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  • Obono-Obla Writes Gov Otu, Calls For The Suspension Of APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba

    Obono-Obla Writes Gov Otu, Calls For The Suspension Of APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba

    A former President Buhari Aide and foundation member of the All Progressive Congress APC, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has called on Gov Bassey Otu to to intervene and direct the appropriate organ of the Party to immediately initiate disciplinary proceedings against Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or in the alternative the State Exco convene a meeting to consider whether or a vote of no confidence should not be passed on Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or I will seek legal means to remove him from office as State Chairman of All Progressive Congress Cross River State Chapter.

    Obono-Obla in a letter addressed to Gov Otu on 9 September 2024, and made available to TheLumineNews stated among other allegations that Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba wrote an incendiary piece on his Facebook and other social media page titled Open Letter to Mr President calculated to promote ill feelings, incitement, and hostility by the populace against the APC Federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The letter reads in full:

    “His Excellency
    Senator Bassey Edet Otu
    Governor
    Cross River State of Nigeria
    Governor’s Office
    Hope Waddel Avenue
    Calabar, Cross River State
    Nigeria

    His Excellency,

    “WHY BARRISTER ALPHONSUS OGAR EBA SHOULD BE SUSPENDED AS STATE CHAIRMAN, ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS CROSS RIVER STATE CHAPTER

    “I write to you in your capacity as the Governor of Cross River State of Nigeria and the Leader of the All-Progressive Congress Cross River State Chapter and the South South Zone of Nigeria to bring to your attention the quiet crisis rocking our Party quietly but which would soon fester into a major one if decisive step (s) is not taken now to nip it in the bud. The State Executive Committee of the Party led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba is atrophied, rudderless, and has reached it menopause and has to leave when the ovation is still louder.

    “I therefore respectfully implore you to intervene and direct the appropriate organ of the Party to immediately initiate disciplinary proceedings against Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or in the alternative the State Exco convene a meeting to consider whether or a vote of no confidence should not be passed on Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba or I will seek legal means to remove him from office as State Chairman of All Progressive Congress Cross River State Chapter.

    “MY REPRESENTATION TO HIS EXCELLENCY IS HINGED ON THE FOLLOWING GROUNDS:

    “1. CREATION OF FACTIONS:
    The APC has splintered into numerous factions in almost 18 local government areas of Cross River State as a result of Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Ebo dictatorial leadership style, which makes internal cohesion, solidarity, and unity practically impossible. Some of these factions enjoy the endorsement and support of Chairman Barrister Alphonsus Eba and cohorts.
    For instance, when I raised the existence of a faction in APC Yakurr Local Government Area known as Yakurr Embassy in an interview granted by me to an online newspaper known as TNT, which enjoys the tacit support, Chairman Barrister Alphonsus Eba falsely asserted that it was a support group.
    However, the said Yakurr Embassy is not registered, neither in Cross River State nor the National as a support group.

    “2. DISCREDITING MR. PRESIDENT’S POLICIES:
    Recently, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba wrote an incendiary piece on his Facebook and other social media page titled Open Letter to Mr President calculated to promote ill feelings, incitement, and hostility by the populace against the APC Federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “During the campaign in 2023, the APC made it quite clear that as part of its economic reform agenda, it would scrap the payment of subsidies on Petroleum products.

    “The hardship and high cost of living the country and its people are passing through presently is a natural consequence of the withdrawal of subsidies on Petroleum products.

    “As the Chairman of APC in Cross River State, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba must align his opinion and public utterances with the policy agenda of the APC Federal government and resist the temptation to pander to the sentiments and narratives been bandied by the opposition to score political points against the government. See attached screenshot of the Facebook page of Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba dated 3 September 2024

    “3. VIOLATION AND FLOUTING OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE APC CONSTITUTION:
    Violation and flouting of the provisions of the APC Constitution that the framers of the Constitution deliberately inserted to enhance smooth administration and management of the Party by someone like Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba continually since he assumed office is a calculated sabotage, inexcusable and unbecoming.

    “Article 13.8(v)of the APC Constitution 2022 provides that the State Executive Committee Create or appoint such Committee(s) as it may deem necessary, desirable, or expedient and assign to them such powers and functions as it may deem fit and proper, provided that the powers and functions of such Committee(s) shall not conflict with any Committee(s) set up by the National Executive Committee or the National Working Committee.
    As a deliberate failure, refusal and or neglect of Barristers Alphonsus Eba led State EXCO to activate organs and structures created by the Constitution to foster and promote smooth administration of the Party and ensure wide participation of major stakeholders across the State the Party has become purposeless and rudderless and wobbling on the verge of collapse.

    “These organs are the State Caucus (created by Article 12.10 of the APC Constitution); Local Government Area Caucus (created by Article 12.5 of the APC Constitution; and Senatorial District Committee (created by Article 12.2).
    The failure to activate these organs has led to disillusionment and perception of marginalization of the various tendencies that exist within the State Chapter of the Party.

    “For instance, the old members who have been members of the Party from 2013 to those who joined in 2017 on one hand and to those who defected from PDP in 2021 on the other hand are estranged and in a State of cold war because of the failure to activate these organs that would have used to harmonized these two tendencies and give each of them a sense of belonging.

    “4. LACK OF MEETINGS AND INCLUSIVITY:
    The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Eba has a penchant of non-conducting or convening meetings of both the State Executive and Working Committees, which amounts to a contravention of the Party Constitution. See Article 25 of the APC Constitution,2022.

    “5. STIFLING OF INTERNAL PARTY DEMOCRACY:
    The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba recently banned all members of the APC in Cross River State from holding meetings to ventilate their fundamental human rights to assembly, hold opinions and express themselves on matters concerning their well beings as members of the Party. This is against the fundamentals, traditions, and principles of Party democracy. Constructive engagement, consensus building, and discussions among Party members are requisite ingredients of democracy that should not be stifled under any guise.

    “6. LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:
    The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba has demonstrated a capacity and propensity for opaque and clandestine conduct and management of the affairs of the APC. Even though 2023, the campaign for the 2023 general election ended since March 2023 and the subsequent inauguration of the President, Governors, and members of the States and National Assemblies the State Exco has bluntly refused to render account for funds that are accrued to the party during the 2022 primary elections. Also, the State Exco has refused, failed, and / or neglected to account for other assets belonging to the Party, including the bus donated to the Party during the 2023 campaigns. Finally, refusal to call for a meeting to examine the fortunes of the Party after the 2023 general elections.

    “7. ARROGANCE:
    The Chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba, and his Exco have a predisposition of talking down and using uncouth and coarse language on elders and senior members of the party who critics their leadership style in extreme display of unbridled arrogance and haughtiness. For instance, one of the State Exco members recently referred to Chief Okoi Obono-Obla as self-claimed ex presidential aide.

    “It is on record that Chief Obono-Obla was a senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari from April 2016 to 29 May 2019. Failure to activate the Constitutional Organs of the Party in the State. The State Exco led by Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba has deliberately failed, refused, and neglected to activate organs created under the Constitution to enhance internal democracy and fostering of transparency, accountability, smooth administration management of the affairs of the Party and participation of a wide and broad spectrum of the party.

    “8. Over 10,000 bags of Rice donated by Minister of Sports Development under the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration:
    Recently, the Minister of Sports Development donated over 10,000 bags of Rice under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renewed Hope initiative for distribution to vulnerable people in the state. These bags of rice were handed over to the leadership of the APC in the state.

    “However, the leadership, when pressured to give account on how the rice was distributed, admitted in a letter written to Senator John Owan Eno dated 4 September 2024 by Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang, State Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, Cross River State Chapter claimed that 732 bags of rice received, 196 bags were shared to the Ward Chairmen across the State, while 27 bags were shared to Chapter Executive members in each of the 18 Local Government Area Chapter Executive totalling 486 bags and 50 bags to State and Zonal Executive Committee members respectively.

    “This is not despicable and nauseous corruption, which is unbecoming of Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba’s Exco to decide to share these bags of rice only to party bureaucrats and executives rather to the ordinary members of the Party that it was meant.

    “In the light of the above, we pray His Excellency to cause Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba to proceed on suspension until the allegations made against him as encapsulated above is properly investigated or in the alternative a disciplinary proceeding should commenced by the appropriate executive Committee or organ of the Party against him.

    “Accept the assurances of my highest regards.

    “Yours sincerely
    Obol Okoi Obono-Obla.

    “CC:
    Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru,PhD
    National Secretary
    All Progressives Congress
    National Secretariat
    40 Blantyre Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja
    Federal Capital Territory
    Nigeria”.

  • What Is In A Name…. BY AGBA JALINGO

    What Is In A Name…. BY AGBA JALINGO

    Edited

    What Is In A Name….

    If you are still entangled in that hog wash about how names determine destinies and the Jabez and Jacob fable, then let us have a conversation.

    Bush is a shrub or clump of shrubs. But two Bushes (father and son), became Presidents of the US and their two sons became governors, and their mother became the only woman in America to be first lady and later first mother of the US.

    A thatcher is a person whose job is making roofs from straw or reeds. Yet Margaret Thatcher rose to become the first female UK Prime Minister.

    Rice – Is a grass or grain which is widely cultivated as a source of food. Yet Condoleezza Rice, rose to become America’s Secretary of State and she is also a Stanford University Professor.

    Stout is a beer, yet Christy Lu Stout, a CNN presenter, is one of the most popular faces on Earth.

    Dick is the male genital organ. Yet Dick Cheney became the Vice President of the US.

    Pussy is the female genital organ. Yet Pussy Jones is known till date as one of the most successful and prolific rugby union centers, who played club rugby for Cardiff and international rugby for Wales.

    Hemp is cannabis sativa. Yet Lauren Hemp became England’s Young Female Player of the Year in 2017, and still reigning as one of the best female footballers in the UK.

    Bill means, a printed or written statement of the money owed for goods or services, in order words, debt. And Gate means, a hinged barrier. Yet Gill Gates, is the fifth richest man in the world.

    Musk means, a strong-smelling reddish-brown substance secreted by the male musk deer. Yet Elon Musk is the richest man in the world.

    Ṣóyínká means, I am surrounded by sorcerers. Yet Wole Soyinka became Africa’s first Nobel Laureate.

    Fáyẹmí means, Ifá suits me. Yet Kayode Fayemi became governor and minister of the federal republic.

    Fáyóṣé means, Ifá will do it. And Ifa did it for Ayo Fayose, who became governor of Ekiti State.

    Tinúbú means,
    ti – belonging to
    inú – inside of
    ibú – the deep (ocean). Yet the ocean boy became governor of Lagos and President of Nigeria.

    Fáwẹ̀hìnmi means, Ifá watches my back. And Ifa watched the back of Gani Fawehinmi until he became Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Senior Advocate of the Masses and Nigeria’s most popular freedom fighter.

    Fálànà means, Ifá cleared the path. And Ifa has cleared the path for Femi Falana who has also become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the most popular CSO voice in Nigeria today after the death of Fawehinmi. His wife is also a SAN.

    Fáshọlá means, Ifá makes wealth. And God made Babatunde Fashola governor of Lagos state and Minister of the Federal Republic.

    My mother’s name till her passing was ‘Uwhanye’, meaning Barren. Yet she saw her great grand children before she died.

    Yet, we have seen so many people bearing Blessing, who have never been blessed. We have seen those bearing Abundance, who are living in lack. We have seen those bearing Marvelous, who are dangerous.

    Whether anyone will succeed in this life is dependent on the level of work you put in and the grace of God that waters the work. It also depends on the knowledge you acquire and how you are able to use it to the benefit of the world. The meaning, the spelling, the sound or texture of your name has nothing to do with it unless in a nepotistic country like Nigeria where your ethnic group and your name is what determines whether you will succeed or not.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for 

     

  • Why I Floated Educational Support Grant Initiative in Yala II State Constituency – Achadu

    Why I Floated Educational Support Grant Initiative in Yala II State Constituency – Achadu

     

    Ugo Solomon, Calabar

    Honourable Dr Martins Achadu, the House Committee Chairman on Education and the member representing Yala II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly has advanced reasons for floating an Educational Support Grant Empowerment Scheme for constituents.

    Flanked by his colleagues; Hon Samuel Neji Abeng the Minority Leader and member Ikom 1 as well as Hon Kingsley Ntui: member Etung and Chairman committee on water resources during the presentation of cash gifts to beneficiaries at the Assembly Complex yesterday in Calabar, Dr Achadu who had lectured at the University of Calabar said the initiative was propelled by an understanding that education can bring community development across Ukelle .

    “If communities must develop, you start with education especially in professional courses. We are doing this to ensure that people are not just encouraged only by words of mouth but financially too”.

    According to Dr Achadu whose benevolence is a watershed in the history of representation in the constituency opined that the financial support kick-starts the first phase of his benevolence to the community and had chosen to focus on the PhDs and those in special courses such as Medicine and Law.

    ” It is a drive to push those who have pushed further to even have a master’s degree and I have indicated interest in supporting their Doctoral Programmes especially sharing my philosophy with them just to encourage them so that they would know that someone is also praying for them”.

    Refuting insinuations about possible political undertone of his Educational Support Grant Empowerment, he emphasised that “the foundation of what I am doing is not for any political goal otherwise I would not go for the PhDs that are few, I would have gone for secondary schools and other areas”.

    “My reason is that when you have a PhD, it opens you up to endless opportunities and added you a unique intelligent quotient to reason in a perspective that can bring solutions to societal problems.This also helps in ensuring adequate contribution to the development of Ukelle.

    ” The second phase would focus on master’s degree students and my decision to encourage law and medicine students in the first phase is that Ukelle is academically disadvantaged and our people rarely get admission into these special programmes.However, we are consciously taking steps to address the challenge by interfacing with key stakeholders because there is always a quota for university admission and the competition is stringent. Consciously,we are making efforts that our students are adequately prepared to beat the competition”.

    In an earlier address by the Committee that articulated the success of Dr Achadu’s Educational Support Grant Empowerment Scheme comprising Dr Innocent Chigbe, Mr Pius Udeh and Ebri. The committee described those in attendance as just an extract because other beneficiaries are scattered all over the country some beneficiaries where selected from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Benin and University of Ibadan.

    Specifically, Dr Innocent Chigbe stated that yesterday’s presentation was “just a test run and the real ceremony would be at the village where empowerment would take place for excellent indigent students billed for Ukelle”

    The committee affirmed that it is a combination of PhD students and those reading special courses like; Medicine and law are being encouraged through financial support in their academic pursuit by the member representing Yala II state Constituency.

    While reacting to the succour given to them, some of the beneficiaries eulogised Dr Achadu’s resilience and passion towards tackling the development of constituents through education. Other Cross Riverians have taken turns on social media to commend Honourable Achadu who has kept a famous pact with the Ukelle people through a meticulous approach to leadership have rode on a popular mandate elected by the people in admiration of his sterling qualities.

     

  • Obudu Urban 1 Beats Ipong Ward To Win Chief John Ugbe Foundation Football Tournament

    Obudu Urban 1 Beats Ipong Ward To Win Chief John Ugbe Foundation Football Tournament

    By Elijah Ugani 

    Obudu Urban 1 ward football team defeated Ipong Ward in a one goal to nill final encounter which held on September 7th 2024, at the Obudu Township Stadium to win the 2024 Chief John Ugbe Foundation Football Tournament.

    The foundation which is in honor the late Patriarch and father of Hon Emmanuel Ugbe, former Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Mr Patrick Ugbe, CEO & MD, Hit 95 FM, Mr John Ugbe Jr, Managing Director, MultiChoice and other siblings to impact positively on the lives of the people, is poised to identify talents in Obudu youths.

    Speaking to TheLumineNews, Hon Emmanuel Ugbe, who spoke on behalf of the entire family noted that as part of efforts to remember the good legacies of their father, they have decided to come together to impact the people with the view of making lives better.

    He stated that “we decided to initiate the football tournament because football unites people from different backgrounds. It keeps the youth busy and prevents them from indulging in so many illicit behaviors”.

    The following were the prizes won by teams and individuals during the tournament.

    Winners: Obudu URBAN 1 ward
    Prize – 1 Million Naira, a set of jerseys, 24 pieces of Gold medals.

    First runners up- IPONG-
    Prize – N300,000.00
    10 pairs of boots, a set of jersey , 24 pieces of silver medals.

    Second runner up – Utugwang Central Ward
    Prize – N200,000.00, ten pairs of boots, 24 bronze medals.

    Third runner up – Angiaba/ Begiaka ward
    Prize- Ten pairs of boots.

    Best player – Gabriel Alikpang- Utugwang Central

    Best goalkeeper – Onungo Sute – Urban 1

    Highest goal scorer – Bor bor – Urban 1

    The Special Guest of honor, Chief Tony Undiandeye, commended the family of late Chief John Ugbe for founding a foundation in honor of their late Patriarch. He used the opportunity to encourage other persons to consider putting up ideas and initiatives that will add value to the society.

    This is the second edition of the tournament as the first commenced last year. It is also the only tournament that gives out a million Naira as prize for the winners.

    The goal of the tournament is to unite the ten wards of Obudu using football competitions.
    The tournament will also identify talents with the view to harness them for excellence.

  • Omang Holds Town Hall Meeting, Presents Scorecard, Institutes Scholarship

    Omang Holds Town Hall Meeting, Presents Scorecard, Institutes Scholarship

     

    The Minority Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly and the member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Congressman Omang Charles Omang Esq, on Thursday the 5th of September, 2024 held a town hall meeting with his Constituents at the council hall of Bekwarra LGA secretariat in Abuochiche.

    The lawmaker while addressing the Constituents who came out in large numbers, thanked them for the support they gave to him by electing him to represent them in the Cross River State House of Assembly.

    Omang enumerated his achievements so far as a member representing Bekwarra for the past one year such as;
    1. Sponsoring a motion under matters of urgent public importance urging the State government to facilitate the release of a Professor in the university of Calabar who was kidnapped.
    2. Sponsoring a motion for the re-establishment of the boundary between Ijibor community and General Godwin Ally Cantonment in Ogoja.
    3. Sponsoring a motion for the payment of gratuity to retirees who have retired since 2009 without their benefits.
    4. Sponsoring a bill for the amendment of the customary court law which has passed second reading in the State Assembly.
    5. Sponsoring a bill for the protection of public property.
    6. ⁠Sponsoring a bill for the reform of the public service in Cross River State.

    He also noted that he has facilitated the recruitment of a Constituent into the Nigerian Police Force who is currently undergoing training, recruitment of two Bekwarra sons into the Cross River State Forestry Commission.

    The Congressman used the occasion to announce the inclusion of Ugboro, Ukpah, Okpeche road into the 2024 budget for reconstruction which has been approved by the governor, and the award of scholarship to 20 secondary school students from their SS1 to SS3 including payment of their WAEC fees drawn across the 10 political wards of Bekwarra.

    In attendance at the meeting were the Traditional Rulers Council led by the paramount Ruler of Bekwarra HRM Linus Ogbeche Odey; “Ushie Ebeshe kakpa 2”, the DPO of Bekwarra, Commandant of the NSCDC, Head of DSS, Head of SIB and other security agencies, as well as the State Chairman of NYCN.

    Also in attendance were NURTW Bekwarra chapter, Bekwarra cyclist Association, Widows association, Association of Artisans in Bekwarra, Christian Association Nigeria (CAN) Muslim community in Bekwarra, Ibo community, National Youth Council of Nigeria Bekwarra chapter.

    Barr Omang in his usual calm way took time to listen to questions and contributions as well as criticisms and responded to them appropriately.

    The high point of the event was the unveiling of the beneficiaries of the scholarship program which received accolade from the people.

  • Obono-Obla Donates Books to Apostolic Secondary Grammar School Ugep

    Obono-Obla Donates Books to Apostolic Secondary Grammar School Ugep

     

    By Odey Xavier Ojeka

    A Renowned author, scholar and Former President Muhammadu Buhari Aide, Chief Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla, has donated a collection of books to the Apostolic Secondary Grammar School Ugep Management. The donation aims to enrich the school library and encourage students to develop love for reading and learning.

    During the presentation, Chief Obono-Obla emphasized the importance of reading and knowledge, stating that “knowledge is power.” He highlighted the significance of the donated books, particularly “Grammar of Lokaa” by Onun Ewa Ubi, which he provides insight into the Bantus and a brief history and explanation of the Lokaa language .

    The donated books include:

    – “Grammar of Lokaa” by Onun Ewa Ubi
    – “No More Secrets” written by Chief Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla
    – “Nigeria, My Country” also written by Chief Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla
    – “Civics for Nigeria Schools” by Patrick Ubi Mni

    Mr. Sampson Eno, a literature tutor, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school, thanking Chief Obono-Obla for his generous donation and commitment to empowering students through education.

    Chief Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla is a seasoned communicator, historian, activist, and erudite scholar who holds an LLM in International Business Law.

    His donation demonstrates his dedication to fostering a
    love for reading and learning among young minds.

  • Omang Calls On CRS Govt To Intervene In Ugboro -Abuochiche – Gakem Federal Highway

    Omang Calls On CRS Govt To Intervene In Ugboro -Abuochiche – Gakem Federal Highway

     

    The Minority Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly and Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Congressman Omang Charles Omang Esq , on Tuesday 11th of September 2024, moved a motion under matters of urgent public importance calling on the Cross River State Government to immediately commence intervention works on the Ugboro -Abuochiche -Gakem axis of the Ogoja -Katsina Ala Highway.

    The lawmaker noted that the Ugboro -Abuochiche -Gakem axis of the Ogoja -Katsina Ala federal highway which is the only road linking the northern part of the country has become impassible for the past three months, and has forced commuters to divert through the already dilapidated internal road in Ugboro village, which has caused more hardship to the villagers.

    Omang stated that the situation has led to several clash between the frustrated commuters who are stuck in traffic and villagers in the area.

    In his prayers, Barr Omang, noted that

    1.  They were informed that the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has awarded the contract and thanked them for awarding the contract for the reconstruction of the Ugboro -Abuochiche -Gakem axis of the Ogoja -Katsina Ala federal highway.

    2. Urge the contractor to quickly move to site and start the reconstruction of the road.
    3. Called on the Cross River State Government through the ministry of works and infrastructure to immediately begin an intervention and palliative works on the road to ameliorate the sufferings of the people, while awaiting the reconstruction of the road.

  • Sen Jarigbe Inspects Ongoing School Projects In Obanliku LGA

    Sen Jarigbe Inspects Ongoing School Projects In Obanliku LGA

     

    As part of measures to ensure quality and value for resources spent on projects, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has undertaken inspection of some ongoing school building constructions in parts of Obanliku Local Government Area.

    Senator Jarigbe Agom, facilitated the construction of six classroom blocks with staff rooms and modern toilets in five (5) Primary Schools in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The Constituency Officer, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, who represented the Senator said the inspection visit was meant to assess progress of work and ensure adherence to best standards as agreed in the contractual agreements.

    Mr. Egar stated that the school projects, which include Government Primary School; Bukumaya-Bisu Ward, Blukonu Migrant School Bebi, St. Peter’s Primary School; Begitiatsu-Bendigie, Bendi 1 Ward, Governnment Primary School; Belinge-Becheve Ward and Government Primary School; Bishiri North, were facilitated by the Distinguished Senator, as part of the fulfillment of his campaign promises to the benefitting communities.

    “These are projects that have direct impact on the lives of our people and as such, we have to make sure that they are executed according to specification“ he added.

    Egar while inspecting the school project in Bebi Ward also, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work. He commended the contractor handling the project for a job well done and further directed that efforts be redoubled and work be completed before the commencement of the new academic session in mid-September.

    He was accompanied in the inspection tour by Mr. Isaac Okpokpo, Atiteh John, Julius Ellah and Manus Ogboji.

  • Sandy Onor Calls For Peace As Crisis Rocks PDP Cross State Chapter

    Sandy Onor Calls For Peace As Crisis Rocks PDP Cross State Chapter

    By Elijah Ugani 

    A former governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, in Cross River State for 2023 general election, Sen Sandy Ojang Onor, has had called for peace among party faithfuls.

    TheLumineNews can authoritatively state that some aggrieved members of the party have sought the resignation of the State Chairman, Venatius Ikem Esq.

    Senator Sandy, appealed to party members called on the aggrieved faction to sheath their sword and embrace peace.

    Onor stated that the internal strife will not do the party any good, rather, putting the party on the line against oppositions in the state. Onor averred that division cost the party at the national and in the state in the previous elections.

    The letter reads: “In the last two weeks, I have observed on the Cross River State PDP platform, a resurgence of calls for the resignation of the State Chairman, Barr. VenatiusI kem.

    “I have had the opportunity in the past of meeting with the protagonists of these calls and I have maintained the position that it would be totally injurious to our party at this critical time in our political history, to remove our State Chairman. My position on this matter has not changed and is not likely to change at all.

    “I appeal for constructive compromise between the Chairman and those who seek his ouster. As stakeholders of a political party, we must disagree from time to time but we have no liberty for disagreeableness. It is wanton disagreement more than anything else. that destroyed our party in the last elections for the National to the State levels and we cannot afford to accommodate the same vicious virus, moving forward.

    “Let the falcon hear the falconer. Let all the stakeholders sheath their swords and resolve their differences, or at worse, tolerate themselves since we only have one year left of the tenure of the present state executive committee. Let us all prepare to engineer the changes we want to see in the next state congress which is not far from now.

    “I would continue to pray for God’s favor, wisdom, humility and grace upon all of us. I remain yours truly.”

  • Governor Otu Commends President Tinubu, Assures NELFUND Management Team of Cross River’s Support

    Governor Otu Commends President Tinubu, Assures NELFUND Management Team of Cross River’s Support

     

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive leadership in establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and ensuring its successful launch.

    Governor Otu made this commendation on Tuesday, when the Managing Director and CEO of NELFUND, alongside other top officials of the fund, paid him a courtesy call in Government House, Calabar.

    Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Otu stated that his administration views NELFUND as a critical platform created by the Federal Government to provide financial support for students of Cross River State in tertiary institutions nationwide, helping them pursue their education with ease.

    He emphasized that education remains a priority for his administration, reaffirming its unwavering support for the NELFUND management team in fulfilling their mandate, which aims to benefit many students across the state and the nation at large.

    In his remarks, the Managing Director and CEO of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, highlighted that the fund was established as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating the financial challenges faced by students and enhancing their educational experience.

    He commended Governor Otu for implementing policies that contribute to the intellectual and social development of the country.

    Mr. Sawyerr also informed that the disbursement process has begun and encouraged students to take advantage of the federal government’s initiative to ease the financial difficulties they face.

    In attendance at the visit were the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Comr. Kelvin Eyam, President and the Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, among others.

    ©Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar
    10/09/2024