The Lumine News

Category: Politics

  • Jarigbe Pays Courtesy Visit to Obudu LGA Chairman, Hon Peter Undiandeye Ahead Of Consultation

    Jarigbe Pays Courtesy Visit to Obudu LGA Chairman, Hon Peter Undiandeye Ahead Of Consultation

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, at his residence upon arriving in Obudu ahead of his scheduled consultation visits.

    Senator Jarigbe, who was accompanied by key stakeholders from across the senatorial district, stated that his visit to Obudu marks the beginning of his consultations. He emphasized the importance of paying homage to the council chairman as part of his engagements.

    While receiving the senator and his delegation, Chief Tony Undiandeye expressed appreciation for Senator Jarigbe’s continued support for the Governor of Cross River State and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria since joining the All Progressives Congress (APC). He noted that the senator’s presence in Obudu reflects the growing strength and momentum of his political aspirations among stakeholders, party leaders, and constituents.

    Also speaking, former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Edi, highlighted the significance of the senator’s visit and the gathering of stakeholders in Obudu. He described Cross River North as fortunate to have Senator Jarigbe as its representative and called for collective support to ensure his reelection. According to him, this would enable the senator to continue his work in synergy with the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, and the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Some of the stakeholders include, Hon. Chief Timmy Tom, Chief Igbe Aruku, Hon. Martins Orim, Dr. Dornclaimz Enamhe, Hon. Paddy Uguge, Wabily Nyiam, Hon. Chris Agbe, Hon. Thomas Agi, Uko Inaku, Hon. Bravo Gabriel Oluohu amongst others.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • APC National Convention: Chief Okoi Obono-Obla Declares Interest For Publicity Secretary

    APC National Convention: Chief Okoi Obono-Obla Declares Interest For Publicity Secretary

    Ready to Serve as APC Voice –

    On 16 March 2026, the Party announced that it will retain the zoning formula used in 2022 as the basis for its 2026 zoning arrangement.

    I have always been a loyal Party man, and therefore I will align my aspiration with the decision of the Party. Accordingly, I intend to aspire to the position of National Publicity Secretary, or alternatively, the National Vice Chairman (South-South), subject to the agreement of our leaders.

    Undoubtedly, I will function seamlessly as a credible publicity anchor for the Party. My institutional memory is deep: I served as National Deputy Secretary, Secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), and Co‑Secretary of the Joint Inter‑Party Merger Committee that negotiated the formation of the APC in 2013. This experience is vital to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of our administration.

    Beyond this, I bring 35 years of legal practice and extensive government service, including roles as Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution, Special Assistant to the Attorney General of the Federation, Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel, and Acting Secretary of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee. Coupled with my media exposure as a commentator on governance, human rights, and international affairs, I have consistently defended and promoted the Party and Government in both traditional and new media.

    In addition, I have served as a Traditional Ruler in my community in Cross River State since 2009, on a throne that is over 500 years old. My experience as a judge, mediator, reconciliator, and administrator of justice and favors has enriched my capacity to manage people and resolve disputes. This background will bear directly on my work as a Party bureaucrat, particularly in strengthening its internal conflict resolution mechanisms.

    I was also the Chief Spokesman of the APC in Cross River State during the 2023 electioneering campaign, where I performed creditably in projecting, driving, and promoting the Party’s manifesto and campaign. This effort contributed to the Party’s victory in the State across both the executive and legislative branches of government.

    I am also a writer and author with deep knowledge of national and international affairs, which I will harness to shape and drive the Party’s narrative. Over the years, I have consistently defended and promoted the Party and Government in a positive light, ensuring that their vision is projected with clarity and conviction.

    In conclusion, the office of the National Publicity Secretary of the APC—the governing Party in Nigeria—requires loyalty, institutional memory, professional competence, media dexterity, and conflict resolution skills. These qualities I possess in abundance, and I stand ready to serve the Party with dedication and distinction.

    Obol Okoi Obono-Obla
    17 March 2026

    Obol Okoi Obono-Obla

  • Group Endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu, Sen Jarigbe Agom for 2027

    Group Endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu, Sen Jarigbe Agom for 2027

     

    Cross River North stakeholders resident in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a group of leaders across political divides, professional backgrounds and community leadership positions, have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, H. E Senator Prince Bassey Otu and Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe to continue in office till 2031.

    Members of the group bared their minds in a communique read at the end of the their Endorsement Rally on Saturday, during which they reviewed the trajectory of governance under the leadership of the President, Governor and Distinguished Senator in the past years, especially in view of the evolving national political landscape.

    In a communique which was presented by the Liaison Officer to the Governor, House of Assembly, Hon. Cynthia Nkasi, the group restated her commitment to the Leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, H. E. Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

    1. The group expressed its profound appreciation to Senator Jarigbe Agom
    Jarigbe for his selfless movement and integration into the APC, which has helped to position the Zone for greater benefits, both from the state and Federal Government.

    2. The group thanked Senator Jarigbe’s
    commitment to providing exceptional, broad based and quality representation for the people of the Zone and for complimenting the Governor, H. E Senator
    Prince Bassey Edet Otu People’s First Agenda in the State.

    3. The Group appreciates the Senator for facilitating, executing and completing projects that are evenly sited across the Northern Senatorial District.

    4. The group acknowledged and appreciated Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe for his consistent commitment to the education of our young ones, especially
    the facilitation and placement of Northern Cross River indigenes in various establishments, the facilitation of overseas scholarship for our young ones and the Jari Bursary Scheme.

    5. The Group further expressed their appreciation to him for the political visibility and recognition that the zone enjoys since his election as Senator,
    representing the Senatorial District.

    6. In view of the above, we the stakeholders of Cross River North resident in Abuja, have come out to encourage Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, to remain focused on delivering on his mandate and to seek re-election so that he can continue to deliver quality representation to the people.

    7. The group expressed their Satisfaction with the developmental strides of Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s administration in the state and commended his ongoing efforts at completing all projects in the zone, initiated by the past administration, while equally noting the bold economic reforms initiated by the APC led Federal Government under the leadership of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    8. The group therefore, unanimously, endorse Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe to return to the Senate for the benefit of the people of Northern Cross River;
    endorse the second term bid of Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as governor and that of his Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    9. The group expressed her unalloyed support and commitment to engaging with other groups, associations and constituents of Cross River North Senatorial District to drum support for their re-election as well as support all candidates of the APC in the 2027 elections.

    Other speakers at the event include Amb. Akpang Obi Odu, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Barr. Fidel Bisong Osang, Chief Peter Ojie, Hon. Martins Orim, Dr. Dornclaimz Enamhe, Hon. Thomas Agi, Hon. Regina Anyogo, Chief Austin Edibe, Hon. Gabriel Bravo Oluohu, Royjones Akpak amongst others.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Jarigbe Congratulates Cross River State Executive Committee Of APC

    Jarigbe Congratulates Cross River State Executive Committee Of APC

     

    The Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, extends his warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Sunny Chris Eta.

    I also celebrate the successful emergence of all other members of the newly inaugurated State Executive Committee (Exco).

    Democracy thrives on robust leadership and internal party cohesion. The successful conduct of the recent congresses marks a significant milestone for our Party in Cross River State. We are confident that under the seasoned leadership of Rt. Hon. Sunny Chris Eta, the APC will witness unprecedented growth, unity, and strategic direction. His wealth of experience in governance and legislative affairs is a testament to the bright future that lies ahead for our party in the state.

    I extend my profound commendation to His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu. Governor Otu navigated the intricate process of the Party Congresses with remarkable transparency, patience, and political sagacity. His commitment to ensuring that the “right people” were placed in positions of leadership within the party structure is a clear reflection of his “People First” agenda and his desire for a harmonious working relationship between the party and the government.

    I’m particularly pleased to see that the process has produced leaders who are widely accepted and capable of steering the ship of the party towards greater electoral victories and internal stability. We believe that with this new Exco, the APC in Cross River State is poised to consolidate its gains and deliver even more dividends of democracy to the good people of our state.

    As a Senator dedicated to the progress of Cross River North and the state at large, Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe looks forward to a robust and collaborative relationship with the new State Working Committee. Our doors are always open to initiatives and partnerships that will prioritize the welfare of our constituents and the development of Cross River State.

    Once again, congratulations to Rt. Hon. Sunny Chris Eta and the entire new Exco. We wish you a successful and impactful tenure.

    Signed:

    SA, Media
    Office of the Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District.

  • Tinubu Support Group Appoints Ex-beauty Queen as Women Leader in Cross River

    Tinubu Support Group Appoints Ex-beauty Queen as Women Leader in Cross River

    As political activities ramp up ahead of the 2027 general elections, the City Boy Movement, a key support group for President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Miss Heritage Africa, Queen Benedicta Akpana Ogbang, as the State Women Leader for Cross River.

    The appointment was formalized in Abuja on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, through an official letter signed by the group’s Director General, Hon. Shoga Francis-Oluwatosin.

    According to the letter, the appointment recognizes Queen Akpana, a former Executive Protocol Officer to the immediate past Governor of the state, for her passion for women’s mobilization and community leadership.

    “On behalf of the leadership of the City Boy Movement, and in recognition of your passion for women’s mobilization and community leadership, I am pleased to appoint you as the State Women Leader of the City Boy Movement for Cross River State.

    As State Women Leader, you shall lead and manage all women-related activities of the Movement within your state, ensuring effective grassroots engagement and policy advocacy”, the letter reads in part:

    In her new role, Queen Akpana will coordinate women’s structures across state, local government, and ward levels; mobilize women for civic participation, political education, and Movement initiatives; and implement programmes and directives from the Zonal Coordinator and National Women Leader’s Office.

    Reacting to the appointment, the former beauty queen expressed enthusiasm, describing it as a welcome challenge in an area she is deeply passionate about. She noted that even after stepping away from pageantry, she has continued advocating for greater women’s participation in politics, and this position will further empower her to make a bigger impact.

    Queen Akpana pledged to collaborate closely with stakeholders across Cross River State to ensure massive support from women for President Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu, and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

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

    Meet The Obudu APC Chapter Chairman,Comr Joseph Odama Ubenaye

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • All Progressive Congress Obudu Chapter Gets New Executive Through Consensus

    All Progressive Congress Obudu Chapter Gets New Executive Through Consensus

    By Elijah Ugani 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    By Elijah Ugani 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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