The Lumine News

Category: Uncategorized

  • Operation Akpakwu: I Thumbs Up For Governor Ayade – Agba Jalingo

    Operation Akpakwu: I Thumbs Up For Governor Ayade – Agba Jalingo

     

    In December 2020, when Governor Ayade launched Operation Akpakwu, a special joint security team to combat rampant kidnapping in the State, it was a tall order. To enhance their operations, Ayade handed over 100 patrol vehicles fitted with communication gadgets, 10 power bikes and drones, to the operation.

    “You must deal decisively with any form of criminality, banditry, cultism and kidnapping of any form. Let this therefore be a message to every resident in Cross River; today is the end of criminality,” he said on the occasion.

    For months to the time the Governor was reading this riot act, CrossRiverWatch was reporting an average of 9 to 12 incidents of kidnapping every week in Calabar/Akpabuyo alone. But since January 2021, the frequency of such incidents have reduced to 1 in a month. Also worthy of note is the fact that these kidnappings are now restricted to riverine areas like Jebbs and Esuk Atu at the University of Calabar axis; unlike when these dare devil criminals came frequently into the heart of Calabar Municipality, in broad day light and pick their victims randomly, and escape with ease.

    The joint security operations have relatively cleared notorious criminal rendezvous in 8 miles, Uwanse, Asabanka in Akpabuyo, Essien Town and Bogobri. The remnants are also running out of town due to the heat from Operation Akpakwu.

    But there are still names that security sources say remain a real danger and must be caught before they can relax the security alert level in Calabar. The four names according to sources who spoke to Yours Sincerely include, Romance, Emmanuel AFANG, Bombo and Virus. The Police say they are currently on the trail of the four.

    Romance, according to a security source, is the leader of the gang that stormed a police post near Tinapa in February, killed four policemen on duty and escaped. Some suspects were later arrested while others are still fleeing.

    Information available also reveal that a Police Orderly to a serving Judge in the State was withdrawn and detained in the course of the investigation after he was fingered in the incident.

    I commend Governor Ayade hugely for this particular initiative. I think this was well thought out and the results are self evident. Kudos also to the field commanders and the public that has been cooperating with the security forces.

    There are however grey areas in the activities of Operation Akpakwu, which the Governor and various field commanders of the component forces on ground will have to address very quickly. Victims of the arbitrariness of some operatives of Operation Akpakwu are swelling by the day and that trend must be checked with alacrity.

    Almost every other day, there are verifiable accounts of brutality, highhandedness and illegalities perpetrated by men of Operation Akpakwu. Still fresh in our memory is the molestation of a 17 year old daughter of an aide to the Wife of the Governor of the State, at Bogobiri market, where the terrified teenager was harassed by a soldier attached to Operation Akpakwu and forced to sit on the ground, for not greeting them when she walked past. And only two days ago, soldiers attached to Operation Akpakwu, brutalized a Chief Magistrate and his doctor at about 11pm by UCTH Road Calabar. The duo were hospitalized.

    Public opinion also seem to agree with ending the curfew imposed in Calabar at the peak of the security challenges. Even if it is not ended, it should be extended from 10pm to midnight or further into the night. This will reduce the chances for security forces finding alibis to trample on citizens rights.

    There are also concerns that Operation Akpakwu operatives, are getting involved in civil disputes.

    These boundaries must be clearly defined and enforced strictly. But on the whole, Governor Ayade has done well with Operation Akpakwu. The security situation in Calabar has improved greatly. Kudos to him again.

    God bless Cross River state.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here ate strictly that of Agba Jalingo and does represent The Lumine News or the organization the author works for.

  • YOBOO, Projecting Northern Cross River To The World – Jude Agaji

    YOBOO, Projecting Northern Cross River To The World – Jude Agaji

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Founder/Coordinator of YOBOO, Mr. Jude Agaji has stated that the main objective of initiating YOBOO was/is to harness the collective interest vested on the people to promote peace and unity geared towards emancipation and self reliance while promoting the rich sociocultural heritage of the people.

     

    YOBOO, is an acronym for Yala, Ogoja, Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas of northern Cross River State.

    Speaking with The Lumine News, Mr. Agaji noted that YOBOO has the potentials to become the leading Commerce and Tourism destination in the Southeast and South south geopolitical zones.

    His words “YOBOO has the potentials to become the leading Commerce and Tourism destination in the Southeast and South south geopolitical zones.

    “It is our desire to undertake massive agric – commerce value chain and tourism drive, using our rich agricultural products.

    “It is also our desire to initiate the one man, one hectare project to reinvigorate diversification through the speedy return to agriculture.

    “This approach is projected to guarantee steady supply of raw materials to sustain the agric value chain, the off takers, the processing, packaging and branding to the distribution of finished products, the YOBOO way”

    Speaking further, the Initiator of the YOBOO project used the opportunity to call on all sons and daughters of Northern cross river extraction to consider supporting this great initiative irrespective of who initiated the YOBOO idea, but the impacts it will create, through intellectual research on the origin, substance, livelihood and the rich sociocultural potentials of the five Local Governments that made up northern cross river.

    He also disclosed that YOBOO maiden edition was held on the 20th September, 2016 with a road walk/show from FCE Obudu to Utugwang market in Obudu Local Government Area.

  • AYADECARE: Brigade Commander pledges Army readiness to partner CRSHIA on stakeholders security

    AYADECARE: Brigade Commander pledges Army readiness to partner CRSHIA on stakeholders security

    By Kingsley Agim

    The resolve of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency to midwife Health Insurance in the State has gained further impetus, as the Commander, 13 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General M. A. Abdullahi, today, March 17 2021, assured of the Army’s readiness to partner with the Agency to ensure the safety of all stakeholders and the smooth conduct of enrollment and other activities of the Scheme.

    Brigadier General Abdulahi gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy visit,  on the Management of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency in Calabar.

    Congratulating the State on the flag-off of AYADECARE, the Army Commander commended the CRSHIA for the well-organised event, adding that the essence of his visit was, partly, to tap into the Midas touch of the Agency.

    The 13 Brigade Chief cautioned against large crowd at enrollment centres, and called on the Agency to adequately furnish security agencies whenever it becomes necessary and unavoidable for a large crowd to gather, to enable Security Agencies provide adequate cover for the enrolees.

    In his response, the Director-General of the Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, expressed delight at the visit and thanked the Brigadier General for the commendation which he sees as an indication that CRSHIA is on the right track.

    Chief Iyala attributed the smooth takeoff  of the Health Insurance Scheme to Governor Ben Ayade’s penchance for perfection and special zeal for the enthronement of quality, affordable and accessible health care for Cross Riverians and residents of the State in general.

    “As a Governor who gives priority to the health and well-being of the citizens, he ensures that no stone is left unturned in the match towards successfully enthroning Universal Health Coverage in the State,” Iyala remarked.

    The DG, called for the Army’s partnership, and maintained that the success of the CRSHIA and the Scheme also lies in the hands of Security Agencies. He beckoned on the Brigadier General to avail his officers and men the opportunity to enrol into the AYADECARE Scheme, which boasts of a robust Benefit Package that can take care of most of the health challenges of the officers and Men of the Armed Forces.

    The CRSHIA boss assured the Commander that his Agency would adhere strictly to security tips offered, as the State will not allow any Miscreant or group of hoodlums to take undue advantage, cause mayhem or pogrom to such a plausible scheme meant for the good and well-being of humanity.

    The DG further wished the Brigade Commander a successful tour of duty as he strives to maintain peace and order, which the State is well known for.

  • AyadeCare: CRSHIA Activates More Enrollment Centres

    AyadeCare: CRSHIA Activates More Enrollment Centres

     

    By Kingsley Agim

    As enrollment into the State Health Insurance Scheme begins, the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) has activated more Enrollment Centres for ease of access to the exercise.

    A release by the Agency’s Director-General, Chief Godwin Iyala revealed that the State Ministry of Health Headquarters, General Hospital, Calabar, New Secretariat Complex – Calabar, Primary Health Centre – Mayne Avenue, Primary Health Centre – Ediba, Primary Health Centre – Akim, Primary Health Centre – Big Qua, Primary Health Centre – Diamond, Primary Health Centre – Edim Otop, Primary Health Centre – Ikot Ansa, Primary Health Centre – Kasuk, Primary Health Centre – Ikot Effanga, Primary Health Centre – Ikot Omin, Primary Health Centre – Ikot Ishie, and Bogobiri as the new Enrollment Centres.

    Chief Iyala further enjoined residents of the State to go out en masse to enrol in readiness to access health care services.

    The DG pledged the commitment of his Agency, in collaboration with the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency and other critical stakeholders will leave no stone unturned in actualizing Governor Ben Ayade’s avowed commitment to providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare for all residents of the State, adding that with the emergence of AYADECARE, the much anticipated Universal Health Coverage has finally birthed in the State.

  • Pregnant Woman Hacks Her Husband To Death In Delta Over Extramarital Affairs

    Pregnant Woman Hacks Her Husband To Death In Delta Over Extramarital Affairs

    By Admin

    A pregnant woman has allegedly hacked her husband to death over an alleged extramarital affair in Delta State.

    The incident happened on Monday, March 15, at Ekrejebor axis of Ughelli town in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

    The Lumine News gathered that the 22-year-old woman identified as Faith Okiemute allegedly killed her husband, Edafe Unuakpor, aged 27, with a machete.

    According to reports, after allegedly committing the crime, she fled to the Ughelli ‘A’ Division Police Station to escape jungle justice.

    “The woman was angry that her husband did not spend the night at home. After his return, she accused him of having been with another woman and machete him in one of his hands and abdomen,” a source said.

    “She ran to Ughelli ‘A’ Division police to report herself while friends of her husband rushed him to the Ughelli Central Hospital where he was confirmed dead. Angered by his death, the friends brought and dumped his corpse at the entrance of the Ughelli ‘A’ Division of the Nigeria Police which led to sporadic shooting by the police to disperse the crowd.” the source added.

    The Delta State Police acting Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident, said investigation is ongoing.

    The couple has a two-year-old child together while the pregnant woman is said to have two children with a former husband before she married the deceased.

     

    Warri Aproko TV wrote on Facebook;

    “#Update

    FURTHER DETAILS ON WOMAN WEY KILL HER HUSBAND FOR UGHELLI.

    VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

    Na Okiemute be name of the woman wey kill her husband Dafe for Ughelli this morning and she be marriage returnee as she don first go marriage before but return back to her papa house with two children before this young boy wey she kill today go marry her.

    Our reporter say na as the man return to his house this morning naim the woman engage am in a heated argument wey later degenerate into mortal combat Naim the woman carry cutlass take give the man finishing and doctors confirm the guy dead on arrival at the hospital.

    As at the time of this report, the killer wife dey chill out with police for Ughelli area command.”
    https://www.facebook.com/109349297877389/posts/115192770626375/?app=fbl

  • Anti-labour Bill: Cross River Organized Labour Takes Protest To House Of Assembly

    Anti-labour Bill: Cross River Organized Labour Takes Protest To House Of Assembly

    By Favour Izukah

    The Cross River Labour Chapter has embarked on a protest against a bill tagged by them as “Anti-labour” bill, which was proposed by Honourable Member Garba Datti Mohammed representing Sabon Gari Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.

    The protest which was held at the Cross River State House of Assembly Complex was to move against the bill which has passed the first and second reading seeking the transfer of minimum wage from Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.

    According to the organized labour,

    passing such bill to law implies that the effort of the work force in the country to free itself from unfavourable conditions is a waste. Moreso, the bill only places them at the mercy of the state.

    However, the protest was made at the State’s house of Assembly to call on the Speaker, Rt. Honourable Etanj Jona William, to rule against the bill when it comes to the Assembly for confirmation.

    The protest was also used to table Local issues affecting workers in the state which includes; Release of gratuities to retirees, promotion implementation, release of the deduction made on Worker’s Salaries amongst others.

    Reacting to the protest, the Speaker of

    the Cross River State House of Assembly assured that the Honourable Members are in support of the workers and if they tag the bill as Anti-Labour, so it is.

    ” We are in total solidarity with you as an Assembly. We stand by you and we will walk with you. If we need to go up with you we will and if we need to go down with you we will.

    “I am assuring you one thing, if the bill comes to us for a concurrent confirmation, we will reject it.

    ” We work for the people and we are elected for the people. If you say the bill is wrong, I don’t think we have any right to continue.

    ” You have told us the bill is Anti-people. We will maintain it. Cross River state of Assembly says no to it.

    “I will take the copy of the material presented to me to the conference of speakers. We will deliberate on it and that decision must be favourable for you.

    On the part of the local issues affecting the workers in the State tabled before the Speaker, he said that the issues have been raised on several occasions but he will work at addressing them soonest.

    “On the issue that concerns the state, on more than three occasion we have taken up the matter and we will continue to take the matter up. I will meet with the new Head of Service and this will be part of the

    issue I will be discussing with her, which I will then take up to His excellency for final approval”.

  • Ogoja Diocese Releases Programme Of Events For The Centenary Celebration

    Ogoja Diocese Releases Programme Of Events For The Centenary Celebration

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Catholic Diocese of Ogoja has released a programme of events as streamlined for the centenary celebration.

    In a release signed by the Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Emma Eroh indicates that the Liturgical Commission Chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Omang will manned the diocesan retreat scheduled for March, 2021, while the Bishop, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Edet Akpan will visit deaneries for Cathedraticum and possible encounter with institutions, both church and circular.

    The release reads in parts “March 2021:
    Diocesan retreat with the same programme for the entire diocese to be manned by the chairman of the Liturgical Commission, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Omang and
    Bishop’s visit to deaneries for Cathedraticum and possible encounter with some institutions both Church and secular.

    “APRIL PROGRAMME:
    Religious profession of the Sister of Notre Dam (24th of April).

    “MAY PROGRAMME: 8th – 16th.

    “May 8th: Priestly ordination

    “Monday 10th May, 2021:
    Centenary Baptism of at least one hundred candidates drawn from all the parishes in the diocese.
    Laying of the foundation stone in the New Cathedral site. There is a possibility of cultural display in the course of this event.

    “Tuesday 11th May, 2021:
    Confirmation of at least hundred candidates drawn from all parishes in the diocese.

    “Wednesday 12th May, 2021:
    Bishop’s centenary visit to selected places such as the Nigerian Correctional Centres, orphanages, refugees settlements, the oldest diocesan school, old Catholics who can no longer go to Church, etc.

    “Thursday 13th May, 2021:
    Mass wedding of no less than hundred proposed couples drawn from all parishes in the diocese.
    Arrival of invited bishops

    “Friday 14th May, 2021:
    10am: Centenary lecture entitled: Recreating the Early Missionary Spirit in the Nigerian Modern Evangelization/presentation of awards
    The proposed paper presenter: His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji
    Proposed Paper Moderator: Sir Col. Paul Edor Obi
    Main discussants:
    Rev. Fr. Dr. Uche Obodo Echina
    Very Rev. Fr. Everastus Bassey
    Sir Dr.Bob Eriom
    Prof. Francis Ganyi
    Launching of history book. Conferment of Monsignors to Ogoja diocesan priests from 65 years of age and above
    Conferment of awards on:
    Selected Ogoja sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in supporting the Church in the diocese
    Best and exemplary couples.
    Outstanding catechists
    6pm: Vesper/investiture of awardees during the Gala Night

    “Saturday 15th May, 2021
    10am: Investiture of Catechists.

    “Sunday 16th May, 2021
    Thanksgiving Mass/public presentation of awardees”

  • Pastor Kills One Year Old Boy For Ritual In Calabar

    Pastor Kills One Year Old Boy For Ritual In Calabar

     

    A man identified as Obo- Ekpenyong, a pastor in Calabar was arrested alongside six of his accomplices for killing a baby for Ritual.

    Obo- Ekpenyog the suspect is reported to be the pastor of Royal God’ s Commandment Ministry, Calabar.

    Parading the suspect at the police headquarters, the spokesperson of the command, ASP Irene Ugbo, said that the suspect was arrested alongside six others based on intelligence reports given to the police.

    The police PRO said that they were arrested when the parents of the baby raised alarm that their child had been abducted by some masked men who stormed their house in the night.

    She maintained that “immediately some police men were immediately deployed to search the church and its surroundings, and they found some incriminating items and arrested the pastor and six others”

    The man who was identified to be a pastor was taken to the police headquarters for serious interrogations.

    During the interrogation, the man accepted his charge and beg for forgiveness, he confessed to the numerous crimes he has been committing hiding under the pretense of being a pastor.

    The pastor confessed and told the police how he kills people’s children and use them for rituals. He said he has been killing little babies every end of the month just to renew his powers and wealth. The men that were arrested with him were so shock to hear the confession and the were so disappointed at the pastor.

    The police commissioner who confirmed the arrest said the suspects were arrested with so many incriminating items with them, the police boss displayed the items.

    The police commissioner gave kudos to his men for always delivering when necessary, he told the entire public that the police is doing everything possible to make sure crime is reduced in cross river state.

  • We Will Formally Transmit The Judgement Of The Supreme Court And Follow Procedures To Take The Oat Of Office As Senator Of FRN- Jarigbe

    We Will Formally Transmit The Judgement Of The Supreme Court And Follow Procedures To Take The Oat Of Office As Senator Of FRN- Jarigbe

    By Elijah Ugani

    The controversy and absolute quietness about the recent judgement of the Supreme Court where the appeal filed by Dr. Stephen Odey challenging the consequential orders granted Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom by the Court of Appeal was struck out by a majority judgment on the 25th of February, 2021 seemed to have had a lead way with Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom following the laid down procedures to enable him take the oat of office as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom has for the first time spoken after the judgment was delivered. He assured that having being a lawmaker for six years now, he should understand their procedures.

    His words “As a Law Maker and being in Parliament for 6 years, I should understand our procedures. We will formally transmit the Judgment of the Supreme Court and follow laid down beurocratic procedures for taking the Oath of Office as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “While we wait to get a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court Judgment, which resolved the issue of- ” The Authentic Candidate for the PDP in the last CRNorth Senate By- Election “, I wish to throw some light, for the benefit of those who were not in Court and seek to know the truth. I will publish the Lead/ Majority Judgment when it is made available to us. Justice Nweze who read the Lead Judgment is yet to hand it in. The important thing here is that, the Appeal was Struck Out at the Supreme Court because of an Incompetent Notice of Appeal. That means there was no Appeal before the Supreme Court. The Decision of the Court of Appeal was upheld.

    “The Appeal Court had upheld the decisions of the Trial Court, which granted Consequential Orders in my favor. One of the issues sought for in my Counter Affidavit, was that I should be accorded all the Privileges as required by Law, due to me, as Candidate of PDP. This was granted by the Trial Court and affirmed by the Appellate Court. The Supreme Court received an Appeal against the Judgment from Stephen Odey but Struck it Out for being Incompetent. I have long been issued my Certificate of Return, which automatically invalidated the former, issued to Stephen Odey”

     

    The lesson to Learn;

    “We cannot supervise the shooting and killing of our people for a mere Senate Seat and expect that God will go to sleep. The blood of those murdered before and during the PDP Senate Primary Election will haunt the perpetrators, now and in the future. None of them has shown any remorse but go ahead to pay bribes for the Case to be compromised. Can we bribe God? The answer is NO! How can we get so brutish and inhumane?

    “May the Soul of Charles Onwe RIP, as vengeance is of the Lord”.

  • Ayade At 53: Hon. Bonny Ewhe Felicitates With Gov. Ayade, Hails His Leadership Impact.

    Ayade At 53: Hon. Bonny Ewhe Felicitates With Gov. Ayade, Hails His Leadership Impact.

    By Richard Abu

    The Executive Chairman of Obudu LGC, Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe felicitates with His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, the Governor of Cross River State on the occasion of his 53rd birthday anniversary and hailed his leadership impact on the people especially the good people of Obudu LGA.

    The Chairman made this known to newsmen in his office today, March 2nd 2021.

    Mr. Ewhe said at 53, his excellency has achieved so much that generations unborn will remember him for good. He hailed his industrialization drive especially his blueprint to make Obudu LGA a tourism and Educational hub of the state.

    “Looking at what we have on ground here in Obudu you would agree with me that in the nearest future tourist will troop in here through the Cargo and passenger airport either for leisure in the Ranch Resort or for healthcare at the referral hospital”

    “The British-Canadian University is another big achievement of his excellency that will boost the economic fortunes of the State and our LGA as it promises to offer high ranking courses in the health, agricultural and engineering sectors including robotics starting from September 2021” Said the Chairman.

    He  seized the opportunity to call on Cross Riverians from all walks of life, home and abroad to support and key into his excellency’s agenda of making Cross River State the industrial and economic hub of the country.