AKHA enacts law against Domestic Violence and related matters

AKHA enacts law against Domestic Violence and related matters

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed into law a bill seeking to prohibit all forms of violence against persons and to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims of domestic violence and other related matters.

The bill tilled; ‘Akwa Ibom State Violence Against Person Prohibition Bill, 2018 was passed, Tuesday by the House following the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Social Welfare and Special Matters by the lawmakers. The bill which is sponsored by the Member representing Etinan State Constituency Hon. Aniefiok Dennis, intends to eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence against persons and to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders among other matters.

Hon. Bassey consult Ini PDP ward Excos *Gets Massive Endorsement by Stakeholders

Hon. Bassey consult Ini PDP ward Excos

*Gets Massive Endorsement by Stakeholders

Ahead of the 2019 general election, The Compendium of Ini politics, Hon. Emmanuel Bassey, Member representing Ini State constituency and the chief Whip, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Friday 13th July 2018 met with  ward Executives of the Peoples Democratic Party Ini Chapter to declare his intention to re-contest for Ini state constituency seat come 2019.

Hon. Bassey who was received by the chapter chairman of the party  Mr. Emmanuel Umah alongside other political stakeholders from the area at the party Secretariat thanked the Party for always standing by him since 2015.He commended the leadership of the party for maintaining peace and unity, however,  declared his intension to seek reelection as 2019  general election approaches. here him “ I am here to present myself to you as a messenger, send me and I will go and deliver, I  promise to bring more development to Ini people if re-elected “

Jubilation as Champion Breweries donate over 200 chairs, tables, desks to School in Akwa Ibom

Jubilation as Champion Breweries donate over 200 chairs, tables, desks to School in Akwa Ibom

Champion Breweries   Plc Uyo yesterday put smiles on the faces of teachers and pupils of St. Athaneous Primary School Nung Ukim, Primary School Aka in Obio Imo Street and Offot Jubilee Primary School Aka Offot all in Uyo capital city with the donation of over 200 desks, chairs and tables to enhance their studying environment.

 The benefiting schools cited within their areas of operations have suffered the dearth of these basic facilities over the years. 

The Managing Director of Champion Breweries Plc Mr. Patrick Ejidoh who led other management staff to the schools explained that providing  conducive learning environment is imperative for children stressing that Government alone cannot shoulder the responsibilities. 

Mr. Ejidoh opined that it is imperative for corporate bodies and highly spirited citizens to support the efforts of the State Government in ensuring the advancement of the Educational system of the state. 

Ibom Entrepreneurs appeal for government support

Ibom Entrepreneurs appeal for government support

The Ibom Entrepreneurs Forum (IEF) has appealed to the state government to support them financially so that they will be able to function effectively in their own fields and compete with other industrialists outside the country. 

The Chairman of the forum, Obong Etim A. Udofia told our correspondent in Ikot Ekpene recently that entrepreneurs in the state have not felt the impact of the Governor Udom Emanuel led administration. 

He recalled that one of the 5 points agenda of Governor Udom is to industrialise the state, noting with sadness that government instead of encouraging and supporting the real industrialists who are indigenes of the state has decided to do otherwise by bringing industrialists from outside the state to operate. 

IEF boss who is also the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of Be Bless Industries, manufacturers of exotic synthetics and porcelain ceiling boards, located along KM 10 Ikot Ekpene, Calabar/Itu High Way, Ikono Local Government Area (certified by SON) further lamented that his company can no longer produce and pay salaries to workers because of lack of funds. 

Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio gets new exco

Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio gets new exco

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI) last Tuesday, inaugurated her 10th International Executive Council members with Akparawa (Obong) Patrick Udofia as president.

Other new members inaugurated were: Akparawa Udo Festus - vice president 1, Akparawa James Edet - vice president 11, Akparawa Fiokidaha Umoh - secretary general, Akparawa Anthony Etim - deputy secretary general and Akparawa Peter Morgan.

Also sworn in were: Akparawa Emmanuel Akang - financial secretary, Akparawa Ekereke Ekereke - auditor, Akparawa Anthony Effiong - public relations officer, Akparawa Clement Akpan - welfare officer, Akparawa (Barr) Godwin Edet - legal adviser, Akparawa-anwan Esther Uko - woman leader and Akparawa Bassey Bassey as provost.

The inauguration ceremony which took place at the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio International Headquarters, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, attracted members of the socio-cultural organization within and outside the State, other socio-cultural organizations in the State, government functionaries as well as members of the public.

It’s a call to service, says MMI Legal Adviser

It’s a call to service, says MMI Legal Adviser

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The newly sworn-in Legal Adviser of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), Akparawa (Barr) Godwin Edet says his emergence as the Legal Adviser of the socio-cultural organization is a call to service.

Barr Godwin Edet stated this while speaking with THE INK shortly after his swearing in at the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio International Headquarters, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, last week.

Edet, said that his new position in Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio as the Legal Adviser was a dream come true and that he will not disappoint his supporters who voted unanimously for him to emerge during the election.

While thanking God for his smooth election and subsequent swearing in, the learned counsel used the opportunity to thank his teaming supporters for their support during and after election.

Sunny Ibanga may be arrested

Sunny Ibanga may be arrested

The Nigerian Police may decidedly go after the former Deputy Chairman of PDP and now APC strongman Chief Sunny Ibanga over his presentation of guns to Obong Nsima Ekere last week Saturday in Ikot Ekpene with an instruction that the MD of NDDC should use it to deal with anyone who may wish to stand on his way to the Governorship of Akwa Ibom State come 2019.

THE INK gathered from top echelon of the Police force in Akwa Ibom State that at the moment they are under pressure from some human rights, the academia and other concerned groups to go after the Ikot Ekpene man.

But however acknowledged that they may not go after him until they get an order of mandamus from a court before they swing into action and possibly arrest Sunny Ibanga and get him prosecuted.

It could be recalled that on Saturday last week during a rally to show solidarity with President Muhammadu Buhari and support Mr. Nsima Ekere for the 2019 presidential and Governorship election respectively, Chief Sunny Ibanga had presented guns packaged in a souvenir form and handed them to Nsima Ekere as a souvenir from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District warning that the NDDC man should not hesitate to deal with whoever, whatever or whatsoever would want to stop his ascension to the seat of power in 2019.

Ibanga’s gun gift did not really go down well with Akwa Ibomites who argue that it is an invitation to violence. Many respondents who spoke with our correspondents said, what Sunny Ibanga did is a clear testament to the fact that the APC in Akwa Ibom is ready to kill and maim so as to take power from the PDP whom they say has been going round consulting and consolidating on her position as the leading party in the state.

Itung Village embarks on Environmental Sanitation …appeals for grading of roads, electricity

Itung Village embarks on Environmental Sanitation …appeals for grading of roads, electricity

In compliance with the state government directive, the people of Itung Village in Abak local government area last Saturday trooped out in large number to participate in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. 

Led by the Village Head, Chief Monday Nkantion, the people cut grasses, dug gutters and cleared the over 3-kilometre Itung Road leading to the Community.

Speaking with our reporter after the exercise, the Village Head, Chief Monday Nkantion, commended the State Governor, Mr, Udom Emmanuel for introducing the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, stressing that sanitation brings good health.

Chief Nkantion explained that the people of the village regularly embark on sanitation exercise to maintain the roads and keep the community clean.

The Village Head however appealed to government to come to their aid by grading the roads in the community so as to make it motorable.

Also speaking, the Village Council Secretary, Mr. Raymond Marcus extended appreciation of the community to President Buhari, the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and the Executive Chairman Abak Local Government Council, Barr. Imoh Williams for the relative peace being enjoyed in this part of the country.

Ahead 2019: Abak Urban ward 4 rejects Udeme Otong …Prefers Innocent Idiong, Godknows Ukpe

Ahead 2019: Abak Urban ward 4 rejects Udeme Otong

…Prefers Innocent Idiong, Godknows Ukpe

The aspiration of one of the leading contenders for the Abak State Constituency Seat, Elder Udeme Otong has suffered a major setback barley few weeks to the Primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the people of Abak Urban Ward 4 have disassociated themselves with his aspiration.

Arising from a powerful stakeholders meeting arranged to select a consensus candidate among the three aspirants that have so far emerged from the Ward, the people explained that Elder Udeme Otong is partly from Ikot Ekpne local government area and as such, should go back and contest for the Ikot Ekpene State Constituency Seat.

The meeting which took place at the residence of the political Leader of the Ward, had in attendance Elders, PDP executive members, Women and Youth leaders, serving and former Councilors.

Uruan Democratic Renaissance Inaugurates Ward Executives

Uruan Democratic Renaissance Inaugurates Ward Executives 

Members of a socio political organization in the state, Uruan Democratic Renaissance Group have been charged to key into the vision of the group which is to mobilize the electorates for the actualization of the second term mandate of the state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

The chairman, Board of trustees , BOT of the group, Mr Okon Okon gave the charge, Saturday at Town Hall,  Adadia and Town Hall, Nung Ikono Ufok, headquarters of South East and South South Uruan during the inauguration of ward executive members of the group in the  area.

Okon who is the chairman, Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service said the sole aim of the group is to synergize with other groups and the political class in Uruan and the entire state to see to the realization of the Udom Emmanuel second term mandate.

According to the BOT chairman, “Governor  Udom Emmanuel is the subject matter of Uruan Democratic Renaissance Group” stressing that without the governor the group will not exist.

Ibom All Farmers Consultative Assembly to hold rally for Udom

Ibom All Farmers Consultative Assembly to hold rally for Udom

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

Farmers in Akwa Ibom State under the agies of Ibom All Farmers Consultative Assembly have concluded plans to organize a grand reception/all farmers endorsement mega-rally in support of His Excellency, Chief Farmer, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, according to the State Chairman, Atuekong Engr. Austin Ndaeyo. 

Ndaeyo, while speaking with THE INK over the weekend, said the event will take place soon.

He said the reason for the endorsement is because of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s strides in Agricultural Sector in the last three years in office, saying the Governor has done very well by not playing politics with Agriculture in Akwa Ibom State, hence the superlative performance witnessed in the Agro sector cutting across crops and livestock’s.

Nsit Atai: Kinsmen finally break silent, condemn attack on Assembly Aspirant

Nsit Atai: Kinsmen finally break silent, condemn attack on Assembly Aspirant 

Weeks after, the people of Ikot Abasi Nsit Village in Nsit Atai Local Government Area have finally broke silent over an alleged sponsored attacked on their son, Dr. Nse-Abasi Udoeyo, saying such act portend grave danger to the sustenance of democracy and violation of fundamental human right.

It could be recall that Dr. Udoeyo, a frontline House of Assembly Aspirant and serving Council Secretary of Nsit Atai and his supporters were aggressively attacked on Saturday, 14th July, 2018 while on a consultation visit to Village heads of Ibedu Group of Villages.

The alleged sponsored attacked which occurred at Ibedu Atai village led to dead of 2 suspected cultists, burnt of 3 cars and several people injured.

The people of Ikot Abasi Nsit while condemning in totality the deadly attacked on their son by the hoodlums, expressed displeasure  over the occurrence, speace and unity of the people.

They made their position known publicly while briefing some Journalists last Friday immediately after a meeting held at the Palace of the Village Head, Eteidung Edimoh Udoeyo.

AKHA 2019: Etoi decides on Zoning -says publications that Etoi ceded her slot is misleading -appeal governor to uphold zoning for peace

LAST FRIDAY, Royal Fathers in Etoi Clan, Uyo Local Government Area including Village Heads and their Council of Chiefs met with their subjects to take a decisive position on the lingering zoning brouhaha in the area concerning pronouncements published by some faceless individuals in local tabloids and new media.

The gathering was at the instance of the Clan Council of Chiefs that met at the Ifa Ikot Akpabio Village Hall in Etoi to declare their position on zoning. 

The matter have become necessary due to letters the Etoi Clan Council received from their kinsmen in Ikono, Oku and Offot Clans concerning speculations in print and the social media which they considered as disturbing.

The letters which was addressed to the Etoi Clan Council was discussed intensively and resolutions were generally reached. Narrating the contents of the letters, the anchor person, Etteidung Aniefiok Edem, Village Head of Ifa Ikot Akpan disclosed that the letters expressed concerns on critical issues concerning established zoning arrangement in Uyo State Constituency.

He told the gathering that the three Clans namely, Ikono, Oku and Offot including Etoi which make up Uyo State Constituency had wrote to (Etoi Clan) intimating them of disturbing developments in the area which needs urgent attention in order to forestall anarchy. 

He revealed that their concerns is aroused due to publications in Uyo that Etoi Clan whose turn it is to produce the next House of Assembly member to represent Uyo State Constituency next year has ceded her slot to Oku Clan,  citing non readiness as reasons.

Reelecting Udom is best option for Itu – Onuka

Reelecting Udom is best option for Itu – Onuka

The return of Udom Emmanuel as Governor in 2019 has been described as the best option for the people of Itu.

This was the position of the council chairman, Barrister Etetim Onuk, during the inauguration of Ward Executives of a frontline political group, Coalition of Uyo Senatorial District Youth (CUSDY) held at the council secretariat, Wednesday.

Onuk, noted that the Governor has performed exceptionally in the areas of: human capital development; industrialization; education; agriculture; health as well as prompt payment of salaries and retirement benefits of public servants in the state.

He opined that Itu people have assessed the performance of the Governor in the past three years and are left with no option than to galvanize support for his reelection in 2019. He charged the group to work audaciously at the grassroots level to sensitize the people on the achievements of the Udom administration.

Onuk, also reiterated the desire of Itu people to support the reelection of Obong Bassey Albert, as Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District in 2019, and hailed the Senator for his superlative performance in the red chamber and empowerment of his constituents.

OBA lists Enemies

OBA  lists Enemies

Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East, Bassey Albert Akpan over the weekend said he knows his political opponents and those masquerading as friends who are plotting his fall. But was quick to add that even if he has forgiven them that he cannot forget their plots to bring him down.

Bassey Albert popularly known as OBA stated this when he was received by his supporters in Shelter Afrique in Uyo after the Supreme Court affirmed him victorious over Bassey Etim last week.

OBA who was received by Uyo Senatorial District stakeholders led by PDP state Chairman Obong Paul Ekpo, Senators Effiong Bob and Anietie Okon.

Others who also received OBA were, Chairmen of Local Government Areas, Councillors across the senatorial District amongst many others.

Speaking at the event, Obong Paul Ekpo praised the PDP legal team for putting up a strong legal action at the courts and reminded the people that the Party is proud of OBA and his representation at the red Chambers.

Paul Ekpo added that Bassey Etim’s court case was a needless distraction and further appreciated all supporters of the PDP to remain faithful with the Party as the party is big enough to accommodate and appreciate everyone at the appropriate time.

Reverend Richard Peters writes Governor Udom eMMANUEL

Reverend Richard Peters writes Governor Udom Emmanuel

AN OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL

Your Excellency,

There is no better way to express my appreciation to you for your visionary leadership prowess that has positioned our state among the comity of great societies.

Akwa Ibom State has become an industrial hub today owing to your development strides. Leaders in Nigeria, including those of the opposition parties have openly endorsed you to continue in your good works. This goes a long way to prove that superlative performance has no enemy, whether it is done by a supposed enemy, an opposition leader or one from another tribe. In other words, no one discriminates success.

I am not only impressed that at a time like in our political history, you  accepted to lead this state, but more importantly, you have performed beyond our imagination. In the face of threatening economic realities, you brought in your professional skills in the management of state resources, so much so that, no one feels it very hard like in other states of the federation. 

It has been reported widely that so many states are owing their workers, but Akwa Ibom State's workers are seemingly in another world, where salaries are paid even before the end of the month. This is an unparalleled feat, courtesy of Gov. Udom Emmanuel.

Your Excellency, you have not disappointed the people who gave you the mandate to serve them. You have taken the bull by the horn, and proven your manliness as a leader, without resorting to complaints and excuses. Ideal leaders don't give excuses, they give results, and so you have convinced Akwa Ibom people that you are a leader  indeed.

Your Excellency, I am not unaware that members of the opposition party, particularly the All Progressives Congress(APC) are launching propaganda and using political improvised explosive devices to destabilize your administration, but you have to maintain focus and keep your vision alive. Recently, APC's sponsored agents have gone around to condemn your achievements in the state, saying they are of inferior quality, and that some of the projects commissioned were not completed, and all of that. This is their attempt to distract and discourage you. But I urge you to keep the faith, and take Akwa Ibom to that envious destination.

JUBILATION RENT THE AIR AS BARR.OTOBONG PAYS A SURPRISE VISIT TO HIS COMMUNITY PEOPLE, IKOT EKWERE UBIUM IN NSIT UBIUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA WITH MESSAGE OF UNIFICATION.

To foster  unity  and inculcate the sense of togetherness among the good people of Ikot Ekwere in Nsit Ubium local government area, Barr.Otobong Bob who hails from the community, with his pool of supporters trooped in to Ikot Ekwere Nsit Ubium  with a message of unification to his people.

The call for unity among the good people of  Ikot Ekwere community became necessary in the face of the raging waves of political turmoil which has rented the air with a deliberate attempt to decimate the people with its  discordant tune.

Recall that the Elders and the good people of Nsit Ubium have in one accord anointed and showered their Blessings on Barr. Otobong Bob as their next legislator to represent the good people of Nsit Ubium State Constituency in the state house of Assembly come 2019.

During the visit ,Barr. Otobong Bob took time to tell his people how he came to limelight .He narrated to them how the very people who brought him out recanted their stance. 

Barr. Otobong later  advised his people to get themselves armed with their voters Card so that they could vote for him come 2019.

BARR. OTOBONG BOB ADVOCATES FEDERAL GOVT'S PROACTIVE EFFORTS IN TACKLING INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

George Joe

Angered by the rate of insecurity in the country, leading aspirant for Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Barr. Otobong Bob has called on the federal government to be proactive in handling the security challenges threatening the unity of Nigeria.

Barr. Bob stated this  yesterday while addressing news men.

He said that the primary responsibility of every government is to protect the life and property of its citizens.

While expressing his condolences to the families of victims of the attacks in Plateau and other states of the federation, Barr. Bob noted that those perpetrating the heinous crimes should be brought to book.

"The level of insecurity in the country is alarming. People are living in fear, particularly as nothing much has been done to forestall any recurrence of the attacks. As it is, it seems like the attackers are swelling by the day, taking more territories. It is the primary responsibility of the government to protect life and property of it citizens. I call on the government to put an end to the killings".

Okon Clan Council commends Governor Udom * Insists on zoning BY NSEOBONG DAVID

The Clan Head of Okon, Eket Local Government Area, Obong Akpabio Ekpoton has commended the State Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel for standing by the truth and zoning the House of Assembly slot for Eket to Okon Clan come 2019.

Obong Ekpoton made this commendation during a meeting with some political big wigs of the area recently at the Council Hall, Okon, Eket Local Government Area. He extolled Mr. Emmanuel for being a man of integrity, and for acknowledging that Okon should produce the next Assembly man in 2019.

Also speaking at the meeting, Dr. Eshiet Okon intimated the people on the Governor’s insistence that the House of Assembly slot be zoned to Okon Clan, as Eket had taken its turn over the years and has completed same with David Lawrence as the incumbent.

He stressed that zoning is neither a PDP nor any political party affairs, and urged the people to put all hands on deck and work together to ensure that zoning is respected and implemented during the 2019 general elections.

A stakeholder of the APC who was present at the meeting, Mr. Charles Sunday Ebongo maintained that zoning should be respected, and called on the people from Okon Clan to work in unison and support ft reddy very whoever is chosen from the area to contest the House of Assembly seat in 2019.

Reacting to the zoning of the House of Assembly to Okon Clan, an aspirant for the State House of Assembly, Dr. Nsidibe Akata, used the occasion to sue for peace and unity among the people to widen the chances of the area clinching victory at the polls.

The Truth about Zoning in Eket State Constituency By Ayang Aynag

The immediate past state House of Assembly member who represented Eket State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Hon. Ayang Akanimo Ayang, has spoken against attempt by his successor, Hon. David Lawrence Udofa to thwart the existing zoning of elective offices in Eket in 2019.

Mr. Lawrence, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Assembly has expressed his intention to seek a second term in the forthcoming general elections in the country.

But, speaking with our source in his country home on the political equation of Eket Local Government Area, the former lawmaker, Hon. Ayang, now a Board member of Ibom Power Company, kicked against David Lawrence’s ambition, saying that, Mr Lawrence was elected to compete his term, since he (Ayang) did a single term and both Lawrence and himself hail from same Urban.

“David Lawrence agreed that he would complete my term, and after that, he would not contest again, so that Okon who is rightly entitled to the seat in 2019 can produce the lawmaker,” saying; “But all of a sudden, he started throwing money around the people thinking that he can overturn the zoning arrangement which does not favours him and his zone,” Ayang said.

Akwa Ibom PDP strategizes for victoary, promise to rescue Nigeria in 2019

Akwa Ibom PDP strategizes for victoary, promise to rescue Nigeria in 2019

Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has reinterated its resolve to adhere to the led down  zoning principles, stressing that the business of returning the party to the people has become very necessary due to the unalloyed commitment of the party to come out victorious in the forthcoming general elections thereby rescuing Nigeria from the abyss of failure and destruction.

Obong Ekpo made the party’s position known on Friday when he led state officers of the party and stakeholders to Ikot Abasi on a tour of the Federal Constituency in order to inaugurate Local Government Area Caucus for Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo respectively likewise present the party register and membership cards for registration by new members and revalidation of old members.

Akwa Ibom Politics: Crises rocks Nsit Ubium PDP

Akwa Ibom Politics: Crises rocks Nsit Ubium PDP

… As Bureau of Political Affairs Perm. Sect. mobilizes Kinsmen against Gov. Udom

BY SAMPSON ENYONGEKERE

If the information dropped on our newsdesk is anything to go by, then all is not well with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in NsitUbium Local Government Area, as some political strikers in NdiyaIkotUkap who claimed to be loyal to the PDP are allegedly working against the interest of the party ahead of 2019.

Our correspondent gathered reliably that the Permanent Secretary in the Bureau of Political, Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Mr. NseEdem and his brother who is the immediate past political leader of NdiyaIkotUkap, Dr. EnefiokEdem, Apostle NdiannabasiItaIta, Prince Etuk and the Village Head of IkotUkap, EtteidungEkom Jonathan have reportedly reached what can be best described as a secret agreement to deliver the three Unites in the area to the national ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the fourth coming general elections in the State.

A close source to ObongUmanaOkonUmana strongly hinted our reporter on the strict condition of anonymity that the former Secretary to the AkwaIbom State Government who flew the flag of the APC as the governorship candidate in 2015 and currently the Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority is doing everything within his powers to ensure that he mobilizes strong PDP faithful to frustrate the Party come 2019, so that what happened in the just concluded Local Government elections in the State will not repeat itself again.

Legislative Autonomy: AKHA, Udom in faceoff

Legislative Autonomy: AKHA, Udom in faceoff

Following the recent signing of the fourth Alteration Bill into law that grants financial autonomy to State Houses of Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Legislative Arm of Akwa Ibom State has not only suffered stiffen treatment but is also receiving strained and cold-shoulder from the Executive Arm of the State as compared to the long cordial relationship the two arms hitherto enjoyed before the autonomy.

It was gathered from a reliable source that the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel is at loggerheads with the lawmakers who voted in affirmative to the recently accented “Legislative Financial Freedom”, thereby sowing seed of discord, disharmony and disparities amongst members of the House.

Our reporter gathered that the State Governor out of his grievances against his “victims” has refused remittance of Constituency briefing assistance to the affected legislators while the unceremonious Legislators who voted against themselves got their grants upfroot or immediately after their Constituency briefings and empowerment programmes.

From our sources who did not want their names on print, it is alleged that the State Governor is unbendable on his resolve to penalise the 12 members who said “ YES” to Legislative autonomy adding that Governor Emmanuel has not only sworn but is resolute on out-slotting them in the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nominations in their various levels of aspirations, come October, 2018.

Trouble in Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Lands

Trouble in Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Lands

There is palpable tension in the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Lands following the refusal of the Permanent Secretary, Elder Etop Uko to quit office, having been overdue for retirement. 

THE INK was informed that Elder Uko who retired April, 2018 has refused to vacate his seat but rather uses his position to victimize and frustrate staff in the ministry. 

Elder Uko is said to have began a unilateral process of posting members of the ministry and parastatals associated with the ministry without recourse to other relevant stakeholders and directors in the ministry. 

An act that many staff in the ministry observed as parochial, self centered and highly destructive. It was gathered by our reporter that the retired but ‘refused to quit’ Permanent Secretary had over the months engage in a war of bureaucracy with the Director of Town planning over the posting and non posting of personnel into the ministry and her parastatal. 

Our news desk understands that Elder Etop Uko maneuvers the activities of the ministry and is said to have engaged in some illicit activities that range from selling of lands indiscriminately and illegally as well as allocating large portions of Government lands to himself and his cronies. 

Tears of joy as Akpabio’s Wife donates House to Widow in Obot Akara

Tears of joy as Akpabio’s Wife donates House to Widow in Obot Akara

Madam Mercy Jackson Umoren of Nto Eton in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State could not withhold tears over the weekend as she became a proud beneficiary of a tastefully furnished apartment donated to her by the wife of the Senate Minority Leader and former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Ekaette-Unoma Akpabio.

Mrs Akpabio was in Obot Akara to commission the house, the second in the series which will take her across all the Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District as part of the activities to mark the 10th anniversary of Family Life Enhancement Initiative, a non governmental organization she founded while she served as the first lady of Akwa Ibom state. 

Federal Constituency Tour: Nana Udom eulogizes PDP

Federal Constituency Tour: Nana Udom eulogizes PDP

As the PDP federal constituency tour moves to Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency on Tuesday July 3, 2018, an astute politician, banker, philantropist and leading Aspirant for Ukanafun/ Oruk Anam federal constituency - Mr Ndiana-Abasi Nana Udom, has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the best political party in the history of Nigeria and Africa in general. 

Addressing newsmen recently in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital, Mr Udom linked the hardship, killing and suffering currently prevailing in the northern part of the country to the incompetence of the government at the centre. 

He apologised to Nigerians for the suffering and promised that in a short while the best party( PDP) capable of putting smiles on the faces of Nigeria shall bounce back to power. 

Etinan National Assembly: Sam Ikon attacks Uwanta

Etinan National Assembly: Sam Ikon attacks Uwanta

In an apparent show of rage, supporters of Mr. Sam Ikon, House of Representative member for Etinan Federal constituency have thrown stones at the Chairman of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Service commission Andrew Uwanta. 

THE INK gathered from very competent sources that Ikon had informed members of his kitchen cabinet that if he will forgive any other person not supporting his ambition to return to the green Chambers, definitely not Uwanta. 

He is said to have described Uwanta as a dishonest, wicked and self centred politician who despite what he has done and influence for him has refused to support him to return to the House of Representatives. 

Our reporter gathered that Ikon specifically told his ground men that he single handedly ensured that Uwanta’s child was given a job with the federal Government. He said the job is pensionable and will serve the boy and his family for the rest of their lives. 

Apart from that, sources who were privy to the meeting held at the instance of Ikon informed our reporter that the ex Speaker added that his grouse again with Uwanta is that the ACA man had promised to stand with him to the end if the election and had demanded for one hundred million naira.

But Ikon is said to have given him the sum of seventy million naira. This according g to sources made Ikon feel that Uwanta will support him.

BAFIL vs SEN. OBA: Supreme Court set for Judgement July 6 ..PDP confident of victory

BAFIL vs SEN. OBA: Supreme Court set for Judgement July 6

..PDP confident of victory 

The panel of Supreme Court sitting in Abuja will on 6th July, 2018 give judgement on the appeal brought before it by a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Bassey Etim challenging the judgement of the Appeal Court, which upheld the election of Senator Bassey Albert (OBA).

Jubilation in Ikot Ekpene as Nsima Ekere’s aide slaps Ex-NASS Member in Abuja

Jubilation in Ikot Ekpene as Nsima Ekere’s aide slaps Ex-NASS Member in Abuja

There is celebration currently in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area courtesy of an All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Chief Sunny Ibanga over the recent humiliation of a former member of House of Representatives, Hon. Patty Etete Inemme by Mr. Uyio Nathaniel.

Uyio, who is an aide to Obong Nsima Ekere, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, according to eye witnesses, had assaulted Hon Patty on Monday at the Abuja residence of the NDDC boss.

Our correspondent learnt that problem started after Hon Patty arrived Nsima’s home on his invitation, in relation to the just concluded National Convention of the ruling APC.

According to sources, Ekere, an Akwa Ibom State 2019 governorship hopeful had sought clarification on why one section of Ikot Ekpene could produce three statutory delegates, leaving clans.

It was learnt that the former NASS member’s response, which allegedly exposed illegality, infuriated Uyio Nathaniel, who swiftly got up and started attacking him. Uyio who also hails from Ikot Ekpene, same as Patty, in addition to the physical assault, further threatened to deal with him and even his family members.