The Lumine News

Category: Press release

  • Jarigbe Felicitates Gov Otu On His Second Year Anniversary In Office 

    Jarigbe Felicitates Gov Otu On His Second Year Anniversary In Office 

     

    Message of Congratulations on the Second Anniversary in Office of His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Governor of Cross River State

    It is with great joy and profound respect that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, on the occasion of his second year anniversary in office.

    Over the past two years, your Excellency has demonstrated a very laudable vision for the development and progress of our beloved State. Your unwavering commitment to good governance and service delivery, coupled with your admirable decision to eschew retrogressive politics, has distinguished your administration as one that truly prioritizes the welfare and advancement of the people of Cross River State.

    As you mark this milestone, I encourage you to remain steadfast on this commendable path, so that you may leave lasting legacies and etch your name indelibly in the sands of time. The people of Cross River State are fortunate to have a leader whose focus is squarely on transformation and sustainable development.

    In my capacity as Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District and leader of the main opposition Party (People’s Democratic Party) in the State, I assure you of my continued support and collaboration. Together, we shall work tirelessly to attract vital infrastructural projects and enhance human capital development, thereby delivering the democratic dividends our people richly deserve.

    I wish you good health, renewed strength, and unceasing success as you continue to lead Cross River State to greater heights.

    Long live Cross River State!
    Long live our dear Nigeria!

    Signed,
    Dist. Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe,
    Cross River North Senatorial District

  • SUG Elections 2025: UNICAL Reconstitutes CUECO

    SUG Elections 2025: UNICAL Reconstitutes CUECO

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi has approved the reconstitution of the Calabar University Electoral Commission (CUECO) 2025.

    Information made available to the University’s Public Relations Unit has it that the reconstitution follows the expiration of the 2023/2024 SUG Administration under the leadership of Comr. Alims, Blessing Iripia.

    To this end, a 15-man CUECO under the Chairmanship of Prof. Dominic Obi has been appointed to conduct elections into the SUG Executive Council, Legislature and Hall Government for the 2024/2025 session.

    According to a letter of appointment signed by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Patrick Egaga, other members of the Commission comprising staff and students’ representatives include, Jonas O. Abuo, Esq of the Legal Unit, Mr. Patrick E. Ibiang, Dr. Boypa O. Egbe, Maxwell Eba, Esq, Dr. Deborah Onabe and Dr. Puis Akah.

    Others are Drs. Kimson Idiege and Jerry Etta, Mr. Samuel Eno Okoi, Udenyi Simeon, Ogidi Ndona Okora, Osegbu Favour Mmesoma, Victor Uloh and Mr. Imeh Bassey of the Students’ Affairs Division.

    The letter adds that the Elections are expected to be conducted within 3 weeks of the Commission’s appointment.

    #Public Relations Unit, University of Calabar

  • Jarigbe Agom Announces Town Hall Meetings Across Cross River North Senatorial District

    Jarigbe Agom Announces Town Hall Meetings Across Cross River North Senatorial District

     

    As part of my ongoing commitment to engage with the people of Cross River North Senatorial District, I am pleased to announce a series of Town Hall meetings across the five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the district. These interactive sessions will provide an opportunity for open dialogue, feedback, and discussion on key issues affecting our communities.

    The schedule is as follows:

    Saturday, 24th May, 2025:
    • 10:00 AM – Obanliku LGA
    • 1:00 PM – Obudu LGA
    • 3:00 PM – Bekwarra LGA

    Sunday, 25th May, 2025:
    • 2:00 PM – Yala LGA
    • 4:00 PM – Ogoja LGA

    I warmly invite every constituent of Cross River North, especially those in support of my vision for a better future, to join these sessions. Your voice matters, and together, we will continue to work towards the development and progress of our great district.

    I look forward to meeting with you all!

    Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe
    Senator, Cross River North Senatorial District

    NB: Respective venues will be communicated in the various platforms by the Organizers in each LGA.

  • Sen Jarigbe Set To Engage Constituents In Town Hall Meetings

    Sen Jarigbe Set To Engage Constituents In Town Hall Meetings

    Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe Announces Town Hall Meetings Across Cross River North Senatorial District

    As part of my ongoing commitment to engaging with the people of Cross River North Senatorial District, I am pleased to announce a series of Town Hall meetings across the five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the district. These interactive sessions will provide an opportunity for open dialogue, feedback, and discussion on key issues affecting our communities.

    The schedule is as follows:

    Saturday, 24th May, 2025:
    • 10:00 AM – Obanliku LGA
    • 1:00 PM – Obudu LGA
    • 3:00 PM – Bekwarra LGA

    Sunday, 25th May, 2025:
    • 2:00 PM – Yala LGA
    • 4:00 PM – Ogoja LGA

    I warmly invite every constituent of Cross River North, especially those in support of my vision for a better future, to join these sessions. Your voice matters, and together, we will continue to work towards the development and progress of our great district.

    I look forward to meeting with you all!

    Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe
    Senator, Cross River North Senatorial District

    NB: Respective venues will be communicated in the various platforms by the Organizers in each LGA.

  • UNICAL Dean Of Student’s Affairs Invites NYSC Mobilization Officers, HODs For A Crucial Meeting

    UNICAL Dean Of Student’s Affairs Invites NYSC Mobilization Officers, HODs For A Crucial Meeting

     

    As part of efforts to curb the negative trend of fraudulent mobilization of non qualified students for the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Dean Student’s Affairs of the University of Calabar, Prof Patrick Egaga, has invited all NYSC Mobilization Officers and Heads of Departments to a crucial meeting slated for today Tuesday May 13th 2025 at the Center for Educational Services CES auditorium by 11:00am.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews, Prof Egaga noted that “Attendance is mandatory as non-attendance will result in non-submission of your Department’s Batch ‘B’ 2025 Senate-approved results”.

    The release further indicates that the agenda for the meeting is NYSC Mobilization.

    The release, signed by Pastor Patrick Ibiang, Deputy Registrar and Students Affairs Officer, on behalf of the Dean quoted Egaga stating that “The meeting is bound to be explosive and exploratory with intent to blocking avenues leading to all forms of malpractices by Mobilization Portal Handlers within the University which squarely aligns with the vision of the current University administration “

  • Jarigbe Felicitates Nigerian Workers On 2025 International Worker’s Day

    Jarigbe Felicitates Nigerian Workers On 2025 International Worker’s Day

    Nigerian workers, as we celebrate International Workers’ Day with the rest of the world, I would like to use this opportunity to remind you of how you represent the excellence of our country.

    Today, Nigerians have to contend with an inflation rate of 24.23%. This spike has led to a significant increase in transportation, feeding, housing and the general cost of living in the country.

    In spite of this, you, our dear Nigerian workers, have continued to contribute your quota to the development of our country, Nigeria.

    From the keke napep riders, cab and bus drivers that take hardworking Nigerians to their workplaces. To the civil servants that ensure our ministries and parastatals run smoothly. To the restaurant owners that feed our workforce.

    I assure you, your resilience, dedication and sacrifice will be inevitably rewarded.

    Until that day comes, I, Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, would like to say ‘thank you’ for all you do for this nation.

    Happy Workers’ Day.

    Yours Truly,
    Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe,
    Representing Cross River North Senatorial District.

  • State of Emergency in Rivers State: C’River Acting Governor Backs Tinubu’s Decision

    State of Emergency in Rivers State: C’River Acting Governor Backs Tinubu’s Decision

    The Cross River State Government has formally dissociated itself from the South-South Governors’ Forum’s reservations regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing its full support for the federal government’s decision to restore order amid escalating unrest.

    In a press release issued on Thursday by Barr. Fred Abua, Press Secretary to the Acting Governor, the state clarified that Acting Governor Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey was neither consulted nor informed prior to the forum’s public statement criticizing the presidential directive.

    The forum, comprising governors from Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, had expressed concerns over the constitutionality and implications of the emergency declaration.

    The press release underscored Dr. Odey’s alignment with President Tinubu’s decision, describing it as “a necessary step taken in the best interest of national security, peace, and stability.” It further stated, “Every responsible government must prioritize the protection of lives and property, and where circumstances necessitates decisive action, such measures must be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity.”

    The statement reiterated Cross River State’s commitment to constitutional governance and collaboration with the federal government to address security challenges. It emphasized that the forum’s position “does not reflect the views of the Cross River State Government,” citing the lack of prior consultation as a critical factor.

    The press release concluded with a call for unity: “Cross River State remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and will continue to collaborate with Federal Government in ensuring peace, security, and stability across the country.”

  • Cross River PDP Frowns at the Cross River Local Government Amendment Bill 2025

    Cross River PDP Frowns at the Cross River Local Government Amendment Bill 2025

    Press Release

    Cross River PDP Frowns at the Cross River Local Government Amendment Bill 2025

    The Cross River State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed utter displeasure and dis-affection with the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA) for the hasty passage of the Local Government Amendment Bill 2025. The party condemns this legislative ambush, describing it as a direct contradiction of the Supreme Court’s judgment on Local Government Autonomy and an orchestrated scheme to arm-twist, emasculate, and misappropriate local government resources.

    Despite widespread public condemnation, the House proceeded with the bill, defending her actions by wrongly relying on Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which merely empowers states to enact laws for local government administration, but not to undermine their autonomy or divert their funds.

    The PDP identifies several draconian and exploitative provisions within the bill, which place an unbearable financial burden on the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Cross River State. These include:

    Expansion of statutory political appointees under each Local Government Chairman from 25 to 50 persons, thereby increasing the financial strain on already underfunded councils.

    – Unauthorized monthly deduction of 1% for House of Assembly “oversight functions.”

    – 0.5% deduction for the State Community and Social Development Agency

    – 1% deduction for funding the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), despite the state government’s primary responsibility for higher education funding

    – 0.5% deduction for the Office of the State Auditor General, ₦1 million mandatory monthly contribution from each LGA to the Cross River State Reserve Fund

    – 4% deduction for the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency, a responsibility that should be handled by the state government, not the local councils.

    The People’s Democratic Party sees this law as an evil plot by the Otu-led APC administration to plunder resources meant for grassroots development. The party categorically states that:

    The financial autonomy of LGAs is sacrosanct and must not be subjected to the manipulative whims of the state government.

    The hasty passage and signing of this law reveal a desperate attempt to siphon local government funds for political patronage ahead of the 2025 local government elections.

    The people of Cross River State must resist this oppressive, anti-development, and unconstitutional law through all legal and democratic means.

    The PDP, therefore, alerts the good people of Cross River State and the entire nation to this daylight robbery of local government funds under the guise of legislative amendments.

    The party remains committed to protecting democracy, defending local government autonomy, and ensuring that public resources are used for grassroots development rather than political enrichment.

    Signed:

    Prince Mike Ojisi
    Publicity Secretary

  • Demand for Transparency: NDAF Challenges NDDC Over Alleged Mismanagement of Cross River Palliatives

    Demand for Transparency: NDAF Challenges NDDC Over Alleged Mismanagement of Cross River Palliatives

    Press Release
    February 1, 2025

    Demand for Transparency: NDAF Challenges NDDC Over Alleged Mismanagement of Cross River Palliatives

    Compatriots in the struggle, Niger Deltans, and gentlemen of the press,
    Niger Delta Activists Forum (NDAF) is compelled to react to the press statement emanating from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) published on January 30, 2025.

    As you know, necessity is the springboard of reaction. On that note, NDAF finds it necessary to exercise our rights once again in light of recent developments regarding the surreptitious and selective distribution of palliatives (money and food items) meant for groups in Cross River State. These palliatives were distributed through the NDDC, supposedly in collaboration with Rt. Hon. Otuekong Orok Otu Duke, the Cross River representative on the NDDC Governing Board, and Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, the senator representing Cross River South and Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC.

    The current discrepancies surrounding the palliatives came to public attention as a result of the political hiccups between the governor of Cross River State and the senator’s camp. In response, Hon. Duke granted interviews and issued press statements accusing Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong of hijacking the N100 million earmarked by NDDC as palliatives for Cross River State.

    On January 29, 2025, in our penultimate press release, we called on Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong to break his silence and provide accountability. We also gave him a 72-hour ultimatum, which elapsed at 12 PM on January 31, 2025. While awaiting his response, the NDDC hurriedly released a statement on January 30, 2025, through its Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, tactically absolving Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong of the allegations.

    The NDAF read the press release with skepticism. The NDDC claimed that it distributed only palliatives, not money, and that the list of beneficiaries was duly approved by the NDDC Board. In light of this, we seek clarification on the following:

    1. Was the governor of Cross River State aware of the list of beneficiaries, or was he consulted before it was generated as one of the advisors of the NDDC board as established by law?

    2. Since the NDDC stated that the list was duly approved by its Board, did Rt. Hon. Otuekong Orok Otu Duke, the Board member representing Cross River State, participate in the approval process?

    3. Who submitted the list of beneficiaries for Cross River State—Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong or Rt. Hon. Otuekong Orok Otu Duke?

     

    While we await answers, we demand that the NDDC, which by law is not a secret organization, publish a *comprehensive* list of beneficiaries from Cross River State on its website. Additionally, the Commission must provide the public with detailed information on the sharing formula for the so-called palliatives.

    The NDDC has three (3) working days to respond. If it fails to do so, we will be left with no choice but to hold an international press conference calling for a forensic audit and investigation into the institutional corruption within the NDDC, which is being perpetuated by certain individuals.
    Yours in the struggle!

    Signed:
    Comr. Paul Ajie
    Chairman, Niger Delta Activists Forum (NDAF)

    Comr. Ogar Emmanuel Oko
    Secretary, Niger Delta Activists Forum (NDAF)

  • Akpanke Provides Buses To Convey Students Of OBO Constituency To Calabar

    Akpanke Provides Buses To Convey Students Of OBO Constituency To Calabar

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke, has provided three buses for each of Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku Local Government Areas, to assist students return to Calabar to continue their studies.

    The gesture which becomes very necessary following the hike in transport fare and it’s attendant effect on students.

    Find the release below:

    PRESS RELEASE

    “Due to the challenging situation of the economy and current costs of transportation, we are pleased to announce to the general public that the Honourable member Representing Obudu Bekwarra Obanliku Federal Constituency Hon Peter Akpanke, in his usual way of showing commitments and support to the Education of our Youths, has made provision for transportation assistance of three Buses per LGA across the Federal Constituency for students returning to school in Calabar.

    Date:Tuesday 14/01/2025
    Time:6am

    Venue:

    Obanliku Students:
    Ashisong Filling station,Utuhu.
    Contact number for Obanliku: 08066533843

    Obudu Students:
    M-R-S FUEL STATION, OBUDU.
    Contact number for Obudu: 08162574450

    Bekwarra Students:
    UNBEATABLE FUEL STATION, ABOUCHICHE.
    Contact number for Bekwarra: 08144418021

    Boarding requirements will be your school ID card or your last semester school Fee receipt. Thanks.”

    Thank you, Hon. Peter Akpanke for this intervention.