Latest Edition of THE INK NEWSPAPER UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE

Ak Govt ready to improve living conditions of citizens

The Commissioner for   Finance, Mr. Akan  Okon says despite paucity of funds, the state government is poised to generate policies and programmes that are people-oriented to improve living conditions and standard of living of AkwaIbom people.

Speaking in Uyo during the 2016 Pre-Budget Briefing/Public Presentation organized by the AkwaIbom State House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation and Finance held recently, Mr. Okon described the 2016 Budget of Sustainable Development as a pragmatic platform by the present administration to heighten the socio-economic empowerment of the people.

Udom grants amnesty to 64 yr inmate of Ikot Ekpene prison

 

Akwa Ibom State  Governor, Mr.   Udom Emmanuel has granted amnesty to a Sixty-four year old inmate of Medium Security Prisons, Ikot Ekpene, Mr. Okon Sunday Akpan, of Etinan Local Government Area, having spent twenty-five years and twenty-eight days in the Prison custody. 

Governor Emmanuel, in company of the State Chief judge, Justice Stephen Okon and members of his cabinet, granted the amnesty under the prerogative of mercy charged the beneficiary to go and sin no more and spoke of the need for proper upbringing of children by parents through sound moral guidance to enable them become useful citizens in the society. 

The Governor who was on a working  visit to the Ikot Ekpene Prisons, said that the visit was to look into the welfare of the inmates and reassured them that  they are citizens of the State. 

Akwa Ibom assembled electricity meters hit the market first quarter

Technical partners from China, Pakistan  and India have arrived  AkwaIbom State to conclude arrangement for the take-off of a Meter Manufacturing Company, Metering Solutions Manufacturing Services Limited (MSMSL) which ground breaking was performed last year December at Awa - Iman, Onna Local Government Area.

Interacting with Government House correspondents after a brief meeting with the State Governor, MrUdom Emmanuel, at Government House, Uyo, the Spokesperson to the Metering Manufacturing plant, Mr. Zhang Loohang, said that the company which has just arrived Africa is cited in AkwaIbom because of its strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea and attributed its establishment to the passion for making electricity available and affordable in the state by Governor Udom Emmanuel stating that electricity holds the key to industralisation which the State Governor seeks to put in place for his people.
Mr. Loohang explained that Metering Solutions Manufacturing Services Limited is a conglomerate of several companies which would partner to proffer solution to problems arising from electricity generation and distribution.

HMB Produces 2 Permanent Secretaries

The AkwaIbom State Governor, Deac. Udom Emmanuel has appointed Dr. Nathaniel Adiakpan and Dr. Emmanuel Akpan as Permanent Secretaries into the AkwaIbom State Civil Service. The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries who until their appointment were the Director of Inspectorate and Director of Medical Services in the Hospitals Management Board. 

The Permanent Secretary Dr. Nathaniel Adiakpan who was covering the duties for Permanent Secretary before his appointment in the Board holds his gratitude to God for elevating him, and to the State Governor, His Excellency Deac. Udom Emmanuel who found him fit for the position and promised to put his ultimate commitment to seeing a positive output in the Board and hospitals respectively. 

We will do justice to 2016 budget - Usoro Akpanusoh

The Akwa Ibom State  House yesterday  25th, January 2016 began the defence of the 2016 budget proposals by Ministries. 

The defence which took place at the Conference Room of the Assembly was conducted by the House Committee on Appropriation and Finance. The budget attracted officials of Ministries, Departments, Social Sectors, Parastatals as well as Agencies who appeared before the committee to defend their proposals for 2016 fiscal year. 

In his welcome speech, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh said that the budget defence was to enable the House of Assembly have an insight on how the last year’s budget was implemented by the Ministries and the challenges they faced.

How Otu Ita Toyo stopped Effiong Abia from being SSG

…Says he was imposed as PDP Chairman
…He stopped Effiong Abia from being SSG 

BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

The recent interview with Hon. Ita toyo on Planet FM is sending dark smokes through the cloud as a number of people have expressed dissatisfaction with some utterances made by the former PDP boss concerning the role he played in the emergence of the ex-SSG, Mr. Umana Okon Umana. THE INK can authoritatively report that Otu Ita Toyo is in for a hot chase by an interest group known as Truth Vanguard which has taken on the former State Chairman of the PDP for having mortgaged the interests of Oro nation in the immediate past administration of the State. 

Why Akwa Ibom people have kept faith with the PDP

ANIEKEME FINBARR

Other than demonizing former Governor Godswill Akpabio, Governor Udom Emmanuel and the PDP, the All Progressive Congress APC in Akwa Ibom State is short of ideas and what it takes to govern Akwa Ibom State. It would have been naturally unnecessary to mention the APC in a serious discuss concerning development and governance, but the recent judiciary pronouncements concerning Akwa Ibom state has given the APC the window to play on the sensitivities of Akwa Ibom people.

Take the campaigns during the 2015 elections for instance, the few promises made by the APC and their Governorship hopeful were nothing short of being comical. The party promised Akwa Ibom students bursary of 50,000 naira each just as the party at the national promised unemployed graduates 5,000 naira each monthly. The scales have fallen and it is clear now that there is little or no nexus between propaganda and governance. 

Nsit Ibom is 100% PDP – Party Stakeholder, Idongesit Bassey

A frontline politician and the political leader of Mbiaso Ward I in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Mr. Idongesit Bassey has said that no political party has capacity to win election in the area, as the people of Nsit Ibom are solidly behind PDP and Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Mr. Bassey made this known while hosting the stakeholders and leaders of PDP in Nsit Ibom and Mbiaso Ward I recently at his Ewet Housing resident, Uyo.

Speaking at the meeting which was attended by a larger number of youths, women and Elder from Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Mr. Idongesit Bassey said the aim of the meeting was to thank and appreciate his people for the support rendered to the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Udom’s Aide blows hot * Says there is no CNPP in Akwa Ibom

* Current exco is illegal * We were duly elected - Martins Inyang 

 

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The Special Adviser, Bureau of Political and Legislative Affairs to Governor Udom Emmanuel, Hon. Anietie Etuk has said that there is no legally constituted Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Akwa Ibom State, adding the current executive of CNPP led by Engr. Martins Inyang is illegal.

Anietie Etuk stated this during a chat with THE INK last week in his office along 4 lanes, Uyo. He said there is no properly CNPP exco in the State, and that the current exco of CNPP is not recognized by the State Government.     
He informed THE INK reporter that very soon, CNPP in the State will conduct her election which according to him would be supervised by the National officers of CNPP. 

In his words, “The election will hold any moment from now. The National officers will come and conduct the election. Engr. Martins Inyang led executive are just holding brief for a new exco to be constituted. Definitely, there would be election; we cannot allow people to parade themselves illegally as CNPP exco.  But Martins Inyang may become the chairman, after the election must have been conducted and he emerge the winner, then we will recognize him and give him the necessary backings.” He noted.

Akparawa Godwin Enang now Nkwot Ward 7 Political Leader

 

Peace and relative calm have now returned to Nkwot II, Ward 7 in Ikono Local Government area. The new found peace was broken during the Nkwot II, ward 7 PDP Stakeholders meeting convened at the instance of the entire political structure of the ward, comprising of the stakeholders, elders, field generals, foot soldiers, unit agents and other opinion holders in the area..

In a 7-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the people of Nkwot II Ward 7 announced the selection of a substantive political leader in the person of Akparawa Godwin Asuquo Enang to replace the former political leader, Elder Pius Eyo Akpan who led the ward political for fifteen years. The communiqué revealed that the new leader, Akparawa Godwin Enang was the champion of the Akwa Ibom Consolidated Alliance (ACA), Calabar chapter in the last general elections and a staunch and unrepentant supporter of the state Governor, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

Agriculture was the mainstay of the Country’s economy in the seventies

Top Government  functionaries in cluding Businessmen, Political Class and Religious Leaders, on Sunday, 24th January 2016,  converged on Groves Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, to witness the presentation of Sir Emem Akpabio as the third Archdiocesan Lay President and Appreciation of Sir Adasi Ubulom by the Church.

At the occasion, the State Governor , Mr Udom Emmanuel, commended Methodist Church for upholding the sound moral doctrines of it founder Late John Wesley, and congratulated Sir Emem Akpabio on his elevation wishing him well in the new office.

Governor Emmanuel used the occasion to shade light on the progress of work at Ikot Ekpene - Uyo road which is widely believed to have been abandoned by the Construction firm, Julius Berger Plc,  explaining  that the company went on vacation and would soon return to complete the remaining portion of the road.

Gov. Udom urges Nigerians to pray for the economic fortunes of the Country

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has acknowledged the harmonious relationship existing between the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary.

Governor Emmanuel made the acknowledgement at  Assemblies of God Church, Aka Itiam road Uyo , during a thanksgiving service by the State Chief Judge, Justice Stephen Okon.

He congratulated the State Chief Judge for giving God a prime place in his life as a believer and for honouring God with a sincere gratitude for his benevolence over his life.

South South Ministers demand decentralization of Assemblies of God General Council

Against the back drop of the lingering leadership crisis engulfing General Council Administration of the Assemblies of God (AG) Nigeria, marginalization and gross injustice in ministers’ remuneration, unhealthy rivalry among ministers, inefficiency, and escalating administrative and financial malfeasance, the south-south zone of the Assemblies of God has called for the decentralization of General council administration of the church and announced the emergence of south-south General Council of Assemblies of God Nigeria.

Addressing a press conference at the hall of Assemblies of God Bible College, Uyo at the weekend, the zonal chairman, Central Working Committee South-South General Council, Assemblies of God, Evang. Nsikak Akpan, sandwiched by zonal secretary, Rev. Emmanuel Udoikpa, and other executive members including representatives of Assemblies of God South-South Zone, executive of members of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Akwa Ibom Chapter, explained that the decision to break away from the General Council administration was well thought out to create room for decentralization of General council administration and convey some degree of self-governance on all the zones under the General council administration.

Akwa Ibom APC: Nest of political refugees

BY ANIEKEME FINBARR

Every day when you pick up newspapers, national and local,  or listen to the radio, you read and hear the APC through its trumpeters labouring in vain to represent the Akwa Ibom state government as evil. It should be normal for one to ignore such false representations as mischief or political propaganda but even equity aids the vigilant, not those who slumber. The people of Akwa Ibom state know that these are interesting times we are in. There is need to be ultra vigilant. Nobody or group of persons can pull a wool over the eyes of near six million people.

Just like Ebere Wabara, the Sun Newspaper Columnist agrees, circulation of falsehoods, lies, cock-and-bull stories, ludicrous yarns and moonlight tales by those inexplicably opposed to Udom cannot undermine the Divine Mandate on which platform he confidently straddles. Since the Appeal Court cancelled his election, some unscrupulous elements have been disseminating vicious rumours and deploying their massive machinery of propaganda—a development that will not change anything for sure. Governor Udom Emmanuel will overcome all these oppositional pranks and distractive challenges. As they say, nothing good comes easy. The Governor has taken this in his stride as an over comer.

The disease called Lassa

BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

Another potent epidemic claiming lives without warning has broken loose among us. It is known as Lassa fever or Lassa hemorrhagic fever (LHF); an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus which was first discovered in the town of Lassa, in Borno State when two missionary nurses died in 1969. A member of the Arenaviridae virus family, Lassa Fever is found in African countries like Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and the Central African Republic. 

The primary animal host of the virus is the Natal multimammate mouse, an animal found in most of sub-Saharan Africa. This is probably the most common mouse in equatorial Africa, ubiquitous in human households and eaten as a delicacy in some areas. 

Udom has done well - Daniel Udoh

A frontline politician and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Daniel Udoh has rated Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration in the past 7 months high and offered him kudos for a job well done. 

The ace politician who was fielding questions from journalists noted that at a time like this when the country’s economy is in shambles, it is a surprise that the Governor can still afford to pay monthly salaries when due and push to embark on capital projects. 

He noted that the ingenuity of Governor Emmanuel to manage the lean finances of the state in the face of the falling oil prices was a clear testimony that he came into governance with the mission and vision to leave Akwa Ibom State and its people better than he met it. 

Udoh disclosed that judging from the Governor’s humble performance so far, it has been proved to doubting Thomases that he was a rare and thorough breed who can stand the test of time no matter the financial and fiscal climate in clemency. 

Environment Commissioner vows to sustain monthly sanitation

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Iniobong Essien has said in spite of the economic meltdown in the country and Akwa Ibom State in particular, that the State government through his Ministry will continue to carry out the monthly sanitation it started.

Dr. Essien who spoke in a telephone interview with THE INK in response to the rumours making the rounds that government may scrap out the environmental exercise said, although the exercise seems capital intensive, especially due to logistics, government cannot afford to toy or play politics with it because it affects the health of the citizenry.

Appeal Court: OBA floors Bassey Etim

Another judicial milestone was once  again recorded by the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Senator Obong Bassey Albert when the Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar last Friday dismissed a pre-election petition brought by Hon. Bassey Etim challenging the nomination of Senator Bassey Albert as the Peoples Democratic Party candidate as the court described the appeal as ‘’grossly unmeritorious and awarded the sum of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira)Only in favour of the first and third respondents in the case.   

Nkereuwem and Idongesit set for altar

The families of Mr. Denis  Etim Akpan of Ikot Idaha  Ibiono in Ibiono Ibom Local Government area will give out their daughter, Miss Nkereuwem Denis Etim in marriage to Mr. Idongesit Okon Usese of Etip Ediene in Ikono Local Government Area on Wednesday 27th and Saturday 30th of January 2016 respectively. 

The Traditional marriage which will take place on Wednesday 27th will be conducted at the bride’s hometown at Ikot Idaha Ibiono while the solemnization of holy matrimony will hold at The Apostolic Church, Nung Ukot Itam Area Headquarters, 21 Idoro Road, Uyo. 

The general public is by this notice invited to witness and share in the marriage celebration.

AKS Police arrest kidnappers who demanded N5, 000,000 from victim * 5-man robbery gang nabbed

BY KENNETH JUDE

In a concerted effort to rid   the state of crime and  other social vices, the Akwa Ibom State Police command has rounded up five armed robbery suspects. The armed robbers who have been terrorising Oruk Anam and its environs met their waterloo on 22nd January, 2016 at about 9pm when they were arrested by the Special anti-robbery squad.
 

The suspects had invaded the residence of one Inyang Willie Ubon (Male) of Ikot Osute Village in Oruk Anam Local Government Area and robbed the victim of his belongings including a Nokia Torchlight Phone valued at N5, 000 (Five Thousand Naira) and also carted away the sum of 10, 000 (Ten Thousand Naira) at gun point.

Education Commissioner tasks teachers on sustaining teaching ethics

Teachers in Akwa Ibom State have been charged to promote desirable attitudes, ethics, integrity and best practices in education which are the key thrusts of the teaching profession.

The Commissioner for Education, Elder Aniekan Akpan gave the charge while flagging-off a one day capacity building workshop for Principals and Teachers of Public Secondary Schools in the State. 

Elder Akpan stated that teachers are critical stakeholders in delivery of quality educational services in the State, and commended the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education monitoring for collaborating with the Ministry of Education to organize the workshop for Principals and Teachers in Public Secondary School in the State.

Forum of Village Youth Presidents backs Udom

The Forum of village youth presidents, Eket senatorial district has made its stand known on the ongoing litigations against the incumbent Govervor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. 

Arising from an emergency meeting in Eket this week, the Forum threatened to mobilize all the youths in the senatorial district for mass exodus from the state if the PDP loses the executive seat. If this comes to pass, it will lead to the grounding of all the sectors of the economy, particularly petroleum. Already Bill Boards, posters and handbills carrying inscriptions such as: 

Udombon disassociate council from traffic C’ttee ... Ibesikpo Asutan residents petition Police over six deaths

The Chairman Ibesikpo Asutan transition committee, Mr Ita Udombon has disassociated the council from activities of a group of youths parading as members of a traffic enforcement committee in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.

Udombon while addressing journalists on the nefarious activities of the group which he described as a criminal gang said “the said group is not known to the council. They are on their own. I have been briefed on their activities and have directed the Police and Director of DSS to swing into action and cause them to face the law”.

“No government can condone such level of criminality. We will not tolerate it. The transition committee will do everything to ensure the security and safety of citizens and residents of Ibesikpo Asutan”, he added.