Do not insult Governor Udom again - Onofiok warns Akpabio, APC ...As Etinan declares Udom Governor come 2nd March

BY ABASIFREKE OBOT

The Speaker of  Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke has challenged and warned Senator Akpabio and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), putting it point blank, “Do not insult the Governor again and do not send media hirelings.”

The PDP candidate, Etinan Federal Constituency, who gave the warning on Tuesday at the Campaign rally of His Excellency, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel which took its turn in Etinan Local Government Area, dared, “Any day I hear them insult Governor Udom again, I will drop it. I had listened yesterday, they didn’t insult him. Otherwise, I would have dropped another one on this podium.”

Luke, who frowned over the demeaning utterances of the opposition party against the Governor, hinted that his ears are down in utmost readiness to hear the opposition spew reckless speeches at the person of the Governor, adding, “People cannot behave as hypocrites. Our responsibility is to tell the world the truth”. 

He made it known to the people that the State and the South South as a whole is on the top hate list of the APC, stressing that those from the South South who have been opportuned by providence to represent the people have shortchanged the interest of the people for their personal interest.

While he advised the people against throwing their support and votes behind the opposition, whom he noted have used their symbolic broom to sweep away the prosperity of the State, he expressed optimism that  Governor Udom will return to the Hilltop Mansion come 2019. 

“I am convinced that Governor Udom by the Grace of God will return as Governor because he is defending our interest and the interest of the masses,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Etinan, Hon. Cletus Ekpo enumerated some of  road construction projects embarked upon and completed by the  Governor to include:The Ekom Iman road to Etinan Circus; from Etinan Circus to Uwa Ndon and Eket.

On the health and eductional sector, he lauded the Governor for the Army Science School and the General Hospital in Etinan. He told the Governor not to be frightened because the people will deliver him and he will return Governor come 2nd of March.

Rt. Hon. Inemesit Itina, the Chapter Chairman, maintained, “We are satisfied with all he have done for us. He has made us proud, we have no regrets lending him our support. We have enough to point our fingers to what he has done for us.”

On behalf of the youths, Comr. Ndanti, who noted that he was convinced the emergence of the Governor marked the beginning of a new era for the people, commended the Governor for appointing the youths of the area into different government offices, emphazing that 95% of the youths have been appointed.

 While declaring their absolute support for the Governor, he assured the youths will resist any form of intimidation by the opposition and will defend their votes.

On the part of women, The Chapter Woman Leader, Ekatte Enoch added, “We are women of courage, we are ready to defend our votes even if it’s now, we are set. We will support you to emerge as governor as well as other candidates of the party.”

The State Party Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo who also hails from Etinan reiterated, “PDP is one and we are intact in Etinan.” He assured the governor that Etinan is no opposition zone and the people, because of his landmark phenomenal strides in the area, will vote him into power.

Reminding the people of the party’s choice candidates, he said, “We have five elements which is, on the 16th of February, we will vote for Atiku Abubakar,  for Senate, we will vote Obong Bassey Albert and then  Barr. Onofiok Luke. On the 2nd of March, you will vote your brother Gov. Udom Emmanuel and also vote for Hon. Dennis.”

Governor Udom Emmanuel used the opportunity to thank the people for their support and assurances to deliver him at forthcoming gubernatorial elections, assuring the people that when next he visits the area, he together with his team will come for thanksgivings.

Briefly on the standards of his strides in the area, Governor  Udom stated satisfactorily, “The best Technical College in Akwa Ibom State is in Etinan, precisely Mbioto 2 and it is well equipped. The only Nigerian Army Science School is in Etinan. The best General Hospital in Nigeria that attracted even the Vice President to come and commission it, is in Etinan.”

He pledged that on completion of the ongoing bridge construction project in  Ekpene Ukpa, the bridge will not march any standard obtainable in Nigeria. He urged to keep faith with the party, promising that he will consolidate on his good works in the area when he returns as governor.

Lawmaker prophesy over Governor Udom; says Onofiok Luke is real peoples Speaker

L-R: Udom, Onofiok, Akpanusoh

The member rep resenting Esit Eket/Ibeno state constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr. Usoroh Akpanusoh says he is seeing Governor Udom Emmanuel emerging tops and victorious in the ongoing legal battle against his leadership of Akwa Ibom State. Akpanusoh stated this when he spoke to our reporter over the weekend in Uyo. He said that he is not speaking as a politician but as a prophet of God who saw these things in the realm of the spirit. The Assemblyman informed that God categorically hinted him that the leadership of Governor Emmanuel is eight years straight and that nobody, no matter how connected can stop the will of God in the life of the Akwa Ibom State Governor.

Threats of insecurity over likely re-run: No Udom, no A’Ibom, Group threatens

Udom Emmanuel

A known violent group in the Niger Delta Region, Niger Delta Mobilization Force, Akwa Ibom Chapter says they will shut down the Akwa Ibom state economy if Governor Udom Emmanuel is not allowed to serve what they described as the Divine Mandate that the people of Akwa Ibom State gave to him.

Udom in hot soup

* Faces very fierce battle at home
* Ekid nation Stakeholders say Governor’s appointments deliberate to scheme them out
* May back UOU incase of a re-run

 

Udom Emmanuel

Leaders and Stakehold ers of different socio-cultural groups in Ekid nation are not happy with the state Governor Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel. They made this known to our reporters in Eket, Esit Eket and Uyo Local Government Areas in an interaction over the weekend. The group alleged that the state Chief Executive is bias, insincere, dishonest and not christianly in his appointments so far. They opined that Mr. Udom Emmanuel has shown enough sectionalism in the discharge of the duties of his office especially as evident in the appointment that he has so far made.

Borrowing govt! Again Udom moves to borrow N1b

Udom Emmanuel

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

Just two weeks after the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly approved a loan request for Akwa State Government to loaned 10 billion Naira from Excess Crude Oil Account of the Federal Government, the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel last Thursday sent a letter to the House of Assembly seeking approval for Akwa Ibom State to partake in the Central Bank of Nigeria Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS).

Ntuk Udeh inaugurate passenger’s waiting hall

The transport commissioner Prince Dr, Godwin Ntuk Udeh has inaugurated waiting halls at Mbiabong Etoi and Nung Oku motor parks to provive comfort to travelers waiting to board vehicle to their destination.
Prince Ntuk Udeh who performed the inauguration on the behalf of the State government said the action was in respond to Governor Udom Emmanual’s directive that all government approved motor parks should be refurbished as a measure to bring sanity into the state transport sub sector and put an end to touting, loading and loading in an unauthorised places.

Ex-minister urges Emmanuel to set up Oil Producing Commission in Akwa Ibom

Former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien has urged Gov. Udom Emmanuel to consider setting up Oil Producing Commission area in Akwa Ibom State. Essien made the call in an interview with the newsmen in Eket Local Government Area on Thursday. He said that the 13 per cent derivation should be paid to oil producing communities in view of the devastating effects of explorations and exploitations by oil companies on the host communities. Essien lamented that the non establishment of the Commission had caused untold hardship among the oil bearing communities in the state.

Buhari, Tinubu move against Udom, PDP

* Want A’Ibom guber election cancelled
* PDP alleges Presidency’s influence on Judges

BY  KENNETH  JUDE

While Governor  Udom Emmanuel has visibly struck a good working relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari, indications have emerged that the seeming flowery relationship with the number one citizen of the country is merely on the surface and nothing more. This more THE INK gathered over the weekend is due to clandestine and strategic moves by the President and other APC top shots in the country to influence the governorship election Tribunal sitting in Abuja between Obong Umana Okon Umana and Deacon Udom Emmanuel in favour of the APC candidate.

Udom moves to loan N10 billion

*AKHA approves request 

*We will monitor Governor- Chairman, House Committee on Finance

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The debt profile of  Akwa Ibom State Government is rising every day. While the State Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel is busy flagging off new projects in the State, facts have emerged that the State Government is broke and that the State has no money to mobilize contractors to commence work.
Governor Udom in order to kick start his projects and make a mark for himself, on Monday sent a letter to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly seeking for approval to enable the State collect a loan of #10 billion Naira from the Excess Crude Account. Udom, THE INK gathered is seeking for the loan in order to fulfill some of his campaign promises as well as kick start infrastructural development projects such as roads, flood control and drainage projects in State.
The letter with Ref. Number GHU/AKS/S/104/V.4/702 dated 15th September, 2015 was to seek for the approval for Akwa Ibom State to partake in the Federal Government Excess Crude Account (ECA) backed loan. Governor Udom in the introduction of the letter said, at the Nigeria Economic Council (NEC) meeting of June, 2015, it was resolved that the money in the Excess Crude Account (ECA), which could have been shared among States in July, 2015 should rather be kept for States that have needs to access as loan, and that other States in the Federation have taken advantage of the offer, saying Akwa Ibom State should not be left out.
Governor Udom in his letter considered the offer by the Federal Government as part of measures to cushion the effect of the dwindling oil prices and resultant reduction in State’s revenue. The letter reads in parts “Other States in the Federation have applied for into the Excess Crude Account Backed Loan and Akwa Ibom State should not be left out. The Excess Crude Account Backed Loan offer a single digit interest rate of 9% per annum lower than any other loan and repayment period of 20 (twenty) years long enough for long term capital investment. This low interest loan enable the State Government invest in infrastructural development projects such as roads, flood control and drainage projects in State.”
Udom further prayed that the House of Assembly should approved the participation of Akwa Ibom State in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) backed Loan offered by the Federal Government in the total sum of Ten Billion Naira (#10b).       
The letter which was sent to the Speaker of the House Assembly, Hon. Aniekan Uko some days ago, had to rattled the speaker to an extend of convening an emergency plenary last Monday.
THE INK reporter, who monitored the emergency sitting, observed that members arrived as about 10.am to attend the executive session at the speaker’s office and the meeting lasted for over five hours. Our reporter also spotted the State commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akan Uko who later came to the House and moved straight to the speaker’s office to explain some points to the lawmakers as well as give reasons why the governor’s letter should be approved.
It was gathered that the plenary started by 3.pm. The governor’s letter was read on the floor of the House by the House clerk, Mrs. Mandu Umoren. The house after deliberations approved the governor’s request. Speaker, Aniekan Uko directed the clerk to communicate the approval to the governor.
Speaking with THE INK reporter in his office shortly after the plenary, the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriations, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh said his committee had to approve the governor’s request considering of the urgency of the letter. He explained why the House of Assembly approved the request, adding that it is an opportunity for Akwa Ibom State Government to benefit from the Excess Crude Account Backed Loan provided by the Federal Government.
According to him “The governor is flagging off projects across the State, so he need to loan so that he can kick start the projects. The governor has specified what he wants to use the loan for, which to enable the State Government invest in infrastructural development projects such as roads, flood control and drainage projects in State.”
 He further said the House will ensure that they monitor how the money would be used. “We are entitled to know what the State Government is using money for in terms of projects. So we will monitor how the loan would be used. The constitution of the Federal Government empowers the House of Assembly to monitor the executive and how the State budget is implemented.” 

APC accuse Udom of wasting N4b on anniversary

* It’s cheap blackmail - Aniekan Umanah

BY KENNETH JUDE

Governor Udom Emmanuel has come under serious attack from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over what the party described as reckless and insensitive the amount of money sunk into the recent anniversary celebration of the state. The APC have accused the Governor of contunuing the trend of wanton spending that characterised the last administration of Godswill Akpabio. THE INK also gathered from impeccable sources that Akwa Ibom State Government spent a whopping sum of N4 Billion to mark the anniversary of the creation of the state. This sum has generated rumpus and unease across the state with many taking exception to the development. Some people have described the money spent on the celebration as a waste of public funds in light of the financial crunch that has hit the state. Those who expressed disappointment over the wild celebration embarked upon by the Udom Emmanuel administration observed that the state government had no reason whatsoever to have devoted such an amount on the celebration even when President Muhammadu Buhari has approved just N70 Million to mark Nigeria’s 55th anniversary.

Ibeno youth leader calls on ex-militants to shun violence

BY ASSAM ABIA

The Obong Mkparawa 1 of Ibeno Local Government Area and Chairman Joint Core Community Contractors of ExxonMobil, Chief Friday Ebong has called on Ex-militants, specifically the so-called Bakassi Freedom Fighters to shun violence and follow the path of peace.  The youth leader made the call yesterday in Ibeno in reaction to media report that the former agitators are poised to ferment trouble in Akwa Ibom State if their grievances were not attended to by the Governor of the State, Deacon Udom Emmanuel.
He said the admonition became necessary because the said media report was signed by one Commander Ebong Friday and that the general public and the State government may be made to see the report as emanating from his office due to the similarity of the names.

Gov. Emmanuel inaugurates Construction of 81km Roads in A’Ibom

The Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Inyang has said Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom had flag off 81kilometres of roads at different Local Government Areas  in the state. Inyang told journalists at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Shalom Model Parish in Eket, Akwa Ibom. He said that Gov. Emmanuel had achieved a lot within his 100 days in office.

Federation Cup Final: Gov. Udom Emmanuel must cheer Akwa United to victory by Amos Etuk

BY AMOS ETUK

The two major football competitions in Nigeria are the Nigeria Professional Football League and the Federation Cup formerly known as the Challenge Cup. Winners of both competitions are guaranteed automatic slots to represent the country at the continental battle for the different competitions of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) each season. Winners of the Nigeria Professional Football League and the runner up automatically represent the country at the CAF Champions League while the third placed team and the winners of the Federation Cup represent the country at the CAF Confederations Cup.
It is always a gruesome season as clubs battle with many matches moving from one end of the country to the other winning and losing matches on the road to victory as each game comes with more pulsating actions and for the losers, more regrets and heart breaks.

You will stay for 8 years uninterrupted - Ekpuk (family) Heads assure Udom Emmanuel

Family Heads in the State under the umbrella of Ekpuk (Family) Heads Association have assured the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel that irrespective of the case going on at the Election Petition Tribunal, he is going to govern the state for eight years uninterrupted. The State Chairman of the Association, Otuekong Sunday Umoh JP accompanied by some executive and members of the Association, gave the assurance during the Ground-Breaking Ceremony of the AIT/Ray Power Station at Midim Waterside Village, Abak describing the establishment of the station at Abak as a welcome development which will create job opportunities to the people of Abak in particular and Akwa Ibom State in general.

Akwa Ibom Debt profile: Controversy over UBA bank loan

* Akan Okon, Aniekan Umanah speak
* The House of Assembly will do the needful, says AKHA Chairman on Finance & Appropriation

Akan Okon

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

There appears to be an interesting dimension in the recent request by the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel towards converting Akwa Ibom State loans into Federal Government bond. THE INK reporter gathered that the request does not cover the loans gotten from other banks as the United Bank for Africa, UBA is the only commercial Bank that this over sixty four billion naira is being owed. Our reporter understands that the state is indebted to UBA with an outrageous sum of money. It was revealed to our reporter by a senior member of Staff of UBA in Uyo that as at June 30th, the loan amount stood at 64,556,632,439.08 with an international rate at 15% running in tenure of about five years.

Junior “in” Philadelphia

Udom Emmanuel

BY UBONG SAMPSON

Just a fortnight ago, I noticed photos of Akwa Ibomites storm different social media platforms in Philadelphia backgrounds. Ordinarily, this would have been no issue, since anyone with the financial permit can find his way to any planet of the world. Consequently, I had taken my mind away from it until the small-in-age-but-old-in-brain Junior, my neighbour’s eight (8) year old boy who has always a stubborn, yet very interesting friend of mine, came up with the issue, and suddenly forced my interest on it.

Our vision is to be the best power generation company In Nigeria - Victor Udo

Victor Udo

The managing director of Ibom Power Company, Mr. Victor Udo spoke with newsmen, on the vision of the company and other issues…Excerpts

What is your comment on the improved power supply in Akwa Ibom State?
The magic is the expertise, experience and commitment of the governor, the superior performer. The governor’s expertise has been able to leverage on what his successor, Senator Godswill Akpabio did. During the last administration, the building blocks for steady power supply was made. We have gas in Akwa Ibom, an agreement was reached between Seven Energy and Frontier to establish a gas processing plant in Esit Eket and pipe it to Ikot Abasi. We also have a power plant that is functioning, working very well now. We are producing over 100 mega watts. We have also have transmission lines; we have built one from Ikot Abasi to Eket. In addition, the state government has also invested in the distribution significantly, by making sure almost all villages and communities have transformers and are connected to the national grid. The government has also put money into the power distribution when assets of distribution companies were privatised. What we are seeing today did not just start with now, it started when the governor was the Secretary to the State Government. When Governor Udom Emmanuel came in as the SSG, he started by making sure that the right people are put in the right place. He understands the system because he was in charge of the energy and power desk at Zenith Bank.. To me, that is the magic, being able to put things together. He knows whom to call; when he assumed office as governor, he met with the people in the  distribution company and told them what his expectations and that is why we are seeing improvement in the supply of power in Akwa Ibom State. Since the governor came to power, we have not had a day Ibom Power Company is not running; what this means is that there is always power in Akwa Ibom, even when there is no power in the national grid. So, that is something we should be happy about and give the governor the highest credit. And also our personnel who are running the plant, making sure that they do everything possible to maintain the plant.

Finance Commissioner inspects payment of gratuities to Pensioners

Finance Boss, Akan Okon (r)inspecting ongoing payment of gratuities to pensioner

In a bid to ensure the smooth dispensation of outstanding arrears of gratuity benefits to Local Government Pensioners in the State, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akan Okon has visited the payment venue to inspect the ongoing exercise. The Commissioner who was accompanied on the visit by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Eme-Ette  Imuk was conducted round the designated centre at the State Secretariat  complex by the Secretary, Local Government Pensions Board, Mr. Uduak Udo.

AKSG to boost water transportation with bigger vessels

Governor Udom Emmanuel

Akwa Ibom State Government has concluded arrangement to establish a direct ferry between the Republic of Cameroun and Nigeria through the Oron Local Government waterways.

 Governor Udom Emmanuel announced this at Yaoundé the Cameroun capital during his interaction with indigenes of the State resident in Cameroun. 

The decision followed reported cases of mishaps and the attendant casualties on the high sea occasioned by the use of small boats to ferry goods as well as people across the sea. 

The State Chief Executive said that he will direct the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Godwin Ntukude to workout modalities for the introduction of appropriate vessels for the water transportation. 

He used the occasion to commend indigenes of Akwa Ibom State residing in the French-speaking country for the harmonious co-existence with their host country and urged them to sustain the relationship.

 The Governor briefed the residents on the developmental programmes of his administration to include setting-up committees on Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), Ibaka Deep Seaport, Agriculture and Food Sufficiency as well as the automobile assembling plant. He added that more industries would be established to boost the State economy and create employment. 

Mr. Udom Emmanuel therefore called on the Akwa Ibom people to explore ways of attracting investment to the State for sustainable development. 

Earlier, the leader of Akwa Ibom Community in Cameroun, Mr. Andrew Essien expressed appreciation to the Governor for the visit and the planned programmes to move the State forward. He particularly lauded the Governor for the giant strides so far taken to reduce poverty and boast the economy of the State. He assured the Governor of their preparedness to partner the administration in its development efforts.

Emem Akpabio tackles Udom Emmanuel over money, campaign structure.

 

The godfather of the Akpabio political dynasty has fallen apart with the Secretary to State Government, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel over fund, campaign structure and other sundry issues. An insider informed our reporter during the weekend in Uyo that Udom Emmanuel has suddenly gotten some nerves and is challenging the powers that be even as the SSG is said to have complained bitterly that the expenses incurred on his behalf by Sir Emem Akpabio are rather too much and may crumble the state economy if such expenses are sustained till when the elections are conducted by 2015.

Our source said since meetings for Udom Emmanuel’s ambition has always been hosted in Sir Emem Akpabio’s house, at the end of every of such meetings, a file is always given to Udom Emmanuel’s Personal Assistant, our source said, the file is always a breakdown of all the expenses incurred to host such meetings. This is said to have continued until the SSG one day called for the file and accordingly was given the file by his aide. Udom Emmanuel is said to have been shocked beyond words when he saw the amount of expenditure that is always incurred and documented in the file.