The Lumine News

Category: Politics

  • Hon Martin Orim Receives Defectors In Alege/Ubang, Unveils Team Martin-Jarigbe

    Hon Martin Orim Receives Defectors In Alege/Ubang, Unveils Team Martin-Jarigbe

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Chief of Staff to former Governor Ben Ayade, Hon Chief Martin Orim, in company of the Ward Chairman, Mr Ikong Cyprain Oyor, received defectors from the People’s Democratic Party PDP, in his ward, Alege/Ubang, in Obudu Local Government Area.

    The defection which took place on the 3rd January 2026, at Okiro – Ubang, was part of the new year interactive session with party stalwarts his ward.

    Receiving the defectors, Hon Martin Orim, commended the bold step taken by the defectors to align with the All Progressive Congress APC, to bring development to the ward.

    He charged party leaders who pledged to support him to align with Senator Jarigbe Agom because the senator has shown effective representation.

    He noted that “Sen Jarigbe Agom has shown clearly that he is part of us. The Amukwong bridge the senator is working on, when completed will improve the economic activities of our people”.

    Hon Martin Orim, noted “Sen Jarigbe Agom is a performing senator and we cannot afford to replace a performing senator when he is everywhere and bringing the dividends of democracy that all of you here can see.

    “I enjoined you all to be formidable and rally support around the senator. I had previously appealed and let me remind us that the Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon Rhoda Ashong, the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Pastor Fed Abua, the Councilor representing Alege/Ubang ward, all political appointees from the ward should put a little amount of money each time they receive salary to host party meetings from village to village to keep the party alive”.

    Hon Martin Orim, informed that “the support you all have for me is hereby channelled to TEAM Martin-Jarigbe”.

    Speaking earlier and on behalf of the defectors, Mr Emmanuel Abua, thanked the Chief of Staff to former Governor Ben Ayade and Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation and the entire APC members in the ward.

    Mr Abua noted that “While it remains clear that we moved with our Distinguished Senator, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe base on his leadership prowess and developmental strives, we pledged our loyalty to the party leadership in the ward specifically as well as to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Cross River State Governor Prince Bassey Otu, and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Odey, While prioritising the success and development of our people”.

    On his part, the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi, commended the defectors and noted that “You are most welcome to the largest party. There is nothing like old or new APC members. We are all equal. Whatever that is due party members who have been here before today is equally due those that have defected today. I wish you all the best as you continue to support Gov Bassey Otu, his Deputy and President Armed Bola Tinubu”.
    The event drew several top party leaders and functionaries including the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jnr., the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, the Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Rhoda Ashong, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Barr Fred Abua, Hon. Philip Ikpa, former leader of the council for Alege/Ubang Ward, and other key stakeholders

  • PDP Constitutes National Caretaker Committee as Tenure of NWC Ends on Tuesday

    PDP Constitutes National Caretaker Committee as Tenure of NWC Ends on Tuesday

     

    As the tenure of the present Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) ends on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party has constituted a National Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the party, pending the conduct of a national convention.

    This decision was taken at the 104th NEC meeting of the party held in Abuja on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

    The 13-member Caretaker Committee has Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary.

    Other members of the Caretaker Committee are; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Organising Secretary, Hon. Umar M. Bature, Dr Kyari Grema, Hon Janguda Haruna Mohammed, Barr. Okechukwu Osuana, Senator Nwogu Olaka, Senator Sandy Onor, Prof Adenike Ogunse, Hon. Bisi Kolawole, Engr Deji Doherty, and Dr Ibrahim Bala Aboki.

    The Caretaker Committee has been mandated to run the affairs of the party for a period of 60 days, during which all pending congresses should be conducted and a national convention should be held.

  • Jarigbe’s Defection Crumbles PDP In C’River North As Stakeholders, Chapter And Ward Leaders Resign

    Jarigbe’s Defection Crumbles PDP In C’River North As Stakeholders, Chapter And Ward Leaders Resign

     

    Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the 5 Local Government Areas of Cross River North have tendered their resignation letters to the PDP in preparation to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The defectors, largely drawn from the Local Government Chapters and Ward levels of the PDP, said they were leaving the PDP due to dissatisfaction with the party and to support Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 Senatorial election.

    Addressing party supporters in their respective LGAs, the Stakeholders, stated that there is every need to support the leadership of Senator Jarigbe Agom, urging them to immediately return to their various wards and polling units to begin grassroots mobilisation for the lawmaker and the APC.

    The increasing influx of members to the All Progressive Congress in the Senatorial District is due to the Senator’s performance in office.

    Excos and leaders of the following wards have recently tendered their resignation letters as they prepare to defect to the APC.

    Bishiri North (Obanliku)
    Utanga (Obanliku)
    Bishiri South (Obanliku)
    Ukpah Ward (Bekwarra)
    Becheve Ward (Obanliku)
    Bendi II (Obanliku)
    Ukpe (Obudu)
    Abouchiche (Bekwarra)
    Ibiaragidi (Bekwarra), Ugboro (Bekwarra), Ochagbe (Bekwarra).

  • Jarigbe’s Defection: Mass Resignation Trails People’s Democratic Party In Northern Cross River

    Jarigbe’s Defection: Mass Resignation Trails People’s Democratic Party In Northern Cross River

     

    Following the defection of Distinguished Sen Jarigbe Agom to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a wave of resignations has swept through the PDP in Cross River North Senatorial District.

    Ward executives, stakeholders, polling‑unit leaders and other party members in Basang Ward (Obanliku), Busi Ward (Obanliku), Alege/Ubang Ward (Obudu) and Utugwang South Ward (Obudu) have all submitted resignation letters, signaling a major political shift in the Senatorial District.

    These resignations further give credence to the growing disenchantment with the PDP while increasing confidence in the APC under Senator Jarigbe’s leadership.

  • Jarigbe’s Defection: All Chapter Executive Members Of PDP In Ogoja Chapter Resigns, Set To Join APC

    Jarigbe’s Defection: All Chapter Executive Members Of PDP In Ogoja Chapter Resigns, Set To Join APC

     

    The entire chapter structure of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogoja Local Government Area has submitted resignation letters, signaling their intent to defect to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in solidarity with Distinguished Sen Jarigbe Agom

    In a letter, made available to TheLumineNews, and signed by the Chapter Chairman Hon. Emmanuel Odidi and all chapter executives.

  • Clearing The Air On The Rift Between The Chapter Chairmen Of APC And The APC State Chairman As It Concerns My Ambition – Jarigbe

    Clearing The Air On The Rift Between The Chapter Chairmen Of APC And The APC State Chairman As It Concerns My Ambition – Jarigbe

     

    My dear leaders, members, and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State,

    In the past few days, I have followed, with deep concern, the rising tensions within our great party in the state. As a dedicated stakeholder who recently joined the APC with a vision for a united and progressive Cross River, I feel compelled to address these developments directly.

    It has been brought to my attention that my name has been associated with the current rift, with specific references made to the 2027 elections and perceived differences with the State Chairman. I wish to state in the clearest terms possible that these narratives are not only premature but also a misrepresentation of the facts.

    The current challenges are not about the Cross River North Senatorial District, nor are they a personal conflict between myself and any individual. What we are witnessing is a broader, statewide issue that requires a collective and sober approach from all party leaders.

    I am a new member of this party. I came into the APC with a heart full of hope and a commitment to contribute to its growth and success. My primary desire is for peace, stability, and unity to prevail. As a Senator of the Federal Republic, my focus remains on delivering effective representation to the good people of Cross River North and supporting the developmental agenda of our Governor.

    Let me be unequivocal: I am a loyal party man. I hold His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade, in high esteem as a former Governor . I am fully committed to supporting whatever the incumbent Governor wants and directs. His vision and leadership are crucial for our collective success, and I pledge to work harmoniously under his guidance to strengthen the APC across all wards and local governments.

    I, therefore, appeal to all party faithful,to sheathe their swords. Let us cease actions and utterances that fuel division and instead, channel our energies into building a formidable front. Let us all defer to the Leader of the Party , H. E. Prince Bassey Otu, instead of running riot.

    Let us remember that our strength lies in our unity. Our common goal should be to position the APC for victory in future elections, and this can only be achieved when we stand together as one.

    Thank you, and may God bless the All Progressives Congress and Cross River State.

    Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe
    Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District.

  • Breaking: APC Crisis Deepens As Protesters Barricades Cross River Office, Demands State Chairman’s Resignation

    Breaking: APC Crisis Deepens As Protesters Barricades Cross River Office, Demands State Chairman’s Resignation

    Culled Cross River Live

    The All Progressives Congress in Cross River State is facing serious crisis as protesters, comprising 35 chapter chairmen and secretaries, have blocked the party’s state office and demanded the resignation of State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba.

    The protesters on Wednesday at the party’s secretariat in Calabar were seen with various placards some of which read “Okadigbo must go”, “The party can’t be starving while you are living large” and “we are tired of your insolence and arrogance”.

    Other placards read “APC in Cross River State deserves a leader not a ruler and terror”, “for the interest of the party in Cross River State you are advised to throw in the towel”, “APC Cross River State deserves fresh air”.

    As at press time, no member of the APC SWC addressed the protesters who barricaded the secretariat and denied any access into and out of the party Secretariat.

    It could be recalled that in a communique presented on Tuesday, 18 APC chapter chairmen and 17 secretaries, represented by High Chief Kelvin Njong, demanded State Chairman Alphonsus Eba’s immediate resignation, citing loss of trust and withholding of three‑month stipends.

    They also alleged an unequal fund allocation by the State party chairman, misappropriation of election‑form proceeds and incitement.

    However, Eba denied the allegations , saying salaries are paid directly to ward executives and chairmen’s pay is withheld pending a probe.

     

  • In The Present Circumstance, No serious Politician With Electoral Ambition Will Seek To Contest On To The Platform Of The PDP – Bukola Saraki

    In The Present Circumstance, No serious Politician With Electoral Ambition Will Seek To Contest On To The Platform Of The PDP – Bukola Saraki

    Former Governor of Kwara State, former Nigerian Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has stated that with the current crisis going on in the party, no serious politician with electoral ambition will seek to contest on the platform of the PDP.

    Saraki made the disclosure on November 12th 2025, when members of the Board of Trustees led by Amb. Hassan Adamu, paid him a courtesy visit to seek his counsel on the way forward for the PDP.

    Sarika took to his veried Facebook page, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, to report the outcome of the meeting, noted that going with the convention in Ibadan on 15 – 16 November 2025 will only serve to further fuel the crisis. He stated that going ahead with the convention is a waste of efforts, and that it does not have his support.

    Find full text “On 12 November 2025, I had the pleasure to receive members of the BOT Reconciliation Team of our great party, the PDP, led by Wakili Adamawa, Amb. Hassan Adamu. They requested for a meeting in order to seek my opinion on the possible ways of restoring peace within the party. It was a meaningful and incisive meeting during which matters of great importance affecting our party were discussed.

    “We deliberated extensively on issues relating to the National Convention scheduled for 15-16 November 2025 in Ibadan.

    “In summary, I expressed deep regret that, despite the selfless and arduous efforts by some of us, the Convention has become mired in extensive controversy, both political and legal. This does not bode well for not only our party, but for Nigeria’s democracy in general.

    “I made it clear to the BOT team that political matters can hardly be resolved through the courts. Affairs of political parties are best resolved amicably with all sides seated round the table. Legal battles will only continue to cause friction.

    “As it stands, the fact is that there are conflicting court orders in relation to the validity of the scheduled convention. As a result, there is no assurance as to whether the conduct and outcome of the convention will stand.

    “As a leader, on whose shoulder lies the political weight of the yearnings and aspiration of my people, I cannot in all good conscience take or be part of any action that will jeopardise their aspirations

    “My advice to the BOT team is that the only solution available to us now is for the party to set up a Caretaker Committee to steer the affairs of the party for the time being. This must be done in the next two days. This is the path to true reconciliation and stability of the Party. It is also the best way to give confidence to our members who intend to contest elections on the PDP platform. In the present circumstance, no serious politician with electoral ambition will seek to contest on the platform of the PDP, not knowing whether his or her nomination will be valid or declared null and void.

    “It is clear that going ahead with the National Convention in Ibadan on 15-16 November 2025 will only serve to further fuel the present crisis. Therefore, going ahead with the Convention as scheduled is a waste of efforts, It does not have my support. It’s not too late to find a win-win solution”.

  • C’River APC Chairman Fires Back, Alleges ₦60m Fraud By Chapter Leaders

    C’River APC Chairman Fires Back, Alleges ₦60m Fraud By Chapter Leaders

    By Asuquo Cletus 

    The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, has dismissed calls for his resignation by a group of chapter chairmen and secretaries, describing them as individuals “running away from their shadows.”

    Eba, who spoke in reaction to a communiqué issued by the Forum of APC Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries calling for his removal over alleged high-handedness and diversion of party funds, accused the aggrieved officials of embezzling over ₦60 million belonging to the party.

    The forum, led by Kelvin Njong, Chairman of the APC in Boki Local Government Area, had on November 7 issued a communiqué in Calabar alleging that the state chairman withheld stipends meant for party officials at the chapter and ward levels for three months, diverted party funds, and ran the party “as a private estate.”

    But reacting to the claims, Eba described the allegations as “baseless and mischievous,” saying the affected chapter chairmen were being investigated for financial misconduct.

    “They embezzled monies meant for ward executives and some chapter executives running over ₦60 million. They must come and give account for that,” he said.

    The state chairman explained that the party has since adopted a direct payment system, where stipends are paid straight into the bank accounts of all 5,778 party executives across the state to ensure transparency and eliminate mismanagement.

    “We now pay all party executives directly into their accounts, and we have paid all of them up to date. But the 17 chapter chairmen’s salaries are being held until they clear themselves of the fraud alleged against them,” Eba stated.

    He further alleged that some chapter chairmen collect over ₦4 million monthly as dues from local government appointees and another ₦3.6 million from other sources but fail to remit or share the funds equitably among other officials at the ward and chapter levels.

    “They squander these funds, creating a disproportionate salary structure far higher than what members of the state executive committee earn. This is against the spirit of our administration and our commitment to transparency and accountability,” he added.

    Eba maintained that no chapter chairman or group of party officials has the constitutional power to demand the resignation of a state chairman or member of the state executive committee, stressing that the reverse is the case.

    “No chapter chairman has the power to call for the resignation of the state chairman or any member of the state executive. On the contrary, the state executive committee has full powers to discipline and sanction them, and this will be done immediately,” he declared.

    The crisis comes amid growing tension within the party over internal financial management and control of the state structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Eba reaffirmed his loyalty to the party leader and governor of the state, Bassey Otu, pledging to continue strengthening the APC at all levels for victory in the next election.

     

  • Just In: 35 APC Chairmen, Secretaries Demands Resignation of State Chairman, Eba, Over Alleged Financial Misappropriation

    Just In: 35 APC Chairmen, Secretaries Demands Resignation of State Chairman, Eba, Over Alleged Financial Misappropriation

    Culled From TheBeaglenewsonline.com

     Judex Okoro – Calabar 

    Smouldering crisis is brewing in Cross River All Progressives Congress (APC) as 35 chapter chairmen and secretaries have called for the immediate resignation of the state party chairman, Bar. Alphonsus Eba, over alleged financial impropriety.

    The notice for the demand is contained in a statement signed by 35 of the Chairmen and Secretaries at the end of their meeting in Calabar on Tuesday.

    The meeting, convened under the banner of “Forum of APC Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries,” alleged that Eba’s anti-progressive actions in piloting the party’s affairs in Cross River is destabilizing and destructive

    The forum chairman, Chief Kelvin Njong, who read the communique, based their demand for Eba resignation on “high handedness, insolent, underrating, and transactional approach in party administration, accusing the chairman of instigating chapter and ward party officials against the chapter leadership.

    “This action generated hatred, contempt, ridicule and disrepute on the Party leadership at the respective Local Government Chapters of our Party, contrary to section 21:2(i1 & v) of the APC Constitution as amended 26″ March, 2022,” it stated.

    Similarly, they further accused him of refusal to remit the percentage meant for the local local government areas and wards from the sales of forms during the 2023 general elections.

    According to the communique, “While the local government areas and wards comprising of 5,778 Party officials were given N9.2 million, the state executive with just 36 members took N40 million.

    “This is gross injustice and typical of the chairman. We also have other sundry remittances from the National Secretariat that are unaccounted for.”

    Sequel to the issues raised and the allegations, the forum demanded for the immediate payment resignation of the state chairman.

    It also demanded for the immediate payment of all the outstanding stipends of the local government and ward to the chapter chairmen to alleviate their sufferings.

    “Going forward, we wish to recommend that the stipends earmarked for the local government and ward party officials should be deducted at source and paid to the chapter chairmen who are leaders of the party and chairmen of caucuses at the local government level.

    “We strongly advocate for a review of the sharing formula of the funds accruing to the party.

    “Ideally, this should be shared in the ratio of 70 percent to the local government and wards comprising of 5,778 officials and 30 percent to the state officials that are 36 in number.

    “He (Eba) should also be mandated to pay our outstanding percentage arising from the sales of delegates and nomination forms in the 2023 general elections.

    “In the overall interest of the unity and progress of our great party, Eba should be mandated to resign honourably due to his anti-progressive actions and tendencies which has affected the party negatively,” it stated.

    The forum concluded that they remain committed to the reelection of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu in 2027.

    The communique was signed the 18 chapter chairmen and 17 chapter secretaries of the Cross River APC. The forum is comprised of 18 chapter Chairmen and 18 chapter Secretaries of the APC in the state.

    Also speaking, Comrade Odama Thomas Odama, chapter chairman Bekwarra and head of Operations of the Forum, said: ” What we have captured here is.a true reflection of the State of our party.”

    Equally speaking, William Book, Secretary of Chairmen Forum, said: “This is not a whitchurch. It is a matter of strengthening the party. So, it is out of place for chairman of the party to withhold dues meant for the party officials.

    “Alphonsus Eba should know other structures to play their role. We have met with him several times to resolve this lingering issues, but he gave deaf ears to it. Thus, this call for his resignation.”

    Reacting in a telephone interview, the State Chairman, Bar Alphonsus Eba said:” They are very stupid people, which I don’t mind. You know, when you are trying to make sure that things work very well, people resort to calling you names..

    “I have grown beyond that level. And all we try to do is to strengthen the party. Three months ago, the governor’s wife had a meeting with women, and in that meeting, I was shocked to hear that the monies I normally pay them directly they don’t remit to their ward chapters accurately.

    “I gave them a template of monies they should be paying as salaries. And they defaulted in following that template and only for me to discover that each of those people have been embezzling small, small stipends that should go to their own colleagues at the chapter level.”

    According to the Chairman, the chapter chairmen cannot distract us because we are focused and determined to instill discipline in the party.