The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • UBA, Former Staff In Court Over Entitlements

    UBA, Former Staff In Court Over Entitlements

    By Joseph Kingston, Calabar

    The United Bank for Africa (UBA) and its former staff, Mr Anthony Idagu, are in court over an alleged refusal of the bank to pay him his entitlements since 2018, as well as an unjustified termination of Idagu’s appointment after 18 years of meritorious service.

    The case, which is in the National Industrial Court, Calabar with suit number NICN/CA/20/2019 was presided over by Justice M N Esowe before his transfer a few months ago. The new Judge, Justice Sanusi Kado, is now in charge of the matter.

    In his statement of claims, Mr Idagu said he was deployed from the Calabar branch of the bank to Ikom in central Cross River in April 2013 as a cash officer, and that he had served in the Ikom branch faithfully till January 31, 2018 when his ordeal with the bank started.

    He averred that as a cash officer of the branch, he was saddled with the responsibility of carrying out integrity test for all staff of the branch following reports of underpayment of customers, noting that he diligently discharged this duty without hitches whatsoever.

    “I carried out the integrity test in conjunction with the Operations Officer of the branch with the aid of cameras without the knowledge of the tellers and one of the tellers (name withheld), failed the test.”

    He said when one of the officers failed the test, he reported his finding to the Control Officer, Mr Kenneth Akpom, who rather than discipline the staff, said the erring staff should be advised verbally and allowed to continue work.

    “We have on record several queries on the said staff, bordering on allegation of cash suppression and under declaration, including that of integrity test on January 31, 2018, but no action was taken against him by Branch Operations Manager, Mr Kenneth Okpom and Matthew Nyiam.

    “The integrity test register was signed by the Operation Manager and he followed his instructions given to him by the Branch Operations Manager to register every outcome of the integrity test which he duly signed,” he submitted.

    According to him, when he insisted on the right thing to be done with sanctions against the erring staff, a committee was set up to investigate the matter but surprisingly, the committee suspended him while the erring staff was left untouched.

    The suspension, he said, went beyond the recommended three months, and that despite the obvious lopsided decision and injustice, he was later asked to resign for no justifiable reason.

    “After eighteen years of meritorious service I was asked to resign just like that, and when I wrote in the resignation letter that I was asked to resign, they rejected it and said I should remove the clause ‘asked to resign’ and that I should say that I was resigning voluntarily. This was designed just to ensure that I do not get my benefits.”

    The former UBA staff appealed to the court to order the bank to pay him his outstanding salary and emoluments. The case was adjourned to April 20, 2021.

  • Young Girl Who Beat Security To Grab Osinbajo Hands In Nyanya Market Is Now VP’s ‘Daughter

    Young Girl Who Beat Security To Grab Osinbajo Hands In Nyanya Market Is Now VP’s ‘Daughter

    By Admin

    The personal photographer to Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Tolani Alli, on Saturday, February 6, shared a very inspiring story about a girl named Chinaza.

    According to Tolani, Chinaza had breezed past the vice president’s personal security, grabbed his hand, and compelled him to visit her mum’s shop.

    The incident happened at the popular Nyanya market in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja when Osinbajo visited retail stores to promote the Trader Moni initiative of the Buhari administration.

    Osinbajo travelled to major markets in Nigeria when Trader Moni was launched to ensure that the funds reached traders.

    TraderMoni is an empowerment scheme of the federal government created specifically for petty traders and artisans across Nigeria.

    Tolani wrote on Twitter: “In 2018, Professor Osinbajo visited Nyanya market, Abuja to monitor the impact of the TraderMoni scheme, a mild shock greeted him.

    “Chinaza, whose mother owned a store at the market, and had promised herself to tell the VP what she thought of him from his appearances on her TV and other media, made her way through his security and grabbed his hand.

    “Amidst the presence of a security detail, and an extremely large crowd, she tugged at the VP’s hand ceaselessly, insisting that he visited her mom’s store, and telling him about how much he inspired her to be courageous and reach for her dreams.

    Fast forward to two years and some months later, Chinaza sits with her mum in the presidential villa, with a man who has now come to know her as a “daughter”.

    “Almost three long years since their time of contact and a few correspondences later, Chinaza is on her way to The University with dreams of becoming a Medical Doctor, and the ideals that she has picked up from observing The Prof. up close and afar are unchanged.”

     

  • Ndok – Itek Clan Confers Chieftaincy Title On Sen. Sandy Onor

    Ndok – Itek Clan Confers Chieftaincy Title On Sen. Sandy Onor

    By Caterpillar Media Team

    The people of Ndok Clan in Ogoja Local Government Area has conferred a chieftaincy tittle Njuranfam of Ndok on Sen. Sandy Onor, for facilitating the opening of the Ndok – Kakwagom road.

    The event was held at Ndok-Itek Community in Ogoja Local Government Area to appreciate the senator for facilitating the repairs of the entire stretch of the Ndok – Kakwagom road.

    The community was overwhelmed with excitement noting that the repairs has alleviated the plight of motorists who ply the road.

    Speaking on behalf of the community, the Clan Head of Ndok – Itek, His Royal Highness, Chief Clement Ashaba Ijanga noted that “As a people, we are short of words to express our gratitude and appreciation. You’re God sent. For God to talk to you and move you to do this road for your brothers suffering somewhere, the Lord will continue to increase you.

    “You are the Original Caterpillar, and today the Ndok people confers on you this chieftaincy tittle Njuranfam of Ndok, which means, you can repair every year, from North, South, East and West, you can repair”

    Responding, Sen. Sandy Onor averred that “when my DG asked me to come that the people wanted to receive me, I said I won’t come, because I didn’t want people to read politics into it. Am not senator representing the North”

    Speaking further, Sen. Onor held that government is about the things that touch the people.

    His words “When you hold public office, you hold it for the people. Government is about things that touch the people. When you touch the people, give them the small one they want. We may not have tarred it this first time, we just open it up, but see how happy you are because it’s something that touched you”

    The road is said to have run from Boki Local Government Area in central senatorial district to Ogoja Local Government Area in northern senatorial district.

    Communities in Ogoja that the road link are: The Katsina junction popularly referred to as Ndok junction, Ndok aminica, Ndok itek, Ndok egrima.

    Boki communities: Oku aro, Buanakong, Orunghe Bawop, Kakwagom and Okundi clan.

  • C’River State Consumer Protection Agency, Hausa Community Agrees On Collaboration

    C’River State Consumer Protection Agency, Hausa Community Agrees On Collaboration

    By Admin

    As part of efforts to ensure adequate protection of residents of Cross River state from intake of fake, sub standard and unhygienic products, the Director General of Cross River state Consumer Protection Agency, Prince Charles Ushie has solicited the support of the Hausa Fulani Community in fostering safety measures for a hygienic society.

    Ushie spoke while on a courtesy visit to the Head of the Hausa Fulani Community in Cross River State, Sarki Salisu Abba Lawal II, stressed on the need for collaborative sensitization as primary source of fighting for consumer protection.

    In his words “the agency is against any product that causes harm to public health. We have a Governor who is passionate about protection of people under his watch and that necessitated the making of Consumer protection Agency which initially operated only as a department under ministry of trade and investment.

    “We also know that product such as palm oil, meat and other consumables are processed by the Hausa people thereby making them, vital stake holders of the agency”

    Reacting, Sarki Salisu Abba Lawal II, applauded the DG of Consumer protection Agency and his Entourage for cueing into Governor Ayade’s lofty leadership pattern, known for quality, speed and up to date with standard best practices.

    The Sarki said “According to our own estimation, we see every effort by Sen Prof Ben Ayade as people oriented. Every Hausa Fulani man will attest to the fact that never in the history of governance have we secured so much appointment as it is done by the present administration.

    Seen Prof Ben Ayade is our Governor and we must support his administration”. He avarred.

    On the need to form sensitization teams at Community level, Sarki Salisu Abba Lawal II promised to start the sensitization in calabar before stepping up same to other Hausa Fulani settlements across the state. “it is obvious, our people are not Aware of their expectations and roles in the consumer protection process”.He added

    Highlights of the visit include group photograph and presentation of pamphlets to Cross River State leader of the Hausa Fulani Community.

  • CRNEWMAP Donates Compact Truck To Waste Management Agency

    CRNEWMAP Donates Compact Truck To Waste Management Agency

    By Admin

    Cross River State Government in partnership with the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has donated a brand new compact truck and other working equipments to the State Waste Management Agency.

    The effort is in keeping with the commitment of the State Government led by *Gov Ben Ayade* to strengthen the Agency’s capacity and operation of the Waste Management Agency (CRSWMA)

    Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation, *Inyang Asibong* explained the vision of the State’s environmental cleanliness policy to sustain Calabar in particular, and Cross River State as Clean and Green Corridor in Nigeria.

    Asibong said the partnership with NEWMAP to deliver the compact truck was to boost the daily operations of the Cross River Waste management Agency routine works.

    Also speaking, the SSA on NEWMAP, *Mr Francis Agaba* explained that the truck has been tested with satisfactory performance on collection and disposal of waste products and optimally ready for use .

    Receiving the truck on behalf of the CR waste management Agency, the Director General, Mr Sunday Oko thanked the State Government through the Ministry of International Development Cooperation and NEWMAP for boosting the Agency with another truck which will significantly improve public solid waste disposal across the state.

  • Rivers State Govt Pledges 500M To Support Sokoto Rebuild Burnt Market

    Rivers State Govt Pledges 500M To Support Sokoto Rebuild Burnt Market

    By Kelvin Ebiri – Rivers Govt House Press

    Rivers State government has pledged Five Hundred Million Naira (N500m) to support the Sokoto State government rebuild the Sokoto Central market that was gutted by fire on Tuesday.

    Part of the money will also be used to support victims of the devastating fire that destroyed goods worth billions of Naira.

    Rivers State governor , Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, made the pledge on behalf of the State government during a visit to the Governor of Sokoto State ,Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Wednesday.

    Governor Wike who was conducted round the destroyed market by Governor Tambuwal, said he was saddened by the devastating fire that razed over 60 percent of the 16000 shops there.

    “We have come here to commiserate and sympathise with our brother, our friend and the good people of Sokoto State on what had happened to one of the biggest market in this country, the Sokoto central market.

    “When I got the information last night, I was touched and I said as brothers, what affects you affects us. What affects Sokoto State affects Rivers State.”

    The Rivers State governor who empathized with the traders over the loss of their good worth billions of Naira, thanked God that no life was lost in the disastrous inferno.

    “There is nothing you can equate with life. That there was no life lost, we give glory to the almighty Allah. Having come here, I’ve seen the level of destruction, it is unfortunate. People have lost their goods, the state government will have to see how this market will be brought back to the way it is supposed to be .

    “We sympathise with you. We identify with you and we know the negative effect on the economy of the various families; families who depend for day to day trading and sales of their goods .”

    Governor Wike expressed his appreciation to the various security and paramilitary agencies that prevented the fire from destroying the entire market.

    He pledged that the government of Rivers State will support Sokoto State to rebuild the market and ameliorate the plight of the traders with N500 million.

    “On behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, we will support the Sokoto State government to see how quickly they can rebuild this market” he added.

    Governor Tambuwal thanked Governor Wike and the people of Rivers State for the kind gesture.

    Governor Wike also paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar in his palace to commiserate with him over the demise of junior brother , Hon. Abdulkadir Jeli Abubakar, who was Sokoto State Commissioner for Home Affairs.

    In his response, Sultan Abubakar, acknowledged the age-long relationship between Sokoto and Rivers State and lauded to Governor Wike for sustaining it.

    He explained that Governor Wike’s visit and pledge to support Sokoto State is a demonstration of what Nigeria is and should be.

    The Sultan further commended Governor Wike for his remarkable developmental stride in Rivers State

    ” I commend you and congratulate you for all what you have been doing for Rivers state in particular, because we have seen a lot of infrastructure being put in place and that is why they call you Mr project in Rivers.

    ” You have just some few more years, please do much more so that no body will beat you when he take over from you

    Similarly, the Sultan lauded Governor Tambuwal for his judicious management of the state resources which earned the State a World Bank grant under the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability And Sustainability (SFTAS) program.

  • Odukpani Lawmakers Impeaches Leader On 5-Count Charges, Swears In New Leader

    Odukpani Lawmakers Impeaches Leader On 5-Count Charges, Swears In New Leader

     

    By  Admin

    The Leader of Odukpani Legislative Council, Hon. Godswill Iya has been impeached for alleged misappropriation of public funds. The lawmakers also elected Effiong Okokon to replace the impeached Leader.

    The Lumine News gathered that the impeachment came on the grounds of a 5-count charge signed by 11 out of the 13 councillors in the Local Government Area.

    The charges against the erstwhile leader reads:

    “1. That the leadership style of Hon. Godwin Iya is fraught with inefficiency and administrative high-handedness without regards to his colleagues in the council.

    “2. That his leadership is enmeshed in gross embezzlement and misappropriation of funds meant for the legislature and reckless spending of legislative vote without due process.

    “3. That as a leader whose fundamental duty is to protect the sanctity of the legislature and the interest of his colleagues, Hon. Godswill Iya on the contrary used his position as a leader to obtain monies from 4 of his colleagues namely; Hon. Eton Effiong Okon, Hon. Bassey Duke, Hon. Nkoyo Obo and Hon Okokon Effiom, under the false pretense of carrying out an executive order, thereby amounting to gross abuse of office, a height of criminality and fraud.

    “4. That Hon. Godswill Iya is incompetent in legislative matters and lack the requisite capacity to lead the revered Odukpani Legislative Council.

    “5. That Hon. Godswil Iya is highly corrupt and used his office as an avenue to amass wealth to himself as well as attempting to blackmail the executive arm of Odukpani Local government council for his own pecuniary interest.”

    The motion further reads, “In view of the aforementioned, we hereby declare that we have completely lost the confidence we had reposed on Hon. Godswill Etim Iya as our Leader, and in line with part 4 section 33, sub-section 2c of the Cross River State Local Government Law, hereby declare Hon. Godswill Iya removed and he cease to act as the leader of Odukpani legislative council with immediate effect.

    “Hon Godswill Iya by this declaration and order shall handover all official properties of Odukpani Local Government Council including official vehicle to the newly elected leader of council with immediate effect”.

  • C’River To Inject World Bank SFTAS Grant Into The 2021 Budget To Curb Youth Restiveness – Ekpenyong Jr.

    C’River To Inject World Bank SFTAS Grant Into The 2021 Budget To Curb Youth Restiveness – Ekpenyong Jr.

     

    The Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr has disclosed to the press that
    Cross River State government intends to inject $20.4 million dollars grant from the World Bank’s States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability , SFTAS, programme into implementation of 2021 budget of blush and bliss.

    Mr Ekpenyong Jr stated this on Friday in Calabar during a press briefing at the Ministry of Finance Headquarters that the money would be ploughed into the implementation of the state’s 2021 budget which has emphasis on job creation for the youths.

    He stated that Cross River state met the eligibility criteria for the 2019 programme and was accordingly pre-qualified for the detailed annual performance assessment of all qualified Nigerian states under the States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme.

    The assessment exercise was conducted in September 2020 by the Independent Verification Assessors (IVA) from the office of the Auditor General of the Federation and JFR Consulting, showed that Cross River state achieved 6 Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLRs), out of 9 applicable DLRs for 2019, and 3 DLRs out of 3DLRs, i.e 100% for the 2020 additional financing.

    The Commissioner said that the report noted that Cross River state has strengthened its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection, implemented biometric verification to reduce Payroll fraud, improved its procurement practices for increased transparency, strengthened its public debt management and fiscal responsibility framework, improved debt sustainability and instituted a more transparent budgeting process over the course of the fiscal year.

    The Commissioner used the opportunity to commend the members of the SFTAS state Steering Committee for their untiring efforts in bringing the state machinery up to speed towards achieving resounding success in the programme. The Steering Committee comprises of the Ministry of Finance, Internal Revenue Service, Office of Accountant General, Bureau of Due Process, Debt Management Department, and Auditor General’s Office.

    He further stated that, “the independent verification success is a confirmation of the Ayade led administration’s commitment to transparency and fiscal performance”.

    The SFTAS programme is a product of mutual agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the World Bank, designed to strengthen the fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability in Nigerian states as a way of improving their revenue base, increasing fiscal efficiency in public expenditure and reducing debt overhang.

    It’s a four year programme that runs from 2018 to 2022, with a budget size of $750million.

  • Operation Akpakwu Demolishes 4 Houses Of Kidnappers And One Brothel In Calabar

    Operation Akpakwu Demolishes 4 Houses Of Kidnappers And One Brothel In Calabar

    By Admin

    The State security outfit codenamed “Operation Akpakwu”, has demolished four houses at 8-Miles area in Calabar owned by suspected kidnappers arrested by the security outfit.

    The team also demolished a brothel close to the popular Flour Mill junction in Calabar for allegedly harbouring criminals and consumers of illicit drugs.

    Speaking after the exercise on Monday, Mr Henry Okokon, the State Security Adviser (Southern Senatorial District) to Gov. Ben Ayade, said the exercise was one of the ways of chasing criminals out of the state.

    Okokon explained that the state government placed premium on security of lives and properties hence, the need to fight against all forms of criminality.

    “This is part of the activities of Operation Akpakwu, a special force set up by Gov. Ayade to fight crime in the state, especially kidnapping.

    “This demolition exercise is ongoing. The governor has warned that anyone who is involved in any form of criminality, or any landlord who is found harbouring any criminal, should desist from it.

    “These houses belong to individuals who have been caught in the act of kidnapping in the state.

    “The brothel was also brought down because the management of the facility was also harbouring criminals and drug addicts.

    “This is a warning signal to everybody. Whosoever is involved in crime of any form should desist from it,” he said.

    Okokon urged business operators in the state to go about their normal businesses, adding that the state government was doing its best to protect them from criminals.

     

  • Ogoja Local Government Chairman Pledges Support For Mediatrix Development Foundation To Provide Livelihood To Cameroonian Refugees

    Ogoja Local Government Chairman Pledges Support For Mediatrix Development Foundation To Provide Livelihood To Cameroonian Refugees

    By Admin

    The Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor has pledged unwavering support for Mediatrix Development Foundation MDF, to ensure effective implementation of the livelihood project for the Cameroonian refugees in the local government.

    Hon. Ishabor made this known on the 18th January, 2021 in his office when a team of Mediatrix Development Foundation paid him a courtesy/advocacy visit as part of stakeholders engagement to intimate him of her programme designed for both the refugees and host communities.

    In his words “As a council, we are very determined to provide support that is within our reach to enable Mediatrix implement the livelihood project for the Cameroonian refugees in Ogoja.

    “The HOLGA will give you the necessary support needed to achieve your result. Wherever you need us to come in, kindly intimate us and on time too.

    “The United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR is doing exceedingly great in coordinating the affairs of refugees and we are very determined to provide the enabling support and environment for UNHCR and all implementing partners as long as the refugees continue to stay here, while we anticipate an end to the squabbles and skirmishes ravaging the refugees back in Cameroon”

    Earlier, the team lead, Mr. Elijah Ugani intimated the Chairman of MDF plan to train and empower the refugees and host communities members on vocational skills in partnership with the local government structure.

    Mr. Ugani listed vocational areas of the training to include; Plumbing & Tiling, Electrical Installation, Leather work (Shoe and bag making), Tailoring & Fashion designing, Hair styling & barbing, Catering & Pastries as well as POP painting and Ceiling work.

    Ogoja Local Government Council has generously donated land for the housing of the Cameroonian refugees in Adagom 1 & 3 and Ukende.