The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • Misconstruing Joe Agi’s (SAN) Rhetorics By Infant Terrible

    Misconstruing Joe Agi’s (SAN) Rhetorics By Infant Terrible

    By Ogar Emmanuel Oko

    Yesterday didn’t pass quietly as it ought to have been as far as social media in relation to northern political domain is concerned. This disquietness was given steam by rabble rousing activities of yayo induced fellows.

    While the good and peaceful people of Bekwarra nation were busy in their characteristic industrious, innovative, hospitable and easygoing way of life at the farm; office, market, worship centre and at home, their peace and esteemed regards held by all and sundry were almost murdered and obliterated by the inordinate handiworks of some diminutive infant terrible and hell raisers who peddled a-near destabilizing rumour against the very revered Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Joe Agi, an aspirant in the forthcoming northern Cross River senatorial by-election in order to sow seed of discord in the heart of the people, nay Bekwarra.

    About 48 hours ago, Mr. Joe Agi, an illustrious son of Ijegu Ojor in Yala LGA while consulting some extract of Ogoja people, made statements that hinges on his professional services to the Ogoja people in the past and sadly, his demagoguery have been misconstrued; twisted out of context, intending message ripped into shreds and self-deduced falsehood not from his statement blown out of proportion just to reduce his reputation and acceptability before the estimation of his supporters; eligible electorate and the general public.

    All illustrious sons and daughters of Bekwarra know that Joe Agi being a seasoned lawyer and a man of letters would be reasonable and smart while making statement as it borders on politics at all times. How could a man whose maternal umbilical cord is traced to Bekwarra would stoop low to cast aspersion upon the breast that suckled him? No man having ambition to represent the people will undermine some of its constituents! No man does that and Joe Agi couldn’t have attempted such pettiness!

    I’m glad the vast majority of Bekwarra people have not let those young little devils and prisoners of ignorance altered their rationale with their devilry.
    Ijegu Ojor where Joe Agi hails from, has an element of consanguinity with Bekwarra. Even my uncle (father’s younger brother) is a chief of Akpakpah community in Bekwarra.

    I therefore sympathize with those that have constituted themselves into the league of Brutus, Casca and conspiratorial cliques over their inability to understand Agi’s rhetoric which of course is nobody’s doing.

    To Bekwarra people that have felt undermined, Joe Agi SAN holds the entire Bekwarra nation at high esteem and would not even in the realm of Morpheus belittle them.

    I encourage those youths to desist from heating up the polity and rather use their energy in gainful ventures and to our beloved brothers and sisters, the people of Bekwarra to wave this evil with a sleight of hand. We’re one people — though with different languages. Our bond is stronger and can’t be broken by the handiworks of desperate few.

    God bless Bekwarra nation!
    God bless Yala nation!

    Comr. (Hon) Ogar Emmanuel Oko
    Ijegu Ojor Public Relations Officer.

    NB: The opinions expressed above are strictly those of Ogar Emmanuel Oko and does not represent TheLumineNews.

  • The C’River Ministry OF Int’l Devt. corporation And The Role Of Development Partners.

    The C’River Ministry OF Int’l Devt. corporation And The Role Of Development Partners.

    By Eugene Upah

    Inspired by the over 4 million strong population base of the state and the gene pool of some of the most entrepreneurial and industrious minds in the country that is concentrated in Cross River, the state Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prof. (Sir) Ben Ayade in 2015, created the Ministry of International Development Corporation (MIDC) to further industrialise and decouple the state from its civil service status.

    The Ministry of MIDC acting as a powerhouse and gateway between the state, local and foreign development partners is responsible for coordinating all donor funded projects in the state. The creation of the MIDC, without doubt, has added immeasurable value to the people’s paradise developmental drive.

    The MIDC is headed by a youthful technocrat, Hon. Dr. Inyang Asibong and has also been saddled with the responsibility of attracting first-world intervention programs to the state with the intention of selecting areas of critical urgent attention.

    Through the efforts of the Ministry, the European Union, WHO, World Bank, the United Nations and her sub-agencies like the UNHCR, UNFPA, UN-WOMEN, UNICEF and UNIDO, have so far identified areas of urgent attention and gone ahead to implement programs to service those concerns. This incredible progress was recorded by the new ministry in just 5 years of its existence.

    The bilateral and multilateral sections of its terms of reference, enables the MIDC to scout donor support for funding of projects in the state. As a pre-condition before lending support to state proposals, majority of World Bank assisted projects must be state-owned to guarantee sustainability. The state government MUST also provide counterpart funding and political cover for all donor projects to accelerate implementation. A typical example is the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Program (NEWMAP) intervention projects. Cross River state recently released its counterpart funding for the NEWMAP erosion projects for critical water torn sites across the state.

    Under the MIDC’s watch, World Bank assisted programs like the State and Local Government Reforms Project (SLOGOR) is anchored in the Community and Social Development Program (CSDP). On this, the government approaches the local communities to identify and implement micro-projects with the aim to make a direct and immediate impact. Examples of projects that fall within the scope of the CSDP are provision of street lights, renovation of classroom blocks, basic water supply etc.

    Also, using the state’s social register, the MIDC designed a template that made it possible for the Youth Empowerment and Social Support Program (YESSO) to be successfully implemented across the state with little hassle. YESSO’s was the platform for the payment of COVID-19 monthly sustainable palliatives packages to the vulnerable and aged. The agile and youthful weren’t left out; they underwent trainings and have been integrated into the scheme.

    The Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS), is another extension of the MIDC, inspired by His Excellency’s concept of G-MONEY and is used to promote agricultural enhancement with the engagement of some 5,000 people in the agric value chain.

    Furthermore, the COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES), is an upcoming program initiated by the MIDC to ensure sustainable palliatives support to communities, farmers, businesses and individuals in the state to cushion the aftermath of the global pandemic.

    Counterpart funding has since been provided by the state to enable UNICEF provide specific attention to the plight of women and children.

    The UNDP is working in partnership with the MIDC to ensure the state is clean and green. This will be achieved through planting of trees and facilitating of programs aimed at discouraging deforestation.

    Through the MIDC, the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Program (WSSSRP) for the supply of potable water is currently ongoing in selected communities across the state.

    Recently, a number of classroom blocks were commissioned in Biase and an agro scheme aimed at enhancing the production of Cassava and other staple farm produce, was initiated by the Honorable Commissioner in Abi LGA under the aegis of one of such developmental partners.

    Lastly, the state government in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is currently working towards expanding the Senator Prof. Ben Ayade industrialization drive across the state in line with the “Spirit of Enterprise” mantra of his administration.

    ©Eugene Upah is the Senior Special Assistant to Cross River Governor Ben Ayade on Public Communications.

    [email protected]

  • The Ritual Of constituency Projects And Legislative representation: Why We Need A Rethink In Cross River North.

    The Ritual Of constituency Projects And Legislative representation: Why We Need A Rethink In Cross River North.

    By Agustine Aboh

    For weeks now the cyberspace, especially the social media space have been crowded with news of constituencies empowerments by of Representatives at the national assembly; Legor and Jari (being a norm).

    It must be noted that since the inception of our contemporary democracy over two decades ago, nothing or very little has changed in content and context of constituency projects and empowerments.

    Ranging from Car and Bike gifts to uncritical loyal foot soldiers and ass-kissers, to wrappers, blocks of six class rooms, toilets, solar streets lights that do not last beyond the day of commissioning, borehole, the regular Magi and salt and conditional cash gifts.

    These have been unchanged, and in the present age of liberal democracy and Fourth industrial revolution, Representatives in CRN still gifts us these benign items.

    Now, back home! Last week I saw Legor gifting Cars to his loyalists in Bekwarra and a Funny looking Obudu-ogoja taxi like Passat to Obudu. Obanliku was not included as usual. Instead, bikes were given to PDP Ward chairmen in Obanliku glorified by a self vilified HOA member in Obanliku.

    To cut the long story short, I think it’s time we begin to rethink what constituency projects and empowerments should be and hold our Representatives answerable.

    That’s right, but some greedy never do well loyalists will say we are wailing and seeking for cheap publicity – at least Google my name and see how far am know and reference across the globe.

    For Obanliku, I think we should begin the process of requesting what constituency projects and empowerments should get to us and our people that will make meaning to our desired quest for prosperity as a people well-neglected and self-injured.

    It won’t be a bad idea we ask Legor and who ever becomes the next senator to include in their 2021 constituency budgets such items like;

    1. A befitting Palace for our Paramount Ruler in Sankwala, Obanliku.

    2. Construction equipments like bulldozer, a payloader, tractor, and other such equipments that will help the local government to open access roads, control erosions and give succour to our people who can not afford to bring their produce to local markets. Since we all know the present state of slavering malnourishment of our Local government resources taken hostage by a family dynasty and Czar.

    3. Enhance Human capital development by giving responsible and reasonable scholarships.

    4. Work as committee members or chairman to help our unemployed graduates littering our villages as it’s done elsewhere.

    5. Provide our farmers with improved seeds and seedlings. And any other projects the communities through reliable needs assessment have presented.
    Let it be known that am not against settling of party loyalists but these shouldn’t be done at the expense of community development. It’s time we all know that politics and governance is all our collective business.

    In our constituency, Legor is not doing us any favors, let it be known that these are our monies.

    Thank God ICPC have started tracking constituency projects starting in CRS with those of Sen John Owan Eno. They’re coming and we’ll be here to furnish them any information they might need. And Legor should not be doing this car gifts alongside his unsaleable Senatorial Candidate, it speaks volumes of the context of his supposed constituency empowerments.

    I come in Peace! Shalom!!

    Long Live Cross River State
    Long Live Cross River North
    Long Live Obanliku, Obudu, Bekwarra Fed Constituency.
    Long Live Obanliku LGA.

    Augustine Aboh
    Geopolitics and Security Expert
    Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna.

    NB: The views expressed above are strictly that of the author and does not represent TheLumineNews.

     

  • C’River Northern Senatorial Bye-Election And The Search For Quality Representation And The Implication Of The Electorate’s choice: Candidates Not Political Party Will Unleash The Gains Of Democracy

    C’River Northern Senatorial Bye-Election And The Search For Quality Representation And The Implication Of The Electorate’s choice: Candidates Not Political Party Will Unleash The Gains Of Democracy

    By Z-Effect Media

    The task of political recruitment of a legislator to serve in Nigeria’s red chambers is here again upon us people of Cross River State Northern Senatorial District. As the political climate condenses and gets politically charged, today I’ll be telling you the place of the party, people (electorates), candidate and how decisions hovering around them make for or truncate, torpedo, and makes the gains of political representation elusive.

    Notice that periodic elections is the hallmark of democratic governance. And it is this attribute that adds flavor and distinguishes it from other forms of government – military rule, monarchy, etc.

    These choices in the final analysis zeros up to two choices:

    1. Voting to liberate oneself from hardship misery and the agony of misrule; and
    2. Voting to legitimize through one’s consent his oppression.

    Ironically, the electorates in contemporary time seem not to recognize nor understand how supreme they are, and how critical their decisions in this political recruitment process (election) is to their survival.

    And it is on the basis of this political shortsightedness they make shortsighted electoral decisions that come with incalculable misery, hardship, and agony to them.

    The thing is this: they fail to recognize that a pro-people leader who is a friend of the people not the political party is key to their survival. And voting along that line rather that party is the best mans policy.

    Voting along tribal, religious and political lines and affiliation comes with some uncommon and rare contradictions: What do voters want? And what do they get? Voters want jobs, but joblessness and retrenchment have driven them into despair. Voters want decent living but all they get is against it – the few are rich, the majority are poor. The few exploit and keep the majority in poverty. Voters want freedom for all, but voters are in chains everywhere in conditions that make men torture. Voters want medical care, but what they get is neglect and abandonment. Voters want education for all but our rulers have sustained illiteracy for most.

    Elections after election, the hopes of the people were raised by promises of jobs, education, food, healthcare, transport, etc. But today with our voting patterns detected by party association and affiliation, and party spirit, the result is all the same: more poverty, more homelessness, more hunger, more neglect and misrule.

    You now see how that thing (political party) is useless in unleashing the gains of democracy and durable representation? It is disingenuous to expect anything tangible from such arrangement.

    The meat of the issue is that people oriented candidate, not political party will liberate and unleash the meaningful life we desire and yearn for. A pro-people candidate not political party will remove these living contradictions.

    The political party is nothing but a vehicle through which interests are moderated, sorted, and pressurized with vigor and attained. Only a people minded leader not political party will moderate those interests in the direction of the people.

    Those who want to see significant transformation on society and in the political space will have to base their political decision making not on party association and/or affiliation, tribe or religious groupings but on quality and competency of the candidate(s) and how they showcase to be leaders of the interest of the majority.

    As we shuttle and find aspirants to pitch our tent with, know we’ve a historical choice to make. It is a choice between freedom and oppression; between health and disease; between welfare and poverty. We’ve to make a decisive choice for freedom, education, jobs, health, decent homes, efficient and affordable transport system knowing a friend of the masses not party will serve. We’ve to choose against oppression, illiteracy, joblessness, neglect, homelessness, poverty, disease, and exploitation.

    Dear people of Cross River Northern Senatorial District, without mincing words, when we fail to act right and positively, we will just be fermenting political, social and economic cul-de-sac and combustibly assailant conditions that will annihilate and consume us all.

    Electorates, over to you.

    We strongly and enthusiastically recommend Prof. Zana to you.

    He has proven that he is a friend of the people.

    Zana is the way moving forward.

    He’ll be offering something more than a clue.

  • Gakem Is The Symbol Of Nigeria’s Unity, Unfortunately Nigeria Has Not Deemed Necessary To Honor The Memory Of This Historic Town – Jalingo

    Gakem Is The Symbol Of Nigeria’s Unity, Unfortunately Nigeria Has Not Deemed Necessary To Honor The Memory Of This Historic Town – Jalingo

    By Agba Jalingo – Lagos

    On This Day In 1967, Gakem Spoke To The World…

    On this fateful and historic day, 6 July 1967, federal troops under the command of Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon, crossed over to Gakem which was then part of Biafra land, and fired the first shots at unarmed civilians at “Ushara Hills” and consequently ignited a bloody civil war that lasted for 30months.

    Gakem is a community in Bekwara LGA in northern Cross River state. The demarcation between Gakem and its Benue neighbours, Vandeikya is a line of Melina trees popularly known as the “Lugard Wall”, named after then colonial governor-general, Lord Lugard, during whose reign the trees were planted.

    In his book, The Forgotten Lunch Pad: Old Ogoja Province and the Untold Story of the Nigerian Civil War, Nkrumah Bakong-Obi drew attention to the abandoned relics that dot the epicentre of that war in Gakem Bekwara.

    According to Bankong-Obi, “These relics are potential incoming spinning resources that self-imposed blindness, denial of our past and short-sightedness have prevented us from tapping into. I have challenged Nigerian leaders and indeed others who have managed this country in various spheres to tell the world why Gakem, where the first shot was fired has remained a desolate town. Virtually all parts of the defunct Ogoja province still bear scars of the war that swept through the area. The trenches are filling up, the Elekpa pond which the soldiers appropriated from the natives and other scars of war are still in Gakem, Obudu, Yala, Yakurr and other places in the former province. The implementation of the reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation policy didn’t get to Ogoja where the physical trouble began. No form of rehabilitation – physical or psychological has been extended to the area to help fix the problems that the war created.

    “It is disheartening that over fifty years after the civil war ended, not even a brick has been laid in Gakem to symbolize the recognition of that unfortunate event. It is even more sobering when one thinks that the bacons demarcating northern from southern Nigeria are still interred in Gakem, Ogoja, Obudu and other peripheral areas of the present Cross River State. It is only intelligent to say that Gakem is the symbol of Nigeria’s unity. Unfortunately, Nigeria has not deemed it important to honor the memory of this historic town.”

    Someday, we know that the deed will be done….

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    #GakemToTheWorld
    #DontEraseHistory
    #OurHistoryOurHeritage

  • Thinking Cross River: Princewill Ojong Odidi, A Patriot On A Developmental Cause

    Thinking Cross River: Princewill Ojong Odidi, A Patriot On A Developmental Cause

    By Paul Adie

     

    Princewill Odidi is an international development consultant whose patriotic inclination is really hinged on the level of poverty, hunger and disease ravaging Africa, Nigeria and even his Cross River State! As natural with Nigerians in the Diaspora, he is neither happy nor proud of the level of development back at home and this can be seen through his very clinical articles on social media that contrast practices in US, other developed Nations and Nigeria, his daily opinions on political matters, his grants proposal writing masterclasses and recently the African American Chamber of Commerce intervention where he presides over the giving of leverage to genuine African businesses and NGOs desirous of funding and technical partnership from the United States and US businesses desirous of entry to the Nigerian market !

    Odidi, holds a first Class honors degree in Political Science from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame Indiana specializing in International Conflicts, Diplomatic Negotiations and National Security Studies. He obtained additional degrees and Certifications from University of South Carolina in Budget Analysis, International Financing, Grants Development, Project Evaluation and Project Review.

    Odidi worked with the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta Georgia upon graduation and later joined Concourse Group were he rose to become Chief Executive Officer in 2009, after which he founded Jeff-Tech Solutions, a technology company. Mr Odidi has been very involved in trade and humanitarian issues with particular interest in Africa among which includes Microsoft Unlimited Potential Projects in Liberia, the International Food Relief Partnerships in Uganda, Guinea Conakry, Zimbabwe and series of research work in Sudan, Congo, Ghana, and Nigeria.

    In Nigeria, he served briefly as Hon. Adviser on Trade, Investments and Tourism to Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State and has also served as Consultant to several federal ministries and parastatals. Mr Odidi presently serves as Financial Consultant to the Administration of Criminal Justice Reforms in Nigeria, domiciled at the Federal High Court Abuja.

    Odidi is on the board of the finance group of the Dubai Africa Infrastructure Finance Summit, he is also a Managing Partner at NEXUS Global Stratagem USA. He is a special adviser to the Honourable member of House of Representatives of Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State Professor Steve Azaiki.

    As a small business development expert, Princewill Odidi has served as Policy advisor to the United States Chambers of Commerce Small Business Unit. He also sits on several boards including the American Society for International Development Aid, Georgia Cancer Foundation, and the United States Funded Center for Disease Control Project with the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria.

    Odidi has helped hundreds of small businesses in the United States with Project financing from grants and loans. He is a seasoned Business Consultant, Trainer and Human Resource Development expert. For the Past fifteen years, he has facilitated trade and business relations for several American and Canadian firms doing business in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa including Jacobs International of Canada (Airports development), China based Dongfang Electric Corporation (Power), Barclays Investments (Financing), GE Michelis of Germany (Clean Energy Investors) and host of other American Corporations.

    In the past Princewill has always contributed professionally to Africa and Cross River State where his expertise was sought this he did with or without pay a times. His patriotism has a passionate drive to see Africa and Nigeria in particular achieve her supposed developmental level. Some years ago he came to Cross River and organised his Grants Proposal Masterclass where participants met thrice, and asked questions. He did not leave the participants like that as he encouraged interaction virtually thereafter !

    Princewill Odidi is an objective person who loves to weigh both sides thoroughly. Despite being very far from home he is so on ground about happenings in Nigeria and Cross River than most of us here. He is a detribalized Nigerian who grieves daily about his birthplace as inferred from his post : “A sick man does not care where the Doctor comes from, all he wants is good treatment. Nigeria as a nation is sick. We cannot afford to continuously zone leadership. Let the window be open to whoever is qualified. Let’s get our best” and he also noted in a separate post : “The old automobile car called Nigeria needs a totally new Engine, we call it “the system”. The problem is not so much the individual who wears the crown, the Nigerian system needs outright change because the system as originally designed lacks the capacity to reform itself”.

    Odidi really believes that NGOs and SMEs can drive meaningfull development in Africa, Nigeria and Cross River where government seems to have forgotten the place of wholistic and sustainable development.

    Princewill has helped many to pursue grants both at individual and corporate levels. He has been so supportive in terms of grants capacity building and best practices. He loves technology and believes and uses it to help businesses and NGOs pursue their objectIves through his jefftechsolutions.com

    Princewill Odidi is currently the president African American Chamber of Commerce with headquarters in Atlanta. He is happily married and lives in Atlanta USA from where he keeps in touch with Africa, Nigeria, Cross River and the rest of the World!

    Paul Ingiona Adie
    Ed-Tech Researcher

     

  • UNICAL Vice Chancellorship Contest: Prof. Ndem Ayara Ndiyo, The Man Who The Cap Fits

    UNICAL Vice Chancellorship Contest: Prof. Ndem Ayara Ndiyo, The Man Who The Cap Fits

    By Dominic Kidzu

    Being a proud alumnus of the University of Calabar, in the ELS graduating class of 1988, I have taken more than a passing interest in the affairs of my alma mata, and along with my classmates around the world returned to the ELS Department in 2018 in a Homecoming in which we donated computers and accessories, held an interactive session with students and faculty officials and a Thanksgiving Mass to mark our 30 years of graduation from the famous institution. We also instituted an award for the Best Graduating Student of the Department which started running last year. I am proud to say that in spite of the burgeoning multitudes and expanding challenges, Unical still holds the promise to students who genuinely wish to obtain knowledge and the lecturers have also braved the odds to deliver quality education to serious students in spite of all the challenges.

    A Malabite such as I am will always have the most excellent intentions and best wishes for the institution, and it is within the afore – stated praxis that I wish to establish my locus as a legitimate interested party and therefore qualified to make an active contribution to the conversation about the upcoming Vice Chancellorship elections. This is because I am involved.

    After 45 years of existence the University is a full grown corporate”man” now and is even competing on an even keel with its forebear, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. In my time at the university, almost all the professors and PhDs came from Nsukka. The students were heavily Ibo as well. Student union elections always had candidates from ANIMSA versus candidates from NACRIS, the former comprising of Anambra and Imo states, while the latter had students from the old Cross River State. The story of Abia Onyike ( who later became Commissioner for Information in Ebonyi state)and Feddy Agbe ( unfortunately now late) could perhaps better be told by Honourable Orok Duke. But that is a story for another day. The point to make is that our Unical is now a well matured corporate entity that carries its destiny in its own hands and it is the voyage in the search for that destiny that we are now embarked upon.

    If Professor Ndem Ayara did not come to serve in Governor Liyel Imoke’s government, our roads would probably never have crossed, but he did. And in doing so opened a broad new vista for himself and for the State. As the chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Ayara quickly became an institution himself, and government functionaries and departments did not receive budget endorsements and approvals without first passing through Professor Ayara and H – Pearson’s ( the quality control consultants he worked with) Carmel’s eye and prior authentication.

    He disclosed an uncanny capacity for organisation and approximation to perfection. He was humble but firm as steel. He was as meticulous as a grandmother and as generous of spirit as a French priest on Assumption Thursday. He instilled the highest quality of focus and timelines even amongst politicians and was unsurpassed in the fine art of tests and measurements. He left his position at the end of his tenure, having earned the friendship and respect of all who worked with him. No wonder that the Administration delivered so succinctly on the set targets of rural development, and up scaling of health and educational infrastructure.

    Ayara signposted his availability for higher responsibility even in that brief tour of duty and it was obvious to all the discerning that we were going to hear much more about him before his sun sets in the west. And now it seems that the lot should rightly fall upon him in Unical, in due consideration of capacity, time and circumstance for the everlasting glory of that great institution. More and more the University of Calabar, like Joseph of Arematiah, is beginning to carry the cross of unemployment off the blistered shoulders of the State government. There are very nearly as many Cross Riverians working in Unical as there are working for the State, and the ones in Unical are earning better, living better and progressing better. Remove Unical from Cross River State and the economy will nose dive very quickly. Professor Zana, the outgoing Vice Chancellor has done very well because he has exposure, is inbred and is pragmatic. This is the legacy that must be built upon in order to avoid a descent to retroactive continuity.

    It is often said that the morning surely tells the day, and so it is that even as Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Ayara showed clearly that he will not tolerate the stagnation of the growth pattern of officials. Today his tenure produced 25 Professors and a whole pride of PhDs, while also reactivating the almost moribund post – graduate program in the department of Political Science. He brought the Faculty journal that was virtually extinct back to life thereby providing academics the platform for publishing their research. It is no longer news that Professor Ayara is an innovator with exceptional ICT skills. He  was the person who introduced the E – Learning platform in the Faculty of Social Sciences enabling teaching on a 24/7 basis with all the features for one – on – one interaction with each student on the Platform, while also uploading course outlines and lecture notes for the overall benefit of the students. These innovations have substantially reduced students interaction with lecturers as submission of assessments, registration for courses and project supervision are now all being done online.
    Upon his return from his tour of duty as the State Economic Adviser, Ayara introduced the electronic system of voting in elections as a way of curbing electoral violence which hitherto characterised SUG, faculty, departmental and even kparakpor elections on the campus. He is also reputed to have exposed many of his colleagues to consultancy engagements with reputable international organisations.

    “There is a tide in the affairs of man, which taken at the flood leads on to victory…” Such then is the tide upon which Professor Ayara’s amarda sails the high seas to ultimately put ashore with a song of victory and cymbals of vanquishment. For the turn of leadership is phased and Ayara seeks only to take his turn, because he believes that they win who always wait, with love and not with hate, and he has waited these several seasons, with love and not with hate. Perhaps no one is better prepared to lead the University of Calabar to a certain glorious future at this time. And since the University community cannot be, like Vladimir and Estragon in Samuel Beckett’s tragicommedy ‘Waiting For Godot,’ who waited for the redeemer that never showed up, we also must seize the opportunity now that assures of a better future for the institution while it presents itself. Although Ayara exudes a steady confidence in his abilities and in his own self, he is the first to admit that there are others besides himself who can pull the chestnut out of the fire. What is left is for the electorates in the University to discover where true genius actually lies.

    The temptation to buckle under the force of sentiment and emotion can sometimes be ever so strong and present, and could lead to the making of wrong choices as a consequence of language, tribe, culture and even gender. Once we are able to wean ourselves from the autocracy of emotions and weigh all the aspirants on an even scale it should become obvious who the cap truly fits.

    Dominic kidzu is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information.

     

    N/B This is strictly the opinion of Dominic Kidzu and does not represent TheLumineNews or it staff.

  • Citizens Solution Message on Father’s Day, and theTest of Fatherhood.

    Citizens Solution Message on Father’s Day, and theTest of Fatherhood.

    By Admin

    As a nation, we can disagree about virtually everything. But if there is one thing, we all can unanimously agree on, is the fact that as a country we are plagued with several problems. And these problems stare us all in our eye daily.

    But below is what we at Citizens Solution Network think:

    The challenges we face are real and surmountable, yet none of us will be able to fix the plethora of problems we faces without leading new advocacy and building new economic skill engagement centres across the state.

    If people are hungry they will do everything to survive including betraying their conscience and family for meal ticket. Several fathers out there are doing their best, others are simply ruining all known effort at making this country a sane one.

    But raising awareness is not enough, we must all take it from highlighting youth weakness and complaining about how kids are raised by fathers, to drafting new solution plan and encouraging development of skill centres across the nation.

    The staggering statistics of unemployment and attendant social vices level within the country unequivocally suggest that, university education isn’t sufficient to address those problems, and if cares ain’t taken, our current matrix of universities may be a breeding conduit for a list of some dangerous problems we all face:

    from cultism to sorting to sexual predatorism to top-management position bias against women ascension, just to mention a few.

    Hence this should propel all right thinking persons with a fresh call to rethink everything by taking new protocol into contextual and conceptual national development frame work.

    If youths can earn via skill and business acumen they acquire during realtime training at various economic skill centres, they will become independent from government zombie plan.

    Secondly, we have to encourage more youths to join various civil society organisations to build their ideology and heighten their patriotism level to stand up against all forms of injustice and state excesses.

    Let’s get to work, if anyone here is ready to lead change with selfless dedication.

    We think, we should move from just talking about the problem to acting and working with new imagination while reviewing familiar possibilities.

    As we mark happy Father’s Day, we all need to appreciate the fact that, a father without grounded ideology is a threat to national security and emancipatory development.

    As we wish every father out there happy father’s day, there is need to call for new approach to tackling problem at family, community and national level.

    You will agree that, the true test of fatherhood is the quality of youths any given society could boast of.

    The time has come to ask ourselves, “What is the quality of youths our society today can boast of?”

    Let the pondering be yours for the taking

    Thanks

    Richard F Inoyo
    Country Director,
    Citizens Solution Network

    For: Civilian Panel and Population Council.

    N/B. The views expressed here are strictly that of Richard Iyono and does not represent TheLumineNews or its staff

  • ICPC Has Invited Me And Is Threatening To Arrest Me, Against Their Own Law, To Compel Me To Break Attorney-Client Privilege – Isa

    ICPC Has Invited Me And Is Threatening To Arrest Me, Against Their Own Law, To Compel Me To Break Attorney-Client Privilege – Isa

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    A human right and constitutional lawyer, Mr. First Baba Isa Esq…  has raised alarm over the continues threat by the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission ICPC, to arrest, detain or declare him wanted, to compel him to bridge the attorney-client privilege.

    Mr. Isa took to his verified Facebook account @First Baba Isa to disclose this maintained that he rather die defending the attorney-client privilege than to live and be pointed at as that lawyer who broke the attorney-client privilege without due process of the law.

    Hear him “Yesterday, I told my story: a story of how I got a valid court judgement in favour of my client. A story of how this judgment apparently went against the plans and dreams of ICPC. A story of how because of this ICPC is hunting me down like a wanted terrorist. You can read the full story, with all documentary attachments by clicking on this link https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160002509834408&id=725834407.

    “There is another horrendous angle to this. An angle so patently and gruesomely illegal; the thought that ICPC can even contemplate this makes me shiver.

    “On the 19th of June, 2020 and after going to my office and home to arrest me unsuccessfully, ICPC went to my home and office to paste a letter on my door inviting me for questioning concerning a case I am handling as a legal practitioner. Find the letter attached.

    “That same day they published a press release, so I know exactly why I was being invited. If you clicked on the link above, you must have seen the press release.

    “If you read the letter of invitation attached, you will see that their invitation is premised on Section 28 of the ICPC Act.

    “It will be apt to reproduce Sections 28 and 29 of the ICPC Act for fluid adumbration:

    “Section 28 of the Act states that: “(1) An officer of the Commission investigating an offence under this Act may – (a) order any person to attend before him for the purpose of being examined in relation to any matter which may, in his opinion, assist in the investigation of the offence…”

    “Section 39 states that: “Notwithstanding the provisions of any other written law (INCLUDING SECTION 28), a Judge of the High Court may, on application made to him in relation to an investigation into any offence under this Act or any other law prohibiting corruption, order a legal practitioner to disclose information available to him in respect of any transaction or dealing relating to any property which is liable to seizure under this Act provided that no court shall require an advocate or solicitor to disclose any privileged information or communication which came to his knowledge for the purpose of prosecuting any pending proceeding.”

    “The above provisions read together is as clear as crystal. Section 39 made it abundantly clear that a Legal Practitioner can only be invited by an order of court and not a mere letter from ICPC. And an order of court can only be obtained to compel the attendance of a legal practitioner for an interview with ICPC only when the matter has to do with a property liable to seizure and when it is not related to a pending proceeding.

    “In the instant case, I did not carry out a transaction for my client touching any property which was liable to seizure; at the time I carried out a transaction for my client concerning the money in her account, there was and still is a valid court judgment authorizing GTB to give my client access to her money. At the time I carried out transaction touching on that money, it was not and is still not liable to seizure. In any case, there is no court order obtained by the ICPC to invite me, assuming without conceding that I dealt with any property for that matter that is liable to seizure.

    “Obtaining such an order will even be a gross illegality since there is a pending proceeding instituted by me on the instructions of my client against the ICPC. Section 39 of the ICPC Act, supra, made it abundantly clear “… that no court shall require an advocate or solicitor to disclose any privileged information or communication which came to his knowledge for the purpose of prosecuting any pending proceeding.”

    “What I am being invited to come and disclose is “… privileged information or communication which came to (my) knowledge for the purpose of prosecuting (a) pending proceeding.” This cannot and should not be allowed to happen.

    “It is settled law that when the word ‘shall’ is used in a statute, it is not permissive but mandatory, and the person or body to which it relates has no option but to comply with the provision of the statute. See KALIEL & ANOR V ALIERO & ORS (1999) 4 N.W.L.R (PT 597) 344@ 355.

    “In Hunt v. Great Northern Railway (1891) 2 Q.B. at page 191, Lord Esther M.R. said: “A privileged occasion arises if the communication is of such a nature that it could be fairly said that those who made it had an interest in making such a communication, and those to whom it was made had a corresponding interest in having it made to them. When these two things co-exist, the occasion is a privileged one.”

    “This statement of the English Court of Appeal in the case of Hunt vs. Great Northern Railway, supra, was adopted by the Nigerian Court of Appeal in the case of GIWA V AJAYI (1993) 5 NWLR (PT. 294) 423.

    “The letter of invitation purportedly derived its foundation from Section 28 of the ICPC Act, supra, while the ICPC conveniently ignored Section 39 of the same Act. They cannot choose and pick which section of the Act to obey and which section to disobey. This is highly preposterous.

    “On another remove, the strategy of freezing my accounts containing my legally earned fees in other to frustrate me and get me arrested so as I can be compelled to divulge privileged information is not only illegal but primitive and nebulous.

    “This is why yesterday, I filed processes in a court of competent jurisdiction to strike down this demonic move with the gavel of justice.

    “ICPC has threatened to declare me wanted if I don’t honour their illegal invitation. I know they can do that. I know they can even arrest me while this suit is pending in court. We are all witnessing the funeral of the rule of law. But no matter what happens to me, I will not be that lawyer who will be illegally compelled to divulge privileged information. If I do that, my career as a lawyer is finished: I will be known as that lawyer who divulges privileged information; my clients will leave me. Then the ICPC will go for other lawyers… Then, the law is doomed.

    “I rather be remembered as that lawyer who died defending attorney-client privilege than to be alive and be pointed out as that lawyer who broke that privilege without due process of law.

    “If I perish, I perish!”

    F. Baba Isa, Esq.,
    Principal Partner,
    FBI LEGAL, Abuja.
    07037162029 (WhatsApp only);
    [email protected]

     

    N/B. This opinion is strictly that of First Baba Isa and did not represent the views of Thelumninenews or its staff.

  • Lessons From My Grandmother: If You Have One And You Call Her A Witch Because Of The Blessing Of Old Age, Please Note That Witches Are Treasures – Jalingo

    Lessons From My Grandmother: If You Have One And You Call Her A Witch Because Of The Blessing Of Old Age, Please Note That Witches Are Treasures – Jalingo

     

    By Admin

    Agba Jalingon shares two very heart touching lessons he learnt from his grandmother and wants everyone to reevaluate our thoughts.

    Jalingo took to his official Facebook account @Agba Jalingo to share his lessons, hear him.

    “Lessons From My Grandmother

    “I still have a 119year old grandmother. There is practically no one even 20 years younger than her that is still alive, that she knows. They are all dead.

    “Like all vehicles that have spent so much time on the roads, her human vehicle which has carried her soul about for more than a century is old, frail and rickety. Her muscles have atrophied. Her vision blurred and you sometimes have to talk on top of your voice for her to recognize it is you but she still walks around assisted only by her walking stick.

    “But I still enjoy massaging her muscles. With coconut oil specially prepared at home by my wife, each time I want to receive her blessings and prayers, hear tales, proverbs and learn some lessons, I go to her and massage her weak muscles. Her shoulders. Her feet to her thighs. When she feels really good and relaxed after that, she always has something to tell.

    “In her old but still very sharp voice, she will call out: “My son, how is your wife, she did not come with you?

    ‘No mama! She will come next week.

    Why na?

    Is she pregnant with my grandchildren?

    Grandma you never tire with grandchildren?

    “Nooo, I cant be tired o.

    “Why na?

    “You remember I married for 12 years and I was childless. Everyone was calling me cock cock cock. When my husband buys wrapper for his other wives and I request for mine, he will tell me other women use their wrappers to tie their children on their backs, what does a barren cock like me need a wrapper for? I will cry and enter my hurt.

    “I know that story grandma. You have told me before.

    “Ok. I forgot that I have told you before my son. But see me today. That barren cock has seen her 4th generation. My roots have extended up to the 4th generation and I am still alive while those who called me barren, have all gone. So in life, learn that what is barren today, can still blossom even over generations.

    “Ok grandma.

    “Lesson Two:

    “Grandma will never take money from me again and I asked why she doesn’t want my money again like before.

    “Sit down my son….

    “Ok grandma.

    “See, I don’t need money again. I neither buy nor sell again and at this my age, what do I need any money for? I have never bought anything for many many years now. What I need now, is company and you people are now always in a hurry to leave me when you come. You want to run and see your friends, peers and families and I am always hold up in my small corner here very lonely. So my son, give the money to those who still need it. I don’t need the money. Just tarry with me a little while for that is the best thing I need now and not money.

    “Ok grandma.

    “And it then dawns on me that, if God spare me too, a time is coming when I will not need money again. When all I will desire will just be people being around me and keeping me company and my problem will no longer be money, whether I was ever rich or poor.

    “So if you don’t have a grandma to learn from, you are missing.

    “And if you have one you are calling her a witch because of the blessing of old age, please know that witches are treasures and don’t ask me how….

    “Take your coconut oil now and go to massage her and make her bless you and talk to you in hush tunes.

    “Good morning and God bless you now now”

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.