AKHA Confirms 19 Commissioners, 2 Special Advisers

... Call on Gov. Udom Emmanuel To Assign Portfolio Base on Specialisation

By Theophilus Udo

Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly today, 4 June, 2019 sceened and confirm Commissioners and Special Adviser earlier nominated and send to them by Governor Udom Emmanuel with a called on the state Governor to take into cognisance their areas of specialisation in assigning portfolios to the nineteen commissioners and two special advisers designate.

This follows a report from the house committee on Judiciary, Human Right, and Public petition headed by the member representing Mkpat Enin state constituency, Hon. Victor Ekwere.

The twenty one soon to be sworn in state executive members were confirmed in pars of three except with the first being three of them who were members of the  state Assembly, who were given special preference.

The trio are; Barr. Ekong Sampson, Mr. Uno Etim and Mr. Okpulupum Ette.

Those confirmed as commissioners are; Mr. Akan okon, Arch. Ime Ekpo, Mr NSE Essien, Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, Mr. Monday Uko, Mr. Linus Nkan, Hon. Okpulupum Etteh, Mr Ephraim Inyaneyen, Barr. Ekong Sampson, Mr Charles Udoh.

Others are; Mrr. Orman Eain, Iniobong Essien, Dr Dominic Ukpong, Dr Gloria Edet, Mr. Udo Ekpenyong, Mr Uno Etim Uno, Mr Rapheal Bassey, Mr Victor Bassey, Barr. Ukpong Akpabio .
The special advisers are; Hon Sunny Ibuot and Mrs Ekemini Umoh.

2019 AFCON Round of 16 matches
5th to 8 July

Morocco VS Benin
Uganda VS Senegal
Nigeria VS Cameroon
Egypt VS South Africa
Madagascar VS DR Congo
Algeria VS Guinea
Mali VS Ivory Coast
Ghana VS Tunisia

Cross Rivers Demands Return Of 76 Oil Wells From Akwa Ibom

Ayade demands return of 76 oil wells ceded to Akwa Ibom

In apparent frustration with the Federal Government’s neglect of the state, Cross River governor, Senator Ben Ayade has asked for the return of its 76 oil wells ceded to Akwa Ibom State in 2012 following the ruling of the Supreme Court.

Cataloguing what he described as unconscionable injustices meted out to the state by the Federal Government, Ayade listed the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon, the ceding of the state’s 76 oil and the non-reimbursement of what the state has spent on federal roads as some instances of unfair treatment of the state.

The governor made his feelings known during a courtesy call on him by the commander of the joint military taskforce, Operation Delta Safe (ODS), Rear Admiral Akinjide Akinrinade.
He said the ceding of the oil-rich peninsula was illegal and therefore, the loss of oil wells was an act of gross injustice.

“Even the implementation of the Supreme Court judgement that emphasized clearly that Cross River must continue to enjoy stabilization support in perpetuity for the loss of oil well has since been stopped. We are tired and so we want our oil wells back,” he declared.

The governor also deplored the refusal by the Federal Government to admit members of a militant group, the Bakassi Strike Force into its amnesty programme after the state government facilitated their surrender of arms to the military.

“It was even at the instance of your own (military) request that we came to the ultimate conclusion that we needed to grant amnesty. Sadly, shortly after the disarmament and demobilization exercise, the burden therefrom rests wholly on the shoulders of Cross River State. Now as you are moving into the rehabilitation and reintegration phase, here we are being called upon yet again to provide the financial support for it to be achieved.

“Let me send you a message to the National Security Adviser and indeed to Mr. President, to tell him that the people of Cross River State are watching with keen interest how other people who were granted amnesty in other states are responsibilities of Federal Government and how our own people have been allowed to gradually regress to where to left to embrace peace.

“Not even one person from the entire list has been taken by the Federal Government for any form of amnesty programme nor has a dime been paid to any of them. What has Cross River done wrong in this country? Please send this message to Mr. President that we want to know what Cross River has done wrong, particularly now that you have noticed that some camps are coming back to live again after the disarmament and demobilization”.

Furthermore he said: “Ordinary amnesty, Cross Riverians cannot benefit from it. Have oils well become everything? If it is oil wells, we have also issued a report showing oil deposits in Cross River both inland and offshore. How can a state that has a very extensive maritime boundary be told that it is not a littoral state?

How can you grant amnesty to other states and give them international opportunities and exposures, bring them back, engage them and pay them monthly yet you exclude Cross Riverians? What have we really done wrong?
“You take our oil wells, take our land, we are not even in NDDC and ordinary amnesty you cannot provide for Cross River? We have been on our knees begging that we have found oil, can you give us discretional license to partner with a third party to do exploration and pay loyalties to government. Until now we have not gotten any response.”

The governor also expressed unhappiness that the state is yet to be reimbursed for interventions on federal roads even when other states have been reimbursed.

While pleading with President Buhari to assist the state survive and realisze its deep vision projects including the Bakassi Deep Seaport and the 274km superhighway, he pleaded that if the state has in any way offended the Federal Government, then the state should be forgiven.

According to the governor, “Cross River has come under so much abuse recently. Must they kill us because we are peaceful? If there is anything Cross River has done to the Federal Government, let the Federal Government forgive Cross River because these things have been there even before I assumed duty as governor.

He disclosed that the state was building an estate for the displaced people of Bakassi. The estate, he said will be ready in about a month

Despite his frustration with the Federal Government, he promised to assist the Operation Delta Safe with N50 million.

Earlier, the Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Akirinade, lauded the governor for his commitment to peace, security and development of Cross River.

The Commander who appealed to the governor for support to ensure the rehabilitation of and reintegration of the militants in order to prevent them from regrouping, said: “Thanks to the strategic initiative of granting amnesty to the Bakassi Strike Force. Though the disarmament and demobilization was done successful, but the rehabilitation and reintegration which is the most critical phase is yet to be achieved, which is why I appeal to His Excellency to see to the fulfilment of this exercise.”

Better Welfare For Akwa Ibom Publishers As Gov. Emmanuel Pledges Partnership

Better Welfare For Akwa Ibom Publishers As Gov Udom Emmanuel Pledges Partnership

Pix. SA to Governor Udom Emmanuel in a discussion with the managing editor of Ibom Chronicle Newspaper, Theophilus Udo, after the meeting

Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel will partner publishers of Akwa Ibom State based newspapers and online news blogs towards achieving better promotion of the State and projection of development strides of his administration.

This was made known when they were hosted to a Thank-you Forum by the Special Assistant to the Govenor on Local Media, Prince Emmanuel Sam, at Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.

Sam, whose appointment was made public on June 24, 2019, in a release signed by the Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, was before the appointment the Chief Executive Officer of Emmasol Communications, the publisher of Guide Newspaper.


He was also the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Independent Newspaper Publishers Association, INPA and Leader of Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement, AILM.



In his opening remarks, Prince Emmanuel Sam, thanked God for making the day possible. He expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel for deeming him fit for the service of his fatherland, adding that every publisher automatically becomes a stakeholder in the administration through him appointment.

Pix. Cross section of state based publishers shortly after the thank you meeting.


Sam noted that the meet – which will be a regular event in the course of his official duties – was very significant in the sense that he was indebted to all publishers for their show of solidarity and unpretentious celebration of his elevation.

“This is my way of saying thank you to each and everyone of you, publishers, for your genuine display of love, support and solidarity with my appointment. I can assure you that I’m here to represent all your interests.

“Although I am the fourth SA on Local Media since the return to civil rule, I want to assure you that my tenure will focus on serving as liaison between the Governor and state based publishers, media organizations and professionals. As those who invest your hard earned money to promote the state and project politicians into power, it’s now time for you to profit from those investments”.

The event which was graced by the immediate past Special Assistant on Local Media, Ambassador Uko Umoh, also witnessed a large turnout of publishers, officials of State Council of Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, executives of various chapels of NUJ, editors of several state based newspapers and media professionals.

It was an opportunity for goodwill messages and requests for improved rate for advertorials, empowerment and other welfare packages for publishers.

First among them was from Ambassador Uko Umoh, who congratulated his successor on a well deserved appointment. In his words, “although the invite came on short notice, I decided to honour it because of our friendship. We’ve shared so many experiences and I’m certain you are good for the job. Publishers and local media fared well during my tenure, but I know you can perform better. I pray God to protect and guide you to success”.

The pioneer female publisher, CEO of Providence newspaper and pioneer chairperson of Consolidated Chapel of NUJ, Pastor Lucy Daniel, observed that it was the first time an SA on Local Media would gather publishers for an interaction soon after his appointment. She thanked Governor Udom for finally locating a square peg for a square hole, adding that Prince Sam’s appointment was a welcome development which signalled a new beginning for newspaper publishers in the State.

Also speaking, the Secretary, Board of Trustees of Independent Newspaper Publishers Association, INPA, Barrister David Augustine, stated that his association is elated by the appointment of its B. O.T Chairman, revealing that the appointment seals the reunion between the present administration and state based media organizations across all sections and divides.

Mr. Isreal Umoh, former State Chairman of NUJ and publisher of Straight news, noted with joy that Prince Sam is among the few elite media professionals in the state that have remained consistent in service despite many challenges. He asked for improved welfare package for publishers, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver since he has firsthand experience in the profession.

On his part, Otuekong Franklin Isong, publisher of Radar newspaper, lauded his undoubted integrity in the state media circle and  advised him to remain dogged in holding public officers accountable even in his new office.

Furthermore, he asked the SA to work on improving rate for advertorials and strengthening the relationship between the Governor and media practitioners, saying “it is how you paint us before the Governor that he will see us”.


The Secretary of League of Publishers, Mr. Nsibiet John, congratulated the SA on Local Media, noting that his appointment is well deserved and timely and urged hiim to remain focus and work hard to better the existing relationship between the Governor and state based media professionals.

The Chancellor of Coalition Of Online Publishers Akwa Ibom, COOPA, Mr. Ifreke Nseowo, while congratulating Prince Emmanuel Sam on his appointment, commended him for acknowledging the critical role played by members of his association in the development of Akwa Ibom State.

He also thanked him for the lofty plans he has for state based media professionals especially members of COOPA and pledged his association’s commitment towards his success and that of the Udom administration.

Others who spoke were Secretary, State Council of Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr. Amos Etuk; publisher of Sermon newspaper and Vice President, Sport Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Otuekong Bonny Nyong; immediate past Special Assistant to the Governor (Grassroots Re-orientation) Mr. Joseph Okon; publisher of Fortress newspaper and State Chairman of SWAN, Mr. Solomon Bassey; and publisher of Vintage Express and Chairman of Federated Chapel of NUJ, Mr. Inimfon Silas.

Responding, the Special Assistant on Local Media reassured the publishers that Governor Udom is poised to offer them a new deal.

“Throughout my tenure, I will work to ensure that publishers feel the benevolence of Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, who is evidently media friendly. I can assure you that just as your news outlets publish politicians donating cars to their supporters, all things being equal, you shall also report how cars are donated to publishers.

“Secondly, on the request for improved rate for advertorials, this will be looked into. With permission from my immediate boss, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and whoever will emerge the Commissioner for Information, we will meet with executives of League of Publishers, Independent Newspaper Publishers Association, INPA, to arrive at a standard rate for advertorials from government.

AKHA SPEAKER ADVOCATES PROMOTION OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES

A’IBOM SPEAKER ADVOCATES PROMOTION OF LOCAL LANGUAGES

... Urges Parents To Be Role Model To Their Kids

The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has advocated for the promotion of native language in Nigeria as a way of promoting development and social cohesion.


The Speaker made the call while playing host to a delegation from Ukara Ibibio, a socio-cultural organization, in his office on Tuesday.

Rt. Hon. Bassey, while thanking the delegation for stopping by, appreciated the group for thriving to protect the Ibibio heritage and urged them to take the #BringBackOurNativeLanguage campaign to nooks and crannies of Akwa Ibom.


In his words: “I thank the leadership of Ukara Ibibio for this visit. It is apt and it brings to mind the need for us to preserve our cultural heritage, especially as it concerns our native language. We need to encourage Ibibio and other languages to be spoken and written in all educational institutions of Akwa Ibom State.


The need for a policy direction in this regard cannot be overemphasized as it will contribute to our development and social cohesion. Country like Iraq, Libya, China and Japan have done it. They have interpreted all science books to their respective languages for easy assimilation by the people.”

“When Japanese, Chinese and French Presidents for instance visits another country, they communicate through their own native language using an interpreter.

It is important for our leaders to think towards this direction and ensure there is a national policy that promotes our local languages. Most State Houses of Assembly conduct the affairs of the House through their native languages. It is the right step in the right direction. Our local languages must not be allowed to go extinct,”

Speaker Bassey enjoined parents to be mentors and role models to their children at home stating that the home is the first schooling environment of any child. He pleaded that parents should endeavour to communicate with their children at home using local dialects.

To him, "Communicating with our kids at home using our vernacular will assist them in learning about their culture and promoting same"

Speaking, the leader of the delegation, Mrs. Ekaette Macaulay Utong, who described the Speaker as someone that has displayed humility, selflessness, integrity in development of the state, thanked him for the warm reception and opportunity given them.

She maintained that Rt. Hon. Bassey “is towing the path of the forebears of Ibibio nation in promoting Ibibio cultural heritage and development,” and appealed that he uses his office to ensure, unity, peace, love and prosperity of Akwa Ibom heritage.

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NWF Extends Ongoing Gov. Dickson Classics

Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has extended the ongoing 3rd Governor Dickson National Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, by two days, according to the president of the body, Hon. Daniel Igali.

The competition earlier scheduled to end on 30th June, will now be concluded on 2nd July.

In a chat with journalists on Tuesday, the Olympic and World champion disclosed that the extension is at the instance of the sponsor of the competition, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State.

“The Governor wants to be personally at the finals of the Governor Seriake National Wrestling Classics. He understands the importance of this tournament, does not want to send a representative and has very important functions on the 29th and 30th (June) which is Saturday and Sunday,” the NWF boss explained.

“So, he essentially pleaded with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation for us to extend it by two days because he wants to be personally be at the finals. And of course, he who pays the piper (dictates the tune), you know what they say.

“The board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation has met; we’ve also met with stakeholders of the teams and agreed that it is worth doing, it’s worthwhile

Hon. Igali, who is also the vice president of Commonwealth Wrestling Board, equally informed that Governor Dickson has agreed to foot the extra bills that will be incurred by the various teams as a result of the extension.

“The Governor has also promised that whatever expenses are involved with the shift, will be borne by the State Government.”

20 states and 16 wrestling clubs across the country are expected to participate in the 3rd Gov. Dickson National Classics, which serves as qualifiers for both the 12th All-Africa Games in Morocco and the World Championships in Kazakhstan later this year.

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