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UN Launches Sexual Misconduct Probe After Incriminating Car Video Emerges, Says The Behaviour Seen In The Video Is Abhorrent And Goes Against Everything We Stand For

By Admin

The UN says it is investigating a possible case of sexual misconduct by staff after a video surfaced of a woman straddling a man in a car with UN markings in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

The 18-second video, filmed at night from a building alongside a busy road, shows a female figure in red moving astride a man in casual clothing on the back seat of a Toyota 4×4 vehicle. Another man is visible in the front passenger seat. The driver cannot be seen.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told The New Humanitarian that the world body was “shocked and deeply disturbed by what is seen on this video.

“The behaviour seen in it is abhorrent and goes against everything we stand for and have been working to achieve in terms of fighting sexual misconduct by UN staff”

By identifying landmarks and comparing the video with images of the street, TNH has determined that the video was taken on HaYarkon street in Tel Aviv.

Although the video is unclear, the number plate of the car appears to belong to UNTSO, which stands for the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, a UN body originally formed in May 1948 to monitor a ceasefire around the time of the establishment of the state of Israel. The UNTSO website says it manages 153 military observers, who are deployed to UN missions at the Lebanon-Israel border and the occupied Golan Heights.

The UN has strict rules about sexual abuse and exploitation, including a ban on paying for sex, but has struggled to stamp out sexual misconduct by its staff and peacekeepers.

In 2019, the UN investigated 175 allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by its own staff and soldiers serving in its peacekeeping operations, 16 of which it concluded were “substantiated”. It is not clear from the short video whether or not the activity shown is consensual or if it involved payment.

The UN’s investigation by its Office of Internal Oversight – the body that probes misconduct, fraud and corruption – is moving “very quickly” and “the identification of the individuals in the video is close to being completed”, said Dujarric.

Dujarric said the investigation started two days ago and “we expect the process to be concluded very quickly”.

TNH can not independently confirm the authenticity of the video, which was shared by an anonymous source later circulated on Twitter. One of the earliest postings was on 23 June by Inner City Press, a New York-based news blog.

July 8, 2020
COVID-19: Sen. Ita Giwa Visits Akpabuyo, Distributes Palliatives.

By Admin

Sen. Princess Florence Ita-Giwa has visited Akpabuyo LGA in continuation of her Covid-19 sensitization campaign and distribution of palliatives.

She was accompanied by prominent women and members of Nka Iban Isong Efik.

She was received by the Chairman of the local government council, who appreciated her for having Akpabuyo LGA in mind.

At the vsiti, Sen. Ita-Giwa appreciated the people for being very organized during the meeting.

She expressed her willingness to sponsor some students in her scholarship and empowerment program were the aged could benefit as much as $10,000 to start up businesses.

On the dangers of Covid-19 and it’s negative global impact, she enlightened the people on the need for proper and regular hand washing, stressing also on the need for regular use of nose mask.

She encouraged residents of the LGA to make good use of the abundant fruits and fresh food the LGA is blessed with as a means of fighting the virus.

Responding, the chairman of Akpabuyo LGA council, Hon. Emmanuel Offiong Bassey expressed his deep appreciation to the former presidential aide and commended her effort, stressing that such was rare.

He said although the state was yet to register any case of Covid-19, yet the reality of the pandemic could not be overemphasized.

He also said that the LGA will no longer be a hiding place for criminals as his adminstration will never condone any form of criminality.

The meeting which witnessed a large turnout of aged people, had in attendance, the Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo LGA, HRM Etiyin Maurice Ekpenyong Edet Nya and members of his cabinet.

July 8, 2020
UNHCR Commissions a Solar-powered Borehole For Ndok community, Ogoja Local Government Area In Cross River State

By Elijah Ugani- Calabar

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in line with the Covid-19 prevention measures, commissioned a solar-powered borehole with a 32,000 litres per day capacity, five tap/water collection points and more than 1km pipe network within the Ndok community in Ogoja Local Government Area in Cross River State.

The Paramount Ruler of Ogoja, the Ndok Community Clan Head, Representatives of the Ogoja LGA Chairman, State Emergency Management Agency, members of the host community and media witnessed the cutting of the ribbon and drank portable water from the borehole.

In some rural Local Government Areas in Cross River State, communities have little or no access to either piped or borehole water. “They say water is life, through this borehole, UNHCR has brought life to our communities, and we will work hard to protect the borehole,” said Chief Pius Uwanu, Ndok Community Leader.

Recall that in late 2019, the Ndok community made a significant gesture when it offered 100 hectares of farmland to promote the livelihoods of Cameroonian refugees.

However, Cross River State alone is hosting 63% of a total of over 57,000 Cameroon refugees present in Nigeria. These refugees rely heavily on humanitarian assistance and host communities for their subsistence.

In line with the Global Compact on Refugees, UNHCR is working to strengthen basic host community infrastructure, including health, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in States (communities) hosting Cameroonian refugees across Nigeria to benefit host communities and refugees.

“Through this water project, UNHCR has added colour to the development of Ogoja Local Government Area,” said Mr Benjamin Bissong, a representative of the Chairman of Ogoja LGA.

The Head of Ogoja Sub-office, Mr. Mulugeta Zewdie noted that “To address the needs of Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria, UNHCR is working in close partnership with the government of Nigeria and relevant national institutions, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, State/Local Emergency Management Agencies, Local Government Authorities, community leaders and others.

“UNHCR really appreciates the contribution of the Government of Nigeria (GoN) to the Cameroon refugee situation.

“With support from the GoN, UNHCR has developed three settlements where refugees have access to health, education and other basic amenities within host communities – Adagom and Ukende refugee settlements in Ogoja Local Government, Cross River State, and Ikyogen settlement in Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State.

“This borehole is part of UNHCR’s commitment to effective burden sharing for communities hosting refugees.

“UNHCR wishes to thank the donors that have contributed to the Cameroon refugee situation in 2020 and have made this project possible including Australia, Japan, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Sweden, United States of America and private donors”

July 8, 2020
Breaking: Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Unit Naps Three Kidnappers, Frees Victim On Calabar

By Admin

A combined effort of the State security Adviser South, Mr Ani Esin and the Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Unit, yesterday arrested three kidnappers in Calabar, the cross river state capital.

The kidnappers were arrested last night while trying to kidnap a victim who is a business man that owns a shop at Efio Ete junction.

The kidnappers used same Audi car, suspected to have been used in the kidnap of the wife of the Appeal Court Judge, Mrs Agube.

Information made available to TheLumineNews indicates that a concerned Nigerian called the SSA and the police, who responded swiftly to combat the kidnappers.

The hoodlums had kidnapped the victim at Okoro Agbor and were trailed to IBB and were arrested and the victim rescued.

The kidnappers are currently cooling their feet at the Anti Cultism and Kidnapping unit, Cultural center – Calabar.

Items recovered from the kidnappers include guns and charms.

July 8, 2020
Breaking: Presidency Suspends EFCC Boss, Ibrahim Magu

By Oluchi Omai – SaharaReporters

The Presidency has today Tuesday 7th July, 2020 suspended the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

A combined team of Department of State Services (DSS) personnel and officers of the Nigerian Police Force had yesterday Monday, July 6th, 2020 arrested Magu at the Wuse II office of the EFCC to face an interagency committee investigating corruption allegations which were levelled against him.

After interrogations, he was incarcerated at the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCID) in Area 10, Abuja, on Monday night.

Magu was further interrogated by a panel setup by the presidency and chaired by a former president of the Court of Appeal, Ayo Salami.

A source in the Presidency confirmed to our correspondence that the Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu has now been suspended pending when a decision will be taken on him.

Meanwhile, a panel has been setup to probe several allegations levelled against Magu.

July 7, 2020
First Baba Isa Verse ICPC; FCT High Court Vacates Remand Order

By Admin

The FCT High Court sitting in Apo today vacated the remand order obtained by ICPC and refused to issue a fresh one on the grounds that ICPC has failed to prove that Isa has been arrested and is in their custody.

F. Baba Isa, a legal practitioner has been having a running battle with the ICPC for obtaining a judgment which the ICPC is not happy with.

He was invited by the ICPC to answer questions based on representations he made on behalf of his client. But the legal practitioner approached the court to challenge what he called the “illegal invitation to breach attorney-client privilege”. According to him, “I would not be emotionally blackmailed into honouring their illegal invitation just to prove that “I have nothing to hide”. That is how illegality gets institutionalised. I would not be a part of that. Lawyers cannot just be invited nor arrested to breach attorney-client privilege just by tagging them “suspects”.”

Strangely, ICPC went to court to obtain a remand order without first arresting or having the lawyer in their custody. Mr Isa challenged this remand order, telling the court that ICPC’s “… entire prayers and affidavit was intended to mislead the Honourable Court that I was in their custody; this is because they know that a remand order can only be granted when a suspect is in custody. The section of ACJA (section 293) they premised their application on clearly stated thus. Section 294 of ACJA made it abundantly clear that the Court has to examine the reason for the arrest before granting a remand order but they misled the court into granting a remand order, while the court, thought by looking at their affidavit it was actually examining a real reason for an arrest… an arrest which never happened.

Section 294 of ACJA made it clear that before a remand order is granted by the court, the court will examine the reason for the arrest and be satisfied that there is reasonable grounds to believe that the suspect has been involved in the commission of the alleged offence. In this case there is absolutely no offence. I simply did my job as a legal practitioner, obtained a valid court judgment for my client, held money in client’s account for my client, carried out client instructions to transfer money and earned my fees. All these are legal.

So, when they said it was just an invitation, it is not true. They planned to detain me for 14 days and compel me to breach attorney-client privilege. They had already procured a remand order before they sent out their purported invitation letter. A remand order gotten before arrest is not just illegal but malicious and vindictive.”

Today, the court vacated the remand order and refused to issue a fresh one on these grounds. ICPC has however vowed to arrest and detain Mr Isa without a court order even though there is a pending case in court challenging their right to invite or arrest him concerning this matter.

July 7, 2020
Hausa-Fulani Leader Bags Award From Coalition Of Civil Society In Calabar

By Abdullahi Yuguda

The Sarki of Hausa Fulani in Calabar Municipality, Alhaji Sani Baba Gombe has secured an Award of Excellence from the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria for contributing to the growth and development of Hausa Fulani Community in Cross River State.

Making the presentation at the Sarki’s Palace in Nasarawa Village Calabar, the Acting president of the Organisation, Alhaji Ibrahim Bauchi, revealed that the Award was motivated by the efforts of Alhaji Sani Baba through exemplary and purposeful leadership which brought about peaceful atmosphere in the Community.

The Acting President held that “Judging from the conduct of the last Local Government elections in Cross River State and previous elections, the level of orderliness among the people of Nasarawa community has demonstrated that a true leader was in the background”

Reacting after receiving the award, Sarki Alhaji Sani Baba, dedicated the award to God and the entire people of Hausa and Fulani Community in calabar Municipality.

He appreciated the Group for finding him worthy of such recognition, pledging to double his efforts in supporting the administrative vision of the Executive Governor of Cross River state, Prof. Ben Ayade and the newly sworn in Chairman of Calabar Municipality.

Baba noted that “While government unfolds development projects, it is our collective responsibility to render support, especially through the instrumentality of peaceful coexistence”.

June 30, 2020
Ekpenyong Warns Staff Against Discrimination Of Patients With Covid19 Related Symptoms

By Simon Ushie

The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has warned primary healthcare workers in the state against discriminating patients who present Covid19 related symptoms to their various facilities.

Dr Ekpenyong issued the warning in Itigidi, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State when she undertook an assessment visit to ascertain the quality of information dissemination and knowledge sharing in the ongoing training exercise for Health workers on Covid19 prevention, treatment and care in the state.

The DG said on no account should any facility or individual be reported for patient’s mismanagement or poor service delivery as a result of their medical predicament but charged them to take adequate caution while performing their duties.

She said, though morality is being reported as it concerns Covid19, but when compared to other diseases common within our environment, health workers should not neglect patients to die because of fear of being infected and so the importance of adhering to the guidelines as being thought to them.

“Covid19 just like every other sickness kills,but when you compare the mortality rate to malaria, typhoid and even maternal mortality you will discover that the attention given and the anxiety attached to it is unwarranted.
It is unfair to allow patients who seek medical attention in your facilities to suffer or die because of fear of Covid19.
Any health worker or facility that gets implicated with this act,will be dealt with appropriately, as we all know ,our duty is to provide quality healthcare for our people in line with Senator Ben Ayade’s Commitment in creating a formidable healthcare sector that will be envied across the country”.

Ekpenyong further thanked the state Governor Senator Ben Ayade and members of the Health community in Cross River State for their Commitment in safeguarding the lives of Cross Riverians and maintaining a great fight against Covid19 and other infectious diseases.

One of the participants Mrs Mary Isaac
applauded the state government in investing in the development and capacity building of PHC staff as she also appealed for trainings of such nature to be replicated as often as possible in all other Primary healthcare services and programs in the state.

The training which is organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and supported by the state government has over 5000 health beneficiaries comprising health workers drawn from the primary, secondary and tertiary health sector across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

Since the first case of Covid19 was reported in March 2020, over 24,000 have tested positive, with about 8,000 discharged and a further 500 dead so far in Nigeria.

June 29, 2020
UN Personnel Caught On Camera Having S.€x In Official Vehicle On Highway

By Kemi Oladipo

A viral video has emerged on the Internet where a United Nations (UN) official was caught on Camera straffing a woman while in a traffic.

TheLumineNews learnt that the official was romping the woman who was on a red dress inside UN official vehicle along HaYarkon Street,Tel Aviv, in Israel.

However, Spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General, Mr Stephane Dujarric, on Friday said it was “shocking and deeply disturbed”.

According to NEWS Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dujarric confirmed that the video featured a 4X4 vehicle, containing personnel “likely assigned to the UN Truce Supervision Organisation”.

UN personnel caught on Camera having s.€x in official vehicle on highway 1

The short video showed a woman in a red dress straddling a man in the back seat of the white SUV bearing the “UN” inscription.

With them in the moving vehicle are the driver and a bald-head man sitting on the passenger side in front.

Dujarric said, “We are shocked and deeply disturbed by what is seen on the video.

“The behaviour seen in it is abhorrent and goes against everything that we stand for and have been working to achieve in terms of fighting misconduct by UN staff.

“We became aware of the video a little bit more than two days ago and our colleagues in the Office of Internal Oversight Services were immediately activated.

“Their investigation I know is moving very quickly. We know the location of the incident and the identification of individuals in the video, who are likely assigned to the UNTSO, is close to being completed.

“As part of the UN’s commitment to transparency, the UN will provide updates on the conclusion of the investigation, and any further action”

June 28, 2020
C’River Among The Five States Selected As Recipients of Global Fund Grant in Nigeria.

By Admin

Cross River State held its State Management Team (SMT) meeting to kick start activities for Global fund action grant The SMT is part of National Coordination architecture established at the onset of the (President Comprehensive Response Plan) PCRP for HIV, to provide a high level coordination platform to drive the HIV response in the State. As part of efforts to strategically reposition the Country to achieve greater success in Health, HIV response and leverage on other opportunities to expand health care services.

The Global Fund project is supporting Nigeria. Five (5) States in the Country including Cross River State have been selected to become sub recipients (SR) of the Global Fund (GF).

A major activity resulting from this selection is the need to strengthen the Institutional Capacities of these States to effectively deliver on the GF grant, coordination at the highest level is crucial with the Deputy Governor Prof. Ivara Esu as chairman

The State Management Team (SMT ) which provides the lead in Coordination in the state has been restructured and constituted with the Deputy Governors as the Chair and the Commissioner for Health as Deputy to ensure the provision of highest level policy direction and technical guidance.

The SMT has its members drawn from a spectrum of critical Stakeholders in the HIV response from the following domains
• Deputy Governor
• MDAs
o SMOH
o MIDC
o SACA
o SPHCDA
• Legislature
• Technical Working Groups
• Development Partners/Implementing Partners
• Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS

In her speech, the Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu said “As we gather here today, our common goal remains to halt and reverse the spread of HIV, bringing the prevalence rate down from 2% which is higher than the national average of 1.4% and in so doing contribute to the attainment of the SDGs and the State developmental goals which includes the Governors vision and agenda. The State Management Team which is expected to provide a strong policy support and direction for effective coordination of health sector HIV response. The broad role and responsibilities of the SMT will therefore be to;
Improved Coordination & Systems Strengthening of the National response;
Improved financial resourcing and state ownership
Enhanced Coordination of the State level response;
Addressing Human Resource Challenges Of The State Response amongst others.

The House Committee Chairman on Health Hon Ekpo Ekpo Bassey Commended the state for this great progress and pledge the support of the Legislative arm to ensure local resource mobilization for Health care as well as legislative solutions to End HIV in state.

Others who made Presentations were DG SACA Dr Etcheri Ansa, DG Primary Health Dr Ekpeyong, PS SMOH Bar Takon Asu Takon, PMTCT state Committee Chairman Dr Odusola and Dr Emmanuel Adams. FHI 360, Jepigo, UNFPA, Heartland alliance amongs others .

June 28, 2020