₦airaland Forum

GOV UMO ENO DONATES PATROL VEHICLES TO SECURITY AGENCIES

... Says A'Ibom not safe haven for criminals

In line with the security management aspiration of the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has donated Toyota Hilux Trucks to security agencies in the State, to boost their operations.

This is in addition to fourteen gunboats recently donated by the Governor for the security of the waterways.

Presenting the vehicles to the State Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, Gov. Eno noted that it was part of government's effort at ensuring that the State is rid of criminal elements and remains one of the most peaceful and safest for its citizenry and investors.

He noted that his administration will stop at nothing to ensure that peace and security in the State is maintained.

Governor Eno hinted that the state was also setting up a Tactical Command Control Centre to enhance information sharing and synergy among the relevant agencies and thanked the service commanders for the robust relationship between the various security agencies and the state government.

He commended their diligence in carrying out changes in the command without allowing security gaps, adding, "we are determined because the primary duties of any government is to secure the lives and property of its citizenry and their welfare, we are determined to make sure we don't fail in that regard.

"We'll do anything to ensure that criminals flee Akwa Ibom shores whether it is by sea or land. We are donating these vehicles towards the realization of those goals and objectives of government and the benefit of our people.

"I had promised that I'll give whatever it takes to continue to improve security in this state. We had donated the boats and we will make sure all 14 of them are put to use. We're going to support with land vehicles and other gadgets. We're setting up a Tactical Command Control Centre in Akwa Ibom so that all the services can work together," he said.

The governor however cautioned that the vehicles were designated for security operations within Akwa Ibom State and not to be taken outside for other purposes that will thwart government's intentions for acquiring them.

Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the security agencies, the Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, commended the governor's genuine intentions and efforts to support security operations, assuring that the vehicles will be utilized optimally to ensure security of lives and properties in the State.

The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Gen. Koko Essien (Retd.), in his description of the components of the vehicles, said the vehicles were fitted with state-of-the-art gadgets to ensure secured communication among the patrol teams, with base stations at the various security offices.

State Executive Council members , Leaders of thought, political stakeholders including Political Leader for Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob, among others witnessed the presentation.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno at the Wedding Ceremony of Mr . Victor Ekperikpe Ekpo, Son of the Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum ( Gas) Rt Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo to his heartthrob, Olayemi at The Catholic Church of ArchAngels, Gaduwa, Abuja.
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FREE FOOD AGENTS RECEIVE PAYMENT, POUR ENCOMIUMS ON GOV UMO ENO

...as Bulk Purchase Agency commences documentation of more food agents

Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency has commenced electronic payment to agents and food vendors for redeemed food vouchers given to vulnerable members of the society under Governor Umo Eno”s Food Security Programme across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State.

The exercise commenced Thursday, 25th April 2024 at the agency's office, in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo witnessed a large turn out of agents and food vendors who went through the voucher authentication process, documentation and payment.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after receiving credit alert on their cell phones and an invoice from the agency, the agents and food vendors who were full of excitement, praised Governor Umo Eno for supporting their businesses and for providing succor to vulnerable members of the society through the ARISE food security programme.

The agents and vendors including, Mrs
Imaobong Michael from Etinan local government area, Mercy Etim Okon, from Nsit Atai, ward 3, in idiaba Village, Ofonime Udeme Bassey, a dealer on food stuffs at Urua okpokpo, who hails from Ikot Oku Ikono in Uyo, local government area, Chinedu Victor, a food dealer at Anua, Ward 3, Uyo local government area, Ekaette Etim Asuquo, a trader at Nung Udoe Ibesikpo, Bassey Ibanga from Nsit-Atai, among others described the verification and payment process as smooth, and appreciated Governor Umo Eno for the Initiative.

They equally hailed the Chairman, management and staff of the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency, AKBPA, for a job well done.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt. Hon. Dan Akpan who was on hand to monitor the exercise to ensure a smooth verification and payment process, explained that the agency was leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the food security programme of the Umo Eno led administration succeeds.

Rt. Hon. Akpan who was flanked by the General Manager and Secretary of the agency, Hon. Unyime Etim , ICT team led by Dr Frank Ekpeyong and other supporting staff of the agency, further explained that flagg off exercise which continues, Friday also features the capturing of new agents from across the wards in the State to strengthen the food distribution process.

The exercise on Thursday covered nine local governments of Uyo Senatorial District, while Eket and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial Districts will take their turns, Friday, 26th and Tuesday, May 7th

AN UNKNOWN WHATSAPP MESSAGE TOOK ME TO ATIKU ABUBAKAR WAY ~ Gov Eno
…as Jonathan inaugurates Road, Flood Control projects

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has insisted that since the funds at his disposal belong to the people, he will continue to allow sound opinions and suggestions to guide his policy framework and formulations.

Speaking at the inauguration of flood control and road projects at Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo, the Governor said he was ready to continue depending on constructive engagements with the people to administer Governance to the people.

The projects included the construction of a 1.3KM, 8 meters deep 2X2X0.3M Underground Flood Control Tunnel along Atiku Abubakar Way; reconstruction of a section of Atiku Abubakar Way with Street Light, and reconstruction of Afaha Ube Street, Uyo

At the event which had former President Goodluck Jonathan’s special guest, Governor Eno revealed that, “the projects we are gathered here to commission is a product of fate and circumstance.

“Someone sent me a picture during one of the events we had in church, it was a picture of this road on a rainy day fully flooded.

“So I showed it to the deputy governor. The road was completely impassable. And I told the deputy governor that we must visit this place immediately from the church programme.

"What this shows is that all of us can collectively run this state. The money is not my money but belongs to all of us.

“Anything you see that you believe government should intervene, you should bring it to our table. You can draw our attention to such issues and we will work with you.

"We try to run an open government, one across party lines because knowledge is not based on one person or in one party. We can do it together. Together one of us can be in government. But please, as government fixes these things, do not destroy them.

"Do not vandalize projects that government has spent a lot of money to build. It is not my money, it is our collective money. And so if you destroy government property, know that it is part of your money that you are destroying", the Governor said.

Inaugurating the project, former President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed satisfaction with the developments witnessed under Pastor Eno’s tenure in less than a year.

He said that from the caliber of people in his team and the nature of projects he has embarked upon, the Akwa Ibom Governor is performing well.

"Nobody expects you to conduct a major project and complete it in hundred days.

"But if you see somebody who has focus, in the first hundred days, the caliber of people he recruits to work with him will show in their credibility, people knowledgeable enough to drive the departments of government.

"Looking at this project, you'll see how the road has been transformed from a once flooding area to what we all witness today. In a world where flooding through global warming is affecting places like Dubai that is in the desert, this project reflects a governor that has focus.

"This project that we are commissioning today is a very critical one and it shows a focused leadership and we must commend the governor and his team.

"I am happy that he said that the state money is not his money. I know of a governor who whenever he talks about the state money he refers to it as his money. He appropriates the state money to be his money but Eno calls it everyone's money.

"I want to say if you see somebody trying to vandalize the state or federal government's infrastructure around you, you must report the person because it is your money that was used in doing that project", Jonathan said.

Goodwill messages were received from several guests including Sen. Samuel Anyawu, PDP National Secretary while the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga and the project contractor, Engr Uwem Okoko provided insight into the project.

A pupil of a nursery school, Ofonono Edidiong Peters who was accompanied by his principal, Mr Udokang Itoro, took time to eulogize the Governor in a tribute that stunned the entire audience, highlighting how her school, Beulah International School, has been rescued from the persistent floods that drove most of her classmates away.

Earlier in their messages of appreciation, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Okon, Paramount Ruler of Uyo, the transition chairman of Uyo, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, and stakeholders of Uyo extraction through the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Charles Udoh, thanked the governor for making Afaha Ube and Atiku Abubakar roads to be motorable again.


They emphasized how businesses had collapsed due to the poor condition of the roads and the flood, and wished the Governor well on his birthday.

GOVERNMENT OF AKWA IBOM STATE OF NIGERIA

PRESS RELEASE

GOV UMO ENO APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN FOR AKICORP

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno has approved the appointment of Obong Ide O. Owodiong-Idemeko, FCIPM, FPS, PHF as Chairman, Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKICORP.

Mr Owodiong-Idemeko, has extensive professional and managerial studies from some top institutions in the world including PeopleSoft University, Reading, U.K.; Insead School of Business, Fontainebleau – Paris, France; and Thunderbird School of Global Management, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.


He possesses expertise in Human Resources, Business Leadership, Planning and Strategy, Policy Development and Administration, Organizational Effectiveness, Labour and Industrial Relations, and has extensive interface in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry, as well as within EM Regional and Global Business and Support organizations.

His appointment takes immediate effect.


Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
22/04/24

GOV ENO FELICITATES REV NDUESO EKWERE ON BIRTHDAY

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has sent his hearty birthday felicitations to his Honorary Special Adviser, Religious Affairs and the immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Rev. (Dr.) Ndueso Ekwere, JP.

In a birthday message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno, prayed God for more robust health and grace for the renowned spiritual father.

“You have been a vessel whom God has used to expand His Kingdom in our dear State. In your capacity as a former CAN Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, you rallied the Body of Christ to invest further in good governance and on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I salute and thank you for believing in our faith and capacity to extend the frontiers of good governance.

“As you mark your birthday today, I pray for more Grace and robust health, as we collectively Arise to push further our moral compass, love , good governance and Christian virtues in our dear State

“Happy Birthday once again, our dear servant of God”!


Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
April 17, 2024

GOV ENO VISITS FAMILY OF LATE NOLLYWOOD MAKE-UP ARTIST

…offers automatic employment to elder sister
…directs renovation of family house
…promises assistance to the undergraduate sisters

Living to his billing as the epitome of compassion, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja, this afternoon drove straight to the family compound of the late Nollywood make- up artist. Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area, where he consoled the bereaved family.

Showing deep emotions, Governor Eno, sat with the grieving family members and told them he feels their pain.

“This is deeply unfortunate, a young girl, 24 years old, who, finished her Youth Service just last year, and decided to pursue her passion.

“This is a reflection of our Arise spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions.

“It is sad and unfortunate that her life ended the way it did.

“Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of Government to console and encourage the family.

“You are not just the Governor when people are celebrating. In times and moments like this, you become the Mourner- in-Chief and give them hope.

“I trust the Holy Spirit will perfect the hope in their lives.

“Coming here means we care. You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them.”

The Governor thereafter gave an automatic employment in the State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards.

The Governor also assured of Government’s assistance to the two sisters of the bereaved who are undergraduates at the University of Uyo, said to be sponsored by the late Nollywood make- up artist.

Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
April 13, 2024

VICTOR ANTAI: A MAN WITH NO MORAL VALUE

Richard Peters

Days after the Executive Director Projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Victor Antai released an infamous album to show the world his real self, I am still searching for any scintilla of justification for him to undertaken such a show of shame by insulting the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.

Although a detailed assessment of his uncoordinated behaviour in the video suggests a man who was not totally in control of hs mental faculty, I still feel Mr. Antai should not have listened to stirrings of the chemical reactions of the compounds he willingly handed himself over to. At least, he should know the expected result of the binges he regularly indulges himself on.

From his mannerisms to comments, one could make a case for Mr. Antai that foreign substances took charge of his actions. But how can he be exonerated when he consciously consumed them? If he is still suffering from incurable stage fright, he should not have resorted to elements he is not totally in control of so that they do not put him into serious trouble like the one he is already immersed in.

Imagine the kind of audience he was performing for, and entertaining. People are yet to categorise the gathering whether it was a church programme, a campaign rally or a town hall meeting. Sad that the chief comedian is someone who occupies such an esteemed office as Executive Director Projects of the NDDC.

It would have even been expected of Mr. Antai that since his sermon on the field took place during the Easter period, it would have been a good platform for him to present his scorecard so. It would have been a time to tell the people what he has done so far, and hnt them of what is expected.

Very importantly, such a season of love should have been utilised by Mr. Antai to give hope to the people through various empowerment packages ranging from food to announcement of training programmes and skills acquisition.

Disappointedly, he rather chose to destroy the people with wrong information, thinking he is destroying the governor. Mr. Antai goofed greatly by attacking a performing Governor like Pastor Umo Eno. Instead of praising the governor, he preferred to insult him. Antai ended up making a mockery of himself because people know the truth about the governor and the State.

Does a man with the quantum leap of development deserve such a deliberate misinformation about his effort at developing the State and making the people happy?

What could have washed facts away from Mr. Antai's “good head”? Such that he forgot that Governor Eno has given nearly 15 billion Naira for the payment of gratuities to retirees in Akwa Ibom State?

That same Governor Umo Eno that Antai stood facts on its head is currently embarking on about 80 road construction projects across the State, with over 100 billion Naira released so far.

Is Antai not also aware of the education trust fund the governor has instituted for persons living with disabilities who are studying in any higher institution in Akwa Ibom State irrespective of the students State of origin?

A man passionate about rural development and agricultural revolution like Governor Umo Eno should be presented in a better way, not what Antai did and ended up embarrassing himself.

For Antai to see development and performance through the prism of party politics shows clearly that he is still immersed in politics of personal destruction as opposed to politics of civility which is truly sad, given the fact that Governor Eno, has been an apostle of working across party lines in all his engagements.

Antai should grow above the pettiness of party sentiments and share the views of lovers of development to thank God for the gift of Pastor Umo Eno as governor of Akwa Ibom State. Good enough, so far the governor has not disappointed Akwa Ibom people and they have shown their love and unalloyed support to him, correspondingly.

Governor Umo Eno is not to be blamed for Antai's failure in the last governorship election where he had the tall ambition of becoming a deputy governor. He was roundly defeated, and as it is now, he lacks the moral compass and capacity of occupying a serious public office.

Those who love him should remind him of the history of those who occupied one office or the other in NDDC, but rather than concentrate on their appointments, they began to fight Governors of their State. None of them succeeded, and Antai's case will not be different.

What Antai should tell Akwa Ibom people is what he is bringing to the entire State through the NDDC. He should be grateful for a governor who is passionate and compassionate in the development of the State, beginning from Victor Antai's community.

Or has he not also heard that Governor Eno has decided to reaward the contract for the Nsit Atai - Okobo - Oron Road because he loves every part of the State, and wants them to be on the same page of development?

Next time, Antai should resist the temptation of insulting Governor Umo Eno stirrings of the substances in his head.

What he cannot do, he should thank the governor who is doing it well.

Of the truth, Antai messed up and he should be ashamed of himself.

ANTAI HAS NO ANTECEDENCE AND HAS NOTHING TO OFFER IN NDDC
– GOV ENO’S AIDE FIRES BACK

Insults, abuses and verbal diarrhea may be the only developments brought to Akwa Ibom State throughout Mr Victor Antai’s tenure as the Executive Director of Projects in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

Aside these trademarks, nothing else has passed as his antecedence in previous duty posts either as local government chairman for two terms or as Commissioner in two separate Ministries in Akwa Ibom State.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, stated this while reacting to the recent verbal abuse on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno by Mr Victor Antai.

In a video made available to our correspondents, Mr Antai apparently in a rally with party faithful in Eket on Easter weekend, is heard faulting the Akwa Ibom State Government’s food security programme, and also accusing the government of impoverishing the people for political gains.

Antai also accused the former Governor of the State, Mr Udom Emmanuel of remotely controlling the affairs of the State and invoked curses on the government, among other things.

Reacting, Dr Ndueso, a communication scholar posited that, “by resorting to Skiamachy, Mr Antai, has summarized his mission in NDDC, which has been unable to site any visible development in the State in recent times.

“The last time we witnessed a major project from the interventionist agency, was in December 2015 when a 600m bridge connecting a 6.7km Iko- Atabrikang-Iwuochang Road was commissioned in Ibeno.

“It might be a tall dream, expecting any good from a man who cannot point out any benefit he brought about, either in his private service, or throughout his public life.

“Perhaps this accounts for his serial defeats in all the offices he has aspired for, ranging from House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate.

“Most people, including eyewitnesses, have alleged that Mr Antai was drunk, and had little control over his speech and actions at the said event; however, I align with the thoughts of Prof Ola Rotimi who in his book, ‘the Gods are not to Blame’, said that it is what is in the mind when one is not drunk, that he mutters, when immersed in alcohol.

“As an Eket son, I personally feel insulted that the comedian chose Eket land for his theatric display of mockery. Eket is no place of secret altars of doom.

“The Easter season was a period political office holders gathered their people to render accounts of their stewardship and proposals; Antai who has no history, no plans for the people, chose to go shadow punching, to cover up his own infirmities.

“It is rather unfortunate that he also decided to venture into attacking Mr Udom Emmanuel,CON, a leader who has kept his promise of quietly leaving the scene at the end of his tenure.

“It has been as clear as daylight that Mr Emmanuel, since departure from Government House on May 29, 2023, has returned to his private practice.

“He clearly told the state, at a public function that there can only be one leader at a time, and that Governor Eno is his leader and the leader of the entire State. This unprecedented act of humility and support has been largely applauded, especially in a country, where predecessors compete assiduously for space with their successors.

“If not for anything, could he not have shown respect to the man who picked him up in 2015 and appointed him as commissioner in two respective ministries?”

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor added that Mr Antai, has failed to learn from history by choosing to tow the path of previous indigenes of the State who used the NDDC platform to launch political attacks against the Government of their home state, rather than collaborating to bring about developments. Those people did not end up well.

“I am happy that Governor Umo Eno has remained resolute in his readiness to continue partnering with everyone, irrespective of party divide, to attract benefits to the people”, he added.

“As expected, His Excellency the Governor who has remained focused on touching lives and investing in projects and programmes of immense value to the people, has refused to be distracted by this latest antics by Mr Antai.

“The millions of people who have benefited from the free food scheme for the downtrodden, the beneficiaries of the gratuity payments, beneficiaries of the scholarship and bursary schemes as well as the free shelter initiative recipients are among those who will answer Victor Antai.

“Everyone knows the Pastor Umo Eno was a successful entrepreneur before venturing to serve the public, and has seamlessly transferred this experience into government business. Where is Antai’s second address”, he quipped.

VICTOR ANTAI: A MAN WITH NO MORAL VALUE


Richard Peters


Days after the Executive Director Projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Victor Antai released an infamous album to show the world his real self, I am still searching for any scintilla of justification for him to undertaken such a show of shame by insulting the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.

Although a detailed assessment of his uncoordinated behaviour in the video suggests a man who was not totally in control of hs mental faculty, I still feel Mr. Antai should not have listened to stirrings of the chemical reactions of the compounds he willingly handed himself over to. At least, he should know the expected result of the binges he regularly indulges himself on.

From his mannerisms to comments, one could make a case for Mr. Antai that foreign substances took charge of his actions. But how can he be exonerated when he consciously consumed them? If he is still suffering from incurable stage fright, he should not have resorted to elements he is not totally in control of so that they do not put him into serious trouble like the one he is already immersed in.

Imagine the kind of audience he was performing for, and entertaining. People are yet to categorise the gathering whether it was a church programme, a campaign rally or a town hall meeting. Sad that the chief comedian is someone who occupies such an esteemed office as Executive Director Projects of the NDDC.

It would have even been expected of Mr. Antai that since his sermon on the field took place during the Easter period, it would have been a good platform for him to present his scorecard so. It would have been a time to tell the people what he has done so far, and hnt them of what is expected.

Very importantly, such a season of love should have been utilised by Mr. Antai to give hope to the people through various empowerment packages ranging from food to announcement of training programmes and skills acquisition.

Disappointedly, he rather chose to destroy the people with wrong information, thinking he is destroying the governor. Mr. Antai goofed greatly by attacking a performing Governor like Pastor Umo Eno. Instead of praising the governor, he preferred to insult him. Antai ended up making a mockery of himself because people know the truth about the governor and the State.

Does a man with the quantum leap of development deserve such a deliberate misinformation about his effort at developing the State and making the people happy?

What could have washed facts away from Mr. Antai's “good head”? Such that he forgot that Governor Eno has given nearly 15 billion Naira for the payment of gratuities to retirees in Akwa Ibom State?

That same Governor Umo Eno that Antai stood facts on its head is currently embarking on about 80 road construction projects across the State, with over 100 billion Naira released so far.

Is Antai not also aware of the education trust fund the governor has instituted for persons living with disabilities who are studying in any higher institution in Akwa Ibom State irrespective of the students State of origin?

A man passionate about rural development and agricultural revolution like Governor Umo Eno should be presented in a better way, not what Antai did and ended up embarrassing himself.

For Antai to see development and performance through the prism of party politics shows clearly that he is still immersed in politics of personal destruction as opposed to politics of civility which is truly sad, given the fact that Governor Eno, has been an apostle of working across party lines in all his engagements.

Antai should grow above the pettiness of party sentiments and share the views of lovers of development to thank God for the gift of Pastor Umo Eno as governor of Akwa Ibom State. Good enough, so far the governor has not disappointed Akwa Ibom people and they have shown their love and unalloyed support to him, correspondingly.

Governor Umo Eno is not to be blamed for Antai's failure in the last governorship election where he had the tall ambition of becoming a deputy governor. He was roundly defeated, and as it is now, he lacks the moral compass and capacity of occupying a serious public office.

Those who love him should remind him of the history of those who occupied one office or the other in NDDC, but rather than concentrate on their appointments, they began to fight Governors of their State. None of them succeeded, and Antai's case will not be different.

What Antai should tell Akwa Ibom people is what he is bringing to the entire State through the NDDC. He should be grateful for a governor who is passionate and compassionate in the development of the State, beginning from Victor Antai's community.

Or has he not also heard that Governor Eno has decided to reaward the contract for the Nsit Atai - Okobo - Oron Road because he loves every part of the State, and wants them to be on the same page of development?

Next time, Antai should resist the temptation of insulting Governor Umo Eno stirrings of the substances in his head.

What he cannot do, he should thank the governor who is doing it well.

Of the truth, Antai messed up and he should be ashamed of himself.

YOU'RE SUFFERING FROM POVERTY OF KNOWLEDGE
- UMANAH REPLIES ANTAI ON BULK PURCHASE AGENCY

By Ubong Inyang

The Media Consultant to Governor Umo Eno, Hon. Aniekan Umanah has dismissed the recent criticism of the Bulk Purchase Agency by a former local government chairman in the State, Mr. Victor Antai, describing his utterances as mischievously emanating from someone with poverty of knowledge.

He stated while answering questions as guest on a radio programme, Update Akwa Ibom, on Comfort FM, Uyo.

Hon. Umanah frowned at Victor Antai's recent outburst in which he insinuated that Governor Umo Eno's Bulk Purchase Agency is aimed at impoverishing Akwa Ibomites, describing it as mischief taken too far and advised him to desist from such acts.

Umanah maintained that the position of Executive Director of Projects at NDDC is high enough for someone to be of good behaviour, and well guarded in his utterances.

The former Parliamentarian also took a swipe at the opposition in the state stating that Governor Umo Eno's achievements in less than one year has suffocated them and made them bereft of ideas.

"I've seen the video in circulation which a former Commissioner in this state publicly described the Bulk Purchase Agency as a weapon of poverty and I laughed over it. Recently we've seen opposition become choked and bereft of what to use against Umo Eno because he has silenced them with several life touching projects such as a total of 76 road projects, 15 Billion Naira for workers' gratuities and leave grants which some of the opposition's relatives are beneficiaries, the opposition will soon run out of what to say again" he said

Hon. Umanah also described as laughable, the insinuation from the opposition that the Akwa Ibom State got more than 20 Billion Naira as allocation but they also failed to mention what amount gets into their agencies with nothing to show in the State.

He said rather than complimenting Governor Umo Eno's efforts, they have become emergency Accountant General of the Federation.

He further thanked Pastor Umo Eno for being a shepherd Governor who has the interest of Akwa Ibomites and his achievements such as provision of food to the poor, rural and infrastructural development especially in schools, shelter for the poor speaks volumes of his ingenuity and zeal to make the state a model of good governance.

Akpabio to Antai: ATTACK UMO ENO OR LOSE NDDC POSITION, GROUP


The recent comments by the Executive Director Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Victor Antai in a video circulating in the social media has been condemned by the people of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking under the aegis of Ibom Mirrors, the people said Mr Victor Antai's address as seen on the video is simply a confession of their plot against Governor Umo Eno.

A statement signed by the president and secretary of the group, Comrade Kingsley Sunday and Prince Godwin Peter, Mr. Antai has also succeeded in naming the chief sponsor of the plot to frustrate Governor Umo Eno.

According to them, Senator Godswill Akpabio is fighting Governor Eno by proxy, using Victor Antai and others.

The statement reads: "Everyone knows that Senator Akpabio is a snake. It is not that we did not expect him to wage a needless war against Governor Umo Eno. But this situation that appears that the only condition Akpabio has given to Victor Antai to maintain his office at the NDDC is to wage attack on Governor Eno is too shameful on Akpabio.

"If despite the respect Governor Eno has accorded Akpabio, even when he does not deserve it in anyway, Akpabio still has sinister motives against the governor, then he is really a heartless individual."

The group wonders why a Senate President will be so petty to focus more on fighting his State Governor than lead a functional national assembly, and questions Victor Antai for being such a vulnerable tool in the hands of Senator Akpabio.

"Yes, we know that frustration can push someone into acting funny. We all saw how hopeless Victor Antai was for the years he was idle and begging to eat. We know that he was feeding at the mercy of Akpabio. But is that enough reason for Antai to do just anything Akpabio wants him to do?

"At least now, he has a job. He should not fall for Akpabio's blackmail. It is obvious Senator Akpabio has no conscience. But we thought Victor Antai was a saner person. You cannot be an executive director of projects and turn the projects to be fighting the governor just to impress Senator Akpabio," the statement noted.

It advised Mr Victor Antai to recall the fate of previous Akwa Ibom sons who felt they had NDDC at their beck and call to deploy to fighting the governors at their time.

"None of them succeeded. They ended up aggregating their profile of frustration. That will eventually become Antai's fate if he doesn't stop being used to fight Governor Umo Eno," the group noted.

The group advised Antai to use his position to attract development to Akwa Ibom State to complement the effort of Governor Eno instead of waging a needless war with the governor.

The statement added that the simplicity and humility of Governor Umo Eno should not be abused, and advised Akpabio to end the fight with his State Governor rather than recruiting everyone who finds favour in his hands to fight Governor Umo Eno.

"It now looks like the major reason for giving them these appointments was to use them against Governor Umo Eno. Why is Akpabio always predictable?

"For the umpteenth time, we urge Victor Antai to stop being a willing tool for fighting Governor Umo Eno. Now that Akpabio has turned him into a bee, at the end the day, the day, the bee will sting itself," the group intoned.

Press Release

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, today, signed the Bulk Purchase Agency and Assets Management and Maintenance Agency Bills recently passed by the State House of Assembly, into law.

Speaking during the Enlarged State Executive Council meeting at the EXCO Chambers, Governor Eno commended the leadership of the State House of Assembly for working to expeditiously pass the two bills.

The Bulk Purchase Bill, as the Governor has been saying, is a response by Government to the high cost of staple food items in the nation arising from some economic challenges currently being felt by Nigerians across social strata.

The Governor had stated that, “this is an intervention exercise, and the only way we can mitigate the suffering of our people, is to directly intervene. We believe the best vehicle for such intervention, was to set up an agency that will do a direct intervention in the market and get staple food items to our people at a reduced price. That is what the Bulk Purchase Agency seeks to address.

“Let me again, emphasize that this is an intervention exercise and not a permanent solution. The permanent solution is to return to the farm.

“That is why we will soon, set up an Agric Committee that will support our people with seedlings so they can return to the farm.

“This committee will work tirelessly to ultimately make our staple food items available at drastically reduced price range.

“ The second bill, seeks to create the State’s Assets Register, different and separate from Akwa Ibom State Road and Other Infrastructure Maintenance Agency, (AKROIMA) which as the name implies, is essentially for roads maintenance. We have to develop a strong maintenance culture. We can’t allow our assets to deteriorate.

“This bill also seeks to create an occupational safety department, in line with what obtains elsewhere.”

The signing of the bills was followed by a presentation of the key element of the Bulk Purchase Agency, which is the food voucher by the SSA on ICT Matters, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong.

A massive publicity on the working of this process will be further enhanced in the coming weeks.

All over the State, the people have commended and celebrated Governor Umo Eno for his people- centric initiatives, especially at this time of severe economic stress among Nigerians.


Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
March 14, 2024

SEND AKPABIO TO LEADERSHIP PROTOCOL WORKSHOP- KINSMEN

...AS AKPABIO FACES REJECTION BY AKWA IBOMITES OVER INCESSANT OUTBURSTS


Worried by the incessant unguarded outbursts attributed to Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his kinsmen have advocated a special leadership protocol workshop for him.

They have also distanced themselves from his incessant controversial misdemeanor, dismissing them as self inflicted damages uncharacteristic of Akwa Ibom people.

A frontline group from his home state, Akwa Unity Forum(AUG), stated that it was very embarrassing, the current situation where the Number Three citizen of the country has metamorphosed from a responsible nobleman, to an iconic comic figure.

The group in a statement by Chairman, Aniefiok Umoh and Secretary, Solomon Okon, said it was particularly embarrassed by Senator Akpabio's unwarranted remarks at the funeral of the late Dr Herbert Wigwe where Akpabio responded wrongly to the remarks by the Rivers State Governor, Mr Simlaye Fubara.

They expressed fear that something remarkably bad must have happened to Akpabio leading to his diminishing profile.

The statement reads in part, "We are yet to come to terms that such a sober event did not matter to Senator Akpabio, but he rather saw it as an opportunity to play politics. Must he played politics with everything?

"Governor Fubara was not saying anything untoward. He was just inferring the ephemerality of life hence people should live conscious of the end."

The group expressed surprise that such was enough to trigger Akpabio to begin his outburst, oblivious of the fact that one family had lost three lives, including a man that had all to have bought life for the family if it were possible.

The group wished Akpabio had humbled himself to learn a lesson or two from the event in Port Harcourt.

According to the group, Senator Akpabio by that act has brought invectives to Akwa Ibom people.

They however appealed to Nigerians to know that the former Governor is on a frolic of his own, as "Akwa Ibom people are highly responsible and well behaved.

“Akpabio is on his own. Nobody sent him. It is only coincidentally to have him come from our State.

“But don't use his unguarded utterances to rate us," the group cried out.”

The statement noted that already, Akpabio is owing Akwa Ibom people a strong apology over his concocted cock and bull story on the Qua River Hotel, the malicious false narrative about Mobil Producing being meant to have been sited in Oron, inciting the people against the laws of the Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Law and the Map Establishment law, among others.

"While we acknowledge that Senator Akpabio had apologized to the Governors. How about Akwa Ibom State that he said non existent and inciting things?

“That false narrative had attracted condemnation from responsible and respectful Nigerians. Yet, Akpabio did not consider it pertinent to apologize for creating confusion and misgivings between brothers.

“Akpabio has now become a one week one embarrassment Senate President.

“He needs urgent orientation to understand the rudiments of such exalted office as the Senate President.

“Although that is already putting the cart before the horse. This embarrassment has now reached an unacceptable level," the statement further opined.

Meanwhile, the group has equally hinted that even the story Akpabio told about his alleged visit to a Deputy governor in 2006 is a pure lie. They wondered where Akpabio is now manufacturing lies as his only weapon to gain undeserving public acceptance or even sympathy.

The group asked Akpabio whether as the then commissioner for lands and housing whether it was his responsibility to removing governors as he cooked up in the story.

According to them, Akpabio should even be punished for allegedly being a witness to the abuse and molestation of a woman without exposing the action, and noted that even now is not late for Akpabio to be invited to come and testify for possible prosecution of the eventual culprit.

The statement concluded that something urgent needs to be done to save Akpabio before he completely immerses such a revered institution like the Nigerian Senate in an ocean of destruction because of his lack of understanding of the import of the office he is holding.

"For the umpteenth time, we appeal to the federal government to urgently hold an orientation programme for Senator Godswill Akpabio. We cannot fold our hands to watch a hitherto responsible man fully degenerate to a laughing stock and object of ridicule. Let us help Akpabio from his diminishing voyage and save our nation," the statement concluded.

SUBSIDY REMOVAL PROTEST: GOVERNOR UMO ENO MEETS ORGANISED LABOUR

Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, today met with members of the Organized Labour who joined counterparts all over the country on a peaceful protest over the excruciating effects of fuel subsidy removal on workers.

Governor Eno who identified with the plight of workers swung into action with the following announcements:

✅ Immediate release of One Billion Naira for settlement of gratuities of retired Primary School Teachers.

✅ Release of Eight Hundred Million Naira to clear the backlog of Leave Grants for Workers.

✅ Leave Grant to be incorporated into monthly salaries for prompt payment.

✅ To set up a Committee for disbursement of Federal and State Government Palliatives in ten days to cushion effects of the subsidy removal.

#ariseagenda

“Ray-Field"

…another name for excellence

An outstanding citadel of learning, whose mission and vision are to provide world class educational services for the development of knowledge, skill, hardwork and attitude necessary for all valued children in a globalized society world.

The institution has proven to be one of the best, if not the best in the State of Akwa Ibom, she has won national and international awards/recognitions in Mathematics, English, Sciences, cultural dance, fine arts and other subjects.

Ray-Field International Nursery/Primary Schools, over the years, has achieved tremendous results. Speaking of recent accomplishments, the school has just added to her collection, 2 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze medals, all won in the 2022 Royal National English Olympiad Competition. Furthermore, she, out of over 1000 schools that participated, HAD THE 3RD HIGHEST SCORE NATIONWIDE and the largest number of awards in the State.

In the area of Mathematics, the school proved herself once again to be outstanding by winning 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medals in the Royal National Mathematics Olympiad competition 2002 and was adjudged the overall best school from Akwa Ibom State. To add to that, in the 21st Annual National Mathematics Competition organized by the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges and National Mathematics Centre, Ray-Field International Nursery/Primary Schools took 1st position in the state and 42nd overall, of which over 5000 pupils across the nation participated.

As earlier mentioned, Ray-Field Schools also has a name in the science world as she took the 1st position in the 2022 Nobles Science JETS Competition and 2nd position this year in the same competition.

In Creative Arts, Ray-Field has over the years proven to be a force to reckon with amongst its contemporaries. One of such examples was unfolded in the just concluded 2023 Children’s Art and Culture Summit’s Competition Event organized by the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture. Of the 13 Primary Schools and more than a hundred Secondary schools that took part in the contest, Ray-Field International Nursery/Primary Schools took first position in sculpturing, painting, textile work and craftmanship in the Arts and Crafts category. Ray-Field also took first position in the cultural dance category and her cultural dance troupe was awarded the best cultural dance troupe.

Over the years, the school has produced great intellectuals who have carried on the fire upon graduation. An example is that of a 2022 graduating pupil of Ray-Field International Nursery/Primary Schools winning ‘The Scholar of the Year Award’ in a top tier secondary school in Akwa Ibom State in her maiden year in that school. This feat, she accomplished by earning the highest-grade score in the school.

Internationally, there have been several cases of Ray-Field Schools’ pupils who traveled out of Nigeria matching up the best there, in some cases surpassing their best contemporaries in the western world. A typical example of this is that of two Ray-Field Schools’ pupils who relocated to the United States of America with their parents. These pupils outperformed every other candidate in the entrance exams in that school in the U.S.A. The Management of the American based school, being awe-struck at such level of intellectual foundation given to these two Ray-Field ambassadors, were forced to inquire seriously about the Nursery/Primary School responsible for building such a rock-solid foundation for these two pupils. At this point, the spotlight was once again beamed on Ray-Field International Nursery/Primary Schools, Uyo, and this time all the way from the U.S.A.

The educational services in Ray-Field affords pupils the opportunity to be leaders, pace setters and self-reliant in different fields of endeavour. The school has her awards and recognitions to show for and it looks forward to bringing home more of these awards. Bravo to the Management, Staff and indeed, the pupils of Ray-Field International Nursery/Primary Schools, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

GOV ENO INAUGURATES STATE EXCO, CHARGES MEMBERS ON A.R.I.S.E. AGENDA IMPLEMENTATION


Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has inaugurated the State Executive Council comprising Twenty Three Commissioners and One Special Adviser, with a charge on members to brace up to the new phase of the administration and turn around the economic fortunes of the State.

Inaugurating the new Executive Council members at the Banquet hall, Government House, Uyo .

He emphasized that the A. R. I S. E. Agenda blueprint of his administration seeks among other things, to stimulate the rural economy and ensure a turnaround in the rural areas by way of integration and massive development.

“Let me state here very firmly, all political appointees must go back and stimulate rural developments in their respective wards and local government councils. That responsibility starts with you!

“You must work with the people in your respective wards, you must let the people feel the impact of governance.

“Governance starts at the grassroots, you must be a symbol of government in your local government and ward levels, and must engage your people regularly. We will monitor this closely, so please take this very seriously.

He explained that he decided to kickstart the administration with his former colleagues having worked with them and known their capabilities in certain areas, explaining that it would be unfair of him to disparage their sacrifices which culminated in his victory at the gubernatorial poll.

“I have been asked this question severally: “Your Excellency, we had expected to see the injection of new blood into the State EXCO, why are you bringing back the same old blood”?

“My answer has been standard and direct: You do not abandon your foot soldiers shortly after the successful execution of a major contest. I know this ‘old blood’ very well. We went to the battle to continue good governance together, we were in the trenches together; we swatted away the bullets of vicious attacks together, most of you spent long hours traversing the nooks and crannies of this State together with me, most of you took political arrows on my behalf.

“Therefore, it is only fitting, we bring back tested hands with the right experience, and who understand the system, to join us, and work for the continuation of the peace, growth and transformation of our State in line with our ARISE Agenda and the Roadmap, they will soon be presented.

“Today, as Honourable Commissioners, you have a well-distilled and condensed Roadmap to guide you in the execution of the responsibilities of your office.

“You may be old blood, but what you have now, is a new template or execution and Implementation and you are expected to wholly execute all that is within your areas of responsibility as outlined in the Roadmap.

“The timelines and the deliverables are well spelled-out. You were brought back to ensure and facilitate continuity and you must justify this trust we have invested in you”, he said.

Eno urged the Exco members to consider it a priority to invest in the younger generation, assuring his team members that the grace that found him from among them was sufficient for all of them and should become evident in the results of their services to Akwa Ibom people

“Let us work to show the grace to Akwa Ibom people through the results of ensuring food security, massive development in rural areas, expansion of infrastructure and improvement in quality of education in the state.

He announced the creation of Ministry of Internal Security to ensure security for the people and investors and mandated the Ministry to profile the various voluntary security groups in the state for harmonization of operations and purposes.

UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT MEDIA PRACTITIONERS' FORUM (USDMPF)

#12 Jubilee School Road,
Uyo
Akwa Ibom State

PRESS STATEMENT

OPPOSITION ELEMENTS IN ANOTHER WILD GOOSE CHASE OVER WAEC CERTIFICATE: THE INTRIGUES OF ABUJA POLITICAL MUSKETEERS SEEKING TO CLAIM THE SOUL OF AKWA IBOM STATE TREASURY

It is understandable by now that post election legal battles orchestrated by the opposition elements in Akwa Ibom are simply political ploys by the Abuja political musketeers seeking the proverbial throat of Akwa Ibom State Treasury through the antics of myopic political surrogates.

This fight is not strange to Akwa Ibom people. This same battle was fought during the " Warsaw saw War" days in 2019 but justice prevailed.
The same voice of Esau and hand of Jacob are at it again.

The ultimate aim is to have access to Akwa Ibom State Treasury by all means and at all costs.

However, the Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners' Forum (USDMPF) is worried by the unending legal battles and landmines plotted by the opposition elements to distract the progress of Akwa Ibom State's Golden Era meant to herald more Peace, Security, Wealth and Prosperity for the people.

A recent Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1247/2023 instituted by the Inspector General of Police(IGP) through a Motion Ex-Parte seeking document and records of WAEC from Heads of National Office of WAEC and WAEC itself at the Federal High Court in Lagos concerning a matter which had been decided by the Supreme Court of the Land calls for concern as to why Akwa Ibom State has become of such great interest to Abuja, Nigeria and the IGP.

While the Police is free to engage in it's investigation process, a few questions beg for answers simultaneously in this regard.

Who is the IGP answerable to and from who does he take instructions in Nigeria?

Why is Akwa Ibom State Post Election case of interest to the IGP to the extent of seeking an Ex-parte Order to compel the WAEC Officials and WAEC itself to avail his investigation Team with examination records of an entire Examination Centre(Victory High School, Ikeja) in Lagos State for the sake of one man?

Is the IGP taking instructions from Obong Bassey Albert a k.a. OBA of the YPP; Mr Akan Okon; Mr Akan Udofia who wandered into the APC at the eleventh hour and became its controversial governorship candidate, or Senator John James Akpanudoedehe of the NNPP?

Put differently, because of the tortoise Politics that some Akwa Ibom people are used to, is the IGP taking directive from Senator Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria's Senate President?
Or is he listening to President Tinubu on matters relating to Akwa Ibom?
Are all these legal antics a ploy to take over AKWA IBOM STATE TREASURY through the political surrogates using the Court?

The Police is an Agency of government with the primary aim to enforce law and order but finding the Police going back to the matter that went from High court to Appeal court and up to the Supreme Court and was settled, to begin demanding for fresh documents is really intriguing and calls for concern. Whatever fresh investigation is going on, the police should know that there is a subsisting judgement in REM on the matter which is binding on all.

Indeed, something is in the offing. With the Olive Branch offered by Distinguished Senator Chief Godswill Akpabio, and publicly embraced by His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno at the emergence of the former as the Nigerian Senate President, it is inadmissible to contemplate that Senator Akpabio's Olive Branch could have been a poisonous chalice.

The USDMPF feels that this new antics is nothing short of a gang up against Akwa Ibom State Governor to truncate the mandate (by all means) willingly and overwhelmingly handed him by Akwa Ibom people, or worse still, adopt the carrot and stick tactics to intimidate Pastor Umo Bassey Eno to defect to the ruling APC which remains unacceptable as majority of the people know that PDP is like a Religion in the oil rich State.

The intimidation of the governor and his constant harassment in the media and the recent Suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos by the Police are all ploy to distract the governor and force him to eat the APC's humble pie which is bad and callous.

Petitioning the INTERPOL on such document that the issuer, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) had claimed continuously to be theirs, betrays the governor's traducers as being insensitively evil.

It is sad and ridiculous that all these merry go round from INTERPOL, to Police IG and to the Federal High Court in Lagos is all about WAEC Certificate of His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, a matter long decided by the Supreme Court of the Land.

The bad losers behind the charade should let Akwa Ibom breathe, and should know that their individual interest and egoistic quest for power cannot supercede the interest of over 7.9 million Akwa Ibom people.

The truth remains that Pastor Umo Bassey Eno won the election fair and square, got declared as winner and sworn-in to office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. The earlier Obong Bassey Albert, Mr Akan Okon, Mr Akan Udofia, and Senator John James Akpanudoedehe come to terms with this truth, the better.

The governor needs concentration now to work, not unnecessary distractions continuously fuelled by opposition elements and their Abuja cohorts. The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal should be allowed to finish it's work.
Akwa Ibom people should rise up and condemn this evil men who's aim is to deface the hard earned reputation and integrity of the Governor.

Governor Umo Eno, the true symbol and identity of Akwa Ibom State, shouldn't for any reason be seen in the image these bad losers are labouring so hard to portray.

Enough is Enough

Ofonime Isong,

Chairman Management Committee, USDMPF

UDOM RETURNS, TO DECLARE AKWA IBOM DIALOGUE SUMMIT, OPEN,MONDAY


All is now set for the first ever Akwa Ibom dialogue summit which would see the official launch of the Arise Agenda of the Pastor Umo Bassey Eno led administration.

Immediate past Governor of the State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel is billed to declare the four day event open as Special guest of honour, while a former Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma will Chair the summit which holds Monday 24th through Thursday, the 27th of July, 2023 at 9:am daily.

A statement from the office of the Economic Adviser to the Governor indicates that the dialogue which holds at the Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, Nwaniba in Uruan, would serve as an opportunity for citizens to contribute to the Arise Agenda of the current administration, and inline with the promise by Governor Umo Eno for an all inclusive government.

Experts in various field have been engaged to dissect, analyse, discuss and provide a road map for the actualization of the development blueprint of the current administration.

Global Pilot Newspaper gathered that about 17 key areas of the economy including, Education, Health care, Agriculture, Security, Infrastructure, Rural development among others would be critically looked into by experts and participants who are expected to make inputs geared towards achieving the goals of a better Akwa Ibom that all would be proud of.

The event is strictly on invitation. Those are unable to attend will be afforded veritable online and electronic media platforms to channel their contributions during the event.

Oba vs Eno: Emotions has no place in legal matters, Clergy Tells HURIWA



A clergy with African church Uyo Akwa ibom state, Revd. Richard Peters has described the position of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) on the ongoing legal battle between Akwa ibom state governor Pastor Umo Eno and Senator Bassey Albert Akpan popularly called (OBA) of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) as unfortunate and beclouded by emotions.



The cleric however said that in legal matters even to an ordinary man in the street, facts are sacred and not emotions or becoming alarmist to weep up undue sentiments stressing that HURIWA is only acting on skewed information supplied to them by Senator Akpan’s team against the true position of the activities going on at the governorship tribunal in Uyo.



Addressing Journalists on Friday in Uyo Akwa ibom state capital, Revd. Peters explained that his position was borne out of his sincere desire to correct some wrong impression sold out to the public which the gullible may misconstrue to be truth and further spread the menace.



Recall that HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, at a press conference, yesterday in Abuja, alleged that the leadership of UNIUYO seized the files of Mr Daniel Akpan, the key witness for the petitioner of Senator Bassey Albert on the orders of the Governor; Umo Eno Baseey who is one of the defendants in the petition filed by Senator Bassey Albert.

This, according to Onwubiko followed a pattern of similar attempts by UNIUYO to tamper with records, as witnessed in the case of the governor, Eno Umo Bassey, whose records were reportedly manipulated last year.



However, Revd. Peters explained that the matter of alleged forgery of certificate which the petitioner Senator Bassey Akpan reintroduced at the tribunal was a matter which the Supreme Court had since decided and rested in favor of Pastor Umo Eno stressing that the issue of the petition also proving that the last election was manipulated to favor pastor Umo Eno by INEC has become a mission impossible for the petitioner so far.



According to the acclaimed good governance Advocate who told journalists that he has attended every sitting of the tribunal, “HURIWA should have gone beyond receiving unnecessary emotion laden information from the senator’s team to carrying out thorough investigations on the true on goings at the tribunal. We are all there at the court to see during the cross examination of the petitioner’s witnesses to discover that they were all fake. You don’t go to court with fake witnesses and documents and expect to get favorable judgement. Their star witness Mr. Daniel Akpan who claimed to be a staff of the University of Uyo was publicly disowned by the management of the university as an impostor, the documents he earlier tendered on behalf of the university was also described as fake by the institution’s management at the tribunal. The human right group should get involved in more serious matters that genuinely require their attention and not unnecessary political sentiments.



The Clergy further highlighted, “In the same tribunal, we were all witnesses to the alleged statistician brought by the petition who openly manipulate figures beyond what is in the INEC’s record in different polling units to also favor the petition to the chagrin of all at the tribunal. It is also shocking to see that the star witness Mr. Daniel Akpan who claimed to be a staff of University of Uyo paraded Identity card and Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) numbers that belonged to other staffs of the institution as his own. Such a man should not be walking around freely in a serious society and his sponsors alleging harassment by the defendant is unfortunate and wickedness on their part”.



Revd. Peters maintained that the petitioner has no genuine case before the tribunal but was rather bent on dragging the reputation of the governor to the mud and further distract his administration adding that his latest plot to get the tribunal relocated to Abuja failed because all the information supplied to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the President of the Appeal Court on the insecurity around the venue of the Tribunal sitting were all false and merely fabricated to achieve his selfish desires.

SHOCKING REVELATIONS AS FOUR UNIVERSITY STAFF EXPOSE FAKE YPP WITNESS
…UNIVERSITY BURSAR, HRM , ORDER IMMEDIATE ARREST OF IMPOSTOR

Two subpoenaed witnesses, Mrs. Theresa Inokon, an Assistant Chief Security Officer with the University of Uyo and a Principal Security Officer in the University, Mr. Nse Okon Udo, on Tuesday further confirmed before the Akwa Ibom Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Uyo that one Daniel Edet Akpan, a star witness who had earlier testified before the tribunal, claiming to be a staff of the University was not actually a staff of the institution as he claimed.

They were also able to establish that the said star witness who testified for the defeated candidate of the YPP in the 2023 Governorship election, Senator Bassey Albert, used their staff identity card and reference numbers respectively to deceive the tribunal.

According to Mrs. Theresa Inokon; “My Lord, the ID Card number paraded by Daniel Edet Akpan is my own number. He told a lie before this tribunal. That is a staff identification number given to me since i was employed as a Staff of the University of Uyo, and in the university system, no other staff can be assigned that same staff identify number".

Addressing the court under cross-examination, the Assistant Chief Security Officer said she had lodged complaint about the forged ID card number.

“My lord, UU means University of Uyo, PF means personal file. The man, Daniel Akpan who came to this court with the ID number UU/PF/2016 told a lie".

Oh his part, a Principal Security Officer with the University, Mr. Nse Okon Udo told the court that he receives his salary through IPPIS.

Meanwhile, the tribunal has adjourned to resume on the 15th of July for adoption of written address from parties.

A Director of Human Resources with the University of Uyo, Mr. Linus Okoko had previously established that Mr Daniel Edet Akpan is an impostor, who should be made to face the full weight of the law, as the institution has no such name on its nominal roll.

Testifying, Monday at the tribunal, Mr. Okoko told the court that there is also no Faculty of Environmental Sciences in the University of Uyo, but Faculty of Environmental Studies, contrary to the claims by the said impostor.

He also told the tribunal that all the documents paraded by OBA's star witness never emanated from the University of Uyo, as they are all forged documents.

He also revealed that the said Daniel’s letter of appointments and letter of promotion, which he tendered before the court on the day he testified are also forged.

Mr. Linus Okoko also hinted that the staff number cited by Daniel Edet Akpan as his, actually belongs to Mrs. Theresa Inokon, a staff of the Security Directorate of the University, while the reference number on the Promotion Letter he provided belongs to Mr. Nse Okon Udoh, an Environmental Officer in the Directorate of Security Service.

“I have conducted a thorough search on the University staff records. My Lord, I have produced the staff records of the University that were required by the court, I discovered that his letter of appointment as Clerical Officer is also forged. All documents tendered by Daniel Edet did not emanate from the University of Uyo".

A Director of Human Resources with the University of Uyo, Mr. Linus Okoko had previously established that Mr Daniel Edet Akpan is an impostor, who should be made to face the full weight of the law, as the institution has no such name on its nominal roll.

Testifying, Monday at the tribunal, Mr. Okoko told the court that there is also no Faculty of Environmental Sciences in the University of Uyo, but Faculty of Environmental Studies, contrary to the claims by the said impostor.

He also told the tribunal that all the documents paraded by OBA's star witness never emanated from the University of Uyo, as they are all forged documents.

He also revealed that the said Daniel’s letter of appointments and letter of promotion, which he tendered before the court on the day he testified are also forged.

Mr. Linus Okoko also hinted that the staff number cited by Daniel Edet Akpan as his, actually belongs to Mrs. Theresa Inokon, a staff of the Security Directorate of the University, while the reference number on the Promotion Letter he provided belongs to Mr. Nse Okon Udoh, an Environmental Officer in the Directorate of Security Service.

“I have conducted a thorough search on the University staff records. My Lord, I have produced the staff records of the University that were required by the court, I discovered that his letter of appointment as Clerical Officer is also forged. All documents tendered by Daniel Edet did not emanate from the University of Uyo".

Testifying shortly before the UNIUYO Human Resources Director, the State Collation Agent for the 3rd respondent in the Akwa Ibom Gubernatorial election, Engr. Uwem Okoko told the tribunal that the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as final result of the Governorship election in the State, were a true reflection of what transpired at the polling units across the State.

He maintained that the results were genuine, and that his party, the PDP is well grounded across the State.

“In all the units I visited, there was orderly and peaceful conduct of election, and the result that was declared were a true reflection of what transpired”.

As contained in his witness statement, Okoko tendered results sheets local government by local government, as received by the agents of his political party from all parts of the State.

The results included polling unit results, wards and local government results from each of the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.



Earlier Dr Imoh Markson, the bursar of the University of Uyo told the Governorship Elections Tribunal that the University Management have alerted the police to enable the impostor who paraded himself as a UNIUYO student to be fished out and prosecuted.

Dr Markson, testifying as the 2nd witness of the 2nd defendant, stated that the integrity of the University was being ridiculed by the dubiosity exhibited by the said man who attempted to usurp the role of the University management.


“All the documents brought to the court by Daniel Edet Akpan are fake and forged.

“The man who came with that document intended to mislead and deceive the tribunal.
We are looking for the man. We have petitioned the police to find him because the integrity of the University is at stake.”

Under cross examination by counsel to INEC, Chief Offiong Offiong, SAN, the bursar, PW3, said further that as the Bursar it is the duty of his office to prepare, and approve salaries of university staff for payment.

“That puts me in a position to know all the IPPIS number of staff of the University of Uyo.”

“Can two different staff have the same IPPIS number? “

“No. It's not possible. IPPIS number is a unique number assigned to a particular staff of a federal institution by the office of the accountant general of the federation, and no other staff of MDA can have it”, said Dr Markson.

He also expressed alarm at the alleged payslip of PW16, saying that it did not emanate from his department.

“When I received the subpoena, I conducted a search on the payroll system from the university of Uyo and found out that the payslips attached to the subpoena are all fake and forged.

“There is no way, and at no time did the University issue this payslip to anybody hence the document didn't emanate from the University.

“My lord, we also do not send pay slips to people on WhatsApp as claimed by the said Daniel Akpan.”

The bursar when confronted with the documents tendered as promotion and appointment letters from the said Daniel, maintained that the University does not address letters to staff’s village address but to their departments or offices in the institution.

“My lord the promotion letter he tendered before this court is fake and forged because I have checked all our records in the bursary department and there is no such letter.

“It is a norm that any promotion letter or document that has a link with finances must be copied to us.

“Also my lord, the former registrar Aniediabasi Udofia was my colleague and we worked together for many years hence I can easily identify when his signature has been faked”, Dr Markson disclosed.

Under further cross examination by the Counsel to PDP, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, the University bursar was equally shown a payslip for the month of October 2020 with the rank of principal assistant registrar, tendered by the said Daniel Akpan who was only allegedly promoted in 2022 he became an administrative officer 2.

“It is only a criminal that will come to court and make such claims because Principal Assistant Registrar is over three steps higher than an administrative officer 2”, Dr Markson cried out.

“The account number 1002888877 tendered by Daniel Edet Akpan doesn't exist in UNIUYO micro finance bank.

“I know this because I was the Managing Director of the bank, and now chairman board of directors. The account number is not assign to any customer in the UNIUYO micro finance bank.

“There is no faculty of environmental sciences in UNIUYO as claimed by that Daniel Akpan, but there is faculty of environmental studies.

“The governing council is the highest decision making body in the running of the University and is different from the Senate which is made up of academic staff and is responsible for decisions on academic matters of the University” , said the bursar who had marveled on being told that the senate and the governing council, according to Mr Daniel Akpan, are the same thing.

“My lord, that is why we are asking the police to comb everywhere and fish out the criminal character”, the University Staff declared.

“If you did not call for his arrest, I would have called for your arrest for shielding a criminal”, Oyetibo thundered.

“My lord their time is up, he is asking too many questions”, counsel to petitioner, Tunde Falola pressed.

“It has nothing to do with time, you don’t want a criminal to be exposed that is why you are uncomfortable. My lord let me not ask any further questions so that my learned brother will not be depressed”, the PDP counsel echoed

SENATOR BASSEY ALBERT ADMITS NEVER VERIFYING CLAIMS AGAINST GOV ENO’S CERTIFICATES

…SAYS HE IS APPEALING THE CRIMINAL CONVICTION BY APPEAL COURT

Governorship Candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan has told the Elections Appeal Petitions Tribunal sitting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital that his claims of forgery in the Examination Certificate of Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno was not based on any interaction with any official of the West African Examinations Council or a forensic expert, but his personal observation of the duplicate copy of the certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission by the 2nd respondent.

Sen Akpan has also announced that he is appealing at the supreme court against the judgement of the Appeal Court in Calabar which upheld his conviction by the lower court.

At the resumed hearing of the petition by Senator Bassey Albert and his party, YPP against the election of Pastor Umo Eno, at the Governorship Elections Appeal Tribunal in Uyo, Albert who was the last witness of the petitioners admitted that the candidate examination number appearing on the certificate that the Governor presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC is exactly the same as the candidate number in the result master list earlier presented by a representative of WAEC before the court.

Senator Akpan also confessed that despite his claims that the name Bassey Eno Umo on the 1981 WAEC result of Victory High School, did not belong to Pastor Umo Eno, he has not come across anybody who claims to have obtained the said 1981 West Africa Examinations Council, WAEC certificate other than Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

The YPP Governorship Candidate who is praying the Court to nullify the 2023 Governorship election and declare him as winner, had told the court that he has never worked in WAEC, and therefore he is not competent to authenticate which certificate issued by WAEC is genuine and the one's that aren't genuine.

On his allegation on the disparity in name placement, the petitioner also admitted that he wasn't in a competent position to know how names are placed on WAEC results.

With Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, Counsel to the PDP-responded to this argument that Bassey Eno Umo of 1981, Victory High School, Lagos does not belong to Governor Umo Eno through a cross examination of the witness.

“Who is Albert Bassey?”
“I am the one. “
“Who is Akpan Albert Bassey?”
“It is my name. “
“Who is Akpan Bassey Albert?”
“My lord that is still my name.”

“What is your first name?”
“Albert is my first name.”

“If you say that Albert is your first name, do you have a brother by name Ime Albert Akpan?”

“He is not part of this case”, Senator Akpan answered.

To which Oyetibo roared, “Answer my question. I am your friend and I want to help you. Do you have an elder brother, Ime Albert Akpan?”

“I have so many brothers.”

“Please answer the question, do you have a brother by name Ime Albert Akpan?”
“Yes I have a brother Ime.”
“Mention his three names?”

“My lord his name is Ime Akpan.”

“You are a senator and you are under oath, I said mention his three names, I told you I am your friend and I am here to help you”

“He is Ime Albert Akpan,” Bassey Albert confessed.

Under Cross Examination by INEC Counsel Abdul Mohammed, SAN, Senator Bassey Albert admitted he never went to any other polling unit and was relying on the reports of his agents in the 4000 units of the State to conclude that the elections in 29 local government areas were fraught by irregularities.

He admitted that the analysis of his statistician are based on the figures his party got from the INEC portal and the figures from his party agents.

Under Cross Examination by INEC Counsel Abdul Mohammed, Senator Bassey Albert admits he never went to any other polling unit and relied on the reports of his agents in the 4000 units of the State to conclude that the elections in 29 local government areas were fraught by irregularities.

OBA tells the tribunal that the analysis of his statistician who was a subpoenaed witness, are based on the figures his party got from the INEC portal and the figures from his party agents.

Bassey Albert is given a report submitted by WAEC which indicates that Umo Bassey Eno was their candidate in 1981. But Bassey objects and says the name is written as Bassey Eno Umo and does not refer to Pastor Umo Bassey.

He was then presented with is own WAEC result of 1989 and his party membership card which he admits both belong to him. However he stirs laughter in the court when he said both names written as Akpan, Albert Bassey and Akpan, Bassey Albert refer to him.

The 2nd Respondent produces a document, the Appeal Court CTC copy of the judgement upholding the conviction of Bassey Albert.

Bassey Albert told the court he has not read the judgement but that he has appealed against it at the Supreme Court

Addressing newsmen at the court premises, shortly after the day's proceedings, Counsel to the petitioner, Tunde Falola, confirmed that the President of the Court of Appeal had rejected their petition for the Tribunal to be relocated and expressed happiness that the proceedings went on peacefully.

Also speaking, Counsel to Governor Umo Eno, Paul Usoro (SAN) explained that opposing the petition to relocate the tribunal to Abuja was not because of uncertainty in the outcome of the case, but to oppose the position that the State was not peaceful.

“Whether in Zimbabwe or Tanzania, the case remains the same, but we wanted to tell them that Akwa Ibom is not one of the States that insecurity is an issue.

“Also, because we did not want to further delay the process of reaching a conclusion on the tribunal,” Paul Usoroh said.

Also speaking, the Counsel to the PDP, Tayo Oyetibo confirmed that the exhibit which Bassey Albert admitted before the tribunal was the confirmation of his criminal conviction at the upper court.

Meanwhile, the tribunal has adjourned to Monday, 10th July, 2023, when the first, second and 3rd respondents, INEC, Governor Umo Eno and PDP are expected to open their defense on the petition by the YPP candidate.

AKWA IBOM GUBER LEGAL TUSSLE ADJOURNED TO THURSDAY AS OBA FAILS TO MOVE TRIBUNAL TO ABUJA
…we have not received any relocation notice from anyone- Tribunal

The Akwa Ibom State Governorship elections petitions tribunal sitting in Uyo has rejected an application by the candidate of the Young Progressives Party,YPP, Senator Bassey Albert to have the Governorship Elections Appeal Tribunal relocated from Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital to the nation's capital, Abuja.

Subsequently the tribunal has ordered the petitioners’ counsel to make sure his client, the first Petitioner, who was in court on Wednesday, was brought back to court the next morning for cross examination.

The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday during the resumed hearing of the tribunal, said the tribunal has not gotten any notice of stay of execution or relocation from the President of the Court of Appeal.

To this end, the tribunal ruled that hearing on the Petition filed by the YPP candidate challenging the election of Pastor Umo Eno of the PDP would continue in Uyo on Thursday.

The hearing could not continue on Wednesday as the three man Election Petitions Appeal Tribunal panel did not form a quorum at the resumed hearing following the absence of a member of the panel.

According to Justice Adeleye; “We do not have any directive on stay of execution or relocation of this tribunal and so this hearing in this court will continue".

“As of today we do not have the required quorum to hear this matter. Hearing in this matter is adjourned to tommorow (Thursday) at 9:am”.

Earlier, Tunde Falola,Esq, counsel to the petitioner had reminded the court that their petition to the president of the Court of Appeal for the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja, is pending as there is no response from the Appellate Court President yet.

Mr Falola admitted that they had received the hearing notice of the tribunal and only came to show respect to the tribunal, adding that their petition for the relocation was as a result of the threats to their client’s life and the lives of members of their legal team.

However Counsel to 1st Respondent, INEC, Abdul Mohammed,SAN, opposed the position of the petitioners insisting that the petition to the Appeal Court President was not to their notice.

“YPP cannot come and claim that because of the pendency of a letter nobody knew about, they can't continue with the case. It's not in all cases that when application is made that such application is granted.

“And parties cannot come and hold the tribunal to ransom because of a petition to the president of appeal court that she may not even be aware of.

“There is no evidence that such application will be granted. There is no evidence in law that suggests that the proceeding of the tribunal should stay until such application is granted.”

The INEC Counsel insisted that, “while there is no time frame for the appeal court president to respond to the letter, whereas there is a lifespan for the tribunal to conclude its assignment.

“As he rightly said he's waiting for the tribunal’s direction, I urge this tribunal to direct the petitioners to immediately call their witness to enter the dock for fireworks to begin. We are urging the court to strike out the application as we are eager to prove to the court that the election we conducted was free and fair”, the INEC counsel added.

Paul Usoro, in support of the 1st respondent, INEC, cited relevant judicial authorities, and told the court that it was unethical for a person or counsel to write to a higher court without communicating with the other parties in a case.

“Furthermore, he claimed his letter is based on threats to lives of petitioners and his counsel. He is a counsel in court today, and he has not been harassed. He doesn't appear alone but as a team. He has not mention that any of his team members have been harassed. They are in court with their supporters today without any harassment.

On the 21st of June when the petitioners were absent in court, one of their counsel was in court. There was nothing to suggest any insecurity. We stand by the fact that the 1st petitioner should enter the witness box, and if he does, before 12 noon we will finish and he will leave without any problem”, Paul Usoro ,SAN submitted.

On his part, Tayo Oyetibo,SAN, counsel to PDP said, “we only saw the purported letter online claiming it was written to the appeal court president and the tribunal chairman, without serving other parties in the matter.
We urge the tribunal to ignore the letter because it is manifestly unethical and stands disregarded for the purpose of this proceeding.

“Secondly, the publication was said to be written as far back as 22nd June 2023. Today is 5th July, 2 weeks after the letter was written to the appeal court president.

“It therefore means that the appeal court president has adopted the judicial precedent of that same court, by ignoring the letter in obedience to its rules because it was manifestly unethical, and In law if something is manifestly unethical you don't respond to it.

“That means the president will not write any reply. She has ignored them”’ Oyetibo added.

“The first petitioner is in court, the second petitioner is in court. The lead counsel to the petitioners who travelled all the way from Abuja about 4 of them are here. So what are we waiting for? There is no atmosphere of violence here at the tribunal. There is no threat here or any likelihood of threat. Paragraph 46 sub 5 and 6 on the first schedule of the electoral act apply here on this matter now.

“Since the first petitioner who gave evidence in-chief on 20th June, is physically present in court today and protected by the Grace of the Almighty God, he should be ordered to enter the witness box for cross examination.

“If he fails to do so, the court should close the case of the petitioner inline with the provisions of the electoral act. Particularly because he was their last witness.”

After hearing the position of all parties, the Tribunal adjourned till Thursday by 9am for continuation of hearing. The tribunal claimed that it did not have any communication with the President of the Court of Appeal to stay proceedings and as such urged the counsel to the petitioners to make their witness available tomorrow.

Also adjourned today to July 11, was the petition of the APC and its Governorship candidate, Akanimo Udofia against Governor Umo Eno and the PDP.

Counsel to the APC governorship candidate and APC, has requested an adjournment to enable them get some documentary exhibits from INEC and enable the court sit when it has formed a quorum.

#Update
TRIBUNAL RESUMES HEARING ON OBA VS INEC,PAS UMO ENO, PDP PETITION IN UYO

Tribunal resumes today Wednesday July 5,2023 with Tunde Falola leading the legal team of the petitioner rising to remind the court that their petition to the president of the Court of Appeal for the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja, is pending as there is no response from the Appellate Court President yet.
Mr Falola admitted that they had received the hearing notice and only came to show respect to the tribunal.


INEC COUNSEL OPPOSES APPLICATION BY OBA
However Counsel to 1st Respondent, INEC Abdul Mohammed, opposed the position of the petitioners insisting that the petition to the Appeal Court President was not to their notice. “YPP cannot come and claim that because of the pendency of a letter nobody knew about, they can't continue with the case. It's not in all cases that when application is made that such application is granted. And parties cannot come and hold the tribunal to ransom because of an application to the president of appeal court that he may not even be aware of. There is no evidence that such application will be granted. There is no evidence in law that suggests that the proceeding of the tribunal should stay until such application is granted.”

The INEC Counsel insisted that, “while there is no time frame for the appeal court president to determine the letter, whereas there is a timeframe for the tribunal to sit.
As he rightly said he's waiting for the tribunal’s direction, I urge this tribunal to direct the petitioners to immediately call their witness to enter the dock for fireworks to begin. We are urging the court to strike out the application as we are eager to prove to the court that the election we conducted was free and fair.”
#ObaVUmoEno

TRIBUNAL FIREWORKS RESUME IN UYO TODAY AS RELOCATION BIDS FAIL
…WHEREABOUTS OF CONVICTED EX SENATOR REMAIN UNKNOWN

The Governorship Elections Appeal tribunal sitting in Uyo in the petition of Senator Bassey Albert and the Young Progressives Party, YPP against the election of Pastor Umo Eno as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, is to resume in Uyo today Wednesday, July 5,2023.

This confirms the position of majority of Akwa Ibomites that Bassey Albert’s petition to have the tribunal shifted to Abuja, was nothing other than a wild goose chase.

Senator Bassey who was recently committed back to prison by the Appeal Court in Calabar with an option of 7 million naira fine, has not been seen any further in public, fueling speculations that he may have gone into hiding to evade the long arms of the law.

The Counsel to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants had told the tribunal during the last sitting two weeks ago that since there was no evidence of insecurity in the location of the tribunal, then the relocation application by the petitioner was a ploy to prevent the tribunal from performing its duties.

A legal counsel with the petitioners, Dr. Sunny Usoroh who was spotted in the courtroom on that day despite his client’s request that the state is not safe, was asked by the tribunal if he was threatened at any point during proceedings the previous day, and he answered in the negative.

“My lord I am here today as a friend of the court, and not as a member of the petitioners’ counsel. But throughout yesterday, no one threatened me and I went home peacefully”, he narrated.

But my lord, I feel it is better we hear from them in case there is a genuine reason for their inability to come here today”, said the bewildered Sunny Usoroh told the tribunal.

The defeated candidate of the Young Progressives Congress, YPP had written to the President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, seeking the relocation of the tribunal from Uyo, on his alleged grounds of insecurity


At the last hearing on his petition Senator Albert who was expected to close his case by testifying before the court, boycotted the proceedings along with his legal team, and rather communicated his desires to have the tribunal
relocated to the federal capital territory.

His counsel, Ahmed Raji and Tunde Falola were all absent in court during the last proceedings.

But Paul Usoro,SAN, speaking on behalf of the 2nd defendant, Pastor Umo Eno urged the court to issue hearing notices to the petitioners and their legal representatives before the next adjourned date.

The defense counsel maintained that since the petitioners had nearly ended their case, it was pertinent the first petitioner comes before the tribunal to be cross examined.

“My lord, it won’t take us up to two hours to finish cross examination of the 1st petitioner and then we can commence our defense.

“I wish to also intimate the court the courtroom is nearly filled and it obvious most of the people here are supporters of the petitioners and we believe they can go and tell their leaders that the court is safe. I can even see my friend, Dr Sunny Usoro who made an appearance for the petitioners yesterday”, Paul Usoro said.

Also reacting, Offiong Offiong(SAN) one of the counsel to the 1st defendant, who said he was yet to sight a copy of the petition, urged the court to discountenance such claim, as there was no security issue to have warrant such Petition.

“I have not seen a copy of the petition. I want it to be on record that I am very safe here”.

“I woke up this morning and I saw so many missed calls from my senior brother. He asked me if I was safe, that they heard that there was chaos in the tribunal and that several cars weee set ablaze. I told him they were merely unfounded rumours”, Offiong said, adding that perhaps Bassey Albert and his team also heard the same rumour and concluded that there was insecurity.

Also reacting, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) told the court that Tuesday's proceedings at the tribunal was peaceful, and at the end of the day's proceedings he and others including the petitioner passed through the same road to their various destination.

“I'm safe. We did not see any dead body, as the petitioner left before us. They drove out before we drove out. I passed through that road; there was no threat to any life. I want the court to give them sufficient time to decide whether to come back”.

Also addressing the court, Mr. Essien Udom(SAN) reminded the 3 member election Petition panel that Akwa Ibom has been adjudged the safest State in Nigeria, and wondered how the petitioner arrived at such claim especially when the location of the tribunal is at a security zone which has the Governor's lodge, Judiciary complex where the Chief Judge of the State has her office, the Chief Judge’s Official residence and a Police Barracks at same axis.

“My Lord, this neighborhood happens to be the safest place you can ever think of in Akwa Ibom State. It's more like the Three Arms Zone you have in Abuja. The Governor's lodge and office, Chief Judge’s residence, Police Barracks, the Traditional Rulers Council, among others. My Lord we are very safe here".

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Adekunle Adeleye adjourned the matter to 5th July 2023.

He further directed that the tribunal hearing notice be served on the petitioners and their lead counsel at their addresses in Uyo and Abuja.

FULL APPEAL COURT JUDGEMENT AGAINST BASSEY ALBERT

Convicted Senator to pay seven million naira to secure his freedom. The amount covers 1million naira for each of the 7 offenses he is charged.

Failure to pay the fine, confines him to 42 years behind bars, being 7 years for each of the 7 charges against him. However he is to serve the terms concurrently, meaning he ends up with 7years behind bars.

The post conviction bail is no longer active

OBA Vs Umo Eno: OBA's Tall and Empty Governorship Dream

Richard Peters

The court is an independent institution that operates with set guidelines viz.-evidence, exhibit and facts. What is presented in court in form of documents and materials when accepted in court are marked as exhibits, and are foundations for cross examination. In other words, the defense counsel or that of the plaintiff may choose to cross examine anyone at the witness stand or whoever is involved in the case using the documents or facts tendered.

Having followed the case of Sen. Bassey Albert from the beginning, it could be said that his arguments are laden with inconsistency and discrepancies alien to modern day judicial proceedings. Those he brought to court as witnesses have had their fair share of confusion, and if not that judges are those trained in legal matters for years, they would have been misled.

Since the beginning of the case between Bassey Albert and Umo Eno, the former had submitted many affidavits where he swore to certain statements he made. But when he is face to face with the counsels through his witnesses, he goofed by saying something different.

It should be noted that, in addition to whatever legal exercise one has undergone, what will help such a person to have an edge in a case is the witness(or witnesses as the case may be) presented. The court believes in witnesses and expected them to have authority in the matter at hand. But in OBA's case, he could not bring witnesses who would support his position on many issues, only those who made matters worse for him.

For instance, after the election, Bassey Albert alleged that he was rigged out, and that Umo Eno does not have a certificate and was not qualified for the contest in the first place. With this, he approached the court for a possible redress.

However, quite disappointing is the fact that the witnesses he presented made contradictory statements. When they were cross-examined, what they said at the witness box were different from the written statements they earlier made.

Recall that last week, an official of the University of Uyo, Dr Ime Akpan had testified that Umo Eno graduated from the institution, and that he was not expelled as alleged by OBA's camp. An official of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) also confirmed the authenticity of Umo Eno's WAEC certificate, which exonerated Umo Eno from the orchestrated controversy from OBA aimed at tarnishing Umo Eno's reputation.

Tuesday's hearing was hilarious as the witness OBA brought who claimed to be a staff of the University of Uyo (UniUyo) fumbled when he was cross-examined. From the beginning of his statement at the witness box, he did not make a single statement that was helpful to either the court or OBA.

When he tendered his employment letter, it was discovered that it was a temporary appointment letter. He brought out his promotion letter, and everyone was shocked how someone with temporary appointment letter could be given promotion without any confirmation of appointment as a permanent staff. But that is a story for another day.

He even told the court that he was not sure whether the university of Uyo gave him a permanent employment or not. Even the one he tendered was a photocopy. When the judge asked about the original copy, he said he was given the photocopy. He couldn't give the court any vital information.

His confusion was empowered when asked how he got the subpoena, he said he got it in his house at Nsit Ubium. Whereas his official address is UniUyo, how is it possible that he was traced to his village at Nsit Ubium? When also asked who he reports to at the office, he said he "was not reporting to anyone, and did not obtain permission from anyone to appear in court." This is insubordination raised to power 10.

The counsel asked further about his level of education, he said he got admission in 1999 to study Quantity survey, graduated in 2020(more than 20 years in school). This shows so much incoherence and confusion in his assignment at the tribunal.

The statistician OBA brought could not prove how he arrived at his earlier conclusion that election was marred by irregularities. When asked whether he had a foreknowledge of forensic analysis, he said no. So what brought him to the tribunal has been the common question on the lips of people when he could not prove even one point.

Statisticians are more concerned with numbers, and the work of forensic analysts are very different from theirs. When asked where he got information from about the alleged malpractices, he said it was based on what the party agent told him. This implies that he was depending on hearsay, when the court is much more concerned with facts and evidence, and not hearsays.

As it stands, OBA knows that based on the evidence he presented, and the controversy that surrounded his witnesses and the statements they made, he is not going anywhere. That, he knows better, but does not want to say so.

Before any court will pass judgement in one's favour, one must be able to prove the case beyond any reasonable doubt. But OBA's witnesses have all goofed and messed up the case for him.

Now, after realizing that he couldn't prove any point, he brought thugs and some of his supporters to the court on Tuesday. After the first witness was being cross-examined, he went outside and out of anger for his poor defence, pointed at a journalist whom he accused of snapping him at the witness box. The thugs OBA brought to court did not waste time before descending on the journalist and started lynching him, one Daniel Etim, and seized his camera. It was the judge who intervened and asked that his camera should be released to him.

To show that they were out for war, OBA's boys came to the tribunal with tyres and petrol. Their intention was to set the court ablaze so that the tribunal can be relocated to Abuja.

OBA feels that if the case is relocated, he could influence the case through some power brokers at Abuja. But that is not healthy. He even came with a truckload of mobile police officers and DSS operatives. When OBA boys lynched on the journalists, these officers did not try to stop them, rather they were aiding and abetting such vice by their silence and care-free attitude.

The summary is that Bassey Albert's dream of becoming the governor is tall and empty. How can he dream of becoming the governor with such mindset of intimidating the people with thugs. That means the state would not be safe for anybody.

The poor outing in the court is enough to tell him that he is not going anywhere. The court is not a place for practicing magic and voodooism. He could have prepared well before coming out. Nobody should rely on luck, charm or strange prophecies to win a case in court. His evidences have been marred with discrepancies and inconsistency. Bringing boys around the court premises is even unbecoming, threatening the lives of witnesses and other people who had something to do with the case. Akwa Ibom people should be aware of Bassey Albert's antics and rise to defend the peace enjoyed in the state.
Bassey Albert has a tall dream, but that dream is empty.

2023 GUBER: SENATOR BASSEY ALBERT, TWO OTHERS, ENTER WITNESS BOX ON TUESDAY

The YPP Governorship candidate in the 2023 Governorship election in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert is expected to mount the witness box on Tuesday, as his counsel wrap up their case at the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The tribunal adjourned on Saturday June, 17, after five more witnesses had testified for the Petitioners, the Young Progressives Party, YPP and Senator Bassey Albert.

Senator Albert’s request of a subpoena for an alleged staff of the Academic Affairs Department of the University of Uyo, Mr Daniel Akpan, was granted by the tribunal.

Earlier last Friday, a subpoenaed Prosecution witness at the Tribunal, Dr Ime Success Akpabio, Director of Academic Affairs of the University told the tribunal the fake result certificate presented as Exhibit by Bassey Albert against Pastor Umo Eno, with registration number 98UG017806, did not emanate from the University of Uyo.

The University management staff confirmed that “Umo Eno graduated from the University of Uyo, while the said piece of evidence submitted by Senator Akpan to the court was forged.

“My Lord, this document did not emanate from the University of Uyo. It is designed to mislead and deceive the Court.

“This registration number belongs to Ugoji Chinenye who was admitted to study Communication Arts.

When further cross examined, Dr Akpabio who told the tribunal he had worked in the University for 24 years, “My Lord, this stamp is a forged stamp. We don't recognize that stamp to be of the University of Uyo.

On the letter of expulsion purportedly issued against Pastor Umo Eno by the institution, Dr Ime Akpabio said, “Everything here is wrong.

“This document did not emanate from the University of Uyo and the name of the then registrar, P. J. Efiong is wrongly spelt as ‘Effiong’ and his signature is fake.”

He went further to maintain that “the document tendered by OBA's counsel is signed by one Daniel J. Akpan said to be an Administrative Officer 1, whereas “No we don't have any Administrative Officer 1 known as Daniel Akpan.”

”The Registrar has authority to certify documents emanating from the University of Uyo and if he is not around, he can mandate the Director (which is me) to sign. Administrative Officer 1 is so low in ranking to certify such “a University documents.”

The said Daniel Akpan who was earlier denied by the Director of Academic Affairs of the University of Uyo, is expected to be on the witness box to give his testimony, alongside a statistician and the petitioner, Senator Akpan.

Last Saturday, the five witnesses who testified for the defeated YPP governorship candidate on Saturday included, Bishop Andrew Unwanta, who served as YPP Collation Agent in Etinan Local Government Area, one Emmanuel Nyong Uko, who served as the party's Collation Agent in Ibesikpo-Asutan, Mr Okpoyo Etifit who served as collation agent of the YPP in Urueofong Oruko, Elder Ufot Tobby Nkangude, YPP Collation agent in ikot Abasi and Hon. Uko Idiong who served as collation agent in Ukanafun.

In their oral submission before the tribunal, all five witnesses gave statements at variance with their earlier written statements before the tribunal.

At the end they failed to prove how the first respondent, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC connived with the second respondent, Pastor Umo Eno and his party, the PDP being the third respondent to surpress their votes in the last election.

The witnesses failed to present their unit results before the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, claiming that they left their respective units before the end of voting but were only informed by their respective unit agents that the processes were compromised.

Arch Bishop Andrew Unwanta, who served as YPP Collation Agent in Etinan Local Government Area, said he voted at Comprehensive Secondary School, Nkana, in Southern-Iman ward 1 in Etinan LGA with polling unit code 014 Code, but that he left his unit immediately after casting his vote to the local government collation Centre in Etinan, where he was informed by polling agents of his party of some irregularities at the unit.

Governorship election form 2023
My polling unit was Comprehensive Sec sch, Nkana, in Southern-Iman ward 1 in Etinan LG. Unit 014 Code no of the polling unit.

I'm too old to remember my polling unit number(because of old age). But i know i voted in Nkana.

“YPP scored 69votes at my polling unit.
I voted, and after voting i left, because i was not the polling unit agent, i was the local government collation officer for Etinan”.

PDP Counsel: The people that best speak about what happens at the polling unit are the polling unit agents who remained there and not people like you who went to vote and left”.

Uwanta: Whereas i got the documents from the agents of YPP and they told me what happened.
Says polling agents reported to him what transpired at the unit on the day of election.
All the forms brought before the court bears Governorship election 2023. The forms brought before the court, every single of them have been signed by the Presiding officer, Unwanta says he's not able to go through the form to ascertain it has been signed by the Presiding Officer.

Uwanta had told the court that polling agents of the YPP were chased away from Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Itina.

He had also testified that the unit results were not signed by the Presiding Officer but the one's tendered before the court by his party YPP were all signed by the Presiding Officer.

But when cross examined by defense counsel, he lamented that, “There is no evidence that the name of the YPP agent is written on that form. I was not there at the polling unit. I was only at my polling unit. I got my information from polling agents.”

He also confessed, “I may not remember what my party scored, I'm an old man”.

“My complain is that the uploading of results took place outside of the ward centres as stipulated in the electoral act, but was done at INEC office in Etinan”, he added.

Mr. Emmanuel Uko, who introduced himself as an ICT expert said he voted at Unit 21, Primary School Mbikpong Ikot Edim in Ibesikpo-Asutan, accused INEC and the PDP of allegedly surpressing votes earned by his party, the YPP.

He claimed what was declared by the electoral body was not what his party won.

When asked by the court to authenticate the actual result he felt his party earned, he went dumb.

The tribunal panel chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, subsequently directed the petitioners’ counsel led by Ahmed Raji, SAN to produce the petitioner, Senator Bassey Albert on Tuesday, as well as the other requested two witnesses.

Governor Umo Eno Congratulates Newly Elected Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

…pledges to work together for the advancement of the State.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has congratulated Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON, on his emergence as the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno, said “on behalf of the Government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, I send you our hearty congratulations on your emergence as the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly.

“The process was free, fair and transparent and is a testament to the deepening of our democratic traditions and ethos. I have always said that politics is over and it’s time for governance, and that, demands we work across party lines to advance the cause of our development.

“We stand ready to work collaboratively with you, to move the needle of development, growth and progress of our dear State in particular and the Nation in general.

“Once again, congratulations and God’s speed”!

AKWA IBOM TEACHERS END STRIKE, COMMEND GOV EMMANUEL FOR FRIENDLY DISPOSITION TO WORKERS’ WELFARE

The four days industrial action embarked upon by public primary and secondary school teachers in Akwa Ibom State has been called off.

This is sequel to resolutions reached by State Government with the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, at the end of a closed-door meeting held late Sunday evening and presided over by the state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel at Government House, Uyo.

Briefing Government House Correspondents after the meeting, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Development, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, affirmed that government and the labour leaders have dialogued to a compromise on the issues that gave rise to the industrial action and described the resolution as a win-win outcome.

"It was a very peaceful meeting. The Governor saw what needed to be done and the NLC also saw what was delaying the process. So it was a win-win situation and the matters enumerated by NUT Chairman have been resolved," Nkom said.

On her part, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, expressed gratitude to Governor Emmanuel for taking prompt actions to ensure that schools in the state resume.

This, she added, was indicative of the premium Governor Emmanuel places on education and is workers-friendly disposition.

Confirming the resolution, the State Chairman of NUT, Comrade Edet Emenyi, lauded the Governor's disposition towards the teachers, assuring that teachers would return to classrooms for commencement of academic activities.

Emenyi said, "Issues bothering on teachers welfare and non payment of allowances have been resolved today.

“On that note, the teeming teachers in Akwa Ibom State are ready to call off the strike".

The State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Sunny James, who was also present at the meeting, expressed the solidarity of Akwa Ibom workers with the teachers, saying that the teachers' demand for unpaid entitlements including leave grant, refund of 7.5% deductions for contributory pension and other issues were extensively deliberated upon and resolved accordingly.

He therefore expressed appreciation to the governor for his prompt response to the teachers’ demands, maintaining that the resolution would pave way for NUT to join other sectors of the state workforce in the celebration of the 2023 Workers Day.