A'IBOM NUJ TO HOST TRANSPORT MINISTER ON 2022 PRESS FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATION IN UYO

Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to mark the 2022 World Press Freedom Day with the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as Special Guest of Honour and Chairman on the Occasion.

The event which will be marked on Tuesday 3 May, 2022 will take place at the Daniel Ekanem Hall at the NUJ Press Centre, Uyo Akwa Ibom State at ten o'clock in the morning.

The guest lecture for the day will be delivered by Dr Jones Gilbert Ayuwo, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies, University of Port Harcourt. 

The Theme of the event is: Journalism Under Surveillance. Members of the Union are enjoined to attend.

Signed

Comrade Amos Etuk

State Chairman, NUJ 

Comrade Grace Udoma

Chairman, Planning Committee

OBA TO REVAMP EBUGHU FISHING TERMINAL IN MBO

Akwa Inom State frontline Governorship hopeful, Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert (OBA) on Saturday 23rd April, 2022 consulted stakeholders and structures of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Nigeria, Mbo LGA Chapter accompanied by his Akwa Ubok Abasi 2023 Campaign Team.

Senator Albert said he understands the struggle Mbo and other Local Government Areas in Oro nation have been through in their bid to be recognized as oil-bearing communities and in line with extant laws, he promised he will collaborate with relevant agencies to see how this ambition can be realised. 

The ranking Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria added ''We have also identified the need to revamp the Ebuhu Fishing Terminal, which has been moribund for years. It will also provide the platform for post-harvest value addition processing and linkage with local and international markets''.

He noted that the deep seaport project in Ibaka, he can recall that the foundation for the project was laid when he was the commissioner for finance, and maybe God kept it for him to come and implement it.

Sen OBA as he is fondly called said ''The project will turn Akwa Ibom into a choice destination for investors in the maritime, transportation, and tourism sectors in sub-Saharan Africa. The construction phase of the seaport will, directly and indirectly, provide more than 5,000 jobs to indigenes of the state and beyond. The project will create hundreds of thousands of jobs within a decade of operating the seaport. It will help reduce the rate of unemployment''.

He also said to ensure our people occupy relevant positions when the project kicks off, ''Weare going to institute a process that will select the best brains from the State and train them in relevant areas such as Engineering, Transport, Logistics Management, Industrial Welding and Fabrication, Maritime Law, Dockyard Operations and Management, Seafaring, Marine Engineering and Oceanography, Environmental Impact Assessment, Pollution  Management Management, Safety, and other related fields''..

The move according to the brilliant Governorship hopeful will create the needed platform for training and equipping our Youth with the required skillset and certification to make them ready to take jobs at the seaport and become employers of labour as captured in his human capacity blueprint.

Why Senator Bassey Albert Akpan's Aspiration is Leveraging On Goodwill

By Promise Etim

As the 2023 elections draw closer, one key factor that puts Senator Bassey Albert Akpan ahead of others for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial nomination race is the goodwill he enjoys from the vast majority of Akwa Ibom people. His political and social antecedent are qualities that also distinguish him from the crowd.

The facts speak for themselves, as OBA, as fondly called, has enjoyed wider acceptance by stakeholders of his party, the PDP, and beyond, as evident in his consultative visit to respective Local Government Areas. 

It is common knowledge that the Akwa Ibom people are in dire need of a Governor with an impeccable track record of service in both the public and private sectors. In addition, someone who understands the peculiarities of each locality in the state and designs solutions that fit their challenges and bring some hope. 

As Chairman, Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, between 2007 and 2014, Senator Albert was directly involved in the planning, execution, monitoring, and control of over 6,000 projects under the then Governor Godswill Akpabio's administration. These projects cover areas such as Health, Educational Infrastructure, Public Utilities, etc. There is hardly any village that did not feel the impact of his efficacy. 

A case study of Senator Albert's leadership strides was cited recently during a consultative visit of PDP stakeholders in Ika, Local Government Area. A political stakeholder, Bishop James Ambrose highlighted the facelift schools within the locality, and Akwa Ibom, by extension, got through his pragmatic approach and supervision of Inter-Ministerial projects.

Communities hosting oil facilities in Akwa Ibom State have suffered untold hardship and continued neglect. International Oil Companies and even ones owned by Nigerians did not provide for them in terms of benefit from the production process, which impacts the locals. The passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the reforms spearheaded by Senator Akpan in the 9th Senate has laid indelible marks in the sands of time. 

At a consultative visit to Ibeno,  PDP stakeholders told OBA he should not have been to the area seeking their support because he had won their hearts already. They jointly averred that his activities in the upper legislative chamber benefitted the people. They highlighted that the 3% of production cost of oil companies for the previous year facilitated through the PIA will massively transform the area.

Hon. Samuel Ita, a political stakeholder, reiterated that the gesture accorded the oil-bearing communities through Senator OBA’s push cannot be quantified. He lamented that oil-bearing communities in Akwa Ibom State are bereft of relevant social and infrastructural amenities that could give them a competitive edge. 

The scholarship scheme facilitated for 481 indigenes of Akwa Ibom also stands Senator Albert Akpan out and commands tremendous goodwill from the people. The student community looks optimistic that the Governorship hopeful is the right man who will provide qualitative scholarships to students and revamp the sector through his love for the educational inclination of Akwa Ibom students. These facts are undisputed. 

In addition, the lawmaker has facilitated post-graduate overseas scholarships to 14 Akwa Ibom indigenes in the fields of Engineering, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Sustainability to various institutions in the UK and beyond. According to the lawmaker, identifying and training Akwa Ibom people in areas of industrial interest is key to equipping our people with the required technology and skill set applicable to the 21st century. 

In terms of his humane disposition, Senator Albert Akpan has carved a niche for himself, particularly the success he recorded in the petition he filed for the reinstatement of Celestine Williams, a Police Officer, dismissed for 21 years. The commendation that trailed this gesture has placed OBA in the hearts of many Akwa Ibom people as one with empathy for the plight of others. 

As often said, one good turn deserves another. Without mincing words, this could be the reason why Dr. Vincent Iwunde, a lawyer, had weeks ago written Senator Akpan, informing him of the peculiar situation of five indigenes of Akwa Ibom: Sunday Okon, Anthony Ebong, Joseph Ede, Victor Ebe, and Uduak Sampson, all police officers, dismissed in 2007 on the ground of being illiterates. 

In his charismatic approach, Senator Albert took up the matter and filed a petition before the Senate to seek redress for the dismissed officers. He told the Senate that the development brought untold hardship to the dismissed officers and their families for more than 15 years, pleading for the intervention of the upper legislative chamber to ensure justice. 

President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. The committee will turn in its report in another two weeks. With the facts presented, the lawmaker is confident, just as in the case of Celestine, that respite will come the way of the five gentlemen who are currently facing the toughest of times of their existence on earth. 

Also recall, another indigene of the State, Mr. Antia Thompson, an Assistant Director in the Servicom of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dismissed for exposing corruption in the Ministry, was re-instated in 2017, following a petition facilitated on his behalf by the Akwa Ibom North-East lawmaker.

Senator Albert Akpan has successfully built legacies that permeate the heart of the people so dearly and has never failed in standing for what is right and pleading for the cause of others, from the political, social, economic, and moral spheres. Undoubtedly, the sort of leader Akwa Ibom desires from 2023.

Rag-Sheets, lies and Matters Arising

By Ishmael Esenam 

The past few weeks have witnessed unceasing lies mudslinging and systematic blackmail targeted at a top contender to the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State,  Senator ( Obong ) Bassey Albert Akpan. It is to be expected as the days of nomination draws nigh, for as they say, only a tree with ripening fruits receives missiles!

The most recent ones came from some rag-sheets that misnormally call themselves newspapers. They come with ridiculous names like “Town Crier”, Global Pilot”, “The Providence”, “The Waves”, etc. Funny thing is that they are all published, sponsored or promoted by government appointees like Essien Ndueso, who mostly acts as their news anchor. Oh, there’s also “City Watch”, published by Uwemedimoh Umanah. 

As usual, they try to mislead the public with lies, in order to divert the attention of the delegates and the public as well as satisfy their pay masters.

The above-named, so-called newspapers, among others on Thursday, 14th April, 2022 came up with a story of OBA decamping from his party to YPP. Luckily, the public is smarter to such trash and the lies didn’t cut any ice.  

On Sunday, 17th April, 2022 - Chief Usoro I. Usoro Ph.D,  the spokesman of the Akwa Ubok Abasi 2023 Campaign Organisation, a seasoned veteran journalist, appeared on  Passion 94.5 FM Uyo and cleared the air on  the rumour, among others. 

He told the public that OBA has "paid his dues" in the PDP, has worked for the party, and is still a member of the party.

"Senator Bassey Albert Akpan is not decamping to anywhere. He's contesting election under the umbrella of the PDP and he's contesting to win", Dr. Usoro responded to a question demanding whether there was plan by the Senator to defect as alleged by rag-sheets.

With the reponse from the ranking media expert and the fact that OBA is presently consulting stakeholders and delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party(his party since 2006), one can differentiate between who has been working to serve the state and those bent on distabilising  it.

OBA once told me that the only tree that people throw stones at is the one that has ripe fruits, and that confirms why the senator remains the one they keep attacking,  despite the fact that there are many aspirants in the governorship contest.

Like Dr. Usoro said: "I know a newspaper when I see one. I know when a journalist writes, and I also know when a dreamer writes." So, these stories are coming from dreamers, dear Akwa Ibom people. Be careful not to be swayed by their hatred and cheap lies!

APC PEGS NOMINATION FORMS AT 100M FOR PRESIDENT,50M FOR GOVERNORS

Members willing to participate in the presidential primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are to pay N100 million for the nomination and expression of interest forms.

Similarly, the nomination and expression of interest forms for those seeking the party’s ticket to contest the governorship election in their respective states cost N50 million.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morgan, announced this on Wednesday at a briefing with reporters in Abuja.

Ahead of the party’s primary and general elections, several chieftains of the ruling party, including aides to President Muhammadu Buhari and serving governors, have indicated their interest to succeed him when his tenure ends in 2023.

They include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Governor Bola Tinubu, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi, as well as ministers Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation) and Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment), among others.

Apart from the official declaration, all aspirants will now have to pay N100 million to secure a spot at the primary to elect the flagbearer of the APC later in May.

Before the briefing by the party’s spokesman, President Buhari presided over an extraordinary emergency meeting of the APC National Executive Committee.

Among those present were Professor Osinbajo, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Governor Fayemi of Ekiti, among other party leaders.

In preparation for the election, the NEC resolved to vest its powers on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for the next 90 days. The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Lawan and seconded by Speaker Gbajabiamila.

Before the decision was taken, APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, began by informing members that the NWC has begun the process of uniting aggrieved members and discussing the coming elections.

He encouraged them to uphold exemplary behaviours, saying the party’s underlying problem was a crisis fuelled by ego.

Adamu lamented that ego has widened the gap between the former and serving governors while the party is made to suffer.

According to him, there is no reason for the competition, and it is important for serving governors to work in harmonious and mutual respect with their predecessors, some of whom are now senators.

The national chairman promised that the NWC would deliver, particularly with a united front, and urged members to desist from using the media to settle grievances.

APC FOUNDING MEMBERS AND STAKEHOLDERS OKAYS SENATOR ITA ENANG FOR GOVERNORSHIP

The founding members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Akwa Ibom State have risen in one accord to endorse the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang as their sole candidate for the gubernatorial race in 2023.

Coming under the aegis of Forum of APC Foundation Members led by Hon (Elder) Emmanuel Andy, the group unanimously adopted Ita Enang as "a man of conscience", who has the pedigree and the interest of the state at heart.

Speaking at the meeting the former chapter chairmen, stakeholders and leader including Hon. Emman Andy, Comrade Idara Udoh, Elder Mfon Ukpe, Ekereobong Afia, among others, recounted their woes and frustrations in the party. 

Recalling how they once visited Ita Enang in Abuja, pleading for interventions, the people who remembered with gratitude, how the senator built the party in 2019 for the aspiration of Obong Nsima Ekere, prevailed on him to use his influence and ensure the harmonization, integration and unity of all interests within the party.

Also speaking, the Federal Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State at the Federal Character Commission, Obonganwan Dora Ebong said Ita Enang had long prepared himself for the task ahead, and encouraged the people not to relent in working for the progress of the party.

In his reaction, Senator Ita Enang who described the people as the "founders, progenitors and trustees of APC in Akwa Ibom State", noted that it was time for God to wipe away their tears and sorrows in the party.

Sen. Enang who thanked God that Governor Udom Emmanuel has extended invitation to the APC to come and takeover the state, assured the people that he was ready to lead the state through the unity and progress in APC.

"The sufferings and the pains you've gone through at the various stages of the party is over and this time, you shall reap the fruits of your labour.

"Stephen Ntukekpo is now the chairman of the party in the state and all other sections of the party must come under the leadership of the brand new party chairman and work together for results.

"I thank you today for identifying me as one man whom the cap fits to run for the governorship election of our dear state in 2023.

"So the APC is fortunate because the campaign manager who is the current Governor of Akwa Ibom state has done so well by his actions of poor governance which becomes not only an assurance, but also a clear invitation that the APC should come and take over the governance of the state.

"You are asking for the harmonization, integration, peace and assimilation of everybody to move as one united family to contest and contend against the PDP. It takes patriotism and love to reach this decision.

"We have heard the cries of the party faithfuls who have called on us to come together to build the party in the state. We have agreed to unconditionally come together.

"Above all, we are more touched by the cries of the people of the state whose main hope is in the APC to be in power so as to give them the proper leadership they have yearned for", Ita Enang said.

Other dignitaries present during the meeting were: the former Chapter chairman of Nsit, Elder Okpok, Comrade Thomas Thomas, Comrade Ime Silas, all former chapter chairmen, secretaries, women leaders, as well as youth leaders.

Gov. Emmanuel Consults IBB, ABUBAKAR Others For Presidency

Presidential Hopeful and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel , continued his consultation of strategic stakeholders, in furtherance of his Presidential bid, by visiting two former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (Rtd.) and General Abdulsalam Abubakar(Rtd.) in Minna.

He intimated the Elder Statesmen of his vision for a better Nigeria defined by a revamped economy, security of lives and property and durable infrastructure. 

Both former leaders congratulated him for his courage in stepping into the ring at the national stage and commended the excellent manner he has administered Akwa Ibom State. They assured him of their blessings, advice and prayers.

Governor Emmanuel was accompanied by HE Senator Gabriel Suswam- former Governor of Benue, Col. Habibu Shuaibu(Rtd)- former Military Governor of Niger and Plateau States and Comrade Ini Ememobong, Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Akwa Ibom State.

Jubilation in Abuja as Senator Bassey Albert Akpan Submits Expression of Interest Form

Amidst a carnival-like atmosphere, the Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District, Obong Albert Bassey Akpan (OBA), submitted his expression-of-interest form today (April 13, 2022) at the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) national office in Abuja.

Senator Akpan, who is currently enjoying an impressive support from his people towards his gubernatorial vision to actualise a new Akwa Ibom State, submitted the form at  4.25pm.

Receiving OBA and his star-studded team in his Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja office, the National Organising Secretary of PDP, Hon Umar Bature assured that the party was open for all aspirants.

He assured OBA of equal opportunity, noting that the party was interested in winning massively in the next election.

Presenting the form, the senator said he was there towards finalising the nomination requirements because he has a lot to offer the people. 

He expressed the confidence that once the party ensures a level playing field, he will win the nomination by about 80 percent votes.

Addressing the press shortly after, OBA said the submission of form was “a bold statement that we are ready for the primaries”.

He again called on the party for “fairness”, adding, “we are ready for Akwa Ibom and Akwa Ibom is ready for us”.

He promised to change Akwa Ibom for the better, based on his well thought-out programmes.

Sir Emem Akpabio, the Chairman of Campaign Council, described OBA as one of the best senators the country has ever produced; one of the best bankers in his days; one of the best former commissioners and one of the best aspirants in the contest.

In a contest of the gubernatorial kind, electability is key, according to the Director General of the Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign Organization, Pastor Sunny Ibuot.

He then called on the party to do everything to ensure that the best candidates emerge, without intimidation.

Bishop Andrew Unwanta, the Chairman, Strategic Committee of the organisation, said the confidence  they exude is based on the quality of the aspirant they have.

 

Such confidence, he added, has turned the campaign into a mass movement of people who are genuinely eager to be liberated from the current hunger and poverty in the land.

Ikpoto Okon Osung, the deputy chairmen of Strategy Committee,  cautioned that  the   party’s concern should be  on the presentation of the best candidate in the next election, to avoid losing to the opposition.

The team comprised a teeming crowd of supporters led by Sir Emem Akpabio; Pst Sunny Ibuot; Archbishop Andrew Unwanta; Ikpoto Okon Osung; Chief Jerry Okpo; Elder Enefiok Ekefre, among others.

Others included Hon Uffot Nkangude; Rt Hon Friday Iwok; Rt Hon Kenedy Ekong; Dr Usoro I. Usoro; Rt Hon Christine Akpan; Obonganwan Lovina Umoefa; Obonganwan Lizzy Essien; Chief Sunny Okoko; youth leaders from all the senatorial districts as well as other members of the Central Working Committee.

Gov. EMMANUEL'S L.G VICE CHAIRMAN RESIGNS

Hon Princewill Johnny has tendered his resignation letter to the Hon Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Frank Archibong.

He resigned his position as Onna Local Government Vice Chairman and has expressed his profound gratitude to His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel, his immediate boss, Hon Iniabasi Ekanem and the entire people of Onna for giving him the opportunity to serve.

2023 PRESIDENCY: GOV. EMMANUEL SAYS NIGERIA NEEDS SINCERE LEADERS, RECEIVES NOMINATION FORM FROM HUMAN RIGHTS RADIO

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has been presented with the Presidential Nomination forms of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP by the Human Rights Radio, producers of the popular national radio/TV programme, Brekete Family Show.  

The brief presentation took place at the Government House, Uyo when the delegation from the Media organization visited the Governor.

 The Governor thanked the founder of the organization, Ordinary President, Ahmed Isah and his team as well as all Nigerians who contributed towards the purchase of the form. 

“Honestly when I heard this plan to buy me a Presidential nomination form was going on, I asked myself, how can they raise up to N40million to go and buy me a form?”

“But today it has become a reality. There are over 200million Nigerians, but you choose to accord me this honour and privilege, and I don’t take this for granted. I really want to appreciate this family, I register my appreciation to all Nigerians, for this confidence.”

I want to assure Nigerians who have this faith and trust in our capacity. 

Governor Emmanuel explained that whatever he has achieved in the State presently had been with the support of his people, and expressed that whatever success can be attained in Nigeria can be achieved collectively.

He said Nigeria presently needs leaders with capacity, sincerity of purpose, selflessness and readiness to make sacrifices.

“Money is a principal thing. Nigeria today needs someone who understands money. It is unfortunate that if we are looking for an MD of a particular company, the CV we seek, spans 3-4 pages, but when we are looking for a President of the country, based on the constitution, all we need is WAEC, no experience.

He lamented that premium is not paid to the leader in whose hands lie the destiny of over 200 million people, as it is done for a managing director of a company that had only few shareholders and stakeholders.

He urged that certain things needed to be corrected in 2023, so that the country can move forward.

He reminded them of the importance of God in the business of leadership, and expressed the hope that the group had sought the consent of God before embarking on the venture.

Be rest assured that I have accepted the form. All Nigerians cannot come together to give me something and I refuse, adding that anyone with the experience of running a state in Nigeria for eight years can pilot the affairs of the country.

Speaking at the presentation, the leader of the delegation, Mr Innocent Orji said although Governor Emmanuel was not the only one hosted on their programme,but that after they came to Akwa Ibom and discovered more than what they had heard from the Governor on their interview programme.

“We all agreed that if you can do these in a State, if given that opportunity, you will do even better in the national level.”

Orji, also known as Scaffold,  said, “We don’t believe in too much talk, so here today we are presenting to you the nomination form for presidential candidate of your party.”

Also speaking, a member of the delegation and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Buhari Bala said the Brekete Family crew who had interviewed the Governor in a live studio programme in January, came to Akwa Ibom for three days, only to witness even more projects than the Governor had disclosed to them.

“After that programme, the Brekete Family sent in a delegation to Akwa Ibom State. They spent about  three days here and sent in a report, and what in that report, they said what they found on ground was more than what you told them during the live programme.”

For that reason, a decision was taken by the family, that when the time comes, they will contribute money and purchase a form for you to contest the President of Nigeria. And true to their words, when the PDP started selling forms, they went there and surprisingly paid and collected the forms.

NO RIFT BETWEEN GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL AND I - SENATOR BASSEY AKPAN

A frontline gubernatorial hopeful in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA), has debunked the perception that his aspiration has created a rift between him and Governor Udom Emmanuel. 

While addressing the  delegates and stakeholders in ONNA local government today (April 4, 2022), the two-term senator said he is still working cordially with the governor as the chairman, Akwa Ibom State Caucus of the National Assembly.

Presenting his manifesto to the delegates, Senator OBA said his programmes  include some projects which the incumbent governor might not complete, owing to shortness of time and resources, noting that “government is a continuum”. 

He recalled his contributions, sacrifices and loyalty to both the governor as well as the party; appealing for the delegates for support at the primaries.

“It is your mandate and you can give it to anybody. But I believe I am the best of the aspirants that will best represent your interest”, the senator said.

Citing education as one of his key projects, OBA promised to reintroduce payment of bursary to Akwa Ibom students in tertiary institutions, adding: “I’ve done it before and I know I can do it again and even more as governor”.

He designated 2023 as the year of jubilee, assuring that as a former chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, he knew how to supply gas to the entire ONNA in two months.

The Chapter Chairman, Barr Ubong Adiakpan, in response, described  OBA  as a name that rings bell across the state.

He said the senator is greatly loved even outside the state, thanking him for being a true democrat by coming to consult Onna. 

Adiakpan noted that while they have only heard of other aspirants on Facebook, OBA was the first to visit them for proper consultation.

“You have been a positive impact to Akwa Ibom State. As a politician, we know those who have worked for the state”, he added.

He commended OBA for keying into the ecclesiastical rendition that only God gives power, hence the name:  “Akwa Ubok Abasi”.

The chapter chairman, while agreeing that God gives power, noted that He will use the delegates to produce the next governor and encouraged OBA to interact freely with the delegates.

Sir Emem Akpabio, the chairman of the Campaign Council, said Akwa Ibom as a five-star state, deserves a five-star governor, in the mould of the incumbent and the immediate past governors.

“Obong Attah was a five-star governor; Godswill Akpabio was a five-star governor and the incumbent, Gov Udom Emmanuel is a five-star governor. Senator Bassey Albert will be a five-star governor “, he added.

He appealed to the conscience of Onna people to support OBA because he stood by them firmly when it mattered most (in 2014 and 2019) to make their son a governor.

The Vice-Chairman of the Campaign Council,  Mkpisong Ephraim Inyangeyen, said since it is scriptural that people reap what they sow, he had decided to sow the truth by telling them that there was an understanding that after Udom,  Senator Akpan will be the next governor.

OBA, according to Inyangeyen, went into the trenches with them to make the incumbent a governor. 

Speaking as a witness after the fact, the former Chief of Staff said he was one of the very few who was privileged to be where it was agreed that after Udom Emmanuel, it will be OBA.

He asked Onna people to stand by Senator OBA, assuring that they will never regret but would rather  enjoy the new government.

Whether in international email, competence, connection or contacts, Inyangeyen assured everyone that OBA was highly qualified to be the next governor.

Chief Rapheal Ekoh and Chief Godwin Sunday Oton, some of 

 the stakeholders, after lamenting infrastructural deficit, promised that ONNA will not disappoint OBA.

Stating that they were privy to some of the negotiations that led to the emergence of their son, Udom Emmanuel’s emergence as governor, they pledged to reciprocate OBA’s  kind gesture by standing by him.

Dr Joshua Ndioko, a former executive chairman of ONNA said they have conscience and will never allow it to betray them.

He told OBA that there was hunger in ONNA, just like in every part of the state.

Ndioko assured the senator of their full support towards the governorship, even if he didn't come to ONNA for consultation.

BEFORE AKWA IBOM STATE BURNS TO ASHES TO: AN OPEN LETTER TO GOV.EMMANUEL

Your Excellency,

I write as a citizen who is concerned about how a decision you have taken is rubbing off on the state.

I also intend to address the dangers of allowing the current situation to persist.

Sir, the passive disposition towards the safety of citizens' lives and properties as exemplified by the abandonment of the Akwa Ibom State Fire Service ought to be discouraged. The ill effects of the situation reared its ugly head recently when a multi-million Naira business firm, Nteps Supermarket, was razed by fire in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Despite the firm's closeness to the head office of the Fire Service in Uyo, it could not be saved. Fire strolled into Nteps with swagger, ran riot for several hours, scorched nearby First City Monument Bank (FCMB), before voluntarily deciding to draw the curtains on the day's activities.

It met no resistance. 

Being proactive is a decision, being reactive is also a decision, same as being passive. The state fire service is neither equipped to be proactive nor reactive; forced passivity has rather been the lot of the agency.

Sir, why your administration has adopted a passive stance on the Fire Service and other agencies of Government is becoming a heartrending reality.

Our fire stations are in coma. Our fire fighting trucks are more like abandoned carcasses. Sir, if those dilapidated vehicles could talk, they would have since appealed to you to sell them off as scraps rather than force them to suffer under sun and rain for several years running.

The ugly situation was even corroborated by the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga, who, months ago, told newsmen that the comatose agency needs a revamp.

An employee (name witheld) confirmed the commissioner's position on the matter. He said "it is unfortunate that almost 80 per cent of our staff here have retired and government could not recruit new ones to fill existing vacancies. Even the only equipment here doesn’t have consumables to use, these consumables are chemicals such as F-F-F, Foam chemicals and other detergent needed in our operations."

Everyday, we lose our kith/ kin, our businesses and properties to fire outbreaks yet a Ministry saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the affairs of that agency cannot look you in the eye and convince you to implement its blueprint.

Your Excellency, since the Commissioner and his Ministry have failed to convince you on what to do, I wish to appeal, for the sake of your beloved Akwa Ibom people, personally visit our fire stations.

The head station in Uyo is barely a two minutes drive from your office at the Hilltop Mansion.

Fire stations in all the Local Government Areas are in the same shoes.

Even the one in your ONNA hometown is in absolute ruins. I got exclusive pictures of the ONNA fire station on Sunday night and I imagine the fate of the companies your administration has taken to ONNA.

Not only companies; fire outbreak can occur anywhere - our homes, schools, offices, churches, everywhere are not safe.

While it is advisable to have inhouse fire fighting equipment, a functional Fire Service must always be in place to wade in.

Your Excellency, I am in the know that many Akwa Ibom people have indicated interest in setting up private fire stations but have always met a brick wall in procuring license.

Some of them have submitted proposals to your administration to fix the Fire Service but have always been rebuffed.

Sir, safeguarding our lives and properties is your responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of Akwa Ibom State.

It is a responsibility that no one can take away from you. Your administration did so well by building a world class Covid-19 Isolation Centre in the state. It has helped us in the fight against the dreaded scourge.

Times like this are not times when politics should dictate our policies; these are times when the welfare and wellbeing of citizens and whatever it takes to achieve same should be paramount in the minds of leaders.

I urge you to reconsider your administration's posture on the Fire Service. Fixing the agency is not rocket science. You achieved a great feat in constructing the isolation centre in about a couple of months.

In recent months, we have seen the establishment of political groups like Maintain Peace Movement (MPM) and Ibom Consolidation Project (ICP) in the nooks and crannies of Akwa Ibom and beyond. Same can be replicated in the Fire Service. 

Thank you for your time, Your Excellency, as I pray that God gives you wisdom and courage to handle this situation.

May Akwa Ibom not burn to ashes!

Yours in truth,

Ofonime Honesty

PURSUE POVERTY AND HUNGER OUT OF A'IBOM. MKPAT ENIN DELEGATES TELLS OBA

Mkpat Enin delegates and Stakeholders have given the leading governorship aspirant in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA), one of his main assignments as governor in 2023. 

Declaring OBA as suitable for the  office of governor, they charged him to, as a matter of urgency, pursue poverty and hunger out of the state once he becomes the governor, next year.

Amidst a rousing reception to a consultative meeting today (April 4, 2022), one of their leaders, Barr Jerry Akpan said: “The first thing we want you to do is to stop hunger and poverty in Akwa Ibom State”.

The former commissioner told the senator that after due consideration, they had not only  accepted him but would stand by him till the end. 

According to him, Mkpat Enin people have not benefited from recent administrations in the state, noting that the coconut plantation that was established on their land has been stunted, apparently from poor planning.

The Chairman, Campaign Council, Sir Emem Akpabio, while presenting OBA to the delegates, solicited partnership with the people,  “because power does not belong to one person”.

He described Mkpat Enin as “very important”,  adding that the campaign team was there to discuss with them so as “to share our vision with you”.

“We came with someone that has been tried and tested. We came with someone that is able  and capable  to fly the PDP flag; someone who knows you; we came with someone who did not join the party just yesterday; we came with  a man who traversed the whole of Mkpat Enin as chairman of Inter-ministerial Direct Labour Project, a man who has  international email. We came with a man who is the most qualified, we did not come with a man who is the least qualified”, Akpabio said.

OBA, the excited aspirant, while presenting his blueprint to the people, urged the delegates to take their destinies in their hands by voting for him at the primaries.

He assured them that as a community with one of the biggest arable landmass in the state, his government will take advantage of that to establish a large agricultural chain for the benefit of the people.

He spoke of robust education, health, social services and security programmes, when he gets to office.

For instance, OBA cited his scholarship programme, which has covered about 481 students, producing about 28 first class graduates, so far.

The Vice Chairman of Campaign Council, Mkpisong Ephraim Inyang, quoting Gov Udom Emmanuel, said: “No one person can determine who becomes the next governor of the state”.

According to him, only God can determine the next governor, urging the people to take their destinies in their hands by voting for OBA.

The various individual stakeholders, in their goodwill messages, pleaded with OBA not to deviate from his promises when he gets to the Government House. 

They charged him to be conscious of the poverty in the land and to evolve deliberate programmes to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

 Isantim Anietie Nsiaenang, Mrs Mercy Jacob and Uwem Usoro, Chairman of chairmen, in their goodwill messages, pleaded with OBA not to deviate from his promises, when he gets to Government House. “Don’t allow Mkpat Enin to lament again,” they urged him.

They individually prayed  that the God who crowns kings will make OBA the next governor.

In the same vein, Eteidung Evans Akpanobong, lamented the plights of his people, citing poor road network, poverty and general lack of development.

Barr Akan Afia spoke of the confusing status of the Akwa Ibom State University, which is cited in Mkpat Enin.

He said they have rich manpower, canvassing for a return to the era of party and community-based recommendations towards appointments and other governmental engagements. 

The Chapter Chairman, Emmanuel Jacob, expressed happiness at the visit, assuring that the delegates will be well guided.

He said, more than ever, the people were in dire need of a purposeful leader to move the state forward.