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.