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  • 2024 WHD: Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner, Helen Isamoh Hosts Public Symposium In Calabar

    2024 WHD: Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner, Helen Isamoh Hosts Public Symposium In Calabar

     

    In a continued drive to create a world where every individual lives with dignity and true sense brotherhood through selfless services and humanitarian acts, the Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation led by the Honourable Commissioner Dr. Mrs. Helen Isamoh Egodo in collaboration with the wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State Rev. Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu celebrates all distinguished humanitarian workers in the state and around the world in the 2024 World Humanitarian Day Symposium held in the Conference Hall of Dannic Hotels, Ekorinim, Calabar, today, 29th August, 2024.

    This august event was part of the 2024 World Humanitarian Day celebration to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the disastrous bomb attack on the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, that claimed the life of 22 humanitarian champions. It also reminded us of the strength and selflessness of those who risk their lives in their attempts to help and support others, and our unwavering commitment to care for internally displaced individuals, people with disabilities, and the destitute. It also demonstrated our collective resolve to join the global campaign against the unnecessary attack on humanitarian workers in both developing and developed nations of the world.

    Just as this year’s theme: “Act For Humanity” suggests, there is no better time than now for us to stand up and “act for humanity” by condemning the incessant and unnecessary attacks on humanitarian champions even in conflict or war zones. It is undoubtedly a solemn invitation to join voices with international organizations and development partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), International Red Cross Society, CUSO International, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Excellent Community Education Welfare Scheme( ECEWS). Her Excellency Rev Mrs Eyoanwan Otu’s Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative (HWBEI), and other dependable humanitarian activists and Rights defenders around the world in celebrating these icons of humanity and encouraging
    well-meaning individuals to continue this noble task while demanding that government at all levels should ensure the safety of all people on life-saving missions.

    The high point of the Symposium was educating and motivating humanitarian workers through paper presentations on: “Strengthening Humanitarian Efforts: the Need for Collaboration”, “Innovative Approaches to Humanitarian Aids in Crisis Zones”, “Mainstreaming Gender Based Violence and Sexual Reproductive Health/Rights in Delivering Humanitarian Services”, “How Humanitarian Workers Can Act For Humanity in Line with Humanitarian Principles”, and the lead paper where Prof Robito Ekanem of the Department of Guidance and Counselling, UNICROSS, demonstrated her teaching ingenuity on “Mental Health Support for Humanitarian Workers: Addressing Burnout and Stress”. The session also had an awareness campaign/ presentation on the emerging Monkey Pox epidemic and its mounting concerns for global health by Dr. Ima Obong Ekanem of World Health Organization.

    The Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, in his heartwarming address, declared that there is power in collective action and collaborative partnership to save lives which is a demonstration of our shared purpose to build a society where everybody thrives and lives with dignity. The State Governor who was ably represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions Mrs Lawrencia Ita, reiterated the people-first administration’s commitment to defending the rights of refugees and the vulnerable individuals in the state, and encouraged both humanitarian workers and all Cross Riverians to stand up against injustice and act for humanity.

    In her special message and warm greetings, the wife of the Governor of Cross River State and founder of Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiatives, Her Excellency Rev. Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu expressed her gratitude to all humanitarian activists and partners while encouraging them to continue to raise more awareness to the public on our roles in showing solidarity to victims of humanitarian crisis. Her Excellency, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Programmes, Apostle Mrs Queen Eton, also stressed the need to reach out to people in need everywhere in the state and restated her unwavering commitment to strategic partnership and collaboration through her Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiatives.

    The Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Mrs Helen Isamoh Egodo extended her deepest gratitude to all the humanitarian workers who have dedicated their lives to helping others. “Thank you for the sacrifices you make, for the risks you take, and for the unwavering dedication you show everyday”, she expressed. “Your work saves lives, restores dignity, and offers a lifeline to those who have nowhere else to turn to”, Dr Egodo continued. The Honourable Commissioner also noted that the CRSG recognises the critical role humanitarian workers play and the need to take the lead in coordinating and providing humanitarian services, hence, the Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation was created in 2023 by His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu to serve as the government’s coordinating institution for all humanitarian responses and interventions in the state.

    In the historic event and first of its kind in Cross River State which was well attended and catered for, she expressed her positive thoughts on all development partners, government functionaries, volunteers, participants, speakers, the refugees, people with special needs, the cultural group, civil society organizations, the media, and staff of her ministry for their contributions towards making the 2024 World Humanitarian Day Symposium a huge success.

    Media Unit
    Office of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, CRS.2024

  • Remember Magistrates Too: Why State Governors Must Address Remuneration BY CONFIDENCE MBANG

    Remember Magistrates Too: Why State Governors Must Address Remuneration BY CONFIDENCE MBANG

    Remember Magistrates Too: Why State Governors Must Address Remuneration.

    Over the years, many concerned lawyers and activists have lent their voices to the welfare of judicial officers, including calls for an increment in wages. While there have always been some considerations, what seems to be a concrete success was realized this year with the passage of the “Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances, and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and for Related Matters.” This executive bill, passed by the Senate on June 5th, 2024, and assented to by the President, led to a significant 300% increment in the salaries and allowances of judicial officers. While this is a commendable step towards improving the overall welfare of the judiciary, one might be tempted to ask about the fate of judicial umpires in the lower courts. In other words, are Magistrates and District Court Judges not entitled to an increment in remuneration?

    The importance of the judiciary as an arm of government cannot be overemphasized. The judiciary acts as a middleman between the executive and legislature; it is indeed an umpire among the other branches of government and custodian of our corpus Juris Nigeriane. For purposes of clarity, the term “Judicial Officer,” as provided by Section 318 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), applies/refers only to Justices and Judges of the Superior Courts of record. It does not refer to Magistrates and District Court Judges. Therefore, the recent increment does not include Magistrates and other inferior officers.

    The role of Magistrates in our justice system cannot be overemphasized. Empirical analysis reveals that it is not uncommon for a Magistrate to preside over a litany of cases in a single day’s sitting; I have appeared in court where the cause list had over 20 cases before a Magistrate. Although these courts have limited jurisdiction, it does not negate the fact that they handle most of the early cases from the common man in the society. To strengthen these officers, they require adequate remuneration for services rendered to the state. Indeed, they are the unsung heroes of the Judiciary.

    Some Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Courts rose from the inferior courts, and they can attest to the financial and other challenges faced therein. Today, we celebrate the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kekere Ekun, who rose to the peak from being a Magistrate. I am most delighted because the CJN readily serves as a moral booster to serving Magistrates across the nation irrespective of the many challenges. Therefore, it would not be out of place to encourage Magistrates by reviewing their remuneration, the judiciary should not stop advocating now. The National Judicial Council (NJC), in collaboration with the State Judicial Service Commission, the Attorneys-General of the Federation and States, the NBA, the Magistrate Association of Nigeria (MAN), and other relevant stakeholders, should consider an increment in Magistrates’ remuneration. In 2008, the NJC recommended an increase in Magistrates’ salary, but same was never implemented. We hope that with the concerted efforts of the relevant stakeholders above, further recommendations would be considered.

    In many states across the federation, Magistrates have been abandoned for several years to face their fate. In fact, I know of a state where 2007 was the last year the state government changed their official vehicles. Fast track to 2024, it has been over 15 years; many of these Magistrates are still in service – awaiting retirement, many now ride on bikes to court to preside over cases, some hire taxis, and some even miss sittings. It is unconscionable that the remuneration of Magistrates across states has lingered for close to two decades with no sign of improvement. Oh, when, how, where, and who will save our dear Magistrates? Do you know?

    In light of the foregoing, the level of lack and want amongst Magistrates is responsible for their insecurity, lack of patriotism in service, bribery, and corruption, among other issues. The remuneration of Judges was enhanced, among other reasons, to curb bribery and corruption, strengthen the bench, and reinstate the confidence and patriotism of the bench. And I ask, why bathe a baby from the waist to the head? What happened to the legs? Better put, why not purge the entire judiciary instead of just a cadre of it?

    Therefore, this is a clarion call to state governors and league of stakeholders to remember Magistrates in the scheme of things, increase their remuneration (salaries and allowances), and provide conducive environments for justice delivery. The good gesture towards our learned Judges should be extended to Magistrates. With these, we are sure of improved welfare, enhanced independence, attraction and retention of legal talents, boost morale and productivity, and reduction of corruption.

    Confidence Mbang is an Abuja-based lawyer. ([email protected]

  • Fifty-five Thousand Naira Is For The Mandatory Professional Examination, Not Levy, Says SLT HOD, Mr Ivon Ettah

    Fifty-five Thousand Naira Is For The Mandatory Professional Examination, Not Levy, Says SLT HOD, Mr Ivon Ettah

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Head of Department of Science Laboratory Technology SLT, Mr Ivon Ettah PhD, has stated that the Fifty-five Thousand Naira (#55,000.00) charge is for the mandatory professional examination for all graduates of the department.

    Mr Ettah disclosed this to TheLumineNews while reacting to the widespread criticism of the levy where some students of the department and members of the public criticized the levy, wondering why students that are yet to complete their B.Sc. program are made to pay for professional levies.

    When contacted, the Head of Science Laboratory Technology SLT, Mr Ettah PhD, noted that “I resumed duty as the head of department last two weeks, and I got a notification from the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology NISLT, which I am an Associate Fellow, to ask our graduates.and final year students to register for the examination. A Google form was sent to me and I placed on the students Whatsapp group and asked our final students and those who recently graduated to fill the form, which was done free of charge.

    “The institute sent names of 315 persons who registered using the Google form to us and asked that they proceed to pay the sum of #55,000.00 each as part of the requirements to be qualified for the examination. And I placed a notice on the students WhatsApp group stating that registration fee is 5,000.00,  Certificate verification is 10,000.00 and 40,000.00 is for registration of modules 1 & 2. Each module costs 20,000.00”.

    In a release signed by the HOD, Mr Ivon Ettah PhD, and sent to TheLumineNews indicates that, students are to pay to:

    SLT Professional Account
    0110460510
    UNICAL Microfinance Bank, and payment dateline is 6th September, 2024, and students are advised not to pay to any individual and to notify their parents and guardians properly.

    The release reads in whole “INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION FOR 2024 THE MANDATORY PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION (MPE):

    “You are to Cross check your names first on the list above👆🏿. If you have been shortlisted, then proceed to pay at the Unical Microfinance Bank.

    ” Pay the sum of N55,000( Fifty Five Thousand Naira ) only to the Account details:

    *0110460510*
    *SLT professional account*

    Analysis of the 55,000 is below:

    *5,000 for Registration form:
    *10,000 for O’ Level Certificate Verification:
    *40,000 for Registration for modules 1& 2…NOTE: Each module costs 20,000

    “Take the original Payment teller to the Department for proper Documentation (The Admin staff shall handle this)
    * *DEADLINE* FOR PAYMENT FOR MPE IS *THE 6th of SEPTEMBER, 2024.* There shall be no extension
    * Only those who pay for Examination shall be finally shortlisted for the Exams

    * You are to quote your serial number on the list above👆🏿 when coming for documentation after the payment
    * No payment should be made to any individual by hand
    * Pls take note of the deadline 🙏 .
    * Notify your parents and Guardians properly

    *HOD*”

    On why students are to pay into a departmental account, the HOD explained that it is a general directive and not restricted to UNICAL only. And noted that “Whatever is paid in UNICAL for the professional Examination is what is paid in all the Universities and Polytechnics offering SLT course”

    A brief search on Google on the mode of registration for the mandatory professional examination for the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology shows that 400 level students are expected to register through their head of departments.

    “The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) was established by Act 12 of 2003 of the National Assembly with the core mandate of “advancing the Science Laboratory Technology profession in Nigeria and ensuring through its registered Members, effective and efficient management and administration of all Science Laboratories in Nigeria.

    “In pursuance of its mandate, the Council of the Institute at its 32nd meeting modified and approved the new curriculum for the Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE). The MPE would be open to all graduates of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) from any accredited institution and students of SLT at 400Level or HND I in the University and Polytechnic respectively. Henceforth, passing the MPE would be the pre-requisite for Associate Membership of the Institute.

    “The examinations will be in two Modules with two (2) Papers per module. Candidates will be required to pass all papers in Module I before proceeding to Module II while those who fail any paper will have the opportunity to re-sit the paper. Candidates are expected to download the syllabus from the Institute website and prepare for the examination individually. The Institute shall conduct examinations at selected centers in the country at specific times of the year. After passing the MPE, all successful candidates would be inducted into the profession and will be issued an Annual Practicing License.

    “Graduates of SLT who wish to write the MPE should fill out the expression of interest form online and pay all the necessary fees. Once the payment is successful, the applicant is expected to proceed and fill out the MPE form. The form will be processed by the Institute. If approved, the candidates will receive their login detail and then be eligible to register for an examination (Module I or Module II or Re-Sit) he or she is qualified to write once the Institute schedules the examination. When the result is released, candidates will be able to log in to their portal and check for their results.

    “Students of SLT at 400L or HND I can register for MPE ONLY through their school. The HOD will be expected to profile all students of SLT with the Institute. Only profiled students can register for the examinations. It is to be noted that students CANNOT register directly with the Institute for MPE rather they must first be profiled by their respective schools and then presented for the examinations by their HODs”.

  • HOLGA Inaugurates Ten Rooms Corps Lodge In Calabar

    HOLGA Inaugurates Ten Rooms Corps Lodge In Calabar

    By Ogban Ogban

    The Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) for Calabar Municipality Council, Mrs Ekanem Ansa Henshaw, has inaugurated a newly built 10 room Lodge for corps members serving in the local government council.

    Mrs Henshaw stated that the lodge was constructed to enable corps members serving in the council settle down comfortably and discharge their duties judiciously as this can only happen in a good and serene environment.

    In her words “Recall that most corps members serving in calabar municipal council were living in an un-condusive two rooms apartment with more than four persons in a room with a convenience and kitchen which caused a lot of chaos amongst them”.

    The HOLGA said the cost of high transportation for corps members coming to work in the council prompted government to embark on the consideration of the lodge to accommodate more corps members serving in the council.

    She said the young generation who are the future of tomorrow needs conducive environment to develop their potentials in order to contribute meaningfully towards nation building.

    The HOLGA urged corps members to handle the accommodation with utmost care to enable subsequent corps members who would also be posted to the council to enjoy the facility.

    Responding, the state Coordinator, Mrs Oyenuga Joke, commended the HOLGA for the kind gesture as the corps members have yearned for a befitting accommodation.

    Mrs Oyenuga noted that NYSC is a tripartite arrangement where the federal, state and local government have roles to play.

    She assured that NYSC management will continue collaboration with the council to achieve their goal.

    Oyenuga used the opportunity and appealed to other local government council to emulate municipal council and think about the welfare of corps members.

  • God Doesn’t Want Your Tithe; He Wants All You Have! BY FRED ABUA

    God Doesn’t Want Your Tithe; He Wants All You Have! BY FRED ABUA

     

    For over twenty years, I’ve preached and taught that tithing is not a Christian practice. When I first made a vocal stand against this principle, some people left the church because they believed that I had suddenly become a heretic. Some stayed but assumed my stance meant they no longer needed to give at all. This reaction was disheartening, revealing a deep-seated adherence to dogma rather than an openness to biblical truth. I felt more so because some of these men and women, who I believed had trusted my teachings for so long – and should have known my heart – ignored the wealth of evidence supporting my new position.

    Jesus never espoused the doctrine of tithing. Paul, despite dedicating two chapters (II Corinthians. 8,9) to the subject of giving in the church, never mentioned tithing – which you could say would have been a surer way of getting money from the believers. None of the apostles promoted it.

    In Acts 5, when Ananias and Sapphira lied about their giving, they were struck dead. This incident underscores God’s demand for full accountability, not just for 10%, but for 100% of what we have.

    A Christian must be accountable for all their wealth, whether it is spent for education, medical expenses, housing, helping the poor, or supporting their church/minister. The New Testament provides no basis for the modern practice of tithing. Instead, it emphasizes freewill offerings.

    This giving that has become a hot topic in Christianity is clearly driven by greed and survival instincts. Only the seminaries founded by these prosperity teachers offer ‘Giving’ as a course. It is not taught in any of the conventional Bible Colleges as a course. It was only when I decided to drop the inherited dogma about giving that I learned from my father’s denomination that I began to see clearly those issues I had not asked questions about. It was then I understood what the tithing system in the Old Testament was all about. It was then I learned what the true biblical stance on Christian giving ought to be.

    Tithing in the New Testament
    The New Testament does not command Christians to tithe. The few mentions of tithing are historical references, often critical of the practice:
    Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their tithing practices (Matthew 23:23).
    A Pharisee bragged about his tithing in Luke 18:9-14.
    Hebrews 7:5-10 mentions Abraham’s one-time tithe to Melchizedek, a freewill act from the spoils of war, not a recurring practice.

    It is curious how the New Testament, largely written by practicing Jews who were familiar with Old Covenant laws, never commands tithing for Christians. If tithing were necessary, surely it would have been mentioned when discussing giving, especially in II Corinthians 8,9. But it was was not!

    Old Testament Tithing
    Old Testament tithing was a tax system for Israel, a theocratic nation. Jews paid three taxes/tithes:
    1. The Levites’ Tithe: An annual 10% tax on all they produced. It was used to support the Levites, who had no land inheritance and so no other source of income (Leviticus 27:30-33, Deuteronomy 14:22-29).
    2. Festival Tithe: An annual tax to fund religious festivals (Deuteronomy 14:22-27).
    3. Poor Tithe: A tax/tithe that was paid every three years to support the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).

    These taxes/tithes totaled about 23.33% annually, plus additional taxes like the temple tax and requirements to leave fields unharvested for the poor to glean (Leviticus 19:9). Non-Jewish believers were never subjected to these tithes. The Jerusalem Council that deliberated what aspects to require from Gentile Christians said “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities.…” They then only required the Gentile Christians (that is, us) to abstain from certain practices such as abstaining from foods sacrificed to idols, from blood, from strangled animals, and from sexual immorality (Acts 15:28-29).

    New Testament Giving
    The New Testament pattern of giving aligns with the Old Testament practice of freewill offerings. Unlike taxes, freewill offerings are voluntary and motivated by grace and love. In II Corinthians 8-9, Paul commended the Macedonian church, which gave generously despite their severe poverty.

    In this passage, the believers are instructed (in 9:7) that each person should give as they have decided in their heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion. This directive emphasizes internal motivation over external obligation. Giving is a matter of the heart, not the wallet. If God has our hearts, He will have our wallets (Matthew 6:21).

    But a preacher who wants to control your wallet will not let you think about the biblical basis for the position in this writeup.

    Conclusion
    Freedom from Old Testament tithing is not freedom to give less. It is freedom to give in ways that reflect our love for God and the gratitude in our hearts. Our giving should mirror the sacrificial love God showed by sending His Son. We are free to make love offerings, not just pay a religious tax.

    If this knowledge makes you give less, then you were never motivated by grace but fear or greed. I say this because many Christians give so that God will protect what they have left while others give so that God can multiply what they have left! Both positions are funny and unbiblical. We give because God has already blessed us!

    I will publish Part 2 soon. Selah

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

  • Still On Obudu Chairmanship: Where Is Your Manifesto? BY AGBA JALINGO 

    Still On Obudu Chairmanship: Where Is Your Manifesto? BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    The regular flyers that aspirants go to design and print in any business center usually have ambiguities on them, which usually include:

    i. Beautiful studio pictures treated with apps. Even if the aspirant no fine, he or she will be fine in the picture.

    ii. Youths and women empowerment.

    iii. Job creation.

    iv. Human capital development.

    v. Peace and security.

    vi. Social amenities.

    The truth is that, none of those things are the core functions of the local government. Not even one of them.

    There are specific functions of the LGAs that take their subheads.

    1. Payment of salaries and allowances of primary health care workers.
    2. Payment of salaries and allowances of primary school teachers.
    3. Payment of salaries and allowances of traditional rulers.
    4. Payment of salaries and allowances of LGA staff.
    5. Payment of salaries and allowances of elected LGA officials and appointees.

    Let’s even assume for instance that you claim you want to create jobs, which you should, you must break it down and let the voters know how those jobs will be created. Just writing job creation in your campaign poster doesn’t amount to anything. Tell us how you will achieve it.

    Let me break it down further. Assuming I have the faintest interest in the office of the Obudu LGA Chair, if I write “Job Creation”, I will further tell you the sectors and projected numbers of jobs I intend to create within a set period of time.

    For instance, it is the duty of local governments to register and regulate the operation of motor and bike parks. As Chairman of Council, I will first of all, deliberately saturate the 10 wards of Obudu LGA with open wifi hubs using Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet. It is presently the fastest Internet service available in the market and it works everywhere without a need to lay cables or build masts, because it is satellite internet. 20 of those devices and cell extenders will cost the council approximately N50m plus installation and control center, and that will put two devices in each of the ten Wards.

    This will create the infrastructure for registration and capturing the over 10,000 commercial Okada bikes in Obudu LGA into a portal like “Gokada.” It will become a real time transport service similar to BOLT in operation, and the Council will formalize and standardize that sector and create at least 500 formal jobs, excluding the riders. The Council will also generate tens of millions of Naira from every ride and riders registration and boost the IGR of the LGA.

    Every bike in Obudu will have a digital ID and if it is used for any crime or should a passenger lose any ware while on transit or gets missing or hurt, the bike and the rider will be easily tracked and brought to book. This can be achieved within six months.

    It is also possible to identify locations in Ohong, Utugwang, Ofambe where men and women speak different languages, and other mini urban towns in Obudu and deliberately develop gardens with embedded rented shops and restaurants like “Jedy Garden” where we all relax when we go to Abuja. This will create another 500 direct jobs and revenue spots that will also up the IGR of the State. Tickets from visitors and off-the-pocket expenses will generate money for Council and locals.

    Affordable fire proof prefab building materials can be brought in to couple at least 200 shops at the main Katube Market in Obudu town and 50 shops each, in Kazul, Udama, Lifembe and Ohong Markets. The prefab materials are not very expensive and they are readily available. This will modernize those markets and generate additional jobs and revenue for Council and empower local peasants.

    This is not a campaign document. It is just a random maze on how to break the manifesto ambiguities down to the understanding of the voter so we can know where you stand and command thunder to fire you properly, when you refuse to keep your word.

    So stop giving us bogus copy and paste campaign posters. Go to work and think and come back with sectorial and thematic details of what you wish to do as Obudu LGA Chairman. Una don pass 15 aspirants. If you have nothing in your head, abeg clear road and share the grace so that we can properly screw the serious ones.

    I mean the next Obudu Chairman o. No be joke o.

    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.

  • Obudu LGA Chairman, Do You Still Want To Run? BY AGBA JALINGO

    Obudu LGA Chairman, Do You Still Want To Run? BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Our Governor has given assurances that LG elections will soon be conducted in Cross River State. He has also indicated that he will like to see people who are humble and desirous of serving their people emerge as Chairmen and not those who want to go and amass lucre. That is a good benchmark if you ask me. So all political parties should get ready.

    If indeed, the allocations of the LGAs begin to go directly to the councils as directed by the Supreme Court, I wish to earnestly beg those who know nothing about governance, but want to enrich themselves from Council allocations, particularly in Obudu LGA, to desist from wasting their money on consultations and campaigns.

    The reason is simply that, you won’t be able to steal. Even if you succeed in stealing, what you will pilfer won’t be much to make you rich. Because we will hold you accountable inch by inch. And let me tell you how. You may want to copy this in your LGA, if you find it useful.

    1. Cross River State signed on to the Open Governance Project OGP, in 2020. That imposes a duty on government at all levels in the State to come clear on the activities of the government and put everything in the open.

    2. LGA Chairmen do not have immunity. They can be sued while in office. They can even be jailed while in office.

    3. We will track all income to the LGA from Abuja. All that information is available from the federal budget office and the office of the Accountant General of the Federation. All financial receipts to Obudu Council will be tracked diligently and meticulously.

    4. We will officially write under the Freedom of Information FOI law, and demand for details of monthly FAAC allocations, monthly Internally Generated Revenue IGR, record of expenditure vis-a-vis, salaries and allowances of LG workers, political appointees, health and primary school workers, traditional rulers.

    5. We will officially write under the Freedom of Information FOI law, and demand for forensic examination of the total number of people on the LGA payroll and what their statutory pay is.

    6. We will officially write under the Freedom of Information FOI law, and demand records of expenditure on LGA projects and interventions.

    7. We anticipate that the LGA Chairman will be recalcitrant to respond to our demands, so we are also working already with Firsts Baba Isa Esq and his team, to ensure that we sue the Chairman and ask the Court to compel the Council to make all details of the Council’s income and expenditure available to the public who own the money. We are prepared to file as many cases as can give us a victory on this. We believe that the courts will oblige. The judges aren’t dumb. God forbid!

    8. We will create an Open Governance website and publicly document how the Chairman and his cabinet spend our money every month. Everyone from Obudu or anywhere in the world can simply log on to the portal any time of the day and see clearly how our money is working for us.

    9. We will give real time, accurate, factual and objective reports of Obudu local government developmental strides and interventions.

    10. If our money is misappropriated, embezzled or siphoned, we will drag the Obudu LGA Chairman to EFCC and ICPC. Remember the Chairman will not have immunity.

    11. If the Chairman does well and develops Obudu, we will sing his or her praises to high heavens and roll the drums on the streets.

    In my opinion, I think this is fair to the next Chairman of Obudu LGA. This will assist him or her to stay on track and concentrate on giving us value for money.

    I hope you still want to run?

    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.

  • Hon Emma Akwagiobe: A visionary Leader known For Meticulous Planning, Prudent Decision-making & Unwavering Focus BY CLEMENT AKPEKE

    Hon Emma Akwagiobe: A visionary Leader known For Meticulous Planning, Prudent Decision-making & Unwavering Focus BY CLEMENT AKPEKE

     

    1. Experience

    Honourable Emma Akwagiobe is someone who has served his community, ward, Local Government and State in different capacities. As Community Relations Officer (CRO) he worked tirelessly to ensure safety of life and properties. When kidnapping became a threat in obudu, he did all he could to make sure peace was restored in Obudu LGA. He did all these using his personal resources to support his efforts.
    He is a Para-security operator and highly sensitive about the safety of his people. Emma is a para-security operator who is deeply committed to the security and well-being of his people.

    2. He is Not Extravagant

    Someone who is extravagant spends more money than they can afford or uses more than expected. Hon Emma is not one who fancy material things, or a luxury lifestyle. Emma is not driven by a desire for opulence. He believes in using resources judiciously and avoiding unnecessary waste. With his sensible approach, Hon Emma is dedicated to creating a more sustainable, affordable, and comfortable Obudu for everyone.

    3. He Never Plays a Fake Lifestyle

    As a leader, living an inauthentic life means forsaking your true self, betraying your core beliefs, and settling for a mere imitation of your potential. When you lead a fake life, you may appease others, but ultimately, you’ll feel unfulfilled, discouraged, and unhappy. Authentic leadership demands embracing your genuine self, staying true to your values, and living a life that reflects your unique purpose and vision. Hon Emma is one man who always wants people to be pleased and satisfied at any point in time. Hon Emma always advises and indicates that your self-awareness and self esteem are determined by hard work.

    4. Always Result-oriented in All his Engagements.

    Honourable Emma is a goal-oriented person with a clear sense of direction. His approach to achieving success is methodical and strategic. For him, Plan A represents the foundation, where he lays the groundwork and puts in the effort. However, his ultimate focus is always on Plan B, which serves as his guiding principle or the ‘North Star’ directing his actions and decisions towards a higher purpose.

    The risk of collaborating with someone who isn’t result-oriented is that they may prioritize everything else over achieving the goal. When you tie your emotional well-being to reaching a specific objective, you become vulnerable to an emotional rollercoaster. Your mental state becomes inextricably linked to the outcome, leading to a tumultuous journey until you attain the goal – if you ever do.

    If he becomes the Council Chairman, we will set ourselves another goal and the process starts all over again. Most of us simply can’t stand the weight of the feeling of being a failure for very long, leading in stress, burnouts and giving up. But right from his time as CRO Obudu, Hon Emma had led Obudu in hard times and stress. He will do more when he becomes the Council Chairman.

    He often pays a hefty price, he begins to see the present as simply a means to get to some future goal and thus end up making choices that sacrifice the life and love that is before people and missing out on what life is largely about.

    5. A Team Player

    Honourable Emma is a compassionate and forward-thinking leader who carefully considers those around him. He is committed to improving the lives of the people, actively seeking opportunities to develop his skills in areas where he may not excel naturally. Furthermore, Hon Emma is a supportive and results-driven leader who prioritizes the goals of others, offering consistent guidance and action to help them succeed.

    CLEMENT AKPEKE

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

  • Does Kekere-Ekun Possess The Elixir? BY ORI OWAN

    Does Kekere-Ekun Possess The Elixir? BY ORI OWAN

     

    This afternoon, I was riveted to my television screen as I witnessed the grandeur and ceremony surrounding the official swearing-in of Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. For clarity, Kekere-Ekun is now entrusted with the authority to lead the Bench in Nigeria.

    Section 230 of the Constitution states, “There shall be a Chief Justice of Nigeria.” Additionally, Section 3 of the Supreme Court Act provides that “a person holding the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria shall vacate that office when he attains the age of seventy years.” The procedures for appointment and eligibility are explicitly defined in Section 231 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As the most senior justice of the Supreme Court, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is presumed to have fulfilled the constitutional requirements.

    However, in a judiciary desperately in need of reform, the question arises whether Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun possesses the requisite willpower, legal acumen, and unwavering integrity to restore the judiciary’s damaged image. In his esteemed work, Handbook of Law, Samuel Johnson asserts, “Law is the result of human wisdom adding upon human experience for the benefit of the public,” suggesting that law exists to ensure an orderly society, as opposed to the Hobbesian state where life was “nasty, brutish, and short.”

    The Nigerian judiciary, as the third arm of government, has been hailed as the last hope of the common man, guaranteeing justice and protection of rights and fundamental freedoms. Regrettably, recent experiences in Nigeria have been characterized by contradictions and a judiciary lacking in dignity, integrity, and morality. Instances of conflicting ex parte orders and the procurement of black market judgments have tarnished the judiciary’s reputation.

    The Kano State Governorship appeal of last year, where conflicting decisions were issued by the same court, exemplifies the erosion of trust and respect.

    While courts are manned by human beings and judges are not infallible, Nigeria has a distinguished history of respected jurists such as Chukwudife Oputa, Kayode Eso, and Niki Tobi. Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has demonstrated herself to be a competent and qualified jurist, with a rich intellectual pedigree built over years of dedicated service on the Bench.

    However, as a lawyer, I am compelled to express reservations about fully celebrating Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. This is due to concerns over some of her controversial judgments, particularly the Supreme Court’s 2020 decision in the Imo State Governorship appeal, which controversially declared the fourth-place candidate as the winner. Many Nigerians, including legal scholars, remain perplexed by the mathematical anomaly of that judgment. As late Justice Oputa remarked in Adesanya v. Adegoke, “We are final, not because we are infallible, but we are infallible because we are final.” This judgment, whether it has enriched or challenged our legal jurisprudence, continues to provoke debate.

    As I extend my congratulations to your Lordship on this prestigious appointment to the final Bench, I assert that the success of your tenure will largely depend on the quality of judges and justices with whom you will work. Appointments and nominations must be based on competence, integrity, and fairness. Additionally, the National Judicial Council must fulfill its role in recommending judges for appointment.

    As Justice Ariwoola steps down from this esteemed position, may your Lordship remain mindful of the challenges ahead, which may either etch your legacy into the annals of history or tarnish it.

    O.N Owan, Esq.

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

  • Cross River Police Command Orders Arrest Of Suspect Flogging A Lady Half Naked In Viral Video

    Cross River Police Command Orders Arrest Of Suspect Flogging A Lady Half Naked In Viral Video

    Culled From CrossRiverWatch 

    In response to public uproar, the Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, has ordered immediate arrest of suspected ladies flogging a lady half-naked in a viral video.

    The State Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Grimah gave the directive through the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Irene Ugbo on Thursday afternoon.

    The Victim, identified as Miss Queen, is seen in the viral video subjected to physical assault by a group of girls while in a hotel room. Queen is visibly half-naked in the video, and flogged profusely for reasons that are under investigation by the police.

    CP Grimah who has directed immediate arrest and thorough investigation said the aim is to uncover the circumstances surrounding the disturbing incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    The Police Boss enjoins those in the hospitality industry to be vigilant and take proactive measures in profiling and conducting background checks on their guests. The step, he said, is crucial in preventing such disturbing incidents from occurring within their premises.

    The Police disclosed that the victim is currently undergoing medical treatment in an undisclosed hospital. Watch the video below:

    “The Cross River State Police Command assures the public that the outcome of the investigation will be communicated promptly. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and upholding justice in our society.”