BOOK LAUNCH: NINETY YEAR OLD ORATOR ROUTES SUPPORT TO GOV EMMANUEL


“In my sojourn in public service, I have worked directly under more than six Governors and I can say that we are lucky to have Governor Udom Emmanuel as Governor of Akwa Ibom State today.”

90 year old Dr. Akpanabasi Ikoiwak, renowned orator and writer made the assertion at the launch of his book, “Flashes of Oratory; Selections from the Speeches of A.A. Ikoiwak”.

Dr. Ikoiwak said, “this young man you have here is covered by a power that is more than steel.”

Ikoiwak who had worked with Late Brig. Gen Udoakaha Jacob Esuene during his days as Governor of South Eastern State between 1967 and 1975 said, “those who know me, know that I don’t flatter. You have seen the number of Governors I have worked under, many of them.” 

Citing Matthew 25:33-34, the former university lecturer spoke on the symbolism of Governor Emmanuel’s name “Udom” which is interpreted from vernacular as ‘right’ quoting that “and he shall set the sheep on His right hand and the goats on the left, those on the right hand are blessed of the father.

He advised the Governor against being shaken by anyone, as he is destined to lead the state for eight years.

Dr. Ikoiwak whose younger brother, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, is the current chairman of AKISIEC, also maintained that the Governor’s other two names, Emmanuel which means God with us, and Gabriel which represents God’s messenger of good news, means that the Governor has God around him, his pocket, his heart, on his head and around him.

He urged everyone to support his re-election just like the Governors each from Ikot Ekpene and Uyo were supported for two terms in the previous sixteen years.
“Uyo did eight years, Ikot Ekpene did eight years, What has Eket Senatorial District done wrong that you want to split its turn? There is no reason why you should give part of four years to him and give four years to another,” he roared.

The former university lecturer said books represent light and his brain represented in ink, and added that given the same opportunity all over again, he would love to remain an English teacher writing books to enhance learning.

Governor Udom Emmanuel who was accompanied by his deputy, Moses Ekpo, celebrated the author “for his intellect and presence of mind to chronicle this great and inspiring book ‘Flashes of Oratory’.

He noted that Dr Ikoiwak is “one of the few surviving members of that glorious years when passion and selfless devotion to service formed the abiding motivation for career in public service.”

Mr Emmanuel said, of all his years of service to the people, his years as speech writer to Governors were the greatest contributions to the country, describing it as a gift which requires reading and interpreting the mind of another person in authority.

The Governor promised to uphold all that is needed to keep the state united and promote those attributes that made the state renowned as the best bet in integrity and hardwork. 
“In those days when you want a man of integrity, they tell you look for an Akwa Ibom person, but today people are trying to destroy those core values that shaped us and demonstrated the kind of God given set of people we are in this part of the world.”

The Governor purchased 100 copies of the book at N5m, and directed the Ministry of Information and Strategy to make it available for the reading public.

Earlier the book reviewer, Senator Etang Umoyo, Chairman on the Occasion, Chief Nduese Essien and Keynote Speaker, Chief Assam E. Assam(SAN) all spoke in glowing tributes of the author.

Chief Essien described the book as an attempt to present to the present and future generations, the thought, wisdom and intellect of a living hero.    

Goodwill messages from the ALGON chairman, Frank Archibong and Prof. Des Wilson were received at the event, while the Chief Launcher Elder Ben Udobia celebrated the book with N1m.


From Ndifreke P. Akpan (Govt House)

Lawyer Petitions EFCC Over Akpabio’s N204bn Abandoned Projects


Uyo – An Uyo-based lawyer, Itorobong Michael Umoren, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over N204 billion projects abandoned by former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio,

The lawyer claimed that this fund was appropriated for over 11 strategic projects in the state.

The petitioner said Akpabio, during his administration as governor, awarded series of outrageous and white elephant contracts.

He added: “It is worthy of note that most of the projects so awarded and money paid in full had, before the intervention of Governor Udom Emmanuel, became death traps due to abandonment of the projects by the contractors on reasons of non-availability of funds for either completion or to even kick-start the project.”

Umoren listed the affected projects, with the sum appropriated and released but not executed, to include Ring Road, 111, N35,064,607,382,00; Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road, N71,559,177,414.89; Etebi-Enwang Road, N19,188,603,159.29; Oron Urban, N9,025.042,262.31; dualisation of Eket-Ibeno Road, N29, 449,542,135.32; construction of Uyo Afaha Nkan, Ikot Nseyen -Nkwot-Nung Ukim Road, N4,818,956,342.70.

Others include construction of roads in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, N1,980,000,000.00; rehabilitation of road in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, N17,035,656,789.22; Operation Zero Potholes in Uyo Senatorial District, N1,700,000,000.00; rehabilitation of roads in the state, N1,000,000,000.00, and construction of roads in Essien Udim, N42,708,475,662.44. Total: N204,505,018,885.17.

The petition forwarded by the legal consultant to the EFCC, copied the presidency, the Independent Corrupt Practice and other related offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau.

The petition made available to Daily Independent with the title, ‘A petition against the uncommon fraudulent act of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, in the construction of roads in Akwa Ibom State during his tenure as the Executive Governor of the state’, alleged that series of contracts awarded by Akpabio during his tenure as governor were either totally abandoned or partially completed.

Taking on the Uyo-Ikot-Ekpene road project, for instance, the petitioner said, “It is on record that on the 19th December, 2011, the then governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, awarded a contract to Julius Berger (Nig) Plc for the dualisation of the 25 kilometres Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road to the tune of N28,394,575,803.22 with reference no: GO/FGPC/S/6/VOL.XIX/1026.

“Available document has it that the contract was to be completed within 24 months and 40%, that is N15.3 billion, of the contract sum was to be paid in favour of the contractor for mobilisation.

“From the records, the sum of N2.3 billion was set aside for compensation of persons whose property were marked for demolition.

“But sadly, though the money was approved and disbursed, none of the affected persons got compensated and the construction was abandoned.

“Records also have it that on the 12th September, 2013, the estimated cost for the dualisation of the said road was reviewed and N23.5 billion was added, this brought the total contract sum to N51.9 billion. The reasons necessitating the review of the contract sum from N28.3 billion to N51.9 billion was not stated.



“Similarly, on the 25th July, 2014, the Akwa Ibom State government approved additional work in respect of the dualisation of the said road with the following descriptions: Section from Ch.23+000 to city centre Incl. Roundabout. (Ii) Flyover to the tune of N19.4 billion.

“N71.3 billion was released for the execution of the project. It is unfortunate to say that the contractor abandoned the project due to lack of funds, which is to say that the funds did not get to the contractors.

“The project, which was hurriedly commissioned in 2015, at kilometres 15, at just a wearing course, and without side drains, did not achieve up to 50 percent completion.”

Touching on the abandoned Etebi-Enwang Road in Mbo Local Government Area, currently being undertaken by the present administration of Udom Emmanuel, the petitioner noted, “The sum of N19.1 billion was paid for the construction of Etebi-Enwang road in Mbo Local Government Area.

“Notwithstanding the fact that the contract sum was paid in full, the project was never executed.

“I want to bring to your notice that the said company, SIGOENG Construction Limited, was floated by the wife of the then governor, and available record shows that the said amount was paid in full to the bank account operated by the wife of the then governor, Mrs. Ekaete Unoma Akpabio.

“This is against the provision of section 1 of the Code of Conduct for public officers which provides that ‘a public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflict with his duties and responsibilities.’”

The legal practitioner who also queried the allocation and release of N42.7 billion for construction of roads in Essien Udim (Akpabio’s home town) to STEMCO, said the project, in addition to questionable cost for construction of community roads, was not open for bidding.

“From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that there were series of fraudulent transactions in the award of contracts for construction of roads in Akwa Ibom State during that administration.

“Most of the projects were abandoned by contractors for lack of funds even after funds meant for the execution of those contracts were approved and disbursed in full.

“We, therefore, urge you to use your good offices to cause a thorough investigation to be carried out on this issue,” he said.

The petition dated November 1, 2018 and addressed to EFCC, was received, stamped, and signed by the commission on November 9, 2018, for expected action by the commission established to check all forms of financial crimes and other issues of embezzlement of public funds.



https://www.independent.ng/lawyer-petitions-efcc-over-akpabios-n204bn-abandoned-projects/

Rice Mill: Udom Has Given Akpabio Sleepless Nights!

Uwemedimoh Umanah

The unprecedented success of Governor Emmanuel’s industrialization policy is causing amnesia to Senator Godswill Akpabio and the entire APC in the state.

The reason is that Udom, unlike his predecessor, has crossed the rubicon by taking development beyond rhetoric and political fantasy.

The latest in the coterie of Industries is the new rice milling factory built in Ini local government area of Akwa Ibom State. The mill was yesterday 15th Of December 2018, commissioned by Governor Udom Emmanuel, with a promise that it will give birth to several other factories in the area.

It can be recalled that during the 2011 gubernatorial campaigns, Godswill Akpabio, the then Governor of the State said he had earmarked N20 billion yearly to build 31 Industries across the state. If this is summed, it translates into a whopping 80 billion Naira. But he ended up squandering those eight years of economic boom and couldn’t build or attract a single industry.

Senator Akpabio is apparently unhappy with this strides and has engaged his media handlers to disparage the successes recorded by Governor Emmanuel. Jackson Udom, Special Assistant to Senator Akpabio on Media surreptitiously acted out this script thus:“This is the rice produced in Akwa Ibom State, but has Adamawa state on the bag....”. This misrepresentation is mendacity taken too far.

But Governor Udom Emmanuel is unruffled; he is determined to ensuring the prosperity of all Akwa Ibom indigene, in line with the vision of the forbears of the state.
#OnlyGod

EFCC AND CHIEF PAUL USORO (SAN): OUR POSITION, ELDERS AND LEADERS OF SOCIO-CULTURAL GROUPS

We the undersigned, representing major strands of our socio-cultural space, saddened and dismayed by the apparent witch-hunt unleashed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on our sons especially Chief Paul Usoro, do make the following declarations:

1. That Chief Paul Usoro (SAN) is one of our illustrious sons who has made his marks in the legal profession, a fact that was acknowledged when his colleagues in August this year massively elected him the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)- the first ever Akwa Ibom State son to be so elected.

2. That Chief Paul Usoro (SAN) from information available to us, has been on retainership with the Akwa Ibom State Government since 2003, and in the course of time, had rendered professional services to the State Government and was rightfully and lawfully paid the fees for services rendered, which is an acceptable norm of engagement all over the world. Available records also indicate that Chief Paul Usoro (SAN) is still being owed legal fees in excess of N5billion for services that covers the Akpabio era as Governor. When Chief Usoro performed the same service to Senator Godswill Akpabio, he was not charged for money laundering, which explains why we find it incredulous that the EFCC will today criminalize lawful services rendered by a professional entity simply to achieve a pre-conceived politically motivated outcome.

3. We have observed that prominent people from our State have for some time now, been hounded, their character assailed and besmirched. We deplore these tactics and warn that as major Stakeholders in the Akwa Ibom Project, we will utilize every legal means to ensure that the best and brightest among us are not attacked, blackmailed, mentally and psychologically traumatized based purely on expedient political considerations.

4. We wish to call on the EFCC to be mindful of these abhorrent tactics. Our State is peaceful, our sons and daughters are people of character and integrity- virtues that are nationally and internationally celebrated. The hounding of Chief Paul Usoro(SAN) must stop, NOW!

Signed:

Distinguished Senator Anietie Okon
Distinguished Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien
Distinguished Senator Effiong Bob
Distinguished Senator Helen Esuene
Distinguished Senator Etang Umoyo
Rt. Hon. Chief Nduese Essien

Akparawa Obong Patrick Udofia,
International President, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio

Adede Isidore Archibong, JP,
International President, Nto Afe Annang

ObongIwaad (Pastor) Godwin Williams,
President-General, Afigh Iwaad Ekid

Ulap Joseph Bassey Okon,
International President, Essu Nlap Oro


Culled from The Nation newspaper, December 17, 2018, page 43

UNVEILING THE NOLLYWOOD MAN OF THE YEAR 2018, AKPARAWA EPHRAIM INYANGEYEN.

Mr. Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, is the Commissioner for Works. The ONNA born erstwhile Customs officer, was born on November 25, 1965. He attended Etinan Institute, Etinan; School of Basic Studies, Akamkpa, Cross River State; University of Ibadan, Oyo State and the University of Lagos, Lagos State.

Professionally, the commissioner taught briefly in the old Cross River State Teaching Service Commission; worked as a Chemist with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and joined the Nigeria Customs Service as an assistant superintendent of Customs in August 1990.
While at Customs, Inyang-Eyen maintained a glittering and dignified career, serving as the Special Assistant to the Operations Commander, Apapa Port; Command’s Public Relations Officer, Bauchi State; Staff officer, Apapa Port Command; Head of the Armoury Unit, Jos Command, among others.
He has attended many courses among which are: Customs and Excise course; Customs and Excise Refresher course; General Scanner Training Course; Train-the-Trainer Delivery Skills for the Customs Services; Chief of Superintendent of Custom Leadership among others.

Through hard work and dedication to a worthy cause, he was appointed Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Transformation Initiative in Akwa Ibom, a socio-political organization that worked for the emergence of the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led government.

Inyang-Eyen who holds a B.Sc in Chemistry from the University of Ibadan and a M.Sc in Business Administration from the University of Lagos is a member of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio.

A Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants and recipient of many awards, the Works Commissioner is happily married with children.

The workaholic Commissioner for Works has touched many movie producers both within and Akwa Ibom State through various Empowerment Program that has aided the production of many movies.

Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen shall on Sunday, December 23rd 2018 at Emjmm Hotels and suites be decorated as NOLLYWOOD MAN OF THE YEAR 2018 during the Nollywood Festival and Awards 2018 holding in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

AKHA BUDGET DEFENSE: AKPANUSOH APPLAUDS GOV. EMMANUEL ON REVAMPING HEALTH SECTOR.




By Umani Uwemedimo 





It's a well believed fact that before May 29th 2015, about 80% of our hospitals were in the state of depletion, as their structures were gradually degrading. Unavailability of modern medical equipments for effective medical practices was indeed another major problem encountered in our hospitals. But today,  the reverse is the case. 


In some of our General Hospitals, the wards and premises were seen as the harbored for crippling creatures: snakes, scorpions, etc, are not left out. This was indeed an ugly and dangerous situation encountered by patients,  most especially the pregnant women who at no point should they be exposed to terrifying creatures because of the fear of the unknown. 


In these hospitals, there were little or no medical equipments. If at all there were, the few ones available were deteriorating- outdated equipments that were not functioning. This was our fate as many of our loved ones were lost prior to this mentioned reason.


Today, Gov. Udom Emmanuel has put in much strives in revamping the health sector of the State and this, is magnificent as the Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriations, Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh took some time out to applaud the Governor  during the Budget defense of State Ministries and Agencies Friday, 14th December 2018. 


"I want to seize this opportunity to appreciate His Excellency, Gov. Udom Emmanuel for putting great synergy in reviving our long collapsed Health Sector. There's always a say that ' health is wealth', and this is to attest to the fact that there's no way the health sector is jeopardized that it'll not pose great threats to the good standard of living/health of our people. Our economy today is reformed and sustained because there's effective provisions put in place to position the health sector in a realm of total efficiency". 


"To show us that the State Governor is a passionate leader who's working effortlessly to make sure our welfare in regards to health is protected, he has signed the Insurance Bill which has now been passed into law. This is to help completely in the revamping of the sector. 


Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh also in his remarks, advised the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health to make proper provisions toward sponsoring the long-term services of specialists in the psychiatry in order for the menace of streets littering by lunatics in some other states wouldn't also be witnessed in Akwa Ibom State. 


Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong while defending the ministry's 2019 budget thanked the State Governor for his efforts so far in making sure the sector is given the necessary attentions needed. He also thanked the Leadership of the State House of Assembly for their usual corporation with the Ministry and State Government, promising that the year 2019 will be more fruitful than 2018. 


In his budget, the Ministry has stipulated a total sum of N12.507bn as its capital budget, which is to help in: 

- complementing the Governor's 5-points agenda. 

- Provision for emergency response units in the State. 

- Training of over 200 medical personnels prior to point 2 above. 

- purchase of ambulances . 

- Health insurance scheme and etc. 


The Commissioner also listed some of the State Governor's achievements so far in the Health Sector, and they are: 


1- Construction of Immanuel general Hospital, Eket. 

2- Renovation of St. Luke's hospital, Anua. 

3- Rehabilitation of Administration block of St. Luke's hospital, Anua. 

4-  Construction of Etinan general hospital. 

5- Renovation of Ituk Mbang general hospital. 

6- Rehabilitation of Ikono general hospital. 

7- Construction of Gate House hospital, Ikono. 

8- Rehabilitation of Ikot Okoro general hospital. 

8- Construction of the Emergency Operation Center(EOC) and Infectious Diseases Hospital(IDH), Ikot Ekpene. 

9- Shipping of new medical equipments to the Ibom Specialist Hospital. 

10- Relief of over 6000 mal-nourished children. 

11- Free eye care for almost 2000 people in the state. 

12- Shipping of ultra-modern medical equipments to all the hospitals in the state. 

13- Free medical treatments for children, pregnant women and aged people. 

14- The ongoing renovation of Iquita general hospital, Oron.

A new rice milling factory built in Ini local government area of Akwa Ibom State has been commissioned by Governor Udom Emmanuel, with a promise that it will give birth to several other factories in the area.


Governor Emmanuel who was accompanied by his wife said Ibom Agricon Rice factory was part of his administration’s resolve to ensure that sooner than later, 80 percent of staple food consumed by Akwa Ibom people, are produced in the state.


The Governor maintained that it was the first rice mill in the state, promised to return to the federal constituency in a short while to commission a cocoa processing factory.


While promising to expand the factory to boost its productivity, he said the public private partnership project will give birth to the establishment of more industries in the area, thanking the youths and members of the community for the support and cooperation with the promoters of the scheme.

“Under the present economic realities in Nigeria, it is not an easy thing to put up an industry like this, and it is really the grace of God that has made us achieve this,” he said.

“ When you see some industries in certain places, it is because the owners of the land willingly donated their land without compensation and MOU to the investors to build such industries.”

He urged all youths and stakeholders in the state to continue maintaining the peace in their respective communities to enable more investments to thrive.
He said Ini, which had hitherto had no power supply got light restored in the first Phase of his electricity project in the area, and promised to complete the second phase of the power scheme in January next year.

Mr Aniekan Dominic Utuk, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Agricon Farms limited, said the factory at current capacity can produe two metric tons per hour and promised to ensure that quality and standards are maintained to meet the expectations of the people.

Earlier the member representing Ini in the House of Assembly and Chief Whip, Emmanuel Ekpenyong thanked the Governor for prioritizing his local government in the scheme of things and promised that his people will appreciate him with their votes during next year’s election.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the State Technical Committee on Agriculture and Food Sufficiency said the rice milling factory was a further boost to the industrial development of the Governor, and assured that henceforth all the rice used at the state government house will come from the factory.

Prof. Udoh said that the Family Rice is a premium long grain rice bagged in all-weather proof laminated bags, explaining further that the rice has passed through all the modern processes of rice processing devoid of dirt and contamination.

Highlight of the ceremony was the purchase of 20,000 bags of the product by Governor Emmanuel who acted as an off taker, for distribution to people during the yuletide.

14year Old Akwa Ibom Female Athlete Clinges National Gold in 400m

...Sets New National Record

Akwa Ibom teenage sensation Imaobong Nse who was a revelation at the second Akwa Ibom Youth Sports Festival has become an instant hit at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abuja, Nigeria.

Imaobong Nse an indigene of Etinan who resides and schools in Ibeno, today won gold in the women's 400m final.

She's defeated other national and international athletes, most of who are more than twice her age in a new national record time of 52:35 secs.

Imaobong 400m race to set an unprecedented feat ever attained by a 14 year old in national athletics competitions in the country.

Imaobong was so impressive that a philanthropist in the Stadium donated the sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira and a pair of Spike shoes to her.

There's also the offer of an all-expenses-paid training trip abroad during next school holidays.

Governor Udom Emmanuel had while launching the youth sports festival in Akwa Ibom in two successive years, promised to discover and groom athletes that will take over the national and global sports scene.

Miss Nse won two gold medals at the National Youth Games which held in Ilorin earlier in the year.

APC CHIEFTAIN ISSUES 7DAY ULTIMATUM TO GOV EMMANUEL
...GIVE US AKPABIO’S HANDOVER NOTES NOW

An APC chieftain, Mr. Enefiok Ekefre has requested Governor Udom Emmanuel to give within 7 days, the Certified True Copy of the Handover Notes prepared and presented to him by his predecessor, Senator Godswill Akpabio sequel to his swearing in on May 29, 2015, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

The APC caucus member who last week said he and his supporters are supporting Gov Udom Emmanuel 's reelection in 2019, however maintained that Akpabio may have a lot of questions to answer from Akwa Ibom people, hence his demands for handover notes
Writing through his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, the APC Chieftain described himself as “ a notable leader, out-spoken political, chieftain of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the all Progressive Congress (APC).


The letter which is published on page 10 of Thursday's The Nation newspaper on page 10 further stated that “Our client has observed with dismay the persistent public altercations between your administration and that of your predecessor on issues relating to performance, projects, and debt and revenue profile among other areas of disagreements.

"It is the brief of our Client that as a concerned citizen, he cares about the progress and welfare of Akwa Ibom State and is desirous of having access to information and records in the said Handover Notes which will offer insight into and possible clarity on some of the issues in controversy between your administration and that of your predecessor.

"Our Client believes that it will be in the overall public interest for the Handover Notes to be made available to him.”

The letter went further to advise the Governor to “please take notice that if you fail, refuse or neglect to furnish us with the information and records (Handover Notes) with Seven (7) days of receiving this request, we have the firm instructions of Our Client to immediately commence legal proceedings at the High Court against you to compel the release of the said Handover Notes.”

The press statement on the above subject signed by the State Chairman of the APC acting as the Publicity Secretary, contains obvious falsehood, incoherent logic and has a thread of deep-seated hatred and vengeance running through it.

In reaction, may we respectfully state that Udom Emmanuel is not the first Governor in Nigeria to be indicted, some have even been charged. These facts are available at the most basic level of research, but because those in that political coven, seem to have sent their thinking faculty on vacation, we will take out time to outline few of those facts in detail.

Before I offer such free research and legal service, I however concede that the author of that hackneyed article is not learned and it would have been most unfair of me to expect anything "legally reasonable" from him. One would have however thought that he should at least have a basic understanding of the English language, which is the language of the court in Nigeria and with which the Supreme Court weaved her judgement in FRN v Joshua Dariye. The court in that case held inter alia, upholding the pronouncement of the Court of Appeal, that Learned Counsel to the state” ought to have seen the impracticability, futility and absurdity of instituting criminal proceedings against Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye either as Governor of plateau state or in his name since he is not a nominal party under section 308(2) of the constitution...”. Plenty Governors have been indicted by various agencies with prosecutorial vires.

Maybe the chairman/ acting publicity misconstrues indictment to mean conviction. Again, for his benefit and that of his co-travellers, the synonyms for indictment include accusation, allegation, summons etc. So with this can the APC say that Governor Udom Emmanuel is the first Governor to be accused by the EFCC? But come to think of it, our Governor is being accused by the EFCC on flimsy and baseless grounds, whereas the same EFCC is yet to utter a word on Babachir Lawal on the grass cutting saga or the Governor of Kano state who was caught on camera receiving dollars. We know that the discretion to prosecute lies absolutely with the state and we do not contend with that at all. The question is why resort to media trial?

Akwa Ibom people should know that the charge which has been circulating in the media has not yet been served on the accused persons. Isn’t that laughable? Beyond the amusement, such is a shouting evidence of the baselessness of the accusations as one cannot put a charge on nothing and expect same to stand. Until and when the cooked charge arrives, we are certain that those accused are able and ready to defend themselves.

We are well aware that this indictment, like others that are trailing is a ploy to keep some critical members of the ruling PDP distracted from the business of electioneering. We have it on good authority that many commissioners, the Speaker, party chairman and other influential members of our party will be served invitations to various security and anti-graft agencies in January 2019 and charged in February, in the ‘Adeleke’ style. This is in addition to the special squad of a security agency that had arrived Akwa Ibom last week and will stay till year end, undertaking a mapping of the homes of influential PDP members who have been marked for a lock down on Election Day. We know all of these schemes and have adequately prepared for them. We can assure that these plans will fail and their architects disgraced.

On the issue of the Governor building a house in his village, every reasonable Akwa Ibom person knows that Udom Emmanuel, unlike their tin-god was a man of means before arriving the political stage of our state. We will rather refer him to the residence of his party members, like Obong Umana Umana(bound by four streets), Obong Nsima Ekere and Senator Godswill Akpabio, all built during their service in public office. Some of these people had no house of their own, even in their villages before ascending the political throne. To the glory of God, there stands in Awa, a two-storey building, with a pent house(aged two decades plus), where even Senator Akpabio was received in 2013, when he attended the reception in honour of the then SSG. Even the accusers know that poverty had been excommunicated from the Emmanuel’s family(nuclear and extended),long before his foray into politics.

The accusation of becoming a major stakeholder of Zenith Bank by buying shares through the stock exchange shows the lack of common sense on the workings of the stock exchange and the effect of the absence of a second address by leaders of the APC. We challenge them to produce evidence to substantiate this inane claim.

Finally, the State Chairman of our party, the People’s Democratic Party, Obong Paul Ekpo has asked that I intimate you that he will be unavailable to reply to your statements, as he is busy campaigning and preparing our party for elections and that he is not surprised at the penchant of your party to pull down Akwa Ibom people who have attained great heights in life, but do not agree to partake in the execution of your party’s devilish schemes. Akwa Ibom state has not yet forgotten the witch-haunt against Hon. Justice Inyang Okoro and are therefore not perturbed by the latest agenda against Paul Usoro, SAN. Like the first failed, all other plots will.

Let it be known to you and all your cohorts, that throughout this period, our Governor, HE Udom Emmanuel will be guided by the scriptural pronouncement in 1Tim. 4:17. We will join him to sing the victory song, post elections.

Comrade Ini Ememobong
State Publicity Secretary
People’s Democratic Party
Akwa Ibom State
13122018

A'IBOM CP, APC YOUTHS PROTEST AGAINST GOV EMMANUEL OVER DEFECTION OF FORMER MEMBERS
[b][/b]


Embarrassed by the massive defection of their State, Chapter and Ward officers to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on early this week, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State command Mr. Musa Kimo drafted his men to join the APC supporters to protest against the governor Udom Emmanuel over the defection.


It was gathered that the youth who carried several placards with different inscriptions abusing the governor had march to the Police Headquarters at Ikot Akpan Abia to pay solidarity visit to Mr. Kimo.

They were said to have commended the CP on the role he played in installing a former factional Speaker and the support his has given to the APC since assumption of office some weeks ago.
The youths in their hundreds later solicited the support of the Commissioner to lead them to government house house Uyo where they will not only block the gate preventing the governor from going out but guests from entering the complex. They informed the Commissioner that they needed his support and that of his men to protect them during the blockade so that they will be able to hold a press conference there too. Our reporter gathered that the CP who appreciated the APC youths for their support pledged to do all in his capacity to ensure a change of government in the state. He was said to have released a detachment of several trucks of policemen to join the protesting youths to take over the government house.

It was gathered that as they were marching out of the Police Headquarters, the Commissioner was said to have sent a message to his men that they should inform the protesters to cancel the idea as PDP youths were holding a rally in support of the governor at the Globe roundabout along Wellington Bassey Way to avoid any clash of interests.

Recalled that shortly on assumption of office, the Police commissioner aided some rustics dressed in fake military uniforms who are were hired by the 5 sacked members of the Akwa ibom state house of assembly to gain illegal access to the hallowed chambers of the Assembly. This illegal action led to a disruption of the activities of the assembly.

To further reinforce the APC agenda, the rustics dressed in fake military uniforms were released by the police without investigation and prosecution.

This is in line with federal might agenda of the APC to hijack the governance structure in the state with a view to taking over power through the back door. In a latest development, some. Members of the APC who were part of the 25,000 decampees that joined the PDP on December 10, where attacked on their way home. No arrests have been made as at the time of filing this reports.

The videos below show the police providing security cover for the crowd.

GOVERNOR EMMANUEL RECEIVES ANOTHER NATIONAL SPORTS ACCOLADE

By Mfon Patrick

Monday night in Abuja, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State Deacon Udom Emmanuel was honoured for his contribution to sports development in Nigeria, especially for his support for the senior national team, the Super Eagles of Nigeria during their qualification for the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The honour was bestowed on Governor Emmanuel at a Gala Night organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the organisers of the 2018 National Sports Festival at Transcorp Hilton Hotels in Abuja.

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Festival organising Committee honoured States, Individuals and corporate organisations for their support for sports development in Nigeria in the year 2018.

Akwa Ibom State was given special Award for her part in promoting the game of football and supporting the Super Eagles to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Russia with a game to spare

The citation poured encomiums on Governor Emmanuel for his support and commitment in developing and maintaining sports facilities in the state.

Receiving the Award on behalf of the Governor, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Elder Paul Bassey commended the organisers of the event for honouring the governor and the state, and said he was mandated by Governor Emmanuel to dedicate the Award to the youths and good people of the state who have adopted the Super Eagles and troop to the Nest of Champions in their thousands to support the National team.

Elder Bassey stressed that by the time Governor Emmanuel returns for his second term, what was being celebrated today, may just be a tip of the iceberg.

"By the time governor Udom Emmanuel comes back for his second term in 2019, what is seen and appreciated now in the area of sports development will only be a tip of the iceberg".

It could be recalled that Governor Udom Emmanuel was voted the Best Sports Governor of the year 2017 while the national team Coach Gernot Rohr recently said that Uyo is the preferred venue for his team as the Super Eagles set to begin preparations for the 2019 Africa Cup Of Nations, a tournament they have already in Uyo, also with a game to spare.

Now That The Governor Is Talking...


*Otobong Sampson*


Those who are picking out Governor Udom Emmanuel for finally reacting to the senseless criticisms and many jibes directed at him and his administration by his predecessor are simply nattering nabobs with reprehensible morals. A former governor of the state, Mr. Godswill Akpabio has, since his defection to the All Progressive Congress assumed a new pastime - taking inelegant swipes at a man who had thoroughly regarded him even in the face of extreme provocations.

Perhaps provoked to breaking point, now the governor is dishing clapbacks and withering comebacks. He is accused of ingratitude by Akpabio's medieval court jesters, yet not even one of them thinks their master is guilty of provocation. The Bible in Ephesians 6:4 admonishes fathers not to provoke their children to anger. Colossians 3:21 also cautions: 'Father, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged'.

At first, they thought the governor was incapable of challenging the 'great teacher'. How wrong! Apparently, Mr. Akpabio has been overrated and his influence - exaggerated.

His successor deserves many kudos for the level of tolerance he has shown towards a man infamously known for his overbearing attitudes; not knocks for speaking up in defense of his person and his administration. There's no wrong in fitting issues into proper perspectives. For whatever gratitude there is, respect should be mutual. You can't run a man down and not expect his opinion of you to go down by many degrees.

The people are glad that Governor Emmanuel is finally 'talking'. They are backing him to talk more. Civility isn't timidity. Courtesy can't be poltroonery. It is nauseating mischief for cheerers to emerge when the former senate minority leader throws words carelessly at his successor and governor of the state but shout hoarse when the latter replies in equal measure.

If Udom owes Akpabio gratitude for playing a role in his emergence as governor in 2015, then the former governor has a debt of gratitude also to repay the incumbent for having his eight years mess cleaned up and covered up. Whoever is proficient at uttering taunting words should be smart enough to expect a corresponding response.

There's no doubt that Mr. Emmanuel is a man of fine words and of even finer deeds. Refined in attitude and resplendent in character, he is simply unmatched by his predecessor in finesse.

To his credit too, he has remained largely apathetical to the many incitations by the APC leaders which include recklessly daring schemes to belittle his office and undermine his government. All through his time as Akwa Ibom governor, Akpabio didn't permit a fraction of even corrective criticism. He still does not look like a man who would. The All Progressive Congress governorship candidate is cut in this same undemocratic mould.

If the intent has always been to rile his successor, the senator has rather inadvertently affirmed the long-held premise that he obsessively craves power...that he would rather not exist than stay on the periphery of power.

Mr. Emmanuel is rendering quality service and offering great leadership which has taken the state up the stairway of development and economic growth. His works have been brave and challenging in other to bring change. He brings energy to governance, deploying in a bespoke manner the appropriate expertise and making the presence of his competence shine. It is immoral for Akpabio to attempt to hold the governor to impossible standards when he wasn't held to same during his moments.

Even as an aspiring comedian which he has repeatedly admitted to being, he can go about his politicking without resorting to unsavory remarks and sly innuendos at his successor. The governor isn't responsible for Akpabio's political itinerancy and he shouldn't bear the brunt of that ruinous wandering.

UDOM EMMANUEL: ONLY GOD SO FAR

Naturally, man is incapacitated to carryout any task without the divine mandate from the supreme-God. It goes on to buttress what the Bible says in the book of Ecclesiastes 9:11, "the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skills, but time and chance happened to them all". It's divinely and historically proven that God gives power and to whom he likes, he does so. Hence the need to say that Governor Udom Emmanuel is a sacred gift from God to Akwa Ibomites to better their lots in all phases. The past three years has witness monumental and tremendous change. One that has given the populace a reason to smile and rejoice. For the fulfillment of scripture which says that when the righteous is on the throne the people rejoice, Governor Udom Emmanuel has endear himself to the people with life's changing project.
It was the 16th American President, Abraham Lincoln who said and I quote, " the best way to predict, protect and safeguard the future is by creating it". There is an undeniable truth in this assertion whether we accept it or try killing it in our mind or actions. It remains that one cannot achieve anything without creating it. Governor Udom Emmanuel after his swearing-in had taken upon himself the onerous task of creating an Akwa Ibom State to the delight of every indigene and non-indigene.
Explicitly saying, Governor Udom Emmanuel has successfully attempted what was generally termed impossible by men who choose to waste the resources of our great state on self aggrandizement rather than build and create a future for the generation yet unborn. Before the industrialization so witness today in the state, we had a government led by a nationalist who ride to office on the promise of industrializing the state. Each local government must have an industry to show for, they had boosted. To say they had lied, deceived and betrayed the trust too many Akwa ibomites had in them after this brazen act is to attempt knowing how painful an injury is by rubbing pepper on it. One would wonder what happened to the industrialization plans considering the inflow of cash from the then Federal government to the state. A fact echoed by the then minister for finance. Again they cabal who left so much debt for our state is parading themselves with their promise of industrialization.
I was told by my grandfather that once beaten, it's expected that one get shy twice. Akwa Ibomites having risen to the faith of greatness with renewed hope for tomorrow, have chosen to forsake men who harbour no good plans for the state but to loot the state treasury. While they go about instigating problems for the common man, the state government has remain adamant in her decision and plans to industrialize the state. It's only but the blind that will not fully appreciate the magnificent effort of the state Government in creating jobs opportunity even with lean resources. It's pitiful that the uncircumcised and politically blinded individuals, have chosen to undermine the effort of the state government in bringing sustainable development of infrastructure and capacity building.
However, while we might never get to appreciate peace because of the absecnces of war, it will make sense if we take an analytic research on the experience of fellow citizens who have been plague by the menace of war or better still an individual experience of those who felt the hit of Warsaw at the state house of assembly recently. No one appreciates peace more than those who have tasted war. Akwa Ibom-state have experience peace undistorted and will not wish to return to those years of tyranny, assassination, kidnapping, truncating of fundamental human rights, extinction of Press freedom, and a total abolition of the rule of law. The state has peacefully risen to a height that the threat of Warsaw promised by our nationalist has become scary. Let no man be deceived by men who are power starve and marauding themselves as the saviour with no layout plans for Akwa Ibom-state. It's therefore needful that we give reference to the only God that has ensured peace in the state. The infinite God who has graciously taken Akwa Ibom State thus far.
In climes like ours where loyalty is akin to slavery and leadership whitewash, it's hard to find perfection in any human even harder to find men with sincerity and honesty. Governor Udom Emmanuel even with his flaws has remain unwaivering, sincere and honest to his words. To him, his words is his bond and you can hold him to it. With a pragmatic and enthusiastic Will, the state Governor has made education a key area in his government. Much has been achieved so far and we look forward to achieving much with an 100percent increasement in the budget for 2019. The state has been lifted to a height never imagine. Indigenes have won numerous international awards. The success story gives glory to only God.
On the 1st December, 2018, officially the gubernatorial campaign was flagged off according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable. However, we must not act like the biblical five virgins who did not carry along an extra candle oil with them. We must act intelligently as it concerns our future, that of our children and our generation yet unborn. It is true that the election will be strenuous, it's also true that only one winner will emerge but it's not wrong to say that we will determine the outcome and so we will need guidance and adequate information to make our decision. We cannot choose to be the loser just like in 2011 were the nationalist led many to their early grave. We can let go the man who has improve our lives with industries to choose men with a degree in deceit. We cannot choose warsaw over peacesaw, we cannot neglect our fundamental human rights to choose the prison yards. For me, I will choose a detribalize man over a tribal bigot. I will choose a man with integrity, honesty and dexterity. I will choose a man with the ability to transform our tomorrow. A man with the divine mandate who recognises only God. I will vote for a man who has been countlessly declared qualify by Mr Nationalist. A man who has given our health system another look. Who believes in human development. I will vote Governor Udom Emmanuel. I will vote PDP.

Jerry Assam

WE WILL NOT GO BACK TO AN INGLORIOUS PAST, BEING A PRESS STATEMENT BY THE FORMER STATE, CHAPTER AND WARD OFFICERS OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS WHO RECENTLY DECLARED THEIR SUPPORT FOR GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL


Gentlemen of the Press,
Just yesterday, we led thousands of our members, who having been tired of the systematic deceit, strategic economic demobilization and sheer lack of focus by the leadership of the APC, decided to pitch our political tents with the visionary, focused and result oriented leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel and the Peoples Democratic Party.

Prior to yesterday’s event, there were spirited moves to prevent us from holding the event but we gallantly marched on, knowing that the true measure of a man isn’t where he stands in moment comfort and convenience, but he where he stands in moments of controversy. We went on to hold a very historic event, never witnessed in the annals of our political experience. The event was blessed with both qualitative and quantitative excellence. Our members in their thousands trooped out and colorfully celebrated their freedom from political oppression and unending impunity, as practiced in the APC.

Thereafter, as our people were heading home joyously to share the good news of redemption with their kith and kin, they were molested on the road by hoodlums sponsored by the APC. In Nsit Atai, the former chapter chairman’s vehicle was attacked and his tyres destroyed, in Ibesikpo Asutan, Eket and Ikot Ekpene, the former APC stalwarts were harassed and intimidated. This ugly situation is most reprehensible and must be totally condemned.
This press conference is to alert the entire public that if anything bad happens to us, Chief Godswill Akpabio, Obong Nsima Ekere, Uyo Nathaniel and Chief Sunny Ibanga should be held responsible. Having not yielded to their pressures to remain in their evil political coven, they have resorted to threats and violence. In the days ahead, we will expose the contents of the play book of the APC and how they hope to overrun the state with federal might. But like we said yesterday, we reiterate that, federal might will meet with unit might.

Thank you gentlemen of the press

GODSWILL AKPABIO; AN EMBODIMENT OF UNGRATEFUL SOUL


By Ubong Michael Ntekim, An APC chieftain


"When you talk about ungratefulness Godswill Obot Akpabio is a walking monument of it.
Ask Total Chair, if he had moved an inch in the direction of Obong Victor Attah, Godswill would never have been the governor.

Ask Obong Ufot Ekaete and his dear wife Eme who tried to return to the Senate riding on the back of what great role her husband played in making Godswill governor. Ask Obong Victor Attah what level of disrespect Godswill showed him for making him a Commissioner for almost 7 years.
I Wish you could Ask Chief Fidelis Etim, the man who dragged Godswill to Uyo in a night bus and made him his choice Commissioner.

Godswill became the governor and made himself god before Akwa Ibom people. He deliberately, systematically, viciously, totally wasted Total Chair, Ufot Ekaete, Eme his wife Obong Attah. A show of gross ingratitude to four men that were instrumental and responsible for everything he is today. Yet I hear him complain against one man, Gov Udom Emmanuel who never wronged him?. Godswill Akpabio lives in an extremely fragile glass, he should stop throwing stones".

PDP Gains More Grassroot Support; As Over 20,000 Dumps APC

By Imaobong Koffi

It was a remarkable day today as peace returned to Akwa Ibom State as over 20,000 decamped from All Progressives Party, APC to Peoples Democracy Party, PDP.

The people expressed utmost joy as they are no longer under APC bondages.

Speaking at the occasion, the State Gov, His Excellency, Deacon Udom Emmanuel welcomed them with an open arms stating that PDP is a party that is after the welfare of its members and that the umbrella is big enough to contain everyone both in rainy and sunny days.

The party Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo while receiving thousands of APC decampees at Ibom hall grounds thanked the people for coming to their sense of reasoning knowing that PDP is the only party that can protect, provide and sustained peace and tranquillity. As we welcomes them back to the party

"It has never happened in the history of politics that thousands of people will mobilize themselves on their own to be received by another party. We did not send for them but the sent for us" Paul stated

The Chairman of the APC forum of former Councillors and Chairmen, Hon Emmanuel Joseph Emmanuel thanked Gov Udom Emmanuel for accepting them back to the happy party called PDP. He thanked the party chairman for his kind gesture towards them.


The Chairman of the APC forum of former Councillors and Chairmen, Hon Emmanuel Joseph Emmanuel thanked Gov Udom Emmanuel for accepting them back to the happy party called PDP. He thanked the party chairman for his kind gesture towards them.
Speaking with the Press, Mr Emmanuel Joseph lamented how they suffered in APC, hunger and strife was the order of the day. The party added no meaningful thing to their welfare. He said that even the time APC heard that they are moving to winning party, APC fought them to ensure that they are not decamping.They pledged to work with PDP to ensure a successful election come 2019.


" There was a time in this state where our children were not allowed to go to school, play around with other children or attain church programs because of the fear of being killed or kidnapped. And today, they've come to APC to perpetuate this, and as I'm taking to you, three of our colleagues have been killed by Akpabio and Nsima Ekere. We're saying no to assassination and kidnapping. Let no one take us to those old ugly days."


"We are talking impunity, and today someone just came from nowhere to hijack the whole structure of APC. So we are here to tell the world that we are endorsing Udom Emmanuel for a second term.

I'm here to tell the Governor that there was a time in this state where no one could sleep comfortably at home, but today, the story has changed. Gov. Please, we want you to continue for the sake of the existing peace." He lamented


High point of the events was burning of brooms and APC flags.

APC State, Chapter and ward officers declare for Udom Emmanuel and PDP

Today, at Ibom hall grounds chieftains of the APC who held different offices since 2014 declared their support for Governor Udom Emmanuel and the PDP. They cited various reasons for their decision, the most important being the defection of their former tormentors to the APC.

Addressing the crowd, the Chairman of the forum of APC Chapter chairmen, Hon. Joseph Ama said that they were appalled by the level of impunity exhibited by the APC, since the defection of Senator Godswill Akpabio to the APC and the deaths that have occurred within the APC fold since then. Also addressing the audience, the Chapter chairman of APC in Itu Local government area, Hon. Sunday Okon Uyire, said that it was practically impossible for him and his EXCO members to remain in the same party with those who in 2011, plotted to kill them. He stated that the memories were still fresh and that the spirit of those who died in that incident, will not forgive them, if they tagged along with the architects and perpetrators of that heinous offence.

He assured that all the officers who served with them, will join hands with the sanitized PDP under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel to ensure the electoral success of all PDP candidates in the approaching polls.

They submitted a list(find attached below)containing the names of those defecting with them to PDP to the State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Obong Paul Ekpo, who thereafter received them into the party and assured them of equal rights and privileges with pre-existing members.

In his speech, Governor Udom Emmanuel expressed delight at the voluntariness of their action, noting that such an action could only be motivated by deep seated conviction, that cannot be bought. He said that he will not join issues with his detractors, as there was no basis for such. He however challenged anyone who wants to join issues with him to a debate that will be based on fact, not emotional outbursts.

The multitude of defectors dropped different insignia of their old political party and burnt them at the venue and accepted to come under the coverage of the umbrella.

Below are few pages from the voluminous list submitted by the the former stalwarts of the APC.

AKPABIO, WIFE HUMILIATE METHODIST ARCHBISHOP OF IKOT EKPENE
...YOU CAN'T BRING YOUR APC CAMPAIGN TO CHURCH - ARCHBISHOP UKO
...YOU CAN'T STOP ME AND MY WIFE WHILE I'M ALIVE - AKPABIO FUMES

Condemnations have trailed the shabby behaviour of former governor Godswill Akpabio at a church function Sunday in Ukana, Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

At a service to present Sir Etekamba Umoren as the diocesan lay President of the Methodist Church Nigeria,Diocese of Essien Udim, Senator Akpabio and his wife Unoma threw caution to the wind, and turn the Church into an APC campaign arena to the utter disappointment of the Church leaders and worshippers.

It all began when the outgoing Lay President, Sir Sunyiekekere Inokon made his valedictory speech and failed to superlatively recognise the APC political class that included Mr Nsima Ekere, Amadu Attai, Mrs Unoma Akpabio, Mr. Bassey Etim, and other APC Chieftains in the state.

This infuriated the APC governorship candidate who stormed out of the meeting while Mr. Inokon, the PDP state deputy chairman was still on the floor.

However, when Mr. Etekamba Umoren, took over the microphone, he invited Mrs Unoma Akpabio to come and greet the church, and there, all hell was let loose.
Mrs Akpabio who quickly put on a political campaign fez cap on her head gear, started singing APC songs and chanted APC Slogans in the church to the consternation of the Church clerics who had expected the sanctity of the Church to be maintained.

Referring to Sir Emem Akpabio the archdiocesan Lay President, Mrs Akpabio said, "why not leave that sinking PDP, and join us in APC so we can make you happy. We need you and Prince Ukpong Akpabio so that our family will be complete in APC," she said.

When Archbishop Sunday Uko asked her to cease from campaigning in the church, Mrs Akpabio bluntly told him that he had no right to stop her as she was going to speak for as long as she wished.

Twenty minutes later, Senator Godswill Akpabio arrived and was ushered to the lectern by his wife, and he took out time to lampoon the archbishop for supporting PDP.
He sa
Frantic efforts by the two archbishops, including the archbishop of Okigwe, Most Rev. Ene Koko Bassey fell on deaf ears as Akpabio and his wife took time to cast aspersions on Governor Udom Emmanuel while supporting Nsima Ekere.
Akpabio said it was wrong for the Archbishop to stop his wife from talking politics in church, saying that the reason why the clergy embarrassed his wife was because he was supporting Governor Udom Emmanuel.
“Not while I am alive, you can’t embarrass my wife for talking politics in church because of your support for Governor Udom Emmanuel. I brought Udom and made him governor so nobody can claim to love the son more than the father, the Senator warned.
“Let the church and its members steer clear from dirty politics. Our APC governorship candidate, Nsima Ekere came here, yet the church did not recognize him. I want to tell you that he is the next governor of this state.”
This infuriated the diocesan Archbishop Uko, who stormed out of the Church, apparently disappointed with the former Governor’s disrespect and open attack on his person.
But Akpabio remained unshaken, “How can you ask my wife not to talk about APC, and politics. Let me tell you there is no church without politics. Without politics this church will not be the way it is now.”
“When I was governor, I help to ensure that Methodist Church established more dioceses in the State, and I gave each diocese N5m.
“Without politics, there would be no road to this church. Where we are sitting was produced by politics. My late uncle used to worship in this church but since the advent of politics, this area and even the church has witnessed a lot of transformation.”
The Senator who returned to his seat after an initial announcement of One million naira to the church, returned to the drag the microphone from the Church pastor who was on the verge of saying the last prayers to end a dramatic day.
“I know One million is not like me, but I am not very happy that is why. You see today is my birthday and from 12 midnight many Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors and chieftains had sent me birthday messages, I have gone through all the national and local newspapers, yet Akwa Ibom government has not wished me a happy birthday as a one-time governor of Akwa Ibom,” Senator Godswill Akpabio cried.
He increased his donation to N5m, telling the church, “I brought Udom and made him governor so nobody can claim to love the son more than the father.”

Many people who took to the social media condemned the former minority leader for his irate behaviour, describing it as a transfer of 'Warsaw' his favourite war cry to church.

[b][/b]



By - Victoria Anietie, Uyo


Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly today, Thursday conducted a pre-budget briefing and public hearing on the 2019 Appropriation bill budget currently before the state legislature.

It would be recalled that His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel had recently laid a budget outlay of N670.718b before the state Assembly for 2019 fiscal year and also seek the consideration and approval of the lawmakers to enable him appropriate monies out of the consolidated revenue fund and capital development fund to the service of Akwa Ibom State government and for other matters connected therewith.

The bill which has passed through first and second readings on the floor of the House was subsequently referred to the Appropriations and finance committee for in depth study and scrutiny before being pass into law.

Declaring the public hearing open, the Speaker of the 6th Assembly , Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke said public hearing is a tradition of the 6th Akwa Ibom State house of Assembly to collect inputs from citizenry.

Speaker Luke, who was represented by his Deputy , Princess Felicia Bassey , observed that Appropriation law is a compass for directing governments journey towards achieving the state government agenda and assured stakeholders and participate that inputs gathered during the hearing would guide and also help in shaping the output of the 2019 budget.

In his opening speech, The Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Hon. Usoro AkpanUsoh Described the briefing exercise for 2019 budget proposals as a yearly ritual with numerous payoff for the betterment of the state. adding that the hearing will promotes citizenship participation in the governance process where different shades of opinion from stakeholders will be dully collated and considered for the overall socio-economic development of the state.

Akpanusoh who is the member representing Ibeno /Esit Eket assured Akwa Ibom people of effective scrutiny of the budget proposals as well as effective monitoring and supervision of its implementation in line with his committee's oversight functions as legislators, however expressed optimism that the public hearing is to further ensure good governance, transparency, accountability and a speedy and sustainable development of the state in all sectors.
Hear him : "We in the Assembly, would like to assure the Akwa Ibom people of effective scrutiny of the budget proposals as we as monitor and supervise it's implementation in the best interest of the st and its people. "
" It is in the furtherance of the above that the MDAs are strongly advised to take their budget defence seriously and make use of the oversight house committees in clarification of their presentations" "Dr. Akpanusoh noted

The chairman of the committee further used the occasion to appreciate the governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for his prudent, transparent and judicious management of the scarce resources of the state despite all challenges.
" on behalf of the Honourable Speaker, principal officers and Honourable members of the House of Assembly to distinctively appreciate His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for his prudent, transparent and judicious management of the scarce resources of the state despite all challenges.. We salute him greatly for for the manner he has tactfully steered the ship of Akwa Ibom project to the benefit of all "

Presentations were made during the public hearing by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Linus Nkan, Commissioner for Economic Development, Rt. Hon Barr Ekong Sampson, and key note address by the special Adviser and Budgetary planning to the governor.
They said the 2019 budget proposals as presented by His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel is Christened"Budget of industrialization for poverty alleviation and is Christened " Budget of Industrialisation for Poverty Alleviation".
They added that the 2019 budget was intended to build more industries and attract more direct foreign investment to the state and thank the state legislators for providing the platform where the public were given the opportunity to contribute while urging the House to ensure expeditious passage of the 2019 in order to enable the present administration carry out his project.

Other stakeholders who contributed to the bill during the hearing include, representative of the Nigeria Bar Association, Barr. Ubong Offiong, who make known that the bar usually partner with the government and the House to ensure that bill passed is legally binding and pleaded with the committee members to ensure that autonomy of Legislature and that of Judiciary is included in the 2019 budget so that what so ever is appreciated for them will be paid directly to them.

Also in his submission, Comrade Tijah Bolton-akpan of policy Alert, appreciated the state governor for the allocation given to capital expenditure in the 2019 budget, and pleaded that more effort should be put the passage of health insurance scheme in the state.

The public hearing had in attendance, members of the House of Assembly, members of the state executive council, representatives from political parties, professional bodies, civil liberty groups, Journalists among others.

In Akwa Ibom State, a crass desperation has led the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Mr. Nsima Ekere, into the assumption that the people of the state are gullible to empty lies and gross fake promises.

Mr Ekere whose desperation to be governor has seen him embark on campaign of calumny, wild accusations and outright resort to cheap blackmail, took his jaundiced worldview to shocking heights when he told a bewildered public that he'll provide local government autonomy if elected governor.

Since the NDDC man made the promise, not a few people have alluded to what has been widely known before now to the effect that the APC gubernatorial candidate and his party have no cogent plans for the state nor the people except the wild goose chase of political power in order to put the state on a reverse gear.

As a man who claims to know a lot, it is preposterous and beffudling that Nsima Ekere could, before the public, make such a bizarre promise.
For one, it shows clearly that the man is simply out of sync with reality and the law, so much that he can spew anything as campaign promise just to sway the people.

But Akwa Ibomites know better. They have seen through these 21st century deception, the fake and vague promises hence are better positioned to choose between moving forward and plunging the state into the abyss of confusion with a band of desperate hawks whose plan is to return our state to the dark age of politically motivated assassinations, kidnappings and other sundry but despicable vices, which walked on all fours on our streets.

If this is not their plan, it's difficult to come to grasp with Mr Ekere's pledge that he'll restore local government autonomy as soon as he becomes governor. Does he not know that this issue is a constitutional matter and is not within the powers of a governor to determine?

Why should the APC standard bearer stoop so low to utter such embarrassing and unpardonable statement? It points to one fact: these people do not mean well for our state. Such empty, warped and patently misguided promise brings back memories of 2011, when 31 industries were once promised the people of Akwa Abasi Ibom State.

Today, the people can judge for themselves how many of the 31 industries are cited in their domains as was promised. Curiously, it is the same people that have formed a desperate alliance to once again churn out unrealistic promises in order to hoodwink the people again. But the people are now wiser and will vehemently and unanimously reject these men whose voices drip with deception upon a body language that reeks of war.

It's the same Nsima Ekere that had the false stamina to say he'll build real industries in the state. And one is led to wonder, does APC and its governorship candidate think Akwa Ibomites are so poorly lettered? The man has not told Akwa Ibom people what and how real industries look like. Apparently out to promise anything to earn votes, he steps on the soapbox and says just anything as if he's addressing toddlers. He forgets that his ability to create industries, can be measured by the number of factories and job opportunities brought about when he served as the Chairman of the state investment and industrial clearing house, the Akwa Ibom State Investment and Industrial Promotion Council, AKIIPOC and later as deputy governor during the 8 years reign of Governor Akpabio. There were none of course.

One had thought that the tomfoolery of the APC and its candidate will have some level of restraint, but Nsima Ekere has given the clearest indication yet that he has neither vision nor mission for the state. And he can't even pretend otherwise. Sad!

Nsima goofed big time when he said he'll grant autonomy to local governments. How can a gubernatorial candidate not understand the workings of Nigerian constitution? Autonomy for LG is a constitutional issue and only amendment can effect that.

Nsima Ekere cannot claim ignorance of this reality, but he had little or no choice than to say what he said just to deceive the people into believing he means well and will effect what he promised in public glare if he fulfils his lifetime ambition of becoming governor.

It is obvious that the season of politics and promises of heaven on earth by politicians is here. But while some promises made by politicians have raised hopes of the masses that they are in for better times, some, like Mr Ekere's, have clearly stood out as vague, empty and misleading promises. It is sad and rather unfortunate that desperation could cause someone who should know to embark on spewing lies to the people.


Akwa Ibom people now under the able leadership of Mr. Udom Emmanuel will never succumb to these tissues of falsehood and grand deceit. They are now wiser, more circumspect and highly discerning, hence will not fall for empty and unrealistic promises from desperate men.

…AS POLICE REMANDS UTITOFON MORGAN ON FALSE CHARGES, TARGETS MORE JOURNALISTS


MEDIA COMMUNITY, COMMUNICATION LECTURER SPIT ON AKPABIO OVER ARREST



By Victoria Ekere, Uyo | December 3, 2018



A seething anger is growing by the second within the media community in Akwa Ibom State following the arrest and detention of popular blogger Utitofon Morgan of the Sittipe fame on the orders of the Senator representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Mr Godswill Akpabio as part of his continuous onslaught on media practitioners in the state.

Investigations by DailyMail Newspaper reveal that Akpabio’s order for the arrest and detention of Mr Utitofon Morgan is misdirected as the story which the popular blogger is persecuted for captioned “CBN probes Akpabio’s N865b unrecorded deposits in 3 banks” was published by a certain online Newspaper known as “The Fact Reporters”.

Angered by the revelations made in the story, the Senator is said to have asked his Media Aide Anietie Ekong to guess who owns the Facts Reporters and the Media aide who apparently had some scores to settle Mr Utitofon Morgan dropped the bloggers name.

It was gathered that Akpabio immediately ordered one of the lawyers in his chambers, a certain Patrick Umoh, esq. to forward a petition to the Police demanding for the immediate arrest and detention of Mr Utitofon Morgan, who, our credible checks has shown does not have any link with the Facts Reporters.

At the moment, Utitofon Morgan is being held at the State Police Headquarters Ikot Akpan Abia on the orders of Mr Akpabio on the false charge of defamation to Akpabio’s character.

In the meantime, members of the Akwa Ibom Media community have reacted to the arrest and detention of a Utitofon Morgan calling it a clear decision by Mr Godswill Akpabio to draw a battle line with journalists and other media practitioners in Akwa Ibom State insisting that the Senator by this latest onslaught on the media community was forcefully reminding them of the reign of terror and intimidation which media practitioners operated in during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“You can recall that during Akpabio’s tenure, those of us who were vocal critics of his administration and policies were marked for assassination. Our colleagues in the Global Concord Newspaper had to print their Newspapers at night. Have you even forgotten that a Communication Professor, Des Wilson recently narrated how Akpabio almost succeeded in assassinating him?
Or have you also forgotten the harassment and detention Akpabio unleashed on fresh facts newspaper and Imeime Jerome for publishing a story about his government. The National body of NUJ had revolted and wanted to declare Akpabio a persona non grata, save for the intervention of notable journalists like ray Ekpu? No, you should not forget. Well, tell him and Anietie Ekong that they have failed. The same Anietie Ekong who is on the side of Akpabio and encouraging him to mow down journalists was a practicing journalist in this country. Tell him to be prepared to kill us” Akaninyene Udo, a journalist told the Daily Mail Newspaper.

Reacting to the development, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at the Akwa Ibom State University who spoke to the Daily Mail Newspaper on conditions of strict anonymity said it was worrisome that politicians would signal out journalists and media practitioners for outright intimidation and attack, saying this was a bad signal for democracy and free society.

“Everywhere around the world, journalism has continued to remain as the conscience of the society and in cases where people feel offended or angered by publications in the media, there are extant procedures for the ventilation of this sort of grievances. Giving orders and using the apparatus of the police to intimidate and harass journalists by people who have been conferred with statuses through the work of journalists and media practitioners is a bad omen for the society. People who do this should be seen as enemies of the media community”

The governor of Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has smiled on Capt. Iniobong Ekong (ret) as he picks a double with his recent appointment as the senior special assistant on security matters.

Capt Ekong aka ikwafang is widely believed to be is a living lesson in discipline, principles and loyalty. His appointment is seen as a square peg in a square hole as far as the security of Akwa ibom state is concerned.

Ekong is unassuming in his new responsibilities has expressed his gratitude to the governor for the confidence and trust reposed in him. According to the new appointee," the time has come for tree top messages and only monkeys can be sent there".

With the appointment, it is expected that the internal security operations would be improved and strengthened for the sustenance of the prevailing peace in the state.

Ekong who is currently special assistant to the governor on special services with the new appointment will be overseeing intelligence and the internal security operations in the state. The appointment coming on the heels of recent security infraction in the state believed to be orchestrated by some disgruntled political opponents in the state will expectedly see to the overhauling of the security architecture in the state to meet the security challenges in the state.

A Physics graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Ekong has taken part in peace keeping missions at home and abroad, and has also attended military courses both in Nigeria and overseas. He holds a master of business administration degree from the University of Calabar. He is currently pursuing a higher degree in peace and conflict studies in the University of Uyo.

The appointment takes immediate effect.

thesicilian:
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the man who saw the future.

Indeed, Akwa Ibom State is peaceful and safe.