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  • Otu Calls On Sandy To Accept The Court Of Appeal Ruling And Join Hands With Him To Rebuild Cross River State

    Otu Calls On Sandy To Accept The Court Of Appeal Ruling And Join Hands With Him To Rebuild Cross River State

    The Governor of Cross River State,  Senator Bassey Otu has prayed litigant – Senator Sandy Onor to accept the recent Court of Appeal ruling affirming him as the authentic winner of the March 18th Governor election.

    Governor Otu said the affirmation is a true reflection of the people’s mandate given to him in confidence.

    He prayed the aggrieved parties to sheath their sword and join hands in the People’s First Agenda.

    “The ruling of the Court of Appeal today is a welcome development and affirms that we were overwhelmingly voted in by the people on March 18, 2023.

    “This ruling should bring an end to litigation on the outcome of the governorship election. For those in the opposition, especially my brother, Prof. Sandy Onor, I once again offer you a hand of friendship. Come and join my administration so that together we can move our state forward and bring about the dividends of democracy.”

    Otu reiterated that his administration will not segregate irrespective of tribe, gender, and age, adding that a level playing ground will be given to all and sundry to showcase their prowess.

    “My administration is fully re-energized to deliver on the People First Mandate, which is on track to repositioning our State for effective and responsive governance. I solicit the support and patience of all Cross Riverians as we navigate the challenging times toward the Cross River of our dreams.

    “Let me reassure all our citizens that we are working round the clock to ensure that we deliver the best governance for our people. It is important also to note that preparations are in top gear for a robust and successful Calabar festival, while we continue to address other socio-economic and developmental issues.”

    Recall that on Wednesday, the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos affirmed the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal of September 26 upholding the election of Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey as duly elected.

  • Judge Others, Please Do… BY AGBA JALINGO 

    Judge Others, Please Do… BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    I choose that headline deliberately because of one of the most quoted scriptures that I feel is also being manipulated and deliberately used to perpetuate hocus-pocus.

    It has become an alibi for impunity and a leeway for rascality, to promptly quote, Matthew 7:37 when folks don’t want their adverse doings to be scrutinized. But that scripture has two parts. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

    From my own understanding of that scripture, the only reason you shouldn’t judge others, is if you don’t want to be judged too or if your own acts are stinking or if you know your own actions can’t stand the test. And realistically, whether you judge or not, we will all be judged anyway.

    There is nowhere in the Bible where it is stated that judging others is bad. None. The emphasis is on “so that you will also not be judged.” The fear of being judged ourselves is what has made that scripture handy. In fact, Apostle Paul says in, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 that: “It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.” New Living Translation (NLT).

    And in John’s Gospel, Chapter 7:24, it is written, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” Judging others was still not condemned. The condition for judging others here is that it must go beyond appearance to “good judgement.” The command did not forbid anyone from judging others. So I will wait for anyone to show me where the Bible condemns judging others. That a cliche has become popular or hackneyed, doesn’t make it always true.

    Open your mouth and judge who needs to be judged based on good judgement. Most people in the world are generally scared of being called to account, so everything that fits into that nonchalance is taken as a given. Don’t conform!

    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 or its agent.

  • Sandy Heads To Supreme Court As Court Of Appeal Upholds Otu’s Victory

    Sandy Heads To Supreme Court As Court Of Appeal Upholds Otu’s Victory

    Elijah Ugani

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos on Wednesday, November 22, has upheld the ruling of Tribunal by declaring Governor Bassey Otu as the winner of the March 16 governorship election.

    The Appeal had dismissed the Appeal by Sen Sandy Onor and PDP against Prince Bassey Otu as lacking in meirt.

    The governorship tribunal had earlier dismissed the petition by Sen Sandy Onor and PDP brought before it against Prince Bassey Otu and APC.

    The tribunal had held that the matter before it was a pre-election matter.

    Reacting to the judgement of the Court of Appeal, the Director General of Caterpillar Movement, Chief Joe Obi Bisong, in release he personally signed and sighted by Theluminenews, said that the judgement did not represent the full conviction of the processes that led to the election and they will seek further legal opinion on the next steps.

    The release reads in parts, “The judgement does not reflect the full conviction of our position on the processes leading to the leading to the election.

    We shall seek further legal opinion on the next possible steps.

    “We urge all our teeming supporters to remain calm and go about their legitimate businesses.

    “We are confident that justice shall surely be ultimately done.”

  • Protest Rocks Kano Over Appeal Court Judgement As Angry Youths Blocks Major High Ways

    Protest Rocks Kano Over Appeal Court Judgement As Angry Youths Blocks Major High Ways

    Channels Television 

    A protest has erupted in Kano state over the recent Appeal court judgment in the governorship election.

    Some group of youths whom seemed to be sympathetic with the former governor took the streets to protest the Court of Appeal judgement.

    The police managed to disperse the protesters along the Dan Agundi area of the state.

    This is coming after the Certified True Copy of the judgement appeared in the public domain.

  • Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Joins First Lady To Implement Back To School Project In Biase LGA

    Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Joins First Lady To Implement Back To School Project In Biase LGA

     

    The Honorable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Mrs Helen Isamoh- Egodo joined forces with the First Lady of Cross River State to execute the Rev Mrs Eyo- Awan Otu Back-to-school project in Akparavuni and Ikot Obo Isamoh Communities in Biase LGA of CRS.

    The First Lady of CRS, Rev Mrs Eyo- Awan Otu was ably represented by the Wife of the Member Representing Calabar Municipality, CRSHOA, Mrs Diana Nsemo and accompanied by Bar Ijom Ukam, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Lady Elizabeth Awatt the Special Assistant to the First Lady on Political Matters.

    Together, they were able to provide the much-needed educational support to students in the selected schools. The goal was to ensure that every child has equal access to quality education, regardless of their geographical location.

    Through this initiative, they distributed essential school supplies such as textbooks, notebooks, School bags, Uniforms, writing materials and the Bibles to these amazing students. Seeing their eyes light up with excitement and gratitude was truly heartwarming.

    Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future, and we firmly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow. By investing in their education, we are investing in the development of our communities as a whole.

    Dr Egodo expressed her deepest gratitude to the First Lady for her unwavering commitment to education and humanitarian assistance, She also commended the government operatives for their invaluable support in making the project a success.

    Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, CRS.

  • PDP’s Electoral Debacle In Plateau State: A Case Of Violent Non-fit Injuria BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    PDP’s Electoral Debacle In Plateau State: A Case Of Violent Non-fit Injuria BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

     

    It is funny that Nigerian political parties don’t learn from precedents that the courts have laid down; on how they should manage and administer their affairs with decorum orderliness and in
    accordance with the dictates of the rule of law and due process.

    Why would the PDP brazenly disobey a court order issued by the High Court restraining a Caretaker Committee (which the court has declared illegal) from conducting primaries to nominate its candidates for the general election?

    The law is that a court order must be obeyed no matter how you feel about it.

    A court order stands till it is set aside by the court that issued or or an appellate court.

    The law also says that if a party disobeys a court order the court should shut its door against that party.

    The Consequences of the Refusal or Failure or Neglect of the PDP to obey a Court order that its Caretaker Committee should not conduct Primaries to nominate its candidates is what is responsible for the debacle that played out in Plateau State.

    You would recall that in 2019 the same scenario was enacted in Zamfara State when APC lost all its elected positions because the Party broke into two irreconcilable factions namely Abdul Aziz Yari and Senator Kabiru Marafa Factions.

    These two factions presented two lists of candidates to INEC and INEC became confused and consequently refused to accept the list from these two facts.

    The Abdul Aziz Yari faction had held its primary election.

    Subsequently, it was presented to the National Headquarters of APC a list of candidates elected from the primaries conducted but was refused.

    The Abdul Aziz faction forwarded the list to INEC which accepted it but refused to process it.

    INEC then used the sledgehammer on APC and banned APC from fielding a list of the names of its candidates for failure to comply with the deadlines stipulated by the Electoral Act.

    What ensued was the filing of different lawsuits by the two irrevocable factions of Zamfara State in different courts in a fight to finish posturing.

    The Abdul Aziz Yari faction filed an action at the Zamfara High Court challenging the decision of INEC to refuse the list of candidates submitted and the banning of the Party from participating in the general election.

    On the other, Senator Kabiru Marafa’s faction approached the Federal High Court to challenge the validity of the primaries conducted by the Abdul Aziz Yari faction.

    On 29 January 2019, the Zamfara High Court and the Federal High Court delivered their judgments.

    The Federal High Court held that the APC did not conduct a valid primary election.

    It ordered INEC not to accept the list of names submitted by INEC for the 2019 general elections.

    On the other hand, the Zamfara State High Court held that the primaries conducted by the Abdul Aziz Yari faction were valid and ordered INEC to accept the list of names submitted by it to enable it to participate in the 2019 general elections.

    Both parties filed appeal and counter-appeal concerning the two judgments delivered by the Federal High Court and Zamfara High Court respectively.

    On 21 February 2029, the Court of Appeal Abuja delivered its judgment and ordered INEC to accept the list of candidates presented by Abdul Aziz Yari’s faction.
    INEC complied with the Order issued by the Court of Appeal Abuja and allowed APC to participate in the general elections.

    This led to the emergence of Idris as the APC governorship candidate to face Bello Mutawalle of the PDP.

    Senator Kabiru Marafa’s faction of APC continued with its case at the Court of Appeal Sokoto.

    On 19 March 2019, the Court of Appeal Sokoto delivered its judgment nullifying the primaries conducted by Abdul Aziz Yari’s faction of APC.

    It also declared that all the election results won by candidates produced by the Abdul Aziz Yari faction in the 2019 general elections were invalid.

    The APC national headquarters in a panicky move filed an appeal in the Supreme Court seeking recognition of the judgment of the Zamfara State High Court in favour of the Abdul Aziz Yari faction.

    The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal and held that the Primaries conducted by the APC Zamfara State were void.

    The Supreme Court further held the primaries conducted by the Abdul Aziz faction of APC Zamfara State were held in violation of the APC Constitution, the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

    The Supreme Court held that all the votes cast by the electorate in Zamfara State for the Governorship, National and State Assemblies were wasted votes.

    The Supreme Court ordered that all the candidates presented by the Party that took second position in the general elections and met the required constitutional spread should be declared the winner.

    Consequently, INEC declared PDP candidates as the winner of the general election in Zamafara State and proceeded to issue certificates of recognition to them.

    This is how APC lost Xamfara State in the 2019 general elections.

    One would have thought the ugly and sad experience suffered by APC in 2019 would guide PDP when the confusion and lawlessness engulfed its Plateau State chapter in 2023.
    In this case who is to take the blame?
    Volenti non-fit injuria(to a willing person, it is not wrong).
    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

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

  • Ibom Air Indefinite Suspension Of Flights To Calabar: Cross River Dealing With A Dangerously Envious Neighbour BY INYALI PETER 

    Ibom Air Indefinite Suspension Of Flights To Calabar: Cross River Dealing With A Dangerously Envious Neighbour BY INYALI PETER 

     

    About two months ago, I wrote about my suspicion that the trending issue of male genital organ disappearance that was trending in Calabar, capital city of Cross River State was a hoax and a demarketing strategy targeted at Carnival Calabar and indeed, Cross River State tourism at large.

    That no allegation was ever proven scientifically or police investigation, and couple with the fact that the noise about the issue reduced and gradually faded away after a few of us came out to question the authenticity of the issue has somewhat given credence to the suspicion that there was more to the issue than meets the eye.

    Away from the genital organ disappearance, in what looks like another strategy to fight the resurgence of Carnival Calabar and tourism under Gov. Bassey Otu’s administration, the Akwa Ibom State owned airline, Ibom Air, has shockingly suspended operation in Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar indefinitely for “operational reason”.

    Whatever the “operational reason ” may be, that the airline consider this period, barely nine days to the commencement of the Carnival Calabar, a 31-day non-stop international festival to shutdown operation to Calabar can not be a mere coincidence. This is the period that Cross River expects and, indeed, receives the highest number of visitors and tourists.

    Recall that Akwa Ibom State had copied Cross River and have introduced their own one month long festival, too, every December.

    Possibly, the Akwa Ibom State government was unimpressed with the decision of Governor Otu’s government to reintroduce the one month long festival. Under the immediate past administration, it was reduced to just a few days, and this allowed the Akwa Ibom owned to thrive.

    In what appears as an economic battle against its sister state, Ibom Air may have suspended its operation to discourage tourists from visiting Cross River for the events. It’s an open secret that the major roads to Cross River are in terrible condition, and to use the waterways, you must pass through Akwa Ibom. The only competitor the airline has, Airpeace is as unreliable as anything.

    Since the launch of Ibom Air, Calabar has been one of the biggest markets for the airline. Because of the unreliability of Airpeace, Ibom Air management, from the beginning decided to extort passengers coming to and fro Cross River by hiking the fare by almost 40% even when the distances between Uyo and Calabar from all its routes in the country are the same. Until the suspension, Ibom Air fare to Calabar was the most expensive across all its routes in Nigeria.

    Not satisfied with the extortion, they have now done the worst by suspending operation to Calabar possibly to push traffic to Akwa Ibom in this festive period.

    The truth is that, no matter what anyone would say or how much the Carnival Calabar had rettogressed in the past few years, the brand is still the biggest in Nigeria. With the vigour and commitment the current administration has shown towards reviving and making it better, Akwa Ibom State is obviously not happy because it sees the established brand as the biggest competitor to its upcoming brand.

    The Cross River State government must rise to this challenge by quickly negotiating with any reliable airline to start flying Calabar immediately even if it means that in the next one month, the government will pay for the differentials for empty seats, if there would be any.

    Also, the managers of the state owned aircraft should be mandated to commence flying Calabar even if it means that they would suspend any agreement regarding what they’re to remit to the state within this period.

    Finally, after this period, the state should ensure its airline and others are flying the Calabar routes consistently to break Ibom Air’s semi-monopoly.

    Akwa Ibom State and its institutions have not been fair to Cross River State. The state generally has not acted like a good neighbour and child. Even during the #EndSARS protest, it was alleged that the destruction of key infrastructures in Calabar was carried out by arsonists from our “neighbouring state”.

    While I encourage Cross River and its indigenes to continue to practice what the scripture says in Mathew 5:43-44 and Leviticus 18-19, the state must also be wary of the dangerous envy by its neighbours as captured in 1Peter 5:8.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D

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

  • Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Raphael Ayama Offiong’s Remarkable Journey To Full Professorship BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

    Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Raphael Ayama Offiong’s Remarkable Journey To Full Professorship BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

     

    In the hallowed halls of the University of Calabar, a brilliant young scholar has risen to the ranks of a full-fledged Professor of Biogeography in the Faculty of Geography . Dr. Raphael Ayama Offiong’s (aka Raph) ascension is nothing short of awe-inspiring, a proof of his tireless diligence, unyielding work ethic, and unswerving determination in the face of formidable challenges. Today, we in RABBIT PUNCH write to celebrate this incredible achievement that has been accomplished in record time by an unassuming ebullient scholar.

    Raph, one of the youngest scholars in the academia, has undoubtedly etched an indelible mark on the academic world. From his early days at the faculty, he enjoyed comradeship and as well faced a myriad of challenges and setbacks like others that would have deterred many. However, Raph possessed a resolute spirit and a steady commitment to his academic pursuits, and as such, he dared every obstacle; climbed every mountain, crossed every valley, swam across every deluge of boisterous ocean and fought every giant to a standstill to attain this height.

    Born into modest circumstances, having a royal blood flowing through his veins and arteries, his path was fraught with financial constraints and educational disparities. Yet, the resilient Raph saw these hurdles not as obstacles but as springboards to rise above. His insatiable hunger for knowledge, coupled with a relentless work ethic, laid the foundation for his extraordinary journey.

    Mr. Raph’s academic voyage was marked by determination and an unshakable belief in his own potential. He toiled tirelessly, often balancing multiple jobs to support his education and research. Every challenge he encountered only fueled his desire to learn and grow, making him a shining example of I-can-do-it personality.

    His journey reached its zenith at the University of Calabar, where he found his true calling and specialization in the field of biogeography and soils. The study of flora and fauna in the field of biodiversity and conservation studies became his passion, and he pursued it resolutely with fervor and enthusiasm. His lectures, research, and discussions are marked by an infectious love for the subject. He teaches with candour and his students had on many occasions attested to this fact.

    His contributions to biogeography and soil science were nothing short of transformative. His groundbreaking research expanded our understanding of how ecosystems evolve and adapt to a changing world. His work on species migration and adaptation in response to climate change earned him international recognition and became a cornerstone of vital conservation efforts.

    Yet, his influence extended beyond his groundbreaking research. Raph is not only a brilliant scientist but a compassionate and inspirational educator. He shares his knowledge generously, leaving an unerasable impact on the academic community in Calabar and inspiring countless students and colleagues. Raph has an open-door policy. Students and colleagues have unfettered access to him.

    In recognition of his unparalleled zeal in the pursuit of knowledge, Ntufam Raph has achieved the remarkable milestone of becoming a full Professor of Biogeography. This achievement is not just a testament to his scholarship but a tribute to his steadfast commitment to shaping the future of the field and mentoring the next generation of scholars.

    As we celebrate Ralph’s journey from adversity to academic excellence, we are reminded of the power of hard work, dedication, and an unshakeable passion for knowledge. We should also know that Raph’d oratory prowess is in the similitude of Cicero. He’s a fine administrator. In all the positions he had held, he left remarkable imprints. As the chairman of Cross River Community at the University of Calabar, he has achieved a lot among which is the building of the state of the art community hall. Currently, he’s the Director of the University of Calabar Carbon Centre. His influence in biogeography will continue to shape the field for generations to come.

    In honor of Prof. Ralph’s extraordinary achievement, let us not only commemorate his well-deserved promotion but also be inspired to surmount challenges, dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of knowledge, and nurture the future of academia. His light may shine even brighter now, but the glow of his achievements will forever illuminate the corridors of higher learning at the University of Calabar and beyond.

    As the cliché goes, it’s a trite that behind every successful man, there stands a woman. Raph’s feat came via steady velocity. As he steers the ship, his lovely wife of inestimable value, Peace Offiong, holds the navigating compass. Her support is invaluable. Raph has obtained favour from the Lord for finding Peace his heartthrob. Besides Peace, are his lovely children. They create the needed ambience at home that supports learning.

    Of course, beyond Raph’s immediate home support, they’re some dedicated budding scholars working tirelessly and rendering noticeable services behind the scene— Mr. Nelson Inyang, Mr. Ephraim Ikono, Dr. Tony Iwara and Dr. Itita Ekpe. These men are his mitochondria. Come hell or high water, they’re always there to guard the fort while making sure nobody runs out of steam. They’re some of the men ready to carry the torch. More grace!

    That said, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Raphael Ayama Offiong and offer our sincerest best wishes for his continued success in his academic journey. Congratulations Prof.!
    Comr. (Hon) Ogar Emmanuel Oko

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

  • Sports Minister Commits To Enhancing Football Scouting Regulations In Nigeria

    Sports Minister Commits To Enhancing Football Scouting Regulations In Nigeria

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed his commitment to meticulously review a proposal aimed at regulating the scouting system within Nigeria’s sports landscape.

    The proposal was submitted by a delegation led by the National President of Prestige Football Academy, Uchendu Stephen Nwabara, during a meeting with the Minister in Abuja, on Tuesday.

    Acknowledging the critical role of scouting in nurturing and harnessing the nation’s sports potential, Senator John Owan Enoh stated that Nigeria’s huge talentpool makes it a destination of choice for scouts from all around the world.

    The Minister said the Ministry is concerned about some of the general practices in the sports ecosystem, as it is working to ensure ethical standards are imbibed, and also provide equitable opportunities for aspiring young talents to excel in sport.

    “Most people in the sector are concerned about the subject of the scouting process of our young men and women,” the Minister said. “When our sports men and women go out of the shores of Nigeria, and breakforth, the support they send to their families and the laurels that they win are of benefit to the country.”

    “However, the manner in which some of our sports men and women leave needs to be addressed. Sports in general being a universal matter, promoted globally, and a country as big as Nigeria with its population and talent, has become like a laboratory for various actors to come in and out.”

    Senator Enoh stated that his administration is deeply committed to fostering a conducive environment for the growth and development of sports in Nigeria. Scouting forms the bedrock of identifying and nurturing future sports stars and there is a need to recognize the value of an organized scouting system that fosters fairness, transparency, and professionalism.

    There is an urgent need to stop the exploitation of Nigerians, who are taken out of the country by scouts, agents and tied to slave contracts abroad. Nigeria will work to facilitate a process that integrates fair play, integrity, professionalism and equal opportunities for all sports talents, especially footballers.

    Leader of the delegation, Uchendu Stephen Nwabara expressed optimism about the Minister’s enthusiastic reception of their proposal.

    “We are delighted by the Minister’s commitment to thoroughly examine our recommendations. These reforms are pivotal in transforming the scouting landscape and ensuring that deserving talents receive the attention and opportunities they merit.”

    Senator Enoh said the Ministry will review the appropriateness of the proposal, as it remains resolute in its dedication to uplifting the ethics of scouting.

    SIGNED:

    The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development.
    November 21, 2023.

  • Panic In APC As Court Of Appeal Delivers Judgement On Sandy Vs Otu Tomorrow

    Panic In APC As Court Of Appeal Delivers Judgement On Sandy Vs Otu Tomorrow

    By Thelumine Admin

    There seemed to be mix feelings among members of the ruling All Progressive Party APC, in Cross River State as the Court Appeal set to deliver judgement on the appeal brought before by Sen Sandy Onor and the PDP against Prince Bassey Otu and APC.

    Some of the stakeholders of the APC who spoke to TheLumineNews on condition of anonymity, maintained that there are a lot of lapses on Prince Otu’s administration as they alleged that his wife is more in charge of governance.

    There regretted their initial insinuations that Prince Otu was going to depart from the era where the former governor’s younger brother was running the administration of the state, but that they have entered another one chance where a woman is put in charge of the administration of the state.

    There are of the opinion that Sen Sandy Onor is more prepared for governance, and that however the judgement goes, they don’t have much to loose, as Prince Otu is not ready to look anybody’s face.

    Their fears is premised on the fact that most of the recent judgements delivered by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, has a semblance with the case between Sen Sandy Onor against Prince Bassey Otu.

    Their worries is that if the Lagos division of the Court of Appeal, takes a cue from that of Abuja Division, it therefore means that the matter will be determined on its merit other than being dismissed as it was done by the tribunal.

    Another APC stalwart who just identified himself as Asuquo, expressed confidence that Prince Otu will win the case as it appears that most of the governorship appeals are favorable to the APC, that Prince Otu case will not be different.