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

Thursday, 28 May 2015

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

Akpabio sinks APICO

Activities at the Akwa Ibom Property and Investment Company is gradually winding to a halt, top management persons in the company hinted THE INK reporter over the week. Investigations show that the company which is an offshoot of the Cross River State Housing Corporation was established with the sole aim of providing and managing Housing for the people of the state.

APICO, it could be recalled was birthed to answer the questions of Housing Scheme in the state. During the era of Arch Obong Victor Attah, the company was restructured to meet the demands and yearnings of the people of the state in terms of qualitative and affordable Housing Schemes. It was the Obong Atttah era that led to the development and building of one of the most Unique estates in the State, Shelter Afrique, at Mbiabong. This Estate was built in collaboration with Shelter Afrique in Kenya with Arch Ezekiel Nyaetok serving as a consultant who facilitated the work.

Children’s Day: Every child is a seed and must be nurtured to bear the expected fruit – Akpabio

Governor Godswill Akpabio has identified timidity, low self-image and lack of courage as the negative effects of violence against Nigerian children.

Governor Godswill Akpabio, who gave Tuesday during this year’s Children and Youth Day Celebrations on the theme, Violence against children: Addressing the challenges, held at Uyo Township Stadium, remarked, “Such was the lot of the Akwa Ibom Child in the past, as many suffered violence in the cause of serving as house helps in different parts of the country. They were subjected to abuse in spite of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child which provides for every child the inalienable rights to education, and survival, to develop to the fullest, to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation.

According to him, “I consider the theme of this year’s Children’s Day, which is apt and timely. Every child is a seed and must be nurtured to bear the expected fruit. However, research has it that in every country children suffer and experience violence, and this cuts across culture, class, education, tribe and religion. Violence against children may take the form of insults, humiliation, discrimination, neglect and maltreatment - which has devastating consequences on children health, well-being and overall performance. …”

‘The Ibom Multi-Specialist Hospital is an important part of the future of Nigeria’ - Akpabio

Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has inaugurated the last batch of life-touching projects worth billions of naira with a clarion call on the people of the state to emulate selfless service of his administration.
The projects are Ibom Specialist Hospital at Ekritam, Itu Local Government Area, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene and Ikot Ekpene mini-Sports Stadium.

The hospital, which sits on 44,000 square metres in the heart of Uyo metropolitan city, has a 309-bed space expandable to 400, has six theatres, three of which are completely integrated modular theatres and three semi-modular theatres.

Umanah applauds Gov Akpabio on lift of band on employment

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah has applauded the State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio for lifting band on employment into the State Civil Service.

The Commissioner was speaking recently during a one - day orientation seminar organized for newly recruited Information Officers at Entry Point Hotel, Atiku Abubakar Avenue, Uyo.

Mr. Aniekan Umanah said, the lift of band on employment, culminated into the recruitment of over seventy new Information Officers for Ministry of Information and Communications as well as other cadre of Officers including Administrative Officers, Executive Officers and Teachers, among others.
He said with the employment, new blood has been injected into the Civil Service to energize the State service and fill the gaps left open with continuous retirement of old civil servants and commended the State Government on the lift of band on employment.

Port authorizes indicated interest in development of Ibaka Deep Seaport

Seven port authorities in the world have indicated interest to participate in the development of Ibaka Deep Seaport in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Governor Godswill Akpabio, who stated this Monday when elders of Peoples Democratic Party from Oro nation paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo, mentioned Bolorous, a Spanish group among the core investors.
Akpabio, however, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for granting approval for the commencement of Ibaka Deep Seaport and Ibaka Deep Seaport Authority which confers on the port the status of a Free Trade Zone licence that will enable prospective investors to build and pay no tax for five years.

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

Youths from Mbiaobong, Odiok, and Akon villages in Itu Local Government area staged a protest on Monday this week against Raycon Construction Company on what they described as the company’s refusal to meet the terms of their demands signed in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Company and the three host communities.

The protesting youths who erected barricades and placed injunctions at the Company’s gate entry said that for the past eleven years since the Company’s existence in their community, they have failed to include indigenes from the host communities in their employment scheme, pay compensation on environmental pollution, create CLO offices as well as organize in-house trainings for them.

The place of Nsibidi among the Efik people of C.R.State

BY IMOKE E. N.

Nsibidi is a uniquely African form of writing and communication system which originated in the Ejaham people of Cross River State and South Western Cameroon. It is from here that it spread to other places such as Efikland, Igboland, Cubaland etc.

It is a type of non-verbal communication and a graphic writing system which had influenced he cement sculptures of the Ejaham people. This graphic writing system which may be upwards of a thousand years old, consists of pictographs and ideographs based on line drawing, many of which are formed with geometric shape.

BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

The question of leaders being born or made has been asked overtime and the answer has often been subject to a person’s philosophy or belief. For those who belief leaders are born, their position is that leadership is divine and of God hence, anyone with leadership grace can fill any leadership seat without having to acquire any additional knowledge or leadership skills. On the contrary, those of the view that leaders are made stand for the fact that for one to be a leader, such must have undergone series of formal or experiential training in the field of leadership. That is, without training, even a born leader could mis-use leadership opportunities or mis-lead thier followers. Though both schools of thought have a bearing for their position, one truth about leadership is that only those who dare break new grounds compel followers.

AKHA Public Accounts Committee submits 2014 audited report

BY OFONIME UDOTU

The Chairman, Public Accounts Committee in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Aniekan S. Akpan has submitted the report of the audited accounts of the state government for the year 2014to the general house.

The Chairman said that the audited report contains Twenty-two (22) critically analyzed statutory observations and recommendations together with thirty-one (31) unresolved audit queries which were still pending in the various ministries, departments and agencies as at the time of the submission of the report by the state Auditor-General. He disclosed that the related comments and recommendations which were published in two volumes indicate that the financial implications of the unresolved issue amounted to N1,807,972,982.87.

Udom Emmanuel: Mounting the saddle for good governance

BY JOSEPH OKON

It was Rosalynn Carter who said that “a leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but where they ought to be”.

Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, the immediate past Secretary to the State Government and Executive Governor-Elect, Akwa Ibom State, has shown that he is not just a leader, but a great leader that is committed and ready to take Akwa Ibom people from where they are today to where they ought to be, and this has endeared thousands of people in the state who have worked tirelessly and ensure his emergence at the polls.

With this inauguration, another milestone will be reached in the history of Akwa Ibom state as Udom G. Emmanuel formally takes the oath of office as the executive governor of Akwa Ibom State and Mr Moses Ekpo as deputy governor with the mind to sustain the transformation drive of the outgoing administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio, industrialization and unity of Akwa Ibom.

BY AKANIMO KINGSLEY

As President Goodluck Jonathan would often say, “You measure a government’s achievement by comparing what was on ground when it came in, with what is on ground as it leaves,” it is but fair enough to make an attempt on this premise to examine Governor Godswill Akpabio’s scorecard in the sphere of education in Akwa Ibom State since 2007, as it may be viewed in many perspectives.

The story of education in Akwa Ibom is one that beats the imagination of even optimists, who wouldn’t envisage a sharp turn and historic watershed as soon as one year into the administration of the third civilian governor of the state. In one word, the story of the miraculous leap in the education sector of Akwa Ibom in eight years from 2007, can best be described in the Ibibio word as “Akwa” which would signify mighty or great.

A valedictory address by Comrade Ini Ememobong

PROTOCOL

I agree totally with the American poet Henry Longfellow when he said “great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending”. This great journey which commenced on the 1st of July, 2013 must of necessity come to a glorious end on the 29th of May, 2015. At this exit point, it has become instructive that I cause this gathering to hold so that we can give fillip to the Biblical proclamation that, better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof. Only a forum of this nature can offer opportunities for exciting intellectual intercourse, where critical retrospection is juxtaposed with the contemporary, with a view to constructing a desirable future. It is therefore my honour and privilege to very heartily welcome you to this meeting.

MY SCORECARD
For those conversant with history, my appointment was announced by His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio on the 13th of June, 2013 a day after the June 12 crises of university of Uyo; the same day that 5 of my colleagues in NANS lost their lives on their way to Uyo, to contribute to solving the issues that led to the UniUyo crisis.

For Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, it has been a very tortuous, arduous and eventful eight years journey. Though, he came out the other day to posit that he is leaving office very satisfied judging from his development strides. Few people will dispute the fact that as governor of Akwa Ibom state these past eight years, governor Akpabio, the Ukana Ikot Ntuen born politician has not done well infrastructure wise, elevation of the state to an enviable status which has gone a long way in rebranding Akwa Ibom state and positively rousing the psyche of the ordinary Akwa Ibom person from inferiority complex to a level of uncommon confidence.

BY UWEMEDIMOH UMANAH

Human beings, according to sociologists, are the most viable agents of change in society. History too, is replete with records of women who have shaped the course of civilization by inspiring the women folk for enhanced living in a competitive world.

Queen Amina of Zaria, Cleo Patra, Sappho, Boudicca, Mary Magdalene, Catherene De Medici, Mother Teresa, Florence Nightingale, among others have impacted the world so much so that, hundreds of years after, they are still being celebrated.

For instance Boudicca’s charismatic leadership and braveness as the first woman to have led an army of 100,000 people, is cerebral and unequalled in history and strategic studies.

Foremost South- South Nigeria gospel singer EtebongUko also known as Godfada has laid his father, late Snr.RevInieke Tommy Uko to rest today.

And in a tribute to his beloved father who he fondly referred to as ‘Ette Governor’ (Governor’s Father), the South-Central Music artiste, Godfada releases a brand new titled ‘Going Higher’.

‘Going Higher’ is produced by Sunny Baseda of Final Mix Studios, Uyo. Download the single on www.hypestationng.com

Wednesday, 27 May 2015

Dikko urges Clubs to take advantage of Elite Players Scheme to draw Fans and Sponsors

Glo Premier League clubs have been asked to take advantage of the Elite Players Scheme introduced by the LMC since 2014 season to inject Nigerian players with specified national team caps as part of strategies to rekindle greater following for the domestic league as well as attract sponsors to the clubs.

While speaking at a recent interactive session with Sports Editors, the Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) and NFF Vice President, Mallam Shehu Dikko noted that a number of incentives have been put in place to not only encourage the clubs but also to assist them implement ideas to bring back the fans to the games and also attract credible sponsors to the clubs.

NFF inaugurates AKSFA Normalization Committee

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

Following the expiration of Chief Effiong Johnson led executive and the lingering crisis that is currently rocking the Akwa Ibom State Football Association (AKSFA), the apex football body Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) last Saturday inaugurated a Normalization Committee to pilot the affairs of football administration in the state. The committee is to serve for a maximum period of three months.

They are: Hon. Emmanuel Ibah as Chairman, Hon. Iboro Udom, Hon. Patrick Ifon, Mr. Justice Udo Usoro as members while Mr. Joseph Eberefe will serve as the Secretary of the Committee.

The inauguration took place at the conference room, Ministry of Youth and Sports.

By Amos Etuk

Last week, the 2014/2015Nigerian League went on a three weeks break as the League Management Company stated that it would be an opportunity for the body to assess the state of facilities in the different venues especially the state of the football pitches and also give room for the incoming administration in the different states and club management relate as the new state Chief Executives settle into their new found roles.

It is only in Nigeria that a league system is never planned at the beginning of the season till a major event makes an unnecessary break to be forced on a league where a major sponsor expects a sustained mileage week in week out.
Just before the general elections, the league was suspended and the three weeks break is another added wastage even as we look forward to another break during July for the mid season transfer window and still expect that our league will fall in line with the European season and even give our clubs on the continent ample opportunity to prepare for the next season and the challenges ahead.

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

Bribery scare in tribunal * PDP, APC show sign of desperation

BY KENNETH JUDE

While Mr. Udom Emmanuel of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to be sworn -in as the next Governor of Akwa Ibom state on May 29, there is palpable tension within the PDP fold with the All Progressives Congress (APC) not willing to retrace its steps as regards its stance on the April 11 election where Deacon Udom Emmanuel was declared the winner amidst wild protest. The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate at the polls, Obong Umana Okon Umana had led a team of his supporters to INEC office as soon as the result was announced to register his displeasure and total rejection of the result citing irregularities ranging from massive rigging, ballot box snatching, intimidation of voters, shootings, etc.

8 DAYS TO GO: Akpabio relocates from Government House

* holds valedictory EXCO session
* cabinet dissolved

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The out-going Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio has relocated from the main official residence of the Government House Complex to his private residence in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area, in preparatory to his exit from office in less than 9 days, THE INK can authoritatively report.

A source within the Government House who pleaded her name not to be mentioned in print, hinted our reporter that Governor Godswill Akpabio and his family moved to their private residence in Ukana to allow his successor who is the Akwa Ibom Governor-Elect, Deacon Udom Emmamuel have full access to the Governor’s lodge.

How Akpabio’s carry go syndrome destroyed Essien Udim - Umanah

The carry go syndrome introduced by the PDP regime laid the foundation for the destruction of the peace and political stability that previously existed in Essien Udim LGA, a former Chairman of the area and leading chieftain of the APC in the state, Hon Barr Martins Umanah has declared.

Umanah who stated this while addressing hundreds of APC members last Sunday during a harmonization of Essien Udim APC stakeholders meeting in the area noted with dismay that the monster of impunity witnessed under the PDP almost destroyed the political fabric of the country.

He expressed optimism that the outcome of the 2015 general elections has brought about a new lease of life for the country and called on his kinsmen to join the change movement which the APC represents.

Adults, parents responsible for children death —FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Eket Unit, said that parents and adults should be held responsible for the death of children from road crashes in the country.

The Eket Unit Commander, Mr Lucky Ugenlo told newsmen that the rate of children involved in road traffic deaths are three times higher in developing countries than in the developed countries.

He lamented that some adults do not take adequate care of children by ensuring their safety while on the road.

Ikono political leader rolls out massive free medical outreach for subjects

The people of Ikono Local Government Area are about to witness a major and unprecedented intervention in their health care need as their recently appointed and widely endorsed substantive political leader, Elder Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, popularly called Macaire has offered to sponsor a 5-day comprehensive free medical service for them. The free medical outreach is put together under the aegis of Ikono People’s Consultative Forum in collaboration with AKWA IBOM State Hospitals Management Board. A release signed by a member of the Coordinating Committee for the outreach, Chief Moses AKPAN indicates that the free medical programme will start from Monday, May 25 and run till Friday,

May 29, 2015 at the General Hospital, Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, 9am daily. The release states that the outreach will feature eye surgeries, pterigium, eye excision, lumpectomy, lumpectomy, fibroid, hernia, ovarian cystectomy, appendectomy, ganglion excision, etc. The release further indicated that this maiden edition of the free medical programme is specifically for indigenes of IKONO Local Government Area only, adding that the next phase will accommodate patients from other parts of the state.

Adults, parents responsible for children death —FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Eket Unit, said that parents and adults should be held responsible for the death of children from road crashes in the country.

The Eket Unit Commander, Mr Lucky Ugenlo told newsmen that the rate of children involved in road traffic deaths are three times higher in developing countries than in the developed countries.

He lamented that some adults do not take adequate care of children by ensuring their safety while on the road.

“Some parents allow their under-aged children to drive their vehicles without going through a certified driving school.

Akwa Ibom Government has inaugurated some life-touching projects worth billions of naira in commemoration of 2015 Democracy Day and send-forth ceremony of Governor Godswill Akpabio.

The projects inaugurated by Governor Akpabio are Drainage Line/outfall stretching from Akwa Ibom International Stadium to Mbikpong Ikot Edim in Ibesikpo Asutan, Aka-Etinan Road, Phase I of Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road, Gas Station and automobile Repairs Workshop, Government House, Uyo.

Speaking at the site of the Drainage Line/outfall at Mbikpong Ikot Edim, the commissioner for Works, Mr. Don Etim said it was one of the projects of the Akpabio administration covering 4.6 kilometres and handled by Julius Berger Construction Company.

Oro Nation Youths score Rector, MAN, Oron high on performance

The apex youth organization in Oro Nation (Nlap Isong Akpakip Oro) has scored the Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN Oron, Amb (Dr.) Joshua Okpo, high on the development of the academy, and unanimously expressed deep satisfaction with his style of administration in the institution.

Ulap Victor Anwanakak, the National President of the organization who led the entire executive members of Nlap Isong Akpakip Oro, on a courtesy call to the Rector at the weekend, noted that prior to the administration of the current Rector, the academy has had a history of perennial infrastructural deficit. He added that the academy also earned a wounding image of an institution where corporate social responsibility to the host community and implementation of local content policy were never respected and implemented. He announced that Dr. Joshua Okpo’s led administration has consigned the ugly scenarios into the dust bin of history.

Uyo City Polytechnic presents licence to staff

The management of Uyo City Polytechnic, a private polytechnic based in Nduetong Oku, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has presented its licence to operate as a private polytechnic in Nigeria to staff and students of the Institution.

Doing the presentation in his office, the Administrator, Elder Enobong Etukudoh, on behalf of the Board of Proprietors said the exercise was very necessary in view of the publication on page 51 of the Daily Sun of Monday, May 11, 2015 and on page six of The Nation on Tuesday, May 12, 2015.

The Nation had quoted the Executive Secretary of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Dr. Manzuid Kazaure as saying that, “An investigating team has been dispatched to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to probe an illegal institution that has been operating there”.

BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

Parenting according to research is one of the most challenging aspect of family life requiring the combined efforts of father and mother. It is one task that requires patience, perseverance and tolerance in order to achieve the intended result of obedience, submissiveness and discipline which many parent consider as the core obligations of their children. And in a bid to achieve this, they go all out to ensure strict compliance and total adherence to their laid-down rules using a variety of compliance tools such as corporal punishment, flogging, maltreatment and the usage of unsavory words at their disposal.

The resultant effect of this is usually a psychological, mental and emotional damage on their children which often results in low self-esteem, depression and mood swings. Many a time, most parents could be so difficult that their children are made to ask if they are their real parents. Beginning from the stringent policies to the shoutings and complaints; the discontentment and distrust; disrespect for feelings and opinions; the discouragement and unsupportive attitude, lack of love and concern, many parents make their children feel worse than some masters do to their slaves.

DPR decries incessant oil spills in Akwa Ibom

The Department of Petroleum Re sources (DPR), Zonal Operations Controller in Port Harcourt, Mrs Onyebuchi Sibeudu, has decried the incessant oil spills from the facilities of oil multinational companies in Akwa Ibom.

Sibeudu expressed the concern over the spills in an interview with the newsmen in Eket, Akwa Ibom.
”The oil spill that occurred in Ibeno and other neighbouring local government areas on April 19 is one of the spills that we classify as mystery spill.

”We cannot trace the source of the spill. There are two of such in Ibeno and we had earlier gone there. We are planning to go there again and take a sample of the oil spill.

Youths in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, on Tuesday paralysed the activities of Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN), Unlimited Qua Iboe Terminal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the protesters numbering over 2,000 including women sat down at the Lagos gate of the oil giant firm chatting sons and dancing while passer by looks on.

The protesters said that until ExxonMobil do thorough clean up exercise from its community and its environs, they would not allow their staff to resume work.
NAN reports that May 19th is second day the protesters are protesting the recent oil spill that occurred in Mkpanak community, near the Ibeno beach, and spread to the neighbouring local government areas.

Akwa Ibom Councilors pledge support for Udom Emmanuel

Councilors from the 329 wards in the state have reiterated their continued support for the incoming administration of Deacon Udom Emmanuel. Their position was made known through a communiqué issued at the end of a State congress held recently in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The forum charged candidates who contested for the office of the Governor under different political platforms to close ranks and accept the olive branch extended to them by the Governor elect, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, which they described as one that will represent the interest of Akwa Ibom people, devoid of political affiliation, noting that the welfare of the people is crucial than the ambition of any individual.

Spotlight on the achievements of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources under Prince Enobong Uwah

BY EDIDIONG UDOBIA & EVELYN AFFIA

Friday, May 29, 2015 will officially signal the end of Governor Godswill Akpabio-led administration. Ordinary, it is expected that by now different public officers, government parastatals and ministries under the present state government would be taking stock in order to help the public make an unbiased assessment of their performance within their time of service. Whether these government representatives have come to terms with this fact or not, the need for the public to have the account of their stewardship is a must. It was on this premise that TEAM E4+ launched “OPERATION PRESENT YOUR SCORECARD”.

For the record, the much touted ‘uncommon transformation’ of the present state government is a product of the combined efforts of different government ministries, commissions, boards and other parastatals though under the overall command of the state governor. To this end, kudos must be given to these bodies which, amidst diverse challenges, have contributed immensely to the success of the state government. There is no gainsaying that the current developmental strides witnessed in the state were made possible through the efficiency, effectiveness and sincerity of some government bodies. Undoubtedly, one of such bodies is the State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources.

Kidnapping: Apostle Ibanga thanks God for wife’s safe return … Dedicates grand-daughter

The premises of Mount Zion Lighthouse Full Gospel Church Incorporated, Eka Midim Diocese Headquarters, Abak was filled to capacity last Sunday when Apostle (Dr. Sylvester Ibanga and family thanked God for the safe return of his wife from the hands of kidnappers.

The thanksgiving service was attended by friends of the family, top government functionaries, the political class, royal fathers among others.

In his homely, the officiating minister, Bishop Udofa called on Christians to always remember to give thanks and praises to God and should also worship God in spirit and in truth.

Assessing the post-election battle in Akwa Ibom

BY JOSEPH OKON

The 2015 general election may have come and gone but not without the usual legal battle that was expected in such election aftermath. Initially, the opposition All Progressive Congress APC in Akwa Ibom State, immediately after the March Presidential and National Assembly election which they could not score a reasonable number of votes for their Presidential candidate nor secure any seat in the National Assembly had alleged that there was no election in Akwa Ibom and called for cancellation, but when the result was announced by INEC and their presidential candidate won, there was no further calls for cancellation of the election.

As expected, the same scenario played out in the governorship and state House of Assembly election. Like the PDP governorship candidate and governor-elect of Akwa Ibom state once observed that in Akwa Ibom; PDP is like a religion where people are so fanatical about it. Akwa Ibom thinks PDP, sleep PDP, dream PDP, drink PDP, and PDP is found in the blood of every true Akwa Ibom person to a point that even when they gets to the polls, they could not do otherwise than voting for PDP they know.

BY JOE INIODU

The gubernatorial election overwhelmingly won by PDP on April 11, 2015 has continued to generate altercation and bad blood from APC which lost that contest owing to realistic fundamentals that could not have been otherwise. It would b recalled that APC fought that battle against zoning; against justice and equity. Even though the party sponsored a good candidate, PDP sponsored a better and superior candidate. And while the APC candidate had scores of political feuds with a broad spectrum of politicians and even civil servants who nursed misgivings about him to settle, PDP brought a candidate that was as clean as a whistle and as fit as a fiddle. It was therefore natural that the party had to win that election.

APC predicated its faith in that election on very unrealistic premises. The first faulty step was that it invested its fate in the vaunting ambition of one man and not the collective interest of true party faithful. It is believed that some of the members who felt that the party had been hijacked by the highest bidder worked against the party from within. And such scenario is made effective if the party is not entrenched within the spectrum of popular will complemented with a charismatic leader that earns the respect and admiration of the followers. With the lack of such leadership, the party stood no chance in the election.

Akwa Ibom CHEERLEADERS is not a sponsored group - Coach Emmanuel Okon

The coach of Akwa Ibom Cheerleaders Mr. Emmanuel Bassey Okon, has debunk rumours that the group is being sponsored by some personalities in the state.

Mr. Okon made this known at the weekend while interacting with newsmen in Uyo.
The Nsit Atai born Computer Engineer, noted that the group is not a political group but rather comprises of young girls who have finish high schools and are ready to give their best to the service of humanity.

Continuing, the Halmstad University graduate said he had to bring the group down to Akwa Ibom after playing American Football for a year and was able to bring one of the coaches down to the state to help establish the group, because the group has registered with American Football Association.

Akpabio inaugurates roads, drainage systems, ors

As part of his promise to keep the state busy till the last day of his tenure, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has continued his project commissioning as part of plans to mark a colourful transition to the incoming administration.

The Governor, his wife Mrs Ekaete Unoma Akpabio, along with the Governor-elect Udom Emmanuel and the state deputy governor Valerie Ebe, commissioned the first phase of the newly constructed and dualized Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road, the Aka-Etinan Road also adorned with street lights, a modern drainage system that spans 4.6 metres from the Ibom International stadium road to Obot Idim Ibesikpo on one side and from the Ibom Tropicana Center to Obot Idim on another side.

Enobong Uwah: Leaving behind a rebranded ministry, Akwa Ibom environment

BY UBONG SAMPSON

True leadership has become a lead want in governance. Even in Nigeria, a third world nation where genuine development seems to be a mirage, the clamour for true leadership has overtime taken an alarming and not-easily-discardable dimension.

With the currently witnessed speedy pace of development, only hands with proven competent attributes and experiences; men who are angry, yet, focused, creative and passion driven with development are required on deck to ensure satisfactory delivery.

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Felicia Bassey to emerge Deputy Speaker * Udo Kierian tipped as House Leader

* Gabriel Tobby campaigns for Chief Whip
BY KENNETH JUDE

Investigations by THE INK news desk have shown that Princess Felicia Bassey, the House member-elect for Okobo State Constituency may likely emerge as the Deputy Speaker of the 6th Assembly. This, we learnt is premised on a consensus arrangement reached by the returning and newly elected members in a hotel in Abuja during the one week induction program organised by the National Institute of Legislative Studies (NILS) for state legislators. In reaching the consensus agreement, a close source explained that the move is borne out of the need to be gender sensitive and give the women folk a sense of belonging in the House. This, according to a very reliable source who spoke on condition of anonymity is what he said is the belief of the members both returning and newly elected ones of Mrs. Felicia Bassey’s political sagacity and doggedness.

AKHA: Elected members warn Unoma Akpabio

* Steer clear from our matters
* You can’t impose a Speaker on us

BY KENNETH JUDE

The First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akapabio has been told to steer clear of the House of Assembly’s activities and its quest to produce a Speaker. Lawmakers, both the returning and new members have expressed dismay at her domineering stranglehold on who emerges the Speaker of the 6th Assembly such that she is said to be holding series of meetings to influence who eventually becomes the Speaker. Our reporter, who has been following the activities of the House with keen interest especially with regards to who emerges the next Speaker, gathered that the wife of the state Governor’s overbearing influence in the House of Assembly since the concluded general elections has been described as appalling and utterly worrisome by elected members.

The Peoples Demo cratic Party (PDP) Onna Chapter has been thrown into factional crises following the reconstitution of a new executive without constitutional process.

Our correspondent who visited the area on Saturday reports that some party members are warming up for a total disintegration of the party in a local government area that has produced the government-elect of the State.

A party Chieftain and youth leader of the party who gave his name as Mr. Ekam Tobby Ekam while narrating the incident to our reporter said that the Council Chairman, Hon. Uffot Sunday who hails from the same village with the governor-elect has introduced impunity into the party by restructuring the Chapter Exco without due process.

Mkpat Enin chairmanship battle begins …Ukpum Minya Ward IV says it’s her turn

The battle for the Mkpat Enin Local Government Chairmanship seat has begun as the people of Ukpum Minya Ward IV are pleading with other 13 wards to give them a chance having not tested any elective position 25 years after its creation.

In an enlarged stakeholders meeting attended by about 328 people, the Ukpum Minya natives who occupy Mkpat Enin Urban resolved and set up a 10-man Committee to work towards the dream of producing the next chairman even as they commissioned the committee to work more in the adoption of a 17-page research paper presented at the forum by one of the stakeholders which reveals the elective political misfortune of the Ward which has spanned through years. The forum also used the gathering to congratulate the Governor-elect, Deacon Udom Emmanuel; his Deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo; Member-elect, Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, Chief Francis Uduyok and Mkpat Enin House Member-elect, Engr Otobong Ndem on their victories at the just concluded general polls.

Ifa Ikot Ubo youths get kudos —- launches 100million building project

The saying that when a righteous man is on the throne the people rejoice, played out itself in Ifa Ikot Ubo village, Etoi clan in Uyo local government area of the state.

This is the testimony of Akparawa Ime Ita Eton’s leadership as the President of Ifa Ikot Ubo Youths Council which has endeared him to the heart of his people, especially the youths.

During the Council’s one year anniversary celebration/N100 million funds launch for the building of Ifa Ikot Ubo Village Council Hall held recently at Apostolic Primary School’s Sports ground in Ifa Ikot Okpon, Akparawa Eton while presenting his score card of achievements since assumption of office a year ago, said that he has opened 38 new roads in the village to drive development and create job opportunities for the teaming un-employed youths.

Elder Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo: The story of a giver-leader

BY EDEDET NYONG

It was the 33rd President of the United States of America, Harry S. Truman who said, “In a period where there is no leadership, society stands still”. He added that “Progress occurs when courageous and skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better”.

In Ikono Local Government Area, the immortal words of the deceased US President and statesman ring true. For some years now, since the demise of their former Political leader, the Late Prophet Monday Udo Inyang, the area was at a stand-still politically as they were without a political leader to light the path for them.

Alleged assassination plot: Ukoette in big trouble as APC candidate petitions IGP

The member representing Ukanafun/ Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Emmanuel Ukoette has allegedly threatened to kill Mr. Eshiet offiong who is the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency that contested election for membership of the House of Representatives on 28th March, 2015; and Mr. Namso R. Udorok who was the collation agent for the APC in ward 13, Oruk Anam LGA during the national assembly election. In a swift reaction to the threats, Offiong and Udorok through their counsel, Felix E. Udoh of Evergreen chambers, Uyo have petitioned the Inspector General of Police. The petition dated 8th May 2015 read in part:

“At about 9:45pm and 10:15pm on 6th May, 2015 Mr. Namso R. Udorok received a call from phone number: 07068122614 wherein Hon. Emmanuel Udoette threatened to deal with our clients

AKSG approves construction of internal roads in COE

Akwa Ibom Government has approved immediate construction of internal roads and recruitment of more lecturers in the state College of Education, Afaha Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

Governor Godswill O. Akpabio, who announced this Saturday during the sixth convocation of the college, recalled how the state government had provided internal roads and other basic amenities in the University of Uyo and Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, saying this gesture would be replicated in the college in line with the uncommon transformation policy of the state government.

Akpabio commended the Provost of Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Dr. Patrick J. Uko for working assiduously to ensure that this institution to remain a centre of academic excellence, noting that ‘’The projects we are inaugurating today are indications that the uncommon transformation spirit at work in the State has infected the management of this College. We are proud of you and your team, we are proud of your achievements, records and giant strides.

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