The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, on Saturday attended the funeral rites of a former Nigerian Minister of Power and Steel, Wantaregh Paul Unongu, in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
Unongu who had held several political and public offices was until his death Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
In a condolence message, Senator Jarigbe described the death of the elder statesman as a loss to not just the good people of Benue State but the entire Nigeria, adding that death has robbed Nigeria of a committed patriot.
The lawmaker who was accompanied by his friend, Mr. John George and other delegation, described the late Unongu as a perfect gentleman who staunchly believed in the march towards achieving Nigeria’s true destiny as a great nation.
“Paul Unongu was a true patriotic Nigerian and a quintessential politician who believed in the ideals of democracy. We will miss him but will continue to uphold the ideals he stood for in life,” Senator Jarigbe added.
He expressed sympathy and offered prayers to the immediate family and the good people of Benue State, urging them to remain strong during this difficult time.
Some of the dignitaries who attended the funeral include, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, H. E George Akume, the Executive Governor of Benue State, H. E Rev. Fr. Hycent Alia, other top government functionaries and Nigerians from all walks of life.
The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke, has assured stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, in Obudu Local Government Area that the widespread misunderstanding that seemed to have caused division among party faithfuls will soon be resolved.
The Member of Parliament made the disclosure at his residence, Keting – Bendi in Obanliku today 3rd December 2024 when he hosted stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party PDP.
Akpanke who reacted to the call by the stakeholders for the trio of Sen Jarigbe Agom, Hon Peter Akpanke and Mr Vena Ikem Esq, the PDP State Chairman to come together and provide the leadership that is required of them, noted that the leadership has decided to put the differences behind them to enable them provided the leadership and representation that is required of them.
Stakeholders from the 10 wards of Obudu Local Government Area, took turns to expressed their disappointment over what they referred to as in-house differences, rather became an issue that was discussed everywhere and used the opportunity and charged the trio to unite for task ahead is very demanding.
Hon Akpanke used the opportunity to appreciate stakeholders for the support given to the party, and noted that even husband and wives have some misunderstandings and how best they resolve their differences matters.
He noted that “The little disagreement, we have met and decided that we should reunite ourselves, give us time, we will resolve fully.
“All the people that were suspended, by the grace of God, they will be reinstated”.
Akpanke berated the use of social media to vent anger when he said “There are more mature ways of settling issues other than going to social media.
I don’t need to destroy people today and tomorrow I come and pretend to you that I need you.
“We are very sorry for disappointing you. For those of you who wants to destroy others, please stop it. Some of you seated here are the ones spreading the rumors.
“I have not told anybody that I want to defect to APC. I have not told anybody that I will run for senate. Whatever issues you think we have, we will resolve them. To
“I will invite the three chapter chairmen to Abuja and we will have a meeting with leadership in Abuja to consolidate”.
On the request for constituents to be awarded contracts to equip them for grassroot mobilization, Hon Akpanke, informed stakeholders that there seemed to be more bottle necks in the release of funds for projects execution now than before.
He called on constituents to exercise some patience when he said “Please know that Sen Jarigbe Agom and I are in opposition. Give us the four years and access our performances”.
On his rumoured defection, he said “I’m not defecting to anywhere. Those who are there, how well are they?
Please don’t take anything personal.
“All the issues you hear, are 80 percent resolved.
They know our strength, and wants to infiltrate us. We will not give them the opportunity”.
On the last local government elections, he averred that “The local government elections was not within our powers. The election was state government election. In Obanliku, they brought materials, they gave us result sheets, but they didn’t give us the ward result sheets, where will we have collated the results?”.
A social commentator and the immediate past Chairman of the College of Education Academic Staff Union COEASU, Federal College of Education, Obudu chapter, Aniashie Akpanke PhD, has called for the Immortalization of the late Sen President, Joseph Wayas, who was laid to rest last weekend at his country home, Basang, Obanliku Local Government Area.
Aniashie who made the call on his verified Facebook page argued that it is not too much to rename the University of Calabar as Joseph Wayas Wayas University of the Federal college of Education Obudu, which he singlehandedly attracted to Cross River State, as Joseph Wayas Federal College of Education, Obudu.
He referred and likened the senator Joseph Wayas as Azikiwe, Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, Bayero, Joseph Tarka, who were immortalized and posited that Wayas may have been honored with a befitting burial. He equally deserved Immortalization.
Akpanke opinion reads in full “Just laying Dr Joseph Wayas to rest isn’t enough. Nigerians are anxiously waiting for government’s pronouncement of the immortalization of his unblemished name. If I may ask, is it too much to rename either the University of Calabar as Joseph Wayas University or the Federal College of Education Obudu, which he singlehandedly attracted to Cross River State, as Joseph Wayas Federal College of Education Obudu? To say the least, this great man was (is) our own Azikiwe, Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, Bayero, Joseph Tarka, etc. He may have been honoured with a befitting burial. He equally deserves immortalization”.
Nigeria’s former senate president, Sen. Dr Joseph wayas was finally laid to rest in his country home, Obanliku LGA today 30th of November 2024 after day of National and state ceremonies.
The member representing Obudu, Obanliku, Bekwarra Federal Constituency in the National Assembly was present during the funeral activities of the late elder statesman to honour and pay his last respect to him
In his condolence to the family and the people of the federal constituency, the MP acknowledged the contribution of the late senate president to the growth and unity of Nigeria while extolling his phenomenal records and sterling performance while in his prime and even in his later days
The event which witnessed and had in attendance distinguished personalities from different parts of the country, including the Secretary to the government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, Governor of Cross River State, Sen Prince Bassey Otu, with his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Sen John Enoh , the honourable minister of state (industry), Sen. Jarigbe Agom and other national assembly members, State House of Assembly Members, various LGA council executives and ward councillors, and others.
May the soul of Late Sen. Dr Joseph Wayas and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
In a remarkable show of love for Children, Hon Akpanke honoured the invitation of the leadership and members of St Patrick Chaplaincy Moniaya in Ogoja on the 1st of December 2024 to harvest with pupils of Divine Providence Orphanage Ogoja.
The Member of Parliament who is renowned for his philanthropy, took time off his schedule to worship at St. Patrick’s Chaplaincy Ogoja while identifying with the children of the aforementioned orphanage.
Hon Akpanke in his usual manner of supporting the church, made financial donation and pledged to power the church surroundings with ten solar lights which will further electrify the environment and provide adequate security for spiritual activities.
Recognising the place of little children in the work of God, the MP pledged to support the orphanage with basic facilities that will make life worthwhile for the kids and encourage them to become great men and women in the society.
As the remains of the former Nigeria’s Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas was finally laid to rest on November 30, 2024, in his country home of Basang, Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State, the senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom was in attendance to pay his last respects to the late statesman.
Dr. Wayas, who passed away on November 30, 2021, in the United Kingdom, was honored with a state ceremony at U. J Esuene Stadium before his remains were transported to Basang for final rites.
Senator Jarigbe, in his condolence message, praised Dr. Wayas’ remarkable contribution to Nigeria’s democracy and development. He highlighted the late icon’s leadership as Senate President during the Second Republic and his commitment to national unity and progress.
“Senator Wayas lived a good life and was there for his people which is why we have all come down to honor him due to his remarkable achievements”, Senator Jarigbe added.
The burial ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, former Gov Ben Ayade, Sen Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sen Jones Eteng, the Hon. Minister of State (Industry), Senator John Owan Enor, Senators representing Cross River Central and South Senatorial Districts, member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku and his counterpart of Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, former governors, members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, Councils Chairmen, Councillors amongst others.
May the soul of Senator Joseph Wayas rest in peace!
The repatriation of former Senate President, Sen. Joseph Wayas remains to Nigeria on July 10th, after almost three years, was a momentous occasion. Wayas had passed away thirty-three months prior in a London hospital, following a protracted illness. The prolonged stay of his body in the United Kingdom had become an embarrassment to the state, sparking discussions both within and outside the state.
In Nigeria, it’s a deeply ingrained tradition to ensure that deceased are buried in their homeland. Except for military personnel who die in active service, burying someone outside their home is considered shameful and even abominable in many cultures. For a national icon like Wayas, who remains the only Senate President in the history of Nigeria to have acted as President for 16 days, allowing his body to be interred in the UK would have been a big shame to the people of Cross River State, Northern Cross Riverians, and the institution of the senate.
But it is worrhy if note that the delay in bringing his body home was not due to a lack of commitment from the people of Cross River or the government. Rather, it was caused by internal issues beyond the leadership’s control. Even the successful effort was not without its challenges, requiring more than just diplomacy to achieve.
As it is said, after the storm, comes the rains. Indeed, following the long and arduous journey, our beloved leader, Sen. Wayas, was not only brought home to be buried with dignity but also accorded one of the most colourful state burials imaginable. This emotional but heroic celebration the late leader has received
was made possible by the collective efforts of distinguished personalities who deeply respect and value our culture and tradition.
Top on the list is the state Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu. His leadership and commitment to not only ensure the successful repatriation of the remains of our late icon but honouring his memory with state burial is humbling. His support, which included significant funding, has been critical in ensuring that the late leader receives a fitting tribute. The people of Cross River North are grateful for his efforts, which will be remembered for years to come.
Also, I commend the persistence enthusiasm of the ‘Who is Who’ in Northern Cross River sociopolitical group, led by Sir Dorcklaimz Enamhe, Ph.D, and the entire leadership structure of the senatorial district. Their efforts and resources committed to bringing our leader home for a befitting farewell are truly appreciated.
Special thanks also go to Sen. Ben Ayade who sets the first state burial committee as Governor, Sen. Kano Agabi, SAN, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, Sen. Jarigbe Agom, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Godwin Offiono and many others for their contributions to the success of the event. On this, the people of the North should be proud of the dexterity and unity of purpose demonstrated by these leaders to ensure our leader is brought home like a king that he was.
Thanks also to the leadership of the national assembly particularly, the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio for the respect and honour accorded the deceased even in death. To other members of the National Assembly from the state, thank you.
May his soul continue to rest in peace.
Inyali Peter, Ph.D.
Disclaimer:The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Inyali Peter, and does not represent TheLumineNews, or the organization the author works for.
Since this picture surfaced online, there has been palpable tension and utter disappointment in the camp of those in the political valley. Their social media spaces wear the mien of a graveyard, marked with deafening silence. They’d wished the veiled grudge between the duo should have metamorphosed into a conflagration of escalating political hubbub and vendetta.
If wishes were horses, beggars would ride, says the Scottish proverb. Their wishes were tailored to action aimed at disintegrating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the waves of defection subsided, the subsequent sacking of Barr. Vena Ikem as chairman, and the accompanying disclosures of private messages by already done away chairman. Leading the All Progressives Congress (APC) in fanning the flames of discord was the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Peter Odey via his Facebook handle who posted the snippet: “The rock is solid.”
The public tête-à-tête between Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and Hon. Peter Akpanke yesterday seems to have sent a chill pill down their supporters’ spines. Perhaps they should calm down—nothing is amiss. The exchange was timely and beneficial for the party, as well as its acolytes and apologists. They demonstrated maturity as honorable men, leaving no room for airing any dirty laundry in public—if such exists at all. The camera is limited; it can only capture the outer layer of the skin and not the depths of the heart. While humans judge by outward appearance, they cannot discern the intentions of the heart.
Friends and foes, like times and seasons, exist. They may last long but not forever. What will be, will be. In the state, the smartest politician is Jarigbe Agom. His political wizardry is unparalleled, with a unique ability to appeal to the conscience of the populace. He achieves this effectively through project commissioning. Just yesterday, he commissioned newly refurbished classrooms in Obanliku LGA.
Just when it appears he’s losing the game, he pulls out a joker to the chagrin of naysayers. Let this peace spread far and wide.
In a significant boost to education in Cross River State, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has officially commissioned newly constructed classroom blocks and staff rooms in Blukonu Migrant School Bebi and Government Secondary School Lushiche, Bishiri North, both in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The projects, which include six new classroom blocks and staff rooms in each of the schools, are aimed at providing a conducive learning environment for students. Modern toilets were also constructed to complement the new facilities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Senator Jarigbe emphasized the importance of quality education in transforming the lives of young people. He expressed his commitment to supporting educational development in his constituency, noting that the projects would have a positive impact on the local communities through job creation and economic growth.
Hon. Moses Ocheche on behalf of the Bishiri elders thanked Senator Jarigbe for his efforts in empowering communities and constituents. He assured the lawmaker of continued support.
In Bebi, the pupils of the school all turned out in their uniforms to appreciate Senator Jarigbe for facilitating the first academic building with modern equipment to their school.
Senator Jarigbe was accompanied by the member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Pius Ashakia, Mr. John Ben Onah, Chief Austin Edibe, party leaders and other members of the public.
In a show of unity and solidarity, Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Hon. (Chief) Peter Akpanke, and Chief Austin Edibe were in attendance as stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bekwarra & Obanliku Local Government Areas gathered for a crucial meeting today 29th of November, 2024.
The meetings, which aimed to strengthen the party’s presence in the respective LGAs, was characterized by discussions on strategies for future elections and ways to promote the party’s ideals as well as to resolve differences among party men/women.
Senator Jarigbe used the opportunity to thank the stakeholders for their great support and solidarity with the party. He called on members to be more steadfast with the party and support the leadership in order to enable them attract the dividends of democracy while calling for more support, togetherness and loyalty to the party.
“We have to tolerate one another, for us to continue to coexist as a family”, Senator Jarigbe reiterated.
Hon. Peter Akpanke in his speech emphasized on the need for party men and women to always support the leadership in order to build a more formidable and united PDP in Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency.
The PDP Vice Chairman (North), Chief Austin Edibe stated that he has been a strong advocate for the PDP’s reorganization efforts in the state. His presence at the meetings underscored his commitment to supporting the party’s growth and development in Cross River North Senatorial District and the State at large.
The meeting was seen as a significant step towards consolidating the PDP’s position in Bekwarra & Obanliku Local Government Areas.
Stakeholders and party leaders also took turns to speak on the need to eschew every political differences and work collectively for the growth and progress of the respective LGAs.
Notable party leaders in attendance include, Hon. Frank Busam Adah, Hon. Pius Ashakia, Mr. John Ben Onah, Hon. Timothy Ekawu, Hon. Charles Eneji, Barr. Mike Aniah, Hon. Egar Mgbantul amongst others.
