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Tag: #Mike Etaba

  • Mike Etaba Condemns Recent Outbreak Of Communal Violence In Ogamana And Ofonokom

    Mike Etaba Condemns Recent Outbreak Of Communal Violence In Ogamana And Ofonokom

     

    The member representing Eating/Obubra federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, Member Representing condemned the  recent outbreak of communal violence in Ogamana and Ofonokom

    In a release sighted by TheLumineNews and signed by Hon Etaba, the leaders of both communities have been called to exercise restraint.

    The release reads in full “I am deeply saddened and appalled by the recent outbreak of communal violence between Ogamana and Ofonokom communities in Obubra. It is disheartening to witness our brothers and sisters, who have lived together for generations, resorting to violence and choosing the path of destruction instead of dialogue.

    “As a representative of the people, it is my utmost duty to ensure the safety and welfare of my constituents. I strongly condemn this unwarranted and senseless violence which has caused a heavy gun battle in the Ijebeh axis, leading to the death of one of my constituents. This situation demands immediate attention and intervention from all authorities. It is crucial that peace and stability are restored in these communities without any further delay.

    “On my part, I have put a call across to the relevant security agencies to swiftly intervene and bring an end to this destructive conflict. They should deploy adequate personnel to the affected areas to halt the ongoing gun battle and prevent further loss of lives and destruction of properties. The safety and security of our people must be the top priority.

    “Furthermore, I urge the leaders and stakeholders of both communities to exercise restraint and embrace peaceful dialogue in resolving whatever differences they may have. Violence only begets more violence, and it is through peaceful engagements that we can find lasting solutions to our conflicts.

    “To our brothers and sisters in Ogamana and Ofonokom, I stand in solidarity with you during this trying time. I implore you to lay down your arms and seek peaceful resolutions to any grievances you may have. United, we can overcome this crisis and rebuild the trust and harmony that once characterized our communities.

    “Lastly, I call on all the chiefs, women, youths and other stakeholders of Obubra to join hands with us to take urgent action in resolving this conflict and bring the perpetrators of violence to justice. Our Local Government deserve peace, security, and development, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their well-being.

    “May peace prevail in Ogamana and Ofonokom, and may the affected find solace and relief soon.

    “Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba
    Member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency”

  • Hon. Mike Etaba’s 3rd Term Ambition: Hope His Excellency Is Aware? – BY UMEZULIKE DESMOND-CRUZ

    Hon. Mike Etaba’s 3rd Term Ambition: Hope His Excellency Is Aware? – BY UMEZULIKE DESMOND-CRUZ

    I had elected not to start the new year discussing Politics, especially as it concern my immediate Constituency, Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, but I feel constrained as a matter of utmost importance and urgency to draw the attention of His Excellency, the Governor, to an imminent political kamikaze, should he decide to handle the issue of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency with kid’s glove.

    Aware that -barring any last minute change and unforeseen circumstance- the Governor, reportedly, has settled in his heart to compensate Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba with a 3rd Term Ticket, as a way of repaying him for his loyalty and refusal to remain in PDP, despite all entreaties and alluring enticement made to him by PDP bigwigs. Knowing the Governor for who he is, I am obviously not surprise that the Governor is allegedly keen on reciprocating Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba’s loyalty to him, with a 3rd ticket, as the Governor has a nice penchant for rewarding not a few that have remain loyal to him. Some of the samplers to underscore my assertion includes, but not limited to, the Governor’ support for Chief Barr. Alphonsus Eba (Okadigbo) emergence as APC Chairman-elect, his unflinching Support to Dr. Steve Odey- who obviously holds the Guinness book of records as one of the most loyal ally of the Governor. Moreso, is his commitment to ensuring that Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbor returns to the green chambers for the 3rd time and his rumoured commitment to settle some of his A-list Commissioners and Chairmen with juicy House of Reps and House of Assembly tickets.

    Without equivocation, I honestly do admire the Governor’s sense of commitment to rewarding loyalty and I pray to have a friend like him who can readily reward loyalty and respect friendship. But while this gesture may appear applaudable, methinks that the Governor needs to be more circumspect in throwing his weight behind some persons, as such may amount to political suicide.

    Is the Governor aware that the Politics of 2023, belongs to the masses and as such, must support only aspirants with grassroot appeal? Performance-wise and realistically speaking, I honestly do think that Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba does not deserve a 3rd term. Unlike, his counterpart, Rt. Hon Legor Idagbor, who is also gunning for a 3rd term, Mike Etaba has performed abysmally and elusively in the House of Reps. He has no grassroot appeal and has lost touch with the people whose mandate he enjoys. As a way of saving face, he hurriedly coupled few abandoned cars and “dashed” them to selected APC Leaders in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency as Empowerment Scheme. As at the time of writing this article, I can authoritatively confirm that some of the cars used for Empowerment are currently languishing in Mechanic workshops and the beneficiaries of the Empowerment Scheme are obviously not happy. Isn’t it insulting that after enjoying close to 7years in the National Assembly, all we can boast of as empowerment Scheme is the gifting of rickety, dangerous-looking, push and Start Buses and Motorcycles.

    I hope the Governor is also aware that in 2019, the people of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency voted against Mike Etaba? To put it in better perspective, Mike Etaba lost the election apparently, but was smuggled back into the House through the instrumentality of the Governor. I hope His Excellency is aware that the people of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency are determine to resist any attempt to foist Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba on the people again, as once beaten, twice shy.

    Lastly, I hope His Excellency Is aware that he will be having too many battles in his hands to win come 2023, and the best way to ease the job is to support a candidate that can garner massive support from the grassroot and then concretize it with the blessing and goodwill of the Governor, and Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba is obviously not that Candidate.

    While, I anticipate that His Excellency takes an introspective consideration of the concerns raised herein, I wish to suggest that the Governor go to war in 2023, with Generals and Veterans of Political Wars and not Politicians waiting to be spoon-feed as the Politics of 2023, will not be business as usual. Every Political Party is expected to field in her best and Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency shouldn’t be an exception.

    God bless Cross River State.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, UMEZULIKE DESMOND-CRUZ, and does not represent TheLumineNews or the organization the author works for.

  • Agba Jalingo Calls On C’River National Assembly Members To Bring ATM Machines That Dispenses Rice

    Agba Jalingo Calls On C’River National Assembly Members To Bring ATM Machines That Dispenses Rice

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    A global symbol of press freedom, winner of several human rights and press freedom awards as well as Amnesty International Prisoner of conscience, Agba Jalingo has called on National Assembly members from cross river to consider bringing into the state ATM machine that dispenses rice to indigent rural dwellers as we continue to endure the rule of Covid 19 lockdown.

    Jalingo took to his Facebook wall to express his concerns stated that “I want to call on my member re presenting our federal constituency, (Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra) in the House of Representatives, Legor Idagbo and the member representing Ogoja/Yala, Jarigbe Agom as well as all state lawmakers from Cross River to consider bringing in ATM that dispenses rice to indigent rural dwellers, as we continue to endure rule Covid 19 lockdown”

    Continuing, the human right activist maintained that “Instead of giving palliatives to PDP ward Chairman, youth and women leaders to share, these ATM machines will substantially reduce the Chances of manipulating donations by local party leaders”