February 2015 ~ Welcome to the Official Blog of THE INK Newspaper- Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Thursday, 19 February 2015

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

ABAK KIDNAP SAGA: The untold story of why the plot was hatched, executed

Some incredible revelations have continued to pour in why the wife of the village head of Ikot Ekiduk, Mrs. Grace Sylvester Etokudo was kidnapped and subsequently released.

Our sources disclosed that she was kidnapped when she was back from a Church programme in the area by some gun – wielding men from the pit of hell. The source also revealed that the sum of sixty million naira (N60m) was placed as ransom, adding that if they did not have the money they should contact Dr. Nkereuwem Etokudo to help them. However, the abductors seem to have built castles in the air as security operatives went to rescue her about a week without paying a dime. She was rescued at the compound of Aniedi Ezekiel Ibanga at Afaha Ikot Inyang in Ukanafun L.G.A. The Village is close to Abak (Ikot Edong Village) and Oruk Anam Villages.

Of Unoma's goof and PDP's survival battle

Hardly a day passes without one being treated to one bizarre news item or the other. Of course, at a time like this, one just has to brace up for anything and everything. Political seasons often come with its peculiar events. Some are simply nightmarish; others are weird while, there are ones that leaves you wondering if Armageddon is just some whiskers away. Daily, we are served a cocktail of menu; the ones we expect and those we loathe with passion. To save your head, you dare not talk. Just be content being a keen listener and follower. As a journalist with a clear defined role in the society, mine is to keep my ears to the ground, bring the nosey side of me to the fore and, most times, also eavesdrop on people especially when you are in a season like this.
One will scarcely lack what to write on because wherever you find yourself these days, you are basseted by a dose of stories that catches your fancy.

Eket, Esit Eket decries marginalization of democratic dividends

Some Residents of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom have decried marginalization of democratic dividends in spite the huge resources tapped from the area.

The people made the recommendation during the inauguration ceremony of Sen. Helen Esuene Governorship unit campaign team under Labour Party (LP) in Etebi, Esit Eket on Tuesday.

The people lamented that since the creation of Akwa Ibom 27 years ago there is no single project the areas has benefited from successive governments.
They said even the dualisation of the Eket-Etinan road was a flash in the pan to deceive the Eket people as the project had since been abandoned.

Eket Apex Group adopts Udom Emmanuel as sole guber candidate

The People of Eket Federal Constituency under the aegis of Ekid Peoples Union have endorsed and declared Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as their sole candidate in the Akwa Ibom State 2015 Governorship race.

The apex socio-cultural organization of Eket Federal Constituency said it has studied carefully and compared the manifesto of the PDP gubernatorial candidate with those of other contenders, and concluded that his programmes are the best for Akwa Ibom State.

Group calls for reappointment of MAN’s Rector

A youth group in Akwa Ibom, the Oro Patriotic Movement, has called reappointment of the Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Mr Joshua Okpo.

Speaking with newsmen in Oron local government area of the state, the Oro Patriotic Movement leader, Mr Clinson Emene, said that given his performance, the rector deserved reappointment.

He said that Okpo’s administration, which tenure expires this June, had witnessed tremendous transformation of the academy.

BY JOE INIODU

The ownership of APC, the major opposition Party in Nigeria is no longer debatable. Its metamorphosis from Alliance for Democracy, AD, when it was jointly owned by Yoruba people to Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN when it became Tinubu’s investment to All Progressive Congress, APC that he is currently the sole proprietor, depicts a business concern with profit as the sole motive. And the target is the wealth of the South-South which is oil. It is the oil wealth that he is plotting to use APC as a platform to control if the latter wins the presidency.

The action of Asinaju Bola Tinubu should not be a surprise to those who have followed Nigeria ’s political history. The Yorubas as a race have always undermined the rest of the country. They have innate arrogance and believe that they are a superior race. During the days of Northern and Southern protectorates, they exhibited this complex in their dealings with other sections of the South. When Calabar was made the capital of Nigeria by the colonial masters, the Yorubas using their famed advantages, employed all kinds of subtleties and subterfuges to have the capital relocated to their enclave in Lagos . We lost that and still trusted and maintained them as allies.

BY OTOBONG SAMPSON

I can still remember though with obscured memory the day Godwin Ntukude was confirmed a member of the State Executive Council, precisely as a commissioner. With his bulky and wieldy body frame, he entered into the chamber of the state parliament with trudging steps. He was the fourth of the nominees to be cleared – the newly “ordained” ones who had obtained favour in the eyes of the governor – who now has matured into a full-fledged emperor. “So finally, his loquaciousness has found him a job in the political circle” …I had soliloquized as I watched the guy characteristically embark on a narrative voyage of self-grandeur on why he should be confirmed for the appointment. Delusions of grandeur, I should perhaps add. A well known character, it was only a settler who didn’t know Ntukude’s appointment owed solely to his unmatched obsequious flattery and not whatever academic qualifications he has obtained.

Good hygiene: A means of preventing disease

BY NKEREUWEM VICTOR

Maintaining personal hygiene is necessary for many reasons; personal, social, health, psychological or simply as a way of life. Keeping a good standard of hygiene helps to prevent the development and spread of infections, illness and bad odours. Most people are very conscious of personal hygiene because, we are taught of the importance of hygiene from early age, it is considered a way of making ourselves more attractive to the opposite sex, it is off-putting to our friends and colleagues if we smell unpleasant, and also we are aware of health problems that can develop as a result of poor personal hygiene.

Ujo Afaha Obong President drums support for PDP candidates

The National President of Ujo Afaha Obong in Abak local government area, Brig. Gen. Godwin Afangideh (Rtd) has assured that Ujo Afaha Obong and the entire people of Abak will vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and other PDP Candidates during the forth coming election.

Gen. Afangideh who spoke with journalists at Abak recently, explained that since Chief Akpabio has performed exceedingly well, his likely successor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel will continue with the uncommon transformation being witnessed in the state. “I support the PDP Governorship Candidate, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and his Deputy, Ette Moses Ekpo. Moses Ekpo as a seasoned technocrat will be able to join hands with the Governor, Udom Emmanuel, a financial expert to bring about the necessary transformation of the state,” Gen. Afangideh stated.

Akpabio’s opponents are on their own - Gen. Afangideh

With barely few weeks to the general elections, the National Present of Ujo Afaha Obong, Brig. Gen. Godwin Afangideh (Rtd.) has said that those contesting the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District seat with Chief Godswill Akpabio are strictly on their own.

Gen. Afangideh who spoke with journalists at Abak recently, explained that Ujo Afaha Obong and the entire people of Abak have dissociated themselves from what he described as their selfish ambition. “Those contesting against Chief Godswill Akpabio for the Senatorial Seat are completely on their own as their profiles cannot march that of His Excellency,” Gen. Afangideh stated.

Ujo Afaha Obong President drums support for PDP candidates

New projects due for inauguration, March - Akpabio

Some of the key projects initiated by the Governor Godswill Akpabio administration of Akwa Ibom State are to be inaugurated in March, this year.

Governor Akpabio, who stated this Monday at the PDP Governorship Rally at Abat in Onna Local Government Area said, “The Ibom International Specialist Hospital will be commissioned in March before the presidential election. We will perform a major operation and heart-surgery there. Let me invite you to join us as we commission two new hotels in the month of March, the Uyo Hiltons Hotel and Sheraton by four Points in Ikot Ekpene.

2015: OBA, Enyong, Etim storm Uruan -Get massive welcome

Ahead of the recently shifted general elections in the country, the trio of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard bearers from Uyo Senatorial District: Obong Bassey Albert Akpan, Engr. Michael Enyong and Mr. Aniekan Bassey Etim, penultimate Thursday, February 5, 2015 stormed the length and breadth of Uruan as part of their electioneering activities in the state.

Addressing the mammoth crowd during the august event, which kicked off in Northern Uruan and traversed all other political zones of the LGA of Central Uruan, Southern Uruan 1 and Southern Uruan 2, the honourable commissioner for Transport in Akwa Ibom State, Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, assured the candidates of the overwhelming support from the people of the area for them and for all other PDP candidates at the state and national levels ahead of the general polls.

Council Chairmen to empty LGs treasury for Udom

The last may not have been heard of the impending robbery that council Chairmen in the state will soon embark upon against their respective Local Government Area councils. THE INK gathered from authoritative sources that the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area who is also the Leader of Association of Local Government Areas in the state Mr. Nse Ntuen has directed all council Chairmen to ensure that they finger their respective council treasuries in order to raise not less than one billion naira to the PDP candidate Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel ahead of the rescheduled elections billed for April.

THE INK reporter understands that council chairmen are doing this in order for them to secure their positions in the next administration if Udom Emmanuel emerges the Governor after Godswill Akpabio. Our reporter reports that the council Chairmen took the decision during one of their political meetings in ALGON office close to Aqua Resort Hotels in Uyo, the state capital. To this end, council Chairmen where asked to contribute not less than thirty five million naira each to make up the one billion naira target for Udom Emmanuel.
But the plot did not go down without meeting some very stiff opposition from not less than three council Chairmen.

A member of the staff of ALGON informed our reporter that the chairmen of Uyo Ekerette Ekpenyong, that of Eastern Obolo Francis Charles Uduyork and that of Ika Chief Saviour Enyiekere had seriously opposed the move and had cited sincere and honest reasons why their monies should not be deducted for Udom Emmanuel’s campaign. The trio are said to have mentioned to Nse Ntuen and their colleagues that the economic situation in the state is very rough and coupled with the fact that staff of LGs have not been paid, it is not only wrong but outright wickedness for them to be forced to finger their council treasury simply because they want to be seen as supporting the Governorship ambition of the PDP guber candidate Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

They are said to have reasoned that even Udom himself will not see their action as being patriotic but that which is backed up by sentiments, selfishness and sycophantic. Ekpenyong, Enyiekere and Uduyork are said to have informed Nse Ntuen that he will risk their anger if he makes the costly mistake of fingering their treasury as they are not in any way supporting the offer or attempt to offer a billion naira to the PDP guber candidate for campaigns. They are however said to have informed that rather than force council Chairmen to empty their local Government treasury for Udom Emmanuel, they as individuals can donate within their means to the campaign trend of the PDP guber candidate without being coerced to do so.

Meanwhile, there are fears that if the council Chairmen led by Nse Ntuen succeed in emptying the council treasury for Udom, then the incoming LG administration will have a long way to go as they will be grappling with so much debt burden that may likely be kept for them by the outgoing administration. As at press time, the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area would not comment on his action of asking council Chairman to empty their LG treasuries for Udom Emmanuel’s campaign. Nse Ntuen did not reply to a text message sent to his mobile phone number.

2015: Udom, Umana, ors sign Peace Accord

BY GODWIN SAM

The governorship candidates of all the political parties seeking election in Akwa Ibom State, along with their running mates and other office seekers have signed a Peace Accord with the Nigeria Police, Akwa Ibom State thereby promising to abide by the rules before, during and after the general elections coming up next month.

The Assistant Inspector General of police in charge of Zone 6 Police Headquarters, Calabar, AIG Tunde Ogunsakin speaking at the occasion said that the Peace Accord signing ceremony was organize by his command to make sure that political parties, stakeholders, and political actors play the game by the rule. He warned that the Nigeria Police Force under his command would not hesitate to bring offenders of electoral laws to face the full weight of the law as there shall be no sacred cows in the discharge of their duties, because according to him “the law is no respecter of anybody, no matter how highly placed.”

PDP Rally: Mkpat Enin defies rain to welcome Udom Emmanuel

The last lap of the campaign Rallies of the People Democratic Party (PDP) took place at the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State with Stakeholder calling on the government to appoint one of their sons as vice-Chancellor of the State-owned University of Technology.

Speaking on behalf of Mkpat Enin people, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe Thanked the governor, Godwill Akpabio, for appointing her to the exalted position and for also sitting the state University in her locality.

Breaking News- AKBC to play opposition adverts, ors

Hence forth the state owned Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, AKBC both the radio and television service will be airing the jingles of Obong Umana Okon Umana and that of other opposition candidates and parties in the state. THE INK can report on grounds of authority. This follows a petition sent to the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC by Senator Ita Solomon Enang where the Uyo Senator complained that the state owned stations have not given a fair attention to other candidates in the state.

One Family assures Moses Ekpo of 100 percent votes

A leading Socio-Cultural Organization in Otoro Clan in Abak local government area, One Family has assured the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate of a 100 percent votes for all the PDP Candidates during the forth-coming election.

The Leader of the One Family, Prince Francis Umoh who spoke with journalists at Abak after meeting with Mr. Moses Ekpo, described the choice of Udom Emmanuel and Mr. Moses Ekpo as the best for Akwa Ibom State.

New Permanent Secretaries urged to imbibe sacrificial spirit

Permanent Secretary In The Service Of Akwa Ibom State Government - Oliver Udoukpo flanked by the Editor-In-Chief Of Pioneer Newspapers - Udo Silas and Executive Chairman of EARCOM - Mrs Christy Obot.

New Permanent Secretaries in Akwa Ibom State have been implored to imbibe the uncommon sacrificial spirit of his administration and continue to serve their fatherland with absolute determination.

Governor Godswill Akpabio, who gave the charge Tuesday during the swearing in of two newly appointed permanent secretaries in the state at the Governor’s Office, Uyo, remarked, “Your elevation is indeed a call to higher service, but it places a demand on you because ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’. You are expected, therefore, to imbibe the uncommon sacrificial spirit of this administration and continue to serve our fatherland with absolute determination.

There is no fraud in Ikot Ekpene — Gloria Useh

The Chairman Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Obonganwan Gloria Useh has described recent publication by some local tabloids in the state that she was arrested by some policemen attached to the Zone 6 Police Command on fraud related offenses as baseless and a figment of the imagination of the authors.

The Council boss stated this in Uyo yesterday while exchanging views with newsmen. Useh maintained that neither the Zone 6 Police Command nor any other agency is investigating any fraud case in the council. She attributed the false and misleading reports to mischief makers and paid agents of blackmail.

Martha Udom Emmanuel: Ready to set agenda for women development in A’Ibom

BY JOSEPH OKON

As the present administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio and Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio will come to an end by May 29, 2015, the awaiting administration of Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel is warming up to take over from the incumbent administration.

For the incoming administration of Mr Udom Emmanuel as the executive governor of Akwa Ibom State and wife, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel as the First Lady of the state, one significant thing about the incoming administration from May 29 is likely to be the major focus of the incoming First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel on women development, advancement and promotion of the girl child, and other children as the mother of the state.

All is now set for the grand reception of the PDP standard flag bearer for the Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal constituency, Rt. Hon Charles Uduyok by Students under the aegis of Francis Charles Uduyok Students Ambassadors (FCUSA) tomorrow, Friday.

According to the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Victor Ufot, all arrangements and logistics have been concluded to receive the House of Representatives hopeful whom he described as “the sole choice of the Students of Ikot Abasi federal constituency”.

Bishop Ayah to clerics: Stay off partisan politics * Calls for prayers as Lent begins

BY KENNETH JUDE

Catholics all over the world marked Ash Wednesday yesterday in grand style. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a forty-day season of fasting and prayer in preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter. For Catholics, it’s a season of reunion with God and a time to be more considerate to one another by giving and also another opportunity to rediscover the essence of Christian living while reflecting soberly on the sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ on His way to dying for our sins.

At various parishes, parishioners were administered ashes on their foreheads which signify that they are dust and to dust they shall return. At Christ the King Cathedral, Uyo the Local Ordinary of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. John Ebebe Ayah, in his homily, charged the faithful to be steadfast and committed to their Christian calling. He urged them to use the season to extend a hand of fellowship to one another by way of almsgiving, forgiveness and reconciliation. He urged all to pray for the nation especially in this season of transition.

WUEE sensitize A’Ibom people on Electoral participation

As the preparation for the 2015 general elections gathered momentum, a non- government Organization, Women United for Economic Empowerment, WUEE, in partnership with Action Aid Nigeria recently organized a week long activity to educate Akwa Ibom people on the need to participate in the electoral processes.

WUEE which mission is to promote women and children rights as well as human development to the rural and urban dwellers through empowerment programmes conducted the voter education workshop in 18 communities covering six Local Government Areas of Ikot Abasi, Abak, Uruan, Nsit Ubium, Ikono and Okobo respectively.

League of Publishers have not endorsed any candidate – Uko Umoh

The attention of the League of News paper publishers in Akwa Ibom state has been drawn to a misleading and false news story circulating on the internet to the effect that the body has thrown its weight behind the governorship ambition of Obong Umana Okon Umana.

The story is only a fabrication by some faceless gang of misguided media goons with the intention of tarnishing the image of the body, the leadership of the body has said.
The League has therefore dissociated itself in totality from the said story.

A statement from the office of the Chairman of the body, Mr. Uko Umoh who is the publisher of Community Pulse Newspapers indicate that the body is made up of independent publishers who are at liberty to individually support any candidate of their choice without necessarily using the name of the body.

Udom Emmanuel does not need to campaign in Abak - Godwin Norbert

A former Supervisor for Education Youths and Sports in Abak Local Government area, Hon. Godwin Norbert Okon has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel does not need to campaign in Abak local government area as he has already been assured of a 100 percent votes during the forth coming election.

Hon. Godwin Okon who spoke with Journalists at Abak after the PDP Governorship campaign rally to the area, described the event as a home coming for the governorship hopeful. “The rally was to us a jamboree because Mr. Udom Emmanuel does not need to campaign in Abak. The rally was a home coming for our incoming Governor and his running mate, our illustrious Son, Mr. Moses Ekpo. We have already assured them of a 100 percent votes during the forthcoming election. The rally was an expression of Abak People on the choice of our father and brother as the Deputy Governor candidate.

Ikot Afaha inaugurates Village/Youth councils, vows to vote PDP

It was a memorable day in the history of Ikot Afaha Village in Abak local government area when a new executive of the Village Council, the Women Council and the Youth Council were inaugurated.

The event which took place at the Village Hall, started with a Solemn Assembly which was attended by the Village Head, Obong Emmanuel Thompson Ekpo and wife, Elders, women and youths.

In his homely, Pastor Sylvester Edet Asuquo of the Wide World Prayer and Healing Mission who spoke on the topic “Walk in Blameless” commended the people of the village for their wisdom to hand over the new executives to pilot the affairs of the village into the hand of God for guidance and protection.

Unity Congress vows to deliver PDP … Donates Bible, posters to Moses Ekpo

A leading socio-political organization in Abak Local government area, Unity Congress has promised to mobilize the electorates to give 100 percent votes to the Peoples Democratic Part (PDP) at all levels during the forth-coming general elections.

Presenting his address during a Courtesy Visit on the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Mr. Moses Ekpo over the weekend, the Chairman, Unity Congress Abak, Elder Friday Archibong congratulated the Pioneer Commissioner for Information in the State on his nomination as the Deputy Governorship Candidate, describing it as meritorious and well-deserved.

Akwa United unveils new coach - Coach Baraje

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The new Technical Adviser of Akwa United Football Club, Coach Zakari Baraje has been officially unveiled.

Presenting Coach Baraje before the fans and members of the press on Monday at the Uyo township stadium, the Chairman of Akwa United Management, Obong Isong Isang said it was necessary for the supporters of the team as well as the entire Akwa Ibom people to know the new Technical Adviser before the team move to camp in preparation of the new football season that is starting few weeks from now. “It was important to let supporters know the new Technical Adviser, because the team is moving to camp today and we felt it will not be right if you people do not know him, because you people are partners in this business.”

Everbright Football Club of Eka Uruk Eshiet, Etim Ekpo local government area has won the maiden edition of Football Lovers Group One Day Football Tournament.

Everbright Football Club defeated Young Drivers Football Club of Ikpe Ikot Akwa by 4 – 0 to lift the giant trophy and fantastic cash prize.

The first half of the match which was watch by a full capacity crowd at Primary School, Ikpe Ikot Akwa saw Everbright scoring three unreplied goals.

Selection of players should be on merit, not sentiment - Blaise Umoh

A Physical Education Instructor in the State, Mr. Blaise Umoh has advised the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation and National Team Coaches that selection of players into various national teams should be on merit, but not on sentiment.

Mr. Umoh who spoke with journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital after watching the final match of the 2015 African Cup of Nations won by Cote D’Ivoire, expressed happiness that the final match lived up to expectation.

The retired school Headmaster congratulated Ivory Coast on the victory of the Elephant, stressing that their Captain, Yaya Toure deserved the Award recently conferred on him as African Footballer of the Year.
He described one of the goals scored by the Man City Midfielder as the best goal of the tournament.

Female football should be encouraged - Dr. Enang

A renowned Sports Administrator in the State, Dr. Idorenyin Enang has made a case for the encouragement of female football in the state.

Dr. Enang who is the Proprietor, Victory Football Club of Abak expressed the hope that if proper attention is given to female football, the state will soon produce female players in the National teams.

The Medical Practitioner who spoke with journalists in Uyo, regretted a situation where the state relies on only Ibom Angels Football Club, pointing out that Female Football Competitions should be introduced to help discover talents at the grassroot.

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

Prince Akpabio insults Udom Emmanuel

The nephew of the state Chief Executive Prince Ukpong Akpabio has been alleged to have rained abuses and insults on the PDP gubernatorial candidate Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel. Sources who were privy to the incidence hinted our reporter that the action of Prince Akpabio was enough to portray that if Udom emerges the Governor and some members of Akpabio’s family are not checked, then the Onna born banker cum politician would be hijacked for the interest of a selfish few.

Our reporter understands that Prince Akpabio even went as far as saying “who is Udom Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom politics.” He is said to have also queried why Udom is already seeing himself as the Governor amongst other unprinted manner of words.

NUJ Chairman appoints new Personal Assistant on Media

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Elder Patrick Albert has appointed a new personal assistant on media.

She is Bassey Asuquo Nkponam of the Akwa Ibom Newspaper Corporation, (AKNC), and a member of the Pioneer Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

With the appointment, which takes effect from Monday, February 9, 2015, Nkponam is to assist in coordinating media activities and publicity involving the office of the chairman of NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council.

Nkponam, who is head, Tourism Desk of the Pioneer Newspaper is married with two children.

PDP Stakeholder decries erosion menace in Oron

As the residents of Oron Metropolis, particularly in Esin Ufot and Iquita Elder Fregene Esin (Otu-Okpono 1) areas continue to groan under the upsurge of erosion menace, a frontline stakeholder of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has sent a passionate appeal to both the State and Federal governments to make it a priority in tackling the phenomenon head-on.

This, he pointed out, could be done through a salient appraisal of the nagging erosion menace in concert with experts studies and recommendation.
Expressing these views in an interview with journalists in Oron, Elder Fregene Emmanuel Esin, a retired Senior Customs Officers, and as an elder of PDP in Oron expressed dismay that the once bubbling Marina area in Oron Town is now a ghost of itself as the menace of gully erosion has destroyed the aesthetics of the coastal community which also makes access to the Customs Barracks in Oron inaccessible.

Access to political power rests with the people

BY PATRICK ALBERT

Early in the year, precisely on Sunday, January 18, 2015, I led Journalists in Akwa Ibom State to Methodist Church Nigeria at Idung Ekaiko, Etebi Circuit in Esit Eket for our 2015 New Year Thanksgiving Service. I still relish every moment of that glorious and historic event.

What is more, I remain very grateful to the leadership of the Methodist establishment in the State for identifying with us at that service. Let me mention in particular the Archbishop, Methodist Archdiocese of Uyo, His Grace, Dr. Emmanuel Udofia, JP, who was well supported by Bishop Edem Offiong, Bishop of Eket Diocese of MCN, Very Rev. (Dr.) Otuekong Ukut, MCN, Uyo Central Circuit, 29 Ekpanya Street, Uyo and of course, the Prelate emeritus, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Mbang,

Thursday, 19 February 2015

Wednesday, 18 February 2015