It Was Gov Wike And Gov Willie Obiano That Sponsored The Arrest Of Nnamdi Kanu - IPOB



The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared war on the Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and his Anambra counterpart, Gov. Willie Obiano for allegedly sponsoring the arrest of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The two governors have been outrightly accused for offering to help out in the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu in a bid to protect their political interests.

IPOB who stated this through its official spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful in a statement, Gov. Wike and his Anambra counterpart, Gov. Willie Obiano, willingly sold out Nnamdi Kanu because of their political interests.

The IPOB's spokesperson stated that members of the group have finally uncovered the people behind in Nnamdi Kanu's travails prior to his arrest. According to him, the likes of Chris Ngige and Emeka Offor have been fingered to have collaborated with Wike, Obiano and the Federal Government.

Having expressed displeasure to what he term as betrayal, the IPOB spokesperson avowed that if any harm befalls Nnamdi Kanu in detention, the fate of Wike, Obiano, Ngige, Emeka Offor and others will be worst than that of Judas Iscarriot who betrayed Jesus.

ORO NATION AFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR IBOM DEEP SEAPORT PROJECT

Leaders of Oro nation, comprising the five local government areas of Oron Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State have declared their resolve to support Governor Udom Emmanuel’s drive to actualize the Ibom Deep Seaport project.

The state government on its part has assured that the Ibom Deep Sea Port project will be in the interest of the entire state and has called on all and sundry to close ranks and work towards its actualization.

This was the outcome of a breakfast meeting between the Oron Stakeholders and Governor Udom Emmanuel at the Hilltop Mansion in Uyo.

Addressing Government House correspondents after the closed door meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, explained that the seaport was part of “Ibom” brand and ought to excite every Akwa Ibom person.

Dr. Ekuwem however commended the governor for responding to the anxieties of the Oro people as a veritable component of the State and holding a dialogue session with them.

He said the parley had addressed hitherto held misinformation, disinformation or inadequate information on the Ibom Deep Seaport project.

“The meeting with His Excellency the Governor demands that each heart should bear that this seaport spans about 2.5kms away from the motorable part of Unyenge road, after Universal Energy in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

"Second point, the mangrove swamps where you have office complex are on the hard soil of Mbo and there is no cause for the alarm”, Ekuwem said.

The President General of Oro Union, Mr. Etim Ante, who led the delegation from Oro nation to the breakfast meeting, lauded the strides of Governor Emmanuel in bringing the seaport dream to reality and affirmed the support of the Oro people to the project.

“We have decided that that dream must not die; that the dream must be actualized.

"We commended the efforts of his Excellency for securing the approval of this much touted seaport.

"Successive administrations came on board, talked about this seaport without practically doing what His Excellency has done. So we are happy with him because he has shown to us that he is a world class manager of human and material resources to actualize the dream of Akwa Ibom people and indeed Oron Nation, in having the deep seaport”, he said.
Mr. Ante said the meeting laid to rest anxieties among the Oro people over the location, commending the Governor's sensitizing explanations on the issue of location of strategic features of the seaport.

"He has briefed us. He has sensitized us on how the seaport is going to work out.

"We have expressed our grievances, His Excellency and indeed the government of Akwa Ibom State have addressed those grievances and those grey areas that affected us, which have to do with location of strategic features of this seaport.

"As Oro people we are ready to work as a team.”

He called on the investors in the project not to withdraw from this project, assuring that Oro people will welcome all investors and stakeholders involved in the project.

Media Unit
Govt House, Uyo
10/07/21

Speaking earlier today in a live video released by BBC Pidgin, Sunday Igboho's official spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki instructed all Pro-Yoruba Nation agitators to gather at Soka, Ibadan on Wednesday for a protest.

In his statement, Koiki maintained what they have done overtime has been to organise a rally, but due to the recent development, they will organize a protest
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Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has revealed that he was seriously beaten while being abducted in Kenya.

Nnamdi Kanu while speaking to his personal lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor (SAN), revealed he was detained in a personal residence in Kenya for about eight ( days with serious beatings before being extradited to Nigeria.
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AKWA IBOM GOVT ORDERS REINSTATEMENT OF EXPELLED VARSITY STUDENT

The Akwa Ibom State Government has directed the Akwa Ibom State University to immediately recall Iniobong Ekpo, a student expelled for allegedly insulting the Governor Udom Emmanuel on the social media.

The decision follows the review of a report submitted to the State Executive Council by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet who chaired the panel to review the circumstances leading to the said student’s expulsion.

The Special Committee which was given two weeks for facts finding on the expulsion, had interviewed the embattled student as well as principal staff of the University.

Although the details of its recommendations were not made public, Governor Udom Emmanuel who has repeatedly showed his passion in educational advancement and human capital development programmes for young people in the state, immediately ordered that the student be allowed back on campus by the University to continue his studies.


Governor Emmanuel also announced that the Ikot Oku Ikono flyover project is ready and will be commissioned on July 16, 2021 by noon.

Briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr Ini Ememobong said August 21, 2021 has been approved as the state coconut day, when 300,000 nuts will be planted to boost coconut production in preparation for the start of operations of the State owned coconut oil refinery at Mkpat Enin..

SENATOR AKPABIO: THE BURDEN OF AN ENSLAVING BEGGAR


By Umani Uwemedimo

It was on Monday this week, that Southern Governors converged to address the kangaroo vogue of politicking played on the South prior to the Petroleum Industry Bill as proposed by the National Assembly, among other concerns of eminent prominence.

Their demands which vehemently and unequivocally excogitate the interest of their people did not only proffer resolutions to their plights, but had also set a path that all in the zone should conform. This, Senator Akpabio has derailed on, proving himself once again as the JUDAS within.

Just as the Southern Governors, Christ our savior and mediator had through his teachings instituted the right path every christians should follow. With signs and wonders, he demonstrated the power of righteousness presenting before all the need to follow his teachings and doctrines of the Holy Ghost. But Judas, his most beloved disciple having centred his spirit and soul on self-aggrandizement/firm, sought for means his personal quests could be attained. The only opportunity which played out was to betray Christ for 30 pieces of silver: an act which is tantamount to betraying the entire Christian faith. Just like Judas, Godswill Akpabio has betrayed millions of people from the South for a beggar's peanut.

Shortly after the Southern Governors' meeting, I saw on Channels television how the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio was begging the National Assembly to pass the PIB into law. He was acrimoniously begging them to hastily pass the Bill into law, that even if it is 1%, Niger Delta people won't mind.

As annoying as this sounded, I paused for a while to ascertain what has happened to this man. What have they done to Godswill Akpabio? This was the question that I kept asking myself.

The Niger Delta Affairs Helmsman has become a psychopathic sycophant and a Northern begging slave whose only interest is to beg to remain relevant to the Caliphates. But it has eluded his cerebration that throughout his 8years as governor of Akwa Ibom he enjoyed the 13% resource derivation. He has also forgotten that throughout his 8years of wastage, he enjoyed the excess crude oil refund: same money that successfully turned him into an ubermensch overnight.

Akpabio said and I quote, "Give us any percentage you feel it's okay for you. We will be okay with anything, but if in future we are not okay, we will come back to beg for more. I am speaking for the entire Niger Delta region."

Senator Akpabio needs to be reminded that he is not a state governor to speak for anyone. If the southern governors forum has rejected the 3% of the oil revenue to the host communities, his duty as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs is to meet with Mr. President, giving him reasons why this demand should be honored.

Again, the Minister should consider his age and the length of years this Bill has been swept under carpets by the National Assembly. If the right thing is not done at once, who would go back to beg for more and how long would it take?

If he, Akpabio is to go back and beg maybe after three years, under which platform would he do that?

It is pitiful to see Akpabio, once a mighty man, being reduced to a slave and beggar by the Caliphates simply because he wants to stay active politically. But as Judas Iscarriot, Akpabio will meet his reward sooner or later for practically sowing the seed of betrayal.


Umani Uwemedimo is a public affairs analyst, writes from Abak.

RETHINKING QUALITY GOVERNANCE AHEAD OF 2023

As the election year nears and agitations for who succeeds Governor Udom Emmanuel heighten, one cannot be oblivious of the apprehension which is beginning to set in, in the minds of concerned stakeholders of the State.

The big question is, whose legs would be large enough to wear the shoes which the sitting Governor would remove? Who would perfectly fit into the gap between where we would be left and where we should be from 2023? Who would enhance and ensure the workability and productivity of SMEs, industries, health and educational institutions as well as other sectors richly touched by the sitting Governor?

These and more are the silent questions which have begun to reverberate in the hearts of Akwa Ibomites whose sincere wish for the State is to see it advance and grow from grace to grace.

But the answer is not far away; the desirable is available and can be gotten from the sea of experienced leaders in the State who have proven themselves worthy overtime of trust and capacity.

Experience they say, is the best teacher and learning is best understood through practical experience. Having gone through the classroom of being a Councilor to being a Legislator, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Local Government Chairman, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Akwa Ibom State; Sen Effiong Bob stands out as a sterling example of quality leadership to be considered for the exalted seat of Governor.

From his antecedent, the committed party man is a passionate public servant and a trusted prudent administrator with impeccable character, integrity and virtue required of a public leader.

Moreso, Senator Bob has been part of the struggle for a better Akwa Ibom, right from the military regime to the present day democracy. It therefore indicates his knowledge of the road ahead, judging from his knowledge of the road behind. Sen. Bob is the future to anticipate!

Her silky skin, charm, not to say, inviting face is potent enough to rattle even a puritan, but her action rippled with demonic muscle. Belying all that innocent visage has sprung a venom that has left many awestruck.



She does not look the act, neither does the act look as though from her. At such age, you'll think she won't have an edge over a fly. A good number of women are known to succumb to fear, sometimes of nothing actually. Some will scream in sighting a mere rat; the tiny ones that cause havocs in homes.



From the pose of Chidinma Ojukwu, a student of the University of Lagos, whether it's the one she stands erect, revealing her cracking contours, or sitting, you'll think she shares a gene with innocence. Nothing about her gives her away as one that can execute such beastly act. Men with blood burning with fire and those whose own is on the wane like a woman's bosom that had seen better days, will stop and stare at Chidinma, in sheer wonderment at such creature, then crave to have her all to themselves. She's a head turner. We are told that not all that glitters is gold.



And you may forgive them. The girl, just 21, embodies elegance. The height is there. She's not doing badly with her chest balls. We have seen a video of her taking dainty steps along what looks like a fun spot with her bum causing ripples as she sways it southwards and eastwards with reckless resignation. She even gestures with a smile of invite as if to say, "e shock you"? So, on that score, we know she's heavy on that side. Is it padded? We don't know. When the late TV man saw it, he apparently went to, as we say, freshen up his blood, but sadly, he never knew the coven bore a cruel blood of death. Those who say something must kill a man are having a field time.



At such tender age, Chidinma should be making her parents proud in deeds that ennoble the mind. They should welcome their daughter from school happily as she flaunts her good grades. She should be a submissive and respectful daughter in whom her father and mother are well pleased. She should live a life that her parents need not talk about as though boasting, but others should be amazed by her good character and conduct.



Many a girl should live this way. And when such traits are exhibited, we have hope that we have tomorrow's mothers that won't murder the future. But what we get now is a stark opposite of what obtained in the past where girls conducted themselves with dignity. They helped do the dishes at home. They were in the kitchen to assist mom fix food without compulsion. They kept the house clean. They kept good company. In return, they did not only get a pat on the back, the family knew the asset they had. Outsiders took note. In such daughters, great investment in education are made, because they have proven that no investment in them will go to waste.



Alas, today, to fix long nails, lashes, wear long hairs on heads that need help, chains on legs, carry phones they can't afford, live lives that leave satan astonished, have become the order of the day. Some from good homes who were not swayed by all that have since joined them having not succeeded in beating them. They've been totally overwhelmed by negative peer influence. Morals have been lost. Many can't cook a good meal. Even when they can attempt, laziness (or shall we say empty cockiness) won't let them. So, they take the easy option of eating out. For our mothers of yore, this was a taboo. It was a misnomer of sorts, but normalized today by a generation of girls who believe that life is all beer and skittles. Sooner, these ones become feminists in error.



So, a man that cannot afford that wasteful and vain lifestyle which verges on the mundane is tagged broke. That's why we have "small girls with big God". Chidinma is in this league. At 21, she can't go out with those in her age bracket because they've not arrived hence can't pay her bills. So, armed with what we call "assets", she uses it to good effect by frolicking with men of affluence old enough to father her. These fun seeking men should be her father, but since they themselves have no respect for their age, they take advantage of these lost but desperate ones who think they are having the fun of their lives by living large above the means of their entire family.



In the past, a loose girl got a reprimand from elders. A shabbily dressed girl will not be proud to stroll in the street, because of the backlash. Today, the reverse is the case. A girl spotting attires that should be worn within the confines of her house is celebrated for being fashion savvy. She gets a thumbs up in place of thumbs down. You are hot, she is told. So, with these flawed encomiums flowing from derailed minds, she thinks herself on top of the world, and continues to misbehave, only to later come to her senses at an age nobody looks her way again. Now frustrated, and with all the features that made her think through the anus all bowing in humble submission to the vagaries of nature, she turns a sadist, becomes permanently paranoid, while becoming guest number one at every church programme in town.



While we frown at Chidinma's choice of lifestyle that has put her in this mess, the man who has met his untimely death in the most embarrassing of circumstances must carry his own can. His death oozes a putrid odour of shame. How does her wife come to terms that her husband has been killed by a 21-year old girl? How will she explain it to her children? The pain will not heal soon, not to talk of the odium.



This would have been avoided, but many a man's desire is insatiable in matters of concupiscence. It's worsened by the senselessness of the phallus. Every food is Ok no matter where it's cooked or who cooks it. The thing does not understand fidelity, neither patience. It stands at attention at the slightest "provocation". Only a very disciplined owner can successful tame it, call it to order and tell it to wait till it gets home to eat from the legal plate.



It's indeed a sad end for Michael Usifo Ataga, a billionaire businessman and chief executive officer of Super TV. He would not have died had he kept his turgid pole in check. He sought fun on the hot laps of a fair-skinned 21-year old girl that should see him as an uncle. But like the story has always turned out, he lost his life sadly in act of shame. Will men learn? Not at all. That was his own cup of tea. He did not play his game well. It doesn't matter that the Holy Book is replete with tales of men who lost their power, fame and wealth on the enticing lap of women. It's a hydrated hole that has swallowed many, yet men of today, those of tomorrow, simply won't stop courting that it. So, if it killed great men, many also want to die great. It's an endless circus.



We must not throw up our hands in surrender despite the menace of civilization, social media and make-believe. We must get it right at the basic level which is the family. The ranks of killers, drug addicts, robbers, kidnappers, loafers and call girls will suffer significant depletion if parents stand up to their duty. Today, many children are loose, poorly groomed by some parents who know next to nothing about parenting hence the litany of vices we now grapple with in society.



If we have responsible parents, families, from there will responsible children spring forth. You won't have a Chidinma talking about smoking and drinking roofies with scant disregard. Many won't find cultism attractive. They won't become hooligans, rapists hence constitute danger to society. Parents of today have failed in their primary responsibility of raising their children to become useful, respectful and armed with the fear of God. In some homes, anything goes. No order. Children are over pampered to stupidity.



This is just Chidinma, but there are thousands of her ilk out there, same as the errant TV chief whose life has been snuffed out on the altar of erotic error. Will any lessons be learnt? Or after this whole hoopla, will we, as it's our wont, continue our excapades on the assurance that such tragic end isn't our portion?

Following reports of the expulsion of a student, Iniobong Ekpo, by the management of the Akwa Ibom State University over gross misconduct and insubordination, Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel have concluded plans to set up a committee to review the case and report back to him immediately.



The Governor, according to inside sources, was apparently unaware of the boy's offences as well as the reported expulsion, since he had not previously received brief on the matter.



He is said to have directed that a five member committee to be headed by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, be set up to study the matter and get him briefed immediately.



The student, Iniobong Ekpo, was in his final year at the Department of Agricultural Engineering when he was expelled for publishing a “derogatory and defamatory article” in 2019 on Facebook against the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel.



He was first suspended indefinitely from studies before his expulsion two months ago.



Mr Ekpo used a pseudonym, Afrosix Jaara, to write the article in which he called Governor Emmanuel a con artiste who engaged in scamming and deceiving students.





The university, in the expulsion letter, said Mr Ekpo’s article was a “breach” of the matriculation oath and a violation of the university rules and regulations enshrined in the Student Information Handbook.




According to the the rules enshrined in the university handbook, on Page 85 (Article XV) the expelled student infringed on the cyber offences of the university, one of which reads, "unauthorized use of the University's name, logo, anthem, etc in a manner that will bring the University to disrepute;



While another of the offences listed on Page 86 says, "posting insulting /abusive messages against lecturers, the university or any of its officers/agents, other staff or fellow students either in print or on social media. Penalty shall be rustication or expulsion based on the gravity of the offence.



Another code breached by the said Iniobong Ekpo, could be traceable to Page 85 of the handbook which says, "any student found guilty of any act of insuburdination towards constituted authority shall be rusticated from the university for a period of time or may be expelled."



But Mr Ekpo, through a letter written to the university by his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, said the university authorities did not give him fair hearing.



He said he was never invited to appear before a disciplinary committee before his suspension.



Apart from challenging his expulsion, the student is demanding N20 million from the university as “general damages and gross breach of his fundamental rights.”



However it would not be the first time a student is found culpable by the university over cyber related offences.



The institution had suspended “indefinitely” a female student from the school for allegedly calling the university vice chancellor ‘foolish’ on Facebook.



The student, Joy Nkanang, was in her second year in the department of performing arts before her suspension on May 9, 2019.



She was however reabsorbed after showing sufficient remorse.

WILLIAMS MKPAH, ASUKPA, COMMEND NIGERIA'S JUDICIARY SYSTEM AS IBENO WINS SUIT AGAINST OIL FIRM


... Court orders Mobil, NNPC to pay ibeno Community N81.9 billion damages over oil spillage



The Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, High Chief Williams Mkpah, has commended the Judiciary for serving justice for his people in the case between the LGA with Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited and NNPC.

The council boss noted that the Nigeria Judiciary system has proven itself competent by showing that matter of this magnitude can be handled by them and justice delivered credibility which shows the court is the last hope of the common man.
The legal battle was instituted by Obong Effiong Archianga and nine others, representing Ibeno Clan in Akwa Ibom State against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mobil Production Nigeria Unlimited, and Exxon Mobil Corporation as first to third defendants respectively. The court held that the claim of the plaintiff succeeds as there was no evidence before the court that the second defendant curtailed flaring of gas, nor carried out any clean-up activity in the community, nor paid compensation for oil spillages from its pipelines.

Addressing the press at the Victor Attah's International Airport, on Monday, High Chief Williams, said "Ibeno local government is a component part of Akwa Ibom State, and as such; victory for Ibeno is equally victory for the State". The Ibeno council boss informed that the legal battle has been ongoing since 2021 adding that the people of Ibeno are proud to say that the faith in which they had in the legal system has come to pass.

On Corporate Social Responsibility, the Chairman said Mobil Producing Nigeria and NNPC have failed. "If i am to rate them on Corporate Social Responsibility, I will score them very very low. This is because for the past Ten years, they have remained adamant to issues affecting host communities with excuses of huge taxation by the Nigerian government and, as a result of that, they kept showing great magnitude of negligence to the host communities" Mkpah said.

Mkpah, urged Mobil to ensure strict compliance to the court judgement given to them or be ready to quit Ibeno LGA. He called on President Buhari to compel the American oil giant to obey the court order by paying adequate compensation just as it was done by Shell Corporation in America.

Responding to a question about his next plan should the companies involved refuse to adhere to the Court's directives by paying his Local Government the sum of N82bn, the Ibeno Council Boss, Mkpah emphatically stated that they would be left with no option than to stop them from operating should they flout the order by the court. "If the companies refuse to cooperate with us in line with the court ruling, we will be left with no option but to stop them from operating in our territory both land and in the sea".

Mkpah, thanked governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for giving him the platform to serve his people, while reiterating his commitment to ensure the third tier of government delivers effectively.
"The government of Udom Emmanuel at the third tier has creditably delivered. I am saying so because development is visibly spread across the 31 LGAs in the State". Mkpah added.

Mr. Uleator Asukpa, on his part said "Penality is not only by constitutional measures but, by the spirited effort of God Almighty whom has shown the people of Ibeno mercy with victory". He commended the Chairman and takeholders of Ibeno for their commitment and teamwork spirit, and the legal team for high display of professionalism.

Consequently, the court also awarded N82 billion against the 1st and 2nd defendants.The court ordered that the sum be paid within 14 days or it will attract a post-judgment interest of 8% per annum.

A'Ibom Government Has Spent N10bn On Erosion Control - Charles Udoh



The commissioner noted that businesses, houses and critical infrastructure had been displaced by erosion and flood in the areas.

According to him, more cities in Akwa Ibom are prone to gully erosion due of the natural topography and soil texture in those locations.

“This automatically means that whenever there is down pour, we are in the rain belt, gully erosion will become a problem,’’ he said.


He said building of houses on the right of way and farming on the slope of the gully were some causes of gully erosion.

Udoh said the IBB Avenue flood control project, if not checked, could have a spill effect on erosion control.

“We are receiving a major drain to evacuate flood water because if you allow flood water to be there (IBB avenue) for a long time, it will begin to heat the crux of the earth surface.

“Then erosion will begin to prick in, especially in a place like Uyo that the soil texture is loose,’’ Udoh said.

The commissioner said the state government had rescued more than 100 houses, entire St. Luke and School of Nursing in Etim Umana from erosion.

On ecological issue, he noted that the state government alone could not solve the state’s erosion problem, adding that it was seeking for intervention (ecological funds) to do that.

He lamented that some residents of Uyo, Ibesikpo and Itu local governments still live in erosion prone areas after being asked to evacuate the sites.

Udoh said that the state government had identified10 erosion sites on which to carry out control projects, but lack the funds to execute the job.

“We are trying to access the ecological funds, we hope that we would have some success,’’ the commissioner said.

A female Councillor in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom has empowered constituents in various crafts, graded roads and also maintained a long dilapidated road for ease by commuters.



The Councillor, Sandra Bassey, representing Abak Urban 2 in the Abak Legislative Council of Akwa Ibom State, who also doubles as the Leader of the Abak Legislative Council, during the official flag-off of the empowerment program, appreciated the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for giving her the opportunity to serve. According to her, she want her constituents to key into the Dakkada philosophy of the governor by learning a craft which will further enhance their financial independence and stability.



The empowerment program had hundreds of youth as beneficiaries. The crafts learnt were, hairdressing, cosmetology, bakery, painting, fisheries, professional makeup, fashion design amongst others. At the end of the program, all participants were empowered with equipment and incentives for startup.



To give succor to his constituents, the Leader of Council has graded roads with a rationale of making the place accessible by all.











The Manta-Ukpom road which is a service route linking Abak and Uyo Local Government Area was like a nightmare for commuters. To make life easy for her people, Hon. Sandra swung into action to restore sanity to the dilapidated road making it accessible for commuters.



Pouring encomiums on the female Councillor, Deacon Ukpong commended her for the quick intervention on the road.

"The road was supposed to have been a byepass, but due to the ongoing construction of the flyover at Nung Oku Ikono, commuters and heavy duty vehicles circumvent the work in progress flyover which deepened the deteriorated state of the road and had also caused hardship on residents of Abak Urban ward 2 and other road users. Vehicles couldn’t ply this road as a result of these bad portions of the road but this remedial intervention is highly commendable."

...Citizens applaud her, christened her a gift fr God

Residents of Manta Village in Abak LGA have lauded the councilor representing Abak Urban Ward 2 and the leader of Abak Legislative Council, Hon. (Queen) Sandra Bassey for her efforts on fixing the bad portions along Manta Ukpom-Pepsi Junction Road.

Manta-Ukpom road lies in the political district of Abak Urban ward 2 and presently the major road linking Uyo and Abak local government areas through the General hospital Ukpom.

The elated residents spoke in a separate interview with newsmen in Abak last Saturday, Democracy day.

Deacon N. H. Ukpong, a PDP elder in the ward appreciated the councilor for her quick intervention. He said that the road was supposed to have been a byepass, but due to the ongoing construction of the Flyover at Nung Oku Ikono, commuters and heavy duty vehicles circumvent the work-in-progress flyover which deepened the deteriorated state of the road and had also caused hardship on residents of Abak Urban ward 2 and other road users.
“vehicles couldn’t ply this road as a result of these bad portions of the road but this remedial intervention is highly commendable”, he said

Ukpong said that the elders of the ward are appreciative of her representation. He therefore called on other representatives to assist the State government in stepping in for the people pending State government’s response and reaction.

Also, Mr Ukeme Friday Micheal, a youth leader in Manta Village said that the road was in a terrible condition, but out of empathy the former beauty queen hurriedly intervened.
“She paid for gravels and sand, hired a water pumping machine for the evacuation of water on the road, then mobilized youths, women and men of the community who turned up enmasse to ensure the speedy completion of the stunning project”, Michael said.
He noted futher that Sandra Bassey’s love for her Ward and her people is exceptional, praying God to bless her exceedingly while pleading with the Government of Akwa Ibom State to complement Sandra’s drive by augmenting her efforts.

In the same vein, Mrs. Ekaette Akpakpan, a woman leader in the ward, said : “Sandra Bassey is God's perfect gift of blessings to the people of Abak Urban Ward 2 to help alleviate our pains. She is our pride and her short term in office has clearly defined who she is and what she stands for”.

Hon. (Queen) Bassey thanked her people for their prompt response and sacrifices in support of her contributions to actualise the job. Finally she asked the people to continue supporting the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel as she will ensure more life touching projects in the area.

Send Effiong Bob, The Lion Of Akwa Ibom Politics



A Lion is a symbol of strength, bravery and courage and has been celebrated throughout history for these characteristics. This revered creature is also a symbol for royalty and stateliness, hence the phrase ‘king of the jungle’.

Ancient Egyptians venerated lions as their war deities due to their strength, power and fierceness. The famous sphinxes are just one of many mythical depictions of the lion in Egyptian culture.



In Akwa Ibom state, the symbolism of lion is amplified in the state emblem, representing courage, boldness, dignity and authority, as analyzed by Mboutidem Ukpe, the designer of the emblem.



As true as this sound, there's equally a man who is a symbol of bravery, strength, courage and authority, a dignified figure from Nsit Ubium extraction, christened Effiong Bob. The two term senator who started as a councillor, rose through rungs of political ladder, to where he is today, has become a force to reckon with as far as politics is concerned in Nsit Ubium, and by extension Akwa Ibom.



We all know that truth is always bitter, and there's nothing one can do about it since that's how it tastes in the tongues of many. No major political decision is taken in Nsit Ubium without his consent. That strength is not a product of manipulation, but earned as a result of his personality, choices and ladder he has given to many to access the top overtime.



It was such bravery and courage, that distinguished sen. Effiong Bob used as the then state's attorney general during Obong Victor Attah's administration to push through with the governor, the onshore/offshore oil dichotomy and resource control. It was a tough fight, but the strength, boldness and stamina of a lion was all that was needed, and you know how it ended. That fight was against the powers that be from the center, and the chicken hearted couldn't stand the battle, but sen. Bob and Gov. Attah stood still, took the battle to the forefront, amidst federal intimidation and executive dragon fire, and won at last.



Sen. Effiong Bob is one name that resonates fear in the camp of the enemies of the state. He doesn't support evil, and will always stand up to fight what is not in the best interest of the state.



He is a detribalised leader and one who knows how to resolve crisis. His charisma and wealth of experience are great assets he normally employ in talking to parties in a conflict. Hence, he is peace personified, and a symbol of unity.



As a lion in politics, he is always calm, unintimidated and a go-getter. Lions seldom miss their targets because they take time to focus and plan before taking any action. They rarely lose in a fight, because winning a fight is in the heart, and not the muscles that men see. If you peruse his track records, you will understand that sen. Bob is an ordained winner, and this time will not be an exemption. Once a lion is a lion forever.

GOV EMMANUEL ASSURES OF TEN NEW AIRCRAFTS, AS IBOM AIR WELCOMES TWO NEW AIRBUSES

Two new A220-300 series Airbuses have been added to the fleet of Ibom Airline bringing the total to seven aircrafts.

Ten of such giant aircrafts are to be added to the fleet to boost the vision of making Ibom Air, the most vibrant airline in the sub-region.


The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel who announced this on Sunday while receiving the two new aircrafts at the Victor Attah International Airport, said that the two new Airbus A220-300 series mark a major milestone in Aviation development in the state.

Governor Emmanuel who further hinted that 10 Airbus A220-300 series will be added to the fleet of Ibom Airline before his tenure elapses in 2023, said "God will help us so we can take over the entire airspace in this region.

"I want to first of all express my appreciation to God Almighty,David in the Bible said, if it had not been the Lord who is on our side certainly it would not have been possible.

"We have been favoured by God, we have been counseled by the Holy Spirit, we have been strengthen by the Holy Spirit".

Today marks a major milestone in the history of aviation development not only for Akwa Ibom State but in this country. Never in the history of this nation has a state establish and own a sucessful airline, but this is marking a milestone in that history.

He thanked the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom for supporting his vision of aviation development in the state.

The Governor reasoned that having experienced the present state of insecurity and economic instability in the country, it could be seen that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has what it takes to return Nigeria to the glorious days of economic boom.

The Special Guest of Honour at the event, and Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, while unveiling the two new Airbus 220-300 series, congratulated Governor Emmanuel for exceptional performances in the development of the State, especially the aviation industry, adding that all PDP States are setting the pace of development in the entire nation.

"I congratulate you my brother for all the things you have been doing in all facets of life to the people of Akwa Ibom State, in infrastructure you are there, in education you are there, in healthcare you are there, in agriculture you are there, in empowerment you are there, in human capital development you are there".

Tambuwal who is the Chairman of PDP Governors' forum, announced that all PDP States Governors are in Akwa Ibom State to deliberate over the state of affairs of the nation.

The Governor of Adamawa, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri, in a goodwill message described the event as unprecedented in history of aviation noting that the aircraft will unlock the economy of the state and the country at large.

In his presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, described the A220-300 series aircrafts as the newest and most advanced passenger aircrafts in the world, noting that the aircraft has 140 wide seats.

He thanked the Minister of Aviation and Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for their support in the realisation of the vision.


Media Unit
Govt House,Uyo
14/06/21

GOV EMMANUEL APPLAUDED FOR MAKING AKWA IBOM WORKERS HIGHEST PAID IN NIGERIA

Governor Udom Emmanuel has been lauded for prioritizing the welfare of Akwa Ibom State medical workers, making them the highest paid in Nigeria.

Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Ime Udoh said this when he led a delegation of executive committee members of the Association to visit the Governor at Government House,Uyo, Saturday.

Dr. Ime Udoh, who thanked Governor Emmanuel for being the first Chief Executive to grant the Association audience in the state, lauded his administration’s passionate attention to healthcare.

He explained that "Your Excellency's approval of a Consolidated Medical Salary Scale, CONMESS, places workers in the state government's employ as highest paid in the country".

Dr. Udoh further applauded the Governor's ingenuity in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the commencement of the state university teaching hospital AKSUTH among other initiatives.

He said these were indicative of his government’s acknowledgement of health as the 'sub-stratum' for development, adding that the government has not only prevented capital flight from the state, but has, through the Jubilee Syringe Factory, attracted medical tourism to the state.

Receiving the NMA leadership, Gov Emmanuel, said with AKSUTH the state was set to bridge the gap between the already existing ultra-modern secondary and quaternary medical facilities in the state, and reiterated his administration’s resolve to maintain the status quo of the health workers in the state being the highest paid nationwide.

Governor Emmanuel acknowledged the contributions of medical practitioners in the state government's fight against COVID-19.

Affirming his administration’s resolve to ensure a holistic approach in revamping the state’s healthcare sector, Governor Emmanuel said the Jubilee Syringe Factory, beyond its reputation of largest syringe production capacity in Africa, will soon venture into production of all plastic medical consumables, assuring that the state-of-the-art Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital, AKSUTH, underway, will be a model tertiary hospital.

"Not just the syringe, we are starting other consumables; everything plastic consumable in the medical line, like all those gloves.

"We need a lot of your support in setting up our Teaching Hospital and we really mean business about that.

"As a state, we are doing well in secondary healthcare system. We jumped to establish a quaternary hospital. The next level is to set up a very good tertiary hospital.

"When we run that one well, well equipped, it will give birth to a College of Medicine. With what we have in mind and what we are going to bring in, we will have the best Teaching Hospital owned by a state government”.

"He congratulated members of the new NMA leadership in the state on their emergence and urged them to use the pivotal position of the Medical Association to support his administration’s drive towards a holistic development of the healthcare sector.

He rued that lack of good surgery recovery plan, bedside manners, laboratory services and other complementary services, can render the medical practice counterproductive.

“Where I am suffering very much now, as a governor, is bedside manners with recovering patients. When you finish as the Doctor it is not all over. The recovery of that patient at times is as serious as what you did, especially in the theatre.

"You only go on ward rounds, may be in the morning or evening, you don’t know what happens to those people, but I’m getting a whole lot of reports of terrible bedside manners of nurses and other medical workers.

"I’m also having a whole lot of issues is all these labs being set up and we are going to clampdown on them very soon”, the governor said.

Media Unit
Govt House, Uyo
12/06/21

DUNAMIS CRUSADE: GOV EMMANUEL REASSURES ON GOD AS SOURCE OF REDEMPTION

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has called on Christians to anchor their faith in God as their source of hope and redemption in life.

Governor Udom Emmanuel made the call, Thursday during a 3-day Healing and Deliverance Crusade organised by Dunamis International Gospel Center at Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo.

The governor who was accompanied by members of the State Executive Council to the event, urged  believers to look up to God as their hope, trusting that their faith will bring a turn around in their lives.

"The hope of Christians is in the church, as we have gathered as a church,  we look unto God because we trust in God, the Bible says that they that call on him shall be saved.

"So as we call upon Him tonight individually and as a people, I am sure our situation shall be different, our story will be different and testimonies will abound.

"As we submit ourselves to God, I am sure God will not ignore our needs, our hope cannot be crushed, we shall flourish as a people and God shall heal our land", he said.

Governor Emmanuel particularly thanked the Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Dunamis International Gospel Center, Dr. Paul Enenche for organizing the crusade, describing the cleric as God's General.


"Let me start by appreciating the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Center, I call him one of God's General in Nigeria. Thank you Dunamis for coming, what an awesome experience and I trust that God will give Akwa Ibom a unique experience during the crusade",Governor Emmanuel said.

In his homily tagged, 'In the Days of His Power', the General Overseer of Dunamis International Gospel Center, Pastor Paul Enenche, who culled his text from Ps: 110:1-3, Exo: 3:1-10, said Christians ought to understand what God's power means and what occasions the release of God's power in the lives of believers.


Speaking on "five points of the day of God's power", the cleric said, 

"The day of God's power is the demonstration of the Almightiness of God, the day God reveals the identity of His sovereign authority, the day God extends His hand of might and power, the day God demonstrates His ability, capability, potentiality and possibilities and the day of full scale unhindered, unrestrained, uninhibited movement of God", assuring that God's power will begin to change things positively in the lives of believers in the State.


Enenche pointed out that God's power is also occasioned by establishment of God's purpose, deliverance of God's people from afflictions and oppression, the fulfilment of God's promise and prophecy, for the judgement of the adversary, the realisation of the destiny of God's people, and God releases His power for the people who are in covenant with God.

The event was attended by fathers of faith and clergymen from other denominations. 

Prayers for the progress of the State, and healing prayers where administered during the prayer session.

Media Unit
Govt House,Uyo
11/06/21

GOV EMMANUEL FAULTS FUEL SUBSIDY, RUES NIGERIA'S POOR ECONOMY


Governor Udom Emmanuel has decried the deteriorating economy of the nation and deprivation of the South-south states of revenue due to them through the current alleged subsidy regime.

The Governor has wondered why at $72 per barrel crude oil price, payment of salaries and wages still constitute difficulty in the country.

At a meeting with South-South zonal executive committee members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Thursday at Government House, Uyo, Mr Emmanuel said that Nigeria’s problem is not about political party but lack of sincerity by those in leadership.


"As at today, oil price is $72 per barrel, while our budget benchmark was less than $40, yet there is not a dollar in the excess crude account.

"Even our 13% derivation is not given to us. They say they are using it to pay for subsidy and we don’t know those consuming 93 million litres of petrol every day.

"Tell me, what logistics do we have in Nigeria to support importation of 93 million litres of petrol every day.

The Governor reasoned that with limited pipelines to distribute the product to every part of the country and the poor roads network across Nigeria, it was surprising that the country allegedly evacuates 93 million litres of petroleum products every day.

Governor Emmanuel said that the expenditure was also recorded during the Covid19 lockdown last year.

"Even during COVID, we were still paying for subsidy on daily basis, but there was no movement. Who were those moving with the petrol, we don’t know. All these to deny us of the 13% derivation, when we can barely pay salaries and to construct a kilometre of road here takes about eight times the cost of making it in other regions", he added.


Governor Emmanuel commended the zonal EXCO for winning the trust of the party faithful to run the affairs of PDP in the South-south zone, assuring that the South-south remains the party’s strong hold.


On the defection of Governor Ayade, Emmanuel said that PDP has not lost Cross River State, but that the people of Cross River State were on the verge of losing PDP.


He stated that only PDP governors have been able to showcase projects in the nation over time and described the rumour of his defection as a mere wish, adding that the touch of excellence and capacity brought to bear by the PDP led state governments have a lot to do with the quality of people in the party.


Governor Emmanuel also reaffirmed his position on the passage of Electoral Bill, saying its fundamental to the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy as against the clamour for reviewing of the nation’s constitution.


The Governor emphasised that taking the nation on the path of constitutional review would portend a deliberate distraction, when the issue of Electoral bill which should assure Nigerians of their stake in the democracy is on ground, calling on Nigerians to defy partisanship in such issue of national interest.


He said though the Electoral Bill may not be a single solution to all of Nigeria’s problem, it is a major step forward , maintaining that Nigeria has tried democracy over the years as a borrowed system and with the level of success so far, it has become expedient to streamline the system.


Earlier, the National Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic(PDP) South-South, Chief Dan Obih, said he was on the visit to appreciate and to applaud the wonderful works Governor Emmanuel was doing for the State.


The party Chieftain lauded the developmental strides of the governor in the state , describing him as an asset to the party and the nation.


Obih, however, decried the inability of the present government in Nigeria to proffer solution to the economic recession and alarming rate of insecurity and violence in the country, stressing that the country needs the PDP and people like Udom Emmanuel to progress.


"These are certainly not very good times. As a man with very sound economic background, we notice that on a daily basis the naira is on a free fall.

"This country needs the PDP than ever before because of the problems that this government has not been able to solve. Nigerians need PDP; Nigerians need you and others to save our country”, Obih stated.



Media Unit
Govt House
10/06/21

Nigerian President, General Muhammadu Buhari, has maintained that he will organize the military and police to pursue members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, for trying to jeopardize the existing unity of Nigeria by their secession agitations.




Speaking on a program 'morning show' on Arise TV, Thursday morning, the Nigerian President established that the Indigenous People of Biafra does not stand in support of the existing peace and unity of Nigeria, hence it must be disbanded and chased away from Nigeria.

President Buhari who said that Igbo people are business owners operating in every part of Nigeria, but agitating for the disintegration of the country entails they are unaware of what they are fighting for.

"See the way the Igbo people are spread all over the country, having businesses and properties in all the zones of this country. I don't think the Indigenous People of Biafra knows what they are talking about, or what they want."



Reacting to the disintegration of IPOB from Nigeria, President Buhari insisted that if the Igbo's breakaway from the nation, they may not have where to go.

"The Indigenous People of Biafra is just like a dot in a circle. Even if they want to breakaway from Nigeria, they will have no access to anywhere. This means that they won't have anywhere to go."


The Nigerian President insist that IPOB remains a terrorists group which has been disbanded by the Federal Government of Nigeria. According to him, the group is one of the orchestrators of insurgency in Nigeria, and its members must be treated accordingly.

" IPOB was disbanded by this administration sometime ago as a terrorist group. The reason for this is that it represent anti Nigeria, and anyone or group who operates under such group must be considered as an enemy to the unity, peaceful coexistence and prosperity of our nation, Nigeria. In any case, we sat we will talk to them in a language that they understand. We will organize the Police and the Military to pursue them wherever they are hiding."


The President who said that his government is will do everything possible to ensure the unity of Nigeria, scored himself high in the fight against insecurity and corruption.

" We know that fighting corruption under this system has been a very difficult one. But so far, we have achieved great milestones, and everyone can attest to the fact that Nigeria is better than how I met it in 2015."


"The issue of insecurity is a very difficult one, especially in the North East. I want to specifically commend the governors in the North Eastern part of our country who has made great stakes to ensure the safety of their citizens and properties. Their efforts are noticed and I am glad we are having great positive results."

President Buhari maintained that the sudden rise of insecurity in the country is cases by unemployment, hunger and the desire to acquire the basic necessities of life. According to him, these are the major challenges affecting the country

President Mohammadu Buhari has said that he is constructing roads and railways to Niger Republic because it is home for him.



Speaking during a live interview on Arise TV, Thursday morning, the Nigerian President, maintained that building roads and railways to Niger Republic is not a bad idea, as the country is a home for him.

President Buhari who highlighted his achievements so far, opined that everyone can attest to the fact that the country has been better than how he met it in 2015, stressing that insecurity in the country has drastically reduced under his watch. He commended the Government of Niger Republic for standing by Nigeria in the fight against insecurity.

" The Government of Niger Republic sometime ago called a meeting with all stakeholders to ensure there is unity between their country and Nigeria. Basically, we have partnered together to fight insecurity in our countries, and the results so far have been impressive, and we have no regret for such partnership. Nigeria is now better than how it was when I took over the mantle of leadership in 2015."



Harping on why there should be unity between Nigeria and Niger Republic, President Buhari said that the unity existing between both countries shouldn't be jeopardized because of the business opportunities it has created.

"We are very happy and impressed that many Nigerians have gone back to their respective farms. We have made sure that our neighboring country, Niger, is also safe because there are many people in Niger who order food from Nigeria, and our people here also order food from them. This is why our unity should not be compromised."

The President who expressed satisfaction over the achievement recorded by his government in the fight against corruption, said that though it is a very difficult task to end corruption, his government has ensured that the dream of making Nigeria free from corruption is actualized.

"Corruption is very difficult to fight under this system. I experienced this same difficulty during the military regime in 1983, but it was not as difficult as what we are facing today. What I did then was to arrest all the suspects, put them in prison for them to be further proven guilty or innocence. But today, you cannot arrest anyone just like because it is democracy.


We have made it mandatory for every public office holders to declare their asset. Once we notice there is more money in your bank account, we call you to prove where the money came from. If you are unable to prove it, we forfeit the money from you. We have achieved a lot here."

Harping on insecurity in the North East region, President Buhari specifically commended the governor of Borno State, Gov. Babagana Zulum for his doggedness towards fighting insecurity. According to the President, the Borno governor has taken a lot of risk to ensure the safety of his people.


"The problem of the North East is a very difficult one. The Governor of Borno is working very hard, he is taking great risks to ensure his state is safe."



Reacting to a question on Shekau's death, the President maintained that some youths are into what they are doing because of unemployment and hunger, stressing that this has become the Nigeria's greatest problems.

"The other day I asked the governor of Borno if these Boko Haram members are Nigerians or they are people from other countries. He answered me that they are all Nigerians. I think we have a problem of unemployment. A lot of youths are doing all they are doing because of what to eat, where to stay and for a lot of other necessities of life. The level of poverty is almost unimaginable. These are our problems."

EFCC Declares Tompolo Wanted Five Days After Akpabio's Visit


Nigeria's antigraft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared former Militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo wanted, barely five days after he was visited by Senator Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

The former militants leader, Tompolo, a native of Okorenkoko Gbaramatu Kingdom of Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, is declared wanted by the EFCC on a case of conspiracy and illegal diversion of the sum of N34bn and N11.9bn belonging to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

According to the anti graft agency, no one has a clue about the whereabout of the former militant leader, but it is confirmed that his last location was Chief Agbanu Street, DDPA Extension, Warri, Delta State, and this was before Senator Akpabio paid an unscheduled visit to the Creek last week Saturday.

With Akpabio's visit to the Creek where he met with Government Tompolo and solicited for his support to succeed in sanitizing the Niger Delta region, all fingers are pointing at the Minister as a prime suspect who may have knowledge of Tompolo's whereabout.

It is reasoned that if Senator Akpabio had successfully met with Tompolo when the EFCC is complaining of not being able to track him, then the Minister has vital information of Tompolo's whereabouts.

Senator Akpabio was pictured making his way to the creeks with large Ghana Must Go bags to meet the wanted former militant leader.

It was also noted that Akpabio allegedly used the content of the Ghana must Go Bag to convinced Tompolo to relax on the seven day ultimatum he had earlier issued to the Minister.

NDDC: MINISTER SACKS PRESS SECRETARY OVER 'GHANA MUST GO'

Fresh facts have emerged that the sacking of the chief press secretary to the minister of niger Delta affairs may not be unconnected with the mismanagement of their recent visit by the minister to Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.

Anietie Ekong, is said to have attracted the irk of his principal, Senator Godswill Akpabio, when pictures of a large 'Ghana Must Go' bag, suspected to contain millions of hard currency, were seen on the social media being escorted by the Minister to the creek.

It is believed that the Akpabio's philosophy, "what money cannot do, more money can do", has led to alleged frittering of billions of public funds on frivolous expenditures.

The visit to Tompolo, followed a seven day ultimatum, where the ex militant threatened to disrupt operations by the NDDC and other federal government parastatals, if a substantial board is not put in place by the Minister.

However during the visit, reports confirm that Akpabio and his entourage were seen coming out of the creeks, but without the big bag they dragged with them.

Whatever the contents of the bag, it was enough for the ex warlord to grant an extension to the ultimatum he issued, with the Minister given till the end of June to constitute the substantive board for the regional money spinning intervention agency.


However, Mr Government Ekpemupolo disagreed with the notion that Akpabio's money moved him to shift grounds.

In a statement, he said he review the early ultimatum he issued last Monday due to the aftermath of the consultative meeting held at Oporoza in Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local government Area (LGA), Delta State by leaders, youths and stakeholders from the region and not any form of inducement.

Ekpemupolo said he waded into the matter because of his love for the region and Nigeria, noting that he could not be compromised by money and other material things.

But Senator Godswill Akpabio is said to have been greatly embarrassed when the pictures of one of his aides carrying the huge bag, attracted widespread condemnations and ridicules from the media.

He blamed Anietie Ekong for negligent and careless in the pictures he sent out to the public.

His anger was further heightened when it was discovered that no external cameraman had access to the minister's visit which was done by boats and highly restricted.

A letter yesterday, by the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Sir Etekamba Umoren, announced that Anietie Ekong has been replaced by Jackson Udom, publisher of an online media platform, Pees Reporters.

Jackson Udom, a one time reporter with Tribune Newspaper had worked under Anietie Ekong in the media team of the Minister.

SEN. EFFIONG BOB: A LEADER AND A LADDER

Leading people is beyond showing the people the way, it also involves "holding their hands" to their destinations. It's giving others the shoulder to stand and see the world of possibilities.

A wise man once said, "it's better to teach someone how to fish, than to give him fish." The logic behind this statement is that once you teach the person how to fish, he would always get fish whenever he wants it, and can even sell it to make more money.

This is being a leader and a ladder, at the same time. Distinguished Sen. Effiong Bob has led in many capacities, right from the 1990s, but one thing that has distinguished him out from others is that he does not only leads, he is equally the ladder where people climb to get to the top. This is the hallmark of true leadership.

A ladder is a piece of equipment consisting of a series of bars or steps between two upright lengths of wood, metal, or rope, used for climbing up or down something. Distinguished Sen. Effiong Bob has always offered himself as that "device" that helps to take people to the top, and has done that over the years, albeit, without making any noise about it.

He has established many businesses within the state, where 90 percent of the workforce are indigenes of the state.

Many people he established through various empowerment programmes, award of full scholarship to study within and outside Nigeria, robust legislative contributions and entrepreneurial engagements are some of the activities through which distinguished sen. Bob has won the leader-ladder crown.

Today, Akwa Ibom needs such a leader.

NIGERIA LIBERATION FRONTIERS, NLFR


PRESS STATEMENT

ORDER FOR THE PROSECUTION OF NIGERIANS CURRENTLY USING TWITTER: PRESIDENT BUHARI HAS SHOWN HIS TRUE COLORS AS A TRUE DICTATOR


Being a Press Statement of the Nigeria Liberation Frontiers, NLFR, on the recent dictatorial display of President Mohammadu Buhari against Nigerian Twitter users.


At the a period that the security of the nation, Nigeria, is threatened by insecurity and all sane minds improvising ways where this menace could be combatted most appropriately, for the purpose of sustaining the unity of Nigeria; an heritage left behind for us by our fathers after great stakes, the Mohammadu Buhari led Federal Government has digressed, thereby improvising avenues where all the labors of our past heroes could be ruined, leaving the Government of Nigeria to sit at the top of the world chart of insensitivity, irrational and senselessness while maintaining its spot as one of the unsafe and poor states in the world.

Few days back, President Buhari expressed on his verified official Twitter handle how he will crush those antagonizing his Government. According to his statement, he said he will deal with them using the language they understand better.

This statement did not only flout Twitter policies, but it flagged a red alert to the world and it also portrayed how prankish, hardhearted and superfluous Buhari is. A reason why his post was deleted by Twitter, and his account warned.

Instead of apologizing to Nigerians for demeaning and bastardising their collecting image and purpose with his vulgar Twitter post, President Buhari in a bid of retaliating to the deletion of his insensitive tweet, ordered for an immediate ban on Twitter in Nigeria, and prosecution of all Nigerians who are still using Twitter: an action that has stirred global reactions, condemnation and disappointment from leaders, scholars, professionals, activists and business gurus.

According to world leaders who have expressed unreserved disappointment at President Buhari's decision of banning Twitter in Nigeria over the deletion of his tweet, it is apposite to state here that Buhari is begining to show his true colors as an undemocratic dictator who want to reduce Nigerians to the slaves of his wills.

Not only that our clueless President has successfully relegated the Nation's prosperity, progress, patriotism, image, advancement and has crippled our chances of being considered internationally by investors, he has also proven to the world that indeed, Nigeria is without a leader. No one can have anything to do with a lawless and undemocratic Nation who has no leadership. This is indeed the state of Nigeria under the Mohammadu Buhari led Federal Government.

Again, Buhari and his purposeless Government have not only terminated the very impactful avenue where entrepreneurs, scholars, and professionals could advertise, interact and present opportunities for their respective growth, but have ceased from Nigerians a platform where they can express their opinions and dissatisfaction to events and policies of Government. He doesn't want to behold any form of resistance, but he is a product of it.

This event has showcased President Buhari's only priority. His priority isn't to make things right in Nigeria, but to ensure he silence every speaking Nigerians.

If the synergy put into banning Twitter and its concurrent clamour for prosecution of its users, was put into combatting Boko Haram, Killer Fulani Herders, Bandits, Kidnapping and other insecurity threats, insecurity in Nigeria would have been a thing of the past.

At this juncture, I want to conclude by unequivocally stating that President Buhari and his Government have violated the Nigerian rights, and I want to advise him to refrain from this. His hate, dictatorial tendencies and war-like attributes should be channeled to Boko Haram, killer Fulani Herders, Bandits and other insecurity threats in the country. That is only when the unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigeria can be guaranteed.


Signed:
Abubakar Ibrahim O.
Publicity Secretary
06/06/2021

WALKING THE FUTURE WITH EFFIONG BOB



The name Effiong Dickson Bob is a household name in Akwa Ibom State, it is synonymous to positivity. Whenever the name is mentioned in the comity of faculties, what readily come to mind is the intellectual depth, discipline and leadership acumen accompanying it.

For many who do not know, Sen. Effiong Bob is a strong voice in the affairs of Akwa Ibom State. The Nsit Ubium son from Ikot Ekwere Ubium and Pro Chancellor of the University of Benin was elected Senator for the Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District in 2003, and reelected in 2007, where he served till 2011, under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

The learned leader is an alumnus of the School of Arts and Science, Uyo and the University of Lagos where he obtained a bachelor's degree (LLB) in Law before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School in Victoria Island, Lagos and was called to Bar in 1984.

Bob started his political career from being a people’s advocate to a Councilor. As Councilor, he was the Chairman Committee of Works and Transport in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area in 1990, before being elected as Member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly between 1992-1993 and later was appointed Deputy Speaker of the House.

While in the State House of Assembly, he served at different times in the House Committees on Public Accounts, Industries and Human Rights and Public Petitions.

Bob was also Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area from 1996-1997. Between 1999-2002, he served as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Akwa Ibom State and on Nigeria's return to democracy, he was appointed by the Victor Attah led government of Akwa Ibom State as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice. During his four year term as Attorney General, he served as Member, Akwa Ibom State Judicial Commission; Director, Anchor Insurance Company Limited; and Director, Akwa Ibom Savings and Loans Limited.

As Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, he served as Chairman, House Committees on Senate Services, Finance, Culture and Tourism, Power and Steel, and Local and Foreign Debts. He also served as Chairman, Ad hoc Committee on investigating illegal Withdrawals from the Excess Crude Fund without Authorization from the National Assembly and was a member of the delegation which witnessed the signing of the final exit of the Paris Club Debt in Paris, France.

Other committees he served as member included: Committees on Appropriations, Air Force, Communications, Education, Privatization, Establishment and Public Services, Foreign Affairs, Christians Pilgrims Committee, and Committee on Information.

During his tenure as Senator, Sen. Bob served as Member representing Nigeria in the ECOWAS Parliament. He was as well Chairman of the National Assembly Caucus, Akwa Ibom State comprising all the Senators and House of Representative Members from the State and member of the South South Caucus in the Senate and a Member of the South Senators Forum. ThisDay Newspaper reported in May 2009 that the Akwa Ibom son of the soil had sponsored bills on amendment to the Energy Commission Act, Public Officers (Review of Cases) Panel, Fire Service (Inspection on Building), an Act to Prohibit Trading in Federal Highways in Nigeria and an Act to Prohibit Touting in Public Places.

His unbeatable grasp of the legislature home and nationally led to the publication of his book: Independence of the Legislature in Nigeria: Matters Arising, in 2011 before he was appointed pro-chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Benin, by the President Goodluck Jonathan led government in 2013.
Beyond the legislature, the sterling Nsit Ubium intellectual has been a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) since in 1984. He served in a law chamber as a Youth Corper and later established his law firm - Effiong Bob and Associates, on completion of his national youth service.

During his time as Attorney General in Akwa Ibom State, from 1999-2002, he served as member of the Council of Legal Education (Nigerian Law School); Member, Committee on Recruitment and Discipline (Nigerian Law School); Member, Body of Attorneys General in the Federation; Member, Body of Benchers; and Member, Akwa Ibom State Judicial Commission. He is also a Member of the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association.
The husband of one wife and father of three is at present, Chairman, Leenford Group of Companies Limited; a Nigerian company involved in businesses ranging from mining to hospitality.

In view of his long-standing competence, pedigree and experience in leadership, representation as well as delivery, Sen. Bob readily comes to mind in the quest for one with the requisite requirements for the bright future envisaged by everyone. Walking the future with him will therefore, assuredly amount to positivity for everyone.

Gov Emmanuel Says Biggest Flood Control Project In Nigeria To Be Commissioned December In Uyo



The executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, has said that the biggest flood control project in Nigeria will be ready for commissioning in the capital city of the State, Uyo, by December.

Speaking during an on-the-spot inspection of the project earlier today, Tuesday 1st June, 2022, the Akwa Ibom Governor assured that the project whose completion and commissioning is billed for December this year, will help in the eradication of flood in concerned areas.

The Governor while stating his satisfaction at the level and quality of work done, also thanked the World Bank for partnering with the Government of the State to ensure that the menace of flood in the affected areas are ameliorated.

"Concerning flood in this area, it’s only people living around here that can tell you what they’ve gone through over the years. We are in government to solve problems. We had a similar case along Nsikak Eduok for many years but today nobody remembers that again. For this one, the story will be the same after completion."

Mr. Emmanuel also charged the Contractors, Chinese Roads and Bridges Construction, CRBC, to ensure the project is delivered at the targeted time without any compromise in its quality.


“I have to announce that this is one project that is prefunded, so it is left for the contractors to give us the speed that we are asking for, without compromising quality."

Briefing the Governor and his team, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Sir Charles Udoh stated that the flood control project cuts across 3 Local Government Areas (Uyo, Ibesikpo and Nsit Ibom), and 17 communities, with opened and closed drains in some areas, depending on the population density and day-to-day activities.

The Environment and Solid Minerals Helmsman also established that the project which is designed in such a way that it will take water from major parts of Uyo, to an outfall in Ibesikpo, then to the final outfall which is in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

Sir Udoh further narrated that the drain in some areas is as wide as 12 meters, 8.4 kilometers long and 10 meters deep. According to him, it is the biggest flood control project in Nigeria.

This article has been on my mind in the last one month. Self censorship incidental to partisanship, the conflict of interest arising therefrom would try to keep it in the cooler for long. But Journalism wins politics and I am finally speaking up on a vexing slant that seeks to blur the discussion on who should lead us after Gov Udom Emmanuel as governor of Akwa Ibom State. The burden of being a Journalists and politician is that sometimes you gloss over what you should say and when you should say it if doing so will hamper your party's interest. That is what I call self censorship. I set a task to overcome it and am doing well leading to this article in the series to come.

The idea to put up this article came when I stumbled on a certain prominent Akwa Ibom politician at a Lagos event with media managers from South South some weeks ago. After we greeted, he invited me to sit in discussion with him where we talked about Akwa Ibom 2023 Governorship politics and appraised some of the aspirants showing interest in the job. I don't know him as a contender (maybe he is interested in running) but we exchanged our perceptions of each of the aspirants very freely. Senator Effiong Bob featured very prominently in the "gossip" and in a striking manner.

The content of the discuss as it concerns Senator Bob was a recgnision of his strength and clean record of service by the senior citizen but which got dismissed by the pedastrian, shallow and beer parlour talks which have been responsible for our backwardness as a people- He cannot want to be Governor when his son is in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Where did we get that from? Has Bar Otobong Bob no right to aspire to represent his people if he has met the requirements of the law? I have seen that in discussing leadership recruitment processes, we care and give much attention to simpliton matters like zoning, generosity and the likes. We don't always look at capacity, intelligence, experience and preparation and the utility each person can return to the people. Character and contents are hardly looked at in who we want should lead us. We rather look at the pecuniary and the mundane. The end? Our journey to self sufficiency becomes an endless wandering of a wasted generation.

My friend on the table had quickly dismissed Effiong Bob as a selfish individual on grounds that he sent his son to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in 2019 and wants to become governor in 2023. He wanted to sway me to his line of argument and given my role as a Journalist, he would love that I propagate that line of thought. I resisted it. It is the fundamental right of every man to aspire to actualize his life ambitions. If what he seeks to get is within the purview of what the public must decide, the rule is that it should be decided on grounds whether he is qualified to get it, what he will do with it and whether it will be for the general good. It should not be the primitive way round where a everything must be viewed from the lense of hate and personal aggrandizements. As I put this to my very elderstatesman, I asked further if having a son in the House of Assembly in 2019 can disqualify a father from seeking and becoming governor in 2023. Of course he answered to the negative on sensing that I won't buy into any cheap talks with regards to the 2023 gubernatorial race. If we must compare and contrast, it must be on comparative advantage of political economy having regard to the peculiar nature of the politics of 2023 going forward in a Nigeria whose sovereignty and territorial integrity will be tested and shaken thus indicating that in choosing who governs us, his strength and ability to sail through the storms must be rock solid.

We copy our democracy and system of government from the United States of America. I have been of the opinion that we shall not be like America if we don't copy well their salient approach to politics and development. In the United States, it is not about who you are or where you come from, it is basically what you can do (Capacity) what you have done (antecedents) and what you will do (prospect) if entrusted with state responsibility. It is immaterial how many people from your clan have been what and when. Zoning is immaterial. Relationship and connection does not matter much if it does at all.

George Herbert Walker Bush was the 41st President of United States of America between 1989 and 1993. He lost a second term in 1992 to Bill Clinton because his poor economic policies threw United States of America into recession with untold hardship. Many businesses and jobs were lost and as would be expected, George Bush lost a second term. While Bill Clinton who defeated George Bush was presiding over America as her 42nd President, George Bush jnr, son of defeated President Bush was doing great things in Texas and repositioning the state as her 46th governor. George Bush Jr had successfully sponsored legislations for civil law reform, put more money to fund education, set higher standards for schools, and reformed the criminal justice system so much so that a litigant is sure of getting justice and on time.
Under George Bush, Texas became the leading producer of wind powered electricity in the U.S. A combination of these achievements, the prospects in the younger Bush then as governor made him elected as the 43rd President of America four years after his father was defeated by Bill Clinton. It didn't matter that his father left the seat just four year earlier. The failings of George Bush Sr had no ability to stop the successes and prospects of his son from taking the highest office in the United States. George Bush Jnr made America proud and secured two terms which his father could not make for a number of reasons.

I wish Akwa Ibom State can talk less of zoning, who is stingy and who is not and look at the antecedents of each of the aspirants and the prospects they hold for Akwa Ibom State. Is there anything wrong in a father moulding his son to standard, being proud of his achievements and supporting him to take elective position in government? What is the place of mentorship and succession in our political narrative? Burkola Saraki became governor of Kwara through the help and mentorship of his father. As Senate President, he help regulate Nigeria's debt burden by most times denying approval for FG to borrow. A man who rules well his house putting his children in submission and path of achievements is fit to be a Bishop, say Paul. This too can be one of the yardsticks to measure who can run our state and not the other way round.

One of the few persons who have passed my test of leadership through their antecedents and demonstrated capacity with regards to who should succeed Gov Udom Emmanuel in 2023 is Distinguished Senator Effiong Bob. He is one of the very few aspirants we have who is cast in the mould of my Lord Temporal, Obong Victor Attah, the Akwa EduekEkpe Asutan Ekpe and former governor of Akwa Ibom State. He has paid his dues and contributed to the greatness, especially the financial capacity of Akwa Ibom State. He was Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State when we needed to fight in court and secure the right of Akwa Ibom State to benefit from the oil drilled in her backyard. He served under Obong Attah and was taught both in principle and practice what should be the priorities of government. He is calm and matured. He is deep and scholarly. He has ruled well his house and has prospect of repositioning Akwa Ibom State if given the chance.

In debating whether Sen. Effiong Bob should be given the chance, let us set aside the discuss that he has a son in the house of Assembly. It does not hold water in reasonable ears. That Sen Effiong Bob has a personal succession plan that has started manifesting while he is alive, should be a plus to him and not a disqualification as some see it. Bar Otobong Bob is Sen Effiong Bob's testimonial as a disciplined public officer and father when we consider how many of our politicians are broke merely because the children they sent abroad turned out to be drug addicts living in and out of prison in the "whiteman's land". Most Politicians as of today hardly can boast of their children as being capable of managing their estates because they left them to "chop" and forget the future. Some will even be scared to put their children forward because they will misbehave and drag their name to shame. Here is a man with a different reality. Let's look at his antecedents and the prospect in discussing his chances at our highest job in 2023. That's will be my approach going forward.

APC, WAITING IN VAIN FOR GOV UDOM EMMANUEL


By Umani Uwemedimo




Permit me to begin this brief write-up with a popular slogan which I will rejig my own way inorder to suit the rationale for this piece.
" Udom Emmanuel no be Ben Ayade, so Uyo no be Calabar."

Shortly after the defection of Governor Benedict Ayade, governor of Cross River State, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, some people who do not know Mr. Udom Emmanuel well, have come out to claim how much they know about his defection plans to the APC.

To further authenticate their low mental endowment, they have used their respective mediums to publish the inappropriate and half-baked story on their timelines. Some Newspapers today have it that the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has picked his APC membership card already. This is laughable.

With all of these brouhaha, one thing has eluded their cerebration, and that is 'Gov. Udom Emmanuel has never been, and will never be a coward." It takes a coward to abscond at a time of adversity, so he's never one of such.

Harping on the premise of defection into the APC, it is always centered on underperformance and embezzlement of funds. The question now should be, "has Gov. Udom performed better? The answer is "YES". So there wouldn't be a need for defection to the same party which has caused the misfortune of the entire country since May 29th 2015.

With minute availability of funds, Mr. Emmanuel has made Akwa Ibom State a destination: from a purely civil service state, it has become an industrial haven for both National and International investors. Ibom Air, the best airline in Nigeria, Akwa Ibom Infectious Disease Center with modern and approved testing laboratories, 22 functioning industries, infrastructural expansion and many others, have come to stay in the state. Tell me why such a man should betray his conscience and people by joining the gathering of vultures!

From my observation, it is glaring that members of APC in Akwa Ibom State knows their fate. They only exist on social media, and the only avenue they can boast of a proven existence in Akwa Ibom is to have a strategist, Gov. Udom Emmanuel in their party.

I'm sorry to tell them: just as Senator Sandy Onor had said, " men with good conscience do not sell their birth right because of adversity." Gov. Udom Emmanuel knows his onions, and he wouldn't join the broom confraternity for any reason. At this juncture, the Akwa Ibom APC should know that they will be waiting in vain for Gov. Emmanuel to join them. This at last would serve as their greatest disappointment.


Umani Uwemedimo, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abak, AKS

GOV EMMANUEL INAUGURATES 5.1KM ROAD PROJECTS IN ORON,TUESDAY

The coastal communities of Oron Local Government area will come alive Tuesday May, 25, as Governor Udom Emmanuel leads top government functionaries to inaugurate a network of roads and erosion control projects in the area.

The roads measuring 5.1 kilometers include; 1.8km Murtala Muhammad Way, 800m Customs Road that leads to the Customs beach and 400m Market Square road.

Also billed for comissioning is the 2.1km Oron Highway that connects the area with the main beach, all handled by Wizchino Engineering, a reputable Chinese construction firm.

According to a release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, the roads are part of Governor Emmanuel's promise to tackle the menace of erosion and flooding in Oron and restore the area to its past glory.

"Governor Emmanuel is keeping his promise of constructing economically viable roads that open up rural areas and help promote and stimulate the free flow of commerce and investments.”

The release further highlighted that the Governor's train will move same day to Mbo where the construction of NNPC oil and gas solution centre (Ibom Solution Hub) is to be flagged off.

Media Unit
Govt. House
Akwa Ibom State
24/05/21

A'IBOM COCONUT OIL FACTORY SET TO GENERATE 1300 DIRECT JOBS, SEPTEMBER - GOV EMMANUEL

No fewer than 1300 direct job opportunities are to be created for the teeming youths in Akwa Ibom State at the St. Gabriel's Coconut factory when it becomes operational in September this year.

Governor Udom Emmanuel made this known on Friday while inspecting the installation of production lines at the Coconut Factory located in Mkpat Enin, Akwa Ibom State.

Mr Emmanuel who expressed satisfaction at the level of work by the project contractors, VKS, noted that the project will not only employ 1300 jobs for youths, but will also have more than 3000 others employed indirectly.

He said the project will also provide technology transfer from the foreign experts to Akwa Ibom people while boosting the economy in the State.

"If you check some of these units there is a combination of Asian and European technology.

"We still need those Indians because a lot of them will take up training our locals and they will also take part in technology transfer to our locals so our prayer is that the situation in Indian improves so they can be allowed to travel and interact with other people.

"We should be able to troubleshoot certain things, take for example once we are not processing coconut, we should also have a production line that can process palm kernel oil without changing a pan because we are very rich in palm kernels in this region", he added.

The governor assured Akwa Ibom people that his agricultural investments will generate raw materials to feed the factory, hinting that Akwa Palm in Esit Eket will be re-activated to boost supply at the factory.

While blaming the delay in completion of the project to the outbreak of Covid-19, he called on youths in Mkpat Enin to support government’s industrialization programmes and protect the facility against hoodlums and vandals.

Conducting the governor around the Coconut factory, the Principal Consultant, Engr Francis Uwah said, the factory will provide numerous employment opportunities, while other companies will be attracted towards acquiring the products and the by-products in the factory.

“The by-products will have further processes like the oil will be repackage into bottles to be sold in shops and supermarkets, packaging companies will come in, the chaff from the shell can be used for fuel and manure, the meat of the coconut can be used to make flour, so many multiplier effects”, he noted.

The Architect, VKS construction, Ganze Aydingenc, said the Coconut factory has a capacity of processing 300,000 coconuts per shift which will produce 66 tons in a day from three shift of production, while employing 300 people to work in a shift.

"This factory will produce 300,000 coconuts in a shift and it will produce 22 tons, if you do the three shift it will produce 66tons”.

Media Unit
Govt House,Uyo
Akwa Ibom State
21/05/21

10 UNEARTHED FACTS ABOUT THE LONGEST EVER FLYOVER BRIDGE IN AKWA IBOM STATE

1. The total length of the Ikot Oku Ikono Flyover bridge is One Kilometer.
2. It is longer by 200meters than the combination of any two existing flyovers in Akwa Ibom State.
3. No other state in the South South region has built a flyover over One Kilometer long.
4. Construction of the bridge commenced in the third quarter of 2019 and the project was earmarked for completion in two years.
5. Despite the global and national restrictions occasioned by Covid19, the project is going to be completed ahead of schedule.
6. It's bringing to an end, constant accidents that claimed numerous lives involving motorists coming in to Uyo from Ikot Abasi via Abak and Eket via Etinan LGAs, through the junction
7. The longest flyover bridge in Akwa Ibom was just 400meters along Atiku Abubakar,
8. The combination of two of the longest flyovers namely Atiku Abubakar and Federal Secretariat Flyover is 800 meters
9. Akwa Ibom had four Flyover bridges before now, Atiku Abubakar (400m); NNPC Fuel Depo Flyover(Itam)400meters), Federal Secretariat (Abak Road(400meters) and Itam Junction(300m)
10. It is one of the wonders of the Governor Udom Emmanuel's Completion Agenda, and has silenced the cynics and paid media agents of the state's enemies.

INIUBONG UMOREN: EXPOSING THE HIDDEN LOCUSTS



On the 29th of last month, April 2021, the world woke to a very pixilated and perturbing news about a job seeker, Miss Iniubong Umoren, who went for a job interview at Ibiaku, Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, where she was murdered and buried in a shallow grave; a crime jointly committed by members of Uduak Frank Akpan's familly (both immediate and extended), alongside others who are yet to be exposed. This happened when everyone had desired for the the safe return of the orphan to her siblings who are her only immediate family members alive.

While striving to deal with the shock that emanated from the distressing news, the Akwa Ibom Police Command came out with a statement that raised much concern(s) in the psyche of many on May 2nd 2021.

In paragraph three of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command's press statement, it was clearly stated that the prime murderer, Uduak Frank Akpan had intimated the Executive Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, Surveyor Iniobong Ekpenyong of his atrocious activities before absconding to Calabar. And in paragraph two of same release, it was also clearly stated that Uduak's arrest was made possible because of SP Samuel Ezeugo, the DPO of Uruan, who helped the Force by luring the culprit in.

The PPRO had said Uduak's offenses were, rape, physical assault and murder of Iniubong Umoren. No one is talking about the shallow graves seen in Uduak's compound.

Commending men of the Police Force for the prompt arrest of a most wanted serial killer within 24hours of the perpetrated crime, posterity would not neglect to prehend me for not asking how the said DPO, SP Samuel Ezeugo lured Uduak Akpan to be arrested. Was it through call, chat, or phone message? What connection does the said DPO have with Uduak that with the atrocity he committee, he still trusted that he will play to his gallery?
Another question that has discommoded my mind is how the Police could categorically state how the culprit escaped to Calabar after his purported confession to his LGA Chairman, but did not find it fit to also state where he was arrested.
Again, it was also told how the Police explained that late Iniubong Umoren first raised an object on Uduak Akpan and in self-defense, the culprit killed her. If this statement as credited to the Police is authentic, then there is a big problem. How would the Police that is supposed to protect our lives and properties be defending a serial killer who is indefensible?

The more distressing part of this drama is that few hours after Uduak Frank Akpan and his family members were claimed to be arrested, picture of another dark young man was used on different media channels. So many people till date are of the belief that the Uduak in question is the same guy they see on the media space, unknowing to them that the picture is that of another person.

Contrary to the Police statement alleging that the Chairman of Uruan, Surveyor Iniobong Ekpenyong concealed the information of Uduak's atrocious and barbaric activities, and never turned him in to the Police for interrogations, the Chairman in his press statement debunked everything said by the Police. As a matter of public concern, he claimed that he had helped in the arrest of the culprit, but never had a physical contact with him before his arrest.

In his shallow press statement, he said that "he got a phone call from people who intimated him that an elderly man from his community was arrested for a crime his son committed". After claiming that "he was called to intervene for the police to let the elderly man from his community to have access to his medication, but the police insisted on holding captive the arrestee until his absconded son was produced. As the Chief Security Officer of the Local Government Area, I swung into action for the purpose of facilitating the arrest of the suspect graciously, and the effort paid off."

With this press statement, it is apposite for Mr. Chairman to be asked how and where he facilitated the arrest of Uduak Akpan. If he did not have a link with the suspect, how possible was it for him to have located the exact location he was at Oron when he had ran from a serious crime he committed? It takes only a trusted person to know the hideout of a criminal who has been marked 'wanted' by the Police.
Debunking the earlier statement of the police and his statement of facilitating the arrest of the culprit at where he was are enough reasons for the Police to invite Mr. Chairman over for interrogations. Maybe he knows what others do not know, so it's time to talk. It's time for the Chairman to be served a suspension notice to enable him clear himself (if possible) from this case.

When the case was almost forgotten, an investigative journalist and internet guru, David Hundeyin, came out to expose some hidden locusts believed to be party to Iniubong Umoren's untimely death.

At first, he was able to track Uduak's phone calls from 14th of April to 29th of same month of year 2021 when he was arrested. From the undercover intel, it was revealed that from the 1th to 29th, Uduak Frank was steadily calling Kufre Effiong and some other people. As a matter of fact, the said Kufre who is a senior staff of the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, had sent the Uruan DPO's phone number to him through text, which he eventually called.

Before now, there have been many videos of Uduak's compound, showing many shallow graves, school uniforms, school books and sandals belonging to many Nursery and primary school children. Some NYSC Corps member's shoes and uniforms were seen all over the place. Different male and female shoes, clothes, and job application letters as well as Curriculum vitae carrying numerous names were also seen. A strong acid was also seen and from the looks of things, this business has been in existence for many years now.

Following these trails, David Hundeyin and the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police were invited for an interview in Arise TV. There, the CP tried all possible means to tell the world that there was, and there is no shallow grave in Uduak Akpan's compound, and the books, uniforms, application letters, sandals, and other belongings, are that of Uduak's siblings. To some extent, he claimed David Hundeyin was insulting him for saying he is a liar. Maybe the CP should have just told us Uduak Akpan has more than 200 siblings. Maybe the CP should have also told us that the primary two books belonging to kids bearing Northern names, are also Uduak's siblings. If with the videos from many people, and also testimonies from victims (both male and female) who had narrowly escaped from Uduak's prey, the CP could divulge all that he said two days ago on a National Television, then I'm forced to say that now is the beginning of the end.

Irrespective of the cover-ups, the truth that many people have been killed by this same Uduak and his gang using job vacancy as their means, as well as other planned means, is too glaring to be covered.

David Hundeyin also established a fact that Uduak may be killing his victims to sell their body parts or skeletons to the merchandise dealing on human parts. He also revealed how Kufre Effiong on different occasions, put a call through to Uduak Akpan in one location, 58 Unit G/S.9 Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo. These are facts that are undisputable.


Knowing the damage these revelations have done on him, Kufre Effiong, Staff of the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, immediately came up with an expository press statement with the rationale of discrediting all the points established by David Hundeyin.

In his press statement, he clearly pointed out that on the 29th of April 2021, the Executive Chairman of Uruan called him on phone to intimate him of Uduak's satanic activities and his subsequent arrest as well as his father. He claimed that before the aforementioned date, he never spoke to the said Uduak on phone.

Being disturbed by the news, he drove down to the Chairman's house where he met the Police DPO of Uruan. In front of them, he put a call through to the killer, Uduak Frank, where he confided in them that he had ran to Oron to seek solace. Because of the trust Uduak had in him, he was compelled to come down to Shelter Afrique where he could be picked up by the Police DPO. Let's pause and ponder on this point.

Which criminal would trust an ordinary bloody civilian after it was uncovered that he is a serial killer?
Which serial killer would want to turn himself in to the Police for an arrest when he is not sure of coming out in few days?
Which criminal would keep his phone on and still make use of his personal sim card when he knows it is very easy to be trailed while his line is on?

According to the embattled Kufre Effiong, the serial killer entered a public transport and came to Shelter Afrique where he called them that he was in the location.

"Because the Uruan Police DPO did not want the killer to feel unsafe, he opted to use my personal vehicle where we picked Uduak Frank up, then drove to Ewet Housing Estate in Uyo, as directed by the Uruan Police DPO". Here, it is obvious that the priority of the Police DPO was to make Uduak comfortable even when it was proven that he has killed many people already. As a senior Police Officer, you went to see a highly skilled criminal figure using his uncle's vehicle. What happened to the official police van? With the statement released by the Police Public Relation Officer last week, why didn't you come out to say either what the Uruan Chairman and Kufre Effiong said?
When the official press statement of the Police Force Stated that the Executive Chairman of Uruan concealed Uduak's atrocious activities from them, why didn't you come out to state otherwise if it's true the Chairman and Kufre Effiong worked in tandem with you for the purpose of effecting Uduak's arrest?

While the Chairman of Uruan maintained that Uduak is from his community, he concealed the information of his blood relationship with him. He purposely failed to tell the world that the said Uduak is his blood cousin, same with Kufre Effiong.

While Mr. Chairman claimed that before Uduak's arrest, he never had a physical contact with him, but his cousin, Kufre, stated without mincing words that he took Uduak to the Chairman's resident at Ewet Housing Estate, where Uduak excused the DPO to talk to them. Then, it became a family affair, so the only intruder was sent away. It therefore means that Mr. Chairman lied.

Will Mr. Chairman tell us he doesn't know Uduak's father owns a duplex inside a bush? Will he tell the world that he has not visited same building to ascertain the level of work done there? Will he also tell us that he is unaware of Uduak's business of luring and killing his victims?

No he won't say such. With all these facts, it is obvious Mr. Chairman is good at concealing facts.

On Kufre Effiong, one question that has troubled my mind ever since he released his press statement is, why did he has to wait till when the Investigative Journalist, David Hundeyin, linked him to the murder of Iniubong before making the press release?

In his press statement, he claimed that while Uduak called him on phone, his airtime finished, so he pleaded for him to return the call that his call card has been exhausted. Immediately, he called him back and after the call, he sent the DPO's phone number to him which he, Uduak, put a call through to the DPO without time wastage.

Here, Uduak didn't have airtime to call Kufre Effiong, but he had airtime to call the DPO immediately he got the phone number. I wonder that magic.

Kufre also said that untio he was at the Chairman's house in the village, he never spoke with Uduak Frank. But David Hundeyin has insisted that from 14th April, Uduak and Kufre were talking on phone. Even the same day the girl was abducted, killed and buried in a shallow grave, the duo was communicating and when the matter escalated, the first number the 20year killer called was Kufre Effiong, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs man. Can he please make another press statement to enlighten the world better on these points?

It is obvious that Uduak Frank, Uruan LGA Chairman and Kufre Effiong are more than just cousins. This may be a reason the said Chairman denied ever knowing or having physical contact with the killer. At this point, the Chairman should honorably step aside as the Executive Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area. He should be arrested and interrogated and if he's found not guilty, he can return to his duty post. Until then, the image of that sacred office is ruined.

Kufre Effiong should also be arrested by the Police if they are serious about serving justice. He should be interrogated alongside his cousins and whatever the Police finds out will be a plus to their bravery and gallantry. There are still many others yet to be uncovered, but with Kufre Effiong and Mr. Chairman, the work should be easier for the police, or are they waiting for David Hundeyin to uncover more hidden locusts behind the murder of Iniubong?
Now is not a quest for justice for Iniubong Umoren alone. It is justice for every young and small that have been killed by this satanic killer squad.

Umani Uwemedimo is a public affairs, writes from Abuja