...hence his decision to abuse people and rain insults during his presidential campaigns.

http://9jaecho.com/2023/01/31/governor-emmanuel-gives-reasons-tinubu-insults-people/

The good people of Akwa Ibom State have sounded a note of warning to the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, against further insult on the state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

Tinubu, had in his campaign speech during his visit to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Monday, 3oth January, 2023, described Governor Emmanuel as a “small boy who lives at his backyard in Lagos”, a statement people of the state, described as an insult taken too far.

Reacting, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement signed by her Publicity Secretary, Borono Bassey, expressed sadness “that Nigerians, including Akwa Ibom people, have been forced to bear the excruciating pains of watching a senile and entitled centenarian who should be serving a life sentence for his momentous indictment in a drug cartel’s dealings in the United States, which led to his forfeiture of $460,000 in 1993.

Today, hundreds of millions of Nigerians and even members of the international community hold the consensus opinion that the decision by this decrepit, staggering-old and baggage-laden man to put one of his entitled “leprous” foot on the same staircase which law-abiding, clean and morally upright Nigerians have stepped their foot on, to communicate their desire to ascend the Presidency of this Nation, has completely desecrated the entire staircase, and therefore attracting ridicule to this nation. Little wonder, many chieftains of his party all over Nigeria who ordinarily should led Tinubu campaigns from the front, have decided to stand on the right side of history by refusing to touch his leprous-laden ambition even with a ten-foot pole.

We understand Mr Tinubu’s grief to have stepped into Akwa Ibom soil and to physically confirm with his eyes, the diverse imposing testimonials that speak eloquently of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s years of visionary stewardship to Akwa Ibom people thereby elevating Governor Emmanuel to the coveted pedestal of one of the top most celebrated Governors in Nigeria at this time. We can also wager that the enticing altitude which our state soars in, reminds him in a tragic manner, his failure to have forcefully snatched Akwa Ibom State in 2019 and annex it to the list of his failed hegemonies.”

Our Party shares in the strong sentiments of Nigerians and Akwa Ibom people that the collective destinies of our people can never be handed over to a man whose actions, utterances and dispositions have sold him out as a Non compos mentis. Akwa Ibom people since the return of democratic rule have had a pact with the Peoples Democratic Party and this pact, we are confident will stretch several years beyond 2023.

We are energized and embolden by the growing resolve of Nigerians and all Akwa Ibom people to never allow the tragedy of a Tinubu’s presidency fall on us this year or ever in our history as a Nation. We urge Mr Tinubu to clear his throat and sit and wait patiently for the “breakfast” of tears that Nigerians will serve him in a few weeks from today.

Ancestor Tinubu should rather take more time in taking lessons in proper pronunciation of words and identification of people instead of creating a scene of one campaign, one gaffe. It is obvious that as an ancestor, Mr. Tinubu has mistaken the Presidential Campaign of a country as big as Nigeria, to be a comedy show.”

9jaecho.com

UDOM EMMANJUEL THE SAVING GRACE FOR IKOT OKU IKONO PEOPLE

By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

Akwa Ibom State under Governor Udom Emmanuel is a beehive of activities in infrastructural expansion. It is about the only administration that has taken a holistic approach towards roads construction and rehabilitation.

Over time, it was difficult to stay a week without reports of trailers and petrol tankers crashing while trying to negotiate the Ikot Oku Ikono Junction in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. It got to the climax that the area was termed 'Ikot Oku Ikono of death' following incessant accidents and loss of lives especially by motorists during night journey.

The ongoing construction of flyover at Ikot Oku Ikono Roundabout, marks an end to the nightmare in the area, as well as drastically reduce traffic gridlock occasioned by increasing commercial activities along the routes.

Residents of Ikot Oku Ikono and its environs have popped up with joy, describing the project as a step in a right direction, as it will end the many incidents of accident on the road which usually led to loss of lives and property especially by motorists plying the road at night and who are not familiar with the terrain.

The design of the roundabout which construction was abandoned by previous administration with no road signs, making the area a death trap as turning became difficult for long vehicles like trailers due to the narrow drive lane, hence the high incident of accidents as most motorists on speed usually rammed into it mostly at night.

The ongoing project which is handled by construction giant, Julius Berger, is at accelerated space of development, and hopes to connect Uyo to Abak and invariably contain traffic from Rivers State axis of the country.

Ikot Oku Ikono Flyover is one of the 40 bridges undertaken so far by the Udom Emmanuel-led administration.

UDOM EMMANUEL: CONNECTING ECONOMIC NERVE CENTRES THROUGH QUALITY ROAD NETWORKS

By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

Akwa Ibom State has witnessed impressive milestones in her socio-economic development consequent upon Governor Emmanuel's 5-point agenda of Job Creation, Poverty alleviation, Wealth creation, Infrastructural consolidation and, Economic and Political inclusion. The agenda has achieved life-touching projects in various sectors of the economy.

With the ongoing 8-point Completion Agenda of Industrialization, Aviation Development, Rural and Riverine Area Development, Agriculture, Human Capacity Development, Security, Infrastructure, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, many more landmark achievements are dotting the landscape of the State.

Road infrastructural development has been the priority of the Udom Emmanuel-administration in stimulating economic growth of the state. This is because road infrastructure plays a crucial role by providing mobility for the efficient movements of people and goods, as well as providing accessibility to a wide variety of commercial and social activities.

Since the advent of Governor Udom Emmanuel, there has been a quantum leap in the number of roads and bridges constructed by the State government. So far recorded are over 1,700km of roads, and 40 bridges have been undertaken in addition to rehabilitation of many rural roads across the three senatorial districts of the State.

Uyo Senatorial District has received enormous boost in road infrastructural development. While most of the roads have been completed, others are ongoing. Some of the numerous roads include the dualized 20.0km Uyo – Etinan Road (Ikot Oku Ikono); dualized 9.5km Ring Road III (From Aka Road – Oron Road – Nwaniba Road) with 3 Roundabouts; and Dualized 3.5km Ring Road II, Uyo.

There are several other construction works across the district such as the 2.1km Road around State Secretariat Annex and Believers Assembly, Mbiabong Etoi, Uyo; 1.5km Nsikak Eduok – Tropicana Outfall Drain; 6.1km Atan Offot Road in Uyo Local Government Area; 6.0km Idiaba – Nda Nsit–Ikot Abasi (Nung Udoe) Road in Nsit Atai Local Government Area; 19.317km Anua – Mbak – Ishiet Road, and the 3.5km Ikot Udom Road with 15m Span Bridge in Ibiono Ibom LGA.


Remodeling and rehabilitation of selected roads, strategic junctions and roundabouts in Uyo Metropolis, Phase I

Construction of 9.76km Ancillary Roads with a 60m Span Bridge in Nsit Ubium LGA; Construction of 1.3km Ntiedo Udosen Street; Construction of 4.0km Mbiatok Ekritam – Mbiaya Uruan Road with Spur; Construction of 8.5km Nduetong Oku Ibiaku Uruan – Ekritam Road with Spur in Itu/Uruan LGA, under the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA); Construction of 1.05km Information Drive, Uyo; Construction of 9.0km Mbiaya Uruan – Ita – Ikpa – Mbiakong Uruan Road with 60m Span Bridge in Uruan LGA through (APFA); Construction of 5.0km Ewet Housing Extension; Construction of 12.15km Enen Nsit – Obotong – Ikot Enwene – Edebom – Oboetuk – Ikot Obok – Mbiakom – Obo Atai -Oboyo Ikot Ita in Nsit Ibom and Ikot Akpa Edu – Ikot Iko – Ikot Akpan Abia Road in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA with 30m Span Bridge in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA and Construction of 5.0km T Junction – Mary Slessor Hospital Road with 30m span Bridge.

Intervention works have also been carried out on several streets within the Uyo metropolis, some of which include 0.15km Ebong Lane; 0.19km Ebong Street; 0.61km Asutan Street; 0.25km Akparen Street; 0.18km Ibiono Lane; 0.25km Etoi Street; 0.54km Nung Atai; 0.16km Udotung Ubo Lane; 2.7km Afaha Etok, Ibesikpo;
1.5km Afaha Ikot Obio Nkan, Ibesikpo and 2.5km Afaha Atai Village Crescent.

These road networks have brought about improvement in the economy of the state as farmers are able to link up goods and services with their clients, as well as create enabling environment for investors to invest in the state.

GOVERNOR EMMANUEL FLAGS-OFF CAMPAIGN, PRESENTS MANIFESTO FOR 2019

By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has flagged off his campaign in Uyo and presented his 2019 manifesto christened “Completion Agenda,” for the collective peace and prosperity of Akwa Ibom people.

Speaking at the event, Governor Emmanuel noted that the 8-point completion agenda, which bothers on Industrialization, Aviation Development, Rural & Riverine Area Development, Small & Medium Scale Enterprise, Infrastructure, Security, Agriculture and Human Capacity Development, will aggressively industrialize the state and create jobs for Akwa Ibom people, thereby ensuring peace and prosperity for all, as it is the most effective and realistic document for good governance.

He stated that the manifesto of Completion Agenda surpasses superior performance and promises to turn Akwa Ibom State into one of the most industrial states in Nigeria, and that his first term industrialization drive would over-driven during his second term, as his commitment to industrialization, youth employment, peace, security and property, and to provide environment for small & medium scale enterprises is irrevocable.

The Governor reassured and reaffirmed his faith and believe in the Completion Agenda, and explained that “Three and a half years ago, we anchored our blueprint on a five-point agenda. Today, we have taken stock of what we have done well. From power sector to health sector, education, industrialization, economic development, inclusion, youth & women empowerments, poverty alleviation and security.”

He said every good manifesto must have promises that are measurable. “In the face of economic recession, in the face where the international community did not believe we were still existing in Nigeria due to bad news of insecurity, the whole world can testify that there is still good thing coming out of Bethlehem. There is something good coming out of Nigeria, there is a good state coming out of Nigeria, there is a governor out of Nigeria and there are people out of Nigeria that the entire world can trust no matter the propaganda and lies. Akwa Ibom people are not traitors but people of integrity and proven character who love one another and build the unity of the state.”

Speaking further, Governor Emmanuel expressed worry how people would build monuments and called it projects, stressing that there is a difference between monuments and projects, and that he did not come to complete monuments but to complete projects – economic life-touching projects.

“The same people promised 31 industries but could not do even one. Within three years, we have come out with an exceptional scorecard because we are playing politics of development. With a global market value of over $2.76 billion, Cassava is the most important tropical root crop. We are positioning Akwa Ibom State to become a major exporter and tap into the global trade. The best internal substation in the city has been commissioned and put to use in the state.”

Earlier in his tone setting, former Military Governor of the state, Air Commodore, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, noted nobody can change what God has destined, saying that it is time to choose between darkness and light, good and evil, and Udom Emmanuel represents light and good.

He charged all citizens of the state to stand firm for Udom Emmanuel because only him can fulfill the industrialization promises, adding that if Akwa Ibom State develops, Nigeria will develop.

In his remarks, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State stated that Mr Udom Emmanuel is not just a performing Governor of Akwa Ibom State but also in the entire South-South geopolitical zone.

He urged Akwa Ibom people to hold firm good product they have in Governor Emmanuel by ensuring that they vote massively to return the Governor for second term for an opportunity to consolidate on good governance, assuring that Akwa Ibom will win in the forthcoming election just as Bayelsa State won against the so-called Federal might.

Also speaking in his goodwill message, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, expressed appreciation to God for what He has done for the re-election of Governor Udom Emmanuel whom he described as a performing, industrialist, and financial manager, and that Nigeria had decided to intimidate and oppress him since August 2018, but the hand of God Almighty is upon the Governor.

Those who also gave their goodwill messages include Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Obong Bassey Albert (OBA); Senator representing Eket Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Helen Esuene; PDP National Legal Adviser, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Comrade Aniefiok Iwaudofia.

Highpoints of the event were presentation of flags to all PDP candidates both returning and serving members of the National and State Assemblies; and reception of 5000 defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP led by former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr. Ignatius Edet.

Speaking after the reception, Mr. Ema Joseph, former Chairman of Chairmen, Positive Change Organization of John J. Udoedehe, stated that for more than 10 years that he has been in APC, members were killed and kidnapped during the dark days of Senator Godswill Akpabio.

He decried that if over five people could lost their lives in a mere primaries, if Nsima Ekere takes over as Governor, two months later, he will start his second term agenda , and anyone who opposes him will be killed in minutes.

The event, which took place at the Uyo Township Stadium on Wednesday, was well graced by all traditional institutions including paramount rulers, clan head, village heads, as well as commissioners, board chairmen, and other top government functionaries.

©www.9jaecho.com

AKPABIO, NSIMA HAVE NO MORAL CREDENTIALS TO TALK ABOUT INDUSTRIALIZATION –APC STATESMAN

By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

A caucus member and elder statesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Elder Aniefiok Ekefre, has said that former governor of the state, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and the APC governorship candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere, have no right whatsoever to talk about industrialization following their antecedents in the polity of the state.

Speaking during an interactive session on politics of the presidential campaign and expectation of the Akwa Ibom people on Planet 101.1FM on Friday, Elder Ekefre noted that Akpabio is self-serving and has no public standing to talk about the people because he is anti-people from day one.

He said that Akpabio has no moral credential to talk about industrialization because he lied and misled the people during his tenure. He painted PDP in a bad light and ran to APC, saying that there was a time everybody was talking about the Ibaka Deep Seaport and he promised to raise about 30 billion US Dollars to build the seaport. Today the seaport is not there and the consultancy money is wasted.

According to him “In terms of comparative analysis, I’ve been part and parcel of the Godswill Obot Akpabio administration. During his campaigns, he said he would build one industry in each of the 31 local government areas of the state but failed to do so throughout his eight years in office. Industry is not in the supermarket. You cannot go to a supermarket and pick up a factory. You need to create time, design, fabricate, send it to the fabricator and then establish it.”

Comparing the immediate past administration to the present administration in terms of infrastructure, Elder Ekefre said he has seen a lot of roads, industries commissioned which the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, was a guest, ongoing projects including the multipurpose 21-storey building complex in Ibesikpo Asutan, and many others.

He further disclosed that the Udom-led administration has done very well so far compared to the former administration which set up the nonfunctional Ibom Tropicana, Four Point by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene as well as the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road project awarded at the initiation sum of N28 billion and variation and later raised to N71 billion without a justifiable reason, yet nothing was done.

The APC Caucus member and community leader/activist further disclosed that the governorship candidate of APC and MD of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nsima Ekere, was Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), which was an engine room for industrialization of Akwa Ibom State, but presided over the privatization and transferred the University Energy to an outsider.

Speaking further, he said all the insecurity, anarchy and assassination in the state happened during the tenures of Godswill Akpabio who is the current leader of APC and the governorship candidate of APC who was a deputy governor of the state, and that they are coming back to reenact anarchy with their Warsaw saw war mantra.

He alleged that Akpabio was a key player of the insecurity experienced in the state during his 8 years tenure, and that his aim is to reintroduce the anarchy and deny people the chance to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere currently witnessed in the state.

“Akpabio has no moral credential to talk about productivity and service because he has been tested before. He has failed us and we don’t want to go back to that situation.”

Elder Ekefre explained that peace is a very important element and the foundation of everything which holds a very important component to a successful story of every church and community, and that so far, Akwa Ibom people have enjoyed peace in the state, and need no anarchy.

He said that party affiliation is secondary, but peace is key. “Governor Udom Emmanuel has been able to establish peace in the state. You can now move freely, stand safely by the roadside and sleep with two eyes closed without being molested, compared to the sad situation of the past administration.

“He has done extremely well. Insecurity is history in the state, and everybody in the state don’t want that to be disrupted. We don’t want anything connected to the dark history of Akwa Ibom State. You cannot play politics without peace. We want peace.”

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call Akpabio and Nsima Ekere to order because nobody has the monopoly of violence.

(c) 9jaecho.com

AKWA IBOM INFORMATION BOSS JOINS SAINT JOHN INT’L KNIGHTHOOD

By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh, has been admitted into the Knighthood of Saint John International of the Catholic Church.

The induction ceremony, which took place at St. Dominic’s Chapel of Perpetual Adoration on Saturday, 15December, was followed by a thanksgiving Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Obio Offot, Uyo on ‪Sunday, 23 December, 2018.

Sir Charles Udoh, KSJ, in his thanksgiving, expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for finding him fit for the knighthood, saying that he is a living testimony of God’s goodness.

He shared his life story with the congregation on how he cheated death on several occasion right from his primary school days, but God, in His infinite mercy, has always saved him for a purpose.

In his words: “My wife and I had been in marriage for 10 years of turmoil and pressure, but we kept the faith believing that someday, God will lift us up, and today we are blessed with two kids. At times, when I look at my kids, I have a deep understanding of why some people do obnoxious things. I had lived a comfortable life without peace inside of me.”


Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Sir Charles Udoh, KSJ (left) wife, Lady Regina Charles during the thanksgiving mass
The new Knight of St John International further stated that if anyone has God, the person does not need any godfather to succeed in life, as God is always there to help, adding that he believes in the power of being good to people.

“I went to Lagos as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member seating on an attachment in a night bus. My friends lobbied to join the NYSC but I never did. God took me there.

“On arrival at the University of Lagos (Unilag) where I was attached to, the professor I was to report to, scornfully took a look at me and asked what school I graduated from. When I told that I graduated from the University of Uyo (Uniuyo), he threw my letter on the floor. He asked me to come back for my rejection letter. I picked up my letter and told him to his face that he has lost the respect I had for him.

“When I got to his office the next day, he said he was not rejecting me anymore. I laid siege in front of his office demanding him to reject me but another professor intervened and convinced me to work with him. That was God at work.

“Six months into my service year, the professor who earlier underrated me, sought and secured a job for me and I was given employment letter six months before I finished my NYSC. That was how the journey of my life started.”


Sir Charles Udoh and wife with their two kids
Sir Charles also disclosed that he intentionally refused to speak the Yoruba Language throughout his stay in Lagos (since 1989) in rebel and to prove that an Akwa Ibom person can become something anywhere, hence he decided to work longer and harder, read, dedicated and diligent than anyone else.

“I never knew that at a point in the history Akwa Ibom State, there would be a man to imbibe what I couldn’t find a name for since 1989, and call it ‘Dakkada’. Tears rolled down my eyes the day the Dakkada philosophy was launched in the state.

“When I had the honour to work with that same man (Governor Udom Emmanuel), I didn’t have to think twice. And today, that journey has taken us this far,” he stated, adding that he has fulfilled the dreams of his late father who had wished to be a Knight during his life time on earth.

The Knight of St John is an exclusive organization which ranks second to the Priesthood in learning and character, saddled with the essential responsibility of defending the church, faith and continue to be steadfast in faith through Jesus Christ.

The event was graced by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem; Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government, HRM Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon; and Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan among other top government functionaries and colleagues in the state executive council.

(c) 9jaecho.com

AKPABIO ORDERS PULL DOWN OF AKWA IBOM STADIUM ENTRANCE GATE

The Akwa Ibom Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Senator Godswill Akpabio has ordered immediate and forceful pulling down the entrance gate of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo for access to kick start President Muhammadu Buhari's campaign on Friday in Uyo, the state capital.

This is sequel to the letter from the Ministry of Youths and Sport to the Chairman of the APC, Ini Okopido declining approval for the use of the facility.

According to the release signed by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Sir Monday Ebong Uko, the State Government in the alternative has gracefully made available the Uyo Township stadium which was used for the well attended Christmas carol night.

The release states "The Government of Akwa Ibom State has received with gladness the notice of the proposed visit of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR, to our dear state on December 28, 2018. "

"Consequent to this proposed visit, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Akwa Ibom State is in receipt of a letter of application dated December 19, 2018, requesting for the use of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as the venue for his reception ceremony.

"Whereas we have sent a letter, dated December 20, 2018 in response to the application, addressed to Hon. Ini Okopido, the State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Akwa Ibom State, we are obliged, in light of the unfortunate attempt by some political actors and commentators to pit Akwa Ibom State Government against President Mohammadu Buhari and the Presidency.

Adducing reasons for the decline of the use of the stadium by government, Uko stated further "May we inform Akwa Ibom People and the entire public, of the reasons for our inability to approve the use of the requested venue,

He explained: "That the next season of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is scheduled to begin on January 13, 2018. In view of this and the fixtures of home matches for Akwa United FC, it will be practically impossible to ‘regrass’ the stadium for pre-fixed matches, if used for non-sports activities, because of the nature of pressure that such events bring on the pitch.

Additionally, The Maintenance Contractor (Julius Berger) had also advised that the present atmospheric conditions being very hostile to the pitch, the facility should not be used for non-sport activities during this harmattan period, so as to avoid inflicting long term or irreversible damage to the grass on the football pitch. This reason forced the relocation of the State’s Christmas Carols festival from the earlier proposed Godswill Akpabio International Stadium to the Uyo township Stadium.

According to him, the stadium from its inception has been under a maintenance contract with Julius Berger Construction Company. They operate all the sensitive and non-sensitive components of the facility.

"They had closed for the year and proceeded on vacation (as it has been their usual practice) and are due to resume on January 7, 2018.

"The implication of this is that, the technical capacity required to activate the venue is currently unavailable, and this is not within our control."

Uko said the Ministry has however approved, in the alternative, the use of the Uyo Township Stadium for the event and guaranteed that the approved venue is in perfect condition.

Miffed by this, APC On the order of Senator Akpabio has mobilised hoodlums to pull down all gates leading in to the main bowl of the stadium which they intend to set up a stage for the rally.

It would be recalled that few months ago, the APC members had vandalised the facility of government Primary school in Eket to carry out a rally for Nsima Ekere, it's governorship candidate.

(c) 9jaecho.com

AKWA IBOM 2019: AN ALTERNATIVE TO UDOM EMMANUEL IS SATANIC

By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

As the race for the 2019 general elections gets tougher by the day, and inward look and in-depth thought would discover that not all of the candidates for political offices have anything in mind to offer for the benefit of the electorates and for the development of the state. While some are contesting to have direct access to the resources of the state in order to proffer solution to most of the economic problems facing the state, others are in the race for their personal interests. But a closer look into the antecedents of most of the candidates will, however, unravel what they are in for.

In Akwa Ibom State, there are several others vying the office of the No.1 citizen of the state – Hilltop Mansion, but let’s focus on the two major candidates of the governorship seat, which are the incumbent Governor of the State, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, who is contesting for his second term in office under the umbrella body of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Obong Nsima Ekere of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Nsima Ekere, who was ousted out of office by his then boss, Godswill Akpabio, due to his disloyalty, drug addiction and inconsistent attitude. He left the PDP for the APC in a quest to win the 2015 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State for Umana Okon Umana but lost to Udom Gabriel Emmanuel of the PDP who was massively voted for and declared elected by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The momentum has grown for the APC's Governorship hopeful for the 2019 elections since the much-talked-about defection of his former boss, Godswill Akpabio, to the APC, joining force in causing anarchy and violence to threaten the hard-earned peace of the state.

In July 2013, Udom Emmanuel was appointed Secretary to the State Government of Akwa Ibom State under Governor Godswill Akpabio, and later aspired for the governorship seat in a hotly contested primary election and defeated 22 other aspirants (G22) to emerge the candidate of the Akwa Ibom State People's Democratic Party (PDP). His campaign with the slogan, ‘Udom is Right; received mass support. In 2015, he was elected Governor of Akwa Ibom State, running under the platform of the PDP and with 999,071 votes to defeat APC's candidate Umana Okon Umana who scored 89,865 votes of the APC.

Governor Udom Emmanuel, upon assumption of office, has been able to lead the Akwa Ibom from a predominantly civil service state to an industrial hub of the nation through his five-point agenda of Wealth Creation, Economic and Political Inclusion, Poverty Alleviation, Infrastructural Consolidation and Expansion, and Job Creation, as blueprint for the development of the state, which brought at least 12 industries in the state.

Before now, the immediate past administration had promised to site at least one industry in each of the 31 local government areas of the state, which would amount to 31 industries but could not boast of a single industry in its entire eight years tenure. But Governor Emmanuel, within his three and a half years in office, has been able to attract not less than 12 industries in the state including the Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company Ltd in Onna (largest in Africa), Greenwell Fertilizer Blending Factory in Oku Abak, Electric Metering Industry in Onna, Kings Flour Mill, Rice Processing Mill in Ini, AKEES Toothpick, Pencil, Plastic and Cottage Industries and a host of other industries.

Despite dwindling resources due to economic recession in the country, Governor Udom Emmanuel remains focused on delivering qualitative governance. For just about three and a half years on the saddle, the Governor has not left anyone in doubt as to his mission of translating his campaign promises to affect lives, thereby ensuring that government is seen as a force for good.

Different sectors including Agriculture and Food Sufficiency, Education, Works and Infrastructure, Investment, Commerce and Industry, Health Care, Culture and Tourism, Housing and Special Duties, Unity Luxury Estate Project and several other sectors have experienced the dividends of democracy by the Udom Emmanuel-led administration.

School children in the state now enjoy free, compulsory and quality basic education, as well as payment of over N600 million as WAEC fees every year. Children of age 0-5 are being treated free and the aged too. The youths are not left behind as they have been empowered with diverse skill acquisition programmes.

Akwa Ibom State had, in time past, witnessed violence ranging from kidnapping, assassination, armed robbery, thuggery and other societal vices in the previous administration, but Governor Udom Emmanuel has left no stone unturned in a quest to return normalcy and that has yielded massive result as Akwa Ibom was recently adjudged the safest state in Nigeria by a former Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. John Bassey Abang, and was confirmed by former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, who declared Akwa Ibom investors-friendly.

The unfolding events of recent times in the state can also serve as indicators as to who has the interest and future of the state and its people at heart, for he who thinks well will act well. He who acts well will do well. He who does well will take our native land to a greater height. It is not all about fighting, disobedient and division of any means. It is to embrace peace for our land to be healed from violence. The Holy Book states that “If my people, which are called by name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

My people, elders of our land, youths, men, women, old and young, let’s rise up to look for the failure mode and root causes of problems in our dear land in order to search for counter measures to these problems.

Any alternative to Udom Emmanuel is satanic. Udom is right and nothing can go wrong with God that is with us.

#OnlyGod

Kingsley writes in from Uyo.

(c) 9jaecho.com

2019: Governor Emmanuel's Second Term Bid Is Justifiable --Ukana Clan Head

By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

The Clan Head of Ukana East in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, His Highness, Okuku Andrew C. Okon, has said that the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emanuel, has every justifiable reason to be voted for second term in office come 2019.

He said this Friday his palace while speaking with newsmen during an inspection tour to the ongoing renovation work on the Obo Annang Market, and commended the Governor for heeding to the yearnings of market men and women in the community for years.

Okuku Okon explained that the Obo Annang Market, which is the oldest and biggest market in the Annang Nation, was built by the then Local Government Chairman, late Friday Udoetuk, and that since then, no government deemed it necessary to do a renovation work in the market.

He expressed delight at the decision of the present government to do some intervention works in the market, and described it as a welcome development. “Those who know Mr. Udom Emmanuel know that he is a talk and do Governor. He will never say anything that he knows he won’t do unlike the previous administration.

“There has been a time when youth restiveness was on the rampant in the community but that has become a thing of the past since Governor Emmanuel came on board. There is relative peace across the state.

“Governor Emmanuel has every justifiable reason to be voted for in order to complete his eight years just as other successive government did. We will vote to return him to office not only because others went for eight years, but because he deserves to return to office in order to augment in his industrialization policies in the state. His works and deeds are there to speak for him.”

The Clan Head enjoined all politicians especially those vying for political offices in the forthcoming general elections to shun violence and embrace peace and urged them not see it as a do-or-die affair.

Chairman of Essien Udim LGA, Barr. Paulinus J. Idio, on his part, said the Obo Annang Market is of a very serious economic and social importance to the people of the community in particular and Essien Udim in general, adding that it is a major source of internally generated revenue (IGR) to Essien Udim Local Government.

According to him, the market was established over 200 years ago in 1894 to be precise, but why the market was neglected over the years is what he cannot find any genuine reason to give, as many governments had come and gone without any renovation work in the market.

On the impression that Essien Udim is a no-go area for PDP with the presence of Sen. Godswill Akpabio in APC, Barr. Paulinus said “I don’t know where people get the impression from. PDP gave me the mandate to represent them and up till this moment, I still carry that mandate to represent the good people of Essien Udim as Chairman. I cannot mortgage the mandate I have for the party.

“It is a normal political issue for some people to defect from one party to another. So Akpabio’s issue cannot be an exception. Those who left PDP did so for their personal interest and not for the interest of the people of Essien Udim. PDP has been a religion in the state since 1999.

“For the interest of equity, fairness and justice, our elders met and arranged that the governorship position should go round the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom State, starting with from Senatorial District with Obong Victor Attah who went for complete eight years under the platform of PDP, and Sen. Godwill Akpabio took turn when it came to Ikot Senatorial District, under the same platform.

“So, we cannot disconnect that arrangement. That is why the people of Essien Udim will come out in large number to support Udom Emmanuel for second term in office because he deserves it naturally, and has justified the confidence and support that we have for him. The governor is a God-fearing man, a man who loves humanity, peace, and the people of Akwa Ibom State.”

Describing the ‘Warsaw saw war’ insinuation as a mere political instrument of intimidation aimed at harassing and scaring the people, the Chairman said Akwa Ibom man is known as a peaceful man and not for violence. “Election is not war. We are convinced that Udom Emmanuel is our choice come 2019.”

Also speaking, a political stalwart in Essien Udim who served as Commissioner for Trade and Industries under Dr. Clement Isong of the then Cross River State, Patron Emmanuel Peter Umanah, noted that Governor Emmanuel has impacted positively on the economic life of the entire Akwa Ibom State through his industrialization policy.

He said he was impressed to see the Governor carrying out the industrialization policy forward with the industries he has established in the state, which means that he has a great vision for the youths of this state and the country Nigeria.

According to him, if each successive administrations had done one third of what Governor Emmanuel has done in three years, then the whole state would have been completely industrialised, and the restiveness of the youths would have been alleviated because the youths are restive because of unemployment.

“Industries happen to be one of those key areas that can change the entire economic spectrum of this state and the country. I duff my cap for Governor Emmanuel for this wonderful work he is doing in Akwa Ibom State.

“When I heard that the wife of the Governor, Deaconess Martha Udom Emmanuel, had decided to intervene in the construction of the Obo Annang Market, my joy knew no bounds. It is not only to beautify the market but to create job opportunity for the teeming youths of the host community as all the labour works done at the market is done by the locals.

“The market will be beneficial to the whole catchment area and other areas because people travel as far as Onitsha to buy wears from this market, and the wears from the market go beyond Nigeria. The market should attract the attention of any well-meaning government but for successive years, the people have been yearning, lobbying and trying to get government attention to come to the help of this market but to no avail. It is a very positive point for Governor Emmanuel through his wife to intervene in this market. This project alone will score the governor high in the forthcoming 2019 elections.”

Patron Umanah further stated that Governor Emmanuel is very much on ground because PDP is the only religion in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state, adding that the defection of Sen. Godswill Akpabio has little or no effect, as the rest of the party stalwarts are firmly on ground and are not resting on their oars to deliver the Governor come 2019.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Traders Matters, Mr. Idorenyin Raphael, who led the team to inspect the work done in the Obo Annang Market, noted that previous administrations forgot that the duty of a government is to create enabling environment for business to thrive, saying that when Governor Emmanuel came in, he set up an interest-free loan grants for traders in the state, and ensured that every trader has enabling environment to position their businesses.

Speaking on the forthcoming elections, he said to the traders, there is no challenge in the 2019 elections. “The only challenge we have is who will succeed Governor Emmanuel after 2023, considering at the antecedents of the kind of people coming out to contest for several positions. People who cannot construct even a kiosk. Are those the kind of people who will build industries in the state?

“Governor Emmanuel did not promise to build 31 industries in the 31 local government areas of the state, but in less than three years of his administration, he has been able to establish 12 industries across the state. We were promised a reduction in a bag of rice from N7,500 to N3,500 but now a bag of rice sells for N16,000. They also promised to bring down the price of fuel from N87 to N45 but now it is N145.”

The Governor Aide stressed that PDP is the only sincere party, maintaining that the people in the opposition party know that they have failed and cannot win the election that is why they are try to cause mayhem and anarchy in the country. “You can imagine a House member impersonating the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, using his hand as a gavel. Where is the rule of law in the country?”

Mr. Idoreyin Raphael emphatically stated that Governor Emmanuel has no challenge come 2019 because the opposition won’t have up to 10 percent of the total votes, stressing that they are only making noise in order to sustain their current political appointment from federal government so that the president will not say they are receiving money without doing anything, but the truth is that they are not on ground and they are aware.

Those who also spoke were Chairman of the Market, Ibanga Udoka Udeme; Counsellor representing Ukana East Ward, Hon. (Sir) Uduakobong Innocent Umoh JP, expressing gratitude to Governor Udom Emmanuel and his wife for considering years of their yearnings for previous governments to renovate the market but to no avail, including the immediate past Governor Godswill Akpabio who happens to come from this community.

According to them, those who say that PDP is no longer strong in Essien Udim are telling lies and have no conscience, because more than 80 percent Essien Udim people are PDP supporters and are strongly behind Udom Emmanuel, and the market, on completion, will increase the number of voters for the Governor come 2019.

(c) 9jaecho.com

Wasteful Governance Comment: Akpabio Vows To Shun Attah's Birthday Symposium

[i]By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

Following the seemingly embarrassing comment in a book authored by former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arch. Obong Victor Attah, against his successor, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has made up his mind to shun all further events organized in to mark Attah’s birthday.

Obong Attah had, in his book titled “It Is Well With My Soul”, described the 8-year administration of Sen. Akpabio as an administration of uncommon wastage, evaluating the administration to have received N2.5 trillion but with nothing to show for such huge amount of money in its 8-year's tenure.

In a section of the said book, Attah further characterized Akpabio’s, as an administration characterized by grandiose plans and great white elephant projects which were mostly uncompleted, or even not started including the promise to establish one industry in every local government area of the state.

Sen. Akpabio who had ignorantly arrived the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Center, Abuja for the book presentation with his wife Unoma, was furious when he got wind of the comment of the wasteful spending that plagued his eight years in office.

According to an insider who spoke to our reporter, Akpabio was said to have been shocked by the revelation by the octogenarian about him and stormed out of the venue unceremoniously and without exchanging any form of pleasantry with the man who set him up to become a governor.

“I can confirm to you that Akpabio will have nothing to do with any other celebration in Obong Attah's honour again,” a personal aide to the immediate past senate minority leader told our reporter in confidence.

It could be recalled that Sen. Akpabio served as Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in 2002 and Commissioner of Lands during Attah’s tenure

It could be recalled that Senator Akpabio had refused the celebrator all access to privileges deserving of a former governor during his term as Governor between 2007 and 2015, including denying Attah the use of a five star Hotel he(Attah) initiated and built, during his 70th birthday celebration.

Akpabio is said to have further humiliated his former boss, when he set up probe panels to investigate and conduct media trials of projects executed by the former governor, and went further to close down the Ibom Plaza as well as halt work on the Science Park project started by the “father of modern Akwa Ibom.”

When contacted, a close family source said that Obong Attah is not moved by the decision of Akpabio to attend or not attend his event.

“No one can force our father not to speak his mind as a father; Akpabio never accorded any respect to Papa all through his reign and it would not change anything now.”

AKWA IBOM PDP UNCOVERS PLOTS BY APC TO ASSASSINATE TOP PARTY CHIEFTAINS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

...Vows To Resist Attempts To Forcefully Take Over The State

By Mfonobong Ukpong

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has alerted the international community and Nigerians of alleged plans by members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to assassinate high ranking PDP state government officials.

Speaking in a press conference on Thursday at the State Secretariat of the party, the Chairman of the party, Obong Paul Ekpo, said the party has received an intelligence report of the planned assassination attempt on its members, adding that Akwa Ibom people would resist attempts by the opposition to forcefully take over the state, and accused the APC of plotting to paralyse the activities of government in the state.

In his words, "It is pertinent to note that we have uncovered fresh plots by the APC to use the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to clamp down on Akwa Ibom State government account. This is another desperate attempt by APC to paralyse the activities of the government of Akwa Ibom State.

"Recall that Akwa Ibom State, despite being adjudged the safest state in Nigeria, has set a very high turnover of Police Commissioners.

"This is a clear indication of the manipulation of the APC as a prelude to activating intelligence report reaching us on the planned assassination attempt on some high ranking PDP and Akwa Ibom State government officials.The PDP and indeed Akwa Ibom people are not ignorant of the fact that all these preliminary machinations by the APC are just mere schemes to drag Governor Udom Emmanuel on a collision course with President Muhammadu Buhari.

"We are confident that the international community, Nigerians and Akwa Ibom people are taking note of the players in this show of shame and their respective roles in the effort to push the state into an abyss of violence, anarchy and destruction".

The party however condemned in strong terms, the comical and criminal acts of the five dissident House members who broke into the hallowed chambers of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, pledged loyalty and support to the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the National Assembly Caucus led by distinguished Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, and the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon.Barr. Onofiok Akpan Luke for demonstrating maturity and competence in steering the affairs of the House.

In the press conference were members of the state executive council of the party, government officials and chieftains of the party, including the Deputy Chairman of the party, Sunyekere Inokon, Commissioner for Information, Charles Udo, Political Leader of Essien Udim, Obong Michael Afangideh, former National Assembly member, Rt. Hon. Nduese Essien among several others.

(c)9jaecho.com

AKHA: APC Blunders Backwards

Chief Godson Udobot was 85 years old man blessed with several grandchildren. One of them, Imo, lived with him at his Uyo residence. It was a bright Sunday morning Chief was going to church. He noticed his grandson’s door was closed and he decided not to worry him.

After about 8 hours in church Chief returned home to notice the door still closed. He then recalled that earlier in the morning he had noticed a young girl entered Imo’s room before the door was closed. As he was coming back from Church he passed the girl on the road. He could recall because she was exceptionally fair. But just as he was entering the house again he saw another one, this time a dark one entered the same room before it was closed. He therefore decided to knock on his grandson’s door. The young man opened and Chief told him:

“Imo why don’t you ask your friends or even your brothers to show you how to do this thing. The fact that you do something and enjoyed it doesn’t mean you maybe doing it the right way. You are blundering backward too early in life”.

The old man walked away after these words leaving the grandson dumbfounded.

APC in 2015 campaigned with the slogan of change. Nigerians voted APC believing it will be a correctional regime. Expectations was high. Education, health, rule of law, security, economy, corruption etc. But events unfolding in various parts of the country since inception of this regime seem to portray this party as a treatment worse than the ailment.

Akwa Ibom APC on its part has embarked on the dangerous journey of mocking democracy relying on the fact that its party control government at the center and therefore controlled the security services. Not only have they promised consistently to use federal might to win 2019 elections at all cost, a few days ago they seemed to have taken that promise to a lawless peak. They must be enjoying themselves as can be seen from their various posts on social media but someone should tell them that this is not how it is done.

Three APC members broke into the state House of Assembly chambers and carried out what could have been dismissed as political comic relief. The gross illegality would have been excused by the laughter created by the purported impeachment of the speaker. But the fact that their party has risen in support shows the gross mistake Nigerians made about APC in 2015. If not checked the country may slip quickly into anarchy.

The facts:
Five members of PDP law makers in a 26 House Members defected to APC. They are law-makers therefore they know the law very well. That was why they knew that their actions went contrary to section 109 of the constitution as amended. Specifically that there is no solace for them under subsection (1)(g) of that section 109. Sensing that they have broken the law, they ran back to the same law to protect them by approaching the court.

Since the law doesn’t contradict itself, the court declared their seats vacant and accordingly ordered the Hon Speaker of the house to execute the judgements. And this was done in line with the law.

In the meantime the affected parties approached the relevant courts for APPEAL and STAY OF EXECUTION.

I am not a lawyer but like most Nigerians I am reasonable enough to know that the law is not the source but the consequences of the rights, desire, culture and experience of the people. That is why I don’t need to be a lawyer to know that STAY of EXECUTION is sought by the losing party in order to maintain the status quo obtaining at the time of the application until the appeal pending is determined.

It is also common sense that where the status quo obtaining at the moment has changed (in this case order has been executed) from what it was when the application was instituted for instance as in this case, if there is nothing as it were, no order to be restrained can be issued by the order of stay of execution since it will be lifeless and academic.
This was aptly demonstrated by the Supreme Court in April 2006 in the case between Olori Motors and Company Ltd and others Vs Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.

In summary:
#5 law makers defected from their party to another party
#they understand that they have broken the law
#they know their seats will become vacant as a result
#they approached the courts to help them break the law
#the court rather upheld the law
#the house executed the court judgement and declared their seats vacant
#In the eyes of the law therefore they remain former house members
#they approached the court for stay of execution

Let’s assume they finally secured a stay of execution. By the operation of the law it is lifeless because the court order was duly executed. However, they still have window of appeal. If successful then the executed order will be reversed. That is if the appeal succeeds.

How someone with this legal baggage found his way to the chambers of the state house to purportedly seat to claim to have voted to impeach the speaker, elected one of them speaker and suspending other lawmakers is better explained by the police.

However, the Speaker of AKHA known by law remains Rt Hon Onofiok Luke.

One should have even dismissed the whole actions of these former House members as the comic relief of the year if we assumed that they are unaware of the provisions of section 99 of the 1999 constitution as amended which states that:
“Any person who sits or votes in a House of Assembly of a State knowing or having reasonable grounds for knowing that he is not entitled to do so commits an offence and is liable on conviction to such punishment as shall be prescribed by a Law of the House of Assembly”

However, the fact that the state APC back this illegality using the security services, indicated the disdain which the party has for the rule of law as well as the intelligence and feelings of ordinary Akwa Ibomites. A party that is going for election in a few months time will fear the backlash from the general public that may arise from this illegality. But because they have persistently vowed that elections will not count but “federal might”, it didn’t matter to them any public opinions. It also say a lot about the attitudes and attributes of APC leaders in Akwa Ibom desperate to clinch power at all cost.

The choice of ordinary Nigerians has always been very clear: freedom, not tyranny; democracy, not dictatorship; the rule of law, not the rule of the secret or open police. Akwa Ibom people have enjoyed relative peace in the last three years. Any attempt to make Akwa Ibom another Benue State because of the ambitions of a few individuals must be rejected.

As Mr. President claimed he was unaware of the lawlessness which was perpetrated by his party in Bunue aided by the police, this writer assumes he is unaware of the Akwa Ibom case. This is therefore a call on him to provide leadership to end this act of lawlessness in Akwa Ibom as Nigerians are beginning to ask themselves if they are ready for backward blunder into complete anarchy and chaos.

Nigerians on their part should come out with strong condemnation of this despicable desperation for power and lawlessness by a few individuals hiding under their party. No one should forget how Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq and indeed other volatile places in the world started their journey.

James Abang R828
Atteh-Okiuso Village, Urueoffong/Oruko LGA

(c) 9jaecho.com

AKHA: Stay Of Executive Order, Too Little Too Late For Ituen, Others --Barr. Andem

By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

The Special Assistant to the Governor Legal Matters, Barr. Ndem Andem, has described the efforts by the former member representing Itu State Constituency, Hon. Idongesit Ituen, to obtain a stay of execution from the Federal High Court in order to reverse his eviction from the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, as a move rather too late.

Speaking on a live radio programme, Akwa Ibom Rising, on Inspiration FM on developing issues in the polity, Barr. Andem stated that the Stay of Execution cannot be granted on an action that has already been carried out, adding that the seat has already been deemed vacant and stay of execution cannot return Idongesit Ituen and his co-travelers back on seat.

He said “The seats had already been declared vacant on Monday as provided by the Constitution of the country.

"Mr. Idongesit Ituen, and his co-travelers remain former members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, except a higher court gives contrary ruling in their favour.”

"There was nothing wrong to justify the defections by the lawmakers to APC as required by the constitution. It was a follow-follow defection."

"Stay of Execution cannot be granted on an action that has already been carried out. The seat has already been deemed vacant and stay of execution means that the status quo remains. What is the status quo?

"The status quo as that the seats had on Monday been declared vacant as provided by the constitution of our country. Mr. Idongesit Ituen, and his co-travelers remain former members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, except a higher court gives contrary ruling in their favour. "

It could be recalled that Idongesit Ituen had left the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state without providing tangible reasons.

According Barr. Andem, there was no crisis or division in the PDP to justify the defection of any member as required by the Constitution, unlike the crisis in APC that gave birth to Reformed APC at the national level and the Real APC in the state, hence the decision of the member representing Uruefong Oruko State Constituency, Hon. Asuquo Archibong, to decamp from APC to PDP as required by the Constitution.

"No APC member challenged the defection of Hon Archibong, because it was difficult for any of the factions to lay claims on him."

Barr Ndem said that the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Onofiok Luke, gave the five former lawmakers, what he termed reasonable time to provide credible evidence but they failed, hence his decision to act on the order of the court to declare their seats vacant.

It would be recalled that the matter in the federal high court was even instituted by Hon. Idongesit Ituen, who sought the protection of the court to prevent the speaker from declaring his seat vacant.

The speaker had filed a counterclaim, seeking for “a declaration that having defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress before the expiration of the tenure of four years for which he was elected to serve, Hon. Idongesit Ntuen has therefore lost his seat as a lawmaker in the State House of Assembly.

The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo and presided over by Justice F.O. Riman, passed a verdict asking Idongesit Ituen to vacate the Itu State Constituency seat in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly with immediate effect with reference to the Constitution of the Federation according to section 109 sub 1 (g).

The court order also restrained the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly or any other person acting on his behalf (including the staff of the House of Assembly) from further recognising Hon. Idongesit Ituen as a member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Idongesit Ituen however approached the same High Court on Wednesday, 21 November, 2018, and got an order from the same Justice Riman granting a stay of execution on the ruling that he earlier gave which gave a notice prompting the Speaker to sack Ituen and was carried out.

(c)9jaecho.com

Red Flag: FG, APC's Push For Anarchy In Akwa Ibom

By Edidiong Udobia

With every passing day, it’s becoming more clearer that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has only two objectives for the 2019 general elections; winning the presidential election and winning Akwa Ibom state. Already, the level of desperation in which the APC led federal government is pursuing these two objectives has gotten to an all-time high. The ruling party, in connivance with very sensitive government institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, is orchestrating political upheavals and tactical intimidation across the country in preparation for 2019, and Akwa Ibom as a strong resistant state, is among the worst hit.

The earliest revelation of APC's obsession for Akwa Ibom was in the unguarded utterances of the party's former national chairman, Chief John Oyegun. “With respect to Rivers and Akwa-Ibom, I want to tell you that we are strongly determined and there is hardly any doubt. The former governor of Akwa-Ibom’s motto was ‘what money cannot solve, more money can solve it’. I think that this has been very much at work. But I have no doubt in my mind, factions or no factions, that is irrelevant. I have stuck my neck out for Umana Umana because looking at all those who wanted that office, he was the only one who has the grits and the guts to take on the very murderous situation that existed in Akwa-Ibom state and if you ask me, I am more confident of winning Akwa-Ibom than any other state in the South-South. We are going to win, that is almost a certainty,” Oyegun said in December 2015.

Oyegun's remarks came on the heels of the unlawful invasion of Akwa Ibom state government house by masked men of the Department of State Security, DSS in a Gestapo manner. Despite the public outrage against the invasion, till date, no official explanation or apology has been given. With the affirmation of Governor Udom Emmanuel's election by the supreme court in early 2016, it was hoped that normalcy will return to the polity so the government and people of Akwa Ibom could breathe a sigh of relief. But that was not to be as the federal government has continued to obstruct the smooth running of government in the state. This, the government has done through the instrumentality of her various institutions, which were originally established to serve in the best interest of the Nigerian public.


In August this year, Akwa Ibom was among the two states whose accounts were frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) without any reason. “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen the bank accounts of the Akwa Ibom State government”, reports the sunonline of 9th August, 2018. According to the story, which was reported by other credible news platforms like Premium Times, all the accounts belonging to Akwa Ibom and Benue state governments were frozen by EFCC without any cause. The Commission's action was allegedly in furtherance of the federal government's clampdown on opposition states.

Reacting to the incident, the PDP national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan described the freezing of the accounts as a direct attack on innocent Nigerians in the two states, which are controlled by the PDP. “Nigerians are all aware that no section of our constitution or any law in Nigeria for that matter confers any agency of the Federal Government with powers to interfere or put any restrictions on funds belonging or accruable to states as federating units of our nation... in illegally blocking the flow of funds to these states, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government has ostensibly commenced a reprehensible design of using economic deprivation as a political tool to arm-twist governors and states to support President Buhari’s re-election in 2019”, Kola said in a statement.

About the same time, too, the Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel accused the federal government of withholding billions of naira belonging to the state. Akwa Ibom and other oil-rich states are constitutionally entitled to 13 per cent of revenue which Nigeria derives from petroleum oil. The governor, while addressing newsmen in Uyo, said President Muhammadu Buhari-led government apart from deducting money meant for the state, is withholding its oil derivation money. “As at today, they’ve withheld all our derivation funds, we have not gotten anything out of the derivation for last month. Within two months, they have dropped the allocation of Akwa Ibom State by N6.8 billion,” Udom said.

As 2019 draws nearer, the APC led federal government seems to be taking her repressiveness against Akwa Ibom to a whole new level. Recently, the inspector of Police, Ibrahim Idris invited the campaign team of Governor Udom Emmanuel to Abuja for questioning. The invitation followed a petition by the APC state chairman, Mr. Ini Okopido over the hoisting of a campaign billboard in a popular market in Uyo. Among those who were served the IG's invitation letter were, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, director general, Divine Mandate, a campaign organisation of Governor Emmanuel; Paul Ekpo, the PDP chairman in the state; Onofiok Luke, the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Iniobong Essien, the Commissioner for Environment in the state, and others.

In his remarks shortly after returning from Abuja, Speaker Luke said; “On getting to the IGP’s office, I was confronted with a petition written by the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, addressed to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and minuted by the president himself for investigation by the inspector General of Police. Part of that very frivolous allegations were issues about comments and billboards... At the point of interview, we stated one thing very clearly in the presence of the APC chairman in the state and which is one of the things I want to state clearly again here today. We stated that in Akwa Ibom state, we are law abiding citizens of Nigeria and no one can use the office of the president under the guise of politics to intimidate us; not even the state security agency”.

The siege on the State Assembly

It has been a very unpleasant situation in Akwa Ibom in the last 48 hours or so as the federal government through the Police continues a siege on the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly complex. It all started early morning of Monday, 19 November, 2018, when members of the Assembly were scheduled to hold an emergency sitting. Prior to the sitting, the state PDP publicity secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, through a press release, raised alarm over plans by hoodlums to invade the Assembly and prevent the state lawmakers from performing their legislative duties. Mr. Ememobong alleged that the hoodlums were sponsored by one of the lawmakers, Hon. Idongesit Ituen, to prevent the Speaker of Assembly from executing a court order mandating the Speaker to declare Mr. Ituen's seat vacant.

“We are in receipt of credible intelligence highlighting plans by the opposition APC to use thugs to invade the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly and prevent the House from carrying out its legitimate business of law making... Another set of thugs are expected to accompany the ousted lawmaker, Mr. Idongesit Ituen to attempt to force his way into the assembly. The motive of this invasion is to prevent the Speaker from declaring vacant the seat of the sacked legislator. This invasion has as its adjunct function, the creation of tension as a feeder to the desired invitation of ‘Federal might’ to close the assembly,” the PDP spokesman said.

Despite the earlier warning by Mr. Ememobong, irate youths and supporters of the APC stormed the Assembly complex and barricaded the entrance to the complex. As law abiding citizens, the leadership of the House called the attention of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. John Abang, who quickly intervened and quelled the crisis. With the situation under control, the lawmakers later gained access into the Assembly to proceed with their duties. At the plenary, the Speaker, relying on order of the court as contained in the judgment of 14/11/2018 and section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), declared Idong Ituen's seat and that of four other lawmakers who also defected from the PDP, vacant. For avoidance of doubt, section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution states;

(1) A member of the House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if –

(g) being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected.

In an unexpected twist, three out of the five lawmakers whose seats were earlier declared vacant, later gained access into the Champer to hold a mock plenary. The three-man plenary then elected Hon. Nse Ntuen as their Speaker. According to reports, addressing newsmen at the Assembly premises shortly after their plenary, Hon. Nse Ntuen said his election as Speaker was in line with due process and had the ayes of majority of the members.

“We were supposed to sit on Tuesday, but yesterday (Sunday), we got notices that the sitting had been rescheduled for today because of the public holiday on Tuesday. Unfortunately, this morning when I came to the House, the gate was barricaded and we were not allowed to go into the premises... Moreover, the purported action was not in the Order Paper for today’s plenary. The two items in the Order Paper were the consideration of the appropriation bill sent to the House by Governor Udom Emmanuel and a commemorative sitting for former Governor Victor Attah. So, in the light of these anomalies, members sat and elected me as the new Speaker”, Mr. Ntuen was quoted.

The State Assembly, through the chairman, House Committee on Information and member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon, in a press release, strongly condemned the actions of the ex-lawmakers, describing it as illegality. “Furthermore, we are informed that the former member of Essien Udim state constituency with two other ousted members unlawfully broke into the chambers after the close of plenary to announce himself the new Speaker of AKHA. This is clearly an illegality unbecoming of former honourable members. A close view of the video of their purported sitting that has now gone viral betrays their level of frustration and ignorance of parliamentary rules and conventions.

“It is important to state that what happened today bears grave consequences for the sanctity of the house and the legislative arm of government which remains the undisputed symbol of our democracy. The absolute disregard for decency and the rule of law stands condemned by members of the 6th assembly and we will employ every legal means to ensure that decorum remains the guiding principle of the state legislature under the leadership of the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Barr Onofiok Luke”, Mr. Okon said.

On their part, the APC, through her national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole accused the then Commissioner of Police, John Abang of supporting the PDP government of the state to oust the affected APC state lawmakers. Adams Oshiomhole outburst eventually paid off as the Inspector of Police, Ibrahim Idris immediately redeployed CP John Abang and replaced him with a new CP, Hyelasinda Musa Kimo. The redeployment of Mr. Abang further gave credence to the allegation that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies are now appendages of the APC and used to excute the goals of the party. “We have had 6 Directors of DSS in 3 years, we are having the 10th Commissioner of Police is 3 years because when these people come, they meet a very peaceful Governor and don't find the stories they heard to act as expected by the opposition and they get changed”, said the Akwa Ibom state PDP publicity secretary, Ini Ememobong.

From early morning of Wednesday, 21 November, 2018, a combined team of the Police and the Civil Defence have commenced a 24 hour siege on the State House of Assembly complex, crippling activities within the complex and its environ. Citizens are now living in fear as they can no longer go on with their daily activities like before.

A call for caution

As the federal government and the APC seem to have thrown caution to the wind, there is need for a reminder that however peaceful and law abiding the people of Akwa Ibom are, they are also strong-willed and very resistant to intimidation. It is very obvious that the ruling party is pushing for anarchy in Akwa Ibom in order to find a reason to declare a state of emergency in state and consequently treat the state as a special case during the 2019 elections. The PDP, through her national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, has called on the federal government and the ruling party, APC, to tread with caution because Akwa Ibom state will never allow anybody, no matter how highly placed, to overrun their state or in any way attempt to foist an undemocratic leadership over them and no amount of intimidation or force will make them change this resolve.

“This recourse to self-help, against declarative judgment by competent court of jurisdiction sacking the three lawmakers, is a deliberate attempt to instigate violence, foist a reign of terror, cause confusion, create an impression that the state has become ungovernable. This is with a view to opening the way for a declaration of a state of emergency, which will enable them dismantle all democratic structures and forcefully take over control of the state. The PDP wants the Buhari Presidency and the APC to bear in mind that their plot to forcefully take over Akwa-Ibom or any other PDP-controlled state will be firmly resisted by the people of those states and such may lead to a crisis of unprecedented magnitude that has the capacity of truncating our hard-earned democracy”, Kola noted.

Edidiong Udobia is a journalist and writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

(c) 9jaecho.com

#HOWUDOMSPENDSOURMONEY 65: CONSTRUCTION/RENOVATION OF SCHOOLS IN AKWA IBOM STATE

Screaming? Sure, quite unimaginable.
But that’s the stark reality.

Abandoned and dilapidated schools had been one of the major challenges of government untill the present Government of Governor Udom Emmanuel undertook the ongoing exercise on renovation, reconstruction or complete construction of schools across the state.

So far over 400 public schools have been rehabilitated and provided with necessary facilities and equipment towards ensuring a condusive learning and teaching environment for pupils, students and teachers across the state.

This sustained exercise by government, coupled with the free and compulsory qualitative education policy from primary to senior secondary school level, has trippled school enrollment in the state.

Pictures beamed to the world today are those of the “Before” and “After” completion work of an Office/Classroom Block at St. John Primary School, Asong in Mkpat Enin LGA.

Taken a second look at the pictures here?

That’s how Udom Spends Our money..
More to come…

#TalkandDoGovernor
#Promisemadepromisedelivered

EFCC SET TO QUIZ AKPABIO OVER FOUR POINT BY SHERATON HOTEL FRAUD

The attention of Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to publications in the Nation and Sun newspapers of Saturday, August 25, 2018 where the All Progressive Congress (APC) alleged that the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene was over 98% completed as at the time Senator Godswill Akpabio vacated office in 2015.

Ordinarily, the State Government would have ignored such spurious claims as it has never been our intention to join issues in the media but to focus on “Project Akwa Ibom”.

However, it has become necessary for the public to know who is telling a lie and we feel obligated to state as follows.
1. That immediate past Governor commissioned the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene without a signed Franchise agreement and full complement of requisite furniture and fittings.

2. 95% of the total contract sum was approved and disbursed by the immediate past Governor as building and site improvement cost
a. The worldwide standard for building and site improvement cost component of a full-service 4star hotel in an emerging market is 64% of the total cost of the hotel- (Hospitality Valuation Services HSV)

3. We challenge immediate past Governor to validate his claims of having fulfilled the requisite contractual obligations with Starwood Hotel & Resort for the Four Points by Sheraton franchise by publishing a copy of the signed management agreement.

a. When was the agreement signed? Who were the signatories and witnesses to the transaction?

b. Which Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) was used in signing the agreement before vacating office.
i. The SPV that manages the transaction on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Government; Raffia City Hotels and Tours Limited was incorporated on June 11, 2015; more than one month after Senator Akpabio had commissioned the hotel. (Certificate of Incorporation attached).

c. To set the records straight, the Senator should also publish a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) he used for the transaction.

4. Regrettably, it paints an unpalatable picture of mischief for the immediate past Governor; a lawyer by profession, to present an unsigned and unverified press statement in the Nation newspaper of July 12, 2014 as evidence of a legal contractual obligation on a high networth project as one in question. This is a brazen and unremorseful attempt at demeaning the intelligence of the good people of Akwa Ibom State.

5. It is ludicrous that despite being confronted with bare facts, the immediate past Governor is unabashedly making spirited attempts at sweeping the facts under the carpet by alleging that his administration had fulfilled all franchise requirements with Starwood Hotels and Resort and that the current administration was only expected to pay the fees when it fell due in 2015.

6. The Distinguished Senator would do well to answer these pertinent questions;
a. How come the hotel that had been commissioned never started operations before the end of his administration?
b. How come there was no guest traffic count and/or feasibility study carried out to justify the N25.4bn investment in a 146 room hotel?
c. Why were external caterers hired to bring in food if the kitchen and dining facilities were ready, equipped and commissioned?
d. How come the hotel is a subject of discussion today; three years after it was supposedly commissioned?
e. Who benefited from the contract awards for the hotel?
f. Who brought the contractors?
g. Who benefitted from the over 95% payment his administration disbursed on a half-completed hotel?

While the Akwa Ibom State Government is reluctant to engage in a mudslinging combat with anybody, we will provide more facts to justify who is telling the truth and who is lying when the questions asked are answered.

DAKKADA: GOV EMMANUEL HAS TURNED THE FORTUNE OF AKWA IBOM –MEDIAMALL BOSS

By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of MediaMall, Mr Iniobong Akpan, has said that the fate of the business community in Akwa Ibom State has been improved through the Dakkada initiative of the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

He stated this during a courtesy call to him in his office on Wednesday by a group of business moguls in the state under the umbrella body of Dakkada Entrepreneurs Ambassadors League (DEAL), led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Marketing and Brand Management, Mr Sam Edoho.

Mr Iniobong disclosed that MediaMall, an Information Communications Technology (ICT) outlet with head office at Park Road, Eket, stemmed out and is driven by the Dakkada philosophy of the Governor, saying: “It is of a truth that the Dakkada initiative of the Governor has turned things right in Akwa Ibom State.

“If not for this initiative, I would not have had the push to leave my humble living room. I love doing business from the house to the extent that I used to tell people that businesses are shifting to the living room because of the advent of the computer. But when the Dakkada campaign was widely publicised in the state, I was greatly impressed and had the push which gave me the idea of opening an office.”

The MediaMall Boss who is also a Board of Trustees (BoT) member of DEAL, pledged his commitment to support the group with a bid to returning the Governor to the Hilltop Mansion come 2019.

Chairman of DEAL, Mr Sam Edoho, disclosed that the group has an objective to raise and build successful business leaders for Akwa Ibom, saying that entrepreneurs have benefited from the policies, programmes and directions of Gov Emmanuel including the steady power supply currently enjoyed in the state.

According to him, the efficacy of the power programme is being tested through the provision of electric meters where beneficiaries have testified to have reduced electricity tariff to its barest minimal.

Mr Sam noted that Gov Emmanuel’s focus on industrialisation is no longer a story as more industries have sprung up, such as the Coconut Refinery Factory in Ikot Abasi, Fertilizer Blending Factory in Abak, Rice Mill in Ini, Syringe and Electric Metering factories in Onna, and several other industries are creating business opportunities for people across the state.

He further disclosed that the construction of the Eket Regional Market with 5,000 stores is ongoing. Phase one of the market has the capacity of 2,800 stores. The Super Highway is already taking off to take us to the Ibaka Deep Seaport.

Also speaking, a former Chairman of Eket Local Government and Board member of Akwa Ibom Waste Management Agency, Hon. Victor Henry, said that Akwa Ibom State, in many years back, used to be a business environment and entrepreneurial city, but the spirit died off along the line. “But Gov Udom Emmanuel, on assumption of office in 2015, came up with the idea of taking the state back to what it used to be, hence the Dakkada philosophy – a clarion call to arise from every level of mediocrity and be outstanding.

“Entrepreneurs in the state came together under the umbrella of Dakkada Entrepreneurs Ambassadors League (DEAL) with the idea of exploring, go further to help business-oriented people in the society and educate them to become successful entrepreneurs.”

In the entourage were Secretary of DEAL, Mr Etiene Ukpong; Financial Secretary, Mrs Philomena Jonathan; Hon. Inemesit Okoko; Mrs Glory Asanaga and Mr Cyril Owowo.

(c) 9jaecho.com

IKOT EKPENE APC RALLY AND THE GUN THEORY

While still wondering why the APC Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District should present GUNS as souvenir to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obong Nsima Ekere, during their solidarity rally for President Buhari last Saturday, a few realities occurred to me. 

1. THE KILLINGS IN SOME STATES IN  NIGERIA
The rally was scheduled to receive President Muhammadu Buhari with Comrade Adams Oshiomole as the Special Guest of Honour, the APC knew that they would please the President by identifying with his Guns and killing philosophy as it is being done by the Buhari's Herdsmen in many parts of the country. So they had to present GUNS to Nsima Ekere who is their frontline gubernatorial aspirant for the 2019 general elections.

2. MORE KILLINGS TO COMMENCE IN AKWA IBOM SOONEST
With the GUNS presented to Nsima Ekere with the instructions to "DEAL with anyone who stands in his way" on the build up of 2019, more killings will commence as it has been officially flagged off by the APC in the State. 

3. THE UKANAFUN, ETIM EKPO, IKA ETC EXPERIENCE
For the past two years, there have been series of killings ongoing at Ukanafun, Etim Ekpo, Ika etc, the APC Akwa Ibom State has been experimenting their GUN theory to cause security unrest so as to stop election processes. However, upon their limited success, they decided to officially present the GUNS PHILOSOPHY to their Governorship aspirant, Obong Nsima Ekere signifying that they will now swing into full action in other parts of the state as campaigns start, and anyone who stands on their way must be dealt with. 

4. NSIMA EKERE IS KNOWN TO GUNS
It is a known fact that some Stakeholders of the APC in Ikot Ekpene who are working with Nsima Ekere are already used to GUNS. They used it against Udoedeghe in 2010 elections campaign, used it in kidnapping and  killing many Akwa Ibom sons, and were arrested. They also used it last year during the Local Government Elections and were arrested (I hope you do not expect me to mention their names here because life follow sweet me o). 

5. UDOEDEGHE'S CONFESSION ON RADIO
Few weeks ago, Sen. J. J. Udoedeghe during a radio interview confessed that the killers in Akwa Ibom State are now in the APC. What baffles any right thinking person is why Udoedeghe could willingly make such a shocking revelation. While many were wondering how true that statement was, Nsima Ekere confirmed it by happily receiving the GUNS souvenir during the last Saturday's Rally by the Ikot Ekpene APC with the instructions "to kill anyone who stands in his way to becoming the Governor of Akwa Ibom State". 

Now that Nsima Ekere has received GUNS for 2019 elections, is Akwa Ibom State and her citizens still safe? Are we all going to be wiped out by Nsima Ekere and his GUNS? 

Elections will come and go, but Akwa Ibom State will remain. The lives of Akwa Ibom people are more important than any political aspiration. 

Let not desperation lead us into bloodshed of our brothers because we are first Akwa Ibomites, irrespective of political divide. 

Yak Emem aba ke Akwa Ibom nyin. 

Richard Inwang is a Public Affairs Commentator from Ika LGA

(c) 9jaecho.com

Few days after donating more than thirty one 18-seater buses to the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and his team were on Monday locked out of their NDDC corporate headquarters by the Rivers State Internal Revenue Services, RIRS for tax evasion.

Mr Manson Endeboh, the RIRS Director who led the enforcement team, said that the tax agency sealed the gates of the NDDC headquarters for refusing to pay the Rivers State government withholding tax.

Mr. Endeboh said that the Commission had made a little payment, but explained that it came after they approached the court for an exparte order to seal the office.

It was not possible to get Mr Ekere’s immediate reaction to the embarrassing scenario, as he was said to be preparing for a political rally in Uyo taking place this weekend.

However, speaking on behalf of the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Nsima Ekere, the Special Assistant on Media, Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, said the Commission was surprised by the development, "because the Commission had already begun paying the Revenue Service the arrears under question."

Ekere who has allegedly spend huge sums of money for another reception by his supporters in Ikot Ekpene ahead of his governorship campaigns, is said to have abdicated his financial requirements as the NDDC boss for politics.

But Amu-Nnadi explained that, “About two weeks ago, the Commission met with the tax enforcement team and started negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues. We understand that there is a court order. But it’s important for us to state that the Commission, as a responsible corporate organisation, had begun to attend to all obligations as agreed.

“Last week, the Commission paid the first tranche. They will receive the next tranche this week. This is a sign of goodwill and commitment on the side of the Commission to meet these obligations.”

Mr. Amu-Nnadi expressed dismay at the actions of the RIRS officials, noting that blocking the premises of the Commission was an unnecessary embarrassment and does not match the Commission's goodwill.

...As Police Allegedly Sponsored By Emem Ibanga Kills 2, 3 Cars Burnt

As the 2019 elections for State House of Assembly draws near, Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has been thrown into mourning following a bloody consultation leading to two persons being killed by armed policemen allegedly sponsored by the Chairman of Nsit Atai, Miss Emem Ibanga, to terrorise the area.

The incident which happened at about 3pm last Saturday was said to be a political show of shame by the council chairman, Miss Ibanga who has been described by many as power drunk and desperate for more powers since she came on board as the chairman of the local government.

Trouble started when the Council Secretary, Emem Ibanga's anointed candidate, Mr Nseabasi Udoeyo, went to consult the village heads in Ibedu group of villages for his House of Assembly ambition.

Though out of the 11 villages in Ibedu, 8 village heads boycotted the event because of the existing traditional crisis for group headship caused by the council chairman, the other 3 village heads who accepted the consultation misguided Mr Udoeyo.

They attempted using Assan Ibedu for the consultation, but was resisted by the youths who told them that it's only party candidates that are usually received at Assan not aspirants.

At that point, there was exchange of verbal blows between the council secretary (aspirant), the anti-cultism police that was arranged by the Council Chairman, and the youths who were at the venue for routine cleaning exercise according to eyewitness' account.

The eyewitness who pleaded anonymity disclosed that the situation became worse when the council secretary challenged the people that he was coming with government power and security, and that he can do anything he wants to do and nobody can stop him.

The council secretary who is alleged to have been handpicked for the House of Assembly race and solely sponsored by Miss Ibanga in her bid to have Nsit Atai in her control where she can command everybody to submission before her. And to avoid a situation of have people challenging whatever she does in the local government.

The source further disclosed that the verbal blows turned into a full fight despite the consultation team leaving the Assan Ibedu as the police attempted to arrest one of the youths who wanted to chase Mr Udoeyo out of the area.

The fight, according to him, led to the police shooting two persons dead on the spot, claiming to have been instructed by the Council Boss to deal with anybody attempting to disrupt or stop the consultation following a security report of impending crisis in the area if going ahead with the consultation.

Those whose lives were cut short in the incident include Mr David Udo Okon from Ikot Asen, and Victor Etim Etim from Ikot Nkpene, and three cars, a Nissan Jeep, Honda End of Discussion, and a Camry car were confirmed destroyed with other valuables.

Most of the people who spoke on conditions of anonymity blamed the situation on the overbearing greed for power by the council chairman, and described it as avoidable damage.

The people attributed the incident to the desperation for political powers at all cost currently displayed by the Nsit Atai Council Chairman, Miss Emem Ibanga who is alleged mastermind of crisis and other politically motivated killings in the area.

Mr Udoeyo's election is said to be funded directly from the council allocation with the understanding that Udoeyo will handover to her in 2023 when it will be the turn of Afaha.

This unnecessary quest for political powers by the council chairman, according to the people of the area, has caused a lot of tension and anger in Nsit Atai as they cautioned the chairman to concentrate in delivering on her campaign promises like her colleagues in other local government, and stop killing people to satisfy her desperate political ego.

They said that for more than six months in office, Miss Ibanga has not recorded any achievement that can be seen, but all she does is plot day and night on how to destroy other political leaders so she can become the dictator, and ensure that other stakeholders are under her control in Nsit Atai.

It has been alleged that Miss Ibanga brought Udoeyo following the disagreement with Mr Sunny Elijah because of 'Mbiam' that Elijah was administering on supporters and the incompetent candidate of Mr Elijah (Ndu David) whom he is supporting for House of Assembly.

The disagreement led to Miss Ibanga bringing out her secretary to contest for the State Assembly seat.

The people lamented that there is so much division in Nsit Atai since the Chairman came on board, saying that she is the one instigating most problems in the area, and has refused to do anything to bring the people together.

According to some indigenes of the area who did not want to be named, the Saturday incident was largely caused by the attitude of the council chairman who has brought pains and anger to the area, hence the people are not happy with anything associated with her.

ICPC Charges NDDC Boss, Nsima Ekere, For Frustrating Project Investigation

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a charge against the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nsima Ekere, for allegedly frustrating its investigation.

The charge marked: CR/187/18 was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and signed by a senior prosecuting officer with ICPC, Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha.

The ICPC, in the two-count charge with, NDDC and Ekere listed as defendants, accused Ekere of frustrating its investigation into some projects executed by the NDDC.

Particularly, ICPC accused Ekere of refusing to honour invitation/ request for documents on the construction of Umuihe-Odo-Umuanya Road, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.

The Nation learnt yesterday, that although the charge has been assigned to a judge of the court, a date is yet to be fixed for arraignment.

The charge reads: That you Mr. Nsima U. Ekere Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), sometime in the month of March 2017 or thereabout, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court wilfully refused to honour a lawful invitation/request for document through a letter reference lCPC/ CH/ CSU.MS/170/ 2017, dated March 9. 2017 and received on March 16. 2017 by the independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in respect of investigation activities on the project file(s) on the construction of Umuihe-Odo-Umuanya Road, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State and you thereby commuted an offence contrary to and punishable under section 28(10) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act. 2000.

“That you Mr Nsima U. Ekere Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Niger Delta Development Commission, sometime in the month of March 2017 or thereabout, within the Jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired to frustrate investigation activities of the Commission (ICPC) by wilfully refusing to honour lawful invitation/request for document through a letter reference ICPC/CH//CSU, MS/170/2017 dated March 9, 2017 and received on March 16, 2017 by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) in respect of investigation activities on the project file(s) on Umuihe-Odo-Umuanya Road, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State and you thereby commuted an offence contrary to Section 20(c) and punishable under Section 15(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act. 2000.

Source: www.9jaecho.com

Udom Developing Akwa Ibom With Buhari's Money --Ita Enang

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Ita Enang, has acknowledged that the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has performed brilliantly in the area of security and infrastructural development in the state.

Speaking in a radio interview programme monitored in Uyo, Senator Enang said “The Governor of Akwa Ibom State has endeavoured to maintain a measure of security in the state, and people can now walk free.”

The immediate past PDP senator representing Uyo Senatorial District between 2011 and 2015, explained that the President has respected the constitution and has not withheld any money meant for the state despite being a PDP state.

Senator Enang who admitted that Gov Emmanuel has performed well, however said that the Governor was using funds received from President to develop the state.

“It is President Buhari’s money that has made the Akwa Ibom State Government to succeed. All the monies His Excellency, my Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, is using to construct all the roads, used in the new syringe industry …all the money is from the federal government. None comes from the Internally Generated Revenue of the state.

On the achievement of the President since assumption of office in 2015, Senator Enang said he has respected the constitution and all allocations for the state have been released. “The president has not withheld any money meant for the State, he didn’t say it is a PDP state.”

On the state’s success as the second highest destination of foreign direct investments, the President’s National Assembly liaison officer, said the foreign investors are trooping into the state because the Governor receives more statutory allocations from President Buhari.

He said investors renew their confidence to invest in the state, because of the allocations from the federal government. “Because of the money he has received from President Muhammadu Buhari, the investors have more confidence to convert in the state,” Enang said in an interview on a Planet 101.1 FM programme, Akwa Ibom Mandate.

IN CASE YOU MISSED

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel on May 28, 2018 inaugurated the newly renovated General Hospital, Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, in Ikono Local Government Area, as part of activities marking his third anniversary.

The hospital is equipped with modern medical facilities and its fully digitalized. Mr. Udom Emmanuel giants strides in health sector include the face lifting of St. Luke's Hospital Anua, General Hospital Etinan, General Hospital Ikot Okoro and General Hospital Ituk Mbang etc.

#GovUdom3YearsOfTouchingLives

(c) www.9jaecho.com

CLETUS UKPONG’S UNFORTUNATE INDISCRETION

By John Akpaideh

Premium Times debuted first as a colourless online publication with just din. But it was to morph into a respectable and people oriented publication building its reputation through ethical practice and the investigative caveat which defined it. All those are disappearing gradually with the sort of practice that one of its reporters, Mr. Cletus Ukpong has resorted to. Whether Ukpong is paid for the hatchet work that is currently his preoccupation remains a conjecture. But suffice it to say that he has taken that publication which was enjoying ascendancy and confidence of a class of discerning people and reading public to a cul-de-sac.

Apart from informing, analyzing issues for the understanding of the reading public is a forte that journalism has carved for itself as a niche. Outside school systems and perhaps churches, no other institution can boast of bringing insights and deep perspectives to help the appreciation of issues like journalism. When a journalist therefore conveys the impression that a report has been investigated, the believability quotient increases and the report becomes highly rated. Latching on one of its sacred tenets which upholds facts as sacrosanct, the public believe information emanating from the stable of journalism reverently just as they do to issues from the Pulpit. Sadly, many have abused and betrayed this public trust because of a practice style which weighs oddly on the side of a mercantilism and pecuniary consideration. When these ills have prejudice, hate, greed, and cynicism as added elements, then the fine qualities which ought to elevate journalism are willfully sacrificed in the pursuit of interest that can hardly be called altruistic.

This is the likely scenario in the case of Mr. Cletus Ukpong of Premium Times who recently published an article with an overly labored caption entitled: Investigation: Inside The Akwa Ibom Top Science College Where Students Are Raised In Squalor, “Like Animals”. Ukpong seems to have known that the use of the word “investigation” would easily hoodwink and deceive the unsuspecting public. He smuggled in the lexical item for that duplicitous purpose and went to town with the intent to mislead and raise false alarm. Ukpong’s skewed report has not hidden its determination to malign and impugn the Udom administration and reduce its esteem in the eyes of right thinking people. Unfortunately for him, the malicious and malevolent publication came on the heels of the commissioning of a surfeit of projects by the administration and reports of intervention by way of construction and renovation of 62 school blocks across the State including the same St. Mary’s Science College.

Ukpong’s prejudiced report did not only set out to toll alarm bells and cause panic among parents and guardians who have their children/wards in that prestigious 31 year old institution, it also unwittingly brought journalism into utter disrepute by representing it as a platform for the dissemination of falsehood. He started the jaundiced piece thus: “Almost everything – everything that makes a school a school – is in a state of decay at St. Mary’s Science College, Ediene Abak, in an oil rich Akwa Ibom.” Malicious and inciting. He proceeded to use hyperboles to describe what he claimed to be the condition of the school. Hear him: “Empty cans, dirty plates and papers littered everywhere inside the Cottages. The mattresses, as dirty and stinking as they are, have no bedcovers. The pillows too were terribly dirty and nauseating”. To cast credence to his conjured story, Ukpong introduced spurious characters one of whom he conferred with a name as UbongAbasi Okon, according to him, an alumnus of the college. He claims that the alumnus was his tour guide to the school. Eye witnesses argue that his claim negates what is actually obtained in the school which they assert as a disciplined institution.

The submissions above are so specious that ordinary elementary questions would expose the many pitfalls that replete the report. St. Mary’s Science College was established as a Teacher’s Training College 65 years ago before its conversion to Science College in 1989. There is no controversy in the fact that buildings erected decades ago could wear looks that may not appear befitting for the contemporary time with some even in ruins but not in the overly exaggerated manner Ukpong wants the public to believe. Yes, some of the buildings are in desolate state of disuse but Ukpong willfully trivialized the renovation effort of government that he physically saw. He refused to provide explicit details on the on-going renovation works involving the Assembly Hall, Computer Lab, Physics Lab, the Library and 4 classroom blocks. Rather he misinformed the public that the students live in squalor like animals. That is preposterous and an egregious falsehood. It is obvious that Ukpong set out for a predetermined report. Whether he visited the school at all is between him and his God but the truth is that the picture he painted does not represent the state of the school. How can Ukpong claim that his tour guide was an alumnus of the school, not a teacher or a student? Is an alumnus a member of the school community? Does attending a particular school in the past entitle one to know about a school more than a teacher or a student of the school? Is it moral to confer an alumnus with the authority to volunteer opinion about a school he had long left? The deduction here is simple to reach – Mr. Ukpong perhaps did not visit the school.

He may have written his prejudiced piece from the comfort of a cozy hotel with a bottle of cognac by his side and all expenses paid for by the sponsor of the vile report whose motive is apparently selfish politics. But what shall it profit a man who subjects his profession to indignity for the convenience of the unrighteous. When we allow pecuniary consideration to overwhelm us and begin to dictate our professional operations, it would certainly lead to ruin that Ukpong is inviting upon himself and the profession that has so far served and made him.

The position of many is that if Ukpong loved his home state, he would not have done that outlandish report and put his state in bad light before a global audience which internet covers, whereas deep inside him, he knows that the report is deficient and deficit of truth. The analogy of our politics which compare war and politics and uphold that all undercurrents that underline them are fair is grossly disagreeable and an anathema in the face of the realization of trailing consequences. Let us not always think that all is fair in politics even the risk of self-immolation.

Governor Emmanuel’s love for education need not be re-orchestrated. His notable achievements in the area are obvious for all to see. The administration’s intervention and partnership with the Federal Government in the founding of Model College, Ikot-Ekong in Abak Local Government Area and Navy College, Ikot Ntuen in Oruk-Anam Local Government Area are testimonials that propaganda cannot drown and deceit cannot overcome or overtake. His passion for education can therefore not allow him as a father of children to watch them learn under the kind of condition painted by Ukpong. The intervention efforts of the State Government must be appreciated in the face of paucity of funds and understanding that all schools cannot enjoy intervention at the same time. Ukpong should acknowledge and take cognizance of an essential complement of journalism which is the protection of national interest and collective good.

These are values he jettisoned in that concocted report.

Akwa Ibom FDI Second To Lagos --Gov Emmanuel

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanual on Tuesday revealed that the Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) of his state is second to Lagos state among other states of the federation.

The Governor stated this in Lagos during an interactive session with journalists, noted that his administration has succeeded in boosting the economic prosperity of the state to compete with other economies like Lagos rated as the fifth largest economy in Africa.

He explained that presently in Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State is leading the train of state governors who are bold enough and are armed with the economic and intellectual wizardry to woo and convince foreign investors to partner state governments to invest in their states, especially during biting recession period.

Emmanuel said, "One interesting thing to note is not exploring Public Private Partnership (PPP) only for the purpose of basic infrastructural development, but to draft and propose viable business and industrial ventures loaded with benefits to the two parties, chief of which is employment generation for the state.

"For example, many have continued to wonder about the miracle behind Governor Udom Emmanuel’s government’s ability to create jobs and economic prosperity through the establishment and operation of one revamped and five brand new manufacturing industries in Akwa Ibom state within three years, even at a period of seemingly unfavourable economic climate in the country."

The Governor said that many Nigerians are still amazed about the syringe manufacturing company, the electric meter manufacturing company, the toothpick and pencil manufacturing factory and the Akwa Prime Poultry and Hatchery Industries, all brand new business ventures conceived, built, commissioned and producing less than three years of Gov. Udom Emmanuel’s tenure.

The governor said he decided to promote economic development through participatory, coherent and coordinated economic policies. "This, of course, has been the quality that stands the state and its governor out in good stead and sets him apart from his contemporaries. It is also the reason Akwa Ibom people are reaping hugely from his investment drive.’’

Emmanuel added that, "His government has pursued this with vigour and achieved the licensing of the upgraded Ibom Power from 190mw to 685mw. The import of this is that with the phase two of the Ibom power plant project hitting 685mw, the state government’s industrialisation policy is backed with adequate provision of power. ‘’Taking it together, the implication is that the Ikot Abasi axis of the state is open for industrial and agro parks with capacity to generate, and deliver to the people, up to 5,000 jobs.’’

Source: www.9jaecho.com

Even in the most difficult of times, the people of Akwa Ibom State still have reasons to smile. In his usual manner of connecting with the people, Governor Udom Emmanuel has vowed not to relent on the delivery of his campaign promises by ensuring that education remains free and qualitative. Adequate healthcare delivery; and rapid industrialisation of the state also remain his focal points.

In his heart-warming Easter message to the people of Akwa Ibom, the other day, the governor also assured of creating wealth and job opportunities; challenging and galvanising youths with fresh ideas and tools to make them productive citizens. What more can he offer his people?

READ FULL STORY HERE: http://9jaecho.com/2018/06/05/why-udom-emmanuel-can-flaunt-credentials/

GOV EMMANUEL INAUGURATES FERTILIZER BLENDING, CASSAVA PROCESSING FACTORIES

By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

As part of fulfilment to his campaign promises of ensuring that there is food sufficiency and security in the state, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, on Friday, inaugurated the Fertiliser Blending Factory in Abak Local Government Area of the State.

Speaking at the occasion, Gov Emmanuel expressed appreciation to God for good excellent weather since the beginning of the commissioning activities in May, and the several projects which he said are more than the number of days to commission them.

He explained that the fertiliser blending plant, which is different from what is seen in other places, would ease the stress of travelling outside the country to buy fertilisers or having to import them, as it is used to blend to soil and crop, and called on the management to increase the capacity from the onset in order to meet the demand.

Gov Emmanuel sued for capacity development among the students community, saying “If we develop capacity, we will still be relying on people from America to come and run technologies like this, and we will still be cheated. Anything we are doing is to build capacity so that our people can be able to work and also create opportunities and jobs for others.”

The immediate past Governor of the state and Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, who cut the tape to throw open the factory for use, congratulated the Governor for keeping to his campaign promises to turn the state into an industrial hub of the nation.

He explained that the place used to employ a lot of Akwa Ibom people under the old palm oil, where people came to take the palm oil feeds to grow in Malaysia which later became the highest producer of palm oil in the world.

Sen. Akpabio disclosed that the place was abandoned for years and he was afraid that it would be turned to a den for criminals, but for the ingenuity and creative thinking of the Governor, the place has been turned to an employment creation centre.

“The multiplier effect of the Fertiliser Blending Plant is the creation of jobs not just for Abak, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District or Akwa Ibom State, but also for Nigeria. Through this, a lot of food will be produced for our people.

“When we are talking about election, you can’t put something on nothing and expect it to stand. Election must stand on something. Udom’s election is standing on industrialisation and performance.”

Earlier, the Managing Director of GreenWell Technologies, Mr Jonny Udoh, commended the state government for the support given to execute the project, and particularly thanked Gov Emmanuel for providing enabling environment for the company to operate upon which he said led to the successful execution of the project.

He disclosed that when the project was initiated, exchange rate was $1 to N50, but at the time the letter of credit was issued, it had sky-rocked to N365 per dollar. “With the wind of Dakkada philosophy and strength of Akwa Ibom people, we were able to manage and execute the project successfully. In due causes, we will announce additional investment in the state.

Mr Udoh further stated that the occasion signified the commitment of the company to commence quality products, adding that it was significant to the local, state and national farmers as the long-awaited high quality fertiliser has arrived, and that farmers are assured and quality guaranteed.

He said that the factory, which is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project between Akwa Ibom State Government and GreenWell Technologies, has a production capacity of over 400,000 metric tons a year.

The Traditional Ruler of Abak Local Government Area, speaking through his representative, Chief Saviour Sylvester Udofia, on behalf of the traditional institution, said that it was a great thing of joy particularly for Abak and Akwa Ibom State because such industry has never been in the history of the state, and announced the resolve of all the Chiefs in Abak to support the second term bid of the Governor come 2019.

Similarly, a 5-metric ton Cassava Processing factory was also commissioned in Ikot Ekang, Abak LGA by the Governor accompanied by the immediate past governor of Benue State, Dr Gabriel Suswam.

Eminent personalities including Deputy Governor Moses Ekpo, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. (Barr) Onofiok Luke; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem; State PDP Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo; members of National and State Assemblies; members of State Executive Council; part stalwarts, religious leaders, and traditional leaders were present at the event.

(c) www.9jaecho.com