The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • Remember Magistrates Too: Why State Governors Must Address Remuneration BY CONFIDENCE MBANG

    Remember Magistrates Too: Why State Governors Must Address Remuneration BY CONFIDENCE MBANG

    Remember Magistrates Too: Why State Governors Must Address Remuneration.

    Over the years, many concerned lawyers and activists have lent their voices to the welfare of judicial officers, including calls for an increment in wages. While there have always been some considerations, what seems to be a concrete success was realized this year with the passage of the “Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances, and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and for Related Matters.” This executive bill, passed by the Senate on June 5th, 2024, and assented to by the President, led to a significant 300% increment in the salaries and allowances of judicial officers. While this is a commendable step towards improving the overall welfare of the judiciary, one might be tempted to ask about the fate of judicial umpires in the lower courts. In other words, are Magistrates and District Court Judges not entitled to an increment in remuneration?

    The importance of the judiciary as an arm of government cannot be overemphasized. The judiciary acts as a middleman between the executive and legislature; it is indeed an umpire among the other branches of government and custodian of our corpus Juris Nigeriane. For purposes of clarity, the term “Judicial Officer,” as provided by Section 318 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), applies/refers only to Justices and Judges of the Superior Courts of record. It does not refer to Magistrates and District Court Judges. Therefore, the recent increment does not include Magistrates and other inferior officers.

    The role of Magistrates in our justice system cannot be overemphasized. Empirical analysis reveals that it is not uncommon for a Magistrate to preside over a litany of cases in a single day’s sitting; I have appeared in court where the cause list had over 20 cases before a Magistrate. Although these courts have limited jurisdiction, it does not negate the fact that they handle most of the early cases from the common man in the society. To strengthen these officers, they require adequate remuneration for services rendered to the state. Indeed, they are the unsung heroes of the Judiciary.

    Some Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Courts rose from the inferior courts, and they can attest to the financial and other challenges faced therein. Today, we celebrate the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kekere Ekun, who rose to the peak from being a Magistrate. I am most delighted because the CJN readily serves as a moral booster to serving Magistrates across the nation irrespective of the many challenges. Therefore, it would not be out of place to encourage Magistrates by reviewing their remuneration, the judiciary should not stop advocating now. The National Judicial Council (NJC), in collaboration with the State Judicial Service Commission, the Attorneys-General of the Federation and States, the NBA, the Magistrate Association of Nigeria (MAN), and other relevant stakeholders, should consider an increment in Magistrates’ remuneration. In 2008, the NJC recommended an increase in Magistrates’ salary, but same was never implemented. We hope that with the concerted efforts of the relevant stakeholders above, further recommendations would be considered.

    In many states across the federation, Magistrates have been abandoned for several years to face their fate. In fact, I know of a state where 2007 was the last year the state government changed their official vehicles. Fast track to 2024, it has been over 15 years; many of these Magistrates are still in service – awaiting retirement, many now ride on bikes to court to preside over cases, some hire taxis, and some even miss sittings. It is unconscionable that the remuneration of Magistrates across states has lingered for close to two decades with no sign of improvement. Oh, when, how, where, and who will save our dear Magistrates? Do you know?

    In light of the foregoing, the level of lack and want amongst Magistrates is responsible for their insecurity, lack of patriotism in service, bribery, and corruption, among other issues. The remuneration of Judges was enhanced, among other reasons, to curb bribery and corruption, strengthen the bench, and reinstate the confidence and patriotism of the bench. And I ask, why bathe a baby from the waist to the head? What happened to the legs? Better put, why not purge the entire judiciary instead of just a cadre of it?

    Therefore, this is a clarion call to state governors and league of stakeholders to remember Magistrates in the scheme of things, increase their remuneration (salaries and allowances), and provide conducive environments for justice delivery. The good gesture towards our learned Judges should be extended to Magistrates. With these, we are sure of improved welfare, enhanced independence, attraction and retention of legal talents, boost morale and productivity, and reduction of corruption.

    Confidence Mbang is an Abuja-based lawyer. ([email protected]

  • God Doesn’t Want Your Tithe; He Wants All You Have! BY FRED ABUA

    God Doesn’t Want Your Tithe; He Wants All You Have! BY FRED ABUA

     

    For over twenty years, I’ve preached and taught that tithing is not a Christian practice. When I first made a vocal stand against this principle, some people left the church because they believed that I had suddenly become a heretic. Some stayed but assumed my stance meant they no longer needed to give at all. This reaction was disheartening, revealing a deep-seated adherence to dogma rather than an openness to biblical truth. I felt more so because some of these men and women, who I believed had trusted my teachings for so long – and should have known my heart – ignored the wealth of evidence supporting my new position.

    Jesus never espoused the doctrine of tithing. Paul, despite dedicating two chapters (II Corinthians. 8,9) to the subject of giving in the church, never mentioned tithing – which you could say would have been a surer way of getting money from the believers. None of the apostles promoted it.

    In Acts 5, when Ananias and Sapphira lied about their giving, they were struck dead. This incident underscores God’s demand for full accountability, not just for 10%, but for 100% of what we have.

    A Christian must be accountable for all their wealth, whether it is spent for education, medical expenses, housing, helping the poor, or supporting their church/minister. The New Testament provides no basis for the modern practice of tithing. Instead, it emphasizes freewill offerings.

    This giving that has become a hot topic in Christianity is clearly driven by greed and survival instincts. Only the seminaries founded by these prosperity teachers offer ‘Giving’ as a course. It is not taught in any of the conventional Bible Colleges as a course. It was only when I decided to drop the inherited dogma about giving that I learned from my father’s denomination that I began to see clearly those issues I had not asked questions about. It was then I understood what the tithing system in the Old Testament was all about. It was then I learned what the true biblical stance on Christian giving ought to be.

    Tithing in the New Testament
    The New Testament does not command Christians to tithe. The few mentions of tithing are historical references, often critical of the practice:
    Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their tithing practices (Matthew 23:23).
    A Pharisee bragged about his tithing in Luke 18:9-14.
    Hebrews 7:5-10 mentions Abraham’s one-time tithe to Melchizedek, a freewill act from the spoils of war, not a recurring practice.

    It is curious how the New Testament, largely written by practicing Jews who were familiar with Old Covenant laws, never commands tithing for Christians. If tithing were necessary, surely it would have been mentioned when discussing giving, especially in II Corinthians 8,9. But it was was not!

    Old Testament Tithing
    Old Testament tithing was a tax system for Israel, a theocratic nation. Jews paid three taxes/tithes:
    1. The Levites’ Tithe: An annual 10% tax on all they produced. It was used to support the Levites, who had no land inheritance and so no other source of income (Leviticus 27:30-33, Deuteronomy 14:22-29).
    2. Festival Tithe: An annual tax to fund religious festivals (Deuteronomy 14:22-27).
    3. Poor Tithe: A tax/tithe that was paid every three years to support the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).

    These taxes/tithes totaled about 23.33% annually, plus additional taxes like the temple tax and requirements to leave fields unharvested for the poor to glean (Leviticus 19:9). Non-Jewish believers were never subjected to these tithes. The Jerusalem Council that deliberated what aspects to require from Gentile Christians said “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities.…” They then only required the Gentile Christians (that is, us) to abstain from certain practices such as abstaining from foods sacrificed to idols, from blood, from strangled animals, and from sexual immorality (Acts 15:28-29).

    New Testament Giving
    The New Testament pattern of giving aligns with the Old Testament practice of freewill offerings. Unlike taxes, freewill offerings are voluntary and motivated by grace and love. In II Corinthians 8-9, Paul commended the Macedonian church, which gave generously despite their severe poverty.

    In this passage, the believers are instructed (in 9:7) that each person should give as they have decided in their heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion. This directive emphasizes internal motivation over external obligation. Giving is a matter of the heart, not the wallet. If God has our hearts, He will have our wallets (Matthew 6:21).

    But a preacher who wants to control your wallet will not let you think about the biblical basis for the position in this writeup.

    Conclusion
    Freedom from Old Testament tithing is not freedom to give less. It is freedom to give in ways that reflect our love for God and the gratitude in our hearts. Our giving should mirror the sacrificial love God showed by sending His Son. We are free to make love offerings, not just pay a religious tax.

    If this knowledge makes you give less, then you were never motivated by grace but fear or greed. I say this because many Christians give so that God will protect what they have left while others give so that God can multiply what they have left! Both positions are funny and unbiblical. We give because God has already blessed us!

    I will publish Part 2 soon. Selah

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

  • Still On Obudu Chairmanship: Where Is Your Manifesto? BY AGBA JALINGO 

    Still On Obudu Chairmanship: Where Is Your Manifesto? BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    The regular flyers that aspirants go to design and print in any business center usually have ambiguities on them, which usually include:

    i. Beautiful studio pictures treated with apps. Even if the aspirant no fine, he or she will be fine in the picture.

    ii. Youths and women empowerment.

    iii. Job creation.

    iv. Human capital development.

    v. Peace and security.

    vi. Social amenities.

    The truth is that, none of those things are the core functions of the local government. Not even one of them.

    There are specific functions of the LGAs that take their subheads.

    1. Payment of salaries and allowances of primary health care workers.
    2. Payment of salaries and allowances of primary school teachers.
    3. Payment of salaries and allowances of traditional rulers.
    4. Payment of salaries and allowances of LGA staff.
    5. Payment of salaries and allowances of elected LGA officials and appointees.

    Let’s even assume for instance that you claim you want to create jobs, which you should, you must break it down and let the voters know how those jobs will be created. Just writing job creation in your campaign poster doesn’t amount to anything. Tell us how you will achieve it.

    Let me break it down further. Assuming I have the faintest interest in the office of the Obudu LGA Chair, if I write “Job Creation”, I will further tell you the sectors and projected numbers of jobs I intend to create within a set period of time.

    For instance, it is the duty of local governments to register and regulate the operation of motor and bike parks. As Chairman of Council, I will first of all, deliberately saturate the 10 wards of Obudu LGA with open wifi hubs using Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet. It is presently the fastest Internet service available in the market and it works everywhere without a need to lay cables or build masts, because it is satellite internet. 20 of those devices and cell extenders will cost the council approximately N50m plus installation and control center, and that will put two devices in each of the ten Wards.

    This will create the infrastructure for registration and capturing the over 10,000 commercial Okada bikes in Obudu LGA into a portal like “Gokada.” It will become a real time transport service similar to BOLT in operation, and the Council will formalize and standardize that sector and create at least 500 formal jobs, excluding the riders. The Council will also generate tens of millions of Naira from every ride and riders registration and boost the IGR of the LGA.

    Every bike in Obudu will have a digital ID and if it is used for any crime or should a passenger lose any ware while on transit or gets missing or hurt, the bike and the rider will be easily tracked and brought to book. This can be achieved within six months.

    It is also possible to identify locations in Ohong, Utugwang, Ofambe where men and women speak different languages, and other mini urban towns in Obudu and deliberately develop gardens with embedded rented shops and restaurants like “Jedy Garden” where we all relax when we go to Abuja. This will create another 500 direct jobs and revenue spots that will also up the IGR of the State. Tickets from visitors and off-the-pocket expenses will generate money for Council and locals.

    Affordable fire proof prefab building materials can be brought in to couple at least 200 shops at the main Katube Market in Obudu town and 50 shops each, in Kazul, Udama, Lifembe and Ohong Markets. The prefab materials are not very expensive and they are readily available. This will modernize those markets and generate additional jobs and revenue for Council and empower local peasants.

    This is not a campaign document. It is just a random maze on how to break the manifesto ambiguities down to the understanding of the voter so we can know where you stand and command thunder to fire you properly, when you refuse to keep your word.

    So stop giving us bogus copy and paste campaign posters. Go to work and think and come back with sectorial and thematic details of what you wish to do as Obudu LGA Chairman. Una don pass 15 aspirants. If you have nothing in your head, abeg clear road and share the grace so that we can properly screw the serious ones.

    I mean the next Obudu Chairman o. No be joke o.

    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.

  • 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