2019: House Leader lands in trouble as Youths reject Udo Kierian’s third term

Youths of Oruk Anam local government area have vehemently kicked against the third term aspiration of their lawmaker in the State House of Assembly, Mr. Udo Kierian Akpan, describing such ambition as selfish and oppressive.

The groups including the Youth Council of Nigeria (YCN), Dakkada Youths, Christian Youths and Village Youths Council from the area asked Mr. Akpan to throw away his third term agenda.

Members of the groups who carried placards with different inscriptions written on them, and numbering more than two hundred, gathered at the state Government House gate on Friday, to register their grievances.

Although the youths did not say who they are supporting to replace Mr. Kierian Akpan by next year, but they asked the lawmaker, who is currently the House Leader, to withdraw from the race at the end of his tenure in 2019, with some threatening to truncate his ambition on the grounds that he had served them for eight years without commensurate results.

Essien Udim Corps members cry for help ...say our L.I is heartless, victimizing us

Corps members serving in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have accused the Local Government Inspector Mr. Akren Lawrence of high handedness and a calculated attempt to frustrate corps members who refuse to dance to his whims and caprices.

Mr. Akren who NYSC members say is supposed to play a fatherly role for the Corps members is said to be administering undue punishment to serving corps members as he pleases; he is also said to be abusing corps members at different instances including married women.

He is alleged to be a reckless in behavior even during official hours.

Corps members who spoke to our reporter on grounds of anonymity stressed that some acts exhibited by Akren and the different dramas he acts during CDS and clearance exercises are acts too unethical to be printed.

Soni Udom tipped to replace Moses Ekpo as Deputy Governor

Ahead of next year’s general elections, there are strong indications that Mr. Soni Udom is being lined up as possible replacement for Mr. Moses Ekpo.

Soni Udom, who recently defected from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) is being tipped as the man that will stabilise the boat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abak 5 where he hails from.

Those who made a strong case for the former APC stalwart, in a chat with our reporter, were of the view that he will use his political strength and goodwill to sway votes from the camp of the opposition APC where he was a rallying force until his defection to the ruling PDP in the state.

The stakeholders of Abak 5, THE INK learnt, maintained that Soni Udom will use his experience and political clout to mobilise support for the Peoples Democratic Party in next year’s polls.

Since Soni Udom is from Abak 5, it is believed that his choice will not raise eyebrows given that the current occupier of the seat, Mr. Moses Ekpo is from the same area.

The Ink gathered from competent sources that Mr. Moses Ekpo may be dropped as running mate to Governor Udom Emmanuel as the 2019 polls gathers momentum.

AKHA 2019: Eket TRC consent, bless Ekanem Willie

The Eket Traditional Rulers Council (ETRC) has unanimously given their consent to identify with the aspiration of Hon. Ekanem Willie to represent Eket in the legislature in 2019.

The council presided by Edidem E.C.D. Abia, Attah Ekid Afid and paramount ruler of the area, described him as a suitable material for the position, who understand the responsibilities of a law maker and will therefore be a worthy representative and spokesman of the constituency in 2019.

According to him, Ekanem will adequately represent the yearnings and collective interest of the community in view of his experience in governance and as a grassroots based political administrator.

Abia noted, a legislators level of representation determines the volume of projects and funds allocated to his constituency in the appropriation estimates and expenditure profile of the state government.

The Royal Father expressed displeasure at the attitude of elected political office holders on their triennial briefing and empowerment programmes conceived as a campaign avenue for another mandate instead of a feedback mechanism. He finally encouraged him, insisting, he is capable for the envisaged position.

The Clan Head of Afaha, Obong M.D. Uwem in his remarks recalled the pragmatic and intelligent leadership qualities of Ekanem had given him an edge over other contestants for the position.

Youth Development Fund Bill: Civil Society Groups demand audience with Akwa Ibom Governor

Over 53 NGO’s and civil society organizations under the auspices of the Youth Advocacy Cluster – YAC, is continuing its campaign for the call for public hearing of the Akwa Ibom Ibom Youth Development Fund - #AKYDFBill  sponsored by the Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Bassey, member representing Ini State Constituency

The advocacy campaign started in October 2015, as the bill passed second reading on 27th April, 2017 and was moved to the committee stage under two committees; Committee on Youths, Security and Sports headed by Rt. Hon. Victor Udofia, member representing Ikono State Constituency and Committee on Economic Planning and Development headed by Rt. Hon. (Sir) Udo Kerian, member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency. This was to be later followed by the Public Hearing of the Bill before being passed into law.

Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, and many months have passed making it over one year and the Public Hearing of the Bill is not in sight, despite promises made.

NUJ Boss commends THE INK Newspaper *As he resumes familiarization visit to media establishments

BY JOHN ETUKUDO & UNYIME BASSEY

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Elder Patrick Albert has said that he holds THE INK NEWSPAPER in high esteem. 

The state chairman made this known yesterday (Monday) during a familiarization tour to the INK NEWS PAPER office. 

The state chairman who was accompanied by his aides to the Ink office at Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo, said that he chose THE INK NEWSPAPER as his first port of call on resumption of the familiarization visit which kicked started months ago.

The NUJ chairman thanked the publisher of THE INK NEWSPAPER, Comrade Nsibiet John for a warmth reception given him and his entourage in his office. He commended the media organization for their style of reportage, which he said is in line with the ethics of the journalism profession. He averred that journalism is one medium that has serviced the entire mankind and encouraged staff of the media house to believe in the profession and put forth excellent reports that will promote its corporate image with adherence to ethical compliance.

The NUJ boss further promised to stand firm to defend all journalists in Akwa Ibom State, adding that the visit offered him opportunity to interact with members of the Union and feel their pulse, as he is poised to be concerned about the welfare of members and work towards their professional growth.

State vs Nsibiet John: Case resumes in court *Trial within trial to be heard, Thursday June 14

The Magistrate Court of Akwa Ibom State will on Thursday, June 14, resume hearing on the case between the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo and Editor of THE INK Newspaper, Comrade Nsibiet John.

The case which is being presided over by Chief Magistrate Martins Johnny was last adjourned a month ago due to the health challenge which was faced by the Editor. 

However, the Editor is hale and hearty, and hearing on the case will resume on Thursday.

Mr. Nsibiet John is currently standing trial on some Count Charges of Sedition and Defamation following a Publication of THE INK Newspaper with the headline: “Moses Ekpo allegedly pockets N250m Monthly as Security Vote.”

The case was first heard on January, 2017

2019: PDP, APC aspirants seek youthful representation

Recently, what was supposed to be a venue for traditional marriage rituals in Oruk Anam, turned out to be a get-together of politicians with no attention to party affiliation.

Among the top dignitaries at the event was a  young, vibrant and public spirited indigene of Ekparakwa -Engr Nsikan Titus Peter, who is the leading PDP Aspirant for 2019 Oruk Anam State constituency seat.

In the picture below, is the oil and gas expert exchanging pleasantries with his counterpart, the 2019 APC Oruk Anam house of Assembly Aspirant- Hon Noah Noah, during a traditional marriage between Mr Abram Duff Otu and Miss

Elizabeth Jeremiah at Inen Ikot Essien in Oruk Anam LGA.

In a comment, Hon Noah while exchanging brotherly pleasantries with Engr Titus, stated that “Party is not supreme but brotherhood is”. Conversing further, the APC Aspirant who also hails from the Oruk political bloc of Oruk Anam LG,  applauded his counterpart in the PDP, for rising against the injustice of political monopoly in the area.

Hon Noah stated that it is high time our Elders steped aside and focus only on advisory roles.  While congratulating President Buhari for singing the ‘not too young to rule bill’ into law, the Oruk Anam Business Mogul expressed satisfaction with the courageous moves of Engr Peter. 

2019 AKHA Seat: Esit Eket Students declare Etang Sole candidate

Students of Esit Eket extraction in the university of Uyo, have unanimously restated their unflinching support and determination to work and actualize the aspiration of Hon. Ibanga Etang to be in the state legislature in 2019 representing Esit Eket/Ibeno state constituency on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

They have equally declared him the sole candidate for the position based on his excellent performance as the executive chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council between 2012 – 2015.

students under the aegis of concerned Esit Eket Student at University of Uyo led by Mr. Uduak Aduakide said, by this visit, we have formally flag-off intense mobilization and declare our total support to you as the only visionary and accessible candidate that will represent  Esit Eket/Ibeno in the seven assembly.

This resolution according to him, is in the overall interest and collective wellbieng of the elders, women, students and youths of the two councils that constitute the constituency.

Aduakide noted, though legislators assignment and responsibilities  could be challenging with unpredicted economic and new political environment, but as a committed grassroot politician, Etang should remain resolute and focused.

Eket Women visit Akon Eyakenyi *urges her to run for Senate

Women from Eket Local Government Area under the ageis of AKOYAK ladies over the weekend paid a surprise visit to the Chairman of the Governing Board of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic Ikot Osurua Dr. Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi.

The delegation in their numbers drawn from the different wards of Eket local Government Area was led by Helen Ekanem.

In her remarks she said that the group having studied and access the kind of woman Eyakenyi is, they have no choice than to throw their weight of support behind her.

Helen Ekanem described Eyakenyi as a woman that has over the years demonstrated qualitative capacity adding that the senatorial hopeful is a consummate politician who is down to earth and very accommodating and hence the reasons why they have to adopt her as the candidate for the Eket senate position.

Responding, Dr. Mrs Eyakenyi described the group as a very wonderful and result oriented body. She acknowledged the support the group has been garnering for her even when she was yet to meet with them adding that the reward for the group will soon manifest.

ADP marks 1st Anniversary in Akwa Ibom ... Inaugurates Party Secretariats in 31 LGAs

Barely 12 months of existence as an accredited political party in Nigeria, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Akwa Ibom state has celebrated her one year of steady growth and expansion with the inauguration of chapter offices in the 31 local government areas of the State.

The celebration which took place at Oko Ita, Ibiono Ibom local government area, home of the pioneer state chairman of the party, witnessed the unveiling of a brand new chapter office of ADP in the area.

In his remark, the State chairman of the party, Mr. Ubong Emmanuel thanked God for the greater height that the party has attained within a short period of time, attributing it to God’s faithfulness, mercies and endorsement of the party.

He promised that ADP would take over power in Ekiti State in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, then spread to the national and state levels in 2019.

Mr. Emmanuel disclosed that the philosophy of the party is to stem the tide of youth restiveness, poverty alleviation, job creation and equal power allocation in Nigeria. He called on the residents of the state to embrace ADP as the credible alternative political party in Nigeria.

Oro People are solidly behind Udom Emmanuel - Akon Eyakenyi

BY SAMPSON ENYONGEKERE

A Former Minister for Lands and Housing and frontline Senatorial aspirant in Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District, Dr. (Mrs) Akon Eyakenyi says the people of Oro ethnic nationality are solidly behind the governor, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel in his quests to be re-elected by 2019.

Dr. Eyakenyi said this Saturday June 10, at Ibom Hall during the inauguration of the national and chapter executive committee members of the socio-political group, Transformation Initiative for the Empowerment of Ibom People (TIEIP).

The former Minister emphasized that it was false and erroneous the rumours making the round that Oro people are in support of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and will rather vote en mass for the party’s candidate come 2019, in view of the alleged neglect of the Federal Constituency by the PDP led government in the State.

She described the assertion as unfounded, baseless and a blackmail intended to portray the good and peace-loving Oro people in bad light and discouraged those  peddling the rumour to desist forthwith, saying it was inimical to the growth and development of the people and at variance with the collective stand of  her people.

Federal Polytechnic Ukana gets acting rector

Federal Polytechnic Ukana gets acting rector, EMEM PAUL UDOFIA, PhD, CLN, FIPP

 

The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, has appointed Dr. Mrs. EmemUdofia as acting Rector for the Polytechnic. This follows the completion of the tenure of the pioneer Rector Prof. BalamaObomanu on the 9th of June, 2018.

 

Until her recent appointment, Dr. Mrs. Udofia was the Polytechnic Librarian. She is to hold office pending the appointment of a substantive Rector for the Polytechnic.

 

In a brief handing over ceremony, the outgone Rector Prof. BalamaObomanu thanked the Management of the Polytechnic for the cooperation given him and expressed optimism that such will be given to the acting Rector.

 

Mrs. Udofia has promised in her acceptance speech thanked the Governing Council for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to work tirelessly to lift the standard of the Polytechnic.

Umana, Nsima in fresh face off over one term agreement

Strong indications has emerged that all is not well between the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Obong Nsima Ekere and Obong Umana Okon Umana, Managing Director of Oil and Gas free Trade Zone over the non assurances from the NDDC boss that he will do a single term if elected as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2019.

Our reporter who has following the alleged showdown between the duo, gathered that ObongOkonUmana,and other bigwigs in the APC are gradually becoming frustrated over the non refusal of ObongNsima to convince party stakeholders on the one term agreement.

A source, close to the camp of Obong Nsima who spoke with our reporter over the weekend, alleged that Umana Okon Umana and his cabal have been seriously plotting the failure of NsimaEkere in 2019 because of their fear that Nsima may want to re-contest in 2023 which is expected to be the turn of Uyo Senatorial District to produce the Governor.

Onna road construction: Poor Widow cries out to Udom over imminent collapse of home

Onna road construction: Poor Widow cries out to Udom over imminent collapse of home

A poor widow, Mrs. Amaette Mboso Joshua from Afaha Ubium in Onna local government area has cried out to Governor Emmanuel Udom over the imminent collapse of the house she is living with her family due to the ongoing construction of the Etinan-Ndonoyo road.

Speaking in an interview with the Republican yesterday at her residence in Onna, Amaette pleaded with Governor Emmanuel to save her family from death by paying compensation for their property, which is resting on a cliff to enable them relocate, in the aftermath of a demolition carried out by the contractor handling the project.

The building, of which its foundation is severely damaged, is less than a meter to the drainage being constructed, further exposing it to the danger of being run over by heavy flow of water.

Her words, “Governor Udom Emmanuel, my brother, my son from Awa Iman, please come to our rescue by paying us compensation, so that we can move to a safer place and continue living before this building capsizes.

“This is the house where I gave birth to all my children and trained them. I live in it with my children, two grand children and relatives. It was to be demolished, after it was marked to give way for this road.

But surprisingly while compensation was given for the kitchen, bathroom and three graves, the main building was not paid for.

Nsima Ekere, Udoedehe battle for control of APC in A’Ibom State

Nsima Ekere, Udoedehe battle for control of APC in A’Ibom State

BY KENNETH JUDE

 

As the 2019 general elections draw    near, there is a battle of wits and supremacy between the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obong Nsima Ekere and John James Udoedehe.

Both men, THE INK gathered, are battling for the soul of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State. The duo, it was learnt, are doing all within their power to ensure that one of them controls the party structure in the state ahead of next year’s polls.

While peace have seemingly returned to the party following their peaceful congresses held recently where all the political heavyweights of the party collapsed their factions and interests for the overall interest of the APC in the state, it is believed that both men who are angling for the party’s gubernatorial ticket are bent on taking control of the party structure in order to make their path to clinching the ticket smooth.

Nsima Ekere, a former deputy governor is expected to contest the party’s governorship primary as he seeks to do battle with Governor Udom Emmanuel in next year’s polls. But he faces a stiff opposition from John Udoedehe who enjoys a cult-like followership among key party members in the state. Udoedehe, a former federal minister is believed to be the “king” of opposition in the state having been a member of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) that later fused into the All Progressives Congress (APC). Udoedehe has already declared his intention to contest the 2019 governorship election.

Obong Nsima Ekere was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party until he defected to the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2015 general elections having fallen out with his then boss, Chief Godswill Akpabio.

As the clock ticks to the party’s governorship primaries, the two gladiators have swung into action, exploring their network of connections both within and outside the state to gather the necessary support needed to sail through at the primary election and call the shots in the party.

For Nsima Ekere, his long term friendship with former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi has reawakened in the light of his ambition to claim the soul of APC in Akwa Ibom State. Amaechi, who is the current Minister of Transportation has always backed Nsima Ekere and it is believed that the man who mobilized massive support that led to the election of President Muhammadu Buhari  has once again thrown his weight behind the governorship aspiration of his friend, Obong Nsima Ekere.