Hi everyone..

On this thread, I'll be posting news updates from Akwa Ibom State. Please subscribe if you're from Akwa Ibom or if you love Akwa Ibom state.

TheHonourable:
Hi everyone..

On this thread, I'll be posting news updates from Akwa Ibom State. Please subscribe if you're from Akwa Ibom or if you love Akwa Ibom state.

News update about what if you don't mind me asking.

854 illegal schools soon to be closed down in Akwa Ibom State

*********
The Honourable Member Representing Mbo State Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Education, Hon Samuel Ufuo has disclosed the closure of 854 illegal schools operating in the State by 31st August, 2017. This, he said was government plan to raise the standard of Education as well as sanitizing the system. He dismissed insinuations from various quarters that the closure was to witch-hunt anybody describing it as erroneous.

Source: https://ibomspectator./2017/07/20/854-illegal-schools-soon-to-be-closed-down-in-akwa-ibom-state/

mormonslayer:


News update about what if you don't mind me asking.

Happenings in Akwa Ibom State. Especially, Political..

Specifically those you would not find on National Tabloids.

AKISIEC releases guidelines for November 11 Akwa Ibom State Local Government Council Election
***********

According to the release published on Thursday July 20, 2017 by Punch Newspaper;

(i)candidate must not be less than 30 years, while Councillorship candidate must not be less than 25 years.

(ii.) Minimum qualification shall be Senior School Certificate or its equivalent.

(iii.) Evidence of payment to the Commission a non-refundable processing fee of; 150,000.00 for Chairmen, 100,000.00 for Vice Chairmen, 50,000.00 for Councillors.

(iv.) Electioneering campaigns by political parties shall commence on Monday 17th August, 2017 and end Thursday 9th November, 2017.

(v.) Political parties shall conduct primaries between Saturday 12th August, 2017 and Sunday 3rd September, 2017.

Source: https://ibomspectator./2017/07/20/akisiec-releases-guidelines-for-november-11-akwa-ibom-state-local-government-council-election/

TheHonourable:


Happenings in Akwa Ibom State. Especially, Political..

Specifically those you would not find on National Tabloids.

Thank you.

Over 800 schools ?

Any news on the Abak road robbery? Heard a girl died of stray bullet wounds and the samaritan who helped her to the hospital was arrested as a suspect

subtlemee:
Any news on the Abak road robbery? Heard a girl died of stray bullet wounds and the samaritan who helped her to the hospital was arrested as a suspect

AZ: 5300/AIS/PPRD/VOL.2/43 19/07/2017

PRESS RELEASE REJOINDER
RE: ARMED ROBBERS ATTACKED A COMMERCIAL BANK IN UYO
The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has been drawn to a publication in social media on 18th July, 2017 with the above caption, and wishes to state categorically that the said information is baseless, unfounded, false, misleading and should be disregarded out rightly.
We could have dismissed this story as one of those noted for irredeemable, inaccuracies and unbalanced but for the obvious intended mischief and misinformation by social media writers in the desperate attempt to attract traffic to their blogs.
It is clear that the bloggers did not make any attempt to contact the Command PPRO to verify the credibility of the story before disseminating it through the social media for public consumption.
To set the records straight and give a clear and correct picture of issues raised in the said online report, the Command wish to inform the public that there was no robbery attack on any commercial bank anywhere in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The incident that was erroneously referred to was a clash between rival cult gangs along the road which was promptly contained by the swift response of our patrol teams.
We call on well-meaning Nigerian not to believe the exaggerated version of the online story and call on the bloggers to always check their contents before rushing online and also reflect on the true account of what transpired.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reiterated his commitment in keeping the state safe and secured.
DSP CHUKWU IKECHUKWU
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
AKWA IBOM STATE.

OnowuOra:
Over 800 schools ?

The rate at which illegal primary and post schools are opening is becoming alarming.. I see that as a right move in a right direction.

MKPAT ENIN, ARISE!
“Hon. Otobong Ndem is my name, I speak for the good people of Mkpat Enin State Constituency, and by the grace of God, the largest political entity in Akwa Ibom”.
As quoted above, that is how the consciousness of the governing and governed lot of Akwa Ibom citizens is being awaken to the political importance of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area whenever the representative of the area rises to speak in legislative chambers of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
Looking beyond the intention of adding “swag” (as the younger generation would term) to legislative exhibition, Mkpat Enin in reality, has grown to become the largest political entity in the state with four clans and fourteen wards and carrying one of the weightiest voting strength among local government areas in the state.
However, it is sad that this political importance does not reflect in the area where it concerns development, as compared to other areas in the state with relative or even less political strength. This spites the contributory roles played by the area through its indigenes, individually and collectively, in the emergence and successful running of governments in the state since the advent of democracy in 1999.
For some reasons, actions and inactions of leaders in the area past or present, the said political importance has been misused, taken undue advantage of, and left to remain nothing but a springboard that leaps a privileged few to political limelight without having any impactful efforts reinvested in its development.
Perhaps, things have remained the way they are because our leaders have been allowed the freedom to spend valuable time and resources tussling for power and political supremacy, while we the followers split into groups, taking different queues behind them and ignorantly giving them the political might to contend over things that would bring no developmental impacts to the area and its collective masses.
Truth is, there is no burden of total blame to be borne by Mkpat Enin leaders past and present. The blame for Mkpat Enin woes over the years is for every indigene dead or alive. This is so because we have been watching our leaders negotiating the path of failure, yet, fail to ask questions that could have caused them to redirect their steps to the right path.
We all failed when and where we failed to ask questions as regarding how and why our developmental rights were traded for selfish gains. We failed when we chose to accept peanuts to back the power contenders in their struggle and never asked to know how their struggle would bring development to our area of origin.
Sad truth- this status quo will remain until we rise as a collective and agitate for a change; a positive one at that. In agitating for the said change, our duty is not to apportion blames for the mistakes of the past, but to accept our own responsibility in fixing the future.
Granted, a few of them in the past made, and the ones in the present are still making sincere efforts through their little contributions. These efforts we acknowledge and appreciate. But as long as the narrative remains unchanged, then it must be that they were/are not just good enough. Perhaps, our agitating voices, if loud enough, will prick more consciences and trigger more actions.
Fellow Mkpat Enin compatriots, this is seeking your partnership as we take up our responsibility in projecting the #NewMkpatEnin with a maiden edition of BUSINESS UNUSUAL- a project that will provide for us the platform to directly engage aspiring leaders in Mkpat Enin on their leadership blueprints.
The event is open to all indigenes of Mkpat Enin at home and in the diaspora. For enquiries and contributions, call 08021419939 or 07034716158. See attached flier for more details.

Press release
CONFUSION IS AN OBVIOUS SIGN OF LACK OF PREPARATION
Whereas we had previously reacted to a poorly crafted press statement by a faction of the All Progressive Congress Akwa Ibom State chapter signed by the Acting publicity secretary Edet Bassey, Esq where he stated inter alia that "APC has taken a decision not to partake in the Local government elections scheduled for November 11, 2017" . Today, we have seen a statement dancing on the social media space issued by the same signatory (Edet Bassey)seeking to clarify the earlier issued statement.
We are completely taken aback by this barefaced, shameless and most unprofessional attempt at retraction of a previously clearly stated and unambiguous position. For ease of reference may I replicate ipsisima verba the critical parts of the two statements
Statement 1
"APC has taken a decision not to partake in the Local government elections scheduled for November 11, 2017" .
Statement 2
"APC has not boycotted nor withdrawn from the election".
Even a child in elementary school with a basic comprehension of English language will note that these statements are contradictory and the later does not clarify the former, rather it negates it.
Just as we pointed out in our previous reply, these are the various manifestations of lack of preparation, more to come in the days ahead.
Additionally, we sincerely appeal to the APC to always check their facts before stating them- as a lawyer the spokesman ought to remember that an allegation remains an allegation and lies only in the mouth or heart of the person alleging without more, lacking in probative value. Therefore such flimsy and baseless allegations cannot form a solid foundation for any reasonable action. For their information, there was no local government elections in 2007, so the electoral umpire cannot be said to have committed electoral fraud where an election did not take place. More important is the fact that you cannot complain about a process where you were not a party to, because you cannot relate first hand the circumstances that led to the events and results therefrom(privity of contract). It is a fact that APC as a party has never participated in any local government elections in akwa ibom state, so it is grossly incompetent to complain about it and the umpire. They should take a cue from the other opposition parties (some having won local government elections under the said umpire) that have readily indicated their intentions to partake in the election.
While we are not opposed to any legal action by the dramatic opposition- APC in Akwa Ibom State, we congratulate them for accepting to travel the lane of wisdom by heeding the advice contained in our previous reply and accepting to partake in the elections.
Finally, I remember that the publicity secretary of the All Progressive Congress Akwa Ibom State had stated in a radio interview that he intends to learn on the job. With such open admission, we owe him free lessons as much as possible. So here are few tips, please always give your releases a heading and when issuing a rejoinder,it's best to use the previous heading with (Re. This will help the reader comprehend it better. (Thank me later)
But as an aside, there are pictures circulatng on social media, of one Mr. Udobong (claiming to be the State Publicity Secretary of your party) with the national chairman and National Publicity Secretary of your party at a meeting of state publicity secretaries. Are you sure you do not want to clear the air on that issue, so that we know who to react to? Because this your 360 degree turn on the local government polls seems to validate the position conveyed by Mr udobong.
Signed:
Comrade Ini Ememobong
State Publicity Secretary
Peoples Democratic Party
Akwa Ibom State
17th July,2017

WHY APC BRAND STRUGGLES IN AKWA IBOM
Alternative choice(s) is one of the beauties of democracy. This is the spirit behind party politics. In advance democracies, like US for instance, you have two major political parties that differ sharply in their philosophies and ideals.
This gives the people alternative choices.
In the case of Nigeria it is difficult to make this distinction because most often than not political parties are not formed on the basis of ideology. Only the Peoples’ Democratic Party generally enjoyed the privilege of a clear political ideology which can be said to lean towards the centre-right. Its main rival All Progressives Congress could not be said to lean towards the centre-left, thus providing an alternative platform. This is because its founding members and to some extent founding philosophy was a mixed breed. About 50% of its founding members favor a combination of the social democratic philosophy of Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as well as the social classless view of Late Aminu Kano. The other half however were aggrieved former PDP members who co-found the party with all the trappings of PDP their still in their pockets. This leaves APC with equivocal political philosophy which has made decision makings spontaneous at best, and governance most often than not reactive.
Questions arise with respect to most policies of the APC led government. Even the national budget which was passed after over six months into the year is still being amended indicating some degree of spontaneity in its packaging. All these are signs of lack of cohesion and clear visions.
In Akwa Ibom, like in most Southern states, APC is just a group of aggrieved former PDP members. For instance, the supposed foundation father of APC in the state, Sen Udoedehe was a Minister under PDP government who left the party out of grievances. His political ideals have not changed. The 2015 governorship flag bearer, Obong Umana was SSG under PDP and a strong PDP chieftain who left for APC out of grievances. His political beliefs and aspirations which attracted him to PDP have not changed. Erstwhile PDP State Chairman Arc Otu Ita Toyo, the encyclopedia of PDP ideals left for APC out of grievances. Unlike him, this human encyclopedia hasn't been able to articulate in clear terms the ideals of his new party. Not because he has lost steam but because there is no clear ideals to articulate. No wonder his current writings are more of criticism of his former party laced with advice than highlights of the philosophy of his new party. Obong Nsima Ekere, NDDC MD who is said to be nursing governorship ambition was Deputy Governor and Ag Governor under PDP and chieftain of PDP who headed the G22 but left for APC due to grievances. It's doubtful whether this erstwhile PDP mania would find it easy to win election under any other umbrella given the dose of PDP still in his blood. The list is endless - Chief Ita Awak former Commissioner under PDP, the revered Don Etiebet former Minister of Petroleum and founding member of PDP, the respected Chief Edet Mkpubre, former Chairman PDP South South etc etc non of these men can say in clear terms what attracted them to APC; rather what they would tell you is what pushed them out of PDP. No wonder Obong Victor Attah hung his boots.
The Akwa Ibom Chapter of APC could have been better named "Aggrieved People's Congress (APC)". But for the respect this writer has for the aggrieved gentlemen. Without doubt Akwa Ibom APC is 100% photo copy of PDP. In fact if you have been opportune to chat with any of these gentlemen, all you hear is their points of disagreement and grievances with PDP ranging from PDP's perceived impunity and then Gov Akpabio's supposed sins, nothing more. But all that would now be history, given, the rebranding, reconciliation and reorganization process currently in place led by the amiable party leader Alh Ahmed Makarfi.
At the grassroots APC is a distant drum. It only has strong presence on social media notably Face Book but little or no presence where the real voters live. Most Ward excos are ragtags while some wards are completely free of APC.
The case of Urueoffong/Oruko State Constituency that APC won in 2015, was classical case of PDP members that voted against an unbearable individual. It was a case of one chance without a repeat-possibility. In fact up to the point the results were announced the candidate himself was still a PDP member. PDP like ANC in South Africa is more of a mass movement than a political party. It is everywhere. It's hold on the grassroots is unrelenting. In Kano recently when Former President Jonathan went for condolence visit, the movement erupted into re-drive and it took security services several hours to control grassroots supporters that came out to express regret about the events of 2015. PDP may have made mistakes in 2015 and coupled with Alh Ali Sheriff's saga of the last several months which give Nigerians cause for concern. But on hindsight they count it all joy like The Bible says. Sad as those issues may have been, they have become 2 powerful elixirs as well as learning points that have re-strengthen the party.
This is more so in Akwa Ibom where PDP remains a religion. It is therefore illogical to imagine that Akwa Ibom APC can provide alternative platform to PDP in 2019 or at any other time in the nearest future. This is impossible because a photo copy, no matter how bright, is always one step behind the original copy.
James Abang Writes From Atte-Okiuso Village, C/O Oyubia PA, Urueoffong/Oruko LGA.

Heavily-armed Security Men Invade Abuja Home of Ex-Governor Akpabio’s Aide *****
Heavily-armed security operatives on Sunday morning raided the Abuja home of Mary Ekpenyong, an aide to the Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio. The operatives suspected to belong to the State Security Service (SSS), arrived Mrs. Ekpenyong’s home at about 10.30am. A private security man guarding the compound located in Jabi District said the armed men forcefully entered the house after breaking down doors with heavy equipment. “It was about exactly 10.30 am that six armed persons came to the compound and ask for Madam and I told them the family traveled to Akwa Ibom,” the security man told Next Edition. “When I asked them to identify themselves, they shouted at me to shut up. One of them asked me to produce the keys to the house and threatened to deal with me if I don’t oblige them. “They told me they came to find the stockpile of arms and money hidden in the compound by the senate minority leader. “Since I couldn’t produce the keys, they brought out some equipment and forced the doors open and ransacked all the rooms.” The security man said the operatives painstakingly searched the rooms for over three hours while holding him hostage. But a source at the headquarters of the People Democratic Party (PDP) hinted that the federal government was targeting Mr. Akpabio because of his influence at the Senate. The source, who pleaded not to be named because he is not authorised to speak on the matter said the party received intelligence report that the government would soon clamp down on key opposition figures in the country

IKONO yet again in the history books.
Akwa Ibom General Appointed Head of New Air
Force Command


Akwa Ibom has recorded another major military
feat with the appointment and assumption of
office of a two-star general from the state, Air
Vice Marshal (AVM) Sampson Okon Akpasa, as
the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) the newly-
established Ground Training Command of the
Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Enugu.


AVM Akpasa’s appointment, announced recently
as part of a major shake-up in the NAF by the
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba
Abubakar, is the latest in a series of strategic
military appointments that have come to Akwa
Ibom since President Muhammadu Buhari
assumed office two years ago.
A command in the Air Force and Navy is an
equivalent of a division in the Army.


As AOC, his Area of Responsibility (AoR) covers
nine units in Enugu, Kaduna, Plateau and Lagos
States.

Those units are the Military Training Centre,
Kaduna, the Regiment Training Centre, Kaduna,
the Base Services Group, Enugu, the NAF Station,
Jos, the NAF Hospital, Jos, the Senior Non-
Commissioned Officers Leadership and
Management Academy, temporarily in Kaduna, the
NAF School of Finance and Accounts, Badagry,
the Communications Group, Enugu, and the NAF
Institute of Administrative Management,
temporarily in Kaduna.


Contacted on telephone, AVM Akpasa, said he
hoped to put up enduring structures and set
standards in the new command.
The indigene of Nkwot Etok village in Odoro Ikono
(Ikono North) community of Ini Local Government
Area (LGA) said he was not intimidated by the
enormous challenges of starting the newest of the
NAF’s six commands because “we are trained
and brought up to handle situations like that.”
Speaking when he received the new AOC in
Government House, Enugu, on Friday, Governor
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu Statecongratulated
AVM Akpasa on his posting to “this new and
obviously very important and strategic office”,
which is equivalent in status to the General Officer
Commanding (GOC) of an Army Division, noting
that the feat was demonstration of the confidence
the hierarchy of the Nigerian Air Force reposed in
him to provide effective leadership for its
formations in the new platform.


He added that his administration has always
maintained and enjoyed a cordial working
relationship with the Force through its pre-
existing formations and establishments in the
state “all of which have consistently partnered
with and assisted us in many areas of necessity
more especially, security and education”.
“As a matter of fact, I consider myself privileged
to have received the pioneer head of the new
Command and therefore, on behalf of the good
people of Enugu State, I welcome you to the state
and I assure you of our warm wishes, goodwill
and friendship”, Gov. Ugwuanyi pledged.
A seasoned pilot trained in Nigeria, the United
States of America and the United Arab Emirates,
AVM Akpasa holds a Bachelor of Law degree from
the Ahmadu Bello University and a Master’s
degree in Strategic Studies from the University of
Ibadan.


Before his new appointment, he was the Director
of Safety at the NAF Headquarters, Abuja, a
position he held since August 2015.
AVM Akpasa, who was promoted to his present
rank in December 2014, previously served as the
Commander of Quick Response Force, Minna, the
Director of Plans at NAF Headquarters, Abuja, and
the Senior Air Staff Officer (second-in-command)
of the Tactical Command, Makurdi, the NAF’s
number one command.
His appointment came two weeks after that of
another Akwa Ibom-born two-star general, Rear
Admiral Thaddeus Christopher Udofia, from Ikot
Onwon Ediene in Ikono LGA, as the pioneer
Commandant of the Naval War College, Ubima,
Rivers State.
Another two-star general from the state, Major
General Enobong Okon Udoh, from Ikot Udobia in
Etinan LGA, was appointed six months ago as the
second GOC 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Rivers
State, the newest of the Army’s eight divisions
established two months earlier.
Two others, Major General Isidore Henry Edet,
from Uko Akpan Enwang in Mbo LGA, and Major
General Okon Etim Ekanem from Itak Ikot Obio Ise
in Odoro Ikono community of Ini LGA, were in
November, last year, appointed Commanders of
the Corps of Infantry, Jaji, and the Corps of
Signals, Lagos, two key fighting corps of the
Nigerian Army.


Credit: Inemesit INA.

Atuekong Paul Bassey BREAKING NEWS: UYO IS ON FIRE!!!

I can no longer eat as at when due because there's an Ice Tsunami in my fridge. Honestly, this is saddening.... how can Gov. Udom Emmanuel be this cruel? Why should I be enjoying power supply for a minimum of 22 hours a day for the past 2 weeks?
Why are things taking a different dimension in this time and age where everything is on recess. I'm still researching on words that will suit my feelings.
However, on behalf of all your friends, ENEMIES and well wishers, I say thank you Your Excellency for this Unprecedented Feat. UYO IS ON STEADY POWER SUPPLY!!!!! This is Lit!
Owo idiokesit ado owo mkposop. # IkangUdom .

BLOODBATH LOOMS IN UYO AS APC/PDP YOUTHS PROTEST HOLD FRIDAY
An obvious clash between thousands of youths from opposite divides may turn an otherwise peaceful Friday into a day of bloodbath in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The umbrella youth organization of the state Akwa Ibom State Youth Caucus had announced its planned street march to show solidarity to the governor, while a relatively unknown group, Akwa Ibom Conscience is also claiming it is protesting against some planned projects by the state government.
Analysts believe the Akwa Ibom Youth Caucus, the umbrella youths’ organization, comprising the state youth council, Dakkada Ambassadors, Village youths and voluntary youth groups in the state may overwhelm the few protesters from the other group, leading to a display of emotions and clash of fists.

Several analysts have fingered NDDC helmsman as the financier of the planned protest against the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, while the government is believed to be impressed by the support of the youths.

Critics who have taken to the social media channels have warned the security agents to put a stop to this impending scenario to avoid a replication of the April 2011 ACN/PDP clash that led to several loss of lives and property in the state.
A statement by the State publicity Secretary of the state youth caucus, Mr Linus Effiong said, the exercise which has been overwhelmingly endorsed by youths of the state, is to show their love and support to the State Governor, His Excellency Mr Udom Emmanuel in his avowed commitment to empowering the youths through capacity building, and enhancing their economic and political integration in the state.
The peaceful demonstration is scheduled to hold this Friday, August 11, 2017 and over 10,000 youths from all over the state are expected to converge on Ibom Hall Grounds for onward march around the major streets of Uyo in a carnival that will end at Government House Gates, Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo.
Whereas Inibehe Effiong, coordinator of the Akwa Ibom Conscience has said his group is against the erecting of a befitting lodge in Lagos for the governor of the state, and the protest will start from the CKS Primary School, Wellington Bassey Way before moving towards the Government House before making a u-turn to the state House of Assembly.

It is the first time Akwa Ibom people are hearing of the unknown group staging the protest against the government.

It would be recalled that on Thursday November 3, 2016, the youths in the state had carried out a similar solidarity march in line with their fundamental human rights of freedom of expression to commend the governor for his strides in the face of poor economic downturn.