Former Nigeria's communication minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has rubbished the rumour of his decampment from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as false and insulting.

He wrote on his Twitter handles:
"The suggestion that I have dumped @OfficialPDPNig for @OfficialAPCNg is false and deeply insulting. Those that are peddling this fake news should bury their heads in shame. I would rather die than join a filthy, rat-infested sinking ship like the Almajiri Peoples Party (APC)".


Source: https://www.grassrootreportersng.com/2019/12/i-would-rather-die-than-join-filthy-rat.html

Visit our page at www.grassrootreportersng.com or like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @GrassrootReporters

A video of the governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade and his deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu dancing to Naira Marley's 'Soapy' has emerged on the internet.

The video which was posted by the governor on his Facebook page on Saturday showed the him dancing alongside his deputy at the Northern Cross River Festival (NorthFest) which took place at Ogoja.

Many has condemned the 'Soapy' dance, with some describing it as immoral and capable of corrupting the minds of young people. Some said it encourages masturbation and MouthAction.

Click To Watch https://mobile.twitter.com/GrassrootReport/status/1203452875436896256

Breaking News: Renowned Evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke Is Dead.

His death was announced on his verified Facebook Page and was signed by his wife.

See post



Source: https://www.grassrootreportersng.com/2019/12/breaking-news-renowned-evangelist.html

The governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade has sent a list of 36 commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly for confirmation.

Below is the list

1. Hon. Francis Eta. (Abi)
2. Dr. Betta Edu (Abi)
3. Rt. Hon. George O'Ben-Etchi (Akamkpa)
4. Rt. Hon. Itaya Asuquo Nyong (Akamkpa)
5. Hon. Okon Nyong Owuna (Akamkpa)
6. Barr. Rosemary E. Archibong (Akpabuyo)
7. Mr. Effiom Okokon Edem (Akpabuyo)
8. Hon. (Eld.) Saviour Nyong (Bakassi)
9. Hon. Signor Omang Idiege (Bekwarra)
10. Prof. Anthony Egrinya Eneji (Bekwarra)
11. Chief Aya Affu Ebirigor (Biase)
12. Hon. Engr. Dan Osim Asu ( Boki)
13. Rt. Hon. Jacob Out Enyia (Boki)
14. Eric Anderson ( Cal. Municipality)
15. Mr. Conatus Etim (Cal. Municipality)
16. Hon. Emmanuel Edward (Cal. Mini)
17. Dr. Inyang Asibong (Cal. South)
18. Mr. Oliver Orok Orok (Cal. South)
19. Mfon Bassey (Cal. South)
20. Hon. Gabe Odu Orji (Etung)
21. Mr. Asu Okang (Etung)
22. Mr. Chris Njar (Ikom)
23. Dr. Alice Olok Ekwu (Ikom)
24. Hon. Godwin Amanke (Obanliku)
25. Blessing Egbagare (Obubra)
26.Hon. Victor Adugba Agwu (Obudu)
27. Engr. Mike Ikor Eraye (Obudu)
28. Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua (Odukpani)
29. Barr. Joe Abang (Ogoja)
30. Hon. Rita Ayim (Ogoja)
31. Mr. Thomas Ugar Udam (Ogoja)
32. Prof. John O. Inyang (Yakurr)
33. Hon. Godwin Etta (Yakuur)
34. Hon. Onoh John Ulafor (Yala)
35. Hon. Stella Ereme Odey (Yala)
Hon. Michael Ede Usibe (Yala)

Source: https://www.grassrootreportersng.com/2019/12/criver-state-governor-sends-list-of.html?m=1

Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade Tuesday, swore in Justice Akon Ikpeme as the acting Chief Judge of the state.

This is coming after much pressure and intrigues. The state government had rooted for a junior colleague, Justice Maurice Eneji that was recommended by the newly inaugurated Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on November 27.
The Ayade administration had constituted the commission with Justice Agbojo Ogar (rtd) as chairman instead of the then sitting CJ, Justice Michael Edem who walked out in protest.
The judiciary, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), senior lawyers (SANs) and others had moved against the decision of the government to swear in a junior as the state’s chief law officer
The swearing of Justice Ikpeme follows the retirement of Hon. Justice Michael Edem, as the Chief Judge of the state.

The governor, at the swearing in said, "I have full respect for section 153 of the 1999 constitution as amended, which provides for the setting up of the National Judicial Council to safeguard the judiciary from the executive."

According to Ayade, "the National Judicial Council is the final authority on matters involving the appointment of the Chief Judge of the state. I also recognise the role of the governor as well and I believe that for the interest and peace of the state, for the goodness of character and the warmness of the state, the right thing to do at this point is what the state has done by swearing in an acting chief Judge."
The governor maintained that, "the beauty of the law is that the law is derived from morality, ethics and norms of the people," pointing out that "the law has moral sensitivity that we must respect hence Hon Justice Ikpeme's appointment today is a clear testimony of the civilization of Cross River state."

Ayade expressed his excitement at the acting Chief Judge's curriculum vitae, stating that he has no doubt on her intellectual capacity that will drive the judiciary of the state.
"Let me congratulate you for this great feat because I know as a woman you have higher ethics and higher morals and I believe that as a mother, all of those qualities will come to bare," the governor stated.

Declaring his full respect for the acting Chief Judge given her pedigree, capacity, qualification and content, Ayade intimated that, "given your extensive experience as I read out from your CV, it is obvious and clear that indeed your tenure as the acting Chief Judge of Cross River will see a tremendous improvement in our judicial system."

Responding, the newly sworn in Acting Chief Judge thanked God who rules in the affairs of men and the governor for swearing her in, as she pledged to work in sincerity during her tenure.

Applauding the governor for being a father of the entire state, the acting Chief Judge expressed hope that, "as a father you will not allow the judiciary or the legislature to crumble."
Hon Justice Ikpeme averred that "the separation of the arms of government as contained in the constitution emanated from the Bible when God said I am the king, the law giver and the judge," adding that, "all are separated but work as one as when one leg fails, the others also fail."

Source: https://www.grassrootreportersng.com/2019/12/ayade-yields-to-pressure-swears-in.html?m=1

Absolutely

Love they say conquers all. This was demonstrated on the 1st of December, 2019 when a beautiful lady, Blessing Onen Okoi said "I do" to her love, Samson Cyprian Ushie, although physically blind, lectures at the University of Calabar.

The beautiful wedding took place at UNICAL Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar.

The visibly elated couple were all smiles as they danced to the altar and exchanged marital vows.

The groom who is physically blind was seen aided by his bestman. Interestingly, he was asked by the Chaplain, Rev. Nsa Eyo to unveil the bride and affirm she is the one. He joyfully said "Yes, she is the one" as the congregation laughed and congratulated them.

The traditional marriage took place on the at Ugep, Cross River State.

Congratulations to the couple!

See pictures:

Source: https://www.grassrootreportersng.com/2019/12/photos-amazing-love-beautiful-lady-weds.html?m=1

The University of Calabar has suspended 200 level student of the Department of Geography and Regional Planning of the institution, Omah Abednego from further academic programmes in the institution for stealing a mobile phone.

In a release signed by the Registrar of the institution, Omah Abednego with Matriculation number 15/099444011 was suspended for allegedly stealing a phone, an offence that falls within the range of “acts of indiscipline in the University".

It further said that Omah Abednego “is to stay away from campus while preparing to appear before the Students Disciplinary Committee for further investigation".

The dean of the student's faculty, Faculty of Physical Science and the Head of Department of Geology was directed to take note of the directive and ensure full compliance.

Source: https://www.grassrootreportersng.com/2019/11/unical-suspends-student-for-stealing.html?m=1

The federal government has concluded plans to regulate social media in Nigeria.

This was made known by Nigeria's Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed during a press conference on Tuesday.
He said:
“ It has reached a level that the government may just no longer fold its arms and allow this to continue ,”

The minister further said no responsible government would sit back and allow such activities capable of setting the country on fire to continue unchecked.

Embattled former aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Okoi Obono Obla has finally spoken on his current travail with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The commission had last week declared him wanted for failing to honour several invitations to answer allegations bordering on fraud and corruption.

He wrote on his Facebook @Okoi Obono Obla:
"What are these people after me? They took their job away? They are not done. They smear me in the media. They framed me! They lied? They declared me wanted! What offence have I, committed? Even those who have stolen billions or contributed to the wrecking of the national economy are not treated with such indignities. Those who have corruptly enriched themselves! They just want to humiliate me! They want to break me! They went to demonize me before Nigerians ! Am a True Patriot of Nigeria ! I did my Job with aplomb, dedication, dignity , integrity and commitment! God and History shall always vindicate the Just ! Nelson Mandela was persecuted , prosecuted , dehumanized and imprisoned for 27 years but he became a world Icon!"
See screenshot

Reported by Grassroot Reporters https://www.grassrootreporters.com/2019/10/you-took-your-job-declared-me-wanted.html?m=1

By Obio Monday

Former Chairman of the Special Presidential Panel for the Recovery of Public Properties, Chief Okoi Obono Obla has denied ever being invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to answer allegations of fraud and corruption levelled against him.

The ICPC had declared him wanted “ due to his repeated failure to appear before it to answer questions bordering on allegations of fraud and corruption. ”

In a press statement sent to Grassrootreporters.com and signed by counsel to Chief Obla, Barr. Baba Isah, he accused the ICPC of engaging in media trial which is orchestrated to "ridicule and embarrass a man who spent the last two years of his life fighting corruption to its knees".

He further stated "a case has been filed by Our Client against the ICPC challenging the purported investigation on the grounds that the agency is already prejudiced against him. Our Client took this action after a full blown media trial was launched against him. It was/is crystal clear that the ICPC has already declared him guilty even before they started their investigation. No sane man will trust an investigative agency to be fair, just and decent when it is clear from their conduct and posturing that such an agency has already taken sides"

Read Full Statement:

PRESS STATEMENT
25TH October, 2019

RE: CHIEF OKOI OBONO OBLA DECLARED WANTED BY THE INDEPENDENT CORRUPT PRACTICES COMMISSION, ICPC

We are Solicitors to Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, and issue this Press Statement in that capacity.
Our attention was drawn to a widely circulated press release by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC wherein they declared Chief Okoi Obono Obla, the erstwhile Chairman of the Special Presidential Panel for the Recovery of Public property, wanted for failing to honour a purported invitation extended to him pursuant to an investigation they claim they are conducting.

Though it is obvious that the whole intent of the ICPC Press Statement declaring Our Client wanted is an unfortunate episode in a well oiled media trial orchestrated to ridicule and embarrass a man who spent the last two years of his life fighting corruption to its knees, let us put some record straight as succinctly as possible.
Chief Okoi Obono Obla was never ever invited by the ICPC for an interview or questioning. Rather, we read on social media and blogs that a purported invitation letter was left at the law office of Obono, Obono & Associates, a law firm which Our Client resigned from since 2015 to accept the appointment of President Mohammadu Buhari, first to serve as Special Assistant on Prosecution and then as Chairman of the Special Presidential Panel for the Recovery of Public Property. The ICPC knew this; for they should know that he was not combining private legal practice and public service.
An invitation of this nature must be done by personal service on the invitee, failure of which the proper legal steps should be taken to serve the invitee through substitute means. ICPC cannot just drop a purported invitation letter meant for a person anywhere and claim that they have invited such a person. So, we repeat, Chief Okoi Obono Obla has never been invited by the ICPC.

Secondly, a case has been filed by Our Client against the ICPC challenging the purported investigation on the grounds that the agency is already prejudiced against him. Our Client took this action after a full blown media trial was launched against him. It was/is crystal clear that the ICPC has already declared him guilty even before they started their investigation. No sane man will trust an investigative agency to be fair, just and decent when it is clear from their conduct and posturing that such an agency has already taken sides.

The ICPC has been served with court processes in the said suit, but they have refused to react to the suit but rather they have chosen to carry on as a law unto to themselves, ignoring the suit and going on with the media trial by declaring Our Client wanted without even first obtaining an order of court in that regard.
This is most unfortunate. The ICPC should obey the law and due process by first serving Our Client an invitation letter, joining issues with Our Client in court and when that is disposed off, one way or the other, justice can be said to have been done. To arrogantly ignore the case in court and carry on as they are doing cuts a riotous image of President Buhari’s administration. It paints the administration as one without adherence to the rule of law, one that sacrifices its anti-corruption crusaders for political expediency. It is most unfortunate.

Thank You.

F. Baba Isa, Esq.,
FBI LEGAL, Abuja.
[Counsel to Chief Okoi Obono-Obla]

https://www.grassrootreporters.com/2019/10/wanted-obono-obla-i-was-never-invited.html?m=1

A suspected armed robber was last night burnt to death by angry mob at Palm Street by Azikiwe of Calabar South, Cross River State, according to Odukpanidaily. Com

According to a resident of the area who simply gave her name as Mary, the suspect robbed an old woman who was returning from night market at about 11:45am at Azikiwe Street. She said "The woman raised an alarm which attracted the attention of residents of the area. The lone robber was subsequently given a hot chase by youths who pursued him through Ekpo Abasi down to Palm Street and was caught and burnt to death at Palm Street by Azikiwe".
When our correspondent visited the area, the remains of the unidentified man was yet to evacuated.


Full details
https://www.odukpanidaily.com/2019/06/jungle-justice-suspected-armed-robber.html?m=1