Richard Peters

Whenever rain falls on an important day such as this, it signifies the outpouring of the blessings from heaven. Rain is never a sign of anything bad going by the scriptures .

Acts 14:17 states thus:
Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

Isaiah 55:10 also affirms that "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater".

Rain is what brings fruitfulness, prosperity and wealth. Leviticus 26:4 sheds more light thus:
I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit.

Perhaps OBA'S supporters who are using this rain to mock Umo Eno do not understand the fact that the rain symbolizes and ushers in a flourishing season and season of bountiful harvest.

This is a sign that Umo Eno's administration will bring more blessings to the people.
One thing is sure, Umo Eno will be sworn-in today in a matter of time and all this empty noise and argument will vanish.

Rev Richard Peters

Developmental projects anywhere in the world are not executed at the express approval of citizens; they are often condemned, delayed and sometimes, killed by those they are meant for.

Many atimes, the same people who engage in very agonizing criticism ignorantly, turn back to be the major users of criticized projects such as roads and other infrastructure.
For this reason, leaders who do not desire to be distracted or discouraged, disregard condemnation and forge ahead to deliver on their promises for the same people who never remember to take back their ill words when they start enjoying the goodwill of condemned projects.

As far back as the Old Testament era, criticism has remained a veritable tool for demoralization. Noah was called names for building the Ark of protection against the flood and Nehemiah was taunted by Sambalat and Tobias for building the fallen Temple of God. However, the antagonists in the end, came to the understanding that there was indeed a viable reason for the project they condemned.
Today, the same fate has befallen the Governor of Akwa Ibom State whose only “crime” is building a standard worship centre for the State.

It is not clear whether people think building a standard Worship Centre is insignificant or whether they think the Governor is building the structure for himself and his family as was the case of Noah and Nehemiah’s critics but what Akwa Ibomites need know is that a State named after God should have something to show for it.

The children of Israel who were first called after God understood this and hence, sited a Tabernacle everywhere God led them. In the succeeding years, a befitting structure was considered most appropriate by King David before it was finally established in Jerusalem. It thus came to be that the whole world knew and recognized that Israel, the people of God have a sacred place where they go to worship him.

To this day, Jerusalem is still visited and heavily patronized as where God lives. People even take delight in being addressed as Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP) more than being addressed as ‘Child of God’, while many others will kill to visit the “Holy City”.

Meanwhile, in his attempt to replicate same in the State, Governor Udom Emmanuel has gone out of his way to not just build a worship centre but to deliver one which will favourably compete or outshine similar structures in other climes.
What this implies is that sooner or later, the Akwa Ibom International Worship Centre will become the Jerusalem of Israel with a crowd of people thronging from far and wide to worship God. For the records, every Worship centre is an altar so, no one will be restrained from exercising their right to Worship God inside the Centre as it is completed.

The 10,000-capacity International Worship Centre at Afaha Ikot Obio Nkan, behind the Udo Udoma banking layout is no doubt the first of its kind in history.

In Governor Emmanuel’s opinion, it is not fair that a state named after God should after 32 years of its creation, be gathering at playgrounds, stadia and even uncompleted buildings to worship, pray and sing praises to God.
He stressed that the worship center was very essential to the state, adding that other states which are not as endowed as Akwa Ibom have standard worship places to sing praises and magnify the Lord for His goodness and mercies.

“We have found favour in God’s eyes and religious bodies, non-profit organizations and even individuals from all over the world heeded our call for support to actualize this dream”, the Governor had said during the ground-breaking ceremony in 2018.
When he inspected the project on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, the Governor Emmanuel again stressed the importance of the Worship Centre.

“If this is the only state named after God on planet earth, then something must be there to show for it. I don’t think there is anything wrong in that. People see a building but I see an altar I’m raising for generations unborn. It takes one man to do a whole lot that God will mark as righteousness for all of us. This is the best International Christian Worship Centre on planet earth. People will come to the understanding when its done”, .

Governor Emmanuel’s commitment to this laudable project has persisted despite the prevailing economic indices globally or locally. He knows what fortune, fame and honour the project would earn the state and is patiently watching the trend of things as a wise investor does.

Moreover, the construction site has hundreds of Akwa Ibom youths working daily for handsome pays, with more hands to be employed to maintain it.

Rather than criticize, Akwa Ibomites should note that this honour done them is their pride and possession. We should learn to see the good in the things around us so as to identify ways we can collaborate.

The Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State on Media, Rev Richard Peters has said that the inauguration of the governor elect, Pastor Umo Eno on May 29 is non negotiable.

Peters made the assertion in an interview on Friday following the speculation and reports that Eno would not be sworn in due to alleged "certificate forgery case instituted by the governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party, Senator. Bassey Akpan.


Akpan has told the tribunal that Eno was not at the time of the election qualified to contest because he presented a forged WAEC June 1981 certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during his nomination by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a case which has been ruled by the supreme court in favor of Pastor Eno.

Udom's Aide describing the narrative as a propaganda wondered why the YPP candidate could not focus on reclaiming his alleged stolen mandate but to delve into a matter that has since been addressed by the supreme court.

According to him, "there are rumours on social media by those who failed the election that Umo Eno will not be sworn in. This is just the figment of imagination of these oppositions. Umo Eno won the election convincingly and there is nothing anybody can do about it.

"The supreme court has verified him qualified. They want to twist facts and figures by abandoning the document they took to the tribunal and start chasing shadows, trying to exhume dead case, a case that has long been put to death by the supreme court.

"Umo Eno is the authentic candidate of the party despite the sponsored litigations, he passed through those hurdles and won so what will make him not to be sworn in?

"I expect the sponsor of this propaganda to focus on his criminal case at the court of appeal and not to dissipate his energy chasing frivolities."

The Aide adjudged gov Emmanuel's administration as excellent which had tried his best to deliver on his mandate saying that Umo Eno was prepared to take over the mantle.

Richard Peters

"Truth is, Bassey Albert since his conviction and sentencing wherein he was incarcerated at Ikot Ekpene prison, has tried to also drag others to the mud, dent more image and make many to be designated criminal, just as Satan vowed that he would never be alone in hell. But the question is, should everyone be given the criminal badge? Must everyone become a scammer? The answer is no."........

After the 2023 general election, one would have thought that Bassey Albert having seen how unpopular he was during the political outing, would rest and think of what to do for his life, but pride won't allow him. His ego won't let him think straight. He is up again in his usual characteristic to raise the dust, and make everyone cough. Like a wicked ghost, he is attempting to exhume an issue that was dead and buried just to score a cheap political point.

Bassey Albert has no case against Umo Eno than to continue to worship the gods of propaganda as his manner is, and try to raise dust inorder to continue to be relevant after his political obituary was justified on conclusion of the governorship election.

From the day Pst. Umo Eno declared his interest for the hilltop mansion, Albert has made several attempts to either take Umo Eno out of the picture or rubbish his image. But as God would like it, none saw the light of the day, rather, those obstacles made Pst Umo Eno to be stronger and more committed to serve.

There abound instances where cases were remotely filed against Pst. Umo Eno, and these cases did not have any bearing with what was at hand, other than being sponsored by mischief makers with the motive to stop Pst. Umo Eno.

For instance, the case prior to the governorship primary election, wherein the plaintiffs argued that only statutory delegates should vote during the primary, and not the adhoc delegates was an attempt to stop Pst. Eno, and nothing more. At the end of the day, Umo Eno still won convincingly in the court, even till the supreme court.

As if that was not enough, Akan Okon took up a case of certificate forgery. And all through the different courts of competent jurisdiction wherein the case was heard, the judgments were in favour of Umo Eno.

Immediately after that, Babatan in line with the meaning of his name attempted to put sand in the political delicacy that was well cooked, but the sand could not spoil the soup, as they were sieved out, up to the supreme court.

Then came a very frivolous case instituted at the magistrate court by a nameless and faceless individual. As God would like it, Pst. Eno was vindicated.

In all these, directly or indirectly, these cases were sponsored with third forces in order to take Umo Eno out of the picture. But since Umo had been ordained King from birth, the prayer of his people "God Save the King" was sounding and re-
echoing throughout the period, and God heard their prayer and saved Umo Eno.

If these cases were allowed to follow the dictates of men who were all out to thwart Umo Eno's ambition, maybe they would have smiled home. But God was involved all through and saved the King.

After all the battles, the 2023 election was conducted with Pst Umo Eno as the PDP governorship candidate in the state, and at the end of the exercise, he won clearly with a wide margin.

As the tradition is, any candidate who is not satisfied with the outcome of an election has the right to approach the election petition tribunal, and prove beyond reasonable doubt that he/she was robbed of his/her mandate. That is the practice in democracies all over the world.

But during a post election press conference at the instance of Bassey Albert and the YPP, they alluded that they won the election and their mandate was stolen. Their supporters took the fallacy to the social media market to sell, and cry same at every corner. It would have been nice for them to prove same at the tribunal, but they did not do that. Instead, we now wake up to see a strange narrative flooding the social media space about Umo Eno being expelled from school over WAEC result, an issue that was dead and buried before the election, having been heard and tried from the high court to the supreme court, wherein the plaintiff was asked to pay damages, the case struck out for lacking in merit, and Umo Eno was declared eligible to stand for the election.

The courts also affirmed that Umo Eno was the authentic candidate of the PDP, and qualified to contest the election.

Therefore, this strange narrative by Bassey Albert and cohorts is laughable and very ridiculous. If they have any idea as to how to stall Pst. Umo Eno's inauguration, they would have done it. They have done their bid to see that such happens, but God saved the King, and Umo Eno will be sworn-in as governor of Akwa Ibom state come May 29.

Truth is, Bassey Albert since his conviction and sentencing wherein he was incarcerated at Ikot Ekpene prison, has tried to also drag others to the mud, dent more image and make many to be designated criminal, just as Satan vowed that he would never be alone in hell. But the question is, should everyone be given the criminal badge? Must everyone become a scammer? The answer is no.

He had fraudulently embezzled funds meant for the public and the law was invoked against him, he should go alone, face his music and allow a man who has built his reputation over the years to live in peace.
Instead, he is acting as the devil his father to rub the stain on everyone around him and implicate others.

Albert is indeed in another prison of scorn and propaganda to deceive the gullible and cause confusion. For the record, the issue of certificate forgery had been addressed by courts of competent jurisdiction. It is a concluded matter. It cannot be retried through the back door. Please see the recent judgment of the Supreme Court delivered in Adeleke's case, which is a precedence for other similar cases.

How can a man who is said to have been expelled made it to the graduation list, issued a bachelors degree and afterwards, gained admission and was awarded a masters degree? Currently, he is doing his PhD programme. The truth of the matter is that the usual line of propaganda always adopted has refused to fly as the people who would have bought it can no longer find it interesting.

On May 29, 2023, Pst. Umo Eno will be sworn-in as governor. This is the will of God, and there is nothing anybody can do about it.

...as Ini Emembong bags best Commissioner, South-South

The National President of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chris Iziguzo, has hinted that the Union does not reward unmerited personalities.

He stated this during the grand reception in honor of two illustrious sons of Akwa Ibom State, the deputy governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, MFR, and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, MNIPR, in Uyo on Saturday.

“We take out time to scrutinize awardees, and I can say that these ones are deserving of the awards”, he stressed.

Comrade Ememobong received commendation and was awarded as the best commissioner in the South-South region.

“Comrade Ini Emembong is one of the best Commissioners we have ever produced in the South-South. He is driven by intellect, humility, initiative and ingenuity. He is an outstanding commissioner”, Chief Isiguzo commended.

Chris commended the Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUJ for the event, and proposed that it should be an annual gathering. He also appealed that journalists should continue to take their profession seriously as they are the watchdog of the society.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mr Moses Ekpo, MFR, dedicated the awards to journalists in Akwa Ibom State for bringing honour to the state.

In their goodwill messages, the vice chairman of the state council, Comrade Margaret Moore, acknowledged the remarkable contributions of Comr. Ini Ememobong as inspiring.

“Your amazing role as a friend, ally, and advocate within our union has had a profound impact on our growth and success. Your unwavering support, accessibility have strengthened our bond and fostered an atmosphere of collaboration and unity.

“Your dedication to press freedom, transparency, and accountability has been an inspiration to us all”, she said.

While Prince Chris Abasieyo, the former commissioner of Information thanked the incumbent for raising the bar of information dissemination in the state, the Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Odiko Macdon said the state has been better projected under the leadership of Comrade Ememobong as information manager.

"We haven’t had it this good before. You can hardly find bad news because he has done so well" Macdon submitted.

Director of Information, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs Blessing Urua, said that Comrade Emembong is diligent and is a marketable product in their fold.

Aides to the commissioner, concurred through Imo Etimudo “he is very humorous, generous, meticulous and fastidious. When you have an encounter with Comrade Ini Emembong, you will know he came at the right time and that’s why the parent named him “Ini”. Etimudo added that the Commissioner has made them love "God and work".

Also present at the event were Vice President, NUJ, Zone F (South-South), Comrade Opaka Dokubo, member of the House of Representatives for Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, member-elect for Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency, Hon. Ime Okon, member representing Ibiono Ibom State constituency, Obong Godwin Ekpo, the political class, friends, associates and well wishers.

More accolades and gifts are coming for Hilda Baci for her feat as new holder of longest cooking marathon of 100 hours.

The latest of the donation is the gift of a landed property by a real estate company in Uyo, In-motions Business Limited.

A press release by the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Gideon Ekanem has it that the company is awarding a plot of land worth over 3. 5 Million naira, located at one of their properties in a choice area in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

On the rationale behind the gift, the release has it that "In - Motion 's foundation rests upon the pillars of diligence and perseverance, as we consistently align ourselves with these virtues.

"HildaBaci embodies the very essence of resilience within our society today, and we wholeheartedly join the entire nation and our fellow Akwa Ibomites in exuberantly celebrating her extraordinary achievement. In recognition of this remarkable feat, we are delighted to present Hilda with a free plot of land in Wana Court Estate , the first true Green and Smart Estate in Akwa Ibom State".

May this well-deserved honor serve as a testament to your unwavering determination.

Wana Court Green Estate is a chain of green real estate currently selling plots in Uyo, Port Harcourt, and Lagos.


Congratulations, champion!

More accolades and gifts are coming for Hilda Baci for her feat as new holder of longest cooking marathon of 100 hours.

The latest of the donation is the gift of a landed property by a real estate company in Uyo, In-motions Business Limited.

A press release by the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Gideon Ekanem has it that the company is awarding a plot of land worth over 3. 5 Million naira, located at one of their properties in a choice area in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

On the rationale behind the gift, the release has it that "In - Motion 's foundation rests upon the pillars of diligence and perseverance, as we consistently align ourselves with these virtues.

"HildaBaci embodies the very essence of resilience within our society today, and we wholeheartedly join the entire nation and our fellow Akwa Ibomites in exuberantly celebrating her extraordinary achievement. In recognition of this remarkable feat, we are delighted to present Hilda with a free plot of land in Wana Court Estate , the first true Green and Smart Estate in Akwa Ibom State".

May this well-deserved honor serve as a testament to your unwavering determination.

Wana Court Green Estate is a chain of green real estate currently selling plots in Uyo, Port Harcourt, and Lagos.


Congratulations, champion!

Isaac Job, Uyo

The founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church in Akwa Ibom state, Apostle Dr John Okoriko has attributed slow pace of development in Africa to excess spending of hard earned resources to bury dead family members and community leaders .

Speaking in Uyo , Akwa Ibom state capital on Sunday during the monthly interactive service on the theme" If A Man Dies , shall he lives again?" Okoriko said Africans have spent fortunes to glorify the deads through expensive burials adding that such expenses have placed the continent and the people in perpetual poverty and under development .

Okoriko recalled that the ancient Egypt in Africa indulged in paying attention to the dead instead of focusing on civilization which they championed from the beginning and were overtaken by other nations in terms of technology and industrialization.

He said they committed wealth of the nation to preserve dead bodies while others were buried with golds, money and precious wealth that would have transformed economy of their nation.

" Egyptians spent their wealth to embalm dead bodies , promote idol worship , buried fellow humans who were slaves to their masters .

"While indulging in this cruel and unprofitable exercises , other nations sprang up and overtaken Africa in development , science and technology"

Okoriko who appreciated moslems for treating the dead as God wanted described expensive burials as madness in the highest order.

" Moslems have some benefits for treating dead bodies the way God want it. I am the first person that will continue to appreciate moslems for treating dead in the right way.

" This is because Egyptians spent gold and silver to mummified dead bodies of Kings and other well meaning individuals in the society and built pyramids for thousands of years waiting in vain for the bodies to be resurrected . "

Okoriko who dies not believe in existence of ghost condemned Africans for wasting time to talk to the dead by way of invocations to come and avenge their enemies or bring them goodluck and fortunes.

" If we have this knowledge as christians that immediately you breath last ,you can't remember your property and can't feel anything again .

" As soon as you die , you see yourself as a member of the body of Christ for another assignment " he said .

... and how it will Boost Akwa Ibom's Image and Deepen Economic Activities.

By Samuel Udoma

The ongoing expansion of the Airport Road in Uyo handled by HENSEK Integrated Services, one of the finest construction firms in the country, is not only timely, but very strategic. The Airport Road has become a major entrance into the State via the Victor Attah International Airport. Thousands of vehicles ply the road daily, with Oron road equally housing dense human settlements in Shelter Afrique, Ifa, Mbiabong, Ibiaku and the environs.

The road expansion was necessitated by the surge in vehicular movements on the road, nearly overcrowded road users and the need to stretch the metropolis. Consequently, the project has already witnessed positive ripple effects. High-end estates and property developers have sprung and are doting nearly every kilometer throughout the length of the road.

Handlers of the project, HENSEK, has received praises for his topnotch, innovative engineering and timely delivery over time. The top indigenous firm, headed by Engr. Uwem Okoko, has put its midas touch on a number of key projects in the state. Notable among them include the internationally acclaimed 10 lanes Ring Road 3, 6 lanes Ring Road 2, and numerous internal roads across the state.

The expansion of the Airport Road is dear to the heart of Gov. Udom Emmanuel. Since coming on board about 8 years ago, Gov. Emmanuel has been very intentional about changing the industrial landscape and infrastructural perception of Akwa Ibom State.

Ibom Air and its attendant subsidiaries, has been one of such interventions. The newly expanded road will complement the New Ultra Modern Terminal at the airport, further deepening the State's status as the new national destination.

HENSEK, whose abilities the Governor trusts, was called upon for the all important expansion.The project has been etched on near perfection - totally devoid of the usual rancours of compensation payment and community hassles. The host communities have very receptive.

Worthy of note is the fact that, the newly widened Airport Road is already of immense economic importance to the state. It is the route that welcomes the world into Akwa Ibom State. Its beauty and serenity instantly serves as metaphor to the ideals that stand Uyo and Akwa Ibom out in the comity of states and capitals. In perspectives, visitors see Akwa Ibom first from the Airport Road.

The route also opens up the state into a projected major industrial catchment area - Oro, where it empties into the Atlantic which will house the Ibom Deep Seaport. Oro is also known for fishing and of course, a coastal terminal that links Calabar by water. It is only befitting and very futuristic.

HENSEK as usual, has brought finesse to the road expansion. New medians are being concreted to not only segment category of road users, but to also heighten the majesty and composition of the road. The expansion has eliminated shanty houses on such a major road and are being replaced with modern structures to further add beauty and cosmopolitancy.

How the expansion of the Airport Road will maximally boost economic activities in the area and State cannot be overemphasized. So far, estate owners and landlords on the route are counting their lucks, for a good road is the one of the major drawers of new settlements.

Housing development will witness great boom and more developers will capitalize on the access roads provided by the expansion. New hubs and settlements will not only stretch the town further, but will open up new markets even closer to resource materials.

With the expansion nearing completion, plyers of the road have already been lauding the ease of drive and a sense of spatial luxury they are now being accorded. The Governor's vision was to get an expressway from the airport to town, through HENSEK'S ingenuity and interpretation, that is today - a reality. Enjoy the world class road and drive safely.

A renowned Cleric of African Church and good governance Advocate, Revd.Richard Peters has passionately appealed to youths heating up the polity over the recent official mapping of the state to desist in the interest of peace and continuous development of the state.

It could be recalled that the state House of Assembly penultimate week passed the official map of the state into law and yet to be accented by Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Revd Peters who addressed Journalists on Friday in Uyo Akwa ibom state explained that the now officially gazetted map will bring tremendous development while ending incessant communal clashes and crisis that bedeviled some areas of the state before now.

According to him," The Mapping of the state is about knowing the official boundaries of each local council area. It has no bearing on our social coexistence, it is about providing accurate information on every specific geographical features and location in the state ".

The Clergy while allaying fears expressed by some protesters explained that the mapping was never done to oppress, victimize or marginalize any group or community in the state.

" The essence of the Mapping is to show the size of each council, shape, boundary and other important features, it also shows the distance between the council areas and was never done for the purpose of suppression ".

He pleaded with some Politicians allegedly sponsoring the youths on protest to have a rethink stressing that what should be paramount now is peace and overall development of the state.

Revd Peters further highlighted, " The exercise has not disrupted our social coexistence, edged any group or community out of the state nor deprived any community of thier settlement not even any area's name has been changed. The map will neither deny any community of what they are benefiting presently or what they are entitled to in the future ".

He further pleaded, " We are all aware of the havoc unleashed by communal clashes and crisis which bothers on land boundaries disputes, are we satisfied with the blood letting?, We have lost precious souls, property and businesses to the menace. Thus the option of the state mapping is to end the ugly incidents cement our unity while accelerating the development of the state ".

The Clergy who acknowledged Governor Udom Emmanuel's giant strides in almost eight years of his administration in the state noted that he should be appreciated more now as he keeps inaugurating projects weekly rather than being hunted and insulted over misunderstood lofty idea.

Raymond Alphonsus, Uyo.

...hails Victor Etefia. Says Ikono gave Pastor Umo Eno highest votes in Ntippe Ibibio

...”Ikono ranks among LGA’s with highest number of votes for PDP in Guber polls”



A frontline PDP Chieftain and Member of the Pastor Umo Eno Governorship Campaign Council Architect Raymond Alphonsus has stated that Governor- Elect Pastor Umo Eno Will ensure continuity, consolidation and sustainability of all projects and programs of Gov. Udom Emmanuel’s Administration.

Speaking to newsmen in Uyo the Ikono born Architect noted that “Pastor Umo Eno’s Government is a Continuity Of the job creation/ industrialization agenda of Gov. Udom Emmanuel Administration.”

“A close look at Pastor Umo Eno’s ARISE manifesto shows Continuity in expansion of road infrastructure. The Governor-Elect has stated repeatedly that he will sustain all the Legacies of the current Government from Giant bird Ibom Air which Gov. Emmanuel established to the 21 storey smart tower which will bring investors here and the massive road projects.”

“Gov. Emmanuel got the license for Ibom deep seaports and since Government is Continuum, Pastor Umo Eno will take it up from there. You know the construction of Ibom deep seaport will boost entrepreneurship which formed the campaign theme of Pastor Umo Eno. You can see that the Arise Agenda is a reloaded version of Dakkada Philosophy.”

Also speaking on the just concluded polls in his hometown of Ikono, the second class upper graduate of Architecture stressed “When you talk of Governorship election results the Champion Of Ikono Politics and Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Emmanuel on Petroleum Sir Victor ETEFIA stands tall with winning numbers. He led PDP to record Winning numbers.”

Ikono Local Government Area gave Pastor Umo Eno more votes than Ini Local Government Area. Ikono gave Pastor Umo Eno more votes than itu. Even the votes of PDP got in Eastern Obolo and Urue-Offong/Oruko combined together didn’t reach what PDP gave the Governor elect in Ikono. Go and check the INEC numbers Sir Victor ETEFIA did well in Ikono. Ikono gave PDP more votes than even Nsit Atai. Sir Victor Etefia delivered as the Champion Of Ikono Politics”

Corporate governance and administration in various countries of the world has contributed immensely to professionalism, excellence and productivity. In Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has not only raised the quality of corporate secretaryship, but entrenched a global standard of administration.

Evolving from the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) founded in England in 1891, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, established more than 50 years ago as an associate of the international body was granted autonomy in 1988 and incorporated under the Companies Act of 1968. It became Chartered by Decree 19 of 1991 (Now known as the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria Act CAP I13 LFN 2004).

ICSAN has constantly enhanced the practice of corporate governance and administration in both the public and private sectors, a feat that validates its status as the only professional body authorised in Nigeria to conduct the examinations leading to the qualification of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

In Akwa Ibom State, ICSAN is set on a higher path of history as the investiture of its first female Chairman, Barr (Mrs) Chinonyerem Ini Ememobong, ACIS, beckons. All roads lead to Emerald Event Centre, Uyo, on Tuesday April 25, 2023.

Be a part.

#ICSANakwaIbom
#ICSANinvestiture2023

Akwa Ibom State Governor-Elect, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged friends, supporters and well-wishers to remember the poor and the needy rather than engage in elaborate events to mark his 59th Birthday, which comes up tomorrow, April 24th, 2023.

In a statement released by the Media Unit of the Governor-Elect and signed by Anthony Udoh, the Governor-Elect was effusive in thanking God for His manifest blessings, grace and mercy, gift of good health and a sound mind.

According to him, “I give God the glory for His grace and mercy upon my life and that of my dear family and indeed His love for our people and our dear State.

"As I turn 59 tomorrow (Monday, April 24th), I wish to thank my friends, teeming supporters and well-wishers who have reached out to me, with various plans to mark the day. As grateful and deeply appreciative as I am for these elaborate plans, I would, however, appeal to them to channel the resources they would have used to celebrate me, to help the poor and the needy.

"They may wish to visit orphanages, and other NGOs geared towards the downtrodden and encourage them to be hopeful and bring some happy cheers to their lives.

"God lifted me up from this same group, and having shared and felt their pain, anxieties and feeling of uncertainties, I will use my time in office, to fight for this group, who often are forgotten alongside other segments of our society.

"I thank you for your kind wishes, prayers, and unwavering support. God bless you, as we ARISE together and connect the dots of our continuous growth and development," he said.

The Paramount Ruler of Eket local government area, Edidem Etim C. D. Abia, says unity and peaceful co-existence would be engendered following the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law 2023 passed by the State House of Assembly.

In an interview with newsmen in his Palace in Eket, Edidem Abia, the Atta Ekid Afid, noted that the State’s map was important as it would bring an end to years of disputes over boundaries between neighbouring communities.

“We couldn’t have continued as a state without having a map, an official gazetted map.

“What was circulated in the past was not an official map, it was something someone drew and people used it and that map created a lot of problems.

He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his courage and determination in ensuring that the state had an official map, which he described as a vital tool for ensuring peace and stability.

“This map is expected to show clearly where the boundary of each Local Government is and bring to an end all the fights.

“The Governor has done well, he has the courage to do the right thing and not minding anybody, we couldn’t have had a state that didn’t have a map”.

The Paramount Ruler also drew attention to the fact that the map would prevent Local Government Areas from making claims on territories that were not rightfully theirs.

“We in Eket have been fighting since 1914 to get the proper boundary demarcated between us and Ibeno. This case went up to the privy council, the highest court in the British Empire and right from Nigeria, Eket won the case both in the High Court, Court of Appeal to the British Council. Ibeno never accepted that Judgment
“It is not up to Ibeno to implement the judgement but when there is a judgment that involves land it is the Government that should implement the judgment but successive Governments haven’t implemented the judgement.

“We also joined in the case to argue where QIT(Qua Iboe Terminal) is and they lost, the appeal was thrown out but still they won’t give up.

“This map is very important, not just for Eket alone because it affected Onna, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi.

“But this map is expected to show clearly where the boundary of each local Government is and bring to an end all the fights.

He further noted that in the past, there had been conflicts over territories that were not properly delineated, leading to tension and sometimes violence between communities but with the map, he said, such conflicts would be a thing of the past.

Speaking on the development across the state, the monarch said Governor Udom Emmanuel has exceeded expectations in his commitment to the development of Akwa Ibom State.

He observed that despite the challenges facing the state, Governor Emmanuel has remained resolute in his efforts to transform the state, and has put Akwa Ibom among the most developed states in Nigeria.

However, he noted that Governor Udom Emmanuel has taken the development agenda to a higher level, by implementing policies and programmes that have improved the lives of the people.

“Mr Udom Emmanuel has put Akwa Ibom State among most developed states in Nigeria. He has touched every local Government Area. I am surprised that he had to wait this long to commission Eket-Etinan road, the road is a long project all the way from Uyo to Etinan to Eket, he should have commissioned the road in sections".


“The Governor has done well he has the courage to do the right thing not minding anybody.


“Akwa Ibom State is one of the smallest states that is doing very well thanks to people like Governor Udom Emmanuel. He has exceeded expectations, and has put Akwa Ibom State among the most developed states in Nigeria”

Wins a Prestigious Award of Excellence

SAMPSON ENYONGEKERE, Uyo

A renowned and resourceful Global Energy Expert, Engr. (Dr.) Wisdom Patrick Enang, has consciously advocated for a just Energy Transition from fossil fuel to the much-talked-about renewable energy like solar and hydro, for Nigeria.

The shrewd Oil and Gas Consultant made the plea on Thursday, April 13, at Four Points By Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the Lawyers in Energy International Conference and Awards (L.E.I.C.A) 2023.

The two-day event themed "Economic Development and Sustainability of the African Energy Industry: Emerging and Evolving Concepts, Regulations and Opportunities", lasted between Wednesday April 12 and Thursday April 13, with other notable experts and industry leaders in attendance.

Speaking alongside other industry leaders like Mr. Victor Okoronkwo (Managing Director of Aiteo), Mrs. Iroghama Ogbeifun (Managing Director of Starz Investment), amongst others, on the topic, "Africa Energy Demand: Efficiency and Availability",
Dr. Wisdom Enang, who is an Adjutant Professor of the North Dakota University, USA, said that fossil fuels provides 80% of the world's energy, and are undoubtedly the energy foundation upon which global societies function.

Dr. Enang stressed that a sudden change in the composition of that foundation could potentially destabilize the global economy, and key elements of modern society. He also emphasized that energy transformation is shaped by a much broader and fundamental shift in terms of prosperity, progress, politics and the environment, and listed decarbonization as one of the cornerstone of the huge transition.

The Bath University, United Kingdom trained Mechanical Engineer maintained that the ongoing transformation does not only concern and apply to the energy sector, or to the change from one fuel source to another, or merely a technological leap, as it was much broader, reflecting a change and transformation in terms of values and the way the world around us is understood, nowadays.

Dr. Enang further explained that the great transition features a gradual breakaway from the older core values of security, reliability, and robustness which existing energy systems were built upon, to new values of sustainability, flexibility and affordability which are enabled by a completely new way of producing, delivering and consuming energy.

He however stressed that this does not necessarily mean that the older frame of values will become obsolete or irrelevant anytime soon, but that the centre of weight was definitely rebalancing itself.

Dr. Wisdom Enang, who is both a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (FNISafetyE), emphasized that the clarion call for decarbonization was apt and comes sequel to critical global drivers, such as the Paris Agreement, Consumer Energy Needs and investor activism.

He revealed that the Paris Agreement signed in 2015 established a global framework to prevent dangerous climate change, by limiting global warming to well below 2°C, and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.

These goals he intimated, are set against the backdrop of several scientific findings such as that of the National Academy of Sciences, which concluded in a 2015 study that it is possible that some extreme weather events such as heat waves and droughts could be attributed to changing climate, due to global warming.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the BBC praised "Sarah Enang Humanitarian Foundation" averred that the consciousness for responsible energy exploitation has also been taken seriously by investors like Black Rock, the world's largest fund manager with about $7 trillion (USD) of assets under management, who in 2020 declared, that "climate risk is investment risk", and stated that the group will be selling their direct investment in companies which derives more than 25% of their revenues from thermal coal.

"While Black Rock's strategy made headlines due to the fund's size and influence, other investors were also pressuring companies to take more action on climate change", he claimed.

He informed, that to enviornmentally conscious investors, a competitive portfolio will no longer be solely determined by its breakeven price, but also by its environmental impact, affirming that another noteworthy driver was the quest for higher flexibility, convenience and cleanliness of energy services demanded by customers, especially as income rises.

Dr. Wisdom Enang, who consults for a number of international and local energy companies, said that achieving a commercially attractive energy transition in Nigeria, will depend heavily on the use of existing oil and gas infrastructure which runs into billions of dollars in investment, and is adaptable, reliable and affordable. He explained that it will be a missed opportunity to not plan for the role of these already existing infrastructure in the Nigerian energy systems of the future.

Known for his massive advocacy for value-driven leadership, Dr. Wisdom Enang highlighted therefore, that the efficient repurposing of existing infrastructure remains a key imperative for decarbonizing the Nigerian energy sector in the most cost-effective approach, and maintained that the task of controlling energy related carbon emissions, as daunting as it may appear from today's perspective, may in fact turn out to be less obstructive if indeed an acceleration of long-term structural change trends is called for, rather than a departure in an entirely new direction.

Hear him: "Substantial acceleration of decarbonization would thus entail both ambitious technological and policy levers. Policy declarations such as the "Nigerian Decade of Gas", is a positive step in the right direction, as the exploitation of gas avails us with a more efficient and cleaner source of energy, compared to liquid petroleum."

Dr. Enang, a fully registered and accredited Chartered Engineer with the British Engineering Council, explained that large scale decarbonization of the oil and gas sector to a near-zero target would be extremely difficult to achieve anywhere in the world, as there are very limited commercially viable options.

Other speakers who spoke during Dr. Enang's panel discussion session include: Mr. Isreal Aye, a partner at Commercial and Energy Practice (CANDELP) as well as a Director at Aspen Energy Nigeria; Mrs. Raqeebah Oloko, Managing Solicitor of Bromshy Legal (An Energy Consultancy Legal Firm known for its exceptional legal Advice on Energy Transactions in Africa); Mrs. Iroghama Ogbeifun, Managing Director, Starz Investments Company Ltd and Mr. Victor Okoronkwo, Managing Director, Aiteo. Mr. Okoronkwo is also the Group Managing Director of Aiteo Exploration and Production Ltd, Nigeria's foremost independent oil and gas company.

The highpoint of the event was the conferment of a prestigious Award of Excellence on Dr. Wisdom Enang, "for his numerous and highly valuable contributions to the development of the Nigerian Oil and Gas sector, which has helped shape the industry more positively", Mr. Isreal Aye confessed, while conferring the Award on Dr. Enang.

10 new millionaires have emerged in the Udom Emmanuel Millionaires Scheme for Eket Fed Constituency.

The ten beneficiaries along with 19 others who got 50,000 naira each were all full of praises for the Governor for his benevolence.

Presenting the awards to the beneficiaries, the Chairman of the scheme and member of the State’s first family Mr. Ekerete Emmanuel charged them to be appreciative to God for the favour, and to invest the funds judiciously.

He reminded them that God’s grace awaits those who have unbiased minds about others and warned that only through hardwork and creativity do people become outstanding in life.

Coordinator of the scheme and SA to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Essien Ndueso appreciated the Governor on the gesture and said the scheme attached no political considerations, but purely one of the indicators of Governor Emmanuel’s benevolence to the people.

The beneficiaries of the one million naira facility include Sunday Tom, Saviour Ishmael, Iboro Lawson Edem, Nsima Isong and Thompson Elizabeth Nelson.
Others include Ekere Effiong Ekere,
Victoria Edwin, Imoh Thomas Etuk,
Akanimo Inokon and Deaconess Emah Etukudo.

Eight journalists were among the 19 from Eket federal Constituency who got a handshake of 50,000 each.

Richard Peters


A great speaker Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”

Borrowing a leaf from the above standpoint, thankfulness is the lifestyle of great people. It may not quantify what was done, but this magic words of gratitude can significantly determine the altitude that one will get to.

Having established this fact, it is not out of place for Gov. Udom Emmanuel to be shown appreciation for 8 years of meritorious service. He has been able to give us a vision and do his bid to bring the vision to fruition in line with the position of Warren Bennis that "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality." Corroborating Bennis' submission, Peter Drucker opined that effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes. For eight stormy years occasioned by the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic and global recessions, the governor has delivered what he promised, and more. Therefore, thank you is in order, as it is the culture of an average Akwa Ibom person.

Thank you is in order, because the last 8 years have not been business as usual. Leadership was truly defined and professionally served. Gov. Emmanuel brought an end to laziness and wasteful spending. An average Akwa Ibom youth through the Dakkada initiative became self-reliant. They were not seen hanging around politicians to get peanut when they have what it takes to own a peanut factory. Money was not thrown on highways to show how generous the governor was, rather, he invested in people through various human capacity development initiatives. Today, these people are entrepreneurs with others working in their establishments. Thank you is in order.

It must not be forgotten in a hurry that most of the projects embarked upon by Gov. Udom were welcome with criticism by some naysayers.
They were such that could naturally discourage a leader, especially as they were not constructive.
Worse still, the projects were criticized with petitions and deliberate efforts to thwart their implementation through legal and some unconventional channels.

For instance, the four lane linking the airport road was kicked against by individuals when the road was to be opened.
The smart building (21-storey building), the Maintenance Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Airport and others were met with brick resistance from those who vowed never to see any good thing come out of this administration.

These setbacks were enough to have discouraged an average leader. But governor Udom being a leader who understands governance and people, overlooked all the distractions and forged ahead to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
Today, those projects once criticised are standing as lasting testimonial to effective representation and good governance.

People are coming to the state to have first hand information about the Wonders of Akwa Ibom and a model of governance known as "Udomism"- a concept that denotes delivery of people oriented governance despites unfavorable economic conditions.

It affirms the strength of a leader who is not only passionate about the people, but one who has developed thick skin to criticism, mockery, media attack, politics of calumny and name-calling.

When a leader is focused, all other things are distractions, and Udom Emmanuel's model of leadership has confirmed that.

Leaders like Udom deserve appreciation from people within, irrespective of political affiliations and interest. Though his efforts have been greatly recognized within and outside Nigeria and had attracted so many awards of recognition to the state, Akwa Ibom people should be thankful that God sent Gov. Udom Emmanuel at a time like this.

In his last Easter message as governor of Akwa Ibom state, the smart and super-governor had reeled out his achievements in the almost 8 years of his administration. It is still a wonder that in the space of 8 years, an individual could achieve so much and more.

Today, Ibom Air has become a reference point in Nigeria's aviation sector with a fleet of seven aircrafts, including five Bombardier 900 Series and two Airbuses, with more expected in the next few months. Akwa Ibom has become the only sub national with a thriving commercial airline in Nigeria and possibly Africa. Like the governor affirmed in his speech, the effect of Ibom Air, today has made our State the destination of choice for most Nigerians and others across the world. It has generated thousands of employment for our people, it has moved our State to the apex of tourism, and improved our ease of doing business index. Thank you can never be enough.


Today, the state can boast of a world-class 29 kilometre Uyo-Ikot Ekepene road which has reduced the commuting time from Uyo to Ikot Ekpene to less than thirty minutes, thus opening up the famed Raffia City for economic activities and better quality of life for the residents. We can point to the Idongesit Nkanga/Clement Isong 10-Lane super-highway also known as the 3-Ring Road with pride. This project is one of the wonders of indigenous engineering services, thanks to the Hensek Integrated Services. As it is widely acclaimed, the road which is said to be a hugely economically viable road is the only of such roads in the nation, to be constructed by a sub national and is on the same scope and beauty as the Airport Road in Abuja, done by the Federal Government.

Needless to mention the Etinan-Ndon Eyo Road, which has been constructed and commissioned, thus linking Uyo to East West Road that connects us to Rivers and Bayelsa States respectively and enhances the free movement of goods and services in those two contiguous States. The list is endless, and thank you is not enough.

Today, Akwa Ibom is home to syringe industry; Kings Flour Mill; Metering solutions providing company; Coconut refinery, the industrial clusters in Itam that produce utility items like the bamboo-sourced tissue papers, plastics etc.; Automotive and motor oil producing plant in Itam; The 21-Storey Dakkada Tower, the tallest in the Niger Delta region and the seventh tallest in the Nation, providing office space for companies desiring to move to our State, and many more that were not seen before 2015. These industries have provided thousands of jobs to our people and the associated value-chain.

One need not to bother mentioning the wonders of Udom Emmanuel in the health sector, education, agriculture, sport, women/youth empowerment, rural development, infrastructural development and the level of investment in the Ibom Deep Seaport Project, among others. It will take a day or two to mention all the achievements of this administration in the last 8 years, and thank you is not enough.

All of these were achieved amidst two major global recessions which greeted this administration, shattered the global oil bench mark to a point that some societies that depended on oil for survival, were crawling, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic that grounded many world economies. Yet, as a versatile financial captain of our time, Governor Emmanuel sailed through productively to the shores of prosperity, and set a precedence never recorded in the history of Akwa Ibom state.

That is one of the reasons that inspired Akwa Ibom people to massively vote for Pst. Umo Eno in the governorship race. If it had happened otherwise, it wouldn't have been a sign of appreciation of the selfless services rendered by Governor Emmanuel in his years at the helm of affairs of the state.
The outcome of the election is nothing but a show of happiness to Gov. Emmanuel's administration. It was a show of gratitude to the governor for the peace enjoyed in the state and the need for continuation of same.

The massive vote for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidates was an outright rejection violence, politically motivated killings, kidnapping, oppression, suppression and familiarization of power and state resources among a certain politician's kinship, while others wander in abject poverty.

The rejection of other parties was a "thank you gift" by Akwa Ibom people to the PDP government and the state governor. This incidentally made pastor Umo Eno a gift of gratitude from Akwa Ibom people to the governor. His labour of love and sacrifice was not in vain, as the people stood by the governor to deliver PDP in the presidential/national assembly elections, as well as the governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

He has remained the most prudent governor in Nigeria in terms of management of resources, financial transparency and people-friendly leadership whose footprints will linger in the sand of time.

This perhaps explains why the government of Angola recognized his development strides, and gave him an award. Organizations in Nigeria and the media have honoured him with several awards, and these are testaments to the focused and people-oriented leadership he brought to bear in the discharge of his duties as the state's chief executive officer.

The state takes pride in the fact that Gov. Udom Emmanuel has over the years been accountable to the people through timely media parley and interactions with the people. Through such arrangements, opinions and views of Akwa Ibom people were heard and attended to by the listening governor. This has made it difficult for the enemies of progress to have anything damaging to use against the administration of Gov. Emmanuel. They therefore resorted to propaganda and blackmail in an effort to drag the government to the mud. But they came quite late.

Gov. Udom Emmanuel has fought a good fight, finished his course, and a crown of gratitude awaits him. On May 29, 2023, when he will draw the curtain on his administration, he will bow in his honour, having served meritoriously for 8 impactful years, with no skeleton left under the carpet. He came clean, and has finished same. Indeed, thank you is not enough.

As we reflect at Easter the pains and suffering of Christ death, there is more to this than his death and resurrection as the world sees.

Christ even at death exemplified Love and it is expected of us Christians not just to celebrate his death and resurrection that effected our redemption, but to reflect the true image of Christ as the Light.

As beneficiaries of His death and resurrection, it behoves on us to reflect, beyond mere fanfare, on the real significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the irreversible defeat it served on sin and its shackles, as well as Satan and his kingdom of darkness.

It is important for us to understand two very important messages that Christ passed to us, His followers. One being the message of selfless love and sacrifice which He did by laying down his life; and the other being that of humility which he did by accepting to die a humiliating death on the cross, all for the redemption of mankind.

According to John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends". And there could be no deeper way to show humility than accepting to be condemned to death on the cross by the same people He came to die for.

While we enjoy the unhindered access to God and salvation through Christ, we must be reminded of the fact that we can only access this salvation by allowing Christ dwell in us, and His exemplary act of love reflect in our daily lives, actions and attitudes towards one another.

His expectations from us in reciprocation of this love is simply allowing our hearts grow in love for mankind.


While celebrating this resurrection and the benefits it brings, I urge us to take time to reflect on our Christian lives.

To this end as Christ is risen, my family and I bring to you very warm greetings and all imaginable good wishes at Easter

HAPPY EASTER

Rt. Hon. Emem Ibanga
Executive Chairman
Nsit Atai L.G.A
9th April, 2023

Akwa Ibom State based Pastor, and Founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Apostle Dr. John Okoriko, renowned for his boldness in propagating the gospel of Christ in an unconventional way has said that Jehovah and other names used by Christians were never revealed by Jesus Christ to the church as the names of God.

Apostle Okoriko said this last Sunday during his usual monthly first Sunday interactive service held at Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Headstone Tabernacle in Uyo.

The Interactive session was titled "What is the current REDEMPTIVE name of God in the church dispensation?".

Apostle Okoriko in his revelation referenced the books of Exodus and Leviticus to explain that the name Jehovah was Proposed by the Greek scholars who were looking for how to make meaning of God's unpronounceable letters YHWH that was seen for the first time after Jesus died. He revealed that after the dead of Jesus there was three hours of darkness and the temple was broken and scholars for the first time had access to the Temple, entering into the holy of holies. They saw the four letters that was regarded as the name of God. The letters is called tetragrammaton by bible scholars. The letters were YHWH.

According to him, "In those days, the culture of the Jews was that you can't even call your own father or any elder by his name. Not to talk of calling the name of God. It was such a big sin. Only the high priest would go into the holy of holies once in a year to pray on behalf of everybody and the high priest was the only one that saw, knew and called the name of God whenever he goes to pray in the holy of holies. As he goes into the temple, the other priests would tie a rope in his waist because if he had any dent of sin and calls the name of God with it, the high priest might die and other priests would have to draw him out through the rope.

"Then Jesus came, and served in the world and when he died, the temple curtain was torn and for the first time scholars saw the holy of holies. They saw the name of God written as YHWH. No one could pronounce YHWH. It was the Jewish scholars added other vowels or letters according to their language to make it YAHWEH while the Gracias, because they do not have Y and W in their own alphabets turned the YHWH to JHVH, and later added E, O, A to make it JEHOVAH".

Apostle Okoriko continued by querying, that "If Jesus is the only begotten son of God then he is the one that knows the most authentic name of God. So has Jesus ever ever used the name Jehovah, nor told any session of the church or disciples through out his stay on Earth that his father's name is Jehovah? The answer is NO".

Apostle Okoriko revealed that in the book of Acts 4: 12, that Jesus Christ revealed the name God when he said ✝ Acts 4:12

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved".

On why churches keep using names like Jehovah, Yahweh, etc, he remarked that some bible scholars or Pastors know the history behind the names Jehovah and others, and challenged anyone that can point to any Bible verse where Jesus referenced or even prayed in the name of Jehovah to speak up.

He concluded that such is the reason that the only name permitted for use in Solid Rock Kingdom Church is the name of Jesus Christ.

...A/Ibom Gov-elect describes Watbridge Hotels Guest Library as 'fantastic innovation', as Watbridge Farms, Cold Room take off


By Samuel Udoma


Akwa lbom State Governor-elect, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has lauded Watbridge Hotels, Uyo for diversifying into agriculture and expanding its value chain, thereby creating more services and employment. Pastor Eno also praised the hotel's Guest Library, describing it as a 'fantastic innovation'. Pastor Umo Eno gave the commendations yesterday when he inaugurated the agricultural wing of the Watbridge Group with the opening of a Cold Room and farm produce.

Speaking yesterday before cutting the tape to open the new edifice, the Governor-elect said Watbridge Hotel's diversification into agriculture and allied services was a 'leap in the industry', and one which will expand the hotel's value chain, create more employment for the youths, create market and deepen the economy of the state. Pastor Eno, a well known hotelier himself, noted that inroads into agriculture and allied services were very necessary steps for top rated hospitality outfits as Watbridge.

Pastor Umo Eno also praised Watbridge Hotels for introducing a Guest Library service in its facility - a first of its kind in this part of the world. On a visit to the library, a visibly impressed Pastor Eno, penning his remarks in the Visitors Book at the Ngugi wa Thiong'o Watbridge Guest Library, described the facility as a 'fantastic innovation'.

Speaking earlier, advisor to Watbridge and Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South, Rt Hon.(Barr.) Ekong Sampson who received the Governor-elect, said Watbridge Hotels intervention into agriculture was part of the hotel's commitment to deepening world class hospitality in the state. The Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin expressed appreciation to the Governor-elect for coming to inaugurate the facility.

In his welcome address, the General Manager of Watbridge Hotels&Suites, Uyo, Otunba Sunday Ajayi described the opening of the cold room as 'another milestone for the Watbridge Group'. Ajayi said that diversification into agriculture signposted Watbridge's 'passion to redefine hospitality in the 21st century'.

The Hotel's GM assured that Watbridge will continue to 'complement the State Government's effort of increasing the food chain and creating more employment opportunities for our teeming youths'. He said the hotel remains 'committed to broadening the frontiers of hospitality across borders'.

Among the top dignitaries, industry players and friends of Watbridge Group from different walks of life who graced the inauguration of the cold room were the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon. Anieokpon Ekpo and the Member-elect for Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide.

Others included the MD/CEO of HENSEK Integration Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko, Permanent Secretaries, Ministries of Health and Transport, Dr. Patrick Essiet and Otuekong Nse Edem respectively, the Village Head of Aka Offot, HRH Eteidung Francis Morgan, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Uyo Branch, Barr. Ememobong Nicholas, President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Uyo Branch, Engr. Uwem Akpan, the MD of Madelyn Group, Barr. Ben Udowa, Chairman, State Hotels and Tourism Board, Mr. Ini Akpabio, Oil and Gas expert, Engr. Wisdom Enang, top management brass and staff of Watbridge Hotels, among others.

The Watbridge Cold Room, located just within the hotel's ambience, run 24hours daily. Produce from Watbridge Farm feeds the hotel's customers and are also for sell to members of the public. Watbridge Hotels, well known for its exotic rooms, halls, a super poolside, an underground nite club, among others has grown into a major brand in the hospitality industry of Nigeria.

Richard Peters


We live in a society where people give excuses for their failures. Nobody fails without putting up a defence or argument for such failure, and politics seems to be the headquarters of excuses when the political pendulum swings unfavorably against a candidate after a contest. People must learn to take responsibility for their actions.

The social media space recently is awash with the narrative that some people's mandates were stolen. Those in the camp of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) are crying of stolen mandate, while supporters of the All Progressives Congress(APC) are equally wailing over a stolen mandate. This is indeed laughable.

The question tasking a concerned mind is: Can someone who does not have a thing claim that he/she has been robbed? The answer is very obvious. It is not possible for a mandate that was not given to a candidate to be stolen.

In politics, a mandate can be stolen when it is proven/established that the electoral process was manipulated to favour a particular candidate at the expense of others. A case in point is what happened in Abia state. The Returning Officer of the governorship election in Abia state, Prof. Nnenna Oti said she was given bribe to manipulate the election against the candidate of the Labour Party. If she had collected the money to favour the PDP candidate, when it was very clear that Otti(Labour Party) was leading Okey Ahiwe(PDP), that would have been a clear case of stolen mandate.

In Akwa Ibom state, even babies in the womb can attest to the fact that the candidate of the PDP, Pst. Umo Eno was far ahead of others. Before the election, while the YPP and the APC candidates were busy composing songs aimed at ridiculing Pst. Umo Eno, the latter was busy campaigning on the streets and villages, down to the units. All the 4,354 polling units in Akwa Ibom were touched by PDP members to win the people's support. It is not possible for OBA or Akan Udofia to win that election with such weak level of campaign and persuasion, not even in the dream world.

Again, it has been confirmed that the same results signed by the agents of YPP, APC, NNPP, PDP and other political parties that participated in the governorship election were the same results uploaded on INEC'S results viewing portal, (IreV) and there were no discrepancies raised by these agents.

As it is, there are processes involved in the collation of results. It starts from the unit level to the ward level, from there to the local government level and lastly to the state level, before the final declarations are made. No agent of the political parties in the election has come out to claim that the results have been tampered with. Where then is the narrative of stolen mandate coming from?

None of the agents have claimed that the results transmitted through the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) were different from the ones they saw at their different polling units. Where then is the narrative of stolen mandate coming from?

In almost all the units, PDP members were doing door-to-door campaign prior to the election. Hard work pays, especially in a technologically-driven society like ours. This is not the time to claim that election would be rigged for a certain candidate especially with the introduction of the BVAS. While Pst. Eno and other PDP candidates were working, OBA and Akan Udofia were busy shuttling Abuja and Lagos for ways to manipulate the election. But they failed woefully.

Moreso, there is a call by the YPP and APC for the cancellation of the election in Akwa Ibom state and/or for the exercise to be declared inconclusive. But on what grounds? Elections are mostly declared inconclusive when there are cases of cancellation of the exercise in many units due to violence and other malpractices that hindered the smooth conduct of the exercise in those units. Sometimes, when there is over-voting, election can be cancelled or declared inconclusive. All of these were not recorded in the state. If there were pockets of violence, such were not enough to warrant a cancellation of the exercise when Pst. Umo Eno was already leading others with a very wide margin.

Pst. Eno won in 29 of the 31 local government areas in the state with a total of 354,348 votes to defeat his top challenger, Bassey Albert of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), who won in two local governments areas, scoring 136,262 votes. The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Akanimo Udofia, came third with 129,602 votes, while the candidates of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Labour Party scored 12,509 and 4,746 votes respectively. The margin is much, and that is what hard work and divine grace can do.

To be very realistic, how many local government areas did OBA win? Only 2, and how can he win with such poor performance. Election is not magic, it is calculation. It is a game of numbers, and one cannot win when such basic factor is ignored. Again, online support, accolades and polls do not always come to play at the field. No candidate should ever make the mistake that OBA made by being carried away by the myriad of people who hailed him online: "The Incoming". Today, where are they? The incoming is now the outgoing, having been retired from Akwa Ibom politics.

It was also confirmed by multiple sources that YPP and APC pumped in so much money during the election. People's account details were collected and transfers were made before, during and after the election. It can only be seen as a wonder given the fact that Pst Umo Eno won the election against all odds.

So, the story of vote buying, rigging, suppression and manipulation credited to candidates of the YPP and APC is simply acting the victim. They are crying over the same things they were said to have been doing.This is the height of hypocrisy.

Despite all of these malpractices, Umo Eno still won the election 'hands down'. He worked for it. Can you remember the number of political parties that participated in the just concluded Governorship Election in Akwa Ibom state? How many of them were on ground? How many Local Government Areas did they visit? This is how to judge fairly.

No one remembers what plans OBA or Akan Udofia had in mind for Akwa Ibom people. They did not tell the people. But even old people in the villages and school children can sing the Arise Agenda as rhymes. It is on every lip, and Akwa Ibom people are eagerly waiting for the implementation of the Arise Agenda for the greatness and prosperity of Akwa Ibom state, and her people.

No mandate was stolen, it was meritoriously earned by the people's preferred governorship candidate, Pst. Umo Eno. Let the peace and prosperity continue.

The just concluded governorship election in Akwa Ibom State which threw up Pastor Umo Eno of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner has been described as the best conducted since the return of democracy in the state.

Pastor Eno won a landslide victory beating his opponents Senator Bassey Albert Akpan of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) and Obong Akan udofia of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who scored second and third positions respectively.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Uyo, the state capital, a renowned Cleric of African church and social crusader, Rev. Richard Peters said the election which he voted for and have first-hand information from international and local observers including practicing journalists that covered the state has been described as the best so far.

According to him, ” I reliably gathered that apart from minor skirmishes in few isolated areas where opposition parties tried to cause infractions and were checked by security agencies, the process and outcome of the election had received wide applause across the state.

Rev'd Richard Peters further described as baseless the allegations of vote buying, bullying and intimidation of voters being circulated online by those who lost the election stressing that even the allegation of killing of people earlier peddled is yet to be authenticated by relevant authorities nor the name(s) of the persons involved made public.

”How can a group of politicians alleged that people were killed on social media without any iota of evidence, no pictures, no name, and the international and local observers could not authenticate that such took place during the election, it’s another baseless rumour to discredit a credible election we had last weekend”

The Cleric maintained that the last election was not only credible but very free as people voted their conscience in a very conducive atmosphere and their votes counted emphasising that nobody has disputed results from the units.

He further highlighted, ” The outcome of the election is the outcome of the wishes of the people of Akwa Ibom state who are yearning for the sustainability of peace and development we have recorded in the last eight years. People have voted for a government that will ensure they sleep with their eyes closed at night.

Peters said the emergence of pastor Umo Eno means the state will thrive on the positive side of development stressing that those who have canvass doom for the state during the election were disappointed their expectations failed.

He noted that God’s hand showed mightily in the affairs of the state in the last election by giving the people a serene and peaceful process while security agencies did their mortal best to ensure that there were no infractions.

He appealed to the opposition to embrace peace and join hands with Pastor Umo Eno to take the state to the next level stressing that being a man of God, the Governor-elect has said severally that he holds no grudges against anyone.

– FOREIGN OBSERVERS COMMEND INEC


International election observers under the aegis of Pan African Women Projects, have stated that the March 18, 2023 governorship and state house of assembly elections held in Akwa Ibom state have met the international commendations of free, transparent, and peaceful conduct of the electoral process.

They made this statement at a press conference held on the 21st of March, 2023 in Uyo with the theme, “Strengthening Democracy”.

The Pan African Women Projects which is an international non-governmental organisation comprised of women from all 54 countries in Africa has observed several elections in over 15 African countries including Nigeria.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Uyo on Tuesday, the non-governmental organisation said it deployed over 150 trained elections observers to the 31 local government areas, and made their observations and submissions in the areas of logistics, INEC ad-hoc staff, turnout of voters, security, vote-buying/lobbying, technology (BIVAS), etc.

The organisation’s spokesperson, Ms. Candice Solomon at the press conference commended the Independent Electoral Commission, citizens of Akwa Ibom, and security personnel for organising a free, transparent and peaceful election which prompted them to adjudge it as having met international standards.

“We use this medium to appreciate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the opportunity to serve in this election as one of the accredited FOREIGN OBSERVER GROUPS.

“We want to sincerely and greatly appreciate Professor Mahmud Yakubu and the entire department of gender and inclusivity of the commission, especially for the unwavering supports that made our work very easy.

“We also appreciate the various security agencies that worked tirelessly to ensure our safety by providing all the intelligence and protection needed to carry out our onerous duties.

“The 18th March 2023 Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections in Akwa Ibom State meets International commendations of a free, transparent and peaceful conduct of electoral process.”

The observers however called on security agents to “address all security lapses in the 2023 election and employ more personnel into the system to improve on a more effective security network during elections in Nigeria.”

They also noted general low turnout of voters in the exercise and submitted that “INEC’s performance at the Presidential elections especially as results were seen not to be transmitted to the IREV across the State had altered people’s trust in the electoral system.

Pastor Umo Eno of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP won the Governorship elections ahead of Senator Bassey Albert and Mr Akan Udofia of the YPP and APC respectively.

...as Umo Eno assures on all-inclusive government

Akwa Ibom State Governor -Elect, Pastor Umo Eno, Sunday evening, led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, faithful to the Hilltop Mansion, Government House, Uyo to visit the incumbent Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel following his emergence as winner of the March 18 guber election.

Receiving the Governor-elect, Governor Emmanuel thanked God for blessing the state with good leaders and expressed gratitude to the people of the state for electing Pastor Umo Eno, stressing that election result is the best answer to tantrums and insults from naysayers.

"It's with a heart of gratitude to all Akwa Ibomites, both those who voted for us and those who did not.

“Our people know what is good and how to go for it, but for the minutest few that seem to act otherwise, the best answer to any insult is result", he stated.

Governor Emmanuel described Umo Eno as a man with very large heart and a symbol of the peace which the state stands for, assuring of his successor’s magnanimity to accommodate all.

“He called on everybody to join hands with the government and move the state forward.

"Here we have a man with a very large heart, I can assure, he's ready to accommodate all. The state belongs to all and everybody should join hands to support him let's move the state forward.

"When we were campaigning we made Akwa Ibom people know that we will not trade the peace we are enjoying now for any other thing. So that symbol of peace, that symbol of continuity of development, that capacity required of a leader is embedded in the governor elect", Emmanuel said.

The incoming governor, Pastor Umo Eno, thanked God for the honour bestowed on him and the incumbent governor for his foresight of seeing what others may not have seen in him.

The Governor-elect particularly appreciated the people of Akwa Ibom State for entrusting his team with their mandate and thanked the state First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Martha Emmanuel for championing the rigorous campaigns that saw to his emergence.

He said his victory heralds the advent of a golden era for the people of the state and pledged to consolidate on the achievements of the present administration by deepening the peace Akwa Ibom has been known for, urging fellow contestants to sheath their swords and join hands to build the state even as he promised a government of inclusiveness.

"We like to say to Akwa Ibom people that a golden era has began. We like to tell Akwa Ibom people that the happy hour has began. As we get down to some hard work, we will have a lot of happy moments", he assured.

A chieftain of the Young Progressives Party, Barr Alexander Asuquo has said that his decision to dump the Governorship candidate of his party in the forthcoming elections is because he is a convict and is constitutionally barred from assuming office even if he were to be elected.

In a media briefing in Uyo, Barr Asuquo said “as much as we value loyalty to the party and its ideals no matter how diluted, we cannot in good conscience vote or encourage you to vote for a candidate who would throw our dear state into a state of legal uncertainty.”

He maintained that “by deciding to swim and sink with a convict rather than taking steps to have him replaced with a credible candidate, YPP as a party has failed its supporters.

For him, “we cannot base our decision to vote for Sen. Bassey Albert on the possibility of a successful criminal appeal. The fact that he is on a post-conviction bail does not restore his presumption of innocence having already been disqualified by reason of his conviction.

“It is disappointing that YPP as a party failed to invoke the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 on substitution of candidate by substituting the convicted candidate with a credible candidate.

“What is the need of electing a governor who cannot be sworn in unless and until the Court of Appeal sets aside the judgement of the trial court?

“What is the possibility of the criminal appeal being determined within the next three to four years?

“It is unfortunate that despite our promise of a ballot revolution, we have only ended up with a convict in the ballot who cannot even address us physically at campaigns.

“At this point I can authoritatively say that any vote for YPP in the governorship election is a wasted vote. This conclusion is drawn from the fact that even if he wins, he cannot be sworn in as a Governor. His criminal appeal will take a minimum of three years to be determined.

“It makes no sense to vote for such a candidate. It is absurd to imagine that we will deliberately vote for someone who if he wins will either be governing us from the correctional facility or confined to his house pending his appeal which may or may not succeed.

He furthered that , “since bail pending appeal was granted under the exceptional circumstance of ill-health, YPP governorship candidate needs to confine himself ostensibly to receive treatment until he gets well enough to go back to the correctional center.”

“We refuse to be misled by his campaign which wants us to waste our votes on him for their own selfish ends. We refuse to exchange the future of our state with sentiment that is fed by deliberate misrepresentation.

“As lovers of this great state, we will not directly or indirectly contribute to any legal battle at the expense of the state's resources knowing that in the unlikely event that Sen. Albert emerges the winner of the 2023 governorship election, various parties will approach the court to ensure that he is not sworn in as governor.

“His victory would amount to a pyrrhic victory for our party. A huge waste of efforts by those of you who one way or the other have demonstrated loyalty, passion and service to the party. Like all of us in the party, you have sacrificed so much already for the party. You did this because you have faith in the party. You believe in a better Akwa Ibom State where service to the people is placed first,” he concluded.

There are people who will never see sense in whatever Umo Eno says. Do you know why?

In the parts of my academic researches that involved the discipline of philosophy, I read from existentialist philosophers that humans have difficulty processing information in a rational, unbiased manner once they have developed an opinion about:
• The subject (human or issue)
Or
• The source.

Modern study of social science (precisely psychology) gives one name to this: CONFIRMATION BIAS.

Confirmation bias is one example of how humans sometimes process information in an illogical, biased manner. Humans are better able to rationally process information, giving equal weight to multiple viewpoints, if they are emotionally distant from the issue (although a low level of confirmation bias can still occur even when an individual has no vested interests). Put differently but simply, once the human has some emotional attachment to the issue, it is hard for them to process an information rationally towards an objective conclusion.

I've been quietly following online comments as reactions trailing the hotel and tourism interview and the latest about "happy hour", and they fall into 3 sects.

1. The totally clueless ones (I'm very kind not to use "dumb" who have no idea of what tourism and its development entails. These ones know virtually nothing about governance and sectoral developments.

2. The interest ones who (whether they belong to the 1st or 3rd sect) will never open their minds to rational reasoning because Umo Eno is a rival to their principal and chances of "being in government".

3. The supposed intelligent ones who, deep down, know that Nigeria and Akwa Ibom have tourism potentials that can be converted to a new goldmine. These ones have read/travelled wide and know that UK for instance, rakes in about 53million pounds annually from tourism. They know about the Statue of Liberty in New York City, the Colosseum in Rome, Eiffel Tower in Paris, Taj Mahal in India, the Acropolis, Athens, among several others, and the economic fortunes these world famous tourist attractions have have done on their host countries. But because they just do not like Umo Eno for reasons best known to them, they have programmed their minds never to see the man's tourism ideas beyond hotels and drinking pubs.

Maybe the protagonists of Umo Eno in the media should stop bothering themselves with the engagements. Like the man in this photo, they should find some chilled drink and relax their mind. That will pay them better than arguing with minds already prepared against them.

However and lastly, truth remains, even the mixed crowd, we can identify these people and separate them into their categories. My only advise is, whoever cannot make sound argument should stay off controversial issues, lest they end up sounding CONTROVERSIALLY STUPID. The female friend I last gave this advise blocked me on all platforms. Only to run herself, months later, into a problem that will likely consume her entirety.

Ubong Sampson writes from the beach of IbioEtte Community, Mkpat Enin LGA.

By Iniobong Etuk

A simple gesture of Pastor Umo Eno, Governorship Candidate People's Democratic Party, PDP standing to greet candidates of other parties at the signing of the Peace Accord meeting has been given different coloration by those who will stop at nothing to dice and slice us as a people. They even forget that even before Governorship, Pastor Umo Eno has always demonstrated humility.

That politics has polarised and balkanize Akwa Ibom State is an understatement. Most Politicians have driven the state along ethnic sentiments and drummed the message of marginalisation or lack of effective zoning of political offices.

The 2023 Election has not been spared in this ugly incident. Again another menacing factor in Akwa Ibom State has been the spirit of entitlement. Where some hold that certain rights and privileges is their exclusive preserve. They confer on themselves the right of first refusal for political appointments and offices. Should there be a change , they threaten fire and brimstone.

Conventional politicians have continued to stoke this Amber of hate and have benefited greatly from the spoils of the "war". For them since the "dysfunctional Akwa Ibom State " has brought them gains and instant wealth, the plight of the impoverished masses is of no concern to them.

Umo Eno offers a sharp departure from the convention. Umo Eno who cannot pass for a system man but a beneficiary of God's benevolence will press the reset button of Akwa Ibom State.

Umo Eno will not inherit enemies. His disposition to a united Akwa Ibom speaks volume. He desires an Akwa Ibom where everyone can seat on the table of brotherhood and create a path towards the prosperity of all.

Umo Eno will not play the ethnic card of divisive politics. In his words; "What are all these rancour among brothers in the name of politics? I just want to seat in the office as governor and press the reset button, bring everyone to the table, to create the Akwa Ibom of our dream".

Iniobong Etuk, a Journalist writes from Uyo.

Against Federal government's directive banning the illegal importation of rice into the country, the YPP Governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert has reportedly smuggled truck loads of rice enroute Akwa Ibom State, with the alleged intention to use same in luring voters ahead of the Saturday March 18 Governorship and State House of Assembly election.

Eye witness account have it that so far some trucks of rice bearing the logo of the YPP and carrying the picture of Bassey Albert, have been intercepted in Bayelsa State by eagle-eyed security agents.

The rice were discovered to be contaminated and unfit for human consumption, with the bearers unable the disclose the actual source of the rice, hence the decision of the security agents to confiscate the entire consignment.

Meanwhile, a group, Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance has urged the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies to be on the alert to ensure that the (illegally procured) contraband goods do not get into the State, as the quality of the smuggled rice has not been ascertained fit for human consumption by the National Food Drugs Administration and Control Agency, NAFDAC.

Speaking with newsmen, Tuessday in Uyo, the Chairman of the group, Barr. Stephen Abia, explained that the action of the YPP Governorship candidate goes against the law, and called on authorities concerned to investigate the allegations.

The group commended the Police in Bayelsa for being alert, and called on security agents in other neighbouring States to be on the watch with a view of preventing the rice which is bagged in blue colored bags from being smuggled into the state.

The group also urged the public to be on the look out to alert security services on the illicit activities of the rice smuggling politicians should they spot any of the contaminated rice around their vicinity.

During my recent official trip to Angola late last year, I spent two different nights in transit at the magnificent Skylight hotel in Addis Ababa and had course to meet several nationals who equally used the facility. Of course I had no business in Ethiopia, I had no idea I would be there, but it was the only option. On the first night, we arrived Addis Ababa around 7pm and left around 8am the next day for Luanda. It was a cold night and going out for sight seeing was not my priority. But I saw several sets of people at the hotel counter asking for directions to different locations around the city for recreation. Though transit passengers, they still went out and invested in the economy of the city.

The economy of Ethiopia is largely propelled by the success of its aviation industry. The Ethiopian Airlines that we know, bring millions of travelers through Ethiopia to other parts of the world. The passengers traveling to Europe, Asia or other African countries are made to stopover at Addis Ababa from where they travel to their respective target destinations. The airline and by implication, the Government of Ethiopia itself owns the Skylight Hotels, located at the airport and also five minutes from the airport. With its 373 ultramodern luxurious rooms, Ethiopian Skylight hotel is intended to provide ease to Ethiopian Airlines passengers who are either transiting through Ethiopia or visiting the country. Of course, it is open to provide service to the public as well. Several other hotels surround the airport. Ethiopian government is making big money from these services.

If our dream is to make Akwa Ibom an aviation hub for regional aviation operations, such as passenger services, maintenance and repairs of aircraft, and cargo services then the Airport needs more standard resorts closer than the Ibom Icon Hotel which is over a thirty minutes drive from the airport. Even at Angola, the major hotels like the EPIC SANA Luanda Hotel which we used for our event at that trip and the InterContinental Hotel Miramar that the Angolan Government invested in, are among several other major hotels within five to ten minutes drive from the Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport, Luanda. Angola like Akwa Ibom is rich in tourism beyond the petro-oil. The large coastal line is a major attraction for tourists, and portrays the same vision that Pastor Eno has for the blue economy in Akwa Ibom State.

Recently, Pastor Umo Eno had spoken in interviews that he would invest in the tourism industry and over 25 tourism sites would be explored and made financial spinners, and also that he will encourage more hotels to be built in the State. Critics have have since then fallen over themselves with complaints that hotels smack immorality. These political antagonists forget that the tourists are not Akwa Ibomites, but people of other nationalities who have to travel into the State. They are meant to be comfortable. So how do they intend to do that if the issue of their accommodations and conveniences are not addressed? When critics decide to define hotels within the prism of their warped mindset, they should know that great leaders think far ahead of their followers and can’t afford to allow myopic sentiments drag the them backward. The same people who attacked Governor Udom Emmanuel over Ibom Air, are the ones who are attacking the tourism development. Today Ibom Air is listed as one to best celebrated ten airlines in Africa. It was listed number 4 on the continent of Africa by a research based organization and the best in Nigeria by several media organizations. One of the critics of the airline would come out later to blame the government for not employing his son as a pilot, even when he knew the son did not meet the requirements to fly a plane.

When Isreal makes over 8 billion dollars from about five million tourists yearly, why can’t Akwa Ibom even make more? Do the five million tourists sleep in classrooms or churches? Most of our people travel to Isreal on Pilgrimage. They don’t sleep at the airport terminal buildings, they don’t spend the night on Mount Carmel, Mount Horeb or Mount Sinai, they sleep in luxurious hotels that pay tax to government. Isreal has a population of about 9 million. Akwa Ibom has 7.2million. If the aviation industry, tourism and hotels are generating so much for Isreal, they can also generate for Akwa Ibom. With the international worship center in Akwa Ibom, our people would no longer need to go to Isreal to see how a temple looks like or to pray to YAWEH for their sins to be forgiven.

We have already heard that Ibom Air is going regional and the new terminal building is meant to handle, at least, a million passengers in a year. Where will they sleep?

A man who has his mind on tourism drive for the state must be interested in how to make the targeted tourists, comfortable and safe. Ikot Ekpene has one hotel, we need at least one each in Eket, Ikot Abasi and Oron. But we need some more hotels around the Victor Attah International Airport, especially for the transit passengers, if indeed the airline is becoming a regional airline on the continent with the anticipated arrival of ten additional A-220 Airbuses.

©️Essien Ndueso, Uyo, 2023.

... Onomkpoinam Mkpat says next National Assembly must unite to save Nigeria


By, Samuel Udoma, Abuja


With the 2023 gubernatorial election barely 48hours away, Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Rt Hon.(Barr.) Ekong Sampson has stated that the eventual victory of Pastor Umo Eno will signpost roadmap to strong economy and security. Pastor Umo Eno, the PDP governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State has emerged as favourite to win Saturday's election in the State.

Dr. Ekong Sampson has been very stoic in his support for Umo Eno, often citing the former Lands and Water Resources Commissioner as a man with rich content, humility and great personality. He noted that from Pastor Umo Eno's track records, the Guber hopeful will give Akwa Ibom State, strong economy and security. Pastor Umo Eno, meanwhile, is married to a daughter of Mkpat Enin where Sampson hails from. Both have enjoyed warm friendship over the years.

Speaking with Newsmen just before departing for Abuja yesterday to receive his Certificate of Return as the Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South, Dr. Ekong Sampson said that Pastor Umo Eno possessed the midas touch to build on the solid foundation laid by the Udom administration especially in deepening the economy and strengthening peace and security in the State.

Dr. Sampson analogized casually that anyone who can successfully run a hotel chain can replicate same feat anywhere and in any sector. The Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin said that Pastor Umo Eno has shown over the years through his antecedents that he was the man to take Akwa Ibom State to the next level. Sampson assured of the support of 'in-laws', Mkpat Enin and indeed, the entire Eket Senatorial District for Pastor Umo Eno in Saturday's polls.

Meanwhile, the Senator-elect has also stated that the incoming National Assembly which was already taking shape must unite to save Nigeria. The nation is facing trying periods witnessed by economic downturns, growing polarization, insecurity, among other challenges, all of which Sampson believes, the new National Assembly must work to salvage and restore hope in Nigerians.

Barr. Sampson, who enjoyed great outing yesterday with his new colleagues during the collection of their Certificates of Return at the National Collation Centre, Abuja, noted that the richly diverse composition of the new National Assembly can help unite the country more and deepen bridge building. He expressed his eagerness to get started in the Red Chambers and work with like-minds to better the country.

Yesterday, after my radio interview of Professor Isaiah Isong, Prelate of the Believers Assembly of Nigeria, BAN, a friend who is a member of the Young Progressives Party, called me and asked if truly ‘my plane encounter’ episode with Senator Bassey Albert, on the radio programme, was indeed true. For the popular comedian, it was practically impossible to believe it. I reminded him that I had witnesses, one of who was his party stalwart. He was stunned.



I had arrived the Victor Attah International Airport with a few of my colleagues for an urgent trip to Abuja on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. I was told the only seats available were in the business class section of the Ibom Air 900 series aircraft that afternoon. I was then given a boarding pass with seat number 1A allotted to me. I sat down only to be joined moments later by my big friend, the Ikono/Ini House of Representatives member, Honourable Emmanuel Ukpong Udo(Macaire). His original seat was Number 2B. But he chose to sit on the vacant seat on the front row beside me, Seat 1B, since it didn’t appear anyone else was joining the flight.



Moments later Senator Bassey Albert walked in. It then dawned on me that the vacant seat Macaire was seating, may have been his. OBA staggered towards us and I stood up in respect to greet him, but he roared on top of his voice, “Da Awo, leave this place, Dakka mi idahami. Go and sit at the back.” It was so astonishing and shocking. Even my pleasantries meant nothing to him. I ignored all drives within me to be provoked by his crass arrogance, turned back and took another seat originally meant for Emmanuel Ukpong Udo. Surprisingly, the Ikono born lawmaker himself made no effort to tell his ill-mannered colleague that his outburst was uncalled for and very unbecoming of a senior public officer- a law maker at that. For me that was a clear display of his contempt to people he feels are not of his class.



As at the time of this erratic exhibition, Bassey Albert was still a member of the PDP as a governorship aspirant and primaries had not yet been held. So it was a perfect time others used to build bridges and secure friendships. Several thoughts ran through my mind, as I say there and ran my thoughts on other governorship aspirants at that moment. I remembered Pastor Umo Eno who had just left office as Commissioner to throw his hat into the ring. I imagine what Pastor Eno would have done even if someone was making use of his own seat inside an aircraft. Here is a man old enough to be my father, but anytime I met him, he calls me Sir, despite knowing my three names. Most times I feel so intimidated by the rare show of humility. People may think that Umo Eno’s humility is the usual theatrics of one seeking elections; but I ask, why can’t OBA also pretend if it were that easy. Those of us who know Pastor Eno even before his advent into public office, know that he wears humility like a second skin.



A friend of mine who came into Uyo from Lagos three weeks ago, narrated how he encountered the PDP Governorship candidate at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport the previous day. “I sat behind him inside the bus taking us to the aircraft on the tarmac. Another man sat beside him and kept asking him why he was so simple that he didn’t make use of the privileges others in his position would have used at the airport. He sat with everyone in the departure hall and shared the same bus with others to the plane.” All Pastor Eno kept telling the young man was that life is not as tough as people make it look. “More than three people volunteered to help him carry his luggage inside the plane but he insisted that he would rather miss the flight than make them serve him, and that his own life was about serving others. Essien do you know he ended up carrying his own luggage?” Of course I was not as surprised as the friend thought I would be. I have had personally encounters where the PDP gubernatorial candidate insisted that all his backroom staff who went with him to an occasion, sat with him on the same table with him during dinner. He makes them stay in the same facility he himself uses in those official trips outside the State.



Back to the event of April, 2022, I left my own seat for OBA to avoid a spat and I had to seat beside Barr Ibanga Akpabio, a member of the opposition party. The APC chieftain who ought to have been hostile to me, was rather very friendly and accommodating. We exchanged pleasantries and he wished me well. Sitting directly behind Bassey Albert, all the discussions heard that day was how Candidate A consulted them in the National Assembly caucus for his Presidential ambition and how he dropped 2 thousand dollars and the other candidate who dropped 10,000 dollars to each of them, etc. He spoke and laughed in loud tones throughout the journey.



The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh and SA to the Governor on ICT, Solomon Eyo, who witnessed that scene inside Ibom Air, spoke about it throughout our trip from the Abuja airport. While the CPS expressed his disdain for such an unruly act by the Senator, he commended me for showing maturity and for not putting up a fight. But Solo chipped in that I was too easily intimidated to leave a seat I had duly paid for. I reminded him that the kind of Boss I serve, would not have been happy to hear that I fought with an older person because of a seat in a public place, when there were several other alternative seats beckoning. “Solo don’t you remember how the Governor allowed the opposition elements to use the State’s international stadium to campaign against his re-election in 2019? He even ignored them when they came and breach protocol by setting up a campaign office on the street housing the Government House”, I reminded my colleague.



I was not a delegate during the May 25, 2022 Governorship elections. Neither was I there at the Nest of Champions when the votes were cast by the Adhoc delegates. On the contrary, I was far away in Abuja, to witness the case OBA himself sponsored against the PDP primaries at the Federal High Court. But one thing I know is that it was an easy choice for the delegates, choosing between an arrogant financial expert without a single investment in the State, and a humble, kind and urbane gentleman whose body and spirit spelt job opportunities for the teeming young people.



©️Essien Ekefre Ndueso

BETWEEN OBA AND AKAN UDOFIA, WHO SHOULD STEP DOWN?

There has been a raging war of words between the camp of Akan Udofia of the APC and Bassey Albert of the YPP. Both are urging each other to step down for a combine efforts that can match Pastor Umo Eno of the PDP. What are the odds against them and who should step down.

THIS IS FOR OBA:

EMI LOKAN(It should be my turn)
Believes he has been around for a long time and should be given his turn to also be Governor; and that the other offices he held were mere sacrifices as he gained nothing at all.

AS A CONVICT:
A convict, serving prison term. His fate is hanging on the decision of the Appeal Court. He believes if he is allowed to win and gets sworn into office, he could get immunity and escape from jail sentence.

CONFESSED TO CULTISM:
OBA has publicly declared that he is a cultist. Even though he claims his own brand of cultism is because of Christ, many believe young people will likely embrace cultism so they can be relevant in his circle of associates and friends.

AN EMBODIMENT OF CORRUPTION

By his confession, he admitted before the court that he received bribes and mismanaged resources as Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of Interministerial Direct Labour Co-ordinating Committee. He is expected to use such method to fleece the treasury of the State.

AN INGRATE

OBA has benefited from government since 2007, serving as a Commissioner for finance for nearly eight years, and serving as a Senator for two terms. Yet complains of not being well rewarded. People see him as an ingrate, considering that many people have not gained such privileges in the party since 1999.

EGOISTIC, PROUD AND ARROGANT
OBA is a very highly temperamental and arrogant person. Even as a convict given temporary freedom on health grounds, he physically molested an electoral officer in the just-concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections. Can such a character have the temerity to lead a people.

SELF CENTERED WITH GREEK GIFTS
OBA was never a giver before he joined government and has no record of philanthropy and generosity before 2007. His arrest by EFCC and subsequent conviction shows that he only diverted public funds meant for the general public, to buy peanuts for a few people.

SHOWS NO CAPACITY TO CREATE WEALTH
No record of any factory, or business center to employ people despite all his years in government. Without a second address, OBA may do anything to remain in government all through the remaining days of his life.

Despite all these, he believes he stands a greater chance and has made the greater sacrifice than Akan Udofia.