Category: Politics

  • Bekwarra LG Crisis: Acting Governor Odey Brokers Peace Between Chairman And Councillors

    Bekwarra LG Crisis: Acting Governor Odey Brokers Peace Between Chairman And Councillors

     

    Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, has intervened in the political crisis unfolding in Bekwarra Local Government Area following the impeachment notice issued to Council Chairman, Hon. Theresa Ushie, by the councillors.

    On March 20, 2025, nine out of ten councillors initiated impeachment proceedings against the council Chairman of Bekwarra LG, Hon Theresa Ushie, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and abuse of office. The accusation deepened as accusations of unilateral decision-making and poor communication between the executive and legislative arms dominated discourse at the meeting.

    Responding swiftly, Acting Governor Odey convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting on March 24, 2025, followed by a second session on March 28, 2025, at his temporary office in the Glass House, Calabar.

    After extensive deliberations, it was observed that the crisis primarily stemmed from a breakdown in communication between the Chairman and the Councillors. Acknowledging this, Hon. Ushie offered an apology for any lapses and reaffirmed her commitment to working harmoniously with the legislators and other stakeholders in the local government.

    In his address, Acting Governor Odey urged all political stakeholders to set aside their differences and focus on governance and service delivery to the people of Bekwarra. He emphasized the need for due process, collaboration, and dialogue in resolving conflicts, stressing that effective communication and inclusiveness should be prioritized to prevent future disputes.

    Acting Governor Odey, leveraging his experience as a former UNDP advisor and legislator, adopted a family-oriented approach to resolving the crisis but cautioned that such interventions may not always be available. He called on all public officeholders to be proactive in their duties and embrace dialogue and consultation as essential tools for conflict resolution.

    Concluding, He stressed that impeachment should not be trivialized or used as a political weapon, as it is meant to be a last resort

    In their separate remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, emphasized the importance of peace and unity. They urged stakeholders to support the State Governor’s “People First” mantra, noting that no society thrives in a disharmonious environment.

    Also present at the reconciliatory meeting were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Hon. Charles Omang Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor Felix-Idem; Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere; Head of Personal Staff to the Acting Governor, Dr. Chris Ojiokpong, Bekwarra LG APC Chapter Chairman, Thomas Odama, and the Local Government Vice Chairman, Hon. Egbung Odama, among others.

    Fred Abua, Esq.,
    Press Secretary to the Acting Governor of Cross River State
    28/03/2025

  • RE: Should the people of Cross River Central Senatorial District Withdraw Senator Eteng Williams?

    RE: Should the people of Cross River Central Senatorial District Withdraw Senator Eteng Williams?

     

    We have taken note of Henry Tanya’s article, which attempts to draw comparisons between Distinguished Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and Senator Eteng Jonah Williams. This article is a clear attempt to stir up controversy and create unnecessary tension.

    By solely focusing on Senators Eteng and Jarigbe, the author ignores that there are three senators representing Cross River State. This comparison is unfair and designed to drive a wedge between the two senators. It is utterly absurd to compare someone with a decade of experience in the National Assembly, like Senator Jarigbe, to someone with only two years of experience in the Senate.

    The intent behind this analysis reeks of bias, and it is wrong to single out one legislator from a group of 11 for such negative focus. Henry’s comparison also overlooks the broader picture of how our state and country are governed. It is inappropriate to bring internal party politics into this, and Sen. Jarigbe wants no part in fueling such divisiveness.

    If the focus is on service to the people, then all the lawmakers should be judged fairly based on their collective work and impact, not on divisive narratives. We advise Henry to avoid using Senator Jarigbe ‘s performance index to fuel personal ambitions or incite unnecessary conflicts and the Senator should be excused from the APC’s internal politics.

    In conclusion, instead of perpetuating divisive Rhetorics, we should focus on promoting unity and constructive dialogue. The people of Cross River State deserve fair representation, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that our leaders are held accountable for their actions, not their party affiliations or personal connections.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • APC Stakeholder Berates Gov Otu, APC For Poor Reward System

    APC Stakeholder Berates Gov Otu, APC For Poor Reward System

    APC must be delibrate in improving it’s rewards system

    Giving 100k to Local Government aspirants as a Christmas package and covering transportation to and fro Calabar by Governor Bishop Senator Prince Bassey Otu is, frankly, insulting. It was less than 100k because some money was deducted for clearance. This is supposed to be for a people with not only families but also having supporters they ought to reach out to on Yuletide. This gesture reflects how the APC treats its members – with disregard and a lack of genuine appreciation. Governance should be about inclusion, not tossing crumbs at people and expecting unwavering loyalty.

    To even imagine that the less than 100k was given to aggrieved APC aspirants who were called for peace to mitigate the unfair selection of others makes it worse

    Barr Alphonsus Ogar Eba , APC state Chairman, it’s crucial we do better. The excuse of “no money” rings hollow when those in power live lavishly, prioritizing personal interests, family, and loyalists over dedicated members. Let’s remind those in power that elections will come again, and they’ll need the support of those they’re currently neglecting and insulting with paltry gestures.

    Joseph Odok PhD Esq

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

  • An Open Invitation to Join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) BY AUSTIN IBOK

    An Open Invitation to Join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) BY AUSTIN IBOK

     

    Dear APC Aspirants in the Recently Concluded CRS LGA Elections,

    I commend your unwavering dedication to leadership and your active participation in the democratic process within our state. Your commitment to the progress and development of our communities is truly admirable. However, the recent treatment many of you have received from the Governor and the APC leadership highlights a troubling disregard for your contributions and aspirations.

    The selection processes within the APC were marked by arrogance, impunity, and a lack of respect or consultation with key leaders representing various LGAs. Many of you were denied the opportunity to demonstrate your capacity and competence in the field, with rewards seemingly reserved for those with close personal ties to the Governor or members of the old APC. If figures like Ayade and Dr. Frank, who played instrumental roles in the Governor’s emergence, could be marginalized, what hope is there for others?

    This presents a unique opportunity for true supporters of Ayade to reconsider their position and align with the PDP, while leaving Ayade himself in the APC. This allows his administration to continue enjoying the protection it seeks, while core supporters can chart a new path within a platform that truly values their efforts.

    At both the state and national levels, the APC administration has brought untold hardship to Nigerians through poor policies, mismanagement, and broken promises. Aspirants like you, who have sacrificed so much, have been sidelined and denied the recognition and support you rightfully deserve.

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) offers a fresh start—a platform that prioritizes inclusiveness, progress, and genuine leadership. In the PDP, your contributions will not only be valued but celebrated. Together, we can rebuild our state and restore hope to our people. We have learned from our past mistakes.

    We warmly invite you to join us in shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for our state. Let us unite to deliver real results and lasting progress for all.

    Compliment of the season.

    Yours sincerely,
    Austine Ibok
    PDP Stakeholder, CRS

  • Give Us Time, We will Resolve Our Misunderstanding, Akpanke Tells Obudu PDP Stakeholders

    Give Us Time, We will Resolve Our Misunderstanding, Akpanke Tells Obudu PDP Stakeholders

     

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke, has assured stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, in Obudu Local Government Area that the widespread misunderstanding that seemed to have caused division among party faithfuls will soon be resolved.

    The Member of Parliament made the disclosure at his residence, Keting – Bendi in Obanliku today 3rd December 2024 when he hosted stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party PDP.

    Akpanke who reacted to the call by the stakeholders for the trio of Sen Jarigbe Agom, Hon Peter Akpanke and Mr Vena Ikem Esq, the PDP State Chairman to come together and provide the leadership that is required of them, noted that the leadership has decided to put the differences behind them to enable them provided the leadership and representation that is required of them.

    Stakeholders from the 10 wards of Obudu Local Government Area, took turns to expressed their disappointment over what they referred to as in-house differences, rather became an issue that was discussed everywhere and used the opportunity and charged the trio to unite for task ahead is very demanding.

    Hon Akpanke used the opportunity to appreciate stakeholders for the support given to the party, and noted that even husband and wives have some misunderstandings and how best they resolve their differences matters.

    He noted that “The little disagreement, we have met and decided that we should reunite ourselves, give us time, we will resolve fully.

    “All the people that were suspended, by the grace of God, they will be reinstated”.

    Akpanke berated the use of social media to vent anger when he said “There are more mature ways of settling issues other than going to social media.
    I don’t need to destroy people today and tomorrow I come and pretend to you that I need you.

    “We are very sorry for disappointing you. For those of you who wants to destroy others, please stop it. Some of you seated here are the ones spreading the rumors.

    “I have not told anybody that I want to defect to APC. I have not told anybody that I will run for senate. Whatever issues you think we have, we will resolve them. To

    “I will invite the three chapter chairmen to Abuja and we will have a meeting with leadership in Abuja to consolidate”.

    On the request for constituents to be awarded contracts to equip them for grassroot mobilization, Hon Akpanke, informed stakeholders that there seemed to be more bottle necks in the release of funds for projects execution now than before.

    He called on constituents to exercise some patience when he said “Please know that Sen Jarigbe Agom and I are in opposition. Give us the four years and access our performances”.

    On his rumoured defection, he said “I’m not defecting to anywhere. Those who are there, how well are they?
    Please don’t take anything personal.

    “All the issues you hear, are 80 percent resolved.
    They know our strength, and wants to infiltrate us. We will not give them the opportunity”.

    On the last local government elections, he averred that “The local government elections was not within our powers. The election was state government election. In Obanliku, they brought materials, they gave us result sheets, but they didn’t give us the ward result sheets, where will we have collated the results?”.

    ;

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom, Leader Of CRS PDP Addresses Party Faithfuls On Suspension Of The State Chairman, Vena Ikem

    Sen Jarigbe Agom, Leader Of CRS PDP Addresses Party Faithfuls On Suspension Of The State Chairman, Vena Ikem

    SPEECH BY SENATOR JARIGBE AGOM JARIGBE, LEADER OF THE PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) IN CROSS RIVER STATE, ON THE SUSPENSION OF THE STATE CHAIRMAN AND THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ACTING CHAIRMAN

    My dear compatriots in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State,

    Along with other well- meaning Leaders of our great Party, I take responsibility of the goings-on in our Party, not only as your Senator and Leader but as a steadfast member of this great Party, committed to its unity, progress, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence in governance and representation.

    The decision by the State Executive Committee of our Party to suspend the State Chairman and appoint Chief Austin Edibe as Acting Chairman is a significant and deliberate step to reposition our Party for future success. This action, taken in line with the provisions of our Party’s Constitution, reflects the will of the majority and the resolute commitment of our Party to strengthen its structures and processes.

    Let me begin by heartily congratulating Chief Austin Edibe on his new role as the Acting Chairman of our great Party. Chief Edibe, your selection is a testament to your unwavering dedication, leadership qualities, and capacity to steer our Party toward its desired goals. We have full confidence in your ability to build bridges, inspire confidence, and chart a course that will make our Party the envy of others.

    I also wish to commend the members of the State Executive Committee for their bold and decisive action to reposition the Party. You have demonstrated courage and foresight, prioritizing the collective interest of the PDP above all else. This is the kind of leadership that inspires hope and drives progress.

    To our outgoing Chairman, Mr. Vena Ikem, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your efforts in leading our Party over the past three years. Leadership comes with its unique challenges, and I commend you for your dedication during your tenure. As we transition, I urge you to submit to the decision of the majority, remain a loyal and committed party man, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the PDP in any capacity. We wish you well in your future political endeavors and trust that your wealth of experience will continue to benefit the Party.

    I must also extend my deepest appreciation to the Leaders of our Party across the state—our former Governors, Deputy Governor, Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and the House of Assembly. Your steadfastness and timely intervention have shown that true leadership is about standing up for the Party when it matters most. Your actions have inspired confidence and galvanized our supporters to remain loyal to the PDP.

    To the Leaders of our Party in all Local Government Areas, and to our teeming supporters, I thank you for your unyielding commitment and steadfastness. You are the backbone of the PDP, and your dedication is the reason we continue to stand tall in the face of challenges.

    As your Senator and Leader, alongside our representatives in the House of Representatives and our sole representative in the State House of Assembly, I assure you that we will continue to support the Party in every way possible. Together, we will work tirelessly to make the PDP a force to be reckoned with in Cross River State and beyond.

    Finally, I call on all members of our Party to eschew divisiveness and embrace peace and mutual understanding. Let us remember that the task ahead is not a walk in the park. Rebuilding, strengthening, and repositioning the PDP will require the collective effort of everyone. Let us put aside personal differences and unite for the common good. The future of our Party depends on our ability to work together, hand in hand, for a brighter tomorrow.

    Once again, I congratulate Chief Austin Edibe and thank every one of you for your dedication to this great Party. Let us move forward with renewed determination, knowing that our best days are ahead.

    Thank you, and God bless the People’s Democratic Party.

    Long live Cross River State.
    Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe, DSSRS
    Leader, PDP, Cross River State

  • Obono-Obla Berates CRS APC Chair, Rejects Elder Advisory Council Appointment

    Obono-Obla Berates CRS APC Chair, Rejects Elder Advisory Council Appointment

    13 October 2024

    Barrister Alphonous Ogar Eba,JP
    State Chairman
    All Progressives Congress Cross River State Chapter
    State Secretariat
    Murtala Mohammed Highway
    Calabar,Cross River State
    Nigeria

    Dear Mr Chairman,

    Rejection of Appointment as Member of a Purported Senatorial Elders Advisory Council (Central) Yakurr Local Government Area.

    My attention has been drawn to a press release signed by the State Chairman and State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Cross River State dated 12 October 2024, where my name was listed No 8 as a member of the said Council to represent Ijiman Ward in Yakurr Local Government Area.

    I take a serious exception to my purported appointment, which is calculated to diminish my status as one of the foundation members of the APC at the National, Senatorial, Local Government Area, and Ward levels of the Party since 2013.

    It is also pertinent to state that I was the pioneer National Legal Adviser, Member of the Board of Trustees (June 2009 to 31 December, 2010), Deputy National Secretary, Secretary (4 January 2011 to 31 July 2013), and Secretary/Member of the Merger Commitee of the defunct Congress For Progressives Change (CPC) between February 2013 to July 2013.

    Most importantly, I was the Co-Secretary of the Joint Inter Party Merger Committee that negotiated the formation of the APC in 2013.

    Finally, I raised an objection several days ago to the constitutionality of the purported Senatorial Elder Advisory Council (Central). For the avoidance of any doubt, I boldly submit that the said Senatorial Elders Advisory Council (Central) is an organ or structure unknown to the APC Constitution (2013) (as amended). I, therefore, reject and decline membership of the purported Senatorial Elders Advisory Council (Council) and the Yakurr Local Government Area Caucus of the APC.

    Yours sincerely

    Obol Okoi Obono-Obla

    C.C

    His Excellency
    Senator Bassey Edet Otu
    Governor
    Cross River State of Nigeria
    Governor’s Office
    Hope Waddel Avenue
    Calabar,
    Cross River State

    Mr Patrick Asuquo
    State Secretary
    All Progressives Congress Cross River State Chapter
    State Secretariat
    Murtala Mohammed Highway
    Calabar,Cross River State
    Nigeria

  • Stakeholders Appeal To Gov Otu, Party Organs To Micro-Zone Yala APC Chairmanship To Wanikade Ward

    Stakeholders Appeal To Gov Otu, Party Organs To Micro-Zone Yala APC Chairmanship To Wanikade Ward

     

    Ahead of the November 2nd Local Government Elections in Cross River State, the entire Wanikade people have made a passionate appeal to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and All Progressives Congress leadership to consider the ward in fielding the party’s chairmanship candidate.

    The call aligns with the principle of justice and fairness as stakeholders of Wanikade Ward have called for fairness, justice, and equity by advocating for the zoning of the APC chairmanship ticket to their ward in the upcoming local government elections.

    It highlights a long standing tradition within Yala Local Government’s politics particularly the zoning arrangements between Constituency 1 (Yala) and Constituency 2 (Ukelle) with an established accord in 2010 in which committee led by Hon. (Bar) Ogana Lukpata formalised this zoning formula of ensuring a rotation of leadership positions among wards in Ukelle without conflict.

    Historically, each time the chairmanship is ceded to Ukelle, Ukelle leaders often meet to micro-zone to a specific ward that has not previously held the position.

    Citing instances, the people noted that “for instance in 2007, when the chairmanship was zoned to Ukelle, the leaders selected Mfuma/Ntrigom Ward, resulting in the election of Hon. (Bar) Fidel Egoro. Similarly, in 2013, the chairmanship again went to Ukelle, with the Igede Ward being selected and this led to the election of Hon. Mike Ede Usibe.

    Notably, during these meetings, Wanikade Ward was explicitly designated to receive the chairmanship in the next cycle given that it had not yet held the position in Yala Local Government Area.

    Since the local government’s inception in 1991, Wanikade Ward has been the only ward in Ukelle to have never occupied the chairmanship which is a significant representation imbalance.

    While appealing to Senator Otu and the party leadership to ensure equity and justice especially considering the fact that other wards in Ukelle have had different stints and tenures Chairmen in Yala Local Government Council while Wanikade has not had a shot at the council at any time which amplifies the plea for justice, equity and fairness to the ward.

    As the local government elections approaches with expression of Intent Form by All Progressives Congress, the Wanikade stakeholders stress the importance of addressing this historical disparity. They also argued that zoning the chairmanship to the ward would promote equitable representation in Ukelle and Yala Local Government Area.

    The Wanikade stakeholders expressed gratitude to His Excellency’s leadership an Barr Alphonsus Eba’s leadership of APC in Cross River State. They however appealed for balanced representation in chosing the party’s flag bearer as it moves forward in the electoral process.

  • Quarrel Between Governor Sim Fubara And Nyesom Wike, Is History Repeating Itself? BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Quarrel Between Governor Sim Fubara And Nyesom Wike, Is History Repeating Itself? BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

     

    The open quarrel between Governor Sim Fubara and his former benefactor, Nyesom Wike,Minister of the Federal Capital Administration, is a reminisce of the one between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola in the defunct Western Region of Nigeria that took place in the early 1960s.

    Chief Obafemi Awolowo (SAN) was the leader of the Action Group,a political party that was founded in the late 1940s.
    Chief Awolowo was the leader of the Action Group and was in 1954 elected the Premier of Western Region of Nigeria.

    Chief Awolowo was the premier of the Western region from 1954 to 1960.
    He was later elected a member of the Nigerian Parliament and became the leader of the opposition.
    His ambition was to become the Prime Minister of Nigeria,and he therefore started playing politics to erect structures and networks across the country that would enable his ambition.

    On other hand, Chief Samuel Ládòkè Akíntọ́lá (S.L.A) was an orator and lawyer.
    He served as Oloye Aare Ona Kakanfo XIII of Yorubaland and served as premier of Western Nigeria from independence in 1960 until his assassination in 1966.
    He was the deputy leader of the Action Group.
    He did not want Western Nigeria to remain in opposition and accordingly sought alliance with the defunct Northern Peoples Congress that in control of the Federal government of Nigeria.
    Chief Akintola founded his own party known as Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) which entered into a coalition with the Northern Peoples Congress.

    The two approaches adopted by Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola led to a bitter feud which fragmented the Action Group into two irreconcilable factions ,namely Chief Awolowo’s faction and Chief Akintola’s own.

    The disagreement between Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola led to the eruption of crisis in the Western Region House of Assembly over a move by Chief Awolowo supporters in the Assembly to remove Chief Akintola from office as Premier of Western Region in 1962.

    There was a fight between supporters of these two political gladiators, Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola, on the floor of the Western Region House of Assembly by its members that had fragment into two irreconcilable factions in May 1962.
    The mace of the House of Assembly,was broken leading to the intervention of the Police to maintain law and order.
    Chief Akintola had accused Chief Awolowo of plotting to toppled his government.
    The intervention of the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was decisive and swift.
    A law was passed in the Nigerian Parliament authorizing the Prime Minister to declare a statement of emergency in the Western Region and dismantling of democratic institutions and governance.
    The Federal government appointed the then Federal Minister of Health. Dr. Moses
    .A Majekodunmi as the Sole Administrator of the Western Region from 29 June 1962 to December 1962.

    Chief Akintola challenged in Court his removal from office as Premier of Western Nigeria and he fought the case from the then Federal Supreme Court of Nigeria to the Privy Council (the Privy Council was the Judicial Commitee of the British House of Lords but was the apex judicial authority for Nigeria).

    However, Chief Akintola was restored as the Premier of Western Region of Nigeria in 1963.

    The chains of events that took place in the Western Region that emanated from the bitter political feud between Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola was one of the causes of military intervention in Nigerian politics.

    On the 15 January 1966 the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was toppled in a military coup detat leading to the suspension of the Constitution, the Nigerian Parliament and other democratic institutions.

    The military remained in power from 1966 to 1979.
    Unfortunately, Chief Akintola was assassinated by the ring leaders of the coup on the 15 January 1966.

    What lessons can all those involved in the current imbroglio in Rivers State learn from the bitter feud between Chief Awolowo and Chief Akintola?

    @ 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 

  • Profile And Manifesto Of Hon Mrs Mary Asabe Ugbe, Vying For The Chairmanship Position of Obudu Local Government Council

    Profile And Manifesto Of Hon Mrs Mary Asabe Ugbe, Vying For The Chairmanship Position of Obudu Local Government Council

     

    Hon. Mrs Mary Asabe Ugbe, was born on 25th November, 1960 in Bebuabie village, Obudu Local Government Area to the family of late Sargent Christopher and Mrs Theresa Ushie.

    Hon Asabe Ugbe began her education at RCM primary school Akwanga between 1966- 1972 and later Government Teachers College Akwanga, between 1973 – 1977, in the then Plateau State where she obtained Teacher Grade 2 certificate. She proceeded to the University of Jos for an Associate-ship in Education (A.C.E), 1987, and later obtained the Nigerian Certificate in Education NCE, from the Federal College of Education, Obudu. The quest for further knowledge took her to the University of Jos where she obtained the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Guidance and Counseling, 2001 and later Masters of Education (M.Ed), from Benue State University, in 2014.

    As a professional teacher, Hon Asabe Ugbe, has taught in both primary and secondary schools in both Obudu and Ogoja Local Government Areas.

    Due to her hard work, she was elevated to the positions of Headteacher and Principal before she retired from civil service on 1st July 2012.

    A devote Christian of the Roman Catholic Church, Mrs Asabe Ugbe, belongs to the Noble order of the Knight of Saint John International (KSJI).

    As a social engineer, Hon Mrs Asabe Ugbe, belongs to so many women groups, cooperatives and social clubs, including Lishi Gie Kushu social club of Obudu, where she currently serves as president.

    She is a community leader and mobilizer. She is a counseling psychologist, a peace lover as well as seasoned administrator. She is currently the Chairman of pensioners, Obudu/Obanliku branch.

    Political Career: Hon Asabe Ugbe, was a caretaker committee member of the defunct Social Democratic Party SDP, and a strong party stalwart. She has been delegate to so many elections.

    She is a grassroot politician from Obudu Urban 2.
    She is the immediate past Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, where she served under Hon Boniface Eraye Ewhe, from 2020 – 2023.

    Why Contesting For Chairmanship Position

    ASABE’S SEASON OF INNOVATIVE CHANGE.

    Over time, Local Government Councils have been run as mere administrative centres.
    There seemed to have been no significant improvement to justify the creation and existence of this tier of government.

    The need to change the dynamics to meet the growing expectations of the people at the grassroot whose interest the local government councils were established to cater for is very sacrosanct.

    The desire and quest to change this ugly trend, propelled me to put myself forward to run for the Chairmanship position of Obudu is to provide an alternative strategy to council administration.

    My design for Obudu Local Government is to apply simple methods to activate great changes.

    Education: I am a proud teacher whose career spanned both the primary and secondary streams. I know the place of primary education in the development chain. Primary education is the responsibility of the local government, and it will be prioritized to provide a sound foundation to prepare our children for further studies. This will done through:
    Schools renovation.
    Budgeted imprest for sundry items in schools.
    Monitoring compliance with set standards as enunciated by UBEC and SUBEB.
    Regular and prompt payment of teachers’ salary and benefits.

    HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT : This will be done through
    training of young men and women in artisanal crafts and proving start-up capital sourced from microfinance instutions and guaranteed by Council.
    Aggressive encouragement of our people to take trading as a vocation. It’s a profitable and sustainable venture.
    Harnessing of local produce and products for primary processing to create employment and economic activities in the area.

    AGRICULTURE: Our people are primarily peasant farmers. We will provide innovations on their farming methods to engender improved productivity. Provide farm inputs such as fertilizer, relevant chemicals and deploy Council Agricultural personnel as Extension Officers to assist farmers with emerging trends in modern farming methods

    HEALTH: We must be healthy first before we can carry out other human activities. Council under my supervision will rely on the advice of the health officials at our various primary health centers to ensure a steady availability of drugs to the health centers. Reactivate broken solar powered drug refrigerated infrastructure to ensure that stored drugs remain potent for patients.
    Motivate health officials through provision of regular imprest to run an effective and efficient primary health system to stem cases of maternal and child mortality.
    Liaise with relevant health organizations to access drugs and equipment for our health centers.
    Encourage retraining of the personnel to meet the challenges of new ailments and prevention methods.

    SECURITY: Security is the primary responsibility on government. Council under my watch will work with all security agencies in Obudu, Traditional Rulers Council, Youth Leaders and community volunteers to ensure the security of lives and properties.

    TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION AND CULTURE: Council will strengthen the traditional ruler’s institution in Obudu through regular interface to enable them maintain peace and order, providing general advice, preserving customs and culture, settling land disputes, granting religious authorizations, exercising social authority, and recognizing outstanding members of society.

    INFRASTRUCTURE AND ROADS: Council under my watch will ensure that the rural roads and culverts are taken care of to give access to our farmers to bring their produce to the market.

    INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE: Council cannot function solely on allocation from the federation account. Council will concentrate more to improve internally generated revenue to execute programmes. Build more lockup shops in Obudu main market, Utugwang market, Alege market, develop the mechanic village in Obudu town, naming of streets as well as strengthen revenue collection using the Point of Sale POS machines.

     

    SOLID MINERALS EXPLORING: Council will ensure that all relevant laws are enforced to ensure that council benefit from all exploration going on currently in Obudu. The quarries that are currently going on in Obudu. Council will engage the services of experts with the view to identify other minerals and ensure it’s exploration.

    ALIGNMENT WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT PEOPLE’S FIRST AGENDA

    Hon Mrs Asabe Ugbe empower women across the 10th wards in obudu local government during her tenure in office as the vice chairman of council 🎉🎉🎉🎉👑

    These and many more strategic areas shall be the core of my government should the good people of Obudu decide that it is time for innovative change in our Council administration.

    Best wishes from
    Hon Mary Asabe Ugbe.