June 2017 ~ Welcome to the Official Blog of THE INK Newspaper- Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Tuesday, 6 June 2017

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

On Thursday, May 4th 2017, Distinguished Senator John James Akpanudoedehe B.Sc; M.Sc; Ph.D; Cert in Leadership (Harvard); was invited to be the Guest Speaker at the UNIVERSITY OF UYO ALUMNUS GUEST LECTURE.

The Lecture held at ONYEMA UGOCHUKWU AUDITORIUM, University of Uyo, Uyo. Its Theme was: ‘RETURN OF WHAT MAKES SOCIOLOGISTS SOCIAL ENGINEERS’. The Topic was: ‘LINKING FORMER AND PRESENT MEMBERS FOR SOLVING CURRENT CHALLENGES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF UYO’.

The Lecture, which was broadcast live on UNIUYO (University of Uyo) FM-100.7, was well-attended by students of the Sociology and Anthropology Department of the University of Uyo, as well as members of the academia from the University, and beyond. It turned out to be an enthralling event, especially with the Guest Lecturer, Distinguished Senator Akpanudoedehe, holding the audience spell-bound, with his well-informed analyses of issues.
Excerpts:

Nto Afe Annang Host 1ST Obong Ikpaisong Sampson Udo Idiong memorial lecturer …Endorses Udom for second term …Honour Iwok, Udosen, Ors

The front line socio cultural organization in Annang nation, the Nto Afe Annang last weekend hosted the 2017 Annual convention with theme sustainability of purposeful leadership: A culture in Annang nation in memory of Obong Ikpaisong Sampson Udo Idiong, honored distinguished Akwa Ibom sons and daughters.

The epoch making event took place at the independence hall, Abak had in attendance crème-de-la-crème in the politics of Akwa Ibom state including the deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Moses Ekpo, member Abak state constituency, Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok, member Ukanafun state constituency, Hon. Oto-obong Akpan, Vice Chancellor, Ritman University, Prof. Celestine Ntuen as chairman on the occasion, Itai Afe Annang (IV) HRM. Okuku Pius Effiong Esideh III, Paramount Ruler of Abak, HRM. Obong Christopher Ukpe, youth and women groups among others.

Adede (Elder) Isidore Archibong, President Nto Afe Annang in his welcome address said Nto Afe Annang is socio cultural organization to bring Annang people together to foster love, peace and unity and to promote social, cultural, economical and political development in Annang Nation in particular and Akwa Ibom State in general.

Eket Senatorial District remains very united behind Udom Emmanuel -Ekong Sampson

The tenure of Governor Udom Emmanuel has been described as the game of soccer in which the first and second halves must be played to complete a match.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson presented the analysis at the Eket Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting organized by the Directorate of Marketing and Brand Management, at the Council Hall of MkpatEnin Local Government Area.

Barrister Ekong Sampson said 2019 will only mark the end of the first half, while the second will follow immediately from then to 2023. He said the people of area have been challenged by the massive support and confidence expressed by the people of Uyo and IkotEkpene Senatorial Districts for the Udom Emmanuel administration and towards the 8-year match.

The MkpatEnin born political juggernaut speaking of the people of Eket Senatorial District said, “believe in good things, we believe in progress, we believe in the advancement of our people”. He reassured the people of Akwa Ibom State that EketSenatorial district remains very united behind Governor Udom Emmanuel.

ONNA Youths reaffirm support for Governor Udom Emmanuel

The Youth Organization in ONNA Local Government has again reiterated their support and loyalty for the governor of Akwa Ibom State Deacon Udom Emmanuel.

The youths under the aegis of Nigerian Youth Council ONNA Chapter made the reaffirmation in a Press Release issued and signed by the Chairman, Comrade Samuel Umoffia JP in a reaction to a news story in one of the state based newspaper not the INK NEWSPAPER) which claimed that youths of ONNA Local Government Area may withdraw their support from the governor.

The youths condemned in strong terms the news item which it described as false and misleading and advised members of the public to disregard the story which the Release described as “fake”.

The release reads in part, “even though the publication lack truth and substance like every other baseless publications sponsored by disgruntled elements whose stock in trade is to continue to cause disunity but for the interest of the public especially those unsuspecting persons who may be mislead by the lies.

Usoro Uso: An exhibition of contemporary Nigerian Arts commences June 8 in Uyo

In a bid to celebrate creativity in Akwa Ibom state, the state ministry of culture and tourism , will be putting together an exhibition of contemporary Nigerian arts tagged Usoro Uso .

According to the commissioner for culture & tourism, Rt Hon Victor Antai, exhibitions including array of artifacts from countless forms of human making: paintings, drawings, crafts, sculpture, performances, interactive art from the very best of contemporary Akwa Ibom and Nigerian artists will be on display.

Expected to grace the exhibition include Veteran sculptor Bruce Onobrakpeya, Ben Essien, Nsikak Essien and Olu Amoda. Usoro Uso which holds at the Ibibio Unity Museum, Unity Park, Uyo will be officially opened by his Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel on Thursday June 8th, 2017 and will run till June 22nd, 2017.

Commissioner Antai, onbehalf of his ministry and the government of Akwa Ibom state, invites lovers of art and creativity and indeed all and sundry to witness the epoch making event as the tourism potentials of the amazing Akwa Ibom would be in focus.

Ntukudeh, Orman Esin’s boys set Uyo on fire

BY VICTOR UFOT

The ongoing war rocking the Akwa Ibom State ministry of Transportation yesterday took yet interesting turn as youths allegedly sponsored by the former Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Godwin Ntukudeh clashed openly with workers currently engaged by the ministry of Transportation to help the ministry in ticket sales.

THE INK gathered that war broke out when some boys loyal to Mr. Godwin Ntukudeh continued in their illegitimate business of collecting monies generated from sales of keke ticket along Aka road in Uyo on Monday. The information on reaching the office of the incumbent commissioner for Transport, Hon Orman Esin did not go down well with some boys charged with the responsibility of remitting the revenue to the State.

Our investigation revealed that Mr. Godwin Ntukudeh since he was sacked from office as a commissioner by Governor Udom has been using clandestine means to siphon monies belonging to the state government.

The fight which started at Obio Imo Street according to eye witnesses’ account spilled into some parts of Aka road. The ugly incident attracted passersby who pulled over their cars to have a swell time watching the serious fight. He said that the men from the ministry of Transport mercilessly beat up one of the boys employed by Mr. Ntukudeh to carry out his unpatriotic acts.

Trouble in Ministry of Health * Staff at daggers drawn with commissioner, Permanent Secretary

The commissioner for Health in Akwa Ibom State Dr. Dominic Ukpong, his wife and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Atti Bassey has been fingered in a high level messy fraud which is allegedly currently rocking the ministry. Multiple sources from the Ministry narrated to THE INK yesterday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.

According to our reliable source in the ministry, the Commissioner had some times ago issued an order mandating the permanent secretary to direct all contracts coming into the ministry to his wife who he has been using to execute most projected carried out the ministry since he assumed office as commissioner.

Our source in the ministry informed our news desk that the Commissioner has been engaging in fraudulent activities since he took over but said that problems started when the commissioner directed his Permanent Secretary to award the contract to cook during a recently concluded one week training conducted by the state government in conjunction with US based group ‘Heart Foundation” for health care worker on Emergency medical services in the state.

The staff in the ministry alleged that the ministry, the commissioner’s wife served the guest present at the event with low quality food which was rejected by the participants. “Mrs. Ukpong has never been a cook we wondered why the husband will award such contract to his wife. The food she presented was not just substandard but was rejected by the guests at the event”.

Traditional Rulers, Students, parents commend Lady Usip over 2017 Children’s day Celebration

BY VICTOR UFOT

Traditional rulers and women groups in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area have commended the Transition Chairman of the council Lady Ekaette Usip on the successful celebration of this year’s children Day in Mkpat Enin local Government Area.

The Royal fathers gave the commendation at the end of the annual celebration to mark the day set aside for children all over the world.

They said that the council boss has help restore public confidence into the stool by commencing the event early which according to them had been starting late by previous administration. They also expressed joy to the Chairman for providing cash to support their transportation back home which they averred was a rare occurrence in the area during such occasions.

Meanwhile, some children who participated at the event also expressed happiness to Lady Usip for ensuring that the venue for the event was well kempt. Miss Joy James a student of Federal Government Girls’ College Ikot Obio Itong noted that unlike other years, the field was thoroughly cut which allowed them to have a successful match past.

Akpabio’s former Commissioner Martins Udoinyang in village head tussle mess …may be cursed by Traditional Rulers

BY VICTOR UFOT

A former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Akwa Ibom State during Senator Goodswill Akpabio administration, Hon Martins Udoinyang has enmeshed himself in a shoddy village head tussle scandal with family heads of his community. THE INK can authoritatively report.

Our newsdesk gathered from Mkpat Enin people that the former commissioner in his bid to acquire selfless power and relevance has suddenly turned to a nightmare for the people of Ikot Abia in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

One of the sources from the community who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity alleged that the former commissioner since his unsuccessful spell as a Commissioner in the state has turned his attention to his immediate community in a bid to forcefully impose himself as a “dictator”.

“Hon Martin suddenly has turned to a dictator in Ikot Abia, he wants to be the only cock that crows here, he wants to monopolize the community for selfish gains, a man of his caliber should not be seen mingling himself with small issues like this. We are so disappointed in his actions and of course the actions of some of his family members”

BY ASSAM ABIA

The Federal government, in its effort to find lasting peace in the Niger Delta, a region were anger walks on four legs due to decades of environment pollution causes by International Oil Companies (OICS) exploitative activities, in September 2016 under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, brought together leaders and elders of the region to a round table of solution-finding.

That was the period destruction of oil and gas pipelines by some aggrieved youths of the region took a breath-taking maddening height.

The intensity and vivacity of the destruction almost brought Nigeria to her knees, economically, as crude oil production dropped to a five-year low, prompting the call by Mr. President for a cease fire.

By the time the Abuja meeting ended, stakeholders of the region had Presented a number of demands, including the relocation of international Oil Companies (IOCs) to their operational base to the Federal Government.

Nsit Ubium Youths declare support for Udom Emmanuel *Vow to deal with propagandists

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

Youths of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area have unanimously declared their supports for Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel beyond 2019.

This decision was made at the end of a joint meeting of Nsit Ubium Youth Council and Youth Caucus held in Uyo on Friday, 2nd June 2017.

In a communiqué issued by the group, the youths extolled Mr. Udom Emmanuel for his industrialization drive, and the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, for effectively representing them in the State Assembly, as well as the political stakeholders of Nsit Ubium under the leadership of Senator Effiong Bob.

The group frowned at the attempts by some desperate politicians to destroy the existing unity among the leadership and youths in Nsit Ubium and to drag the reputation of Nsit Ubium youths to the mud, while warning them to resist such attempts, as necessary sanctions shall be taken against any group trying to spread propaganda in the area.

The reiterated their unalloyed commitments to the Peoples Democratic Party, which according to them, has accorded them the platform to contribute their quota to the development of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

Katia Awajiogak: Begs Martha Udom Emmanuel to show milk of kindness

‘Katia Divine Awajiogak is the name of my son, he was born on the 9th of march 2012 at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

When he was born everything was done and nobody could assess and know exactly what the problem was. It was later that we started seeing his head growing. So we took him to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

It was there that it was confirmed that he has a hydrocephalus. So we were referred back to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for operation.

There we met with a neuron surgeon by the grace of God who now operated on him and there is was a shunt to reduce the pressure on his breath but if you look at him now the head is still big and anywhere he goes to his peers use that to mock at him, which always make him ashamed to go out.’

Nsit Atai Chairmanship hopeful lauds Commissioner

BY KENNETH JUDE

The Chairmanship hopeful for Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Prince Edemikoh Edemikoh Dan has expressed satisfaction over the sterling leadership qualities displayed by the Commissioner for Economic Development, Labour and Manpower Planning, Mr Idorenyin Sunday Udoh, especially in uniting the people of Nsit Atai as a family.

Speaking with some journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the chairmanship hopeful said that the simplicity, generosity and peaceful disposition of the commissioner has endeared him to the people of Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

According to him, being a trusted, tested and dependable son of the area, he has restored the lost glory of Nsit Atai within his short stay in office through his effective and impactful leadership qualities.

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

On Sunday, 4th June, 2017, the Managing Director, Kemson Oil, Ikot Ekpene, Elder Aniekan Ekanem led members of his family to The Apostolic Church, Nto Eton in Obot Akara LGA to thank God for blessing them with a wonderful gift of a baby boy, Master David Aniekan whom he dedicated to the Almighty God.

The event attracted top personalities in and outside the state to include: Otuekong Nse Essien (Indomittable) – member, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Ntufam Hilliard Etta – South South Vice Chairman of the APC, Comrade Akamba Awah – former Chairman , Trade Union Congress, Chief Afangideh – Political Leader Essien Udim LGA, IPMAN representatives, among others.

The event was also captured in the pictures below:

Itu crisis: Politicians hack Idong Ituen’s facebook account

The media office of Mr. Idongesit Ituen,member representing the people of Itu State constituency has raised the alarm over attempts to blackmail their principal by some failed Itu Political jobbers.

Speaking with newsmen in Uyo over the weekend, Head of Media NseAbasi Odiong said, some internet marauders and cyber tigers have created a fake facebook account for Idongesit Ituen and have used same to post all sort of things ranging from naked pictures of women and men, using the said fake facebook accounts to request for money from unsuspecting members of the public amongst other heinous crimes used by the fake facebook accounts operators to commit.

For instance, Ituen’s aide narrated a story of how a certain fake facebook account of Idong Ituen was used to inscribe the words, Constance on my mind. He explained that there is also a grand plot by some politicians from Itu Local Government Area who were defeated some days ago at the State PDP Secretariat in Uyo to blackmail Ituen with a view to creating problems and divisions in the family of the Honunorable member.

2019: Udom’s excellent performance is a sure ticket for 2nd term - Eket support group

BY ASSAM ABIA

An Eket based group, Mobil filling Station Volunteer Support group for Udom Emmanuel has reiterated its commitment to continue to canvass support for the Governor in 2019 because of his sterling performance in the last two years.

Members of the group participated actively in the victory of Governor Udom Emmanuel in the 2015 gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom State.

In his Democracy day message to the Governor, the national coordinator, Mr. Sunny Ekerette Wilson, himself a vendor and a youth activist in Onna said “Udom has performed excellently well within the past two years as could be seen by the number of projects commissioned and those that have been flagged off”.

“A less experience person would not have been able to steer the ship of the State successfully without owing workers salary and at the same time embarking on major project execution with lean resources”, Mr. Wilson said.

Sylvia Ekong partners FEYReP to change sad stories of 100 Uyo Women

BY GLORY CHRIST

The Honourable Supervisor, women Affairs and Empowerment, Uyo Local Government Transition Committee, Evangelist Sylvia Ekong has empowered over a hundred women from the eleven wards in Uyo LGA with valuable items to enhance their productivity.

She donated the items over the weekend, when she hosted women of the eleven wards of Uyo, at the local government council secretariat.

Speaking at the event, Evangelist Ekong stated that the gesture was in partnership with Deaconess Udom Emmanuel’s pet project; Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation (FEYReP) in touching the lives of women and children.

The former House of Representatives aspirant, expressed her appreciation to governor Emmanuel and wife, for the opportunity given her to serve in Uyo local government transition committee, assuring the governor, hinting that she has started mobilizing thousands of women that will give massive votes for Governor Emmanuel in 2019.

Ata Obio Akpa Village Council gets new exco *pass vote of confidence on Gov.Udom Emmanuel

The Ata Obio Akpa Village Council on Tuesday inaugurated new executives to pilot their affairs for the next 4 years amidst prompt and pageantry. The event which took place at Ata Obio Akpa Council Hall had in attendance royal fathers, political class, clergymen, youth and women groups within and outside the state with the blessing of the Village Head of the area, Okuku Samuel Okon Essien.

The village Head, Okuku Okon Essien in his speech called on the people of Ata Obio Akpa to unite and be obedience to constituted authorities adding that for any community or state to develop and attain its greatness, her people must be vibrant and productive.

Eteidung Essien said present crop of village council executives led by Elder Awo Udo, the village would witnessing developmental projects and, urged the people of Ata Obio Akpa Community to join hands with new executives to lift the area to enviable height. Barrister Ifiok Ubom who administers the oath of office on the new executives charged them to see their position as a call to community service and as a stepping stone to higher responsibilities in future.

Presbyterian Church Children visit AKEES’ Toothpick, Pencil Factory

To acquaint themselves of the production processes of Toothpick and Pencil, the Children Department of Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Willington Bassey Way, Uyo, on Friday, visited the Akwa Ibom Enterprise and Employment Scheme (AKEES) Pencil and Toothpick Factory located at Kilometer 2, Uyo-Etinan Road, Ekom Iman, Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking on behalf of the Children, the Coordinator of the Children Department, Mrs Idorenyin James, said they were amazed at the giant strides of the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration, maintaining the Factory is a laudable project that will further project the State in good light.

Mrs James who confirmed the originality of the Factory’s products, noted she had earlier doubted the authenticity of the Project but later embarked on an eyewitness assessment to clear her doubts and later, thought it wise to escort the Children to the Factory.

“We thought it wise to expose our Children to what Governor Udom Emmanuel has brought to our State, it is a laudable project that will further project the Akwa Ibom State.

Senator Albert commends Gov Emmanuel on efforts to add value to Akwa Ibom

The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East in the 8th Senate, Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) has commended the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for the steps he has taken so far aimed at developing and adding value to Akwa Ibom since he assumed office two years ago.

Senator Albert made this known on Monday in a statement made available to the media and signed by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and publicity, Mr Anny Michaels. He particularly congratulated the Governor on his second anniversary in office and for the visible steps he has taken at driving industrialization in the State which will go a long way to cushion the rate of unemployment in the State.

The statement in part reads ‘’ Senator Albert is impressed with the Governor’s strategic steps at industrializing the State which according to him is very necessary now to boost our economy for good as well as provide employment opportunities to our unemployed youths’’.

Medical Women mark menstrual hygiene day 2017

The Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Akwa Ibom State branch has marked the Menstrual Hygiene Day 2017. The event is held every 28th day of the 5th month of the year (since a menstrual period occurs every 28 days and lasts for 5 days).

The day is set aside globally to create awareness on menstrual health and promote menstrual hygiene. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘education about menstruation changes everything’.

To mark the event in Akwa Ibom State, the Medical Women Association (MWAN), Akwa Ibom State branch with the support of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Akwa Ibom State branch visited the Federal Government Girls College, Ikot-Obio Itong, Mkpat-Enin LGA for an awareness and sensitization campaign.

CR Community protest arrest of 17 Youths over Communal clash

BY AGOSI EZIN

Residents of Ikot-Offiong community in Odukpani local government area of Cross River has protested the arrest of 17 youths over communal crisis.

The community who are over 200 accused the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Uyo of arresting the 17 youths on Friday May 19, 2017 at the Odukpani end-bridge.
They carried placards with inscriptions such as “Governor Ayade please help us release our 17 youths, FG help us secure our bandries”.

It will be recall that the people of Ikot-Offiong in Odukpani Cross River and the people of Oku Iboku community in Akwa-Ibom have been engaged in series of communal crisis that have claimed lives and properties over decades.

Speaking on behalf of the community, chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Odukpani chapter, Mr Philip Okon, said the peaceful protest to the Governor came as the result of the unlawful arrest of the 17 youths by soldiers.

Police Arrest Council Chairman, others over Secretary’s Murder

BY GLORY CHRIST

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reportedly arrested the transition chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Area, Mr. Abasiono Udomfu, and three others over the gruesome murder of the council’s secretary, Mr. Ime Atakpa.

It was learnt that an aide to the chairman, Mr. Akaninyene Ibout, was arrested on Wednesday after the visit of the wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel, to the area to inaugurate a building for widows on Tuesday. The house was said to have been built by the late secretary.

A sister to Atakpa’s wife, who did not want her name in print, told journalists in Uyo on Sunday that Udomfu, during Emmanuel’s visit, raised up his hands declaring, “God knows that my hands are clean concerning the murder of the LG secretary.”

She said that after the chairman had made the assertion, Ibout also announced that his hands were clean and that he did not have anything to do with the killing of the late LG secretary.

Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has described Nigeria as a diversified Country that cannot afford to break

BY AGOSI EZIN

Osinbajo stated this yesterday in Calabar during his visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, advised against compromising the unity of the country.

The acting President was in the state in continuation of his working tour to dialogue with the people and communities of the Niger Delta region.

he said,”The country is only great because of its diversity. The reason why the country is great is because of its diversity. It is because we have here people of every race, people of every tribe, bringing in their different cultures, their different strengths; all of these things that make each one of our ethnic groups great comes together in one country.

‘We are greater when we are together than when we are apart . This country is greater together than apart. Every one of our ethnic groups needs the support of the other. When people speak of Nigeria, and respect this country, it is because of the diversity, it is because of the strength in the numbers that we are considered great. That is why the whole of Africa looks to us for direction. If we were one small enclave nobody will look at us with the seriousness they look at us today.

Royal Fathers celebrate Gov. Udom 2nd Years in Office * Pass vote on confidence on him

The Royal fathers in the state under age of Esop Mbong Ikpaisong Afud Annang has joined millions of Akwa Ibom people to give the state Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel a pat on the back for his tremendous developmental strides in the state.

The President, Esop Mbong Ikpaisong Afud Annang, Obong Johnson J. Obosi (JP) Ambp made the commendation last weekend while interacting with journalists at his residence, in Inen Clan, Oruk Anam Local Government Area.

The Royal father said the present administration in the state led by Governor Udom Emmanuel has recorded a landmark achievement in the area of industrialization, infrastructural development and human capacity development, asserting that in less than no time Akwa Ibom State would attain china status industrially, pointing out that Udom’s led administration has started hitting the ground running in setting-up industries and incentives that would help in the production of high and low tech goods for home use and exportation.

The Secretary General, Assembly of Clan Heads, Akwa Ibom State Chapter explained that Akwa Ibom people were privileged to have a man in person of Governor Udom Emmanuel, adding that Governor Emmanuel see government as a platform for strategic planning and excellent application for resources, with foundational approach of tacking poverty and youth unemployment, as well as a making prominence on continuous infrastructure modernization and building of industrial zones that will absurd unemployed citizen.

Group commends WE Construction Company

Iman Ibom Youth Mandates, A Non Governmental Organisation in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has expressed commendation to WE Construction Company for putting up what they called solid structures on ground to enable them deliver a quality work at Etinan -Awa road.

The group also expressed hope that according to their findings, WE Construction Company has tested and qualified engineers within and outside the country.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Chancellor , Mr Ime Okon Udoudo while interacting with our correspondents described WE Construction Company as a responsible and formidable organisation that will give to the people of Etinan a good work and on time. He said the group was happy that the construction from Etinan Round about to Onna local government Area was awarded to the WE Construction company, stating that the company has already shown that they will deliver the road on specification.

Impressed by the fulfillment of his campaign promises, students under the umbrella of National Association of Oron, Udung/Uko Students have rise in unison to pass a vote of confidence on the member representing the area in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Effiong Bassey, just as they vow to cue behind him even beyond 2019.

This was made known last Saturday 3rd of June 2017 at the constituency office of the lawmaker, in Oron L.G.A.

Sequel to his developmental strides which has cut across all facets, including educational empowerment Comrade John Etim, President National Association of Udung/Uko Students worldwide moved the motion and was duly seconded by Comrade Friday Edemumo President National Association of Oron Students worldwide.

The event also witnessed presentation of educational grants to final year students of the constituency studying in different programmes in various higher institutions across Nigeria.

Governor Udom Emmanuel led-administration has brought blessing to the good people of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. These were the words of the Transition Committee Chairman, Honourable Lady Ekaette Usip on Wednesday at the ground breaking ceremony of Saint Gabriel’s Coconut Oil Factory at Ikot Akpan-Okop in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area by Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Honourable Lady Ekaette Usip who was full of joy for the project and thankful to the Governor and his team, expressed appreciation to God for the Government’s ingenuity to site the factory on Mkpat Enin Soil.

Addressing newsmen at the factory site, the Council Boss charged the host communities in Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas to see the project as a lucrative investment that will improve the living standard of the people in the communities.

Udom donates Sewing Machines to Fashion outfit

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Rt. Hon. Victor Antai, on behalf of Governor Udom Emmanuel, presented five sewing machines to five young fashion designers featured at the just concluded Uyo Fashion Forward 3.0.

In his remarks, the Commissioner said that the machines will aid the up-and-coming designers further their trade and enterprise in line with the Dakaada philosophy of his Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Rt. Hon. Antai expressed delight at the creativity imbued in the collections of the featured designers, saying that the fashion exhibition was also in tandem with the Amazing Akwa Ibom campaign of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The 8th Senate on Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria passed the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) into law after it has gone through all legislative procedures which seek to unbundle the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation and merged its subsidiaries into an entity.

This was part of the recommendations in the report by the joint committee on Petroleum (Upstream, Downstream and Gas) on the PIGB which was adopted by the Senate at plenary on Wednesday. By this development some subsidiaries of NNPC had also been merged into an entity to be known as the Nigeria Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

The bill which is co-sponsored by the Chair, Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Bassey Albert got the legislative nod ten years after it first came into public consciousness. According to Senator Albert, the bill proposes a slim, focused yet robust framework for effective institutional governance of the Nigerian Petroleum industry. ‘’We supported and enhanced the creation of an independent one stop regulatory agency which will absorb the present Department of Petroleum Resources, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency and the Petroleum Equalisation Fund into one agency’’ Senator Albert stressed.

Calabar Rotary Club Constructs Public convenience, School Borehole Worth N6.2M to LG

BY AGOSI EZIN

Rotary Hilltop, Calabar has constructed a Public Convenience and a borehole for Government schools Atu, worth N6.2m in Calabar South local government.

The Projects, both sharing a fence was commissioned at the weekend by the Rotary Hilltop, Calabar.

The President of the Club, Rotarian Nicholas Obun said the club decided to choose the location because it was a “den for criminals”.

“We know that hygiene is paramour and sanitation is also paramour. Before now, if you come here, it was like a forest, all bad habits happened here and at times, nature could call and you find yourself wandering.

“this location is centralized and behind is a populated Primary and secondary school that we also supplied boreholes to them. So ordinarily, we have achieved both provision for water and sanitation”.

Human Rights Commission to partner Akwa United .....advises on sanctity of contracts

National Human Rights Commission NHRC has expressed its willingness to partner Akwa United Football Club in sensitizing players of the club on their rights as professional footballers.

The Akwa Ibom state Coordinator of the Commission Mr. Tony Iji made this known when he led top staff of the Commission on a courtesy visit to the management of Akwa United FC in Uyo.

Mr. Iji said that it was the mandate of NHRC to educate Nigerians on their rights and also to ensure that citizen’s rights were not violated either by another individual or by organizations.

The state Coordinator said the partnership will offer the Commission an opportunity to enlighten players of the club that as professionals, they should honour any contract they signed with clubs. He however stressed that it was necessary for footballers to know that any contract can be terminated by both parties through mutual consent.

AKHA passes Primary Healthcare Devt. Agency bill

BY GLORY CHRIST

The bill for a law to establish the Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has been passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. The bill which was sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Onofiok Luke and twelve other members, was read the third time and passed into law following the adoption of the report of the committee on the whole.

The committee had earlier considered the report submitted by the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Monday Eyo on the primary healthcare development agency bill.

The law seeks to, among others, ensure equal delivery of affordable and quality healthcare services to Akwa Ibom people.

Gov. Udom commends AOGPA Exco Inauguration

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel has commended the newly inaugurated Executive members of Akpakip Oro Grandland Peacekeeping Association (AOGPA). This was made known by the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Hon. (Bar.) Sampson Ekong who represented the governor at the formal Inauguration of the association recently at Oron civic centre.

He said, “Gov. Udom Emmanuel appreciates the vision, dexterity and team working spirit of Akpakip Oro Grandland Peacekeeping Association in promoting peace and unity for industrial agenda of His Excellency to drive”.

Also, Bar. Ekong stated that “Our Governor is a peace loving leader who is poised to achieve his 5-point agenda for the state, especially in the area of industrialization; hence he is ready to partner with a noble organization like AOGPA to fast-track development in Oro nation and the entire state”.

In his address, the president general of AOGPA, comrade Asuquo Ita Uweh said that “The association was formed to reclaim the lost glory of Oron nation and restore absolute order and stability for growth , progress and development in Oro as a whole”. Uweh equally hinted that the” body is aimed at galvanizing the age old brotherly love in Oro nation, working with relevant security agencies to provide security to encourage foreign investors, legitimate activities of multinational companies and industrialization policy of Gov. Udom Emmanuel in the area”.

BY ANIEBIET ANTIA

Nigeria is currently confronting with a massive unemployment crisis. Hundreds of thousands of university graduates are roaming the streets without jobs.

The rate of youth unemployment in the country is alarming. According to the “2012 National Baseline youth surety report “ 54 percent of Nigerian youths were unemployed in 2012.

Statistics from the federal Bureau of statistics shows that Nigeria has a youth population of 80 million, representing 60% of the total population of the country. There are more young people in Nigeria today than any other segment of the population, and this comes with its peculiar social and economic implications.

In the Niger delta youth unemployment is even more severe. In 2013, Bayelsa State had the highest unemployment rate of 38% of its employable population, while Akwa Ibom State had an unemployment rate of 36%, and River State, 32%.

The high unemployment rate of youths in Akwa Ibom State threatens economic growth because the resulting effect of unemployment such as perpetuation of violence and general insecurity threatens economic growth and development.

SOME FAILED ITU POLITICIANS TRYING TO FRAME UP IDONGESIT ITUEN

The media office of Mr. Idongesit Ituen, member representing the people of Itu State constituency has raised the alarm over attempts to blackmail their principal by some failed Itu Political jobbers.

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

Akpabio’s kinsmen set to join APC *PDP Contractor Ubokutom Nyah to lead party faithful to opposition in Essien Udim

Renounced Architect and Business Mogul Ubokutom Nyah is to lead the defection of some members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP into the APC in Essien Udim anytime soon.

An aide to Nyah who refused his name in print told THE INK political desk that the seasoned Architect has made up his mind and is waiting for a confirmed signal to carry out the exercise as soon as possible.

Nyah whose aide said is not an everyday politician but at least, he has political assets that can influence choices in an election has been with the PDP as early as 1999.

The Essien Udim man is a known Nsima Ekere ally and his intention to join the APC may not be unconnected with his long-standing relationship with the MD/CEO of the NDDC.

Continuous Voter Registration in Akwa Ibom State - Ekong Sampson assumes on-the-spot assessment of participation - Lauds Abak Transition Committee, Local Mobilization Committee

The Government of Akwa Ibom State is seriously committed to ensuring maximum participation of indigenes and residents of the State in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration and National Identity Card enrolment. This is to ensure every eligible person in the State is duly enfranchised as well as optimal representation of the States’ population National Identity database.

Special Adviser in the Bureau of Political, Legislative and Water Resources, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson stated this while undertaking an on-the-spot assessment of community response to the exercises across Local Government Areas in the State.

Speaking during the assessment tour of the INEC registration centre at Abak, the Special Adviser also lauded the Transition Chairman, Barrister Emmanuel Udosen and his Committee for their effort to key into State Government programmes and expressed satisfaction at the turn out of people at the registration centres. He observed with pleasure that the Council has taken the centre stage in aligning with policies of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

BY VICTOR UFOT

One of the frontline aspirants for the 2019 governorship election in the State Dr. Edet Efretuei has commended the leadership of his party the All Progressive Congress APC in Akwa Ibom State for its wisdom to the zone the ticket to Eket Senatorial District.

Dr. Efretuei disclosed this in Uyo on Monday during a chat while responding to questions from our reporter on whether he is in support of the party’s decision to zone the ticket to Eket Senatorial District.

The leadership of the All Progressive Congress in Akwa Ibom State had last week after a meeting with the leader of the party in the State Obong Umana Okon Umana unanimously settled to zone the gubernatorial ticket in the 2019 elections to Eket senatorial district.

He stated that though he is not an ardent supporter of zoning, the decision by the leadership of the party in the state has gone a long way in giving direction in the party. “I applaud my party the All Progressive Congress for their decision to zone the forthcoming governorship election in the state to Eket Senatorial District, though I am not a strong supporter of zoning, this decision I must say has helped give direction in the party”.

Nsima Ekere escapes death by the whiskers ...Police, Civilians feared dead

BY PAULINUS NTA

Barely two days after his 52nd birthday, Obong Nsima Ekere narrowly escaped death by the whiskers in an accident that left at least 7 police escorts lifeless in their pool of blood.

Eye witnesses who narrated the ghastly motor accident to our reporter said it happened yesterday, 1st June as the NDDC Managing Director, Obong Nsima Ekere was going to Uyo from Port Harcourt, at Regina Coeli junction, Ikot Abasi LGA. His police back up collided with a trailer while negotiating Essene\Ikot Akpa Enin, Mkpat Enin junction.

According to the source, both the NDDC convoy and the trailer ran on a high speed and lost control while trying to negotiate the sharp Regina Coeli bending.

It is gathered that seven police officers died at the spot leaving their riffles lonely on the blood thirsty road.

We also gathered that the former Deputy Governor, alerted the Divisional Police Officer, Ikot Abasi DSP Don InyangAbia who arrived at the scene and caused the bodies of the dead officers to be taken to Uyo.

A Senior Police Officer who spoke with our reporters said, the casualty figures are not up to seven as reported. He pegged the figure at two saying a civilian and a Police were killed in the accident. The police officer said that the rampaging trailer was impatient and couldn’t wait for the backup vehicles attached to the MD’s convoy to pass.

Group endorses Gov. Udom for second term ...hails Nse Essien

A socio-political group in the state, Friends of Otuekong Nse Essien has endorsed the state Governor, Udom Emmanuel for a second term in office, in view of his sterling performance in office in just two years.

Rising from their state congress held over the weekend, they noted with joy that the state Governor has performed creditably well in the first quarter of his tenure and therefore deserves a second term in office.

They also poured encomiums and lavished praises on the member representing Onna state constituency in the state House of Assembly, Otuekong Nse Essien, describing him as a VOICE in the hallowed chambers.

According to them, Nse Essien has made them proud and they will leave no stone unturned in mobilizing support for him, should he indicate interest to re contest or aspire to any other public office.

This was contained in a release signed by the National Coodinator of the group, Itoro ,Macauley, Secretary, Philip Ambrose, Director of Media and Publicity, Ubong Essien and others.

Technical committee, ors Expose Exxon Mobil * Describe as grossly deficient company’s excuse on relocation

* Says Oil giant is afraid of its shadows

The refusal of Exxon Mobil to relocate her headquarters to her operational base and the subsequent excuse tendered by the company has been described as grossly inefficient by a joint team of joint meeting of the core communities Paramount Rulers’ Forum and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited’s core community technical committee.

The committee in a communiqué accused the Leader of the Federal House of Representatives Femi Gbajiamila as insincere and clannish. They listed certain reasons why Exxon Mobil has refused to heed the clarion call of relocating to Akwa Ibom were it is drilling oil from.

The committee maintained that Exxon Mobil is simply scared of its shadow.

They said, “That we have it on good authority ExxonMobil is deeply worried about exposing its expatriate and other senior workers to the hazards of the environmental pollution and devastation they have caused through long years of negligent operation;

That they have refused to move because they know the level of destruction their operations have brought to the land and people of Akwa Ibom State and so they believe the environment is unsafe, health-wise for their senior staff considering the frequency of early deaths and reduced life span of the inhabitants of the area”

Two fear dead many injured as Navy, Police clash in Calabar

BY AGOSI EZIN

Barely two days to the Acting President Mr. Bisi Osinbanjo’s Visit to Cross River, two persons feared dead and many others sustained gunshot injuries as Navy and Police in Cross River state clashed.

This development caused serious pandemonium in parts of Calabar , Tuesday night as innocent residents were thrown into confusion, running helter , shelter for dear lives.

An eye witness reports that, there was an argument between a police officer and some naval personnel at IBB way in Akim community near Akim Police Barracks leading to a violent clash between both parties.

It was further reported that two unidentified persons were shot dead in the shootout between the police and the navy that lasted for hours.

Top Navy officials of the Eastern Naval Command who pleaded anonymity said they were not aware of the incident but promised to open up soon as the matter is confirmed.

Tuesday, 6 June 2017

Sunday, 4 June 2017

Friday, 2 June 2017