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  • C’River PDP To commence Gubernatorial Campaign With A Thanksgiving Mass At St Patrick’s Parish Ikot Ansa

    C’River PDP To commence Gubernatorial Campaign With A Thanksgiving Mass At St Patrick’s Parish Ikot Ansa

    The Cross State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party  PDP, is set to commence its Gubernatorial Campaign with a Thanksgiving Mass to be held at St. Patrick’s Parish Ikot Ansa, Calabar.

    In release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Director, Directorate of Media & Communications, Mr Ken Egbas indicates that the mass is slated for 10:00am on Sunday 15th January, 2023.

    The release further requested all supporters, party men and well wishers of the People’s Democratic Party to be join the thanksgiving mass as the party commits her activities to God.

     

  • Ukelle Nation Declares Support For PDP Candidates As Sen Jarigbe Agom Includes Its Road In The 2022 Supplementary Budget

    Ukelle Nation Declares Support For PDP Candidates As Sen Jarigbe Agom Includes Its Road In The 2022 Supplementary Budget

    The ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Cross River Northern Campaign train stormed Ukelle nation with the message of hope to build on the already established projects of Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe spread across the five local government areas comprising of 54 wards.

    During the tour, the Six(6) wards of Ukelle, Yala LGA of Cross River State, endorsed the candidacy of Prof Sandy Onor, Sen Jarigbe Agom, Barr Godwin Offiono and Dr Martins Achadu for the 2023 general elections.

    The Candidates, party leaders and stakeholders, visited Wanihem, Wanikade, Wanokom, Igede, Mfuma Ntrigom and Ijiraga wards as the Party continued its Ward-to-Ward Tour in Cross River North Senatorial District today.

    Sen. Jarigbe, while addressing supporters amidst cheers, restated his commitment towards the construction of the Ukelle road, beginning with the inclusion of the road in the 2022 Supplementary Budget worth N10.7 Billion.

    On their parts, Barr Godwin Offiono, the Party’s candidate for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency and Dr Martins Achadu, House of Assembly Candidate, took turns to share their visions with the people, assuring them of quality representation at the state and federal levels respectively.

    The Party Chairman in the State, Barr Vena Ikem, Chief Austin Edibe, Chief Peter Akpanke, Barr Paul Ebiala, Hon Mike Usibe, Comr Brown Odey, Hon Mom Olom, other party leaders in the Senatorial District were in attendance.

    CRN CAMPAIGN MEDIA

     

     

  • Citizens With Unique Abilities In Politics Vows To Mobilize Support For Sen Sandy Onor

    Citizens With Unique Abilities In Politics Vows To Mobilize Support For Sen Sandy Onor

     

    The leadership of Citizens with Unique abilities in politics in Cross River State has vowed to mobilize support for Sen. Sandy Onor in the forth coming gubernatorial election.

    The group made the disclosure when she paid a courtesy call at the Campaign office of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The group decried abandonment by the present administration as they reminisced on the good days of PDP administration in the State when the group was part of decision making processes to the extent they got elective offices.

    The leadership of the group pledged to mobilize their members across the state to ensure Sen Sandy Ojang Onor becomes Governor of Cross River State in order to bring back the glory days.

    The group was received by the Director General of the Cross River State PDP Campaign Council, and former Deputy Governor, Barr Effiok Cobham who assured the group that whatever confidence they have in the PDP and Senator Onor is not misplaced.

    Cobham averred that “the challenges facing Cross River State today are not those of geography, but are rather cross cutting problems that are not confined to a particular geography such as hunger, unemployment, lack of productivity, poor access to basic infrastructure, poor access to quality education and the absence of leadership as well as lack of focus by the government of the day that has translated to severe poverty on the populace.

    “In the end, what will matter is not where the governor comes from. But rather, it will be wether the challenges currently bedeviling the State have been tackled head on and solutions provided, because the man from Cross River South is not buying a bag of rice at a different price from what the man from Cross River Central or North buys”

    He thanked them for believing in project “Reclaim Cross River State” and on behalf of Senator Onor promised not to disappoint them when elected Governor.

     

  • Sandy Onor Meets Business Owners In Calabar, Assures That He Will Change The Story Of The State

    Sandy Onor Meets Business Owners In Calabar, Assures That He Will Change The Story Of The State

     

    By Dominic Kidzu

    The Nkonip Hall in Ikot Ansa was already filled to the outer fringes even before Senator Onor and his Deputy Governor designate swept into the arena, and a conspiratorial whispering campaign was afoot in the Hall with enthusiastic participants validating the certainty of a Sandy Onor governorship. Cecil Ita, Willy Okokon, Bassey Ekefre, Ubong Harry, Ntufam Okon Ekpo and a host of others were on hand to set things aright.

    Then the Irunando blew in like a tempest, in all his substantial physical quantity and intellectual clout, upsetting all previously held stock opinions and trenchant battlements. The way he held himself, the measured cadences of his speech, the poignancy of his delivery and the natural simplicity, without affectation, without pomp or circumstance, crowned him Governor-in-waiting. There was no bombast, no grammatical turgidity, no make-belief. Just a countryman’s conversation with his people for whom his passion soars. By his side was Emmana Duke Armawhe, the running mate, beautiful like an artwork, polite and refined as only an Efik lady can be and intelligent to boot.

    As Ntufam Dr. Francis O. Effiom told the audience, the occasion was intended for the business community to exchange ideas with the man who wanted to lead, since political power was only second to the power of God. The manufacturing Association of Nigeria, Calabar Chamber of Commerce, the artisans, tailors, mechanics, market women, keke owners and riders, taxi drivers, tipper association, and other traders were all represented in the meeting. “The present government has used too much of grammar to confuse us, please let this not be another round of grammar. ”

    Ken Asim Ita who represented the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, said that MSMEs employed about 86 percent of all workers in Cross River State. According to him, the business environment has not been favourable in terms of access to finance, access to markets, strangulating multiple taxation and poor government policies. While the representative of non bank micro finance association, Pastor Theodore Ebuta pointed out that this was the first time a governorship candidate was interacting with the business community in this way. The president of Timber Dealers Association, and clanhead of Uyangha, Chief Effiong Ewa Ebani, accused the forestry Commission of failing in it’s duty to control the wood business by allowing all kinds of people to invade the forest.

    Responding, Mrs Emmana Amarwe pointed out that lack of the will to follow through with its own policies by the state government was the reason why private businesses were suffering. “Our access to the ocean, our mineral endowments and tourism potential are our sure bet for prosperity if well harnessed. We are prepared to do things differently. We will listen to you and we will do your wish”.

    When Senator Sandy began to speak the audience erupted in excitement and chants of PDP filled the air. ” I like politics of truth. Hit the nail on the head. Our greatest problem as a state is lack of courage. We moan, we complain, we murmur, but we don’t say it as it is. When I was in government with Imoke, the bureau for investment was strong, the office for due process was about the best in the country, but today our tax system has been bastardized, our internally generated revenue has been personalized. I’m a professor, but there are professors and there are professors. I know what proper governance means to rural people and small scale businesses “.

    ” What is going on in this APC government is that there is a gap between the government and the people. You cannot sit in Calabar and continue to pontificate on what the people need. It is the people who tell government what they need. The people may not need the super highway, they may not need an airport, what they need are small projects.You can harvest the forest in a sustainable manner, not to destroy everything just to make profit. There is a forest in the middle of Rio de Janeiro. Tourists come from all over the world to see it. We won’t stop your trade but we will transform it into a more sustainable way. In this governance of falsehood they don’t mean what they say and they don’t say what they mean. Their candidate will not be different. If they knew he will be different they wouldn’t have given him the ticket anyway. ”

    ” You must refuse to be intimidated. The police are paid to protect you, not to intimidate you. Cultists are not spirits, stand up to them. We will win the elections and we will change the story of Cross River State because God is always on the side of truth. God is on our side.”

  • Gabu, Yache, Echumofana, Okuku And Ugaga Receives PDP Campaign Trail As Mass Defection Hits APC

    Gabu, Yache, Echumofana, Okuku And Ugaga Receives PDP Campaign Trail As Mass Defection Hits APC

     

    The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Candidates in Cross River North Senatorial District, led by Dist Sen Jarigbe Agom, today visited Gabu, Yache, Echumofana, Okuku and Ugaga wards of Yala Local Government Area as part of its ongoing ward-ward Campaigns.

    Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Barr Godwin Offiono and Barr Paul Ebiala PhD, in company of the PDP Cross River State Party chairman, Barr Vena Ikem and other Leaders of the party took the message of hope and continuity to the people, assuring them of even better representation by the party’s candidates.

    Sen. Jarigbe while speaking at the various wards, promised to sustain the momentum when re-elected as Senator.

    Barr. Goffio and Barr Paul Ebiala while speaking, also promised to emulate the good representation introduced by Sen Jarigbe at the House of Representatives and State Assembly respectively when elected.

    The party’s candidates were endorsed by the leaders and masses at the various wards, stating that the gesture was in appreciation of the many projects and empowerment carried out by PDP over the years and continually.

    Mass defection was also witnessed in Ugaga ward as “Ugaga Dependable Friends” led by Hon. Theresa U. Enyuma dumped APC. She stated that her group’s return to PDP was premised on the bad leadership of Hon

    Stella Odey and APC in general.

    CRN CAMPAIGN MEDIA.

    Stella Odey and APC in general.

    CRN CAMPAIGN MEDIA.

  • Cross River 2023: Beyond The Drama And The Beating of War Drums BY UMEZULIKE DESMOND-CRUZb

    Cross River 2023: Beyond The Drama And The Beating of War Drums BY UMEZULIKE DESMOND-CRUZb

     

    There is a drummer in APC. When it suits his ego and pecuniary motives, he rolls out his gong and cymbal, beating the sounds of war. But unlike Akin, the talented drummer boy and singer in Cyprian Ekwensi’s famous book —The Drummer Boy – this APC drummer has no control over the rhythms and melodies produced by his own drum. He rolls out his drum and beats to the irregular sounds of war once he is guaranteed a pecuniary benefit. This drummer, who is neither a veteran nor conqueror of any known political battle, sits in the comfort of his home before the camera and fans the embers of war. Listening to him speak on borrowed robes in front of the camera about 2023, one would think that the end has come for the PDP in Cross River State. His vituperation brings back reminiscences of his inglorious days in PDP, when he went on rampage on National Television, issuing threats to the highs and lows, even to the supreme deity of Rivers State Politics — Nyesom Wike. He crowned himself Chairman of Party and sought to demystify every other contender, but then, fate knocked him off the cliff, just before dawn.

    Bruised and bloody-mouthed, he found refuge in the broom-wielding occultic party, APC. Through the shenanigans of his paymaster, the drummer became the leader of his new conclave and like the merchant of political war that he is, he sought to lead his party into a media war, not just within Cross River State, but down to the sacred dwelling of the supreme deity. To ingratiate his paymaster, he issued lily-livered threats to the supreme deity. Aware of his enfeeblement, the supreme deity defied his puerile threat and stormed the abode of the drummer, and as expected, the drummer abandoned his drums of war and ran away with his tail in-between his legs.

    Today again, the drummer has gone on rampage on National Television, announcing the obsequies of the indomitable Peoples Democratic Party in Cross River State and gloating over the use of state-sponsored violence to steal the mandate of the PDP in Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; and in his characteristic manner, promised to use a sledgehammer against a formidable Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, whom he clownishly referred to as a fry. Clearly, this drummer is already setting the stage for anarchy, come 2023 election. Like the harbinger of doom, the APC —aware of their conspicuous failures in Government -– has sent him on National Television to send a red alert to their food-on-the-table foot soliders.

    But beyond the drama and the beating of war drums, there’s an inescapable reality facing the APC, which is, the people are aware of their many failures and the only option left for them is to resort to violence. And in rolling out their drums of war, the APC-led government has started arresting, indiscriminately, members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Northern Senatorial District. I guess that is the drummer’s definition of a sledgehammer. In their desperation, they have appointed both the living and the dead into government, paying them paltry sums ranging from 20k to 30k. But while the drummer and his men continue in their drama, it appears the people are getting more emboldened to withstand their antics and stand in solidarity with the PDP in reclaiming the State. To regale his viewers, the drummer played to the gallery by whipping sentiment in support of a southern Candidate and dismissing the PDP as an appendage of the dwelling of the supreme Political deity. Yet, no Government has disparaged the Southern Senatorial District like that of the drummer’s paymaster, who turned Calabar into a cesspool, with potholes and debris competing with pedestrians in the city.

    It is worthy of note to remind the drummer that no one party has the monopoly of beating the drums of war. Let it be made known to him and his co-travellers that in PDP, there are veterans of many Political battles and conquerors of not a few. The last Ogoja/Yala elections exposed the cheap and desperate tactics of the APC, and they should be prepared for a fitting counterpoise if they dare the people a second time. Security agencies are respectfully invited to take note.

    The drummer must be prepared to face defeat, not by guns and thugs, but through the ballot and by the power of the electorates.

  • Arrest Of PDP Supporters In Ogoja: Ayade/APC’s your Plan To Utilize State Security To Intimidate Voters

    Arrest Of PDP Supporters In Ogoja: Ayade/APC’s your Plan To Utilize State Security To Intimidate Voters

    Culled From Weetalknaija.com

    A team of Nigerian Police personnel, on Monday, raided Ogoja Urban, arresting over 30 supporters of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The team of security men which came all the way from the State Capital, was alleged to be acting on the directives of the State Governor, Ben Ayade.

    Sources have said that the police team was drafted from Ogoja, Ikom and Calabar to effect the arrests on trumped up charges of destruction of billboards and obstruction of public peace. But another source said during the Nortfest (New Yam festival), Ayade ordered that all PDP billboards be brought down in the entire Ogoja Urban, alluding to the fact that indeed the PDP billboards were brought down and under the supervision of security operatives. Some of the people so far arrested are key supporters of Sen. Jarigbe and supporters of other PDP candidates in the north.

    Reacting to the hideous political machination, the PDP Chairman, Cross River State, Mr Vena Ikem Esq, said “I have information on the alleged arrest of our supporters by police authorities, yesterday, in Ogoja. The APC and the boys have been stimulating crisis in the hope of using the police force to clamp down on our supporters, especially in the northern senatorial district.

    “Governor Ayade has lost all semblance of credibility amongst our people, but he is desperate to return to the Senate. So we know his game plan depends entirely on utilizing the state security to intimidate voters. How that will work for him remains to be seen”.

    The PDP State Chairman assured PDP supporters and the general public that “we will use all means at our disposal to frustrate such nefarious plans; Ayade and the APC will exhaust themselves before time because we will follow up all their shenanigans,” avowing that “Nigeria is still a country of law and order.”

    Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, said: “Yes, I am aware of the Police arrests in Ogoja. They arrested them in connection with alleged destruction of APC billboards. When they bring the suspects, we would screen them and fish out the culprits and those innocent would be freed and those found culpable would be charged to Court.

    “The Police frown at destruction of billboards and we have earlier issued a statement about that.”

  • Cholera Outbreak: CRSG Moves To End Chain Of Transmission

    Cholera Outbreak: CRSG Moves To End Chain Of Transmission

     

    The Cross River State Government have intervened Swiftly following reports of many feared killed by suspected cholerae outbreak in Ekureku, Abi Local Government Area with about 30 people currently receiving treatments in various health facilities within Abi and Yakurr Local Government Area of the State.

    The incident which occured with an index case on Thursday, December 15th 2022 was said to have been excalated after the consumption of a contaminated water from the village drinking source.

    Addressing news men after a visit to the Community and the health facilities where those affected are recuperating, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong regretted the unfortunate incident which she said would have been averted if simple protocols were taken into consideration.

    According to her, prior to her visit, the state Government had deployed a response team together with representatives from the world health organization, the Nigerian Red Cross and Wash Program who had intervened accordingly, and rescued many lives.

    The DG who was with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara, representatives from the state epidemiologist, World Health Organization, Red Cross and others said

    “The State Government find this incident quite unfortunate and sympathize with families who have been affected.
    Because of how fast the transmission rate of cholera is, we have recorded deaths with many other victims hospitalized in various government owned facilities and graciously, responding to treatments.

    We are applying every possible means to hault transmission as we have gone across the community sensitizing the people on the possible ways of managing the disease as well as speaking to the community leaders to support the state Government by lending their voices to ensure their communities adhere to hygiene protocols to end cholera and other related illnesses”.

    She also added that samples had been taken and sent for confirmation, while treatments of the water source and fumigation in on course.
    The team also distributed drugs, consumables and other commodities needed for their response.

    Cholera can be caused by contaminated water or food source and as such everyone is advised to maintain good personal hygiene, boil water and food before consumption, regularly wash hands to kill germs , and always report cases of suspected incidences early to the health experts.

  • PDP Guber Candidate, Sandy Onor Donates Ultra Modern Edifice To Catholic Church

    PDP Guber Candidate, Sandy Onor Donates Ultra Modern Edifice To Catholic Church

     

    The senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District and candidate of the People’s Democratic Party governorship candidate in Cross River State Sen Sandy Onor, donated an ultra modern edifice to the Catholic Church, in his community, Nsofang, Southern Etung Local Government Area.

    The Church was dedicated on the 16th of December, 2022 by the Most Rev Dr Donatus Edet Akpan, the Bishop of Ogoja Diocese.

    Most Rev Akpan in his sermon commended Senator Sandy for helping to build a house for God and likened his magnanimity and benevolence to what King Solomon did centuries ago.

    The Bishop maintained that Sen Sandy saw the state of his people and having been blessed by God took the initiative to build a house for God.

    On his part, the Arch Bishop of Calabar Arch Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev Dr Joseph Effiom Ekuwem, thanked Professor Sandy for listening to the voice of God and responding to build a house for him.

    The Bishop announced the name of the parish to be “St Daniel’s parish Nsofang”
    The late Daniel was Sen Sandy grand uncle who pioneered the growth of catholicism in southern Etung.

    Represented by the Vicar General Pastoral, Rev Charles Etim, Arch Bishop Ekwuwem maintained that, “like Solomon, you listened to God and built a house for him.

    “My prayer is that the light of God will shine night and day, also listen to the petition of his people here and answer them”.

    On his part, the Parish Priest Rev Fr Mathew Abang thanked God for sustaining the people, the Catholic community of Nsofang and indeed the entire community to witness the historic dedication of this church and innuaguration of the parish.

    He thanked Professor Sandy for the project saying the God who rewards good deeds will reward him beyond human expectations.

    “Professor Sandy and his family, we can’t thatnk you enough but we believe the Lord who rewards good deeds will reward you beyond human expectations. Thanks a million”, he said.

    In a brief history of the parish as compiled by the Parish Pastoral Council Secretary, Mr Terence Ndifon Okey, said Catholicism entered Southern Etung (the area covered by St Daniel’s parish) in the 1930’s.

    He thanked the PDP Flagbearer for helping see the project through and averred that he has a Catholic blood in him and keeping his words as regards the project.

    “Senator Sandy has a Catholic blood and is of the lineage of late Pa Daniel Okey Ori, one the pioneer persons who led the establishment of the church in southern Etung.

    “Sandy is a man who has seen his position as his ‘ministry’ to serve God and humanity in his own way. What he says he will do in the house of God, he does to completion and this is evident in this church building”.

    On his part, Prof Sandy Onor thanked God for giving him the ability to support the church building project.

    He said the project is a product of a covenant he made with God years ago when he ran for senate in 20215 and thanked God for the love and protection he has showered on his family.

    According to Prof Sandy, “we are happy as a family and then the Nsofang people are also very happy and I am sure our friends are also happy with us. I won’t let this opportunity slip without using it to thank God for his many blessings upon us.

    “When I ran for senate in 2015, I made a covenant with God that if I win the election, I will build this church. Incidentally, I lost the election and for me, God did not keep his own part of the bargain. When I had no political office, God kept reminding me of the covenant. As God was tormenting, so he was tormenting my dear wife Gertrude.

    “One night we decided that we must start something. When I see this church as it is today, the commitment of the Parish Priest, I know that God is using his priests, to building the church.

    “My family and I are particularly grateful to God Almighty, the Bishop and particularly, Arch Bishop Ekwuwem for the goodwill message, I cherish it.

    “To all priests and religious, my friends especially Hon Alex Egbonna, the PDP family, the Nsofang people and all those who have come to identify with us, may God grant you journey mercies”.

  • Late Senator Mrs Rose Oko’s Family Declares Support For Sen Jarigbe Agom

    Late Senator Mrs Rose Oko’s Family Declares Support For Sen Jarigbe Agom

     

    The family of the immediate past Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Late Senator Dr. Mrs Rose Okoji Oko, has declared their support for the re-election bid of the incumbent Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    First Son of the Late Distinguished Amazon, Mr Daniel Oko, during a courtesy call to Senator Jarigbe, presented Campaign materials on behalf of the Oko’s family of Ijegu, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    Mr Oko, discussed modalities for the forthcoming elections and further pledged the family’s total support for all candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State.

    He was accompanied by the Personal Assistant to the late Senator, Mr John Joe Onah Otiala who is also a staunch and committed member of the Party as they were both received by the lawmaker who appreciated the family and promised to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA