The Lumine News

Category: Politics

  • 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.

  • Asabe Ugbe Felicitates With Obudu On Nigeria’s Independence Celebration

    Asabe Ugbe Felicitates With Obudu On Nigeria’s Independence Celebration

     

    A Frontline contender for the position of Chairmanship in Obudu Local Government Area, Mrs Mary Asabe Ugbe, has felicitate with the people of Obudu, on the 64th independent celebration of nationhood.

    In a message she personally signed and made available to TheLumineNews, the immediate past Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon Asabe Ugbe, urged Nigerians in general and Obudu in particular to be inspired by the independence to cherish our freedom, embrace diversity and work together to build a brighter future.

    The release reads in parts “Today we celebrate the spirit of freedom and the values that unites us as a nation. Let’s us honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our liberty, and continue to strive for justice and equity for all.

    “May this day inspire us to cherish our freedom, embrace diversity and work together to build a brighter future”

  • Diamond Jubilee: Emma Akwagiobe Congratulates APC Stakeholders, Obudu Community on Nigeria’s 64th Anniversary

    Diamond Jubilee: Emma Akwagiobe Congratulates APC Stakeholders, Obudu Community on Nigeria’s 64th Anniversary

     

    On the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2024, the Honorable Emma Akwagiobe campaign train extends warm felicitations to our esteemed All Progressives Congress stakeholders, supporters and the good people of Obudu Local Government Area, at home and in the diaspora.

    As we celebrate this milestone Diamond Jubilee which symbolizes our nation’s strength, we are reminded of our unity and resilience as one indivisible nation. May this momentous occasion inspire us to work together towards a brighter future for Obudu and Nigeria.

    As we move closer to the local government elections this October, we are confident that our collective efforts will culminate in a resounding victory at the polls. We are committed to take the reins of leadership to deliver exemplary governance that will bring prosperity and growth to our people.

    Therefore, as we move into this month of October, we thank our friends and growing support base for all your efforts in making this aspiration a success. We pray that God’s blessings, favor and grace will be our guiding principles. May this month of October be a month of victory and a month of joy for all of us.

    Once again, we congratulate our party members for their strong enthusiasm and dedication. We also invite those who are undecided to join our movement. Together, we will transform Obudu Local Government Area into a shining example of progress and hope for our collective good.

    Congratulations and Happy Independence anniversary.

    Signed:
    Hon. Emma Akwagiobe For Chairman Campaign Train.
    1/10/2024

  • I Remain Loyal To The PDP, I Have No Reason To Leave – Jarigbe

    I Remain Loyal To The PDP, I Have No Reason To Leave – Jarigbe

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has urged his constituents to be calm as he his loyalty remain with his constituents.

    Sen Jarigbe responded to rumors peddled by distractors and said he remained with the PDP because he has no reason to leave.

    The lawmaker noted that his mandate was given to him by people of Cross River North, and only the person have the power to determine his fate, and insisted that no political maneuver or rumor can alter this truth. The senator affirmed that his loyalty lies with the people, and his commitment to our shared vision of progress remains unshaken.

    The senator made this known in press release made available to TheLumineNews, which he personally signed.

    Find the release below

    PRESS RELEASE

    DISREGARD BASELESS RUMORS: I REMAIN LOYAL TO THE PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP).

    My dear Constituents of Cross River North Senatorial District, esteemed Party men and loyal supporters,
    I address you today in response to a baseless and mischievous rumor making the rounds, suggesting that I, your Senator, am planning to defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to another political party. I wish to categorically state that this rumor is entirely false, a figment of the imagination of political jobbers who are bent on misleading and distracting us from the important task of governance and development in our district.

    Let me be clear: I remain fully committed to the ideals of the PDP and have no intention whatsoever of jumping ship. This malicious rumor is the handiwork of those who seek to cause confusion among our people. Their intention is to undermine the trust we have built together, but I urge you to completely disregard their lies. Our focus must remain on delivering the dividends of democracy to our people, not engaging in baseless speculation.

    I did not seek this position to play politics; I sought it to serve you, my people. It is not about the political party, but about the commitment to fulfilling our social contract. As your representative, I have always placed your welfare, development, and progress above all else. That will never change. I am here to serve, and I will continue to deliver on my promises, no matter the distractions.

    Those who are quick to defect are often those who have failed to perform and are now seeking help from the government in power ahead of the next election. However, let me remind them that elections are won based on performance, not on the political party one belongs to. Our people are wise, and they will assess us by what we have done for them, not by where we have chosen to sit at the table of power.

    I remain with the PDP because I have no reason to leave. My mandate was given to me by you, the people of Cross River North, and only you have the power to determine my fate. No political maneuver or rumor can alter this truth. My loyalty lies with you, and my commitment to our shared vision of progress remains unshaken.

    I urge you to stay focused and disregard the noise from those who wish to distract us. Together, we will continue to work for the betterment of our Senatorial District , ensuring that the progress we seek is achieved.

    Thank you for your trust, support, and belief in our shared mission.

    God bless Cross River North Senatorial District.
    God bless the People’s Democratic Party.

    Dist. Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS.
    Cross River North Senatorial District
    People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

  • Ofambe Community Adopts Silas Osang For Councillorship In Alege/Ubang Ward

    Ofambe Community Adopts Silas Osang For Councillorship In Alege/Ubang Ward

     

    The people of Ofambe Community in Alege/Ubang ward has unanimously adopted Mr Silas Ochui as their representative in the Obudu Legislative Council just as the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission CROSIEC announced the conduct of Local Government elections in October, 2024.

    The event which comprised of elders, women, youths, opinion leaders and Chiefs in Ofambe community took place at Unity Primary School, Ofambe – Ubang, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The community explained that it was very crucial to carefully examine the various persons vying to represent them in the council as the third tier of government, the local government council is the most closest to the local people and so demands a person who is closer to them, who understands them and will provide the needed representation that is demanded of such a person.

    The community insisted that it was very appropriate and timely for them to adopt who they think is best among their children vying for same position to avoid unnecessary expenses occasioned by their aspirations which may create room for overzealous politicians in and outside the Ofambe community to extort them.

    The community vowed to do everything within their powers to ensure that their choice of the councillorship position is sustained and subsequently elected into council to compete with other colleagues with the view to deliver the dividends of democracy to them.

    The event had in attendance women, youths, elders, opinion leaders and Chiefs who adopted Mr Osang Silas Ochui, as their sole aspirant for the councillorship position.

    They used the occasion to call on all sons and daughters of Alege/Ubang ward to respect their choice of who represents them in the council since the position has been zoned to Ofambe.

    The following persons spoke on behalf of the elders/opinion leaders, Mr Fidelis Omang popularly refered to as Mali, Omang Christy spoke on behalf of the women, and Mr Inyang Denis spoke on behalf of the youths.

    Also Elder Inyang Isaiah Osang, a retired pastor, called on other youths to respect the choice of the community.

    Present during the adoption were all the chiefs in the community.
    Chief Julius Okpu
    Chief Oliver Ibang
    Chief Sunday iyang
    Chief Peter Abua,
    Chief. Simon orim
    Chief. Ayeni James
    Chief. Nzama Jonah
    Chief. Ayeni Vincent.

    Mr Osang Silas Ochui, thanked the entire community for the responsibility saddled him, and used the opportunity to call on all other brothers of his who have declared their intentions openly or are yet to do so to please give him the opportunity and support to answer the call to serve them.

    He thanked the community to have abandoned their schedules to gather for his sake. He pledged commitment to the responsibility given him asked for prayers.

    He was blessed and prayers offered to God as they called on their ancestors to guide, protect and bring to fruition their collective choice of their councillorship representative.

    Mr Silas Osang has shown commitment to serving others. His impact on the community is evident through various initiatives, including:
    Volunteering at the Ofambe Primary Health Center, ensuring that vital health services reach the most vulnerable populations.

    Volunteering at the Community Secondary School in Ubang where he taught and prepared for JAMB, WAEC and NECO examinations, which significantly improved Student’s chances of admission to higher education.

    Osang played pivotal role in the reinstallation and repair of the local market borehole, ensuring access to clean water for residents. He also worked on configuring streetlights, enhancing the safety and security of the community.

    His key three areas of focus includes, effective representation, accountability, and youth empowerment.

  • Team Jari Media Speaks On Defecting Two PDP Assembly Members

    Team Jari Media Speaks On Defecting Two PDP Assembly Members

    ON THE MATTER OF OUR DEPARTING ASSEMBLY MEMBERS

    “There are two tragedies in life. One is not to gain your heart’s desire, the other is to gain it.” – George Bernard Shaw.

    In gaining one’s strong desire they are unwittingly exposed both to themselves and the general public, in the mettle that frames their inner core and their capacity to stay the course upon which they sailed into success, despite challenges.

    Sometimes to lose a high office is to find protection from oneself and their frailties and remain in the fitting shelter of public knowledge about them. If you didn’t come to the village square to play, no one would have known about your club feet.

    The social media has been agog with news about the plans of two PDP members of the House of Assembly to defect to the APC in less than no time. They are going to the food table where they expect to eat mouthfuls for themselves. And the real losers are the people who voted them into office and trusted them with their well-being.

    We who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party,of can only wish them well in their new endeavour and hope that since there is no governor from the North at this time, they will be able to fill in the gap by attracting, employment, projects and empowerment for their constituents which their membership of the PDP did not allow them to do.

    Our brothers are free to ignore the reality, as Ayn Rand says, but they cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring the reality. Nor can they ignore the niggling conscience of betraying the very hand and machinery that fed their ambition and brought them to the front line.

    We on our part will continue to remain resolute in our belief in our leaders and in our party, as doing otherwise can only make us light in the eyes of the people to whom we owe our election into office and our mandate. Being so blessed by the Almighty, we cannot regret the loss of some associates, after all, it was never about numbers, it was always about our belief, our conviction and the trust that the masses of our people have invested in us.

    When we ran in 2023 elections we captured 7 Seats out of 9 Seats in Cross River North. This was achieved even when they dominated all elected and appointive Offices, we had only the people on our side. We stood against a sitting governor from the North, a federal minister from the North, two National Assembly members, six House of Assembly members, five local government chairmen, ten commissioners, more than 2000 appointees, about 50 councillors and even more. And we still changed the narrative.

    We are still standing with the people. Two House of Assembly members abandoning the people and the party are most unlikely to change the story, they may however gain a little personal pecks and perquisites, nothing more. Regrettably, they are unlikely to bring any succour at all, for the people who brought them to office. In any event, their influence has, at best, been very negligible.

    We remain unconquerable, because we are who we are, having long chosen principles and the narrow path over and above the gravey train. There are no odds in politics when the people are at the core of one’s endeavour, the choice is not difficult to make. What is more delightful is that our electorates are more enlightened now and truly know on which side their bread is buttered.

    And like INVICTUS, we thank whatever gods may be, for our unconquerable souls. Because we remain the masters of our fate, the captains of our souls.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA