The Lumine News

Category: Press release

  • No Cause For Alarm, Akpagu Remains C’River North APC Favourite – Team Zana

    No Cause For Alarm, Akpagu Remains C’River North APC Favourite – Team Zana

    PRESS RELEASE

    No Cause For Alarm, Akpagu Remains C’River North APC Favourite

    Greetings to all members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the good people of Cross River Northern Senatorial District and very special new yam felicitation to the good people of Yala and Obanliku.

    It has become very pertinent that we issue this statement to address some information making the rounds in the social media about the forthcoming APC primary scheduled for September 3rd, 2020.

    On Thursday August 26th, 2020, Prof. Zana Akpagu along with other aspirants vying for the Cross River North APC Senatorial ticket attended screening exercises at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Although the panel is yet to formally speak on the outcome of the exercise, his (Prof. Akpagu) impressive performance during the screening clearly point to the fact that his name would be the first on the list.

    As a grassroot mobilizer, after the screening exercise, he set his mind on returning home to meet with his people in his usual tradition of not staying too far from them and was actually on his way when he received a call to return to Abuja for Cross River North APC stakeholders meeting. As a man who is so passionate about building a strong political party to challenge PDP dominance in the state, he didn’t hesitate to honour the call.

    The meeting held yesterday, August 30th at Bela Nova Hotel, Abuja. From what transpired, it was clear that the single agenda of the meeting was to coerce stakeholders to take decisions that would only return the party to the ugly path it’s trying to come out from. But thank God, men of conscience who attended showed that they love the party more than the selfish interest of a minority few who feel that the only time they can be relevant is when there’s crisis in the party.

    It is important to state emphatically that majority of the aspirants have unanimously agreed to test their popularity in the poll in a free, credible fair and friendly primary as such, any attempt by anybody or group of people to foist a candidate on the party would be seriously resisted.

    The party constitution is clear on how to elect a candidate in any election. It recommends direct/indirect primary or consensus. In the case of consensus, the party is clear that it can only be adopted when all parties involved elect to use it but in this case, majority of the aspirants and stakeholders are saying that they wants primary.

    Thus, any attempt to subvert the wishes of the people would push the party back to the ugly days of unending crisis. All lovers of APC should avoid this in order not to portray the state chapter of the party as undermining the directives of the leader of the party and our dear President, Muhammadu Buhari to end all the crisis rocking the party at all levels.

    At every point, the leaders of the party should understand that APC would be running the election as an opposition in the state therefore instead of engaging in activities that will polarize the party or sow seed of discord among the contestants, there should be a level playing ground for a candidate to emerge so that people can still work together to deliver the election for the party after the primary. At the end of the day, whoever emerges candidate would need the support of others to win the main election hence, the need for the coup planners to desist from any action that would undermine others.

    To all the overwhelming supporters of Prof. Zana Akapgu, remain calm and resolute, there’s no course for alarm. Prof. Zana is still the leading and the most popular candidate (aspirant) going into the primary. He will not only win the primary landslide, he’ll deliver the entire Senatorial district to the APC in the main election.

    Baring any last minute change by the National Caretaker Committee to the time table, for now, the primary is still holding on the 3rd of September. And Prof. Akpagu is going into the race as favourites in both the primary and main election.

    All his supporters are advised to continue their mobilization and go on with their normal activities as law abiding members of the party.

    Thank you and God bless.

    Inyali Peter
    For Team Zana

  • FFK Vs Charles Eyo: C’River NUJ Describes Press Conference As Illegal, Blacklists CRSG From Any Media Coverage By Members Of The Union

    FFK Vs Charles Eyo: C’River NUJ Describes Press Conference As Illegal, Blacklists CRSG From Any Media Coverage By Members Of The Union

    By Admin

    The Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ, Cross River State Council has described as illegal the press conference that was organized at the instance of former Aviation minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, where he verbally insulted Mr. Charles Eyo, the Cross River State correspondent of Daily Trust Newspaper.

    The union also blacklisted the state government from any media coverage by members of the union pending the resolution of the matter. The union also blacklisted the former minister from any press conference in the state.

    This is contain in a communique issued on Thursday, 27th August, 2020 at the end of the emergency meeting called for same purpose, signed by Comrades Richard Ndoma and Oka Ibor, Chairman and Secretary of the communique committee, and counter signed by Mr. Victor Udo, Chairman, NUJ – CRS council.

    Full text of the communique.

    COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF AN EMERGENCY CONGRESS OF THE CROSS RIVER STATE COUNCIL OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ) HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 AT THE ERNEST ETIM BASSEY PRESS CENTRE, CALABAR

    Arising from the recent outburst from the former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode with the Cross River State Correspondent of Daily Trust Newspaper, Mr. Eyo Charles during an illegal press conference organized by the Cross River State Government, on Thursday, August 20, 2020 and subsequent reaction from deferent segments of the society, the Cross River State Council of NUJ held an emergency congress to appraised the various issues that emerged from that event.

    Accordingly, after exhaustive deliberations and contributions from members the Congress hereby resolves as follows:

    1. Congress condemns the verbal insult and abuse from FFK and noted that such words could only come out of the lips of a frustrated, immature, bankrupt, irresponsible and unsteady mind and accordingly blacklisted the former Minister of Aviation from all media activities in the State.

    2. Congress further blacklists the Government of Cross River State from any media coverage by all members of Nigeria Union of Journalist in the State for organizing an illegal press conference thereby creating a platform for FFK to abuse and insult a journalist, Mr. Eyo Charles of the Daily Trust Newspaper.

    3. It mandated the State Council to immediately communicate in writing to all media organisations to withdraw their correspondents from Government House and stop them from covering or reporting any activity of the State Government until the issue is resolved.

    4. Congress restates it’s total support for and stand with the Daily Trust Correspondent, Eyo Charles on the question that resulted to the unprovoked outburst.

    5. Congress also directs that the State Council to issue warning letters to members who attended the press conference and did not do anything to protect their colleague after which each of them is to individually write an apology letter through the State Council to the National Leadership of the Union with a firm promise never to violet the rules and regulations guiding the Journalism practice.

    6. Congress hereby resolve that henceforth all press briefings by any individual(s), public or private organizations must be held at the NUJ Press Centre, unless as maybe directed by the State Council.

    7. It warned that any journalist that organizes or attends any press briefing not approved by the State Council shall be sanctioned.

    8. In line with NEC resolution on the proscription of beats, Congress directs the immediate proscription of the illegally operated Cross River State Government House Press Corps.

    9. Congress hereby thanks the National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Management of Daily Trust Newspaper, Civil Societies, Community Based and Faith-based Organisations, religious leaders, members of local and international organisations, groups and individuals for defending the truth.

    Richard Ndoma Oka Ibor

    Chairman State Secretary, NUJ

    Communiqué drafting Committee

    Victor Udu

    State Chairman, NUJ

  • The Akpanke Foundation Condemns The Lynching Of One Suspected Thief In Sankwala, Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The Akpanke Foundation Condemns The Lynching Of One Suspected Thief In Sankwala, Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    BY IKWEN ATUAKA

    The Akpanke Foundation condemns in entirety the barbaric acts perpetrated by some youths who burnt a suspected thief.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews indicates that the lynched took place in the early hours of Thursday 20th August, 2020.

    The release reads in parts “The Foundation condemns strongly the mob action and tasks youth to strive not to take laws into their hands. They should always work with the security agencies to uphold peace and sanity in Obanliku”

    The incident took place on Thursday morning, at about 2:am. The vigilante members who were on watch on Thursday morning, spotted three suspect trying to do away with a water pump from one of the communities local water pump.

    Meanwhile, Mr Peter Akpanke condemns this act as he said it was a barbaric one, and it unacceptable. He added that the youth of Obanliku should be law abiding and strive not to take laws into their hands, but work with the security agencies to uphold peace and sanity in Obanliku.

     

  • C’River North :Who is Afraid of Zana Akpagu, By Z – Media

    C’River North :Who is Afraid of Zana Akpagu, By Z – Media

    By Admin

    Professor Zana Akpagu a highly revered technocrat, seasoned administrator, refined academician, astute politician and a community mobilizer front lining worthy causes that are pro people in stints as a public servant .

    Possessing an intimidating profile, credentials and score card are the most sought after qualities by the electorate as such, Zana Akpagu can’t lose sleep over pockets of blackmail on social media to score cheap political points.

    We are indeed charged with the new spirit of heightened political atmosphere which is assuming a different dimension daily. The citizenry appears to be more politically enlightened with the resultant ownership of our electoral processes than smear campaign.

    In the light of emerging trends which seek performance and people oriented representation, there seem to be a classical departure from the mundane and usual way of imposition of candidates on the electorates.

    With this, the build up to the bye- election in Cross River North Senatorial District has further strengthened our political machinations which has remarkably engineered the power and strength of “Operation Show Your Score Card”

    As activities geared towards clinching the APC ticket for the forthcoming bye-election, Prof. Zana Akpagu having served at different strata of leadership meritoriously.

    Presents electorate with the ability to align with a core progressive with verifiable achievements that evinced every achievements of all the aspirants across political parties in the hunt for the vacant senate seat is indeed causing ripples amongst some persons obviously scared of the towering credentials of professor Akpagu.

    Having felt the echoes of unparalleled developmental strides that has become household chants in Cross River North, across the state and country.

    Some aspirants seeking to fly the APC kite in the forthcoming Senate poll in a quicksand tactics that is dead on arrival are already jittery and disillusioned having lost a sense of direction.

    This is a manifestation of a tactless blue print, in the face of little or near absence of tract records to convince the electorates hinged on selfish gains.

    In spite of this insipid approach, Prof. Zana Akpagu and his supporters will continue to run issue based campaign and engagements without recourse to joining issues with any aspirants, group of aspirants or their supporters to malign any person(s), aspirant(s).

    We call on our teaming supporters to remain calm in the face of this brazen campaign of calumny targeting at the huge political following so far experienced with the deceptive intent to dent the goodwill of the most celebrated aspirant of the All Progressives Congress.

    The fear and the intimidation associated with the breeze that is blowing across the 54 wards has traumatized some aspirants who now resort to tales in anticipation of the party’s ticket.

    The speculation that the party’s stakeholders have resolved to unanimously hand over the ticket to Joe Agi (SAN) as written by a certain purveyor of Fake news “Iwara Ofem Iwara” published on his Facebook wall remains a figment of the writer’s imagination and does not in any way represent the interest of our collective resolved to chat a new narrative for Northern Senatorial District.

    We insist and call on any person with a contrary view to challenge us with facts that Prof. Zana Akpagu is the sole aspirant in the APC that can win the bye election for the party.

    Z – Media

    Disclaimer: The views expressed above are strictly that of Z – Media and does not represent TheLumineNews.

  • Apologize Or Face Severe Hostility If Seen In Bekwarra, Angry Youths Warn Joe Agi

    Apologize Or Face Severe Hostility If Seen In Bekwarra, Angry Youths Warn Joe Agi

    By Admin

    A socio-political group, Young Bekwarra Leaders Forum has berated an APC senatorial candidate in the forthcoming Cross River North bye-election, Mr. Joe Agi, SAN for using the court issue between the Ugboro and Ishibori people for political campaign.

    The group in a statement signed by Comrade Agaji Ntamu called on the senior lawyer to tender an unreserved apology to the Bekwarra nation or steer clear of the local government.

    It would be recalled that Agi, over the weekend asked the Ishibori people in Ogoja local government to support him for Senate as a way of rewarding him for winning for the court case between Ugboro and the community over a disputed piece of land for them.

    Ugboro, a community in Bekwarra in 1995 were involved in a bloody communal clash with the Ishibori community in Ogoja local government area that claimed the lives of many with properties worth millions of naira destroyed. After the war, the Bekwarra went up to Supreme Court and the Ishibori people won the case.

    Speaking during a consultative forum with APC members in Ogoja on Sunday, Agi was seen in a viral video reminding the Ishibori people how he won the case in court for them.

    Irked by the utterances, Bekwarra youths have warned that although they’re a peaceful people, their peace loving nature shouldn’t be taken for granted.

    “The Bekwarra people of Northern Cross River are known and celebrated world over for their hospitality, they’re a towering socio-political giants who have produced one of the best brains in Nigeria. Bekwarra sons and daughters have represented Nigeria in virtually all areas of human endeavours both nationally and internationally. The contributions of some of her illustrious sons both home and abroad has contributed greatly in shaping today’s Cross River and Nigeria at large, as such, Bekwarra Nation deserves to be respected and treated with decorum at all times.

    “However, the attention of Bekwarra people have been drawn to a provocative video making rounds on social media by one Joe Agi (SAN), an unpopular politician rumoured to be vying for the Cross River North Senatorial seat. In the video, Agi on his consultation visit to a few members of APC at Ishiborri community in Ogoja ran out of ideas and in his desperation to impress his already disappointed listeners resorted into making provocative statements on one of the most unfortunate Bekwarra-Ishiborri communal crisis.

    “Recall that the very unfortunate Ugboro- Ishiborri communal clash which took place in 1995, exactly 25 years ago was a very bloody inter communal dispute where many lives were lost with properties worth thousands of millions lost. Some families are still disenchanted to the present day.

    “The pains, the agony of this dreaded communal mishap is this very fresh. The unfortold economic hardship is still felt by both affected communities. The decision of Joe Agi to anchor his political point on such ugly incident with the intent to malign the integrity of the good people of Bekwarra is very embarrassing”, the statement reads in part.

    The statement added that “It should be noted that while other responsible aspirants whose live impacting projects are spread over every nooks and crannies of Cross River State and being decorated with titles on a daily basis, Agi has absolutely nothing to show anywhere, not even in Yala where he hails from.His decision to insight another genocide where he can quickly rush to court and exploits people of their hard earnings at the expense of lives has failed woefully!

    “In the rather disappointing video, Agi had to drag the personality of our highly accomplished Chief K. G Agabi (SAN) into his politics of desperation. We wish to inform him that our well respected legal icon is too highly placed and shouldn’t be used as political bait by someone with no political track records. Lest he forgets, Chief K.G Agabi has served this nation as a former minister of Justice and one of the unifying personalities in Cross River and shouldn’t be dragged into any politics of hate and division.

    “Bekwarra are peaceful people and are willing to live in harmony with those who appreciates peace. As a show of true repentance, Agi and his political team are advised to tender an unreserved apology published on full pages of five national daily newspapers with a similar apology on three radio stations namely, Hit FM, Calabar, Ebonyi broadcasting service, Abakaliki and Joy FM, Otukpo which shall run concurrently for at least a month. Failure to do so shall result to severe hostility if he ever dares to come to Bekwarra for any political activities”.

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed expressed here are strictly that of Bekwarra young progressive forum as signed by Agaji Ntamu and does not represent TheLumineNews or its staff.

  • Alleged CRN Elders Resolution : Don’t misconstrue PDP committee of friends as that of the NORTH

    Alleged CRN Elders Resolution : Don’t misconstrue PDP committee of friends as that of the NORTH

    By Concerned APC faithfuls

    Concerned faithfuls of the ruling All Progressive Congress in Northern senatorial district of Cross River State have reacted to the committee of friends meeting conveyed by Gen. Anthony UKpo Rtd. and claimed that it was a northern stakeholders meeting, and call on all well meaning constituents of the district to disregard such hallucinations and held that such resolutions was a figment of the imagination of the committee of friends.

    Find full text of the release by the concerned APC faithfuls who pledged anonymity.

    “Some PDP leaders from the north allegedly met on the 8th of July to chat over some bottles of wine and today, people are circulating a release allegedly issued by them as resolutions concerning the forthcoming Cross River North bye-election. In all honesty, even they themselves know that the resolutions would be obeyed only in the breach.

    “The shocking but inconsequential
    document reportedly retained the Senate seat in Ogoja/Yala federal constituency. And in 2023, they zoned the Senate seat again to Ogoja which is still part of the federal constituency.

    “Our highly respected elders contradicted themselves when they used federal constituency to zone the bye-election but used local government to zone that of 2023.

    “How can you tell other local government to hands off the bye-election for 0goja/Yala federal constituency but in another resolution say Ogoja which is part of the same constituency should get the seat in 2023?

    “Besides, the convener of the forum Gen. Anthony Ukpo and the Secretary, Leonard Anyogo are from Yala. In fact, out of the seven persons that allegedly met to take the non-implementable decision, three are from Yala. This explains why the resolutions were purely a Yala and Ogoja thing and nothing more.

    “To be modest, what they’ve done is nothing but complete abuse on the collective sensibilities of the entire Northern senatorial district and should be disregarded in its entirety. This is because some people are obviously taking the entire zone for granted otherwise, how can you explain the decision to call a meeting that favours only one federal constituency in two separate Democratic tenures?

    “In any case, they made a grievous mistake by calling Gen. UKpo PDP committee of friends meeting a Northern Elders’ Forum Meeting. We don’t need a soothsayer to tell us that even in PDP, this document cannot hold sway, not to talk of other political parties.

    “Nobody should misconstrue a meeting of friends skewed to favour a particular local government and federal constituency to a meeting of the North. If they are interested in peacefully resolving the issues surrounding the bye-election, then the set up of the forum should be all inclusive. Leaders of all parties and youths organizations should be involved and not just a few friends.

  • OMPAN Calls On CRS Govt To Reinvigorate Fight Against COVID-19 Lockout, Prosecute “General Iron”

    OMPAN Calls On CRS Govt To Reinvigorate Fight Against COVID-19 Lockout, Prosecute “General Iron”

    By Admin

    THE Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, OMPAN, Cross River State chapter has called on the Cross River State Government to reinvigorate the fight against COVID-19 lockout in the state.

    The association made the call in a communiqué after its monthly meeting held in Calabar on Thursday.

    The Communiqué signed by its state Chairman, Comrade Efio-Ita Nyok stated that the call has become imperative following the complete noncompliance with basic safety rules like wearing of face masks, use of hand sanitizers and physical distance by majority of the population in the state.

    “Ninety percent of residents in the state no longer use personal protective equipment and go about their businesses with an air of nonchalance which speaks volumes of what might befall the state in the event of an outbreak of the pandemic in the state”.

    OMPAN observed that the state sits on a time bomb as the borders and points of entry into the state which used to be closely monitored have now become open for free entry and exit into the state.

    “Reports from across the state shows that movement into and out of the state no longer witness scrutiny or restriction as was the case when the government announced the lockout against the pandemic”.

    The association said figures globally indicate that the rate of infection is on the increase and even in Nigeria there is a spike in the level of infection and the state having not witnessed any case should be sustained through continued and stringent lockout effort.

    “Initiating a policy without close and continued monitoring is like kicking a ball down the road and letting it rolls without being guided to a logical direction and that is not going to stop the infection from entering the state and causing havoc”. OMPAN noted.

    The association also called on the state government to call on the contracting firm handling the construction of the Tinapa-Odukpani junction roundabout road to expedite action to put pay to the frequent motor accidents that are being recorded along that road.

    “There have been records of frequent motor accidents particularly trucks crashing on that road and obstructing free movement and causing avoidable hardship on road users.”

    The association stated that though rainfall is on the increase but measures should be taken by the contractor to avoid frequent crashes on the road.

    The umbrella body for online media practitioners in the state particularly noted with profound reservations the unconscionable barbarity of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River on Forestry Security, Thomas Obi Tawo, popularly called “General Iron” who reportedly burnt Nigerians in Boki LGA recently (with some allegedly dead) for suspectedly being witches and wizards whom he said he saw in his dream fighting with him. OMPAN called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the so-called General.

    “We note with reservations the barbarity of the Special Adviser to the state Governor on Forestry Security, Thomas Obi Tawo, who recently burnt some Nigerians indigenous to Boki for suspectedly seeing them in his dream fighting with him.

    “It beggars the mind that this type of elements are still living with us in society and more still, he is still an appointee of a state governor who had claimed to be a politician with ethics.

    “OMPAN is therefore calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of SA Tawo. Such entities, if convicted should be kept faraway from society”, the statement concluded.

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are strictly that Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter and does not represent TheLuminrNews.

  • Amanke Invites Critical Stakeholders To A Crucial And Strategic Meeting In View Of School Resumption In The State

    Amanke Invites Critical Stakeholders To A Crucial And Strategic Meeting In View Of School Resumption In The State

    The Commissioner for Quality Education, Dr. Godwin Amanke has invited critical stakeholders to a crucial and strategic meeting in view of school resumption in the state.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Commissioner, Dr. Godwin Amanke indicates that the meeting is to consider the pros and the cons of resumption of schools in the state in the circumstance of the ravaging Covid-19.

    The release reads in parts “The Cross River State Ministry of Education invites the following stakeholders to
    Crucial and Strategic  meeting on the “Pros” and“ cons” of resumption of
    schools in Cross River State.

    “Date: Friday,10thJuly,2020.
    Time: 2pmPrompt.
    Venue: The Auditorium, School of Health Technology,
    Calabar.

    “1. All Special Advisers on Education
    2. All Senior Special Assistants on Education
    3. All Special Assistants on Education
    4. The Executive Chairman and Members of The State Universal Basic Education
    Board
    5.The Chairman and Members of Secondary Education Board
    6.The Executive Secretary and Members of The Science and Technical Education
    Board
    7. Chairman and Members of Governor’s Advisory Committee on Education
    8. Chairman and Members of Private Schools Regulatory Board
    9. Chairman and Members of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT)
    10. Chairman and Members of National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria
    (NAPTAN/PTA) Cross River State.
    11. Chairman and Members of All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS)
    12. Chairman and Members of Association of Proprietors of Private Schools
    (NAPPS).
    13. Chairman and Members of Association of Heads of Primary Schools of Nigeria
    (AOHPSON).
    14. All Directors and Members of Management, Ministry of Education, Calabar”

  • Citizens’ Solution Network’s Press Release On The Arrest Of Lance Corporal Idiakpeni Martins By The Leadership Of Nigerian Army

    Citizens’ Solution Network’s Press Release On The Arrest Of Lance Corporal Idiakpeni Martins By The Leadership Of Nigerian Army

    By Admin

    CITIZENS’ SOLUTION NETWORK’S PRESS RELEASE ON THE ARREST OF LANCE CORPORAL IDAKPENI MARTINS BY THE LEADERSHIP OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY

    Date: 6/7/2020
    Time: 8am

    Today we wake up to a very depressing information concerning the arrest of Lance Corporate Idakpeni Martins of 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, Nigeria.

    In a video sent to us last week, Lance Corporal Idakpeni Martins criticised the leadership of the Nigerian Army and accused Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai of betraying Nigeria by not supplying the Army men fighting the insurgency in the North better and adequate fire arms.

    In the said video within our custody, Lance Corporal Martins accused the Army Chief of Staff of arresting and locking up innocent Nigerian Army personnel who are demanding better and adequate arms to fight insurgency in the North.

    Lance Corporal Martins went on to demand that in a case where he is arrested following the release of the said video, we should endeavor that his Court Marshall should be opened for all Nigerians to see, and not to be allowed to be tried in secrecy.

    At Citizens Solution Network, we expect that if officers who are willing to fight and die for this country demand weapons, they should be given and not to be rounded up, arrested and locked up in secret detention facilities as exposed by Lance Corporal Martins.

    From the foregoing, there is a depressing and serious implication to this. Which simply means, Nigerian Military Personnel are sent to die at battle front without proper and adequate supply of firearms, and in event where they are seen to complain, they are arrested, and locked up in secret detention facilities rather than issued the right article of combat (AoC).

    At Citizens’ Solution Network, we find this sort of arrest unfair, unjust and unacceptable, and call for the review of the conditions and on what ground an army officer or rank and file should be arrested, tried and detained. Hence the need for the National Assembly to speedily intervene and get involved into reviewing the extant laws surrounding same.

    That said, we are first and foremost condemning the arrest of Lance Corporal Martins and demanding that his Court Marshall, if the military deems it necessary to have him tried, be done fairly and transparently outside the purview of secrecy.

    Finally, we wish to call on the leadership of the Nigerian Military and the President of Nigeria to ensure that nothing unjust happens to Lance Corporal Martins.

    Let it be on public registry that there is genuine and broad need for all Nigerians, lawyers and human right activists to rally in defence of Lance Corporal Martins and his ultimate release.

    Thanks!

    Signed.

    Richard F. Inoyo
    Country Director, Citizens Solution Network.

    For: Military Population and Civilian Council.

    CC:

    President and Commandant-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The President of The Nigerian Senate.

    The Speaker of The Nigerian House of Representatives.

    The Chief of Defence Staff.

    The Chief of Army Staff.

    The National President, Nigerian Bar Association.

    Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria.

  • Jerry Unimke Dissociates From Controversial CRS Gov’t Facilitation Of N-Power Initiative.

    Jerry Unimke Dissociates From Controversial CRS Gov’t Facilitation Of N-Power Initiative.

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    A renowned scholar and fine gentleman per excellent, Mr. Jerry Unimke, who is also the Examination Officer of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Calabar has dissociated himself from the controversial meddling of the Cross River State Government in the ongoing batch C N-Power registration whose portal has just been stabilized today.

    In a memo issued and signed by the Director General, Migration Control, in his verified Facebook account @Prince Michael Nku Abuo, https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3507260515967944&id=100000520910186&sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=miDnC25nxBHNDQGI, appointed Mr. Jerry Unimke as coordinator for Obudu.

    Unimke took to his verified Facebook account @Jerry Unimke, https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1977152885753508&id=100003764479493  to disclaim appointment.

    The release reads “My attention has been drawn to a certain publication with my name and phone number (07038317497) circulating the social media space, assigned to issue forms and collect the sum of #2500 from applicants in connection with the State government facilitation process of the Federal Government N-power Initiative.

    “I wish to state categorically that the said publication was fronted without due consultation with me. I think I was dragged into it by error, which I have addressed. Whether the facilitation scheme is genuine or not, it’s not in question to me but my intention is to discountenance my person from such controversial schemes. I have worked hard for myself and I hold my name and integrity in high esteem and do not wish to meddle in such affairs”

    Thanks

    Jerry Unimke