₦airaland Forum

...demands apology from APC


Attempts by Senator Godswill Akpabio's faction of the APC to robe in other political parties in their purported protest against the Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Mike Igini has been resisted by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC.

Recall that on Wednesday, some protesters believed to be hired by a faction of the APC loyal to Senator Akpabio, had gathered at Udo Udoma Avenue calling for the removal of Igini for not dancing to their tune.

The APC faction had claimed that aside its party, other political parties were part of the protest, a claim that has been refuted by IPAC.

Distancing itself from the statement credited to APC, IPAC called on the opposition party, APC to immediately retract the statement and issue an apology to it.

IPAC disclosed that there was never a time the APC in the state approached the Council with any complain against the INEC REC, Mr. Mike Igini, let alone discussing or agreeing on any protest of any sort against the Resident Electoral Commissioner.


The Council has therefore urged the opposition party to channel it's grievance to appropriate quarters rather than dragging it into their internal crisis.

The statement reads; "The attention of the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria IPAC, Akwa Ibom State, has been drawn to the speculation making the round that the purported protests carried out by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State seeking the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini, was the position of all the seventeen (17) political parties in the State except the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
We wish to state categorically that:"

"Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria in Akwa Ibom State is the umbrella body of all registered political parties in the State saddled with the responsibility of playing dialogue and advisory roles on Inter-Party related matters, as well settling internal rancour between political parties"

"There was never a time the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the State approached the council with any complain against Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner , talkless of discussing or agreeing on protest of any sort against the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini".

"It is however misleading, untrue and unfounded for APC youths in the State to purport that the protest was a combination of all the political parties in the State. It is for the above reason that IPAC calls for immediate and unconditional retraction of the offending statement and apologies from APC in the State, for dragging the council into their internal party affairs with Mr. Mike Igini".

"We want to place on record thet over the years IPAC has enjoyed a healthy working relationship with Independent National Electoral Commission in the State. We advise the All Progressives Congress in the State to look for ways to resolve their internal conflicts as other political parties in the state are doing without involving innocent third parties like INEC".

"APC should channel their complaints and grievances to appropriate quarters rather than dragging Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria in Akwa Ibom State into their crisis".

"IPAC will continue to interface with the Independent National Electoral Commission Akwa Ibom State and other stakeholders and other law abiding political parties in the State for the growth and betterment of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large"

"IPAC however calls on all political parties in Akwa Ibom State to remain calm and play by the rules governing the 2023 general elections given by INEC in strict adherence with the electoral laws. We also call on Akwa Ibom youths, women and elders to get their Permanent Voter's Card and vote for the party of their choice for a more secured future".


In another development, another group of protesters, Friday stormed the streets of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital in a counter protest against the Godswill Akpabio faction of the APC with packards, drumming support for Mike Igini.

Akwa Ibom State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Umo Eno has reiterated the need to stimulate small and medium scale enterprises to enhance economic growth and stability.

Pastor Eno stated this at the Akwa Ibom investment summit 2022 organised by Akwa Ibom Business Community (AIBC) held in Uyo, the state capital.

He noted that it was necessary to rejig the local economy and create jobs for the youths whom he said are strong and capable, adding that to effectively manage security, the youths must have job opportunities that would meaningfully engage their minds and times.

The governorship hopeful noted that Akwa Ibom state is an emerging and vibrant commercial centre in Nigeria with abundant human and material resources, adding that the state has enormous potentials that can engender sustainable growth and development if well harnessed.


According to him, "the state is home to a large number of youths.  Revenue from petroleum has been the mainstay of the Akwa Ibom State economy as it is one of the major producers of oil and gas in the country. It is known for its rich natural resources in agriculture, mineral resources, arable land mass and forestry.

"With a vast array of diverse water bodies with innumerable aquatic resources as well as robust mangrove and swamp forest resources suitable for large scale agricultural ventures, the state could undoubtedly be said to be an extremely resource-rich state."

He noted with delight, that the state has been blessed with visionary and pragmatic leaders, stressing that the  numerous achievements of the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration have shown, in practical terms, that development is possible.

Pastor Eno who is a seasoned entrepreneur with bold imprint in the hospitality industry, maintained that sustainable economic growth and development in the state hinges greatly on deepening the laudable actions, efforts and strategies of past administrations.

He commended the organizers of the summit for the initiative, and expressed hope that the outcome of the summit will visibly impact the economy of the State.

Earlier, the Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Akpan Ekpo who also applauded AIBC for the organising the summit which he described as timely, stated that the Nigerian nation is going through enormous socioeconomic and political challenges.

He noted that some of the challenges are domestically induced while others are due to external shocks such as the covid-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war, maintaining that almost all relevant economic indicators like unemployment, inflation, poverty reduction, provision of basic necessities of life, security and others are moving in the wrong direction.

While emphasising on the role of government or the public sector in the development process, he noted that for accelerated growth and development, the public sector must be dominant in any mix to a point where the private sector takes over.

He advised that to change the current slide, men of  vision, integrity, can-do spirit and genuine love for the people should be voted in at all levels.

High point of the event was the official unveiling of a business support scheme, the Umo Eno business support programme, co-pioneered by Prof Chris Ekpenyong and Sen Aloysius Etok.

The investment loving PDP Candidate donated 5 million naira for the scheme.

The 2023 Governorship Candidate of Young Progressive Party in Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Nyenime Andy has allegedly turned down a N50 million settlement offered him by embattled PDP governorship aspirant Senator Bassey Albert.

Senator Albert representing Akwa Ibom North East in the Senate contested and lost the PDP ticket to Pastor Umo Eno.

According to investigations, he is currently mounting pressure on the Seer of Holy Ghost Ambassadors, Pastor Andy to surrender his governorship ticket at a mouth watering offer of N50million.

The 2022 electoral Act has placed July 15 as the deadline for political parties to ensure that all necessary changes are done especially in issues of Guber candidates and their running mates.

The Electoral Act also made it clear that political parties cannot change candidates except they willingly step down or are incapacitated by death or ill health.

Confronted with the dilemma according to information reaching our correspondent, Pastor Andy has dismissed the bribe as an insult from Senator Bassey Albert Akpan.

“As a revered man of God, our Papa cannot accept bribe to sell his mandate to anybody. He knows this will affect his moral standing in the court of public opinion and cast doubts on his actual calling as an anointed man of God.

“We are praying everyday in church and we believe Papa Andy will win the election as God had revealed. Nobody can buy that mandate”, a source close to the Clergy told our reporter.

OBA our sources said after exhaustive appeal and persuasion without success decided to approach the national leaders of the party to either persuade pastor Andy to pick the offer and surrender the ticket or try other options to oust him from the parry.

Youthful Pastor Nyenime Andy who pastors Holy Ghost Ambassadors Church located at Ekpanya street in Uyo has no political experience at any level before now.

A known friend and supporter of OBA before the present face off, it is not clear if the pastor will see the present scenario as the best opportunity to cash out from the Senator who appears bent on doing anything to get to the Hilltop mansion.

A school of thought has it that the church overseer who has been struggling with his church building project for over 10years without success, may eventually find it difficult to resist the offer of Obong Albert who appears ready to break the banks.

“When OBA is ready he will return to negotiating table with our pastor and let him know that the Akpabio/ Ekpoudom drama orchestrated by National Chairman of APC won't work so going to the national leaders to forcefully grab the ticket will only worsen the situation on ground for him “, James Okon a public affairs analyst who pleaded anonymity opined.

"Ignorance speaks loudly, so as to be heard; but its volume proves reason to doubt every word.” – Wes Fessler.

When desperation is laced with ignorance, it makes a fool out of the man who has chosen such path. True to the words of Johann Wolfang "There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.”
The reason is not far fetched. The outcome will always be error magnified in false glory. Quite threatening is the fact that Akan Okon has not yet realized that as he is dancing naked in the market square of politics, his kinsmen are already suffocated with shame. This is in alignment with the saying in our local parlance that it is the kinsmen of a mad man that feel the shame and not the mad man.

The man who was in charge of the ministry of special duties and then the Economic Development and Ibom Deep Sea project has been in the news of late, albeit not for good reasons. His recent familiarity with the media is not unconnected with the outcome of the governorship primary in the state. Dissatisfied with his poor outing, instead of accepting defeat honourably as would be expected of a man of his stature and status, he is running from pillar to pole, looking for whom to blame.

It is quite disheartening that this is coming from a man who is assumed to be enlightened in the school of politics, by virtue of his positions in the state since the birth of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

Akan Okon should know the working of government better than others. He has been in government close to a decade now, piloting the affairs of different ministries. He has benefitted from Udom's administration more than others, and should be ruled by knowledge gathered. But it is like too much knowledge is making some people mad, a familiar line in the Book of Acts.

Little wonder Confucius observed that ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon or star.”

The other day he was sighted in Ghana where he had gone to the Headquarters of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to verify his claim that Pst Umo Eno, the governorship candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), his one time colleague in the State Executive Council does not have a valid West African Senior Secondary School Certificate.

This was a proof that his claims were based on hearsay. Where did he get the information from in the first place? He would have verified from the Examination body before accusing someone.

And not only has he goofed in this, he is also basking in the euphoria of prophecy from self-installed prophets who claimed God had ordained him to be the governor. Despite the fact that he failed to get the party's ticket, he is still wabbling in ignorance and the illusion of such prophecy. The earlier he wakes up from this illusionary dream likened to a mirage, the better for him and his life.

Already, he has wasted some months pursuing his shadow in the name of instituting court cases against a man who is doing his best to promote the Arise Agenda, a flagship of the plans to effect a people-oriented government.

Akan Okon has not left any stone unturned in ensuring that he releases any information he feels will be damaging to the Udom Emmanuel administration and paid media hirelings to attack the government at every turn, yet the ship is sailing gently, steadily and unperturbed to the shore.

Like Ralph Perry said, "Ignorance deprives people of freedom because they do not know what alternatives there are.” Akan Okon is already blinded by hired crowds who are still hailing him to his doom. He should back out while he yet have an opportunity to redeem the respect he has damaged through pressing the self-destructive button.

The worst form of battle to engage in is one where one is not sure of winning. Whoever is pushing Akan Okon to this "war" does not wish well for him. Whether this is done out of ignorance, confusion or fear of accepting defeat, he cannot eat his cake and have it.

"The Yoruba will say that you cannot merchandise sand and refuse to collect stones as payment; something that Pete Edochie, in his striking local proverbs on Twitter, expressed as, “a man who puts local gin in a Hennessey bottle may deceive onlookers but not his own throat.” The end will tell.

Governor Udom Emmanuel's sustained efforts on facilitation and actualisation of projects across the state has been applauded by the Civil Liberties Organization.

At a commemorative lecture Tuesday, tagged "The Role of Civil Society Organisations in Deepening Democracy in Akwa Ibom State" the group expressed satisfaction with the projects executed by Governor Emmanuel, stating that more than 50 major road projects were inspected and found to be either completed or at various stages of completion.

Presenting their report during the lecture which was also to mark the 2022 Democracy Day, held at Nigeria Union of Journalists , Press Centre, the CLO noted that the organisation had embarked on a three-month tracking of projects executed and/or facilitated by the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He explained that the CLO team visited and inspected projects cutting across Works, Health, Aviation, Environment, Education, Agriculture and Industry for first-hand information on the projects.

The resolution which was endorsed by the Chairman Franklyn Isong and read by the Secretary Barr. Christopher Ekpo, indicated that the CLO team visited the Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company, Kings Flour Mill, Metering Solutions Company, St. Gabriel Coconut Refinery, Lion Plywood Company, Rice Mill in Ini, the Plastic Making Factory, Tissue Making Factory, the Automobile Manufacturing Plant and 21-Storey Dakkada Towers.

"On Aviation, we visited the New International Terminal Building and the Maintain, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Facility at the Victor Attah International Airport and Ibom Air.


"On Health Sector, the CLO visited the rehabilitated general hospitals in Etinan, Iquita-Oron, Ikot Okoro, ONNA, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, Ituk Mbang and Ikot Abasi.


"On Works, the CLO team visited the following road projects:Dualisation of 20km Uyo – Etinan Road in Uyo/Etinan LGAs;Ikot Oku Ikono Flyover in Uyo LGA;Etinan Roundabout in Etinan LGA;Dualisation of 9.5km Ring Road III Cutting across Aka Road– Oron Road – Nwaniba Road with 3 Nos Roundabouts in Uyo/Ibesikpo LGAs;Dualisation of 29km Etinan – Ndon Eyo Road with 2 Nos. Bridges and spur from Mbioto Ekpene - Ituen – Ikot Akpan Ishiet Junction in Etinan/ONNA LGA,1Km Odoro Ikpe – Ikpe Ikot Nton – Obotme – Arochukwu with 110m span Bridge through APFA in Ini among others."



The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Professor Eno Ibanga un his remarks applauded the CLO for her commitment to the advancement of democracy in Nigeria, adding that there is need for credible institutions like CLO to advance their roles as watchdogs to both the society and Government.

"My presence in this event underscores the value and commitment of Akwa Ibom State Government to democracy, and institutions whose work deepen the practice of democracy in our society.

"I have been following the activities of the Civil Liberty Organization and I must say that we deeply appreciate your roles in ensuring that both the Government and people of not just Akwa Ibom State but Nigeria, uphold human rights and Democratic tenets.

" We appreciate the regular participation of CLO in public hearings, contribution to bills that are deliberated by the legislature, and tracking of Government Projects. Those are very noble activities of CLO and we commend you".he added.

The keynote speaker, a Professor of Broadcasting, Political and Development Communication and the Head, Department of Film and Multimedia Studies, University of Uyo. Prof. Charles Obot, during his lecture said that the role of the CLO is to expose corrupt conduct of public officials and lobby for good governance.

He further said the should involve in political training and discipleship, teach tolerance and also protection of life's of citizens.

The paramount ruler of Udung Uko, Edidem Bassey Etim Edet, who represented the father of the day, The President-General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council & Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon D. Etuk, thanked CLO for their efforts to deepen democracy and promoting development in Akwa Ibom State.

He thanked them for complimenting Government efforts noting that no responsive Government can ignore the advice of CLO especially as election period draws near and urged them to work with the government to achieve greater heights.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of Civil Liberty Organization in Akwa Ibom State, Otuekong Franklyn Isong said that there's need for civil society groups in the State to shift from the known paradigm towards an active role in ensuring good governance.

He further said that having fought for the enthronement of democracy, civil society groups must now work on the government and the people to harness participatory democracy insisting that government must be held accountable in the aspect of giving to the people the dividends of democracy.

... Rebukes his childish behavior, mannerisms in Court


The Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot today berated Barr. Inibehe Effiong with a threat to sue him for contempt of Court.


This followed Effiong's unruly behavior during the Court proceeding in the case between Mr. Udom Emmanuel (claimant) and Leo Ekpenyong (defendant) of charge number HU/279/2019 Inibehe Effiong who challenged the Judge's ruling, rudely told the Judge that he suspects bias in her ruling whereas, the case had long been established and cleared by the Court and was about being closed.

Inibehe who had filed a motion against the existing ruling of the Court was told plainly that one cannot raise a motion and expect it to be addressed the same day. This made Inibehe yell in Court like one who's birthright was being snatched from him.

The Judge faulted his childish behavior and at intervals, threatened to send him to jail. Irked by his action, the Justice Obot further chided the young practitioner for always being pensive, impatient and legally unstable in court, an attitude she noted was unbecoming of a legal professional. He further scolded Effiong for not being in tune with legal proceedings and advised him to do so precariously.

Despite the experienced gamut of professional advice, Inibehe Effiong was still interjecting and interrupting the Judge with objections and counter-motions without a care. Obviously worried by the nonchalance of the adamant Effiong, the Judge kept praying: "God please help me so I don't send this man to jail".

People who observed the proceedings also attested that the attitude of the young Lawyer was alien to the judicial system, describing it as a show of disregard to the Judge as well as the Court.

The case which was meant to have been closed today was further adjourned to 29th of July, 2022, for closure by the claimant.

Rev. Richard Peters stood in as the last witness on the case for the claimant, Governor Udom Emmanuel.

" Peace can not be achieved by force, it can only be achieved by understanding " Albert Einstein.

In any democratic setting, advancing the cause of political harmony, human development and communal growth, through coexistence and tolerance, remains the hallmark of promoting Government of the people.

Such setting like ours in Nigeria, will resist every temptation to suppress dissenting views and opinions while seeking to understand them and promote unity in diversity by strictly adhering to the rule of law as stipulated in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended), which provides thus: "Every person shall be entitled to assembly freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any association for the protection of his interests".

It is on this premise that, people are expected to be intrinsically democratic in their respective political engagements by way of being ready to respect and entertain diverse thoughts, interests, aspirations, views, opinions, expectations, beliefs and ideology from others because there is a stunning beauty in a well-managed diversity which guarantees freedom, fairness, justice, equality, emancipation et al. Truth be told, this has been the golden principle of the current administration under the watch of Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Akwa Ibom State.

So, as the 2023 general elections draw near and the leadership recruitment process is assuming a different dimension in our dear State, it is noble for the believers of Ibiono Ibom Project, who are members of the Ibiono Ibom Peace Advocacy Group, to deploy all legitimate means to discourage any individual who might be fanning the embers of discord, violence, coercion, threat, enmity, hostility, propaganda, blackmail and animosity et al, in the course of aspiring for any political position, so that it will be easy for them to stamp the signature of the Local Government in the process of achieving the completion and the arise agenda for the sake of attracting more dividends of democracy to the area.

Sequel to the foregoing, Ibiono Ibom Peace Advocacy Group hereby wishes to unequivocally state as follows;

1. That the resolve by Ibiono Ibom to support Gov Udom Emmanuel's Completion Agenda is irreversible.

2. That the decision by Ibiono Ibom to support the Arise Agenda of Pastor Umo Eno is unchangeable.

3. That the choice by Ibiono Ibom to give as usual, an overwhelming support to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is nonnegotiable.

4. That the resolution by the Ibiono Ibom People to stand by the decision of Gov Udom Emmanuel, PDP Family and other stakeholders of the Akwa Ibom project as it regards the decision of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno remaining the Candidate of the PDP and worthy successor of the Governor, remains unshaken and that the group will work tirelessly to ensure total victory in the general elections in February and March 2023.

4. That Ibiono Ibom Peace Advocacy Group is a formidable group of professionals, Technocrats and trained socio political experts with proven track records from all endeavor of life, turbocharged to mobilizing massive support with a wider publicity physically and online on the good news about the completion and Arise Agenda.

5. That IPAG is not against the aspiration of any individual or group of individuals, so far it is done with decorum and in peace, but will frown at anyone who may try to turn Ibiono Ibom into a war zone or the den of violent agents. This will be resisted by the members of the group by all legal means.

6. That IPAG is poised to addressing issues and not persons and that the group will remain respectful to constituted authorities that are deserving while unanimously pledging to work for Gov Udom Emmanuel to end successfully in 2023 while Pastor Umo Eno comes on board successfully as well.

7. That IPAG members are Pan-Ibiono Ibom Peace Advocates who are from the 9 Clans, 11 Wards, 160 Polling Units and 193 Villages, who are ready to contribute their quota in consolidation on the visible gains that the State Government has recorded in the sustainability of the prevailing peaceful ambience being experienced in the state.

8. That IPAG has resolved to ensure that the message of peace is deeply engrained and flourished in Ibiono Ibom, as it will promote a peaceful and massive participation in the forthcoming elections thereby solving the problem of voters apathy.


On this note, Ibiono Ibom Peace Advocacy Group, IPAG wishes to remind every indigene of the area and stakeholder of Ibiono Ibom Project, of their responsibility to join hands in building an Ibiono Ibom that our forebears who fought so hard to create, will be proud of and our generation and the next generation will appreciate. Unfortunately, we cannot achieve much of this dream without remaining part of the Completion Agenda and being part of the Arise agenda but if anyone finds a new bride in any other political party, such fellow should do so with utmost respect for the rule of law without reversing the current peace that is prevailing in Ibiono Ibom.

The Akwa Ibom State government has approved the Construction of a 5.0 KM Elei-Osu -Offi group of villlages with 60M Span bridge to link Okobo with Urue Offong/Oruko local government area.

Also approved is the Construction of Nkari-Mbiabong-Ibuno Okpro-Mbente-Obbrong- Anwafia road in INI Local government area.

These were parts of the resolutions during the State executive council meeting held at Government House in Uyo.

The Executive Council, presided by Governor Emmanuel, as disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong, also approved a N200,000 scholarship scheme for 500 indigent and brilliant students of the state in tertiary institutions per session.

The Ministry of Education and State Scholarships Board was mandated to publish the eligibility criteria for candidates and to ensure a transparent and fair process for beneficiaries.

Also, the State government has approved the rearward of contract for the completion of the Cottage hospital in Ukanafun, abandoned by the immediate past administration in the state.

Before adjournment, EXCO received in audience, the new Brigade Commander of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Abubakar Wase, who came to pay a courtesy call on the Governor, following his assumption of duties at the Brigade headquarters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

As part of plans of strengthening the security apparatus of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom Emmanuel has revealed plans of building a permanent site for 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, at Mbiokporo, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, to further equip the Brigade combat security challenges.

The Governor had earlier played host to the new Commander 2 Brigade, Brigadier General Abubakar Wase, recently deployed to the state,

Governor Emmanuel who acknowledged the need for sustaining peace and security in the state, reassured the Commander lof same support and cooperation given to the immediate past Commander of the Brigade, Brigadier General Mohammad Inuwa, noting that the state is looking forward to partner the Nigerian Army address some of the security challenges in the State.

‘’I want to thank the Chief of Army Staff and I am expecting that soon he will come in so that together we can open up a permanent site of the 2 Brigade along Mbiokporo and see the area of support we can give as State Government before I Ieave office’’.

The Chief Security Officer of the State commended the Nigerian Army for their collaboration with other security agencies to address security challenges in the state and solicited for a mastery of the security architecture in order to tackle the gray areas.

Earlier, the Commander 2 Brigade, Brigadier General Abubakar Wase, who resumed duty in the state, thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for the warm reception accorded the team and solicited for assistance and cooperation in the maintenance of law and order.

As a man of integrity who has benefited over the years from the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, Senator Bassey Albert (OBA) will never yield to greed by defecting to the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

The leadership of Ibiono Ibom Peace Advocate Group led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade and Market Matters, Mr Idorenyin Raphael, stated this while dismissing the idea that the Senator was defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party on the heels of his defeat in PDP governorship primaries.

Speaking in a radio interview session anchored by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Mr Essien Ndueso on Comfort FM, Mr Raphael noted that the verdict of his party, PDP, is that the two-time Senator is not the best man for the Governorship position at the moment.

" It is only people who are doing business with politics that defect at the slightest opportunity, Oba has made us proud but if he chooses to go, Ibiono won't go with him, over 10,000 members of IPAG and other groups won't go with him."

He further explained that Akwa Ibom State needs a man who can sustain the already existing peace and progress enjoyed in the state and the best candidate is Pastor Umo Eno.

He also noted that Umo Eno is also a son of Ibiono Ibom and pleaded that he should be accorded all the support as God's time is the best.

"If you look at antecedents, for now he is the most qualified for the job. "A man that started so small but has grown his business over time, we should allow him contribute his quota in the development of this state." He added.

Also speaking the Secretary of the Group, Mr Joseph Udoh, said that Ibiono people play politics of Understanding devoid of nepotism while pledging his support for Uno Eno who is the candidate of the PDP.

" Oba has done so well but Uno Eno Is the best man for the job.
" During his manifesto when he came to consult us, we discovered that he has better plans for the people of Ibiono Ibom and he has our support as he has promised to give Ibiono industries to complement its status as the food basket of state". He said.


Mr Raphael was joined during the session by the secretary of IPAG, Joseph Udo and Director, Technical and Strategy of the Group, Mr Nse Benjamin who both echoed that the group was set up to preach peace in Ibiono Ibom to aggrieved persons who felt without them the party cannot choose any other candidate.

A sixteen-person steering committee of the Nigeria For Women Project, NFWP has been inaugurated in Akwa Ibom State.

The Committee has the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo MFR, as Chairperson, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Margaret Edem as Secretary and Mrs. Ofonime Etuknwa Esq, as State Project Coordinator.

The committee also has as members: Commissioners for Women Affairs, Dr. Ini Adiakpan; Finance, Mr. Linus Nkan; Economic Development, Mr. Emem Bob; Agriculture and Food Sufficiency, Dr. Offiong Offor; Trade and Investment, Engr. Camillus Umoh; Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong; as well as Commissioner for Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mrs. Enobong Mbobo.

To represent Local Government Areas in the committee are: Hon. Iniabasi Ekanem - Onna, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Frank -Oruk Anam and Hon. (Mrs.) Akon Asuquo of Ibesikpo Asutan, while the private sector, NGOs and CSOs have the MD, Sun Centre, Uyo, Obonganwan Mary Umanaette, National Treasure, Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneur, Mrs. Abigail Edohoeket and the President, Friends of the Needy Organisation, Mrs. Eme Atakpo.

Performing the inauguration, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, affirmed the commitment of the state government to instituting gender equality, adding that the appointment of the Deputy Governor to head the steering committee in the state was to ensure the project receives due attention.

Governor Emmanuel outlined the terms of reference for the Committee to include: considering and approving the state joint annual work plan at the first annual meeting, providing guidance to state technical committee and state project coordinating unit, ensure conformity with the national sector and development planning, provide sector policy and project harmonization, nuture multi-sector or multistage dialogue, nuture relevant project partnerships and take decisions on recommendations forwarded by the federal project coordinating unit.

The NFWP is a five-year operation of the Federal Government of Nigeria, with support from the World Bank to support Nigerian government's goal of ensuring gender equality and improving the economic achievements of women using methods that would add to their sources of income and the wellbeing of individual households and the communities at large.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairperson of the state steering committee, Mr. Moses Ekpo thanked the state governor for considering them fit to steer the project in the state, acknowledging the composition of the committee as qualitative.

He assured that he and his team will do their best to carry out the intentions of the committee.

...Calls for more women inclusion in politics

National Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Stella Effah- Attoe has commended the governor of Akwa- Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom and the party leadership in the state for founding a woman of substance on person of Senator Akon Eyakenyi worthy of nomination as deputy governorship candidate of PDP for the 2023 election.

The elated Women Leader received in her office on Wednesday Senator Eyakenyi who was at the PDP national secretariat, Abuja for screening exercise conducted by the party's deputy governorship candidates screening committee .

Noting that Eyakenyi's nomination is unprecedented in the political history of the state, she said Governor Emmanuel and the party leaders including the governorship candidate, Pastor Eno Umo done women honour by giving the deputy governorship slot to a woman.

Prof. Effah- Attoe said Eyakenyi's nomination signals major drive in women inclusion In Nigerian political process, adding that more women are been raised for deputy governorship positions in the country.

She therefore called on leaders across parties to trust more women with positions of responsibilities such as deputy governorship and vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The women leader extol the virtues of the Akwa-Ibom deputy governor candidate whom she said has been able to prove her mettle as dependable leader who can be trusted with power.

She said that Senator Eyakenyi will never disappoint the womenfolk in governance and that she will use her position as deputy governor if elected to advance the course of women and girls emancipation, elevation and development not only in Akwa Ibom but I the entire country.

By Bisi Ezekiel

...calls for continued support for PDP

In continuation of her desire to harmonize, strengthen and equip the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in her area ahead of the 2023 general elections, the immediate past Commissioner for Agriculture and standard bearer for Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Dr. Glory Edet, today Friday, June 24, interfaced with elders of the PDP cutting across the eleven INEC gazetted wards of Ikono LGA.

The event which she noted was organized to thank the elders for their unalloyed support to her during the PDP primary election and to further encourage them to be steadfast in their support for the party, was held at the Ewet Housing Estate residence of Sir S.U Akpan, the leader of Ikono Local Government Area

Dr. Edet, in her remarks, called on the elders and stakeholders of the party to collapse every existing group and work in oneness to achieve success at next year's general elections.

"The umbrella is big enough to accommodate everyone irrespective of who you supported at the primaries, therefore we must come together like the one big family that we are and work together for the victory of the party", she said.

She further admonished the attendees against anti-party activities and assured them that PDP which is the ruling party in the state is the only known party in Ikono/Ini federal constituency. She assured them that by God’s grace, hers will be an effective representation to add value to the Federal Constituency

Also speaking, the leader of Ikono LGA, Sir Sunday U. Akpan while reiterating his confidence in the capacity of Dr. Edet also appreciated the elders for honouring her invitation and charged them to work harmoniously for the success of the party.

Other speakers who spoke on the necessity to work together ad thanked Dr. Glory Edet for calling the meeting included Sir. Victor Etefia, SSA to the Governor on Petroleum Matters, Sen. Aloysius Etok, the House of Assembly Flag bearer, Hon. Itoro Columba, the Chairman of Ikono LGA , Hon. Okoibu represented by the wife,former House of Representative member, Prof. Ini Udoka, Fmr. Law-maker, Honourable Iboro Ekanem, immediate past member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Barr. Godwin Umoh, Board Chairman, AKHA Commission, Hon. Emmanuel Uma, Chapter Chairman Ini, Barr. Ekemini Uba, Chapter Chairman, Ikono, Prof. Augustine Umoh, Hon. Commissioner for Health and a host of others.

Governor Udom Emmanuel has announced the increment of subvention to Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) with effect from July, 2022.

The increment on the subvention to the State University is to enable them function effectively in line with the realities of the current times.

Governor Emmanuel who announced this on Thursday, during a courtesy visit on him by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) at Government House, Uyo also said his administration is also supporting the State Polytechnic to advance learning at tertiary level for students.

The Governor acknowledged the reforms of NBTE in the Polytechnics, and commended them for the accreditation of programmes in the State Polytechnic, emphasizing on the need for skills and technology acquisition as the bedrock of development in the State.

“Let me thank you for the full accreditation of programmes in our polytechnic and since you have accredited all the programmes we were running we add new ones.

“We just increased the subvention that we are giving to Akwa Ibom State University effective from July 1, 2022 to enable them run more efficiently, we are going to do a lot more.

“We are trying to bridge the gap between secondary education and tertiary education in terms of skills acquisition which is why we are building one of the best skills center in Nigeria that I will open soon”.

The Chief Executive assured of regular payment of salaries to lectures of the state tertiary institutions and promised to further improve in the area of manpower and personnel.

The governor further acknowledged the contributions of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) in development of tertiary institutions in the country and appealed to (TETFUND) to consider Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (AKWAPOLY) as one of the best in terms of skills and technical knowledge.

“TETFUND has done well, and a job well done means more job to be done. If TETFUND really wants to pay attention to skills, Polytechnics, and Technical Education in Nigeria, I think Akwa Ibom State has one of the best Polytechnics in this country today, please whatever they are giving tell them you have seen quality, commitment and future here they should enhance’’, the governor stated.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Arc. Ngbede Ogoh, thanked Governor Emmanuel for the attention given to technical and vocational educational training in the State.

Arc. Ogoh, stated that NBTE is in the state to carryout quality assurance exercise on 20 academic programmes in Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic including two skill acquisition programmes.

“We are in the state to carryout quality assurance exercise to over 20 academic programmes of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, the exercise saw resource inspection of nine academic programmes including two on skill acquisition and more than 13 programmes for accreditation as well as re-accreditation’’.

Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Akon Eyakenyi has arrived Akwa Ibom after securing certification by the national leadership of the party in Abuja.

Senator Eyakenyi is accompanied by the national chairman of the Maintain Peace Movement, MPM and Senatorial Candidate of the party, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, Secretary of MPM, Prince Enobong Uwah, Chief Whip of AKHA, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Dr Ekaete Ebong Okon among others.

Senator Eyakenyi while addressing women groups and party faithful at the airport appreciated God for the Grace upon her life and thanked Governor Emmanuel for engendering political inclusion and gender balance in the state.

While commending Dr. (Mrs) Martha Udom Emmanuel for encouraging women to be recognized and elevated, she pledged to represent the women effectively when elected into office as deputy Governor.

She assured that PDP will win all the positions in Akwa Ibom state come 2023 and vowed to work under Pastor Umo Eno to sustain the developments brought about by Governor Emmanuel.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Elder Emmanuel Udosen says Mr. Akan Okon was not nominated a commissioner in the State Executive Council on the basis of being endowed with intelligence and leadership qualities, rather his emergence was merely a favour on him by his bigger friend and mentor Governor Udom Emmanuel.

This, according to him is because a more intelligent and experienced aspirant or politician would have verified his allegations of certificate forgery against the pastor before resorting to legal action.

Reacting to the allegations, Elder Udosen who is the steering committee chairman of Friends of Umo Eno League, FUEL, said, “the allegation is simply a character damaging game/prank which the lettered political thugs and bullies use, but which the gullible aspirant, unwisely, took to court without verifying.

“Don't forget, Akan Okon didn't enter politics because he had any leadership or intellectual background, or any political antecedents, but was merely drafted in because he was a close friend and the bestman to HE during the latter's wedding.

“Of course, you can't blame HE for doing that. It is what any good friend would have done to his friend in a clime like ours.

“As I am writing, Akan Okon seems yet to understand the consequences of malicious prosecution and is thinking that in politics, any smear campaign is allowed.”

Elder Udosen suggested that the obvious reason for the attack is because Pastor Umo Eno possesses the three critical areas for governmental leadership which are Character, Capacity and Competence.

He maintained that “the court action is a futile effort aimed at dislocating at least one leg of the tripod which is his character.

“Much as I will speak less of the matter because it is subjudice, I hereby assure every well meaning member of the public that there is no cause for alarm.

“Many people have called or text me to express their genuine fears based on the social media reports that Pst. Umo Eno forged his WAEC certificate.

“I have tried to respond to some and may not be able to reach back to everyone who has espressed their sincere concern.

“By using this medium, I can assure my audience/readers that Pst. Umo Eno's certificates are all genuine and intact.

“I have not only found and touched them by myself but I have the privilege of ascertaining that WAEC has verified and confirmed his certificates at different times.

“Even if not on any other occasion, we know that Uniuyo, my alma mater, verifies every entry result. The university may be wanting in any other area, but certainly not in the area of entry results verification”, he added.

The deputy governorship candidate of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State, Distinguished Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi has been given a clean bill of health to run with Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Akwa Ibom State certified PDP gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 election.

Senator Eyakenyi was certified when she appeared at the Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo led DEPUTY GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE SCREENING COMMITTEE (DGSC) at the National Secretariat of the Party (Wadata Plaza) in Abuja earlier on Wednesday.

The elegant and graceful Senator Eyakenyi who was in the company of Akwa Ibom PDP stakeholders also visited the National Woman Leader of the Party, Professor Stella Attoe following the brief certification ceremony.

The choice of Pastor Umo Eno and Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi is to say the least, the best gift from God to Akwa Ibom at this point as both individuals are peaceable, humble, patriotic and God-fearing.

Given their wealth of experience in public service and human management as well as prudent management of resources, the duo of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi are expected to deliver on the Akwa Ibom mandate from May 29, 2023.

Among those who accompanied the senator on the visit were, State PDP chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, PDP senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom NorthWest, Commissioner for Local Government, Frank Archibong, Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary of MPM, business mogul, Engr. Uwem Okoko, Chairman of State Secondary Education Board, Ekaette Ebong Okon, Eket senatorial district woman leader, Mrs Idara Ephraim Akpan, among others.

Senator Eyakenyi is the current Senator representation Akwa Ibom South in the Red Chambers of the National Assembly.

Until politicians begin to rely on sound pieces of advice from major stakeholders and accept realities, they would continue to fall prey to greedy prophets who aim at exploiting and rendering them hopeless.


The Deputy Director General of Pastor Umo Eno campaign organization, Dr (Prince) Godwin Ntukude stated this while dispelling the false notion that Pastor Umo Eno has stepped down for Mr Akan Okon in the 2023 Governorship race in Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking in an interview session anchored by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Mr Essien Ndueso on Comfort FM, Dr Ntukude blamed false prophets who are solely materially driven for driving Mr Okon into peddling such false news stories.

"There is this story in town that Akan my brother is a victim of a fake prophet. The one I'm told is a woman. Akan should try and detach himself from this (entanglement) because what is driving him into thinking that he can become governor, is fake prophetic declaration.

"All these false prophets are materially inclined, and self centered to make their money. The kind of money they have extorted from these gullible people is too humongous", he said.

"The artificial and false prophets are the genesis of the whole problem. The greatest challenge to our nascent democracy is the advent of false prophets who are materially inclined and self centered to make their money.

“The kind of money they have extorted from these people is too humongous. The way they concoct these prophesies, and network with sister/brother prophets, you are bound to believe that you are the one chosen.

"I sympathize with my friend and brother Akan Okon. We have been together in the State executive council. Beyond being a very close friend to His Excellency the Governor who entrusted him with so much responsibilities, I don't know what must have given him that false confidence that he can wobble through all these.

"This is a man who has never contested elections before and does not know what politics is all about. He is being misled by people who at the end, after draining him of his little money, will turn around and mock him.

"Anyone who engages Pastor Umo Eno will know that the man is a very intellectually high capacity gentleman.


Ntukude also explained that most people who saw Pastor Eno leave the St Francis Secondary School, Ikot Ataku after few terms most probably think he ended school then, but unknown to them, he furthered his career at Victory High School, Ikeja where he acquired his Senior School Certificate.

The deputy Campaign Director General commended the Governorship Candidate as one who is not only qualified but has so much content, adding that Pastor Eno cannot relinquish the position that was entrusted to him and further advised the public to discard such speculations.

The winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives primary election for Ikono/Ini federal constituency, Dr. Glory Edet, today, Monday, received her certificate of return from the party.

At the event which took place at the PDP secretariat in the state, Atan Offot, Uyo, the state Chairman of the Party, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, congratulated all candidates for their victory at the primaries.

Hon. Akpan who noted that all contests can only produce one winner, however, urged them to work with everyone in the Party

In her reaction, the Immediate past Commissioner for Agriculture and Dean of Commissioners who is also the PDP flag-bearer, Dr. Glory Edet, attributed her victory to God, the less privileged as well as the support of her constituents and promised to effectively represent her people upon her victory by God’s grace at the forthcoming general elections.

Dr. Edet while appreciating the State Party Chairman for his leadership qualities, lauded the leader of the state, His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel for all his good works and the numerous achievements his administration has recorded.

To God be the glory.....

Akan Okon's recent clandestine move which has been made public by Intel is nothing but an unguided desperation to fight a man who has not offended him in anyway, except that favour knocked on his door.

Edward Kegs observed that a desperate man would go any length to justify his fury. Believing nothing less, one can attest to the fact that Akan Okon's fury is simply a sponsored conspiracy to still distract Akwa Ibom people from the big picture: The Arise Agenda.

Recently, a friend who works at the International Airport, Ghana hinted me that Akan Okon and some politicians from the state arrived the airport. I quickly pleaded him to monitor their moves, which he did.

It was gathered that they headed to the Headquarters of the West African Examination Council (WAEC). From our contact at WAEC office, it was revealed that they were there with an application to access Umo Eno's WAEC result, but that the application was turned down.

The official at the council who disclosed this to our contact anonymously said Akan Okon and his cohorts were asked to return to Akwa Ibom and apply to the zonal office in Akwa Ibom, from there, the office would forward to the country's WAEC office in Lagos.

Despite their alleged attempt to bribe the officials to give approval to their ill-conceived request, they were rebuffed.

If Akan Okon feels this is not true, let him tell Akwa Ibom people what he went to do at Ghana, and why he went to the WAEC office.

This is nothing but desperation. If he wanted to do something genuine, he would have verified his claims before going public to question Umo Eno's WAEC certificate. But he ignored all the protocol and depended on hearsay.

Besides, the Akan Okon we all know would not use his money to pick flight ticket to Ghana. He has always been complaining that he does not have money. It means that some desperate persons are sponsoring him to move around like a roaring lion looking for whom to devour.

Since his eventual failure at the gubernatorial primary in the state, he has been moving from pillar to pole looking for any loophole to attack Pst. Umo Eno.

However, the questions tasking a concerned mind are: Why has Akan Okon suddenly turned against a man who has not offended him in anyway? Why is he working against a former colleague at the state EXCO who has not offended him except that favour smiled on him. Why is Akan Okon this desperate about fighting Umo Eno?

Akwa Ibom people should know that this is not just a political gimmick. Some people are pushing Akan Okon to destroy the little respect people still have for him. People are playing drums for him to dance, and funny enough, Akan Okon is gradually dancing to irrelevance.

The Vice Chairman of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Uyo Branch, Engr. Uwem Akpan and two members of the Executive, Engr. James Amiang FNSE and Engr. Ikemesit Orok have been suspended by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Uyo Branch over gross misconduct.

The suspension letter signed by 8 members of the Executive Committee is sequel to their alleged diversion of NSE Uyo Branch fund for personal aggrandizement. The suspension came after a unanimous agreement by members of the the Executive, NSE Uyo Branch.


According to the suspension release, the five million naira donated by Engr Uwem Okoko MD Hensek Integrated Service for the building of National Engineering Center Annex/Branch Secretariat was given to the Vice Chairman and was allegedly shared among Engr. James Amiang FNSE and Engr. Ikemesit Orok without the knowledge of other members of the Executive.


Also,Engr. Uwem Akpan allegedly received a sum of 1 million naira from Amitec construction company, 2 million naira from immediate past  Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Opolom Ette and 250 thousand Naira from WE Construction Ltd and could only remit same amount to the Society's Account on personal discoveries by the Chairman and forceful request. The most notable one is his refusal to remit the sum of 4 out of 5 million naira given to him by Hensek Integrated Services who happened to be his brother from Ikot Abasi LGA.

The release which was made available at the weekend also added that the Vice Chairman Engr. Uwem Akpan, Engr Ikemesit Orok, the Secretary, and Engr. James Amiang, the IPC  illegally announced suspension of chairman is againt is contrary to section 5.7.ii of the NSE Byelaw on removal of officers from office.


However, the release equally spelt out the disqualification of Engr. Uwem Akpan as aspirant in the July 2022 NSE Uyo Branch election.

...Vice Chairman takes over on Acting Capacity

...Calls off tomorrow's Branch meeting

The Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE), Uyo Branch has suspended its chairman, Engr. Ukeme Okpob and Treasurer, ENGR EMEM Ezekiel over what is described as their arrogant refusal to respond to petitions on gross abuse of office, misconduct and fraudulent diversion of funds belonging to the NSE, Uyo Branch to the Chairman's company and personal accounts.

Confirming the suspension in a telephone chat with Pressmen, the General Secretary of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Uyo Branch, Engr. Ikemesit Orok said the body was moved to wield the sledgehammer on Engr. Okpob and ENGR Ezekiel after a series of petitions brought against him ranging from abuse of office and general misconduct. Engr. Orok confirmed:

'The erstwhile Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ukeme Okpob alongside the Treasurer of the Branch were suspended today because there was a petition that was written against the duo to respond to our Disciplinary Committee, which happens to be a very revered College of Fellows. The College is a body that handles issues bothering on misconduct, illegalities, embezzlement and every other issues that do not sit well with what our bye laws stipulates'.

The group's scribe further opened up insights into why the suspension was effected today:

'He was given a timeframe to respond to the accusations, which he failed. In the wisdom of the College, who are elderly in their handling of issues allowed another span of two weeks for the now suspended Chairman and Treasurer, which they still failed.

In the spirit of moving the group forward and fair play, the College had to write back to the petitioners, advising us to seek redress and handle it using justice and fair play.

So what transpired today is that, Exco members turned up in good number for our meeting and heard of the issues on ground and attitude of the Chairman and Treasurer not willing to respond to the petition were very disgusted. Based on that, the Immediate Past Chairman of the Branch who also doubles as Ex-Officio 1 in the Branch Exco moved a motion for his suspension and was seconded by Engr Dr Essien Udo (an Associate Professor of Geotechnical Engineering) who serves in ExCo as the Chapter Chairman of Civil Division, pending a thorough investigation into the issues. As it stands now, Engr. Ukeme Okpob and ENGR Emem Ezekiel are suspended as Chairman and Treasurer respectively of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Uyo Branch. The Vice Chairman, Engr. Uwem Akpan takes over as acting Chairman with immediate effect'.

The Secretary calls on members of the body and the general public to be well guided by the latest developments until further notice.

Attempts to get a word across from the embattled Chairman proved abortive as he refused responding to calls and messages.
Meanwhile, the meeting of the body which was scheduled to hold tomorrow has been called off.

A media advocacy group, the Mandate Eyes, has confirmed that the PDP Governorship Candidate, Pastor Umo Eno has not stepped down from the 2023 Governorship race in Akwa Ibom but is rather waxing stronger with his support base increasing by the day.

The group has described as false and poor fabricated, a news that Mr Akan Okon has been approached and asked to step in as the new candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP.

In an interview in Uyo, Publicity Secretary of the group, Pastor Micheal Okon said, “we have come across a grammatically morally reprehensible concocted story by media urchins suspected to be working for a defeated Governorship aspirant, Akan Ekpe Okon.

The group wondered how Akan Okon who could only manage a miserable 3 votes in the governorship primaries that more than 1000 Adhoc delegates voted, could be given the destiny of over 7million people.

“Recently people from Akan Okon’s community in Mbiatok, Itu local government area, have come out to disown him on account of his poor disposition to generosity and philanthropy.

“How can a man who has been disowned and publicly disgraced by his community for failure to use his position for the benefit of others, be entrusted with the destiny of Akwa Ibom people?”


The group maintained that “Pastor Umo Eno, having attended and acquired his senior school certificate from the Victory High School, Ikeja where he was the Senior Prefect, has been hailed and celebrated by his school mates, current college principal, as a worthy Ambassador of the school.

“Akan Okon and his media scavengers should understand that no contest can ever be won by the number of lies and insult hurled at political rivals.

“Mr Akan Okon’s sponsored blackmails and veiled media attacks against Umo Eno during their time in the State Executive Council never fetched him any medal of honour and we don’t believe it will happen any time soon.

We hereby call on well meaning people to ignore this poor attempt of winning the race through the back door by a rejected, defeated and inconsequential political charlatan.

Adopting his processes on the substantive matter, Barr Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, on his part argued that no evidence abounds that the plaintiffs showed interest in the Ward congress primaries.

That the exhibit they showed as proof of participation is the receipt by Sen Albert. “One man went and bought 1000 forms and anybody in the world can just come and claim he is part of the 1000 beneficiaries. We have tendered the 987 receipts of the entire winners of the Ward congresses. We have tendered the entire results sheets of the entire 329 wards, and the local government summaries of collated results of congress.”

Mr Nwoko submitted that the plaintiffs have not proved any of their allegations.

They have not proved that they bought forms , they have not proved that they submitted their forms and have failed to prove that elections did not hold. The burden of proof is on their shoulder, I urge that My lord to allow them to sink with the heavy burden on their shoulders.

Senator Bassey Albert has finally admitted purchasing forms for his cronies to allegedly rig in the 2022 Ward Adhoc delegates Congress in Akwa Ibom State.

Senator Albert spoke through his personal assistant on Media Mr Anny Michael in reaction to widespread condemnation on why he purchased 1000 forms for his personal use.

Reacting on Facebook, a social media interactive forum, Senator Albert said he committed no offense in purchasing the forms.

“My Boss is a decent man, there is nothing wrong in purchasing forms for people, after all did Berekete Radio not purchase Presidential form for Me (sic) Udom Emmanuel, did Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District youths not purchase Governorship form for Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert (OBA) my amiable Boss.”

“The Crux of what is before the court is whether the Ad hoc delegates primaries was done in line with PDP constitution of widespread participation or whether some members were disenfranchised making the process invalid as such using such a list to conduct a Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly and the outcomes a nullity.

Bassey Albert’s spokesman concluded that, “There is no point being diversionary in the approach to justice.”

The immediate past Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Akwa Ibom State, Rev. Dr. Ndueso Ekwere has urged the PDP Gubernatorial candidate in Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno and entire Akwa Ibom people to ignore recent campaign of calumny launched by those he describe as enemies of progress against the person of Pastor Eno.

Speaking at All Nations Christian Ministry, Eket, during a thanksgiving held to appreciate God for the succesful nomination of the Governorship candidate in the recently concluded Primary election of the PDP and subsequent collection of Certificate of Return at the PDP secretariat in Abuja.

Dr. Ekwere who expressed surprise at how petty some politicians could be in their failed attempt to drag a fellow human in the mud, explained that contrary to the lies being peddled by Umo Eno's traducers, the Governorship candidate attended Victory High School for his secondary education and performed brilliantly in the West African Examination Council, WAEC examination.

"I remember how I carried this young man at that time. I can now say with excitement; praise be to God for I am also a grandfather of the Governor.

"When I hear people talking about his academics and all the things I read on social media, all i can say is what they are saying is not true. Of course there are a lot of things that have been said about me that has been totally false. People just concoct things to make a story look sweet. So, I'm thinking nobody could have said anything concerning the academics of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, because I am a witness of what God did for him.

"This young man that graduated from Victory High School. This is somebody who represented this country in the United States of America in a debate competition. In his class 4 he represented this country in a quiz completion and won the second position for Nigeria. This is somebody that sat for and got his senior school certificate, WAEC".

"I'm tempted to think that people who toy with people's academics are not sure if they have one. I want to thank God for the victory. I bring greetings from his family to you. You are blessed, hurdles have been scaled, the last hurdle shall be completed. Thank you for remembering God".

Pastor Umo Eno, while leading his family in the thanksgiving reiterated the essence of appreciating God at every step of victory.

He said he would continue to thank God every step of the way, just like David did in the Bible , and urged everyone to imbibe the spirit of thanksgiving to God, who gives every good thing.

... Urges Guber Candidate to Forgive, Accommodate His Traducers, Blackmailers

The President General of the Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, and the Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk has congratulated Pastor Umo Eno on his successful nomination and presentation with a certificate of return as the Akwa Ibom State Governorship Standard Bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Oku Ibom registered his felicitation when Pastor Umo Eno, shortly on return from Abuja, paid a visit to the palace to show him his new certificate of return

The Oku Ibom Ibibio commended the Governorship Candidate for the homage done him and his council of chiefs, stressing that such was a fruit of good upbringing.

The royal father emphasized that Pastor Eno is blessed and favoured, adding that it was his appointed time and others should wait and pray for their turn.

He advised the PDP Governorship Candidate, Pastor Umo Eno to forgive and accommodate those throwing tantrums on him, and urged him to open his arms of love to other aspirants who lost out in the race, in the interest of unity and peace of the State.

The monarch further advised him not to bear any grudge against those who smear him on the media, but should see it as part of the challenges of the game of politics.

The visibly elated monarch said Pastor Umo ENO’S victory is an act of God, maintaining that "what we are seeing today is not a mistake. Men can do whatever they wish, but God has destined it to be so."

Earlier while presenting the certificate of return to the Oku Ibom Ibibio, Pastor Umo Eno said the visit to the palace was a mark of respect for the traditional institution and the Oku Ibom Ibibio in particular.

He recalled that he first consulted the royal fathers before going out for the race, adding, "now that I have been given the certificate, I had to come back to show you that I am now a certified Governorship candidate”.

Pastor Eno commended the traditional institution for their support and prayers, and appealed for more support especially as the general elections beckon.

COURT EXHIBIT REVEALS SEN ALBERT ‘DUBIOUSLY’ PURCHASED 1000 DELEGATES FORMS TO RIG PDP CONGRESS

These are not the best of times for supporters of an Akwa Ibom governorship aspirant, Senator Bassey Albert whose alleged attempt to use the court to scuttle the PDP nomination exercises appears to be a futile show.

Senator Albert is accused of attempting to criminally plot the rigging of the April 30, 2022 Wards Adhoc congress in a dubious manner.

The 987 Adhoc Delegates elected during the April 30th PDP Ward Congress in Akwa Ibom State filed these accusations in a preliminary objection questioning the status of the petitioners Friday Iwok and 30 others, who are opposing their emergence as delegates in a federal high court in Abuja.

When the case resumes for hearing on June 14 before Justice Obiora Egwatu, the defendants will be expecting response to their objection on why a document attached to the Plaintiffs Counter Affidavit titled: “AD-HOC DELEGATES LIST FOR FORMS PURCHASE” Exhibit Q, shows that a Governorship Aspirant Senator Albert Bassey had purchased One Thousand (1000) Forms for himself.

They are accusing the Uyo Senator of “dubiously purchasing the forms in his name to be distributed to his own cronies, so that they would possibly vote for him at the Governorship Congress.”

This revelation, they maintained shows, none of the Plaintiffs bought the expression of interest form or in any way showed interest in contesting the Ad hoc Delegate election and therefore do not have the locus standi to challenge the exercise.

Represented by 329 of their members, the delegates, through their Counsel, Uwemedimo Nwoko,SAN, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the Originating Summons by the claimants is “incompetent and incurably bad in Law.”
 
Barr Nwoko had argued that, “having not participated in the ward Congress, the plaintiffs are strangers to the ward Congress.”
 
He argued further that the Ward Congress is an internal and domestic affair of the PDP, the 2nd Defendant and the Court lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate on it.
 
Challenging the jurisdiction of the court, the PDP and the AdHoc Delegates reasoned that “the suit is challenging the conduct of the party congress which is not within the purview of pre-election matter as covered by Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022.
 
The 12-point objection also maintained that “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Constitution has very robust internal dispute resolution mechanisms in its provision which members are mandated to explore and exhaust, before instituting any external dispute resolution intervention.
 
The 3rd - 331st defendants insisted that the suit was premature since Friday Iwok and his co-travelers did not seek and exhaust the internal dispute resolution mechanism of the party before instituting the suit.

Mr. Friday Iwok and his fellow supporters of defeated Governorship aspirant, Senator Bassey Albert (OBA), are seeking the order of the court to nullify the April 30, 2022 Akwa Ibom PDP Ad-Hoc delegates congress in the 329 wards in the State.

During the last hearing on the case on May 25, Counsel to the Plaintiffs, Mr Ahmed Raji, SAN had appealed for additional time to study the additional preliminary objections raised by the 2nd defendant and the 3rd to 331st defendants.

Raji had also wanted the court to rather examine pending motions while giving him time to study the issues raised in the preliminary objections raised by the defense counsel.

“In the circumstances, it is my prayer that all pending motions be taken so that today will not be a waste", he prayed.

But Paul Usoro,SAN however insisted that the court had earlier agreed with an earlier authority in a matter between Dangote and African Petroleum(AP), that preliminary objections must be heard first before the substantive matter is heard.

Chief Usoro prayed the court to adjourn to a later date if the Plaintiff’s Counsel sought more time to study the preliminary objections.

Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, on his part agreed with the arguments of the Counsel to the 2nd Defendant on the need to exhaust the preliminary objections challenging the jurisdiction of the court and the locus standi of the petitioners.

“My lord, in our local parlance they used to say, an aeroplane does not have a reverse gear, meaning that the court cannot reverse itself.”

Arguing further on the need to adjourn the matter, Nwoko said, “Inside the court earlier today, we have been served with two affidavits by the Plaintiffs and I have not yet to read the contents of the documents.”

“My lord, in our local parlance they used to say, aeroplane does not have a reverse gear, meaning that the court cannot reverse itself.”

Justice Obiora Egwatu in his ruling, adjourned the case to June 14 for hearing on all applications before the court.

ASUU reaches conclusion with FG's renegotiation Committee, await FG to sign and implement agreements — Reports.

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The President General of the Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk has advised the PDP Governorship Candidate,Pastor Umo Eno to forgive all those throwing tantrums against him and to open his arms of love to those he defeated, in the interest of the unity and peace of the State.

He has also congratulated Pastor Eno on his victory in the nomination exercise and stressed that he should not bear grudge against those who smear him on the media, but should see it as part of the challenges of the game of politics.

Pastor Umo Eno on returned from Abuja, where he received his Certificate of Return from the PDP National Chairman, went to the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium and Oku Ibom Ibibio, to
appreciate him for his support.

“I first came here to consult my father before going out, and now that I have been given the certificate, I had to come back to show you that I am now a certified Governorship candidate”, Pastor Eno said.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong and the Deputy Director General of the Umo Eno Campaign Organization, Dr Godwin Ntukude who led the team, took time to thank the Royal Father and other members of the state traditional council, for their support.

The last minute decision by the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and immediate past Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio to back out of the Presidential race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC Tuesday night at the party's National convention has attracted widespread condemnation, as many have described his action as 'uncommon treachery and betrayal of his people'.

The Senator has been described as an uncommon betrayer, for being the only aspirant from the South South and South East to step down for Bola Tinubu in the South West, despite the region’s grip on power for 16 years as President and Vice President respectively.

Recall that a new twist emerged Tuesday night at the just concluded All Progressive Congress (APC) special convention for election of Presidential candidate, when Godswill Akpabio whose turn it was to address delegates, mounted the platform, disqualified himself, before declaring his support for another aspirant, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the consternation of supporters.

Senator Akpabio who had openly demarketed himself at the APC special convention had told the bewildered party delegates that he was not fit to govern Nigeria, hence his decision to withdraw from the race in support for Bola Tinubu who he described as a visionary.

Reacting to the former Governor's shocking cowardice, a United States based, Thompson Essien who mocked the Senator for displaying a defeatist behaviour at the party convention, argued that his action was not surprising, as he had already predicted that he was not anywhere.

Thompson wrote on his Facebook page; "Akpabio: I built Heaven in Akwa Ibom; i even brought God down. In any case, I'm not fit to govern Nigeria, please vote for Tinubu. I told you guys, the man needs a visit with a psychiatrist".

Mr. Thompson Essien had also in another post on his Facebook handle hailed that every one knew that Godswill Akpabio would never go beyond the Presidential Primary.

Ugwunna Ejikem who hails from the South-Eastern part of the country where Akpabio is
P an in-law had lambasted the former Minister for not being man enough face other contenders in the race.

Taking to her twitter handle, Ejikem had wondered why Akpabio only ended up listing his achievement as Governor of Akwa Ibom where he served under the PDP and still asked his delegates to vote for Bola Tinubu.

The tweet reads; "Godswill Akpabio finished naming his achievements as Governor then asked his delegates to vote for Bola Tinubu because of those achievements, are these men on crack".

Reacting to Ugwunna's tweet, another twitter handler with account name, Eugene_Ughami@Baronnevo mocked Akpabio for praising his achievements as a PDP Governor and turning around to claim the same party that brought him to political limelight did nothing in 16years.

His tweet reads; "what do you expect from a man who praised his achievements as a PDP governor, then said the same PDP did nothing in 16yrs".

Callers on radio stations in Akwa Ibom who phoned in to the news review and political discourse segments on some of the stations monitored by our reporter held diverse opinions on the action of the former Governor, while applauding another aspirant from the South-South region, Rotimi Amaechi for making the entire region proud by his decision not to backdown from the race as Akpabio did.

A former National official of the PDP, and Managing Director, Akwa Ibom Property Investment Company, APICO, Barr. Patrick Udomfang while reacting on the comment section of a trending online debate on the matter, noted that the stepping down signals failure and does not pass a good message about the State.

He however commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for not toeing the same path during the recently concluded Presidential Primary election of the PDP.

" Stepping down is a failure, Udom fought gallantly as a proud Akwa Ibom son and secured the 4th position out of 12. That is not easy and he has registered Akwa Ibom state in the National History".

Another public affairs analyst, Mr Idongesit Inyang had this to say on a popular whatsapp group; "Senator Akpabio legit said that it's not his time or something like that. That he is stepping down for a man with vision?"
Distinguished Senator iniehe vision idem amo?
"So, on a really good day, Distinguished will choose Mr. Tinubu over himself?
Like, he will tell people, 'Da, dede Tinubu ami adiongo mkpo ke governance ankan mien o'?"

A popular preacher of the African Church faith, Rev Richard Peters, had argued that the former Niger-Delta Affairs Minister may had known he won't make it at the primary hence his decision to abandon the race midway to escape the impending embarrassment that was awaiting him. It was discovered that delegates from Akwa Ibom who were with him were not screened to participate in the exercise owing to a court order.

"Godswill Akpabio asked delegates from Akwa Ibom to vote for Ahmed Tinubu, as it stance, no delegate from Akwa Ibom has voted because the list Akpabio presented is not certified by INEC. Akpabio knew that he won't have upto 5 votes that was why he chicken out shamefully, cheaply and surreptitiously"

Idongesit Uyo, another cleric based in Abak local government of Akwa Ibom State, on his part believes “a man who went saw and attempted to conquer is better than a man who went, saw and surrendered.”

Describing the Senator as one who is not politically smart in his calculation, Uyo argued that he would have stood his ground and face the ballot to test his popularity, rather than chickening out as he did at the last minute.

According to him "someone resigned as a Minister (not under duress) A position he held on trust for Akwa Ibom. Spent N100million on form (N1m in 100 places) campaigned all over the country, went to the venue and stepped down for Tinubu....Like, of all people, Tinubu and you are telling us that he is smart!"

"The truth is that Sen. Godswill Akpabio is very predictable. But his people won't see it because at times, loyalty blinds a man"

Usenobong Iseh in his submission averred that there was nothing smart about Akpabio's withdrawal from the race.

He opined that it would have been fine if he had stepped down for Prof. Yemi Osinbajo or Rotimi Amaechi, instead of Tinubu who is said to be far older in age.

"There is nothing smart there , had it been he stepped down for CRA or PYO who are better and vibrant people"

Akpabio's action has been widely seen as a display of betrayal, treachery and cowardice for a man of his standing to drum support for a 90year old man when there were other credible and much younger aspirants he would have thrown his weight behind if he felt he lacked what it takes to lead the country.

Surprised by Akpabio's volte-face decision, Ubong Sampson in a facebook post, Wednesday queried "I hope Godswill Akpabio won't aspire for any public office that requires electoral process in this country".

"We all should apologise to Udom Emmanuel for ever undermining his 38 votes. At least, he went all out to prove he wanted that opportunity to serve".

"How can you stand on national TV to say you had 1200 delegates to vote you, yet, stepped down for an old fragile man who took more than 10 seconds to flip a page of his written speech because his hand can't hold anything firmly?"

"So Godswill that I should have voted for is expecting me to vote for Tinubu?", he quipped.

A former governor of Akwa ibom state and the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Chief Godswill Akpabio has denied any form of pact or agreement with Senator Bassey Albert popularly called OBA to have him succeed Governor Udom Emmanuel as Governor in 2023.



Akpabio who abdicated the position of Senate Minority leader and defected to All Progressives congress in August 6TH 2018 on personal grounds said there was no such agreement anywhere and urges anybody who claims to have one, to make it public.



Akpabio’s whose remarks came on the heels of the recent media interview on Planet FM Uyo where Senator Bassey Albert claimed there was a pact endorsed with the former governor and former senate president David Mark as co-signatories where he was to become the beneficiary of the Governorship seat after Udom Emmanuel in 2023 also wondered why a non-indigene of the state will be part of those to determine the destiny of the state by 2023 if at all there is such pact.



Speaking through one of his close Aide, Akpabio who said he left Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for good wondered why he should be dragged into the internal wrangling of the party when he is already pursuing his political dreams in another platform.



According to the Aide, “Chief Godswill Akpabio has distanced himself from the so-called pact or agreement which OBA is verbally brandishing in the media without any verifiable evidence. He is of the opinion that OBA should pursue his governorship ambition in a more honorable way than talking of nonexistence issues to garner undue and undeserved political advantage. I thought he is already in court, it will be better to continue that way and leave Akpabio completely out of their politics' '.



He highlighted that among the shocker from OBA was the issue of having former Senate President from Benue state Mr David Mark involved in the internal politics of Akwa ibom state to the point of determining the next governor for Akwa ibom in 2023 in the alleged and nonexistence pact.



“ To even mention that David Mark is involved in the so called Agreement to choose a governor in 2023 for our people is already causing angst among reasonable Akwa ibom public, do Akwa ibom elites also intervene in the Benue state politics to the point of choosing leaders for them” he asked rhetorically.

A lot of people have been asking questions, saying so many things and accusing Senator Akpabio of betraying South-South by not standing till the end or paving way for Amaechi.

But, I will tell you why Akpabio can't stand against Ahmed Bola Tinubu during the APC Presidential Primaries.

As far back 2019, when the powers that be came for the 'head' of the then most powerful politician in Akwa Ibom State, the only way his sins can be washed away was for him to swallow his vomits � and join the APC, and he had no other option, or he will see everything he has worked for disappearing into thin air.

During the consultations for his possible defection to the All Progressives Congress, it seemed as if all doors were shut against him, that the move wasn't going to be possible, maybe on the instructions of the leader of the party, stating that he shouldn't be admitted into the party, owing to the part he played in the 2015 elections for the PDP.

On one of his visits to the leaders of the APC, he met with the vice president of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo at the Villa, who may have told him that the only person he can talk to at the time was Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because the president had a soft spot for him, and he bought into the idea and jetted out to meet with the jagagban in Lagos.

After he met with Tinubu, we saw pictures of both of them trending on social media, and it could be that was when the deal for him to join the APC was sealed, and maybe the jagagban might have spoken with President Muhammadu Buhari on his behalf.

A few days later, if not hours, we saw pictures of Godswill Akpabio nearing prostrating before Buhari in London, and those photos were everywhere and it caused a major stir in the Nigerian political system.

Remember, this happened a few days or hours after Akpabio had a meeting with Tinubu.

Then, upon his return to Nigeria, and subsequently Akwa Ibom State, he officially announced his defection to the APC, a party he once addressed as the houseboy party.

How time flies!

For me, for Akpabio to have entered the race, even when he knew he had no chance of winning was a way to pay back and renew his loyalty to Ahmed Bola Tinubu, and that is what he did last night during the APC Presidential Primaries.

My name is Edikan David, and I write from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

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