₦airaland Forum

IGP Tactical Police Krav Maga Training Ends in Uyo

-Special Tactical Squad is one of the most successful unit in Nigeria Police - Engr. Uwem Okoko

The Managing Director of Hensek Engineering Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko, has hailed the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu for the formation of IGP Special Tactical Squad, describing it as one of the most successful unit in the Nigeria Police.

He made this known in Uyo during the closing ceremony of a 5-day IGP Tactical Police Krav Maga training for officers at the weekend.

Engr. Okoko who was a Special Guest of Honour said, "I want to commend the IG for the formation of this special squad".

"I want to equally thanked the leader of this unit and his men for joining hands with the State Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal to make Akwa Ibom safe".

According to him, some of the achievements recorded by the Nigeria Police Force in the state can be credited to the special squad.

Reacting on behalf of the trainees, DSP Uche Okoye thanked the Commander of the IGP Special Tactical Squad, Uyo Sector, SP Julian Igbudu for organising the training for them, saying "we have learnt a lot from the practical session since Monday".

He said the training will enhance their approach towards combating crimes in the society.

On his part, the Commander of the IGP Special Tactical Squad, Uyo Sector, SP Julian Igbudu, thanked the IGP for approving the training for his officers, and promised to use the various tactics learnt during the training.

While thanking the State Commissioner of Police for giving the enabling environment, noted that the IGP was committed to training its officers to be able to carry out their duties effectively

He said the training was part of a holistic reform to get police personnel adequately equipped to discharge their duties.

Capacity building training for IGP Special Tactical Squad begins in Uyo

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has reiterated his commitment in building a strong, vibrant and modernised Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Speaking at the opening session of a 5 day training course on Tactical Police Krav Maga on Monday in Uyo, Mr. Adamu said, "the course is based on Police tactical unarmed self-defense aimed at strengthening their performance capacity in dealing with various crimes encounters in line of duty against armed and unarmed confrontation from hoodlums".

The Inspector General of Police who was represented by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal, said unarmed self-defense and combat tactic skills is an essential part of Police officer's requirement to meet up with the contemporary society.

"We must do our best to strengthen NPF tactical operational strategies to commensurate with international best practices".

He encouraged officers not to see the training as a mere academic exercise, but as a practical hands-on approach to improving and modernising the Police Force.

Mr. Adamu who said he was moved by the demand from members of the public for the Police to be cautious in the use of firearms, noted that "Officers with the skill of unarmed self-defense and combat tactics will not resort to use of firearm indiscriminately as a means of self-defense as he will be able to tactically defend himself and retain his firearm".

He thanked Global Unarmed Tactical Self-defense Association Nigeria Chapter (GUTS-DA) for facilitating the training and urged participants to take the training serious.

"It is my belief that participants in this course will religiously take the training serious and be prepared to use the skill acquired judiciously in line of duty".

In his address to participants in the workshop, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties, Rt. Hon Okpulupum Etteh, said indiscriminate use of and firearms has been a recurrent issue in Nigeria and thanked IGP for organizing the training for officers.

"It is pertinent that in a society like ours, Officers undergo systemic training from time to time to improve on their capacity, skills and also adopt various methods which is applicable to minimize collateral damage".

Etteh who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ekpe Richard commended the IGP and the Commissioner of Police for providing enabling environment for the training to take place.

On his part, the facilitator, Grand Master Sunday Igbinedion stressed the need for law enforcement officers to equip themselves with self-defense and non combat tactics to compliment their arms skill effort.

"You need to equip yourself with self-defense and non combat tactics because in most cases you might involved in a situation you don't need your arms".

Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of IGP Special Tactical Squad Uyo Sector, SP Julian Igbudu, noted that a modern day Police Officer need defensive skills that are simple, easily learn with shortest duration of period, practical and capable of being used against larger and stronger assailants.

He said law enforcement officers need to learn self-defense for both armed and unarmed encounters.

"For a Police Officer to significantly improve his or her odds of staying alive throughout their law enforcement career, it's imperative they devote their attention and energy to reality based self-defense techniques that teaches realistic street oriented techniques".

"I will have no regrets supporting the agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari that will bring development to Nigeria and my people in Etinan Federal Constituency and the ones that will not be good, I will speak against and will have no regrets"

Barr. Onofiok Luke while declaring open a free medical outreach for Etinan Federal Constituency.

By Ifiok ITIABA - Uyo

Accountant General of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien has disclosed that the state government under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel has paid gratuities up to March 2016.


Pastor Essien made this known when he led members of his management team to defend his 2020 budget estimate before House Committee on Finance and Appropriation on Tuesday.

He said the state has paid 2019 leave grants to civil servants in the state.

"We have paid the 2019 leave grants in 90% of the ministries. The last batch will be paid this November ending.

"We have also paid gratuities up to March 2016 as well as backlog of pensions up to 2015. In terms of our budget, we have been rated 3rd best in the country".

He said the state has been rated as one of the most healthiest states in terms of IGR. "In terms of IGR, Akwa Ibom is rated 7th most healthiest state".

He stressed further that salaries were paid regularly and on time. "Sir, I want to announce that we pay our salaries as at when due".

In his reactions, the Deputy Chairman of the committee, Rt. Hon. Effiong Bassey, urged the AG to make sure salaries are paid promptly.

"Accountant General, I join my Committee Chairman to commend you for your proactiveness that has contributed to the prompt payment of Salaries in Akwa Ibom State. I urge you to reciprocate the promptness of salary payment to the direction of the Primary School Teachers".

The people of Ikot Abasi LGA in Akwa Ibom State on Friday declared their unflinching support for the re-election of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Speaking through their Leaders at the Ikot Abasi Government field, venue of the Governorship campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party, the people said their support for the Governor is irrevocable, not withstanding that their son, Mr Nsima Ekere of the All Progressive Congress is in the race.

Addressing the crowd, Governor Udom Emmanuel charged the people to be steadfast in their resolve to return a government that is committed to maintaining peace and and security of the state.

He noted that the reason the APC decided to flag off their campaigns in the state was a confirmation to the fact that Akwa Ibom is safe and secure.

The Governor enumerated his achievements in Ikot Abasi to include the restoration of power supply and promised 24 hours uninterrupted electricity when the Ekim Power Station is commissioned in the next few weeks.

Governor Emmanuel noted that development is in a 'geometric proportion', and charged the people of Ikot Abasi to guard jealously the MD of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) position, as it would take another 32 years for the office to rotate.

He reiterated his commitment to resuscitate the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) sited in Ikot Abasi.

Earlier, former Military Governor of the state, Air Commodore, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, in his remarks, said that Udom is a Governor that Nigeria wants till 2023, adding that he is a symbol of peace and prosperity.

He urged the people of Ikot Abasi not to exercise any fear about the so-called federal might, saying that federal might will meet both unit and God's mights.

"The only bridge in Ikot Abasi is not working. No light, no water, Governor Udom has taken up all those things to do. Udom has brought prosperity to Akwa Ibom, we want that prosperity to continue."

The State PDP Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo in presenting candidates of the party thanked the people of Ikot Abasi for coming out in their numbers to receive the best performing Governor in Nigeria, noting that indigenes of other states of the federation are praying for their governors to be like Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He said Governor Emmanuel have done exceedingly well, and charged the people not to make wrong choices, adding that Udom is right and has been anointed for Governor from 2015 to 2023.

The state chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received over 3000 decampees from APC in Edemeya, home town of the APC gubernatorial candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere.

Rt Hon Mathias Idiong who led the defectors to PDP, said that "Action peaks louder than words". Politics is not for children but for serious minded people. You are the serious man having created 15 industries in just three and a half years in office.

"This is a clear indication that you have the interest of Akwa Ibom people at heart."

One of the defectors from the APC to the PDP, Engr Imo Okoko, said that the light in Governor Udom Emmanuel and PDP inspired their decision to dump the broom for the umbrella party.

"I was a member of the APC caucus, we saw that there was no more light in APC, the light is in PDP, so, we have seen the light and followed the light. Ikot Abasi people are in PDP. God bless Atiku, God bless Udom Emmanuel. There is so much darkness in APC. The light we have been looking for is shining in PDP."

Chairman of Ikot Abasi LGA, Rt Hon David David Edet commended the Governor for his developmental projects in the area, and assured of 100 percent votes in the forthcoming general elections.

Comrade Etini Ayara, Obonganwan Mary Umana and Obong Obot Etokafia who spoke on behalf of the youths, women and elders of the area respectively assured Udom Emmanuel of massive votes to return him to the Hilltop Mansion for continuity of his superlative performances.

Son of the soil and MD of Hensek Ltd, Engr.Uwem Okoko announced that they have registered 25,000 people with PVCs for the rally. "We will give Nsima Ekere our brother 5% because he is from Ikot Abasi. The rest 95% is for you. Everything Ikot Abasi wants, you have given to us." He added.

High point of the event, was the presentation of flags to the party's candidates in the forthcoming elections in the state.

BREAKING!!

ANOTHER ESSIEN UDIM POLITICAL BIGWIG DRAWS BATTLE LINE WITH NSE NTUEN!

Read full Press Statement Here:


RT. HON. NSE EFFIONG NTUEN SHOULD STOP INSTIGATING MY PEOPLE AGAINST ME.

My attention has been drawn to a statement from a colossal failure and expelled Member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly who represented Essien Udim State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Nse Effiong Ntuen during his consultation tour to Adiasim.

His statement had claimed that between 2012 to 2015 when I served as a Councillor representing the good people of Adiasim, an era where I also served as the Secretary to the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria that I was given a constituency project - a bore hole project by Essien Udim local government council which I diverted the funds for my personal use.

I would usually not join issues with a failed member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in the person of Rt. Hon. Nse Effiong Ntuen who has spent three and half years in office with absolutely nothing to show as quality representation of his people at the state legislature but would rather spend quality time to slander others and fabricate stories in order to present himself so as to be accepted by the people of Essien Udim.

It is expedient that I set the record straight to the good people of Adiasim whom I represented and who may already know Rt. Hon. Nse Effiong Ntuen to be a pathological liar that deserves no vote from the people of Adiasim and indeed Essien Udim.

It's worthy to note that Rt. Hon. Nse Effiong Ntuen throughout his 2nd term as the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Council from 2012 to 2015 never awarded a constituency project to Adiasim people through the Councillor who represented them. The Council secretariat is accessible to all and media organisations can inquire from the Director of Budget (BPRS Department) to validate my statement.

I think Rt. Hon. Nse Effiong Ntuen has truly lost touch with this reality and should be subjected to an examination.

As a man of integrity and also the Leader of Integrity Group in Essien Udim, I will not fold my hands and watch a person of no repute tarnish my hard earned reputation. It is on record that money we would have utilized to develop Essien Udim was seized from him during one of his frequent luxury trips abroad.

The time is not set for us to tell the world what he did but he should understand that the good people of Essien Udim are wiser now and his likes are mistakes that would be corrected in a few days from now.

I have listened carefully to the sound of his drums of war where he clearly stated and I quote, "...the elections would be a DO or DIE affair", but I will advice he brings his children from overseas to join the war and dance with those he plans to spill their blood.

Christopher Edemekong will never be intimidated by men of his caliber and he is very much aware that I know what he knows. As an Assembly member for three and half years with no visible project for Essien Udim people, his intentions for our people should be investigated.

Nse Ntuen, I will advice you stop laundering your image, for only myopic people will vote you because you are clearly one of the reasons Essien Udim people are thrown into unusual hardship. I am certain Essien Udim people are not gullible.

I am also aware that you, Rt. Hon. Nse Ntuen spreads falsehood to many persons that I have been disrespecting Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio; I put you to a challenge to show proofs either in print or electronic media where I have done so.

Rt. Hon. Nse Ntuen, you should ask yourself this pertinent question. How many people are joining you to APC from Essien Udim like they did with your predecessor Rt Hon. Emmanuel Akpan?
Your followers are in the movies and perhaps the constituency project you claimed to have approved was given to them because it is fully established that between 2012 to 2015 you did not approve any constituency project for the Councillors nor the people of Essien Udim

Concentrate on those contesting election with you and stop attempts to instigate my people against me for they are wiser than you think.

My decision to support Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel is borne out of my personal conviction that he meant well for the people of Akwa Ibom State and deserves a second term in office. This does not, in any way try to put the previous administrations in disrepute but only a consolidation of the successes recorded so far. In view of this position, I should not be in anyway seen as a personal enemy to anybody as I exercise my free will of choice.

I wish to use this medium to extend my appreciation to Adiasim people and indeed Essien Udim whom I have continued to enjoy their overwhelming support. It is my promise to always promote the best for my people and ensuring we get rid of evil and evildoers in our land.

May God continue to bless Adiasim.

May God continue to bless Essien Udim

May God continue to bless Akwa Ibom State.

Signed.

Hon. Edemekong Aniefiok Christopher .

We watched a video of what should at best pass for a beer parlour conversation, but tagged erroneously by the APC , as a press briefing. At the event, the acting Publicity Secretary and titular state chairman of the APC, Mr Ini Okopido was seen clearly enjoying a mud bath and spewing falsehood in its most crude form. He called the Governor clueless and went on to make many unsubstantiated allegations against the Governor, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP and the PDP.

As tempting as it is to serve him a meal in his dirty plate, we will, as a party refrain from joining him in such ignoble venture, conscious of our promise to the world in May 2016, when this current executive took over the reins of our party. We had promised that we will not wrestle with pigs and in the words of Michelle Obama, “when they go low, we go high”. We will resist every attempt to take our focus off the all important governance discourse and topical socio-economic issues which are egalitarian in nature. The stock in trade of the opposition party in the state is to engage in pedestrian and nugatory verbal exchanges which are not the least beneficial to the citizenry.

However, for the purpose of record setting may we state as follows:

1. That the WhatsApp chats unintelligently referred to by Ini Okopido is manifestly fake and absolutely useless. The said piece is totally unhelpful to their cause. Even a cursory look at the said WhatsApp ‘leak’, will reveal numerous convincing reasons why no reasonable or intelligent person should take the material seriously. But clearly, Ini Okopido has shown the world that he is neither reasonable or intelligent and this is most pitiable. No such WhatsApp group exists(to our knowledge) and never has such imaginary instructions been issued by the State Publicity Secretary. Akwa Ibom people do not need any instigation to reject the APC. When they see what their evil political coven has turned our country into, in addition to the anti-people policies propagated by a party which values the life of cows above human lives.

2. The future assured combo is an English construction available in the lexicon for use by all, except where it has been limited by copyright assignment. There is no evidence of such copyright engagement as we speak. However, it must be stated that while the First Lady’s future assured programme is an organization, ours is a commitment and a focus to assure the future of every Akwa Ibom child. We are therefore not in breach of any law, except that promulgated by Ini Okopido and his intellectual misfits.

3. On the issue of the reactivation of Akwapalm industries, it is most unfortunate for Ini Okopido to allege that the setting up of the task force for the reactivation of the failed company was an execution of the manifesto of his party’s Governorship candidate. The industrialization drive has been the fulcrum of the current administration, which has been religiously pursued since her inception, using a two pronged approach of reactivation of failed industrial concerns and establishment of new industries. In the early days of his administration, the Governor reactivated Peacock paints and has gone on to attract countless industries to the state. This disposition is aptly captured in the five point agenda of the Governor, as published in 2014.

4. We will not be intimidated by petitions to security agencies by the opposition party in the state. We can announce very early that, their intimidation plans are Dead On Arrival. We will be available for investigation, when invited. We hope that the matter ends in court so that we can produce evidence that will help show the world the true character of the political jobbers that constitute the ‘broom party’. We hope that Mr. Okopido remembers that until recently, the police station was not his favourite visiting location, because of his role in the Rock city and concerned citizen imbroglio that led to the carnage that occurred in Ika local Government Area, many years ago.

5. We challenge Ini Okopido to a debate on governance issues and his party’s proposed solution. Let us engage in an intellectually enriching exercise, instead of this incongruent spasms, which has become Mr. Okopido’s hobby.

Finally, we urge Akwa Ibom people to discountenance the concoctions against the Governor and our party, by Ini Okopido. We should further forgive his ignorance and insolence in addressing the Governor as clueless(a word he cannot spell by heart)- this is one of the many signs of desperation exhibited by this group of drowning people.
Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong
State Publicity Secretary
People’s Democratic Party
Akwa Ibom state
15012019

AKS tourism board set to Develop Children's Park at Tropicana
...As ministries, MDAs defend 2019 budget estimate

By Ifiok ITIABA - Uyo

Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Hospitality and Tourism Board, Mr Ini Akpabio, has stated that plans are on ground to develop the Children's Park at the Ibom Tropicana and Entertainment Center, Uyo.

Mr. Akpabio made this known on Tuesday, when he appeared before the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation to defend his board budget estimate for 2019.

He said development of the park is part of modalities by the board in promoting international tourism.

He said the proposed N500m for his board in 2019, if approved, would help them create a proper structure for hospitality in the State.

And further noted that a Miracle Garden which will attract thousands of investors, will also be developed in the State.

He said the proposed N500m for his board in 2019, if approved, would help them create a proper structure for hospitality in the State.

On his part, the Rector of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Dr Israel Affia, proposed the sum of N483m as the Institution's Budget for year 2019, out of which he said will be used to procure machines for Engineering students, equip the Institution's Radio and Television Studios and also build more classrooms and hotel blocks.

Represented by the Deputy Rector, Dr Donald Ikpe, Dr Affia said the proposed sum, when approved will also enable the institution send Staff and students for development programs and also procure official vehicles for key officers.

He hinted that the revenue base of the Institution had dropped due to loss of accreditation, but however revealed that a total of 32 Courses have been recently accredited in the Institution.

In his reactions, Rt. Hon. Akpanusoh lauded the MDAs for their cooperation and urged them to remain committed in the discharge of their duties.

Akpanusoh particularly tasked the Akwa Ibom Hospitality and Tourism Board to not only boost revenue generation, but attract more investors to the State.

AKSG to Establish Geographic Information Service center
... To strengthen UCCDA

Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning in Akwa Ibom state, Arch. Ime Ekpo has revealed plans by the state government to establish a Geographic Information Service center to help in planning and replanning of the state.

The Commissioner made the revelation on Monday while defending his ministry's 2019 budget before Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation and Finance.

He said lack of Geographic Information Service has made oil companies operating in state not to pay their ground fees.

He said when established, revenues will be generated for the state.

"Some oil companies operating in the state are claiming that they operate outside the boundaries of Akwa Ibom State and have refused paying their ground rent".

He said it was important for the state to have a map of all the oil servicing companies operating in the state.

Continuing, Arch. Ekpo said the ministry intend to embark on physical development plan for growth centers which include; Ikot Oku Ikono, Etinan, Awa Iman and Atan Offot.

He noted that plans are on ground for the development of open space and parks in Ibaku, Ibiaku Ishiet in government residential estate.

He said government will strengthen Uyo Capital City Development Authority, while reviewing the master plan for urban centres in the state.

On her part, the Executive Secretary of Akwa Ibom State Life Enhancement Agency, Mrs. Maria Nkeruwem Ekanem said her agency has identified 5 projects for 2019, which include, skill development center, agricultural inputs, equipment for trained person, on-wheel project and other activities.

She said her agency which is a social services provider will carry out the task ahead if given the needed support by government.

Responding, the Chairman of the committee and member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Rt. Hon Usoro tasked the ministry to ensure that they put every machinery in place to improve the revenue based of the state.

He solicited for cooperation from MDA’s for the committee to complete its work within the stipulated time.

Members of the committee present were the Deputy House, Rt. Hon Ime Okon, Otuekong Nse Essien, Hon Uduak Udoudo, Hon Samuel Ufuo, Hon Effiong Bassey, Hon Aniekan Bassey, Hon Asuquo Archibong.

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Thursday, held a valedictory sessions for Dr Clement Bassey who passed away recently at the age of 68.

Just as the lawmakers earlier signed the condolence register shortly before plenary, the House observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased former lawmaker.

Dr. Bassey, who represented Ikono State Constituency, served during the Third and Fourth assemblies, between 2003 and 2011.

He was also a former chairman of Ikono local government area and a state commissioner.

At plenary, lawmakers took turns to pay glowing tributes to Dr Bassey, with many of them describing him as a gentleman who truly loved Akwa Ibom State and gave his all for the development and success of democracy in the state.

Aniekan Uko, the member representing Ibesikpo Asutan, said Dr Bassey a man that heaven had recognised his good works.

Uko said that the late lawmaker was "a man that did not discriminate. I want to say that the man lying down before us here was a man that was too generous to many".

The Speaker, Onofiok Luke, who presided over the session, described the late Clement Bassey as a bridge builder, and one who believed in the immutable power of God and the giver of all things.

Speaker Luke also said the deceased built political capital from the grassroots.

He said, "the epilogues poured on Dr Clement Bassey is a testimony of the legacy which he left.

"He always did give free medical services as a medical doctor.

"When we wanted to come up with the state health insurance scheme bill, we reached across to Dr Clement Bassey because he had the philosophy that health financing should not be borne by the patients alone but spread across to government and employers.

"He contributed his wealth of knowledge that enabled us come up with that well crafted bill to make for health financing.

"He advocated universal health coverage. Service must be made the centrepiece of leadership and service is what Dr Clement Bassey represented".

The House further adjourned to the 18th of December for consideration of the 2019 Appropriation Bill, earlier presented to the House by Governor Udom Emmanuel.

I did not mention Stadium in the post

Governor Udom Emmanuel renames Akwa Ibom International Airport to Victor Attah International Airport.

The proclamation by the Governor was made yesterday during the banquet organized by the State Government to honour the Father of Modern Akwa Ibom who clocked 80 last week.

This is the first time Obong Attah has been accorded the due respect he deserves by the state Government since he left office in 2015.

For this,I say Thank you Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

Thank you Rt.Hon (Barr) Onofiok Luke...
Thank you Rt.Hon Aniekan Uko and other members of the State House of Assembly who gave nod to this dream.

Thank you my fellow Akwa Ibomites for the love shown to Obong Victor Attah.

Indeed,it is well with our souls.

"Let me pay very special tributes to our dear Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for his commitment to the Akwa Ibom Project, especially in the education sector. Your Excellency, your lofty investments in the education sector, in the last three and a half years, have shown that you fully understand what George Carver meant, when he said "Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom."

--SA to the Governor on Students Matters, Comrade Aquilla Otobong Akpan, speaking at the 2018 International Students Day at Ibom Hall Uyo.

#ISDAKS2018

"I count myself privileged to seat on the same seat with Arc Obong Victor Attah, that we are celebrating today".

"I see a leader (Attah) who fought, stood for his people and worked tirelessly for his people. You played politics without name calling".

"Politics will come and politics will go, but the Akwa Ibom project will remain".

Governor Udom Emmanuel, at the 80th Birthday Symposium in honour of Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

"The problem in Nigeria is that we create strong men instead of strong institutions. For us to have sustainable democracy and development, there is need for us to have strong institutions"

Speaker Onofiok Luke at the 80th Birthday Symposium of Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah with the theme "Leadership for Sustainable Democratic Culture in Africa"

#AttahAt80

"I count myself honoured to have a Governor like Deacon Udom Emmanuel. Why I'm saying this is that, there was a time in this State where that was not possible. I will say more at the Banquet."

-Obong Victor Attah

Suddenly our clean, peaceful state is about to be sullied by the greed and inordinate ambition of a few men. In their quest for power, they will go to any length to achieve their aims.
They hide behind public interest to unleash mayhem for self interest. Now the ants-infested broom they have brought home is crawling with reptiles.

Describe ousted members' acts as criminal


In the wake of dramas from the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, members of the House have come out to reiterate that Onofiok Luke remains the legitimate and the only recognized speaker of the 6th Assembly describing any parallel impostor as a joke to be taken lightly.

The members gave their position after there was wide spread circulation of reports in the social media that members of the State Assembly pledged their loyalty to the self acclaimed Speaker Hon. Nse Ntuen who according to the legitimate members of the House was elected in what could be described as a comic drama.

Our reporter after painstakingly getting in touch with Assembly members like Barr. Aniefiok Dennis, Otobong Jonathan, Usoro Akpanuso, Barr Ime Okon, Felicia Bassey, Rt Hon. Udo Kierian and many others, observed that the actions of Nse Ntuen and his cohorts was described as scornful and laughable and one capable of breaching the peace in the state.

The members further cautioned Nse Ntuen and the other members who lost their seats earlier in the week to desist from such unpalatable act since they were the torchbearers for the future generation.

In the midst of this, our reporter caught up with one Ikpaeto Clement from Ikot Utin in Essien Udim who condemned the actions of the ousted lawmakers describing that of Nse Ntuen as sheer impersonation which is criminal and punishable by law.

Clement who happens to be from Nse Ntuen's constituency expressed dismay how a legislator with no bill or motion to his name after three years in the legislature can ever dream being of being being a Speaker citing another loophole when he cancelled his constituency briefing citing that the briefing and empowerment programme of Senator Akpabio had taken care of his.
"where will Nse Ntuen get the experience and capacity from? How will he lead the House and what attributes will he motivate his colleagues with? Clement questioned.

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has been in the news lately after the Speaker duly followed a court ruling to declare the seats of four House members vacant and in a counter action the ousted assembly members sneaked their way into the chamber to elect a new speaker for themselves an act which has been widely condemned across the country.

Culled from Ibom Diary

By Edidiong Udobia

With every passing day, it’s becoming more clearer that the All Progressives Congress, APC has only two objectives for the 2019 general elections; winning the presidential election and winning Akwa Ibom state. Already, the level of desperation in which the APC led federal government is pursuing these two objectives has gotten to an all-time high. The ruling party, in connivance with very sensitive government institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, is orchestrating political upheavals and tactical intimidation across the country in preparation for 2019, and Akwa Ibom as a strong resistant state, is among the worst hit.

The earliest revelation of APC's obsession for Akwa Ibom was in the unguarded utterances of the party's former national chairman, Chief John Oyegun. “With respect to Rivers and Akwa-Ibom, I want to tell you that we are strongly determined and there is hardly any doubt. The former governor of Akwa-Ibom’s motto was ‘what money cannot solve, more money can solve it’. I think that this has been very much at work. But I have no doubt in my mind, factions or no factions, that is irrelevant. I have stuck my neck out for Umana Umana because looking at all those who wanted that office, he was the only one who has the grits and the guts to take on the very murderous situation that existed in Akwa-Ibom state and if you ask me, I am more confident of winning Akwa-Ibom than any other state in the South-South. We are going to win, that is almost a certainty,” Oyegun said in December 2015.

Oyegun's remarks came on the heels of the unlawful invasion of Akwa Ibom state government house by masked men of the Department of State Security, DSS in a Gestapo manner. Despite the public outrage against the invasion, till date, no official explanation or apology has been given. With the affirmation of Governor Udom Emmanuel's election by the supreme court in early 2016, it was hoped that normalcy will return to the polity so the government and people of Akwa Ibom could breathe a sigh of relief. But that was not to be as the federal government has continued to obstruct the smooth running of government in the state. This, the government has done through the instrumentality of her various institutions, which were originally established to serve in the best interest of the Nigerian public.


In August this year, Akwa Ibom was among the two states whose accounts were frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) without any reason. “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen the bank accounts of the Akwa Ibom State government”, reports the sunonline of 9th August, 2018. According to the story, which was reported by other credible news platforms like Premium Times, all the accounts belonging to Akwa Ibom and Benue state governments were frozen by EFCC without any cause. The Commission's action was allegedly in furtherance of the federal government's clampdown on opposition states.

Reacting to the incident, the PDP national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan described the freezing of the accounts as a direct attack on innocent Nigerians in the two states, which are controlled by the PDP. “Nigerians are all aware that no section of our constitution or any law in Nigeria for that matter confers any agency of the Federal Government with powers to interfere or put any restrictions on funds belonging or accruable to states as federating units of our nation... in illegally blocking the flow of funds to these states, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government has ostensibly commenced a reprehensible design of using economic deprivation as a political tool to arm-twist governors and states to support President Buhari’s re-election in 2019”, Kola said in a statement.

About the same time, too, the Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel accused the federal government of withholding billions of naira belonging to the state. Akwa Ibom and other oil-rich states are constitutionally entitled to 13 per cent of revenue which Nigeria derives from petroleum oil. The governor, while addressing newsmen in Uyo, said President Muhammadu Buhari-led government apart from deducting money meant for the state, is withholding its oil derivation money. “As at today, they’ve withheld all our derivation funds, we have not gotten anything out of the derivation for last month. Within two months, they have dropped the allocation of Akwa Ibom State by N6.8 billion,” Udom said.

As 2019 draws nearer, the APC led federal government seems to be taking her repressiveness against Akwa Ibom to a whole new level. Recently, the inspector of Police, Ibrahim Idris invited the campaign team of Governor Udom Emmanuel to Abuja for questioning. The invitation followed a petition by the APC state chairman, Mr. Ini Okopido over the hoisting of a campaign billboard in a popular market in Uyo. Among those who were served the IG's invitation letter were, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, director general, Divine Mandate, a campaign organisation of Governor Emmanuel; Paul Ekpo, the PDP chairman in the state; Onofiok Luke, the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Iniobong Essien, the Commissioner for Environment in the state, and others.

In his remarks shortly after returning from Abuja, Speaker Luke said; “On getting to the IGP’s office, I was confronted with a petition written by the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, addressed to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and minuted by the president himself for investigation by the inspector General of Police. Part of that very frivolous allegations were issues about comments and billboards... At the point of interview, we stated one thing very clearly in the presence of the APC chairman in the state and which is one of the things I want to state clearly again here today. We stated that in Akwa Ibom state, we are law abiding citizens of Nigeria and no one can use the office of the president under the guise of politics to intimidate us; not even the state security agency”.


*The siege on the State Assembly*

It has been a very unpleasant situation in Akwa Ibom in the last 48 hours or so as the federal government through the Police continues a siege on the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly complex. It all started early morning of Monday, 19 November, 2018, when members of the Assembly were scheduled to hold an emergency sitting. Prior to the sitting, the state PDP publicity secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, through a press release, raised alarm over plans by hoodlums to invade the Assembly and prevent the state lawmakers from performing their legislative duties. Mr. Ememobong alleged that the hoodlums were sponsored by one of the lawmakers, Hon. Idongesit Ituen, to prevent the Speaker of Assembly from executing a court order mandating the Speaker to declare Mr. Ituen's seat vacant.

“We are in receipt of credible intelligence highlighting plans by the opposition APC to use thugs to invade the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly and prevent the House from carrying out its legitimate business of law making... Another set of thugs are expected to accompany the ousted lawmaker, Mr. Idongesit Ituen to attempt to force his way into the assembly. The motive of this invasion is to prevent the Speaker from declaring vacant the seat of the sacked legislator. This invasion has as its adjunct function, the creation of tension as a feeder to the desired invitation of ‘Federal might’ to close the assembly,” the PDP spokesman said.

Despite the earlier warning by Mr. Ememobong, irate youths and supporters of the APC stormed the Assembly complex and barricaded the entrance to the complex. As law abiding citizens, the leadership of the House called the attention of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. John Abang, who quickly intervened and quelled the crisis. With the situation under control, the lawmakers later gained access into the Assembly to proceed with their duties. At the plenary, the Speaker, relying on order of the court as contained in the judgment of 14/11/2018 and section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), declared Idong Ituen's seat and that of four other lawmakers who also defected from the PDP, vacant. For avoidance of doubt, section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution states;

(1) A member of the House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if –

(g) being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected.

In an unexpected twist, three out of the five lawmakers whose seats were earlier declared vacant, later gained access into the Champer to hold a mock plenary. The three-man plenary then elected Hon. Nse Ntuen as their Speaker. According to reports, addressing newsmen at the Assembly premises shortly after their plenary, Hon. Nse Ntuen said his election as Speaker was in line with due process and had the ayes of majority of the members.

“We were supposed to sit on Tuesday, but yesterday (Sunday), we got notices that the sitting had been rescheduled for today because of the public holiday on Tuesday. Unfortunately, this morning when I came to the House, the gate was barricaded and we were not allowed to go into the premises... Moreover, the purported action was not in the Order Paper for today’s plenary. The two items in the Order Paper were the consideration of the appropriation bill sent to the House by Governor Udom Emmanuel and a commemorative sitting for former Governor Victor Attah. So, in the light of these anomalies, members sat and elected me as the new Speaker”, Mr. Ntuen was quoted.

The State Assembly, through the chairman, House Committee on Information and member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon, in a press release, strongly condemned the actions of the ex-lawmakers, describing it as illegality. “Furthermore, we are informed that the former member of Essien Udim state constituency with two other ousted members unlawfully broke into the chambers after the close of plenary to announce himself the new Speaker of AKHA. This is clearly an illegality unbecoming of former honourable members. A close view of the video of their purported sitting that has now gone viral betrays their level of frustration and ignorance of parliamentary rules and conventions.

“It is important to state that what happened today bears grave consequences for the sanctity of the house and the legislative arm of government which remains the undisputed symbol of our democracy. The absolute disregard for decency and the rule of law stands condemned by members of the 6th assembly and we will employ every legal means to ensure that decorum remains the guiding principle of the state legislature under the leadership of the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Barr Onofiok Luke”, Mr. Okon said.

On their part, the APC, through her national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole accused the then Commissioner of Police, John Abang of supporting the PDP government of the state to oust the affected APC state lawmakers. Adams Oshiomhole outburst eventually paid off as the Inspector of Police, Ibrahim Idris immediately redeployed CP John Abang and replaced him with a new CP, Hyelasinda Musa Kimo. The redeployment of Mr. Abang further gave credence to the allegation that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies are now appendages of the APC and used to excute the goals of the party. “We have had 6 Directors of DSS in 3 years, we are having the 10th Commissioner of Police is 3 years because when these people come, they meet a very peaceful Governor and don't find the stories they heard to act as expected by the opposition and they get changed”, said the Akwa Ibom state PDP publicity secretary, Ini Ememobong.

From early morning of Wednesday, 21 November, 2018, a combined team of the Police and the Civil Defence have commenced a 24 hour siege on the State House of Assembly complex, crippling activities within the complex and its environ. Citizens are now living in fear as they can no longer go on with their daily activities like before.

*A call for caution*

As the federal government and the APC seem to have thrown caution to the wind, there is need for a reminder that however peaceful and law abiding the people of Akwa Ibom are, they are also strong-willed and very resistant to intimidation. It is very obvious that the ruling party is pushing for anarchy in Akwa Ibom in order to find a reason to declare a state of emergency in state and consequently treat the state as a special case during the 2019 elections. The PDP, through her national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, has called on the federal government and the ruling party, APC, to tread with caution because Akwa Ibom state will never allow anybody, no matter how highly placed, to overrun their state or in any way attempt to foist an undemocratic leadership over them and no amount of intimidation or force will make them change this resolve.

“This recourse to self-help, against declarative judgment by competent court of jurisdiction sacking the three lawmakers, is a deliberate attempt to instigate violence, foist a reign of terror, cause confusion, create an impression that the state has become ungovernable. This is with a view to opening the way for a declaration of a state of emergency, which will enable them dismantle all democratic structures and forcefully take over control of the state. The PDP wants the Buhari Presidency and the APC to bear in mind that their plot to forcefully take over Akwa-Ibom or any other PDP-controlled state will be firmly resisted by the people of those states and such may lead to a crisis of unprecedented magnitude that has the capacity of truncating our hard-earned democracy”, Kola noted.

Edidiong Udobia is a journalist and writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday ordered the Nigerian Police Force to vacate the premises of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and stop preventing lawmakers from having access to the chambers.
This resolution was passed as Senator Bassey Akpan cited Orders 42 & 52 and informed the Senate on the progress of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, stating that security agents are still there. He said no legislator has been allowed in or out .
“We owe the people of Akwa Ibom this responsibility. It is not right. An injury to Akwa Ibom State is an injury to Nigeria", Senator Akpan said.
Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki querried whether the police has powers to occupy the premises of the assembly.
“I think the discussion or the issue really is the problem of the police occupying the premises of the House of Assembly. The issue on whether the court gave power or did not give power to one side is also under discussion.
“We have already permitted the Committee on Police, but I think the question is if the police have the right to occupy the premises and prevent the assembly from functioning", Senate President said.
Senator Emmanuel Walker in his contribution said the Senate should rise in unison and ask the police to ensure the siege in the Assembly.
“It is a very sudden situation in Akwa Ibom State. The police have to rise to see that this situation ends.”
“What is paramount is for this Senate, without any political standing, should come together and ask the police to leave the House of Assembly. The police are biting more than they can chew", Senator Emmanuel Paulker said.
“The Committee on State should join the Committee on Police to look into this matter. This is Democracy and we should defend it", said Senator Sam Anyanwu.
DSP, Ike Ekweremadu said “Our Democracy will be at risk if we keep putting such matters aside. It is Akwa Ibom State today, it may be another State tomorrow.”
Speaking further on the issue, Senate President, Bukola Saraki said “This is a very serious matter and I think it is a matter that is non partisan. It is an action that is against the law that exists. Members of the parliament should have access.”
“Police can provide law and order without necessarily preventing members of parliament to have access. The police has the responsibility to maintain law and order but at the same time, parliamentarians must have access to chambers.”
“We cannot allow this to happen now or in the future. A situation where the police can seal the chambers for more than 24 hours, is not something we should be a part of and not something we should support — irrespective of whoever is involved, I think we should stand for posterity on the right side of history. The police should vacate but still provide necessary security.”
"The parliamentarians should still have access to the chambers there, or in any part of the country where we have a parliament.”

(c) Connoisseurng

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday ordered the Nigerian Police Force to vacate the premises of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and stop preventing lawmakers from having access to the chambers.
This resolution was passed as Senator Bassey Akpan cited Orders 42 & 52 and informed the Senate on the progress of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, stating that security agents are still there. He said no legislator has been allowed in or out .
“We owe the people of Akwa Ibom this responsibility. It is not right. An injury to Akwa Ibom State is an injury to Nigeria", Senator Akpan said.
Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki querried whether the police has powers to occupy the premises of the assembly.
“I think the discussion or the issue really is the problem of the police occupying the premises of the House of Assembly. The issue on whether the court gave power or did not give power to one side is also under discussion.
“We have already permitted the Committee on Police, but I think the question is if the police have the right to occupy the premises and prevent the assembly from functioning", Senate President said.
Senator Emmanuel Walker in his contribution said the Senate should rise in unison and ask the police to ensure the siege in the Assembly.
“It is a very sudden situation in Akwa Ibom State. The police have to rise to see that this situation ends.”
“What is paramount is for this Senate, without any political standing, should come together and ask the police to leave the House of Assembly. The police are biting more than they can chew", Senator Emmanuel Paulker said.
“The Committee on State should join the Committee on Police to look into this matter. This is Democracy and we should defend it", said Senator Sam Anyanwu.
DSP, Ike Ekweremadu said “Our Democracy will be at risk if we keep putting such matters aside. It is Akwa Ibom State today, it may be another State tomorrow.”
Speaking further on the issue, Senate President, Bukola Saraki said “This is a very serious matter and I think it is a matter that is non partisan. It is an action that is against the law that exists. Members of the parliament should have access.”
“Police can provide law and order without necessarily preventing members of parliament to have access. The police has the responsibility to maintain law and order but at the same time, parliamentarians must have access to chambers.”
“We cannot allow this to happen now or in the future. A situation where the police can seal the chambers for more than 24 hours, is not something we should be a part of and not something we should support — irrespective of whoever is involved, I think we should stand for posterity on the right side of history. The police should vacate but still provide necessary security.”
"The parliamentarians should still have access to the chambers there, or in any part of the country where we have a parliament.”

(c) Connoisseurng