The Lumine News

Category: Politics

  • Deputy Governor Peter Odey Joins Governor Otu, APC Leaders to Welcome Tinubu’s Representative to Calabar

    Deputy Governor Peter Odey Joins Governor Otu, APC Leaders to Welcome Tinubu’s Representative to Calabar

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, joined Governor Bassey Edet Otu, top government officials and All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders to welcome Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima to Calabar, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the party’s Presidential Campaign Rally.

    The visit formed part of activities surrounding the APC campaign rally, which attracted prominent political leaders, party faithful and supporters from across the state.

    Ahead of the rally, Odey accompanied Governor Otu and other members of the delegation on a royal visit to the Obong of Calabar, where they paid homage to the revered traditional ruler.

    The Deputy Governor later joined the Governor and other party stakeholders at the campaign rally held at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, where APC supporters gathered to demonstrate their support for the party and its leadership.

    Odey’s participation underscored his support for Governor Otu’s administration and the party’s political activities in Cross River State.

    PHOTOS: Highlights from the royal visit to the Obong of Calabar and the APC Presidential Campaign Rally at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

  • City Boy Movement Hail Cross Riverians for Massive Turnout at APC Presidential Rally

    City Boy Movement Hail Cross Riverians for Massive Turnout at APC Presidential Rally

     

    The City Boy Movement in Cross River State has thanked the people of the state for their massive turnout at Monday’s APC presidential campaign rally in Calabar, describing it as a strong reaffirmation of their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu and their party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    The rally, which attracted a mammoth crowd, featured Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu at the event.

    In a statement issued after the rally, the Director of Media of the Movement in Cross River State, Dr. Inyali Peter, said the impressive turnout demonstrated the confidence of Cross Riverians in the leadership of the APC both at the national and state levels.

    He noted that the people’s support reflected their understanding of President Tinubu’s achievements and the necessity of the reforms introduced by his administration to reposition the country and place it on a steady path to greatness.

    Inyali also attributed the growing acceptance of the APC in the state to the sterling performance of Governor Otu, noting that his People First administration had further endeared the President and his party to Cross Riverians.

    He said the Movement was encouraged by the show of solidarity and would sustain its mobilization and engagement efforts to strengthen support for President Tinubu and the APC across the state.

    The Director of Media thanked Cross Riverians for their continued confidence in the President, the Governor and the party, describing Monday’s rally as a clear demonstration of their political commitment.

  • INEC Officially Publishes John Upan Odey, Stella Archibong as NDC Governorship, Deputy Governorship Candidates for 2027 Cross River Election

    INEC Officially Publishes John Upan Odey, Stella Archibong as NDC Governorship, Deputy Governorship Candidates for 2027 Cross River Election

     

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially published John Upan Odey as its governorship candidate for the 2027 Cross River State Governorship Election, with Dr. Stella Charles Archibong named as his running mate.

    The official publication formally identifies the Odey-Archibong ticket among the candidates in the race for the state’s top political office, marking a significant step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 governorship election.

    In a statement acknowledging the development, the campaign expressed appreciation to supporters, stakeholders and well-wishers who have followed the political journey with interest, goodwill and steadfast support.

    The statement described the publication as an important moment in the democratic process of Cross River State, reaffirming the commitment of the candidates to presenting their vision, policies and development priorities to the electorate.

    It further stressed the need for a campaign anchored on clarity, dignity, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the progress of the state.

    Under the slogan, “A Fresh Start – One People, One Cross River,” the Odey-Archibong ticket is positioning itself around unity, collective purpose and a renewed vision for Cross River State.

    The development signals the emergence of the NDC ticket as part of the political conversation ahead of the 2027 Cross River State Governorship Election.

    A Fresh Start – One People, One Cross River.

  • Ikom I Deserves Leadership That Prioritises People’s Needs – Kennedy Nsan

    Ikom I Deserves Leadership That Prioritises People’s Needs – Kennedy Nsan

     

     

    Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan, the NDC candidate for Ikom I State Constituency, has called for renewed commitment to responsible leadership, accountability, and people-centred governance, saying public office should be seen as a responsibility to serve, not a reward.

    Nsan, who made the call in an article titled “Leadership Is a Call to Service and Responsibility,” said the true measure of leadership lies not in the privileges or authority attached to public office, but in the ability to improve the lives of the people.

    He noted that leadership must be driven by a commitment to collective progress, stressing that public institutions exist to serve the people and that the interests of citizens must take precedence over personal comfort, political convenience and private interests.

    According to him, the relationship between elected representatives and the electorate is founded on responsibility, with citizens entrusting leaders with the mandate to protect their interests, communicate their concerns and pursue their collective aspirations.

    He expressed concern that political offices were sometimes viewed as opportunities for personal advancement rather than platforms for public service, accountability and effective governance.

    Nsan maintained that effective leadership requires empathy, competence, accessibility and accountability, adding that leaders must engage meaningfully with communities to understand their challenges and address their needs.

    He identified access to roads, quality education, healthcare, electricity, clean water and economic opportunities as some of the expectations of citizens that should receive attention from government.

    Focusing on Ikom, the NDC candidate said constituency representation should go beyond election-day appearances, noting that the responsibility of an elected representative begins in earnest after securing the people’s mandate.

    He said the people of Ikom deserved representation that gives them a voice in decisions affecting their communities and ensures that their concerns receive attention within the appropriate institutions of government.

    Nsan further stressed the need for elected representatives to remain accountable to their constituents by providing explanations on achievements, outstanding challenges and measures being taken to address them.

    He urged political leaders to embrace a culture of service in which citizens’ concerns are treated as matters of public importance and the pursuit of collective progress takes precedence over individual interests.

    Nsan, who is from Akparabong Ward, Ikom Local Government Area, said the ultimate test of leadership should be what the people gain from the service of their leaders, rather than what leaders acquire from the people.

  • City Boy Movement Inaugurates LG Chapter Offices in Ogoja, Yala

    City Boy Movement Inaugurates LG Chapter Offices in Ogoja, Yala

     

    The City Boy Movement in Cross River State has inaugurated its local government chapter offices in Ogoja and Yala as part of activities marking the Movement’s statewide tour.

    The inauguration was performed by the State Director, Hon. Eyo Ita, as the Movement continues its grassroots mobilization drive and expansion of its structures across the state.

    The tour will proceed today to Ikom, Obubra and Etung Local Government Areas in Cross River Central Senatorial district, where additional chapter offices will be inaugurated.

    The exercise is part of the Movement’s efforts to strengthen its presence at the grassroots and coordinate its activities across the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • City Boy Movement Inaugurates Chapters in Obanliku, Obudu, Bekwarra

    City Boy Movement Inaugurates Chapters in Obanliku, Obudu, Bekwarra

     

    The Cross River State Chapter of the City Boy Movement has inaugurated its Local Government Area (LGA) chapters in Obanliku, Obudu and Bekwarra, as part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The inauguration ceremonies featured the unveiling of the movement’s LGA, ward and polling unit structures, alongside the official unveiling of its LGA secretariat to support coordination, mobilization and grassroots engagement.

    Speaking at the separate events, State Director, Hon. Eyo Ita, charged the newly inaugurated executives to take the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda to every ward and polling unit, stressing the need for sustained grassroots engagement and effective mobilisation across Cross River State.

    On his part, Cross River North Coordinator of the group, Barr. Paul Ishabo said that the initiative was aimed at consolidating support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, while mobilizing voters for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

    He urged the newly inaugurated executives to remain committed to the movement’s objectives and work towards expanding its reach and strengthening the party’s support base ahead of the next general elections.

    The movement will continue its inauguration tour on Wednesday with the inauguration of its chapters in Ogoja and Yala Local Government Areas. The tour will then proceed to the Central Senatorial District on Thursday as the movement expands its structures across the state.

  • City Boy Movement Begins Cross River Tour, Inaugurates LG Offices October 27

    City Boy Movement Begins Cross River Tour, Inaugurates LG Offices October 27

     

    The City Boy Movement in Cross River State will commence a statewide tour on October 27, 2026, with the inauguration of local government offices and registration centres as part of efforts to expand its grassroots presence and strengthen its organizational structure across the state.

    The tour will begin in the Northern Senatorial District, with visits to Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku on October 27, followed by Ogoja and Yala on October 28.

    The Movement will proceed to the Central Senatorial District on October 29, covering Ikom, Boki and Etung, before visiting Obubra, Yakurr and Abi on October 30.

    Beyond the inauguration of offices, the tour will provide an opportunity to mobilize new members and encourage interested residents to formally register with the Movement. It will also feature engagements focused on communicating the gains of the policies and reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration, alongside Governor Bassey Otu’s People First agenda.

    The statewide exercise forms part of the Movement’s efforts to build its grassroots network and engage communities ahead of the 2027 general elections. It will also serve as a platform to familiarize residents with the programmes and priorities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates.

    The City Boy Movement calls on its members, supporters and interested residents across the scheduled local government areas to participate actively in the exercise and support efforts to establish functional registration centres across the state.

    Signed:

    Comrade Inyali Peter, Ph.D.
    State Director of Media
    City Boy Movement, Cross River State

  • PMT, JariLeaque Coalition, Egaga Congratulates Prof Odey, Etubom Bassey Ndem’s Emergence As DG, Secretary

    PMT, JariLeaque Coalition, Egaga Congratulates Prof Odey, Etubom Bassey Ndem’s Emergence As DG, Secretary

     

    The Cross River State Chairman of The People’s Movement for Tinubu & Shettima, Convener of JARILEAGUE COALITION and foundational supporter of HE Prince Bassey Otu, Prof EGAGA Patrick, has congratulated the duo of Prof. Stephen Odey and Etubom Arch. Bassey Ndem for emerging as Director-General and Secretary respectively, of the Cross River State APC Campaign Council.

    In a statement, Prof EGAGA described their emergence as “percolated, well distilled and brewed” pointing out that their appointments are a “striking symbolism and consumate marriage between the formal and informal sectors”.

    Egaga assured indigenes and residents in Cross River State that “Prince Otu’s Second Missionary Journey will certainly witness bountiful yields as the administration is gradually recovering from the miasma, quagmire and maldevelopment it inherited”

    He equally assured the Cross River State APC Campaingn Council of maximum support and collaboration of the People’s Movement for Tinubu, led by Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed and Hon. Suleiman Dodo Abubakar as well as solid backing from the leadership and teeming followership of the JARILEAGUE COALITION Worldwide.

    Prof. EGAGA however charged the Campaigning Council to be ” honest, prudent and, necessarily, incorporate other notable and visible Support Groups” .

  • Daniel Nkpabo Denies Political Sponsorship by Senator Jarigbe

    Daniel Nkpabo Denies Political Sponsorship by Senator Jarigbe

     

    Nkpabo Daniel Inaku, a political aspirant from Ukpah in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, has denied claims that Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe is sponsoring his political activities or backing him against other political actors in the area.

    In a statement titled “Setting the Record Straight: The Myth of Jarigbe’s Sponsorship” Inaku said his decision to seek political office was driven by personal conviction and what he described as persistent calls from members of his community.

    According to him, he first contested for the Cross River State House of Assembly in 2022 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said six aspirants participated in the contest, including several from Ukpah, and that he narrowly lost the primary election to Barrister Omang Charles Omang.

    Inaku recalled that Senator Jarigbe subsequently described him as a “political underdog” during a meeting between them, stressing that nobody alleged at the time that the senator was sponsoring his political activities.

    He said that after the 2022 primary, he continued to mobilise supporters and travelled repeatedly between Abuja and Cross River State in an effort to defeat the incumbent lawmaker, using his personal resources.

    “I did so because I believed in the cause, not because anyone sponsored me,” he said.

    Inaku further stated that he returned to the political contest in 2023 following renewed appeals from members of his community. He said his first political consultation with Senator Jarigbe took place during that period.

    According to him, Jarigbe explained that the political circumstances had changed, with both men now in the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Governor Bassey Otu was the sitting governor.

    Inaku said Jarigbe told him that his loyalty to Governor Otu was total and that he would support the governor’s position if the governor had an interest in the Bekwarra contest. Otherwise, he said, Jarigbe indicated that he could speak with someone who might be able to support Inaku.

    “Since then, I have neither sought nor received political sponsorship or direction from him,” Inaku said.

    He also dismissed rumours that Jarigbe had provided him with money and aides to support his political activities. He specifically rejected a claim that the senator gave him ₦20 million during the New Yam Festival to return home and work against certain candidates.

    “Jarigbe has never sponsored me against anyone or any election,” he stated.

    Inaku said his political decisions were based on his personal convictions and religious beliefs, adding that he had previously taken political positions that he believed were in the interest of his people, even when doing so exposed him to pressure and personal sacrifices.

    He also acknowledged his admiration for Jarigbe’s political style while noting that he holds his own views about both the senator and Governor Otu.

    “My only political bargain is simple: whatever position I take must ultimately serve the interest of the Bekwarra people,” he said.

    Inaku concluded by urging political actors and members of the public to distinguish between legitimate political disagreements and what he described as political blackmail. “For those who believe Senator Jarigbe sponsors the air I breathe: he does not,” he said.

    He described himself as an independent political actor whose loyalty, in his words, is to “God, my people and the principles I believe in.”

     

  • Ekpenyong Youth Wing Flags Off Campaign Activities Across Cross River South

    Ekpenyong Youth Wing Flags Off Campaign Activities Across Cross River South

     

    The Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Youth Wing has commenced campaign activities across the seven Local Government Areas of Cross River South Senatorial District, unveiling a youth-focused agenda centred on education, empowerment, digital inclusion and grassroots engagement.

    The programme, convened by Obong Ekpe Eyo Ita Okon, is expected to take youth engagement to communities and campuses through a series of town-hall meetings where young people will discuss issues relating to governance, education, employment and development.

    Among the initiatives announced at the flag-off are plans to provide free Starlink internet services in tertiary institutions across the senatorial district, expand student bursaries and educational support, and introduce youth empowerment, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes.

    The organisers also pledged sustained engagement with student and youth organisations across the seven LGAs.

    Speaking at the event, Okon said the initiative was designed to give young people more than a platform for political participation, stressing the need to create practical opportunities capable of improving their education, livelihoods and future prospects.

    The flag-off attracted student leaders from tertiary institutions across the district, led by their Students’ Union Government (SUG) presidents, as well as representatives of the National Association of Cross River State Students (NACRISS) Worldwide, Students of Cross River State Origin (SOCRISS), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Cross River State, and other student organisations.

    Also present were coordinators of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Southern Chapter, All Progressives Congress (APC) youth chapter leaders from across the senatorial district and representatives of various youth support groups.

    Speaking on behalf of APC chapter youth leaders, Effiom Yellow Duke called for greater unity and youth participation in governance, saying young people should play an active role in shaping the future of the district.

    Representing youth support groups, Margaret Effiom commended the initiative and highlighted education, empowerment, entrepreneurship and skills development as key areas for expanding opportunities for young people.

    The SUG President of the University of Calabar, Comrade Vordina Ebong, who spoke on behalf of student leaders, welcomed the proposed provision of free Starlink internet services.

    Ebong described digital connectivity as increasingly important to modern learning, research and access to global opportunities, while calling for sustained engagement with students beyond the launch of the programme.

    Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of NYCN, Southern Senatorial District, Comrade Benjamin Edet, welcomed the initiative and commended the organisers for bringing student leaders and youth organisations together.

    Edet stressed the need to translate youth participation into tangible opportunities and meaningful development across the district.

    In his remarks, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Joseph Enyiam, described the engagement with students and young people as timely.

    He encouraged student leaders to remain united, constructive and focused on issues that promote the welfare and development of young people in Cross River State.

    The flag-off marks the beginning of a wider youth engagement programme covering Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Biase, Calabar Municipal, Calabar South and Odukpani Local Government Areas.

    The organisers said the programme would take the announced initiatives and direct engagement with young people to communities and tertiary institutions across Cross River South.