...Faults Itu/Ibiono's Claims on Zoning

As reactions continue to trail the unveiling of the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno as Governor Emmanuel's preferred choice for the Hilltop Mansion job come 2023, a former Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom State, Prince Chris Abasi Eyo says every other aspirant was hoping to be chosen and blessed by the Governor.

He said however that since the opportunity presented was only one, it would have been practically impossible for every aspirant to have won the blessing of the Governor as he could not have shared the seat to all of them.

Speaking, Monday while featuring on a live radio programme on Comfort FM in Uyo, Prince Abasieyo who is the Chairman of Oro Think Tank said it was very wrong for Itu/Ibiono Ibom indigenes to twist facts in order to lay claims to the 2023 governorship seat.

"There is nothing like micro zoning in Akwa Ibom Governorship race, anyone from the entire Uyo Senatorial District is eminently qualified to succeed Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2023."

"If there was micro zoning, then Oro nation would have had more stake to the seat in 2015", he said, adding that Captain Edet Akpan Archibong of Itu / Ibiono federal constituency had been a governor in the past, while no one from Oron federal constituency had ever tasted the seat.

He said the Governor has not done anything wrong by publicly declaring his support for Pastor Umo Eno and maintained that the endorsement has further provided ample opportunity to test the level of loyalty the Governor enjoys from those who have been openly professing their readiness to support the Governor's completion and succession agenda.

"The Governor has spoken. The Governor is looking at people not coming back to blame him saying he didn't tell me, I've gone so far to spend my fortunes and you are just coming out to tell us now. Almost everybody said they were waiting for the Governor.

"The important thing is that he has not asked the party not to sell the form to anyone else.
The key word there is his own preferred. He's a person. He's an opinion moulder and he has his own conviction".

Recounting his days as a member of the G22, a group of PDP aggrieved governorship aspirants in the 2015 general elections, Prince Abasieyo explained that their anger was because the then Governor failed to intimate them on time about his PREFERRED aspirant, causing them to expend so much money in buying forms and campaigning.

"We formed a group known G22 and wandered into political wilderness, 40 days and 40 nights and we know how it ended.

"The uproar following the endorsement is not unconnected with the fact that we have come a long way getting so used to political gerrymandering and manipulations and body language interpretation.

"And the Governor has come to say this game must be put straight, by giving his direction but human beings find it too difficult to adapt to changes. But with time we will get to this time of straight forwardness, not allowing people to spend their fortunes.

"So many had thought that they would be the anointed". What is happening would lead to a better Akwa Ibom, but i can assure you kingship comes from God. He is the one who makes kings".

"Things must happen for us to properly put people in proper perspectives on who they truly are. An opportunity has come to know whether people who professed loyalty to the Governor were actually doing so as a leap service. This opportunity has come and lucky enough", he added.

Youth leaders in Ibiono Ibom local government area, have affirmed support to the candidacy of the Pastor Umo Eno, ahead of the 2023 Governorship race.

They have expressed satisfaction and optimism on the recent emergence of the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno as Governor Udom Emmanuel's preferred aspirant for the 2023 guber polls.

Rising from a Congress in Okoita the headquarters of the area, the youth leaders noted that Pastor Eno has the requisite qualification and competency to lead the State come 2023.

The youths further met to recognize the leadership intuition and direction of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Comrade Aniefiok Iwaudofia which it noted brought about peace, tranquility and orderlines among the youths.

They commended Comrade Iwaudofia for aligning with Governor Emmanuel’s succession plan for the State.

The Congress reiterated that Ibiono Ibom LGA which is the vote basket of Akwa Ibom State as evidenced in the last 2019 general elections should be carried along in the build up to the 2023 polls.

The youth Leaders of Ibiono Ibom pledged their undiluted support to Governor Emmanuel and his succession plan of the State.


Those who signed the resolution of the Congress include, Comr. Etébong Ndarake, Chairman, NYCN, Ibiono lbom Chapter, Comr. Blessing Daniel
Chairman, State Youth Caucus, Ibiono Ibom Chapter, Comr. Victor Koffi, Dakkada Coordinator General, Akwa Ibom State & Ibiono Ibom Chapter, Comr. Essien Essien, Chairman, AKwa Ibom Village Youths,
Ibiono Ibom Chapter, as well as Comr. Monday Akpan
Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Christian Youth,
Ibiono Ibom Chapter.

Others included Comr. Aniebiet John
President, Akwa Ibom State Female Youths,
Ibiono Ibom Chapter, Comr. Eyibio Victor
State Rep. NYCN Ibiono Ibom Chapter, Comr. Umana Umana, Supervisor for Youth and Sports
Ibiono Ibom LGA

The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Dean of Commissioners/Special Advisers, Dr. Glory Edet has stated that the best thing to happen in Akwa Ibom is to have a Governor with the fear of God.

Dr. Edet stated this when she led Akwa Ibom daughters under the aegis of Daughters of Udom (DU) on a special Thanksgiving Service to kick start the groups' activities for 2022.

The service which was held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Ima Abasi circuit, Odoro Ikpe, Ini LGA Sunday, February 6, with the theme "Bless the Lord O My Soul" taken from Psalm 103:1a , was attended by female youths drawn from across Ikono and Ini LGAs, female government appointees and a host of others.

In her remarks, Dr. Edet noted that the group which is her brainchild was founded since 2018 to promote the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration with the primary responsibility of tutoring female youths to be good leaders in their respective areas of discipline and also train them in different areas of skills acquisition, provide starter packs and scholarships to further encourage them to excel in life.

She added that members of the group have benefitted from different empowerment programmes including the training and kitting of over 150 members with modern sewing machines, hair dryers/accessories, power-generating sets, payments of school fees for over 50 members in different institutions of learning and other life-touching packages.

The Agriculture boss lauded the Governor for giving women their pride of place in his administration and for being a leader who acknowledges God in all he does.

She charged the female youths to be good ambassadors of their gender beginning with their immediate homes and prayed God to bless them.

Goodwill messages were received from Lady Nse Ukpe, Ini Coordinator and Mrs. Uduak Essien, Ikono Coordinator who both eulogised the Honourable Commissioner for the various skills acquisition and empowerment programmes undertaken which they noted have helped shape a good number of the female youths and have constantly put food on their tables.

The event featured exhortation by the Very Rev. Emmanuel Bassey, choir rendition, donation to the church, financial support to widows and the less-privileged, special prayers for the State, the Governor, the Honourable Commissioner, Daughters of Udom Emmanuel, men, women, youths and the children.

...SAYS CRITICS OF GOV EMMANUEL WERE ALSO SEEKING HIS ENDORSEMENT

As the debate on who succeeds Governor Udom Emmanuel ahead of 2023 continues to dominate the front burner, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, and 2023 Governorship hopeful, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno says the future of the state depends solely on the collective decision of Akwa Ibom people.

He has also insisted that all those criticising his endorsement by the Governor, had also prayed to be the anointed or preferred successor to the Governor.

Speaking, Saturday night at Watbridge Hotel where he performed the unveiling of a weekly news tabloid, CityWatch Newspaper, Pastor Umo Eno was few days ago unveiled and endorsed by Governor Emmanuel and stakeholders in the state, said the decision by the Governor to support his Governorship aspiration does not in anyway prevent other aspirants in the PDP from peacefully engaging the electorate for the Governorship seat.

"Everybody complaining today was actually looking for Governor Emmanuel's endorsement, and the Governor can only endorse one person.

"The Governor has the right to endorse any body he feels like endorsing, and that does not stop others from aspiring. He has not stopped anyone from contesting".

Reacting to some media criticisms on his person and the Governor since his recent unveiling, the Commissioner advised other contestants in the race to go about their consultation and be prepared for party primary which would throw up the flag bearer of the party.

He said Akwa Ibom needs a Governor that would sustain the achievement of the current administration, and cautioned the people against making wrong decision capable of eroding the gains so far attained in the last few years.

He sued for issue based engagements, rather than dwelling in mudslinging and petty issues.

"Let's have issue based engagements."

Umo Eno who has had a successful career in the private sector with his brand, Royalty Group, having over 500 staff on his payroll, listed human capital development, Intensive rural development, industrialization amongst others as areas he would focus on if he eventually emerges as Governor in 2023.

He also promised to consolidate on the successes recorded by Governor Emmanuel in the area of road infrastructure, aviation development and the seaport Project which he identified as key economic gateways.

"All my life I've been creating jobs.
Outside Mobil, outside government, I've been able to build a brand that has created jobs for over 500 people. This is a business I built from scratch".

" What we should be asking ourselves and those aspiring for the office should be, what will you do to address unemployment and food security".

While congratulating the publisher of City Watch Newspaper,.Dr. Uwemedimo Umanah and the editorial team of the newspaper for doing a good job, Pastor Eno charged the team to uphold the ethics of the journalism profession at all times.

Reacting to some sponsored writeups against his person circulating on the social media space since the news of his unveiling broke out, Umo Eno who was particularly shocked that people could go as far as posting pictures on the internet, making caricature of his person and body shaming, said he remains undeterred.

"Ask yourself what I'm about to write of him, if I'm in that person's shoe how would i feel?

"I came down from the plane the other day and a young man I interacted with, asked me to forgive him because he wrote some uncomplimentary things against me on the social media two weeks ago, but that upon interacting with me he has discovered that I did not deserve such attacks he was paid to carry out."


Earlier, the Publisher of the newspaper, Dr. Uwemedimo Umanah who is a Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel, described City Watch Newspaper as a vision that came at the right time, and assured of the readiness of the news medium to align with the tenets of the journalism profession, while informing and educating the public.

Chairman on the occasion, and Dean Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, Prof. Peter Esuh saluted the ingenuity and courage deployed by the Publisher in the rebranding and unveiling of the newspaper.

He advised the management of the tabloid to ensure the newspaper is widely circulated across the State, and urged the team to uphold the journalism ethics by ensuring factual and balanced reportage.

Among personalities that witnessed the unveiling which held at the Shakespeare Room of the Watbridge Hotel include, a former Commissioner for Environment and Advisor of Watbridge Hotel, Barr. Ekong Sampson, Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Mr. Essien Ndueso, Vice-Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mrs. Nene Affia, Chairman, NIPR, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mr. Nsemeke Udo Akpan, Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT, Mr. Solomon Eyo, Special Assistant to the Governor on Project monitoring, Joseph Okon, Chairman of Federated Chapel of NUJ, Mr. Inimfon Silas, among others.

Source: Mfonobong Ukpong

The Governor of Akwa Ibom, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has eulogised the Vice Chancellor of University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo during a Grand Reception in honour of the academia organised by Ini/Ikono Local Government areas in partnership with Ini/Ikono Elders and Akwa Mboho Ndito Ikono Ndo Ini which was held at the Ini Council Headquarters, Odoro Ikpe.

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem in his address while congratulating Prof. Ndaeyo lauded the people people of Ini and Ikono for organising a grand reception in his honour and added that the Vice Chancellor has brought pride of academic excellence to the people of Ini, the state and Nigeria at large.
" the success recorded by Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo should inspire the youths of this area and imbue in them the Dakkada spirit" He added.

He assured Prof. Ndaeyo that government will continue to invest heavily to ensure the education system of the State will produce many more of Professor Ndaeyo.

Earlier in her remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture who is also the Dean of Commissioners and Special Advisers, Dr. Glory Edet lauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for being a leader who appreciates hard work and success and added that the people of Ini/Ikono and the entire Akwa Ibom State are proud of him.

Dr. Edet while congratulating Prof. Ndaeyo on his elevation to the office of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo noted that the people of Ini are proud of him.
"My Professor, when you were the Head of Department of Crop Science, you did well and when God promoted you to the Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, you made us proud"

"As the Deputy VC, you made us smile, today as the Vice Chancellor, you have done well and we give God the Glory". She said.

The Agriculture Boss appreciated the entire elders of Ini/Ikono . She also eulogised the book review committee ably led by Prof. Ini Udoka for reminding Akwa Ibom people that Ikono is indeed the Cradle of Ibibio Nation.

She charged the participants to always celebrate the promotion of one another as it attracts good things from God.

In his response, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo while thanking the Governor for honouring him during his Grand Reception, extolled the organisers of the event for finding it taughtful to celebrate his elevation. He commended the Agriculture Commissioner for being exceptional in the quality of service she renders in the state executive council and promised the participants to discharge the responsibilities accrued to his office with passion and commitment.

Goodwill messages were received from the Chancellor of Ibom Patriots, Obong Bassey Inuaeyen, Sir. S.U Akpan, Prof. Augustine Umoh, Hon. Commissioner for Health, ors.

Others who spoke were, the Council Chairman of Ini, Hon. Israel Idaisin, Ikono Council Chairman, Hon. Nyakno Okoibu, Sir. Dr. Chris Ekpenyong, Prof. Ini Udoka, Dr. Nnyanga Akpan, Head, Department of Educational Foundations, UniUyo and others.

The event which also attracted top government functionaries, the University Community, captains of industries and a host of others, featured unveiling of the book "Ikono: The Cradle of Ibibio Nation", cultural display, songs rendition and a brief exhortation by His Grace, Archbishop Emmanuel Udofia.

It was pomp and ceremony as the Maintain Peace Movement,MPM train arrived the Rivers State on Thursday.

The occasion was the inauguration of the Rivers State Chapter of MPM, at the Exquis Event Place, Port Harcourt.

Performing the inauguration, the national chairman of the Movement, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem said the need to export the peace currently being enjoyed in Akwa Ibom State under the watch of Governor Udom Emmanuel, informed the inauguration in other parts of the country.

"We are the representatives of the Governor and we are here to deliver the message of the Governor, which is the message of peace."

He said the Governor's arrival in the state in 2015 was Divinely orchestrated to ensure that Akwa Ibom is industrialised, rather than remain a cradle of civil service dependent economy.

He said despite the insecurity plaguing other parts of the country, Akwa Ibom through God's Grace, has remained the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

The peace in Akwa Ibom, is why Governor Emmanuel has tasked that across the country, Akwa Ibom people should be engaged to help accentuate the message of Peace.

He urged the members to update their status by registering in the ongoing continuous voter's registration exercise, and to also update their membership of the PDP in the ongoing membership revalidation exercise of the party.

He reminded the assemblage that Nigeria has deteriorated tremendously economically, physically and in terms of insecurity under the APC,

"Nigeria has a choice to make, to either continue in darkness or embrace light, to choose poverty or prosperity and between retrogression and progress."

Barr Enoidem said that with the negative experience under the APC, Nigerians are eager to usher back PDP in 2023 and commended the Akwa Ibom residents in Rivers state for their peaceful disposition and for being good ambassadors of the state.

Earlier while welcoming the team to Port Harcourt, Mr Bassey Ekpima the President of the Akwa Ibom State Community on Rivers State, commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his efforts in peace maintenance in the state.

They pledged their support to Governor Emmanuel's succession plan.

"Akwa Ibom State indigenes are over 1.8million in Rivers and with God on our side, we will support PDP and Governor Emmanuel to succeed in the next General Elections."

Marcus James was inaugurated as the coordinator of the Rivers state branch, with Mathew Effah as deputy coordinator and Dominic Inyang as Secretary among others.

Speaking after being inaugurated, the Rivers State Chapter Chairman of MPM, Mr Marcus James promised that come 2023, the chapter will mobilize and muster support for PDP in the succession bid of Governor Emmanuel, and in all categories of elections.

Alongside the MPM national leadership in attendance at the event, were members of the state House of Assembly led by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr Aniekan Bassey, while the Commissioners were led by the Dean of College, Dr. Glory Edet, as well as local government chairmen and some aides of the Governor and board members.

...as Dr. Glory Edet takes road grading to them

For the people of Ukwok in Ini LGA, particularly those in Aba Itiat and its environs, the kind gesture of the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, to grade rural roads will remain indelible on their minds.

The people who expressed their appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel for the achievements he recorded in Ini and for appointing their beloved daughter, Dr. Edet, into his administration, noted that the democratic dividends brought to them through the Commissioner have given them more reasons to support the Governor and his succession plan.

"We are delighted to see government and governance get to us in this manner".

"This road has been in a deplorable state for more than 20 years now, but today God has changed our story through Governor Udom Emmanuel", they said.

They further stated that the Governor has demystified governance through their illustrious daughter as she has proven to them that government cares and can work.

Mr. Lawrence Udoide who is an aide to the Governor and an indigene of the area applauded the Governor for bringing development to his community through Dr. Glory Edet.

"I want to say a big thank you to the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, our daughter, Dr. Glory Edet for sponsoring the rehabilitation and grading of this Ukwok road that had been in a very deplorable state for some time now. We are eternally grateful ma, God bless you and also bless our dear Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel who has empowered you to do this, he added.

To God be the glory...

...gets royal blessings from Oku Ibom Ibibio


A 2023 Governorship hopeful in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has said that his background and training would continue to propel him to show respect to constituted authorities and no amount of media attacks can stop him.

Making the declaration, Wednesday when he consulted the Paramount Ruler of Nsit-Ubium, and Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence Ettenyin Solomon Etuk at his palace in Ikot Ukobo, Pastor Eno said

"I saw them write on social media; see a Pastor because of Politics kneeling down for a Governor". ' If they know that the church is subordinate to the state and we are to subject ourselves to constituted authority, they would understand".

"I grew up in a home where respect was taught in the family. We were equally taught respect in school and of course the church. My parents thought me that when you are in a bus and you see an old person standing, you have to get up from your seat and offer the older person a sit. I believe that our people must begin to learn that culture of respect".

"In the Yoruba tradition where I grew up, I understand that no one greets a king standing. So, I came to submit before you so that they can have so many things to write".

"I know you as my father. Papa, I came here to inform you that majority of stakeholders of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State have endorsed me to run for the Governorship of this state. My hands are already on the plough and I won't look back".

Umo Eno who is the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources was on Sunday endorsed by Governor Udom Emmanuel and stakeholders in the state, said he was in the palace of the monarch whom he describes as his father to seek his royal blessing, as he throws his hat in the ring for the 2023 gubernatorial election.

Welcoming the Governorship aspirant and his entourgae to his palace, Ettenyin Solomon Etuk who is the President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, TRC commended Umo Eno and his team for the visit, and also offered his royal blessing and fatherly advice to the aspirant.

He said as a royal father, his doors are open to all, and charged political actors to play the game by the rules.

"Umo Eno is a child of respect. I'm a traditional priest. What God has destined for any man cannot be erased. I don't hate any one.

Stakeholders have endorsed you as you said and you came here for royal blessing. The ultimate thing as a king, I look at how we can live in peace, live in harmony with one another. My doors are open to all".

"2023 election will come and go, but we will still remain a united people and state. My advice is that election is a periodic constitutional process. I call on the political class not to heat up the polity, but to consolidate on the gains we've so far achieved".

"I want the best for my State. I want us to live in peace and harmony. Let God be with you, let him take over the job. May you be in good health. Protect the integrity of this state and what we are known for which is peace. Love, peace and unity are my desire as wishes as you embark on this political journey to lead the state. My God will lead you, protect you and family. Hold fast unto your God and he will see you through".

Speaking earlier, the DG of his campaign team, Chief Assam Assam descried Umo Eno as the preferred choice who has what it takes to consolidate on the development agenda of the Udom Emmanuel led adminstration, saying he was in the palace to seek his fatherly advice and blessing.

"We came to have a heart to heart (Father and son) talk. Your eminence we are very proud of you. Your representation of the traditional institution in the state is replete with candour.

National Chairman of MPM, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem said the leadership of the state under Governor Udom Emmanuel has done exceedingly well, hence the economic prosperity of the state must be sustained, and presented Umo Eno as the man with the vision to drive the process.

"Now the economic prosperity of our state must be sustained, hence our choice of Umo Eno to drive that vision from 2023 onward. We are fully in support of Umo Eno's aspiration"

Also speaking, the political leader of Nsit-Ubium, Senator Effiong Bob who recently dumped his Governorship ambition in support of Umo Eno, described the governorship hopeful as an asset with capacity to sustain the vision of a greater Akwa Ibom.

"I'm not talking here as a stranger. I talk as of right and i defend the interest of Pastor Umo Eno as your next Governor as of right. I can assure you that the journey is just starting and by the grace of God it will end in praise".

Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Arc. Iniobong Orok, praised Governor Udom Emmanuel for choosing his successor from the Local Government Area, saying the gesture was highly appreciated and assured that such opportunity won't be traded for anything else.


© MPM MEDIA NETWORK

The Governorship intention of Pastor Umo Eno in Akwva Ibom State come 2023 has further received a boost with the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, throwing his full weight behind the aspiration.

The occasion was a formal presentation of the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno to the Deputy Governor,Mr Moses Ekpo at his lodge, Government House, Uyo by the Director General of the Campaign Organisation alongside the national leadership of the Maintain Peace Movement.

Presenting the gubernatorial hopeful to the Deputy Governor, a former state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and one time Nigeria's Ambassador to Russia, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, said Umo Eno had the pedigree needed to sustain the development legacies of the Udom Emmanuel led adminstration.

He described him as an accomplished gentleman who successfully managed several private outfits before being engaged in public service and assured that Akwa Ibom State stands to benefit from his wealth of experience if supported.

Also speaking, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem the Chairman of the Maintain Peace Movement, MPM, recounted that during their consultation visits across the entire state, they had told the people that once the Governor receives the direction from God, they would abide by such decision, and further described the choice of Pastor Umo Eno as the best for the State.

"Your Excellency, since Pastor Umo Eno was unveiled on Sunday, there has been relative peace in the state, except for few persons who had wished that they would be rather selected.

"If Pastor Eno had any baggage(ill quality), by now those who don't like him would have flooded the media with such facts, but as it is, no one can question his credibility and that is why we are proud to present him", Enoidem said.

Pastor Eno said he had rough patches in his early days and from a background of hardship but God saw him through those harrowing experiences to shape him for the future, and promised that he would not let the state down.

"Please provide for me the shoulder I can lean on, and I promise the entire state that I will be a servant leader", Pastor Eno appealed.

Receiving the visitors, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo threw his weight behind the governorship ambition of Pastor Umo Eno, describing him as the right man for the Hilltop plum job.

Mr. Ekpo described events that culminated in Umo Eno's unveiling on Sunday evening as clear indications that there is a finger of God in the whole episode.


The deputy Governor advised those who may have preferred to be chosen ahead of Mr Umo Eno to bury their grievances and join the peace movement for the betterment of the State.

"I was very sympathetic with my Governor when I saw the array of people that indicated interest in the Governorship job.

"I told my Governor that he would have a herculean task at hand. Two of us share one thing in very common; the fact that it's only God that rules in the affairs of men.

"My message to you today is that it is only God who could have done this.Why don't we thank God that there is God's inspiration in the nomination of who would be the successor?

"Pastor Eno happens to be my colleague in the executive council. I am one of his confidante and there was never a time he whispered to me that he would want to be a Governor.

"He is efficient, very efficient, he is a team leader in the Completion Agenda."

"His background; he's business oriented and he knows how to relate with business men, and I see his unveiling as the finger of God".

"I bless you, I ask God to protect you. The God you serve will guide you and would direct you.Go in peace and continue to serve the Lord", Mr Ekpo prayed.


© MPM MEDIA NETWORK

The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Moses Ekpo has appealed to all governorship aspirants seeking nomination on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom State to close ranks and work together for the good of the state.

The Deputy Governor made the remarks when the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno went on a consultation visit to him at Government House, Uyo.

Mr Moses Ekpo noted that God has always had a hand in choosing leaders in every society, citing his own case when throughout his career, God has always surprised him with appointments even with his having to be desperate.

He narrated his experience when he was first appointed as Commissioner For Information, Cross River State and his reluctance to accept that role over his responsibilities at the Federal Ministry of Information and how it took persuasion for him to come and take up the responsibility in the state.

“The state executive council could not be inaugurated for two weeks because I delayed accepting the appointment”.

He further recalled the events that led to his emergence as Deputy Governorship Candidate of the party, how he received a phone call from far away Washington DC to come and accept to run with His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel, even when he had not lobbied for the position.

He attributed his entire political experience as a confirmation that God still controls the affairs of men especially in the leadership selection process.

The deputy Governor appealed to all aspirants seeking nomination on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to close ranks and work with Pastor Umo Eno who has received the blessings of the Governor to run for the Governorship.

He stressed that Pastor Umo Eno is a man he has known in the executive council and a very intelligent team player who has always delivered on his assignments.

“His background in business accounts for his work ethics and his ability to get things done quickly. I pray that God will bless you, protect you and give you the energy to keep running till you succeed”.

Mr Ekpo offered to be part of the campaign and assured of his physical presence to ensure that God’s vision for the state is realized.

The Governorship hopeful who spoke earlier had appealed for the blessings of the Deputy Governor, offering to be a servant leader who is ready to sustain on the gains being recorded in the state.

Describing the experience in emotional tones, Pastor Eno said he had a very humbling background of hardship but God used those harrowing experiences to shape him for the future, and promised that he would not let the state down.

Pastor Umo Eno was led on the visit by the Director General of campaign, Chief Assam Assam,SAN, National Chairman, Maintain Peace Movement, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, Senator Akon Eyakenyi among others executive council members of the Maintain Peace Movement.

Hopes for the governorship ambition of the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands, Pastor Umo Eno, has continue to gather momentum as a major challenger in the race for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Effiong Bob continues to explain why he voluntarily dropped his ambition.

The Fifth and Sixth National Assembly Senator and political leader of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Senator Bob, showed statesmanship, patriotism and sincere believe in the Akwa Ibom project, when he accompanied stakeholders across the state, to consult incumbent Governor Udom Emmanuel at the Governor's Lodge, Government House, Uyo and drum support for Pastor Eno.

"But this is God's project. I saw what transpired yesterday when Pastor Umo Eno was presented. When you see God's hand in a project, one has to be careful", he said.

He therefore declared his total commitment to the vanguard of the Umo Eno governorship project and to be visibly involved in all consultations and campaigns.

Senator Effiong Bob won the hearts of the Governor and stakeholders present, when he told everyone present that his withdrawal from the contest to support Umo Eno, was also informed by his resolve to give Governor Emmanuel his utmost support throughout his administration.
This, he affirmed, he has done since 2015 and remains committed to supporting him to the actualisation of his succession plan.

The Senator said he was at the visit in multiple capacity: as a major stakeholder in the state, as the political leader of Nsit Ubium, where Umo Eno hails from, and as a co-aspirant.

Senator Bob however charged Eno to expect contrary forces and be determined to weather storms that may come to challenge his aspiration.

The incumbent governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, in his reaction, expressed delight with the decision of Senator Bob to throw in the towel, maintaining that it was a demonstration of his commitment to the ideals he has always stood for, and described him as a respectable statesman.

In his words, "If you used to have 99% of my respect, today you have earned 101%. You've shown the kind of fatherly, sportsmanlike, Christian-like disposition that I probably must have underated, but you've displayed it in real action and I'm moved".

Furthermore, Governor Emmanuel said himself and Senator Bob belong to the very few on earth who do not care about themselves but about stewardship and the people, but extolled the Senator as surpassing expectations.

"I used to think that I have a very clear and open heart, but when you see people taking action that beats your own, you cannot but acknowledge it and I really want to appreciate you for that", Mr Emmanuel added.

Governor Emmanuel described the composition of the campaign team as formidable and expressed confidence in their capacity to deliver on the project.

He reassured that the Umo Eno project was divine and that God would go with them all the way, and tasked them to strengthen the morale of the aspirant, reaffirming Umo Eno as an embodiment of godliness and good character and one who has shown great capacity to lead the state.

Director General of the Umo Eno governorship campaign, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, thanked Governor Emmanuel for providing the good leadership for the state and instituting peace within the period of his administration and assured that Umo Eno will sustain the legacies

The DG prayed for his blessings and support of the incumbent governor for the Umo Eno project, while promising to leave no stone unturned in ensuring delivery.

The National Coordinator of Maintain Peace Movement, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, described Umo Eno as a product without a dent and easy to market, adding that the calmness across the state since the declaration of Umo Eno as preferred successor to Governor Emmanuel was an indicative of his wide acceptability.

Also speaking with government house correspondents, include the Senator representing Eket Senatorial District, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said the meeting was to officially present their aspirant to the governor, and seek his blessings for timely commencement of campaigns towards what they believed would result in a smooth transition.

The Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, the toast of the moment, Pastor Umo Eno, said he was humbled by the trust of the governor and stakeholders of the state in him and surrendered himself to the service, pledging to put himself through Governor Emmanuel's tutelage to further his God-centric leadership in the state.
Pastor Eno expressed profound gratitude to Senator Effiong Bob for the exceptional show of fatherhood and providing a shoulder for him to stand upon, promising never to let down the confidence reposed in him.

Since Sunday, January 30th, 2022, when Governor Udom Emmanuel unveiled Pastor Umo Eno, the current Honourable Commissioner For Lands and Water Resources, most have engaged in conjectures in their attempt to unravel and deconstruct who the highly respected and God-fearing entrepreneur cum politician truly is.

During the Thanksgiving Service he held last year at his village in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium , Pastor Umo Eno had drawn tears from those who had turned up for the service with the emotionally compelling story of his life. He had started by quoting from St. Luke’s Gospel, Chapter 1 verses 46- “And Mary said “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour, for He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.”

He went on to tell the story of his life “Standing here this afternoon, to give thanks to God, I cannot help but get a little emotional. I was born in the Police barracks and those of you who understand how dreary life in the barracks especially in the years I grew up there, can be, will understand what I am talking about. In those days, I saw and experienced darker and dreary days, when hope seemed a distant object and all around appeared to be conditioned to bring out the worst instincts in you, but through the will to succeed and to overcome, I summoned hope and God answered my prayers.
I was the one many thought will amount to nothing. They said I will be a failure, that there was no need to even try lending a helping hand, but I summoned hope and God answered my prayers. I lost my father when I was young, and all seemed bleak, but my late Mother, a true Amazon, summoned hope and went on her knees to pray and God answered her prayers. Today, God has blessed me in many ways words cannot describe.
My story represents the ultimate vindication of those who trust in the Lord in accordance with Psalm 125 that “those who trust in the lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.”

"If the child of a lowly maidservant like me could overcome and thrive, you too, can and you will!
"To those of you who may be struggling to put food on the table, if I overcame, you too can! To those who may have given up on life because of the circumstances you currently find yourself, if I overcame, believe me, you too can!

"To the youths of Akwa Ibom State, my story is your story. I could have joined bad companies; I could have been recruited to engage in unholy activities, but I embraced hope, and hope brought opportunities, and I tapped into those opportunities because I was READY. If I overcame, you too, can! Don’t let anyone tell you violence is the way out of your current situation, that joining gangs and unleashing mayhem is the pathway for success. I want you to reject such notions and incitements and be inspired by my story. Again, let me repeat, my story is your story. If I overcame all of life’s vicissitudes to stand before you here today, on this historic moment, believe me, you too, can!

"Together, we will continue to inspire hope in our people; we will continue to summon them to rise to the faith of their greatness. We will continue to ensure that our children are trained for the globalised market place of ideas and opportunities."
Last night, shortly after he was announced as his preferred successor by Governor Udom Emmanuel, he pledged to continue with the giant strides of the current administration across sectors. “In the last six plus years, His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel has shown in practical terms that what was once thought impossible can be made possible. We have seen those giant strides through Industrialisation, Aviation Development, Roads and other Infrastructural Expansion, Healthcare Delivery, Power, Human Capital Development, Agriculture, Food Security and Sufficiency, Maintenance of Peace and Security, Rural and Riverine Development, Youth and Women Empowerment, Sports Development, Tourism etc. I pledge to you that we will continue with these developmental strides.

"I call on you all my Brothers and Sisters in the political space to join me on this speed train of development, which His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel has been the Lead- Driver in the last six years plus and whose engine is raving and accelerating steadily . I promise to be as steady a hand on the wheel as God will allow me.

"We are on a 'Forward Ever, Backward never' course, and we will NEVER go back to those days of insecurity in our State, where people were pulled out from churches, kidnapped and murdered. Akwa Ibom State and her people have gone beyond those years and will REJECT anyone who wants to govern us through violence. All my life, I have been like the Biblical David tending the sheep in the field, and focusing on my assigned duties and responsibilities. Little did I know that God Almighty has even greater and higher responsibilities for me, to prepare me for His Glorious and fulfilling days ahead on the next level of the Akwa Ibom Project.

"I have never solicited for what we are witnessing today, and I consider myself the least qualified of all the other contenders for this assignment. However, I find solace in the popular maxim of my Boss, the Governor that when God calls, he qualifies. I hereby offer myself as an instrument in the Hands of God Almighty, to be used by Him in achieving His continuous Glorious plans for Akwa Abasi Ibom State and her people. I want to assure all that we remain committed to running an inclusive campaign based in issues germane to our development, not on acrimonious posturing. We will run a campaign where the cords of unity and brotherhood will remain the enduring articles of faith. This is our moment of continuity and I know together, and with God’s ever Invisible Hands, we will continue to overcome and ring true the inspiring words of Barack Obama “Yes, we can.”


Mr. Akpata writes from Uyo

...AS SEN BOB STEPS DOWN, PLEDGES SUPPORT TO KINSMAN'S ASPIRATION

Governor Udom Emmanuel has expressed profound confidence in the character, disposition and capacity of Pastor Umo Eno to lead Akwa Ibom State, and has reaffirmed support for his candidacy in the 2023 gubernatorial elections in the State.

Similarly, a Governorship aspirant and political heavyweight from Nsit Ubium, Senator Effiong Bob, has announced that he has withdrawn from the race, and would henceforth work to actualise the aspiration of his kinsman, Pastor Umo Eno, who he believes has the backing of God.

Governor Emmanuel, accompanied by his wife, Dr (Mrs) Martha Udom Emmanuel, received the delegation of leaders and stakeholders representing the various sections and strata of the state, who were at the Governor's Lodge, Government House, Uyo to present the 2023 governorship hopeful and seek his blessings to commence consultations.

Governor Emmanuel described Pastor Umo Eno as an embodiment of godliness and good character and one who has shown great capacity in various levels of leadership in the state.

He noted also that Senator Bob's decision to step down for his brother was a display of maturity and statesmanship, adding that his respect for Effiong Bob has increased.

Mr Emmanuel was of the opinion that while some people where meant to be kings, there were others who where destined to be fathers of the king, adding that the Senator Bob is the father of the favoured gubernatorial hopeful.

He noted the composition of the campaign canvassers and extolled their capacity to deliver on the impending task, stating that such a band would not only ensure victory but strengthen the morale of a leader.

The governor appealed to those who may still be nursing mixed feelings about supporting the chosen successor to free their minds, assuring that God was involved in the decision as Akwa Ibom was in the heart of God.

Governor Emmanuel said accepting Pastor Eno was in the interest of the state as he was not interested in playing any godfatherism role or governing through a surrogate.

"The day I leave office, I leave. I don't want even one minute more through a successor. This government has no godfather. For me, God is the father of everyone. All I want is the welfare of the citizens of Akwa Ibom", he added, tasking the entire team to be courageous and continuously stand by the governorship hopeful and subsequently own up the government as a collective responsibility.

Expressing regrets over the ordeals of sudden behavioural changes by supposed political allies, the Governor thanked God for leading him not to follow mere sentiments, which would have amounted to grave mistakes.

"These, however, were necessary to reveal that what really defined some relationships were money, position and power, thus tempering with any of those redefined the relationships", he added.

Governor Emmanuel encouraged Umo Eno to be strong, courageous and confident in God's support and admonished him to avoid harbouring any form of anger against anyone, including those who sponsor hate media messages against him on the media, reassuring that with God's hand in the project, victory was sure.

"Trust me, I personally do not harbour any anger against anyone. If I do, I wouldn't have the space in my heart to conceive development and ideas to move the state forward."

Speaking earlier when presenting the candidate to the Governor, the Director General of the Umo Eno Governorship Campaign, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, thanked Governor Emmanuel for providing good leadership for the state over time and his tact in managing the situations that culminated into the emergence of the preferred candidate.

The DG made presentations of traditional gift items to the governor, as he presented Pastor Umo Eno to the incumbent governor and prayed for his blessings and support, while promising to leave no stone unturned in ensuring successful delivery.

The National Coordinator of Maintain Peace Movement, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, described Umo Eno as a dent free, marketable product and assured that with the gamut of stakeholders' that constituted the campaign team, victory is sure.

Senator Effiong Bob who was at the event both as the political leader of Nsit Ubium and a co-aspirant for the 2023 gubernatorial election, declared his withdrawal from the contest to support Umo Eno as Governor Emmanuel's preferred candidate and offered to be part of the campaign team to ensure victory for his favoured brother.

The governorship hopeful, currently Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno, in his speech, said he was humbled by the trust of the Governor and stakeholders in the state and surrendered himself to the service of the state.

He pledged to continue submitting to the tutelage of Governor Emmanuel for sustained God and people centered leadership in the state.

Pastor Eno however pleaded with the Governor to, not only support his aspiration to a success but, be willing to lend his wealth of experience and proven expertise in the next administration.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has cautioned operators of media outfits against sensational reportage capable of de-marketing the state.

He spoke as he commissioned Spectrum TV, the first privately owned television station in the state.

Commissioning the TV broadcast station and Head office of TAF Media Group located at Ibiaku Uruan, Governor Emmanuel tasked management of the TV station to uphold best conventions of broadcast journalism for the continued unity and growth of the state.

The Governor commended the pioneering spirit of the Chairman of TAF Media Group, Mr. Tony Afia and his entire Management team on the establishment of the first privately owned television station in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, after pioneering the advent of private radio stations in the state in April 2013.

"I really appreciate your spirit of entrepreneurship. I appreciate your courage in taking this bold step. I love it when people have a vision and they pursue that vision vigorously. I also appreciate people who have traceable foundation of hardwork", he added.

He solicited for understanding and patience from the people of Uruan explaining that efforts are being intensified towards completion of the Nduetong-Ibiaku Uruan road which leads to the Broadcast Station location.

Governor Emmanuel lauded the pace of work on the project assuring that the construction firm was taking advantage of the weather condition to speed up the work, especially at the bridge and directed the supervising Ministry of Works and Fire Service to push for increased efforts for timely completion.

"If you sum up the length of roads I'm doing in Uruan alone, it's not less than 50km, with a lot of spurs. You can see they're moving very fast and they're piling the bridge ahead now, right from the Uyo City Polytechnic area and they have given a promise that I should be able to commission this road soon if the rain gives us two more months", he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, described Governor Udom Emmanuel as a courageous leader whose ingenuity and sense of purpose has created enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

He added that the Governor has encouraged the growth and expansion of media as well as welcomed constructive criticism in his administration.

The Information Boss opined that the emergence of Spectrum TV will project the culture, people and projects of Akwa Ibom State to the world, and used the occasion to commend Mr. Tony Afia for weathering the storm to establish the first private Television in the state, which he noted will remain neutral in its broadcast operations.

The Chairman, TAF Media Group, Mr. Tony Afia expressed appreciation to God for the realization of Spectrum TV dream and to the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC for granting operating license since 2015.

He specifically thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for coming to inaugurate the station, 90 days after commencement of official broadcast and assured of content driven programmes for viewer's delight.

High point of the event was presentation of award of excellence to the governor by TAF Media Group for the massive infrastructural strides in the state.

Akwa Ibom stakeholders this evening adopted Rev Umo Enoh as their preferred successor to Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2023.

Former Governor, Obong Victor Attah, supported by the Chairman of Akwa Ibom council of Chiefs, Dr Solomon Etuk, presented the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, as a man with the capacity to consolidate on the gains recorded by the present administration of Mr Udom Emmanuel.

Several former and serving political office holders were present at the meeting.

Aspirants in the just concluded gubernatorial primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State have been admonished to marry their differences and work together for the victory of the party in the state.

Akwa Ibom State Governor and head of the 5-man PDP primary election committee in Ekiti State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, gave the admonition while fielding questions with Government House correspondents at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, upon his return from the assignment.

He thanked the National Chairman and the National Working Committee of PDP for an opportunity to serve the party, describing it as a privilege he cannot take for granted.

Expressing satisfaction with the integrity and conduct of the primary election, Governor Emmanuel described the exercise as transparent, fair and credible.

He called on all participants in the contest to acknowledge the supremacy of the party and pull forces together to grab victory in the impending general election as one party.

"I think personally, I'm satisfied that the process was credible and I also believe almost 100% of the people that watched it will give us credit that it was a very credible, transparent, free and fair election. My advice is, let all of them go back and work together.

"We have only one seat and only one person can occupy that seat. If after all what the party did at the NWC to accommodate all aspirants, the people then spoke and said this is the person we want to bear the flag of the party, I think all others should just join hands and work together.

"Party is supreme, let the party win then they can all sit down and talk".

Mr. Emmanuel described as false and speculative, insinuations of unfair treatment and disenfranchisement of some aspirants, maintaining that the process was void of malpractices and created no room for expression of ill behaviours that would have given grounds to discredit the exercise.

According to him, such insinuations were indications of pre-perceived defeat. He maintained that the committee had an authentic list from the National Working Committee which it followed religiously, stressing that no single person voted wfen he was not accredited and that there was none accredited that was not allowed to vote.

"I've heard a whole lot; how some aspirants even before the process started, went to the press.

"I think they knew the outcome before we went into the election.

"Some of them came to make trouble but by the time they saw that there was no room for such trouble they knew there's no way they could have made it", Emmanuel stated.

"All the aspirants gave us a very excellent mark for all the processes, from accreditation to voting, to sorting, to counting, even to declaration of result. Even after that we gave them opportunity to speak of they were satisfied. We also had to make sure one of the international TV stations beamed it live so everybody could see the processes" he added.

The Akwa Ibom Governor therefore cautioned the public to be cautious of politicians who promote violence as means to grab power and sued for peaceful politicking towards the 2023 polls.

"As we go into 2023, people will give peace a chance. If you want to serve the people, you can't serve the people with a gun. Whoever carries a gun to serve is not going to serve the people but himself.

"If you want to serve the people and you don't want peace, there is an undertone we don't know. I think we need to unravel that and question your real intensions."

The Ekiti PDP Guber primaries which was keenly contested by twelve apirants had Hon. Bisi Kolawale emerging as winner with 671, edging out his immediate runner up, Segun Oni, who scored 330.

Bisi Kolawale is a former member of the National Assembly 2007-2011, and also served as Environment Commissioner in former Governor Ayo Fayose's administration.

...warns against blackmail, political thuggery, cultism

Personal Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Media, Rev. Richard Peters has tasked students in higher institutions of learning to get involved in macro politics as their participation can bring about governmental reforms and development in the State.


Peters stated this yesterday during the Students Summit and inauguration ceremony organized by the Uyo Students Association, Akwa Ibom State University(AKSU) at the Uyo Local Government Council Hall, Uyo.


Peters, who spoke on the theme: "The Role Of Students In Macro Politics", emphasized that from time immemorial till now, students have been at the forefront of the struggle for effective leadership in different climes and still play critical roles in the selection processes of leaders, who governed them.


He noted that participation in macro politics will go a long way to give them a broader view of life and happenings.

"By taking part in macro politics, student groups often mobilize to protest, petition, or lobby for political change. Students play a vital role in government reforms. By your participation in macro politics, you can drive governmental reforms and development in the State.

"Instead of developing a narrow outlook on life, participating in macro politics will give a student a broad view of life and happenings. This knowledge will help guide your decisions in politics.

The Governor's aide advised the students against to desist from indulging in blackmail, cultism, political thuggery during their involvement in macro politics.

"Students must avoid blackmail, insulting elders, involving in cultism and political thuggery to impress their preferred candidate for personal aggrandizement. Never risk your life in the name of being active in macro politics. Do not allow yourself to be used for destruction of lives and properties, the person using you will never use his child."

"Students must resist creating rivalry among themselves which will sow the seeds of unrest and discontent among them. Supporting a political ideology or candidate should not create unnecessary division among students. Student must strive for building unity and shaping their careers whether it is in politics or any other fields.


He urged the students to develop themselves, expose themselves to new ideas, develop positive and healthy attitudes, and build trust in public/private engagements if they are aspiring to lead the people in the future.

In his remarks, Elder Ndanti Ekuh, SA to the Governor Research and Documentation charged the Students to cultivate a right thinking attitide towards their educational pursuit and serve as mirrors to the society at large. "Students should be able to advocate for good governance, to inform the government on its bad policies and development deficit. Students in entirety should serves as a mirror to the society reflecting good governance in an effort to achieve an ideal Democratic setting that dwells within the periphery of Government of the People, by the People and for the People". Ekuh Stated.

In her inaugural speech, the newly sworn in president, Comrade Udeme Archibong enjoined Uyo Students in Akwa Ibom State University to come together in unison and build a formidable student community.

Other speakers at the event included: Vice chairman Uyo local government area, Hon. Pst. Sylvia Ekong FCAI; Leader Uyo 7th Legislative Council, Hon Ubong Effiong; Honourable councilor representing Etoi ward 5, Hon. Mkpoikanke Dominic; Immediate Past Special Assistant to the Former Chairman on Student Matters, Comr. Mike Ekott.

It was Day One of the visit by the Brekete Family to Uyo. Brekete Family is a reality radio and television programme focused on human rights. It airs on radio and cable television, and streams online through social media platforms and Human Rights Radio 101.1 in Abuja. Their arrival in the state is on the heels of Governor Udom Emmanuel's recent three hours interview session on the breakfast family show on Friday, January 7,2022.

Led on the visit to Akwa Ibom by Mr Ehis Agbon, they maintained that they want to see for themselves the development strides of this administration as earlier highlighted on their programme by His Excellency, the state chief executive, Mr Udom Emmanuel. This is to ensure that their constituents, the ordinary citizens can be properly informed.

"Because e get some people where feel say all the things Governor been talk on our programme, na political talk where politicians de like talk. We wan see them with our eyes make we fit tell ordinary citizens of Nigeria say, the things the Akwa Ibom Governor talk for our programme, na so we take go see them for our cro-cro eyes."

Received and led on the projects tour by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh , the team yesterday saw the ongoing Maintenance Repairs and Overhaul facility, the taxiway and the ongoing new international terminal building, all at the Victor Attah International Airport, before proceeding to see the green house farm around the Airport gate.

Their last port of call yesterday was the Infectious Diseases Control Center and PCR Laboratory and the remodeled General Hospital at Ituk Mbang, Uruan.

The Permanent Secretary Engr Effiong Efiakedoho and management staff and consultants in the Ministry of Special Duties, as well as the Commissioner for Health, Prof Augustine Umoh and the Consultant in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Emmanuel Akpan, were on hand to give more insights to the respective projects.

#CompletionAgenda
#GovUdomIsWorking

A socio- political group, Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance has risen in defence of Akwa ibom state commissioner for lands and water resources Pastor Umo Eno describing a recent alleged interview from him published in Vanguard Newspaper as sheer blackmail and fictitious.

The National tabloid had on its online edition of 24TH January did a report with an interview extract from the commissioner which he has denied ever granting to the Newspaper, who had since dropped it from their site.

However, the group in a press statement endorsed by the Convener Comrade Faith Mboho and made available to Journalists in uyo on wednesday said the report is another piece of fictitious story concocted by unrelenting purveyors of falsehood.

According to the group “The obvious target of this piece of indolent blackmail is the Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno, who, for reasons best known to his detractors has become a tormentor of their evil machinations”.

The group described Pastor Umo Eno as a man of proven integrity who has distinguished himself in all his endeavor stressing that he is a very reserved and soft spoken man who is not flippant with words.

The statement further read,” The Honourable Commissioner is not known for pettiness or boastfulness. His antecedents and tone of communication doesn't depict what was published by Vanguard Online newspaper.

“We are aware that the intention of the purveyors of this blackmail is to cause friction in the state exco and bring the governor's family into ridicule. But this antic is dead on arrival as Akwa Ibom people already know that Governor Udom Emmanuel separates his family and friends from the business of governance”.

The group while commending Pastor Umo Eno for his performance in office so far as the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, urges him to remain focused on delivering his assignment in furtherance of the Completion Agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel without any distraction.

“We call on the good people of Akwa Ibom State to continue in their support for the Completion Agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel and ensure that he successfully transits come 2023 by bequeathing to the State a worthy successor.

Source: Tony Anichebe, Uyo.

Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem has become a household name among the political class. The name rings a loud bell in the ears of every known politician in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial district and entirety of the State. It is on record that every successive administrations in the state from 1997 till date identifies with him because of his sterling leadership style - service.

From his political cradle days as Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local government Area, member of Akwa Ibom State Executive Council for three consecutive terms, immediate past Legal Adviser of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), and Director General, Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), Enoidem has displayed unusual traits of a servant leader with his principals.

Great leaders place the common good above their self-interest. Serving in these capacities is a key indication of servant leadership. The term, ‘Servant Leader’ was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in the servant as leader; an essay that he first published in 1970, in which he explains that the servant-leader is servant first.

It begins with the passion to serve, to serve first! The heart of service and the attitude of serving is what distinguishes servant-leaders from non-servant leaders according to Greenleaf. A conscious choice to serve translates to the aspiration to lead.

In the Bible, Jesus Christ subscribes to the servant-first ideology when He said that he who seeks to lead must first be a servant.

The emergence, and continuous rise over the years of Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem in the political circle has proven to follow a servant-first pattern in all ramifications. This is manifested in the care he has taken to ensure that other people’s needs are given topmost priority.

Barr Enoidem’s leadership style is primarily focused on the growth and well-being of his people and the communities to which he belongs. This is obvious in his unrepentant attitude of turning boys into men in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. Being a servant-leader, a very rare trait in our clime today, this astute businessman empowers members of his constituent politically, and helps people flourish in their different fields of endeavour.

In deed, Enoidem is humility personified. Full-of-life, jolly good fellow who does not wear his office paraphernalia on his sleeves like some people in lesser offices do.The legal luminary humility can be described as legendary. His servant-leadership style fits the mould described in Greenleaf’s ten servant-leader principle of listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people and community building.
These principles which fit him as a skin were brought to the fore when he served as a Local Government Chairman, Commissioner, Legal Adviser and today, the Director General, Maintain Peace Movement.

Immediately he assumed office as DG, Maintain Peace Movement, Enoidem led members of his team to traverse the length and breadth of the state, preaching the gospel of peace and unity. As a result, peace was restored in local government areas where it was hitherto an illusion. One such visit was to Ikot Akaiso and Ikot Udoetor both in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area to ascertain the remote causes of communal crisis between the two villages and to restore peace. This could only be achieved by a leader who is compassionate, empathetic and a good listener.

Another trait which is not common with politicians but has attracted respect and commendation to him in the political sphere is a culture of trust.Successive governors in the state have enjoyed working with him because of his confidence, commitment and ability to deliver on any given responsibility entrusted to him. He is a promise keeper despite the circumstances.

Enoidem’s result oriented leadership style as DG, Maintain Peace Movement, has made him a good steward of the responsibility entrusted into his care because the erudite lawyer has given a good account of himself; his driving force remains that leadership can only be meaningful if it is channeled into the advancement of the people’s course.

So why is Enoidem’s servant-leadership style working in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and state by extension? The MPM DG sees himself as a part of a whole; He plays the role of a captain but believes strongly that the captain is the rallying point of a team. To him, every member of a team is important and should be encouraged to contribute his /her quota to the development of the state.

In summary, Emmanuel Enoidem's excellent leadership style is the secret of his tremendous success, the unflinching support and respect he has enjoyed from every known political figure in the state.

It is therefore pertinent for the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial district to rally around him, give him the necessary support devoid of sentiments and book a seat for him at the Senate as their representative in 2023.

According to John C. Maxwell, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”. Emmanuel Enoidem knows the way and will bring his wealth of experience, trust and political inclusion to bear in his constituency for its betterment.

Umanah, a Journalist,Public Affairs Analyst and Commentator, writes from Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.

What do you mean exactly.

Ubongikouwem:
A terribly wicked man as governor of akwa Ibom State.

Tuaa

...Adjourns till February 14

Dramatic moments played out at the State High Court in Uyo, Monday when counsel to the defendant failed to properly file an application to take over in a case of libel earlier ruled against Barr Leo Ekpenyong.

Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaete Obot, had fixed Monday January 17 for Barr Inibehe Effiong to formally file a motion to take over the case from Barr Patrick Umoh.

Barr Inibehe Effiong was also expected to pay a fine for late filing of motion on the change of counsel, failure of which means that all his efforts ab initio, amounted to nullity.

But Effiong, accused by the Judge of sneaking in through the backdoor, is appealing for the fine, cumulatively estimated to be about 36,000 to be waived.

The motion was to precede judgement on a case asking it to set aside its earlier ruling in which the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, was awarded N1.5 billion as damages for libel.

The judgement was scheduled for Tuesday in a State High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after the claimant’s counsel, Samuel Ikpo and defence counsel, Inibehe Effiong, had presented their arguments in the case.


But the judge, Ekaete Obot, who is the state chief judge of Akwa Ibom State, ordered the defence counsel, Mr Effiong, to file an application for change of counsel.



Mr Effiong took over the case after the court, on December 15, 2020, ruled that the defendant, Leo Ekpenyong, should pay the claimant, Governor Emmanuel N1.5 billion as damages for libel.

Governor Emmanuel had sued Mr Ekpenyong for defamation of character over a publication in which he accused the governor of “buying judgment” from the 2019 National Assembly Election Tribunal.

Mr Effiong, who made his first appearance for the matter on November 25, 2021, argued that the court had breached the Nigerian Constitution in its December 15, 2020 judgment against his client, Mr Ekpenyong.

Justice Obot ordered Mr Effiong to apply for regularisation of counsel as he (Mr Effiong) was taking over the same case from the former counsel. She further ordered that the former counsel be served.

However when the court reconvened on January 17, it frowned at Barr Effiong for merely writing a personal letter to the judge to inform her of his decision to take over as defence counsel.

The court decided that it was only proper for him to apply through a motion properly filed in the open court.

Barr Effiong's appeal for an oral motion was also rejected.

The case has been adjourned to February 14.

The court is hearing the matter simultaneously with another defamation case between a former senator, Effiong Bob, and Mr Ekpenyong, which the court had ordered Mr Ekpenyong to pay N150 million as damages to Mr Bob.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel today donated a fully built and equipped Police Base at Awa Iman, Onna local government area for the Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Base 27.

He also donated 15 additional patrol vehicles, fully fitted with communication and security gadgets, to the Police.

The facilities were inaugurated by the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, NPM,PSC(+).

Akwa Ibom State Government has distributed and installed thousands of units of prepaid meters to houses within the state, numbering 32,000. This was the position of the Commissioner for Power and Petroleum Development, Dr. John J. Etim on Friday, January 14, 2022.

The Commissioner who addressed the press noted that the meters were distributed and installed in homes and businesses, commencing from the metropolitan areas of the state.

According to the Commissioner, 12,000 units of the meters have been installed and distributed so far, while 20,000 are currently being distributed and installed.

“The Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration has achieved applaudable success in providing prepaid meters for installation in key residential clusters. Under the pilot scheme, the Akwa Ibom State Government had earmarked 32,000 units of prepaid meters for installation in homes and businesses, commencing in the metropolitan area of the state. So far, 12,000 units have been distributed and installed”, he said.

He informed that Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration has also birthed the 33KV injection substation at Nwaniba, which he noted has helped step up power supply in the State, as well as the 132 X 33KV, 2x60 MVA transmission substation at Ekim; upgrade and optimization of the 132 X 33KV, 3x60 MVA transmission station at Afaha Ube Itam in Uyo metropolis, 33/11KV, 2x15 MVA injection substation at Edet Akpan Ave (aka 4 Lanes), Uyo and the replacement of damaged and unserviceable transformers, including other power equipment and accessories all over the state.

“In recognition of the huge investments in this sector, the state was nicknamed ‘The Power State’ by both the Vice President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo and the then Minister of Power, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN. They both unreservedly commended the Governor for his foresight in investing so massively in the power sector”, the Commissioner recalled.

Commending the Governor’s ‘Power for All’ initiative, Dr. John Etim applauded the State Chief Executive for not “resting on his laurels” but staying true to his goal of connecting villages in the State to the national grid, providing metering solutions and network optimization.

He mentioned that at the last count, his Ministry has attained 94 % in the connection of the 2,274 gazetted villages to the national grid, while expressing optimism that the remaining communities yet to be connected will soon be connected, so they can join the league of communities with public power.

“To complement this, we tapped into the World Bank/REA Nigeria Electrification Program and investment in renewable energy, and over 25 communities have been earmarked across the state for solar powered mini-grid. Work has already started in Ini local government to build a mini grid that will supply solar powered electricity to the communities there”, he said.
He again commended the State Government for approving the release and installation of more than 470 Distribution Transformers over the 31 Local Government Areas of the State; construction of over 100km of both 33KV HT networks and 11KV HT networks all over the State; completion of the installations of hundreds of Feeder Pillars, and rehabilitation of over 300 distribution transformer substations.

Describing his Ministry’s achievements so far as milestones orchestrated by Governor Emmanuel, Dr. Etim expressed that Akwa Ibom State has become a model to other states in view of its constant power supply.

“Our investments in the key power infrastructures like the Ekim Power Station, the Nwaniba Substation and our master stroke feat in the running of dedicated lines to service key institutions like the Ibom Icon Hotel, The Victor Attah International Airport, Ibom Specialist Hospital, and the Dakkada Luxury Estate among others, have become a model to many states and seriously reduced the frustration these institutions experienced as a result of epileptic power supply”, he stressed.

As a way of linking rural communities to the national grid, the Commissioner announced plans by the State Government to deploy solar energy to remote communities to help them benefit from the National Solar Programme.

He however pleaded with citizens to protect the power infrastructure in their vicinity and pay their consumption charges and meter subscription, to avoid estimated billing.

He also assured of Government’s continuous engagement with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) to ensure more power stability in the State.

“The government has and will continue to engage PHEDC in a bid to push for more power off take and distribution to our people. We are hopeful that in the days ahead, PHEDC will see eye to eye with our state government on the need to increase supply of power to our citizens, while providing good customer service. Be rest assured that while the AKSG is engaging the distribution company PHEDC, we’re also exploring other means of ensuring that our state can have uninterrupted power”.

“We will continue to advocate for more meters to be made available for both private and commercial customers. These undoubtedly will inch us closer to our target of making affordable power available for all citizens of Akwa Ibom State”, Dr. John Etim said.

Source: Priscilla Christopher

The PDP Governors’ Forum held its regular meeting crucial to the sustenance of our Democracy on Monday, 17th January, 2022, at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, the first in the new year. The meeting once again reviewed the state of the States, the state of the nation and THE PDP and issued the following Communique:

1. The PDP Governors congratulated the entire PDP family for conducting a smooth and credible National Convention that led to the emergence of the highly acclaimed Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayu-led National Executive Committee and commended the new PDP NWC for hitting the ground running with respect to repositioning the PDP into a credible vehicle for RESCUING and REBUILDING Nigeria which has been battered by bad economy, insecurity, unemployment and other social ills by the incompetent and inept APC Administration.

2. The PDP Governors requested the National Assembly to quickly conclude deliberations on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill either by overriding Mr President's veto or deleting areas of complaints. The meeting advised that the option of sustaining Mr President's veto would lead to a quicker resolution and would deny Mr President the opportunity to once again truncate a reformed Electoral jurisprudence for Nigeria. An early concluded Electoral Act is vital for credible elections.

3. The meeting lamented the continued state of insecurity in the country, the persistent and ceaseless flow of Nigerians' blood on a daily basis in many parts of Nigeria, the near collapse of the security situation in Nigeria. The strategies to confront terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminals is still a major problem of the APC administration.

4. The meeting expressed regrets that Mr President is unwilling, from his recent comments discountenancing the proposals for state policing, to participate in reviewing the structural problems of tackling insecurity in Nigeria and urges Mr President to reconsider his position and consider decentralisation and restructuring of the security architecture as the most viable solution, together with proper arming, funding and training requirements for Security Agencies.

5. The Nigerian Economy has continued to deteriorate and Nigerians have become numb and accustomed to bad economic news as exemplified by the inconsistent and differential exchange rate regime, high interest rates, unsustainable unemployment figures and borrowing spree some of which have not been applied to important projects, and other bad economic indicators. In particular, it is clear that the APC Government is a massive failure when compared with the records of PDP in government. The PDP handed over a $550 billion economy (the largest in Africa), but under APC, Nigeria is the Poverty Capital of the world. In 2015, under PDP, the exchange rate was N198 per Dollar, it is now under APC almost N500 to a Dollar; In 2015, unemployment rate was 7.3% under PDP, it is now 33%, one of the highest in the world under APC; In 2015, the Pump price of Petroleum was N87 per litre, it is now N165 per litre and climbing under APC. Debt Servicing now under APC takes over 98% of the Federal budget. The tales of woe is endless.

6. The PDP Governors noted that the management of our Oil and Gas resources, the administration of Federation Account remittances have remained opaque, confusing and non - transparent. In addition, the transition to NNPC Ltd under the Petroleum Industry Act has not been properly streamlined to ensure that the interests of all the tiers of Government are protected, consistent with the 1999 Constitution.

7. The meeting urged eligible Nigerians of all walks of life, particularly the Youths, to register en masse with INEC to exercise their franchise in the 2023 general elections. It further noted that the next election is a very consequential election that should be used to end the dominance of very youth unfriendly APC Government; a government that had the arrogance to deny Nigerian youths of the use of TWITTER, a business friendly tool for the young, for over a year. The youths should empower themselves to determine who leads them.

8. The PDP Governors congratulated the Chief Host, His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, for the very high standards of hosting and for the great leadership performance he has entrenched in Rivers State.

9. The PDP Governors wished Nigerians and PDP Members a happy new Year.

In attendance are:
Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR- Sokoto State - Chairman
Gov. Udom Emmanuel - Akwa Ibom State - Member
Gov. Sen. Douye Diri - Bayelsa State - Member
Gov. Samuel Ortom -Benue State -Member
Gov. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa - Delta State - Member
Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi - Enugu State - Member
Gov. Nyesom Wike, CON - Rivers State - Member
Gov. Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde - Oyo State - Member
Gov. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri -Adamawa State -Member
Gov. Bala Mohammed -Bauchi State - Member

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, earlier today led management and staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, to a special new year Thanksgiving Service at the United Evangelical Church (founded as Qua Iboe Church), 165 Aka Road,Uyo.

Governor Udom Emmanuel was represented by his Deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo.

The Commissioner used the occasion to thank God for the successes recorded by Governor Emmanuel in the Agricultural sector in 2021 and prayed for success in the current year.

The event featured ministrations from the church choir, ministrations from the Ministry of Agriculture's choir, song ministration from the Directors of the Ministry, presentation of gift items to the church, the widows and the less privilege .

Also present at the event was the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters Rev Daniel Akwatang, and other top government officials.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has called on Nigerian politicians to eschew tendencies that are capable of heating up the polity or straining the cords of unity, as the nation approaches another electioneering season.

Governor Emmanuel made the advocacy at the 2022 Wreath Laying and Armed Forces Remembrance Day, at the State Cenotaph in Uyo.

The Governor urged Nigerians to embrace peace, stressing that behaviours that do not promote peace would be inimical to the unity and growth of the nation, and thereby debase the sacrifices of the fallen heroes who voluntarily paid the supreme price for the survival of the nation.

"As we get ready to elect our next set of leaders, let us be reminded that national interest should and must triumph over our personal or group interest and those things that may heat up the polity and strain the cords of our unity must be avoided.

"Let me use this opportunity to appeal to our people to eschew tendencies that helped provide the ferment for conflicts".

Mr Emmanuel explained that, "the brave warriors we are honouring today, believed in something, an ideal or causes higher than their personal or collective interest, and that’s why they elected through volunteerism, not by conscription to sign up to fight for the preservation of our territorial integrity against foreign or domestic enemies", he added.

Appealing for accomodation and appreciation of differences and the use of dialogue to resolve issues, Governor Emmanuel said: "We are a nation rich in diversity, and our diversity should represent our strength and not platforms to enlarge our fault lines or differences.

"God has given Nigeria all that is needed for success.

"We must learn to jaw-jaw instead of war-war," he stressed.

The governor expressed appreciation over the collaborative efforts of the various armed forces to mitigate criminal activities in the state, saying it has contributed to the status of the state as the most peaceful in the country.

Governor Emmanuel affirmed that besides the building of 168 blocks of flats for the Officers and Men of the Nigerian Army Battalion located in Ibagwa as well as water reticulation to provide potable water for residents of the barracks, his government has redeemed the promise of One hundred million naira (N100,000,000.00) grant to the widows of the fallen heroes in the state.

According to him, "we are determined to intervene in other quality of life projects. This is, just a little effort on our part to show that we appreciate the sacrifices the Men and Officers of the Nigeria Armed Forces are making to keep us safe and secure".

Highpoints of the event included wreath laying by the governor, senior military and civilian personalities, gun salutes, parades, signing of condolence register in honour of the fallen heroes, as well as release of pigeons, signifying a call for peace.

Twenty-twenty three election is gradually crawling in. Underground campaigns are already reaching a crescendo and it will no longer be a secret soon. Many aspirants that are yet to come public (if there is any) will soon let the cat out of the bag. Tension is high, especially as everyone is keenly keeping vigil on the governor's mouth perhaps if words would fall regarding his successor. These are normal, but what is very abnormal after so much sacrifices to stabilize peace in Akwa Ibom state is the unholy path that some aspirants are treading.

The once cherished and glorified peaceful state if nothing is done fast will slip back to a time when people were kidnapped even in sacred place like the church; a time when assassination almost became a normal thing; a time when scholars and outstanding sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom were running away from Akwa Ibom to hide elsewhere; a time when journalists and other individuals with dissenting views were treated as demons and some brutally murdered even in broad day light. At that time no one slept with their two eyes closed. Evil men were glorified and adored and they had a field day. Akwa Ibom people, are you ready to go back to Egypt?

It is no longer news that the body language of a certain governorship aspirant in the state is dancing towards such an ungodly path where so called strong men are beginning to threaten anyone who tries not to align with the views of their principal who may not even know them. Such ignoble attitude will suffocate the peace we are enjoying and take us back on the path of war. God forbid.

If we allow these threats to persist without effort towards nibbing it in the bud, the state will no longer be safe for our children. Our youths will become wayward. Our fathers will become slaves in their own land and the number of widows will increase. "Strong men" will take over our streets, and fear will embrace the land. We should not watch the start of a war-like regime and do nothing about it while we can stop it. The consequences would spare no one. This is the time to act.

Of late, certain supporters of a particular governorship aspirant have started sending threat messages to some persons in the state, vowing to kill them and remove their skins. This has been alien in the state in the last 7 years or so, but why is this coming back and from a particular quarter? Akwa Ibom people must rise and oppose this devilish path.

We are aware that people use various means to attempt to grab power including violence and war, but that should not be heard in a civilised society. While we can argue the validity and virtue of certain political agendas, the callous methods by which some leaders attain their goals are less up to interpretation. We have seen how those who ascended thrones on the blood of innocent citizens and harmless civilians ended. History cannot lie.

​In 1917, Vladimir Lenin led the October Revolution to overturn the provisional government that had overthrown the Czar. During this period of revolution, war and famine, Lenin demonstrated a chilling disregard for the sufferings of his fellow countrymen and mercilessly crushed any opposition. It was a reign of terror, but he was equally murdered in shame.

Augusto Pinochet overthrew Chile’s government in 1973 with the help of a US-backed coup. Reports say numerous people ‘disappeared’ under the regime and 35,000 were tortured. Pinochet died before he could stand trial on accusations of human-rights abuses.

Should we mention the popular Adolf Hitler? By the end of 1941, he devised a plan to create his ideal ‘master race’ by eliminating Jews, Slavs, gypsies, homosexuals and political opponents by forcefully sending them to concentration camps, where they were tortured to death. According to reports, the Nazis killed about 11 million people under Hitler’s regime.

When people are threatening to eliminate citizens of the state, who are they going to govern? Is this the kind of government that we want? One needs not to be sentimental at this point. Akwa Ibom needs a peace loving leader who has the intellectual capacity to drive home investors and set us on the path of prosperity.

What we need now is not someone who will throw money on the streets and have a romance with the disabled just for the camera lenses to capture. We need a man who has what to bring to the table of administration and ultimately have the people's interest at heart.

Akwa Ibom is not a war zone, and anyone who is scared of dissenting voices should not even go close to the seat of a governor.

Gov. Emmanuel is one of the most insulted governors in the history of the state, but you rarely hear him fight back. His legacies are fighting for him. His economic policies and results are the ones fighting his oppositions. This is focused leadership which should be sustained by his successor.

We need people like Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Ghandi and many others who pursued peace in their respective domains beyond power, wealth and fame.

Akwa Ibom has experienced relative peace under Gov. Udom Emmanuel. Infact if no one has seen anything good about his administration, no one can deny the fact that one can sleep without fear of anything. Kidnapping has become history and violence doesn't have a place to thrive. Everyone is maintaining peace and businesses are flourishing.

Akwa Ibom people should not allow the days of terror to return by supporting a candidate who adores war. Akwa Ibom people should rise against any aspirant to want to ascend the governorship seat through the blood of Akwa Ibom people. Akwa Ibom people should say no to another reign of terror, bloodbath and human rights abuse.

Source: Richard Peters

...LAUD PROF ENO IBANGA FOR REPOSITIONING WORKS MINISTRY

Stakeholders of Eket senatorial district have passed a vote of Confidence on Governor Udom Emmanuel and have pledged their total support to enable him execute his completion and succession agenda in Akwa Ibom State.

In a meeting convened by the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga, stakeholders took turns to laud Governor Emmanuel for the various strides recorded by his administration and for charting a course for peace in the state.

They also lauded Governor Emmanuel for appointing Prof Eno Ibanga to oversea the Ministry of Works, maintaining that he has reinstilled satisfaction and hope on the faces of the people.

Chief Assam Assam thanked God
for the Governor, who he described as the most prominent, credible and best shot at the center and asked that the supported wholly by all

"We need a leader at the center and Governor Emmanuel is the best for the center, we should promote him to the whole county" he said.

He also lauded the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service for credibility in handling payment of compensation, noting that usual crises that frequently rented the air before now on the basis of compensations to property owners, have now become history, while the pace of work has increased.

This view was corroborated by Chief Uwem Ekanem who spoke for Ikot Abasi federal Constituency and thanked Prof Eno Ibanga for convening the meeting and carrying out his duties diligently.


"Prof Ibanga, had discharged his duties creditably as vice chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, we can attest to that.

" As Commissioner for Works, he has done well too, hitherto we used to hear so many issues as regards to compensations but now we no longer do so because of his honesty and credibility," Chief Ekanem noted


The political Leader of Eket senatorial district, Chief Nduese Essien urged people from the zone to work in unity to ensure the success of the Governor, while calling for more of such gatherings for cross fertilization of ideas and socialization.

"We should be able to gather like this at all levels. I am aware that some people claim to be leaders but have never called for a meeting. You should be able to get your people together to discuss and interact.

" We expect to hear more of this. We have had a chance to run this government for the past six and half years. We should be able to give our utmost cooperation to ensure our son the Governor, end his tenure well.

"We should play a pivotal role in who takes over from our son. We should be involved, stay and abide by whoever the Governor intends to support", he added


In his message, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem eulogized the Governor for the peace he has restored and sustained in the state and described him as a man with big ideas, a large heart and limited funds.

"Governor is interested in the peace of the state that is why we are number two in terms of Investments after Lagos State", the SSG added.

Also, Senator Akon Eyakenyi who was represented by Rev. Vincent Asuquo noted that Eket Senatorial District has enjoyed relative peace as the various leaders have carried out their assignments with dexterity and wished that the tempo be sustained.

"You can't say you have succeeded without a successor, that's not rocket science, negotiation, interaction, association these are the various approaches our Governor has used. We want to tell our convener that we will support his Excellency," He added.

The motion was moved by the Senatorial District Chairman of the PDP, Hon.Godwin Okponung, and supported by Chairman of Chairmen, PDP local government chapter executives, Elder Eddy Etangkanga.

Godwin Okponung, Senatorial PDP chairman, said that the sole goal and agendum is to follow the governor wherever he directs while urging them to disregard negative social media stories to the contrary.

The President of Eket Senatorial District Women Forum, Mrs Ephraim Akpan, pledged the readiness of women in the district to maintain their position as the chief mobilizers for the Governor's completion agenda..

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Ibanga, said the essence of the meeting was to bond, discuss, eat and drink, while appealing for relentless support to the completion and succession agenda of the Governor.

Residents of Ekpri Nsukara and Ikot Ntuen Offot in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, have expressed gratitude to Governor Udom Emmanuel, over the prompt commencement of work to construct their road and control the ravaging erosion menace in their communities.

They have maintained that with the ongoing execution of the project, Governor Emmanuel has saved the area from

The governor who visited the locality few weeks ago with the Governor of Abia State, Mr Okezie Ikpeazu, for the ground breaking ceremony of a church, had assured that construction would commence in earnest to reclaim the road.

The impressed residents took turns to eulogise Governor Emmanuel during an interview with newsmen who visited the area to ascertain the level of work ongoing at the site

Ekaette Joshua , a seamstress noted that the road was totally impassable especially during rainy seasons and thanked the Governor for coming to their aid.

"I thank the Governor for fulfilling his promise to construct this road. If the road is good, our businesses will grow."
She recounted that businesses were usually on hold as customers would not want to get in the flood water.


Etini Etim Okon, a Barber recounted their ordeal as a result of the bad state of the road stating that he has lost so many customers and thanked the Governor for stepping in to construct the road.


Also speaking , Fortune Offong, said that they were cut off from Uyo and it was very terrible for road users.

"Everyone was delighted when we learnt that the road will be construed. We have also seen signs. we hope the road construction will be completed", he added


Uwem Jonah said last year was their worst experience as there was so much rainfall but he's glad that Governor Emmanuel has intervened while praying he completes the good work.

Emmanuel Okon Bassey, expressed excitement about the governor's resolve to construct the road.
" The flood around this area has carried some children,so I'm delighted that the governor Emmanuel has come to our rescue,"he said.

Pst. Segun Adeboye who is also the Vice chairman of landlords, described Governor Emmanuel as a performee, who has fulfilled his promise of constructing the road.

Inyene Emmanuel Otu, an hair dresser expressed delight towards the work ongoing stating that it will help boost her business , during the rainy season it was always bad, we hope they complete what has been started.

Dora Ekong, a gas dealer, recalled that during rainy season they couldn't pass the road while thanking the governor for coming to construct this road.


Joseph Ibanga, thanked God for government intervention while praying that the road is completed before the rain starts.

"The day the Governor visited with his friend Governor Ikpeazu, I was excited because I knew help had come.

"You have seen the depth of the erosion, we have suffered a lot in this area", he said.

Governor Udom Emmanuel has left no one in doubt about his vision to revive technical education through quality skills and capacity development to afford sufficient manpower resources for his industrial revolution.

Governor Emmanuel has embarked on a massive revamping, remodeling, upgrade, re-equipping and transformation of the hitherto moribund technical college, Ikot Ada Idem in Ibiono Ibom local government area, replacing it with the proposed Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre. This is to fulfill in part,
his Dakkada Gospel,of providing enablers for young people to rise to the faith of their greatness.

Beyond giving the school a new outlook, the project offers direct job opportunities in the construction process, to members of the host communities with a direct labour model.

The gate of the institution is coming out with a touch of class, invitingly attempting an insight to the bountiful opportunities that can be harvested inside the campus. A walk into the premises introduces a medical facility that is bound to provide health care services to both inmates of the facility and members of the neighbouring communities.

Renovations of existing blocks, erecting of new ones, landscaping, internal roads construction as well as effective drainage systems are some of the sites beholding anyone who trips into the facility. And with the project consultant, Churchill Udoh and his Manager Steve Ubiam, there is no dull moment as the attempt to unveil the vision of the Governor in the one stop technology and skills transfer facility.

According to the project consultant, Mr Churchill Udoh, the school will admit people that are talented and seek decent means of livelihood whether certificated prior to entry or not, and is starting off with five faculties, the General Studies will deal with humanities, the Basic English and Mathematics, Sciences, Moral and Citizenship or Civic Responsibilities.

A tour around the project with my colleagues, Aniekeme Finbarr, Uwemedimoh Umanah and Solomon Eyo, shows remodeled facilities of world-class standards with several new ones springing up. The 400 bed space hostels are taking shape. The school is being 100 percent fenced round so the environment is totally secured, with electronic wiring for 24 hours surveillance, proposed.

There is the Poultry Farm and livestock structures, all newly constructed. The beautiful thing about the institution is that, an intake from day one becomes an entrepreneur that will be trained in leadership and entrepreneurship principles, and with self-directory in terms of discipline to own whatever aspects of skills in terms of achievement once he comes into the school.

The institution also is to have bakery, and other catering services, engineering, woodwork, agricultural production among other services, that will crash the cost of such services in the state, since most of the raw materials shall be produced within the campus.

On commissioning from Day One, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre will offer the promise of Food Security and Technical Education, and will also rescue the jobs in the Civil Construction, electrical and mechanical engineering areas. Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) has come to ensure that the presence of the state in these sectors are restored.

© Essien Ndueso is Media Aide to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

In a clearly new year soul lifting gesture, the immediate past Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Petrouleum, Rt Hon.(Dr) Ekong Sampson has gifted a car alongside an additional five hundred thousand naira for fuel to Samuel Udoma, the Chancellor, Forum of Akwa Ibom Online Media Practitioners(FAOMPRA) and a close aide of his.

Dr Sampson made the heart warming presentation last evening at Watbridge Hotels&Suites, Uyo. Offering valuables exhortations to Udoma before handing over the car and other documents, Dr Sampson said the gesture was his way of helping young people grow to full potentials, praying that the car becomes a source of greater blessings and expansion to the receiver. He praised Samuel Udoma as a hard working, diligent young man who deserves to be encouraged.
The former State Assemblyman further assured that he is ever ready to support more young people from Mkpat Enin and beyond who are willing to advance on their endeavours most especially educational advancements to help them reach the zenith of their careers.

Dr Sampson equally used the opportunity to call on politicians to help develop young journalists grow positively instead of backing them for dark jobs.

He further called on youths to be wary of those he described as 'emergency philanthropists', who do not have their interests at heart rather than to use them for their selfish aspirations'.

It is worthy to note that the car and cash intervention were given under the auspices of the Ekong Sampson Empowerment Programme(ESEP) which has over the years given more than 100 cars, placed people on lucrative jobs, offered grants and scholarships among several other laudable interventions. Deserving of mention also is the fact that nearly everyone working closely with Dr Sampson have over the years enjoyed great interventions from him either in the form of a house, a car, marriage, business expansion or educational advancement.