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Category: Opinion

  • As C’River LG Chairmen Marks One Year In Office, Dr Josephat Emeka In Review BY TIMOTHY ADIE

    As C’River LG Chairmen Marks One Year In Office, Dr Josephat Emeka In Review BY TIMOTHY ADIE

     

    Today, marks the first year that Hon. Dr. Josephat Emeka was sworn in as the Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area. It has been a story of joy, tears, victory, losses and also a tale of guts, trials and glory. In the course of service so far, the Council Boss have experienced loyalty, betrayal and even seen deaths.

    When he took the Oath of Office on the 2nd of June 2020, he stated that he has come with the right vision to turn around things in Bekwarra Council by adopting strategic methods; including public private partnership initiatives to attract investment, generate employment and create wealth in Bekwarra. All he ever wanted for Bekwarra was to see it among the greatest areas in the entire 774 LGAs in the country.

    For effective leadership, dedication to duties and performance, upon resumption of office, the Chairman, immediately undertook an on the spot assessment tour of the ten Wards in Bekwarra. lndeed, these land mark tour did not only depict the essence of the local government administration, but it brought excitement to the heart of the people because of the remarkable effect it had on them.

    The Council Boss repaired to full working condition, abandoned two Council Toyota Hilux to ease the movement of council officials.

    As It is often said that “Health is wealth”, the administration invested in Primary Health Care to cater for health related needs and enhance socio-economic lives of the people. In line with the above, the council has revamped, renovated and Commissioned Two Health Posts at Ibiaragidi-Iye and Beten. The one at Ibiaragidi-Iye has been fully upgraded to a Health Center; providing primary health care services to the people.

    The administration built and commissioned two functional bore-holes to provide clean and portable drinking water to the populace. This was done in collaboration with the Community Service Development Project (CSDP).

    Under his able leadership, there’s massive improvement in healthcare services and Bekwarra is now ranked first in terms of quality primary health care service delivery in Cross River State and an Award presented to the Director of Primary Health Care Bekwarra Local Government Council to that effect.

    The Council Boss also repaired to full working condition the abandoned Primary Health Care Ambulance vehicle and it is now in use.

    In collaboration with his team, The Chairman have been able to get 85% of staff to be punctual and at their various duty post till the close of work. This wasn’t so before my resumption of office were you could find only about 3% of the staff present.

    Through the intervention of the Council Boss and in collaboration with BorderCom, Bekwarra LGA has been captured into the survey plan of the state government for border communities. Considerable success has been recorded as he also supported the communities with funds to enable them benefit from the state government blue print for border communities in the state. This is for the purpose of boundaries and community development, through assessment and intervention.

    The Council Boss successfully hosted a consultative assembly of Bekwarra Traditional Rulers, where topical traditional issues concerning Bekwarra were effectively discussed for the growth and development of the local government.

    The 2020 Bekwarra New Yam Festival and cultural celebration was a milestone as the Council Boss demonstrated unequalled love and care by providing Ten Cows to the ten council wards for the occasion. This was followed with cash donations to enable the Bekwarra people celebrate with ease.

    The Council Gaffer restored normalcy along Bekwarra- katsina -Ala highway. The blockade of the highway by “Illegal Produce Operators” causing untold hardship to commuters and road users plying the highway is now a thing of the past. Road blocks, indiscriminate and unlawful collection of funds by toll collectors also has been called to order.

    Promotion of sports development, unity and cohesion amongst the Bekwarra people. This was evident during the Chairman’s Cup as cash prizes and trophies were presented to participating teams in the competition in the 2020 Chairman’s New Yam football competition across the ten council wards of Bekwarra LGA. The Chairman equally revived Bekwarra United Football Club and sponsored their participation in the 2020 Governor’s Cup.

    He facilitated Covid-19 sensitization and awareness campaign across the LGA and distribution of nose masks and hand sanitizers to residents of the LGA.

    Currently, the Council Boss has initiated a deal with the Bank of Industries (BOI) for loans for Bekwarra Sons and Daughters who have one skill or the other. The idea according to him is also aimed at human capital development, self empowerment, growth and economic sustainability.

    The Council Boss empowered 10 Bekwarra women with capital to start and improve on any business of their choice.

    Planting and beautification of the council was undertaken by the Council Boss. Construction of a drainage system and trees blocking the main entrance of the political block at the council Secretariat has been uprooted to pave way for easy access to the Block

    Construction of entrance gate for the council at the Administrative and Political block which is now giving the coucil a more deserving look.

    Renovation of dilapidated office toilets and construction of new ones within the Council Secretariat that were left in shambles.

    Revalidation of authorized council number plates which has been in the possession of unauthorized persons has also been enforced at the instance of the Council Boss.

    The administration’s efforts have also yielded fruit as efforts geared towards the establishment of Bekwarra Innovative and Technology Academy (BITA). It is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with ongoing discussion with NBTE. When fully operational, the Academy will produce time tested graduates in Information and Communications Technology for the emerging market.

    The Chairman have also embarked on the renovation and replacement of office doors and windows in both the Legislative and Political block, acquisition of more office tables and chairs to enbale staff discharge their duties efficiently.

    The Chairman sponsored the construction of two boreholes at the Administrative and Political block respectively. This is to provide water for staff members and the council community

    He facilitated partnership with the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) for a robust and all involving health awareness campaign and sensitization of communities on HIV/AIDs and other communicable diseases.

    In collaboration with the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) Bekwarra Chapter, the Chairman has ensured relative improvement in the Christian lives and ethics of staff through periodic solemn assembly and the formation of a standard fellowship for all staff, holding every Wednesday from 8-9am.

    The Chairman within the year under review ensured equitable distribution of palliatives to Bekwarra people, including the Hausa/Fulani and Igbo communities. This according to him was aimed at cushioning and alleviating the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the people.

    The Chairman also donated a brand new power generating set to Abuochiche community to enable them access portable and regular water supply.

    The Chairman also during his one year in office, embarked on a routine visitation to Primary Schools across the 10 wards in Bekwarra where he gave scholarships to some pupils, distributed writing materials (books, pen and pencils), sandals, chairs etc. St. Christopher’s Primary School Abuochiche, St. Edward Primary School Nyanya Ulim, Community Primary School Otukpuru Afaa, St. Sylvester’s Primary School Ububa Iye, St. David’s Primary School Ochagbe and St. Ignatius Primary School Afrike Okpeche are amongs schools visited so far.

    In a quest to identify the plights of the people and alleviate them by bringing succor to those who needs it most. The Chairman, through the Firstlady, distributed gifts items such as rice, salts, clothing materials amongst several others to women across the ten political wards in Bekwarra and the Igbo community as well.

    The Chairman through the Firstlady, successfully organized a maiden and premier edition of Christmas party for Children, orphans, less privileged and special people in Bekwarra.

    During the 2020 yuletide season, the Council Boss embarked on a visit to Orphanage homes and Hospitals, and provided welfare for the less privileged, paid hospital bills in part and in full for some recovered patients who could not afford to pall their bills within the local government and beyond.

    Celebrates 2021 Armed Forces Remeberance Day Celebration on January 15, in Bekwarra where he used the opportunity to commend all the ex-service men in Bekwarra of their high sense of discipline in their various communities despite the monumental challenges facing them.

    Granting scholarships to some Bekwarra students in various tertiary institutions across the Country.

    Donation of wheelchairs and sewing machines to some vunerable and special people within the local government.

    Recipient of the Youth Leadership Forum Exemplary Family Award which was in recognition of his Outstanding Performance and Contribution towards Youth Development and Capacity Building in Cross River State

    Sponsoring the celebration of the 2021 International Day of People with Disabilities. A gesture that is unprecedented in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

    Construction of a new Notice Board at the political block there by pitting an end to the defacing of the block with notices and press releases.

    Empowered Youths and Special People on Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training Programs. The Council Boss while inaugurating the 2nd Batch of beneficiaries reiterated that the best thing that can happen to anyone in need of jobs and source of livelihood is to acquire skills that will bring succor and hope of sustainable engagement for regular income.

    As Napoleon will have it that: “Give me good mothers and I will give you a good nation” The administration did not leave the women behind as both the International Women’s Day and Easter were celebrated with them and women included in all policies, programs and interventions of the administration.

    Also the administration within the year in review, resucitated the Women Development and Skills Acquisition Centre in the local government that has been shutdown and abandoned for ages back to full functionality.

    In collaboration with relevant authorities, the Council Boss ensured the reopening of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) enrollment office in the Secretariat. This was to ease the plight of the Bekwarra people that have been encountering several challenges in accessing enrollment centres with the neighboring Council Areas

    Recepient of the prestigious and meritorious Rootswatch National Award as one of the best performing Chairmen on the Distinguished Local Government Chairmen & Nigerian Democratic Pill which was in recognition of his sterling and quality performance on human capacity building, manpower efficiency and infrastructural development, accountability, welfare of the aged and women, health services, youth empowerment, education and for been able to steadily turnaround the fortunes of Bekwarra Local Government Council and beyond.

    The Council Boss was also honoured with an Award of Excellence from the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS), University of Abuja Chapter in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards the growth of students in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

    Inspite of limited resources, the Council Boss went extra mile to ensure Bekwarra Youths celebrates the 2021 Children’s Day. Writing materials, bags, and water bottles were distributed to schools accross the repectives wards in the local government.

    The Council Boss sponsored the celebration of the 28th World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the first of its kind. The day is set aside as an advocacy platform aimed at breaking the silence, raises awareness and changes negative social norms and stigma around Menstrual Health and Hygiene. As part of the event, sanitary materials and souvenirs were distributed across selected Secondary Schools on Bekwarra.

    However, although some may have their reservation, huge successes have been recorded in all ramifications in just one year, the promise remained sure. Bekwarra is now peaceful and open for business albeit we are still in a continous battle of sustaining peace and order.

    The Chairman on his part, have proven that he will not falter or stand down but continue on the progressive path to liberate the people of Bekwarra (both indigenes and residents) from the shackles of illiteracy, backwardness and poverty.

    We shall continually operate an open and transparent administration accountable to the people we serve.

    Bekwarra shall be great again and we shall succeed.

    Happy One Year Anniversary!

    Timothy Adie

     

  • The Sense And Nonsense In The “Think Obanliku” Movement BY DAVE IMBUA

    The Sense And Nonsense In The “Think Obanliku” Movement BY DAVE IMBUA

     

    Perhaps, they are few people, most likely those who are not close to the social media that may not be aware of the emergent “Think Obanliku” movement, which is either exhilarating or infuriating constituents of Bekwarra/Obanliku/Obudu Federal Constituency depending on where they stand on the pendulum of justice as well as their understanding of democratic principles. A brief statement on power sharing in the said Federal Constituency may help some readers to put the yearnings and aspirations of the movement in perspective.

    For purposes of allocating seats in the Federal House of Representatives (the lower chamber of Nigeria’s bicameral National Assembly), Nigeria is divided into 360 Federal Constituencies, each of which is represented by one member in the House in a four-year term. As the name implies, the Bekwarra/Obanliku/Obudu Federal Constituency is composed of Bekwarra, Obanliku and Obudu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Northern Cross River State. The constituency elected Hon Mike Ogar of Bekwarra LGA as its representative in the 4th Parliament (beginning from 1999 when democracy returned to the country and ended in May 2003). His successor, Hon. Paul Adah, of blessed memory, represented the constituency in the 5th and 6th Parliament from 2003 to 2011. Hon. Adah was an indigene of Obudu LGA. Hon. Frank Adah of Obanliku LGA who succeeded Paul Adah was the constituency’s MP in the 7th Parliament (2011 – 2015). The incumbent, Rt Hon Legor Idagbo of Bekwarra LGA was first elected in 2015 and re-elected for a second term in 2019. This implies that he would have served for eight years when his second tenure will end in May, 2023.

    By virtue of the fact that the seat will become vacant in 2023, discussions are ongoing in several quarters on which of the three LGAs should produce the next MP. As part of their contribution to the debate, a group of progressive young people drawn from the three LGAs met in the nation’s capital sometime in January 2021 and brainstormed on the matter. Based on the fact that Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku have occupied the seat for 12, 8 and 4 years respectively, one of the attendees, Mr. Jeremiah Usheshe argued that for the sake of fairness, justice and equity, all constituents should “think Obanliku” (a phrase which could be interpreted as “consider Obanliku”) in the choice of the next MP for the constituency. His position which was unanimously adopted by other attendees became the basis of “Think Obanliku”, a slogan that is gaining popularity by the day. Irrespective of how anyone chooses to interpret the slogan or what the movement as a whole will become in the days ahead, it should not be forgotten that its original aim was to promote fairness, justice and equity among the LGAs in the Bekwarra/Obanliku/Obudu Federal Constituency.

    As is usually the case, the “For Justice, Fairness and Equity: Think Obanliku” (shortened simply as “Think Obanliku”) movement has both supporters and opponents in the three LGAs that make up the federal constituency in focus. Its supporters argue that as a “Government of the people, by the people, for the people” democracy should be inclusive by providing equal opportunities for both the majority and the minority. On the other hand, opponents of “Think Obanliku” see the movement as romantic nonsense and argue that democracy is purely a game of numbers and that those who have the numerical advantage should always have their way. Being promoters of the erstwhile undemocratic philosophy of “Might is Right”, they leave no one in doubt of their belief that those who are numerically powerful can do whatever they wish, even if their action promotes marginalisation and oppression. They have steadfastly dismissed the “Think Obanliku” movement with a flick of the hand and make jest of its proponents and supporters. Some of them have gone ahead to criticise Rt Hon. Idagbo for unwittingly giving credence to the movement by publicly saying that “Obanliku is the most marginalised Local Government” in the constituency.

    Ironically, the opponents of “Think Obanliku” are the same people that supported and applauded a similar movement, which culminated in the emergence of Sen. Professor Ben Ayade as governor of Cross River State in 2015. Cross Riverians still remember how Senator Liyel Imoke, whose leadership style transcends ethnicity and parochialism, ensured that power was transferred to the Northern Senatorial District, a district which before then had not produced a governor in the long history of Cross River State. This remarkable feat, as it were, gave the generality of the people of the state, especially the minority a sense of belonging, as they came to know that irrespective of their population and origin, they can aspire to the highest political office in the state on a rotational basis. Beneficiaries of that gesture, who are today insisting that democracy is purely about numerical strength should remember that it was not under military rule that Imoke took that brave decision, which has immortalised him in Cross River State’s political landscape. A product of justice, equity and fairness should not become the arrowhead of marginalisation in a lower political structure, where the circumstances to alienate, oppress and marginalise others favour him. He ought to be humbled and challenged by the goodwill that made him become a “strong man” in a state rich in tested and trusted political gladiators.

    Let me end by inviting the opponents of “Think Obanliku” to introspection and contemplation. You need to take some minutes to imagine what would have happened if the Bekwarra/Obanliku/Obudu Federal Constituency was a state of its own. Put differently, think about what would have happened if Cross River State was not blessed with Senator Imoke and his like, who defended justice, equity and fairness. By any ideal or religious standard, it is unethical to complain of injustice and marginalisation only when we are victims. Afterall, injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere! All lovers of justice, fairness and equity have a moral responsibility to “Think Obanliku” in their discussion of who takes over from Rt Hon Legor Idagbor in 2023. Rotation of power among the component units of any polity, however defined, is one of the surest ways of addressing alienation and marginalisation in a democracy.

    Dave Imbua writes from the beautiful hills of Bendi.

  • Excerpts From Sen. Sandy Onor’s Speech At The PDP Stakeholders Meeting Held In Transcorp Hotels, Calabar

    Excerpts From Sen. Sandy Onor’s Speech At The PDP Stakeholders Meeting Held In Transcorp Hotels, Calabar

    By Modlin Odu

    “Your Excellency (Sen. Liyel Imoke), Colleagues, very senior Citizens, Party Chieftains and Democratic soldiers who are veterans of many political wars. I salute all of you. From Abuja, my analysis was very clear as to the fact that there is no shaking at all.

    “Across the State, we have heard reports of the resistance of those who are good people on ground, refusing to be cajoled by the evils of stomach infrastructure. Even Jesus Christ Himself said it when the devil came to tempt him in the wilderness that, “Man shall not live by bread alone”.

    “You cannot come and compromise the values that all of our leaders have put together for this State. You made our State dirty, compromised all that we represent, destroyed our infrastructure and just reduced us to symbols of food on the table. Any man who does not understand that his destiny is bigger than mere food, that is, poisoned food that does not avail you the liberty to think and the capacity to invest and grow is clearly intended to make you a slave. No more,no less.

    “We cannot afford to have leaders who deceive us. This movement to APC is completely personal and thoroughly selfish. Now, if you’re afraid of EFCC, you jump from PDP to APC and have your sins washed away. That is clearly the calculation and the entire nation understands it.

    “The other day somebody was on T.V saying that anybody who dares him will come face to face with the arrogance of power at the centre. How can a leader speak like that? Arrogance of which power? When Power is transient. When that power will soon evaporate. When the power was given to you by the people. When it was given to you by the PDP and you turn back 24hours after defection to seize our secretariat. That is a most irresponsible act.

    “Let me assure all of you that even the few that are pretending to go with him shall return to their umbrella. The party belongs to the people and they shall fundamentally hold the key to the future of the party.

    “This is a democratic party and we have resolved that all the democratic processes must be followed from Wards to Chapters and to all other levels. Nobody will be denigrated or set aside.”

     

  • Obanliku In The Politics And Leadership Of Governor Ben Ayade BY DAVE IMBUA

    Obanliku In The Politics And Leadership Of Governor Ben Ayade BY DAVE IMBUA

     

    Perhaps, I should begin by stating the obvious, which is that until the emergence of Prof. Ben Ayade as the Executive Governor of Cross River State, many people in Obanliku did not really know what it means to be despised, alienated and neglected by a leader who has been entrusted with public funds to engineer human and capital development. The dividends of democracy delivered to the good people of Obanliku by astute leaders like Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke created the impression that a leader would always be committed to the wellbeing and welfare of the led.

    As governor, Donald Duke constructed the Sankwala Ring Road within his first 100days in office. In the course of his eventful tenure, he completed and commissioned other projects including the Obanliku General Hospital, the Bebi Airstrip, Utanga Safari Lodge. Duke also upgraded the Ranch Resort to international standard, making it the flagship of Nigeria’s tourism. He also electrified Bendi, Bisu, and Bebi among other communities. It is to his credit that he initiated and sustained the defunct annual Obudu Mountain Race which brought a great company of men and women from across ethnic, national, religious, linguistic and gender divides for the purpose of winning laurels and leisure. The Obudu International Mountain Race was endorsed by both the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) and the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) in 2005 shortly before Duke left office

    As a co-visionary with Duke, Governor Liyel Imoke consolidated and expanded Duke’s legacies in the tourism sector. Painstaking efforts were dedicatedly deployed to ensure that the dream that informed the huge investment in the Ranch Resort was not allowed to wither and die. The Imoke – led administration opened new vistas in a bid to sustain the influx of both local and international tourists to the Resort. Under the Imoke’s administration, the road to the resort was fortified and driving through the 22 breath-taking U bends became pleasurable. In the same committed manner, Senator Liyel Imoke opened up our rural communities with asphalted roads like the Basang East Road, Busi Road, and Utuhu-Kakwe-Lishiche-Shikpeche Road. This was in addition to the rehabilitation and upgrading of numerous health centres and schools in the LGA. Unless influenced by other considerations, it is hard for Obanliku people to talk of Duke and Imoke without enormous debt of gratitude to their commitment to the provision of basic amenities in the LGA.

    And, then, the era of Ben Ayade came! Expectedly, Obanliku people were ecstatic and excited that the swearing-in of a brother and kinsman as Governor of Cross River State was going to bring about massive improvement in their social, political and economic fortunes. Indeed, even those of us who had advised caution in the euphoria based on our knowledge of the complexities of man, had cause to be optimistic. Six years down the road, the Obanliku situation has deteriorated to a level that could not have been imagined. The euphoria and fanfare that greeted the emergence of the Ayade administration have given way to regret and frustration in Obanliku, leaving sycophants and booth lickers with the onerous responsibility of convincing the masses that we are not going through our worst experience under greedy, selfish and heartless misleaders who want to be richer than the state.

    The fact that Governor Ayade has consistently treated Obanliku as an after-thought and a dispensable neighbour is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf. Under Ayade, our Ranch has become a mere footnote in the world tourism map. The Bebi Airstrip is an abandoned project. One can’t even recall the last time a plane landed or took off from it. The Mountain Race has become history. Even the Cottage Hospital in Kabun, Basang, that was singlehandedly built by our illustrious brother, Dr Emmanuel Akashie, and donated to the State Government, was abandoned immediately after commissioning more than five years ago. Even the staff of the hospital that were promised immediate employment when the government took possession of the hospital, are still languishing in Ayade’s University of Unemployment. Unless you don’t know what is injustice, you will surely wonder what the Obanliku people have done wrong to warrant the level of neglect and marginalisation that has been visited on Obanliku. Ayade era is a debacle for the Obanliku nation. Apart from dispossessing people of their land, there is absolutely no project that Ayade has executed and commissioned in the entire Obanliku LGA in the last six years.

    Unless something is fundamentally wrong with us, Obnliku people should not quarrel and abuse themselves with regard to the antics of their common oppressor, whether he chooses to stand with the PDP or the APC. I am convinced that his neglect of Obanliku has nothing to do with political parties. We should all stand together irrespective of political affiliation against anyone that takes delight in the underdevelopment of Obanliku.

    I should end this piece by reminding Obanliku elites and other people that are polluting the streets and bad roads in Obanliku with the suffocating stories of our oppressor whose actions are simply dictated by the fear of the EFCC of W.E.B. Du Bois’ immutable assertion that it is a tragedy for an enlightened individual to pursue personal gains while ignoring the plight of his/her oppressed kin. We should always remember that from the time of Esau till now, people who sold their birth rights for a pot of porridge have lived in regrets. As the very Distinguished Senator Professor Sandy Ojang Onor admonished yesterday, “Any man who does not understand that your destiny is bigger than mere food, that is, poisoned food that does not avail you the liberty to think and the capacity to invest and grow is clearly intended to make you a slave.” Enough of the noises about “Food on the Table” and the nauseating calls for the maintenance of Table Manners in a food basket like Obanliku.

    We must take our destiny into our hands by thinking Obanliku!

    Dave Imbua writes from the hills of Bendi.

     

     

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article is strictly that of Dave Imbua and does not represent the views of TheLumineNews or the organization the author works for.

  • What People Don’t Know About Ben Akak, Obase Reveals

    What People Don’t Know About Ben Akak, Obase Reveals

     

    Recently, the name of the Chief Executive Officer of Ben Akak Foundation, Engr. Ben Akak has become a household name in the lips of Cross Riverians. A household name because of recent activities carried by the foundation, especially in the distribution of welfare packages to the less privileged in the society.

    It is also worthy of note that Ben Akak was prominent in the distribution of palliatives to the Cross River state government, Non-Governmental Organizations and individuals during the nationwide lockdown caused by the outbreak of COVID-19. It is as a result of these and many more that made many to come out to say that he is doing all of these pursuit of his ambition to become the state governor in 2023.

    They believe that the name has not been a popular name until he started nursing ambitions for the governorship seat in the state. It is on this premise that Obase Okanke Ofem Willie, who has known Ben Akak for about 10 years, has deflated the notion. He said it has been in the nature of Ben Akak to be the voice of the voiceless and the helper of the helpless.

    He said this while addressing journalists in Calabar. He said Ben Akak has been a philanthropist, humble and go-getter all through the years he has known him. He also disclosed that it was Ben Akak that started the Margaret Ekpo Development Foundation. He revealed that Ben Akak was the person who single handedly ran the Foundation with his money without getting support from anyone, disclosing that he was also the one who started the annual Margaret Ekpo lectures.

    He said: “As a Cross Riverian, we all yearn to have a positive change; we all yearn for an administration that has regard for the entire Cross River; that will develop Cross River economically beyond where we are today. And a lot of us have also looked at the fact that beyond the regular day to day politician, do we have such a person?

    “We know that the Southern Senatorial District is blessed with fantastic people, young people, old people, young leaders and all of that and coincidentally, a lot of people have been in the media, social media spaces and all of that talking about a number of other persons. I can speak for Ben Akak because I know Ben Akak fully well before today. A lot of people have known him before now, I don’t mind dropping their contacts, call them and they will talk to you about Ben Akak.

    “Ben Akak, I’ve known him more than ten years and if anybody tells me the highest attribute they know Ben for, it is humility. I say it everywhere and anywhere. Ben has been that humble person I know right from time immemorial that I’ve known him. The only difference is that because of additional assignments and engagements he is engaged with, he cannot be as accessible as he used to be before today. For that, I can excuse him for that and that is only natural. Ben is somebody who understands what he wants, he is a goal getter, and I can say it anywhere, any day, anytime”.

    He added that when people begin to say that Ben is an overnight philanthropist, that he doesn’t know what philanthropist means to them. He believes that if he can on his own have the welfare of the people at heart that he will do more when he has control of the funds government which will make governance easy and interesting for him.

    Obase who confidently believes that Ben Akak is the right man to cause the needed change in Cross River was of the opinion that based on personal interactions with him that he wouldn’t be that kind of leader who will change once he becomes the governor. He stated that his least expectation from him is failure while the highest expectation is to transform the state with his wealth of experience and intellectual capabilities.

  • Bendi Technical College In The Politics Of Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo BY DAVE IMBUA

    Bendi Technical College In The Politics Of Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo BY DAVE IMBUA

     

    The Bendi Technical College (BTC) in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State recently attracted the attention of critics, commentators and analysts of pubic affairs. Established in 1978, the college has produced a great number of people, some of whom are now established scholars, technocrats and professionals across diverse endeavours of life. The contribution of her products to nation building and development is phenomenal and has been praised in several quarters. To list the names of men and women who passed through the college would fill volumes and we do not intend to make such a list here.

    Like many other public schools in Cross River State, the fortunes of BTC have terribly nosedived over the years, leaving students of the school to study under extremely difficult conditions. The college lacks basic infrastructure like access road/bridge, water supply, power, toilets, accommodation, office/classroom space/furniture, laboratories, workshops and a functional library/ICT centre. The existing buildings in the college have become scandalously dilapidated and unusable to staff and students. We can only leave to imagination the terribly cascading facilities at the college, which at some points, and ironically so, was attended by the Cross River State’s Commissioner for Quality Education, Dr Godwin Amanke, and the Chief of Staff to the Government of Cross River State, Hon. Martin Orim!

    Many people in Bendi, including this writer, had thought that the swearing-in of professors as Governor and Deputy Governor of Cross River State was going to improve the fortunes of the state’s education sector, including those of BTC. The change in nomenclature of the ministry of education to the ministry of quality education strengthened the optimism that there would be massive improvement in educational services and facilities. Six years down the road, the situation in public schools has not changed in any appreciable way; it has rather worsened as many other things under the current administration in the state. Little wonder, the euphoria and fanfare that greeted the emergence of the current administration have completely died down, leaving sycophants and booth lickers with the onerous responsibility of convincing Cross Riverians that things are getting better.

    To return to the BTC story, the desperate groans of parents and guardians about the terrible conditions of learning at the college sweetened up into joyful ululations when Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo published a letter dated 25th September 2020 on his Facebook timeline announcing to the world that he had facilitated “the execution of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) ICT Centre in Bendi Technical School.” The letter stated that “The contract price is N122,809,075.00 (One Hundred and Twenty-Two Million, Eight Hundred & Nine Thousand, Seventy-Five Naira) … . The contract duration shall be for a period of six (6) months which shall take effect from the commencement date of the contract.” Against the expectations of many stakeholders, the contract at BTC was executed in the most unsatisfactory and unacceptable manner. Rather than building a 21st century ICT centre, those involved with the contract merely collapsed two classrooms into a bigger space for the installation of computers. The shabby way the contract was executed left no one in doubt that its facilitators were more interested in what they would gain from it than how it would serve the end users.

    Displeased with the fraudulent and criminal betrayal of trust by the facilitator and contractors, the Northern Cross River Youths Coalition petitioned the MP to the EFCC. In a swift reaction, the MP dismissed the petition as a useless piece of handiwork of his enemies. Encouraged by this claim, his followers and supporters queried the writers of the petition, claiming that constituency project contracts are awarded to MDAs and not Members of National Assembly (NASS). Based on this claim, they ordered that all questions concerning the three projects facilitated by the MP in his constituency should be directed to the companies that executed them. Some concerned individuals bought this advice and resolved to follow up with the contractors since the MP and his supporters had made it clear that it was not his responsibility to ensure that his constituency projects were executed to specifications.

    As the concerned citizens set out to pursue the investigation with relevant questions, the supporters of the MP dramatically reversed themselves, calling on all and sundry to “beat the drums of joy” to the “pragmatic RT HON LEGOR IDAGBO” for turning the Bendi Technical College “into a much sought after citadel in ICT knowledge based hub.” With unusual excitement, they wrote further: “This [the project] was facilitated by our principal in his piloting of the affairs of Nigerian Local Content Monitoring Board Committee. At a time like this, the least we could all do as a sign of appreciation and a Filip for him to do more is to say THANK YOU. The trend whereby some brothers of ours are regrettably turning a blind eye to this humbling effort and rather more concern(Ed) with the 2023 race is of grave concern.” For some strange reasons, they regarded those calling for accountability and explanation as ungrateful enemies of the MP. To showcase their much-noised about transformation brought about by the MP at the BTC, they manufactured and displayed several breath-taking pictures of the college. Those pictures are capable of convincing the public that those who were still complaining about the quality of execution were unfair to the MP.

    To ascertain the reality on ground, I decided to take a trip to the BTC. Like every other person who has been to the college in the last few days can attest, there are several questions begging for answers by those that were involved with the project. BTC which has been used as a channel of siphoning public funds is in dire need of patriots who will look the facilitator and contractors in the face and tell them the truth about the injustice done to the present and future students of BTC as well as other constituents of Bekwarra/Obanliku/Obudu Federal Constituency. The supporters of the MP should not distract those who have taken it upon themselves to ask important questions at the relevant quarters by urging the public to roll out drums to celebrate the renovation and installation of computers in an expanded classroom.

    I should end this episode by reminding Bendi elites and other people that are supporting this injustice of W.E.B. Du Bois’ immutable assertion that it is a tragedy for an enlightened individual to pursue personal gains while ignoring the plight of his/her oppressed kin. We should always remember that from the time of Esau till now, people who sold their birthrights for a pot of porridge have lived in regrets. While it is true that half bread is better than none, it is also indubitable that the reverse is the case with education, where half of it is dangerous. It is the responsibility of good followers to ask questions on whether projects have been executed as awarded or not. If followers fail in this responsibility, the society will be the worse for it.

    Dr. Dave Imbua writes from the hills of Bendi.

    Disclaimer: This article is strictly the opinions of Dave Mbua PhD, and does not represent the views of The Lumine News or the organization the author works for.

  • Hon. Legor Idagbo ‘s 122Million ICT Constituency Project In Obudu BY AGBA JALINGO

    Hon. Legor Idagbo ‘s 122Million ICT Constituency Project In Obudu BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Out of the three projects that were brought to the fore yesterday as facilitated by Hon. Legor Idagbo, the member representing our federal constituency, (Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwara), in the House of Representatives, I take the liberty to look at them one after the other. Charity begins at home as they say, so today, I will begin from my home, Obudu.

    The execution of an NCDMB ICT Center in Clement Ebri Technical School in Utugwang, Obudu was awarded to, Kresto Paco, a company based in Abuja on September 25, 2020 at a sum of N122,841,325. The work was to be completed in six months from the contract award date.

    There is a video attached here and photos of the project. We have visited the project site and observed on the spot that:

    1. Two classroom were collapsed into a bigger space, from an already existing block of eight classrooms.

    2. That space was then renovated and painted and fitted with chairs and tables.

    3. Thirty one flat screen desk top computers have been fitted in the room also.

    4. Two split unit air conditioners, solar panels, inverter, two dishes, are also installed.

    5. There is also a 20kva generator.

    6. There is an aluminum partition inside the room with three cubicles.

    7. A projector and screen are also fitted.

    Accessing the inside of the center was quite difficult because the place was still locked up possibly because it hasn’t been commissioned. But we eventually did.

    My Thoughts:

    Apart from other things I am known for, I am an ICT Entrepreneur. I have been doing that business for over a decade. Even with a casual eye view, I can cost everything in that room in 30minutes, but I will come back to that later.

    Meanwhile, let me ask our Representative Legor, if you gave someone N122million Naira to build you an ICT Center in your personal school you are building in Abuja and you return after six months to see exactly what you have in Clement Ebri Technical College in Utugwang, will you accept and pay the contractor?

    I ask that question because, as our Rep, you are expected to inspect the project and clear the contractor with a satisfactory report before the company can be paid. What report did you write for the company after completion of work?

    What exactly is the ICT Center meant to achieve?

    What is the utilization plan?

    What was the thinking behind it?

    Is it just going to be a regular business center for secretariat jobs?

    Was the NCDMB contract just meant to renovate a classroom and buy 30 computers and put inside like artifacts or is it going to be an IT innovation center where solutions will be created?

    Who was carried along, because apart from party stalwarts, even stakeholders in the community who you will think should have been abreast of the project were all feigning ignorance?

    There is only one JAMB CBT Center in Obudu/Obanliku, located inside the FCE Obudu. Should our people continue to travel that distance to write JAMB after investing 122million in an ICT center in Utugwang?

    More and more rural communities across the globe are getting access to faster Internet and using it to change their fortunes and the way they live. Tesla CEO, Elon Musk is aiming to bring high-speed Internet to largely rural areas. Most of Musk’s Starlink Internet potential customers are in rural areas outside of urban centers. Eager communities are funding these initiatives through Rural Digital Opportunity Funds, paid for by small fees on cell phone bills as part of an effort to get Internet service providers to bring broadband to them to catch up with a rapidly progressing world.

    If we now have the luck of getting government funding to achieve these targets, it is only wise and proper that we ensure the funds and judiciously utilized to that end.

    This is my Constituency and I won’t keep quiet. We will look at the other two projects in the coming days.

    I am doing this, conscious of the fact that I have also raised public money to repair a court in Ogoja and will want to be held by the same standards.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    Disclaimer: The opinions in this article are strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo and does not represent The Lumine News or the organization the author works for.

  • No Drinking Water In Ayade’s Village But He Wants To Plant ‘King Grasses’ For Cows, To Solve Farmers/Herders Crises In Nigeria BY AGBA JALINGO

    No Drinking Water In Ayade’s Village But He Wants To Plant ‘King Grasses’ For Cows, To Solve Farmers/Herders Crises In Nigeria BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Governor Ayade is from Kakum village. Let me give you an abridged quote from his fellow Kakum man.

    “It is sad that despite having the number one citizen and ‘richest man in the land’ from my village, …. safe drinking water is still a luxury that nobody can afford at home.”

    “The pictures below are taken from my village – Kakum, South South Nigeria and am sure most communities around would relate. This morning, Kakum people drank from this well and will continue to do so choicelessly. As shocking as this may sound, this well is not only in the immediate community of the incumbent Executive Governor of CRS – Sir Benedict Ayade, it is on the spot (polling unit) where he regularly cast his vote……Kakum people will continue to dream of the day they won’t have to drink from this infested well and other ponds again or travel to neighbouring villages to get cleaner water for their families.”

    Justin Udie PhD, Nottingham UK, an indigene of Kakum.

    It is noteworthy that there is one other surface well in Kakum that is serving one section of the community and the one in this picture, which is about 20meters from the governor’s house. It was constructed by former President Babangida’s Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructures (DFRRI) around 1989 and later became dilapidated until a good Samaritan came to build that wedge the boy is standing on to allow families use it again.

    There is a borehole in the governor’s compound but the mobile policemen who guard the governor’s house do not give villagers access to fetch water from there. They trek to neighboring villages to get water. Some get their water from Professor Zana Akpagu’s house in neighbouring Babuagbong village.

    That is the same person that wants to plant grasses that will feed cows and end the farmers/herders crises in Nigeria. He obviously doesn’t even understand the historical perspective, the depth and extent of the crises.

    But what can we say?

    We still have to endure this comedy and rain of brain waves for another 796 days.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinions here are strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo and does not represent The Lumine News or the organization the author works for.

  • Wike Did Not Abuse Ayade Or Cross River, He Raised Salient Issues That Demand Answers – Agba Jalingo

    Wike Did Not Abuse Ayade Or Cross River, He Raised Salient Issues That Demand Answers – Agba Jalingo

    Wike Stir Clear, Wike Stir Clear, Wike Stir Clear, From Where?

    Indeed, I will not allow my voice to be drowned by that sanctimonous claim that Wike in that his recent video reaction, is leading an assault on Cross River State and our governor. It is those who are urging other full grown adults not to express how they feel about Wike’s reaction to Governor Ayade’s earlier outburst that should actually be ashamed of themselves.

    When aides and Governor Ayade himself were throwing direct jabs and veiled diatribes at Wike on TV, were they actually expecting that the Rivers State governor will keep mute?

    You don’t call someone out for an open fight, the person accepts your challenge and calls you out also, then some self appointed defenders of Cross River state are on the prawl warning Wike to stir clear of Cross River as if our State is not part of Nigeria. Is there anything that legally preclude Wike from commenting on developments in Cross River? Did any law say that if you are a governor of another State, you cannot comment on the State of affairs in another?

    It is true that Wike is seeking to interfere in the politics of Cross River State but in the end, it is the people of Cross River that will determine their governor come 2023, not Wike. We have had governors in Cross River before Ayade and every succession was a tough battle for the incumbents with external interference, but in the end, it was always Cross Riverians that went to the polls to decide their leader. This time will also not be different. I think the Wike-phobia is exxaggerated.

    As for what Wike said, was he even wrong?

    He said, “I am not a 419 governor.” Implying that Ayade that he was referring to is a “419” governor. In Nigeria, 419 is obtaining something under false pretence.

    Has governor Ayade not been collecting lands up and down in the State under the false pretence of building this and that?

    Has he not made numerous promises and failed Cross Riverians?

    Has he not pretended to cry on TV and the things he cries about never change afterwards?

    Wike also said, he declosed Rivers state’s share of the money FG refunded to the State for the construction of federal roads in the State and wondered if Ayade did same. Is Wike lying? Has Ayade disclosed to Cross Riverians how much was refunded to Cross River State and what it has been used for or will be used for?

    Wike talked about Ayade selling our forest reserves as timber. Is that a lie? Our forest, the largest rain forest in West Africa, is ferociously depleted by criminal timber cartels who daily carry truck loads of illegal timber for sale with the active connivance of State government and security officials. The governor has appointed numerous SAs and PAs on Forestry, who have no other job specification than to depend on illegal logging for survival. Till today, we have no knowledge of what happened to the timber that was harvested from the portion of the Super Highway that was cleared before the project was abandoned.

    Wike also mentioned the scandalous budgets that our governor has signed in the past five years. No matter the professorial grammar you want to use, it was never going to be possible for a State that earns barely N50billion as allocation to meet an annual budget of over a trillion Naira. Those highfalutin figures were not only unrealistic, they were actually hallucinatory and the governor has abandoned that path himself. So what is the lie that Wike told?

    Those urging us to go up in arms against Wike for insulting our State, what exactly did he say that is a lie or are you just angry with the manner he said it?

    Since #TeamAyade had already dared Wike and vowed that they were ready for a fight, they should go right into the ring and respond to Wike, allegation for allegation and stop whining. Wike did not abuse or insult Ayade or Cross River, he raised salient issues that demand answers. That is what I want to hear. Not anyone telling me, an adult, how to react to what Wike said.

    In a State where most of the citizenry is cowed by fear and stomach infrastructure, where the political class have lost their voices to complicity in the rot, if Wike and Ayade’s unusual style of open peer review is the mechanism that will stir the nest in our State, so be it. Let the roforofo continue. Afterall, both are not radically different.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • The Nuisance Of Scary Cat Politicians By Vena Ikem

    The Nuisance Of Scary Cat Politicians By Vena Ikem

     

    It is laughable that I am being informed today that there has been an announcement on Radio that Gov Ayade’s sponsored Exco, led by One Okadigbo “won” in the recent Judgment of the Court of Appeal, Calabar! Nothing can be farther from truth!

    It is shameful to say the least. Some have quoted him as saying ” it’s politics” !
    Sorry it’s not ” politics”! It’s the working of a criminal mind.

    1. The judgment of the Court of Appeal said absolutely nothing about the already sworn in Exco at the wards and local govt levels.

    2. Okadigbo or whatever they call him was not a party to the suit and could not have”won” any case as he claims and is extorting money from unsuspecting members of the Public as the sole candidate of the party for the Chairmanship position of the party in CRS!

    3. I am appealing that judgment to the Supreme Court as he knows, because it is strictly about my purported disqualification to contest against him, which fear is driving him crazy and nothing more! If he says otherwise, let him produce the Court judgment that says so and I will withdraw from the race for him! I have a certified true copy of the judgment!

    4. Please, if you know him advise him to be a man and come for the contest for the position of Chairman of PDP in Cross River State, with all of Ayade’s support, instead of hoping and praying for a no contest so that he will emerge unopposed.
    That’s not about to happen!

    5. All the juju in his village will not be enough to change that. We are not all like Gov. Ayade that is allegedly susceptible to such occultic manipulations!

    6. All the billions of Naira of Cross River State money Gov. Ayade is allegedly wasting and continues to waste have not changed anything and will not change anything.

    Let the people have their say!

    Vena Ikem.