Andrew Uwanta emerges Chairman LGSC * Ekpedeme Amos favoured

 

* Udom’s kinsman to head SUBEB

As the state eagerly awaits the constitution of Boards and parastatals, fresh information gathered by THE INK reveals that Pastor Andrew Uwanta, the ACA  warlord has been penciled down to chair the Akwa Ibom state Local Government Service Commission.

It was learnt last night that the decision by the state Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel to handover that sensitive position to Uwanta was to compensate the Etinan born Brotherhood Apostle for his contributions towards the success of the PDP gubernatorial candidate during last April elections.

 It was also gathered that Uwanta is a nominee of Sir Emem Akpabio. The imminent appointment of the ACA chairman and coordinator has put paid to all speculations that Governor Udom Emmanuel has dumped Uwanta despite the concerted contributions of the politician towards his victory.

 It could be recalled that one of the major groups that mobilized support for the candidate of Mr. Udom Emmanuel was the Akwa Ibom consolidation alliance ACA which was coordinated by Uwanta with active financial support from Sir Emem Akpabio.

But shortly after the governorship election, Uwanta and his ACA team appear to have hibernated fuelling the speculations that all may not after all be well in the relationship between Uwanta’s ACA, Sir Emem Akpabio and Governor Udom Emmanuel’s team especially as TAN which was then coordinated by Mr. Ufot Ebong was alleged to have been in fracas with ACA. Those who claim to know informed THE INK reporters that Uwanta was in the plans of Governor Udom Emmanuel and with Sir Emem Akpabio as a catalyst backed by Paul Ekpo , the state PDP Chairman, the State Governor had to offer the position to Uwanta.

Others linked to lucrative positions in the soon to be announced Board and Parastatals are Mr. Ekpedeme Amos Akpan the immediate past chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. The Board which the former Chairman is to chair was not clear as at press time. Informations on the board he has been penciled down were sketchy.

 An ONNA professor Duncan who works with the University of Calabar, UNICAL is to superintend over the affairs of the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB. It was learnt that Elder Benji Udobia, the political leader of Esit Eket LGA is to provide a nominee for Esit Eket. It was not clear whether Chief Nduese Essien will make a nominee for Eket LGA but THE INK can authoritatively report that in a move to please the Oronians that Governor Udom Emmanuel has penciled down more Oro sons and daughters for Board and parastatals appointment.

Our reporter learnt the integration of more Oro people into Boards and parastatals are part of the moves the Governor is employing to win the confidence of the Oronians and integrate them into his government fully so as to wade off any form of opposition from the Oronians during his second term ambition in 2019.
 

Our findings revealed that the delay in publishing the names of Chairmen and members of Boards and parastatals is as a result of the Governor’s plan to make the list all embracing and all encompassing. Some members of the opposition parties it was revealed to our reporter may make the list when it is finally presented to the public.