The Lumine News

Tag: Ben Ayade

  • #29 Sacked Magistrates, Simon Utsu Writes Governor Ayade

    #29 Sacked Magistrates, Simon Utsu Writes Governor Ayade

    By Admin

    A social commentator and critique, Mr. Simon Utsu has written Governor Ben Ayade demanding the reinstatement of 29 magistrates that were sworn in since February 2019.

    Mr. Ustsu took to his verified Facebook account @Simon Utsu to call on the Governor to consider the reinstatement of these magistrates.

    Find full text of the letter:

    “Dear Gov Sir Benedict Ayade,

    “I read your reasons for delisting the 2,000 civil servants from the payroll- they were valid. By choosing to reinstate them in light of that, you did noble. Very commendable. I owe you one bottle of Jacob’s tonic wine 🍾 for that… to be delivered/redeemed when next I’m in Calabar.

    “You should also address the 29 magistrates that were sworn in since February last year but who were also sidelined and are yet to be paid. They were duly employed after a rigorous recruitment process that was advertised on national dailies.

    i

    “They were then posted to various courts across the country. 29 were sent to Cross River state but due to some differences you(Ayade) had with the former chief judge of the state, they haven’t being paid a dime in over 19 months and are not being engaged.

    “The speaker of the CRSHA Eteng Jones Williams, Deputy speaker Joseph Bassey and the leader, Peter Odinga should please do all that they can to make sure this is also resolved amicably.

    “Your administration has had the worst relationship with the judiciary since the state’s creation.

    “Kindly do all you can to make sure the relationship status changes from bad to at least good. Regularisation of the employments of the 29 magistrates currently wallowing in career limbo, is going to be a very good step in that direction. And that should be followed by the confirmation of a substantive Chief Judge in line with the directives of the NJC.

    “Happy new month to you and the family Sir.

    “Warm Regards
    Simon Utsu”

  • Nigeria at 60: Inyang Asibong Joins Sports Commissioner To Celebrate Para- Soccer Team In Calabar

    Nigeria at 60: Inyang Asibong Joins Sports Commissioner To Celebrate Para- Soccer Team In Calabar

    By Admin

    To give back to humanity and in support of the physically challenged persons on Independence Day, the Cross River State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong joined her counterpart from the Ministry of Sports and Cinematography, Chief Offu Aya to flag off the the 2020 Para-soccer novelty Match.

    The event was put together by the Paradise Para-soccer Team in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Ministry of International Development Cooperation, held at Botanical park field Calabar.

    The program tagged, “match for the vulnerable” according to Dr. Inyang Asibong, was a novelty tournament to celebrate the “unity in diversity of Nigeria and indivisibility of our country starting from Cross River”

    Asibong maintained that “I am happy that the Ministry of Sports has assured them of their participation at National and International competitions, and as a Ministry with Global presence, we are going to partner and support them.

    “Governor Ben Ayade is particularly interested in the vulnerable whom despite their challenges, have the resilience to do something noble that can bring Cross River and Nigeria to International focus”

    The Event was attended by the Commissioner for Sports and Cinematography as well as other top government functionaries.

  • Nigeria @ 60: Goodwill Message by The Chairman Obudu LGC, Hon. Boniface E. Ewhe.

    Nigeria @ 60: Goodwill Message by The Chairman Obudu LGC, Hon. Boniface E. Ewhe.

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Chairman of Obudu local government council, Mr. Boniface Eraye Ewhe has called on the youths of Nigeria to feel the special pride of being citizens of a free nation and charged the youths to exercise some restraint in their restiveness as we anticipate a better Nigeria.

    Mr. Ewhe made the call in a felicitation message to mark the 60th independence celebration of our nationhood.

    Find full text of the address:

    “It is my great pleasure to felicitate with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, all the people of Nigeria, living in the country and abroad, in general and Obudu Local Government Area in particular, on the occasion of 60th Independence Day.
    October 1st fills us with the excitement of unfurling the tricolour, taking part in celebrations and listening to patriotic songs. School children coming out to take part in match pass, traditional dances and other forms of activities to commemorate this day.

    “On this day, the youth of Nigeria should feel the special pride of being citizens of a free nation. We are very appreciative and we gratefully remember our freedom fighters and martyrs whose sacrifices have enabled us to live in an independent nation.

    “The ethos of our freedom struggle forms the foundation of modern Nigeria. Our visionary leaders brought together a diversity of world views to forge a common national spirit. They were committed to the cause of liberating Nigeria from oppressive foreign rule and securing the future of her children. Their thoughts and actions shaped the identity of Nigeria as a modern nation.

    “The celebrations of Independence Day this year will be rather restrained. The reason is obvious. The whole world confronts a deadly virus which has disrupted all activities and taken a huge toll. It has altered the world we lived in before the pandemic.

    “It is a fact that after 60 years of independence, there is still much to be done as we attempt a comparison with other countries. However, be rest assured that we are in the trajectory to mend our paths.

    “As Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, I want to reassure my people of my commitment to the ideals of genuine stewardship and providing the needed basic needs in line with the available resources.

    “Let us not loose hope in our country. Let me also use this opportunity to call on all sons and daughters of Obudu to consider making our contributions to guarantee the Obudu of our dream.

    “It is my honor also to use this opportunity to call on the youths of Obudu in particular and the country at large to exercise restraint in their restiveness, while as leaders, we are charged to live up to our responsibilities by providing the leadership we yearn for.

    “Once again, congratulations!
    Long live federal Republic of Nigeria
    Long live Cross River State
    Long live Obudu local government area.

    “Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe
    Executive Chairman,
    Obudu Local Government Council”.

  • C’River Aggrieved Civil Servants Deactivated From Payroll Suspends Protest As Governor Calls For Negotiation

    C’River Aggrieved Civil Servants Deactivated From Payroll Suspends Protest As Governor Calls For Negotiation

    By Elijah Ugani

    Aggrieved  civil servants in cross river state who have taken to the streets of Calabar to protest the unjust deactivation of their names from the state payroll since August 2019, had yesterday, 24th September, 2020 suspended it 4 days protest following the call for a negotiation by the state Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade.

    In a release sighted by The Lumine News and jointly signed by Comrades Paul Ajie, Cross River State Coordinator of Niger Delta Activist Forum and Francis Agbor, Coordinator of the Aggrieved Civil Servants, indicates that the protesters will resume indefinite protest should government fail to resolve the issues within the two weeks.

    The release reads in full “PRESS RELEASE BY THE AGGRIEVED CIVIL SERVANTS WHOSE NAMES WERE DEACTIVATED FROM THE CROSS RIVER STATE GOVERNMENT PAYROLL AND THOSE WHO WERE EMPLOYED AND HAVE WORKED FOR A PERIOD OF TWENTY MONTHS WITHOUT SALARIES.

    “Good evening great comrades,gentle men of the press.
    Let me very specially thank you all for your display of commitment,solidarity and love within this four days of mass unrest over the deactivation of our names from the CRS Government payroll.

    “Recalled that on the 14th of September 2020 we had issued a press statement giving the government a seven day ultimatum to activate our names on the state payroll or face mass protest.
    The government’s inability to respond to our demands within the period saw us embarked on a mass protest that has lasted for four days between Monday 21st September 2020 and 24th September 2020 on the streets of calabar the Cross River State Capital.

    “It’s therefore imperative to state here that,while on a routine peaceful match on the Murtala Mohammed Highway Calabar at about 1200hrs,the Governor’s convoy having sighted the protesters,pulled over and the Governor His Excellency Prof Ben Ayade alighted from his Ranch Rover Auto Biography,walked to the protesters and addressed them and promised to solve their issues by next week having not been aware of their agitations and challenges.
    Consequent upon that,a text message was received by the leadership of the aggrieved civil servants and the leadership of the Niger Delta Activists Forum requesting them to attend a meeting with a team government officials comprising of representatives from the Head of Service, Payroll office, Ministry of Finance, Labour,State Security Advisers South and Central and the Nigerian Police Force.

    “The meeting held at the instance of the permanent secretary in charge of Security and special duties Governors Office Amb.Dr Alfred Mboto.

    “After an exhaustive deliberation that lasted for about six hours,the following resolutions were reached:

    “(1)That the protest be suspended to allow for further negotiations between the aggrieved civil servants and government.

    “(2)That the government negotiating team and the leadership of the aggrieved civil servants meet within one week from the date of this meeting to work out a possible date for a verification exercise of the affected staff subject to the approval of His Excellency.

    “(3)That aggrieved civil servants who would be successful at the end of the exercise would have their names activated in the state payroll with immediate effect.

    “(4)That all interests and concerns raised in the protest as it concern those whose names were deactivated from the payroll as well as those who had not been payroll after employment for a period of twenty months and above would be properly addressed.

    “Sequel to the above agreements,the aggrieved civil servants here by suspend it civil unrest for two weeks to give room for the government to come out with a favourable date and template for the verification in other to end this impasse once and for all.

    “The aggrieved workers further stated that if at the end of the two weeks window and nothing is done by the government, the mass protest shall resume on the 12th of October 2020 and it will be indefinite.

    “Gentle men of the press, permit me to use this medium to that God for seeing us through this very challenging moment of our agitation, to cross riverians and indeed Nigerians who stood by us through prayers and moral support my appreciation will not be incomplete if I fail to say a resounding thank you to all media houses for their untiring commitment in ensuring that our activities were given maximum media coverage.

    “Finally, I wish to appreciate the Security Agencies who exhibited a high level professionalism in the discharge of their duties while the protest lasted.
    Thank you and God bless you all.

    “ALUTA CONTINUA
    VICTORIA ACERTA

    ” For the aggrieved civil servants:

    “Comrade Paul Ajie
    08082268017
    State chairman Niger Delta Activists Forum

    “Comrade Francis Agbor
    07037712508
    Coordinator of the Aggrieved Civil Servants.”

  • Untitled post 3219

    The management of the Cross River University of Technology, CRUTECH has described the rumor of the institution resumption as being peddled on social media claiming that the institution has announced its resumption date as a misinformation.

    In a release signed by Mr. Onen E. Onen, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of CRUTECH on Tuesday, September 22, 2020,  made available to The Lumine News, indicates that in line with the directives of Covid-19 protocol and the Governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, the management of CRUTECH will announce a resumption date in due course.

    The release reads in parts “The attention of the Management has been drawn to a misinformation trending on social media, in which Cross River University of Technology is said to have released a date of resumption for the 2019/2020 academic session.

    “We wish to state categorically, that the said information which is being peddled by mischief makers, is totally false and does not emanate from the University or any of it’s organs. It is a fake publication aimed at misinforming the general public. From investigation, the mischievous information was merely copied and inserted on our university’s name from another fake announcement credited to another university.

    “While waiting for official directives on resumption, we implore the general public to discountenance the fake information on circulation and that, in line with the directives of the Presidency and of the Governor, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, Cross River University of Technology will release her resumption details in due course”

  • C’River Govt Supports The Association Of Deaf And Dumb To Send Representatives To Attend Their Convention in Kano

    C’River Govt Supports The Association Of Deaf And Dumb To Send Representatives To Attend Their Convention in Kano

    By Admin

    The Cross River state Ministry of Humanity and Social Welfare has donated the sum of Two hundred thousand naira (200,000) to enable the Deaf and Dumb association send their seven man representative to their Convention in Kano.

    The Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare, Hon. Blessing Egbara, disclosed this  as she received representatives of the Deaf and Dumb community in the state on a courtesy visit to her .

    Hon. Egbara explained that the purpose  of  the establishment of the Ministry by His Excellency, the governor was to enable his administration reach out to Cross Riverians especially people of their category, and expressed joy for having them in her office.

    The Commissioner stated , “when I got your letter about your visit, I was very pleased and looked forward to welcoming you guys, I must say I am very delighted to welcome you today, I have listened to all you have said and it’s with great Joy that His Excellency reaches out to you, the Governor has you at heart and will always support you”

    Hon. Egbara siad that she looks forward to working closely with the deaf and dumb community and called on the Chairman to get statistics of deaf and dumb in other parts of the state especially the rural areas, so they could get comprehensive data of Cross Riverians of this category, adding that she wished them well in their Convention and requested that from time to time the association should keep her up to date with their activities.

    The Commissioner explained that her Ministry may not be able to handle all of the association’ s challenges, but that she will do her best to those challenges she could.

    Speaking earlier, the 7-man representative from the deaf and dumb association of Cross River state led  by it Chairman, Ekeng Ekpeyong Henshaw, and an interpreter, revealed that the purpose of their visit was to Solicit for support towards their upcoming conference in Kano and also  to air out their challenges to the governor through the Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare.

    The Chairman stated “we the Deaf association are here today on behalf of our members to pay a courtesy visit to you, and also solicit for your support towards our forth coming conference in Kano and also to use this opportunity to discuss the challenges we the deaf community are facing”

    Mr. Henshaw Thanked the Commissioner for her Kind gesture and Governor Ben Ayade for his soft spot towards helping this in need and the physically challenged in the society.

  • C’River Govt Delivers Relief Materials, Cash To Inmates Of Afokang Correctional Centre In Calabar

    C’River Govt Delivers Relief Materials, Cash To Inmates Of Afokang Correctional Centre In Calabar

    By Admin

    As part of the policy direction of the Cross River State Government under the leadership of Sen Prof Ben Ayade to reach out to all citizens, relief materials have been delivered to inmates of the Afokang Correctional Centre, Calabar.

    Making the presentation on behalf of the Govermor Ayade at Afokang on Monday, the state Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare, Hon. Blessing Egbara said that the gesture was part of the effort of the administration of Ayade to show love and kindness to the inmates, and that it is on this basis that he has directed her to reach out to them.

    The Commissioner commended Professor Ben Ayade for being a selfless leader who reaches out to his People, irrespective of their circumstances, social status or offence that has been committed.

    Hon. Egbara revealed that the purpose of the visit was to let the inmates know that they may have broken the law, but doesn’t mean government has turn its back on them.

    “We are very happy to be here today to hand over relief materials to the inmates, we all know how the country is during this period, we are here to let them know that being here doesn’t make them less humans in the society. They are law offenders, and being here is to correct them and make them better citizens of the society, we have come to support the Correctional authority in Afokang in whatever they are doing for their welfare”

    Besides handing over food items, hand sanitizers, and nose mask to the inmates, the Hon Commissioner also make a Cash Donation of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (250,000) on behalf of the G. F. O Foundation, instituted by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon.. Martin Orim.

    “The chief of staff to the governor also partners with the Ministry through the G. F. O Foundation from time to time to help us take care of the less privileged in the society and for this visit, he has given us 250,000 to assist with the welfare of the inmates”

    Reacting to the Visit, the Deputy Controller of Corrections in the state, Mr Nickolas Obinna, thanked the state Governor, Sen Prof Ben Ayade for his kind heart at remembering the inmates, while also welcoming the Commissioner and her team to the Correction Center, stressing further that the visit is very timely and very thoughtful of the State Government to remember the inmates in a time like this.

    “I am overwhelmed with Joy, because they came at the right time, on behalf of the Controller, I want to thank God and also thank You for your visit because this will go a long way to reduce the sufferings of the inmates, honestly this shows that the Government has us at heart, I also want to appreciate His Excellency for reaching out to his people through this ministry I would love this synergy to go on,” Oninna maintained.

    The Deputy Controller also use the medium to appeal to the governor, Professor Ayade to come to their aid as the roof and buildings of some offices in the correctional centers needs fixing.

     

  • C’River Set To Partner NASME For The Development Of Small Scale Businesses

    C’River Set To Partner NASME For The Development Of Small Scale Businesses

     

    The Cross River State Government has expressed its readiness to partner the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) to develop small and medium scale businesses in the state.

    Governor Ben Ayade made this known in Calabar the cross river state capital, assured the group that his government has put institutional frameworks in collaboration to develop small medium enterprises.

    Ayade who was represented by the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong said the visit of the group will provide a forum for interaction, and adoption of a concerted approach to issues of strategic importance to the development of MSMEs in the state.

    In her words “NASME is the only Nigerian private sector -led BMO affiliated to the World Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (WASME) enjoying consultative status with the United Nations.

    “Cross River State is proud to associate with NASME because of its strategic importance and status as a unit of Business Membership Organization (BMO) assisted through strategic collaborations with UNIDO, UNDP, IFC, Federal Ministries, several embassies and bilateral Chambers of Commerce on its various projects.

    “Our vision and mission to make Cross River State a one stop Business Hub through various variables introduced as part of Ease of Doing Business Strategy, requires NASME”

    The NASME State Chairman, Mr James Alicha who was ably represented by Mrs Ekaete Ukpong and her team member, Chineye Uzor amongst others said the group was committed to further advancing the state brand by providing high-quality and responsive services in building and strengthening partnerships in order to change the mindset of small scale business owners in Cross River.

    The visit was attended by Hon. Marjorie Asuquo – Special Adviser to the Governor on Enterprise Funding, Sir John Odo, DG – CRGIA and Mr Julius Agrinya of Smart City Network amongst other top Government appointees.

  • CRSG Flags Off BHCPF Training For Enumerators, Targets 700,000 Vulnerable Persons To Be Enrolled As The State Access Funds.

    CRSG Flags Off BHCPF Training For Enumerators, Targets 700,000 Vulnerable Persons To Be Enrolled As The State Access Funds.

    By Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Government has flagged off the training exercise for enumerators, who will go into the field for health facilities assessment, as the state gets ready to access the Basic Health Care Provision Funds BHCPF, aimed at capturing and enrolling 700,000 vulnerable persons across the 18 Local Government Areas, to access free quality health care services in the state.

    Flagging off the training exercise in Calabar the Cross River State Capital, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu urged participants to pay attention to the rules and guidelines surrounding enumerations, mapping and facility assessment.

    Dr. Edu said among other benefits, the scheme will help cushion the hardship faced by households when accessing Healthcare services.
    She further charged enumerators to be guided and perform their task with all sense of sincerity and a high level of integrity and said if proper information are not generated and laid down task accomplished, it could expose all Cross Riverians, irrespective of their social and political class to poor and ineffective healthcare supply.

    Speaking earlier, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong applauded the facilitators of the exercise, as she encouraged the participants to tap from their wealth of experience and technical expertise to ensure that Cross River State achieve maximum results in its quest to achieving Universal Health Coverage Status.

    Dr Ekpenyong further applauded the state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade for his huge investment in the health sector which she said has helped in reducing maternal and infant mortality and strengthening the believe system among Community members to seek supports for their health challenges in Government owned facilities.

    On his part, the Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme, Chief Goddy Iyala said his Agency is poised to support all Agencies of Government both within the state and outside the state to ensure that success is achieved.

    He further called on transparency in obtaining data from relevant bodies which will aid planning and implementation as he said the Cross River State Health Insurance is one of the pioneer Agencies in the country to start enrollment and as such a reliable gateway to obtaining results.

    Facilitators from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency as well as the National Health Insurance Scheme applauded the State Government for prioritizing healthcare for it’s citizens as well as setting the template for other states to follow.

    Participants include Monitoring and Evaluation Officers drawn from the state Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Agency and the State Health Insurance Scheme are expected to be taught various methods of Facility rating using the Open Data Kit (ODK) to ascertain the quality of services being offered in each facility both in terms of client’s convenience, number of staff as well as a step down training for ward and Community leaders.

    The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund was borne out of the 2015 National Health Council meeting which stipulates that 1% of the Nation’s consolidated revenue should be earmarked to boost Healthcare services in states across the country.

    The program is aimed at providing succor to the Vulnerable including the Aged, Pregnant Women and children under the age of 5, poor Households and low income earners with the sole target of all states contributing to Nigeria attaining the universal Health Coverage Status.

    With the Government of Senator Ben Ayade meeting all the criteria for accessing the said funds, through the payment of counterpart funds and building standard health facilities, the training of enumerators and capacity building could just be the icing on the cake for the state to join other states in benefiting from the reserved funds which will not only help remodel some of our health facilities but as well help in drugs stocking and the hiring of health workers to meet the growing population.

  • Cross River Industrialization Drive Gets Major Boost; As UN Pledges Certification, Operations Support For CALAPHARM

    Cross River Industrialization Drive Gets Major Boost; As UN Pledges Certification, Operations Support For CALAPHARM

    By Admin

    The Cross River State Government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have finalised modalities to provide technical support for the completion, equipping, certification and operation of the state-owned Pharmaceutical Company, CALAPHARM.

    Arising from a meeting between the state government representatives and UNIDO Nigeria team during its working visit to the State, sequel to a meeting with Governor Ayade in Abuja where issues of State interest were discussed, the Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong said the discussions among other things centred on how the UN industrial organization will provide technical assistance that will enable CALAPHARM oommence operations.

    Asibong assured the Team of the State Government’s readiness to provide the necessary support in their quest to give technical know-how for the state-owned pharmaceutical company.

    The Commissioner explained that CALAPHARM is near completion, and when it begins full operations, will contribute to the Federal Government’s policy reliance on locally produced and environmentally-friendly pharmaceutical products in Nigeria.

    She seized the opportunity of the visit to make a clarion call on the Federal Government, the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and other Donor organisations to take a cue from UNIDO by lending support to the industrialisation drive of Cross River State Government.

    Earlier in her remarks, the UNIDO Team Lead to Cross River, Mrs. Osaretin Jaiyeola, assured the State Government of the provision of the requisite technical assistance needed for the smooth takeoff of CALAPHARM.

    She lauded Prof. Ben Ayade’s initiative on the establishment of the CALAPHARM, adding that when it commences full operations would boost the economy of the state through the production of locally made drugs thereby strengthening the local content value-chain in the country.