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  • PDP State Working Committee Upholds Committee Report, Reaffirms Mr Patrick Kayang Position As Substantive Chairman Of PDP Obanliku Chapter

    PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY CROSS RIVER STATE

    12th January 2022.

    Press Statement.

    PDP State Working Committee Upholds Committee Report, reaffirms Mr. Patrick Kayang position as Substantive Chairman of PDP Obanliku Chapter

    Arising from the State Working Committee meeting of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, held on the 12th of January 2022 and chaired by the State Party Chairman, Hon. Venatius Ikem, the SWC members of the party upheld the Committee report on Obanliku Local Government Area. The Committee has Chief Austin Edibe (Vice Chairman North) as Chairman, Mr. Francis Ekeng, (State Organizing Secretary)as Secretary and Amb. Joe Esse (Assistant Secretary North) as Member.

    The Committee report which was presented by the Vice Chairman North, Chief Austin Edibe recommended the upholding of Mr. Patrick Kayang as substantive Chapter Chairman of Obanliku . A motion for the adoption of the Report was moved by the State Youth Leader, Mr Boniface Brown and seconded by the State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi. The Motion was later countered by the State treasurer, Ntol Jack Robert and supported by the Financial Secretary, Chris Edadi. Following the counter-motion, the State Chairman called for voting over the Committee Report.

    Eight (8) out of Thirteen (13) members of the SWC present voted in support of the report while two (2) members absconded during voting. Following the result of the voting, the State Working Committee members upheld the report of the committee and consequently reaffirm Mr Patrick Kayang as substantive Chapter Chairman of Obanliku LGA.

    The SWC expressed the hope that this will finally lay to rest the issue of the replacement of the Obanlikwu Chapter Chairman, Mr. George Kayang one of only two chapter Chairmen who left the Party in solidarity with Governor Ayade’s defection.

    The working Committee also commended the Obanlikwu Chapter for remaining resolute in the past several months despite challenging infiltration of the chapter by busy bodies who had nothing to do with the replacement of their chapter Chairman. The Chairman of the Party Barrister Venatius Ikem also informed members of the SWC that he had extended an invitation to the Councillors in Obanlikwu Local Govt Council, who recently decamped back home to PDP to a meeting with the State Working Committee of the party to share solidarity with them and reassure them of the party’s appreciation for their exceptional courage as well as protection from the Council Chair person who is reported to daily harrass them with a view to intimidating them to return again to the APC.

    We urge all party faithful in Obanlikwu, to remain committed to the overall interest of the Party, even as we work assiduously and collectively to rescue, rebuild and restore Cross River State.

    God bless Cross River State.

    Signed:
    Prince Mike Ojisi
    (State Publicity Secretary)

  • Abi Legislative Council Suspends Hon Enang Aboli Indefinitely

    By Evans Bassey

    The ABI Local Government Legislature has suspended indefinitely the Councillor representing Igbo Imabana Ward 1, Hon. Enang Aboli.

    During a plenary session held at the legislative chamber and presided over by the Deputy Leader of Legislature Hon. Princewill Nkanu representing Usumutong/Abeugo Ward, Hon. Enang Aboli was suspended following his violation of Section 34 sub 1&2 of the Local Government Law.

    In a motion moved by the majority leader of the house Hon. Sunday Ukata representing Afafanyi/Igonigoni Ward and supported by Hon. Efem Sunday representing Imabana Ward 2, both legislators established that Hon. Aboli Enang had persistently allowed his personal interest to override his official conducts.

    Similarly, Hon. Isogon Smart Okon representing Itigidi Council Ward and the Deputy Majority Leader of the House was relieved of his position as Deputy Majority Leader on the grounds he belongs to the opposition minority party in the State the PDP.

    The motion to relieve Hon. Smart was moved by Hon. Happy Ejom representing Ediba/Anong Ward and was supported by Hon. Monday Ubah of Ebom/Ebijakara Ward.

    Both Councillors were absent during the sitting were this resolutions were reached.

    A total of seven out the ten Councillors that make up the house were present at the plenary.

  • Northern Senatorial District PDP Stakeholders Posits That Zoning Of Governorship Has Never Being Formalized

    COMMUNIQUE OF THE PDP NORTHERN SENATORIAL STAKEHOLDERS MEETING HELD ON THE 16TH DECEMBER, 2021 AT OGOJA

    The Leaders, Elders, And Critical Stakeholders of the Northern Senatorial District during Their Meeting held on the 16th of December in Ogoja Resolved after conscientious deliberations of issues in the polity and our party the PDP as follows.

    1. We congratulate our party for the successful conduct of the PDP state Congress in Cross River State and the National Convention at the Eagle square in Abuja.

    2. We also want to commend the National Leadership for swinging into action immediately by organizing the retreat for party apparatchik to appraise and evaluate developments in the polity and position it for effectiveness.

    3. We congratulate our National Chairman and his Executive together with our Son, Barr Vena Ikem, State Chairman, Cross River State chapter and his Executive Committee for the resounding Victory at the polls. Their emergence is a clear manifestation of their Credibility and acceptability by all party faithful. We wish them God’s blessings during their tenure of office.

    4. We wholeheartedly share in the joy of the victory and inauguration of our Son, Distinguished Senator JARIGBE AGOM JARIGBE as the first elected Senator from Ogoja local Government. His victory is a legitimate testimony on the strength of our fledging democracy and chorus of his grandiose acceptability across board.

    5. We make bold to state categorically that the position of the Northern Senatorial district is that Zoning of the Governorship has never been a formalized position in our politics. All that we have always had can best be described as an elimination process by succession. Indeed, we make bold to state that for the Governorship, the ticket is open for all Senatorial districts. We therefore call on all party organs to put in place a transparent process of selecting party candidates for all elective offices especially the Governorship.

    6. We congratulate and thank all the people of goodwill both in and out of the state who stood by us in support of our great son, the Distinguished Senator, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and pray to the Almighty God to grant them good tidings in all endeavors.

    7 We condemn the poor management of the security situation leading to loss of lives, kidnappings, armed robbery, rape etc. and call on the Federal and State Government to do all in its power to secure its territorial integrity and its citizenry.

    The leaders thanked Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor for the visit and consultation and appreciated him specifically for all the support given to our Son, Distinguished Senator JARIGBE AGOM JARIGBE during the battle to claim his mandate. They prayed God to bless Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor and called him a true friend and brother of the Northern Senatorial District.

    Conclusively, we look forward to reciprocating the good gesture in the immediate future.
    This Communique was reached and issued by the following stakeholders;

    1. Barr. Idi Baba Yakubu
    2. Dr. Ikani Wogar
    3. Chief. Igbaji Monkom
    4. Dr. Francis Bullem
    5. Chief. Jacob Mgbekem
    6. Barr. Joseph Oloko
    7. Hon. Mathew Ojugbo
    8. Barr. Tony Iji
    9. Hon. Mom Olom
    10. Barr. Paul Ebiala
    11. Hon. Christian Ede
    12. Hon. Dr. Benji Ambe
    13. Hon. Mike Aniah
    14. Hon. Dr. Ashipu Igbo
    15. Mr. Aniashe Akpanke
    16. Mr. Ebenezer Agba
    17. Hon. Charles Eneji
    18. Ignatius Ejim
    19. Dr. Onumashi Ushie
    20. Godwin Ejunka
    21. Moses Odido
    22. Augustine Ogon
    23. Mike Udie
    24. Hon. Peter Igbodor
    25. Godwin Akawu
    26. Hon. Ignatius Ijifu
    27. Arc. Godwin Ugbada
    28. Godwin Ishang

    29. Peter Abue

    Chief Barr. Dr. D.C Enamhe (Secretary)

  • Ecstatic Ululation In Obanliku Ahead Of Senator Prof Sandy Onor’s Visit BY DAVE IMBUA

    ECSTATIC ULULATIONS IN OBANLIKU AHEAD OF SENATOR PROFESSOR SANDY ONOR’S VISIT.

    It is simply difficult, nay impossible to use words to capture the ecstatic mood in Obanliku as the people prepare to receive the Distinguished Senator Professor Sandy Ojang Onor, the Original Caterpillar and Orator of Nigeria’s Ninth Senate. Known for many good things, including his arresting oratory verve, uncompromising honesty and penchant for performance, Senator Professor Sandy Onor is expected to bring an electrifying current of hope, liberation and restoration to the currently despised, alienated and neglected people of Obanliku who have come to understand better than a thousand theoretical examples how the progress and development of a people can be retarded under an unjust and insensitive leadership.

    The Obanliku experience in the last couple of years underscores King Solomon’s unequivocal statement that “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” (Proverbs 29:2). It is no longer news that what constitutes the dividends of democracy in Obanliku are more or less projects that were executed by the administrations of Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke. A few examples may suffice. As the governor of Cross River State (May 1999 – May 2007), Donald Duke constructed the Sankwala Ring Road in his first 100 days in office. In the course of his eventful tenure, he completed and commissioned several other projects including the Obanliku General Hospital, the Bebi Airstrip and Utanga Safari Lodge. He also upgraded the Ranch Resort to international standard, making it the flagship of Nigeria’s tourism. He electrified Bendi, Bisu, and Bebi among other communities. It is to his credit that he initiated and sustained the defunct annual Obudu Mountain Race which brought to Obanliku a great company of men and women from across ethnic, national, religious, linguistic and gender divides for the purpose of winning laurels and leisure. The Obudu International Mountain Race was endorsed by both the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) and the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) in 2005 shortly before Duke left office.

    Senator Liyel Imoke who succeeded Duke as governor of Cross River State (May 2007 – May 2015) consolidated and expanded the dividends of democracy in Obanliku. Painstaking efforts were deployed to ensure that the dream that informed the huge investment in the Ranch Resort was not allowed to wither and ease in to oblivion. The Imoke-led administration opened new vistas in a bid to sustain the influx of both local and international tourists to the Resort. Under Imoke’s administration, the road to the resort was fortified and driving through the 22 breath-taking U-bends became pleasurable. In the same committed manner, Senator Liyel Imoke opened up several rural communities with asphalted roads like the Basang East Road, Busi Road, and Utuhu-Kakwe-Lishiche-Shikpeche Road. This was in addition to the rehabilitation and upgrading of numerous health centres and schools in the LGA. The exploits of Duke and Imoke left the good people of Obanliku in no doubt that democracy was the best form of government for any people in search of development.

    And, then, the era of Senator Prof. Ben Ayade came in 2015! Like many other communities in the Northern Cross River Senatorial District, Obanliku people were profoundly confident that the swearing-in of a brother and kinsman as the governor of Cross River State was going to take the local government area to a new level of development. The optimism of such people arose from several justifiable considerations including the painful sacrifices that some people in Obanliku had to make to ensure that Ayade became the governor.

    Unfortunately, no sooner had Ayade took off that it became clear that he was more interested in the underdevelopment of Obanliku than in its progress. Tragically, the people suddenly realised that there are leaders who can castrate democracy and make it impotent in grassroots development.
    After six years of Ayade’s administration, he is yet to commission a single project in the entire Obanliku LGA. Worse still, deliberate efforts have been made to undermine the legacies of Duke and Imoke in Obanliku through the abandonment of well-conceived projects and other infrastructure. In this process of calculated under development, the Ranch has become a mere footnote in the world tourism map, with ongoing plans to turn it into a prayer mountain for politicians and their supporters. The Bebi Airstrip has also been abandoned to pave way for an international cargo airport in Obudu LGA. The Mountain Race with its huge impact on local economy has become history. Public schools in Obanliku have become shadows of what they were when Ayade took over in 2015. The level of neglect and marginalisation visited on Obanliku by the Ayade administration is unprecedented since the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999. In fact, Apart from land grapping, there seems to be nothing else to immortalise the uneventful Ayade’s administration in Obanliku.

    With a high sense of regret and frustration, many people in Obanliku have long stopped expecting anything to come from the Ayade debacle. The people are only waiting for time to pass to what would go into records as a dark age in the history of Obanliku. Indeed, many have been looking up to a deliverer who can redress the tragic drift in Obanliku from 2023. Because of his past and present records of performance, majority of the people see Senator Professor Sandy Onor as one person that can restore Obanliku in particular and Cross River State in general on the path of prosperity and development. Because of this, across party and gender lines, several people have been itching to join the Caterpillar Movement. Such people see Senator Onor’s positive responses to the prayers and wishes to run for the office of the governor of Cross River State as a sign of restoration and redemption. As one who had once directly overseen the affairs of a local government and had the opportunity of understanding the system nationally, many people are convinced that he will reposition local governments as sentinels of development and instruments of security at the grassroots. For the Obanliku man, this means that his monthly allocation that has either been appropriated for personal use or committed to develop other parts of the state will be available for the development of the LGA. As a co-visionary with both Duke and Imoke, expectations are high that Senator Onor will restore the good old days in Nigeria’s Switzerland. The vast majority of Obanliku people are excited! They are ecstatic! Focus you satellite dish on Obanliku tomorrow and you will understand the meaning of the lingo that action speaks louder than words.

    Dave Imbua writes from the Hills of Bendi in Obanliku.

    Disclaimer: The Opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of the author, Dave Imbua and does not represent TheLumineNews or the organization that author works for.

  • Central Senatorial District PDP Stakeholders Issues Communique: Reaffirms That Governorship Position Has Never Been An Exclusive Right Of Any Zone

    A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A STAKEHOLDERS MEETING OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT CROSS RIVER STATE HELD AT IKOM on 15th DECEMBER 2021.

    Preamble

    We, the stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party of Central Senatorial District of Cross River State in an interactive session with our Distinguished Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor on the 15th day of December 2021, do hereby resolve in this Communique as follows:

    1. That we congratulate our great party, the PDP for the successful and peaceful conduct of our party’s Ward, Chapter and State Congresses and the National Convention. We also congratulate the new leadership of our great party led by our amiable and indomitable National Chairman, His Excellency Senator Iyorchia Ayu. We unreservedly pledge our unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the leadership of our great party.

    2. We call on INEC to ensure that every vote counts while also reaffirming electronic transmission of results.

    3. We believe in the unity, progress and development of Cross River State based on justice, equity and fairness, hence we REAFFIRM that the sharing of electoral positions, especially the Governorship of our dear state is not and has never been exclusive for a particular senatorial district or zone in any election.

    4. We affirm that our dear Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor has performed creditably well due to his capacity and desire for service delivery. We are therefore wishing him to further explore the political coast for the development of the people and the state by contesting election as Governor of Cross River State.

    5. Concerned that the current inciting comments by a highly placed individuals over zoning could precipitate undue crisis; we reaffirm that the state is an all-embracing political entity that calls for an all-embracing political participation that does not exclude any zone or constituency as hitherto been. It is therefore critical that we allow the political field open to all aspirants for best political results.

    6. That we shall continue to implore all eligible aspirants to consult stakeholders and party faithfuls across the state and solicit for their support during and after the party primaries.

    7. That as law-abiding citizens, we shall continue to abide by the rules and support good developmental policies in the state, and the overall interest of the good people of Cross River State.

    This communique is dated today the 15th December 2021 and signed by the underlisted stakeholders:

    1. Ntufam Gabe Odu Oji
    2. Rt Hon Bar John Gaul Lebo
    3. Ntufam Bar Chris Itafu Njar
    4. Hon. Chief Joe Obi Bisong
    5. Prof. Walter Mboto
    6. Hon Dr Obol Goddy Ettah
    7. Comrade Ekpo Ofem Bassey
    8. Ntufam Joe Ndem Ndifon
    9. Barr. Attah Ochinke
    10. Mrs Ada Izani
    11. Barr. Joe Eyo
    12. Dr Effumbe Kachau
    13. Dr. Mark Nke

  • Re: DG Gershom Bassey Campaign Organization Reacts To Sandy Onor’s Declaration

     

    The Attention of the Caterpillar Movement has been drawn to a publication allegedly credited to the DG of Gershom Bassey Campaign Organization, Barr. Ekpo Ada, wherein he stated, amongst other things that the declaration of Distinguished Senator (Prof) Sandy Onor, to join the gubernatorial race spells doom for the party. Referencing an imaginary Stakeholders meeting held in 2015, Barr. Ekpo Ada further alleged that the party leadership had in 2015, zoned the Governorship seat exclusively to the Southern Senatorial District.

    For us in the Caterpillar Movement, we find the above statement credited to Barr. Ekpo Ada as unbecoming. Aware of the political season and time we are in, and the need to constantly disabuse the minds of our people from sheer propaganda and rumor, we find it absolutely pertinent to make the following categorical statements, in response to the alleged comment credited to Barr. Ekpo Ada.

    1. That the Caterpillar Movement is not antagonistic to the aspiration of anybody as we believe that all Senatorial Districts have what it takes to produce a credible Governor.

    2. That no body can zone the right of a people to willingly elect their leaders and as such, no body can coerce the party into disenfranchising party faithfuls. The Party must be seen to be free, fair and credible to all and sundry in their activities and processes as we match towards 2023

    3. That it is an aberration for anybody to allege that the party exclusively zoned the Governorship seat to the South in 2015, as such is only a figment of some persons’ imagination, hell-bent on deceiving innocent and unsuspecting Cross Riverians.

    We wish to reiterate our commitment to the people of Cross River State and to the philosophy of fairness, credibility and justice as nobody can zone our right.

    Joe-Obi Bisong
    (DG Caterpillar Movement)

  • Defection Hits C/River APC As Ex-Deputy Governorship Candidate, Thousand Of Others Dumps Party For PDP

    Culled from the Sun online, By Judex Okoro – Calabar

    The battle ahead of 2023 in Cross River Cross River is gathering momentum as the former PDP state chairman and APC former deputy governorship candidate, Ntufam Ekpo Okon, and thousands of supporters, especially in the southern senatorial district, have dumped the party for rival PDP.

    Others to join the exodus include the former deputy speaker, Hon. Dominic Edem, Hon. Wilson Ekpeyong, representing Bakassi and Odukpani state constituencies respectively and Bassey O. Bassey, Esq.

    The trio of Okon, Edem and Ekpenyong were all staunch members of PDP and they defected to APC between 2015 and 2019.

    Sources close to APC secretariat disclosed that Ntufam Ekpo and others are said to have already tendered their resignation letters at ward, chapter and state levels. The source added that they might have left the party as most of them were allegedly not carried along in the just-concluded ward, local government and state congresses.

    Their defection is coming barely a month after some APC stalwarts in the northern senatorial district defected to PDP during the thanksgiving ceremony of Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe held at Ogoja and at a time the state executive committee–elect of APC is still embarking on a reconciliatory meeting with some party big-wigs across the state.

    The source further said that APC should expect more defections early next year as most old members are so dissatisfied at the way the new defectors from PDP shoved them aside and took over the party structure from ward to state levels.

    Confirming the return to PDP, a member of executive in Akamkpa ward in Odukpani local government area where Ntufam Ekpo Okon belongs, Chief Bassey Ekpo Bassey, 49, said: ”It is true that our leader, Ntufam Okon has returned to PDP where he was one of the founding members but left because of irreconcilable differences.

    “Today, he has returned home to his roots and we welcome him with open arms. I can tell you that with his return you should expect mass movement because Ntufam Ekpo knows how to mobilise us to victory. So, we are very happy and thank the leadership for really reaching out to old members. As I am talking with you, our Oga Ekpo is already working with PDP leaders on the next move. ”

    Another party chieftain from Bakassi local government area, Elder Emmanuel Inyang, 56, confirmed that Hon Dominic Aqua is also back to PDP after several sojourn in Labour Party and APC, adding that PDP is still the party to beat in Bakassi.

    “We know that APC is trying to manage their internal crisis resulting from the crisis emanating from the party congress. We expect more defectors and we shall all work as a team to reclaim the state from APC. Even at the ward, we have been mobilising and reaching out to our brothers with like minds to come back. Just watch out for a mass exodus from APC to PDP soon,” he stated.

    At the state PDP secretariat located at Mary Slessor Avenue, Calabar, a top party official, who doesn’t want to be quoted, admitted that some wards and chapter executive committee members from Odukpani, Akpabuyo and Bakassi have notified them about the defection of some APC top shots, but are yet to be briefed with regards to the number of people joining the party.

    He further said the party is in high spirit as it has continued to get the support of some APC members who are willing to defect to PDP following the alleged hijack of the party structures by Governor Ben Ayade loyalists and their subsequent alleged marginalisation.

    He disclosed that by Tuesday, December 7, 2021, the party may receive thousands of defectors while moves are on to embark on some ward tour by some party chieftains aimed at sensitising the populace and keeping them abreast of ideals of the new PDP in the state.

    Hailing the party leadership for reaching out to their old members and lobbying them to come back, a PDP stalwart from Obanliku, Chief Chris Agba, said they are working round the clock to reposition the party by reaching out to those who left the party for one reason or the other.

    Agba revealed that more heavyweights from APC would soon defect to PDP, adding that they are still consulting with the likes of Hon Alex Egbona, representing Yakurr/Abi federal constituency, some serving commissioners and former APC executive committee members on the need to return.

  • PDP Women Holds First Enlarged stakeholders Meeting, Declares Operation Rescue Cross River State

    PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY CROSS RIVER STATE

    19th November 2021.

    PDP Women Holds First Enlarged stakeholders Meeting, Declares Operation Rescue Cross River State

    Yesterday, 18th November 2021, a cross section of women in the Peoples Democratic Party across the 18 Local Government Areas, held their first enlarged stakeholders meeting in the state, declares Operation Rescue Cross River State. The declaration which was made during the meeting with the State Woman Leader, was a symbolic expression of readiness to work assiduously with the State Working Committee of the Party in restoring and rescuing the state from the grip of maladministration.

    Speaking during the meeting, the State Woman Leader, Hon. Florence Inyang, thanked the women for their support and show of solidarity to the Party, while admonishing them to eschew all form of bickering and infighting amongst themselves.

    “I want to specially thank all of you for making out time to attend this urgent but important meeting. I am overwhelmed by this show of support and loyalty to the Party, as many of you have chosen to reject the food on the table bait, just to remain with our great party, the PDP. I enjoin us to remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of the Party, eschew bickering and infighting amongst ourselves as women, work assiduously for the good of the Party. We must be committed to this project of rescuing Cross River State, for I am confident that the glory of the latter days, shall be greater than the former. As Women, we must endeavour to aspire and occupy positions come 2023 and reject being whistle blowers for the men during campaign rallies. This is our time to arise as great women of Cross River State and emancipate ourselves and State”

    Reacting to the State Woman Leader’s charge, the Honourable Member Representing Boki 1 State Constituency, Rt. Hon Itam Abang, called for a minute silence for late Hon. Miss Elizabeth Ironbarr, who until her demise was the Honourable Member Representing Akpabuyo State Constituency (The City of Light). She further charged the women to arise and take their prideful place in leadership and stop playing the second fiddle to men in Politics.

     

    “I’m mostly delighted to be here with my fellow Women and mothers of our great party. First, I wish to call for a minute silence in honor of the soul of our departed Mother, Hon. Elizabeth ironbar, who stood and fought gallantly on the side of truth and Justice in the interest of the party and womanhood. As women in Cross River State, we must endeavor to take our prideful place in leadership for we’ve got the intellectual wherewithal, capacity and integrity needed for leadership. Cross River State Women are bejeweled with high intellectual capacity and bravery, so we must exhibit that ability in us and work for the party. Come 2023, we must aspire to occupy positions from the grassroot level to the state level bearing in mind that when a woman is in power, there’s peace because good mothers and women don’t allow their children destroy their home. As mothers, we must also endeavor to give a level playing ground to all intending aspirants in the party. We shouldn’t give room for selective association. As mothers, we must give our children equal access to the nourishing wealth of our breast milk”

    Other remarks made during the meeting, includes remarks from women leaders from each Senatorial District, charging women to map out strategies and framework to reach the grassroot. Dr Mrs Helen Walter Mboto called for a unification of the women under one umbrella ahead of 2023.

    As always, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party shall continue to beckon on all Cross Riverians to join the party and help rescue Cross River State, for we are confident that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

    God bless Cross River State.

    Signed:
    Prince Mike Ojisi
    (State Publicity Secretary)

  • Sandy Onor: A Development Czar By ORI OWAN

     

    It was Chinua Achebe, legendary Nigerian novelist and essayist who said that, “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
    Driving home the wisdom in this statement is a popular saying which admonishes us to “give honour to whom it is due and celebrate something good even in the thick of gloom and doom that has saturated our media space.”

    Indeed, it is the case of “action speaks louder than words” when it concerns Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor’s redemptive projects and activities in the Central Cross River Senatorial District. Senator Onor has distinguished himself as a man of great capacity and enterprise. His giant strides in the last two years remain both unmatched and challenging. His dedicated service to the people of Cross River Central has brought another giant amongst the best senators in Nigeria to the limelight. In fact, several appellations have been given consciously to this uncommon performer, especially by the people at the grassroots. Some have justifiably christened him a “repository of projects”, while others in their characteristic manner have argued strenuously, extensively and passionately that Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor is another emerging “Mr projects” south of the Niger. If one were to filter facts from fictions, one could loosely describe him as a harbinger of infrastructure. If one were to be pedantic and petty as his adversaries and traducers, then Senator Sandy Onor could be seen and measured in light of his numerous empowerments and poverty alleviation programs in the past two years. No doubt, if it were a contest, he would have walked away with the trophy long ago. If it were a class of degree, he would have meritoriously walked away with a first class honours. Of course, he would have been the valedictorian. If it were the “MO” Ibrahim award of excellence, exclusively reserved for outstanding leaders in Africa, Senator Sandy Onor would have sailed through. Unfortunately, Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor found himself in a political climate and setting where excellence in leadership is not celebrated. A setting that does not appreciate leaders who provide roads, electricity and water; a setting that does not appreciate leaders who transform dreams into reality. Rather, it is a polity that admires leaders who temporarily doll out cash rewards to the masses in exchange for praises, even when the roads are dilapidated; even when there is no portable water to drink; even when there are no good rural roads and other infrastructure.

    Before his celebrated emergence in 2019, people taught that politics was a class-driven exercise. The notion at that material time was that representatives were exclusively restricted to Abuja and state capitals. Legislators were seen as demigods, as constituents were subjected to rigorous procedures before they can interface with their legislators. But today, with Senator Sandy Onor, times have really changed. Thus, constituency allowances no longer end in private pockets and fat bank accounts. The facts are obvious and glaring that he gives back to the constituents more than he gets at the National Assembly. He ensures that whatever he dolls out, touches the man at the grassroots, which is why he visits his district on weekly basis for evaluations and town hall meetings.

    The Covid 19 pandemic that swept across the shores of nations is also an exemplar of effective and excellent representation. This is because the pandemic appeared like a destabilizing wind. Yet, this people-oriented Senator, captain and tireless champion of the common people did not disappoint his constituents. He gave them soft landing without allowing them to drown in the torrential ocean of Covid of 19. As such,he embarkd on a vigorous tour across the L.G.As of the Central District to feel the pulse of his people. Though, anonymous and quiet in his natural style, Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor gave Cash donations and unquantifiable food items, especially to the vulnerable segments of the society. Beyond this, over one hundred persons, selected from across the LGAs in the Senatorial District were handsomely empowered during his massive empowerment program that took place in the first quarter of 2021. In addition to this gesture, small and medium scale businesses were given a boost as a result of this empowerment program. Recently, many training centres were agog across the entire district, with influx of participants being taught several skills and eventually empowered to start up businesses. More so, the principal, parents/guidance of students of several secondary schools in Abi L.G.A and many other communities in the Central Cross River State, remain appreciative to Senator Sandy Onor’s footprints in their schools in terms of renovations and supply of modern equipment and furniture.

    It is pertinent to remark, as the foregoing demonstrate, that Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor has dedicated his time and energy to make his constituents more secure and safe. He has deployed all government services to create fair and equal opportunity for constituents to make a living through his sustained leadership and love of humanity. A man who has made it possible even in the face of impossibles. A member of the ninth Assembly, which is characterized by serious austerity and absence of resources, yet this performer even in this situation hasn’t disappointed his constituents and followers. Even his worst critics would acknowledge this glaring facts. In fact, those who criticize him, in the respectful opinion of this writer, should embark on a tour of the rural roads in the entire district and sample the opinions of the rural dwellers.The leaders who talk against him, do so because Senator Sandy Onor has taken the unfamiliar path in putting smiles on the faces of his people. No Senator has done what Senator Sandy Onor has done in the past two years of his tenure. It is only a fantasized dreamer that will expect overnight miracles from this Senator whose expeditions have been recorded in the minds of the people. Thus, an average Cross Riverian regard him as an experienced elder statesman due to his moral principles. Hence, if he bows out as a Senator in 2023 to take up higher responsibilities, he will be remembered by all and sundry through his footprints, which is indeed the measure of a man. No wonder he is currently seen as a development Czar. History will certainly be fair to Distinguished Senator Sandy Irunandu Ojang Onor.

    Ori Owan is a political scientist and a lawyer in equity.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, ORI OWAN and does not represent TheLumineNews or the organization the author works for

  • C’River PDP Describes The Invasion Of Its Secretariat By The APC As A Tragedy Of Lawlessness

    By Admin

    The Cross River State chapter of the People Democratic Party PDP has described the invasion of its secretariat by the ruling All Progressive Congress APC as a tragedy of lawlessness.

    In a release made available to The Lumine News and signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Mike Ojisi calls on the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Calabar and  heads of all Security Agencies in Cross River State to expeditiously intervene and help restore the rule of law in the face of this brazen and evasive rape of the law by the APC.

    The release reads in full:

    “APC’s Invasion Of Our Party Secretariat: Tragedy of Lawlessness.

    “On Wednesday, 10th November 2021, the peace-loving People of Cross River State were once again greeted by another reckless act of lawlessness orchestrated by the unproductive All Progressive Congress in Cross River State.

    “The Peoples Democratic Party Cross River State received with grave concern the news of the unlawful invasion of our Party’s Secretariat at Murtala Mohammed Highway Calabar, by the yet-to-be inaugurated handpicked State Working Committee of the APC led by the factional Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba. To this end, it has become absolutely imperative and instructive that we address this issue and make it clear that the lawless APC lacks the locus standi to invade the said party Secretariat which is still under contention. It’s also worthy of note to stress that, following the instructions of the AIG Zone 6 for both parties to stall administrative duties in the Secretariat until investigation into the matter is properly concluded, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party was shocked to witness the forceful invasion of the Secretariat which has been under lock and key.

    “As law-abiding citizens, we hereby, without any form of equivocation call on the AIG Zone 6, Commissioner of Police, Civil Defence and heads of all Security Agencies in Cross River State to expeditiously intervene and help restore the rule of law in the face of this brazen and evasive rape of the law by the APC. We hereby demand an explanation into this unlawful invasion of our Secretariat by the overzealous SWC of the APC.

    “As a party, we are very much aware of the APC’s incurable craze and penchant for lawlessness both at the National and State Level, an obvious tragedy all rational Cross Riverian nay Nigerian, must speak against. We call on the APC to respect the rule of law and redeem her image in the eyes of the people, at least for once.

    “As a party with the inalienable right to freedom of association as enshrined in our nation’s constitution, we shall continue to resist any attempt by the APC to gag, victimize or subjugate members of our great party.

    “We also call on our teeming supporters and members of our great party to remain calm and law-abiding as we explore all legal and legitimate means towards reclaiming our party Secretariat”

    God Bless Cross River State.

    Signed
    Prince Mike Ojisi
    (State Publicity Secretary)