₦airaland Forum

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

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

This is what Akwa Ibom State deserves, and this is what Akwa Ibom State has got as the leadership to Pastor Umo Eno. It is a perfect blend of experience, management skills, goodwill and passion for the continuous development of the state.
Her bag of experience is thick and loveably intimidating. She set sail from the harbour as a teacher where she was trained at the Teacher's Training College, Oron and stunningly rose to the pinnacle of professional, academic and political careers.
A stickler for knowledge and excellence, she has mopped all available knowledge with a thirsty sponge climaxing in the University of Cross River State and later University of Uyo where she earned the prestigious doctoral degree.
She has occupied various political appointments where one excellent performance preceded and gave rise to the other. That topnotch leadership performance beautifully hunted her, as the saying goes, the reward for hardwork is more work.
She was Member in the State Secondary Education Board, and was later appointed Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. She did exceedingly well. At different points, she became Chairman, Technical Schools Board, Chairman, Governing Council, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic which was preceded by a golden performance as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
If those were appointments, she was later to contest and defeat an incumbent as the Senator Representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, an office she will complete in June, 2023.
At least, four civilian administrations in Akwa Ibom State have engaged the services of Dr Eyakenyi, and she has never been found wanting.
Such is the luggage of experience the grassroots politician, mobilizer, philanthropist and above all political stabilizer is bringing in as the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State upon swearing in in 2023. She is vast in civil and public service and will complement the magic of private sector experience of her boss, Pastor Umo Eno when they eventually assume office.

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

Source: Imo Etimudo

The nomination of Senator Akon Eyakenyi as Deputy Governorship candidate of the PDP has been described as a perfect choice that meets the acceptability of all well meaning people of Eket Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom State as a whole.

Accordingly, political jobbers have been advised to back off, as no intensity of sponsored media attacks can diminish the soaring profile of the Oron born technocrat who is currently representing the zone in the red chambers.

Several media and interest groups ranging from Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance and Eket federal constituency media forum, in separate media statements described Dr Eyakenyi as a hardworking and focused leader who has never been found wanting in any assigned responsibility.


According to the umbrella media group in the senatorial district, Eket Senatorial Media Professionals Forum, “We take this opportunity to profoundly congratulate and rejoice with you over your emergence as the running mate and deputy governorship candidate to Pst. Umo Eno, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP gubernatorial candidate for 2023 election in Akwa Ibom State.

“Your selection as the deputy governorship candidate comes at the crucial time for Akwa Ibom State, Eket Senatorial District and Oron Federal Constituency to strengthen and deepen the democratic values of equity and fairness, boost equal gender participation in governance.

“You have worked so hard and created the necessary advantage to acquit yourself before the leader of the party, His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel, the party’s standard bearer Pastor Umo Eno, and the entire leadership of Akwa Ibom State chapter of the PDP”, Eket Senatorial Media Professionals asserted.

The groups insisted that Dr Eyakenyi’s track record as Minister of the Federal Republic, Commissioner in the State Executive Council, Board Chairman, as well as her current position as Senator of the Federal Republic, have projected her into a hot bride for the state Number Two position

The groups commended Governor Udom Emmanuel and Pastor Umo Eno, and all critical stakeholders of the PDP on the decision to choose Mrs Akon Eyakenyi and wished the party success in the forth coming elections.

- CHARGES SECURITY AGENTS TO FISH OUT CULPRITS

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has commiserated the Government and people of Ondo State over the unfortunate violent attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which left scores of worshippers dead, and several others severely wounded.

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, Governor Emmanuel  condemned the dastardly act, which has left several families in tears

The Governor commiserated with the families of the slain worshippers, the Government and the good people of Ondo State and prayed God to give them the strength to overcome their grief.
Governor Emmanuel sued for peace across the country, wondering how people could unleash such mayhem on innocent worshippers without any form of provocation.

“He further urged the law enforcement agents to smoke out and bring to justice, those behind the dastardly act”, the statement said.

…We Won’t follow Bassey Albert to any Mushroom Party- Supporters

From all indications, the embattled Senator Bassey Albert appears to be in dilemma over his intention of activating his Plan B, a move that will see the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District contesting the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the Young Peoples Party, YPP.

A source in his camp has confirmed that the Senator has actually picked the YPP form following his inability to secure the support of PDP delegates in the Governorship Primary election held last week at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo where he scored a paltry 1 vote.

It is believed that the form that Pastor Nyenime Andy purchased for YPP, was actually procured for OBA. Owing to the shift in the deadline by INEC for the conduct of Primary elections by Political parties, this may have given Senator Albert enough window to keep his supporters in suspense till when the cat would be let out the bag.

But his major dilemma is the refusal of his key supporters follow him to what could be described as "a journey to political self destruct".

While Sir Emem Akpabio; member representing Ini/Ikono Federal Constituency, Hon Emmanuel Ukpong-udo; and member representing Ikono State Constituency, Hon Asuquo Udo, have agreed to defect with OBA to YPP, others are undecided largely because they are afraid that for those in the State Assembly, their seats may be declared vacant while those with Board appointments may be terminated, a fate they said they are not ready to take.

Investigation reveals that last week's reported picking of the YPP Expression of Interest and Nomination form by the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of YPP, Apostle Nyeneime Andy, ostensibly to run for the 2023 governorship primary of the party was actually a decoy.

"Apostle Nyeneime Andy was actually buying the form for keeps in trust for OBA ahead of his defection. OBA, Macaire, Akpanusoh and a few others have long bought their YPP nomination form. Infact, they have all paid for their clearance. But the challenge they have is that some of those OBA thought will defect with him are developing cold feet when viewed against the background of what happened to those that defected from the PDP in 2019".

"Don't forget all those who defected to APC with former Governor Akpabio all lost the 2019 general elections. That is the greatest fear among top OBA loyalists which has dimmed the hope of any fanfare when he finally leaves to try his luck in YPP," said a high ranking member of the Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign Organization who pleaded anonymity.

Findings show that Hon Asuquo Nana Udo want OBA to guarantee him and others that should they loose their seats upon their defection to YPP, he (OBA) will pay them all the salaries and emoluments they are entitled to as a condition for defecting with him, a precondition OBA is reportedly not favorably disposed to.

Another major source of disagreement is in the area of funding of the new political party, the YPP. While some of OBA's loyalists are of the view that OBA should solely finance the new party in all the wards, local governments, federal Constituencies and Senatorial Districts and assume the role of the leader of YPP in Akwa Ibom State, OBA on his part is of the opinion that since it is politics which is all about interest, the risk should be shared in view of the fact that it is more of a business and political venture than it is a social contract.

Also, unresolved was who among his loyalists will stay back to play the spoilers role in PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections.

"OBA wants some of them to stay back and see how they can frustrate PDP not having candidates for 2023 but they know that card won't work. Some key members of the campaign are advising him to rather accept the outcome of event in the PDP, embrace the Governor's succession agenda and endorse Umo Eno at least for the sake of his supporters", said a source.

The many unresolved issues seem to have beclouded the fanfare that was envisaged will engulf the political atmosphere with OBA's purported defection to YPP.

Reacting to the development, a University Lecturer, Dr Ubong Akpan said, OBA's purported defection to YPP is noting but a quick way for the Ibiono Ibom born ex banker to dribble himself into political extinction, advising that he should rather accept his fate and remain in PDP, a party he noted gave him the ladder to get to where he is today in life.

Also speaking, a public affairs analyst, Mr Ekomobong Peter said, while some names mentioned may sound big, the reality on ground does not support the premise that they can cause any major political upstage in 2023.

"Every election cycle is not devoid of issues, dramas, sense and senselessness. Party members worth their name must approach season as this with a baggage of understanding, never to unblock the canal of emotions, thereby reducing the high to a low", he admonished.

On claims by Hon Ukpong-udo that the PDP is attempting to field an unpopular candidate, Mr Peter said the Ini/Ikono lawmaker is overrated as he would not have won in 2019 but not for the votes from Ini LGA.

"I challenge my House of Representatives member to publish the 2O19 result of his ward and Local Government for the House of Representative election between himself and candidate of the APC justifying his claims of popularity".

"He should be reminded that notoriety is not popularity. If Ini LGA didn't deal mercilessly with APC, would Rep Emmanuel Ukpong Udo be insulting leaders, stakeholders and Party the way he does with less than five thousand votes, which did not come from him but other wards from Ikono? He should be reminded of the risk of slipping into dissonance", he warned.

Governor Udom Emmanuel has congratulated the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial primary election in Akwa Ibom State, while calling on other aspirants to embrace the party's reconciliation plan to secure victory in the 2023 general elections.

The contest which held at the Nest of Champions, Uyo, marked the climax of the battle for the soul of the party’s Governorship ticket in the state, and was conducted by a team of party officials led by the Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Idris Shuaibu

Among observers at the exercise was the State Resident Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Barr. Mike Igin, with Pastor Umo Bassey Eno emerging as winner.

Addressing the gathering at the event, the governor and leader of the party in the state appreciated all aspirants, delegates and party faithful who participated in the exercise, maintaining that it was okay for many to aspire but inevitable for only one to emerge candidate of the party and subsequently governor.

The Party Chairman is about setting up a reconciliation committee. If you didn't make it, we are not coming to celebrate your not making it, but to rub your back as brother, to reduce the pain and offer you a chance that we should work together".

“Once one person sits as governor, all of us will form the government. So come and join hands and work with us so that we can make PDP shine not only in Akwa Ibom but also in Nigeria", Governor Emmanuel stressed.

He expressed confidence in the large heartedness and peaceful disposition of Pastor Umo Eno to accommodate all interests.

Declaring the election result on behalf of the party, the Returning Officer, Mr. Phillip Shuaibu, congratulated all the aspirants for participating in the contest which he described as a family affair, adding that with the emergence of one party man as flag bearer, everyone was a winner.

According to him, 1018 delegates were accredited to vote for the 14 aspirants in the contest. Out of these, Pastor Umo Eno scored 993 votes to emege winner.

In an acceptance speech, the nominated gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Umo Eno, expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the opportunity and to Governor Udom Emmanuel as leader of the party, the party delegates and the entire PDP family for their contributions to the process that saw to his emergence.

He assured the other aspirants and the party of his readiness to work as a family and to run a campaign based on issues germane to the interest of the development of the state, void of any acrimonious posturing.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has waved aside calls for the cancellation of the ongoing PDP primaries in Akwa Ibom State.

It has however adjourned to Wednesday, 1st of June, 2022 for further hearing on preliminary objections by the defendants, in a case instituted by a PDP member in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Friday Iwok and 30 others challenging the April 30, 2022 Ward Congress conducted in the State.

The court presided by Justice Obiora Egwatu also urged the parties in the case to avoid delaying the process, but to help the Court accelerate hearing following the limited judicial time frame for pre-election matters.

Appearing on behalf of the the Plaintiffs, Ahmed Raji had argued that the 2nd -331st Defendants, PDP, and its Adhoc Delegates committed a contempt of court by ignoring the Status Quo Bellum order of the court, and urged the court to cancel the outcome of all the primaries which commenced from Sunday May 22nd in Akwa Ibom State.

Counsel Ahmed Raji, argued that “It is contempt by the violators but we are only asking that the court sets aside all actions taken by the defendants after being served with the order of the court.

“If the order to maintain status quo is not obeyed, they will likely not obey the final judgement”, Raji roared.

But Paul Usoro appearing for PDP, 2nd Defendant reasoned that “assuming without conceding, that Ahmed Raji is correct, before the court is the preliminary objection on jurisdiction which PDP filed yesterday challenging the locus standi of the plaintiff and the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.”

He argued that , “Contempt occurs when an order of the court is flouted.

Paul Usoroh reasoned that, “The position of the law is that where a person accused is alleging jurisdiction competence, the jurisdiction should be first decided.

“Without jurisdiction, all the orders from that court is invalid, he said, citing earlier judicial precedents. Based on that, I urge the Court to proceed with the preliminary objections and the substantive suit to determine the matter once and for all.

“We all agree with His Lordship to manage the judicial time and proceed with the substantive matter, as confirmed by Ahmed Raji.

“I personally looked at the order of the court and it was an advice which I believe was well intended by His lordship, but the other parties(the Adhoc delegates) who were same day joined in the matter, were not even given time to articulate their case and I don’t think His lordship would have given an order against such people”.

Paul Usoroh further posited that, “we also appealed the pronouncement (status quo Ante Bellum) in the event that our brother (Counsel to the Plaintiffs)makes the kind of submissions he has just made.

“To manage judicial time, I urge for the preliminary objections to be addressed.”

In his argument, Counsel to the 3rd to 331st respondents, Uwemedimoh Nwoko, adopted the position of the 2nd Defendant and added that the Court had not made any order.

He reminded the court that a restraining order against the Adhoc Delegates was sought four times by the Plaintiffs and the court refused to grant their request.

Nwoko argued that the court only advised parties to behave well by using the legal term Status Quo Ante Bellum.

He said since it was not a restraining order, the Congress of the PDP was held and it was in compliance with the electoral law 2022 as amended, which forbids the court from stopping the primaries and elections.

“We have filed notice of preliminary objections submitted yesterday. We also filed motion for stay of execution, in other to stay on the side of caution.”

Mr Nwoko urged the Court to ignore the call for the cancellation of the primaries and rather focus on the preliminary objections which argues that the plaintiffs had no locus standi to challenge the ward Adhoc Congresses in Akwa Ibom State, having not shown any evidence that they contested for the PDP Adhoc Delegates primaries in the State.

“Someone in this court erroneously published that the court’s Status Quo Ante Bellum advice, was an order stopping the PDP primaries, whereas my lord never made such order. Now everyone in Uyo, from traders, to transporters and business men are now chanting Status Quo Ante Bellum everywhere.

“In fact, Status Quo Ante Bellum now walks on two legs on the streets of Uyo”, Nwoko said, prompting an outburst of laughter from the court.

Attempts by Counsel to Plaintiffs, Ahmed Raji to insist on the contempt appeal was waved aside as the Judge Obiora Egwatu told him that it amounted to asking the court to stop the Primaries.

Raji appealed for more time to study the preliminary objections filed by the defendants which the court accepted following no objections by the counsel defendants.

Earlier, Counsel to the first Defendant, INEC, Mr Abdullaziz Sani had said the practice was to avoid crying more than the bereaved. “I have gone through all the processes served on me, I observed that throughout the bulk of the originating summons documents, the name of the 1st defendant was only mentioned in the 6th paragraph and it merely defined our responsibility. I therefore opt to sit on the fence on the matter.“

During the last sitting, the court had agreed that 329 delegates representing the 987 elected delegates of the PDP be joined in the suit by the Plaintiffs.

Commenting after the sitting, counsel to the plaintiffs Ahmed Raji explained that he got the preliminary objections brief by the defendants very late hence his decision to ask for the adjournment.

Counsel to the 3rd - 331st defendants Uwemedimo Nwoko lauded the court for proceeding to hear the preliminary objections instituted and assured the since Iwok and co were not even aspiring delegates Ab initio, they had no business coming to waste the time of the court.

An alleged attempt by Senator Bassey Albert’s supporters to unleash violence, chaos and terror to disrupt the peace in Akwa Ibom State has been uncovered.

The State Police Commissioner and all security agents in the State, have been called to investigate and bring to book all those remotely and directly involved in the planned attack.

The Director of Political Affairs of a socio - political group, Mandate Eyes, Pastor Micheal Okon announced this in a chat with newsmen in Abuja.

Pastor Micheal Okon disclosed that a leaked chat from one of Bassey Albert’s support groups, ‘OBA Mission 2 Network’ showed clearly a well conceptualized and hatched ploy to deploy violence and terrorism in a bid to disrupt the conduct of the Governorship Primaries.

One of the members of the group, Blessing Akpabio with phone number, 07034412956, in the leaked chat said, “if I were to advice our principal and the Campaign (Akwa Ubok Abasi) I’ll advise we do everything to stop the purported governorship primaries from holding tomorrow.

The leaked Chat reads further, “despite the pending case, let us activate the other option. I am saying this because the Nigerian Court cannot be entirely trusted. We should have disrupted the process from the first day. “

The said Blessing Akpabio in the leaked chat suggested, “we would have the public sympathy owing to the fact that the party and the Governor disobey(sic) court order by going ahead with the primaries election. Chaos is part of electoral process when necessary.

Another member of the group, Wisdom Sunday with phone number 07062411803 said vociferously that, “peace is not an option,choose violence.”

Pastor Micheal Okon in the chat , dismissed the claimed withdrawal of the Senator from the governorship race and advised security agents to deal decisively with the threats.

...announces reconciliatory committee for aggrieved aspirants


Governor Udom Emmanuel has commended the peaceful conduct of State House of Assembly and House of Representatives primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held across the State.

He also announced that the party will set up a reconciliatory committee that will accommodate party aspirants who may be displeased by the results.

Governor Emmanuel made these known on Sunday while speaking to journalists in his country home at ONNA Local Government Area.

The Governor explained that although he was not qualified as one of the delegates due to the electoral law which excludes statutory delegates, it is clear that the arrangement was God’s plan to reposition Nigeria in 2023.


The Chief Executive Officer of the State assured the people that the party which has recorded people oriented projects in the state over the years, will continue to accommodate all members and thanked party faithful for believing in PDP.

"Akwa Ibom is PDP and PDP is Akwa Ibom, we hope to immediately set up a Reconciliation Committee for those who are feeling aggrieved that probably the process today must have not favoured them.

“We appeal to them that the party will accommodate them, if you cannot be a legislator you will be something else", he stated


"Today I obeyed the rules and the electoral act that disqualifies me from being a delegate which is why I could not go near the venue of the elections I have to be law abiding and respectful".

"What is happening today that the party had to use only ad-hoc delegate list. Nobody can explain how come from the day the act was signed nobody detected it and who are we to blame we can only see it as an act of God and that is how it was meant to be.

"God is trying to do a new thing in Nigeria and I pray that new thing will dovetail into a new order, a new system. But for today's conduct all the report I have is 100% free, fair and successful kudos to PDP for always getting it right".

James Freeman Clarke’s thought on leadership, is perhaps, one the most instructive and profound. According to him, “a politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.” Clarke’s opinion explains the reason leadership in Africa isn’t altruistic- or selfless.

Pastor Umo Eno, the frontline gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State for the 2023 election is a departure from the regular African politician. He is not driven by primitive accumulation and political vendetta. He is a transgenerational leader because he sees leadership and governance as vehicle for making impact that would transcend generations.

Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jnr. and Abraham Lincoln are (not were, because their impacts live on) some examples of transgenerational, whose imprints on humanity have outlived them. For instance, Nelson Mandela led a movement that culminated in the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa and the emergence of the first truly multiracial democracy in Africa.

Umo Eno articulated the concept of “low- hanging fruits”, which encompasses the following: jobs, skills, entrepreneurship and security- to address the fundamental problems of poverty, inequalities and unemployment- which are the most ravaging challenges of Africa!

Eno’s conceptualization aligns with Professor Dudley Seer’s meaning of development, which impinges on providing answers to the questions of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

As a transgenerational leader, Umo Bassey Eno thinks about the future generations, Eno would build a substratum and superstructure for the emergence of a viable, peaceful and prosperous Akwa Ibom. How does Umo Eno intend to provide answers to the questions of poverty, unemployment and inequalities?

First, PUE had said variously that he would prioritize education, by revamping our schools and making the public schools system attractive. This, according to him, is because education is the bedrock of sustainable future. In this regard, skills acquisition and technical learning would be given an utmost priority because, Akwa Ibom State, under Umo Eno’s watch, would become productivity/ production- driven- as against consumerism.

Secondly, Umo Eno would create jobs by encouraging Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Akwa Ibom State, through start- ups and support grants. The rationale for this is that about 11 percent of the world’s population, or 783 million people, live below the extreme poverty threshold in 2013. MSMEs contribute significantly to the employment creation process of the private sector.

In emerging markets, 4 out of 5 new positions in the formal sector were created by MSMEs, which is about 90 percent of total employment. Therefore PUE intends to use SMEs as a vehicle for containing the challenges of poverty and unemployment- and in the process, raise a middle class in Akwa Ibom.

Thirdly, as a transgenerationsl leader, Umo Eno would contain insecurity to the bearest minimum. In Umanah (2021), it’s been established that ‘a nation experiences frequent instability if the system is not structured in such a way as to ensure broad public participation in the affairs of the state’. Umo Eno therefore, would promote inclusion by engaging Akwa Ibom people in his administration. By possible extrapolation, the resources of the state (both human and material) would be judiciously distributed and managed.

Finally, transgenerational leaders are men of integrity. We have variously defined Integrity as the practice of being honest and showing uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. Umo Eno would not compromise his principles on the alter of politics and emotions.

It is interesting to note that US President, Richard Nixon, would have been a transgenerational leader, had he not lied on the job. Dubbed the Watergate scandal, Nixon supposedly oversaw a break-in into the Democratic National Committee offices. Later, evidence revealed Nixon’s involvement.
Nixon story shows that no matter how educated, talented, rich or cool a leader is, or believes he is, how honest you are, ultimately tells how enduring he will last as a leader.

As a corollary, Umo Eno is truthful, accountable, transparent and has moral courage. These qualities account for his meteoric rise in private business, in which he has made transgenerational impact. One therefore, believes that, as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, from May 29, 2023, he would replicate this feat.

Uwemedimoh Umanah, PhD, ANIPR, is the Spokesperson for Team Umo Eno. He writes this piece from Abak

#TeamUmoEno

20-05-2022

Press Release

There is a doctored audio making the rounds on the social media and internet, crediting some derogatory statements to our principal, Pastor Umo Eno, trying to allude that he said that councilors didn’t purchase nomination forms.

It is a hoax perpetrated by persons who feel threatened by Pastor Umo Eno’s goodwill and the support he’s enjoying from the generality of Akwa Ibom people. The said audio did not emanate from our Principal, Pastor Umo Eno. It is an coinage of comments and reactions made at different events and fora, and surreptitiously used in a vain attempt to impugn the reputation of Pastor Umo Eno, the leading gubernatorial aspirant in the state.

It must be noted that Pastor Eno has consulted widely across the entire state, where he made statements from different contexts and perspectives. Therefore, picking these to create a negative impression about Pastor Eno, is unacceptable, and smacks of mischief.

Our standpoint is predicated on the fact that Pastor Umo Eno’s character doesn’t depict the statements. He is a humble, amiable and convivial person, who doesn’t use demeaning words on people, let alone, the people he seeks to lead.

The public is therefore advised to discountenance the mendacious smear campaign, aimed at tarnishing the hard earned image and reputation of Pastor Umo Eno.


Signed

Uwemedimoh Umanah, PhD, ANIPR
Spokesperson, Team Umo Eno

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

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

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

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

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


Signed
Barr Steve Abia
Chairman
Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nigerian football fans who will witness the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup at Godswill Akpabio International stadium, Uyo, this Friday, will save money on match tickets as all the tickets for the historic match have been purchased by the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, with the directive for them to be distributed to fans free-of-charge.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) through its Chairman and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, disclosed this during the LOC's daily briefing for Wednesday evening.

Mr. Uko noted that the move was a deliberate action by the Governor to ease the financial burden of attending the match on the fans and to ensure that no one is left out from experiencing the memorable occasion.

Meanwhile, a statement from the LOC indicates that the free tickets will be available for pick-up at all the ticket booths at Godswill Akpabio International stadium and the premises of all radio stations in the state as well as the Club House of Akwa United.

Orlando Pirates of the Republic of South Africa will be meeting Renaissance Sportive de Berkane of Morocco for the first time when the two sides faceoff in Uyo this Friday for the right to be crowned champions of Africa's second biggest club football competition.

It is no longer news that the performing Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has thrown his hat into the ring, in contest for the premier political seat in Nigeria. What is perhaps news are the dissensions which have trailed the fearless audacity of the State Governor to aspire for what many consider a giant-sized ambition.

Governor Emmanuel, whose ambition is borne out of the desire to extend his result-driven style of governance to the length and breadth of Nigeria, is equally the first in the long list of serving Governors to aspire for such exalted seat across the South-South.

While many have wondered how and why the Governor would venture into such “risk” (as many have put it), the truth remains that everything about life is a risk and only those who dare, eventually break through. But methinks the bone of contention should be whether or not the daring aspirant is qualified for the position he seeks, and nothing less important. So, does Governor Udom Emmanuel meet the requirement for the position he is seeking? The answer is a big yes.

Going from antecedents, Governor Emmanuel’s record of qualifying key points exists in leaps and bounds. From being visionary to being able to excellently execute those visions into impressive, tangible projects; Akwa Ibomites cannot argue less that they have an export to Nigeria.

In the last 7 years of his administration, we can attest to the fact that things have improved tremendously for the better on all fronts. The Governor’s commitment to the transformation of the state has manifested in the coming on stream of over 22 industries in the state so far, including the just-commissioned Coconut refinery. This is in furtherance of his dream to transform the State from a Civil Service-oriented economy to a private sector-driven society where Akwa Ibomites can be bosses of their own and less dependent on the government for a means of livelihood.

Through his intervention, the Ibom Air is what it is today – the pride of Akwa Ibom and a talking point in Nigeria's Aviation Industry which has boosted the ego of the State from a civil service ware to an industrial hub.

Before now, the only industries Akwa Ibom could boast of were hotels, fuel stations and supermarkets which were even not owned majorly by indigenes. But even the blind today can see the myriad of SMEs and LSEs which have sprang up within the span of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s intentional leadership. We are now known to produce and export Syringes, fruit crops, Rice, vegetables and Onions cultivation being the most shocking of all discoveries in recent times. It is no longer news that our State will join the league of the large-scale producer of Onions. These discoveries and more could not have been possible without the intentional leadership of a visionary man on the saddle whose foremost dream has been how to explore and develop the State’s potentials for the people’s benefits hence, the Governor has had to give out free training, inputs, seedlings, stems to famers to increase productivity and yield for food sufficiency.

From the word “go”, Governor Emmanuel whose name symbolizes development, advancement, empathy, support and empowerment has never been found wanting in matters of humanities, science and other arts of improving lives. The Governor’s long walk to emancipating the State from the shackles of backwardness is evidently observed in all facets of the State economy where all loopholes have and are still being filled for her to measure up with contemporaries in developing States and nation.

One of Nigeria’s timeless challenges is insecurity. Governor Emmanuel who has showed maximum capacity in this area, in the State, will do same for the country having gathered requisite experience. Akwa Ibom State can today boast of safety of lives and properties, peace, more investments, accommodation of the opposition party players, zero intimidation, zero kidnapping spree and zero countless killings which characterized the previous administration so much that people can now sleep with their two eyes closed; those who fled the state returned and small scale enterprises are being boosted due to the business-friendly environment and policies of his administration. These and more will be replicated across the country, if he is given the mandate. This quality alone stands him out as a presidential-material with key advantages amongst others in the race.



Even more, Governor Udom Emmanuel is a technocrat and a thorough manager of resources who knows how to efficiently utilize every penny. He is about only governor with the required skills and knowledge to translate the visions of Nigeria’s founding fathers into concrete realities. Everyone who saw him translate Obong Attah’s aviation dream to manifold reality in Akwa Ibom State would attest to Governor Udom Emmanuel’s well heeled managerial skills. Obviously, Obong Attah’s envisioned airport and other ancillary services of many years ago have become real today courtesy of the activation agenda of His Excellency.



These giant strides which also extends to the health, education and other sectors serve as testaments of Governor Emmanuel’s antecedents. As such, what is in it for Akwa Ibom people is more of these impactful governance and federal presence. This is perhaps the reason he was unanimously asked to run for the coveted seat by those who know his value.

Governor Emmanuel’s 7 years at the wheels of the State leadership has obviously steered us from obscurity to popularity, poverty to riches and from inferiority to stardom. We have no doubt it had our bread well buttered by this visionary leader. As such, we can only do ourselves good by ensuring that he goes on a higher mission for us to get more benefits.

Udom Emmanuel is the answer!

By: Richard Peters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Richard Peters

Edidiong Stephen
May 14. Uyo.

Ahead of the final of the 2021/2022 TotalEnergies Confederation Cup which has been scheduled for the city of Uyo, an advance delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), led by the Director of Competitions, Mr. Samson Adamu, have arrived the Akwa Ibom state capital.

Mr. Adamu who arrived Uyo, Friday, in the company of CAF's Facility Inspector, Mr. Emad Kamel and CAF's Marketing Representative, Mr. Herve and joined by CAF's Pitch Inspector, Mr. Jorge Palma as well as the representative of the Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Mohammed Ameenu who were already on ground, met, Saturday, with the Akwa Ibom state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Uko and members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the grand finale of the continental showpiece which includes the vastly experienced Elder Paul Bassey who is a CAF/FIFA Match Commissioner and Senior Special Assistant on Sports to Akwa Ibom state Governor and the state Director of Sports, Elder Ifiok Duff.

While presenting to the LOC the best wishes of the President, Mr. Patrice Motsepe and the hierarchy of CAF, Mr. Adamu also enjoined members of the committee to work together as an indivisible group with the sole aim of contributing their utmost towards the hosting a memorable grand finale.

The CAF delegation was thereafter led by the Commissioner on an on-the-spot assessment of the Godswill Akpabio International stadium, venue of the final, as well as other ancillary facilities.

Orlando Pirates of the Republic of South Africa lead Al Ahli of Libya by an aggregate score of 2-0 from the first leg of the first semi final while RSB Berkane of Morocco trail TP Mazembe of Democratic Republic of the Congo by an aggregate score of 1-0 in the second semi final ahead of tomorrow's second-leg semi-final fixtures for the right to feature in next Friday's first-ever one-legged final of Africa's second highest club football competition.

We are not talking about modular refinery. We are talking about a world class crude coconut oil refinery, with the capacity to process 1,000,000 nuts a day.

Nigerialabalaba:
coconut oil factory wey full Badagry, Lagos since donkey years u dey hype like dis.
Just say d first in Akwa ibom or SS.
na wa for u dis omo calabar o

It actually started around 2018

Phaantom22:
Congrats but this is long overdue, this project started around 2015, they've been struggling for almost ,8yrs to setup a factory that wouldn't take 3yrs maximum to build, I pray it works cos the rest is audio

A Coconut Oil Factory with the capacity to process one million nuts a day has been inaugurated in Ikot Akpan Okop, Mkpat Enin Local Government, Akwa Ibom State.

The inauguration of the St. Gabriel Coconut Oil Factory which took place on Friday, was performed by Senator Gabriel Suswan, former Governor of Benue State.

Speaking, Governor Emmanuel said the landmark project which is the first of its kind in Africa is a combination of Asia and European technology built to transfer skills and develop the youths, and will earn the state high revenue as virgin coconut oil costs higher in the international market than crude oil.

The Governor who revealed that the coconut oil factory which will be a major foreign exchange earner is expected to create employment for the teeming youths, and will diversify the economy of the state.

“Today you are going to witness the first of its kind, you cannot find this kind of factory in Africa that is refining virgin coconut oil with the capacity to process one million nuts a day in three shifts."

"Today we are aware that in the international market virgin crude coconut oil goes for $6 per liter and 221 liters makes one barrel and if the much talked about crude oil is about $110 per barrel it means that virgin coconut oil is $1326 per barrel which is higher than crude oil. Soon everyone is projecting that the demand for crude oil will dwindle in future and we would have been prepared for the future”.

The Chief Executive assured the host community of training the youths, saying “the technology you are seeing here is a combination of Asia and European technology in order to transfer skills and then develop our people.

“Let me allay the fears of the host community this week we will draw up an agreement for training and we are taking cognizance of all the three Local Government that have given us land”.

In his remarks, the former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, who inaugurated the project noted that the historic event has projected Akwa Ibom state in good light and commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his ingenuity in creating wealth for people of the state.

All is now set for the commissioning of the St. Gabriel Coconut Refinery sited Mkpat Enin,Akwa Ibom State, following the successful test running of the factory.

The multi-billion naira value-chain facility which would create thousands of job opportunities for Akwa Ibom people wil be inaugurated on Friday by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo,SAN following its completion by the Turkish firm, VKS.

The factory is expected to employ over 3000 direct workers and has the capacity to crack 1,000,000 nuts a day.

The St. Gabriel’s Coconut Oil Factory Project, a major industrial investment by Akwa Ibom State Government comprises of a factory complex complete with administrative offices, production areas, technical spaces, industrial firefighting systems, water treatment plants, effluent treatment plants and residential quarters for technical and managerial staff as well as parking areas for several raw materials bearing vehicles.

The project is located in the serene environment of Ikot Akpan Okop village, along the East West Road in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. The project execution was flagged off by Governor Udom Emmanuel during a ground-breaking ceremony on May 24th, 2017.

Recall that a whooping 2million fast yeilding hybrid coconut trees had been planted on an 11,000 hectare of land at the St Gabriel plantation in a swampland spanning Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas. Similarly, the Government has ensured that coconuts are cultivated at Okobo, Okon -Eket and other locations in the State.

This makes it the largest coconut plantation in Africa, and the most ambitious coconut project in the world. All this is a conscious effort by the visionary leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel to prepare Akwa Ibom State, which is Nigeria highest crude oil producing State from over reliance on petroleum.

The administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel will continue to display unwavering passion and commitment towards investing in the education sector of the State to ensure a better future for every Akwa Ibom child.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet made this declaration at the open briefing of Principals, supervisors and other examination functionaries for the 2022 WASSCE examination held at Community Secondary Commercial School, Aka Offot on Friday.

The commissioner called on key players and stakeholders in the education sector to collectively employ strategies and modalities towards delivering an examination devoid of malpractices and other negative vices in line with Governor Emmanuel’s zero tolerance to such tendencies, in the upcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Schools Candidates (WASSCE-SC) in the State.

Mrs. Etiebet, on behalf of all education sector stakeholders, poured encomiums on Governor Udom Emmanuel for consistent payment of tuition fees, subventions, WASSCE and other basic education related requirements, and stated that the Akwa Ibom State Government will be spending eight hundred and thirty million (N 830,000,000) to ensure that children in public secondary schools write the WASSCE examination this year.

Recounting that education is still free and compulsory at the basic level and highly subsidised at the tertiary level, the education boss reiterated the state of emergency declared in the education sector and the target given by Governor Udom Emmanuel last year for 80 percent of the students writing WASSCE to score a minimum of five credits in subjects including English Language and Mathematics and further appealed that the target percentage which has been increased to 90 percent this year be achieved.

She said " In the last three years, the analysis conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) shows that students in Akwa Ibom State have improved consistently and consecutively in their WASSCE results.

“This has exceeded the target Governor Udom Emmanuel gave for 80 percent of students writing WASSCE in the state to score a minimum of five credits in subjects including English Language and Mathematics.”

While noting the increment of WASSCE fees from 13,900 to 18,000 this year, she maintained that Principals and supervisors are critical stakeholders in ensuring that the students recieve qualitative education and graduate by their own efforts to make sure that they defend the certificate they are being issued.

The Education Commissioner noted remarkably the synergy that exists between the present administration in the state and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) over the years and commended WAEC, the WAEC Deputy Registrar/ and Zonal Coordinator, Engineer A. Adebolu and all the WAEC staff working in Akwa Ibom State who have done all it takes to make sure Akwa Ibom children come out with excellent results, adding that the supervision that goes on in collaboratively by the Ministry of Education, the school boards and the team from WAEC is highly commendable.

She thanked the teachers, Principals and supervisors in both public and private schools for the good job of teaching, grooming and tutoring the students especially those in exit classes to be equipped for the examination and enjoined them to do last minutes revisions with with their students by suggesting ways that can assist them in answering the questions correctly through acronyms and abbreviations to boost their retentiveness.

Speaking earlier the Deputy Registrar /Zonal Coordinator WAEC Zonal office represented by a Senior Internal Auditor of WAEC, Mrs. Faith Ihediwah stated the vision of WAEC "to be a world class examining body, adding value to the educational goals of its stakeholders" and their mission to "remain Africa's foremost examining body providing qualitative and reliable educational assessment, encouraging acedemic and moral excellence and promoting sustainable human resources development and international cooperation".

In assessing the performance of the council in the years gone, the council gave glory to God and all the stakeholders for the improvement in the activities of WAEC.

Mrs. Ihediwah said these improvements include among others, e-Certman and collection of certificates by candidates at choice locations, prompt release of results and maintained that these success stories would not have been possible without the maximum cooperation received from the education stakeholders.

"How would results be released and certificates collected if examinations were not conducted. It has not gone unnoticed your innumerable contributions bkrg as Principals and supervisors. Your level of commitment is second to none".

She stated that there has been a noticeable decline by the statistics of reported examination mal practice cases and hoped that all hands will continue to be on deck to ensure that this trend of decline continues and the menace completely subdued. She also noted that there was an increase in the pass rate of the candidates and attributes it to coaching, coaxing and encouraging of teachers to ensure that the students keep soaring.

The WEAC official expressed gratitude to the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and the Education Commissioner, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet particularly for payment of examination fees for students in public schools, release of teachers for supervision and invigilation of examination, release of teachers for coordination and marking of scripts, permission to use schools for private candidates examination, encouraging schools to respond to request for early submission of entries and early release of results.

She beseeched all education stakeholders involved in the WASSCE to take responsibility to see that activities that should happen before, during and after examination go on as planned and to ensure that the conduct of WASSCE for school candidates in 2022 is a success.

Governor Udom Emmanuel has commended the large turnout of party faithful for the Local Government Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held this Tuesday across the 31 local government areas of the State.

The Governor also congratulated the 62 National Delegates elected at the congress.

Speaking shortly after participating at the exercise at QIC Group School, Awa Iman, venue of the exercise in Onna LGA, Governor Emmanuel lauded the peaceful conduct of the exercise and the cooperation of the participants.

He expressed optimism that with the successes recorded at the Ward and local government levels, subsequent congresses will be hitch free and the delegates elected through the processes will deliver on the interest of the party in due course.

Declaring the result the Returning Officer, Mr. Iniobong Akpan, thanked members of the Onna chapter of the PDP for their cooperation in aiding the smooth conduct of the exercise in their constituency.

Mr. Benard Ubong Duncan scored 99 votes to emerge as national delegate while Ikpe Monday Udoyen emerged the PLWD delegate with 112 votes.

According to an earlier release from the party in the state, the elections were held in accordance with Section 25(1) (R) of the PDP Constitution by which party, in a Local Government Congress are to elect one National Delegate and one Person Living with Disability, PLWD, per LGA.

Slated to vote at the congress, according to the release, were: the State Governor, Deputy Governor, Members of the National Assembly from the respective LGAs, Members of the State House of Assembly, Serving and former members of the Board of Trustees of the Party, Zonal officers of the PDP from the respective LGAs, State Officers of the PDP, Elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen in all the LGAs, all serving Councillors, all Chapter as well as Ward Executive Officers of the PDP.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has received blessings from members of the state Traditional Rulers Council on his aspiration to be Nigeria’s President in 2023.

The event was a consultation on the royal fathers, Monday, at the Government House in Uyo.

The Governor said intimating the royal fathers on his Presidential ambition was necessary as a mark of respect and one of the most important consultations to be done before proceeding to a formal open declaration.

Decrying the poor turn in the economy and general insecurity in the country, Mr. Udom Emmanuel maintained that Nigeria needs a quick divine intervention to avert imminent total collapse of the nation's structures.

For this, he declared his readiness to be used by God to save the nation.

Speaking further, the State Chief Executive described the Nigeria's plight as redeemable, affirming his possesion of the requisite capacity and experience to rescue the nation.

Responding on behalf of Paramount Rulers, the President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, said the royal fathers were proud of Governor Emmanuel’s accomplishments in the state.

They expressed gladness with the bold step he has taken in aspiring for the nation's number one office.

Ntenyin Etuk declared that Governor Emmanuel has the blessings and support of the traditional institution in the state and prayed for success in his aspiration.

Among those in attendance included Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs , and frontline gubernatorial aspirant, Pastor Umo Eno, a cross section of Paramount Rulers in the state.

Governor Udom Emmanuel has reaffirmed his intention to run for President of Nigeria in 2023, stating that his ambition is to partner with God and rescue Nigeria from imminent collapse.

Governor Emmanuel made this known on Sunday, during Government House Prayer Conference held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.

The Governor pointed out that Nigeria needs a visionary leader who is prepared to lead the country without self-aggrandizement, adding that he believes Nigeria can come out from its present condition with the right leader who will address the problems of the country as it affects the economy, education and other sectors begging for attention.

“I am not entering the race to be Vice President, I am entering the race so I can partner with God to be the President of Nigeria.

“I think Nigeria has reached a point where God has to intervene, if God does not intervene in 2023 we should forget it”.

’’God is looking for a leader this time to partner with in order to rescue and restore this country and if we all fold our arms thinking that I don’t want to be blackmailed, misconstrued or misunderstood, we will continue to be where we are. There must be someone who will tell God here am I send me.

“There must arise someone who is going not for self-aggrandizement not for what he can gain, but for what God can use him to do. I am stepping out to say God if you need a man to partner because we’ve not recognized that God needs somebody to partner to rescue Nigeria, Lord, here am I send me I am available’’.

The Chief Executive further remarked that leaders should be confident in themselves.

Making reference to total dependence on foreign countries for skills, raw materials and manpower development, he said such trend could be reversed if the right leaders are voted into power.

In his homily, the General Overseer, Evangelical Outreach Ministries International, Prophet Isa El-Buba, speaking on the theme ‘Only God’, culled his text from 2Ch: 20: 2-17, calling on Christians to believe in the leadership that God has set over them, adding that it is through a godly covenant that the right leader can emerge.

“You must respect the leadership that God has set up, you the inhabitants of Akwa Ibom believe in the Lord your God, believe that only God can give us the right leader, believe that only God can bless Akwa Ibom, believe that only God can fight our battle’’.

Prophet El-Buba further prayed for members of the State Executive Council and for the succession agenda of Governor Emmanuel.

As the electioneering ahead of the 2023 elections thickens, it is imperative for the people of Ini LGA to assess, promote and support aspirants who have left indelible footprints in the annals of the LG. This was first evident when the elders, of Ikpe Ward 11 in Ini LGA under the aegis of Ikpe Ward 11 Elders Forum led by the Chairman of the group, Rev. Richard Edikpo called on the immediate past Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet to contest and represent them in the Ikono/Ini House of Representatives race during an unscheduled visit on January 7, 2022. While they described the erstwhile Commissioner as an asset not only to the people of the Ntippe Ibibio but the entire Akwa Ibom state, they applauded her commitment in championing the ideologies of Governor Udom's five-point and completion agenda in the different Ministries she was appointed to head.

As one who prioritizes the welfare of her people, Dr. Edet has in various ways touched the lives of elders, women, youths, widows and the less-privileged in Ini by way of scholarships, training as well as start-up, support business packages and mouth-watering gifts to her people.

For instance, during an enlarged stakeholders get-together at the instance of the former Honourable Commissioner, the elders who spoke in oneness, appreciated the Governor for making Ini a beneficiary of his infrastructural revolution in the state and appreciated Dr. Edet for the passion she exudes in the discharge of her duties while also describing her as the one who is best fit to represent them in the House of Representatives come 2023.

In an attempt to lay to rest rumours of micro-zoning of HOR in Ini, the elders explained that there is no such document nor verbal agreement reached by stakeholders of Ini as regards micro-zoning of HOR in the area, adding that It has over time been left open for deserving sons/daughters and whoever has the capacity (from Ward 1 to 10) to represent the Federal Constituency from the area.

According to Michael Dyson "whom much has been given, much is required" ,the elders, youths and women of Ini has vowed to throw their weights behind the aspiration of their daughter, Dr. Glory Edet while adding that she has done well for her people and deserves a higher responsibility.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIBERATED PEOPLE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE
164b ABAK ROAD, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE

THE CHAIRMAN,
PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY, AKWA IBOM STATE

SIR

AN APPEAL FOR SUSPENSION OF BASSEY ALBERT, AKAN OKON AND AKAN UDOFIA FROM PDP FOR INSUBORDINATION AND DISLOYALTY

GENERAL BACKGROUND

A true party man is expected to ensure that his party wins every election. Political parties play pivotal role in every party contest, because they are platforms through which leaders emerge.
As a result of this, members of political parties are expected to demonstrate total sense of commitment and loyalty to the party, as the party remains supreme.

Any act of disloyalty to the party by any member may lead to serious crisis, that may culminate into electoral misfortune . A case in point is what happened to APC in Zamfara state.

For the record, the just concluded Ward congresses of the People's Democratic Party was adjudged by INEC, leaders and members of PDP , participants and other stakeholders to be free, fair and credible. This is as a result of the Party's track record of fairness, equity and justice in the conduct of her internal elections ( party congresses)

However, the Congress has been challenged by people who have been seen to have constituted themselves into anti party forces because they were not allowed to manipulate the process in favor of their selfish political aspirations. It is a fact that our party in the state is providing a level- playing field for all the aspirants.

Nevertheless, the trio- Bassey Albert , Akan Okon and Akan Udofia are working assiduously to secure a court order ( an injunction ) to truncate elections in Akwa Ibom state, particularly, the cancellation of the just concluded Ward Congresses in the state.

I have also uncovered a plot by the trio to obtain an order of any Federal High court to cancel the exercise.

Now, their last resort is to use a Federal High court outside Akwa Ibom State to place an injunction to stop the publication and use of the duly elected ad-hoc delegates in Akwa Ibom State

This is an act of insubordination and disloyalty to the party.

PETITION
In lieu of this, the PDP in the state should suspend them from the party without any further delay to serve as a deterrent to others who may wish to work against the interest of our party.

Thanks in anticipation of your quick response

Yours in community service

Comrade Solomon Okon
Secretary,
05052022

In the spirit of the season, Governor Udom Emmanuel on Monday, donated food items and cash to the Muslim community in Akwa Ibom.

The brief ceremony took place at one of the settlements of the Muslim community known as Nasarawa in Itam, Itu , Akwa Ibom.

Presenting the items, Mr Emmanuel Ogbole, who is the Special Assistant to the Governor on Projects Monitoring, said the items demonstrated the oneness and peaceful coexistence that has existed between the Christian community and Muslim community in Akwa Ibom state.

He relayed Governor Emmanuel’s prayers for the continued blessings of God upon the Muslim family and indeed to all Nigerians.

Mr Ogbole who is also the Chairman of Arewa Community in Akwa Ibom State also stressed on the need to continue with the peace that has existed within the state for the past 7 years.

In their response the leaders of the northern community, thanked the Governor for the gifts, he also thanked the people of Akwa Ibom for creating an accommodating environment for them to thrive.

They also thanked the Governor for creating a peaceful environment for them to carry out their businesses, and admonished Muslim faithful to carry out their activities peacefully.

Udom Emmanuel greets Muslims, urges them to reflect on the virtues of Ramadan

Gov. Emmanuel in a message earlier had urged Muslims to reflect on the virtues of Ramadan for the well-being of the individual and the overall good of the society.

"The month of Ramadan is the month of forgiveness: we must learn to forgive and pursue peace with our fellow human beings.

"Ramadan preaches giving, especially from the rich to the poor: This promotes the idea of redistribution of wealth for a more equitable society.

"Ramadan is the month of holy living where the faithful run away from sin and live a life of piety and abstinence: This promotes spiritual development and draws us closer to our Maker.

"Ramadan is the month of fasting when we deny ourselves, share in the pains and experiences of others: This promotes a better understand of the suffering of others and the inequalities prevalent in our society.

"All these lessons learnt during the Ramadan period are not expected to end with it but to form an integral part of our daily living.

"These are virtues beneficial to Muslims and non-Muslims alike", he said.

Gov. Emmanuel then reiterated that our society will be a better place if we live our lives in accordance with the virtues preached at Ramadan.

"Problems of insecurity, the scourge of corruption and other social vices bedevilling our country will be a thing of the past if we imbibe the spirit of Ramadan.

"The spirit and letters of Ramadan will help build a just and fair society where human life is valued and where the rights of the weak are not trampled under foot by the strong.

"If we abide by the tenets of Ramadan, truth and justice will prevail in our polity, and bigotry of all hues will be eschewed by our people"

Emmanuel then enjoined Muslims not to despair despite the harsh economic and social conditions of the moment but to continue to pray to God to intervene in the affairs of the country.

"Keep hope alive. Help is on the way", he added.

…SAYS THOSE COMPLAINING NEVER WENT TO THEIR WARD CENTERS


Governor Udom Emmanuel has described Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congresses held across Akwa Ibom State to elect three Ad-Hoc delegates as peaceful and satisfactory.

He said those complaining about the conduct of the exercise, may not have actually gone to their respective ward centers but chose to stay in their homes and make false allegations.

Governor Emmanuel made these known during an interview with Government House Correspondents on Saturday at Government House Uyo, shortly after participating in the ward congress at Awa Ward 1 in ONNA LGA.

Accordingly, the governor who said he was impressed by the coordination and organization of the party PDP, revealed that the performance witnessed at the congress, indicated positive days ahead of the party in the State and Country at large.

“Let me appreciate my party faithful, it is a wonderful party, a big umbrella, the only party that is entrenched up to the grassroot I don’t need to tell stories.

“All of you saw the congress, the turn out, the peaceful conduct and the excitement on the faces of the people.

“’I am impressed with PDP in Akwa Ibom today, I couldn’t have expected anything less from what I got today, they actually surpassed my own expectations.

I think this is a sign of good things that PDP is ready and willing to do much more at the state level and even at the national level because the demonstration of today’s election of the 3 man ad-hoc delegates congresses is a clear understanding of what lies ahead for us as a party’’, the Governor revealed.

The Chief Executive pointed out that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will continue to be the preferred party in the State, describing it as a religion the people have come to embrace.

“When I read some of these things in the social media, I wonder if some of those people are sitting in Akwa Ibom to write them.

“There will always be people who sit in their corners trying to spoil things that are good. But honestly I’m impressed with PDP”

He noted that based on the performance of the party over the years, the people have confidence in the party, over other parties in the state.

’’ I don’t know which party you are referring to Akwa Ibom is PDP, and PDP is Akwa Ibom, PDP is like a religion in Akwa Ibom so I don’t know the party you are referring to as far as I am concern I only know of PDP, so if you know of any other party well you can take it to another continent”, he added.

THE Noble Youths Mass Support Association (NYMSA), Akwa Ibom Chapter



The National Chairman
Peoples Democratic Party
Wadata Plaza
Abuja

Sir,

OBA’s Corruption Charges and His Unsuitability for Akwa Ibom Hilltop Mansion

BACKGROUND.
According to Jon Huntsman Snr., an American multibillionaire and Chairman of the Huntsman Corporation, “there are no moral shortcuts in the game of business or life. There are, basically, three kinds of people, the unsuccessful, the temporarily successful, and those who become and remain successful. The difference is character.”

It is on the basis of this line of thought that Udom Emmanuel, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, runs an integrity- driven administration in Akwa Ibom State, which as led to peace, prosperity and social cohesion among all the groups in the state.

This quantum leap which permeates the fabric of the Akwa Ibom society has to be sustained through a workable succession agenda, which the Governor has shown the way, after all, a leader, according to John Maxwell, “is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

Akwa Ibom people, therefore, are determined to resist attempts by an individual or group to truncate the regime of integrity, peace, tranquility and prosperity the state is currently enjoying. Herein lies the basis of our petition.

PETITION
Sir, we write in respect of Senator Bassey Albert, one of gubernatorial aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party, whose moral shortcut and deficit have engulfed him in several corruption charges, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other anti- graft agencies, in recent times. Permit us to furnish you with more cogent facts and figures in this regard.

First, In May 2017, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested detained Senator Bassey Albert Akpan on account of the cars he allegedly received as bribe from Jude Omokere, as Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the State Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee. An event Akpan described as politically motivated, reports indicate that Omokore's companies, Bay Atlantic Energy and Sahel Energy received contracts from the Direct Labour Coordinating Committee and used the vehicles were used as a wimpish decoy to curry favor from Senator Bassey Albert Akpan.

Secondly, In June 2018, another lump of charges were filed against Senator Akpan for surreptitiously evading the routine declaration of his true assets. Investigations by the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP) accused Akpan of concealing his assets and the true cost of his several houses and property.

Thirdly, Sir, the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in August 2021, Akpan was used to orchestrate the bribery of federal legislators to guarantee the legislation's advancement despite significant public opposition to parts of the text. Several reports point to the fact that at least $10 million was paid to legislators through the instrumentality of Senator Akpan and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva. This was corroborated by several legislators who expressed misgivings over the sharing formula of the bribe, which they allegedly received $5,000 and $20,000 for representatives and Senators respectively.

OUR PLEA
Sir, permit us to make recourse to the thoughts of no mean a personage than Albert Einstein, a scientist and philosopher, that “whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.”
Taking Einstein’s postulate into cognizance, it is crystal clear that Senator Bassey Albert has an integrity deficit- which makes him unfit for public trust and responsibility. He would blow to the wind, the foundational principles of governance such as accountability, transparency and responsiveness, among others. This is predicated on the assumption of Peter Pulitzer, an Hungarian -American politician and newspaper publisher, “there is not a crime, there is not a dodge, there is not a trick, there is not a swindle, there is not a vice which does not live by secrecy.”

Finally, Sir, as the conscience of the people, we strongly appeal to the screening committee, for the disqualification of Senator Bassey Albert Akpan from gubernatorial race in Akwa Ibom State. This would serve as a moral litmus and ascertain the integrity of the Peoples Democratic Party, ably led by Dr Iyorchia Ayu, a man of high moral rectitude.

The disqualification of Senator Akpan will also serve the state from an impending security threat, which if not averted, might lead to the lose of lives land property- whose protection is the fundamental purpose of Government, the world over.

Thank you for patiently reading.

Yours faithfully,

Comrade Enefiok Okon
State secretary

GOVERNOR DIRI HEADS GUBER PANEL IN PORT HARCOURT
…MULTIPLE CORRUPTION CHARGES HAUNT SENATOR’S HILLTOP RACE


As Court banters resume on May 5, palpable fear has gripped the camp of Senator Bassey Albert, governorship aspirant in the Akwa Ibom State Governorship race. with the appointment of members of the South South Screening Committee.

With the choice of Governor Douye Diri, as the chairman of the South South Gubernatorial screening committee, and the notion that
the Bayelsa State Governor is a highly incorruptible public officer with zero tolerance for corruption, Senator Bassey Albert’s followers may have already pressed the panic button.

Diri became Governor of Bayelsa after the court disqualified the candidacy of his opponent in the APC for false documentations.

With this background, Senator Diri, it is believed will uphold the integrity of the party by ensuring that only credible aspirants with unblemished antecedents are cleared for the primaries.

Senator Basey Albert, with a fleet of legal entanglements may have a hard hurdle to cross before the Seven-man panel in Port Harcourt, and his supporters are wary that the car bribe and money laundering charges against him by the EFCC dangle like the Sword of Damocles.

The Car bribery

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

Reports showed that the Omokore's companies – Bay Atlantic Energy and Sahel Energy – received contracts from the Direct Labour Coordinating Committee and the EFCC claimed the vehicles were used to bribe Akpan. Akpan called the detainment and investigation politically motivated and claimed to have filed a suit against the EFCC for breaching his fundamental human rights.

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

False Asset Declaration

In June 2018, charges were filed against Akpan for failing to declare his true assets after an investigation by the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP) which accused Akpan of failing to disclose his ownership or the true cost of several houses.[28]Akpan labeled the charges a plot to tarnish his image and bound to fail.

Petroleum Industry Bill bribes

After the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in August 2021, Akpan was accused of facilitating the bribery of federal legislators to guarantee the legislation's advancement despite significant public opposition to parts of the text. According to Peoples Gazette reporting, at least $10 million was paid to legislators in payments organized by Akpan and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva with between $1.5 million and $2 million going to both Senate President Ahmad Lawan and House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.

Multiple legislators, according to an online report by Premium Times and Sahara Reporters, corroborated the story with several legislators expressing anger, not that the Gbajabiamila and Lawan allegedly took bribes but instead that the bribes were not shared equally among the legislators as other legislators claimed to have received $5,000 for representatives and $20,000 for senators. Gbajabiamila, Lawan, Sylva, and Akpan all declined to comment on the story.