The Akwa Ibom State government has rejected plan by the Nigeria Police to establish an anti-terrorism unit in the state. The government made its stance known through a statement by the Commissioner for Information which read thus

GOVERNMENT OF AKWA IBOM STATE
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & STRATEGY

PRESS STATEMENT

AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNMENT REJECTS POLICE ANTI-TERRORISM UNIT

It has come to the notice of Akwa Ibom State Government that the State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has concluded plans to set up an Anti-Terrorism Unit in the state. Clearly, judging from all indices that precede the creation of such sensitive anti-crime unit, creating an Anti-Terrorism Unit in Akwa Ibom at this time is suspect. The question is, of what use is an Anti-Terrorism Unit in one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria?

We are concerned that the setting up of the Anti-Terrorism Unit is part of the ground work and ploy of the opposition party in the State, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to illegally intimidate, harass and arrest government functionaries and the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the State.

As the 2019 general elections approach and political tempo assumes a crescendo pitch, a functional Anti-Terrorism Unit in the state, will certainly arrest and detain whosoever it wills, on trumped up charges of acts of terrorism. To buttress the sinister motive of the Anti-Terrorism Unit, sources say a former Chief Security Officer to former Governor Godswill Akpabio, has been redeployed to Akwa Ibom, with tactical instructions on how to successfully execute the unholy agenda of the APC leadership in the state.

While acknowledging that the Force retains the right to create units as it deems necessary, Akwa Ibom State government frowns at attempts by the Police hierarchy to portray Akwa Ibom as a terrorist enclave in Nigeria, by its planned establishment of an Anti-Terrorism Unit. It is the consensus of Nigerians that such sensitive section as the Anti-Terrorism Unit be activated and logistically mobilized to effectively function in parts of Nigeria where insurgency is rife, especially in the North-Eastern region, where lives of innocent Nigerians are lost on a daily basis.

The activities of members of the Anti-Terrorism Unit will undoubtedly cause unwarranted tension among the peace-loving citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State. This is absolutely unnecessary at this point in time especially if you take into account, the comments of the GoC 6 Division of the Nigerian Army; who during a visit to the state publicly described Akwa Ibom state as the most peaceful in the Niger Delta region. It is also on record that not too long ago, the Emir of Kano led a team of investors seeking investment opportunities to the state. The business interest of the revered Traditional Ruler in our state further underscores the importance of the peace, safety and security the current administration has engendered. Indeed, this has been a catalyst for the fast-paced development the state has witnessed since the inception of the Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

Only recently the PDP Vice Presidential Candidate, HE Peter Obi remarked that The Economist has listed Uyo as one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. It is also imperative to add that; today, the most common remark on the lips of every Akwa Ibomite about the security situation in the state is " I can now sleep with my two eyes closed". How can such a state need an Anti-Terrorism Unit? The plan is therefore suspect.

On this score, Akwa Ibom State Government requests that the State Police Command puts on hold, the plans to set up an Anti-Terrorism Unit in Akwa Ibom, as the present administration will continue its collaboration with all security agencies in the state, including the Nigeria Police, to ensure the safety of lives and property at all times.

Charles Udoh
Commissioner
Ministry of Information & Strategy

December 27, 2018

The Akwa Ibom State government has rescinded its decision to turn down the ruling APC request to use the State International Stadium also known as Nest of Champions for President Buhari's reelection campaign.
The Press Statement by the State Government to that effect reads thus

"Following a decision by Julius Berger Plc to recall their staff from their scheduled holiday, the Akwa Ibom State Government has approved the use of the Nest of Champions Stadium, Uyo for the flag off of the President's electioneering campaign on December 28, 2018.

However, all other terms of use will remain effective.

Organisers of the rally are expected to meet with the stadium management to finalise this approval".

Signed
Sir Monday Uko
Hon. Commissioner
Youth and Sports

December 24, 2018

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said it would not be selling registration forms for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) until January 2019.

The spokesperson of the board, Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this Tuesday night.

He said the board had dropped the idea of starting the sale of the forms in December following the federal government’s reduction in the registration fee, with effect from January 2019.

According to Mr Benjamin, candidates have just six weeks to complete their registration once it opens in January.

“The attention of the board has been drawn to information going round in some social media that JAMB has already begun the sale of forms for UTME but we are not commencing sale of the forms until January 2019, and the window period will be for six weeks,” he said.

He urged prospective candidates to note this period in order not to fall prey to fraudsters.

Mr Benjamin said the board would make adequate publicity toward the sale of the UTME forms.

According to him, the board would comply with the directive on reduction of the registration cost.

The federal government, on November 28, approved the reduction of the fee from N5, 000 to N3, 500, ahead of the 2019 UTME, at the Federal Executive Council meeting (FEC).

FEC also reduced the cost of registration for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination charged by the National Examination Council (NECO) from N11,350 to N9,850 and that of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) from N5,500 to N4,000.

Meanwhile, the minister of education, Adamu Adamu, said the reduction would take effect from January 2019.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian entrance examination board for tertiary-level institutions. The board conducts entrance examinations for prospective undergraduates into Nigerian higher institutions.

Boutique

More

Senator Godswill Akpabio has fulfilled the promise he made to a boy, Elijah Aniefiok Edem during the solemn assembly by the All Progressives Congress on Sunday.

Master Edem from Mbiabong Ikot Essien had last Sunday on sighting Senator Akpabio, out of sheer excitement removed the T-shirt he wore, threw it on the floor and asked the Senator to march on it.

The story of Boy Edem is unique. Although both parents are alive, they are separated. They have both remarried. He lives with his grandmother, Mrs Ema Ani Edem who takes care of him. He is a presently in JS 3 at Secondary School, Etoi. He sells pure water to support the grandmother.

On this fateful day, the Boy had abandoned his pure water business when he learnt Senator Akpabio would attend the solemn assembly at Nsima Ekere’s campaign ground along Four Lanes.

He defied the security cordon around the Senator and removed his shirt, threw it on the floor for the Senator to walk on. Moved by the commitment of the Boy Senator Akpabio promised to give the Boy five hundred thousand Naira to replace the T-shirt.

On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, Senator Akpabio through his Special Assistant on Media, Anietie Ekong presented the five hundred thousand Naira cash to Boy Elijah and the grandmother.

Mr. Ekong later took Elijah to a boutique and literally changed his wardrobe by buying shirts, trousers and shoes for the boy. He later took the Boy and the grandmother to a bank and opened an account in the Boy’s name to be operated by the grandmother and deposited the five hundred thousand Naira for him.

The elated grandmother said the gesture by Senator Akpabio was God’s visitation to her family. She explained that she had taken care of Elijah from birth and asked him to sell pure water to support her. She works as a nanny.

She said on the fateful day when aides of Senator Akpabio brought her grandson home bare bodied she thought the Boy must have committed s serious offence

The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly saga has taken another dramatic dimension

Staff of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly were this morning greeted by this owl inside the hallowed chambers of the house.

It is unclear how the bird flew in there

More

Women across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, led by the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet, clad in black attire, in a PEACEFUL PROTEST carry placards with inscriptions such as MUSA MUST GO; WE NEED PEACE IN AKS ; LUKE IS THE AUTHENTIC SPEAKER!

They are protesting Police partisanship in the state, calling for redeployment of the newly posted State Police Commissioner, Musa Kimo.

This is coming on the heels of the involvement of men of the Nigeria Police Force in yesterday's attack on Legislators who were in plenary at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Complex, by five suspended Legislators with the assistance of Police personnel.

End of Part One: Normalcy returns

Deployment of security forces

Onofiok Luke and Gov Udom arrive

Five recently sacked former lawmakers have stormed the House of Assembly with heavily armed policemen and thugs.

They have a mace and are set to impeach the speaker, suspend 21 members of the assembly and commence proceedings to impeach the Governor of the state.

While normal daily activities were ongoing in the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly this morning, the sacked former lawmakers were escorted into the complex by thugs and men of the Nigerian Police who chased everyone out in order to have their way.

As you read this, the Press Secretary to the speaker Kufre Okon was manhandled by Victor Udofia, while his phone was snatched from him and smashed by Idongesit Ituen.

They have locked themselves inside the complex at the moment.

Last night, acting on the Special Resolution by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Deacon Udom Emanuel renamed the Akwa Ibom International Airport to Obong ( Arc) Victor Attah International Airport, to honour him at 80

More pics

At least one person (driver) is feared dead as his vehicle is believed to have somersaulted and exploded while still in motion. This occured a few hours ago at Okobo, Akwa Ibom State

However, the immediate cause of the tragic incident could not be ascertained as there was neither a survivor nor an eyewitness.

As at the time of reporting, the vehicle was still aflame while rescue efforts were being mobilized

From the Npower Official Twitter handle

"Good morning,

We realise that many have been waiting on information on the N-Power Build.

We apologize.

Please note that the portal will NOW open within a few weeks. We will communicate proper details shortly"

The following beneficiaries have been exited from the N-Power Programme

There are strong indications that the 2016 N-Power Volunteers may be reabsorbed by the Federal Government

These very talented young men and women, Xplicit Dancers, entertained President Buhari last night at the APC National Convention. He thereafter hosted them to breakfast at the State House.
According to the President, "I‘m impressed by the way they are combining their immense creative talent with the pursuit of education. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors"

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared the starting of an indefinite warning strike to press the Buhari administration to adopt a new minimum wage for workers.

The strike will start Wednesday morning.

Its sister labour group, the Trade Union Congress, had earlier on Tuesday announced it would begin strike from the early hours of Thursday, following the federal government’s failure to honour its ultimatum on the new minimum wage.

Both unions had earlier said the organised labour’s demand to reconvene a tripartite committee on the national minimum wage for workers was not met, and that the leaders have cautioned the federal government against foot-dragging on the new minimum wage.

Last Thursday, the NLC resolved to commence an indefinite nationwide strike after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum given to the federal government which will elapse Wednesday.

In a press statement Wednesday, signed by the NLC General Secretary, Peter Ozo-Eson, the congress resolved that the strike commence in the midnight of Wednesday.

“Representatives of organized labour, after due consultation and meetings, have therefore agreed that all unions and our Civil society allies should embark on a warning strike from midnight of Wednesday, 26th September, 2018,” the statement said.

“All affiliates and state councils are therefore expected to mobilize their members nationwide to ensure total compliance.”

“The nationwide warning strike will remain in force until further directives are conveyed,” the release read.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has postponed the English Language examination scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 22 in the ongoing 2nd series WASC examination for private candidates.

The English Language examination will now hold September 29, 2018. This information was disclosed by WAEC on its official twitter handle.

The tweet reads, “English Language papers will be written on September 29, 2018. Please, go to our registration site (http://registration.waecdirect.org) and download the timetable.”

The reason for this change was not disclosed but it is being speculated that it may be connected to the Osun State Gubernatorial election scheduled to hold on Saturday 22nd September 2018 during which movement within the state would be restricted.

Candidates are therefore advised to take note of the change and inform others as well

Continues...

A Facebook user has exposed her friend who "sells" her ovulation to make money

DoTheNeedful:
The last picture does me somehow.

One tempted to wonder if those faces are real

abokibuhari:

wait for udom crowd then compare

What has Akpabio's crowd got to do with Udom's crowd?

Sighted an upcoming meme in the last picture
���

More

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio today addressed a large crowd of youths at Ikot Ekpene plaza who turned out to receive him on his return from Enugu where he attended the burial of his grand mother-in-law. It turned out to be a political rally.

The youths defied the rain to identify with their leader.

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the immediate overhauling of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to address complaints and allegations on human rights violations against some of the personnel of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) from members of the public.

This came hours after the directive by the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

A statement by Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, said in the new arrangement, a new Commissioner of Police had been appointed as the overall head of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad nationwide.

The statement reads: “The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad previously under the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (FCIID) is henceforth to operate under the Department of Operations, Force Headquarters Abuja. The Commissioner of Police (FSARS) is answerable to the Inspector General of Police through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations.

“In observance of full compliance with the Presidential directives, the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad will be intelligence driven and will be restricted to the prevention and detection of Armed Robbery, kidnapping and the apprehension of offenders linked to the stated offences only.

“New FSARS Commanders are being appointed for the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) across the country that will now exist and operate in the State and Zonal Commands under the Commissioner of Police (F-SARS) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. A Federal SARS Commander of a Rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) but not below Superintendent of Police (SP) will be in charge of FSARS in State and Zonal Commands across the Country.

“All Commissioners of Police have been directed by the Inspector General of Police to comply with this directive with immediate effect and warn their personnel not to pose as SARS operatives. The IGP X-Squad and Monitoring Unit have been mandated to go round the Commands and Police Formations nationwide to ensure strict compliance with the Presidential directives and apprehend any erring police officer.

“A new Standard Operational Guidelines and Procedures, and code of conduct for all FSARS personnel to ensure that the operations of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad is in strict adherence to the rule of law and with due regards to international human rights law and constitutionally guaranteed rights of suspects will be enforced in totality by the Commissioner of Police, FSARS. Other measures to be implemented by the Force in observance of full compliance with the presidential directives are as follows:

“Human Rights Desk Officers for FSARS in every State to take complaints from the public and forward same to Force Headquarters, the officer will be answerable to the Commissioner of Police, FSARS at the Force Headquarters and not Commander FSARS in the States.

“Medical/Psychological evaluation of all FSARS personnel will be carried out immediately.

“Redesigning of new uniform with identity name tag for all FSARS personnel throughout the Country will be done immediately.

“Henceforth, FSARS personnel will not perform Stop and Search duties except on distress call to respond to armed robbery and kidnapping offences only.

“The Force will be transparent, cooperate, and work cordially with the National Human Right Commission on the special panel that will conduct an investigation of the alleged unlawful activities of FSARS to address grievances from the public against the personnel of FSARS in compliance with the presidential directives.

“Furthermore, a new training program to be organized by the Force in collaboration with some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Local and International NGOs, and other Human Rights Organizations on core Police Duties, Observant of Human Rights and Handling, Care and Custody of Suspects have been directed by the Inspector General of Police for all Federal SARS personnel nationwide with immediate effect.

“A committee of Senior Police officers, Technical Consultants, Human Rights/Civil Society organizations (CSOs) has been setup to review the activities of FSARS under the new arrangement. They are to pay unscheduled visits to FSARS formations across the country with particular attention to States with high complaints index, to assess facilities and situations in these States and submit report to the Inspector General of Police on regular basis.

“However, aggrieved members of the public who have any complaint in the past or present of violation of their rights by any Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) personnel anywhere in the country are to report through any of the following channels for investigation and redress.

“I DIG, Department of Operations: 08037025670
ii. IGP X-SQUAD
0902 690 0729, 08078662130, 08174041000 – CALLS
0903 227 8905 – SMS
0903 562 1377 – whatsapp
Email: integrityxsquad@gmail.com

iii. IGP Monitoring Unit: igpmonotoringabj@yahoo.com, 08036242591

iv. Commissioner of Police, FSARS: 08033476852

v. FORCE PUBLIC COMPLAINT BUREAU
07056792065 Calls/SMS/whatsapp
08088450152 Calls/SMS/whatsapp
Email: bailisfree@gmail.com, pressforabuja@gmail.com
Twitter: @PoliceNG
www.facebook.com/ngpolice

vi. PUBLIC COMPLAINT RAPID RESPONSE UNIT (PCRRU)
08057000001 – Calls Only
08057000002 – Calls Only
08057000003 – SMS & whatsapp only

Twitter: @PoliceNG_PCRRU
www.facebook.com/PolicePCRRU

NGOs/CSOs

vii. sega@aliensmedialtd.com, 08027757359

viii. koredebello@caspertainment.agency, casperentertainment@gmail.com, 09051133035

ix. oluogunsakin@hotmail.com

x. g.writer2011@gmail.com

I had since forgotten about public electricity. My small solar inverter powers bulbs, fans, TV and I charge my phone and laptop anytime I wish