Tuesday 29 September 2015

Friday Night Football: A milestone for Nigerian Football by AMOS ETUK

When Akwa United hosted Nassarawa United on Friday night at Nest of Champions, Uyo
Friday, September 25,2015 was a milestone in Nigerian football as the League Management Company, the body responsible for organising the football league in the country began the Friday Nights Football in the league in line with the concept of what obtains in European leagues especially in the German Bundesliga.
It was a night of history as passionate football followers in the country looked up to the maiden fixture which was a week 31 encounter between Akwa United versus Nassarawa United and the match lived up to its billings as the continent stayed glued to Africa’s emerging league add another feather to her numerous achievements.

We are facing lots of deprivations – MD of Ukpongson Nig. Coy Paper Mill

Elder Okon Ukpong
Elder Okon Samuel Ukpong is the MD/CEO of Ukpongson Nigeria Company Paper Mill. In this interview with THE INK, he spoke on a wide range of issues including what government should do to promote private and indigenous companies in the State. BY UBONG INYANG. Excerpt;

Can you please introduce yourself sir
I am Elder Okon Samuel Ukpong, the managing director of Ukpongson Nigeria Company Limited paper mill, established through the help of Bank of Industry in the year 2007. The bank gave us money to buy the facilities and machines used and we are sincerely working with them and we are also developing this business for the entire south-south states and they are patronising us very much. The business is moving forward.

INTERVIEW: Media has contributed to Akwa Ibom's development - NUJ Boss, Patrick Albert

Patrick Albert
Mr. Patrick Albert is the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist in Akwa Ibom State. In this interview with THE INK crew - EMMANUEL AKPAN, KENNETH JUDE and PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER, he speaks on Akwa Ibom State at 28. He chronicles the history of the state’s creation, the journey so far, journalism practice in the state and other issues of interest. Excerpts:


In the spirit of Akwa Ibom at 28, what is    your assessment of the state in development index and infrastructure since its creation?
First of all, I want to thank THE INK NEWSPAPERS for holding this interview and for giving prominence to an event such as this. Anytime the anniversary of Akwa Ibom State comes, it brings into memory our past; how the state came to be; how we should be grateful to our forbears who promoted the idea of state creation and those who followed up the vision for the creation of the state until it was actualised in 1987.
Looking back for the past 28 years, one would say, to God be the glory; we can say emphatically that Akwa Ibom State has come to be as a desirable state. At its creation in 1987, it was a political expression coming out of Cross River State; already what became Akwa Ibom State was what was then known as Mainland State or the Mainland Path of the main Cross River. But today, from a political expression, we have come to attain a height comparable to other advanced states within the Nigerian federation.

Politics, poverty & the rest of us

BY PAULINUS NTA

It does not need any clinical diagnosis neither is it treated with pills and herbs, poverty you will agree with me, is a dreaded disease that limits man’s potentials and capacities both in the physical behavioural and intellectual spheres of life and most times reduces a man to a caricature of   his real self. In the physical realm, it is indicated by complete lack of the basic requirements of life such as –food, shelter and clothing even a capsule account for comfort. In the behavioural realm, poverty distorts a man’s real self and makes him behave like a fool even when he knows he is not a fool. And in the intellectual perspective, poverty can enslave man’s innate worth and subject him to intellectual doldrums.

A’Ibom DSS invasion: Ex-speaker chides journalists

Hon. (Elder) Sam Ikon with NUJ Chair, Elder Patrick Albert
The immediate past Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Hon Sam Ikon has urged journalists to always cross check their facts before rushing to press. Elder Ikon who stated this during a visit to the Radar Newspapers in Uyo, condemned the reports in a section of the media, that some cache of weapons and foreign curencies were discovered at the Akwa Ibom State government house during the recent invasion of the facilities by the DSS, saying it was untrue.

Ntuk Udeh inaugurate passenger’s waiting hall

The transport commissioner Prince Dr, Godwin Ntuk Udeh has inaugurated waiting halls at Mbiabong Etoi and Nung Oku motor parks to provive comfort to travelers waiting to board vehicle to their destination.
Prince Ntuk Udeh who performed the inauguration on the behalf of the State government said the action was in respond to Governor Udom Emmanual’s directive that all government approved motor parks should be refurbished as a measure to bring sanity into the state transport sub sector and put an end to touting, loading and loading in an unauthorised places.

State sanitation exercise: Streets defy government’s directive

In line with the state government’s directive of a compulsory sanitation exercise every last Saturday of the month, dwellers within Itu road, Ikot Udoro and Nelson Mandela Street, on day 2 of the exercise; paid deaf ears to the directive. On close observation, the turnout of people along these streets was very poor as against last month’s exercise. Shops along the mentioned streets were open before the stipulated time which is 10am and the owners of these shops were playing hide and seek with the authorities who drove around for supervision. The sight of gutters especially at Nelson Mandela Street was disgusting as they were still choked and little was done to clear or remove the waste from the gutters. People were still going about their normal businesses anticipating the deadline hour to come so that they leave for work.

Ex-minister urges Emmanuel to set up Oil Producing Commission in Akwa Ibom 

Former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien has urged Gov. Udom Emmanuel to consider setting up Oil Producing Commission area in Akwa Ibom State. Essien made the call in an interview with the newsmen in Eket Local Government Area on Thursday. He said that the 13 per cent derivation should be paid to oil producing communities in view of the devastating effects of explorations and exploitations by oil companies on the host communities. Essien lamented that the non establishment of the Commission had caused untold hardship among the oil bearing communities in the state.

2 welders die after inhalling fuel in A’Ibom —DPR

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Eket,  Akwa Ibom has confirmed that two welders died over inhalation of fuel at Global Richman Venture Nigeria Ltd, filling station in the state. Mr Asuquo Antai, Controller Operations DPR, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Eket Local Government Area, saying that the incident happened by 6a.m on Saturday, Sept 19. Antai explained that the filling station brought products from Calabar Depots and while discharging the DPK, the earth cave in while trying to manage the problem, two casualties recorded. He said that they quickly towed the truck that was discharging products out to safety, yet two casualties recorded.

Sanitation tragedy: Ben Udo residents escape death as electricity poles fall

High tension cables that fell accross the street
The residents of Ben Udo Street in Uyo were thrown into pandemonium on Saturday September 26 as some residents who were undertaking the monthly sanitation exercise in their neighbourhood, narrowly escaped death as two electricity poles fell almost on some residents who stood at close range. An eye witness who identified himself as Mr. Tony told our reporter that while one of the trees by the fence of Adiaha Obong Secondary School was being trimmed as its branches constantly caused the high tension cables to spark, a branch of the tree dropped on the cables which and eventually one of the nearby poles fell, causing another one (wooden pole) to break and fall across the street, blocking vehicular traffic.

Etinan APC welcomes more members

A cross section of APC and ACCORD Party members after their meeting ... yesterday
BY VICTOR UFOT

The camp of the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate Obong Umana Okon Umana yesterday continued to gather more support base across the state as the Chapter Chairman of Accord Party in Etinan local Government and together with over 2000 members collapsed their structure in favour of APC and the party’s governorship candidate Obong Umana Umana. The Chapter Chairman of Accord Party in Etinan, Akanimo Akpan led other Accord members to APC’s Chapter secretariat along Eket road in Etinan to officially decamp to the party. In his speech before the new members were officially received into the party, Mr. Akpan said that he came with his Executives, ward leaders and Accord members across the local government to officially declare their support for Obong Umana Umana and join hands with the All Progressive Congress in the state to achieve their common goal.

Leader Hausa Community supports Buhari’s anti corruption crusade

Alhaji Hassan Sadauki, Leader Hausa Community in Akwa Ibom has supported President Mohammadu Buhari’s Anti Corruption crusade to sanitize the system. Sadauki gave the nod in an interview with the newsmen in Uyo. He said that the moves by the president to reduce the level of corruption in the society were a right step in the right direction. He said that Buhari’s anti corruption campaign would help to sanitize and improve the economy of the country.

Former council boss extols Gov. Udom

Godwin Ekpo
The immediate past chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Obong Godwin Ekpo has expressed satisfaction with the programmes and activities of the Governor Udom Emmanuel administration, describing his development efforts and initiatives as meaningful, monumental and sustainable.  Obong Ekpo specifically commended the pragmatism, commitment, courage and most importantly, prudence and transparency demonstrated by Governor Emmanuel, since assumption of office in May 2015, saying in addition to these abilities, he has proved to Akwa Ibom people that he is truly the best man for the job, and will not be distracted from consolidating on the extraordinary uncommon transformation of the previous administration.
The former council boss who is also a member, Board of Trustee of Transformation Initiative for the Empowerment of Ibom People (TIEIP) made the assertions while exchanging views with newsmen over the weekend in Uyo during the 28th anniversary celebrations of Akwa Ibom State. He observed that the entire PDP family in Ibiono Ibom as well as the entire state, are proud of Governor Udom Emmanuel, who collectively proved it right in electing him to succeed Chief Godswill Akpabio.

CHRIST EMBASSY, UYO: REACHING OUT TO MILLIONS THROUGH THE REACHOUT NIGERIA CAMPAIGN 2015

Representative of the Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy, South East Virtual Zone2, Pastor Frank Owokere (m) addressing journalists during the presentation of activities for reachout Nigeria Campaign 2015 in Uyo recently. With him are members of the campaign committee.
As part of activities to celebrate the 55th Independence Day of our nationhood and in our determination as a church to build a strong and viral nation where its citizenry inculcate the virtue of determination; resilience and a strong belief in the possibility of the ideals of the Dawning of a New Nation inspite of our diversity, Christ Embassy, Uyo is reaching out to millions of Akwa Ibom people across the 329 wards in the state from 1st of October through to December, 2015.
The Reach out Nigeria campaign is an initiative of our Man of God and the President of the Believers Loveworld Incorporated, Rev. Chris Oyakhilome Ph.D inspired by the Holy Ghost to build and rekindle the spirit of patriotism and national re-orientation in our people. The vision has spread tremendously since its inception and  as a church we have been able to play pivotal role in the evolution of a people oriented government; impacting the governance of our dear country, Nigeria positively and the enthronement of  the earnestly desired change by the word of God and the  power of the spirit.

Buhari, Tinubu move against Udom, PDP

* Want A’Ibom guber election cancelled
* PDP alleges Presidency’s influence on Judges


BY  KENNETH  JUDE

While Governor  Udom Emmanuel has visibly struck a good working relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari, indications have emerged that the seeming flowery relationship with the number one citizen of the country is merely on the surface and nothing more. This more THE INK gathered over the weekend is due to clandestine and strategic moves by the President and other APC top shots in the country to influence the governorship election Tribunal sitting in Abuja between Obong Umana Okon Umana and Deacon Udom Emmanuel in favour of the APC candidate.

Hon. Nse Essien: Always setting the pace for effective representation

Nse Essien
BY GODWIN SAM

The adage, “the Goldfish has no hiding place” came into force in the life of Hon. (Otuekong) Nse Essien once again on Friday the 11th of September, 2015, when he presented his scorecard to his constituents at the Onna Local Government Secretariat at Abat, the Local Government Headquarters. Like the mythical “Goldfish”, the Onna Lawmaker shore to the admiration of thousands of his kinsmen, colleagues, friends, supporters, and admirers who trooped in from far and near to witness his first 100 days in office constituency briefing.

The life and times of Sunday Eyiboh: Notes of a native son

Late Elder Sunday EdohoUqua Eyiboh
BY  OSONDU  AHIRIKA

As I am always given to do, I find very compelling need to make the novel, Notes of a Native Son by American writer, James Baldwin, the anecdote to anchor this piece on Late Elder Sunday Edohouqua Eyiboh. The reason is simple. The underlying biographical script by Rt. Hon. Eseme  Eyiboh, like James Baldwin’s essays  comprised in his Notes of a Native Son, are essentially, memoirs, reflecting with incisive and precise illumination, his attestation about his father Late Elder Sunday EdohoUqua Eyiboh.
Looking upon  his father on his deathbed, Baldwin undertook an unbiased interrogation of his father’s life, his relationship with his wife and children, his relatives, the African American community and to a larger point the white American society.

AKWA IBOM @ 28! Rt. Hon. Victor Antai: The rising profile of an emerging political gladiator


BY PAT REUBEN

There is nothing more difficult to carryout, not more doubtful of success, not more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer, he who dares to chat a new course, has enemies in all those who profit by the old order and only lukewarm defenders in all those, who would profit by the new order.  This lukewarmness arises, partly from incredibility of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new, until they have actually experienced it.

Udom moves to loan N10 billion

*AKHA approves request 

*We will monitor Governor- Chairman, House Committee on Finance


BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The debt profile of  Akwa Ibom State Government is rising every day. While the State Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel is busy flagging off new projects in the State, facts have emerged that the State Government is broke and that the State has no money to mobilize contractors to commence work.
Governor Udom in order to kick start his projects and make a mark for himself, on Monday sent a letter to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly seeking for approval to enable the State collect a loan of #10 billion Naira from the Excess Crude Account. Udom, THE INK gathered is seeking for the loan in order to fulfill some of his campaign promises as well as kick start infrastructural development projects such as roads, flood control and drainage projects in State.
The letter with Ref. Number GHU/AKS/S/104/V.4/702 dated 15th September, 2015 was to seek for the approval for Akwa Ibom State to partake in the Federal Government Excess Crude Account (ECA) backed loan. Governor Udom in the introduction of the letter said, at the Nigeria Economic Council (NEC) meeting of June, 2015, it was resolved that the money in the Excess Crude Account (ECA), which could have been shared among States in July, 2015 should rather be kept for States that have needs to access as loan, and that other States in the Federation have taken advantage of the offer, saying Akwa Ibom State should not be left out.
Governor Udom in his letter considered the offer by the Federal Government as part of measures to cushion the effect of the dwindling oil prices and resultant reduction in State’s revenue. The letter reads in parts “Other States in the Federation have applied for into the Excess Crude Account Backed Loan and Akwa Ibom State should not be left out. The Excess Crude Account Backed Loan offer a single digit interest rate of 9% per annum lower than any other loan and repayment period of 20 (twenty) years long enough for long term capital investment. This low interest loan enable the State Government invest in infrastructural development projects such as roads, flood control and drainage projects in State.”
Udom further prayed that the House of Assembly should approved the participation of Akwa Ibom State in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) backed Loan offered by the Federal Government in the total sum of Ten Billion Naira (#10b).       
The letter which was sent to the Speaker of the House Assembly, Hon. Aniekan Uko some days ago, had to rattled the speaker to an extend of convening an emergency plenary last Monday.
THE INK reporter, who monitored the emergency sitting, observed that members arrived as about 10.am to attend the executive session at the speaker’s office and the meeting lasted for over five hours. Our reporter also spotted the State commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akan Uko who later came to the House and moved straight to the speaker’s office to explain some points to the lawmakers as well as give reasons why the governor’s letter should be approved.
It was gathered that the plenary started by 3.pm. The governor’s letter was read on the floor of the House by the House clerk, Mrs. Mandu Umoren. The house after deliberations approved the governor’s request. Speaker, Aniekan Uko directed the clerk to communicate the approval to the governor.
Speaking with THE INK reporter in his office shortly after the plenary, the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriations, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh said his committee had to approve the governor’s request considering of the urgency of the letter. He explained why the House of Assembly approved the request, adding that it is an opportunity for Akwa Ibom State Government to benefit from the Excess Crude Account Backed Loan provided by the Federal Government.
According to him “The governor is flagging off projects across the State, so he need to loan so that he can kick start the projects. The governor has specified what he wants to use the loan for, which to enable the State Government invest in infrastructural development projects such as roads, flood control and drainage projects in State.”
 He further said the House will ensure that they monitor how the money would be used. “We are entitled to know what the State Government is using money for in terms of projects. So we will monitor how the loan would be used. The constitution of the Federal Government empowers the House of Assembly to monitor the executive and how the State budget is implemented.” 

APC accuse Udom of wasting N4b on anniversary

* It’s cheap blackmail - Aniekan Umanah


BY KENNETH JUDE

Governor Udom Emmanuel has come under serious attack from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over what the party described as reckless and insensitive the amount of money sunk into the recent anniversary celebration of the state. The APC have accused the Governor of contunuing the trend of wanton spending that characterised the last administration of Godswill Akpabio. THE INK also gathered from impeccable sources that Akwa Ibom State Government spent a whopping sum of N4 Billion to mark the anniversary of the creation of the state. This sum has generated rumpus and unease across the state with many taking exception to the development. Some people have described the money spent on the celebration as a waste of public funds in light of the financial crunch that has hit the state. Those who expressed disappointment over the wild celebration embarked upon by the Udom Emmanuel administration observed that the state government had no reason whatsoever to have devoted such an amount on the celebration even when President Muhammadu Buhari has approved just N70 Million to mark Nigeria’s 55th anniversary.

Dakkada; Eket and memory of Governor Adeusi

BY ASSAM ABIA

The people of Akwa Ibom State, be it from Andoni in Eastern Obolo, Ibeno, or the Ibibios, Ekid, the Annangs and Oro are of a distinct cultural ambiance which informs their temperament as it relates to their environment and existence. The Annang man is known for his resoluteness, hard work and bravery, same to the Ibibios. The Ekid man is known for his pride, doggedness, self independence and bravery while the Oro man has a combination of all the traits of an Ibibio man, ditto the Andonis of Eastern Obolo and Ibeno.
Succinctly put, the ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom spare are from one stock of moral and spiritual affinity.
The “Dakkada” mantra of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration is an indication that something is missing from our physiological, physical, moral and spiritual physiognomy. It is a jingle spiritually crafted to jolt us out of our slumber and pernicious track of modern existence, an existence alien to our innate qualities, the qualities that made us who we are (were) and made us proud our selves.

The need for communal environmental sanitation

BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

This month marks the second lap of the environmental sanitation policy introduced by Gov. Udom Emmanuel to put all hands on deck in the sanitation of Akwa Ibom State. Spanning across the 31 local government areas of the state, the activity which has come to be has received accolades and commendations since its introduction into the schedule of the state last month.  The essence of this state activity, we are told, is to ensure an all-involving participation of individuals in the sanitization of the environment we all live in and thereby, making citizens responsible for their surroundings upkeep. And since cleanliness is next to godliness, keeping clean will to a large extent, attract godliness into the state be it in its minutest form. 

GEOSA week ends in glamour

BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

Activities marking the Geography Students Association (GEOSA) week of the Department of Geography and Natural Resources Management were brought to a close on Friday 25th September with a pageantry/ banquet and awards night held at the Onyeama Ugochukwu auditorium of the University of Uyo, Uyo.
Organized by the (GEOSA) for its students, the event began on Monday 21st of September 2015 with the finals of the HOD cup/tournament played by students of the department; followed by a debate competition (GEOSA Speak out Challenge) highlighting the Difference Between Human and Physical Geography as well as their roles in the environment” on Tuesday 22nd; talent hunt/carnival float took place on Wednesday 23rd, cooking competition was on Thursday 24th and the pageantry display/banquet/awards ended the event on Friday 25th September 2015.

Erosion menace has brought untold hardship to businesses in Uyo - Ette Ekpe

In what could be term as flood salvage to erosion menace in Uyo metropolis. The  State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has evacuated refuge in the drainage system in Olusegun Obasanjo way former Abak road among other streets. Speaking in an interview with the Ink newspapers last weekend in Uyo, the managing Director Ette Ekpe and Sons Nigeria limited  Obong Sunday Ekpe stated that erosion menace has brought untold hardship to Businesses in Uyo metropolis and other parts of the State.

Ibeno youth leader calls on ex-militants to shun violence

BY ASSAM ABIA

The Obong Mkparawa 1 of Ibeno Local Government Area and Chairman Joint Core Community Contractors of ExxonMobil, Chief Friday Ebong has called on Ex-militants, specifically the so-called Bakassi Freedom Fighters to shun violence and follow the path of peace.  The youth leader made the call yesterday in Ibeno in reaction to media report that the former agitators are poised to ferment trouble in Akwa Ibom State if their grievances were not attended to by the Governor of the State, Deacon Udom Emmanuel.
He said the admonition became necessary because the said media report was signed by one Commander Ebong Friday and that the general public and the State government may be made to see the report as emanating from his office due to the similarity of the names.

AK guber tribunal: Esit Eket rules out re-run, passes vote of confidence on Udom

A cross section of Stakeholders of Esit Eket during last Saturday’s Town Hall meeting
BY ASSAM ABIA

As mixed feelings permeates the entire Political atmosphere in Akwa Ibom State over the out-come of the Legal battle at the tribunal in Abuja, instituted by the All progressive Congress (A.P.C.) to unseat Governor Udom Emmanuel of the People Democratic Party (P.D.P.), the People of Esit Eket has said it is an exercise in futility, ruling out a possible re-run. In a Stake holders meeting held on Friday September 25, 2015 at Udo Edukere Memorial Hall at the Council Secretariat, the People, after hours of deliberation, passed a vote of Confidence on Governor Udom Emmanuel for justifying the mandate given him, within a hundred days in office.

Wednesday 23 September 2015

AKFA election was free and fair - Hon Ukpe

The recently concluded election into the Board of the State Football Association was transparent, free and fair. One of the delegates to the election and Chairman Etim Ekpo Local Government Football Association, Hon. Nkopuyo Ukpe who made the observation while speaking with Sports Journalists in Uyo shortly after the election, described the emergence of Mr. Emmanuel Ibah as the State FA Chairman as the best thing to happen to Akwa Ibom State Football.

Armed robbery attack: One killed, two escaped

Barely few months after the police and other security agencies in Eket and its environs successfully recorded a breakthrough in its fight against criminality, armed banditry and killings, a resurgence of similar activities as returned. In the latest armed robbery attack by a three man gang operating with motorbike at Ikot Udoma about 5.am, luck ran out of the hoodlums as youths of the community mobilize themselves to foil the robbery attack.

AKWA IBOM @ 28: “Our unity is firmer, our belief is unshakeable” – Etido Inyang

…Commissioner urges support for Udom, lauds media community

Engr. Etido Inyang

“Today, we are more resolved, our unity is firmer, and our belief is unshakeable. Our purpose is illuminating and would not burn out. Together, we will unite our state and prosper our people. The march is on and Akwa Ibom under Governor Udom Emmanuel will steer the ship to a successful and enviable berth”.
These were the words of Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties, Engr. Etido Inyang in his message to Akwa Ibom people on the Anniversary of state creation which happened twenty eight years ago.
While paying tribute to all the leaders who led the state in the past, the commissioner noted their enduring sacrifices and abiding faith in the unity and greatness of Akwa Ibom state which laid the foundation for the envisaged height which the present administration is taking the state to. “The perseverance and determination of the average Akwa Ibom person in the face of the most daunting of odds is what has kept the state on its march forward. That spirit has over the years, stirred our hopes, doused our fears, and given us the encouragement to pull ourselves to build a better state even others does not believe in our capacity as a state”.

A’Ibom Seaport: Tremendous impact on the Economy - Abia

His Royal Highness Obong E. C. D Abia
The clan Head, Idua clan in Eket Local Government Area, His Royal Highness Obong E. C. D Abia has said that the Akwa Ibom deep seaport has tremendous impact on the economy, Akwa Ibom People and the Nigerians at large. The Royal Father gave this assertion in an interview last weekend in his palace at Eket. He added that the port is better, deeper than any seaport in Gulf of Guinea .

AKBC ends Promise Hunt, Friday

Contestants demonstrating their skills in bicycle stints at the Ibom Promise Hunt
The grand finale of  ‘Promise Hunt’, a  talent discovery competition organized by Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation comes up on Friday this week. The event taking place at Sir Udo Udoma House along Udo Udoma Avenue will begin at 9.00 am. The contest which began in Uyo on the 14th of September, later moved to Ikot Ekpene on the 16th and Eket on the 18th has produced talents in the different aspects of performing arts.

AKICOWA ends one week training in Uyo

A cross section of participants at the week-long Training
Akwa Ibom Co-operative Women Alliance (AKICOWA) ended its week-long Training of Trainers workshop last week in Uyo. The  closing ceremony took place at St. Michael’s Primary School, where the women gathered to appraise the value of the trainings they received in Catfish Fingerlings Production and Hatchery Management. In an address presented by the president of AKICOWA, Princess Nkereuwem Ekpe, she said that the training was aimed at building the capacity of members and to help them acquire useful skills in the production of catfish fingerlings and management of hatchery as well as promoting entrepreneurship among women with a view to alleviating poverty and its attending hazards on the family, especially the girl-child.

AKSG to construct roads in Uruan

The Akwa Ibom State Government is set to award contract for the construction of the Anua-Mbak- Ishiet Beach market road. The Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Inyang-eyen disclosed this to newsmen during an assessment tour of the roads which crosses 32 villages in central Uruan, Offot and Etoi clans all in Uruan and Uyo Local Governments respectively. According to Mr inyang-Eyen, the project is in tandem with the campaign pledges made by Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel to the people of Uruan and is in furtherance of the bid to make life easier for the people.

Gov. Emmanuel inaugurates Construction of 81km Roads in A’Ibom

The Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Inyang has said Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom had flag off 81kilometres of roads at different Local Government Areas  in the state. Inyang told journalists at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Shalom Model Parish in Eket, Akwa Ibom. He said that Gov. Emmanuel had achieved a lot within his 100 days in office.

PDP is very strong, vibrant in Itu- Stakeholders

A cross section of Itu PDP Stakeholders at the event
Stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic party, PDP in Itu local government says the party is very strong and vibrant in the area contrary to the rumours that some members have left the party for opposition, All Progressive Congress, APC. The stakeholders also declared their support to the leadership of governor Udom Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom State, adding that even if election is held 20 times in the state, PDP will still win convincingly.

2,000 Accord Party members defect to APC in Akwa Ibom

No fewer than 2,000 members in Akwa Ibom on Saturday announced their defection from Accord Party to All Progressive Congress (APC), in the state. The Former Chieftain of the Bishop Akpan Organisation, Mr Ubong Okposin stated this during the Inauguration of Grassroots Concerned Youth Alliance (GCYA), Executives, Eket Chapter in Eket Local Government Area. He explained that the defection was as a “directive from their principal, the Accord Party Governorship Candidate in the state to cross carpet to APC’’.

Akwa Ibom @28: Our 10 plagues BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

The news about Akwa Ibom State being a year older today has gone virile before now to the nooks and crannies of the state and country at large with mixed reactions greeting it from every sphere it is mentioned. 28 years ago, the state was born out of the desire for its founding fathers to have a place they can call their own, not just for themselves but for the good of future generations as well. Today, 28 years on, the state has manifested this dream of its founding fathers. We can now boast of a place to call our own; a place we can run to and be sheltered in times of storm, and a place of our heritage. Akwa Ibom State has as a matter of truth gone through several death valleys, murky waters and troubled times to become victorious and strong. Numerous internal and external setbacks have been on its way of progress yet, triumph has always been sure.

A’Ibom State at 28: The journey so far BY UBONG INYANG

BY UBONG INYANG

September 23rd is always remembered by Akwa Ibomites both young and old because it was on this day that our dear state was created and despite our language, cultural and political differences, we still remain a strong and undivided unit. It is even popular among pupils in schools because it forms the lyrics of one of their marching songs. The creation of the state marked the climax of a long and sustained struggle for a separate state by the people from Cross River State.
What became known as Akwa Ibom State today was formerly a part of the old Eastern Region of Nigeria. Following the 1976 creation, it became part of Cross River State before a further restructuring of the Nigerian Federation saw the birth of Akwa Ibom through the promulgation of Decree 24 of1987 by the then military head of state General Ibrahim Babangida.

What DAKKADA initiative means – Aniekan Umanah

Aniekan Umanah
Gentlemen of the press,
It is my privilege to specially welcome you all to this important press briefing to highlight programmes and activities of the 28th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State and the launching of dakkada spiritual rebirth, moral transformation and reorientation campaign. Going down memory lane, the creation of Akwa Ibom State 28 years ago by the Federal Government marked a remarkable watershed in the socio-political and economic history of our people. Our forebears had long yearned, desired and aspired for a state which would help them actualize their dreams and visions as a distinct people in the Nigerian nation. The creation was, therefore, a dream fulfilled for them to achieve self-worth, political emancipation and economic prosperity. 
Since Akwa Ibom came into existence, the state has witnessed different leaderships ranging from military to civilian administrations. In all these, the various leaders initiated and implemented different programmes and policies, aimed at building a strong egalitarian and virile state for politically enlightened and economically empowered citizenry.

Monday 21 September 2015

Breaking News THE INK, Sunday Edition Debuts

Breaking News THE INK, Sunday Edition Debuts


The tabloid now runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Watch out for her Wednesday and Friday editions this week

We remain the Defender of Truth
Thank you for your patronage

AK. Gov’s wife put smiles on the faces of widows across the State

The Akwa Ibom state  Governor’s wife,   Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel on Wednesday rekindled hope and put smiles on the faces of over 300 widows from all the wards in the state with cash and gifts items.

Speaking at the event held at the banquet hall of the Government house, the Governor’s wife said that though the United Nations declared the 23rd of June every year as the international widows day, she had to celebrate the widows in September because she need to settle in the office.

Former NUJ boss bags award, says the media is unnecessarily criticized

The immediate past state chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr. Joe Effiong has said that the increasing criticism of the media in the state is unnecessary, adding that most of the critics are public officers who have enjoyed the goodwill of the media.

Mr. Effiong, who gave the hint shortly after receiving the Good Leadership Award at the Radar Newspapers @2nd Anniversary last Friday, noted that professional excesses is not limited to the media as other professions also face the same challenge.

“I think journalism in the state is still at its infancy but we are in a very dynamic scenario professional wise. Everybody is saying something about the so called proliferation of newspapers in the state. Even those who are beneficiaries of the media’s goodwill turn around to say things that are not palatable against the media.

Structure of 8th Senate will stabilize Nigeria’s Democracy – OBA …Reels out empowerment plans for Uyo Senatorial District people

Structure of 8th Senate will stabilize Nigeria’s Democracy – OBA …Reels out empowerment plans for Uyo Senatorial District people

Obong Bassey Albert (OBA) is the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo Senatorial District) in the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In this interview, the former commissioner for finance spoke on; some issues of National interest, his first 100 days in the red chamber, his empowerment plans for the people and the expectations of the people in the Akwa Ibom election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja. Excerpts:

It has been 100 days since you and your colleagues were inaugurated. A lot is expected from the present crop of Senators by Nigerians, how would you assess the 8th senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at this time? 
 
Thank You. I thank God that, for the first time in the history of democratic governance in Nigeria, we have a different structure in the National Assembly. It is a Senate built on consensus. Consensus in the sense that, there is no party with a clear cut advantage and two third majority. APC has 59 Senators and PDP has 49. In terms of percentage ratio, it is about fifty three to fourty seven percent.  It is an absolutely peculiar set of Senators, built and driven by passion for service delivery and robust legislative inclination. Having been there for the past 100 days, we all have come to a realization that, moving Nigeria forward is a collective resolve. That is why we all said on the 9th of June, that we wanted a Senate President of the Senators, not a Senate President whose loyalty would not have been guaranteed by the members. We had looked at integrity, steadfastness, trust, passion, commitment, political sagacity and most of all capacity. That is why we went for his Excellency, Dr. Bukola Saraki . By the special grace of God, so far, in the course of carrying out our legislative responsibilities, I can attest to the fact that, he has justified the confidence reposed on him by his colleagues, and he will always remain the President of the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Many Nigerians see Senator Bukola Saraki as a Unifying factor that will promote stability in the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Do you agree with the assertion?
I don’t see Dr. Saraki as a unifying or stability factor alone for the 8th Senate, I see him also as a rallying point. He is a man with verge and vibrancy. He has the blood of PDP and APC flowing in him. He is a politician with mix. He believes in one Nigeria, and that is very crucial to our continued co-existence as a people. That is the reason why, no matter the level of prosecution he faces, he still remains calm, because he believes that, he is a man on a mission. A mission to move Nigeria forward, unite the country and ensure that the doctrine of separation of power is sustained. The senate is very stable. We believe that, the true taste of a man is not when he stands in the day of comfort, but in the days of atrocities and challenges. This is one of those challenging times for our great country Nigeria. As a people, we must have a collective response to ensure that, the unity of this country is not compromised on the altar of any other consideration. The issue of selective prosecution of perceived political opponents must be discouraged for our democracy to be sustained.

Is the legislative agenda of the 8thSenate ready for implementation?

 We have set up an ad-hoc committee to draw up an agenda for the 8th Senate. We are confident, by the time we are back from the annual recess, the agenda setting committee will submit its report, and this report will be subjected to debate at the plenary by the Senators. I believe by the time we are done with it, we will come out with a workable framework that we believe will be able to restructure and sustain democratic institutions in Nigeria. What we believe is how best we can impact on the lives of Nigerians. How best can we ensure food is on the table of every Nigerian, if we don’t have the interest of the people at heart? The task of moving Nigeria forward and the task of getting resources mobilized for the benefit of the people requires concerted effort and we are equal to the task.

You recently moved a motion on the floor of the Senate about the deplorable state of Calabar-Itu Highway. So far so good has any action been taken towards curbing the menace of erosion in the area?

It was a major motion that was moved in the Senate chamber. As we speak now, it is so far the longest debated motion on the floor of the 8th Senate, which lasted for about three hours. That motion brought about the setting up of the Senate ad-hoc committee on roads in the country, which by the special grace of God, by the privilege of the Senate president, I am a member. The committee is saddled with a responsibility of looking at the state of roads across the nation. The committee has a lot to do within the shortest possible time and we have already engaged gear. I think the only challenge basically is paucity of funds, which has hindered the progress that would have been made by the committee. I believe strongly that as we resume from the recess, we should be able to drive the duty of the ad-hoc committee to the next level. Next level in the sense that, we are expected to visit all affected roads in the country, of which the Calabar-Itu highway is of concern and interest to the people of Akwa Ibom State.  It brought me so much joy and fulfillment, having raised such vital motion, which is of valuable interest to Nigerians at large. It is also a way of reassuring Nigerians that the 8th Senate is alive to its responsibilities, and better positioned to ensure that no matter where you are or where you are from, you must have that sense of belonging.

Back home, a lot of people are saying that you have been quiet is the National Assembly. How would you react to this?
I am one of the most vocal Senators in the 8th Assembly. I came back to report progress and let my people know what has been happening in the past three months. My contributions in the floor of the Senate in the past few weeks on key issues of National Interest cannot be overemphasized. The people can access my numerous contributions in the National Assembly via my websitewww.senatoroba.org, to actually see the progress we have made so far. For me, three months is too short to judge someone, but I can say extensively and confidently that in three months, we have set the tone on directions our legislative representations will take in the months to come. In a Senate that has only four ad-hoc committees established as at now, if you are not vocal enough, how would you be a member of two? How best can you win the confidence of your colleagues, it is on the basis of your qualitative contributions on the floor of the Senate that primes effective participation and robust legislative engagements. The fact that you don’t see me often in Akwa Ibom, does not mean I am not speaking for your interest and development, my responsibility in the next four years is to represent my people (Akwa Ibom North East) in the red chamber and bring sustainable socio-economic development to the masses.  I pledge to do my best within the limit of my power.

What are your plans for empowerment of the people of Uyo Senatorial District?

For me, making people happy is a way of life. I believe very strongly that, living well is not how rich one is, but his ability to impact on the lives of others. I owe my people a duty to ensure that they feel the impact of my representing them at the National Assembly. Empowerment is of different types. Giving someone money, does not necessarily mean empowering the person. If you support someone on the course of his educational pursuit, that is a major empowerment. The greatest module of empowerment in today’s modern world is education. When you give someone an opportunity to be educated, he can generate a lot, build capacity and empower others as well. Modern day empowerment does not revolve around buying cars for people alone. If you are empowering someone, you must aim at making such individual self sufficient, so he can stand to his feet and face the challenges of life and even further empower others in your absence. That is the actual measure of empowerment. 

I want to assure the people of Uyo Senatorial District that, in the next couple of months, they will feel the impact of some of the empowerment schemes I have lined up for them. Before the first six months as I promised during my campaigns, I will float massive empowerment programs that will cut across the elders, women, youths and even children of Uyo Senatorial District extraction. We hope to inaugurate a committee soon and every Local Government Area will be duly represented in the committee, the youths will also have a fair share as well as women. The committee will be saddled with the responsibility of coming up with a framework that will provide the necessary strategies that will effectively ensure we reach out to our people, especially in the rural areas. Our plans to adopt a bottom-top approach for empowerment of our people remains sacrosanct. We will also be looking at training and capacity building for our people in various trades and skills. We believe very strongly that, we can take at least one hundred people in the first batch, of which every ward within the Senatorial District will be represented. We will ensure that the right calibers of persons are chosen for the various training programs we are organizing for the people.

How would you assess Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel in the last 100 days or so?
Akwa Ibom State is one of the fastest growing states in the country. Looking at the past 28 years, we have reasons to thank God for bringing us this far. We can only hope for a better Akwa Ibom under the leadership of Deacon Udom Emmanuel. The foundation for industrial development of the state has already been laid by the immediate past administration of Senator Godswill Akpabio. I am grateful to the almighty God for bringing Mr. Udom Emmanuel on board, whose main focus is on industrialization and poverty alleviation. Like I said earlier, three months is too short to pass judgment on any administration. In the past 100 days, he has demonstrated competence and capacity to deliver on the set goals and objectives of governance.

During the campaigns, you promised to foster Synergy and positive collaboration between members of the National Assembly and that of the State Assembly, to fast-track development of the people. Do you still believe this can be achieved in the course of time?

For us to achieve what we intend for our people, the state and nation at large, we must work together as a people. In the last couple of months, the relationship between the National Assembly members and that of the State Assembly has been very cordial. We are all supporting each other in discharge of our duties. This is a panacea for effective contribution of human and material resources for development of the state and nation. The Akwa Ibom State National Assembly Caucus, under the leadership of Godswill Akpabio, is working audaciously to ensure the leader of the State, Udom Emmanuel remains focused and committed to his constitutional obligations, by bringing meaningful development to the people at all times.

Are you confident that your party, the PDP will come out tops in the election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja?
Akwa Ibom is a PDP state. I have no doubt that, based on the substance of the cases at the tribunal and the ones so far declared, Akwa Ibom remains a PDP state. I believe that, from the Governor to the National Assembly members to the House of Assembly, PDP will emerge winners across board. Elections were properly conducted in Akwa Ibom, I voted and Akwa Ibom people voted as well.  I don’t want us to see the loss at the National level as a reason for discriminative judgment. We have confidence in the judiciary, and I believe that the judiciary will base their judgment on the basis of substance and not on the grounds of political discrimination. Akwa Ibom remains a PDP state “undiluted”. 

There are rumours from some quarters that, your nomination form bore Uyo Senatorial District, not Akwa Ibom North East. Is there any difference between Uyo Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom North East?

I am the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East. What I had in my form, which I filled and submitted by myself, was Akwa Ibom North East. I even heard some rumours as well that myself and Senator Godswill Akpabio are representing Akwa Ibom North East. Godswill Akpabio is representing Akwa Ibom North West and I represent Akwa Ibom North East. There is no difference between Akwa Ibom North East and Uyo Senatorial District. It is only a matter of nomenclature. I want to use this medium to urge Akwa Ibom people to ignore propaganda brought forth by the opposition to destabilize the state. At the end, we are sure the truth will triumph.  The people should remain calm and law abiding, as I will do my best to ensure many lives are touched within the shortest possible time.

Uyo bubbles as GSS Eket alumni celebrate ex-Principal

Uyo bubbles as  GSS Eket alumni celebrate ex-Principal

The former students of Government Secondary School, Afaha-Eket, Eket, have described their former principal, Mr Edet G. Utuk G. Utuk, as a man destiny, disciplinarian par excellence and “one of the best teachers of all times”. In a press release celebrating the 80th birthday of Pa Utuk and signed by the Chairman, Steering Committee of the Government Secondary School, Afaha-Eket, Alumni Association, Hon David Lawrence, the students appreciated the firm guidance they had under the former principal. 

They intend to join in the celebration on Sunday 20th Sept, 2015 at United Evangelical Church (QIC), along Calabar-Itu Road at 9.00am for the thanksgiving service and later at E3 Events Centre, Km 1, Uyo Village Road, Uyo for the reception. They admitted with nostalgia and pride that they turned out best in their different fields of endeavour because of the quality leadership they experienced under Mr Utuk. The release said: “Silver or gold have we none. 

NLC gives Cecilia Udoessien marching orders -Wants AK Gov’t to restructure Civil Service



-Laments lack of transparency in SSEB recruitment, bailout funds
-Threatens to protest against appointment of corrupt persons
 
In furtherance of the nationwide anti-corruption campaign by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, the Akwa Ibom State Council of the body, last week asked the State Head of Service, Mrs. Cecilia Udoessien to vacate her office as her retirement was overdue.
We reliably gathered that Cecilia Udoessien’s continuous stay in office after exceeding the 35years limit stipulated by the Civil Service Law has generated serious tension within the service as workers are increasingly becoming aggrieved.

Our investigations reveal that Mrs. Udoessien, who started her career with the Cross River State Civil Service as an administrative officer in the Department of Establishments in 1979, was due for retirement in June 2014 having served for 35years.

Religious sinners

BY FELIX PAUL

The title above is quite a contradiction; religious and sinners but it does  point to a paramount area of the Christian life in which almost everyone is a victim. Its implication, as it applies to various individuals will be discussed in progression. The term ‘Religious sinners’ is used to describe people who are zealously religious but without God; people who are consumed in their desire to serve and please God but using the wrong means and techniques. It also describes those totally committed to the service of an ‘Unknown god’ as Paul the Apostle puts it. These categories of people can be classified as religious sinners- having the zeal but lacking proper knowledge on how and who to channel it to. Though strange, religious sinners exist in every denomination today. In fact, an alarming percentage of those we commune with during service are religious sinners. This is how they are classified:

Making our worship count

BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

For some unknown reasons, Sundays like  today usually depict holiness, tranquil lity and godliness unobtainable or uncommon with other days of the week. Perhaps, because of its sacredness as the 7th day of the week which God declared a day of rest after 6days of work to allow His children spend quality time with Him in worship. Thus, all commercial and economic activities as well as tedious house chores are suspended for worship on Sundays. 

In many households, Sunday mornings are days where chaos is experienced more than other days. While some may not agree to this, others certainly will concur that Sunday morning experiences can be likened to a tug of war among and between family members.

Ex-militants urge Gov. Emmanuel to empower members

Ex-militants urge Gov. Emmanuel to empower members
* Threaten to disrupt activities in Akwa Ibom Airport, ExxonMobil
 
Bakassi freedom fighters in Akwa  Ibom have urged the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel to include its members in the youths empowerment programme of his administration.

The Spokesperson of the group, Commander Ebong Friday made the call at a meeting in Eket Local Government Area on Friday when he expressed that the state government has failed its members.
He said that the state government has neglected its members since they dropped their arms for the Federal Government Amnesty Programme sometimes ago.

Boy nabbed for palm oil theft in Mkpat Enin

BY MBETOBONG ESSIEN

A boy of 23 years was on Monday last week   nabbed by youths of Minya Ntak in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area for allegedly doing away with a sizeable quantity of palm oil and money belonging to one Akon Johnson, a widow from the area. 

Information reaching our news desk has it that the boy, Ubong Eyo was caught red-handed by youths of the community and taken to the Village Head amidst pandemonium after being beaten and stripped naked.

Boy nabbed for palm oil theft in Mkpat Enin

BY MBETOBONG ESSIEN

A boy of 23 years was on Monday last week   nabbed by youths of Minya Ntak in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area for allegedly doing away with a sizeable quantity of palm oil and money belonging to one Akon Johnson, a widow from the area. 

Information reaching our news desk has it that the boy, Ubong Eyo was caught red-handed by youths of the community and taken to the Village Head amidst pandemonium after being beaten and stripped naked.

Boy nabbed for palm oil theft in Mkpat Enin

BY MBETOBONG ESSIEN

A boy of 23 years was on Monday last week   nabbed by youths of Minya Ntak in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area for allegedly doing away with a sizeable quantity of palm oil and money belonging to one Akon Johnson, a widow from the area. 

Information reaching our news desk has it that the boy, Ubong Eyo was caught red-handed by youths of the community and taken to the Village Head amidst pandemonium after being beaten and stripped naked.

Boy nabbed for palm oil theft in Mkpat Enin

BY MBETOBONG ESSIEN

A boy of 23 years was on Monday last week   nabbed by youths of Minya Ntak in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area for allegedly doing away with a sizeable quantity of palm oil and money belonging to one Akon Johnson, a widow from the area. 

Information reaching our news desk has it that the boy, Ubong Eyo was caught red-handed by youths of the community and taken to the Village Head amidst pandemonium after being beaten and stripped naked.

Ukanafun Lawmaker tasks couple to cherish, respect wedlock

Ukanafun Lawmaker tasks couple to cherish, respect wedlock

The member representing the good people of Ukanafun State Constituency at the state House of Assembly, Hon. (Deacon) Otobong J. Akpan has stressed the need for couple to inculcate the virtue of mutual love, respect and understanding in their marital affairs, saying that such are essential ingredients in keeping marriage alive.

The erudite lawmaker gave the advice last weekend during a traditional marriage ceremony between former Miss Thelma and Idongesit Godfrey held at Aka Offot community, Uyo.

87 naira Petroleum price: Akwa Ibom citizens laud IPMAN, Gov’t

87 naira Petroleum price: Akwa Ibom citizens laud IPMAN, Gov’t
A flurry of commen dations has con tinued to trail the leadership of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Akwa Ibom State chapter following the 87 naira pomp price of petroleum product sold across the state.

A cross section of motorists who spoke with our correspondent recently in Uyo, the state capital and other parts of the state commended the leadership of IPMAN led by Mr. Nseobong Umanah  for ensuring stability and normalcy of the price of the product as well as the compliance of it marketers across the state.