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  • Jarigbe, Akpanke Splashes 30M On OBO Federal Constituency, Promises Effective Representation

    Jarigbe, Akpanke Splashes 30M On OBO Federal Constituency, Promises Effective Representation

    By Elijah Ugani 

    Christmas celebration for Cross River Northern Senatorial District took an unprecedented dimension as the duo of Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and Hon Peter Akpanke teamed up to interface with their constituents of Obudu/Bekwarra/Ogoja federal constituency to thank them for the support during the 2023 general elections.

    Speaking during the interface, which held in the different local government areas on Saturday December 23rd 2023, Sen Jarigbe Agom described the support shown them during the last election as an act of God, wondered how they would have won an incumbent Governor, sitting House of Reps member, Chief of staff, eight commissioners, countless number of appointees, five local government chairmen, and about Fifty councillors.

    Jarigbe thanked especially the people of Obudu who truly desmostrates and proved that a good friend is better than a bed brother.
    In his words “I want to thank you all for the support. When I see the support we got from Obudu despite contesting the election with your son who was a sitting governor, I told myself that Gov Ben Ayade must has performed abysmally poor.

    “We won election in Obudu. I know what happened in Obudu Urban ward 1, same thing happened at Alege/Ubang Ward. They changed our results and I say allow them. Even if they hade requested for additional five thousand votes, we will have gladly given them. That was exactly what happened at Yala, we dashed them extra five thousand votes.

    “In the last dispensation, I was working with two opposing members in the house of representatives. Thank you for standing strong to reject appointments, mouth watering offers, even in the face of threats, physical assault which has never happened in our political history.

    “With this your brother Hon Peter Akpanke, who you willing voted to support me, I assure you that you’re yet to see the dividends of your trust in us. The days ahead promises to be great. Thank you all as I wish you a merry Christmas and happy new year in advance”

    Hon Peter Akpanke during the tour of Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku local government areas, assured constituents of his readiness to serve them to the best of his ability.

    Akpanke thank God that Sen Jarigbe Agom is undoubtedly a pace setter and has elated to mentor him and pledged to raise the needed alarm that will bring government attention to the plight of his constituents.

    Speaking at his country home, the People’s Democratic Party PDP State Chairman, Mr venatius Ikem Esq, thanked the trio of Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and Hon Peter Akpanke for finding time to celebrate the Christmas with their constituents despite their busy schedules.

    Mr Ikem used the to congratulate and welcomed Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, to the league of a very few Nigerians who successfully dismantled sitting governors, averred that he had previously warned former governor Ayade to leave the stage with honor, but he refused and today the rest is history.

    The Chairman commended Hon Peter Akpanke, connecting with the constituents charged him to maintain the tempo as constituents are in dear need of a representation that reassures them of a promising future even as the economy is biting hard.

    Ikem noted that APC in Cross River Northern Senatorial District is in the opposition urged party faithfuls to go and celebrate the Christmas as victors, and should extend a hand of benevolence to other parties.

    The sum of 30 Million naira and 900 bags of rice was shared to the 30 wards that makes up Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency as each political ward received 1 Million naira and 30 bags of rice.

  • Ogoja Carnival Gains Traction, To Rival Calabar Carnival – Odey

    Ogoja Carnival Gains Traction, To Rival Calabar Carnival – Odey

     

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has indicated that the sterling performance of the carnival bands in the Ogoja Carnival are a clear indication that it could compete with and become better than the Calabar Carnival in the near future. Rt. Hon. Peter Odey made the statement during the maiden edition of the Ogoja Carnival today, Saturday, 23rd December, 2023, shortly after the 5 carnival bands displayed at the first adjudication centre along Mission Road, Igoli, Ogoja.

    Rt. Hon. Odey who envisioned a future where the Ogoja Carnival will not just be a local celebration but a renowned event that rivals the Calabar Carnival, appreciated the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for ensuring that the Ogoja Carnival was a reality.

    Traditionally, the Calabar Carnival has been the epitome of celebratory events in the Nigeria, drawing crowds from far and wide. However, a shift has been witnessed in this year’s Festival Calendar with the introduction of the Ikom and Ogoja Carnivals by the Sen. Prince Bassey Otu administration, offering a local alternative that takes the essence of the festive season from the capital city to other parts of the state.

    According to an Elder Statesman from Northern Cross River, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, people from both the Northern and Central parts of the state have long yearned to experience the carnival spirit within their own communities. He thanked Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for his instrumental role in bringing the Ogoja Carnival to realization.

    The Ogoja Carnival which featured five competing bands (Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade’s Band, Hon. Peter Odey’s Band, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo’s Band, Sen. Steve Odey’s Band and Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbor’s Band) and one non-competing band, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu’s Band, witnessed the distinguished participation of Honourable Members of the House of Assembly, all State Executive Council Members from the north, political office holders, traditional rulers and residents who were all optimistic about the potential of the carnival becoming a cultural landmark that will draw participation from a broader audience.

  • Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh Extends Yuletide Greetings To Nigerians

    Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh Extends Yuletide Greetings To Nigerians

     

    As the festive season dawns upon us, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, extends warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to the good people of our nation, celebrating the joyous occasion of Christmas and heralding the promising dawn of the New Year, 2024.

    In his message, Senator John Owan Enoh expressed his sincere gratitude to the people for their unwavering support and dedication towards the Renewed Hope mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Sports Development. He highlighted the unity and resilience showcased by athletes and sports enthusiasts, contributing significantly to the growth and recognition of our nation on the global sports stage.

    “As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this beautiful Christmas, let us cherish the values of love, compassion, and unity,” remarked Senator John Owan Enoh. “May this season bring joy and harmony to every household, fostering a sense of togetherness and solidarity among us all.”

    Looking ahead to the New Year, Senator John Owan Enoh emphasized the importance of setting new goals and aspirations, both in sports and personal endeavors. He said the Ministry of Sports Development will continue to promote excellence, inclusivity, and accessibility within the sporting community.

    “I extend my best wishes for a prosperous and fulfilling New Year to all Nigerians,” the Minister said. “2024 will be a year of remarkable achievements, where our athletes excel on the international stage, and our nation prospers in unity and progress.”

    The Minister of Sports Development concluded by urging everyone to celebrate responsibly and observe safety measures during the festive season, ensuring the well-being of all citizens.

    Senator John Owan Enoh, on behalf of the Ministry of Sports Development, wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, filled with happiness, success, and abundant blessings.

    SIGNED:

    The Media Office of the Minister of Sports Development.
    December 23, 2023.

  • Jarigbe Commences Another 1.5 kilometer Road Construction In Aladim Community, Ogoja LGA

    Jarigbe Commences Another 1.5 kilometer Road Construction In Aladim Community, Ogoja LGA

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has Facilitated the construction of another 1.5 Kilometre road project in Aladim Community, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State. The lawmaker who during his campaign, assured the people of better representation if voted for has started asphalting of the Aladim road project.

    One of the community members, Mr. Sunday Ugan appreciated the lawmaker for keeping to his promise and also prayed for continued God’s protection upon him.

    The constituency officer Mr. Egar Mgbantul assured the people of more benefits, as they all agreed to always support the lawmaker.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • Akpanke Visits Displaced Persons In Belegete, Donates Cash And Relief Materials

    Akpanke Visits Displaced Persons In Belegete, Donates Cash And Relief Materials

     

    The recent spate of violence in Belegete has left thousands of families and households displaced. Worried by these unfortunate eventualities in his Federal Constituency, The member representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku, Hon. Peter Akpanke, earlier today, visited the displaced people of Belegete Community who are currently seeking refuge at the Obudu Mountain Resort, to provide succor and render necessary assistance.

    Hon. Akpanke was in Becheve to commiserate with the victims. He encouraged them not to lose hope as he would continue to seek necessary government interventions to ensure peace is restored to their troubled communities.

    He expressed worry over the crisis that has bedeviled the community, explaining how concerned he is to learn about the destruction of lives and properties and the unfortunate death of the Clan Head.

    Mr. Nda Ferdinand On behalf of the displaced Community, commended Hon. Akpanke’s gesture. He described the Honorable Member as a compassionate leader who has a passion for humanity and promised fair sharing and disbursement among victims of the items provided by the lawmaker.

    The Rock is Solid.

  • Otu Approves Extended Holidays For Civil Servants

    Otu Approves Extended Holidays For Civil Servants

     

    The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu has approved extended holiday for civil servants in Cross River State.

    This was contained in a press release sighted by TheLumineNews and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche.

    The release reads in parts, “The Governor in appreciation of the commitment and hard work of civil servants has approved December 20th to January 2, 2024 as holidays except for those on essential duties.

    “Governor Otu enjoined the civil servants to use the opportunity to spend quality time with their families while also being actively involved in the Carnival Calabar.

    “The Governor retietrated the commitment of his administration in providing quality and conducive environment for all citizens and residents of the state, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year”.

  • Peter Akpanke Supports Twelve (12) Law School Students From OBO Federal Constituency, With N200,000 Each

    Peter Akpanke Supports Twelve (12) Law School Students From OBO Federal Constituency, With N200,000 Each

    The member representing Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, Hon. (Chief) Peter Akpanke has donated the sum of N200,000 each to twelve (12) law school students from his OBO Federal Constituency, and charged them to be worthy ambassadors of the Constituency.

    Hon. Akpanke, who presented the cash, said the gesture was part of his promise during his campaign to contribute to the growth and development of education in the area.

    The lawmaker also noted that, the financial assistance is without political or ethnic affiliations but to assist and cushion the effects of hardship occasioned by the removal of petroleum subsidy in the country.

    “We cherish education and one of the ways through which we can impact our society is to give unfettered access to education and assist our students” Akpanke added.

    He charged them to be exceptional ambassadors not only of the legal profession but also of their federal constituency, urging them to use their legal knowledge and prospective expertise to positively impact their respective communities, in a bid to promote justice and equity in the society.

     

  • 2024 Budget: Jarigbe Urges FG To Transit From Reliance On Oil To Dependence On Natural Gas

    2024 Budget: Jarigbe Urges FG To Transit From Reliance On Oil To Dependence On Natural Gas

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, DSSRS, has reiterated the need for the federal government to make deliberate efforts to transit from reliance on oil to dependence on natural gas, through effective and transparent budgetary provisions, in a bid to turn the fortunes of the nation’s economy.

    The lawmaker stated this on Monday when the joint Senate/House of Reps Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream & Gas), received a delegation from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources led by the two Ministers of State, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D and Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo for the defense of the Ministry’s 2024 Budget Proposal, at the National Assembly Complex.

    Senator Jarigbe who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas and Lead Chairman of the joint committee also noted that, the budget did not sufficiently address the President’s commitment to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal by introducing palliative.

    He criticized the allocation of 5.8 billion Naira as the capital budget for a ministry crucial to achieving the Natural Gas Revolution Policy and easing the hardship faced by the masses, describing it as inadequate and un-serious.

    “As a parliament, we do not align ourselves with running government programmes in disregard of the provisions of the Law.

    “We cannot achieve what Mr. President wants, without providing for the CNG-Project and other very important projects in the 2024 Appropriations Act” he said.

    In response, Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), revealed that the ministry received an allocation of N9.64 billion for 2024, with breakdowns for personnel, overhead costs, and capital expenditure.

  • Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Flags Off One-day Training On Enrollment Application For National Social Safety Nets Program

    Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Flags Off One-day Training On Enrollment Application For National Social Safety Nets Program

    The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Helen Isamoh-Egodo flagged off a one-day training on Enrollment Application for National Social Safety Nets Program – Scale Up (NASSP SU) for Local Government Cash Transfer Facilitators (CTFs) yesterday, December 2023. The training was organized by the National Cash Transfer Office: Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in collaboration with the Cross River State Cash Transfer Unit.

    Addressing the trainees, the Honourable Commissioner expressed her delight at the initiation of the exercise as the work of the Facilitators would go a long way to help members of the community. As an exercise designed to help the poor and the needy, she implored them to be compassionate and understanding in the course of carrying out their duties and to reflect the spirit of the current administration in every facet of their work.

    The Commissioner reminded them that the State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has coined a “People First” mantra as the hallmark of his administration and is laser-focused on ensuring that all Crossriverians must benefit from the work of his administration. She noted that the focus on helping Nigerians is also shared by the President, Mr. Tinubu, who is working with the various States of the federation to positively change the circumstances of every Nigerian.

    The Commissioner added that their work as Cash Transfer Facilitators is an amplification of the Governor’s mandate to work for the people and that they must honour Governor Otu’s commitment to the people by doing their work joyfully and diligently. As the face of the government’s goal, she urged the Facilitators to discharge their duties credibly, with passion, dedication and love.

    The CRS Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs: Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs

  • Children Carnival Dry Run: Peter Odey Commends Onari Duke’s Contribution To Calabar Carnival

    Children Carnival Dry Run: Peter Odey Commends Onari Duke’s Contribution To Calabar Carnival

    The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has expressed his appreciation for Mrs. Onari Duke’s significant contribution to the development of Carnival Calabar. Hon. Odey, emphasizing the importance of giving credit where it is due, conveyed this sentiment on the 17th of December, 2023, during the flag-off of the dry run for the children’s carnival in Calabar.
    Rt. Hon. Odey also extended an invitation to the former First Lady to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

    Prior to the ribbon-cutting, Mrs. Onari Duke urged parents to encourage their children’s participation in the children’s carnival on the 27th of December, assuring them that the event would not promote negative habits. She expressed her delight in the revival of the children’s carnival after a pause of several years and highlighted the economic advantages that awaited Cross Riverians, with an influx of visitors to the city during the carnival.

    During the event, the Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, conveyed his invitation for everyone to witness the pure joy and innocence reflected in the children, stating “This is what Carnival Calabar is offering to the world, as the entire botanic garden has been taken over by this great colors, the color of warmth and the color of love. What is the color of love? Childhood.”
    He also welcomed the Deputy Governor to join the children for a walk, mentioning that the 6-kilometer dry run was conducted to test the system.