Latest Edition of The Ink Newspaper, Uyo

AKHA Splits *Anti Ikon lawmakers intensify plot to oust Speaker

*Lists Ikon's impeachable offences
*Position Ibiono Ibom member as replacement
*The Governor will fight for us, says aide

 

The cosmetic love and romance between the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Speaker, Elder Sam Ikon and his members of the fifth House of Assembly appear to be grinding to a halt as there have been some renewed but silent agitations by some members to sack Ikon over what they described as the Speaker's unnecessary show of power. Aggrieved House members are of the Opinion that the House under Sam Ikon has failed to live up to expectations and has also not catered for her members the way it is supposed to. They argued also that the Speaker has always negotiated for his own special interest alone leaving them to be locked in the cold without also considering the interest of other lawmakers.

Although the House is presently on recess, THE INK can authoritatively report that except the intervention this time around is more competent and comprehensive without the usual promises, the tenure of Sam Ikon may grind to an unceremonious end especially as most of the members have since fallen apart with the Governor. This is because the Assemblymen bent on sacking the speaker have been meeting nicodemusly at certain locations to map out strategies on how to either humble Ikon either by sacking him or by forcing him to resign.

Ekpe James: Apostle of Exceptional Revolution BY HENSHAW NYONG

In a life of a nation, there comes a time that self-doubt and civilization break down obstructs a nation's progress. Without mincing words, this is the place Nigeria has found herself. Nigeria needs men and women of goodwill and patriots to save the nation from rusting and delving into oblivion.

And here comes the scene a son of the soil, the man of the moment, the Executive Chairman, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Council, Apostle Ekpe James; a patriot, philanthropist and statesman who has offered a helping hand in salvaging a grumbling region. Before his ascension to the numero euno position in Ibesikpo Asutan Ekpe, Apostle James, was widely known for his good works, munificence, altruism and helping the poor masses of Ibesikpo Asutan in his own little way.

As a former Secretary, Transition Committee and Chapter Chairman, Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), Ibesikpo Asutan chapter, Ekpe James made gargantuan sacrifices for his people; elderly, youth, women as well as indigent students. He used his little proceeds then, to better the lot of other people; no wonder he is endeared to all and sundry including the traditional fathers, political class, students, youth groups, market women, to name just a few.

Leave good legacies, information commissioner tasks senior civil servants

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, has emphasized the need for senior civil servants to strive towards leaving good examples of work ethics, so that they would be remembered, after their retirement.

Mr. Umanah made the call in Uyo, during a Send-off Ceremony organized for retired top management staff of the Ministry, who served since the creation of the State.
He advised senior workers to imbibe the spirit of discipline, honesty and hardwork and impart same to junior ones for a better civil service.

Describing the retirees as ambassadors of uncommon transformation programme of the Akpabio administration, the Commissioner charged them to mobilize people in their respective communities, on the need to continue to support government programmes and policies.

Eket Federal Constituency: Badan's Representation

Sometime in 2010, I wrote an article in a question form entitled “Can Eseme Eyibo pick a second term ticket?”,published in the Weekly Insight Newspaper. 

The article was a mirror I posted to the Lawmaker in question of how the electorate who gave him a mandate to represent them in the House of Representative rated him. It was a kind-hearted admonition to Mr. Eseme Eyibo that though he was making waves as the Dean of the Initiatives in Abuja's seat of power, all was not well with his popularity back at home. In the said article, I called his attention to his ebbing relationship with the people of Eket Federal Constituency and of what they were saying about him.

My entreaties were taken as the ranting of a hungry soldier ant sponsored to spoil the fun of a rising star. Days after, a friend of mine, a former Vice President of Afigh Iwaad Ekid who was then a personal Assistance to the lawmaker confronted me with a copy of the published article. He threw three questions at me in quick successions in an attempt to find out if I was on a pay roll of a political enemy of his paymaster.

The Biafran Quest and the Akwa Ibom Question BY AKANIMO KINGSLEY

A certain ideology holds thus: 'if you cannot beat them, join them'. It has been proven right from time that those of the Southern region of Nigeria especially the Igbos, Ibibios, Ijaws etc are naturally decisive, tough and proud. Infact, this explains why the Igbos knew no king and the Ibibios had no clearly organized leadership until the late 19th century when both ethnic groups were forced to answer to one man in their various communities. The British masters dealt a blow on them when they introduced the warrant chieftaincy system into Ibibio and Igbo land, since they could not easily capture the people as they did in the North. It was the toughness and pride of Ibibios that warranted the late Chief Udo Umana of Aka Offot to refuse bowing to British troops which consequently saw to his death at the hands of Major Brooks (of which Brooks street in Uyo is named after). 

In a more recent occasion, the height of decisiveness and toughness, caused the Igbos to lead other southerners in a civil war against the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1967 (Biafran/Nigerian war). The war, the aftermath and recent developments, are what inspires this piece.

The Ever Dependable, Ever Reliable Democrat BY UBONG SAMPSON

Without mincing words, I put it that this man has proven being the dependable and reliable kind of leader- such which many progress-minded fellows would not help wishing to have at the helm of their affairs. His reliability is one of the exceptional kinds rarely seen in this part of the world, and his people have never spared any opportunity to show gratitude to the Almighty whose grace is sustaining him in this path.

Sometime ago, precisely in 2010, while he was still nursing the dream of taking the lone seat meant for anyone chosen by his area to be its representative in the state lawmaking chambers, this man had gone on his knees and had asked God to choose between him and his rivals, whoever He (God) knew to have the best of progressive and transformational intentions towards the people. Eventually, he was chosen; and this means he was seen with the best. Now, the lesson to be learnt from this shore is that, from inception, he was not after what he stood to gain holding the office- the prestige, the fame, and what have you, of being addressed as a Honourable Member; but was all out to ensure his people, at least virtually, if not all of them had the best of democratic dividends before the end-of-tenure bell sounds from the electoral coordinating body, INEC.

Ita Enang Speaks on Democracy

Nigeria has enjoyed fifteen years of democracy under the PDP led government. In this interview with journalists in Uyo, Otuekong Ita Enang, senator representing Akwa Ibom North East bares his mind on the journey so far. Excerpts,

How would you rate fifteen years of democracy under the PDP led government?
I believe that there is a lot to celebrate in democracy after 15 years, we are getting to 16th year is only that we are having security challenges, but the security challenges.  I want Nigerians to appreciate that the security challenges we are going through were not invented and it is not originating at the time of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, this is a product of the failure of yesteryears. That is a situation where we have children who are now 18, 20, 25, 30 years old getting into and being the architects of this security challenges, they were not born during the time of President Jonathan administration, they were born during the military era and some were born during the handing- over  years.  Some went to school during the early years of f Obasanjo's administration,  some went to school during the early years of Yar' dua administration, and It is the failure to plan for a generation by a particular administration, and I believe that if we don't sit down consciously to plan for future generations, we will be breeding more Boko Haram, because there is Boko Haram in unemployment and if we do not consciously create and work towards creating employment we will be endangering and worsening the security situation.

Finance Commissioner Visits Parastatals Of His Ministry

As part of his efforts to acquaint with his staff as well as his work environment, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akan Okon has embarked on official visits to Parastatals  under his Ministry.
 

At the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), situated at the State Secretariat , Uyo, the Commissioner was received by the Acting Chairman, Mr. Reuben Thomas, Directors and Heads of Units amid excitements of staff.
 

He was conducted round the offices where he inspected facilities and also interfaced  with the workers.
 

A number of issues were brought to fore, one of which was rowdiness of the office complex and the need to dislodge some of the public and private Agencies occupying the complex so as to create space for the IRS Staff.

PDP May Not Go To Brazil Again

The burial of the Late mum to the PDP state Secretary, Mr. Ibanga Akpabio has succeeded in stalling the planned journey of the PDP chapter Chairmen to Brazil, THE INK can authoritatively report. It was disclosed all over the state that party Chairmen across the Local Government Areas of the state were billed for Brazil where they were expected to watch some of the world cup matches especially the ones involving Nigeria. 

Apart from that, the party chairmen were also expected to have a closed door meeting while in Abuja to map out strategies on how they intend to deliver their proposed candidate for the position of Governor come 2015.

Govt Cautions Against Destruction Of Public Facilities

Akwa Ibom State government has cautioned against noticeable destruction of permanent remodeling works in the road corridor at Nwaniba Road-Edet Akpan Avenue, popularly known as Four Lane, and Ikot Ekpene Road, from Eka Street Junction to Ikot Ekpene-Ikpa Road-UNIUYO and Wellington Bassey Way, all in Uyo.
The caution was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan, who said the ugly trend, if not checked, was capable of undermining the urban renewal efforts of the Akpabio administration. 

According to him, findings by government and its development partners indicate that the green areas, kerbs and sidewalks, have been destroyed by the activities of careless tricycle riders, taxi drivers and hawkers.

For A Better Society, Overhaul Our Value System and Revamp Our Traditional Institutions – Gov Akpabio

The Akwa Ibom State Government has said the only way to build a society that can sustain the tempo of the uncommon transformation, put in place by the Chief Godswill Akpabio-led administration, was to overhaul our value system, revamp our traditional institutions and knit them together into a quilt of brotherhood.

Governor Akpabio, who stated this at Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Unity Hall, Uyo, during the 91st birthday celebration of the Paramount Ruler of ONNA, His Eminence, Akwa Edidem Akpabio Ukpa, stressed the need for togetherness, saying “the only way we can continue to maintain a front burner in national affairs in the like manner which His Royalty Majesty serves today as Life Patron of Traditional Rulers of oil and Mineral Producing communities of Nigerian (TROMPCON).”

Represented by his deputy, Lady Valerie Ebe, the Governor said it was good to celebrate those in positions of leadership, especially while they were alive, instead of vilifying and disparaging them.

Helen Esuene Harps On Justice, Equity And Peace

Senator representing Eket Senatorial District at the red Chambers of the National Assembly, Mrs. Helen Esuene has advocated for a society prone to social Juistice, equity and peace as panacea for sustainable development. She stated this while delivering a speech during a youth summit held at Shehu Musa Yar'Adua centre in Abuja recently.

Senator Esuene who is a former minister of Environment and Housing noted that a sustainable development is measured in terms of the carrying capacity of the environment referring to land, air and water. She stressed that the atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide must be balanced being key factors in development. The Eket Senator speaking further stressed the need to have a society with an even distribution of wealth in practice as this will promote peaceful and harmonious coexistence of different persons. 

A Nation in Perpetual Dichotomy BY JOE INIODU

Actions, inactions, utterances, conduct and attitudes of some persons in this country, Nigeria have continued to provide reasons for mistrust and mutual suspicion predisposing the nation to a doubtful state of health. But how can a nation which loses its citizens in droves to various brutish sub-culture actions be said to be healthy when sick and sickening features litter and strewn its land robbing it of sanctity and decency. No, it is a sick nation gasping desperately on a sick bed with medical solution still far-fetched.

Today, the mention of the name, Nigeria tingles the ear with fear of bomb blast, kidnapping, abduction, homicide and brutal murder. The nation has become a postscript of blood on canvass with killings serving as sports for blood-thirsty hounds who prowl the nation to wreak horrendous evil. Their targets are unselective. Take the instance of the bombing of Nyanya Motor Park that claimed, if we believe police records, 75 lives with about 170 on the injured list. But of course, this was to be followed with another bizarre act being the abduction of 234 innocent girls from Government Girls' College, Chibok. In fact, available statistics posit that the Boko Haram insurgency has claimed about 17,000 lives, displaced about 1.5 million people with about 30,000 fleeing to Northern Cameroun . These grim statistics stir agony and anguish yet persist in currency with security challenges becoming more and more intractable. 

Wanted: A New Akwa Ibom Woman BY: DAVID BENSON

Predictably, Akwa Ibom women this week; lived to prove its character both in the fashion and manner it was written about them last week, especially concerning the Chibok 276 global outrage. The #BringBackourGirls protest have yet to be ended as it is increasingly drawing more participants, more advocates and more support from an expanding circle of the international campaigners.

As at last count, the sign-up is reported to have received 3.3million tweets world-wide and the count keeps tolling without showing any indication of abating. Yet, the Akwa Ibom woman's voice and despite the wider shift of concern from expressing a basically local indignation to emphasizing a global condemnation of the dastardly act of the abduction of the Chibok girls, is yet to add its voice to the popular outcry.

Their silence does not in anyway strip them of their womanhood. It does not infact make them no more to be mothers, of which principal role they still exhibit in their natural capacity despite their seeming docility on the matter at hand.

Congress Of Former Legislators Gets Steering Committee

A Steering Committee to run the affairs of congress of former legislators in AkwaIbom State has been inaugurated.

The steering committee has Rt. Hon Ignatius Kevin Edet as chairman and Hon (Barr) Nse B. Ekanem as Secretary. Other members of the committee are Hon AdasiObolum, Rt. Hon Peter Linus Umoh, Hon (Mrs) Sarah Essikot, Hon (Sir) Joseph Umana and Hon (Barr) AniediNdem.

Inaugurating the committee, the speaker, AkwaIbom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon (Elder) Samuel Ikon said the steering committee will run the affairs of the congress till election into various offices.

Nse Joshua: Avigorous Servant BY UBONG SAMPSON

Service to humanity is a responsibility rested on the shoulders of every man; though individual capacity tends to determine the roles each has to play. That is to say, every individual has one or a few areas he functions effectively; hence, his capacity in terms of performance may not grant him the ability to function beyond its limit.

The duty of service to humanity, as required of every man, can rightly be regarded as an essence to livelihood because it is naturally based on the fact that no man is capacitated to exist and survive as an Ireland. One needs the other to survive, irrespective of the avaricious disposition of man which is somewhat conflicting to this fact.

In terms of service, man, incidentally, was predesigned with the freedom of choice, as regards which capacity to serve; and the said choice is usually influenced by his area of desire or interest, and a subsequently proven best functionality.

Youths and Nigerian Politics BY ROLAND PHILIP

The present crop of political office seekers are in the process of continued plea for support, they are using everything possible to see that they convince all stakeholders in voting for them come 2015. While we keep watching, every Nigerian should also consider their lofty promises in each election year. We are tired of Nigerian political power seekers, they are ready to go out of their ways to give countless promises that cannot be redeemed even though it is obvious in the circumstances that they cannot fulfill their pledges, where are the pledges by our present political actors? most of them promised better living condition when they assume office, if it were possible they will promise Nigerians regular supply of Crude Oil to each family and allowance to meet their immediate needs.

Nigeria Politicians are perpetual liars without apology; they take advantage of the poverty stricken nature of the country to exploit the people, the bulk of the electorate are the poor and under privilege citizens, hence they are easily flirt around in order to get money from politicians.

Memories Of June 12 BY EKENEOBONG BASSEY

Memories are like golds which does not fade in the minds of the living. While memories of good events enlarges the cheeks with waves of smiles, memories of unpleasant events glitters the face with springs of tears.

A reminisce on events that usually occur on the 12th day of June has left a lingering memory of doom and calamity in the minds of it's victims. When june 12 approaches, some families, organisations, and even the nation commemorate injustice and the loss of people so dear to them who were victims of june 12. What makes this day infamouse and different from other days for Nigerians and the world is worthy of examination.

A close study of trends of events associated with june 12 in Nigeria and the world has left no doubt that, that date is a special one. In 1993, a significant event took place in Nigeria which shook the country and the international community. It concurred precisly on june 12 1993 when Moshood Abiola's victorious presidential election was annulled. This election is considered by political analyst as the freest and fairest election ever conducted in the history of Nigeria.

That Peace May Reign in Akwa Ibom State BY KENNETH JUDE

We live in troubled times. We are currently besotted by multifarious happenstances that call for urgent and immediate attention.  The challenges are such that leaves one in a state of dilemma as to which one to give precedence to and which should be attended to at a later time.

At times like this, the recurrent question in the lips of discerning minds is how we got to this sorry pass.  Many are driven to wonder if our maker has abandoned us due to our selfishness, greed and lack of love for our neighbours.  Others have resorted to watching events unfold with mouths agape while another significant number observe proceedings from afar with arms akimbo.  In the mix of all these worries that have only kept us in a state of excruciating retardation, only a fraction of bold, courageous and patriotic few have been able to summon good enough guts to face these challenges headlong.

Did Dora Akunyili Die Of Misdiagnosis? PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

The death of the former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) is no doubt a misfortune and a great loss to Nigeria. The news of Dora Akunyili's death hit the nation like a thunderbolt on Saturday morning amidst sighs of sorrow, and sympathizers have since begun to commiserate with the deceased's family on social media and other viable platforms. When the rumours had it weeks back that the former food administration executive was feared dead, fans and well wishers on the social media prayed and wished the country would never miss such a fortune at a trying and difficult time as this.  Alas, the unwanted news was let open. Dr. Dora Akunyili was dead. 

Mrs. Akunyili is considered as Nigeria's most effective drugs and food administration executive. As the first NAFDAC boss, she carried out sweeping reforms that helped Nigeria put a strong defence against fake drugs and food products. Popularly known as 'The Amazon', Professor Dora Akunyili was a first class patriot who deeply loved Nigeria and served the country with all she had irrespective of whatever risks were involved in doing so.

President Jonathan: Rise From Your Slumber BY AKPANDEM

A desperate disease requires desperate remedy. It is high time Engineer Frank Okon took over the mantle of leadership as Akwa Ibom State number one citizen for peace to reign. This write up is not intended to serve as political propaganda or for material benefit, but, a genuine attempt to render a dispassionate account of what the President holds as a right of our dear state.  

He has to initiate a post-mortem in the case instituted by Engineer Frank Okon to ensure that Akwa Ibom State remains united and stable.  There should be a complete turn-around rather than preferring to plunge the state into a civil war.  But the question that keeps bothering me is why the President, being fully conscious of the sacredness of the task entrusted in him, should be carried away. He is expected to maintain self-respect than seek popularity, and he should make it a priority to maintain a reputation of courage and integrity, with conscience and integrity being his guiding principles.  He should not allow the pressures of public approval or disapproval demure his judgement as he well knows that a person's action will be ultimately vindicated by time and posterity.

The insensitivity of power BY DAVID BENSON

May 29, 2014 is come and gone. With it marked 15 unbroken years of Nigeria's democracy since a return to civil rule in the country in 1999.

Described and celebrated as the longest democratic dispensation and the most sustained throughout the country's history since her Independence from British rule in 1960, some say the nation is tottering on the path to achieving real democracy. Others blame its structure of governance for her many woes, while a great deal of many are critical of its institutions, values and the type of leadership she has been unfortunate to have evolve and become saddled with in her quest and determination to sustain and protect her democracy. This, have led to such indigenous approach being termed 'home-grown democracy.' With this development, governance, analyst believe, is subject to a lot of experimentation.

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Udom Emmanuel eulogizes Edidem Ukpa at 91 BY JOSEPH OKON

The Secretary to AkwaIbom State Government, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel has extoled the good leadership legacies of the Paramount Ruler of Onna Local Government who is also the Oku Ibom Ibibio the lll, AkwaEdidemAkpabioUdoUkpa, and described it as legendary.

The SSG stated this recently during the 91 birthday celebration of the Monarch which took place at the international secretariat of MbohoMkparawa Ibibio, UdoUdoma Avenue, Uyo.
He said it was a thing of joy for the people of AkwaIbom state to celebrate the monarch at 91 when life expectancy in the world is being put at 50, and described the monarch as an icon who has leave good leadership legacies in the service of AkwaIbom state and Cross River.

According to the SSG, “what a great day that we see something different in Nigeria, Nigeria is a country that people will tell you the best President we never had, the best Governor we never had, because we celebrate people post-mortem. But today we are so grateful to God for his grace upon the life of our father at 91. It is a wisdom age which he has attained with numerous achievements both for AkwaIbom and Cross River states”.

It’s my turn to rule Akwa Ibom - Bishop Akpan

 

* I installed Gov. Akpabio, he must handover to me 

Bishop Samuel Akpan has said that it is his turn to rule Akwa Ibom State and also said that he installed Governor Godswill Akpabio in 2007

Akpan stated this during his 57th Birthday at Eket Sport Stadium, Akwa Ibom, on Friday saying that the serving Secretary to the state Government, Emmanuel Udom want to reap where he did not sow.

It is now time to give to who gave to Godswill Akpabio, it is now time, it is now time, I gave my three apartment for Godswill Akpabio,  I gave my house to be used to campaign for Godswill Akpabio, I gave my life and campaign and everything to install Godswill Akpabio, it is now time. That Governor is a good man, God fearing man and is a kind man, he spoke with me this morning and wished me well.“I am looking for when the platform is right and when the time is free, I will tell you that I have accepted your wishes and I will tell you that I have accepted your aspiration, I will answer that instruction, I will tell you that I will be your chief servant, I will tell you that I will now be in front and you follow, I will tell you that I will now restore the comfort and warmness of our people, I will tell you when that time come.

Federal Polytechnic saga * How Ibiono lost to Ukana – Ita Enang * Fingers Akpabio, Education Minister Wike

* Says I wept when it happened

The member representing Uyo Senatorial District at the red Chambers of the National Assembly, Senator Ita Solomon Enang said yesterday that he did not at anytime trade the proposed federal Polytechnic that was meant for Ididep in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area for Ukana. He said at no time did he ever make such moves and that he can never trade anything for a federal Polytechnic that was meant for his senatorial District.

Ita Enang spoke while addressing newsmen in his Ewet Housing residence yesterday (Monday) morning. He maintained that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had in his magnanimity approved one federal Polytechnic in Akwa Ibom State and was meant to be cited at the prestigious Senior Science College Ididep in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. He denied knowledge of the betrayal of Ibiono for Ukana in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

Eket Youths at war with Elders ...named Council Chair, Ex Minister, University Prof as saboteurs

Youths in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom have protested over alleged denial of consultant job by Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN), Unlimited, a subsidiary of NNPC/MPN Joint Venture.
The protesters numbering about 100 youths match through major streets in Eket local government and chatting songs of war.

The youths carried placards with inscription such as “Oil Spill Consultant is strictly Eket Affairs’’, “let’s say No to Betrayers’’, “Eket People should stop betraying their self’’.
 “Eket Youths stand for consultant,’’ “the voice of our Eket youths, Give us Eket Consultant’’, “we need complete freedom in Eket.

Chief Isaiah Bob, the Youth President of Uda Iko Eket, accused Mobil of inflicting injustice on them by denying them of consultancy job.

AKHA: A house of feeble legislators

It is no longer news that the controversial Ex-governors and Deputy Governors’Pension Bill sent to the State House of Assembly by the state Governor has been passed into law. The bill which was an amendment to the already existing law regarding previous Governors and their Deputies, attracted a massive public outcry within and outside the state. The controversial law states that 100 million would be allotted yearly to former Governors as medical allowance while 50 million would go to their Deputies for the same purpose.

The Bill, being an executive Bill, went through first and second reading the same day it was received by the Legislators. This points to an observation that the House passes any Bill coming to it within one or two sittings when it has something ambiguous to it. Though the brunt of theBill was on the Governor who sponsored it,four things can be deduced from the arguments and deliberations accompanying the Bill which has obviously revealed the feeble-mindedness of the Lawmakers before the Governor order for repeal.

AKHA 2015: Midim Clan and the quest for justice

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” – Martin Luther King

In the face of sustained neglect and rejection metted on the people of Midim clan of Abak LGA, concerned minds may be forced to ask; what has really gone wrong?

The quest for justice and equity has been one of man most sought after virtues. As often said “what is sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander”

In the current democratic dispensation, it is unbearable to realise that despite having people who have been stirred to the knowledge of rising to a collective voice and course, a few elements are tirelessly working to ensure sonme voices are never heard.

Esuene charges NSE on collapse buildings

Sen. Helen Esuene, Senator representing Eket Senatorial District Tuesday charged the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and other professional bodies to tackle building collapse in the country.

Esuene gave the charge during a courtesy visit on her by the members of NSE, Eket branch led by the Chairrman, Mr Thompson Manam in her office at Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
She said that Nigerian Society of Engineers should work with other professionals to curb collapse of building in the nation.

According to her, this will not only check the menace of building collapse and saves lives usually lost to such incidents but will also save the professionals from embarrassment.

She lamented the situation where experts and professionals use sub standard materials to build in recent times which had led to upsurge in building collapse in the country.

“Sustainable industrialization is very key and we don’t want to build houses that will collapse next year, that is not sustainable and anything that need to done in industrialization must be correct.

AKHA amends LG law

The AkwaIbom State House of Assembly has taken a bold step in strengthening administration at the grass root by amending the local government administration Law 2007.

As part of the amendment, elected council chairmen are to be sworn in at their respective Local Government headquarters by an High Court Judge.  

 
At the plenary session, last Thursday, the Assembly also replaced caretaker committee with a transition committee that will not stay beyond six months.

To this end, transition committee chairmen are to be sworn in by the state governor at the state headquarters with five supervisors and two special advisers as members.

Igbo Chieftaincy title for Akpabio

The story of uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom has continued to gather momentum as more groups have continued to appreciate Governor Godswill Akpabio for his excellent performance in the State.

The latest of the group which have indicated willingness to honour the Governor is the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, who dropped the hint to journalists, during a briefing in Uyo, said the decision by the Union to honour the Governor, was contained in a letter jointly signed by its National President, Dr. Danjuma Musa and the General Secretary, Muhammad Ishiyaku Sheikh.

Dr. Patrick Uko: Driving COE to International Best Standards BY EDET OKPO

History was made again in College of Education, Afaha Nsit on Monday June 9, 2014 as all Provosts of Colleges of Education in Nigeria join avalanche of progressive thinkers, men of goodwill, relevant stakeholders in the education sector who visited the College in recent times to witness the -the-art infrastructure dotting the landscape of the institution, courtesy of an administration in action.

The hosting of all Provosts of Colleges of Education in Nigeria in the College of Education, Afaha Nsit for the first time, since the establishment of the College is a clear confirmation that Dr. Patrick Uko, the current Provost of the institution is on course in the struggle to reposition the College and place it on the global map of reckoning.

He is not only paddling the ship of the College to its desired destination, but he is not leaving anything to chance nor leaving any stone unturned to walk his talk of leaving the College better than he met it.

Of selective morality and the clamour for a better Nigeria BY BORONO BASSEY

Although we were classmates since the beginning of the school year, I first took active notice of Dennis one fateful morning during the daily devotion in school. Dennis was asked to kneel down by some senior students as punishment for the double-barreled offence of not maintaining the required posture (standing attention) during rendition of the National Anthem and recitation of the National pledge and for failing to join other students in the rendition.

Minutes later, Dennis punishment was increased from just asking him to kneel down to giving him uncountable strokes of the cane, yet with each stroke, Dennis became even more resolute against yielding to the directive of the three senior students who had ordered him to sing and recite the National Anthem and pledge. He was later left alone when one of the teachers approached and told the students that he will take the matter up from there.  In a bid to bring an end the curiosity that had gotten the better part of me, I decided to inquire from Dennis what informed his “questionable” stance of refusing to go with the flow in the demonstration of patriotism, as it were, to our fatherland through the rendition and recitation of the National anthem and the pledge.  

Scoring on the MDGs, One Family at a Time BY KOKO UDONQUAK

Through its advocacy campaigns and interventions across Akwa Ibom State since 2007, the Family Life Enhancement Initiative (FLEI) has emphasized the role of the family in sustainable development. Koko udonquak looks at how FLEI’s focus on the family is contributing to the state’s efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs ).

Twelve years ago, world leaders at the United Nations Millennium Summit committed themselves to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of eight ambitious goals for combating major problems such as hunger, disease, illiteracy, and gender discrimination. More than 180 nations, including Nigeria, agreed to pursue the goals and meet specific targets in fifteen years. Since then, the MDGs have become something of a rallying cry for development efforts at all levels, from the local to the global.

Akwa Ibom State has been no exception. The current administration has left an undeniable trail of social infrastructure and human capital investments everywhere in the state; leaving development pundits in little or no doubt on the state’s potential to meet the MDGs within the given timeframe.

Fear of road users along Calabar-Itu Highway BY JOY BASSEY

The hue and cry about the deplorable state of the Calabar-Itu road is not a mere fluke. First time visitors on the road to the city of Calabar will attest to the fact that travelling to Cross River State could be a night mare and if urgent steps are not taken to revive its only access road, Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, known for its tourism potential might soon be cut off from the rest of Nigeria.

A few weeks ago, road users spent two days travelling from Uyo to Calabar, a distance of about 100km, because of a frail portion of the road which was blocked by a fallen truck. Commuters who have had cause to experience the recent traffic jam that left people stranded for days along the Calabar-Uyo highway have bitter tales to tell.

A federal civil servant who came in from Calabar for a seminar in Uyo, Mrs. Blossom Alao, said the state of the road could discourage someone from travelling to Uyo from Calabar or vice versa.

UNIUYO FEMALE HOSTEL: The need for improved hygiene and Security BY GLORY ODOEMELAN

The University of Uyo is located along Ikpa road with campuses within the Main and Annex locations. The third campus of the school is situated in Nwaniba, where the Permanent Site is located.

Each campus has a number of hostels provided to give shelter, accommodation and rest to students after a day’s exhausting activities. It provides a good option for both campus dwellers and outsiders by reason of its closeness to the Lecture Venues.

It is noteworthy that the female hostels within the school are more than the male hostels. The only male hostel for the two campuses, “M2” was built two years ago and can comfortably accommodate the male students. The other two, which are situated at Udi and Udo streets, are also accommodative but distant from the school.

Between daring and dreaming, can Etienam scale the hurdle? BY OTOBONG SAMPSON

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Every great development was the outcome of a dream. These three words, “Yes I (We) Can”, is a tonic that performs magic. It is one of the greatest and effective three word-sentence that humanity has ever known. It is correlative to dreaming. Many years ago, Martin Luther King Jr., had a dream and most of us are familiar with his stirring “I have a dream” words, which became the name for the ten-minute speech made on August 28, 1963, calling for racial equality and an end to discrimination in America.

Probably, the reason that these words still resonate loudly many years after it was first spoken is because we all have dreams – dreams for our own lives, dreams for our children, dreams for our community, dreams for the larger society, and dreams for the future – all kinds of dreams. Some of the dreams we secretly hold we may reason away and set aside as unrealistic notions. But what if our dreams could come true? The world, certainly, will be a better place.

OBA: As the king ascends the throne BY AMOS ETUK

“So Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one”. Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one”. Then Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these”. And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep”

And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here! So he sent and brought him in. and the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one! Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward”, (1 Samuel 16:8-13).

As Kumuyi storms Akwa Ibom BY SAVIOUR EKPE

Akwa Ibom State in recent times is blessed with leaders with the fear of God in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities to the satisfaction of man, the glory of God and the delight of on lookers.
Judging particularly from the present administration, the state has witnessed what is now generally described as uncommon transformation.

Uncommon because from the creation of the then South Eastern States to the former Cross River State, the people of this part of the world have not witnessed the unprecedented development as experienced today not to talk of uncommon amenities and infrastructures that are sited in the state such as the building of about four (4) flyovers within three (3) years while others are springing up as days go by.

Today, roads in the state are wearing new looks as old roads were rehabilitated, new ones constructed including federal roads which were hitherto seen as the sole responsibility of the federal government.

FRSC boss decries lack of tools

The Federal Road Safety Corps RS6.31 Eket Commandant, Engr. Ramalan M. Yerima has decried the non availability of Towing Trucks and other working tools in his command, describing the situation as very retrogressive.

The Commandant bared his mind while speaking with newsmen on Thursday in Eket during the hosting of 2014 Special Marshal Day with over 50 special marshals in attendance. 

Yerima said “our activities here is hampered by lack of essential working tools which includes Towing trucks, patrol vehicles and communication equipments, about four units are made to use just a few patrol vehicles which is unacceptable”.

Engineers honour Senator Helen Esuene

In recognition of her contribution to the development of Akwa Ibom State, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Eket Branch on Monday in Eket paid a courtesy visit to Senator Helen Esuene and honoured her with encomiums.

The team of Engineers led by Engr. Godwin Umoh, Vice Chairman said the visit was part of a programme of events to mark the 2014 Engineering Week in Akwa Ibom State.
“As a leading player in the development of Akwa Ibom State, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Eket Branch, felt it very necessary to visit and intimate you of our 2014 Engineering Week taking place here in Eket”, Engr. Umoh told the Senator.

He commended the distinguished Senator for her numerous achievement towards the development of the State, most especially, the provision of a befitting office Block for the Nigerian Police in Eket, adding that Senator Helen Esuene qualifies and deserve to administer the State as a Governor come 2015.

Core community contractors slam Mobil over nonchalant attitude

 

* Issues 14 days ultimatum

Mobil core community contractors of Ibeno, Ekek, Onna and Esit- Eket under the aegis of “Joint Core Contractor Association” are angry with the management of Mobil producing Nigeria (MPN) over selective and disdain award of contracts to its members.

The forum in a letter addressed to the manager, Field Operation Procurement of Mobil and signed by Chief Friday Ebong, joint chairman and Pastor Godwin  Eleazar, joint Assistant secretary said for the past years the oil company has not given its members meaningful contracts while contractors from other parts of the country have been heavily patronized.

The group described the attitude of Mobil as very segregational, appalling, victimizing and retrogressive because as stakeholders, and in keeping with the local content law of the Federation, they deserve a better deal and partnership with the oil giant.

Nseowo emerges UNIUYO’s best graduating medical doctor

Dr. Uwem Nseowo Anderson Udofia, the elder brother to Nigeria’s Youngest Newspaper Editor, Ifreke Nseowo emerged the best graduating medical doctor at the 6th Sponsio Academica (induction and oath-taking ceremony) of the University of Uyo held last Friday.

At the well attended event held at ETF Lecture Hall, Uniuyo permanent site, Dr. Nseowo who is also an assistant pastor at World Missionary Church stole the show by clinching seven other individual prizes including Best Graduating Doctor (BGD) in Paediatrics, Best Graduating Doctor in Biochemistry (with distinction), Best Graduating Doctor in Internal Medicine, Best Graduating Doctor in Surgery, Isabella Medical Scholarship Fund (IMSF) for Best Graduating Doctor in Surgery, Best Graduating Male Doctor and overall Best Graduating Doctor.

New Uyo-Abak bridge ready for inauguration

The Multi billion naira Uyo Abak River Bridge at Ediene in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom handled by Julius Berger Construction Company is ready for inauguration.

The Chief Contract Manager of the company, Mr Kehinde Bakare stated this when Nigerian Society of Engineers, Eket Branch team paid an industrial visit to Julius Berger Construction Company, Abak on Thursday.

He said that the 700 meters suspended bridge which started in 2012 would be inaugurated by Sept 23, 2014.

Bakare who described the bridge as “aesthetic and strategic”, said that bridge would serve as a major link on the road between Uyo and Abak.

Frank Okon’s case suffers setback

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, the 17th day of June, 2014 struck out the motion dated 7th day of April 2014, filed by Frank Okon’s Lawyer urging the court to enter Judgement for Engr. Frank Okon since Chief (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio and other Respondents had not filed their brief of argument to the appeal filed by the Appellant.

At the hearing of suit No. SC/757/2013 between Engr. Frank Okon Vs. Akpabio which Engr. Frank Okon is claiming the seat of His  Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, Paul Erokoro, SAN who appeared for Engr. Frank Okon withdrew his motion of 7th day of April, 2014, Counsel’s to the Respondents did not object to the withdrawal of the incompetent motion. Thereafter, the learned SAN moved the application dated 30th January 2014 seeking leave of the court to amend their brief of argument on grounds of mixed facts and law, same was granted since the Akpabio’s lawyer did not oppose the application.

Civil Engineering emerges winners of Uniuyo Faculty of Engineering Cup

Civil engineering put out an ebullient performance against their departmental rival; the department of agric-engineering. It was an arena for the two departments to display their God-given talent of football as the put out a superlative performance in the final game of their interdepartmental games.

The department of civil engineering dominated the game and went away with a well deserve 3:1 win over the department of agric engineering.

The first and second goal was scored in the first half of the match by Ubong Ewuere Ukot and Peter Godwin Effiong respectively.

UNIUYO: History department gets new leaders BY NSISONG AFANGIDEH

The members of “STUDENTS HISTORICAL AND DIPLOMATIC SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (SHDSN)” were involved in an election on Friday 13th June to decide who to handle the mantle of leadership in the 2013/2014 school session.

The election which took place in the town campus of University of Uyo saw a great number of students from the department of history, the turn out in great number to select their new executives.

The election was absolutely free and transparent without any form of chaos. It started by around 10am and ended around 3pm.

However, 15 offices were vacant but only three of the 15 had two contestants contesting for it. The rest of the offices were unopposed.

Football palaver BY KENNETH JUDE

I have an indemable propensity of watching football matches at viewing centres.  This does not necessarily suggest that I can’t enjoy the beautiful game from the comfort of my closest.  No, not at all.

Infact, my attempt to watch the last champions league final between Spanish heavy-weight Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid led to an unwanted experience which forced me to switch off my television and head straight to a public viewing center.  Hardly had the much anticipated clash commenced than I had dozed off.  It was quite unusual for me to sleep while a football match was on, let alone of such a massive duel between two teams from the same city flexing muscles on  the European state.

As anticipated by soccer enthusiasts, the match was not dhort of drama, guts and intrigues, if you like.

Women Affairs Commissioner debunks false report on first lady, as contractor explains delay of project

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet has frowned at a report by a State based paper, not THE INK, insinuating that, the First Lady, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio is the cause of the delay in the completion of the rehabilitation work at the Women Development Centre, noting that it was fatally false and indeed a piece of blackmail designed to tarnish the image of the ministry.

In a chat with our correspondent, Dr Edet expressed dismay over what she said is false report concocted from the pit of hell, as she had at no time granted any interview or spoken to any person whatsoever, or reporter of the said newspaper on the issue of rehabilitation work at the Centre.

She described as fictitious and malicious the intent of the said report, as it was intended by the authors who contrived it, to malign not only the image of the wife of the State governor, but to blackmail her and cause disaffection in the polity.

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Prof King hits Ibibio...Says Presidency wants him or he stampedes 2015 guber for an Oro person

One of the Abuja based Presidential aide and a contender for the 2015 governorship stool in the state Prof Richard King has been quoted to have said that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has directed that his ambition should be fruitful and will ensure he emerges the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State otherwise he, Prof King will stampede the position of Akwa Ibom State Governorship to an Oro person.

The University Don is said to have stated this penultimate week during one of his campaign tours in Eket, the Akwa Ibom state Oil capital. King is alleged to have informed that the decision to make him Governor of the state after Godswill Akpabio come 2015 is from the nation’s seat of Power and that there is nothing anybody can do about it.

King whose state of Origin has been under confusion as some people are of the opinion that he is from Delta State had maintained according to a source that he is ready to invoke his closeness to the President Goodluck Jonathan and sweep the stakes when the bell rings for the governorship election of Akwa Ibom State.

Aspirant promises AKS refinery, Oil Company

If and when he’s voted into office as governor next year, Dr Effiong Assam Ntekim has promised Akwa Ibom people a complete economic revival in addition to constructing for the people a befitting refinery and formation of an oil company to be wholly managed by the indigenes.

Speaking recently in a popular Planet FM Radio live chat programme-‘Breakfast chat’, the renowned  Mechanical Engineer and seasoned politician said that the state was blessed with abundant natural resources to make her an Eldorado but sadly, the reverse is the case as poverty has ravaged her people unjustifiably.

Consequently, Dr Ntekim promised to evolve measures that would afford a meaningful existence to every Akwa Ibom son and daughter saying “as a strong believer in industrialization, egalitarianism and justice, I will rid the state of malfeasance and corrupt tendencies as well as attempt to bring order back to bud.”

Perceived imbalances in PHEDC causes drawbacks in AKS power sector

It has emerged that Akwa Ibom State may be at the receiving end of perceived imbalances in the operation of PHEDC. This observation was made at a workshop organized by Seven Energy in conjunction with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Power.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Power, Dr. Victor Udo, set-up a committee to identify the imbalances in PHEDC and proffer solutions. The committee comprised of a representative of TCN, a former PHEDC staff, a major contractor in Akwa Ibom State and an Engineer in the SSA’s office.

Preliminary findings shows that the four major imbalances in PHEDC operation includes demanding Five (5) years warranty for transformers installed by contractors, improper metering, high electricity bills, and the lack of local content representation.

Akwa Ibom: A state under Grace BY JOE INIODU

Governor Akpabio describes it as the only State in Nigeria named after God. He segues this with a plethora of activities that are in honour of God-monthly solemn assembly, annual interdenominational service at the beginning of every year, annual thanksgiving service to God at the end of every year with a record breaking mass choir of 9,999 participants, annual thanksgiving service to commemorate the creation of the State, thanksgiving to celebrate Democracy Day and other activities that celebrate God and put His glory on a high note. It must be stated without fear of equivocation that at no point in the history of the State has God been so celebrated and accorded such niche of reference as in currency. The scripture was certainly not in default when it stated that when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice.

 Part of the State’s active allegiance to God debuted on May 25, 2014 in Living Faith Church , Ikot Ebido Oku, Uyo as an aspect of this year’s package for Democracy Day which grand finale comes up on May 29, 2014. While the State Government independently chose a theme: “The Transforming Grace” (Zech 3:4-5), the church also curiously generated its own theme: “The Exceeding Grace” lending impetus to what the Secretary to the State Government called the oneness of the Spirit. The State scribe is in charge of the committee planning this year’s Democracy Day which is also the seventh year of Akpabio’s administration. Even though the State Government has chosen to keep the event on a low mode as a response to the State of the Nation especially the abduction of the school girls, the remarkable accomplishments of the administration in the last seven years can not be wished away.

Eket youths hold congress July, 18

 

All is now set for a two day congress to be held in Eket Local Government Area. The congress first of its kind is being put together by Eket Five Villages youth movement. The villages comprises of Uqua, Afahauqua, Afahauqua Obokidim, Okopedi and Ikoequa.

A release made available to our reporter indicates that the former House of Representatives member, Hon Eseme Eyiboh is expected as the keynote speaker while Barr Bassey Nkanag, a 2015 governorship aspirant Mr. Ntekim is expected to grace the occasion. The event is billed to be hosted at the Yakubu Bako hall of Royalty Hotels, Eket along Esuene way.

The release enjoined all sons and daughters of Eket and Akwa Ibomites to grace the occasion as it promises to be very educating, resourceful, rewarding and inspiring

Information Ministry holds maiden NYSC best performance awards

 

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, has commended outgoing Batch ‘B’ corps members, who served in the Ministry, for diligence and hard work during their service year.
He made the commendation at the maiden edition of the Commissioner’s NYSC Best Performance Awards instituted by the Ministry, held on 6th June, 2014, at the Conference room of the Ministry.

Mr Umanah, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Asanga, observed that all the corps members, who served in the Ministry, hard done well, but the recipients of the Commissioner’s awards, had gone the extra mile in the performance of their duties.

The Commissioner expressed the conviction that the corps members would be returning to their states of origin with fond memories of Akwa Ibom State, which he described as the home of hospitality, where dividends of democracy being  delivered by Governor Godswill Akpabio  were positively affecting the citizenry and residents alike.