The Lumine News

Category: Press release

  • I Remain Loyal To The PDP, I Have No Reason To Leave – Jarigbe

    I Remain Loyal To The PDP, I Have No Reason To Leave – Jarigbe

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has urged his constituents to be calm as he his loyalty remain with his constituents.

    Sen Jarigbe responded to rumors peddled by distractors and said he remained with the PDP because he has no reason to leave.

    The lawmaker noted that his mandate was given to him by people of Cross River North, and only the person have the power to determine his fate, and insisted that no political maneuver or rumor can alter this truth. The senator affirmed that his loyalty lies with the people, and his commitment to our shared vision of progress remains unshaken.

    The senator made this known in press release made available to TheLumineNews, which he personally signed.

    Find the release below

    PRESS RELEASE

    DISREGARD BASELESS RUMORS: I REMAIN LOYAL TO THE PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP).

    My dear Constituents of Cross River North Senatorial District, esteemed Party men and loyal supporters,
    I address you today in response to a baseless and mischievous rumor making the rounds, suggesting that I, your Senator, am planning to defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to another political party. I wish to categorically state that this rumor is entirely false, a figment of the imagination of political jobbers who are bent on misleading and distracting us from the important task of governance and development in our district.

    Let me be clear: I remain fully committed to the ideals of the PDP and have no intention whatsoever of jumping ship. This malicious rumor is the handiwork of those who seek to cause confusion among our people. Their intention is to undermine the trust we have built together, but I urge you to completely disregard their lies. Our focus must remain on delivering the dividends of democracy to our people, not engaging in baseless speculation.

    I did not seek this position to play politics; I sought it to serve you, my people. It is not about the political party, but about the commitment to fulfilling our social contract. As your representative, I have always placed your welfare, development, and progress above all else. That will never change. I am here to serve, and I will continue to deliver on my promises, no matter the distractions.

    Those who are quick to defect are often those who have failed to perform and are now seeking help from the government in power ahead of the next election. However, let me remind them that elections are won based on performance, not on the political party one belongs to. Our people are wise, and they will assess us by what we have done for them, not by where we have chosen to sit at the table of power.

    I remain with the PDP because I have no reason to leave. My mandate was given to me by you, the people of Cross River North, and only you have the power to determine my fate. No political maneuver or rumor can alter this truth. My loyalty lies with you, and my commitment to our shared vision of progress remains unshaken.

    I urge you to stay focused and disregard the noise from those who wish to distract us. Together, we will continue to work for the betterment of our Senatorial District , ensuring that the progress we seek is achieved.

    Thank you for your trust, support, and belief in our shared mission.

    God bless Cross River North Senatorial District.
    God bless the People’s Democratic Party.

    Dist. Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS.
    Cross River North Senatorial District
    People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    By Elijah Ugani 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    PRESS RELEASE
    FROM BOKI COUNCILLORS FORUM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    God bless you all.

    Signed
    Hon Joe Obi Bisong
    Forum Chairman

    Hon Amos Otu
    Forum secretary

    Hon Jacob Etta Ojie
    Osokom 1 Coordinator

    Hon George Ajangson
    Osokom 2 Coordinator

    Hon Ferdinand Ncha
    Irruan Coordinator

    Hon Michael Leku Ayuk
    Abo Coordinator

    Hon Harrison Odudu
    Eastern Boki Coordinator

  • Cross River Gov’t Initiates Technical Tender To Privatize Four State-owned Industrial Assets

    Cross River Gov’t Initiates Technical Tender To Privatize Four State-owned Industrial Assets

     

    In a move to stimulate economic rejuvenation and employment opportunities, the government of Cross River State has opened bidding for the privatization of four state-owned industrial assets that have been moribund for years now.

    These assets include the Boki and Nsadop Oil Palm Estates, Fish Hatchery in Ugboro, Bekwarra Local Government Area, Durafoam Industries in Ikom Local Government Area, and Ibonda Fish Hatchery in Odukpani Local Government Area.

    All the aforementioned assets are solely owned by the State Government without any liabilities, the State Privatisation Council has disclosed.

    The technical bidding session was conducted at the Cross River Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) office, where investors expressed satisfaction with the bidding procedures.

    During the event, Chief Bassey Okon, Chairman of the Cross River State Privatization Council, underscored the council’s dedication to meticulous evaluation of bids received.

    “We will carefully assess your technical expertise and capability to efficiently manage the companies to achieve the objectives of this privatization initiative,” he stated.

    The Privatization Council Chairman informed that after the bid evaluation, successful bidders will be invited to inspect the companies they are interested in and subsequently submit their financial proposals.

    Okon reassured participants that the process is designed to be transparent and adhere to due process, essential for upholding trust in the privatization exercise.

    Highlighting the government’s broader vision, Okon emphasized that the state is committed to creating a conducive environment for investors.

    “The privatization aims to enhance operational efficiency, create employment opportunities, and boost the state’s revenue base.

    “We are confident that the communities hosting these assets will benefit significantly in terms of employment and infrastructure development once the privatization is completed,” he remarked.

    He commended the state governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, for approving the privatization the moribund industries and noted that previous administrations had attempted but failed to privatize these assets.

    Mr. Sunday Ekeke, Chief Executive Officer of Sunfil Goldenroll Nigeria Ltd, a bidding company, commended the council for its transparency throughout the technical bidding process. He expressed confidence in the council’s commitment to transparency throughout the bidding process.

    As the open competitive bidding process progresses, the Cross River State Government remains committed to ensuring that the privatization of these dormant assets leads to sustainable economic growth and enhances the quality of life for its residents.

    Nsa Gill
    Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
    08/09/2024

  • Dr John Adinya Odey Felicitates With The People Of Bekwarra On The Occasion Of The 2024 New Yam Festival

    Dr John Adinya Odey Felicitates With The People Of Bekwarra On The Occasion Of The 2024 New Yam Festival

     

    Dear Elders, brothers and sisters,

    As we celebrate the ipem ihihe, I wish you all a joyous and bountiful harvest season. May this occasion bring us closer and remind us of the rich cultural heritage that binds us as one great people.

    As we mark this significant event, let us be reminded of the ethos that weaves the fabric of our society, respect for elders, hard work, resilience and gratitude for which we are known for. These values are essential for our collective progress and prosperity as the great people of Bekwarra.

    As an aspirant to the Office of Chairman, Bekwarra LGA, I am committed to serving our LGA and working tirelessly to ensure we have a Bekwarra of our dreams. I believe that by working together, we can build a better and brighter future for ourselves and children.

    Once again, I wish you all a happy New Yam Festival. Cheers

    Sincerely,

    Dr. John Adinya Odey
    Bekwarra LGA Chairmanship aspirant.

  • C’River Concludes Plans For Integrated Measles Campaign

    C’River Concludes Plans For Integrated Measles Campaign

     

    By: Nakanda Iyadim

    The Cross River State Primary Health Department Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners wishes to announce the commencement of an integrated measles vaccination campaign across the 18 Local Government Areas.

    In a release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang indicates that the exercise which is free of charge will commence on Saturday, September 21, 2024 and end on Sunday ,September 29, 2024 in all health facilities and designated public facilities.

    Parents and caregivers are advised to avail themselves of this opportunity by getting their children and wards from day old to 59 months vaccinated against measles and other killer diseases during the immunization exercise in all designated vaccination centers across the State.

    Ekpang further added that officials from the Primary Health Care Development Agency with reflective crested vest shall move from house to house to administer the measles vaccines on the children and should be welcome by residents to ensure successful implementation of the programme.

  • Annual General Meeting: GOSCO Class of ’97 Felicitates G’95

    Annual General Meeting: GOSCO Class of ’97 Felicitates G’95

    By Elijah Ugani 

    As members of the 1995 class of Government Secondary School Obudu, converged for the 2024 reunion and Annual General Meeting, members of the 1997, has felicitate with the G’95 class for the numerous achievements the class has recorded which promotes the name of the institution.

    In a release signed the 1997 worldwide coordinator, Mr Patrick Inezi, and made available to TheLumineNews, indicates that in line with the numerous achievements recorded by the G’95 class, they look forward to seeing an elaborate reunion where everybody will be present in roll according to classes.

    The release reads in full: “On behalf of the Executive Council and members of GOSCO class of 1997, worldwide, we heartily felicitate with GOSCO – 95 on their successful 2024 reunion and Annual General Meeting.

    “We are highly honored by your invitation and we hope that our representation was felt directly or indirectly.

    “Our most difficult task is to bring people together. We stand tall on your numerous achievements which GOSCO is known for. It is worthy to note that such an impactful event after 29 years, we look forward to more elaborate reunion where everybody will be present in roll according to classes.”

  • PDP Tackles Governor Otu On N70bln FG Intervention Funds, Demand Accountability And Transparency

    PDP Tackles Governor Otu On N70bln FG Intervention Funds, Demand Accountability And Transparency

    By Patrick Obia Culled From CrossRiverWatch 

    Opposition party in Cross River State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has tackled Governor Bassey Otu of the All Progressive Congress (APC), on the over N70 Billion received from the federal government as interventions and palliatives Fund.

    In a press statement made available by the State Party Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, called on the Governor to account for the money and be transparent.

    PDP claims that Governor Otu’s administration has received over N70 billion as Palliative/Intervention Fund, which is different from the over N150 billion received as monthly allocation between May 2023 to July 2024.

    The Party challenged that following the “excruciating economic maladies, biting hunger and astronomical hike in price of food and commodities” in the country, orchestrated primarily by the APC’s anti-people removal of fuel subsidy, one would thought Governor Otu, in line with his “People’s First” mantra, would have the needed decency and humane disposition to manage resources and allocations accrued to the state optimally.

    “It is therefore, exasperating waking up daily to the kleptocratic, avaricious, mindless and fraudulent schemes by the Otu’s administration, aimed primarily at asphyxiating the State and enriching few of his coevals and immediate family members, at the detriment of the good people of Cross River State,” PDP said, calling on Mr. Otu to account for the over 31 BIllion Naira received from the Federal Government’s NG-CARES Program Fund.

    While accusing the Governor’s wife of capturing local government funds, PDP calls on the Governor to at least, have the decency to live up to his “People’s First” mantra as lack of transparency and accountability in his government is humongously alarming. They charged Cross Riverians, anti-graft agencies, traditional rulers, religious and stakeholders to beam their searchlight on the dividends of Democracy.

    The statement reads

    The Peoples Democratic Party Cross River State, notes with appalling concern Governor Otus Inability to judiciously account for the over 70 billion Naira that has entered the State coffers as part of intervention fund released by the President to cushion the effect of the economic crunch beleaguering the nation. Consequent upon the removal of Fuel Subsidy by the Tinubu’s Administration and the subsequent meteoric increase in Federal allocation and other sundry intervention funds accrued to the state, Otu’s administration has received over N70 billion as Palliative/Intervention Fund, which is different from the over N150 billion received as monthly allocation between May 2023 to July 2024.

    Following the excruciating economic maladies, biting hunger and astronomical hike in price of food and commodities in Nigeria, orchestrated primarily by the APC’s anti-people removal of fuel subsidy, one would have thought that Governor Otu, in line with his much touted “People’s First” mantra, would have the needed decency and humane disposition to manage resources and allocations accrued to the state optimally. It is therefore, exasperating waking up daily to the kleptocratic, avaricious, mindless and fraudulent schemes by the Otus Administration, aimed primarily at asphyxiating the State and enriching few of his coevals and immediate family members, at the detriment of the good people of Cross River State.

    To examine the facts critically, we make bold to ask the APC led by Governor Prince Otu, to account for the over 31 BIllion Naira received from the Federal Government’s NG-CARES PROGRAM Fund. For emphasis, the NG-CARES Program with a financial arrangement called Program-for-Results (PforR), has provided over 31 bln Naira to Cross River State for five platforms namely; Cash Transfer, Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Enterprise Development Fund, FADAMA, and Public Workfare. Despite receiving over N31 billion between December 2023 and June 2024,Governor Otu has failed to account for the funds or provide tangible results.

    It is on record that Otu’s administration claims that 1,700 Persons have benefited from the fund. Assuming without conceding that this is true, it therefore raises concern about the utilization of the N31 Billion and how much was received by each of the beneficiaries.

    Additionally, the state has received three tranches of Electronic Money Transfer (EMTL), each not less than N7 Billion, as well as billions from import duty, Companies Income Tax (CIT),Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), and Customs External Tariff Levies (CET).

    Rather than judiciously allocate these monies to programs and projects that are people-oriented and can ameliorate the plight of the people; Governor Otu’s Budget for 2024 includes questionable allocations such as;

    -N5Billion for Renovation of Governor’s office

    -N52.5million for printing 400 pieces of Almanacs.

    -N36.75million for equipping and restructuring the Assembly Clinic.

    To think that the production of mere almanacs cost more than the Assembly Clinics,underscores the point that Governor Otu and his cohorts have turned themselves into narcissistic kleptomaniacs.

    -N273 million for pilgrimage activities.

    -N157.5 Million for Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African.

    -N262.5 million for CPA International.

    -N210 million for Health Programs for Ex- HOÀ members.

    -N52.5 million for air conditioners, Fans and Water Dispensers.

    Just recently, the July 2024 FAAC allocation for the 18 Local Government Areas in Cross RiverState was paid, which amounted to the sum of N 5.63 Billion. Assuming that the allocation is equitably divided, each LGA WOuld receive about N312.777 million, which could significantly impact on the development we are desperately yearning for in the State.

    It’s worrisome that even the Governor’s wife has been rumored to have captured Local Government funds leveraging on her experience as former Director in the Local GovernmentService. Till date, LGAS are not funded by the State Government except through IGR. Rather Than fund LGAS, the Governor’s wife is alleged to have erected gigantic edifices all over Calabar From her sudden mysterious wealth which is from corrupt enrichment from LG funds, while LGAs wallow in penury and Development Authorities have been rendered comatose with filthy streets. Yet authorities are preying on overtaxed petty traders struggling to make ends meet in a devastated economic environment.

    We therefore call on the Governor to at least, have the decency to live up to his own “People’s First” mantra as the lack of transparency and accountability in his Government is humongously alarming. We call on Cross Riverians, Anti-graft Agencies, Traditional Rulers, Religious and stakeholders to beam their searchlight on the government and demand for the true and dividends of Democracy.

  • C’River Homeland Security DG, Calls On Citizens And Residents of the state To Embrace Dialogue Over Protest

    C’River Homeland Security DG, Calls On Citizens And Residents of the state To Embrace Dialogue Over Protest

    PRESS RELEASE

    PROPOSED NATIONWIDE PROTEST

    The Cross River State Homeland Security And Safety Agency, on the heels of the proposed Nationwide Protest by some concerned Citizens of Nigeria, hereby affirms the fundamental right of all citizens of Cross River State to engage in peaceful Protest in line with extant laws. We acknowledge that protests are essential Part of any democracy and should serve as an avenue for dialogue between the people and their leaders. It is therefore imperative that this fundamental right of citizens of Cross River to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression be accorded absolute respect and protection.

    However, having travelled this path before, with scars of the ENDSARS PROTEST still manifestly fresh in our minds, we are concerned that, despite the noble and sincere motives of the protesters, there is still a possibility for a hijack by hoodlums, miscreants and enemies of the State. In view of the aforesaid, we call on the citizens and residents of the state to embrace dialogue over Protest.

    More worrisome is the fact that the proposed Protest lacks a verifiable structural leadership, that can be held accountable in the event of a possible breakdown of Law and Order. We therefore appeal to the conscience of Citizens to be more patient with the government, specifically the #People’s First Government of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. While we acknowledge the untold hardship occasioned by some economic policies of the government, we enjoin citizens of Cross River State to allow the state government more time to perfect the ongoing redemptive, rehabilitative and restructuring processes in the state, aimed at cushioning the effect of the economic hardship.

    Cross River State has always been known for the peace, security and hospitality it offers to its inhabitants. We must endeavor to protect this image of our beloved state, so as to continue to attract investors. We must think Cross River State First. We must think Security of Lives and Properties. Never again should we allow our land to be desolate in the name of protest. Never again should we allow strange elements and enemies of the state destroy businesses and means of livelihood in our State. The anarchy of the ENDSARS protest must not be allowed to resurface. Citizens must therefore embrace dialogue not protest.

    Signed.
    Mr. Yibala Inyang
    (Director General)