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Category: Opinion

Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency Bye-election – 21 Reasons Why I Be Voting For Mike Usibe BY FIRST BABA ISA

I will group the next set of reasons under a category I call “Qualification, Competence, Experience and Positioning”:

REASON 2
Legislating is serious business. It will, therefore, be immoral to vote for anyone to represent us in the Green Chambers who is not well schooled. Usibe ticked this box. With a Masters degree in Economics, he has the requisite learning to impact legislating in the House of Representatives.

REASON 3.
His learning, both in school and in life, has impacted his personality. I will be voting for him because I consider him worthy in learning and character to represent us well in the Green Chambers; and most importantly to handle our complaints and criticism maturely.

REASON 4.
Hon Mike Usibe is accessible and even tempered. He has been tested in this regard. You don’t want a representative who is inaccessible and is easily prone to anger. We don’t want someone who will go there and shut the people out. We don’t want someone who will come to us a lamb and then transform into a lion after the elections. We are tired of such politicians. We want someone we can talk to… And we can #TalkToMike

REASON 5.
Hon Usibe’s experience as a Local Government Chairman will come in handy as a legislator. He has first hand knowledge of the abundant opportunities loaded at the grassroots that a well-timed, well crafted legislation will activate for our collective good. Though we have had good legislators without this experience, if I have my way, being a local government chairman should be a prerequisite for aspiring to be legislator.

REASON 6.
Added to his experience as a Local Government Chairman, he has also served as a Commissioner. This is a plus.

REASON 7.
Hon Usibe worked as an accountant and revenue officer in the state civil service where he rose to the directorate cadre, even winning an award as the best director, finance and supplies. Any one with such a rich work experience will bring it to impact on legislation.

REASON 8.
Hon Usibe lives among us, in Ogoja/Yala. He is not a foreign politician who lives in Abuja, Lagos or even Calabar; who remembers us only when they need our votes. No. Usibe lives among us, knows us, we know him; he understands our strengths and weaknesses… And can truly represent us.

REASON 9.
From my keen interactions with the aspirations of the candidates for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency by-election, I see clearly that Hon Mike Usibe’s understanding of the task of representing us is: top notch legislation, attracting/influencing human and infrastructural development to his constituents.

A candidate with these “Qualification, Competence, Experience and Positioning” should represent us at the Green Chambers.

Keep a date with me as we discuss the other reasons.

Click link to REASON 1 – https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10161724406684408&id=725834407
suffragiumus, Usibe!

#JoinTheUsibeConversation

– By Firsts Baba Isa (FBI)

February 20, 2022
Love In Politics: Do Not Allow Anyone Deceive You Into Dying For A Political Cause; It’s Not Worth It BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

LOVE IN POLITICS
In this era of political wranglings, we are reminded that fighting with a brother or sister is not worth comparing with the bond that once existed over the years. Love is meant to last forever, whearas political position will come and go. Do not allow anyone deceive you into dying for a political cause; it’s not worth it. It is more important that you live peacefully with your neighbour in this world than with rancor, inherit a title that will pass away. Be careful and don’t allow yourself be fooled by someone else. Love is being able to sit down with a brother or sister after a fight to say: “I know I have wronged you. Please, I need your forgiveness. I also feel offended but I am ready to lay down my anger because what we share together is stronger and more important than what we are fighting for.”

It is this type of love that Christ demands from his disciples: unselfish, disinterested, and unconditional love even of enemies. He said, “love your enemies and do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Lk. 6: 27-28). We are called to exhibit this kind of love to our blood relatives, our political opponents, those we have offended, and those who have offended us. David noticed that Saul, his mortal enemy, was within his reach. His ally and admonisher, Abishai even admonished him saying: “God has delivered your enemy into your grasp this day, lets nail him to the ground with one thrust.” David, however out of Love was able to use his common sense to say to his adviser: “Do not touch him” (cf. 1 Sam. 26ff).

Much of the rancor we experience with each other is often as a result of listening to bas advice or the evil influence of our supporters. Do not harm anyone just because you are on opposite sides of the political divide. Pay no heed to any adviser who encourages you to kill or hate your neighbour simply because of a quarrel or an argument. This type of love is true and it is what Christ expects of us. After all, Love is not only when you have to be nice to close friends and family. If love was meant for only those who love us, what differentiates us from people of the world who love their friends and hate their enemies. Just like gold in a fiery furnace, the beauty of true love shines through the fiery furnace of our disputes and misunderstanding.Real love entails forgiveness of your opponent(s) who are in disagreements with you.

There is time for everything. A time to hate and a time to love. Nothing on this earth is worth dying for. If its politics, play your own part and move on, for life goes on. Remember your family and those who will depend on you now and in the near future. Go the extra mile, think of the meaning of love and reconsider that fight you are planning with your so-called opponent. It is not worth it. The Lord says: “for if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” (Luke 6: 32ff). Our love must truly extend to our enemies if it must have true meaning. Paul reminds us that if we truly believe in the new body that we shall receive after death, then we cannot hate or do wrong to each other in this world and think it is okay. If we believe that one day we shall all sit down together in the house of our Father then we can as well start practising that Love here on earth by the way we reconcile with our enemies (1Cor. 15:45ff).

The future hope that binds us together is stronger than any earthly positions that divide us. Elections will come and go, positions will come and go, but our actions and their effects would linger for much longer. It does not seem right that brothers and sisters who have been best of friends or community builders together for long or even blood family members should separate and become mortal enemies because of elections. Charity, they say, begins at home. If you must love your neighbour, begin by loving yourself, your life, your sanity, and avoid whatever will bring you a headache.

February 20, 2022
Seeds Of Violence: Ogoja/Yala Bye-election BY First BABA ISA

SEEDS OF VIOLENCE – OGOJA/YALA BY-ELECTION

The police is right now preventing the PDP from holding a rally on a private property. Read that again: I say, private property.

The police has no powers to do this. The police don’t even have the powers to grant or refuse approval to hold rallies. People who keep applying to the police to get this approval keep sustaining the illegal impression that the police has such powers. They don’t.

Yesterday, a purported APC over N200m-budget for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency By-election hit social media. I didn’t comment on that because as a lawyer, I love direct and incontrovertible evidence but there is something also known as circumstantial evidence.

Millions were budgeted to bribe the police in that budget and today the police has been deployed to carry out a grossly illegal assignment. Are you thinking what I am thinking? It takes a lot, including money, to deploy the police like that. If that budget is real, then the owners of that budget truly has the money to fund illegality. Can the police be used against those who has such election budgetary provisions for them? If no, then who is using the police right now? There is something known as circumstantial evidence.

Now, to the crux of the matter.

Whoever or whatever is making the police act this way should be called to order immediately. By this act, the very institution saddled with the responsibility to tame violence is being used by politicians to sow seeds of violence; and when these seeds are allowed to blossom, Cross River State will be the worst for it. This is a state that is yet to recover from the #EndSARS protests that later snowballed into Covid19 palliatives looting.

It’s like the Governor has forgotten the tears he shed for peace to return. We all wept with him. We don’t want a repeat. The Governor is the Choirmaster of politics with ethics and the humanity mantra. It’s time for him to walk his talk.

We can do this politics and hold elections without harassment, intimidation and violence. No one has the right to tell a political party where to hold their rally or flag off their campaign.

Some APC members say it is foolishness to flag off the PDP campaign for Ogoja/Yala By-election in Calabar. Then why are you worried? Why are you afraid? Why not allow them to do their “foolishness” and then bank on it to win the by-elections? Why are you using the police to prevent a “foolishness” that is not illegal?

Stop supporting this, and just dismissing it with “it’s politics”. These seeds of violence you are sowing or encouraging in the name of politics, will swallow you up tomorrow.

– By First Baba Isa (FBI)

February 19, 2022
Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency Bye-election: 21 Reasons Why I Be Voting For Mike Usibe BY FIRST BABA ISA

REASON 1 – ZONING

I do this whenever there is an election. I share my thoughts about the candidates I will be voting for, for certain offices. Many persons have reached out to me in the past to say I swayed them to vote one way or the other. I love it. I hope to sway more with this latest round of conversation. 😄

But seriously, this is something I enjoy doing. I also enjoy the conversation around this. I also enjoy the naivety or deliberate obscurantism of folks who come to say things like “social media don’t win elections; there is no polling booth on social media”. Yet, Governors and other politicians appoint hundreds of aides on social media, open and maintain social media channels.

Some of these folks who want to belittle these conversations we have on social media are even SA’s and PA’s to a Governor on Social media. Very ironic, right? Well, we know they are not sincere because they only attempt to belittle or ridicule these conversations when it doesn’t align with their political stance.

Social media is important. These conversations work. Let’s have them.

Now, back to the first reason that will make me vote for Hon Mike Usibe to represent me and the good people of Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; it is zoning and inclusion.

A few days ago I shared my thoughts on the concept of zoning and inclusion as the very bedrock of democracy. I said it is ideal but I also warned against it’s usage by mercantile politicians who use it as a weapon of deceit and aggrandisement.

In my own words, my resolve on zoning is: “I have, therefore, resolve to promote this as much as I can but not to split unnecessary hairs about it. I will always consider it but I will not put it first in my consideration for choosing someone for an elective position.”

So, whenever I see the concept of zoning or inclusion happening truly by chance or by design, I will jump on board. This is what is happening now. I don’t think Mike Usibe emerged as a candidate for this election based on any deliberate zoning arrangement by the PDP or anyone, but I’m happy that his emergence resonates with the idea of inclusive democracy.

Since 1999, an Ukelle man or woman has never represented us either in the Senate or House of Representatives; Mike Usibe is an opportunity to give them a chance to represent us and lead us in this democratic conversation at that level. All lovers of democracy and inclusiveness can’t miss this chance.

But effective representation at the House of Representatives or any elective office for that matter goes beyond zoning, tribal or ethnic inclusiveness. If that is all Usibe is bringing to the table then he is not worth our time. But this is not all. There are 20 other reasons why we should vote for Mike Usibe.

Keep a date with me as we discuss other reasons; the more important ones.

suffragiumus, Usibe!

#JoinTheUsibeConversation

– By Firsts Baba Isa (FBI)

February 18, 2022
How To Help An Activist: This Happen To Me Always BY FIRST BABA ISA

HOW TO HELP AN ACTIVIST

This happens to me always.

Whenever I take up a case that goes public I get several calls and texts asking me “please how can I help?” Of course I usually say nothing to such questions.

I don’t say anything not because I don’t need help, financial help. I do. Most Human Rights activists, if not all, need financial enablement to execute their causes. Infact, and sadly so, I have abandoned several cases I took up for poor clients because I couldn’t foot the bills.

I have abandoned cases of persons I believe are innocent who are rotting in jails. One that really breaks my heart happens last week. A young chap who is serving a life sentence in Port Harcourt prison got my number and called from prison (yes, it’s possible). I took up the matter but… Flight to PH… And… Became issues. No money. No budget. Justice is capital intensive.

So why then don’t I answer questions like “what can I do to help?” I don’t for three reasons. All those who asked this question (especially in the Federal Government Girls College, Calabar Saga) or its variant should please take note.

1. Most people who ask this question don’t really want to give you shishi. They are just having an emotional ejaculation and ventilating their anger. They want that feel-good feeling that at least they tried to help. And I don’t want to burst their bubble by telling them, yes I need some sort of financial help. They will end up not giving a dime and start feeling guilty of sins they have not committed.

So I allow them have their moment of “Im-with-you-on-this-just-name-the-amount-and-I-will-send-it”. This set of people will usually turn on you and accuse you of extortion and all manner of things if you take their bait and ask them for money.

2. Though I have never received a dime from anyone to execute a human right case or pursue a legal issue of public interest, my instinct tells me that if someone really wants to help they won’t ask too many questions or even wait for you to provide lengthy answers. They might just need a hint or a brief request and they will give their assistance. “Send me your account details” and “what can I do to help?” or “if you need anything let me know”, takes the same effort to type or say na.

3. The most important reason borders on ethics. I cannot take up public interest cases and use that premise to raise money. That is unethical and grossly unprofessional and my opponents and detractors can make mince meat of me on this account. You will be shocked at the number of persons waiting and watching for an activist to make a slip so that they can ridicule and embarrass him. In this business of fighting for justice, I have come to realize that public goodwill is better than public money. That’s why activists must be extra careful.

I will rather, and sadly so, watch someone face the firing squad than raise money to activate the judicial process for him. I will rather dump a case and join the client to weep for lack of justice than ask for monetary contributions from the public to pursue the matter. It’s not pride, it’s ethics. I can raise money to do charity or philanthropy but not legal work per se.

But how can those who really want to help, help?

They are those who ask this question because they really want to help but don’t know how. To members of this group. Let me give you a clue. Empower the activist.

You don’t really have to wait until you see him pursuing a matter of public interest. You already know what the activist does why not give him links and referrals that will breastfeed his bank account? You know for every penny you help him make, a large chunk will go into helping him fight for the masses.

Why not make him that lawyer that prepares your documents (MoU’s, deeds, contracts, wills, company and NGO registration, juicy litigation, etc)? Some activists have books and other projects that will fetch them money when executed; help them bring such projects to birth.

It is demonic to always remember an activist when a public interest case without a budget arises but when you want to buy or sell land or prepare a document for an oil deal you don’t remember the lawyer activist. Who are you empowering? I have seen other activists raise funds, but for the lawyer activist nothing is more unethical.

And this is not just about lawyers. Once you locate an activist, try to locate his workshop or line of business and patronize him. That’s how you put money in his pocket to do what he is doing without turning him into some sort of ass licking beggar.

Now you know how to support an activist financially. Give him money without waiting for him to beg. Contribute if he is raising funds. Patronize his area of expertise or trade.

As for those of us activists, those who stake their lives fighting for others, those who take up causes of public interests, let’s lift up our heads to the heavens where all help comes from. Let’s avoid the allure of filthy lucre. Let’s do what we can do with all we have always… God will do the rest.

Aluta Continua. Victoria Ascerta. Yogejulnor.

Firsts Baba Isa is a Legal Practitioner,
07037162029

February 16, 2022
The Raging Arson In UNICAL, A Call For Concern BY PATRICK OBIA

It was an English philosopher and scholar, Thomas Hobbes who postulated in his book, Leviathan, Book I, Chapter 13 that; “Whatsoever therefore is consequent to a time of war, where every man is enemy to every man, the same consequent to the time wherein men live without other security than what their own strength and their own invention shall furnish them withal. In such condition there is no place for industry… no knowledge on the face of the earth; no account of time; no arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear, and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”

Hobbes, in this chapter of the natural condition of mankind concerning their felicity and misery, states clearly that all men are made equal by nature while acknowledging that some men may be smarter, or stronger than others even though in the end, this does not impede man’s ability to achieve his means as man’s aspirations and quest for a better life, leads to the locking of horns which lead to hostility.

In light of the above, life is full of protagonists and antagonists, who all bring about the reality of life stories.

The recent arson in the University of Calabar (UNICAL) can be likened to what Hobbes described as the “state of nature,” wherein, in the past few weeks, the Ivory tower, founded 47 years ago, has lost back-to-back, academic infrastructure to fires.

Though, the varsity has, in recent years, witnessed violent activities that have led to the destruction of infrastructure, the most recent which occurred on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 which saw the Department of Continuous Education and Development Studies razed is fresh in mind.

This is coming three weeks after the Department of Mathematics, was razed on Sunday, 30 January 2022 by what many have described as “strange fire” at the wee hours of that day. A week later, on Sunday, 6 February 2022, the Department of International Relations was gutted by the same magical fire with no history so far with almost nothing saved.

While the cause of the fire remains a mystery to management, students and the public, there are allegations that, some aggrieved students in the varsity have hands in the destruction as a result of the management’s increment in school fees as well as courses registration which have generated public uproar.

Also, there are insinuations that students are vexed over the fact that the school is yet to finish its first semester talk less of starting second semester especially as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) indefinite strike has commenced.

Whichever is correct or wrong, there is no reason to justify destruction in any guise. Meanwhile, this is not time for blame game on whose fault it is.

It is time to look at the continuous arson with eagle eyes whether done by students or enemies of the institution or whoever; it calls for all hands to be on deck, lest it renders academic activities in the varsity impotent.

UNICAL management should, as a matter of urgency, beef up security in the campus to protect its assets especially during odd hours but must be careful in order not to affect the innocent ones. Though it is said management has imposed curfew and halted night classes to checkmate insecurity.

Furthermore, in as much as the institution has increased its fees/service charges, there is needed for an extension in the closure of the portal.

Like the holy book says: “while men slept, the enemy came and sowed a wrong seed,” It is not time to input damage charges in the service charges to innocent students rather, it is a wake up call for management and relevant security agencies to dive into action and carry out tight investigation and bring perpetrators to book.

Finally, when a child is beaten, the child runs back to who beats him or her for consolation. Therefore, the management of the University of Calabar as a parent should listen to the wailing of their children (students). A stitch in time saves nine.

Patrick Obia is a journalist and writes from Calabar, Cross River State.

NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Patrick Obia and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.

February 15, 2022
The Ongoing Curfew In Ogoja And The Upcoming Ogoja/Yala Bye-election BY FIRST BABA ISA

When I heard that the Chairman of Ogoja Local Government had declared a curfew, ordering all residents to turn in by 10:00pm or face the wrath of the law, I was truly concerned where he got the powers to declare a curfew. But I didn’t say anything because Ogoja is my hometown and security is a delicate issue.

I didn’t want to start sounding legalistic if truly there is a security issue to be addressed. But now that the initial dust has settled, I can see clearly through the facts, the law, the present dangers and the coming dangers, especially in the light of the upcoming by-elections.

I was told by some residents that the curfew was ordered because a spate of ritual killings hit the town during the festive period. The police did not confirm this. I asked them. I was told by the police that the curfew was rather put in place to combat robbery. Two different stories, one curfew. But I didn’t mind. I just wanted security to be restored for our people.

But now, I do mind. I have some questions to ask.

Is the highest number of robbery and ritual killings in Nigeria taking place in Ogoja? Definitely not. Even in cities where these atrocities are hitting the roof daily, is it being tackled by declaring curfew? How effective has the curfew been? We have heard several complaints how the security men are arresting poor okada men, our brothers, and forcing them to pay N26, 000 to bail themselves and their bikes. The curfew has become a means of extorting from the poor masses.

I think it is time to call off this curfew. Apart from the fact that it is illegal, if it had any good purpose, it has definitely outlive this purpose. Citizens should be allowed to exercise their fundamental right to freedom of movement. They don’t need anyone’s permission to walk freely 24 hours a day. They should be allowed to go about their lawful businesses.

This curfew must be lifted immediately. If it is not, it will definitely become a veritable tool for political instability in the forthcoming by-elections. The police will be used, in the guise of enforcing an illegal curfew, to prevent the opposition politicians and supporters from moving freely while the ruling party politicians and supporters under the protection of the Governor and Chairman will move around freely. When the opposition finds out they are being prevented from moving freely while others are moving freely and holding the usual nocturnal political meetings, there is bound to be resistance and the real security crisis will happen.

We want this election to be peaceful. No one should be harassed or intimidated. I call on the Chairman to call off this curfew now before it is exploited to cause mayhem. I call on the security personnel to stop enforcing an illegal curfew.

If this call is not heeded, the blame for the likely security crisis that might fall out of this, especially during the elections, should be put on the Chairman of Ogoja Local Government and his enablers in Peregrino Hill.

– By Firsts Baba Isa (FBI)

February 15, 2022
If Not That Shamelessness Is A Key Ingredient In Nigeria Politics, APC Cross River State Cannot Be Talking About Zoning Now BY FIRST BABA ISA

#FBIRandomThoughts – Zoning

1. As elections approach you will hear a lot about zoning and “it is our turn”. Even if you never kn what the hoopla about zoning entails, you will have a fair grasp this period.

2. I love the concept of zoning. It is the very essence of democracy and the foundation on which participatory democracy is built on. Anyone who doesn’t know this yet, is still a far cry from understanding the concept of democracy as it were or the person is just pretending, to serve ulterior motives. I will come to the deployment of zoning using ulterior motives, presently.

3. Our present constitution contemplated and enshrined the concept of zoning in several sections; like the sections dealing with Federal Character or the ones mandating the president and governor to make sure their ministers and commissioners come from each state or local government as the case may be.

4. Clearly, the constitution did not outline a framework for zoning elective positions but the point I’m making is that zoning as it were is not a foreign concept to both democracy in general and our constitution in particular.

5. Now, the constitutional provision that mandates the President to pick at least one minister from the 36 States of the Federation makes comedy of the thinking that zoning begets mediocrity. Again, this argument is only wielded by folks with a self serving motive. Zoning is not the opposite of competence. This is 2022, there is no state, local government, ward or even village without someone competent to fill an elective position.

6. If the electorate is ignorant or gullible, they will always elect someone incompetent; if the president or governor is incompetent and ignorant, he will always appoint incompetent people even if he picks them from every village or just one village. Zoning is not to blame.

7. So, whenever you hear someone say, “we don’t want zoning, we want competence”, that’s the voice of deceit or ignorance talking. Zoning and competence can exist together and there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t. Zoning is simply an agitation for equal and fair participation. No more, no less.

7. If you all agree that it is the turn of my family to produce the next village chief and the kingmakers or voters decided to pick the most incompetent in my family to crown chief, how is that the fault of zoning?

8. However, we have two major problems with zoning in Nigeria; no clear cut guidelines for its implementation and the insincerity of those who mouth it. I have not seen anyone who truly believes in zoning. It is always a tool of political shenanigans to them.

9. Let me give you just one example; the Governor of Cross River State. He recently declared that the Governor must come from Southern Cross River State based on the principle of zoning. He has been applauded as an advocate of zoning. But is he? No. Definitely not. Why? The man has a presidential ambition. He confirmed that himself.

10. If the two major political parties are zoning their presidential ticket to the south, then it should go to the South East. An Igbo man or woman should be president. The South West has taken before, the South South has taken, so it should go to the South East. But here is a South South Governor, who is being touted as an apostle of zoning, being asked about his presidential ambition, and instead of him to say “No, I’m an advocate of zoning, so it is the turn of the South East…” But, my guy said, “I’m ready if my party wants me.” Can you imagine the insincerity.

11. His aides and supporters in Cross River State are busy sharing his posters for president and shouting #BackToSouth for the governorship position. If double standard had a face. Even in their back to South campaign, it is the Efik, who had produced a Governor that are angling for it. Is that the spirit of zoning? No. It should go round the local governments, wards and tribes.

12. It is even laughable that the APC, the Governor’s party today, is talking about zoning. In the last election, the Governor who is from the North was running for reelection and the APC fielded two candidates from two factions and both were from the Central! If not that shamelessness is a key ingredient in Nigeria politics, APC Cross River State cannot be talking about zoning now.

13. So, you see, the concept of zoning, without watertight guidelines for its implementation, will remain good as an ideology but wobbly in practice. So, as much as I love the concept, it is difficult to practice. You don’t even know when someone is using it to hoodwink you.

14. I have, therefore, resolve to promote this as much as I can but not to split unnecessary hairs about it. I will always consider it but I will not put it first in my consideration for choosing someone for an elective position. That’s why you might see me rooting for someone from the North or Central of Cross River State for Governor if they meet other terms and conditions far above the person from the South.

15. Look out… Make person no use your head. Zoning has conveniently become a tool of political yahoo yahoo.

– Written By Firsts Baba Isa (FBI)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of the author, First Baba Isa Esq and does not represent TheLumineNews or the organization the author works for.

February 7, 2022
Mr Peter Akpanke And His Mission To Annihilate The Sufferings Of The Masses

By Linus Ushie

Poverty is unarguably one of the many setbacks of man. It affects not only a man’s social network, but his ability to access and utilize opportunities.

Mr Peter Akpanke (DE SOLID ROCK) who is the Chairman of the Non profitable organization; The Akpanke Foundation, has never relented in his quest to alleviate the sufferings of people in his constituency, state and country at large. His enormous strides towards human and infrastructural development, women support initiatives , youth empowerment and Education has impacted positively on the society and engineered a refined political narrative.

In these trying times of our country’s degenerating economy, DE ROCK through his Foundation has constantly sustained it show of Love to the vulnerable. These acts of kindness has restored hope to the hopeless, provided succor to the less privileged and salvaged many families from the whips of starvation.

As the people continue to yearn for effective representation and leadership, the choice of Mr Peter Akpanke (DE SOLID ROCK) for Federal House of Representatives, for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal constituency in the 2023 general elections will be most beneficial.

His drilled, trusted and proven ability to deliver on democratic dividends has positioned him worthy of our support.

De Rock Is Solid!!!

January 22, 2022
The Dwindling Fortunes Of The Political Class And The Travails Of Jimmy Atibile BY DOMINIC KIDZU

Jimmy Atibile took ill more than one year ago and lies prostrate in the hospital up till today, still ill, still waiting for a miracle, while his wife and children remain hopeful still, even in their helplessness.

He woke up one morning to find a cancerous growth sitting between his nose and eyes which the doctors called nasopharyngeal cancer. A nice fellow set up a WatsaAp group for the kind assistance of his friends, family and colleagues, but money only trickled into the purse in nickels, pennies, bits and droplets.

Jimmy, like his late elder brother, Prince Atibile, has been a politician for most of his adult life, therefore most of his friends are also politicians. He is the Chairman, Hawkers Rights Commission. His family and friends are good people, kind and caring too. Grown men, hunch – backed with their own burdens of life who look at Jimmy as he lies helpless in the Teaching Hospital and shed tears for their stricken friend.

Jimmy’s friends cannot help him because they have no money to spare. The only thing they have enough to spare these days is their tears and that has been flowing freely down their wrinkled jaws like the dews of heaven. They remind me of the saying that men only cry when they have no money to solve the problem.

And they are all politicians who nolonger have money to help anybody. All they have left today are the honorific titles: “Distinguished”, “Honourable”, “Right Honourable”, “the Chair the Chair”, etc. Their cars are tattered, their houses decrepit and their courage and self belief have long been eroded by the years of steady reduction.

They nolonger go home to their villages, only the brave can afford the luxury. The politicians have kissed the dust and fallen from their emblematic grace, pomp and pageantry. Only a few of them have been spared the epidemic of lack and suffering. These are the nouveau riche who have ascended their new heights without having to be particularly excellent in any field of human endeavour. The rest are left to clap and chorus and hope against hope.

And so Jimmy Atibile remains imprisoned in his hospital bed, held captive by an ailment the doctors say can be treated if Jimmy’s family and friends could raise three million Naira (N3,000,000). But alas, Jimmy’s family and friends can only hope that tears were a commodity they could sell to save the life of their daddy and bossom friend.

Is there someone out there listening to this cry? Is there someone out there willing to help pay for his cure and bring him home to his family and friends?

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of the author, Dominic Kidzu and does not represent TheLumineNews or the organization the author works for.

January 20, 2022