ORON FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY MEDIA PROFESSIONALS COMMEND GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL ON THE CHOICE OF DISTINGUISHED SENATOR AKON EYAKENYI AS RUNNING MATE FOR UMO ENO

....... congratulate Akon Eyakenyi on scintillating performance at the Senate while celebrating her recent nomination as PDP Governorship running mate to Pastor Umo Eno.

The tower residence of the Distinguished Senator representing Akwa Ibom South (Eket Senatorial District) Sen. Akon Eyakenyi PhD, in Uyo was filled to capacity yesterday with members of Oron Federal Constituency Media Professionals (OFCOMPRO) who paid her a solidarity visit.

The visit which was designed to formally introduce the aims and objectives of the group to the Senator as the highest political office holder in Oro Nation was equally used to celebrate the woman of substance on her recent nomination as the running mate to Pastor Umo Eno on the platform of PDP.

In a well articulated speech by the Chairman of the group Mr Marshal Abia, he expressed the group's gratitude to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel for his leadership role in promoting and protecting the interest of Oro people in the party political permutations.

The media guru thanked the leadership of the PDP led by Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan for seeing the need to gradually return the political sharing formula to the age long tripodal arrangements.

The Chairman further congratulated Senator Mrs Akon Eyakenyi PhD for exhibiting a virtuous woman qualities which are the necessary ingredients for such elevation to the highly coverted office.

"Our Senator, since 1998 you have demonstrated commitment, loyalty and total support to PDP. You have contributed immensely to the economic, social, educational and political development of the State. Your human capital development in a very quiet but strategic manner is second to none, which I am also a beneficiary". He stressed.

Today, we are here to celebrate your nomination as Deputy Governorship designate and to also intimate you of our resolve to rally support for you.

"Our decision to do so is hinged on the fact that you have never disappointed the Oro people in all your political sojourn and offcourse, this won't be an exception. Rather we do hope that you will use the office to bless and better the lives of the entire citizens who look up to you.

Abia used the opportunity to call on well spirited public to shun blackmail but to galvanise support for the Umo Eno/Akon Eyakenyi PDP Ticket for a better Akwa Ibom State come 2023 general elections.

The President General, Oron Union, His Lordship Bishop Etim Ante spoke glowingly of the Senator's attributes. He called on the youth to be agent of social change and unity not agent of divide and rule.

Senator Mrs Akon Eyakenyi PhD, in her response thanked the group for honouring her. The excited Senator expressed her readiness to work with OFCOMPRO in bringing policies and programmes of Government to the grassroot.

"I am so delighted with your goals and objectives, I feel so happy because you have embraced truth and towed a different path from others who think social media is just a platform to unleash abuse and insult on elders.

I will not support you if you join issues with elders.
My choice to serve in the Deputy Governorship capacity is the will of God, because power comes from God. Rest assured that God will perfect his will".

The Senator used the occasion to announce scholarship to five students at International Institute of Journalism, Uyo.

Among many dignitaries in the meeting were the PG, Oron Union, Bishop Etim Ante, Former Secretary, Oron Local Government Council and former youngest PDP Chapter Chairman, Elder Anietie Okon.

John Bassey
Media and Publicity Secretary
OFCOMPRO
15.05.2022.

2023: DR. SYLVESTER ATTAH, HIS SCORECARD, AND THE PRIME CHOICE BEFORE OKOBO STATE CONSTITUENCY

John NTEKIM

The impressive credentials and honourable personality of Dr. Sylvester Attah, as well as his academic sagacity and weighty track record in public service, simply put him forth as the most fitting option to represent Okobo State Constituency in the next dispensation.

Attah, a cleared aspirant vying for the ticket of the People's Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 Okobo State Constituency election, is reputed for his intellectual depth and administrative acumen, which he has deployed in causing sectorial reforms in Okobo Local Government Council under his chairmanship.

With vast industry experience as a financial advisor to various renowned firms, and his sterling performance as a Council Chairman, as well as his trademark sociability and educational standing as a Doctor in the field of Accounting, Sylvester Attah has a combination of both private and public sectors exposure, unassailable academic stamina, rich antecedents in community service, and scores of government contacts, all of which have prepared him to make an effective lawmaker, and spokesperson for his constituency.

Honoured in 2021 as one of Nigeria's Best Performing Local Government Chairmen by the Nigerian Local Government Merit Awards (LOGMA) in Abuja, Hon. Attah has made indelible marks in grassroots governance as Chairman of Okobo Local Government.

Concentrating his strides on security, education, women empowerment, infrastructure, peace and stability, environment, poverty alleviation, and healthcare, among others sectors, he has since assumption of office in December 2020, brought about approval & payment of over N2million backlog of financial aid to staff of the Unified Local Government Service (ULGS; Peace initiative resulting in swift intervention and the strategic resolution of a 4-month violent communal conflict between Okopedi & Amamong communities; Financing of medical intervention for underprivileged citizens; Peace initiative leading to sustainable resolution of age-long dispute after a fatal clash between Obufi and Ube communities; Donation of brand new generator to the NIMC to support the NIN registration in Okobo L.G.A; Payment of grants to victims affected by violent communal conflicts; Recovery and repair of a council-owned, long abandoned Toyota Prado (Land Cruiser) and a vandalized ambulance.

Others include the Grading of the road leading to the Local Government Headquarters, to alleviate the stress previously endured by council workers and the rural dwellers; Provision of financial assistance to specific indigent students in tertiary institutions to cater for school fees and other essential needs; Provision of brand new generator for preservation of immunization vaccines at the Central Health Centre; Ensuring environmental cleanliness through regular sanitation exercise; Offsetting of medical bills for victims of the Okopedi-Amamong communal clash at different health facilities across the State; Repair and maintenance of a moribund generator to ensure adequate power supply at the Council Headquarters; Borehole drilling and water reticulation at the Council Secretariat: Provision of N125,000.00 each as financial assistance to some indigenes to ease their studies at the Nigerian Law School; Payment of business grants to over 60 women and vulnerable widows, to highlight only a few.

With his penchant for strengthening institutions and driving rural development, Sylvester has demonstrated the rare ability to match academic brilliance with competence, and his content, with character,- traits that have all-together enabled him to build capacity, and have endeared him to many, even beyond his constituency. How else would one explain the unprecedented 'Staff Friendly Chairman' Award conferred on him by the National Association of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and the Vote of Confidence recently passed on him by all serving councillors in Okobo Local Government Legislative Council who have unanimously urged him to seek a higher political office?

With his meritorious performance as council helmsman, regardless of the poor revenue allocation that has continued to plague the third tier of government nationwide, it is abundantly clear that the gentleman is in the House of Assembly race in search for an advanced platform to further facilitate the development of Okobo State Constituency in both human and material forms, through quality legislation and representation at the State level. This literally explains the launch of his new campaign catchword, 'SERVICE Plus', a few years after he sought and got his people's mandate to be council chairman with 'SERVICE' as his mantra.

As processes toward the People's Democratic Party's nomination of candidates, and the 2023 General Election thicken, the choice of Dr. Sylvester Attah as the finest option for the Okobo State Constituency seat is lucid and self-evident, as the credentials of the former student leader, certified national accountant, accomplished scholar and politician, overtops those of all his co-contestants in the PDP.

With the massive goodwill and acceptability he enjoys back home, the eloquent, brainy and charismatic gentleman, having distinguished himself in public service, corporate practice, scholarship, exemplary community service and leadership, ranks among his fellow aspirants as the most prepared for the job of an assemblyman, and it is obvious from all indications, that majority of delegates to the PDP House of Assembly primary election in Okobo have zeroed in on Attah, and are making ready to elect him as their prime choice for Okobo State Constituency ahead of 2023 General Election.

This will mark the beginning of a new, promising era.

No Society Can Be Developed Without The Media - Bishop Ante

By Emmanuel Atteh

The president general of the first socio -cultural group in Akwa Ibom State, the Oron Union, founded in 1925, Bishop Etim Ante has extolled the media, as a veritable tool for socio - economic development of any society.

Ante stated this when a frontline media group in Oro nation, under the aegis of Oron Federal Constituency Media Professionals (OFCOMPRO) paid him a courtesy visit in his office, Friday at the Oron Union secretariat, located at Oron Civic Center Complex, Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

He said the formation of the media group was a welcome development in Oro nation and applauded them for such visionary, strong and intelligent coalition, urging them them to remain an unbiased watch dog for Oro nation in particular and the society at large, which he noted was one of the cardinal objectives of the media.

The prime minister of Oro nation, while welcoming members of the media group to his office, used the occasion to admonished them to remain focused, shunning media reportage that is rooted o falsehood and charged them not to listen to critics or be distracted, but should remain resolute by channelling their energies and human resources to project Oro as a people, as well as the overall development of the state.

"My love for Oron Federal Constituency Media Professionals is unparallel, those who go around criticising you don't really know the role of the media in community development.

"Show me any progressive society and I will show you the strength of their media. The founding fathers of Nigeria used the media to influence development. So as your father, I urge you all to work as a team, not to be distracted by any antagonistic opinion", he maintained.

Earlier in his address at the meeting, the pioneer chairman of Oron Federal Constituency Media Professionals (OFCOMPRO), Comrade Marshall Abia thanked the president general of Oron Union, Bishop Etim Ante, for granting them the audience to interface with him and to introduce the new media group in Oro nation to him, as the father of the modern Oro nation.

Abia used the occasion , on behalf of the group to formally felicitate with the president general on the occasion of his convocation and award of LL. B degree by the National Open University of Nigeria, last weekend.

He said it was imperative, that the group met with the number one indigene of Oro nation, in order to unveil their goals and objectives to him, which according to them was anchored on the use of strategic media engagement as a tool to drive sustainable development of Oro nation.

The leader of the group further said they were happy to identify with the leader of union, as the number one institution in Oro land. He however, noted that since inception of the group, they have been able to engaged a number of major political actors in the state especially the aspirants, to unravel their blueprints with the view to communicating same to the public, to allow them make informed decisions, as the 2023 general elections draw closer.

The group through their chairman, also expressed satisfaction with the leadership of His Lordship, Bishop Etim Ante, especially on the ongoing work at the Ahta Oro's Palace and his vocality in taking unequivocal positions on matters of general interest of the Oro people.

High point of the meeting was the formal adoption of the group as a recognised media group in Oro and the subsequent presentation of the group's branded face cap to Oron Union president general by the chairman of the group.

Also present at the meeting were the chief of staff to the president general of Oron Union and retired head of Public Relations, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Mr Sidi Mkpandiok, the secretary as well as the women leader of OFCOMPRO, Comrades Victor Paul Unoh and Patience Idung among others.

PRESIDENT GENERAL, ORON UNION ENDORSES ORON FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY MEDIA PROFESSIONALS.

......harps on media as a veritable tool for socio-economic development of any society.


A front line media group in Akwa Ibom State; Oron Federal Constituency Media Professionals (OFCOMPRO) paid a courtesy call on the President General, Oron Union, yesterday at the Conference hall of the prestigious Civic Center, Oron.

The visit was indeed a deserving homage to the Number one citizen of Oro Nation to parley and also identify with the Prime Minister by presenting our goals and objectives to him, which are primarily anchored on the use of strategic Media engagement as a tool for sustainable development of Oro Nation.

The Chairman of OFCOMPRO Mr Marshal Abia used the opportunity to formally congratulate the PG on the occasion of his convocation as he bagged LL.B from the National Open University last weekend.

We are glad to identify with the Union as the number one institution in Oro land. Since our inception we have engaged some major political actors especially the aspirants to unravel their blueprints with the intentions to communicate same to the public in order to help them take informed decisions as the elections draws near. Abia stated.

The group through the Chairman, also expressed satisfaction in the leadership of His Lordship Bishop Etim Ante especially on the ongoing work at the Ahta Oro's Palace and his vocality in taking unequivocal positions on matters of general interest to the Oro people.

The PG, Bishop Ulap Etim Ante in his response welcomed the group and applauded them for the vision of forming such a strong and intelligent coalition.

"My love for OFCOMPRO is unparalleled. Those who criticised OFCOMPRO, don't know the role of the Media in Community Development." Ante submitted.

The Ebughu born business mogul and political heavy weight PG admonished on the need for the group to remain an unbiased watch dog to the society.

"Show me any progressive society and I will show you the strength of their media. The founding fathers of Nigeria used the media to influenced development. So as your father I urge you all to work as a team not to be distracted by any antagonistic opinion." He maintained.

High point of the meeting was the formal adoption of the group as a recognised media group in Oro and the subsequent presentation of the group's branded face cap to the PG by the Chairman.


John Bassey
Media and Publicity Secretary
OFCOMPRO
01.04.2022

That 'cultist For Christ' Balderdash: Why Is Senator Albert Jittery?

By Abasifreke Effiong

On Monday 30th December, 2019, during an end-of-year meeting convened by the Uyo local government council at its secretariat Wellington Bassey way, Obong Bassey Albert better known as OBA, senator representing Akwa Ibom North East senatorial district was quoted to have admitted to being a cultist, a 'cultist for christ', while addressing the Christmas event.

OBA said, "they have said that I am too close to the youths. They have said that OBA is a cultist. I am a cultist, for christ." A number of persons who are directly and indirectly involved with the senator have tried furiously to knock off the import of the statement from public discourse with some rather incoherent logic, despite the fact that the meaning of the statement remains explicit, simple and straightforward.

There is no contention about OBA's right and freedom of association. But the credence he sought - using "christ" and "closeness to youths" as veils in that his cultism admission was blasphemy and manipulative. OBA's blasphemous "cultists for christ" balderdash has raised questions which the senator will have to address. Who said that OBA is a cultist? Which youths was OBA referring to? What were the embedded motives of OBA's statement? Answering these questions within the context of OBA's statement will be beneficial in ways more than one.

Who are the 'they' Senator Albert referred to when he said, "they said, I am a cultist"? The first time cultism-related leadership in relation to the 2023 governorship entered the media space in Akwa Ibom state was at a meeting between the governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and the clergy - fathers of faith, as they are called - in the state. At that meeting, the governor reportedly appealed to the clergy to support his desire not to handover the state to a cultist by the time he will leave office in 2023. For me, that was a genuine appeal even though the governor cannot excuse himself that he was driven on the crest of a massive cultism-induced support to power in 2019, a position OBA is clinging onto. Governor Udom Emmanuel has invested huge capital in the spiritual uplift of the state; as such would not want the state to lose such capital by entrenching an inglorious reign of cultism. Prior to OBA's statement, it was only the governor that talked about cultism and public governance in the state. So, was OBA's comment viewed by many as infantile and irresponsible a subtle and indirect blackmail against the governor who said that he will not handover the state to a cultist?

Why was OBA desperately responding to the governor's cult/governorship narrative if it is true that "cultism is a religion and everyone who supports a religion is a cultist" as advanced by his supporters? Why is OBA jittery? Could he be suspecting that those who accused him of breeding cultists during the last administration have told the governor that he is a cultist? Is he afraid that the cults he is alleged to have bred may come after him should he lose political relevance? Senator Albert is not alone in the governorship race; there are other respected Akwa Ibom persons including, Senator John Udoedehe, Mr. Udom Inoyo, Engr. Mike Enyong, Mr. Akan Okon, Senator Ita Enang, and Barr. Onofiok Luke. Why has the governor's blanket statement pinched him alone?

Senator Albert claimed that he was accused of being a cultist because of his closeness to the youths. Which "youths" was he talking about? Was he talking about his closeness to the hundreds of unemployed youths who hang around his house at Shelter Afrique every Christmas? Who is not close to the youths amongst those seeking the governorship? OBA is not popular among responsible youths than Onofiok, Akan, Ita, Mike, John, and Udom. Therefore, his claim that he is close to the youths was superfluous, deceptive and manipulative. Strictly, his motive on this was to manipulate the youths to buy into his profane sentiments, while extracting their endorsement using a very crude and out-of-fashion propaganda.

Good leaders do not seek to manipulate the people they want to lead, they inspire them. In the eternal words of Myles Munroe, on "keys to becoming a leader", true leaders do not use their capacity to tantalize the sheepish emotions of the people with their words. True leadership is completely opposite to manipulation, it's about inspiration. OBA's claim of closeness to the youths was aimed to "tantalize their emotions."

Also, OBA wanted the youths to think that his governorship ambition is driven by their interest. This is not true. The governorship is his personal quest for power, not for the service of the youths. How many youths have OBA sacrificed his resources and pride to give the kind of opportunity he was given by Senator Godswill Akpabio? Senator Albert was appointed commissioner for finance, Akwa Ibom state at the age of 35 in what was a deliberate capital investment in the youths by the Akpabio administration. Twelve (12) years down the line, OBA has sat as chairman senate committee on gas resources, and currently sits as chairman senate committee on petroleum (upstream). These are very 'juicy' committees. How many sustainable jobs and business opportunities has he opened for the youths he desire to be seen as having so much love for through these committees?

It is time for those whom the "gods have cracked their kernel" to give account of the strategic capital investment they have made in the state for the youths, not rice, wrapper, house rent and 'tokunbo' car empowerment. Engr. Michael Enyong who has not enjoyed half of the public privileges OBA has enjoyed, has shown record that he has facilitated 55 exotic employment in federal institutions for his constituents. Emmanuel Ekon who chaired a low grade committee in the house of representatives as compared to OBA's has attracted a whooping N700 million worth state-of-the-art carpentry workshop/equipment to Technical College, Abak. Buying of 'tokunbo' cars and rice and lining up 'youths', who are defined by 'brotherhood', 'families' and 'churches', (for whatever that means) and distributing it to them, has not conferred on anyone the status of a seer and mouthpiece of the youths. The rice OBA shares is bought from the rice farm of his contemporary, a senator from Kebbi state. One can imagine the number of youths and women who live off the farm and its value-chain. If OBA were to be genuinely interested in sustainable human capacity development, he would have as a mark of love for the youths attracted investors from his vantage position in the senate to invest in rice production in his local government, Ibiono Ibom which has vast landmass for rice production. He would have been interested in maximizing the enormous agric potential his local government is known for to create employment and a value-chain. People who genuinely love the youths think about lifting them out of poverty, not using their vulnerability to manipulate them to conform with their wishes.

I will not contend with those arguing that OBA is popular. It can also be said that he has far-reaching business interests than any youth his age from Akwa Ibom who rode on the benevolence of the public to stardom. Bassey Albert should be proving his love by publishing the lists of Akwa Ibom youths who are drawing salaries from his investments anywhere in Akwa Ibom state. John Maxwell noted in one of his leadership treaties that, "a successful person finds the right place for himself. But a successful leader finds the right place for others."

Senator Albert is interested in the governorship. I totally agree with him that 'no man can stop his destiny', provided divinity had included what he seeks in the chronicle of his life. In seeking endorsement for his 'destiny', Senator Albert should know that as a christian-dominated state, the people also have a destiny to reject his mindless, manipulative and blasphemous profanity. OBA should seek the support of the youths genuinely and courteously, not incite them against the governor and others whom he indirectly accused of calling him a cultist. The motive of his statement at the Uyo christmas get-together was clearly inciteful.

Akwa Ibom state needs a governor who will inspire positive influence. Senator Albert does not trust the peopel who work day and night for him. He said so at the congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on 23rd December, 2019 while advising the chairman of the union. At that congress, OBA said, "don't trust any man; don't even trust me, because I don't trust you." The import of that statement may have been lost on him, but the audience was startled by those words of caution which left a strong query on the character of the man who wishes to become governor.

All Village Youth President's in Ikono Clan Endorse Think Ekuh Initiative

...as group inaugurates Ikono Clan Chapter

Godwin Edet, Uyo.

Village youth presidents in all the 18 villages of Ikono Clan, Uyo Local Government Area on Sunday endorsed the advocacy group, Think Ekuh Initiative (TEI) as the Ikono Clan Chapter of the group was formally inaugurated by the Principal and Proginator, Elder Ndanti Ekuh who is the Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation.

The inauguration which took place in Uyo coincided with the thank you and new year get together organized by the Governor's Aide to both current and former Village Youth Leaders in the entire Ikono Clan.

Speaking before inaugurating the group, Elder Ekuh said the group is an advocacy group that preach the message of Right thinking, Right Decision, Right action and Right timing, stressing that only a right thinking person can do the right thing and at the right time.

On how the group came about, Ekuh said the formation of the group was inspired by the biblical admonition in Philippians 4:18 which said "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

He enjoined the people of Ikono Clan and Uyo Local Government Area to endeavor to Think Right at all times no matter the circumstances so as to be able to do the right thing at any time, noting that it is godly and profitable to think right and do right.

While recounting the laudable achievements and impact of the group even before the formal inauguration of Ikono Clan Chapter, the Proginator said the group had sponsored an Essay Competition in the State with the theme, "For the Love of Uyo" where the first five winners went home with Certificates and cash prizes ranging from Seventy Thousand, Fourty thousand and also sponsored the first ever Ikono Clan Youth Summit as well as Elder Ndanti Ekuh Football Tournament between the two wards of Ikono Clan with winning prizes of trophy, Hundred Thousand, Fifty Thousand and more.

While calling the entire people of Uyo Local Government Area to team up and join the group, Ekuh said Think Ekuh Initiative has foster Love and Unity in Ikono which he said is the panacea for peace.

Atauko (Deacon) Ekemini Etukho from Ikono Ward 8 was inaugurated as the Chapter Chairman while the Nollywood Star, Mr. Ekere Nkanga from Ward 9 was the Secretary.

others were Anietie Elijah, Assistant Secretary, Ernest Udo Vice Chairman, Hon Emeti Aniekan, Director of Finance, Dominic William, Director Human Capacity Development, Comrade Mike Ekot, Director Contact and Mobilization, Samuel William, Director Security and Protocol, Mrs. Idara Aniedi, Director Women Affairs, Ime Brown, Director Youths and Sports, Uduak Bob, Director of Welfare, while Victoria Obot and Ofonime Ibanga are in charge of female Youths.

In his acceptance speech, the Chapter Chairman, Ekemini Etukho who spoke on behalf of the Exco members thank God for the birth of Think Ekuh Initiative in Ikono Clan, describing it as a change agent that will bring about positive change both in the mindset of the people and selfless leadership in the clan as well as physical development. He eulogized the proginator of the group, Elder Ndanti Ekuh for the vision of the group and for finding them fit for the leadership of the group, saying that it was a display of confidence in them. He said the Governor's Aide has sacrificed a lot for the betterment of Ikono Clan as an illustrious son of Ikono, assuring that with all the village youth presidents in Ikono Clan being members of Think Ekuh Initiative, the support of the entire youths in Ikono to the State Governor and the proginator will be hundred percent.

Further, Etukho who was also the Planning Chairmanship of the recently concluded first ever Ikono Clan Youth Summit said as the pioneer Exco Members of Think Ekuh Initiative, they will unanimously work to ensure solid foundation and success of the group not only in Ikono Clan, but the entire Uyo Local Government Area, even as he called on all stakeholders, youths, women, students and the elders to massively embrace the Think Ekuh Initiative and align with the groups core mandate which is a call to think right at all times.

Highpoint of the inauguration was the donation of thank you package to all the attendees of the recently concluded Ikono Clan Youth Summit who were accredited during the Summit.

IDSP: COVERING IRREDEEMABLE FAILURE WITH FAIRWEATHER EMPOWERMENT

By Joseph Atainyang

Truth has never been scared of its habitation. Truth is naked all the time and can survive anywhere. At least, the "Myth of Naked Truth" upholds the touring virtue of its existence as a phenomenon that cannot be ashamed to stand alone.

On the heels of the full-blown 'self exposure' which has deflated the accusation of Governer Udom Emmanuel that Òrò People are the reason he has failed to deliver on the campaign promise of Ibaka Deep Seaport, the long-standing resilience of Engr Nkpubre is once again being resounded.

In order to save their faces, they had to sponsor a lie. It was like that in Matt 28:12-15 when the Jews paid the soldiers A LARGE SUM OF MONEY, asking them to tell a lie that Jesus' disciples came to 'steal' His body while they (the soldiers) were asleep. The lie was meant to dissuade and distort history that Jesus actually resurrected from the death.

So was it with frustrated media hirelings of the Udom Emmanuel government. It is a pity that their Boss has opened his mouth so wide that they're now running berserk looking for a damage control. When they had an audio message that described the Governor in unkind words (may be it was good measure pressed down and shaken together and running over), they ran amoke like mad dogs and sponsored a lie. FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND NAIRA PER NEWSPAPER, paid from tax payers' money in a state with 51 percent of unemployment rate. That's a huge empowerment to each person right?

It is of no use to respond to them on the accusation that the voice in the audio is that of Engr Nkpubre. The sponsored agents of falsehood know it well. They know a fulfilled man like Nkpubre who was the MD/CEO of Niger Dock PLC, cannot descend so low as to speak in such manner of the governor. It is recalled that the week Nkpubre landed from Lagos, the Governor who called for the meeting with Òrò People was no where to be found. For a whole week, Nkpubre lingered, leaving his business just to address the issue once and for all.

For the innocent members of the public, it is important to state that the voice in the audio is not that of Engr Nkpubre.

The Mandate Eyes is a frustrated agent only remembered in times of tribulations. This writer has it in good authority that the Mandate Eyes was recently empowered with tax payers' money to spew their worthless text against the revered engineer. The call for the arrest of Engr Nkpubre is infantile, laughable and a huge sign of psychological defeat.

One thing that will torment them forever is the truth. They said Òrò stopped the investors. But the Petition of Òrò People sent to the investors was first published by them. And they can't point to which part of the Petition threatened the investors. In their inability to sustain the argument, they resort to blackmail.

If I were any of these men of low estate, I will tell the Governor to publicly apologize to Òrò People and Akwa Ibom citizens for his unsubstantiated claims. Unfortunately, there is no difference between the paymaster and his junk errand boys. Their only consolation at this moment is that even if it is difficult to cover-up the irredeemable failures of their Boss, it becomes a perfect moment for their Fairweather Empowerment.

Udom's Media Aides Should Go Back To Class

By John Ntekim

It's very unfortunate that Gov. Udom Emmanuel parades a sizeable number of tactless and unskilled fellows who major in motor park journalism as his media aides and image managers.

In their sheer ignorance and overzealousness, the governor's media advisers are chiefly responsible for the uncontrollable escalation of the Ibom (Ibaka) Deep Seaport dispute.

After the governor dropped his very offensive remarks about the people of Oro Nation, it is commonsensical that what ought to have followed instantly is a damage control approach. Rather, his 'media boys' attempted to further ridicule the just cause being pursued by the Oro people, in an attempt to pitch the rest of the State against the Oro man.

As we can see, their crude approach has extremely backfired, and His Excellency is at the receiving end of the consequences. Perhaps, his boys failed to understudy the resilience and fighting capacity of the people they tried to engage. What a pity!

In fact, the content of the Oro people's petition desperately circulated by the governor's media handlers only succeeded in opening the eyes of every unbiased Akwa Ibom person to the injustice that has been meted on the Oro people in the last 6 years. Such a shamefully counterproductive effort.

The privileged quacks who pride themselves as government spokespersons in Akwa Ibom State must learn from this experience, to acquire basic public relations skills, particularly in crisis management. It's never too late.

The recent controversy presented a test of professionalism and Mr Governor's media handlers had laboured so hard to collectively score parallel F9.

Ultimately, their only achievement is the weaponizing of political outliners and opposition against the government and the ruling party in the State, who in 2023 will have nothing left to tell the Oro people, after this reckless show of hatred.

Before the situation further deteriorates, let the governor send his boys back to class!

JN

IDSP CONTROVERSY: A MESSAGE FROM ORO UNITY FORUM

As a pan-Oro sociocultural organization, the Oro Unity Forum considers divisive and unacceptable, the recent remarks made by His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, in which he blamed the lethargic progress of the Ibom Deep Seaport project on the people of Oro Nation, on the claims that progress of the project is being stalled by petitions written by the Oro people.

The Forum also condems in strong terms, the seeming sponsorship of media hirelings to further insult the Oro people from an absolutely misinformed point of view. This betrays the government's commitment to the maintenance of peace in the State.

It is instructive to note that the people of Oro are bonafide citizens of Akwa Ibom State and we reserve the right to express our concerns on whatever involves our communities and the entire State such as the Ibom Deep Seaport project.

It therefore follows that the governor's refusal to listen to the findings of the Oro Nation Technical Committee on Ibom Deep Seaport, and his resort to 'naming and shaming' the Oro people constitute a display of outright disrespect for the feelings of our people. This, of course, necessitated the petitions which the governor says has discouraged interested investors.

However, having examined the findings presented by the Oro Technical Committee headed by the former MD/CEO of Nigerdock, Engr. Nkpubre O. Nkpubre, Oro Unity Forum is of the view that the issues raised by the Committee are too germane and fundamental to be ignored by the State Government and host community, if both parties are genuinely interested in the development of the deep seaport.

Accordingly, the Oro Unity Forum calls on Gov. Udom Emmanuel to advance dialogue with relevant stakeholders of the Oro ethnic nationality, to address the claims made by the Committee chaired by the respected Engineer Nkpubre led Committee, especially on the government's purported decision to embark of the construction of a dugout seaport, and the alteration of other aspects of the Seaport masterplan, including its location and gateway.

OUF acknowledges the roles played in the last few days by the Secretary to State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, as well as other government officials, to assuage the governor's frayed nerves over the unfortunate random responses that his outburst against the Oro people has generated, but we wish the governor would reciprocate the gesture by assuming a fatherly position, and pursue an understanding with the Oro people, to put the worrisome controversy to rest.

Finally, the Oro Unity Forum appeals to the generality of Oro people, especially social media users and opinion leaders to ceasefire and relax the overheated debate, promote harmonious coexistence amongst the different parts of the State, while we hope strongly that His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel places premium on the oneness of Akwa Ibom State, and allows same to reflect in his posturing and public comments, going forward.

God bless Oro!
God bless Akwa Ibom State.

Hon. Elder Ben Oyombio
President, Oro Unity Forum
29th September, 2021

IBAKA DEEP SEAPORT SAGA: THE WAY FORWARD

By, Bishop Etim Ante
President-General,
Oron Union

The Ibaka Deep Seaport struggle is an institutional and communal issue. It affects Oro ethnic nationality and Akwa Ibom State Government. It is not a personal matter. The Governor is complaining about certain actions taken by Oro people through a concerted effort to register their grievances about the attempted relocation of Ibaka Deep Seaport from the original location to a disputed area, which used to be part of Oro land according to 1957 map.

In the light of the above, I have to consult properly with the heads of various institutions in Oro for a better result. I am very conscious of my strategic role as the chief spokesperson of Oro Nation and I can't take this unique mandate of Oro people for granted. We must as a matter of necessity rise and address any matter affecting the Oro people in this critical period of Oro history. We have been doing this from inception of this administration, no matter whose ox is gored.

Posterity will judge us individually and collectively should we fail to take the bull by the horns and stand by Oro People to conquer these obstacles inflicted on us by agents of oppression. We are aware of the roles of certain elements among us who are trying to be more Catholic than the Pope, trading the fortunes of Oro People for their personal gains. It is very sure that the God of Oro people is watching us and shall reward all our efforts and actions and judge us accordingly.

It is said that what is worth doing is worth doing well. In other words, Oro Union is our revered institution founded by our forebearers over ninty six years ago to fight for the rights of Oro People.

The Union should be seen as a dependable bridge between the Oro People and the outside world. We should be courageous and fastidious in tackling all matters of public interest for a better result, since the Union is the last hope of the Oro People both at Home and in the Diaspora.

Consequently, there will be a strategic stakeholders meeting of the Oro people on Wednesday, the 29th September, 2021 at the Oro Civic Centre and a special general meeting of the Oron Union On the 2nd October, 2021 to ratify our decisions to move Oro forward.

It is incontestable fact that I have addressed the protracted issues of the purported relocation of the much touted Ibaka Deep Seaport, both in Oro Civic Centre with the IDSP Committee of the State Government and with our Governor in the Governor's Lodge, Uyo.

This, I have done to the best of my ability and with every sincerety of purpose in line with the yearnings and aspirations of Oro People. In all these interactions, we are always relying on our Petition to the Governor as an Article of Faith and our technical input for the advancement of the project.

I acted in good faith when I insisted and persuaded Oro People in our global Special General Meeting (SGM) through zoom network to send the Petition firstly to the Governor to seek his fatherly consideration on Oro position and to resolve the matter amicably before involving any third party.

It is on record that Oro People resolved to give one month interval to allow the Governor enough time to study the Petition and react accordingly. Unfortunately, the expectation of Òrò People was not met.

We shall address the Press with all the facts and figures at our disposal after the Special General Meeting (SGM) on Saturday, the 2nd day of October, 2021 at the prestigious Oro Civic Centre. This is aimed at strengthening our position and to put the record straight on the Deep Seaport relocation debacle and other critical issues affecting Oro People.

I want to state emphatically that Oro People have never threatened any INVESTOR(S) nor have any ulterior motive to truncate this lofty and laudable project that will boost the economic potentials of Oro Nation as the host Community in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.

No serious INVESTOR(S) will hastily disengage from such a gigantic project on the strength of a mild Letter of Appeal from the host Community seeking the most suitable and cost-effective location with detailed technical inputs if their intention was genuine.

Due to our passion for this unique project that will bring succour to our people, we are highly worried about the withdrawal of the Federal Government from this important project and this should not be attributed to the well intended position of Oro People. There should be conscious effort to bring back the Federal Government to back up the project.

Critically, the original plan that was conceptualised by successive State Administrations was for the road to the Deap Seaport to traverse the Seaport in Ibaka through Oron, Okobo, Nsit Atai road, bringing the influence to empty in Uyo, which is our revered State Capital, before discharging to other parts of the Country and the outside World.

Regrettably, the current masterplan of the Deep Seaport which has a gateway through Ibeno will pass through Eket, Onna, East-West Road to Aba and Port Harcourt, bypassing Uyo, thereby diverting the direct economic impact of the Deep Seaport away from Oron the host Community and Uyo, the State Capital to other parts of Nigeria...

This will help to correct erroneous impressions created about the position of the Oro People in this regard. We shall therefore, publish the much touted Petition which has become a subject of controversy. The Petition is persuasive and appealing in nature, which is aimed at convincing the Governor to consider and see the dire need to revert to the original and preferred location, near the natural harbour with sustainable cost, as against the proposed DUGOUT PORT that will result in the creation of artificial OCEAN of (1km square), without any Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

*The Petition also seeks to address the cost implications and environmental hazard of dumping of huge excavated sand and debris from the DUGOUT Areas on Oro Natural Harbour that can pose serious environmental challenges for future development of the area.*

The Special General Meeting (SGM) shall also determine the date and the modus operandi of the long awaited visit to the proposed controversial site of the Deep Seaport to confirm the rightful position of our God's given land and to identify our original boundary thereof, which was established by our forebearers before the skewed arrangement made by Brigadier-General U. J. Esuene's Government and other successive Administrations in Akwa Ibom State.

It is sad to note that the skewed map which is a manifest error is still being used to suit their whims and caprices, and to deliberately deny the Oro People the ownership of a large landed area, some OIL WELLS and other mineral resources.

The Special General Meeting (SGM) will among other things have a critical look at the administrative high handedness, intimidation and unwarranted arrest of Oron People by the Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron and other important issues of mutual interest.

We are conscious of the fact that Oro People are endangered species, constantly prone to attacks and always subjugated to incessant oppression by every Tom, Dick and Harry that have any opportunity to have dealings with Oro People or to superintend over any affair concerning Oro as an ethnic nationality.

It is pathetic to note that in some cases, these injustices are perpetrated against us in the midst of our enemies within, who are comfortably enmeshed with largess and gratification for themselves to the detriment of the collective interest of Oro People.

May I therefore use this medium to appeal to Oro People to remain calm and go about their normal businesses as law abiding citizens. It is our prayer that God of heaven will intervene in this precarious situation and provide solution to this avoidable crisis in no distant time.

In the same vein, I appeal to the entire Akwa Ibom people to show deep concern to the Plight of Oro as we're still open to meaningful dialogue.

Yak Abazi Odiong Oro!
Yak Abazi Odiong Akwa Ibom!!
Yak Abazi Odiong Nigeria

Bishop Etim Ante
PGOU

LIKE GOVERNOR LIKE AIDES: A'IBOM PEOPLE AREN'T 'ILLITERATES'

By Joseph Atainyang

It is not surprising that some aides of Governor Udom Emmanuel have found no hiding place for their shameless faces, after their paymaster fell so low with his divisive utterances against Oro. They have made bold steps to show loyalty and declare that they will perish with their master. Even if they may have had no public oath of office, they clearly have their allegiance to the governor who must detect their tunes as a piper.

One becomes petrified getting to see them follow the footsteps of their gang leader. But this proximity and uniformity in their thoughts and reasoning can never be a surprise. It is to be expected, because like others will keep saying, "anywhere belle face na front." Hence, they are determined to join the governor in twisting facts before the public.

Unfortunately, Akwa Ibom people have never been illiterates. We can read and write, and we can employ clear logic in our intellection to beat their faulty predictions. The ultimate result is that the Governor's wishes to confuse, mislead and defeat the people whom he once called "stack illiterates", becomes completely paralyzed.

In their attempt to save the face of their paymaster, they juggled the logic and place it upside down. They tend to conjure the emotions of reasonable minds towards believing that Oro is not a peaceful society. Like it is elsewhere, there are many people from other ethnic groups within and outside Akwa Ibom State who are resident in Òrò. They are testifying that Òrò is a very conducive place to be. Infact, all the pressure of marginalization targeted at Òrò is also being suffered by them. They are obviously facing such pain as "indirect objects" do in grammatical analysis. The pain is directed at Oro people, but these innocent residents of Oro are facing it too. So, those who feel their focus is to punish Oro with underdevelopment and political emasculation, must understand that their kith and kin are also suffering.

Òrò is ever peaceful. Those who are getting misty that development cannot thrive in Oro because it is not peaceful, must trace the origin of chaos. They must be sincere in reporting whether their endless jealousy is not why Oro is protesting. That the state isn't smoky after persistent years of marginalization, outright provocation and undue oppression, cannot be attributed to something else. It is because of the inherent peaceful nature of the Òrò people that they (oppressors) are finding it pleasant to walk over their (Òro's) portion.

The Governor's aides heard their paymaster clearly when he opened wide his mouth to abuse the third largest ethnic nationality in the state. Governor Udom is just one person who prickles the reserved emotions of hundreds of thousands of Oro people by his utterances. But his aides came to save his face by trying to edit the governor's very own choice of words. Of course, if he wanted referring to "some Oro people", he would have safely done so. But he was careful as a 'literate' person to say that "Oro people are the cause of his failures." The implication is simple. The Governor is asking the rest of the state, to forgive his poor performance in all areas of his administration, simply because Oro people petitioned the investors. He is subtly asking the rest of the state to take up arms against Òrò for not allowing him to "construct the seaport and reduce the threatening unemployment rate of 51 percent in the state." But is he calculative in his reasoning? The answer is no.

As I will consistently say in this piece, Akwa Ibom people are not illiterates. We have never been illiterates. We know the governor was insincere because he knows that the seaport will give jobs to hundreds of thousands of Akwa Ibom citizens, regardless the fact that it is cited in Òrò. To be clear, the same number of jobs the seaport will generate if sited in Òrò, is the same that will be obtainable where it is taken to. So, those trying to accuse the Oro people of not allowing the governor to build the port for job creation must get it right.

Like the Governor, his aides keep minding their business by carefully copying their paymaster to say that the relocation of the seaport was for "technical reasons." Unfortunately, they, like the governor, have remained unable to explain to Akwa Ibom citizens what these technical reasons are. They are afraid to tell the people that scientific considerations placed Okposo Bay near Ibaka at number one (1). The same consideration placed Unyenge at number four (4). But in their usual ethnocentric psychic furore, they decided to change the location to suit their exclusive commandeering inclination.

Meanwhile, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) earlier done for location one, with which they obtained approval, is still being deployed for their manipulative location choice. They haven't explained to Akwa Ibom people that their choice location is only obtainable with a Dug Out Port, where a mass area of land will be carved out for artificial Harbour. Still within this frame, is the apparent likelihood for constant dredging. Question is, why go through the stress when a natural Harbour lies some metres away? These will never be part of their chorus in defense of their paymaster.

Again, defenders of Ette are bereft of ideas, resulting in their poor use of biblical analogies. The matter between two harlots and King Solomon being employed is laughable. They refer to Oro as the careless woman who after discovering the death of her child came to steal from another, asking Solomon to kill the remaining child for peace to reign. They rely on the matter to say that Oro is asking the seaport to be taken to another state, if it is not in Ibaka. This is the poorest logic any human person could think of, no matter how illogical and unreasonably derailing they may be. Oro has never asked the seaport to be taken out of the state, if it can't be built in Oro. That's a lie from the pit of hell, deliberately concocted by agents of darkness to negotiate a different topic.

They demonize Oro for writing a petition that scares away investors. To interrogate their skewed verdict against Oro, let's understand what it means to write a petition. The lexical item, 'petition' simply denotes "a formal written request made to an authority or organized body; a written request or call for change signed by many people in support of a shared cause or concern." The word 'petition' means the same thing as "appeal, cry, desire, entreaty, plea, prayer, solicitation, and supplication." Question is, if Oro people pray, plead and entreat the governor to look into their concern, isn't it proper for him to respond to them?

Similarly, if the governor refused to listen to Òrò, can't they make same presentation to other authorities to visit their predicaments? This is exactly what Òrò did as a people. Since Governor Udom Emmanuel believes that Oro does not deserve his attention, they went to the investors whom they knew would not joke with the issues. Is that why the Governor should pitch Oro against the rest of the state, asking that Oro be held responsible for his failures? Truth is, if Udom cannot behave like a leader who must neither be selective nor vindictive in his duty, then he will continue to fail because every leader exists to dispense justice. I have stated it elsewhere and I should reiterate it; only people who can't think clearly will pardon the governor for his leadership failures and then proceed to laying blames on Oro.

History has recorded the many atrocities of various leaders of this state against Oro. From the days of the Mobil terminal forcefully taken from Ibaka to Ibeno, to the days of the first refinery taken to Port Harcourt during the Shehu Shagari era, Òrò will continue to reflect on what nature had against her by bringing her to this part of the globe. Today, the Calabar Port has failed because it was designed for Ibaka but forcefully taken to Calabar as a Dog Out Port. Sadly our leaders are still beclouded by hatred against Òrò. They can't resist the temptation of sidelining Òrò because of the thinking that Oro has no population to effect a reasonable political decision. They have seen that Oro is a blessed land who can't be cursed by the darkness of the heart of man. This hardness of heart may be for a purpose. We must be conscious at watching whether those persecuting Òrò are not close to getting their reward from He who sits over the affairs of men.

As for the corporate lies being told by both the Governor and his aides against Oro, they would remain frustrated because Akwa Ibom citizens are not daft. Even though they may join their paymaster to think that Akwa Ibom citizens and residents are 'illiterates' as the Governor one said in 2016, they would be disappointed because it is not so. Akwa Ibom citizens and residents are very knowledgeable and have the capacity for clear thinking. The citizens can't believe their incendiary comments about a race, after they (Òrò people) have been provoked to take their destinies in their hands. And like Chris Abasi Eyo would say, "Oro is being insulted. Oro is not a person; it is a place. All haters of Oro will go away; but Oro will remain until Jesus comes."

Joseph Atainyang is a journalist and public affairs commentator.

Ibaka Deep Seaport: Udom Whipping Sympathy for His Failures

By Joseph Atainyang

It has become very apparent that the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel is determined to sustain his blackmail against Oron people till infinity. It is very clear that Udom Emmanuel is bent on setting up the Oro people against the rest of the state.

In the 9th Series of his "Governor's Speak Programme" earlier today, Saturday, September 25, 2021, broadcast live on all Radio and TV stations across the state, the Governor has clearly demonstrated limitless hatred against Oro people. He has insulted Engr Nkpubre Okon Nkpubre who is well known across Nigeria and West Africa for his renowned engineering profile.

Frustrated by his inability to command loyalty from Engr Nkpubre as is conversant to the dirty politics in the state, Udom has resorted to seizing all available opportunities to telling an incomplete story about Oro. Engr Nkpubre is undoubtedly the most outspoken Oro person of late. He is the Chairman of Oro Nation Technical Committee on Ibom Deep Seaport. Nkpubre is also the former MD/CEO of Niger Dock PLC. It should be clear that other than presenting issues based on facts, Nkpubre cannot be deceived on the seaport matter, as it is the culture with this government.

A few weeks back, while addressing a stakeholders meeting convened by himself, Governor Emmanuel called out the President-General of Oron Union, His Lordship Bishop Etim Ante and thoroughly embarrassed him. He told the gathering that Oron people were writing petitions to all quarters to discredit his effort at building the seaport. Governor Udom Emmanuel said Oron people were writing to investors to stop the construction of the Seaport. He stated that the petition was informed by the name-change of the Seaport from Ibaka Deep Seaport to Ibom Deep Seaport.

Governor Emmanuel added that the "slight relocation" was for technical reasons and that it was moved to Unyenge which he said was still part of Oro land. Today on radio, instead of focusing on the issues clearly stated in the petition that was sent to him, he drifted very abnormally and unreasonably to attack the personality of a man who is respected across the globe.

In all these, Mr Udom Emmanuel has clearly refused to address the facts of the matter. But in this article, I will escape the seductive attraction towards speaking for the revered engineer. Of course, all true followers of the conversation can attest to the competence and inexhaustible energy of Engr Nkpubre. I can well predict that he will come out personally on this unprovoked insult meted out to him.

First, I must say that Governor Udom Emmanuel represents a character typology of Jacob in the Bible. But unlike the biblical Jacob, Udom has proven to be hyper-negative. Remember that Jacob meditated on his conspiracy and actual stealing of his brother's blessing. He also tried to be kind to the brother so that he (Esau) may forgive him. But Governor Udom Emmanuel is not like that. After his palm kernel was cracked for him by benevolent spirit, making him take the position of Òrò in the 2015 governorship, he cannot regret his full manifestation of treachery and deception. The best Mr Udom Emmanuel can do is make the "labour" of Oro people "harder" than he came to meet.

One would have expected Deacon Udom Emmanuel to live up to his ecclesiastical title. Udom Emmanuel knows that Ibaka Deep Seaport was well planned. He knows the location was Okposo in Mbo local government area. Udom was the Secretary to Government of Akwa Ibom State in 2013. He knows it was that same 2013 that efforts were made to change the location. Udom knows there was absolutely nothing wrong with Okposo. Udom knows the scientific methods which favoured the selection of Okposo (number one), placed Unyenge at number four position. But because of the eternal hatred of his origin against Oro, they moved the location to the tail end of Unyenge, a disputed area for that matter.

A truthful leader would have listened to Oro people when they did a petition to Mr Udom Emmanuel as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Òrò as a people asked him to address a number of issues listed in the petition. But as a Governor who perhaps share the faulty belief that 'Òrò lacks the population to effect any significant change in political decisions of the state, he refused to do anything about it.

Let it be known to Akwa Ibom citizens and all lovers of justice around the world that Òrò people only wrote to the investors when Governor Udom Emmanuel failed to address the petition. In his mind, he may have thought that any step taken by Òrò would be inconsequential. But when the investors reached back to him and asked him to clear with the host community, he ran back to Òrò people, as frustrated as can be imagined. Yet, the Governor refused to spend time to address the meeting he personally arranged with Oro people in July this year.

Before I dropped this piece, let me address the last section of this all-time-messy outing of the Governor. Those who listened to him could hear him saying Oro should be held responsible for his inability to execute the project. I must state here that only people with questionable intellectual composition would take this Governor seriously. We must all know that the Governor was successful at manipulating all factors of the seaport to his personal taste. We must understand that their manipulations scared the Federal Government away from the project. Akwa Ibom citizens should ask Governor Emmanuel why FG withdrew from maintaining it's 20 percent stake in the project.

Governor Udom Emmanuel should tell the state what efforts he made at even commencing the construction of the Seaport, let alone getting to complete it before leaving office. In fact, to cut short the long story, Akwa Ibom people should ask Mr Udom Emmanuel whether he was going to use two years to complete the construction of the seaport when he spent six years (and God knows when it will end) to poorly handle the construction of the Airport-Nsit Atai-Okobo Road. Or is the Governor even serious that the seaport hasn't been relocated with a different gateway in mind?

It is safe to announce that everyone cannot suffer from dementia. Unfortunately, the Governor who in 2016 said that Akwa Ibom people are illiterates still believe the people of the state do not have the faculties to think clearly. How can Mr Udom Emmanuel explain his intention to build a Seaport in Òrò but can't finish the road that should serve as gateway in six years? It is either Mr Udom Emmanuel has a hidden agenda he is pursuing with the pretext of the seaport or he is decisive at maintaining his hatred for Oro.

One thing is sure, Òrò people will not surrender on this issue. The fight for the seaport is not being handled by political leaders of Oro who have all it takes to frustrate the will of the people. The seaport is the soul of Òrò people dead or alive. If Udom cannot be satisfied with his long years of consistent marginalization of Oro, he could ask for something else or simply go to sleep. For the seaport, he can be assured that Oro will not go back on their stance. If Mr Udom Emmanuel has good conscience, he would leave the seaport where it was designed to be. But his unending hatred against Oro makes it clear that he is determined to do anything to curry away the fortunes of Oro Nation. Perhaps I should point it out that the accusation against Oro is Udom's was of whipping sympathy for his failure

I can now speak as an Oracle, it was this same wickedness that caused the ten plagues in Egypt. Udom should mind his steps before he incurs the wrath of God.

Joseph Atainyang is a journalist and public affairs commentator.

Bachelors Must Marry But Marriage List And Bride Price Should Be Reduced - Leo Leo Umana

....My first bill if elected.

David John, Uyo.

The Covener, Bachelors Must Marry Ministry, Mr. Leo Leo Umana has called on families to look into the high cost of marriage list and bride price in Akwa Ibom State.

Making the call today on his Facebook wall, he wrote "Bachelors must Marry! But Marriage is very costly in Our society. Let Marriage list and bride price be reduced please".

"Parents and families that put generator and motorcycle in marriage list, how do they sleep at the night? Umana queries.

Mr. Umana who is also the Executive Director, Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, promised to make sure if he elected into Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in 2023 the bill on regulation of Marriage list and bride price would be his first bill in the house.

Bachelors Must Marry Ministry is a Non Profitable organisation that is aim at encouraging young men who are of marriageable age to marry and start an early family and be responsible for themselves and to the society.

Oro Unity Forum Inaugurates Elders' Council

... Ante, Utok, Edenseting, Esu, ors members.

Emmanuel Eneyo, Uyo.


Oro Unity Forum, a socio cultural organization on Sunday during their monthly general meeting inaugurated Elders Council to serve as the advisory board of the Forum.

The Elders council with 25 distinguished members are selected from each of the local government areas of Oro nation was inaugurated in Uyo.

The 25 man elders council shall serve both as an advisory board to the Forum and the 1st-tier adjudication authority.

Inaugurating the council at the Club House, the president of the Forum, Hon. Ben oyombio reminded them that the advice and encouragement of elders will make for transparent adminstration as well as ensuring that the Forum stays on course in good leadership.

The president urged the newly inaugurated Elders Council to be of good conduct and work hard to justify the essence of their new office.

Speaking, the new chairman of the elders council, Ulap Christopher Ante on behalf of the new elders assured the forum of their willingness to work for the unity and progress of the Forum in tendam with the constitution.

He pledged that the council under his leadership would be committed to give invaluable advice for the development of the Forum.

Those inaugurated were, Christopher Ante, Chairman, Effiong Effiong, Vice Chairman, Nkereuwem Edet, Secretary, Nkereuwem Utok, Owen John, Nkoyo Umoh, Bassey Etim, Okon Ulo, Emmanuel Uweh, Godwin Alfred, Ben Okung, Edumoh Essang, Augustine Atteh, Livinus Ekpenyong, Christopher Edunoh, Effiong Anso, Nkereuwem Ekung, Alice Udiminue, Asuquo Esifa, Benedict Edenseting, Effiong Ekpe, Godwin Esu, Daniel Bassey, Obed Johnson and James John.

Oro Unity Forum Inaugurates New Exco

Emmanuel Eneyo, Uyo.

Oro Unity Forum yesterday inaugurated its new Forum Executive Council, to pilot the affairs of the Forum for another two years. The ceremony which took place at the Prestigious club house of the forum was well attended by patriotic members of the forum.

The new FEC is headed by the re-elected President, Hon. (Elder) Ben Oyombio, a very distinguished award winner, Lions Club International and lecturer, Akwa Ibom State University, AKSU, a member of a renowned Global Service Organisation.

Others are; Akua Wisudu Akan, Vice President 1, Bassey Sam Essang, Vice President II, Victor Okon Esu, Secretary General, Christian Uko, Assistant Secretary, Effiom Essien Etim, Financial Secretary, Itoro Edet, Welfare, Affiong Obiosio, Women Coordinator, Affiong Ebieme, Deputy Women Coordinator, Emmanuel Eneyo, Public Relations Officer and Quincy Ating as Treasurer.

Addressing the forum, the International President, Hon. Ben Congratulated the just Sworn in Exco members and charged them to display their dexterity towards moving the forum to the next level.

The event featured official Presentation of Certificates of return to the newly Sworn-In executive members, official presentation of Multi-purpose cooperative certificate to the chairman of the cooporative and the OUF President.

ORO UNITY FORUM RE-ELECTS HON. BEN OYOMBIO AS PRESIDENT

Emmanuel Eneyo, Uyo.

Hon. (Elder) Ben Oyombio has emerged President of the famous Oro Unity Forum for a 2year second term at the Forum Election/Inauguration Ceremony held in Uyo today.

Oro Unity Forum is a socio-cultural organization membered by indigenes from all local government areas of Oro Nation in Akwa Ibom State.

Ben is a native of Osu Offi in Okobo Local Government Area, a scholar and businessman who was first elected President of the Forum in 2019.

Previously Held Positions:
- Assistant Secretary, National Association of Akpakip Oro Students, Worldwide (1995/1996).
- Secretary General, National Association of Okobo Students, Worldwide (1995/1996).
- Press Secretary to Okobo Legislative Council (2000 - 2003)
- Personal Assistant to the Executive Chairman, Okobo LGA (2004 - 2007).
- Councillor representing Offi II and the Leader, Okobo Legislative Council (2012 - 2015).

Positions Held In OUF:
- Chairman, Forum Electoral Committee (2015)
- Chairman, Sub Committee on Culture (OUF Week 2015)
- Chairman, Sub committee on Mobilization (OUF Week 2016)
- Chairman, Central Planning Committee (OUF Week 2017)
- Chairman, Central Planning Committee (OUF 2018)
- BOT Member Representing Okobo LGA.
- Forum President (2019 - 2021)

Community Service:
- Donation of 5 wheelchairs to physically challenged Oro nation indigenes.
- Financial assistance to selected youths for entrepreneurial programs.

Hon. Ben Oyombio is a member of a renowned global service organization, Lions Clubs International which he also served as President.

Awards:
- Pillar of Service Award - 2012
- Excellence Award - 2013
- Lions of the Year Award - 2014
- Distinguished Leadership Award - 2019
- Certificate of Commendation - 2020

Work Experience;
- Teacher, Community Secondary School, Offi; 1999 - 2000
- Teacher, Mafon Secondary Commercial School, Oron; 2000
- Lecturer, Akwa Ibom State University; 2019 till date.

Hon.(Elder) Ben Oyombio is a devout Christian and ordained Elder of Living Spring Bible Church.

EXCLUSIVE: Lady Narrates How Solomon Arase Saved Her From Suicide

By Emmanuel Eneyo

A Facebook user by name Patience Natasha has taken to her Facebook wall to narrates how she almost end her life in 2016 if not for the intervention of the then Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase.

According to her story, she said "in my HND2 first Semester exams in 2014, I was involved in examination malpractise, I was given 4 semesters (2 years) suspension. Being that I was the departmental General Secretary and also Head of Class, I wanted to end everything by commiting suicide due to shame. My mates went to NYSC the next year that was 2015, it was worst and I thought I will never wear NYSC KHAKI.

On a particular night, I went to buy Rat Poison and Snipper so I can end my life, I cried my eyes out that night, I didnt know when I slept off, I had a dream that my ELDER SISTER and I went to swim, I was drowned in the process but was rescued by some able men, in that dream, she told me that if anything had happened to me, she would have killed herself.
I woke up from the dream, I looked at the poisons I bought, I thought of my elder sister, she was my all in all, no mother, no father, I said to myself, God forbid, I will never kill myself because I live for my sister and she lives for me too.
I threw the poisons away.
I said to myself, well, I will serve the 4 semesters suspension and come out strong.

AGAIN!
when I finally resumed school in 2016, I never knew I was to pay school fee for the semesters that I was not in school.
The only money on me was for the 2016 school fee and final year project money which was not even complete, I was frustrated, I made some calls to people I was 100% sure will help me, but I was turned down.

The Frustration led me to another reasoning of suicide, I made up my mind that I must commit suicide, nothing will stop me this time, I said to myself.
While going to buy another poison, it dawned on me that my late Mother was a police officer, and that police have not paid us her entitlements even though we've process it from getting LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION FROM COURT, TO ME TRAVELLING TO POLICE HEAD-QUARTERS, LOUIS EDET HOUSE, ABUJA TO ASK ABOUT HOW POLICE INSURANCE FOR THE NEXT OF KIN OF A DECEASED POLICE OFFICER IS DONE,
I turned back home, locked myself in my room and started praying.
I told God, Heavenly father, I want to engage myself on a 3 days dry fasting ( No food, No bathing, no water and no fruits).

That I want him to proof himself that he is still God after the fasting.
I also made a vow that I will give my 10% of whatever I will collect from Abuja to church.

I told my pastor about my intending fasting in church (GOD BLESS YOU, REV. OMOTAYO BALOGUN and PASTOR KAFISIERO)
On the set day, I carried my bed-Sheet, pillow, wrapper, Bible and hymn book to church (THE REDEEMED EVANGELICAL MISSION, (TREM) ABULE- OJERE, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE)
I jotted down my prayers request.
1...God should forgive me of all my sin.
2...That police should pay our late mother's insurance so I can be able to graduate from school.
I also wrote down the vow, that I will give God 10% of whatever I will collect from Abuja.

I started my fasting, I was in church for 3 days, I didn't go nowhere.
On the last day of the fasting, I fell into a trance, a voice told me GET IN TOUCH WITH SOLOMON ARASE (THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE THEN) tell him all your problems that he will help you, I heed to the voice, after I left church, I collected a phone from someone and googled SOLOMON ARASE, his number and email address popped out, I wrote them out, after writing them out, I said to God, you have started it, please complete it because I am LOOKING UP UNTO YOU, THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF MY FAITH AND ALSO THE FATHER TO THE ORPHANS, I sent a text message to Solomon Arase, I also messaged him on WhatsApp and also sent him an EMAIL.
After, 3 days, a number called me, the person was shouting on me, saying whether I want Arase to sack them from work, whether we didn't know that our names was published on THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER AND POLICE NEWSPAPER 3 MONTHS AGO? That why did I tell Solomon Arase that we've not collected our cheque?
I was shocked, I told him, but I've been coming to Abuja for this, the last time I came, i was told not to come again that police will inform all the next of kin when their names are being published so they can continue from there, he didnt say anything, all what he told me was to look for THE GUARDIAN OF MARCH that year, we were already in MAY.
I and my sis went to vendors, but we didnt see it.
I looked up again to GOD and said, please, complete what you have started, immediately, police library in police college ikeja, came to my memory, i begged my Elder sis to go there and check since she was in lagos and i was in Ogun state.
She went and saw it.

We began from there, she went to Abuja while she was in Abuja, she called to inform me that they were asking her whether i was her Elder sis? she said No, that I'm the younger one, they asked how i got the contacts of Arase, she told them she don't know, they attended to her, after 3 weeks, we were paid, i cried, looked up and said "THAT WAS YOU, GOD!

On sunday, i gave my pastors the 10% i vowed to God, he prayed for me, next day, I paid my school fees.
JANUARY 2017 TO DECEMBER 2017, I DID MY NYSC.

After this, I rebuked the thoughts of suicide and it disappeared".

SUICIDE is not an option! TALK TO GOD, REMEMBER HIM HIS WORDS, HE IS THE ONLY TRUE FRIEND THAT STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER.

We Support the Appointment of Effiong Akwa, says Niger Delta Youths

By Ezekiel Ibok, Uyo

Niger Delta Youths under the auspices of Oro Youth Council, has commended President Mohammadu Buhari for appointing Barrister Effiong Okon Akwa, as the Sole Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

The group described the appointment as a good news to the people of the Niger Delta region, due mainly to the administrative competence demonstrated by Akwa as the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration in the Commission.

“We are truly grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for giving priority to competence and wealth of experience in the choice of Mr Akwa as Interim Sole Administrator of NDDC.

"We have incurable faith in the capacity of Barr Effiong Okon Akwa to efficiently deliver on his mandate as the Interim Administrator of the agency”, the group said.

In a statement signed by the International President of Oro Youth Council, Ulap Chris Ante, the group pledged its support to the new face of the NDDC, saying “We hereby wish to congratulate Mr. Effiong Akwa on his well-deserved appointment as Sole Administrator, NDDC and we also wish to assure him of our unflinching and unalloyed support to help him succeed in his new assignment.

"We pledge to give him our support as youths of the region and as partners in progress.”

Describing President Muhammadu Buhari as a "transparent leader, who is undaunted in his drive towards eradicating corruption in the country", the group pledged their allegiance to President Buhari, and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio.

The Group further called on “all critical Niger Delta Stakeholders and youths to give him the needed support to succeed as Sole Administrator."

"It is time to eschew bitterness and anti-developmental activities and focus on the holistic development of the Niger Delta Region.

"Let us give peace a chance and allow Mr Effiong Akwa to deploy his robust wealth of knowledge and experience to effectively discharge his duties as the Interim Administrator of NDDC for accelerated regional development”, they submitted.

NDDC: Akwa qualifies to be appointed by the Presidency-
Oku Ibom tells Ijaw youths

The Oku Ibom Ibibio and Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Daniel Etuk has told Ijaw youths that Barr. Effiong Okon Akwa qualifies the appointment of Interim Administrator for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the Presidency.

He said this in a statement signed by him recently as he warns youths against threatening the unity, security and development in the Niger Delta region.

In his words: " As a bonafide indigene of Niger Delta from Akwa Ibom, Barr. Effiong Okon Akwa is eminently qualified to be so appointed by the Presidency. "

"For the records, Akwa Ibom is the leading oil producing state in Nigeria with 504, 000 barrels of crude oil production daily, topping the chart with 31.4 % against eight ( other states in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.

"Harbouring a sense of entitlement in the region by some sections against others in the Niger Delta should be jettisoned as it is capable of undermining and threatening the unity, security and development of our depraved region despite being the nation’s bastion of oil and gas wealth. "

Ntenyin Solomon Etuk said it was worrisome to observe the uncharitable display of distrust, wrangling and throwing of brickbats against the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari in appointing Barr Effiong Akwa as an Interim Administrator for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He described the protests by the agitated youths and some groups in the region as unhealthy and an exhibition of bad faith against a fellow Niger Deltan from Akwa Ibom State.

Applauding the appointee's wealth of experience, Oku Ibom said that Barr Akwa deserved the appointment because he possesses cognate experience backed with academic, administrative, managerial and professional expertise to deliver on the mandate set by the Presidency before a substantive board is constituted.

He added - "It is on record that until his recent higher responsibility, the appointee was the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Commission. He had also worked under one of the previous leaderships of the NDDC as a financial advisor.

"As a qualified accountant, he is therefore firmly rooted to oversee the affairs of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) till the end of the ongoing forensic auditing of the interventionist agency.

"We believe that his sound background must have guided the Presidency to appoint him and that decision should be respected. "

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing a reliable Akwa Ibom son to fix NDDC, the Chairman appealed that all stakeholders and politicians in the Niger Delta should put the interest of the region above self and avoid unnecessary wrangling that can cause uproar in Niger Delta.

"The overall interest of our region should be our major concern and not ethnic, tribal or primordial sentiment. Let us support the Interim Administrator for the period he is assigned to oversee the forensic audit.

"The successful accomplishment of the audit exercise will set a new pace for the commission and ensure that the objectives for its establishment are fully accomplished.

"We want to see an era where contracts are awarded and executed to the letter. When this renewal is achieved then the impact of NDDC will be felt across the region. "

Akwa Ibom: A young lady Ms Utibe Akwa has come online to share how she met her husband.


Ms Akwa wrote on her Facebook wall
����

CUSTARD BROUGHT US TOGETHER

It all began on the 16th day of February, 2018.

On that day and on a torrential rainfall, the cold flooded the atmosphere. In my usual marketing strategy, I deemed it a nich to draw people's attention as to sell my custard. Boom! A comment popped , "for more than a year, you haven't responded to my messages; you may check your inbox: I need custard", he commented.

Immediately I saw "I need CUSTARD", I rushed to my inbox, but suprised that it was flooded with unread messages: for years now you don't respond to my messages. Please I am at Epic plaza. Can you deliver a 500g bucket of custard to me?"

I didn't waste time. In my usual approach, I � on my "Deeper-Life like" dress, zoomed off to plaza in the rain . On arrival, I called (the number he dropped on my inbox). Oga showed up! soaked in the rain! Drenched to stupor! Shivered like a fretted youngster in the face of adversity. I handed the custard, collected my 300 naira. Off, I went.

Late that night he sent me another captivating and motivating message that read, "girl, your custard tastes good and it was delicious... you have a very good product but poor branding and packaging is your bane.

In less than 24-hours, Oga helped me rebrand my sticker, took me to a designer did everything and gave my brand a new face. ����

LOVE FOUND US

2 years later ���we became Friends, a very popular one at that���

Today is not a day for a long write up,
In summary, at the appointed time everything is made perfect 26th & 28th November, 2020 we will end it as Mr/Mrs

Please be Our Guest....as I Privatize this Annang Man.

Emmanuel Eneyo

FUND RAISING FOR INIH EBONG; DYING ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR SACKED OVER ACTIVISM.

Inibehe Effiong, Esq.

As we mark World Teachers' Day, I'm appealing to Nigerians to donate to the medical bills of Dr. Inih Ebong, an associate professor sacked in 2002 by University of Uyo due to his activism before he dies.

Today, I visited Inih Ebong, an associate professor of theatre art at his residence in Uyo. I was almost moved to tears over the hardship and injustice that this patriotic intellectual has gone through for the past 18 years. He is terribly sick and can barely speak. It is tragic.

In 2002, the then dictatorial Vice Chancellor of University of Uyo, Prof. Akpan Morgan Ekpo, sacked Dr. Inih Ebong because he could no longer tolerate his persistent criticisms and activism. Dr. Inih Ebong was a thorn in the flesh of the university management. He was fearless.

He never compromised on his principles. For this, he was despised by an oppressive system that did not allow activism or unionism by students and lecturers. The same Prof. Ekpo also expelled Hon. Onofiok Luke who was the SUG President and also sacked the ASUU Chairman Edet Akpan.

Dr. Edet Akpan is an associate professor of mathematics. Like Dr. Ebong, he was sacked in 2004 for criticising the same Akpan Ekpo. The court ordered his reinstatement about two years ago. Dr. Ebong once refused a request by a VC to allow an unqualified student to write exams.

After a prolonged battle in court, the National Industrial Court in Uyo in January 2020 delivered judgment in favour of Dr. Ebong and ordered the University of Uyo to reinstate and pay him his outstanding salaries and allowances. This judgment came 18 years after he was sacked.

The court gave UNIUYO 30 days to comply but they decided to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal. This is happening under the leadership of Enefiok Essien, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria - the current Vice Chancellor whose tenure will end in December.

Meanwhile, Dr. Inih Ebong is 69 years old and will clock retirement age next year. He can barely feed his family. I should mention that in addition to the sack, the University published a vindictive Disclaimer in national newspapers and asked the public not to associate with him.

The disclaimer made the life of Dr. Inih Ebong more miserable. He lost a good job offer by the University of Melbourne in Australia because of the wicked disclaimer. This man never stole a Kobo from the University of Uyo but they advertised him as a criminal. Such wickedness!

Dr. Ebong was the Head of Department of Theatre Art in the university. As a lecturer, he produced professors and prominent personalities. Dr. Reuben Abati is one of his former students. Prof. Effiong Johnson is another of his former students. He was a voice of conscience on campus.

Three of his children were also frustrated out of the University of Uyo. He has pass through hell. This is a man that was trained in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Michigan State University, U.S.A. and University of Birmingham, U.K. He returned to Nigeria to help his country.

His doctor, a consultant cardiologist, told him that he has 20 percent chance of survival.

Dr. Ebong cannot afford his medical bills. He already has outstanding bills. You can see from the photos that I took with him today that he is surviving by sheer luck.

HE NEEDS OUR HELP.

Please help Dr. Ebong.

We cannot let him die in servitude. Let us prove to the world that it pays to stand up for the truth. Kindly send him a donation as follows:

Inih Ebong, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) - 0042760051.

You can reach his wife, Uduak on +2349046469446.

THANK YOU.

SEN. AKON EYAKENYI GIVES UPDATE ON ORON MARITIME UNIVERSITY BILL

Francis Eyo, Abuja

The Senator representing the good people of Akwa Ibom South, Dame Akon Eyakenyi Ph.D., is merely a year in office, but so far has attained a great feat in her legislative business. She has remained focus, determined and has justified the confidence repose on her by her constituents evidently captured in the exercise of her legislative duties that include law making, undertaking of oversight functions and good representation. She has fared excellently well vis a vis legislative bills, sponsored or co-sponsored.

One of such bills sponsored is a Bill To Repeal The Maritime Academy Of Nigeria, Oron Act And To Establish The University of Maritime Studies, Oron And Related Matters. The Bill that had already gone through first and second reading at the floor of the red chamber had been referred to Senate Committee on Maritime Transport and a public hearing was scheduled to hold before the outbreak of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

On the 29th of August, 2020, the Distinguished Senator in her address to Ikpoto Okon Osung, an Oro PDP chieftain who was received back to the party, nabbed the opportunity to update her constituents on the Maritime bill. In her words, "as I stepped into the chambers, that was the first bill I presented. It passed through the first reading, second reading, because of the Covid-19 it would have gone public hearing before going back to third reading and then would go through the general house to have the concurrent and then push it to the President for assent. I promise you as God will enable me that, that course I'll fight to the end."

In wrapping up her remark, the Distinguished Senator expressed her appreciation to the governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel for the good work he's doing in the state. She took turns to highlight some of the signatory projects of the state government which she described as eye catching and pray God's blessings upon him.

The update by the Distinguished Senator strengthened the faith of the good people of Oro Federal Constituency whose hope for economic and educational transformation rest heavily on the maritime bill. Her promise to fight for her people has further placed a seal of trust on her by the people.

LG Polls: SSG Clashes with Urue Offong-Oruko PDP Leaders

-Go and support Barr Mmakim In Mbo - Stakeholders Tell Ekuwem

-As House Member Engages Prof. Onwioduokit

By Joseph Atainyang, Uyo

An ugly development is brewing in Urue Offong Oruko local government area as the Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem has clashed with stakeholders of the area.

Friction mounted Tuesday night during an emergency Stakeholders meeting at the Ewet Housing residence of the former Deputy Governor, His Excellency Ambassador Etim Okpoyo, when the SSG attempted talking stakeholders into adopting the female contender for chairmanship position, Mrs Precious Sellong.

The meeting, chaired by the Former Deputy Governor, HE Amb. Etim Okpoyo, also had in attendance, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Esio Okwong Udoh, Rt. Hon. Uno Etim Uno, Rt. Hon. Asukwo Archibong, Mr Umana Efombruh, Mr Okpo Edeke, Mrs Mary Kelvin, Mrs Arit Ambit and many others.

Reliable sources revealed that the meeting billed to be addressed by Governor Udom Emmanuel between 7 and 8pm and well attended by all noteable personalities in the area, witnessed the presence of Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem around 12 midnight when the deliberations commenced.

Accordingly, the SSG was said to have told the gathering that "sequel to the resolution by the state executive council of the PDP for one chairmanship candidate in each federal constituency, Mrs Precious Selong was the only woman contender in the constituency who can speak good English."

Said to have technically avoided mentioning that Precious Selong was the choice of Governor Udom Emmanuel in the constituency, Dr Ekuwem reportly enjoined all stakeholders to support her emergence.

The development we learnt did not sit well in the minds of Urue Offong Oruko stakeholders as they immediately rebuffed the SSG's position, saying he cannot leave his local government to cause confusion in Urue Offong Oruko.

The former deputy Governor had told Dr Ekuwem to return to his Mbo LGA and support a female contender, Mrs Mmakim Essang, whom he said was a lawyer with a better background for the chairmanship potion.

The source who spoke with this reporter in confidence, said the meeting had ended unceremoniously as the SSG and his team had been frustrated.

Similarly, a larger stakeholders' meeting held earlier same Tuesday at Venus Hotels, Shelter Afrique, Uyo, is said to have reached the submission of report by the committee which was inaugurated to screen nine aspirants who purchased the chairmanship forms.

Seven of the nine aspirants had appeared before the screening committee while two of them refused to show up.

Five of the aspirants: Hon. Umana Efombruh (sitting chairman), Surv John Isangedighi, Mr Chris Ante, Eno Abia-Bassey and Col. Edet Sampson Rtd., had supported the motion that the report be read at the meeting.

Two aspirants: Mrs Precious Selong and Mr. Edet Isong Ukpong who had declined appearing before the committee, voted against the oral presentation of the report.

In an attempt to read the report at Venus Hotels, Uyo, the House Member, Rt. Hon. Asukwo Archibong had reportedly engaged the committee chairman, Prof. Emmanuel Onwioduokit.

Archibong allegedly struggled to grab the report from the chairman but was condemned by all stakeholders in attendance, before it was formally submitted to the former Deputy Governor, Amb. Etim Okpoyo.

Asukwo Archibong was also recently accused of giving fetish oaths to some ward chairmen of the party in an attempt to compel them to support his preferred candidate, Mrs Precious Selong.

Others at the meeting with the SSG were Barr Bassey Etienem, Hon. Okon Bassey, Surv John Isangedighi, Mr. Chris Ante, Mrs Precious Selong, Col. Edet Sampson rtd., Sir Remigius Asuquo, Prof. Emmanuel Onwioduokit, Prof. Peter Esuh, Engr. Effiong Essang, Barr Ita Okpoyo, Chief Paul Akaiso and Chief Amb. Akadu.

AKWA IBOM "AKIRS" CHAIRMAN, MR OKON OKON DONATES TWO HOUSES TO WIDOW, CHURCH

By Donaldson Eyibio, Community Desk, Daily Insight

Indigenes and Residents of Ekpene Ibia village in Uruan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State were in the fullness of joy yesterday, June 19, 2020 as they played host to the wife of the state Governor, Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Martha Udom Udom Emmanuel for the commissioning of two houses built by the Chairman, Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Services, Mr Okon Okon for a widow and the clergy of Methodist Church Nigeria, Ekpene Ibia.

Her Excellency while commissioning the projects expressed sincere appreciation to Mr Okon and his family for demonstrating such rare kindness to the Widow, by providing shelter for her and also thanked them for building a Manse for the Lord. She reminded them of that nothing dies in the house of a man and family who accommodates a prophet.

The beneficiary (widow) Mrs Alice Affiong who could be seen dancing through the event told our correspondents that no Prophet could have convinced her that she would live in a "stone house" in this current life and earnestly prayed God's blessings for Mr Okon. The Clergy of the Methodist Church Nigeria also appreciated the donor for the Manse and offered prayers for his enlargement to the Lord.

The event was attended by the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey and wife, Co-ordinator, Feyrep, Mrs Ime Inyang, State Woman Leader, Peoples Democratic Party, Mrs Eme Akpabio, Chairman AKORIMA, Prince Godwin Ntukude, the Village Head of Ekpene Ibia and other first class citizens of the state.

COOKING AND HUMILITY; The TRADEMARK Of Dorcas Effiong

Emmanuel Eneyo, Uyo

There are two types of people; those who love cooking and others who prefer to order takeout.
~Anonymous

Ms. Dorcas Effiong is in the category of people who love cooking. Ayumi Komura once said, and I quote; "cooking is about creating something delicious for someone else".

She doesn't only cook, she creates, she invents, she discovers. Above all, her cooking habit is exercised with great proficiency and humility. Lady Edu Victor can testify.

Her close friends like, Mfon Nsah, Ndifreke Etim etc, call her Chef Dorcas.

Sir. Patryk Edeke and Godswill Ekpenyong is a testifier of her catering abilities. Ezekiel Ibok once ate her well nourished noodles with goat meats, and was very happy all through the day.

Chef Dorcas must have developed love for cooking from one of Shauna Niequist quotes which quotes; "I think preparing food and feeding people brings nourishment not only to our bodies but to our spirits. Feeding people is a way of loving them, in the same way that feeding ourselves is a way of honoring our own createdness and fragility".

Chef Dorcas Effiong, I celebrate you because you are a good and a reliable person.

GENERAL HOSPITAL IQUITA-ORON: A DEATH TRAP?
:::My tour, diary, and appeal:::

Joshua Osung, Uyo.

Three months ago, it was unavailability of a spare tyre...reason why the ambulance couldn't be used after a referral note was issued. We ended up losing a life...so sad!!!

This write up shouldn't have popped up now, it should have been three months ago but I decided to exercise a little patience and hope things improved...quite frankly right now, I am fed up because the rate at which people's lives are put in jeopardy at General Hospital, Iquita-Oron calls for more than just an alarm.

When the "new", "improved", and "remodeled" hospital was set for commissioning by His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, we all leaped for joy hoping it will be a total improvement from what it used to be. Well, we are disappointed! I wouldn't blame our governor because he doesn't possess the Omni present and Omniscient qualities. He actually had people he entrusted those responsibilities on to. But why he decided to commission an ordinary repainted project is still unfathomable.

We expected that such "remodelling" could cut across every facility in that environment, qualifying it of the description ''hospital". My recent experience in a supposed life-saving environment isn't something to write home about. It was bitter, it was annoying, it was unpalatable, and very inimical to human health.

How patients lose their lives at the said hospital:

• EMPTY PHARMACY: One wonders how patients with serious and emergency health issues can survive in a hospital that operates with a virtually empty pharmacy...you have to run helter skelter around town and many times travel to Uyo looking for a particular drug that is needed immediately. That is one among many unpleasant situations that patients are subjected to, and I tell you that a whole lot of lives have been lost while awaiting the return of their loved ones embarking on medicine search...sad!

• A TOTALLY MESSY ENVIRONMENT: No one expects to contact a new ailment while trying to get rid of one. It should be viewed as very strange if a hospital environment and wards become a global convention point of mosquitos. Littered garbages because of overrun trash cans right in front of wards with no one to evacuate them are almost normal there. There are also cases of severe heat and non-functional water dispensers in the limited number of toilets found in-wards. No fumigation, no mosquito nets and very tiny number of waste carriers. Pathetic!!

• SERVICE DELIVERY AND POOR STAFF ATTITUDE: A great percentage of nurses and some other staff in the general hospital need to be sent back for training at least on manners and consciousness of duties. Attitude put up by some of those in the categories aforementioned do not in any way depict those who have even seen, not to talk of swearing the Hippocratic oaths (though there are still a number of better and well trained ones).

• AMBULANCE SYSTEM: Let me start by saying that there is absolutely no working transport or ambulance system in Iquita General hospital. We all know that at a case of referral, the life of a patient depends on a working, standby, and ever ready ambulance. Three months ago, the ambulance could not be used because of spare tyre. Day before yesterday, it became a battery problem.

#The_story: Immediately we got a referral note, we approached the ambulance driver who first informed us that there was an instruction on ground that the ambulance shouldn't leave the hospital premises because of COVID-19. Perturbed at such insensitive edict, we later found out that it was only the secretary of the hospital that could issue an approval for the vehicle to be used...the approval was finally secured and guess what? The issue of dead battery surfaced. Offering to donate a battery from one of the available private vehicles, the driver bluntly told us that fixing the battery will take up to a hour...by inference, a task he wasn't ready to undertake. Well, instead of losing our loved one, we resorted to improvise as we suspended the front seat in one of the private cars available, placed our patient, and off we went.

• MY OTHER WORRIES: I might not be vested in the medical field but this also disturbs me. I find it hard to also understand why patients have to be the ones to provide minor medical amenities like gloves and syringes for doctors or be left unattended to, and possibly die if unable to provide the aforementioned equipments in government owned hospitals. Where then is the value for the lives of citizens?

This write up isn't to vilify the efforts of the government in place, neither does it represent a see-no-good theory as regards the importance of the General Hospital, Iquita-Oron. It only serves to raise the consciousness of the fact that a lot of works centering on facilities upgrade and improvement need to be done at least to avert many avoidable loss of lives of citizens.

Thank you!

Joshua Osung,
Oron, Akwa Ibom State
(joshuaosung4edu@gmail.com).

TRUE COLOURS OF AKWA IBOM WOMEN ( Part 1)

Emmanuel Eneyo, Uyo

"If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman" - Margaret Thatcher.

The statement quoted above portrays the importance of women in our growing society. Women globally climes can been described as 'natural caretakers', though stringent religious and cultural practices have posed heinous limitations on the exercise of their roles in some climes.

However, in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, women have over the years (especially since offset of the fourth republic) displayed proficiency and consistency in the exercise of their roles in societal development through magnanimous capacities in aspects of health, education, social welfare, economy, politics, agriculture and more. This is in opposition to the rancorous thoughts in some quarters of Nigeria that the "Calabar women" (as fondly generalized) are promiscuous and lackadaisical in deeds.

These women have in their own freewill and rights amplified growth of the society by giving to the abusive public, whom they owe little or less. They are women of substance who believe in humanity; who believe in giving back to the society, despite circumstance.

I call them WOMENTREPRENEURS. Notable among them are:

1. Khiki Eke Spiff - She's the CEO Skhindu Apothecary Ltd, a cosmetics products manufacturing company in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Recently, her company sponsored one-year scholarship for more than 10 indigent students of higher institutions.

2. Princess Kokonne - She's the Founder, Ekeoyo Foundation. Ekeoyo Empowerment Foundation over the years has assisted hundreds of students through annual scholarship scheme in Oro Nation.

3. Emem Uwah Everest - The Founder, Everest Helping Minds Foundation. A VIP member of Longrich Bioscience International. Her foundation creates awareness on Menstrual Hygiene in public schools and market places and provides 1 million sanitary pads for young and underprivileged women who cannot afford such.

4. Edu Adams - The Founder, Edu Adams Foundation. Edu Adams is a well known philanthropist from the extract of Oro Nation. She recently donated a borehole to a community in Oron Local Government Area. She has recently donated desks to a public school in Mbo Local Government Area.

5. Edidiong Akpan - The Founder, The Didi Caution Foundation and CEO Britenglow, a cosmetics products manufacturer. In 2017, she won an award conferred by Young Entrepreneur Award Nigeria.

6. Udeme Etibensi ( Author of The FUTURIST) - Is a professional multilevel marketing coach and entrepreneur. She's an Amazon of sorts in the African MLM landscape. She's the Convener of the World Changers Conference.

7. Gloria Marshal Abia - The CEO, Otwist Events, a popular brand in catering services. Through her 'One Child, One Meal' Program, thousands of pupils in primary schools have benefited had cause to smile. She has recently launched another campaign known as 'One Child, One Sandals'.

8. Sally Gifto - The CEO, Gifto Concepts Nig. Ltd. Recently, she has donated cash gifts to her Facebook friends to help as palliatives during the lockdown.

These and more women of their kind are outstanding icons in their own rights. They project the essence of God's creation of womanhood. They are hardworking women who should be emulated by young ladies.

They represent the true colors of Akwa Ibom Woman and should be celebrated.

Emmanuel Eneyo
17/04/2020

Just In:

Akwa Ibom State government hired musicians and brass bands to perform for discharged COVID-19 patients in Uyo.

A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF INDUSTRIALIZATION IN AKWA IBOM STATE ( Part 1).

Emmanuel Eneyo, Uyo.

Industrialization in Akwa Ibom State is a nascent venture, which can be described as not being ingrained in the roots of profitable economies, hence the sickly conditions of the industrial programmes enunciated and established by the state government.

The above statement is hinged on the premise of the misdirection of investments apparently on low yielding industries in the state. This is further corroborated by the fact that state boasts of humongous natural resources as patroleum, limestone, clay, natural gas, salt, coal, and glass sand. The state also claims amongst other agricultural resources the largest palm forest in Nigeria, cocoa, rubber, livestock, poultry, fisheries.

However surprisingly, none of the industrial programmes in the state is directed towards the utilization of these massive resources and churning them into useful export products, which would subsequently provide the state with huge revenues and influx of investments from beyond the area.

The afore-stated analysis contradicts the principal of comparative cost advantage, which is the blueprint of industrial activities in especially developing countries with limited technology.
It is also a show of abuse of the state's industrial potentials and equally, the reaction of potential investors in the industrial activities of the state.

Furthermore, the lackluster Industrialization strides by the government is not conspicuously enough to curb the menace of unemployment especially among the teeming population of the youths.

WE ALL NEED AN EL RUFAI.

Omen Bassey, Esq.

I had long learnt that life isn't a straight line. We can only do our best to avoid troubles but we can't predict the twists and turns of our lives.

Apart from God, we all need a friend who can stand by us through thick an thin; a friend who celebrates our achievements and helps to ameliorate our failures. In fact, we all need an El Rufai.

El Rufai has demonstrated an uncommon friendship and exemplary solidarity with his friend, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi in his moment of great trial and isolation.

The Governor could have distanced himself from Sanusi and could conveniently describe his travails as self inflicted. He could have attributed his dethronement to his arrogance, stubbornness, carelessness, loquaciousness etc.

After all, he is a Governor and Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi's traducer, Alhaji Abdullahi Gandule isn't just a fellow Governor but his counterpart in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Rather, immediately after the announcement of the dethronement, he gave him two appointments in about twenty four hours and immediately went ahead to visit him at Awe, Nassarawa State where he was banished to. These gestures aren't as easy as people think. He has risked a lot, and probably his relationships to do these.

One important lesson to be learnt from El Rufai's gestures is the need to befriend those who share our values and understand our worldviews. Friendships struck only on the altar of shared opportunities will seldom survive seasons of trials and adversities.

El Rufai as Governor could claim to be too busy and too overwhelmed by state matters to even give a serious thought to the plight of his friend, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

It's not about money or even the appointments. As former Managing Director of First Bank PLC, former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), world renowned Economist and internationally recognised corporate guru, many big organisations and blue chip companies will be willing to benefit from his wealth of experience.

What he needs most at this critical time of his life is encouragement from genuine friends and understanding relations. This is exactly what his friend, Mallam Nasir El Rufai is offering and relentlessly so.

Like Sanusi, we all need an El Rufai.

EMIR SANUSI: WHEN DETHRONEMENT MEANS FREEDOM.

Omen Bassey, Esq.

I'm not surprised at the dethronement of Emir Muhammad Sanusi 11. I was only surprised that upon leaving office as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), his next passion was to become the Emir of Kano.

He probably didn't see the several confrontations with the Kano State government coming. The deposed Emir is a rare Nigerian who holds very strong anti establishment views. He isn't cut out for a malleable and subservient role.

He's not just very vocal, he is blunt to a fault. He relentlessly criticises governments and the ruling class. This is a bit unusual in this clime. It's the reason I'm not surprised he's been given the boot. It's also the reason I consider him a rare Nigerian.

Why are supporters of GEJ attributing his dethronement to his supposed opposition to the former President while serving as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)? This is funny indeed.

The man's activities and utterances even as Emir of Kano show clearly that he would have done same even if he served under PMB and circumstances were the same.

There's no wisdom in attributing any serious misfortune experienced by those who opposed GEJ in 2015 to the role they played in his defeat. If those who opposed him are suffering misfortunes, it means those who supported him are enjoying blessings.

What of millions of Nigerians who experience various adversities? Are they suffering because of GEJ?

Emir Sanusi would still have been deposed in the same circumstances even if he was GEJ's favourite friend.

Saraki probably wouldn't have been Senate President if he supported GEJ to win re-election. Why do GEJ fanatics list him as one of the victims of their Principal's retribution? Does it make sense?

Why mention Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as one of his victims simply because he lost the last presidential election? The same people who passionately campaigned for him. You knew the God of GEJ won't let him win and you still campaigned for him?

Who defeated him? Was PMB who beat him a supporter of GEJ in 2015?

Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi is my favourite northern leader. He's a non conformist by any stretch of imagination. The man is wired in a way that speaking his mind is like oxygen to him. I have a very little of this tendency. Those who like speaking their minds can't exchange their voices with anything.

The man is too empowered to be stranded or jobless. For Emir Sanusi, the encumbrances have been removed. He's now free to bare his mind without being accused of breaching any official Code of Conduct.

Sanusi wanted to sit on the throne of his fathers. He didn't have to sit forever to actualize that dream.