...as APC State Secretary storms polling unit with hoodlums, ammunitions

BY FREDERICK USEN

While citizens of Akwa Ibom State are exercising their civil rights of voting, those of Use Ndon (Ward 4, Unit 7) in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area have been forced to a different experience, owing to a disruption of election in the said unit by hoodlums hired by the State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Effiong Etuk apparently to attack the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Comrade Ini Ememobong who is also of the same unit.

Journalists accredited by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission to monitor elections across the state got to the polling unit and only met a crowd of seeming stranded people arguing with themselves.

Enquiry revealed that an indigene of the unit by the name Effiong Etuk who happens to be the state secretary of APC had stormed the unit in company of hoodlums armed with matchets and guns, harassing the Polling Officer.

According to the Polling Officer, "the AKISIEC vehicle went about dropping officials at their polling units and I was dropped here at about 9:45am. I kept calling the supervisor for a security personnel and I was told one would be sent. Since the instruction was that I should not open the materials until there was a security person around, I had to tell the people to be patient.

"While waiting, one Effiong Etuk (AKA Charles Taylor) who is the APC state secretary came here and starting asking me why I want to embarrass him. I told him I was there on official duty for AKISIEC and not to respect or favour any individual of party.

Before I knew it, he came up here and started dragging the bag that contained the materials. When the voters tried to stop him, his hoodlums unleashed violence randomly on everyone. Surprisingly, the polling clerk by the name, Mrs Joe Ekpoatai who was supposed to support me, was instead assisting them to snatch the materials, after which, she absconded with them".

I was beaten mercilessly, I lost my phone in the process".

Another victim of the violence while narrating his ordeal, said, "we were waiting for election materials when they came with dangerous weapons to snatch materials. Effiong Etuk, our brother and secretary of the APC in Akwa Ibom personally wanted to force the Polling Officer and take the materials. When I tried to help the polling officer, one of them hit me with a bottle and broke my eye. See how they nearly damaged my right eye".

Reacting, the PDP Publicity Secretary said, the incident occurred barely five minutes after he was excused by his supporters to attend to an issue in his village residence, adding that chances are that he was the main target of the attack.

His words: "the circumstance is simple. Election is a civil duty and my village is a village that has a lot of educated people. It's not as if the people don't know violence. But the question is, violence against who? The person who is projecting this violence, who did in 2011 and 2015 and repeated same today, unfortunately is my uncle and he is the state secretary of APC.

Like I said, not that we do not know how to do violence, but imagine what would happened if we tried to retaliate. That's why I keep telling my people, I keep warning our supporters that on no account should even a pin be brought anywhere close to voting centre because no ambition is worth the blood of any human.

This is a call to the AKISIEC, the Commissioner of Police, Brigade Commander and heads of other security agencies to ensure that full security is on ground when next election is holding. Being civil doesn't mean we should be taken for granted. We hope the attacked Polling Officer will do his report formally and we also hope the electoral body will act accordingly."

When contacted on phone, the accused Etuk refused speaking to our correspondent on the matter and dropped the line. Several other attempts were futile, as he was unresponsive.

…NSIMA EKERE MOVES TO FREE ARRESTED THUGS
A personal assistant to an APC chieftain Chief Sunny Ibanga, along with his village Youth Leader, were among some hoodlums nabbed by security agents for possession of firearms and engaging in acts of security breech during the local government elections in Ikot Ekpene.
The thugs were apprehended with firearms in Ikot Ekpene inside a Hilux truck belonging to Chief Sunny Ibanga, who is the state caucus member of the All Progressives Congress.
Their arrest brought an end to the wanton violence and mayhem that had send shivers down the spines of innocent voters in Ikot Ekpene in the early period of the election.

Investigations reveal that the Managing Director of the NDDC through his Special Assistant, Uyo Nathaniel has been making frantic efforts to get the suspected culprits off the hook, but to no avail.
The arrest has confirmed the recent Press Statement by the State Government that certain elements had been compromised to cause a breakdown of law and order.

The release had alerted that the said hirelings were conscripted to disrupt the election and cause an atmosphere of insecurity.
The sponsors of the thugs, it was gathered, are from certain political interests outside the state who have threatened to get the culprits out at all cost.
It is not the first time that outsiders have been fingered, attempting connive with opposition elements to cause chaos in the peaceful Niger Delta state.
Efforts to get the NDDC managing director’s reaction were unsuccessful as at 9pm Saturday night.

The State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel in his broadcast to the people of the State, had warned people not to engage in acts that are capable of causing a break down of law and order, assuring the people that Government will deal decisively with anyone who will be caught trying to disrupt public peace.

...Smuggled into contest by Uyio Nathaniel
...Rejected by APC members


Few hours to the Local Government Election, the foremost local government area - Ikot Ekpene, has been thrown into chaos following the discovery that the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Cletus Essien, is an indigene of Mbiabong Ikot Udofia in Ini Local Government Area.

According to our source, a staunch APC supporter and woman leader, disclosed that stakeholders and people of the Raffia City are bewildered by this audacious act midwife by Chief Sunday Ibanga and supported by the senatorial district leader of the party, Chief Inyangette.

Essien, it was gathered is a cousin to the PDP Chairmanship candidate, Mr. Unyime Etim and nephew to former commissioner for works, Mr. Don Etim.

He was smuggled into the contest by one Uyo Nathaniel as his stooge.

The source further revealed that the state leadership of APC is aware of this misdemeanor but decided to look the other way since it claims there is no written petition before the state working committee against Mr. Essien’s local government of origin.

However, findings show that series of petitions sent to the state exco of APC concerning the matter may have been blocked by Chief Ibanga and Mr. Nathaniel.

“Cletus Essien may carry a falsified certificate of origin, claiming to hail from Ikot Ekpene, but he is not from Ikot Ekpene.

“He is our grandson not a son of Ikot Ekpene. We have a proud heritage and will not allow an alien rule over us. Even though he has lived for several years with us as our grandchild, his birthright is in Ini and we insist that a bonafide son of Ikot Ekpene should lead us", she retorted.

Going further, she cliamed that Essien and his three siblings were brought into Uruk Uso, the great Etim family by their daughter, who married one Jackson Essien from Ini Local Government Area.

Eventually, when the marriage went sour, their mother brought them back to her family in Uruk Uso Ikot Ekpene.

Corroborating this story, Chief Etangsema Etim (names changed for security reasons), a member of the Etim family told our reporter that the family has been thrown into confusion by an outsider that once benefitted from them.

A former transition chairman from the area expressed surprise at the information and said “if this information is true then APC is worse than PDP”.

Similarly, supporters of APC in the local government area have been divided into camps – those supporting Cletus Essien are said to be sponsored by NDDC while the opposing camp are aggrieved groups which reportedly formed a common front working to dislodge those they claim are destroying the party.

Many notable names in the area, who mostly spoke on strict anonymity, have totally condemned the party for attempting to cover up the contemptuous deed. In the same vein, youths from the area have registered their displeasure by the incident and vowed to disgrace the party, accusing the Etim family of mortgaging their rightful heir.

Meanwhile, a one time federal lawmaker from the area, acknowledged the information but called for calm, saying Ikot Ekpene people are knowledgeable enough to make a wise decision.

A PRESS STATEMENT BY RT. HON. VICTOR ANTAI, HON. COMMISSIONER FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM

Protocol:

Gentlemen of the press,

Following our highly successful outing in Orange September, a series of events organized to commemorate the 30th anniversary of our dear state, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism under my supervision has decided to undertake another major event in our conscious and regular efforts to further stamp the state as a tourism destination.

As we all know, yuletide periods in Akwa Ibom State have hitherto been bereft of hyped activities. During this period we usually witness an outflow of human traffic into neighboring states as indigenes and fun seekers leave the state in their numbers to other parts of the country in search of entertainment and recreation.
It is in an attempt to remedy this and spice up the yuletide experience for the citizens of Akwa Ibom State, while effectively marketing our huge tourist potentials that the Ministry Of Culture and Tourism has decided to host “Ukap’isua”, an end of the year Christmas festival.

Ukap’isua, means “the turn of the year” or “the end of the year”. Historically, our people planned and host festivities around this period. We hope to create during this same period, a unique experience that will not only create recreation and entertainment, but also market our huge tourism potentials.

Ukap’isua will commence with the opening of the festival village, located at the auspicious Ibom Unity Park, Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo. The festival village will host relaxation spots, shopping stalls and other recreational facilities. The main events in Ukap’isua will hold on 26th and 27th December, 2017

On 26th December, we will host a major street party/carnival tagged “Street Groove”. The star studded event will see five Bands parading along the carnival routes (University of Uyo mini stadium – Ikot ekpene road – Aka road – UdoUdoma Avenue – Unity Park). The bands will be led by an indigene. Each will be assigned an artist of repute. Talks with the likes of Wizkid, Tuface Idibia, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Phyno etc are ongoing.




Gentlemen of the press, please permit me at this juncture to unveil the names of the five bands for street groove. They are:

[b]*Blue River Band,
*Rolling Hills Band,
*The Beach Town Band,
*The Bridge Band and
*The Plaza Band.

The bands are named after tourist attractions and historical features in Akwa Ibom state. The bands will further expound on the significance of their respective tourism features in their costumes, presentation and parade, thereby helping to market the tourist potentials of the state.

The general public is encouraged to be part of the bands by registering online at www.ukapisua.com or by picking up offline registration forms at all tertiary institutions in the state, local government headquarters, as well as designated eateries and the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism Headquarters, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex, Uyo.

The end of the road event for Ukap’isua this year will be the Mega Beach Fiesta. Holding at the longest beach line in West Africa, the mega beach fiesta will feature beach soccer, volleyball, basketball and other interesting games.

The event will be rounding off with grand five star performances.

Permit me to extend our gratitude to the visionary leader of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for graciously approving these events and programmes.

Gentlemen of the press, I want to appeal that we help to spread word about this event. Let us show the world our rich heritage as a people and see how we can make this yuletide season an exciting one for our citizens and tourists alike.

God bless Akwa Ibom State.

Victor Antai
Hon. Commissioner,
Ministry of Culture and tourism.
Akwa Ibom State.

It's Yuletide again, but in Akwa Ibom we just say "Ukap'isua"!
Where would you rather be?
Join us, let's end 2017 in grand style!
#UdomEmmanuel #ComeToAkwaIbom #AmazingAkwaIbom #Ukapisua

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the forthcoming December 2nd local government elections continue to bask in the euphoria of the seemingly large turnout at the flag-off campaign over the weekend, it has been discovered that a large percentage of the crowd were imported from the neighbouring states.

Investigations revealed that most of those who made the crowd were from Rivers State and coordinated by one of the aides of former Governor Rotimi Amechi, now the Minister of Transport.

A reliable source confided on us amidst laughter that they were coming to Uyo for APC campaign.

Upon enquiry, he said they were paid to join the crowd in Uyo as members of the party were not many in Akwa Ibom.

Further investigations revealed that the negotiation started when the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere, visited his benefactor, Mr. Rotimi Amechi at Abuja to discuss the fate of the party ahead of the local government election in Akwa Ibom State.

Ekere who also sought solution to the increasing defection from the party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), appealed to the Minister for Transport to assist the Akwa Ibom APC to have a make-up crowd in order to safe him and his allies from possible embarrassment.

This arrangement, it was gathered, was extended to Cross River State through the Chairman of the NDDC, Senator Ndoma Egba, who mandated his aide to act on the demand.

The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who was to flag off the campaign, it was gathered, cancelled his trip to Akwa Ibom when his intelligence report informed him of the fictitious crowd arrangement.

Similarly, the National leader of the party, Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had prepared to come with the Vice President, cancelled his trip at the eleventh hour when he was informed that the Vice President had taken a decision not to attend the event.

It would be recalled that the APC had earlier scheduled its flag-off campaign for Tuesday 14th November, but postponed it to Saturday 20th as the earlier date coincided with President Buhari’s visit to Anambra State.

This arrangement, it was further gathered, was to ensure that either the President or his Vice must be present at the flag-off but was frustrated by the turn out of event.

It was also gathered that after the campaign, most of those who came from neighbouring states were looking for friends to accommodate them for the night as it was late to travel back while some could not find their way to the AKTC Park.

In a related development, the crisis which has bedevilled the party following the emergence of the Nsima Ekere-led faction has deepened as the real APC led by Senator John Akpan Udoedehe has perfected plans to hold its campaign next week.

Nsima Ekere's faction is losing its grip at the national level as some of the political gladiators of APC at the national level have started asking question on the fate of the party without the likes of John Udoedehe, Group Capt Sampson Ewang, Rt Hon Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Dr Udoma Bob Ekarika, Bar Joe Ukpong.

... Hotel.ng empowers first batch and for graduands

By Uduak Inwang

The Graduation Ceremony of the 1st Batch of Software development and visual designers internship program 2017 organised by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Science and Technology in Partnership with Hotels.ng came to a close today at the Conference Center of the Ibom E-Library in Uyo.

The event attracted huge attendance from across the technology ecosystem of the State. According to the convener and CEO of Hotels.ng Mark Essien, the tech community in Akwa Ibom State is evolving and within the next 2years, the State will be the biggest software community in Nigeria. With this development, he maintained that Akwa Ibom State will become the biggest Software hub in Africa, he said.

The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prof Nse Udo Essien speaking at the graduation ceremony highlighted some of the government's achievements to include the reactivation of the technology ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State hence the partnership with Hotels.ng to open up employment opportunities for Akwa Ibom youths.

Also speaking at the event, one of the 50 successful graduands, Miss Mfonobong expressed happiness over the outcome of the training. "I had no laptop but I participated with my phone and I'm excited to be among the finalists of Hotels.ng internship program 2017." she said.

Nsikak Thompson, a finalist who built an android application for Hotels.ng and his 6 man team were awarded a cash price of N250,000 by the CEO of Hotels.ng, Mr Mark Essien. "I want to thank the Akwa Ibom State Government for this opportunity and we expect more of this and we believe that Akwa Ibom State will soon become the biggest Software hub in Africa", he said.

Highpoint of the event was Cash donations by Mr. Mark Essien to 4 teams who successfully created and completed the task given at the end of the 3 months training, the team leaders were Nsikak Thompson who got 250,000 with his 6 team members created Hotels.ng Android app. Richard Umoaffia and his 10 man team got 250,000 for creating Hotels.ng Business Chat App. Miss Mercy Ikpe with her 18 man team got 250,000 for creating a Financial Management Application while Warrie Usenobong and his 10 man developer team got 250,000 and created Hotels.ng Api Documentation.

Others in attendance included the Director of ICT in the ministry of Science and Technology, the ICT aide to the Governor, Mr. Solomon Eyo, CEO of Start Innovation Hub Mr. Hanson Johnson and others..

Students from Uyo local government area have declared their intention to support the Uyo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmanship Candidate Elder Imoh Okon in the 2nd December local government elections. 

The students made the declaration known during a tour of all tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State by Uyo Students Alumni in collaboration with Uyo Students Association Worldwide. 

The tour was led by Comrade Mike Ekott, a former Student Leader and the Worldwide President of Uyo Students Association Comrade Victor John. Others in the train includes, Comrades Cosmas Eyo, Nyabuk Eberefiak, Iniobong Uko, Enobong Ibanga, Jane Okon, Nsikak Bassey and Idongesit Savior.

The tour which was aimed at bringing the Government closer to the students as well as establishing a good relationship between PDP chairmanship standard bearer, Elder Imoh Okon, and the students from Uyo local government area. 

During the tour to Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Uyo Students appreciated the group and thanked Elder Imoh Okon for involving them in his agenda, describing him as a passionate man who has the people's interest at heart.

The students used the occasion to request for bursary payment and appointment of a former student leader as SA on student matters.

The team also moved to Akwa Ibom State University where one of the students appreciated the wonderful humanitarian work done by the Uyo Vice Chairman nominee, Mr. Emmanuel Edem aka Ukai, under the umbrella of Udom Dakkada Traffic powered by Afon Ama Initiative.

Students in Akwa Ibom State University  also requested for Project allowance to final year students, scholarship and grants, pledging to vote PDP enmasse come December 2nd Chairmanship/ Councillorship election.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mike Ekott, a former Student leader and a grassroot Politician, advised the students who are yet to register for voters card to do so. He charged them to come enmasse on 2nd December to vote for the next Mayor of Uyo City Elder Imoh Okon. 

Ekott also asked for the students to continually support Governor Udom Emmanuel's government polices as the are students friendly. 

The event witnessed the presentation of customized exercise books to the students union by the Worldwide President on behalf of the Divine Choice Campaign Organization.

Akwa Ibom Trade Fair In Brief

The Akwa Ibom State Trade Fair is the premier trade fair in the State. The spectacular 14-day event normally holds from November 20th to December 3rd every year. The Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture(UYOCCIMA) is the oldest in Akwa Ibom and has been staging the Fair annually, since 2001 to date. Within this period, the Akwa Ibom State Trade Fair has grown tremendously in popularity and provides the platform for trade facilitation and business exchange in the state.

The Chamber comprises of the crème of the state’s top business organizations and personalities, who are able and ready to enter into business interactions with their counterparts all over the world.

The Fair will hold in Uyo the state capital and commercial heartland of Akwa Ibom, which is easily accessible by air and land. The Trade Fair, since inception, has been held at the famous Ibom Hall Grounds. It is about 20 minutes from the Akwa Ibom International Airport (AKIA) which is Akwa Ibom State’s gateway to Nigeria and the world. Located in the middle of Uyo, it is easily accessible from any part of town. Ibom Hall Grounds, which hosted all previous trade fairs in the state, is expansive, well secured and quite suitable for exhibitions.

About Akwa Fair 2017

Akwa Fair 2017, with the theme: Empowering Micro Small & Medium Enterprises: Panacea for Accelerated and Sustainable Economic Growth is designed to be a one-stop-shop for all stakeholders in the MSME development ecosystem.

The Fair, which offers an opportunity of a life time for entrepreneurs will have in attendance the following stakeholders

* Business development consultants
* Raw material suppliers
* Machinery and equipment vendors
* Market facilitators
* Venture capitalist, portfolio managers and development finance institutions with cheap sources of finance
* Regulatory agencies
* Policy makers
* Business networking associations
* Multi-lateral development agencies
* NGOs and foundations

It is estimated that the trade fair will attract more than 200,000 visitors to Uyo during the two weeks long event. The following activities will take place during the fair;

* A general trade fair for exhibitors from all over the country with special days focusing on products and services in each sector of the economy.
* Five conferences and business meetings for focused groups which will be organized on the side lines of the fair in the following sectors

- Technology – With leading ICT companies (software, payment solution, cloud solution and hardware) and manufacturing technology companies (processing and packaging) in the industry presenting with the audience made up of ICT, small scale industrialist, etc.

- Health – With leading drug manufacturing companies, medical equipment companies, reagent dealers and associated companies in the health sector presenting to an audience of Pharmacist, patent medicine vendors, doctors, lab tech, etc as audience

- Education – With leading publishing houses, education consultants, learning aids vendors, inclusive education providers, special subjects tutors presenting to an audience of school proprietors, school administrators, potential foreign university students etc

- Agriculture & Agro allied – Leading research institutions, agro companies, agro processing technology providers and allied companies presenting to an audience of farmers, agro processors, etc

- Investment &MSME Finance – Leading finance institutions and fund managers with portfolio exposure to MSME finance presenting to an audience of entrepreneurs & business executives

* Brand shows, talent hunt and similar activities at night
* Opening and Closing ceremonies with dignitaries in most State and Federal Government of Nigeria agencies, commercial sections of foreign embassies, and special guests present.
Akwa Fair 2017 will deploy the widest publicity in the social, electronic and print media before and during the fourteen (14) day duration of the Fair.

Such extended and intensive publicity invariably presents a unique opportunity for exhibitors to advertise their products, services, inventions and innovations to both Nigerian and foreign audience.

The Fair is strongly supported by the Akwa Ibom State Government, and is always well attended by numerous government agencies seeking new ideas, inventions and innovations necessary for the attainment of the objectives for which they were set up. The Fair brings into focus the full potentials and business opportunities existing in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
For more information or enquiries, please contact:

AKWA Fair 2017 Manager
Enterprise Club of Nigeria
51, Utang Street
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Tel: 0705 7732305, 08185626126
Email:info@akwafair2017.com
www.akwafair2017.com

The first stakeholders meeting of Primehill Limited in Akwa Ibom state held on Saturday in Uyo, the state capital city.

After extensive deliberations, q & a, interactions, a subscriber won a plot of land, selected via lucky dip.  He won a 500 square meters plot of land at the City Crest estate, Mbiokporo.. 

Mr. Ekong Johnson emerged winner of the raffle draw. His representative at the meeting, niece Miss Mercy Udofia claimed the win on his behalf.

Two staff also received the shocker of their lives. Miss Esther John who started work with the Uyo office at inception in 2016, and Mr Richie 'Preye' Ogolo  were gifted 500 square meters of land each at the City Crest estate, Mbiokporo.

Several subscribers who had interfaced with these two staff expressed appreciation to Primehill for rewarding both in that manner, as they were said to be remarkably hardworking and professional. 

City Crest estate, proposed, is a residential estate created and managed by a private corporate, Primehill Limited.

 The attractive offers of the scheme has been that the general public can own land at comparative cost, hassle-free and with an instalment billing plan. For at least one of the city Crest estates, subscribers can own a plot paying as low as N50,000 monthly.

In what resembled a family atmosphere at the stakeholders meeting, subscribers had opportunity to ask questions, interact, connect with future neighbors and make suggestions towards the estate.

Heads of Primehill and of the estate projects took turns to give updates to the participants and to take enquiry on issues requiring clarification.

1. Congratulations to Akwa United, 2017 Aiteo Cup winners, winning the Nigerian FA Cup 2 times in 3 years. What a record! #AiteoCup



2. Akwa United, powered by Gov. Udom Emmanuel, has won the #AiteoCup for the second time in three years. Good thinking, good product! #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares


3. Akwa United has become the 1st team from Cross River/Akwa Ibom states, Nigeria, to win the Nigerian FA cup. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

4. The largest football competition in Nigeria, the Federation Cup, is now known as the Aiteo Cup. #AkwaUnited are the current Champions. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

5. #AkwaUnited of Uyo beat Niger Tornadoes 3-2 by penalties, to win the 2017 #AiteoCupFinal, played in Agege, #Lagos. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

6. Akwa United had NEVER won any trophy at the National scene before the arrival of Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2015? #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

7. SOMETHING TO REMEMBER!! Akwa United players and officials are the most promptly paid in Nigeria as at today. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

8. STUNNING! Six players of the #AkwaUnited team are currently active in the National Football Team! #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

9. #AkwaUnited has the highest number of footballers from a single football club in Nigeria. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

10. Before @MrUdom Emmanuel’s arrival in 2015, #AkwaUnited had always escaped relegation by the whiskers on the last day of matches at the elite division? #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

11. Today’s victory is #AkwaUnited's 1st in Nigeria since the change of tournament’s nomenclature to #AiteoCup. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCupFinal

12. Victory for #AkwaUnited, today, will lead the team into continental action in the CAF Confederation’s Cup competition. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

13. Do you know that #AkwaUnited, the Promise Keepers, play their home games in the best soccer stadium in Africa? #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

14. #AkwaUnited is the only team from the old South Eastern/Cross River State to qualify for the Nigerian FA cup final, and also win the trophy. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

@MrUdomEmmanuel has powered #AkwaUnited into the Nigerian FA cup final for the 2nd time in 3 years. #DiscoverAkwaibom #Udomcares #AiteoCup #AiteoCupFinal

15. @AkwaUnited_fc are #AiteoCupfinal champions! Their second title in the history of Nigerian football.

I have tried very hard to watch from the sidelines the outburst by one of Akwa Ibom's finest in Nollywood who doubles as the SA to Akwa Ibom Governor on Tourism, Ini Edo. The reason is simple, given her brand, l needed to take some time out to get the fine details of the ''water that has passed through the bridge '' before weighing on the subject.

The crux of this bruohaha is that the Nollywood figure is allegedly laying claim to the original idea of Orange September which fortunately was a huge success.

Going by my findings, Joseph Utin and Ubong Ekpe both of Akwa Ibom Tourism Development Company practcally wrote the proposal for the Ibom Fest which couldn't hold sequel to the collapse of Reigners Bible Church at the time it was planned. Being a tourism event it naturally will attract a lot of sponsorship which according to them Edo used effectively her vast connection to attract a lot of resources in from the corporate world, blue Chip outlets and individuals. This had absolutely nothing to do with Orange September event.

The beef is sequel to the tourism consultants insisting that they be properly paid for for their consultancy rather than look the other way by the Actress. Ini Edo got a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN to pen down a petition to the IG of Police to get those Tourism consultants arrested according to my findings.

The story is that they were paid N1m each which was grossly inadequate to the terms of engagement even though the Gov's Aide is of the view that she placed them on a monthly take home of N50,000 .

More revealing is the fact that lni Edo was informed about Orange September plannings by the organisers in her capacity as SA to the Gov on Tourism and she requested that one of the events in the Orange September be given to her to run but the organisers had insisted she comes take up one of the sub committees and head rather than run a component of the Orange September herself for effective supervision she translated her non-acceptance to being absent herself from the entire event. The question is why didn't she raise the alarm at the time if her claim holds water of owning the idea of Orange September? One thing that should be paramount from the foregoing is that people should always learn to keep to their business terms rather than use their privileged positions to scuttle such terns.

The Actress cannot in her good conscience lay claim to the boat regatta, food festival and other content of the successful Orange September.

The Ndoko event for instance was successful because the organisers, Akwa Ibom Ministry of Culture and Tourism had insisted that they supervise all sides of the Orange September to ensure success.

Honestly, l strongly believe that there was no need for this public attention by the Actress as all she needed to do was to sit the consultants down and explain to them the funding status of the failed Ibom Fest as was the case while the Tourism Consultants drafted the proposal for Ibom Fest and see what could be added to the consultants by way of pecuniary benefits . l understand that in an attempt to carry her along during the Orange September given her office, she will always be on the move, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja etc .

In case the Nollywood Actress didn't know this action of hers has given her a low PR before her fans and the question is, how did she get here ?

What is even more worrisome is the fact that, most likely her employer, Akwa Ibom Governor may not have known before she involved the police. The other revelation in the saga is that while the ibomfest planning lasted, Edo used the Tourism consultants office along Oron road, Uyo without paying for the work space.

On a close look at the two proposals, that is Ibom Fest and Orange September, the content and more are not the same Let it not be seen that she is asking for public sympathy for not performing in office coupled with the frustration by Glo, the compelling telecommunications giant having called off her Ambassadorial status.

Can't she reason like Rt. Hon Victor Antai who got three of the consultants cars after a rigorous planning and execution of the Orange September in appreciation. Let her understand that it is not the Tourism consultants making that the Ibom Fest couldn't hold.

Both Ini Edo and Rt Hon Victor Antai are to my mind assets to Akwa Ibom, the thinking should be more on moving our State forward and not this pettiness.

There is no need to get this whole issue twisted and be in the news for the wrong reasons . The successful orange September is NOT the brainchild of Ini Edo as it now being alluded to by her Lawyers but what needs to be addressed is that she needs to reconcile with the Tourism consultants and not intimidate them with police arrest and subsequent prosecution having in mind that, it is amazing what she could have achieved if she was not insisting on who takes the glory ''.

(C) Anny Michaels

THE STORY OF A SCHOOL BOY FRUSTRATED BY HIS TEACHER

By Uduak Inwang
Last night, I went to a pharmacy owned by my Physics Class teacher, Mr. Tony Anderson, at Efficient Secondary School.

He was a very conservative person and straight to the point, having asked what brought me to his table, he also asked me about Twitter and how it works.

I started by telling him that Twitter is a micro blogging site a.k.a social media, initially restricted to 140 characters, but recently increased to 280 for influencers and verified users or handles.

I went forward to tell him my experience on Twitter, which is best used for campaigns and advocacy.

As a blogger, I spend most of my time on Twitter than any other social networks. It also directs my daily website post as I publish about what people are talking about which has become a Trending topic.

Also Sir, a study titled ‘How Africa Tweets’ was conducted by Portland communications in 2015. It shows Nigeria as the second largest Geo-located tweets 360 million. Egypt has the most Geo-located tweets if about 500 million in Africa. Third is South Africa with 325 million tweets.

Given this result, it is safe to say that Nigeria has the second largest amount of users in Africa.

I later took him outside and showed him my new Car given to me by the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Rt Hon. Victor Antai. With excitement, he prayed and congratulated me and immediately called in two of his staff and he goes. "this is Uduak Inwang, he was one of our very Brilliant students in Efficient, class of Senior Secondary 1. Go out side and see what loyalty, consistency and patience can do. Make sure you touch it." He said.

My last memory about Efficient Secondary School was when my Chemistry teacher told me that I will never understand how titration works. To be sincere, I never did. Having been frustrated out of a boarding school, I needed someone who could believe in me and it was Mr. Tony Anderson.

Today, my story has changed from a young boy who was confused due to a Chemistry teachers teaching methods to a renowned Digital Marketing Consultant who is not consulting for my Physics teacher's Pharmaceutical company.

REP your school!

Information Commissioner Meets Unsuccessful PDP Aspirants in Uyo

-Assures them of Govt’s Support

The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh, on Sunday met with all the chairmanship and councillorship aspirants in Uyo Local Government who failed PDP nomination with assurance that Governor Udom Emmanuel will not leave them behind in the scheme of things.
Speaking at his residence where he met with all the aspirants from Uyo Local Government who failed nomination, Mr. Charles Udoh urged them not to abandon their counterparts who succeeded, but support them to win at various polling units.
The Government Information manager revealed that Governor Udom Emmanuel will always do everything to carry everybody along in his leadership, while calling on them not to defect from the party.
Speaking with newsmen after the event, the Commissioner noted that he was duty bound to reintegrate the aspirants into the party after they failed nomination in the just concluded PDP nomination.

“In the process of election, there are bound to be winners and losers, but that doesn’t mean that losers should be cast aside.

“That is why I am duty bound to call all the councillorship and chairmanship aspirants who failed nomination to tell them that we have a Governor who believes in political inclusion and that they have vital roles to play in the party.”

In his remark, the Uyo Local Government Chapter Chairman, Mr. Idongesit thanked Commissioner for calling all the aspirants for meeting, revealing that the party also has intention of calling all aspirants who failed nomination for meeting.
“If it is not good for today, the future will be good. No matter how your brother emerged the winner, join hands with him.

“Submit to the party, because no two persons can emerge winners of a particular office. Those who won shouldn’t exalt themselves above others.”

In his remark, the Chairmanship Aspirant, Ubokobong Benjamin commended the commissioner for organizing such meeting.

He averred that there is nothing like flawless politics.

“When I contested I knew I would either fail or win, and since I lost,I have called the winner and declared my support.”

Mr. Benjamin called on Uyo leaders who are in government not to sideline them, adding that in politics, nobody is insignificant and nobody is indispensable.
Also speaking , another Chairmanship aspirant, Mr.Etiene Ukpong, said though election is not all about fight, everybody should be carried along.
He urged all the aspirants who failed nomination not to leave the party.

In his words, another chairmanship aspirant, Mr.Okon Nsentib assured the commissioner that he would not leave the party.

Reacting, all the councillorship aspirants from the ten wards of Uyo Local Government, thanked the commissioner for being the first to look for them, adding that they would support the Governor while appealing that they should be appointed as supervisors in the council.

Eminence of Empowerment splashes millions on PDP supporters.
The MD/ CEO of Eminence Oil and Gas, Mr Emmanuel Okon has given out millions of naira as empowerment to the people of Ikot Itieudung, Ward 5 in Nsit Atai Local Government Area.
The even which on Sunday 8th Oct. 2017 at his country home was a routine empowerment initiative of Mr Okon, and was witnessed by the chapter chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Nsit Atai and other distinguished sons and daughters of the area including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Reorientation, Mr Joseph Okon.
According to Mr Emmanuel Okon, his passion for empowerment is driven by Governor Udom Emmanuel's giant strides on human capital development initiatives.
He maintained that the initiative is to aliviate the sufferings of those in the villages to give them a sense of belonging in government.
He said that in keeping with his commitment to massively empower the people of Nsit Atai, he has setup a scheme that every month, millions of naira is being shared to beneficiaries to grow their small and medium scale businesses.
He thanked the people for their support for Governor Udom Emmanuel, and urge them to register in the ongoing voters registration so that they will vote for governor Udom Emmanuel come 2019, adding that his target is to empower 5million people.
High point of the event was the distribution of cash to various benefiting groups, villages, and individuals.

PRESS RELEASE

RE: PUNCH NEWSPAPER REPORT ON NIGERIA VS ZAMBIA WORLD CUP QUALIFIER IN UYO

A report in the Punch Newspaper of October 8, 2017, alleged that 5 people were feared dead following a stampede at one of the gates of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo during the Nigeria vs Zambia World Cup Qualifier last Saturday.

I wish to categorically state that the said report is false and tainted with malice.

There was a rush by spectators; who arrived the venue after the match had started, trying to gain entrance into the stadium which led to a few of them sustaining minor injuries.

There were 9 people injured during the incident and all of them were taken to the hospital for treatment while no life was lost. This much was confirmed by the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer and the Commissioner for Health.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is probably the best maintained sporting facility in Nigeria today and has no history of poor crowd control as maliciously posited in the report.

It is on record that Akwa Ibom State is reputed as being; not only a peaceful state but a safe and secure state with credible leadership which is one of the reasons why the state has; in the last 18 months, been listed by the National Bureau of Statistics as the 2nd largest Foreign Direct Investment Destination in Nigeria.

We are dismayed that such a report; which has a high potency of painting a negative picture of not only Akwa Ibom but Nigeria as country, was published without verifying the facts. It is instructive to note that the Nigeria vs Zambia match was a FIFA organized match and mischievous insinuations as contained in the said report could easily lead to Nigeria being sanctioned.

It is my sincere hope that the author of the said report will take the pains to ensure the veracity of information in future before publication.

Signed
Charles Udoh
Commissioner for Information & Strategy
Akwa Ibom State

1. The One Goal Project shall build a bridge for peaceful coexistence via constant engagement of young people from all over the country.

Our country today is massively polarized and divided. It is also not news that the youths are the most affected by this divisive tendencies.

The #OneGoal Project recognizes diversity in thoughts and opinions, but believes that disagreements do not necessarily connote disunity.

It is therefore our #OneGoal to unify our country through dialogue, and constant engagement of young persons across the country.

The #OneGoal Project will be launched in Uyo, Nigeria on Thursday, 28th September 2017.

FRANK ARCHIBONG; A REPLICA OF THE DIVINE MANDATE AND THE ONLY WAY FORWARD FOR EKET LGA

The Eagle, over the years has been a symbol of beauty, bravery, courage, honor, determination and grace to man. What makes the eagle stand out is its symbolic exertion of strength, agility, fearlessness and immeasurable capacity to soar beyond altitudes which other birds would find impossible to soar. An Eagle guards her territory jealously, not minding the size or strength of its enemy dares and conquers every difficult situation without fear all in a brilliant display of true leadership. Coming back to Eket Local Government Area, is this not who Hon. Frank Archibong is?
Without mincing words, Hon. Frank Archibong has turned out to become yet another case of God’s will and divine mandate to the people of Eket. Judging from his sterling leadership qualities as transition Chairman, it would suffice to say without pontification that Hon. Frank is the elixir Eket people need at this point in time. He is the Midas with the transforming touch to turn the fortune of Eket around.
Eket on the pages of history has made a name for itself. From being the major oil producing region, it has housed many industrial and tourist attraction sites in the State, been a destination for investors and has birthed many prominent names in different fields of engagement, including his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deacon Gabriel Udom Emmanuel.
During his tenure as Chairman of the Oil-rich city, the people of Eket testified of the selfless kind of leader Hon. Frank was. The transformation stride in terms of infrastructure, human capacity development, agriculture, as well as heightened security network in the Area was such that the people never experienced from past leaderships. His philanthropy, benevolence and humility backed up with capacity did not go unnoticed, as his Excellency, The State Governor in his wisdom, deemed it fit to appoint Hon. Frank Archibong as Caretaker Chairman, Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
These achievements would have been enough to have him distracted, but for the sake of the people he vowed to represent, he never gave in to side talks. As Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Frank initiated and flagged off a skills acquisition and empowerment program, meant to train women in bead making, hair styling, head-tie proficiency, cake baking, soap making, etc.
Though his liberal nature is synonymous with ‘Akpabio’, Hon. Frank, being a graduate of Business Management and fully in knowledge about the importance of teaching to fish rather than giving fishes, created a future for the Eket people by setting up the entrepreneurship scheme where beneficiaries were trained on various skills. He also backed the trainees up with financial support and a conducive environment for their produce to thrive. What more could Eket people ask for?

In line with the Dakkada initiative of the present administration geared towards building lives independency and knowledge base youths, ‘The Eagle’ had sent twenty four youths from Eket Local Government to undertake training in Mechatronics. After the training, participants were able to detect faults in a motor vehicle electronically through the use of a scanner technology and will be given starter packs to enable them function as planned by the the Honourable.

Frank Archibong, a promising leader, extroversive mixer, deep thinker, generous giver but prudent, is seen by many as the elixir of the lost glory of Ekid Nation. He has all it takes to soar with the Eket people to greater heights.
Now to the Eket people, the question is this; would you let the Eagle lead you? Or just another bird?

Kufre Samuel.
SUG President University Of Uyo (2016-2017)

#DISE, a pictorial exhibition and 2nd event in the #OrangeSeptember celebration, takes place today Monday, 18th September, 2017 at Ibibio Union Museum, Unity Park, Uyo, with the historical evolution of Akwa Ibom State in pictures, from the early days of creation till date on display.

From sweeping landscape scenes to powerful portraits captured by daring individuals, photographs of the arrival and reception of our first military administrator, and full-exposure of thought-provoking, visually captivating photography, #Dise is one event that will make this year's state creation anniversary memorable!

Orange September is a series of events planned to celebrate Akwa Ibom at 30 with a mandate to position the state by showcasing the diverse and enigmatic colours of our collective history, unity in diversity, depth and range of our indigenous entrepreneurship.

Orange - the colour of our state, reflects our lifestyle as a people; optimistic, sociable, hospitable, adventurous and industrious. You can't afford to miss!

Orange September is powered by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Akwa Ibom State.

Official Hashtag: #Dise #OrangeSeptember

Visit www.orangeseptember.ng

#OrangeSeptember...celebrating who we are! 16th - 22nd September 2017.

#DISE, a pictorial exhibition and 2nd event in the #OrangeSeptember celebration, takes place today Monday, 18th September, 2017 at Ibibio Union Museum, Unity Park, Uyo, with the historical evolution of Akwa Ibom State in pictures, from the early days of creation till date on display.

From sweeping landscape scenes to powerful portraits captured by daring individuals, photographs of the arrival and reception of our first military administrator, and full-exposure of thought-provoking, visually captivating photography, #Dise is one event that will make this year's state creation anniversary memorable!

Orange September is a series of events planned to celebrate Akwa Ibom at 30 with a mandate to position the state by showcasing the diverse and enigmatic colours of our collective history, unity in diversity, depth and range of our indigenous entrepreneurship.

Orange - the colour of our state, reflects our lifestyle as a people; optimistic, sociable, hospitable, adventurous and industrious. You can't afford to miss!

Orange September is powered by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Akwa Ibom State.

Official Hashtag: #Dise #OrangeSeptember

Visit www.orangeseptember.ng

#OrangeSeptember...celebrating who we are! 16th - 22nd September 2017.

ONE GOAL NIGERIA
The dream of realising a greater Nigeria is embedded in our ability as a generation to cross all lines of hate, ethnicism, regionalisation and religious fanaticism.

Today we envisage a greater and better generation through our unity, focus for economic diversification, doggedness towards the actualization of an economically independent generation through agriculture to retake our place among the committee of states, re-emancipate our naira and reclaim our glory as the Lion of Africa.

This can only be realised when we have 'One Goal,One Vision' and this gathering of young leaders across the nation will avail us the opportunity to change the narratives and take a turn that will aid the actualization of our dreams.

Obande Gideon,
Minority Leader,
Nigerian Youth Parliament and Convener One Goal Project

ROAD MAP TO AKWA IBOM AT 30 CELEBRATIONS

The cultural carnival and golf tournament have set the tone for Akwa Ibom at 30 anniversary celebrations.

Line up the events for the remaining days:

*18th September, 2017*
›Dise Photo Exhibition – Ibibio Union Museum

*19th September, 2017*
›Ibom Food Fest – Ibom Unity Park

›Civil Service Auditorium, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat

*20th September, 2017*
›Dakkada Business Forum - Ibom Hall

›Orange Music Fiesta – Ibom Hall

*21st September, 2017*
›FEYREP Anniversary Event - Ibom Hall, IBB Avenue, Uyo

›Novelty Football Match - Godswill Akpabio International Stadium

›An Evening with the Generals, State Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo

›Styles of Akwa Ibom – Ibom Hall

*22nd September, 2017*
›MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISE CLINIC, Ibom Hall

›Ndoko Akwa Ibom, MISS AKWA IBOM PAGEANT 2017– Ibom Hall

*23rd September, 2017*
*_PROJECT_* * *_COMMISSIONING_* *
›Electric Metering Factory, Onna
›General Hospital, Etinan
›Syringe Factory, Onna

›March Past & Cultural Display - Godswill Akpabio International Stadium

›State Anniversary Banquet & Award Night - Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort

*24th September, 2017*
SPECIAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE
›30th Anniversary of the Creation of Akwa Ibom State - Ibom Hall Grounds

›Nigeria @ 57 Independence Anniversary - Ibom Hall Grounds

›Luncheon - State Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo (AFTER THE CHURCH SERVICE)

*25th September, 2017*
›SWEARING - IN OF NEW CHAIRMAN, AKWA IBOM STATE COUNCIL OF CHIEFS - State Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo

#AkwaIbomAt30 #OrangeSeptember #AkwaIbomAyaya #UdomEmmanuel

N20,000 up for grabs every 10am and 4pm in the Orange September Challenge from Monday 11th to Friday 15th September 2017!
To win, all you need is a good knowledge of Akwa Ibom state!

HOW TO ENTER
1. Update your profile picture to your COLOR ME ORANGE photo (if you don't have, visit www.orangeseptember.ng to create one)
2. Like and share our Facebook Page @AKSOrangeSeptember
3. Visit www.orangeseptember.ng every 10am and 4pm to get the question of the day
4. Visit our Facebook page to submit your answers in the comment box of the particular question
5. After submission, DO NOT EDIT your answers else you will be disqualified
6. Winners will be chosen daily in a lucky dip

The #OrangeSeptemberChallenge brand is part of #OrangeSeptember... a celebration of who we are! #AmazingAkwaIbom #UdomEmmanuel

When last did you eat Asa Iwa, Asa Ibikpod, Ekpang Iwa, Akara Ukom, Akara Mboro, Iwuuk Ukom ye Ndise, Ikpong Aniimbo ke ntuen okpo or Mkpiifia ye Mkpurikpu ke efere atikke?

Nothing to worry about! These "old-time religion" meals will be available at Ibom FoodFest.

Ibom FoodFest is a food festival aimed at promoting Akwa Ibom's rich culinary culture. The event will be offering a full day filled with food, drinks and entertainment.

With over 200 cuisines on display, food lovers will experience Akwa Ibom's hospitable disposition.

The free admission event will take place at Unity Park, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, on Tuesday, 21st September, 2017 by 10am.

The event looks to appeal to all ages and tastes with a myriad of food vendors from the 31 LGAs of Akwa Ibom state, to choose from.

An exotic cookbook containing the over 200 amazing cuisines from Akwa Ibom will be presented at #IbomFoodFest. The online edition will also be unveiled.

Ibom FoodFest, the 3rd event on the #OrangeSeptember series. Orange September is packaged to celebrate Akwa Ibom at 30 with a mandate to position the state by showcasing the diverse and enigmatic colours of our collective history, unity in diversity, depth and range of our indigenous entrepreneurship.

This event is powered by Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Akwa Ibom State.

Join the conversation and follow this event using the official Hashtags: #IbomFoodFest #OrangeSeptember or visit www.orangeseptember.ng for more info.

DISE is a Pictorial/Photography Exhibition and the 2nd event in the Orange September celebration. DISE will take place on Monday, 18th September, 2017 at Ibibio Union Museum, Unity Park, Uyo. The event hopes to showcase the historical evolution of Akwa Ibom State in pictures, from the early days of creation till date.

Orange September is a series of events planned to celebrate Akwa Ibom at 30 with a mandate to position the state by showcasing the diverse and enigmatic colours of our collective history, unity in diversity, depth and range of our indigenous entrepreneurship.

Orange - the colour of our state, reflects our lifestyle as a people; optimistic, sociable, hospitable, adventurous and industrious.

Rare photographic works by indigenous photographers and those from renowned masters in the art of photography will be also be showcased at the event.

DISE is organized to serve as a platform for budding Akwa Ibom photographers.

These Photographers will imbibe technical competence, abilities and mentoring through their interaction with world class professionals in the field.

DISE will maximize potentials, build capacity and create wealth for our young photographers in line with the vision of the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Orange September is powered by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Akwa Ibom State.

Official Hashtag: #Dise #OrangeSeptember

Visit www.orangeseptember.ng

#OrangeSeptember...celebrating who we are! 16th - 22nd September 2017.

Akwa Ibom 30th Anniversary Essay Writing Competition is open to all Senior Secondary School Education of Akwa Ibom Origin.

Essay Topic : The Akwa Ibom Of My Dreams.

Entries should be type written and double spaced and should not be more than 1000 words.

Your essay must be original and unpublished.

Submit by email to akwaibom30@gmail.com.
Essay are to be submitted alongside :
Student's Full Name, Name and address of school, Name and Phone number of school principal.

Entry closes 15th September 2017

Live changing prices to be won

As far as Akwa Ibom is concerned, the government and the church are inseparable. The church serves as a moral compass to the state by which the government exerts her powers. Yes, Akwa Ibom is Christian state so the biggest business in Akwa Ibom is church business and not drug business.

READ MORE >>http://akstrending.com/reuben-abatis-phones-no-longer-ring/

Reuben Abati stumbles on Akwa Ibom State 

By Osondu Ahirika 


I have a story to tell. It is about the revered Dr Reuben Abati and how he stumbled on a gamble with the local politics of Akwa Ibom State. 

Before I share my tale, I make haste, my opening statement. The best horse may stumble someday. That is a maxim, traced by legend to Olympias in Grecian history. 

Olympias was the wife of King Philip II, and mother of Alexander the Great. Legend has it that, Olympias, observing her son's obsession with war and conquests, warned the battle hardened Alexander to be wary of conflicts. Observing the over confidence of her son in his experience and proficiency in war, Olympias reportedly warned him that, the best horse may stumble someday. 


I am persuaded that, Dr Abati, in his desperation to launch himself back to the pantheon of 'non partisan' commentators on the Nigeria project, after the taint of his years as the President's spokesman, chose Akwa Ibom State,  which is the face of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Nigeria, as the 'Guinea pig' for that quest. Sadly, he scored an own goal by that infamous act. Now, hear my story before I render my verdict. 


The date was Sunday May 27 , 2012. The event? A Democracy Day Thanksgiving service at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja. Then President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Patience, Governor Patrick Yakowa of kaduna State, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, then Deputy Governor of Nasarawa  State, Dameshi Luke, Dr Reuben Abati, several Senators,  Ministers and other top politicians were in attendance. 


The guest preacher, erstwhile Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Bishop Peter Akinola, in a blunt sermon, sued the august congregation to join faith with him in denouncing corruption and committing corrupt officials to God for divine affliction. It was a tense service. 


When the man of God finished his prayer, President Jonathan and his officials declined to chorus, amen. Expectedly, newsmen quizzed Abati, to explain why Jonathan and his officers refused to say amen, despite the protest of Bishop Akinola,  following his prayerful curse against corruption perpetrated by public officials. Government officials should please come to our rescue here. 

 

Is this true? Abati said, it is about not breaching aspects of protocol that are not widely known outside Government circles, which limits the number of times Mr President or government officials can say amen during a church service. 


According to Abati, it is a long standing presidential protocol that,  during Church or Mosque services, the President only offers a fixed number of amens or amis, as the case may be. He was however mute on the prescribed number. 

Hear him, "The Reverend had offered many prayers and demanded many amens prior to the contentious one, the result of which was that, the day’s quota of amens had been used up." 


In a fleet of political correctness, Abati charged preachers, pastors and imams to come to terms with government protocol, and to also limit the length of their prayers and sermons. 

Then wait for this : “It is the same people accusing the President of not saying amen to anti-corruption prayer that would be accusing him of favouritism if he had broken with protocol and said more amens than is allowed by constitution,” Abati said.


Folks', that is Abati for you. Going by his name, Reuben, I guess he is a Christian. But, his recent tirade in a decidedly, blindsided piece, in which he launched a misguided attack on the Church in Akwa Ibom State, gagging them with the abasing label of being parastatals of the State Government leaves me pondering, what faith he actually professes. 


Recall that, in November 2013, Nasir el-Rufai(currently Governor of kaduna state), reacting to a picture of President Jonathan kneeling for prayers from Pastor Enoch Adeboye, derisively tweeted, “Many prayers of the lazy, docile, incompetent, clueless, hopeless, useless leader!”


Let me render an abridgement of Abati's response when prodded by newsmen, "it is those people criticizing President Jonathan who are totally clueless...  We are waiting for Nasir el-Rufai, Lai Muhammed, Oby Ezekwesili, Dino Melaye, and the Jagaban (Bola Tinubu) and their Northern godfathers: may they all see the light, and may the light set them free. And that tells you something, that we have a president who is a true leader who in the fullness of time, you find his worst critics, becoming his strongest promoters. And that is our point"


He never saw anything wrong with President Jonathan resorting to the church for prayers in trying to grapple with the challenge of governing a complex nation as Nigeria. 

He defended every romance of the then PDP administration with the Pastor Ayo Oritsejsfor led Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN. 


Never mind the scandals of that era, including the botched South Africa arms deal cash allegedly ferried in the private jet of a religious leader, the temporary pull-out of the Catholic bloc from CAN for alleged politicization of the body by the Jonathan administration,  or the alleged bribery of CAN for the 2015 Presidential elections. Abati saw no evil in all of that. He now seeks to use Akwa Ibom, with a skewed narrative, for his 'Damascus' redemption song. 


I am careful not to belabour the unfortunate references to the overflogged Akwa Ibom Governor's Lodge project, Lagos, or the equally infantile recourse to insinuating that, the private letter of a certain Rev Peter Richard of the African church, which was openly disclaimed by the Church, and several Akwa Ibom State government officials  to validate his, patently puerile, unfounded and unfortunate thesis, that, the church in Akwa Ibom State is compromised with political whoredom. He even failed to relate that to Governor Emmanuel allowed the protesters have a March and ordered his supporters to call off a planned counter rally which would have been massive. 


Abati should know that many states in the world run a pseudo theocracy. Religion and the state are like a conjoined twin. They can hardly be separated. I don't know if Abati prefers that, our leaders consult Okija shrine, or that the church leaves politics for animists to determine how the state is governed. 


But let me tell Dr Abati a home truth. Akwa Ibom State is named after God. The people are unapologetically of the Christian faith and are proudly so. He needs also know that, Governor Udom Emmanuel is an ordained Deacon of the Qua Iboe Church, which was founded by The Rev Alexander Bill, close to his village. He will hang,  if needs be, a the Bible on his neck to make boast of his faith. He owes nobody, not even Abati, an apology for this. 


Like the scripture beseeches us, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.(Deuteronomy 6; 7-9). 

  We hold fast to our faith. Even President Muhammadu Buhari has remained fervent in prayers to ensure Nigeria works. Every leader does. Udom Emmanuel, I believe, will not be blackmailed by this Facebook-gossip induced treatise by Dr Abati. A good horse that he is,  in this profession, he stumbled on this Akwa Ibom diatribe. This was an own goal. May it not diminish the stature of the great Dr Abati.


Here is my ruling. For this obvious goof by Dr Abati, and in the spirit of the season of celebration in Akwa Ibom, I hereby order that, he be coloured with orange and discharged on self recognition. I rise.

Faith and Power Church Intl, (Fapo) has declared Friday 1st of September fasting and prayers for Akwa Ibom State.

The message was contained in a release by the Presiding Bishop, Bishop Emmanuel Etim during today's church service at the headquarters in Uyo.

The man of God; Bishop Etim called on members and the general public to remain resolute and pray without ceasing, as ember month is season of myths as it is the most dangerous months of the year when Christians live carelessly allowing the enemy take advantage of them, hence the reason for the one day fast.

"But this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting". - Mathew 17:21

It could be recalled that the state government through a Press Release signed by Commissioner for Information and Strategy had declared 1st September 2017 as a day of prayer and fasting to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the State.

The fasting also is to afford all Akwa Ibom people the opportunity to seek the face of God and open doors for more of God’s blessing upon our state at 30.

With the theme, “Shine for thy light is come…(Isa 60:1), this year’s anniversary is epochal, considering that thirty years is a very significant time in God’s scheme of things.

The heaven was opened for Jesus at the age of 30 during his baptism and there he also received a Divine endowment from the Father.

Uduak Inwang writes from Uyo.

AKISAN: THEATER OF THE ABSURD

In one of my writings in 2013, I noted that the diaspora remains the greatest setback to continental Africa ( Akwa Ibom in this case).
My reason isn't farfetched. Most Africans living in the United States are not gainfully employed, got involved in deviant behaviors and gangsterism. The result is that they see those holding political offices at home with untold envy and disdain.

Again, their perspective on most of us here are skewed, necessitating a confrontational disposition on every sphere of life.

This attitude played out during the recently held AKISAN Convention in the United States, where the association flagrantly disrespected the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State by his non recognition in the entire scheme of the event.

What is more baffling is that the same organization accorded the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Nsima Ekere a borrowed rope by first making him the chairman of the event and an award recipient.

This obviously has sparked off serious controversy propelling the State Government to withdraw from the event. AKISAN has put forward a light weighted and flimsy excuse which centers on their inability to see the state Governor, after waiting for 6 hours.

It begs the question as to whether a supposed organized association in AKISAN's mould should be so petty to the extent desecrating the exalted office of the Governor simply on monetary grounds. Secondly, should a man who is aspiring to lead a state condescend to the extent of impugning the same office he is aspiring to occupy? This situates Nsima Ekere within the prism of a desperado who has lost every sense of logic, integrity and official etiquette.

This goes a long way to exemplifying the APC Conspiracy theory which is founded on lies, mendacious falsehood, propaganda, insecurity and above all terrorism. Can forget the DSS invasion of the Governor's Lodge in hurry?

To AKISAN, washing it's dirty linen in far away United State tells more on the content and context of its operations. I wonder the kind of respect it intend to earn from the Americans, after such a shameful posturing. This goes a long way to telling that AKISAN is indeed, a theatre of the absurd!

Copied from a WhatsApp Group.

AKISAN: Pilgrimage to nowhere

By Iniubong James

It was a short but terse statement from the Akwa Ibom State Government that signalled her pullout from, as the statement put it, "... all activities organized by Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, AKISAN, in United States of America till further notice.

My problem is with that last caveat," till further notice " my take was, and remains, why till further notice? Why not a total pull out from the meaningless annual jamboree, that has become a sort of pilgrimage to nowhere called AKISAN?

What if I may ask is the benefit visibly derives from the AKISAN travels in the last ten years?

We know of the religious pilgrimages by Muslims and Christians to Mecca, Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem in Israel respectively. Ww even know of tourism to the Carribeans or Asia, and why governments send delegations to other nations for these pilgrimages. But what is the real gain for the AKISAN annual relocation of state apparatus and Its attendant capital flight for?

This puzzle becomes more worrisome against the background that is sensible State government's have withdrawn from sponsorship of pilgrimage to any Holy lands.

The Kaduna State Government led the pack, when she announced soon after assumption of office in 2015 , that it has saved N221 after the stoppage of sponsorship of pilgrimage in the state

In a statement by the media aide to Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i, Mr Samuel Aruwan, on Saturday in Kaduna, while announcing the appointment of Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril, as the 2015 Amirul-Hajj for the state, the statement explained that government’s decision to stop sponsoring people for pilgrimages has saved the state more than N221.8 million.. The he statement however said the government would send 116 officials and guides that would ensure smooth Hajj operations for the 5,682 pilgrims from the state.

Governor Rufai raised concerns that, with the economic recession, it will amount to being pound foolish for government to spend so much to fund what is the private religious obligations of adherents. Lagos and Niger states have since followed suit with several states in the South East and South South that have also backed out of bankrolling pilgrimages. The aargument has always been that, AKISAN is made up of citizens and they should be made to feel the government of their home state. Nobody disputes that. It has also been argued that, AKISAN accounts for over 1 billion naira in amounts repatriated to the state annually and I dare say: go tell that to the marines.

The whole truth is that, AKISAN has become an instrument of blackmail and extortion in the hands of a few of its leaders to plunder their home state. There are many of them there who have never set foot on African soil for decades, not to talk of Nigeria or Akwa Ibom State in particular. All tthe do is use the power of social media to smear, castigate, blackmail political leaders back home for a fee and only relent once their greedy beak is settled. What monies do they repatriate, when they annually send requests for assistance to the state government to help them fund the so called AKISAN convention? Will AKISAN deny the hefty donations she lures the Akwa Ibom State Government to part with every year at those organized scams called convention? Is the fight for government patronage not the reason AKISAN has derailed from their set goals and objectives? Is it because Governor Udom Emmanuel has cut down their greedy demands for allocation for the convention and their excessive pressure for release of funds that they connived with the desperate Niger Delta Development Commission Manager is Obong Nsima Ekere to demean the exalted office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State? If aAKISAN thinks that, they have hit the bulls eye with this shenanigans, they have failed woefully. Their conspiracy with Nsima Ekere whose known desperation to become governor by all means possible will not help the failed politician, who is loathed at home for his evil ways. His ambition is dead on arrival. Ekere should know AKISAN will not vote in 2019. I ccommend Governor Udom Emmanuel for standing firm and not hearkening to the blackmail of AKISAN and her cohorts in this naked dance to nowhere. Enough iis enough. That AKISAN convention is a jamboree. I recommend to the leadership of AKISAN, the wisdom of Ikpafak Thompson Essien'regrets, when he wrote :"I have written about this before, now it has been confirmed, everywhere Nsima Ekere enters, trouble must ferment. Now he has taken his wahala to AKISAN. If the incident is not handled properly, this incident will be the beginning of the end of AKISAN as we know it."AKISAN sshould be told in clear terms that the made the wrong

Bet this time. Nsima Ekere is a political leper, anything he comes in contact with will contract the leprosy. AKISAN should go to the 'river Jordan' wash and purge herself to become clean.

A CALL FOR NORMINATIONS FOR 2017 DAKKADA YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS AND PROFESSIONALS AWARD

As part of activities for the dual celebration of the 30th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State and second anniversary of the Dakkada Philosophy/initiative of Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration, the Directorate of Marketing and Brand Management, Governors office, is calling for nominations of outstanding Akwa Ibom youths for recognition.
The categories for the awards Include: Dakkada Young Entrepreneurs Award and Dakkada Young Professionals Award.
The awards seek to honour Akwa Ibom youths who have
attained the following feat:

1. DAKKADA YOUNG ENTERPRENEURSHIP AWARD
(a) Must be an Akwa Ibomite
(b) Must have started and is running a business
(c) Not more than 35years old
(d) An outstanding entrepreneur noted for exemplary behavior and integrity

2. DAKKADA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AWARD
(a) Must be an Akwa Ibomite
(b) Must not be more than 35years
(c) An outstanding professional noted for exemplary behavior and integrity
(d) Must have been in his chosen profession for at least 5years.

All entries and nominations for each of the categories should be sent through www.akwaibomdakkada.com/nominate on or before August 27, 2017.

Nominations can also be made via our Facebook page and Twitter handle @dakkadang using

Nomination pattern :
I nominate. ....... (name )
Of .......... (company ) for ......
(Category ).
Phone number. ........
#dakkadaaward.

The Directorate promises to adhere to the highest level of integrity in the selection process as winners will be selected by a panel of judges.

Signed..............
Mr Sam Edoho
SSA, Directorate of Marketing and Brand Management.