KANO PEOPLE WASHED OFF BUHARI'S FOOTPRINTS AFTER VISIT BECAUSE OF FUEL SCARCITY

According to Ibrahim Bunu on Facebook, in the early hours of yesterday, "the young and old in their thousands came out with gallons of water/water tanker to wash the roads Buhari Passed during his visit to Kano some weeks back.

Truly this regime is collapsing faster than we ever anticipated, all need do is take advantage of all these and give more awareness people in the extreme villages during this holidays".

Copied.

MAUREEN UMANAH SPLASHES EMPOWERMENT AT CHRISTMAS

...Mobilizes Support for Udom, Akpabio in 2019

...Abak, Etim Ekpo, Ika Women Declare Support for Aniekan Umanah's NASS Ambition


Women of Abak Federal Constituency on Wednesday received various empowerment items from wife of the immediate past commissioner for information, Mrs. Maureen Aniekan Umanah, when the women wing of the Abak, Etim Ekpo, Ika Divine Restoration Movement converged for the 2017 end of the year get-together and graduation ceremony for interns of the group's skills acquisition programme.

Attended by an array of personalities including the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, Special Adviser Bureau of Cooperative, Mrs Ekemini Umoh, Chairman Abak Local Government Council Barr. Imoh Williams, past and current political appointees, Businessmen, political stakeholders, youths and women, the event was one of Mrs. Umanah's magnanimous gestures towards the women.

Presenting start-up packs to beneficiaries on behalf of the initiator, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo lauded the initiative of sustained empowerment of indigenes of the area by the former commissioner and wife, noting that such magnanimity despite the downward economic turn was an indication of their commitment to the welfare of the people.

The Deputy Governor advised beneficiaries of the skills acquisition to make judicious use of items donated as start-ups, saying that was all they needed to attain economic independence, calling on them to reciprocate the Umanah's investment in their future by ensuring they in turn would positively affect the society by also empowering others.

Thanking women of the Federal Constituency for their kind words, the President African Media Network and immediate past Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah said he has been emboldened by such display of solidarity to do more towards ensuring the socioeconomic life of the people receive a boost.

Taking to account the harsh economic climate, Umanah called on well meaning citizens of the area to commit to promotion of small and medium scale enterpreneurial ventures, while commending Governor Udom Emmanuel and Senator Godswill Akpabio for leading the way in boosting the State economy through SMEs.

Hinging her motivation on the industrious disposition of the beneficiaries, the facilitator and wife of the immediate past commissioner for information, Mrs. Maureen Umanah appreciated the women and youths for living above mischief and vices in accepting to be trained in the various skills, noting that the gesture was intended to help government tackle unemployment and dearth of skills.

Mrs Umanah who is also the CEO of Executive Options Media, called on the people to support Mr Udom Emmanuel and Senator Godswill Akpabio for a second term in 2019 as governor and senator, to sustain the socio-economic growth of the state, taking to account the governor's effective management of the state's lean resources to achieve industrialization and citizens empowerment.

She thanked the Governor's wife Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel for her role in the emancipation of Akwa Ibom women and youths, noting that her continued advocacy has given the women a new lease of life through their active involvement in politics and leadership of the state across various levels, which has shaped the polity to be gender sensitive.

Recounting that the programme has taken the beneficiaries off the trap of unemployment, the Chairman Abak Local Government Area, Barr Imoh Williams thanked Mrs. Umanah who has continued to reach out to the downtrodden in the society at a time the husband was no more in government, encouraging other well-to-do indigenes of the area to emulate such initiative.

Also, the Special Adviser in the bureau of Cooperative, Mrs. Ekemini Umoh who acknowledged her membership of the Divine Restoration Movement, highlighted several interventions the group has taken up to ensure the people are empowered, commending Mrs. Umanah's mentorship which has seen several women and youths of the area attain economic and political reckoning.

In their goodwill messages, the immediate past council boss of Ika, Mrs Inibehe Silas, frontline women leader Obonganwan Magdalene Udom and wife of the Abak Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Williams lauded Mrs. Umanah whom they noted has over the years shown capacity in women mobilization and empowerment, commending her large heartedness in ensuring better lives for the women and youths.

They thanked the immediate past commissioner for information Elder Aniekan Umanah for always supporting the wife to reach out to the women, and declared the support of the women of the constituency to have him represent them in the House of Representatives in 2019, while urging other indigenes of the area to emulate his sterling example.

Items presented included sewing machines, industrial grinders, catering packs, items for interior decoration, cosmetology packs to 50 graduates of the skills acquisition scheme, while over 100 other women went home with wrappers and cash gifts for the yuletide.

See Where You Must Be This Festive period! (Photos)

Are you in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria, West, East, North and South Africa? Are you in Europe, Asia, America or anywhere on planet earth? Are you still thinking of where to be this holiday season?

Think no more and put a shining smile on that beautiful face of yours; Akwa Ibom state is the place to be!

Come enjoy hospitality at its peak. Come experience night life with a special people, her unique culture and her tourism potential.

It's Ukpaisua! Its Christmas! Its amazing Akwa Ibom.

Come feel God's presence!

#Fredfish

Breaking News

High Court Uyo grants N30.2Million Judgment Against APC in Respect of Professional Fees Owed by APC to their Lawyers

An Akwa Ibom State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Charles Ikpe has entered judgment in the sum of N30,200,000.00 against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in favor of Messrs. Louis Akanimo and Fidel Albert, of the Law Firm of Aes Triplex LP.

At the resumed sitting in Uyo on Monday, 18th December 2017, the court held that it believed the case of the plaintiffs that they were instructed by the defendant (APC) to represent it at the Akwa Ibom State National and State House of Assemblies Election Tribunal to challenge the 2015 general election results in 16 state constituencies and five Federal constituencies.

Prior to the decision of the court, counsel for the defendant, Utomobong Ubaha, Esq informed the court that on behalf of the defendant, they have filed their notice of intention to defend the suit and thereafter prayed the court for an adjournment to enable them file their statement of defence.

Opposing the said application, Nsikak Akai, Esq. for the plaintiffs told the court that the application made by the defence counsel is irregular and has no basis whatsoever in a suit placed under the undefended list procedure. He referred the court to the file to show that the defendant has not filed any notice of intention to defend as same has not been served on him.

Nsikak Akai, Esq. then prayed the court to refuse such an application since the undefended procedure does not contemplate the filing of a statement of defence unless the court transfers the suit to the general cause list and orders for the filing of pleadings. He thereafter asked the court to proceed without the slightest hesitation to enter judgment for the plaintiffs since the defendant does not have any defence thereto.

The court found out that the defendant despite being duly served with the originating processes, has refused to file a notice of its intention to defend the said suit. That a perusal of its record reveals that no such process has been filed contrary to the claim of the defence counsel, Utomobong Ubaha.

The court therefore proceeded to enter judgment for the plaintiffs since there was no defence and ordered that the plaintiffs be paid the sum of N30,200,000.00 being their professional fees for their services rendered to the defendant. The court also awarded the sum of N20,000.00 as cost of the action.

It would be recalled that the court had on the 13th of November 2017 ordered the placement of the said suit on the undefended list while the processes were to be served on the defendant for their defence if any. 

Speaking to newsmen after the Proceedings, Nsikak Akai of Counsel praised the presiding Judge for the wisdom and acumen in seeing through the ruse of the Defendants and expressed confidence in the Judiciary to always side with the downtrodden. 

While describing the Judgment as “very sound and on a sure footing in law”, Counsel expressed the hope that the APC, which prides itself as a party with integrity would do the needful by obeying the Judgment and pay professional fees to his Client, which fees has been owing since 2015, without putting his clients through further hardship.

Live from Abak, Akwa Ibom State

Again, Deaconess Maureen Aniekan Umanah, wife of the Immediate Past Commissioner for information and communications, Akwa Ibom State and the President, African Media Network (AMNETT) putting smiles and bringing hope to the women of Abak, Etim Ekpo and Ika Federal Constituency under the umbrella of Divine Restoration Women as she host the first Graduation ceremony and Empowerment Programme which Graduates in the tailoring, Hair Dressing, Catering, Decoration, etc will made away with Empowerment items and take off grants today. The event is combined with the annual seasons celebration for the women of Abak, Etim Ekpo and Ika Federal Constituency.

Towards Greater Happiness in Nigeria: Imo, a Land in Search of Happiness

By Tom FredFish

We live in interesting times. And interesting times preps up very interesting people. A very interesting politician whose deeds in office as governor will remain evergreen in the hearts of Nigerians is no other person than a man popularly known as the statue governor, Owella Rochas Anayo Okorocha. Rochas is the governor of Imo state lying in the South East of Nigeria. The state formerly known as land of hope and later Heartland is now unofficially known as the land of statues. Ask me why later.

Since Rocha assumed office in 2011, Imo people have been unhappy and the reason remained unknown. Rochas thus occupied himself searching for how to make his people happy but it remained an illusion. To Rochas, he has tried everything humanly possible to make the over three million, nine hundred and twenty seven thousand, five hundred people happy but no way, the “boys” are not smiling.

He then assembled the wisest men from different churches in the former land of hope to find solutions to the problem. He addressed them, “My people, I have gathered you all - one each from the 27 local government areas of the state because of a troubling matter”, he began. “Since assumption of office, I have pulled down major markets, in order to erect new ones, I destroyed many houses along the road side for expansion even though work is still in progress, I even wore school uniform to the office to give our youth a sense of belonging, amongst other of my initiatives too numerous to mention so as to develop the state and win the hearts of my people but they remained sad – the more I try, the unhappy they become. Great wise men of our land, what should I do?” The wise men took a deep look at him for a while and advised him to take the problem to God. Rochas groaned in self disbelief – “how did I forget this” he retorted, “alas! A solution has come”.

Rochas pulled down the state library complex and in its place built a first class ecumenical worship centre. “After all what is the need of a library when all our youths have all tuned to yahoo boys” he fumed. But the people remained unhappy.

Rochas decided to bring in psychologists from the United Kingdom to prescribe a solution to the problem. The white men, told him that his people are sad as a result of ‘neurosclassical discompulsive syndrome emitted from lack of celebrity configuration’ and that only a well-known figure planted in self-belief can upturn their sadness and remedy the situation. That was when the idea of inviting President Jacob Zuma and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of both South Africa and Liberia and erecting their statues was birthed. Zuma statue did not solve the problem, neither did Sirleaf; Rochas erected one more, and another one, then others followed – any important dignitary that visited the state automatically gets a statue. Each statue they say cost a whooping over five hundred million naira tax payer’s money. But erecting statues did not work for Imo people. It infuriated them the more.

“What on earth should I do to happy my people happy”, asked an over exhausted Rochas. He was advised to bring in medical experts from Indian and United Arab Emirate, Dubai - as both countries are listed as some of the top countries with happy people on earth. And Rochas did exactly that. The lead consultant of the experts invited, Prof. Al Raboomini Sumanita told him that happiness has completely eluded Imo people hence Rocha's would need to introduce policies that will reach the people in their homes, backyards and kitchens by reconstituting his cabinet to ensure happiness is imposed.

When the good news which was dismissed as a huge joke was announced, it saw the Imo state governor swearing in 28 commissioners and creating a new ministry called Ministry for Happiness and Couple’s Fulfilment. The bewilderment did not end there. The commissioner of this all important ministry is no other person than Mrs. Ogechi Ololo, the blood sister of governor Rochas Okorocha. Very interesting.

To Rochas, Imo people must be happy whether by hook or crook. They must worship God and appreciate all the demolitions, erection of statues and all his other good works. The main thrust of the new ministry is to ensure that Imo publics are happy and all couples are fulfilled in life.

A peep into this new Ministry will have a Commissioner for Happiness and Couple's Fulfilment as well as a Permanent Secretary for Happiness. The ministry will likely have about four Directorates and six Departments with more than twenty programmes and activities.

The four directorates will be headed by a Director for Happiness, Director for Couples Fulfilment, Director for Enjoyment and a Director for Conjugal Affairs and Sustainability. While the departments will have Department of “Owambe” Development / Jollification; Department of Traditional Marriage and Wedding Justification; Department of Sex Arbitration and Education; Department for Prostitutes Regulation and Containment; Department of Premarital Sex Education; and finally Department of “Osho-free” Enactment and Defense.

Some of the programmes that may likely be undertaken by these departments are “marry one wife and get one free yearly conference; pregnancy registration; abortion subsidy awareness; hotel subsidy for married couples; condom subsidization / enlightenment; distribution of free laptops to yahoo yahoo boys; Bride price remittent awareness; Provision of Marriage counsellors for intending couples; and daily meal verificators.

This is the change APC promised. Rochas is the Chairman of APC governor’s forum and he is leading the APC by example. Imo state is APC model state that is why they are doing things in a model way and the people are in for a big deal. We can see clearly the vision of the APC government through their governor’s forum chairman. The Ministry of Happiness is a catalyst to the change they promised. Rochas is so different but definitely not mad. He is trying to legislate happiness into existence – happiness that only people who thinks less can attain.

What Rochas failed to understand is that: “who needs salary when he is very happy; who needs quality education when he is watching the statue of President Jacob Zuma of South Africa and others on the streets of Owerri; who can give happiness when the governor that established the ministry and and commissioner of happiness herself are not happy; who needs quality road networks in owerri when the Ministry of Happiness has bought buses, official cars and the commissioner is attending to conferences in USA, Canada and Japan to be equipped for the task ahead; who needs fulfilment, when young people cannot afford to pay bride prices; where are the couples that needs fulfilment when their pension has not been paid? The agenda of the Imo state governor is not only bogus but porus. I guess the vision of the APC is to induce the whole state with uncontrollable laughter and make them forget that Portharcourt road, Aba road, Douglas road, Weathral road, Tetlow road and Works road are all in very deplorable condition.

Rochas is a man of ideas - who is always introducing fresh thinking into governance and what he is doing in Imo state is legendary. He wants to eradicate sadness and legislate happiness. Imo state has become a model state for weird governance, and I am very sure other APC state will emulate him.

But we thank God that in Akwa Ibom State we do not have a governor that wants to establish happiness but a governor that is craving to establish more industries; create employment and empower the publics. We do not have a governor who wants couples for be fulfilled without fund but a governor who wants the youth and women to life a fulfilled life. That is why governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State is working daily to ensure that floods becomes a thing of the past, that civil servants are paid promptly and pensioners smile to the banks; and that education, agriculture, housing and staff development are his priorities in the state, not happiness. Never! Udom cannot give what Akwa Ibom people already have in quantum – happiness, but can only give what they lack - quality infrastructures and skill acquisition. This is the crux of every responsible government and Udom stands for good governance. Thus, the likes of Rochas and his APC co-travelers should put away pride and undertake a trip to Akwa Ibom State to emulate the good works of the governor.

My fear for Imo people and Nigerians stem from the fact that President Buhari is not different from Rochas. Both leaders often think alike. Buhari's wrong placement of Ministers in ministries they lack the requisite experience and capacity to operate has been highly associated to the president’s dismal performance in office. And a fortnight ago the revered Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah noted that Buhari’s Ministers were not happy. Watch out closely, few weeks from now Buhari may likely introduce a ‘Ministry of Happiness and Political Party’s Fulfilment’ to cater for his Ministers and party stalwarts happiness; while our well known Rochas may (since his mother is still alive) likely create a new “Ministry of Senior Citizen” to cater for the aged and elderly with his mother appointed as the pioneer Commissioner for Senior Citizen. Wonders they say shall never end! Howbeit the wonders of this world can only be exhibited by APC governors. Recall that sometimes ago, the governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom also empowered youths of his state with brand new, tear rubber Wheel Barrows to assist them fulfil their purpose in life / ambition of becoming professional barrow pushers in all state markets.

Governor Rochas should look beyond the caricaturist creation of the Ministry of Happiness and focus on the youths who needs everlasting happiness. The Happiness Imo people deserve is the prompt payment of their salaries, gratuities and pension. Imo people needs a governor that would listen to them, trim his priorities and focus on completing all the ongoing projects he started such as the expansion of roads in the state capital, building of a standard new state library, amongst others. Imo youths needs a governor that would bring foreign investors, create employment for them and empower them with skills to face a future that seems bleak. He should engage some aggressive and realistic policies that will change the landscape and economies of the people which will automatically guarantee the happiness needed.

Nevertheless, I may be wrong, Rochas may be vindicated when Imo people become happy at the end of his governorship in 2019, who knows? But I believe Rochas has the nerves to do the right thing and serve the people rightly. He is a good man caught in the web of wrong politicking. Only time will tell.

Tom FredFish is a media consultant and managing partner of Fishbone Brandyte International, Uyo.

Buhari's Cow: When Truth Glares at our faces - Rationalising Essien's Thesis

By Tom FredFish

No matter the language deplored by the APC on the release made by the government disassociating herself from Ndueso Essien post on facebook; one irreversible fact is crystal clear and certain - the living condition of Buhari's cows are better than some Nigerians. Full stop. That is the bitter truth. And this truth is causing the presidency sleepless night knowing fully well that the post may likely deflect what is already left (that's if there is any at all) in the credibility of the president to occupy the office especially for a second time. I stand fully with Ndueso Essien on that opinion. Playing politics with the story of the cows, Nigerian's welfare and the CPS press release will not help the APC and the President whose popularity has continued to nosedive daily. No amount of propaganda, arm twisting, intimidation or blackmail can change the fact that the cows in Daura, katsina state are faring better, and some Nigerians would wish they have a taste from the cow's daily nutritional meals. When one is faced with terrified economic conditions they are ready to do anything to survive. Recall that we have lost count of the number of people who commits suicide daily because of the harsh economic conditions they face; fresh in our minds are when Fulani herdsmen - the President's kinsmen compare the death of their cows to the hundreds of human lives they took (slaughtered) in Enugu state in reprisal for loosing 10 cows; also remember how some Nigerians sell their children in order to survive the hardship that greeted the country since PMB assumed office in 2015. Are you not also aware of the amount of death rate in the country since 2015 as a result of malnutrition?

The question that APC has refused to answer in their rigmaroling is, has Nigerians fared better 2015 since 2015? No! Lecturers in higher institutions are being paid half / quarter, salaries; due to the stiff policies of this FG many young Nigerian students studying abroad have had their dreams quashed because their parents cannot afford to pay their school fees anymore? The few patriotic and committed Nigerians have lost hope of reprieve from this nation after seeing how the president handed over the country to his kinsmen to run like pool office. Nigerians are very perplexed seeing corruption is high places among the ruling APC while the president who promised fairness and to uphold the constitution turn blind eyes to "his own people". Nigerian's morale are truncated seeing a nation led by APC that cannot and as never gotten her budgets right - three consecutive time, its either the budget was missing, or was recalled by the presidency, or stereotyped to suit certain interest closer to the president. Nigerians still can't believe that this government promised electricity but gave darkness; $1 to 1# but gave us 1$ to 500#; they promised to give food to our kids in school but gave them potty; they promised Nigerians millions of jobs but took the ones they already had. Who wouldn't give up and prefer the president's cow meals seeing this regime's malfeasanceness? Who wouldn't wish to be in care of the president fat cows when hope of a new Nigeria are dashed in their "korokoro" eyes?

What we face in Nigeria today is a deliberate attempt at perforating the mindset of the people through class struggle for self aggrandizement - with no viable and sincere plans to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians who seat in awe and has turned their hope on God the alpha and Omega for survival.

Do Nigerians have to depend on God for miracles to survive or eat once a day? Give us our daily bread says the Lord's prayer but today Nigerian groans in silence preferring cow meals than their natural rights to daily bread.

For me, Essien is a victor. His post is akin to that of martin Luther king, Nelson Mandela, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Thomas Jefferson, Ralph Waldo Emerson and other great reads who have one way or the other punctured minds that led to revolution. His post has pinched the president who feels only his cows deserve good foods, Essien has alerted Nigerians and spoken the minds of many that, there was once a country where animals do better than people. He should bother less and be consoled that politics may overtake his sincere opinion but his words died in 90% of Nigerians who agrees with him. Only the truth shall set us free.

I am comrade Tom Fredfish, I endorsed this message and #istandwithessien

IN 2 YEARS, GOV EMMANUEL HAS CONSTRUCTED MORE ROADS THAN ANY GOVT

– WORKS BOSS

With a total number of One thousand seven hundred (1,700) kilometres of road under construction in Akwa Ibom State, Commissioner for Works; Mr Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, has opined that the Udom Emmanuel led government has surpassed other States of the Federation in this important sector.

According to the Commissioner, the least duration for any road constructed by the Akwa Ibom State government is twenty five (25) years and they are done in accordance with international standards and specifications.

The works boss who made the remark on Tuesday after an on-the-spot assessment of project sites in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Etinan Local Government Areas expressed satisfaction on the quality of job done by contractors handling various projects and however gave them marching order to speed up work during the current dry season.

Some of the construction sites visited were; the Nsikak Eduok Avenue in Uyo, where the state government is constructing double cell culverts to take out flood water from Ewet Housing and its environs.

The Commissioner who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works; Elder Effiong Essien, alongside Engineers from the Ministry also inspected the 3.5 Km Ring Road 2, which begins on Aka Roundabout, crosses Akpa Ube Road, Information Drive and terminates on Abak Road, handled by Qumecs Nigeria Limited, as well as the 6.1Km Atan Offot Road. Others were; the 19.5 Nnung Oku Ikono - Etinan Road as well as the 25km Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road handled by the construction giants; Julius Berger.

Stressing that the present government has made considerable progress in the road sector, Mr Inyang-Eyen explained that Uyo metropolis alone has no fewer than forty five (45) roads located in different areas still under construction.

He expressed happiness that despite the current economic recession where other States were struggling to pay salaries of their workers, Governor Udom Emmanuel was paying workers’ salaries up-to-date including pensioners and was also laying a solid foundation for industrialization through massive infrastructure development in the State.

Revealing that next year will witness what he termed “a harvest of completed roads” to be inaugurated for use by the State governor, the commissioner added that by the time Mr Emmanuel return to office for his mandatory second term, “focus may no longer be in road infrastructure, it will be pure industrialization, because there would be sufficient infrastructure on ground to support whatever level of industrialization of government”.

While pleading for an undiluted support and cooperation from all quarters to the present government, Mr Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, expressed the readiness of the Udom Emmanuel led government to take development to every ward, village and Local Government Area in the State.

While Buhari is thnking of who to appoint the Minister of Happiness and Party's Fulfilment in the next cabinet reshuffle, Atiku Abubarkar is trying to get fit for the task ahead.

LESSON: ONLY THOSE THAT ARE PREPARED WINS!

HAPPINESS ONLY APC AND OKOROCHA CAN PROVIDE

By Essien Ndueso

Let’s assume the Ministry has at least five directorates, under the Director of Happiness, Director of Couples, Director of Sex and Kisses, Director of Stomach Infrastructure and Director of Comedy and Statues as well as Director of Dating and Sit-Out Affairs. Obviously the use of the word couple means that the relationship does not necessarily have to be between two married adults, as long as two people come together with the intent of being happy. With each directorate boasting of 50 – 100 staff, that is about 1000 new jobs for Imo people. There is bound to be Deputy Directors for Old People’s Happiness, Deputy Director for Young People’s happiness and deputy Director for adult Happiness, etc. This progression cuts through the entire directorates, including accommodating several departments such as that MouthAction, protective sex, and other styles of sex that can bring about happiness to Imo couples, both married or unmarried.

When the news first broke out that the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has created a new ministry to oversee happiness and fulfillment among couples, APC fans in Akwa Ibom were the first to jump into his defense. A woman leader of a wing of APC in Akwa Ibom, Miss Imaobong Akpan Akpan, came out immediately to dismiss the news as false, alleging that it was mischievously created by PDP media goons to embarrass the national ruling party. Apparently she could not believe that a governor her party holds in high esteem could be identified with such frivolous disposition, as creating a ministry that will put smiles and happiness on the faces of hungry Imolites. A man seen as a symbol of the best of APC, should not be identified with anything but the best of achievements among his contemporaries.
Without any fear of being controverted, I beg to ask, have we not seen more enough landmark achievements from APC and Governor Rochas Okorocha? Maybe for the purpose of emphasis, it is pertinent to ask, was is not this same Governor who erected billboards around major towns of Imo State to showcase a handshake he had with former US President Barack Obama, as a major achievement? Is this not the same politician that jettisoned local government administration in Imo State, and for six years the local government areas have been ruled by cronies handpicked by the Owelle himself? A state where the only projects for commissioning are statues of African heads of states enmeshed in one controversy or the other. Anyway, when disposed, I will take a look at the other achievements of this administration in Imo state.

Recently, Mr Okorocha was in Uyo where he mounted the rostrum to campaign for the capture of Akwa Ibom State by the All Progressives Congress, APC. The Owelle, is the Chairman of the APC Governors’ forum, and by implication the model of the ideal leader that APC can profess. Anything done in Imo State under the Owelle, can be rightly said to be the most that can be expected of any leader put forward by the APC in any state it controls. That is why Okorocha is the one championing the cause of change in Akwa Ibom, as seen at the Uyo township stadium when he clamoured for Akwa Ibomites to embrace the change that his party alone can bring.

But then, so many people are doubtful of the ability of the ministry to actually bring about happiness and fulfillments to couples in the state. This is not so difficult to fathom. First, the Ministry of Happiness and Couples Fulfillment is a full fledge ministry of Government. Its creation means that there are new jobs for hundreds of Imo people. The choice of Mrs Ogechi Ololo, his younger sister as pioneer commissioner, means that the happiness must begin from Rochas Okorocha’s immediate family. If my binoculars see clearly, then I see any of his aged relations heading the Department of Old Peoples Happiness. It means that Old Rochas is not bothered by what anyone says and can go the length and breadth to make himself and those around him happy. It will not be impossible to see his son, appointed as a Director in the Department of Video Games and Feeding Bottle Matters, or Department of whatever else gives young people happiness. But are these over 1000 new management team of the new ministry not going to patronize the Imo market and stimulate the economy? The inability of Mr Okorocha to pay regular civil servants their wages, does not mean that this new ministry staffers will not be waged. But even if he does not, there are a million ways of being happy. With a favourable environment, maybe subsidy on accommodation and hospitality facilities, couples can easily get down to business.

What this means is that, whether civil servants are owed up to seven months salary, or teachers are tired of going to work without being paid for more than five months, or even if pensioners are dying from years of unpaid pension and gratuity, they simply need to smile away their sorrows and pains, and get happy. The progression is simple, after seeing the giant effigies of South African and Liberian leaders, a beleaguered Imolite can simply find one partner and together get to the relevant department at the Ministry of Happiness and Couples Fulfillment to while away time in ecstasy.

It doesn’t matter if there are no roads to lead to this happiness and ecstasy ministries, especially if the red gravels had parted ways with the brownish tar used in manually decorating the few haphazardly executed roads. It doesn’t matter if the roads left, are those executed since the days of Chief Sam Mbakwe or Rtd Major General Ike Nwachukwu, as long as the people can get happiness by simply spending the day looking at the face of a commissioner who does not look happy herself, after all in elementary mathematics, it was usually said that two negatives make one positive.

_Ndueso, a journalist writes from Uyo_

AKWA IBOM IS HIGHEST CONTRIBUTOR TO THE NDDC PURSE, BUT GETS MEDIA BASHING ON PLANET 101.1FM IN RETURN?

Arising from oil exploitation and exploration, the main sources of revenue of the people are plundered and destroyed to generate revenue and service the nation's economy. The environmental degration and other hazards have left our life expectancy level at an all time low. As Akwa Ibom people, we are then supposed to be interested in how the only intervention agency in the country, funded with our common wealth, is faring in its responsibility to the people. This is moreso because the agency, NDDC is manned by an experienced dynamic son of the state His Excellency, Obong Nsima Ekere, as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
However instead of improving on substandard job delivery on roads as witnessed on Nelson Mandela road, Ebong Essien street, Itu Road, Church road among others in Uyo, the commission is busy sponsoring media attacks on the government of Akwa Ibom State. It is left to be discovered if the agency is also sponsoring radio and tv attacks simultaneously on the governors of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and the other state in the subregion? Has the mandate of the commission been shifted to that of oversight functions on state governments which originaly was the responsibility of the states' Houses of Assembly?

Below is the promo of a radio programme sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission as circulated by the producers:

"
PROMO FOR LIVE INTERACTIVE RADIO PROGRAM
THE PRISM is a weekly programme on Planet 101.1fm aimed at putting in clear perspective the achievements of the NDDC. It will also mirror in, inform and educate the public on the milestones and laudable steps taken by the NDDC in bringing development to our door steps. Join us tomorrow, Wednesday 13th December, 2017 at 12:30-1:30pm as we play host to a Social /Public Affairs Analyst, Mr. Etim Etim. He'll be talking on governance issues in our state on the following themes:
1. Government debt profile and lack of transparency .
2. Abandoned projects and lack of continuity .
3. Govt's earnings and lack of accountability.
4. The Reigners Church collapse and the conspiracy of silence.
Pls tune in as it promises to be impacting & educating.

Otuekong UduakAbasi Ikpat
Producer
"
The radio station Planet FM owned by a pacesetter Mr Tony Afia, is apparently unaware of the twist in the programme content it is offering to the public, which at best could be said to be a deceit on the gullible public. Is this ethically or morally right? Should the media house be blamed for turning a blind eye or should the producers of the programme be the fall guys?
Seriously, if NDDC could come out with a smoke screen of promoting its projects and end up promoting none, but attacking the government of a state that is largely funding its operations, then something fundamentally wrong needs to be addressed about the nature of our leaders.
For all the ill effects, for all the injustices and for all the deprivation incurred for Nigeria to survive, Akwa Ibom gets bashings from NDDC under the supervision of its own son, Obong Nsima Ekere.

I am Essien Ndueso, I endorse this message

See what the Chairman of APC Governor's forum is doing.

See governor Rochas, Okorocha screening candidates for the new position of Commissioner for State Uniforms and Pre-marital Affairs.

APC! Change!

..As Emmanuel Enoidem Becomes PDP National Legal Adviser Today

By Tom FredFish

All is now set for the PDP National Convention today at the eagles square, Abuja. The convention has been described as a time bomb that will pull the former ruling party together and forge it on strong contention to take over power from the ruling APC in 2019 or continue to pull it back and leave the confused APC at the centre beyond 2019.

But pessimistic observers notes that the PDP knows what is at stake and will do everything to make the convention successful - coming out stronger and united. They opined that today's elective convention is the last opportunity for the PDP to put her house in order if they must muscle power from the APC come 2019, else they would spoil the goodwill and readiness of Nigerians to embrace them as alternative platform in their attempt, eagerness and willingness to discard the already disappointing ruling party, APC.

The bone of contention today is not only who becomes the PDP Chairman but whose zone should produce the Chairman. While some governors especially from the south South who are seen to wedge big influence on the PDP wants the position, the South West argued that the position should naturally be given to them base in the fact that their zone commands electoral value (number) and as the zone with the highest population after the North, they should produce the chairman and use his influence to put the West in tune and proper perspective for PDP come back. This did not sell within the South South governors and some powerful senators of the PDP. The die is cast.

However, other positions seems to be readily and contestively available for aspirants to occupy. One position that has attracted attention is the position of the PDP National Legal Adviser.

As a unit of organization, crisis within party stalwarts is inevitable, hence lie the critical importance of the office which should be manned by an experienced, dependable, and astute legal luminary.

One person who fits this description perfectly is barrister Emmanuel Enoidem. A man who can be trusted to deliver on any given assignment and at any given time.

What makes Enoidem thick for the position? As a budding Lawyer in the Chambers of the Late Dr. Akwaowo Essien from 1991 to 1993 and down to the University of Uyo where he held sway as a Lecturer at the Law Department, Barrister Enoidem had exhibited exceptional character and respect for his superiors and work schedule. He was always seen as the homely one at any place of work and would hardly speaks whenever he finds himself in the gathering of his superiors except he was asked to do so. For him, how to deliver on the job matters more than loud voices.

As a young executive Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area in 1997, Enoidem never allowed the position get into his head. He was said to have driven himself all through the period of his tenure as he once told few colleagues who were worried about deflating the flamboyance of the office that, being driven about won't get the job done but commitment and sincerity of purpose delivers in public service. Barrister Enoidem is not only humble but humane.

His sojourn into politics exposed his modest nature and drew him to the heart of former governor Godswill Akpabio who took him as a confidant and relied on him when making critical policies during his titillating tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State.

It was for that singular reason, one of, selflessness and service that drew the attention of Governor Udom Emmanuel to Enoidem who now earned his trust and returned him as a Commissioner in 2015.

His appointment and subsequent swearing-in came as shock to detractors and political jobbers who had thought that service to one’s State for Barrister Enoidem was self aggrandizement and had advocated for his early political retirement. Unfortunately for these self seeking people, Governor Udom who always reiterates that his administration will not sacrifice merit and competence, for political expedition, saw Enoiden as a tool for achieving his desire to fulfill his campaign promises of industrializing the state as well as create wealth and put food on the table of Akwa Ibom people.

Plagued with an intractable crisis in 2016 that begs for quality professionals to take over and redeem the PDP at the centre, governor Udom first choice for the sensitive position of the PDP national Legal Adviser was no other person than Enoidem hence he urged and encouraged him to contest the position due to the fact that Enoidem's experience both as a lawyer and public servant is an attestation that whatever, he sets in, gets better, if not immediately, with time.

There is no doubt that a man whose ovation continues to drum loud is definitely susceptible to attacks especially by political hecklers and those who seems bent on making the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel and the PDP come back unsuccessful hence the protracted sponsored attacked on the person of Barrister Enoidem.

But Enoidem is not detracted, he's seen it all that the moment of trial, contestation are no moment of sobriety but one of reflections and focus. He once drew my attention to a quote which noted that "a saint was asked what is anger, and he gave a beautiful answer that it is the punishment we give our self, for some body else's mistake." What a take!

As barrister Emmanuel Enoidem clings the position of the PDP National Legal Adviser today, it is without doubt that the PDP at the centre will today register in their folds one of the most strategic sought-after asset in Nigeria who may be the signpost for the turn around of PDP fortunes come 2019. I join thousands of Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians to wish barrister Emmanuel Enoidem the best today.

Congratulations in advance.

Comrade Tom FredFish is a youth activist, policy analyst and media consultant

A'IBOM LG ELECTION: PDP RECORDS LANDSLIDE VICTORY

...Scores 857, 444 against APC 58, 249 votes

By Itoro Jacobs, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has once again stamp its foot as the domineering political party in Akwa Ibom state through the landslide victory recorded at the just concluded local government elections, last Saturday.

Results released by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, AKISIEC, Chairman through the Electoral Commissioner, Field Services & Logistics, Hon. Patrick Ifon shows that of the ten political parties that participated in the elections, the PDP, APC and the LP recorded votes, while other political parties did not score any vote.

The release by the AKISIEC signed by Hon. Ifon shows an intimidating victory by the PDP with a total score of eight hundred and fifty seven thousand, four hundred and forty four (857,444) votes; followed by a distant All Progressive Congress, APC, with fifty eight thousand, two hundred and forty nine (58,249) votes, while the Labour Party, LP exercised their presence at the election with a meagre two hundred and thirty five votes (235) only.

A breakdown of the figures of votes cast at the ballot by local governments shows Abak, Uyo and Oruk Anam local government areas of the PDP scoring the highest votes. For Abak local government, it was a consolidation of votes for the PDP scoring the highest votes of sixty four thousand, one hundred and thirty six (64,136) votes, followed closely by Uyo local government with sixty three thousand three hundred and three (63,313) votes and Oruk Anam local government got forty nine thousand three hundred and seventy seven (49,377) votes.

After the PDP, came the APC running behind with the second highest votes cast having an impressive run in Ikot Ekpene, Uyo and Essien Udim local government areas where they court home nine thousand, seven hundred and fifty three (9,753) votes, nine thousand and eight (9,008) votes, and three thousand, three hundred and eighty (3,380) votes respectively.

The APC in a press release have rejected the results citing irregularities but an observer Mr. Aniedi Osom who closely monitored last Saturday's election and spoke to our reporter noted that "the press statement by the APC is not unexpected of the APC who have severally exhibited the spirit of bad losers and divisiveness. We should not fail to remember that the APC in Akwa Ibom state has never accepted any result in their lifespan, so this is not a new thing to close political watcher" he said.

Another observer noted that the results released by AKISIEC is the reflection of the hard work of the PDP candidates who campaigned vigorously in their various local government areas against the APC candidates who were busy hoping that the court would suspend the election to give them time to prepare better.

Meanwhile Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians from all works of life has commended AKISIEC for the peaceful and fair conduct of the election notwithstanding attempts made by the opposition to thwart the process through litigation, ballot boxes snatching and thuggery.

With the results released so far, it is without doubt that the PDP has once again made a clear statement of popularity and maintain its political leadership in Akwa Ibom state and it's pronouncement is unambiguously clear that there is no political party tussle in Akwa Ibom state's polity as the issue of which party may likely win the 2019 governorship elections is settled by this result, says Michael Ubong, a political commentator.

I will deliver Nigeria to PDP in 2019 – Emmanuel Enoidem

...As Udo Ekpenyong says PDP hopes for total victory

By Joseph Atainyang

A former Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem has vowed to deliver Nigeria into the hands of his party during the 2019 general elections.

Journalists who monitored the local government elections across the 31 local government areas in the State report that Enoidem was at his home town, Etim Ekpo, Ward 1, Unit 2 where the former commissioner who is contesting the office of the National Legal Adviser of the Party, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the elections, which he described as peaceful, fair and credible.

He thanked the people of Etim Ekpo for conducting themselves peacefully, which according to him, had dismissed the earlier perceived violence in the area.

"The elections here is hitch free as it is not in our character to be violent. So, there was no violence against what the people had imagined. Akwa Ibom is PDP, although this election was the most tedious ever, given the behavior of the opposition.

"The Press is an essential element for democracy. I am sure you are all ready to support me. You all know what is awaiting our great party on the 9th of December. I am contesting for the office of the National Legal Adviser. I have full support of our people. We are very sure of victory. My core duty is to work hard to deliver Nigeria to PDP. I think I want to be on record. I will deliver Nigeria to PDP in 2019."

Also speaking, the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Udo Ekpenyong said with the peaceful nature of the exercise and the massive turn out of his party men, PDP would gain total victory.

He made this known in a chat with journalists who were on elections duty at his polling unit where he went to cast his vote. The reason, according to him was that PDP embarked on an intensive campaign for the elections.

Similarly, the Senate Minority Leader, Chief (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio who exercised his franchise in his Essien Udim home, commended AKISIEC for the smooth conduct of the exercise.

“We have been able to produce a very fair, free and rancourless local government election and people have come to vote. I've just voted. Others are voting, and it’s a normal practice of what we have been doing", he said.

Meanwhile, most wards and units in the State, witnessed either very late arrivals of election materials or outright non arrivals through out the whole period.

Examples of these included Ikot Ekpene LGA, where some political thugs were nabbed by security agents for an act of electoral violence.

Others included APC strong holds where election materials were completely non existent throughout the period.

Consequently, the All Progressives Congress, APC had issued a Press Release later on Saturday evening, rejecting any subsequent results which may be announced by AKISIEC and confirming the materialization of their suspicion which had caused them to raise alarm that the ruling PDP was planning massive rigging of the election.

The release reads thus in parts:

"Whereas, we had informed all our candidates to the election and our teeming members and supporters throughout the 31 Local Government Areas and 329 Wards to ensure full compliance with the provision of Section 27 (1) & (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) that any election result announced or declared without compliance with the procedures stipulated by the electoral act shall be vehemently rejected.

"To this end, the All Progressives Congress (APC) wishes to inform the general public that there was no election at all according to the provision of Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). Moreover, in their quest to rig and announce spurious results, all sensitive materials including results sheet were nowhere to be found.

"Today, the party wishes to inform the security agencies, government of Akwa Ibom State, Federal Government of Nigeria and the general public that we reject in its entirety any concocted result that AKISIEC may wish to announce to the general public as the final result of the purported Local Government Election."

However, findings revealed that arrangements are on by AKISIEC to announce the results of the election.

MEET WINNERS OF THE AKWA IBOM LG CHAIRMANSHIP ELECTION

Ubuo Effiong Ubuo- OKOBO
Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo is a former Chapter Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Okobo Local Government Area. He once served as Councillor representing Ekeya Ward in the Council and is the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of the Local Government. Born on July 17, 1976, Hon. Ubuo is married. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc) Degree in Microbiology and a Master of Science (M. Sc) Degree in Industrial Microbiology.

Victoria George Tallick- EASTERN OBOLO.
Miss Victoria George Tallick was born on the 28th day of June 1976. She holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration, having also bagged an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in the same discipline. The Eastern Obolo born Tallick was a former member of the Government Committee on Tourism, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area and also served as a Special Assistant to the Chairman of Eastern Obolo on Women Affairs and Water Resources Mobilization.

Cletus Asuquo Ekpo - ETINAN
Mr Cletus Ekpo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in the Estate Management and was born on June, 22, 1977. He was a Legislative aide to the member representing Etinan Federal Constituency and was an active member of two socio political groups namely, Mandate Preservation Group, Etinan chapter of which he was the Coordinator and served as secretary, Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance. He is married and is the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area.

Udeme Wilson Eduo- ETIM EKPO
Hon. Eduo is a former Vice Chairman, and immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. He has been a Special Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Commissioner for Investment and Commerce. He holds a Bachelor's degree. Born on November 13,1964, Hon. Eduo is happily married.

Emem Emmanuel Ibanga - NSIT ATAI
A woman Leader of note Miss Emem Ibanga was a Peoples Democratic Party, Nsit Atai chapter Officer (Ex Officio). A former Community Development Officer II, Ministry of Rural Development, Ms. Ibanga is also a former Logistics Coordinator, ExxonMobil. Ms. Ibanga holds a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc) Degree in Political Science and Public Administration.

Hon. Uko Okon Idiong - UKANAFUN
A former Councillor representing Ukanafun Urban I, and former Special Assistant to the Chairman of Ukanafun, Hon. Uko Idiong is married and was born on January 17,1975. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Public Administration and an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in the same discipline. Hon. Idiong also bagged a Bachelor of Science Degree (B. Sc) in Marketing, and was a Marketing officer, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc.

Barr. Imoh Williams- ABAK
Born May 28, 1974. He attended the University of Jos and University of Uyo as well as the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, before being called to the Nigerian Bar. A party man of no mean repute, he served as National Adviser 1 to Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance (ACA) as well as Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, Abak Chapter. He is an ordained Elder of Qua Iboe Church, Nigeria.

Unyime Okon Etim - IKOT EKPENE
Mr Unyime Etim is happily married and has been a former Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. Previously, he served as Special Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Akwa Ibom State. Mr Etim holds a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc) Degree in Zoology. He was born on July 19, 1976.

Mr Frank Archibong- EKET
Frank Archibong was born on August 19, 1975. He has a vast experience at the third tier of government, having held several positions among which are: Former Supervisor of Works, Eket Local Government Transition Committee and later, Supervisor for Youths and sports. He also served as secretary of the Transition Committee, moving on to become a Caretaker Chairman of Eket. A former National Organizing Secretary of a formidable socio-political group, the Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance, ACA, he also served as the National Vice Chairman of Continuity Advancement Group. Mr Archibong who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing was the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Eket and Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, before resigning to seek elective office. He is married and blessed with children.

Iniobong Robson Nnamso- ESIT EKET
Beginning in the private sector where he was the former General Manager, Calabar South Transport Company and former Public Relations Manager of KCA Deutag, Mr Iniobong Robson’s foray into politics has seen him serving in various positions such as Deputy Coordinator of Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance, ACA, for Esit Eket Local Government Area.
Mr Robson rose to become the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Area. Born on October 13, 1974, Mr. Robson is married and holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering.

Hon. Imoh Sunday Attat- ONNA
Hon. Imoh Attat worked as a Project Supervisor to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. A former Deputy Director, State Secondary Education Committee, Onna he also held the office of Supervisor for Health /Education, Onna Local Government Area. He was elected Councillor representing Nung Ndem Ward II and was a former Acting President of All Stars Football Club of Akwa Ibom State. He is a member of Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN) and member, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria(STAN). Hon. Attat holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Chemistry. He is happily married.

David David Eshiet - IKOT ABASI
Mr David Eshiet served as Transition Committee member, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. He is a former Supervisor for Works and Transport and later, Supervisor for Education, Youths and Sports Development in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. Born October 22, 1972, Mr Eshiet is married and holds a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc) Degree in Marketing.

Itoro Columba- IKONO
A consummate journalist, broadcaster and trained Accountant, Mr Itoro Columba served as the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Ikono Local Government Area, as well as the Publicity Secretary of Association of Local Governments of NIGERIA, ALGON, Akwa Ibom State branch. Prior to his ascendancy to leadership in Ikono, he was an active player in several socio - political groups including One for Eight Initiative where he served as Publicity Secretary. He was also a member of Board of Trustees of Transformation Initiative for the Empowerment of Ibom People, TIEP. Mr Columba who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism, is a member of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ. He founded and was until recently, the Chief Executive Officer of The Bridge Media Limited. He is married and blessed with children

Ifum Henry Udoh - IBENO
Ifum Henry Udoh had a successful stint as the Executive Director, IFCON & Associates, and later joined politics to become Councillor in Uquo Ibeno Local Government Area. Born on, September 23,1963, Ifum Udoh is also a former Caretaker Committee member of the Local Government. Happily married, Ifum Udoh holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration.

Ekomabasi Sunday Akpan- IBIONO IBOM
Ekomabasi Akpan holds a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Education and a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc) in Political Science. A two time councillor, Ekomabasi Akpan was born on October 1, 1979. He is married.

Efombruh Umana Edet - URUE OFFONG/ORUKO
A one-time Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Youth Caucus, Urueoffong/Oruko, Mr Efombruh Edet has held several offices in the Local Government Area. He was at various times, Special Assistant Project Monitoring, Supervisor for Youths and Sports, Supervisor Agriculture and Supervisor for Works, all in Urueoffong/Oruko Council. Born on December 13, 1976, Efombruh Edet is married and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (B. Sc) in Policy Studies and Administration

Barrister Etetim Akpabio Onuk - ITU
A fine lawyer and politician, Barrister Etetim Onuk was born on August 9, 1962. He was a Clerical Officer, Cross River State Ministry of Health. Barrister Onuk is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and the Legal Adviser, Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Akwa Synod. As a general legal practitioner, he was engaged in drafting legal documents at William Uruestone & Co. Lagos. Barrister Etetim Akpabio was the General Secretary, Family Health and Fitness Club and Uyo and Coordinator, Welcome Home Rehabilitation Foundation. He is happily married.

Anthony Bassey Etim - ORON
The immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Oron Local Government and erstwhile Board Member, Akwa Ibom State Road Maintenance and Infrastructure Agency, Mr Anthony Etim, who was born on August 5, 1951, is the representative of Idua clan, in Oron Union Executive Committee. Mr Etim is married and holds an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Theology and a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Public Administration.

Okon Esin Oku - UDUNG UKO
Born in Udung Uko on March 12,1962, Mr Okon Oku was a former member, Caretaker Committee of Oron Local Government Area. He proceeded to serve as the Vice Chairman of Udung Uko Local Government Area and was a National Officer of Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance, ACA. He also served in the Udung Uko chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as Chapter Assistant Secretary.. Oku is married and holds a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc) Degree in Political Science Education.

Eric Effiong Akpan - NSIT IBOM
Mr Eric Akpan is a former Legislative aide, National Assembly Service Commission and Project Supervisor for the Akwa Ibom State Governor. A holder of a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc) Degree in Geology and former Vice Chairman, Uyo Capital Akwa Ibom State Youth Caucus, Mr Eric Akpan is married. He was born on April 22, 1976.

Sylvester George - IBESIKPO ASUTAN
Born on November 28, 1968, Hon. Sylvester George was a former Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Service Commission. A former Deputy Leader, Ibesikpo Asutan Legislative Council, and Councillor representing Asutan ward III, Hon. George also held office as Supervisory Councillor for Health and Social Services and former Special Adviser, Commerce, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. Hon. Sylvester George holds a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc) Degree in Biochemistry and is married.

Anthony Gabriel Udousung - IKA
Born on April 16, 1968, Mr Gabriel Udousung is a holder of a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc) Degree and Master of Science (M. Sc) Degree, both in Education, Chemistry. A political activist, he was the Coordinator, Mandate Preservation Group, Ika Local Government Area, Elder, Transformation Initiative, and Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance, ACA, Odoro Ward I, Ika Local Government Area. Mr Udousung is happily married.

Anietie Udo Udo - OBOT AKARA
Anietie Udo Udo holds a Higher National Diploma from the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua. He has been variously, a Personal Assistant to the ALGON Chairman and Head of Council. A former member of Obot Akara Transition Committee, he also served as Secretary of the Transition Committee. Mr Udo is happily married.

Raphael Akpan Bassey Isobara - ESSIEN UDIM
Raphael Isobara was born on August 28,1959 and is happily married. A former Supervisor for Health, Essien Udim Local Government Area, he made a mark as a farmer, having risen to the leadership of the Farmers Association. He served as State Vice Chairman of All Farmers Association. Mr Isobara holds a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc) Degree in Accounting Education.

Udemeobong Sylvanus Bassey - NSIT UBIUM
Udemeobong Bassey is a former Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Nsit Ubium chapter. He served as former Personal Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and Special Adviser Political Matters. He holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) and an Ordinary National Diploma (OND), both in Computer Science. Born August 7,1980, Mr Bassey is happily married.

Asukwo Efiong Eyo (JP) - MBO
Mr Asukwo Eyo is a great core party man who has served in various capacities as, Auditor and Chapter Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mbo Local Government Area. He was also at some point Assistant Revenue officer in Mbo Local Government and former Councillor, representing Enwang Urban I. Mr Eyo was born on 7th May 1974 and is happily married

Elder Imoh Okon - UYO
Born in, 1968 in Nung Ukim village in Ikono Ibom clan of Uyo Local Government Area, Elder Imoh Okon is a professional medical scientist specializing in Hematology /immunology and Public Health with post graduate degrees from Centre for Disease Control, CDC,Atlanta Georgia, USA and Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt. He is a former Secretary of Uyo Local Government Transition Committee and immediate past Vice Chairman of Uyo Senatorial District of PDP. An Elder of The Qua Iboe Church, Elder Okon who was the coordinator of various socio political groups in Uyo is married with children.

Andrew Ekanem Brown - MKPAT ENIN
Mr Andrew Brown is happily married and was born September 11, 1977.He holds a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Management. Having previously bagged an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Science Laboratory Technology and Physics /Electronics respectively. A Dakkada ambassador, he is the founder of Project Development, Mkpat Enin.

Hon. Henry Isaiah Udofia
Former Majority Leader, Uruan Legislature, Hon. Henry Udofia was born on June 13, 1965. The former Councillor is married and holds a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc) Degree in Political Science and Public Administration.

Israel Idaisin - INI
Born February 16,1968 in Ikot Udo Asan, Ini LGA. A consumate grassroots politician who has held various political positions including, Secretary, Ini Local Government Transition committee; Chairman, Forum of PDP Chapter Chairmen, Akwa Ibom State; The immediate past chairman, Ini Local Government Transition Committee. Idiasin holds a National Diploma from the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
He is married and blessed with children.

Prince Ubong Idiong - ORUK ANAM
Prince Ubong Bernard ldiong studied Sociology and Anthropology at University of Uyo and has worked in several establishment. He has served the State government by contributing to the development of the tourism lndustry. He is a Director of several companies.

Breaking News!

PDP Sweeps A'Ibom Council Polls

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has swept all 31 Local Government Areas as the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, AKISIEC, releases a Press Statement affirming results earlier declared by the authorized Returning Officers in various locations. PDP Councillorship candidates also win all 329 wards. Jubilation breaks out as AKISIEC directs winners to report and receive their Certificates of Return on Monday, December, 4th.

See pictures for the Press Release below

GOVERNOR EMMANUEL COMMENDS PEACEFUL ELECTIONS, READS RIOT ACTS TO ELECTION THUGS

Governor Udom Emmanuel has commended voters in Akwa Ibom state for their peaceful conduct in the just concluded Local Government elections in the state, stating that those involved in election violence will face the full wrath of the law.

Governor Emmanuel who identified Local Government elections as a difficult election, thanked God that the state concluded the process without any reported casualty.

Speaking shortly after casting his vote at his polling unit in Awa Ward One, Onna Local Government, he said, “this goes a long way to show that the people of the state are in active support of his administration and are willing to encourage him to maintain the peace and attract more development.

He frowned at unpopular candidates who allegedly went to import hoodlums to come and disrupt the peaceful exercise and appreciated the security agencies for being on top of the situation.
“I think they have done a good job by making sure the election went on peacefully.”

“The opposition, some of them were arrested with weapons today and you know the law, and we also made a broadcast that if you are caught with that, you must face the full wrath of the law.”

He reiterated the desire of Government to ensure that, all those arrested with any form of ammunitions or weapons would be prosecuted.
“I have discussed with the security agencies, none of them will go unpunished.”

He recounted his assurances to Nigerians that Akwa Ibom will set an example of, “a very free, fair and transparent election.”

He urged the press to report accurate facts on the realities in the state, so that people will not be misled by false reports on the social media.
“I have seen people posting all kinds of things(on the social media) that did not actually exist, so it's left for you people who saw everything first to actually let the world know what happened.”

He advised Akwa Ibom politicians in the services of the Federal Government to use their positions to bring development to the state, and avoid actions that tend to destroy the fabrics of unity in the state.

By Ndifreke P. Akpan
(AKSGovt. House)

The ‘Ukapisualization’ of Superior Performance

By Tom FredFish

I don’t like Victor Antai. Yes, I don’t. Some people say that he is nice, generous and creative. Others opines that he pretends to be nice in order to be likeable depending on his interest at a particular moment. But to me, I stand at the middle. However, let us forget about who Victor Antai is and reflect on his deeds in office. Likable or not, he is versatile and creative. I admire his tenacity and I crave for days ahead when appointed officers can translate government’s agendas into tangible goals that will assist to bring dividends of democracy to the people.

It is no longer news that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in a bid to stamp the state as a tourist destination in line with governor Udom Emmanuel agenda has once again rolled out activities geared at celebrating yuletide as well as ginger the swag of fun loving Akwa Ibomites. It does not end there.

Before now, no visible social or entertaining activity takes place during end of year in Akwa Ibom state apart from the largest choir conglomeration in the world – Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol festival often tagged the “9999 carol night” designed to worship God for his grace during the year.

As the year approaches and as some states in Nigeria and places in the world such as cross River (calabar carnival), Rivers (port Harcourt carnival), Lagos (eko carnival), as well as Rio de Janeirio carnival, carnival of venice, Mardi Gras, Notting Hill Carnival, carnival of Viareggio, and Ivrea Carnival put finishing touches on their annual end of year celebration / carnival, I would have been shocked if with Victor Antai on saddle, the state make us lose the opportunity of showcasing our rich tourism and cultural potentials as well as boost our economy and place cash in the pockets of residents.

But thank God Hon. Antai didn’t disappoint. The multiple of Ukap isua event will afford Akwa Ibom the leeway to exhibit our unexplored heritage sites through their compositions as bands for the carnival. The Blue River Band represents the aesthetic scenery and lush settings of Ukanafun Blue River – a twin stream of water flowing together but never meets; the Rolling Hills Band represents the rolling hills at Itu which in itself is nature best arts and a wonder to behold; while the Beach Town Band represents the deep seated and longest beach line in Africa - Ibeno beach, an alluring site for tourists to unwind and enjoy nature. The beach, apart from being named after a band will play host to a mega festival featuring outdoor games such as the first beach soccer, volley and basketball of its kind in the state. Also among the band is the Bridge Band representing the ‘Bridge of No Return’ where slaves passed through after being bought with no hope of coming back to their mother land. It is a site that gives compelling account of what slaves pass through going out through the shore of the bight of Biafra. And the last band is our own indigenous and most popular spot in Akwa Ibom State – the Plaza Band representing our inland tourist spot deliberately planted in the centre of Uyo, the state capital and adorned with dazzling selection of beautiful, exotic and ornamental plants, water fountains and aesthetic lightings.

With the Ukapisualism put on top gear by the commissioner, governor Udom have complimented his superior performances from January to December and sealed a deal of confidence with the people. This deal is predicated on the well sought after Christmas event which successive governments have deprived Akwa Ibom people in the past. Ukapisua is not just an event. It is a signpost to the fact that there is no alternative to celebration. Thus, what are we celebrating?

Akwa Ibom will be celebrating Jesus Christ – whose birth made us free. We would be Ukapisualizing superior performances by the state government led by Udom Emmanuel, we would be thanking God for promises fulfilled by governor Udom. What are the promises? Akwa Ibom youth are now engaged in meaningful ventures such as skills acquisition, quality education and are gradually becoming masters of their destinies cutesy of the dakkada philosophy. We would thank God that our soil can now harvest tomatoes, cucumber, garden eggs and other essential agricultural produce. We would be thanking God that where ever the word syringes and meters are pronounce in Africa, Akwa Ibom State is the first point of emphasis.

Worth celebrating are the hundreds of kilometers of roads constructed by this government, and the industrial take off in the state that includes the peacock paint, Akwa Toothpick and pencils production, etc. Worth mentioning is the rising of the Akwa United football Club from absurdist position - relatively unknown club in the Nigerian football league to a 2-time national champion in less than three years? The list is inexhaustible.

Apart from the celebration of Christ and thanking God for his enablement throughout the year, Ukapisua is significant in other ways. Firstly, is the fact that it would led to the influx of people from all works of life into the state as their visitation will lead to the experience of first hand ethnic coloration of our beautiful Ibibio, annang and oro cultures. These cultural homogeneity has helped bind Akwa Ibom people together with common identity in areas as cuisines, dressing, dances, songs, beliefs and folktales. It would afford other citizens of Nigeria and the world to see Akwa Ibom people as very industrious, resourceful, peaceful, honest and hospitable, as they are bound to also enjoy the most favourable climate, geography and security during Ukapisua.

Ukapisua will also boost local sales and patronage of our endless list of recreational facilities and hotels spread across the state just as the Christmas village put in places at the Ibibio Unity Field, off Udoudoma Avenue will help local traders acquire and save considerable profit to start next year. The most intriguing and fascinating aspect of Ukapisua is its ability to change the social and marital status of ambitious and hardworking visitors because our young, pretty, tutored, and well cultured ladies are roundly available for marriage to deserving men from any parts of the world.

These and others are among the many beauties of Ukapisua. Ukapisua, is not just an event; Ukapisua is an event that brings life; and life that brings grace, because grace itself is peace and prosperity. The Udom Emmanuel administration has just planted a seed of faith and sealed a deal with the people with the Ukapisualization of her superior performances in 2017.

CUTESY: AKWA IBOM INDEPENDENT WRITERS FORUM

As Atiku leaves APC......this is what you should expect in this weeks newspapers headlines.

1. N500b corruption money found under Atiku's bed - Laureta Onochie
2. Atiku haven't paid tax in 30 years - Lai Mohammed
3. Recession was due to Atiku's flamboyant activities - Femi Adesina
4. How Atiku contributed to boko haram - Garba Shehu
5. We have been investigating Atiku since 1982 - EFCC
6. The ex VP has pending court cases with the Ministry of Justice - Malami
8. We are still tracing Atiku's sudden wealth - ICPC
9. Atiku is linked to the cash found at Osborne Tower - NTA
10. Atiku's utterances is a threat to national security - DSS

Me: Atiku - the exit from a righteous party by a righteous sinner to a anticipated sinning party.

AKWA IBOM CHRISTIAN FATHERS BACK GOVERNOR EMMANUEL’S RE-ELECTION

Ndifreke P. Akpan (Govt House)

Fathers of Faith in Akwa Ibom have proclaimed and pronounced blessings on Governor Udom Emmanuel, and have routed support for him ahead of the 2019 gubernatorial election in the state.

The group, made up of state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Dr Ndueso Ekwere, State Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Dr Sylvanus Ukafia, the Prelate Emeritus of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr Sunday Mbang, Rev Dr Uma Ukpai, former State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Arch Bishop Cletus Bassey, and other top anointed men of God, took the position during a Special Interactive Banquet with Governor Emmanuel.

The Prelate Emeritus, Dr Sunday Mbang while announcing the resolution at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo on Thursday November 23, 2017 charged the church leaders who stood up in affirmation of the decision to talk about their resolve from their different pulpits.

Dr Mbang, a one time National Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, advised church leaders to speak out on issues bothering them adding that one of the things that endears him to Governor Udom is his transparent Christianity.

Rev Dr Uma Ukpai who spoke earlier said apart from declaring Governor Emmanuel as their candidate for 2019, he wanted God to increase his level of anointing.

He noted that the Governor was sent by God to take the people out of the hood to a place of honour saying that the church owes the Governor prayer support which he insisted was a debt that must be paid.

Dr Uma Ukpai thanked the Governor for accepting to serve the people and added that, "I believe you were sent by God to transform our economy from an ordinary economy to an Industrialized economy".

While declaring the purpose for the meeting, Arch Bishop Cletus Bassey said the church produced Mr Emmanuel not only as a great Governor but also as a worthy Ambassador to the church and as such will not be allowed to work alone.

Arch Bishop Bassey made references to achievements of the Governor and said that the church leaders were meeting as a family to renew the state and charged the Governor not to stumble.

The State Chairman of CAN, Rev Ndueso Ekwere while setting the tone for the meeting said, "it was a day the Fathers of Faith needed to tell the intelligent, amiable, knowledgeable, erudite, impacftul and industry-driven Governor of Akwa Ibom that they love him.”

The CAN Chairman who said a job well done means more work to be done, gave assurance of support and explained that plans were underway for a large crowd of christian faithful to converge and announce the Governor adding that the church which brought him is still standing by him.

In his reaction, the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel who said it was one of the most amazing days in the journey of his life described the event as overwhelming and unprecedented.

Governor Emmanuel thanked the body of Christ for the proclamation and noted that it calls for a high level of responsibility on his part and that of the state government. 

He restated the commitment to do everything in line with life principles and the core values of the society as he continues in his service to the state with all amount of sincerity.

Speaking further, the Governor said "I want to promise the Christian body that I will uphold the tenets of those teachings that we were given and uphold the banner of Christ. As Christians, we must also leave a mark so that even when we are gone, we should be able to leave some things behind".

The Governor who said he was not informed about what transpired during the meeting expressed so much appreciation to CAN, PFN and other christian blocks with a promise to invite the gathering shortly to bare his mind.

The event whose major highlight was the proclamation of Governor Emmanuel as Akwa Ibom Christians’ candidate for the 2019 Gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom, also featured question and answer session, presentation of gifts and prayer to the Governor by a retinue of notable men of God.

Federalism Shorn Of Fiscal Content Is No Federalism – Enoidem

By Nsikak Ekanem

November 23, 2017

Lawyer and former university teacher, Emmanuel Enoidem, served as Commissioner during the tenure of Chief Godswill Akpabio as Akwa Ibom State governor. He also held portfolio as Commissioner of Commerce, Industry and Investment under the incumbent governor, Chief Udom Emmanuel, until he recently resigned to vie for the position of National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this engaging chat with NSIKAK EKANEM, he speaks on the imperative of true federalism and the urgent need to revamp the fortunes of the PDP through strict adherence to its Constitution.

Excerpts…

*In the past nine years or so, you have occupied public office as commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, which perhaps has taken you outside concrete legal practice. Don’t you think that period is long enough to erode your knowledge of law; or have you undergone refresher courses to re-equip you for the office of National Legal Adviser for a major party like PDP?*

In the last nine and half years that I held political appointment I have never lost touch with the law. I have all my Law Reports up to date. That means I was keeping in touch with the law as it develops. And of course, there is no way you can run a government without being in touch with the constitution. Every government is run on the basis of the law. Law is the only thing I went to school to read. I have got my first and second degrees in Law. I have been a Law lecturer in the University of Uyo so there is no way I can detach myself from Law. My body is part and parcel of Law and I have consciously been improving my capacity in legal practice and the new laws that come in. There has never been a suspended moment between me and my profession, which is the legal profession.

*What drives your interest to run for the position of PDP’s National Legal Adviser?*

We are doing a re-building, restoration and re-energising of PDP at the moment. To do that a proper party structure must be set in place, especially after the legal turbulence and the political confusion sparked off by the Ali Modu Sheriff saga. The party is now ready to do elective convention, and as God will have it, some positions were zoned to the South and some to the North. One of the positions that were zoned to the South is the National Legal Adviser and it fell into the axis of Akwa Ibom and Cross River State. In the South we have the South West, South East and the South-South. In the South-South there are three zones – the Cross River-Akwa Ibom, the Rivers-Bayelsa and the Delta-Edo zones. So this particular position comes to Cross River-Akwa Ibom section. If you check the history of the party the only person that comes from Akwa Ibom in the National Working Committee of the party has been Senator Anietie Okon and that was for a very short period at the embryonic period of the party. He was the founding National Publicity Secretary of the Party. From that time till now the position of the NWC of the party that came to the Akwa Ibom-Cross River zone has always been held by Cross River State – Venatius Ikem was there and later John Odey. This time around it is the turn of Akwa Ibom State.  I am a lawyer. I was called to bar in 1989. The job needs somebody that has at least 10 years experience at the bar. I am 28 years old in the bar now.

*You talked about making sure the Constitution of the party works. It has been alleged that PDP thrives on impunity. Is that a wrong assessment of the party?*

Even the current All Progressives Congress (APC) government at the centre that promised heaven and earth is thriving on impunity. The Nigerian system has been structured in such a way that impunity reigns in every fabric of our society. So, PDP having been a culprit of impunity, which is a Nigerian thing, has resolved to go back and do things in a different way because impunity does not pay.

*What refining processes have you been through to position you as the best candidate for the post of National Legal Adviser of your party?*

I did not study Law by accident. I studied law believing that law is a major instrument for the development of any society and advancement of human cause. I studied Law believing that law is an instrument for bringing decency into society. That was my conviction when I went to study law and those convictions are still alive in me; and I know that any society that runs outside the tenets of law, that never respects the rule of law can never be a successful society. It is a society in anarchy, and would definitely run into problem. That is exactly what law is enacted to cure. Law is about bringing decency into society, and respect for peoples’ rights. In a political environment, of course, Law will enable people to have their choices respected at election. Those are the things that law can bring to the society and I am one person that is a major crusader of the rule of law. I believe in the rule of law; I believe in a disciplined society conducted in accordance with the law. I believe if I take these things to the party, we can then properly position our party within the perimeters of the rule of law, i.e. the party’s constitution vis-a-vis the Nigerian constitution. We will begin to do things orderly. We are calling ourselves the Peoples Democratic Party, of course. What it means is that the power belongs to the people. And of course, if you don’t allow the people to have a say in the decisions of the party, then it means the power does not belong to the people. So those are the things that we need to enforce in my time as the National Legal Adviser of the party. Our Constitution should remain supreme. What the constitution of the party says must be respected. That is the drive I am taking to the national secretariat of the party.

*You earlier broached ideas for rejuvenating the PDP. Can you expatiate?*

First of all, as a lawyer, and of course, the person who will be advising the party on matters of law, I will ensure that the party’s constitution is a Bible for everybody. Every officer of the party must respect the constitution. I will ensure that every decision of the party must have a background in our constitution. I will ensure that the decision of the party will flow from the people. And that the people’s voice cannot be trampled upon. I will ensure that every candidate of the party is nominated by the people and not by one person because if the candidate of the party is not nominated by one person, the people that nominate that candidate will work for that candidate without looking for anything extra to do the work. But if you impose somebody on the people of course the people will want you to convince them on why they should support the person and such conviction can come in terms of demanding for money.

*Zoning has always been a controversial issue in PDP. How do you intend to go about handling it as a legal issue whenever the need arises?*

Zoning is a major constitutional provision of the party, not just in our party; even the Nigerian Constitution recognizes zoning – federal character is specie of zoning. The same thing is in the Constitution of our party, where zoning is entrenched. Zoning brings peace, harmony, accommodation, and trust in the party. Zoning is what the party must respect because it is part of the organic laws of the party. I also believe that there are moments a strict implementation of zoning can bring problem. Zoning is made by man so if it becomes impossible to implement zoning, we can also sit down as a party and look at the circumstances we have in our hands to ensure that the provision of zoning is negotiated in a way that the people affected are taking into consideration in taking such decisions. Zoning must not be allowed to compromise merit. We don’t have to make ourselves slaves of zoning. Zoning is not something that should be a mental captivity of the people.

*Can it therefore be taken that you are in full support of PDP’s zoning of the 2019 presidential ticket to the north?*

Yes! I agree. Until Nigerian politics develop to such an extent that when a president goes into office he behaves as if he is a President for all Nigerians, we have a problem in this country. The Nigerian federation is being served by lip service. Nigeria is not a federation in the real sense of the founding fathers.  This is not the kind of federalism that Baron de Montesquieu and A. V. Dicey postulated about. A federation that lacks a fiscal configuration is not a federation. A federation must have a fiscal element. A fiscal element is a major ingredient of a federation and that is why everybody goes to Abuja every month to beg for money because the federal government has taken monies that belong to the federating units and keeps in its wallet and behave as a school headmaster dishing out food to the pupils. In a federation there is competitiveness of the states because the states are allowed to develop what they have and make contributions to the national fund to enable the federal government run certain services that are exclusive to the federal government like security, international relations, currency. We have the longest list in the exclusive in any federation anywhere in the world. The point I am making is such that we must try to have a nationalistic leader. A leader, when he is elected, whether he is Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo or Efik or Ibibio or Annang. He must believe in Nigeria. Unfortunately, we don’t have that spirit ruling us at the moment. Look at President Muhammadu Buhari, the president from the APC, for instance, his appointment is the worst in the history of Nigeria, in terms of ethnic balance. Even under military government we have never had this kind of ethnic-bias and religious-bias in appointment. This is one government that has so much disregarded the federal character principle more than any other government in the history of Nigeria.

Source: Daily Independent Newspaper

I Am Qualified To Be PDP’s Legal Adviser – Enoidem

By Nsikak Ekanem

November 22, 2017

Emmanuel Enoidem, a lawyer and former university teacher, served as Commissioner for eight years in the tenure of former Akwa Ibom state governor, Godswill Akpabio. He had also held the portfolio of Commissioner of Commerce, Industries and Investment in the current government of Udom Emmanuel until he resigned recently to vie for the position of National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic  Party (PDP). In this interview with Nsikak Ekanem, he spoke on why he wants to be the party’s number one law officer. 

Excerpts:

What drives your interest to run for the position of PDP’s National Legal Adviser?

We are doing a re-building, restoration and re-energising of PDP at the moment. To do that, a proper party structure must be set in place, especially after the legal turbulence and the political confusion sparked off by the Ali Modu Sheriff saga. The party is now ready to do elective convention, and as God will have it, some positions were zoned to the South and some to the North. One of the positions that were zoned to the South is the National Legal Adviser and it fell into the axis of Akwa Ibom and Cross River State. In the South, we have the South West, South East and the South-South. In the South-South there are three zones – the Cross River-Akwa Ibom, the Rivers-Bayelsa and the Delta-Edo zones. So this particular position comes to Cross River-Akwa Ibom section. If you check the history of the party, the only person that comes from Akwa Ibom in the National Working Committee of the party has been Senator Anietie Okon and that was for a very short period at the embryonic period of the party. He was the founding National Publicity Secretary of the Party; it was about a year and half. From that time till now, the position of the National Working Committee of the party that came to the Akwa Ibom-Cross River zone has always been held by Cross River State – Venatius Ikem was there and later John Odey. This time around it is the turn of Akwa Ibom State.  I am a lawyer. I was called to bar in 1989. The job needs somebody that has at least 10 years at the bar. I am 28 years at the bar now.

*Besides zoning what are your unique selling points?*

I am a politician – a politician of note. I have been a founding member of PDP in Akwa Ibom State from the very first day that PDP was conceived. I was in that meeting in the late Etukudo Ekporo’s house. I was there the first day all the political associations in Akwa Ibom met and decided to join PDP at Ibom Hall. I have been elected local government chairman; I have been the party’s State’s Treasurer for six and half years. I have been a member of central planning committee of many conventions in Abuja. I have been a campaign secretary in Akwa Ibom State all on PDP’s platform. So, I have done a lot for the PDP and so I am eminently qualified for the position. I am not going there as adventurist, I am going there as somebody who believes in PDP and its manifesto, and who wants to ensure that the Constitution of the party is protected, which is very important. I am going there determined to contribute my quota to rejuvenation of the party. I am not even going there as a passenger; I am going there with ideas, I am going there with commitment and dedication; I am going there because I know the current government at the national led by the APC is failing Nigeria and there is no alternative to PDP coming back to power.

*You talked about making sure the Constitution of the party works. It is been alleged that PDP thrives on impunity…*

(Cuts in) Even the current APC government at the centre that promised us heaven and hell is thriving on impunity. The Nigerian system has been structured in such a way that impunity reigns in every fabric of our society. So, PDP having been a culprit of impunity, which is a Nigerian system, has resolved to go back and do things in a different way because impunity does not pay.

*So does that imply that you have agreed that impunity has been one of things that affect PDP?*

Not just PDP. Impunity is Nigeria’s phenomenal problem, and we need a change. PDP has been a victim of impunity. Yes, I said that! And impunity is still in the APC.

*Are you sure you are not a beneficiary of impunity?*

Everybody that has been in power has been a beneficiary of impunity one way or the other. It has been everybody’s game. And, of course, if it is a Nigerian phenomenon as I said then of course, no body is spared.

*What refining processes have you been through to position you if you happen to become the chief law officer of your party, to make sure that* …

(Cuts in) Don’t allow anybody to tell you that if you do wrong you would not know. Everybody has something in him or her that will tell him or her that you have done wrong. Whether the person is a pastor or a politician or a farmer, whatever you are as a human being, there is something in you that would tell you that you are doing wrong when you are doing wrong and will also tell you that you are doing right when you are doing right. So, you need to listen to your person first before you need an outside judge. I did not study law as accidental course. I went there believing that law is a major instrument for the development of any society and advancement of human course; I went there believing that law is something that can bring decency to the society. That was my conviction when I went to study law and those convictions are still alive in me and I know that any society that runs outside the tenets of law, that never respect the principles of the rule of law can never be a successful society, and is a society in anarchy, it is a society that will definitely go into problem. That is exactly what law is about to cure. Law is about to bring decency, respect to peoples’ right and previledges. In a political environment, of course, Law will enable people to have their choices respected at election. Those are power that law can bring to the society and I am one person that is a major crusader of the rule of law. I believe in the rules of law, in a disciplined society conducted in accordance to the law. So, those are the things I believe if I take to the party we can then properly put our party within the confines of the law which is the party’s constitution vis a vis  the Nigerian constitution. We will begin to do things orderly. We are calling ourselves the Peoples Democratic Party, of course. What it means is that the power belongs to the people. And of course, if you don’t allow the people to have a say in the decisions of the party then, it means the power does not belong to the people. So those are the things that we need to enforce in my time as the National Legal Adviser of the party. Our Constitution should remain supreme, what the constitution of the party says must be respected. That is the drive I am taking to the national secretariat of the party.

Source: Daily Independence Newspaper

ANALYSIS

World's 20th Worst Living Dictators: One Down, Who's Next?

By Tom FredFish

In an era where the enthronment of popular democracy have taken sway in the world, dictatorial rulership still exist even in some advance countries of the world. Africa which is the bastion of unpopular system of governance is not left out and is in lead.

According to David Wallechinsky, after Robert Mugabe who was recently forced to resign in Zimbabwe after 37 years as the country Supreme leader, "Cameron's Paul Biya, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, and King Mswati of Swaziland are among some of the world's worst dictators".

For a country like Cameron whose leader has been in the saddle since November 6, 1982 it is pertinent to take a look at Paul Biya's 35 years rule. As an official in post-independence 1960s Cameroon, Paul Biya rose to prominence under President
Ahmadou Ahidjo.

After becoming Director of the Cabinet of the Minister of National Education in January 1964 and Secretary-General of the Ministry of National Education in July 1965, Biya was named Director of the Civil Cabinet of the President in December 1967 and Secretary-General of the Presidency in January 1968. He was further appointed Minister of State in June 1970, while remaining Secretary-General of the Presidency. Following the creation of a unitary state in 1972, he became Prime Minister of Cameroon on 30 June 1975. In June 1979, a new law designated the Prime Minister as the President's constitutional successor. Ahidjo unexpectedly announced his resignation on 4 November 1982, and Biya accordingly succeeded him as President of Cameroon on 6 November.

A reflect on Cameroon's electoral process leaves one appalled by Biya's continual manipulation of the process to remain perpetually in office. For instance "every few years, Biya stages an election to justify his continuing reign, but these elections have no credibility. In fact, Biya is credited with a creative innovation in the world of phony elections. In 2004, annoyed by the criticisms of international vote-monitoring groups, he paid for his own set of international observers, six ex-U.S. congressmen, who certified his election as free and fair" says David Wallechinsky.

Note worthy is the fact that Biya regularly spends extended periods of time in Switzerland at the Hotel 
InterContinental Geneva where a former director of the hotel, Herbert Schott reportedly said he comes to work without being disturbed.

These extended stays away from Cameroon (while sometimes as short as two weeks), are sometimes as long as three months and are almost always referred to as "short stays" in the state-owned press and other media. In February 2008, he passed a bill that allows for having an additional term in office as president which was followed by civil unrests throughout the country. The main violent riots took place in the Western, English-speaking part of the country starting with a "strike" initiated by taxi drivers in Douala, allegedly causing more than 200 casualties in the end.

In 2009, his holiday in France allegedly cost $40,000 a day spent on 43 hotel rooms. In 2009, Biya was ranked 19th in Parade Magazine's Top 20 list of "the World's Worst Dictators".

In November 2010, Bertrand Teyou published a book titled 'La belle de la république bananière: Chantal Biya, de la rue au palais' meaning "The beauty of the banana republic: Chantal Biya, from the streets to the palace", tracing Chantel, Biya's wifes rise from humble origins to become Paul Biya's First Lady. Bertrand was subsequently given a two-year prison term on charges of "insult to character" and organizing an "illegal demonstration" for attempting to hold a public reading. Amnesty International and Interna-tional PEN's Writers in Prison Committee both protested his arrest and issued appeals on his behalf; Amnesty International also named him a prisoner of conscience. He was freed on 2 May 2011 when the London chapter of International PEN agreed to pay his fine in order that he might seek treatment for his worsening health condition.

In February 2014, French citizen Michel Thierry Atangana was released from a makeshift 
Yaoundé prison where, under Biya's orders, he had been arbitrarily detained for 17 years under false claims of embezzlement because of supposed closeness to another presidential candidate Titus Edzoa. Considered a political prisoner and prisoner of conscience by the United States Department of State, Amnesty International, Freedom House, and the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention since 2005, Michel was released under Biya's personal decree but the Working Group's tripartite demands remains unfulfilled. In 2016 Cameroonians in the nation’s capital city of Yaonde criticized Biya’s reaction to the country’s worst train crash in which 79 people died. Criticism included government officials who remained anonymous, fearing a backlash.

The Anglophone protests in late 2016 was led by English-speaking lawyers in protest against the use of French in Cameroonian courts led to violent clashes with police. Opposition party leader Edna Njilin of the Cameroon People’s Party spoke out against the enforced use of French in the classroom. In March this year, the government ordered a suspension of Internet services in the Northwest and Southwest provinces. Criticism of the suspension and increased opposition led to resumption of services in late April.

By June 2017 this year, protests in Cameroon’s-English speaking provinces and cities led to extreme police brutality with 4 protesters killed and over 100 arrested. International criticism has been levied at the United States for their lack of response to the growing Cameroonian crisis. In April 2017, a Cameroonian journalist working for Radio France Internationale, Ahmed Abba, was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment by a military tribunal for failing to report acts of terrorism. The judgement was severely criticized by human rights groups including Amnesty International and other Human Rights body.

Also in early 2017, videos and reports surfaced online alleging that a genocide was taking place in Southern Cameroon, sanctioned, and led by Paul Biya. A petition to the United Nations gave details of police raping students at a university. Supporters were calling for the independence of Southern Cameroon before the violence escalates. The National Commission for Human Rights and Freedoms embarked on a fact-finding mission in Buea, to investigate allegations of human rights abuses in the region but as usual cases like that usually nose dive.

As Zimbabweans and democrats around the world celebrate the forced "resignation" of Robert Mugabe - world oldest leader who rules the country for 37 years, analysts have turned their radar to one of Nigeria's hostile neighbour - Cameron with a deep and unappreciative look at the ruling class who seems comfortable being led in an archaic and anacromistic manner. Since Cameroon and other countries who are being ruled by dictators are sovereign nations and the fact that sovereignty belongs to the people, only time will tell how comfortable Cameroonians are with a sole and Supreme leader in this jet age.

Solomon Johnny wrote:

What is APC in Akwa Ibom State without Dr John Udoedehe, Group Capt Sampson Ewang, Rt Hon Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Dr Udoma Bob Ekarika, Bar Joe Ukpong...

Prof Itsey Sagay spoke:

“I am an accomplished man long before any appointment. I am not a “come and chop” politician like you lot. My loyalty is to the president and not to the party which has continued to fail under the leadership of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. To start with, I am not a ‘come and chop’ person as you are. I did not come to ‘chop’; so the party is not doing me a favor. You are the ones that have come to ‘chop. Secondly, my criticism of APC is not against President Muhammadu Buhari who I think is a man of great honor, integrity and whom I admire and who inspires me. I took this job because of Buhari and Osinbajo, who I admire greatly. The people I am referring to in my criticism are John Odigie-Oyegun and one Bolaji Abdullahi, who is (Senate President Bukola) Saraki’s Man Friday. They are dining with the devil who wants to destroy the party. They are appeasers, who are acting the way (former) British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, appeased Adolf Hitler and in the process, they will destroy the party because they are weak and unable to confront evil and they will end up helping that Hitler to destroy the party. What is APC without Buhari, Osinbajo and Tinubu? The Oyegun-led executive, which is doing a policy of appeasement, will destroy the party.”

So in Akwa Ibom State, I am asking what is APC without Senator John Udoedehe, founding father of Action Congress of Nigeria and 2011 gubernatorial candidate of the party, BoT member of APC, he led the ACN team in Akwa Ibom State to the merger to form APC; Group Capt Sampson Ewang, BoT member of APC, gubernatorial candidate of the All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP and Leader of the ANPP team in Akwa Ibom State to the merger to form APC; Rt Hon Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Dr Udoma Bob Ekarika, Bar Joseph Ukpong...?
I did not see these men yesterday at the APC rally. Strictly speaking, it's a blunder to talk about change in any progressive political setting in Akwa Ibom State without these men leading the debates. In fact, it conjures fraud and mischief to even the gullible and a shallow minded crowd.

APC is talking about change. The major problem the party shall have as the debates for 2019 begin, shall be that of sameness with the PDP, the party its current promoters seek to change in Akwa Ibom State. That sameness which creates a picture of one package, one product in two packs, is sure to hinder that anticipated change. If APC wants to be taken seriously, it must endeavor to show that it is not PDP in APC ideologically and in physical elements with regards to those they are promoting as symbols of change.

On the whole, I was impressed at the crowd yesterday. Though crowd in politics does not translate to automatic victory, it shows what APC can achieve, the height it can get to in Akwa Ibom State if she respects the structures, the foundation upon which the party was built. (I would have bowed my head in shame if it was anything less, the organisers did a great job) PDP would have gone solo,in fact extinct if all her (APC) material/human resources in this state were pulled together for the general course of having a change of government.

I was very disappointed that I hardly found any credible speaker from the entourage from Abuja. The National chairman of the party is a mess and a big minus and an apology to the APC as a party. I had expected the 19 Governors of the party who moved against him to perfect it by sacking him during the last NEC meeting of the party attended by President Buhari in Abuja. His continued stay as national chairman of our great party is not helping matters because under his watch, even President Buhari, the symbol of the party is going down in popularity according to recent rating because, there is no strategic support and backup plan from the party to the President's reformation agenda especially in his fight against corruption basically because, the national chairman is too weak, clueless and seems to feed from corruption himself. He has not been able to rescue the party and under his watch, very strange buccaneers have invaded the party, hijacked it and sank it in crises and despondency. He lost my respect long time ago because he is moved by everything and holds on to nothing that secures the party.

Hilliard Etta, South South National Vice-chairman who brags? Con artist, a very opportunistic fellow who contested and lost councillorship poll in Cross Rivers State but became refurbished, drafted and sponsored by Dr John Udoedehe into the position he occupies today and uses it against the man. Like my State Chairman, Dr Amadu Attai, he belongs to the "pay as you want to go" leadership blog in the APC who know no principle, conscience or morality. Their language is money to the detriment of their party members, friends and associates. Thus, hungry and very poor as they were, it became very easy for them to be caricatured and used by very corrupt PDP elements Lording over the party now.

It would have been fine if either President Buhari or his vice, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo attended the event. Their presence would have added credibility to the gathering much better than those working on stashed borrowed robes who cannot openly talk about so many problems in Akwa Ibom State because clearly, they are part of the problems and benefitted from it.

I want to congratulate both the chairmanship and councillorship candidates of our great party who got their flags yesterday ahead of the December 2017 Local Government election in Akwa Ibom State. My heart goes out to you and our battered party. I wish you all the very best hoping that your efforts brings you success you so desire.

Breaking News: Buhari, Osinbajo, Oyegun, Ors Shun AKS APC Campaign

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, together with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Oyegun and other national officers of the party, shunned the local government campaigns flag-off held on Saturday in the Uyo Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State.

The decision of the national leadership of party to stay away from the campaign flag-off could not be ascertained as at press time, but reliable information at our disposal has it that the development is coming on the heels of a petition to President Buhari by a foremost APC support group in the state, Friends of Buhari - Osinbajo Organization, and signed by the group's state coordinator and state secretary, Chief Ubong Mbeh and Barr. Edidiong Ekere respectively.

According to the source, the presidency and the national leadership of the APC is unhappy with the situation in Akwa Ibom State and the loads of petitions and complains against the state leadership of the party.

It was also gathered that Nsima Ekere, who was in Abuja few days ago to meet with some APC top shots, splashed over N500m naira in an attempt to pacify the situation in the presidency.

However, his effort was futile as the vice president and other members of the national leadership of the party failed to show up in the local government campaign flag-off.

There is also indication that Nsima Ekere may not attend the event as he was yet to arrive, leaving a scanty crowd of his followers hopelessly waiting under the scorching sun.

BARR ENOIDEM OUR NEXT PDP NAT'L LEGAL ADVISER - Gov Emmanuel

Ahead of the forthcoming elective national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, erstwhile Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Investments, Commerce and Industry, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem is set to emerge the next National Legal Adviser of the Party.

This follows the open endorsement and proclamation made by the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel while receiving over 10,000 youths of Eket Senatorial District, who marched to show support to him in at Government House in Uyo.

Mr Emmanuel, who is the leader of the party in the state, announced that it was the wish of the party in the state to present Barr. Enoidem and assured that he will be the next legal adviser of the national working committee of the PDP.

Governor Emmanuel told his kinsmen that he felt obliged to show them his candidate for the position of national legal adviser of the party before going to the polls, and solicited for their support to the project.
Governor Emmanuel had received affirmative response when he asked the youths rhetorically, “Do you know him, do you want him, should we send him”?

The position of Legal Adviser has been zoned by the PDP to favour Akwa Ibom State, and the pronouncement has put to rest, speculations on who should be the unanimous candidate fielded by the state contingent to the PDP convention which holds in December, 2017.

Barr. Enoidem, 53 has a vast wealth of experience in politics and public service. He has served as Chairman of Etim Ekpo local government area, state Treasurer of the PDP as well as member of the State Executive Council who superintended three different ministries for nine consecutive years.
Before venturing into politics, he had practiced law and also taught at the Faculty of Law, University of Uyo.

GOV EMMANUEL ENDORSES BARR ENOIDEM’S CANDIDACY AS PDP LEGAL ADVISER

Ahead of the forthcoming elective national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, erstwhile Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Investments, Commerce and Industry, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem is set to emerge the next National Legal Adviser of the Party.
This follows the open endorsement and proclamation made by the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel while receiving over 10,000 youths of Eket Senatorial District, who marched to show support to him in at Government House in Uyo.
Mr Emmanuel, who is the leader of the party in the state, announced that it was the wish of the party in the state to present Barr. Enoidem and assured that he will be the next legal adviser of the national working committee of the PDP.
Governor Emmanuel told his kinsmen that he felt obliged to show them his candidate for the position of national legal adviser of the party before going to the polls, and solicited for their support to the project.
Governor Emmanuel had received affirmative response when he asked the youths rhetorically, “Do you know him, do you want him, should we send him”?
The position of Legal Adviser has been zoned by the PDP to favour Akwa Ibom State, and the pronouncement has put to rest, speculations on who should be the unanimous candidate fielded by the state contingent to the PDP convention which holds in December, 2017.
Barr. Enoidem, 53 has a vast wealth of experience in politics and public service.
He has served as Chairman of Etim Ekpo local government, state Treasurer of the PDP as well as member of the State Executive Council who superintended three different ministries for nine consecutive years.
Before venturing into politics, he had been a practiced law and also taught at the University of Uyo.

EKET SENATORIAL YOUTHS ENDORSE GOV EMMANUEL…OFFER TO PURCHASE HIS 2019 RE-ELECTION FORM

Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital, was on Friday agog when a mammoth crowd of more than 10,000 youths drawn from the 12 Local Government Areas of Eket Senatorial District, marched to the Hilltop Mansion, for a solidarity visit to Governor Udom Emmanuel
The youths who chanted in support of the Governor as the marched around the streets of Uyo, lauded him for a superlative performance particularly in the senatorial district and the state at large.
Led by the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Rt. Hon. Victor Antai, the crowd marched from the Ibom Unity Park, Udo Udoma Avenue to the Government House, Wellington Bassey Way, to pledge their support for the Governor come 2019 and beyond.
Governor Emmanuel who was pleasantly surprised by the show of love reminded the people of his promise to bring development from the development had to start from the shoreline and hinterland to the city centers.
The Governor who assured that work was advancing on the proposed deep seaport project in the state explained that he purposely refused to give much publicity to the progress of work on the project and several other ongoing projects.
“There are projects we are doing which cannot be completed in 2-3years , I heard people talking about the deep seaport, I purposely removed Ibaka from the internet.”
He said, “before now, when we enter meetings, when you read it on the internet, the next day the saboteurs will put something else in the newspapers to make sure the seaport doesn’t work.”
He reiterated his desire to complete the ongoing seaport project and the international Jetty project in Ikot Abasi among other projects which are geared towards making a statement that the district produces the resources sustaining the nation’s economy.
Governor Emmanuel noted that Eket Senatorial District is a huge blessing to the country as the oil that Nigeria is feeding from comes from the district.
The Governor also informed the people of the ongoing dualisation of the road linking the Akwa Ibom International Airport with Oron and the East-West road for easier access to the airport for Eket Senatorial district air travellers.
Earlier while describing him as ‘Amazing Udom Emmanuel’ and the talk-and-do Governor, Rt. Hon. Antai quoted Holy scriptures and charged the Governor to “Fear not for I am with you. Eket Senatorial District youths have asked me to tell you that you are the lion of the tribe of Eket Senatorial District and we are your warriors.
“We are soaring with you come 2019. There is no vacancy in the Hilltop Mansion that is why the people of Eket Senatorial District have journeyed since morning to show you solidarity, to tell you ‘be strong, you are our own.
“Uyo governed for eight years, so did Ikot Ekpene. They did not share it. This is our turn and we are not going to share it and you and you alone shall govern for eight years.
“We will lead to war come 2019 and you are going to be our general. On that note, the youths of Eket Senatorial District asked me to present a gift, a symbol to be strong and of good courage.”
According to Antai who is the convener of the exercise, the Eket Senatorial District Youths are satisfied with the outstanding performance of the Governor in just two and a half years in office and are out to tell him thank you for being a good leader.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Member representing Onna in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Otuekong Nse Essien; PDP Chairmanship candidate for Eket Local Government, Hon. Frank Archibong; and the Eket Local Government Transition Chairman, Princess Abigail Edohoket, and he Chairman of the State Youth Council, Comrade Emem Daniel, thanked the Governor for taking Akwa Ibom from a civil service state to an industrial state.
“You promised to build roads and that is what you are doing, we are going to make the people of Nigeria know that Akwa Ibom State is PDP. What you are seeing here is a testament of what you are doing in the state. This march started in 2015 and will continue in 2023. You have made us proud.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Eket Senatorial District, Senatorial Chairman, Mfon Nkanteen stated that Governor Emmanuel has exceeded their expectation.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of a ceremonial sword to the Governor by the youths, symbolizing strength and courage for the governor ahead of his re-election.
Those who accompanied the Governor to receive the crowd were Secretary to the State to the State Government (SSG), Sir Etekamba Umoren; Commissioners for Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang; Information and Strategy, Mr Charles Udoh; and Transport and Mineral Resources, Orman Esin, and aides of the governor from the Senatorial district, led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical Matters and Due Process, Elder Ufot Ebong.

10,000 EKET YOUTHS MARCH FOR GOV EMMANUEL TODAY

All is now set as 10,000 youths from across the 12 local government areas of Eket Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State are expected to converge on Uyo for a one day solidarity march in support of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

A statement by the convener of the march, Mr Victor Antai reveals that the event is tagged “The Great Solidarity March to Hilltop Mansion.”

The rally holding this Friday will see the youths processing in a carnival float from the Union Park along Udo Udoma Avenue to the gates of Government House along Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo.

According to the convener of the event, the Eket Senatorial District Youths are satisfied with the outstanding performance of the Governor in just two and a half years in office and are out to tell him thank you for being a good leader.

The time for the take off from the Union Park in Uyo(no longer Uyo stadium) is 10am.
According to the statement, the event will also feature performances by top class artistes from the district, while messages of solidarity are expected from key youth leaders from the respective local government areas.
#10000March4Udom, #EketForUdom

IBANGA AKPABIO, PROF INOKA, GET PORTFOLIO IN AKSG
Governor Udom Emmanuel has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle and the creation of a new ministry.
The new Ministry of Labour, Productivity and Manpower Planning has newly sworn in Commissioner, Sir Ibanga Ime Akpabio as Commissioner.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr. Ekerete Udoh, newly sworn in Prof. Victor Daniel Inoka, takes over from former commissioner Pastor Paul Alexander Udofia as Commissioner in the Ministry of Education.
All other commissioners and Special Advisers retain their previous posts.
Until his appointment, Sir Ibanga Akpabio was the deputy state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, while Professor Inoka was a lecturer in the University of Port Harcourt.

At the PDP Official flag-off of Campaigns for Akwa Ibom State Local Government Elections at Uyo Township Stadium on Thursday November 2, 2017, Governor Udom Emmanuel and Senator Godswill Akpabio once again demonstrated their smooth relationship to the admiration of all the dignitaries at the event. Their posture silenced critics, agents of destabilition and falsehood and put them to shame against their constant prediction that their is a no-love relationship between the duo.

Politics of inclusiveness is the key to the success of the Udom Emmanuel administration in Akwa Ibom state.