Ibom Air as a good example of running government ventures
Michael Bassey

By now critics of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State may have to hang their heads in shame going by the success story of the state airline today. In the buildup to the governorship election early this year, so much was said about the project being desperately driven by a sinking governor eager to hold on to anything for survival. The project was announced dead even before its commencement. It was perceived by some people as purely a tactic to get a reelection.

Really, it is difficult to blame anyone for being suspicious of politicians in a country where there are countless examples of leaders merely driven by political gains. We have seen government officials embarking only on projects that are capable of giving them political mileage. Even at that, there have been reports of embezzlement of money devoted to such ventures. It is for this reason that many Nigerians have become cynical.

Many see political leaders as being deceptive, selfish and self centered. It is therefore gladdening that the Ibom Air has proved cynics wrong in that the airline has not only taken off, it is a venture that may stand the test of time if successive governments in the state follow the business template for its operations.

It is interesting that the success story of Ibom Air is being told by the opposition, with the governor, Udom Emmanuel, receiving praises from unexpected quarters. That is the beauty of embarking on projects that have positive impacts on the society. Good initiatives are not discriminatory. No sane person abandons a good road for a bad one simply because he wants to prove to be loyal to a party or an individual. That is why some people have continued to argue that good governance serves everybody’s interest-both the good and the bad the same way anyone could be a victim of bad governance.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Anietie Usen, was one of the people that openly lauded the Akwa Ibom government on the Ibom Air initiative. It is interesting that Usen is not just an ordinary member of APC; he is one of the strong supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari and a close friend of Nsima Ekere, APC governorship candidate in the last general elections. Going by his antecedent, Usen is not likely to be generous with praise especially for a ruling party in a state where elections are being contested by the opposition. So, if someone like Usen should say anything good about Ibom Air, he must have meant it.

Usen had described Ibom Air which started flying on June 8, 2019 as the “newest and the freshest aircraft” in Nigeria. This kind of endorsement is difficult to ignore. According to him, flying Ibom Air was a decision he had to take because he had no other choice as the other airline he had booked had disappointed him. But despite his political difference with the ruling party in the state, he acknowledged that the Ibom Air project was a good initiative.

Usen was reported to have said that the freshness of the aircraft was the first surprise he got when he boarded it sometime last month, lauding the aircraft’s spacious leg room, comfortable seats and very friendly crew. He even took notice of how the snacks were uniquely packaged and presented in the state colours of orange, green and white. He was that detailed. He enthused that the aircraft was the newest and freshest aircraft he had flown in his 43 years of flying in Nigeria. Not yet done, he spoke about the experiences of other passengers, who according to him, all acknowledged that the airline was not only good, but manned by professionals.

The usual fear when it comes to government ventures like the Ibom Air is that they are not sustainable. This is because Nigeria does not have many good examples of well managed government businesses. They are usually money guzzlers, a drainpipe and avenue for corruptly enriching the people in power. Many good initiatives in the past have been destroyed by political intermeddling. This is why Governor Emmanuel should not allow Ibom Air to go the way of other typical government projects. The governor should continue to bring to bear his experience as an astute administrator in the management of the Ibom Air and other businesses in the state.

Going by his antecedents, the governor has proved to be an efficient manager of human and capital resources. These virtues are clearly seen in his previous interventions in the oil state’s affairs since he became governor in 2015. The state has developed 11,000 hectares of coconut plantations, 2,100 hectares of cassava plantation in 15 local government areas, registered 48,000 rice farmers for the CBN anchor borrowers’ scheme and trained 450 youths on cocoa maintenance. The state has also established Special Cocoa Maintenance Scheme (SCMS) to train farmers and youths on pruning/shading management to improve on the yielding from its large expanse of farmlands and at the same time distributed cocoa seedlings to farmers at subsidised rates to encourage cocoa plantation among other laudable programmes. Its hatchery known as the Akwa Prime Hatchery hatches thousands of day old cheeks per week. All these are aside the syringe factory, pencil, toothpick and other industrial ventures birthed in the state in the last four years. Most of these ventures are run on public private participation basis to guarantee profit. This is commendable.

For now, Akwa Ibom is the only state across the country running and operating an international airport. It is also the only state running a Category Two run way. The Ibom Air has employed close to 300 people directly while about 3,000 people are involved in its daily operations.
But to prevent the airline from going the way of government projects in Nigeria, the governor would have to ensure that the airline continues to epitomize excellence in aviation service delivery. The airline operations should adhere strictly to international best practices in its funding and management.

It is good that the governor has assured that political motives would be excluded in the running of the airline to make it remain afloat so that it could provide services not only to the people of the state, but other Nigerians and international investors as well. Already, it is being run as a limited liability company under the management of aviation experts to ensure sustenance. The governor should ensure that the airline services are treated as a venture and patronized on that basis and not as government project meant to provide free money for state officials.

The success of Ibom Air has changed the perception about state governments running businesses. It has shown that states can run businesses if they are willing to apply business models in running them.

Following the just concluded elections, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has attributed the victory of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state to providence, stating that no human manipulation can change the course of history.

The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, however, refuted reports that he would give Senator Godswill Akpabio a soft landing after the defeat, describing it as a lie and figment of the imagination of Akpabio’s media team.

He said, “Our attention has been drawn to a malicious propaganda in the social media platforms by Senator Akpabio’s media hirelings that having been roundly rejected by the people of North-West senatorial district, that he has negotiated a soft landing with Governor Emmanuel,

“We wish to tell the good people of Akwa Ibom State and, indeed, the world that this is false and a lie from the pit of hell”
Emphasizing the Governor’s pleasure at the outcome of the elections, he said, “Governor Emmanuel is happy that the wishes of the people of the Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district have been boldly expressed through their votes.”

By Michael Bassey

The birth of Ibom Airline couldn’t have come at a better time. The launch of the airline on Wednesday is truly the ice on the cake for the good people of Akwa Ibom. If anyone was in doubt of the managerial acumen of the state governor, Udom Emmanuel, that launch was enough to shut the mouths of pundits. Truth be told, how many state governors still have the time to concentrate on governance now, not to talk of embarking on monumental projects.

What we usually witness in Nigeria is that governance temporarily goes on recess during elections. Intrigues, backstabbing and all sorts of evils take the centre stage at the expense of quality leadership. Sadly, the country has been on this rigmarole for so long that people have accepted this unwholesome trend as a norm.

For people like me, news of a governor still actively involved in the business of governance in spite of stories here and there about plans to turn Akwa Ibom State to another Warsaw, is quite heartwarming. It is truly a case of everybody giving what they have. While some politicians can only spew up the dregs in their hearts, some bring out the gems in their systems, hence the relevance of a scriptural verse that says out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

Not only that, Ibom airline is born at a time when the only achievement some state governors could lay claim to is their ability to pay workers’ salaries. Never mind such payments are often staggered and most irregular. The other time one of the governors in the North came out publicly to announce that workers should stop expecting to be paid regularly because states were not created to pay salaries only. Such is the kind of shamelessness in some of our leaders.

Having said this, it is important to acknowledge the foresightedness of Emmanuel and also congratulate the people of Akwa Ibom for having such an astute administrator for a governor-a governor that does not see payment of workers’ salaries as an achievement, but a necessary obligation.

It will be recalled that salaries and gratuities of workers in the state were paid in arrears by the present administration in the state despite the fact that these salaries were owed by previous administrations. No wonder, typical Akwa Ibom indigenes won’t hesitate to tell anyone that cares to listen where their hearts are, and who gets their votes in the oncoming governorship election in the state, where Udom is seeking a reelection. To them, they couldn’t have had it better than what have been experiencing in the last three and half years. The lines have indeed been falling on them in pleasant places.

The industrial revolution going on in the state is unparalleled. Even Vice President Yemi Osinbajo attested to this. He once described the syringe factory in the state as a flagship project and one that would be of benefit to the entire country. That testimonial coming from the opposition in Nigeria is a big deal especially when viewed from the background that all that the ruling APC could dish out to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party since it came to power has been bashing upon bashing.

Ibom Air is expected to employ 300 people directly while 3,000 people will be involved in its daily operations. At the launching of the aircraft at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Emmanuel said the airline is a monumental achievement in the state. He said the aircraft, C-FWNK, is only six years old with a sitting capacity of about 90 persons and constitutes the newest and modern fleet of the Canadian airbus. Imagine the ease that the airline will bring to doing business in Akwa Ibom. This is an oil-rich state with many attendant businesses. But sometimes, getting flight for important meetings are hindered due to hiccups often experienced in existing airlines’ operations.

In the words of Udom, “The launching of Ibom Air is a monumental achievement in Akwa Ibom state and indeed Africa. The journey to achieve Ibom airline started in 2016 and today, it is a reality.

“This is the only state across the country that runs and operates an international airport. We are the only state that runs a Category Two run way.

“I want to reassure the former governor, Obong Victor Attah that very soon, the MRO will be a place that will maintain fleets of aircraft across the country.’’

Today, Akwa Ibom is not only running a state-owned airport, it is also running an airline. So far, it is the first and only state currently doing that in Nigeria. Besides, there are assurances that the state government will also run the Ibom Air, as a profitable business. It is important to stretch the angle of profitability because that is the bane of government business in Nigeria. Many of them are run at a loss and become moribund overnight.

But, it is expected that the governor based on his pedigree of managing successful business in the past will manage this well too. The governor has said the airline will operate routes that would give preference to Akwa Ibom people, and that the government would soon launch one of the best terminal buildings in Nigeria. We can’t wait to have these promises fulfilled.

For the past three and half years, the state government has focused on developing the state’s economy on land, air and water. So far, the state government has constructed over 160 kilometres of roads and built 12 bridges across the state among other infrastructures.

The roads include the 19.7km Uyo-Etinan Road, 39.4km Etinan-Ndon Eyo Road, 7.3km Ebekpo-Ikot Ebidang Road, 3.5km Ikot Udom Road with 15m Span Bridge in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, 5km Ikot Usop-Ikot Edeghe-Ikot Ekpuk Road with 30m Span Bridge in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and 5km Mkpok-Okat Road in ONNA Local  Government Area among others.

The state government has also made significant progress at the Ibom deep seaport. According to the governor, the Ibom deep seaport will soon commence operations before the expiration of his second term in 2023.

The establishment of the seaport will no doubt provide job opportunities for the people of the state, because anywhere you have a seaport in the world, it is capable of changing the narrative of the society because of the employment opportunity it creates. It is one of the secrets to the wealth of Dubai, contrary to the belief of many that the country is making its money from oil and tourism. The business around the seaport was used to develop the city.

In three and half years, the Emmanuel’s administration has developed 11,000 hectares of coconut plantation; 2,100 hectares of cassava plantation in 15 LGAs; registered 48,000 rice farmers for the CBN anchor borrowers’ scheme and trained 450 youths on cocoa maintenance. The state has gone further to establish Special Cocoa Maintenance Scheme (SCMS) to train farmers and youths on pruning/shade management, under brushing, and tree care by fumigation, in order to ensure the improved yields from 300 kg/hectare to 2, 000kg/hectare.

In addition, the state has distributed 500,000 improved cocoa seedlings to farmers at a highly subsidised rate across the 28 cocoa producing local government areas in the state. Right now, the state hatchery known as the Akwa Prime Hatchery hatches 10,000 day old cheeks per week. This is aside the free distribution of improved corn seedlings to farmers.

All these are just a few of the achievements of the Udom’s administration that has continued to endear him to the heart of the Akwa Ibom people.

The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to comments made by two supposedly respectable Nigerians namely Messers Adams Oshiomhole and Godswill Akpabio. While speaking at their party’s caucus meeting yesterday, they both insinuated that there was an unholy alliance between the Akwa Ibom State Government and the State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner to the extent of influencing the placements of ad-hoc staff among other malicious allegations.

The Akwa Ibom State Government wishes to state that the allegations are false and baseless. They are part of an orchestrated script of the APC to actualize their much vaunted plans of taking over power in the state through violent and sinister plots.

Recall at several instances, the former Senate Minority leader has boasted that he will capture Akwa Ibom State within 3 hours on Election Day. His supporters have also repeatedly chanted that elections results will be written and announced without recourse to the will of the people at the polling centers using federal might. A combination of these raise a lot of dust over the intent of the seemingly persistent and overt interest of Mr. Adams Oshiomhole in the affairs of Akwa Ibom State to the extent of canvassing for the replacement of the electoral umpire.

It paints a graphic picture of a man who is pulling the puppet strings for the former Senate Minority Leader. It is worrisome that these two supposedly respectable former Governors; who are expected to be role models to the younger generation, have taken the art of unguarded utterances and reckless actions to a new realm with impunity.

Against this backdrop, it is obvious that the ongoing desperate chants by the APC for the removal of the electoral umpire in Akwa Ibom State is an orchestrated plan to manipulate the electoral process.

We therefore draw the attention of the International Community, Human Rights Organizations, Foreign Missions in Nigeria, Law Enforcement Agencies, and the general public to the nefarious plots being hatched against the government and people of Akwa Ibom State.

It is on record that at several instances the APC in Akwa Ibom State have displayed flagrant acts of impunity that alludes to their desperate desire to actualize their hideous script. At a rally in Ikot Ekpene, their Governorship candidate; the recently sacked NDDC Managing Director, proudly received and flaunted gifts of guns, daggers and machetes from his party chieftains who admonished him to be ruthless in utilizing those instruments of assaults. This was seen on National TV live broadcast and streamed live on several social media platforms.

We are all living witnesses to the incessant threats by the former Senate Minority Leader to visit mayhem on the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State as part of his plot to wrestle power at all cost.

Despite these machinations, we urged our people to remain law abiding and civil but never to compromise their legitimate rights.

The Akwa Ibom State Government remains firmly committed to the observances and protection of the rule of law in Nigeria with utmost intergrity.

We must not allow the peace, safety and security we have enjoyed as a state since May 29, 2015 to be compromised by a few self seeking individuals who lead a pack of misguided elements.

Signed

Charles Udoh,
Hon. Commissioner,
Ministry of Information & Strategy,
Akwa Ibom State.

February 19, 2019

Barely three weeks to the March 2 gubernatorial polls in the country, Akwa Ibom electorates have campaigned for the return of Governor Udom Emmanuel for a second term.

According to a recent survey conducted by The Pioneer, Governor Emmanuel has polled a commanding lead of all the candidates in the gubernatorial race. He polled 93 per cent to emerge tops and highly favoured to clinch the position. He was followed by the All Progressive Congress, (APC) candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere who polled a lowly 11.2 per cent.

The respondents based their submissions on several indices including equity and justice, peaceful atmosphere in the state, implementation of the five-point agenda of wealth creation, economic and political inclusion, poverty alleviation, infrastructural consolidation, expansion and wealth creation.

The governor scored 83% on low crime rate, 85% on industrialization, 81% on political inclusiveness, and 80% on youth development. Other sectors which the governor was awarded high marks were; administrative competence, attraction of foreign direct investment to the state, massive infrastructural development and simplicity in leadership.

Respondents, according to the survey, scored the governor high on investment in the health sector, innovation in agriculture, which they said culminated in bumper harvest with the attendant low commodity prices.

The survey noted that the spirit of self-worth and esteem as spearheaded by Emmanuel through his “Dakkada Philosophy” has been serious motivational tonic for Akwa Ibom children, who have excelled in several academic competitions.

The survey, which had 3,500respondents drawn from the 31 local government areas of the state covered the political and non-political classes, business community civil servants and non-indigenes.

The survey showed that Governor Udom Emmanuel has been the first governor of the state who has shown a towering performance in programmes and projects execution that has touched the lives of the people.

It is common knowledge that the years before Governor Udom Emmanuel took the reigns as the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Akwa Ibom was a place with an uncommon rise in tension aggravated by kidnappings, assassinations and sorts.

Since Governor Emmanuel became governor, Akwa Ibom has enjoyed peace and tranquillity. It is therefore appalling that the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Nsima Ekere recently shunned the ongoing peace accord organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at Ibom Hall. This action by Nsima is in no way a progressive act as it goes against all that Governor Udom Emmanuel has tirelessly fought for as regards peace and security in Akwa Ibom.

Nsima was said to have not only arrived the venue of the meeting two hours after the stipulated time, but also attempted to move through the front door to head to the table but was halted by the security agents for breach of protocol. He was then redirected by the security agents to take the back door of the Ibom Hall into the auditorium but he left the scene angrily, not before promising to instigate violence during the elections.

The peace accord meeting was slated for 10:00am on Wednesday, 6 February, 2019 and was presided over by the INEC Resident Electoral Commission, REC, Mr. Mike Igini. It was reported that Governor Udom Emmanuel, other PDP and APC candidates along with all the Service Chiefs in Akwa Ibom, were already seated in preparation for truce meeting before 10:00am. It therefore comes as a shock that Nsima Ekere did not only come late but also got offended and promised to instigate violence because he was cautioned.

It probably shouldn’t be as surprising as Ekere had earlier stated that he is mischievous and his friends are fully aware. This threat might be just a tip of the iceberg as he probably has more up his sleeves. Therefore, security agencies are urged to be on alert to thwart his plans to destabilize the state before and during the elections.

Guaranteeing peace and security in a state is not an easy task and Akwa Ibom says no to violence before, during and after the elections.

The Akwa Ibom Government has pledged to unbolt the gates of the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel for 24-hour operations to hospitality industry users in the state soon.

Gov. Udom Emmanuel made the pledge during the state constituency campaigns towards the coming general elections at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, recently.

The governor, accompanied by his deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo, stated that his administration has incurred huge costs to secure needed franchise and the contractual agreement containing the hospitality validation service obligations of adopting the name ‘Four Point By Sheraton Hotel’, adding that everything has been put in place for operations to commence in the hotel.

He explained that the signing of the agreement specifying the terms of contract with the managing partners has exposed the hidden intents of a set of people to divert the ownership and management of the hotel to themselves against the interest of the state, saying that such a mega hospitality institution cannot draw meaningful attraction and collaboration of similar institutions without a proper undertaking and assurance of the state government.

The governor remarked that the interest to revive the operations of the Hotel was to consolidate the pledge of driving industrialization to heights in the state, insisting that the economic investments of the people of Ikot Ekpene State Constituency would receive a boost with the commencement of services at the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel.

Emmanuel, who had earlier paid a visit to the paramount ruler of Ikot Ekpene Local Government, Okuku Okon Ukut, hinted that his administration has completed the dualization of the 21km Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Highway in just three years, against 4.3km taken over from the immediate past administration, and urged the people of Ikot Ekpene to support the return of his administration for a second term.

The director general of Divine Mandate Campaign organization, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, informed the people of Ikot Ekpene that the Emmanuel administration has injected integrity into the implementation of projects, explaining that Governor Emmanuel has scaled above mere pass marks to excellence in the mobilization of contractors, inspections and variations of projects in the state.

Nkanga described Governor Emmanuel and his programmes as the most sought after in the present era, adding that national and international democratic institutions have acknowledged the Emmanuel administration as having done exceedingly well.

The chairman, Board of Ibom Power Plant, IPP, Engr. Etido Inyang, said that the votes of the people of Ikot Ekpene State Constituency would remain intact for Governor Emmanuel. He said, “We’ll deliver Emmanuel 100 percent because he has brought liberation from the dark days”.

Inyang stated that from intellectual prowess to humility and capacity of financial management, they are second to none in the candidacy of other political parties jostling for the top job in the state, adding that the performances of the governor testify to his successes in previous public positions.

A chieftain of the PDP in Ikot Ekpene Local Government, Mr. Sunday Uwah, said the people of Ikot Ekpene State Constituency would not be led by sentiments but by conscience in voting for candidates in the coming elections, adding that conscience would be the yardstick of standing to protect the future, remaking that Emmanuel has adequately utilized the private sector to drive the economy of the state.

A youth leader, Mr. Leo Umanah, congratulated Governor Emmanuel in advance on the victory at the coming governorship elections, saying that with God, nothing would stop the governor from being re-elected.

Umanah stressed, “if anyone tries to stop you, Governor Emmanuel, God will stop them because nothing can stop the righteous man with a right vision from succeeding”, and appreciated the governor for the completion of road projects in Ikot Ekpene Local Government.

In a bid to ensure that the resources generated in Akwa Ibom to be used to its full potential, Governor Udom Emmanuel has promised to facilitate the speedy exploration of crude oil deposits discovered in Uruan LGA of the state if re-elected into office.

Governor Emmanuel, who made the promise yesterday, during his campaign tour to the council, explained that the state was currently waiting for the conclusion of paper formalities to commence crude oil exploration in the area.

He added that he was committed to boosting the economic development of the area and creating massive jobs for the people by completing all ongoing projects started by his administration very soon including the Cattle ranch. He said, “Uruan is at the verge of becoming one of the oil producing communities in Akwa Ibom State. That’s why you see a new oil rig in the area. Once we are done with signing of the papers, we will commence exploration. We are playing politics of development.

He also went further to promise the people of Uruan, Akwa Ibom that he would ensure that they have a reason to vote for him. “Campaigns should be issue based. I can assure the people of Uruan that everything that is ongoing here will be completed and commissioned before the end of the administration,” He said.

Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the alarm over an aleged sinister plot by the opposition APC to frame up, arrest and detain critical stakeholders of the party throughout the electioneering season.

The PDP says an intelligence report reaching it has it that plans have been concluded to ensure that during APC rallies, buses branded as PDP buses or vehicles bearing state government number plates, will be loaded with arms and occupied by some criminals, heading to the venue of the APC rally.

On approaching, the buses and their occupants will be arrested and the contents of the buses displayed for all to see as a major security breakthrough. Additionally, the criminals will mention some PDP top shots as their financiers, necessitating their arrest and subsequent prosecution under the anti-terrorism Act .

Chairman, Akwa Ibom Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Obong Paul Ekpo who made this disclosure in Uyo on Sunday said the plot which is hatched and sponsored by the opposition APC is aimed at arresting and incarcerating the key leaders of the party and keeping them away from circulation throughout the elections.

"This is, to say the least, very crude, anachronistic and antediluvian, signaling APCs imminent defeat at the approaching polls".

"We have stated before and will reiterate now that, we are a peace loving party, operating within the ambit of the law. Our leaders who are currently being targeted by the opposition, are innocent Nigerians with proven integrity. They do not engage in arms stockpiling, or procurement of violence in any form. It is therefore very unfortunate that people who should be planning for elections, are rather hatching evil plans on how to arrest people

" It is evident even from the peaceful way we conducted our primaries, that we are very peaceful people. Pre and post primaries, there wasnt a single gunshot, or death unlike the APC, where scores of people were reported dead in different parts of the state. In Okobo local government area, an entire police station was razed by supporters of an APC aspirant, who felt shortchanged during their primaries

"In the past few weeks, the leadership of the party, has been inundated with calls from different parts of the state, where our supporters have been wantonly arrested and incarcerated, without any lawful justification

"In Essien Udim, scores of our youths and elders have been arrested on trumped up charges of defacing or destroying posters belonging to the President. In Nsit Atai, our supporters are slammed with grave charges, just to cause the court to deny them bail. In Nsit Ibom, one of our supporters was stabbed by a member of the opposition in front of the DPO, and till date the assailant has not been pulled in for question or arrested. In Ikot Abasi, people who are supporters who refuse to supporter their brother are mercilessly beaten and harassed. Even Journalists and various press men sympathetic to our cause are daily harassed and intimidated.

"We can assure the opposition, that no amount of arrest and intimidation will bend the will of the people. The greater the opposition, the more resolute the will of the people will be to ensure their resounding failure. Our people will vote their choice and defend their votes". The party said

The PDP however reiterated that its members have not and will not send anybody to attempt to disrupt rallies or meetings of any other political party. The party also called on security agencies to note the intelligence and act swiftly. Recalling that during the House of Assembly imbroglio, the party had notified of an impending attack on the Assembly.

It regretted that the PDP have been victims of the wanton destruction of publicity materials. "Our billboards and other campaign materials have been maliciously destroyed and in reaction, we wrote to the police seeking their intervention. Up till now, we have not been informed of any warning, apprehension or arrest on the subject matter, rather we are witnessing arrest of PDP supporters for the destruction of non-existing billboards of the opposition".
.

The Akwa Ibom Chapter of the PDP however urge supporters of the party not to fear, but to remain conscious that "we serve a living God who is able to fight for us. The scripture in Psalms 70:2 is very prophetic, it states that May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. Amen".

Governor Udom Emmanuel flagged-off his governorship campaign, flaunting his achievements on the saddle in three and a half years, saying he was not elected a governor to complete “monuments and projects” that are of no economic benefit to the state, but to initiate and complete economically viable projects.

This came as the state coordinator of the Buhari Campaign Group and former speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Ignatius Edet, led others back to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing imposition of candidates and marginalization of his people for his action.

The governor, who was flanked by his counterpart from Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, and other stalwarts of PDP in the state, taunted the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged lacklustre performance at the federal level.

He said South-South geo-political zone was primarily a PDP stronghold and boasted that only the PDP has the economic blueprint to take the country out of the woods, adding that his predecessor, Senator Godswill Akpabio’s administration was littered with what he described as monuments.

He restated his commitment to the completion of his five-point agenda, noting that his achievements in power, education, health, youth and women empowerment, security, poverty alleviation and industrialization have remained unrivalled.

Emmanuel also accused the APC of sowing military uniforms in order to rig the elections in the state.

He said, “I did not come to complete monuments. I came to complete projects. I offer myself to complete what we have started for the youth. There are elements of integrity, love and sincerity contained in all sections of our manifesto and our commitment to industrialization, youth and women empowerment, education and robust health system remain irrevocable.”

Dickson who doubles as chairman, South-South Governors Forum, while thumping for Emmanuel said: “The people of Akwa Ibom, let me tell you this: You have a good product; you have a good man in the person of Governor Emmanuel. As someone who has done second term election, I can tell you there is nothing you are seeing yet, there is nothing happening here that is new. Second term elections are when your friends will suddenly become your opponents.”

The state PDP chairman, Mr Paul Ekpo, who expressed pride in having Emmanuel as the governor of the state, promised that the State Working Committee would redouble its efforts to ensure the victory of the candidates of the party at all levels.

The director-general of Divine Mandate, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, in his welcome remark, lambasted the APC over alleged poor leadership and described the governor as the best thing to have happened to the state.

The people of Annang Nation across the world have pledged support and loyalty to the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel, scoring him high on his industrialisation efforts in the state.

The people of Annang Nation expressed their admiration of Governor Emmanuel’s administration. This was done at the 2019 Ati Annang Foundation Annual General Meeting held at the association’s international Secretariat at Ikot Ekpene.

In a release signed by the international president of Ati Annang Foundation Rt. Hon. (Sir) Udo Kierian Akpan, and the Secretary General, Dr. Gloria W. Inyang, the association commended the statesman attributes of the Governor in handling state’s affairs.

“The Foundation notes and commends the statesmanship, vision and avant-garde simplicity that our Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has brought to the governance process in Akwa Ibom State. Therefore, the Annang people are totally in support and loyal to the present Government headed by Mr. Udom Emmanuel. Further, the Foundation expresses her deep gratitude for the continuous support of the governor to the Foundation especially towards the completion of the Foundation secretariat. This gesture is not taken for granted.

The foundation commended Governor Emmanuel for his laudable feats in the industrialization sector. The said, “The Foundation notes with satisfaction, the industrialization and developmental strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel” In addition, they urged the governor to create more industries across all the senatorial districts. The group urged all Akwa Ibom citizens to be united irrespective of tribal differences.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has assured of full implementation of the proposed new minimum wage for workers in the state.

Governor Emmanuel gave the assurance when he consulted the organized labour unions comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, the Trade Union Congress, TUC and the United Labour Congress, ULC, on his second term ambition, at the Workers Solidarity Centre, Atan Offot, Uyo.

The Governor remarked that the planned legislation by the Federal Government, FG, for an Act of National Assembly on the minimum wage, has not yet been achieved, adding that Akwa Ibom was also waiting for the direction of the FG in the implementation of the new wage.

"Minimum wage has never been an issue here, it is only that it has to be under what is called a legislation and when something is a legislation, it is not only a state, it's a whole country. So, we are waiting for the direction of the country, once they give us a direction, then we'll know what to do", the Governor stated.

He reteirated that his administration is committed to ensuring improved welfare for the state workforce, explaining that the state government considers it a priority for workers salaries to be paid and as when due.

According to the Governor, "In the face of circumstances and what we face in this country, we have done everything sincerely and humanly possible to make sure that our workers do not suffer. 80% of the circumstances that I pay salaries in this state, I do so under a situation where I have not received any kobo as statutory allocation".

Emmanuel acknowledged that Labour is key to any kind of development, indicating that human capacity is an investment rather than expense and maintained that his administration is focused on building an economy for stronger labour development.

He commended the Labour leadership and workers for a peaceful and harmonious industrial relationship with the state government, noting that "it is not every state that Labour can stay like this with the Governor" and urged them to maintain their peaceful disposition at all times.

While soliciting for support for his re-election, the State Chief Executive stated that his administration has demonstrated sincerity, performance, execution, as well as capacity and implored members of the Labour unions to vote the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the state and national levels in the upcoming general elections, for continued development of Akwa Ibom and progress of the country.

Earlier, the State Council Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Etim Ukpong, applauded the workers-friendly disposition of the Governor, expressing appreciation to the Governor for always paying attention to the needs of workers in the state and pointed out that those attributes were recipes for his re-election.

Comrade Ukpong said that the Governor's magnanimity has earned the state administration, the cooperation of labour unions and a peaceful atmosphere, saying, "three years and just four months to end the first term, you have not had any Labour restiveness in Akwa Ibom State and we are happy that you have always acknowledged that".

He mentioned that the Labour unions are satisfied that they are working with someone who understands and appreciate the contributions of workers, noting that the warm welcome accorded the Governor on arrival, was an indication of his acceptability, trust and faith in him to deliver on his promises to the state.

On his part, the Chairman of TUC, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Akamba Awah, thanked the Governor for recognizing Labour unions as a viable force in shaping the affairs of the state, saluting Emmanuel's humility at meeting and interacting with the union leaders as a father.

Comrade Awah expressed conviction that the state government would ensure implementation of the proposed new minimum wage, assuring of labour support in the Governor's second term ambition based on his antecedent.

He stated, "Labour is an organized body, we don't behave anyhow, our Yes is yes and our No, is no. The NLC has 42 industrial unions affiliated to them, the TUC has 24 and the ULC got 7 industrial unions affiliated to them and these are the people that have kept peace for you. We are assuring that you can count on our support".

Also speaking, the Chairman of the ULC, Comrade Bassey Essien, appreciated the Governor for providing a peaceful environment for the state workforce, promising that they would do their part in ensuring the Governor has a smooth sail to his second term to consolidate on his development programmes for the state.

It is no surprise that Governor Udom Emmanuel is loved by the Akwa Ibom youth as he has worked tirelessly to empower them and make life easier for them. The Akwa Ibom government has announced its intention to set up a suitable bursary payment system for its indigenes in tertiary institutions in the country.

Governor Udom Emmanuel made the commitment during a solidarity rally set up in his honour by the cross section of Akwa Ibom students drawn from the state College of Education, the Polytechnic, and the Universities. The rally took place at the Wellington Bassey Way Globe, Uyo on Thursday.

In addition, the state government reiterated the commitment to ensure the introduction and accreditation of more courses in all tertiary institutions owned by it.

Governor Udom, accompanied by the secretary to the state government, (SSG), Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem said that the accreditation of more courses in the tertiary institutions would facilitate easy ranking of the institutions for the students to compete favourably with their contemporaries internationally, stressing that the state government was committed to implementing all sections of the social contract with the students.

The governor emphasised that his administration was working assiduously on the process of commencing the payment of bursary to students of the state’s origin in tertiary institutions in the country, indicating that once the modalities were completed, the bursary payment system portal would be open to all students from the state.

He explained that his administration was taking appropriate steps in fashioning out viable programmes for the students rather than rushing to making empty promises. Emmanuel encouraged students of the respective tertiary institutions to continue in showing the sense of positive followership, adding that the state government was impressed at the result of students representing the state at national and international public examinations in sciences and humanities.

The spokesperson for the students, Comrade Otobong Akpan said that the rally was organized to appreciate the student-friendly policies of the Emmanuel administration, stressing that the students were impressed with the continuation of the ongoing free and compulsory education policy in the state.

She added that the provision of the over 15 functioning industries by the administration has provided avenues of employment for students at graduation, adding that the students were deeply impressed at the performance of Emmanuel through expertise and ingenuity in spite of the hardship brought by the economic recession in the country.

Akpan mentioned that the entire student body from the three senatorial districts have confidence in the Emmanuel administration with the payment of final year examination fees for students in post primary schools, promising to mobilize and canvass support for its continuation through the coming governorship elections in the state.

A major way to measure the performance of a leader to gauge the impact the leader has made in his/her community. Governor Udom Emmanuel has continued to impact Akwa Ibom state as a whole.

Akwa Ibom state governor, Udom Emmanuel has fulfilled his promise of financial support for the development of projects across the five clans that comprise Ikot Abasi Local Government in Akwa Ibom as well as Ikpetim, the host community of Ibom Power Plant.

The governor made the promise in support of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities carried out by the state-owned Ibom Power Company Limited located in Ikot Abasi.

The chairman of Ibom Power Board of Directors, Mr Etido Inyang, who presented the cheques to representatives of the community, on behalf of the governor, reiterated the commitment of Governor Emmanuel to the development of Ikot Abasi. He said “Ikot Abasi is an industrial hub for the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel. It is not a coincidence that the power plant is at Ikot Abasi, the reason being that without power, there is no industrialization,”

Inyang, an engineer, spoke further that the N5million donated by the governor for development projects in each of the six communities is a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to development in Ikot Abasi.

The paramount ruler of Ikot Abasi and clan head of Ukpum Okon clan, Edidem Udo NtukObom, appreciated Emmanuel for the gesture. He said the N5 million would be used to complete the Unity Hall in Okon community.

In addition, the village council chairman of Ikpetim, Elder Udoma Ikprong, and the clan council chairman of Ikpa Ibekwe Clan, Elder Udosen Stevens, both stated that the N5 million they each received on behalf of the community would be used for the water project in Ikpetim and Oil Palm Mill in Ikpa Ibekwe.

The clan head of Ukpum Ete, Etebom C M Idemudo, said that the N5 million they received would be used for the completion of the Youth Secretariat, borehole and generators in five villages, along with the purchase of generators to power existing boreholes in three villages.

The clan head of Ikpa Nnung Assang, Etebom Celestine Udia, said the N5 million received would be used for the renovation of a civic centre in the community while the acting clan head of Ikpa Edemaya Clan, Eteidung Eniema Essiet, said the N5 million would be used for the construction of a computer training centre in the community.

All the clan heads expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the governor for making it possible to make positive changes in their various communities.

The Akwa Ibom government has constructed and inaugurated over 28 internal roads connecting communities within Uyo State Constituency.

Governor Udom Emmanuel gave the hint during the constituency briefing and 2018 Christmas Get-together arranged by the member representing Uyo State Constituency, Mr. Monday Eyo which took place at Shelter Afrique, Uyo.

Emmanuel stated that the constructed roads and others that are ongoing at different phases were meant to support the movement of vehicles, goods and services by individuals and corporate institutions, adding that there are other physical structures ongoing to ensure the beatification of the communities.

The governor said it was impressive that the 21-storey building was at an advanced stage and would definitely attract international investors to the state, hoping that the efforts of his administration would boost the social and economic development of Uyo State Constituency and the state capital.

He noted with delight that the member representing Uyo has set aside political grievances to forge the interest of the party ahead, adding that the collective interest of the people of Uyo State Constituency was important to the winning of the PDP in the coming elections.

Mr. Eyo stated that the constituency briefing was arranged to test the consolidation of the People’s Democratic Party in winning the coming elections, saying that members of the party have agreed to work in one accord.

He appreciated the interest of Governor Emmanuel to directly visit members of the PDP in Uyo State Constituency, adding that the visit would boost the sense of belonging of the members of the party in the constituency.

The briefing was attended by some top members of the PDP including a community leader, Mr. Enefiok Ekefe, who acknowledged the contributions of Governor Emmanuel to the development of Uyo State Constituency.

Governor Udom Emmanuel has called on Akwa Ibom people to expect divine power and glory in individual and collective desires in the state in 2019.

Emmanuel, accompanied by his wife, Martha and the state deputy governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service to mark the end of year 2018 which took place at the Latter House Chapel, Governor’s Lodge, Uyo, recently.

The governor stated that it was delightful to witness the intervention of God in several challenges which had faced the people of Akwa Ibom in the previous year, stressing that God had been faithful to the success recorded in the fulfilment of promises and attainment of goals.

He appreciated the tireless efforts of various Christian groups and eminent fathers of faith in offering prayers and engaging in fasting to seek the face of God for the state, adding that God had promoted and protected the projects and programmes of his administration from conceptions, ground breakings, and constructions to inaugurations.

Emmanuel told the people of Akwa Ibom to strengthen their faith in God in the coming election year 2019 to avert the negative plans against the soul of the state, praying that God would subdue the conspiracies of impostors to the surprise of the people of the state and the country.

The end of the year 2018 gathering of public office-holders in the state featured prayers of supplication, confessions, testimonies and songs from the congregation and the choir group.

The special adviser, Bureau of Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Pastor Sunny Ibuot, has said Akwa Ibom will be completely industrialized within eight years of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

Ibuot made this known during a courtesy visit made to him by Iwaad Atai Uyo, a socio-political group. Ibuot hinted that soon, the state will begin operations of its own airline – Ibom Air, and explained that with the influx of companies and industries, the state will not only experience an economic boom, but will be completely industrialized to the benefit of Akwa Ibom people.

He advised members of the group to propagate the achievements of the governor who, he said, has good plans for the state as he has diversified the economy, re-oriented the youth through the dakkada creed and other empowerment programmes initiated by his administration through the five-point agenda.

Ibuot urged them to exercise their civic responsibility by collecting their PVCs at INEC offices and be part of voting during elections saying, “It will be a great disservice if we as a people allow an individual to come and supersede and impose a surrogate in the state to truncate development, peace and progress”.

In addition, he warned against violence during elections, emphasizing that no political ambition of any aspirant is worth the blood of any citizen.

He went further to call on the group to renew their registration with the bureau so as to be captured in the database update.

The SA thanked the group for presenting campaign materials to the bureau, saying it is the right step in the right direction.

Earlier, the president of Iwaad Atai Uyo, Prince Edem Simon, said the group which was registered in 2013 has been in the forefront support of the PDP government in the state.

Simon presented campaign materials to the bureau which, he noted, is billed for door-to-door campaign in support for the re-election of Governor Udom, who they described as the best man to steer the leadership of the state to an enviable height.

In a vote of thanks, the head of mobilization in the bureau, Dr Unwana Joshua, who spoke on behalf of the permanent secretary, Mr Nse Edem, thanked Iwaad Atai Uyo for partnering the bureau to champion the emergence of Governor Udom Emmanuel for a second term, and expressed optimism that the group will continue to collaborate with the bureau to sustain the development in the state.

The Akwa Ibom governor has pledged to uphold the tenets of social contract entered with the generality of the youths in the state.
Governor Udom Emmanuel made this pledge during the end of the year 2018 get-together with the youths of Uyo Senatorial District which took place at the Christ the King Primary School ground, Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo.

The governor, accompanied by the speaker, State House of Assembly, Mr. Onofiok Luke and the state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Obong Paul Ekpo, said that the social contract would not deviate from the provision of basic necessities of daily living and the promotion of indices of sustainable development in the state.

He indicated that the desire of the youths for proper participation in governance would be enhanced by the appointment of more youths in positions of leadership and encouragement of improvements in skill training, adding that the ongoing industrialization programme would open more opportunities in private sector partnership of training the youths within and abroad.

Emmanuel said that the investments of his administration in agricultural revolution are major steps to tackling food shortage in sustaining the primary purpose of feeding families, hoping that youth groups would continue to demonstrate expected peaceful situation in the state.

The special assistant to the governor on youth matters, Mr. Aniefiok Iwa-Udofia, said that from January to December 2018, God has been faithful in giving victory to the youths to scale above sudden death and diseases, appreciating the governor for effective performance to the delight of youth groups in the state.

Iwa-Udofia noted that Governor Emmanuel has consciously injected love and sacrifice in the governance of Akwa Ibom, that resulted in the ongoing free and compulsory education policy and the successful inauguration of private partnership industries, adding that there have been several special interventions in the interest of youths in the state.

He remarked that the Emmanuel-led administration has provided opportunities of political inclusion through the appointment of youths to preside over public institutions, assuring that the confidence reposed on the youths would be overwhelmingly protected by serving as ambassadors and admirers of the present administration in the state.

Iwaudofia said that the youths have taken the resolution of remaining committed to helping the state government realize the visions of industrialization by maintaining peaceful disposition devoid of crime and social vices.

The get-together, which also took place at Eket and Ikot Ekpene senatorial districts, was attended by state and national legislators, commissioners, special advisers and a cross section of youth leaders in the state.

...Plans to burn down party offices and blame it on the State Government

...Plot aims at creating imaginary violence in the State during President Buhari’s plan visit


The level of desperation of the APC in Akwa Ibom State has gone to a new low. In its evil plot aimed at creating an imaginary security challenge in the State during the visits of President Buhari to the State tomorrow to flag off his presidential campaign, the party has asked its murderous goons to burn down their party’s campaign offices along Wellington Bassey Way and that of Udo Udoma and then blame the State Government for the incident.

According to exclusive information gleaned form a source who was part of the evil plot but felt a moral burden and backed away ” the APC has been frustrated by the way the State Government had acceded to the request for them to use the Nest of Champion Stadium for their campaign flag-off.

They had wanted to use the initial denial of the use of the stadium to cause all manner of mayhem in the State during the Present’s visit as a way of showing the President that there is violence and security challenge in the State. Once that failed, they quickly came together and instructed us to go and burn down the main campaign offices along Wellington Bassey Way and that of Udo Udoma, and the blame it on the State government.

Their narrative was to say that Governor Udom Emmanuel had ordered the burning down of the offices. At this point, I said to myself, enough!

How can I be a party to such evil plot and to frame an innocent governor, who is doing his best for his people. I know politics is dirty but this one was the height of it for me, my conscience will not allow me to be a part of such an evil plot. It is very sad indeed”

Akwa Ibom people, now you know: APC wants to burn down their main campaign offices and blame it on Governor Udom Emmanuel. If they go ahead to burn the offices, you now know who is responsible. May God forgive them for this evil plot!

It has come to the notice of Akwa Ibom State Government that the State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has concluded plans to set up an Anti-Terrorism Unit in the state. Clearly, judging from all indices that precede the creation of such sensitive anti-crime unit, creating an Anti-Terrorism Unit in Akwa Ibom at this time is suspect. The question is, of what use is an Anti-Terrorism Unit in one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria?

We are concerned that the setting up of the Anti-Terrorism Unit is part of the ground work and ploy of the opposition party in the State, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to illegally intimidate, harass and arrest government functionaries and the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the State.

As the 2019 general elections approach and political tempo assumes a crescendo pitch, a functional Anti-Terrorism Unit in the state, will certainly arrest and detain whosoever it wills, on trumped up charges of acts of terrorism. To buttress the sinister motive of the Anti-Terrorism Unit, sources say a former Chief Security Officer to former Governor Godswill Akpabio, has been redeployed to Akwa Ibom, with tactical instructions on how to successfully execute the unholy agenda of the APC leadership in the state.

While acknowledging that the Force retains the right to create units as it deems necessary, Akwa Ibom State government frowns at attempts by the Police hierarchy to portray Akwa Ibom as a terrorist enclave in Nigeria, by its planned establishment of an Anti-Terrorism Unit. It is the consensus of Nigerians that such sensitive section as the Anti-Terrorism Unit be activated and logistically mobilized to effectively function in parts of Nigeria where insurgency is rife, especially in the North-Eastern region, where lives of innocent Nigerians are lost on a daily basis.

The activities of members of the Anti-Terrorism Unit will undoubtedly cause unwarranted tension among the peace-loving citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State. This is absolutely unnecessary at this point in time especially if you take into account, the comments of the GoC 6 Division of the Nigerian Army; who during a visit to the state publicly described Akwa Ibom state as the most peaceful in the Niger Delta region. It is also on record that not too long ago, the Emir of Kano led a team of investors seeking investment opportunities to the state. The business interest of the revered Traditional Ruler in our state further underscores the importance of the peace, safety and security the current administration has engendered. Indeed, this has been a catalyst for the fast-paced development the state has witnessed since the inception of the Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

Only recently the PDP Vice Presidential Candidate, HE Peter Obi remarked that The Economist has listed Uyo as one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. It is also imperative to add that; today, the most common remark on the lips of every Akwa Ibomite about the security situation in the state is " I can now sleep with my two eyes closed". How can such a state need an Anti-Terrorism Unit? The plan is therefore suspect.

On this score, Akwa Ibom State Government requests that the State Police Command puts on hold, the plans to set up an Anti-Terrorism Unit in Akwa Ibom, as the present administration will continue its collaboration with all security agencies in the state, including the Nigeria Police, to ensure the safety of lives and property at all times.



Charles Udoh
Commissioner
Ministry of Information & Strategy

December 27, 2018

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan, has inducted Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom State into Hall of Fame.

Governor Emmanuel was inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame in Lagos after he was awarded the title of the best performing governor in the country by Hall of Grace.

Justifying the decision to honour Governor Emmanuel, the Ooni said Udom has shown good leadership to the people of Akwa Ibom State by delivering dividends of democracy to them.

The monarch said, “I have been following your giant strides, doggedness, tenacity and passion. I thank God for your life and all the good things you have been doing.

“I know that there is leadership challenge in the country, but good people like Governor Emmanuel need to be celebrated. He has done well and deserves praise.” He finished.

In his response, Governor Emmanuel said he was encouraged by the decision of Hall of Grace to recognise his effort in transforming Akwa Ibom State.

Governor sEmmanuel who was represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Charles Udoh, noted that the transformation going on in Akwa Ibom is the promise he made to the people of the state when he was elected as governor.

As the 2019 gubernatorial elections are fast approaching, a socio-political group in Akwa
Ibom; Akwa Ibom Good Governance Initiative, has come out to criticize Senator Godswill
Akpabio for undermining the will of Akwa Ibom people to democratically decide who
becomes governor of the state.

The group in a statement signed by its National Co-ordinator, Victor Aniema said that a
recent statement credited to Akpabio where he allegedly boasted that he single-handedly
made Udom Emmanuel governor of Akwa Ibom is a slap on the face of the people of the
state and it will not be condoned.

He said, “We have been observing the utterance of Senator Godswill Akpabio. Recently he
boasted to the world that he, Akpabio is Akwa Ibom and he alone decides who becomes
governor. He has persistently insisted that he single-handedly brought Udom and made him
governor”

Aniema continued, “From a simple interpretation, what Akpabio is saying is that in 2013
when Akwa Ibom people went to the poll to vote, their choice was inconsequential. We see
this as a direct affront on our people who trooped out in mass to elect Udom as their
governor.”

The 2019 gubernatorial elections are fast approaching and the people of Akwa Ibom have
decided who they are going to vote for. Nigeria operates on democracy and each man has the
right to vote their preferred candidate.

*APC, Akpabio Planned Hijack of Protocol to Blackmail State Government*

The struggle for the soul of Akwa Ibom State come 2019 is becoming dirtier with a planned hijack of protocols by All Progressive Congress (APC) from the State government of the visit of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari to the State on Friday.

The office of the First Lady had written to the State Government informing it of her visit to the state and the government is said to have made adequate arrangements befitting of her status and office. Suddenly, former governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio is alleged to have taken his personal vehicles to the DSS office in Uyo preparatory to the visit of the wife of the president.

"We have been rightly informed of this plan by Senator Goodwill Akpabio to deliberately blackmail the State Government by bungling the protocols of this visit, embarrass the State Government by creating a climate of odium and despair and thereafter rejoice over such failure. We will resist that", a government house source said.

"The First Lady's Office wrote to inform us of her visit to the State and it's customarily and statutorily given that the State Government would provide all arrangements irrespective of what she is coming to the state to do, even if it's a private visit.

"It's even ironic that the Directorate of State Service, perhaps owing to inadequate briefing on acceptable protocols on such visits, has acceded to keeping vehicles from a private citizen or even a political party and other protocol breaches", he said.

"Whatever she is coming to do here (Uyo), she remains the guest of the State Government. We have informed Abuja accordingly. And she knows how it works that is why she rightly wrote to inform us that she will be coming to the State tomorrow (Friday).

"These people should know the limit of political grandstanding and separate rascality from established protocols", he said

The Federal Government has commended the Akwa Ibom State government for its commitment in resolving the environmental challenges bedevilling the state.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment Mr. Leon Lawrence Alithe who gave the kudos, explained that he was in the State on a two-day working visit to inspect erosion projects undertaken by the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in the oil rich State.

The Permanent Secretary and his entourage were shown round the various gully erosion sites and the Badamosi Babangida (IBB) Avenue flood control site by the commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals.

The delegation also inspected facilities at the early flood warning system located at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron where they were briefed on the operational capability of the system as well as its shortcomings by the project coordinator, Engr. Nyasha of the Cooper Technologies Limited, United Kingdom.

Alithe charged the project engineer to find lasting solutions to existing challenges so as to bring integrity to processed data.
Top among the issues raised by the project engineer was the need for regular maintenance and training of local personnel as well as proper education of stakeholders and communities on interpretation and use of available data as well as decentralization of maintenance activity.

Explaining the benefit of the facility to the people of the state, State Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Dr. Iniobong Essien expressed delight at having such equipment in the state.

He said, “The whole essence is to pick up signals of impending water rise and the possibility of flooding. This is important for our people to prevent the negative impact of flooding, one of which will include effects on fishing.

“The settlers around here are mostly fishermen, you also have regular farmers. Once there’s flooding it’s going to affect everywhere – fishing and planting. So it’s important to get those early warning to be able to pass information to the locals so that they can plan their planting season, fishing season and of course, that way, we’ll be able to impact positively on their livelihood”. He finished.

It would be recalled that the state government has spent well over N7billion to tackle the environmental hazard in the state.

Reacting to the defection of over 20,000 APC officers to PDP, Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Divine Mandate Campaign Organisation’s, Spokesman, Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok, yesterday, said the mass defection of members of All Progressives Congress, APC, to Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, indicated a wide acceptance of PDP and its governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State.

Ibiok, in his statement in Uyo, said “The over 20,000 officers of APC dumping the broom for the PDP umbrella, and also unanimously declaring their unflinching support for the re-election of Governor Emmanuel, indicate the wide acceptance of our great party and the governor in the state.”

He went further to describe Monday’s defection and subsequent endorsement by the former APC members of Governor Emmanuel as a tip of the iceberg and a dress rehearsal of more support for the governor’s re-election in 2019.
Otuekong stressed that PDP was still expecting more citizens from other political parties, particularly APC, expressing delight that more Akwa Ibom people were beginning to appreciate the prevailing situation of peace and security under the Udom Emmanuel’s government.

More groups and organisations have thrown their weights behind Governor Udom Emmanuel’s second term bid. Elders of a formidable political union in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, known as Abak 5, have also publicly announced their support for Governor Udom Emmanuel as the sole candidate for the gubernatorial election come 2019.

They also used the opportunity to applaud the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Onofiok Luke for effectively discharging his duties in the state legislature. Other groups like the Akwa Ibom Christian Assembly and the Nigerian Workers Community, NWC, Akwa Ibom State chapter have also publicly announced their support for Governor Udom Emmanuel.

The elders commended Governor Emmanuel’s selfless and determined efforts to fight for peaceful coexistence in the state. His fight for peace and development led to the economic and infrastructural developments currently enjoyed in the state.
The elders in a resolution by Okon Obot, Chairman Board of Trustees, Chief Soni Udom, Chairman, Uduak Essien, Secretary and S. Oyomette also condemned the crisis which rocked the state legislature.

MASS defection has hit the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Akwa Ibom State as over 20,000 of its members defected to the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday led by the chapter and ward chairmen from 16 local government areas of the state.
Joseph Ama and other former APC chapter Chairmen who spoke separately during the event at the Ibom hall ground, Uyo, said they decided to dump the APC because they were threatened by the memories of the insecurity, kidnapping, politically motivated killings and other social vices which characterised the political land space of Akwa-Ibom State during a former state governor’s reign.
Handing over the decamped to Governor Udom Emmanuel, Ama who noted that the number of decamped were the APC support base built up since 2008 and inherited from the days of the ACN, said the people of Uyo senatorial district would not allow themselves to be fooled by anyone who may desire to pocket the entire state.
He said, “We quit the APC today because we are children of peace. We were very comfortable in the party and suddenly three killers who didn’t allow Akwa Ibom to exist peacefully some time ago defected to the APC and started their kidnapping again.”
Similarly, the Chapter chairman of APC in Itu Local Government Area of the state, Sunday Uyire, said, “It is practically impossible for me and my exco members to remain in the same party with those who in 2011, plotted to kill us.”

Following the crisis arising from the expulsion of the five members of the Akwa Ibom State House Assembly, it appears that the invading of the State House of Assembly was the beginning of an agenda by Ekere to cause confusion in Akwa Ibom state and ultimately, postpone the gubernatorial election.
Recall that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly was invaded in the early hours of Tuesday, November 27, 2018 by thugs of APC dressed in military uniforms and under the protection of the Nigerian Police on the orders of the Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner. This action was to facilitate the illegal and unconstitutional entry into the hallowed chambers by the five former members whose seats were earlier declared vacant by a Federal High Court in Uyo.
The State commissioner for information, Mr. Charles Udoh responding to the development, described the action of the five former members of the House of Assembly as a poorly scripted comedy movie. Their action is also a sad reflection of their intellectual capacity as they decided to take laws into their hands with the help of the police instead of approaching a high court of law to seek redress.
It is pertinent to note that 13 APC thugs dressed in military uniforms and armed with AK47 rifles were apprehended by law abiding citizens and handed over to the police. But it is mind boggling that these hoodlums were set free without due process of investigations by the police. A few days before this, a section of the perimeter fence of the Assembly complex was pulled down in the dead of the night by people suspected to be APC thugs as a prelude to facilitating the invasion.
Thanks to the timely intervention in regards to the invasion by the Governor of the state, Udom Emmanuel, normalcy was restored. The visit of the governor to the House of Assembly was clearly in line with his position as the chief security officer of the state. The Governor has a moral and constitutional responsibility to legally protect lives and properties in the state.
Many are living witnesses to the well documented antics of the APC state geared towards stirring up embers of violence in Akwa Ibom state in order to pave to way for them to take over control of the state apparatus and influence election results. The APC in the state has never lost an opportunity to beat the drums of criminality and violence while openly bragging about their plans to deploy federal might in the struggle for power.
However, the scorecard of the Governor is evidently impressive despite the challenges of an epileptic national economy. The Governor has delivered across all indices of his five-point agenda. In the last three years, Akwa Ibom has been consistently rated as the second destination for foreign direct investment in Nigeria with an array of over 12 industries powered through and investor oriented approach.
Since Udom Emmanuel’s emergence as governor, all major secondary healthcare facilities have been fixed and over 40 containers of medical equipment have been imported. The price of staple food has dropped drastically. Akwa Ibom youths have been empowered, the educational system has improved tremendously, roads have been constructed and even the transparency and integrity of governance in Akwa Ibom state has been unparalleled.
Place these achievements side by side the credentials of the APC aspirant; who controls the budget size of nine states plus 2% of the earnings of the international oil companies with no visible projects/achievements to show, and even the blind would notice wide disparities.
It’s also enlightening to note that unlike past MD’s of the commission who resigned their appointments before diving in to contest for political office, Mr Ekere is still holding on to his seat.
This is questionable. Nsima and his cohorts are obviously not gearing for elections but to collude with security agencies to make the state ungovernable in the hope that they can persuade Mr President to declare a state of emergency to pave way for easy manipulations of election results in 2019.

No fewer than twenty thousand chieftains of Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) comprising State, Chapter, Ward Executive and stalwart of the party have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and declared their support for the second term bid of the state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

Speaking at the Ibom Hall Grounds, the Chairman forum of APC Chapter Chairmen, Hon. Joseph Ama said that their decision was borne out of the need to identify with the truth which PDP is known for having been appalled by the spate of impunity exhibited in the APC since the defection of Senator Godswill Akpabio to the party .

The Chapter Chairman of APC in Itu Local government area, Hon. Sunday Okon Uyire, said that it was practically impossible for him and his Executive members to remain in the same party with those who in 2011, plotted to kill them.

He stated that the memories were still fresh and that the spirit of those who died in that incident will not forgive them if they compromise with the architects and perpetrators of that heinous crimes .

Hon. Uyire assured of the preparedness of the decampees to work for the success of PDP in the forthcoming general elections.

The defected APC Chapter Chairmen submitted a booklet containing their names and addresses to the State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Obong Paul Ekpo, who thereafter received them into the party and assured them of equal rights and privileges with the existing members.

In his speech, Governor Udom Emmanuel expressed delight at their decision to join the party, noting that their action could only be motivated by deep seated conviction that cannot be bought.

He commended them for taking the bold step to salvage the state, assuring that his administration is determine to create value for every Akwa Ibom citizen.

The Governor said he would not join issues with his detractors, explaining that there was no basis for such and challenged anyone who wants to join issues with him to a debate that will be based on fact, not emotional outbursts.

The multitude of defectors dropped different insignia of their old political party and burnt them at the venue and accepted to come under the coverage of the umbrella.

The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to a December 5, 2018 publication on Sahara Reporters, an online news outlet, alleging an indictment of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel and some officers of the state by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over a purported withdrawal of N1.7bn from the state coffers.

Consequently, we wish to state that:
- The alleged indictment by the EFCC is a baseless and malicious allegation, tainted with political undertone to malign the integrity of the current Government of Akwa Ibom State
- It is another face-saving attempt by the EFCC to justify the several illegalities it has allowed itself to be used to perpetrate against the Government and good people of a peaceful state by the opposition party.
- These antics of the EFCC have continued to attract widespread condemnation from within and outside the country.
- It is instructive to note that the EFCC is regurgitating this line of skewed narrative in the media for the umpteenth time in a flagrant act of impunity against the judicial process.
- The Akwa Ibom State Government had instituted a legal proceeding against the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Uyo, and therefore would remain fervent in its determination not to be dragged into a public discourse on a matter that is patently sub-judice.
- The constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria authorizes only the state House of Assembly and the state Auditor-General to pry into the financial dealings of a state government.
-In the last three and a half years, Akwa Ibom State has been one of the few states, if not the only state that publishes its annual audited financial statements. This underscores the state government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and integrity in governance. Copies the state’s annual audited financial statements are available in the public domain.
-It is mockery of the rule of law for the EFCC to allow itself to degenerate into a tool for character assassination, political mudsling and witch-hunting by the opposition in Akwa Ibom State.
- Nigerians and indeed members of the international community are watching the unfolding EFCC drama with keen interest.
- For the records, the current Government of Akwa Ibom State is led by a consummate professional with over two decades of proven track record of integrity and performance in financial management, which transcends the boarders of Nigeria.
- The Akwa Ibom State Government will not be distracted by this poorly scripted drama by the EFCC and will continue to do all within the ambits of the law to protect the integrity of governance in the state.


Charles Udoh,
Commissioner of Information and Strategy,
Akwa Ibom State.
December 06, 2018

*AKPABIO LIED, NO ILLEGAL DEDUCTIONS FROM WORKERS’ SALARIES – HOCS, LABOUR LEADER*
*… 8 YEARS 7.5% CONTRIBUTORY PENSION REFUND UNDERWAY*

The Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan, says there is no iota of truth in the claim that Akwa Ibom State Government deducts any amount from the salary of workers in the state to host government events.

She has also warned politicians to desist from making baseless and misleading comments that can attract the wrath of God upon them.

Addressing newsmen in her office Tuesday, Mrs. Akpan described the claim of deductions in workers’ salaries, attributed to Senator Godswill Akpabio as fictitious, noting that on the contrary, government is not only paying complete salaries to workers, but doing so on time.

Former Senate minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during the Campaign Church service by the APC in Akwa Ibom State, Sunday made claims that the state government is involved in the act of deducting a N1,300 from the salary of civil servants to host government events.

But the sharp reaction by the Number One civil servant in the state indicated that the statement as a desperate ploy by the opposition to taint the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Mrs. Akpan explained that it was impossible for any amount of money to be deducted from the salary of civil servants without the knowledge and agreement of the labour unions, saying, “You don’t take one naira from workers without the labour union agreeing; they would have been here in protest if such stories were to be true."

She described Governor Udom Emmanuel as a problem solver who is not moved by cheap political propaganda but focused on the welfare of civil servants.

“Tell our politicians that for every careless word they utter, they will give account. This is as recorded in the Holy Bible.”

She made reference to the cleared 10 years backlog of salaries which she said the previous administration had long abandoned, adding that the currently the 7.5% deductions for contributory pension scheme will be paid by the end of the week.
Mrs Akpan said the deductions took place between February 2005 and December 2013, and the Governor has decided to intervene by refunding the money to the affected workers.

“As you can see, I am sorting out the list by myself because we are going to pay the 7.5% contributory pension money. When the money was deducted, His Excellency was not there, this is something he inherited, but now he has taken the load because of his commitment to the welfare of the workers. So the 7.5 for those that were not paid their refunds, we are trying to do it.

“We all remember that his Excellency cleared 10 years backlog of pensions and gratuities shortly on assumption and if the recession didn’t hit like it did, he would have paid everything."

Shedding light on the payment of arrears and gratuities, the Head of Service said that the backlog of pensions have been cleared, adding that adequate provisions has been made for the 3000 teachers recruited to receive salaries this month.

“You remember those newly employed 3000 teachers, we have finished processing their data and they will be paid all their outstanding allowances shortly.

This was corroborated by the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Akamba Awah, who carpeted such resort to the use of civil servant as political capital by politicians.

“Anybody who is coming to say that Government is deducting money from the salaries of workers is telling lies from the pit of hell.

“In my thirty years in service, we have always made a particular contribution to government, which is development levy, and that has not changed.

Comrade Awah said that labour was not ready to be dragged into unnecessary political blackmail by political jobbers, and will continue to support the government of Mr Udom Emmanuel which has shown great interest in the welfare and wellbeing of workers.

Mr Onofiok Luke, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, has recently appealed to the elders of Essien Udim Local Government Area to protect him in regards to the alleged threat to his life by Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Luke, who spoke when elders and stakeholders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, paid him a solidarity visit, yesterday in Uyo, said he was planning to go to Essien Udim to report the issue to the elders and the paramount ruler. “I said this the other day and I want to say it again today. When the former member representing Essien Udim (Nse Ntuen) came here last Tuesday and confronted one of my aides, he told him that they are going to take me down. And he said he was acting on behalf of the former Senate Minority leader”. Luke said.

He continued, “I am still saying it again that should anything happen to me he (Akpabio) should be held responsible. I don’t talk carelessly. The former member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Nse Ntuen said it. That is why I shouted that my life is threatened. I didn’t know that you were coming here because I was about coming to the local government to bring this issue to the Paramount Ruler and the elders.

Speaking to the elders and stakeholders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Luke expressed his gratitude towards the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Udom Emmanuel. He said, “I am a son of Essien Udim having grown up there and having contributed to good things in the area I think I should be protected like a son of the area and not an outsider. And I want to thank you for the confidence you have in me and for this show of solidarity. I want to thank you for standing by us and especially the Governor”.

“I want to thank you because even in the face of provocations you have remained peaceful and supportive of this government. And when people boast that the PDP will not have votes from Essien Udim Local Government Area I laughed.’’ He continued.

Also, leader of the group, Obong Afangide, condemned Ntuen’s conduct, noting that it created tension in the state. “We are here to encourage you to remain steadfast and focused in the mature way you have been leading the state House of Assembly and indeed the state. We urge you to remain who you are.’’ He said.