Ebana youths inaugurate new exco

The youths of Ebana Community in Eket Local Government Area under the umbrella of “Ebana Youth Development Association” over the weekend inaugurated a new executive body amidst celebration, the village having remained for years without an organized youth system.

The 9 member youth executive council were sworn into office by Barrister (Mrs.) Florence Uyoata Sampson of “The Shepherd’s Chambers” witnessed by over five thousand mixed crowd of Chiefs, women, security personnel and cultural troupes.

Akwa Ibom PDP- Just before the funeral begins

BY DAN ETOKIDEM

There is a Yoruba saying that the dog that would be lost would never hear the  hunter’s whistle. But the hunter must blow his whistle all the same in the forlorn hope that his woebegone kennel might be some chance picks a strain of it. The Akwa Ibom PDP Governorship primaries which was spiced with a cocktail of irregularities was recently held. 

The result was the coronation of the biggest pretender, a genuine fake, and for some inexplicable reasons, both the process and the outcome were aborted by the initiators(s). Indeed, the mediocrity of the principal actors who tried to undermine the people’s choice was superb. What they forgot to think about was that there are some politicians who will think twice before sabotaging, undermining or scheme out. The forgot  that the 22 aggrieved aspirants who walked out of the farce called primaries, project the deterrence, that implacable force and  power that would make it unattractive for anyone to manipulate the process and the outcome.

Owoidighe Ekpoattai-The representative in her time

She comes across as a very easy going woman, a leader of note, trusted and with full humility. She is one of the women that have carved a niche for herself and others in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria’s political space. She is indeed an epitome of kindness, hard-work, and dedication to duty, a woman with an impeccable character, a trail blazer and a woman with uncommon passion for the well being of her people.

This writer is referring to the former council Chairman of Onna Local Government Area, Deaconess (Mrs.) Owoidighe Ekpoattai who very recently won the nomination of the PDP to emerge the flagbearer of the ruling party to the green chambers of the National Assembly for Eket federal constituency.

Akwa Ibom PDP- Dangers ahead

 

The ruling PDP knows that conceding power to an opposition party is the least thing they would grapple with at this crucial time. Beginning from the presidency, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is determined to stake a claim at Aso Rock and from there, make inroads to PDP dominated states. With ex-Head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as their standard bearer, observers believe it’s not going to be business as usual for the Peoples Democratic Party in next year’s much anticipated elections.

Meanwhile, diehard supporters of Goodluck Jonathan have vowed to ensure victory for the PDP at the polls regardless of the threat posed by the opposition. But away from rhetoric and empty boast, the stark reality is that a bad omen looms in the air for the ruling PDP if the crisis rocking the party in some states is not resolved with dispatch and the much needed peace restored among feuding factions in the coming days to avert the calamity that prowls in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, Enugu, Bayelsa, Abia states and many others. Failure to do justice to all will signal a death knell for PDP and Jonathan’s re-election bid.

As Thomas Thomas gets into the ring…

 

BY ANNY MICHAELS

The shape of politics in Etinan Federal Constituency may be a radical departure from the sickening docility that had characterized the political scene in the constituency in the past with the entrance of Thomas Thomas, the celebrated Group Editor of Global Concord newspaper, the most patronized local tabloid in Akwa Ibom, ever since the advent of democracy in the state. He is known for a radical approach to reportage that has attempted to checkmate ‘dictatorship’ in our democracy with an unparallel competition. The tabloid has become a must-buy every morning for all government functionaries, businessmen, youth, opinion leaders and the reading public in Akwa Ibom. 

My running mate will come from Oro, says Umana Umana

The APC governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Umana Okon Umana has confirmed that his running mate will come from Oro nation. Speaking at a press conference at his residence in Uyo, Umana says his decision to choose his running mate from Oro is to compensate them for their long years of marginalisation and prepare an Oro person to succeed him as governor. He noted that he is consulting widely among key stakeholders to ensure that he picks the right person. 

On plans by Gov. Akpabio to extend his tenure to third term through the imposition of Udom Emmanuel,  Umana stated that it was time Governor Akpabio rendered account of his stewardship to the people of Akwa Ibom state.

Igbo community unites in Uyo * Sir Barnabas and Chief Eze Umeakuka battle for Ezeship stool

BY KENNETH JUDE

It is comically said that if  you go to any country in the world and you don’t find any Igbo man/woman, then run away from that country. To many, the adage may not really sink in well, but to discerning minds, the dictum have found a significant place in their hearts. There’s no doubting the fact therefore that the Igbos, known for their industry, hard work and high sense of commitment hold a special and unique position as far as the country is concerned. Hardly could one go to any state across the federation without coming in contact with the Igbos or feeling their presence in that clime.

The Igbos has a way of registering their presence wherever they go. This, they do by deploying their natural and home-grown instincts to the maximum by forming themselves into associations, engaging seriously in business which in turn promotes the economy of that enclave and by supporting good courses while contributing positive and well thought out ideas to the development of any state or country they settle in.

Akwa Ibom Consolidates spiritual tourism, holds 2014 edition of 9,999 Carol Night

All is set for the 2014 edition of the annual   Akwa Ibom State Government Carol Night, slated to hold on Saturday, December 20, at the new Ibom International Stadium in Uyo.

In a release, announcing the programme elements of the 2014 edition of the event, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Aniekan Umanah emphasised that “the 9,999 Carol Night, apart from been a record-breaking gathering of Carol Singers, has become a major source of spiritual tourism that attracts pilgrims from around the world.” The event, according to him, “gives the Christian community and general public a compelling need to be in the city of Uyo to celebrate Christmas and honour the birth of Jesus Christ.”

Reps 2015: Ukanafun/Oruk Anam youth vanguard explodes over zoning

A socio-political organization in the state, Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Youth vanguard has emphasized that it is only zoning that can bring justice, peace and equity to the people of the federal constituency. 

A release signed by Akan Udoudo and Ifiok Akpan made available to newsmen in Uyo, the youth group stated that zoning has been a time –honoured arrangement among the people of the federal constituency who have enjoyed harmonious peaceful co-existence long before the division of the people into two Local Government Areas. The group advised the people not to allow selfish interest to override the collective peace of the majority. 

 

Include mission schools in free education programme – Father Idobo begs

BY CHARLES SOLOMON

The Director Department of Catholic  Educational services, Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Idobo of the Diocese of Uyo has described the non inclusion of mission schools in the free education programme of the Akwa Ibom State government as an uncommon error. The reverend father stated this at the golden jubilee celebration of Adiaha Obong Secondary Commercial School, Eniong Offot, Uyo.

He argued that since most students of the mission schools are children of Akwa Ibom State origin, the government should extend the free and compulsory education programme to the mission schools so that the students would benefit from the laudable programme. ‘free education in Akwa  Ibom State is not complete unless and until the mission schools are taken along’. Father Idobo stated.

Uyo APC Nomination: Perry Ntuk rejects result

The recent conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination for Uyo Federal Constituency have been described as been characterized by manipulation and violence by both hoodlums and electoral officers.

Speaking with some of the delegates shortly after the primaries, delegates from ward 7 in Uyo LGA Mr. Joe Akpan and Mr. Edet Essiet in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA ward 5 and some women leaders of the party who refused their name on print all condemned the purported election, saying over sixty (60) percent of delegates who cast their votes were sponsored thugs by one of the aspirant Mr. Edwin Joseph, who is the member representing Uyo in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

I’m receding from Akwa United Board - Isong Isang

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The Board chairman of Akwa United Football Club, Obong Isong Isang says he is considering stepping down from his position due to his health condition.

Obong Isang made the disclosure last Friday during a media chat with members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Uyo.

He said having chaired the club for some years now, and on the advice of the doctor, it is necessary for him to step down to allow him have a rest of mind. His words “i must be receding from football chairmanship by reason of health. I’m not feeling too strong, so i must recede, but how i will do it, i don’t know, until probably when I see my boss, Governor Godswill Akpabio who appointed me”.