Massive support as Eshiet Offiong storms Ukanafun on campaign

BY OFONIME UDOTU

The two axes of Ukanafun and Afaha spoke with one voice. Traditional rulers, party chieftains, youth and women groups insist that zoning is sacrosanct as it has never been compromised. They vowed it would not happen before their very eyes. All hailed the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate, Elder Eshiet Amos Offiong for the bold step he has taken to fight for the right of Ukanafun People who have suffered incredible neglect for a long time. In terms of infrastructure, most of the area he aspires to represent has not changed from the way their ancestors left behind several decades ago. This is the scenario that propels the candidate with “positive anger” to seek the mandate of the people to emancipate them from the pathetic and rustic situation.  

Report objectively, NUJ Chairman tells journalists

Journalists in Akwa Ibom State have been urged to do the needful in order to sustain the peace, unity and development required under democracy through balanced and objective reportage.
The chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Elder Patrick Albert gave the charge recently at a non-violence campaign seminar with the theme “The Church: That Change Agent in a Challenging Environment” organized by the Methodist Young Men Fellowship at Emmanuel Methodist Cathedral, Itiam Etoi, Uyo.

  Albert, who spoke on the topic: Media as Change Agent in Managing Attitudinal & Social Violence in the Society, said as shaping tools of a society, journalists must constantly act in ways and manners that would prove that they are useful change agent, bearing in mind that management and dissemination of information are very vital for the success of democracy.
The Chairman noted that though journalists, due to their operative medium, often come under ownership influence, the union as a responsible professional body, emphasizes on the need for members to carry out their duties without compromising the basic ethics of the profession.

INEC: Making the shift count

BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

It was mixed feelings for Nigerians when the shift in the date for the earlier scheduled elections was announced. Several people expressed happiness at the postponement while others saw it very disappointing of INEC and expressed dismay and frustration.

To those who were on the track of getting to the poling unit, the shift was like another call from the referee to retreat the race after having stayed on the marks for quite some time. These were those who had already acquired their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC). They had long waited to carry out their franchise. 

Similarly politicians who were already concluding their campaign rallies had to go back to their drawing boards to work out how they will continue with their campaigns which has now brought additional financial burden.
Students and people who travelled out of town to stay with family members in places considered to be less-tense during the elections have also been disappointed. The visit was not worth it. 

What you must do before you die

BY SAMUEL UFOT EKEKERE

Death is an inevitable factor of life. Whatever way we tend to look at it, we are increasingly close to it with each day that passes by. We are destined to close our eyes someday and never open it to this side of life. We fret over the thought of this especially if we have had the best things of this life. Well, we are option less over this fact so the faster we accept it, the better it helps us understand life better.

A realization of how slim our lives are helps us in building our lives on the right path. It’s not in how long we live our lives but it’s how much our life has impacted on other lives. We live not just for ourselves but also for the benefit of the whole, the world around us.

It is saddening how persons live their lives thinking everything in life is all for their grasp. They choose to trample on other’s rights. They may seem to get away with their acts but they never get away with death.

Ikot Ekpene Senate: PDM adopts Inibehe Okori

Ahead of the March 28, 2015 National Assembly polls, the All Progressive Congress candidate for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and leading contender to represent the area, Obong Inibehe Okori has received a massive boost for his campaigns as The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) a political party in the state has adopted him as a preferred candidate whose representation would attract quality dividends to the area. 

At a well attended political gathering on Friday at Ikot Ekpene,the State Chairman of PDM, Chief Any Asikpo described Inibehe Okori as well tested and trusted with a pedigree that would enhance development in the area when duly elected.                        

Udom splashes Valentine Gifts to Ika, Etim Ekpo people ...Promises Cosmetics factory, oil palm refinery, ors

The Peoples Democratic Party Campaign rallies held in the two local government areas of Ika and Etim Ekpo, on valentine day ended on a good note for the people of the areas following assurances of more democracy dividends by the PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

Udom who appreciated the show of love by Ika and Etim Ekpo people, also took time to pledge several projects for the two neigbouring communities once he assumed office, as a mark of his love for them. 

Controversy trails A’Ibom Tourism Board, Sammy Cleff Entertainment, ors … As miss Akwa Ibom lives in penury, impersonation

Controversy has hit Akwa Ibom Tourism  Board. Those also involved in the maze of controversy include Sammy Cleff Entertainment Company, the creative Director and the Manager of Miss Akwa Ibom.

Speaking in a media chart last weekend in Uyo, Miss Akwa Ibom, Redah Paul said that Sammy Cleff is greedy and incompetent in organising and managing Miss Akwa Ibom, adding that he (Sammy Clef) has impersonated Miss Akwa Ibom on several occasions without recourse to his senses or caring to get her consent on issues that involves her.

Labour Leader reacts to elections shift

...Calls for support to Jonathan, Udom Emmanuel  

The State Chairman, Association of Senior  Civil Servants of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State branch, Elder (Comrade) Joseph Ita, has called on residents in the State to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and vote credible PDP aspirants in the next month’s general elections.
Elder Ita, made the call while reacting to the recent postponement of general elections date from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11 this year, by the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega. 

Comrade Ita, a native of Ibiaku Uruan, Uruan LGA, was of the opinion that the shift became necessary because of the security situation in the country, especially in the North Eastern part of the country. 

Oron 2015: Mista Xto receives Flag of Victory

It was a great show of  love for Christopher Esin aka Mista Xto by the people of Oron federal constituency on Saturday February 14,2015.

Xto who is vying for the seat in the house of representatives was presented a flag of victory by Accord party guber candidate, Bishop Sam Akpan and State Chairman, Joe Itiaba. Speaking as the party toured all the five local governments in Oron fed constituency, Mista Xto noted that it was the turn of Udung Uko to produced the next federal house member as it never did so in the past and promised effective representation if elected by the people.

He added that if Udung Uko is given the mandate to go to the federal house, it will strengthen the unity of oro nation and will give oro more voices at the centre as all the five LGAs of Oro nation shall have a voice. The music star and trade unionist noted that in the current configuration, Udung Uko had been greatly marginalised;  he pointed out that okobo is the entrance into oro from the mainland and the peace in oro is first felt through them.

We want to give A’Ibom people a non-partisan governorship debate - Group

Two officials of the organising partners for a Governorship Debate scheduled to hold before March elections talked with some newsmen in Uyo, recently. Here are excerpts of the Paul Jonah and Rosemary Etim interview:

 

Who are the organisers of the debate?  

The organisers of this debate are Eagle Wings Company Ltd. In collaboration with Akwa Ibom indigenes in Diaspora for Progress Initiative, an NGO. I need to add that apart from Akwa Ibom, we are planning governorship debates for Delta and Imo States as well.

Why limit this debate to only three States and why the choice of Akwa Ibom, Imo and Delta?
These three states are those that are profoundly sensitive when it comes to electioneering and electoral behaviour. We are trying to answer vexed questions asked by electorate in these areas. Now, why only three States? That’s a great question, and I’d answer you frankly: we are constrained by money, or the lack of it.

COE matriculates 2038 students …As Provost recounts achievements

The authorities of College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Akwa Ibom State has formally admitted a total of two thousand and thirty eight (2038) students during its 24th Matriculation Ceremony, held at the Weekend in the College sports grounds.

The breakdown is as follows: School of Science 512, School of Social Sciences 576, School of Primary Education 404, School of Languages 272 and School of Vocational and Technical Educa6ion 274.

Addressing the mammoth crowd of education stakeholders, guests, matriculating students and their parents, the Provost, Dr. Patrick Uko congratulated the new students on their success in the various processes that led to their admission into the College that is assuming a degree awarding status, and for choosing teaching as their career.

People-oriented projects, empowerment will feature in my tenure ...Oron PDP House of Assembly candidate

The Peoples Democratic  Party flag bearer for  Oron/Udung-Uko State Constituency in the next polls, Hon. Efiong Okon Bassey has stressed that people oriented projects, such as fishing industry in Oron and regular empowerment of youth and women groups will form the main thrust of his excellent representation after his swearing-in.

Similarly, Hon Bassey (popularly known as Attih) vowed to sponsor a bill in the floor of Akwa Ibom State Legislature to compel relevant security agencies to stop the menace of sea pirates in Oron territorial waters.