OBA ASSURES SUPPORTERS OF VICTORY AHEAD, CHARGES THEM TO REMAIN FOCUSED

By Anny Michaels

Akwa Ibom frontline governorship hopeful, Senator Bassey Albert (OBA) has assured his teeming supporters that he is still in the race to the Hilltop Mansion, urging them not to be deterred by recent happenings in the polity.

The Senator, while speaking on Arise Television news interview on May 25, 2022, also charged them to be focused on the goal,  describing the PDP Governorship primaries earlier held at Godswill Akpabio international Stadium, Uyo on Wednesday as a sham.

OBA noted that he, along with over 70 other aspirants to various elective offices,  had written to the National leadership of PDP regarding the faulty foundation that led to the primaries, a reason they boycotted the election.

According to him, as law abiding citizens, they decided to obey a valid court decision, which ordered that the parties in a suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja, should maintain status quo ante bellum.

The implication of the decision, according to OBA, is that since the order affected the processes which produced the adhoc delegates, PDP technically has no candidate since there was no valid one to vote during the primaries. 

He noted that from his understanding, both the parallel governorship primary organised by Hon Mike Enyong and the one held by a PDP faction at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium were invalid,  in the eyes of the law.

He said as a lawmaker, he could not get involved in promoting illegality, expressing the confidence that when PDP is ready to carry out a proper primary, he and other aggrieved aspirants  will participate.

OBA decried the current crime-ridden situation in PDP nationally, saying it is not helping in strengthening the internal democracy in the party.

Senator Akpan, who is one of the 15 PDP governorship aspirants cleared to contest  in Akwa Ibom, however called on his teeming supporters to remain hopeful, insisting that he was still in the race to win.

OBA, the current Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (upstream), corroborated an earlier statement made available by his campaign Spokesman, Dr Usoro I. Usoro, that it was expedient to strongly assure all his teeming supporters that there is no cause for alarm as he and the entire leadership of his campaign organisation were working hard to actualise their “predestined victory”.

The Statement had urged his allies to “continue to remain faithful, calm and prayerful for our God is able to do that which seems impossible to man''

PETER OBI RESIGNS FROM PDP

A presidential aspirant Peter Obi has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Obi, a former Anambra Governor, was until his resignation one of the 15 aspirants vying for the presidential ticket of the PDP.

The letter conveying his resignation from the party was submitted to the National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.

NPFL CHAMPIONS SIGNS SHIRT SPONSORSHIP DEAL WITH BETING COMPANY

By Mfon Patrick

Holders of Nigeria Professional Football League title Akwa United Football Club have signed a shirt sponsorship contract with a foremost online betting company 1XBET.

The contract will see the reigning NPFL Champions advertise 1XBET products and services during its league matches, and on its social media platforms and well as crest the company's logo on the front of its jersey in the 2022/2023 NPFL season.

Chairman of Akwa United Elder Paul Bassey and Managing Director of 1XBET in Nigeria Dr. Oluwafemi Babalola put pen to paper on behalf of both brands during the official signing and unveiling of the partnership agreement at Marriott hotel, Ikeja on the 25th May 2022 in Lagos.

Dr. Femi Babalola in his speech said, 1XBet is proud to identify with a leading brand like Akwa United.

"We are delighted to partner with the champions of Nigeria Professional Football League Akwa United. As a leading betting company we only partner with the best brand".

"Akwa United is a top club in Nigeria going by their records in the last five years and we have been following the progress of the club and we can say authoritatively that the club is growing steadily and that is the reason we are identifying with a leading brand like Akwa United".

"We are working to achieve mutual benefits for both brands and to encourage the discovery of football talents in Nigeria".

In his remarks the Chairman of Akwa United Elder Paul Bassey described the partnership as historic.

"This is one of the greatest day in the history of Akwa United Football Club, a happy day for Nigerian football. It's historic.

"It pleases us that 1XBet is partnering arguably the best football club in Nigeria in the last five years, Akwa United for next football season and we really appreciate this partnership.

"Let me assure us that this partnership will be beneficial and rewarding to both parties. Trust us to drive your products and services to millions of our fans around the world".

1XBet has sponsored some top football clubs like FC Barcelona, FC Lyon, and major tournament and leagues such as Confederation of African Football CAF, Spanish La Liga and Italian Seria A among others. The company operates in 50 countries around the world and is still expanding it's reach.

The Promise Keepers have won three major trophies in the last six years including two FA Cups, 2015 & 2017, Nigeria Professional Football League trophy 2021. The club has also played in the CAF Champions League 2021 and the CAF Confederation Cup 2016 and 2018.

Akwa Ibom PDP STAKEHOLDERS APPEAL TO NATIONAL EXCO TO ADHERE TO PARTY'S CONSTITUTION DURING 2022 PRIMARIES

 OPEN LETTER

May 16th, 2022

 

The National Chairman,

Peoples Democratic Party

Plot 1970, Wadata Plaza,

Michael Okpara Street, Wuse Zone 5,

Abuja

 

Your Excellency Sir,

 

We are members and major stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State who are very concern that the party follows the constitution  and guidelines of the party during the forth coming primaries to elect our flag bearers to various elective position during the forth coming general elections in 2023 especially, the gubernatorial election.

 

This appeal and request is predicated upon the recent happenings in the party where the election processes of the Three man Ad-Hoc Delegates, the National Delegate and the Physically challenged persons were clearly abused and hijacked by the state party apparatus.

 

The spirit and letters of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the Party Constitution and its Electoral Guidelines guarantee equality of treatment of all aspirants to elective positions at every level of the party and a complete adherence to the Electoral Act, the Party Guidelines and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

 

Your attention sir, is hereby drawn to Section 18 and 25 of the Party Constitution which establishes the Local Government Area and State Congress, and provides the composition of the of the Congresses therein, and section Section 84(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 which states inter alia ‘’ A political party shall not impose nomination qualification or disqualification criteria, measures, or conditions on any aspirant or candidate for any election in it’s constitution, guidelines, or rules for nomination of candidates for elections, except as prescribed under Sections 65, 66, 106, 107, 131, 137, 177 and 187 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)

 

Your attention sir is further drawn to the following anomalies and mischiefs of the state party apparatus in misguiding and or misleading the last two elections within the state and therefore jeopardising the entire electoral processes in the state.

1. On 29th April 2022, the State Chapter issued  another Public Notice in the late hours of the same day titled: PDP TO HOLD WARD CONGRESSES TO ELECT AD-HOC DELEGATES APRIL, 30TH, 2022 signed by Borono Bassey, ANIPR – the State Publicity Secretary in which it was clearly stated in paragraph 4 therein that a List of Cleared Aspirants seeking election to serve as Ad-Hoc Delegates have been forwarded to the Chapter offices of our Party in all the 31 LGAs. This notice was strange as no screening whatsoever was carried out on the Ad-Hoc delegate aspirants nor the list published anywhere. This action in itself is against the provisions of Section 84(3) of the electoral act s stated above.

 

2. On May 9th, 2022, the State Chapter issued  another Public Notice in the late hours of the same day titled: PDP TO HOLD LG CONGRESS TO ELECT NATIONAL DELEGATES, PLWDs ON MAY, 10TH, 2022 signed by the same Borono Bassey, ANIPR – the State Publicity Secretary listed all delegates that were expected to vote during the congress but clearly EXCLUDED and DISENFRANCHISED over a thousand delegates including but not limited to all former National/State Assembly; all former Party’s National, Zonal and State officers; all former Party Chapter Chairmen, deputies and secretaries, women and youth leaders; , all former Executive Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of LGAs, all former leaders of councils, all principal officers of the legislative councils. This was a complete aberration of Section 18 of our party’s constitution

 

It is this meddlesome interference and daylight theft of our members’ mandates/disenfranchisement by the State Chapter of the Party that warrants this appeal and to further remind His Excellency of Section 25 of the PDP Constitution which establishes and sets out the membership and functions of the State Party Congress. In the Akwa Ibom State context the following are listed as delegates to the Party Congress:

1. The State Chairman

2. The State Governor

3. The State Deputy Governor

4. Former elected Governors and Deputy Governors who are still members of the party

5. Serving and Former members of the Board of Trustees from the state who are still members of the party

6. The members of the State Executive Committee of the Party

7. Serving and former members of the Party’s National Executive Committee and serving members of the Zonal Executive Committees from the State who are still members of the party

8. Serving and former members of the National Assembly from the State who are still members of the party

9. Serving members of the State House of Assembly and former principal officers of the State Assembly from the State who are still members of the party

10. All elected Local Government Council Chairmen and Vice Chairmen who are still members of the party

11. All elected Local Government Area Party Executive Committee members

12. A;; National Assembly and State House of Assembly Candidates of the Party in the State

13. Three delegates per ward elected at ward Congresses which in Akwa Ibom State case is inconclusive and subject to litigation at the Federal High Court

14. Former members of the State Working Committee who are still members of the party

15. Former Local Government Party Chairmen who are still members of the party

16. One Physically Challenged Person per Local Government Area nominated by the Local Government Area Caucus

17. All serving elected Local Government Councillors

18. All serving Party Chairmen, Deputy Chairmen, Secretaries, Women and Youth Leaders of the Wards in the State

19. One National Delegate per Local Government Area elected at the Local Government Area Congress

 

PRAYER & CONCLUSION

Your Excellency sir, as concern party members and Stakeholders, we feel oblige to request that your attention, the National Chairman and indeed the National leaderships of our party take immediate and urgent steps that will ensure a smooth, constitutional and level playing ground for all the elections especially the governorship nomination contest in Akwa Ibom State by ensuring at the minimum, the following:

 

i. That the provisions, letter and spirit of Party’s guideline and constitution; and the Electoral Act 2022 be strictly adhered to during the conduct of this election

 

ii. That only INEC certified true copy of the elected officers from Ward to State levels of our party during the March 2020 Party congresses are allowed to participate and vote during the congress (Party Primaries)

 

iii. That only the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) with a photo Identification plus the party membership card be used for identification and accreditation during the conduct of the elections (Party Primaries).

 

iv. That only the National Organising Secretary signed list of Statutory Delegates including those in items (i) and (ii) above and allowed to participate and vote during the elections (Party primaries)

 

v. That only accredited delegates, agents, journalist, security personnel should be allowed into the venue of the party primaries and voting. Government appointees and or agents in the guise of observers should not be permitted into the arena for the primaries.

 

vi. That accreditation of delegates, agents etc should be done only at the venue of the primaries and voting

 

vii. That the panel to conduct this election shall not only claim to be neutral but be seen to be so especially not be influenced by the state government personnel and agencies giving the present and recurring antecedents

CAF Confederation Cup Finals: GOV.EMMANUEL PURCHASES ALL TICKETS, DISTRIBUTES FREE TO FANS

Nigerian football fans who will witness the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup at Godswill Akpabio International stadium, Uyo, this Friday, will save money on match tickets as all the tickets for the historic match have been purchased by the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, with the directive for them to be distributed to fans free-of-charge.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) through its Chairman and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, disclosed this during the LOC's daily briefing for Wednesday evening. 

Mr. Uko noted that the move was a deliberate action by the Governor to ease the financial burden of attending the match on the fans and to ensure that no one is left out from experiencing the memorable occasion. 

Meanwhile, a statement from the LOC indicates that the free tickets will be available for pick-up at all the ticket booths at Godswill Akpabio International stadium and the premises of all radio stations in the state as well as the Club House of Akwa United.

Orlando Pirates of the Republic of South Africa will be meeting Renaissance Sportive de Berkane of Morocco for the first time when the two sides faceoff in Uyo this Friday for the right to be crowned champions of Africa's second biggest club football competition.

TENSION IN AKWA IBOM AS PDP NWC ADMITS RECEIPT OF NUMEROUS PETITIONS AGAINST ADHOC DELEGATES ELECTION

Gov. Emmanuel runs to Abuja after a night long meeting with close confidants to lobby NWC of Party

The Peoples Democratic Party is said be worried with recent developments in Akwa Ibom concerning the just concluded adhoc delegates election in the State where most party stakeholders have since described as a sham and a scam.

A source at the Wadata Plaza said the NWC of the opposition party is in receipt of numerous petitions with claims that there was no election for the selection of adhoc delegates for the next election. 

Our source said, the case with Akwa Ibom State is peculiar, troubling and most disturbing as petitioners alleged that a serving Senator, serving National Assembly members and a former Senator who is a former National spokesperson of the Party and many others were all schemed out. He said, these developments and more worry the Party who holds the believe that should those aggrieved persons pull out of the Party with their supporters, the PDP in Akwa Ibom State will crumble and the Party may lose the State to the oppossition APC who is rampaging by the day.

It was learnt that the Iyorcha Ayu-led NWC of the Party is not leaving any stone unturned as they seek an end to the looming war within her ranks and file in the Party in AKWA Ibom State.

Another source in the PDP National Secretariat who spoke to our reporter said, a man who was identified as Senator Anietie Okon is in the forefront of the cancellation of the adhoc delegates election. With the overwhelming evidence of electoral malpractices, it is obvious the Party may pull the rug under the feet of the State leadership of the Party.

Meanwhile, as part of his efforts to ensure that the adhoc delegates election stands, Governor Udom Emmanuel has jetted out of the State to hold crucial talks with the leadership of the Party. The Governor, it was learnt, rose from a meeting late night of Tuesday with members of his inner caucus, including Emmanuel Enoidem and Uwemedimo Nwko, SAN, where the idea of meeting with the NWC Chairman of the Party  was agreed upon. The Governor, it was learnt, left the Seat of power in Barracks road about thirty minutes to 9:00am to board his private jet enroute Abuja.

Sources from the Akwa Ibom State Government House and the PDP fear the adhoc delegates election may be canceled as evidence of a proper election is unavailable.

2023: DEAR AKWA IBOMITES, OUR LIBERATION IS NIGH

The primary of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to choose a gubernatorial candidate is on Saturday, May 21, 2022.

It is not an ordinary exercise. Who emerges on that day will fly the Flag of the PDP for the 2023 Governorship Election. Accordingly, that primary is inches away on who becomes the Governor of Akwa Ibom State come May 29, 2023.

A State Governor means more than the interest of one man. If we, have been bystanders in previous processes, never again! Therefore, this message is a wakeup call to Delegates and Akwa Ibomites generally. Let us not be fooled to accept just anybody.

Clearly, we are all living witnesses to the poor and below expectation governance in Akwa Ibom State under Governor Udom Emmanuel. The hardship in Akwa Ibom is becoming very severe everyday despite being the number one Oil Producing State in the country. The administration has perpetuated egoistic, religious deception and audio performances since 2015.

The administration has total disdain for the people, workers, retirees and even the political class. Akwa Ibom State is now run as a one man show. The State House of Assembly has been coerced into becoming an appendage of the Executive without the prevalence of the expected checks and balances. As witnessed, stupendous Loans are collected at will, thereby pushing the State into an unimaginable debt profile of over #214 Billion. 

The Completion Agenda, with several uncompleted projects scattered across the state, is now abandoned for an ill-fated Presidential aspiration. It is a costly project and our State's resources are or maybe compromised.

*MAY 21, 2022 GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY*

As we move into the PDP's Gubernatorial Primary, we all must totally reject a product of impunity as Umo Eno represents. Udom Emmanuel has therefore not given Akwa Ibomites enough reasons to buy into his succession project. Worse still, his preferred aspirant is very unpopular and incompetent – fellow, who has even admitted of being the least qualified. 

The Delegates of our party must salvage the State. They have to say no to money politics, intimidations and favouritism. We need to realise that if the Delegates compromise, this yoke that is almost killing us as a people will be extended. 

Let us be resolute to say no to the extension of Udom Emmanuel’s tenure through Umo Eno. Thank God the Delegates have also felt the demeaning characteristics of the State administration. Councillors, who were duly elected in the immediate past local government Councils in the State, have been denied their basic entitlements. Today, they are publicly scorned as appointees! Who has bewitched Akwa Ibomites?

*THE WAY FORWARD*

In the first place, for the sake of peace, justice, equity and fairness, the 2023 Governorship slot require an aspirant from Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency to fill. In Uyo Senatorial District, Etinan and Uyo have already produced governors.

In Itu Federal Constituency, we have Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA), Hon. Akan Okon and Mr. James Iniama being prominent in the race. What is more, Akwa Ibomites at home and abroad, all clamour for OBA because of his impressive track records witnessed over the years, up till now that he is in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Shall we therefore leave the best aspirant to choose someone who has openly admitted of being incompetent to govern Akwa Ibom State? NEVER! The scripture says in Romans 6:1-2; "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid!” 

Let's unite to achieve our common objective of enthroning the best for our State come May 29, 2023. The journey begins on May 21, 2022. 

Anthony Nkanang

Awa, ONNA LGA.

WHY PDP MAY LOSE IKONO/INI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY TO APC IN 2023, AS ENOIDEM, EDET DARES SYSTEM O ER DELEGATE LIST

With the National Assembly Primaries and the State House of Assembly primaries coming in few weeks time, there are fears that the People's Democratic Party, PDP may lose Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency to the opposition party, unless urgent steps are taken to arrest the situation.

There is apprehension in the federal constituency particularly Ini following alleged plots by a former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, and a Senatorial hopeful for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem &Co to impose Dr. Glory Edet on the people of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency. The action of Enoidem who is the National Chairman of Maintain Peace Movement, MPM if not checked could spell doom for the party.

For example, Glory Edet with the backing of Enoidem have reportedly altered the authentic delegate list for the two local government areas ahead of the forthcoming primary election.

Enoidem &Co are favoring Dr. Glory Edet and forcing her on delegates against the will of the masses who have vowed to revolt should the PDP allow Enoidem and cohorts have their way by imposing Glory Edet on Ikono/Ini people. A source had hinted that there was an approved delegate list which seemed to have the backing of the Governor's wife and other pro-government stakeholders in the federal constituency, but sadly according to the source, a House of Representatives aspirant from Ini, Dr. Glory Edet with the backing of Barr. Enoidem have been accused of altering the list in favour of Glory Edet.

According to the source "As you can see, they (Enoidem and Glory) have produced a list different from the authentic delegate list and have refused to hold ward congresses especially in Ikono. For goodness sake, Glory Edet is not the only contestant for the Ikono/Ini House of Representatives seat neither are her puppets the only ones looking for State House of Assembly offices in Ikono and Ini, Enoidem and co should allow democratic tenets to prevail in the exercise, and not to favour a particular aspirant, especially aspirants that have been widely rejected by majority of the masses in both Ikono and Ini. We will not accept that as we do not want her and her cohorts".

Another source who is a delegate said if the matter is not addressed before the primary, "Enoidem and Glory Edet are to blame should  PDP lose out in the federal constituency in the 2023 general elections. It is sad that the Governor is silent which means he approves of her behavior after seeing how she disrespected his wife and shamed the women of Ini at Ibom Hall recently" 

According to him, we are seeing a different delegate list, and we won't allow such anomaly to stand as one woman cannot try to pocket a whole federal constituency. The Governor won't say he hasn't heard our pleas and we are shocked that he would prefer to protect Dr Glory Edet at the expense of the federal constituency".

Attached below are the doctored lists

SENATOR BASSEY ALBERT FACILITES WOKERS , PLEDGES BETTER DAYS AHEAD AS GOVERNOR

In the spirit of  the Workers’ Day Celebration, Senator Albert Bassey Akpan (OBA), a leading governorship aspirant in Akwa Ibom State, has applauded the contributions of Nigerians, who selflessly sweat for the growth of the country.

A brief statement by his Campaign Spokesman, Dr Usoro I. Usoro, quotes OBA as particularly commending the dedication and hard work of Akwa Ibom workers, even in the face of weaponised hardship.

“Your  hard work and dedication always motivate me to work more for the growth and development of our dear state, in particular  and the nation, in general”, the senator said.

While thanking them for “selflessly contributing their quota to making our country great”, the five-star senator assured Akwa Ibom workers that their sweat will not be in vain when he becomes the governor, next year.

He recalled his efforts in supporting and fighting the cause of some workers over the years, either to save their jobs or ensure a better working cum living environment for them.

OBA promised that as soon as he is sworn-in as governor, issues of workers’ welfare, commensurable wages, gratuities, pensions, among others, will be among the first-line charges.

“May your sweat never be in vain and may you always enjoy the fruit of your labour”, he added.

Also known as May or Labour Day, Workers’ Day is set aside across the world to reflect on matters that affect the work environment and to draw attention to such issues, especially the unsatisfactory ones.