NLC @ 40: The struggles of Yesterday, the challenges of Today and the hope of Tomorrow

NLC @ 40: The struggles of Yesterday, the challenges of Today and the hope of Tomorrow

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

The Nigeria Labour Congress is a non-state institution that has come of age in the defense of the interests of its working and retired members in line with the objectives of its constitution.

Nigerian workers, despite the enormous challenges of organizing, have been building strong organizations with strong working men and women.

It was commendable that the national executive council of the NLC unanimously adopted the resolution to celebrate a strong labour centre @ 40 and in Akwa Ibom State, officials, members and friends of the NLC last week Friday, 23rd February, 2018 rolled out their drums to celebrate her 40 years of existence in the struggle.

To the members, it was a period of stocktaking and reflection on the struggles of their heroes past (yesterday), to evaluate the challenges of Labour today and to chart the course for the hope of tomorrow.

The NLC being an umbrella organization of trade unions in Nigeria has had series of experiences to account for in its struggles since its emergence in 1978. Under Nigeria’s military government, Labour leaders were frequently arrested and union meetings disrupted.

The NLC has been involved over the period in not just the struggle for democracy and development, but more fundamentally for Nigeria’s national liberation.

The experience of the NLC in the past, according to a former Secretary General Akwa Ibom State Council of the NLC, Comrade Obong Ikpeobong who served for 16 years, was laced with instances of arrests and oppression which the leadership were subjected to.

Ikpeobong narrated the heat of the struggles and disclosed that despite the odds, they were never deterred by the distractions, but pressed forward through focus and co-operation.

He encouraged members to keep hope alive and press forward to the achievement of the goals of their various trade unions.

While evaluating the challenges faced by the NLC today to include non-improved welfare packages for workers, the state Chairman, Comrade Etim Ukpong appealed to relevant authorities to rectify the core challenges of Labour in Nigeria.

A second look at Emmanuel Akpan’s Legislative Odyssey

A second look at Emmanuel Akpan’s Legislative Odyssey

The member representing the good people of Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency in the Green Chambers of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Sunday Akpan, may be socially silent in his relationship with people in and outside the chambers, but his legislative exploit especially as it concerns motions, bills and vocal contributions, which is the primary function and the fundamental duty of a legislator, has not been relegated.

In the National Assembly like every other parliament, the primary function of a legislator is to make laws for the smooth running of government, laws aimed at positively affecting the lots of the citizenry, and of course, lawmakers are constitutionally mandated to brief their constituents on their activities from time to time within the span of their legislative tenure.

Hon. Akpan’s journey so far in the Green Chambers has been a rather interesting journey. In his near three years in the House, his legislative propositions has not only added to the nation’s stability following his sponsored bills and motions, but has provided a clear direction for good and quality governance, especially within the leadership of the House.

For instance, the latest bill sponsored by Hon. Akpan, on “the need to address the recurring cases of death caused by generator fumes in Nigerian homes”, Hon. Akpan did not only expounded on the intricacies of one of the most dangerous causes of death in numerous homes across the country, but ensured those in authority were put on their toes towards providing optimal power supply as a panacea for such prevalent danger.

Political stability: Eket Leaders celebrate Onofiok Luke

Political stability: Eket Leaders celebrate Onofiok Luke

Elders and stakeholders of Eket Senatorial Districts in Akwa Ibom state have thanked the leaders of Uyo Senatorial District for their unalloyed support to Governor Udom Emmanuel.

They particularly extolled Speaker Onofiok Luke of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, saying his focused leadership at the state legislature has stabilised the system for the governor.

According to them, Speaker Luke was the right Speaker Akwa Ibom and her people needed from the begining of the current political dispensation.

The remarks were made during a thank-you visit to the leaders and stakeholders from Uyo Senatorial District on Sunday.

The meeting held at the countryhome of former military governor, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga in Ikot Nya, Nsit Ibom local government area. The elders from both Uyo and Eket took time to thank the Speaker for proving himself as a chief supporter of the administration.

Speaking on behalf of the Eket elders delegation, Chief Nduese Essien, who is chairman of the Eket Elders Forum, eulogised Barr Onofiok Luke for his plausible performance since assumption of office in December 2015 as Speaker.

Mkpat Enin APC Ward gets new Chairman *as party ratifies suspension of Ufot Benjamin as Mkpat Enin APC Chair of Chair

Mkpat Enin APC Ward gets new Chairman

*as party ratifies suspension of Ufot Benjamin as Mkpat Enin APC Chair of Chair

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ikpa Ibom Ward 3, in Mkpat Enin Chapter of Akwa Ibom State have elected Mr Nnamso Emmanuel Udowo as acting Ward Chairman of the party. He takes over from Ufot Benjamin whose suspension was ratified by Forum of Ward Chairmen and the Ikpa Ibom Ward 3 Executive.

At a resolution of the APC Ward Executive of Ikpa Ibom Ward 3 held at Ikot Obio Doro Village, Mkpat Enin LGA on Thursday, the party executives said after a thorough and painstaking deliberation they have decided to pass a vote of no-confidence on the erstwhile Ward Chairman, Comrade Ufot Akpan Benjamin.

The 17 Ward Executive members after suspending the ex Ward Chairman unanimously appointed Mr Nnamso Emmanuel Udowo to replace him as acting Ward Chairman of the party for the remaining period of his tenure in office as Ward Chairman of the party.

Paul Bassey hails Udom, supporters

Paul Bassey hails Udom, supporters

The Management of Akwa United Football Club have expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their prayers and supports which they say helped a great deal in their qualification to the First Round of the CAF Confederation Cup competition on Wednesday in Banjul.

Speaking after the team’s victory against Hawks FC in Banjul, Chairman of the club Elder Paul Bassey expressed gratitude, first to God and to Nigerians for standing by the team despite the first leg lost in Uyo.

Elder Bassey was particularly grateful to Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State for his massive support and trust in the team even during the most difficult times.

“ His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel is a football lover who believes that hard work and dedication are the keys to success.

“ His Excellency’s love and support for the beautiful game has been massive and that support was instrumental in Super Eagles qualification to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Akwa Ibom Assembly ratifies 2016 audited accounts of state

Akwa Ibom Assembly ratifies 2016 audited accounts of state

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has ratified the audited accounts of Akwa Ibom State government for year ended 31st December, 2016. This follows the adoption of the report of the Public Accounts Committee of the House as presented by the Chairman, Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok.

Speaker Onofiok Luke said the ratification indicates how much the house is committed to promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability by the current administration.

Submitting his report, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Iwok explained that “the Auditor General’s findings and recommendations in the audit report was published in one volume.

He said that “at the end of the painstaking exercise, the committee upheld and confirmed the state Auditor General’s recommendations in respect of ten cases involving the sum of N259,435 (Two Hundred and Fifty-nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty-Five Naira), which was fully recovered from the affected persons and remitted to government revenue accounts accordingly”.

The Chairman disclosed that the committee also reconciled and waived 55 cases amounting to N3,368,400,160 Billion, while nine cases amounting to N437,900 representing 0.013% were still pending as inconclusive cases. The Committee in its observation noted that Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government have embraced the arts of prompt retirement of imprest and proper records keeping as recommended by the committee.

Senate 2019: Ekid Nation rejects Ekpenyong Ntekim

Senate 2019: Ekid Nation rejects Ekpenyong Ntekim

The people of Ekid nation say the region will not support the senate ambition of former commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim because of what they described as Ntekim’s hatred for the Ekid people.

Two former Council Chairmen each from Eket and Esit Eket local government Areas told THE INK reporter that on countless occasions, Mr. Ntekim had slapped and plotted against the Ekid people.

They maintained in separate interactions that Ntekim as a commissioner for Justice under former Governor Godswill Akpabio had almost cede reasonable parts of land belonging to Ekid nation to her neighbors.

The anger of the people is that despite overwhelming traditional and modern historical evidences that the land Ekpenyong wanted to cede to neighboring region belonged to Eket, the ex commissioner refused to think right.

Another group of people who said Ntekim will not be supported in Ekid are the political class across all divides.

Akwa Ibom State vs Nsibiet John: Case returns 7th March

Akwa Ibom State vs Nsibiet John: Case returns 7th March

The case between theAkwa Ibom State Government and editor of THE INK newspaper Nsibiet John will resume for continuation of trials (Trial within trial) on Wednesday 7th March, 2018.

At the last adjourned date about three weeks ago, the trial Magistrate, Chief Magistrate Martins Johnny had while entertaining requests from both prosecuting counsel led by Barr Godwin Udom and defense counsel led by Ekemini Udim agreed to hear both parties again on Wednesday 7th march.

Editor of THE INK newspaper Nsibiet John is standing trial on some count charges of criminal libel and defamation of the Deputy Governor MR.MOSES EKPO.

John who early last year, 2017 had pleaded not guilty to the charges has for the past one year been a regular guest of the Chief magistrate court two which was earlier presided over by Emmanuel Archibong before Martins Johnny took over.

The editor was arrested on 5th of January, 2017, manhandled and thrown into the police cell at the Police Force Headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, near Uyo.

Dropped out UNIUYO student commits suicide in Uyo

Dropped out UNIUYO student commits suicide in Uyo

BY KENNETH JUDE

A young man in his early 20s whose name was given as Patrick Essien Junior has committed suicide in Uyo.

Patrick is said to have taken his own life last Thursday at his residence on Church Road, Idak Akpo.

After suspecting some unusual silence from his apartment, worried neighbours are said to have forcefully opened the door only to find the deceased hanging precariously from his celing with a rope tied to his neck. He did not drop a suicide note.

Patrick, until his demise, according to sources, was a Catholic member who worshipped at St. Peter’s Parish, University of Uyo.

He hails from Akwa Ibom in Abak local government area.

Those who spoke with THE INK over the incident described the late Patrick as a jovial person who loved music and was a great preacher.

Patrick Essien’s parents, a source said, live in Lagos while the deceased lived with his elder sister in Calabar, but frequented Uyo having been a student in Uniuyo.

Re: Maritime Academy Oron boils: Offong Francis Eyo, Eteyen Oboho and others lied

Re: Maritime Academy Oron boils: Offong Francis Eyo, Eteyen Oboho and others lied

BY RAYMOND UWEH

The ugly trend of recurring antics and subterfuge by some selfish and mischievous members of Host Communities of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron have made it convincingly obvious and imperative that everything possible and urgent be done to alter the mindsets and obsession of the people, to help them see things in proper perspectives and align with current realities in the promising Maritime Academy under Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd).

The persistent and ridiculous campaigns of calumny, speculations, insinuations, instigations and repeated masterminded protests ultimately aimed at distracting and giving false impression about the true situation in the Academy still remain a topical subject of concern to stakeholders.

About a week ago, a group of individuals led by a certain chief Francis Eyo and Mr. Eteyen Oboho-a youth leader from Udung Okung Village in Eyoabasi, Oron L.G.A., after deliberation among themselves, decided to carry a corpse on procession across the premises of the Academy.

Nigerian student breaks academic record in UK ...bags 2017 Dudley Newitt Prize

Nigerian student breaks academic record in UK

...bags 2017 Dudley Newitt Prize

A Nigerian student has again broken the existing academic record at the Imperial College, London and was yesterday Monday, February 26, honoured by the college with the enviable Dudley Newitt Prize for Experimental Excellence.

Christiana Esio Udoh, 26 had since the first six month of enrolling for a Ph. D in Chemical Engineering, exuded exceptional academic feat which attracted a complete scholarship from the school.

The award was officially announced yesterday during the Dudley Newitt Lecture at the university campus, London.

A peep into her academic records show that Christiana Udoh, while at the Air Force Secondary School, Uyo during their valedictory session in 2006 picked 15 out of 21 prizes given in a class of 72 students in virtually all the core subjects.

It could be recalled that Christiana led her team of contestants during the 2006 NNPC science quiz contest, where Akwa Ibom State emerged overall winner ahead of 26 other states of the Federation.

In Ghana at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Christiana Udoh, a native of Okosi Village in Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, passed with unprecedented First Class in Chemical Engineering in 2012, the first of its kind since the School started in 1959.

Sir Val Attah Attacks Udom *Says leadership is not about bureau-du-change, selling or buying of shares in Zenith Bank

Sir Val Attah Attacks Udom

*Says leadership is not about bureau-du-change, selling or buying of shares in Zenith Bank

*Overrules State Exco decision on Nurses

*Draws battle line with Ekereobong Akpan, describes State Head of State as an opportunist

Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Sir Valentine Attah has descended heavily on the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the State Head of Service, Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan and the Ministry of Health over the decisions taken by the State Government on 8th February 2017 during the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor – in – Council Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

While Attah described Ekereobong Akpan who conveyed Exco's decision to him and others touched by the decision as an opportunist and a far junior colleague of his, he did not have a soft tongue for the state Chief Executive as he roared that leadership is not about doing bureau-du-change and selling/buying of shares in Zenith Banks.

THE INK gathered from top sources in the Ministry of Health that Sir Val Attah is pained that he couldn't be made an Head of Service by Akpabio and had however lobbied that Udom makes him chairman of Civil Service Commission, but alas, he couldn't make any of the position he lobbied for.

Sources say, this could have been responsible for the high handedness Attah has applied in the discharge of his duties in his capacity of Chairman, Local Government Commission.
This development, our source said had pained Attah so much that he has to plot every means of frustrating the Head of Service and some staff in the Local Government system.