₦airaland Forum

By Ray Nde

Stakeholders from Oniong West have distanced themselves from the political voyage of their kinsman, Mr Ephraim Inyangeyen, describing it as a disregard to morality and good conscience.

At a well attended meeting over the weekend at Ikot Ebiere, Onna local government area, they resolved that since 1999,the area has always played played PDP and was not ready to be led astray by emergency politicians.

Describing the senatorial ambition of the former Chief of Staff to the Governor as a self seeking ambition of a particular individual, they vowed to stand by the existing zoning to uphold fairness and equity in the allocation of political values and privileges in the senatorial district.

The stakeholders including serving and former political office holders, youth presidents, former councilors, and women leaders from Ikot Ebiere. Ikot Udo, Ikot Ndudot, Okom among other communities of Oniong West.

They lamented that despite all the privileges Mr Ephraim Inyang enjoyed from PDP, he still dumped the party and called on everyone to note that the decision is a personal one and has no backing from the entire Oniong West that he hails from.

The convener of the meeting and former secretary of Onna local government area, Elder Nelson Ntia Nelson another Elder from the forum, Elder Raphael Jerome Eko, as well as former councilors Hon Uduak Festus Thompson, Hon Peter Matthew Ekanam reiterated that Governor Emmanuel has provided leadership and reiterated their desire to support his succession plan.

Others who spoke included the Hon Nsikan Emmanuel Akpan, Hon Gabriel Sambo, Elder Fleming Akpan Jim, Nicolas Ekpo Charlie, Hon Ekpoudia Isaiah as well as Mr Innocent Patrick Bob.

The women leaders who spoke said that women always have the greatest population of voters and promised that they will mobilize and vote massively for the PDP and its candidates.

The women leaders included Madam Grace Gabriel Ekpa and Christiana Anthony Ekpoumoren.

By Mfonobong Ukpong

Based on the state's sustained cleanliness performance ratings, coupled with its global acknowledgement as a safe haven for investments, a UN partner organization, the International Council for Local Environmental Inititives' ICLEI, based in the Northern America region, Canada has selected Akwa Ibom to host a 'permanent Africa Regional Office building complex' and a 10,000 capacity International Conference Centre to be sited in Uyo, the state capital.

This was disclosed by the African Regional Co-ordinator of ICLEI, Prince Ene Baba Owoh, Jr.


ICLEI is an umbrella body of over 2500 local and regional organizations committed to sustainable environmental development worldwide that enjoys permanent diplomatic status as United Nations partner organization.

A statement endorsed by the Administrative Secretary, Africa Regional Office of ICLEI, Nancy Jones, indicates that process leading to the project location began in May 2022 in Maimo, Sweden during the ICLEI World Congress where resolution 08/22 was passed and Uyo City in Akwa Ibom, South-South Nigeria was chosen in a unanimous decision by the world body amongst cities like Cape Town, South Africa, and Kigali, Rwanda from the three nominated countries as best suitable location for permanent regional office of ICLEI, Africa regional complex, as well as an international conference centre.

It is projected that the envisaged project would add value to Akwa Ibom State, and country, Nigerian, as both facilities, according to organization, will be playing host to the annual Africa Regional Conference; and expected to attract over 1250 towns/cities, countries and member organizations to the state with the potential for securing hosting rights for the ICLEI World Congress.

The statement adds that the project execution will embrace local participation of indigenous companies and skills, thereby promoting ecotourism and boosting the revenue base of Akwa Ibom, and Nigeria. This is in addition to showcasing the cultural heritage of the people.

EKET SENATORIAL DISTRICT 2023: THAT UNFORTUNATE DISPLAY OF IGNORANCE BY MR EPHRAIM INYANGEYEN

Following the successful conclusion of the PDP Senatorial rally in Eket Senatorial District last weekend, a dismissed former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Ephraim Inyangeyen attempted to cause a stir in a newspaper interview where he cried foul over an overwhelming decision by the people of Eket Senatorial District to zone the Senatorial seat to Ikot-Abasi Federal Constituency. In that interview he granted a national newspaper, he alleged that there has never been anything like zoning in Eket Senatorial District simply because his Man Friday, Senator Bassey Albert did not win the gubernatorial ticket of PDP. He also alleged that zoning is dead in Eket Senatorial District because the Presidential ticket was won by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. What manner of haughtiness!

What the YPP man fails to understand is the fact that Akwa Ibom South (Eket)Senatorial District is bigger than a single individual and not even an arrogant or loquacious politician with zero regards to the elders and traditional institution in the district, can blackmail the entire district to dance to his dictates. The PDP national leadership left the race for the presidential ticket opened to all because of the peculiarities in the country and Atiku Abubakar emerged. The party zoned the governorship seat in Akwa Ibom to Uyo Senatorial District, Pastor Umo Eno won. The party also zoned the Senatorial Seat for Eket to Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency and Barr Ekong Sampson won, what is so difficult to understand there?

While Akparawa Ephraim Inyang cannot deny that he was at the special meeting of stakeholders and leaders of the senatorial district earlier this year, where the unanimous decision zoning the senatorial seat for 2023 goes to Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency was reached, he cannot also deny that his avid disposition to lawlessness and disregard to people’s sensitivity add another feather to his blossoming hat of arrogance. Once that decision on zoning was reached, every politician from other federal constituencies in the senatorial district, including the serving member of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Pat Ifon, opted to back out of the race. No reasonable person defies the collective decision of his people.

Apart from exposing his ignorance as a newcomer in the politics of Eket Senatorial District, the scruffy unwarranted outburst against the previous senators in the senatorial district shows how much disconnected from reality, Chief Ephraim Inyang has been. Nobody in his right frame of mind can challenge the noble efforts of former First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Helen Esuene and the incumbent Senator Akon Eyakenyi who have both performed so creditably well in human capacity development and social welfare schemes in the district. Not to even mention the legendary Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, whose great Red Chamber antecedents are still herald in the Senate till date. These are definitely not the same people Ephraim would glibly slam in his bid to score cheap political points.

It is high time someone made Ephraim to understand the fact that the business of making good laws and representing one’s people far outweigh rascality and bullying, which are intrinsic traits of dictators and non democratic elements whose last assignments in public space ended in shameful disengagement.

Eket Senatorial District has spoken clearly that it needs a highly cerebral, mature and well lettered representative in the Red Chambers, Eket Senatorial District needs a representative with a calm disposition to speak for, and listen to the people of the district. Eket Senatorial District needs a man who has been found worthy in the legislature at both the grassroot and State level to connect the dots, and be the voice that would champion a cause that would be beneficial to the entire Eket Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom State as a whole. Eket Senatorial District needs someone who has never been sacked or disgraced out of a previous public office.

The people have spoken, and that decision stands. It is now the turn of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency to produce the next Senator for Eket Senatorial District and that person is Rt. Hon. (Barr.)Ekong Sampson, who has served meritoriously, receiving a pat on the back in all his precious duty posts.


Essien Ndueso
Head, Media & Publicity
Ekong Sampson Campaign Organisation
01/11/22

By Samuel Udoma

Seasoned author and PDP Senatorial Candidate for Akwa Ibom South, Rt Hon.(Barr.) Ekong Sampson has made a case for ways to make effective legal deposits for the nation's library and publishing industry. Dr. Sampson said time has come for Nigeria to look closely at the legal framework surrounding the library and publishing to stir up a productive utilization of the sector.

Barr. Ekong Sampson, a lawyer, poet, publisher and author of many successful books made the canvassing today when he spoke at the One Day Sensitization Workshop organized by the Nigerian Library Association with theme 'ISBN/ISSN and Legal Deposit Compliance for Publishers, Librarians and Critical Stakeholders' held at the Nelson Mandela Hall, Watbridge Hotels&Suites, Uyo.

The erudite former State Lawmaker said there was a need to explore trajectories of laws that will help broaden access to information and resources, noting that a lot of information is hidden or stored away in Nigeria. Dr. Sampson opined the need for necessary safeguards to make the library environment for interesting.

The former State Environment and Petroleum Resources Commissioner again reechoed his regular calls for the deepening of the reading culture in Nigeria, saying 'the more we read, the safer we are as a people'. He described the colloquium as timely, assuring that when elected into the Senate, he will pursue legislations that will give Nigerians the kind of intellectual atmosphere so widely clamoured for.
Speaking earlier in the day, the Chairman of the session and Proprietor of Topfaith Schools, Dr. Emmanuel Abraham remarked that the workshop was timely and called for greater efforts to get ISSN and ISBN numbers for indigenous works and other cultural publications. He equally called for the establishment of the library and publishing culture in schools and colleges.

Also speaking, the President, National Library Association, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi harped on the need to formalize relevant legal frameworks to guide the operations of the nation's library and publishing subsector, saying that will grow the industry maximally in line with global best practices.

The workshop which featured eminent professors, writers, publishers and stakeholders in the library and publishing industry, also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Library Association and Network of Book Clubs and Reading Promoters in Nigeria for the promotion of reading culture in Nigeria.

Among the dignitaries who graced the event included the President, Network of Book Clubs and Reading Promoters in Nigeria, Richard Mammah, Librarian, Federal University, Otuoke, Prof. Felicia Etim, Librarian, Federal University of Science and Technology, Ikot Abasi, Prof. Philip Akor and Prof. Patrick Akpan who delivered keynote lecture.

by Mfonobong Ukpong

The National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Mr Festus Okoye, will be delivering lecture at the 2022 Annual General Meeting/8th Chief O. W. Udoh Memorial lecture/Dinner Award to be hosted in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital by the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR.

The event which is slated for Friday, 4th November, 2022 at the Breakforth Hotels & Suites, 11, House of Assembly road, off Nsikak Eduok Avenue in Uyo, has as its theme; “Strategic Communications and Credible 2023 Electioneering in Nigeria”.

A statement jointly endorsed by the NIPR Chairman in the state, Nsemeke Udoakpan, who is the host, the AGM Planning Committee, Chairman, Manasseh Umoette, indicates that Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel is expected to grace the occasion as special guest of honour, while the President/Chairman of Council, NIPR, Sirajo Muhktar, FNIPR will serve as guest of honour.

Erudite communications expert and Member representing Abak/Etim-Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Aniekan Umanah is billed to serve as Chairman on the occasion, while the Chief host is the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

Time for the dinner and award night is 7pm.

According to the planning committee, the lecture / dinner night is to be preceded by a facility visit to the Kings Flour Mill, Onna on Thursday, November 3, 2022 by 10 am and a visit to Topfaith School, Mkpatak by 2 pm same day.

Furthermore, the statement invites NIPR members and the general public to the event.

..... Says Mkpat Enin Has Become A National Treasure

The Acting Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon Mercy Bassey has been conferred with the 2022 Nigerian Local Government Chairmen Merit Award (LOGMA).

Hon Bassey was among the 28 local government chairmen who were honoured with the national award on Thursday during the conferment ceremony at the National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.

Addressing some indigenes of Mkpat Enin shortly after receiving the award, Lady Bassey said that it was a national honour for Mkpat Enin to be among the 28 local government areas selected out of the 774 in the country for the award.

"This award is only bearing my name, but this is for Mkpat Enin. While seated in that hall, all I heard was Mkpat Enin so through this award, Mkpat Enin has become a national treasure.

"There are 774 local government areas in Nigeria but only about 28 were selected for this honour and Mkpat Enin has featured prominently. Together, we have taken Mkpat Enin to the national level," she said.

She noted that the recognition was only possible because her administration has enjoyed the support and cooperation of the staff of Mkpat Enin council, members of her executive council, the legislative arm and the entire Mkpat Enin people.

The Acting Chairman thanked the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel and wife, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel for opening the door for more women to be involved in governance, adding that she is a beneficiary of their kind gesture.

Along with other recipients, Hon Bassey was decorated and presented with the award by the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe.

Hon Bassey was accompanied by the Mkpat Enin chapter chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Anietie Sunday; the councillor representing Ikpa Ibom Ward III, Hon Elisha Udosen, and other indigenes of Mkpat Enin.

....Get Oro Motorcyclists Association endorsements for Senate

By Theophilus Akpan

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senate candidate for Akwa Ibom South, Rt Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson has said that the Akwa Ibom State gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Umo Eno will give the state a strong economy and security of lives and property.

The Senate hopeful made the statement yesterday in Oron Local Government Area during the inauguration of executive members of Akwa Ibom Motorcycle Transporters Association (AMOTA) in Oron Federal Constituency.

Dr Sampson, holder of the traditional title of 'Edeghe Nzan Oro', told Oro people that Pastor Umo Eno was a man of peace and a reputed entrepreneur who would build on the industrialization strides and security provided by the present administration to create more jobs, strong economy and peaceful environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

The Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin called AMOTA to support all PDP candidates in the 2023 general elections, adding that PDP was deeply rooted in the State.

'While in the Senate, I'm going to work with Martins Esin and other stakeholders in Oro to make sure the interest of Oro is protected. You know, I'm so passionate about Oro cause, I understand the plights of Oro people. And I'm taking your story to Nigeria. Vote for me. Vote for Martins Esin. Vote for Umo Eno and all PDP candidates for a secured future of Oro,' he said.

Meanwhile, as a famed advocate for peaceful, saner and secure society, Dr Sampson advised AMOTA to collaborate with security agencies to sustain peace and security in the society.

He hailed the union for its contributions to the creation of local economy, jobs and helping in the movement of people, goods and services in the society.

Also speaking at the occasion, the State Commissioner for Transport, Rt Hon. Uno Etim Uno, who was represented by Prince Victor Uweh, eulogized AMOTA for always standing with the government and PDP.

The Commissioner described Barr. Sampson as a brother of Oro, PDP pathfinder and common man who was accessible to all.

According to Hon. Uno, 'what belongs to you will be given to you, especially now that the senatorial district will be having an experienced lawmaker that is going to the Senate to represent you.'

He lauded AMOTA for its support for Dr Ekong Sampson for Senate, Umo Eno for Governor, Martin Esin for Oron Federal Constituency and all PDP candidates, adding that he trust they would deliver on their mandates.

Highpoint of the event was the official endorsement and adoption of Barr. Ekong Sampson as the preferred candidate for the Eket Senatorial District race, in a motion which was moved by the State Chairman of AMOTA, Comrade Linus Umoh Etim.

The Acting Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon Mercy Bassey has been honoured with an award by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Akwa Ibom State.

Hon Bassey was honoured with the NULGE Friendly Award on Thursday at the gala/awards night as part of the activities marking the 2022 Local Government Workers Week.

In her brief remarks, the local government boss noted that her administration has enjoyed a good working relationship with the local government workers in Mkpat Enin within the last eight months she has served as acting chairman.

She disclosed that all the achievements recorded in local government under her tenure were possible due the massive cooperation of the workers and assured that she will continue to maintain good partnership with the workers.

“I have been in this acting capacity for eight months to the glory of God. I thank God for what He has used me to do in Mkpat Enin.

“Within these eight months, it has been a friendly jolly journey with NULGE. It's been a family affair and more than an official thing,” she said.

Hon Bassey noted that the award will inspire her to do more for Mkpat Enin Local Government and equally strengthen her bond with members of NULGE in the local government and state at large.

She further congratulated Akwa Ibom NULGE on the successful event and particularly commended the State President of the Union, Comrade Anestina Iweh for her innovative, purpose-driven and sterling leadership.

Hon Bassey is among the Nigerian local government chairmen who will be receiving the 2022 Nigerian Local Government Chairmen Merit Award (LOGMA) later this month in Abuja.

NOW THAT THE AKWA IBOM PDP CAMPAIGN MACHINE IS SET TO ROAR TO VICTORY.

With this evening's inauguration of the PDP Campaign Council and Committees, the party's campaign machine has been empowered and energised to canvass for votes in the 2023 elections. The machine is revving its engine, set for action which starts soon with the flag-off of campaign. Considering the quality of members of the council and committees, we are confident that the machine is about to roar to victory.

We give all glory to God. We thank God for the successful inauguration and for the successes we have recorded since the transition programme of Governor Udom Emmanuel began early this year.

We appreciate Governor Udom Emmanuel for personally performing the inauguration and for his words of wisdom, prayer and admonition this evening. We are also grateful to him for his direction and support right from the start of the transition programme.

We promise him that we will give our all and not rest on our oars till victory is achieved in the elections. Above all, we will not be shaken in our belief in God as he has advised.

To other political parties contesting the elections, we assure of an issue-based campaign as the Governor has admonished. Our campaign will be devoid of calumny, vitriol, mudslinging and violence. We urge our opponents to reciprocate same.

To Akwa Ibom people, we thank them for keeping faith with the PDP since 1999 and particularly in the last seven years of the Udom Emmanuel Administration.

Moreover, we are appreciative of the support our people have given all PDP candidates, most notably our standard bearer, Pastor Umo Eno, so far. And we appeal to them to sustain the support till we triumph in the elections.

In doing so, we encourage our people to take heed of the statement this evening by our widely-acknowledged performing Governor, when he said "He that is coming after me, is greater than me." What the Governor means is that the state's development will quadruple under the Golden Boy, Pastor Umo Eno from the height he has taken it.

Our people, together we had done it again and again before. Please let's do it again.

Akwa Ibom Arise and Shine.

Prince Chris Abasieyo,
Spokesperson, PDP Campaign Organization.
17102022

Governor Udom Emmanuel has kept to his promise as construction has begun on the first ever Olympic-sized swimming pool in Akwa Ibom state.

The sporting facility geared towards encouraging athletes in the state to excel in swimming exercises, is located at the Uyo Township stadium, currently undergoing remodeling.

Construction work began on Saturday morning with the excavation of the entire swimming pool perimeter and continued into Sunday. Heavy equipments and engineers were on site to ensure a speedy execution of the project.

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Sir Monday Uko who was on site on both days said he was carrying out that the directive of Governor Udom Emmanuel who instructed that the swimming pool and the Uyo Township Stadium remodeling exercise be completed urgently.

According to Sir Monday Uko, the 13th biennial Police Games will be held in Akwa Ibom State from 20th November, 2022 and the pool is expected to be ready for the games as engineers are working to deliver a standard facility.

The construction engineers who hail from Akwa Ibom gave an overview of the specifications of the facilities to be constructed and expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation and support provided them by the government for the completion of the project.

Engr. Bassey who spoke on behalf of other engineers said, “for a complete construction of a swimming pool, the electrical, structural, and mechanical engineers will be present for the work to be professionally handled.

The accepted standard for an Olympic-sized swimming pool is 50 meters by 25 meters. As engineers, we have come in, every necessary test will be done right from the soil to the concrete to the steel. The design is out and it is going to be wonderful when it is finished.

“Now, we will have to incorporate other areas of recreation and buildings that will help the facility to work very well.

“This directive comes from His Excellency through my boss, and I assure you, it will be delivered as all hands will be on deck.”

A senior Priest of the African Church in Akwa Ibom State, Reverend Richard Peters has described as unimaginable and height of irresponsibility for anyone to speculate that the killing of two Aides of the Governorship candidate of the Young Peoples Party YPP in the state, Senator Bassey Akpan was politically motivated.

It could be recalled that the Senator's Aides were killed by Unknown Gunmen in Imo State when they went to bring campaign vehicles, Senator Ifeanyi Uba distributed to all the state branches of the party.

Fielding questions from callers during a phone in programme in Uyo over the weekend, the Cleric who sympathized with the deceased families warned political gladiators against cashing into the unfortunate situation to blackmail any person or the government.

Peters who is also the Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Media while speaking on the campaigns flagg off for the 2023 general elections urged the people to shun blackmail, propaganda, hate speech and violence against people who do not share same political ideology with them

He also urged them to leverage on the peaceful atmosphere the governor, Mr Emmanuel had created in the state to go about their campaigns.

His words "it is ridiculous for somebody to come up with the notion that the killing of the two Aides by unknown gunmen in Imo State has anything to do with Akwa Ibom politics. It is not everything that we should attach politics to, though everything goes during campaign period like this.

"My advice to politicians is; as we are already into campaigns for 2023 general elections, they should uphold the political culture of non violence which the governor has established in the state and shun blackmail propaganda hate speech especially against those who do not share same political ideology with them."

Peters who further advised politicians to borrow a leaf from the peaceful disposition of the governor in politicking recalled how he(governor Emmanuel) was able to quell the storm in 2019 war song of "warsaw saw war" in the state and the threat of "Federal Might" through his calm and focused nature on issues that have to do with the state.

"Since the inception of this administration in 2015, it has never been recorded that any person who vied for political office was killed or the family members killed, victimized, tortured or even threatened.

"Then in 2019, we all were here when the sound of "Warsaw saw war" was hitting, the alleged Federal might threat, hilux and walking sticks purchased accross the state? despite all the intimidations, the governor was calm, the only thing he said was that Akwa Ibom people will resist any attempt to jeopardize the interest, safety and peace in the state, and he came out victorious.

"The governor has allowed the democratic principles to come to play, we are very much hopeful that political opponents and gladiators should take the advantage of this peaceful disposition of the governor and call their supporters to remain peaceful in their dealings for the overall interest of the state." The cleric noted.

By Elder Emmanuel Udosen (FUEL)

"How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"
2 Samuel 1:25‭-‬27 (KJV)

The current political events in Akwa Ibom State is reminiscent of the bible account of the fall of Jonathan, David's bosom friend and ally. It is the reality of the non-infallibility of mankind, no matter how highly placed. There is no man God created that He cannot bring to his knees. How could the long lingering prosecution and travails of one of Akwa Ibom finest reach its climax at a time he would have ascended the height of his popularity in the state polity? How could the devil (or God) wait to disgrace a man at the time he nearly would have crystalized into a demi god? How could an allegation of 2012 hibernate to spring up with overloaded venom in 2022, (exactly 10 years later)?
Had Obong Bassey Albert been convicted many years ago, his fall would have been mitigated by the pity his travail would have evoked among the ordinary Akwa Ibom citizen. The people would have jointly said he is being persecuted because he failed to join the APC to launder his past like Godswill Akpabio and others. But alas, he meandered his way through and postponed the evil day till what would have been a ripple turned into a storm. Who, or what is ambushing this man. Let's hope nemesis is not lurking around his person.

"Omokore is my friend, but I didn't know his companies got Akwa Ibom State Government contracts", ...
"Yes I collected cars worth N204m from Omokore but didn't know he gave me in exchange for an inflated contract my ministry awarded to him"....
"No, I didn't know my those under me awarded inflated contract to Mr. Omokore even though I was the Head of the Inter ministerial Direct Labour Coodinating Committee";... bla bla bla.

Who will help me explain to this superman that he has unwittingly reversed his plea of "not guilty" to being "guilty as charged"?

In advance climes, a smart defence Attorney will immediately switch into Plea Bargain to grant the accused person a soft landing. No, in Nigeria, an eleventh hour miracle will happen and the court will change bearing and discharge the accused.

Why are the lawyers called Counsel, if not to understand when to throw in the towel and counsel his client on how to lessen his punishment and still have something left of his dignity (if any)?

If the feelers received from some unconfirmed quarters is reliable, the accused is planning to feign health breakdown and skip the next court day for a breathing space in a hospital overseas from where my "smart" brother will bid farewell to Nigeria until the "wicked Herod" is dead.

The consequence of this ploy is that the surety will forfeit the bail bond to the state while my friend will cool off under political asylum somewhere within the globe.

The surety himself is uncomfortable with this ploy as it will surely paint him in bad light and may result in a few days incarceration before the process settles down. The court too is not ignorant of these tendencies and is awaiting any signal in that direction to cancel the bail and issue a bench warrant.

The Option B which was the foremost calculation before now was to wait for the conviction, take an appeal, get sworn in as governor of Akwa Ibom state, and plead executive immunity for eight years. That was why he refused to enter his defence and had to be foreclosed. This option, however, has become the most remote option now as his chances of becoming the governor; no, not in YPP or anywhere else is closing to O.

The next escape route is the option to challenge the court's jurisdiction which the law says it can be raised at any stage of the trial. How so?
A recent Supreme Court judgment has pronounced that the EFCC, being a Federal agency, has no powers to investigate and prosecute suspects with allegations of meddlesomeness over State fund. I’m still trying to wrap my head around how this new plans will avail our "illustrious" son and let him off the hook.

But as of today, the reality of a jail term is becoming realistically realistic.

Fresh from last weekend’s smashing victory over challengers of the Arise Agenda of Pastor Umo Eno, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the legal team of PDP are back in court today to begin the process of retiring another political adventurer, Akan Ekpe Okon.

Before the judgment delivered by Justice Obiora Egwatu on the ‘Friday Iwok and 30 others vs INEC, PDP, Adhoc Delegates’ case, infamously nicknamed “Status Quo Ante Bellum”, was completed, a serving senator, Bassey Albert had jumped from aboard the ship of peace and prosperity, to a sea of uncertainty and oblivion. Leaving his teaming supporters, including those he sent to the court, to be dumbfounded and confused.

This morning, Monday, July 18, in Uyo, the Federal High court doors are being flung opened as another defeated aspirant who polled a paltry 3 votes in the 2022 Governorship primaries of the PDP, Mr Akan Ekpe Okon, drags the eventual winner, Pastor Umo Eno that scored 993 votes, to the dock on allegations of forgery and lack of qualification.

I have battled so hard, refusing to buy into that speculation that a professional like Mr Akan Okon, who has been a certified banker, and subsequently a Commissioner in the State Executive Council for nine years, could be driven by fake prophecies, that he will be the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Currently, his hirelings are all over the social media ranting that their principal will be on the PDP ballot. “The prophet has prophesied that our boss will indeed be sworn in as the governor of the State.”

Obviously it was this false conviction that drove the former commissioner for Economic Development, to rush down to court for a legal battle on mere assumption that his former executive council colleague does not possess senior secondary school certificate. Whatever can make a man rush to court to challenge another’s credentials before even dashing to Ghana to verify his damning allegations, is beyond the ordinary.

As I am writing this piece, I am baffled to read from one of his submissions that because two school certificates have the names, Eno Umo Bassey and Bassey Umo Eno, it is reasonably suspected that they belong to different people and may have only been issued to, signed, collected and used by one person for about forty years without the true owner of the other copy protesting to the issuing body or complaining of his missing certificate.

So Mr Akan Okon wants people to buy into his assumption that Umo Bassey Eno who applied for verification of result from WAEC is different from Eno Umo Bassey whose name appears on the certificate. Or he wants the court to believe that the original certificate that had Victory High School and the one recently sent from the examination body, with Victory High School 1 are different and that the the previous one was forged because there was no ‘1’ attached to it? Has he not seen so many who were in the University of Cross River State, but today are called alumni of the University of Uyo?

Let us not forget that Akan Okon had in his originating summons, alleged that Pastor Umo Eno had not met the minimum qualifications to be a Governor, and that PDP ought to have disqualify him since the documents he paraded where forged and not authentic WAEC certificates; and that he himself should be declared Akwa Ibom governorship candidate after polling three out of over 1018 votes.

Akan also alleged that it was impossible for anyone writing Examinations in 1981 to have the kind of examination number Pastor Umo Eno had, forcing some of us to wonder where some numbers were not in existence as at that time. When indeed the result confirmation came from the issuing body, the petitioner immediately came up with another argument that there is a slash ‘/‘ sign in the number written on the confirmation letter. This foolish argument that there is a ‘/‘ sign in the recent authentication sent by WAEC, is akin Akon to saying that the phone number, +234-8039529*** is different from 2348039529***.

Now that Akan Okon’s prophet(ess) has allegedly told him to go to court because the documents Pastor Umo Eno is using belongs to a different person, and are no longer forged, has she told him the authentic owner of the documents?

With the court room doors now thrown wide open, we may as well begin countdown to an end of this legal gymnastics by political adventurers.

Imo Etimudo

If the choice of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno by Akwa Ibom people as their governor in 2023 is widely seen as a delicious cake with the ingredients of peace and prosperity, then the icing on the cake has come with the well thought out choice of Senator Dr Akon Eyakenyi as the running mate and potential Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Senator Eyakenyi stands out as one leader Akwa Ibom State has tested in different capacities, across administrations. In all her stations of life, she has added verifiable value to the growth and development of the society, diligently climbing the rungs of leadership and administration with distinction and creativity.

This is what Akwa Ibom State deserves, and this is what Akwa Ibom State has got as the leadership to Pastor Umo Eno. It is a perfect blend of experience, management skills, goodwill and passion for the continuous development of the state.

Her bag of experience is thick and loveably intimidating. She set sail from the harbour as a teacher where she was trained at the Teacher's Training College, Oron and stunningly rose to the pinnacle of professional, academic and political careers.
A stickler for knowledge and excellence, she has mopped all available knowledge with a thirsty sponge climaxing in the University of Cross River State and later University of Uyo where she earned the prestigious doctoral degree.

She has occupied various political appointments where one excellent performance preceded and gave rise to the other. That topnotch leadership performance beautifully hunted her, as the saying goes, the reward for hardwork is more work.
She was Member in the State Secondary Education Board, and was later appointed Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. She did exceedingly well. At different points, she became Chairman, Technical Schools Board, Chairman, Governing Council, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic which was preceded by a golden performance as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
If those were appointments, she was later to contest and defeat an incumbent as the Senator Representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, an office she will complete in June, 2023.

At least, four civilian administrations in Akwa Ibom State have engaged the services of Dr Eyakenyi, and she has never been found wanting.

Such is the luggage of experience the grassroots politician, mobilizer, philanthropist and above all political stabilizer is bringing in as the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State upon swearing in in 2023. She is vast in civil and public service and will complement the magic of private sector experience of her boss, Pastor Umo Eno when they eventually assume office.

Her choice as the Deputy Governor also underscores the gender balance praxis as operated in Akwa Ibom State. The women has a worthy ambassador in her as the number two citizen of Akwa Ibom State, which shows clearly that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is exceptional in gender balance. This is also a box ticked right in the equity question of the tripod upon which Akwa Ibom State stands. It is not just that she is from Eket Senatorial District but specifically from the Oro nation. Welcome on board, the best choice for Akwa Ibom State. Umo/Akon ticket means more than an election for Akwa Ibom State. It is raising a banner of peace and prosperity without blemish.

By Hero Akpata

Governance is ideally about the people and everything that means progress for them. Nevertheless, some representatives of the people have turned the opportunity to provide leadership into a tool for division and social dislocation for political subjugation in a bid to further unaltruistic aims. In such instances, they incite the people against themselves and expose where their diversities are buried, causing them to identify themselves primarily along the lines of clannish considerations and other micro sentiments.

The people should never be made to use where their leaders come from as the key measurement in their political choices. Where leaders come from is not the issue. The big question instead should always be where a leader will take them to. Their collective destination as a people and as a society. This patterned identification of 'he's not our own' or 'it should be our own' creates a divisive environment to divert attention from the common demands and aspirations of the people. These demands then become secondary considerations or sometimes, fly out of sight and reasoning.

But, time and time again, liberal testimonies have been thrown up to suggest that the best condition that supports the progress of any people is their unity of purpose. A people bound together by a common regressive condition must perpetually reflect on the causes of their tribulations and setbacks. They must think and consider different sides of their governmental and societal hiccups that continue to afflict their chances of new-fangled evolution.

No reasonable person with adequate amount of concern, skills and capabilities should disregard the loads of problems that surround him as a result of a systemic disappointments. Those who peddle the unreasonable justification with the motive to limit the participation of reasonable and distinguished people are the real enemies of the people. Pastor Umo Eno has chosen to confront these aspects of governance, representation decadence and social regression in Akwa Ibom. He has chosen to confront ignorance with reason. He has chosen to bridge the gap of diversity designed as a strategy by an unscrupulous gang to marginalize and withhold unity and progress from the people.

He has chosen to accede to the demands of the people for a steady stream of inventions and sustainable amenities. He is a man with the good intention to heal the wounds and insist on oneness. This has been his lifelong political and social philosophy. A philosophy duly acknowledged and appreciated by many that have come in contact with him. He has continued to be a political product that continues to tend to the needs of the people of Akwa Ibom. He is the person Akwa Ibomites are very enthusiastic to see as governor in 2023.

What the people of Akwa Ibom need for sustenance of peace and security is to still follow the prescriptions of Umo Eno and continue to co-exist as one, with a strong purpose to dislodge all forms of divisive juggernauts. They must continue to bear witnesses to the constellate force of Pastor Eno because when the people of Akwa Ibom, as well as from all corners gather around him, he considers nothing more than their happiness. Where they come from and the sizes of their challenges or ideas does not faze him. So, let Umo Eno serve his people with more of the same workable procedure that has taken him from being a lowly ranked barracks boy to being an internationally recognized orchestrator of refinement and betterment.

Hero Akpata is a Leadership enthusiast, A Public Affairs commentator, Writer on Contemporary Issues and Editor-In-Chief Of Www.BareNewsOnline.Com

By Otobong Sampson

The legal fireworks that have surrounded the recently held nominations for candidates to fly the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State in the 2023 general elections have been described as a normal expectation that will continue to dominate political processes in Nigeria until the country's democratic culture fully matures.

The assertion was made by the PDP senate candidate, Eket Senatorial District, for next next year's general election, Dr. Ekong Sampson.
Speaking in Uyo shortly after his victory, the former commissioner remarked that the ongoing litigations were not unexpected considering Nigeria's political history since 1999. He was however optimistic that internal disagreements and disputes in the party will be resolved as the party has proved its ability and capacity over the time to accommodate differing interests.
In his words, 'politically, we are at a point where cluster interpretations of legalism and jurisprudence are only to be expected. What is important is that as a family, we must hold the ground and win the game', he opined.

Dr. Sampson, a lawyer, journalist, poet and businessman is also a former state lawmaker whose moments in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have always received rave reviews by his former colleagues and Akwa Ibom people in general.

Similarly, the PDP senate candidate has commended the aspirants who contested against him for their 'healthy engagements' all through the process. 'I nearby extend invitation to them to join hands and support our great party to maintain the victory run that the PDP is known for in Akwa Ibom State', he pleaded.

Dr. Sampson saluted the 'exemplary sense of sacrifice and patriotism of the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, noting that these ensured the senate contest was 'opened to competition in the first place'.

He acknowledged the huge roles of his Campaigns Director, Sir Michael Essang, and thanked the electors of the District for making an 'emphatic statement' that ensured his emergence.

It has come to our knowledge, some tissues of falsehood being peddled by some mischievous elements, alleging that the April 30, 2022 PDP Ward Ad hoc delegates congress duly held in Akwa Ibom State, has been cancelled by a Federal High Court in Abuja. This is highly laughable and smacks of the kicks of a dying horse.

We wish to state categorically that no such judgement has been delivered. On the contrary, the parties in the matter filed counter affidavits in court today. The Learned Paul Usoro, SAN, who represented the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, filed a Counter Affidavit Opposing the Originating Summons and Counter Affidavit opposing the Motion for Interlocutory Injunction, while Barr Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN also filed a Motion for Joinder of the 987 Adhoc Delegates elected at the Ward Congresses conducted by the PDP in all the 329 Wards in Akwa Ibom State.

The matter was thereafter adjourned till May 25,2022 for substantive hearing, with Team Bassey Albert losing its last effort gasp to stop the use of the Adhoc delegates list of 987 PDP faithful who will vote in the party primaries for the aspirants of their choice in the House of Assembly, National Assembly and Governorship races.

Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance is aware that the soaring profile of Pastor Umo ENO has sent shivers down the spines of the enemies of the Peace and Progress of our dear State, who have vowed to stop at nothing to truncate this peace.

The Alliance wishes to advise faithful of the PDP to discountenance the fabrications of OBA and his co-travelers who have already seen defeat starring them in the face, and want to drag others down with them.


Signed
Barr Steve Abia
Chairman
Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance

Efforts by Senator Bassey Albert to stop the usage of the April 30, 2022 Adhoc delegates congress list for the PDP Congresses in Akwa Ibom State fell flat on Wednesday as the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the status quo be maintained while adjourning the case to Wednesday, May 25, 2022 for hearing.

When the case Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/606/2022- RT. HON. FRIDAY IWOK &ORS V. INEC & Anor, came up for hearing on Wednesday, Ahmed Raji, SAN, represented the Plaintiffs while PDP and the 987 adhoc delegates were represented by Paul Usoro, SAN and Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN.

While Paul Usoro, SAN, filed a Counter Affidavit Opposing the Originating Summons and Counter Affidavit opposing the Motion for Interlocutory Injunction, former Akwa Ibom State Attorney General, Uwemedimo Nwoko SAN filed Motion for Joinder of the 987 Adhoc Delegates elected on the 30/4/2022 at Ward Congresses conducted by the PDP in all the 329 Wards in Akwa Ibom State.

In it's ruling, the Court directed that the Status Quo be maintained. This means the legality of both the Statutory and Ad-hoc delegates list remains as it were before the suit was filed until the substantive issues are heard and adjourned the case till Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 for hearing.

With this latest court pronouncement, both Statutory and Ad-hoc delegates will vote in the House of Assembly primary on May 21, 2022, House of Representatives primary on May 22, 2022, Senatorial primary on May 23 and the May 25, 2022 governorship primary before departing to Abuja for the National Convention billed for Saturday, May 28 and Sunday May 29, 2022 where the PDP presidential candidate will be elected.

If the recent absence of Prof Uduk in court is anything to come buy, indications are that the defence lawyer, Abasidiong Ekpeyong is planning to prevent the prevalence of justice by frustrating the conclusion of the trial, having exhausted and exploited all available legal tactics at his disposal.

All clues point to the assumption that he connived with his client not to appeal in court at the next adjourned date of 18th Wednesday where he will be expected to open his defence in the trial that has been delayed by the defence team unwilling to open his defence for a period of five months.

It will be recalled that INEC's prosecution counsel had closed its case since on the 27th of January after calling five witnesses some of whom the defence lawyer could not cross examined and had tendered several documentary evidences to prove the criminal attempt to up-turn the North West senatorial election in the 2019 election.

The no case submission filed, had been Dismissed at the on the 23rd of April sitting by the erudite Justice Bassey Nkanang for lacking merit.

At the last court sitting, the defence lawyer tested the waters when he deliberately failed to come to court with the defendant, Professor lgnatius Uduk who ought to be in court at every court sitting, given that the case is a criminal trial.

That the defendant will always be in court was one of the conditions for the bail granted him that he will make himself available throughout the duration of the trial. But at the last court sitting, the accused initially was not in court when the case was called and the matter had to be stood down for professor Uduk to be brought to the court.

It would be recalled that the professor was compelled to appear in court only after a bench warrant was issued by the court for his arrest after evading Court summons and was hiding in Abuja.

The reluctant defence lawyer pleaded to be given more time and asked for any date in the month of June but the court order for both counsel to choose a date within the next ten days.

Even though the defence counsel's dairy was free within the period, yet he refused and when both counsel could not agree on a day, the court fixed on the 18th of May for the defence to open his case and matter adjourned.

The defence lawyer and the accused may not appear in court on Wednesday as being contemplated and this may lead to the revocation of the bail earlier granted professor Uduk by the court or in the alternative, he will appear but his lawyer will not come to court to avoid opening his defence and thus compel the court to adjourn the matter again to frustrate the case.

The people of Akwa lbom state and Nigerians are waiting the outcome of this case whether the justice Bassey Nkanang will courageously do justice and it will be served timely and irrespective of position in status of the parties before the court.

By BASSEY ANTHONY -(The Nation Newspaper), Uyo


An aspirant for Akwa Ibom South(Eket) senatorial district, Dr. Ekong Sampson is seeking a reevaluation of laws which are inimical to the interest of oil-bearing communities in the country.

Speaking with the Nation in Uyo recently, Sampson, a one-time commissioner for environment and petroleum resources, said that the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA) and the Water Resources Bill among other legislations, need to be looked at again.

He said that the PIA, for instance, is fraught with weaknesses, which rather than help to redress the sufferings of oil communities, has worsened them.

Ekong said if voted to the Senate he will lead campaigns against retrogressive legislations which erode the rights of oil communities.

He added that such legislations have also made the international oil companies(IOCs) to shy away from their responsibilities and obligations to their host communities.

His words, "We should not be campaigning on sentiments but on issues on how do we can drive legislations in a way that protects the rights of our people in Eket Senatorial district.

"Let's look at the PIA and form a vanguard against some laws that seem to take away the rights of our people. As a legislator if you sleep, they will pass a law that completely finishes your people.

"We need to make the communities come together to protect their rights and we need to get the big players to be alive to their responsibilities, and we need to firm up our laws. The Petroleum Industry Act needs to be looked at closely.

"Does that law really solve the problems of host communities ? Is it a ready instrument for divide and rule instead of succuor to oil producing communities?

"I want to be in the senate as an active player using the dynamics of law to drive the interest of my people. We need to have profound engagements on some of these legislations".

Sampson maintained that he was in the Senate race for Akwa Ibom South(Eket) district because he is favoured by zoning, capacity and experience.

"I'm running because zoning favors me, experience favors me and capacity favors me too. zoning makes for inclusiveness.

"I was officially presented as the preferred aspirant by my people. I have the experience a good part of me was in law making; lawmaking is a major component of democracy. Nigeria will be a safer place to operate if the operators grasp the rudiments of law making and policies", he said.

... As Presidential Aspirants Atiku, Hayatu-Deen, Meet A'Ibom Delegates

Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Hon (Elder) Aniekan Akpan , has stated that the party in Akwa Ibom is ready and committed to contribute significantly to the collective mission of rescuing Nigeria from the suffocating grip of ineffective leadership, a task he says is a patriotic call at this time.

Speaking in Uyo, Rt. Hon. Akpan reiterated the resolve of the party in Akwa Ibom to work for Nigeria's rescue mission, explaining that as a state that has not enjoyed reasonable benefits from the federal government, Akwa Ibom will massively work towards entrenching PDP led administration at the center in order to restore the country to its deserving glory.

Welcoming two presidential aspirants of the party, Mr Mohammed Hayatu-Deen and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who visited seperately for a consultative engagement with national delegates of PDP in Akwa Ibom, Akpan, noted that "as a family, the party in the state aligns with the collective mission of taking back Nigeria from the hands of those who have misled the resources of the country."

The Akwa Ibom State PDP boss said " To demonstrate our commitment as willing and committed partners to the patriotic duty of rescuing Nigeria from the pangs of bad leadership, Akwa Ibom State has graciously donated our best visionary, prudent manager of resources, and thoroughbred economist, Governor Udom Emmanuel to Nigerians as the best fit for the job of leading this nation at this time"

On his part, Nigeria's former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, while addressing national delegates from Akwa Ibom State, shared his vision for Nigeria, noting that Nigerians will not forgive PDP if the party does not lead the rescue mission through the polls by 2023.

"This country is not where PDP left it in 2015. Many the great economic feats of Nigeria were achieved with PDP led administration at the center, but look where are are now as a country. It is pertinent that we take up the task of rescuing Nigeria", he said.

Similarly, the Borno-born Chairman of the Renaissance Development Forum and astute banker, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, while addressing national delegates of the party in Akwa Ibom, expressed delight on the warm reception by the party in the state, sharing his blueprint which he noted is a proposal to fix Nigeria.

According to the former Managing Director of FSB Intentional Bank, "Nigeria must be fixed and we come with the simple agenda to fix this country. PDP is ready to take over and this rescue mission concerns every one of us."

© PDP-AKS PUBLICITY SECRETARIAT

"A man of desperation is a heartless man that is a slave to reckless fury;He must be avoided like a plague"
The above lines by Lexon Max clearly defines the underlined misfortune looming the unguided desperation of Bassey Albert as he seeks to become Akwa Ibom state governor by all means in 2023. Having been around this planet for over 3 decades, I have never seen a man so desperate for power like OBA without any convincing reason why the people should queue behind his aspiration, and this is a serious concern to Akwa Ibom people as to what he really wants.

The danger there is that one can hardly hit the target he doesn't see. It is the height of wickedness to attempt to play pranks with the lives and destinies of over 5 million Akwa Ibom people because of the lack definite vision and goals. This is the main reason why people still see OBA'S aspiration as a joke of the century.

From the moment Pst. Umo Eno joined the race and people who knew his pedigree engaged in a massive exodus to queue behind him, OBA and his men immediately lost sleep and appetite for food and peace. Reasons for this confusion are not farfetched as they have realized their incompetence and unmatchable personality to contest against Umo Eno. Truth is, marketable products do not need too much bragging and sweating to make sales.

OBA has been in power for 14 years and still counting, yet, he cannot point to one tangible thing he has done in Ibiono Ibom or one person he has put in the board of NNPC or any board as chairman upstream. He had the chance to prove his mettle as a leader, but failed because of greed, selfishness and desire to amass all the wealth in this world to himself. Today, karma has come after him.

In a desperate move to stop Umo Eno, they have written petitions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the People's Democratic Party (PDP) as well as the screening panel. They have sponsored write-ups against the state governor and Pst. Umo Eno, but the people are still unperturbed. The more the attack, the stronger the support base of Umo Eno, and this has sent a clear signal as to the direction of the pendulum of victory to OBA and his men.

Now, they are using Ephraim Inyang, Friday Iwok and other desperate politicians to put injunction on the most credible ward Congress conducted. All these are machinations from OBA to divert the people's attention and distract the people from supporting a noble cause.

However, the main concern is why going berserk just to grab power? What is really his aim for the seat. Till date, he has not been able to define why he wants to become the governor, except for flimsy reason that it is the turn of his federal constituency to produce a Governor. This is laughable.

Akwa Ibom people should be wary of a man who does not know where he is going. Supporting him is just like entering a speed boat on a high sea that doesn't have fuel. The disaster is very obvious.

Like the popular saying by Nigerians, "follow who know road". Pst. Umo Eno knows the road. He knows clearly where Akwa Ibom will be in the next 4 years, and this is leadership. He knows the road to entrepreneurial development, agricultural renaissance, economic growth and sustainability, youth empowerment, sport development, women emancipation and empowerment, and above all, godly leadership. He is a man of class and humility, and should be supported by all and sundry. Pst. Umo Eno is the best man for the job.

Richard Peters

[img][/img]…FAIL TO SECURE INJUNCTION AGAINST PDP WARD DELEGATES

An attempt by Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, through his cronies, Mr Friday Iwok, Ephraim Inyang, Okon Osung, Emem Akpabio, Pastor Sunny Ibuot, Andrew Uwanta, Uduot Jack and others to obtain an ex parte injunction at the Federal High Court, Abuja, against the 987 winners of Ward Congress held on April 30, 2022 has failed.

None of the 987 winners of the Ward Congress was joined in the matter.

His Lordship, Justice Egwuatu, sitting in Court No. 9, delivering a ruling on the ex parte motion moved by Ahmed Raji, SAN refused the application.

He ordered petitioners to put the parties on notice and adjourned the matter to May 18,2022 for the hearing of the motion on notice.

Senator Albert and his cronies systematically boycotted the successive congresses in the State and chose to sneak to Abuja to file a petition

Reacting, a lawyer Barr Samuel David said “Trying to get an order through the backdoor is a fraud.A practice direction has been issued by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, so it's no longer business as usual.”

He maintained in a post on the social media that, “The court has directed that parties be put on notice, so it becomes an interlocutory application.”

The history of the Ntippe Ibibio calls for serious unity across board ,most especially at this critical period of political history as we prosecute the forthcoming 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

The natural resources embedded in Ikono/Ini is massive as well as the human resources which is found in abundance, one of which is Dr Glory Edet, a trusted and tested administrator, astute academician and unmatched politician by any standard. She has the innate qualities to build a strong political entity in the constituency inspite of the failures of past HOR political Representatives.

Her commitment to service as a Commissioner in various Ministries in the state and her capacity as Dean of Commissioners and Special Advisers, where she superintended her colleagues from other ministries is a clear testimonial of her forthrightness in Service delivery. She is presently seen as a unifying force in Ikono/Ini political equation.

It is the expectation of the people that she will perform excellently, when elected into the House to represent the Federal Constituency, given her antecedents in previous assignments bestowed on her.

As the opposition to her ambition keep building up, she is being strengthened every passing day, making her emboldened and ready to take up the assignment with strong determination.

One enduring legacy of Dr Glory Edet is that she doesn't have reservations for tribe, language, creed or social considerations. She is disposed to open door policy, freely associating with people and helping them as her ability can carry.

She has been seen as the voice that enrich the political conversation and a unifying factor in the political march to greatness. She is indeed an asset to the Ntippe Ibibio race.

For further emphasis, the people Ikono/Ini should begin to rally round nature's gift to the Ntippe Ibibio, as seen in Dr Gory Edet as the arrowhead, in strength, enthusiasm, will-power etc; so that they can reach their desired political destination and unparalled development never experienced before in the area.

Let #GodsGlory be done
#Gloryfied 2023

There is a biblical story of how Jesus Christ was accused of breaking the Sabbath day law. His crime, according to his accusers, was that he was healing people on the Sabbath day which was supposed to be work-free. For the sick ones Jesus healed and others he delivered, all that mattered was that Jesus was their Saviour. So while some saw his acts as criminal, some others saw same acts as what gave them eternal freedom (if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed — John 8:36).

For over a year, I've been following unfolding events in the polity of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency as it concerns the 2023 elections and who their next representative should be, and just like it would be for anyone else, the raised voices in the clamour for zoning did draw my attention. Apparently, the voices forming this sect are of the position that the current Rep, Hon Emmanuel Ukpong-udo, who is from the Ikono divide in the constituency should let go his second term bid and give way to a zoning arrangement which according to them, favours the Ini divide.

The writer being himself a maternal indigene of Ini was initially tempted to tilt towards this sentiment, especially with a woman at the Ini end as a possible beneficiary. However, it appeared that while the agitators were struggling to disentangle themselves from the web of having to market a newbie for a legislative succession, and without anything tangible other than a zoning arrangement, the incumbent Ukpong-udo was compounding their misery by giving them much more work to do by doubling the records of performance.
Such commitment to mandate delivery is not one to even place on same pedestal for comparison with a zoning arrangement that does not guarantee a matching, let alone, better replacement.

For all it matters in democracy, popularity and competence should lead the list of criteria, and same, the incumbent Ukpong-udo has so far invested above average efforts in passing the test. Just like any government or administration will pick an area of focus, his representation had picked human capital development to focus on, and the deliveries have been widely admitted to be superlative.

Matter of fact, he has made this focus appear much more like a passion by running a representative campaign originally structured to broaden the three core areas of legislation (lawmaking, oversighting and representation) to cover Welfare and Economic Empowerment, Employment and Job Creation, Education and Human Capital Development, as well as Infrastructure Development. And in each of these, marks have been made, and such that will leave behind effects beyond the short to the long and even longer terms.

For instance, his little efforts at job creation has seen over 112 constituents into permanent employment offers within the private sector, civil service and service organisations. This is not just above a hundred persons deducted from the mass of unemployed hands, but also the making of bread winners for more than a hundred families, and discouraging same number from resorting to crime by helping them find belief in the dignity of labour. In addition, his scorecard has a record of at least 20 constituents as beneficiaries of business startups between one and two million naira. In an economy where accessing capital in tens and hundreds of thousands to fund business ideas has been one herculean task, one regime of representation has been able to provide as much as a million naira each for up to 20 citizens.

This means that a beneficiary with business interest in fashion designing whose basic startup needs were a sewing machine and workstation, would be able to afford auxiliary equipments and still have some more funds left for such secondary needs as paid advertising to announce their brands into the market. And all of these, plus the N500k (each) grant for over 70 constituents are aside other lesser packages and programmes that either provided direct funds to constituents or exposed them to indirect fundings from other sources, all for the aim of boosting economic prosperity and self-dependence within the constituency.

Under what he titles "Welfare Programmes", Ukpong-udo had, upon assuming office, planned programmes targeted at touching every household in Ikono/Ini. At this point of seeking continuation, the concern should be whether this had gone beyond the cheapness of talking, to making conscious and sincere efforts towards actualisation.

If the efforts in human capital development has not been enough to go round, the Macaire Mother and Child Care Programme should have completed the circle. This healthcare initiative targeted at eradicating maternal and infant mortality in the constituency and with random extension to the rest of the state, has been operational towards providing incentives to encourage pregnant
women to submit to professional medical care. Consistently running since November 2019, the said initiative has seen well over 200 pregnant women in the cover areas through successful deliveries with no fatalities recorded.

Conceding to the attribution of his life and successes to the privilege of having formal education, man had also chosen to use this first shot in public service to advance literacy rate as well as personal skills development within his constituency by investing constituency funds in education and trainings. Here, the records have been equally massive, recording scholarship grants that have already produced graduates among 40 beneficiaries, as well as exigency support funds for another 40 undergraduates. Several training workshops for constituents in areas of specialty such as peace and conflict resolution, agriculture as well as a special one on information technology for science teachers, also add to the list, with an effective touch of infrastructural boost such as freshly built and renovated classroom blocks, laboratories and market stalls, among others across the constituency, to further advance the cause of making the representative aspect of democracy more meaningful.

In addition to all of these is a sound record in lawmaking, having pushed a number of bills and other pieces of legislation numbering up to 14 into the 9th Assembly record, including one for the establishment of a Human Resource Development Council. Also in record under his name are, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Amendment) bill, Factories Act (Repeal and Enactment) bill, and very significantly, a bill seeking provision for the establishment of Federal Medical Centre in Ikono, Akwa Ibom State, among others.

Also, out of concern over the increasing rate of brain drain in the health sector, Rep Ukpong-udo moved a motion praying for efforts on the part of the federal government to arrest the situation.
This, alongside another motion that prayed for urgent attention on a case of Landslide in Odoro Ikpe and Ibam Edet communities of the constituency, are just part of the rest. The latter had yielded result almost immediately when the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) promptly responded to arrest the situation.

With all of these established facts, one would then wonder what defines competency and true public service character if these do not. And to have folks not just willing, but also agitating for the replacement of a representative who has been able to make his first term and first ever opportunity in public office this much impacting, is reason analysts of rationality and idealism will always view zoning as a distraction to the selection of credible leadership.

Like a banker friend usually opines, zoning only creates a backdoor for mediocrity to creep into a business as serious as leadership. Else, what genuine reason would one give for wanting to sacrifice a productive bird at hand for another whose productivity is not guaranteed. Matter of fact, the progenitors, in drawing these zoning arrangements should always find a space to fix the clause that based on scarcity of credible leadership in the country, the need to retain one whenever found, must supersede whatever arrangement was made for zoning.

In the Ikono/Ini case, the productivity of Ukpong-udo's leadership is not just a work of the pen or keypad for PR sake, there are living and bountiful evidences to substantiate. The streets of his constituency are full of testimonies to his impacting representation, even those in the supposed favoured zone have in their off-public gatherings, confessed to this— reason, he is the contender to beat in this contest. While the other minority unit of a camp had hurriedly gone into undue celebrations because Ukpong-udo's clearance was delayed for no genuine reason, theirs was nothing compared to the wild ecstatic jubilations that erupted in the constituency when that hurdle was finally surmounted. That was enough to separate reality from the propagandas.

Revisiting the biblical reference in the first paragraph, it is almost clear that despite attempts to paint a massively productive representation with gloomy colours, Ikono/Ini people are persistently holding on to the bright side. Like the biblical accusers, they have spent so much energy and resources in trying to make constitutents and electorates at all levels see Ukpong-udo's second term bid as "law-breaking", yet, the constituents, banking on the records on ground, have remained resolute in setting their eyes on the benefits ahead. For, try as hard as the accusers may to refuse admitting this truth, it remains that this representation has, for those it could not this time, touched their relatives or kinsmen, and it will only be a matter of time to spread this touch closer and directly to them, should he be given a mandate extension to continue with this vigour.


Ubong Sampson (08021419939) writes from his maternal home in Ibam Edet (l), Ini LGA.

An application to further adjourn the defense proceedings by Senator Bassey Albert in the case of money laundering levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been thrown out.

The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, presided over by Justice A.A Okeke adjourned the case to Wednesday, 22nd June, 2022 for adoption of written addresses.

The adjournment came after the Counsel to Senator Albert applied for an adjournment on the basis that the lead Counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, was away on health grounds.

In a ruling Justice Okeke overruled the application and ordered other members of the Defense team including a renowned human rights lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN to proceed with the Defense in the absence of the Lead Counsel.

The Court frowned at the incessant adjournments of the matter which prosecution, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had closed its case two years ago.

When the Defense could not proceed, the Court foreclosed the Defense and adjourned for adoption of final written addresses.

In May 2017, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission detained Senator Akpan over cars that Akpan had allegedly received as a bribe from Jide Omokore years before hand while Akpan was Akwa Ibom Finance Commissioner and Chairman of the State Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee.

Reports showed that the Omokore's companies – Bay Atlantic Energy and Sahel Energy – received contracts from the Direct Labour Coordinating Committee and the EFCC claimed the vehicles were used to bribe Akpan.

In August 2018, the EFCC filed charges against Akpan and Omokore in the High Court of Lagos State for corruption and bribery. The case was later tossed out by Justice O.A. Taiwo due to jurisdictional issues based on the defense's argument that the case should have been brought in Akwa Ibom not Lagos State.

By Abasifreke Obot

Giving material and financial support to orphanage homes and institutions has become a deep-seated and habitual characteristic of the National Association of Seadogs(NAS).

The latest unparalleled gesture of love coming from the Uyo and Eket Chapters of NAS is the donation of food items and toiletries, bags of clothes and two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) to Charles Walker Children's Home, Uyo, on Monday, April 18, 2022. The food items and toiletries included: A full bag of Garri, a bag of rice, cartons of noodles, cartons of snacks, cartons of washing and bathing soaps, tubes of toothpaste, packs of tissue paper, etc.

The National Association of Seadogs, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, founded in 1952 and also registered with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, is a body committed to supporting human rights and justice in Nigeria.

Speaking at the children's home, the President of NAS, Uyo Chapter and former Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, Hon. Tony Akan explained that the show of love by the confraternity was part of their deliberate and selfless efforts to ensure the children enjoy a quality life as well as assist the home to cater well for the children.

Akan, who was also accompanied by the President of NAS, Eket Chapter, Paul Ike informed of the body's interest in the welfare of the children and the progress of the home.

Akan described the confraternity as advocacy and humanitarian group, disclosing that it has its tentacles in all the States in Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, and Canada.

Responding, the Coordinator of the Home, Reverend Sister Matilda Inyang thanked NAS for the material and cash gifts. She further commended the body for its consistency in delivering humanitarian services.

She urged members of the body to support each other, emphasizing that with unity amongst them, they will be able to achieve their goals.

The body, which later touched down at the Uyo Correctional Centre, was received by the Assistant Controller of Corrections, Uyo, Ogueri Julius Ebereonwu.

Disclosing the purpose of their visit, Barr Mfon Etukudoh of NAS, Eket Chapter, informed the Assistant Controller of Corrections that the body was at the centre to donate bags of clothes to the inmates, which he described as one of the necessities of the inmates.

He noted that the body had thought it needful to take it upon itself to provide the inmates with clothes.

Reacting, Ebereonwu lauded the Uyo and Eket Chapter of the Pyrates Confraternity for being thoughtful of the needs of the inmates.

While acknowledging the impressive humanitarian strides recorded by NAS, he solicited more support for the inmates.

The clothes donated to the inmates were received by the Welfare Officer of Uyo Corrections, Uyo, Ime Ukpe, on behalf of the correctional centre.

Ukpe pledged that the clothes will be shared and used justly amongst the inmates.

PRESS RELEASE

Further to the earlier publicized official position of the Peoples Democratic Party, Akwa Ibom State on the Zoning and rotation of offices for the 2023 elections, the State Working Committee of the Party, at its meeting held on April 19, 2022, to further review the cogent issue of Zoning in line with the consensus opinions gleaned from Stakeholders of the Party at the just-concluded PDP Federal Constituency Tour arrived at the following extant resolutions:

i. 2023 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
The State Working Committee, SWC, re-emphasized that the Governorship position for Akwa Ibom State has been zoned to Uyo Senatorial District. The Committee reaffirmed the gratitude of the Party to members from the two other Senatorial Districts for not making any move in indicate their interest to aspire for the position of Governor in the 2023 elections.

SWC noted with humongous appreciation that this respect for what has now become the entrenched arrangement for the rotation of the Seat of the Governor amongst the three (3) Senatorial Districts in Akwa Ibom State, will serve as a valid precedent for future elections in the State. The committee further noted that this will further strengthen the party, embolden each senatorial district to wait for their turn, reinforce the sense of inclusion of members from all Senatorial Districts within the party, and also deepen the taproot of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State.

ii. 2023 SENATORIAL DISTRICT ELECTIONS
State Working Committee also at the meeting affirmed the earlier position of the State Exco of the Party distilled from the PDP Federal Constituency Tour on the zoning of the Senatorial Seats for the three (3) Senatorial Districts in the State as follows:

EKET SENATORIAL DISTRICT - Zoned to Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency

UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT - Zoned to Uyo Federal Constituency

IKOT EKPENE SENATORIAL DISTRICT - Zoned to Abak Federal Constituency

2023 FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS

The State Working Committee of the Party at the meeting after a painstaking session of mining the dominant opinions and submissions by Elders, Stakeholders and Members of the Party during the just-concluded PDP Federal Constituency Tour resolved that the Seats for House of Representatives across the Ten (10) Federal Constituencies in the State be zoned as follows:

Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency: Zoned to Abak L.G.A

Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency: Zoned to Ukanafun L.G.A.

Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency: Zoned to Ikot Abasi L.G.A.

Eket Federal Constituency: Zoned to Ibeno L.G.A.

Uyo Federal Constituency: Zoned to Nsit Atai /Ibesikpo Asutan L.G.As.

Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency: Zoned to Obot Akara L.G.A.

Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency: Zoned to Ibiono Ibom L.G.A.

Oron Federal Constituency: Zoned to Oron/Udung Uko L.G.As

Ikono/INI Federal Constituency: Zoned to INI L.G.A

Etinan Federal Constituency: CONCESSIONED TO Etinan L.G.A

The State Working Committee of our Party, the PDP remains eternally grateful to our Elders, Stakeholders members and indeed Akwa Ibom people for the continuous support and demonstration of unwavering faith the goals, ideals and visions of our Party. In appreciation to this show of support, we re-echo our pledge to always match our actions and ideals as a Party with the collective and patriotic aspirations of our members and Akwa Ibom people

Signed:

Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Akpan
State Chairman
Peoples Democratic Party
Akwa Ibom State
April 21, 2022

Aniedi UKOENANG

As the 2023 general election draws near, political stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area have pledged to prioritize the interest of the area and also support the completion agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

These were the outcome of a meeting hosted by Professor Eno Ibanga, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service  yesterday, and attended by key stakeholders of PDP in Mkpat Enin.

In his opening remarks, Professor Eno Ibanga charged Mkpat Enin people to approach the coming polls with unity of purpose, warning that it is the whole Local Government that will suffer if the delegates chose to place individual interest above the future of Mkpat Enin.

Speaking further, the works Commissioner urged the people to support Pastor Umo Eno and Dr. Ekong Sampson respectively as Governorship and Eket Senatoial District candidate.

"We have come to a period that the over all interest of Mkpat Enin must be placed above individual interest. Let us ensure that our in-law Pastor Umo Eno wins the Governorship election and Barr Ekong Sampson should be Supported as our own Senatoial District aspirant for the sake of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area".

The participants applauded Professor Eno Ibanga for showing leadership and interfacing frequently with the stakeholders since the beginning of politicking ahead of the 2023 elections. They pledged to withdraw their support from other Senatoial aspirants to Ekong Sampson for the sake of protecting the political future and integrity of Mkpat Enin as a Local Government.

Specifically, Engr Meyen Etukudo said "I know that many of us had pitched our supports somewhere else, some of us may even have some personal grieviances, but we have now met as a people, we need to look beyond ourselves".

The stakeholders also urged the Senatoial District aspirant, Rt. Hon. Ekong Sampson to make Mkpat Enin people proud in the aspects of attracting development to the area and contributing to quality legislation when he gets to the Senate.


In his response, Dr. Sampson thanked the stakeholders for adopting him, adding that it was important that the area unite and approach the coming elections with the force of unity. He pledged to be a senator for all and promised that his emergence will chart a new course for the people of Eket Senatoial District.

The meeting ended peacefully as attendees exchanged pleasantries in the spirit of sportsmanship.

By Theophilus Akpan

In a democracy, sharing of commonwealth and political power across lengths and breadths of the society takes foremost prominence and eminence. This is so, because democracy is a people-oriented government.

Supporting the arguments above, a lawyer, books author, journalist and leading aspirant for Eket Senatorial District (ESD) race, Rt Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson, while responding to questions by journalists upon his return from Abuja to purchase expression of interest / nomination forms, opined that the "beauty of democracy is amplified when the people are behind you. Zoning is central to our democratic experiment".

A few days ago, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, proved itself as a party christened after democracy. In its State Executive Meeting, the party, among other things, resolved thus;

"2023 SENATORIAL DISTRICT ELECTIONS
After a thorough process of distilling a consensus from the dominant positions canvassed by Elders, Stakeholders and members of our Party during the Federal
Constituency Tour, Exco resolved that the Senatorial Seats for the three (3)
Senatorial Districts in the State have been zoned as follows:

EKET SENATORIAL DISTRICT - Zoned to Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency

UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT - Zoned to Uyo Federal Constituency

IKOT EKPENE SENATORIAL DISTRICT - Zoned to Abak Federal Constituency."

The party also affirmed the zoning of Governorship Seat to Uyo Senatorial District. According to the party, these arrangements were necessary to further strengthen the party, give a sense of inclusion to all the senatorial districts and deepen the taproot of PDP in the state.

Remember, Barr. Ekong Sampson, during an interactive session on Inspiration FM recently argued thus;

"Eket Senatorial District needs zoning, perhaps, more than any other senatorial district in Akwa Ibom State, because of our diversity, complexity, and plurality. Eket Senatorial District needs to implement zoning, because zoning is that key matrix of democracy that guarantees access to political power and opportunity".

Moreso, the stakeholders of Eket Senatorial District had, in January, zoned the Senate Seat in the area to Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency (IFC), and within Ikot Federal Constituency, there is a strong tide of opinion that the Senate Seat goes to Mkpat Enin, Reps goes to Ikot Abasi, while Eastern Obolo takes House of Assembly Seat. This arrangement is necessary for peaceful coexistence amongst the local government areas in the region.

The Senate Seat is zoned Mkpat Enin, because the relay of the Senate race in the senatorial district began in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, when, in 1999, the area offered her illustrious son, Sir Udoma Udo Udoma to serve the senatorial district in the Nation's Red Chamber. Since then, the batten has just been returned, after touring Eket and Oron Federal Constituencies, to Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency. And in the federal constituency, since Ikot Abasi Local Government Area is a firstborn, Mkpat Enin is a second born, followed by Eastern Obolo.

Embracing the zoning plank, ahead of the forthcoming party's primaries, aspirants from Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, who are peace loving and have respect for the party and stakeholders have adopted the status quo. For instance, in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, we only have aspirants who are vying for House of Representatives. In Eastern Obolo, about eight aspirants have already indicated interest in the State House of Assembly. And in Mkpat Enin, two aspirants are in the Senate contest.

These zoning arrangements will go a long way to strengthen the bond and peace in the region. This is in agreement with the opinion of the former two-term State Assembly Lawmaker, Barr. Sampson, who opined that zoning is an answer to peace in a democratic society.

... As Akan Okon Seeks Party Support for Guber Ambition

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, has stated that the next governor of the state must be one that will build on the towering legacies of Governor Udom Emmanuel and ensure sustainability in the development blueprint of Akwa Ibom State, while providing solutions to the common problems of the people.

Speaking through the State Chairman of the party, Rt Hon (Elder) Aniekan Akpan, Thursday April 21, the party alluded that PDP produced administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel has performed outstandingly well and will be leaving a legacy of excellence which must be built upon by his successor.

Akpan who welcomed a gubernatorial hopeful of the party and immediate past Commissioner for Economic Development & Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Akan Okon, acknowledged the quality of aspirants in the party, noting that the party is keen on continuity in governance which he said must be ensured by the next governor.

"PDP as a party believes in continuity and we stand for that. Since 1999, we have produced successive administrations and one thing is certain, that there is element of continuity in development."

"Anybody that emerges the gubernatorial candidate of PDP will definitely become the governor, there isn't doubt about that, but there must be continuity", the chairman said.

The former Commissioner and governorship aspirant, Mr Akan Okon, who presented himself to the State Executive Committee of the party and sought support, appreciated the party leadership for opening its doors to welcome him, promising to ensure continuity from Gov Emmanuel's feats and taking the state to an enviable height.

In his words, "I thank the party for giving me the opportunity to serve the state. I had the chance to serve because of PDP."

"If my party gives me the opportunity to serve as governor of Akwa Ibom State, I will ensure that every action is geared towards providing employment for Akwa Ibomites. I will create what I call the Akwa Ibom State Economic Development office."

© PDP-AKS PUBLICITY SECRETARIAT

By Saviour Nathaniel


From the remarkable groundnut pyramids of the Northern states in the 60s to Fintech Development of the 21st Century, the Nigerian people have shown they  are the nation's greatest resource.

Human Capital Development refers to acquisition of commercially viable skills, expertise, education and knowledge by a nation's work force - all of which contribute in no mean measure to her Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

There is a strong correlation between human capital development and economic growth. When people bring together their diverse skills, it leads to increase innovation, productivity, balance of trade, industrialisation,  high level of literacy and life expectancy.

The benefits of human capital development are best achieved through provision of quality education whether formal or informal, health services, empowerment/employment,  infrastructure development and good governance. The last factor births policies that align with both the plight of the masses and the hope of the people generally.

When human capital development is downplayed or subordinated, the resultant consequences are; hunger, poverty, disease, brain drain, political instability and other ills which hamper social development.

Akwa Ibom State which is fastly and increasingly becoming Nigeria's most important economic nerve center after Lagos and River State, requires more than ever, a chief-driver with entrepreneurial zest and industrial verve. Pastor Umo Eno is a practical example of one who has been blessed with both. His records provide the proof. To realize its full potentials, the state needs a leadership mindset that can unlock the pathway to its fortunes.

Pastor Eno is a name the people can trust for this task and several others which will in turn, propel human capital development as he plans to create the enabling environment for the thriving of a "Free Enterprise Economy," where business ideas pitched by SMEs will be supported with grants and loans.

Pastor Umo Eno recognizes education as one of the major factors of development; hence he has resolved to give maximum attention to the sector.

As a private business concern, it is instructive that the Royalty Group has awarded scholarship worth over 20million naira to students of various categories.

Being an employer of labour, he understands the importance of prioritizing welfare of workers and this reflects in the conducive work environment at Royalty Group. This should excite Akwa Ibom workers.

The argument that he is not experienced in the art of public governance is invalid. There is former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State who went straight into governance from the private sector and excelled brilliantly. The records are there, as there are many other examples.

An Umo Eno administration will satisfy our collective yearnings for a society that values the innovations and entrepreneurship of her people and leaving behind stronger building blocks for the next generation to complete the hope for transformation.

To our distunguished delegates, do not vote sentiments, don’t vote showmanship, vote humility, vote capacity, passion and stability.