Professionals involvement in politics: A call for attitudinal change BY ANIEKAN UMANAH

I feel honoured to be invited to give a key note  address in this august and epochal event. I wish to say that I still cannot comprehend the rationale for the choice of my person for this intellectually and
politically tasking exploration, but I have chosen not to fall into the trap of rejecting the honor, for some reasons.

First, the topical issue, or theme of this event “professionals involvement in politics; A call for altitudinal change” is seminal, apt, and historically consistent with the unfolding dynamics of the day. 

Secondly, the globalization of political culture which impinges on the need for sound, bold and imaginative leadership, the world over aligns with the conceptual premise of this event. Finally, yet not the least, is the fact that, there is a conscious, and practical effort by government to functionally alter the hitherto perceptive notion about leadership, through the institutionalization of best practices and initiation of sound democratic deliverables, in consonance with globally acceptable standards. Therefore, being the “town crier” of that new experience – the uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom State brought to bear by our Uncommon Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio CON, permit me to say, with every sense of modesty, that the organizers made a justifiable choice.

Before Ukanafun regrets BY OTOBONG SAMPSON

When the ayei story first broke out in the local press, it sounded at first like an opera comique and later,  an eerie flick but one created for comical purpose at its ending – the contradiction notwithstanding. As I pondered on it and as reality dawned, my mind raced back to the Age of Acheulean Culture, one of the three sub-ages of the Old Stone Age which corresponds to the geological ice or pleistocence epoch when glacial ashes advanced and receded over much of the earth surface.

It can’t be in Ukanafun! Not with its enviable history of human advancement and cultural civilization. But I was to be disappointed. In a 21st century, with all the trappings of civilization in both social and cultural environment of man, ayei, propounded as a new political theory by the ayeinians – an infinitesimal percentage of Ukanafun people - can only be practicable somewhere in Nigeria.

Next A’Ibom State Governor should emerge from Eket BY BEN EDOKPAYI

With the timetable now set for next year’s elections, Akwa Ibom State is at another political crossroads twenty seven years after it was carved out of the southwestern portion of Cross River State.
And the recurring question among political pundits and citizens of the state is what Senatorial District will produce the next governor of the State?

The debates have been heated and opinions diverse even though there is still a long way to go before the selection of candidates. And that is the way it should be in the new political dispensation.
The indisputable fact, however, from those with roots in the Eket Senatorial District incorporating Onna, Oron, Ikot Abasi and Ekid, is that the time is now for the Eket Senatorial District to produce the next governor of the state.

The antecedents are clear. Since the creation of the state in 1987, Uyo and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial Districts have produced the state’s governors, and it is only politically sound, fair and equitable for the next governor to come from Eket.

Buy now, think later BY SAMUEL UFOT EKEKERE

In the market of life, we are prone to impulsive  buying especially when we seem loaded with some extra lucre. Money may be some servant but it has great masterly attributes. You might have had the opportunity to visit the market sometime with the intent of getting something but it just happens that something else caught your fancy. You got caught in the web and offered to buy what you never anticipated or planned and then shrieked at how irrelevant what you bought was to you.

Regrets have trailed some persons who lead their lives by acting first before thinking. They let impulse direct their course and they fall out from the intended plan if ever they had a plan. While impulse could direct our path, a half of the time, our impulse often leads us astray. We ask ourselves questions like “why did I buy this?” or “why did I take that action?”

School of Health Technology conducts interview for candidates BY NSEOBONG DAVID

Following the release of results of the last entrance examination into Akwa Ibom State School of Health Technology, Etinan for 2014/2015 academic session by the Ministry of Health, successful candidates have been invited for interview.

Also to attend the interview are in-service candidates.  And the interview is scheduled to hold between 30th June and 4th July 2014 at the Conference room of the Ministry of Health, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat complex, Uyo will start by 8.am each day.

A statement from the Ministry and signed by the principal information officer, Mayen Atakpa on behalf of the Commissioner advises the candidates to check the result at the State Ministry of Health Uyo or School of Health Technology, Etinan.

Sack of A’Ibom indigenes anger CLO * PHED must redeploy the Uyo Biz. Manager and reverse itself, they direct

With the outbreak of crisis in the Uyo Business office of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) following what observers and staffers of the electricity distribution company described as the “high-handedness” of the Business Manager, Mr. Reginald Madu, the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) in Akwa Ibom State has called for the immediate redeployment of the Manager of the Uyo Business Unit for his infamous roles in promoting ethnic tension and acrimony, while denigrating the good intentions of the company.

The CLO has watched the activities of Engr. Madu in relating with electricity consumers and staff of the company, and note regrettably, that his actions will create unnecessary crises that might badly dent the image of the company. You should appreciate the fact that with the emergence of the new electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to distribute electricity generated and transmitted, Nigerians had looked forward to a new regime of improvement of electricity in the country. While consumers showed understanding with the improving status, and the annoying billing system, Engr. Madu’s design against Akwa Ibom indigenes working in PHED has come to a head, and cannot be further tolerated.

BSN to launch Obolo/Andoni language Bible BY CHARLES SOLOMON

The people of Eastern Obolo in Akwa Ibom State and their Kinsmen in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State will soon be reading the Holy Scripture in their native dialect as the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), has concluded the translation of the Holy Bible to the Obolo/Andoni language.
The State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, made this disclosure while speaking at this year’s Biennial/Special members’ forum of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), Akwa Ibom Area. 

The Clergy man stated that the mission and essence of the BSN is to publish and distribute God’s word to every part of the country and that in line with its mission, the society has concluded the translation of the Bible into various Nigerian languages, adding that arrangements have reached advanced stage for the launching of the Obolo translation of the Holy Bible. He expressed delight at the involvement of the two state and local governments in the project. “Very soon, people in Eastern Obolo and Andoni will have the Obolo translation of the Bible. The essence of the Bible Society of Nigeria is to give people the benefit of hearing the Gospel and going to heaven. Our consultants, the two communities involved are fully committed to the Obolo/Andoni translation of the Bible and very soon we are going to launch it, so that people in the village will have the benefit of reading the gospel” Ukafia stated.

AKHA 2015: Kufre Ufot withdraws from race

MR.  Kufre Ufot a surveyor from Edemaya Village in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area who was said to be interested in the race to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to represent Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State constituency has withdrawn from the race it was gathered.

A close ally to Mr. Ufot told our reporter that it was necessary for Ufot to withdraw from the race as he will not be able to match the political gladiators that has since warm up for that position especially as it is becoming clear that the serving member of the Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State constituency Aborh Uduyork was seriously considering a second term at the Assembly. But he maintained that Kufre Ufot may have been preparing his way into political limelight and that his aspiration was to fetch him an appointment or perhaps settlement.

Crucial events in the Health Sector planned BY NSEOBONG DAVID

Two crucial events in the Health sector are being planned for in Akwa Ibom State within the year.  They are the eight State council on Health meeting holding on 31st July, 2014 and the 57th National Council on Health billed between 25th and 29th August, 2014.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. EmemAbasi Bassey who announced this during the Health Sector Development Partners Forum in Uyo said the meetings will afford stakeholders in the health sector an opportunity to brainstorm on vital issues affecting the Health care delivery in the state and the Nation.

Dr. Bassey explained that the Health Sector Development Partner’s Forum was formed to coordinate activities of all the Development Partners intervening in the State’s health sector with a view to avoiding duplication of activities and waste of resources.  He said the Ministry of Health with the support of partners has focused on strengthening reporting on the District Health Information System Platforms (DHIS) and establishing a performance management framework.

Ghanaian monarch commends Gov Akpabio’s developmental strides

Renowned Ghanaian monarch, HRM, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has commended the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswil Akpabio for his sterling performance since assumption of office. 

The highly respected monarch who spoke when a delegation from the Millennium Excellence Foundation paid him a courtesy call  at his palace in Kumasi yesterday described Governor Akpabio’s achievements as sterling, adding that all Africa needs are focused and dedicated leaders who can deliver true  development to the people.

Info. Comm. condoles with Effiong Umoh

The Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, has condoled with Mr. Effiong Okon Umoh, a driver in his office on the death of his guardian and sister, late Deaconess Regina Etim James Atanga.

 In a condolence message to Mr. Effiong Okon Umoh, the Information Commissioner expressed deep sorrow at the death of his driver’s guardian and sister, at a time her wise counsel and services were much needed and urged the bereaved family to be consoled that their late wife, mother and sister lived a life worthy of emulation, with indelible footprints on the sands of time.

Udom Emmanuel: Akwa Ibom will always think right BY JOSEPH OKON

Akwa Ibom State is on the march again towards the 2015 Governorship election that will usher in the new leadership and like every other election year, political actors have resurfaced to play their various parts in the emergence of the next Governor of the state. Since governance is continuous, traditionally the incumbent will want to ensure that he elects to support someone who will sustain his visions, dreams, and aspirations.

In doing that, the incumbent will certainly not run away from the obvious fact of doing trial and error in the process of settling for a credible successor since all that glitters are not gold. As part of the trial and error test, the incumbent will basically place certain individuals into positions of authority and examine their leadership prowess and skills. Ability to manage resources and human development amongst others.

To determine who to choose, the incumbent will certainly step on some sore toes that will feel dangerously affected because of political interest, hence a gang-up for revenge and stumbling blocks to ensure a rough political road to transition of power by the incumbent to whoever in his wisdom and political calculations will sustain his tempo of development.