The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Court Orders C’River Assembly To Pay Withheld Allowance To PDP Lawmakers

    Culled from the Parchment

    Justice Nnang Isoni of the Cross River State High Court, Calabar has ordered the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly and the Clerk of the house to immediately pay the allowances owed some members of the state assembly who refused to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
    In a consent judgement, Justice Isoni submitted that the lawmakers being elected members of the state house of assembly, were entitled to their allowances and therefore directed that their allowances be paid to them.
    The Court also restrained the leadership of the house from suspending or attempting to suspend the lawmakers until the expiration of their tenure in office.

    The seven (7) PDP lawmakers who refused to defect to the APC had dragged the leadership of the house to court for refusing to pay their allowances.
    The members, Rt Hon Efa Esua, Calabar municipal State constituency, Rt Hon Friday Okpechi, Obubra 1, Hon Francis Ovat, Obubra 2, Rt Hon Fredrick Osim, Ikom 1, Rt Hon Itam Abang, Boki, Rt Hon Nelson Ofem, Yakuur 1 and Elizabeth Ironbark, Akpabuyo state constituency had prayed the court to compel the house leadership to pay them their allowances.

    Hon. Elizabeth Ironbar later died in October 2021.

    Findings by The Parchment reveals that the judgement which was delivered on February 7, 2022, is however yet to be implemented. One of the APC lawmakers who pleaded not to be mentioned, told our reporter that, despite the rulling, the state governor, Ben Ayade has ordered the house leadership never to pay the lawmakers until they defect to the APC.

    In May 2021, Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade abandoned the People’s Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress. Few weeks after, 18 lawmakers joined the governor and defected to the APC, while the other 7 out of the 25 member house remained in the PDP.

    For refusing to defect to the APC, the Eteng Williams led house of assembly refused to pay the PDP lawmakers their statutory allowances, allegedly on the orders of the State governor, Ben Ayade.

    In a special interview with the The Parchment last September 2021, leader of the house, Hon. Peter Odey had denied that the PDP members were refused their allowances.

    “As far as I am concerned, I know that all what is due them, still gets to them as members of the state house of assembly” Odey told our reporter.

    The recent rulling now exposes Hon. Odey and the house leadership as liars.

    One of the affected PDP lawmakers who spoke with our reporter on the implication of the court ruling said.
    “ The important thing is that we sued them individually, we only Joined the house of assembly because they are members of the house. So what that means is that, in implementing the judgement, we can begin to sieze their properties individually”

    The house leadership led by speaker Eteng Williams had been accused of sharing among themselves over N15 million monthly allowances meant for the seven lawmakers who refused to defect to the APC since May lasted year.

  • Just In: ASUU Begins One Month Strike, Says It’s Demands Has Barely Changed Since Signing Of The 2009 Agreement With FG

    By Mojeed Alabi, Premium Times

     

    • ASUU rounded off its “NEC for NEC” meeting at about 3 a.m. on Monday and will formally brief the press on Monday morning.

    A reliable source at the just concluded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has confided in Premium Times that the union resolved to embark on a one-month “comprehensive and total” strike to compel the Nigerian government to accede its requests.

    According to the source, who was part of the meeting, the union took the decision “reluctantly” despite interventions by many prominent Nigerians.

    He said the decision was to save Nigeria’s university system considering what he described as the deteriorating state of Nigerian universities. He said the government’s alleged recalcitrance made the position unavoidable.

    “The indefinite and total strike is for four weeks. We hope government the would do the needful within the next four weeks,” the source said in a terse statement shared with our reporter on Monday morning.

    Premium Times had on Sunday night reported that ASUU had scheduled a meeting it tagged “NEC for NEC” for midnight on Sunday to take the final decision on behalf of the various congresses of its chapters.

    The meeting was a follow-up to the then ongoing two-day marathon meeting which had kicked off on Saturday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka.

    ASUU rounded off its “NEC for NEC” meeting at about 3 a.m on Monday when the branch chairman of the union in UNILAG, Dele Ashiru, confirmed that the National President, Emmanuel Osodeke would address the media by 9 a.m. on Monday.

    Mr. Ashiru, whose note was tagged; “ASUU Press conference,” said he was inviting journalists on behalf of the union’s national leadership.

    The note reads in part; “Dear colleague, good morning Ma\Sir. Pls ASUU’s NEC media briefing now to hold as follows; Date: MONDAY, Feb 14; Time: 9.00 am; Venue: Tayo Aderinokun Auditorium, Behind Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.”

    Mr. Ashiru, however, did not hint at the union’s final decision as he refused to pick follow-up calls from our reporter.

    ASUU’s Demands

    The demands of the lecturers’ union have barely changed since the signing of the ASUU/FG 2009 agreement.

    These demands include the sustainability of the university autonomy, which the union said the introduction of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) for the payment of its emoluments violates. The union seeks its replacement with its own University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).

    Other demands include the endorsement of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, which it said was concluded in May 2021; release of the reports of visitation panels to federal universities, and distortions in salary payment challenges.

    ASUU also demands funds for the revitalization of public universities, earned academic allowance, improved funding of state universities, and promotion arrears.

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Inspects Road Project in Yala LGA.

     

    The Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, today, inspected the ongoing construction/Rehabilitation of 1.3 KM Prince Akwaji Offiono Road.

    The project which is being handled by Executive team managers, was Facilitated by the Senator through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and it’s one of many roads facilitated so far by the lawmaker.

    During the inspection, the lawmaker commended the contractor for the quality of work being done.

    The 1.3KM road is the longest stretch of road ever facilitated by a legislator to Yala LGA.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Projects Facilitated By Sen Sandy Onor In Central Senatorial District

     

    (1). Construction and Rehabilitation of Okuni/Nsofang Road, Ikom/Etung LGA – Completed

    (2). Rehabilitation of Mile 2 Road, Ikom, Ikom LGA – Completed

    (3). Rehabilitation of Market Lane, Ikom Main Market, Ikom LGA. – Completed

    (4). Rehabilitation of State Housing Lane Ikom, Ikom LGA – completed

    (5). General Maintenance & Rehabilitation of Ogoja-Ikom Road with spur at Okundi – Completed

    (6). General Maintenance & Rehabilitation of section of Ikom – Obudu Road with a spur at Bendeghe, Etung LGA – completed

    (7). Maintenance of Ikom Apiapum Road, Cross River Central – completed

    (8). Supply and Installation of ICT Laboratory Equipments – Completed

    (9). Entrepreneurship Development Training for Youth in Cross River Central from 5th – 9th October 2019.

    (10). Supply and installation of ICT Laboratory equipment to Holy Child Sec Sch Ikom, Ikom LGA- Completed

    (11). Completion of Community Civic Centre, Abijang, Etung LGA – Completed

    (12). Installation of solar street lights @ Abia, Etung LGA – Completed.

    (13). Installation of Solar Street Lights @ Ajassor, Etung LGA – Completed

    (14). IInstallation of solar Street lights @ Etomi, Etung LGA – Completed

    (15). Renovation of Obol Lopon palace @ Ugep, Yakurr LGA- Complete

    (16). Bulldozing /Grading of 6 km Farm Road @ Ekori, Yakurr LGA – Complete

    (17). Renovation of Pavilion @ Primary School Mkpani, Yakurr LGA – Complete

    (18) Construction of Schools Desks for Community Secondary School Idomi, Yakurr LGA.

    (19). Construction of Schools Desks for Bahumono Secondary Grammar School Ebom, Abi LGA – Complete

    (20). Construction of two (2) solar powered Boreholes @ Ikom Main Market, Ikom LGA – Complete

    (21). Construction of Solar Powered Boreholes @ Bendeghe Afi, Ikom – Complete

    (22). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Onyadama in Obubra LGA – Complete

    (23). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Ofodua in Obubra LGA – Complete

    (24). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Ovonum, Obubra LGA – Complete

    (25). Provision of Solar Street lights @ Ochon in Obubra LGA – Complete

    (26). Construction of Pavilion at Paramount Ruler Palace @ Olom, Boki LGA – Complete

    (27). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Bumaji in Boki LGA – Complete

    (28). Provision of Solar Power Borehole @ Bunyia Irruan in Boki LGA – Complete

    (29) Completion of Community Town Hall @ Biakwam in Boki LGA – Complete

    (30). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Wula, Boki LGA – Complete

    (31). Renovation of Primary School Block @ Bafin-Etintim, Boki LGA – Complete

    (32). Bulldozing and Grading of Kakwagom – Ndok Road in Boki LGA – Complete

    (33). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Bansan Osokom in Boki LGA – Complete

    (34). Completion of Corpers Lodge @ Imabana, Abi LGA – Complete

    (35). Grading of Obubra – Ogada Main Town in Obubra – Complete

    (36). Grading of Iyamaoyong to Ikom-Calabar Road- CRBDA – Complete

    (37). Construction of Bridge @ Osopong in Obubra LGA – Complete

    (38). Construction of Community Civic Centre @ Mkpot, Etung LGA – Complete

    (39). Construction of Community Civic Centre @ Itaka, Etung LGA – Done

    (40). Manual Borehole construction @ Itigidi, Abi LGA – Done

    (41). Construction/Furnishing of (1) Block of Four (4) Classrooms @ Itigidi, Abi LGA. – Done

    (42). Items donated to Holy Child Secondary School, Ikom ICT Centre; 40 desktop computers, 2 laptops, 1 scanner, 1 HP Laserjet Printer, 1 Electronic Board, 1 Projector, 2 Solar Inverters, 8 Solar Batteries, 1 Fire Estinguisher, 1 Storage Rack, 1 Cabinet.

    (43). Distribution of Motorcycles to Youths across the Central Senatorial District for easy transportation.

    (44). ICT Equipment supplied to the following Schools:

    – Community Sec Sch Etomi, Etung LGA

    – Community Sec Sch Nsofang, Etung LGA

    – Community Sec School Ugep, Yakurr LGA

    – Community Sec Sch Ekunekune Asiga Yakurr LGA

    – Regina Pacis Secondary School Ofombongha, Obubra LGA

    – Community Secondary School Bawop, Boki

    EMPOWERMENT ITEMS DISTRIBUTED TO CONSTITUENTS IN 2020 FISCAL YEAR

    – 40 Motorcycles
    -220 Deep Freezers
    – 250 Vulcanizing Machines
    – 200 Sewing Machines
    – 100 Water Pumping Machines
    – 250 Grinding Machines
    – 5 Tricycles
    – 2 Toyota Camry Salon Cars.

    2021 PROJECTS OF SEN SANDY ONOR

    (1). Grading of Yala (Nkum) Road, Ikom LGA – Done

    (2). Grading of Ochon – Isabang Road, Obubra LGA – Done

    (3). Grading of Ugep – Usumutong Road, Abi LGA – Ongoing

    (4). Grading of Effraya – Etomi – Bendeghe Road, Etung LGA – Ongoing

    (5). Grading of Abo/Ugba Ntan to Abo Nkpamg in Boki LGA – Ongoing

    (6). Construction of Guest House @ Etomi, Etung LGA – Ongoing

    (7). Construction of Guest House, Nsofang, Etung LGA – Ongoing

    (8). Construction of Town Hall @ Okuni, Ikom LGA – Ongoing

    (9). Renovation of Bokomo Town Hall, Ikom LGA – Ongoing

    (10) Construction of Borehole with Overhead tank, generator @ Bankpor Irruan, Boki LGA – Ongoing

    (11). Construction of Borehole @ Etomi, Etung LGA – Ongoing

    (12). Donation of 27Kva Generator to Steady Flow University(SFU), Ikom LGA – Done

    (13). Solar lighting in Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Ugep – Done

    (14). Solar Lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler of Abi – Done

    (15). Solar lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler of Boki – Done

    (16). Solar Lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler of Etung – Done

    (17). Solar lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler, Ikom – Done

    (18). Solar lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler, Obubra – Done

    (19). Solar Lighting @ Ikom Main Market and Motor Park – Done

    (20). Solar lighting of Kakwagom/Bawop Ward – Done

    (21). Solar lighting in Ajassor – Done

    (22). Solar lighting in State Housing Ikom -/Done

    (23). Training of 100 Constituents on Agriculture Value Chain for Rural Farmers, Cross River Central – Done

    (24). Training of Cocoa Farmers, Cross River Central – Done

    (25). Skill acquisition training for youth, women and artisans in Cross River Central – Done

    (26). Facillitated Covid-19 intervention fund to 600 households in Cross River Central – Done

  • Caterpillar Movement Felicitates DC Enamhe On His Appointment As UNICAL ALUMNI Relation Officer

    CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT.
    21st January 2022.

    Dr. Enamhe Dorn Cklaimz.
    Department of Social Works,
    University of Calabar,
    Calabar.

    FELICITATION

    On behalf of our Principal, Dist. Senator Sandy Onor, the entire Caterpillar Movement Family and PDP in cross river central senatorial district, I heartily extend our warmest felicitation to you on your milestone achievements which have resulted in your appointment as Acting Alumni Relation Officer, University of Calabar by the amiable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi.

    Over the years, moving steadily on the path of selfless service and patriotism, you have affirmed your place as a dependable, productive and purpose-driven individual, capable of ensuring the welfare of people under your watch.
    You have demonstrated uncommon qualities of service to humanity and mankind.

    This appointment, therefore, is a mark of expression of this confidence that people have in you.

    I hereby urge you to remain assiduous, efficient and committed to the principles that have earned you this appointment, and to continue to blaze the trail . We are proud of you DC.

    Once again, Congratulations!!

    Joe-Obi Bisong (Hon Chief)
    DG, Caterpillar Movement)

  • Sandy Onor Sponsors A Motion To Upgrade And Standardize Traveling Processes At The Margaret Ekpo lnternational Airport, Calabar

    THE URGENT NEED TO UPGRADE INFRASTRUCTURE AND STANDARDISE TRAVELLING PROCESSES AT THE MARGARET EKPO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Sponsor: Senator (Prof.) Sandy Ojang Onor (Cross River Central)

    Co-Sponsors: … Senator Gershom Bassey
    Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe

    The Senate:

    NOTES that the Calabar airport, Cross River State, was commissioned in July 1983, by former President Shehu Shagari and was equipped with modern facilities at the time and was soon raised to the status of an International airport.

    FURTHER NOTES that in the 1980’s and 1990’s, the National Carrier; Nigeria Airways, used to fly regionally from Calabar to Cameroun and Equitorial Guinea. This impacted positively on the economy of Cross River State, Nigeria and the sub-region at large.

    AWARE that the airport had standard facilities at that time, which were being maintained by the Federal Government. Most of these facilities while still being used, are now obsolete and need to be upgraded or replaced.

    FURTHER AWARE that although the airport still has the “international” status, the airport does not operate any international or regional flights anymore. In fact, until recently, only one commercial airline plied the Calabar route.

    WORRIED that if the international status of the airport is not restored, most of these facilities will further deteriorate and waste.

    CONCERNED that the lack of international / regional flights has greatly affected the economy and tourism drive of the state in particular and Nigeria at large.

    ACCORDINGLY RESOLVES TO:
    Urge the Federal Ministry of Aviation and all other relevant agencies to functionally restore the International flight status of the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar.

    Urge the Federal Ministry of Aviation and all other relevant agencies to fix and upgrade existing facilities to meet up with the required international standards.

    Urge the Federal Ministry of Aviation and all relevant agencies to ensure adequate security cover in and around the airport to protect equipment such as the Navigational Aids, lighting cables and the perimeter fence that are constantly vandalised by criminally minded people.

    Urge the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other relevant agencies to provide any facility needed to restore the International status of the airport, such as the Instrument Landing System (ILS) for night landings and the approach lights, which have been vandalised due to inadequate security cover.

    Urge the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other relevant agencies to install the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS). This will aid in restarting the International route programme of the Airport.
    I so move.

  • NMDPRA Inspects Safety, Operational Facilities At Calabar Depot

     

    The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has undertaken an inspection visit to the depot in Calabar with a view to ensure that the safety and operational facilities are up to date.

    Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director, Distribution System, Storage, Retail and Infrastructure of the Authority, was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Operations Controller, Calabar Field Office of NMDPRA, Mr George Ene-Ita, and other staff.

    The team inspected the Dozzy oil and Gas depot, Ammasco petroleum chemicals company, Hyde tanks and terminals, North West Petroleum, Fynfield Petroleum, Sobaz oil, Alkanes Petroleum and Gas, jetties among others.

    Speaking to newsmen after the tour, Ukoha said that one of the concerns of the marketers was the dredging of the Calabar channel.

    The Executive Director said that the dredging would allow for bigger vessels to berth with petroleum product with a view to meet the storage capacity of the depot.

    According to him, the oil marketers have identified dredging as one of their major concerns limitating the supply of petroleum product to their facilities at the jetty.

    He disclosed that the peak consumption period for petroleum product in Nigeria was between November to January, hence the need to stabilise and ensure a seamless supply and distribution of the product.

    “The draft of the Calabar channel was one of the concerns raised by oil marketers; due to this, they have to wait for the tide to come high before bringing in their vessels.

    “With dredging, we can do more so that bigger vessels can come in because they have the capacity for storage.

    “The oil marketers have also raised the issue of multiple regulation by different agencies; we will look into the issues and engage with other stakeholders because the Petroleum Industry Act is very clear, we are domiciled as the priority.

    “It is very important that we do this and be mindful of the outcome of the pump price on the end users,” he said.

  • Peter Odey Splashes 5M, 500 Bags Of Rice And 500 Wrappers On Constituents For Christmas

    By Elijah Ugani

    The member representing Ogoja State Constituency and Leader of the 9th Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Peter Odey has today doled out 5M, 500 bags of rice and 500 wrappers to his constituents drawn from the ten political wards of Ogoja Local Government Area.

    Distributing the items and cash at the Ogoja council hall, the Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Mr Uko Inakwu, commended the gesture of the member of Parliament for recognizing the role of women and for the benevolent spirit to reach out the women, and noted that this is the first of it kind in the history of Ogoja.

    On his part, Mr Odey thanked the Governor, Sen Ben Ayade for providing the fulcrum that has demystified leadership in Cross River State within the last six years.

    He used the opportunity to assure his constituents of effective representation as he wished them a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year in advance “It has been my desire to give you the representation that we all desire and this I have done within the past six years. Today, I have decided to single you out to say thank you for all your support.

    “Let me use this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year in advance. May the love that God had shown us through the birth of Jesus Christ, find a place in our hearts as we share with those in need especially during this Christmas season”

    Most of the beneficiaries who spoke to TheLumineNews expressed joy and satisfaction with the items they received and prayed for the lawmaker and wished him the best even as he completes his stay in office.

    Mrs. Agbo Ogar of Ogoja Urban Ward ii described Mr Odey as God sent as majority of those who benefited from his benevolence had lost hope of what to eat during the Christmas considering the high cost of food stuff in the market.
    She asked God to grant his heart desires.

    Mr Odey had earlier in the month distributed 20 motorcycles to APC ward Chairmen and party stalwart across the ten wards of Ogoja to ease mobilization of party faithfuls.

  • Glitz and Glamour As UNICAL VC Celebrates Christmas With Children

     

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has celebrated the yuletide season with children in a colourful and unique style at the institution’s conference centre.

    The UNICAL Staff Children Party, the first of it’s kind, played host to hundreds of children who competed in various events during the show.

    The event featured dance competition, bible quiz, little master and miss UNICAL pageant show, fashion parade, among many others.

    The winners of miss UNICAL and little master were crowned by the VC and branded as “Ambassadors of UNICAL”, while Christmas packages were shared to all the children.

    Consolation prizes were also given to the 1st and 2nd runner up respectively. Parents were not left out in the fun as they added colour to the event by way of dancing on stage and contesting to win prizes for their children.

    In her remarks, the VC, who said that identifying with children helps to shape their upbringing and giving them the right path to follow in life, advised parents to always give their children a positive outlook towards life.

    According to her, “Children are gifts from God, hence we need to take good care of them by teaching them what is morally right and the things that are wrong.

  • Sandy Onor Visits Victims of Fire Disaster in Ikom, Promised Relief Materials

     

    The senator representing the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor on Saturday, November 27, 2021 visited the scene of the recent fire outbreak in Ikom Town, Ikom LGA of Cross River State. His visit was to console the victims who lost property worth millions of naira with a pledge to make relief materials available as quick as possible.

    The swift and timely reaction of the distinguished senator is in line with his inherent interventionist nature and in fulfilment of his campaign promise to always respond to the needs and yearnings of his people both in cheerful and tearful times.

    This is the second time in two years that the Ikom main market is engulfed in fire outbreak. During the first outbreak, the senator had made same on the spot visit and assessment of the level damage. He ensured a follow-up with the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, and relief materials ranging from mattresses, zinc, bags of cement among other things were provided and distributed to the affected persons.

    Some of the victims who spoke with our reporter expressed profound gratitude to Senator Onor for his swift response, consolation and reassuring hope as the first public office holder to visit the scene inspite of distance and his very busy schedules.