 7 million Naira, it has now been raised to 10 million Naira, Chief magistrate court 2 has been raised to 7 million Naira, senior magistrate grade 1 is now 5 million Naira, senior magistrate grade 2 is now 3 million Naira and magistrate grade 1 is 2 million Naira”

    According to her, every local government area of the state now has a Chief magistrate court where cases can be filed.

    “I want to congratulate our Governor for doing this. When l suggested it to him he immediately agreed and l want to say today, the judiciary appreciates you very much”, the Chief Judge stated.

  • Sandy Onor Presents Book, Becomes Fellow, Historical Society Of Nigeria

    The Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District and PDP Governorship Candidate for Cross River State for 2023 general elections, Sen Sandy Onor presented his book titled “FOUNDATION OF NIGERIA’S UNITY” at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja, on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2022.

    The Book Reviewer, Prof. C.N Ogbogbo described the book as a must – read for all Nigerians considering the importance of the book.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Sen Dr Bukola Saraki submitted that at this critical point in Nigeria’s trajectory, the decision of the author to examine such a delicate and intrinsically pertinent issue in society is an indication that the author is ready for leadership and service delivery.

    On his part, the Special Guest of Honour, Distinguished Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, posited that the author, Sen Sandy Onor was in fact, a leading light in the Senate and praised him for being able to comfortably combine the tedious and herculean task of lawmaking with equally the mentally draining demands of scholarship.

    The book, Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity is a ten-chapter treatise that examines Nigeria’s history from the precolonial, through the colonial and post colonial epochs.

    To cap off the event was the Investiture and Induction of the Author, Sen Prof Sandy Onor as a Fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Nigeria’s Oldest professional body.

    Other dignitaries at the event were: the Former Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulFatai Ahmed who represented the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Bukola Saraki, and the Governor of River’s State, Chief Nyesom Wike who was ably represented by the Attorney General of the State , Prof Zaccheus Adangor.

    Already a prolific author and Consummate researcher, this work adds to a long and stimulating catalogue of books written by the author.

    Caterpillar Movement Media

     

  • Unical Security Arrest Trader For Impersonation During Aptitude Test

     

    By George Odok Jr, NAN

    The security department of the University of Calabar has arrested a suspect, Emmanuel Uwakwe, a trader in Ariaria market, Aba, for impersonation during the institution’s ongoing aptitude test.

    Chief Security Officer of UNICAL, retired Capt. Austin Bisong, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Calabar, that the suspect was caught in the act.

    Austin told NAN that the suspect was caught after writing the Computer Based Test for six candidates who were seeking admission into the institution.

    “The suspect, Uwakwe, was arrested by our security operatives after they detected that he had stayed longer than expected on the computer.

    “When he was arrested, he was already trying to log in the personal identity number for the seventh candidate.

    “He was using five minutes for each paper during the examination.

    “At this point, all the six candidates he wrote for can never have their results, and they have risked their admission status with the university,” he said.

    He told NAN that investigation was ongoing to unravel if there was any connivance with any staff of the institution or security personnel.

    He said that the suspect would be handed over to external security agency for further investigation and necessary action.

    While showing remorse for his act, Uwakwe pleaded with the university management for forgiveness.

    “They promised to give me N50,000 to write for seven candidates; out of that amount, I have collected N40,000 and was left with a balance of N10,000.

    “I came all the way from Abia state to write the examination for the candidates. I am good in computer operation, that was why they contacted me.

    “I have a shop in Ariaria market in Aba; I only came here to make some small money for myself. I want to plead with the school management to forgive me,” he said. (NAN)