The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • 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.

  • Who Is The Next Chairman Of Obudu LGA? BY AGBA JALINGO

    Who Is The Next Chairman Of Obudu LGA? BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    I am a bit excited at the ongoing effort to ensure LG funds get to elected Chairmen.

    Many persons have been talking to me from my LGA, Obudu in Cross River State, about their intention to run for Chairman in the planned election.

    On average, Obudu LGA gets an average of N200million monthly allocation on paper, before the capture of the money by the Governor. If for any good reason this money or even half of it, begins to end up with the elected Chairmen, I please want to say some things to those who want to run Obudu.

    If you don’t have anything in your brain about development of local communities, please bury the thought of running for the office. Look for another job or an appointment in Calabar. This is not about certificates obtained from UNICAL, it is about the existentialist challenges facing our people. It is about competence and exposure. Not distribution of palliatives and spreading gangsterism.

    Please you will not use zoning and acclaimed number of years spent in your party to seek emotional and undeserved favor; if you don’t have track record and competence.

    All of you hopping about and shouting how you have been loyal for years; loyal to what? That’s not a criteria for development.

    Your dubious god-fathers may get you the ticket and the office but you won’t have peace of mind in that office if you don’t have capacity. We will breathe down the throat of anyone who is going next into that office. The person must show evidence of performance. Enough of going in there and leaving without doing anything.

    Almost all the people aspiring for that office are my contemporaries. We are within the same age bracket. I do not have any interest but I have maximum interest in making sure that none of my contemporaries will enter that office and take Obudu people for granted again. Never again!

    So consider your options before running. Run away, if you don’t have a clear and practical program. Because me like this, I will drag you morning, afternoon, evening and night. I will drag you in the media, in the courts, physically, and spiritually. Enough of this suffering and looting. So help us God!

    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.

  • Agriculture, Nigeria’s Solution To Economic Woes BY INYALI PETER 

    Agriculture, Nigeria’s Solution To Economic Woes BY INYALI PETER 

     

    Nigeria is currently facing a severe economic crisis, characterized by soaring inflation and rampant food insecurity. Despite governments’ efforts through various policies aimed at mitigating this crisis, the desired results have yet to materialize. The consequences are far-reaching, with widespread hunger and anger pervading the nation as citizens struggle to afford even the most basic necessities.

    But where lies the solution? In my opinion, beyond the necessary calls for reducing the cost of governance, curbing procurement fraud, and reforming the legislative arm of government, the immediate and long-term solution lies in our rich soil and fertile land. We must return to our agricultural roots, for it holds the key to our prosperity. To achieve this, the federal government should enact a national policy, backed by law, requiring each state to allocate 30-35% of their annual budget to agriculture within a well defined period of time.

    The policy should mandate every state to focus on at least three crops, determined by soil fertility tests, to maximize yields and promote efficiency. For immediate impact, these crops should be selected based on their ability to guarantee two harvests per year or at least, once annually, ensuring a steady supply and reducing reliance on imports. A clear target should be set for each state to become an exporter of the crops they cultivate within a two years, thereby boosting local economies and contributing to national food security.

    For instance, if I were in a position of authority in my state, Cross River, I would prioritize investments in yam, rice, and cassava farming for short-term gains within the next year, while also investing heavily in rubber, cocoa, and palm for long-term benefits. Given their high yields and growth rates, cassava and rice can be cultivated and harvested twice a year, while yam can be harvested annually. With proper management, these crops have the potential to generate significant revenue for the state and create a substantial number of jobs for our people, thereby stimulating local economic growth and development.

    Vietnam, a country with a population of about 100 million, has successfully established agriculture as the backbone of its economy. In contrast, Nigeria, a country founded on agricultural produce before the discovery of oil, with a population of over 200 million, has struggled to achieve food security. While I understand the government’s desperation to address food shortages leading to the recent policy to open border for food importation, I still believe it’s an embarrassment that we’re resorting to this solution at this time. What’s even more striking is that we’ll be importing food from countries with smaller populations and landmasses than ours.

    To move forward, we must return to our roots. The government should establish credit facilities through banks and financial institutions for individuals willing to venture into farming. However, these funds should not be disbursed without strings attached. A robust monitoring and evaluation system must be put in place to ensure that the funds are utilized exclusively for agricultural purposes. Any diversion of funds for non-agricultural purposes should be met with swift prosecution, to deter abuse and ensure accountability.

    Many young people are now recognizing the potential and value of agriculture, dispelling the notion that it’s an outdated or uneducated people’s venture. Some are enthusiastic about returning to farming, but accessing the necessary funds to establish and grow their agricultural businesses remains a significant hurdle. Even when the government claims to provide funding, the amounts are often meager and insufficient for the ordinary Nigerians, making it difficult for young farmers to get started or scale up their operations.

    The federal government currently allocates approximately N30 billion annually to subsidize meals for the 112 unity schools across the country. This translates to a monthly disbursement of N2,487,056,400 to the Ministry of Education. However, it’s important to assess the effectiveness of this policy since its inception under the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Despite the substantial investment, there appears to be little tangible impact.

    Consider an alternative scenario: if these funds were channeled towards empowering 112 Nigerian farmers, each focusing on a single crop, the outcomes could be transformative. This investment would not only create numerous jobs but also significantly enhance food security and generate foreign exchange through exports, ultimately benefiting the country’s economy. The federal government should reevaluate this policy and explore more reasonable alternative to achieve sustainable impact.

    As a country, we must be deliberate about finding solutions to our economic woes. Like John Maxwell said, everything rises and falls on leadership. Our leaders must suspend non-essential spending and invest in agriculture. This will boost the economy through exports, generating significant foreign exchange, creating jobs, and improving food security.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D

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

  • No Mind Them, Idle Jobless People…. BY AGBA JALINGO

    No Mind Them, Idle Jobless People…. BY AGBA JALINGO

    No Mind Them, Idle Jobless People….

    That was the comment someone I know, wrote somewhere yesterday after the Managing Editor of CrossRiverWatch, Jonathan Ugbal was arrested in Calabar by the Police for joining the ongoing nation wide protest. Like I said, I know the person. He has never worked after his NYSC because there are no jobs in Nigeria. He is only waiting, hanging around politicians, abusing others for politicians and hoping to be made PA in Governor Otu’s government. But he is calling me and Jonathan, ‘jobless people” because we are protesting that the country should be better for people like him.

    The irony which I want to write about is that, it is those who suffer the most because of hardship in Nigeria that are up against those who can take care of themselves, but still choose to stake their lives for the poor. I work, I pay salaries every month end. I just did. I have been doing this for fourteen years. I pay office rents in Calabar. I have overhead cost every month. Jonathan works. He earns a pay. Apart from CrossRiverWatch, he is such a multi talented young man that is also doing several other things to augment his earnings.

    When we sent him to Government House in Calabar as CrossRiverWatch Correspondent under Governor Ayade, the Governor rather decided to turn him to SA Media. The governor told me and I asked Jonathan if he wanted the job and he bluntly refused. I called Governor Ayade and told him, Jonathan cannot be his SA. Governor Ayade is alive. Jonathan insisted that he wanted to learn and grow his career in journalism.

    I could have been anything that is not elected in the immediate past and present Cross River State Governments if I wanted to. I mean any position apart from the ones up for elections. I could even blend into a federal government hatchet man and make dirty money. I think I have the credibility and know many people in there to make that happen.

    But we have decided to carry placards not because we are suffering or incapable of eating. We are doing it for the sake of those who are abusing us. We also know how to stay away and enjoy ourselves and watch others being killed and brutalized on TV by security agents. We also can decide to travel abroad and stay there. We can get visas. In fact, our passports have some visas, and when we travel, we are in a hurry to return home.

    Falana, Sowore, and very many other comrades around the country, who always dare to stand in front of those armoured tanks are all employers of labor who can take maximum care of themselves and many others. They all have alternatives and can decide to keep quiet. Yet they stake their lives for those who abuse them for not giving up the fight for a better country.

    But that’s ok because no one sent us. It is a path we choose by ourselves. That’s how we are wired. Everyone cannot be like us but everyone of us desires a better country that will avail us opportunities. It is therefrom that we should look at the ongoing protest.

    It is true that there are elements who want to use the occasion to cause chaos. It is also true that the government is sponsoring violence to discredit the protest and clamp down on peaceful protesters. It is again true that, there are peaceful Nigerians who want to be provided safe passage to peacefully express their discontent with their government. The latter is where we belong and no one must try to take that away from us. It will only make things worse. A suffocated man is an angry man.

    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.