₦airaland Forum

As the 2023 general elections inches closer, so many things are unfolding, several political gladiators are forming and equipping their structures as well as forming a strong social Media image and projection.

This reporter gathered from a reliable source that an Akwa Ibom Senator, Senator Effiong Bob has joined millions of people across the State to endorse Mr Udom Inoyo, former Deputy Executive Director of ExxonMobil as Governor ahead of 2023 elections.

Inside source within Senator Effiong Bob friends hinted this reporter that plans are underway to make it official.

Although it was rumoured that Senator Bob is also interested in the Governorship race, it was however not clear why he is endorsing Barr Udom Inoyo.

Bob who was a two term senator representing Uyo senatorial district is a very strong member of the Peoples Democratic Party and strong supporter of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

When contacted, Senator Effiong Bob refused to make comments, he however said that he is entitled to vote and be voted for as well as entitled to his opinion.

Citizens of Akwa Ibom State have expressed concern over Senator Bob's decision to support Barr Udom Inoyo.

Other contenders have also expressed worries about the recent development.

Lawalatm:
Medicine after the end ........If you like increase your volume..PMB and everyone else no go hear

Buhari that doesn't even know what is going on in his government

Flyingngel:
Where is the source?

The story is self explanatory, not fictional or imaginary. Let him come out and disclaim it.

I'll add another 3billion to make it 5 billion naira. We're you burn into Villa? What is your role there sef? It is better as you are going so that you'll have enough time to talk on radio against your State governor, or better still, continue planning your governorship race.

Ademola47:
Nigeria problem is beyond INEC leadership.

Don't say what you don't know except you are part of them

Akwaibomdaily:
Indications have emerged that the National Chairman of the board of INEC, Prof Yakubu is bent on getting reappointed for the conduct of the 2023 elections, having failed in previous missions.

A source disclosed to this reporter that having failed to improve the legacy of election integrity under the Buhari era so far , with growing evidence of failed use of card readers and numerous inconclusive elections and increased petitions of Election results,
Prof Yakubu has embarked on a shaky campaign to regain the attention of Nigerians and elements within the Buhari Government to be re-appointed.

It was gathered that some highly placed officials in the President's cabinet are not in support of the reappointment on grounds that he will be a political liability to the government which needs to leave behind an untainted record of support for Democracy which will assure President Buhari of significant Democratic and global respect when he leaves office in 2023.

"As a result, some of these officials are distancing themselves from reported efforts to influence Yakubu's reappointment", the source noted.

In the foregoing, Prof Yakubu has deployed hundreds of millions to his re-appointment project.

Credible sources also have it that he is using different contact groups in and out of Abuja for this purpose and using different strategies such as car gifts to highly connected women who are close to the Villa, as well as promises of contracts to install expensive e-Voting equipment to the lobbyists.

Those who have various political ambitions are also promised of INEC cooperation to secure such elective offices.

At the same time, a certain National Commissioner, Dr. Mustapha Lecky is said to be a beneficiary of the sponsored lobbying by a Senator from the South South, using his office and other lobbyists in the Villa to get him appointed as the National Chairman of the Commission.
FEARS FOR BUHARI'S DEMOCRATIC LEGACY AS PROF. YAKUBU INTENSIFIES LOBBYING FOR RE-APPOINTMENT

Having Failed To Improve The Legacy Of Election Integrity Under The Buhari era so far , with growing evidence of failed use of card readers , an effect device that brought President Buhari to power; numerous inconclusive elections and increased petitions of Election results, Prof Yakubu has embarked on a shaky campaign to regain the attention of Nigerians and elements within the Buhari Government to be re-appointed in order for him to be able to conduct better election in 2023. However, some highly placed officials in government circles feel that re-appointing him will be a political liability for the government that needs to leave behind an untainted record of support for Democracy which will assure President Buhari of significant Democratic and global respect when he leaves office in 2023.

For this reason and mindful of the widespread dissatisfaction locally and within the lnternational Community over the outcome of the 2019 elections that fell far below the quality and credibility of the 2015 elections, some concerned members of the Government that have the ears of the President are reported to be advising him not to make the fundamental mistake of re-appointing prof. Yakubu in order to protect his own personal integrity. As a result, some of these officials are distancing themselves from reported efforts to influence his reappointment. Prof Yakubu himself has deployed hundreds of millions to this re-appointment project. Credible sources allege, that he is using different contact groups in and out of Abuja. He is also said to be using different strategies such as car gifts to highly connected women who are close to the Villa, as well as promises of contracts to install hugely expensive e-Voting equipment to the lobbyists. Those who have various political ambitions are also promised of INEC cooperation to secure such elective offices. At the same time, another National Commissioner, Dr. Mustapha Lecky is also said to the beneficiary of sponsored lobbying by a Senator from the South South using his office and other lobbyist in the Villa to get this National Commissioner with very low approval rating within INEC to get him appointed as a National Chairman of the Commission. These active lobbying by supposedly neutral election umpires is a major threat to Nigerian elections and democracy; that a man whose tenure is coming to an end next month wants to re-occupy such a sensitive office as an Umpire by cutting partisan and other compromising deals by making future commitments to politicians for re-appointment is deeply troubling. Its only in Nigeria that this could happen, elsewhere Prof. Yakubu and Dr. Mustapha Lecky would be disqualified automatically for this level of lobbying and desperation shown by them. Many now question if the office of the Chairman of the lndependent National Electoral Commission is now for sale to the highest bidder ? President Buhari will destroy his integrity and credibility if a person like this is allowed to Chair the election management body. He is a professor of History and a lecturer at the Nigeria Defence Academy and should return to the classroom in kaduna.

Those in government who are concerned by these developments have expressed dismay that going by such lobbying , the current Chairman and his team are undermining the integrity of INEC by seeking reappointment by committing to partisan favours that will undermine the 2023 General Elections.

Dthe Commission. These active lobbying by supposedly neutral election umpires is a major threat to Nigerian elections and democracy; that a man whose tenure is coming to an end next month wants to re-occupy such a sensitive office as an Umpire by cutting partisan and other compromising deals by making future commitments to politicians for re-appointment is deeply troubling. Its only in Nigeria that this could happen, elsewhere Prof. Yakubu and Dr. Mustapha Lecky would be disqualified automatically for this level of lobbying and desperation shown by them. Many now question if the office of the Chairman of the lndependent National Electoral Commission is now for sale to the highest bidder ? President Buhari will destroy his integrity and credibility if a person like this is allowed to Chair the election management body. He is a professor of History and a lecturer at the Nigeria Defence Academy and should return to the classroom in kaduna.

Those in government who are concerned by these developments have expressed dismay that going by such lobbying , the current Chairman and his team are undermining the integrity of INEC seeking reappointment by committing to partisan favours that will undermine the 2023 General Elections.

Source:
https://www.nationnewslead.com/2020/10/unbelievable-professor-mahmoud-yakubu.html?m=1

What are the opposition are saying? How come that Nigerians are not talking.

I'll Sue the Senate if this nonsense continues

On Governor Udom Emmanuel's Achievements


The naysayers are asking for a run down of Gov. Udom Emmanuel's achievements in the last 5 years. I think this is a very simple assignment, but the problem is not listing them, the problem is that they would claim they never read them; they never saw them, and that they never heard them. That is how they have been indoctrinated to behave. Those who are still asking for a list of achievements may probably do not read paper, listen to radio, watch television or maybe move around to where these projects are cited in order to see things for themselves. 

If they could not believe the Ibom Air that is the talking point in Nigeria's Aviation Industry, is it the Electric Digital Metering solutions Manufacturing factory that they would believe?

If the visibly located Coconut refinery could be called a scam by the naysayers, is it the Syringe manufacturing factory commissioned by Vice President Osinbajo that they would applaud?
Do I need to mention the Flour Mill or Rice Mill? Don't you think it will be a waste of time to mention the Fertilizer blending factory, Starch Manufacturing company, Plywood and Timber factory, Plastic, Toothpick and Pencil factories established by this administration?
The achievements of this administration are visibly flooded everywhere, and independently reported from the mainstream media to the new media. The signature of this administration is seen in every Local Government Area of the state, with more than 100,000 workers in the employ of these industries directly and indirectly.

What do they really want? Some people are shocked of Governor Udom Emmanuel's achievements because they thought that he would not be able to deliver on his promises.
For those who are asking the Governor to tender the account of the State to them personally when actually the State government has published the details of account on its official website, it doesn't work that way. Check the official website of the Government.
Udom Emmanuel's achievements so far are speaking volume. Just listen.

(c) Richard Peters

https://www.operanewsapp.com/ng/en/share/detail?news_id=05dfacbd8b6d8ba71c30a395d2c11e6b&news_entry_id=s586a8f80200825en_ng&open_type=tanscoded&request_id=news_251b4842-62b3-4bc5-82a6-2fd039b5c608&from=news

AKPABIO SAYS NASS MEMBERS NOT INVOLVED IN NDDC CONTRACT SCAM
...REPS REJECT APOLOGY, DRAG MINISTER TO COURT

In what appears an swift u-turn, the Minister of the Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio says 60 percent of contracts in the Niger Delta Development Commission are not handled by members of the National Assembly.

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, on Thursday denied accusing members of the National Assembly of collecting 60 percent of the contracts awarded by the NDDC.

This was contained in a letter read on the floor of the House of Representatives during plenary by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Akpabio who had initially threatened to expose all the national assemblyman involved in the contract scam, however said the only reference he made to 60 percent during his presentation before the NDDC committee a few days ago was in response to a question by a member of the committee.

The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State explained in the letter that the member had sought to know whether a Medical Director can serve as an Executive Director, Projects.

According to him, his response was that since 50 to 60 percent of NDDC contracts were medical-related, there was nothing wrong in a Medical Director serving in that capacity.

However, the House of Representatives have resolved to drag him to court for criminal defamation.

The letter sent in by the former Governor of Akwa Ibom state was however dismissed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila who fumed at the attitude of the lawmaker.

"Last Tuesday I issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to substantiate his allegation that over 60% (sixty per cent) of contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) went to members of the National Assembly.

"I said then that the Honourable Minister owed it to himself and the country to provide evidence to support these serious allegations.

"The Honourable Minister has failed to respond to my request. Therefore, I must conclude that his statement intended solely to gaslight the nation to avoid accountability for the evident maladministration and malfeasance in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

"I refuse to sit here in good conscience and allow anyone to assassinate the character of the House in an attempt to deflect accountability for their conduct in office.

"Such mendacity as was witnessed at the public hearing will not be tolerated from anybody no matter how highly placed.

This morning, I asked the Clerk of the House of Representatives to engage the services of legal counsel, and instruct them to initiate a criminal complaint of perjury against the Minister.

"At the same time, we will instruct counsel to explore the possibility of a civil defamation suit against the Minister.

"The House of Representatives is a public trust placed in our care for the duration of our term in office. We must prove ourselves worthy of this public trust or risk the censure of history.

"Therefore, we will resist every attempt to undermine this institution, whether such attempts come from within or from outside. This House will live up to the highest expectations of the Nigerian people. This is our commitment, and we will not fail," the Speaker charged.

The embattled Niger Delta Minister, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has denied his previous utterance indicting members of the National Assembly in the discovered misappropriation of funds in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Akpabio had stated on Tuesday, July 21, when he was questioned on the mode of distribution of NDDC’s contracts, that 60% of the contracts were awarded to members of the National Assembly and that he had proofs to substantiate his claims.

Speaker of the Assembly, Femi Gbajabiamila subsequently gave him 48 hours to publish the names of the said contract awardees.

However, at the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum, the Minister, in a letter to the National Assembly denied his pronouncement.

In the letter which was read on the floor of the House of Representatives during the Thursday, July 23 Plenary by the Speaker, Akpabio is said to have written that the only reference he made to 60 percent during his presentation before the NDDC Committee was in response to a question by a member of the Committee.
He explained further in his letter that the Member had asked to know if a Medical Director could serve as an Executive Director on Projects and that in his response, he answered that since 50 to 60 percent of NDDC contracts were medical-related, there was noting wrong in a Medical Director serving in that capacity.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has resolved to sue the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State to Court for making indicting comments against it.

“I said then that the Honourable Minister owed it to himself and the country to provide evidence to support these serious allegations. The Honourable Minister has failed to respond to my request”, Gbajabiamila started.

“Therefore, I must conclude that his statement intended solely to gaslight the nation to avoid accountability for the evident maladministration and malfeasance in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“In my time in the House of Representatives, I have held every leadership position from Minority Whip, through to Minority Leader, Leader of the House and now Speaker. I recognise that the House has not always lived up to the high expectations of the Nigerian people.

“As much as we still have a lot to do in that regard, I refuse to sit here in good conscience and allow anyone to assassinate the character of the House in an attempt to deflect accountability for their conduct in office. Such mendacity as was witnessed at the public hearing will not be tolerated from anybody no matter how highly placed.

“This morning, I asked the Clerk of the House of Representatives to engage the services of legal counsel, and instruct them to initiate a criminal complaint of perjury against the Minister. At the same time, we will instruct counsel to explore the possibility of a civil defamation suit against the Minister.
“The House of Representatives is a public trust placed in our care for the duration of our term in office. We must prove ourselves worthy of this public trust or risk the censure of history.

“Therefore, we will resist every attempt to undermine this institution, whether such attempts come from within or from outside. This House will live up to the highest expectations of the Nigerian people. This is our commitment, and we will not fail”, he concluded.

NDDC:

AKPABIO THE LIER.

The Reconstruction Of Elebele Bridge.

This is the bridge Senator Akpabio told the House committee it has been constructed for N12Billion..

This collapsed metal bridge was constructed by Shell to enable them access their oil wells located in a town called a Elebele in Ogbia LGA area of Bayelsa State..

When Bayelsa was created in 1996 and a road linking Opolo in the city of Yenagoa to Elebele was constructed then this bridge become the link bridge connecting those traveling from Yenagoa to Ogbia City, Nembe LGA and those headinf to Brass LGA via Elebele town where this bridge is situated..(The alternative route is Edepie-Imiringi road).

The wooden bridge was constructed by Ogbia LGA to help the indigenes access either side of the town.

The House of Reps member representing this bridge is a member of the House committee probing the NDDC. The member should as a matter of public importance and interest inform the committee that Akpabio and the professor did not construct any bridge..even though the member was silent while Akpabio was telling this lie over a project he is representing.. Let him do the needful by officially petitioning the committee that Akpabio was lying.. This will help calm nerves that are already getting stiff over this lies.

Imiringi my city shares boarder with Elebele town so I know all about it and I can say wihout blinking my eyes that Akpabio is lying...and God will not forgive him, the prof and those supporting that we should not talk becuase Northerners don't talk with their sons and daughters loot.

My call:

I want to call on the 3 House of Assembly members from OGBIA to call for joint press conference over this lie.

I want to also call on the House of Reps Member representing Brass-Nembe Federal constituency to also call for a press conference to debunk this lie since his constituency is a beneficiary of this bridge..

I want to call on the Senator repsenring Bayelsa East where this bridege is situated to also call for a press conference debunking this lie.

I want to call on the Ogbia Local government Chairman to call for a press conference to debunk this lie.

I want to on the Ogbia Brotherhood Worldwide to call for a press conference and debunk this lie.

I want to call on the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council to call for a press conference and debunk this lie.

I want to call on the Ogbia Brotherhood Worldwide Women Wing to call for a press conference to Debunk this lie.

I want to call on the Obhan Emeyal Clan Youth Council to call for press conference and debunk this lie...Fortunately the president of this Council is from Elebele town.

Let all the above authority send in petition to the House Reps over this.

As people we must act now..

Imiringi callalpse Bridege since 2012 is still under construction.

Thanks.

Rev Ranami Afagha
Imiringi city bordering Elebele Town.

RAFAG MEDIA.

- The Nigeria police command in Akwa Ibom has arrested a man identified as Emmanuel Nicholas.


- Nicholas is said to have impersonated the official of Akwa Ibom State Government.

- Police said the suspect was found with a fake AKSG identity card in his possession which he allegedly used to deceive his victims.


The Nigeria police command in Akwa Ibom has arrested a man identified as Emmanuel Nicholas popularly known as White Bom Bom alleged to have impersonated the Akwa Ibom State Government (AKSG).

According to reports, Emmanuel was arrested on Wednesday, July 15, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital for allegedly defrauding innocent people under the guise of providing orders of project and letter of award of contracts for them at the Ministry of Works.

Police sources said the suspect was found with a fake AKSG identity card in his possession which he allegedly used to deceive his victims.


His arrest followed complaint by some victims that the suspect had defrauded vulnerable persons to the tune of over N500,000,000 ( Five hundred million naira) with a promise to secure orders of work and letter of award of contracts at the ministry of works.

The State Police command spokesman said Emmanuel confessed to the crime, adding that detectives also discovered he was running an illegal works facility at his premises.

“Other items recovered include works office equipment and fake documents. The command is advising the public, especially job seekers, to be mindful of the activities of such scammers to avoid falling prey to their antics.

“An investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Works and Chief of Staff to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen has promised that he will never interfere in the investigation currently carried out by the police on the matter.

The Commissioner made the pledge on Thursday, when this reporter contacted him to confirm the report.

He, therefore, urged Akwa Ibomites to join Governor Udom's administration to free the state of criminality and corruption in governance.

An aide of Governor Udom Emmanuel, Mr. Emmanuel Nicholas aka white Bom Bom has been arrested.

Information has it that Emmanuel Nicolas (White Bom Bom) was arrested for fraudulent activities involving the collection of N100million naira from a contractor whom he promised a job.

He however used the money for his business and acquired for himself and his girlfriend a car.
Sources at the State Police Headquarter , Uyo disclosed that White Bomb Bom is being detained in readiness to be flown to Abuja for further investigation.

A political stateman from Uruan advised members of the public not to link the unfortunate occurrences to the State government, "Notwithstanding, the public is hereby clarified that White Bom Bom was not sent by the state government to embarrass himself and the Local government in a way as demeaning as such".

His arrest should therefore not be linked or associated with the state or present government!

Allegedly Orders the Reinstatement of Iniobong John

…Crowd briefing ongoing in an undisclosed Hotel in Uyo

In defiance to the COVID-19 guidelines of the Akwa Ibom State Government forbidding large gatherings, a meeting of the APC Youth Caucus is currently on at an undisclosed Hotel in Uyo, at the instance of Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

The meeting, according to a close source, will be chaired by the National Chairman of the APC Youth Caucus, Mark Nsimbehe whom it was gathered, was ordered by the NDDC Minister to immediately reinstate the suspended State Chairman of the Caucus Iniobong John.

Following an agreement in Cash with Akpabio, Nsimbehe is set to carry out the order expressly by mobilizing non caucus members of the Party and whoever he sees available, for the dirty deal.

According to this source, a crowd of youths bribed by the Senator are presently at the undisclosed Hotel, signing a communique drafted by Nsimbehe to reinstate Iniobong John as State Chairman of the Caucus.

Analysts who do want their names mentioned wondered why Akpabio should get himself involved in an insignificant group, they urged Senator Akpabio to wash his hands off the caucus leadership tussle and face his national assignment.

http://nations.news.blog/2020/07/01/akpabio-subjects-self-to-mockery-over-akwa-ibom-apc-youths-caucus-leadership/

Says he has Buhari’s Support for Party’s Chairmanship


The NDDC Minister, Sen. Akpabio has made known his interest in the national Chairmanship of the All Progressive Congress (APC), an inside source has revealed.

Akpabio who disclosed that his interest was borne out of the need to restructure the APC following the suspension of the former National Leader, Adams Oshiomhole, noted that the latter could not handle the Party well and made so many blunders to a point where members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) started having a voice in the APC.

Describing Oshiomhole’s suspension as long overdue, the APC Partyman stated that he could fix the ruling Party’s indifferences by removing those he considers as “bad eggs” and strengthening the cords of the Party among members, if allowed to do so.
He also revealed that he has discussed his intentions with President Muhammdu Buhari whom he said has supported his bid, with the shared opinion that there was no victory in view for the APC in 2023, following the collapse of the party’s structure by Ahmed Tinubu and Adams Oshiomhole.

Similarly, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State maintained that his Lagos State counterpart, Ahmed Tinubu “can never become the president of Nigeria because of selfish interest”. He reasoned that Tinubu’s win would mark the division of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, sources close to the Minister who confirmed this development, averred that Akpabio’s aim is to form the Party alone. “He has indeed discussed this with President Buhari and has his support to go ahead”, he said.

“He indicated interest in the Leadership of the Party to fix it well at the national level so that he can use it to win the presidency for the next election”, he revealed.
“The two options he is bargaining for are the seat of the National Chairman of the APC or that he should be the Presidential candidate of the APC in the 2023 elections. Whichever way, he has the President’s support”, they said.

http://nations.news.blog/2020/06/29/akpabio-declares-for-apc-national-chairmanship/

AKWA IBOM GOVT VOWS SHOWDOWN OVER MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF NDDC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Akwa Ibom State Government has vowed that it will probe the mystery surrounding the sudden death of the Acting Executive Director of Finance in the Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC, Mr Ibanga Etang.

Emerging reports reveal that the COVID-19 test result of Mr Ibanga Bassey Etang has returned negative, even as NDDC management had shut down its operation for two weeks over reported COVID-19 scare shortly after the death of executive director of the Commission.

Mr Udom Emmanuel during the commissioning of an ultra modern infectious disease isolation and treatment center in Uyo, had strongly called for an autopsy the Late Ibanga Bassey Etang should the COVID-19 test results of the deceased come out negative.

It could be recalled that the sudden demise of the Finance Boss and Akwa Ibom son was announced by NDDC on its official Facebook handle on Thursday and according to the Commission, Etang died in the early hours of Thursday of suspected COVID-19.

Governor Emmanuel, who stressed his die-hard interest in the lives of his citizens, pledged that he will stop at nothing to acertain the cause of Etang's death.

"I know I'm not supposed to say this but every life of my citizen is important to me. All of a sudden, I think between yesterday and today, a lot of things on the social media about the only citizen we had in the board of NDDC.
“He was my Special Assistant before he left to NDDC; Why is it that of all the persons that are there, it is our own son that has died.

"There'll be a time we'll start asking questions. From the internal memo, NDDC has been shut down and the information there says he died of COVID-19.
“As I'm talking to you, immediately we had the news, we asked the Commissioner for Health in Rivers State on the result of COVID-19 test on Etang. As I speak the result is not out. I'm only wondering how people concluded that COVID-19 was the cause of his death.

"Once the result is out, we'll ask questions certainly. I want to say here that we stand for our brothers and sisters, and we stand for the lives of our citizens. We'll rise to this situation. We've informed the Commissioner that if the COVID-19 test result is out and the deceased's result shows negative, they must do autopsy on that body."

As a result of the controversies surrounding his (Etang) death, NDDC shut down its operations with immediate effect and issued a directive urging all staffers to go into self-Isolation in a statement signed by Silas Anyanwu.

Recall that NDDC is enmeshed with series of scandals of financial impropriety running into billions of naira and currently undergoing forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari and yet another probe of financial scandals by the present management being spearheaded by the National Assembly.

The Acting Director died on Thursday amidst the Forensic Audit of the Commission and probe of alleged financial misappropriation by the present Interim Management Committee of NDDC by National Assembly.

Freestainworld:
Reverend didn't say this when Akpabio was the governor and some people are calling him fearless.

Rev is anti Akpabio from onset no

Freestainworld:
Reverend didn't say this when Akpabio was the governor and some people are calling him fearless.

Rev is anti Akpabio from onset

This is revealing, this Rev is so fearless