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  • Public Office Is A Trust And The Trustees Are The People BY MARTIN ORIM

    Public Office Is A Trust And The Trustees Are The People BY MARTIN ORIM

     

    Public office constitutes a sacred TRUST, where the ultimate trustees are the PEOPLE – the electorates. Those elected by the people are the holders of the Trust and are charged with the responsibility of managing this Trust to deliver essential services and support for our people’s well-being. In return, the electorate possesses an inherent right to hold our representatives accountable for their actions and decisions, through any means they deem appropriate to ensure their voices are heard.

    Rather than rebuking constituents for their demands for transparency and accountability, it is far more constructive to engage in open dialogue and provide clear, comprehensive explanations to alleviate their concerns, which will in turn, foster a healthier democratic environment.

    A critical deficiency within our democracy is that many of our people currently occupying public office, particularly some of our elected representatives, often lack a fundamental understanding of the concepts of representation and leadership. This gap in knowledge leads them to overlook the essential truth that the offices they hold are, indeed, a public trust and that the electorate should be treated as the ultimate beneficiaries of that trust.

    To address this deficiency, it is imperative to emphasise the importance of LEADERSHIP training for those seeking elective office, recognising that they will be carrying the people’s trust when elected into office. Such training should encompass a thorough understanding of democratic principles, fiduciary responsibilities, and effective community engagement strategies. By prioritising this education, we can cultivate leaders who not only comprehend their roles as trustees but are also equipped to uphold the integrity of the democratic process, ultimately serving the interests of their constituents who are the trustees with dedication and transparency.

    Hon Chief (Dr) Martin Orim

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Martin Orim, and does not represent TheLumineNews, it’s agent or the organization the author works for 

     

  • APC’s Bold Move: No Free Ride for Incumbent Lawmakers BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA 

    APC’s Bold Move: No Free Ride for Incumbent Lawmakers BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA 

     

    I align with the position of the APC Cross River State that there should be no automatic ticket for the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) or the State Assembly in the 2027 general election. This means that any current member of the State and National Assembly who wishes to return must participate in the party’s primary election to nominate candidates for the 2027 general election.

    This decision is gratifying because it will compel those Senators, House of Representatives members, and State Assembly members who have been “playing god” to seek support from the grassroots. This is the right thing to do, ensuring that every incumbent legislator has the opportunity to test their popularity and democratic credentials in a primary election.

    It’s also a golden opportunity for them to face party members, present their achievements, and be evaluated transparently. Any attempt to undemocratically hand over tickets to state or national legislators who have neglected their constituents and deceived them with phantom empowerment programs and constituency projects will face stiff resistance.

    The party is already experiencing internal turmoil due to the perceived failure to reward dedicated members for their loyalty and support since 2015. Any attempt by the party leadership to impose automatic tickets on members would be the final straw.

    According to the Supreme Court, the national leadership of the party has the power to conduct primary elections for all elective positions, including state and national assembly elections. Nevertheless, it’s a positive development that the APC leadership in the state has aligned with the prevailing sentiments among majority party members.

    Refusing to donate automatic tickets to state or national assembly members for the 2027 general elections is a step in the right direction. Anything contrary would likely lead to the party’s implosion. There are already signs of dissent that might fragment the party if urgent reforms are not implemented.

    The simmering tension within the party, particularly from the defunct CPC wing, can be alleviated by shunning undemocratic means of nominating candidates for legislative branches at the federal and state levels in 2027.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla, and does not represent TheLumineNews, it’s agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Obudu Transformer Theft, Agba Jalingo Writes Council Chairman, Recommends Suspension Of Aides Involved To Ease Investigation

    Obudu Transformer Theft, Agba Jalingo Writes Council Chairman, Recommends Suspension Of Aides Involved To Ease Investigation

    Obudu Transformer Theft…

    Dear Mr. Chairman Pita Pars,

    I have now confirmed that some of your appointees were directly involved in the theft of the two transformers that were kept in Obudu, by the Ayade administration.

    Though they weren’t yet in use for reasons that are still not clear, on the day the transformers were carted away, your S.A. on Peace and Security, Emmanuel Ikem, the Chairman of the Obudu chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN who also doubles as the Chairman of the Traffic Control Unit in Obudu LGA, Linus Abuokwen, the youth leader of Indi-Abeb, Unimke Sunday Ogar, the Urban Cyclists Chairman, Itiunbe, one Ulayi Peter and some past leaders of the NYCN, in Obudu were all there and were given N500,000, to share at the scene.

    Infact, your S.A. Peace and Security, Emmanuel Ikem, and Linus Abuokwen, confirmed to yours sincerely that they were at the scene to “collect what belongs to us.”

    Sir, unless you were personally involved in this, or unless you are the one that sent them, please let your S.A. Security, immediately tell you:

    1. Who brought the idea of going to steal our transformers?
    2. Who were the people that gave them N500k?
    3. Who are the owners of that truck that was conveying the transformers?
    4. How on Earth is it even possible that they did all these without your consent?
    5. Why will several heads not roll if this was actually done without your consent and approval?
    6. What do your appointees actually mean by “what belongs to us?

    If no one could, I sincerely have confidence that you can stop the incessant theft of the few things Governor Ayade left in Obudu.amd make optimum use of them. Almost all the generators and amor cables that were powering the street lights in Obudu have been stolen without retribution. The last set of cables that were retrieved from thieves last year, also disappeared from the Police station. Upan Odey, has removed the public generator at Animal junction, and it’s now powering his mother’s shop. This impunity has to come to an end under your tenure sir, unless you are involved yourself.

    Consequently Sir and with due respect to your office, I am demanding that heads must roll. Any government that lacks the will power or the capacity to discipline its erring appointees is either incompetent or complicit.

    As your friend and brother and a concerned citizen of Obudu, I am also demanding that your S.A. Security and your traffic control chairmen, who are supposed to be quasi security enforcers, but rather became part of the heist, must be suspended pending the investigation of the roles in the theft. That’s in the spirit of accountability.

    I will also call on the DPO of Obudu Division to ensure that the transformers do not disappear from the Police Station as it has become characteristic, and that all those involved in this theft and other recent ones, are not only arrested and prosecuted, but their names be made public. This matter must not be swept under the rug.

    Thank you and God bless you sir.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • C’River Ministry Of Education Condemns Use Of School Premises During School Hours By Members Of The Public

    C’River Ministry Of Education Condemns Use Of School Premises During School Hours By Members Of The Public

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen Stephen Odey, has condemned in strongest term the use of Government Secondary School Atu for a public function to which affected academic activities within school hours.

    The Commissioner made the condemnation today, April 4th when a video was circulated in the Internet showing students writing second term examination while a public function was going on in the school.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews, the Commissioner has ordered the principal and Head Teacher of the secondary and primary school to appear before a disciplinary committee on Monday April 7th, 2025.

    The release reads “Earlier today, a video emerged on social media showing students taking their second-term examination while loud music played within the school premises from a ceremony held within the school premises, thereby affecting the students writing their examination as well affecting academic activities and hindering students from achieving desired results. Senator Associate Professor Stephen Odey, Commissioner for Education Cross River State, has issued directives to the affected school Principal, Mrs. Cordelia Imoke, of Government Secondary School, Atu Street, Calabar South, and the Head teacher of Government Primary School, Atu Street, Calabar South, Mrs. Adiaha Hogan Achibong, to appear before a disciplinary panel by Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Ministry of Education Headquarters Calabar.

    “The Cross River State Ministry of Education unequivocally condemns the unauthorized occupation of public school facilities during school hours and has queried the defaulting school heads, warning other school administrators against such actions that hinder positive academic achievement, as a conducive school environment is essential for learning”.

  • While the Cross River State House of Assembly bears the critical responsibility of creating additional Local Government Areas, it appears to be neglecting its primary duty BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    While the Cross River State House of Assembly bears the critical responsibility of creating additional Local Government Areas, it appears to be neglecting its primary duty BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    While the Cross River State House of Assembly bears the critical responsibility of creating additional Local Government Areas, it appears to be neglecting its primary duty: legislating for the peace, order, and good governance of the State. Instead of proactively fulfilling its constitutional mandate under Section 8 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers it to create new local government areas subject to National Assembly approval, the House seems to be disengaged.

    It is pertinent to reproduce here section 8 subsection 3(a)(i)(ii)(b)(c)(d)of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (supra) thus:
    A bill for a Law of a House of Assembly for the purpose of creating a new local government area shall only be passed if –

    (a) a request supported by at least two-thirds majority of members (representing the area demanding the creation of the new local government area) in each of the following, namely –

    (i) the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and

    (ii) the local government councils in respect of the area,

    is received by the House of Assembly;

    (b) a proposal for the creation of the local government area is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the local government area where the demand for the proposed local government area originated;

    (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of the members in each local government council in a majority of all the local government councils in the State; and

    (d) the result of the referendum is approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of the House of Assembly.

    The Assembly’s actions, such as the superficial amendment of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission Law and the recent amendment to the Local Government Law that undermines local government autonomy despite Supreme Court rulings, suggest a pattern of regression rather than progress.

    The alleged suspension of a local government councillor for asserting his independence further reinforces the perception that the House of Assembly has become a tool for oppression, hindering rather than fostering good governance.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • El Dorado Deck In Collaboration With FRSC Special Marshal Unit 18, Obudu Cross River State Holds Public Awareness Campaign

    El Dorado Deck In Collaboration With FRSC Special Marshal Unit 18, Obudu Cross River State Holds Public Awareness Campaign

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The National Association of Seadogs, El Dorado Deck Obudu chapter, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps Special Marshal Unit 18, and the Vehicle Inspection Officers, Obudu held a sensitization and awareness campaign for commercial drivers in Obudu.

    The sensitization and awareness campaign which held today, 29th March 2025 at the central motor park Obudu, is the second edition and has participants drawn from commercial drivers and cyclist union and members of the public.

    Speaking during the awareness campaign, the Special Road Safety Marshal, Mrs Margaret Uzor PhD, who is also the Head, department of Special Education, Federal College of Education, Obudu, on the theme, Respect Road Signs, Save a life, mentioned that concerns and regards towards road signs, is what constitute respect for road signs.

    She noted that while road signs are conspicuously written out in other climes, the case is different in our climes as road signs are not displayed in our localities.

    She stressed that drivers and other road users must nurture the desire and show willingness to have regards for road signs. She averred that “Life is precious, therefore those who have connection with life have to be very conscious with what they are doing”. She, however , cautioned drivers against yielding to passenger’s desire to speed.

    Uzor listed Zebra Crossing, left turn ahead, construction ahead, stop sign, hospital as some of the few examples of roadsigns.

    Stressing on the absence of roadsigns within the locality, Uzor opined that “The absence of road signs implies that drivers must drive with care and caution. As drivers, you should create the roadsigns in your head even when the roadsigns are not there.

    “Most of the accidents on our roads are as results of drivers carelessly. When you fail to respect road signs, it can lead to damages and loss of properties, delays, unnecessary waste of funds and resources”.

    Uzor listed concentration, avoid quarrelling, phone calls, being friendly and maintaining a healthy relationship with passengers, avoiding competition, car maintenance, drive yourself and drive others, ignoring the excesses of passengers, avoid discussing politics, as some of the ways to respect roadsigns.

    Concluding, Uzor listed caution, safety and protection of life and prosperities, arrive your destination safely and successfully, as some of the reasons for respecting road signs.

    “Each road sign is for a purpose. If each of the road signs, whether written or the one we create in our heads, if followed, we will have safer roads”. She said.

    On his part, another Special Marshal,Mr Betiang Adie stressed that drivers must obey the overtaking road sign which is long white road.

    Adie charged drivers to always be conscious of vehicle signs: Ignition, break light, pointer. He averred that the recent accident that occured at Awka, where two persons lost their lives will have been avoided if the driver had listened to the passengers. The driver set for the journey with faulty brakes.

    On his part, the representative of the Vehicle Inspection Officer VIO, commandant Obudu, ….. noted that “most of the road accidents are basically due to the impatient exhibited by most drivers. The road officials (VIO, police , Road Safety officers, traffic wardens) are on the road to guarantee your safety.

    “Your car must be functional, your vehicle sign must be functional. Put on seat belts, avoid overloading, respect road signs. Update your papers. If your papers are up to date, nobody will intimidate you on the road”.

    In his remarks, the President of Seadogs El Dorado Deck Obudu chapter, Mr Gerlart Adie thanked participants to have found time to turn out for the sensitization exercise and stated the sensitization and awareness campaign is part of the association responsibility to society.

    The Seadogs, also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, is a Nigerian confraternity organization that was founded in 1952 at the University College, Ibadan.

    In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers NURTW, Mr Joe Bite, thanked the National Association of Seadogs for organizing the sensitization and awareness campaign for commercial drivers and other road users in Obudu.

    He commended the FRSC Special Marshal Unit 18 Obudu, for an indepth lecture on safety rules and averred that Obudu drivers are sensitive to the plight of their passengers and will ensure compliance with the sensitization.

    Sideline of the sensitization was health talk and free medical check by Nature’s Renaissance International Limited, and group photograph.

  • Bekwarra LG Crisis: Acting Governor Odey Brokers Peace Between Chairman And Councillors

    Bekwarra LG Crisis: Acting Governor Odey Brokers Peace Between Chairman And Councillors

     

    Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, has intervened in the political crisis unfolding in Bekwarra Local Government Area following the impeachment notice issued to Council Chairman, Hon. Theresa Ushie, by the councillors.

    On March 20, 2025, nine out of ten councillors initiated impeachment proceedings against the council Chairman of Bekwarra LG, Hon Theresa Ushie, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and abuse of office. The accusation deepened as accusations of unilateral decision-making and poor communication between the executive and legislative arms dominated discourse at the meeting.

    Responding swiftly, Acting Governor Odey convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting on March 24, 2025, followed by a second session on March 28, 2025, at his temporary office in the Glass House, Calabar.

    After extensive deliberations, it was observed that the crisis primarily stemmed from a breakdown in communication between the Chairman and the Councillors. Acknowledging this, Hon. Ushie offered an apology for any lapses and reaffirmed her commitment to working harmoniously with the legislators and other stakeholders in the local government.

    In his address, Acting Governor Odey urged all political stakeholders to set aside their differences and focus on governance and service delivery to the people of Bekwarra. He emphasized the need for due process, collaboration, and dialogue in resolving conflicts, stressing that effective communication and inclusiveness should be prioritized to prevent future disputes.

    Acting Governor Odey, leveraging his experience as a former UNDP advisor and legislator, adopted a family-oriented approach to resolving the crisis but cautioned that such interventions may not always be available. He called on all public officeholders to be proactive in their duties and embrace dialogue and consultation as essential tools for conflict resolution.

    Concluding, He stressed that impeachment should not be trivialized or used as a political weapon, as it is meant to be a last resort

    In their separate remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, emphasized the importance of peace and unity. They urged stakeholders to support the State Governor’s “People First” mantra, noting that no society thrives in a disharmonious environment.

    Also present at the reconciliatory meeting were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Hon. Charles Omang Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor Felix-Idem; Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere; Head of Personal Staff to the Acting Governor, Dr. Chris Ojiokpong, Bekwarra LG APC Chapter Chairman, Thomas Odama, and the Local Government Vice Chairman, Hon. Egbung Odama, among others.

    Fred Abua, Esq.,
    Press Secretary to the Acting Governor of Cross River State
    28/03/2025

  • C’River Assembly Recommends Immediate Suspension of Four UNICROSS Governing Council members

    C’River Assembly Recommends Immediate Suspension of Four UNICROSS Governing Council members

     

    The State House of Assembly has recommended the immediate suspension of Dr. Emmanuel Ettah, Dr. John Inah Ukam, Professor Mathew Nsing Ogar, and Professor Stephen Ochang, members of the 5th Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) for alleged misconduct and abuse of office.

    The House had deliberated on a petition by A. B. Cobham and Associates ( legal practitioners, Corporate and Real Estate Consultants) solicitors to Mr Emmanuel Eyo, the petitioner.

    Opening debate on the petition, the Leader of the House and Member representing Odukpani State Constituency, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo, drew the attention of Members to the allegations of gross misconduct against; Dr Emmanuel Ettah, Dr John Inah Ukam, Prof Mathew Nsing Ogar and Prof Stephen Ochang during their tenure as Members of the 5th Governing Council of UNICROSS.

    The allegations as stated in the petition include; Illegal Tenure Extension and Unlawful Sale of University Property. The petition indicates that Dr. Emmanuel Ettah refused to vacate office at the expiration of their tenure in September 2023 and also sold University Property between May and August 2024, almost a year after the expiration of their tenure. The petition also emphasized that the auctioning of University Equipment was in total violation of the Public Procurement Act and the Bureau of Public Procurement.

    The Lawmakers, in their separate contributions, while deliberating on the petition, viewed the action of Dr Emmanuel Ettah and Co as a total violation of the Extant Laws establishing the University. They further stressed that the State Government’s policy on the non-extension of tenures by public officers is still in force and emphasized that the continued stay in office of the Council Members after the expiration of their tenure is illegal.

    They thereafter adopted the resolution moved by the Leader, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo(Odukpani ), and seconded by the Deputy Leader Rt Hon Davies Etta(Abi) which states in part;
    ” having unanimously agreed, the House recommends the immediate suspension of Dr. Emmanuel Ettah, Dr. John Inah Ukam, Professor Mathew Nsing, and Professor Stephen Ochang. They are to be suspended from all activities of the University until a proper investigation is carried out by the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution”.

    The Speaker, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem reaffirmed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and good governance. He assured that the House will carry out a thorough investigation on the matter and thereafter make appropriate recommendations to the Governor who is the Visitor to the University.

  • Impeachment Of Bekwarra Local Government Chairman And Matters Arising BY ELIJAH UGANI

    Impeachment Of Bekwarra Local Government Chairman And Matters Arising BY ELIJAH UGANI

    It is no longer news that Councillors of Bekwarra Local Government Council has allegedly impeached the local government Chairman, Mrs Theresa Ushie over gross misconduct.

    Despite denial by the Chairman in a press release signed by her Chief Press Secretary, Mr Agaji Ntamu, the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Mr Erasmus Ekpang, has on the directives of the Acting Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey, invited the embattled Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, the ten Councillors, Member representing Bekwarra in the Cross River State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Finance, the state party Chairman of APC and others stakeholders for an important meeting tomorrow to address the lingering crisis in Bekwarra. A development that the council chairman has not issued a rebuttal to the effect.
    Her silence on the this directive from the Acting Governor and her continue refusal of the pending issues in Bekwarra, leaves much to be desired of her as a true servant of her people.

    This matter was first hinted by Mr Solomon Ogar, of Solomon Island, but was refuted by all supporters of the council Chairman who are visible on Facebook. They described the report as a figment of Solomon’s imagination and labeled him a purveyor of fake news.

    The Councillors remained undunted and issued multiple releases to support their position aided with press videos.

    A former President Buhari Aide, and Chairman, Presidential Asset Recovery Committee, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has described the impeachment as a child’s play and averred that there are laid down procedures for impeachment of elected council chairman.

    What should interest the public in this melodrama should be the veracity of the accusations and how best to handle the situation that will guarantee the collective interest of Bekwarra.

    It was allegedly reported that Ada Bekwarra ii, Hon Omang Idiege, had brokered a meeting to resolve the lingering issues twice and the Chairman refused to show up for the meeting.

    Many pundits suggests that the council chairman has been ground standing because of her closeness with the governor and so treats the councillors with a wave of hand and disdain.

    As I commend the Acting Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey, for taking the bold step to convey a meeting to resolve this crisis, I will suggest that he tells the chairman that she cannot function alone without the councillors.

    The Acting Governor should remind her that the Supreme Court just recently berated Gov Fubara for running River State government without the state house of assembly.

    The chairman needs to humble herself and realize that she is rather a servant of Bekwarra and desist from lording herself over her people.

    I wish them a fruitful deliberation as we look forward to having peace in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

    EU.

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

  • A Historical Meditation on Rita Ushie Uguamaye’s Audacity BY DAVE IMBUA

    A Historical Meditation on Rita Ushie Uguamaye’s Audacity BY DAVE IMBUA

     

    History is replete with moments when individuals have dared to break long-held rules—rules designed not to uplift but to suppress, rules that prioritize the comfort of the powerful over the suffering of the weak. At such moments, these audacious voices become the target of scorn, vilification, and threats. Yet, as history has shown us time and again, the voices that defy oppression, injustice, and unbearable hardship often become the voices that posterity reveres, while those who seek to silence them are forgotten in the sands of time.

    Rita Ushie Uguamaye, a youth corps member, has spoken her mind, which is more or less, the truth. She has voiced not just personal discontent but the collective agony of millions of Nigerians struggling to survive under an economic and social system that seems bent on breaking them. In response, some have chastised her, accusing her of violating an oath of allegiance—an oath that, as it is being interpreted, seems to demand blind submission rather than critical engagement with leadership. But history teaches us that there always comes a time when individuals must rise above oppressive conventions and speak out, regardless of the consequences.

    The world once condemned Galileo Galilei for daring to assert that the Earth moves around the Sun, a claim that violated the religious and scientific dogmas of his time. He was silenced, forced to recant, and lived under house arrest. Yet today, he is celebrated as the father of modern science, while those who sought to silence him are relics of a forgotten past.

    Martin Luther, the German monk who ignited the Protestant Reformation, was excommunicated and declared an outlaw for questioning the authority of the Catholic Church. His 95 Theses challenged long-standing religious practices, and he was hunted by those who sought to maintain the status quo. Yet today, his name is immortalized as a revolutionary who reshaped Christianity, while his persecutors are either footnotes in history or completely forgotten.

    Rosa Parks, the Black woman who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, was ridiculed, arrested, and criticized by those who insisted that she had violated the law. Yet that singular act of defiance sparked the American civil rights movement, changing history forever. Her name is immortalized, while those who upheld segregation are but ghosts of a shameful era.

    In South Africa, Nelson Mandela was branded a terrorist for fighting against apartheid. He was imprisoned for 27 years, condemned by those who insisted that his defiance violated the laws of his country. Yet, today, he stands as a global symbol of freedom and resilience, while his oppressors have been erased from the honor roll of history.

    Even in Nigeria, history remembers Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who led women in defying colonial and traditional authorities that sought to silence them. She was brutalized, labeled a troublemaker, and dismissed by those who prioritized oppressive norms. Yet, today, she is hailed as a pioneering feminist and nationalist, while her detractors are long forgotten.

    What do all these examples teach us? They teach us that those who dare to challenge unjust systems are often persecuted in their time, but history vindicates them. The same fate awaits Rita Ushie Uguamaye. Whether today’s Nigerians condemn or praise her, one thing is certain—posterity will remember and be proud of her.

    This is not a legal argument. It may not even be politically correct. It is simply a historical meditation, a reflection on how truth and courage, no matter how inconvenient, eventually triumph over oppression. Rita Ushie has taken her place in the lineage of those who refused to be silenced. And history—our most honest judge—will remember her.