CHIEF NDUESO ESSIEN DECRY INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT IN EKET, BEGS OBA TO COME TO RESCUE WHEN ELECTED IN 2023.

The political leader of Eket Senatorial District, Chief Ndueso Essien, has lamented lack of visible infrastructure in Eket and its environs despite its status as a major oil producing community in Akwa Ibom State.

Essien, a former Federal Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development said the area has been an oil bearing community for over 30 years, yet there have been no visible infrastructure, commensurate with its contributions to both the state and national economy.

The political leader, who stated this while receiving a leading gubernatorial aspirant in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) and his team - the Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign Organization, in his Eket residence with Eket Elders attendance, said the area should be given deserving attention by government.

According to him, Eket is lagging behind other senatorial districts in the state and particularly highlighted some areas of concerns.

"Before 1999, Eket used to have the best government owned hotel in Akwa Ibom State, today Eket has no such hotel again.

"We will include this as one of the priority projects for you to revisit - the Qua River Hotel in Eket and convert it to a high rise building so as to equate it with others in the two Senatorial Districts. We have high rise building in Uyo, we have a high rise building in Ikot Ekpene, the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.

"Secondly, the state government has built housing estates in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene but the one in Eket has been abandoned. You will have to consider that as one of the key projects that you have to do for us. Thirdly, Eket and environs have been oil producing areas of this state for over 30 years but there are no oil producing infrastructure that you can point at."

Advising Senator OBA to develop oil producing communities if elected as Governor, Chief Essien said "We don't want to have a government that will distance itself from the oil producing communities."

Essien, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lauded OBA for displaying dexterity and competence in public service and particularly thumbed up his antecedents in the Senate.

"You have represented the state well, so far your record is good. I appreciate what you have been doing in the State, you have done very well. I'm aware you have tried to encourage Akwa Ibom sons and daughters who are trying to make inroads into the oil industry. I'm aware of somebody in local content that you helped, he is one of the best," he added.

Chief Essien also appealed to Senator Albert as a national legislator and Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) to wade in and help discourage the proposed sale of assets of Mobil Producing Nigeria to another. 

The move by Mobil, according to the elder statesman, was an attempt to also sell Eket people and people of other oil producing communities.

The gubernatorial aspirant, Senator OBA, in his response, promised to address the issue of infrastructure deficit by the establishment of an industrial layout, housing estates and other social amenities to better the standard of life in the area.

Appealing to Eket people to elect a governor who knows the citizens and understands their yearnings, OBA said he fits the bill.

"What you desire in the next four years is a man that knows you deeply. You need a governor who knows you by your name and will serve you with the greatest fear of God. I believe strongly that the governor you need is the governor that will secure your future."

He reeled out some of his contributions to the society especially in the area of education.

According to him, about 481 students have so far obtained fully funded scholarship under his educational scheme, adding that he has expended over N168 Million in the scheme.

He thanked the people of Eket for showing solidarity with him and promised not to fail them if elected.

OBA PROMISES TO REACTIVATE 23 YEARS ABANDONED AGRO PROJECT IN IKOT ABASI

Frontline gubernatorial aspirant in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA), has presented a blueprint to reactivate a 23-year-old abandoned Akwa  Agro-allied Venture, which was meant to develop the communities along the Atlantic coastline, with Ikot Abasi serving as one of the major pilots.

From the plan, the affected LGAs, along with Ikot Abasi, will have at least, a processing plant with a capacity to employ an appreciable number of indigenes in the chain arrangements. 

Addressing the PDP delegates in Ikot Abasi, today (March 26, 2022) OBA projected that within years, the venture will develop the state, limit dependence on oil products and provide sustainable means of livelihood and wealth creation. 

He added that: “Fishing trawlers will be acquired through a public, private arrangement (PPA) joint venture model. Fishes, prawns, and other aquatic animals will be harvested and processed on-site for secondary and tertiary industrial uses”.

OBA encouraged the delegates to ask salient questions, noting that anyone who has not developed people before in a private capacity can never do it as a governor.

He informed the gathering that in the past few years, he has spent over N168m to train over 481 students on scholarship, producing about 28 first class graduates.

His past performances, he said, signal what he will do as a governor with more resources at his disposal.

To the stakeholders, he presented himself to be assessed, stating that Akwa Ibom deserves the best as governor. “I will hit he ground running”, he added.

He charged the people to ask the others for proof, assuring that Akwa Ibom will be safe in his hands as governor.

The Chapter Chairman, Mr Etini Ayara, while welcoming the senator and his team, extolled the sterling qualities of the senator,  adding  that the people will queue behind him.

Describing OBA as a man of the people with capacity, Ayara thanked the delegates and non- delegates for turning up to receive the senator.

Other speakers, including the Leader of Council, Hon  Imo Sam; Mrs Gladys Ukpa, Woman leader of the chapter; Youth leader Richard Ayang and Imo Essien, a former chapter chairman

expressed happiness at the consultation and prayed safe  journey to the team.

They said at a time, it was difficult for Ikot Abasi to have a political direction but they used their spiritual eyes to search for a suitable leader, hence decided to support OBA.

They acknowledged that OBA had passed through many administrations and is the most experienced among the lot, assuring also that he will do Ikot Abasi proud.

Hon Uffot Nkangude, a former commissioner, said what Ikot Abasi needs most is a firm foothold in the oil industry and that the only person who can do it is OBA.

According to him, the senator has already started by ensuring that Ikot Abasi is taken care of in the Petroleum Industry Act.

The Youth leader of campaign, Nse Joshua, urged the youths to avoid a “bus” of poverty and enter the “train” of prosperity, growth and increasing. 

He told the people that OBA represents youth emancipation, real empowerment, academic excellence, employment and economic growth.

The DG, Pastor Sunny Ibuot, said OBA represents the best and divine direction of the next government.

He said anyone who has never taken care of people will never do it as a governor.

Sir Obot Etukafia, on behalf of PDP stakeholders, said OBA’s antecedents speak for him and commended the senator’s efforts and courage in seeking the governorship.

Governorship, he said, is not about acquiring many certificates but the capacity to actualise positive vision for the benefits of the people.

He noted that Ikot Abasi had always been neglected but expressed the confidence that with OBA’s governorship from 2023, the best will come to his people.

2023 GUBER: OBA VOWS TO TACKLE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURES IN NSIT IBOM L.G.A

Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) has acknowledged the dearth of critical infrastructure in Nsit Ibom, promising to redeem the area with improved facilities when he becomes the governor by 2023.

At a consultative meeting with the party structure, the leading governorship aspirant said  having lived among the people, he knows their peculiar problems and the immediate solutions to them.

“Our agenda captures rural development as critical to the transformation of the state. There is massive infrastructural gap in Nsit Ibom. We intend to tackle this using a participatory approach based on needs assessment”, he said.

He noted the peculiar challenges of Nsit Ibom, which include exposure to erosion and impending natural disasters if drastic measures are not taken urgently. 

“Almost all water from erosion control projects in Uyo are channeled to Nsit Ibom, and this will be a threat to the environment if there is no contingency plan for the communities these projects pass through or end up. From Mbiokporo to Asang to Afia Nsit and environs, communities that depend on water from the stream are grossly affected because of water pollution. We have  a plan to tackle those problems”, he stated.

To address the erosion  problem and prevent the impending mishap, he said, “we will develop complementary infrastructure to ensure the water channeled here does not adversely affect the health and safety of the people”. 

Additionally, he told them of the plan to  facilitate portable water for

The senator also pledged to empower the people through mass involvement in agricultural and entrepreneurial endeavours, as well as creating critical infrastructure.

Welcoming the Senator, Elder Uko Ekpo, who is chairman of chairmen in Nsit Ibom, assured OBA that the people were fully with him and will vote for him.

Similarly, the Chapter Chairman, Nsikak Ikpe, declared their support for the aspirant, stating that as a party, they have been impressed with his performance at his various points of assignments.

At the meeting with the stakeholders, urged Nsit Ibom to open their door to all the aspirants so they can best assess them based on their capacity snd antecedents.

He expressed the belief that man’s hatred, manipulation and mischief  can never stop the will of God. 

 A major stakeholder in the area, Abai Tony Okpon, said OBA does not need introduction and that they waited for him because they love him and will support him.

SENATOR BASSEY ALBERT AKPAN BLOCKED FROM MEETING PDP DELEGATES IN NSIT UBIUM LGA

Against the norm and express declaration of the Akwa Ibom state Chairman of PDP, Hon Aniekan Akpan, that all aspirants should and will be given equal treatment, some political combatants may have introduced a dangerous, discriminatory and anti-democratic trend into the state politics.

A statement signed by the Director General  of Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign Organisation, Pastor Sunny Ibuot, said Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA), who was due to meet with delegates and stakeholders of  Nsit Ubium local government today (March 25, 2022) was denied access.

According to the statement: “This morning, March 25, 2022, our Principal, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA), and his campaign team were due to pay a consultative visit to the Oku Ibom Ibibio, the delegates and party structure in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. All necessary arrangements had been made days ago”.

“But to our shock and dismay, the Chapter Chairman of Nsit Ubium, 

Chapter chairman of Nsit Ubium,   Edet Inyang Eno,  informed us this morning that he had been instructed not to receive Sen OBA and his entourage in Nsit Ubium . This is completely against the tenets of democracy, good conscience and peaceful co-existence”. 

“The question is: what has Sen OBA really done wrong to be so persecuted, maligned, disparaged and discriminated against? When did it become a crime for a freeborn - a man who has always stood for peace and equity; a man who stood by others in their moments of despair - to aspire to lead his people?”

It should be noted that on February 6, 2022, OBA openly pleaded with his kinsmen, stakeholders and party structure in Ibiono ibom his home local government, to open their doors wide and receive every aspirant with open arms.

He reportedly “told them clearly, and still does, that politics is a friendly game that should not generate unnecessary acrimony, hatred, blackmail, mudslinging, disunity and discrimination. Rather, it should be a game that allows all the aspirants access to the people, to afford open scrutiny based on issues and devoid of primordial sentiments”.

The statement said following OBA’s advice, some aspirants have so far been well received by the people of Ibiono ibom and have been given the opportunity to market themselves and their programmes. 

“It should be recalled that the State Chairman of PDP has repeatedly instructed all party formations across the state to give all the aspirants equal access to the delegates and stakeholders. How do you arrive at the best if you don’t evaluate from the lot?”

“Therefore, it goes against good conscience, expectation and dictate of democracy for Nsit Ubium party exco and stakeholders to  discriminate and openly treat a loyal cum committed party-man, who has contributed immensely to the stability of the party, with ignominy”.

“If OBA’s offence is his insistence that 2023 must be a year of jubilee for Akwa Ibom people, he has no apology.  In fact,

 Senator Bassey Albert Akpan emphatically reiterates that in 2023, through him, the youths must be liberated from hunger and  poverty, which have now become a weapon of subjugation. He insists that our women must be free from economic strangulation. He insists that the elderly must be returned to their place of honour. He is on a movement to actualise a new but positive vision for Akwa Ibom Sate and no gate of hell shall prevail against that”.

The statement reminded all “that POWER belongs to God and HE gives it to whosoever he please and strongly believe that even this will soon pass away”.

DEBT: CROSS RIVER STATE GETS 34 MILLION NIARA FROM FAAC AS MARCH ALLOCATION

For a second successive month, Cross River State’s allocation from Federal Allocation is in the negative.

Figures just released by the Federation Allocation Accounts Committee, FAAC, shows that the state’s net statutory allocation for the Month of March is N34,960,344.53 (Thirty Four Million, Six Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty Four Naira, Fifty Three Kobo).

While the state earned a gross statutory allocation of N2,222,635,051.79 (Two billion, two hundred and twenty two million, six hundred and thirty five thousand, fifty one naira, seventy nine kobo), a whopping N2,187,674,707.27 (Two billion, one hundred and eighty seven million, six hundred and seventy four thousand, seven hundred and seven naira, twenty seven kobo) was deducted at source to service debts incurred by previous administrations.

This leaves the state with a paltry thirty four million naira as allocation from federal allocation for the month of March.

This is coming on the heels of a similar abysmal figure of one hundred and seventy one million naira allocation for the month of February, 2022.

A communiqué issued at the end of a virtual meeting of FAAC for March 2022, held on Tuesday noted that allocations to the Federal Government, states and local governments rose to N590.54bn in February.

“The N590.54bn comprises statutory revenue of N337.43bn; Value Added Tax revenue of N165.63bn, excess bank charges of N7.47bn and non-mineral revenue of N80bn,” the communique said.

It added that the total deduction for the cost of collection to revenue-generating agencies was N23.98bn while the deduction for statutory transfers and refund was put at N80.49bn.

The balance in the Excess Crude Account was $35.371m.

The total distributable revenue of for the month of March was N590.54bn. The Federal Government received N236.1bn, the State Governments got N190bn and the Local Government Councils received N140.6bn.

The distributable statutory revenue of N337.43bn was available for the month. From this, the Federal Government received N165.2bn, the State Governments got N83.8bn and the Local Government Councils received N64.61bn. The sum of N23.75bn was shared with the relevant states as 13 per cent derivation revenue.

Financial analysts believe that it is nothing short of a miracle that the state has not grounded to a halt.

A'IBOM SWAN TO INSPECT SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURES IN AKS

Akwa Ibom state chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has concluded plans to embark on a first-of-its-kind, three-day Inspection Tour of major sports infrastructure in the state.

According to the state Chairman of SWAN, Mr. Emmanuel Akpan, who spoke to reporters in Uyo, Tuesday, West Itam sports centre, Eket township stadium, Uyo township stadium and Godswill Akpabio stadium are among the sites to be visited during the tour which is scheduled to take place from Thursday, March 31 to Saturday, April 2, 2022.

"As sports writers, reporters and promoters, we owe the public the distinctive duty of reporting stories that border on the promotion and development of sports and this tour will present the opportunity to witness first-hand the state of sports infrastructure in our state and to report the same to the public especially as the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel winds down", Mr. Akpan said.

"We have formally notified the state Ministry of Youth and Sports and we crave their usual cooperation", the state SWAN boss added.

IKOT EKPENE YOUTHS BUY GOVERNORSHIP FORM FOR SENATOR BASSEY ALBERT AKPAN

Youths of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District today (March 19, 2022) presented the money for the purchase  of the governorship form to Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA).

Presenting a N21 million cheque to the leading aspirant at a reception rally in Ikot Ekpene, Sir Emem Akpabio, on behalf of the youths, expressed the confidence that OBA remains the best option to actualise the new vision for  the Akwa Ibom.

Sir Emem Akpabio, the chairman on the occasion, corroborating, said Senator Albert did not go to the Senate to represent Uyo Senatorial district alone but the entire Akwa Ibom.

He recalled that when OBA was the chairman of Inter-ministerial Direct Labour project under Gov Godswill Akpabio, Ikot Ekpene people felt the positive impact.

According to him, not many aspirants could walk through the Ikot Ekpene Plaza with the people the way OBA did, adding that the youths were in his support because they believe he will be a good governor.

Akpabio decried the double standard by those arguing that there is no micro-zoning, when it comes to governorship, but in Ikot Ekpene senatorial contest, Abak struggle to produce the next senator, in complete disregard to the zone favoured by zoning.

He said “the man who does not know you today will not know you tomorrow”, arguing that OBA will always remember them because he knew them long ago.

Setting the tone, Mr Uduak Isobara, the chairman of the planning committee, said OBA knows most people by name, understands their problems and has the solutions to them.

While addressing the youths, OBA charged them to take their destinies in their hands by making the right decisions in choosing him.

He described his aspiration as a movement to emancipate the youths from poverty, hardship and unemployment.

In experience, capacity and competence, he assured that towers above all the other aspirants, submitting that having done it as a commissioner and senator, he will do more as a governor.

He said from Oruk Anam to Ukanafun and other areas rich in oil palm, his government will turn the area into a massive production belt, in the mould of Malaysia.

Similarly, Ikot Ekpene and other areas rich in raffia, he promised to revive the raffia city market, establish loan-free business clusters and set up an international market to boost the economy of the state.

Ini, Ikono and the environs blessed with mashy landmass, according to OBA, will become a rice belt, adding,  “I must force prosperity on you!”

To further appreciate youths, he promised to return bursary to students in tertiary institutions, while a digital bank will be set up to collate the demographics of the unemployed. 

Additionally, he promised to ensure even flow of interest-free loans to the market women.

OBA CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION RECEIVES BOOST WITH TOP INFLUENTIAL PERSONALITIES

A leading gubernatorial aspirant in Akwa Ibom State, Senator (Obong)Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) has approved a new measure to strengthen his campaign team, the Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign Organisation.

A statement signed by the Campaign Spokesman, Dr Usoro I. Usoro, said more hands have been appointed to join the other experienced campaign managers for maximum results.

The statement read in part: “In order to strengthen the campaign structure towards the actualisation of the new vision for Akwa Ibom State and in line with contemporary challenges, Senator (Obong) Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) has approved the injection of some fresh hands who are to work in complementary terms with other experienced administrators”.

Thus, the current structure of Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign Organisation, according to the statement, is as  follows:

 1). Sir Emem Akpabio - Chairman, Campaign Council.

2. Mkpisong Ephraim Inyangeyen - Vice Chairman, Campaign Council.

3) Arch-Bishop Andrew Uwanta - Chairman, Strategic Committee

4) Ikpoto Okon Osung - Deputy Chairman, Strategic Committee.

5). Pastor Sunny Ibuot - Director General.

6) Obong(Barr) Kennedy Ekong - Secretary General. 

7) Obonganwan (Barr). Christine Akpan - Campaign Woman Leader.

8) Evangelist Joseph Mbong - Eket Senatorial District Youth Leader

9) Sir Uduak Isobara - Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Youth Leader.

10) Hon. Nse Joshua - Uyo Senatorial District Youth Leader

11) Obonganwan (Hon) Gloria Udofia - Uyo Senatorial District Women Leader.

12) Obonganwan Lovina Umoefa - Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Women Leader.

13) Obonganwan Elizabeth Essien - Eket Senatorial District Women Leader.

It announced that a Campaign Elders’ Council will be announced soon and encouraged A

all core loyalists and  supporters to  support the initiative “for maximum results”.

GUBER : IKOT EKPENE SENATORIAL DISTRICT YOUTHS SET TO HONOUR BASSEY ALBERT ON SATURDAY

Youths of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, under the aegis of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Youths Assembly will on Saturday March 19, 2022 hold a solidarity rally in honour of the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District and front line Governorship aspirant in the 2023 Gubernatorial race in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Bassey Albert popularly known as OBA.

In a release signed by the Chairman Central Planning Committee and President of the Assembly, Sir Uduak Isobara, the youths remain grateful to Senator Albert for being a pillar of support to the Senatorial District over the years, adding that OBA deserves the total support of all well meaning sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State. Sir. Isobara also described Senator Bassey Albert as the best man for the Akwa Ibom State top job In 2023, while assuring that the Senator's  pedigree and experience garnered over the years will be brought to bear in the development of the District and Akwa Ibom State in general. 

The rally which is slated for 10am is to hold at the Methodist Primary School, Ikot Obong Edong, Etok Ebe Street, opposite the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

The epoc making rally is expected to have Senator Bassey Albert and his dear wife as Special Guests of Honour, the campaign team led by Archbishop Andrew Uwanta and all well meaning sons and daughters of the Senatorial District.

NUT CRIPPLE ACADEMICS ACTIVITIES IN AKWA IM STATE, DECLARES INDEFINITE STRIKE

The leadership of Nigeria Union of teachers (NUT), Akwa Ibom State wing has declared an indefinite strike action against the state government with effect from midnight of today Tuesday 15th March.

In a release signed by the Senior State Secretary of the union, Comrade Victor O. Amirize and made available to Ibomchronille.blogspot.com, the NUT ordered all primary and secondary school teachers in public schools to precede on an indefinite strike action. According to the release, the resolution was taken after all avenues of negotiation and amicable resolutions failed on the part of the State government, adding that the government could not address the demands of the teachers after twenty-one working days and subsequent seven days ultimatum given by the union to government. It stressed that the government’s promise of payment of one year leave grant on compassionate ground and completion of payment of one-month minimum wage arrears to primary school teachers could not be actualized.

The union further noted that the demands of the teachers are, Refund of seven and half percent contributory pension to primary school teachers, payment of gratuity /harmonization  of pension to retired teachers, payment of 2013 to 2021 leave grant to primary school teachers, payment of promotion arrears for six years, 2011 to 2016 to primary school teachers, release of 2017, 2018 promotion exercise conducted by SUBEB, immediate commencement of 2019, 2020, 2021 promotion exercise and appointment of teachers as Permanent secretaries, adding that Akwa Ibom State government teachers amnesty  programme should be re-opened  to cover the teachers that were cut off during the last amnesty programme, and promotion result of teachers who attended the last promotion exercise as at 2020 should be released  without recourse to pass in the administrative professional officer compulsory examination (APOCE)  as this was  not demanded for at the point of the interview.

 The NUT however appealed to both parents, pupils and students and the general public for understanding as the government’s insensitivity to the teachers’ plight has pushed them to this level, stressing that no teacher should be involved in any activities in the school till further notice.

POLITICS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER RESIGN FROM GOV. EMMANUEL'S CABINET

 

Today, Monday, 14th March, 2022, I formally tendered my resignation from the Akwa lbom State Executive Council as the Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport. 

It was an honour and great privilege to serve our State under the leadership of Mr. Udom Emmanuel at such an important phase in our history. I am grateful to God almighty and His  Excellency, for giving me the opportunity to serve.

I also thank the good people of our dear state for their support and encouragement which motivated me in the discharge of all the tasks and assignments given to me, especially with regards to the envisioned three gateways (Land, Air and Sea) for the rapid development of our dear state and creation of job opportunities for our teeming and very  enterprising youths.

 Throughout the duration of my service, I strived diligently to interprete His Excellency's vision for our State as encapsulated in the Divine Mandate Agenda and Completion Agenda respectively.

 As the scripture admonishes "to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..." Eccl. 3:It is my deep conviction that this is the best time to take a leave in other to focus on my aspiration for the 2023 Governorship election.

 Once again, I thank His Excellency for the opportunity and wish our dear state the very best of growth and development

 Akan Okon.

PDP CHAIRMAN CHARGES GUBER ASPIRANTS TO ENGAGE DELEGATES, AS IDORENGYIN UMOH CONSULT PARTY

 As the Akwa Ibom State gubernatorial elections draw near, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of  the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Akpan, has  urged aspirants to engage delegates and Akwa Ibom people  while trusting  God  for victory  in  the 2023 polls. 

Akpan made the comment when the governorship campaign delegation of Hon. Idoreyin Umoh, visited the party house in Atan Offot for consultation, positing that while it is in order to seek leadership, God decides through the people who becomes leader at any given time.

Welcoming the team, the chairman informed the delegation of the party's open door policy for all aspirants to enjoy equal treatment and stand equal chance to clinch the ticket at the primaries.

"Our position remains that the party is open and the process to elect will be free, fair and credible."

"We have known you and you will get to meet the delegates and interact with them. Do this peacefully  because as I have seen you, I know you're a man of peace."

"At the end of the day, the party will allow a free contest. We believe power comes from God through the people", said the chairman.

Presenting himself to the state party leadership, Friday March 11, the former Ibiono Ibom lawmaker, Hon. Umoh, said his agenda is built on wealth creation and improved governance and to consolidate on the achievements of PDP led administrations in the state.

"we will harness all the resources we have in this  state, we will create wealth and make life comfortable for akwa ibom people. We will build a  responsible, and transparent government", Umoh said.

He appreciated the party for being true to its stance on equal treatment of all aspirants and opening its doors to welcome his team.

OBA TO IKONO PEOPLE, SUPPORT ME BASE ON MY TRACK RECORDS

The delegates in Akwa Ibom State have been encouraged to support aspirants who have tangible and workable plans to develop Akwa Ibom State.

Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, who said this while consulting the party officials and delegates of Ikono local government, today (March 11, 2022) at the party office, told them that by his track record,  he was the best bet for a genuinely progressive Akwa Ibom.

To prove his understanding of the peoples’ challenges and his readiness to tackle them, he announced that his blueprint, which focuses on the peculiar  problems of each area, was ready for public presentation soon. 

Specifically, he said, Ikono will be one of the pivots for agriculture in the state, especially palm produce. 

OBA charged  the cradle of Ibibio to judge him, along with other aspirants, based on track record, rather than baseless sentiments. According to him, his records in the executive and the legislative stints speak for him.

His record, he said, included human capital development, ranging from over 420 scholarship interventions, start-up packages for small scale schemes to women, youth empowerment, donation of over 600 brand new cars, 6,000 rural development projects under his watch as former Commissioner for Finance, among others. 

“If somebody has not given you a bicycle before, when he could have, he will never give you a car tomorrow. If you don’t know how to be generous as an ordinary person, you cannot be generous as a governor. I have done it before as an individual and I will do it as a governor. Giving is a habit”, he said, urging the delegates to vote for him to ensure a better Akwa Ibom.

He also announced that he was ready for election and was not interested in a mere jamboree called adoption. His campaign, he added, was based on issues and not on individuals.

Consequently, he charged the delegates to be focused and determined for the best, adding that he represented the best.  “If you know my antecedent, you will agree that I am the best because God has qualified me”, OBA said.

OBA reiterated his love and respect for Gov Udom Emmanuel, explaining that it would not be proper to do otherwise to the occupant of  the office he is seeking to succeed in 2023.

He urged the delegates to be courageous and fearless in the face of growing intimidation from the opponents.

 The Chapter Chairman of Ikono, Barr Ekemini Ubah, in his reaction, confessed that the senator has been taking good care of the party in Ikono and Akwa Ibom State.

He added that OBA was seeking to advance the cause of Akwa Ibom State beyond the present experience, which according to him, means changing the lives of the people for the better.

The people of Ikono, he said, were pleased with Senator Akpan and in support of his aspiration.

Mr Nkereuwem Umoren, the Chairman of Chairmen in Ikono, in a goodwill message, recalled that there was a time in Akwa Ibom that OBA was considered “the only senator of Akwa Ibom State”. He agreed that the senator’s achievements and life- changing impacts while in public office speak for him.

Various other speakers who described OBA as “Mr Empowerment”, appreciated the aspirant for his maturity and urged him to get ready to develop Ikono, once he gets into office.

At the residence of Elder Edet Sunday Umoren  popularly known as “Owo Bros”, where the stakeholders gathered, it was a carnival atmosphere, as women, youths and elders thronged the venue to receive the senator.

Excited by the reception, OBA stressed the need for women and youths to be involved in the selection process of their next governor.

He called for enthronement of justice, equity and fairness to ensure sustainable peace. “I am a man of peace. That was why when in 2014, I was prevailed upon to step down for the incumbent governor, I stepped down. That’s how a man of peace works”, he added.

He also recalled that in 2019, when other senators deserted the PDP for APC, he exhibited his penchant for peace by  standing by Governor Emmanuel for a second term.

To the youths, OBA promised never to abandon them, the way they have been treated in the past by others, noting that many of them were sometimes used as thugs and delegates in elections only to be branded cultists shortly after.

Sir Emem Akpabio, a leader of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District,  commended Ikono people for joining hands with others in Eastern Ibibio to bring out and support an excellent aspirant like OBA.

He said Akwa Ibom deserves the most qualified person as governor and not someone who knows and admits that he is the least qualified. 

Sir Akpabio said ownership of a small hotel somewhere did not translate into an “ international email”, which the governor once told Akwa Ibom people that his successor must possess.

Describing OBA as a good product, Elder Umoren (Owo Bros) thanked Ikono people for supporting what is good. 

He equally described the aspirant as a well-equipped ship whose time has come to berth on the shores of Akwa Ibom to empty the goods for the people. 

“I’m not a failure, once I support something it works. Once I support someone, he wins. OBA is a good product that would not be hard to sell”, he said.

Elder Umoren acknowledged that OBA started early and has had a lot of impacts on the lives of the people.

INI L.G.A TO BECOME MAJOR RICE BELT, VIRTUAL GAS PIPELINES FOR 31 LGAs SOON - OBA

The leading governorship aspirant in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA, says he has already started discussing with key investors in the oil and gas sector, towards locating virtual gas pipelines in all the local governments of the state.

Additionally, a functional major rice belt, powered by prominent rice producers in Nigeria and abroad, is to be established in the Eastern Ibibio of Akwa Ibom State.

OBA, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), disclosed these while addressing delegates and stakeholders in Ini Local Government, during his consultative visit. He is also a former Senate Chairman on Gas.

The senator pledged to draw from his wide experience and contacts, nationally and internationally, to make Akwa Ibom better, building on the foundations laid by the previous administration.

He said the virtual pipelines will enable Akwa Ibom people access to cheaper gas supply, thereby making life easier for them. 

The virtual pipeline, he explained, is a system that allows for natural gas in the form of compressed/liquefied gas,  using modules attached to mobile platforms, which are transported by trucks, ferry boats, boats and/or rail platforms. Simply put, it does not require pipelines, which can easily be vandalised.

He told the people that some of his colleagues in the senate, who are major rice farmers, were already on standby to mobilise to ensure Ini becomes a major rice belt for Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.

“Most of the well-packaged rice I and some major rice marketers have been patronising have been produced by my friends and colleagues. They are local rice. Those my colleagues are ready to mobilise to Ini, any time soon. Ini will be a functional rice belt once I become the governor”, he said.

He cited the example of Kebbi State, which does not receive much allocation but thrives on agriculture, particularly rice produce. According to him, the same laudable experience will soon be brought to Akwa Ibom State, through him.

On behalf of the stakeholders, Squadron Leader Benson said they were blessed, proud and honoured to have OBA as a son of Eastern Ibibio. He pledged their support for the senator.

AVM Akpasak, who also spoke, called for unity among Eastern Ibibio, noting that what separates them are  artifice boundaries. 

The people then promised to woo more supporters and delegates for the successor Senator Akpan as the next governor.

Senator Bassey Akpan's Popularity Frightens Opponents,L.G Chairmen Drafted To Plan Counter Rally For Umo Eno

Unsettled by Senator (Obong) Bassey Albert’s (OBA) growing public acceptability and popularity, as displayed at a rally in Eket last week, the camp of the governor’s preferred aspirant, Umo Eno, has been thrown into disarray.

Information at our disposal revealed that since March 5, when youths of Eket Senatorial District held an unprecedented reception rally in honour of senator, handlers of Eno’s campaign have been in frantic mood.

The confusion in their camp, it was gathered, stemmed from the fact that despite coordinated attacks and efforts to demarket OBA, he grows stronger and increasingly accepted by the day.

OBA’s popularity is said to be worrisome as Eno still suffers genuine acceptability, despite billions of naira reportedly spent on sponsored adoption shows.

“We have done everything possible to rubbish OBA, but he keeps getting popular among the electorate. Surprisingly, despite ur public shows of endorsements, our man is still not genuinely accepted. It worries us”, a source confided in our correspondent.

Consequently, a meeting was convened yesterday (March 9, 2022) at the Ewet Housing residence of a top local contractor who is very close to the government, with the aim of strategising on how to counter OBA’s popularity.

 The meeting had all the council chairmen in attendance and was coordinated by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong.

At the said meeting, all the chairmen were given a matching order to return home and plan an immediate rally that can equal or possibly surpass the one that hosted OBA in Eket.

The planned knee-jerk reaction is meant to mobilise extensively for a counter rally soon, as a way of creating a false impression of Eno’s popularity. 

The meeting agreed that the rally should also hold in Eket, at the same venue, with youths promised N3,000 each to lure them out to the venue.  

“We have to do something. We just can’t let OBA get away with such popularity. Imagine, despite the fact that we even fixed MPM meetings across Eket Senatorial District that same day as a way of reducing attendance, the crowd was still intimidating“, our source said.

The plan was detailed to even the expected speakers at the rally and the issues to be addressed. For instance, it was agreed that the former Chief of Staff (COS) to Gov Udom Emmanuel, Mr Ephraim Inyangeyen and former Senior Special Assistant of Mobilisation, Elder Ekefre, must be taken to the cleaners.

Additionally, prospective speakers were also briefed on how to twist OBA’s earlier widely publicised speech out of context, particularly the “who born dog” phrase.

Each local government is expected to contribute N2million towards the rally. It was agreed that money should be deducted direct from the joint account, usually chaired by Frank Archibong.

I WILL BUILD PEOPLE IF ELECTED GOVERNOR IN 2023 - ONOFIOK LUKE

A contender for the governorship of Akwa Ibom State, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke has promised massive human capital development in the state, if elected as Governnor in 2023.

Luke, currently serving as representative of Etinan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made the declaration when he led members of his campaign organization and supporters to the Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium palace of His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, to formally intimate him and council of his ambition.

Luke, who is running on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), declared that the state, having invested heavily in infrastructure, should invest heavily in building her people in all ramifications so they would be able to utilize the dividends of present infrastructure and industries as well as the ones to come in the coming years.

He noted that as an active participant in the political governance of the state in the last 15 years coupled with his understanding of the salient problems of the state, Akwa Ibom people stand to benefit greatly from his administration.

"Why do I want to run? I have been incubated in the leadership womb of this state in the last 15 years. I have served this state. I've criss-crossed the different communities of this state, I've interfaced with every strata of the Akwa Ibom society, and I understand their problem. We have built infrastructure and we will continue to invest in infrastructure, now is the time to build people. We need to build the capacity of our young men and women," he said.

According to him, his agenda is anchored on the foundation set by successive administrations since 1999, maintaining that the two successive administrations after the Obong Victor Attah's administration, to a large extent, sustained the policies of that administration.

"In 1999, Obong Victor Attah knew that we are a poor, agrarian state, he brought in construction companies like ZEROK, Mothercart, RCC and others to open up the state, he conceptualized seaport, conceptualized airport, started free and compulsory education. He had a master plan, and successive administrations have come to work with that blueprint. Chief Godswill Akpabio came in, he continued the economic agenda. He brought in Julius Berger, Stemco, CCECC, and even our indigenous companies, SEYANG, BENEST and others. Developed the airport and landed the first aircraft, did the Integrated Farmers Scheme, looked into the seaport, expanded the free education, upgraded Akwa Ibom State University of Technology to Akwa Ibom State University, did inter ministerial jobs, and other laudable projects and policies."

The federal legislator applauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for sustaining the legacies of previous administrations through industrialization, development of infrastructure and engendering of peace.

He listed some of Emmanuel's legacies to include food sufficiency programmes, full approval for takeoff of seaport, Ibom Air, inter ministerial projects among others.

On 2023, Luke, stated that "anyone who wants to govern the state must have time to x-ray plans for the development of the state", and announced that his blueprint is ready.

"My blueprint is ready. It is ready to be unveiled on March 16,2022. It is titled "Building together, growing together." I have written it for over 10 years, I've not gathered people to write for me. No one has the monopoly of wisdom, I've welcomed inputs from Akwa Ibom people at home and Diaspora."

He further hinted that his blueprint has covered all areas of needs of the state.

His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, in his response to Luke, declared that he was "happy to say that you have shown a high level of maturity by comporting and conducting yourself in a manner deserving my

my commendation," adding that "this is what is expected of public office holders."

"You are young, dynamic and energetic man, full of zeal and enthusiasm to offer

leadership to the people. God has endowed you with these qualities, and I urge

you to maximize them wisely. Always, let the spirit of God lead your footsteps

into taking decisions that will be in the best interest of your community, Akwa

Ibom State and humanity as a whole.

"You are aspiring to occupy a very sensitive elective position in the country, I

urge you and members of your team to continue in this manner of polite

political communication devoid of hate speeches and hate campaign messages

throughout your campaigns," he further advised.

"My palace remains open to all the aspirants at all times. I am not partisan and will never be. My duty is to pray for you and give you royal blessings," he assured.

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS CAGE ABIA WARRIORS IN OKIGWE

Despite attempts by the landlords, Abia Warriors to pocket all three points in the week 17 fixture of the Nigerian Professional Football League, Akwa United FC were able to pick vital point to make it 27 so far.

The match was played at the Okigwe Township stadium, Imo State, was characterized by missed chances from both sides as they struggled to find the back of the net.

Players of Abia Warriors were determined to score as they played thier strength throughout the duration of the game.

The visitors, Akwa United were also at their best denying the host the opportunity to create impacts.

The tension-soaked encounter played for 96 minutes ended goalless with the host expressing dissatisfaction over the outcome, while the chief Coach of Akwa United, Ali Jolomi told Sports Writers that the result was not what he expected.

The Coach said his plan was to return home with maximum points but thanked God for the outcome, promising to perfect plans for subsequent games.

The Abia Warriors versus Akwa United is Ali Jolomi's first draw since taking charge of the team after the exit of Kennedy Boboye.

He won his first outing in the game against Remo Stars in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State in match day 13, repeated the same victory against Dakkada FC of Uyo  in match day 14, lost to League leaders, Platuea United away in week 15 and broke down Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in week 16 in Uyo. The Promise Keepers will next engage Rangers FC at the weekend in Uyo.

C: James

2023Guber: Senator Bassey Akpan Consecrates Campaigns In Uyo

Obong Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) has officially consecrated his campaigns to God, marking the effectual beginning of weeks’ long activities that will eventually lead to his nomination as PDP gubernatorial candidate in Akwa Ibom state.

The service which held today (March 7, 2022) at Full Life Gospel Church, Uyo,  had  in attendance top politicians across the state and the teeming members of his campaign organisation.

The senator, supported by his wife, Pastor Imaobong Nkiru Bassey Albert, told the congregation that he had reasons to thank God for standing by him since he came into public service in 2007.

He thanked God for making him a two-term senator and expressed gratitude that despite many persecutions,  God has given him “the spirit of boldness, the spirit of courage and the spirit of a child of God”.

OBA in addition thanked God for giving him a wonderful wife and  prayer warrior. Turning to her, he added, “I wonder what life would have been like if I did not marry you!”

To the church, he expressed gratitude for their continuous prayers and equally thanked God for bringing Rev. Ntia I. Ntia into his life.

Ever the sportsman, the senator also thanked Ntia for nurturing greats “children” in his church. “I and Onofiok (Luke) are your sons. And one of us will be the next governor of this state”, he submitted.

Before stepping off the podium, OBA submitted his next political move to God, promising to return for a thanksgiving at the successful end of the journey.

Ntia’s preaching centred on boldness and adoption.  He said once God gives boldness, there can never be fear.

On divine adoption, he described it as God taking over human concerns because of the weakness of  the physical being. 

He said confidence in God produces blessings, as in the case of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Bible. According to him, people who don’t know God are the ones who are fearful of the future. 

“Be confident,  stop living in fear and doubt”, he charged

RIVERS ANGELS LEADS ASTON VILLA, VILLARREAL IN WOMEN CLUB WORLD RANKING

The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) have released their first world club ranking for women football and Rivers Angels FC are the only Nigerian club to make the list.

This ranking is based on the performance of clubs in international and national tournaments over the last 12 months, dated 1st March 2021 up until 28th February 2022.

There are 11 African clubs within top 200 of the ranking which includes four Moroccan club, three South African clubs, one Ghanaian, Nigerian, Kenya and Egyptian club respectively.

South Africa's, Mamelodi Sundowns leads the continent in 26th position with 210 points; Morocco's FAR Rabat are in 35th position with 194 points; Ghana's Hasaacas Ladies are 55th on the list with 166 points.

Morocco's Municipale Laâyoune are 100th on the log with 116 points; Another Morrocan club, Raja Aīt Iazza placed 129th with 100 points; Ain Atiq Temara in 147th position with 94 points complete the list of the four Moroccan club in top 150.

Nigeria's Rivers Angels ranked 161st with 86 points; Kenya's Vihiga Queens are 165th placed with 85 points; South Africa's TUT Ladies placed 175th with 82 points; South Africa's University of Western Cape placed 191th with 76 points and Egypt's 91 Wadi Degla also placed 191th with 76 points.

European clubs like Fiorentina, Empoli, Aston Villa, Villarael and Everton were ranked in 169th, 180th and 198th position respectively.

2023Guber: WE WILL PURSUE COLLECTIVE INTEREST RATHER THAN GOV. EMMANUEL'S INTEREST - AKWA IBOM YOUTHS

A cross section of youths from the 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State have said they will pursue their collective interest to support the candidate of their choice for the 2023 governorship outside Governor Udom Emmanuel's choice. 

Over 3000 youths who converged in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Saturday to flag-off a state-wide mobilisation for the governorship ambition of Barr. Onofiok Luke, said Governor Emmanuel's interest is different from the collective interest of the youths and the majority of Akwa Ibom people. 

Coordinator of the group called The Onofiok Luke People's Movement, Comrade Ekemini Smart, said the youths believe in Barr. Onofiok Luke and they are resolved to propagate his governorship ambition. 

"The Governor's decision was his personal decision, it did not represent our collective decision and the interest of the masses, so we will go ahead to pursue our collective interest."

"Onofiok Luke is the collective interest of Akwa Ibom people. We have come out to propagate that interest. The youths of Akwa Ibom believe so much in him because he has the leadership capacity, he has proven that to us in several leadership responsibilities." 

"We believe in the mantra of the Amazing Grace and what the Onofiok Luke's governorship represents. Onofiok Luke is the best candidate for Akwa Ibom State. He has proven over time that he is the best. He has full grasp of the grassroots, he knows how to relate with the masses and he has genuine love for people", Comrade Smart said.

In a goodwill message to the group, the Coordinator of Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation in North America, Mr. Otobong Umana, charged youths of the State to join the train of supporters for Onofiok Luke, saying "it is time for the youths to rise up and take their destiny". 

In another goodwill message, Mr. Daniel Udo, he said "Akwa Ibom people can vouch for Onofiok Luke and his leadership qualities", the reason they were all coming out to launch a movement for him.

Inaugurating the chapter coordinators of The Onofiok Luke People's Movement, Director General of Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation, Barr. Imo Udo, thanked the youths for mobilising themselves across the State to drum support for Barr. Luke.

Barr. Udo said Luke's governorship is for the collective interest of Akwa Ibom people, their well-being and their future. 

"You came out here not by anybody's prompting. You called us to come and witness what you people are doing. This shows that you believe in this course and have absolute trust in your friend, Barr, Onofiok Luke. I am proud of your conviction."

"Onofiok Luke will protect the interest of every Akwa Ibom person including those residing in our state. He is the choice that every Akwa person craves to make. I'm urging you to go out there and appeal to our fathers, the leadership of the PDP, and delegates to please support Onofiok Luke."

Barr. Udo tasked members of the group to go about their mobilisation peacefully.

Credit: Abasifreke Effiong