NLC @ 40: The struggles of Yesterday, the challenges of Today and the hope of Tomorrow

NLC @ 40: The struggles of Yesterday, the challenges of Today and the hope of Tomorrow

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

The Nigeria Labour Congress is a non-state institution that has come of age in the defense of the interests of its working and retired members in line with the objectives of its constitution.

Nigerian workers, despite the enormous challenges of organizing, have been building strong organizations with strong working men and women.

It was commendable that the national executive council of the NLC unanimously adopted the resolution to celebrate a strong labour centre @ 40 and in Akwa Ibom State, officials, members and friends of the NLC last week Friday, 23rd February, 2018 rolled out their drums to celebrate her 40 years of existence in the struggle.

To the members, it was a period of stocktaking and reflection on the struggles of their heroes past (yesterday), to evaluate the challenges of Labour today and to chart the course for the hope of tomorrow.

The NLC being an umbrella organization of trade unions in Nigeria has had series of experiences to account for in its struggles since its emergence in 1978. Under Nigeria’s military government, Labour leaders were frequently arrested and union meetings disrupted.

The NLC has been involved over the period in not just the struggle for democracy and development, but more fundamentally for Nigeria’s national liberation.

The experience of the NLC in the past, according to a former Secretary General Akwa Ibom State Council of the NLC, Comrade Obong Ikpeobong who served for 16 years, was laced with instances of arrests and oppression which the leadership were subjected to.

Ikpeobong narrated the heat of the struggles and disclosed that despite the odds, they were never deterred by the distractions, but pressed forward through focus and co-operation.

He encouraged members to keep hope alive and press forward to the achievement of the goals of their various trade unions.

While evaluating the challenges faced by the NLC today to include non-improved welfare packages for workers, the state Chairman, Comrade Etim Ukpong appealed to relevant authorities to rectify the core challenges of Labour in Nigeria.

A second look at Emmanuel Akpan’s Legislative Odyssey

A second look at Emmanuel Akpan’s Legislative Odyssey

The member representing the good people of Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency in the Green Chambers of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Sunday Akpan, may be socially silent in his relationship with people in and outside the chambers, but his legislative exploit especially as it concerns motions, bills and vocal contributions, which is the primary function and the fundamental duty of a legislator, has not been relegated.

In the National Assembly like every other parliament, the primary function of a legislator is to make laws for the smooth running of government, laws aimed at positively affecting the lots of the citizenry, and of course, lawmakers are constitutionally mandated to brief their constituents on their activities from time to time within the span of their legislative tenure.

Hon. Akpan’s journey so far in the Green Chambers has been a rather interesting journey. In his near three years in the House, his legislative propositions has not only added to the nation’s stability following his sponsored bills and motions, but has provided a clear direction for good and quality governance, especially within the leadership of the House.

For instance, the latest bill sponsored by Hon. Akpan, on “the need to address the recurring cases of death caused by generator fumes in Nigerian homes”, Hon. Akpan did not only expounded on the intricacies of one of the most dangerous causes of death in numerous homes across the country, but ensured those in authority were put on their toes towards providing optimal power supply as a panacea for such prevalent danger.

Political stability: Eket Leaders celebrate Onofiok Luke

Political stability: Eket Leaders celebrate Onofiok Luke

Elders and stakeholders of Eket Senatorial Districts in Akwa Ibom state have thanked the leaders of Uyo Senatorial District for their unalloyed support to Governor Udom Emmanuel.

They particularly extolled Speaker Onofiok Luke of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, saying his focused leadership at the state legislature has stabilised the system for the governor.

According to them, Speaker Luke was the right Speaker Akwa Ibom and her people needed from the begining of the current political dispensation.

The remarks were made during a thank-you visit to the leaders and stakeholders from Uyo Senatorial District on Sunday.

The meeting held at the countryhome of former military governor, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga in Ikot Nya, Nsit Ibom local government area. The elders from both Uyo and Eket took time to thank the Speaker for proving himself as a chief supporter of the administration.

Speaking on behalf of the Eket elders delegation, Chief Nduese Essien, who is chairman of the Eket Elders Forum, eulogised Barr Onofiok Luke for his plausible performance since assumption of office in December 2015 as Speaker.

Mkpat Enin APC Ward gets new Chairman *as party ratifies suspension of Ufot Benjamin as Mkpat Enin APC Chair of Chair

Mkpat Enin APC Ward gets new Chairman

*as party ratifies suspension of Ufot Benjamin as Mkpat Enin APC Chair of Chair

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ikpa Ibom Ward 3, in Mkpat Enin Chapter of Akwa Ibom State have elected Mr Nnamso Emmanuel Udowo as acting Ward Chairman of the party. He takes over from Ufot Benjamin whose suspension was ratified by Forum of Ward Chairmen and the Ikpa Ibom Ward 3 Executive.

At a resolution of the APC Ward Executive of Ikpa Ibom Ward 3 held at Ikot Obio Doro Village, Mkpat Enin LGA on Thursday, the party executives said after a thorough and painstaking deliberation they have decided to pass a vote of no-confidence on the erstwhile Ward Chairman, Comrade Ufot Akpan Benjamin.

The 17 Ward Executive members after suspending the ex Ward Chairman unanimously appointed Mr Nnamso Emmanuel Udowo to replace him as acting Ward Chairman of the party for the remaining period of his tenure in office as Ward Chairman of the party.

Paul Bassey hails Udom, supporters

Paul Bassey hails Udom, supporters

The Management of Akwa United Football Club have expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their prayers and supports which they say helped a great deal in their qualification to the First Round of the CAF Confederation Cup competition on Wednesday in Banjul.

Speaking after the team’s victory against Hawks FC in Banjul, Chairman of the club Elder Paul Bassey expressed gratitude, first to God and to Nigerians for standing by the team despite the first leg lost in Uyo.

Elder Bassey was particularly grateful to Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State for his massive support and trust in the team even during the most difficult times.

“ His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel is a football lover who believes that hard work and dedication are the keys to success.

“ His Excellency’s love and support for the beautiful game has been massive and that support was instrumental in Super Eagles qualification to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Akwa Ibom Assembly ratifies 2016 audited accounts of state

Akwa Ibom Assembly ratifies 2016 audited accounts of state

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has ratified the audited accounts of Akwa Ibom State government for year ended 31st December, 2016. This follows the adoption of the report of the Public Accounts Committee of the House as presented by the Chairman, Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok.

Speaker Onofiok Luke said the ratification indicates how much the house is committed to promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability by the current administration.

Submitting his report, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Iwok explained that “the Auditor General’s findings and recommendations in the audit report was published in one volume.

He said that “at the end of the painstaking exercise, the committee upheld and confirmed the state Auditor General’s recommendations in respect of ten cases involving the sum of N259,435 (Two Hundred and Fifty-nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty-Five Naira), which was fully recovered from the affected persons and remitted to government revenue accounts accordingly”.

The Chairman disclosed that the committee also reconciled and waived 55 cases amounting to N3,368,400,160 Billion, while nine cases amounting to N437,900 representing 0.013% were still pending as inconclusive cases. The Committee in its observation noted that Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government have embraced the arts of prompt retirement of imprest and proper records keeping as recommended by the committee.

Senate 2019: Ekid Nation rejects Ekpenyong Ntekim

Senate 2019: Ekid Nation rejects Ekpenyong Ntekim

The people of Ekid nation say the region will not support the senate ambition of former commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim because of what they described as Ntekim’s hatred for the Ekid people.

Two former Council Chairmen each from Eket and Esit Eket local government Areas told THE INK reporter that on countless occasions, Mr. Ntekim had slapped and plotted against the Ekid people.

They maintained in separate interactions that Ntekim as a commissioner for Justice under former Governor Godswill Akpabio had almost cede reasonable parts of land belonging to Ekid nation to her neighbors.

The anger of the people is that despite overwhelming traditional and modern historical evidences that the land Ekpenyong wanted to cede to neighboring region belonged to Eket, the ex commissioner refused to think right.

Another group of people who said Ntekim will not be supported in Ekid are the political class across all divides.

Akwa Ibom State vs Nsibiet John: Case returns 7th March

Akwa Ibom State vs Nsibiet John: Case returns 7th March

The case between theAkwa Ibom State Government and editor of THE INK newspaper Nsibiet John will resume for continuation of trials (Trial within trial) on Wednesday 7th March, 2018.

At the last adjourned date about three weeks ago, the trial Magistrate, Chief Magistrate Martins Johnny had while entertaining requests from both prosecuting counsel led by Barr Godwin Udom and defense counsel led by Ekemini Udim agreed to hear both parties again on Wednesday 7th march.

Editor of THE INK newspaper Nsibiet John is standing trial on some count charges of criminal libel and defamation of the Deputy Governor MR.MOSES EKPO.

John who early last year, 2017 had pleaded not guilty to the charges has for the past one year been a regular guest of the Chief magistrate court two which was earlier presided over by Emmanuel Archibong before Martins Johnny took over.

The editor was arrested on 5th of January, 2017, manhandled and thrown into the police cell at the Police Force Headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, near Uyo.

Dropped out UNIUYO student commits suicide in Uyo

Dropped out UNIUYO student commits suicide in Uyo

BY KENNETH JUDE

A young man in his early 20s whose name was given as Patrick Essien Junior has committed suicide in Uyo.

Patrick is said to have taken his own life last Thursday at his residence on Church Road, Idak Akpo.

After suspecting some unusual silence from his apartment, worried neighbours are said to have forcefully opened the door only to find the deceased hanging precariously from his celing with a rope tied to his neck. He did not drop a suicide note.

Patrick, until his demise, according to sources, was a Catholic member who worshipped at St. Peter’s Parish, University of Uyo.

He hails from Akwa Ibom in Abak local government area.

Those who spoke with THE INK over the incident described the late Patrick as a jovial person who loved music and was a great preacher.

Patrick Essien’s parents, a source said, live in Lagos while the deceased lived with his elder sister in Calabar, but frequented Uyo having been a student in Uniuyo.

Re: Maritime Academy Oron boils: Offong Francis Eyo, Eteyen Oboho and others lied

Re: Maritime Academy Oron boils: Offong Francis Eyo, Eteyen Oboho and others lied

BY RAYMOND UWEH

The ugly trend of recurring antics and subterfuge by some selfish and mischievous members of Host Communities of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron have made it convincingly obvious and imperative that everything possible and urgent be done to alter the mindsets and obsession of the people, to help them see things in proper perspectives and align with current realities in the promising Maritime Academy under Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd).

The persistent and ridiculous campaigns of calumny, speculations, insinuations, instigations and repeated masterminded protests ultimately aimed at distracting and giving false impression about the true situation in the Academy still remain a topical subject of concern to stakeholders.

About a week ago, a group of individuals led by a certain chief Francis Eyo and Mr. Eteyen Oboho-a youth leader from Udung Okung Village in Eyoabasi, Oron L.G.A., after deliberation among themselves, decided to carry a corpse on procession across the premises of the Academy.

Nigerian student breaks academic record in UK ...bags 2017 Dudley Newitt Prize

Nigerian student breaks academic record in UK

...bags 2017 Dudley Newitt Prize

A Nigerian student has again broken the existing academic record at the Imperial College, London and was yesterday Monday, February 26, honoured by the college with the enviable Dudley Newitt Prize for Experimental Excellence.

Christiana Esio Udoh, 26 had since the first six month of enrolling for a Ph. D in Chemical Engineering, exuded exceptional academic feat which attracted a complete scholarship from the school.

The award was officially announced yesterday during the Dudley Newitt Lecture at the university campus, London.

A peep into her academic records show that Christiana Udoh, while at the Air Force Secondary School, Uyo during their valedictory session in 2006 picked 15 out of 21 prizes given in a class of 72 students in virtually all the core subjects.

It could be recalled that Christiana led her team of contestants during the 2006 NNPC science quiz contest, where Akwa Ibom State emerged overall winner ahead of 26 other states of the Federation.

In Ghana at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Christiana Udoh, a native of Okosi Village in Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, passed with unprecedented First Class in Chemical Engineering in 2012, the first of its kind since the School started in 1959.

Sir Val Attah Attacks Udom *Says leadership is not about bureau-du-change, selling or buying of shares in Zenith Bank

Sir Val Attah Attacks Udom

*Says leadership is not about bureau-du-change, selling or buying of shares in Zenith Bank

*Overrules State Exco decision on Nurses

*Draws battle line with Ekereobong Akpan, describes State Head of State as an opportunist

Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Sir Valentine Attah has descended heavily on the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the State Head of Service, Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan and the Ministry of Health over the decisions taken by the State Government on 8th February 2017 during the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor – in – Council Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

While Attah described Ekereobong Akpan who conveyed Exco's decision to him and others touched by the decision as an opportunist and a far junior colleague of his, he did not have a soft tongue for the state Chief Executive as he roared that leadership is not about doing bureau-du-change and selling/buying of shares in Zenith Banks.

THE INK gathered from top sources in the Ministry of Health that Sir Val Attah is pained that he couldn't be made an Head of Service by Akpabio and had however lobbied that Udom makes him chairman of Civil Service Commission, but alas, he couldn't make any of the position he lobbied for.

Sources say, this could have been responsible for the high handedness Attah has applied in the discharge of his duties in his capacity of Chairman, Local Government Commission.
This development, our source said had pained Attah so much that he has to plot every means of frustrating the Head of Service and some staff in the Local Government system.

Next of kin of retired Teachers win case against Police *Martins Johnny judgement hailed

Next of kin of retired Teachers win case against Police

*Martins Johnny judgement hailed

A Magistrate Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state has dismissed the case filed against three protesters by Akwa Ibom state Assistant commissioner of police, DEINA ABIBO for lack of merit.

The accused persons, all members of the Next Of Kin Of Late Primary School Teachers, were arrested on January 23rd 2017, during their protest for payment of their late parents’ entitlements at the government house.

They were charged on two counts, including constituting a nuisance during their protest at the government house gate and conspiracy to breach peace through the protest.

Delivering his judgment on the matter today, chief magistrate MARTINS JOHNSON of the state Magistrate Court 2, held that the ACP ABIBO failed to prove his case against the accused persons.

He therefore ruled that the case was frivolous, baseless and lacking in merit; hence the accused persons stood discharged and acquitted. Reacting to the judgment, in a chat with newsmen, the defence council barrister INIBEHE EFFIONG hailed the judgment as accurate, given that the complainant had confessed that the protesters were peaceful.

The untold story of Patrick Edet’s proposed marriage ...how he met his wife ...why the lady resigned her teaching job

The untold story of Patrick Edet’s proposed marriage

...how he met his wife

...why the lady resigned her teaching job

BY KENNETH JUDE

All is now set for the much anticipated wedding of former Father Patrick Henry Edet with his heartthrob, Inyene.

The wedding which is fixed for Saturday March 17, 2018 will hold at Ibom Hall, IBB Avenue, Uyo by 11am.

Investigation by THE INK revealed that the lady’s full name is Inyene Sampson Akpan who hails from Atai Ibiaku Itam in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Inyene, who is said to be dark in complexion, will be officially presented today during Grace Family fellowship to the congregation as was promised by Patrick Edet last week.

The lady, according to a source, was a teacher at Hillside International Nursery School, Uyo until her resignation few months ago. She was a French teacher and a onetime Students’ Union Government (SUG) presidential aspirant in Uniuyo, it was learnt.

VALENTINE: AKWA IBOM LAWMAKER DONATES TWO HOUSES TO INDIGENT CONSTITUENT

Residence of Idara Ndifreke completely built for her by Barr Aniefiok Dennis

VALENTINE: AKWA IBOM LAWMAKER DONATES TWO HOUSES TO INDIGENT CONSTITUENT

A lawmaker representing Etinan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Barr Aniefiok Dennis few moments ago demonstrated what many described as quality love and effective representation when he donated two houses of two bedroom apartments each to indigent women of his state constituency.

Dennis who presented keys of the apartments to the beneficiaries said he is doing this as a show love for the women who constitute the mother of the state constituency.

He said, he chose the day to officially present the keys to the buildings to them to give the women a sense of belonging in celebrating St. Valentine's day.

Barr Dennis who is also the House committee Chairman on Judiciary, Hyman Rights and Public petitions urged the beneficiaries to see themselves as his girlfriends noting that the capacity to present such gifts to them does not come from him but from God who gave him to grace to do same.

The Assemblyman stated further that he was moved to initiate the process of building the houses for the women when he noted the kind of shelter they had earlier.

He observed that it was not a sight to behold and then as a show of love, he had to build a house for them so they could get quality shelter and where to lay their heads.

Maritime Academy Of Frustration ,Fraud and Oppression

Maritime Academy Of Frustration ,Fraud and Oppression             

The story of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron in recent times has been a tale   of woes, uncertainties and that of mixed feelings.

The whole confusion started when the minister of transport  wrongfully appointed his in law  as  a rector to run the affairs of the academy at the same time set up an interim management committee to also run the same institution, meaning two illegal Captains  in one Ship, Unfortunately the two appointments are being challenged in court on the ground of illegality by Oron people, while they are challenging the appointment of the rector for lack of due process in line with the law establishing Academy, which stipulates that appointment to the office of the rector must be advertised on national daily for a given period and those seeking for the office will apply for the job to the ministry of transport, while the ministry appoints the best candidate for the job base on performance during the interview.

It is also true that the ministry of transport has contravened the acts that established the Maritime Academy by appointing the illegal interim management committee(IMC) to run the affairs of the academy for six (6) months.

Secondus chides PDP lawmakers over constituency project funds diversion

...ticket for 2019 won't be on a platter of gold

Says no Federal lawmaker will get automatic ticket                         

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Uche Secondus has chided lawmakers on the platform of the party who has not carried out constituency briefing despite collecting monies for that purpose.

At a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday with members of the party in the National Assembly, Secondus said boosting the party's popularity at the grassroots through constituency briefing and projects will "definitely count" for those seeking election either for their current or another office.

"It is disheartening that despite huge sums received by lawmakers as reflected in the budget, only few have been able to conduct constituency briefing in their various states.

"There are lawmakers who record shows, have collected huge sums in the name of their constituencies without any empowerment programmes"

He further stressed that party tickets ahead of 2019 will not be on a platter of gold, as it will be decided by the people because, in his words, "the restructured PDP has come to stay as a true  democratic party, adding that the actions and decisions of the party must reflect this policy".

Secondus stressed that political office holders have the major task of boosting the party's popularity, especially at the grassroots. He noted that while this will prepare the party ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Making reference to some lawmakers, the Rivers State born PDP lead man particularly acknowledged the efforts of Hon. (Mrs) Onyemaechi Mrakpor of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency Delta State and Senator Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, as well as few others from the North and Southwest states, whose "resounding" performances, he said, should be emulated by others.

Eket rejects David Lawrence, his protégé *Says we won’t negotiate 2019 Assembly seat with a failed lawmaker

Eket rejects David Lawrence, his protégé *Says we won’t negotiate 2019 Assembly seat with a failed lawmaker

Stakeholders of Eket Local Government Area in the Peoples Democratic Party say the position of David Lawrence seeking a second term to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is not only laughable but quite insulting to OKON people.

To this end they informed THE INK reporters in Eket over the weekend that they will not and cannot support the second term ambition of Mr. David Lawrence.

In separate interactions, the likes of Sanko, ward Chairman of OKON urban ward one Mr. Augustine and Hon. Umoh, Councilor for OKON Urban one as well as some youth leaders of the party in OKON said, David Lawrence should not forget that he is only being tolerated and that at the appropriate time, he will be kicked out of Udo Udoma chambers of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Others who spoke while exchanging views with newsmen on the state of politics in Eket Local Government Area described the Assemblyman as a politician that if given the opportunity would seek to perpetrate himself in power.

They argued that collectively, the people of Eket Local Government Area will chase out Mr. Lawrence for an OKON indigene to replace him especially as that region is to produce the next House of Assembly legislator for the next eight years.

Victor Antai Donates Office to Mbo PDP …We will reward you, party tells commissioner

Victor Antai Donates Office to Mbo PDP …We will reward you, party tells commissioner.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Victor Antai today over the weekend donated a party office to Mbo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The official commissioning of the chapter office was done by the State Chairman of PDP Obong Paul Ekpo. other state executives and all the chapter chairmen in Eket Sen. District were among notable personalities present to grace the commissioning ceremony.

The Mbo PDP chapter  office according to Hon. Godwin Edet Bassey; the Peoples Democratic Party chapter Chairman, Mbo LGA was before now a dilapidated rented apartment which has been taken over by the landlord.

The Party Chairman had observed that the office rent had expired and that upon expiration of the rent, the landlord had taken possession of his property thereby rendering the party homeless.

The newly built and commissioned chapter office is solely financed by the Culture and Tourism boss maintained, Rt. Hon. Hon. Victor Antai to give the party a new phase of breath in the political arena.

Ika will return Udom in 2019 -Enyiekere

Ika will return Udom in 2019 -Enyiekere

The Former Chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Hon Saviour Enyiekere has thrown his full weight behind the second term aspiration of Governor Udom Emmanuel, saying , Ika people will return Udom in 2019.

 He said their decision to support the Governor for his re election by next year was not negotiable because of what he (the Governor) has done for the people of Ika in particular and Akwa Ibom State in general.

He assured that the people of Ika will ever remain grateful to His Excellency, Mr Udom Emanuel for his development strides in the state as well engaging the people of the in his governance, noting that the state government has graded and opened new rural roads in Ika Local Government Area, which according to him has created a new chapter in economic development between Akwa Ibom and the neighbouring Abia state.

In an exclusive chat with newsmen in his office in Uyo recently, Enyiekere who is a Board Member of the Akwa Ibom Roads and Other Infrastructure ,Maintenance Agency ( AKROIMA )described Governor Udom as one of the best in the country, thanking him for not disappointing the Peoples Democratic Party as a leader in the state.

He said, “see what is happening in other states of the federation where salaries are not paid for many months, no meaningful projects, but here Gov Udom is performing creditably well in spite of the lean resources in the state.”

Ekpoattai’s human capacity building is world class, by PDP Chieftain

Ekpoattai’s human capacity building is world class, by PDP Chieftain

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in ONNA Local Government Area, Otuekong Prince Ikpe Bob have described the legislative prowess of Mrs. Owoidighe Ekpoattai as legendary and world class.

Bob informed THE INK reporter in Eket last week shortly after the graduation of over two hundred participants who took part in Owoidighe Ekpoattai’s training of her constituents in different field of crafts, catering, welding and cosmetology.

He said, for Mma Ekpoattai, hers is quality and effective representation that you can see, touch and appreciate. Adding that it takes a woman with a heart of gold to do all the things the Eket federal lawmaker is doing for her people.

Speaking further, Ikpe Bob said that in the lineup of National Assembly leadership representation in Eket federal constituency, that Mrs. Ekpoattai stands tallest and added that the federal lawmaker deserves all the support and encouragement. He said that with the style and dexterity exhibited by Mrs. Ekpoattai in his representation at the National Assembly, that the sky is surely the starting point of the legislator.

Bob who also doubles as Mrs. Ekpoattai’s senior legislative aide called on support for Governor Udom Emmanuel and urged Akwa Ibomites to rally round the Governor for a second term adding that Ekpoattai and Udom’s second term as National Assembly member and Governor respectively is an open invitation to continuous development of Eket federal constituency and Akwa Ibom in general.