The Lumine News

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  • Citizens Solution Network Calls On Government To Wade Into The OKu Killings In Boki LGA Of CRS

    Citizens Solution Network Calls On Government To Wade Into The OKu Killings In Boki LGA Of CRS

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    Citizens Solution Network, a non governmental organization has called on the government of Cross River State and the Nigerian Police to ensure that the perpetrators of the killings in Oku community in Boki local government area on the frivolous allegations of witches and wizards should be prosecuted in line with the necessary laws to avert further reoccurrence.

    In a release signed by the Country Director of Citizens Solution Network, Comr. Richard Ifono and made available to THE LUMINE NEWS, indicates that other elderly citizens are still living in fears and coma that they may also be attacked.

    Full text of the release “A very disturbing information has got to us here at Citizens’ Solution Network’s Office, Calabar Secretariat that several women have been burnt to death in Oku Community in Boki Local Government Area in Cross River State on the unacceptable allegation that these women_ our elderly citizens, mothers and sisters are witches and wizards. Also Chief Bernard Kekong was among the number of persons that were killed by the arsonists that carried out these reprehensible killings.

    As we speak John Otu and Edward Kekong have sustained severe injuries, and are struggling to survive as a result of these killings targeted at them and others that were accused of witchcraft.

    Also information reaching us here shows that many elderly citizens are scared of being attacked and are on the run for their lives over such useless and senseless accusation of being tagged witches.

    Let it be in public registry that we condemn in the strongest terms the killings of Chief Kekong Bernard and several women that were burnt to death in Oku Community in Boki, Cross River State on the outrageous claims that they were witches and wizards.

    We call on the Nigerian Police Force to speed into action to safeguard Oku Community to prevent more senseless killings of our elderly citizens, and to ensure that all those who are responsible for these heinous crimes of murder are brought to justice.

    This is a terrible precedence that must not be allowed to stand. The idea that a miscreant would accused a fellow citizen of witchcraft and get such human burnt to death should be strongly rejected and condemned unanimously by all. All extra judicial killings must be investigated and the perpetrated prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to discourage such killings in future.

    The Nigerian Police Force and the Ayade-led Government must ensure that all those responsible are arrested, prosecuted and given the heaviest of sentences for these multiple homicides. No level of excuses from the Oku killing gang should be accepted.

    Signed

    Richard F. Inoyo
    Country Director, Citizens Solution Network.

    For: Civilian Population and Council.

  • Ayade Inaugurates CSDA Board Charges Them To Improve Human Development Index

    Ayade Inaugurates CSDA Board Charges Them To Improve Human Development Index

    By Admin

    His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, today inaugurated a 17-member committee of the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) Board to further improve on the Human Development Index and Gross Domestic Product of the State.

    The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, who inaugurated the committee on behalf of His Excellency goaded the members to carry on with the mandate of this administration in ensuring a trickle down of development across the State.

    “The World Bank has commended the Cross River State Government led by His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade, for the CSDA initiative as it is the best way to bring development across the State, especially in the hinterlands.

    “So far we’ve carried out well over 30 (Thirty) micro-projects across the State this year ranging from potable water supply, to solar-powered LED street lights, lavatories to cub open defecation, renovation of classroom blocks and employment of youths and vulnerable people within our communities”

    The board is Chaired by Chief Toni Joe Ikpeme, with the Secretary being the Acting GM of the Agency, Mr Fidel Udie, thanked the State Government for the opportunity to serve and promised to give their best in the discharge of their duties collectively.

    The board also has four non- statutory members, the Permanent Secretaries from the ministries of Finance, Works, Women Affairs, Local Government Affairs, Social Welfare and Humanity, International Development Cooperation, and the State Planning Commission, and four representatives from Civil Society Organizations.

  • Nigerian Navy Arrests 42 Cultists During An Initiation Ceremony In Apkabuyo Local Government Area

    Nigerian Navy Arrests 42 Cultists During An Initiation Ceremony In Apkabuyo Local Government Area

    By George Odok Jr. – Calabar

     

    The Nigerian Navy Ship Victory in Calabar on Sunday May 24th responded to a tip off when the group gathered in a location in Akpabuyo during an initiation.

    According to navy intelligence investigations, there were preparing for a clash between Klans and Black Axe.

    The cultists were handed over to the Anti-Cultism and kidnapping Unit of the police through the State Security Adviser South, Mr Ani Esin.

    Welldone Nigerian Navy.

    #NANDefenceCorrespondent

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  • Ekpenyong Charges Health Workers On Surveillance, Says Nigeria Cannot Afford Another Disease Outbreak

    Ekpenyong Charges Health Workers On Surveillance, Says Nigeria Cannot Afford Another Disease Outbreak

    By Simon Ushie

    The Director General, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has charged health workers in the Agency to step up surveillance and comprehensive health services as she said the state and nation can’t afford another disease outbreak.

    Dr Ekpenyong stated this as part of her closing remarks for the 3 days Virtual training exercise for Workers in the agency on best ways of managing the covid19 pandemic and other infectious diseases.

    Ekpenyong said the training was imperative for workers across the 18 LGAs as this will further spur them to offer world class services and make them abreast with global practices on managing infectious diseases especially Covid19 and lassa fever.

    “We can’t afford to have another pandemic after Covid19, and that is why I am so excited to have our partners organize this training for our workers, I personally have learnt a lot and am sure all of our workers across the 18 LGAs who participated in the training have gained newer insight into the management of the Covid-19 pandemic and for those in the rural areas, these messages will be passed across to them”

    On cordial relationship and quality training and supports from partners, the DG said, such relationships must continue and evolve into more result oriented measures especially as the state seeks to front line the quest to ascertain the status of Universal Health Coverage in the nearest possible time.

    “I want to thank the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Fiasal Shuaib for this innovation to place primary Healthcare workers pal by pal with their contemporaries in both secondary and tertiary facilities through this training which is not only timely but necessary as we join our hands in fighting the Covid19 pandemic.

    “I also want to thank the facilitators in charge of Cross River State from the NPHCDA including Dr AJ Oteri, Dr Valentine Obijekwu, Dr Chinedu Okoronkwo, Ameenah, W.H.O partners including Dr Raji Rilwan, Mr Santus Ugbal, Mr Julius Idoko(State coordinator, NPHCDA) and all staff of the agency”

    In his response, one of the facilitators, Dr OJ Oteri praised the DG for coordinating a wonderful set of health workers whose contributions and inquisitive nature proved a collaborative fight for the elimination of Covid19.

    “I have not seen a wonderful set of participants like the ones we have in Cross River State, the platform was interactive all through the 3 days of training and one thing am confident about is that you all will step down these trainings to those in the rural areas, and it shows that the state is ready to fight Covid-19”.

    The three days training had about 200 participants including heads of various programmes like the immunization services, Family planning, community and family health, mobilization officers, heads of Local government’s health authority and other stakeholders who will in turn train lower cadre officers in their wards and communities.

    Participants were taught various topics ranging from Covid-19 transmission, symptoms, how to control the spread of the disease, Methods of spread and prevention, facts and rumours about the disease, roles and responsibilities of health workers in managing the disease.

  • PDP Calls For The Disbandment Of FEC Under Buhari

    PDP Calls For The Disbandment Of FEC Under Buhari

     

    May 26, 2020

    Press Statement

    Hostilities In Presidency: Buhari’s FEC Has Become Cancerous, Should be Disbanded – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Executive Council (FEC) has become cancerous, disorganized, chaotic, and incapable of driving an organized, result-oriented system and as such should be disbanded.

    The party’s position is predicated on the degenerated hostilities among officials in the Buhari Presidency, including Presidential aides, ministers and heads of agencies, which have further exposed a scandalous breakdown of the administration’s central command system.

    Our party asserts that this situation is a mark of failure by the Buhari Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide organized leadership for our nation.

    The PDP said a situation where officials are constantly at daggers drawn among themselves in unending clashes, backbiting, betrayals, leakage of sensitive documents and internal bickering over pecuniary and political interests, in manners not different from street skirmishes of common cult groups, is unacceptable to our nation.

    It is indeed shocking that the acrimony had sunk to a situation where the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, reportedly evicted the staff of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) from their allocated office, with guns, while the Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri, was on official assignment with the President.

    Currently, the newly appointed Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, are said to be at each other’s throat, with the SGF reportedly querying the decision of the President to sack the former Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Mr. Usman Mohammed. The situation had degenerated into serious confusion in the federal executive.

    Nigerians can recall the bitter wrangling, wherein the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen Babagana Monguno, earlier this year, alerted that Presidential responsibilities, including presiding over sensitive security matters, have been hijacked by late Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, thereby frustrating the fight against insurgency and acts of violence ravaging our country.

    Furthermore, the power sector is still under the stress of squabbling between the SGF and the Minister of Power, Sale Mamman, with the SGF, reinstating some officials who were sacked by the minister in December last year.

    The nation has also not forgotten the embarrassing public fight between the First Lady, Aisha Buhari and President Muhammadu Buhari’s cousins, over rooms in the Presidential villa, which further exposed the chaotic situation in the President Buhari-led administration.

    Before then, the First Lady had alerted the nation that a cabal had hijacked the federal executive and taken over governance of our nation.

    It is sad that presidential hostilities had resulted in escalated cases of internal sabotage including the leakage of sensitive documents as exposed by the Head of Service, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan and recently witnessed in the embarrassing leakage of President Buhari’s draft COVID-19 speech.

    Nigerians can now see how vulnerable our nation has become and why it is extremely difficult for our country to witness any progress under the Buhari Presidency, which has also ruined all the gains achieved under the PDP.

    Indeed, no nation can achieve meaningful development under a rancorous and shambolic federal executive council as currently constituted, with the height of irredeemable division among them.

    Such a situation never obtained under the watch of the PDP in the glorious years of our nation.

    Our party therefore counsels President Buhari to re-direct the course of our Nation’s tides by disbanding his poorly assembled and dysfunctional federal executive council.

    He should foreclose the parochial posturing of his administration by engaging more competent hands to run the affairs of our nation.

    Signed:

    Kola Ologbondiyan
    National Publicity Secretary

  • CRSPHCDA Takes Quality Health Care Delivery To The Steps Of Cross Riverians

    CRSPHCDA Takes Quality Health Care Delivery To The Steps Of Cross Riverians

    BY Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has devised an alternative means of meeting the health needs of Cross Riverians.

    The recent development had staff of the agency (Primary Healthcare Centre Ikot Efanga) organized  a medical outreach at Efanga Etim Settlement in Calabar municipality through the directives of the Director General,Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong who  urged  staff to take healthcare services close to the door steps of every residents.

    The head of the team and Officer in Charge of the Primary Healthcare Facility, Ikot Efanga, Mrs Christy Iwara said the team having recognized the huge contributions made by the governor, senator Professor Ben Ayade for all Cross Riverians to get access to quality and effective healthcare and the visionary leadership style of the DG, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, decided to engage in weekly outreaches to various settlements around them.

    Mrs Iwara insisted that with various challenges faced by people in accessing healthcare, the health facility with a mandate by the DG, has identified various settlements within Efanga Etim which  is the first to benefit from the gesture.

    “I must commend the governor, Senator Professor Ben Ayade for his huge contributions towards improving the health sector in our dear state and also our Pragmatic Director General, Dr Janet Ekpenyong whose visionary leadership has led us into this community outreach, she had mandated that everyone within our facility get un compromised access to healthcare by engaging in community outreaches and taking medical Care to the door steps of those who need our services the most”.

    The outreach had over 200 people who benefited from various services including Blood pressure check, sugar level, malaria /typhoid testing, counselling, sensitization and education on the covid19 pandemic and other infectious diseases.

    The team also distributed drugs, facemasks and hand sanitizers to members of the community.

    One of the beneficiary, Mr Efanga Effiong Okon thanked the governor, Senator Ben Ayade, the DG, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, Mrs Christy Iwara and other members of the team for the gesture as he said it has come to renew hope among members of the community and pleaded that the benevolence gesture be sustained.t

  • Ayade suspends state agency for violating tax exemption law

    Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade has suspended the activities of the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA) for violating the State’s tax exemption law.

    A statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita yesterday said ” in spite of Governor Ayade’s directives as well as the provisions of the Cross River State Tax Exemption Law, agents of the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA) were still engaged in the sale of tickets to bus, taxi, okada and tricycle operators in the state”.

    He said in view of this, “His Excellency has ordered the immediate suspension of the activities of the agency in the state.

    “In addition, His Excellency has directed security agents to arrest anybody found selling tickets or collecting any form of tax from those exempted from paying tax in the state”.

    Ita said, henceforth, the governor ” will not tolerate the flagrant disregard of the tax exemption law which has been in place for over three years now .

    “On no account will any criminal and mischievous attempt to undermine and short circuit the noble effort of the governor, be allowed”.

    CTRA popularly known as” 100 Marian” because of its location is the most dreaded government agencies by taxi, okada (motorcycle) and tricycle operators because of its notorious violent mode of implementing sales of daily tickets to them.

    With this announcement, it was jubilation galore in Calabar by the operators saying “God will bless Ayade, now we know he is very serious with the law to protects” .

    Recall that two years ago the governor had exempted the poor and low income earners from paying tax and tax exemption law put in place but this directive was ignored and last week Ayade again re-emphasised on the ban to ensure full compliance.

  • Eid-El-Fitr Celebrations: Ayade Urges Muslims to Embrace Peace, Love and Unity

    Eid-El-Fitr Celebrations: Ayade Urges Muslims to Embrace Peace, Love and Unity

    Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade has urged peace, love and unity among Nigerians as Muslims celebrate Eid-El- Fitr which marks the end of the thirty days Ramadan Fast.

    The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,Mr Christian Ita said Nigerians must use the period for a sober reflection on the state of things in the country.

    While congratulating the Muslims Ummah for completing one of the Five Pillars of Islam, he urged them to remember that moderation is important in everything one does.

    He said the poor and less privileged people in society must be catered, a principle which informed his decision to exempt low income earners from taxation, including the petty traders in Bogobiri Muslim Community.

    He told the faithful that the month of Ramadan is intended to teach all Ummah how to live good and compassionate lives which must continue even after the Ramadan fast.

    “Ramadan is a month of sacrifice, abstinence and above all, love and care for humanity. I encourage you all to be your brother’s keeper. Look out for your neighbour in the firm belief that he too will look out for you and most importantly always use your face masks while going out to contain the Spread of Covid-19 disease.

    “As you celebrate Eid-el-fitr, which marks the end of the Ramadan fast, I urge everyone, regardless of your religious beliefs, to continue to keep the peace and to live in unity with one another in Nigeria and particularly in Cross River State” he said.

  • Amanke Calls On The Management And Staff Of CRUTECH To Desist From Infighting To Ease The Appointment Of A Substantive VC

    Amanke Calls On The Management And Staff Of CRUTECH To Desist From Infighting To Ease The Appointment Of A Substantive VC

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Commissioner for Quality Education, Dr. Goodwin Amanke has called on the management and staff of the Cross River University of Technology CRUTECH, to desist from infighting among themselves to ease the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor for the institution.

    Amanke made the call when the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Austin Angba led other management staff on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner in his office in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    His words “let me use this opportunity to call on the management, staff and student’s unions within the institution to desist from infighting to enable the institution get a substantive Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor in Acting capacity is limited to certain things, as such CRUTECT cannot continue to have Acting Vice Chancellors.

    “I want to commend the foresight of the Governor who I referred to as a man who knows tomorrow for appointing Prof. Austin Angba, Acting Vice Chancellor.

    “With Prof. Angba, I expect so much from CRUTECH community, I know he has the capacity to do it, but he needs the cooperation of all of us, ranging from the Bursar, Registrar and Directors of all Units and departments”

    Earlier, the Acting Vice chancellor, Prof. Austin Angba thanked the governor for giving him the opportunity to contribute his quota to the development of the institution.

    Angba pledge his commitment to the development of the institution through collaborative measures to ensure quality educational system in line with global best practices, which will involve innovative models.

    He mentioned insecurity and salary deficit as some of the major challenges confronting the institution. On insecurity, he noted that insecurity was minimal since students were not on campus. He explained that salary deficit was occasioned by non payment of school charges by students which amount to about 80 million.

    Recall that since the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Anthony Owan-Enor as Vice Chancellor, in April 2019, Prof. Austin Angba is the third person to be appointed Acting Vice Chancellor of the state owned university, CRUTECH.

    A development which has received serous back lash from the public. With the consul from the commissioner and if taken seriously, then there will be some form of relief for the institution as a substantive Vice Chancellor will sure be appointed.

    Critics continue to argue that prolonged and continuous appointment of Acting Vice Chancellors, development in the institution will be at a snail space, considering that six months is too short for any body to plan a budget or execute any serious project.

    Findings have reveal that CRUTECH is one of the state owned university with a salary structure with line with federal salary structure.

    On the entourage for the courtesy call were; Mr. Ekpe Ibom Ekpe – Bursar, Prof. William Nkamo – Librarian, Mr. Alaga E. Alaga – Auditor, Barr. Uno I. Ogban.

  • INEC Declares C’River North Senatorial District Vacant As Permutations Heightens

    INEC Declares C’River North Senatorial District Vacant As Permutations Heightens

    By Elijah Ugani – Cabalar

    The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has declared vacant Cross River North Senatorial District seat.

    The declaration comes on the heels of the demise of the late Sen. Rose Oko, who until her death was the senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District.

    In a release signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voters Education, Mr. Festus Okoye Esq., indicates that the commission has received official declaration of vacancies for 4 senatorial districts and read reports of the passing of a senator and 4 members of some State Houses of Assembly.

    The release reads in part “It is to be noted that in additional to the Governorship election in Edo and Ondo States, the Commission has received official declaration of vacancies for 4 Senatorial Districts and read reports of the passing of a senator and 4 members of some State Houses of Assembly.

    “As at today, the Commission is planning for nine (9) bye-elections across seven (7) states of the federation as follows:
    Bayelsa Central Senatorial District
    Bayelsa West Senatorial District
    Imo North Senatorial District
    Plateau South Senatorial District
    Cross River North Senatorial District
    Nganzai State Constituency, Borno State
    Bayo State Constituency, Borno State
    Nasarawa Central State Constituency, Nasarawa State
    Bakori State Constituency, Katsina State.

    “The provision of the policy on conducting Elections in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic shall also apply to the conduct of these elections.

    “In conclusion, the Commission urges all Nigerians to adhere strictly to the Covid-19 protocols issued by the health authorities”

    This declaration is coming barely seventy-two (72) hours when a front line contender for the PDP ticket to context the by-election for the Cross River Northern Senatorial seat, Dr. Stephen Odey had stated that he has not started campaigns, stating that INEC was yet to declare the seat vacant.

    Odey was reacting to the allegations of inviting the leadership of Northern Cross River State Students and President of the five local government areas that made up the Northern Senatorial district for a meeting and abandoned them.

    An allegation that Odey referred to as unnecessary accusations and attacks, dissociated himself and stated that he did not invite nor see students in his office and wonder why he will invite students when INEC was yet to declare the seat vacant.

    With the recent declaration by the electoral body, it is unclear whether Dr. Odey will commence campaigns.