The Lumine News

Category: Politics

  • The Illusion of a Serious Opposition Coalition BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

     

    Recent developments regarding the much-talked-about opposition coalition aiming to unseat the ruling APC in 2027 raise serious doubts about its viability and strategic coherence.

    The assignment of two former South-South governors to spearhead discussions on whether to create a new political party or adopt an existing one as the coalition’s platform underscores the uncertainty and lack of direction among the key players. Earlier this week, reports suggested that the coalition had settled on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political vehicle, only for a swift denial to follow, deepening skepticism about its seriousness.

    This ambiguity is not new. Just months ago, a prominent coalitionist dramatically resigned from the APC and joined the SDP, proclaiming it as the chosen party for the opposition’s grand strategy. Yet, this plan fizzled out almost as soon as it was announced.

    With less than two years until the next general election, any serious political movement would have finalized its strategy by now. Forming a new political party at this stage seems impractical, given the rigorous legal and constitutional processes required for registration, which could take nearly a year. Additionally, a newly registered party would need substantial time and resources to establish structures across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    Even if the coalition opts to adopt an existing party, the enormous logistical hurdles of branding it effectively and securing widespread acceptance among voters remain daunting. Time is rapidly slipping away, and without a clear, resolute approach, the coalition risks becoming another footnote in Nigeria’s political history—a movement that never truly took shape.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

     

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

  • Innovating Healthcare: Nigerian Nurses As Changemakers And Solution Providers BY JOE OBI BISONG

     

    Being a Paper presented On the 20th May, 2025 at College of Health Technology, Calabar

    Protocol

    Innovating Healthcare: Nigerian Nurses as Change Makers and Solution Providers

    1, Introduction
    At the heart of Nigeria’s health care delivery system are Nurses, who are the most populous group of health professionals uniquely positioned to drive transformative changes in the health sector,

    Traditionally seen as caregivers working with other professionals,but the trend has changed, The Nigerian nurses are increasingly assuming leadership roles as innovators, advocates, educators, researchers, and policymakers. In this , discussion, we shall explore the evolving role of Nigerian nurses as change makers and solution providers, examining how they are spearheading innovation in health-care, overcoming systemic challenges, and redefining patient care in a rapidly changing world.

    Today, Nigerian nurses work in diverse settings: hospitals, clinics, schools, industries, and communities. They form the backbone of primary health-care delivery, particularly in rural areas where physicians are scarce.

    However, for decades, the potential of nurses has been undermined by;
    systemic challenges, including limited professional autonomy,
    inadequate training infrastructure,
    poor remuneration,
    and a lack of representation in decision-making processes.

    Despite these challenges, Nigerian nurses have continued to rise to the occasion, driving innovations that directly impact patient care, healthcare delivery, and public health outcomes.

    Nigerian Nurses as Innovators in Healthcare Delivery

    Innovation in healthcare goes beyond technology; it encompasses new models of care, creative problem-solving, and system improvements that enhance quality and access. Nigerian nurses are leading innovation in community health outreach programs, especially in rural and underserved areas. They designing mobile clinics, immunization campaigns, and home-based care programs and reach populations that might otherwise be neglected. For example, during polio eradication campaigns, community health nurses led door-to-door immunization drives, coordinated local logistics, and built trust among hesitant populations.

    b. Task Shifting and Expanded Roles

    Due to the shortage of physicians, especially in rural areas, task shifting has become a pragmatic solution. Nigerian nurses have embraced expanded roles, providing services traditionally reserved for doctors—such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) management, maternal and neonatal care, and chronic disease monitoring. Nurse-led clinics have emerged as efficient models for delivering HIV care and antenatal services, reducing waiting times and improving treatment adherence.

    c. Use of Mobile Technology and e-Health Tools

    In response to Nigeria’s growing mobile connectivity, nurses are leveraging digital health tools to monitor patient outcomes, schedule follow-ups, and deliver health education. Projects such as mHealth Nigeria have involved nurses in the dissemination of maternal health information through SMS, improving prenatal and postnatal care uptake. Digital innovations are also empowering nurses to collect data for surveillance and research.

    3. Nurses as Leaders in Health System Reform

    Beyond clinical care, Nigerian nurses are increasingly engaged in health system reforms and policy advocacy. Their proximity to patients and communities gives them firsthand insight into systemic failures and opportunities for improvement. Key areas of leadership include:

    a. Policy Advocacy

    Nurse-led organizations like the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) advocate for better working conditions, regulatory reforms, and increased health sector funding. Nurses have been at the forefront of campaigns for universal health coverage, family planning access, and maternal health legislation.

    b. Educational Reforms and Professional Development

    Nigerian nurses are pioneering efforts to raise the standards of nursing education and practice. With the upgrading of nursing schools into degree-awarding institutions, nurses are pushing for competency-based curricula that emphasize leadership, research, and inter-professional collaboration. Programs like the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) and postgraduate specialties are producing a new cadre of highly skilled nurse leaders.

     

    c. Research and Evidence-Based Practice

    The integration of evidence-based practice (EBP) into nursing care is gaining ground. Nigerian nurses are conducting research on local health challenges—from maternal mortality to mental health and infectious disease control. Their findings inform clinical guidelines and community interventions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

    5. Challenges Facing Nigerian Nurses in Their Role as Change Agents

    Despite these achievements, several challenges hinder Nigerian nurses from reaching their full potential as innovators and leaders:

    a. Brain Drain and Workforce Shortages

    Thousands of Nigerian nurses emigrate annually in search of better working conditions, remuneration, and professional respect. This “brain drain” has depleted the health system of experienced personnel and increased the workload for those who remain.

    b. Gender Bias and Professional Hierarchy

    Nursing, traditionally perceived as a female-dominated profession, often suffers from gendered stereotypes. In many institutions, nurses are excluded from decision-making roles, relegated to subordinate positions despite their competence. Infighting among the various nursing practitioners.

    c. Infrastructure and Funding Deficits

    Innovations require enabling environments. Many nurses work in facilities with poor infrastructure, inadequate medical supplies, and limited access to training or research funding. These limitations stifle creativity and affect care delivery.

    d. Limited Autonomy and Recognition

    Although nurses play pivotal roles in patient care, they often lack the autonomy to make clinical decisions or implement new care models without physician approval. This undermines their capacity to act as true change agents.

    6. The Way Forward: Empowering Nigerian Nurses for the Future
    The nursing and midwifery council of nigeria MUST revise the curriculum of pupil nurses and retraining of the older nurses to reflect comtemporary global health care practices.
    This will fully harness the potential of Nigerian nurses as change makers and solution providers.:

    a. Policy and Legislative Support

    The Nigerian government and health regulatory bodies must enact policies that recognize and protect the expanded roles of nurses. The implementation of the Nurses and Midwives (Establishment) Act, coupled with supportive labor laws, can ensure fair treatment, better working conditions, and professional autonomy.

    b. Strengthening Nursing Education and Research

    Upgrading nursing schools to full-fledged colleges and universities, introducing doctoral-level nursing programs, and promoting interdisciplinary research will equip nurses with the knowledge and tools to innovate. Continued professional development should be encouraged through scholarships, fellowships, and international exchange programs.

    c. Promoting Leadership and Representation

    Nurses should be represented at all levels of healthcare planning and policymaking—from hospital management boards to national health councils. Leadership training should be embedded in nursing curricula to prepare nurses for executive roles.

    d. Investing in Technology and Infrastructure

    Healthcare facilities must be equipped with the necessary tools and technologies to support innovation. Nurses should be involved in the design and implementation of health tech solutions, ensuring that digital tools align with frontline realities.

    e. Public Awareness and Professional Image Building

    Changing societal perceptions of nursing is essential.student nurses should be treated with dignity. Media campaigns, school outreach programs, and public health education can highlight the impact of nurses as leaders and innovators. Encouraging male participation and diversity in nursing will also challenge outdated stereotypes.

    Conclusion

    In the journey toward a resilient and equitable healthcare system in Nigeria, nurses stand as indispensable pillars of change. Far from being passive caregivers, they are emerging as innovators, leaders, and strategic thinkers who craft solutions to the most pressing health challenges. Whether by designing community-based interventions, leading policy reforms, or leveraging digital tools, Nigerian nurses are reshaping the healthcare landscape from the inside out.

    To fully realize this transformative potential, there must be deliberate efforts by government, institutions, and society to invest in nursing, elevate the profession’s status. Nurses are not just part of the system, but the driving force behind its progress.
    Nursing is more than a profession. It is calling grounded in purpose, compassion, and leading transformative changer across the healthcare system.

    Thank you

    Joe Obi Bisong RN, RPN, RNT, BSc(Hons), MSC
    e-mail: jobibisong@gmail.com
    08066670557

    Chief Joe Obi Bisong is a male, a retired Nurse, Educator, Scholar, Farmer and Politician.
    Former Leader, Boki Legislature, One time Cross River State PDP Publicity Secretary.
    He was Senior Special Assistant to CRS Governor, and also Special Adviser Environment CRS Governor.
    He served as Director General Caterpillar Movement, and Deputy DG of the PDP Governorship Governorship campaigns ,2023.
    He is an Environmental Resource management researcher. He is married with children.
    Holder of several honorary awards and chieftency titles. His hobbies include: Arbitration, Driving, table tennis and intellectual discuss.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Chief Joe Obi Bisong, and does not represent TheLumineNews, it’s agents or the organization the author works for.

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

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

    APC must be delibrate in improving it’s rewards system

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

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

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

    Joseph Odok PhD Esq

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

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

     

    Dear APC Aspirants in the Recently Concluded CRS LGA Elections,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Compliment of the season.

    Yours sincerely,
    Austine Ibok
    PDP Stakeholder, CRS

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    13 October 2024

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

    Dear Mr Chairman,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Yours sincerely

    Obol Okoi Obono-Obla

    C.C

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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