30 Days in Office: Uyo Council Boss presents scorecard

Coming thirty days, after being sworn-in by Governor Udom Emmanuel, the Chairman, Uyo Local Government Council, Elder Imoh Okon, has presented a scorecard of his achievements within the period, reiterating his determination to raising the bar in local government administration.

Interacting with news men in his Office, in Uyo, yesterday, Elder Okon hinted that he has heightened security within and outside the Council Secretariat, saying, the Secretariat had suffered incessant robbery attacks due to lack of internal security.

Within the period under review, he said he convened an emergency security meeting, where he reviewed all security situations within the Secretariat, stressing that some averaged security personnel have been replaced with vibrant ones, to meet up with security challenges within the Secretariat.

He said he had also met with the Police and other security agencies to partner with the council's internal security, to bar hoodlums from further breaking into the council premises.

On other gains of his thirty days stay in office, the Council Boss said he has fixed all conveniences within the Council Secretariat, stressing that none of the facilities were fully functional prior to his emergence as Chairman.

"Before I came into Office, none of the conveniences had water flowing, but as I speak, we have four functional conveniences in this secretariat, you can check for yourself", he said.

He also cited the provision of desktop computers within the Secretariat and grading of some roads in the area as other strides he has recorded within the period under review, stating that he has also motivated Council staff for greater productivity.

"In thirty days, we organised a Family Get-together for all Council staff. We hosted them, their children and even grandchildren because they all belong to us. The staff are happy, because on January 2nd, when I went round the offices around 3pm, I was shocked to see that all the workers were on seat", he added.

Other achievements he listed, include the recent burial of the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Surveyor Edem Silas Akpan, signing and release of Certificates of Origin, stocktaking of public offices, and said efforts are underway, streamlining activities at the Akpan Andem Market.

He used the opportunity to announce the first Uyo Economic and Political Summit which he said is slated for January 18, 2018.

Fresh Trouble looms in Nsit Ubium ....as Victor Bob, Ekokoi Solomon, Don shade Cover dare Effiong Bob over 2019 House of Assembly seat

The decision by the Political Leader of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Senator Effiong Bob to back his son as the successor to Barr Onofiok Luke in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly come 2019 may have unsettled the political geometrics of the Local Government Area.

Two weeks ago, a section of Nsit Ubium politicians had gathered and declared total support for Barr Otobong Effiong Bob who is barely 24years old.

Those who understand the politics of this area maintained to THE INK reporter that the endorsement of the Junior Bob was masterminded by the father Senator Effiong Bob.

Although most other stakeholders from Ubium had exonerated the senior Bob from the endorsement, others have kicked saying that the senior Bob cannot impose his son on them.

Amongst those who are in direct opposition to Otobong Bob emerging the next House member for the area are Effiong Bob younger brother Victor who owns and operates a popular bar in Uyo, life power, Don Shade Cover and Ekokoi Solomon.

The trio who are the early contenders for Onofiok Luke's seat view Effiong Bob's son interest in the House of Assembly as a misplaced intention.

For Don Shade cover, whether Effiong Bob has brought out his son or not, he is interested in the race and as long as election will be free and fair, he is sure going to win.

Shade cover it could be recalled had eyed the position of the chairman of council but the zoning arrangement of the area that ceded the Chairmanship seat to Nsit axis of the area punctuated his efforts.

Those who are close to Don shade cover informed THE INK last night that the entrepreneur was however promised to be compensated by an election into the House of Assembly come 2019.

Senator Bob's younger brother Victor who was earlier promoted by the former Lawmaker has rejected the option of Otobong replacing him.

Those who are close to Victor Bob told THE INK that the younger brother to Bob is not happy with his Elder brother that he had to scheme him out after the family had agreed to him running for the office of member AKHA for Nsit Ubium State constituency.

Apart from the duo, a former aspirant to the seat of the Assembly from the area, a seasoned legal expert, Ekokoi Solomon is also very bitter with Bob that he wants to turn the LGA into his private property saying the people of Nsit Ubium will reject Otobong Effiong Bon for himself.

It could be recalled that in 2015 following a gang up against Onofiok Luke led by the Akpabio family, Ekokoi Solomon was tipped by government forces to replace Onofiok.

However, when the chips were down, Onofiok Luke brave all odds and conquered his political foes.

Sources say Effiong Bob was Onofiok's greatest asset at that time.

Whether Ekokoi was promised a seat in the Assembly by 2019/was as at Press time not clear to THE INK newsdesk but what we can confirm on grounds of authority is that Ekokoi feels this is the time for him to be compensated and supported to take over the position from Onofiok Luke.

While majority of Effiong Bob's supporters say on Otobong Effiong Bob they stand, others have continued secret meetings towards thwarting the efforts of Bob.

Meanwhile followers of Politics in Nsit Ubium are of the opinion that Otobong Effiong Bob will have his way especially as his father the ex senator remains one of the most reliable politician in Akwa Ibom State that Governor Udom Emmanuel and Obong Paul Ekpo do listen to.

Back home in Nsit Ubium, THE INK reporter was informed that when Nsit People presented the serving Chairman to Bob for endorsement, that Effiong Bob had willingly accepted saying that the Ubium people have accepted Nsit's nominee and that the people of Nsit extraction should also be ready to accept a nominee from Ubium when the extraction will be presenting her nominee to them for the position of the House of Assembly for the state constituency.

Sources added to THE INK reporter that this is perhaps why the rumpus in the area will not stop Effiong Bob's son from succeeding Onofiok Luke.

Our medium also understands that a lot of meetings have been ongoing in the area towards the 2019 seat for the state constituency and for now, head or tail, Otobong Effiong Bob, an overseas trained lawyer and son to Effiong Bob is in pole position to clinch the coveted seat.

THE INK understands that if an election is conducted today Effiong Bob and his son will encounter certain opposition but that they will triumph.

Certainly these are interesting times in Nsit Ubium and details of more plots shall be exposed as events unfold.

Orman Esin: I will step on toes to ensure God is glorified In the transport sector

The Commissioner for Transport and Mineral Resources, Mr. Orman Esin says he will continue to step on toes to ensure that the transport sector in the state remains the best in Nigeria and added that he is conscious of the fact that the presence of God must be felt in that ministry.

Orman Esin stated this when he led members of the ministry and transporters in the state to Qua Iboe Church, Oku for her new year thanksgiving and rededication of the transport sector ahead of the new year, 2018.

Esin while pouring encomiums on the State Governor Udom Emmanuel appreciated the leadership and members of the church and added that the church has over the years been a pillar of support and solicited for more.

He spoke briefly on the initial challenges he faced when he resumed office as a commissioner and added that God gave him the strength to overcome it.

The ex Oron council Chairman added also that he was ready to key into the blessings that will come from the church. He donated on behalf  of the ministry some sum of money to the church and promised to register the brand new bus that was donated to the church by the Akwa Ibom state Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel last week.

He also promised to pay the taxes of all vehicles owned by the church.

The TOAN choir was on hand to also minister a song to the glory of God.

High point of the event was prayer offered by the Reverend Minister of Qua Iboe Church, Oku and also a donation of a drum set to the church by a transporter.

EKET AKHA RACE: DR NSISIBE AKATA STANDS TALL

As the race to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly hots up, there are possible reasons that allude to the fact that a seasoned petroleum Geologist Dr. Nsidibe Akata will succeed Mr. David Lawrence.

In recent times a lot of major political players from Eket State Constituency have been meeting in Uyo and in Eket plotting strategies on how to ensure that Akata succeeds Lawrence.

These stakeholders believe that Akata holds the key to effective representation of the state constituency come 2019 and hence deserves  the support of all lovers of effective and quality representation.

In a meeting held in Eket recently, stakeholders outlined the importance of having a thorough breed professional to represent Eket people and maintained that it is on Nsidibe Akata they shall stand.

The likes of Ayang Ayang, Udo Isong, Prof Etie Ben amongst others are those pushing for Dr. Akata.

It could be recalled that the Petroleum Geologist was recently endorsed by his OKON royal fathers asking him to go and represent the people of Eket State Constituency.

In the coming days, it is expected that many more political and other groups will confirm their position on Dr. Akata.

When contacted, the media office of Dr. Nsidibe Akata said, the endorsement of Akata is a red pointer to the understanding of the people that the House of Assembly hopeful is a brand good for leadership.

The media office of the seasoned Geologist added that with Akata, Eket state constituency is assured of effective and quality representation at the Udo Udoma House of Assembly chambers from 2019

FRESH CULT CLASH CLAIMS ABOUT NINE LIVES IN IKOT EKPENE

Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State is again in the news for the bad reasons.

This follows a renewed cult clash that has so far claimed not less than nine lives and more still to go.

THE INK gathered that this renewed cult clash began on the 31st of December, 2017.

Reasons for this clash could not be immediately ascertained.

But THE INK understands that it is a clash between the Debam group and vikings confraternity.

On January 1, 2018 A boy in his late twenties was served with terrible and so much matchete cuts while his attackers watched him bleed to dead along old ITU road close to a certain petrol station.

The victim was in his house obviously preparing for church when he was rounded up and consumed by his kinsmen because he does not belong to their cult group.

The reprisal attack have continued with members of both cult groups having a field day to create mayhem and holding the Local Government Area to ransom.

This crises began in a village called Uruk USO.

It could not be ascertained whether the spill over effects have accelerated to other communities in the area, but it could be recalled that clashes like this don't just stay in one location. It snowballs into the entire LGA and that is why the premier LGA has lost its innocency in the past one week

THE INK can report matters of fact that on the 3rd of January, 2018, the scoreline was brought to parity with both cult groups having killed 3 aside

As at late Saturday 6th January, 2018, it appears the Debam group had killed more people than their Vikings opponent leaving the later with fierce anger and thirst for more blood shed and revenge.

The council chairman Mr. Unyime Etim acknowledge that there is a clash in the area and maintained that the police are on top of the situation.

The council boss maintained that he is quite aware of the clash and that as the CEO and Chief Security Officer of the area. He has been getting brief on a daily basis and there is an indication that the police is getting to the root of the matter.

Mr. Etim however added that from what he has gathered, it looks obvious that politicians from the opposition party may be the ones sponsoring the clash.

He called on members of the opposition party to understand that the Local Government Election has since been won and lost and that governance has since begun.

The Police in Ikot Ekpene maintained to THE INK reporter that as soon as possible the cult clash will come to an end.

The Police said the culprits will be apprehended and brought to book at the appropriate time.

TENSION AS MACCAIRE JOINS 2019 RACE

The battle for Political offices in Akwa Ibom state has began to seriously gather momentum.

And Ikono Local Government Area is not left out with the MD/CEO of Maccaire Resort Obong Emmanuel Ukpong Udo leading the pack of the early birds.

THE INK reporter gathered from intelligent political sources that Maccaire had been weighing options and may likely opt for the House of Assembly seat in the coming elections.

THE INK understands that Maccaire's best bet is in the House of Assembly seat as the incumbent Victor Udofia is not seeking a third term and may not really be interested in who succeeds him.

Sources say Victor Udofia will be seeking a sojourn to the National Assembly.

This way Maccaire if he plays his card well will be the major beneficiary of that exit which the incumbent member will be creating.

It was gathered also that Maccaire will face a herculean task if he decides to go for the House of Representatives as the odds will not favour him since himself and Gloria Edet do not see eye balls to eyeballs. And again the incumbency powers of Iboro Ekanem will not give Maccaire a space to operate even as Victor Udofia's camp will move against the Ikono born philanthropist. Political analysts argue that Emmanuel Ukpong Udo is still inexperienced in politics as he has never contested any election before despite his financial investments in the politics of the area.

It was gathered by THE INK newsdesk that the only seeming challenge Ukpong Udo will have will come from a former transition Chairman of the area and SA to the PDP chairman known as Mbakara.

Sources say Maccaire is actually in a fix as the said Mbakara had earlier consulted and retained the blessings of the Intels man.

But since politics is never a story of morals, Obong Emmanuel Ukpong Udo has an option is jetissioning his blessings on Mbakara and move ahead to contest the election against his friend.

This political stakeholders of the area believe will throw both men into frenzy but they added also that the election if both men run into the ring will be interesting.

This is where Maccaire is said to be having an upper hand.

But the Ikono man needs to watch and look before he leaps as the PDP may look favourably disposed to handing their ticket to Mbakara because of the influence of Obong Paul Ekpo

Both considering the implications for the election, Maccaire's ambition as a legislator looks better with the House of Assembly contest, a PDP ward chairman told THE INK reporter in Uyo earlier today.

And added also that zoning in both the National Assembly and House of Assembly seat favours the Ikono philanthropist.

Federal Appointments tear Akwa Ibom APC apart *Udoedehe may turn down appointment

*Party Chairman Amadu Attai protest omission, blames UOU, ors

*Umana’s men dominate list

*Dora Ebong, Kufre Etuk, MacJoe angry over non inclusion

*Why Bishop Akpan was ignored

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR must have appointed about 27 children of Akwa Ibom State to Federal Boards, Commissions and parastatals but rather than those appointments generating love and affection in the Land of Promise, the reverse has been the case as most of the APC members in the state are at daggers drawn with some leaders accusing them of promoting and executing personal and parochial interests above national and collective interests.

Some members of the Party who feel short-changed in the new arrangement contested the nomination of those whom they described as old, tired and expired and wondered what those ones have to offer to the nation and Buhari’s administration.

They also sought to know the basis behind the nomination of certain persons by the Presidency.  Some of them who confided in our newsroom maintained that some people like Kufre Etuk, Amadu Attai, Michael James, Dora Ebong and few others all deserved to have been given such appointments but where it did not come, it means the change promised by the Party was fake. They also queried why, the junior Ikoiwak was.

One of them said, “look at the appointments my brother, it is rigged, it is skewed, it is crooked, it is barbaric.  Where is the position of the youths, what of the women?  Da, the matter is critical and it is beyond our understanding.  The list is highly dominated by Umana’s men.  And we are forced to ask; is it only Umana’s men that make APC?  These things make us worried my brother.  It is highly confusing and annoying that a party we worked for and believed squarely on would look the other way while old and expired men take over the positions available in the Presidency”. 

Nsibiet John: I AM STILL GRATEFUL

Nsibiet John: I AM STILL GRATEFUL

A year ago, yours truly was whisked away and sent to the criminal cell of the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia near Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Recollect that reason for that arrest had since been tried and the matter ongoing at the Chief Magistrate Court 11 domiciled along FULGA Street, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

On the strength of the awareness that the case is ongoing in court in what the charge sheet reads State vs. Nsibiet John and sometimes Commissioner of Police vs. Nsibiet John, I will be reluctant to discuss that matter at the risk of being charged or say accused of subjudice.

But before I express my gratitude, it will be quite instructive to state that my travails today in the hands of the Akwa Ibom State Government, courtesy Mr. Moses Ekpo is clearly the price I have to pay in the line of duty as the custodian of the Editorial Contents of THE INK Newspapers.

Several other media practitioners have passed through this corridor of darkness. Many others will definitely pass through same and sometimes worse situations.

Sadly, some don’t live well to tell their stories, some don’t even return home alive. But here, I did not only experience the brutality, the rape, the emotional torture of police forces and Government, I came out to tell the story. I came out to breathe the air of freedom just twenty four hours after the police arrest.

For now, I may not wish to narrate the story behind the news, neither will I speak or talk about the undercurrent pinning that occurred while the whole drama lasted. My mission will be and it is for now to tender a note of gratitude, a song of gratefulness to all those who had a role or two to play in the matter at the beginning of it, even as it continue.

Firstly, God in heaven, the architect of the universe, the master key holder, the Omnipotent, Omnipresence and Omniscient deserves more than thanks. My mind was made strong by His hands. He saw me through the brutality. I thank our heavenly Father. He deserves all the glory.

Following from there, let me thank a woman magistrate whom I do not know. Madam, wherever you are, I am grateful. You refused to act against the law; you saw victimization and spoke truth to it. This magistrate did not know me and I do not know her till even this moment but the information that she refused to hurriedly accept to remand me in prison custody was adequately brought to my notice.

I honestly do not know her in person. But as a grateful Nigerian, I am here saying thank you. It takes guts and intellectual independence for a magistrate to look the authorities in the face and say …. No, I cannot do that, I cannot jail him, he has to be given fair hearing; I cannot ask that he be remanded in prison because I want to please you Sirs.

She said to the authorities, No, he could as well be my Son, brother and I will not be fair to the law, the constitution and above all God if I send him to jail on your demands and institutions.

Good people, you may be wondering why I took time to express the position cited above. I will explain. When I was arrested that fateful Thursday 5th January, 2017 amidst the protest, fuss and all the anger my arrest generated, the police, according to them, acting on instructions from above had during the day time approached a female magistrate and requested that I will be ‘nicodemusly’ sneaked into her court. The police, as I was informed, had told the woman that the government has directed that I be slammed, that I should be remanded in prison and then a long date taken so that I will be going to the court from the Prison.

I was to be denied bail and remanded in prison custody. But this woman whom I know not refused, saying if she must handle the matter, the offence is ‘bailable’ and due process must be followed. Let me not bore you with some other things she said, at least, I have mentioned some above.

This is a woman I don’t know. But she chosed to do the right thing. Does she not deserve commendation? Oh yes, she does. Madam, once again, I greet you, I thank you. You are my worship that is worth commending and emulating. I pray God to double your license of jurisprudence.

As I put pen to paper on this message of gratitude, I am not unaware of the problems this kind of notes usually cause. It is simple, ability to recollect all those who stood by me. In this case, it becomes very difficult to start listing names. This is rightly so because, the whole state, Nigerians, foreigners stood by me. The call for Free Nsibiet John, Release Nsibiet John was simply waoooo. I could not have asked for more solidarity.

The religious institution led by my Pastor, Reverend Ibup Emah of Qua Iboe church, Oku, 112 Ikot Ekpene road, former CAN chairman, AKS, Arch Bishop Cletus Bassey deserve special appreciation.  Many more Christian leaders still call to find out the status of the matter, assuring that their prayers remain with THE INK and all of us.

Also, traditional institutions were not left out. They contributed positively and immensely towards the freedom I enjoyed and I am enjoying today. My fathers, mothers may your throne remain and may your Royal Majesties and Highnessess live long.

The political class, Politicians from across political parties - this was the first time in the history of Akwa Ibom State that political parties united for the sake of one man. I was that one man. A beneficiary of the unity of political parties. I was humbled. I am still humbled.

Away from political parties, top citizens of Akwa Ibom State did not show restraint on the call for my release. If I want to mention names, I will miss out so many. But my leaders, please be assured that I remain very grateful to you all. You staked your offices, risked your positions, all for me, just me. I am grateful.

Now, I move to the learned gentlemen. These groups of professionals showed class, they showed that the legal practice in Akwa Ibom is top of the class. On that date, Barr. Ewa Okpo led his colleagues Ita Duke, Inibehe Effiong, David Augustine to the magistrate court to argue for my bail where I was granted by chief magistrate Emmanuel Archibong. These guys were fantastically intelligent. I am right over the moon with you learned gentlemen. Gratias. I am not forgetting the role Civil Liberties Organization played. Thank you great CLO led by Clifford Thomas

Now, I had to serve this, the best you may say for the last, the media community, my colleagues, my friends, my loved ones. The team # Release Nsibiet John, team, I stand with Nsibiet. Team Free Nsibiet. Me alone. My people, yes, you of course released so many hash tags for me. I am grateful. The International media who reported this, the national media, the state media, electronic media led by Inspiration 105.9 fm, Planet fm, radio Nigeria, NTA, the list is endless. Yours truly cannot say thank you enough. If thank you enough is Enough, I will bring it in trailer loads.

Inspiration fm, Uyo, you guys rocked. You handled the matter as if I was one of your major staff. My prayer is that your station and stations shall never experience drought.

Still on the media, I salute my contemporaries, I salute my predecessors, I salute my junior Colleagues. Having you as professional colleagues in times when that happened proved to me that I could go to bed with both eyes closed.  And with you all, I could go to war and have my back being watched over.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists led by Elder Patrick demonstrated persistent unity in calling for my release. I am happy to belong to this family. Even though sometimes I become prodigal, it is for the love of the job.

None journalists who shouted for me. IT students across all the media organizations. Those who don’t know me but join in the call for my release, I pray may God cause people to stand for you when you least expected. I am told a story of some young ladies whose relationship were threatened because of the way and manner they took up the matter. Their spouses thought they had one or two things to do with me. But then nothing have we ever done together, that way round. I think you know ba?  But they were my defenders. God bless you girls. I jealous your solidarity.

Gentlemen and ladies, please believe me when I tell you I love you, I appreciate you. I mean every bit of those words.  The support I enjoyed, the goodwill I received and the commaderie was waooo.  Nobody to the best of my knowledge had received such before.

Before I end this piece, let me thank my brother and friend, Osondu Ahirika.  He signed the surety that took me out of captivity.  Osondu, you are a brother and a good one at that.

In the final analysis, I thank my family, my landlord in Uyo, my friends and loved ones.  Everyone that played a role or two and more. It is me saying thank you. Thank you again, Esosongo ……ooooo.  Yak Abasi idiong mbufo.

Lastly, what happened a year ago, for me was not the end of the world, it wasn’t the end of my journalism practice.  It is a thing we must face as journalists, a price we must pay for propagating information.  “Nnyin iyam urua iko”.

And on this note, trust me, neither myself nor any staff of THE INK Newspaper including the team that backed me bear grudges.  We have since moved on.  Whether there was a conspiracy, a compromise or a sellout anywhere, we do not know.  All we know is that Akwa Ibom people, the media, scholars, legal practitioners, everyone stood by us and we did it.

We survived it.  Our gratitude remains.  And our loyalty to the course of truth is intact.  Our commitment to what we believe in is total.  We shall remain on the path of the people.  On our honour, we shall continue with our objectives of balanced, fair and objective reporting.

We shall continue to defend the truth at all times.

For the Police and His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Moses Ekpo, we hate you not.

Thank you everyone.  I am the Editor all of you loved and I live perpetually in gratitude. Let’s do it again together this year.

Welcome to 2018.
Matt., 10:26

STOP EMBARRASSING APC WITH YOUR IGNORANCE, APC GROUP TELLS PATTY ETETE INEMEH

STOP EMBARRASSING APC WITH YOUR IGNORANCE, APC GROUP TELLS PATTY ETETE INEMEH

A group in the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC Elders have warned a former House of Representatives member for Ikot Ekpene-Obot Akara federal Constituency to stop dragging the APC into needless arguments and controversies with the PDP. THE INK can report, matters of fact.

ONE of the leaders of the group Mma Dora Ebong and Chief Inyangette described Patty Inemeh as being too meddlesome in the affairs of government saying such tactics is a distraction from what the APC is noted for.

They maintained that it is not the duty of Patty Ineme to decide who should sign a Government Press Release on the relief of the appointment of Udo Ekpenyong adding that whether the release is dated or not and whether it is signed by the SSG or commissioner for Information, that the information has been passed and received.

The duo who further view Ineme's opposition to the sack of Udo Ekpenyong added that the Ikot Ekpene born politician is unfair to the APC, his party.

The said if Ineme had a romance with Ekpenyong, he should open up as the APC is tired of being embarrassed by Ineme's infantile and ridiculous Facebook vibes.

They further called on Ineme to contribute intellectually to debates and not to turn himself into a laughing stock in a well enlightened Akwa Ibom State.

Etete could not be reached as at Press time as his number was unreachable.

But some of his aides told THE INK that the ex national lawmaker was looking for some of his credentials so he can take it for screening having been appointed into a federal Government Board.

CHAIRMEN CELEBRATE UDO EKPENYONG'S SACK

CHAIRMEN CELEBRATE UDO EKPENYONG'S SACK

Some Local Government Chairmen in Akwa Ibom State has celebrated the relief of appointment of Mr. Udo Ekpenyong. THE INK can report authoritatively.

They described it as good riddance to bad rubbish.

They also mocked, scorned and mimicked the oust commissioner

Amongst those who celebrated the fall of the immediate past commissioner for Local Government were council bosses from Mbo, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and that of Obot Akara.

They maintained that if the Governor did not remove the man, that Ekpenyong would have become so powerful and would have been difficult to be contended with especially as the man has pocketed so much funds from underhand dealings he was engaged in.

While exchanging stories on how they were treated by Ekpenyong, other council chairmen especially those who had earlier served as transition Chairmen posited that before Udo Ekpenyong was posted to that ministry, Victor Antai who served there earlier had always ensures prompt payment of their salaries and allowances but ever since the sacked commissioner took over, he decided to be playing pimping with their money.

They maintained to THE INK that rather than pay transition committees as at when due that Udo Ekpenyong delights in taking their monies to fix deposit only to pay them middle of the month.

These chairmen maintained that what even made matters worse for Udo Ekpenyong was his refusal to pay off the just concluded transition committees especially those one who did not return.

According to them, the disgraced Ex commissioner after getting funds from the State Government had refused to do the needful by disbursing the funds to the beneficiaries.

For instance Udo Ekpenyong is said to have shortchanged ex transition members even after getting the funds from Government. This sources say had really created fresh questions of morality on the Ukanafun man, THE INK understands.

An Uruan transition committee member said the dishonesty of Udo Ekpenyong had created a warlike situation in Uruan making ex transition members to draw battle line with the Transition Chairman.

THE INK gathered that when the bubble bursted,  Ekpenyong is said to have murmured that he is unstoppable.

A council chairman further informed our reporter that in a meeting held recently at Government House that the ex commissioner had insulted Gov. Udom Emmanuel when he refused to stand up to address issues when he was called upon by Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Those who attended the meeting told THE INK reporter that it took the third call by the Governor for Ekpenyong to comply.

Council Chairmen however told THE INK that Udo Ekpenyong only paid for his greed and high handedness.

UDO EKPENYONG SACKED .....I will fight back-- sacked commissioner

......THE INK and ALGON responsible for my unceremonious exit, says Udo Ekpenyong

The Akwa Ibom state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Udo Ekpenyong has been sacked.

A release signed by the commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Charles Udoh did not state reasons behind the sack of the commissioner.

But THE INK however gathered that reasons behind Ekpenyong's fall may not be unconnected with his shortchanging of Transition committees and his pilfering of the finances of Local Government Areas in the state.

A highly placed source from the ministry of Information told THE INK reporter shortly after the announcement of the sack of Udo Ekpenyong that the Ukanafun born man had also appointed secretaries of councils unilaterally without due consultation with the Governor and relevant stakeholders of different local Government Areas.

Our reporter also gathered that the commissioner may have been linked to the ongoing crises in his Ukanafun Local Government Area.

Speaking on his sack, Udo Ekpenyong his aides said has attributed his exit to a publication made by THE INK against him as having given council Chairmen a million naira each as takeoff grant. He also attributed it to the state wing of ALGON and promised to fight back.

A week ago, this medium, THE INK had reported the anger of council Chairmen who protested the one million naira given to them as takeoff grants by the sacked commissioner.

On whether the commissioner will be made to face EFCC or not remains to be seen

Petrol station shutdown …as petroleum products crashes SSG convoy

A petrol station, popularly known as Lucky Petrol Station along Nwaniba road, Uyo has been shut down for selling adulterated products to customers.

While the station may have been dispensing the adulterated products to buyers, they met their waterloo at the weekend when the said products damaged all vehicles in the convoy of the Secretary to the State Government.

Reports have it that, the SSG, in his official convoy had stopped over at the petrol station to buy the product and as they made to drive out, all cars in the convoy screeched to a halt as the engines crashed.

The SSG, who was physically present, called the SSA to the Governor on Petroleum, Essien Esema who immediately sent a team of task force to arrest manager of the petrol station for selling suspected adulterated Premium Moto Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol.