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  • Fr. Titus Armon’s Arrest, Detention, Release and Matters Arising!

    Fr. Titus Armon’s Arrest, Detention, Release and Matters Arising!

    By Elijah Ugani

    The media space has been inundated lately with the disgusting story of the arrest of Fr. Titus Armon, the Assistant Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Parish, Abuochiche, Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, just after the much celebrated #EndSARS protest that was hijacked by hoodlums that led to the looting and destruction of properties across the country.

    As a devote Catholic of the Ogoja Diocese, I joined the crusade in my personal capacity to question the rationale behind Fr. Titus arrest, as well as the advocacy for his unconditional release.

    Thank God Fr. Titus was released unconditionally on the intervention of the team sent by the Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Edet Akpan, led by the Vicar General Admin, Rev. Fr. Peter Obele Abue.

    Being curious to know what led to Fr. Armon’s arrest, I contacted the team lead and Vicar General Admin, and he assured me that the Director of Communications of the Diocese, Fr. Emma Eroh was going to reach me on developments.

    I consistently called and Fr. Emma Eroh perhaps hurriedly sent me a WhatsApp massage, stating that an #EndSARS video was shared from Fr. Titus’s phone being the alleged reason for his arrest, and I immediately published same without premeditation.

    However, the Director of Communications, Issued a press release and published same on his Facebook page, which supersede any other statement credited to him, where he fingered the Governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade to be responsible for the arrest of Fr. Titus.

    A perusal of the release by Fr. Emma Eroh, necessarily demands the Media Aides of the Governor as mater of necessity to address all the issues raised by the said press release that accused the Governor to have masterminded Fr. Titus arrest, they are busy copying my publication, which is subservient to the later press release by the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja.

    Someone should help me tell the Governor’s media aides to address the issues raised by the Director of Communication of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja alleging the Governor’s involvement in the arrest of Fr. Titus Armon.

    Let the aides of the Governor gather and do a combined rebuttal of the said allegations, or if they are wangling in guilt, they should apologize to the priest and the diocese.

    Until we see a strong worded rebuttal of Fr. Emma Eroh’s press release, addressing all issues raised, I’m also tempted to share the sentiment that Fr. Titus arrest was masterminded.

    The public is hereby advised to disregard any document shared other the one shared by the Director of Communications, Fr. Emma Eroh.

    Elijah Ugani is
    The Editor-In-Chief/Publisher of
    www.theluminenews.com

  • Sir Ben Ayade Owes His Home Diocese Detailed And Unreserved Apology If Religion Means Anything To Him – Emma Eroh

    Sir Ben Ayade Owes His Home Diocese Detailed And Unreserved Apology If Religion Means Anything To Him – Emma Eroh

    By Admin

    The Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, Very Rev. Fr. Emma Eroh, has stated that the Governor of Cross River State, Sir Ben Ayade who is a Knight of the Catholic Church owes his home diocese detailed and unreserved apology if religion means anything to him.

    The cleric made this known in a press release where the Governor is fingered to be responsible for the Gestapo arrest and detention of Rev. Fr. Titus Armon.

    The release indicates that the Department of State Security and by extension, the state Governor, Sir. Ben Ayade who is a Knight of the Catholic Church owes his home diocese a detailed and unreserved apology, if religion means anything to him.

    The release reads in full:

    “KNIGHT GOV. BEN AYADE, FR. TITUS ARMON AND HUMAN RIGHTS.

    “The arrest and release of a Catholic Priest of Ogoja Diocese, Fr. Titus Armon by men of the Nigerian Army (29th Oct 2020) at the behest of the Department of State Security in Cross River State is in the public domain with neatly parcelled versions in favour of their pay Masters. We are not interested on whoever wants to make political gain and capital from this event but rather appalled at the manner and style of the Department of State Security. Are they licensed to kill?

    “It is pertinent to underline the fact that a Catholic priest is not immuned from obeying the laws of the land, however there is a more honourable path for security agencies to tow in the planning, interpretation and eventual execution of their script. I find them culpable and negligent in the Gestapo style the gentleman was arrested without prior invitation. It is despicable, preposterous, dehumanising and traumatic at all layers.

    “The State Department of State Security and by extension the State Governor, His Excellency Sir. Ben Ayade ( who is a Knight of the Catholic Church) owes his home diocese a detailed and unreserved apology, if religion means anything to him.

    “Fr. Titus Armon was in his room when two gun trottling Army men entered and demanded that he descends downstairs to speak with their boss who was in the car, his attempt to put on his cassock was rebuffed and he was dragged down like a common thief and emptied forcefully into the waiting Hilux van.

    “The journey from Abuochiche in Bekwarra to Calabar which lasted over five hours in the midst of unknown men with intermittent interrogation was hellish. He spent the night at the detention facility in Akim Army Barrack before his eventual relocation to SSS detention facility. His crime: he allegedly originated an ENDSARS protest video traced to his phone.

    “Nelson Mandela posted years ago, ” to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”. The onus is on the government to accord us freedom of expression and to respect the dignity of its citizens and walk the path of due diligence especially post ENDSARS era. Is the Cross River State government imbibing any lesson?

    “Besides, Fr. Titus Armon works in a reputable, ubiquitous and time tested religious organisation where Gov. Ayade prides himself as a worthy Knight, was it not proper to inform the bishop of the diocese? Are the words of Robert Mitchin true of our Governor? ” There are three times in a man’s life when it’s useless to hold him for anything; when he is madly in love, drunk or having an exalted political office. Could all these three be working in favour of the Governor? If a Catholic Priest can be so recklessly treated, what’s the assurance for others?

    “Gov. Ben Ayade should be reminded that no one has ever won the Catholic church in a battle. Can Gov Ayade change the pages of history where emperors and kings could not succeed. This is a tall dream.

    “The handlers of the Governor must eschew the art and mastery of psychophancy which flows in their veins and face reality, you dont play politics with peoples’lives. His multi-layered media aides whose importance originate from being in the periphery of power and having food on their tables, ought to know this drama is a bad omen. Our beloved Governor should be reminded that of the timeless words of Richard Harns “THE MOST DINSTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCEESFUL POLITICIANS IS SELECTIVE COWARDICE”. Will they have the gumption to do the needful, the answer lies in the womb of time.

    “Fr. Emma Eroh is the Director of Communication,
    Catholic Diocese of Ogoja.”

  • Suspend Sir Benedict Ayade KSJI, For Desecrating The Church – First Baba Isa

    Suspend Sir Benedict Ayade KSJI, For Desecrating The Church – First Baba Isa

    By Admin

    An Abuja based right lawyer and a devote Catholic, Mr. First Baba Isa Esq. has called on the leadership of the Catholic Church to suspend Governor Ben Ayade who happens to be a Knight of the Catholic Church for desecrating the church, by sending soldiers to humiliate, torture and embarrass a priest.

    Isa made the call at his verified Facebook account @FirstBabaIsa, urged the church to immediately suspend the knighthood of Governor Ben Ayade among other things.

    Find the call in full:

    “SIR BENEDICT AYADE; THE KNIGHT WHO DESECRATED HIS CHURCH

    “I just read a statement issued by Rev Fr Emma Eroh, the Director of Communications in the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja; and that statement puts the responsibility of the arrest and detention of a Catholic Priest, Rev Fr Titus Armon, squarely on Governor Ayade, who happens to be a Knight of the Catholic Church.

    “Before the Governor and his merchants of propaganda and hellfire-bound liars come out to deny this as I have seen them do in many instances like in the case of Agba Jalingo, Ifere Paul, Joseph Odok, etc., let me say that I’m terribly appalled that I have lived to see a day where a Knight of our Church will humiliate, torture and embarrass a priest like this.

    “The purpose of the Catholic Knighthood is to have men and women who will defend the Church; not in taking up arms but in how they conduct themselves, uphold the doctrines of the Church and revere the sacraments and the clergy.

    “I was an Altar Boy, who even became the President of the entire Altar Boys Association of Ogoja Diocese. All my life I have lived with Reverend Fathers. Heck, I wanted to be one. They are not perfect but they are highly respected because of their learned, calm, peaceful and godly disposition to life generally.

    “Today, we have a Catholic faithful who became a Governor, a Governor who became a Knight of the Catholic Church and that Knight sent soldiers to arrest a Catholic Priest in his church; they dragged him without even allowing him the dignity of wearing his cassock. They lifted him up and threw him inside a waiting van and drove him for over 7 hours to Calabar. They locked him up for over 24 hours without access to his lawyers or anyone.

    “This one is on the church. The Governor is a tyrant, we know that already. He is called “Little Napoleon” in some quarters. We know this already. So, this one is on the church. How will the Church respond to this.

    “Issuing a press statement is a good place to start but that is not enough. The church should not dismiss this as a case of turning the other cheek. The church must take action.

    “Firstly, the church should immediately suspend the knighthood of Governor Benedict Ayade. We don’t want to belong to a church where a Knight will abuse the fundamental rights of a priest and go scot free.

    “Secondly, the governor, the army and the SSS should be taken to court immediately. Nobody is above the law, not even a Catholic Priest. If Fr Titus committed an offence that warrants an arrest, I will be the first to call for his arrest. But in this case he has done nothing wrong.

    “He was arrested in place of his brother who is also a Catholic priest. And for what? Because his phone was used to post, allegedly by his brother, an #EndSARS video? That is not an offence. Both of them did nothing wrong.

    “Knowing the Governor, I can tell you for free that this has nothing to do with #EndSARS. This is how the Governor operates: whenever he wants to arrest and intimidate his critic, he will make it look as if the Federal Government is involved. Soon, he will come out to tell us how he does not control the army or the SSS and how #EndSARS is a Federal Government issue. We all saw this script play out in Agba Jalingo’s case.

    “Let the fundamental human rights of Fr Titus Armon, and even that of Fr Ghesu Armon, be enforced. Let the Governor and all his law enforcement conspirators pay for this. Let the church make them pay.

    “The church should also stop participating actively or passively in the misgovernance going on in Cross River State. You have donated your pulpit several times for this same Governor Ayade to mount on and make promises to the people he never intended to fulfill and of course never fulfilled.

    “The church has allowed priests to serve as the Governor’s SA’s and members of fanciful committees; these committees are high in jargons and low in performance. With these priests present in this administration, the church cannot excuse herself from failure of the administration and the consequent opprobrium.

    “The Church has been quite for too long in the face of tyranny and bad governance. Why? Is it cowardice? Over 2000 years ago, the Founder of our church looked at Herod and the politicians and called them “Foxes!” That’s the same spirit he gave us. Not a spirit of fear or timidity!

    “Ayade touched a prophet. He did a prophet harm… and in the process he broke the law.

    “Let him pay. Make him pay.

    “Firsts Baba Isa (FBI), a Legal Practitioner, writes from Abuja.
    [email protected].”

  • #EndSARS Video Led To Fr. Armon’s Arrest – Eroh

    #EndSARS Video Led To Fr. Armon’s Arrest – Eroh

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Director of Communication of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, Very Rev. Fr. Emma Eroh has stated that the arrest of Rev. Fr. Titus Armon on the 29th of October, 2020, is connected with the #EndSARS video shared from his phone by his brother.

    Fr. Eroh made this known in a release he personally signed and made available to The Lumine News

    The release reads in parts “A special delegation sent by the Bishop of Ogoja diocese headed by the Vicar General Admin, Rev. Fr. Peter Abue met with officials at the Department of State Security (DSS).

    “After intense deliberation, it was observed that Fr. Armon who was arrested yesterday and released today October 30th, 2020, was connected with an #EndSARS related video allegedly shared from his phone used by his brother who was in possession of his phone and simcard. He was however released unconditionally.

    “We thank other members of the delegation, Frs. Matthew Otuji, Joe Bebia, Victor Owan, the diocesan lawyer, Marc Ename Esq.

    “To God be the glory, my experience today is an indication of how careful we should be in sharing views and stories on social media”

    Recall that the social media has been inundated with disturbing reports initially of the kidnap of the clergyman and later that he was arrested on a mistaken identity.

    Others commentators had fingered the Governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade to have masterminded his arrest, alleging that Fr. Titus Armon elder brother is a critic of the Governor.

    This clarification however, settles all accusations and counter accusations as currently brandishing the media space.

  • C’River PDP Congress: Federal High Court Voids The Purported Disqualification Of Vena Ikem

    C’River PDP Congress: Federal High Court Voids The Purported Disqualification Of Vena Ikem

    By Admin

    The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has today, October 19th voided the purported disqualification of the leading contender for the position of the state chairman, Mr. Vena Ikem.

    Vena was allegedly disqualified on grounds that the period between the time he returned to the party had not met the conditional requirements and was supposed to have been given a waiver.

    A development that saw his contender, Alphonsus Eba celebrated that he was the sole candidate for the state chairmanship position.

    Vena sought legal redress and the process was stalled by litigation.

    Vena however, took to his verified Facebook handle to sate that “The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt declares the purported disqualification of my humble self from contesting the Chairmanship of the party unconstitutional!

    “That I am a bona fide member of the Pdp Crs Chapter and the requirement of waiver doesn’t apply to me!

    “Congratulations to all Democrats who still believe in due process.

    “Congratulations to TeamAuthentic for your faith!

    “Congratulations especially to all our NASS Assembly members and leaders who still believe that the system can still work according to the rules.

    “Cross River State state owes you a lot more than words can express.

    “Congratulations to Gov. Ayade, who is teaching us to fight where we threaded too softly before. Our best will come out in the process..

    “Long live Cross River State.

    “Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Vena..”

  • Police Nabs Baby Factory Owner Who Sold Three Babies For N1.5M In Cross River

    Police Nabs Baby Factory Owner Who Sold Three Babies For N1.5M In Cross River

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has arrested Madam Ima-Obong Asuquo, for allegedly selling three babies for N1,500,000.00.

    Asuquo was arrested on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 in her house at Obot Udonna village in Aakampka Local government Area of the state.

    Speaking shortly after the arrest, the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Abdulkadir Jimoh, stated that the rescue operation took place about 3:40am following a tipoff.

    Jimoh noted that “the prime suspect has confessed to the crime”, adding that ” she had earlier sold three new babies for N1,500,000.00 in connivance with one other woman simply identified as Iquo of Technical Junction, Calabar “.

    The CP said, “three pregnant teenagers; Blessing Francis, 19, Blessing Okon, 19, and Blessing Solomon, 21 were rescued during the operation by my men.

    “Two children, Bright Solomon, 2, and Michael Etim, 7, were rescued.

    “Both suspects, Asuquo and Iquo are currently in our custody, while investigations are ongoing. One Mr. Solomon, a witness, has also made a recorded statement”.

  • C’River Govt, Dr Linda Ayade, MDF, And Pink Africa Walks Against Breast Cancer In Calabar

    C’River Govt, Dr Linda Ayade, MDF, And Pink Africa Walks Against Breast Cancer In Calabar

    By Admin

    In commemoration of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is globally observed on October annually, the wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Dr Linda Ayade, Cross River State Government, collaborated with Pink Africa Foundation (Convener of the walk) and other partners like Mediatrix Development Foundation, Lions Club International, Aruba Hospital, Nurse’s association, Labour union amongst others held a breast cancer awareness walk in Calabar, tagged ‘ Calabar gopink day; beyond walk the talk.

    Cross River State First Lady, Dr Linda Ayade who addressed participants at the Calabar Municipality Council Headquarters at the end of the walk disclosed the low level of awareness regarding the disease, its courses and prevention among women and men, coupled with the population not being proactive enough to leave their comfort zones and go for lifesaving screening for breast cancer,” These are the major reasons for poor prognosis of cancers in our environment and increase mortality .

    Against this backdrop, Her Excellency said she is calling on women to take advantage of Mediatrix Foundation free Breast cancer screening across the State especially at the grassroots. “Because given requisite information, early screening, early detection and management, most of this cancer related deaths are avoidable”, she stressed.

    The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu disclosed that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is one of those sad and most important month of her life. According to her she will continue to do everything possible to save lives of women, getting as many women as possible to go for breast cancer examination, screening and treatment.

    “It is important for both men and women to get regular checkup as breast cancer account for the highest mortality from cancer in women. She commended the wife of the Governor for introducing the grassroots strategy of mobilizing Women in all wards and town criers you bring their fellow women to primary health centers or General hospital for free breast screening this month. She said so far over 20 cases have been picked in the villages with some at very advanced stage needing urgent attention”.

    We say no to breast cancer devastating our women. That is why we are bringing this life saving message, to all people in our community that early detection, proper management and right habit, is the key to survive breast Cancer scourge”, Says Dr Janet Ekpenyong, Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

    Earlier Speaking, Dr Ani Nchewi of Pink Africa Foundation describe cancer as a deadly disease that affects a lot of people. When the good cell of the body stops producing and the body starts producing bad cell resulting to a multitude of bad cells, that health situation can cause cancer.

    She said Pink Africa Foundation will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring incessant lost of lives due to lack of breast cancer screening is avoided. According to her, “ women should be breast aware. that unusual difference between the two breasts, that visible lump, dimpling or indentation in the breast tissue, that redness, scaling or other changes to the skin or nipple that appear abnormal, that changes to your nipple that is newly inverted or pulling in, should be the first signals to get you discussing with health experts and then follow with up treatments.” The pink Africa Foundation is donating free post Mastectomy bras to women.

    In what turned out to be one of the most exciting numerous Breast Cancer Awareness walk, the streets of Calabar metropolis came aglow as passersby were caught in rapt attention, digesting the message and asking questions.

    The procession took off from the Eleven Eleven Roundabout where the calabar go pink day was flagged off by the Wife of The Governor Dr Linda Ayade, through Mary slessor to Rabana, Marian Road, and up to Calabar Municipal Council were the Mayor and Chief Host, Hon (Elder) Effefiong Nta Eke received the entire team at the Council Headquarters. The DG of SACA Dr Etcheri Ansa and Lions Club International representative amongst many others were in attendance to marked the breast cancer day while free breast scan for over 200 women happened at same venue.

  • Hon. Legor Idagbo Speech During The Factional Flag Off Of PDP Campaign Sounded Like An Anathema; Exposed His Total Disregards To The Sensibilities Of Our People – Jarigbe Agom

    Hon. Legor Idagbo Speech During The Factional Flag Off Of PDP Campaign Sounded Like An Anathema; Exposed His Total Disregards To The Sensibilities Of Our People – Jarigbe Agom

    By Admin

    The member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has described the speech made by his colleague, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo during the factional flag off of the campaign of Dr. Stephen Odey as an Anathema and a huge joke to our democracy.

    Agom took to his verified Facebook page to respond to his colleague who decided to take a swipe on other members of the PDP especially his humble self, instead of embarking on campaigns for the PDP.

    Find the complete response by Hon. Agom:

    “The Factional PDP Flag Off and the Speech by Hon Legor Idagbo:

    “The Speech that sounded like an Anathema, exposed his total disregards for the sensibilities of our people and makes a huge joke of our democracy. Legor and other gladiators chose to take a swipe at other members of PDP, especially my humble self, instead of embarking on campaigns for our Party. They did not Campaign against the opposition, but concentrated on parochial sentiments, that would not add value to the fortunes of the Party.

    “He qualified the former Governor, Donald Duke, as a TYRANT and that his approach to governance was brutish. That was not kind to the former Gov at all. He celebrated the fact that Obi Odu and Ugba Morphy were chased out of Cross River State by Donald Duke. He assumes that Governors are invincible and other people’s lives do not matter.

    “Legor Idagbo is among those who instigated the shooting and killing of our young men during the last Senate Primary Election, in Ogoja. We can clearly see that his approach is very barbaric and that’s what they mislead the Governor with.

    I want to remind you that, we are in a Democracy and I am a Parliamentarian. I am not oblivious of my rights and privileges. The right to life is one of them and I can never be intimidated by mere mortals.

    “You can have whatever positions, but do not forget that I am a Parliamentarian, that is also protected by the Constitution and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “I know Legor as a Christian, but he is beginning to sound like one of those basking in the euphoria of the moment and assuming the position of super humans.

    “Legor is always struggling to tell people, he is close to Gov Imoke. Who asked him? What is he struggling to correct? Conscience is an open wound and the only thing that can heal it, is the TRUTH.

    “I have never used the name of Gov Imoke to Campaign. I have nothing to say about his relationship with his Successor and I will not record Gov Imoke to play for Ayade, so Ayade can trust me. I am not a meddlesome interloper.

    “Legor and Ayade are Liyel’s political boys, just like me. I am not competing for closeness to Gov Imoke. As his
    mentee, I will rather do things that would make him proud, just like I am doing in my Constituency(without sounding immodest).

    “Legor’s Primary Election to the House of Reps in 2015 was conducted outside of his Constituency because he was not on ground with his people. It was conducted in Ogoja( my LGA) and I had to send my boys to help him. He has still not learnt his lessons. He is still looking for a Governor that will spoon feed him, like its always been.

    “Legor had described Ayade as “a bull in a China shop” and we should escort him out carefully, so he doesn’t cause so much damage. My Colleagues in the National Assembly can attest, if they want to state the truth. Today, he claims to be the most loyal because he has been promised a third term to the House of Reps. God will deliver that Federal Constituency from the hands of Oppressors.

    “He used the name of the Holy Ghost/in vain as he made his very demeaning speech, but may God forgive us. I would have thought that, our upbringing should manifest even in our politics, but its unfortunate that desperation has made us to let go, all our values.

    “The Rt Hon Legor said, he passes through Stephen Odey, to get favors from Gov Ayade. Those favors are personal because I cannot see any Infrastructure at his instance. Does that statement not indict our highly revered Governor? Legor’s attempt at laundering the Gov’s image was counter productive. As a member of Parliament, you should have unfettered access to your Gov , if you do not belong to a Conquered Generation.

    “Finally, I want to humbly appeal to Cross Riverians, especially the people of the North, to stay Civil but join this political revolution, that requires no mobilization. The facts Speak, in spite of the failed attempt at embellishment.

    “A happy Sunday to you all”.

    Rt Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe( Rep of the Masses)

  • TETFUND Completes Inspection Of The Institute Of Management and Technology, Ugep

    TETFUND Completes Inspection Of The Institute Of Management and Technology, Ugep

    By Admin

    The Tertiary Education Fund TETFUND, responsible for funding of tertiary institutions in Nigeria has completed the inspection of the state owned Institute of Management and Technology, Ugep in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    This however comes on the heels of the enlistment of the institute as a beneficiary institution, facilitated by the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee in TETFUND, Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor.

    Speaking after the three day rigorous inspection, the leader of the delegation, Mallam Yahaya applauded the level of infrastructural development of the institution and pledged the reflection of the various concerns raised by all stakeholders during the inspection visit.

    The delegation was led by the Registrar of the institution, Dr. Emmanuel Yarie and the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Elvis Okon Jnr. on a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubangha Eteng and the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council, Hon. Ofem Ebri Obeten.

    The duo of the Obol of Ugep and the Chairman of Yakurr local government Council, thanked the team for undertaking the inspection of the state owned Institute of Management and Technology located in their land and requested that the intervention in the institution commence in earnest.

    Recall that since inception of the institution in December, 2012, this is the first time that the Institute of Management and Technology will get any intervention from TETFUND.

    When contacted, the senator representing Cross River Central senatorial district and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on TETFUND, Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor, expressed satisfaction with the efficacy of his people oriented representation at the red chambers, which has yielded this result of inspection and the subsequent intervention by TETFUND.

    The lawmaker maintained that he will stop at nothing to ensure that Cross River State gets all its entitlements, due and quota from TETFUND.

  • #EndSARS Protest Is Not Just An Indictment On The Nigerian Police Force, It Is A Call For Change In National Polity – Fr. Peter Abue

    #EndSARS Protest Is Not Just An Indictment On The Nigerian Police Force, It Is A Call For Change In National Polity – Fr. Peter Abue

    By Admin

    As the demand by the Nigerian youth to end all forms of harassment, intimidation and brutality against the citizenry through the instrumentality of the Special Anti Robbery Squad SARS, by the government that whose role is to protect lives and properties, a revered teacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja and Parish Priest of St. Thomas Aquinas parish, Igoli-Ogoja, Cross River State Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Obele Abue has stated that the #EndSARS protest is not just an indictment on the Nigerian Police Force, but a call for a change in national polity.

    Fr. Obele took to his verified Facebook account to share his thought tagged: “GIVE BACK”

    “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God (Matt. 22:21). A lot of interpretations have been given to this statement of Jesus and sometimes, without reference to the source. Politicians have used it to say that Christians should not meddle with Politics. Christians have used it to argue that the state should not interfere in religious concerns. The actual words that Jesus Himself used were “give back” and although He was speaking in a particular context of the society in which he lived, His words are still relevant to us today. His words were an answer to the basic economic, political, and religious questions that bothered the people of his day against the backdrop of the oppression of the Romans authority over the Jewish people. And Jesus replies to them using the phrasal verb, “give back.”

    “The ordinary man on the street of Nigeria is using Jesus words to argue that they must be given what they hav a right to and that brings us to the ugly situation prevalent in our country today. The youth of Nigeria are demanding that what has been taken away from them be given back. The question is: what has been taken away from the youth and citizens of this country? Nigerians are saying that their freedoms, their right to live and move about in peace has been trampled upon by the Nigerian police under the auspices of the so called Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and so calling for its abrogation #EndSARS.

    “#EndSARS in Nigeria is not just an indictment on the Nigerian Police Force, it is a call for change in our national polity. As the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have said today “The Nigerian government must realize that what the youths on behalf of Nigerians clamour for under the code name #EndSARS is a total reform of the entire Police Force and not a change of name. They call for a reform of our government institutions and a reform of our entire nation. They are asking for a system that will be hard on crimes and criminals in the society within the ambience of the law. While at the same time treating every human being, citizens and visitors alike with respect and dignity”.

    “For us in Nigeria today, the first lesson is clear; it was Caesar’s image on the coin, so “give back to Caesar” implies a moral and civic duty first for the State to give back to its citizens what belongs to them. The state does not give back by sustaining a delapidated system; failing to care for its law enforcement department, encouraging the brutalization of citizens and denying them their rights. Citizens also give back to Ceaser (the State) by looking out for the common good, paying taxes (the same coin) and contributing their best as civic workers. Citizens do not give back by breaking the civil system and arguing all the time that the system is corrupt.

    “More importantly still, Jesus says Give back to God what belongs to God. This means nobody has the right to dominate or oppress others, for we are all created in God’s image. The brutalization of human beings by the police including exploitation of youth, women and children, are ways of stealing the human person from God. We must give back to God what belongs to him by treating others with dignity. Its time we begin to review our ways as a nation, making amends and ending all forms of inhumanity especially that pepertrated by the State on innocent citizens. Just as the coin must be returned to its owner, the emperor, because it bears its image, so we must return to God the creature that bears its image (read Gen. 1:27). #EndSARS”.