Report on the appearance of Mrs. Elsie Esara, Chairman, Transition Committee, Itu Local Government Council on the floor of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly on Wednesday, May 10, 2017

1.INTRODUCTION 

At its sitting on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 the sixth Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly resolved to summon Mrs. Elsie Esara, Chairman, Transition Committee, Itu Local Government Council to appear on the floor of the House on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 10 am. The summons was consequent upon the refusal of the Chairman to appear before the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to offer explanations on the petition against her bordering on lack of due process and transparency in the administration of Itu Local Government Council. The Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs who gave an interim report at plenary recommended that the Chairman of the Transition Committee be summoned to appear before the House having failed twice to respond to invitation of the Committee.

2. PROCEDURE    

In the letter No. AKHA/S/44/VOL. VI/621, issued by the directive of the Speaker, Mrs. Esara was summoned to appear before the House in plenary on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 10.00 am prompt. She respond to the invitation. The Speaker, presiding as Chairman of the Committee of the whole, received and introduced the respondent to the House and further briefed Members on the mission of the respondent. After the general overview Members made comments and interrogated Mrs. Esara who responded on fundamental issues of the summons.

3. RESPONSE BY MRS. ELSIE ESARA ON ISSUES BETWEEN 12.35PM – 3.50PM

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

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

Gov. Emmanuel tasks Education Institutions on ICT Training

Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel has called on institutions of higher learning across the country to equip graduates with requisite skills that would enable them measure up with their counterparts in the globally competitive work environment. 

Governor Emmanuel made the call during the 2nd and 3rd Convocation Ceremony of Akwa Ibom State University held at Ikot Akpaden, main campus of the institution. 

He acknowledged that the world is undergoing changes and urged citedals of learning to prepare students to view the world as a vast land of opportunities where they would translate creative ideas into sustainable wealth and cited people like Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Job,  Michael Dell and others  whom he said have impacted the World through creative endeavours.

His words : “I challenge this university to begin a new academic conversation to the effect that while it is wonderful to look forward to building a career in the civil service or other professional lines, we can equally be successful or if not more, if we think up ideas and match them with technology and then begin to put the building blocks towards wealth creation. “

Sack Itu Transition Chairman *AKHA directs Udom *Says Elsie Esara is incompetent to continue in office *Transition members throw more punches

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly during her Thursday last week’s sitting has directed the State Governor Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel to relief Mrs. Elsie Esara the Transition Chairman of Itu Local Government Area of her position saying that the woman lacks the competency to continue as a Local Government helmsman.

This was a part of the report on the appearance of Esara on the floor of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Wednesday, May 10 2017. The report which was read to members of the Assembly by Barr Onofiok Luke who is the Speaker of the Assembly noted that Esara has breached the oath of office and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which she swore to protect.

Barr Luke who presided over the interrogation of Elsie Esara as Chairman of the committee on the whole is the whole signatory in the report.

The legislators in their report maintained that, ‘the respondent Mrs. Elsie Esara lacks capacity to hold or continue to hold public office, having shown her inability to respect, protect and uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Grund Norm and not being law abiding. That up to date, the House of Assembly has not been served with the Notice of Discontinuance of the law suit she brought against the House. 

Mkpat Enin remains a PDP Territory -Lady Ekaette Usip …drums grassroots support for Gov. Udom

BY VICTOR UFOT

The Transition Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Lady Ekaette Usip has again reiterated that the Local Government is a PDP enclave as such, no other political party can win or dominate the area other than the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.

The Council Boss said this during a Stakeholders meeting convened last week Wednesday by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mkpat Enin Chapter in collaboration with Youth Groups in the Local Government to address tropical issues affecting the area and also seek solutions to the problems.

She said that the PDP as a party is responsible for the numerous strides achieved by the Local Government Area for the past years as such the people cannot turn their back on the party now, noting that the issues raised by the youths will receive satisfactory attention from the elders. “Mkpat Enin from inception has been a PDP territory, as a people we have achieved a lot through the PDP administrations and more are still coming. We will not relent in our support and loyalty to the party and the governor, His Excellency Deacon Udom Emmanuel”.

On the alleged marginalization of youths and women of the area by politicians, the Council Boss observed that the leadership of the party had taken the right steps to address the setback by calling all parties involved to a round table dialogue.

Esara gate: Assembly man receives knocks

Onofiok Luke, Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly

BY KENNETH JUDE

The member representing Itu State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Idongesit Ituen, has come under fire for allegedly masterminding the trial of the Transition Committee Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Elsie Esara.

The council boss has so far appeared twice at the House of Assembly for questioning over a petition over an alleged financial misappropriation sent to the state parliament by three Supervisors in the Itu Transition.

The petition amongst other allegations, accused Esara of pilfering the council purse as well as using council funds to cater for the welfare of Akwa Ibom First Lady, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel.

Though the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, stated that the involvement of the House in the matter is bereft of political undertones, there are indications in some quarters that Hon. Ituen having been locked in a cold war with the embattled Esara, is now using his Assembly colleagues in a perceived mission to oust her as Transition Chairman of Itu.

Oro Nation and Akwa Ibom South 2019 Senate

BY SAMPSON ENYONGEKERE

It is completely counter-productive and nonsensical, the struggle that Oro should be allow to produced the next governor of Akwa Ibom in 2019 so as to complete the eight years handed the Senatorial District.

Oro cannot, I repeat, cannot play the second fiddle as far as the gubernatorial seat of Akwa Ibom is concern. This stand is unequivocal and emphatic. Oro must willy-nilly be given eight years, two terms, as was given to the Ibibios and Annang, This is not negotiable and there is no going back even though the time may not be 2019.The time will definitely tell.

The ill-conceived, ill-considered and miscalculated decision and desire of some Oro people to be given the next four years from 2019 to steer the affairs of Akwa Ibom as governor is more or less settling for the crumbs hence, should be discarded by every well-meaning and right-thinking Oro person. I find it quite difficult to lend my voice to the misconceived decision and struggle basically because l know the desire, as far as 2019 is concern, is unattainable and as a realist, cannot grope to that direction.

I was scorned and humiliated, disgraced AKS factional APC Spokesman cries out

The last may not have been heard of the frustration suffered by the disgraced factional Publicity of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

After the National leadership of APC spokesmen forum walked Edet Bassey out of the conference room and frustrated out of the Hotel, Mr. Bassey made some attempts to whip sympathy for himself but unfortunately for him, he did not get succor.

Not being deterred, the disgraced Publicity Secretary made some attempts to get some conference materials through the backdoor.  

Edet Bassey however sent an sms to an aide to the National Publicity Secretary to find a way and smuggle some conference materials for him so that he could be pacified, at least, having spent a lot to get to Abuja only to be pushed out.

Why I want to serve Akwa Ibom as Governor … I won’t run for a second term – Asuquo Okpo

A former member of G22 and oil business mogul, Barr. Asuquo Okpo has announced his decision to contest for the position of Akwa Ibom State governor on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC in 2019.

Barr. Okpo made this announcement when he held an interactive session with newsmen in his Shelter Afrique residence in Uyo yesterday.

He said that in 2015, he would have emerged the Governor of Akwa Ibom State if not for the impunity and rascality of the PDP against him and twenty-one others.

The Effiat – Mbo born politician opined that he is optimistic that come 2019, he will pick the APC governorship ticket and proceed to emerge Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Okpo spoke on the experiences he garnered in 2015 elections and his sojourn to Abuja where he spent 40 days and 40 nights without achieving anything. He described that exercise as the height of impunity of the Peoples Democratic Party and added that himself and other well meaning people from the state had argued against such impunity but that the PDP would not listen.

FEYReP empowers multiple birth families

No fewer than 150 multiple birth families across the state have been empowered in the Third Phase of the Multiple Birth Programe of Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path-Initiative (FEYReP), a social intervention vehicle of the Akwa Ibom State governor’s wife, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel.

The event which held Friday at the Multi-Purpose hall, Judiciary Headquarters, Uyo, saw the beneficiaries given start-up capital to help kick start businesses by the governor’s wife.

In her remarks, Mrs. Emmanuel said the empowerment which is done at regular interval is aimed at assisting families cope with the demands of raising multiple children. She admonished the multiple birth parents to accept the children as a source of blessing from God and not otherwise. 

“It is a privilege to give birth to twins 

and triplets, God’s grace has located you. I urge you to take care of your children and bring them up in the way of the lord.” She said.

Gov Udom’s excellent leadership qualities second to none- GROUP * Deaconess Martha is a compassionate and caring mother- Engr Ekaete Inyang

FEYReP empowers multiple birth families

A frontline sociopolitical group Transformation Ambassadors for Udom (TAU) has commended the excellent leadership qualities of Akwa Ibom state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. 

The group president Mr. Raymond Alphonsus stated this while interacting with newsmen ahead of the democracy day celebrations on May 29th in the state. According to Raymond Alphonsus who is a second class upper Graduate of Architecture from the University of Uyo “Gov. Udom Emmanuel has exhibited excellent leadership qualities and massive economic progress despite the biting economic recession in Nigeria.

 In Akwa Ibom workers receive full salaries as at when due, various industries such as the toothpick and pencils factory has been completed and is undergoing test running. The Syringe industry which will produce 600 million syringe yearly for export to other states of the federation as well as outside the country will soon be completed. 

The electric meter industry which has also neared completion will commence operations as Gov. Udom Emmanuel has sent Akwa Ibomites who will work in the industry for training oversees. The Akwa Prime Hatchery which was completed is now producing day old chicks in sufficient quantity for the entire state. 

2017 Children’s Day Celebration: AKSG organizes Solemn Assembly, thanksgiving service

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

Children’s Day is recognized on various days in many places around the world to honor children globally.  The day was set aside to encourage nations of the world to devote a special day for the promotion of the welfare of children as well as provide platforms for interaction and understanding among children.

Here in Nigeria, May 27 of every year is dedicated to celebrate children. In Akwa Ibom State, the government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare has rolled out series of events to mark this year’s celebration in a unique style.

With the theme: Child Protection and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Issues and Opportunities, the event began with a Solemn Assembly on Wednesday, 17th May 2017 at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, where the children took time to thank God for the gift of children, even as they prayed for the grace to nurture them to be responsible citizens and adults.  

They also interceded for cordial relationship between parents and children and among siblings; safety of schools as centres of learning, as well as deliverance and restoration of the vulnerable, abused and stigmatized children through effective rehabilitation and integration, while calling on heaven to bless the President, Muhammadu Buhari, Governor  Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and all those placed in positions of authority over the affairs of children in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.

As the Children’s Day celebration beckons

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

Children’s Day is an event celebrated in many places around the world. The Day is simply set to honoura children and minors.  The International Children’s Day had its origin in Turkey in 1920 (April 23, 1920) and later in the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland in 1925.  It was first celebrated worldwide in October 1955, under the sponsorship of International Union for Child Welfare in Geneva.

The idea of a Universal Children’s Day was mooted by Rubab Mansoor grade 8 and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954. It was established to encourage all countries to institute a day, firstly to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world’s children.  It was also chosen as the day to celebrate childhood. Generally, children get all excited and eagerly await the day.

To underscore the importance the United Nations attaches to children, one of the steps taken was to set aside November 20 of every year as the Universal Children’s Day. It was first marked worldwide in 1954 under the auspices of the UN.

Jubilation as Gov. Udom flags off Ndon Eyo, Ikot Akpatek, Odio road project

 BY ASSAM ABIA

It was joy unlimited for the people of Ikwe Community in Onna Local Government Area Penultimate week when Governor Udom Emmanuel flaged off the construction of Ndon Eyo, Ikotakpatex, Odio Road.

The Governor, represented by the commissioner for works, Mr. Ephraim Inyang flagged off the 15.1 Kilometer road, traversing over five communities as part of his ongoing economic policy implementation for the State.

He reiterated his administration’s readiness to fulfill all campaign promises made to the people two years ago despite the short fall in revenue.

The road which terminates at Ikwe is described as one of the most viable economic infrastructures for the State as over 50% of farm produce and sea food emanates from the communities along the road.

Governor Udom Emmanuel assured the people that the road project will be completed on time as stipulated by the contract agreement, adding that the road is very important because a petrochemical refinery is located along it.

ITU PDP to Deputy Chapter Chairman: You did not speak for us

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Itu Chapter has denounced its Deputy Chapter Chairman Hon. Bernard Okon Ekpenyong and his reported claim that he was speaking for the Party at a press conference last week where he reportedly described the Member Representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly ‘as a total failure, a disappointment and a disgrace to Akwa Ibom’. 

A resolution of the Party following an emergency meeting, Friday, at Mbak Atai Itam, Itu on the issue stressed that “ the act where Hon. Bernard Okon Ekpenyong organised a press conference without any authorization and used the forum to advance a personal opinion as if it were the official position of the Party is not only a clear case of anti-party activity and a gross violation of the extant provisions of the Party’s constitution but a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity, authority and powers of the Party”. 

The Party therefore directed Hon. Ekpenyong to ‘retract the malicious story, tender an unreserved apology to the Party and Dr. Henry Archibong within 72 hours and give the apology the same wide publicity in the media as the first publication, failure which shall attract appropriate disciplinary sanctions from the Party.’

To - Be -Connected Nigeria unveiled in Uyo

Arc. Ezekiel Nya Etok, Sampson Siasia and other members of To-Be-Connnected Nigeria

To-Be-Connected Nigeria, a project and business platform aimed at mobilizing talents, innovations, research and creativity of Nigerians for collaboration and commercialization with the local and global industry, over the weekend , was unveiled in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The initiative seeks to among other things, provide physical and virtual platforms to facilitate linkages for athletes, creative artists, authors, breakthrough medicine and softway development.

Unveiling the project, the Founder/CEO, To-Be-Connected Nigeria, Hon. Faruk Yabo said there were very many creative Nigerians in sports and other creative ventures whose talents have not been discovered and encouraged.

He said the project is therefore geared towards unlocking the many potentials of the country to the world.

While assuring that To-Be-Connected Nigeria will promote research assets from within and outside the academic sphere, he said;

G22 member, ors float IMA for Udom

Former G22 member, Chief Marcus Okuku, Ayang Ayang and many others are among the group of eminent personalities that have floated a new socio-political group known as Ibom Mega Alliance, IMA.

Promoters of the group apart from the duo include some members of the State Executive Council, Council Chairman of Oruk Anam LGA, former AKHA legislators, former council Chairmen and other politicians with grassroots appeal.

The group which is purely intellectually based with grassroots appeal has former Council Chairman of Onna Local Government Area, Mr. Pat Ifon leading the strategic committee while Dr. Eventus Edem leads the round table committee even as Comfort William, the Press Secretary to Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio is a member of the intellectual roundtable committee.

THE INK can report authoritatively that the group is designed to have a distinctively intellectual outlook.

Group honours Ufot Ebong ...drums support for Gov. Udom Emmanuel

For his meritorious and outstanding contribution to the success of Deacon Udom Emmanuel industrialization agenda and generous inputs to the organisation’s vision, the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Technical Matters’ and Due Process, Elder Ufot Ebong has been decorated as a patron of the Akwa Ibom State Female Youths Association (AKFYA). 

The Honour was bestowed on him, Yesterday, at his Shelter Afrique residence, as part of programmes marking the Association’s one year anniversary. 

It was perhaps, the consideration of the latest factor the human input in industrialisation agenda of Udom Emmanuel that informed the gathering of 31 supervisors who are coordinators of AKFYA in their Local Government at the resident of Ebong in shelter afrique. 

Speaking at the Meeting, The President of the group, Miss. Edna Bassey, appreciated the SSA for his generosity and sacrificial assistance he has so far rendered to the growth of the Group since its inception and hinted that the choice of Ebong as patron of the Group and awardee came as a result of his selfless contributions and intelligent role in the actualisation of the vision of Udom Emmanuel.

2017 world biodiversity day

The United Nations General Assembly adopted 22nd May as International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) or World Biodiversity Day. This day is set aside to raise awareness about preserving endangered habitats and increase the global understanding of issues and challenges around biodiversity. 

Each year the celebrations focus on a particular theme. The theme for this year is, “Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism.”

The theme highlights the link between sustainable tourism and biodiversity – one of tourism’s most valuable assets – and promotes sustainable tourism that balances the use of natural resources with sound conservation management. Sustainable tourism can provide vital income and employment for local communities, maintain local biodiversity and raise awareness of the importance of conservation.  

According to Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, Biodiversity describes the foundation for all the lives, the variety and variability of living organisms. These include the marine, the terrestrial and the aquatic ecosystems.  The living organisms can be animals, plants or even   human beings. In other words, biodiversity is “the genetic, species and ecological diversity of the organisms in a given area. 

Osung clocks 50: Friends, Associates celebrate Ex-Council boss in Abuja

The former chairman of Urueoffong Oruko Local Government Area, Chief Okon Tom Osung last week clocked the Golden Jubilee age of 50.  Osung who had a birthday bash organised for him by friends and associates said he is eternally grateful to God whose mercies have seen him through all the struggles and wrangles of life.

The former Urueoffong Oruko Council Boss who emerged as the best council Chairman, South South when he presided over the affairs of his council as chairman enjoyed the kind words and solidarity of his friends, associates and protégés.

Speaking at the occasion, the chairman on the day, Barr. Isikong Isong described Chief Osung as a man of courage, integrity and humility.  He praised the former Urueoffong Council Boss for his leadership styles which he described as excellent and asked him to continue his good works while also praying God to bless the former Council Boss.

Mr. Ita Ntekim who is based in Miami Florida also spoke at the occasion.  He had kind words for Osung and described him as a qualified Oro son.  Ntekim said he is pleased with the heights Osung has been able to attain in his Golden Jubilee.

Robinson Uwak, former House of Representatives member said of Osung, “Today I join millions of Nigerians to celebrate a man who has made a difference in my life,a man who has made a difference in the life of many individuals within and outside Oro nation, a man who has made a difference in governance and  administration. 

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

AKHA organizes retreat for press corps members, correspondents

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has organized a 2-day Retreat and Capacity Building Workshop for press corps members and correspondents of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. The retreat which was declared opened by the speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, took place at Utimanik Hotel, Grace Bill Road, Eket. The retreat, with the theme “Reporting the Legislature for Sustainable Development”, had renowned Nigerians scholars and media experts as facilitators. They are Charles Aniagwu; Segun Adeniyi; Imam Imam; Ibanga Isine; Michael Bush as well as Kola Ologbondiyan. 

In his remarks, the AKHA speaker, Barr. Onofiok Luke said the retreat was in partial fulfilment of his promise to continually partner journalists in the state especially in the area of capacity development. Onofiok Luke, who made two promises when he paid a courtesy call to NUJ Press Centre, Uyo few days after he emerged speaker which is; to appoint five journalists to work with him and to initiate a media retreat and a training workshop for all House of Assembly correspondents, noted that his promises were in line with the legislative agenda of the 6th Assembly. 

He said with the two promises fulfilled, he is looking forward to further engagements in order to consolidate on the robust relationship between the media and AKHA. According to him, “This morning I am thankful to the resource persons who have honoured us with their presence in Uyo at a short notice.

AKSG launches campaign against Child Abuse, abandonment, child Labour and baby factory

Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare has held its 2017 sensitization campaign against child abuse, child abandonment, child labour and Baby Factory.  

The three day Programme, which had as its theme “End Child Exploitation and Abuse: Promote a Violence Free Society” took place in the three senatorial districts in the state. The Sensitization campaign started on Tuesday 2nd May, 2017 in Onna Local Government Council Hall, Wednesday 3rd May, 2017 in Nsit Ubium Local Government Council Hall, climaxing on Thursday 4th May 2017 in Essien Udim Local Government Council Hall.

The event was an elaborate gathering attracting dignitaries and guests from all the works of life. 

The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet in her address thanked the Governor, His Excellency Mr. Udom Emmanuel for being children friendly and in making the state suitable and peaceful for children. 

Umana’s men threaten to quit APC * Say irregularities, nepotism, favouritism bane of opposition party in the state

It appears diehard and key supporters of Obong Umana Okon Umana have ruled out the possibility of staying in the All Progressive Congress (APC) following what they described as being sidelined in the scheme of things in the Party.

Top sources close to Umana Umana told THE INK that there is no need to remain in the Party that has sidelined them in decision making processes, even as they lamented being sidelined in some appointments within agencies of government being headed by APC faithful.

It could be recalled that about a month ago, some APC youths, mostly those close to Umana Umana and Presidential aide, Ita Enang had taken to the social media to vent their frustration on the Party and how they have been taken for a ride.

Those who volunteered information to THE INK reporter said, it took the intervention of some elders whom themselves are not happy to have called the youths to order and preach peace with a promise that their anger will be addressed.  

Those who met with the youths behind closed doors to placate them are said to have been former PDP Vice Chairman Chief Sunny Ibanga of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, KufreAbasi Etuk, a former member of Uruan State Constituency is said to have also met with the aggrieved youths asking them to stand down their agitation as appointees of the Federal Government will meet with them to resolve every grey areas.

Esit Eket Youths urge Akanimo Udobia to contest for LG Chairmanship election

Ahead of the Local Government election billed to take place later in Akwa Ibom State, youths of Esit Eket Local Government Area in a noble idea of rewarding exemplary leadership at the grassroot  says they want Mr. Akanimo Benjamin Udobia, who is from the loins of their political leader Elder Ben to step forward and vie for the office of the chairman of the Local Government Area.

In an interaction with newsmen in Eket over the weekend, spokesman for the concerned Esit Eket youths,  the platform on which the youths made the agitation, Engr. Etang Etang a former common wealth Youth Ambasador   described the Udobia Junior as a young man with proven integrity, good moral conscience and a 21st century  leader.

They opined that over the years Akanimo Udobia has demonstrated uncommon level of intelligence, leadership strides and effectiveness in governance enumerating amidst many reasons, why he should succeed as the next Chairman of the Local Government Area.

Engr. Etang while pouring encomiums on the Computer Science graduate of the Prestigious Igbinedion University said that Akanimo Udobia who served as a supervisor for Education in the last administration under Hon. Ibanga Etang was an epitome of hardwork, a rallying point for the youths and a brilliant vessel whose passion for the development of the community meets no measure.

A’Ibom Community in Abuja lauds Buhari, FG over Calabar - Itu road

More commendations and goodwill messages have continue to trail the award of contract for the dualization of Calabar - Odukpani - Itu - Ikot Ekpene Road spur Ididep Itam  in the South-South.

The latest commendation is from the Abuja branch of Akwa Ibom Community. 

Arising from her monthly meeting at Akwa Ibom House, Central Area Abuja, the community through her President, Mr Etim Tommy appreciates the President and the APC led Federal Government for the honour done the region. 

The community particularly praised Senator Ita Enang and all the appointees of the Federal Government for their zeal, which its noted brought to fruition approval for the  dualisation of the road.

The Akwa Ibom community noted that the poor state of the road has cost many lives and properties, and slowed down economic activities of the affected States.

Tilapia Island supports Abak Local Gov’t Secretariat Construction

In what many would describe as a rare show of patriotism, a leading recreational and tourism outfit in the State, the Tilapia Island Resort, Abak on Friday stunned staff and people of the area, by donating 100 bags of cement to support the completion of the 13 years old uncompleted Council Secretariat Complex.

Making the presentation, the Chairman Tilapia Island Group, Mr, Saviour Udo flanked by other members of the group said the gesture was borne out of the company’s resolve to maintain a sensitive business relationship that would promote shared values and responsibilities with the host community.

Mr. Udo noted that despite the biting economic realities in the country, the recreational outfit was committed to her corporate-social responsibilities and recounted that the group was moved by the hardship which lack of conducive office accommodation posed to council staff, in the decision to partner the council in completing the structure.

Expressing satisfaction with the warm and hospitable business climate the outfit has enjoyed, the Chairman of the group commended people of the area for their support and cooperation, which has afforded the outfit the needed encouragement to fulfill the dream of boosting the recreational and tourism fortune of the state.

Gov. Udom Emmanuel industrialization drive attracts Foreign Investment

The industrialization policy and drive of Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration and the peaceful disposition of Akwa Ibom people has created a favourable business environment that attracts numerous foreign investments to the state.

The Managing Director of Jubilee Syringe manufacturing company, Mr Zubeyir Gulabi made the assertion during a facility tour of the company by the Ministry of Information and Strategy media crew.

Mr Gulabi said, apart from the conducive business environment created by the present administration for foreign investors, Akwa Ibom State has a good percentage of the raw materials needed for the industry.

He added that with the Nigerian population of about 200 million, the ninth in the world, the Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company which is the biggest Turkish industry in Nigeria is guaranteed of a large market.

Ex-Attorney General wants defaulting NDDC contractors prosecuted

A former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Akwa Ibom State, Chef Victor Iyanam, has joined the growing clamour for the arrest and prosecution of contractors that abandoned projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) if they fail to return to site.

The State Commissioner for Works, Ephraim Inyang, recently blew the whistle on contractors, mainly members of his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who abandoned NDDC projects in the last 16 years.

In an interview programme on Planet FM, a private radio station in Uyo, Iyanam said prosecution of such contractors was necessary to restore sanity to the system and serve as a deterrent to others.

“Those contractors must be prosecuted and must refund the money they collected. If people are not punished for committing crimes against the people, they would continue to do so,” he said.

But he took a swipe at the works commissioner, saying it was irritating that the commissioner was championing the campaign against NDDC  whereas he is “a man who has his hands full with uncompleted and abandoned projects of the State Government.”

Agriculture and Economic Development of Akwa Ibom State

BY JOSEPHINE BASSEY

Agriculture is the culti vation and breeding  of animals, plants  and fungi for food, fiber, biofuel, medicinal plants and other products used to sustain and enhance human life.

Agriculture  was a the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the development of civilization. The study of agriculture is known  as agricultural science.

The history of agriculture Dates back to thousands of years, and its development has been driven and defined by greatly different climates, cultures and technologies.

The major agricultural products can be broadly grouped into food,fibers,fuel, and raw materials.

Specific foods include cereals ( grains),vegetables, fruits,oils, meats and spices.

Fibers include cotton,wool,hemp,silk and flax. Raw materials include lumber and bamboo . Other useful materials are also produced by plants such resins,dyes, drugs,perfumes,biofuel and ornaments products such as cut flowers and nursery plants.

Kidnappers return in Ikot Abasi

BY PAULINUS NTA

Barely 8 months after the arrest of a notorious kidnap gang that had terrorized the riverine area of Ikot Abasi, a new wave of terror have been inflicted on the area by another deadly gang who, in broad day light, abducted three children whose ages range between 4 to 6 years, with the use of a motorcycle.

Reports have it that the three children were playing opposite St. Peter and Paul Primary School, Mission Road, Essene last Sunday, when a motorcycle stopped in a Rambo-style and the kidnappers  whisked the three children to unknown destination.

It was gathered that before eye witnesses  could draw the attention of youths for rescue, it was too late, as they had zoomed off into thin air with the unlucky children.

Information at our disposal has it that two of the children belong to one carpenter, named Aniefiok Richard Inwang while the other belongs to another carpenter, by the name, Akan Akiki.

National APC throws out factional AKS Publicity Secretary

A factional Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress in Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Edet Bassey was embarrassed and thrown out by the  of the ruling Party in Abuja last week for imposition, fraud and impersonation. 

In a meeting of State Publicity Secretaries of the Party held at Newton Park Hotel in Abuja, Barr. Edet Bassey had turned up and presented himself as the spokesman of the Party in Akwa Ibom State.  

The recognized Publicity Secretary of the Party in Akwa Ibom, Samuel Udobong was also billed to attend. When organizers of the meeting sighted Barr. Edet Bassey, they approached him and sought to know who he was.  He introduced himself as the Publicity Secretary of APC in Akwa Ibom State.  

Oil and Gas Companies Relationship with host communities Legislation Underway - Senator Albert

The Distinguished Senator representing Akwa lbom North East in the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chair, Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Bassey Albert says there is a legislation that is underway that will compel Oil and Gas companies in Nigeria to think seriously of affecting their host communities positively as part of the innovations brought into the on -going legislative processes that the (PIGB) Petroleum Industry Governance Bill is currently going through 

Senator Albert dropped the hint in the United States of America on Monday where he is part of a high powered Senate delegation currently in the US to attend several conferences to boost legislation in the oil and Gas sector in Nigeria. 

OBA as he is famously called added “Things must change in our oil and gas industry for good so that Nigerians and the host communities can begin to feel the impact of these organizations”. 

The team on Monday engaged Chevron US on their relationship with the host communities in their deep water operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

OBA’s scholarship beneficiaries laud Benefactor

Beneficiaries of the on-going all school expense scholarship programme numbering about 130 undergraduates from different universities across the country, powered by Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert representing Akwa Ibom North East in the 8th Senate have expressed their appreciation to their  benefactor, Senator Albert for what they described as an unparalleled scholarship by him for the youths.

Speaking with a large number of Journalists in Uyo recently while receiving their school up-keep allowances for second semester the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the Senator for his large heartedness. One of them Uyai Udofia, a Pharmacy undergraduate of the University of Uyo said ‘’I’m just wondering what my story would have been if not for this rare intervention by Senator Albert because now with ease l pay my school fees and pick up the bills at school, l can only say that God continue to bless him in all his pursuits’’.  

Another beneficiary, Afia Godspower Samuel studying Medicine and Surgery also at UNIUYO described his benefactor in superlatives ‘’Senator Bassey Albert to me is a rare gift to this generation which l’m privileged to be part of.

Uniuyo Students excel in NUGA games

A total of 52 Athletes from the University of Uyo have been successful in the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) held in Markurdi, Benue State, and awarded 15 Medals in different categories of sport. 

Presenting the Medals to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Enefiok E. Essien, Tuesday, May 02, the Director, Committee on Sports, University of Uyo, Prof. Ini Jonah, who broke the cheery news when he led the victorious participants on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, appreciated and thanked the management for their support to participate in the NUGA games. 

Prof. Jonah intimated the Vice-Chancellor that the Directorate of Sports was faced with challenges, he appealed for more coaches to be recruited in some sports and advised that admission in the University for Sportsmen and women should be highly considered.  Prof. Jonah also suggested that the Vice-Chancellor should create time to receive all the athletes. 

SA appointment: CYDL Congratulates Uduak Edem

A socio-political organization in Abak Local Government Area, the Conglomeration of Youths for Democratic Liberty (CYDL) has congratulated one of its Patrons, Rt. Hon. (Sir) Uduak Edem on his recent appointment as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring. 

In a congratulatory message signed by the Coordinator, Comrade Monday Isaac, Secretary General, Mr. Utibe Godwin and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Benedictus Benedict, CYDL described the appointment as meritorious and well deserved.

CDYL in the message, expressed the hope that as a committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since its formation and an outstanding grassroot politician the new SA will use his wealth of experience to add value to the Udom Emmanuel’s administration as well as mobilizing support for his re-election in 2019. 

The Organization pledged their continuous loyalty and support to the new SA and prayed God to give him the requisite wisdom to discharge his duties effectively.

Bloody Cult war in Eket claims 3 lives

BY ASSAM ABIA

Renewed cult war on Saturday claimed three lives in Eket Local Government Area of the Akwa Ibom. 

An eyewitness reports that one of the  victims was targeted to death while the two others were gun down. 

The war was between the two major rival cult groups known klans men and the Axe confraternity.

Our Correspondent reports that tension has enveloped the city of Eket town as a result of the cult war which had earlier claimed scores of lives.

An armed police are patrolling Eket and it’s environs to prevent further breakdown of law and order. 

A source who pleaded anonymity said that one of the victim simply known as Dela met his untimely death while returning from watching a football match along Hospital road in Eket.

AKHA invalidates termination of Finger Print contract

Members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Transport, on Friday 12 May, 2017, revoked the termination of contract by Commissioner for Transport and Petroleum Resources Mr. Orman Esin awarded to Finger Print Consulting Firm by his predecessor, warning him to respect the earlier resolutions of the committee’s last meeting with stakeholders in the sector.

Speaking at a meeting between the Transport Ministry, consultants working for the ministry, and the House committee on works and transport, the chairman of the Committee, Mr. Idongesit Ituen expressed displeasure over the termination of contract awarded to Finger Print Consulting Firm, adding that the committee, as the representative of the whole House, is bounded by rules and regulations which must be respected by all.

“Whatsoever we are trying to do is aimed at ensuring peace in the state. We’ve received more than 17 petitions but we wouldn’t have time to consider them since the commissioner is not here.

You are a failure, PDP tells Henry Archibong

The Peoples Democratic Party in Itu Local Government Area has come out very hard on the member representing Itu/Ibion Ibom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly describing him as a total failure, a disappointment and a disgrace to Akwa Ibom.

Addressing newsmen in a press parley yesterday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital yesterday, The PDP Deputy Chapter Chairman of the Local Government Area Bernard Okon Ekpenyong   who said he was speaking on behalf of the party in Itu LGA described as abysmal, unconvincing and a blow to the high expectations of the people of the Federal Constituency.

The PDP Deputy Chapter Chairman who is a former councilor representing East Itam 3, Ward 5 in Itu Local Government Area, added that it was unfortunate that the people of the Federal Constituency have been left with a representative that has failed them in representation and also flopped in terms of empowering his kinsmen. 

Hon Archibong, a Medical Doctor, has been the representative of the Federal Constituency for almost two years having won election into the Green Chambers in 2015.