Category: Press release

  • Ayade’s Attempt To Stop PDP Flag-off Rally: A Joke Taken Too Far – PDP

    Ayade’s Attempt To Stop PDP Flag-off Rally: A Joke Taken Too Far – PDP

    PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY CROSS RIVER STATE

    19th February 2022.

    Press Statement:

    Ayade’s Attempt To Stop PDP Flag-off Rally: A Joke Taken Too Far

    We received with utmost dismay and consternation the news of the ignoble attempt by Governor Ben Ayade to stop the epoch-making PDP Flag-off Rally scheduled to hold today, 19th February 2022. As a party, we condemn in strong terms this bizzare act of Political intolerance, bullying and intimidation by the Governor. It is worthy of note to stress that the said flag-off rally has been approved by INEC and all the relevant agencies in the State, as such, we find the Governor’s attempt to stop the rally absolutely unbecoming, nauseating and undemocratic.

    Aware that the Governor is currently suffering from pre-election trauma sensing the imminent defeat awaiting the APC in the forthcoming by-election, we heartily sympathize with him and his failure-personified Political Party, while calling on him to retrace his step and follow the path of nobility, as we cannot be intimidated or cowed by his shenanigans.

    We call on Security agencies to rise up to the occasion and guarantee the safety of all PDP faithfuls. We call on all party faithfuls to remain committed and resolute, as this too shall pass. Cross River State belongs to all of us and nobody, no matter how highly placed can deny us the privilege of Political participation.

    God bless Cross River State!!

    Signed
    Prince Mike Ojisi
    (State Publicity Secretary)

  • N210Million Budget For Bye-election: PDP Clears The Air On The Intertwine Of Propaganda And The Sacrosanctity Of Truth

    N210Million Budget For Bye-election: PDP Clears The Air On The Intertwine Of Propaganda And The Sacrosanctity Of Truth

    PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY CROSS RIVER STATE

    18th February 2022.

    Press Statement:

    N210Million Budget For By-election: The Intertwine of Propaganda and the Sacrosanctity of Truth

    The Attention of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party Cross River State, has been drawn to a cheap, frivolous and scandalous ploy by the unproductive broom-wielding All Progressive Congress, aimed at arm-twisting facts and hoodwinking unsuspecting Cross Riverians into believing that the Peoples Democratic Party budgeted the sum of 210million Naira for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency and Akpabuyo State House by-election, when in essence, it is the APC that actually budgeted such humongous amount for a mere by-election. Aware that, with the by-election underway and the APC sensing her imminent failure, a lot of intrigues, manuvering, propaganda and intricacies are bound to emanate from the cocoon of the APC and with the information about the 210million naira now in Public domain, we understand this act of desperation by the APC to cover their heinous crime and rigging plan. It does appear once again that the days of lies, confusions and deceptions are back, as such we are not perturbed by the propaganda and distortion of facts coming from the APC and their faceless hirelings as they are known to be unapologetic liars and pathological rabble-rousers.

    Arising from the above, it has become apparently instructive that we address this issue squarely and puncture the many lies of APC and its fifth columnists. We have it on good authority that the Governor, through the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, deducted the sum of 20million naira from each Local Government Account which is in excess of the sum of N210million, hence making it logical that they are capable of budgeting such amount for the purpose of rigging the February 26th by-election.

    Aware that it amounts to electoral breach to budget such humongous amount solely for election rigging, we invite the Security agencies to inspect our account and see if we have such money as opposition party. We call on all Cross Riverians to remain vigilant and resist any attempt by the APC to rig the by-election and truncate democracy in Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency and Akpabuyo Local Government Area. As a people-oriented Political Party, we will continue to stand with the people against the whims and caprices of the All Progressive Congress. We remain confident that there Shall be light at the end of the tunnel.

    God bless Cross River State!

    Signed
    Prince Mike Ojisi
    (State Publicity Secretary)

  • Postgraduate Students, NACRISS Passes Vote Of Confidence On UNICAL VC, Condemns Fire Incidents

    Postgraduate Students, NACRISS Passes Vote Of Confidence On UNICAL VC, Condemns Fire Incidents

     

    OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, CROSS RIVER STATE POST GRADUATE STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (CROSSPGRASA) UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR, CALABAR.

    11/2/2022

    PRESS RELEASE

    In view of the recent happenings within the University of Calabar arising from unwarranted verbal, social media attacks and scandals directed on the personality of our Amiable Vice Chancellor and most recently the recurring fire outbreaks which we consider as arson ravaging the University.

    After carefully studying the event of recent weeks and after a comprehensive meeting between The Cross River state Community, Unical branch, Members of management staff, critical stakeholders of CROSSPGRASA, PGSG and NACRISS about the possible causes of this ugly and unfortunate trend which is condemable by all ramifications. The house have therefore resolved and recommended as Follows:

    1. That the fire incidents on campus is not a coincidence but a deliberate act by arsonists which the Cross State Community, CROSSPGASA, PGSG and NACRISS jointly and strongly condemn.

    2. That there should be flexibility in the implementation of the ‘No-Fee-No Examination Policy’ by creating an opportunity for those who could not meet the deadline to pay and have supplementary examination.

    3.Management should enhance confidence in the electoral process by providing cyber security for the online voting platform.

    4.Management should as a matter of urgency take a clear position aimed at alleviating the plight of students whose academic problems, probation and withdrawal were discoursed late and/or through no fault of theirs.

    5.There should be proper lighting and illumination of the entire campus.

    6.The security department should be motivated by giving them the required equipments to work with. Again, more security personnel’s should be recruited so as to increase the man-power.

    7.Student Union Leaders (SUG, PGSG, CROSSPGRASA, NACRISS and NANS) should be encouraged and motivated to work harder through veritable reward systems and empowerment.

    8.There should be regular and constant meeting between the Management, Cross River State Community, SUG, PGSG, CROSSPGRASA, NACRISS and NANS not only when there is crisis.

    9.Staff-students relationships especially the HOD’s and Examination Officers should be more cordial and collegial.

    10.University policies should be flexible and not rigid in order to enhance amicability when the need arises.

    11.Staff to staff relationship should be encouraged to be more collegial.

    12.University of Calabar and Cross River State should be put first before personal gains and also, more support should be given to management to succeed despite the slight adjustment in policies that are without doubt still for the good and benefits of the students and the University at large.

    13. CROSSPGRASA and NACRISS will no longer tolerate any form of assault on the personality of our Beloved mother (The Vice Chancellor) of our prestigious institution

    14. CROSSPGRASA and NACRISS believes in the Leadership qualities of our Esteemed Vice Chancellor; Hence pass a vote of confidence on her Leadership style.

    Finally, Cross River State Post Graduate Students’ Association, National Association of Cross River State Students and its parent body, the Cross River State Community, University of Calabar branch shall henceforth not tolerate any level of damage against the University or its Leadership, Especially, our Esteemed Vice Chancellor. Hence has immediately swung into action to bring perpetuators of this ugly and condemable acts into book.
    This is the Stand of all CrossRiverians In Unical!

    Long live University of Calabar!
    Long live cross River state!
    Long live our Amiable Vice Chancellor!
    Long live the Federal republic of Nigeria!

    Aluta continua….

    Comr. Ibok, Emmanuel Okon
    President, Cross River State Post Graduate Students’ Association, University of Calabar.

  • PDP State Working Committee Upholds Committee Report, Reaffirms Mr Patrick Kayang Position As Substantive Chairman Of PDP Obanliku Chapter

    PDP State Working Committee Upholds Committee Report, Reaffirms Mr Patrick Kayang Position As Substantive Chairman Of PDP Obanliku Chapter

    PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY CROSS RIVER STATE

    12th January 2022.

    Press Statement.

    PDP State Working Committee Upholds Committee Report, reaffirms Mr. Patrick Kayang position as Substantive Chairman of PDP Obanliku Chapter

    Arising from the State Working Committee meeting of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, held on the 12th of January 2022 and chaired by the State Party Chairman, Hon. Venatius Ikem, the SWC members of the party upheld the Committee report on Obanliku Local Government Area. The Committee has Chief Austin Edibe (Vice Chairman North) as Chairman, Mr. Francis Ekeng, (State Organizing Secretary)as Secretary and Amb. Joe Esse (Assistant Secretary North) as Member.

    The Committee report which was presented by the Vice Chairman North, Chief Austin Edibe recommended the upholding of Mr. Patrick Kayang as substantive Chapter Chairman of Obanliku . A motion for the adoption of the Report was moved by the State Youth Leader, Mr Boniface Brown and seconded by the State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi. The Motion was later countered by the State treasurer, Ntol Jack Robert and supported by the Financial Secretary, Chris Edadi. Following the counter-motion, the State Chairman called for voting over the Committee Report.

    Eight (8) out of Thirteen (13) members of the SWC present voted in support of the report while two (2) members absconded during voting. Following the result of the voting, the State Working Committee members upheld the report of the committee and consequently reaffirm Mr Patrick Kayang as substantive Chapter Chairman of Obanliku LGA.

    The SWC expressed the hope that this will finally lay to rest the issue of the replacement of the Obanlikwu Chapter Chairman, Mr. George Kayang one of only two chapter Chairmen who left the Party in solidarity with Governor Ayade’s defection.

    The working Committee also commended the Obanlikwu Chapter for remaining resolute in the past several months despite challenging infiltration of the chapter by busy bodies who had nothing to do with the replacement of their chapter Chairman. The Chairman of the Party Barrister Venatius Ikem also informed members of the SWC that he had extended an invitation to the Councillors in Obanlikwu Local Govt Council, who recently decamped back home to PDP to a meeting with the State Working Committee of the party to share solidarity with them and reassure them of the party’s appreciation for their exceptional courage as well as protection from the Council Chair person who is reported to daily harrass them with a view to intimidating them to return again to the APC.

    We urge all party faithful in Obanlikwu, to remain committed to the overall interest of the Party, even as we work assiduously and collectively to rescue, rebuild and restore Cross River State.

    God bless Cross River State.

    Signed:
    Prince Mike Ojisi
    (State Publicity Secretary)

  • Text Of Address By Linda Ayade During The First Anniversary of Global Strategy For The Elimination Of Cervical Cancer

    Text Of Address By Linda Ayade During The First Anniversary of Global Strategy For The Elimination Of Cervical Cancer

    A PRESS STATEMENT BY THE WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE AND FOUNDER OF MEDIATRIX DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, DR. LINDA AYADE, ON THE 17TH OF NOVEMBER, 2021, BEING THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF CERVICAL CANCER.

    One year ago, the Commissioner for Health and the Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency joined the Mediatrix Development Foundation team to celebrate the launch of the Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer that was adopted and launched by the World Health Organization on the 17th of November 2020.

    The strategy, coded 90-70-90, implies that with this global strategy, the world must work to ensure 90% of girls are fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by age 15 years; 70% of women get screened with high performance test by 35 years of age and again by 45 years of age; and 90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment.

    Available data shows that 19 out of 20 countries with highest burden of cervical cancer are in Africa. Therefore, implementing the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer is of utmost importance as the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria is one of the highest in the world. Every day, 41 women residing in Nigeria are diagnosed of cervical cancer most of which occurs at the late stage while another 29 women die each day as a result of cervical cancer complications. It is the second most frequent cancer among women between 15 – 44 years of age.

    About 3.5% of women in Nigeria are estimated to harbour cervical Human Papilloma Virus-16/18 infection at a given time, and 66.9% of invasive cervical cancers are attributed to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) 16 or 18. Therefore the vaccination of girls against HPV remains the single most effective approach to eliminating cervical cancer as public health issue.

    Unfortunately, due to a global shortage of the HPV vaccine causing lack of access for us in Nigeria, we must take a closer look at our progress in the effort to eliminate cervical cancer and make new commitments while re-strategizing to ensure better access to HPV vaccine, sustainable screening programmes and adequate treatment measures.

    Through my NGO, the Mediatrix Development Foundation, I will continue to work with the Cross River Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Development Agency, First Ladies Against Cancer, Pink Africa and other critical stakeholders who are engaged in the fight to end the menace of Cancer in Cross River State. We must all continue to spread the message about HPV Vaccination for every girl and woman.

    Let us unite with survivors, advocates, communities and partners to mark 1 year of the global effort. Join, be inspired, and #glowteal to eliminate #cervical cancer in your community and beyond.

    Dr. Linda Ayade,
    First Lady, CRS
    17th November, 2021

  • C’River PDP Describes The Invasion Of Its Secretariat By The APC As A Tragedy Of Lawlessness

    C’River PDP Describes The Invasion Of Its Secretariat By The APC As A Tragedy Of Lawlessness

    By Admin

    The Cross River State chapter of the People Democratic Party PDP has described the invasion of its secretariat by the ruling All Progressive Congress APC as a tragedy of lawlessness.

    In a release made available to The Lumine News and signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Mike Ojisi calls on the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Calabar and  heads of all Security Agencies in Cross River State to expeditiously intervene and help restore the rule of law in the face of this brazen and evasive rape of the law by the APC.

    The release reads in full:

    “APC’s Invasion Of Our Party Secretariat: Tragedy of Lawlessness.

    “On Wednesday, 10th November 2021, the peace-loving People of Cross River State were once again greeted by another reckless act of lawlessness orchestrated by the unproductive All Progressive Congress in Cross River State.

    “The Peoples Democratic Party Cross River State received with grave concern the news of the unlawful invasion of our Party’s Secretariat at Murtala Mohammed Highway Calabar, by the yet-to-be inaugurated handpicked State Working Committee of the APC led by the factional Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba. To this end, it has become absolutely imperative and instructive that we address this issue and make it clear that the lawless APC lacks the locus standi to invade the said party Secretariat which is still under contention. It’s also worthy of note to stress that, following the instructions of the AIG Zone 6 for both parties to stall administrative duties in the Secretariat until investigation into the matter is properly concluded, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party was shocked to witness the forceful invasion of the Secretariat which has been under lock and key.

    “As law-abiding citizens, we hereby, without any form of equivocation call on the AIG Zone 6, Commissioner of Police, Civil Defence and heads of all Security Agencies in Cross River State to expeditiously intervene and help restore the rule of law in the face of this brazen and evasive rape of the law by the APC. We hereby demand an explanation into this unlawful invasion of our Secretariat by the overzealous SWC of the APC.

    “As a party, we are very much aware of the APC’s incurable craze and penchant for lawlessness both at the National and State Level, an obvious tragedy all rational Cross Riverian nay Nigerian, must speak against. We call on the APC to respect the rule of law and redeem her image in the eyes of the people, at least for once.

    “As a party with the inalienable right to freedom of association as enshrined in our nation’s constitution, we shall continue to resist any attempt by the APC to gag, victimize or subjugate members of our great party.

    “We also call on our teeming supporters and members of our great party to remain calm and law-abiding as we explore all legal and legitimate means towards reclaiming our party Secretariat”

    God Bless Cross River State.

    Signed
    Prince Mike Ojisi
    (State Publicity Secretary)

  • PDP Condemns The Manhandling Of Road Sweepers In Calabar

    PDP Condemns The Manhandling Of Road Sweepers In Calabar

    The People’s Democratic Party PDP has condemned in strong terms the inhuman mated on protesting roadside sweepers who have been owed a paltry sum of #7,500.00 for six months in Calabar.

    The PDP in a release signed by its Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi and sighted by TheLumineNews, admonishes them to remain calm and law abiding for there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

    The release reads in full “The Peoples Democratic Party Cross River State Condemn in totality the inhumane, barbaric and demonic treatment meted out on our aged mothers by some overzealous Police Officers trying to ingratiate some unscrupulous elements in Power. We call on the governor and the Commissioner of Police to expeditiously launch investigation into this flagrant act of human right abuse, as the right to protest is a fundamental human rights especially amongst workers protesting for their Salary.

    “More so, we enjoin the state government to further investigate the nonpayment of Salary to these environmental workers as they are our unsung heroes that have continued to work assiduously in keeping our city clean and green.

    “We sympathize with all those manhandled by the Police during the protest for their rights, while admonishing them to remain calm and law abiding for there will be light at the end of the tunnel”

  • CRSHA Speaker Condemns Kidnap Of Former Council Chairman, Urge Police On Quick Response

    CRSHA Speaker Condemns Kidnap Of Former Council Chairman, Urge Police On Quick Response

     

    The Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, has condemned in very strong terms, the abduction of a two termed former Council Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Chief Ubi Itam Etta from his business premises in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    In a statement issued by his media aide, Hope Obeten, the Speaker described as barbaric, callous and ruthless the action of the kidnappers, wondering what they intend to achieve from putting an elder statesman who has dedicated his life to the service of the people and humanity through such an excruciating pain.

    He said, “This incident is alien to us and a threat to unsettle the otherwise peace and tranquility that exist in our communities. This is not politics, we must courageously stand collectively and confront the evil menace of kidnapping.

    “There is the urgent need for our Traditional rulers to organise themselves as custodians of the land and synergies with security agencies to protect our communities against this spreading danger.

    The Speaker called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to intensify efforts to quickly rescue the kidnapped former Council chairman.

    He advised members of the public to be extra vigilant and security conscious at all times. He urged them to always give useful information on unusual movements of strange faces to security agents.

  • Insecurity: President Buhari Breaks Silence, Vows Action Against Criminals

    Insecurity: President Buhari Breaks Silence, Vows Action Against Criminals

     

    The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to deal with criminals stating that whoever wants the destruction of the system will soon have the shock of their lives.

    In release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the President, Mr Muhammadu Buhari indicates that those behind security threat wants the administration to fail.

    The release reads in full “I receive daily security reports on the attacks on critical national infrastructure, and it is very clear that those behind them want this administration to fail. Whoever wants the destruction of the system will soon have the shock of their lives. We’ve given them enough time.

    “I received a briefing today from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on the series of attacks on their facilities nationwide. These attacks are totally unacceptable, and we will not allow those behind them to achieve their evil objectives.

    “I have assured INEC that we will make available to them everything they need to operate efficiently, so that no one will say we don’t want to go, or that we want a third term. There will be no excuse for failure. We will meet all of INEC’s demands.

    “In the area of security, we have changed the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General, and we are demanding that they rise fully to the challenges confronting us. There must be zero tolerance for all those those bent on destroying our country by promoting crime and insurrection!

    “Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand”.

     

  • Cross Riverians, The Future and The Historical Move.

    Cross Riverians, The Future and The Historical Move.

     

    As the Population Council and Civilian Panel of Citizens’ Solution Network make the pro-citizens’ move to sign an historical Pact on the Political and Citizens’ Future of Cross River state with both the New and Purpose-Driven Leadership of Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) in the State –a body overseeing the political discourse and processes within the State across the 18 Local Government Areas/196 Wards, and the dedicated and visionary Executive of Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) –an institution committed to shaping national debate and media conversation across the country;

    several media houses, political leaders, traditional, women, religious, academic, NGOs and youth leaders, etc, from across the divides, and a greater section of the 4.2 million Cross Riverians across the length and breadth of the State have been adorned with this pan-Cross Riverian objective that seeks to engage citizens across the State, end voters’ apathy, oversee the political process and ensure that the right leaders emerge with a level playing field for all aspirants, while shaping and leading media discourse to enforce its mandate and build a Cross River state where only true and sound leaders emerge for the socio-economic transformation of the State.

    Hence, the general public has been enjoined to be hopeful with the prospective and potential of the much anticipated historical Pact Signing on *The Political and Citizens’ Future of Cross River State* by the aforementioned leaderships of the three giant and uncompromising multi-demographic institutions.

    Signed

    Joint Executive Boards
    To: *Cross River Joint Alliance On Political and Citizens’ Future. (CROJAP-CF)*

    For:

    Citizens’ Solution Network.

    Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC)_ CRS.

    Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN)