The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Police investigation vindicates Pastor Bassey Udosen of N5million claim by Helen Isamoh

    Police investigation vindicates Pastor Bassey Udosen of N5million claim by Helen Isamoh

    By Admin

    Police interim investigation has vindicated Pastor Bassey Udosen of Message Point Assembly of N5million claim by Helen Isamoh, who is the SSA to Gov. Ben Ayade on Gender and Development.

    In a report signed by ASP Igri Ewa, the O/C Public Complaint Bureau, State Police Headquarters Calabar, the report vindicated Pastor Udosen of the allegation, thereby asking Engr. Orok John, the agent of Russell Investment, an online trading platform with headquarters in America to pay back Helen Isamoh the N5million.

    Helen Isamoh had earlier petitioned Pastor Bassey Udosen and Orok John, alleging that they both collected N5million from her under false pretence.

    But, the police investigation viewed the matter as a business investment.

    The police report said. “The second suspect, Orok John, admitted collecting five million from the complainant to invest in the business, that he never gave any kobo to the first suspect-Bassey Udosen.

    “In the light of the above, it is suggested that the second suspect, Engineer Orok be made to return the complainants money to her and Engineer Orok be made to face his case.

    In a chat with newsmen, Pastor Udosen said he has known Helen for almost four years because she usually come to his church for prayers and counselling.

    He said that he has never been into any marketing business before, but as a Pastor, he has congregation members who are into different fields of human endeavour.

    He explained that in 2017, Helen approached him and said she is into networking and would like to introduce him into “Micheno”.

    “Based on how I trusted her, I decided to invest because she had told me that all investors normally get 50% of their investment in return.

    “I gave her N9million to invest. When she did the investment, she came out to tell me that the money has crashed, therefore I need to forget about the money.

    “I told her that I needed to use the money for something and she was able to raise N5million for me. I knew she was lieing because she did not invest the money.

    “When I went to Micheno, I discovered that she did not put the money with Micheno, rather she invested the money with one woman, and when I confronted her, she accepted that she didn’t invest the money with Micheno because she heard that Micheno had already crashed.

    “I discovered that she used Micheno to collect the money from me. I collected N5million from her and she promised to pay me the balance of N4million in 2018 and till date, she hasn’t paid me the money, and I didn’t want to start having problems with her.

    “At the presence of the police, they asked her if she had introduced me into Micheno and if she was also owing me N4million, she admitted.

    “In February 2020, one member of my Church called Ephraim, told me about MBA investment and I quickly introduce Helen into it and she invested over N9million. As we speak, Helen makes nothing less than N1million from that business I introduced her into every month.

    “She has not come out to say anything on this because she is still collecting money from there every month. I want to make it clear here that I don’t have any business with Helen on any online marketing platform anymore.

    “When Engr. Orok, a member of my church told me about the Russell investment, I gave him N1.5million to invest for me,” he said.

    Pastor Bassey further said that he had to introduce Helen to Orok so that she can also invest in Russell Investment since she was into online business.

    According to him, Helen first invested N400,000 with Orok in Russell Investment and he was aware of the payment.

    “Aside the N400,000, I didn’t know of any other transaction again that happened between Orok and Helen. She kept telling me how she was benefitting.

    “One month after, Orok called me and said that there was a challenge because he could no longer withdraw money from the account.

    “I called both Helen and Orok to my office and I asked Orok to explain what happen, he then opened his phone and showed us all that transpired. I was worried because I have invested N4.5million too.

    “Orok explained to us that they were doing maintenance and after 14 says, nothing happened. It was then that I called her again so that we can see how to handle the matter, the only thing I saw was that Helen went ahead and brought police to invite me for questioning,” he said.

    Pastor Bassey maintained that Helen threatened his life and boasted on how she was going to use the social media to run him down in Cross River State because he is a pastor.

    He however, urged Helen to tell the public the truth and stop blackmailing his name and dragging his church into unnecessary social media fight.

    Speaking also, Orok corroborated Pastor Bassey’s statement, saying that Helen was dealing directly with him and not the pastor.

    Orok said that he had told Helen in the presence of the Police and his lawyer that he will be paying her N200,000 monthly until the N5million is exhausted.

    He said that after showing her the transaction which was no longer fruitful for withdrawal, he pleaded with Helen to agree with him on a repayment plan for the N5million, but she refused and said she wanted the cash in bulk.

  • Social Safety Net: Cross River Emerges First State to Transit From YESSO To NASSCO In Nigeria

    Social Safety Net: Cross River Emerges First State to Transit From YESSO To NASSCO In Nigeria

     

    Cross River State has emerged the first state in Nigeria to successfully qualify and transit to National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) after the closure of Youth Employment and Social Support Operation ( YESSO) in the country.

    The state under *Governor Ben Ayade* had met all the required criteria and completed the full documentation and assessment by NASSCO, hence the commencement of the programme.

    Speaking during the take off of the program in Calabar, Governor Ben Ayade said that Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) in Cross River State through the State Operation Coordination Unit(SOCU) has been touching lives in the last Seven years.

    “Cross River State intends to use the Social register to drive Human Capital Development and increase access to targeted transfers to poor and vulnerable households under an expanded state social safety net system

    Earlier in his speech, *Mr Apera Iorwa* , the National Coordinator of NASSCO assured the state Government of his cooperation in increasing and building the state social register of poor and vulnerable households within the stupulated record time.

    NASSCO is saddled with the responsibility of building the National Social Register and coordinating livelihood support to extremely poor & vulnerable households in Nigeria.

    “We are developing a social safety nets framework that will help the state in implementing its social protection policies inline with the new NASSCO guidelines and protocols.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner, Ministry of International DevelopmentCooperation, *Inyang Asibong* opined that ” His Excellency Senator Prof Ben Ayade has prioritized social protection (SP) interventions as a key strategy towards reducing poverty and socio-economic vulnerabilities in cross river state” Asibong added.

    “The Permanent Secretary *Mr Felix Ita* envisaged that about fifty four thousand (54,000) households, and almost two hundred and ninety nine thousand (299,000) persons were captured in the intervention projects and programes in all the eighteen local Government Areas”.

    The State Coordinator, State Operation Coordinating Office, *Mr. Chris Anake* while commending the Governor, reassured him of SOCU commitment on achieving the state deliverables.

    Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the Cross River YESSO seven- year programme exit report by the Commissioner, MIDC to the State Governor, Sen Prof Ben Ayade.

  • Gully Erosion That Threatens Residents Of Ikot Effanga Mkpa

    Gully Erosion That Threatens Residents Of Ikot Effanga Mkpa

    By Elijah Ugani

    The ravaging gully erosion at Stream Road (Usung Efag)/Water Board in Ekot Effanga Mkpa Clan, Ward 9, Calabar Municipality remain unabated as residents continue to call government attention to the deadly trap occasioned by the gully erosion.

    One of the residents, Hon. Ekuma JP, told The Lumnine News that “we are helpless in the circumstance and until government comes to our rescue, we are going to be cut off from our normal life. I want to appeal to both the Chairman of Council and the governor to please come to our rescue.

    Recall that the Councillor representing Ward 9, Calabar Municipality Council, Hon. Solomon Etim Ika, had on Friday, 30th October, 2020 through a MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC INTEREST, during plenary, drew the attention of the legislature to the ugly situation and called on both the local and state governments to rise to the challenge of the moment to safe residents of the clan the stress of not being able to access their homes should the erosion persist.

  • Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom Supports Physically Challenged Mr. Michael Ogar from Gakem.

    Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom Supports Physically Challenged Mr. Michael Ogar from Gakem.

     

    The representative of the masses, and member representing Ogoja/Yala federal constituency, Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom, a God sent leader, who has a passion for people in distress, has continually sought to upgrade the living condition of his constituents and those that come in contact with him.

    The joy that erupted from Michael Ogar from Gakem, Bekwarra LGA after he bumped into Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom few days ago is a testament to his caring nature.

    The MP was on transit and had a brief stop over at Bekwarra where Michael approached to greet him, on seeing his condition, the MP was touched and immediately rendered financial support to him to start up a business.

    Without any appointment or protocol, the MP handed him some cash and the overwhelmed Michael rejoiced as he hopped on a standby motorcycle.

    Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom for those who know him is humble, Focused, caring, God fearing and visionary and he’s ready to serve the people of Cross River Northern Senatorial district to the best of his ability.

     

  • Obanliku Council Chairman Hosts Officials Of National Boundary Commission, Deputy Governors Of Cross River And Benue States.

    Obanliku Council Chairman Hosts Officials Of National Boundary Commission, Deputy Governors Of Cross River And Benue States.

    By John Akpo

    The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Evang. Mrs. Margaret Inde, on November 9th, 2020 hosted of officials of the National Boundary commission (NBC), Deputy Governors of Cross River and Benue States, to flag off the boundary verification exercise.

    The verification exercise is however expected is expected to be followed by planting of beacons to bring permanent peace in the affected areas of dispute between the two states.

    The event was held the Obanliku Local Government Secretariat.

    The council boss had on November 8th, 2020, welcomed the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu, and his entourage, the Chairman of NBC and other delegation at the Obudu Mountain Resort.

  • Obudu Council Chairman Stole The Show, Hosts Chairmen Of Cross River And Benue State

    Obudu Council Chairman Stole The Show, Hosts Chairmen Of Cross River And Benue State

    By Richard Abu

    The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe played host to his counterparts from Northern Cross River and Benue states in his official residence, Obudu council secretariat after the successful flag-off of the field verification exercise on the Cross River/Benue boundaries.

    In attendance were; Hon Dr. Joe Owan, Hon. Fabian Ogbeche and Hon. Boniface Eweh Bekwarra and Yala and Obuf Local Government Areas respectively.

    Also in attendance were Hon. Mrs. Tyoer Garber Kukase of Vandeikya, Hon. Mrs. Joyce Chianson of Kwame, Hon. Mwuese Ubebe of Konshisha and Hon. Clement Onah of Oju Local Government areas of Benue States.

    The get-together further created acquaintance and harmony among the Chairmen from Cross River and Benue States which they promised to extend to their people.

  • GFO Orim Foundation Puts A Smile On The Face Of A Widow

    GFO Orim Foundation Puts A Smile On The Face Of A Widow

    By Elijah Ugani

    In line with the vision and mandate of GFO Orim Foundation to alleviate the plight of the less privileged in the society, the foundation had on Saturday October 7th, 2020 given hope to Mrs. Angelina Godwin Afo, a widow with four kids and a set of twins at Anyikang, Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    Mrs. Afo has lived in adject penury after the death of her husband, and life became very unbearable for her couple with the set of twins God blessed her with recently.

    The death of her husband forced her to live in an uncompleted building without doors and windows.

    The Chairman/Founder, GFO Orim Foundation, who is also the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Hon. Martin Orim who is known for his magnanimity and humanitarian interventions aimed at changing the fortunes of the less privileged in the society, made a cash support to the widow and pledged to undertake the following;

    Plastering of the entire building, install doors and windows in the building, install solar light in her house, providing her with a grinding machine to enable her start a business, and to supply food items at regular intervals to enable her provide for the children.

    Hon. Orim was accompanied by the former leader, Obudu Legislative Council, Hon. Sylvester Agabi.

    This comes just three weeks after the foundation paid hospital bills for an abandoned twenty years old Miss Theresa, who delivered premature triplets at Sacred heart hospital Obudu, and made provision for the children to be incubated at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital Abakiliki.

    When contacted, the Chairman/Founder, GFO Orim Foundation told The Lumine News that “I feel very disturbed and I have no peace when I see people subjected to untold situations. I wish I have what it takes to change the stories of most vulnerable people in the society. But we are constraint by the limited resources within our disposal.

    “Despite the paucity of funds, we will continue to do the best we can. For us, the comfort of this widow matter a lot to us. Those children deserve the best form of care. No body knows what God has destined them to become. We have to support their mother to enable her give them the basic training needed for the realization of their destinies and potentials”

  • Mediatrix Holds A One Day Training For Advocates And Social Media Influencers In Calabar

    Mediatrix Holds A One Day Training For Advocates And Social Media Influencers In Calabar

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF), under the Spotlight Initiative, held a one day training for advocates and social media influencers with the view to create awareness on Gender Based Violence and inspire advocacy towards eliminating violence against women and girls.

    Speaking at the training, at Treasure Land Hotels, Calabar on Friday, October 6th, 2020, the Chief Operating Officer of Mediatrix Development Foundation, Mr. Jeffrey Adamade charged the advocates to consider giving their best to engage the public with the view of ending all forms of violence against women and girls.

    Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world. It knows no social, economic or national boundaries.

    Worldwide, an estimated one in three children and women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime.

    Gender-based violence undermines the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its victims, yet it remains shrouded in the culture of silence.

    Victims of violence can suffer sexual and reproductive health consequences, including forced and unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, traumatic fistula, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, and even death.

    The training was aimed at increasing the use of social accountability mechanisms by civil societies order to monitor and engage the ending of VAWG/SGBV/HP efforts and promoting women and girls’ SRHR.

    The objectives of the training was as follows;

    To increase the capacity of 16 participants (8 in Calabar and 8 in Obanliku) to act as social media advocates in response to violence against women and girls in Calabar and Obanliku local government areas.

    To Foster discussions on existing laws in relation to GEWE/VAWG/SGBV/HP/SRHR

    To build Partnership and Networks for Knowledge Exchange with relevant stakeholders

    To Increase coordinated efforts to jointly advocate on GEWE/VAWG/SGBV/HP/SRHR

    To give regular feedback on updates on GEWE/VAWG/SGBV/HP/SRHR in Cross River state

    To Increase Capacity of Social Media Advocates on Various Social Media Handle and Reporting.

    To setup State Media Team to to jointly advocate towards GEWE/VAWG/SGBV/HP/SRHR in Cross River State.

    To improve participants knowledge on Gender Based Violence, types and effect in our communities.

    To transfer new knowledge and skills through experience sharing on Violence Against programs. (Success stories, challenges and lessons learned)

    The facilitators, Mr. Obase Okanke, took the participants through the various forms of violence against women and girls, while Mr. Valentine Bassey tutored them on the use of social media handles to report activities, awareness campaigns/sensitization and cases of gender based violence against women which increased their knowledge on GEWE/VAWG/SGBV/HP/SRHR, and Social Media Reporting.

    One of the participants of the training, Mr. Boniface from Obanliku thanked thanked Mediatrix for the initiative to train them and maintained that despite his knowledge of ICT, he was exposed to so many things especially, twitter and promised to put in his best in the advocacy using social media to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

    Social media handles were set up for participants to ease their work while working to end gender based violence against women and girls.

    A WhatsApp group for reporting was set up for the trained advocates.

  • Gully Erosion: Our Lives, Properties Under Serious Thread – Hon. Solomon Ika Cries Out

    Gully Erosion: Our Lives, Properties Under Serious Thread – Hon. Solomon Ika Cries Out

    By Admin

    The Honourable Councillor representing Ward 9 in Calabar Municipality, Hon. (Elder) Solomon Etim Ika has called the attention of Calabar Municipal Council and Cross River State governments to the lost of lives and valuable properties due to a deep gully erosion at Stream Road (Usung Efag) Water Board in Ikot Effanga Mkpa Clan, Ward 9, Calabar that have remain unattended to for several years and calls for urgent intervention.

    He made this known in a MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC INTEREST before the 6th Legislative Council on Friday 30th day of October, 2020 over the imminent thread to lives and properties occasioned by the severity of the deep gully erosion at Stream Road (Usung Efak) Water Board in Ikot Effanga Mkpa Clan Ward 9 and it’s environs which falls within his constituency.

    Hon. Ika went further to tender photographs taken during his ON THE SPOT ASSESSMENT TOUR on the affected areas showing the extent of damage done by the said erosion for the house perusal.

    The lawmaker fondly referred to as the “People’s Honourable” in his prayers, urged the house to;

    √ The Legislative House rise to visit the affected areas for more clarity and insights on the matter;

    √ The Executive Chairman should as a matter of urgent public importance write a “Safe Our Soul (SOS) letter to draw the attention of our Humane / Passionate GOVERNOR, His Excellency Prof Ben Ayade to come to the rescue of the people of that area.

    The Leader thanked all the Honourable Members for their contributions and immediately set up an urgent Ad-hoc Committee, headed by the sponsor of the motion, Hon. Solomon Ika, to handle the matter. He asked the committee to visit the affected areas immediately after plenary and report same in the next legislative sitting.

    Hon. Solomon Ika used the opportunity to thank the Governor of Cross River State Senator Prof Ben Ayade for the ongoing works at the Ikot Nkebre area gully erosion sites, saying the intervention was quite commendable and sustainable.

     

  • Looting: JOHESU seeks FG, NDDC Assistance For Psychiatric Hospital Calabar

    By George Odok Jr.

    The Join Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and Assembly of Health Professionals, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar branch, has called on the Federal Government and corporate organisations to assist them over the looting of their valuables by hoodlums.

    The Union made the call in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Mr Daniel Odo, and Mr Ken Bassey and made available to newsmen on Friday in Calabar.

    The Union said that on Oct. 24, hoodlums made up of women, men and children, heavily armed with guns and machetes, descended on the hospital in a Gestapo-style operation.

    The statement said that when members of staff finally settled to know what went on, they discovered that the once pride of mental health services in the country had been looted dry.

    “The unimaginable plunder of our institution was an exhibition of man’s bestiality at its best. Items looted include refrigerators, computers, fans, generators, hospital beds, laboratory x-ray equipment, drugs, books, tables and chairs among others.

    “All the official and private cars parked within the precincts of the hospital were vandalised without any milk of human kindness. Also caught in the melee are members of staff who lost substantial amount of money and other valuables.

    “The attack and desecration of our establishment to say the least was satanic and should be condemned by well meaning individuals and groups.

    “We seize this rare opportunity to salute the courage, resilience and sense of commitment to duty displayed by both management team and members of staff who braved all odds to ensure that they render mental health services to our patients literally on top of rubbles,” the statement said.

    The Union appealed to the Federal Ministry of Health to dispatch a high-powered team to assess the extent of destruction towards finding a remedy.

    “We are constrained to specifically appeal to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Federal and Cross River State Emergency Management Agencies and the Niger Delta Development Commission to come and assist us.

    “We also call on members of State Assembly and National Assembly from Cross River, Non Governmental Organisations and philanthropists to come and help us’’, the statement added. (NAN)