Itina Sends Emotional Farewell Message To Paul Ekpo, Pledges Hard Work With Ekpenyong

The Publicity  Secretary, Forum of PDP Chapter Chairmen, Akwa Ibom State and Chapter chairman, Etinan Local Government Area, RT. Hon. Inemesit Itina has send an emotional farewell message to the out gone state chairman of the people democratic party, Obong Paul Ekpo.

In a release made available to our political correspondent, Theophilus Udo, Itina also congratulate the new state chairman of the party, Hon. Udo Ekpenyong, for emerging victoriously in yesterday state Congress after scoring 3840 votes.

The Etinan chapter chairman cum state publicity secretary of chapter chairmen pledged to continue to work with the new leadership of the party in the state to ensure the party continue to deliver good governance to Akwa Ibom people.

Below is the full message

FAREWELL TO OUR OUTGOING STATE CHAIRMAN, OBONG PAUL EKPO AND OCONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STATE CHAIRMAN ELECT OBONG HON  UDO EKPENYONG.

Today, July 30, 2020, history has been made as the State Chairman of our Party, Obong Paul Ekpo honourably bows out following the expiration of his tenure thereby making room for the election of Obong Hon. Udo Ekpenyong as the new PDP State Chairman.

Therefore, on behalf of Forum of PDP Chapter Chairmen, Akwa Ibom State, comprising the 31 Chapter chairmen, I write to convey our sincere appreciation to the outgoing State Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo for his enormous contributions to the growth of PDP in AKS. We say farewell Sir and may the good Lord reward you accordingly.

To the Chairman elect, Obong Hon. Udo Ekpenyong,  we join thousands of your loved ones to celebrate your emergence at the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party State Congress held at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Sir, your victory is a well deserved one having scored a total of 3840 votes to be declared the winner.

We pray for God's divine direction as you take up this mantle to run the affairs of this great Party.

Once again congratulations. Please be assured of our undivided support.

RT. HON INEMESIT ITINA

Pub. Secretary, Forum of PDP Chapter Chairmen, Akwa Ibom State and Chapter chairman, Etinan Local Government Area.

Adherence To Zoning Is Key To Peaceful LG Elections - AKHA Speaker

The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has charged the people of Uruan Local Government Area to adhere to zoning and shun vices that will affect peace and unity of the area in the forthcoming Local Government Council Chairmanship elections.

Rt. Hon. Bassey, who also represents Uruan State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting on Sunday in Uyo at the residence of Uruan Political Leader, Chief Peter Ekpe-Atakpo.

According to the Speaker, it will be equitable and fair for political offices in the area to be zoned to its four Clans for harmony and peaceful coexistence.

While appreciating stakeholders of the area for their show of love and solidarity, Rt. Hon. Bassey also sued for inclusiveness of all the zones in the area’s political sharing formula.

In his remarks, Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Road Maintenance and other Infrastructure Agency, Prince Godwin Ntukudeh, said “Stakeholders are compelled by truth and fairness to uphold the decision on the zoning arrangement in Uruan.”

Prince Ntukudeh, who frowned at the attempt by some persons to thwart Uruan zoning arrangement, added that the gesture must be reciprocated to every zones and political bloc in the area, saying “this will make us have a peaceful elections in Uruan.”

Earlier in his remarks, the host and Political Leader of Uruan, Chief Ekpe-Atakpo, maintained that the established zoning and rotation arrangement for political positions in Uruan should be kept for peace and equity.

Chief Ekpe-Atakpo further supported the stakeholders’ position on the zoning of Local Government Chairmanship seat for sustainable peace in the area.

Speaking, the Zonal Leader of Northern Uruan, Engr. Offiong Akpabio, who started by reminding the stakeholders of the stance of Uruan Elders Forum during the regime of Late Gen. Akan that political offices should be shared among the four zones of Uruan for equity, fairness and justice, disassociated himself from the recent communiqué by the Elders of North-Central Uruan against the Office of the Speaker.

He apologized to Speaker on behalf of the people of North-Central and called on the stakeholders to support zoning and political inclusiveness, as ordered by Governor Udom, peace and equity.

Also speaking, the Zonal Leader of South-South Uruan, Obong Augustine Effiong, who supported the position of Engr. Akpabio, said “the  four Clans of Uruan were not created for palliatives and administrative convenient as speculated in the communiqué presented by the North-Central,” stressing that sharing of political offices were based on the North-Central and Southern mega zones.

Obong Effiong said that there was injustice perpetuated by a section of Uruan and there was need to address the injustice by creating the four political zones for equity and fairness.

"We love peace and we need our brothers but not to the detriment of one particular zone," he said.

Also in attendance at the meeting were the Chairman of Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service, Obong Okon Okon; the Chairman of Uruan Local Government Council, Hon. Henry Udofia; the Zonal Leader of Central Uruan, Engr J. B. Effiong; the Zonal Leader of South-East Uruan, Obong Kingsley Orok; the Zonal Leader of North, Obong Bassey Mbom; all the Ward Leaders; Councillors; Supervisors among others.

A'Ibom SWAN Commends Gov Emmanuel On Support, Pledges Partnership On Sports Development

By Deborah Ekanem

The  Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has continued to receive commendations for sports development in Akwa Ibom state and the role he played on a successful thanksgiving service of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, held on the 26th of July, 2020 at the Apostolic Church, Four Towns, Uyo.

This was contained in a Communique issued at the end of the Association's July Congress at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Secretariat, Uyo on Friday, 24th July, 2020.

The Communique jointly signed by the Chairman of the Communique drafting Committee, Sammy Etuk and the Secretary of the Association, Theophilus Udoh applauded the governor and other Sport enthusiasts for Sports development in the State and vowed to be a worthy partner in the process of sports in the state.
Also, the Congress charged members of the Association to be more proactive in reporting Sports activities  as a major ingredient that could aid the repositioning of Sports in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large and as well sustain their membership in the association.

Further more, the Congress sued for retraining of her members through capacity building programmes, solicited for sponsorship in  making the project a reality.

However, members of the Association commended her State Chairman, Emmanuel Akpan on his on his dynamic leadership style and unity so far enjoyed since his emergence as the state chairman.

Stakeholders Pour Encomiums On Akwa Ibom FA Chairman Over Rain Of Palliatives

 Following the ravaging effect of coronavirus that has put a lot of persons to be in need, the Akwa Ibom State Football Association has given out palliatives to all Football stakeholders in the State with millions of naira to aid them in this trying time.

Some of the stakeholders that benefited from the historic gesture of the leadership of Football Association headed by Hon. Emmanuel Iba, are Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, all the 31 Local Council of Football Association, over 50 amateur Football clubs in Akwa Ibom who are affiliated to the state football association, past chairmen of Football association in the State, Akwa Ibom State referees council, Stadium steward, Uta farm Supporters Club, Akwa United Supporters Club, staff of the Football Association, Ball Boys, All Stars International, Great Football Family, Last election committee of the association, Football Coaches Association and all occupants of the Uyo Township Stadium amongst others.

Addressing representatives of all the respective group of stakeholders in Uyo the capital of Akwa Ibom State, the State Chairman of Football Association who double as the South South board representative in the Nigeria Football Federation, Hon Emmanuel Iba, hinted that the palliative was given to representatives of the groups for onward distribution to their members so as to maintain social distancing and stick to the guidelines from World health organization and the Nigeria centre for disease control (NCDC) on the fight against coronavirus.

Iba, while appreciating lovers and promoters of Football like Vandrezzer Energy, sponsors of Vandrezzer football club who thought it wise to come to the aid of the association in this trying times, said the football association in the states were yet to get  any palliative from the federation and as such, appeals to well meaning individuals to borrow the kind gesture of vandrezzer by supporting the Football Association.

On the 2020 State Aiteo Cup which participating clubs had registered, Emmanuel Iba, urged the clubs not to panic over the cancellation of the fiesta for this year as his board has taken a stand by fast forwarding their registration to 2021 in which the clubs will only come out and play without registering again.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Elder Enobong Etukudoh; former Football Association Chairman, Mr. Isong Ntuen; All Stars International, Elder Smith Sunday; FA Local Government Council Chairman for Nsit Ibom, Evang. Theophilus Udo; State Secretary of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Coach Morgan Macito; President of grassroot coaches association, all thanked Hon. Emmanuel Iba, led FA for putting smiles on the faces of all Football stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State in this challenging times and for  being transparent in his leadership.

Stating that since the  emergence of Hon. Iba as the state FA Chairman, football development has witness tremendous achievements, the respondents prayed for more successes for Hon. Emmanuel Iba.

Notorious Ponzi Scheme Operator Arrested in Uyo

The operator of a grand Ponzi Scheme:  “No Burn Global Limited”,  Umanah  Umanah,  has  been arrested by operatives of the Uyo Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC.

He was arrested  recently in a hotel located at the Osongoma area of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state,  following a petition sent to the Commission  by  Joseph E. Uko, who alleged that Umanah swindled him of over N2.9million (Two Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) and subsequently issued him a cheque for N500,000(Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) that was never honoured as the account in question was not funded to cover the sum for which the cheque was issued.

According to the petitioner, after several months of expecting to receive his 50% returns on investment, without any success,  he decided to get back his invested funds.  But all efforts made by him to get back his money proved abortive as Umanah deserted his office located at Plot 110-Unit D,  Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo,, and went into hiding until operatives of the Commission smoked him out.

Before his arrest,  Umanah, 62, allegedly lures people to invest in his company,  by assuring them of a bogus 50% interest within one week.  He allegedly operated smoothly in a number of states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), but denied any knowledge of the petitioner  and the evidence of his allegations against him.

While being interrogated,  Umanah said:  "I am the Chief Executive Officer of No Burn Global Limited. The company is a consultancy and entrepreneurship service provider. It provides information and stimulates ideas. I was shocked to see the cheque as a source of a petition against me. It is my handwriting on the cheque. But I have never met Joseph Ukoh Eboh before in my life".

However, investigation into the matter revealed that Umanah is the leader of a syndicate  of advance fee fraudsters , who had  operated in various states like Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Abuja amongst others. He was also reported to be operating along the West Coast,  especially Ghana and Togo.

The suspect  will soon  be charged to court.

Umbrella Civil Society Group Commends Gov Emmanuel On Composition Of Public Procurement Council

By Ememobong Okon

An umbrella body for Civil Society Organizations in the State, Akwa Ibom State Civil Society Organizations forum, has expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, for the recent appointment of one of their members, Mr. Harry Udoh, as a member of the Akwa Ibom State Public Procurement Council.

In a press statement issued by the group's head of media and publicity, Mr. Kingsley Atang and made available to newsmen on Monday, the group described the appointment of Mr. Udoh as deliberate, noting that the inclusion of civil society representation in the council, demonstrates strong political will to replace corruption, opacity and inefficiency with a regime of openness, especially in the area of public contacting.

"we are confident that Akwa Ibom State has just taken one of the fist steps towards joining the league of jurisdictions across the globe that are embracing open contracting for more efficient and effective public service delivery.

"Oftentimes, dearth of financial resources and political interference have been known to hamper the work of otherwise well-intentioned government initiatives.

"we therefore call on the State government to provide the council with the institutional resources and political space to fulfill its mandate.

"once again, we salute the Akwa Ibom State Government for its goodwill and ongoing partnership with Civil Society and affirm the forum's commitment to work with government to achieve the stipulated objectives of the Akwa Ibom State public procurement law 2019." the statement read.

It would be recalled that last week, Governor Emmanuel inuagugurated the Akwa Ibom State Public Procurement Council, with Mr. Harry Udoh, as the representative of civil society groups in the State.

Mr. Harry, a development expert with about 30 years cognate experience, has been in the forefront of advocating for  meaningful development of the State and the nation at large.

In an interaction with our reporter, Mr. Udoh, while appreciating the State Governor for the appointment, said, "With His Excellency, Udom Emmanuel's assent to the Public Procurement law and the prompt inauguration of the Public Procurement Council, the governor has laid the bulwark for transparency, accountability and good governance in the state.

" This also indicates the good intent of government for proper management of the state's resources. "

Hon. Anthony Etim Advocates Steadfastness in Hosting Akwa Ibom Youth Sports Festival

The Akwa Ibom State Weightlifting Association chairman, Pastor Antony Etim has advocated for the persistent hosting of the Akwa Ibom State Youths Sports Festival, saying that the festival has  immensely resulted in the discovery of talents  in various sports.

Etim who also doubles as the local government chairman of Oron made the advocacy while interacting with the state exercutive members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) led by Comrade Emmanuel Akpan, in Uyo.

Pastor Etim who is a  former, footballer, Javelin thrower and a weightlifter explained that the advent of the Akwa Ibom Youth Sports Festival brought about the discovery of young talents like Edidiong in weightlifting, Imaobong in track, Idara in Boxing amongst others who could have been found wanting in the streets without knowing the potentials in them.

He appreciated Governor Udom Emmanuel for  according  sports   and youth  development  a priority in his administration and extolled the governor for affording him and other  members of the association   the opportunity to serve on board and contribute to the development of sports in the state.

While hinting that the  State Weightlifting Association is  determined to make the state proud in the sports at all levels, he said so far,  the state lifters have won 49 gold, 20 silver and 29 bronze medals in the National Sports Festivals, while in the  National Youth Sports Festival, Akwa Ibom did not take the rare as it  clinched 12 gold 11 silver and 12 bronze medals as well.

The chairman mentioned some of the weightlifters which helped the state to scoop the  laurels at  competitions to include: Edidiong Umofia, Uwana Peter,Namsifon Ekanem, Theresa Okon amongst others, whom he believed will go ahead to represent Nigeria in Olympic  having excelled in Africa and International championships.

He hinted that soon after the association was inaugurated a meeting of the board was convenned followed with a visit to the Uyo Township Stadium to assess facilities for training of weightlifters, adding that for positive results in the game it was pertinent to have a  standard training facility which he provided one of the best weightlifting platforms for the athletes training.

The chairman listed other attainments of the association to include: organizing a reception for weightlifters who participated at the Jigawa  State Weightlifting Competition and preparation of weightlifters for the postponed Edo National Sports Festival.

He also said that arrangement  was made to stage Oro Nation Youth  Weightlifting Tournament but was postponed due to the emergence of Coronavirus Disease , which according to him will still hold after the pandemic.

 According to him, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria ( ALGON) was  desirous to present youths from the 31 local government areas for weightlifting competition so as to harness talents in the sport.

Etim,  expressed readiness of the association to partner SWAN towards the  development of Weightlifting in the  state.

It would be recalled that the Akwa Ibom state youth sports festival held only twice with the third edition failing to hold in 2019, no thanks to political activities of 2019 in the state.