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  • Why I Defected With Senator Jarigbe To APC – Clergyman

    Why I Defected With Senator Jarigbe To APC – Clergyman

    By Eyo Charles
    A clergyman and political leader in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, Patriarch Victor Owalum, has explained why he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.
    Owalum said his decision was driven by loyalty and deep respect for Senator Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
    The clergyman, who is the Administrator of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star in the state, said he would remain politically aligned with Jarigbe regardless of party affiliation.
    Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday during his episcopal visit to Calabar, Owalum described Senator Jarigbe as a humble, selfless and people-oriented leader whose style of politics is anchored on service and integrity.
    He noted that both of them had been influential political figures in their respective areas and that Jarigbe had always placed trust in him, particularly in communities under his sphere of influence in Yala.
    According to Owalum, his defection to the APC, alongside his supporters, followed explanations given by the senator on the political necessity of the move.
    “As a result of my loyalty and respect for my political leader, I had no choice but to follow him. My supporters also understood my position and moved with me,” he said.
    The educationist also revealed that he rejected lucrative offers from political opponents of the senator during the 2023 senatorial election.
    “During the campaign, Jarigbe’s opponents invited me to a meeting and offered me N10 million, a car and a house to abandon him,” Owalum disclosed.
    “They believed my large support base could tilt the election in their favour, but I rejected the offer outright,” he added.
    Owalum said his decision was guided by principle and conscience, noting that he had already pledged total support to Jarigbe.
    “My word is my bond. I had assured him of my support and I could not betray that trust. My conscience would not allow it,” he said.
    He further commended Senator Jarigbe’s performance in office, saying the lawmaker had made visible impacts across the senatorial district through infrastructure projects and empowerment programmes.
    “Jarigbe has positively touched the lives of more than half of his constituents through arrays of infrastructure. His record speaks for itself,” Owalum stated.
  • Goods worth N10M Lost In Fire, 3 houses, shops destroyed in Calabar

    Goods worth N10M Lost In Fire, 3 houses, shops destroyed in Calabar

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    Goods estimated at over N100 million, three houses and shops have been lost in a raging fire incident on Goldie Street by Bedwell Street in Calabar, Cross River State capital.

    The fire outbreak happened when owners had left for church service on Sunday.

    The inferno, whose cause had yet to be ascertained at press time, consumed foam mattresses and other household items stocked in affected shops, leaving residents counting heavy losses.

    Angry residents reportedly attacked fire service personnel who arrived very late at the scene, accusing them of gross negligence and failure to respond promptly to distress calls.

    Witnesses said calls were placed to the University of Calabar Fire Service, the Federal Fire Service, and the Cross River State Fire Service shortly after the fire started, but none responded until the blaze had already caused extensive damage.

    Tension escalated when a rickety fire service truck eventually arrived, triggering outrage from residents who pelted the crew with stones, water sachets and other objects, forcing them to retreat from the area.

    One of the victims, Mr Wilson Akpan, who struggled to salvage items from a mattress shop, described the incident as unfortunate, lamenting the poor state of fire-fighting infrastructure in the state.

    According to him, the inability of fire services to respond effectively during emergencies had repeatedly resulted in avoidable losses of lives and property.

    Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Etiokpah Sunday, appealed for calm, saying investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the fire.

    He warned residents against taking the law into their hands or exploiting the situation to foment further unrest.

     

  • Gov Fubara Mocks Impeachment Push As ‘Dogs Barking’, Assembly Insists Process On Course

    Gov Fubara Mocks Impeachment Push As ‘Dogs Barking’, Assembly Insists Process On Course

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, embattled by prolonged political tensions since assuming office over two years ago, has dismissed those driving his travails as “dogs,” insisting that God remains on his side.
    The governor’s remarks came amid renewed impeachment moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly, which last week issued a fresh notice of impeachment against him for the third time in three years.
    Fubara spoke on Sunday at an Inter-Denominational Church Service marking this year’s Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.
    He told the congregation that despite persistent distractions, the “Supreme God” would grant Rivers State peace and ultimately conquer all forces working against his administration.
    In an apparent swipe at some lawmakers and his estranged political godfather, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, the governor mocked his critics as noisy but confused.
    “Dogs bark when they do not understand,” Fubara said, stressing that he had chosen not to complain because of his faith in God.
    “What is important in this our dear state is peace, and we will get it,” he added, urging residents to remain calm.
    Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has doubled down on the impeachment process, warning against what it described as plots to use the judiciary to derail its constitutional duties.
    The Assembly alleged on Sunday that certain individuals linked to the executive arm were seeking to procure ex parte court orders from a state High Court to halt impeachment proceedings.
    Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, said any such move would amount to a subversion of the 1999 Constitution.
    In a statement, George cited Section 188(10) of the Constitution, which provides that impeachment proceedings or determinations by a House of Assembly shall not be entertained or questioned by any court.
    He also referenced Section 272(3), which vests jurisdiction on matters relating to the tenure of a governor or deputy governor in the appropriate constitutional framework, not through interlocutory court orders.
    George said the Assembly had intelligence that attempts were being made to obtain ex parte orders from High Courts outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division to stop lawmakers from carrying out their functions.
    Such efforts, he said, were “dead on arrival,” noting that similar actions had recently been faulted by the Court of Appeal in related cases.
    The lawmaker urged Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, who have been served notices of allegations of gross misconduct, to respond to the charges item by item instead of pursuing what he described as “subterranean moves.”
    “The impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy are still on course,” George declared, adding that the Assembly would not be distracted by media attacks or legal manoeuvres.

    He called on all actors to exercise restraint, respect the Constitution and uphold the rule of law, insisting that the House remained committed to its constitutional mandate.
    “We remain committed to the Constitution and the rule of law,” George said, while praying for peace in Rivers State and the country at large.

  • 2 On Wanted List Nabbed In Nasarawa

    2 On Wanted List Nabbed In Nasarawa

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    After a long trail, the police in Nasarawa State have finally arrested Kabiru Isah and Monday Bulus, described as notorious armed robbery suspects.
    The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel confirmed the arrest of the two suspects.
    He said they were picked up on January 10, 2026, while planning a robbery in Lafia, the state chorister.
    The PRO further disclosed that some arms were recovered from the duo,  a G3 rifle without serial number and a pump-action rifle.
    “During the operation, one G3 rifle without serial number was recovered from the suspects as exhibit. A follow-up operation conducted today, Sunday, 11/01/2026, also led to the recovery of one pump-action rifle.”
    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had entered Lafia and were lurking around Azuba Centre, a suburb of Lafia LGA, in a bid to carry out a criminal operation, not knowing that they were already under the surveillance of the police before nemesis caught up with them.”
    “
    Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Shetima Jauro has ordered thorough investigation, while commending his men for their work.
    He directed that the suspects will be charged to court soon.
  • Governor laments highest out-of-school children as Foundation commissions orphanage

    Governor laments highest out-of-school children as Foundation commissions orphanage

    Gov laments highest out-of-school children as Foundation commissions orphanage 
    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has lamented that Kano has the highest rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
    He said this has been worsened by insecurity in neighbouring states which has led to an influx of widows and orphans.
    He made this known when he commissioned a newly built 700 capacity orphanage and a 5,000-capacity mosque built by a Saudi-based humanitarian organisation, Albidairi Foundation.
    The commissioning was done weekend in Kano by the governor represented by the Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, who described the intervention as timely.
    “Establishments like this will help address part of these challenges and reduce social vices,” he said.
    The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and the Disabled, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, said the orphanage would ease the burden on government.
    She stressed that the state has intensified efforts to certify and accredit legal orphanages while cracking down on illegal ones.
    Dr Nura Abdullahi, Director of Alkahirat Islamic Trust, highlighted the spiritual significance of caring for orphans in Islam.
    “Even Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was an orphan. He said whosoever takes care of an orphan, paradise is compulsory for him. The proprietor of this foundation has never been to Nigeria, yet his helping hand has reached us,” he said.
    The facility, named Albidairi Orphanage Home, is sister at Langel in Tofa Local Government Area of the state.
    It is to support vulnerable children and tackle the menace of out-of-school children.
    Director of the home, Sheikh Adam Yushau Adam, said the orphanage was founded by Abu-Abdurrahman Al-Bidairi, under the Albidairi Foundation which is registered in Nigeria and engaged in humanitarian activities.
    He explained that the home is designed to accommodate 14 children per room, each with its own toilet, a nanny, and teachers who will provide both Islamic and Western education.
    “The children will memorise the Qur’an here, and there is also provision for sports activities. The place is powered 24/7 by solar energy and equipped with adequate security,” he said.
  • Decentralising Security: Lessons from Cross River and Edo:

    Decentralising Security: Lessons from Cross River and Edo:

    By Okoi Obono-Obla

    Security in Nigeria is fundamentally a local issue, best addressed through collaborative partnerships between Local Government Areas and their respective state governments. Yet, because many do not fully grasp how federalism works, there is a persistent assumption that the President in Abuja should be directly involved in maintaining local security in communities hundreds of kilometres away. This misconception has led to over-centralisation, politicking, and the weaponisation of insecurity.

    To correct this, policing in Nigeria must be decentralised. It should be removed from the exclusive legislative list and placed on the concurrent list, thereby empowering both states and local governments to take ownership of their security challenges. Such an arrangement would ensure that responses are swift, tailored, and effective.

    The experience of Cross River State under Governor Bassey Otu Edet provides a compelling case study. Before his administration, kidnapping had become a serious and fundamental security and social issue, with Calabar alone recording more than 20 cases daily. The turning point came with the appointment of a retired General as the State Security Adviser and the government’s massive investment in security infrastructure. This strategic approach reduced kidnapping incidents to the barest minimum, restoring calm and stability across the state.

    The Cross River model demonstrates that effective security is best achieved through localised solutions rather than waiting for Abuja. States like Edo should emulate this approach instead of relying on federal intervention, which often becomes bogged down in politics.

    When viewed against the broader African context, Nigeria’s kidnapping statistics reveal an important perspective:

    – Nigeria recorded 3,012 kidnappings between January 2024 and April 2025.
    – Cameroon, particularly in its Anglophone regions, documented about 450 ransom kidnappings in 2023, more than double the 200 cases reported in 2022.
    – South Africa faces a far more severe crisis, with 17,000 kidnapping cases reported in 2024 alone, marking a 260% increase over the past decade.

    These figures show that while Nigeria’s kidnapping problem is serious and requires urgent reforms, it is comparatively less severe than in South Africa, where kidnappings have become a national epidemic, or Cameroon, where conflict-driven abductions are escalating.

    Conclusion:
    Nigeria’s federal structure demands that states take ownership of their security challenges. By decentralising policing and empowering state governments to act decisively, communities can be better protected, and the cycle of insecurity can be broken. The Cross River State example proves that with strong leadership and investment, localised security solutions can succeed. It is time for other states, especially Edo, to follow suit.

  • Labour Party Crisis Depends As Factions Clash Over INEC Leadership

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    The internal crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) intensified at the weekend as rival factions issued conflicting statements over the party’s leadership and its relationship with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
    The Julius Abure-led faction dismissed claims that INEC’s decision to withhold access codes ahead of the February 18, 2026 FCT Area Council elections was connected to leadership disputes within the party.
    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the faction said INEC’s clarification only addressed pending court cases relating to the FCT polls and its decision to await judicial outcomes before releasing access codes.
    The group accused a suspended member and former senator, Darlington Nwokocha, of misrepresenting INEC’s position, alleging impersonation and deliberate misinformation by what it described as a non-existent caretaker committee.
    It insisted that there is “no vacancy” in the party’s National Secretariat, stressing that INEC’s statement did not reference the leadership of the Labour Party in any form.
    The Abure-led faction said INEC has continued to engage officially with its leadership, citing invitations to consultative meetings, issuance of access codes for recent governorship elections, and monitoring of NEC meetings and congresses nationwide.
    According to the faction, these actions confirm INEC’s recognition of Julius Abure and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the duly registered National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
    It further argued that no court has nullified the party’s March 27, 2024 National Convention, adding that the Supreme Court judgment in SC/CV/56/2025 merely affirmed that party leadership matters are internal and non-justiciable.
    In contrast, a rival National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator Nenadi Usman announced the unanimous recognition of Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, as the National Leader of the Labour Party.
    The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after an NWC meeting held on January 7, 2026, where members reviewed preparations for congresses, the National Convention and ongoing membership revalidation.
    The Nenadi Usman-led NWC welcomed an INEC press release of January 7, 2026, which it said reaffirmed a Supreme Court ruling that the tenure of Julius Abure as national chairman had elapsed.
    The faction urged INEC to accord Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha full recognition as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively, while insisting that the party remains united, reform-driven and committed to expanding its national membership base.

  • Silver Jubilee Committee Returns from Pilgrimage to Biakpan, Hoists Victory Flag In Calabar

    Silver Jubilee Committee Returns from Pilgrimage to Biakpan, Hoists Victory Flag In Calabar

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    Officials of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) have returned from a two-day pilgrimage to Biakpan, the birthplace of Great Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, the Sole Spiritual Head of the Universe, and hoisted a victory flag in Calabar.
    Leader Olumba Olumba Obu is reputed to be all-powerful, present everywhere, and members further claim that He is omniscient.
    Information from the organization disclosed that Obu founded the group, and handed over to his son, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu to govern.
    The pilgrimage was part of preparations for the Silver Jubilee of the physical coronation of His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu as the King of kings and Lord of Lords.
    The pilgrims, comprising no fewer than 30 members of the International Organising Committee (IOC) for the jubilee, was led by its head, the Patriarch, Christ Shepherd Bassey Imowo. The visit took place from January 9 to 10, 2026, in Biakpan community, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.
    Secretary of the planning committee, PCS Ogar Osim, described the pilgrimage as a divine and symbolic exercise that formally signalled the commencement of activities toward the landmark celebration.
    He said the visit served as a period of prayer, consecration and spiritual alignment, with committee members seeking divine guidance and empowerment for what he described as a historic global event.
    According to Osim, the Silver Jubilee celebration will span one week and climax with a grand finale at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, on April 14, 2026.
    He disclosed that the celebration, themed “The Universal Monarch,” will be preceded by sensitisation and pre-celebration visits to states across Nigeria and selected countries abroad.
    “The pilgrimage served as a sacred prelude to the forthcoming visits of the Universal Monarch to states and nations, setting the spiritual tone for global preparations,” Osim said.
    He added that through prayers and sanctification in the Holy Land, IOC members were spiritually fortified and recommitted to delivering a celebration they believe is divinely sanctioned.
    Osim further announced that the event is open to all, regardless of race, religion, social status or geographical location, describing it as a global gathering.
    Meanwhile, the organisation has hoisted what it termed a “Victory Flag” at its international headquarters to mark the Silver Jubilee year, describing the ceremony as a central highlight of the anniversary activities.
    The group said the Victory Flag symbolises gratitude for past triumphs and renewed hope for greater spiritual manifestations, marking what it described as two and a half decades of divine victories.
  • Mgbandiak Obolo Inaugurates New Executive, Charts Fresh Leadership Vision

    Mgbandiak Obolo Inaugurates New Executive, Charts Fresh Leadership Vision

    Mgbandiak Obolo Inaugurates New Executive, Charts Fresh Leadership Vision
    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    Mgbandiak Obolo Foundation, also known as Obolo People’s Converge, on Tuesday inaugurated a new executive council, marking a fresh chapter in the leadership of the apex pan-Obolo socio-cultural organisation.
    The event, held at Ulok Ulok Hall in Ibono Local Government Area on December 23, 2025, drew Obolo sons and daughters from various communities, who gathered to witness the formal handover of leadership during the organisation’s 2025 Annual Converge.
    At the ceremony, Enerieng Engr. Cosmos Oron, PhD, was sworn in as President of Mgbandiak Obolo, amid wide acclaim from members and guests.
    In his acceptance speech, Engr. Oron expressed deep appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to uphold and advance the core ideals of the organisation. He said his administration would prioritise unity, strategic engagement and advocacy to protect Obolo interests and promote sustainable development within Obolo land and beyond.
    He further assured members that Mgbandiak Obolo would be repositioned as a strong, united and credible voice capable of engaging government and other stakeholders on issues affecting the Obolo people.
    Engr. Oron, a renowned business mogul and oil and gas expert from Okoroete in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, was described by members as a respected and patriotic son of Obolo land, with expectations high for impactful leadership under his tenure.
    In his valedictory remarks, the immediate past President, Enerieng Apostle Hon. Samuel Eka, thanked members for their support throughout his tenure, noting that the pioneer executive laid a solid foundation for the organisation’s growth and stability.
    He cited key achievements of the outgoing administration, including the acquisition of land for the proposed Obolo House, which is to serve as the organisation’s headquarters, and the recognition of Mgbandiak Obolo by the state government as a respected socio-cultural body. He urged the new executive to consolidate on these gains.
    The event also featured the inauguration of newly elected executives for the Ibeno and Eastern Obolo chapters, a move aimed at strengthening grassroots coordination.
    Mgbandiak Obolo Foundation remains committed to promoting unity, welfare and the overall prosperity of Obolo people worldwide, with the 2025 Annual Converge marking another milestone in its evolving history.
  • World Health Fellows Seek Media Partnership at NUJ Cross River

    World Health Fellows Seek Media Partnership at NUJ Cross River

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    World Health Fellows have sought a strategic media partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, to strengthen health advocacy and community-based interventions across the state.
    The Fellows made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the NUJ Secretariat in Calabar on Friday, January 9, 2026, where they outlined their vision for sustained collaboration with the media in advancing public health outcomes.
    Speaking for the delegation, representatives said the group’s work goes beyond isolated projects, focusing instead on long-term development outreaches implemented in partnership with government institutions, communities and the media.
    They disclosed that the Fellows are already engaging the Cross River State Ministry of Health and are implementing several initiatives targeted at improving health awareness and service delivery, particularly among young people.
    According to them, the programme serves as a platform for grooming young health leaders in leadership, policy engagement and project organisation, while delivering impact-driven interventions at community level.
    One of the flagship initiatives highlighted is a sexual and reproductive health programme targeting about 700 students, designed to reach both girls and boys, with emphasis on inclusive health education and responsible behaviour among adolescents.
    The Fellows stressed that involving boys alongside girls is critical to achieving lasting behavioural change, noting that health education should be preventive and not limited to those already affected by illness.
    They also unveiled plans for a pilot vocational and economic empowerment project that will train students in practical skills, including the production of reusable sanitary materials, to ease financial pressure on families and promote self-reliance.
    Members who have led self-funded sensitisation campaigns in rural local government areas reported worrying levels of early pregnancies and poor awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, expressing confidence that stronger media support would help scale up interventions.
    Responding, the NUJ Cross River leadership welcomed the delegation, pledged media support through consistent coverage, and highlighted the union’s Padbank Mobile Outreach, expressing readiness for joint programmes to deepen health education and menstrual hygiene management across the state.