LATEST EDITION OF THE INK NEWSPAPER UYO

Don Etiebet, Attah plot 2015 * Move to Stop Akpabio, Udom

The 2015 gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom state has really opened up so many political foes against the state Governor Godswill Akpabio. It has also given some politicians who had built anger against the Governor to seek a way of taking vengeance.

The latest politician to seek his own pound of flesh from Godswill Akpabio is his kinsman and one of the political elders of Abak five, a former National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party and a Board of trustee member of the PDP Otuekong Don Etiebet.

Don Etiebet after tolerating all the claimed sins Akpabio had committed against him had decided that it is time to hit Akpabio back especially as the Governor is still battling on how to convince the people of Abak five to see reasons with him and cede the senate position to him. Akpabio is also fighting tooth and nail to ensure that his allegedly preferred choice successor, Udom Emmanuel becomes acceptable in the political consciousness of the state.

NBA Eket branch gets new exco

The Nigerian Bar Association, Eket branch last weekend inaugurated her new  Exco with a charge on them to deliver on their mandate for the next two years. The motion for the disolution of the former Exco was moved by Barr Ubong Adiakpan and seconded by Barr Nsima Nsima. The new Chairman is Mr. Akpabiaha Ebitu who in his inaugural address said It is my avowed position that lawyers must be given their due respect in the society. But let me admonish us that flaunting our status as a lawyer in public when you are actually misbehaving cannot earn us the respect we crave for, as we know, nobody is above the law.

I therefore urge members to, at all times, be law abiding so that we can be seen as fit and proper persons which we were at the time we were called to Bar to earn the respect traditionally accorded lawyers.

Finally, learned seniors and colleagues, let me remind all of us that the election is over, we do not have any other Bar save the NBA and we must at all times do, act and behave in a way that will always portray the Bar as a disciplined organization. We must not destroy the Bar no matter the prejudices we may hold against any officer of the Bar. Let us behave like the Japanese who say that “brothers quarrel like thieves inside a house, but outside their swords leap out in each other’s defence”. On my part, like I told my learned and worthy opponent U.D. A. Ime, Esq. being an active Bar man he has always been, that he is a part and parcel of my administration. I promise that I will never betray the Bar.

NDDC: Charting a new renaissance in the Niger Delta Region

Determined to make a difference”. Is the well known and acceptable if not applaudable slogan of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Niger Delta Development Commission according to its Act of 2000 is with a vision of offering a lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties of the Niger Delta region with a expected zeal to facilitate the rapid, even and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and political peaceful in Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Abia, Ondo, Bayelsa, Imo and Delta States that make up the region.

The commission by nature of its creation was vested with the responsibility of drawing and executing the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan (NDRDMP) as well as awarding of contracts to contractors based on the needs of a particular community, village and state within the region.

In accordance to its pre-determined responsibility the commission since inception has awarded over 6,000 infrastructural projects. Now the big question is how effective and properly executed are these projects, how many of them have been commissioned and functional till date? How many are abandoned and how many are awarded to two or three contractors and while is it so?

Campus newspaper

That they are good papers does not mean that there is no room for another campus newspaper. Creating and producing an unofficial campus newspaper is very straight forward. The paper can be published on a weekly or monthly basis and distributed free of charge throughout the campus and community. Selling classified and displaying advertising to local business wishing to gain exposure to the paper readership base will support the paper.

Information and articles featured in newsletters can focus on campus issues and events, and most of the information can be obtained free from students, readers and freelance hobby writers.

Extra coaching for students/pupils

Ekaette Unoma Akpabio: An Altruistic Marvel to our Generation

A noble and self-sacrificing mother is a gift from God that every human society longs to have. A humanitarian mother plays an important role in nation building since she responds faster to the yearnings of those in need.  As the saying goes, A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED, this could be measured by the magnitude of her benevolence, contributions and support towards the down trodden in the society. It is at this point that one can actually count on her as a friend or a helper indeed. 

 Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio’s flare for showing love to the less privileged is a proof of scriptural instructions which has been fulfilled in our dear state. It is written in scriptures that when the righteous is in power the people rejoice, the abundance of joy experienced today by the poorest of the poor in Akwa Ibom State enables them to go on the heights they couldn’t in the past. 

Sports and National development BY KENNETH JUDE

Few will deny the truism that sports, religion and music are the driving forces of the world today. It is an incontrovertible fact that the world will be devoid of verve and fun if sport is done away with or is relegated to the back ground in the scheme of things. 

Some folks of course, may counter the above assertion. But one cannot but wonders how those in this class of reasoning will substantiate their position because for yours truly sports and games remains a remarkable tool in every society that obviously cannot be treated with kid gloves. 

Rewinding back to those years when we kicked about objects like oranges with so much delight and satisfaction, our hearts rang with joy when we gathered to kick oranges around our neigbouhood among ourselves. And also referring to a time where there used to be sports games between one street against the other, clan versus clans, family competitions and all that. 

Constituency briefing/town hall meetings: The need for citizens participation BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

Due to its strategic role of lawmaking and ensuring through its oversight functions that laws made are implemented for the well being of the society, the legislature has been widely reputed as the fulcrum of democracy. Being the second arm of government after the executive, the legislature strives to make good governance possible by checking the excessive abuse of power by the executive, and by so doing, complements the judiciary arm of government.

To ensure effective representation however, those elected to serve as legislators are expected to offer selfless service to the electorate who elected them and this can only be achieved through regular interaction with the constituents through constituency visits and briefings to ascertain their needs and expectation with a view of galvanizing ideas for qualitative and purposeful legislative business. 

This forum which provides a platform for the legislature to share their experiences, hear from the constituent and get feedback on the best way to serve those who voted them to power is worth commending, hence, the ongoing constituency briefings holding at town halls provides our representatives the opportunity of presenting score cards of their achievement from the time they were elected till date. It has been observed however sadly that some viable electorate have chosen to exonerate themselves from the briefings as a result of personal grievances against representatives while some are afraid of being lynched or assaulted by armed men posing as crowd control unit boys. 

NAAKISS honours Cyril Umoren BY VICTOR UFOT

The incumbent NAAKISS worldwide President, Hon Cyril Umoren was last week honoured by National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS) University of Calabar chapter during their 2014 Cultural day celebration with the title “Iberedem Ndito Ufok Nwed”.   

The chapter President, NAAKISS UNICAL chapter; Comrade Emmanuel Odokwo described Hon. Umoren as a boss and a friend to the students whose numerous contributions to Akwa Ibom students have not gone unnoticed. He also stressed that Hon Cyril Umoren has served Akwa Ibom students for many years and as such he deserved the award. He said that the award is to encourage him to do more for the students.

AK First Lady sues for love among Married Couples

Akwa Ibom State first lady Her Excellency Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio has urged couples to remain focus in marriage, love each other and above all turn to God when challenges beckons. She disclosed this recently during the solemnization of the holy matrimony between Honorable Efefiong Antigha, member representing Okobo in the state house of Assembly and Miss Lucy Obot at the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Ekeya in Okobo Local Government Area. 

Represented by the state Commissioner for women Affairs and social welfare at the event, Mrs. Akpabio who is firm believer in the concept of marriage gave a biblical analogy of how Jesus turned water to wine at a marriage ceremony in Galilee after they ran out of wine, urging the couples to always turn to God when their wine seems not to be flowing well. In her words ‘’ I want to urge you today  to remain focused together, love each other, husband love you your wife, wife obey and submit yourself to your husband as the holy scriptures have instructed. When you face challenges,turn to God in prayer and he will always be there for you.’’ Mrs. Akpabio thereafter presented a cash gift to the newly wedded couples.

The Uncommon Pillar behind the Uncommon Transformer BY COMFORT WILLIAMS

Born 42 years ago to the family of late Godwin Nkemdilim Ejike of Ozom Aguobu-owa, Ezeagu local Government area of Enugu State, the wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio was indeed destined for greatness.

Shortly after her husband’s inauguration as Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2007, Mrs. Akpabio whose passion has always been to salvage many from  misery swung into action establishing the Family  Life Enhancement Initiative(FLEI), a Platform she has since used to implement her social and humanitarian programmes for the not so privileged ones among us.  As part of her humanitarian works, FLEI has played its part towards reducing social disadvantage among Akwa Ibom Families in various ways. These include shelter support  for the homeless, multiple birth interventions, legal aid and prison interventions, child rights and rehabilitation, economic and political empowerment, just to mention a few.  

Fallout of Ikono/ Ini Town Hall meeting: * Return to your matrimonial home, youths tell Iquo “Minimah” Inyang

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

Youth leaders in Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency say they have viewed with awful dismay recent events in the Federal Constituency describing it as sad. They have however called on the former federal lawmaker, Iquo Inyang to return to her matrimonial home and stop raining abuses on their outstanding sons.

This position was made known shortly after Ikono/Ini Youth Stakeholders meeting held last week at Ibiaku Ntok Okpo. In a press release signed by the Public Relations Officer of Ikono/Ini Youth Leaders Forum, Akparawa Idorenyin Isong  and made available to THE INK, the youths after a careful appraisal of the situation, said the youths of the area will no longer sit-on-the fence and watch the area being colonized and the future of the area ruined to satisfy the selfish ambition of a few individuals who from history are known for championing individual interest or at most the interest of their immediate household.

AKS Police Command parades another set of child traffickers – decorate 464 officers and men By Godwin Sam

The rising spate of crime in the state involving babies has given reasonable members of the society cause for concern. It can be recalled that on 25th February 2014, the Akwa Ibom State police command paraded a self-acclaimed prophetess with 5 young women, all pregnant and 4 men who put them in the family way only to sell the children when they are born. 

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Umar Gwadabe as CP has recorded yet another milestone in crime busting when on 3rd march, 2014, its men arrested five people in connection to the sales of a three day old baby. The commissioner of police, Akwa Ibom State command revealed this to newsmen on the 10th of March, 2014 at a press briefing at the state police headquarters Ikot Akpan Abia in uyo. 

The arrest followed a report of child theft by Mr Etebong Edem James, the father of the stolen baby of No 33 Urua Ekpa Road in Uyo. Those arrested were; Imaobong Bassey Udo the mother of the baby who allegedly collected N150, 000 for the sale of the baby. Others were Mrs Regina Mfon James and her husband Mr Mfon James Akpan, who allegedly paid N260, 000 to buy the baby, Dr Emmanuel Etim Okon he is alleged to have collected N110, 000 for the deal as he is the one who arranged the infamous deal and personally conveyed the child from the point of delivery at Nna-Enin in Uruan L.G.A to the buyers at no 37 church road in Uyo; and one comfort Udoh Henry was the traditional birth attendant who delivered the baby at Nna- Enin.

Etinan entertainers’ crew honour distinguished entertainers BY JOHN JOHN

It was a night of awards and recognition to entertainers in Etinan LGA tagged Etinan entertainers’ awards nite 2014. The event as hosted, planned and executed by a group called Etinan entertainers crew which we learnt is an umbrella body for all entertainers in Etinan LGA ranging from actors actresses (indeed film makers), musicians, dancers, comedians etc.

The event was hosted at Etinan current house, Isemin road, Etinan from the hours of 6pm to 3am on Friday, 14th February through Saturday 15th February 2014. The event had MC one side as the anchor of the event, assisted by MC Ashano.

UN Water day: The journey so far in Akwa Ibom BY JOSEPH OKON

Since the declaration of March 22 as the water day by the United Nation, it has always been a yearly routine of countries within the united nation who always set aside the day to celebrate and reflect the problems and challenges associated with water. 

Water being one of the major necessities of life, is seen by many both the government and others as one of the social responsibilities of government and not for profit or commercial venture.

This has been discovered by professional and experts in the water sector which made government to sometime abandon its duty of providing water for the people because of the high cost associated with it without much interest inspite of the importance water plays in human lives.

In Akwa Ibom for instance, government have invested so much in the provision of adequate water supply for the people of the state. It could be recalled that the immediate past administration of Governor Victor Attah in Akwa Ibom State obtained a loan worth billions of naira for total revamping of the water sector in the state and which was also used to upgrade all the facilities which later encouraged the metarmorphosis of Akwa Ibom Water cooperation to Akwa Ibom Company Limited to be able to provide portable drinking water to the people of Akwa Ibom State. About 21 water sub-stations were built in 21 local government areas of the state completely equipped with all the necessary facilities to be able to provide water for the people of the state.

72 people-oriented projects inaugurated in Abak Federal Constituency

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio over the week inaugurated  more than 70 rural development projects in Ika, Etim Ekpo ,and Abak  LGAs  during his meet- the - people tour of Abak federal constituency.

Among the projects inaugurated were brand new and reconstructed classroom blocks ,Assembly Halls, Administrative office blocks, sets of bungalows for School Principals, staff quarters ,technical workshops, science laboratories, and examination halls. Others were open market stalls, women development centre,and solar powered water schemes.

Commissioning the structures at St. Johns Catholic school, Ikot Akpan Okure, Ika, St Paul’s Catholic school, Utu Ikot imonte in Etim Ekpo, and Comprehensive Secondary school ,Midim, Abak to represent other projects already billed for this season, amid jubilation by staff ,students and members of the communities, Governor Akpabio stated that his administration is sensitive to the well being of the people which informed the  spread of basic infrastructure in both urban and rural areas of the state for life enhancement .

Uma Ukpai storms Eket for Ita Umoh Udo

All is now set for the thanksgiving service in honour of the state commissioner for culture and Tourism Mr, Ita Umoh Udo. The event is billed for Sunday 30th march, 2014 at Power of New Covenant Ministries, Ikot Akpaden off St. Francis Secondary School road, OKON, Eket Local Government Area. The event will begin by ten in the morning with the Rev(Dr) Uma Ukpai of the Uma Ukpai Evangelical movement expected as the guest minister while the General Overseer of the church, Apostle Joseph Ekpat will direct proceedings.

A release by the planning committee indicates that the state Governor Godswill Akpabio is expected as the Special Guest of Honour while the Managing Director and CEO of the NDDC Chief Barr Bassey Dan Abia and the state Deputy Governor Lady Valerie Ebe are expected as guests of honour

The release also noted that the State Secretary to Government, members of the state Executive council, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, members of the Assembly, Akwa Ibom Union, federal lawmakers and the general public are also expected at the occasion.

Ukpanah's Murder: His Last Breakfast Outing at Hiltop Mansion BY JERRY OKOPETO

Sometimes in the tenure of the Obong Victor Attah administration, the Late Albert Ukpanah had struck friendship with one of the commissioners. That commissioner was Godswill Akpabio who had built network of contacts with some oil companies that embarked on some community development strides, particularly infrastructural educational development of the State indigenes. Ukpanah was a community representative liaison officer with ELF, an oil giant.

A source said one day a top member of ELF management staff had sent the sum of $5000 (five thousand dollars) to Akpabio through Ukpanah who delivered same to Akpabio who was then a commissioner. This and other gestures automatically endeared Ukpanah to the commissioner that was nursing a gubernatorial aspiration.

A credible source said that, to achieve his governorship ambition, Akpabio appointed Ukpanah a State officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to coordinate his group.  The Choice of Ukpanah as Akpabio’s group coordinator was informed by one, Ukpanah’s transparent honesty, two, as a former councilor and vice Chairman. He was at home with the grassroots. Ukpanah religiously delivered as expected and remained a PDP State officer representing Ukanafun in the State Chapter of the party.

Governorship should go to Eket Senatorial District in 2015 – Hon. Bassey Eyibio Essien

A sagacious politician of note, a banker, lawyer and business man, Hon. Bassey Eyibio Essien is a former Vice Chairman of Ibiono Ibom local government area.  As a onetime teacher, he is of the view that when rules are set for a game it should not be amended in the middle of that game. In this interview, Hon. Essien bares his mind on the issue of zoning, Governor Akpabio’s performance  in the State and his LGA for the past seven years, how Akpabio’s government has affected his LGA positively in terms of appointments and road construction, the position of Ibiono Ibom during  the last town hall meeting and why governorship should shift to Eket Senatorial District in 2015.  Excerpts;

Who is Hon. Bassey Essien?

If I say I am the one, I think you will laugh.  But that is how the question should be answered.  Even from our school days when a teacher or senior student would come into the class and ask who is Bassey Eyibio Essien, normally I stand up and say I, which means I am the one.

Sir, I mean where you come from, educational background and ……… (Cuts in)

I am from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. I studied for my degrees at the University of Calabar. A degree in English/Education and another first degree in law.  I have been a teacher before I worked in the bank for 12 years.  After that I joined active politics: contested election first in 2006.  The Honourable you hear people prefix against my names comes from my being an elected Vice Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area from July 2008 to September 2011.  I am still in active politics and business.

You have contested election to represent your people at the House of Assembly twice; do you intend to contest again in 2015?

I started active politicking by contesting and I am almost used to high stake in politics. And I believe the highest stake is when you step out to contest.  Contesting this time is secondary, primarily, I want to work to assist the leader of the party in Akwa Ibom State to bring on board one who will sustain the uncommon transformation already established.  The maxim is “seek ye first the kingdom of God, all other things shall be added unto you”.

More babies factory uncovered * Certificate forgery syndicate smashed BY GODWIN SAM

In their continued quest to fight crime and criminality in the state, the Akwa Ibom State police command has uncovered a baby factory in the state and has also smashed a certificate forgery syndicate.

The latest success was recorded when on march 12, 2014, a baby factory at no 19 Nepa line Ikot Ekpene was uncovered and 12 suspects arrested in connection to the crime. This was made known to the press in a press Briefing by the commissioner for police Akwa Ibom State, where the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr Etim Dickson hinted newsmen.

According to the CP, the discovery followed a tip-off from a good Nigeria that one Ima THOMPSON Akpan (female) was operating a baby factory with another woman simply known as “mma nurse” who is still at large. Seven pregnant women, most of whom were teenagers, were arrested alongside some men and the owner of the home, Ima Thompson Akpan.

AKIPA moves to set agenda for good governance BY JOSEPH OKON

A socio political group in the State, Akwa Ibom Progressive Advocate (AKIPA) has said that it is ready to set an agenda to encourage sustainable good governance as championed by the state governor Chief Godswill Akpabio in the state and President Goodluck Jonathan at the Federal level, and has called on the President to step forward and contest the forth coming 2015 Presidential election in the country.  

The national coordinator of the group  Hon Emmanuel Bassey who is a native of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State popularly known as Attah’s ambassador stated this recently in Uyo the state capital while speaking with journalists on the objectives of the group and what AKIPA stands to offer as the 2015 general election draws near in the state and country at large. 

Hon Bassey maintained that President Jonathan within few years has demonstrate great commitment and passion to move Nigeria to the next level through his peoples oriented programmes aim at the betterment of the masses and not for the few individuals, likewise governor Godswill Akpabio who has in uncommon way transformed Akwa Ibom State into a destination of choice in nigeria. 

Aniekan Etiebiet denies senate ambition

“My brother, why did you publish that kind of story on me, I have gotten so many calls from people asking me if I want to contest for the senate position of my senatorial district, I just came back from overseas and the calls I got was too much. I am very comfortable with my work as a lawyer in my company. Although I am very much qualified to contest, I am not interested in the senate position”

These were exactly the words of the son to the former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Aniekan Etiebet. The junior Etiebet was reacting to a publication on THE INK newspaper were he is said to have indicated a very strong interest to the senate to represent Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.

The seasoned lawyer while speaking to this reporter in his private living room in his Abak residence penultimate sunday stressed his qualification to contest but insisted that he will not contest the senate position as he is pre occupied with the responsibilities of office as a lawyer.

Scandal in Ibom Angels FC: Team Manager, coordinator fingered in financial mess

The state Female football club Ibom Angels FC of Uyo may run into serious trouble if the management of the team especially the Team Manager Christopher Eshiet and the team coordinator do not retrace their steps of financial embezzlement. A very competent member of the team told our sports desk that the duo are in the habit of diverting funds that are meant for the club use into their private pockets. Our source stressed that this action had led to the fallout of the duo with other management staff a situation that is causing more harm to the state female team.

THE INK sports desk gathered that the fine run of the female team may come to a disappointing end if the club leadership does not stop fingering monies that are meant for the club. It was gathered that during the first home match of Ibom Angels FC were Bayalsa Queens were the visitors, the team manager Christopher Eshiet was given twenty seven thousand naira for the welfare of the match commissioner, the Ibom Angels Commissioner stole seven thousand naira and only gave to the match commissioner twenty thousand naira. This action is said to have provoked other management staff of the club who on realizing that the match commissioner was shortchanged, began to raise alarm. The rumpus is said to have attracted the attention of the club Chairman Mr. Emmanuel Iba who had to send calls across to the match commissioner. The match commissioner is said to have confirmed that he was given twenty thousand naira only by the Ibom Angels Team Manager.

FIFA U-17 female W/Cup: Flamingoes on the path of history By AMos Etuk

The FIFA female Under 17 Women’s World Cup was founded in 2008 and has 16 teams featuring at every edition since inception. The current champions are France while North Korea, South Korea have also won the competition once each. 

In 2003, after the inaugural success of the 2002 FIFA Under 19 Women’s World Championship held in Canada, FIFA proposed adding a second youth tournament for girls the same like its male counterparts. The first tournament was held in New Zealand from October 28 to November 16.

The 2014 edition of the World Cup is the fourth edition held in Costa Rica and it started on Saturday, March 15 and will run through Friday, April 4, 2014 with qualifying teams including Japan, North Korea, China PR from Asia, Nigeria, Ghana and Zambia from Africa, Mexico and Canada from CONCACAF, Venezuela and Colombia from CONMEBOL, New Zealand from Oceania, while Germany, Spain and Italy are flying UEFA slots at the championship. Group A has Venezuela, Italy, Costa Rica and Zambia, Group B Ghana, Canada, Germany and North Korea, Group C Japan, Spain, New Zealand and Paraguay and Group D Mexico, Nigeria, China PR and Colombia.   

Latest Edition of THE INK NEWSPAPER, UYO

Casualties of Town Hall meetings

 

Ntisong Essien Ekidem

NTISONG ESSIEN EKIDEM
He is the leader of  Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio which is the largest socio cultural group in Ibibio land. He can also be described as an ally of the state Governor Godswill Akpabio. But despite the fact that he is from OKON-Eket in Eket Local Government of Eket Senatorial district, he is not seen to be toeing the path of the majority. Sources say his allegiance with former Secretary to state Government Obong Umana Umana has really affected his solidarity to the cause of zoning which every man of good conscience in the state is pursuing. When the town hall meeting first began in Eket federal constituency were Ntisong hails, he was booed and embarrassed because of what many described as his coming in to sell and play the card of Umana Umana. Ntisong Ekidem had incurred the peoples wrath when he said at the gathering that the position of the Governorship of the state has never been zoned and that the Governor should bring back power to the Ibibios who will now chose whom they want. 

Ntisong failed to recognize the senatorial districts political arrangements. Before he could land with his statement, he was shouted down apparently the gathering had least expected Ntisong Ekidem to deviate from the zoning debate. He was embarrassed and completely ill-treated, a treatment undeserving of a monarch of his standing. Sources say Ekidem was uncomfortable with some insult and is said to have expressed dissatisfaction with how he was called names as greedy and all of that.

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AKOVN LG tour train arrives Mbo … Present wards Exco

A leading socio-political  group in the state, Akwa Ibom One Voice Network has recently visited its Mbo Local Government Chapter at its ongoing familiarization visit to its Local Government Chapters in the state.
The tour arrived Mbo Local Government on Tuesday 11th February, 2014, and kept camp at Ewang Primary School, Mbo at about 3 pm.

While welcoming the National Coordinator, Pastor Eniefiok John and other National Executive Members, the Mbo Chapter Coordinator of AKOVN, Mrs. Eno Etim David thanked the National body of the group for visiting them. She particularly appreciated and commended members of the chapter for coming out in large number to receive the visitors.

The Coordinator expressed excitement over the visit and pledged the chapter’s support for the National body. While advising members of the chapter to be united as a team in order to move the group forward, she specifically commended the National Coordinator for his high vision and commitment towards the growth and development of the group, which according to her has taken the group to greater heights and called on others to emulate his example in order to help the group achieve its set goals.

Akpabio inaugurates more projects

A total of 44 people-oriented projects have been inaugurated in Eket Federal Constituency by the State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio .

The projects which were executed by the Inter-ministerial Direct Labor Co-ordinating  Committee, an intervention Agency of the State Government include construction and renovation of facilities in primary, post primary and post secondary schools ranging from classroom blocks, library, hostel blocks, staff quarters, science laboratory, and assembly halls. Also commissioned were  a block of 15 flats officers quarters at Emmanuel Hospital ,Eket and electrification project.

Inaugurating the facilities one after the other  at Onna, Eket, Ibeno and Esit Eket, Governor Akpabio stated that government gesture was in line with  the uncommon transformation agenda of his administration and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards life  enhancement of the people.

The State Governor who was accompanied on the visit by his wife,Ekaete and members of the State Executive Council commended the Interministerial  Crew for articulating the vision of his administration through hard work and perseverance  which is manifested in the delivery of high quality facilities and called on the people to sustain the projects in order to derive maximum benefits.

Presenting a scorecard of the Interministerial direct Labor interventions in Eket Federal Constituency, the Chairman of the Committee and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bassey Albert disclosed that a total of 455 life touching projects have so far been inaugurated in the last 7 years beside the on-going ones, with Eket having 159, Onna 85,Esit Eket 135 and Ibeno 76.

Abak deadly politics: How Ukpanah was murdered * Fear grips aspirants, Ukanafun Council boss

The gruesome murder of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Albert Ukpanah last Wednesday in Abak is not unconnected with the ambition of some politicians in his federal and state constituencies to either get a second term or get fresh terms, a source from the federal constituency confided in THE INK authoritatively.

Said to have taken a principled position on zoning, Ukpanah who has served for nine years as state officer in the Peoples Democratic Party representing Ukanafun was seen as an impediment to the inordinate ambition of some persons in Oruk Anam/Ukanafun federal constituency.

The paper gathered that some persons including second term seekers had at various times approached the deceased for support which he is said to have politely refused. A source said that it was at this point that political camps became jittery in view of his being a statutory delegate with large followership.
Hence, the plot to eliminate the former Vice Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Area who is said to have been noted for his bluntness to issues.

A political associate of late Ukpanah that refused his name on print said sometime in late December 2013, the late PDPD chieftain had attended a meeting at the Hiltop Mansion as part of Governor Godswill Akpabio’s effort to reconcile with aggrieved former state officers of the party. The source also said that Ukpanah used the occasion to address the state governor who had forgotten him even when he had coordinated his group in Ukanafun in 2006. Governor Akpabio is said to have expressed his preference for the secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, Mr. Udom Emmanuel to succeed him in 2015. Ukpanah is said to have told the Governor that he is yet to make up his mind on Udom Emmanuel but assured that he is going to support an aspirant from Eket Senatorial District were Udom hails.

National Confrence: Ekid people insist on Umoyo, Wilson BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

Ahead of the proposed National Conference by the Federal Government which all the states in the Federation have submitted their various delegates lists to the Federal Government, the people of Ekid Nation have rejected Chief Nduese Essien who is one of the delegates submitted by Akwa Ibom State.
The people spoke under the umbrella of Ekid Poeople’s Union, a socio-cultural organization and the apex mouth piece of Ekid Nation comprising of Eket and Esit Local Government Areas.

In a press release signed by the National President of the group, professor Asindi  Asindi and made available to our reporter during a press  conference at the Nigeria Union of  Journalists (NUJ) secretariat ,last week Wednesday, the people observed that there is a serious imbalance in the Akwa Ibom State representation the upcoming  conference, adding that Chief Nduese Essien was nominated by Federal Government and not the people of Ekid Nation.

Although Chief Nduese  Essien  is from Eket LGA in Ekid Nation, prof. Asindi Asindi  noted that it will be terribly unfair and a glaring injustice for Ekid ethnic Nationalities to be excluded from the conference, adding that they will view the exclusion as another step to malign and oppress them and that Ekid Nation stands by its earlier nominees sent to the conference which were: Senator Etang Umoyo and Professor Desmond Wilson.

Fish out Ukpanah’s killers – Ekere calls on Security Agencies

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsima Ekere KJW, has appealed to security agencies to leave no stone unturned in fishing out the killers of one of the founding fathers of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Engr. Albert Ukpanah.

Engr. Ukpanah, 69 was killed on Wednesday night at his residence in Abak by unknown assassins.

Speaking on Friday during a condolence visit to the deceased family in Abak, Mr. Ekere lauded the security agencies on their handling of the murder case so far but urged them to work harder to crack the case to ensure that the killers do not go unpunished.

He described Engr. Ukpanah’s death as gruesome and devastating to him, lamenting that he had lost a dependable brother, friend and associate.
Mr. Ekere eulogized the deceased as a forthright politician full of integrity who eschewed politics of bitterness, hate, deceit and violence.
Stressing that the slain politician left behind a worthy legacy, he prayed for the repose of his soul.

Alleviating unemployment through Sports

Past and present governments have failed to fully grasp the import of  sports hence the apathy they display towards it. Some corporate bodies who should use sponsorship of these academies as a veritable platform to project their image have regrettably turned a blind eye to this imperative. In saner climes, the private sector jumps at the prospect of advertising their brand through sports.

They pump in cash into such ventures that in turn yield massive returns to them. They do everything within their powers to get the best facilities to engineer their efforts. Little wonder many countries of the world have used sports to project their land and their rich cultural heritage. Sports have in more ways than one, brought peace and harmony to warring nations.

It is a unifying factor that has proven to be the major phenomenon uniting the world. To further underscore the global reach and peaceful disposition of sports, athletes are made to shake hands before taking to the field to tread tackles.

Sports have produced great athletes in the country who at different times earned global recognition through the positive utilization of their innate talents.
The Mary Onyalis, Chioma Ajunwas, Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Samson Siasia, Stephen Keshi et al have created a niche for themselves in sports at different levels.

That remarkable Benue visit by AKHA members By Otobong Nsekpong

 

For nine hours, selected lawmakers of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt.Hon (Elder) Samuel Ikon journeyed from the heart of Niger Delta towards the north where they stopped at Benue state to interact with their Benue State counterpart on a working visit.

The visit was part of activities covered by the House committee on Inter-Parliamentary matters where the speaker sits as the chairman. As part of activities permitted by the House Standing Order, the committee is expected to visit other state houses of assembly in the country where they are expected to meet minds together, compare notes and learn from each other the rudiment of law making especially at the state level.

In line with the above, the delegation from Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly that visited Benue state include the Majority Leader, Rt. Hon Okpolupm Etteh, the Deputy Chief Whip Rt.Hon Emmanuel Akpan, the House Committee Chairman on Rules, Business and Ethics Hon (Barr) Ime Okon and the House Committee Chairman on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Aboh Udoyok.

Explaining the essence of their visit to the Speaker and 30 members of the Benue State House of Assembly during an executive session before Tuesday (18/02/2014) plenary, the Akwa Ibom State Speaker, Elder Samuel Ikon said apart from the fact that as state parliamentarian there was need for an interface to help lawmakers across states to know each, the visit most importantly will also help the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly which is currently reviewing its standing orders compare notes with its Benue State counterpart.

Akparawa Michael Bush, ors honoured as ACAS patron

The Association of Communication Arts Students in the University of Uyo conferred on Akparawa Michael BUSH the award as patron of the department recently.

The award was presented to him during the late professor Essienubong Ikpe scholarship fund launch held at the CBN auditorium. The award was conferred on him by the staff adviser of the communication arts dept in the person of Dr Uwem Akpan of the same department along with others.

The CEO of Bush House Nigeria and world win media who was ably represented by the gm UNIUYO fm Pastor Idy James thanked the department for recognizing him and also supported the scholarship foundation with the sum of 50 thousand Naira.

Town Hall Meeting: People should tell Akpabio the truth—Cletus Bassey

As the state governor Chief Godswill Akpabio is touring the 10 federal constituencies of the state to inaugurate some projects have town hall meetings with stakeholders, Bishop Cletus Bassey of the Destiny International Mission has called on the people of the state to be bold while telling the governor the truth about his administration performance and not to go and play sycophancy as such will never help the governor in any way to assess his administration performance in the last seven years.

Bishop Bassey stated this last week while speaking with journalists in his office at the Destiny International Mission, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.

He said that the town hall meetings is intended to afford the governor the opportunity to know the problems of the people and the areas that his administration has not done well to be able to improve, adding that without telling the governor the truth he will not know the areas he needs improvement.
He maintained that the town hall meetings will not produce any fruit if the people are not ready to tell the governor the truth on what they want, what he has not done and what they want in the next level of leadership in Akwa Ibom State come 2015.

2015: CAN prays for peaceful election, seeks end to insurgency in North

 

As the 2015 general elections in Nigeria draws near, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Akwa Ibom state led by its Chairman, Bishop Cletus Bassey of the Destiny International Mission has convened a monthly prayer meeting for the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, and a peaceful general election come 2015.

The monthly solemn assembly which took place at the Destiny International Mission, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo was attended by the leadership of CAN at the state and local government levels including other church leaders across the state.

Some of the prayer points at the spiritual gathering was that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC should not be influenced by anybody to ensure that it conduct a free, fair and credible election that will be violence free during and after the election. And that God should not allow the destiny of Akwa Ibom State into the hands of evil men come 2015, and that a leader that will allow justice and growth of churches should emerge.