Latest Edition of THE INK NEWSPAPER, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

2015: Bishop Akpan consults PDP

2015: Bishop Akpan consults PDP

* Declares intention
* Says party is owing me
* I laboured for Akpabio, Paul Ekpo
BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

Ahead of next month  primaries of the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, a governorship aspirant, Bishop Samuel Akpan has officially consulted the party and informed them of his aspiration to contest for the governorship position come November, 29.

The consultation took place at the PDP State secretariat at four lanes, Uyo, the State capital, last week Friday.

Addressing the State working committee and other members of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bishop Akpan said his visit was to consult the party and officially informed them of his ambition to govern the State come 2015.

The governorship hopeful who is a former state deputy chairman of PDP, maintained that he has worked and dedicated his life and moment for the party to succeed in Akwa Ibom State, adding that it is now the time for the party to reward him by supporting and giving him the governorship ticket come next month during the PDP primaries. “I have paid my dues, I have been a labourer of the party, I have also worked and served the party for it to succeed in the State. So the party owes me”.

Bishop Samuel Akpan further noted that if elected into office as the next governor come 2015, he will restore the dignity of the party and will also ensure that the party remains a force in his administration even as he pleaded for support from the party.

Akpan, noted that he is not asking the party to write his name, but to deliver him at the polls, adding that he is the popular choice of the people of Akwa Ibom State for the position of governorship.
He stressed on the need for the party to support him, having served it in several positions since its beginning in the State, while promising to empower the people and ensuring that his government totally eradicates unemployment in the State.

He disclosed that he won the senatorial election in 2011 to represent the people of Eket Senatorial District, but was persuaded by Governor Godswill Akpabio as well as the party to step down for Senator Helen Esuene in order to secure the women slot which he did.

According to him, “I stepped down for Helen Esuene because the party promised to give me the governorship slot, so that is why I am pleading with the party to keep to the promise”.

The Bishop of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star who recalled that he was the presiding officer of PDP who delivered Godswill Akpabio in 2006 and in 2011 when he was the State collation officer for the party, said he was denied everything in government by the governor. “I did not betray Akpabio, I was honest and sincere to him (Akpabio), but I have been denied of everything in this administration. I was so active in placing 31 council chairmen in 2008 during the Local Government election including 329 councillors as well as the appointment of commissioners which Paul Ekpo was a beneficiary”. Akpan maintained.

He noted that he is the most qualified for the job and thanked the leadership of PDP in the State for their wisdom to zone the governorship position to Eket Senatorial District.

Welcoming the governorship hopeful to the party secretariat, the State chairman of the PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo said the party will do everything possible to ensure a level playing ground for all the aspirants during the party’s primaries. Describing Bishop Samuel Akpan as a great grassroots mobilizer for the party during his time in the party executive, Obong Paul Ekpo commended him on his peaceful campaign in the State and promised the party’s support for his aspiration.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Bishop Akpan took his consultation team to the Ibom Museum Park, Udo Udoma Avenue which happened to be the venue for South-South solidarity rally in support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term declaration, organised by Jonathan Mandate Group (JOMAG), where he formally declared his intention to contest for the office of governor of Akwa Ibom State. Highpoint of the event was the adoption of Bishop Samuel Akpan for the position of governor of Akwa Ibom State by the Jonathan Mandate Group (JOMAG).

Akpabio gets more desperate * Victimizes Essien Udim PDP chair, imposes Village headship on Sunny Ibanga

*Ikot Ekpene PDP Chairman kick, petitions NWC,   says I am still Chairman of Chapter Chairmen     

      
Signs that the Governor Godswill Akpabio had perfected and now executing victimization against those he feel are not in support of his plans to foist his preferred candidate on the people ahead of the November 29th PDP primaries has continued to unfold with the recent suspension of the PDP Chapter Chairman for Essien Udim Local Government Area and the foisting of a village headship of Utu Ikot Ekpenyong on the Chapter Chairman of the Ikot Ekpene PDP.

It could be recalled that the Essien Udim Chapter Chairman of the PDP had come under the fire of the Akpabio flames when he made revelations that the attack on Helen Esuene at Essien Udim was sponsored by the Akpabios. Without setting up a committee to investigate the chapter Chairman and his claims, the Governor acting on the advice of some of his cronies is said to have swing into action and then slam a suspension on the Chapter Chairman Elder Friday Udo.

2015 Guber: I can’t step down for anybody – Ntekim insists

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the immediate past Attorney General/Commissioner of Justice in Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim, has said that he is not under pressure to step down for any of the governorship aspirants, adding that his aspiration is still very alive.

Ntekim aspired to contest the PDP primaries alongside 18 aspirants who have so far picked nomination forms and declared their interest in the party’s ticket.

Briefing newsmen at his campaign office at 51 F-line, Ewet Housing Estate Uyo, last week, Ntekim said: “I can’t step down for anybody and I am not being sponsored by anybody or group to contest this election. I will run the primaries and I will win squarely and clean as well as the general election”.

Ibibio elders slam Akpabio * Decry deceitful politics

Some Ibibio Elders have protested against the style of politicking of Governor Godswill Akpabio describing it as deceitful and shameful even as they made statements pointing to the facts that the state Governor is taking the Ibibios for a ride to a point that a former Secretary to State Government and ex minister, Obong Rita Akpan declared that in this administration, the Ibibios are suffering and will not take that again.

Ibibio Elders comprising of the political leader of Uyo, Obong Maurice Ebong, Secretary of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibiobio and a former House of Assembly member for Uyo state constituency, Barr Aniedi Ndem, Obong Cyril Ekiko, Elder Enefiok Ekefre amongst others. They said during the consultation visit of a governorship hopeful to Uyo Elders Pastor Ita Udoh that the Governor had earlier introduced Obong Umana Okon Umana to them as someone who will succeed him and maintained also that ever since then, the state Chief Executive was yet to make a change of his mind known to them.

Guber 2015: Esuene enjoys massive support, gains upper hand

Judging by the massive support Senator Helen Esuene is amassing across the State, prelude to P.D.P gubernatorial primary on Saturday November 29, 2014, Akwa Ibom State may soon make history as the first State in Nigeria to produce the first woman elected governor.

The distinguished Senator on Wednesday received massive endorsement from the people of Etinan, Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Ibom and Nsit Atai Local Government Areas during a continuation of her State-wide consultation exercise, after having been adopted by the people of Mbo, Udung-UKo, Oron, Esit Eket, Ibeno, Obot Akara and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas.

Her visit to the people of Etinan was turned into a carnival as traditional dances and Okada riders welcomed her at Ekpen Ukpa with jubilation, describing her as a woman who has broken the jinks of male domination in politics.

National Council on health meeting holds in Uyo

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health  holds the 57th National Council on Health Meeting from 26th to 31st of October 2014 in Uyo.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. EmemAbasi Bassey made this known during a press briefing last week in Uyo.  The weeklong event which is ongoing at Ibom Hall, is said to be the oldest council meeting in the country since the colonial era and will bring health personnel from the 36 states of the Federation including the FCT to Akwa Ibom State.

2015: Oruk Anam PDP pledges support to Eshiet Offiong — As Stakeholders Harp On Equity, fairness

The members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oruk Anam Local Government Area have expressed their readiness to work towards the actualization of the National Assembly ambition of Deacon Eshiet Offiong in 2015. The chapter Chairman of the party, Pastor Cletus Eshiet dropped the hint on Wednesday when Deacon Offiong consulted the party at Ikot Ibritam.

The Party Chairman who was represented by Prince Ukandie Ukpe advised the teeming supporters to work hard for the victory of the aspirant whom he described as “a marketable product” that deserves the unflinching support of the people of the federal constituency. Prince Ukpe advised Deacon Offiong to remember the people when he gets to the House of Representatives in 2015.

The Director–General of Emancipation 2015 Campaign Organization, Rt Hon (Dr) Louis Iyiet who is a former member of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly urged the people to join the winning team as no one wants to be identified with failure, describing failure as an orphan. Hon Iyiet explained that an egg that would be hatched into a cock is known the day that it is laid, pointing out that the aspirant is humble, approachable and down - to - earth. He described Deacon Offiong as an aspirant with massive appeal who would not let the people down even as he would provide effective representation for the good people of the federal constituency.

Akpabio joins Senate race

Governor Godswill Akpabio has heeded to the clarion calls by the people of  Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District to contest for the senatorial seat in 2015 under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Akpabio, who stated this Wednesday at Ukana in Essien Udim LGA when the youths of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District presented him with PDP Senatorial nomination form for the forthcoming PDP  primaries at a reception organized by Esop Mbong Ikpaisong Afud Annang said “I have been under pressure by the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to represent them as a Senator in 2015. I want  to say that I have accepted the call to serve my people”.

Prince Nsikak Okon: The Senator Uyo Senatorial District needs BY SIGNOR EMEDU

As the people of Uyo Senatorial District prepare to elect who represents them at the Senate from 2015, a wind of change is moving through the political landscape of this zone.

 In spite of the last election foisting on the people a representation that will run out its phase next year, natives of Uyo Senatorial District are adamant that it is high time their voices and votes during electioneering period be rewarded with human capacity development. To them, gone is the apathetic outlook: next year’s election is being redefined by the fact that candidates are faced with a more web savvy, politically active generation than that which saw them give their votes and lend their voices to a career politician who though choral in his representation, seems to have forgotten about the development of the people back home.

OBA at 42: Service to humanity BY AMOS ETUK

“For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to  your life” – Proverbs 9:11.

Celebrating great leaders has always been a befitting task as leadership inspires motivation in others to move towards a desirable vision.

When God sets criteria for leadership, there are indispensable qualities that make the new shepherd outstanding as the people believe in his exemplary leadership strides to meet the set targets of a vision.

2015 guber: We will look at you, Uyo tells Ita Udoh

Pastor Ita Umo Udoh had been given assurance by stakeholders and the political leadership of Uyo Local Government Area. During a consultation visit to Obong Maurice Ebong and others, Pastor Ita Umo Udoh who stormed the residence of the Uyo political leaders with a mammoth crowd of supporters informed that he had resigned his position from the state Exco as a commissioner. He told the Elders of Uyo that he is interested in the race to succeed Governor Godswill Akpabio because he wants to take Akwa Ibom State to another level from where the Governor Godswill Akpabio will end by 2015. 

He said, “My Elders and political leaders, I come to you today because I need your support to help me consolidate on the gains of the democracy of the present administration, I want to appeal to you to please see me as your son and adopt me for the position of the governorship of our great state which will be vacant by May 29 2015.  Let me inform you that I am ably qualified to step into that office and I am using this opportunity to solicit your support and cooperation. And I am assuring you that. I will not disappoint. I have heard that perhaps you have adopted an aspirant, please see me as an option and together we will make Akwa Ibom Proud”.

AKHA 2015: Pharm. (Prince) Edet Eniang - the right choice for Itu State Constituency

The Itu State Constituency in the forth coming House of Assembly race is set to reap bountifully from the wealth of experience of their purposeful and visionary son, Pharmacist (Prince) Edet Eniang. 

Elder (Prince) Edet Eniang, a former Director in the Department  of Pharmaceutical services (DPS) in the state who is the Principal of Itu Collective Mandate Organization is poised to make the difference in the history of Itu State Constituency representation cum Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly when elected to prove his mettle come 2015 House of Assembly election. 

The Ayadehe born Pharmacist who has a first hand knowledge of the demoralizing effect of a degrading and deteriorating environment on the socio-economic life of the citizenry as encapsulated in his Itu constituent- a foremost Local Government Area in the country, dating back to the colonial era, promised to give quality representation aimed at revamping the ailing economy of the state and affording its citizenry opportunities to gain meaningful employment. 

2015 Guber: Bakassi Returnees endorse Ekere

Bakassi returnees, under the auspices of the Association of Internally-Displaced Persons in Akwa Ibom State, have endorsed the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Nsima Ekere, for the 2015 gubernatorial race.

The returnees, who made the endorsement on Saturday during a solidarity visit to Mr Ekere, hinged it on the former Deputy Governor’s humanitarian concern for them especially during his tenure in office.

Bernard Udoh joins National Assembly race

THE former National Assembly member for   Ikot Abasi federal Constituency Otuekong Bernard Udoh has finally elected to join the race for the green chambers of the National Assembly. Udoh THE INK gathered wants to return to the National Assembly which he left four years ago.

With his entrance into the race, the battle for who occupies the seat has been thrown open. It could be recalled that Otuekong Bernard Udoh lost narrowly to the incumbent Akpan Micah when he was in detention.

There have been tension and communications in hush tones ever since the Mkpat Enin born political maverick indicated interest that he is interested in the seat of Akpan Micah Umoh.

Be prayerful, and Alert - Ekere tells supporters

With few days  to the start of  the nomination process of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), the immediate past Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and leading PDP governorship aspirant, Mr. Nsima Ekere, has urged his supporters to be prayerful, steadfast and alert as victory was at hand.

Speaking during the solemn assembly of the Akwa Ibom Consolidation Project on Saturday, Mr. Ekere told his supporters to be fully involved in the Saturday, November 1, 2014 PDP ward congresses in which three delegates, who will vote in the House of Assembly, National Assembly and gubernatorial primaries, will be elected in each of the 329 wards of the state.

National Assembly 2015: David Etuk picks PDP nomination form … Emerges front runner for Etinan Federal Constituency

The people of Etinan Federal Constituency  have been assured of an effective and robust representation that would attract more development under the leadership of Hon. David Etuk who holds the ace and likely favourite to pick the Peoples Democratic Party ticket next month.

In a show of solidarity and overwhelming endorsement which featured various groups and stakeholders across the three local government areas of Etinan, Nsit Ubium and Nsit Ibom, the people have commended the former Governor’s aide on Projects for his meritorious service to Akwa Ibom State where he served as Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Projects and Chairman, Inter- Ministerial Direct Labour Committee, Eket Senatorial District.
The Stakeholders described David Etuk as an exemplary leader and team player in the success story of the Uncommon Transformation years of the Akpabio administration as he successfully implemented the vision of the amiable governor as he has consolidated in developing community based projects in Eket Senatorial District.

Oro nation insists on 2015 guber *The government of the day knows that Oro should produce the next governor – Engr. Etim Okpoyo

BY KENNETH JUDE

A onetime Ambassador to Italy and former  Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State during Obong Akpan Isemin’s administration, Engr. Etim Jack Okpoyo has said that the next governor should rightfully emerge from Oro Nation in line with the tripod that makes up Akwa Ibom State.

The elder statesman stated this last Saturday during the Oro convention/inauguration of ESSU NLAP Oro, Uyo Branch. He noted that attempt by some persons who know the truth but go on to deny Oro the right of producing the next governor only smacks of desperation and marginalisation. He maintained that with the Ibibios having had their turn followed by the Annangs, it’s only fitting that Oro, as one of the ethnic groups making up Akwa Ibom State produces the next governor of the State. 

Udom begs for waiver

Immediate past secretary  to state Government, Mr.  Udom Gabriel Emmanuel competent sources say yesterday had begged the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party for a waiver in order for him to take part in the forthcoming PDP nomination exercise billed in a month’s time. THE INK reporter learnt that contrary to information making the rounds that the former SSG was yet to pick his form, that he has actually done so since Friday afternoon. Our reporter was informed that the form was flown into Akwa Ibom through a Dana Airline in the company of Mr. Don Etim, Emmanuel Ibiok, Prince Akpabio and others who are loyal to the aspiration of the Zenith Bank Director.

Sensing that he may be an easy sweep over by the screening committee of the PDP, Mr Emmanuel is said to have submitted a letter to the PDP NWC pleading for a waiver to enable him contest the PDP primaries set for November 29th. The exercise is said to have been done yesterday. But the odds appear to be working against the interest of Udom who has since been ambushed with what supporters of the opposing camps described as evidence of forgery against the former SSG.

Ekid Union rejects Akwa Ibom State Govt. apology over attack on Sen. Esuene

The Ekid Peoples Union (EPU), a socio cultural  group that speaks for the Eket people has condemned recent attack on Senator Helen Esuene in Afaha Ikot Eba in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state.

The group in a 12 paragraph communique signed by its national President, Professor Asindi Asindi also rejected the apologies tendered by the state on the matter saying, the “apologies mingled with a cocktail of pathological lies carry no positive impact but can rather be psychologically traumatic. Principal Officers in our State Government should therefore be mindful of this”.

Assassination attempt: Ekpoudom bombs Uduot Jack

Deputy Inspector General of Police,  DIG Udom Ekpoudom, rtd has described a statement credited to the Etim Ekpo Council Chairman, Mr.  Uduot Jack in THE GUIDE NEWSPAPER on the wicked incidence of an attack on his personal aide Ekemini as unfortunate, baseless, senseless and an act of idiotic expressions from a Council Chairman bereft of ideas.

Ekpoudom in a statement said, although he was not surprised with the position allege by Uduot Jack that he, DIG Ekpoudom, rtd has been insulting the Governor, he posited that the Etim Ekpo Council boss has gone totally lost, and had to make the claims thinking it would fetch him a second term as the chairman of council, maintaining also that Uduot Jack lacks character, and is morally bankrupt and intellectually hopeless.

Mkpat Enin PDP backs zoning * Otobong Ndem favoured

The Peoples Democratic Party in  Mkpat Enin Local Government Area says they are not going back on the zoning principles that have kept the region together right from time. They have however warned that any person that is not from IKPA Ibom Clan should desist from contesting the House of Assembly position for the area as such person will not be given the support by the Party.

In a position statement signed by twenty two of the Party officers including chapter officers and ward chairmen, the party went down memory lane positing that Mkpat Enin has four clans namely;

2015 AKHA Race: Princess Felicia Bassey gets massive endorsement

In apparent response to the intense pressure piled up on the Executive Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area to seek election into the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in 2015, Princess Felicia Bassey has finally yielded to the desire and prayers of her people to represent them in the State House of Assembly in 2015. 

Consequently, Princess Bassey at the weekend, embarked on a wide consultation of relevant stakeholders, PDP stalwarts, youth leaders, women groups, among others, to express her willingness and acceptance of their yearnings to vie for the Okobo State Constituency seat in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in 2015.

WMU, Malmo and MAN, Oron partnership on course – Rector

World Maritime University, WMU continues to hold sway as the apex global institution in matters bordering on Maritime Education and Training (MET). It is an enviable status WMU has upheld and cherished for many decades. Renowned for its international re-engineering and the integration of maritime professional ideas, views and opinions across various cultures of the world, WMU has become like the final bus stop in MET for sector technocrats and professionals the world over. 

Also, affiliation with WMU is a highly respected and responsible channel of sector manpower development. Not many Maritime institutions are affiliated to the WMU due mainly to its high standard of self-auditing and efficient service delivery index. Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron has the enviable record of being Nigeria’s first, most reliable and most recognised Maritime training institution to date and has in the past one year been on its toes as no effort is spared in its pursuit of realisable collaboration with the WMU.

Sustaining superior performance: My vision and mission as the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State - Udom Emmanuel

My fellow citizens of  AkwaIbom State, I stand  here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have collectively bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our predecessors, and looking forward to a brighter tomorrow for our dear God-given land- Akwa Abasi Ibom State.

AKWA IBOM STATE IN RETROSPECT
The past (8) years has witnessed an unprecedented wave of infrastructural development in Akwa Ibom State, under the leadership of the uncommon transformer, His Excellency Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON.

The State has been transformed from the pedestrian destination that nobody ever considered visiting, to a must-see wonder of infrastructure development, a prized destination, an economic hub and recreational get-away.

Ekere: I’ll take A’Ibom to greater heights

Nsima Ekere is a former deputy governor and leading governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State. In this interview with newsmen, he talks about his agenda and other issues.

There is a long list of aspirants queuing up  to take over from Governor Akpabio. Why should the PDP go for Nsima Ekere?
What Akwa Ibom needs right now is a governor with the right temperament, the right focus and the experience to build on what we have on the ground today. I have a private sector background. I came into government as a professional, and when I came in, I had a privilege of being chairman of the Akwa Ibom Investment and Industrial Promotion Council. That is the private sector arm of Akwa Ibom State Government. It deals with the private sector interest of the government. I was also chairman of the Ibom Power Company, the independent power project that we were developing at a time, but which has been completed and commissioned. Then, I sat on the board of several companies that government has interest in. I was also the one that designed the framework for the industrialization programme of government. Now, from that perspective, I was able to experience, firsthand, how bureaucracy hinders the translation of private sector objectives into reality in a government setting. Now, from there, I now got into core governance as deputy governor. From the experience that I’ve had, both from the private sector and running the government, nobody else from the whole pack that has this kind of experience and exposure.

Udoedehe picks APC forms

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

Senator John Udoedehe of the All Progressive Congress (APC), in Akwa Ibom State has on Monday picked the party’s nomination form with a pledge of addressing unemployment in the state if elected the governor come 2015.

Udoedehe, who also picked the expression of interest form at the APC state secretariat, Atiku Abubakar in Uyo, said he will also focus on transformation of the rural areas, industrialization and human empowerment.

Samuel Effanga submits nomination form * Promises effective representation

Former commissioner for Science and Technology  and the leading aspirant for Uyo federal Constituency position Mr. Samuel Effanga yesterday submitted his PDP nomination form duly signed and completed by relevant stakeholders of the federal constituency. Submitting his form at the PDP state secretariat the Uyo political icon reiterated his determination to ensure that he delivers effective representation to the people of his constituency.

He said, I am in this race because I want to make my people of Uyo federal constituency enjoy effective representation. I am aware of the problems and peculiar challenges facing the people of my federal constituency and I am going to rise up to it. Effanga who was accompanied by key players of his campaign train and other stakeholders of the party arrived the PDP secretariat in the afternoon and after a brief formality, he submitted his form to the excitement of his team of dedicated supporters. 

Arc. Nya Etok rates Akpabio, says I am not setting a platform to fight government

A frontline Housing Development consultant  and the president of Kingdom Project Initiative, Arc.  Ezekiel Nya Etok over the weekend distanced himself from the speculations making the rounds that he is setting a platform to attack the state government as the 2015 general elections approaches.

According to Nya Etok, “Now, when I said that no one will emerge as the governor of this state that will not pass through my fire, you really needed to understand what I was talking about. That sounded a little hard. I know people might have started saying, who’s he? What does he think he is? It could also sound boastful and arrogant. But I’m happy that from the media report, I wasn’t quoted out of context and nobody had queried me about that position.

Latest Edition oTHE INK NEWSPAPER,Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Udom’s declaration: A rally of honour

BY ISAIAH ABIA

When God decides to honour a man after  His heart even his enemy have no option that to bow to God’s decision(Esther 6v7-14). According to the story Mordecai was honored as prescribed by Haman (evil enemy of the Jews)but Haman suffered humiliation and dead(Esther 7v9-10).

The transition in Akwa Ibom State has God’s hand in it, we should only pray for a divine guidance for no man born of a woman can stop the will of God. “For I know that the Lord is great and our Lord is above all gods. Whatsoever the Lord pleased that he did in heaven, and in earth in the seas and all the deep places”. 

Sustaining the intercourse with the hope-carrier

BY OTOBONG SAMPSON

History is both teleological and cyclical. The narrative of a society either evolves or repeats itself. With regards to the second term expedition of Elder Aniekan Akpan, it is teleological – albeit one waiting to evolve. 

Observers, even the passive ones of the representation formula of the cerebral yet self-effacing lawmaker would agree with this assertion. In every decent society where character and performance should be the decider in who wins the peoples trust, there would not arise a desperate bid by few to subvert a near-unanimous agreement. And Ukanafun is a decent society. 

In flipping through pages of history, there comes a time when old expedients as it were, can no longer serve its purpose and thus become unworkable and change sweeps through society and humanity consequently takes a leap forward. At such a time, there is absolute need to modify expedient so as not to stunt progress. For Ukanafun, society and moment have met.

Fallout of Udom’s declaration in Uyo: ACA Office attacked * We where under financial pressure - Uwanta

While the immediate past secretary to the state Government must have been fanning himself in excitement over what many, his supporters would describe as an unprecedented turn out at his declaration two days ago, all did not end well afterall. Apart from the bickering that leaders of different groups submerged into the Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance, ACA posited, it was noticed by political analysts that over 80% of the crowd at the Uyo township stadium were hired.

Our reporter who monitored the exercise reports that it was a ceremony of government and not that of the people like in every political declaration. But the organizers of the event did not actually cover their ass well, said a source. When the event ended at the later hours of the evening, those who were brought in from different villages across the Local Government Areas of the state were shortchanged. 

Massive endorsement: Students backs Aniefiok Dennis for Etinan State Constituency

Students under the ageis of National Association of Etinan Local Government Area last Monday massively threw their weight of support behind the leading PDP aspirant for the position of member Etinan State constituency in the forthcoming PDP nomination exercise. 

The event which attracted students leaders and stakeholders of Etinan origin from all institutions of higher learning in the country took place at Emrossy Hotel located at Shelter Afrique Estate in Uyo. Led by their Worldwide President comrade Okuobong Amos Ufot, the students described Aniefiok Dennis as a leader and man of character and integrity who has all it takes to give the people of Etinan State constituency a befitting and effective representation.

They opined that since the world needs people of courage, integrity and foresight, they cannot afford to sit on the fence but to join hands in making sure that Dennis emerges the next House of Assembly member for Etinan state constituency.

Let’s hit the airwaves

BY SAMUEL UFOT EKEKERE

Thank God for technological advancement. If you are born in this age, understanding the difference between then (the days of our ancestors) and now could be so great a challenge. That time, you had no right to your own entertainment except you were king and news was carried by one ragged man who was second to the king only in attracting attention. If you missed the news, you either had to go ask your neighbor or wait for the gossips that followed the news. You dare not miss festivals, else you missed a chance too few to listen to good music and be entertained.

Times have changed. Our dispensation has seen unparalleled development with music now hitting us feverishly. We get the news at our fingertips, entertain ourselves from the comfort of our living room with super high definition screens and these days we can get to watch in three dimension and we are not stopping there. 

In these season of anomie

BY KENNETH JUDE

Why are some folks adamantly bent on dragging us back to that dark era where hooliganism, political thuggery and inimical but unwanted onslaughts reigned supreme? Are we so pig-headed that the need to build a virile society where democratic norms and principles are the hallmarks has been lost on us? What really are we turning into at times like now? Why do we take so much delight in instigating needless violence, fomenting trouble and engaging in conducts that fuel disunity and hatred?

Seasoned writers, analysts and commentators alike have at different times harped on the need for us to uphold the tenets of democracy so that our long cherished unity and love that have been threatened to its very foundations by political expediency and other interest would be restored, yet some chaps see no wisdom in turning a new leaf. They are still living in the old order. They detest change. They are the proverbial wolfs in sheep clothing that employ the services of hungry and demented young men to perpetuate evil and vile against humanity. They abhor what is right but promote acts that are geared towards the breakdown of law and order in a given society. Isn’t it said that putting off the candle of another won’t make yours shine brightest? What benefits are derivable from bringing down the character of another or casting vitriolic aspersions on them?

“Prayer is the solution to insecurity in Nigeria” - Venerable John Uzoma

As the Nigerian Army engages the Boko Haram insurgents in some parts of the North for a return of peace in the country, a renowned cleric in Akwa Ibom State, Venerable John Uzoma, Arch Deacon of the Eket Anglican Communion has given prayer as the only solution to insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking in his office in Eket on Thursday, the Vicar St. Michael and All Angels Church said “whatever we see on earth has a spiritual beginning and the insecurity witnessed today in the form of terrorism which we call Boko Haram, has its roots in the spiritual realm. Only prayers can dislodge the power behind the sect”.

Ex-SSG’s declaration: What Udom told Akwa Ibom people

BY JOSEPH OKON

Business and other activities in Akwa Ibom state last Tuesday was at a standstill as the people of the state abandoned their businesses and other engagements, and trooped out massively from the 31 Local Government Areas to Uyo township stadium to witness the formal declaration of intent by the immediate past Secretary to the state Government, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel to heed the plead by Akwa Ibom people and contest the 2015 governorship election in the state.

The declaration witnessed a mammoth and unprecedented crowd of supporters who voluntarily trooped out in their thousands to witness their most preferred candidate for the top job of the state popularly called “Mr Right” as he delivered what can best be describe as the message of hope and a better future to Akwa Ibom people.

Ita Udoh’s ambition and his acceptability in Eket Federal Constituency

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

It is no longer news that the former commissioner for culture and tourism, Hon.  (Pastor) Ita Udoh had indicated interest to contest the governorship election come 2015 in Akwa Ibom State.

Ita Udoh had made known his intention to THE INK about two months ago during a chat with him at the Ibom International Airport immediately he returned from Abuja on an official assignment.

Revealed: How COMANCLEM died

* Pastor Monday Akpan appointed Caretaker MD 

 

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

Fresh facts have emerged on how the inventor of the anti-corrosive special paints and the MD/CEO of COMANCLEM Nigeria Limited, Late Professor Clement John Uwemedimo died.

A very close family source informed THE INK that about two weeks to the demise of the Late Professor Uwemedimo, he was being driven to the village by one of his drivers, our source said while going, the late professor asked the driver to stop.

Afigh Iwaad Ekid condemns attack on Helen Esuene

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

Afigh Iwaad Ekid, an apex socio-cultural  group for the people of Eket Federal Constituency, has condemned in strong terms the unwarranted attack on Senator Helen Esuene who was recently attacked by Essien Udim youths during her governorship consultation to the area.

In a statement issued by the chairman, Care-taker Committee of Afigh Iwaad Ekid, Obong Iwaad Victor Assam, and made available to THE INK the group noted that though Afigh Iwaad Ekid is not a political group, it stands its grounds as one of its constitutional responsibilities to protect the well being of all its aspirants from Eket Federal Constituency, hence the protest.

OBA did not beg Akpabio, says Daniel Udoh

A frontline Chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in AkwaIbom State,Mr. Daniel Udoh has dismissed in strong terms a report in a local tabloid that the leading Governorship hopeful in the state, Obong Bassey Albert Akpan had begged Governor Akpabio to succeed him.  

Mr Daniel Udoh who is the Technical and Political Adviser to the Akwa Ubok Abasi Project 2015 Campaign Organisation, the campaign train driving the vision to actualize the emergence of OBA as the next AkwaIbom State Governor by May 29,2015 dismissed the publication as unfortunate, baseless in content and highly misleading. 

O. J Adiakpan consults party, picks nomination form

A leading contender for the 2015 Akwa  Ibom top job, Owoidegheabasi Jacob Adiakpan has consulted the peoples Democratic Party over his ambition to become governor come may 29, 2014.

Adiakpan who was accompanied by thousands of supporters made up of party faithfuls, women groups, youths, professionals, members of the clergy etc.

Akpabio proposes 492billion naira budget

A total of N492 billion draft budget for 2015 fiscal year has been proposed and forwarded to Akwa Ibom House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

The amount which was against N498.5 billion for 2014, showed that Capital Expenditure is given N268 billion against N336 billion for last year while Recurrent Expenditure has N94.7 billion against N74.2 billion for last year.

The Commissioner for Finance, Akan Okon, who announced this Tuesday at the executive chambers of Governor’s Office, Uyo to Government House correspondents, said members of the state Executive Council presided over by the state Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, had  approved the draft budget.

Latest Edition of THE INK NEWSPAPER, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Guber 2015: Controversy trails Nduese Essien’s adoption of Udom – Stakeholders reject imposition

The purported adoption of Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel by Chief Nduese Essien and a few others on Tuesday at Eket Stadium as sole candidate for the 2015 gubernatorial race in Akwa Ibom State has further exacerbated the already mangled political situation of Eket Federal Constituency and the Senatorial District at large.

Mr. Udom Emmanuel, present secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government (SSG) was on Tuesday October 14, 2014 given a reception at Eket Stadium but the event became a campaign ground which culminated into a mockery adoption of the celebrant by Chief Nduese Essien, chairman of the event.

Major stakeholders and some Chieftains of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Eket Federal Constituency have kicked against the action of Nduese Essien, describing it as a betrayal of trust, selfishness and on act of imposition against the tenets of democracy.

Ibeno Monarch receives commendation from youths

The Paramount Ruler of  Ibeno Local Government Area, HRM Owong Effiong B. Archianga has been commended by the youths of the area for the prevailing peace in the community and for his inclusive rulership.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, the Obong Mkparawa I of Ibeno, Obong Friday Ebong, said the monarch has brought peace and unity among the people of Ibeno through his open administration, truth and the fear of God.

The Youth Leader spoke to Newsmen at Mkpanak on Monday when the leadership of Ibeno Youth Assembly paid him a courtesy call in his skill acquisition centre located along QIT Road, Ibeno.

Mbo, Udung Uko, Oron embrace Esuene

Senator Helen Esuene was on Friday October 10, 2014 warmly received by the people of Mbo, Udung Uko and Oron Local Government Areas during her second lap consultation of the people of the state prelude to the November 29, P.D.P Gubernatorial Primary.

Addressing the mammoth crowd at Mbo, Senator Esuene said she was aware of the problems of the area and has come to assure the people that if elected as Governor of the state come 2015, she will prioritize Mbo during her first one year in office, in terms of overall development.

She canvassed for support during the party primary while mentioning some of the projects she has attracted to the area as a Senator including job opportunities and scholarship for students of Mbo.

Group blasts commissioner on zoning in Ibiono Ibom

A group of professionals and businessmen from Ibiono Ibom-Network for democracy and development has condemned the purported attempt by the commissioner for rural development, Engr. Ignatius Edet to unilaterally zone the chairmanship and House of Assembly positions in Ibiono Ibom without regards to the collective desire of the Ibiono Ibom people. Arising from an emergency meeting yesterday, in Uyo,the chairman of the group, Engr. Ekanem Ofonime observed with dismay the undemocratic action of the commissioner which he noted was capable of generating bad blood among peace loving and well meaning Ibiono Ibom people. 

The group condemned the commissioner’s  action as, “an act of arrogance and usurpation of powers” , and called on well meaning people of Ibiono Ibom and the public to jettison such,  ”Undemocratic act by a power drunk and self seeking individual who was yet to give account of his stewardship to the Ibiono Ibom people since his appointment as a commissioner”.  

Eket Fed. Const. polls: Ibeno youths adopt Ekah Effiong

 The youths of Ibeno  Local Government Area under the aegis of “Ibeno Democratic Youths Vanguard” has adopted a business guru from the area, Mr. Ekah Effiong to contest for the House of Representative election under the Peoples Democratic Party come 2015.

The group made their position known in a press release signed by its National Co-ordinator, Obong Friday Ebong and Secretary Afaiko Etim Secretary on Saturday at Mkpanak, Ibeno Local Government Area.

IDYV said Mr. Effiong has over the years endeared himself into the hearts of the youths and people of Ibeno and Eket Federal Constituency through his personal contribution to the development of the area.

I will be senator by 2015, says Ekperikpe Ekpo

A former member of  House of representative, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Luke Ekpo says the people of ikot Ekpene district will vote massively for him in the coming PDP primaries because it is the turn of his Abak federal Constituency to produce a senator for the senatorial District.

Ekperikpe Ekpo , a former Chairman of Ika Local Government Council of Akwa ibom state who represented Abak federal Constituency between 2007 and 2011 told journalists after consulting with his Kinsmen on his ambition that the God of Justice will prevail on his behalf.

 According to him, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District has long history of rotation on the issue of representation in the senate,

“The Abak division has two federal constituency while the Ikot Ekpene division has two federal constituencies.

Ibeno residents decry leakage of ExxonMobil septic tank in Akwa Ibom

Residents of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom have decried the leakage of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), a Subsidiary of ExxonMobil septic tank in the process area of the company.
The people made their separate views in an interview with the newsmen in Ibeno on Friday, saying that the development had caused hardship to the people of the community.

The people said that the waste from the crude oil from Mobil septic tank had killed ecological system in the areas including the fishes, aquatic and other sea birds in the high sea.

Mr Victor Akpan, a fisherman in Ibeno, described the situation as “Worrisome and unfortunate’’, saying that the leakage of the company’s septic tank had destroyed the ecosystem of the community.

Ekpoudom shot

 Ekemini Ekpoudom, personal aide to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Ekpoudom rtd, was last Friday lucky to have escaped being killed by the bullets of men suspected to be hired assassins who shot directly at him in order to terminate his life. The victim was however not lucky to have escaped without bullets into his leg.

The event which is one of the series of politically motivated attacks on persons occurred at the NNPC filling station along Ediene Abak at about 7:30pm. The filling station is said to belong to DIG Ekpoudom, rtd.

THE INK understands that Ekemini Ekpoudom an Inspector of Police was on errand for the retired DIG and had hardly finish his assignment there when men of the underworld who purposely went for him decided to open fire on their victim. Sensing danger Ekemini who was still inside his car a 504 salon car had raised very serious alarm which all fell on deaf ears as the assailants continued raining bullets at his direction as well as straight at the car causing serious body harm and terrible damage to the vehicle.