Day Akparawa Michael Ekpenyong put smiles on the faces of the aged, poor

For the people of Ikot Obio Edim in Ibesipko Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, 28th December, 2017 is a date they’ll not forget in a hurry as the elderly, physically challenged and downtrodden were feted with gift items for the Yuletide season.

As early as that fateful Thursday morning, the physically challenged and indigent women converged on Victory Centre, Ikot Obio Edim for the medical outreach at the end of which they also smiled home with several gift items.

The medical outreach which was sponsored by Akparawa Michael Ekpenyong, Liaison Officer, Akwa Ibom House, Lagos was carried out by Better Life Initiative for the Aged (BLIFA), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) whose aim, among other things, is to cater for the aged, provide succour for them and generally give them a reason to be happy.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of Better Life Initiative for the Aged, Mrs. Ime Inyang thanked the people for coming out in their numbers to participate in the exercise, stressing that their mission is to check the eyesight of the aged especially those who don’t have people to take care of them.

NGO honours its Patron with Award

A Non Governmental Organization (NGO), PHILANTHROPIST WORLD ABUJA/AKWA IBOM REGION on Monday, 1st January, 2018 celebrated and honoured its patron, Obong Francis Obuji with an Award of Excellence as PHILANTHROPIST ICON OF CHARITY.

The event which took place at Ikot Utin, Essien Udim LGA, was in confirmation of Obong Obuji’s Impactful contributions to the orphans, widows and less privileged in his community.

Obong Francis Obuji who is the Managing Director, Ukoromi Oil, has contributed immensely in putting smiles on faces by building houses for the widows, giving financial business supports to the widows and educational supports to the orphans and less privileged in Ikot Utin, Essien Udim LGA Akwa Ibom State and beyond.

Presenting the Award, the representative/founder of PHILANTHROPIST WORLD, Ambassador Miracle Great thanked Obong Obuji for his philanthropist gesture to humanity and prayed more of God’s blessings upon him.

Post titleNew Commissioner of Police arrives Akwa Ibom *talks tough, targets criminals

The new Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Adeyemi Samuel Ogunjemilusi has said that tough time awaits criminal elements in the State.

Briefing press men on Wednesday at the Force Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, CP Adeyemi Samuel Ogunjemilusi said he will make Akwa Ibom State very difficult for criminals to succeed, vowing to pursue criminals as well bring them to justice.

Hear him, “I would like to seize this opportunity to call on the good people of Akwa Ibom State to continue to cooperate and collaborate with the police to expose criminal elements and help the police serve the State better.

He added that he would be counting on the support of other security agencies in the State to ensure public safety, and that it is with his earnest desire to also deepen and strengthen the existing cordial relationship with the media for the benefit of the good people of the State.

Late Deacon Israel Sam laid to rest

The resident pastor of Redemption Ground Ministry, Itu Mbang, Uruan LGA, Rev. B. B. Udo has described death as the great teacher. Rev. Udo disclosed this on Saturday at Afaha Idung Akpan Uko, Ukanafun Local Government, during the burial of Late Deacon Israel Sam Akpan.

The clergyman who preached on the topic: “The blessed death” said when a man dies, it becomes a lesson to the living that one day they will also die despite their achievements. He admonished Christians not to live in sin and expect to die in Christ because the life we live on earth determines the nature and type of our death.

Rev.Udo who took his text from the book of 1 Chronicles chapter 29 verse 15 stated that the two types of death as; spiritual death and internal death.

NGO LAUNCHES 2018 ALMANAC *Splashes gifts on widows

*Celebrates its patrons

December 23, 2017 was remarkable, as PHILANTHROPIST WORLD ABUJA/AKWA IBOM REGION; a Non Governmental Organization launched its 2018 Almanac in Uyo.

The event also witnessed the celebration and conferment of honours on its Patrons  for their financial supports for the organization, among whom were: Bishop (Dr.) Friday Ibanga – Founder of Everlasting Christ Mission, mbiabong, Uyo;  Obong Francis Obuji – Managing Director, Ukoromi Oil; Arch. Bishop Augustine Etimukwa – Founder, The Zion Holy Temple Church, Uruan.   

The representative and founder of PHILANTHROPIST WORLD, Ambassador Miracle Great in her speech emphasized on the need for charity givers to do more for the needy in order to break the poverty syndrome which is often common among the needy.

Eket community hails illustrious Son

The people of Idung Iniang Community          in Eket local government area last Sunday showered praises on one of their illustrious sons and former football star, Marshall Mbre.

The people who gathered at Primary School, Idung Iniang for the grand finale of the 2017 Mbre Sam Mbre (Idung Iniang Unity Cup) Football Competition, described the sponsor, Marshall Mbre as a worthy and illustrious son of the community who has the interest of his people at heart and has used his position to impact positively on the lives of others.

They noted that over the years Marshall   has rendered selfless service to the community in particular and humanity at large.

Coach Aniedi Dickson attributes successes to Udom Emmanuel

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Sports, Coach Aniedi Dickson has expressed gratitude to God for the successes recorded by the Ministry in 2017.

Coach Dickson who spoke with our reporter, described the year 2017 as very successful as according to him, the State-owned Premier League side, Akwa United Football Club won the AITEO Cup formerly known as Federated Cup. The Permanent Secretary hinted that the state female team, Ibom Angels also got to the final of the Female version of the AITEO Cup while the state contingent to the National Youth Festival finished second position among others.

Coach Dickson nicknamed “the Winning Permanent Secretary” explained that all the successes would not have been possible without the morale and financial support of the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

He described Mr. Udom Emmanuel as God-sent and a very lucky Governor who has within two years won the Federation Cup on two occasion, the competition which he noted had been elusive since the creation of the State before Governor Udom Emmanuel came on board in 2015.

2019: Ukanafun, Oruk Anam people endorse Ibritam

The people of Ukanafun/ Oruk Anam Federal Constituency have urged, Obong Barr. Freedom Ibritam to aspire for Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal constituency seat come 2019. They took the decision last Saturday during Uwem and Freedom Foundation Program at Late Chief Ibritam’s compound, Ikot Effiong, Ukanafun.

Students from the two local government areas while thanking Barr. Ibritam for grant he paid them said he has sworn that if he occupy’s a political office he will do more.

He also gave wrappers to windows, less privileged and aged across the eleven wards in Ukanafun and 13 wards in Oruk Anam.

The eleven family heads in Ikot Effiong were also given packages for their Christmas.

Hon. Chief Ezikiah Udoekandem who chaired the occasion thanked the foundation for his 7 years philanthropic gesture to his people. Chief Udoekandem particularly commended Ibritam’s wife for allowing her husband to extend his giving hands to the needy

Barr. Ibritam who declared himself as the husband to the widows pledged his resolve to do more if his desires come to manifestation. He told our reporter the empowerment program is a yearly program which he has been doing for the past seven years for Akwa Ibom widows who reside in Akwa Ibom and Abuja. The legal practitioner solicited prayers from the widows, less privileged and aged, for God to grant him his heart desire.

Be positive about 2018, says Dr. Akata

A seasoned Petroleum Geologist, an Environmental Consultant and PDP stakeholder Dr. Nsidibe Akata has declared that the year 2018 will be a good year for Eket people, Akwa Ibom State and Nigerians urging the people to be positive about the year.

Akata stated this in his country home Nduo Eduo in OKON, Eket Local Government Area while addressing newsmen that paid a courtesy call on him on New Year’s day.

He said this year is a year that Nigeria's economy will kick up and that this will in turn ensure massive employment generation in the country and beyond.

He maintained that the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel has since inception, run an open door policy where all stakeholders are involved in decision making process and implementation.

Dr. Akata believes that given the level of achievements recorded by Udom Emmanuel that the Governor deserves a second term.

He added that with Udom Emmanuel at the helms of affairs that the positive development of the state is assured.

Speaking further, he maintained that the year 2018 holds signals of positive development and urged Eket people to continue living in Unity as according to him the unity of the community will be of immense benefit to Eket people.

He said his New year message to Eket people and Akwa Ibomites is “stay strong  there is a brighter light at the end of the tunnel”.

LG CHAIRMEN PROTEST 1M TAKEOFF GRANT

Some Local Government Chairmen in Akwa Ibom state have protested the one million naira grant given to them by the state Government saying it is quite dehumanizing and an insult.

THE INK reporter gathered that these LG Chairmen are angry that the state government will have the mind to give them a paltry one million naira as takeoff grant when according to them, the system is fully aware of the enormous task ahead of them.

They insisted that they would have preferred being ignored by Udo Ekpenyong the commissioner for Local Government rather than the man giving each of them a million naira as take off grant.

Chairmen of Obot Akara, Mbo, Udung Uko who discussed the matter amongst themselves in a certain location in Uyo described the state government action as an act of selfishness, irresponsibility and insensitivity.

EDITOR CONDEMNS ARREST OF BLOGGER

Editor of THE INK Newspaper, Nsibiet John has condemned the arrest of Mr. Daniel Elombah publisher of an online news platform Elombah.

In a press release signed by the Akwa Ibom born media star, the Editor described the arrest as barbaric, a shame on the Police and an abuse of due process.

John however maintained that if the Elombah publisher has offended anyone that the person so offended should rather go to the appropriate quarters to seek redress rather than use men of the Special Anti Robbery squad of the Nigerian Police to attack and witch hunt the  blogger.

He said the police allowing by themselves to be used by authorities against the media shows the level of intellectual deficiency the force has condescended to.

The media practitioner maintained further that since Daniel Elombah is yet to be informed of his offence, he should be released unconditionally and with immediate effect so he can reunite with his family.

DON ETIM, IBOKESSIEN, CHRIS EKPENYONG, MOVE AGAINST AKPABIO OVER 2019

DON ETIM, IBOKESSIEN, CHRIS EKPENYONG, MOVE AGAINST AKPABIO OVER 2019

* Say Ex Governor cannot breach zoning arrangement for selfish interest

A crisis of confidence has broken out between Senate minority leader Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio and political stakeholders cum gladiators from Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara federal constituency.

The senate minority leader has been accused of plotting to scatter and abuse the age long tradition of zoning in the federal constituency owing to what they (stakeholders including Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, Pastor Sunny Ibuot, Don Etim, Rt (Hon) Nsikak Ekong, Elijah Iyak, Chris Ekpenyong, Idongesit Ntekpere and others) understand as Sen. Akpabio’s subtle plans to impose Emmanuel Akpan on the people for a second term.

Some of the stakeholders who spoke to our reporter in Ikot Ekpene over the weekend described as insensitive and callous the perceived plot by Akpabio to return Emmanuel Akpan to the National Assembly against the wishes of the people.

THE INK understands that Ikot Ekpene federal constituency have since 1999 been practicing a term zoning system where candidates from the three Local Governments that make up the federal constituency go to the National Assembly for a term and not seek a second term whatsoever.

Stakeholders are not pleased that Senator Akpabio, the political leader of the federal constituency has perfected plans to foist the incumbent member Emmanuel Akpan who hails from Essien Udim LGA on them for a second term.

In separate interactions with our political desk, they have however promised to stop Emmanuel Akapn whom they described as not only being a poor representative but a man who in the first instance did not even deserve to have been a representative of an enlightened people like Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim, Obot Akara federal constituency.

An aide to Emmanuel Ibokessien told THE INK Portal that Senator Ibokessien has not found it funny ever since the rumour mills leaked information that Akpabio was planning to return Emmanuel Akpan for a second term.

Senator Ibok Essien is said to have described the rumour as nonsensical even as he is alleged to have added that Akpabio would betray himself if he continues selling Emman Akpan’s candidate in 2019 to Ikot Ekpene federal constituency.

The Senator who served from 1999 to 2003 at the red chambers of the National Assembly is said to have informed some political gladiators that any attempt by Akpabio to return Emmanuel Akpan will run contrary to led down rules of political engagements in the federal constituency.
Pastor Sunny Ibuot who is a frontline contender for the federal constituency seat come 2019 spoke through one of his aides who simply said “Editor, we are not happy that Ete(referring to Akpabio) will have the mind to contemplate returning Emmanuel Akpan to the National Assembly for a second term.

Well, if he does, it will not stop Sunny Ibuot from defeating them. The truth is that there is zoning in this our federal constituency and Godswill Akpabio’s pact with his brother Emman Akpan cannot erase it. Zoning has come to stay”.
Don Etim is said to have laughed it off when he learnt of Emmanuel Akpan’s second term bid. The Ex-commissioner is said to have told his political followers that it is all politics and that they should not be frightened.

The feelings of stakeholders from Obot Akara LGA were also sampled. The Paper learnt that it is the belief of stakeholders from Obot Akara Local Government Area that if Emmanuel Akpan is not stopped now, then the zoning and rotational political policy in the area would have been altered for the bad reasons.

Their position is that it will take Obot Akara more than twelve years beginning from 2019 to produce a National Lawmaker if Akpabio and Emmanuel Akpan have their ways.

This paper understands that the likes of Chris Ekpenyong, former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, serving Commissioner Monday Uko, Assemblyman Idongesit Ntekpere and even SA to Governor on due process, Ufot Ebong have concluded plans to team up with their Ikot Ekpene colleagues to stop Akpabio from having his way in the Federal Constituency by 2019.

Former Deputy Governor, Engr. Chris Ekpenyong is understandably annoyed that Akpabio intends to shift the goal post in the middle of the game. THE INK Portal understands Chris Ekpenyong is of the opinion that zoning and rotation of representatives in the federal constituency predates Akpabio’s political voyage and therefore the Senate minority leader owes the federal constituency that political loyalty and not abuse.

Ekpenyong popularly known as Ukarakpa is believed to be plotting a political war against Akpabio should the former Governor makes real his plot of denying Ikot Ekpene LGA the chance of producing a representative in 2019.

Immediate past National Lawmaker for the area, Barr. Saviour Udoh is one of those waiting for Akpabio and Akpan.  The Obot Akara born politician had in 2015 sought a second term but was stopped by forces from the federal constituency with Akpabio then the Governor leading the pack because of zoning.

Barr. Saviour Udoh is today however wondering why Akpabio seeks to change the rule of the game midway.  Barr. Udoh is opined to have said that come sun or rain, Akpabio will be stopped.

For Idongesit Ntekpere who speaks for the people of Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Akpabio’s silent plot to retain Emmanuel Akpan is an affront on the sensibilities of Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara federal constituency and should not only be discouraged but all arsenal towards the stoppage of the rascality should be deployed. 

Ntekpere’s political fans and aides told THE INK reporter in Uyo last week that the Assemblyman is very angry over Akpabio’s sinister moves to return his kinsman and will join the struggle to stop what they termed as callous political sentiment.

An aide to the Youths and Sports Commissioner told our reporter that Monday Ebong Uko is not pleased with the political development of returning Emmanuel Akpan to the National Assembly. 

He said that the sentiments of the Commissioner is that anything worth doing to ensure that Akpabio’s plot against the zoning arrangement falls should be encouraged.

The Commissioner, one of his aides said will prefer to fight the battle from the background because of his seeming closeness to the former Governor.

Ufot Ebong, SA to Udom Emmanuel on Due Process and Technical Matters is said to have told some political heavy weights that even though he is not a politician, that the very idea of returning Akpan to the National Assembly as a representative of an enlightened people is absurd especially when the person is not favoured by zoning. 

He is said to have promised to stand on the side of the people against any form of injustice, be it political, moral or otherwise.

Stakeholders from Essien Udim Local Government Area would not share their thoughts on this debacle.  One of them who is quite close to the Akpabios when contacted pleaded anonymity while responding that a lot of things will be and whatever will be will be.

But one of them Cosmas Udoekaebe however added that Essien Udim people will stay on the side of justice, truth and peace. 

Our source maintained that the political leader of the LGA, Chief Michael Afangideh will obviously be comfortable with Ikot Ekpene producing Emmanuel Akpan’s successor irrespective of what Godswill Obot Akpabio will want.

Other stakeholders who contributed to the discourse when contacted opined that as far as 2019 is concerned, that Emmanuel Akpan has no business at the National Assembly. They maintained that Godswill Akpabio’s antics and scheming will meet its limit if he (the Ex-Governor) attempts to fly with Emmanuel Akpan.

Stakeholders across the federal constituency argued also that if the zoning arrangement in the federal constituency is to be reconsidered, then it should wait until power returns to Obot Akara LGA who will then take the first slot at a second term.

The Akpabio’s idea of shortchanging people and abusing zoning would have to come to an end, they opined.

It could be recalled that upon the return of Democracy in 1999, Abom Tony Ibanga Esu from Obot Akara LGA was elected the representative for the federal constituency from 1999 to 2003. Esu made way for Barr. Nsini Umosoh in 2003 and Umosoh was to run that legislature for four years of 2003 to 2007. But unfortunately Umosoh who hails from Essien Udim died mid way into his tenure.

He was accordingly succeeded by his senior legislative aide Sunyiekekere Inokon who also hailed from Essien Udim Local Government Area. At the end of that tenure in 2007, party Elete Ineme from Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area took over and ended his tenure in 2011. An attempt by Etete Ineme to seek a second term was rejected. The cycle began again with Barr. Saviour Udoh from Obot Akara in 20011 and his tenure ended in 2015.

He also attempted a shot at second term but was stopped because he was not favoured by zoning. Political gladiators from the Federal constituency said, the move to stop Saviour Udoh was orchestrated by Akpabio.  Upon his stoppage, the way for Emmanuel Akpan from Essien Udim Local Government Area was cleared and Akpan eventually emerged.

Emmanuel Akpaan is a former Deputy Chief whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. His tenure as a representative for Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim, Obot Akara federal Constituency is supposed to end in 2019 to make way for a candidate from Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

Given the alleged interest of Akpabio in plotting to return him come 2019, Ikot Ekpene candidates appear to be waiting on a wing and a prayer.

Amongst candidates from Ikot Ekpene seeking Emmanuel Akpan’s seat are: Rt (Hon) Nsikak Ekong, Pastor Sunny Ibuot, Patty Etete Ineme and Obongifiok Anny Asikpo of APC.

These are the early birds for the job for now.