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  • The Gathering Storm in Rivers State: A Lesson from History BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The Gathering Storm in Rivers State: A Lesson from History BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The Rivers State House of Assembly has given Governor Siminalayi Fubara an ultimatum to sack all commissioners and functionaries whose appointments required confirmation by the assembly within 48 hours, starting from March 5, 2025. This move comes after the Supreme Court’s judgment last week, which declared the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as the legitimate representatives, while the 4 members supporting Governor Fubara were deemed not to constitute the Assembly.

    Prior to the judgment, the Assembly was divided into two camps: the pro-Wike camp with 27 members and the pro-Fubara camp with 4 members. During the crisis, Governor Fubara dissolved his cabinet after many commissioners and top functionaries resigned. He then appointed replacements and submitted their names to the 4-member assembly for confirmation.

    Now, with the Supreme Court’s judgment, the Rivers State House of Assembly is asserting its authority, demanding that Governor Fubara sack his entire cabinet and nominate new appointees for confirmation This move is seen as a necessary step to restore legitimacy and ensure that the Assembly’s constitutional role in confirming appointments is respected.

    According to the Constitution, the Governor has the power to appoint commissioners, but their nominations must be confirmed by the House of Assembly.

    Other positions that require confirmation by the Assembly include the Attorney-General, State Civil Service Commission, State Independent Electoral Commission, and the State Judicial Service Commission.

    If Governor Fubara fails to adhere to the directive of the House of Assembly, he risks laying the foundation for another crisis and a possible charge of gross misconduct, which is a ground for impeachment. On the other hand, if he adheres to the directive and proceeds to direct the affected appointees to resign, he may open himself up to a future confrontation with the Assembly, which may refuse to confirm the new appointees.

    This scenario is reminiscent of what happened in the Old Kaduna State in 1979, where Governor Balarabe Musa’s list of commissioners was rejected by the House of Assembly ten times. Governor Musa was compelled to run the State for nearly two years without the State Executive Council, and later, the Kaduna State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against him.

    In light of this, it is imperative that Governor Fubara extends an olive branch to his antagonists to avoid a similar scenario in Rivers State.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

  • Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (3), Cross River North Senatorial District

    Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (3), Cross River North Senatorial District

    Today is the turn of the Cross River North Senatorial district projects budgeted for in the 2025 appropriation law. The Senatorial District is represented by Senator Jarigbe Agom (leader of the unconquered generation.)

    1.ERGP2026697
    SUPPLY OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS IN YALA, OGOJA, OBUDU, BEKWARRA AND OBANLIKU LGAS, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    2.ERGP20259546
    SUPPLY OF MOTORCYCLES TO YOUTHS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N120,000,000

    3.ERGP20260030
    VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN WITH GRANTS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N100,000,000

    4.ERGP20260419
    RURAL ELECTRIFICATION OF NKUM IREDE COMMUNITY, OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: 300,000,000

    5.ERGP20260420
    CONSTRUCTION OF RECREATION CENTER IN OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N500,000,000

    6.ERGP20260421
    SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF TRANSFORMERS TO COMMUNITIES IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N300,000,000

    7.ERGP20260422
    RURAL ELECTRIFICATION OF BEKWARRA LGA IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N500,000,000

    8.ERGP20261156
    SUPPLY OF LABORATORY EQUIPMENT TO GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL UKENDE, IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N100,000,000

    9.ERGP20261157
    CONSTRUCTION OF CLASSROOM BLOCKS AND FURNISHING IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADAGOM AND UKENDE COMMUNITIES, IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT
    Cost: N150,000,000

    10.ERGP20261370
    CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREETLIGHTS IN IGODOR, OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: 30,000,000

    11.ERGP20262746
    CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN IPONG, UKWEL-UGBUDU, ANGIABA-BEGIAKA, BETUKWEL, OTUGWANG ALEGEE, UKPE, BEBUABONG, NGORKPU AND UKPE COMMUNITIES IN OBUDU LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: 500,000,000.00

    12.ERGP20262747
    BUILDING OF TOWN HALL WITH SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE AND STREET LIGHTS IN BETUKWEL COMMUNITY, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    13.ERGP20262754
    AGRICULTUE, TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN WITH GRINDING MACHINES IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N400,000,000

    14.ERGP20262760
    CONSTRUCTION OF RING ROAD IN EGBE, OGOJA LGA, IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N250,000,000

    15.ERGP20262761
    CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREETLIGHTS IN BRIGADIER ALLY BARRACKS, OGOJA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N200,000,000

    16.ERGP20262763
    TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN WITH SEWING MACHINES, FABRICS AND GRANTS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N350,000,000

    17.ERGP20262758
    CONSTRUCTION OF RECREATION CENTER IN IBIL COMMUNITY IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT.

    Cost: N500,000,000

    18.ERGP20262755
    CONSTRUCTION OF UKELE ROAD IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    19.ERGP20262757
    CONSTRUCTION OF ALIFORKPA ROAD IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    20.ERGP20262759
    CONSTRUCTION OF CIVIC CENTRE IN WANOKOM IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    21.ERGP20262762
    CONSTRUCTION OF POLICE POST IN BUFFER AREA OF IGBEKURIKOR AND UGAGA, YALA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N100,000,000

    22.ERGP20263628
    CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN OBUDU, BEKWARRA, OBANLIKU, OGOJA AND YALA LGAs, IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N200,000,000

    23.ERGP20259788
    TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF YOUNG GRADUATES ON INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N100,000,000

    24.ERGP202502658
    CONSTRUCTION OF IBIL ROAD, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N425,000,000

    25.ERGP20262748
    CONSTRUCTION OF IGWO ROAD, OBUDU, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    26.ERGP20262749
    CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLES IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL

    Cost: 500,000,000

    27.ERGP20262750
    SUPPLY OF TRICYCLES TO FARMERS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    28.ERGP20262751
    EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTH WITH CNG VEHICLES FOR MASS TRANSIT IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    29.ERGP20262752
    SUPPLY AND EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTH WITH TILLERS FOR MECHANIZED FARMING IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N250,000,000

    30.ERGP20262756
    CONSTRUCTION OF GLADO SCHOOL ROAD, OKUKU- YALA LGA CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    31.ERGP20260423
    CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS (LOT 1-10) IN BEKWARRA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N200,000,000

    32.ERGP202503425
    PROVISION AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWERED LIGHTS AT ABAKPA-JOSEDDY STREET OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N10,000,000

    33.ERGP20259861
    CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN IDUM-EKUMTAK, MBUBE OGOJA LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N150,000,000

    34.ERGP20259855
    SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ICT EQUIPMENT IN FCE OBUDU LGA, CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: 30,000,000

    35.ERGP20259911
    SUPPLY OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING OF HEALTH WORKERS ON CLINICAL GOVERNANCE IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N30,000,000

    36.ERGP20229342
    PROVISION AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWERED STREETLIGHTS IN CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N16,500,000

    37.CONSTRUCTION OF BOREHOLES IN SELECTED LOCATIONS IN CROSS RIVER NORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N200,000,000

    38.SUPPLY OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO HEALTH FACILITIES IN THE FIVE LGAs OF CROSS RIVER NORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT.

    Cost: N500,000,000

    39.PROVISION OF AGRICULTURAL AND GARDENING EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING OF YOUTHS IN AGRICULTURE AND GARDENING IN THE FIVE LGAS OF CROSS RIVER NORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT

    Cost: N500,000,000

    This comes to a total of 39 projects, amounting to N12,011,500,000 (Twelve billion, eleven million, five hundred thousand Naira.)

    Kindly note that these projects do not include the ones budgeted separately in the SDGs and NDDC appropriations; and those that may come up in the supplementary budget. This is applicable to all members of the NASS. Both those I have written their projects and the ones I will still write.

    Go ye and hold your Senator accountable. Monitor and make sure these projects are executed.

    I am now done with the Northern Senatorial district, which is the smallest. Next is the Central Senatorial District. I will start with Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, represented by Honorable Victor Abang (aka Mature).

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Re: Know Your Constituency Projects in 2025 Budget BY INYALI PETER 

    Re: Know Your Constituency Projects in 2025 Budget BY INYALI PETER 

    I commend Citizen Agba Jalingo for his unrelenting efforts in ensuring that our National Assembly members are accountable to the people whose mandates they hold on trust. By highlighting projects facilitated into the budget by them, he is not only equipping the people with more information on the activities of their representatives but also promoting the efforts of lawmakers.

    However, we must also sensitize our citizens to know that appearance of projects in the budget does not translate to funding of the project. This is important to avoid a situation where we’ll begin to harass our lawmakers for projects that the executive arm is yet to fund. The legislative arm only has appropriation power and not the authority to fund/execute projects.

    Currently, Nigeria is unusually running more than one budget. The 2024 budget is now running concurrently with the 2025 budget even though so many projects there are yet to be funded. Even though we expect that the Nass members who nominated these projects will follow up and lobby relevant authorities to ensure contracts are awarded and funded, people should be educated on where their power end.

    Also, some privileged Cross Riverians who are working in offices where they can make case for the funding of these items should help. The Nass members definitely need the support of everybody to ensure that their vision for these projects are actualized.

    I commend Honourable Peter Akpanke and Godwin Offiono for the overwhelming number of projects they’ve facilitated into the budget for their respective constituencies. As first timers and opposition lawmakers, this is a huge statement of intent. I encourage them to take their efforts further by lobbying to ensure that the projects are funded and executed.

    Once again, bravo Citizen Agba!

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

  • Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (2) Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency BY AGBA JALINGO

    Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (2) Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Today, I move on to Ogoja Yala federal constituency projects budgeted for in the 2025 appropriate law. The Federal Constituency is ably represented by Honorable Godwin Offiono (Goffio).

    1.ERGP20256884
    SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT FOR SELECTED FARMERS AT OGOJA AND YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N100,000,000

    2.ERGP20256885
    CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF MOTORIZED BOREHOLES AT SOME SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF OGOJA AND YALA LGA’S IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N100,000,000

    3.ERGP20256886
    MEDICAL OUTREACH TO HEALTH CHALLENGED CONSTITUENTS OF OGOJA AND YALA LGA’S IN OGOJA/ YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N100,000,000

    4.ERGP20257636
    ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICAL RESEARCH FARMS AND GRADING OF ADJOINING ACCESS ROADS AT OKUKU WARD IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N150,000,000

    5.ERGP20253935
    TRAINING AND SCHOLARSHIP GRANT TO STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N50,000,000

    6.ERGP20256880
    CONSTRUCTION OF 1.2KM FEEDER ROAD, AT OKUKU WARD, YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N300,000,000

    7.ERGP20256881
    CONSTRUCTION OF CLASSROOMS BLOCKS AND PROVISION OF FURNITURE AT SCHOOLS IN YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N200,000,000

    8.ERGP20256882
    CONSTRUCTION OF CLASSROOMS BLOCKS AND PROVISION OF FURNITURE AT SCHOOLS IN OGOJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N100,000,000

    9.ERGP20256883
    SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWERED STREET LIGHTS AT SOME SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF OGOJA AND YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER

    Cost: N100,000,000

    10.ERGP20257637
    SUPPLY OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS AND TRAINING ON MAINTENANCE OF SOLAR INSTALLATION, IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N50,000,000

    11.ERGP20257638
    TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF YOUNG GRADUATES ON RENEWABLE ENERGY INSTALLATION IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N50,000,000

    12.ERGP20258081
    INSTALLATION OF SOLAR POWERED BOREHOLE IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: 40,000,000

    13.ERGP20258448
    FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N50,000,000

    14.ERGP20223665
    EROSION CONTROL WORKS IN SELECTED LOCATIONS IN OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N40,000,000

    15.ERGP20263202
    CONSTRUCTION OF CULVERT IN IKURINU COMMUNITY (ECHUMOGA) YALA LGA, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N20,000,000

    This is a total of 15 projects amounting to N1,450,000,000 (One billion four hundred and fifty million Naira.)

    Now you know what to look out for.

    Next will be Cross River North Senatorial District projects.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Reining In The Powers of Governors: The Rivers State Example BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Reining In The Powers of Governors: The Rivers State Example BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria made several damning findings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in its two judgments delivered on February 28, 2025. These rulings arose from the prolonged political crisis that has engulfed the state since 2023. According to the Supreme Court, Governor Fubara presented a budget to only four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which they passed, and he subsequently signed into law.

    The Supreme Court condemned the Governor’s actions, stating that he behaved like a dictator, showing no respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and principles of good governance. Furthermore, the Court held that Governor Fubara’s actions were those of a lawless individual, unbecoming of the office he holds, particularly given his order to demolish the buildings housing the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    The Supreme Court also found that Governor Fubara breached the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( 1999) (as amended), which he swore to protect, preserve, and defend. Additionally, the Court held that Governor Fubara prevented the Rivers State House of Assembly from convening to perform its constitutionally assigned role. The Supreme Court lamented that, effectively, there was no functioning government in Rivers State.

    Some pundits believe that Governor Fubara may face impeachment proceedings due to the Supreme Court’s findings, which constitute gross misconduct under the Constitution.

    Gross misconduct refers to a grave violation or breach of the Constitution or a misconduct that the House of Assembly considers serious enough to warrant removal from office. According to Section 188(11) of the Constitution, gross misconduct is subjective and determined exclusively by the House of Assembly.

    The procedure for removing a governor from office due to gross misconduct is outlined in Section 188(1-10) of the Constitution. Here’s a breakdown:

    Step 1: Notice of Allegation: A written notice signed by at least one-third of the House of Assembly members, stating the Governor’s gross misconduct.
    Step 2: Investigation: The House of Assembly resolves to investigate the allegation, requiring a two-thirds majority vote.
    Step 3: Panel Appointment: The Chief Judge appoints a seven-person panel to investigate the allegation.
    Step 4: Defense and Findings: The Governor defends themselves, and the panel reports its findings to the House of Assembly.
    Step 5: Removal: If the panel’s report is adopted by a two-thirds majority vote, the Governor is removed from office.

    It’s essential to note that the House of Assembly has the exclusive power to determine what constitutes gross misconduct, making it a subjective decision.

    The case of Governor Fubara may be a litmus test to curb the magisterial and unconstitutional manner in which governors in the country have been exercising their powers, incurring the wrath of Nigerians. It is left for the Rivers State House of Assembly to decide the best course of action to take against the Governor, whose relationship with the majority of the members has been greatly strained.
    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

  • Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (1)… Obanlikwu/Bekwarra/Obudu OBO, Federal Constituency BY AGBA JALINGO

    Know Your Constituency Projects In The 2025 Budget (1)… Obanlikwu/Bekwarra/Obudu OBO, Federal Constituency BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    The 2025 budget has been passed and signed into law. And as I promised, I will be extracting and serializing all the constituency projects of all the 8 members of the House of Representatives and all the three Senators from Cross River State.

    Today, I begin with the constituency projects budget for my own Federal Constituency, Obudu/Obanlikwu/Bekwarra OBO, represented by Honorable Peter Akpanke (DeRock).

    1.ERGP20256877
    CONSTRUCTION OF UTUGWANG MAIN MARKET ROAD IN OBUDU LGA OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

    Cost: N300,000,000.00

    2.ERGP20258136
    FURNISHING OF BLOCKS OF CLASSROOM ACROSS HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

    Cost: N25,000,000.00

    3.ERGP28222884
    CONSTRUCTION OF WATER SCHEME AT NO 3 HOSPITAL LANE UPEL-WAGA COMMUNITY, OPPOSITE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OBUDU LGA, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N20,000,000.00

    4.ERGP20263600
    CONSTRUCTION OF THE OKAMBI-IGWO RING ROADS IN OBUDU, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N500,000,000.00

    5.ERGP12231988
    REHABILITATION OF IKOM-WULA-OBUDU ROAD PHASE II IN CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N100,000,000.00

    6.ERGP20263447
    SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREET LIGHTS IN BEGANG AND IBIARAGIDI COMMUNITIES OF OBUDU/OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N50,000,000.00

    7.ERGP20256878
    RURAL ELECTRIFICATION OF SELECTED COMMUNITIES WITH SOLAR POWER STREET LIGHTS IN OBUDU, BEKWARRA AND OBANLIKWU LGA’S OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N200,000,000.00

    8.ERGP20256877
    CONSTRUCTION OF UTUGWANG MAIN MARKET ROAD IN OBUDU LGA OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY.

    Cost: N300,000,000.00

    9.ERGP20256876
    CONSTRUCTION OF ATULUM ROAD IN BEKWARRA LGA OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N300,000,000.00

    10.ERGP20256675
    CONSTRUCTION OF KAFA BRIDGE IN BISHIRI OBANLIKU LGA OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N100,000,000.00

    11.ERGP20256879
    SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS TO FARMERS IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN OBUDU, BEKWARRA AND OBANLIKWU LGAS OF HPA OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/ OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE.

    Cost: N100,000,000.00

    12.ERGP20254223
    VOCATIONAL TRAINING OF UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS AND WOMEN IN OBANLIKWU/BEKWARRA/OBUDU

    Cost: N20,000,000.00

    13.ERGP20253936
    MEDICAL OUTREACH FOR WIDOWS AND VULNERABLES IN OBUDU/BEKWARRA/OBANLIKWU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N50,000,000.00

    14.ERGP5223868
    NEEDS ASSESSMENT, DEVELOPMENT OF PROTOCOLS AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DISEASE FREE ZONES AND COMPARTMENTS FOR EXPORTS OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY (CATTLE- MAMIBILLA PLATEAU IN TARABA STATE, OBUDU CATTLE RANCH IN CROSS RIVER STATE AND SHEEP AND GOAT-JIGAWA, POULTRY-OGUN STATE

    Cost: N92,500,000.00

    15.ERGP20263202
    TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTHS IN OBANLIKWU/OBUDU/BEKWARRA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

    Cost: N100,000,000.00

    16.ERGP20263196
    SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENTS AND FARM PRODUCE TO FARMERS AND WOMEN IN OBANLIKWU/ BEKWARRA/ OBUDU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY PAA CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N150,000,000.00

    17.ERGP20258869
    SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREETLIGHTS IN OBUDU/BEKWARRA/OBANLIKWU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY OF CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cost: N40,000,000.00

    This makes a total of 17 projects amounting to N2,447,500,000 (Two Billion four hundred and forty seven million, five hundred thousand Naira.)

    Excluding the N87,600,000 Mini stadium in Keting village which is supposed to have been completed by now, having been included in last year’s budget.

    Next will be Ogoja/Yala federal Constituency.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Governor Otu Eulogizes Late Abubakar Ewa, Attends Funeral Ceremony

    Governor Otu Eulogizes Late Abubakar Ewa, Attends Funeral Ceremony

     

    The remains of the late Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. (Chief) Abubakar Robert Ewa, were on Saturday committed to mother earth in his hometown of Wula, Boki Local Government Area.

    During the Funeral Mass held at the deceased’s compound in Wula and officiated by St. John the Baptist Parish, Governor Bassey Otu paid tribute to the late commissioner, describing him as a dedicated public servant who served with distinction as a member of the Cross River State Executive Council.

    Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Ph.D., Governor Otu recalled Ewa’s invaluable contributions to the development and promotion of the state’s cultural and tourism sectors, as well as his unwavering commitment to the progress of Cross River State.

    “As a former Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his people, earning their admiration and respect. He was a dutiful, easy-going, and fine gentleman whose kindness, leadership, and devotion to public service will not be forgotten,” the Governor remarked.

    Governor Otu expressed deep regret over the loss, noting that Ewa’s passing is not only a loss to his family but also to Cross River State and the Boki nation. He urged the family to take pride in the late commissioner’s remarkable achievements and to continue upholding the legacy of excellence he established. The Governor also assured the family of the government’s continued support during this difficult time.

    In his condolence message, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, described the late Ewa as a unifier, bridge-builder, and a friend to all.

    Similarly, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chairman of the College of Commissioners, Chief Victor Felix Idem, expressed profound grief on behalf of his colleagues, noting the void left in the State Executive Council. He remembered Ewa as a kindhearted, hardworking, and dependable colleague.

    The State Chairman of the All Progressives Party (APC), Alphonsus Eba, Esq., reflected on Ewa’s life, urging the family to find solace in his numerous accomplishments and the widespread friendships he enjoyed across ethnic and religious divide.

    Earlier in his homily, Rev. Fr. Ukwa Emmanuel Wonah encouraged people to emulate the late commissioner’s exemplary life, which was characterized by love, dedication to the welfare of his people, and a strong sense of responsibility.

    The funeral was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in the tourism sector. Among the dignitaries present were Senator Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, House of Representatives member for Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Abang, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, and Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the UNICROSS Governing Council.

    Other included members of the State House of Assembly, local government council chairmen, State Executive Council members, former House of Representatives member Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, former Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr. Martins Orim, Chief Peter Ojie, and State Executive Committee members of the APC, among others.

    Fred Abua, Esq
    Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor

  • This particular judgement of the Supreme Court does not require any analysis or analyst, it was in plain simple English BY MAGNUS ABE

    This particular judgement of the Supreme Court does not require any analysis or analyst, it was in plain simple English BY MAGNUS ABE

    This particular judgement of the Supreme Court does not require any analysis or analyst, it was in plain simple English;

    There can be no further litigation on the status of the Rivers State House of Assembly in any court in Nigeria.

    The issue of defection of the lawmakers was carefully considered by the Supreme Court and the court stated clearly that that argument will not even be considered by the court because by the date of the said defection, Governor Fubara was already acting in violation of the constitution and in contempt of the lawful order of a court of competent jurisdiction by his own admission.

    The Supreme Court was equally clear, not only is the CBN and the Accountant General of the Federation prohibited from releasing money to the state, but that the state government itself is prohibited from spending and making expenditures without a budget duly passed by the Amaewhule led assembly, which is to begin seating immediately and unhindered. The legal road has come to an expected end. The issue is over, finito, finished.

    I had advised earlier that the Governor should negotiate while there is still time, it may appear that window for negotiation is now very narrow, but it may not be completely closed;

    The Minister of the FCT already hinted at this when he said that he will not advise the house to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor. That is a narrow window but too much analysis may close it.

    It is time for wisdom to prevail, not empty grandstanding.

    One thing is now settled in Rivers State: OCJ Okocha Esq., SAN, is a proven legal luminary!

    © Sen Magnus Abe

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

  • Senate Holds Public Hearing on Sen Jarigbe Agom’s Federal Medical Centre Ogoja Establishment Bill 2023

    Senate Holds Public Hearing on Sen Jarigbe Agom’s Federal Medical Centre Ogoja Establishment Bill 2023

     

    The Nigerian Senate’s Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) conducted a public hearing on Senator Jarigbe Agom’s Federal Medical Centre Ogoja Establishment Bill 2023 (SB 142) at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

    The bill, which has undergone first and second readings at plenary sessions, was referred to the Senate Committee on Health for further public hearing and legislative actions.

    Senator Jarigbe emphasized that the bill aims to establish quality healthcare services by developing necessary infrastructure, ensuring effective, efficient, and affordable healthcare delivery, and implementing a monitoring and evaluation mechanism.

    He added that the proposed medical center is expected to be affiliated with a medical school and academic medical center, providing opportunities for youth to gain professional experience.

    The bill is anticipated to undergo a third reading at plenary and, upon passage, will be forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Stampede: No Life was Lost, says UNICAL VC

    Stampede: No Life was Lost, says UNICAL VC

    Following the recent stampede that occurred on Tuesday 25th February, 2025 involving students who were scheduled to write examination in the Department of Chemistry, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has confirmed that contrary to the information in circulation by some news merchants, claiming that two students: ‘a male and a female’ involved in the sad incident died, no student was actually dead.

    The VC made the clarification while responding to concerns raised regarding the incident.

    “Yes, we confirm that the was a stampede when some of our students were scheduled to write CHM 101 in the Department of Chemistry which is a general course for most students in sciences”.

    “This sad and avoidable incident happened when those scheduled to write in the morning were unable to turned up for their examination and thereafter started struggling their ways with those scheduled for afternoon. Officials on ground struggled to manage the situation, but the students were obviously unruly, but none of them lost their lives either in the process or in the hospital. I visited those who were rushed to our medical center and I’ve been following up with every process and all of them have been discharged”, she added.

    On the information making the round on different platforms that two of the students involved were already dead. The VC dismissed the information, adding that it is a handiwork of mischief makers and fake news purveyors while urging the public to disregard such information and contact only the relevant information unit of the university.

    Earlier, the Head of Department, Pure and Applied Chemistry, Prof. Grace Iniama stated that the course is taking by 49 departments and more than 7,000 students registered for it.

    “Everything was going smoothly until it started raining. The examination was scheduled for 8:00am to 6:00Pm. The students who were already writing were unable to come out of the hall and those outside started struggling to enter the hall without following the time they were scheduled for the exam”.

    “This was the reason we employed CBT method which affords students a seamless opportunity to enter the examination hall and write at their scheduled time and leave, but the students became unruly and beyond the control of the officials on ground to handle. Some of them eventually sustained bruises because of the continued pushed and fall, but I thank God for the timely arrival of the university ambulance which conveyed them immediately to the medical facilities”, she said.

    When contacted, the Director of the institution’s Medical Center, Dr. Etta Williams, said he got a call from the VC asking for an immediate dispatch of ambulance to convey the victims to the facility which he did and the students have been discharged from their facilities.

    Dr. Etta however added that it is laughable to read from different social media handles that two of the victims died in their facilities.

    “It is not true that two victims of the stampede in UNICAL died. It is even more laughable that it has been reported by some individuals and organizations without any finding. There’s no atom of truth in the news. We intervened immediately and conveyed them to our facilities. Some walked in here by themselves. Some had impending medical conditions which was prompted by the crowd”.

    “One was an epileptic patient; two were referred to Unical Teaching Hospital for X-ray but have been discharged. Most of them got stabilized that day and were discharged, but those with impending medical conditions were kept behind for further examination and have been discharged”, he added.