Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr Akan Okon revealed the state government had made significant progress at the Ibom International Airport and the in the past three years as a result of the importance Governor Udom Emmanuel attaches to such infrastructure.

The Akwa Ibom Airport in Uyo also underscores a huge investment in the aviation sector by the state government. The airport was powered by generators for 12 years. A whopping N25 million was spent monthly for fuelling the generators, apart from other expenses on maintenance. Now, two big transformers-12 megawatts each- are erected outside to guarantee regular electricity supply. Mr Akan Okon said “Our Airport has been run on generator since inception. But I am happy to tell you that this government has successfully completed a power substation to power the Airport. We believe this is going to ensure that the Airport is run efficiently”

In addition, 22 compact transformers have been installed at the airport. The Commissioner Mr Akan Okon explained that the airport was built by the state government to boost the economy of the state. Recently, Emmanuel built a Commercial Building at the airport which will also in no doubt serve as a means to generate funds to maintain the airport.

Speaking on other infrastructural developments birthed by Governor Udom’s administration, The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties expressed that quite a number of sectors have been improved as a result of the importance Udom places on building Infrastructures. He said “Notwithstanding that the resources that is available to us is not the way it used to be, but the government attaches importance to such infrastructure.”

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has again call on investors to take advantage of the available manpower, natural resources as well as peace and security in the state to invest and expand the state economy.

Governor Emmanuel made the call while exchanging views with the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11 who was on a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo.

He observed that a strong economy gingers sustainable growth and enhances political development, noting that Akwa Ibom is strategically located in the Gulf of Guinea, with a drought of 17.3 meters suitable for a Deep Seaport which is at the stage four of it execution, stressing that the successful completion of the Seaport would ease the constraints at the Lagos Apapa Port.

Governor Emmanuel said that the state is blessed with the longest shoreline and that plans are underway for a logistic hub to be established in the state, adding that a cargo logistic terminal would be added at the Ibom International Airport to take care of the West African sub region.

The State Governor expressed appreciation to the Emir for the visit and his vision for the growth of the country’s economy and lauded the Emir’s advocacy for a national conversation that would aid in chatting a way forward for the economy of the country.

He said that the state is saturated with a number of projects that await partnership and cited the coconut refinery and cultivation project undertaken by his administration, saying that the project would boost the state economy in view of the rating of coconut product in the international market.

Governor Emmanuel said that without adequate planning, the country will be in a deep economic mess in 2030 and urged the political players to see politics as a means of development and not creating enmity for the benefit of humanity.

He prayed for a strong team that would aid rescue the country in the forthcoming polls and thanked the Royal father for the visit.

Earlier, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II stated that he was in the state on a double mission to foster goodwill between the people of Kano and Akwa Ibom state as well as explore modalities for the smooth implementation of Qua Iboe Power Plant Limited project (QIPPL).

Alhaji Sanusi said that one billion US Dollar is to be invested in the project with Mobil Producing Nigeria PLC partnering in the gas pipeline with additional 300 million US Dollar.

He said that the power plant, when completed, is expected to add 540 megawatts of electricity to the national grid and expressed optimism that with the multi billion investment in the gas project, other firms would be attracted to the state, adding that the gesture would boost the economy of Akwa Ibom and the country as well as create jobs for the teeming youths.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, frowned at the fuel subsidy funds expended by the federal government, saying that the fund should be tailored to educational development, healthcare and other infrastructures as well as stimulate economic growth to cater for the youths.

Sanusi who is also the Chairman Qua Iboe Power Plant Limited (QIPPL) congratulated Governor Emmanuel for making Akwa Ibom an investors haven with landmark infrastructures and an enduring legacy of peace and sued for a peaceful political climate, advising that no investor would like to put his money in an unsafe environment.

On hand to receive the Emir who came in company of some members of his Emirate Council were Deputy Governor Mr Moses Ekpo, State PDP Chairman Obong Paul Ekpo, Senator Effiong Bob, Anietie Okon, Secretary to the state Government Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, State Executive Council members and Political stalwart.

Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration has been especially commended for the exceptional peace and serenity the state as enjoyed since he came into office. His feat in the area of peace and security in Akwa Ibom is celebrated by its indigenes as Akwa Ibom used to be a place with an uncommon rise in tension aggravated by kidnappings, assassinations and sorts.

The people of Akwa Ibom have enjoyed peace these past years and Governor Udom intends on keeping it that way no matter what. In response to the distractions from political opponents in Akwa Ibom state who are allegedly planning to cause unrest and disrupt the elections come 2019, Governor Udom Emmanuel has expressed his trust in the people of Akwa Ibom saying that “the people of Akwa Ibom know what they want and who they want. They are so enlightened, educated, and they are politically savvy. So, they know someone who is sincere, and have the capacity. I believe the people will speak out for what they want”.

There have also been a series of threat of invasion by the opposition ahead of the 2019 elections. When asked if he was planning to match force with force against the opposition party, he explained that his only intention is to serve the people of Akwa Ibom. He said, “I normally ask people that if the intention is to serve, why do you have to kill the people you want to serve. We all campaign, present our manifesto and call for votes so that we can serve our people, but if you sincerely want to serve your people, why do you have to kill them? This means that they have other motives in which serving is not included”

Governor Emmanuel also went further to analyse that anyone calling for war in Akwa Ibom state has nothing to lose, hence the motivation to cause unrest. “I just want Nigerians to ask those preaching war where their children are. Whose children do they want to engage in the war, when they have hidden their children somewhere?” He said.

Speaking recently in Abuja during an interactive session with Akwa Ibom State indigenes, he stressed that there was no need to unleash war in the state before, during and after the elections.

The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to a publication in the Nation Newspaper of November 11, 2018 alleging an Economic Financial & Crimes Commission (EFCC) probe of Akwa Ibom Government over withdrawal of N6.5bn from the state coffers.

We wish to state emphatically as follows; that
- this is a malicious allegation and a desperate face saving effort by the EFCC to justify the several illegalities it has allowed itself to be used by the opposition to perpetrate against the Akwa Ibom State Government which have attracted widespread condemnation within and outside the country.
- For avoidance of doubt, 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
- For the records, the current administration has made Akwa Ibom State 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 of the state’s annual audited financial statements are available in the public domain.
- It is ludicrous that the EFCC has allowed itself to degenerate into a tool of loopsided political mudsling and witch-hunting used by the opposition in the state to cast aspersions on the integrity of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
- This story was earlier published in the same newspaper by the same author on August 12, 2018, and since it did not have the intended effects, EFCC has sadly condescended to regurgitating the story in a flagrant act of impunity against existing laws of Nigeria.
- The Akwa Ibom state Government will do all within its lawful limits to protect the integrity of governance in the state.
- Recall that the Akwa Ibom State Government had served notices of contempt to the EFCC and would not be dragged into a public discourse on a matter that is patently sub judice.
- This matter is before the Federal High Court Uyo.

Charles Udoh
Commissioner of Information and Strategy

November 11, 2018

Uhmm, former Minority Leader in the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has said it. God is not the master of uncompleted project. He is a master planner. According to him, in 2015, God caused confusion to enter into the PDP family and in the process, President Muhammadu Buhari emerged as Nigeria’s President. And because God usually finishes whatever He had a hand in, the election of Buhari in 2019 is as sure as the day and night that never cease.

In Akpabio’s words, “ I believe that in 2015, we all had our choices but God had His way. And also when God has a hand in something, I do not think He is the master of uncompleted projects. I believe that God completes projects. This is not a decision of man, it was the decision of God.’’
In other words, if God brought Buhari in 2015, and would want him to continue till 2023, the same God that brought Udom Emmanuel in 2015 would want him to continue till 2023. This is simple analogy, except Akpabio is saying that the devil brought Emmanuel in 2015.
Should Akpabio attribute Emmanuel’s victory in 2015 to the devil, people would be eager to know if the senator is the devil then since he did not only chose the governor for the position, but endorsed him till the last moment before finding a new love in the ruling APC.

Now that Akpabio is comfortable campaigning for Buhari to have a second term to complete God’s project in spite of the President’s obvious failings both in health, duty and administration, he should stop talking about Warsaw war in peaceful Akwa Ibom State simply because God has endorsed Emmanuel for a second term to complete a divine mandate.

According to the Holy Books, only fools choose to engage in arguments with their Maker. And with Akpabio’s knowledge in the scriptures, he won’t act as one. Now that it is obvious to him , and he has publicly acknowledged God’s commitment to completing whatever project He starts, the best thing is for him to work with God to make God’s project works.

In this case, God’s project is Emmanuel till 2023. Akpabio should stop kicking against the bricks like Saul in the Bible who had to go blind before he could retrace his step. The honourable senator should be wise enough to listen to himself and accept divine counsel else he becomes another individual kicking against God’s will.

While many states of the federation are indebted to workers, Emmanuel, on assumption of office in 2015, paid gratuity and the backlog of ten years pension that previous governors in Akwa Ibom owed workers. However, paying such backlogs of gratuity and pension has not deterred him from also paying workers’ salaries and allowances promptly.

This explains the cordial relationship between government and workers in the state unlike several other states where workers continue to threaten work-to-rule due to non- payment of backlog of salaries, and even pensions. Recently, the Head of Civil Service, Mrs Ekere Obong Akpan was confident that workers and indeed, Akwa Ibom people, will return this good deed by a massive vote for Emmanuel come 2019.

It is no surprise therefore that the Nigerian Workers Community, NWC, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has pledged support for the re-election bid of the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

Chairman of NWC in the state, Mr. Kini Ikpeme, who made the pledge during an endorsement rally with the theme; “Akwa Ibom Civil Servants Are in Safe Hands”, held in Uyo, said their choice of Governor Emmanuel was informed by his commitment to the welfare of workers.

Ikpeme said, “Nigerian Workers Community in Akwa Ibom has mandated me, as its state Chairman to tell Akwa Ibom people and other Nigerians that we are in support of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s re-election bid because he has performed to our satisfaction”.

He continued, “Despite the harsh economic situation in the country he has been able to attract about 12 industries to the state. We are also happy with the prompt and regular payment of workers salary. We want him to serve for another four years.”

How else could anyone describe desperation than the rabid reaction of the All Progressives Party in Akwa Ibom State to the endorsement of Governor Udom Emmanuel for a second term by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Since the former leader’s visit to Uyo last Sunday, APC in Akwa Ibom has been in panic mode. The party is totally jittery.

They have tried to spin all kinds of lies. But people are tired of their unfounded refrains so the lies have lost their power. They are no longer achieving the desired impact. Rather, the song in Akwa Ibom is continuity. It is about continuity of peace and harmony; continuity of growth and development which Udom represents. The people have consistently enjoyed peace and development under the present administration. They know what they want. They don’t want to vote for terror and deaths, the kinds prevalent in many APC controlled states.

Besides, the governor has placed the state on the highway of industrialization. The state is now an investors’ delight. Even APC cannot deny this. Despite this, the party has been giving all kinds of reasons why Obasanjo cannot dictate to Akwa Ibomites who to vote for. They even said the former President is irrelevant in Owu, his home town, hence, lacks the capacity to influence the politics of Akwa Ibom State.
But we all know that the best way to treat anyone whose views are inconsequential is to ignore them. But they say Obasanjo is irrelevant, yet he cannot be ignored. Rather than ignore the ex-President, APC has even gone ahead to take a full page advertorial on the subject matter. Who is fooling who? You don’t waste your money and resources on somebody irrelevant, if truly he is.

If Emmanuel has not performed and if Obasanjo cannot garner votes in his immediate constituency as claimed, then he should be ignored.
APC should stop convincing people whose minds have been made up on who to vote for. One does not need a soothsayer to know that APC is troubled. It is understandable, every day, defeat stare them in the face. Key personalities in the society have continued to laud the good works of Emmanuel. The other day, Akwa Ibom church leaders endorsed the governor for a second term. Members of the group include the Prelate Emeritus of Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Mbang.

They said the governor deserved a second term because he had performed creditably well in delivering dividends of democracy to the people. Besides, the clerics averred that the subsisting zoning arrangement that produced the last two predecessors since the return of democratic rule favoured Udom’s reelection.

That Udom has been doing his best in the last three and half years to transform Akwa Ibom is obvious even to the greatest of his critics. Besides, many people know Obasanjo for his frankness. Even when he supported President Buhari to become Nigeria’s President, he still told the world in the midst of it all that the President was not good at managing the economy.

Industrialization is one of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s 5 point agenda for Akwa Ibom state. The governor is aware that industrialisation will boost Akwa Ibom’s economy and also provide employment for many of its indigenes.

Road construction is critical to industrialization. Thus, the governor has awarded 110 road contracts across Akwa Ibom. These roads cover 1,700 kilometres and 47 bridges. Many of them have been completed and some of the projects are still on-going.

Considering the level of importance placed on road construction by the governor, it is apparent that the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road has not been completed not because of Governor Udom’s negligence of the project but rather due to various reasons such as; mismanagement of funds from the previous administration, ridiculous demands for compensation for demolition and others.

The Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road was awarded by the government of Godswill Akpabio on the 19th of December, 2011 at over twenty eight billion to Julius Berger. Work started on the road by September 2013 and after several reviews, the amount added to over seventy one billion as at September 2014.

According to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen, the bulk of the money necessary to complete the construction of the road had been released to the previous administration. However, 50% of the road construction was not achieved before it was hurriedly commissioned by in April 2015. As a result of this, Governor Udom’s administration was left with the bulk of the work and little to no funds to complete the construction. Akparawa said “... this road was awarded at N71 billion and the duration was three years, it was supposed to have been completed in December 2014 and with two revisions, why was it not completed? Where did the money go to? These are very simple questions.”

In addition to the unavailability of funds, the commissioner explained that the previous administration had earlier put out fallacious information about their progress with the Uyo Ikot-Ekpene road construction thereby making the progress Udom’s administration had made seem insignificant.

He said, “the former governor said he took it to kilometre 18, I want to; for emphasis say that the structure that stood at Ikpe Annang is at kilometre 15.16 and that building never went down until February, 2017” This sreveals that it was impossible to have gotten to kilometre 18 while the building obstructing the construction at kilometre 15.16 was not removed until February 2017 by Governor Udom’s administration.

Furthermore, there were rumours that Governor Udom’s administration had only worked on 3 additional kilometres of the road construction since Godswill Akpabio left office. However, Akparawa lamented that the present administration had worked on at least 8 kilometres leaving only two kilometres that would be completed as soon as possible. He said “we have done the final asphalting of kilometre zero to fifteen and we are taking it from kilometre 15 to kilometre 23, that is 8 kilometres and the remaining 2 kilometres, we are paying compensation from Friday”.

The demand for compensation for demolition is another major cause for delay in respect to the completion of the Uyo Ikot-Ekpene road construction. The Commissioner for Works explained that the present government recently sourced for and paid about one hundred and forty million naira to the owner of a property that was preventing the progress of the Uyo Ikot-Ekpene road construction. “The structure that stood at Ikpe Annang is at kilometre 15.16 and that building never went down until February, 2017 that this government sourced money, one hundred and forty one million naira and paid the owner of that property to take down that property.”

Also, Governor Udom’s administration has focused on constructing outfall drains on the Uyo Ikot-Ekpene road that the previous administration did not put into consideration. Akparawa said “…the outfall drains that were supposed to have been done on that road. It is this administration of Udom that is coming up to consider constructing drains because all the communities on that road are having flood situations”

Akwa Ibom State within the last 3 years under Governor Udom Emmanuel has been the fastest growing economy in Nigeria.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Charles Udoh, stated this over the weekend while appearing as Guest on a NTA (Channel 12) Uyo interactive phone-in programme “60 minutes Live”.

He said in the last 3 years of Governor Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom State has witnessed remarkable economic prosperity as no other state in Nigeria emphasizing that within the period, over 10 functional industries have come on stream to catalyse the economy, open up employment opportunities for youths and boost the industrialization-drive of government.

The Information Boss reiterated that, Governor Udom Emmanuel has made remarkable improvement in all sectors of the economy between 2015 when he came on board and now and particularly mentioned the crash in the high market cost of Garri from N200 for 3 cups in 2015 to the same N200 for 12 cups now with the Governor’s agricultural revolution in the state.

Furthermore, over 5 General hospitals which hitherto remained in a sordid dilapidated condition over the years have not only been reconstructed but have undergone digitization by Governor Emmanuel under his rehabilitation of secondary health institutions campaign for efficient healthcare delivery in the state.

Charles Udoh said, with the realization that, industrialization can only thrive with private sector participation, Governor Udom Emmanuel ensured the putting in place of necessary facilities to attract and earn the confidence of investors such as sound healthcare system, power supply, good network of roads and security adding that in the last 3 years, Akwa Ibom State has enjoyed significant peace and security which has boosted investment and tourism.

Speaking on the scorecard of the Governor, the Information Boss said, one area of note is that, from conception to when every Akwa Ibom child gets his first meal ticket, government takes over the burden of basic education and healthcare off the shoulders of the parents/guardians reiterating that, every Akwa Ibom child irrespective of parental or social background has been given opportunity to rise to greatness.

Udoh explained that, from conception, the pregnant woman gets free medicare in public hospitals in the state, on delivery up to 5 years of age, the child receives free medical services and at age 6 when the child enrolls in primary school, he/she gets free education up to senior secondary education level and when he/she is ready to write his/her WAEC, which gives the child access to his/her first meal ticket in life, government pays the WAEC fee to the tune of N600 Million annually.

He reiterated that all these are conscious efforts by government to ensure that, every Akwa Ibom child is re-positioned to compete favourably with the brightest and best anywhere in the world adding that, Governor Udom Emmanuel is also inculcating in the young minds entrepreneurial spirit of hardwork and integrity to enable them rise to the challenging market forces in their different businesses and ventures for those towing the entrepreneurial path.

Maintaining that, the modern day Akwa Ibom man can stand tall and compete in all sectors like sports, education, agriculture and many more, the Commissioner for Information said, all the sectors of the state economy have received a boost in the sustainable development-drive of Governor Emmanuel which he said is devoid of political, religious and ethnic segments but targeted at the future of Akwa children and those yet unborn.

Reacting to a question on the Ibom Deep Sea Port, IDSP, project, Udoh said, the project is not solely that of Akwa Ibom State but has other facilitating partners like the Federal Ministry of Transport, Federal Inland Waterways and the Nigeria Ports Authority which play vital roles in the development processes of the deep seaport project adding however that, Akwa Ibom State government has on its part, contributed significantly towards the development of the port by opening up a super highway leading to the virgin location, set-up a functional website for useful information on the project as well as called for tenders from investors disclosing that bids are undergoing review.

He urged Akwa Ibom people to get interested in the servicing components of the Ibom Deep Seaport project to partake in the humongous dividends of the project when it becomes fully operational and advised the people to Google and find out areas that can be beneficial to them rather than waste time and energy in insulting the Governor on pages of tabloids and indulging in smear political campaigns which is injurious to investment and development drive of government for the people of the state.

“We have only one state, Akwa Ibom. Let’s rise up as one united people to join Governor Udom Emmanuel to build a huge economic prosperity for our children and generations to come. Let’s burry all political, religious and ethnic sentiments and rise to the cause of Project Akwa Ibom pivoted on sustainable development”, Udoh emphasized.

#Udomisworking!!!
#Futureassured!!!
#udomforpeaceandsecurity!!!
#aksmoist!!!

…As 20,000 DEFECT AT AKPABIO’S HOMETOWN

The Akwa Ibom State deputy Governor Mr Moses Ekpo, was among stakeholders and government officials who survived a violent attack by hired thugs, during Tuesday's defection of APC members, in Essien Udim, home of former Governor Godswill Akpabio.

The occasion held at the Unity Hall, of the Essien Udim local government council headquarters, saw a massive declaration of support to Governor Udom Emmanuel by former and serving chapter and ward executive council members of the APC, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, a younger brother and former aide of the immediate past Senate minority leader, as well as Chief Michael Afangideh, regarded as Akpabio’s political godfather.

This ceremony was however disrupted when thugs suspected to be supporters of Senator Godswill Akpabio, stormed the venue and launched on the participants, including the state deputy governor, Mr Moses Ekpo.

The thugs allegedly led by one Adionganye Akpabio a cousin to Senator Akpabio and Imo Ibara from Ukana West ward1, arrived in buses and started launching missiles and attacking everyone at the premises while the Deputy Governor was receiving the APC decampees on behalf of the Governor.

They sent people scampering, but for the swift intervention of armed security agents on the delegation of the deputy governor and other state government officials.

The state Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Prince Ukpong Akpabio who spoke to newsmen after the incident, thanked God for the prompt response of the police to arrest the situation.

Prince Akpabio said he was happy that the PDP supporters and youths at the event maintained their calm, and did not attempt to take laws into their hands, as it would have resulted in undesirable consequences.

The miscreants who succeeded in causing injury on some persons, and destroying some vehicles at the venue allegedly escaped and jumped into a nearby river at Afaha Ikot Ebak.

A Honda Accord vehicle belonging to the PDP Chapter Chairman in Essien Udim, Hon. Ntiedo Usoro was vandalized by the APC thugs.

They also destroyed were some cars and motorcycle belonging to the APC members who defected to the PDP.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical Matters, Elder Ufot Ebong, said he was astonished to see that nature of violent attack by the APC thugs, at a mere political meeting.

“I have never seen anything like this, they came armed and they made bonfires on the road and attempted to barricade us inside so they can kill us.” This is very horrible and I am worried about this development,” Elder Ebong told reporters.

Few minutes to the commencement of the event, some of the APC defectors had raised alarm that many of their members who had concluded plans to join them at the Unity Hall to show solidarity for Governor Udom Emmanuel were held hostage at a location by Mr. Nsentip Akpabio, a brother to Senator Akpabio where several offers, including millions of naira and car gifts were promised should they remain in APC.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Udom Emmanuel, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, charged Essien Udim people to remain peaceful and welcome government initiatives in the area.

He enjoined them to guard their PVCs jealously and be ready to use it to cast their votes for all PDP candidates standing elections in 2019.

...Chapter Executives, Former Council Chairman, Party Stalwarts, Thousands of Members Dump Party

In what political pundits may describe as total collapse of the All Progressives Congress structure in Essien Udim Local government area, the APC executives including the Chapter Chairman, Financial Secretary, Organizing secretary, ward chairmen and executives who were elected but later dislodged by Senator Godswill Akpabio, unit coordinators among other stalwarts of the party and the Pioneer Executive Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area with thousands of members have defected from the All Progressives Congress into the Peoples Democratic Party.

The grand defection which took place, today, Tuesday at Essien Udim Unity Hall, Essien Udim Local Government Area, Senator Godswill Akpabio's hometown witnessed the presence of the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, Political godfather of Senator Godswill Akpabio, Chief Michael Afanideh among other stakeholders who were at hand to receive the defectors into the Peoples Democratic Party.

According to the defectors, they left the party because glory has departed from her and it has become a haven of violence and terror.

In his remark, the defected Chapter Chairman of APC, Pastor Kayeobong described himself as a mobilizer whose departure from the APC has collapsed the party even as he is determined to work for the success of Governor Udom Emmanuel at the polls.

He said "I am leaving with my nine Ward chairmen, 24 chapter executives and all ward executives. The APC offered me N30million and a Hilux car to stay but I have made up my mind to work for governor Udom".

On his part, the Financial Secretary of the party, Basil Akpadiaha, who hails from Akpabio's ward, Ukana West, Ward 2 stated that he left the party because of oppression in the party. He said that with the defection, APC has lost grounds in Essien Udim.

On the part of the Organizing Secretary, Innocent Idiong, he said " our decision is to return Governor Udom Emmanuel. He is the only governor that uses the deputy governor for first and second term, a pointer to the fact that he doesn't oppress anyone and he is a man of peace who give others opportunity to thrive. But unfortunately, there are people whose defection into the APC made everyone running.".

Also speaking, the Pioneer Chairman of Essien Udim, Chief Martin Umana said with his defection, he and his supporters are focused on working for the reelection of Governor Udom Emmanuel at the polls.

Receiving the defectors into the party, the Chapter Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon Etiedo noted that he was delighted by the fact that day by day, the camp of the PDP is swelling unprecedentedly.

The Chairman who described the defectors into the party as grassroots mobilizers noted that their entrance into the party will ease his workload and ensure the victory of Governor Udom Emmanuel among other PDP candidates in Essien Udim.

He advised Essien Udim people to maintain their stance with the PDP since it is the only party with better policies and programmes for the people.

On his part, the Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Prince Ukpong Akpabio stated that he is a leading supporter for Governor Udom Emmanuel in Essien Udim and is determined to work with PDP members to ensure the Governor wins convincingly in the area.

Akpabio added, "It was former Governor Godswill Akpabio that brought Udom Emmanuel and told us to support his aspiration for eight years, so the people of Essien Udim will always stand with Udom till 2023"

He insisted that the Udom Emmanuel's administration has been fair in the appointment of Essien Udim people into his administration even as the people have enjoyed his administration hence the reason they should be firm in their support.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Sir Monday Uko commended the people for their determination to support Governor Emmanuel.

He said the performance and conduct of Governor Emmanuel is enough to earn him a second term.

Uko added " There is no governor in Nigeria that has accorded the level of respect Governor Udom Emmanuel has accorded his predecessor."

In their respective remarks, the political godfather of Senator Godswill Akpabio, Chief Michael Afanideh and the Council Chairman of Essien Udim Local government area said the defection into the PDP was the best decision taken by the defectors.

They assured that the people of the area will stand with other Akwa Ibom people to deliver Governor Emmanuel for second term.

In his address, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Moses Ekpo thanked the people for coming out enmasse to support PDP and Governor Udom Emmanuel. He assured that the people coming into the party will be glad they did since the PDP offers peace and people oriented leadership.

The Deputy Governor urged the people to support Governor Udom Emmanuel with sincerity of heart and purpose because Governor Emmanuel represents equity,justice and fairness.

The Akwa Ibom State Government says it is aware of plans by some self-centred individuals hiding under the cloak of political opposition to instigate a cult war in the state with the intention of creating a false sense of insecurity to disrupt the peace and tranquility the state has enjoyed in the last three years.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Charles Udoh, said, "This is a rehearsal of their grand plan to activate the well-publicised and documented federal-might agenda by deploying auditioned security personnel ahead of elections to lay the ground works to intimidate the electorates and ultimately skew electioneering process in their favour.

"In the light of this development, the Akwa Ibom State Government wishes to draw the attention of the public to the existing Cultism and other Violent Behaviour Prohibition Order 2018. The order, which became effective from March 12, 2018 and is still actively in force, prohibits and bans the operations and recognition or activities of all cult groups.

"The State Government in conjunction with security agencies will continue to do all within its powers to preserve the extant laws of the land and protect lives and properties while the full weight of the law will be visited on any person or group of persons (irrespective of political affiliation) who instigates, sponsors or employs violence in any form or semblance within the state.

"Law-abiding citizens are advised to be vigilant and draw the attention of security agencies to any suspicious activities they may notice that could threaten the maintenance of peace and security in the state.

"The Akwa Ibom State Government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the State remains a safe-haven for residents, citizens, tourists and investors."

The Akwa Ibom State Government has considered a draft of the 2019 budget as well as reviewed some key road projects which are aimed towards actualising the sustainable development drive of the state administration.

These were part of deliberations during the State Executive Council, EXCO, meeting presided over by the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, at the Council Chamber, Government House, Uyo.

Giving an insight into the proceedings of the ExCo, in a brief with Government House correspondents shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh, accompanied by the Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Nsikan Nkan and their counterpart in the Ministry of Works, Mr. Ephraim Inyangeyen, said that the Council's deliberations were geared towards ensuring the actualization of the five points agenda of the state government.

The Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Nkan, hinted that the 2019 draft budget was presented to the ExCo for consideration before subsequently forwarding to the State House of Assembly for approval, explaining that the budget seeks to consolidate on the ongoing industrialization programmes of the Emmanuel-led administration to providing employment opportunities as well as improve the welfare of the people of the state.

According to Mr. Nkan, "It is a budget that once it is ammended, because there were a lot of ammendment that were made today, we would proceed to hand over to the House of Assembly, it is a budget that is very hopeful and very promising and will certainly change the lives of the people of Akwa Ibom State".

On the estimated figure of the budget, the Finance Boss said that the actual amount could not be provided at the moment, explaining that the draft budget was still undergoing some modifications before arriving at the total figure and promised to do so after the final adjustments were made

He indicated that the ExCo was delighted that the 2018 budget was judiciously implemented, acknowledging that, so far, the state government has accomplished over 70 percent of the total budget for this year.

On his part, the State Commissioner of Works, Mr. Inyangeyen, noted that the state government has reviewed some of the awarded road projects which have been ongoing at a slow pace due to failure of the contractors to live up to the terms of the contracts.

Mr. Inyangeyen said that the state government has taken over the full funding of the Ring Road 2 originating from Udo Udoma junction - Abak Road, saying that the project was earlier awarded on an equal funding between the government and the investor to enable speedy completion in the next three months.

He also stated that the ExCo has given approval for a new contractor, JMK, to take over the construction of the 14km Ikot Ekara road on East West Road - Ibesit Okpokoro, in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, explaining that the road project was earlier awarded to Hammakkop Construction Company in 2014 to be completed in 24 months but has remained uncompleted till date.

The Works Boss further said that the ongoing Ibom Deep Seaport Super Highway which was earlier awarded on alternative funding approach, has also been taken over by the state government for faster execution, mentiining that a spur has been added to the sea side while the highway construction would commence in phases.

Inyangeyen also hinted that the collapsed Obotme - Ikpanya Road traversing communities in Ini and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas, which was flagged off last month, has been approved for construction, maintaining that government is working assiduously at providing all basic infrastructure to boost the industrialization policy of the state administration.

Nigerian former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that Nigeria needs more leaders in the mould of Governor Udom Emmanuel, who, according to him, is focused and committed to the welfare of his people. Speaking to Government House correspondents during a visit to the State Governor, Obasanjo said that he was able to make independent enquiries before his arrival to confirm the record achievements of Mr. Emmanuel.

Olusegun Obasanjo said; “I listened to people, I made enquiries before I came here and then of course, I came here and I saw things on the ground and I’ve encouraged the Governor to do more” Speaking on the need for Akwa Ibom people to remain in support of Mr. Emmanuel, Chief Obasanjo said, “I also think you don’t change a good thing you cherish, you hold it, you use it. I think one thing that we must understand in this country is leaders don’t flock and when we see a good leader, let us get the best out of it.”

He described Mr Emmanuel as a great leader, and charged for support to get the best out of him. “I thank you all and I’ve assured the Governor and the people of this state that I will come back for greater celebrations,” Obasanjo said.

Earlier, while worshiping with his host at Qua Iboe Church, 112, Ikot Ekpene Road,Uyo, the former President told the congregation that Governor Udom Emmanuel has performed well and deserves to be re-elected to continue to do more.

He labelled Governor Emmanuel as a good product, asserting that, “this is a good product, let’s have him for continuity.” According to him, “Children of God, I can assure you, the Governor has no fear, he will stand still, please stand with him and he will take you to the Promised Land.”

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has paid 10 years gratuity and pensions arrears of retired civil servants in the state.

Similarly, the State Government has commenced the compilation of names of civil servants who retired in 2016, with a view to paying them. According to the Accountant General of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Uwem Andrew- Essien, payment is done in batches in view of the huge amount involved.

This year alone, the state government has also paid staff salary arrears to 1, 227 workers, pension arrears to 4,304 pensioners as payment of all entitlements to civil servants, both serving and retired. The accountant general said payment of pension and gratuity would continue to remain a priority of the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration as a demonstration of its commitment to the well-being of the people of the state.

Recall that the governor was elected in 2015 and inherited the debt burden of pensions and gratuity, with some of the workers meant to be paid by the local governments they worked for.

Commenting on the development, Tom Iyang said the governor deserved commendation for paying pensioners money owed them by his predecessor.

“In Nigeria of today, paying workers’ salaries has become what some state governments consider as an achievement. Though this sounds weird, it is understandable considering that some states owe over 36 months salaries. Even the release of the Paris Club refund to states for the purpose of settling workers’ debts, have not really solved the problem.

“If in the midst of this, Emmanuel, has not only paid salaries regularly but paid the backlog of pension and gratuity debts he inherited from his predecessor, he deserves commendation.’’.

Speaking in Uyo, the state capital recently, Emmanuel said his administration took a decision to pay all the arrears of gratuities and pensions inherited from the previous administration.

He said, “Many people don’t know the difference between different tiers of government. They think the state government should be responsible for payment of gratuities and pensions for all workers including local government staff. But, though the state is not directly responsible for the debts, we have decided to pay everybody because the people worked for the overall well being of Akwa Ibom State and they deserve to enjoy their pension and gratuity.’’

He explained that regular payment of workers’ salaries was not an issue in the state even when the Federal Government failed to give the state the usual monthly allocation.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has paid 10 years gratuity and pensions arrears of
retired civil servants in the state.

Similarly, the State Government has commenced the compilation of names of civil servants who
retired in 2016, with a view to paying them. According to the Accountant General of Akwa Ibom
State, Pastor Uwem Andrew- Essien, payment is done in batches in view of the huge amount
involved.

This year alone, the state government has also paid staff salary arrears to 1, 227 workers, pension
arrears to 4,304 pensioners as payment of all entitlements to civil servants, both serving and
retired. The accountant general said payment of pension and gratuity would continue to remain a
priority of the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration as a demonstration of its
commitment to the well-being of the people of the state.

Recall that the governor was elected in 2015 and inherited the debt burden of pensions and
gratuity, with some of the workers meant to be paid by the local governments they worked for.
Commenting on the development, Tom Iyang said the governor deserved commendation for
paying pensioners money owed them by his predecessor.

“In Nigeria of today, paying workers’ salaries has become what some state governments consider
as an achievement. Though this sounds weird, it is understandable considering that some states
owe over 36 months salaries. Even the release of the Paris Club refund to states for the purpose
of settling workers’ debts, have not really solved the problem.

“If in the midst of this, Emmanuel, has not only paid salaries regularly but paid the backlog of
pension and gratuity debts he inherited from his predecessor, he deserves commendation.’’.

Speaking in Uyo, the state capital recently, Emmanuel said his administration took a decision to
pay all the arrears of gratuities and pensions inherited from the previous administration.

He said, “Many people don’t know the difference between different tiers of government. They
think the state government should be responsible for payment of gratuities and pensions for all
workers including local government staff. But, though the state is not directly responsible for the
debts, we have decided to pay everybody because the people worked for the overall well being of
Akwa Ibom State and they deserve to enjoy their pension and gratuity.’’

He explained that regular payment of workers’ salaries was not an issue in the state even when
the Federal Government failed to give the state the usual monthly allocation.

The contractors handling the International Market (Urua Nka) in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Yiwu International Trade City of Nigeria, has said that the 5000-capacity market would be ready for commissioning in December this year.

Speaking with Government House Correspondents shortly after a meeting with the State Governor in Governor's Office, Uyo, the Managing Director of the construction company, Mr Miao Jingbao disclosed that about 124 containers of construction materials needed for the project are on ground for the completion of the 50 million U.S. Dollar project.

According to him, the three-storey twin building will accommodate 5000 shops with international features including elevators, escalators, and other facilities which are best in Africa.

He said that the project would provide employment opportunities for over 10,000 youths and women in the area, as well as improve the living standard of the people of the host community.

The Paramount Ruler of Eket, Attah Ekid 1, Obong E.C.D Abia, said that the project, which is one of its kind in West Africa, will attract a lot of businesses to boost the economy of the community.

“The project will bring enormous benefits to not just the host community but to Nigeria as a whole and the state in particular because it is open to the entire country. The host community realizes the importance of this project and are committed to protect them.”

The State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, thanked the contractors for the speedy job on site, and commended the host community for cooperating with the workers.

he said “It is a clear sign of collaboration both locally and internationally. We are working with the Chinese investors. What we are putting up in Eket is not the usual market stores but purely a business and logistic centre.”

Governor Emmanuel called on multinationals and all the distributive chains to find Eket their next home because of the numerous access roads, which according to him, are exceptionally beautiful, and pledged to do everything humanly possible to connect other parts of the country.

“It is an international market. It is not limited to those who are buying and selling. Any kind of business can operate there. Even if you are a lawyer and wants to operate within that area, you have a good office to operate with. That is why it is a business and logistic centre with emphasis on commerce. This is also a sign that we came here to work and not to be distracted.”

It would be recalled that Governor Emmanuel, during his electioneering campaign in 2015, promised to build an international market and attract foreign investment to the state, and create enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

The project was inaugurated in June 2018 where the Governor promised to commission the first phase within six months.

For Nigeria as a nation to move forward, its educational standard must also rise to an
admirable state. It would benefit the country as a whole if the educational system produced
well-educated people that will one day take charge of governance and inspire genuine
patriotism in every Nigerian citizen. The Akwa Ibom state governor, Udom Emmanuel buys
into this dream as he is treating education as a priority in Akwa Ibom state.

Since Governor Udom took the reigns as the governor of Akwa Ibom state, he has made
immense contributions and has thoroughly improved the educational sector in the state. Over
500 schools have been renovated and equipped with quality equipment and teachers required
to make learning a wonderful experience for the students. Speaking on the importance of
education, Governor Udom said, “We run free and compulsory education. People come from
neighbouring states to attend our public schools. If we train our children and leave the
children of our neighbours alone, they will later come to harm our children. We pay N600
million yearly as WAEC fees. We also focus on the recruitment of quality teachers.”

Emmanuel noted that education infrastructural development has led to an upsurge in school
enrolment. “We will continue to have free and compulsory education at primary and
secondary levels. We will also have education monitors to enhance quality of teaching and
learning,” he added.

Apart from the special attention placed on education, the government is also making efforts
to train the youth in Akwa Ibom to acquire a variety of skills. There is an arrangement to train
indigenes to acquire skills needed to work in the industries. A scheme was birthed to this
effect called the Akwa Ibom Enterprise Employment scheme (AKEES). Under this scheme,
more than 20,000 youths have been trained in the last three years.

These Employment and Skill Acquisition Centres have been established to promote the spirit
of enterprise among the youth and general populace of Akwa Ibom. No fewer than 317,000
people engaged in small and medium enterprises are captured; over 3,000 were trained on
ICT and many are employed in the agricultural sector for planting and nurturing of
vegetables, tomatoes and other crops in commercial quantities. An idle man they say is the
devil’s workshop and Governor Emmanuel is working tirelessly to eradicate unemployment
among the people of Akwa Ibom.

The attention governor Udom Emmanuel places on the educational sector shows that he is
education friendly. His improvement on the quality of education in both content and
discipline has earned youths an enviable future and has also secured for the state an
advantaged listing in Nigeria’s educational endeavour.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has released money for the payment of gratuity to retired civil servants in the State.

The Accountant General of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Uwem Andrew- Essien in a letter made available to journalists in his office indicates that the money is for the payment of 306 retired civil servants who were scheduled for December, 2015 gratuity.

Within the year, Pastor Andrew- Essien disclosed that Government has equally paid staff salary arrears to 1, 227 workers, pension arrears to 4,304 pensioners as well as 2015 employment arrears to 2, 249 civil servants.

The Accountant General stated with the completion of the payment of 2015 gratuity, the State Government has commenced the compilation of names of civil servants who retired in 2016, saying payment is done in batches in view of the huge amount involved.

He maintained that as a Government responsible and committed to the well-being of her citizenry, all entitlements to civil servants both serving and retired would continue to remain a priority of the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration.

Pastor Andrew- Essien appealed to workers to reciprocate Government's kind gesture by showing commitment to their assigned official duties.

In response to the distractions from political opponents in Akwa Ibom state who are allegedly planning to cause unrest and disrupt the elections come 2019, Governor Udom Emmanuel recently said he would not yield to them as he was unbothered by their antics.

The Governor’s position came on the heels of the uproar on the floor of the Senate, where Senator Albert Akpan from Akwa Ibom State had raised the alarm alleging that some political elements from the opposition party were planning to sponsor crisis in the forthcoming elections in the state in order to compromise the exercise. Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Governor Udom noted that while only God ultimately gives power, he was not afraid of losing re-election next year.

According to him, “There is something you people must know. When it comes to power it is only God who determines and we are conscious of that. We play politics of development and our people are seeing that. So, whatever would have tried in any way to distract us we don’t want to be distracted so, don’t be bothered about that. It is only God who determines what happens the next minute, not man. And no man is God.”

Governor Udom added that anyone planning violence and war in Akwa Ibom was wasting time as the people have resolved to be peaceful and will remain so. He, however, pointed out that such threats from any quarters were being noted even at the presidential level and he believes there is no cause for alarm.

He said, “At the moment, Akwa Ibom State is very peaceful. We only hear of these plots but we the indigenes are saying no, we are peaceful and we want to maintain peace. Whoever wants war, will see war on his own not within the state”

“Our own democracy is about development and I think we’re conscious of that. As of today in terms of internal security I think we are still doing very well and we’ll continue to carry everybody along.” He concluded that he was not at the Villa to discuss the alleged plot by opposition elements to compromise next year’s elections in the state with the President, but to discuss development issues concerning Akwa Ibom."

Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed insinuations in some quarters that the on-going recruitment into the state civil service was politically motivated.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Charles Udoh, explained that the exercise had nothing to do with Governor Udom Emmanuel’s re-election bid, adding that it was meant to fill existing vacancies in the civil service. He said, ‘Governor Emmanuel is not playing politics with development. Everything he is doing has been carefully planned and his 5-point agenda are interwoven’.

‘We didn’t deliberately start to create jobs in the civil service. We started by creating an alternative source of employment through industrialisation, tourism and agriculture, among others to stimulate the economy with a large value chain.’

‘Having done that, it is only natural to fill the gap created by civil servants, who retired. This government has carefully mapped out its plans. We are creating employment and it is only natural that we should fill those vacancies’.

Udoh affirmed that the exercise would follow due process as the government would pick the required numbers based on the existing positions. He maintained that the government would never toy with the welfare of its workers. The Commissioner insisted that pensioners, who were yet to collect their entitlements, were those who were still battling with clearance from the authorities.

Governor Udom, in deliberate effort to stimulate business growth in an economy that was under recession had earlier approved the release of two billion naira, as interest-free loans to Akwa Ibom traders to boost trade and commerce within the state.

Speaking on the need to organize interest free loans for traders, Governor Udom said “interest rate in the country is high, but we are making our scheme interest free to empower the entrepreneurs to grow their businesses for more outputs optimisation. This is because if we charge these entrepreneurs interest rate on the loan, as they are into small scale businesses, the interest rate would automatically wipe out their profits, making it difficult for their businesses to thrive”

As a result of the benefits that the traders in Akwa Ibom have received through this scheme, no fewer than 40,000 traders in Akwa Ibom State under different cooperative societies visited the state Government House. The reason for the visit was to thank the state governor Mr Udom Emmanuel, for boosting their businesses through interest-free loans.

The traders promised to reciprocate the gesture by supporting and embarking on a unit by unit mobilisation for the governor’s second term bid.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade and Market Matters, Akparawa Raphael, noted that the benefit of the interest-free loans to the traders could not be over-emphasized. “It is because of your kind gesture towards the traders that we have come to say a very big thank you. We are also praying and we are hopeful that you will do even more in your second term.’’ He said.

Governor Emmanuel reassured them that his administration was committed to providing an enabling environment for every business, especially small and medium scale businesses to thrive.

Governor Emmanuel said, “One of my visions for Akwa Ibom State is wealth creation. Today, we have provided an atmosphere where businesses can thrive. I sincerely thank the traders for seeing the need to appreciate the interest-free loans.’’

Over 20,000 workers in Akwa Ibom State public service have been promoted within 3 years by the Udom Emmanuel administration.

Also thirty permanent Secretaries have been appointed within three years and seniority restored in the system. The head of civil service Mrs Ekerebong Akpan disclosed this during an interactive meeting with senior civil servant from level 13 to 17.

She said that 5,000 secondary school teachers and 3000 primary school teachers have been employed into the school system.

According to the head of Civil Service the automatic payroll system has eradicated bottle necks hitherto experienced by workers during retirement as names of retired workers are systematically transferred from the salary payroll to an automatic pension payroll thus eliminate cases of pension arrears. The head of Civil Service said backlog of gratuity have been paid up to those that retired in November 2015 and that verification and compilation of the 2016 and 2017 batch have been processed for payment.

She advised civil servants not to be partisan in the “Team Akwa Ibom Project” adding that any civil servant interested in partisan politics should resign from the service.

The head of service announced a voluntary scheme as a new welfare package for public service to start from entry and terminate at retirement.
According to her, workers who are close to retirement may not join the scheme.

Speaking on behalf of workers the director technical services, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Inyang Jameson, Deputy Director Culture, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. John Offiong, Secretary Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, AKISIEC, Joseph Esidem and Mr. Victor Edet of the Ministry of Economic Development commended the state government for innovations introduced into the management of the state public service and prompt payment of salaries.

Meanwhile a committee for the Harmonization of scheme of service in state owned tertiary institution: Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic Ikot Osurua and College of Science and Technology Nung Ukim, Ikono has submitted report to the state government.

The committee was set up in August 2018 following complain of disparities in the scheme of service by Labour Unions operating in the various institutions.

It was headed by the chairman Civil Service Commission, Apostle Sunny Akpadiaha.

Receiving the report on behalf of the state government, the head of Civil Service, Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan expressed hope that recommendations in the report when implemented will address areas of contending issues.

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, has said that the state governor, Udom Emmanuel, prefer to execute small projects that impact lives, instead of building gigantic structures that do not add value to the economy of the state.

Inyang-Eyen made the assertion against the backdrop of insinuations that the governor was not executing gigantic projects like his predecessor, Sen. Godswill Akpabio. He said the administration was determined to ensure that it does not embark on projects that might be abandoned eventually. “Governor Emmanuel is dealing with things that impact lives rather than building gigantic structures that can never come to fruition.

He is focusing on small industries like the syringe factory, the flour mill, metering factory and rice mill”. he said.
Signature projects are important but unfortunately most of the signature projects started by the previous administration have been left uncompleted.

Speaking on the initiation of signature projects, Inyang-Eyen said, “How has the signature projects impacted our lives or added value to our Internally Generated Revenue? What is the employment ratio of those signature projects? Is it the E-Library that is not functional, the Tropicana, or the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road that are functional? We are still spending money to ensure the completion of the road”.

Since Emmanuel Udom took the realms as the Governor of Akwa Ibom, there have been a number of commendable projects he has initiated. Many of these projects have boosted the economy of Akwa Ibom and have removed a large number of unemployed people from the streets, youths especially.

Another make-up story here again. When will the ALL Progressives Party stop chasing shadows? And whoever is writing this assassination script is not intelligent enough. Firstly, the intention of hired assassins is to kill. I f that is ithe case, how can hired assassins that have the opportunity to kill their victics decide to shoot the leg intead. Is it for the victim to stay alive and be shouting? Noo, APC needs to apply common sense.

That looks like a makeup to me. Apc trying everything possible to tarnish the image of PDP in SS. Be rest assured , you will be heavily resisted . He probably shot himself for the media attention

The latest is that hired assassins shot Mfon Udeme, a former aide to Gov Udom Emmanuel, because he resigned to join Godswill Akpabio in APC. Needless to say that the police which is being controlled by the Federal Government constituted by the ruling APC has again come out to refute this assertion, clarifying that what happened to Udeme is armed robbery attack.

The writer made it sound as if the PDP targeted him because he changed his allegiance to the APC. There are thousands who have jumped ship from one party to another in this season of ship jumping, and they are still alive

Let’s face it. What is the political capital of Udeme that the PDP will aim at killing him. Even the story is so framed in such a way that the APC is obviously pointing accusing fingers at PDP. They have forgotten that they are not talking to dummies. Nigerians can reason never mind that the APC led government takes them for granted a lot of the time. Nigerians have identified it as a bias report and are asking APC to be objective and factual and stop making up stories to attract sympathy.

Now these are some of the questions on the lips of Nigerians:

How exactly and where did this incidence happen? There was no mention of that instead they are only interested in deceiving the public that the PDP was responsible for the attack. 

What is the evidence that the PDP ws involved in the attack. No concrete evidence , yet they are very authoritative about PDP’S involvement.

Has the police issued any statement implicating the PDP? N, rather the police statement suggested otherwise.

Are Nigerians being attacked everyday? Yes, so what evidence proves that this is not one of such attacks? None.

One of the real difficulties that Nigeria is facing as a country is its failure to sustain its overflowing populace. This is regardless of its huge arable land for agribusiness and favourable climate all seasons. For sure, it is a mystery that nations that once in a while have downpours and those in total deserts have some way or another figured out how to overcome hunger by exploiting innovations while Nigeria is as yet battling regardless of its advantages in this area.

It is therefore seemingly impossible to ignore any leader that takes the bull by the horn by organizing agribusiness with the focus of having beneficial outcomes both on the general population and the nation at large. The fortunate thing about Nigeria is that our leaders don't need to battle to cut down rain as it is done in a few sections of the world or to wet the land as the rain is constantly here. Neither do they need to depend on any conceptual innovation to make the land rich, nature has generous favoured that area.

For this reason, the endeavours of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel especially in the agricultural sector can't be overlooked. What the state has accomplished over the most recent three years ought to be an example for any leader that is covetous of increasing the pay base of their states. From the start, the governor proclaimed a state of emergency in the agricultural sector, targeting food sufficiency, welfare of the people, export and economic development of the state.

When Emmanuel was sworn in as the governor of the state in 2015, he made certain promises. Specifically, he believes the state is blessed with abundant natural resources, fertile and good climate that can make it possible for it to produce sufficient food to feed its teeming population and provide a sustainable raw materials base for her burgeoning industries. Fortunately, Akwa Ibom State is blessed with arable land and favourable climate that supports all-year-round cultivation and extraction of agricultural and forest products such as palm produce, rubber, cocoa, rice, cassava, yam, plantain, banana, maize, and timber.

In three years, the 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. Also, 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.

In addition to this, the state has invested in the construction of Vegetable Green Houses and cattle ranch, cultivated over 1,200 hectares of rice farmlands and constructed 33 micro cassava processing mills. Realising the importance of training in the sustenance of laudable projects such as the one being championed in the state’s agric sector, the state has trained 300 youths under the graduate Unemployment Youth Scheme. This is also solving the unemployment rate in the state as each of the graduates is given N1m to embark on any agricultural enterprise. Knowing the importance of the use of modern technology and equipment in the 21st century farming, the state constructed a Tractor Hiring Enterprise Centre.

It has also refurbished the Cassava Processing factories at Ikot Okudom in Eket LGA, Nung Udoe; Ibeskpo/Asutan LGA and Ikot Ekang in Abak LGA and leased two private operators for the production of high quality garri, odourless fufu and cassava flour.

According to available records, the state has so far procured 600,000 bags of fertiliser for farmers in the state and distributed 500 citrus seedlings, 600 hybrids plantain suckers and 1,000 pineapple suckers for farmers. The people of Akwa Ibom could easily testify to the crash in the price of garri since the investment in the agric sector took off. Many of them are of the view that the price has dropped to a third of what it used to be three years ago. This is instructive. It doesn’t take rocket science for any smart leader to make positive impacts on the people. All it takes is to understand the problem, identify workable solution and be committed to solving the problem. If any leader is doing the right thing, it will perforate to the populace in no time.

The state government has gone ahead to establish a large hybrid rubber nursery at Ebighi Anwa, Okobo LGA in partnership with the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria for distribution to rubber farmers at highly subsidised rates. The government is also encouraging the establishment of demonstration plots on various agricultural technologies for transfer of improved technologies to farmers through the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme. Through the foresight of the governor, the state government has built at least three model villages for production, processing and packaging of Vitamin A products even as the state partners with the World Bamboo Organisation for bamboo development in the state.

There is hardly any area in the agric sector that the state is not focusing on and there is also hardly any local government area that is not being touched. That is also a demonstration of commitment to even development across the state. The state has procured and distributed 30,000hybrid plantain suckers to 348 farmers, installed maize preservation and shelling machine in Nung Ndoe; another pioneer multiplication sites developed in Nsit Atai; while 35 boreholes have been constructed as part of infrastructural benefits of FADAMA at Sawah Rice Production, Nnung Obong; agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprise.

Diverse crops are now cultivated in different places in Akwa Ibom State today ranging from cassava plantation in Ibeskpo to cucumber vegetable across other local governments of the state. The lesson from all of these is that a lot can be accomplished when there is a will and commitment to making a difference in any particular sector by any leader. The governor has not left anyone in doubt of his commitment to making good his promise of transforming the economy of Akwa Ibom State via industrialisation and sustained public-private sector initiative thereby opening up opportunities for growth and improved living standards.

Thinking back these most recent three years, he has accomplished what he guaranteed particularly in the agrarian division. Governor Emmanuel has made a striking move to anchor the fate of Akwa Ibom State through farming in the occasion that oil stops to yield as much income as it does today. Through his strategy in farming, his administration is making sustenance security, mechanical centers and huge openings for work for the general population of Akwa Ibom. The state is being changed from one that is vigorously reliant on government allotments to one that produces income and gains outside trade through farming.

From all signs, it is evident that Akwa Ibom State overall has profited from Emmanuel's choice to put resources into the agricultural sector.

By James Uwem

It seems the only lie in the propaganda kit of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State is to cook up stories of assassination just for the purpose of drawing attention. It started with the former Minority Leader in the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio shortly after he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to APC and suddenly discovered that the move was a strong political miscalculation as his people refused to follow him to the party that they felt had shortchanged Nigeria in the last three and half years.

He then came up with a lie that he narrowly escaped assassination claiming that there were gunshots aimed at killing him in Akwa Ibom when he was holing a meeting with some people. Of course, the police swiftly denied this and curiously, up till now, there is no evidence yet from the senator’s camp to debunk the police position other than the mere words of the mouth of the accuser. Up till now, no one has been arrested over the assassination bid and the senator has since kept quiet.

Again, just a few days ago, Nsima Ekere, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission , who incidentally just got the APC ticket to contest as its governorship candidate in the state after a primary full of rancor is telling the same lie again. He said he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. He alleged that the security agents had gone away with the expended bullet allegedly fired into his room but as usual, the police have said there was nothing like an expended bullet. In spite of the police denial, he is still going about deceiving the undiscerning minds that some people, and in this case, the ruling party in the state, is after his life, because according to him, he is gaining popularity in the state, the same reason given by Akpabio for the attack on his life.

In Nigerian politics, anything can be used as a campaign weapon no matter how stupid the argument sounds. People just sit down and fabricate lies just to please their sponsors, have access to media space, albeit for a few moments and gain attention even if it is for a day.
It is not surprising though that the APC in Akwa Ibom will resort to lies and deceptions to gain attention. It is not easy to be in a party that is unpopular among the majority of the people. A typical Akwa Ibom indigene just does not want to hear anything about APC. This is a party that has impoverished Nigerians and caused untold hardship on them in the last three and half years. Besides, they don’t want anything that will alter the peace and the gains of democracy that they have been enjoying under PDP particularly with Udom Emmanuel at the saddle of affairs.

Emmanuel has been quietly charting a new dawn for the state via his industrialization drive turning the mainly civil service state to an industrial haven such that the state is now the second most preferred state after Rivers for foreign investment in Nigeria today.
So, for a party considered to be an outcast, irrelevant and unwanted, it is understandable that the members will spit out lies if not for anything but at least to remind the people and their sponsors that they are still in existence. A typical Akwa Ibom man will tell you today that the state is PDP and PDP is Akwa Ibom. The state has ever been ruled by the PDP. Though they love Akpabio their son, they are nonetheless disappointed in him that he chose the wrong party this time around for whatever reason.

In fact, the state elders in a public notice advert this week have called on security agencies and the Federal Government to take particular interest in the false stories of lies of assassination bids by the opposition in the state. Their fear is that these people may have been cooking up these lies to use them as excuse to invite the ruling party at the federal level to form a siege round the state all in the name of protecting some people, thereby disrupting the peace of the state. This fear cannot be dismissed going by the way the APC led government has been using state power to intimidate the opposition.

Perhaps, it is high time Ekere and others in the APC in the state should be reminded that nobody believed the lies and propaganda of assassination again. In fact, the good people of Akwa Ibom are tired of hearing such lies being repeated. The governor is too busy thinking of how to develop the state than waste precious times hatching assassination bids on anybody. Hence, they should think of other ways of getting attention.

The Akwa Ibom Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan, has said that Governor Udom Emmanuel is harnessing the maritime potentials in the state to boost the state’s economy. She says when all the state’s investments in maritime fully take off; Akwa Ibom will take the centre stage in global maritime economy.

The head of civil service stated this when the zonal vice president of the Maritime Workers Union, Comrade Ekong Atai, led other members of the team on a visit on her in her office recently.

The head of civil service listed such investments in the maritime sector to include the Ibaka Deep Seaport project, Ibom Industrial City, Liberty Free Trade Zone, landing jetties and other maritime transport facilities. She called on Akwa Ibom people to key into this vision by investing and developing the needed manpower to enable them to benefit from this lucrative sector.

She thanked the zonal maritime workers for their on-going advocacy for the sponsorship of manpower training of Akwa Ibom youths in the relevant skills to strategically equip and position them to benefit optimally from the empowerment opportunities in the maritime sector. She also encouraged Akwa Ibom entrepreneurs to take advantage of the strategic location of Akwa Ibom within the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean and key into the investment opportunities this proximity offers.

The head of civil service described the dearth of skilled and certificated maritime workers in the state and assured that their proposal for the training of 250 Akwa Ibom youths on basic seafaring and retraining of experienced hands on higher skills to enable them acquire the status of able seamen (AB), officers on board, master mariners, chief engineers as well as captains of vessels would be forwarded to appropriate quarters for necessary action. She thanked them for the visit and wished them well in their various endeavours.

Earlier, the zonal vice president of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Ekong Atai, had informed the head of civil service that the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria is an industrial union that caters for the welfare of the employees in the maritime sector. Atai said that the union encourages high level of productivity and efficiency among its 6,000 members in the maritime industry.

Atai lamented the shortage of skilled manpower in the state to compete for the available employment opportunities and solicited the inclusion of training of youths in maritime-related skills in the empowerment programme of the state as well as the provision of safety kits and fishing accessories to indigenous artisans and water transport operators to enhance their productivity and give them a sense of belonging. The zonal vice president also requested for an office accommodation for the union.

He used the forum to commend the achievements of the Governor Udom-led administration in the areas of industrialization, infrastructural development and labour-friendly disposition. He thanked the head of civil service and pledged the union’s support and cooperation to the present administration.

Governor Udom Emmanuel in just three years in office as the governor of Akwa Ibom State has improved the economy of the state by encouraging the development of small scale industries in the state. This stems from the governor’s belief that small firms are relevant and vital to the development of the state economy and not just the big firms alone.

These past three years, Governor Emmanuel has seen to the creation of various small firms that have in turn boosted the economy of the state. Akwa Ibom now hosts companies that manufacture tooth-picks, pencils, plastics, bamboo pulp, hydro form blocks moulding, electric metering, syringe and coconut oil factories, in addition to a flour mill and a fertiliser blending plant. Other small concerns include the Akwa Prime Hatchery and tomato farms.

During a recent inspection visit to the coconut factory built by Udom Emmanuel’s government in Onna, Governor Udom Emmanuel was quoted to have revealed that the factory would provide direct employment to 1,500 employees.

Emmanuel Enoidem, a former commissioner and an indigene of the State explained that, “the coconut factory would be supported by an 11,000 hectares of coconut plantation which could become the largest such planned cultivation in Africa on completion.”

The former commissioner further revealed that the plantation, on its own, would employ between 2000 and 3000 persons directly, while the factory is designed to process one million coconuts daily, for full capacity production.

The governor also revealed that the “small” coconut industry is projected to yield $200 million to the coffers of the State monthly, which will be an immense boost to the internally generated revenue of the State.

The ex-commissioner explained that the small had been impactful, environmentally friendly and would have a transformational impact on the economy, enhance the productivity of the people and improve the work culture, besides engendering a positive psychology among the people.

The “small is beautiful” economic model adopted by the governor of Akwa Ibom State is based on sheer simplicity – “an amazingly small means leading to extra-ordinary satisfactory results,” he noted.

It is a common saying that great strides often begin with small steps. These small industries created by Udom’s government to produce goods and services needed for the existence and wellbeing of the people can stimulate the economy of the State, transform the people and change, in a positive way, the economic profile of the State.

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr Akan Okon revealed the state government had made significant progress at the Ibom International Airport and the Ibom deep seaport respectively in the past three years as a result of the importance Governor Udom Emmanuel attaches to such infrastructure.

Okon debunked the claim that the government was not doing anything in Uyo on the state of the Ibom deep seaport project. He disclosed that the ground breaking hopefully would be performed by November this year. He also stated that all other processes that lead to the construction had been completed and all that is left is to sign a negotiation with the preferred bidder. He said, “And with the level that we have reached now, by the end of November this year, God willing, there should be a ground breaking. The most important thing was getting a preferred bidder. We have done that. The bidder’s conference was held in May this year in Uyo.

The Deep seaport project would benefit Akwa Ibom in various ways. For one, the establishment of the seaport would provide job opportunities for the indigenes of Akwa Ibom. Okon said, “anywhere in the world that you have a seaport, it is capable of changing the narrative of the society because of the employment opportunity it creates. That is why upon assumption of office, Governor Emmanuel set up a technical committee to ensure that the Ibom Deep seaport project is realized.”

Speaking on other infrastructural developments birthed by Governor Udom’s administration, Okon expressed that quite a number of sectors have been improved as a result of the importance Udom places on Infrastructures. He said, “in respect of other things that we have done, you know that our Airport has been run on generator since inception. But I am happy to tell you that this government has successfully completed a power substation to power the Airport. We believe this is going to ensure that the Airport is run efficiently. Notwithstanding that the resources that is available to us is not the way it used to be, but the government attaches importance to such infrastructure.”

The Akwa Ibom State government has described as mischief makers people suggesting that the state is yet to reabsorb the 5,000 teachers sacked in the twilight of the Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration. The teachers were sacked on ground of alleged fake credentials and other irregularities observed in the recruitment process.

According to the state government, those qualified among the teachers were reabsorbed in 2017 while the state has since recruited more teachers since then.

The State Head of Civil Service, Mrs Ekere obong Akpan, had explained that the affected teachers, whose appointment letters were dated April 1, 2015, were hurriedly recruited by the immediate past administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio a month before his exit.

The teachers did not receive posting to schools from April 2015 to October 2016 though they were duly issued letters of appointment.

The State Head of Civil Service said the government screened and re-validated the affected teachers, adding that the government decided to open another window of opportunity for the teachers after they submitted their original credentials.

She said that the government also set up a committee to ascertain the total number of staff inherited from the six privately owned community schools taken over by the government in 2012 and had absorbed all the bonafide teaching and non-teaching staff as identified by the community.

In another development, Ekere also revealed that the state was at an advanced stage of ensuring workers own houses, adding that a circular to that effect would soon be out with different ministries being allotted specific numbers they should receive applications from.

According to the HOS, the current administration was determined to ensure civil servants own houses which they would be expected to be paying monthly for the next 15 or 20 years as the case may be. She stressed, “This is a state where workers and retirees are taken care of. We are working with the salary consultants. If you retire today, by 12 midnight, your name will be inactive in the integrated payroll and become active in the pension payroll”.

Also, Ekere commended the current administration saying, “This administration has tried within its power to do a lot of things. We have had over 20,000 persons promoted within this period. This is beside junior staff in all our MDAs. This is beside promotions in the judiciary and the extra-ministerial departments and tertiary institutions. You know what that will mean if we were to add all of these together. They all have been promoted. I can give you the details of the arrears that have been paid including people that were employed into the service in 2014 and 2015 and were not paid. All of them have been paid. The last batch is coming up in October payment. This is a state that is still paying leave grants.”

“The arrears we are talking about for the newly employed people we had, 2,249 of them, have now been paid close to N1 billion. Most of them have not informed their people that they have received their salaries. If they are owed one year, they are paid all in one day including the current month. I speak from records that we have,” she stated.

Ekere admitted that she had been aware of the challenges that workers faced since the creation of the state. She believed that Ibom workers would prefer Governor Emmanuel in 2019 given his track record of how he had made their lives better.

As a proof of the increase in quality education in Akwa Ibom State, the Ibom Agenda
recently welcomed the feat by two Akwa Ibom secondary school children in the just
concluded Stockholm Junior Water Prize Competition in Sweden.

Parents and guardians with wards in public school were urged to be inspired by this
accomplishment. They were told to view this feat as indicative of the prospects of their
children to go far irrespective of the fact that they attend government-owned schools. The
Ibom Agenda aims to make government-owned institutions up to standard as against the
popular opinion about government owned schools.

The students, Master Iniso Edward and Miss Blessing Umoukpong, currently schooling in
Akwa Ibom State Government-owned Northern Annang Secondary Commercial School,
NASCO, in Etim Ekpo LGA of the state returned to the country after representing the country
in the water competition in Sweden, where they came third position from 42 representatives
from across the world. The students had earlier taken the first position in the national
competition that took place in Abuja.

“This is a salutary development coming from government run schools and may indicate the
improvement in the educational sector. Where commendation should be given, we want to
give it to the present administration in Akwa Ibom State.

“However, the feat should be a lesson to parents and the students of government-owned
institutions that Akwa Ibom children no matter the schools they attend have the potential to
go far only if they focus on their studies.”