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  • Jarigbe Calls On Nigerian Leaders To Emulate Former President Goodluck Johnathan To Strengthen Democracy

    Jarigbe Calls On Nigerian Leaders To Emulate Former President Goodluck Johnathan To Strengthen Democracy

    Goodwill Message by Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Cross River State, on the Occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Unbroken Democracy in Nigeria.

    Fellow Nigerians,

    Respected Constituents,

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    It is with immense pride and gratitude that I join all democrats to celebrate a remarkable milestone in our nation’s history – 25 years of unbroken democracy. This occasion provides us with a moment to reflect on our journey, honor those who paved the way, and reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy.

    First and foremost, let us pay tribute to the forefathers of our democracy. These courageous men and women fought tirelessly, many putting their lives on the line, to ensure that Nigeria could rise as a democratic nation. Their vision, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication laid the foundation upon which our democracy stands. We owe them an eternal debt of gratitude for their unparalleled contributions to our nation’s political evolution.

    In a special way, we must extend our heartfelt thanks to former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. His patriotic and selfless act in 2015, when he handed over power without hesitation to the winner of the Presidential Election, was a watershed moment in our democratic history. By respecting the will of the people and ensuring a peaceful transition, Dr. Jonathan not only strengthened our fledgling democracy but also set a sterling example of leadership and statesmanship. His actions spoke volumes about his commitment to the principles of democracy and the future of Nigeria.

    As we celebrate this silver jubilee of our democratic journey, it is imperative to acknowledge that democracy is not merely a destination but an ongoing process that requires constant nurturing and vigilance. Our democracy must be enduring, and to achieve this, our leaders must emulate the exemplary patriotism demonstrated by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. The election results must always reflect the true will of the people, free from coercion and manipulation.

    To my fellow leaders, I urge you to always put Nigeria first. Our actions and decisions should be guided by the greater good of our nation and its citizens. Let us work together to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and justice. By doing so, we will ensure that our democracy remains vibrant and resilient, capable of withstanding the tests of time.

    In conclusion, as we mark this 25th anniversary of unbroken democracy, let us renew our pledge to protect and advance the democratic ideals that have brought us this far. Let us honor the sacrifices of our forebears and the exemplary actions of leaders like Dr. Goodluck Jonathan by committing ourselves to a future where the voice of every Nigerian is heard, respected, and valued.

    Thank you, and may God bless Nigeria.

    Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe
    Cross River North Senatorial District
    Cross River State

  • Celebrating Democracy Day And Advocating for Women In Leadership: Vote For Blessing Alims For SUG President BY CYNTHIA MADUEKWE

    Celebrating Democracy Day And Advocating for Women In Leadership: Vote For Blessing Alims For SUG President BY CYNTHIA MADUEKWE

     

    Dear Esteemed Supporters, Members of the Press, and Well Wishers,

    As we commemorate Democracy Day, a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, we are reminded of the enduring values of democracy: liberty, equality, and justice for all. It is with great honor that we gather today to not only celebrate these principles but also to advocate for their fullest expression within our institutions of higher learning.

    At the University of Calabar, where the vibrant spirit of democracy thrives among our student body, we recognize the importance of nurturing leaders who embody the diverse voices and perspectives of our community. Today, we shine a spotlight on the crucial role of women in leadership, particularly within the realm of student politics.

    Our quest for a more inclusive and representative Student Union Government (SUG) University of Calabar, we proudly endorse BLESSING ALIMS FOR PRESIDENCY as a beacon of competency and dedication for the position of SUG President at UNICAL. With her unwavering commitment to service and her visionary approach to leadership, Voice of Blessing embodies the transformative power of women in shaping the future of our university.

    As we embark on this journey towards greater equality and opportunity for all, let us draw inspiration from the timeless wisdom of great leaders who have championed the cause of democracy:

    “The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.” – Lyndon B. Johnson

    – “Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.” – Naomi Klein

    – “The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children.” – William Havard

    Through the spirit of these profound words, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering a vibrant democracy where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every individual is empowered to contribute to the collective good.

    Together, let us celebrate Democracy Day and embrace the limitless potential of women’s leadership in shaping a brighter future for our beloved University of Calabar.

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

  • Jarigbe Agom: The Unrivaled Leader for Northern District’s Representation BY PETER AGI

    Jarigbe Agom: The Unrivaled Leader for Northern District’s Representation BY PETER AGI

    In the realm of politics, few individuals stand out for their exceptional dedication and service to the people. Jarigbe Agom is one such exemplary leader who has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Northern district. His humanitarian work and selfless service have earned him an unparalleled reputation, making him the most suitable candidate to represent the district in the National Assembly for all times.

    Humanitarian Work and Selfless Service

    Jarigbe Agom’s tireless efforts to improve the lives of his constituents are well-documented. He has initiated numerous projects focused on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, positively impacting the community. His selflessness and compassion have earned him the respect and admiration of the people.

    Unmatched Record in Representation

    Agom’s impressive track record in representation is a testament to his ability to effectively serve the district. He has consistently addressed the needs of his constituents, providing timely interventions and solutions. His dedication to duty and unwavering commitment have made him a role model for other leaders.

    A Threat to Other Political Leaders

    Jarigbe Agom’s exceptional leadership and service have set a high standard, posing a challenge to other political leaders. His unwavering commitment to the people and his unrelenting drive for progress have raised the bar, inspiring a new generation of leaders to strive for excellence.

    Jarigbe Agom’s remarkable record of humanitarian work, selfless service, and commendable representation make him the best political leader to represent the Northern district in the National Assembly. His unwavering dedication and leadership prowess are an inspiration, and his continued service will undoubtedly lead to greater heights of progress and development for the district.

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

  • One Year In Office: Akpanke Thanks Obudu Stakeholders, Says It Is Better In PDP

    One Year In Office: Akpanke Thanks Obudu Stakeholders, Says It Is Better In PDP

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke, has thanked Obudu PDP stakeholders for the support during the 2023 general elections for Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District and himself to represent them at the national assembly.

    Hon Akpanke expressed gratitude for the support during the elections despite threats to life from the power that be, despite the fact that the sitting governor then, was from Obudu with lieutenants of Chief of Staff, numerous Special Advisers and Assistant, Director of Agencies, Chairmen of boards, Council Chairman, 10 councilors among other appointees.

    Akpanke said he has decided to come back and celebrate his first anniversary in office with his constituents because there are the reason why he is in Abuja, having shelved plans to gallivant in Abuja.

    Speaking further, the Member of Parliament, noted that “During elections, I had promised you that if you support me to become your Reps Member, I will consult with you regularly and to the best of my knowledge, you can all attest to the fact that I have kept faith with the promise as this is about the fourth time we are meeting after my inauguration.

    “I’m not representing Abuja, I am representing you people. So, I must sit with you people, discuss with you, understand your plight to enable me present your case during plenaries”.

    Akpanke told PDP stakeholders that “I heard some people are inducing you to leave PDP, I assure you, it is better in PDP than any party elsewhere. Here, you have me and senator Jarigbe. We are always coming you to sit with you and chat a way forward. There what do they have? When was the last time they met like this? We keep doing what we are doing for the next three years”.

    Speaking on the up congresses, Akpanke charged stakeholders to remain united in building the party. “In your various wards, you will meet and agree on your executive which will be signed by everyone involved in the process.

    The MP used the opportunity to invite stakeholders to join the various programmes outlined to mark his first anniversary in office to include; Interdenominational service to be held on Wednesday June 12th at the Sen Liyel Imoke Civic Center, Obudu and empowerment program scheduled to take place on Thursday, 13th June, while Friday 14th June, he will be at his home at Bendi to attend constituents.

    He said “I will commission some of the projects facilitated. While some are ready for commissioning, others are yet to be installed, like solar street lights, classrooms to be constructed, I will lay foundation before I go back to Abuja”.

    Earlier, the PDP Chapter Chairman, Hon Francis Atsua, welcomed and thanked stakeholders for the prompt response despite the short notice.

    He commended the resolve of party faithfuls in Obudu and noted that the choice of Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and Hon Peter Akpanke, remains the best in recent times.

    On his part, the Coordinator of Hon Peter Akpanke, Mr Emmanuel Abua, encouraged stakeholders to keep faith with the MP as many positive stories are underway.

    The event which held on June 11th 2024, at the Sen Liyel Imoke Civic Center, Obudu drew stakeholders from the ten wards of Obudu.

    Hon Akpanke was accompanied to the event by the State Auditor, Mr Adida Agabi and his Director General, during the election, Mr Charles Eneji.

     

  • Jarigbe Agom Speaks In Support, As Senate Passes #98.5bn FCT 2024 Supplementary Budget

    Jarigbe Agom Speaks In Support, As Senate Passes #98.5bn FCT 2024 Supplementary Budget

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, earlier today urged the Senate to pass the FCT Supplementary Budget due to the infrastructural transformation going on in and around the Federal Capital Territory.

    Senator Jarigbe noted that, with the kind of reforms and infrastructural projects going on in the FCT, the Senate should not waste time but pass the budget to enable the FCT Minister and his team continue with the good works they are doing.

    The Senate on Tuesday passed the sum of N98.5 billion as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2024.

    The passage of the Bill followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on FCT during plenary.

    Recall that the Senate had last week stepped down the Bill, saying the details of the budget needed to accompany it.

    The Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu West) presented the report on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Bomai Mohammed (APC-Yobe South) who was absent during the plenary.

  • Let Me Tell My Party, APC, The Truth BY PETER INYALI

    Let Me Tell My Party, APC, The Truth BY PETER INYALI

    As a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since 2013, with a brief resignation in 2019 and rejoining in 2020, I have earned the right to speak truth to my party. If the APC doesn’t retrace its steps, it may face a political tsunami in 2027, similar to what happened to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

    Since gaining power in 2015, the APC has mismanaged its victory. The party has shown that loyalty is not a requirement for reward; rather, it’s about having money and connections. Hard work and dedication mean little if you don’t have the physical financial muscle to contribute directly to candidates during elections or grease palms afterwards.

    Party members who sacrificed their all to help those in government win elections are often disregarded. Collective efforts are ignored, and those in power act like they single-handedly won the elections. Excuses are made to deny rewards to deserving members.

    The hunger, suffering, and disenchantment within the party in the country may soon boil over at both federal and state levels. People will seek relevance and recognition elsewhere because there’s serious realignment going on behind the scene. A lot of people are regrouping from top to bottom.

    Besides, the awareness and activism displayed during the last election indicate that business as usual won’t suffice in 2027. Whoever is thinking that the politics of anything goes for party reasons shall continue will be greatly disappointed because people are tired of working and receiving abandonment as reward at the end of every election year!

    From the grassroots, chapter, state, and national, party members are angry. Qualified members are overlooked for appointments and other rewards, and those in authority are reluctant to reward loyalty.

    It’s time for the party to reassess and re-strategize. Those who won elections under the APC platform must begin to reward party members accordingly. The reluctance to fill vacancies in government with qualified party members at all levels, one year after winning election is sparking a lot of disconnect.

    One year into this regime which is nine years of APC in charge of the centre is gone and nothing has changed. Most states are copying the former President Buhari institutionalised politics of no reward. If those in government did not learn anything from the tsunami that stroke the PDP and former President Jonathan in 2015, they should learn the commitment of young Nigerians to the Obidient movement in 2023.

    Realignment and repositioning are underway. If the APC fails to act, it will be left behind. Let us learn from history and correct our mistakes to ensure a brighter future for our party.

    Shalom!

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D

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

  • Minimum Wage: Way Forward After Labour’s Strategic Blunder BY PETER INYALI 

    Minimum Wage: Way Forward After Labour’s Strategic Blunder BY PETER INYALI 

    The minimum wage negotiation between the government and labour leaders took an interesting turn yesterday, with the federal government reportedly increasing its offer from 60k to 62k, while the labour dropped its demand from 494k to 250k.

    Labour leaders made a strategic mistake by agreeing to call off the industrial action after just two days without achieving any tangible results. This decision has weakened their bargaining power and may have inadvertently undermined their credibility.

    By calling off the strike without securing significant concessions, labour leaders may have created an opportunity for the government to claim victory. The government’s offer of 62k, an increase of 2k from their initial proposal, technically meets their promise of paying a wage higher than 60k. Should labour reject this and call for another strike, they’ll be met with a lot of skepticism because workers and Nigerians would not take them seriously again.

    Besides, despite the harsh economic conditions, the government’s offer represents over 100% increase from the current 30k minimum wage, which is not entirely unfavourable. However, Nigerian workers deserve more, but labour leaders played into the hands of government by signing an agreement that left them in a weak position as such, cannot negotiate for more at this material time.

    Similarly , the federal government’s 25-35% salary increment for its workers, in addition to the six months wage award, may have been a strategic move to preempt the minimum wage negotiations. Although not all federal government agencies have implemented the wage award, it is a significant gesture.

    Labour leaders must acknowledge that their strategy has been flawed and adjust their approach in future negotiations. Even if the government decides to add anything again it’ll be at their benevolence because as far as that agreement is concerned, the government is on the driving seat and Nigerians may never accept strike again as antidote to this issue. Already, many believe that the strike action has only benefited a few in the labour unions.

    However the issue turns out, going forward, instead of labour focusing solely on wage increases, they should advocate for the creation of safety nets or macroeconomic policies that can make disposable incomes livable.

    As suggested by a prominent Cross River leader during a private discussion, in a deregulated inflationary regime like ours, wage rate alone cannot accommodate the needs of workers. Labour should now focus on advocating for policies like reduced pump prices, lower electricity tariffs, less taxation, and a secure environment for thriving enterprises.

    It’s time for everybody to move on and wait for another negotiation in the next five years, but with better approaches and negotiators.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D

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

  • Odey Bids Late Godwin Adoga (TM) Farewell Amidst Tears

    Odey Bids Late Godwin Adoga (TM) Farewell Amidst Tears

     

    Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey PhD payed last respect as Late Comrade Godwin Adoga (TM) was lowered to mother-Earth at his family compound at Itate-Okuku, Yala LGA.

    The Commissioner condoled with the immediate family to take solace in the fact that their Late son lived a worthy life even though short; He encouraged TM’s mother to also take solace in God Almighty. Finally, the son of late Godwin Adoga was given scholarship by Senator Odey and promised employment after completion of his tertiary education. The scholarship fund was presented to Hon. Otanya Odey for the boy’s educational upkeep.

    In the entourage of Senator Odey were: Hon. Idiku David, former Secretary of Yala Local Government Council, Chief Tony Okaka, Hon Mike Ogbudu, former Leader Yala Legislative Assembly, Engr. Cosmos Oloko former Special Adviser to former Governor, and several other supporters were present to bid farewell to a jolly good brother and friend, TM.

    On behalf of the immediate family, Hon Otanya Odey appreciated Senator Odey for the condolence visit and specially commended his magnanimity and generosity in giving scholarship to the son of TM.

    #Office_Of_The_Commissioner_For_Education_CRS

  • Ukpagada Bridge 95% Completed As Community Leaders Hail Sen Jarigbe

    Ukpagada Bridge 95% Completed As Community Leaders Hail Sen Jarigbe

    By Robben Sylva Agom

    Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has disclosed that construction work on the Ukpagada bridge is ninety-five percent completed and would soon be inaugurated.

    Jarigbe, representing Cross River North Senatorial District, said the critical infrastructure has reached an advanced stage with the successful completion of piers construction and beam placement.

    This is as a result of the successful concrete decking which has been carefully laid out to ensure a robust and durable foundation for the bridge.

    The lawmaker restated his commitment to transform Cross River North Senatorial District, adding that the bridge construction was designed to make rural dwellers comfortable and open up rural communities for development.

    Sen. Jarigbe in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works is committed to delivering this enviable task according to its full specifications and design after which the project will be commissioned and handed over to the communities.

    Commending the Senator for his transformative programmes, the Clan Head of Ukpagada, Ntol Julius Mobre, expressed delight at the quality and level of work done, describing Senator Jarigbe as “a qualitative representative” while praying for God to bless him.

    Also hailing the Senator, a cleric of Church of Christ, Mr. Mike Udam, said: “The project is a testament of pragmatic leadership focused on delivering projects that have a huge positive impact on the people.

    “I m happy to be a whistle blower. I am more happier, the Senator picked up the sound of the whistle and acted on it”, he added.

    The road project, cutting across four communities of Ukpagada, Ukpe, Alladim and Igodor, was facilitated by Senator Jarigbe and aims at alleviating the suffering of commuters and residents.

    Happy New Month Everyone.

  • Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Welcomes Cross Riverians To The Month Of June

    Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Welcomes Cross Riverians To The Month Of June

    The month of June begins a new chapter in the continuous unfolding of an amazing period in the life of Cross Riverians.

    We live in a season that has witnessed multiple accomplishments in every sector of governance.

    We in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs are proud to be part of a team that is delivering hugely on the promises we made one year ago. We remain unrelenting in continuing to deliver on the People’s First mandate of our tireless Governor.

    As has been the case since my Ministry came into existence 12 months ago, my team and I are happy to work endlessly to make the month of June as well as the coming months ever sweeter and always ready to serve all Cross Riverians.

    My Ministry has extended a helpful hand to the homeless among us; we have identified the needs of our destitute population and addressed them boldly; we have rescued children and adults from street life; we have fed the hungry and clothed them. Yet, our work will continue today, tomorrow, and always. We are stepping boldly into the month of June with a more willful readiness than the previous months. Our success will be amplified even more than we have already recorded.

    It is my hope that in whatever occupation you are engaged, this month will be one of the most productive months of the year. My Ministry stands ready to see you through a successful season.
    Happy month of June to you all and God’s blessings.

    Hon. Helen Isamoh E. Ph.D. Fhnr.
    Commissioner For Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Cross River State.