The Lumine News

Category: Politics

  • Meet The Obudu APC Chapter Chairman,Comr Joseph Odama Ubenaye

    Meet The Obudu APC Chapter Chairman,Comr Joseph Odama Ubenaye

    Comrade Joseph Odama Ubenaye is a Nigerian engineer, youth leader, and politician whose career reflects a strong commitment to education, public service, and grassroots leadership.

    Early Life and Education: Born to Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Odama of Akpedem Ukwutia Village in Obudu, Comrade Joseph began his academic journey in the early 1990s at Regina Charley Nursery School. He proceeded to St. Charles Primary School, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1998.

    He later attended Community Secondary School, earning his Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 2003.
    Driven by a passion for engineering and technical development, he gained admission to Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering in 2010.

    In pursuit of further academic excellence, he enrolled at the University of Cross River State, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in 2023 and subsequently completing a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2025.

    Professional Career: Comrade Joseph began his professional career in the banking sector with First Bank of Nigeria, where he served from 2017 to 2019.

    Seeking broader avenues for national development and public impact, he resigned to join the Federal Civil Service, serving for several years before transitioning into strategic leadership roles in government.

    Youth Leadership and Public Service: A dedicated advocate for youth empowerment and civic participation, Comrade Joseph held key leadership positions within the National Youth Council of Nigeria, including:
    Secretary, Obudu Chapter (2016–2019)
    Social Secretary, Cross River State Chapter

    His tenure was marked by effective youth mobilization, community engagement, and grassroots advocacy.
    In 2023, he was appointed Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, where he played a pivotal role in legislative coordination, policy support, and administrative leadership within Cross River State.

    Political Leadership: Continuing his commitment to service and inclusive leadership, Comrade Joseph Odama Ubenaye was recently elected Chapter Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Obudu.

    His election reflects the confidence and trust reposed in him by party stakeholders and members, recognizing his organizational strength, loyalty, strategic capacity, and dedication to grassroots political development.

  • Jarigbe, 91 Other Central Coordination Committee Members Inaugurated Ahead of 2026 APC National Convention

    Jarigbe, 91 Other Central Coordination Committee Members Inaugurated Ahead of 2026 APC National Convention

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has been inaugurated as one of the 92 members of the Central Coordination Committee for the 2026 National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, inaugurated the committee at the party’s secretariat in Abuja.

    He stated that the committee members were carefully selected based on their proven integrity, wealth of experience, and commitment to the ideals of the party to deliver a convention that will be transparent, inclusive, credible, and beneficial to members.

    Speaking on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Bello Masari, expressed profound gratitude to the party leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding them worthy to serve.

    He noted that the committee’s mandate is clear and assured that members would approach the task with fairness and strict adherence to the party’s constitution, adding that the committee would work closely with the National Working Committee and other relevant organs of the party to ensure a peaceful, credible, and successful 2026 National Convention.

    In addition to his role on the Central Coordination Committee, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe was also appointed as a member of the Finance Sub-Committee in recognition of his sterling leadership qualities and contributions to the growth of the party in Nigeria.

  • All Progressive Congress Obudu Chapter Gets New Executive Through Consensus

    All Progressive Congress Obudu Chapter Gets New Executive Through Consensus

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Obudu Chapter has has successfully concluded her  Chapter Congress and has unanimously elected a 28 member executive to pilot the affairs of the party for a term of Four years.

    The party adopted a consensus strategy to produce the executive with positions shared among the Ten political wards in Obudu, which reflected internal cohesion, political maturity, and shared commitment to the progress of the party.
    The election which was held at the Sen Liyel Imoke Civic Centre, had political leaders of the Ten wards present including the Chairman of Council, Hon Peter Undiandeye PhD, Vice Chairman, Hon Rhoda Ashong, Deputy Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly and member representing Obudu State Constituency, Hon Sylvester Agabi, Hon Macilinus Anyoha, Commissioner for Industry, Hon Agi Asu, Commissioner for Sport, immediate past Chairman of council, Hon Boniface Ewhe, High Chief Tony Undiandeye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Aviation, Hon Ken Aklah, Chief Spokesman Agogo, Chief Mathias Akeh, Hon Justine Ugbe, Hon Peter Okaba, Mr Noel Ugbong, Mr Eric Akpo, Dr Paul Odey, Project Manager, Cross River State IMPACT project among other persons.

    The following persons elected into the various offices:
    Joe Odama – Chairman
    Sunday Utabu – Deputy Chairman
    David Akpanke – Secretary
    Julius Odzie – Assist Secretary
    Jude Ukeh – Legal Adviser
    Abua Godfrey Akomaye – Assist Legal Adviser
    Cyprian Ikong – Treasurer
    Justina Ugoma Ayi – Assist Treasurer
    Ushie Idang – Financial Secretary
    David Utsu Abegim – Asst Financial Secretary
    John Inangre – Publicity Secretary
    Clement Adung Odama – Asst Publicity Secretary
    Godwin Ushie – Welfare Secretary
    Anthony Anditung – Asst Welfare Secretary
    Charles Akeh – Organising Secretary
    Orim Anthony Ochui – Asst Organising Secretary
    Ogbiji Awhen – Auditor
    Moses Adie – Asst Auditor
    Akari Lydia – Woman Leader
    Amoikwen Dorathy – Asst Woman Leader
    Albert Adauga – Youth Leader
    Abua Clement – Asst Youth Leader
    Gabriel Ikwen Unimke – Special Leader
    Cletus Atemgweye – Asst Special Leader
    Patrick Abua – Ex-Officio 1
    John Aniah Azabey – Ex-Officio 2
    Joseph Agba – Ex-Officio 3
    Anthony N Idang – Ex-Officio 4

    Stakeholders described the process as peaceful, credible, and inclusive. They noted that the supervisory “guard” provided by party leaders ensured full compliance with party procedures and democratic principles throughout the congresses.

    Speaking shortly after his emergence, Comrade Joseph Odama expressed profound appreciation to party leaders and members for the confidence reposed on him and his team. He pledged to promote unity, inclusiveness, and effective strategies aimed at consolidating the party’s dominance in Obudu and beyond.

    Hon. Bassey Eyo Bassey and his team of observers commended the peaceful conduct of the congresses, stating that the successful exercise positions the APC Obudu Chapter for greater political engagement and future electoral victories.

    The consensus arrangement was formally adopted following a motion moved by Hon. Boniface Eweh, the immediate past Chairman of Council, and seconded by the Executive Secretary Obudu Urban Development Authority, Mrs Elizabeth Adie, who urged members to remain steadfast and supportive of the newly elected executives.

    The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, expressed gratitude to the leadership committee that toured the wards to ensure reconciliations were achieved. He also thanked party members for embracing peace and consensus throughout the process.

    Speaking to Theluminenews, High Chief Tony Undiandeye, commended the process and said the peaceful and concensuse election shows that Obudu has now become a one party system and noted that “it is a sign that 2027 election will be peaceful”.

  • 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.