The Lumine News

Category: Politics

  • Strange Choices In Nigerian Politics: The Northern Senatorial District Of Cross River State In Perspective BY DAVE IMBUA

    Strange Choices In Nigerian Politics: The Northern Senatorial District Of Cross River State In Perspective BY DAVE IMBUA

     

    Strange things continue to happen at the Nigerian political scene on daily basis, which help any thinking person to understand why development, especially the provision of social amenities, continues to elude us. Year in, year out, we behave like cursed people by putting forward for elections men and women who have demonstrated gross incompetence in leadership and then position the real competent and capable people who have demonstrated astute leadership to help them win elections. And after the elections, the ordinary person continues to suffer in an endless cycle.

    For instance, since I chanced on the document containing the Cross River State All Progressive Party Local Government Campaign Coordinators for the 2023 General Elections, I’ve just been wondering why tested and trusted men like Prof. Zana Akpagu (Coordinator for Obudu) and Dr. Godwin Amanke (Coordinator for Obanliku) were not encouraged by the party to vie for the senate seat for the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State? In Bendi II where I come from, names like Jarigbe, Akpagu and Amanke are talked about with deep respect, gratitude and reverence. Their contributions to the development of the ward speak for themselves. So, a contest between Jarigbe and Akpagu or Jarigbe and Amanke would have been a very difficult one, one that would have pitched character, competence, capability and courage in one party against same qualities in the other major parties.

    But for some strange reasons, the party gave the ticket to a candidate that will be difficult to sell in many wards of the District. In Bendi II, for instance, there is no single project standing in his honour after four years as senator and almost eight years as governor. I don’t think such a candidate should be the appropriate choice for a people so systematically neglected and in dire and urgent need of development.

    As it stands, there should be no confusion about the choices before us since we are voting for candidates and not tested and trusted campaign coordinators and directors. We need to shun tested and failed, tested and distrusted candidates who will again fail to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people in all of our denominational, gender, party and ethnic configurations.

    Dave Imbua.

    DISCLAIMER: The opinion expressed in this article is clearly that of the author, Dave Imbua and does not represent TheLumineNews or it staff.

  • C’River: Back To South Crumbles As Southern Youths Signs Pact With Sandy

    C’River: Back To South Crumbles As Southern Youths Signs Pact With Sandy

    Isabella Okon, Calabar

    A death knell has sounded for the vociferous clamour by select politicians in Cross River popularly christened “Back To South” which demanded outright zoning of the governorship ticket from all political parties to the southern senatorial district ahead 2023 Elections.

    The fatal blow to the clamour followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between youths from the seven local government areas in the south under the aegis of Progressive Southern Alliance and the PDP Governorship Candidate, Senator Sandy Onor in Calabar

    Speaking at a Town Hall meeting with stakeholders before accenting to the MOU, the People’s Democratic Party standard bearer Senator Sandy Onor lauded the bold steps demonstrated by opinion leaders behind the initiative, stressing that sectional interest must never be allowed to scuttle concerted efforts to reclaim the state from imminent collapse .

    According to him “Back to South” was a selfish concept driven by ulterior motive, intended to promote mediocrity and prolong the current decay in our dear state for mere personal interest of some few elites. Anyone with genuine interest in the well-being of Cross River State would never support the current administration to perpetuate itself in power under any guise.”

    “We can not sacrifice competent ,experience, dexterity,academic prowess and charisma on the altar on ethnicity. We have outgrown such myopic persuasions. Besides, I am an Ejaham man from Akamkpa maternally, therefore, I am eminently qualified in all ramifications. I am indeed the best candidate in terns of education,experience, exposure and charisma”

    Senator Onor stressed that” I have been a reliable and trusted friend of the Efiks, in 1998 when some prominent politicians in All People’s Party APP then ganged up that an Efik man can never be a governor, Prof Eyo Etim Nyong who emerged as the APP Governorship candidate was replaced with Mark Ukpo overnight ,though I was in APP, I mobilized men and resources in Central and Northern parts of this state to support Mr Donald Duke of PDP because I saw potentials in him. That was how Donald became our governor in 1999.You can verify from them. Let’s dwell on issues that unite and accelerate the development of our state. I would be a governor for all”

    In her remarks, the Deputy Governorship Candidate , Emana Ambrose Amanhwe said it was time for the south to mainstream its interest in the incoming administration in order to guarantee attainment of peculiar issue affecting the the senatorial district.

    In his address, the coordinator of the Progressive Southern Alliance Asuquo Bassey Solomon revealed that the initiative was meant to provide a platform to address misconceptions and paved the way for an all inclusive government while foisting a united front to guarantee victory at the poll in 2023.

    Parts of the MOU stipulate revamping of the tourism sector of the state, Tinapa, Obudu Resort , jobs creation, good governance and key roles for supporters from all PDP Governorship aspirants in the campaign organization.

    Professor Offiong Ani, Bobby Effiom Ekpenyong, Esu Coco Bassey, Asuquo Solomon among others facilitated the summit.

  • Again They Failed, As There Is No Pandemonium Between Gov Wike And Our Principal – Joe Bisong

    Again They Failed, As There Is No Pandemonium Between Gov Wike And Our Principal – Joe Bisong

     

    The attention of the Caterpillar Movement has been drawn to an unfortunate, disjointed and malicious article circulating on the media space alledging a “pandemonium” in the relationship between our Principal Sen Sandy Onor and his bosom friend, the Rivers state Governor, Barr Nyesom Wike over supposed mismanagement of funds. The said article was clearly written by a hireling and circulated by a handful of our detractors, ignorant rabble-rousers and mischief makers. Ordinarily, we would ignore these spurious claims and forge ahead in our quest to liberate our dear state but as Jonathan Swift will say ” Falsehood flies and the the truth comes limping after it.” It is with this hindsight we have elected to respond, knowing that when not quickly exposed, a false story begins to take on a shimmer of truth.

    Against this backdrop, we wish to inform our teeming supporters and the general public that our Principal, Distinguished Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor enjoys an unbreakable bond of friendship with His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. This relationship is founded on genuine fraternal love, integrity and probity.

    We are aware that the intention of the sponsors of the article was to derail the successful presentation of the latest book of our Principal, “Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity”. This attempt was a miserable failure as the book launch witnessed an unprecedented success .It was well attended by esteemed and illustrious Nigerians including the Senate President Dr Ahmed Lawal, Gov Nyesom Wike ably represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bukola Saraki, who is currently in the United States of America was fittingly and at his behest represented by his successor, Abdulfatai Ahmed. Past and Serving Governors of various states, Senators and Gubernatorial candidates of various states, members of the House of representatives, party chieftains and captains of industries among others, were also in attendance. These diginatories spoke in acceptance of the philosophy and content of the book especially it’s pan Nigerian content.

    We wish at this juncture to reiterate and underscore the fact that the relationship between our Principal Senator Sandy Onor and his friend Gov Nyesom Wike, which has spanned over decades remains unflinching. Indeed, we must categorically state as a matter of fact, that the relationship is getting stronger owing to their common interest on issues of justice,equity and integrity.

    Aware of their failures for the past seven years and counting, our opponents have resorted to mudslinging to discredit our Principal, whose credentials they do not have and can not match. We understand the desperation of the sponsors of the write up judging by how formidable and widely accepted our Principal has become against those still running from pillar to post in search of soft landing.

    We are further aware that their Leader having failed to secure a soft landing upon sneaking into Rivers State, the sponsors of this write up are now more resolute in their evil attempt to cause a rift between our Principal and his bosom friend, Chief Barr Wike. Understandably, our detractors are deep in quicksand and swinging wildly , grasping on any wild propaganda to confuse well meaning cross riverians who resent their bad governance style and wanton acts of squandermania in the last seven years.

    Sen Prof Sandy Onor has the track record of integrity and accountability and can never mismanage any fund entrusted in his custody. We are even aware that plans are afoot to concoct just anything to tarnish the image and character of Professor Onor by going even as far as his days as chairman of Etung LGA. So the cross river public should be prepared for more fable and falsehood by desperate and rejected politicians in the APC. Rather than continue to spew falsehood, we urge our detractors to concentrate on finding an anchor to slow its
    rudderless drift into oblivion.

    On the claim that our state will be annexed following the overwhelming support our Principal enjoys from his friend, Nyesom Wike, we make bold to reiterate for the umpteenth time that no Governor has ever emerged in any state without the support of someone from another state;yet no state has ever been annexed by another. In any case, the Leader of the APC in the state has since silenced these detractors by sojourning to the same Governor Wike for succour. Let it be made abundantly clear that whereas all politics is said to be local, all politics is also universal.

    We call on all well meaning Cross Riverians to ignore the diabolic campaign of calumny against our Principal, Senator Sandy Onor as we are committed to the project of reclaiming, restoring and rebuilding Cross River State for the good of all the people. We urge you all to remain focused,diligent, and unperturbed as we set about our reclamation agenda. We shall not allow ourselves to be drawn into the abyss of cheap propaganda and palpable hate being demoostrated by the said nauseating publication. Once again , we wish to remind you that the price of eternal liberty and freedom remains vigilance. We shall continue to be vigilant until we rescue our dear state from the maladministration of this present APC government.

    May God bless you all

    Joe Obi Bisong, DG

  • Ayu Lacks Capacity To Stop Any Candidate From Contesting Election -Wike

    Ayu Lacks Capacity To Stop Any Candidate From Contesting Election -Wike

    Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has challenged Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to dare stop any candidate of the party from contesting the 2023 general election if he has such capacity.

    Governor Wike threw up the challenge in Port Harcourt on Sunday at a media parley in reaction to recent comment by Senator Ayu saying that nobody can sack him, and that he has powers to stop any candidate from participating in the 2023 election.

    Governor Wike described such boast by Senator Ayu as evidence of arrogance and impunity because the threat, empty as it is, was directed at the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, who is his benefactor and guarantor when he contested for the party’s national chairmanship position.

    “That also tells you the impunity, I heard when he said he would have stopped (Gov) Ortom from running. You see how ungrateful humans are. This was the same (his) governor Ortom who pleaded with us and said he can take this risk and let him become the national chairman.

    “This is a man who never campaigned anywhere. This is a man who never printed any poster even when they gave him money to print posters. Now, he can even tell you that if he wanted to stop the man (Ortom) who brought him, who became his guarantor. That is the corruption we are talking about

    “He has now come into office. He has seen money. He has seen power. Now, he can open his mouth to say that if he wanted to stop Ortom, he will do it. We dare him. And he said he can also stop any contestant. I dare him. If he is national chairman, I dare him to stop any contestant, if he has what it takes.”

    The Rivers State governor wondered the basis of Senator Ayu’s comment on him being sacked when the issues on ground is the demand for his resignation.

    Governor Wike said nobody has said that Senator Ayu should be sacked. He emphasised that it is important that people understand the difference between being sacked and the call for promises made to be kept.

    “And what we are saying is, as a man of honour, if he (Ayu) has any, keep to your honour, keep to your integrity. So, the issue of people sacking him does not arise.

    “All we are saying is, keep to the agreement, yes, in order for our party to show inclusivity, to show in our party that we are not marginalising any zone. That if the presidential candidate comes from the north as it has come from the north, then the national chairman will come from the south.

    “So, saying that nobody can sack him does not arise. Nobody has said he must be sacked. For you to be sacked, there are procedures for sacking people.”

    Governor Wike stressed that the call for the resignation of Senator Ayu is in agreement with the letter and spirit of the party’s constitution.

    The governor explained that the party’s constitution clearly spelt it out that the positions of the national chairman of the party and the presidential candidate cannot be of the same zone as currently is the case.

    “By our party’s constitution, there must be zoning for elective and political offices. He had said, knowing fully well that there was no way the presidential candidate and the national party’s chairman should come from one zone, that if the presidential candidate comes from the north I (he) will resign to allow the south to produce the national chairman.

    “If at this point in time, you’re the national chairman of the party who has told Nigerians that this is what you’ll do if this happens, and now that has happened and you’re running away from doing that, so, how do you think that Nigerians will believe you assuming you try to tell them to vote for your party.”

    Governor Wike said it is really up to Senator Ayu if he is still hell bent not to tread the path of honour in keeping his promise. He has however, advised Senator Ayu to be wary of whatever that is giving him confidence.

    “What we are saying is that we want our party to win. But if you think you can do without keeping to the promises you have made, so be it.”

    Speaking further, Governor Wike pointed to the fact that one of the reasons why Senator Ayu has been reluctant to leave office is because he wants to continue to superintendent over the PDP finances despite having failed to give account of how party primaries funds were expended.
    “Why does he not want to resign? He is hoping that Nigerians will donate money to the party so he will superintendent over that money.

    “He has already finished the one of N11 billion from party’s primaries. Account for it, he says it is in the account. Show the public the account. Print out the statement of account of PDP and let the world see how the N11 billion was expended.

    “And this is the party that all of us have laboured to takeover power from the ruling party that we said has done badly. And then the national chairman will open his mouth to talk about stopping contestants. Ayu shouldn’t say so. He tried it in Rivers State. He came to manipulate and try to put some gubernational aspirants, but he saw the result. We dealt with him.”

    Governor Wike mocked those who are saying that they can do without the five PDP governors demanding for inclusivity in the party.

    The governor reminded them that votes are not cast in the media, neither are elections won there, but in the units, local governments and States where those five governors are at home with their people. According to him, the outcome of the elections will surprise them.

    The governor also took a swipe at Dele Momodu, who only joined the PDP during the presidential primaries. he further mocked him for securing only one vote as presidential aspirant during the primaries.

    The Rivers State governor said he will never allow anybody to use his name to become relevant as Osita Chidoka is trying to do.

    Governor Wike stated when Chidoka was once denied the party’s governorship ticket in his State, he left the PDP to another.

    Governor Wike maintained that he is a different breed of a politician, who do not and will not abandoned his party, but has resolved to remain in it to fight for inclusivity.

  • Atiku, Ayu Unsettled As Wike’s Camps Push For PDP NEC Meeting

    Atiku, Ayu Unsettled As Wike’s Camps Push For PDP NEC Meeting

    The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has received a fresh turn as political camp loyal to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has been making push for a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party.

    VANGUARD reports that some allies of Wike within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and some state chapter chairmen of the PDP in the South may have been facilitating the push for the NEC meeting as part of moves to send the embattled National Chairman of the party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu packing from office.

    Recall that Ayu has been insistent that nobody can remove him as the chairman of the party.

    Addressing a crowd of supporters in Gboko, his hometown in Benue during the weekend, Ayu had said he is capable of stopping any candidate of the party, who is vying on the platform of the PDP from achieving their ambitions if he decides to reciprocate the attacks on him from some quarters.

    Ayu and Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state have been crossed over the latter’s alignment with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State in the call for the resignation of the PDP chairman.

    The calls for Ayu’s resignation has been heightened by some prominent chieftains of the party, some allies of Wike and other dissatisfied members of the PDP are hatching a fresh plot to unseat him.

    The PDP NEC meeting, it was gathered, that some governorship candidates of the PDP will publicly demand the resignation of the National Chairman of the party and support the plan for a NEC meeting.

    A governorship candidate from the southeast is quoted to have said, “Most of the candidates of the party, especially in the south, are worried about the current developments in the party.

    “Like Wike and his people have argued several times, it is unclear how our presidential candidate, Abubakar Atiku and Ayu, the National Chairman, want us to sell the PDP to our people in the south.

    What are we to tell them is in the party for us? How do we tell them to vote for a party that is carrying on as if the south does not matter? These are the challenges we face currently.

    “And as candidates who are desirous of winning elections, we can no longer afford to keep quiet on this matter. We have met the gladiators and appealed to them to put the general interest of the party over and above all other interests.

    “But is appears no one is interested in our plight. We have resolved to take our fate in our hands by speaking out.”

    The governorship hopeful further informed that the call for the resignation of the National Chairman is not abating, urging Ayu to consider the interest of the party and sheathe his sword.

    He said, “There is no reason why he can’t resign in the interest of the party. He is a father to all of us and our political future should be more important to him than anything else.

    “This is our position and that is why we are ready to support the move for a NEC meeting in search of a resolution of this matter ahead of the 2023 election.

    “We are in support of the call for a NEC meeting. We must sit down as a party and discuss this matter again. We cannot continue to pretend that it is not hurting our aspirations in our various states.”

    Meanwhile, Vanguard gathered that some members of the NWC, who are dissatisfied with Ayu, have mooted the idea of getting the party to summon a NEC meeting as soon as possible.

    According to sources, “As at the close of work on Friday, we have more than half of the NWC membership on our side. The plan to have a NEC meeting that will revisit the crisis in the party is waxing stronger.

    “Soon, it will be difficult for anybody to continue to ignore the dissatisfaction of members of the committee with our National Chairman.

    “Many state chapter chairmen are also in support of the decision that we discuss this matter as a family and take a decision while putting the interest of the party over and above all personal and group considerations,” he said.

    Another source, said “if he got a vote of confidence and the crisis within the party went from bad to worse, then it is important that we re-examine the issues.

    “It is the same people who gave the vote of confidence we are calling on to come and see how far that decision has taken us as a party ahead of the 2023 general elections.”

  • C’River PDP Northern Stakeholders Berates Ayade Over Wike Visit

    C’River PDP Northern Stakeholders Berates Ayade Over Wike Visit

    BY Judex Okoro, Sunnewsonline

    The Director General of Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe Campaign Organisation, Dr Don Cklaimz Enamhe, and Cross River North People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts have blasted Governor Ben Ayade over his visit to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

    They characterised Ayade’s as not only a mark of desperation to return to the Senate but a calculated attempt to woo Wike over to his side ahead of the 2023 polls.

    Since late yesterday, a group picture of Governors Ben Ayade, Dave Umahi and Wike during their visit to Port Harcourt have been trending, fuelling speculations that Ayade, the APC north senatorial candidate, is up to some political gimmicks.

    Describing such moves as the last kick of a dying horse, the Director-General of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe Campaign Organisation, Dr Don Cklaimz Enamhe, stated that it is possible that Governor Ayade had discreetly gone there to negotiate for his senate seat not minding his public utterances against Wike.

    Enamhe recalled that on several occasions the Cross River governor has, since his defection to All Progressives Congress (APC) in June 2020, lampooned the state chapter of PDP and its leadership of being a surrogate to the Rivers governor just as he has declared total war against the party.

    The university of Calabar don, also alleged that Ayade is discreetly and desperately making moves to reach out to the PDP’s presidential candidate, Alh. Atiku Abubakar, to negotiate his way back to the Upper Legislative Chamber, adding that Jarigbe’s campaign organisation is keeping a tab and would do everything possible to scuttle any further attempt to undermine north’s interest in 2023.

    Enamhe, a foundation member of PDP, said: “Going by past antecedents, Governor Ayade has no right to visit Governor Wike because he (Ayade) has been making comments deriding Wike and PDP in the state.

    “It seems he has eaten his vomit or shall we say he is also trying to mortgage the state to Rivers as he accused the party a couple of months back while soliciting support for APC.

    “However we assure all that all discreet moves by Ayade would come to nought because we have declared total and unalloyed support for Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe. Besides, the north knows their true sons and leaders and we would speak during the general elections as no amount of tricks and genuflecting would change our focus to re-elect Jarigbe.”

    Wondering what took Ayade to Rivers, four months to the general election, a party stalwart from Yala, Chief Emmanuel Ogbeche, 53, said the party leaders in the north would meet to review Ayade’s recent moves, cautioning the national leadership of PDP to be wary of hobnobbing with politicians from Cross River engaging in anti-party activities.

    On his part, Ntufam Justine Abang, from the Ogoja chapter, expresses surprise that after Ayade had declared PDP dead in the state and that APC would sweep all the seats, he surreptitiously visited Wike, a PDP governor, and his arch-enemy, to curry favour.

    Describing Governor Wike as an old political war horse, Abang said the visit would not change the good works Rivers governor is doing to ensure the survival of the PDP in Cross River and assured that the party would deliver Sen. Jarigbe and other PDP candidates in the north.

  • Bassey Otu Wins Owan Enoh As Court Declares Him As Authentic Guber Candidate Of The APC

    Bassey Otu Wins Owan Enoh As Court Declares Him As Authentic Guber Candidate Of The APC

    Culled From Parchment

    The legal tussle to determine who is the authentic gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Party in Cross River State has been completely put to rest.

    In a judgement delivered few moments ago, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the federal high court ruled that Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu was the authentic candidate of the party having met the basic constitutional requirements to contest the position.

    She also ruled that counsel to the 1st defendant has convinced the court that Sen. Otu was fully cleared by his party and scored the highest number of votes at the primary election held in June 2022.

    According to Justice Ojukwu who “ no where in the affidavits submitted by the plaintiff showed that the 3rd defendant was disqualified “

    She ruled that a candidate contesting for a the position of a governor must be a Nigerian, meet the stipulated age requirement and have basic qualification according to the constitution. She said the matter to determine the gubernatorial candidate of a political party is and still remains the right of a political party.

    The judgement effectively lay to rest the contention of who is the authentic candidate of the Cross River State APC.

    Mr. Owan Enoh in a suit number FHC/CA/CS/95/2022 had dragged, the APC, INEC and Sen. Prince Otu to court, demanding among other things, to be declared winner of the May 26 party primaries, citing the fact that 3rd defendant was not duely cleared by the party

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Takes Campaign To Bishiri South, Bendi 1 And Bendi 2 Wards, Receives Blessings From Royal Fathers

    Sen Jarigbe Agom Takes Campaign To Bishiri South, Bendi 1 And Bendi 2 Wards, Receives Blessings From Royal Fathers

     

    The PDP, Cross River North Senatorial District campaign trail, today hit Bishiri South, Bendi 1 and Bendi 2 Wards of Obanliku LGA and were greeted by mammoth crowds at each venue.

    In Bishiri South, the candidates received Royal blessings from HRH Gabriel Odey, Clan Head Amuna Clan Otuhu and all the chiefs present.

    Persons with disabilities were also included in the political process. A sign language interpreter was available to communicate the messages to the hearing-impaired.

    Attesting that most of the youth in the community are engaged through Sen. Jarigbe’s empowerment projects. The people of Bishiri South declared, “We will vote all PDP candidates because of Sen. Jarigbe who we consider the Governor of Cross River North and our votes will be a vote of ‘Thank you’ and appreciation for all he has done because the power of appreciation translates to more miracles and good works for our people.”

    HRH Chief Augustine Azikele, Clan Head of Bendi Ward, was happy to receive the son of the soil, Ambassador Akpanke Peter and his Team into the political ward of Ambassador Peter Akpanke.

    Sen. Jarigbe Agom reminded the people of his relationship with the ward when he said, “I am a friend of Bendi. I was part of Sen. Musa Adede’s journey through thick and thin. We worked tirelessly for his victory during his active days in politics.”

    The people of Bendi 1 claimed deep ownership and identification with the PDP, acknowledging that their prayers have been answered. They pledged to support Sen. Jarigbe, their sons Ambassador Akpanke and Chief Pius Ashiaka, and all other candidates in the team.

    In Bendi Ward 2, the team was warmly greeted by HRH Afu A. Afu, Clan head of Bendi South, who led the other chiefs in blessing the candidates and praying for their success.

    In attendance were: the PDP Senatorial Candidate of the Northern District, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the state party chairman, Barr. Vena Ikem; the state assembly candidates, Chief Pius Ashiaka (Obanliku) and Mr John Ukwu (Obudu); DG Jarigbe Campaign Organization, Dr DC Enamhe; Barr Godwin Offiono Ogoja/Yala federal constituency; Ambassador Peter Akpanke, Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwara federal constituency; Barr Omang Charles Omang, Bekwara state constituency; Hon Rita Agbo Ayim, Ogoja state constituency; Dr Paul Ebiala Esq, Yala 1 state constituency and Dr Achadu Martins, Yala 2 state constituency.

  • NUT Cross River State Chapter Endorses Sen Jarigbe Agom, Regrets Past Support For Governor Ayade

    NUT Cross River State Chapter Endorses Sen Jarigbe Agom, Regrets Past Support For Governor Ayade

    The Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Union Of Teachers (NUT), has endorsed Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    The announcement was made while the Senator hosted the leadership of the Union led by the State Chairman, Comrade Gregory Olayi and the Union’s leadership in Cross River North, who paid him a courtesy visit at his Ogoja residence earlier today.

    Comrade Gregory Olayi, appreciated the lawmaker for welcoming them. He thanked him for his numerous interventions and contributions in the Education sector as a legislator and further pleaded that, Teachers should be considered by the Senator in his programs.

    He lamented the poor treatment meted on them by the Governor Ben Ayade led APC Government.

    According to him, “in the past seven (7) years, no promotion, gratuity and other incentives have been paid to any teacher in Cross River State, rather, the State Government deducts dues from teachers without remittance to the Union’s treasury”.

    Receiving the leadership of the Union, Senator Jarigbe said he is a son of two teachers, as his parents were both teachers. He reiterated his immeasurable love for the profession, having come from a teaching background.

    He assured them of his willingness to work closely with them going forward and promised a Brand New Vehicle for the Union, which he said will be delivered before the New Year and further empowered the 25 Zonal and the State Excos from the North, with One Motorcycle each.

    Also in attendance was the PDP candidate for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Chief Peter Akpanke, Mr Joe Ulom, amongst others.

     

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • Becheve, Utanga And Bebi Wards Stands Still As PDP Commences Campaign Tour In C’River North

    Becheve, Utanga And Bebi Wards Stands Still As PDP Commences Campaign Tour In C’River North

     

    The People of Becheve, Utanga and Bebi wards of Obanliku LGA, today trooped out in their thousands to receive Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), in Cross River North as the Party commenced its Campaigns ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

    The campaign trail which was led by Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District and Senatorial Candidate of the party, commenced with a visit to the Royal Fathers. HRH Iyang of Ugbakoko Community, HRH Francis Owashi of Belegete Community, amongst others received the guests and gave their Royal blessings to their political ambition after which they outlined the challenges of the community. They also thanked Sen. Jarigbe for remembering various communities in the ward during his short stay in the Senate.

    While addressing the teeming supporters at the various wards, Amb. Peter Akpanke, the Party’s candidate for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, thanked the people for turning out in support of the party within such short notice. He also promised to bring back the lost glory of Obanliku and attract more dividends of Democracy to the Ward in a bid to compliment the efforts of Sen. Jarigbe.

    Sen. Jarigbe in his remarks, reiterated his commitment to service to humanity. The lawmaker, stated that the party was only interested in developing the Senatorial District unlike the APC that has underdeveloped the district, using Food as a tool to enslave the people.

    Barr. Vena Ikem, State Chairman of PDP, the State Assembly Candidate, Chief Pius Ashakia, DG Jarigbe Campaign Organization, Dr. Doncklaimz Enamhe, Hon. Dr Benjamin Ambe, Former Chairman of Obanliku LGA, amongst others took turns to address the party faithfuls who also pledged their loyalty and support to the party and its candidates.

    The royal fathers of Utanga, led by Clan head of Baga community, HRH. Alfred Anyam Ande, HRH Suhumba Joseph of Utanga clan and those of Bebi ward led by HRH Chief Francis Atung, Clan Head of Bebi East and members of the Council of Chiefs, Catechist Peter Adagwu, Chairman Bebi Traditional Council, amongst others.

    Some dignitaries who were in attendance include, Barr. Godwin Offiono, candidate for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Chief Hon. Rita Agbo Ayim, Candidate for Ogoja State Constituency, Dr Paul Ebiala Esq, Candidate for Yala 1 State Constituency, Dr Martins Achadu, Candidate for Yala 2 state Constituency, Barr. Omang Charles Omang, Candidate for Bekwarra State Constituency, Mr. John Ukwu, Candidate for Obudu State Constituency

    Others include, Hon. Mike Usibe, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, Mr. Joe Ulom, Dr Raphael Ogar Oko, members of PDP State Executive Council from the North, PDP ward and Chapter Excos, amongst others.