The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • The Purported Impeachment Of Chairman Theresa Ushie By The Councillors Of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Can Not Stand BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The acts of impunity being perpetuated by the councillors of Bekwarra Local Government Council under the guise of deep-seated illegality are outrageous and must be condemned unreservedly.

    The purported impeachment of Chairman Theresa Ushie by the councillors of Bekwarra Local Government Council, carried out without the slightest regard for due process as outlined in the Cross River State Local Government laws, is scandalous and cannot stand.

    The removal of a Chairman is a serious matter, and the law has been designed to ensure fairness and transparency. According to the law, the Chairman must first be furnished with a Notice of Allegation, signed by at least one-third of the councillors. This Notice must be served on the Chairman to inform them of the allegations and provide an opportunity for defense.

    Even after the Chairman has defended themselves—or failed to do so—the councillors must secure a two-thirds majority vote to appoint a panel to investigate the allegations. Only if the panel finds the Chairman guilty can the councillors proceed with impeachment.

    In this case, however, Chairman Theresa Ushie was never furnished with any Notice of Allegation. Instead, she discovered scurrilous allegations against her on Facebook, accompanied by the shocking claim that she had been impeached.

    This is a travesty of justice. All people of goodwill must rise to condemn this kangaroo impeachment of Chairman Theresa Ushie. It is an egregious act of injustice and blackmail, orchestrated by mediocre politicians seeking to intimidate her.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

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

  • Section 130(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( 1999 (as amended) establishes the office of the President for the Federation BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Section 130(2) of the same Constitution further defines the President’s role as the Head of State, the Chief Executive of the Federation, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

    The President possesses significant constitutional authority to address critical situations that threaten the peace and stability of the nation. This authority includes the power to declare a state of emergency, as outlined in Section 305(1), (2), and (3)(a-g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended):

    Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the President may by instrument published in the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof.

    (2) The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation, including the details of the emergency, to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or Speaker, as the case may be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the Proclamation.

    (3) The President shall have the power to issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency only when:

    (a) the Federation is at war;
    (b) the Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war;
    (c) there is an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security;
    (d) there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger;
    (e) there is an occurrence or imminent danger, or the occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity, affecting the community or a section of the community in the Federation;
    (f) there is any other public danger that clearly constitutes a threat to the existence of the Federation; or
    (g) the President receives a request to do so in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4) of this section.

    The Emergency Powers (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act 2018 also grants the President certain powers.

    A common, although controversial, understanding is that after declaring a state of emergency in a specific area, a logical step might seem to be the suspension of democratic institutions and elected officials in the affected areas. The reasoning behind this is purportedly to facilitate the administration of the emergency measures.

    It is often assumed that a state of emergency entails the suspension of the rule of law and the implementation of emergency laws or measures as stipulated in the Emergency Powers (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act. This is done to enable the appropriate and adequate resolution of the issues that triggered the emergency declaration.

    However, it’s vital to note that suspending democratic institutions and the rule of law are serious actions with significant legal and ethical implications and must be approached with utmost caution and within constitutional boundaries.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

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

  • That Viral Youth Corper Who Criticized Tinubu Is A Victim That Nigeria Happened To… BY AGBA JALINGO

    That Viral Youth Corper Who Criticized

    There are NYSC bylaws that bar corps members from doing many things, including openly criticizing authorities. The penalties are grave and I will accept that Corps member Ushie Rita uguamaye, faulted the rule book. But I want to tell you why I say she is a victim and I will not have done differently if I were in her shoes.

    She is from my place, Obudu, in Cross River State. Her father was an Immigration officer who died in May 2019, after participating in a protest over the demolition of his palm plantation for the Obudu International Airport.

    There was a protest by youths and women of Ukambi community over the demolition of their community farmlands for the Obudu International cargo and passenger airport. According to a CrossRiverWatch report, her dad, Mr. Raphael A. Ushie, a Chief Inspector of Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, who was also the younger brother of Governor Ayade’s personal physician, Dr. Vincent Ushie, died after he was rushed from a hospital in Obudu to the Univerisity of Calabar Teaching Hospital UCTH, having participated in the protest.

    Her father, who was nearing retirement from the Nigeria Immigration Service had invested his lifetime savings in a palm plantation in his village, Ukambi. On hearing that farmlands in neighboring Atiekpe and Ikwomikwu had been demolished and same was going to commence in Ukambi, he rushed home to confront the bulldozer that was encroaching into his palm plantation.

    He arrived and went straight to the farm in his uniform and met the bulldozer nearing his plantation. He faced the operator and tried to prevent him from encroaching into his land before other community members joined him in the farm. He participated fully in the day’s protest and the demolition and collapsed after then. He was rushed to a hospital in Obudu. The matter couldn’t be handled there and he was moved to UCTH in Calabar where he passed on.

    Not a single dime was paid to the family as compensation for the palm plantation or for any other other expenses.

    Ushie Rita Aguamaye, who is now 24, was 19 years old when the inefficiency of Nigeria took her dad away. Their poor mum was left alone to see them through school and till now, there is no hope that the investment their father hoped to keep for them will be compensated.

    And this young girl goes to the market and comes back to complain about what everyone in the country, including the President’s supporters are grumbling about, and some persons are calling for her head?

    If you were in her shoes, you live in a country where the system kills your dad for no reason, when you are only 19, your mother suffers to see you through school and when you try to express your frustrations publicly, the same nation that killed your father threatens to kill you too? So where is the freedom of expression?

    I think that rather than pushing this young girl into additional complications, well meaning Nigerians should rather sympathize with her ordeal and rise up to support her and the family to regain the missing gaps in their lives.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    The attached picture is the picture of her late dad.

     

    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 King And The Weight Of The Royal Beads BY AGBA JALINGO

    There is an African proverb amongst royalty that says that, “it is the one who wants to suffer for the people that accept the heavy weight of royal beads.”

    And truly speaking, royal beads are many and very heavy. Not just heavy in terms of responsibility but physically when measured on a scale. A complete set of royal dressing includes not just the beads but also several age long metals that carry a lot of weight on the scale. Part of the idea is to constantly remind the carrier of the huge responsibility he or she bears.

    With all its envied privileges, royalty confers even greater responsibility and denial. Because to lead, is to be in a position of advantage, in the first place amongst equals. To be a pathway, a leading light and bridge for others into a new destination; holding them by the hand to find their way from ignorance; shining as an example for them to follow.

    Talking about new destinations, if I were to be a leader, I would endeavour to build on the good things my predecessors did by thinking out new and improved methods of doing those same things for the good of the people.

    Assuming that my predecessors many years ago, bought hoes and cutlasses for our people who are predominantly farmers, Me, their new King, should be able to move it further and introduce our people to modern farming tools, to boost resources utilization and yield per hectare, as well as expanding economic opportunities. If they were given fishing nets, can we now explore the chances of giving them fishing boats?

    Bringing it down to political leadership, if our leaders distributed Okada to our people 20 years ago, dug boreholes for our people 20 years ago, distributed generators for our people 20 years ago, gathered our people under canopies and trees for health outreaches 20 years ago, campaigned with wrappers and rice, 20 years ago, etc, after two decades, isn’t there any new thinking to improve on, modify or do away with these methods after such a long period? Are we so bereft of innovating new initiatives to improve on executing these same programs by employing new ways of doing things? Or is there a deliberate ploy to perpetuate our state of being 20 years ago?

    The budget figures are scaling up yearly and changing rapidly, can the methods of implementing these budgets also change along? Can we intentionally decide to improve on our governance processes and discard this copy and paste model? Is our goal to develop our communities or just to share power? Can these thrones survive by keeping the people down perpetually?

    If the King must lead and enjoy the perquisites of the throne, he must not forfeit the sacrifice of appeasement, lest he falls.

    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.

  • Re: Know Your Constituency Projects in 2025 Budget BY INYALI PETER 

    I commend Citizen Agba Jalingo for his unrelenting efforts in ensuring that our National Assembly members are accountable to the people whose mandates they hold on trust. By highlighting projects facilitated into the budget by them, he is not only equipping the people with more information on the activities of their representatives but also promoting the efforts of lawmakers.

    However, we must also sensitize our citizens to know that appearance of projects in the budget does not translate to funding of the project. This is important to avoid a situation where we’ll begin to harass our lawmakers for projects that the executive arm is yet to fund. The legislative arm only has appropriation power and not the authority to fund/execute projects.

    Currently, Nigeria is unusually running more than one budget. The 2024 budget is now running concurrently with the 2025 budget even though so many projects there are yet to be funded. Even though we expect that the Nass members who nominated these projects will follow up and lobby relevant authorities to ensure contracts are awarded and funded, people should be educated on where their power end.

    Also, some privileged Cross Riverians who are working in offices where they can make case for the funding of these items should help. The Nass members definitely need the support of everybody to ensure that their vision for these projects are actualized.

    I commend Honourable Peter Akpanke and Godwin Offiono for the overwhelming number of projects they’ve facilitated into the budget for their respective constituencies. As first timers and opposition lawmakers, this is a huge statement of intent. I encourage them to take their efforts further by lobbying to ensure that the projects are funded and executed.

    Once again, bravo Citizen Agba!

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

  • Reining In The Powers of Governors: The Rivers State Example BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria made several damning findings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in its two judgments delivered on February 28, 2025. These rulings arose from the prolonged political crisis that has engulfed the state since 2023. According to the Supreme Court, Governor Fubara presented a budget to only four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which they passed, and he subsequently signed into law.

    The Supreme Court condemned the Governor’s actions, stating that he behaved like a dictator, showing no respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and principles of good governance. Furthermore, the Court held that Governor Fubara’s actions were those of a lawless individual, unbecoming of the office he holds, particularly given his order to demolish the buildings housing the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    The Supreme Court also found that Governor Fubara breached the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( 1999) (as amended), which he swore to protect, preserve, and defend. Additionally, the Court held that Governor Fubara prevented the Rivers State House of Assembly from convening to perform its constitutionally assigned role. The Supreme Court lamented that, effectively, there was no functioning government in Rivers State.

    Some pundits believe that Governor Fubara may face impeachment proceedings due to the Supreme Court’s findings, which constitute gross misconduct under the Constitution.

    Gross misconduct refers to a grave violation or breach of the Constitution or a misconduct that the House of Assembly considers serious enough to warrant removal from office. According to Section 188(11) of the Constitution, gross misconduct is subjective and determined exclusively by the House of Assembly.

    The procedure for removing a governor from office due to gross misconduct is outlined in Section 188(1-10) of the Constitution. Here’s a breakdown:

    Step 1: Notice of Allegation: A written notice signed by at least one-third of the House of Assembly members, stating the Governor’s gross misconduct.
    Step 2: Investigation: The House of Assembly resolves to investigate the allegation, requiring a two-thirds majority vote.
    Step 3: Panel Appointment: The Chief Judge appoints a seven-person panel to investigate the allegation.
    Step 4: Defense and Findings: The Governor defends themselves, and the panel reports its findings to the House of Assembly.
    Step 5: Removal: If the panel’s report is adopted by a two-thirds majority vote, the Governor is removed from office.

    It’s essential to note that the House of Assembly has the exclusive power to determine what constitutes gross misconduct, making it a subjective decision.

    The case of Governor Fubara may be a litmus test to curb the magisterial and unconstitutional manner in which governors in the country have been exercising their powers, incurring the wrath of Nigerians. It is left for the Rivers State House of Assembly to decide the best course of action to take against the Governor, whose relationship with the majority of the members has been greatly strained.
    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

  • This particular judgement of the Supreme Court does not require any analysis or analyst, it was in plain simple English BY MAGNUS ABE

    This particular judgement of the Supreme Court does not require any analysis or analyst, it was in plain simple English;

    There can be no further litigation on the status of the Rivers State House of Assembly in any court in Nigeria.

    The issue of defection of the lawmakers was carefully considered by the Supreme Court and the court stated clearly that that argument will not even be considered by the court because by the date of the said defection, Governor Fubara was already acting in violation of the constitution and in contempt of the lawful order of a court of competent jurisdiction by his own admission.

    The Supreme Court was equally clear, not only is the CBN and the Accountant General of the Federation prohibited from releasing money to the state, but that the state government itself is prohibited from spending and making expenditures without a budget duly passed by the Amaewhule led assembly, which is to begin seating immediately and unhindered. The legal road has come to an expected end. The issue is over, finito, finished.

    I had advised earlier that the Governor should negotiate while there is still time, it may appear that window for negotiation is now very narrow, but it may not be completely closed;

    The Minister of the FCT already hinted at this when he said that he will not advise the house to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor. That is a narrow window but too much analysis may close it.

    It is time for wisdom to prevail, not empty grandstanding.

    One thing is now settled in Rivers State: OCJ Okocha Esq., SAN, is a proven legal luminary!

    © Sen Magnus Abe

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla.

     

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

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