The Lumine News

Category: Politics

  • 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

    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

  • Obono-Obla Wants CROSIEC To Clarify It’s Own TimeTable

     

    A Human rights Lawyer and activist, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, a founding member of the All Progressive Congress APC, who was also a former President Buhari Aide, has called on the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission CROSIEC, to clarify it’s own timetable.

    According to the timetable released by CROSIEC, there is no provision for registered political parties to comply with section 20A of CROSIEC law.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews, Obono-Obla noted the importance of CROSIEC to correct the error to avoid someone challenging the process.

    The release reads in full:
    “CROSEIC NEEDS TO CLARIFY THE OMISSION ON ITS TIMETABLE:

    “Undoubtedly, the timetable released by CROSIEC today, the 25 September 2024, which kickstarts activities that would culminate in the Local Government councils elections in Cross River State, is nebulous.

    “CROSIEC, must as a matter of urgency, explains why in its timetable, no provision was made for registered political parties to comply with section 20A of CROSIEC Law (supra)

    “This time table is faulty because there is provision made for registered political parties to give 21 days’ notice in writing to CROSIEC of their intention to hold congresses to nominate their candidates for the election as provided by section 20A of CROSEIC Law (2002) (as amended).
    It is important for CROSIEC to take steps to correct this error ,otherwise, it is opening her flank for someone to challenge the process, which may result in the invalidation of the entire process.
    Is it a deliberate omission or an oversight?”.

  • Buda Ward PDP Suspends Cross River State Secretary, Mr Anthony Edako, For Alleged Anti-party

    *PDP Suspends Cross River State

    Buda Ward, Boki LGA, Cross River State of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, has suspended the State Secretary of the party, Mr. Anthony Edako, indefinitely, effective from the 11th of September, 2024.

    The decision was formally communicated through a letter signed by key members of the ward, citing repeated acts of disregard for party leadership and involvement in anti-party activities.

    According to the letter issued by the Ward Chairman, Mr. James Ofre Enyia, and co-signed by prominent ward stakeholders, Mr. Edako’s suspension follows his continued engagement in activities contrary to the best interests of the party. Specifically, it was highlighted that Mr. Edako unilaterally took decisions affecting the ward executive members without proper consultation, disregarding the PDP’s established protocols of teamwork and consultation. His actions, which allegedly undermined the ward’s stakeholders, were considered violations of party principles.

    The letter emphasizes that Mr. Edako’s involvement in anti-party activities, alongside his failure to follow due process, necessitated the imposition of an indefinite suspension. The party leadership in Buda Ward made it clear that this action would remain in effect pending further investigations and recommendations from the party’s disciplinary bodies.

    In conclusion, the letter directed Mr. Edako to refrain from participating in any party-related activities in his capacity as the State Secretary until the disciplinary process has been concluded. The matter has been escalated, with copies of the suspension letter sent to the PDP National Chairman, the PDP State Chairman, and other relevant party bodies for further review.

    The suspension of a key official such as Mr. Anthony Edako marks a pivotal moment for the PDP in Cross River State as the party seeks to enforce internal discipline and maintain unity among its members ahead of forthcoming political activities.

  • Obono-Obla Writes Gov Otu, Calls For The Suspension Of APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba

    A former President Buhari Aide and foundation member of the All Progressive Congress APC, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has called on Gov Bassey Otu to to intervene and direct the appropriate organ of the Party to immediately initiate disciplinary proceedings against Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or in the alternative the State Exco convene a meeting to consider whether or a vote of no confidence should not be passed on Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or I will seek legal means to remove him from office as State Chairman of All Progressive Congress Cross River State Chapter.

    Obono-Obla in a letter addressed to Gov Otu on 9 September 2024, and made available to TheLumineNews stated among other allegations that Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba wrote an incendiary piece on his Facebook and other social media page titled Open Letter to Mr President calculated to promote ill feelings, incitement, and hostility by the populace against the APC Federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The letter reads in full:

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

    His Excellency,

    “WHY BARRISTER ALPHONSUS OGAR EBA SHOULD BE SUSPENDED AS STATE CHAIRMAN, ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS CROSS RIVER STATE CHAPTER

    “I write to you in your capacity as the Governor of Cross River State of Nigeria and the Leader of the All-Progressive Congress Cross River State Chapter and the South South Zone of Nigeria to bring to your attention the quiet crisis rocking our Party quietly but which would soon fester into a major one if decisive step (s) is not taken now to nip it in the bud. The State Executive Committee of the Party led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba is atrophied, rudderless, and has reached it menopause and has to leave when the ovation is still louder.

    “I therefore respectfully implore you to intervene and direct the appropriate organ of the Party to immediately initiate disciplinary proceedings against Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or in the alternative the State Exco convene a meeting to consider whether or a vote of no confidence should not be passed on Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or I will seek legal means to remove him from office as State Chairman of All Progressive Congress Cross River State Chapter.

    “MY REPRESENTATION TO HIS EXCELLENCY IS HINGED ON THE FOLLOWING GROUNDS:

    “1. CREATION OF FACTIONS:
    The APC has splintered into numerous factions in almost 18 local government areas of Cross River State as a result of Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Ebo dictatorial leadership style, which makes internal cohesion, solidarity, and unity practically impossible. Some of these factions enjoy the endorsement and support of Chairman Barrister Alphonsus Eba and cohorts.
    For instance, when I raised the existence of a faction in APC Yakurr Local Government Area known as Yakurr Embassy in an interview granted by me to an online newspaper known as TNT, which enjoys the tacit support, Chairman Barrister Alphonsus Eba falsely asserted that it was a support group.
    However, the said Yakurr Embassy is not registered, neither in Cross River State nor the National as a support group.

    “2. DISCREDITING MR. PRESIDENT’S POLICIES:
    Recently, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba wrote an incendiary piece on his Facebook and other social media page titled Open Letter to Mr President calculated to promote ill feelings, incitement, and hostility by the populace against the APC Federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “During the campaign in 2023, the APC made it quite clear that as part of its economic reform agenda, it would scrap the payment of subsidies on Petroleum products.

    “The hardship and high cost of living the country and its people are passing through presently is a natural consequence of the withdrawal of subsidies on Petroleum products.

    “As the Chairman of APC in Cross River State, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba must align his opinion and public utterances with the policy agenda of the APC Federal government and resist the temptation to pander to the sentiments and narratives been bandied by the opposition to score political points against the government. See attached screenshot of the Facebook page of Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba dated 3 September 2024

    “3. VIOLATION AND FLOUTING OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE APC CONSTITUTION:
    Violation and flouting of the provisions of the APC Constitution that the framers of the Constitution deliberately inserted to enhance smooth administration and management of the Party by someone like Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba continually since he assumed office is a calculated sabotage, inexcusable and unbecoming.

    “Article 13.8(v)of the APC Constitution 2022 provides that the State Executive Committee Create or appoint such Committee(s) as it may deem necessary, desirable, or expedient and assign to them such powers and functions as it may deem fit and proper, provided that the powers and functions of such Committee(s) shall not conflict with any Committee(s) set up by the National Executive Committee or the National Working Committee.
    As a deliberate failure, refusal and or neglect of Barristers Alphonsus Eba led State EXCO to activate organs and structures created by the Constitution to foster and promote smooth administration of the Party and ensure wide participation of major stakeholders across the State the Party has become purposeless and rudderless and wobbling on the verge of collapse.

    “These organs are the State Caucus (created by Article 12.10 of the APC Constitution); Local Government Area Caucus (created by Article 12.5 of the APC Constitution; and Senatorial District Committee (created by Article 12.2).
    The failure to activate these organs has led to disillusionment and perception of marginalization of the various tendencies that exist within the State Chapter of the Party.

    “For instance, the old members who have been members of the Party from 2013 to those who joined in 2017 on one hand and to those who defected from PDP in 2021 on the other hand are estranged and in a State of cold war because of the failure to activate these organs that would have used to harmonized these two tendencies and give each of them a sense of belonging.

    “4. LACK OF MEETINGS AND INCLUSIVITY:
    The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Eba has a penchant of non-conducting or convening meetings of both the State Executive and Working Committees, which amounts to a contravention of the Party Constitution. See Article 25 of the APC Constitution,2022.

    “5. STIFLING OF INTERNAL PARTY DEMOCRACY:
    The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba recently banned all members of the APC in Cross River State from holding meetings to ventilate their fundamental human rights to assembly, hold opinions and express themselves on matters concerning their well beings as members of the Party. This is against the fundamentals, traditions, and principles of Party democracy. Constructive engagement, consensus building, and discussions among Party members are requisite ingredients of democracy that should not be stifled under any guise.

    “6. LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:
    The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba has demonstrated a capacity and propensity for opaque and clandestine conduct and management of the affairs of the APC. Even though 2023, the campaign for the 2023 general election ended since March 2023 and the subsequent inauguration of the President, Governors, and members of the States and National Assemblies the State Exco has bluntly refused to render account for funds that are accrued to the party during the 2022 primary elections. Also, the State Exco has refused, failed, and / or neglected to account for other assets belonging to the Party, including the bus donated to the Party during the 2023 campaigns. Finally, refusal to call for a meeting to examine the fortunes of the Party after the 2023 general elections.

    “7. ARROGANCE:
    The Chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba, and his Exco have a predisposition of talking down and using uncouth and coarse language on elders and senior members of the party who critics their leadership style in extreme display of unbridled arrogance and haughtiness. For instance, one of the State Exco members recently referred to Chief Okoi Obono-Obla as self-claimed ex presidential aide.

    “It is on record that Chief Obono-Obla was a senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari from April 2016 to 29 May 2019. Failure to activate the Constitutional Organs of the Party in the State. The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba has deliberately failed, refused, and neglected to activate organs created under the Constitution to enhance internal democracy and fostering of transparency, accountability, smooth administration management of the affairs of the Party and participation of a wide and broad spectrum of the party.

    “8. Over 10,000 bags of Rice donated by Minister of Sports Development under the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration:
    Recently, the Minister of Sports Development donated over 10,000 bags of Rice under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renewed Hope initiative for distribution to vulnerable people in the state. These bags of rice were handed over to the leadership of the APC in the state.

    “However, the leadership, when pressured to give account on how the rice was distributed, admitted in a letter written to Senator John Owan Eno dated 4 September 2024 by Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang, State Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, Cross River State Chapter claimed that 732 bags of rice received, 196 bags were shared to the Ward Chairmen across the State, while 27 bags were shared to Chapter Executive members in each of the 18 Local Government Area Chapter Executive totalling 486 bags and 50 bags to State and Zonal Executive Committee members respectively.

    “This is not despicable and nauseous corruption, which is unbecoming of Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba’s Exco to decide to share these bags of rice only to party bureaucrats and executives rather to the ordinary members of the Party that it was meant.

    “In the light of the above, we pray His Excellency to cause Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba to proceed on suspension until the allegations made against him as encapsulated above is properly investigated or in the alternative a disciplinary proceeding should commenced by the appropriate executive Committee or organ of the Party against him.

    “Accept the assurances of my highest regards.

    “Yours sincerely
    Obol Okoi Obono-Obla.

    “CC:
    Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru,PhD
    National Secretary
    All Progressives Congress
    National Secretariat
    40 Blantyre Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja
    Federal Capital Territory
    Nigeria”.

  • Sandy Onor Calls For Peace As Crisis Rocks PDP Cross State Chapter

    By Elijah Ugani 

    A former governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, in Cross River State for 2023 general election, Sen Sandy Ojang Onor, has had called for peace among party faithfuls.

    TheLumineNews can authoritatively state that some aggrieved members of the party have sought the resignation of the State Chairman, Venatius Ikem Esq.

    Senator Sandy, appealed to party members called on the aggrieved faction to sheath their sword and embrace peace.

    Onor stated that the internal strife will not do the party any good, rather, putting the party on the line against oppositions in the state. Onor averred that division cost the party at the national and in the state in the previous elections.

    The letter reads: “In the last two weeks, I have observed on the Cross River State PDP platform, a resurgence of calls for the resignation of the State Chairman, Barr. VenatiusI kem.

    “I have had the opportunity in the past of meeting with the protagonists of these calls and I have maintained the position that it would be totally injurious to our party at this critical time in our political history, to remove our State Chairman. My position on this matter has not changed and is not likely to change at all.

    “I appeal for constructive compromise between the Chairman and those who seek his ouster. As stakeholders of a political party, we must disagree from time to time but we have no liberty for disagreeableness. It is wanton disagreement more than anything else. that destroyed our party in the last elections for the National to the State levels and we cannot afford to accommodate the same vicious virus, moving forward.

    “Let the falcon hear the falconer. Let all the stakeholders sheath their swords and resolve their differences, or at worse, tolerate themselves since we only have one year left of the tenure of the present state executive committee. Let us all prepare to engineer the changes we want to see in the next state congress which is not far from now.

    “I would continue to pray for God’s favor, wisdom, humility and grace upon all of us. I remain yours truly.”

  • Boki Councilors Forum Says Next Boki Chairmanship Position Is For Abo Ward

    PRESS RELEASE
    FROM BOKI COUNCILLORS FORUM

    THE NEXT BOKI LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMANSHIP IS FOR ABO WARD AND CLAN

    It has become necessary that we, the Boki Councillors forum( BCF) speak to the issue of the next Boki local government chairmanship position.

    Boki Councillors forum is a forum that comprises over 120 former councilors who have served in Boki LG council, irrespective of current party affiliation.

    We are a non-governmental organisation registered with relevant government agencies, who seek to contribute our quota to the political and economic emancipation of our people. As senior citizens, we have a duty to speak the truth to help promote unity amongst our people.

    We are conscious of the fact that once an election cycle unfolds , several gladiators and actors will begin to rehearse and present arguments to buttress their position. In doing so the facts are often twisted to favour the side they want to patronize.

    No matter how these facts are twisted, there is always the truth. There is no lie or half-truths that can replace the full truth because truth is imament and therefore inherently indestructible. Therefore it is necessary to examine the facts as follows.

    It is not in contention that:
    1. Boki local government area has two state constituencies: BOKI ONE and BOKI TWO and six traditional clans namely Abo, Boje, Eastern Boki, Irruan, Osokom 1 and Osokom 2.
    2. That zoning of chairmanship of Boki local government area rotates among these six traditional blocks.
    3. That Once it is the turn of a bloc, the ward or wards within that clan which have not produced (are) is identified and the position given to (them) her. Electoral wards have never been used as the basis for zoning of Chairmanship, and when they are used at all, they have to agree with the clan basis, ipso facto, to prevent one clan, like Eastern Boki for instance, from taking three times before Abo or Boje with one ward will take.

    4. Boki people have NEVER used another office as a yardstick to zone the chairmanship slot. Let nobody mislead the leadership of political parties otherwise.
    Agitators for the position of chairmanship have elevated appointments of Vice-chairmen, members of House of Assembly and commissioners into the same cadre of substantive Chairmanship, just to confuse the public and further their selfish agenda.

    As leaders who have served Boki as Honourable councillors, we will not sit idly by and allow these detractors to mislead the government , political parties and innocent members of the public with regard to which zone should produce the next Chairman of Boki local government council.

    FACTS YOU CANNOT WISH AWAY
    1. The Chairmanship of Boki alternates between Boki 1 and Boki 2 and run along the old six clans( blocs).The chairmanship has just left Boki 2 and is now for Boki 1.

    2..In Boki 1. Eastern Boki clan produced Chief Bartholomew Okurishi from Alanku ward who served between 1991-1993.

    3. In Boki 1, Abo clan and ward produced Barrister A. B. Tase, as Chairman under Zero party – 1996 – 1997

    4. Boje clan and ward – produced Hon (Ambassador) Soni O. Abang between 1999 – 2002.

    5. Mrs Bessie Bankong Obi from Eastern Boki clan – 2007- 2010.

    6.Hon. Abubakar Ewa from Eastern Boki clan ( Buentsebe ward ) took the 3rd Eastern Boki slot between 2013/2016

    The position has returned to Boki 1 and it is only natural that Abo clan and ward, which last took its turn as far back as 1996 take now. Those who coral all these appointive and elective positions into the conversation aim to mislead the innocent ones. The argument is simple and straight forward. It is about the substantive chairmanship of Boki, and nothing else.

    We call on all men of good conscience to rise and defend the truth to protect equity, justice and fairness. Not forgetting that we are all brothers and sisters from the same stock and our shared destiny is bound together in peace, in progress and in love. Let us also not forget that this is not a war but a well thought out strategy used by our forebears to douse tension and promote unity among all of us as children of one family

    The Boki Councillors Forum make bold to state very clearly that the next Boki local government chairmanship belongs to Abo ward in Abo clan in fair regard to equity, justice and fairness. So help us God.

    God bless you all.

    Signed
    Hon Joe Obi Bisong
    Forum Chairman

    Hon Amos Otu
    Forum secretary

    Hon Jacob Etta Ojie
    Osokom 1 Coordinator

    Hon George Ajangson
    Osokom 2 Coordinator

    Hon Ferdinand Ncha
    Irruan Coordinator

    Hon Michael Leku Ayuk
    Abo Coordinator

    Hon Harrison Odudu
    Eastern Boki Coordinator

  • Nigerians: Redirect Your Protest, Hold Governors Accountable BY INYALI PETER 

     

    As Nigerians prepare to protest the widespread hardship in the land, it’s important to reassess the focus of their grievances. Although President Tinubu announced the tough but necessary decisions on subsidy removal and exchange rate floating, the real obstacles hindering Nigeria’s progress and causing the hardship are the state governors, who have mismanaged resources and prioritised corruption over development.

    While the President and federal government can undoubtedly improve in many areas, their efforts will be hindered if state governors remain unaccountable. The federal government’s initiatives to alleviate hardship are often implemented through the states, but governors continue to shirk their responsibilities.

    Ironically, the governors are the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy removal, receiving a substantial increase of over 100% in federal allocation. Besides, they have also benefited from other initiatives, such as the NG-CARES programme, which has allocated significant funds to 34 states (as detailed in the attached newspaper publication). Despite this considerable windfall, there has been no corresponding improvement in their performance, development, or enhancement of the standard of living for Nigerians.

    The current revenue sharing formula is allocated as follows: 52.68% to the federal government, 26.72% to states, and 20.60% to local governments. Beyond the federal allocation, the states also receive a substantial share of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, with 50% allocated to states, 15% to the federal government, and 35% to local governments.

    In Nigeria, prior to the landmark Supreme Court judgment, states had total control over local government funds. This means that when you combine the percentage of FAAC allocation to states and local governments, states effectively receive 48.32% of the country’s total revenue; while for VAT they receive 85%.
    This clearly highlight governors significant financial leverage.

    However, instead of utilizing these resources to benefit the Nigerian people, governors have crippled the local government system, denying local areas essential services and development, and prioritizing corruption and mismanagement over tangible development. This entrenched culture of neglect and poor performances by most governors has exacerbated the suffering of the people, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment and hardship.

    See what Chief Nysom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has achieved in Abuja within one year. Apart from Lagos, which state governor can show similar evidence of performance? He did same as Governor of Rivers State and is showing it in Abuja.

    The resources available to governors are more than sufficient to stimulate the economy, but they choose not to act. Unfortunately, they are hardly held accountable for their inaction. Nigerians have always directed their protests solely at the federal government, overlooking governors maladministration and impunity. If the hardship must be addressed, then Nigerians must demand accountability from all levels of government, particularly the governors.

    Ideally, the protest should be directed towards the real problem – the governors excesses, impunity, and maladministration not the President and federal government always. Let’s demand transparency, accountability, and tangible development from our state governments, too.

    As a nation , we must acknowledge that the federal government alone cannot solve Nigeria’s problems. The states must take responsibility and act as partners in progress, not just beneficiaries of federal allocation.

    Those planning the protest should redirect their grievances and hold the governors accountable.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D

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

  • Ogoja State Creation: Stakeholder Commends Senator Agom

     

    The Convener of Cross River North Development Forum, Mr Ajiwhen MC Olugah has thrown his weight behind the move by Senator Jarigbe Agom supporting the creation of Ogoja State; saying it is urgent and compelling.

    Ajiwen said the position by Senator Agom on the Ogoja State addresses the longstanding imbalance in the geopolitical distribution of states in Nigeria; especially Ogoja as the oldest province in the country without the status of a state.

    “I thank and congratulate you our dear Senator for once again showing us that you are a Senator with a deep passion for satisfying every request and cries of your people. It is a mark of respect for the desires of his people and it also shows that Senator Jarigbe Agom is a General that leads his soldiers from the front. Jari na man ooh.”

    Ajiwen said the people of Cross River North are very proud of Senator Agom’s support for the creation of Ogoja state because he has demonstrated his enormous potentials to lead us from the front.

    We commend your populist tendencies to listen to your people at all times. May God continue to bless you abundantly above your enemies, he said.

    Recall, the Senator representing Cross River North in Nigeria’s Senate, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, recently said he is fully involved and has endorsed the idea of creating Ogoja State, out of present day Cross River State.

    The Senator also came clear that his insistence that Ogoja State be created out of Cross River State, is not an endorsement that seeks to dismember CRS, but a well intentioned endorsement that will take development to one of Nigeria’s oldest province, still largely underdeveloped and marginalised in the scheme of things.

  • I Am Fully Involved, I Have Endorsed The Idea Of Ogoja State – Jarigbe Agom

    Culled from Caliton 

    The Senator representing Cross River North in Nigeria’s Senate, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, says he is fully involved and has endorsed the idea of creating Ogoja State, out of present day Cross River State.

    Jarigbe also came clear that his insistence that Ogoja State be created out of Cross River State, is not an endorsement that seeks to
    dismember CRS, but a well intentioned endorsement that will take development to one of Nigeria’s oldest province, still largely underdeveloped and marginalised in the scheme of things.

    The senator who bared his mind early Saturday morning, June 22, 2024, when he appeared as guest on “The Public View”, HIT 95.9 FM, Calabar’s flagship news and current affairs programme, was particular that, “Ebonyi is what it is today because it was carved out of Enugu and made a state. It has brought development to that part of Nigeria
    and there’s the added advantage of bringing governance close to the people. As I speak, Ogoja is the only old provincial headquarters in Nigeria that has not been made a state capital and this is sad, I must say.”

    On attempts to classify and position Ogoja as belonging to Nigeria’s middle belt, Jarigbe insisted that, “Ogoja belongs to the South-South of Nigeria, we do not belong to the Middle belt because our people are in the South-South, our culture, our tradition; and we cannot be classified as belonging to the Middle because we are not.”