The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • Obudu LGA Chairman, Do You Still Want To Run? BY AGBA JALINGO

    Obudu LGA Chairman, Do You Still Want To Run? BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Our Governor has given assurances that LG elections will soon be conducted in Cross River State. He has also indicated that he will like to see people who are humble and desirous of serving their people emerge as Chairmen and not those who want to go and amass lucre. That is a good benchmark if you ask me. So all political parties should get ready.

    If indeed, the allocations of the LGAs begin to go directly to the councils as directed by the Supreme Court, I wish to earnestly beg those who know nothing about governance, but want to enrich themselves from Council allocations, particularly in Obudu LGA, to desist from wasting their money on consultations and campaigns.

    The reason is simply that, you won’t be able to steal. Even if you succeed in stealing, what you will pilfer won’t be much to make you rich. Because we will hold you accountable inch by inch. And let me tell you how. You may want to copy this in your LGA, if you find it useful.

    1. Cross River State signed on to the Open Governance Project OGP, in 2020. That imposes a duty on government at all levels in the State to come clear on the activities of the government and put everything in the open.

    2. LGA Chairmen do not have immunity. They can be sued while in office. They can even be jailed while in office.

    3. We will track all income to the LGA from Abuja. All that information is available from the federal budget office and the office of the Accountant General of the Federation. All financial receipts to Obudu Council will be tracked diligently and meticulously.

    4. We will officially write under the Freedom of Information FOI law, and demand for details of monthly FAAC allocations, monthly Internally Generated Revenue IGR, record of expenditure vis-a-vis, salaries and allowances of LG workers, political appointees, health and primary school workers, traditional rulers.

    5. We will officially write under the Freedom of Information FOI law, and demand for forensic examination of the total number of people on the LGA payroll and what their statutory pay is.

    6. We will officially write under the Freedom of Information FOI law, and demand records of expenditure on LGA projects and interventions.

    7. We anticipate that the LGA Chairman will be recalcitrant to respond to our demands, so we are also working already with Firsts Baba Isa Esq and his team, to ensure that we sue the Chairman and ask the Court to compel the Council to make all details of the Council’s income and expenditure available to the public who own the money. We are prepared to file as many cases as can give us a victory on this. We believe that the courts will oblige. The judges aren’t dumb. God forbid!

    8. We will create an Open Governance website and publicly document how the Chairman and his cabinet spend our money every month. Everyone from Obudu or anywhere in the world can simply log on to the portal any time of the day and see clearly how our money is working for us.

    9. We will give real time, accurate, factual and objective reports of Obudu local government developmental strides and interventions.

    10. If our money is misappropriated, embezzled or siphoned, we will drag the Obudu LGA Chairman to EFCC and ICPC. Remember the Chairman will not have immunity.

    11. If the Chairman does well and develops Obudu, we will sing his or her praises to high heavens and roll the drums on the streets.

    In my opinion, I think this is fair to the next Chairman of Obudu LGA. This will assist him or her to stay on track and concentrate on giving us value for money.

    I hope you still want to run?

    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.

  • Hon Emma Akwagiobe: A visionary Leader known For Meticulous Planning, Prudent Decision-making & Unwavering Focus BY CLEMENT AKPEKE

    Hon Emma Akwagiobe: A visionary Leader known For Meticulous Planning, Prudent Decision-making & Unwavering Focus BY CLEMENT AKPEKE

     

    1. Experience

    Honourable Emma Akwagiobe is someone who has served his community, ward, Local Government and State in different capacities. As Community Relations Officer (CRO) he worked tirelessly to ensure safety of life and properties. When kidnapping became a threat in obudu, he did all he could to make sure peace was restored in Obudu LGA. He did all these using his personal resources to support his efforts.
    He is a Para-security operator and highly sensitive about the safety of his people. Emma is a para-security operator who is deeply committed to the security and well-being of his people.

    2. He is Not Extravagant

    Someone who is extravagant spends more money than they can afford or uses more than expected. Hon Emma is not one who fancy material things, or a luxury lifestyle. Emma is not driven by a desire for opulence. He believes in using resources judiciously and avoiding unnecessary waste. With his sensible approach, Hon Emma is dedicated to creating a more sustainable, affordable, and comfortable Obudu for everyone.

    3. He Never Plays a Fake Lifestyle

    As a leader, living an inauthentic life means forsaking your true self, betraying your core beliefs, and settling for a mere imitation of your potential. When you lead a fake life, you may appease others, but ultimately, you’ll feel unfulfilled, discouraged, and unhappy. Authentic leadership demands embracing your genuine self, staying true to your values, and living a life that reflects your unique purpose and vision. Hon Emma is one man who always wants people to be pleased and satisfied at any point in time. Hon Emma always advises and indicates that your self-awareness and self esteem are determined by hard work.

    4. Always Result-oriented in All his Engagements.

    Honourable Emma is a goal-oriented person with a clear sense of direction. His approach to achieving success is methodical and strategic. For him, Plan A represents the foundation, where he lays the groundwork and puts in the effort. However, his ultimate focus is always on Plan B, which serves as his guiding principle or the ‘North Star’ directing his actions and decisions towards a higher purpose.

    The risk of collaborating with someone who isn’t result-oriented is that they may prioritize everything else over achieving the goal. When you tie your emotional well-being to reaching a specific objective, you become vulnerable to an emotional rollercoaster. Your mental state becomes inextricably linked to the outcome, leading to a tumultuous journey until you attain the goal – if you ever do.

    If he becomes the Council Chairman, we will set ourselves another goal and the process starts all over again. Most of us simply can’t stand the weight of the feeling of being a failure for very long, leading in stress, burnouts and giving up. But right from his time as CRO Obudu, Hon Emma had led Obudu in hard times and stress. He will do more when he becomes the Council Chairman.

    He often pays a hefty price, he begins to see the present as simply a means to get to some future goal and thus end up making choices that sacrifice the life and love that is before people and missing out on what life is largely about.

    5. A Team Player

    Honourable Emma is a compassionate and forward-thinking leader who carefully considers those around him. He is committed to improving the lives of the people, actively seeking opportunities to develop his skills in areas where he may not excel naturally. Furthermore, Hon Emma is a supportive and results-driven leader who prioritizes the goals of others, offering consistent guidance and action to help them succeed.

    CLEMENT AKPEKE

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

  • Does Kekere-Ekun Possess The Elixir? BY ORI OWAN

    Does Kekere-Ekun Possess The Elixir? BY ORI OWAN

     

    This afternoon, I was riveted to my television screen as I witnessed the grandeur and ceremony surrounding the official swearing-in of Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. For clarity, Kekere-Ekun is now entrusted with the authority to lead the Bench in Nigeria.

    Section 230 of the Constitution states, “There shall be a Chief Justice of Nigeria.” Additionally, Section 3 of the Supreme Court Act provides that “a person holding the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria shall vacate that office when he attains the age of seventy years.” The procedures for appointment and eligibility are explicitly defined in Section 231 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As the most senior justice of the Supreme Court, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is presumed to have fulfilled the constitutional requirements.

    However, in a judiciary desperately in need of reform, the question arises whether Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun possesses the requisite willpower, legal acumen, and unwavering integrity to restore the judiciary’s damaged image. In his esteemed work, Handbook of Law, Samuel Johnson asserts, “Law is the result of human wisdom adding upon human experience for the benefit of the public,” suggesting that law exists to ensure an orderly society, as opposed to the Hobbesian state where life was “nasty, brutish, and short.”

    The Nigerian judiciary, as the third arm of government, has been hailed as the last hope of the common man, guaranteeing justice and protection of rights and fundamental freedoms. Regrettably, recent experiences in Nigeria have been characterized by contradictions and a judiciary lacking in dignity, integrity, and morality. Instances of conflicting ex parte orders and the procurement of black market judgments have tarnished the judiciary’s reputation.

    The Kano State Governorship appeal of last year, where conflicting decisions were issued by the same court, exemplifies the erosion of trust and respect.

    While courts are manned by human beings and judges are not infallible, Nigeria has a distinguished history of respected jurists such as Chukwudife Oputa, Kayode Eso, and Niki Tobi. Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has demonstrated herself to be a competent and qualified jurist, with a rich intellectual pedigree built over years of dedicated service on the Bench.

    However, as a lawyer, I am compelled to express reservations about fully celebrating Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. This is due to concerns over some of her controversial judgments, particularly the Supreme Court’s 2020 decision in the Imo State Governorship appeal, which controversially declared the fourth-place candidate as the winner. Many Nigerians, including legal scholars, remain perplexed by the mathematical anomaly of that judgment. As late Justice Oputa remarked in Adesanya v. Adegoke, “We are final, not because we are infallible, but we are infallible because we are final.” This judgment, whether it has enriched or challenged our legal jurisprudence, continues to provoke debate.

    As I extend my congratulations to your Lordship on this prestigious appointment to the final Bench, I assert that the success of your tenure will largely depend on the quality of judges and justices with whom you will work. Appointments and nominations must be based on competence, integrity, and fairness. Additionally, the National Judicial Council must fulfill its role in recommending judges for appointment.

    As Justice Ariwoola steps down from this esteemed position, may your Lordship remain mindful of the challenges ahead, which may either etch your legacy into the annals of history or tarnish it.

    O.N Owan, Esq.

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

  • Steering Obudu To Prosperity: Why Hon. Akwagiobe is the Ideal Chairman BY RICHARD ABU

    Steering Obudu To Prosperity: Why Hon. Akwagiobe is the Ideal Chairman BY RICHARD ABU

     

    As the race for the chairmanship of Obudu Local Government Area intensifies, with various candidates stepping forward to declare their interest in leading the next administration of our cherished LGA, it becomes imperative for the people of Obudu to make a careful and informed choice. In this crucial moment, we must look inward and select a leader who embodies the best interests of the community, a leader with a genuine passion for public service, a proven track record, and the unwavering determination to guide rather than be guided. The Chairmanship of Obudu should not be reduced to a contest of wealth or influence; instead, it should be a race for those who are prepared to shoulder the responsibilities of leadership and bring about the much-needed change that the people of Obudu deserve.

    When we consider who best fits this description, Hon. Emmanuel Undipeye Akwagiobe emerges as the most qualified and capable candidate for the position of Chairman. His extensive experience, deep understanding of the community’s needs, and a proven history of effective leadership make him the ideal choice to steer Obudu toward a future of growth and prosperity.

    Hon. Akwagiobe’s background in public service is a testament to his capability and dedication. His career spans the executive, legislative, and civil service sectors, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of local governance. His political journey, which began over two decades ago, is a clear indication of his commitment to service. Since 1999, there has never been a time when Hon. Akwagiobe has not been actively involved in the politics of Obudu, consistently rewarded with roles that reflect his dedication and effectiveness. His vision, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to delivering optimal service have consistently set him apart.

    Hon. Akwagiobe’s first significant role as a Community Relations Officer came at a critical time when there was an absence of leadership at the council level. The responsibility of overseeing the general well-being and peace of Obudu fell squarely on his shoulders. He embraced this challenge wholeheartedly, playing a pivotal role in resolving security challenges and addressing social crises within Obudu and beyond. His hands-on approach and deep engagement with grassroots communities have equipped him with the practical skills necessary to navigate complex issues and implement effective solutions.

    Hon. Akwagiobe’s mission for Obudu is clear: to deliver exemplary socio-economic facilities through effective and prosperous leadership. He envisions a thriving and inclusive Obudu, where every resident enjoys a high quality of life and has access to opportunities for growth. His agenda is rooted in the belief that strong leadership, coupled with community participation, is the key to driving sustainable development.

    Beyond his extensive experience, Hon. Akwagiobe is also a dedicated party man. In 2021, when former Governor Ben Ayade aligned Cross River State with the center of Nigeria’s politics by defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the challenge of moving the masses who had long been loyal to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) fell to committed party members. Hon. Akwagiobe rose to the occasion, taking on the formidable task of mobilizing his people to embrace the new agenda. His efforts were evident in the last general elections, where his community was among the few that delivered a complete victory for the APC, securing wins in all elections. Today, the party need not look further but should stand by a man with the political acumen and tenacity to ensure that Obudu remains firmly aligned with the APC in the upcoming local government polls and future elections.

    Hon. Akwagiobe’s multifaceted experience, coupled with his deep-rooted connection to the community, positions him as the most qualified candidate for the Chairmanship of Obudu Local Government Area. His ability to navigate the complexities of local governance, combined with his visionary leadership, makes him the ideal choice to lead Obudu toward a brighter future. With Hon. Emmanuel Undipeye Akwagiobe at the helm, Obudu can look forward to sustained development, peace, and prosperity.

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

  • The Distinguished Constituents Of Senator Jarigbe Agom BY DOMINIC KIDZU

    The Distinguished Constituents Of Senator Jarigbe Agom BY DOMINIC KIDZU

     

    He is urbane and gentle but incredibly discerning of every situation. When he speaks soft words they translate into action with lightening speed, every spoken word sprouting seeds of joy in fulfillment of a promise once made. That, my friend, is character, the stuff that great men are made of.

    And speaking of greatness, as William Shakespeare admonishes us in Twelveth Night “Be not afraid of greatness, some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.” No one can deny that Jarigbe Agom had a noble birth, has made great endeavors and wears the crown of leadership and greatness today.

    His politics is a long page out of Mallam Aminu Kano”s story. Aminu Kano was the king and hope of the poor, the ‘talakawas’ for whom he lived, denying himself enormous pleasure and luxury for the benefit of the downtrodden. It was inevitable that he would clash with the entrenched establishment from time to time. He would take down the entitled traditional ruling class and politicians with the support of the people, trouncing the high and mighty whenever the need arose and planting the people-power ideology for which Kano is still known today.

    Until his demise, Aminu Kano owned only one small house in the Gwamaja area of the ancient city, even after having been the author of twenty plays, a federal minister and member of the House of Representatives. When I got to Kano late in 1982, after secondary school, I found that the two most popular personalities in the ancient city were Alhaji Abubakar Rimi who was the governor and Malam Aminu Kano who was the founder of his socialist party, the People’s Redemption Party, PRP, which was in pursuit of an ideal society where all men were equal. The party had also produced a governor in Kaduna state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa.

    Although I cannot recall that he has ever confessed a Marxist-Leninist inclination in his philosophical views, Jarigbe’s politics aporoximates to that of Mallam Aminu Kano in his desire for social equation in which all men are given the opportunity for legitimate pursuit of fair enterprise and the good life. To achieve this noble aim from personal resources, the alternative forgone is personal aggrandizement and the exalted lifestyle of the nouveau riche – with a concomitant spirit of noblesse oblige. He gives freely like the dews of heaven, as if driven by compunction to disperse rather than retain wealth.

    This seems to be the passion that drives him to create, a near alternative government and try to provide all that government ought to have provided; including the key areas of water, education, health and roads, for the people of Cross River North. It is not for nothing that he is often referred to as the “Governor of the North.” He embodies their aspirations and hopes, dreams their dreams and ultimately lives with them as they with him. It is not possible to distinguish between the distinguished senator and the people, who have themselves become distinguished side by side with him.

    He still lives in a middle-class estate in the nation’s capital, comes home to roost in his modest house in Ogoja, his hometown and owns no house in his state capital, Calabar. Franz Kafka was nostalgic when he wrote ” I was ashamed of myself when I realized that life was a costume party and I attended with my real face.” There are no such wistful thoughts for Senator Agom because he is happy to be real all the time. He does not regret his austere lifestyle because he intentionally created it while building mansions in the hearts of men, men who love and trust him with their lives.

    And as Catherine confesses about Heathclif in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, “they love the ground under his feet, and the air over his head, and everything he touches and every word he says. They love all his looks and all his actions and him entirely and all together.” They love him so much that they voted against a sitting governor to send him back to the Senate, braving all odds including the gunboot politics of exalted men of power and the long, dark night of legal disputation. Were Northern Cross River a manor, they would happily have him as Lord-In Residence, but because it is a senatorial zone, they crowned him senator.

    Chief Dan Ulasi, ex-Biafran army captain and former chairman of APGA said on television last week that “government is not about making long speeches, it is about taking action.” The people are weary of listening to the speeches, they prefer the positive action they have been seeing throughout the reign of the people’s senator, who builds schools, medical facilities and roads for them. A senator who has started businesses for his constituents, trained and empowered the youths, given motorcycles, keke, cars, tailoring equipment to men, women and youths. And all together made life much more bearable and comfortable for the people of Cross River North.

    Having been so well served, his constituents imagine themselves distinct and distinguished, as though they were the senator, each of them and everyone with him, in a unity that knows no pomp nor pageantry, but genuine humility which only mutual love can conjure. In the end when the history of the politics of Cross River State comes to be recounted, Jarigbe Agom’s chapter will be written in gold and it shall tell the story of a young man who denied himself the just desserts of public office and gave all to the masses, for who’s sake he joined politics in the beginning. Do you still wonder why they chose him over a sitting governor? Or doubt the fertile intimatioms of his own immortality well ahead of time?

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

  • Why Tinubu’s 2023 Magic May Not Replay In 2027 BY INYALI PETER

    Why Tinubu’s 2023 Magic May Not Replay In 2027 BY INYALI PETER

     

    President Bola Tinubu’s emergence as the APC presidential candidate and subsequent victory has been interpreted in various ways. Many believe his success despite opposition and gang-up by presidential cabal makes him immune to defeat now that he’s in power. However, this assumption may be inaccurate, as the circumstances that led to his victory in 2023 may not be replicated in 2027.

    Tinubu’s famous ‘Emi Lo Kan’ speech in Ogun state was a turning point as it forced President Muhammadu Buhari to steer clear of endorsing anyone. The then President was boxed into a corner where the only option was to endorse Tinubu or no one at all. Tinubu knew that Buhari’s endorsement of another candidate would have ended his ambition as well as, without it, no one was going to defeat him, and so it was. But there may be no room for this scenario in 2027.

    Similarly, after clinching the ticket, another factor that worked for him in the main election was the balkanization of the main opposition People’s Democratic party into four factions; Atiku Abubakar’s faction (main PDP), Peter Obi faction (LP), Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP) and Nysom Wike (G-5). This development smoothened Tinubu’s path to victory. However, like the ‘Emi Lo Kan’, this factor may not repeat itself in 2027, as the opposition is likely to regroup and present a united front.

    Moreover, the 2023 election results show that Tinubu garnered only 36.6% of the 25,586, 616 total votes, meaning 53.4% of voters did not support him. This implies that he has a significant task to convince the major who didn’t vote for him. But not only this number, also the over 50 million eligible Nigerian voters who didn’t participate in the election. This is a daunting task, especially considering the current state of the nation.

    But has his performances so far achieved the task of convincing the majority who didn’t vote him? The answer is obviously in the negative. In fact, if anything, it has justified their position than convince anybody. And if things don’t change, his support base will continue to deplete, thereby strengthening the opposition and making the impression that he would always find a way to win like in 2023 utupia.

    To give him any chance in 2027, the President must stop listening to the hallelujah people around deceiving him that if he could win despite the challenges in 2023, he can’t lose in 2027, and rather find ways to turn things around quickly. The hunger and anger in the land are real and these would raise more army against him than anything. Government have been realising figures to show improved revenue. But that’s not what Nigerians want, they want improvement in their standards of living, not just revenue figures.

    The President must also convince Nigerians that his administration is not prioritizing regional interests. So far, his appointments have clearly defined it to be a “government of the Yorubas, by the Yorubas, and for the Yorubas.” For a complex diverse country like ours, this pattern can only lead to doom.

    Besides, the call for ex-president Goodluck Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential election is gaining momentum and rattling the APC. If things don’t improve and Jonathan agrees to run, Tinubu’s chances of winning would require unprecedented political wizardry.

    GEJ’s reputation as a liberal and detribalized leader, combined with the prospect of a single term that would return power to the North, makes him an appealing candidate. The South South and South East, feeling marginalized by Tinubu’s administration, are Jonathan’s strongholds. Meanwhile, the North is growing increasingly hostile towards the current President, making Jonathan a more likely choice.

    Based on today’s reality, Tinubu’s fate in 2027 hangs in the balance, as his Renewed Hope policies have yet to deliver tangible relief to Nigerians. If his administration can turn things around and make a meaningful impact, the current permutations may shift in his favour. However, until then, there’s little indication that his 2023 success will be replicated. In fact, even his own actions suggest he’s more interested in his current term, rather than laying the groundwork for a second term.

    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.

  • Sweden, A Nation With “No Excellencies…” BY AGBA JALINGO

    Sweden, A Nation With “No Excellencies…” BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Did you know that, Sweden, a Scandinavian nation that transformed itself from an impoverished, agricultural society into one of the wealthiest, most socially just and least corrupt countries in the world, is a nation with ‘no excellencies?’

    1. Sweden does not offer luxury or privileges to its politicians. They do not treat their elected officials differently than the citizens?

    2. Swedish Ministers and MPs do not have official cars or private drivers. They travel in crowded buses and trains, just like the citizens they represent.

    3. They are not allowed to have private secretaries and their parliamentary offices are as small as 8m².

    4. Swedish politicians who dare to spend public money on taxi journeys, instead of riding the train, end up on news headlines.

    5. Even the Speaker of Parliament (Riksdag), receives a card to use public transportation.

    6. Only the Prime Minister has the right to use a car from the security forces on a permanent basis.

    7. Swedish parliamentarians live in tiny apartments in the capital, where they wash and iron their own clothes in communal laundries.

    8. At the municipal level, unlike our LGA Councilors and Houses of Assembly members who live large on our resources, Swedish councillors do not even earn a salary.

    9. They do not have a right to an office. They work from home.

    10. According to Business Insider, an MP in Sweden earns $78,000 a year. That’s less than the quarterly office running cost of a Nigerian parliamentarian.

    11. When foreign Heads of States visit Sweden, they sometimes ride with their Prime Minister in public transportation.

    12. Judges also do not have the right to official cars, private secretaries or perks.

    13. A former Swedish Deputy Prime Minister, Mona Sahlin, once bought a bar of chocolate, nappies and some other personal items with a government credit card. There was national uproar and she lost her job. The scandal went down in the annals of Swedish politics as the “Toblerone Case.”

    14. Yet, Sweden tops as the number one country with the best quality of life and social purpose on Earth.

    15. Sweden is ranked the best country to be a woman and raise children in, and for a sustainable lifestyle.

    16. Health care and college education are free in Sweden and its people boast one of the longest life expectancies in the world.

    17. Almost all of Sweden’s trash is recycled.

    18. Swedes donate about 1 percent of their gross national product to humanitarian aid programs around the world each year.

    19. The literacy level in Sweden is 99 per cent.

    20. Sweden is recognized for having an abundance of clean air, given its high tree cover percentage, and they have the highest number of non-religious population in the world.

    How did a non-religious society come to love simplicity, humanity and even God, more than the very religious nations, who are struggling to produce honest leaders that can give their people basic rights?

    Why do non-productive leaders in struggling countries prefer to spend more public money on their personal luxuries than on the welfare of the people that voted for them?

    How did a nation with no excellencies, manage to become so excellent, while nations filled with countless excellencies, are unable to become excellent?

    Think about it and decide today to be part of building a new Nigeria that will at least, have less excellencies.

    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 

  • The Unyielding Struggle For Ogoja State: A Journey Through Political Apathy And Missed Opportunities BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

    The Unyielding Struggle For Ogoja State: A Journey Through Political Apathy And Missed Opportunities BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

     

    By: Ogar Emmanuel Oko

    In the early 1900s, shortly after the British took control of Northern Nigeria, there were few provinces spread across the British colony. The number of provinces increased significantly in 1914 after the amalgamation of the Colony of Lagos, Northern, and Southern Protectorate. The Governor-General of Nigeria, Sir Frederick J.D. Lugard, after World War II in 1945, increased the number of provinces to 88, which comprised 18 in the Western Region, 39 in the Northern Region, and 31 in the Eastern Region.

    Of all the 88 provinces, Ijebu Province, which was in the Western Region with its division in Ijebu-Ode and native authority in Ijebu-Remo, and Ogoja Province are yet to be created into states. Ogoja Province was classified into five sub-provinces in the Eastern Region. Its divisions were Abakaliki, Afikpo, Ikom, Obubra, and Ogoja itself. There were six native authorities in Abakaliki, eleven in Afikpo, and twelve in Ogoja, while Ikom and Obubra had nine each.

    On May 27, 1967, via Decree No.8, Gen. Yakubu Gowon dissolved the provinces and created 12 states. Nine years later, on March 17, 1976, Gen. Murtala Mohammed created Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Ondo States, bringing the total to 19 states in the federation. On September 23, 1987, the military junta of Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida added two states, Akwa Ibom and Katsina, making it 21. About four years later, on August 27, 1991, nine more states were created: Abia, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Osun, Kogi, Taraba, and Yobe.

    When the nine states were announced, it was a disappointment to the young people of Ogoja under the aegis of the Ogoja Youth Movement (OYM), who had high expectations. The elites and powerful politicians were not surprised, as they were comfortable in Cross River State. During the military junta of IBB, many Ogoja sons were in the inner circle of the military president. Those that call the shots politically then were myopic, as such, they didn’t support the agitation for the creation of of Ogoja state.

    Another opportunity presented itself in 1996, this time during the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha. There were yearnings here and there for state creation. However, our people at the top showed great apathy. On October 1st, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, and Zamfara states were announced. Again, Ogoja was missing.

    Since the advent of democracy in 1999, a few opportunities have arisen for the case of Ogoja State to be discussed. During the National Conference in March 2014, under the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, delegates from the Ogoja axis under the umbrella of Cross River State didn’t factor the Ogoja agitation into their agenda in a serious manner.

    In August 2021, the Senate Committee proposed the creation of 20 new states. Apart from the constitutional requirements, the committee considered what it termed “economic viability and genuine desire of the people.” Ijebu state was captured. Sadly, Ogoja wasn’t mentioned. This omission was a result of the lack of political synergy between our legislators and the then-governor.

    In July 2024, the honorable member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono, along with four others, presented a bill for the creation of Ogoja State. It has scaled the first reading. Interestingly, the caucus of the Cross River 10th National Assembly, led by Senator Jarigbe Agom of the Northern Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Williams of the Central Senatorial District, and a few House of Representatives members, voted in favor of the creation. Thanks to the unity among NASS members.

    From the foregoing, it is clear that the creation of Ogoja State is long overdue. Ogoja was one of the largest provinces, and the agitation for its creation is justified. Its emergence is achievable, but its sad albatross is the petty and self-glorifying actions of a few narcissistic individuals. These individuals are overly consumed by their sense of self-importance, seeking validation for their diminished statuses. They are a small group of people parading themselves as leaders among the masses. They want to be the tritons among the minnows. They seek to introduce elements of party affiliation into the agitation. They are scared of intelligent people and often prevent anyone perceived as smart and brilliant from coming close to the struggle.

    Some of these obsessed individuals are those who converted a WhatsApp support platform of a PDP candidate into what they (he) call: “Who IS WhO IN NORTHERN CROSS RIVER.” If these folks continue to spearhead the agitation, it would be needless to dissipate energy as a pitfall would be imminent.

    The author is the publisher of the RABBIT PUNCH

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

  • Depression: Sometimes, Things Can Be So Frustrating That We Feel Like Killing Ourselves, You Are Not Alone In Your Struggles BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Depression: Sometimes, Things Can Be So Frustrating That We Feel Like Killing Ourselves, You Are Not Alone In Your Struggles BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    A CURE FOR DEPRESSION

    Elijah was a depressed man who was running away from his shadow (1 kings 19:4-8). We often do this when faced with challenges beyond our control. Like Elijah, we feel restless and cumbersome (v. 5), with no appetite even to eat, and when we manage to eat, we feel like going to bed again (v.6). We feel hopeless and helpless and find it difficult to do our normal duties, especially when no one is bothering about us (v.7). In fact, Elijah felt like committing suicide and he said, “It is enough, Oh Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers” (v.4). His cure for depression only came as soon as he “arose and ate and drank and worked on the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God” (v. 8).

    In this journey of life, depression can happen to anybody. Sometimes, things can be so frustrating that we feel like killing ourselves. Be careful! You are not alone in your struggles. You are neither the first nor last to go down the drain in this journey. I have often maintained a philosophy that can be summarised in my favourite slogan: “Life goes on!” Life must go on in spite of our many challenges. Believe it that you are not alone in your problem or difficulty. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, yes! and to us all, God offers a dose of remedies to cure our depressions. His lively words of encouragement in the scriptures are there as food to encourage us. There, he assures us that if we eat his body and drink his blood like Elijah did, we shall regain our strength.

    For the past several weeks, God has been assuring us of this truth, so why not give it a trial.To cure our restlessness, God offers us a step by step procedure of walking-along with him: First, learn to depend everyday on his word, never cease to fellowship with others, always walk in love just as Christ himself did (Eph.4:30-5:2). Our problem often is not our inability to follow these paths but our tendency to always grumble and doubt if indeed it’s true that these things can give us true happiness (John 6:41-51). Remember, it’s God’s promise, not man’s. Doubt no longer, my friend. Instead, like Elijah, “Arise and eat, else the journey will be too great for you” (I kings 19:7).

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

  • Letter To Next Obudu LG Chair…. BY AGBA JALINGO

    Letter To Next Obudu LG Chair…. BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Dear Chair, you are not yet in office. I do not know who you will be. But whoever it turns out to be, I am writing you this letter because, I am still assuming, albeit confidently that with the Supreme Court judgment on LG allocation, which has ordered that FAAC allocation should be paid directly into LGA accounts, you will be getting an average of N200million monthly, as Obudu LGA Chairman. It could be much higher some months.

    I am taking this queue from what the Council got from federal allocation from January to December 2023. It amounted to N3.2billion only. That information is from BudGIT and the Budget office. Using the same template, you will receive nearly N10billion in a three year tenure, and that doesn’t include Internally Generated Revenue IGR. You will agree with me that this money is massive. The excuse for non performance was that, most of the money is captured by the State Governor and doesn’t get to the Council. Now that the governor may not be able to siphon the money again, there shouldn’t be any excuse for failure.

    Let us assume Mr. Chairman that, you spend half of your monthly N200m on your overhead and other pressing political exigencies, including the money you will ‘steal’, because you will, what will you do with the remaining N100million x 12 months x three years? How will you use it for the development of our LGA? Give us an idea! Break it down to the ordinary man because the LGA is for the ordinary man.

    Do you know the total number of schools and children enrolment and out of school children in Obudu? Do you appreciate the relevance of modern learning tools and technology in early education? Will primary education in Obudu under your leadership be free or paid for by pupils? Do you know the number of health centers in Obudu and their current state? Do you know anything about infant and maternal mortality and the trailing figures in Obudu? How many kilometers of roads does Obudu have? Which ones are in Trunk C? Which of them are more strategic to rapid development? Do you have this information? Does it ever cross your mind that these questions are pertinent?

    I am asking because we will track the money from Abuja down home. That is for your information. The reason is because the money belongs to us. Not you. If indeed the money is paid directly into our LGA account, we will not allow you transfer it to the Governor under any guise unless for pending or arising obligations. If for any reason, the Governor finds a means to withhold the allocation, even through the House of Assembly, we will rise together and fight with you until we get our money. I will personally join you in that fight.

    But what will you use the money for? We need to know. That is very critical. Say it in very clear terms. Write it down for us in black and white, let us copy it as your assessment card and marking scheme. In other words, we need to see your detailed work program.

    Also remember Mr. Chairman, the fourth schedule of the Nigerian Constitution, clearly spells out the functions of the Local Government Areas LGAs.

    1. Construction and maintenance of roads, gardens, street lights, drains, public highways, parks and public conveniences.

    2. Registration of deaths, marriages and births.

    3. Establishment and maintenance of slaughterhouses, markets and motor parks.

    4. Naming of roads, streets, and numbering of houses.

    5. Establishment and maintenance of cemeteries and burial grounds and homes for the destitute and infirm.

    6. Provision and maintenance of health services.

    7. Development of natural and agricultural resources, except for the exploitation of mineral resources.

    8. Provision of primary, adult and vocational education.

    9. Licensing of bicycles, trucks (other than mechanically propelled trucks), canoes, wheelbarrows and carts.

    10. Provision and maintenance of public transportation and refuse disposal systems.

    11. Assessment of privately owned houses or tenements for the purpose of levying such rates as may be prescribed by the House of Assembly of the State.

    12. Control and regulation of outdoor advertising, movement and keeping of pets of all descriptions, shops and kiosks, restaurants and other places for sale of food to the public, and laundries.

    With the exception of number 1, number 6, and number 8, which are government services, all the other nine functions of the LGAs listed supra, are revenue earners. Very heavy revenue earners. Look at the list again.

    How do you intend to leverage on those nine revenue earners to internally generate revenue for the upgrade of health and educational facilities in the LGA, without putting too much burden of taxation on the people? People will willingly pay taxes for development, but not for the upkeep of politicians.

    Tell us your reach and exposure. What strings will you be able to pull to attract external resources into the LGA within your tenure? Where are those places you can see opportunities outside the LGA?

    Apart from the recent surge in gang violence and the perennial communal clashes with the Tivs, Obudu is generally a peaceful place that draws people with its hospitable ambience. With the right balance and intentional strategies, proper harnessing of those revenue heads can yield as much as another 100million monthly, if not more.

    So dear Chair, kindly do the good people of Obudu and break these questions down in a simple document that we can understand and run with. That will help us to properly assess you and determine whether you deserve our vote or not.

    Thank you and God bless you.

    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.