MALICIOUS AND MISLEADING PUBLICATION: WHY FEJIRO OLIVER OF SECRET REPORTERS MUST APOLOGIZE TO THE RECTOR OF MARITIME ACADEMY OF NIGER OR FACE LEGAL ACTION

By Raymond Uweh

It is an incontestable statement of fact that it is only fools who do not know their limits in life; even those who seem to know sometimes flaunt their brazenness in their actions. One would have thought that the fresh breath of orientation and psycho-mental purgation brought by the no-nonsense and hard-working administration of the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd.), aimed at inculcating productive and progressive attitudes amongst Staff and Cadets, as well as improving diplomacy and mutual understanding with Stakeholders and members of the Host Communities would by now have broken old attitudes of all those concerned. But, sadly, that does not appear to be the case as even intruders have assumed the role of administrators of the Academy.   

Our quality attention has been drawn to a recent post on a social media platform with a rather ridiculous and criminal name, Secret Reporters, a name that itself calls for immediate Intelligence by State security agents to unmask the facilitators and motives behind its existence, because a platform like that must be a cesspool and free pedestal for scammers and saboteurs. The said post carries the funny title: “OGA BOSS: HOW SA TO RECTOR OF AKWA IBOM STATE(sic) MARITIME ACADEMY, DR. JOHN ADEYANJU TURNED FEMALE SECRETARY TO A COOK RIGHT IN HIS OFFICE”.

We can’t build our State by peddling rumors - Finance Boss Linus Nkan

The Honorable Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Linus Nkan, has advised Akwa Ibom citizens at home and in the Diaspora to refrain from rumor peddling, an act which could greatly hamper the unity, peace, progress, coexistence and development of state.

He made this known while dispelling rumors that he is in EFCC net over the mismanagement of state funds, which according to peddlers, is in the tune of six billion naira.

The rumor had it that the Honorable Commissioner was invited to appear on Monday at the EFCC Headquarters in company of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, to defend himself over allegations levelled on him.

“I am in Abuja as we speak, to attend a meeting with the Federal Ministry of Finance. In fact, we just finished the meeting a while ago. I am not aware of any invitation by the EFCC or any quarters and I’m wondering where such rumors could emanate from…” the Commissioner said while speaking to our reporter on phone.

He described the rumor as untrue, saying that there was no iota of truth in it, adding that the purported report is nothing but a poorly concocted piece of a malicious hatchet job and a pack of lies, and should be ignored appropriately.

Nkan, the Ibesikpo-born Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Associate Member of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACITN), used the opportunity to call on Akwa Ibom people, both at home and in the Diaspora, to remain resolute and committed to support the Superlative Performer and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

Travails of the current Local Government Administration

Pomp and celebrations heralded the inauguration of the current local government administration in Akwa Ibom state about some seven months ago. Their mandates among other things as was reechoed to them by the inaugurator-in-chief of the day, Governor Udom Emmanuel was to key into his economic vision and drive of industrialization at the grassroot level. The plainly excited Council helmsmen with their entourages were given the highest hope and financial assurance which they all took back to their domains.

Fast forward to seven months later, the reverse of all those mouthy, sugarcoated promises has been the case. From the undulating hills of Itu to the swamps of Mbo down to the wartorn, desolation of Ukanafun, there is a general belief that the council areas but for a few who are surviving wholly on their locally generated revenues, have been suffocated and institutionally manacled by the new found devious and insincere attitude of the state government under the leadership and orders of Governor Udom Emmanuel. 

A distraught council helmsman, who for fear of the governor’s victimization, spoke to this reporter on the conditions of anonymity lamented about the sad, deplorable and financially stringent situation the local governments have been forced into thanks to the desperation of Gov Udom to gag, censor, and mutilate council chairmen and councillors under his armpit in his bid to ensuring that his second term ambition is realized even if that means a total demise to the third tier of government. 

Ikot Ekpene Elders task NDDC on timely completion of 330kva stepdown sub-station in the area

Ikot Ekpene Elders task NDDC on timely completion of 330kva stepdown sub-station in the area

... Appeal for the construction of access road to the project site

Elders of Ikot Ekpene under the auspices of Ikot Ekpene Political Elders Forum has made a passionate appeal to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC )to complete as scheduled the 330/132/30 KVA Step Down Sub-Station at Ikot Inyang, Ikot Ekpene to boost the economic life of the area.

The elders made the appeal during a meeting with Officials of Income Electric Limited,the company handling the project at Executive Hotel Ikot Ekpene last weekend.

The president of the group, Prof.Akpan Ibanga Akpan thanked NDDC for the project expressing optimism that the project when completed will JumpStart the economy of the premier local government and make available electricity for industrialists and other residents.

In his words” we are happy and grateful to NDDC for the Step Down Sub Station at Ikot Inyang. We appealing to them to fund and ensure the timely completion of the project which is capable of rejuvenating the economy of Ikot Ekpene and indeed Akwa Ibom State. We appreciate Income Electric Limited for making out time to brief us on the progress so far recorded on the project “ he said.

The weight of Politics on our Educational System BY SUPREME OKPON

The weight of Politics on our Educational System

BY SUPREME OKPON

Education remains the best gift any good parents can give to their children and a compulsory gift a Nation must give to her citizenries, if the leadership of a country so which to have people who will take over the leadership from them when their strength fails. Education is the answer to the question of development and sustainable development; this is because education is a change agent and most reliable tool for preparation, creation, development and nurturing of character, traits, knowledge, skills and attitude. 

The cruciality and centrality of education in the development process lies on its important towards the preparation of productive capacities of human beings as Economic, political and social agents, Charles Esu (2009). Education builds up knowledge, skills and attitude of men, women and youths for production purposes and enables them to contribute positively to the advancement of National Economy. It creates human capital with relevant capabilities. Education equips the mind, the body and the hand to “Lead” a life well spent. It is obviously the compass of life, an instrument through which all leadership instinct and sensitivity can be systematically developed and conditioned for a permanent behavioural pattern of life. 

Human capital is properly harnessed and groomed through education, its provide the necessary and sufficient condition for solving various perplexing problems such as poverty, hunger, diseases, illiteracy, unemployment and conflicts, all these problems pose leadership challenges and require strategic visionary and sustainable approaches to handle them. Educational sector is the most crucial of all the sectors of economy, other sectors are passive agent in the civilization and development process. Charles Esu (2009). 

Ikot Ekpene people shun Akpabio’s reception by the APC *Rally support for Udom Emmanuel 2019

Senator Godswill Akpabio’s purported reception into the All Progressive Congress (APC) yesterday, became a show of shame as the people of Ikot Ekpene shunned the reception and converged at the Ritman College Sports ground to rally support for Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

The people who turned out in their numbers, declared their unalloyed supports for Udom Emmanuel, saying that Godswill Akpabio is a betrayer. The people who rained several curses on Akpabio, expressed that his being driven by selfishness and greed; and vowed to remain committed to the PDP and Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Nse Essien encouraged the people to remain steadfast to the party, while assuring them that PDP is still intact in Akwa Ibom State, as Akpabio’s defection cannot influence their support for the party.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, the Chairman Youth Council, Ikot Ekpene chapter, Mr. Etido Inyang reaffirmed the unalloyed supports of youths in Ikot Ekpene to the PDP, declaring that they will remain glued to the party. They called on party elders to support them to strengthen the PDP in the area.

The event had in attendance: Senator Ibokessien, Mr. Etido Inyang, Mr. David Umanah - immediate past Chairman, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Transition Committee), the Special Assistance to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Mr. Elijah Udoiyak as well as women in Ikot Ekpene.

EFCC Freezes A’Ibom State Accounts * Godswill Akpabio fingered

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has frozen all the bank accounts of the State Government, government house source said.

Findings show that the reason for the EFCC action may not be unconnected with Senator Akpabio’s  insatiable financial demands from the State coffer of which the Governor has outrightly rejected several times.

It was gathered that Akpabio has been demanding the sum of two billion naira monthly from the State Government which Governor Udom Emmanuel has been refusing to comply.

Our source said before Senator Akpabio’s planned defection, he had made with some powers that by at the National level, urging them to freeze the State Accounts to enable him negotiate for his payment with the state government.

Meanwhile, efforts to speak with the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Linus Nkan were abortive as he could not be reached to confirm the report.

But sources close to the Akwa Ibom Finance Commissioner for confirmed the development.

PDP to commence legal action against defectors

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom State says it will commence legal action against House of Assembly members who defected alongside with Senator Godswill Akpabio to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Two lawmakers: Hon Gabriel Tobby, member representing Ika/Etim Ekpo and Hon Nse Ntuen, member representing Essien Udim State Constituencies defected alongside with Senator Godswill Akpabio to the APC on Wednesday.

According to the PDP publicity secretary, Ini Ememobong, “The party has also resolved to commence legal action to activate the provision of section 68 of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) as it relates to the erring legislators.”

Ini Ememobong, who posted on his Facebook wall, “The Speaker and other 24 members of the Akwa Ibom state   House of Assembly are intact, leaving him with the two members whom he introduced on that stage, while the members of the National Assembly are intact except, the senator’s representative and one other Member of the House of Representatives,  both of whom are having very heavy return challenges in their constituencies.”

Please forgive me, Akpabio begs Nsima Ekere, UOU, others ...Says this is the end of PDP in Niger Delta ...Oshiomhole declares Ex-governor leader of APC in A’Ibom

Please forgive me, Akpabio begs Nsima Ekere, UOU, others

...Says this is the end of PDP in Niger Delta

...Oshiomhole declares Ex-governor leader of APC in A’Ibom 

Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio has pleaded Obong Nsima Ekere, Umana Okon Umana, Udoedehe and all those he offended in the past to forgive him.

Akpabio stated this at Ikot Ekpene township stadium during the grand reception to welcome him into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday.

The former two-term governor said he was joining the APC in order to sweep poverty and insecurity away from the state. “This is the end of PDP in Niger Delta,” Akpabio vowed. He urged Nigerians not to be afraid of Buhari if their hands are clean, saying that Nigerians should join hands with the president to build a better Nigeria.

On his reason for defecting to the ruling APC, Senator Akpabio noted that he is a nationalist who believes in the progress of Nigeria. “ I am a nationalist. When a country is at war, all hands must be on deck to salvage it. I’m a conspirator. I want to conspire to stop killings in Nigeria. I want to conspire to stop killings and insecurity in Etim Ekpo, Ika and Ukanafun, I want to conspire to end poverty in Nigeria, I want to conspire yo create employment for Nigerians.”

On the Tropicana project, he accused Senator Ben Bruce for his inability to complete the project. He urged the Bayelsa Senator to come and complete the project. Akpabio also debunked insinuations by Senator Bruce that he was the brain behind the blockade of the Senate complex by security operatives. The ex minority leader said he was not the one that asked security operatives to block the Senate. “I am a man of peace and I was not the one that asked them to go there.”

Afaha Obong tackles Otoro for Nsikan Ibanga

The playing pitch of Annang Peoples School, Ikot Obong, Afaha Obong in Abak Local Government Area will be filled to capacity on Thursday, 9th August, 2018 as Afaha Obong Clan football team confronts their Otoro counterpart in the novelty encounter.

The match which is arranged in honour of the marriage ceremony and priestly ordination of a renowned security consultant and Youth Activist, Prince Nsikan Ibanga Udo will kick-off at 4.pm.

A statement by the organizers indicate that the match will be watched by a cream of personalities including the Executive Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Imoh Williams who is expected as the Special Guest of Honour.

Those expected as Guests of Honour include, the SA to the Governor on Project Monitoring, Rt. Hon. Uduak Edem, SA to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Joe Etukudoh, Councilor representing Afaha Obong Ward 1, Hon. (Mrs.) Monica Ikpa, her Ward 2 counterpart, Hon. Edidiong Uko, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Christian Usungurua, Dr. Patrick Uko, Obong Eventus Umoh, Engr. Dr. Ukeme Udoette, Barr. Victor Nkanang, Obong Koko Abia, Dr. Emmanuel Udosen among others.

The kick-off of the match will be performed by Mr./Mrs. Nsikak Ibanga.

2019: We are unshakable – Nsit Atai PDP Stakeholders, leaders tell Gov. Emmanuel

2019: We are unshakable – Nsit Atai PDP Stakeholders, leaders tell Gov. Emmanuel

As Council Boss mobilizes for collection of PVC

Stakeholders, leaders and entire People Democratic Party (PDP) family in Nsit Atai Local Government Area have again reaffirmed their determination to  work and stand by the Party and Governor Udom Emmanuel.

The people made the unanimous decision yesterday, August 7th, 2018 during a well attended meeting held at the PDP Secretariat, Odot, Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

Addressing the gathering, the Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai, Hon. (Lady) Emem Ibanga assured the Governor, National and State Leadership of PDP of the support of Nsit Atai people, asserting that they remain resolute in their unalloyed loyalty to the Party and Gov. Udom Emmanuel as to ensure his successful election in the coming general election.

“Nsit Atai Local Government is PDP and our members are intact. Nobody is defecting to any party”.

Traditional Rulers should shun evil practice and embrace God - Eteidung Udoma

Traditional Rulers should shun evil practice and embrace God - Eteidung Udoma

The Village Head of Oku Abak in Abak Local Government Area, Eteidung Aniefiok Okoko Udoma has called on Traditional Rulers to shun evil practices such as pouring of libation and embrace God.

Eteidung Udoma who gave the advise while speaking with our reporter in his palace, suggested that proper screening should be done by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs before certificate is being issued to Village Head, Clan Head or Paramount Rulers, so that on assumption of office they would not encourage evil, criminality or any act that may incur the wrath of God. “I want to suggest that before presenting certificate to Village Head, Clan Head or Paramount Ruler, proper screening should be done so that when they assume office, they would rule with the fear of God, not worshipping idols and evil because Akwa Ibom State is God’s own state”, the Royal Father advised.

Reps hopeful presents economic blueprint

The House of Representatives for Eket Federal constituency in the 2019 polls, Prince (Hon) Bassey Willie has unveiled his economic blueprint that will boost the economic , political and social life  of the constituents if given the opportunity to serve.

He stated, in addition to law making which is the core duty of a legislature, they can attracts industries, projects that will create more jobs and generate more revenue to the state government and the councils  within the federal constituency.

 ‘’ industrialization, job creation and improved revenue generation for the state and councils will be the hallmark my representation’’ Willie said.

Willie presented the economic and developmental plan when he consulted the Onna chapter of the PDP  to actualize his aspiration to represent the constituency in the Green chambers of the national assembly in the next political dispensation.

These willie noted, could only be achieved through his sponsorship of bills to compel multi- national oil and gas firms operating in the constituency to maximize available facilities.

He took a serious exception to the Ibeno jetty which was used for decades by Mobil producing Nigeria  

Udoedehe is the preferred candidate as Governor 2019 - APC Chieftain

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

Build up to the 2019 general elections in the state, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Pastor Edidiong Ubong, has declared that Udoedehe is the best choice as Governor in Akwa Ibom State.

Pastor Ubong made this declaration recently during a meeting of Chapter Chairmen, Secretaries and Youth Leaders of the Party in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District; who gathered to endorse Senator Akpan James Udoedehe, install Dr. Prince Nyong, a former member of the House of Representatives as Leader of the Party in the Senatorial District and endorse President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in office.

Speaking with this reporter, Pastor Edidiong Ubong who is also the House of Representative hopeful for Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, maintained that Udoedehe is a man of vision for fundamental growth and achievements of the APC, adding that his steadfastness and commitment to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state has catapulted the party to an enviable height.

He mentioned that as a member of several groups comprising gospel ministers in the country, they have worked tirelessly through the “Superior Grace Campaign Organization”, to canvass support for Senator Akpan James Udoedehe’s emergence as Governor, come 2019.

Communities in Akwa Ibom have experience, witness a safe, habitable Society - Sampson Idiong

The special assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on inter-ministerial direct labour, Mr Sampson Idiong has said that there is peace, security and food sufficiency in the state.

Mr Sampson Idiong made the remark in Uyo while fielding questions from your journalists. He said AkwaIbom government was poised to ensure peaceful co-existence between AkwaIbomites, sojourners and expatriates who reside in the state for business transaction.

He explained that the determination of the present administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel to beef-up security in rural areas and state capital is to get rid of illegal and unlawful practices like kidnapping, robbery, child-trafficking and cult practices which had almost became the practice of the day.

He said with eradication of such unwhole some practices by the present administration, has made AkwaIbom, the most peaceful and safe habitable society, adding that the present administration desire to make life comfortable for AkwaIbom residents, informs the state government position to embrace agriculture development for food sufficiency which he said, has reduced the cost of living in the state.

He said the rice plantation in Ini Local Government which today has made the state the number 12 rice producing state in the nation was part of the effort of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration to turn AkwaIbom an agriculture ‘hub’ instead of dependent on oil.

Akwa Ibom State is one of the safest State in the Country - CP Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi

Akwa Ibom State is one of the safest State in the Country - CP Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi

Gentlemen of the Press, I am delighted to again welcome you to yet another press briefing. Let me commence by commending your unrelenting partnership towards the fight against crime and criminality in Akwa Ibom State. You have professionally balanced your reporting of the crime situation in the state to the admiration of many, for this, I thank you.

That Akwa Ibom State is one of the safest States in the country and a destination of choice for Investors and Tourist alike is no longer news. This is so because I have championed a new course of policing in the State in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM,mni, and in line with global best practices. We have increased visibility policing across the state, thereby making our response time to distress calls to be very swift. Our community Policing approach has endeared us to the populace and created more confidence in the minds of the people. Our mode of operations in ensuring that Akwa Ibom State has the lowest crime rate in the country is yielding results. Below are some of our achievements within the last two months.

1. A total of two hundred and seventy- six (276) suspects were arrested for various offences, ranging from Murder, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, cultism and other crimes most of whom have been charged to court while others are under investigation. We have prosecuted 193 cases and secured 23 convictions.

2. 19 Locally made Pistols, 1 pump action gun and 1 AK-47 rifle were recovered.

3. One Toyota Camry Saloon car with Reg. CAL 584 NF and one Toyota Corolla vehicle with Reg. No. AA 50 NRJ were recovered.

Why I am Defecting to APC - DIG Ekpoudom

Why I am Defecting to APC - DIG Ekpoudom

A retired Deputy Inspector General of Police and a known Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, DIG Udom Ekpoudom has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

Ekpoudom who defected yesterday, Tuesday, 7th August 2018 in his hometown in Etim Ekpo Local Government area moved to the ruling All Progressives Congress together with PDP executives of his ward, Ward 5, among other supporters in the area.

Addressing his supporters over why he decided to jump ship, the political bigwig noted that he has discovered that the PDP is not ready to learn from their 2015 mistakes as impunity and undemocratic practices persist within the party.

He complained that within Etim Ekpo, the PDP with the backing of Governor Udom Emmanuel has allowed a PDP Chieftain whom he refused to name to unilaterally appoint those who should emerge for all elective positions in the area.

He revealed that greater among his displeasure is the fact that the individual invaded his clan to pick whom he described as an illiterate to represent him and Etim Ekpo people at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly come 2019.

COMTERNET Parleys host Community, opens door for Youth Empowerment

COMTERNET Parleys host Community, opens door for Youth Empowerment

Internet Service Provider, COMTERNET, has reiterated its resolve and commitment to partner with its host communities for sustainable development while providing superfast internet service to customers in Akwa Ibom and other states across Nigeria.

The company made its position known on Monday when her General Manager, Mrs. Juliet Udofa, paid a courtesy visit to the Village Head of Ikot Ntuen Oku in Uyo L.G.A of Akwa Ibom State, Eteidung Nsikak Charles Ikpe.

Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Udofa said COMTERNET, which was incorporated in September 2015 by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) had been subsequently licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as a Telecom Service Provider and within its short period of existence, COMTERNET has become the preferred IT connectivity solutions provider in Uyo and its environs. Also she got another and big milestone license in June this year by NCC as an Internet Service Provider (ISP), to deliver superfast broadband across Nigeria.”

APC Chieftain applauds idea of direct primary election

APC Chieftain applauds idea of direct primary election

BY ASSAM ABIA

The moves by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to adopt the direct primary option in its forth coming Party primary across the country has been applauded as a very welcomed development. 

Speaking in Eket on Thursday, a leading aspirant in the race for Eket Federal Constituency, House of Representative seat under the APC, Hon Godwin Oton said the system will deepen democracy and curtail certain negative conducts associated with delegates primary. 

Hon Oton, a former law maker in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly enumerated the advantages of direct party primary to include to promote free, fair and credible election at the primary stage. 

“It will enable all cards carrying members of APC to feel belonging in the election of any aspirant”, he said, adding that it will increase the scope of choice and participation of members to elect their preferred aspirant.