The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • Illicit Mining in Agoi, Yakurr LGA: A Recipe for Chaos BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Illicit Mining in Agoi, Yakurr LGA: A Recipe for Chaos BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

     

    The recent arrest of scores of illegal gold miners in Agoi Ekpo, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, after a fierce resistance, highlights the growing concerns surrounding illicit mining in the region . This trend, which has seen thousands of illegal miners from the Sahelian region of West Africa flock to Agoi, bears an eerie resemblance to the 19th-century gold rush in South Africa.

    The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mismanaging mineral resources. The ongoing conflict between the government and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels is deeply rooted in illegal mining activities in Eastern DRC. Rwanda’s government is accused of backing the insurgency to exploit the DRC’s mineral wealth, perpetuating a cycle of violence, corruption, and instability.

    Similarly, in Agoi, the unregulated mining activities have led to tensions, environmental desolation, and concerns about the nexus between money laundering, corruption, human trafficking, and arms smuggling. To break this cycle of violence and instability, it’s essential to address the root causes of the conflict, including the mismanagement of mineral resources, corruption, and regional tensions.

    The people of Yakurr Local Government Area, known for their farming traditions and rich cultural heritage, are caught in the midst of this chaos. The influx of illegal miners has put a strain on local resources, threatening the very fabric of their communities.

    To mitigate this crisis, the government must take decisive action to:

    – Regulate mining activities: Ensure that mining is carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner, with adequate safeguards for the environment and local communities.

    – Address corruption and regional tensions: Tackle the root causes of the conflict, including corruption, money laundering, and regional tensions, to prevent further instability.
    – Support local communities: Provide adequate support and resources to local communities, ensuring that they benefit from the mineral wealth of their region.

    Only by addressing these underlying issues can we hope to break the cycle of violence and instability in Agoi, Yakurr LGA, and ensure a brighter future for the people of Cross River State.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla.

     

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

  • Jarigbe Calls On Elected Officials To Concentrate On Delivering On Their Subsisting Mandates

    Jarigbe Calls On Elected Officials To Concentrate On Delivering On Their Subsisting Mandates

     

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has called on all elected officials to concentrate on their subsisting mandates and noted that it was preposterous to waste so much time on conversations about 2027 general elections.

    Sen Jarigbe was reacting to the cacophony of voices that surrounds the recent controversy in the political landscape of Cross River State, with many pundits analyzing and permutating the 2027 general elections.

    Sen Jarigbe who acknowledged the sufferings of the people in the rural communities across the state, posited that those of them with various mandates, have a greater task in their hands. He stated that the major task is delivering on their social contract with their people and ameliorating the hardship being experienced by the people who voted for them.

    The law maker who took to his verified Facebook page, @Sen Jarigbe Agom, noted that “I strongly think it’s preposterous to waste so much time on conversations about 2027, when our people are suffering so much in our rural communities across the State. We should concentrate on delivering on the subsisting mandates.

    “For those who have ambitions for 2027, we should know that they have inalienable rights to express themselves. For those of us who hold various mandates, we have a greater task in our hands. The major task is delivering on our social contract with our people and ameliorating the hardship being experienced by the people who voted for us.

    “Let’s get busy! No one knows the next minute. The time is now! I refer us again to Lamentations 3:36 & 37”.

  • Four Years After, UNICAL Staff Employed By Past Admin Remain At Home BY INYALI PETER 

    Four Years After, UNICAL Staff Employed By Past Admin Remain At Home BY INYALI PETER 

     

    Four years after, majority of the people that were legitimately employed one year to the end of the past administration at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) are still at home as the current management has blatantly refused to allow them work or complete documentation. This is despite the fact that the same administration is being investigated for allegedly inputting names into the payroll.

    It’s sad to see the level of vindictiveness displayed by the current administration, which seems to be targeting the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Zana Akpagu. But 99.9% of the affected staff are not related to the former VC and are innocent victims. Why not wear a human face and allow them complete documentation and commence work? These people will be paid with government funds not anybody’s personal resources.

    Besides, this administration is winding down already. A new Vice Chancellor will be appointed in the next ten months. Why not bring them now to work after all, if you consider them liabilities, your administration have escaped the liabilities for four years?

    Till date, UNICAL remains the only university in Nigeria with this problem. For those of us who understand the context of the recruitment when the federal government insisted on IPPIS, we will never understand the explanation on why they were stopped from working even though their appointment letters are valid.

    Nevertheless, despite the efforts of the management to get the former governing council to invalidate the appointment letters, the Chairman insisted that such recruitment happened across all universities including Northern universities. Therefore, he couldn’t in good conscience, preside over a session that would take such wicked decision against innocent people. Yet, the management has maintained its stance that these people must remain at home!

    What level of inhumanity is this? It is really unfortunate that this iniquitous action is being meted on innocent Cross Riverians by a fellow Cross Riverian.

    I appeal to the Vice Chancellor or those who have her ears to persuade her to end on a more positive note than she started by inviting these innocent people who are only victims of vendetta to complete their documentation and resume work. Even if payment will be delayed till the end of her tenure, let it be that government’s owing them.

    Similarly, because the majority of those affected are Cross Riverians, I urge Governor Bassey Otu to invite the Vice Chancellor for a discussion with a view to resolving this issue. This is what we see happening n other states. Our leaders should not turn a blind eye to this situation since it is a federal institution. If there’s a breakdown in law and order from this situation now, it’s the state that’ll be the most affected.

    The VC needs all the help now to end her administration in a way that posterity will judge her aright.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Inyali Peter, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Unmasking The Truth: A Rebuttal To Cultural Misappropriation BY CECY OGBECHE

    Unmasking The Truth: A Rebuttal To Cultural Misappropriation BY CECY OGBECHE

     

    The certificate you see there was given by CAC for the registration of a personal business name and not for the Yala People. Stop spreading false information to the fragile youths.

    Because i have taught some people about this before and another argument is arising ignorantly, I must confess that I am compelled to address the blatant disrespect and ignorance displayed by some individuals who claim that the Ebira Cultural Attire, specifically the itinochi, itokwete, or itinoguntoro, was registered in Yala. I am want to put the argument straight!

    Who registers cultural attire of a people? Is it not a clear case of cultural misappropriation? The certificate in question is not for the Yala People, but rather a business registration certificate from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to lylys Arena, dated 2021.
    I question the motives of those who claim to believe that cultural attire can be registered. What is the meaning of patent, and how does it apply to cultural heritage? Why haven’t you taken steps to stop the Ebira People, the original owners of the Ebira Cultural Attire, from producing and using their itinochi?

    Your inability to conduct the sub quashoic ceremony of the Ebira Cultural Attire in Abuja is a clear indication of your fear of being intimidated by the Ebira People, tomb up if it’s a lie. Who is deceiving who?

    To those who have been paid or hired to defend this certificate trying to convince people that’s it’s for the Yala People, I ask: what is your motive? Who is your teddy? Where have you seen a cultural attire being registered? The intimidation of the registration was on until we got to discover this certificate, we are still waiting for the certificate of registration up till today. Do You think that are dealing with a passerby in Education or civilization?

    The social penalty of not wearing your cultural attire is a loss of identity and cultural heritage. It’s appalling that some of you have never made a point since the misappropriation of cultural attire began in Yala rather you have be hiding and being neither here nor there.

    Today, because the Yala Local Government Chairman was lured into using the Ebira Cultural Attire, some of you now have the audacity to talk in support of those who seek to damage the tradition of the Yala People. Some also now have the immunity to post old pictures of them in itinochi , you see the level of ignorance.

    The black and white colors of the Yala People, which represent the traditional colors of the Yala People, were disrespected and replaced with the Ebira Cultural Attire. How do you justify this clash?

    The whole world knows that the attire in question is the Itokwete, itinochi, Itinoguntoro of the Ebira People. Your tetra-headed definitions and confusing language will not change the fact that this is a stolen cultural attire.

    I urge you to respect the prestigious cultural attire of the Yala Ode Idoma People and stop using disrespectful languages on our Ode Idoma Cultural Attire. Come home to Yala and learn about your own cultural heritage! It is not all about making noise from outside the home .

    Agbo Onyeche Ogbeche ( Õtiyinü ërõr êh tāpiōñï) of Okuku Yala.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, CECY OGBECHE, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • The Nigeria Facing You And I, And Something For You In 2025 BY RICHARD INOYO

    The Nigeria Facing You And I, And Something For You In 2025 BY RICHARD INOYO

     

    The Nigerian sense of reality is dictated by what Nigerian leaders are pretending does not exist. If you are avoiding reality how then would you face it? If you don’t visit the ghetto, how would you know what is going on in the minds of Nigerians living there? How then would you know what people are facing and how then can you get their suggestions on how to tackle their problems?

    I heard a song said, wake the pretenders sleeping. Nigerian political and corporate leadership must come to terms with the fact that they along with some religious leaders are the reasons why millions of NIGERIANS are suffering and yet failing to find the legal action and extralegal inspiration to fight back through any means necessary.

    Deliberately and systematically, the Nigerian government is living in denial and simultaneously eroding access to anything good for the poor, and part of the strategy is the development and application of draconian laws, corrupt judicial decisions, and policy hikes on communities and the systematic engagement of propaganda and disinformation to confuse and weaken popular uprising.

    In Abuja, Wike_ the unfortunate Minister of F.C.T is actively and busily targeting and destroying the houses of Nigerians that are not in power and who are not politically connected to this regime.

    But then, that isn’t all, all attempts by the masses to resist the atrocity of this government is being met endlessly with either police brutality or army’s trademarks, sorrow, tears and blood in the word of the Great Fela Kuti.

    Yet I must say, the tools to fight back have not totally lost their efficacy and it is important I stress this_ Protesting, investigating, court filing, petitioning, picketing, revolting against irrational government excesses and naming and shaming those responsible for our collective socioeconomic misfortune, these legal work tools are as potent as they have always been, only if the Left is willing to press on with them.

    Year 2025 should be one year where all dissatisfied Nigerians should think about the possibility of marching towards to and occupying all government institutions and the public residence of all current serving politicians responsible for the major problems in the country; from NNPCL HEADQUARTERS to Nigerian Energy Commission to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) up to the both chambers of the National Assembly as well as the official residence of the president in Aso Rock, and those of the Vice President, the Senate President, his deputy, the 36 governors and their deputies, I doubt if anything good can come out from just online outrage_ which is watery and soft resistance without on ground action with the death warrant of saying we are ready to end all the bad governance in the country_ through marching to and occupying those institutions and residence that serve as symbols of mass oppression and poverty, yet if taken on can be transformed via thick resistance into fundamental overhaul for a new NIGERIA.

    At this juncture, it is important I stress that the burden of protest and the yoke of resistance shouldn’t be left on the NLC and TUC alone, it is instructive that civil society and the forces of conscience should realign and join hands together to find the alternative demographic to reject this current system that only seeks to extend poverty to all households in the country that refused to identify with this callous regime.

    In closing I wish to remind us that as long as there is no arm resistance for ethical defence, no political program, and no organisation for rejection of rigged polity and socioeconomic systems, Nigerian masses needlessly feel that the ruling class will somehow improve things for good, must be asked to wake up from such deep sleep.

    What 139million Nigerians facing multidimensional poverty need is a rethink and realignment of forces to emancipate themselves, and you can’t leave such burden to just TUC and NLC alone, two institutions whose combined membership is less than 7million people.

    As we flip the calendar to 2025, I wish to ask that you think about the possibility of visitation and occupation of key public residence of top government officials and institutions responsible for our collective national misfortune as a critical, yet untried step that may force Nigeria to change its ways.

    Signed

    Richard Inoyo,
    Country Director,
    Citizens’ Solution Network

    As long as we fail to do this and make this a priority

  • Effective Representation: The Role Of UKALU Sons And Daughters In High Places BY ANIASHIE AKPANKE PhD.. Being A Paper Presented At The Ukpe, Alege, Ubang (UKALU) Summit

    Effective Representation: The Role Of UKALU Sons And Daughters In High Places BY ANIASHIE AKPANKE PhD.. Being A Paper Presented At The Ukpe, Alege, Ubang (UKALU) Summit

    EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION: THE ROLE OF UKALU SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN HIGH PLACES
    A keynote speech presented at the 2024, Ukpe, Alege and Ubang (UKALU)
    Day Celebration On Saturday December 28, 2024

    By.
    COMRADE ANIASHIE AKPANKE PhD
    Language Unit, Department of General Studies Education,
    Federal College of Education, Obudu

    INTRODUCTION 
    It is with immense gratitude and a deep sense of honour that I stand before you today as guest speaker for the cherished 2024 Ukalu Day celebration. The invitation to be part of this important event came at a time when I was already committed to several engagements scheduled for the same period. However, my profound respect and admiration for Ukalu inspired me to shelve some of my earlier plans in order to honour this invitation. This decision is not only a reflection of my regard for this esteemed community but also an acknowledgment of the critical importance of today’s theme.
    Ukalu undoubtedly holds a special place in my heart, not just as a neighbouring community to my own, but as a hub of rich cultural heritage, unity, and resilience. Though I hail from Bendi in Obanliku, a neighboring Local Government Area to Obudu, I feel a deep connection to your community. Our histories, challenges, and aspirations intertwine as we share cultural and geographical bonds. It is in this spirit of solidarity and mutual progress that I hereby humbly offer my thoughts bald as they may appear, on this important topic. Over the years, I have been privileged to develop cherished friendships with people from Ukpe, Alege, and Ubang—the vibrant communities that together form the soul of Ukalu. These connections have deepened my understanding and appreciation of the values that make Ukalu truly exceptional.
    The topic of my speech, “Effective Representation: The Role of Ukalu Sons and Daughters in High Places,” resonates deeply with me. It speaks to a subject that is both timely and timeless—the responsibility of leadership and the critical impact of representation in shaping the future of a community. As we delve into this discourse, I hope to not only share my thoughts but also inspire meaningful dialogue on how we can collectively chart a path toward a more prosperous and united Ukalu. Let us use this auspicious occasion to write a new chapter of history for Ukalu, one defined by purpose, vision, and action. I am convinced that in an auspicious occasion such as this, we owe ourselves nothing but the truth, in strict conformity with the scriptural injunction in St. John’s Gospel 8:32, which admonishes that “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”.

    MY PERCEPTION OF UKALU 
    With a deep sense of modesty, may I declare that I am here like one of the legendary six blind men who went to see the elephant. Each of them presented a different account of the nature of the animal, which was correct to a reasonable degree. So, I may be wrong, I may be right. Howbeit, kindly hold me excused if my view of Ukalu is contrary to your own.
    My perception of Ukalu is therefore that it is a community of Promise and Potential. The only option opened to us as a people is to harness our potential in order to appropriate our promise. Indeed, Ukalu is a unique community synonymous with resilience, unity, and ambition. From your lush landscapes to the dynamic energy of your people, Ukalu represents a beacon of hope and potential. Historically, you have been known for your industriousness, rich cultural heritage, and communal solidarity. Ukalu has been the food basket of our time. As we navigate the complexities of the modern era, we must boldly ask ourselves whether we are maximizing the opportunities available to us.
    To the glory of God, your sons and daughters have risen to prominent positions in government, business, academia, and other fields. This is a testament to the talents and values nurtured within this community. However, with great privilege comes great responsibility. The assertion is a profound truth that resonates across cultures, histories, and generations. It encapsulates the idea that positions of privilege, influence, and authority are not merely opportunities for personal gain or comfort; they are calls to service, duty, and accountability. For Ukalu sons and daughters in high places, this statement should be seen as both a challenge and a guidepost. To drive home the point succinctly, there is need to make a few comments on privilege and responsibility.

    UNDERSTANDING PRIVILEGES 
    Privilege refers to the access to opportunities, resources, and platforms that many do not have. For those in high places—whether in government, business, academia, or any other field—privilege often comes in the form of power, influence, and the ability to make decisions that affect the lives of others. To be privileged is to be entrusted with a unique position that allows you to shape the present and future.
    For Ukalu sons and daughters, this privilege is a reflection of the community’s collective hopes and dreams. Your achievements bring pride to your people, but they also place upon you the weight of expectation. It is a privilege that should inspire gratitude, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.

    RESPONSIBILITY: THE HEART OF PRIVILEGE 
    Responsibility is the counterpart of privilege—it is the moral and ethical obligation to use your position to make a difference. With privilege comes the expectation that you will:

    i. Serve Selflessly: Use your influence to uplift your community, create opportunities, and address challenges. Your success should not isolate you from your roots; instead, it should empower you to serve them.
    ii. Act with Integrity: Responsibility demands honesty, fairness, and the courage to make decisions that align with justice, even when they are difficult.
    iii. Inspire Others: As a beacon of hope and achievement, you have a responsibility to mentor and motivate the next generation, showing them that success is possible with hard work and dedication.
    iv. Be Accountable: Recognize that your actions—or inactions—affect more than just yourself. Your choices reflect on the entire community and its values.

    THE MEANING OF EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION
    Effective representation is not simply about occupying a position of power or influence. It requires a deeper commitment to:
    i. Visionary Leadership: Developing and executing a clear vision for the betterment of the community.
    ii. Advocacy for Collective Interests: Standing boldly to champion the needs of Ukalu with integrity and urgency.
    iii. Accountability: Ensuring that decisions and actions taken in high places positively impact the grassroots.
    iv. Mentorship and Empowerment: Actively nurturing the next generation to prepare them for leadership roles.
    v. Collaboration: Recognizing that no individual achieves greatness in isolation. Building networks and alliances is essential for sustained progress.

    CHALLENGES FACING EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION 
    Despite the commendable achievements of many Ukalu sons and daughters, there are challenges that hinder the full realization of effective representation:
    i. Disconnect from the Grassroots: A significant challenge is the tendency for those in high places to lose touch with the community’s everyday struggles and aspirations. Even communal norms and values have been discarded while morals have either paled into insignificance or jettisoned.
    ii. Internal Divisions: Unity within the community is paramount. Divisions weaken your collective voice and reduce the effectiveness of advocacy efforts.
    Short-term Focus: Representation often becomes an avenue for personal gain rather than a platform for long-term community development.
    iii. Lack of Preparedness: Leadership is not accidental; it requires deliberate preparation and skill-building.
    iv. Immorality: Some people use their privileged positions to promote immorality and crime.

    THE ROLE OF UKALU SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN HIGH PLACES 
    I beseech all Ukalu sons and daughters in high places to understand that your positions of influence are not yours alone—they belong to the collective aspirations of your people. Whether you are a leader in politics, a professional in the corporate world, or an academic at the pinnacle of your field, your success carries the weight of responsibility to represent your community with excellence and to give back meaningfully.
    In practical terms, this could mean advocating for development projects in Ukalu, providing scholarships for promising students, mentoring young talents, or simply being a voice that champions the interests and welfare of the community. It also means fostering unity among Ukalu people, ensuring that divisions and discord do not hinder collective progress. To overcome the challenges highlighted above, I propose a framework for effective representation centered on commitment, competence, and community engagement.
    i. Be Advocates for Development: Those in high places must lobby for infrastructure, education, and health projects that directly benefit Ukalu. They must use their influence to attract investments and initiate impactful programs.
    ii. Prioritize Education and Capacity Building: Education is the foundation of societal progress. Your representatives should champion initiatives such as scholarships, mentorship programs, and the establishment of modern educational facilities.
    Promote Economic Empowerment: Job creation, skill acquisition programs, and access to financial resources should be key priorities. Economic empowerment is essential to reducing poverty and ensuring community prosperity.
    iii. Foster Community Engagement: Effective representation requires regular interaction with the community. Platforms like town hall meetings and community forums provide opportunities to hear from the people and address their concerns.
    iv. Model of Integrity and Service: Leadership is about setting an example. Representatives must demonstrate integrity, transparency, and a commitment to selfless service.

    A CALL TO ACTION FOR ALL UKALU SONS AND DAUGHTERS

    Effective representation is not the responsibility of a few but a shared obligation of all. While those in high places have unique opportunities, every son and daughter of Ukalu has a role to play in building a prosperous and united community.

    To the Elders: Your wisdom is a treasure. Guide and counsel the younger generation to ensure they remain anchored in the values that have defined Ukalu for generations.
    To the Youth: You are the torchbearers and trustees of tomorrow. Equip yourselves with the knowledge, skills, and character required to lead effectively.
    To the Women: Your contributions to the family and community are invaluable. Let your voices and perspectives enrich the leadership process. Women form the greatest percentage of voters in every community.
    To politicians: It is regrettable that in recent times, politics has become an unbearably volatile venture, to the extent that some people have even adopted the inglorious indulgence of hiring dastardly fellows to kill political opponents in broad day light. Some people even parade themselves as toughies along streets hanging guns like neckless. This is shameful and ridiculous. It may be intended to pave the way for some people to continue to impose themselves on the polity, even when rejection stares them in the face, because they may have squandered the glory of their past opportunity. I sincerely appeal that such a dangerous trend should never be allowed to gain a foothold in Ukalu land. Let us sustain the glorious culture that has been the hallmark of our existence, in which the people we offer the golden privilege to represent us in all high places, emanate from a process that is endorsed by the majority of our people, without intimidation and manipulation. This, is to me, the gateway to ensuring that those with leadership position shall be conscious of their accountability to the generality of the people.

    CONCLUSION
    Effective representation is a means to an end. In our circumstance, our end is to achieve an Ukalu that thrives in unity, development, and progress. Let us, therefore, support our representatives while holding them accountable. Let us foster a culture of excellence and shared responsibility.
    To the Ukalu sons and daughters in high places, I challenge you to rise to the occasion. Your community’s hopes and aspirations rest on your shoulders. Use your positions to leave a legacy of impact and progress. Ultimately, the true measure of privilege is not how much you personally acquire but how much you give back to the community, for which you are an ambassador. When your time in high places comes to an end, your legacy will not be judged by the titles you held or the wealth you amassed but by the impact you made, the lives you touched, and the progress you inspired.
    To all Ukalu sons and daughters in high places, note that; you carry the torch of this great community. May you bear it with dignity, honour, and a deep commitment to the responsibility that comes with your privilege. Together, let us ensure that your influence becomes a force for transformation, progress, and unity in Ukalu and beyond.
    Before I go, permit me at this juncture to refer us to the poet Joe Ushie, who aptly captures it thus in his evergreen poem titled “Popular Stand”:
    If we harness our faint voices into a shout
    If we join those faint fists into a punch
    If we collect these tear trickles into a pool

    Our cry the gods will echo
    Our echoes will shake that hill
    Our might will crush that clown
    Our bid will daze the leopard
    Our flood will cleanse the land

    Our fate lies, here, in our faith
    Here at this oven-hot popular stand, not
    THERE..

    He further notes, and we should also note that:
    We came here as to a market place
    And arrived at different times
    And, as from the market place,
    We leave at different times;
    But at the end of the day
    We all must leave
    Whether we sold at a profit or loss

    It is my fervent prayer that this generation of Ukalu sons and daughters, should be remembered for selling at a profit and not loss.
    Let me end this brief speech by wishing you a very successful and remarkable celebration. My fervent prayer is also that our good God should continue to protect, shield and direct all Ukalu sons and daughters in high places as they serve Him, community, state, nation and humanity with passion and commitment. May He, the source of all wisdom, authority and power, through His unfailing mercy and compassion, grant us the grace to love and stand for one another as Jesus Christ commands us to do. I wish us a happy and prosperous new year.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this paper is strictly that of the author, Mr Aniashie Akpanke, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • APC Stakeholder Berates Gov Otu, APC For Poor Reward System

    APC Stakeholder Berates Gov Otu, APC For Poor Reward System

    APC must be delibrate in improving it’s rewards system

    Giving 100k to Local Government aspirants as a Christmas package and covering transportation to and fro Calabar by Governor Bishop Senator Prince Bassey Otu is, frankly, insulting. It was less than 100k because some money was deducted for clearance. This is supposed to be for a people with not only families but also having supporters they ought to reach out to on Yuletide. This gesture reflects how the APC treats its members – with disregard and a lack of genuine appreciation. Governance should be about inclusion, not tossing crumbs at people and expecting unwavering loyalty.

    To even imagine that the less than 100k was given to aggrieved APC aspirants who were called for peace to mitigate the unfair selection of others makes it worse

    Barr Alphonsus Ogar Eba , APC state Chairman, it’s crucial we do better. The excuse of “no money” rings hollow when those in power live lavishly, prioritizing personal interests, family, and loyalists over dedicated members. Let’s remind those in power that elections will come again, and they’ll need the support of those they’re currently neglecting and insulting with paltry gestures.

    Joseph Odok PhD Esq

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Joseph Odok, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • An Open Invitation to Join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) BY AUSTIN IBOK

    An Open Invitation to Join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) BY AUSTIN IBOK

     

    Dear APC Aspirants in the Recently Concluded CRS LGA Elections,

    I commend your unwavering dedication to leadership and your active participation in the democratic process within our state. Your commitment to the progress and development of our communities is truly admirable. However, the recent treatment many of you have received from the Governor and the APC leadership highlights a troubling disregard for your contributions and aspirations.

    The selection processes within the APC were marked by arrogance, impunity, and a lack of respect or consultation with key leaders representing various LGAs. Many of you were denied the opportunity to demonstrate your capacity and competence in the field, with rewards seemingly reserved for those with close personal ties to the Governor or members of the old APC. If figures like Ayade and Dr. Frank, who played instrumental roles in the Governor’s emergence, could be marginalized, what hope is there for others?

    This presents a unique opportunity for true supporters of Ayade to reconsider their position and align with the PDP, while leaving Ayade himself in the APC. This allows his administration to continue enjoying the protection it seeks, while core supporters can chart a new path within a platform that truly values their efforts.

    At both the state and national levels, the APC administration has brought untold hardship to Nigerians through poor policies, mismanagement, and broken promises. Aspirants like you, who have sacrificed so much, have been sidelined and denied the recognition and support you rightfully deserve.

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) offers a fresh start—a platform that prioritizes inclusiveness, progress, and genuine leadership. In the PDP, your contributions will not only be valued but celebrated. Together, we can rebuild our state and restore hope to our people. We have learned from our past mistakes.

    We warmly invite you to join us in shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for our state. Let us unite to deliver real results and lasting progress for all.

    Compliment of the season.

    Yours sincerely,
    Austine Ibok
    PDP Stakeholder, CRS

  • You And The “Matthew Effect….” BY AGBA JALINGO

    You And The “Matthew Effect….” BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    The first time I heard the phrase, “Matthew effect”, was from the lips of Professor Sofie Oluwoye of blessed memory. She used the phrase in one of her conversations on the uneven power relations between Africa and the West. Yesterday, Kelechi Deca, reminded me of that phrase again, when he dropped it as a comment under one of my facebook posts about our judiciary.

    But it is actually sociologists, Robert Merton and Harriet Zuckerman, who coined the phrase in their 1971 book, “Patterns of Evaluation In Science: Institutionalization, Structure and Functions of the Referee System.”

    The sociologists who authored the phrase, also lifted their coinage from Jesus’s Parable of the Talents, recorded in Matthew 25:29 and Luke 19:26 “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”

    The phrase is now generally used to describe the situation where those who have, continue to get more, while those who do not have, continue to grow poorer. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. A phenomenon where those who start with an advantage tend to accumulate more of that advantage over those who do not have the same advantage.

    It is an existential truism that, privileged people seldom give up their privileges or even want to share them. They wish the rest well, only to the extent that their reserved privileges are not threatened. It seems to be the intrinsic nature of us wherever we have an advantage over others.

    The good news however is that, while some people came with their own advantage from birth and never have to bother about life’s vicissitudes, others too have the space to strive and create their own advantage and perhaps extend it to their own future generations.

    Remember that, to achieve that goal in this rat race, you must avoid being like the servant who did not use his talents that the master gave them before traveling. The one who buried his latents and returned it to the master. That is the one that got poorer, after his unused talents were taken from him and added to those who used their own.

    Be like the servants who used their own talents in the manner that impressed their master. Remember they were rewarded with more, including taking from the poorer to give to them. Don’t suffer from the Matthew effect. Learn from the Matthew effect.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

     

    Disclaimer:  The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • How Not To Govern A People? BY AGBA JALINGO

    How Not To Govern A People? BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    The government is essentially saddled with the responsibility of fixing things. The task of bringing closure to teething issues. The onus of finding permanent solutions to problems. The burden of developing our communities and the duty of securing the citizens.

    It is charities and not-for-profit organizations, as well as philanthropy, that support the government with palliatives to augment societal challenges. Even when there are emergencies, government’s immediate intervention with palliatives is usually a stop gap expediency to ameliorate conditions before bringing a permanent solution.

    But when people in government take up the duty of charities, NGOs and philanthropists, and abandon the core duties of governance, there is no way society will grow. Such dereliction only ensures that society continues to deteriorate as time goes by. Let me elucidate further.

    Boreholes for instance, are emergency sources of water for non permanent residential camps, like Internally Displaced Persons IDP or refugee camps, etc. They are not permanent solutions or replacements for pipe borne water supply. The goal and duty of government is to connect remote communities and sub-urban areas with reticulated pipes and supply clean treated water to homes.

    And this is not a tall order. We have always had water-works from where clean water was reticulated to our homes. The last two decades of democracy, instead of modernizing and expanding the water supply facilities, has wrecked almost all of them and leaders have resorted to siting borehole in hamlets and clapping for the inanity. The truth is that what water is needed for, both in our homes, industries and agriculture, boreholes are a far cry and government has to become intentional about rebuilding permanent solutions to the supply of water.

    The same thing applies to solar street lights. Those are just rechargeable lamps strapped to aluminum poles and straddled along our streets. They only last a couple of months. They can’t bring development. They can’t power a clipper or a hair dryer or a vulcanizing or welding machine. Our communities need electricity and there are different sources and models of generating power nowadays and communities with municipal governments around the globe have taken self help initiatives to solve their power supply issues. The law in Nigeria also now supports both individuals, companies and governments at all levels to generate power.

    What of health outreaches? Our leaders are now making it look as though the health of the people can be taken care of in few days of community health outreaches. That’s tokenism. Those were activities that were hitherto organized by NGOs and supported by international donor agencies. It is more sustainable to revamp and equip our primary health centers and ensure supply of essential drugs to the health centers. Fix our decrepit general hospitals and have our population on year round health insurance packages. But hell no, our politicians have chosen the short path of out racing themselves in who gathered the highest number of old men and women in one football field in the village for three days, in the name of health outreach.

    I can go on and on and on. Instead of leveraging on technology and community cooperation to open up motorable roads, they prefer to supply bikes and keke, to cut-off and abandoned communities. But what is even more disheartening is that our people are clapping and calling them capacity leaders. But how do you blame the people? If you haven’t experienced good governance before in your life time, how do you know what is bad governance?

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.