₦airaland Forum

2019: OBA COMMENCES CAMPAIGNS


▪VOWS TO EMPOWER MORE CONSTITUENTS



▪ DRUMS SUPPORT FOR UDOM EMMANUEL'S RE ELECTION



Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East, Obong Bassey Albert Akpan, has promised to empower more of his constituents when he returns to the Red Chamber for a second term.


The Federal lawmaker made the vow, during his campaign rally in West Itam clan, comprising of wards 8, 9 and 10 at the UPE Primary School, Ibiaku Itam, Monday.


Albert noted that the three years litigation he encountered during his first terms in office, was capable of deterring him from impacting on the lives of his people and giving them effective representation, but decided to tow a different path, and keep faith with the people, while discharging his legislative responsibilities.


He noted that, over 3,000 persons were empowered in his constituency briefing which was held in April 2018.


“Over the past three years, I have been faced with numerous challenges and court cases, which could have limited my performance at the Senate, but I decided to stick with the mandate you entrusted to me, to empower and speak for you all”.


“I have carried out life touching projects across the nine Local Government Areas. As part of my empowerment scheme, my constituency office offered scholarships to over 200 students from 2015 to date, covering both undergraduate and masters’ degree students from the Senatorial District. I have facilitated I have also given 67 cars to constituents and empowered market and traders. I’ll do more in my second term, hence why I am seeking your support’, Albert said.



Speakers at the rally applauded the strides recorded by the Senator in his first terms and promised to work towards his re-election.



In his goodwill message, Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Akan Okon, said the Itu people decided to back Senator Albert’s re-election bid based on his performance and what he has been able to attract to people of the Senatorial District.



Also speaking, candidate of the PDP for Itu State Constituency, Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem, praised the Senator for his doggedness and strength in fighting the course of the party, despite the antics of the opposition, enshrined in the litigation he faced in his first three years in office.


The Chairman of Council, Barr Etetim Onuk, charged people of the wards to embark on massive grassroots mobilization for the Senator and other candidates of the party ahead of the polls. He noted that Itu is primarily a PDP area, and promised to work towards maintaining the status quo in the next general elections.



In a related development, Senator Bassey Albert has reiterated the resolve of Uyo Senatorial District to return Governor Udom Emmanuel for a second term in office.


Albert reaffirmed this during his Senatorial Campaign rallies at wards 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Ibiono Ibom, Tuesday.


He noted that the people of Ibiono Ibom have benefited immensely from the administration of Governor Emmanuel, especially in the area of infrastructural development and human empowerment, while calling on them not to negotiate with people that are not fronting the collective interest of Uyo Senatorial District, but stand with the Governor to be voted in for a second term, as the case was with those from other Senatorial Districts.


“When we supported Godswill Akpabio for eight ( years, we were hailed as patriots. Today, we are supporting Governor Udom Emmanuel for a second term, but are tagged as being tribal.  The tenures of Arch. Victor Attah and Godswill Akpabio were never aborted, and we owe anyone apologies to declare our support for Governor Emmanuel, in line with the already existing structure of the state", he noted.


Senator Albert also used the occasion to intimate the people on the passion the Governor has deployed in empowering  Ibiono Ibom people, through provision of basic amenities, one of such he said being the Ikot Adaidem/Obio Ibiono/Ediene Road that was recently approved for construction.


Speaking on behalf of the people at the separate campaign venues, Commissioner for Environment and  Mineral resources, Dr Iniobong Essien, praised the Senator for keeping faith with the grassroots, citing that this is the first time in the history of the Senatorial District that a Senatorial candidate is campaigning on a ward to ward basis. He charged the people not to deter, but forge ahead in their campaigns to deliver all candidates of the party in the upcoming polls.

A'IBOM INSECURITY PROFILE- Who do we blame?



▪ TOROBONG EKPO



After reading through insecurity stories proliferating on social, print and electronic media especially after Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC), I have decided to research into these tales with a view of ascertaining if they are fabricated or real.



In this piece, as a practicing journalist, I shall not give my own opinion, rather via inferences, references, evidences, examples et al readers will deduce if cases of insecurity are caused by Akwa Ibom State Government ably piloted by Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel or it is the handiwork of mischievous and desperate politicians.



Off course, I shall not draw reference to the jail break incident at Ikot Ekpene prison which occurred a couple of days after ex Senate Minority Leader Sen. Godswill Akpabio visited the prison a year ago.



In this piece, I will not also recount cases and victims of kidnapping and assassination during the reign of Sen. Godswill Akpabio as Governor of Akwa Ibom State (2007-2015), I will rather say, may the souls of the departed rest in peace.



A couple of weeks after Senator Akpabio defected from PDP to APC, he (through his media agent) had claimed that some hoodlums shut bullets sporadically inside his compound thereby portraying the state as being insecure. Kudos to the Nigeria Police Force who dismissed such as a flimsy kindergarten lie as was published by the respectable online newspaper, Premium TIMES.



What would have warranted such false alarm is unimagined. However, shortly after, there were cases where members of the State Chapter of All Progressive Congress via various Press Statement, SOS drew attention of the public to internal rancour within the party's leadership.



For instance, during the GOVERNORSHIP Primary of APC, Obong Kufre Etuk, A Senatorial District hopeful of the party published a gory picture of a dead body on his timeline with inscription "UKEME EKANEM URUAN KILLED BECAUSE OF APC PRIMARY". 



Mr. Utibe Ukim, an aide to Obong Nsima Ekere (winner of the Gubernatorial race) later confirmed the said killing but disagreed on the place, reason behind and other issues raised pertaining to the death of innocent father of three little children. Recall there was counter publications by family members and the community of the deceased dismissing Ekere's earlier release as lies.



Surprisingly, days after Obong Nsima EKERE won the gubernatorial primary and barely a week after the dead of the deceased, I watched on Television a supposedly assassination attempt on Ekere. 



Unlike Senator Akpabio's case where bullets were "allegedly" shot sporadically into the compound, Nsima's was shut inside his bedroom.



As soon as I watched the clip on the Nigeria Television Authority, I went on my knee praying for forthcoming elections to be peaceful and for Warsaw and Adolf Hitler analogy which Akpabio drew recently to be a mere illustration.



Though, NTA didn't present any evidence in its reportage like the gory picture of corpse in Uruan, on my part, I didn't bother either simply because while listening to the Network News I was also reading Children literature named "He who pays the PIPER dictates the tune."



It will take an experienced fictitious writer to visualized the kind of bullet that could penetrate bedroom of a 21st century Nigerian politician talkless of Obong Nsima Ekere who his then boss, Sen. Godswill Akpabio described as a very wealthy man.



A critic will think why those bullets were not fired on those fierce looking security men within the premises, political party supporters and other personalities invading the compound daily as baptismal class.



Why bedroom? Why after APC GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARY where cases of assassination were reported of which Ekere's aide affirmed ONE? These are questions that may be running in the psyche of intellectuals even without the knowledge of Police hierarchy and other "security experts".



In Ibibio Adage, it is usually said "Ke Owo isi inine atippe eyen Ndab" meaning that it is always advisable for one never to argue dream dreamt by a blind man simply because you may not know the exact time he dreamt as his eyes are perpetually closed. I don't know if such saying could be applicable in this case.



However, I was wondering why cases ranging from murder, harassment, abduction attempts and many more are predominant and exclusive in Akwa Ibom State Chapter of All Progressive Congress and its chieftains.



I recalled how Mr. Samuel Mel Ikpa, an Essien Udim State Constituency hopeful who shares same political district with Sen. Godswill Akpabio in a PRESS statement gave a graphical account of his alleged abduction and incarceration in the hands of former Senate Minority Leader for refusing to withdraw from the race.  



Senator John James Udoedehe had accused Senior Special Assistant to Mr. President on Senate matters Sen. Ita ENANG of biting and wounded his finger at the party secretariat when the material for the Gubernatorial primary arrived.



What of a dedicated member of the party, Mr. Thomas Thomas who on social media accused a stakeholder of APC of masterminding the killing of Engr. Emmanuel Asuquo whom he said was "His friend and comrade in the struggle"?



Haven't we seen incidence where the police station in Okobo was set ablazed as a result of APC PRIMARY?




As I critically examined these cases, I perceived reasons why Fathers and Mothers of Faith across the globe should fast and pray for Akwa Ibom State especially as 2019 elections approach.



If the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT owned police station could be set ablaze because of a mere primary of the ruling (FG)party, then it behooves on the party to change its name to CANNIBAL PEOPLES CONGRESS.



However, as I delved into cases of insecurity within the APC as well as tried to draw lines of similarities with that of the Peoples Democratic Party, I was disappointed as there was no similarity but differences.



While Hon. Tony Akan, Victor Udofia, Iboro Ekanem, Emmanuel Nicholas, Ekpenyong Ntekim, Ide Owodiong Idemiko among other defeated aspirants during PDP primaries were congratulating their winning opponents, the likes of Hon. Bassey Etim of APC was said on media platforms to have announced himself winner.



ASPIRANTS in Oruk Anam state constituency also accused Otuekong Don Etiebet of hijacking materials during primary. 



While PDP aspirants and candidates commended the party and state government for free and fair conduct of the primaries, Unfortunately, APC blamed their predicament on the leadership of their party.



Findings reveal that the present government of Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel has curb insecurity to its barest minimum when compared to the percentage of kidnapping and assassination in times past.



It behooves on the Presidency to try as much as possible to caution and if possible bring to book those that allegedly set ablaze the Police station in Okobo Local Government Area and swing into action killer(s) of a father of three in Uruan. 



In Journalism, I think these cases are better human angle stories that need prompt attention than sporadic gunshot within the compound of a defected senator and in the bedroom of a gubernatorial candidate. 



Desperation shouldn't make politicians to embark on tales by moonlight just to score a cheap political point. Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel since from inception is known for peace, respect, humility, accountability, focussed and prayerful.



There is no barometer that could be used to compare insecurity cases between Akpabio and Udom era. Via the fruit of Udom, I think Akwa Ibom knows him thus the reason for overwhelming support towards the realization of the governor's second term mandate.



Aside from desperate politicians, the presidency should also have desperate investigative personnel by way of security, journalism who are bent on unravelling certain mysteries. That particular lie was too childish. Please!



I'm not saying politicians and political parties shouldn't be anxious of winning 2019, but there should be limit as it will be shameful if the international community will pen down another terrorist sect in the south South region of the country.



There is no gain saying that from all available fact and figures, the Peoples Democratic Party is deeply rooted in Akwa Ibom state. "Federal Might" as banked upon by APC will simply won't work. Not in Akwa Ibom.



Anyone closer to President Mohammadu Buhari should advise him to at least  leave an indelible mark in Akwa Ibom State.



Just like Gen. Babangida is today remembered as one who created Akwa Ibom State, PMB should create an enabling platform where Akwa Ibomites will remember him as the one who created space for a free and credible election amidst political scavengers, desperado.






...COMRADE TOROBONG ABRAHAM EKPO IS THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY CONSOLIDATED CHAPEL OF NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS AKWA IBOM STATE COUNCIL

*AKPABIO’S MEDIA AIDE FAULTS FMR MINORITY LEADER ON 2019*

Senator Godswill Akpabio’s media aide, Mr Anietie Ekong has distance himself with his boss on the issue of 2019 governorship in Akwa Ibom State, saying that power comes from God alone.

Akpabio in a rally on Sunday in Ikot Ekpene, is quoted as saying that he regretted supporting the emergence of Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2015 and would therefore replace him with another candidate in 2019.

This drew the irk of several stakeholders in the state who rose in strong condemnation of Senatoor Akpabio, for arrogating too much power to himself in the matter that involves the interest of all Akwa Ibom people.

Notable comments from two Senators, Bassey Albert and Anietie Okon faulted the Senator, making it clear that the final decision of a leader, comes from God.
In a swift u-turn, Mr Anietie Ekong said, “Senator Akpabio knows that power comes from God and therefore cannot say it was a mistake for God to make a Governor out of Deacon Udom Emmanuel in 2015.”

Mr Ekong who obviously was not at the Ikot Ekpene Plaza when his boss described Mr Udom Emmanuel as a mistake that needs correction, said in a statement that, “we state categorically that such assertion never came from Senator Akpabio.”

Ekong said Senator Akpabio was no longer qualified to vie for a governorship position in the state, and was only interested in working with President Buhari to stop the alarming insecurity and economic hardship in the country.

It would be recalled that Senator Akpabio at the burial of his wife’s late grandmother in Ezeagu, Enugu state, promised to invade Akwa Ibom like the late German tyrant Adolf Hitler took over Poland in 1940.

Historians recall that the invasion of Poland by Hitler caused the death of over 860,000 Polish citizens, while another 60,000 Germans met their waterloo.

*AKPABIO’S MEDIA AIDE FAULTS FMR MINORITY LEADER ON 2019*

Senator Godswill Akpabio’s media aide, Mr Anietie Ekong has distance himself with his boss on the issue of 2019 governorship in Akwa Ibom State, saying that power comes from God alone.

Akpabio in a rally on Sunday in Ikot Ekpene, is quoted as saying that he regretted supporting the emergence of Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2015 and would therefore replace him with another candidate in 2019.

This drew the irk of several stakeholders in the state who rose in strong condemnation of Senatoor Akpabio, for arrogating too much power to himself in the matter that involves the interest of all Akwa Ibom people.

Notable comments from two Senators, Bassey Albert and Anietie Okon faulted the Senator, making it clear that the final decision of a leader, comes from God.
In a swift u-turn, Mr Anietie Ekong said, “Senator Akpabio knows that power comes from God and therefore cannot say it was a mistake for God to make a Governor out of Deacon Udom Emmanuel in 2015.”

Mr Ekong who obviously was not at the Ikot Ekpene Plaza when his boss described Mr Udom Emmanuel as a mistake that needs correction, said in a statement that, “we state categorically that such assertion never came from Senator Akpabio.”

Ekong said Senator Akpabio was no longer qualified to vie for a governorship position in the state, and was only interested in working with President Buhari to stop the alarming insecurity and economic hardship in the country.

It would be recalled that Senator Akpabio at the burial of his wife’s late grandmother in Ezeagu, Enugu state, promised to invade Akwa Ibom like the late German tyrant Adolf Hitler took over Poland in 1940.

Historians recall that the invasion of Poland by Hitler caused the death of over 860,000 Polish citizens, while another 60,000 Germans met their waterloo.

Akpabio, APC and the absurdity of a canonization (PART 1)

By Dan Etokidem

Our Senator has done it again, but there is a way the immediate past returns to haunt the present, a classic case of political nemesis. Evil surely has its beneficial uses. As Norman Mailer observed, there are some devils working for good. In a sense, Akpabio deserves pity. Akwa Ibom is in for the final episode of the Akpabio drama: let the playwrights ink their pens, the caricaturists their pencils and the satirists their wit. In the past few weeks, there have been some significant moves on the political chessboard. There is some tectonic rumbling. The geopolitical power plates are violently grating. Nigeria’s power blocs are on the move again. The whole land is quaking with fright and premonition. One man whose political defection has been greeted by both celebration and outrage, perhaps in equal proportion is Senator Godswill Akpabio. Who says the Nigerian electoral throne is not a graveyard of reputations.

Before now, there have been speculations about his political future in the APC for a long time. His return, sorry, defection from PDP to APC has been as dramatic, eccentric as it is shameful. Akpabio’s final defection and the factors leading to the event has made the APC look like a man who is neither alive nor dead, happy nor sad, partying nor mourning, drunk nor sober. We may call it a recovering coma. Sadly, the APC in the light of Akpabio’s migration earthquake is tempted to mistake the symptoms for the disease. Psychiatrists define neurosis as a relative mild mental disorder that affects only a part of the personality, whose symptoms include stress, anxiety, and obsessive behaviour. I suggest the ongoing political marriage provides a credible ground for modelling neurosis.

The current and unrelenting embrace of an ethically deficient defection is sickening. So sad that the APC is fast proving to be unable to reinvent itself. The party is proving to be an amalgam of only ambitious and misdirected politicians with short memory. Is this the change the party represents? With Akpabio as the new leader? Political insanity is doing the same thing all over again and expecting a different result. With Akpabio, any promise of change is nothing but a change of costumes and actors. For Christ sake this man was a major path of the decay he now claims he wants to evacuate. He cannot hope to be a central part of its revival. Indeed some people are in urgent need of a pack of the herbal medication ‘Kalms’ that aids sleep at night and keeps one calm all day.

In a swift genetic modification, Akpabio who we all know his DNA is expected to mutate into a rebranded saint, an anti-corruption crusader and an agent of change. They almost fooled us again. It doesn’t get more politically bizarre. As Shakespeare noted, if correction lies in the hand that committed wrong, to whom shall we complain? This is a man who lampooned Buhari, skewered APC, excoriated his opponents, needled his allies and disembowelled his critics. It hardly matters to him that his new criticisms of his dearly begotten son is full of wild contradictions or does it ever bother him when his panaceas are exposed for their puerility. To rewrite the rules of political science is one thing but to stand morality on its head is quite another. With a defection like that of Akpabio, celebrated by neither redeeming vision nor intellectual sagacity and sensitivity to the feelings of Akwa Ibom people, many questions remain unanswered.

August 8, 2018 will forever remain unique and memorable. Call it a case of the beleaguered honouring the undeserving and you will not be wrong. It was a moment hope collided with betrayal, disappointment and sad memories. It was the height of hypocrisy. A dark chapter was once again unfolding in our history at a time many had hoped that the darkest period of the night was about marking the gradual transition to dawn. So was it all a lie?

I know Akpabio himself is not a happy man considering how he was blackmailed to defect. With the EFCC opening his own book of Revelation for him to see how his own political apocalypse will look like if tried, convicted and jailed, he had no option. The documents were damming. It was a record of eight years of a cocktail of moral and ethical irregularities on the throne. It was the misfortune of political fortunes. The executioner was about to be executed. It was a serpentine ambush. Saying no to the defection carrot dangled meant a short walk to disaster. Humbled, hobbled, humiliated. He was alone, stripped bare and unaided. Caught pants down, he had to supplement a doomed venture as what he feared most was about descending on him with unremitting vengeance. Like a cunning survivalist he is, he anticipated his tragedy. In his sheer confusion and disorientation, his utter hopelessness and loss of bearing, he surely had to break under such turmoil, as the EFCC beat him into whimpering quietude. A prophesy was coming to pass with chilling accuracy as there is a fate worse than death. He was forced to throw away the umbrella and pick up the broom, in humble obedient, he did and did it with the speed of lightening.

The joke did not end there. Akpabio’s triumphant entry into APC, his new Jerusalem, portrays the APC as a party without a sense of history, mission and destiny, synonymous to a burnt-out case of moral leprosy without any possibility of redemption. The feel-good atmosphere at Ikot Ekpene stadium where he defected was as despicable as it was disgusting. Welcome to the new APC, our new moral desert and political jungle. We seem to have arrived at that junction where fanciful reality meshes seamlessly with colourful fiction. Where Akpabio gets the flamboyant impression that he and he alone is the deciding factor come 2019 in Akwa Ibom baffles me. Does taking your cloths to the best dry cleaner enhance your looks if you were not already handsome? This is where nostalgia becomes a form of psychiatric disorder. With Akpabio in APC, there is an approaching hurricane Akwa Ibom people must brace up to vehemently resists.

The canonisation ceremony was so shameful both in conceptualisation and in execution, making nonsense and mockery of the so called fight against corruption. Or what could be more absurd and more jaw-dropping than Akpabio’s meeting with Osinbajo, his proceeding to London to see Pontiff Buhari who like a Catholic priest, heard his confessions, gave him penance and admonished him to go and sin no more, his coming back to Nigeria to meet Tinubu, his resignation as Senate Minority Leader and eventual uncommon defection? It was a precedent for all that is abominable in leadership. Principle matters and consistency with principles is what is meant by integrity.

The poorly written script has made the APC look like its suffering from moral inflation- outwardly big and bloated, internally empty and weak. Our values have been diminished in the eyes of the international community just because of a few elite political delinquents. With Akpabio’s defecting to APC as a purported condition for presidential pardon and clemency under a Buhari government that is supposedly fighting corruption, Nigerians are now unshockable because what would shock other nations is a permanent aberration in our country. Is this how barbarously low we have sunk? Can’t we always separate the man who suffers from the art that creates? This in itself is reprehensible, but that is for a party that has a modicum idea of what is decent and honourable and what is not.

Watching Akpabio dancing and smiling at his former victims on Wednesday as they too smiled along with him was indeed a sight to behold. Just take a look at Akpabio and his former tormented victims, the degeneracy of our politics is so complete and mutually reinforcing that it seems there hardly exist a possibility of redemption. Many stared at the apparition in wonderment and consternation as Nigeria’s most manipulative politician; excellent at feeding at the fears of his audience than appeal to their rationality spoke, labouring in vain to defend the indefensible. What a show, brilliant, radiant, electrifying yet tragic and disgusting. In Akpabio’s mind, he was like telling them: Those I fight I do not hate, those I guard I do not love. His purpose is to save the world; his method is to blow it up.

Quite strangely and very painfully too, this new messiah was the party’s new tormentor –in- chief who carried the game against his friends and allies to a serpentine venom. Akpabio, a man APC in the recent past considered and labelled to be a mortally flawed demagogue with a promise to probe his regime is now the face of the new APC. The feverish excitement of his defection contradicts the moral and ethical issues they have all turned a blind eye to. Expecting Akpabio to be the new APC messiah was like expecting to find a virgin in a maternity ward. Where did the rain start beating us for a man who fought and abandoned his friends for the same reason he is rejoining them: Self interest.

With Akpabio as the new leader of APC in Akwa Ibom, if anyone thinks we are not in even deeper trouble than imagined, then we must all have our heads re-examined. The man who rendered the balloting process a barren exercise in 2015 is a saint and democrat in 2018. What a transformation and transfiguration! These are indeed emotional times for Akwa Ibom. Chambers of reason are frying thin from the embers of rationality. One is now slowly coming to the conclusion that things will never get better in Akwa Ibom in one’s lifetime because of some people even as honour has been redefined in our culture. Change with Akpabio, never came more cynically packaged. A mystery remains unresolved as I refuse to see what is not there or to sprinkle glitter on a toad and then pretend to be beauty incarnate. Akpabio’s reason for defecting, to bring change to Akwa Ibom is laughable. His message is as flawed as the messenger as he is not the shield he claims to be but a sword.

Are we a psychologically intimidated, morally depraved and politically naive people so indolent about our destiny, so unmindful of our dignity and so forgetful of our recent past? Are we so reprobate that we become so daft, so oblivious of the recent past? Those old enough to remember or curious enough to search would know that just not long ago, he was the architect and the creator of what he today despises without any justification. As far as am concerned, Governor Udom Emmanuel has not done to Senator Akpabio one tenth of what Akpabio did to his predecessor, former Governor Obong Victor Attah. History must always be our guide as we move into the future lest we perish as a people.

Despite Akpabio’s political grandstanding, Akwa Ibom people must not be too idealistic to ignore the doom and gloomy reality that comes with his new and never changing antics. The social consequences are too grave to be ignored. Rationale people at a time like this must always adopt what they consider the most effective means towards the end they seek and work towards achieving it. We must reject a way of life where some oddities are fast becoming our routine and culture. A corruption-compliant politician cannot bring change and what he seems to forget is that a revolt is not a revolution. Both are not the same.

Akpabio even with his sanctification by APC, purification by EFCC and canonisation by Buhari remains a snake with a slashed tail- vicious in its scorched –earth tactic. How on earth do you expect Akwa Ibom people to forget the horrors of 2007-2015? This is callousness and cruelty at its most dastardly and despicable, all in the name of politics? How on earth can APC hope to summon a new Akwa Ibom into existence with Akpabio as the new architect, town planner and contractor? No matter what happens, a mouse will never become a monkey and a catfish will not mutate into a crocodile. What an interesting way to fighting corruption in Nigeria. Now nothing is what it seems. Everything is what it is not. Illusion is reality and reality is illusion. What a shame.

Akpabio, as mysterious as a midnight ghost and in his characteristically crafty manner says he is defecting from PDP to APC in the interest of the nation, much to the surprise of only those who don’t know or have chosen to so soon forget the man’s antecedent. You can be sure that the manipulation of human emotions has reached its zenith. In lying, he told memorable lies; and in self praise he was more grandiloquent. His reason for defecting has been a wonderful lie. It was a moment of mass deception. Against this backdrop, he made this statement demonstrating that he remains a conflicted man lacking a unified theme.

What can shock Akwa Ibom people? Is there a more shocking absurdity? What could be more ridiculous? Such claims are largely bogus and have fragile connection to reality. The wise use the truth as a light. The hypocrite uses it as a dagger because while beauty may lodge in the eye of the beholder, truth does not necessarily reside in popularly held opinion. If Akpabio seeks greatness, he must stop using Akwa Ibom and her people as a whipping post and bargaining chip. This does not speak of greatness. It speaks of opportunism joined by an ample sprinkling of political cowardice, coming from a man who will do anything no matter how demeaning to accomplish his goals and protect his interest.

Akwa Ibom people are determined not to be deceived twice. Akpabio thinks Akwa Ibom, this oil-rich state, is merely a toy for his eternal amusement. But as this royal python rumble in acute irritation, this architect of the very woes the APC was bemoaning is not coming to remake Akwa Ibom in APC. His goal is to cripple her. Reducing the state to the status of a crippled empire undermines her ability for progress and liberation. This breaks to his advantage and plan to keep us in perpetual enslavement. He reminds us of our mistake as a people, a mistake we must not repeat. Repeating such nightmare can only be counterproductive.

The consequences of some of his past actions have forced the state to function at a level far below her economic possibilities. Now he is at it again, accompanied by some willing tools who defected with him (I respect their right to freedom of association for convenience though) and have always been a willing tool in the hands of their manipulative master. But you see, come 2019, Akpabio must become a product of a determined historical process which must eventually unravel before his very eyes because the fate of a state is far more important than the fate of an individual however important or self important he claims to be. We are our memories. Once we forget, we are lost.

The truth is with Akpabio’s migration, hope may not be scattered to the four winds but it has been exited from its dwelling place. We must remain awake and keep vigil till the danger is over. With Akpabio as the new leader of APC in the state, the artificial peace and unity that prevailed in the party will soon evaporate. The state has now moved from the possible dawn of a new day into the darkness of nights already long passed. Who are we fooling? Or do some politicians think we are all zombies? Akwa Ibom people must brace up for the worst from Akpabio or be prepared valiantly to reclaim our state or what is left of it from him.

These points are raised not to embarrass or exalt anyone but so that we may better understand the political dynamics unfolding and be better prepared for what is to happen next, be it to avail ourselves to the approach of good tidings or brace ourselves for a coming storm.

Once again, Akwa Ibom is the target of a hostile takeover bid, the paradox is baffling and it speaks to the core contradiction of a man out to bitterly polarize the state for his personal gains. But we must take due historical cognisance of the grave import and the collective danger of letting Akpabio having his way this time represents for the future of this state. Akpabio must be told loud and clear that we respect him for whom he is but that forcefully tampering with the destiny of a people have a way of returning the compliments in an even more devastating manner. His overall approach to politics is fast becoming absurd, offensive and provocative with the possibility of him suffering a political misadventure that may force him to seek asylum if he is not careful.

A true leader do not manipulate people, he inspires them. Akpabio should stop playing poker with the destiny of Akwa Ibom. The social fabric that binds us together is about to collapse, leaving in its wake, a state of hair-raising anomie. We must not allow it to happen as there are times when sharpening contradictions suddenly mature, forcing a people into a fundamental rethink about its future. The priest of war has resurfaced at the altar, preparing to sacrifice truth so that the clouds of war might once more gather over us. Akwa Ibom people, peace is in jeopardy. Pray that it endures. Cherish it while it last. The present is compromised and the future imperilled if we allow Akpabio again. Let’s prove to Akpabio come 2019 that Akwa Ibom people are not adult in diapers.

...THERE WAS GODSWILL AKPABIO!


- TOROBONG EKPO


A big congratulations to Akwa Ibomites, especially politicians and public office holders for the show of solidarity towards ensuring that Akpabio's defection saga doesn't lead to another 1983 political "coup" which Late Clement Isong's second term ambition was stopped by an Annang son as the Governor of then South Eastern State.



I commend Akwa Ibom people for the brotherhood spirit displayed so far which is devoid of ethnic, religion and whatever sentiments. Indeed, this was the kind of bond that bound founders and members of Ibibio State Union( Merchant of Light) together until "someone" amongst them betrayed the accord. I extol thee for resisting repetition of such act in this 21st century.



It is glaring that, with unity, togetherness and love, we could be wiser than "GREAT TEACHER" of sort.



Just within three years Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio left office as governor of Akwa Ibom State, the psyche of Akwa Ibom politicians have been restored back to factory setting with everyone taking responsibilities for his/her actions.



Were we under some spell? Cursed? Blind? Baal? What has brought about sudden change and spiritual recovery we are experiencing today as a state? Only You can do what no man can do.



So amazed to observe that even supporters, devoid of "consultation" with their masters took their stance insisting on #IstandwithUdom as soon as they observed that the Great Teacher wanted to cause enmity by teaching them nonsense.



Earnestly, I am proud of Akwa Ibom, my dear state. I am hopeful that the future of our children shall be redeemed. I applaud every public office holder who has refused to join Godswill Akpabio on his defection adventure...or should I call it, a drama?



On Wednesday (the D-day,) maybe only Hon. Emmanuel Ekon, Hon. Emmanuel Akpan, Don Etim and insignificant few others will join him in jumping ship to APC.



I shall be in front of my television screen watching if Hon. Hilliard Etta, South South zonal Chairman of APC will repeat the statement he vowed to probe Godswill Akpabio in 2019 during reception held recently at Ikot Ekpene Stadium to honour President Muhammadu Buhari.



I shall watch if Atuekong Don Etiebet will promise Abak 5 of Senate ticket as he did during a reception held months ago at Abak Technical College, Abak.



I shall watch to see if Senator John James Udoedehe will be courageous enough to remind Akpabio of the travails he went through at that Ikot Ekpene stadium in 2011 and how scores of innocent blood spilled away just for his gubernatorial ambition.



I shall examine if remarks made by speakers will be tantamounted to Speeches or comedy...



Most especially, I shall examine the number of loyalties Akpabio has gathered eight years in Hilltop Mansions and three years in Red Chamber thereafter, compare and contrast with fans of Obong Victor Attah in his present age.



OH, what a nice time to be alive! OH, how the mighty has fallen.



Who would have thought that UKO Akwa Ibom of those heroic days will bow down to President Buhari he had abused up-and-down like he just did as displayed on social media, Channels TV et al.



Who would have believed that Akpabio who used to move with fleet of cars in times past is today walking alone even as his personal aides display resignation letters while Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District PDP elders and stakeholders have unimously rejected him?



...A karma display of Senator Aloysius Etok's case in 2013. Off course, this time it's also led by Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem with Hon. Iboro Ekanem and others in attendance thereby confirming the scripture that, "whatsoever a man sowth, so shall he reap."



OH, How time flies?



I now see why ICHABOD was only mentioned once in the holy scripture...Indeed, when glory departed from Isreal, the city was devastated. A big lesson for Akpabio, that was once GREAT should learn from the biblical episode.



I may not know his thought towards APC, I don't care to know his choice of GOVERNORSHIP candidate but each time I recall the incidents of victims of kidnapping and assassination (especially those involving Ibibios)during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State, I vow never to be equally yoked with unbeliever.



If politicians could forget the incident and role allegedly executed towards impeachment of a public figure during his reign, then they shouldn't forget how a certain SSG, who supported Akpabio's 2007 guber. ambition wholeheartedly was chased out in a commandore manner by one who President Buhari once said "should be in the other room".



People say, politics is a game of interest, for Christ sake, mine is that of emotions laced with moral and sentiments.



I may not know the challenges Akpabio had with Udom, but whatever the case, Akpabio ought to have recalled that exception of Hon Essien Attah which he appointed a commissioner for only one year, he didn't accommodate his predecessor's immediate family like Udom Emmanuel who has appointed Prince,Emem, Ibanga to mention only 'three' in his government.



I doubt if Udom Emmanuel had embarked on probe of Akpabio's project like the latter did on Ibom Science Park.



I doubt if Deacon Udom Emmanuel has castigated the incessant spending of public fund during his predecessors era like Akpabio did by saying that he met empty treasury about some hours after his swearing in as governor in 2007.



I would however admit that Governor Udom Emmanuel has tried in his effort to unite the past and present by bringing Obong Victor Attah and Sen. Godswill Akpabio together in his led administration.



Have we forgotten so soon how Obong Attah's name was omitted during Akwa Ibom day's celebration under the watch of Chief Godswill Akpabio as governor? But today, Udom Emmanuel did not only identify with his predecessors but went ahead to named International Stadium after Godswill...I wish such benevolence should be extended to Attah, where a project could also be named after him.



From a distance, I could boldly say that if there is any leader that has tolerated Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, then such should be Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.



Is it via breaching of protocol after the Governor has already been seated in an event? Raising ethnic enmity as he did during All is not well brouhaha in Abak? Above all, the governor has tried in uniting Ibibio, ANNANG, Oro, Ekid, Obolo and Ibeno thus the reason why the anger expressed towards Akpabio's defection is not only seen as Ibibio cause but rather Akwa Ibom project.



I wouldn't say that Akpabio is an ingrate, but I think I will be ungrateful to God, Ibibio nation and Akwa Ibom if I allow myself to be used to massage his ego on Udom Emmanuel.

EFCC ALERT!
"The family of Akpabio alone stole trillions. What Udom is doing now is balancing papers for Akpabio."

- Senator John Udoedehe

IBIBIO NATION: A TRIBE OR WAR ZONE?


- TOROBONG EKPO


I came into this planet several decades ago only to be inquisitive about two Ibibio adages; "Ibibio isi imaha mfon" meaning IBIBIO PEOPLE DO NOT LIKE GOOD GESTURE, and " Ibibio isi imaha idem" meaning IBIBIOS DO NOT LIKE THEMSELVES.



Being an Ibibio son, I tried to inquire what brought about such ICHABODIC sayings on my ethnic group, only to realize that it was as a result of thorough Research, Economic Transaction, Political Involvement, Interface amongst Ibibios that our forefathers propounded the sayings which was more like a generational curse placed and became binding on todays generation, which I think I will try to expatiate on certain instances.



I wouldn't talk about an incident where a certain Paramount Ruler from Uyo Federal Constituency was kept unburied for 8 years (due to political, would I say traditional interest) until Sen. Godswill Akpabio, a native of ANNANG came to the rescue, but I think it wouldn't not be out of place if we could recall the alleged incident that led to the division of IBIBIO monarchs, where a group said to be rival went as far as Corporate Affairs to register a factional organisation and I keep wondering if it's possible to register 'Ikaan' in accordance with the law...When kings within same tribe fight for throne, then the people need to fast and torn their cloths for His mercies and grace.



Some years ago, a certain author from Eket LGA published a book claiming that Ekid are not Ibibios, and I asked if it is so, does it mean that Ntisong Ibibio is from Ekid Ibibio or ekidnsinibiekpu?



You just observed HAPHAZARDLY disparity amongst Ibibio monarchs, elders, Local Government Areas In all, the disparity between my Ibibio brothers and sisters has reached a level where other ethnic groups are beginning to sympathize with us.



I could recall that one of the first people who started discrediting projects executing by NDDC (Where Ibibio son is the Managing Director)was a fellow Ibibio son named Mr. EPHRAIM Inyang-eyen. As an alleged extremist, he went as far as nicodymously bringing Minister of Niger Delta, Hon. Usani Usani just to showcase enormous hatred Ibibios has for one another at the national and international media houses.



As if that was a tip of the iceberg, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel during Security Summit toed the path of his commissioner by claiming that the state government owns land not NDDC as such the commission should be cautioned...You may think it's politics, I feel it's fulfilment of those earlier mentioned adages.



I tend to wonder if any ANNANG man would have done what Ephraim Inyang has taken as a routine.



The manner Mr. EPHRAIM Inyang-eyen and his boss are rubbishing the seat of M.D. NDDC has made me to feel if Ibibio is a war zone...



Unfortunately, these internal crises amongst Ibibio has help in moving other tribes higher in terms of manpower development.



In today's Akwa Ibom State, it is glaring that natives of a certain tribe are in charge of economic structure of this stste. Join all Ibibios political bigwigs both in PDP and other political parties together, could you believe that they may not have up to 20Billion naira? But check out some erstwhile Accountant Generals, former commissioners et al in fact, within 2 years in office some celebrated billion naira benchmark.



It's so sad that Ibibios are perpetually at war with one another.



When Akpabio won primaries in 2007, he reached out to All aspirants including Dr. Udoma Bob Ekarika, but when Udom Emmanuel won his in 2015, he allegedly refused to reach out to G22, today a faction which would have unite for the interest of Akwa Ibom State is divided per political blocs.



Over the years, so many natives of other tribes have been invited by the Economic and Finance Crime Commission (EFCC)with a view of defending some petitions and allegations.



At least we have heard when former Accountant General , Isobara, Sen. Godswill Akpabio were invited, yet no dust was raised by any ANNANG son or daughter. Perhaps, they rose in defence!



Just last week, Sen. Bassey Albert was also invited by the same commission but fellow Ibibio sons (Which OBA has helped in times past)had the guts of throwing tantrum on a man that was once seen as Ufan ndito ubuene.



I WEEP when I noticed that the petition was written by a fellow Ibibio son, I cried louder when I observed that the allegation is planned not only about 2019 but towards 2023 election and I asked when will Ibibios take history important?



The emergence of Udom Emmanuel as Governor should have taught politicians lessons in History. Thus, 2023 may not be different from KNOWN HISTORY.



It will be Ibibio thing as such, Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency will come up with permutation that the it's their turn as they have never produced Civilian Governor. Etinan Federal Constituency will insist that it is her turn to complete the tenure of Late Akpan ISEMIN while Uyo Federal Constituency will insist that ZONING has never been on Federal Constituency basis hence anyone from Uyo Senatorial District could contest and win.



It will be an interesting contest, but I am sure by 2023 voters will root for a grassrooter, who has dined, wined and jolly with them. The importation and exportation of governors from North, West will be terminated, eye don open every man now... this is but for another day, though.



Back to Ibibio, I was surprised if Sen. Bassey Albert was different from a former commissioner for Finance who was in charge of INTERMINISTERIAL committee, who was one of the brains behind Utuenikang Ibibio that he was later nicknamed OBA!



I was soliloquy if he is not the same person that had boys under the aegies of Ndito Bassey Albert, provided scholarships to many people across the state, doled out cars to so many including a physically challeged and a former lawmaker from Uruan State Constituency named Barr. USENOBONG AKPABIO...look, it's unprecedented for one to dash a PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED a car instead of crutches and wheel Chairs as was supplied by Godswill Obot Akpabio during his constituency briefing held recently.



A man that was asset to Ibibios during eight years of Akpabio's tenure!



If he is the one, then I think he should be extolled for improving the plight of IBIBIO in a government where Fellow Ibibios were antagonizing other Ibibios while worshipping Akpabio as Baal.



OBA should be celebrated for providing succour to the Ibibios in a government where Ibibio man named Hon. Iboro Ekanem moved a motion for the recall of Sen. Aloysius Etok (Ibibio stakeholder) and was later appointed a commissioner(Under the watch of Akpabio as governor), today he is representing Ikono Federal Constituency as a sleeping lawmaker according to media report.



To the media community, OBA deserves accolades for empowering not less than 4 media practitioners during his Constituency Briefing, A feat no lawmaker has ever done including Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio who is said to have done Mega Mother of Constituency Briefing.



Despite our past and present, I think Ibibios have the opportunity today of breaking those adages which serves as jinx for the sake of our future!



It is extremely possible.



If only we see ourselves as BIOLOGICAL brothers, sisters, wards and siblings.



We can make it if only we don't allow political party affiliations to disunite us.



We can turn a new page if only we will admit the fact that our past has been battered and that we can make amends.



If our monarchs will serve as Fathers and remain apolitical rather than causing disunity via purported endorsement.



For Instance, was there any need for them to have endorsed Udom Emmanuel at Asan Ibibio?



Between MONARCHICAL blessing and endorsement which was right thing for them to have done...If our traditional fathers continue this way, in future, some monarchs may be treated same way politicians are treating few media hustlers these days. Fact!



If Udom Emmanuel will see Akwa Ibom as Management of NDDC is seeing, then there will be hope for future generation.



Was there any need planting Metering, Syring and the other industry (Even though they are PPP arrangement)in Onna LGA alone?



When other Local Government Areas are craving for development...can't he at least behave like the Federal Intervention Agency, which has brought even and rapid development in all facets of the society? And has even forcefully prompted EPHRAIM Inyang-eyen to fill-up potholes in some long abandoned roads and maybe commission as achievement of Udom Emmanuel during the forthcoming Democracy anniversary!



What was the brain behind using agency occupied by Uyo Son with a view of threatening to pull down structure situated at Barracks road (Ikot Afia) just because of political interest?



Is that not indirect way of causing enmity between Ikot Afia and Atan or by extension Uyo and Ibesikpo?



I still believe Ibibio could unite if our leaders such as Governor Udom Emmanuel will decide to play politics with decorum.



Ibibio could unite if our ELDERS will not take sides unnecessarily but look beyond their nose.



Was there any need for Uyo Elders (Which some were alleged to be Godswill Akpabio 'recharge card' boys)abusing Akpabio just because of statement Udom's Great Teacher made in Abak?



Has Udom Emmanuel not put Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road, Four Star hotel in place? So who is the superior between Udom Emmanuel's Great Teacher and the so-called elders?



For the sake of our future generation, as Ibibio public affairs commentator, critic and apolitical, I think we should keep politics aside and see how we can uplift the plight of IBIBIO nation and possibly turns it from a "WAR zone" to a tribe by extention the fourth largest ethnic group in the country.



We can do that, if we will unite as the leadership of APC came together in one ACCORD and conducted a formidable ward, chapter and state congresses recently devoid of rancour and political abracadabra .


We could unite if Uyo Senatorial District, will (during the reception)only urge Udom to Contest rather than endorsing him as no one knows tomorrow.



Don't you know Udom Emmanuel may pursue you out of his led government and Ephraim Inyang may fuel the earlier crises by dividing Akpabio boys from Udom Boys and maybe expose "Illegal document of ANNANG Dangotes" if God should decide to punish you by answering that prayer of endorsement that you about to pray? Anyway, Calamity will never befall our dear state the second time.


We will unite if EPHRAIM INYANG look into compensation saga and cases instituted by Estate Valuers that are allegedly proliferating across the nooks and crannies of the state.



We will unite if the government look inward into Pensioners GRATUITIES and pensions.



The key word is UNITY! It comes when a detrabalized person is in power...and what stops 2019 from giving birth to such reality?



Only rapture!

Premium Times Nigeria

Akwa Ibom students protest against Governor Emmanuel

Cletus Ukpong

Students of Akwa Ibom state origin studying in tertiary institutions on Thursday embarked on a peaceful protest against the state governor, Udom Emmanuel, for allegedly “refusing to show interest in their welfare.”

The protesters, a handful of them, gathered in the afternoon at the gate of the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo, chanting solidarity songs and displaying cardboards with the inscription “Pay us our bursary.”

The protesters complained that the students from the state were yet to get a bursary from the state government since the inception of Governor Emmanuel’s administration.

The protest, which coincided with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s flag-off of the campaign for the local council elections in the state, temporarily disrupted the free flow of traffic in and out of the state secretariat.

A senior police officer from the State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, who arrived the scene of the protest to talk to the angry students later led a few of the student leaders to the Government House for a meeting with the Secretary to the State Government, Etekamba Umoren, PREMIUM TIMES learned.

“Since all other channels of communication have been blocked against the students of Akwa Ibom state, we didn’t have any other option than to go public to let the people know that we are suffering,” Ime Hanson, the President of the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Student, NAAKISS, University of Uyo Chapter, told PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr. Hanson, who coordinated the protest, said that students were the most neglected set of people in the state.

He said that the students were yet to receive their annual bursary from the state government since Mr. Emmanuel became governor in 2015.

“The last time bursary was paid in this state was in 2013 and it was N5, 000 per students,” Mr. Hanson said.

He accused the Commissioner for Education in the state, Paul Udofia, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Matters, Aquilla Akpan, of being the responsible for the problem.

“The governor is our grand patron. We don’t have a problem with the governor; we have a problem with those working with him. These people don’t work for the interest of the students or that of the governor,” said Mr. Hanson. He also appealed to Governor Emmanuel to sack the education commissioner.

PREMIUM TIMES tried to reach the governor’s aide, Ms. Akpan, on the phone. A lady, who claimed to be her personal assistant picked the call and promised to get her to call the reporter back.

The governor’s aide didn’t return the call as at the time of filing this report.

But another of the governor’s aide, Essien Ndueso, dismissed the protest as being political.

“Because they hear that PDP is commencing the flag-off of local government elections campaigns today, they have allowed irresponsible opposition politicians to mislead them,” Mr. Ndueso, who is a media aide to Governor Emmanuel, wrote on Facebook.

Mr. Ndueso added, “I ask these students, is bursary an entitlement or a privilege?”

“Nobody sponsored us. We are a pressure group and not an organ of any political party,” the NAAKISS leader, Mr. Hanson, responded to Mr. Ndueso’s allegation.

“We have the right to kick against any government policy or action that is not in our favour,” said Mr. Hanson, who vowed that the students would continue with the protest until they are able to attract the governor’s attention.

“Yes, we understand that the state may not have the kind of money it used to have in the past. But at least, the governor should talk to us, even if it is N2, 000 that he wants to pay, let him tell us,” the student leader said.


(c) Premium Times

Culled from The Nation newspaper of Monday, October 30 p14

 

SCORECARD:

UDOM EMMANUEL ADMITS FAILURE—AFTER TWO YEARS PLUS AND N700BN DOWN THE DRAIN

 

Under intense pressure from a cross-section of Akwa Ibom people to speak up on the status of projects he inherited from his predecessor, Gov. Udom Emmanuel has finally announced that those assets were indeed uncompleted when Akpabio commissioned them with fanfare in the last weeks of his tenure. He has then promised to complete them (the hotels in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene) and hand them out to management consultants to run. We will take him up on this later because we doubt his capacity to deliver and the sincerity of his pronouncement.

AKPABIO COMMISSIONED UNCOMPLETED PROJECTS 

The admission by Emmanuel during a speech at Government House Chapel last week that Akpabio commissioned uncompleted projects just before he left office in 2015 should be a public embarrassment to Senator Akpabio who had all along been counting these projects as his key gubernatorial achievements. Equally awkward for Akpabio is Emmanuel’s pledge, for the umpteenth time, to complete the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road which Akpabio commissioned as fully completed before he left office.   Many believe that Udom’s failure to complete the road is at best light jabs at his predecessor. The governor is essentially telling his predecessor: “If you were such a high performer, why didn’t you complete a major road that leads to the heart of your senatorial district?”

RENOVATION OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS AS KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

If his speech in the Chapel was to embarrass his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel’s 11-page advertisement of his achievements in The Nation newspaper of Monday 23 October 2017 amounted to gross self-flagellation. A governor who has earned over N700 billion from FAAC, IGR, bank loans and other sources could only list the renovation of 98 school blocks as his achievements! Where are the 700 km of roads and seven bridges Udom has claimed to have built in his first two years? Why did he not list just one of them? The common practice is for governors to flaunt roads and bridges as their achievements. Not Udom. As many Akwa Ibomites know, he has not been able to complete a single stretch of road. All of Udom’s road projects are either abandoned as soon as they are started, or done half way and abandoned. Udom must have been so ashamed of his abysmal performance that he had the 11-page advertisement signed by a ghost, instead of a senior government official.

If a governor is flaunting his achievements in colourful newspaper ads, is it not the Commissioner for Information or the SSG that usually signs such publications? But in the case of our governor, it is a certain Chief Okon Jim of Ibom Vanguard for Equity & Justice that signed the ad. Who is Okon Jim that would spend N5 million of his hard-earned money to buy eleven newspaper pages to showcase Udom’s repainted classroom blocks? There is even a grapevine angle that Udom simply palmed off school buildings renovated by the Akpabio administration. This is persuasive. If the Udom Emmanuel administration truly renovated those classroom blocks, why was the ad not signed by the SSG, a Commissioner or even his Press Secretary? It is possible, as is being discussed in many circles, that those classrooms were truly renovated during the Akpabio era. Could Udom be taking credit for what he didn’t do? Is that why he used a non-existent ‘Chief Okon Jim’ to sign the ad? Talk of ineptitude and insincerity!

FAILED PROPAGANDA

If the governor’s advertorial was meant to show that he has added to the stock of assets of the state, he failed miserably. His failure is inexplicable. He is supposedly well trained, came to the job with many years of ‘leadership’ at the executive level under his belt, and has a good deal of cash to play. So why has he failed? He must have been prenatally injected with the hormone of fumbling.

But the advertorial was a double failure. It was provoked principally by the Hashtag Campaign that demanded that Udom speak on inherited projects from his predecessor which he has since abandoned. The advertorial failed to fully speak to that demand; it did not say why the e-Library is not put to use, for instance. It did not say why the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road has been abandoned, etc. So if Udom set out to address the abandoned projects question, his voice was deafeningly muted!

The governor’s lackluster performance is also manifesting in many other areas: the remodeling of Eket town which he started, an apparent copycat of the makeover of Uyo and Ikot Ekpene by the Akpabio administration, has been abandoned. Udom promised to follow in Akpabio’s footsteps and build Akwa Ibom of our dream. But he just can’t get anything started and completed. Not only has he been unable to complete a single road project, Udom is so ineffectual that he can’t even maintain existing assets of the states and provide basic municipal services in the state capital.

Street lights along the Airport Road have all been stolen; Uyo City, renowned for its neatness and good road network, has dirt estate, where refuse dumps boom at street corners. Darkness now envelops the town at night; street lights are no longer functioning.  Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort, a prime tourist destination for golfers from across the globe, built by the Victor Attah administration and admirably maintained at five-star standard by Akpabio, is today in a state of disrepair. Work on Ibaka Deep Sea Port and the MRO (maintain, repair and overhaul) facility at the state’s airport has not moved an inch under Udom; yet other states like Cross River, Lagos and Ondo have overtaken Akwa Ibom in their quest to establish deep sea ports.

Just imagine it. Udom cannot keep street lights functional and is unable to ensure that Uyo remains the aesthetic delight that it was during the Akpabio administration, yet he is claiming he would complete the Tropicana Entertainment Centre Hotel in Uyo and the 4-Point by Sheraton at Ikot Ekpene. Where is the track record; where is the capacity that should make any sane person take this fumbling governor seriously on those promises? If nearly three years after he cannot complete a mere taxiway that Akpabio started at Uyo airport, why would anyone take seriously his boast that he could complete the two hotels in his life time?

SINCE YOU CAN’T BUILD, DESTROY                                     

Rather than work to improve on the achievements of his predecessors, Udom Emmanuel is trying hard to erase the legacies of Chief Akpabio, and maniacally fighting to prevent the NDDC from intervening in the rehabilitation of Akwa Ibom roads. The governor is so petty, insecure and nasty that he asked his Commissioner for Works, Ephraim Inyang, to chase NDDC contractors away from project sites because in Akwa Ibom state, NDDC projects are more visible than the government’s.  Afraid of being outshone by the federal agency, the governor has resorted to violence and brinkmanship to thwart the works of the NDDC. Three weeks ago, NDDC contractors were chased away by Ephraim Inyang and his army of thugs as they were working on Youth Avenue, off Oron Road. The Commissioner has also threatened to disrupt the rehabilitation of Hospital Road, Abak, which has been in a very deplorable state for a long time.

TRIBUTE TO COMPATRIOTS

This intervention is in part a tribute to the efforts of our compatriots, namely, Mr. Enefiok Ekefre, Hon. Perry Ntuk, Mr. Aniekan Inyang and Dr. Emaeyak Ukpong,  whose very patriotic and crusading zeal brought the atrocious ineptitude of Udom Emmanuel to the attention of Akwa Ibom people through various newspaper articles. They are the real Akwa Ibom patriots. I am sure that Udom has now realized that it is one thing to be foisted on the people through fraudulent electoral process and another to conduct the business of government in a proficient and experienced manner.

WHY AKPABIO SHOULD APOLOGIZE

I am sure that Senator Godswill Akpabio is ashamed of Udom. The Senate Minority Leader must be feeling a jab of guilt that the stooge he brought to us from political anonymity has become such a monumental failure and embarrassment to him. We urge Akpabio to go beyond complaining to people in Abuja about Udom’s insincerity, lack of capacity and good judgment, and tender an apology to the good people of Akwa Ibom State for imposing Udom on them. The true test of a man’s character is his ability to accept his mistakes and apologize for them.

 

Signed:

Dr John Harry, Ph.D.

Former Commissioner for Environment

Akwa Ibom State

#UdomMustSpeakNowOnAbandonedProjects

We demand that Gov Udom Emmanuel speaks on why has totally abandoned former Gov. Godswill Akpabio's legacy projects. Why have they not been put to use or completed, as the case may be?

Has Governor Emmanuel been able to put to use any of the mega projects Akpabio completed and commissioned with so much fanfare?

Has he completed the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road?

Has the Uyo Specialist Hospital not been shut down on account of Udom’s failure to manage the facility?

Is Udom not falsely claiming that he is constructing a second runway in Uyo International Airport when in actual fact he inherited a taxiway project with 70 percent of the work already done under Akpabio but which typically Emmanuel is unable to complete in almost three years?

We need to know.

PRESS RELEASE

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

BETWEEN SUPER EAGLES OF NIGERIA AND

CHIPOLOPOLO OFZAMBIA

Akwa Ibom State Police Command has put in place adequate security arrangement, to ensure hitch free world cup qualifier match between Nigeria and Zambia scheduled to hold on the 7thofOctober, 2017 at Godswill Akpabio international stadium, Uyo.

2. The Commissioner of Police ,Akwa Ibom State, CP Zubairu Muazu is determined to guarantee that soccer loving Nigerians enjoy the football match under a peaceful atmosphere devoid of any infractions of law and has directed the deployment of specially selected officers knowledgeable in crowd control and Policing events to provide top-notch security before, during and after the football match.

3. In addition, due to influx of soccer fans into the state, adequate crime reduction strategies have been emplaced to check crime and criminalities, throughout the state. It is also in addition to existing anti-crime measures in the state.

4. The CP enjoins all soccer fans visiting the Nest of champions to conduct themselves in a most orderly and hospitable manner. Sports is a veritable means to promote unity, solidarity and cultivate enduring friendship.

5. The Command, in Collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders in sports administration is working assiduously to facilitate adequate sports security in accordance with international standards.

6. However, the Command will not hesitate to deal decisively with miscreants and sports hooligans who may take undue advantage of the peace and security existing in Akwa Ibom State.

 

DSP BALA ELKANA

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

AKWA IBOM STATE

A Second Term For Paul Ekpo?


With his endorsement last week by other members of the PDP State Executive Committee, Paul Ekpo looks set to recontest as the party boss in May’s state congress but it is uncertain yet if he would succeed where all his four predecessors failed


By Inemesit Ina


What started as a rumour is now confirmed. Paul Ekpo, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), is running for a second term in office. The State Executive Committee (SEC) of the party gave flesh to the rumour on Wednesday when it threw its weight behind the chairman after a meeting at the state party secretariat in Uyo.


According to the timetable for congresses and national convention released by the PDP national leadership on Monday, the state congress for the election of members of the SEC is two months away. If Paul Ekpo succeeds in returning as State Chairman, he would make history as the first person to serve twice as the state PDP boss since the party berthed in the state in September 1998. If he fails, he would only go the way of all his four predecessors who tried and failed.


The SEC’s Ringing Endorsement
Members of the SEC did not mince words on where they stood on the fate of their leader. At a meeting presided over by the Deputy State Chairman, Sir Michael Essang, the party officials made it clear that they were backing Paul Ekpo for a second term.


One SEC member, under anonymity, explained to this writer that what they did was normal politicking. He was emphatic that they stated their preference as SEC members and not as the party as a whole. He added that though they were fully behind Paul Ekpo, a decision on his fate did not lie with them.


So Who Decides?
If the truth must be told, the PDP state chairmanship in Akwa Ibom has never been decided by the generality of the party faithful. The decision has always been beyond them.


This time, it is unlikely to be different. The decision clearly lies in the hands of the Governor and his predecessor. It is a fact of life which virtually every party member knows. There are all sorts of conjectures on who the two men want but nothing is certain yet.


In time past, especially in the Second Republic, the party was truly supreme with the National or State Chairman of the ruling party exercising more powers than the President or Governor on party affairs. But former President Olusegun Obasanjo, soon after taking office in 1999, began a tradition of vesting the ruling PDP’s ultimate powers in the President and Governors who he branded Leaders of the party. That tradition has come to stay, rightly or wrongly.


The Would-be Challengers
So far, no one has come out to challenge Paul Ekpo for the PDP top job.


But two names are being touted: Obong Godwin Ekpo, a two-time elected Chairman (under Governor Godswill Akpabio) and one-time Transition Chairman (under Governor Victor Attah) of Ibiono Ibom Local Government and Chief Israel Utit, a security consultant to the Attah Administration, who was one of the most powerful men in the state during Attah’s first term.


Interestingly, both men are maternal cousins and from Ibiono Ibom, the home Local Government Area of Engr. Ignatius Edet, a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and Barr. Dominic Okon, the present PDP State Vice Chairman for Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District and former State Legal Adviser of the party, who were similarly touted as Paul Ekpo’s would-be challengers four years ago.


Past Attempts at Second Term
The Joe Ating Story
The PDP in Akwa Ibom was born in crisis. It began as two factions – Uyo Akwa Ibom and Ibom Solidarity Movement.


Leading Uyo Akwa Ibom were four governorship aspirants – Late Obong Etukudo Ekpro, Benjamin Okoko (Benjo), Late Obong Ebong Okon and Chief Richard Umoren (Tractormoren) as well as Senator Anietie Okon, who soon became the PDP Protem National Publicity Secretary, and Obong (later Senator) John Udoedehe, Ekpro’s protégé. That faction succeeded in launching PDP in the state in September 1998 with Atuekong Don Etiebet, then a presidential aspirant, as the State Leader and Late Chief Joe Ating (reportedly chosen by Ekpro and Udoedehe) as the Protem State Chairman.


Ibom Solidarity Movement was built around the governorship ambitions of Attah and Chief (later Senator) Ittak Ekarika who were in a working alliance. Attah was the only person from Akwa Ibom in G34, the Dr. Alex Ekwueme-led group that midwifed PDP’s formation after the death of General Sani Abacha whose bid to transmute to a civilian President they opposed fearlessly. Other prominent members of the second faction were Chief Etim Okpoyo, Major General Edet Akpan (rtd.), Late Chief Fidelis Etim, Obong Otu Robert Akpan, Otuekong Idongesit Udokpo, Obong Ukpong Dan Umoh, Late Colonel Gabriel Udoro (retd.), Chief Okon Osung and Dr. Effiong Edunam. Late Dr. Ime Umanah originally belonged to Ibom Solidarity Movement but he later left to join the All Peoples’ Party (APP). That faction vehemently opposed Uyo Akwa Ibom’s “hijacking” of the PDP in the state and called for a boycott of the launching on radio.


But two months later, both factions reconciled under the leadership of Etiebet and Ating. The following month, Attah was nominated the PDP consensus gubernatorial candidate with the tacit support of Etiebet and Ating to the consternation of Ekpro and Benjo. He went on to win the general election on January 9, 1999, beating former Governor Akpan Isemin of the APP.


Attah was inaugurated Governor on May 29, 1999. Four months later, the party exploded ahead of ward, chapter and state congresses to choose substantive party officials. The original two factions re-emerged, with almost the same members, though with different names. Etiebet led the Abuja Front while Attah led the Home Front. But in a supreme irony, Joe Ating switched sides and was put up by Attah as his candidate for the state chairmanship of the party. Etiebet preferred Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim. Both factions held parallel PDP state congresses and physically fought at the party’s National Convention in Abuja over accreditation of delegates which prevented any delegate from Akwa Ibom from being accredited to vote at the convention.


In 2000, Obasanjo and the PDP national leadership finally worked out a peace agreement. Etiebet was asked to choose the Chairman while Attah was asked to choose the Secretary. Attah asked Etiebet to choose anybody else but Ntekim. Etiebet insisted on Ntekim. The agreement broke down. Both factions were back to the trenches for one year with Ntekim as the Chairman of Abuja Front faction and Engr. Essien Ibok, the Deputy State Chairman, acting as the Chairman of the Home Front faction.


Joe Ating was no longer in contention. His ambition to continue in office had simply evaporated. Two years later, he left the PDP for the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) on whose ticket he contested and lost the 2003 House of Assembly election in Mbo. He died a year later, four years after suffering and recovering from a stroke.


The Tony Emenyi Story
It was in January 2001 that Etiebet finally decided to replace Ntekim with Prince Emmanuel Inwang (Shagasha). But it proved too late. By this time, Attah had succeeded in winning over most members of Etiebet’s faction including Ekpro, Udoedehe and the PDP State Treasurer, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem. Late Chief Tony Emenyi, then the Urue Offong/Oruko Deputy Chapter Chairman, was installed as State Chairman at a state congress after being ratified at a state caucus meeting attended by most party leaders including Ekpro and Udoedehe. Etiebet and Ntekim left PDP soon afterwards for the opposition All Nigeria Peoples’ Party (ANPP) where Ntekim became State Chairman.


But that was not the end of factions in the PDP. That same year, Emenyi’s leadership was challenged by a revived Abuja Front led by Obong Ufot Ekaette, then the Secretary to the Government of the Federation with Ekpro, Udoedehe and Benjo as the arrowheads. That faction put up Chief Edet Isong (Windy) as State Chairman. A bitter struggle ensued. In the end, Attah and Emenyi prevailed. Emenyi went on to lead the campaign for Attah’s re-election in which Ekaette featured prominently in 2003.


In May 2006, trouble came for Emenyi. He was re-elected State Chairman at a state congress. Ekaette’s resurrected Abuja Front faction held a parallel state congress presided over by Senator Anietie Okon and chose Arc. Otu Ita-Toyo, a member of the Emenyi-led SEC. Again, there was a titanic struggle for weeks. In the end, Emenyi lost out. It was Toyo that was recognized by Obasanjo and the national leadership of the party. Attah acquiesced.


Emenyi died four years later.


The Otu Ita-Toyo Story
Toyo, a former student of Attah, presided over the PDP gubernatorial primary held in December 2006 in which Chief Godswill Akpabio beat Attah’s candidate, Dr. Udoma Ekarika.


But Toyo (Total Chair), though very powerful, did not survive for long as PDP boss after Akpabio became Governor on May 29, 2007. He turned down an offer of appointment as Secretary to State Government from Akpabio and sought re-election. At first, everything appeared to be going well for him as he received the endorsement of major groups in the party including the Akwa Ibom National Assembly Caucus. Even the Governor seemed to be supporting him. But then came an inexplicable and heart-rending political maneuvering. Curiously, Toyo was asked to drop his second term bid and go for the higher office of National Vice Chairman (South-South Zone). He agreed. Again, all seemed well. Toyo was reportedly even presented to other South-South Governors. What followed was a tale of the unexpected. Two days before the zonal congress, Toyo was surprisingly edged out of the race. He lost all. Till date, no one has come out to explain exactly what went wrong.


Toyo was, however, compensated as Board Chairman of Akwa Ibom Property Investment Company (APICO) in Akpabio’s first term and Chairman of Local Government Service Commission during the second term. He was Deputy Director-General of Akpabio’s Re-election Campaign Organization in 2011.


The Udung Uko-born veteran politician disagreed with Akpabio over the 2015 election. In January 2016, he defected to the All Progressives’ Congress (APC).


The Uwem Ita Etuk Story
In Toyo’s place, emerged Prince Uwem Ita Etuk, a former Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government under Attah and later Akpabio’s Special Assistant, who previously served in the Emenyi-led SEC. But for two years, Uwem, supported by Akpabio, struggled against an onslaught from Attah’s faction who questioned the legitimacy of the process that produced him. Several peace moves by the PDP national leadership on sharing of party offices between the two factions came to grief. Uwem managed to survive and led Akpabio’s campaign for re-election in 2011.


The following year, Uwem also sought a second term. But eventually, he, too, could not recontest. Paul Ekpo was unanimously chosen as his replacement at a state congress. Shortly after that, Uwem was appointed into the state cabinet where he has remained ever since.


In seeking a second term, Paul Ekpo is following in the footsteps of his predecessors.


Paul Ekpo’s Political Trajectory
Paul Ekpo first featured in Akwa Ibom politics in December 1998 when he was touted as one of the aspirants for the APP House of Assembly ticket in Etinan State Constituency. Then the APP in Etinan was sharply divided between Isemin’s faction and that of Paul’s uncle, Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh (Jackson Devos). Ironically, Jackson Devos was one of Isemin’s kingmakers as Governor on the ticket of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) in December 1991 but they fell out soon after Isemin was removed by Abacha’s coup in November 1993. Isemin wanted to return as Governor through APP while Jackson Devos, then the APP National Treasurer, backed Dr. Mfon Amana, Isemin’s old opponent in NRC. In the end, Isemin not only won the APP governorship ticket with Ime Umanah’s support but also secured the House of Assembly ticket for his Mbioto II kinsman and former local government Chairman, Barr. Umoh Etukudo, who went on to serve as Minority Leader of the House from 1999 to 2002. Paul Ekpo became a victim of a test of strength between two big men.


Thereafter, Paul Ekpo, a banker-turned-politician, beat a retreat from Akwa Ibom politics till 2006 when he returned as Abuja Coordinator of the Akwa Ibom Peoples’ Forum (AKPF), Akpabio’s political structure then. He was appointed Commissioner of Commerce and Industry when Akpabio became Governor in 2007. A year later, he was reassigned to the more prominent Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and he became one of the most powerful commissioners in Akpabio’s government for the next four years. He retained that portfolio even after Akpabio’s inauguration for a second term in 2011.


The following year, he resigned to contest the PDP state chairmanship seat. But soon after clinching the seat, he became seriously ill and was hospitalized outside the country for nearly a year. He, however, made a dramatic come-back at a time most people had given up on him.


It remains to be seen if he can make it back as PDP boss. For now, what is certain is that Paul Ekpo is fighting the biggest political battle of his life. In fairness to him, he is a dogged fighter who sticks to what he believes in even at the cost of filial relationship. This became manifest during the 2015 elections when he openly opposed his uncle, Jackson Devos, and cousin, Obong Iniobong Jackson, both belonging to the APC, in their village, Nkana. A few weeks before the elections, another of his uncle’s sons had accused Paul Ekpo of assaulting him in Uyo over political differences, an allegation the PDP boss strongly denied.


In the run-up to the December 2014 PDP gubernatorial primary, Paul Ekpo managed to survive a move for his removal by prominent party stakeholders led by Attah and Etiebet who questioned his neutrality.


But after all said and done, a second term for him does not depend much on his strength. The decision on it clearly lies elsewhere.

“ENOUGH OF UNWHOLESOME PRACTICES” -UKO UMOH TELLS JOURNALISTS
BY TOROBONG EKPO.

The Special Assistant to the governor on Local Media, Hon. Uko Friday Umoh, has called on media practitioners in the state, to shun sensational journalism, by ensuring that, all their reportage are factual, truthful and in tandem with the ethics and tenets of the profession.

Umoh, who stated this, during the maiden Thanksgiving service of Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, held at The Apostolic Church, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, stressed that, the wanton attack on the state government was gradually demeaning the integrity of the occupation, and advised the pen pushers not to surrender themselves for politicians to use them as gap stop.

The governor’s aide, popularly called Uko Biafra, however, commended the leadership of Federated Chapel for eliminating quackery in the chapel, and urged them to keep the flag flying.

He disclosed that, the governor was on the verge of cementing unity and togetherness in the state thereby advocating needs for issue based reportage.
“Morality and professional ethics must be our guiding compass as we carry out our social responsibility as members of the fourth estate of the realm and watchdog of the society.
“I join you to thank God today, that, He has seen our dear state through the turbulent period of election and politics and has brought us to this era, where we have to work together and build our state through good governance
“It is high time we sheathed our sword and come together to contribute in our different capacities to build the Akwa Ibom State of our dreams. Government needs our support, and we must be ready to put our hands on the plow to support it to succeed in its development programmes.
“Let’s not engage on issues that will continue to set the state on the path of division, but let’s toe the path that will unite us, together as people from one ancestral stock
“The media must seek to chart direction, build society and advance the cause of humanity. But reports of this reverse role tend to set Akwa Ibom on the path of division. While the government, under the leadership of Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel is working assiduously to cement unity and togetherness in the state, those bent on reaping political capitals out of our divisiveness are actively deploying the media for this dastardly role.
“The wanton media attack on Government and the public office holders are demeaning the noble profession of Journalism and we must turn away from those unethical and unprofessional practices, which are inimical to the growth and development of the state.
“It’s disheartening that, the media, the fourth estate of the realm, which suppose to guide the operation and development in the society is fanning embers of discord, acrimony, ethnicity, tribalism and division in our state. Media, particularly in our dear state have become the platform for politicians, who want to settle political scores, thereby turning the media to instrument of character assassination and image smearing.” The release reads in part.

MACAIRE ADVOCATES SANITY IN MEDIA PROFESSION.
BY TOROBONG EKPO.

The Political leader of Ikono Local Government Area, Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, has called on the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists, to proffer means of sanitizing the profession, against bad eggs, noting that, the proliferation of political jobbers and quacks into the profession was becoming alarming and unbearable.

While reacting to a visible youthful exuberant headline, entitled “I will unseat you in 2019-Macaire tells Akpabio” on Towncrier Newspaper, the revered leader, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Media, Comrade Mfon Ottuk, said it was disgusting for juvenile to publish character defamation story, without putting call across to the alleged source, to confirm the story.

Ukpong-Udo, popularly called Macaire however, described the sponsor of such infantile rumour, as a lawmaker who woefully lost out in his political tussle in the Local Government, noting that, prior to this era, the said MP, has sponsored a certain Raw News Newspaper, to fight the immediate past government.

He however, called on the general public to discard the news as one of those traits of madness found within the domain of the lawmaker.
“Ordinarily, no right thinking member of the society would have loved to join issues with the sinking individual behind the publication, as the ownership of the tabloid could be traced to a certain lawmaker, who, due of his inability to win his ‘political battle’ has resorted into paying a desperate writer (Not a Journalist) to mint lies and circulate same on the street.
“the Political Leader of Ikono Local Government Area, Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, is a thoroughbred Quality, Health, Safety & Environment professional / Consultant, who does not have any intention of contesting any election, not even, at the Senatorial District level, as fabricated by these rumour merchants.
“Whoever lost out in the political leadership tussle in Ikono Local Government Area, should be faithful to the party and stop engaging in anti-party activities or descend to the pitiable level of sponsoring baseless media report with the aim of tarnishing the image of the political leader, the Senate Minority Leader and the Governor of the state.
“The sponsor of the news item was reportedly the same person, who allegedly sponsored a RAW NEWS Newspaper, a tabloid which blackmailed several public office holders, including the current leaders of government both within and outside the state.
“It was gathered on good authority that, the said Lawmaker has in several fora vowed to vehemently “fight” the present state government as constituted since he never supported Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as the governor.
“That it is a known fact that, it is not the turn of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency to produce the Senator in 2019 as a native of Ikono Senator Aloysious Etok, just finished and benefitted from his two terms in office.
“Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, is a very reserved politician, who won’t stoop so low to boasting about the nature of support he had given to Deacon Udom Emmanuel in the last elections.
“That, if Ukpong-Udo has never boasted about the number of life enhancement programmes not limited to employment generation etc he has created, how would he be so petty to boast about issues that has to do with political support?
“Such allegation was a trait of insanity taken too far. Thus, the Leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists should ensure that, Newspaper business is allowed to be hijacked by political jobbers as well as people, without basic qualifications to practice as journalists.
“Any politician, who did not support the governor, should embrace the olive branch, handed out by the state chief executive and stop peddling misleading rumours, with hope of using such to gain relevance.
“Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo’s support for the governor is unflinching, resolute and known to everyone. So far, the governor has performed above average and in tandem with his campaign promises. Thus, Ikono people are happy that, their support for the governor was not in vain. The general public should please discountenance such publication as it was a figment of the writer’s imagination.” The release reads in part.

PRESS RELEASE
RE: I WILL UNSEAT YOU IN 2019-MACAIRE TELLS AKPABIO.
The attention of the Political Leader of Ikono Local Government Area, Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo AKA Macaire and the entirety of the political class in the cradle of Ibibio nation, have been drawn to fabricated report on the FrontPage publication of a Local tabloid the “TownCrier Newspaper “ entitled, “I will unseat you in 2019, Macaire tells Akpabio…”.

Ordinarily, no right thinking member of the society would have loved to join issues with the sinking individual behind the publication, as the ownership of the tabloid could be traced to a certain lawmaker, who, due of his inability to win his ‘political battle’ has resorted into paying a desperate writer (Not a Journalist) to mint lies and circulate same on the street.

However, for the purpose of the innocent reading public, who may have been carried away, by the content of the not duly-registered newspaper, I wish to state as follows:
1. That the Political Leader of Ikono Local Government Area, Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, is a thoroughbred Quality, Health, Safety & Environment professional / Consultant, who does not have any intention of contesting any election, not even, at the Senatorial District level, as fabricated by these rumour merchants.

2. He is contented with the position of a Senior Manager with Orlean Invest Africa Ltd (an International Oil / Gas Servicing Company) as well as the Political Leadership of Ikono Local Government Area.

3. Whoever lost out in the political leadership tussle in Ikono Local Government Area should be faithful to the party and stop engaging in anti-party activities or descend to the pitiable level of sponsoring baseless media report with the aim of tarnishing the image of the political leader, the Senate minority leader and the Governor of our dear state.

4. The sponsor of the news item was reportedly the same person, who allegedly sponsored a RAW NEWS Newspaper, a tabloid which blackmailed several public office holders, including the current leaders of government both within and outside the state.

5. It was gathered on good authority that, the said Lawmaker has in several fora vowed to vehemently “fight” the present state government as constituted since he never supported Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as the governor.

6. That it is a known fact that, it is not the turn of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency to produce the Senator in 2019 as a native of Ikono Senator Aloysious Etok, just finished and benefitted from his two terms in office.

7. Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, is a very reserved politician, who won’t stoop so low to boasting about the nature of support he had given to Deacon Udom Emmanuel in the last elections.

8. That, if Ukpong-Udo has never boasted about the number of life enhancement programmes not limited to employment generation etc he has created, how would he be so petty to boast about issues that has to do with political support?

9. Such allegation was a trait of insanity taken too far. Thus, the Leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists should ensure that, Newspaper business is allowed to be hijacked by political jobbers as well as people, without basic qualifications to practice as journalists.

10. Any politician, who did not support the governor, should embrace the olive branch, handed out by the state chief executive and stop peddling misleading rumours, with hope of using such to gain relevance.

11. Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo’s support for the governor is unflinching, resolute and known to everyone.

12. So far, the governor has performed above average and in tandem with his campaign promises. Thus, Ikono people are happy that, their support for the governor was not in vain.
13. The Senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio is a great performer, who has illuminate the dividend of Democracy via his gigantic strides, which has made the entirety of the senate to set aside House Rules and appointed him, the Senate Minority Leader.
14. That the Political Leader and the entire people of Ikono were in total support of Chief Dr. Godswill Akpabio.
15. The general public should please discountenance such publication as it was a figment of the writer’s imagination.
COMRADE MFON OTTUK, SPECIAL ASSISTANT MEDIA TO THE POLITICAL LEADER OF IKONO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

UDOM EMMANUEL: PLS. CALL YOUR MEDIA ASSASSINS TO ORDER.
BY TOROBONG EKPO.
One of the styling advantages, the ex-Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Dr. Godswill Akpabio had was his right sense of choosing professionals to man his media team.

Could you imagine one governor, parading the likes of Chief Usoroh Usoroh, Pastor Anietie Ukpe, Comrade Anietie Ekong, Mr. Ita Benedict, Mr. Power Titus, Mr. Tony Saviour, Mr. Joe Iniodu among others, as his media aides.

Tested and proven professionals, who know the nitty-gritty of journalism profession. Some have worked in renowned National tabloids; Tony Savior for instance was working for NTA National before his appointment. They were highly educated and the brought their wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of their duties.

No matter how Akpabio tried to hate the Local Media, he can never chide his media aides, because these men and women did their best to proffer effective image laundering to him. Despite the high rate of kidnapping in those days, Akpabio bagged awards from reputable media organizations, within and outside the shores of this country, courtesy of his media managers.

Today, the reverse is the case, aside from the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, and Mr. Essien Ndueso, I doubt if any of the media aides to Udom Emmanuel knows the nitty-gritty of Journalism practice talk less of owning a certificate in Mass Communication. If they have, I wonder why, Patrick Reuben, a Fine Artist, should nervously insult his father cum elder, Otuekong Sunny Jackson, for refuting a media report allegedly made by Udom Gabriel Emmanuel media team. I doubt, if any of the Akpabio media aides could cope with the lawless Journalism practiced by these new crops of Udom Emmanuel media beggars.

This is the same media assassins, who indicted Obongawan Imo Isemin of congratulated Udom, when the former first lady wasn’t in town talk less of hailing the governor. When I read that, Obongawan Imo Isemin congratulated Udom, I was wondering the basis. Whether the commendation was for his controversial party membership or for the death of those guys, in Iboko Street, Mbiabong, Uruan, Ikono, Ibiono, Itu to mention only few.

Each time I see the remnant of these insults on our elders, I am beginning to think that, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel may be behind the scene, because he won’t tell me that, he is not aware of the handiwork of his aides.

Earlier this week, Obong Nsima Ekere and Obong Umana Okon Umana, were blackmailed by a newspaper said to be owned by Essien Ndueso, his Personal Assistant of Media. Yesterday, Patrick Reuben dedicated a full page article just to rubbish a man, who is far older and richer than his biological father, mother and siblings.

Udom Emmanuel should know that, someday, the biological children of political stakeholders, he is allegedly sponsoring to rubbish their images, may not take it kindly, with the doers of those crimes. Already, Judiciary has shown Nigerians that, it is of no use seeking redress in court, so we should trade with caution.

Even the media team of the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and that of the Deputy Governor are far more organized than that of UGE. There is no doubt that, Mr. Kufre Okon, Mr. Ekikere Umoh of deputy governor office can ever venture into such confusion prone article. When some lads insulted Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, the media aides trade with caution, until the case died a natural dead. If possible, Udom Emmanuel should bar his media aides from drinking alcohol, during working hours, because, the intoxication is gradually affecting his aides, especially Patrick Reuben. These days, Politics Today, has gone into oblivion, after staying for a while without a good salary capable of taking care of his ‘urgent’ needs. Please this urgent needs has nothing to do with cannabis.

Politics today, is said to be the very first aide, who took character assassination as a hobby, today, he has realized that, even his appointment letter was not easy to come by, talk less of salary. UGE is just using these boys, as 10/11 spanner, similar to the manner bankers’ play with their debtors.

Court cases have come and gone, it is time for Udom Emmanuel to either seek the services of professionals into his media team, or ensure that, he proof read any write-up that proceed from the jotters of his media boys and girls.

The governor deserves more than what his media sycophants are turning him into. How can a man who wants a second term, shouldn’t try to broker peace with at least his Ibibio brothers and sisters? Doesn’t he know that, when the chips are down, Ati Annang will take its stand, Akpakip Oro will do same, while Akwa Esop Ibibio and Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio will take a crucial decision.

As far as Akwa Ibom State politics is concern, Sunny Jackson, is not a pull over as Patrick Reuben has claimed in his write-up. I expected to see the governor, familiarizing with everyone, his second term, will be tougher than first term, in case it has never come to his knowledge.

Shortly, after court case in 2007, Akpabio embraced all and sundry, including Dr. Udoma Bob Ekarika, who he paid visit in his Ewet Housing residence. Udom should emulate such gesture and stop drawing battle lines with people. I am a journalist, thus, I know that, sooner or later, these his media aides will be the same people who will expose government information, with the hope of collecting huge cash for rejoinder.

Prior to the Supreme Court ruling, it is said that, Uwemedimoh Umanah, his media aide was in the front burner of telling people how some aides’are earning 1.13 Million Naira per annum, which is equal to 85 thousand naira per month (According to him). To me, such loquaciousness, by Uwem Umanah was unnecessary; he should understand that, there are some government documents which are tagged, “Secret”.

If Akwa Ibom State email account was hacked and appointment lavishly given to some of these media aides, Udom Emmanuel, should know that, nothing in his government is secret. The rate information about government was exposed during the court case should have made the governor, to know that, he is on a voyage. He needs to sail on, but be careful not to be over-boarded.

Whoever is the cause of that uncalled for insult on our elders should put a halt and stop. That some people are criticizing the governor unnecessarily shouldn’t preempt character assassination, especially from Udom Emmanuel aides. Since from biblical days, leaders are always abuse that is not a reason, to abuse the abusers as it will make no meaning.


There are better ways to do this media work. For instance, all the branding, news reporting, writing, articles on Obong Bassey Albert, between the era of 2007 to 2015, were done by Mr. Ita Benedict, yet his byline was not attached to any of those script, and OBA never had any bad media report. Even when he surrendered without the knowledge of his supporters, Ita Benedict, made it as a point of duty to invade media house on midnight, just to give his friend and brother, a lee way.

My greatest worries is that, despite being a personal assistant on media to Udom, Patrick Reuben, a father of four, is still jumping from one keke to another, lamenting how Udom has not been able to provide vehicles to his aides. Udom should learn to give, because, it appears, his stinginess is the reason, why his aides are trying to please him, so as to be able to get government house auction vehicles.

If not for a purported re-run, he wouldn’t have doled out 1.5 million naira to each local government areas of the state. If not for court case, he wouldn’t have dash bags of rice to some youths in the state during yuletide season. He is trying to mar the integrity of Banking profession, so that, innocent people will think that, bankers are always stingy.

No! OBA was a banker, he wasn’t stingy. We all know that, a stingy man is an “Economist”, but that shouldn’t make our youths to bag curses unnecessarily.

After politics, we will all come back to our place of birth. Obong Sunny Jackson is a chieftain in Etinan. Patrick Reuben, is a mere native of Etinan, just like I am also from the third largest village in Etinan…Let play this politics with sense, because after the reggae, we will all play the blues.

ATI ANNANG LEADERSHIP: PRINCE IKIM HAILS LEADER AKHA.


The Secretary of Transition Committee in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Akpan Ikim has joined millions of Nigerians in felicitating with the Leader of Akwa Ibom State House of assembly, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan, on his recent elevation as the International President of Ati Annang, describing the lawmaker as a custodian of cultural heritage.

Ikim, in a congratulatory message made available to newmen portrayed Sir Udo Kierian Akpan as a dynamic man, who has shown exemplary leadership strides worthy of emulation in all his leadership portfolios, adding that, the recent elevation never come as a surprise.

The Transition secretary revealed that, via the Lawmaker magnanimity, the era of political rancor in the area, has come to an abrupt end, expressing optimism that, his stay as International president of Ati Annang will be fruitful and rewarding.

“We in Oruk Anam are proud to share this planet with you, because it is your magnanimity, which has brought politics of rancor and hatred to an abrupt end in our local government.

“You are a symbol of unity, and a custodian of our cultural heritage, thus, your new height never comes as a surprise to us. In all your leadership positions, you have shown exemplary and gigantic strides worthy of emulation.

“My leader, you are a bridge builder, a caring father and a lover of peace. These attributes accompany you in all your endearvous. We are optimistic that, your tenure as the National president of Ati Annang will witness tremendous growth and upliftment, even as our cultural heritage will continually wax stronger and stronger.” The message reads in part.

PDP ‘WAR’ IN MKPAT ENIN ESCALATES AS TWO FACTIONS EMERGE!
*JERRY AKPAN APPOINTED POL. LEADER REPRESENTATIVE
*FRUSTRATED MMA EBE IN A SECRET MEETING WITH PUPILS.
BY OUR REPORTER.
The Peoples Democratic Party crises in Mkpat Enin may have taken another dramatic format as two factions emerged over the weekend with a view of contesting the Political Leadership tussle as the party congress and Chairmanship election draw closer.
Our Reporter gathered that, following the aged nature of the Political Leader of the area, Obong Richard Umoren, said to be almost the same age with the former Deputy Governor of the area, Lady Valerie Ebe, the Political Stakeholders, comprises of the Federal Representative member from the area, Rt. Hon. Francize Uduyok, the Local Government Transition Chairman, Hon. Ephraim Akpan, PDP chapter Chairman, Mr. Nkereuwem Akai, Past Local Government Chairmen (Exception of Hon. Ekong Sampson), past House of Assembly members, All Former Chapter Chairmen of the party among other stakeholders, after an enlarged meeting unianimously adopted the former Commissioner for Economic Development, Hon. Jerry Akpan, as the representative of the Political Leader.

Our impeccable source said that, the stakeholders, later took, Hon. Jerry Akpan, to the Political Leader, who lavishly blessed the erstwhile commissioner and gave him all the needed support, throughout his capacity as the representative and thereafter commended the political stakeholders for dimming it fit to assist him of excess duty.

A Stakeholder, who exposed the reason for the choice of Mr. Jerry Akpan as the Political Leader representative, said that, he was not only level headed, but was capable of ensuring equity, fairness and justice in the political distributions in the area.

Stressing further, the political bigwig maintained that, the integrity of Jerry Akpan was tested and proven in the last administration, when he was given an opportunity to nominate someone for appointment, pointing out that, he looked beyond his family and ward, just to nominate someone who was qualified.

The politician stressed that, such gesture can never be pointed at the sight of Mrs, Valerie Ebe, who within the Governor’s last eight months in office has nominated his biological son, Anietie Maurice Ebe and her nephew, Hon. Stephen Ntukekpo as the SA to governor and Transition Committee Secretary in the area respectively.

He recalled that, during her stay as the Deputy Governor of the state, her office was besieged with her family members, noting that, Mma Ebe, as she is fondly called was too selfish and self-centred, while in office.

It was gathered that, the intimidating situation by the stakeholders, didn’t go well with Aged Mrs. Valerie Ebe, who prior to this time had paraded herself as the Political Leader, by the virtue of being the highest political office holder in the area. “As a remnant of her frustration, she gathered some non politicians such as the market women, secondary school children and some students in higher institutions, in the area, and vowed to organize a rally for the governor, so as to discountenance the earlier decision of the political stakeholders in the area”. A source whispered.

A source closer to the former Deputy Governor noted that, Mrs. Ebe has concluded plans to impose her nephew, Stephen Ntukekpo on the generality of the people as the council boss, despite not being favoured by zoning.

The zoning is said to be between Ukpum Minya ward one and four, which has never produced an elected chairman since from the amalgamation of Northen and Southern protectorates of Nigeria.

Sunday Ndem, a former councilor in the area, said that, Stephen Ntukekpo, as his name implies, was not only unpopular for the plum job, but was seen in the mould of small masquerade, adding that, if the party should impose him on the area, the party may lose its relevant in the area.

It will be recalled that, the youths of the area had last week petitioned the former Deputy Governor for trying to impose her nephew on the people, threatened to cause untold hardship incase of such imposition.

Meanwhile, Mma Ebe, won’t take such threat as important, already, her nephew is said to have consulted her, where she gave the former her nod and said, ‘Go and serve Mkpat Enin people, the manner you used to take care of my immediate family members. I know if you emerge victorious you will take care of my deplorable health condition, hence the reason I want you to be there by all means, despite the odds against you regarding zoning and unacceptability.’

Pundits opine that, if the governor allows Mrs. Valerie Ebe to do her will, there may bound to be incessant killing and destruction of properties as the political stakeholders were embarking on Justice, equity and fairplay, far different from the political abracadabra said to be piloted by Ebe’s meager faction.

…PLEASE LET RT. HON. ANIEKAN UKO BE.
BY TOROBONG EKPO
Since he became the first Speaker of the Sixth assembly, I have read a whole lot of unnecessary write-up about Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko. Barely, two days after his inauguration, as the number three citizen of Akwa Ibom State, he was said to be blowing siren wantonly on the streets of Uyo, as if that wasn’t enough, his Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Mbosowo Essien, was accused of being incompetent. What a baptism!

Then, many people indicted some lawmakers as being the sponsors of the ‘siren’ propaganda, especially, as the lead advocate of the message was said to be closer to some lawmakers in the Hallow Chamber. As a person, I didn’t want to point accusing finger on any MP, simply because, some aides may go contrary to the advice of their bosses just to please the general public.

The ‘media’ attack on Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko was so severe in such a manner that, some people began to wonder, if it was ordinarily, or some spiritual forces were behind. However, the more the blackmail, the stronger Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko became in his legislative functions.

In the Nigerian Context, blowing of siren is reserved for some government officials, of which, the Speaker of the state assemblies, is opportune to be part and parcel. It was Uko’s constitutional right to blow siren, Speakers before him, did that, Speakers after him, will also do the same thing.

However, some elements in the society won’t allow the lad to have peace. They said all manners of insulting words on that young man. One of the childish blackmail was when someone claimed that, Uko blew siren to Nung Udoe just to buy Akara and bread. The day I read that piece, was when I discovered that, the purported blackmail on the former speaker was either a transferred aggression or a sign of end time.

I expected them to also point accusing finger on men of Fire service, who siren is sometimes capable of causing miscarriage on a pregnant woman. The former speaker elevation was a shocker to everyone both in and outside the chamber. He was the least person expected to be chosen, yet he ended up becoming the 10th Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and the First Speaker of the sixth assembly. No one can deny that fact, not even the propagandists and commotion manufacturers.

I could recall, during the wanton abuse on the 10th Speaker, I wrote an article entitled, “Before the speaker develops thick skin”, I had perceived those abuses as a “Notice me” tactics. A second look at those ploys shows that, it was centered on social media, reasons is that, Uko, being a digital parliamentarian doesn’t joke with new media. Thus, it was the direct way of ‘tagging’ the Ibesikpo guy so that, he can see their blackmail prowess.

The major problem the devil has with God is the former’s inability to kneel down and worship the omnipotent, omnipresence and omniscience. The devil knows God ability is greater than his, yet, he is bent of causing commotion. In the same vein, the convener of this Siren message knew the ability of Uko to transform the Chamber from analogue to digital as was seen during his six months stay, hence, tried to destabilize and try to make him lose focus.

Instead of losing focus, he injected flavor into parliamentary business, by ensuring that, the Motion on Abuse of walls of Public School by Indomie Company, sponsored by Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, who is now the speaker, was passed into law. He went further to ensure that, the Nuclear Plant which would have claimed lives and properties in Itu was rejected by the assembly, through the motion moved by the Deputy Chief Whip, OUR OWN Indomitable. It was during his stay that, the erosion menace in Esit Eket sponsored by a five star parliamentarian Rt. Hon. Usoroh Akpanusoh was weighed into.

He did so many things Siren critics were unable to carpet.

Through the support of ranking members such as Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon and other parliamentarians, the former speaker was edge over his contemporaries in other states of the Federation, a feat which made Forum of Legislators to appoint him as an Executive member of a certain committee. We are witness to a fifth assembly, where Pension bill nearly caused civil war in this state, yet, Uko made a chamber that was peoples’ oriented…Unfortunately, his critics didn’t observe these things.

While trying to examine the rationale behind the serial and consistence attack the first Speaker of the Sixth assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, has been subjected to by these writers, I realized that, the grace upon his head was the reason for the wanton attack. Satan cannot harass in isolation, the devil cannot molest someone whose destiny is blurred; he attacks those with good destiny.

For a Fourth child to serve as the MAIN man of the family, I think, it is an evidence of oil upon the head of Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko. It is not Uko’s fault that he is edge above his contemporaries, it is just an unmerited grace and favour that has overtaken him, due to his obedience to the scripture.

For a number three man to still be the Organist in his church, I think, it is a sign of obedience to God. Like David, he knew what triggers the almighty God to do the needful; this has always been the attitude of ever smiling 10th Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

It is quite unfortunate that, we tend to forget that, the art of uplifting and demoting is the sole responsibility of God almighty. The year 2015 ought to have taught us some life impacting lessons. Who would have believed that, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel will come from no way and become the governor of the state? What of Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko? Who would have believed that, he will emerge as the Speaker of the sixth assembly? These are things man can never make.

Months after the court of appeal had nullified the election of the former speaker, it is quite unfortunate that, the erstwhile speaker is still being abuse by Akwa Ibomites. This time, it is between him and his brother, who defected to APC and other uncalled for issues, which I don’t want to delve into here. Sometime, I tend to wonder when and how we imbibe the culture of abusing our elders, even when we don’t know who will be our destiny helper.

Before I proceed, it will be out of place to start comparing the leadership strides of Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko and that of the present speaker, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke. The former became speaker when the state was undergoing distraction as a result of court cases. Also, Luke’s leadership is damn too early to judge. It is our believe that, he will land well, but let us not compare and contrast yet, until he stays for the six months duration, the former speaker lasted.

Already the incumbent Speaker, Hon. Luke has given us the power to constructively criticize his leadership, thus, as far as the sixth assembly is concern, I will be in the fore-burner of analyzing the strength of each member in accordance with the advice of Mr. Speaker.

Tomorrow is such a time that, social media can never predict. You never can tell who God will use to speak on your behalf, whether it will be a man you just abused or the one you never taught will grow again. Honestly, each time I see persistence abuse on a revered Christian like Elder Aniekan Uko, I wonder where we are heading.

Folks, I am not saying we shouldn’t criticize Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, however, while doing that, we shouldn’t forget that, the oil on his head is filled with unmerited grace. For someone who never struggled for the position of the speaker to have been, despite the House Rules, then, it is not ordinarily. Rather than dismissing his return to the assembly with a wave of hand, we should rather wait and see, if it is possible for God to forget His own.

Continuous attack on Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, will make him more popular and if such popularity persists, he may be urged to vie for Governorship seat in 2023. Because even the blind can observe that, despite the dwindling economy, Uko was able to perform his legislative functions via passage of several bills, motions and matters of urgent public important. In his representative function, he was able to provide vehicles, appoint more than sixty aides, renovate assembly complex and had in mind of changing the poor state of media in the assembly, before his sack, from the Court of Appeal.

He donated immensely to the building project of Nigeria Union of Journalists, put smiles on the faces of people, within and outside his constituency among other benevolence.

He may not have time to enlist all these, simply because he is not boastful. He believes in service and reporting success.

Let us allow this young man to concentrate and transform the Ibesikpo constituency to an enviable height.

Let us allow this young man to concentrate and transform the Ibesikpo constituency to an enviable height.

SHAMBLES IN MKPAT ENIN PDP!

*CHAIRMANSHIP SEAT TEARS POLITICAL STAKEHOLDERS APART.
*AS YOUTHS PETITION MMA VALERIE EBE OVER IMPOSITION…

BY OUR REPORTER.

Except through timely divine intervention, the various political stakeholders in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, may soon, be indulging in a free-for-all-fight, following the wanton imposition of one Stephen Ntukekpo, a cousin to the former Deputy Governor, Lady Valerie Ebe as the Chairman of the council.

Our Reporter gathered that, the said, Ntukekpo, is not only a novice in Mkpat Enin politics, but was imposed on the generality of Mkpat Enin people, as the Transition Secretary of the area, by her aunt, Lady Valerie Ebe.

An Executive member of PDP in Mkpat, who craved for anonymity, claimed that, the former Deputy Governor is fond of imposing her family members on the slots meant for Mkpat Enin people disclosing that, she had already, handpicked her biological son, Anietie Maurice Ebe, as Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of the state.

The Party man urged the governor of the state, to always seek the consent of the various stakeholders in Mkpat Enin politics before allocating slots, noting that, the forthcoming chairmanship seat of Mkpat Enin should be rightly zoned to Ukpum Minya ward one and ward four, adding that, anything short of that, will split the area into two.

He stressed that, if Stephen Ntukekpo is allowed to boss the Local Government Area, it will amount to imposition, and pleaded with the governor and the leadership of the party, never to allow the council to experience twice the same predicament.

“We have not recovered from the last imposition we experienced in this local government area, if the governor should allow Lady Valerie Ebe to impose her cousin, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, who doesn’t know anything about the council, nor supported Mr. Udom Emmanuel, then, I can assure you that, the party will split into three.
“In Mkpat Enin, we all know that, the Chairmanship seat is zoned to Ukpum Minya clan, with particular reference to ward 1 and 4. Why it should be zoned to only those two wards, is that, they have never produced elected chairman since the amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorates.

“Ward two had produced Akparawa Elder Udo Sam Umoatan as elected, while, Ward three had produced Chief Richard Aaron Umoren, as elected and Mr. Ubong Ekefre as appointed. Thus, justice, equity and fair play demand that ward one and ward four which have produced only Chief Maurice Ebe and Ubong Ekwere Inyang respectively as appointed Chairmen should be entitled to the chairmanship seat of the area.

“As it stance, Mma Ebe is said to have concluded plans with the governor, with a view of imposing Stephen as the next chairman of the area, if such tricks is allowed to play out, then, I can assure you that, PDP in Mkpat Enin will split.” he prophesied.

Meanwhile, youths in the area, under the aegis of Mkpat Enin youths in Politics, have risen against the antics of the former Deputy Governor, and urged the governor, to also seek inputs from other stakeholders, else lose the local government to a strange political party.

The Youths condemned the act of imposing the Transition Secretary on the generality of the people, describing such act as barbaric, greedy and shortsighted.

In a statement signed by Comrade Bassey Inyang, a native of Ukpum Minya Ward four, as Chairman of the group and Nathan Umoren, a native of ward three, as Secretary, the Mkpat Enin youths pledged to upturn every crafty imposition of the former deputy Governor, describing her, as a selfish and greedy politician.

“She ought to have proffered other means of settling her immediate family, not to allocate public offices to them. When the slot of SAs came to our Local Government, she handpicked her biological son, Anietie Maurice Ebe, now, she wants to impose her cousin, on us.

“We are not fools, last time, we suffered this impending scenerio and as youths in politics, we will never stoop so low to allow, her to treat us unfairly. When she imposed Stephen on us, as secretary, we didn’t complain, because we knew, Transition Committee is not recognized by law.

“If she dare tries that, this time, we will use all the machineries within our disposal to kick against it.” The statement reads in part.

All efforts to reach the former Deputy Governor proved abortive as her number was forwarded to voice mail, as soon, as this Reporter introduced his name to her.

Zoning At The Grassroots

Zoning of the local government chairmanship seats may be settled in 22 Local Government Areas but there is serious contention in nine others

By Inemesit Ina

In the run-up to the 2015 gubernatorial election, zoning was quite a contentious issue. Recently, with the possibility of a rerun election (before the Supreme Court judgment), it was resurrected with all sorts of arguments and counter-arguments.

Zoning is equally a contentious issue at the grassroots. It has always been and it is already so regarding this year’s local government election which must be held within six months (from January) as resolved by the State House of Assembly.

Modes of Zoning
There are four modes of zoning the local government chairmanship seat in Akwa Ibom – clan, bloc, community and clan/bloc zoning.

It is easy to zone the chairmanship seat on the basis of clan in eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) because the clans are clear-cut, contiguous, fairly proportionate and delineated into same wards. These LGAs and their clans are Uyo (four), Ibesikpo Asutan (two), Ikot Abasi (five), Mkpat Enin (four), Ika (three), Ukanafun (five), Ikot Ekpene (two) and Obot Akara (three). Clan zoning is still achieved in Etim Ekpo despite the fact that her five clans are mixed up in the 10 different wards.

Bloc zoning is in place in Itu, Ibiono Ibom, Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno, Oruk Anam, Ikono and Ini because the clans there are disproportionate. In this mode of zoning, the clans are grouped into two or more blocs for balance.

This mode also obtains in four of the five LGAs in Oro Nation which has a different clan structure from the rest of the state except Eket and Esit Eket. The four LGAs are Oron, Udung Uko, Urue Offong/Oruko and Okobo. Oron LGA has three blocs while the other three have two blocs each. The same Oro clans, which are not contiguous, are spread across the five LGAs. There is a similar clan structure cutting across Eket and Esit Eket.

Bloc zoning is equally adopted in one-clan LGAs as Etinan, Nsit Ibom and Nsit Atai. Here the clan is sub-divided into two blocs or zones (Etinan and Nsit Ibom) or three blocs or zones (Nsit Atai).

There is a combination of the two modes of zoning in Uruan, Nsit Ubium, ONNA, Abak and Essien Udim. In Uruan and ONNA, respectively, one of the three clans is split into two zones to achieve four zones or blocs in the LGA. Similarly, one of the two clans in Nsit Ubium is split into two to make it three zones. In Abak, there is contention whether zoning should be done by clan or bloc with some politicians advocating a return to the old system of finding a way around the two. Zoning is normally done by bloc and clan in Essien Udim. But the clan where the chairmanship seat has been zoned to straddles the two blocs and this has thrown up an unusual problem never envisaged.

The fourth mode of zoning is by community. This obtains in Eastern Obolo and Mbo. It is also used partly in Ini where one-half of the 10-ward LGA has four clans (Ikpe, Itu Mbonuso, Iwere and Nkari) while the other half (Odoro Ikono and Ukwok communities) is yet to have a government-recognized clan. Odoro Ikono or Ikono North (three wards), in particular, is still an extension of Ikono Clan in the mother Ikono LGA. Zoning in Ini is, therefore, done both by bloc and clan/community.

The Settled Areas
Zoning of the local government chairmanship seat is settled at the level of the afore-mentioned modes in the following LGAs: Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan, Uruan, Etinan, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom, Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo, Oron, Urue Offong/Oruko, Mbo, Okobo, Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun, Oruk Anam, Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara and Ini.

But beyond the modes, there is contention in almost all these “settled” LGAs about which ward should produce the next elected Chairman. Zoning of chairmanship seat, it appears, is almost being reduced to villages.

The Contentious Areas
The nine LGAs where there is no consensus yet on zoning are Nsit Atai, Itu, Ibiono Ibom, ONNA, Udung Uko, Abak, Ika, Essien Udim and Ikono.

Nsit Atai
Nsit Atai is a one-clan LGA but the area is divided into three groups of villages: Afaha, Ibiaikot and Ibedu. Afaha and Ibiaikot, the two big groups, dominate four wards apiece while Ibedu, the smallest, has two wards.

For the Assembly seat, it seems zoning is settled on the basis of the three groups.

There is, however, contention over the chairmanship zoning. The two big groups recently agreed on zoning the top job on the basis of six zones: Itak Afaha, Afaha Atai, Afaha Ndisiak, Ibiaikot Atai, Ibiaikot Essien Itiaba and Ibedu. Under this arrangement, they have zoned the chairmanship seat to Afaha Ndisiak and the vice-chairmanship seat to Ibiaikot Essien Itiaba.

But the Ibedu people, who feel muscled by their bigger brothers, would have none of this. To them, the old zoning arrangement of three zones subsists and it is their turn for the chairmanship seat.

A crisis is brewing over the issue. And this is coming a few months after Ibedu people protested vehemently over their exclusion from the nine-member Local Government Transition Committee.

Since the return to democracy, the elected chairmanship seat has rotated this way: Otuekong Raphael Bassey from Ibiaikot (1999-2002), Obong Asuquo Darby Udo (Ete Udo) from Ibedu (2004-2007), Ibanga Akpan from Afaha (2008-2012) and Elder Mark Esset from Ibiaikot (2012-2015).

The Assembly seat has equally rotated fairly: Obong Inyang Ekpe from Afaha (1999-2003), Sir Emmanuel Ekpenyong (Tempo) from Ibiaikot (2003-2007), Ete Udo from Ibedu (2007-2011), Mrs. Sarah Sunny Elijah from Afaha (2011-2015) and the incumbent, Mark Esset, from Ibiaikot.

Itu
Itu LGA has a peculiar configuration. The majority clan, Itam, boasts of eight of the 10 wards. The remaining two wards are shared by four minority clans – Oku Iboku, Itu, Mbiabo and Ayadehe. Itu and Mbiabo Clans are Efik-speaking while Oku Iboku and Ayadehe Clans, like Itam Clan, speak Ibibio.

Due to the disproportionate nature of the clans, political sharing is done on the basis of zones or blocs and not clans. In time past, there were three generally-accepted zones: East Itam (five wards), West Itam (three wards) and Itu OMA (two wards). Because of their size, East Itam people and some politicians in the other two zones now believe in four zones: East Itam Northern (two wards), East Itam Southern (three wards), West Itam (three wards) and Itu OMA (two wards). But some politicians in West Itam and Itu OMA (OMA is acronym for Oku, Mbiabo and Ayadehe) still insist on the three-zone arrangement.

East Itam began the chairmanship rotation in 1999 through Godwin Ndon. But their occupation of the Assembly seat for consecutive three terms of 12 years in the persons of Barr. Kennedy Ekong (2003-2007) and Dr. Ekaette Ebong Okon (2007-2015) kept them out of the chairmanship position for that number of years. The incumbent Assembly Member, Prince Idongesit Ituen, is from West Itam, the same zone as Obong Bassey Offiong Udo (Jimbo), who was in the Assembly from 1999 to 2003.

Ededet Ekanem, from Oku Iboku in Itu OMA, occupied the chairmanship seat from 2004 to 2007 after which Michael James Etim (MacJoe), from West Itam, served for two terms between 2008 and 2011 and from 2012 to 2015.

Now, East Itam politicians say it is the turn of East Itam Northern since Ndon was from East Itam Southern.

Their claim is, however, disputed by some Itu OMA politicians who insist it is their turn for the chairmanship seat, more so after losing the Assembly seat to West Itam, last year.

The present Local Government Transition Committee Chairman, Okon Etim Okon, from Itu Clan, is believed to be interested in transmuting to an elected Chairman.

Zoning has never been enforced in contests for both chairmanship and Assembly seats in Itu.

Ibiono Ibom
Like Itu, Ibiono Ibom has a disproportionate clan structure. Ibiono Ibom Clan, with 278 villages, has 10 wards while Ikpanya, the second clan with five villages, has a ward.

Given this scenario, political sharing is done on the basis of zones or blocs, not clans. There are five zones: North, Central, East, West and South. All zones have two wards each except North (of which Ikpanya is a component part) which has three wards.

Again, like Itu, second term in the Assembly has affected rotation of the chairmanship seat. Both races have always been free-for-all. Idorenyin Umoh, from North, served for a single term in the Assembly from 1999 to 2003 but his successors, Engr. Ignatius Edet, from South, and Barr. Ime Okon, from West, got re-elected in 2007 and 2015, respectively.

The chairmanship seat has rotated this way: Aniedi Jackson Udofia (Andy Jack), from West (1999-2002), Prince Eyo Utit from East (2004-2007) and Obong Godwin Ekpo from Central (2008-2011 and 2012-2015).

The Northern and Southern zones are the two zones that have not occupied the chairmanship seat since 1999. As a result, both zones are in contention in 2016.

The Local Government Transition Committee Chairman, Godwin Eyo Ekpenyong, from Ikpanya in the North, is among those said to be interested in becoming the next elected Chairman.

Essien Udim
Essien Udim was the first LGA created from Ikot Ekpene in 1989. But she has a different zoning arrangement from her mother LGA, Ikot Ekpene, and younger sister LGA, Obot Akara. Zoning in Essien Udim is based on bloc and clan.

Essien Udim LGA has seven clans spread into two blocs – Essien Annang and Udim with five and a half wards each.

Essien Annang bloc is made up of Odoro Ikot (two wards), Ekpenyong (one and a half ward), Okon (one ward) and Afaha (one ward) Clans. Afaha is the headquarters of the LGA.

Udim bloc comprises of Ukana (three wards), Ikpe (one ward), Adiasim (one ward) and Ekpenyong (half a ward) Clans.

Ekpenyong is the only clan that has never produced an elected Chairman since the creation of the LGA and she is highly favoured in this year’s contest. But the presence of Ekpenyong Clan in the two blocs has sparked off controversy over the chairmanship rotation. The Local Government Transition Committee Chairman, Chrysanctus Udoh, is interested in becoming the elected Chairman. He is from one of the 18 villages of Ekpenyong Clan that falls under Essien Annang bloc where the chairmanship seat is rotating to. His major opponent for now and fellow seasoned politician, Raphael Isobara, is also from Ekpenyong Clan. However, Isobara’s own village is among the six Mkpatak Group of Villages that joins six other Ekpenyong villages to form Ekpenyong 2 Ward. But, unlike the other six, the Mkpatak Group falls under Udim bloc (Ekpenyong Clan has 24 villages in all). Naturally, Isobara wants zoning on clan basis but Udoh wants it on bloc basis.

It is a tricky issue which will require much tact to handle by the political leaders of the LGA because of the precedent it is likely to set.

In the main, the chairmanship seat of the LGA has rotated quite smoothly between the two blocs. But the re-election of Elder Emmanuel Akpan, from Odoro Ikot Clan in Essien Annang bloc into the Assembly in 2011, ensured that the chairmanship stayed in Ukana Clan in Udim bloc for two terms. There was still zoning but rotation was suspended till now.

Past elected Chairmen of the LGA since the return to democracy have been Barr. Martin Umanah from Ukana in Udim (1999-2002), Obong Okon Peter Ebere from Odoro Ikot in Essien Annang (2004-2007) and Sir Nse Ntuen from Ukana in Udim (2008-2011 and 2012-2015).

The elected Assembly Members have been Ndifreke Idung from Afaha in Essien Annang (1999-2003), Dr. Etido Ibekwe from Adiasim in Udim (2003-2007) and Emman Akpan (2007-2011 and 2011-2015). The incumbent is Nse Ntuen.

Abak
The situation in Abak is similar to Essien Udim’s. There is contention whether zoning should be done on bloc or clan basis.

There are two blocs – Abak Urban, comprising of Abak (three and a half wards) and Ediene (half a ward) Clans; and Eastern Annang made up of Otoro (three wards), Afaha Obong (two wards) and Midim (two wards) Clans.

Like his Essien Udim counterpart, the Abak Local Government Transition Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Udosen, is interested in transmuting to an elected Chairman. Udosen, a brother-in-law of Senator Godswill Akpabio, is from Midim Clan and wants zoning done on bloc basis which will enable him to benefit. But all his opponents, so far, are from Afaha Obong Clan and they insist on clan zoning which would benefit only aspirants from their clan which, they argue, has not produced an elected Chairman since 1999.

Their position is openly backed by the Assembly Member, Elder Friday Iwok (Fiwok), from Otoro Clan, who is serving a second term. The Deputy Governor, Moses Ekpo, the Commissioner of Information, Aniekan Umanah, and the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial Chairman of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Imo Ibokette, all from Abak Clan, are yet to openly take a stance.

It is a delicate and potentially explosive issue if not handled with care.

The elected chairmanship seat has rotated fairly to the two blocs since 1999 though not to all the clans. This is how the rotation has gone: Barr. Paul Ubom from Midim Clan in Eastern Annang bloc (1999-2002), Dr. Innocent Idiong from Abak Clan in Abak Urban bloc (2004-2007), Aniedi-Abasi Udo from Otoro Clan in Eastern Annang bloc (2008-2011) and Joseph Ikpaisong Inyang from Ediene Clan in Abak Urban bloc (2012-2015).

The Assembly seat has equally rotated fairly between the two blocs but again not to all the clans. It has been this way: Imo Ibokette from Abak Clan in Abak Urban bloc (1999-2003), Chris Udofia from Afaha Obong Clan in Eastern Annang bloc (2003-2007), Uwem Udoma from Abak Clan in Abak Urban bloc (2007-2011) and the incumbent, Fiwok, from Otoro Clan in Eastern Annang bloc (2011-2015 and 2015-till date).

Ika
Ika has three clans – Achan (four wards), Ito (four wards) and Odoro (two wards). Zoning is on the basis of these clans.

The chairmanship zoning has followed this pattern: Dr. Francis Udoikpong from Odoro (1999-2002), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo from Ito (2004-2007) and Chief Saviour Enyiekere from Achan (2008-2011 and 2012-2015).

Ordinarily, the seat should rotate to Odoro in 2016 but there is contention by some Ito politicians who argue that it is the turn of their clan which ranks next to Achan in size and population. They claim that Odoro had compromised and lost their turn to Saviour in 2012. Odoro politicians, however, dispute this claim.

The present Assembly Member, Elder Gabriel Toby, is from Achan. He was re-elected last year. Interestingly, his first election in 2011 did not prevent Saviour, from the same Achan, from being re-elected Chairman in 2012 despite protests from some politicians across the three clans.

Achan hosts the local government headquarters in Urua Inyang.

Ika shares the same Assembly seat with her mother LGA, Etim Ekpo. The seat, therefore, rotates between the two LGAs. The Assembly Members from Ika, so far, have been Sir Ernest Ukpong from Ito (1999-2003) and Toby.

Ikono
Ikono, one of the two Ibibio-speaking LGAs in this predominantly Annang Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, has four clans – Ikono (seven wards), Ndiya (one ward), Ediene (two wards) and Itak (one ward).

But zoning is not done on clan basis. It is done on three zones or blocs – Ikono South (four wards) comprising of Nkwot and Ukpom communities of Ikono Clan which boast of two and one wards, respectively, as well as of Ndiya/Ikot Idaha Ward; Ikono Middle (four wards), which is wholly Ikono Clan, and Ediene/Itak (three wards).

With the exception of 2012, chairmanship contests since 1999 have been free-for-all though there have been several, albeit failed, zoning accords. Somehow, every zone has managed to produce an elected Chairman. Past Chairmen have been Dr. Clement Bassey from Ikono South (1999-2002), Engr. Edet Umotong from Ediene/Itak (2004-2007), Barr. David Udo from Ikono Middle (2008-2011) and Emmanuel Ukpong from Ikono South (2012-2015).

The chairmanship seat should ordinarily rotate to Ediene/Itak zone in 2016. Itak politicians say it is exclusively their turn since Ediene had produced an elected Chairman, Umotong, in the past. But the rumoured ambition of the Local Government Transition Chairman, Asuquo Nnana (Mbakara), who is from the same Nkwot village as the last elected Chairman, Emmanuel Ukpong, has made Itak politicians apprehensive.

The Assembly seat has rotated this way: Dr. Aloysius Etok from Ediene (1999-2003), Dr. Bassey from Ikono South (2003-2007 and 2007-2011) and Victor Udofia from Ikono Middle (2011-2015 and 2015-till date).

ONNA
ONNA is an acronym for the three clans making up the LGA – Oniong, Nung Ndem and Awa. Apart from clan, the LGA operates a four-zone structure – Awa (four wards), Oniong West (three wards), Oniong East (three wards) and Nung Ndem (two wards).

Since 1999, the elected chairmanship seat has rotated this way: Otuekong Patrick Ifon from Awa (1999-2002), Late Barr. Charles Inyang from Oniong East (2004-2007), Mrs. Owoidighe Ekpoattai from Awa (2008-2011) and Bishop Ufot Sunday Akpan from Awa (2012-2015). Ufot remains the LG boss, this time as Transition Committee Chairman.

Oniong West and Nung Ndem, the two zones that have not produced an elected Chairman since 1999, should ordinarily be in contention this time. But Oniong West has been technically knocked out of the race with the appointment of an indigene of the area, Ephraim Inyang, to the more powerful position of Commissioner of Works. All the aspirants that have emerged, so far, are from Nung Ndem. But even at that, it may not be smooth sail for Nung Ndem as some politicians from Oniong East, which produced an elected Chairman in the past, say their zone has got the nod to also join the race.

Unlike the chairmanship seat, the Assembly seat has gone round all four zones thus: Barr. Ini Ikott from Nung Ndem (1999-2003), Otuekong Akpabio Akpabio Ukpa from Oniong West (2003-2007), Bassey Akpan Willie from Oniong East (2007-2011), Godwin Oton Charlie from Oniong East (2011-2015) and the incumbent, Otuekong Nse Essien (Indomitable), from Awa.

Udung Uko
Udung Uko has two blocs – Udung Uko and Ekim/Edikor/Uboro with five wards each.

Past elected Chairmen since the return to democracy have been Chief Bassey Etim Edet from Udung Uko (1999-2002), Michael Amba from Udung Uko (2004-2007), Dr. Joseph Anwana from Ekim (2008-2011) and Mrs. Kenim Onofiok from Udung Uko (2012-2015).

The chairmanship seat should naturally rotate to Ekim/Edikor/Uboro bloc this time. But the rumoured second term bid of Kenim, the wife of the powerful Commissioner of Police in-charge of Works at Force Headquarters, Abuja, Sir Victor Onofiok, coupled with the ambition of the Local Government Transition Committee Chairman, Godwin Okponung, both from Udung Uko bloc, may halt this rotation. A controversy has already broken out with politicians from Edikor in Ekim/Edikor/Uboro bloc insisting that it is their turn.

Udung Uko shares the same state constituency with the mother LGA, Oron. As a result, the LGA has produced only two Assembly Members so far, namely Chief Okon Akanam from Edikor (1999-2003) and Chief Jerome Isangedighi, from Udung Uko bloc, who served for two terms from 2007 to 2015.

It would be interesting to see how the zoning controversies are settled in the nine contentious LGAs.

NSE ESSIEN SPITS FIRE!

*DISSECTS ONOFIOK LUKE LEADERSHIP STRIDES
*SAYS UDOM EMMANUEL HOLDS PDP STRUCTURE
*HAILS GOVERNOR ON S’COURT RULING.

BY TOROBONG EKPO.

The Deputy Chief Whip of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Nse Essien has joined millions of well wishers, within and outside the shores of the country to congratulate the governor of Akwa Ibom State on his victory at the Supreme Court, describing the judgment as divine.

Essien, while briefing newsmen in his office, acknowledged the ruling as a testimony to the fact that, the governor was massively and definitely voted for on the 11th of April, 2015, and thereby urged losers to embrace the olive branch extended to them by the Executive Governor of the state.

The lawmaker, popularly called Indomitable, stressed that, the ruling has saved unnecessary spending of cash and has put to an end, wanton loss of lives and properties, which would have been prevalent, if a governorship re-run election was conducted in the state.

While urging Nigerians to respect the sanctity of judiciary in their utterances and comments, the erudite legislator expressed optimism in the readiness of the governor to sustain and surpass the superior performance of the previous administration.

Indomitable discarded the rumour making the rounds that, the current Peoples Democratic Party structure was on the verge of being hijacked by some superior powers in Abuja, noting that, the governor was fully in charge of the party.

He described the second speaker of the sixth assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, as a square peg in a square hole, thereby pledging to continually support him, as was the case with the immediate past speaker of the assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko.

He portrayed PDP as a united family, boasting that, the party will bounce back in 2019.

On the sacked four legislators, the MP stressed that, they will resume duty on the floor of the hallow chamber, after their elections on the 12th of March.

“Other members of the assembly, who were sacked by the Appeal Court, will be back in this assembly on the 12th of March. The electorates voted for them, and we expect the same people to send them back to the Hallow Chamber

“PDP is one big family, by 2019, we are coming back to take our inheritance. I am not aware of anybody trying to highjack the party structure from the governor. At any given time in PDP, the governor of the state is always the leader of the party, so it can never be otherwise in the time of Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

“Onofiok Luke is the second speaker of the sixth assembly. Via his leadership acumen, he is a square pag in a square hole. Thus, as we were solidly behind the first speaker, we shall reciprocate our gesture on him.

“I wish to call on people to respect the sanctity of the judiciary by screaning their utterances and comments in the public. God destined one leader at a time. Whoever was aggrieved should understand that, it was a mere contest. The battle has been won and lost, so we should bring developmental ideas to the state.

“We may not understand what the judgment has done for the state. whatever eye we look at the ruling, whether it was fair or unfair, logical or illogical, political or apolitical, whichever ways, we look at it, we should be thankful to God for saving Akwa Ibom State from the cost of re-run. God has also saved us from losing lives and properties, today, peace has restored back to our state.

“One can only thank God for his mercies and benevolence. You see, the work of God is not as man thinks and he doesn’t do it to please anybody. God does whatever he likes at any given time, sincerely; we are pleased that, the Supreme Court has affirmed what the people of Akwa Ibom State did on the 11th of April, 2015.

“It is a testimony to the fact that, my brother, the Governor, was definitely and massively voted for. So the victory is the handiwork of God, and we are delighted.
“Seven months of a lot of distraction, yet he embacked on ground breaking of industries, engaged in massive road constructions. We are sure that, the governor will embark on massive constructions and reconstructions of abandoned projects and properties.” He maintained.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Whip has invited all and sundry to a thanksgiving service on Sunday, 21st at the House of Gold Ministries international, Uyo.

A release endorsed by the lawmaker described the epoch making event as a Family Thanksgiving Service, noting that, the reception will take place at Emerald Events Centre, Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo.

LIGHT/DARKNESS: A DISPARITY INDUCED SERMON.

BY TOROBONG EKPO.

I may not know what the General Overseer of Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo meant by saying that, Supreme Court Judgment was a celebration of light over darkness. I don’t also know, if it was a prophetic utterance or it came as a result of excitement.


For a cleric of that magnitude to utter such statement, I guess, it calls for additional explanation. Atleast, Oyedepo ought to have informed the crowd who among Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and Umana Okon Umana was Light and Darkness.


So if someone feels cheated in an election, such person, shouldn’t seek redress in court of law in order not to be branded as Darkness? What is this darkness all about? To me, I see the analogy of ‘Light’ and ‘Darkness’ as a platform to cause untold disparity between two brothers. I had expected us, including clergies, to proffer means of uniting the duo, instead of instigating crises.


When Obong Umana Okon Umana visited Winners Chapel Ikot Ebido, Uyo, during the Thanksgiving service of Obong Paul Ekpo, such analogy didn’t surface. When his wife, Florence donated financial assistance for the Mega Church spiritual gathering in Lagos, she was not seen as Light or Darkness. Then why are we preaching disparity induced sermon?


I understand that, Akwa Ibom State, since 2007, is seen as “Australlian league” to outsiders. It is a place, where foreigners are celebrated. It is a place where outsiders ‘stake’ their last money, knowing fully that, they will gain in billions despite dwindling oil prices.


It is only in Akwa Ibom State, that Lagos Based comedians, artists among others are paid in Dollar, whereas gifted talented ones from our dear state are treated like houseboys.


I wouldn’t want to dwell much on this sermon by David Oyedepo, because God has mandated me, not “To touch his anointed nor do his prophet no harm”. Though, there is no criterion to measure who is qualified to be seen as the Lord’s anointed, it behooves on men of God, to ensure that, their sermons, do not cause disaffection between brothers.


Umana Okon Umana is a devout member of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Dominion Model, parish, Uyo, where his wife is also a worker in the same Church. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel is a Deacon in the United Evangelical Church, thus, no one should portray them in a derogatory manner.


If UOU had won the case, myriads of pastors would have joined him, in the celebration, including Oyedepo. The utterances of some of our pastors during sermon, is part of the reasons, why some people dole out unprinted words on them.


We should pray for spiritual maturity while on podium. When Pastor Enoch Adeboye, visited Akwa Ibom State, he left the stadium without making controversial statement aimed at causing disparity and enmity within natives of Akwa Ibom State.


I feel embarrassed as I observed volumes of unprinted words directed to Pastor Oyedepo. I became ashamed after noticing that, the disparity was spread on the internet by supporters of Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.


I see why Moslems don’t respect us. No Imam will pronounce such disparity statement between two Moslems worshippers. No Islamic preacher will instigate crises between two of its members.


Udom Gabriel Emmanuel should do away with this excess celebration. He should know that, those comparing his manifestoe with the reality on ground are more than those who are carried away by this wanton celebration.


He should know that, the money used in these celebrations would have provided official vehicles for his appointed SAs and PAs, who are currently suffering and smilling.


Both UOU and UGE are symbols of light; no one should portray them as DARKNESS. Politics has come and gone, it is time for governance. Hence, Udom should brace up, for the task ahead. I repeat, those monitoring and critically assessing his leadership strides are more than sycophants. We don’t need religion politics at the moment.


His second term will be determined by his performance in the first term. Even when Godswill Akpabio won James Iniama during his 2007, he didn’t stop the productivity of the state, by declaring a public holiday.


UGE should concerntrate and know that, each working day, brings financial blessings to the state, thus, the act of declaring a full day, as public holiday, just for Supreme Court Thanksgiving has crippled our state economy and to a large extent was uncalled for.


The cash Internally Generated revenue, would have generated on Wednesday, would have gone a long way, in creating a small scale industry, which in turn, would have taken our youths off the street.


I perceive Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as intelligent fellow; his body language shouldn’t make me to think otherwise.

ABOMINATION OF THE WEEK!

2019 Governorship : "I Will Produce 2019 Governor" – Senator Akpabio.

MY TAKE:

Godswill, look! do you know where you will be in 2019? do you know if EFCC, ICPC or even your life span will embrace year 2019.

That you have succeeded, in one area of life, should make you to measure your strength with Almighty God.

Loquaciousness, is not a good attribute of a leader. I expected Akpabio to say that, he will assist in producing a governor in 2019. But since he has gone extra miles, to measure his wealth of powers with that of God, let's watch as events unfold.

I pray, Akpabio should read the scripture, that says, "God exonerates the humble and reduce the proud". We shouldn't take God's Patience, Mercies, Grace and Favour for granted... .

While alive, Late Esther Okono christened PMB as "Walking corpse", today, Esther is in the mortuary.

Years back, Akpabio and other PDP faithfuls vowed that, GEJ shall go for a second term, today, the reverse is the case.

Pharaoh vowed to frustrate the Children of Israel, but ended up seeing the mighty hands of God via the incident of Red Sea.

Joseph's brothers had thought that, Joseph has gone for life, but Joseph ended up becoming the Chief Corner Stone.

Who would have believed that, UGE will be the governor of AKWA IBOM STATE, despite his controversial party membership status, G22 case and legal tussle.

Sometimes, we don't need to share God's glory, no matter how quiet the omnipresence appears to be.

Akpabio shouldn't dare God via his utterance. He should withdraw such infantile statement, coz, just like he didn't produce UGE, he will never produce 2019 governor.

The act of producing a governor, is in the EXCLUSIVE LIST of God, as seen in Psalm 62 verse 11.

This Nkeng Inua is getting out of hand

A WORD IS ENOUGH FOR THE WISE.

ALAS! NYESOME WIKE EXPOSES SUPREME COURT 'RULING'

"This supreme court victory I dedicate it to the former gov of Rivers State, my boss, my mentor, my benefactor, Sir Dr Peter Odili. He guided me throughout the trying period. He asked me to meet this person, meet that person, go to this man house, go to that man house, mostly at night. I did all what he asked me to do and today we are here celebrating the outcome of that distress meetings" - Gov Nyesom Wike during his thanksgiving service In Rivers State.

MY TAKE: A man who is over excited, drunk or angry is bound to unconsciously tell the truth, not minding the implication of his utterances. Wike was in his element, he was elated, thus, the outcome of this confession.

It is left for the Federal Government to verify from him, who and who, husband to a Supreme Court judge, used to call and advise him to meet in the night.

PDP is the only Loquacious political party, I have seen in this clime. Its members are allergic to keeping secret. When APC rigged presidential election, and imposed "A walking Corpse", according to Late Esther Okono on Nigerians, no one heard or knew their format and intrigues. Here, in PDP, Wike has started telling people something that was done in secret.

It will be recalled, this is the same format Donald Duke used in exposing how State Governors rigged election.

If care is not well taken, by tomorrow, Udom or Akpabio, may also tell us what we didn't know. I hope, the name of Justice Okoro, will not be mentioned.

In reality, we shouldn't forget that, President Muhammadu Buhari, is a former coup plotter, he may have set trap for Judiciary to fall into, so that, he will have reasons to do his will.

Let's wait for Judges of the Supreme Court to state their reasons for such ruling, as we meditate on the saying, "Injustice to one is injustice to all"

Have a blessed day!

SC JUDGMENT: ARE WE CELEBRATING JUSTICE OR INJUSTICE?
BY TOROBONG EKPO.
If the Supreme Court could uphold the marred election which brought Udom Gabriel Emmanuel into power, it therefore means that, the Judicial System of government needs to be sanitized, even more than the Political sector.

Are we saying that, Judges in the Tribunal and Court of Appeal were quacks, touts or redundant? I now see why Udom openly bragged during last year’s Carol Night that, his God is that of Supreme Court, not Appeal. I now see why Godswill Akpabio entered the Supreme Court premises around 8.15pm yesternite. I now see why Akpabio paid courtesy call to the Chief Justice of the Federation shortly after the ruling of the Appeal Court. I now see why the CJ was the one in charge of UGE Vesus UOU Case.

Wow! Kudos to the Chief Justice of the Federation, the Justice Okoros, the Justice Odilis and other Justices of the apex court for a ‘job well done’. You guys have allegedly watched the dirty linen of Law profession in the public.

A case which Judges in the Court of Appeal prayed never to happen again in Nigeria; is the same case the CJ of the Federation has upheld. Heaven will never forgive whoever will talk about sanity in Journalism profession, without mentioning the judiciary. Why do we condemn Journalists for writing sensation news items without also summoning the judiciary for allegedly rendering sensational ruling? Why do we probe Journalists without also probing the Judiciary?

It is said that, the Judiciary in Nigeria has successfully legalize fraudulent acts. I wouldn’t want to believe such gossip; I am only wondering why President Muhammadu Buhari said that, the Judiciary system needs to be carefully examined.

So in reality, the Supreme Court has endorsed the happenings of April 11, 2015? I now see, why the bible had cautioned Christians, “not to take a rich man to court, else he uses his money to find his way out’. I am not surprised about the whole scenario. I know that, it is a confirmation of the Scripture, which says that, “As the earth remaineth, seed time and harvest time shall never seize.”

In 2006, this same thing happened to Chief Ime Albert. He went to court, yet, couldn’t get Justice. Senator Effiong Bob was in charge, just like UGE is currently incharge. In 2011, the same Bob, who was incharge, was sent packing by some cabal men, who connived to impose Ita Enang on people. 2015, the said Ita Enang, was seen lamenting on Planet FM., OBA was and is still incharge. Tomorrow, the story may be different. No one knows the womb, which will give brith to a king, through its outward look?

We shouldn’t celebrate injustice over justice. Such attitude makes no sense. Can Udom or any of his fans boldly tell God on the Judgment day, that, he won through a due process known to human conscience? It is said that, UOU is also reaping what he sowed, if such allegation is true, then, UGE should also know that, he himself, has sown a seed, which will be harvested someday.

I blame colonialism; it is the cause of our predicament. The Whites have used their instrument (Court) to cause enmity between two brothers, and sisters. Chinua Achebe, while alive, had said that, our Colonial Masters placed demarcation on what used to bind us together, stressing that, Things have Fallen Apart, because the centre can no longer hold. If it was in the Traditional African society, where libation, incantation was the other of the day, I doubt, if such injustice would have prevailed.

I wish to plead with Udom Emmanuel never to rejoice over the Supreme Court ruling, so that, thinkers, who know the truth will not think he is a dubious man. He shouldn’t make thinkers to remember incidents of G22, the wanton killing of those electorates in ibiono, Uyo to mention only two among other things. We are all Akwa Ibomites, we know these things, if Supreme Court has decided to think otherwise, then, it is a sign of endtime, not victory.

I have decided to christen the judgment as ‘Sign of endtime’. I don’t want to view it as Udom’s victory, so as not to incur the wrath of God through my actions. I have watched where some gullible people unleach vulgar words on Umana Okon Umana that was uncalled for. The man thought he could seek justice, not knowing, he was embraking on a fruitless journey.

Instead of insulting UOU, I will like we examine ourselves between 2015-2019 and critically access if we will be better than him financially, spiritually, economically and otherwise. Are we thinking that UOU will be stranded in APC led government? Then why are we insulting him?

Despite not being a fan of Umana Okon Umana nor that of Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, I don’t see why our youths should openly rain abuses on our elders. The Bible says, “…And God gave the Children of Isreal, a king, according to their demand”. Whether we rejoice today or not, I am optimistic that, in no distance time, Akwa Ibom people, just like Isrealites, will know the composition of Udom Gabriel Emmanuel. His six months was a tip of iceberg.

If within three months in office, he abandoned his Canvassers and other supporters, only to handpick his wife’s biological brothers as transition Chairman and SA on Inter Ministerial and Direct Labour. If within two months, he preffered the likes of Lagos based Emmanuel Onwodikut, Nathan Ekaette to those who toiled and labour, then we should be rest assured that, a man’s character cannot be hidden forever.

Why do we say that, the court is the last hope of a common man, where as, prayers and dialogue should actually be the last hope of a common man? Why do we seek redress in a court of Law, where the court of law supposes to do that with us? It is said in beer parlour that, the Judiciary has succedded in legalizing criminality in the country. I wouldn’t wish to add and subtract. I leave them to their conscience.

However, if this inhuman treatment continues, there may be proliferation of casualties during elections, because it is only an insane man, who will seek redress in court after his election. The best option will be to mobilize people with all amounts of weapons, so that, if there is any foul smell during election, you either bomb the vicinity or wantonly kill the people involved.

Violence, I think, will solve electioneering brouhaha better than Judiciary. However, the violence should be directed to parties’ involved in the act of election malpractice not innocent people.

Umana Okon Umana is not losing anything. He had only political difference with his friend, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Their business affiliation is rumored to be intact. So, I see no reason, why someone should say, “Umana anie mbom”. Instead of having pity for a man with financial independence, why not have pity for yourself, who is unable to afford a good three square meal.

I salute Umana Okon Umana for his doggedness. He has brought laurel to his family. His ambition united Ibibio nation and through him, we saw men and women of proven integrity who stood by him, both in the day and night hours.

I will rather choose to align with the Sunny Jacksons, Maurice Ebongs, Nsima Ekeres and other core supporters of APC, who threw their weight behind APC in the day and night, rather than dining and wining with some PDP politicians, who stood by UGE in the morning, but sneak into APC in the night.

If re-run was conducted in this state, I bet you, UGE would have faced disappointment from people he thinks are his supporters. All the same, he should be thankful to Senator Godswill Akpabio, who incidentally is the Senate Vice Chairman on Committee on Judiciary. Today, Akpabio is a king, who knows the duration of his kingship.

In 1999, Otuekong Don Etiebet was a King to Attah, in 2007, Udoedehe, Sam Akpan etc were all kings to Akpabio. Where are there today? That goes a long way to show that, nothing last forever.

Udom needs to hold full grip of PDP in the state and National, in order to be able to clinch 2019 ticket. The outcome of next month Party congress will determine his fate. It is time for him to take full grip of the party, if he relies on the political acumen of GOA, he will have himself to blame.

He should play down on this celebration, before thinkers will think that, he is a politician without a conscience. No one who has conscience will celebrate a ruling over the innocent blood that were shed on 11th April, 2015. No one who has conscience will take the ruling of the Supreme Court as a reflection of what transpired on Election Day.

It was yesterday, that I discovered that, if Jang had proceeded to court of Law during the Nigeria’s Governor Forum, he would have won, despite scoring 16/19. I have learnt a lesson, none of my child will read Law in Nigeria, because, I wouldn’t like them to bag curses.

I salute President Buhari, who has given the Judiciary a veritable platform to uncover the manner; he (President) came to power. Except he has intention of splitting this country into three before 2019, if not, PDP will bounce back in 2019.

I am happy that, I learnt my lesson since on the 9th December, 2014. I thank God I only fainted; I didn’t die that day G22 voice was not heard, even when they were shouting aloud.

I thank God I learnt my political lesson early in life. Nigeria Politics and Judiciary need deliverance from an anointed man of God.

I wish some men of God, who are attending that celebration at the Banquete will know that, thinkers are watching them.

In conclusion, since the day, court lifted injunction on Ime Ekanem cum G22 case with UGE, I knew, taking UGE to court was like dancing naked in a market square. Udom will be so cocky henceforth. I wish he knows that 2019 is three years away.

NSE ESSIEN: A GOOD SAMARITAN, NOT A FATHER CHRISTMAS.
BY TOROBONG EKPO.

For quite sometimes, I have been keenly monitoring activities of Akwa Ibom State Lawmakers, in the aspect of Oversight, Lawmaking and Representative Functions. In the Fourth Assembly, I was opportune to watch a melodrama, which later led to the alleged forceful resignation of then Deputy Speaker, Hon. Uwem Udoma on the 23rd of December, 2007 and the subsequent elevation of Late Okon Uwah as the Deputy Speaker.

During the fifth assembly, I had witnessed where some Lawmakers led by Rt. Hon. Sam Ikon passed an outrageous Pension Bill, which was later ‘revoked’ and sent back to the assembly as a result of uproar by Akwa Ibom People in home and in diaspora, who perceived such bill, as inhuman and barbaric. If such bill was passed into law, I just wonder how we would have cope especially in this dwindling economy. Sam Ikon didn’t think towards this direction, he was after his National Assembly ticket.

Still in that fifth assembly, I had witnessed, where a Speaker sacked five of his colleagues, without the consent of electorates, who voted them into power. I was privy to watch the passage of Child’s Right Act in the fifth assembly. I have witnessed a lot of good, bad and ugly side of Akwa Ibom State Legislators, which I may not deliberate here for want of space.

However, I have not witnessed, where a first timer advocates for compensation to be paid for people outside his constituency and Senatorial District.

I am yet to witness, where a legislator leaves his constituency and kick against the installation of a nuclear plant, which would have claimed lives in Itu Local Government Area, if such request by the Federal Government was given a nod.

I have not seen where a first term MP, goes extramiles to ensure that, he inculcates people outside his constituency, including the Igbos in his salary scheme.

I am yet to see, where a single lawmaker calls for due process in the Power Holding Company of Nigeria and ensured that, the PHCN boss, is summoned before the Legislators with a view of clearing air on why Akwa Ibomites didn’t have adequate power supply.

I don’t know if anyone has seen where a lawmaker, in conjuction, with his likemind, set aside Hundreds of Thousands from his salary, just to ensure that, Akwa United Football Club win the FA Cup.

All these benevolence occurred only in the sixth assembly, as the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Nse Essien took the bull by its horn and cross boundaries just to ensure that, he puts smiles on the faces of Nigerians.

In Legislative Arm of Government, it is extremely rare, if not impossible for a lawmaker, be it Federal or State to advocate for well being of people living outside his constituency and Senatorial District. Sometimes, it is seldom for such legislator to give money to someone outside his jurisdiction. I could recall a certain lawmaker in the fifth assembly who walked out a youth corp member, who needed financial assistant, insisting that, she was there for only her constituency.

However, for the past seven months, I have keenly watched the the legislative strides of this Onna Born Deputy Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. His advocacies, area of interest and seal is uncommon to this part of law making Arm of Government.

Do you know that, it is not easy for a first term legislator to invade the domain of a second term member (Even when the latter is not dead) and moved a motion mandating the state government to compensate people affected in Road Construction? I had expected the Iwukem/Etim Ekpo/Ika people to carry palmfront and place on the road for this messaiah to pass, as such gesture was unprecedented.

A careful look at the advocacies shows that, Nse Essien, fondly called Indomitable has no filial relationship in Iwukem/Etim Ekpo/ Ika, I doubt if he knows any body from there, exception of Hon. Gabriel Toby, a second term MP, who hails from there. Yet, he did that, with a clean heart, devoid of pay-me-back-method.

As I was wondering why, someone should leave his Father, Mother, Siblings and wards and clinched unto a Senatorial District, he doesn’t know much about, my instinct told me that, names has a unique way of positively and negatively affecting the destiny, psychy and fate of an individual. Former President Goodluck Jonathan rose to the rank of leadership as a result of the name his parents bestowed on him.

To Nse Essien, semantically meaning, “Looking Beyond the immediate environment” his gestures is not limited to his environment alone.

In his constituency, this lad, within his two months in office had moved a motion for the construction of Ikot Akpatek Road, he had donated Brand new vehicle to one Udo Uyoatta, erected an ultramodern constituency office, employs about 150 Onna Indigenes as staff, with salary paid as at when due, as well as open a monthly financial scheme to 127 members to run through out his stay in office.

He had proffered all measure to work towards the achievement of an effective health care delivery system in Onna Local Government Area as well as provide more health facility to compliment the only existing cottage hospital in the locality. The lawmaker is on the verge of sponsoring a bill on the floor of the house which would centre on an enactment of a legislation that would enhance the welfare of the youths in the state, including Onna natives.

The Immediate Past Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko had described him, as a square peg in a square hole. Onna Public Servant ably led by Pro ten Chairman, Magisterate Eduok Macauley during their visit had portrayed him as a man with a large heart. In his eyes, there is nothing like All Progressive Congress, Peoples’ Democratic Party or any other party. All he sees is Akwa Ibom people, nay Nigerians. Little wonder why, he has lured disgruntle elements in the state to the umbrella party. Within his stay in office, he has been bestowed with several awards from reputable organizations. He is presently, Fellow of Chartered Institute of Commerce. Imagine, a grammarian now a fellow of CIC, I guess such elevation is unprecedented.

Several things fasten me closer to the Deputy Chief Whip of the sixth assembly, Hon. Nse Essien. Three of such is truthfulness, straightforwardness and ability to solve peoples’ problem, even without the knowledge of the people involved. His words are his bond.

Indomitable, has erased the dubious mindset I used to have about politicians. He has shown to the world, that, politician can adheres to promise. “Except he doesn’t promise, if he does, just go and sleep, because he will definitely fulfill” That was the statement made by Ebong Umofia, an Onna native, the very first day Indomitable spoke at the Hallow Chamber.


I could reminisce how he ensured that, a fracas between two media correspondents in the assembly was solved amicably. I could recall how he nearly sacked his police securities for harassing a certain Journalist, when the latter wanted to have a brief with him.

Indomitable has quietly written his name in gold. Despite the volume of his rival, no one will deny the fact that, he is a jolly good fellow. He is part of the reasons, why some opposition camps are gradually invading the ruling PDP in the state. His name is such a legacy his generation will live to behold.

Proverbs 22:1 says that, “A good name is better than great riches (NIV)”. Indeed, Hon. Nse Essien, may not as rich as the Billionaires of this world, he may not own a good property, worth millions of Naira, but no one can deny the fact that, he has a good name, worthy of emulation.

When others are busy thinking of a rerun election in the state, Hon. Nse Essein is already canvassing for a second term of his brother, the governor of Akwa Ibom State. When others are busy blackmailing politicians so as to block them from joining PDP, Indomitable is busy opening his doors for all Akwa Ibomites.

You don’t need to blackmail someone in other to gain favour from this versatile legislator, you don’t need to come from Onna before he could touch your life, you don’t need to be sycophantic before he could put smiles on your face. Just send him a text, or call him, that alone will solve your problem. That is why I said that, Indomitable is not a Father Christmas, but a Good Samaritan.

ANOTHER PLOTS TO BLACKMAIL MACAIRE UNCOVERED.
*SECURITY PERSONEL FINGERED

BY TOROBONG EKPO.

In what could be described as a silly ploy to tarnish the proven and tested integrity of the political leader of Ikono Local Government Area, Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, a certain political opponent, in Ikono Local Government Area, is said to have employed the services of a female Security officer named withheld, to lie on oath, insisting that she was raped by the Safety Professional.
The opponent, said to be having serious grip with the security units in the state, as a result of his portfolio, is labeled to have employed the service of this female Security officer, to go around blackmailing the political leader on the pages of Local Tabloid claiming that, the leader raped her.

Our Source gathered that, so far, the said officer has sought the services of about five Local tabloids for her evil plan, but the editors gave her a deaf ear, noting that, such blackmail exist only in the dream world.
Another source who pleaded anonymity, said that, the lady had previously told him that she was given huge sum of money to pay to write nonsense about the Ikono Political Leader, noting that, if she doesn’t the people involved may kill her.
“My madam is known for that, in previous administration, she had indicted a certain serving State Executive Member of PDP of impregnating her, as if that wasn’t enough, she was the same person, who paid huge sum of money to blackmail the then commissioner for Information, claiming that, the former slept with Philistine prostitutes in Mitchelle Hotels and Suite.
“I wonder why you have not known her, she is known for dirty jobs. It was such incriminating deals that fetched her car she is driving. Yesterday, she took us to meet with five editors at a certain house along four lane in Uyo. It was there she told the media practitioners, that, she wants them to publish that, she was raped by the political leader in his apartment.
“One of them asked for police Report, a Picture of the incident and maybe the location of which the incident occurred. To my greatest shock, my madam stammered and later disclosed to them that, the news was faked, insisting that, she will pay the sum of 50,000 naira each to any newspaper that will publish it.
“It was at that point the media gurus left her and told her not to be wasting their time. I know you are closer to Macaire, thus, I am confiding in you, so that, he will be aware of this latest plot” The source said.
The informant claimed that, she doubted if ‘her madam’ has ever met with Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, talk less of having any affair with him.
Our Source gathered that, the latest development is to ridicule the Political Leadership throne before the eyes of right thinking members of the society. A source who opted for anonymity said that, the officer paid to deliver the blackmail job, is known for such kind of dirty deal, pointing out that, she had a child out of wedlock
The source claimed that, the security officer had earlier indicted a serving state officer of Peoples’ Democratic Party of being responsible for the child she had out of wedlock, noting that, her stock in trade was to do a dirty job for a particular public office holder in Ikono Local Government Area. She added that, it was not a surprise that, she has been paid to assassinate the character of Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, fondly called Macaire.
Reacting to the indictment, the Security officer denied ever contacting the press for publication, but insisted that, he wants to attract the attention of Macaire, before she could get to know her.
“I don’t know Macaire in person, but with this job on ground, I will get his attention, if Newspapers don’t want to go in tandem with my agenda, I will employ the service of any lawyer.
“My plan is to cause commotion in his marital home, make the government to withdraw the political leadership position from him, so that, my client can pay me my remaining balance as well as try and make myself relevant to the political leader.
“I am aware of his philanthropist gestures, thus, it is my turn to also benefit from him.” She reasoned.

Meanwhile in a latest development, the said political opponent of Macaire has floated another blackmail, this time, he is instigating people to lie that, Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo was on the verge of defecting to All Progressive Congress. A media source who disclosed to this reporter said that, it was said that, the political leader had meeting with Obongawan Lovina Umoeffah and mandated supporters to tilt towards APC, reasoning that, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel was a flop to the people of the state.
“I have a story here, though, I guess the story is not true. They said that, Macaire had a meeting with Lovina Umoeffah, clan head and other politicians, where he was telling people not to support Udom Emmanuel, and that, he was trying to adminster an oath” The source posited.
Reacting to the allegations, the political leader of the cradle of Ibibio nation described such stories as distraction from the camps of opponent, affirming his determination to better the lots of people in the society.
He said that, he won’t join issues with anybody and commended the governor for providing dividend of Democracy to the state.
Macaire, a happily married and devout member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God specifically thanked the governor of the state for partaking in the Emergency Holy Ghost Congress of the church held at the Uyo Township Stadium thereby expressing optimism of the developmental strides of the governor.
He specifically withdrew himself from joining issues with anybody or newspaper publication, noting that, Akwa Ibom people know him better.

“The other time they said I was beaten, last time, they said I was drunk, the other day i am planning to assasinate the paramount ruler, today they say, I raped someone and that, I wanted to defect to APC, maybe by tomorrow they, will say that, I am using Money ritual. If you were in my shoe, would you have rejoined any issue of such known lies? No, off course, in as much as I respect Journalists in the state, I am certain that, media practitioners know false news. Above all, I am happy that, Akwa Ibom people know me more than the fabricators of false news items.[i][/i][b][/b]

#AKWAIBOMISPDP: …BEFORE WE INCUR THE WRATH OF GOD.

BY TOROBONG EKPO

I am aware that, the state publicity directorate of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), will by tomorrow, 19th January embark on online conversation entitled, #Akwaibomispdp. I have also been made to understand that, zoning, the role of justice; equity and the state character in the political process are some of the topics scheduled for the tweet chat.

As a patriotic Akwa Ibomite, who have been monitoring the political dynamism and intrigues, since the creation of this state, it behooves on me to categorically state the truth and the obvious, no matter whose ox is gored. Judging from the topics, scheduled for discussion, if we allow those subject matters to stand, then the state chapter of Peoples’ Democratic Party as well as participants in the chat will be incurring the wrath of the almighty God.

Take for instance, the zoning quest. Anybody who talks about zoning in this dispensation is mocking the almighty God. Such person is also belittling the integrity of Obong Victor Attah and other Ibibio Chieftains, who after assessing problems; the minorities were going through decided to give them a voice by ensuring that, minority tribes ruled the state.

It was on that strength that, the erstwhile governor Attah, decided to zone the governorship seat to Annang dominated Local Government Areas, in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, instead of the entire Senatorial District. Who was Godswill Akpabio that would have won the likes of Chief Bassey Inuaeyin and other Ibibio politicians from Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, if the seat was zoned to the four federal constituencies that make up the district?

Zoning in Akwa Ibom State, was pursued based on tribe. It was left for Governor Akpabio, after the expiration of his tenure to have handed over power to Oro, Ibeno, Obolo or Ekid, so that, the Uyo Senatorial District could produce a deputy Governor, but his quest of becoming a senator won’t allow him.

Akpabio, terminated the principles of zoning, the day he appointed Pa. Moses Ekpo, as the Deputy Governor of the state. Initially, I was thinking of the wisdom behind appointing someone who is far older than the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area, as the Deputy Governor, on a second thought, I realized that, the slot was to settle Abak five thereby neglecting the divine arranged principle of zoning.

A true, divine and all embracing zoning, would have ensured that, Uyo Senatorial District serves as the Deputy Governor, but the powers that be silenced the truth and went on to neglect the core Ibibio district for sixteen years, without allowing them to produce not even a Deputy Governor. It was such inhumanity that prompted God to vex as could be seen in the judgment of the appellate court.

Prior to the election, Obong Umana Okon Umana, had said in different fora that, if Godswill Akpabio had zoned the seat to Oro nation or any other minority tribe, he wouldn’t have vie for the same seat, simply because he would have been convinced by the justice, equity and fair play in display. The Oro nation pleaded, Akpabio neglected to do their roads, talk less of giving them a seat. Some of their members in G22 prayed for God to touch Akpabio and allow Oro a slot in Hilltop Mansion, but God hardened the heart of King Akpabio.

In Ibibio adage, it is said that, “Ke owo isi itoko aban ikwa afang”, whoever sharpens knife used in cutting Afang leaf such person, according to Ibibio norms and practice deserves fair treatment. In this case, the Ibibios led by Obong Attah were the “Aban ikwa Afang”, they wanted the best for the state, hence, the reason why they said power should be zoned to the minority tribes. If power was zoned to minority tribes, don’t be cajoled, the current political tussle would have entered past tense. At least, everyone would have been satisfied by the principle, but Akpabio messed the whole thing up.

Having known that, our God is a very jealous God, it is incumbent on us, to know that, any discussion about zoning, will tantamount to incurring the heavy wrath of God.

Already, the appellate court ruling is a demonstration of God’s wrath, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, shouldn’t remind God of the curse he had nearly forgotten. Truth is, if we trigger God to anger by discussing the above topics in tomorrow’s online chat, we may spell doom for our political system.

Udom Gabriel Emmanuel is not a product of zoning as speculated in Ogogoro Joints, he is a product of adulterated and flawed PDP Primaries as well as rigged election as shown by the ruling of appellate court. Topics scheduled for discussion, is a product of fallacy of ad argumentium ignoranium.

I wouldn’t blame the organizers of the chat, because, as could be seen via the mover of Votes of Thanks during the Eket Senatorial District rally, it appears, almost all the founding fathers of PDP, have migrated to APC, thus, there is no one to educate them on why and how zoning was made. It is not possible for Bassey Nkanang to know the rudiment of zoning in PDP, nor, will it be easy for Nathan Ekaette to explain what zoning mean. They are what pundits will describe as Politicians-by-circumstance.

Is it possible for PDP to organize an online chat, where the State Chairman of PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo, is not on Facebook, talk less of owning a twitter account? Anyway, I could recall that, even Uwem Ita Etuk, didn’t have those accounts, so, it may be seen as the culture of PDP chairmen in the state.

In Akwa Ibom State, it is said that, PDP now has some would-have-been-politicians such as the likes of Nkanang, Nathan Ekaette among others, while the Andrew Uwantas, who supposed to inform them on the rules governing zoning are currently on political oblivion.

I wouldn’t want to talk about the negligence High Chief Andrew Uwanta is passing through, in a government he piloted, I however, wish to remind the governor, that the fierce grey hairs embedded on the head of Uwanta is a pointer to the fact that, the latter may be in the same age bracket with Pa Moses Ekpo, thus, what sauce is for goose should also be sauce for gander.

I beg to plead with the publicity directorate of PDP to change the various topics, as those topics will provoke the wrath of God on the party. God is not happy with the party and if such themes are discussed the glory of God may depart from the party.

Instead of discussing zoning, the role of justice, equity and state character in the political process, I want to plead that, we channel our energy in discussing what reality is.

We should rather talk about if Udom Gabriel Emmanuel was up to 2 years in PDP, before he was given ticket.
We should talk about how PDP duped Obong Umana Okon Umana, Obong Bassey Albert Akpan, Obong Ime Ekanem of 11Million Naira each and later zoned the governorship seat to Awa Iman in Eket Senatorial District.
We should deliberate on how Udom Emmanuel neglected his foot soldiers such as Itoro Umoh, Andrew Uwanta et al and in place appointed Nathan Ekaette as commissioner, while his wife’s biological brothers, Ubong and Samson Idiong were imposed as the Transition Chairman and S.A. to the Governor on Inter-ministerial and Direct labour committee respectively.
We should talk about how Udom Gabriel Emmanuel had to wait till 11th hour before he could dole out lopsided appointments to desperate youths as SAs and Pas respectively, with paltry sum of 250,000 and 150,000 naira respectively.

I have a conviction that, if we venture into the above brainstorming topics, God will be happy, but if we go on with zoning, believe you me, the wrath of God will be on the party and if care is not properly taken their nomenclature will change from Peoples’ Democratic Party, to ICHABOD.

Let’s do away with TomboTombo issues, let’s face realities. Also, let’s avoid God’s wrath in our doing please.

SNIPPERT/OTHER FINDINGS FROM EKET RALLY

*...So Senator Representing Eket Senatorial District at the Red Chamber-Tabasco boycotted the District rally for Udom Emmanuel?

*...So Godswill Akpabio refused to attend rally organized by Eket people for his godson-Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

*Who is that guy that moved a vote of thanks? Is he a would-have-been-politician or a left over politician? Have you ever heard of Barrister Nkanang in the political circle prior to this time?

*So PDP emulated the concept of APC, by copying the latter's 'Burying technique'?

*I wonder why, PDP didn't make roll call of defectors, or was there none? If yes, then too bad.

*So Eket refused to invite Mc Galaxy to come and present 'Sekem'?

*Did you notice that only Enoidem and Nse Ntuen cued behind Sayang, showcasing that, only Nse and Enoidem are remaining in ISD.

*It is disheartening to see how USD members, go extramiles just to woo support for UGE.

*Even if USD doesn't produce oil, atleast it produces Agricultural Products, thus, we shouldn't castigate the area as if it is an orphan.

*PDP needs to change it tactics and pattern of politicking, else the fate of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan may be its portion.

*They shouldn't talk about zoning, coz, such statement is staled. A true zoning should have produced a Uyo Senatorial District man or woman as Deputy Governor.

*The day, Pa Moses Ekpo emerged as the Deputy Governor, that was the day zoning was spirtually buried.

*Zoning was on ethnic base, with a view of giving minority tribes, a sense of belonging, that was why Attah zoned it to Annang in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, not the entire Senatorial District.

*It was left for Akpabio to handover power to Oro, Ekid, Ibeno or Obolo, so as to effect the production of USD as deputy governor, as well as continue with the zoning principle, but his Senatorial Quest won't allow him.

*Udom, from the manner he is politicking looks like someone who will call Umana Okon Umana and congratulate, if the latter wins in the forthcoming re-run.

*If UOU wins, he will not pursue Akpabio loyalists, but fear of being probed, will drive them away.

*If UOU wins, I will know that destiny can only be delayed, but can never be cancelled.

*PDP, this is not time for rally, it is time for door-to-door-campaign.

*Barr. Onofiok Luke will not manufacture votes for you, he may at most bags enemies instead of more friends, if he choose to go extramiles just to please PDP.

*We need to screen our utterances, coz, the world is watching.

*All things being equal, by this time next year, the storm will be over.

*Udom Emmanuel, please suspend rally for now, try and have a grip of the grassroot and the street, your presence is not felt over there.

*Don't talk about zoning, it is offensive! You are trying to remind USD of the wickedness Akpabio did to them before he left.

*He cheated USD, which pioneered the zoning. Off course, UOU had said in several fora that, if true zoning was followed, he wouldn't have contested.

*It is time to observe more, and talk little. All the same, UGE should pray for Supreme Court to favour him, else, he will need to change his format.

*What I witnessed today on screen, was more like a student politics, not secular politics.

*An Eket rally without the presence of the likes of Nsima Ekere, Otu Ita Toyo, Mkpubre, Eseme Eyiboh, Dan Abia, Effiong Abia et al, is similar to TOMBOTOMBO Venture.

*PDP should stop playing table soccer, it is time to play real football...It is time for them to realize that, in the forthcoming re-run, they will never be entitled to Security and INEC...Off Course, they should understand what that mean