“No PDP member should speak ill of Obong Attah, Sen Akpabio”-Onofiok Luke

The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Onofiok Luke has stated that he is against casting of aspersions on past leaders in the state.

Hon Luke stated this last Thursday when members of  Forum of Former Elected Local Government Chairmen in Akwa Ibom State paid him a courtesy visit at the Assembly Complex.

While appreciating them for their contributions towards the development of the state during their tenure, said he was against a situation were aspersion is cast on former leaders.

“I want to state here today that I’m against a situation were aspersion is cast on former leaders.

“The level of development we are witnessing today is because of the various contributions and sacrifices of our past leaders who did their best”.

Speed Limiter: Commercial vehicles yet to comply in Akwa Ibom

The Unit Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Eket Command, Mr Nicholas Akueme said that commercial vehicles were yet to comply to obtain Speed Limiting Device (SLD), in their vehicles in the state.

Akueme stated this in an interview with newsmen in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom at weekend.

He said that over 30 commercial vehicles had been impounded and booked for SLD violations and failure to obtain the device in the area.

“For what I observed, a lot of the commercial vehicles have not complied but they are aware of the speed limiter,’’ Akueme said.

He said that the command had sensitized and visit relevant stakeholders and NURTW on the importance of speed limiting device in the country.

DPR seals 27 filling stations for selling above government price in Akwa Ibom

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Eket field office says it sealed 27 filling stations for selling above government approved pump price of N145 per litre in the state.

Mr Bassey Nkanga, the Operations Controller of DPR gave the figures when Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), paid courtesy call to the department in Eket on Saturday.

He said that the filling stations were sealed between January and February in the state.

Nkanga threatened to sanctioned marketers that do not sell petroleum products at government control prices and frowned at them for selling above government approved price of N145 per litre.

Okobo Youths endorse Gov. Udom for second term

Youths from Okobo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have left nobody in doubt about their usual and unshaken support for the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel as well as their determination to defend the Divine Mandate of the governor in 2019. Rolling out their drums and coming out in their numbers under the aegis of “Utibe Okobo Youth Organization”, the youth on Wednesday held a mega rally at the Government Primary School, Okobo, for the Official Inauguration and Launching of “Project Udom 2019”. 

Reactions from the group which comprised youths from the 10 wards of Okobo local government area noted that the rally and “Project Udom 2019” became necessary as a public show of appreciation and support for Gov. Udom Emmanuel for his good works for Okobo people in particular and the entire Oro Nation at large, and to reaffirm their solidarity for the Governor come 2019. They maintained that the rally was a forum for PDP youth loyalists in the area to openly demonstrate their resolve and commitment to make real 2019.

Eyakenyi meets Akwa Poly staff, students

Recently the Chairman, Governing Council, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Dr. (Mrs) Akon Eyakenyi met with the staff and students of the institution. 

The  meeting had in attendance members of the governing council, the rector and management team, members of the academic board, teaching and non teaching staff, chairmen and executives of unions, deans of students, speaker of students parliament, president of departmental association, presidents and leaders of fellowships and president and leaders of different socio-cultural groups. 

The Real Property Charge Bill will not have negative effect on rural dwellers - Usoro Akpanusoh

The member representing Ibeno/Esit Eket State Constituency, Rt Hon Usoro Akpanusoh has stated that the soon to be enacted ‘Real Property Charge’ bill will not have any negative effect on the rural dwellers and the poor.

Hon Akpanusoh made this know during an interactive session with newsmen in his office earlier today.

Mr Akpanusoh who is the sponsor of the bill says the bill when passed will among other things help in generating revenue for the state through levies.

In his words, “the bill will not have any negative effect on the rural dwellers, rather it will help in generating revenues for the state”.

The Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation also stressed that the bill is not targeted at a particular local government in the state, but the entire state.

Etinan PDP passes vote-of-confidence on Udom, Paul Ekpo …congratulates Party Chairman on emergence as Chairman of Chairmen

The Etinan Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Etinan Local Government Area has expressed satisfaction with the performance of Governor Udom Emmanuel and the State Chairman of the party, Obong Paul Ekpo. 

The disclosure was made recently at the Stakeholders’ Meeting of the party held at the conference hall of the Etinan Local Government Council. 

Declaring the meeting open, the Chapter Chairman of the PDP in Etinan, Rt. Hon. Inemesit Itina, lauded the members for their loyalty to the party and urged them to continue being staunch ambassadors of the party. 

Itina highlighted that the PDP has impacted positively on Etinan by ensuring that tangible dividends of democracy and deepening of democratic values are entrenched in Etinan.

He lauded the governor for initiating projects including the dualization of the Etinan-Uyo Road, construction of the Ekpene Ukpa bridge, renovation of the Etinan Institute and the General Hospital.  

NDDC Managing Director highlights achievements of the Commission

“...In the fulfillment of its mandate, since inception the Commis­sion has awarded 8,557 pro­jects of which 3,424 projects have been completed and handed over to communities and States. There are 2,257 on-going projects whilst 2,506 are yet to be started for various reasons...”

“...The project portfo­lio is distributed across civil works such as buildings, ca­nalization and reclamation, jetties and shore protection, electrification, roads and bridges, water supply, build­ings, flood control and ero­sion and equipping, and fur­nishing of schools and health centers...”

“...The pro­gramme portfolio of the Commission covers training and capacity building for Oil spill response, Telecommu­nications, Building technol­ogy, Entrepreneurship devel­opment and Waste-to-wealth amongst others. For instance, a total of 72,000 pairs of plas­tic chairs and desks have been produced and are about to be distributed to schools across the region...”

“..The healthcare pro­grammes have been quite extensive with over 1.2 mil­lion documented patients treated, 3,500 communities visited and 6,000 referrals cases managed. Emergency relief materials were recently supplied to several commu­nities such as Okerenkoko, Oporoza, Opobo amongst others, 7 Healthcare facilities equipped, and over 30,000 protective kits against Lassa Fever distributed.”

Much ADO about A’Ibom Teachers’ recruitments hullabaloo

BY ESSIEN NDUESO

It all began when the Akwa Ibom State government announced that the widespread irregularities that bedeviled the recruitment exercise of teachers into the State secondary schools had necessitated the cancellation of the entire exercise. This decision meant that over 5000 recruited teachers with appointment letters were automatically deactivated.

Mrs Ekereobong Akpan, head of Akwa Ibom civil service in an initial statement had explained that the state government took the decision after a careful scrutiny of their engagement processes. Opening up on the development later, Governor Emmanuel told reporters that a syndicate involved in forging and awarding fake appointment letters had been nabbed and the culprits were already helping the police in the investigations. 

At that point, it was obvious that the ranks of the recruited teachers issued appointment letters in 2015 had been swollen with thousands of unqualified people, people who allegedly bribed and sorted their ways through. As Governor Emmanuel himself said, “we tried to manage the situation, but when we discovered that most of the recruited teachers could not even express themselves and had no basic qualifications, we knew that it would be a great disservice to our state, if they are allowed to teach our children out of sentiments.

Confusion as Armed Robbers invade Uniuyo ...Cart away laptops, phones ...Students groan

BY KENNETH  JUDE

The University of Uyo was thrown into confusion on Sunday when gun men numbering about ten stormed the town campus of the institution on Ikpa road at night. The suspected robbers, THE INK gathered, made their way into CBN (a popular hall in the in the university) and immediately ordered all students who were having the usual night class to bow their faces.

A student who was at the scene of the incident explained that on entering the hall; they immediately blocked all the doors and ordered everybody to lie face down. According to her, “initially, we thought it was all a joke until they brought out guns. At that point, we knew we were in for the worse. They robbed everybody of their belongings ranging from laptops, phones and other valuable things. It is so painful because this is my first time of coming for night class. I only came because of today’s exam (yesterday); now, see where it has landed me. My new laptop is gone just like that.’’

Another eye witness account has it that after taking their time to rob students of their personal belongings undisturbed, they made their way into their car and made for the gate. A student reportedly charged at them, shouting that the security men should not open the gate, but that did not deter them as they reportedly overpowered them and zoomed off.

Stamping out economic marginalization

BY EMMANUEL NICHOLAS  

Social marginalization occurs when there is a neglect of races, communities and religious sects in distributing economics amenities. This involves infrastructural, industrial, Educational, Agricultural and health care development etc.  It may be through lack of political will or it might be an intentional deprivation, to impoverish and render a specific population incapacitated in economic and political value, in order to destabilize the people from self –dependency, Self –sufficiency and political empowerment via economic   expansion. 

James David also  described  Social exclusion as a  ‘’process in which individuals or people are systematically blocked from (or denied full access to) various rights, opportunities and resources that are normally available to members of a different group, and which are fundamental to social integration within that particular group’’.

It is  therefore a known fact that economic advancement cannot be achieved by any society without social amenities, and most governments in Africa have marginalized some communities in their countries.  This is common when the majority ethnic groups predominantly form the government of such countries over time. 

PDP will abide by the rule of law, says Gov. Emmanuel

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is committed to the enhancement of democracy in the country in accordance with the fundamental principles of the rule of law.

Governor Emmanuel stated this at the Ibom International Airport on arrival from Abuja where he attended the PDP Stakeholders meeting.

He said democracy would be jeopardised in the seeming one party structure which the country is pursuing and in the circumstance the system would stifle the voice of the opposition thereby paving way for despotism which he said was not in the best interest of the country. 

“As a country we are assisting other countries to institute democracy, how come We are destroying our own?. We should not allow the country to be run like this else democracy will collapse. “

Mr Emmanuel who recalled an incidence which took place during last year’s National Convention of the Party at Rivers State, condemned in it entirety the obstruction of the stakeholdets meeting following the sealing of  International Conference Centre venue of the meeting by security agents explaining that they had to relocate to alternative venue for the meeting.

AKHA to set law for herdsmen

Lawmakers in the Akwa Ibom state legislature on Tuesday spoke overwhelmingly in support of a bill for a law to regulate and control activities of herders, cattle, and other ruminants grazing in public places within the state.

The bill which was presented by the member representing Essien Udim state constituency in the state legislature, Hon Nse Ntuen, seeks, among others, to prohibit uncontrolled grazing by ruminants in areas which have not been designated by government as ranches.

The proposed law will empower the governor of Akwa Ibom state, by an order, to “designate land in each local government in respect of which cattle or other ruminants may be permitted to graze.”

If passed by the House, the law will ensure that no cattle or other ruminants shall by any means move or graze at night anywhere in the state.

“Cattle movement and grazing are restricted to the hours of 7am and 6pm”, Hon. Ntuen said while urging his colleagues to give the bill favourable consideration.

HOC harps on Gov. Emmanuel’s commitment to training

The Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Ekerebong Akpan, has expressed the commitment of Governor Udom Emmanuel to the training and re-training of the state workforce to meet the demands of targeted job schedules. 

Mrs. Ekerebong Akpan was speaking recently at the NUJ Press centre, Uyo, while declaring open a one day seminar organized by Ministry of Information and Strategy for all state government Information Officers.

The Head of Civil Service said that, Governor Emmanuel’s commitment is exemplified in his approval for the “intensive seminar” mounted by the Ministry for re-tooling and re-skilling of Information officers, expressing the optimism that, the exercise will empower them to effectively carry out their primary responsibility of informing the populace on the various life-touching programmes and projects of the government.

Mrs. Ekerebong Akpan, who was the special guest of honour at the occasion, maintained that, effective and timely information delivery will checkmate falsehood and misinformation and urged Information officers to use the opportunity to get equipped and transformed to strategize and explore new frontiers that will turn around the fortunes of the state Information sector towards realizing the lofty policies of the Udom Emmanuel-led government.

Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency declares support for Nsima Ekere, Senator Udoma ...appreciates President Buhari

BY PAULINUS NTA 

The people of Ikot Abasi Federal constituency, in a meeting, convened by a frontline bussinessman, the managing Director of ACSE Nig. LTD and a two-time Central Bank Of Nigeria CBN Award winner, Hon. Anthony Ekefre, at the women war memorial hall, Ikot Abasi,last Friday,  declared their total support for the Managing Director of The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Obong Nsima Ekere, and the minister of Budget and National planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma and particularly appreciated President Buhari for his magnanimity on them. 

They resolved to encourage and support their brothers , to rally round them and especially pray for their protection and enablement for more dividends of democracy in the area and the state at large. 

PDP chapter chairman, chairmanship aspirant, 15 others defect to APC in Ikot Abasi

BY PAULINUS NTA

The immidiate chapter chairman, Udo George Wilfred, a popular chairmanship hopeful, Mr Victor Udokpo, a human rights activist, Barr. Ekong Umorok and 15 other stalwarts of the PDP, last  Saturday defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress, The Post can authoritatively report. 

The political exodus took place during a well- attended meeting of the party at the NDDC hall, Ette Town along Ikot Abasi road.

Advising, the APC ward chairman for Ukpum Ette 1, Mr. Udom Mathew commended them for taking the timely decision before ‘’the sinking boat finally submerge into political oblivion’’. The chairman, who recieved them with open arms, charged all faithful of the party to embress the new converts.

AKHA to hold public hearing on healthcare, Friday

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly House Committee on Health has concluded arrangements to conduct public hearing on healthcare sector for public interest and invites interested persons to present their contributions.

According to the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Monday Eyo, the bills which are aimed at revolutionizing the health care delivery services in Akwa Ibom State includes a bill for a law to provide for the establishment of Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency; a bill for a law to provide for the establishment of primary healthcare development agency and matters connected therewith; and a bill for a law to make provisions for establishment and control of private hospitals and other healthcare facilities in Akwa Ibom State and for other matters connected therewith.

Court sacks Obong Bassey Albert (OBA)

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

A Federal High Court sitting in Uyo has nullified the election of Senator Bassey Albert as Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo Senatorial District) in the senate, as well as asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) to immediately issue a fresh certificate of return to Hon. Bassey Etim (Bafil).

The presiding judge of court 11, Fatun Riman in his ruling which lasted for over two hours ordered Senator Bassey Albert to vacate his seat in the senate and return all entitlements to the National Assembly within 90 days and equally directed the National Assembly to swear in Bassey Etim from Uruan as the duly elected Senator for Uyo Senatorial district.

Justice Fatun Riman faulted the primary that produced Senator Bassey Albert as flag bearer of the PDP and subsequent election that made him a Senator. It could be recalled that the plaintiff, Hon. Bassey Etim had petitioned INEC in the court, auguring that Senator Bassey Albert did not buy form for the Uyo Senatorial District seat.

Sheriff, Makarfi splits Cross River PDP

BY TINA TODO

Cross River Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has on Monday issued contradictory reports on their stand over the crisis that has rocked the party.

The conflict came at the wake of Appeal Court’s judgment that was delivered last week in Port Harcourt in favour of Senator Sherriff as the Party’s National Chairman. 

The State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr, Egbun Samuel had earlier issued a statement declaring the party’s support for the Ahmed Markarfi faction.

Former LG Chairmen pass vote of confidence on Gov. Udom, laud appointment of Barr. Ekong Sampson

Forum of Former Appointed Council Chairmen in Akwa Ibom State has been applauded for taking steps to further deepen democratic governance in the State by declaring their support for Gov Udom Emmanuel’s second term bid.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson gave the commendation when the executives of the Forum paid him a courtesy visit in Uyo.

The Special Adviser said support for Governor Udom Emmanuel’s 8-year tenure is support for posterity, industrialisation and diversification of economic flanks, to save Akwa Ibom State from plague of over-dependence on the mono, oil-driven economy, which Nigeria as a nation is currently battling. He also assured that the Udom Emmanuel led Government in the State has a viable reward mechanism for supporters and the entire people of the State. This, he added, will well accommodate the Forum.

Ukana Poly listed for tetfund intervention

The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ukana Professor Balama Obomanu has called on public spirited individuals and Corporate Organizations not to leave educational development in the hands of government alone considering its huge capital implication.

Professor Obomanu made this call during a meeting of officials from Tertiary Education Trust fund (TETFUND) with Polytechnic Management, Staffs and Students. 

In his words, “government should not only be the sweat merchant of education stock. Public spirited individuals and Cooperate Organization must also take part in the development of the sector” he stressed. 

The Don said the Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana in line with the institution’s vision was “working tirelessly to be a pace setter in the provision of technological innovative and value oriented training to meet the manpower requirements necessary for the development of our great nation and beyond.” He welcomed the TETFUND team to the Polytechnic and expressed optimism that with TETFUND the Polytechnic’s dream will be fulfilled in no distant time. 

Akwa Ibom can rake N20bn in revenue . . . IGR Consultant

Amid a growing impact of an economy caught in deep recession, IGR Consultant to Akwa Ibom State government, Messrs Rom Flex Networks Limited has said it is laying a solid foundation to enhance increased revenue generation meant to meet a consolidated growth of the state economy.

Mr. Eyo Bassey, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organization made this known in a statement issued in Uyo, which enumerated its projections for the new tax year.

Reiterating its resolve to shore up more revenue as would lead to early recovery and a smooth growth of the state economy, the statement said: “As federal government grapples to shift the economy from the oil sector as the dominant provider of revenue for governments, Rom Flex Networks Limited as IGR consultants to Akwa Ibom state government is prospecting to pull the state out of the present doldrums of recession.

Ukanafun people renew support for Udom, Akpabio

The people of ward two in Ukanafun Local Government Area have unanimously resolved to support Gov. Udom Emmanuel beyond 2019.

The people at a well attended solemn assembly at the ward centre, Ikot Odiong, recently, also resolved to support the Senator for Akwa Ibom North West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Chief Godswill Akpabio for another term in the Upper Chambers  of the National Assembly.

They premised their support to the duo following a motion by Elder Godwin Ekpe, a one-time councillor from the ward, on effective representation, prudent management of  resources, delivery of dividends of democracy to Ukanafun, the senatorial district,  the state at large and purposeful leadership.

Superhighway controversies: Cross River Govt. dares FG, environmentalist urge FG not to succumb to threats

BY TINA TODO

Controversies surrounding the proposed construction of the 260km Super highway by Cross River State Government have opened a new page last week, when the State Government gave an ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Environment to go ahead with construction work with or without approval.   

It all started a year ago when the Governor proposed to construct a Superhighway which is one of his signature projects to run 260km from Bakassi Local Government Area in the southern senatorial district to Bekwarra Local Government in the Northern Senatorial District .Both points are extreme of the state. 

Being a state host to the largest remaining rainforest in Nigeria, and globally known as one of the richest sites for biodiversity in the state, several protests and resistance by communities  affected, the Federal Ministry of Environment asked  the State Government to do a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). 

The state government ran out of patience last week and gave the federal government up till the second week of March 2017 for Abuja to give all approvals regarding the construction of the proposed 260km superhighway failure of which the State government says it would go ahead with the construction works. 

Delta Speaker mourns Ugbebor, says it is a difficult gap to fill

The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya on Friday mourned the death of Mrs. Irene Ekwutosi Ugbebor, describing it as painful.

Igbuya in a condolence message to the family described Mrs. Ugbebor as a caring mother and a pillar of support.

”Mrs. Ugbebor was a woman of many parts but one fact summarizes it all; humility and truth.”

Widely known for her kindness and uprightness, Igbuya said Mrs Ugbebor in life exhibited the vigour of doggedness and the tenacity of purpose. 

“Mrs. Ugbebor lived a life of love and of commitment to the ideals of service to God and humanity”.

Igbuya is a sincere leader, says CPS

The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Henry Ebireri, has risen in stout defence of Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya, describing him as a pious, diligent and sincere leader.

He also praised the speaker for defending the interests of the workers.

“Workers are critical to the growth and development of the state. Mister Speaker is committed to workers welfare. He will always support them through thick and thin” he said.

Reacting to the strike of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, (PASAN), Delta State Chapter, Ebireri not only commended Igbuya for his honest leadership but condemned those distorting the image of the House leadership.

He advised the workers to stop the antagonistic posture against the leadership of the Sixth Assembly.

2018 Census: No effort will be spared, AKSG assures

The Government of Akwa Ibom State has re-stated commitment to ensure maximum success of the ongoing Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) exercise and the subsequent 2018 population and housing census in the State. 

The Special Adviser, Bureau of Political, Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson gave the assurance on behalf of Akwa Ibom State Government during an interface meeting with the Officials of the National Population Commission (NPC) and Chairmen of the 31 Local Government Councils in the State during the week in Uyo, the State’s capital.

The Honourable Special Adviser revealed that the essence of the meeting was to further drive the State Government support for the ongoing pre-census exercise. He said the astute commitment of His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel to the success of the 2018 census, from its prelude stage, was informed by his acknowledgement of the fact that for any effective and sustainable development to be achieved, reliable demographic data is key. This, he added can only be acquired through a credible census.

Human empowerment as the best economic development

Finding opportunities for the young and women is a critical challenge for Akwa Ibom State, where 60 % of the population, which is more than two million, are youths and women. With no signs that population growth will slow in the decades to come, it is imperative that Akwa Ibom State Government leverage on the talent and energy of its youth and women to create dramatically higher levels of prosperity and equality and avoid the latent risks of unemployment and social instability.

Today, Nigeria as a Nation finds herself in a precarious position on this most important issue. Youth and women unemployment is three times the Nation’s overall average. The World Bank found that, women represent three-fifths of sub-Saharan Africa’s unemployed population, and 72 percent of their population lives on less than $2 a day. To help their families, 30 % of children between the ages of 5 and 14 are forced to work, which robs them of the educational opportunities that could break their families’ cycles of generational poverty.

So what does the average unemployed youth look like in Nigeria ? She is an 18-25year-old girl, living in a rural area, literate but not attending school. Building her skills, reaping her energy, and realizing her aspirations would help every country improve its living standards and ignite economic growth. Empowering her with opportunities to reach and apply her full potential is both our most important challenge and our most vital opportunity.

Masking the narrative of real property charge bill

BY UDEME UYOATA

Against the negative reactions it has received from an apprehensive social media, there is no gainsaying the fact that with the Real Property Charge Bill 2016 having gone through its second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly, and with an equally relevant Maritime Bill, the implementation of these laws on its final passage and assent by the executive, will invariably form a major plank of boosting accruable revenue to Akwa Ibom State from non-oil sources. 

And what is more? At the rate the bills are receiving popular endorsements on the floor of the hallowed chambers aside a very negligible but sensational dissent, kudos must however, be given to the legislative arm of government for finding it quite imperative to work in harmony, show passion and support the executive arm in creating inclusive growth to the economy through the provision of robust and enabling laws as would increasingly aid in leveraging an economy presently caught in deep and debilitating recession. 

As the legislature is primarily responsible for the enactment of laws that would provide the requisite and enabling environment expected to attract investments, provide jobs, create wealth, build needed human capacity and yield the required revenue necessary to implement and drive various government programmes and policies for the people, the abundance of available revenue no doubt is necessary for the continuous development of perquisite infrastructure amid other basic social amenities as can ably pedal the state economy out of the present woods.

2019 Guber: APC must take over Akwa Ibom – Kufre Inyangete ... Inaugurates Essien Udim Chapter Caucus with Kayeobong, Etido Ibekwe, Ors

BY DANIEL EKPEYONG

As events continue to unfold ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Chairman, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Kufre Inyanete has stated that the APC must take over power in Akwa Ibom come 2019 to bring the needed change home.

Chief Inyangete stated this recently at Essien Udim during the inauguration of the chapter caucus members of the party.

He noted that the visit to the chapter was basically to bring the message of unity to the people of Essien Udim, adding that APC in Akwa Ibom is one and indivisible party under the leadership of Dr. Amadu Atai.

Chief Inyangette who is also the state vice chairman of the party disclosed the preparedness of APC to take over power in the state come 2019. While saying that recent political developments across the country have shaken the Hiltop Mansion, he stressed that the umbrella was completely torn and the sustaining rod was broken beyond use.

Women Affairs Commissioner Empowers Widows, Orphans and Less Privileged

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

Ninety persons consisting of widows, orphans and less privileged persons from the 11 wards in Ikono Local Government Area, smiled home with bags of rice, wrappers and cash donations at the Ikono Local Government Council hall recently.  

The empowerment programme which was organized by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet, was in consolidation of Governor Udom’s benevolence and Wife, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel.

Speaking at the event, the women affairs boss extolled Governor Udom Emmanuel and wife for their sterling leadership qualities in human development, empowerment and wealth creation in the state while soliciting constant support and loyalty of the people to Governor Udom and wife.  She urged the women not to look down on leaders, but should honour and respect constituted authority and desist from sycophancy and unpatriotic acts that will not augur well with democracy and development in Akwa Ibom State.

Environment Commissioner frowns at non-compliance with sanitation exercise

BY DANIEL EKPENYONG

The Hon. Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resorces, Dr. Iniobong Essien has again expressed unhappiness over the non-complaint attitude of Akwa Ibom people toward the monthly sanitation exercise.

The environment boss made his feeling known while briefing journalists at the end of this month’s sanitation monitoring exercise on Saturday, February 25, 2017. He said he was saddened by the fact that residents in the State still see the sanitation exercise and the accompanying restriction in movement as a non-issue. 

“I am not happy that after the reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise at the reception of the Udom Emmanuel administration in 2015, about two years ago, people still treat the exercise with levity. From my personal observation and from the reports I get from across the state, the level of compliance is worrisomely low”, he lamented. 

AKSACA concludes training and empowerment of people living with HIV/AIDS

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

In a bid to provide means of livelihood and sense of belonging to people living with HIV/AIDS, orphans and Vulnerable Children in the state, the Ministry of Women Affairs in conjunction with the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (AKSACA) has trained and empowered 85 persons made up of the less privileged, orphans and vulnerable children as well as persons living with HIV and AIDS to start up their businesses.

The event which took place at the Women Development Centre, Uyo on Monday, February 20, 2017, was the climax of the six months training in different skills as part of the World Bank HPDP project of 2016, in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

The commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Dr. Glory Edet thanked God for the occasion.  She noted that lending a helping hand to the needy and less privileged is a duty that can never be unrewarded by God.

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

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

Ibiaku Ikot Usen Monarch swears in Village Council Youth President …Charges youths on respect to constituted authority

Apparently driven by a renewed commitment to chart a new course for the relatively peaceful Ibiaku Ikot Usen community, and to strengthen the Village Council Executive structure for enhanced quality service to the community, the village head of Ibiaku Ikot Usen, Eteidung Edem 

Udofia Akpan in collaboration with the Village council, on Saturday, February 4, 2017 inaugurated Mr. Michael Okon Akpan-Anana as the authentic and recognized Ibiaku Ikot Usen Village Council youth President. 

Administering Oath of office and Alliance to the new village council youth president Mr. Michael Okon Akpan-Anana, the Commissioner for oath and a renowned legal luminary, Bar. Ime Nya Asanga, urged the youth president to leave above board by discharging his duties diligently and faithfully, and not to sacrifice his official conduct on the alter of personal interest and self-aggrandizement. 

Barr. Asanga urged the village council youth president to join hands with the village head to maintain peace and promote development in the community and not to allow himself to be used by those who do not mean well for the community 

Youth Leader moves to unite Ukanafun Youths * Drums support for Udom, Udo Ekpenyong

 Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel (right) presenting a souvenir to Honourable Minister of Interior, Rtd. General, Abdulrahman Dambazau during a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Uyo.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader in Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state, Comrade Ubon Senas Ukpanah has finalised plans to meet with all youths of the area in the 11 wards that makes up Ukanafun.

In a chat with our reporter, comrade Ukpanah explained that there is the need to bring youths under one umbrella and keep them focused in order to achieve positive goals that will in the long run spark off youth empowerment and also bring about meaningful development to Ukanafun. 

He stressed that youths have a vital role to play in society building, adding that the time to rise and be counted has come. He added that youths have various roles to play including contributing their quota towards ensuring peace and unity wherever they find themselves.

Comrade Senas Ukpanah called on youths not to resort to violence as a means of settling disputes and grievances but always endeavour to use appropriate channels and constitutional means of making their plights known rather than cause mayhem and unrest. 

Eric Ekwere canvasses grassroots support for Gov Udom Emmanuel

A frontline politician and  youth leader in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area Mr. Eric Ekwere has charged youths of the area to support the present the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel and his entire cabinet members in other to move the state to an enviable height.

Mr. Ekwere made the call when he played host to a cross section of youths from Ikot Abia Enin in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area during the Traditional Marriage between Miss Mary Christopher Udobong and Ubong Udoh over the weekend.

He said that the Governor has done enough to win the hearts of Mkpat Enin people, he described the ongoing road construction project at Ikot Osop- Ikot Ediehe, the Coconut Refinery all sited in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area as living touching projects that will bring about development and job creation to the youths of the area when completed.

PDP Women Leaders reassure Governor Udom Emmanuel of their support

BY VICTOR UFOT

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chapter Women leaders in the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State and their women state Exco members have reaffirmed their total dedication and support to the Governor, His Excellency Deacon Udom Emmanuel and wife Martha.

The women made the pledge during their monthly prayer meeting with the state Woman Leader of the party Deaconess Mrs. Mmeme Akpabio today in Uyo. The party faithful stated that the state governor and his wife have been able to deliver on their campaign promises and as such, as party members and Akwa Ibom daughters they are proud of his administration.

The women praised the governor’s prudence in managing the meager resources that comes into the state. They also commended the governor for the massive road projects that are currently ongoing in all parts of the state.

Emmanuel Okon: The unsung champion of Divine Mandate

BY JOSEPH OKON

When Mr Udom Emmanuel in 2014 presented himself to contest for the office of Governor of Akwa Ibom State, some skeptics doubted his political strength to win the Peoples Democratic Party Governorship ticket and eventually win the general election, but he believes that under a divine arrangement, his aspiration can come to pass.

This perhaps was the reason he christened his campaign organization, “the divine mandate”. The skeptics may have been looking at Mr Udom Emmanuel alone in the political picture of actualizing the divine mandate, but the bigger picture is that there were a lot of unseen factors that worked for the divine mandate.

One of such unseen political factor that galvanized the entire state mobilizing support to ensure the emergence of the divine mandate is the Managing Director/ CEO of Eminence Oil and Chemicals, Mr Emmanuel Okon.

Mr Emmanuel Okon, a distinguished son of Nsit Atai, a native of Ikot Itie Udung is a Petroleum merchant with an operational base in Port Hacourt, Rivers State.

Michael Bush set to host PDP reunion in Uruan, Thursday

The Chairman/CEO of Bush House Nigeria, Akparawa Michael Bush will on Thursday 9th February, 2017 lead his fans, friends and admirers to Uruan Local Government Area in a ceremony which has been christened the Reunion of Michael Bush with the Peoples Democratic Party.

Michael Bush, it could be recalled was an ardent supporter of Obong Umana Okon Umana when the Ex SSG was contesting election for the ticket of the PDP in the 2015 nomination exercise of the party.

His support for Umana Okon Umana made the people to believe that Michael Bush was also a member of the APC especially as the Ex–SSG had after failing to pick the PDP ticket moved to the All Progressive Congress. 

But in a press briefing with newsmen in Uyo, the versatile journalist said, he was never a member of the APC. He maintained that his decision to reunite with the PDP family in Uruan Local Government Area is to make the people understand that Michael Bush is a strong card carrying member of the People Democratic Party PDP.

Misconduct/abuse of office: Aquila must go - Nigerian Students tell Gov. Udom

Student leaders in Akwa  Ibom State under the aegis of Organized Students Movement (OSM) has appealed to the state Governor Deacon Udom Emmanuel to immediately relief Comrade Aquila Otobong Akpan from her duties as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters over alleged incompetence and embezzlement of funds meant for student leaders in the state.

This was contained in a communiqué signed by various student leaders across the various higher institutions in the state.

The student leaders commended the governor for establishing industries that will help provide employment for students after graduation.

The students accused through the communiqué made available to THE INK reporter in Uyo, accused the Ini Local Government Area born student leader of siphoning Christmas gifts given to the student community by the State Governor during the last Christmas Celebration.