PDP YALA LGA CHAIRMANSHIP CANDIDATE BARR. FABIAN ODEY OGBECHE FILLS HIS NOMINATION FORM, SCREENED AND CONFIRMED QUALIFIED TO FLAG THE PARTY'S FLAG.

...Proceeds on consultation visit to Mr Gabe Onah.

Barr. Fabian filling his nomination form

Earlier today, the PDP candidate for Yala local Chairmanship position in the march 28th council election, Barr. Fabian O Ogbeche filled his nomination form and was forthwith screened and confirmed as fit and up-to-date with the party's requirements to bear her flag for the election.

The high point of the screening was when the Screening committee looked at Fabian's papers, his qualifications and then Hilariously said 'Yala doesn't carry last', you are good to go'.

Thereafter, the Chairman hopeful being a humble leader that he is, proceeded to the residence of a statesman and Chairman Carnival commission Mr Gabe Onah, for a consultation visit.

Barr. Fabian and elder statesman Mr. Gabe Onah

After introducing himself and  members of his entourage, Mr Gabe commended his CV and linage he hails from in Yala. He advised that, if elected he shouldn't just be a PDP Chairman but a Yala chairman.

The Carnival Chairman applauded the youths of Yala for beginning to get things right in politics especially for their youthful involvement in politics nowadays.
He said, he ran for Yala chairmanship twice and that was 30 years ago when according to him he was about 28. "I'm happy seeing youths rising up for elective positions" He said.

In conclusion, Mr Gabe gave his support and led a prayer session, thereafter, light refreshment and departure.

Read also C'River Council Poll: Barr. Fabian Meets Amb. Jammy Egbe

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC said it stands by the results it declared regarding the Governorship election in Imo State, which threw up a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha as the winner.

It said while it has however accepted the Supreme Court verdict on the polls, its position on the exercise, especially regarding the admittance of the controversial results from some 388 polling units, has not changed.



“The result of the Imo election is on our website. It is in the public domain. We have not altered what we have on our site to reflect the judgment of the apex court because we insist that the results the APC candidate presented were strange to us. We never authenticated them.

“However, while we do not agree with the judgment, we have accepted it because we have no choice in the circumstance and court orders or judgment are meant to be obeyed by the Commission irrespective of whether we like it or not”, said the official who demanded his identity be covered because the Commission no longer wants to be commenting on the judgment.

Asked if he could avail the media of results of the election including those of the 388 polling units, the official said: “You may have to approach the Court to obtain it. Or, you can approach the APC candidate who brought the results.

“Most importantly, I think the Police should have it because it was the police that tendered the results in court. They tendered the results which we disowned, so you can ask them for the results from all the polling units in Imo state. They should have them in their archives”.

UNICAL REGISTRAR, AMB. JAMMY EGBE RECEIVES PDP CANDIDATE FOR YALA COUNCIL POLL, BARR. FABIAN IN HIS OFFICE.

...Gives his support and Promises a perfect working relationship


Yesterday the PDP Yala chairmanship candidate for the march 2020 council poll Barr. Fabian O. Ogbeche paid a courtesy visit to an astute administrator, the Registrar, UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR, Amb. (Chief) Gabriel Jammy Egbe in his office.

The visit was in line with his objective and all encompassing style of leadership he has promised Yala LGA if elected as chairman. Barr. Fabian officially congratulated Amb. Egbe on his emergence as Registrar of the prestigious University of Calabar. He said it is an added advantage to the Yala people.

Barr. Fabian also highlighted some of his programs he would execute if elected as chairman of Yala LGA. He emphasized mostly on education reform in Yala, where the children of both the poor and rich could have access to equitable education. The candidate also hammered on the need for Yala people irrespective of language must stay glue and supportive for the common goal of bringing sustainable development to Yala land.

In similar vein, the Registrar, Amb Egbe, congratulated Barr. Fabian on his emergence as the candidate Of the ruling PDP for Yala LGA. He said, the development of Yala lies in our hands whether as a politician or private practitioner, we all owe Yala greatly, he said.

Amb. Egbe also admonished Barr. Fabian to use his candidacy, in fact his campaign should be geared towards preaching peace because there can't be sustainable development without sustainable peace. 

In conclusion, The Registrar gave his support and promised a perfect working relationship with Barr. Fabian, if elected as Yala council Chairman.

Corrected version

Our Ref: GO/PRESS/012/VOL.I/ 140                                 FEBRUARY 3, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

The State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade has approved the following appointments with immediate effect:
S/N
NAME
PORFOLIO


SIR ITA IKPEME
DIRECTOR GENERAL - RUWATSA


MR. EBE IDAGWU
CHAIRMAN SECONDAY EDUCATION BOARD


NYONG EFFIOM (NY)
MEMBER- WASTE MANAGEMENT AGENCY


TAWO OBI OGAR (POISO)
SPECIAL ASSISTANT SECURITY- CENTRAL


ULAM EMMANUEL C.
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT - SDGs


ISHAMAJI KINGSLEY I.
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT - TRANSPORT


WILLIAMS ARCHIBONG JNR
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT - COMMUNICATIONS


ABANTELHE JOSEPH
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT – LOGISTICS


BLESSING OKON
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT - DOMESTIC


STANLEY ASUQUO
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT – TRANS & LOGISTICS


LEBO LEBO
SPECIAL ASSIST – SPORTS& CINEMATOGRAPHY


EBENEZER ARUWONSO
SNR SPECIAL ASSISTANT –PROJECT MONITORING


CELESTINE OGAR OGBUDU (BIG DADDY)
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT - ENTERTAINMENT


PATRICK OKO ODEY
SPECIAL ASSISTANT INTERNATIONAL DONOR


MURPHY RAPHAEL ADOGA
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSIST – JOB PLACEMENT


KINGSLEY ADIE
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – GOVERNOR’S OFFICE


DANIEL MBANG
DIRECTOR  – RURAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY


IDEA MARVELOUS
SPECIAL ASSISTANT - LOGISTICS


ANDIEMEN MARY
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT - DOMESTIC


ETIM UYIME
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS


ISIAKA HAMZART
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – LIAISON (LAGOS)


OTOBONG MATTHEW AKPAN
MEMBER – HAULAGE CITY BOARD


AUSTIN AKAN
SNR. SPECIAL ASSISTANT - ESTABLISHMENT


ELIZABETH OFFIONG BASSEY
PERSONAL ASSISTANT - DOMESTIC


DR. PETER ADIGEB
CHAIRMAN LOCAL GOVT. SERVICE COMMISSION


EFFIOM EFFIWAT
DIRECTOR GENERAL -  CRISSA


UNDESHI GODWIN AREWA
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – OBUDU INT’L AIRPORT


AMAMA BENEDICT
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – LABOUR


UNDESHI DAVID UGAR
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – YOUTH MOBILISATION


EMMANUEL MBORA
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT – GREATER CALABAR CITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY


AYANG AZOM AYANG
DIRECTOR GENERAL –RURAL DEVT. AGENCY


IKPE EMMANUEL
SPECIAL ASSISTANT - URBAN RENEWAL


IKASHI JOHN
MEMBER – WASTE MANAGEMENT AGENCY


EUNICE EGODO
SNR. SPECIAL ASSISTANT – GARMENT FACTORY


AKPEBI JULIUS
SNR. SPECIAL ASSIST- RICE SEEDS & SEEDLINGS FACTORY


JOSEPH AKEKE
MEMBER – WASTE MANAGEMENT AGENCY


CHIEF AKINSHEYE
SPECIAL ASSIST. - AFORESTATION/LANDSCAPPING


SOGUN THANKGOD
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – PREROGATIVE OF MERCY


DANIEL ONOKPA
MEMBER- SDGs BOARD


IKASHI DEKAS ISOMKWO
MEMBER – UBUDU URBAN DEVT. AUTHORITY


AKONGWUBEL JOHN I.
SNR. SPECIAL ASSIST. COMMERCIAL AGRIC


DR. ORU TIKU
SNR. SPECIAL ASSIST. – HEALTH & SAFETY


OYO EMMANUEL IDEM
SPECIAL ASSIST. – COMPLIANCE MONITORING


THELMA AKINSHEYE
SPECIAL ASSIATNT – FOOD BANK


THOMAS USHIE
SNR. SPECIAL ASSISTANT  – COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION


UWEM JOSEPH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – TRANSPORT SERVICES


ERIC AKINSHEYE
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – STATE LIBRARY


IDI MOSES AJANI
MEMBER – FOOD BANK COMMISSION


REGINA OKHOUMA
DIRECTOR - CROSS RIVER STATE PORT AUTHORITY


REGINALD OTOBORI
MEMBER – RURAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY


JOSEPH ISHAJE
SPECIAL ASSISTANT - PROJECTS


FRANCIS UGBONG
MEMBER – CRS SOCIAL HOUSING BOARD


ALEMU SULE
SPECIAL ASSISTANT - DOMESTIC


USHIE OGAR
MEMBER – FOOD BANK COMMISSION


BARR. AGBOR ITU BASSEY
SNR. SPECIAL ASSISTANT – TRAINING & DOCTRINE


AFFIAN BOYO NDUONOFIT
SNR. SPECIAL ASSISTANT - WORKS


FRANCISCA UNIMKE
SNR. SPECIAL ASSISTANT – SKILL ACQUISITION


JEOBELLA ONAH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – SECURITY (NORTH)


BARR. ROLAND IPOULE
SPECIAL ASSIATANT - COMMERCE


DR. COLUMBUS AZABEYE UKEH
SPECIAL ASSIATANT - HEALTH


HON. BASSEY OKON
MEMBER – WASTE MANAGEMENG AGENCY


BASSEY EKPENYONG
DIRECTOR -CUDA


PST. EDET EKENG IWATT
DIRECTOR - CUDA


BENJAMIN NZEAGWU
SNR. SPECIAL ASSIST – WASTE MGT. AGENCY


AKPANKE JOSEPH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – POWER PROJECTS


OBIAJE MIKE
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT - SEMA


EKWE OFEM EJEJE
SNR. SPECIAL ASSISTANT – OFFICE MANAGEMENT


OGAR PAUL
SPECIAL ASSISTANT - SKILL ACQUISITION


AGUBA EDET AGUBA
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – MINISTRY OF RURAL TRANSFORMATION


DENNIS UGBADA ODEY
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT - AGRICULTURE


AKOMAYE GODWIN ADAH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT


JOHN OBASI
MEMBER- CLEAN ENERGY CITY BOARD


EMMANUEL UTANDE
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT - POLITICAL


ODEY RICHARD AKOMAYE
MEMBER-HUMANITIES & SOCIAL WELFARE BOARD


JOE AGIEDE
MEMBER – CLEAN ENERGY CITY BOARD


MUSA YALWA
MEMBER – CLEAN ENERGY CITY BOARD


ASHEE UGBONG
MEMBER – SDGs BOARD


ERNEST UBLIBLI
MEMBER – ARTS & CULTURAL HERITAGE AGENCY


SYLVESTER LIKO
MEMBER – OBUDU URBAN DEVELOPMENT BOARD


NTA EKEI
SPECIAL ASSIATNT - INFORMATION


IDIDU IRENE OGBECHE BASSEY
MEMBER – INFRASTRUCTURE SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE AGENCY


PHILIP UGBONG
MEMBER – CRS HOUSING BOARD


EMMANUEL IKEM
SUSTAINABLE GOVERNANCE


AGATHA MOMKOM
MEMBER – SDGS BOARD


RICHARD EDET ISO
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – YOUTH (CALABAR)


MRS. ROSEMARY UWAGWE
SPECIAL ADVISER - SDGs


ATSU SYLVIA BIWOM
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – FOOD BANK


EDIM NYA EKONG
MEMBER - CTRA


ADIE ANTHONY AMUNDE
MEMBER – INFRASTRUCTURE SAFE & MAINTENANCE AGENCY


AGABI WONA H FAVOUR
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – RELIGIOUS MATTERS


ADIE PETER UTSU
MEMBER – CRS PORT AUTHORITY


BESHEL JUDITH UKEUNIM
SPECIAL ASSISTANT - GENDA


ALEX ETIM ASUQUO
MEMBER- WATER FRONT INFRASTRUCTURE


AUGUSTIN ABAKAM
SPECIAL ASSISTANT – URBAN RENEWAL


CHIEF RANDY EYO-ITA
MEMBER – CLEAN ENERGY BOARD


EUGENE STEPHEN ALAMBE
MEMBER - CRS PORT AUTHORITY


NICHOLAS ADIE
MEMBER – ARTS & CULTURAL HERITAGE AGENCY


GABRIEL ADAH
CHAIRMAN - CTRA


OCHIKIRY DAGBOR
MEMBER - CTRA


ASHIKEM NOEL ASHIKEM
MEMBER - CTRA


CLEMENT IDAGBO
MEMBER - CTRA


DENNIS ISONKWU
MEMBER - CTRA


SMITH GODWIN ASHIKABE
MEMBER- WATER FRONT INFRASTRUCTURE


HASSAN AFEGBUA
PERSONAL ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS


ENGR. OXFORD EGBE
D.G. – DEVELOPMENT CONTROL AGENCY


JOHN JUDE AGIM
DIRECTOR – DEVELOPMENT CONYTROL AGENCY


OGAR PETER ASHIBEL
MEMBER- SOCIAL WELFARE BOARD


ARC. AFFIONG EDET
DIRECTOR- DEVELOPMENT CONTROL AGENCY


HON FRANCIS ASUQUO
DIRECTOR – DEVELOPMENT CONTROL AGENCY


MR. UTIANG IKPALI
DIRECTOR - DEVELOPMENT CONTROL AGENCY


UGBADA UWAI OBIA
Director - DEVELOPMENT CONTROL AGENCY


BARR. JOHN INAKU
LEGAL ADVISER


PRINCE RAYMOND AYENI
MEMBER – SOCIAL WELFARE BOARD


AYUK KENNETH ABANG
MEMBER- CLEAN ENERGY BOARD


EPIBA OWEN OYAMA
MEMBER- CRS FARMERS COUNCIL


DANIEL BISONG
MEMBER – SDGs BOARD


EMMANUEL AKWAGIOBE
OBUDU COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER


MR. KENNETH UKEH
MEMBER – CRS FARMERS COUNCIL


ATESHI CHARLES U.
MEMBER -PREROGATIVE OF MERCY BOARD


UWAKWE PRECIOUS
MEMBER -PREROGATIVE OF MERCY BOARD


JOPSEPH UTSU
MEMBER – NEW CITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY


MARY JAMES
MEMBER – FOOD BANK COMMISSION


UDOBAN GEORGE AKPA
MEMBER – CROSS RIVER STATE FRAMERS COUNCIL


ELDER BASSEY ANAMTEAKWA
SPECIAL ADVISER -


IWADA BASSEY EJA
SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT - ICT


GLORY DAVID
MEMBER – INDUSTRIAL PARK PROJECT


ZUBAIR QUAZEEM OKANDEJI
SPECIAL ASSISTANT  - POWER PLANT


THELMA ATSU
MEMBER – FOOD BANK COMMISSION


RABILU ABDULLAHI MAIMAJE
CHAIRMAN – CRS MUSLIM PILGRIM BOARD


ABDULLAHI EYO OROK
SECRETARY - CRS MUSLIM PILGRIM BOARD


AHMED EBAM
MEMBER - CRS MUSLIM PILGRIM BOARD


SANI ALIYU
MEMBER - CRS MUSLIM PILGRIM BOARD


ISMELIA OSHA
MEMBER CRS MUSLIM PILGRIM BOARD


SIGED

CHRISTIAN ITA
SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA & PUBLICITY TO THE GOVERNOR


ALSO

Our Ref: GO/PRESS/012/VOL.I/ 141                                FEBRUARY 3, 2020

PRESS RELEASE
The State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade has approved the appointment of Mr. Joseph Inyambe Moffi as the Senior Special Assistant on Niger Delta Affairs.
The appointment is with immediate effect.


SIGNED

CHRISTIAN ITA
SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA & PUBLICITY TO THE GOVERNOR

Hon. Okpechi Friday

Life indeed, is a thing to celebrate though it may not be rosy all the times. Again, birthdays make us realize that we never came to the world on our own.

Over the years, I've come across people of different categories, character traits and individualities. In every stage in life, I've always been blessed with individuals of impeccable personality.

At this very stage, the wisdom and dept of understanding found in this very personality is amazingly outstanding.

Today, I join the host of the universe to celebrate with an outstanding lawmaker, a mentor, and a performer.

A man of impeccable charisma, a representative per-excellent, an ardent and eloquent lawmaker (both in words and character). He is jovially exceptional, visionary, courageous and above all, committed to good governance.

All hail Rt. Hon. Okpechi Friday Gabriel  (FG)

Happy Birthday to you Sir. May you continue to soar higher beyond the skies. I wish you fruitful years ahead and a closer walk with God

Congratulations to Rt. Hon. Okpechi Friday Gabriel, the member representing Obubra 1 State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly.

Signed,
Jake Clifford, Head of New Media

Posted by Abiolapaul

A 30-year-old man was on Sunday caught with what is suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the Sabon Tasha branch of the Living Faith Church, (aka Winners) Chapel in Kaduna.

This is Just as the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pa Enoch Adeboye led members on a prayer walk to decry insecurity in the country.
Reports gathered stated that this is not the first time the suspect was coming to the church, adding that just last week, he came but was sent away.

Accordinng to reports the Chief Security Officer of the parish stated that the suspect was monitored on a CCTV Camera carrying the bag into the church auditorium.
According to him, the suspect successfully gained access and was already seated before his bag was searched and the explosive device was found.

Edet who said he was not in a position to hand out details to the press, appealed to our correspondent to wait to get details from the presiding pastor when the service was over.

He, however, said the suspect had been handed over to the police and moved to the Sabon Tasha Division of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to Daily Post, an officer at the Sabo Police station confirmed that the suspect had actually been brought to the Police Station.

No one is praying to die unexpectedly but the obvious truth is that people die unexpectedly everyday.

 As you leave your house, it's only God that knows whether you will make it home alive or not. We are not praying for the worst but we need to let at least one person in our family especially wife or children to know all the secrets of our bank accounts, ATM pins and everything they need to know in order to withdraw money from our accounts in case something happens.

*Read the confession and warnings of a bank manager.* After reading this, share to your husband or wife or children of the assets and money you have in bank accounts. Wives also inform your husbands.
Please read the warnings of a female bank manager.....

While talking with a female bank manager she made a scary revelation to me. She told me how Nigerian bank vaults are filled with monies of dead men who kept their bank accounts secret from their wives.

She explained it was against bank ethics or policies for an account officer to inform the relatives of a deceased customer of his account (without his permission). And since the man is dead without giving his permission the bank dubiously keeps silence on the money. She told me it is rampant among many businessmen, even the Christians. She revealed many instances of dead men whose families are still suffering even though they have millions stashed in their secret accounts.
She mentioned one that happened few months back. The man died and the wife was crying all over the place, looking for money to bury him or even do his funeral. Whereas the man had nothing less than 60 million naira in his accounts. The banker said it got to a stage that she could no longer bear it, her conscience was pummelling her.

She had to go against her bank rules, and got in contact with the widow and revealed to the woman how much her husband had in his accounts and how to claim them. She also told of another story of one man who escaped death but his right hand was paralysed.

He couldn't sign his chequebook with his left hand and he was in a desperate situation that needed him to sign papers and cheques. That was how he learnt his own lesson the hard way. As soon as he got better, he immediately made his wife co-signatory to all his accounts and involved her in all his businesses. What if he had died? So, that was how his family would have suffered in the midst of plenty.
This stupid behaviour is not reserved for wealthy men alone, even paupers who earn little too have their own complex issues. I just read on the wall of an Igbo group where a man complained of how his friend refused to release his ATM Pin Number to his wife even though there was an emergency at home, and his ATM was at home.

Many orphans and widows that are suffering today are put in that condition by their uninformed dead father. Women and Retirees are not left out; someone told me how a relative of hers died and none of her relatives knew where all her properties scattered all over the world are.

Not even one house. Not even a dime in her accounts. If you knew billions unclaimed in banks belonging to selfish dead people, you would weep. Banks and Bankers grow fat on these oafs. Please do the needful now that you still have the breath to do so, of course tomorrow is pregnant and only God knows what it will deliver. A word is enough for the wise daddy and mummy.

Thank u.

RE: JSS 2 STUDENT IMPREGNATES CORPS MEMBER

The attention of the National Youth Service Corps, Cross River State has been drawn to a malicious publication making the rounds in the social media, alleging  that a Female Corps Member was impregnated by a teenage boy (student) in the state.

To put the records straight, there is nothing as such in Cross River as claimed by the unknown writer. It is only meant to malign the reputation and integrity of the Scheme and the public perception of our Corps Members. The National Youth Service Corps is a reputable organisation that is very proud of her Corps Members because of their high level of discipline and responsibility and therefore can not be involved in such a shameful act.
For the avoidance of doubt, the authorities of NYSC at Local, Zonal and State levels never received any report of such formally or informally.

The said news is the handiwork of fake news hawkers who derive joy in seeking attention or traffic to their websites, at the expense of protecting journalistic code of ethics.
Embarrassingly the originators of the news failed to state the source of the news rather was dwelling on imaginary school, JSS student and Corps Member.

Worthy of note is the fact that, NYSC has a laid down procedure for approaching matters on Corps Discipline and Reward. But as at the time of fielding this rejoinder, no Corps Member in Cross River State is connected with such negative Act.

It will interest the general public to note, that one of the focus of NYSC Orientation programme is that of instilling high sense of discipline and reinforcement of strict moral standards and conduct which subsequently guide their operational behaviour at their various Places of Primary Assignment and their host Communities of service.

While calling on the general public to dismiss and disregard such jaundice report, Management of the Scheme in Cross River State and at the National Directorate Headquarters advises the authors and originators of such callow write up to retract same and henceforth, desist from manufacturing fake news with the intention of deflating the reputation of the NYSC scheme but rather pay attention to the numerous  selfless services rendered to Cross River communities by Members of the National Youth Service Corps.

Thank you.

Pst Adeboye: If a Christian Dies, We Lost a Brother, if a Muslim Dies we lost a Potential Brother

This morning at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor EA Adeboye in his opening prayer at the monthly Thanksgiving services tag "Songs of Victory" He buttress a point that all souls are important and precious to God. According to him, if a Christian dies, We've Lost a brother and if a Muslim dies we've lost a potential brother.

In his prayers, he ask God to show fought his light on Nigeria and expose all the hidden work of darkness. He prayed that God will uproot all those responsible for the killing of the innocent and that everyone sponsoring evil in Nigeria will be uproot.

Also in line with CAN President directives, all churches in Nigeria should do a prayer walk after services and pray for the peace of Nigeria, of which Pst. E. A. Adeboye will be part of the walk where he worship today.

by Akintunde1

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has replied the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma, that his aspersions on the commission cannot stop it from doing the right thing.

It challenged the Imo governor to show evidence to substantiate his allegation that all senior staff of the commission in the southeast belong to a particular political party.

Responding to the governor’s claim that INEC senior staff in the southeast, are all card carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the commission said it was surprised that he could make such allegation.

Chief Press Secretary to the INEC National Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, in a statement made available to The Nation, stated that casting aspersions on the commission cannot deter it from doing the right thing.
Uzodinma had, while explaining the grounds on which he approached the Supreme Court, accused INEC of deliberating excluding his votes because it was working for the PDP candidate.

But the commission in the response noted that, “it is quite surprising that Mr. Hope Uzodinma is affirming that all INEC senior staff in the southeast, are card carrying members of a political party.

“How did he come to that conclusion? The commission will be grateful if he could supply the INEC headquarters with the compelling proof of that allegation so that action can be taken.”

It added that, “however, Nigerians would have noticed that some politicians have now formed the habit of casting aspersions on the commission whenever we insist on the right thing.

Notwithstanding, we will not be discouraged and we will not be deterred by these unwarranted attacks.
The commission will continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without fear and favour.”

Wadume

Wadume disclosed that military personnel killed three policemen that arrested him while they drove him away in a red car.

Some Nigerians have expressed concern over the silence of the police and army on the situation of Kidnap lord, Mr Wadume Hamisu, from Ibi community, Taraba State.
The police had on August 20, 2019 effected the rearrest of the kidnapper at his hideout at Layin Mai Allo Hotoro area of Kano State.

Wadume disclosed that military personnel killed three policemen that arrested him while they drove him away in a red car.
He said the soldiers after killing the policemen took him to a military captain's house and set him free.
This allowed him to escape to Kano through Nasarawa.

In his confessional statement, the 34-year-old explained how he was engaged in the business of selling guns, revealing that Fulani herdsmen were his biggest customers.

A captain in the Nigeria Army, Mr Tijani Balarabe, was alleged to have ordered the killing of three policemen that arrested Wadume.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, had constituted a panel to investigate the circumstances that led to the killing of three policemen by soldiers of 73 battalion.

Recall that a panel was set up on the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari Buhari over the matter.

The panel in its report recommended stiff punishment for soldiers found culpable of having colluded with or played ignoble roles in the circumstances leading to the killing of the policemen and a civilian as well as the freeing of Wadume.

However, following months of silence, some Nigerians are now expressing worry over the action of the police and army for providing no update on the matter.
There are suspicions that the army and police were trying to cover up the matter following the indictment of top politicians and security operatives.

Efforts by our correspondent to get update on the matter from the spokepersons of the police and army was unsuccessful as their mobiles phones were switched off.

The member representing Ogoja/Yala federal constituency Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom, in a close door meeting with the Zonal commander, Zone E, of the federal fire service, made a passionate appeal  that firetrucks be made available to the fire department, Ogoja.

 Recall that within the space of 3 weeks, 2 fire outbreaks occur in Ogoja, destroying properties worth millions of Naira. This ugly incident left many wondering if the Fire department in Ogoja is not longer functional. According to inspectors' report, the fire department in Ogoja that covers almost the 5 LGAs of the northern Cross River State lacks operational facilities including fire trucks, to discharge their duties effectively and promptly.

The appeal from Hon. Jarigbe is a timely one as if met will help forestall future occurrences of fire outbreaks within the region.

We join Hon Jarigbe in appealing that firetruck and other necessary facilities be made available to the fire department, Ogoja for easy and effective discharge of their duties.

Millions of people could be putting themselves at risk by cooking their rice incorrectly, scientists have warned.
Recent experiments show a common method of cooking rice with simply boiling it in a pan until the water has steamed out can be insufficient in preventing exposure to traces of the poison arsenic, which contaminates rice while it is growing as a result of industrial toxins and pesticides.
Uncooked rice can contain spores of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. When the rice is cooked, the spores can survive. Then, if the rice is left standing at room temperature, the spores will multiply and may produce poisons that cause vomiting or diarrhoea.

The chemical has been linked to a range of health problems including heart disease, diabetes and cancer, as well as development problems.

The only best,safest and simple method are Rinse rice thoroughly or even better soak it for 48 hours before cooking it, pouring off the water and rinsing it every 8 to 12 hours
Cook rice in 6 to 10 parts water to one part rice.When the rice is done, drain off the extra water after cooking when the rice is cooked, the spores can survive; but if the rice is then left standing at room temperature, the spores will multiply and may cause vomiting or diarrhoea. Reheating the rice will only make it worse

So do serve rice immediately once cooked.
Don't leave cooked rice sitting out in room temperature for more than an hour.
Let the rice cool down quickly after cooking and put in a refrigerator with temperature of 40 degrees or below.

Source; operanews

Johnson Suleman, senior pastor of Omega Fire Ministries (OFM), says President Muhammadu Buhari is not a religious bigot.

Suleman said this in an open letter he wrote to Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman whom he had earlier disagreed with over widespread insecurity in the country.

In the letter, Suleman said he held Adesina in high esteem. He also said he has deep respect for Buhari.
“Sadly, in Nigeria and especially under this current administration, anyone who speaks truth to power is termed partisan or political; some even say such a person hates President Muhammadu Buhari,” he wrote.
“But how can a man hate his president? That’s giving a dog a bad name just to hang it. Let me give you a few shockers, sir,

 which many Nigerians don’t even know. My biological father is an APC chieftain; a major frontline and stakeholder in Edo state politics with the ruling party. The governor and the deputy governor of Edo state are very close to me and the national chairman is my brother. Yet, we all relate well and they worship in our church whenever they are around because they separate issues from the relationship. That is principle sir!

“I have built schools and given to governments, fixed government roads and rehabilitated people who were convicted. These are verifiable as you can ask my state governor. If I hate this government, I won’t do all that.”

On those who describe Buhari a religious bigot, Suleman asked: “How can that be? A very good friend of mine recently spoke to me about President Buhari and I told her my views of him and she laughed. And that evening, President Mumhamadu Buhari called me on phone and we exchanged pleasantries. And, at the end, I prayed with him in Jesus name and he said Amen! Tell me, which religious bigot does that? So, seeing what is happening now tells me that he is surrounded by people who are painting him wrongly before some who aren’t privileged to know him. Or has he changed from being whom I knew him to be then?”

The clergyman asked Adesina not to always take criticisms as political, advising the government not to respond to all issues.

Hon. Asu Okang, Commissioner for information

It is African to believe that a child that will live, will live; and a child that will die, will die. With these believe, even if a child dies because of untreated Malaria, we attribute it to divine cause. In Africa, we sometimes attribute failure also to either divine sanctions or manipulations.

What is happening currently in Cross River State shows that if you don't place people where they fit into, you may also not get optimal performance from them and they will fail. The case of Cross River Ministry of Information has given me concern and driven my interest to know what the ministry is doing  and what the Commissioner is UP to.

After the 2019 elections and it took the Cross River State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade about six months to appoint his cabinet members, I felt that was too much delay as almost everything within the state was actually not doing well. From the dotted potholes within the city roads to the dirty environment then, it was a story of the Cross River State we know before, becoming something else.

After the delayed appointments came a certain Asu Okang who was appointed the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, a young man who wanted and still wants to prove his worth and be seen as being very active. His resumption in office immediately after he was appointed, his rhetorics  about what he was going to do and what he was not going to do, to most Cross Riverians, was a normal Nigerian politician thing, who just want to impress himself, the governor and his followers.

Like him or not, there is one unique thing about Commissioner Asu Okang, and that thing is, his 'desperate' desire to match his words with actions. Whether his actions are political, to me, does not matter at this point if he keeps the pace. From  his resuming office immediately after he was appointed, holding meetings immediately with ministry heads, his promise to create online platforms for the ministry media outfits which I heard is currently working, the ministerial press briefing that gave citizens the opportunity to know what other ministries are doing and his now, 'time marking device' placed in parastatals within the ministry to automatically check arrival and departure time by staff, as against the manual futy register, are some of the reasons why I am asking, what is he up to?

One thing is certain about me, while I will stop at nothing to criticise the Commissioner if he 'falls' our hands, it is also good to encourage him now that he is doing well, to do more. I will also want to use this opportunity to ask that now that the Commissioner is able to automatically check when a staff comes to work and when that staff leaves, the Commissioner should please, look for a way to monitor their performances within office too. The sad story of going to Ministries, where you enter an office and officials will be there discussing their private issues while you stay and wait for them to finish before they can attend to you is not palatable.

I will end with saying that Commissioner Asu Okang if encouraged by government and citizens, is upto doing something great in Cross River Ministry of Information and Orientation.

Ekpenyong Isaiah-isababa
Commander, Infantry Pen Battallion
isacool4good@yahoo.com