Udom Inoyo... Reflections on History
By Eric Ekwere

People have asked me both privately and publicly why I admire Mr. Udom Inoyo that I choose to celebrate now as if he is the first person that has put in 30 of his life in service. Some have gone as far as saying my support for him is for 2023. The later may not be far from being correct, but it would have been more ideal if it was said that my support for Mr. Udom Inoyo is far bigger than just him becoming the governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2023, but a support for a great Akwa Ibom State moving according to a well structured development plan that will not just be beneficial to a select few, but the generality of the state and our people irrespective of any primordial sentiments and he is best in line to receiving the baton.

He may have suffered so many blows, but that does not take the good man that he is from him. A consummate professional with great and the best intent for Akwa Ibom State. So many may dislike him because they know little or nothing about him and this is so because like a good Christian that he is, he does not go about announcing the things he has done for people for just one reason, it is demeaning to the receiver of your goodwill being announced to the public. A request that was done privately and in confidence and in trust.

His life as a corporate citizen has come to a halt, but his contributions there cannot go unnoticed and will not stop in the new life he has commenced. Therefore, let me share some points from what the erudite Chief Assam Assam, SAN once said about Mr. Udom Inoyo sometime in April, 2018 on some of his commitment and contributions to Akwa Ibom State.

Chief Assam, SAN:
"I recall when we, as a people, were engaged in the fight for resource control. You were then the leader of the Akwa Ibom professionals in Lagos, a group vehemently opposed to the Supreme Court judgment that deprived Akwa Ibom state from benefiting from the 13% derivation payments. You anchored the compilation of the literature which in no small measure whipped the conscience of the country to adopt the political solution. Those who were privy to your invaluable contribution are Senator Anietie Okon, who was the General Counsellor of the exercise and Uko Udom SAN, who, with me, served as advisers to the late General Philip Effiong, (Akangkang of Ibibio nation), our representative on the Political Solution Committee headed by Chief Anthony Anennih. The legislation which I personally drafted for presentation to parliament by Senator Udoma Udoma, and which increased our revenue to this day, was a culmination of that effort and your leadership".

Recall, there was a massive organization of both human and historical resource to bring enough pressure to bear on the Federal Government for a "Political Solution" for the Resource Control impasse after the Supreme Court judgement declared that the Federal Government was the owner of the Continental Shelf and all the resources therein. The political solution was to give the litoral states the 13% Derivation benefits of 200 meters isobath on the Continental shelf.

Again from Chief Assam, "I recall your consistent plea which convinced Obong Victor Attah to fashion a development program for the Oil bearing communities. With Dr. Ebebe Ukpong (then Commissioner, Ministry of Economic Development), Ambassador (Mrs.) Nkoyo Ita Toyo (a development expert and social advocate) and a Mr. Nsudoh S. Nsudoh (now a Permanent Secretary in AKS) you worked tirelessly to produce a document whose content has the panacea to resolve most of the feuding issues in the oil bearing communities. That document has not been utilized to this day perhaps because you were vehemently opposed to having any politician in the team that was to be set up to manage the funds. No wonder the initiative was abandoned. Someday soon, I hope, someone will do something about it.

"Quite a number of people may take your amiable disposition as a weakness but they needed to be in a House of Representatives, when you led a delegation of Mobil to a Committee hearing on the Niger Delta Development Commission. You pointedly questioned the lack of proper utilization of MPN’s share of contributions to NDDC. With the hot and bitter exchange that followed, we thank God the NDDC representative was sitting on the other side of the isle. How his jaw may have looked thereafter is still a matter of conjecture. You bravely questioned the accountability of the members and I am certain you must have been utterly disappointed when no one, even from your state, came to your rescue, except one Honorable Bethel Amadi. You were undeterred, and I know you will do it again if the same situation presents itself.

"Udom this is personal to me. The Eket-Ibeno road, a distance of 15 or so kilometers used to take hours with attendant safety issues. I was the Attorney General of this state at the time and privy to how you convinced the management of MOBIL and the Government to take over the road project from NDDC. They did. You got Mobil to contribute a whopping N8B towards the construction of the road which was completed by another Udom this time the Udom of Emmanuel. That road is now dualized and pleasure to drive on".

I, indeed the whole state, owe Mr. Udom Inoyo a duty to celebrate him as he retires from service after using his position diligently and positively to serve Akwa Ibom State, our people and his immediate community. His over 12 years contributions to the development and celebration of education goes to tell of a man who believes that no society can develop without a good and well planned education, no wonder his Inoyo Toro Foundation where teachers and students alike have been celebrated in different times.

Mr. Udom Inoyo remains in his honour and this is the reason he enjoys my admiration and that of other forward thinking Akwa Ibomites at all times.

I say again, as you bow out Sir, dream on and achieve on and as your friends and associates, you enjoy our unending admiration.

Eric Ekwere
DG, Young Friends of Udom Inoyo
www.facebook.com/teamudominoyo

PDP is intact in Akwa Ibom. No one is deserting Udom. In fact, Udom has shown much maturity in the political schemes

Leadership and governance. HE. Udom Emmanuel exemplifies that

Senator Akpabio's brother, sacked commissioner, ors make commissioner's list

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has forwarded five (5) names to the State House of Assembly for consideration as commissioners.

The nominees include, Rt. Hon Uno Etim Uno,(Urueofong Oruko), Barr Prince Ukpong Udo Akpabio, (Essien Udim), Mr. Udo Ekpenyong,(Ukanafun), Otuekong Raphael Bassey, (Nsit Atai) and Pastor Sunny Ibuot (Ikot Ekpene). The Governor’s message was read on Thursday during an emergency sitting of the House.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke has directed the House Committee on Justice, Judiciary, Human Rights and Public Petitions to screen the nominees and report back to the Assembly in the next 72 hours.

Mkpat Enin to host maiden Cultural Fiesta
...as Chairman unveils project, date

BY ABASIFREKE OBOT

The Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Honourable Ekanem Brown has announced plans for the celebration of the maiden edition of Mkpat Enin Cultural Festival, tagged, “ Colours of Mkpat Enin”

The chairman made this known on Wednesday, September 12, at the official unveilng of the project, “ Colours of Mkpat Enin” at the Conference Hall, Cute Villa Hotel, Uyo.

Speaking at the event, the Council boss noted that the “Colours of Mkpat Enin (COME) is a cultural festival of the Mkpat Enin people set to revisit their cultural heritage, celebrate and promote their culture, showcase tourism sites, attract tourists to the area, gainfully create employment, afford skills acquisition and turn the area into an industrialization hub.

Hon. Brown who went down history lines, traversing the natural resources and culture of the area, said that the cultural festival is the first of its kind, and with the rich and sound culture and resources scattered across Mkpat Enin, the festival will offer the people a platform to blow their trumpet and fast-track development to the area and Akwa Ibom generally, adding that it will stay tourism activities sky high.

He further announced that the cultural fiesta will commence on Saturday, 15th through 31st December 2018, adding that it is a 15-day cultural show which will draw local, national and international attention and coverage with each day having its unique package and spiced up concept.

“ This year, we will start. It will be a 15-day cultural festival, everyday will witness diverse events aimed at showcasing our culture and our talents. It is tagged, “ Colours of Mkpat Enin 2018. The festival will feature traditional and contemporary dance show, assorted African dishes, food competition, pageantry, traditional and contemporary music”, The Council boss disclosed.

While he noted the theme of the event as , “Rediscovering our rich cultural heritage”, the Mkpat Enin born politician said that the new phase in the history of Mkpat Enin has dawn and that the people of Mkpat Enin have seized the patronage of foreign and non indigenous cultures as this have over times hampered on the growth and way forward of the area and on such note, the people have unanimously decided to harness, celebrate and live its own culture to the fullest.

The Chairman reminded the people that time was ripe to stand for itself and defend its cause if actually they must clinch enviable heights through proving its worth to the world, which will definitely go a long way to afford the people compete favourably with other climes and stand Akwa Ibom a better chance in the comity of nations.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson commended the Chairman and the wife for their efforts put to better the lots and affairs of the area. He lamented that over the years, history has played down on the major contributions of Mkpat Enin most especially in situating the historic fight of 1929 as Aba Women Riot contrary to what it should be.

On such notes, he charged the indigenes to align themselves with the Project “COME 2018”, as it is an opportunity open to them to tell their stories and in the proper way to the world. He added, “We are going to tell our story to the world because if we don’t, no one will tell it for us. Let’s work for the unity that makes Mkpat Enin to be the envy of the world. “

In his remarks, the House Member of Mkpat Enin, Hon. Otobong Ndem expressed satisfaction over the phenomenal strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

While he thanked the Chairman, he described the cultural festival as a uniting force that will pull together sons and daughters of the area both at home and in the diaspora once again to reminisce on their past and actively harness their culture.

Harping on the corporate existence of the people, Hon. Ndem advised, “ Whatever we do let’s not forget that we are brothers. Politics will come and go, power is transient. I do not take power as anything because you may wake up tomorrow and it is gone. Anybody who takes power as anything lacks destination. Not for the sake of politics, we will try to bring down our people. Power absolutely belongs to God, hence let’s work towards protecting our local government area and people, for we will always be together.”

Analyzing the theme of the event, Mr Ubong Okon explained,” We are not trying to redirect what was past but what we own. We in Akwa Ibom State ,God has blessed us with cultures and traditions that will make us stand out. Mkpat Enin has Eprañ (a local masquerade with more than 2,000 feathers). This type of cultural display is not found anywhere in the world. This masquerade must be shown to the world.

“We want to bring back the things that were lost, we want to bring back our culture. We want to bring back the real branded Ekpo masquerade, the abre women dance.”

The high point of the event was inauguration of working committee by the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin for the planning and celebration of the Colours of Mkpat Enin 2018.
Members of the planning committee include: Mrs ImaAbasi Brown, Chairperson of the committee; Knight Eric Ekwere, Secretary of the committee; Emmanuel Jacobs, Head of Venues; Uduak Nkanga, Secretary for Venues; Ubong Ekpe Okon, member; Ini Ekanem, Edidiong Sunday, Security; Ekong Donald, Head of Cultural activities; Bobby Friga, Secretary; Edet Albert, Head of Protocol and Entertainment; Eric Ekwere, Head of Media and Publicity; Aniedi Mkpanang, Akpabio Akpabio, Member; Ime Eno, Head of Sports; Innocent Tom, Secretary for Sports; Cyril Umoren, Pageantry; Hilary Oton, Coordinator of Heroes night; Silas Ufford, Head of Marketing; Eno Williams, Chairman of Welfare

Mkpat Enin to host maiden Cultural Fiesta
...as Chairman unveils project, date

BY ABASIFREKE OBOT

The Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Honourable Ekanem Brown has announced plans for the celebration of the maiden edition of Mkpat Enin Cultural Festival, tagged, “ Colours of Mkpat Enin”

The chairman made this known on Wednesday, September 12, at the official unveilng of the project, “ Colours of Mkpat Enin” at the Conference Hall, Cute Villa Hotel, Uyo.

Speaking at the event, the Council boss noted that the “Colours of Mkpat Enin (COME) is a cultural festival of the Mkpat Enin people set to revisit their cultural heritage, celebrate and promote their culture, showcase tourism sites, attract tourists to the area, gainfully create employment, afford skills acquisition and turn the area into an industrialization hub.

Hon. Brown who went down history lines, traversing the natural resources and culture of the area, said that the cultural festival is the first of its kind, and with the rich and sound culture and resources scattered across Mkpat Enin, the festival will offer the people a platform to blow their trumpet and fast-track development to the area and Akwa Ibom generally, adding that it will stay tourism activities sky high.

He further announced that the cultural fiesta will commence on Saturday, 15th through 31st December 2018, adding that it is a 15-day cultural show which will draw local, national and international attention and coverage with each day having its unique package and spiced up concept.

“ This year, we will start. It will be a 15-day cultural festival, everyday will witness diverse events aimed at showcasing our culture and our talents. It is tagged, “ Colours of Mkpat Enin 2018. The festival will feature traditional and contemporary dance show, assorted African dishes, food competition, pageantry, traditional and contemporary music”, The Council boss disclosed.

While he noted the theme of the event as , “Rediscovering our rich cultural heritage”, the Mkpat Enin born politician said that the new phase in the history of Mkpat Enin has dawn and that the people of Mkpat Enin have seized the patronage of foreign and non indigenous cultures as this have over times hampered on the growth and way forward of the area and on such note, the people have unanimously decided to harness, celebrate and live its own culture to the fullest.

The Chairman reminded the people that time was ripe to stand for itself and defend its cause if actually they must clinch enviable heights through proving its worth to the world, which will definitely go a long way to afford the people compete favourably with other climes and stand Akwa Ibom a better chance in the comity of nations.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson commended the Chairman and the wife for their efforts put to better the lots and affairs of the area. He lamented that over the years, history has played down on the major contributions of Mkpat Enin most especially in situating the historic fight of 1929 as Aba Women Riot contrary to what it should be.

On such notes, he charged the indigenes to align themselves with the Project “COME 2018”, as it is an opportunity open to them to tell their stories and in the proper way to the world. He added, “We are going to tell our story to the world because if we don’t, no one will tell it for us. Let’s work for the unity that makes Mkpat Enin to be the envy of the world. “

In his remarks, the House Member of Mkpat Enin, Hon. Otobong Ndem expressed satisfaction over the phenomenal strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

While he thanked the Chairman, he described the cultural festival as a uniting force that will pull together sons and daughters of the area both at home and in the diaspora once again to reminisce on their past and actively harness their culture.

Harping on the corporate existence of the people, Hon. Ndem advised, “ Whatever we do let’s not forget that we are brothers. Politics will come and go, power is transient. I do not take power as anything because you may wake up tomorrow and it is gone. Anybody who takes power as anything lacks destination. Not for the sake of politics, we will try to bring down our people. Power absolutely belongs to God, hence let’s work towards protecting our local government area and people, for we will always be together.”

Analyzing the theme of the event, Mr Ubong Okon explained,” We are not trying to redirect what was past but what we own. We in Akwa Ibom State ,God has blessed us with cultures and traditions that will make us stand out. Mkpat Enin has Eprañ (a local masquerade with more than 2,000 feathers). This type of cultural display is not found anywhere in the world. This masquerade must be shown to the world.

“We want to bring back the things that were lost, we want to bring back our culture. We want to bring back the real branded Ekpo masquerade, the abre women dance.”

The high point of the event was inauguration of working committee by the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin for the planning and celebration of the Colours of Mkpat Enin 2018.
Members of the planning committee include: Mrs ImaAbasi Brown, Chairperson of the committee; Knight Eric Ekwere, Secretary of the committee; Emmanuel Jacobs, Head of Venues; Uduak Nkanga, Secretary for Venues; Ubong Ekpe Okon, member; Ini Ekanem, Edidiong Sunday, Security; Ekong Donald, Head of Cultural activities; Bobby Friga, Secretary; Edet Albert, Head of Protocol and Entertainment; Eric Ekwere, Head of Media and Publicity; Aniedi Mkpanang, Akpabio Akpabio, Member; Ime Eno, Head of Sports; Innocent Tom, Secretary for Sports; Cyril Umoren, Pageantry; Hilary Oton, Coordinator of Heroes night; Silas Ufford, Head of Marketing; Eno Williams, Chairman of Welfare.