How market?

Please if you understood my write-up very well, you would see that I didn't declare any doubt prior to Lampard's brevity and soundness. What I was trying to state is the fact that Abrahamovich does not have time for the building of a team. Lampard has everything to deliver. The players need time to blend with the EPL standard. But Abrahamovich is the real problem here. He wouldn't want to end this season without a trophy.

Frank Lampard has been in Chelsea all through his lifetime but it's sad he doesn't understand how Abrahamovich works.

Chelsea owner, Abrahamovich does not understand anything about building a team, all he understands is the language of money/profit making. He believes in using €40m to get €100m after ten months and anything that dares to stop his dream, he gets rid of it even against all odds. He's a gambler, so gamblers don't have time for motivational words, impressive play. All they do is make their stakes to get something in return.

Frank should know that he's no the first to travel through that lane. Di Matteo tried it in 2011 but was kicked out.

Di Matteo inherited a struggling team filled with old men after his Boss was sacked. Luck shun on him that he overturned Napoli's 3:1 win with that struggling squad. At a time, Chelsea had just a first eleven with no substitutes. Even the first eleven were men who had been over-stressed, and nearly all of them were surviving on past glories. Few of the young boys were averaged players while the remaining were good. But the team was a very weak one.

As an interim Manager, he took that same squad, won Barcelona fc and Bayern Munich thereby winning the EUFA Champions league trophy that year. The next season, he saw that Chelsea was just a club that was surviving on its past glories. The team needed to be rebuilt, and this means signing young stars as well as upcoming stars.

The likes of the Hazard's, Marko Marin, Kelvin De Bryne, and some other young talented lads were signed. They were very impressive but all that was needed to build a long lasting Chelsea was time. Di Matteo had a target, but Chelsea Owner did not have that patient. He saw the rebuilding of Stamford Bridge as a big waste of time. Few months after an impressive/sad moments, Di Matteo was fired. I'm always of the opinion that if there's any Manager that needed to be given preferential treatment in Stamford Bridge, it should have been Di Matteo. A man who could succeed to take such a poor squad to win the EUFA Champions league deserves to be treated differently. But no, Abrahamovich only cares about his money and not the team.

Chelsea is not Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Arsenal nor Manchester City fc. Chelsea is a team that must win a trophy every single year. It's a tradition and any Manager who cannot meet up to expectations is fired.

Chelsea fc is a football club which few Coaches of this world could fit in. What's needed in Chelsea is for a Manager to come, get already made players, use few weeks to get the team fixed, win trophies and after one to two years, you misbehave to get fired. They don't believe in long term planning, they believe solely on short term planning and the benefits. This is why it's very hard for good Coaches like Di Matteo and Lampard could cannot manage Chelsea. Even if Chelsea want to sign Zendine Zidane, Kloop or Guardiola. They won't still be able to perform well because of the high odds which are against their rationale.

When Frank took over, all he's been trying to do is to see that he build a Chelsea squad that can last for the next 5-6years. But does he have the time? Oh no! Frank is basking in the euphoria of unattainability. He has been in the club as a Las till when he became a man. He understands the club better than anyone else. But for him to think he'll be treated differently by Abrahamovich is something I don't understand. The fact he's a Chelsea legend doesn't mean he won't be sacked. He's doing the right thing by signing those young stars, bit is that the tradition of Chelsea? Oh no!

Chelsea believes in big names. Even if it takes the club to sign a big star with €200m, sure they'll do it. They don't have time to build up talents, that's why it's very hard for young talents to grow there.

If Frank want to succeed in Chelsea as a legend he is, he should go out there and look for matured players, sign them and win trophies, or he risk being disgracefully sacked any moment from now. That's how Chelsea works.


Umani Uwemedimo is a Chelsea supporter, writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

GOVERNOR EMMANUEL COMMISSIONS 9.5KM IKOT EBIDANG ROAD, ASSSURES ON MORE RURAL PROJECTS

Governor Udom Emmanuel
says his administration will continue to pay premium to opening up rural communities with quality roads network to boost the economy and tourism potentials in the state.

Mr Emmanuel who spoke at Onna while unveiling a 9.5km Ikot Ebekpo/ Ikot Ebidang road project that climaxes at a landing Jetty built by his administration in ONNA local government area, said the project is in fulfillment of his completion agenda of rural development.

The project inauguration was part of activities to mark the 33rd anniversary of State's creation, Governor Emmanuel who recalled how deplorable the road was in the past, said he was excited to fulfil the promise he made in 2015 when he flagged off his governorship consultation in the area.

He said his next priority rural project is the link road between nearby Ndon Eyo and the coastal area of Odio in Eket local government area .

The Governor listed rural development as key in his completion agenda for the state, and commended the contractor, Benest Technical Services for delivering a quality job.

"I came here to commission this project to make a statement. In our completion agenda, rural development is a priority. I commend Benest Technical Services for delivering a nice job. This river can take you to Cameroun and other parts of west African countries. This is just a first step. We will try and develop on this jetty facility.

"The whole of this jetty side is going to be further expanded economic activities increase". We are going to encourage a lot of economic activities here".

"Anyone who has a barge and wants to operate here could easily get registered to make use of this facility, instead of having to go through long routes," he said.

The road, executed by one of the foremost contractors in the state, Benest Technical Services, BTS, leads to an ultra modern jetty, also constructed by the same firm.

It links up the East West Road on one side and the council headquarter's road at Abat, on another end.

Welcoming the Governor to the project site, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga, described the quality of the project project as to as impressive.

"Few years ago, no indigene would have believed that the place we are staying today could be accessed with vehicles. The area was totally waterlogged. This area has today been opened up for economic activities".

The Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Eno Ibanga said the project opens up the otherwise swampy community of Ikot Ebidang, to economic and tourism activities.

A member of the community and Chief of Staff to the Governor Mr. Ephraim Inyangeyen said he was happy that his people have witnessed the benevolence of the Governor, maintaining that the project

Elder Ben Udobia whose company BTS handled the project said he was appreciative that that the Governor had given local contractors opportunities to also execute turnkey projects.

Udobia who is also the deputy director general of the Divine Mandate, said goods and services from neighbouring countries can also access the communities, adding that before the project was executed, people trekked more than five kilometers before getting to the location of the Jetty.

He said the road is 9.5km,.with 8.5m wide carriageway, reinforced concrete side drains on both sides of the road, reinforced concrete culvert at designated locations, a Jetty, parking lot and shoreline protection.

The Local Government Council Chairman for ONNA, Mr. Imoh Attat, and the House of Assembly Member for ONNA State Constituency,.Rt. Hon. Nse Essien in their goodwill messages described Governor Emmanuel as a promise keeper.

The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel, Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, Members of the national and State House of Assembly, State Exco Members, party officials, senior citizens, royal fathers, women and youths, among others.

The Governor later commissioned an ultra modern General Hospital IN Awa, harping on his resolve to turnaround healthcare delivery across the state.

Media Unit
Govt House,Uyo
25/09/20

PASTOR IZE IYAMU CANCELS MEGA RALLY AND BLASTS APC GOVERNORS FOR DUMPING HIM

Information reaching our desk now is that pastor OSAGIE Ize Iyamu planned to hold his final rally today at 3pm to finally showcase his artificial support base at Garrick Memorial.

After the stage has been arranged and several bookings have been made, a total number of twelve Governors called this morning and informed the APC of EDO state that they are not coming for the rally and that they are not interested.

As we speak, they are already calling the musicians,artists and market women that were mobilized to the rally to make a refund of their money.

Currently, Ize Iyamu has crashed, he does not have the so called federal backing. It is clear that the APC governors don’t want him. It is clear that he has been rejected by the people.

Concerned people of EDO state please help me ask pastor Ize Iyamu why he cancelled his rally slated for 3pm today.

Akwa Ibom Vehicle Manufacturing/Assembling Plant: The Gov Emmanuel's Signet

By Umani Uwemedimo

"We stand ready and committed to provide jobs for the people of Akwa Ibom State. The site will represent first chapter in the book of industrialization we have opened today. Already, we have acquired 20 hectares of land for the Automobile Assembling Plant, which is one of the fruits of the Foreign Direct Investment."- Governor Udom Emmanuel said during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Automobile Assembling Plant on July 13, 2015.

It's without doubt that an Automobile Industry is one that creates great impacts in the global market, and as a matter of fact, it controls not less than 45% of the world's economy. Its growth has caused an economic revolution across the globe, for example; in America, Japan, Israel, Germany and other European countries where manufacturing and automobile assembling are done. This is why the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel deployed his synergy into ensuring there's one of its kind in his State.

In one of my articles about the unprecedented achievements of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, I opined that the governor is one person who creates great things from virtually nothing. The story of the Automobile Assembling Plant is one landmark achievement that can never be ignored whenever global revolution is emphasized.

From hitherto, a core Civil Service State, Governor Emmanuel has expanded the economy of the State by introducing series of innovations toward achieving his industrial revolutionary goal. While these innovations have yielded great results in his industrialization revolutionary goal, Mr. Emmanuel has tuned Akwa Ibom to an investment destination.

Barely five years back, the Akwa Ibom State governor, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel had maintained that his priority is to see the economy of the State and Nigeria at large being diversified. This dream has become a reality in Akwa Ibom State. The states has drifted from depending on the crude oil market, to exploring other components of the global market. Many industries have been brought to bear within this short while. One of these industries is the Automobile Assembling Plant located in Itu Local Government Area of the State.

The Automobile Assembling Plant whose groundbreaking ceremony was done by the governor of the State in July, 13th 2015, is on record as the first ground breaking ceremony done by the him shortly after his inauguration into office then. The project had created great doubts in the minds of the people within and outside the shores of the State. Whenever it was mentioned, people felt terribly disappointed prior to its physical state as at then.

After few years, many people were forced into believing that the conceived Automobile Plant by the governor was a scam. This they didn't do because they hated the governor nor disbelieved in his industrialization drive, but it was simply because expectations were high and when it turned out as if they were basking in the euphoria of unattainability, they decided to give up, not knowing that the governor and the investors were still having sleepless nights, working relentlessly to ensure that the common dreams and hopes of the people are not thwarted.

So many people were ignorant of the fact that such a mega project involves a lot of careful planning and documentations both at the State and National level before any action is taken. They had expected everything to be up and running just like the magics they see in Hollywood, Nollywood or Bollywood movies. They didn't know that behind the forest they saw at Ikot Ukap in Itu LGA, these people were working the work in silence and they had already pictured the future of the factory.

Today, everything has been put in place for the commencement of its full operations. This is a clear testimony that governor Udom Emmanuel is a visionary leader who always create things from virtually nothing. Anyone who follows him should be rest assured that he is on the right track, and can never be disappointed.

The Automobile Assembling Plant, is set for operations in Akwa Ibom State with every required equipment already on ground. With an ultra-modern edifice with world class infrastructural facilities, the investors of the factory has proven to Akwa Ibom people that indeed, they meant business when they came to inform us in 2015 of their intention to establish their first ever plant in Africa. There have also proven that the effort of governor Udom Emmanuel towards the birth and effective operations of the factory is not in vain.

The Plant is the first Automobile Manufacturing/Assembling Plant in the Niger Delta region and will be one of the biggest in Nigeria. The target is to become the best not just in Nigeria, but also in Africa in the next couple of years, and with everything that has been put in place, the dream will sure become a reality.

As part of the activities to start full operations without delay, the factory as at last week had forwarded a letter to the State Government for the activation of a part of the pact entered between the government and the Investors. This was that a certain number of Akwa Ibomites will be selected based on their skills, and sent to Israel for the perfection of these skills of theirs. This training which will last for months will instill on them the necessary skills and experience required to properly assemble vehicles of different kinds. The training in Israel will be done in batches.

Accordingly, these lucky persons who are all specialists in diverse skills connected to automobile, like, upholstery, mechanical, electrical, panel bitting, painting, etcetera etcetera, will be sent to Israel for training and will be the first to be employed in the mega Automobile Assembling Plant. This will be done even before the official commissioning of the factory by the government.

At the completion of their training, they'll return to the State to also practice what they learnt over there, and to also convey same knowledge on other employees who'll be working with them in the factory. They'll assemble the first set of vehicles at the factory.

The factory whose containers arrived Nigeria from Israel during the total lockdown in the world due to the corona virus pandemic is a clear testimony that indeed, ONLY GOD is involved in everything the governor does.

In reality, the Plant will not only boost the economy of the State, it'll create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. By creating these jobs, it therefore implies that the unemployment rate of the State will be greatly reduced.

The Automobile Assembling Plant will create massive employment for graduates and non-graduates. It'll also create an avenue for food vendors to explore, as well as other business minded persons.

With this Plant located in Akwa Ibom , more Transportation Companies are expected into the State. Commercial drivers and Companies who overtime have been found wanting in getting sound vehicles will now have a cause to boost their businesses and operations with sound and brand new vehicles at affordable rates.

The Automobile Assembling Plant in Akwa Ibom State is here to stay, and it has governor Udom Emmanuel's signet imprinted on it. In years to come, whenever Automobile revolution in Africa is recounted, Mr. Udom Emmanuel's name will not be left unmentioned.

Culled from the Ink Newspapers

INSIDE THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLING FACTORY IN AKWA IBOM STATE



This is the Automobile Manufacturing and Assembling Company attracted into Akwa Ibom State by His Excellency, Gov. Udom Emmanuel.

The factory is located at Ikot Ukap in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The factory is expected to be commissioned by first quarter of next year.

At the moment, all the equipment needed to kick-start operations in the factory are on ground awaiting coupling. They're all prefab.

The factory is sending Akwa Ibom people to Israel for onward training on effective manufacturing and assembling of automobiles. Once their training is completed, they'll return to the State to assemble the first set of automobiles in the factory. The training in Israel will be in batches.

The factory will provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians, especially Akwa Ibom people.

The Company has a clinic and pharmacy, and they'll be stocked with world class medical equipment and WHO/NAFDAC approved drugs.

In the clinic, there are wards, maternity is inclusive, theatres, and offices for doctors where consultations will be mmade. This is to help provide effective medical care to staff and also to give community service for the community people who are in emergency situations.

This is great news for the State. Indeed governor Udom Emmanuel is working

This is great. Governor Udom is indeed the people's governor

BREAKING

COVID 19: AKWA IBOM DISCHARGES 27 MORE SURVIVORS

The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the discharge of 27 more persons who had been undergoing treatment for COVID-19 in its Isolation Facilities, after being confirmed negative of the virus by the NCDC.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong, flanked by respiratory medicine expert Professor Etete Peters and the CMD of Ibom Specialist Hospital, Prof Emmanuel Ekanem, announced this on Wednesday in Uyo.

29 patients confirmed COVID-19 patients had been undergoing treatment before the discharge of 27 today.

❌❌❌ BREAKING NEWS!!!

NCDC APPROVES THE TESTING OF COVID-19 CASES IN AKS

.... SAYS THE ISOLATION CENTRE WITH INBUILT DIAGNOSTIC LAB IS ONE OF THE BEST IN NIGERIA

Akwa Ibom State Government has broken another commendable record by securing approval for the testing of COVID-19 cases in the state by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.

The approval followed the Validation visit to the Akwa Ibom State world class Isolation Centre with inbuilt Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory situated at the Disease Control Unit of the General Hospital Ituk Mbang.

Disclosing this yesterday in Uyo, the NCDC Team Leader, Mr Bamidele Oluwafemi commended the State Government for single-handedly building the Isolation centre with the inbuilt Laboratory with Category 3 PCR Machine without the support of the Federal Government.

Mr. Oluwafemi described the isolation centre with Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory as one of the best in the country, noting that within the period of their stay in the state, the team had inspected the facility and trained personnel at the Isolation Centre on how to carry out COVID-19 test and interpret results.

Emphasizing that everything at the centre was up to the expected standard of NCDC, the team leader said the state owned Polymerase Claim Reaction (PCR) Laboratory at the Ituk Mbang 300-bed capacity International Isolation Centre has been fully activated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Mr. Oluwafemi who was speaking while leading his teammates on a courtesy call on the Chairman of the State COVID-19 Management Committee and Secretary to State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, lauded the State Government for building the Isolation centre towards containing not only the spread of COVID-19, but other viral diseases in the state.

Responding, the Chairman of COVID-19 Management Committee and Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC team for activating and approving the PCR lab as well as adjudging the lab and isolation centre as one of the best in the country.

"On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I express our heartfelt gratitude to the team from the NCDC for visiting our state to painstakingly inspect and evaluate the kind of facility we have in the premises of General Hospital, Ituk Mbang." the SSG stated.

The Chairman of COVID-19 Management Committee further expressed gratitude to Governor Udom Emmanuel for the huge investment in the health sector of the state as exemplified in the upgrading of health care facilities across the state, describing Governor Emmanuel as a passionate and visionary leader.

The State Scribe informed the NCDC officials that the Udom Emmanuel-led Administration has procured various medical equipment for the state long before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic which made it a lot easier for the equipping of the Isolation centre.

Also speaking, the State Incident Manager and Commissioner for Health,Dr Dominic Ukpong, noted that with the approval of the PCR lab in the State, the challenges faced by the State in taking COVID-19 samples to other states for testing will now become history.

The courtesy call was attended by the Commissioner for Information, Sir Charles Udoh, Chairman, Hospitals Management Board, Dr David Udoumoh, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Medicals, Dr. Ignatius Akpabio and the Acting Permanent Secretary in the SSG'S Office, Dr Mfon Etimuweh, among others.

N30B PENSION AND GRATUITY'S DEBT: HOW AKPABIO FOOLED AKWA IBOM STATE
part1



Since after yesterday's media chat by Governor Udom Emmanuel on COVID-19 where he revealed how he inherited N30billion debt for Pensions and Gratuity from his predecessors, I've been weeping without comfort.

I have asked myself many questions which till this moment, answers can't be given.

In an era where there was abundance of resources in the Akwa Ibom State. The State as at then received so much funds from the Federal Government as monthly allocation to the state between N30bn to N46bn if not more than. There were excess crude oil returns to the state in billions of Naira, but that's the same era and administration where the state owed pensions and gratuities up to the tone of 30billion Naira?

At this point, one would be forced to know what the resources were used for that Akpabio still had to owe pensions and gratuities.

Recall that the administration of Obong Victor Attah fought gallantly for the common wealth of the Niger Delta Region which caused him a face off with the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo. But Attah never enjoyed the fruit of the fight, as he handed over to Godswill Akpabio who became the beneficiary of his sweat.

I was fooled to believe that all the showmanship done by Akpabio was real until he left the scene of Governance. It's pathetic that till date, some people are still fooled that they cannot differentiate between uncommon transformation from uncommon thievery. This calls for sober.

How and why would Godswill Akpabio owe retirees in the state N30billion in the midst of plenty of resources that were endowed on the State as at then?

It's only a wicked person who could do this. I'm forced to say that Akpabio is not only wicked, he lacks human empathy on the people (workers) who worked hard for the state.

What did Akpabio really achieve in his 8years of uncommon wastage as Governor of Akwa Ibom State?

Apart from few road constructions that he did, which they all underwent financial variation, what did Akpabio really do with all the money endowed on the State?

Recall that President Goodluck Jonathan was invited to the foundation laying of Quantum Petrochemical Complex at Ibeno by Akpabio and I ask, what is the fate of that project today?

The underground Pipe Jacking System done by Akpabio to tackle the issue of flooding in Uyo failed woefully but the contract was executed and commissioned by the then Vice President of Nigeria Arch Namadi Sambo.

I am pained each time I discovers that Sen. Akpabio fooled us in this state to believe that he had good intentions for the development of the state, but little did we know that he was laying a conduit pipe for syphoning the common wealth of Akwa Ibom State into his personal pocket.

Where are the 31 industries Akpabio promised to build in each of the Local Government Area of the state? Where is the money? I mean where are the billions approved by the AKHA?

Akpabio ventured into the Ibom Tropicana project. The project before its execution was believed to be talk of town when it's completed. Funds were released for the project but at last, Akpabio did not use 20% of the funds for same project. The highly rumored Ibom Tropicana was made to become a rat hole where attraction is far from. Nothing was done to have made the place an international relaxation center the way we were told.

Another project is the E-library. Is there any outstanding difference between the so called E-library and Cyber Cafe? To me, Cyber Cafe is far more preferable than the so called E-library because there, there's constant free WiFi. Did Akpabio make any provision for the place to meet and international standard? It's appalling that Akpabio used the State as a collateral for self aggrandizement.

If Akpabio had an iota of human sympathy on us, Akwa Ibomites, wouldn't he have at least cleared half of the pensions and gratuities owed the retirees? Why leave such a huge financial burden on his successor where he never kept any reserve for such to be paid?

It is painful to note that since Akpabio his defection to his new found party where his improprieties have been pushed aside, he has constantly incited workers and retirees against Governor Udom Emmanuel who is even doing his best to clear the backlogs of the huge financial burden He Akpabio left behind.

AKWA IBOM GOVERNMENT COMMENCES DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD ITEMS

Akwa Ibom State Government has concluded plans for provision of relief materials including rice, garri, flour and other essential food items to cushion the effects of the Quarantine and Restriction of Movement Regulations 2020.

A Disbursement committee set up by the Governor will soon announce the disbursement modalities directly to all villages in Akwa Ibom state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem in a media parley in Uyo said the mode of disbursements to villages will enable trickle down to give succour to all and sundry.

Dr Ekuwem announced that said the rice for distribution comes from the state Rice mill that was commissioned in December 2018, and expressed satisfaction that it is meeting the rice needs of the state at a time such as this period.

He also hinted that the state flour mill has produced enough tonnage to meet the demands of domestic bread and other confectionary needs within and outside state.

"The various garri processing factories set up in the state by the current administration, are complementing local production in cushioning the inflationary trends and the lull in domestic economic activities."

The SSG who noted that no new case of the COVID 19 has been confirmed in the state, he also assured that the five confirmed persons have not shown any noticeable symptoms and are under close observation by a team of specialized medical experts.

He also announced that construction work has commenced on a 300 bed Isolation Centre in Ituk Mbang to complement existing Isolation facilities in Ikot Ekpene and Ibom Specialist Hospital, Uyo.

He explained that while Goverment was doing everything to ensure the situation is contained, everyone is obligated to observing the safety measures required to curb the spread of the virus.

"It’s imperative for residents and citizens to remain law abiding and fully observe the lock-down order as contained in the Quarantine and Restriction of Movement Regulations 2020.

"Residents and citizens are also enjoined to continue to observe all personal and respiratory hygiene guidelines earlier issued and adhere to the social distancing prescriptions", he added.

Meanwhile our reporter who visited the flour mill in Onna, reported that the factory was producing at optimal capacity with staff operating at two shifts round the clock.
Trucks were seen in numbers, leaving the yard with full loads of flour.

The same scenario was witnessed at the Rice factory in Ini local government area, as some trucks were being filled with various sizes of rice for onward distribution in the state.

Gov Emmanuel's Great Achievement In The Health Sector

By Umani Uwemedimo





It is true that health care sector is characterised by constant reforms aimed at the efficient delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality care. This, the story of Mr. Udom Emmanuel would be left unfinished if we fail to recount his numerous achievement in the health sector of the State.

Since his assumption of office as the elected governor of Akwa Ibom State in May 29th, 2015, Mr. Udom Emmanuel had declared a ' state of emergency' on the State's health sector. This was in his bid of shortening the percentage of people who travel abroad for Medical check-up and treatment subsequently.

Let's say that in a month, more than 40 Nigerians travel out for medical reasons. What this means is that in a year, we could have up to about 500 people travelling out of Nigeria for this purpose. These are people from all the 36 States of the Federation including Akwa Ibom State and our sister-state, Cross Rivers. So the dream was: if we could possibly revamp our health sector to the same standard abroad, at least 10% of these people may tend to be in Akwa Ibom for medical attention. What this means is that they'll get the same level of medical attention at a lesser outlay and the risk of spending hours on air travelling abroad would be curtailed. In turn, the State's economy is strengthen.

In addition to this reality, the conception that " health is wealth" again played a pivotal role in the Governor's decision to as a matter of urgency revamp the health sector. There's no way his industrialization agenda would have seen any light if there was no synergy deployed to the revamped of the health sector.

Sometime in 2013, I was at the Annua general hospital to see a pregnant relative. On entering the hospital's gate, the whole place was like a forest where wild animals were raised. While I stepped further, I saw some Medical Practitioners running around each with a stick or stone. Before I could understand what was going on, a big long cobra ran passed me. If not that I was smart enough, I would have been bitten by the snake even before it could escape.

This was also the fate of the Ituk Mbang general hospital, Etinan general hospital and other general hospitals in the State which were turned to habitats for reptiles due to decayed infrastructure and zero facility maintenance. Another factors suffered by these hospitals were either the availability of minute or zero standard medical equipment for effective medical delivery and inadequate trained medical personnel.

Having noted these, Mr. Udom Emmanuel's first point of call was on the health sector. He began work on the Ibom Specialty Hospital which was commissioned with no single medical equipment, not anything to befit the name. The place was just an infrastructure with the best design in West Africa.

The second floor of the hospital was completed and soon after this, the hospital was equipped with current world class medical equipment. Barely after this which was about six months after the governor's inauguration into office, the first ever plastic surgery in West Africa was done there. Today, the prestigious Ibom Specialist Hospital is rated the best in West Africa.

To reduce the pressure on the aforementioned hospital, Mr. Udom Emmanuel did not leave other hospitals in the State untouched. They were all rehabilitated with good infrastructure and equipped with up-to-date medical equipment.

At a time like this, the coronavirus pandemic did not meet the State unprepared. The State governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel had already prepared the State health sector for the future challenges. Immediately after the outbreak, the Government had made provision for an isolated center in Ikot Ekpene and the place is fully equipped and secured.

With about 19 functioning ventilators in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Ibom Specialist Hospital and other hospitals in the State, there wouldn't be any issue of anyone having difficulty in breathing as a result of being highly infected by Covid-19. This number has overtook the total number of ventilators available in Abuja and Lagos State put together.

It is believed that when there's a suspected Covid-19 infected person in any State, what happens is that the suspected person will be placed on isolation for a certain number of days and his blood samples collected and sent to Abuja for a test to be carried to ascertain his status. During this process, more days could be spent before getting the test result due to some factors that are beyond control, and the person and State involved would be kept on suspense. To get rid of this, the Akwa Ibom State Government has improvised a medium where test could also be carried out in the State. This laboratory is expected to be up and running in the next couple of days.

Not satisfied with the measures put in place even after receiving accolades by International Organizations, Agencies and Individuals, the latest being the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang, the governor has moved towards completely putting an embargo on the spread of the dreaded coronavirus disease. This, he has directed that a 300-beds isolation center be put up at Ituk Mbang. This is to ensure that the dreaded virus is combatted satisfactorily. The work is ongoing and it's 85% completed and once it's done, it's going to double his achievement in the health sector.

COVID-19: GOVERNOR EMMANUEL IS ON THE RIGHT TRACK





When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, the promise by God was for them to head to the Promised Land, Canaan: a land filled with abundance of milk and honey. But having gotten stocked in wilderness, hope was lost, dreams were shattered, dissatisfaction came in and the children of Israel had rebelled against their leader, Moses.

Questions began to come in from left, right, centre and behind: "Has God brought us out of Egypt to destroyed in wilderness?" This was one of the questions that were constantly thrown at Moses, the great prophet of all time.

At this time, Moses even with his depth of faith and reliance in God, was put in a very devastated condition. Because he had believed in God above any other thing. He understood that just as God had sworn to deliver the land of Canaan unto the Israelites, there was nothing on earth that could change God's plan for His people. So he summoned twelve elders representing the twelve tribes in Israel. He sent them to go and make findings about Canaan which was few kilometers away from the wilderness they had settled in.

Having assessed the land, two out of the twelve elders brought a different analysis about Canaan. While the other twelve had postulated that Canaan is inhabited by the strongest people on earth and thus, the Israelites would be totally consumed if they go near it, Caleb and Joshua maintained that already, God has delivered the land to the children of Israel, so they should rise and take possession. It takes people with an extraordinary eyes to see what mere mortal eyes cannot see.

For some months now, there have been an outbreak of a deadly disease in the world. While in some countries, this disease known as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has left thousands of people on hospital beds, in some other countries, they are consistently recording great number of deaths in a daily basis.

The disease which spreads beyond human imaginations, has caused great fear amongst people across the globe who have soon adopted precautionary measures to help curb the virus, but in Akwa Ibom State, the case is turning out to be different. Some people because of political differences have decided to hide under the canopy of the saga to lampoon the governor, Government and some Government appointees who have come out to stage a fight against the spread of this deadly virus.

Initially, they were incessantly criticizing the governor for not shutting down Akwa Ibom State, but they refused to ask themselves, what were the measures put in place to ease life after shutting down the State as at when they clamoured.

Just as Caleb, Gov. Udom Emmanuel is having a diverse perspective about this COVID-19. Though being dangerous and spreads faster than any other thing, he believes the virus cannot get into the State and of such, no Akwa Ibom child will be infected by the virus. This courage the governor has gotten from Psalms 91:4-10 and 2Chronicles 7:4 respectively.

Though he has trusted in God for the protection of his people against COVID-19, the governor has ordered a total shut down of all borders. This, no one can have entry in or out of the State through water or land. He has also instructed that the State owned airline, Ibom Air suspends flight operations with effect from Friday 27 March at 12midnight.

Schools have been ordered to shut down. In every parks, banks, supermarkets, etc, the governor has made provision for sanitizers and thermometer for an immediate test of body temperatures. These measures are to guarantee the safety of people within the State and with these, there's no way the virus can enter or hide in the State.

The State Government has also made provisions for sophisticated medical equipments for the isolated center of the virus in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. This is to say that Government is ready to tackle the virus if peradventure it finds its way to the State.

The naysayers and enemies of the State have been wailing that the government is not ready to combat COVID-19. They went as far as telling the world that there's no equipment in any of the hospitals in the State to help in this regards. But yesterday, the State Government proved them wrong by intimating the people how prepared its prepared for this pandemic. The Government since January had acquired some ventilators for the Ibom Specialty Hospital, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and some other Hospitals in the State. A total of 19 ventilators were recorded during the inspection yesterday. This is beyond the number of ventilators available in Abuja and Lagos put together. So who said that the State is not prepared for this COVID-19 pandemic?

The Government have also made provisions for ambulance with ventilators. This is to help in conveying patients who've been tested positive to COVID-19 from the Disease Isolation centre at Ikot Ekpene to either the isolation wards in Ibom Specialty Hospital, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital or any other Hospitals in Uyo. With this level of preparations, it would be totally insane for someone to speak ill of the Government.

The efficient preparations thus far is not to say that the virus would come into the State. The truth is that, the center must be well equipped for references and to fulfill all righteousness but for COVID-19, Akwa Ibom State is a no way.

Government workers are to work from home from Monday, 30 March and to make their stay at home comfortable and less stressed, the governor has approved the payment of workers for the month of March. This is unprecedented at a time like this.

Having said and done all of these, one could possibly postulate that like Caleb and Joshua, Gov. Udom Emmanuel is on the right track. Therefore, it's baseless and inconsequential for politically induced souls to throw tantrums at him because of Coronavirus. We need to human at a time like this therefore, politicizing this pandemic would be entirely inhumane and ridiculous.

Umani Uwemedimo is a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Uyo.

A Look At Gov. Emmanuel’s Agricultural Prowess



Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy of developing countries, and provides the main source of food, income and employment to their populations.
Beyond providing an expanding market for the products of the other sectors in the initial stages of development of the economy, agriculture helps in the development of other sectors.

Governor Udom Emmanuel, upon assumption of office in 2015, made robust promises regarding the agricultural sector of Akwa Ibom State. This is even as he noted the fertility of the state’s soil, its numerous untapped potentials and the prospects it could hold for food sufficiency, investments and foreign exchange.

The State Boss thus swung into action and has gradually changed the state from being civil-service and politically driven to being agric-oriented.
A look at the state today, compared to what was obtainable in the past shows a place where commercial and subsistent agriculture thrives robustly.
The Udom Emmanuel’s administration has brought to existence (through the collaboration with Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Anchor Borrowers Scheme) Cassava farmers and mobilization of 5,000 farmers for the scheme, as well as creation of 15,000 jobs (downstream) and about 45,000 jobs (upstream) through value addition; Cat fish farmers and mobilization of 2, 000 cat fish farmers for the scheme as well as creation of 6,000 jobs (downstream) and 18, 000 (upstream) through value addition and the training of enumerators on the use of modern electronic gadgets for data capturing and field mapping under the RIFAN / CBN/ and the Akwa Ibom State Rice Anchor Borrowers Scheme.

So far, 120 Hectares of rice farm have been cultivated in Ibiono Ibom local government area and 33 processing sheds and assets constructed under FADAMA III + AF programme for the farmers.
Just last month, the first harvest of the Ibom Golden Rice cultivated, milled and packaged in the area was presented to the public.

The Chairman of Ibiono Ibom, Rt Hon. Ekomabasi Akpan had at the occasion said that the rice farmers association (RIFAN) in the area “have cultivated two thousand, two hundred hectares of farmland” and are ready to produce more.
Also, 241 Cooperative Groups on agriculture have been formed to open more channels of communication between the farmers and the government.

In a bid to take-off unemployed youths off the streets, 300 Participants trained under Graduate Unemployed Youths/Women Support Scheme (FADAMA GUYS) were trained and given grants in the tune of N95,384,000 to 249 beneficiaries.

The present administration has also been instrumental in the construction of Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprise (AEHE) Centre at Awa Iman, Onna L.G.A; Ploughing and Ridging of 130 hectares by AEHE; Acquisition of Tractors with Accessories and 14 Implements; Harvesting of 330 Hectares of Cassava cultivated; Upgrading of hatchery at Mbiaya Uruan and Development of breeder farms; Successful training of 10 Akwa Ibom State Animal Scientists on Goat Multiplication and Insemination Programme in South Africa, and the Cultivation of paddocks and perimeter fencing at the Goat Multiplication Centre in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai L.G.A.

Moreso, 33 processing Boreholes and Reticulation have been completed across the state, 1 Borehole and Reticulation completed for Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprise (AEHE), Hosting and Training of Farmers (Training of Trainers, ToT) on Vegetable Production, as well as partnership with Ibom Agricon Rice for the production of Ibom Family Rice in Ini LGA.
Furthermore, 10 hectares of land have been dedicated to the cultivation of vegetables like tomato at Ekeya, Okobo LGA.

One of Governor Emmanuel’s biggest agricultural renaissance story is the Green House Farm which has today birthed the indigenous production of tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, lettuce and other crops to aid food sufficiency in the state.

It was for this laudable initiative that the former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo noted at his recent visit that the state is making landmark achievements in agricultural production and that if such projects are multiplied across the country, Nigeria would have an edge in food production rather than depend on importation from other countries.
The former president who is a renowned farmer said agriculture as an alternative source of revenue for states should be encouraged, while calling on other state governors to emulate the initiatives of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Obasanjo gave the commendation after his brief stopover at the Green House Farm along Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, during his visit to the state for the burial of former Secretary to the Government of the federation, late Chief Ufot Ekaette.
Notably, the Green House will be replicated in the 31 local government areas of the state to ensure even production and sufficiency of the vegetable crops.
In his zest to ensure that all hands are brought to the fore of agriculture, the State Governor has introduced School Farm Reviving Campaign across the State.

Speaking at the unveiling of the Ibom Golden Rice in Ibiono, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Women Development, Dr. Glory Edet announced that the State government had concluded plans to plant coconut across public schools in the State to further boost agriculture. This is to crave the indulgence of the young scholars on the Akwa Ibom’s agricultural project.

Meanwhile, a 10-metric-tons Cocoa Fermentation and Drying Plant has been built in Ananammong, Ini LGA, with an MoU signed with Contec Global for the cultivation of improved variety of Banana for export on 2,000 hectares of land and the establishment of 300 hectares Bio Safe (Organic) Agricultural Hub.
Apart from making these opportunities available, the State Governor has created an enabling environment for Small Scale Farmers/Farming to thrive.

Farmers across the length and breadth of the state can boast of a conducive environment given to them for their operations by the state government.
With these and more on the count, the Governor has established his integrity as a promise keeper, visionary leader and problem solver.
…Udom is working!

MUCH ADO ABOUT GOV EMMANUEL’S BUDGET



A budget is a financial plan for a defined period, often one year. It may also include planned sales volumes and revenues, resource quantities, costs and expenses, assets, liabilities and cash flows. Companies, governments, families and other organizations use it to express strategic plans of activities or events in measurable terms.

It is equally seen as the sum of money allocated for a particular purpose and the summary of intended expenditures along with proposals for how to meet them. It may include a budget surplus, providing money for use at a future time, or a deficit in which expenses exceed income.

This is to say that budget is not necessarily the amount of money spent, but the amount intended to be spent, which in most cases are not spent up to that.

Since assumption of office in 2015, Gov. Udom Emmanuel has shown a high level of financial intelligence and prudent management skills, chiefly as a result of his background in the financial sector.

He has in no small measure brought his sense of financial integrity and accountability into his leadership as the governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Till date, his administration has not been found wanting in terms of keeping accurate account of every expenditure done in the state, hence the adoption of annual publication of financial report of the state to be perused and studied by those interested to know how funds are spent, the first of its kind.

It goes a long way to show how transparent the governor is, which is equally seen in the way he handles public funds.

Even in budgeting, especially in a time like this when the world is battling with economic realities, Gov. Emmanuel has in several occasions been praised for his prudent management of state resources. He has ensured that funds allocated for projects are judiciously handled, hence the lack of incessant supplementary budgets that other governments are known for.

Investigative journalists should rather be finding out the actual amount that government spent for a particular item in the yearly appropriation, and not what they intended to spend. Budget is a plan, and not a financial report of expenditure. This is what I expected some self-aclaimed investigative reporters to know. Ignorance should not be wrapped in royal robes, it projects shame

Two of a kind: Chuck Hagel and Onofiok Luke

By Kenneth Jude

A fews days ago on Facebook and on some other media platforms, a picture of two individuals standing side by side caught my attention. I pondered on the exciting comparison it brought to my mind. It was the pictures of former Defense Secretary of the United States, Chuck Hagel and a Member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Onofiok Luke. According to the post, the image was shot at the famous American Gallup Inc in far away United States of America.

My imagination travelled to what truly defines this pair and makes a common ground for both. I have read a lot about both men, particularly Senator Chucks Hagel. As a matter of fact, the stories behind Colin Powel and Chucks Hagel piqued my interest into the American politics of war and economy. Let me cruise into unveiling the men Hagel and Luke, perhaps it will help situate this narrative properly.

Who is Chuck Hagel? Born as Charles Timothy Hagel 1946 in Nebraska, an American military veteran and a successful businessman who joined politics and served as a United States Senator from Nebraska from 1997 to 2009. Despite being a Republican, he was appointed the 24th United States Secretary of Defense from 2013 to 2015 under the Obama administration.

As a Republican, Senator Hagel under a Republican administration led by the 43rd President of the United States George W. Bush, condemned the war against Iraq. His fierce criticism of President Bush’s administration over the Iraq War and opposition to the 2007 troop surge generated lasting resentment among his fellow Republicans, yet the man stood by his conviction.

When in 2013 President Obama nominated Hagel as Defense Secretary, his nomination suffered severe setback and attack mostly from Republicans during his screening. Hagel at some point wanted to turn down the offer. He was however confirmed in a narrow 58-41 votes that was mostly along party lines. Only four Republicans voted in his favour.

On August 30, 2013, the U.S. military was poised for war against Syria. President Barack Obama had publicly warned Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad that his regime would face consequences if it crossed the “red line” by employing chemical weapons against its own people. Assad defied this warning. As Defense Secretary, Hagel had spent the day approving final plans for a barrage of Tomahawk cruise missile strikes against Damascus, when President Obama instructed him to stand down the planned attack. Although he listened to order, Hagel was convinced the order did not speak well for the image of the office of the President. According to him "A president’s word is a big thing, and when the president says things, that’s a big deal."

Hagel faced tougher times even with the cabinet but stuck to his conviction on several matters. He had accused the White House of trying to destroy him. After his turbulent times as Defense Secretary, Hagel in 2015 resigned his position.

What of the other gentleman, Onofiok Luke? Born in 1978 in present day Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Bagged an LL.B from the University of Uyo. The enterprising Luke ventured into students' union politics and rose to become the President of the Students' Union Government. Fearless and outspoken, he led a peaceful protest against the school authorities for increasing school fees and was subsequently rusticated by the same institution on the accusation of causing unrest in the school.

Convinced that he was on the right path of advocating for the people, he was not deterred. Providence threw an opportunity for him to complete his education at the same institution which he grabbed and pursued with vigour.

He became the pioneer Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament. In secular politics, by his conviction and sense of equity, he supported power shift to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in 2006. At a great political cost and uncertainty, he defied the lure of supporting a candidate advanced by the incumbent but chose to pitch a tent with the aspirations of Godswill Obot Akpabio without minding the attendant political consequences. He mobilised support from the grassroots and the youth base to see to the emergence of Mr Akpabio as the candidate of the People's Democratic Party in the 2007 Governorship election and subsequently winner at the general polls.

In 2011, he sought election to represent Nsit Ubium State Constituency and emerged victorious. His displeasure for injustice and constantly speaking truth to power made his reelection bid in 2015 a herculean task. Even when he supported the government of the day into power, he constantly did not hesitate to point out some inherent unpleasant circumstances in that administration and this of course, did not go down well with the powers that be at the time. He was fought with resources at the government's disposal to deny him the ticket but the force of the people whom he had rather sought to pitch his tent with came to his rescue.

Just like Chuck Hagel, Onofiok Luke is constantly accused of being too independent-minded, stubborn and refuses to play by the 'rules of the game' - whatever that means . Why our politicians and select elites in government prefer having a completely dependent and docile leader in authority baffles the mind. Why is it difficult for people to understand that conviction and conscience are the hallmarks of leadership especially in this day and age where courageous leadership is mostly required? Why do they need leaders to be like "zombies"? These are pertinent questions that failure to provide answers have impeded the rise of competent men and women to leadership positions. And until the narrative changes, we continue to grope in the dark as has manifested virtually at all levels of leadership whether at the federal, state or local levels.

Having been successfully reelected to the House of Assembly, the tussle for who would become the Speaker of the 6th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly threw itself up. Again, as it were, the powers that be at the time insisted it was not going to be Onofiok Luke. It succeeded though only for a time. But God in His own divinely orchestrated plans, time, circumstances and providence, raised and presented him in December 2015 as the Speaker of the 6th Assembly to wide acclaim by the people.

In the build-up to the 2019 general elections, a major incident occurred in August of 2018. One of the leaders of the party in the state, who contributed immensely to building the current structure of the PDP, a former commissioner, former governor, serving senator and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, defected to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress. This came as a shocker to many in the state and beyond.

According to Luke, based on the stories he told during the 2019 election campaigns, turned down all enticements and inducements in cash and promise of higher position to stand by his conviction that it was fair and equitable for Governor Udom Emmanuel to be reelected for a second term. By his own argument, when power came to Uyo Senatorial District, it was in the hands of one man for 8 years. The same when it went to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. It is not now that it has moved to Eket Senatorial District that it will be different, he insisted. He added that he would not want to be remembered in history as a sitting Speaker of the State Assembly that betrayed a sitting governor of his own state.

Standing by this conviction, Luke campaigned and mobilised vigorously in support for the governor, which saw to reelection of Mr Udom Emmanuel for a second term in office.

Elected as Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in the 9th Assembly, he stood by his conviction yet again to support Mr Femi Gbajabiamila to emerge Speaker even when his party, the PDP had another candidate it supported, Mr Mohammed Umar Bago. This action offended some leaders of the party but he stood by what he believed would be for the productive good of the 9th Assembly and Nigeria as a whole. I listened to him during his recent townhall meeting when he obliged to explain to his constituents the reason he supported the speakership of Femi Gbajabiamila. "I never made any request to be given Chairmanship of any committee or any reward for my support. I laid before the Speaker requests bordering on legislative support for Ibaka Deep Sea Port, NCAA licence for Ibom Air, University status for Maritime Academy in Oron and other benefits for Akwa Ibom," Luke said.

Given these backgrounds, the similarities between Chuck Hagel and Onofiok Luke are very evident and quite interesting. I wouldn't know if these two know of the striking similarities between them or if the picture was a deliberate act. One thing is certain: both men have been fought by the very people or government they belonged and assisted. Both men's political careers have been driven by their strong convictions and overall good of the common man. Both men have been outspoken not minding whose ox is gored. Both men are highly cerebral. Both men are respected even amongst the people that despise them.

As the nation goes through this challenging times and our people gradually being disadvantaged and short changed in the Comity of states, the Akwa Ibom of our dream and collective future needs a courageous, positively-stubborn-to- anything anti-Akwa Ibom and bold leader who stands by his convictions without compromising the fate of her people for his private benefits, the very traits that define Chuck Hagel and Onofiok Luke.

So when the photograph of both men surfaced recently, for me, there could'nt have been a better caption: TWO OF A KIND.

UDOM EMMANUEL: REVAMPING ELECTRICITY FOR ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY


Uninterrupted power supply is as essential as life itself. Adequate electricity supply stimulates economic activities in any society because virtually every economic growth is tied to it.

Today, life without electricity is almost impossible. Life has become so modern and so mechanical that even for all small things in daily life, we need electricity. The television, radio, heater and all our demostic appliances are running only by electric power. Not just these, electricity is used in various areas of human activities such as Economic activities.

Many economic activities of human revolves around the use of electricity. For example, in the food processing and packaging sector, most of the machenaries are powered by electricity. Computers that have become essential tool of business transactions run on electricity. Perishable goods are preserved by being refrigerated through electricity powered refrigirators.

Having understood all of these and the significance of effective power supply in the stability of an economy, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, upon his assumption of office on May 20th, 2019 declared a state of emergency on the State's power sector.

Before now, the State had witnessed a low power supply and in about 75% communities, there was entirely a zero power supply overtime. In these areas, experiencing a 30 minutes power supply in every six months was like the coming of the son of God, Jesus Christ. This had gone a long way in crippling the chances of industries being cited in these areas, and in other way round, had negative pacrs on the economy of the areas.

Having known that electricity plays important role from production to distribution of goods as well as in social activities, the State Governor moved in, consolidating his industrialization strides with revamping of the electricity in the State. This he has achieved by building mega sub-stations across the State.

One of these power sub-stations constructed by the Governor is the Power Sub-station at the Victor Attah International Airport. This is part of the governor's efforts towards improving power supply at the airport and its environs. It is the first time the airport has been connected to national grid since it commenced flight operations in September 2009. Today, parts of Nsit Atai, Uruan and Okobo are enjoying the steady power supply from this particular sub-station.

The construction of the 2x60MVA, 132/33KV Power Sub-station at Ekim, Mkpat Enin is one of the most sophisticated power substations in Nigeria and supplies electricity to five Local Government Areas in the state.

With this alongside the good road network and tight security that the Governor has put in place in the state, one would not be found wanting on the reason why not fewer than 20 functional industries are currently operating in the State.

In addition, small scale firms which were gradually going into extinction due to poor or unavailability of power supply overtime, have been revived through steady power supply.

Again, the construction of the Etoi and 1x60MVA,132/33KV Afaha Ube Transmission sub-stations in Uyo Local Government Area alongside other sub-stations would not only provide light for these areas, but also to their neighbouring communities. With these the "POWER SUPPLY FOR ALL BY 2021" initiative of the Governor is possible. What this means is that even when the State is currently having challenges of not being allowed to own her Power Distribution Company which would utilize the full potentials of the State owned Power Plant thereby making 24/7 power supply across homes, the governor is devising means to actualise this dream before the end of 2021.

When Mr. Udom Emmanuel stated that he was going to revamp the State's economy to be better than that of Lagos State in the near days, he meant it. One of the ways this dream could be achieved is through effective power supply.

Umani Uwemedimo writes from Uyo.

STUDENTS RIOT AND MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

In 2012 When Prof. James Epoke was inaugurated as the new Vice Chancellor of the prestigious University of Calabar, he introduced certain concepts that drove a greater percent of the students mad. Though at a long run, we discovered that these concepts were to trigger seriousness and discipline amongst students, the truth is that his timing was inaccurate.

One of the concepts he introduced was the increment of school fee after one month from the resumption date, and the closure of the school's portal a month after the one month grace. That means in every week of the month of grace, students who were unable to pay their school fee immediately after resumption would have to pay N5000. What this means is that each of such students will have to pay N40,000 in addition to the normal school fee. Not just this, if after two months and you're unable to meet up, it means that automatically, your studentship in Unical has been terminated.

Students thought this was a joke not until the portal was closed. They were left with no option than to stage a serious protest against the management. You know one thing about protest? The process is always hijacked by some bittered and unknown persons who have no link with the main protesters or the issue that led to the protest. Theirs is to take advantage of the process and make things happen. This was what happened during the Unical 2012 riot. Innocent students were robbed at gunpoint. School properties were destroyed and even commercial vehicles were also destroyed. An unlucky student was killed at the school's main gate because of a phone. There was nothing the management could do than to close the school for a while. Both the innocent and bad students later paid the consequences of this; they stayed at home for almost a year.

Again, sometime in 2015 we had another protest but this one wasn't as regretful as the former. Though at the end of the day, we still had to spend six months at home as our punishment. The punishment wasn't for a section of the students, but it was for both the so called good students and the bad students. This is to say that whenever there's a protest in any institution and there's a punishment attached to it, the punishment will be served to all students across board. Not minding who's a pope or devil amongst the students.

After witnessing more than three riots in my University of Calabar, there was a new law made by the management. This law restricted the students from organizing any form of protest in the school. The penalty for anyone who leads a protest was an immediate rustication from school.

Along the line, the then Students Union Government President was inspired to organize a mini-protest against the management. What motivated him was greed. The then Bursar had used him to settle his differences with the VC, his boss. The President was a level 500 student of Medicine and surgery, and was rusticated from school as his punishment for organizing a protest in Unical. After a year, he was recalled but till date, I don't think he has graduated.

Barely after few months that the President was suspended, the next in line was Umani Uwemedimo Frederick who was the Director of Information, Faculty of Biological Sciences. What really happened?

I was in my lodge when a group of students came, complaining and bitterly weeping. When I asked why they were in that mood, they informed me about the mass failure in one of the GSS courses. The course was Computer Application. I was informed how the students were threatened that anyone who doesn't pay the sum of N8000 would be made to carryover the course. And this affected some students who had one or two problems in their respective Departmental results. I rushed to the school and behold, I found out that 97% of the total students who wrote this course had failed. With this, it could be seen that there's something fishy that was going on. But would I just close my eyes and move on because I wasn't affected? What would be my fate at the tail end of this? Having understood the existing law that stated " no protest", I knew that if I followed mind, I was going to be rusticated, but at this moment, someone needed to make himself the scape goat for others to be freed. I was ready to lead a protest, get rusticated so far the GSS result is reviewed across board.

After series of meetings with some Deans and Head of Departments, I was mandated to lead the students on a peaceful protest. By this time, I had forgotten that I was about going into my finals. I had also forgotten what awaited me. I was controlled by another spirit. I moved out, addressed the students and boom, the protest was on.

Few hours later, findings were made to know who actually led the protest. At last, they got an information that it was me. How did they know it was me?

One of the students who had took active part in the protest had snapped me while leading the students on the said protest. He presented the photos and my details to the Chief Security of the school. In a joint Board meeting, the VC had mandated that I be rusticated from the school with immediate effect. But why was I betrayed by the same people I staked my academics to salvage?

When the news escalated and I got to know about the person that betrayed me, though disappointed, I understood his reason was concrete even before he had approached me for his explanations. If he didn't betray me, a lot of students including those at the Students Union Government would have been dismissed from school. They needed to point out the black fish and I was that black fish. After series of meetings with the management, the result was reviewed across board. The following day, the Director of GSS, Director of CES, Director of Academic Planning, DVC Academics, Deans of different Faculties and a cross section of Students Leaders approached the VC soliciting for my pardon, and he succumbed to it. I erred. I was doing the right thing the wrong way.

What am I trying to say in essence? In every riot, there's always a punishment there after. For the punishment no to be general, the black fish must be spotted. But when the black fish is unable to be spotted, both the good and the bad will be victims of the punishment.

The temporary closure of Government Technical College, Uyo by the State Government is in line with the punishment of the school's inability to spot out the perpetuators of that yesterday's crime. Without this punishment, those students would never sit up and be watchful.

Maybe there was a misunderstanding between some groups of students, and maybe the whole process was later hijacked by some NON ACADEMIC STUDENTS. These set of students may be students who have been expelled from that some school because of one thing or the other. But to avoid certain questions from families, they keep putting on the school uniforms, going to same school on daily basis. These are students who are constantly praying for something that looks like a problem to occur so they could hijack it and make life unbearable for the real students. This set of students have nothing to lose even if the school is shut down for years.

But because crimes and punishment are the twin brothers of destiny, everyone is asked to go back home and if the school is not reopened anytime soon, students in SS3 and JSS3 would have to repeat their classes. But at the other hand, it'll serve as a warning to students of other public schools in the State. By the time those students in SS3 and JSS3 miss their final year examinations respectively, other students would take cognizant of the fact that instigating crisis in school is at their detriment. When next they find any group of students indulging in any act that would cause unnecessary tensions in the school, or find students who were expelled still coming to school, they would run as fast as possible to report these group of students to the management for prompt actions just as I was reported back then in school.

This is one lesson they all must learn.

Umani Uwemedimo writes from Uyo.

GOV UDOM EMMANUEL'S ROAD INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT

By Umani Uwemedimo


Four years and eight months ago when Mr. Udom Emmanuel took over as the governor of Akwa Ibom State, the road infrastructure in Uyo Senatorial District was actually not good enough to attract foreign investments which would in turn boost the State's economy. This factor led to economic stagnation across the state. What happens to Uyo would obviously pose either negative or positive impacts on other districts of the State.

Right from his inauguration at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Mr. Emmanuel in his bid to provide a road network which links the Rural with Urban areas of the State launched Operation zero tolerance on bad roads in the state, with Uyo Senatorial District of the State having its fair share. Since then, the Emmanuel administration has constructed, reconstructed and rehabilitated several roads that are numerous to mention, leading to a steady growth in the social and economic development of the state. The first class road infrastructure, drainage systems and bridges being constructed, reconstructed and rehabilitated across the state by international and indigenous contractors have enhanced economic recovery in the state because of the ease of access between the Rural and Urban communities.

The road infrastructure is linking communities, thus enabling farmers and businessmen to link up with markets in Urban Centres in the Senatorial District.

The total roads construction done and or ongoing, so far in Akwa Ibom State by the present administration is about 1700km, with Uyo Senatorial District benefiting from a larger proportion of these roads.

The dualization of the 25.0km Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road which as at today has reached a 95% completion when completed and commissioned will aid in prompt linkage of the rural and communities of these Local Government Areas.

Not just this, Ikot Ekpene Local Government is globally known for raffia plantations. After undergoing the processes of palm oil extraction, it's packaged for commercial purpose. The ongoing dualization of this road will help in the quick and safe transportation of this most sorted product from its area of production to the big markets in Uyo and other neighboring communities. Producers and distributors of marketable goods from Abia, Onitsha, Enugu and other States may soon take this road as their major route for quick access into the markets around Uyo, Itu, Ibiono and other interior areas. Therefore, this particular road is of great importance to the State and its visitors.

The ongoing dualization of the 9.5km Ring Road III from Aka road-Oron road-Nwaniba with 3NO Roundabouts is another road that after completion will pose great positive impacts on the people of the Senatorial District.

The persistent holdup constantly witnessed along Oron road would be greatly reduced. The people coming from the Airport having in mind to lodge at the Ibom Hotels would now have a more shorter route to take instead of going through the Edet Akpan four lanes with the stress of spending minutes on holdup. Now, people going to Abak road, IBB way, Atiku Abubarkar way, Idoro road from the Airport road would now take the shortest route which is the left wing of the Ring road leading to Aka road which also links to the aforementioned roads. Also, business tycoons from Idu Uruan, Ifiayong etc, that specialize more in fishing will now have a quick access to and fro Akpan Andem Market, Isshiet, Ifa Market, Nung Udoe Market, Afaha Market, and some other markets without the fear of heavy traffic. With the completion of this particular road, the traffic jam always experienced on Oron road-Aka road-Nwaniba road will be greatly reduced if not completely annihilated.

The construction of the Ikot Oku Ikono flyover in Uyo which is ongoing, when completed will reduce the high rate of accident always witnessed along this road because of high volume of vehicular movements conveying goods and humans to and fro Abak-Ikot Abasi-Mkpat Enin- Port Harcourt, Etinan-Nsit Ibom-Nsit Ubium-Eket Onna, Uyo- Ikot Ekpene-Odukpani-Calabar. With the completion of this flyover, the menace of accidents will be completely annihilated as there will be alternative routes which will automatically reduce traffic at the junction.


The road construction completed and ongoing in the Uyo Senatorial District are, the construction of of 2.1km road around the State Secretariat Annex and Believers Academy, Mbiabong, 1.5km Nsikak Eduok- Tropicana outfall drain, 3.5km Ikot Udom Road with 15m span bridge in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, 19.317km Annua-Mbak-Ishiet Road, 6.1km Atan offot road, 14.5km Uyo/Airport Junction-Okopedi Okobo road Phase1, 20.0km Uyo-Etinan road, 8.5km Ibiaku Uruan-Ekritam Road and spur in Itu/Uruan Local Government Area, 9.0km Mbiaya Uruan-Ita-Ikpa-Mbiakong Uruan road with 60m Span Bridge in Uruan LGA, 12.15km Enen Nsit-Obotong-Ikot Enwene-Edebom-Oboetuk-Ikot Obok- Mbiakom- Obot Atai- Oboyo Ikot in Nsit Ibom and Ikot Akpa-Edu- iIkot iko- Ikot Akpan Abia road in Ibesikpo with 30m Span Bridge, amongst other hundreds of roads too numerous to mention.

Also, there have been series of interventional road projects by the present State government to help ameliorate the sufferings of the people of Uyo Senatorial District. Some of these roads interventions are; the intervention on the 0.15km Ebong lane, 0.19km Ebong Street, 0.61km Asutan street, 0.18km Ibiono Lane, 0.25km Udotung Ubo lane amongst others which are all completed.

With the dualization/construction of these and many other roads in the Uyo Senatorial District, Gov. Udom Emmanuel has completely linked the Rural Areas to the Urban Areas.

Unlike before, the basic/social amenities like good schools, well equipped hospitals and health centers, world class markets, etc in the Urban areas are easily and quickly accessed by the people residing in the Rural areas. This has drastically reduced the rate of mortality pregnant women and other occupants of the rural communities for they now have easy access to effective medical attention to and from the Urban areas.

All these roads are of great industrial, economic, health and social importance to the Senatorial District, and all these Mr. Udom Emmanuel has done without noise making. No wonder one of the most decorated American Philosopher Frank Ocean opined, "work in silence; let your success be your noise".



Umani Uwemedimo writes from Uyo.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH MIKE ENYONG



I lost my parents in my level 100 and 200 respectively and since then, life became miserable for me. I hardly fed well. Payment of my tuition fees and other Departmental and Faculty charges were completely unattainable. I was tossed about by lecturers and students who knew my background, and this made everything uneasy for me.

Since I couldn't afford an accommodation, I was squatting with a church member who tried everything he could to make sure I was comfortable. Though he was not from a rich home, his condition was better than mine because he had big siblings, parents and other relatives. Mine was worst because as the only child of my parents, my uncles had claimed the little properties my parents had. So I was left with no one and nothing to hold on.

My Head of Department who understood my plight was able to offer me clearance to partake in every semester's examinations and other assessments. But after my degree exams, I needed to pay all my outstanding debts in school so I could be mobilized for service.

I started working as a receptionist in Mirrage Hotel, Calabar where I was paid N10, 000 every month. Even if I had worked there for a full year, I wouldn't still have been able to gather up funds for my debts in school. So I need to look for help anywhere.

I was left with no option than to start telling my problem to people. One day, a young man walked into our hotel. After I had served him, he called and asked where I was from. When he got to know my condition, he complained he's broke but that he can give me some contacts I could call for help.

I got the contacts and immediately, I dropped all of them a message. Later the following morning, I tried calling the three contacts he gave me but only one responded to the call. " Ekemini I've seen your message, but I'm currently in a breakfast meeting with the Minister. I'll get back to you in some hours". This was the reply I got from one of the contacts who happened to be Hon. Mike Enyong.

I asked some of my friends if they knew the man but the replies they gave me made me discouraged. They told me Mike Enyong was a 419 that he'll never help me. So I never hoped on him getting back to me as promised.

After one week that, I had forgotten everything and accepted my fate, a strange number called me and when I picked up the phone, it was Mike Enyong. We talked for about an hour. I told him all I've passed through and on the background, I could hear him wept. He dropped the call, sent me a message demanding for my account details. I had told him I need about N176,000 to clear my outstanding debts in school. Few hours later, I got an alert of N500,000.

For hours, it was like I was dreaming, but the reality was that it wasn't a dream. I rushed to my school to clear all my debts. I got a new phone and I uploaded all the transactions to him on Whatsapp. But till I went for service and came back, he never replied.

I served in Jos and the cost of life there was okay, so I was able to make some savings. After my service year, I dropped him a message online appreciating him for the financial help he offered me. Some weeks later, Mike Enyong dropped me a chat on Whatsapp. " Congratulations. Go to the Federal Ministry of Labour and get your employment letter".

I had thought it was a joke, but when I reached Abuja, I discovered that he had worked for me to have a permanent job at the Ministry.

I've been trying to meet him in person so I could express my heartfelt gratitude but each time I try, he's not always there. This is the main reason I'm writing so that he'll know how grateful I am should incase he sees this.


Ekemini Williams Ukpong from Idu Uruan, Akwa Ibom State

THE 21 STOREY BUILDING FOR IOCs: UDOM EMMANUEL'S DREAM FOR HIS STATE

One faithful morning, we woke up to behold the news of the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel reinstating his commitment towards ensuring that ExxonMobil and other oil servicing companies operating in Akwa Ibom relocate their head offices to the State. A lot of us were bewildered, and resorted to asking, " how possible is this dream?

It is entirely impossible for one to wake from his sleep and state his dream to an entire State then expect them to believe. Especially when it is a State like Akwa Ibom Ibom where more than 1/3 of her people are highly exposed and educated. This is to say that before the possibility of a dream is perceived, there must be a template. Gov. Udom Emmanuel after ascertaining the doubt exhibited by his people immediately swung into action. The doubt wasn't as a result of the fact that he, the governor had failed in other of his promises. No matter how you've performed as a leader and no matter how much you keep to promises, there are some promises you make that even your hardened supporters would have to frown. This was the case of the governor.

Few days later, we heard that the governor has proposed a 21 storey smart building in Uyo, and as a matter of fact done its groundbreaking. " What is the building meant for? This was another question we asked.

We were rightly informed that the proposed 21 storey smart building would serve as office facilities to international oil companies operating within the shores of the State. With the building, companies like ExxonMobil, Amni Int'l, Frontier Oil, amongst other companies operating in the State would have a compelling reason to relocate their headquarters to the State. With the relocation of their head offices to have the State, the companies and staff will have to pay their direct taxes to the government of the State. This will go a long way in raising the IGR of the State, thereby consolidating Gov. Udom Emmanuel's strives in economic development.

Findings have revealed that the ongoing construction of the 21 storey smart building has so far provided not less than 2000 direct and indirect jobs for workers.

As I speak, the 21 storey building is 95% completed and once it's commissioned, it'll be opened for lease. Whether Exxon Mobil relocates to Uyo or not, there's all likelihood that companies with high net worth including banks would not hesitate to rent the floors in the building for their operations.

Any company that rents a space in the 21 storey building will have to pay rent to government, pay company tax to government and its workers will also pay taxes to government thus leading to increment in the internally generated revenue of the state. For instance, if 21 different companies should rent the building thereby paying taxes to government, this will certainly cause an unprecedented expansion in the State's IGR and rapid economic growth.

Outside adding to the unprecedented expansion this would cause on the State's IGR, the smart building when occupied by companies would provide employment opportunities for the people of the State. Even the food and recharge card vendors will experience massive boost in their businesses and these will generally boost the economic activities of the State.

When Gov. Udom Emmanuel told us that he was bringing companies back to the State, we didn't know what he meant not until today. Indeed, Mr. Udom Emmanuel is God-sent to Akwa Ibom State.

Ibom Deep Seaport: The Answer to Nigeria’s Seaport Challenges


By Rev Richard Peters


The sea is considered one of the cheapest and safest means of transporting goods from one place to the other compared to other means of transportation. As a result, many industries in the world are located in the coastal belts, in the vicinity of major ports to enhance foreign exchange.
Sea Ports therefore are important for the support of economic activities between countries, serving as a strong factor for economic and regional balanced development and growth, as well as also having a great influence on national integration to the world economic market.

Jouili (2016), identifies Eight key importance of a Seaport to include: first, a form of a transportation development system which facilitates the progress of international trade; second, that which promotes the exportation of goods and logistic services; third, a focal point for regional development; fourth, a crucial factor for generating employment opportunities through effects associated with seaports and logistics activities (storing, distribution, container freight station function; fifth, an enhancer of increased economic activities which takes place in the vicinity of seaports; sixth, a promoter of the domestic economy in the international economy; seventh, an attractor of new industries and eight, a pillar to develop the rest of economic activities.

Notably, trade between nations which dates back to the biblical age (and which was still majorly seaborne) has always made a significant contribution in terms of increasing wealth among the world population. Also notable is the fact that from times. Stopford, 2009; UNCTAD, 2015 agree that over 80% of all trade is seaborne today.
Given these indices, the need to strengthen Nigeria’s Ports ability and delivery system cannot be underscored.

At the last count, Nigeria has 21 seaports (oil terminals inclusive) including Tin Can Island, Apapa, Kirikiri (Lagos), Warri (Delta), Port Harcourt (Rivers State) and Calabar (Cross River). These cargo Ports which are sparsely dispersed however, are not without their challenges.
Scholars record that Nigerian ports are currently classified among the worst ports in the world due to challenges such as delay of import/export processes, traffic congestion, poor access roads and security concerns.
For a Port which carries out over 70% of Nigeria’s Port activities, one would expect the Lagos Port to be devoid of the delays, gridlock and unwholesome billings it is associated with yet, it remains so while our economy continues to elicit interest among local and global investors.

The Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCC) in a publication titled “Cost of Maritime Ports Challenges in Nigeria”, 2018 notes that “it is a well-known fact that efficiency in ports operations has become an incentive and one of the major drivers of trade and investing activities across countries. Yet, the Nigerian ports are currently classified among the worst ports in the world due to challenges bordering on delay of import/export processes, heavy human and vehicular congestion around the ports, difficulty in gaining access to the ports due to bad roads, security concerns…,traffic congestion, poor access roads and security concerns…”
It adds that “the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Economic and Country report shows that Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa with GDP of $413 billion in 2017. Yet, it trails far behind many smaller economies in Africa in terms of ports and maritime activities”.

The situation, the LCC said “has created avenues for gross misallocation of resources and imposes tremendous costs to the economy; distorting development policies and undermining confidence of foreign and local port users in the Nigerian port operations”.
In a related epistle, Olusanya Anjorin in a publication of the Punch (January 3, 2020) titled “As Apapa Gridlock Lingers”, narrated that “Nigerians are frustrated with the bottlenecks at the highway entrance to the Apapa seaport” and that “while a stopgap remains a mirage, a permanent solution appears like a movie with episodes”.

He recalled the LCC’s lamentation sometimes back about the $19bn and 5% Gross Domestic Product Nigeria loses annually to delays, traffic jams, illegal charges and insecurity that are common place in the Tin Can Island Port, not excluding “the massive environmental impact and huge amount of time it causes commuters to ply the route” which he noted drains their pocket “as well as kill them softly as a result of inhaling carbon monoxide”.

He concludes that the nightmarish gridlock on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway which “seems to be defying solution despite repeated efforts of government and well-meaning individuals for the trucks to vacate the road leading to the nation’s sea gateway…might take a bit longer, until a fowl grows teeth.’’
In view of this hellish experience, comes the Ibom Deep Seaport as a solution. Strategically located to serve West and Central African Region, JDZ Sao Tome, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroun, Angola, Gabon, Congo, Congo DRC, Chad etc, the Ibom Deep Seaport will occupy 2,565Ha of land area of the 14,517Ha available for the industrial city project.

The approximate location of the project site scaled from the British Admiralty Chart No. 1387 are Latitude 04 32’ 35” N: Longitude 080 14’ 07” E. and UTM coordinates 415168 m E; 502,199 m N (UTM Zone 32N).” as 2nd para.
It key features are: Greenfield port project, Deep water access (18m in the channel, allowing >15m+ vessels in the port), 5,129 hectares for port development where the Port is part of the 14,400 hectare Ibom Industrial City, Proximity to major shipping routes, Operations protected from waves, currents and winds; Combined deep sea port and FTZ development in Akwa Ibom State, Short distance to destination markets to minimize, feeder transit and costs; large gateway market size to attract direct vessel services as well as sizeable transshipment cargo hinterlands for feeder, shipping network connection.
The Ibom Deep Seaport (IDSP) is well positioned to offer a value proposition superior to other ports in the region. No port in the West African region has yet to be established as a major transshipment hub.

IDSP is designed for very large vessels, vessels that can load over 13 thousand containers in one voyage. It will be a transshipment port as smaller vessels will re-distribute cargo from the mega vessels to sea ports, river ports closer to the consignees in Nigeria and West & Central African Region.
IDSP is a Federal Government project driven by the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Akwa Ibom State and the Nigerian Port Authority while the Global Maritime & Port Services (PTE) Limited is its transaction driver.

According to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen, the road networks at the IDSP are exquisitely designed and constructed to link the entire states in the south south. He explained that at the completion of the Seaport, one of the dualized road takes materials cleared from the Seaport directly into Uyo, state capital.
“The state government is also building a super Highway from Ibeno axis to Uya Oro where one can link up to the East-West road leading to Bayelsa, Port-Harcourt and Warri or drive the opposite way to get to Oron, Eket as well as Calabar”. This, he said is to take care of palpable traffic decongestion around the Seaport.
Mr. Inyang-eyen gave insights on the road interconnectedness when, a delegation from the Presidency consisting the Director General of Infrastructure Concession Regulating Commission (ICRC), an official of the Ministry of Transportation, Finance and the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), visited the project site on Friday, January 31.

Accompanied by Inyang-eyen were the State Information boss, Sir Charles Udoh and his Economic Development counterpart, Mr. Akan Okon.

The visiting team who were obviously overwhelmed by the network of roads the Ibom Deep Seaport has, with links to the Onne Port, Mobil Oil Producing as well as the Atlantic Ocean, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the project site.
The delegation announced the full adoption of the project and commended the state and federal government for its focus and commitment towards ensuring that the seaport becomes functional within stipulated time.
The DG of ICRC, Mr. Chidi Audu-Izuwah, who led the team, commented that the project further confirms Governor Emmanuel’s determination and promise to industrialize the State and thus, make it a regional commercial hub, adding that the IDSP would unleash additional port capacity by decongesting Lagos.

He projected that with the natural depth of the seaport and the sophisticated facilities it hopes to have, the project on completion will be able to create minimum of 5,000 and maximum of 10, 000 employment opportunities and thus, impact positively on revenue generation for the country.
“I am so delighted to see these things by myself today. Ibom Deep Seaport will be the best seaport in Nigeria and the sub-region with natural depth, and it will also help to decongest Lagos, Port Harcourt and other seaports. I’m amazed at the level of work recorded so far by the Akwa Ibom State Government”, Mr. Izuwah expressed.

"This is both crucial to the Nigerian economic survival and the development of the South south”. He particularly commended the transportation links of the Seaport, saying it only implies that the port will have intermodal connection and assured that the federal government was going to do everything possible to support the state government towards driving the project to its completion within the set time frame.

Relishing the beauty of the road network outlay designed for access and evacuation of goods and services from the deep seaport, the federal official and Chairman, Technical Committee, Mrs Mfon Usoro, described it as world-class visionary project, adding that it will be harnessed by the Federal Government in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government, the National Assembly, Technical Partners and core investors to decongest Lagos when it becomes operational.

She relived that they were happy to see with their eyes what they have been documenting on paper for quite a while and dismissed fears that the Federal Government will play politics with the project, while insisting that President Muhammadu Buhari is totally committed to transforming all parts of Nigeria with positive infrastructural development without political bias.
She described the project as a nonpolitical mega infrastructural project which cannot be completed hastily in one or two years but in phases, adding that the IDSP is going according to timelines set for it.

“With the level of work done so far, the federal government has agreed that there should be a ground breaking in March”, she said.
Other visiting nationals who spoke at the site were full of admiration as they continued to pour accolades on the governor and lauded his initiative in embarking on such project.
Definitely, the siting of the IDSP inches away from the Atlantic Ocean makes the coast clear for international exchanges.

Towing the line of the federals, the Commissioner for state Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon had said that the project will be done in phases and will be ready for use within the lifespan of the present administration.

He noted that the coming of the NPA, ICRC, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Finance and all agencies responsible for the development of the site, to witness the progress rate was an assurance of the federal government’s involvement in the project.

It would be recalled that the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel had from the onset of his administration stated his commitment to the industralisation of the state, giving priority to the Ibom deep seaport and industrial city projects.
“We will aggressively industrialise this State and continue to attract foreign investors, ensuring that the environment is made ferment for investments. We hope to make Akwa Ibom the industrial hub of Nigeria. Ibom industrial City and Ibom Deep Seaport will be our signature projects this second term.”
He added that his administration will raise the bar of performance in all areas and lift Akwa Ibom State to an enviable height, to be the pride of the nation. “Akwa Ibom in my second term will move from a fast industrialising society to a great and rich society, and will witness an unprecedented growth in all spheres of development and capacity enhancement.”

With these top gear preparations, the IDSP is set to recover the gradually glooming glory of Nigeria’s Seaports, triple the enhancement of economic development and create more avenues for the existence of commerce and industries.
Furthermore, foreign investors will be attracted, maintained for sustained global trade and commonwealth as forecasted by the State Governor.

Onofiok Luke Tasks Judiciary On Quick Dispensation Of Justice

... assures Federal High Court of the support of the Legislature

The Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Mr Onofiok Luke has called on the Federal High Court to ensure quick dispensation of justice in Nigeria.

Mr Luke made the call when he led members of the House Committee on Judiciary to a familiarisation visit to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice Tsoho John Terhemba. He said the visit was necessary as part of the oversight functions of the Committee to examine first hand, the things to be done.

"We are here as a Committee first to share some thoughts, share some ideas and to seek for the support and cooperation of the Federal High Court to make sure we have quick dispensation of justice for Nigerians and equally share in some of the challenges of the Federal High Court in the course of the discharge of its responsibilities"

He further stated , "how we from the Legislature through the performance of our oversight functions and through the crafting of legislation or maybe through resolutions can help the Judiciary specifically in this case, the Federal High Court which plays a very critical role in the administration of justice in Nigeria"

The Lawmaker assured the Chief Judge that the visit was to show that the Committee share in the yearnings and aspirations of the Federal High Court.

"We sympathise with you on the unfortunate incident, where a Judge of the Federal High Court was kidnapped. Given our concern for the Judiciary, we had raised this issue on the floor of the House"

"We will continue to clamour for better welfare for judicial officers and we will resist any attempt to intimidate them in the discharge of their responsibilities"

"We totally condemn the invasion of the court room by security agencies. There is a Bill by this Committee in the offing , that will further preserve the sanctity of our court"

"In the Legislature you cannot enter the chambers of the House of Representatives or the chambers of the Senate to effect any arrest, not to talk of intimidating them or the presiding officer. If we have that at the legislature, then we must extend that to the judiciary"

He added that his Committee has set up a team to go around and inspect projects undertaken by the judiciary in the country. Mr Luke said that they are ready to cooperate with the Federal High Court so the can prepare for next financial year to meet their challenges.

In his response, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Tsoho decried the continuous drop in the budgetary allocation to the court and said it has had a negative impact on quick dispensation of justice. He cited a building project of the Federal High Court in Lagos started in 2012 that is yet to be completed because of the paucity of funds.

Justice Tsoho said that where requisite infrastructure or facilities are not in place, it will affect the speedy dispensation of justice.

The Chief Judge thanked the Chairman of the Committee for his ability to articulate the challenges of the Federal High Court and commended committee for its work so far for Judiciary and said he is hopeful that they will address the issues facing the judiciary.

https://www.independent.ng/ibom-deep-seaport-meets-standard-requirements-suleiman/



Ibom Deep Seaport Has Met Standard Requirements, Says Ministerial Committee






The Ministerial Project Development and Steering Committee (MPDSC), has commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for compliance with all the requirements needed for the establishment of the Ibom Deep Seaport.

The Chairman of the committee, A.D Suleiman gave the commendation during a meeting with members of the Akwa Ibom State Technical Working Committee for the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport at Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.

The chairman explained that the purpose of the meeting was to update members on the progress so far achieved for the Ibom Deep Seaport project.

He said one key factor that necessitated the meeting was to provide an avenue for the adoption of the updated Full Business Case for unward submission to the Federal Executive Council.

Mr Suleiman expressed gratitude to the Akwa Ibom State Government for the level of commitment shown towards the actualisation of the port, assuring that the project will soon receive final approval from the Federal Government for commencement of operations.

On his part, the Director General of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Engr. Chidi Izuwah, opined that, with the level of success recorded by the Akwa Ibom State Technical Working Committee on the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport, it is time to break grounds for take off of the project.

He urged the committee to be target driven in order to achieve the task

The Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Technical Committee on the realization of Ibom Deep Seaport, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, affirmed that with the support received from Infrastructural Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Nigeria Port Authority(NPA) and the Federal Ministry of Transportation(FMOT), the Committee has been able to go through all the internationally accepted procurement processes that will lead to the actualisation of the port.

“We have also completed works in the Full Business Case, a part of why we convened today with the Federal Ministry of Finance, ICRC, NPA, and the FMOT, was to agree on work-plan between now and end of first quarter of the year, 2020 so we can have final approval from the Federal Government on the project which is the Full Business Case”. She opined.

Mrs. Usoro disclosed that “the Committee had carefully followed the Federal Government laid down procedures for port development and the process has earned the State a reputable and biggest terminal operator in Africa with the Bollore Power China Consortium as the preferred bidder”.

While thanking the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for putting everything in place for the implementation of the project, the Chairman assured Akwa Ibom indigenes especially host communities that they will be carried along at every stage of development.

She emphasized the need for them to acquire and upgrade themselves in the requisite skills that would be needed during construction and operations of the port.

On his part, the State Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon, also applauded Governor Emmanuel for his passion in developing the State.

He also thanked members of the committees for the efforts put towards the actualisation of the Seaport project.

Mr. Okon asserted that upon actualisation, the port will create lots of employment opportunities for the teeming youths as well as increase revenue for both the Federal and State Government.

Insecurity : Onofiok Luke raises concern over worsening security in Nigeria

.... calls for patriotism and sincerity in the fight against insurgency

The Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Hon. Onofiok Luke has raised concerns over the state of insecurity in the country, calling on everyone to demonstrate patriotism and sincerity in the fight against insurgency in the country.

The lawmaker made the call while contributing to the debate on Matter of Urgent Public Importance, on the raising state of insecurity in Nigeria brought before the House by the Chief Whip , Rep Mohammed Tahir Monguno.

He commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who in his welcome speech, demonstrated that he feels the pulse of Nigerians who have been worried by the general insecurity situation in the nation, especially in the North East.

"We condemn in totality the issues of security infractions that we have had in this country, while we were on the Christmas break and recess. We condemn the beheading and the gruesome murder of the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Adamawa State Chapter. We condemn the killing of that student from Plateau State and the incessant attacks on the people of the North East whether in Borno or Yobe or the people of North Central, whether Plateau or Kebbi ,is totally condemnable and my people has asked me to do that"

The lawmaker during the debate, recalled the town hall meeting he had with his constituents in December,where issues of insecurity in the country and other concerns were brought up.

"On the 11th day of December I went home, I had a Town Hall meeting where I called my Constituents, I asked them, what do you think should define my engagement going further? And of primary concern was the issue of security in this country".

"We are asking that money meant for operations should be judiciously used by our personnel to be able to address the issues that we have, while we are asking for more funding ,there should be justification for the one we have already appropriated for those personnels"

The House resolved that the Service Chiefs should resign their positions due to the deteriorating security situation in the country and the failure to resign , the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should relief them of their duties.

Completion Agenda: The Journey With Udom Emmanuel part1

By Umani Uwemedimo





Urbanization is not simply about increasing the number of Urban residents or expanding the area of cities, but it's pertinent to note that it is about a complete drift from rural to urban style in terms of industrialization, creation of employment opportunities, transformation of the  living environment, increased investment, infrastructural development, increased capital accumulation interms of Internally Generated Revenue and most importantly, social security. These are the key factors that the strength of modern-day society depends on.

Ascertaining the grandness of these factors, Mr. Udom Emmanuel while giving his inaugural speech during his swearing-in ceremony as governor of Akwa Ibom State professed that by God's grace and with the support of the citizens, he will modify the position of the State as a civil service State to an industrial hub.

Changing the status of the State from a civil service- dependent State according to him does not imply doing away with the teeming percentage of civil service jobs, but to introduce a form of economic sustainability for the rainy days just like Lagos State.

Lagos State has been able to diversify its economy and to considerably reduce its dependence on Federal allocations. But its potentials are still huge if invested in skilled labor force, reduced its bureaucratic hurdles and adopted inclusive development approach.

Lagos as a State has a rich history of economic growth and transformation. Although it covers only 0.4th of Nigeria's territorial land mass, making it the smallest state in the country, it accounts for over 60% of industrial and commercial activities in the nation. Lagos State is financially viable, generating over 75% of its revenues independent of Federal grants derived from oil revenues. It generates the highest internal revenue of all states in Nigeria.

The dream of Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the governor of Akwa Ibom State is to build a tributary environment where commercial and industrial activities would thrive for economic ontogenesis just as Lagos State in the future run.

To achieve this dream, Mr. Udom Emmanuel immediately after assumption office embarked on aggressive road construction to help open up the rural areas thereby linking them with the urban areas. For instance, the Nto Edino – Ekwere Azu road with a twin bridge which links the state with Abia and other States will aide in the effective transportation of human, industrial and commercial goods to and fro the States, and this directly affects the economic development of the State. Some other roads constructed are the 20km Uyo- Etinan road which leads to the East-West road, Information Drive in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene- Uyo, Eket-Onna road, Mobil road in Ibeno, 6.0km Idiaba- Nda Nsit-Ikot Abasi road amongst others.

These roads have automatically opened up these areas for industrial and commercial activities. This is the reason the emergence of industries in these areas is possible as witnessed in the State today.

The Government of Akwa Ibom State led by Mr. Udom Emmanuel has added another feather to its cap by bringing in innovations to the aviation sector. The story of Ibom Air is one landmark achievements that can never be ignored whenever emphasis on global revolution is made. This has been achieved in a time where there is great economic turbulence affecting the globe. Ibom Air has become the first State owned Airline in history.

Not only that the State has become the most accessible in Nigeria amongst other commercial cities, the dream of expanding the State's economy has become a reality. With over 50,000 passengers recorded in its first 100 days of operation, Ibom Air has contributed immensely to the economic expansion of the State. As we speak, two additional aircrafts last week were added to the already existing fleet. Currently, the airline operates three flights per day from Uyo to Abuja/ Lagos and also Abuja to Lagos and vice versa. This is good as saying " double expansion for our economy".

Since electricity is one of the factors that affect economic development, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has launched a campaign, " power for all by 2021 initiative". It is believed that by 2021, every home across the State is connected to electricity.

When power supply is dependable and reliable, it will in turn aid effective commercial and industrial activities. To foster the actualization of this dream, the governor has embarked on building of electricity substations across the State.

The 2x60MVA, 132/33KV Power Sub-station at Ekim, Mkpat Enin is considered one of the most sophisticated in Nigeria, and is capable of supplying electricity to not fewer than 5 Local Government Areas in the state.

The ambient environment and good road network put in place by Mr. Udom Emmanuel with steady power supply have paved a way in the State where industries are thriving effectively.

One of the industries that are currently in operation is the Greenwell Fertilizer Blending Plant which has an annual production capacity of N400,000 metric tons of fertilzer. It has created a direct employment for about 150 people and an indirectly employment for about 89 people.

The plant is operated under PPP arrangement like most other industries attracted to the state. It runs with government equity share, and has an added advantage of not only blending fertilizer for trees and vegetables but also on soil types to suit the crops under cultivation.

The Greenwell Fertiliser plant with a distribution capacity of 6 truck-loads of Fertilizer per day, sources its raw materials both locally and internationally with Urea as one of the most important ingredients.

The plant has the capacity of blending assorted and multi-purpose fertilizer and is at the moment producing 3 highly demanded fertilizers including 20:10:10; 12:12 17 + 2mgo and 15:15:15.

Other industries are the Kings Flour Mill factory, Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company, Rice Mill, St. Gabriel Coconut Refinery, Refurbished Peacock Paint Factory, Lion Plywood and Timber Factory amongst others that will be discussed in the next edition of this piece.

The journey to becoming economic stabled and financially independable just like Lagos is a great and tough one. But with Gov. Udom Emmanuel, we believe Akwa Ibom State will someday get there.


Umani Uwemedimo writes from Uyo.

AKPABIO THRICE BEATEN: WHO NO GO KNOW GO KNOW





Undoubtedly one of the most colourful politicians of his rogue generation, Godswill Akpabio, former Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, former Commissioner, Ministry of Rural Development, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Minority Leader and former senator, all under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is what bombasts would call 'tailor-made'.

Until recently, he had a way of fitting into all manner of jankara political wears, whether Tokunbo or Nigeria-use. But when he switched into the very party he had cursed when he was governor, he became a chief-partaker of the curse that even a Tokunbo political wear could not fit him.

Akpabio soon after his defection into the All Progressives Congress, APC strived to dismiss the assertion that his defection was primarily for his personal interest. He had said occasionally that his 'movement' to the APC was to link Akwa Ibom State with the center. “Which kind center wey him wan link our State with? This na the question wey local men been dey ask.

Few days later, Akpabio turned from an emperor to a wolf. He was eager to crush any walking object not minding the implication.. E remain small, him for scatter scatter all him brothers wey dey for PDP. Him bin say him wan grap him state like one criminal wey bin cause plenty wahala for Poland. Warsaw will see war and war will see Warsaw”. Na wetin Akpabio bin tell us be this.

To cut the Tori short. Akpabio was beaten at the election date. Even to see sand pack him no bin see. E come dey like say him dey for another world. Akpabio was languishing in agony not until he found his way to Calabar where a lot of people trooped in to comfort him. Akwa Ibom to am bin dey like hell, so him no bin get any other option than to vamus for the State for a very short time.

After he was beaten at the pool, Akpabio was induced to believe that he didn't lose fairly, so he must challenge the election result at the Court of competence. So he came up with a slogan, “my mandate was stolen”. All him people for town bin dey shout " Akpabio’s stolen mandate" soh-te VP Osinbajo as him enter Uyo for one event like that no kom get wetin to talk. Him bin reason say as Uncle Buhari head bin dey hot so during that time, if him misbehave, sacking letter go follow am the next day. Omor eh! The man comport soh-te him kom talk say that Akpabio mandate wey PDP dong steal so, him go make sure say them return give am. Yours truly, this was what saved his job.

Akpabio had thought Mr. VP was serious with what he said. The next week, him run go file Petition for Tribunal. Da! The way those Tribunal judges take dismiss Akpabio case. E bin dey like one ugly girl wey nigga discharge for house quick quick to avoid acciban. E show say them sef no bin get joy for their body.
Akpabio was again beaten, though the beating was not yet confirmed.

Akpabio to confirm his beating moved to the Appellate Court to appeal the Tribunal's verdict. For here, everyone for town bin dey vex. " Why Akpabio go use him hand take sign him dead warrant? Them dong beat am soh-te him face kom swell. Why him still wan make Ukarakpa beat am? The people kom dey disassociate themselves from am. Day by day, we kom dey hear " I'm no longer an APC supporter. I've moved on. I love PDP". Finally, we kom reason say plenty people no like beating, na only Akpabio dey enjoy am.

The Appellate Court after confirming Akpabio's second beating worsened his case by ordering him to go and get another beating in Essien Udim, his Local Government Area. They ordered a rerun in only Essien Udim Local Government. This was as good as telling Akpabio, " omor go there and die your die".

Akpabio after the Court's verdict, had made series of attempts not to participate in the rerun election as ordered by the Court. He tried to substitute his name for Ekperikpe Ekpo but INEC on countless times said no to him. They said at a point like this, Akpabio cannot transfer his beating to an innocent fellow. So he must go to the poll and chop his beating alone.

Akpabio knowing that his beating was inevitable, organized a Press Conference, stating his withdrawal from the race. Him eyes that day bin red. Him kom dey say, " I no dey stand the election again. If party no fit file Ekperikpe Ekpo for the election, make them forget. I no dey do again". Yours truly everyone believed that Akpabio was not contesting again.

Because the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has stipulated that anyone seeking an elective position must resign his appointment 30days before the election date, Akpabio knew that resigning his position to contest in the rerun election was tantamount to a suicidal mission. He also knew that the beating awaiting whoever would contest the election against Senator Christopher Ekpenyong was inevitable. So he swore to hold fast on a bird at hand, which is his current Ministerial position. But if PDP had relaxed, na blood them for cry now. Because Akpabio, Emman Akpan and Nse Ntuen for do them ' aben emi adia, aben enyemi afo akpa". Infact, them for play PDP " enyen onwong ikwe usung" just like Austin Jay Jay Okocha.

On the eve of the election, Nse Ntuen who is the APC State Constituency Candidate in Essien Udim joined his master, Chief Godswill Akpabio to withdraw self from the race. Few hours later, Emman Akpan who's the Federal Constituency Candidate for Ikot Ekpene/ Obot Akara/ Essien Udim Federal Constituency also withdrew himself from the race. This thing no bin be bobo juice matter. Town be waw. People wey bin dey expect to do pickings on the election day kom dey para why them for withdraw from the race. Da feel say their ticket dong cut. But they didn't know it was only but a technical antic to execute their maiming plan.

Again, they were not sure of making it through. This was why they issued a release in the eve of the election intimating the public of their withdrawal so that when they results are announced and they lost, they would give an excuse that they had withdrew themselves from the race.

On the election day, Akpabio, Emman Akpan and Nse Ntuen were in their respective polling units. They had drawn out strategies where they would win the election criminally.

Immediately the election materials arrived some polling units, INEC officials, NYSC Corp Members and the materials were abducted to unknown locations. To saddened everything, they were protected by some security officers while undergoing their usual wicked act. There was massive thump-printing for the three APC candiai at Akpabio's residence. It took the intervention of the DSS to save the abductees from their abductors.

Just as expected, there was serious mayhem releases on voters and accredited journalists who were on ground to monitor the election. There was a massive destruction of sensitive electoral materials in polling units where they could not hijack. Emmanuel Inyangetor, Akpabio's Aide being so disappointed by the outcome of the election threaten to kill a journalist if not for the prompt intervention of men of the DSS. Also, a photo journalist was almost butchered by Akpabio's boys at Akpabio's polling unit. As I write this, the young man has been hospitalized in a certain hospital at Uyo with a swollen face.

Journalists were barred from entering Senator Akpabio's polling unit and according to Information, there were irregularities going on inside there. The INEC officials and NYSC Corp Members that were inside were defenseless as men of the Nigerian Police Force controlled by Akpabio's younger brother supervised their maltreatment by Akpabio's boys.

DIG Ogbizi that was brought to the State for the reason of the rerun election turned against Akpabio at the election date. The man beholding the hilarious mayhem released on the people by an acclaimed Nationalist was left with no option than to rebelled against him. He joined forces with the State Commissioner of Police to ensure the safety of the voters, observers, INEC officials and sensitive electoral materials. This was when Akpabio threatened that they'll be sacked.

After all these gra gra by Akpabio and his boys, one thing they were unable to change was the fact that Akpabio has raped the constitutional sanctity of the Land. As a sitting Minister, he has contested an election without resigning. This incident has posed a negative antecedent on the anal of our constitution. Wait a minute! Has Nigeria become so lawless? Indeed, it would take so many years to purge out this debacle from our land.

Again, Akpabio even with his boys, Federal might and other forces couldn't avert his beating. Before these factors, Akpabio, Emman Akpan and Nse Ntuen were outrightly beaten the third time and this one, person wey no been know dong know.

Now I can attest that Akpabio loves to be beaten.



Umani Uwemedimo is a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Uyo.

AKPABIO HAS LANDED: GOOD OR BAD

Umani Uwemedimo




This time last year, that is before the February 23rd National Assembly elections, the internet space was bombarded with pictures with a short caption " Akpabio has landed". Infact they made it a trending hashtag throughout January and February.

With the pictures of Akpabio being chaired by a mammoth crowd, APC supporters concluded that they've taken over Akwa Ibom State. But on the election date when we thought Akpabio would land well, him no come land. E take am like few months before him come land. Even as him come land, him no land for Senate, although na for the same Abuja him land. Him land for Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

Despite the fact that he had landed somewhere else, Akpabio was brainwashed to believe that all landing no be landing. So he decide to turn the hands of time so that him go fit use one helicopter land for two different destinations the same time.

As him go for road, na so Appeal Court tell am say " oh boy, no be say you no for land here. But the thing be say e get as e be. You no go fit land for here because of weather condition wey dey very very bad. You still need go refuel your engine for Essien Udim so that if you go land, you go land very well. To accompany you, we dong give you Emmanuel Akpan and Nse Ntuen. That was how a rerun election for the Senate seat, House of Representatives seat and State House seat was ordered in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

There were speculations that Akpabio would win, even his Chief Press Secretary had issued a Press Statement, appreciating the Appeal Court justices for the verdict and had also congratulated the Akwa Ibom APC faithfuls ahead of Akpabio's triumph at the rerun. But one week before the rerun, Akpabio withdrew self from the rerun election. The man kom code say cabal been just wan rubbish am. Him kom know say all landing na landing.

Everyone for street come dey ask, " why e kom be say na Akpabio of all people tear race commot for election wey him bin dey reason say him go win? Indeed the fear of Ukarakpa is the beginning of comportment.

E come dey like say Akpabio bin dey try transfer him beating give Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo wey from my Federal Constituency. As we get the jerk, na so we call meeting fast fast, do protest, kary the matter go table before INEC. The question wey we ask INEC be say, " why una go big head siddon here look as Akpabio wan transfer him beating give our brother? INEC come dey beg us. Omor! Them tell us say them no know o. Immediately, they issued a release citing relevant laws that Akpabio cannot be substituted. Na so Akpabio face for Abuja change. Him come talk say " oya I no dey interested for the election matter again. Anything wey party wan do, make them do". Baba! Na so Akpabio take commot for ring mek Ukarakpa no beat am kill. If we been keep kwayet siddon, na so them for kary Ekperikpe Ekpo go mek Ukarakpa brush brush am kee for ring.

Everything was going on smoothly. Infact, Emma Akpan and Nse Ntuen were doing their consultations well. APC supporters had hope that the duo would succeed. But as Akpabio come land for Ukana yesterday night with one big belle Police DIG like that, fear enter everywhere. For him dead mind, when them see the DIG, Emman Akpan and Nse Ntuen go contact. Them go feel am say him get level. Him no been know say the man belle alone na total discouragement for the two men.

Wait a minute! If Ukarakpa wan swallow that DIG, where you think say him go start from dey swallow am? Las las, the man no get level.

Emman Akpan and Nse Ntuen come get meeting early this morning. For the meeting, them kom dey adumbrate weting happen give all APC candidates for last general elections as Akpabio been land for Uyo. Them come reason say them fit lose as all their party candidates been lose for last elections o. Like this, them dong tear race commot for town say them no want do again. Them believe say as Akpabio dong land so, them fit no even get one vote for the rerun election tomorrow. As I dey tell you this tori so, Akpabio, Emman Akpan, and Nse Ntuen dong run. Them dong talk say them no wan contest again. Them talk say all the noise wey them been dey make for town so, say na play them been dey play oooo.

E better say them withdraw early than to go score 0 vote. Indeed Akpabio has landed no be better statement.

ESSIEN UDIM RE-RUN: HOW BARR. PATRICK UMOH DISGRACED NSE NTUEN AND APC AT THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT YESTERDAY

The courtroom was filled to capacity. The venue was the Federal High Court, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.

Serious cases were listed for hearing but in the midst of the serious cases was a strange ex parte application for an order of injunction to restrain INEC from conducting Saturday's re-run election.

The application was filed on behlaf of Nse Ntuen and the APC by Barr (Dr.) Patrick Umoh of Godswill Akpabio Law House. It was a strange and funny application which threw lawyers into laughter.

The good news is that the application was refused by the Court for lacking in substance.

It is however a surprise to many that Parick Umoh who introduced himself to the court as "Dr. Patrick Umoh" does not know the extant position of the Electoral Act which provides that no injunction shall lie against an election in Nigeria.

Where did Patrick Umoh do his law practice training (also known as tutelage)? How conversant is he with the real practice of law?

It would be recalled that Patrick Umoh has made several blunders in court in recent time in respect of the same Essien Udim State Constituency matter.

At the Tribunal he applied that Esse Umoh's petition should be struck out for being incompetent but the Tribunal dismissed his application and proceeded with the hearing of the petition. He also argued that Esse Umoh did not file his pre hearing application on time but the argument was adjudged by the Tribunal as baseless and also dismissed.

At the Court of Appeal in Calabar, he argued in the brief he filed for Nse Ntuen that Esse Umoh's appeal was academic and without legal substance. The Court of Appeal in its judgment dismissed his argument and upheld the appeal, the outcome of which is the re-run that will take place in Essien Udim on Saturday.

Recall further that it was this same Patrick umoh who wrote the petition for Chief Godswill Akpabio against Utitofon Morgan to the police. That petition got Utitofon, then an expectant father arrested, a situation that almost traumatized Utitofon’s wife.

Patrick continually holds out himself as an enemy of young people, especially the intelligent ones; a clog in the wheel of Democratic progress and a very selfish fellow.