PDP tips Sam Ikon for 2023 Guber* The Godswill Akpabio connection

PDP tips Sam Ikon for 2023 Guber

* The Godswill Akpabio connection

* backs ex-Speaker for House of Reps

* Onofiok Luke, Ikon, OBA set for epic battle

Kenneth Jude

Barring any last minute change of plans and manoeuvering, former two-term Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sam Ikon may become the next governor of the state in 2023.

This more was gathered by THE INK over the weekend.

It was learnt from competent sources that Sam Ikon may have wormed his way into the hearts of power brokers in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state over what a source said stems from his loyalty.

Ikon who is currently representing Etinan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly is seen by some high ranking party faithful as one politician that is faithful and loyal to party ideals and will use his  political slyness to keep the party united and strong in the state, it was learnt.

A source told our reporter that Sam Ikon  is loyal to a fault hence fits the bill as far as taking over from Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2023 is concerned. He cited his time as Speaker during the tenure of then Governor Akpabio as one of the reasons a section of the party hierarchy have decided to pitch their tents with the Etinan born politician.

Ikon who faces a tough battle retaining his seat in the National Assembly with his position being eyed by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr Onofiok Luke is seen as a calm, shrewd and political strategist that will use his wide political tentacles to take the state to another level as governor.

Itu PDP stakeholders did not endorse Hon. Henry Archibong for a second term- Obong Dr.Nsima Edet

Itu PDP stakeholders did not endorse Hon. Henry Archibong for a second term- Obong Dr.Nsima Edet

A former chairman of Itu local government area,Obong Nsima Akpan Edet has debunked the false and misleading  story circulating on the social media,that he and other stakeholders from ITU local government, had on Saturday 31st,2018 met and had a breakfast meeting with the member representing Itu- Ibiono Federal Constituency Dr. Henry Archibong, and subsequently endorsed him for a second term.

Nsima who was very upset that his name was mentioned ,along with other stakeholders in a story published on online fora, about Dr. Henry Archibong's endorsement by the stakeholders, said that at no time did the stakeholders during the meeting that was held on Saturday at the residence of Hon. Archibong,talked about supporting him for a second term.

" It is true that there was a meeting at the residence of Hon. Henry Archibong on Saturday, which he said was an easter get together for some stakeholders from Itu,which I was in attendance, but we did not declare support for the Itu- Ibiono Federal lawmaker, because the meeting was not an endorsement meeting, so for some mischief makers to sponsor such a misleading story,when the lawmaker has not even consulted the party or the stakeholders personally on his reelection bid,is highly mischievous " Dr. Nsima Edet said.

He further stated that,he was called upon to set the tone for  the meeting,which he did ,as one who believes in the progress of Itu local government ,as well as the Federal Constituency at all times,and one who stands for truth, justice and fair play. According to him,till the meeting ended, the stakeholders at the meeting were addressing the lawmaker,Hon. Henry Archibong as one who had abandoned the people who voted for him,and distanced himself from them.

" I have played the politics of Itu local government and Akwa Ibom State, since the days of SDP and NRC,so nobody should use my name and play unnecessary politics, just for their selfish interest,because Dr. Henry Archibong has not consulted me that he is interested for  reelection" Dr. Nsima

The said breakfast meeting attended by some PDP stakeholders generally agreed on the benefits of having a ranking member in parliament but noted that,the representation of Dr. Henry Archibong is below average, and as such should not be encouraged.

" Hon. Henry Archibong had in his opening remarks  said that the meeting was just a breakfast meeting, not a political meeting,so all we did was to advise him to consult other groups in Itu,and come out to properly brief the people on his intention to seek reelection,so for anybody to come and write a story that Itu PDP stakeholders endorsed and promised to support Hon. Henry Archibong for a second term is total falsehood, which can never hold water" -  Dr. Nsima Akpan Edet.

Dr. Nsima Edet further observed that Hon Henry Archibong at the stakeholders meeting, blamed his failure to attract projects to his constituency on the fact that he is a first timer at the National Assembly, saying that there is  so much lobbying at the National Assembly to do,before one could attract projects to his constituency.

Yet,the lawmaker has acquired so much capital projects for himself,and did not wait for a second term to acquire them,like his massive hospital project at Ikot Akpan Abia. It is really sad that Itu- Ibiono Federal Constituency has to wait for an utopian second term to benefit from the  representation of Dr. Archibong.  Hence,this is like putting the cart before the horse.

DAVID LAWRENCE IS A SHAME AND DISGRACE TO EKET, SAYS EKANEM WILLIE'S CAMPAIGN TEAM

DAVID LAWRENCE IS A SHAME AND DISGRACE TO EKET, SAYS EKANEM WILLIE'S CAMPAIGN TEAM

The Campaign organization of Mr. Ekanem Willie has described the member representing Eket State constituency as a shame and a disappointment to the people of Eket State Constituency.

The media office of Ekanem Willie said, it is funny that for more than two years the Assemblyman has served in the state legislature that he has not brought back any dividends of democracy to the people.

Ekanem Willie is quoted to have stated that Mr. Lawrence knows he is not going to the House of Assembly for a second term because of  his poor legislative records.

He however told some politicians in his OKON Eket Hotel that David Lawrence has promised to handover to him and hence called on his supporters to pay some level of cosmetic support to David Lawrence.

Ministry of Housing to visit Social Housing Estate, April

Ministry of Housing to visit Social Housing Estate, April

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2019:Plot to blackmail DIG EKPOUDOM EXPOSED

2019:Plot to blackmail DIG EKPOUDOM EXPOSED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Says, it’s beginning of my new life

*Maj. Isidore Edet, family members shun wedding

BY KENNETH JUDE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UKANA RECTOR GOES DIABOLICAL

*Sneaks in native doctor for incantation in institution.

*fear as polytechnic may fold up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AMORC, Pyrates, ors may drag Udom to court

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

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

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

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

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

BY KENNETH JUDE

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

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

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

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

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

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