₦airaland Forum

"ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION"

There's an ongoing controversy on social media regarding a post with the tag "Another Lagos Returnee".

It has been brought to our notice that Senator Effiong Bob's social media account has been hacked by fraudsters which resulted in the said write-up found on his page.

The post which is believed to have been orchestrated by politically unstable and hungry fraudsters is aimed at indicting the personality of Senator Effiong Bob, and scoring cheap political points ahead of the 2023 elections in the state.

Specifically, the piece authored by Gideon Ekere on "Lekki and home grown politicians" has been the tool twisted by the culprits against the Senator.

It is pertinent to note that Senator Effiong Bob has no issue with anyone contesting an election - it is the fundamental right of every member of the Uyo senatorial district to do so if, eligible.

The general public is hereby informed to disregard the munched post made to tarnish the image of the Senator by the mudslingers as the senator will under no
circumstance make such proclamations on the internet space.

OVER 150 TEACHERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO FACE TOUGH TIMES

...as Education monitoring Team intensifies spot- checks in Schools

In her avowed commitment to ensuring that her free and compulsory Education for primary and Secondary School Children in the State is qualitative enough, the Akwa Ibom State Government under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel has again, frowned at Teachers with poor attitude to work, while promising to end loitering in Schools. Consequently, over 150 Teachers culpable of lateness and absenteeism have been recommended for sanctions.

However, the Governor's office Education monitoring team led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education Monitoring - Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, restated the Governor's commitment to education on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, while addressing Teachers and Students during an on-the-spot Check to Schools in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

The Team which also consisted of the representative of the Education Commissioner - Barr Mrs Attih, NAPTAN Chairman - Elder Ataide and Governor's Aide on Research and development - SA Essien Ndueso, paid unscheduled visits to Cornelia Cornelley College - Afaha Oku, Offot Ukwa Secondary School and Primary School Mbierebe Obio where they monitored school resumption time, conduct of Morning devotion as well as review records and Movement books.

In every school visited, the monitoring team which arrives notorious schools before 7.30am, takes part in the early morning devotion and counsels Students and pupils on the need to shun Cultism and other social vices capable of destroying their future. Though a greater percentage of Students as observed by the monitoring team arrive school late, all Students who arrived school after 8.00am promised to turn a new live through the undertakings administered to all victims of lateness.

Meanwhile, the team which also discovered some irregularities in the record and movement books for Teachers, frowned at Principals and Head Teachers who create room for lateness and absenteeism without sanctions. Etiebet who presided over brief meetings held with Teachers, called on them to be role models, stressing that the responsibilities of Teachers are not just to teach in classes, but to be role models outside the class rooms and the society at large. The Governor's Aide while reiterating the Governor's interest in the education sector, also disclosed that the Governor has zero - tolerance for unprofessionalism. Etiebet charged principals to submit names of Teachers who arrived school after 8.00am to her office, for onward submission to the Governor's desk for sanctions. As at the time of filing this report, more than 150 names of Teachers were pencilled down for sanctions.

Recall that in the last one month, several Schools have been visited by state Government's education monitoring team in about 10 Local government areas. While a total number of 71 Students were recently placed on indefinite suspension by the State Government for gross misconduct. From information gathered, the spot- Check promises to be a continuum.

Emma Akpabio

FEYReP Intensifies Campaign against Teenage Pregnancy

In continuation of its advocacy/sensitization campaign for teenage girls in secondary schools across the state against premarital sexual relationships and teenage pregnancy, the Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path-initiative (FEYReP), Friday, visited Cornelia Connelly College, Afaha Oku, Uyo.

Leading the team was the wife of the State Governor and founder of FEYReP, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Udom Emmanuel.

The campaign tagged "Girls Uphold Your Dignity", afforded the school girls the opportunity to hear first-hand from the governor's wife who graduated from the institution about 33 years ago.

Dr. Emmanuel while interacting with the girls on the topic: "Consequences of premarital sex", admonished the students against indulging in sexual escapades early in life.

She said abstinence remains the only option for them at this early stage in life, stating that "sex was ordained by God for mature people in marriage."

The First Lady, who cautioned the students against engaging in unruly behaviour that could be detrimental to their future, added that as young girls they were expected to subdue inordinate feelings whenever it arise.

"Don’t succumb to peer-pressure. Be self-conscious and have self-control over your feelings. The power to suppress it is within you," she remarked.

While advising the female students to be cautious of sexual predators in their respective areas and report to authorities in case of any abuse, the governor's wife encouraged them to study hard and be focused in life, as these were the prerequisite for a successful life.

Earlier, the principal of the college, Mrs. Grace Ekwere in her welcome address, thanked the governor's wife for visiting her alma-mata, saying they were honoured to have her in their presence.

She saluted the interest of the First Lady in raising the girl-child in the right way and stated that her coming to the school will motivate the students to maintain a high moral standard.

Also speaking, the coordinator of FEYReP, Mrs. Ime Ephraim Inyang while addressing the students, said the campaign is shifting the paradigm by advocating for complete abstinence from premarital sex.

Inyang reiterated the need for the girl-child to uphold her dignity, stating it was pertinent they concentrate on their studies.

Resource persons, Mrs. Aniebiet Akpan, who spoke on the topic “The girl-child and personal hygiene”, Pastor Utibe Eno who spoke on “Drug abuse and cultism,” and Barr. Sylvia Joshua who spoke on the topic "Rape: domestic violence and the consequences", advised the female students to stay away from drugs and cultism, ensure a healthy living by keeping their body and surroundings clean and as well avoid friends with negative influence.

They all encouraged the girls to take pride in being a girl child and added that they were beautifully and wonderfully made by God for wonderful works.

There was a question and answer segment where the governor's wife gladly responded to various questions raised by the students.

(C)Koko Udonquak
15th November, 2019

*A'IBOM GOVT ROLLS OUT PLANS FOR 2019 YULETIDE*

Ahead of the yuletide, the Akwa Ibom state Government has reeled out activities to boost tourism in the state.

Among other activities designed to keep the people spellbound in the spirit of the celebration are Ibeno Beach Festival, Miss Akwa Ibom Beauty Pageant, Children fanfare and Food Festival 2019.

This was the hallmark of resolutions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, Thursday, at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House , Uyo.

Briefing Government House correspondents shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner of Information, Mr. Charles Udoh who was flanked by his counterpart in the Culture and Tourism ministry Mr. Orman Esin, said the Council has approved programmes and activities to give the state a unique experience and make it a destination during the festive season.

Hear him: "there are line-up of activities for the Christmas season one of which is going to be an elaborate Christmas village that will entertain everyone that will come in for the celebration.

"It will be a place where people will go wine and relax. His Excellency the Governor has also approved the hosting of Miss Akwa Ibom Beauty Pageant which will come up this December.

Corroborating Mr Udoh's explanation, the Culture and Tourism Commissioner added: "We are also going to have the food festival to showcase the unique cuisine we have in the state, it is necessary for us knowing that a lot of visitors are coming into the state for the Christmas's celebration.

"The Ibeno Beach Fiesta is also designed to be blast during the season while the Children Fanfare will be held within the Christmas village."

The Information boss told reporters that issues across various sectors of the economy were discussed and approval granted to streamline and harmonise all agricultural projects in the state to attract foreign direct investments; to set up a Committee on implementation of resolutions of the last Education Summit; to upgrade cottage Hospital, Awa in Onna Local Government Area to a General Hospital as well as approval granted the Ministry of Trade and Investment to host first Akwa Ibom Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Summit & Exhibition in the first quarter of next year.

Among other decisions taken at the meeting were establishment of a labour data bank for Akwa Ibom State, upward review of approval fees for opening of private schools and as part of the approval the Exco mandated that illegal private school operators should be fined five hundred thousand naira.

The Council deliberated and approved the reintroduction of revenue receipts in government owned hospitals across the state as well as approval for the Ministry of Trade and Investment to embark on two projects ; the Ibom 3000 Initiative and a Local Government Project Initiative.

He explained that under the initiative each Local Government will identify and harness a product peculiar to its area.

#Akwa_Ibom_To_The_World

Let's Crush on & show Support to Our Darling Super Eagles as they play host to Benin Republic National Team today by 5pm @ The Goodwill Akpabio Int'l stadium- Uyo.

I love their quality Jersey ����

BUSINESS: How to Make Cool Money this Christmas in Uyo

The true essence of Christmas is to celebrate a season of joy, of peace, of great tidings and most especially a season to celebrate the birth of Christ the King, the redeemer of mankind.

This year's Christmas celebration in Uyo promises to be so exceptional and will leave a lot of memories.

There are beautiful plans by the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism to organize an engaging experience with a line-up of amazing activities for 32 days non-stop, and there will be no point considering to travel outside the State.

During this celebrations, the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism have designed and mapped out the green area of Ibibio Unity Museum Park for the construction of Christmas Village for fun seekers and guests.

Surprisedly, Space for Vendors at the Christmas Village is Free, Yes I mean its totally Free of charge, as the construction of booths will by done by prospective vendors and according to the specific model to be provided by the agency.

There is also a partnership with a finance institution, Newdawn Microfinance Bank, to build the stalls and provide soft loans for intending vendors with a flexible repayment plan.

Now imagine having a FREE space at the Christmas Village that will host thousands of people through out the 32 days of the celebrations. Also imagine the fulfilling smiles on your face each day you go to the bank to deposit your profits.

Don't miss this golden opportunity to make wealth.

#IbomChristmasCelebration
#ChristmasInAkwaIbom
#AGiftToHumanity
#TheChristmasStory

THE BEAUTY OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas is undisputedly one of the most wonderful times of the year.

It is usually a season for the coming together of families to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and to also rekindle of the fire of love and hospitality.

In fact, there is no better a time to communally appreciate and celebrate the shared sociocultural pride and religious vestiges of a people than during the Christmas season.

The season is not only unique for its white lights, weather and songs.
It is also always a period where we relive our childhood social and cultural experiences.

This year, Akwa Ibom state through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism hopes to tell the Christmas story in what has promised to be one of its most unique narratives ever.

#Anticipate
#IbomChristmasCelebrations

Establishment of Akwa Ibom Security Trust Fund Bill scales second reading

…receives overwhelming support by Lawmakers

A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Security trust fund on Tuesday scaled second reading in the Akwa Ibom House of State Assembly.

The bill which is sponsored by the Honorable Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency Hon. (Barr) Otobong Bob is co-sponsored by fifteen other lawmakers.

Highlighting the Eighteen (18) sections bill during debate at plenary, the Nsit Ubium Lawmaker unfolded the many benefits Akwa Ibom Stands to derive when the bill is passed into law and urged the state lawmakers to support the bill.

“Mr. Speaker, Honorable colleagues this bill will foster effective Public Private Partnership for crime prevention and eradication to make the state safer.

“It will provide adequate funding for the procurement and maintenance of patrol vehicles, armored personal carriers and other security equipment to security agencies operating within the state”. He said, while narrating the numerous objectives and functions of the fund.

Also speaking in support of the bill, the Honorable Member representing Etinan State Constituency said; “This bill is apt and will provide funds for training and retraining of security personnel in the state”.

In his supportive opinion, the member representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko said the bill will go a long way to boast the morale of security personnel operating within the state as the proceeds from the funds could be used to reward personnel who render exemplary services citing a similar gesture which occurred recently in Lagos.

Other members who threw their supportive weights behind the bill included Hon. Asuquo Nana Udo (Member, Ikono), Hon. Mfon Frank Idung (Member, Etim Ekpo/Ika), Hon. David Lawrence (Member, Eket).

The Honorable Speaker thereafter committed the bill to the House Committee on Security, Youths and Sports for in-depth study to report back to the house within one month.

Establishment of Akwa Ibom Security Trust Fund Bill scales second reading

…receives overwhelming support by Lawmakers

A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Security trust fund on Tuesday scaled second reading in the Akwa Ibom House of State Assembly.

The bill which is sponsored by the Honorable Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency Hon. (Barr) Otobong Bob is co-sponsored by fifteen other lawmakers.

Highlighting the Eighteen (18) sections bill during debate at plenary, the Nsit Ubium Lawmaker unfolded the many benefits Akwa Ibom Stands to derive when the bill is passed into law and urged the state lawmakers to support the bill.

“Mr. Speaker, Honorable colleagues this bill will foster effective Public Private Partnership for crime prevention and eradication to make the state safer.

“It will provide adequate funding for the procurement and maintenance of patrol vehicles, armored personal carriers and other security equipment to security agencies operating within the state”. He said, while narrating the numerous objectives and functions of the fund.

Also speaking in support of the bill, the Honorable Member representing Etinan State Constituency said; “This bill is apt and will provide funds for training and retraining of security personnel in the state”.

In his supportive opinion, the member representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko said the bill will go a long way to boast the morale of security personnel operating within the state as the proceeds from the funds could be used to reward personnel who render exemplary services citing a similar gesture which occurred recently in Lagos.

Other members who threw their supportive weights behind the bill included Hon. Asuquo Nana Udo (Member, Ikono), Hon. Mfon Frank Idung (Member, Etim Ekpo/Ika), Hon. David Lawrence (Member, Eket).

The Honorable Speaker thereafter committed the bill to the House Committee on Security, Youths and Sports for in-depth study to report back to the house within one month.

*COMMUNIQUE ISSUED ON WEDNESDAY 28th NOVEMBER 2018 AT THE END OF AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE ELDERS AND STAKEHOLDERS OF PDP IN ESSIEN UDIM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ON THE CRISIS AT THE AKWA IBOM STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY*


Our attention has been drawn to the shameful and unethical rampage of Mr. Nse Effiong Ntuen from Essien Udim Local Government Area who is recently parading, cajoling and illegally claiming himself to be Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Ordinarily, we would have ignored his aberration since he is now a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC. But we have a local adage “that a madman’s shame extends to reasonable thinking members of his family”, hence our resolve to issue this communiqué.

1 The good people of Essien Udim local government area totally condemn the contemptuous, misguided, and inciting behavior of Mr. Nse Effiong Ntuen who has volunteered a mission of self destruction. His action does not represent the mandate, interest or patronage of the good people of Essien Udim Local Government Area, rather his action is devoid of reason, logic,maturity and depth.

2. We wish to state regrettably that the breach of the peace, law and order he is causing at the ever-peaceful Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Akwa Ibom State in general are entirely a conspiracy plot and design of his new party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, concocted to create tension and confusion in Akwa Ibom State for wrongful exploitation by his pay – masters.

3. We salute the Hon. Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke for his mature leadership and control of the House of Assembly at these trying times. We hereby pass a vote of Confidence.

4. We are committed and hereby solidarize with the good governance of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, whose leadership in the state and promoted security of lives and property which has encouraged industrial and infrastructural development of the state. Secondly, based on the superlative performance of His Excellency the Governor, we hereby pass a vote of confidence on him even as we are irretrievably committed to his re-election for a second term as Governor of the State come 2019.

5. We condemn in very strong terms the unwarranted act of the state Commissioner of Police, CP MUSA KIMO for his partisanship in aiding and abating the former 5 APC lawmakers to forcibly enter into the state house of Assembly to foment lawlessness, criminality and vandalism with the use of thugs, arms and dangerous weapons to occasion threat to life and property within the state house of Assembly and its environs. We hereby join other well-meaning citizens of the State Commissioner of Police to forestall further break down of law and order in the State.
A typical Essien Udim man and by extension an Annang man is famous and courageous in maintaining peace and order in the society and must not allow himself to be used to foment trouble or illegality in the state.
Long live the Peoples Democratic Party!!!
Long live Governor Udom Emmanuel!!!!
Long live Speaker Onofiok Luke!!!
Long Live AkwaIbom State!!!
We are:
1. Obong M. A. Afangide OON
2. Hon. Elder Raphael Isobara
3. Sir. Hon. S. J. Inokon
4. Hon. E. E. P. Umanah
5. Dr. Lambert Udoh
6. Hon. Ntiedo Usoro
7. Kt. U. H. Isobara
8. Dr. Isidore Akpan-ebe
9. Obong Cornel Udoh
10. Rt. Hon. John Ekanem
11. Obong (Barr.) Imo-Owo Okpokpo
12. Barr. Maurice Udoka
13. Obong Hon. Emmanuel Useh
14. Obong Elder Daniel Udo
15. Hon. Peter O. Umoesinwang
16. Prince Umana Nsini
17. Hon. Barr. Prince Ukpong Akpabio
18. Barr. Esse Gerald Umoh
19. Hon. Sir Joseph Umanah
20. Hon. Uduak Udom
21. Hon. Barr. Martins Umanah
22. Prince Lambert Orok
23. Hon. Akpan Isonguyo

MOMENT OF TRUTH

AKHA Crisis: Godswill Akpabio Again

My people, when I earlier disclosed that the defection of Godswill Akpabio to the All Progressives Congress, APC, was a grand conspiracy to once again deal with the people of Uyo Senatorial District (Ibibios), nobody understood me. Today, it's gradually unfolding.

In 2014, during the twilight of the 5th Assembly, the then Governor of the State, Chief Akpabio, directed the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Sam Ikon to declare five lawmakers’ seats vacant following their defection to the All Progressives Congress.

Three out of the five lawmakers were from Uyo Senatorial District(Ibibio nation) while the other two were from Oro nation. Akpabio ensured that he dealt with the Ibibios and Oro nation.

After the declaration, none of the sacked lawmakers took laws into his/her hands, or started a fight with the Speaker.

Few days ago, following a valid court judgment, Speaker Luke declared five seats of lawmakers who defected to the APC vacant. After the sitting, three of the affected lawmakers, disgracefully broke into the chambers, and elected Akpabio's stooge, Nse Ntuen, as their new Speaker. Is this not another attempt by Akpabio to deal with Uyo Senatorial District (Ibibios) who have vehemently rejected his political overtures to unseat Governor Udom Emmanuel?


Recall the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Onofiok Luke, was served with an enrolled order conveying the judgment of the Federal High Court of Nigeria restraining him from further recognising Hon. Idongesit Ituen as a member of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly.

The presiding Judge, Honourable Justice F.O. Riman, in his judgment in suit no. FHC/UY/CS/151/18 between Hon. Idongesit Ituen (Plaintiff) and The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly and two others (defendants), gave the “order of court restraining the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly or any other person acting on his behalf (including the staff of the House of Assembly) from further recognising Hon. Idongesit Ituen as a member of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly.”

Being a declarative judgement, the Honourable Speaker had no choice than to comply with a valid court judgment.

His decision to declare vacant the seats of Itu, Etim Ekpo/Ika, Ikono, Mkpat Enin, and Essien Udim state constituencies is also in line with section 109 sub 1g of the 1999 constitution as amended.

Therefore, the show of shame by Akpabio through his house boy Nse Ntuen and the shameless and disgraceful display of power drunkenness by the APC in Akwa Ibom State led by the once responsible and respected Mr Ini Okopido should worry even APC members who still have good conscience except all of them have been infected by the Akpabio virus of blood, violence, anarchy and destruction which the same party condemned before the importation of Akpabio into the party.


Let us recall that prior to Akpabio’s entry into APC, the party had promised Uyo Senatorial District the position of a Deputy Governor, but was upturned to put somebody from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District with a conspiracy that should Nsima wins, he will be impeached by the Annang cabal to pave way for an Annang man to be Governor there by denying Uyo Senatorial District an opportunity to occupy the Hilltop Mansion.

This is a conspiracy that a factional Speaker be made from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, with the party chairman and Deputy Governor from the same axis.

My people, this is not a fight that should be left in the hand of Governor Udom Emmanuel and Barr. Onofiok Luke. We must rise in unison to salvage the soul of Akwa Ibom State.

The conspiracy of Akpabio to forcefully plant his stooge, Nse Ntuen as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly in order to topple Governor Udom’s administration, and send a signal for Federal invasion should not be allowed.

This is a clear case of shortchanging Uyo Senatorial District(Ibibio) by Annang cabal, with the support of the State APC Chairman who is also an Annang man.

Let us know that, Akpabio has always conspired with some of his selfish Annang brothers to fight the Ibibios. Let us not forget in a hurry the story of the former Chairman of NDDC, Ambassador Sam Edem, in which Akpabio as Governor, conspired with the then Delta State Police Commissioner, Udom Ekpoudom, his annang brother to fight Ambassador Edem on trumped up charges.

Today, we are in again with the cabal rising to make the people of Uyo Senatorial District (Ibibios), insignificant majority.

Our children will ask us questions, if we don’t fight for their liberation.

I endorse this message.

Prince Emmanuel Sam
The Unstoppable Voice of Truth.

THE RANTING OSHIOMOHLE

Reactions have continued to trail the recent comments by the National Chairman of the All Progressive Party, APC over the thugs invasion of the State House of Assembly and the declaration of the seats of five law makers on Monday.
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel while speaking to reporters in Uyo on his return from official engagement outside the state described Mr. Oshiomohle's comment as lacking in facts.

He said the APC's National Chairman should have verified the facts on issues at the Akwa Ibom State Assembly before making his comments public.

"You don't just come to public and rant as if you were talking out of points. I don't know who is feeding him with lies and he is using that lies to go to the public", the Governor said.

Condemning Oshiomohle's further comment, Governor Emmanuel said the APC National Chairman having governed Edo state for eight years, "should be able to differentiate between information or rumour and propaganda and what intelligence should be" noting that he did not do his home work well.
The State Chief Executive stated clearly his position not to join issues with the APC National Chairman having been disappointed by his commitments.
He pointed out that Nigeria belongs to every body adding that the state should not allow people to drag us backwards any longer.
The Governor advised people to be guided by their utterances and statements that they make irrespective of their mood.
According to him, emotions without control is dangerous.

It would be recalled the the APC National Chairman, Adam's Oshiomohle in his comment over the swift intervention of the security personnel who prevented the APC thugs from invading the state Assembly Complex had described as "very disturbing the development in some states where the PDP is misusing the police to undermine the basic democratic rights of APC members ".

Oshiomohle said "a typical example is what just happened in Akwa Ibom State where the Commissioner of Police there colluded with the state Governor to force APC members out of the Sate House of Assembly and the commissioner went beyond bounds of duty to aid and abet what was clearly wrong".

He averred that "it was not the business of the police to assist political authority to effect their bias as regards to the issue of the house".

In their swift reactions, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologondiyan and the Publicity Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the PDP Barrister Ini Ememobong described the plot by the opposition (APC) in the state as a calculated attempt to instigate violence and break down of law and order in Akwa Ibom State.

Mr. Ologondiyan and Barrister Ememobong in a joint media briefing in Abuja had alerted Nigerians on the heinous machinations and issuance of violent threats to take over some littoral states, for which they have now directed their arsenal particularly on Akwa Ibom State.