Ministry of Housing to visit Social Housing Estate, April

Ministry of Housing to visit Social Housing Estate, April

The Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties Mr. Akan Okon says the State Ministry of Housing and Special Duties will visit the Social Housing Estate at Ikot Ntuen, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

Akan Okon dropped the hint on Good Friday when he made a stop over at the estate currently being under construction by Architect Ezekiel NyaEtok's Novone Consult.

The Commissioner said that he earlier visited the site when there were complains for the acquisition of more lands for the project.

The Housing and Special Duties boss who was conducted around buildings in the site admitted that he only had to make a brief stopover in his private capacity as a citizen of Akwa Ibom State and however promised that he shall ensure the full compliments of the Ministry of Housing and Special Duties in the course of next week as work resumes on Tuesday.

He described Arch Ezekiel NyaEtok as his friend who has character and integrity. He maintained also that he had once served with the Novone Consult man in a few member select committee that saw to the actualization of the Shelter Afrique Estate in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Meanwhile, Arch NyaEtok had sincerely appreciated the commissioner whom he described as a promise keeper.

NyaEtok stressed that Novone Consult shall be anticipating the Ministry of Housing's full compliment in the week and promised that the Consult shall not disappoint the government and the people.

END OF THE ROAD FOR DAVID LAWRENCE........as Gov. Emmanuel denies backing his second term bid

END OF THE ROAD FOR DAVID LAWRENCE........as Gov. Emmanuel denies backing his second term bid

All is not well with the member representing Eket State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Mr. David Lawrence. THE INK understands.

The Assemblyman who has been going around deceiving members of his constituency that the Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel asked him to go for a second term in the House of Assembly got the shocker of his life on Saturday 24th March, 2018 when the Akwa Ibom State Chief Executive openly disowned him during a stakeholders meeting of Eket LGA with the Governor in the Akwa Ibom State Governor's lodge.

Mr. Udom Emmanuel who received a contingent of Eket PDP stakeholders which had in attendance the Chapter Chairman of the Party Obongiwaad Emman Mbong, the Executive Chairman of Eket LGA Frank Archibong, political leaders of Chief Nduese Essien, Professor Etie Ben Akpan, Senator Helen Esuene amongst many others openly told David Lawrence that he is not sponsoring or supporting him for any election as the next Assemblyman for Eket State constituency.

The state Governor in that meeting had expressed displeasure over the dropping his name by David Lawrence and added that if he is behind the second term ambition of David Lawrence, that he would have been going to stakeholders housed at night to appeal for them to support David Lawrence.

Governor Emmanuel said, zoning must be obeyed to the later and urged all interested aspirants from OKON zone to step up interest in the race.

He added that he will not thwart zoning for anything saying that it is through it that minority ethnic nationalities can be carried alone.

As soon as the Governor informed Eket stakeholders that he is not backing David Lawrence for a second term whatsoever, the countenance of the lawmaker dropped and his eyes became teary. Apparently a mark of confusion and disappointment on the face of a legislator whom THE INK learnt was living in deceptions always telling the people that his second term ambition has the backing of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

It could be recalled that Mr. David Lawrence who is presently running the second term of Eket-Urban after Ayang Akanimo Ayang had did a first term have been going round saying he is being backed by the Governor.

But with the position of the Governor on zoning made very clear, it appears Mr. David Lawrence will make a tactical withdrawal and surrenders the Assembly quest for OKON whose turn it is to produce a legislator come June 2019.

Meanwhile, the people of OKON have commended the outcome of the meeting with Governor.

In a chat with newsmen, a well placed political source in the area described the Governor's position as legendary. They prayed God to bless the Akwa Ibom State Chief Executive with more wisdom for greater exploits.

2019:Plot to blackmail DIG EKPOUDOM EXPOSED

2019:Plot to blackmail DIG EKPOUDOM EXPOSED

Elders and professionals from Etim Ekpo Local Government Area has raised the alarm over plot by some persons led by a House of Assembly member hopeful Mr. Mfon Idung to blackmail DIG Udom Ekpoudom, rtd.

In a brief chat with THE INK reporter in Uyo, some of the Elders said that Mfon Idung is venting his frustration of being rejected by his kinsmen of Uruk Eshiet Community on Ekpoudom whom he feels is not supporting his AKHA ambition.

It was gathered that when some youths alleged to be sponsored by Mfon Idung waylaid and attacked one Etidu Ukpong who happens to come from the same community with Mfon Idung, the victim had promptly reported the matter to the police who had swung into action and effected some arrests.

Idung whom our reporter learnt is the one bankrolling the security crises in Uruk Eshiet community for his selfish interest had hurriedly consulted a lawyer and file charges against Ekpoudom.

Sources within Etim Ekpo informed our newsdesk that Mfon Idung is being clever by half and feels he can use the court to blackmail the Distinguished Etim Ekpo retired police Don.

A copy of the court summons obtained by THE INK reporter shows that Mfon Idung and nine others including, Mfon Michael Urom, Otobong Daniel Udo, Ubong Sunday Harry, Ukpono Sunday Harry, Isong Uduak Effiong, Edidiong Udo Akpan, Aniekan Udoama, Anamuduak Akada and Saviour Sunday Smith are suing as applicants and DIG .Udom Ekpoudom, Etidu Ukpong, Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State and Mr. Nkwere, DPO, Ikot Eboh Division, Etim Ekpo LGA as respondents.

The first court sitting is billed for Monday 26th March, 2018 and shall be holding at High Court of Akwa Ibom State in the Abak Judicial Division.

Etim Ekpo arrest: We acted based on a petition from a Victim.......Police

Etim Ekpo arrest: We acted based on a petition from a Victim.......Police

The Police in Akwa Ibom State says that the arrest of some youths in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area about last week was done in accordance with international best practices contrary to what some persons are suggesting in a certain section of the media.

Top police sources who spoke with newsmen said at no time did any retired high ranking police officer from the area used his position to influence the action of the police.

And described the insinuations of being influenced as a decoy used by elements of the society to mislead innocent members of the public.

A top Police Chief maintained that the Force got a verbal and written petition from Mr. Etidu Ukpong a native of Uruk Eshiet Village in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area who complained of being attacked and molested by Ubong Sunday Harry, Ukpono Sunday Harry as well as Mfon Michael Urom and others when he visited his village.

It was gathered that when the police received the petition from Etidu Ukpong, the Force had invited the persons mentioned in the petition to come over to the police station for interrogation and investigations but the accused persons refused to show up.

It was at that point according to the police that a crack team was detailed to track down the accused persons and brought into the police station for questioning and further investigations.

The security boss maintained that it is funny that people will deliberately create harm and ills in the society only to turn back to accuse well placed members of the society when the full weight of the law catches up with them.

The police however maintained that the fake allegations raised by those that encourage criminality shall not deter them from carrying out more arrests especially on the persons mentioned in the petition submitted by Etidu Ukpong.

Meanwhile, investigation by our crime reporter indicates that Etidu Ukpong who works as a civil servant with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Science and Technology had visited his community Uruk Eshiet only to be ambushed and waylaid by thugs sympathetic to the House of Assembly ambition of Mfon Idung.

Findings reveal that Etidu is being seen by some thugs loyal to Mfon Idung as being against their principal's House of Assembly ambition and have warned him of an impending attack anytime he ventures into the village.

Ex-Catholic Priest, Rev. Patrick Edet weds wife, Inyene *Says, it’s beginning of my new life

Ex-Catholic Priest, Rev. Patrick Edet weds wife, Inyene

*Says, it’s beginning of my new life

*Maj. Isidore Edet, family members shun wedding

BY KENNETH JUDE

Former popular Uyo Diocese Catholic Priest, Rev. Patrick Edet, Saturday wedded his wife, Inyene about six months after resigning as a priest.

The cleric who resigned from his priestly duties in August last year described the wedding as “the beginning of my new life”. He added that:  “Life is one. If you want to live it, live it to the full.”

The marriage which took place at Ibom Hall was attended by several pastors and top government functionaries.
Governor Udom Emmanuel was represented at the wedding by the Secretary to the State  Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem.

In his remarks at the reception, the SSG who hails from the same Mbo Local Government Area as Patrick Edet, warned against judging the couple, adding that only God can judge. He described life as a long journey, noting that the greatest gift of God to humanity is the gift of freewill.
At the reception, Patrick Edet also launched his new album titled “Idara ye Mfon”.

The marriage rites was performed by Rev. Joseph who came in from Lagos State.

In his remarks, the Chairman on the occasion, Sir. Edet Amanam, described the marriage as “wedding of the millennium.” He went down memory lane, saying that he adopted Patrick Edet as his son when he listened to the latter’s music.

Patrick’s elder brother, Maj. Gen. Isidore Edet was absent at both the traditional and church weddings. This, it was learnt, is unconnected to their frosty relationship since Rev. Edet decided to quit priesthood.

It was gathered that since Rev. Patrick Edet told his brother of his intention to leave the Church, their once rosy relationship was ruptured. Informed sources hinted our reporter that Gen. Isidore Edet has since severed ties with his brother with news having it that they rarely talk on phone nor see. Though, his wife was present at the wedding on Saturday, it was gathered that she came in order not to be seen as holding any grudge against her in-law just like her husband.

It was also discovered that most family members of the ex-priest were conspicuously absent from all the ceremonies. This, it was gathered, is due to their not consenting to the marriage.

Sources informed our reporter that it was clear that Patrick Edet did not get the full backing of his family members to go ahead with the wedding hence their refusal to attend the ceremonies. Another source who spoke in confidence, noted that even Oro Nation did not support him. His words: “this is not an Oro  marriage o. This is traditional marriage and he’s not wearing any Oro attire. Look around and you’ll know that he is all alone in this venture.”

Others who graced the traditional marriage also expressed the same feeling. Some who spoke with THE INK, noted that the TM was lacking the colour of a true Oro marriage.
They maintained that the mode of dressing of the groom did not represent his tribe.

In a short sermon at the wedding, Dr. Silvanus Ukafia of Insight Bible Church urged the couple to imbibe the spirit of tolerance. He stressed that all marriages have their peculiar challenges. Drawing his text from Ephesians 5:20, the soft-spoken cleric called for submissiveness on the part of Inyene while urging Patrick to love his wife as Christ directs.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom State, Obong Paul Ekpo; Senator Effiong Bob; former Minister of Lands and Housing, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi; Eseme Enyibo; prince Enobong Uwah; Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr. Onofiok Luke; Mr. Akan Okon, among others.

Several pastors including Dr. Gabriel Nkenang; John Linus; Bishop Isaiah Isong; Cyril Bassey; Bishop Nick Iheanacho; Pastor Anietie Ukpe; Mrs. Angela Ashong were all in attendance at the occasion.

It could he recalled that Rev. Patrick Edet had on August 2nd, 2017 announced on his live radio programme on Planet FM, Grace and Inspiration that he has resigned from priesthood and the Catholic Church. He cited ‘persecution,’ little space given him in the church to operate and other sundry issues as reason for his resignation.

UKANA RECTOR GOES DIABOLICAL *Sneaks in native doctor for incantation in institution.

UKANA RECTOR GOES DIABOLICAL

*Sneaks in native doctor for incantation in institution.

*fear as polytechnic may fold up

The last may not have been heard of the undercurrent happenings in Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Essien Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State.

Recent information gathered by THE INK reporter indicates that the Rector of the School Prof. Obomanu has gone spiritual in a bid to cause confusion amongst members of staff who are calling on him to be accountable after over 10billion naira cannot be accounted for by the embattled Rector.

It was also learnt that the Rector also wishes to elongate his tenure in the institution as the administrator.

Some members of the security team of the institution who spoke to our reporters in the school premises accused the Rector of arriving the school ladt week in company of a native doctor and led him through the institution pouring libations and making some incantations around all the nooks and premises of the Federal Polytechnic.

A security agent who narrated the ugly scenario to THE INK reporter said on the ninth of March, 2018, the Rector of our School Prof. Obomanu came to school with a man obviously a native doctor because of how he dressed.

When he arrived, we believe he schooled his guest with what he wanted him to do in and around the institution. After most staffers had gone, the Rector then came out with his native doctor who was not wearing anything on his leg and was clad in a white apron with a marked big sign of the cross in red.

Our sources added also that the native doctor had a big feather tied to the round traditional hat he was putting on his head and was moving around the institution with a calabash of water in his hand.

Eye witness account holds that as the native doctor was chanting his incantations, he was sprinkling a liquid substance on the floor of the institution using words in a vernacular that was not understandable to them.

THE INK gathered that as the native doctor was on his activities, the Rector was following closely behind and nodding his head occasionally.

The spiritual exercise, our reporter learnt took about five to seven minutes and immediately after that, the Rector is said to have zoomed off with his escort in company of the native doctor he brought to the school for the unauthorized spiritual exercise.

It could not be readily ascertained why the Rector could diminished into engaging in such acts of spirituality. But some senior staff of the institution who spoke with our newsdesk in Uyo over the weekend said, they have also been briefed of the ugly development by some security personnel who were on duty that day. They described the Rector's action as sad and capable of inflaming and bringing the image of the school into disrepute.

They also maintained that the Rector may be doing that to cover up on the monies he has embezzled from the school. Adding that Prof. Obomanu does not in any way seem to be remorseful about his high handedness and fraudulent practice in the institution.

Members of staff maintained further that ever since Jude Inyangetor led ASUP of the institution opened a can of worms against the Rector that all has not been well with both the Rector and his partner in crime, the bursar.

THE INK understands that the embattled duo of Rector Prof Obomanu and his Bursar Mr.........has been living in fear for they don't know what is waiting for them. Even as EFCC may be drafted into the matter as a last resort.

Meanwhile, THE INK can report matters of fact that if nothing is done urgently about the financial recklessness ongoing in the institution, that the Federal Polytechnic may cease to function as many staffers of the institution have resigned their appointment even as we learnt that no course in the institution have gained accreditation even on a partial basis.

The Rector of the institution Prof Obomanu refused to make comments when contacted on his introduction of diabolical means into the Polytechnic.

Spokesman of the institution Manasseh Umoette when contact said, he is not aware of anything diabolic involving the Rector and the institution.

Food vendors in Akwa Ibom protests ill treatment over FG school feeding programme

Hundreds of food vendors in Akwa Ibom have protested maltreatment over the federal government sponsored school feeding programme.  The food vendors who took to the streets in Uyo, the state capital recently, decried several unpleasant treatments meted out to them by some top government officials in the state.

Displaying placards with different inscriptions such as:  ”Focal Person stop victimizing the women”, “State Coordinator give food vendor their right”, “Former Deputy Governor, Mr. Chris Ekpenyong leave food vendors alone and concentrate on your hotel business”, “Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Felicia Bassey you are not representing Akwa Ibom women well”, “Suppliers come and cook, vendors will supply” etc., the food vendors begged the state Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as well as the federal government to come to their aid.

The spokesperson for the food vendors, Mrs. Esther Udoh alleged that some top government officials in the state were collaborating with the focal person to shortchange the food vendors in the state. 

AMORC, Pyrates, ors may drag Udom to court

Following the proscription of cultism        and cult related activities in Akwa Ibom State and listing them as members, groups like the Resicrussian Order popularly known as Amorc, National Association of SeaDogs alias Pyrates confraternity, Brothers Across Nigeria alias Buccaneers have all threatened to drag the Akwa Ibom State Government to court for listing them as a cult group and her members as cultists.

Intelligent information gathered by THE INK from the leadership of these groups indicate that when the announcement was made that the governor had proscribed these groups, the bodies were jittered and dumbfounded as according to them, they abhor and do not belong to any cult group.

For instance a strong member of Pyrates confraternity who confided in THE INK reporter said, it is funny how the Government of Akwa Ibom State would describe its organization as a cult group adding that everyone across the country and beyond know that it is not a cult group but a social organization that is into humanitarian services.

Our source further maintained that a meeting of the group was in the offing and one of the front burning issues to be discussed.

According to him, my brother, Pyrates is not a cult group and her members are not cultists and so listing us into the group so proscribed by the Governor is an affront on the organization and we cannot take it.

BY KENNETH JUDE

He’s one man that has proven that  ability, capacity and capability is not in size but the size of the heart, mind and disposition to change narratives. 

Gifted not in excess flesh but in a large heart and unfathomable leadership prowess that has continued to leave many in awe and deep wonderment, this fine, erudite and cerebral politician has demystified the allure of power and position.

Today, as he waltz into the club of the 40-year olds, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Onofiok Akpan Luke can look back at where he started and conclude with refreshing candour that indeed, it has been God’s amazing grace that has guided him all through these years.

A socialite of noble renown, Barr.  Onofiok Luke is one politician that mixes freely with people irrespective of class, age, tribe, gender or faith. He is not just outgoing but his friendly disposition is both infectious and animating. Call him man of all, and you would have hit the nail on the right spot. He embodies egalitarianism.

Like water, this Nsit Ubium born politician, I dare say, has no enemy! You’ll tell me there’s no one on earth without an enemy right? You’re in order, but for me, I’ll say that those who see him as foe are only aghast by his meteoric and steady rise in the political firmament. You know how petty and uncomfortable people can be when grace continually speaks for you every other day.

Not one to engage in vainglorious display of flamboyance, Barr. Luke is an epitome of simplicity. He goes to places many who hold his position dare not. He’s someone that will share a glass of palm wine with you if he stumbles on you negotiating with this age long satiating liquid. He dips his hands into the same plate to help himself to cubes of meat if that’s what he met you doing. Sometimes, when he storms birthday parties of young people, you are left to wonder what manner of man he is. As the local lingo goes, he is constantly in touch with the ‘street’. 

Esit Eket Youth Leaders warn against insults on their political leader

The youths of Esit Eket Local Government Area under the aegis of Coalition of Esit Eket Youth Leaders have warned against uncouth utterances against their Political Leader, Elder Benjamin Udobia.

The warning was contained in a communiqué issued by the group and made available to THE  INK Newspaper.

The youths maintained that Elder Benjamin Udobia is a man of goodwill and a Leader whose benevolence, Political exploits and sense of industry have been of immense benefits to the people of Esit Eket Local Government Area. They also noted that Elder Udobia is a leader who is guided by good conscience and fairness in upholding zoning and rotational principle in politics and allocation of political offices and resources to the greatest happiness of the people, which they said is the essence of utilitarianism as espoused by an English philosopher and social reformer, Jeremy Bentham.

Atiku Abubakar, a credible alternative for 2019 – Otuekong Ibiok

As mobilization and electioneering towards the 2019 Presidential Election gears up, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of Atiku Abubakar 2019 Campaign Organization, Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok, has said the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) is unstoppable in the state and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar its credible alternative.

In a release from the State Media Directorate of the organization, Otuekong Ibiok, grassroots mobilizer, founding member of PDP in Akwa Ibom and former Commissioner, said “looking at a lot of odds in their perspectives, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the only aspirant that has tested and proven capacity, political structure and goodwill for the 2019 presidency.”

Speaking in Uyo shortly after his routine mobilization of the people of Ikot Okpudo Ubium in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise, Otuekong Ibiok assured the people of the organization’s commitment to enhance service delivery, having shared in the strong current of opinion that PDP was turbocharged in ensuring that the party takes over power at the centre come 2019 and Governor Udom Emmanuel reelected as Governor.

Royal Father decries violence among youths

The Paramount Ruler of Uruan, Edidem  Atakpo II, RT. Hon. Cosmas Bassey Nkanga has rebuked violent among youths in the state. He stated this while addressing a cross section of youths from Nnung Oku in Uruan Local Government Area at his palace recently.

The Royal father admonished the youths to desist from violent and economic crimes which will only bring them to the verge of bankruptcy. He promised the youths of Uruan that his leadership will serve as a platform that guarantees a secured future for their successes.

He warned those who were deeply fractured along regional, religious and ethnic lines to consider it as an aberration. “The latent contradictions and gaping discontent, between and even within major interest groups, threaten to frustrate even the most well-meaning plans and progress” he noted.

His Royal Highness, Edidem C. B. Nkanga described Uruan Local Government Area as a place where businesses thrive; respected and rated highly among committee of nations.

NGOs partner A’Ibom govt to curb violence against women

The African Human Development Centre (AHDC) working in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria has lamented the ordeals of domestic violence and other human rights abuses against women in Nigeria.

Speaking after undertaking a fact-finding tour to some rural communities in Akwa Ibom State to ascertain the level of social and cultural infringement meted on the women-folks, stakeholders of the group urged government to intervene.

According to the Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AHDC, Prof. Gabriel Umoh, revealed that “a lot of women pass through harrowing experiences every other day especially in rural communities”.

Umoh, who doubles as the Director in-charge at the Waste Management Studies, University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State, listed crimes committed against women to include “rape, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), shaving of hair and oath-taking at husband’s death, exclusion from family inheritance and other harmful practices”.

2019: USD people backs Ikpe Obong Senatorial ambition

*Endorse Gov. Emmanuel for a 2nd term

The Uyo Senatorial District aspiration of Obong Ikpe Obong has received a boost as the Concern Indigenes of the Senatorial District have unanimously expressed their unwavering support to  ensure his successful election to the red chamber of the National Assembly come 2019.

The people who came from the three Federal constituencies of the Senatorial District made the resolve recently in their meeting held in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking, the Convener, Mr. Akaninyene Edem, who presided over the political converge, said the meeting was organized to showcase Ikpe Obong as their only choice for the Senatorial District seat come 2019, describing the aspirant as the most credible and capable hand to take USD to the highest height, given his pedigree and antecedent in the Civil Service.

According to Mr. Edem, Obong Ikpe Obong who happens to be the immediate past Secretary General of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Abuja,  has over the years been actively involved in political activities both at local, state and national levels and has made positive impacts as well as placed an indelible marks in the discharge of his duties, adding that he has the capacity in all ramifications to represent the people of Uyo Senatorial District.

Oruk Anam Wins 2nd Edition of Sports Festival

-As Prince Ubong Idiong moves to build Sports Academy

One of the characteristics of a transformational leader is the ability to see the future from the present by harnessing the available human potentials in preparation for the future. Orukanam Local Government chairman, Prince Ubong Idiong is one of the few eggheads in charge of our Local Government councils. Apart from being an effective intermediary between his people and government of the day, Prince Ubong Bernard Idiong has successfully interpreted and replicated the vision of Governor Udom Emmanuel to his people. One of such areas is sports development which has manifested in the consistent winning of medals in the Akwa Ibom Youth Sports festival.

Since the commencement of the first Akwa Ibom Youth Sports Festival in 2017, budding athletes have displayed impressive performances in their respective events to inspire hope of what Nigeria could achieve on the global scene if things go as they ought to.

The 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Akwa Ibom State had representatives in some of the Athletics event staged at the Championships, and each seemed to be in battle of who could cheer louder than the other whenever any of their athletes competed.

Mark Esset to brief constituents, March 28

Mark Esset to brief constituents, March 28

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. (Elder) Mark Esset has said that he has concluded plans to brief his constituents.

Hon. Mark Esset made the disclosure on Tuesday during a media chat with journalists at the conference room of the House of Assembly complex, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.

The lawmaker said the forthcoming Nsit Atai Constituency Briefing/Empowerment Program which comes up on March 28, 2018, will take place at the Local Government council headquarters, Odot.

According to him, “During the event, elders, women and youths across the ten political wards in the area will be empowered. Empowerment has longed been an intrinsic part of my leadership strides at any position of leadership I find myself. This I do at personal capacity to individuals within and outside my constituency. Most times through humane disposition which need not be made public but somehow it strays to the public domain.”

Youth leader shot dead by suspected militants in Akwa Ibom

Barely 48 hours after the State government outlawed activities of no fewer than 33 cults groups in Akwa Ibom State, suspected militants of the Iceland group have shot dead one Udeme Daniel Akpan.

Until his gruesome murder early yesterday morning, the deceased, father of three, was the youths’ leader of Ikot Edet community in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.

It was gathered, the deceased who was at the forefront of fighting the cult menace in his community, was served a notice to pay some undisclosed amount to the militants or risked being killed.

According to family sources, “he had to escape to the neighbouring community of Ibio Nnung Achat, where he remained as a fugitive until the militants obtained information through their network and mobilized to kill him”.

“In fact, the shooting this morning was so heavy that Policemen stationed at Ibio Nnung Achat, had to scamper for safety”, he explained and called on government to deploy soldiers to the area as local residents flee the area in droves.

Voter’s Card has no political party-Ekong Sampson

...says Nigeria needs a validly acceptable census

As Governor Udom Emmanuel flagged off the pre-census Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) Phase 5, in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Special Adviser in the Bureau of Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources has charged the people of the State to disregardtheir political leaning in dealing with issues of data and development planning.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Special Adviser said Nigeria as nation cannot afford to ignore the importance of the Enumeration Area Demarcation exercise which expectedly will provide Nigeria ample background to conduct credible, reliable and acceptable credible national population and housing census, a process critical to national planning and sustainable development.

Barrister Ekong Sampson described the exercise as timely and a golden opportunity for the people of Akwa Ibom State to prepare to stand up and be counted. He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for the value he attaches and support, which brought about great success in the previous phases at Oron, Nsit Ibom and IkotEkpene Local Government Areas. He stated that by encouraging and supporting this important activity, Governor Udom Emmanuel has further demonstrated capacity, patriotism and visionary leadership.

Gov. Udom Emmanuel declared wanted by PDP Neighborhood Volunteers

As the 2019 general elections is fast approaching, groups, organizations and even individuals have roll out their drums in support of His Excellency Deacon Udom Emmanuel, a man whom they believed he has lived up to expectations and has deserved another opportunity to continue his good works and complete his numerous live touching projects for the good people of Akwa Ibom State.

The latest declaration of support is coming from a socio-political group, PDP Neighborhood Volunteers, Akwa Ibom State. 

The group has declared undiluted support for the second term ambition of the governor, citing his superior performances in just almost three years in office. 

According to the leader of the group, Mr. Ekan Collins while briefing newsmen in Uyo shortly after the inauguration of the group in Etinan, he said that the group is a statewide group basically for the Udom Emmanuel 2019 project. 

According to him, the group shall be inaugurated in all the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, adding that Etinan Local Government Chapter which is the mother chapter has just been inaugurated with 11 co-ordinators representing all the 11 wards in the area.

Ibeno Council Boss inaugurates review committee of community and social development agency

Ibeno Council Boss inaugurates review committee of community and social development agency

...Seeks World Bank Funding for Community Development

The general manager of Akwa Ibom State Agency for Community and Social Development, the Ibeno Local Government Council Executives, the Legislature, the head of service, directors, the representative of the traditional rulers, youths and that of the opposition political party all gathered at the instance of the Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Ifum Udoh, for the inauguration of the local government review committee of Akwa Ibom state Agency for community and social development.

The Ibeno council boss who was elated at the event welcome everyone while making it known to all that once of the cardinal points of his government is development as such, he will continue to identify with any agency or group with like objectives.

Ifum in his remarks expressed dissatisfaction on the occasion were Ibeno local government plays a spectacular role in the economy of Nigeria yet there is no tangible project from world bank sited in the area.

Breaking: Otobong Ndem arrest Victor Ufot for opposing his second term ambition.

Otobong Ndem has arrested Victor Ufot for opposing his second term ambition.

Dear all, THE INK newspapers have received troubling news that one of her members of staff Comrade Victor Ufot was arrested and thrown into an unhygienic cell custody by the Nigerian Police.

We learnt that this arrest is on the orders of Mr. Otobong Ndem member representing MKPAT ENIN State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

It is our considered opinion that the action irrespective of what excuse given or to be given by the Assembly man is obtuse.

But we have in the interim consulted our lawyers and shall make our position on this matter known soon especially as Comrade Ufot shall be arrainged in the magistrate court along FULGA street in Uyo today Wednesday March 7, 2018 at 9:00am

All partners and staff are please requested to be vigilante as this is just the continuation of war against the media.