The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • Investigation Before Prosecution: Echoing the AGF’s Advocacy for Adopting the FBI Model BY CONFIDENCE MBANG

    Investigation Before Prosecution: Echoing the AGF’s Advocacy for Adopting the FBI Model BY CONFIDENCE MBANG

    Investigation Before Prosecution: Echoing the AGF’s Advocacy for Adopting the FBI Model

    The media space has been abuzz with discussions surrounding the activities of law enforcement agencies, including anti-corruption bodies. Among these activities are the arrest and prosecution of suspects in corruption-related cases. The process of investigation and prosecution has long been a significant area of concern. While anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have carried out impactful investigations and prosecutions, they have also faced accusations of bias—often tied to the manner in which investigations are conducted—or of being politically influenced and used for witch-hunts. Such perceptions undermine public confidence in these corruption-sensitive agencies, highlighting the urgent need for reforms.

    Recently, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince (Dr.) Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, advocated for the adoption of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) model for corruption investigations. Speaking at the Food and Energy Security in Africa Conference in Lagos on the theme, The Rule of Law and Attracting International Investment Towards Food and Energy Security in Africa, the AGF expressed admiration for the FBI’s investigative approach. He recommended that the EFCC and ICPC should prioritize completing investigations before making arrests.

    The learned Silk strongly advocated for the adoption of an “FBI Model Institution” and cautioned against the practice of prematurely celebrating arrests without thorough investigations. While this position does not imply that ongoing investigations and prosecutions are entirely flawed, it emphasizes the need for a more robust and systematic approach to tackling corruption.

    In the United States, the FBI’s undercover operations stand out as an effective investigative model. Guidelines issued by the U.S. Attorney General’s Office govern these operations, underscoring their importance. As noted in the Undercover Guidelines:

    “The use of undercover techniques, including proprietary business entities, is essential to the detection, prevention, and prosecution of white-collar crime, public corruption, terrorism, organized crime, offenses involving controlled substances, and other priority areas of investigation.”

    One of the hallmark features of high-profile corruption cases is the collusion among parties, which often makes it difficult to secure witnesses. This challenge makes undercover operations—where law enforcement agents infiltrate criminal networks under disguise—particularly suitable for uncovering deeply entrenched corruption.

    The FBI has successfully used this model to expose significant corruption scandals. Examples include:

    i. Operation Abscam (1970s): Led to the conviction of several congressmen and public officials for corruption.
    ii. Operation Greylord (1980s): Resulted in the conviction of numerous judges and court officials in Chicago for corruption.
    iii. Operation Bid Rig (2000s): Led to the conviction of several public officials in New Jersey.

    Although the undercover model is not entirely new to Nigeria’s security framework, the AGF’s advocacy calls for its strict and religious adoption by anti-corruption agencies for tackling corruption-related cases.

    The AGF has the powers and authority to issue guidelines for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases. While adopting the FBI model is not devoid of challenges and controversies, its implementation has the potential to address gaps that contribute to the negative perceptions of anti-corruption agencies. Stakeholders, agencies, and key players in Nigeria’s anti-corruption ecosystem should seriously consider this advocacy as a step toward fostering transparency, accountability, and credibility in the fight against corruption.

    By: Confidence Mbang
    (Abuja-based Lawyer)
    [email protected]

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

  • Cross River Northerners, Open Your Eyes… BY AGBA JALINGO

    Cross River Northerners, Open Your Eyes… BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    If you are from Cross River North, kindly come with me. There is something important which you may already know but may not have given thought to, that I want to put in context for you.

    Do you know that by land mass, all the five local governments that make up Cross River North, put together, are smaller than Akamkpa LGA? That means the Chairman of Akamkpa LGA is ruling over a land space bigger than the one ruled by the five LGA Chairmen of Northern Cross River, combined.

    Ogoja is 972 km². Yala LGA has an area of 1,739 km². Obudu is 591.7km². Obanlikwu is 1,057km². And Bekwarra LGA is 306km². All the five combined, sum up to 4,665.7km². Akamkpa LGA alone has a land area of 5,049km². That means Akamkpa is bigger than the whole Cross River North by 383.3km². The remainder is still bigger than Bekwarra LGA. That also means Akamkpa alone is bigger than the entire Lagos State, which has a meagre land area of just 3,475 km².

    Cross River North, however has a combined population of 1,116,700 people out of a total population of 4.406million for the whole State. That’s 25.3 percent of the State population. Between July to September (third quarter, 2024), from official FG documents, the five LGAs of Cross River North, also received net allocation totalling N5,349,067,043 from FAAC, excluding internally generated revenues.

    So, 1,116,700 people, living within 4,664.7km square of land, were allocated N5.34billion in three months from FAAC. If you multiply this by four quarters of the year, that’s over N20billion. This is excluding internally generated revenues. Let’s also look at the constituency development funds allocated to Cross River North, through our federal lawmakers which also run into hundreds of millions of Naira. We have one Senator and two House of Reps members.

    Looking ahead, let us project positively that this financial routine will repeat itself or even perform better and Cross River North will within the next 12 months, get say 30billion in remittances from both FAAC, IGR and Federal Constituency Development Funds, let us also assume that the encumbrances that used to swallow up LG allocations have been torpedoed by the Supreme Court judgment, is it not time to begin to ask questions about where these monies will be spent?

    With this volume of resources, entering a space smaller than Akamkpa LGA, there is no tenable reason why our leaders cannot rebuild our water works instead of drilling boreholes, why they can’t give us electricity instead of rechargeable lamps they call street lights, why they can’t give us health insurance and equip our Primary Health centers, instead of three days health outreaches, why they can’t give us motorable roads, instead of bikes and kekes, why they can’t ensure food security instead of sharing rice and noddles and handouts? why they can’t give children free basic education instead of driving kids away from schools over illegal levies.

    Comparatively, there is no reason why Cross River North should not be ahead of other parts of Cross River State and that should perturb our leaders who seem more concerned now about their personal egos and retention of power than the gruelling conditions of our people.

    We just lost the golden opportunity of changing the fortunes of the North as the last eight years were blown away by our brother. The people who told us they were stepping in to rescue us should know that we will also hold them to account. They didn’t promise the people that they will step in and fight themselves. They didn’t tell us there were stepping in to divide and rule and hoodwink us. The people of the North know how to ask questions at the right time, and we will ask if the work is not done.

    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 

     

  • Wayas: In Praise Of Gov Otu, Cross River North Leaders BY INYALI PETER

    Wayas: In Praise Of Gov Otu, Cross River North Leaders BY INYALI PETER

     

    The repatriation of former Senate President, Sen. Joseph Wayas remains to Nigeria on July 10th, after almost three years, was a momentous occasion. Wayas had passed away thirty-three months prior in a London hospital, following a protracted illness. The prolonged stay of his body in the United Kingdom had become an embarrassment to the state, sparking discussions both within and outside the state.

    In Nigeria, it’s a deeply ingrained tradition to ensure that deceased are buried in their homeland. Except for military personnel who die in active service, burying someone outside their home is considered shameful and even abominable in many cultures. For a national icon like Wayas, who remains the only Senate President in the history of Nigeria to have acted as President for 16 days, allowing his body to be interred in the UK would have been a big shame to the people of Cross River State, Northern Cross Riverians, and the institution of the senate.

    But it is worrhy if note that the delay in bringing his body home was not due to a lack of commitment from the people of Cross River or the government. Rather, it was caused by internal issues beyond the leadership’s control. Even the successful effort was not without its challenges, requiring more than just diplomacy to achieve.

    As it is said, after the storm, comes the rains. Indeed, following the long and arduous journey, our beloved leader, Sen. Wayas, was not only brought home to be buried with dignity but also accorded one of the most colourful state burials imaginable. This emotional but heroic celebration the late leader has received
    was made possible by the collective efforts of distinguished personalities who deeply respect and value our culture and tradition.

    Top on the list is the state Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu. His leadership and commitment to not only ensure the successful repatriation of the remains of our late icon but honouring his memory with state burial is humbling. His support, which included significant funding, has been critical in ensuring that the late leader receives a fitting tribute. The people of Cross River North are grateful for his efforts, which will be remembered for years to come.

    Also, I commend the persistence enthusiasm of the ‘Who is Who’ in Northern Cross River sociopolitical group, led by Sir Dorcklaimz Enamhe, Ph.D, and the entire leadership structure of the senatorial district. Their efforts and resources committed to bringing our leader home for a befitting farewell are truly appreciated.

    Special thanks also go to Sen. Ben Ayade who sets the first state burial committee as Governor, Sen. Kano Agabi, SAN, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, Sen. Jarigbe Agom, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Godwin Offiono and many others for their contributions to the success of the event. On this, the people of the North should be proud of the dexterity and unity of purpose demonstrated by these leaders to ensure our leader is brought home like a king that he was.

    Thanks also to the leadership of the national assembly particularly, the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio for the respect and honour accorded the deceased even in death. To other members of the National Assembly from the state, thank you.

    May his soul continue to rest in peace.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

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

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom : A Man of Strategy BY OGAR EMMANUEL

    Sen Jarigbe Agom : A Man of Strategy BY OGAR EMMANUEL

    Since this picture surfaced online, there has been palpable tension and utter disappointment in the camp of those in the political valley. Their social media spaces wear the mien of a graveyard, marked with deafening silence. They’d wished the veiled grudge between the duo should have metamorphosed into a conflagration of escalating political hubbub and vendetta.

    If wishes were horses, beggars would ride, says the Scottish proverb. Their wishes were tailored to action aimed at disintegrating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the waves of defection subsided, the subsequent sacking of Barr. Vena Ikem as chairman, and the accompanying disclosures of private messages by already done away chairman. Leading the All Progressives Congress (APC) in fanning the flames of discord was the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Peter Odey via his Facebook handle who posted the snippet: “The rock is solid.”

    The public tête-à-tête between Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and Hon. Peter Akpanke yesterday seems to have sent a chill pill down their supporters’ spines. Perhaps they should calm down—nothing is amiss. The exchange was timely and beneficial for the party, as well as its acolytes and apologists. They demonstrated maturity as honorable men, leaving no room for airing any dirty laundry in public—if such exists at all. The camera is limited; it can only capture the outer layer of the skin and not the depths of the heart. While humans judge by outward appearance, they cannot discern the intentions of the heart.

    Friends and foes, like times and seasons, exist. They may last long but not forever. What will be, will be. In the state, the smartest politician is Jarigbe Agom. His political wizardry is unparalleled, with a unique ability to appeal to the conscience of the populace. He achieves this effectively through project commissioning. Just yesterday, he commissioned newly refurbished classrooms in Obanliku LGA.

    Just when it appears he’s losing the game, he pulls out a joker to the chagrin of naysayers. Let this peace spread far and wide.

    @highlight

  • Protection Of Private School Teachers Under The Labour Act BY EGBE MATTHEW

    Protection Of Private School Teachers Under The Labour Act BY EGBE MATTHEW

     

    Private school teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of generations, contributing significantly to education and nation-building. However, despite their importance, many private school teachers face challenges relating to poor working conditions, job insecurity, and unfair treatment from school owners and are left with no choice than to endure the pain and I’ll treatment because there is no legal structure to run to for redress. The absence of sufficient legal protection exacerbates these issues, particularly in jurisdictions where labor laws either do not explicitly cover private school employees or where enforcement mechanisms are weak in our dear nation Nigeria. The need for the protection of private school teachers under the Labour Act cannot be overemphasized, as it would help improve the quality of education, promote fairness, and uplift teachers’ living standards especially given the current economic state of the nation.

    Inadequate Protection of Private School Teachers
    Private school teachers, unlike their counterparts in public institutions, often face a lack of job security arising from the hire and fire practices, lower salaries, irregular payment schedules, draining of the potentials, time and poor benefits even with the level of commitment and dedication.
    While public school teachers are generally governed by specific government guidelines, private school teachers rely largely on the discretion of school owners and boards. In some cases, teachers are hired without formal contracts, making it difficult for them to assert their rights or seek legal redress when they are unfairly treated, overused or dismissed.

    Challenges Faced by Private School Teachers
    The challenges faced by private school teachers that call for better protection under labor laws include:

    – Low and Inconsistent Pay: Many private school teachers are paid significantly lower wages than public school teachers. Even when agreements are made, delays in salary payments are common, creating financial instability for educators who depend on their low income to support their families. Very few private schools can raise their shoulders that their salary scale or scheme is above #17,000-20,000 (seventeen thousand-twenty thousand) naira. The most surprising aspect is the fact that there are still private schools that pays #15,000, while some are owing arrears of 2 to 3 months with no apology. I remembered a situation where I was paid #5000 for over 3 years as a classroom teacher, PTA secretary and Head of Department when I eventually started managing the newly birthed secondary in one of the schools I worked in Ugep. I also remembered that in one of the schools, I was owed for 4 months while I was receiving #3,500 as salary without progress or any plan for increment. The situation has even worsen I’m some of the schools even though they pay some pay #15,000 or #20,000. The ones that pay upto #100,000 of any will ensure your entire system work for the money, and then when you look at the kind of work you do compared to the said salary, you will realize that even the #100,000 if any private school pays that at all is not worth it. The question is, how does the increase in the proposed minimum wage affect the private school teachers? Can that also be implemented or taken into consideration by private school owners? The only way to see that these set of individuals are accommodated is by enacting a law to accommodate private school teachers under the labour Act.

    – Lack of Benefits: Unlike their counterparts in the public-sector , private school teachers are often not entitled to benefits such as health insurance, pension plans, and paid leave. In the absence of these protections, teachers are left vulnerable, with little to no financial safety not even in times of need. This benefits at least would have been a motivation for effect and dedicated services but nothing like this is in place.

    – Job Insecurity: Private school teachers often face the constant threat of losing their jobs due to reasons like declining student enrollment, changes in management, or budget cuts, lack of employment agreement, initiations of policies that are heinous where teachers tend to disagree because it does not suit or not part of the supposed employment agreement. This job insecurity is compounded by the absence of clear guidelines for hiring and termination, which makes it easy for school owners or management to dismiss teachers without proper cause or compensation, and ofcourse the lack of redress mechanism.

    – Workplace Exploitation: In many cases, private school teachers are required to work long hours without additional pay, taking on responsibilities that extend beyond their contracted teaching duties. The lack of overtime pay or compensatory time off adds to the strain on teachers who already have demanding workloads. One day, my wife came home from work crying seriously, I began to wonder who had the guts to touch my wife, I asked her what happened, and all she managed to say was “human beings are very wicked”. I was more attentive and inquisitive, so I asked again, what happened, only to tell me how her former boss in the private school she was working decides to make a full of them by exploiting them. What they worked for and due to be paid the incentives was gladly refused them. What pained me was the fact that my dear wife was pregnant, yet she wakes up very early and goes to work almost before every other staff, she taught over 3 courses in 3 classes, she had to struggle everyday to prepare note of lessons with commitment, passion and dedication, yet what was due to her as well as every other individual staff in the school was denied them without apology. Unfortunately, some staffs had no choice thanks to endure instead of staying unemployed knowing too well that there are no jobs out there.

    Why Private School Teachers Need Protection Under the Labour Act*l
    Private school teachers need formal recognition under labor laws to ensure that they are entitled to the same basic rights and protections as other workers in Nigeria or under the Act. Some specific reasons for why these protections are necessary include:

    – Guaranteeing Fair Wages: The Labour Act provides for the establishment of minimum wage standards. Applying these standards to private school teachers would ensure that they are paid a fair wage that reflects their skills, contributions to education and also their academic qualifications.

    – Job Security and Fair Contracts: By extending labor protections to private school teachers, employers would be required to provide clear contracts that outline terms and conditions of the employment, including provisions for termination, severance pay, and notice periods. This would help reduce arbitrary dismissals, u fair treatment and ensure that teachers can work with a sense of security.

    – Access to Benefits: The Labour Act can provide for incentives and entitlements such as health insurance, pension schemes, and paid leave. Private school teachers, like other workers, deserve access to benefits that ensure their wellbeing and support during illness or retirement.

    – Safe Working Conditions: Labor laws typically set standards for safe and healthy work environments. Applying these standards to private schools would help reduce instances of overwork, burnout, and other occupational hazards that teachers may face.

    The Role of Government and Regulatory Bodies:
    To improve the situation of private school teachers in Nigeria, government intervention is crucial. There are several ways in which the government and relevant agencies can support the inclusion of private school teachers under labor laws:

    -Legislation: The Labour Act or equivalent laws must explicitly include private school teachers in its provisions. Clear legislative language is necessary to avoid ambiguity and ensure that private school teachers are aware of their rights. There is need to therefore pass a law by relevant government authorities for the overall protection of private workers especially the private school teachers and staffs.

    – Monitoring and Enforcement: It is not enough to simply pass laws. Regulatory bodies need to actively be set up to monitor private schools to ensure compliance with not just the operation and management of the educational system but with the labor laws as it affects or relates to the welfare of staffs. Inspections and audits should be conducted regularly to assess whether schools are adhering to minimum wage laws, providing appropriate benefits, and maintaining fair working conditions for their staffs.
    –
    – Training and Sensitization: Teachers should be educated and trained not just about classroom Management, teacher-student/pupil relationship, teacher-parent relationship but also about their rights under the Labour Act. Many private school teachers may not be aware of the protections they are entitled to, leading to exploitation. Workshops, awareness campaigns, and training sessions can empower teachers to demand fair treatment.

    Conclusion
    The role of private school teachers in our society is indispensable, yet many continue to work under conditions that deny them the basic protections enjoyed by other workers. Extending the provisions of the Labour Act to include private school teachers is not only necessary for their well-being but also for the improvement of the educational system as a whole. Private school teachers also on their path need to understand their role in the educational sector and play their role effectively and with dedication, irrespective of class. I remember far back in the 70s, from secondary school or class 5 or 6, our parents were employed as teachers so it is not even out of place to finish secondary school and get or gain employment as a teacher. Because most people eventually become very renowned teachers from there. When teachers are protected and fairly compensated, they are more motivated and capable of delivering high-quality education, which ultimately benefits students and society at large.

    Ensuring that private school teachers are adequately protected under the Labour Act is not just a matter of fairness, but essential for fostering a more equitable and sustainable educational environment.

  • Quarrel Between Governor Sim Fubara And Nyesom Wike, Is History Repeating Itself? BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Quarrel Between Governor Sim Fubara And Nyesom Wike, Is History Repeating Itself? BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

     

    The open quarrel between Governor Sim Fubara and his former benefactor, Nyesom Wike,Minister of the Federal Capital Administration, is a reminisce of the one between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola in the defunct Western Region of Nigeria that took place in the early 1960s.

    Chief Obafemi Awolowo (SAN) was the leader of the Action Group,a political party that was founded in the late 1940s.
    Chief Awolowo was the leader of the Action Group and was in 1954 elected the Premier of Western Region of Nigeria.

    Chief Awolowo was the premier of the Western region from 1954 to 1960.
    He was later elected a member of the Nigerian Parliament and became the leader of the opposition.
    His ambition was to become the Prime Minister of Nigeria,and he therefore started playing politics to erect structures and networks across the country that would enable his ambition.

    On other hand, Chief Samuel Ládòkè Akíntọ́lá (S.L.A) was an orator and lawyer.
    He served as Oloye Aare Ona Kakanfo XIII of Yorubaland and served as premier of Western Nigeria from independence in 1960 until his assassination in 1966.
    He was the deputy leader of the Action Group.
    He did not want Western Nigeria to remain in opposition and accordingly sought alliance with the defunct Northern Peoples Congress that in control of the Federal government of Nigeria.
    Chief Akintola founded his own party known as Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) which entered into a coalition with the Northern Peoples Congress.

    The two approaches adopted by Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola led to a bitter feud which fragmented the Action Group into two irreconcilable factions ,namely Chief Awolowo’s faction and Chief Akintola’s own.

    The disagreement between Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola led to the eruption of crisis in the Western Region House of Assembly over a move by Chief Awolowo supporters in the Assembly to remove Chief Akintola from office as Premier of Western Region in 1962.

    There was a fight between supporters of these two political gladiators, Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola, on the floor of the Western Region House of Assembly by its members that had fragment into two irreconcilable factions in May 1962.
    The mace of the House of Assembly,was broken leading to the intervention of the Police to maintain law and order.
    Chief Akintola had accused Chief Awolowo of plotting to toppled his government.
    The intervention of the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was decisive and swift.
    A law was passed in the Nigerian Parliament authorizing the Prime Minister to declare a statement of emergency in the Western Region and dismantling of democratic institutions and governance.
    The Federal government appointed the then Federal Minister of Health. Dr. Moses
    .A Majekodunmi as the Sole Administrator of the Western Region from 29 June 1962 to December 1962.

    Chief Akintola challenged in Court his removal from office as Premier of Western Nigeria and he fought the case from the then Federal Supreme Court of Nigeria to the Privy Council (the Privy Council was the Judicial Commitee of the British House of Lords but was the apex judicial authority for Nigeria).

    However, Chief Akintola was restored as the Premier of Western Region of Nigeria in 1963.

    The chains of events that took place in the Western Region that emanated from the bitter political feud between Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola was one of the causes of military intervention in Nigerian politics.

    On the 15 January 1966 the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was toppled in a military coup detat leading to the suspension of the Constitution, the Nigerian Parliament and other democratic institutions.

    The military remained in power from 1966 to 1979.
    Unfortunately, Chief Akintola was assassinated by the ring leaders of the coup on the 15 January 1966.

    What lessons can all those involved in the current imbroglio in Rivers State learn from the bitter feud between Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola?

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

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

  • Team Jari Media Speaks On Defecting Two PDP Assembly Members

    Team Jari Media Speaks On Defecting Two PDP Assembly Members

    ON THE MATTER OF OUR DEPARTING ASSEMBLY MEMBERS

    “There are two tragedies in life. One is not to gain your heart’s desire, the other is to gain it.” – George Bernard Shaw.

    In gaining one’s strong desire they are unwittingly exposed both to themselves and the general public, in the mettle that frames their inner core and their capacity to stay the course upon which they sailed into success, despite challenges.

    Sometimes to lose a high office is to find protection from oneself and their frailties and remain in the fitting shelter of public knowledge about them. If you didn’t come to the village square to play, no one would have known about your club feet.

    The social media has been agog with news about the plans of two PDP members of the House of Assembly to defect to the APC in less than no time. They are going to the food table where they expect to eat mouthfuls for themselves. And the real losers are the people who voted them into office and trusted them with their well-being.

    We who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party,of can only wish them well in their new endeavour and hope that since there is no governor from the North at this time, they will be able to fill in the gap by attracting, employment, projects and empowerment for their constituents which their membership of the PDP did not allow them to do.

    Our brothers are free to ignore the reality, as Ayn Rand says, but they cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring the reality. Nor can they ignore the niggling conscience of betraying the very hand and machinery that fed their ambition and brought them to the front line.

    We on our part will continue to remain resolute in our belief in our leaders and in our party, as doing otherwise can only make us light in the eyes of the people to whom we owe our election into office and our mandate. Being so blessed by the Almighty, we cannot regret the loss of some associates, after all, it was never about numbers, it was always about our belief, our conviction and the trust that the masses of our people have invested in us.

    When we ran in 2023 elections we captured 7 Seats out of 9 Seats in Cross River North. This was achieved even when they dominated all elected and appointive Offices, we had only the people on our side. We stood against a sitting governor from the North, a federal minister from the North, two National Assembly members, six House of Assembly members, five local government chairmen, ten commissioners, more than 2000 appointees, about 50 councillors and even more. And we still changed the narrative.

    We are still standing with the people. Two House of Assembly members abandoning the people and the party are most unlikely to change the story, they may however gain a little personal pecks and perquisites, nothing more. Regrettably, they are unlikely to bring any succour at all, for the people who brought them to office. In any event, their influence has, at best, been very negligible.

    We remain unconquerable, because we are who we are, having long chosen principles and the narrow path over and above the gravey train. There are no odds in politics when the people are at the core of one’s endeavour, the choice is not difficult to make. What is more delightful is that our electorates are more enlightened now and truly know on which side their bread is buttered.

    And like INVICTUS, we thank whatever gods may be, for our unconquerable souls. Because we remain the masters of our fate, the captains of our souls.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Why Noel Ugbong Is The Best Material For The Chairmanship Position In Obudu BY JERRY AGBO

    Why Noel Ugbong Is The Best Material For The Chairmanship Position In Obudu BY JERRY AGBO

    WHY NOEL UGBONG IS THE BEST MATERIAL FOR THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF OBUDU

    Noel Ugbong’s political and administrative journey began 21 years ago (in 2003) when he was appointed as the Liaison Officer to Hon. Victor Agwu, the Honourable Member representing Obudu in the Cross River State House of Assembly, with a functional office at the then PDP Secretariat and enjoyed political tutelage and mentorship from the PDP Chapter Chairman, Chief Spokesman Agogo, Akoli Paul Unimke, Hon. Joe Ogar, among others.

    Due largely to his excellent performance as a Liaison Officer, Noel was appointed as the Personal Assistant to the Vice Chairman of Council, Hon. SPK Ogar, in 2004. Despite being the youngest aide to the Vice Chairman of Council, his sincerity, diligence, humility, loyalty, and creativity led to his being assigned complex responsibilities, one of which was assisting the Vice Chairman in the administration and payment of allowances to the Canopy Police (popularly known then as Tourism Police) deployed to Obudu by the then Governor, His Excellency Donald Duke.

    Furthermore, since boundary dispute matters fall under the Office of the Vice Chairman of Council, Noel Ugbong was a noticeable figure in that respect, being saddled with the responsibility of preparing briefs and reports in respect of security meetings held between Obudu and Vandeikya, as well as other security-related meetings. This exposed him early to the security challenges plaguing Obudu. It is also worthy of note that Noel Ugbong was a principal actor in the organisation of the most successful anti-cultism campaign carried out in Obudu in 2004, under the leadership of Comrade Adamade Odey.

    When Hon. Justin Ikor Ugbe took over as the Chairman of Obudu, he appointed Noel Ugbong as his Special Assistant on Childcare (ungazetted), through which several interventions were carried out, some in liaison with the Office of the Wife of the Chairman.

    During Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Uminya’s tenure, due to his resourcefulness in tourism, Noel Ugbong was appointed as a member of the Obudu Tourism Committee.

    From 2012 to 2014, Noel Ugbong was in Port Harcourt running a successful business in partnership with the late Mr. Cajetan Ogar, offering solutions in hospitality, tourism, events management, and logistics.

    In 2015, His Excellency Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade graciously appointed him to the Department of the Governor’s Office and Events Management as the Special Assistant on Administration. During this period, Noel Ugbong was the superintendent of Obudu Mountain Resort. He was also the Secretary to the Carnival Calabar and Festival Central Planning Committee. He served as the Assistant Production Manager of the Leboku Festival and later on as the Desk Officer for the Northern Cross River Cultural Festival (NorthFest).

    Consequent upon his creativity, wealth of innovation, and exceptional service delivery, His Excellency Senator Prof. Ben Ayade in his second term promoted him to the position of Senior Special Assistant on Events Marketing, Content Development, and Tourism. During this period, Noel Ugbong still maintained the ad-hoc roles of Secretary to the Carnival Calabar and Festival Committee, among others. Not quite one year into this new responsibility, His Excellency promoted him to the position of Director General, Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOM). It is worthy of mention that BORDERCOM is one of the biggest commissions in Cross River State, bigger than some ministries. It also has a far greater mandate than all other MDAs. It is established by law and mandated to develop border communities in the areas of education, health, security, economic empowerment, water, and sanitation. Incidentally, these are equally the mandates of the Local Government Councils. During this period, he attended several workshops, seminars, and other specialised training in the areas of project management, conflict resolution, planning, e-governance, etiquette, good governance, and accountability. He was a critical member of the State Boundary Committee, State Security Committee, State Prevent Council, among others. One of the hallmarks of his administration was the resolution of the Kutia-Ukwortung dispute. In furtherance of maintaining peace between the two communities and to combat crime in Obudu, the then Governor trusted him with the construction of the MOPOL 75 Base in Obudu. That project is one of the biggest embarked upon by the Ayade administration. This responsibility was a result of his capacity, integrity, and honesty.

    Within his reign as DG, he attracted numerous projects, programmes, and training from the Federal Government, NGOs, and development partners. Noel Ugbong also facilitated the construction of a Skills Acquisition Centre in Betukwel, Obudu Local Government Area. Noel Ugbong understands the borderline of Obudu, knowing the coordinates by heart. Due to his pragmatic, proactive, and intelligent nature, he was adjudged the best head of a border commission/agency in Nigeria.

    In December 2021, Noel Ugbong launched a mini resort in Obudu, called Hampton Luxury, with the first public swimming pool in Obudu. This feat was to serve multiple purposes of creating wealth, providing job opportunities, and offering a comfortable place for relaxation and talent discovery. This venture brought massive change to the social climate of Obudu, as before then there was hardly a befitting place for social activities. Noel Ugbong is a key player in the Nigerian tourism sector. He is the Chairman of the Tourist Guide Association of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter. He sits on the same page with major tourism players in Nigeria and West Africa. He is an associate of the heads of all the Culture and Tourism MDAs in Cross River State. That’s an asset that can transform Obudu into a preferred tourist destination.

    From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that Noel Ugbong has the requisite intellect, skills, administrative capacity, empathy, humility, connections, and creative, innovative mind to fast-track the development of Obudu to an enviable height.

    A support for Noel Ugbong is a support for the development of Obudu.

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

  • What Is In A Name…. BY AGBA JALINGO

    What Is In A Name…. BY AGBA JALINGO

    Edited

    What Is In A Name….

    If you are still entangled in that hog wash about how names determine destinies and the Jabez and Jacob fable, then let us have a conversation.

    Bush is a shrub or clump of shrubs. But two Bushes (father and son), became Presidents of the US and their two sons became governors, and their mother became the only woman in America to be first lady and later first mother of the US.

    A thatcher is a person whose job is making roofs from straw or reeds. Yet Margaret Thatcher rose to become the first female UK Prime Minister.

    Rice – Is a grass or grain which is widely cultivated as a source of food. Yet Condoleezza Rice, rose to become America’s Secretary of State and she is also a Stanford University Professor.

    Stout is a beer, yet Christy Lu Stout, a CNN presenter, is one of the most popular faces on Earth.

    Dick is the male genital organ. Yet Dick Cheney became the Vice President of the US.

    Pussy is the female genital organ. Yet Pussy Jones is known till date as one of the most successful and prolific rugby union centers, who played club rugby for Cardiff and international rugby for Wales.

    Hemp is cannabis sativa. Yet Lauren Hemp became England’s Young Female Player of the Year in 2017, and still reigning as one of the best female footballers in the UK.

    Bill means, a printed or written statement of the money owed for goods or services, in order words, debt. And Gate means, a hinged barrier. Yet Gill Gates, is the fifth richest man in the world.

    Musk means, a strong-smelling reddish-brown substance secreted by the male musk deer. Yet Elon Musk is the richest man in the world.

    Ṣóyínká means, I am surrounded by sorcerers. Yet Wole Soyinka became Africa’s first Nobel Laureate.

    Fáyẹmí means, Ifá suits me. Yet Kayode Fayemi became governor and minister of the federal republic.

    Fáyóṣé means, Ifá will do it. And Ifa did it for Ayo Fayose, who became governor of Ekiti State.

    Tinúbú means,
    ti – belonging to
    inú – inside of
    ibú – the deep (ocean). Yet the ocean boy became governor of Lagos and President of Nigeria.

    Fáwẹ̀hìnmi means, Ifá watches my back. And Ifa watched the back of Gani Fawehinmi until he became Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Senior Advocate of the Masses and Nigeria’s most popular freedom fighter.

    Fálànà means, Ifá cleared the path. And Ifa has cleared the path for Femi Falana who has also become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the most popular CSO voice in Nigeria today after the death of Fawehinmi. His wife is also a SAN.

    Fáshọlá means, Ifá makes wealth. And God made Babatunde Fashola governor of Lagos state and Minister of the Federal Republic.

    My mother’s name till her passing was ‘Uwhanye’, meaning Barren. Yet she saw her great grand children before she died.

    Yet, we have seen so many people bearing Blessing, who have never been blessed. We have seen those bearing Abundance, who are living in lack. We have seen those bearing Marvelous, who are dangerous.

    Whether anyone will succeed in this life is dependent on the level of work you put in and the grace of God that waters the work. It also depends on the knowledge you acquire and how you are able to use it to the benefit of the world. The meaning, the spelling, the sound or texture of your name has nothing to do with it unless in a nepotistic country like Nigeria where your ethnic group and your name is what determines whether you will succeed or not.

    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 

     

  • Dear Minister Ojo, As You Investigate Afokang Prison…. BY AGBA JALINGO 

    Dear Minister Ojo, As You Investigate Afokang Prison…. BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    Thank you for giving prompt attention to the situation in Afokang Prison in Calabar. As the investigation panel you have set up begins their work, I believe there are problems within the prison system that you already know.

    I do not believe that the photos that our news platform, CrossRiverWatch, obtained from Afokang prison are a shock to you or that you are not aware that inmates are going through same and even worse conditions in different prisons across the country.

    A combination of inadequate budgetary provision, corruption and low morale amongst personnel, has exposed inmates to some of the most terrible prison conditions in the whole world.

    As you investigate Sir, my own suggestions on inmates feeding will be that:

    1. Presently, inmates feeding is covered by procurement laws. Because of its nature, and the security implication it poses, inmates feeding should be done directly from the office of the CG of the Correctional Service, under Direct Contract Award, DCA. Should anything go wrong, we know who to hold accountable. This will reduce the pilfering in the present situation where top guns in the service share inmate’s feeding contracts amongst themselves and then resell, while some get kick backs before approving for a contractor.

    2. The current approved cost of inmate ration is N1,125 per inmate, per day. Divide that by three square meals and it amounts to N375 per meal. With the very high cost of food items in the market now, it is common knowledge that N375, cannot afford a good meal in Nigeria today. They has to be supplementary appropriation to capture the rise in food prices.

    3. Most of the ration contractors who supply food to the Correctional facilities are serving and/or retired top officers of the service and their cronies. They decide what to send to the officers heading various prisons who are usually called – “In-charge Stations”, to use for the purchase of inmates’ ration on a monthly basis. Having run stations as In-charges before, these ration contractors know the sharp practices involved and are aware that sometimes, public spirited individuals and organizations donate raw food items for inmates. This has to be corrected.

    4. Out of the N1,125 per meal, per inmate, appropriated, most ration contractors give In-charge stations, a paltry N280 to N300 per meal per inmate.

    5. Morale amongst the service personnel is so low due to low pay. They are poorly paid. Which is one of the reasons they continue to share inmates ration amongst themselves and facilitate trafficking of banned items into prison yards.

    6. Officers are promoted without placement for more than a year. And when they are finally placed, promotional arrears are not paid. No training or course allowances, no transfer allowance. They print their ID cards in business centers. They don’t have uniformed IDs. They buy and sew their uniforms from the open markets.

    7. The only time the service personnel see extra income is when they are made in-charge stations, and are close to retirement. And that becomes an opportunity to amass every available funds to settle themselves knowing that at retirement, their pension is nothing to write home about.

    8. As a long term measure, the Correction Service should begin thinking of putting their various farm centers into maximum use so they can produce food that would be used to feed inmates.

    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