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  • Jarigbe Agom Facilitates The Construction Of Mbube East Road Linking Utugwang

    Jarigbe Agom Facilitates The Construction Of Mbube East Road Linking Utugwang

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has fsciltated the construction of Mbube East Road.

    The Mbube East road, in Ogoja Local Government Area links Utugwang in Obudu Local Government Area.

    The construction firm handling the Mbube East road has commenced laying of asphalt on sections of the road.

    On completion, the road will boost the economic fortunes of residents within and around Ogoja and Obudu Local Government Areas of the Senatorial District.

    Residents of the benefitting communities are full of appreciation to Senator Jarigbe for bringing the project to bear. They prayed for God’s continuous guidance and protection as the lawmaker begins another journey of the 10th National Assembly.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • The Ministry Of Giving: For Christians, Giving Goes Far Beyond The Letting Go Of Possessions; We Give Our Hearts Too BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    The Ministry Of Giving: For Christians, Giving Goes Far Beyond The Letting Go Of Possessions; We Give Our Hearts Too BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    THE MINISTRY OF GIVING

    For Christians, giving goes far beyond the letting go of possessions; we give our hearts too. Christian giving is both a spiritual gift and a discipline of discipleship to our Lord Jesus Christ. It becomes yet more rewarding when the purpose of giving is geared towards the evangelization of the kingdom of God amongst men. Christ’s words in Matthew 25:40 hits home: “whatever you did to one of these least brothers of mine, you did it to me. So do not grudge when you are asked to donate for any project in the church. It is an exercise in the ministry of giving.

    Most people fear that giving of their prized possessions such as money, food, or other material things would deplete them of their resources. Others feel they have too little or even nothing to give. The good news is that everyone has something to offer, no matter how little for God did not create anyone empty. Do not feel bad when you give little in comparison to others, God looks at the heart of a cheerful giver not the size. Remember the widows mite and moreover, giving is not just about letting go of one’s treasured possessions; it is letting go of our heart ♥️ too.

    Most people only give when they have a strong assurance of recompense. They only give when they are sure they will be rewarded either by being praised or something given to them in return. This makes it nearly impossible to give the needy who have very little to pay back what they are given. Do not excel in giving, only when your donation is made public. Remember what Jesus said about not seeking to publicize our good deeds, for we have already had our reward. The good news for Christians is that our giving is an investment that cannot be destroyed, for the more we give to the work of God, the more blessed we are.

    We are told in 1 Corinthians 9:6-11 that; if we have given unto spiritual things, we shall reap of God’s kingdom. Christian giving is a management of God’s resources. The first thing we must know is that the money that is ours to manage is not ours, but God’s. Yes, we have been given it to use, but it remains His. We have it as a loan and in due course, we must give account to him of what we have done with it. Paul affirms this when he says that if we cannot see things differently as Christians, then we have not begun to live the Christian life (cf. Romans 6:3-4.8-11)

    Where would you rather want to be a partner if not in the service of God? Many complain when asked to donate in churches for any cause. They equate their giving to a human enterprise thinking they are giving to human beings instead of God. The ministry of giving has many goals; spreading the gospel, sustaining the church, providing care for distressed individuals (as the rich woman in the first reading) or providing for church workers who use such gifts to enhance their apostolate and more. The ministry of giving in all its forms aims to advance the kingdom of God. “Whoever gives to these little ones shall not lose his reward”(Matt. 10:42).

  • CSOs Calls On CRS Police To Arrest And Prosecute Killers Of Mrs Martina Okey Itagbor

    CSOs Calls On CRS Police To Arrest And Prosecute Killers Of Mrs Martina Okey Itagbor

    Press Release:

    THE CROSS RIVER STATE POLICE COMMAND AND A CALL FOR JUSTICE FOR MR. MARTINA OKEY ITAGBOR ON HER MURDERERS.

    30th June, 2023

    We the undersigned organisations are calling on the Cross River State Police Command and the Resident Police Commissioner to swing into action to have the gang of murderers (led by Christopher Sunday) arrested and prosecuted who took the life of Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor after chopping her fingers off and burning her to death in Old Netim, Akamkpa Local Government Area, after using the pretext of accusing her of being a witch.

    Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor needs not be executed extrajudicially by misguided bloodthirsty murderers without her soul getting justice from the State.

    The Nigerian Police must realize that this is one extrajudicial killing too many, and this primitive and unacceptable murder keep occuring in the State because those who killed innocent women, who they don’t like their faces in their local community went scot-free without any repercussions due to the visible refusal of the Cross River State Police Command to arrest, prosecute and ensure that those who take the lives of others get to face the full wrath of the law.

    For this reason with intention to prevent senseless and reprehensible killings in the future, we the organisations who are signatories to this press statement wish to call on the Nigerian Police Force to see that justice is served as we condemn the murder of Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor in the strongest terms.

    The Cross River State Police Command must deem it necessary to rise to the occasion to preempt further killings of old women who are defenceless in the face of hostility from unexpected quarters by ensuring that the murderers of Mrs. Martina Okey Itagbor face the law and account for their brutal killing of Mrs. Martina_

    Let it be in public registry, that it is the statutory responsibilities of the State and its Police Force to see that this primitive killing is brought to an end and the older and defenseless female population get protected from summary torture, humiliation and killings.

    Signed

    1. Citizens’ Solution Network

    2. Agba Jalingo Foundation for Investigative and Accountability Journalism.

    3. Association of Cross River Online Journalists ACROJ

     

     

    CC:

    His Excellency,
    The Governor of Cross River State,
    Nigeria.

  • Court Acquits Lady Charged With Assault On Police

    Court Acquits Lady Charged With Assault On Police

    Lagos court acquits woman charged with assault on police

    Culled From Punch

    A 33-year-old woman, Olufumilayo Eriolowa, who was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly assaulting a police officer, Olufowobi Nureni, at the Ogombo area of Lagos State, has been freed of all the charges.

    Eriolowa, who had been remanded in custody since May 17, 2023, was freed by Magistrate M. O. Alao of the Magistrates’ Court in Eti-Osa, Lagos, after the case was struck out.

    The PUNCH had reported that the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a post on Twitter, revealed that was remanded for allegedly assaulting a policeman in the state.

    The post read, “Somewhere in Ogombo yesterday, she assaulted a police officer. She was arraigned today and has been remanded to the Kirikiri correctional facility till June 6 when the case comes up again in court.”

    Earlier, the hair stylist was arraigned before Magistrate M. O. Alao on two counts bordering on assault and resisting arrest at the Magistrate Court of Lagos, Eti-Osa.

    The police prosecutor, Jacob Samuel, during her arraignment, prayed to the court to remand the defendant in police custody.

    Granting the request, Alao ordered that Eriolowa be remanded for 21 days in police custody pending the completion of the police investigation.

    The charges read in part, “That you, Olufumilayo Erioluwa, on May 14, 2023, around 9pm, at Ajah, Eti-Osa, in the Lagos Magistrate District, did commit a felony with a serious assault on one Olufowobi Nureni, an Inspector and hereby commit an offence under Section 174 Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    “That you, Olufumilayo Erioluwa, on the same date, time and place, in the aforementioned Magisterial District, assaulted, resisted, obstructed and unlawfully prevented one Olufowobi Nureni, an Inspector attach to the Ogombo Divisional Headquarters, in the course of executing his lawful and official duty and thereby committed an offence punishable Under Section 174 (b) (c) and (e) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.”

    Eriolowa, however, pleaded not guilty to the accusations and the case was adjourned till June 6, 2023.

    Meanwhile, a rights activist, Inibehe Effiong and his team took over Eriolowa’s case.

    According to Effiong, the police could not produce a witness, and the complainant in court, adding that the Kirikiri Correctional Center did not also produce Eriolowa in court.

    He said, “On June 6 when the case came up a second time, my team and I were able to secure bail for her. She was admitted to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.”

    Effiong explained that they were working on perfecting her bail terms when the case was struck out.

    He said, “The complainant, Olufowobi Nureni, who claimed he was assaulted, did not show up in court for all the times the case was in court. The Kirikiri Correctional Centre did not also produce her in court, and the case was adjourned a third time till June 27, 2023.

    “We had however taken steps to perfect the bail before the charge was struck out. The police could not provide any evidence, witness, or complainant in court and so we pleaded that the case be struck out and the Magistrate saw reason with us and did the right thing according to the law. She is freed and discharged and the charges against her have been struck out on June 27, 2023.”

    Source: Punch Newspapers.

  • Gov Otu Calls On Citizens, CSOs To Report Irregular Appointments And Promotions

    Gov Otu Calls On Citizens, CSOs To Report Irregular Appointments And Promotions

    The Cross River State governor, Sen Bassey Edet Otu has enjoined citizens and Civil Society Organizations (CSO) to report complaints on irregular appointments and promotions in the State.

    This was contained in a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche, dated June 29, 2023, the public, particularly personnel and establishments who have issues bordering on irregular appointments and promotions, are requested to submit their written complaints to the committee set up.

    Governor Otu said such complaints are to be forwarded to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Conflict Resolution Department in the Governor’s Office, Calabar.

    The release reads: “Following the constitution of a committee for the revalidation of appointments/promotions and other sundry matters in the Cross State Civil/Public Service by the Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, the public, particularly personnel and establishments who have issues bordering on irregular appointments and promotions, are requested to submit their written complaints to the committee.

    “Such complaints or information are to be forwarded to the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Conflict Resolution Department, top floor of the Governor’s Office, Calabar.

    “Also, electronic messages should be forwarded to this email: [email protected]

    “All representations on the subject matter should be submitted on or before Tuesday, July 4, 2023.”

  • Support Groups Celebrates Gov Bassey Otu, Deputy

    Support Groups Celebrates Gov Bassey Otu, Deputy

    APC Support Groups in Cross River State have held a victory celebration in honor of the Governor of the State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, following the recent resounding election victory in March.

    Speaking at the event which held at the Dome in the Calabar Municipal Council Premises, the Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey thanked the support groups for their resilience stating that although the candidates in the election could not be in every street and every village, the support groups were everywhere to secure victory at the grassroots. He pledged that the supporters will never regret their support of this mandate as the people-first agenda will surely be fulfilled, assuring them of his track record as a people-oriented leader from his time as Member of House of Representatives, Senator and now Governor.

    The Governor assured the supporters that this was indeed the beginning of the season of sweetness because in this era, no one will be left behind, instead the hard work of supporters will be rewarded as exemplified by the few well-considered appointments that have already been made.

    In his opening remark, the Chairman of the occasion, High Chief, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, appreciated the organizing committee and recognized the physically challenged and all those who had taken great risks for what they believed in. He said the celebration was a sign of victory amongst the major APC Support Groups in the State. He encouraged all to stand firm for what they believe in because hitting the ground running might often involve being dropped into muddy ground which will take time to get moving. He assured the audience that their expectations from the government will come to pass given the pedigree of the Governor.

    Prof. Etim Nyong said the efforts of the various support groups at the grassroots levels expanded the victory of the party and that though every individual might not benefit directly, the various communities will all benefit. Speaking, further, Prof. Nyong said the state hand moved from the era of food on the table to that of product on the table. Concluding, he warned that in 2027, the APC will not be preaching ‘Back to South’ as it would be expected that we should leverage on this 4-year opportunity we now have.

    Dr. Bassey Ekpenyong, who delivered the keynote address at the event suggested that for the new administration to achieve its set objectives, certain features of good governance must be considered. Expressing confidence in Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu who had long distinguished himself through his contributions to charity and humanitarian efforts, Dr. Ekpenyong said the Governor Ben Ayade government had provided an industrial drive which would be the foundation for the Senator Bassey Otu government to build on.

    Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government thanked the support groups and praised the character of the Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu.

    Highlights of the event included musical perfomances, cutting of cake, unveiling of the victory gift and goodwill messages by supporters.

  • Two Pillars: A Lot Of Good Can Be Achieved If Leaders Work Together To Build Up Community, The Church And Society In Spite Of The Differences BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    Two Pillars: A Lot Of Good Can Be Achieved If Leaders Work Together To Build Up Community, The Church And Society In Spite Of The Differences BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    TWO PILLARS

    Two people (Pillars) with totally different upbringing and character patterns. One a cradle Christian with official authority and power of the keys to bind and loose (Matt. 16:19). The other a convert and former persecutor of the church turned apostle of pagans (Acts 22: 3-16). Both died a martyr’s death and today are revered as the two main pillars of the church.

    Why are they remembered together? Because both combined their efforts to lead the early church irrespective of their differences. No one put down the other. Both put aside any fear or suspicion of each other to champion the cause of leading the early church to maturity.

    A lot of good can be achieved if leaders work together to build up community, the church and society in spite of their differences. The problem is often that we see differences more than similarities in one another and so don’t make much progress.

    Today, whole communities have launched themselves into irrepressible blunders because of bad leadership that arose first and foremost from the inability of leaders to see themselves as brothers in the struggle.

    Why do you castigate your colleague who can contribute to the system because in your mind he does not belong to the inner class, he does not possess the mandate like you do, he was not there from the beginning when you formed the party. You are afraid your colleague will wield so much power if you let him in and so you are ready to malign him so only you will appear relevant. You are very well misled because your own time will soon expire. If Peter and Paul feared each other that much they would not been the pillars we are celebrating today.

    The greatest problem and most dominant emotion of leaders today is fear. Fear has a tendency to imprison us. Fear stops most people from doing something incredible with their lives than lack of ability, contacts, resources, or any other single variable. Fear paralyses the human spirit and because of fear, when talented leaders sometimes do emerge, we we make their paths almost impossible.

    For the Christian, part of your witness is never to allow yourself be suppressed by another or feel inferior no matter the intimidation to the extent that you withhold your proclamation of truth. Be a pillar wherever you find yourself, remember that “it is not flesh and blood that has revealed this to you but Your heavenly father ” (Matt 16:17).

  • Let’s Pray Hard For Governor Otu, If We Don’t, Then We May Have Moved From Frying Pan To Fire BY AGBA JALINGO

    Let’s Pray Hard For Governor Otu, If We Don’t, Then We May Have Moved From Frying Pan To Fire BY AGBA JALINGO

    Let’s Pray Hard For Governor Otu…

    If we don’t, then we may have moved from frying pan to fire.

    First, the Anti-Deforestation committee is populated by timber thieves who are emotionally blackmailing him with “na we work for your election.”

    Lease agreement for Cally Aircraft, signed with a company that has no business whatsoever with aviation.

    And now, the vehicle recovery task force is being emasculated. Out of 500 missing vehicles, they have recovered 49. Most of the appointees in the former government that are being trailed by the task force members are so angry and have resorted to seeking the former Governor’s intervention. And now they are again, emotionally blackmailing the new governor with his pending matter in the election petition tribunal.

    It’s like “You want to embarrass members of the last government right? Your government we worked hard to install? We will embarrass you at the tribunal and you will lose the seat.” That’s the drama playing out.

    So everyone the task force tracks a vehicle to now, they make calls and the new governor is like, “please let that one be for now.”

    Who wan lose governor seat?

    Several vehicles have been tracked to different locations across the State and even as far as Lagos. One was even recovered in Ikoyi, Lagos and seized with the help of operatives of the DSS. But phone calls to the Governor have made nonsense of all those commendable efforts.

    My people, it may well be said that the assignment of that task force may have shared premature grace, unless Governor Otu, can damn the subtle blackmails, fund the committee adequately, stop interfering to hamper their operations and give them a free hand to move on all those involved.

    God please, don’t let us enter another one chance.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Do Not Fear: What You Really Need Now Is The Fortitude To Carry On BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    Do Not Fear: What You Really Need Now Is The Fortitude To Carry On BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    DO NOT FEAR

    Some things in life instill fear in us: a bleak and unkown future, dwindling resources and increasing list of needs, those who are our backbone dissappearing and we feeling alone, everyone mocking us and friends deserting us, the list goes on. At times like this, we run helter skelter looking for protection, but what we really need is fortitude to carry on. Fortitude is not only needed when we loose a loved one, it is the strength of mind or character in times of adversity. It ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of virtue. In this odd world, we need to be strong and fearless or else we will lose it.

    Jeremiah was one such character imbued with fortitude. He was not afraid and was able to conquer the glaring obstacles he faced. He spoke the truth and his adversaries were after his life. His truth got him in trouble with the leading army officers who wanted him dead at all cost. But would God allow his innocent servant suffer humiliation? No! God intervened and Jeremiah won at the end because he did not give up in the face of trials (Jer. 38: 4-10 also read Jer. 20:10-13). At the end he was able to exclaim: “The Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed.”

    Like Jeremiah, Jesus pronounced the words “Do not fear” to his disciples several times in the scriptures to remind them that he cares for them and will defend them at every step of the way: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt.10:28). What Jesus means here is that we should not be scared of those who threaten our lives with demonic powers. You fear that if you go home your village people will end your life. You fear that if you terminate that occultic deal you got involved in, you will die. You fear that you must consult a soothsayer to fortify your life with charms for protection. Listen to this: no mortal being is capable of harming you who did not create you. What harms you is the fear in you. God assures you like he did to Jeremiah when he prayed “O Lord of hosts…, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause”

    The good news as says the book of Hebrews is that: we are not alone in the struggle. “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses… and so we must persevere in running the race that lies before us, while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12: 1-4). Fear is not your portion. Any Christian who still lives in fear or doubt of God’s divine protection over witches and wizards should listen again to the words of the Psalmist: “Sing to the LORD; praise the LORD! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hand of evildoers.” May you be truly delivered from all your fears and anxieties

  • Peter Akpanke Decries Poor State Of Ongoing Rehabilitation Of Ikom-Obudu Highway

    Peter Akpanke Decries Poor State Of Ongoing Rehabilitation Of Ikom-Obudu Highway

    The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke has described as unfortunate the poor state of work done on the Ikom-Obudu highway.

    The lawmaker made the remarks during an on the spot assessment of work done on highway as part of the activities for the three days need assessment/town hall meeting across the three Local Governments that made up the federal constituency.

    Speaking to journalists, Akpanke noted that “It is disgusting to see this kind of work being done. The work is abandoned. It is already raining season, commuters find it very difficult to ply the road. This road leads to my community.

    “I will ensure that the right thing is done. I will write to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, to feed me with details on the award of contract and also to find out the slow pace of work despite payment of funds to the contractors ”

    The contract was awarded to Leophina Works Limited, as at the time of filing this report, efforts to Leophina to comment on the state of work done was futile.