The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Raphael Ayama Offiong’s Remarkable Journey To Full Professorship BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

    Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Raphael Ayama Offiong’s Remarkable Journey To Full Professorship BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

     

    In the hallowed halls of the University of Calabar, a brilliant young scholar has risen to the ranks of a full-fledged Professor of Biogeography in the Faculty of Geography . Dr. Raphael Ayama Offiong’s (aka Raph) ascension is nothing short of awe-inspiring, a proof of his tireless diligence, unyielding work ethic, and unswerving determination in the face of formidable challenges. Today, we in RABBIT PUNCH write to celebrate this incredible achievement that has been accomplished in record time by an unassuming ebullient scholar.

    Raph, one of the youngest scholars in the academia, has undoubtedly etched an indelible mark on the academic world. From his early days at the faculty, he enjoyed comradeship and as well faced a myriad of challenges and setbacks like others that would have deterred many. However, Raph possessed a resolute spirit and a steady commitment to his academic pursuits, and as such, he dared every obstacle; climbed every mountain, crossed every valley, swam across every deluge of boisterous ocean and fought every giant to a standstill to attain this height.

    Born into modest circumstances, having a royal blood flowing through his veins and arteries, his path was fraught with financial constraints and educational disparities. Yet, the resilient Raph saw these hurdles not as obstacles but as springboards to rise above. His insatiable hunger for knowledge, coupled with a relentless work ethic, laid the foundation for his extraordinary journey.

    Mr. Raph’s academic voyage was marked by determination and an unshakable belief in his own potential. He toiled tirelessly, often balancing multiple jobs to support his education and research. Every challenge he encountered only fueled his desire to learn and grow, making him a shining example of I-can-do-it personality.

    His journey reached its zenith at the University of Calabar, where he found his true calling and specialization in the field of biogeography and soils. The study of flora and fauna in the field of biodiversity and conservation studies became his passion, and he pursued it resolutely with fervor and enthusiasm. His lectures, research, and discussions are marked by an infectious love for the subject. He teaches with candour and his students had on many occasions attested to this fact.

    His contributions to biogeography and soil science were nothing short of transformative. His groundbreaking research expanded our understanding of how ecosystems evolve and adapt to a changing world. His work on species migration and adaptation in response to climate change earned him international recognition and became a cornerstone of vital conservation efforts.

    Yet, his influence extended beyond his groundbreaking research. Raph is not only a brilliant scientist but a compassionate and inspirational educator. He shares his knowledge generously, leaving an unerasable impact on the academic community in Calabar and inspiring countless students and colleagues. Raph has an open-door policy. Students and colleagues have unfettered access to him.

    In recognition of his unparalleled zeal in the pursuit of knowledge, Ntufam Raph has achieved the remarkable milestone of becoming a full Professor of Biogeography. This achievement is not just a testament to his scholarship but a tribute to his steadfast commitment to shaping the future of the field and mentoring the next generation of scholars.

    As we celebrate Ralph’s journey from adversity to academic excellence, we are reminded of the power of hard work, dedication, and an unshakeable passion for knowledge. We should also know that Raph’d oratory prowess is in the similitude of Cicero. He’s a fine administrator. In all the positions he had held, he left remarkable imprints. As the chairman of Cross River Community at the University of Calabar, he has achieved a lot among which is the building of the state of the art community hall. Currently, he’s the Director of the University of Calabar Carbon Centre. His influence in biogeography will continue to shape the field for generations to come.

    In honor of Prof. Ralph’s extraordinary achievement, let us not only commemorate his well-deserved promotion but also be inspired to surmount challenges, dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of knowledge, and nurture the future of academia. His light may shine even brighter now, but the glow of his achievements will forever illuminate the corridors of higher learning at the University of Calabar and beyond.

    As the cliché goes, it’s a trite that behind every successful man, there stands a woman. Raph’s feat came via steady velocity. As he steers the ship, his lovely wife of inestimable value, Peace Offiong, holds the navigating compass. Her support is invaluable. Raph has obtained favour from the Lord for finding Peace his heartthrob. Besides Peace, are his lovely children. They create the needed ambience at home that supports learning.

    Of course, beyond Raph’s immediate home support, they’re some dedicated budding scholars working tirelessly and rendering noticeable services behind the scene— Mr. Nelson Inyang, Mr. Ephraim Ikono, Dr. Tony Iwara and Dr. Itita Ekpe. These men are his mitochondria. Come hell or high water, they’re always there to guard the fort while making sure nobody runs out of steam. They’re some of the men ready to carry the torch. More grace!

    That said, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Raphael Ayama Offiong and offer our sincerest best wishes for his continued success in his academic journey. Congratulations Prof.!
    Comr. (Hon) Ogar Emmanuel Oko

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Ogar Emmanuel Oko and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

  • Panic In APC As Court Of Appeal Delivers Judgement On Sandy Vs Otu Tomorrow

    Panic In APC As Court Of Appeal Delivers Judgement On Sandy Vs Otu Tomorrow

    By Thelumine Admin

    There seemed to be mix feelings among members of the ruling All Progressive Party APC, in Cross River State as the Court Appeal set to deliver judgement on the appeal brought before by Sen Sandy Onor and the PDP against Prince Bassey Otu and APC.

    Some of the stakeholders of the APC who spoke to TheLumineNews on condition of anonymity, maintained that there are a lot of lapses on Prince Otu’s administration as they alleged that his wife is more in charge of governance.

    There regretted their initial insinuations that Prince Otu was going to depart from the era where the former governor’s younger brother was running the administration of the state, but that they have entered another one chance where a woman is put in charge of the administration of the state.

    There are of the opinion that Sen Sandy Onor is more prepared for governance, and that however the judgement goes, they don’t have much to loose, as Prince Otu is not ready to look anybody’s face.

    Their fears is premised on the fact that most of the recent judgements delivered by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, has a semblance with the case between Sen Sandy Onor against Prince Bassey Otu.

    Their worries is that if the Lagos division of the Court of Appeal, takes a cue from that of Abuja Division, it therefore means that the matter will be determined on its merit other than being dismissed as it was done by the tribunal.

    Another APC stalwart who just identified himself as Asuquo, expressed confidence that Prince Otu will win the case as it appears that most of the governorship appeals are favorable to the APC, that Prince Otu case will not be different.

  • I Am Part Of This History As The Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Takes Off BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    I Am Part Of This History As The Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Takes Off BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, Cross River State takes off:

    On Sunday 18th November 2023, received a message on WhatsApp from the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Cross River State, Professor Edward Okey-Ntui informing me that the Federal Polytechnic Ugep is ready to take off with the placement of the advertisement calling on interested people to apply for admission.
    This is more than two years after the federal government announced the establishment of the Polytechnic.

    The institute has struggled to take office due to several factors including bureaucratic bottlenecks.

    Professor Okey-Ntui in his message thanked me for my small contribution towards the success recorded by the institute despite all the odds.

    Professor Okey-Ntui is a dedicated academic and administrator of no mean repute.

    I equally commend him and his management team for their dedication, consistency, determination and doggedness even though the odds against them were overwhelmingly against them.

    I am glad to be part of the history of the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep.
    It all started on 18 October 2018, when I initiated the payment of a courtesy visit of the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana, to former President Muhammadu Buhari in the State House Abuja.

    In his address (read on his behalf by Sab Eko), Obol Ofem Ubana demanded the Federal government of Nigeria establish a federal University of Technology in Ugep.

    I am part of this history.

    On 22 April 2021, the former Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu at the inauguration of the Governing Boards of the newly established Federal Polytechnic and Federal Colleges of Education in the country told a packed audience at the auditorium of the National Universities Commission, Maitama Abuja, why the Federal. Polytechnic, Ugep is situated at Ugep, Criss River State.

    A usually taciturn Malam Adamu, excitedly said that former President Muhammadu Buhari decided to site the Federal Polytechnic Ugep because of their humble self to reward me for many years of dedicated and committed support towards the founding of APC and actualization of his ambition to become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2015-2023).

    I therefore profusely thank former President Muhammadu Buhari for his generosity and magnanimity.

    I equally thank Malam Adamu Adamu former Minister of Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    I also thank HRM, Obol Ofem Ubana for his vision and his service to the people of Ugep nay Yakurr.

    Long live HRM, Obol Ofem Ubangha.

    Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Obol Okoi Obono-Obla
    20/11/2023

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

  • Message To Nigerians: What Are We Going To Do? BY RICHARD INOYO

    Message To Nigerians: What Are We Going To Do? BY RICHARD INOYO

     

    07:07AM

    By Richard Inoyo.

    Good data they say is the foundation of proper planning and policy execution. May be in Europe not in Africa, and certainly not in the Lugardian playbook called Nigeria which is now under siege in the hands of federal and state psychopathic and almost dystopian leadership that knows nothing good other than manufacture excuses, create diverse and endless schemes to empty whatever the country earns and owns, and then go about doing cosmetic touches here and there to withhold and misdirect public wealth in the name of governance against the expectations citizens hold.

    In the State Capital of Cross River State for instance, the amount of levies taken by government-backed levy-enforcers from the hands of thousands of keke riders, taxi drivers and market women daily is abundantly sufficient to repair all the bad and decaying roads in Calabar South and in some parts of Calabar Municipal. The same is true for States across the country, but ask where all that money goes to? They will declare you inciting the public, while the hands that grab such funds feed on the sweat, tears and blood of those hardworking citizens driving the Keke, the taxi and trading in our primitively organized markets with plans not to end this injustice.

    True, the situation isn’t improving and Government is complicit in this open defense of the injustice and destruction of public infrastructure due to failure to insist that such money shouldn’t go into private hands but should be directed into repair, construction and upgrading of critical and life sustaining infrastructure. The solution for bad and rotten roads is here, take the funds and fix them.

    On the flipside, *Citizens’ Observatory*, the research wing of Citizens’ Assembly and Citizens’ Solution Network has been mining socio-security data over the last 9years and we have shown that irrespective of the log of irrational arguments against data collation and data analytic project, everyone working with us knows that data is king in serious society that wants to truly become developed with an objective plan and will to fight and uplift many from poverty like China is doing, in reinvesting public wealth in communities, creating opportunities and reducing public dissatisfaction and earning real respect from different countries and human race.

    But driving new growth transition from a sustainable corridor requires the basic understanding of demand and supply. Company sells what people are buying_ and if there are no buyers for a particular product, the production and distribution of such product will come to an end. For a minute, kindly picture this economic truth from a government-citizen standpoint, and you will discover that Government supplies citizens what citizens accept, not necessarily what citizens require and expect_ the opposite of which in form of rejection of rotten services would take a catastrophic toll on public leadership when citizens say enough is enough and grind public functions risking institutional violence and death toll from police and the military sent in by underperforming sociopathic government to dismantle resistance. For more understanding chat 08142147410 and get my article on *Collective Losses: How Lack of Opportunity Created by States is expanding the Dependency Ratio*

    When two scholars came up with the formal theories of Electoral Replacement and Rational Anticipation which have survived scientific testing, the aim is to let citizens understand that citizens have the power to hold their representatives and government accountable by ensuring that they replace the underperforming government and the greedy politicians if they fail to do what the citizens expect from them, and that politicians should be aware that, there are immense consequences for their actions and inactions, especially when and if they take actions or pass policies that the citizens do not agree with.

    In both situations, citizens are admonished to use their PVCs to vote them out during election and get people in that truly care about the electorates with willingness to tackling community problems such as insecurity, weak economic opportunity buildup and the destruction of public water systems by politicians who took public waterboard land in a State like Cross River and now justifying the stoppage of public water distribution system, something Donald Duke and Senator Liyel built and sustained respectively for over a decade which served millions of citizens, providing millions of litres daily during their regimes.

    Today, waterborne disease is causing a State like Cross River State millions of nairas monthly in treatment cost due to the man-made embargo on potable public water supply system caused by the immediate past Ayade Regime which the new administration is doing nothing about to restore 6months into office while internally generated revenue and State-LGA allocations from Abuja still troop in on a monthly basis. It is the same story in Ilasa in Lagos State where there is zero access to decent water supply and where opportunity has been grounded to a halt.

    But the twin evils of electoral fraud and result manipulation have further jeopardized the aforementioned accountability instruments of electoral replacement and rational anticipation theories. Nonetheless, citizens can organize politically, by identifying credible alternatives, campaigning for them and utilizing their candidacy to uproot, remove and get rid of public enemies occupying political offices who have done nothing tangible to create jobs, increase opportunities and grow the economy or guarantee security of citizens’ lives, businesses and assets.

    As I think about the data and the man-made sufferings that Government explicitly supports via its inaction and action, the question that looms was *”Are Nigerians going to give up and continue to slide down in government supervised administration of sufferings and excuses?”* I heard someone exploded with a capital *No* .

    As an activist pushing for positive social change, I re-echo the capital no of Mallam Kabiru Muhammad who recently chaired the General Assembly Special Session of Citizens’ Assembly. The least we can do is increase the advocacy to full volume in a quest to build a just and fair society where the money taken from Keke drivers and Taxi men as levies daily and from market women do not go into private pockets but rather get channeled into resuscitating comatose critical infrastructure, fixing bad roads and expanding their access to coupon-free credit, which can make real difference in life, economy and longterm development from Africa’s devastating vicious circle-poverty trap.

    Signed

    Richard Inoyo,
    Country Director,
    Citizens’ Solution Network.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Richard Inoyo and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

  • As A Family Law Attorney, I Find These Three Situations Mind Boggling BY FIRST BABA ISA

    As A Family Law Attorney, I Find These Three Situations Mind Boggling BY FIRST BABA ISA

    As a family law attorney, you will hear things that will literally make your mind spin. At times it is the wickedness you can’t understand, other times it is the ignorance and stupidity that makes you shudder.

    For me, I find these three situations mind boggling:

    1. In 2023, people still conclude that once a couple is yet to have children, it’s the woman’s fault. Please, I’m not talking about some illiterate folks, I mean educated people still conclude that when a couple is struggling to have children, it’s the woman’s fault. No need for medical examinations, nothing, it’s the woman’s fault. Period. Jesus!

    2. If a couple has just female children, it’s the woman’s fault. I met a husband of a client once, a PhD holder, who believes this… I explain sotay I nearly nack the man headbutt. I still see the man once in a while and I don’t greet him. I was not sent to this world to greet foolish people.

    3. When a woman can’t reach orgasm, it’s the man’s fault. I think somewhere in the past, a meeting was held and someone decided to deceive men that they are solely responsible for the orgasm of women. Since then men are literally killing themselves to make women cum.

    I understand and agree fully that men have a role to play in making their women cum. I mean, wait for her, understand how she responds and help her get there. If you cum in less than 2 minutes, then there is no shame in seeking counseling and help.

    However, you are not solely responsible for her cumming. You should know when the problem is not you. Don’t go and die for nothing. If you hang in there for 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes and she has still not cum, you cum and go. Don’t go and die like a fool, you gallant brother.

    10, 15 minutes she never cum? Where she go? And she will try to blackmail you that you didn’t make her cum, that you are not a man… Emeka, you are a man! Don’t let her blackmail you. After 15 minutes, if she doesn’t cum, it’s because she doesn’t want to, doesn’t know how to or doesn’t care.

    Some women don’t care, either because they don’t know enough to care or they have been socialized to believe they shouldn’t care. Ask some of them what arouses you? What should I do to make you cum fast? Which position does the magic? She will start laughing and say “Me, I don’t know o.” You have been sexually active for 8 to 12 years and you don’t know your body enough to know what arouses you and help you cum fast? 8 to 12 years o. That’s 2 to 3 World Cup Finals! She just doesn’t care.

    You will see men drinking engine oil mixed with fura and sawdust just to make someone who doesn’t care to cum. If she cares she will hustle her own cum, she will help you, she will show you the way… no go do pass yourself. No go follow cum go o.

    Today is Sunday, if you like don’t go and hustle your salvation, be here reading about cum… if trumpet sound later na you know wetin you go tell God.

    – By First Baba Isa (FBI)

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, First Baba Isa Esq, and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

  • Why The Court Of Appeal Is Right To Declare Dr Nentawe Goshwe As The Winner Of The Plateau Syste Governorship Election BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Why The Court Of Appeal Is Right To Declare Dr Nentawe Goshwe As The Winner Of The Plateau Syste Governorship Election BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

     

    I was reading a post and reactions on Facebook to a story written by Daily Trust Newspaper online concerning the judgment of the Court of Appeal Abuja in the Plateau State Gubernatorial tussle between Dr Nentawe Goshwe of the APC and Mutfwang of the PDP delivered on 19 November 2023; which declared Dr Nentawe Goshwe as the winner of the plateau State governorship election held on 25 March 2023.

    I felt despondent about the castigation of the judiciary by those who do not understand a whiff of the mechanics and intricacies of how the law works.

    Almost 80 % of the commentators were heaping insults and invectives on how the judiciary has been compromised.

    They were suggesting that the judgment was wrong because the Supreme Court had ruled that the nomination of candidates is a pre-election matter; and that the election tribunal does not have jurisdiction to entertain.

    They wondered therefore why the case of the case of Governor Caleb Mutfwang was an exception.

    I, therefore have undertaken the responsibility of writing this essay to demonstrate to the reading public the differences between the cases of Dr.
    Nentawe Goshwe and Mutwang; and Peter Obi, Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar & PDP against INEC, President Bola Tinubu; Senator Kashim Shettima, and APC.

    In Caleb Mutfwang’s case, the PDP in Plateau State was enmeshed in a factional and leadership crisis that culminated in a High Court action by one of the factions.

    The High Court issued an order restraining the caretaker committee set up by PDP in Plateau State y from conducting primaries to nominate candidates for all elective offices including the governorship.

    Caleb Mutfwang belonged to a faction of the PDP which the caretaker committee was disposed to.
    However, PDP violated the court order that a valid congress be conducted in the 17 local government areas of the State, by conducting congress in only five local government areas of Plateau State.

    In law, the plaintiff claims that the court will look to ascertain whether or not it has jurisdiction.

    When Dr. Nentawe Goshwe crunched his reliefs in his petition his lawyers crafted them creatively to confer jurisdiction on the election tribunal.

    Dr. Goshwe premised his case on Caleb Mutfwang and PDP breached section 177 of the Constitution.

    Section 177 (1) (a) (b)(c) & (d) of the Constitution provides as follows:

    A person shall be qualified for election to the office of Governor of a State if:

    (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth;

    (b) he has attained the age of thirty-five years;

    (c) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party; and

    (d) he has been educated up to at least a School Certificate level or its equivalent.

    In the case of Caleb Mutgwang, the Petitioners (Dr. Nentawe and APC) grounded their petition on section 177(1) (d) of the Constitution which stipulates that a person shall not be qualified to be Governor of a State unless he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by a political party.

    It is glaring that Caleb Mutfwang was not sponsored by a political party because the primaries that produced the candidate of PDP were conducted by an illegal caretaker committee which the court had restrained but in flagrant disobedience of the court order went ahead to conduct.

    APC and its candidate Dr. Nentawe Goshwe also anchored their petition on section 134, subsection (1)(a)(b)(c)& (d) of the Electoral Act 2022.

    Section 134, subsection (1)(a)(b)(c)& (d) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that an election may be questioned on any of the following grounds :

    (a) a person whose election was questioned at that time of the election is not qualified to contest the election ;

    (b) the election was invalid because of corrupt practices or noncompliance with the provisions of the Act or

    (c) the respondent was not elected by a majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

    Therefore the construction of section 177 (1) (a) (b) (c) of the 1999 constitution and section 134 (1) (a) of the Electoral Act 2022 confers jurisdiction on the Election Tribunal to hand a petition that contains an admixture of pre-election and post-election as in the Petition filed by APC and Dr Nentawe Goshwe.
    The Court of Appeal was therefore right to so hold.

    In Peter Obi, Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar & PDP against INEC, President Bola Tinubu, Senator Kashim Shettima, and APC, it was the nomination of Senator Kashim Shettima, the vice presidential candidate of the APC that was challenged by the Petitioners.

    The petitioners in their petition have challenged the nomination of Senator Shettima because he was already a senatorial candidate at the time he was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be his vice presidential running mate.

    The Supreme Court held that Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar have no locus standing to challenge the nomination of Senator Shettima because they are not members of the APC.

    The Supreme Court also held in the circumstances of that case, nomination was a pre-election matter that the Petitioners could not incorporate in a post-election litigation.

    In light of the above, it is clear that the facts and circumstances of Peter Obi, Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar & PDP against INEC, President Bola Tinubu, Senator Kashim Shettima, and APC on one hand and INEC, APC & Dr Nentawe Goshwe and Caleb Mutfwang and PDP are diametrical not the same.

    When the facts and circumstances of two cases are dissimilar the principle of stare decisis( which means in Latin stand by things decided) (judicial precedent) cannot be applicable.

    When a court faces a legal argument, if a previous court has ruled on the same or a closely related issue, then the court will make its decision in alignment with the previous court’s decision.

    I, therefore urge lay people who don’t know a scintilla of thing about law to spare us their jaundiced interpretation of court judgments and desist from painting the judiciary in bad light.
    They should also know that emotion and sentiments have no place in judicial deliberations.

    This is why Lady Justice is blind while holding the sword in her left hand and the scale in her right hand ready to deal with anybody with ill will or affection that is brought before her.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

  • The Leonid Meteor Showers Have Been Taking Place This Past Week And Are Expected To Speak Tonight BY ENDURANCE OGRI

    The Leonid Meteor Showers Have Been Taking Place This Past Week And Are Expected To Speak Tonight BY ENDURANCE OGRI

    Culled From Vintage News

    In the pre-dawn hours of November 12, 1833, the sky over North America seemed to explode with falling stars. It was unlike anything anyone had ever seen before, and visible over the entire continent. Many witnesses interpreted it as a sign of the Biblical end times, remembering words from the gospel of St. Mark: “And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.”

    The Lakota people were so amazed by the event that they reset their calendar to commemorate it, and the Cheyenne people established a peace treaty with the Pawnee people. Even Abraham Lincoln, who was awoken by the shower, mentioned the event in a speech during his presidency.

    Scientists struggled to find an explanation for the event in 1833. Physicist and astronomer Denison Olmsted was most accurate in his description, publishing his findings in 1834, stating that the shower radiated from a point in the constellation Leo and speculated that it was caused by the Earth passing through a cloud of space dust.

    Today, we know that every November the Earth passes through the debris in the trail of a comet known as Tempel-Tuttle, thus causing the meteor showers we know as the Leonids. Although the meteorite shower is impressive every year, every 33 years or so they are especially striking, although very rarely being as awesome as the 1833 shower.

    The Leonid meteor showers have been taking place this past week and are expected to peak TONIGHT! ✨🌟💫

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Anne Endurance Ogri, and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent 

  • Lazy Servants: Own Up Your Mistakes And Take Responsibility For Every Of Your Actions BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Lazy Servants: Own Up Your Mistakes And Take Responsibility For Every Of Your Actions BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    LAZY SERVANTS

    Among the many good qualities of a good wife recorded in the book of Proverbs 31:10ff is the fact that she is never lazy; instead she is like the great worker (vs 13 and 19). Many men and women who are lazy, blame their spouses for their misfortunes instead of settling down to work and contribute to creating a happy home together. They are like the lazy servants who deny the hegemony of a higher authority and hide their own talents. Such servants blame their master for every misfortune. Own up your mistake and take responsibility for your actions.

    God gives us all different talents (not equal talents) and expects us to work hard according to our abilities. Wake up and break that poverty cycle in your family by investing your talents for greater things to come your way. Do not say it’s too late to start. Do not say am too small to make a difference. Lame excuses like this, make the rich richer and the poor poorer. You must break that cycle NOW.

    Jesus applies this imagery to the larger picture of life (Matt. 25:14-30). He reminds us that God is our master and we are all his servants. We the lazy ones give all kinds of excuses for not going to church or practicing our faith, inspite of the enormous possibilities and enabling environment God has afforded us. Think about your good health, the company of friends (fellow Christians), nearness to worship centers, a wide array of spiritual materials like the bible and other sacramentals etc.

    The God who created you in his own image and likeness is not a lazy God. He spent seven good days working at creation and at the end he found everyting ‘very good’ to behold. He means it more in a spiritual sense when he says to those who are lazy that even what they have will be taken away (Matt. 25:29). God forbid your very inheritance to be taken away from you by others. Wake up from your slumber of idleness and claim what belongs to you.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is clearly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue, and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

     

  • The Risk Of Being A Calabar Man (I) BY JUSTIN UDIE

    The Risk Of Being A Calabar Man (I) BY JUSTIN UDIE

    THE RISK OF BEING A CALABAR MAN (I)

    First, who is a Calabar Man or Woman? Culturally and as it rings a bell, a Calabar man is an Efik person but in this context, I’m defining a Calabar man a little different from that and I mean both man and woman. Be patient and read on 😃

    In July 2011, I was preparing for the NYSC passing out parade at the Minna township stadium when my Big Uncle Xyztus Ikwun rang me up. I pulled out of the parade to meet him and because it was the first time, I couldn’t quickly figure him out among the bystanders. When I finally did, we greeted and he said “Your mother told me you’re here, how is Minna?” “Minna is fine sir. We are preparing to go” I responded. After a few minutes of other related discussions and intro, he asked me, “So what are your plans? Where are you returning from here?”
    “Well, I’m going back to Calabar” I responded confidently. My uncle looked at me with an expression of pity though not showing a sign of surprise. I could sense from his face that he didn’t like the idea or my decision or didn’t just make any sense. By that time, I guess he perceived the ‘Calabar man’ in me; born in Obudu, did my primary and part of post post-primary in Obudu and completed it at Govt Science School, Akamkpa; a few miles away from Obudu. I moved a few miles further and did my first ever undergraduate degree at the University of Calabar proper, where I even learned the Calabar language 😊

    Whilst that was running through my mind, Uncle XyZ asked a rhetorical question, “What is it about Calabar and our people?” At this time, I was a little bemused 🤨 He gave me several cases of Obudu people in particular that he knew were either trapped in Calabar or did everything they could to remain in Calabar for whatever reasons. And because of that, Federal Character quotas and opportunities for the ‘Calabar man’ get filled up by other people. His narrative and campaign was short and punchy to me. He was very plain and forward with his advice: “Don’t return to Calabar my kid brother. There is nothing much in that city for you and for now. Move into Abuja. Make no mistakes, there would be challenges. You must ‘swallow a dose of patience’ and after a while, you’ll figure it out”.

    Yeah, we did discuss a few more things and I was asked to ‘fall in’ back to the parade. I kept reviewing my Uncle’s piece of advice until after my POP, I decided I wasn’t returning to Calabar. His advice and my response turned out to be one of the best engagements in my life journey.

    I was a complete stranger in Abuja. Everywhere was honestly strange. The driving on Abuja roads, the hustling and bustling, the Culture and cosmopolitanism, and ultimately the mindset, was different. In Abuja, people are after connections and networks, meetings upon meetings, contracts, politicking and buying and selling ‘real’ real estate. One Oga is coming from Lagos, another from Kano or Taraba and they’re to approve one contract worth billions. The Kind of money I’d never heard even Donald Duke mentioned on TV that Calabar was discussed in Abuja gardens in the evenings over pots of spicy #isiewu and a mix of beer 🍻 and red wine 🍷 Abuja appeared well diversified, open and challenging unlike in Calabar where people seemed to be stuck with CRBC, the Governor his Commissioners and PAs. It was then I started recounting The Risks of being a Calabar Man! It dawned on me that I could have been anything in Calabar but like a Cat 🐈 that poses around at home because it hasn’t gone to the jungle to see how Lions 🦁 and Tigers 🐯 feed.

    What then are the overall risks and opportunities? Would you like to read Part II of this story?

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article are strictly that of the author, Justin Udie, and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

  • Mayotte: An Island That Lies In The Indian Ocean, Is Part And Parcel Of Our Dear Motherland – Africa BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Mayotte: An Island That Lies In The Indian Ocean, Is Part And Parcel Of Our Dear Motherland – Africa BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Mayotte:
    A lot of us do not that there is an Island that lies in the Indian Ocean which is part and parcel of our dear Motherland-Africa.

    The Island is known as Mayotte.

    Unfortunately, Mayotte is an overseas department and region of France located in the Indian Ocean.

    It is situated off the southeastern coast of Africa and is part of the Comoros archipelago.

    Mayotte is geographically closer to Mozambique and Madagascar than it is to the mainland of Africa.

    Mayotte is a melting of diverse cultures and peoples.

    They are Bantu people, Malaysians who have intermarried with African Bantu people, and elements of Arabs.

    The population of Mayottee is about 270,372(2019).
    French colonization is one of one of the most pernicious, retrogressive, and painful.

    I wonder why the United Kingdom and France would be owning territories in Africa in this modern era.

    Why would international law allow colonization at this time?

    The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 and the African Chapter on Human and Peoples Rights, loudly proclaimed the right to self-determination of every indigenous people that have been colonized.

    These two international instruments must be invoked to send both the United Kingdom and France packing out of Mayotte and St.Helena.

    The decolonization process of the African continent would not be complete till St Helena and Mayotte Island become part of the African Union and sovereign countries.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla