The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Thursday extolled Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade's sterling achievements in the area of aggressive industrialisation of the state despite paucity of fund.

Members of the Institute are in Calabar for a 3-day workshop with the theme "Lobbying and Social Change in Nigeria"

Speaking at the Transcorp Hotel, Calabar, venue of the workshop, while conferring the governor with Distinguished Leadership Industrialisation Award, national president of the Institute, Mallam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo said: "This award is in recognition of your Industrialisation feats. It takes a combination of education, intellect, dedication, foresight, visionary  leadership and commitment to achieve what you have achieved so far in the area of Industrialisation.

"Under your watch, Cross River has joined the global Industrialisation map and this is despite paucity of funds.”

Responding, the Cross River state governor thanked the NIPR for finding him worthy of an award, saying it came to him as a surprise and pledged his administration's continued accelerated socio- economic development of the state.

On the theme of the workshop, Ayade called on the NIPR to drive a process for a structural overhaul of lobbying as catalyst for social change in Nigeria, saying unless this was done, "from the Nigerian context, lobbying will continue to be equated with bribery and corruption.”

The governor also made a case for the inclusion of lobbying as a distinct course of study in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Minister for Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed represented by the General Manager NTA, Calabar, Samuel Olalude, described lobbying as a veritable tool for packaging communications and advocacy for social issues.

According to the Minister, through lobbying, Public relations experts can play an important role in ensuring that messages are communicated accurately.

At least three majors, three captains and six lieutenants were among those declared wanted for fleeing the insurgents last month in Borno.

The Nigerian Army has ordered the immediate arrest of officers accused of deserting their posts during the Boko Haram attacks on New Marte and Dikwa towns of Maidiguri. 

Military documents obtained by Peoples Gazette carried a list of 101 names, ranks and bank details of errant soldiers. 

Theatre Command Headquarters of “Operation Lafiya Dole” in Maiduguri requested that the Army Headquarters freeze the listed accounts and apprehend the alleged deserters if found. 

“You are requested to declare the named officers and soldiers deserters WEF 19 Feb 21,” the document said. 

A spokesman for the Nigerian Army did not immediately return a request seeking comments about the development. 

At least seven Nigerian soldiers were confirmed killed in an ambush by the terrorists last month. 

The soldiers of 153 Task Force Battalion were ambushed in Marte Local Government Council, as the troops were overwhelmed and could not match the ammunition carried by the terrorists. 

After Marte was captured by Boko Haram, Chief of Army Staff Ibrahim Attahiru gave troops of the ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ 48 hours to clear insurgents off Marte LGA and surrounding communities under the insurgents control.

Source: Peoples Gazette

Cross River State recorded four COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday, data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) shows.

It was the highest death toll out of the eight recorded in Nigeria.

Cross River with 344 cases, now has 17 deaths from the virus, while the national death toll is now 1923.

According to the NCDC, FCT Abuja recorded three deaths on Tuesday, increasing its overall toll to 149, the third highest after Lagos, 410 and Edo, 170.

Ogun recorded one death, to add up to the eight reported on Monday.

Ogun now has 47 deaths overall.

Confirmed cases, meanwhile have virtually plateaued, with just 479 cases reported.

Since 24 February, when the country 655 cases, daily cases have plunged.

Tuesday’s record marked a difference from the low cases recorded from February 27, when 341 cases were reported nationally.

On 28 February, 240 cases were reported and on 1 March, 360 cases.

As at Tuesday, confirmed cases till date since last year were 156,496, while active cases were 19,437.

Discharged cases also hit 135,136, including the 647 cleared on Tuesday.

Here is a breakdown of the 479 cases reported on Tuesday, from 21 states and FCT Abuja:

Lagos-153

Enugu-75

Rivers-50

FCT-40

Kaduna-18

Ebonyi-17

Plateau-17

Edo-17

Borno-16

Oyo-12

Kano-11

Abia-10

Cross River-10

Taraba-9

Nasarawa-7

Bauchi-4

Bayelsa-3

Delta-3

Ekiti-2

Niger-2

Ogun-2

Akwa Ibom-1

Mr. Uwase described Governor Ayade as a visionary and humane leader, whose industrialization drive is gradually changing the negative narrative of the state.

Thanking God for bringing such a man to lead the state, Mr. Uwase prayed God to continually bless the governor and guide him as he pilots the affairs of Cross River State.

Ita Enang

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Ita Enang, has slammed the three senators each from Cross River and Akwa Ibom states and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel for not joining efforts to attract funding for the Calabar-Itu road.

Enang also challenged all the 18 House of Representatives members; 10 from Akwa Ibom and eight from Cross River, to point to what they had contributed on the road.

He threw the challenge on Saturday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while fielding questions from newsmen at the Correspondents’ Chapel’s Forum tagged ‘The Arena.’

Enang said save for the governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, who made some efforts, he (Enang) had borne the burden of attracting funding alone, having struggled for N6bn, N4.7bn and N3.8bn respectively.

Enang said,  “I struggled from 2015; I got the first N6bn in 2015/2016 budget and when it was to be awarded, it was rehabilitation that was advertised.

“To rehabilitate the road from Ikot Ekpene to Calabar; I said no. I took the budget to the Bureau of Public Procurement. It was advertised in the Federal Government’s journal that this is not what was in the budget.

“By the time I was able to overcome that fight, the budget had elapsed; the year had gone and the N6bn was gone. I struggled in the following year to have N4.7bn. I split the road into two because if I had not, the amount I got in the budget would not have been able to do the initial mobilisation.

“I split into two the sections that started from Odukpani T Junction to the power plant in Odukpani. Then from there to Oku-Iboku junction, and then start it up to where you have Mba Itam.

“That was awarded to Julius Berger PLC. That is the amount of the money I got for that year that the budget was able to take for the mobilisation and Julius Berger was paid that money but it wasn’t enough for them to wholly mobilise; we still got some more money for them.”

He continued, “I want all the Members of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom, 10 of them; I want all the senators from Akwa Ibom, three of them. I want all the members of the House of Representatives from Cross River State, eight of them, I want all the three senators from Cross River State; the three of them, to lift up their hands to God and say this is what I have contributed to get this road funded.

“And let the Governor of Akwa Ibom State also lift up his hands and say this is what I have done. For the Governor of Cross River State Ben Ayade, I want to speak for him that he has made some efforts for that road with me, but it’s Akwa Ibom State that has not.”

He reiterated his earlier position that Emmanuel ought to have ploughed back the refund of N78.9bn he got from the Federal Government on the road.

The Cross River Health Insurance Agency has concluded plans to use drones to deliver health materials to rural areas in the state.

This was revealed on Monday in Calabar by the Director-General of the agency, Godwin Iyala, who announced that the scheme would kick off on March 9.

“Governor Ben Ayade has also approved March 9 as the flag-off date of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund enrolment (BHCPF) into the Health Insurance Scheme.

He said:

“Our international partners will provide drones that will make for effective delivery of medical materials to the rural areas, given the state’s unique, but difficult terrain,” Mr Iyala said.

He listed the packages to be delivered by drones to include items for the treatment of basic ailments, for caesarean sections for expectant mothers, and tuberculosis, leprosy and cancer drugs and medicaments.

Mr. Iyala explained that those who enroll in the BHCPF would be expected to pay N1,000 monthly, which would amount to N12, 000 per annum.

Outlining the benefits of the scheme, he said: “the pooling of resources for cross-subsidisation of health costs where those in the high-income bracket subsidise those in the low-income bracket.”

He urged residents to enroll in the scheme “to achieve better health for all.”

Dr. Lawal

An attempt to kidnap a lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology, University of Calabar, Dr. Babatunde Abisoye Lawal on Friday, February 27, 2021 has failed.

Multiple sources in the university told GRASSROOT REPORTERS that the lecturer fiercely resisted the armed kidnappers who traced him to his residence at the university's staff quarters.                      

Angered that their attempt whisk away the pharmacology lecturer met brick wall, the kidnappers shot and wounded the lecturer in the thigh, hand and leg.

GRASSROOT REPORTERS gathered that Dr Lawal has been rushed to an undisclosed medical facility where he is responding to medical treatment.              

Confirming the incident to GRASSROOT REPORTERS in an exclusive chat, the university's Public Relation Officer (PRO), Mr. Effiong Eyo said:

"I have issued a statement to the university community already. It was an attempted kidnap but it failed".

A 25-year-old man, Victor Ikegwuonu, has been stabbed to death in Orlu zone, Imo State, for allegedly making a disclosure of lovers’ hot romance to the husband of the lady.

According to a statement by the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Orlando Ikeokwu, Ikegwuono had allegedly told a 52-year-old Chijioke Anyiam that one Emeka Ezurike was in an illicit affair with his wife. This infuriated Emeka, who stabbed Victor to death.

The statement read: “On Tuesday, operatives of the Divisional Police Headquarters, Orlu, arrested one Emeka Ezuruike, a native of Ubommiri, Emuoba, Rivers State, for killing one Victor Ikegwuonu, of Nduichi, Arondizuogu.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that Victor Ikegwuonwu was said to have informed one Pa Chijioke Anyiam that his wife, Patience Anyiam, aged 30, was involved in a hot romance with Emeka Ezuruike, an affair, which he said had been on for a very long time.

“Sequel to that, Emeka went to see Victor ask him about the allegation. During the enquiry, both of them got into a serious fight and in the process, Emeka stabbed Victor with pieces of broken bottles, which led to Victor’s death.

“The suspect has, however, been arrested and taken into custody while the investigation is ongoing. He will be charged to court accordingly.”

This is coming days after a man simply identified as Kadir stabbed his younger brother, Suleiman, to death for confronting his wife in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that trouble started on Friday morning, February 19, when Suleiman scolded Kadir’s wife for being rude to their mother.

Kadir, who was not home when the altercation happened, confronted his younger brother for daring to rebuke his wife when he returned. Their mother was said to have intervened and settled the quarrel between the two siblings.

However, not satisfied, Kadir was said to have revisited the issue later in the day and once again, their mother stepped in and calmed the situation.

Suleiman was said to have put the matter behind him and went about his normal business. Kadir later traced him to where he went to late in the evening, stabbed him and fled.

Suleiman was rushed to the hospital on Friday night where he died on Saturday morning from the injury he sustained during the attack.

Senator Odey

He noted that the Federal High Court in Calabar delivered its judgements in both cases on December 3, 2020 affirming him as the authentic PDP candidate, while the court struck out Jarigbe’s case for want of jurisdiction.

Senator Stephen Odey had challenged the judgement of the Court of Appeal, which declared Jarigbe as the valid candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal at the apex court. The apex court delivered its judgement.

The Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission has denied appointing Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh as Ambassador for Peace.

Tonto had taken to Instagram to write that she's now a "proud Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) Ambassador for Peace Building."

She added, "finally, I wish to announce my position as the new Ambassador of the Commision for peace building."

She also told her followers that she needs "prayers as we embarked on peace building across the six geopolitical zones of the nation because peace is indispensable."

But the NCPC said the information is false.

In a press statement released by the NCPC reads: "The Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission NCPC wishes to state in categorical terms that King Tonto Dikeh paid an official courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission Rev Yakubu Pam on 25th February, 2021 at the corporate headquarters of the Commission in Abuja.

"As the founder of Tonto Dikeh Foundation, she expressed her willingness and interest in partnering with the Commission in the area of peace building.

"She equally cashed in on the visit to commend the NCPC boss for his positive and relentless peace initiatives across the country.

"However, we are suddenly inundated with claims from King Tonto Dikeh herself that she has been officially appointed as Ambassador of peace by this great Commission. This claim has gone viral in the media.

"The Commission frowns at this claim which is a clear misrepresentation of what transpired.

"The fact remains that the Executive Secretary of NCPC never appointed King Tonto Dikeh an Ambassador of Peace for NCPC and this was not part of her visit therefore this claim by her is spurious, unfounded and should be discarded and seen by all Nigerians as a figment of her imagination.

"Nevertheless, we appreciate her desire to partner with us in our peace building initiatives and in the area of pilgrimage sponsorship to the Holy Land."

Responding via Instagram, Tonto Dikeh insisted she didn't lie. She said there are "video proofs" that she's telling the truth but she will rather respect the Commission's decision and take the fall.

The Uyo Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured the conviction and sentencing of one Sandy Witness Udokpo before Justice Okon Okon of the State High Court, sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The convict was arraigned on June 21, 2018 on a three count charge bordering on forgery and obtaining by false pretence. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, setting the stage for his trial.

The convict's journey to jail began on February 16, 2018 when the Commission received a petition from one Samuel Godwin Ekanem, the General Manager of Jopen Nigeria Limited who alleged he dispatched 45,000 litres of diesel valued N8,100,000.00 (Eight million, One Hundred Thousand Naira) to the convict who claimed to be a contractor with CCECC Nigeria Limited.

Upon receipt of the said product, the convict disappeared into thin air and all efforts made by the complainant to reach him proved abortive, as the Local Purchase Order, LPO, presented for verification was discovered to be fake.

In the course of trial, the prosecution, through its counsel, Nwandu Ukoha presented witnesses who tendered various documents which were admitted in evidence.

Delivering judgment, the court struck out count 1 and found the convict guilty on counts 2 and 3.

The convict was sentenced to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine for the offence of obtaining by false pretence in count 2 and three years imprisonment for the offence of forgery in count 3, without an option of fine.

One of the counts reads, "You, Witness Sandy Udokpoh "M" sometime in July 2017, at Uyo in Akwa Ibom State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did induce and fraudulently obtain 45,000 litres of diesel...

EFCC Nigeria valued in the sum of eight million and one hundred thousand naira (N8,100,000.00k) from one Samuel Godwin Ekanem under the pretense that you were sent by CCECC Nigeria Limited as a staff, which pretense you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence".

The offence is contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.

The Joint Action Committee, JAC,of non-teaching staff unions of universities has announced the suspension of its three weeks old strike with effect from midnight of February 26.

The national leadership of JAC non-teaching staff comprises of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of the Universities (NASU).

The union which conveyed its decision during media briefing it held after the conciliatory meeting with the federal government, explained that it agreed to suspend the national strike after extracting some concessions from the government.

 Speaking through NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, the union  said its demands have been harmonized to the satisfaction of both parties, just as he stressed that they will continue to monitor the agreements that have been reached with timeline, to ensure that FG implement its own side of the bargain.

“We had 8 items which we negotiated and which form the basis for our ongoing national strike. Our members in our various campuses in the universities and inter-universities centres had appraised the draft MoU and then raised the few observations, but they granted us the mandate that if we are able to meet with the government which we have been able to do today and if the leadership is satisfied, we can go ahead and suspend the strike.

“So we have held the meeting with the government side and those areas that needed to be harmonized has been harmonized to the satisfaction of both parties and resulting from that development, we have agreed that the ongoing national strike in universities and inter universities centres should be suspended with effect from 12 midnight tomorrow which is Friday 26, February.

“We use this opportunity to appreciate our members for their commitment in this struggles, this strike is suspended and we are not mindful of the fact that we will continue to monitor the agreements that has been reached which has timeline and we hope that the FG we implement his own side of the bargain.

“If the FG doesn’t, we have no reason to call our members to resume the suspended strike but for now, the strike is suspended with effect from 12 midnight of tomorrow February 26.”

Adeyemi stressed that the union will not hesitate to call back its members to resume the suspended strike if the government fails to implement all the agreements reached.

Earlier, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, said the meeting was very fruitful as all the rough edges arising from the former negotiations have been smoothened.

“Today’s deliberations have been very fruitful, we have also issued a conciliation document called Joint Action Memorandum of Action (MoA), and the two unions will get back to their members today and in good faith, have promised that there will speak to government before the end of tomorrow.

“So we keep our fingers crossed, believing that their communications with their union members will be as quick and swift as they have promised us.

“This is more so, as government is desirous that normal activities should return to the University system so that we can take the action one after the other. With the normalcy restored in the university system, we intend to do the visitation panel which is one of the agreements reached with them and which cannot be carried out without normalcy in the university system.” Ngige said

The unions demand included, rectifying inconsistencies in the Integrated Payroll Personnel Information System (IPPIS), non-payment of arrears of minimum wage, delay in renegotiation with government, NASU and SSANU 2009 agreement, among others.

The Sultan of Sokoto , Alhaji Saad Abubakar III led traditional rulers from all parts of the north to the meeting which held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House .

Other attendees at the high powered meeting were northern lawmakers from both chambers of the National Assembly represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ahmad Idris Wase , who stood in for the Senate President , Ahmad Lawan , leaderships of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Elders ’ Forum among others.

Governors of Kano , Kaduna, Katsina , Jigawa, Nasarawa, Yobe , Plateau , Sokoto and Kebbi States were present while others were represented by their deputies .

The essence of the meeting was to discuss the troubling security challenges occasioned by banditry and other related crimes as well as the almajirinci menace in the northern states.

The President, Muhammadu Buhari, through his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari , at  the meeting , ruled out the possibility of negotiating with bandits , saying that his administration would continue to deal decisively with insurgents , bandits , kidnappers who had made life hellish for Nigerians .

Buhari also asked Nigerians to stop the ethnic profiling of criminals , adding that criminals should be treated as criminals .
He noted that his administration would continue to deal decisively with insurgents , bandits , kidnappers, and other criminals who constitute a threat to innocent citizens across the country.

Buhari added that he had tasked the new service chiefs to device new strategies that would end the ugly situation where the lives of Nigerians were being threatened by hoodlums and criminals .

He said, “ This meeting is coming at a time when the nation is making steady progress in addressing the many challenges impeding development and progress .

“ We are providing critical infrastructure such as roads , railways , airports among which are critical to economic prosperity of our people as well as opening up economic opportunities for our citizens to pursue legitimate aspirations that grow the economy.

“ At the same time , we are confronting the various dimensions of security challenges that continue to slow down the emancipation of our people from poverty and economic deprivation .

“ The Government shall continue to deal with insurgents , bandits , kidnappers and other criminals constitute innocent threat citizens across the country .
“ Criminals are criminals and should be dealt with accordingly without resorting to ethnic profiling.

“ I have already tasked the new Service Chiefs to devise new strategies that will end this ugly situation where the lives of our people continue to be threatened by hoodlums and criminals.

“ I expect that at this meeting , your Forum will also discuss and devise ways of building stronger collaboration with the security architecture and the people in defeating criminality across the region and the nation at last .

“ It is pertinent to note that the increased realization of our security, democracy and development indices are inextricably linked . Democracy and the rule of law promote stability and in turn , reinforces the power to assert freedom and economic progress of our people .

“ This thread of interconnection needs the support of the Northern State Governors Forum and the entire citizenry of the country as any amount of positive sacrifice would be beneficial in bringing about National development and security out nation.

CP Akande

By Eme Offiong, VON

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested five persons in connection with the killing of four policemen in Calabar, Cross River State, South-south Nigeria.

Briefing the Press, the Commissioner of the Cross River State Police Command, Sikiru Akande described the killing of the four policemen as an attempt by criminals to dampen the morale of security agents in the bid to safeguard the lives of Nigerians.

Akande said, “What happened this morning is an attempt by criminals to dampen our fight against kidnapping and other criminalities. We have gone to the scene of the incident to see exactly what and how it happened. We have realised that it was a means by some people to dampen our spirit in our efforts to cleanse Cross.

“But I want to assure you, our spirit is not dampened. We are going to continue to work very hard. In fact, we have arrested five persons, who are connected with the killings and we are still going to arrest more.

“We have an inkling that it is a group of suspected cultists making efforts to get equipment for their upcoming initiation. I assure you the media and the people of Cross River State that before the end of this week, we will apprehend all those responsible for this dastardly act and brought to justice.”

The Police Commissioner stated that that two rifles were recovered at the scene, while the hunt for other suspects as well as the other two guns was ongoing.

He said; “We have recovered two rifles and investigation is ongoing to recover the other two. It is unfortunate that the only thing we would not be able to recover are the lives of the four men killed by the gunmen.”

At about 12.50am, residents of Ayan Mbat community in Calabar Municipality were awaken by sound of heavy gunfire, which lasted some minutes and claimed the lives of four policemen – two inspectors and two sergeants.

A source residing close to the security check point told newsmen that the community members, at daylight, saw the remains of the murdered policemen and called the police hotlines to report the incident.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State has setenced Emeka Roland  to two years imprisonment, having found him guilty of one count charge of  impersonation and attempting to obtain by false pretences brought against him by the Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The charge against the defendant reads:  "That you Emeka Roland (a.k.a James Muth) sometimes in 2020 at Agbor, Delta State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did had in your possession an iPhone 6s plus mobile phone containing some scammed documents with different subjects which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3)of same Act”.

EFCC Nigeria.

Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. His counsel, John Okhuihievbe pleaded with the Court to temper justice with mercy as the defendant was a first time offender and has become remorseful.

EFCC Nigeria.

Justice Nwite convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years imprisonment  with an option of fine of N100,000.

The defendant is also to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour afterwards.

The suspects

The traditional ruler of Obufa Obio, Ekong Anaku Akan Esio Clan, Calabar South LGA of Cross River State, Chief Okon Essien has been arrested for alleged kidnapping by "Operatipn Akpakwu", a security outfit set up by Governor Ben Ayade to tackle the menace of insecurity in the state.

He was arrested at his residence at Community Road off Jebbs Street, Calabar South LGA.

Addressing journalists in Calabar, Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Mohammed, stated that preliminary investigation showed that the traditional rulers two sons Vector Okon who is about 21 years old and Offiong Okon age 20 alleged to be in charge of kidnapping operations are now at large.

Speaking on behalf of the 13 Brigade Commander, while handing the suspected kidnapper alongside other other criminal /armed robbery suspects at the headquarters of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Akim Barracks Calabar to authority of the Nigerian police Command, Officer Commanding 13 Brigade Provost, Major Stanley Ikpeme in his words said, “Consequently, I am directed to hand over the suspects to you for further investigation and possible prosecution.

”You are please requested to furnish this office with the outcome of your investigation to enable us update our record ”  representative of the Brigade Commander maintained.

Also paraded along with the traditional were suspected armed robbers who had with them charms used for roberry operations.

The suspects who were handed over to the police for prosecution were 26-year-old James Edet said have dispossessed members of his community around the Scanobo Filling station axis of their valuables until he met his Waterloo and was held by the troops.

The troops also arrested 23 years old Mr. Felix Helekpa said to be in possession of a locally made pistol, a cartridge and charms used to aid his robbery operations with other gang members now at large.

Others also arrested include 22 years Blessing Effiom suspected to be an informant that aides operations of a particular criminal gang.

In a brief interview with suspects, some denied their involvement in the crime giving different reasons on why they were arrested by the security operative.

Kim and West

Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce from Kanye West after seven years.

Their marriage hit the rocks in 2020 while Kanye West was campaigning for the US presidency.

Recall Kanye in a Twitter thread called out the Kardashian/Jenner family as likened his marriage to the reality TV star to the ‘Get out’ movie.

According to TMZ, Kim is seeking joint legal and physical custody of their four children.

The divorce paper filed by disso queen, Laura Wasser, however, does not have a date of separation.

Sources report that Kanye is fine with the joint custody arrangement and they are both in agreement to co-parenting together.

It was also learned that both parties are neither contesting the prenup and are already far along in reaching a property settlement agreement.

Kim and Kanye got married in Italy in May 2014 and have four children; North, Chicago, Psalm and Saint.

Andrew Eigbokhaebholo

By Our Reporter

The Uyo Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Thursday, February 18, 2021, arraigned one Andrew Eigbokhaebholo, a staff of the University of Calabar, before Justice S. M Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State.

He was arraigned alongside his company, Panandy Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited on one count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N11,470,000. 00 (eleven million, four hundred and seventy thousand naira) only.


The defendant who claims to be a travel agent allegedly obtained the sum from a complainant on the pretext of helping to secure a United States of America Visa, accommodation and other logistics for his wife, who had planned to travel to the US to have her baby.

The petitioner swayed by the knowledge that the defendant’s children were US citizens, borrowed the said sum and paid the defendant only to be denied visa at the US Embassy.


The charge reads; “That you, Andrew Eigbokhaebholo “M” and Panandy Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited between May 2019 and June 2019 at Calabar within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtain the total sum of N11,470,000.00 (eleven million, four hundred and seventy thousand naira only) from one Mfa Erim Egodo ‘M’ under the pretence that you are a travel agent and that you will secure a visa to the United States of America for his wife, accommodation during and after the birth, hospital fees and other logistics, a pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Frauds Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”.

He pleaded “not guilty” to the charge.

The matter was thereafter adjourned till March 1, 2021, for hearing of bail application while the defendant was remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, Monday swore in Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme as the new Chief Judge of the state. 

Swearing in Justice Ikpeme at the  executive council chamber,  Governor's Office, Calabar, Ayade implored her to ensure justice for all who come before her.

Noting that her swearing in was ordained by God, the governor enjoined that "as a child of God and a child that God has destined for this office, I believe that God will touch your soul to ensure that no injustice is done to anybody who comes before you to seek justice. Please dispense justice, be fair and know that God fought your battles."

Ayade, who said he was thankful that the long drawn saga over the appointment of a new chief judge had finally come to an end, noted that stability in the judiciary will be guaranteed with the emergence of a substantive chief judge.

"God has chosen, by His infinite mercy, for Cross River State, not just any person to be the chief judge, but a woman. A woman with great conscience, a woman of God, a leader in the church, and a covenant child. I believe that she will put behind her all the challenges of getting here and to know that God has prevailed." 

Ayade also spoke of his close relationship with Justice Ikpeme,  revealing that "I have had very close relationship with her and it appears to be that she is here at the right time and she is the right person for this job." 

While enjoining support for the new Chief Judge, Ayade said the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government can be sure of a robust relationship. 

"In spite of the provision for the seperation of powers, as recognized by law, the intent of the seperation of powers was to consolidate the oneness of this tripod and therefore, the legislature cannot serve without the executive neither can the executive serve without the judiciary. And so there must be harmony among these three arms to create the consistency of focus to pursue the prosperity agenda set forth for the state." 

Continuing,  the governor said: As a maritime state bounded by very hostile international communities, the Cameroun and more recently the Amazonian people, it is obvious and clear for us as a state that we have a lot of trans-boundary matters to deal with. We have a lot of internal crisis among the indigenes, the ethnic nationalities that constitute Cross River State. The judiciary therefore, will be bedeviled with so much crisis and tension that we cannot afford a distraction. 

"As God touched my heart, so did he touch the heart of everyone saddled with taking the decision in your favour and that had manifested in your swearing in today.”

In her remarks, Justice Ikpeme  promised that the judiciary under her watch will collaborate with the other two arms of government to bring about good governance for the people of Cross River State. 

"I want to assure His Excellency, that the judiciary under my watch will cooperate with you, and we will also cooperate with the legislature so that we can move cross River State forward."

She thanked the governor for enabling history to be created with her swearing in as Chief Judge of the state. 

"God uses men to fulfill His purpose on earth, Your Excellency, from the depth of my heart I want to tell you thank you, I thank you for making this day a reality