The Lumine News

Tag: #Bassey Otu

  • 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.

  • Appeal Court Set To Deliver Judgement On Sandy Onor Appeal Against Prince Otu

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos is set to deliver the governorship appeal by Sen Sandy Onor and PDP against Prince Bassey Otu and APC on Wednesday 22nd November 2023 by 9:00am.

    The governorship tribunal had 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.

  • Governor Otu, It’s 170 Days Already.. BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    It’s 170 days already in office and remaining 1,290 days to the end of the first tenure of Governor Prince Otu. For me, I will always say my own. I can make mistakes sometimes like I always do, but I honestly will not go out of my way to just bad mouth anyone. One thing I am sure of is that, I love Cross River State and Nigeria, and it is my utmost desire to see them develop and I am prepared to sacrifice for this process.

    I was perhaps, one of the loudest voices in the tenure of Governor Ben Ayade, my cousin from Abonkib. My sole and only intention was to dog after his heels to consistently remind him of his promises to Cross Riverians. I have an idea of what bootlicking political followers, beneficiaries, appointees, can do. They never tell the leader the truth. In our environment, they are timid and frightful. So I took it upon myself that, come rain, come shine, whether in private or public, I will not fail to tell my brother the truth about how I perceived his actions in government.

    It is 170 days since he left. It is obvious that regardless of the hue and cry, most of the things we bantered about are still in the cookie jar. We are still not clear where Governor Otu’s policy direction is headed or I am too dumb headed to see the obvious.

    The communication machine of our current government is still very very haphazard. For clarity; twice, Governor Ayade had to warn his appointees to desist from flinging releases to the public unless his CPS or Commissioner for Information does. Two statements were sent to the Press in that regard. These directives were disregarded on both occasions by his numerous appointees. The result was disastrous.

    In the same vein, we are still seeing every Tom, Dick and Harry, that has been christened with any official title, designing all manner of letterheads and sending out press releases indiscriminately as if they are in competition with themselves over who to speak the mind of the government. It looks like most of the appointees have no other tasks on their tables other than sending out press releases.

    Ironically, the two persons who are supposed to do this work, the CPS and the Information Commissioner, are the most silent in this milieu. Even as large as our federal government is, it is Ajuri Ngilari that is still speaking to us on behalf of the FG. Most people don’t even know the name of the Minister of Information. But in Cross River, everyone with a title including adhoc committees of two weeks, is a government spokesperson.

    The list of appointments is already appearing like it is some form of food on the table again, instead of call to service. Every week, the names keep coming. But there is not much depth in the lists. It’s only that the names are not yet as many as the previous tenure. By mid-term, clandestine second term campaign committees will start mushrooming. Distraction will begin in government and all attention will be focused on re-election and that’s how failure begins.

    After renovating the 11/11 roundabout, Destination Calabar Roundabout and the State Library are also under renovation. Cleaning of the capital is going on but very slowly. Kidnapping is back in the headlines in the State. Gangsters are still controlling critical sections of the government. In case, you don’t know yet, those eager to see Governor Otu succeed plus those missing on the appointment list, are already calling the Governor, “Solemn Assembly” Governor. And, Your Excellency, my own is just to do amebo for you without pay.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Gov Otu Charges Corps Members To Contribute To The Development Of The State

     

    The Governor of Cross River State Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has enjoined the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream 1 Corps Members deployed to Cross River State to contribute positively to the socio- economic development of the state.

    The Governor stated this today, 7th November 2023 during the official opening/swearing-in ceremony of 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream 1 Prospective Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Obubra.

    His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Youth Development Hon. Odum-ljom Ukam said ” l charge you to contribute to the socio-economic development of the state which will stand you out at the end of the service year”, he opined.

    He reminded the newly sworn-in Corps Members that this is a period for them to make personal sacrifices and prepare themselves for the enormous challenges of nation building.

    The Governor said, his administration is people-driven, that will create a conducive atmosphere for Corps Members to operate, assuring them that their welfare will be given top priority.

    The Governor used the occasion to highlight the importance of the NYSC in contemporary Nigeria and emphasized that against all odds the Scheme has remained a veritable tool for national unity and integration.

    Earlier, while delivering his welcome address, the State Coordinator NYSC Cross River, Mr Zemoh Andrew said the three weeks Orientation Course is structured to prepare Corps Members for the compulsory one year national service.

    Mr Zemoh said Corps Members will be exposed to Camp activities such as Leadership training, Drills, Lectures , Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training programme etc to prepare them ahead for the future, encouraging them to be patriotic.

    Highpoint of the ceremony was the administration of Oath of Allegiance on the Corps Members by the Chief Judge of Cross River State Her Lordship, Justice Akon lkpeme who was represented by the Judge of State High Court Ugep Hon. Justice Emmanuel Odibu.

  • Gov Otu Appoints New SEMA Director General

    By Patrick Obia, CrossRiverWatch 

    The Governor of Cross State, His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu, has approved the appointment of Rev. James Okon I. Anam as the new Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

    The appointment is contained in a press release signed and made available by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche charged the new appointee to bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new role and wished him the best in his service to the State.

    Ogbeche said the appointment is with immediate effect.

    Recalled that the former DG  Chief (Mrs.) Angela Ogeyi Odey was on October 30th, 2023 suspended with immediate effect by Governor Bassey Otu.

  • Sandy Appeal Against Otu: Court Of Appeal Reserves Judgement

     

    By Ndifon, Joseph

    The Court of Appeal, sitting in Lagos, has reserved judgement in the appeal filed by Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against the judgement of the Governorship Panel of the Cross River State Elections Petition, which affirmed the victory of Sen. Bassey Edet Otu in the Governorship Elections.

    A three-man panel of the court, led by Hon. Justice (Name withheld), announced this decision on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, after counsels for the parties adopted their brief of arguments and made their final submissions.

    Unsatisfied with the judgement of the tribunal, Sen. Onor had approached the higher court, citing 34 grounds of appeal in an effort to set aside the judgement of the lower court.

    Sen. Onor and the PDP, represented by their lawyers led by Dr. J. Y. Musa, SAN, urged the court to uphold the appeal and set aside the judgement of the Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal, which had previously dismissed their petition.

    Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sen. Bassey Otu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), through their respective lawyers, have requested the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking merit.

    Sen. Onor, who secured the second position in the election, argued in his 34 grounds of appeal that the tribunal had made legal errors and reached an incorrect conclusion when it dismissed his petition.

    The court also re-affirmed the victories of Sen. Jarigbe Agom and Barr Godwin Offiono as winners of the Cross River North Senatorial and Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency Elections respectively.

  • Gov Otu Begs Sandy To Sheath His Sword And Jettison Further Appeals

    By Sylvia Akpan, CrossRiverWatch 

    Following the Election Petition Tribunal affirming the victory of Governor Bassey Otu, he has prayed his petitioner and opponent in the March 18 2023 polls – Senator Sandy Onor to accept defeat.

    The Election Petition Tribunal led by Justice Oken Inneh dismissed all the reliefs sought by the petitioners in suit No. EPT/CR/GOV02/2023 and affirmed the election of Senator Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, on March 18, 2023.

    Reacting to the judgment, Governor Otu urged the opposition to sheath their sword and join hands to rebuild Cross River State, Cross Riverians desire.

    “It is with great delight and a high sense of responsibility that I welcome the judgement of the Election Petition Tribunal, which gave us our deserved victory and has affirmed the mandate Cross Riverians freely and overwhelmingly gave to us on March 18, 2023,” he expressed.

    He commended the Election Petitions Tribunal for a fair judgment, adding that, “our confidence in the judiciary has never been in doubt. And it has been reinforced by today’s dispassionate ruling on the elections. I commend the Election Petition Tribunal for proving their mettle once again by upholding the virtues of justice, fair play and responsibility.”

    Also, he urged Cross Riverians to join his administration in realizing the People’s First mandate.

    “I call on all Cross Riverians to join hands with my administration as we continue to put in place the administrative framework needed to realize the noble objectives of our People’s First mandate.

    “With this judgment, I call on members of the opposition, who are our brothers and sisters, to take the ruling in good faith, jettison any further appeals and join hands with my administration to bring the much-needed dividends of democracy to our people.

    “It is expedient for me to stress that if our dear State Cross River must be counted amongst the comity of States with bright future and great economic potential and social security, then all hands must be on deck to make the lofty dream come true.

    “Our well-thought-out People First Agenda remains sacrosanct in attaining its goals. What I urge all citizens and those who have found here as home whether for business, investment, pleasure or education, is to be patient and give us the needed support as we work to reposition the State for the better.

    “Fellow Cross Riverians, the present times call for sacrifices on the path of everyone. We must remain resolute and strive to play our various roles in the development of our beloved State. “Finally, I thank the executive and members of our great party, the APC, and all Cross Riverians for their support, loyalty and unflinching solidarity before, during and after the elections.

    “As we take our destiny in our hands and resolve never to be left behind, may the Almighty God reward our efforts and remain our crowning glory.”

  • C’River: Tribunal Upholds Governor Otu’s Election

    The Governorship Election Tribunal in Cross River State, has upheld the election of Governor Bassey Otu.

    The tribunal in its ruling, held that, the issues of Certificate brought before it by sandy Onor of PDP, was a pre-election matter.

  • Otu Charges Hon Justice Jane Inyang, Newly Appointed Judge Of Court Of Appeal To Discharge Her Duties With Integrity And Fairness.

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu has charged the newly appointed Justice of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Jane Inyang, JCA, to discharge her duties with compassion, integrity and fairness.

    The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, during the reception that followed the swearing-in of Hon. Justice Jane Inyang, JCA, expressed joy that Justice Inyang had distinguished herself over the years through her dedication to her job while on the Federal High Court Bench. Hon. Odey extended the Governor’s apologies for his inability to attend the event while disclosing that plans were underway to hold a reception in honour of the newly sworn-in Justice in Calabar.

    Hon. Odey, while urging Justice Inyang to conduct her affairs with the fear of God, opined that lawyers are the mirror of society and their conduct will always be observed and emulated by the society.

    Speaking earlier at the event, Justice Emmanuel Agim, JSC, admonished Justice Inyang, JCA, to be upright and just in her dealings with litigants as the promotion from God is better and more rewarding than any wealth one may acquire through subverting justice. Justice Agim who shared several personal experiences with the audience, encouraged the newly sworn-in Justice to be hardworking and to give as many judgements as possible so that more people will read her work and speak about her, stating that lawyers always talk about judges whether for good or for bad.

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, aligning himself with the counsel of the Supreme Court Justice, endorsed the character of Justice Jane Inyang, JCA, having worked with her from the time she was first joined the bench. He said the elevation of Justice Inyang to the Court of Appeal was a lesson to those who have the tendency of looking down on the young but assured her that he was happy to have tutored her until she had risen beyond him.

    Responding to the goodwill messages and words of advice, Justice Jane Inyang, JCA, said she was overcome with emotions because of the show of love and the opportunity she had been given to serve. She promised not to disappoint those whose faith had been placed on her.

    Justice Jane Inyang who is the only Cross Riverian appointed with 8 other Justices to the bench of the Court of Appeal on Wednesday, 20th September, 2023, hails from Ikoneto in Odukpani Local Government Area. She has served as a judge of the Federal High Court since 2015 and has, within this period, recorded a number of remarkable and high profile convictions while serving in Bayelsa, Kano and Delta and other jurisdictions.

    The Deputy Governor was accompanied by Senator Eteng Jones Williams, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo to the event which was attended by legal luminaries including judges, Attorneys-General of states and other distinguished personalities.

  • My Administration Will Put An End To The Challenges Within The Judiciary – Otu

    The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu has assured the Judiciary that this administration will put an end to the challenges within the Judiciary.

    The Governor made this known during official opening of the 2023/2024 Legal Year held today the 18th of September,2023 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Marian Hill.

    Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, who was able represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey said a legal year is a time to recommit and dedicate themselves to the ideals of the Judiciary. He charged them to embrace technology as the collaboration between the legal profession and technological advancement has the potential to revolutionize how the dispensation of justice is approached. He, however called on them to be vigilant in the face of the challenges which these advancement brings because the boundary between the physical and virtual are blurred.

    Governor Otu added that the legal year affords the Judiciary the opportunity to reflect on the state of access to justice in our society. He called on them to ensure that justice is not only available to those who can afford it, but all members of the society. They must strive for a legal system that is not only efficient and fair, but also inclusive and responsive to all individuals regardless of their social or economic background.

    His Excellency further admonished that as they embark on this legal year, let them be guided by the principles of integrity, professionalism and compassion while also embracing peace and inclusion.

    He assured the Judiciary that this administration will collaborate with and equip the Judges with all that is necessary to ensure that they dispatch their duties responsibily.

    Earlier, the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Hon. Justice Akon B. Ikpeme, said it was traditional for her and the Judiciary to begin the legal year in God’s presence. While thanking the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Charles Etim (Esq) for the homily, she prayed that God will see to their lives, guide and remind them that one day, they too will stand before the greatest Judge of all. Justice Ikpeme encouraged the judicial officers to go back to the drawing board as the legal year begins and do what they can do with their consciences in place. She appreciated all who left their busy schedules to grace the occasion.

    Present at the event were the officiating priests, the Speaker, His Lordship, the President of the Cross River State Customary Court of Appeal, Their Lordships, Honourable Judges of the Cross River State High Court, The Attorney General of Cross River State, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, The Chief Registrar, Magistrates, The Solicitor General/ Permanent Secretary of the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, The Director of Public Prosecution, Members of the Bar, Counsel of the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, amongst others.