I'M COMING BACK TO ADD VALUE TO PDP -Idongesit Ituen

...defects from APC to PDP, as ward executives receives former lawmaker

Anietie Essia, Uyo

In what could be described as a big win for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 general elections in Akwa Ibom State, a former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly representing Itu state Constituency, Hon. Prince Idongesit Ituen has returned to the PDP from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Ex Itu assembly man was received back to the PDP on Tuesday by the ward executives of the party in West Itam, Ward 8, Ikot Ekwere Itam, Itu Local Government Area.

Flanked by the Wife, Mrs. Jessieca Idongesit Ituen was warmly received by the ward 8 Chairman, Mr. Akaninyene Archibong, he said, the return of Hon. Prince Idongesit Ituen is a welcome development to the entire West Itam, Ward 8, added that the ex lawmaker is a force cum voice in the politics Itu, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.

Mr. Archibong noted that the former lawmaker had contributed humongously, tremendously and meritoriously to the political, social, economic and cultural development of Itu Local Government Area which such records will not be forgotten in a hurry and would stand the taste of time in the annals of politics in the area.

Recall, Hon. Prince Idongesit Ituen had on 9th May 2022 dumped and announced his formal resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) stating that his reason of resigning from the APC is hinged by insincerity and ethic bias by the then Leader of the party.

Speaking with this reporter and addressing the executives of the PDP, Hon. Prince Idongesit Ituen stated that he was elated to return back to the party which according to him, he is a founding member of the party.

Prince Ituen also stated that he is coming back to the PDP not to struggle leadership position with any member of the party but to bring his wealth of knowledge and experience in governance cum connections to add value to the economic well-being and political structure of Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large.

He appealed and solicited with the leadership of the party at the ward level to embrace peace, love, harmony and togetherness noting that it's the panacea for the growth and development of the PDP.

In their separate remarks, a chapter officer of the party, Mr. Johnson Johnson, Mr. Akaneno Joshua and the ward Woman Leader, Mrs. Imaobong Marcus described Prince Ituen has a team player, passionate leader who mean well for his people, added that his return will further strengthen the PDP structure in all levels.

GROUP ENDORSES, ADOPTS GOVERNOR EMMANUEL'S PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION

...inaugurates State Working Committee, set to begin Nationwide Campaign

Anietie Essia, Uyo

The Presidential ambition of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State is gaining momentum from stakeholders, spirited citizens within and outside the shores of Akwa Ibom State.

In their bid to canvas support for the actualization of Mr. Udom Emmanuel’s Presidential dream, a support group known as National Coalition of Political Group Leaders, PDP has been inaugurated in Uyo to commence nationwide consultation of delegates for the only Akwa Ibom PDP Presidential Aspirant, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

The PDP Group Leaders which is drawn from the 3 Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State was inaugurated on Wednesday by the National Coordinator of the Group, Otuekong Hon. Ukai Udeme Emmanuel, a former Acting Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council.

Performing the inauguration, Otuekong Hon. Ukai Udeme Emmanuel stated that Governor Udom Emmanuel has performed meritoriously and tremendously who has understudied the challenges facing Nigeria as a country, said he is much vested with the robes of leadership added that with his wealth of knowledge and experience in governance, Governor Udom Emmanuel will be poised to rescue Nigeria from the economic, political, ethic and cultural quagmire.

He stated that Nigeria needs a leader is passionate, versatile with a wide range of knowledge in all facets of life who will be able to understand the plights, yearnings, agitations of the country and proffer solutions towards it and most significantly change the economic dynamics of Nigeria.

The Former Uyo Local Government Council helmsman charged the newly inaugurated campaign group to be dedicated, steadfast, loyal and committed towards ensuring the success of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Presidential ambition comes to Manifestation during the party's primaries.

WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT ZONING THE GOVERNORSHIP TO ITU/IBIONO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY - Ibiono Ibom PDP Chapter Chairman

Ahead of the 2023 gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Emmanuel Etim Akpan, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) chapter Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area has again reaffirmed the position of the people of Ibiono Council area to fully support their sons vying for the governorship seat of Akwa Ibom State.

Hon. Akpan who was speaking when the "One with God" campaign organisation led Mr Akan Okon, a frontline governorship aspirant in the 2023 governorship election visited the chapter office of the party, said that the people of Ibiono are very passionate and sentimental about the zoning of the governorship seat to Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency.

He expressed displeasure over the recent political situation in the state were a particular candidate from Etinan Federal constituency is said to have been fingered as a preferred candidate against the popular opinion that the governorship should go to Itu/Ibion Federal constituency.

He said what is happening in the state is the height of injustice he pleaded that the people of the area are only asking for equity and fairness.

According to him the aspiration of any of their sons or daughters from the Federal Constituency is irreversible.

" It is the turn of Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency to produce the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Since the inception of Democratic rule the state, the govership has been rotated to all the federal constituencies in Uyo Senatoral District."

He said it will be unfair if the people of the two sister local government areas should be denied the opportunity of producing the governor of the state come 2023.


The chapter chairman however called on the PDP party faithfuls and indeed all the delegates to scrutinize and assess all the governorship aspirants from the Federal Constituency and cast their vote accordingly as a major factor of producing the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

On his part, Mr. Akan Okon thanked and appreciated the party leadership of Ibiono Ibom for their unflinching and unwavering support for standing firm and adamant towards projecting and defending the Itu/Ibiono Ibom political cause.

He said his administration will bring very rapid development to the area including infrastructural development with good road network and the provision of social amenities.

According to him Itu and Ibiono over the years don't have access to any financial institution, quality health care system amongst and hopes to correct it when voted into power.

Mr Okon enjoined the people of Ibiono Ibom not to be distracted and deterd by any political sentiments while pleading with all the delegates to come out in their and vote for him to become the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State in forthcoming party primaries slated for 21st May, 2022.

UYO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY AND UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT.
WHY ANIEKAN BASSEY AND ANIEKAN UKO MUST REPRESENT US

Emmanuel Nicholas

In the new political dispensation which started in 1999 ,history of representation in Uyo Federal Constituency in National Assembly started from Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.

From 1999 to 2003 ,Uyo Federal Constituency was represented by an indigene of Ibesikpo Asutan.

From 2003 to 2007 the Seat was occupied by an indigene of Uruan Local Government Area.

Through political masturbation and confusion that occurred during the Party Primaries in 2007 .

The Uruan indigene continued till 2010,during when an indigene of Ibesikpo Asutan was able to dislodged him from the position through litigation and served for only seven months.

Due to political abracadabra that occurred during the party Primaries of PDP in 2011 , which two Candidates emerged from the Federal Constituency .

This political perplexity and bewilderment sailed to success an indigene of Nsit Atai Local Government Area and he served for four years .

So in 2015 an indigene of Uyo Local Government Area took over and serves first and the second term still ongoing .

I purposefully refused to use names of persons in order to correct the incorrigible means of tieing zoning to political Party .

Trying to manipulate zoning system on Party lines is not acceptable ,this is why I dwells on Local government Area of origin .

Every Local Government Area have served and it is important to note , that is only through equity and justice that Ibesikpo Asutan is the most favoured by zoning .

Coming to representation ,Legislation all over the world is ran as legal system .

In Court senior Lawyers are given priority of presentation before a junior Lawyers takes turn
And in Legislation a man that has been a speaker or any other primcipal officer in the House of Assembly , are honoured first .

In terms of appointment to House Committees , they are made chairmen of committees .

A first timer or a former House of Assembly member who was not a principal officer ,will never be given such position .

This is why Rt Hon (Elder) Aniekan Uko stands a better chance to chair a valuable committee when elected to the House of Representatives.

And with his track record of performance in terms of empowerment, he will bring back home more sources of empowerment to his people .

Elder Aniekan Uko who also has good antecedent in attracting developmental projects to his constituents and community will do more for Uyo Federal Constituency in National Assembly.

UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Is justifiable as Uyo Senatorial District have zoned her senatorial slot to uyo federal constituency ,with a micro zoning to Uruan .

In the history of Atai Uyo , Uruan comes second in every political calculation after Uyo Local Government and it is a wise decision for His Excellency to have pleaded with Obong Paul Ekpo to step down for justice and equity to prevail .


In the annals of political history ,Etinan Federal constituency have had their eight years with Sen Effiong Bob , Itu-Ibiono Federal constituency have represented the senatorial District for twelve years , four years of Sen Ita Enang and seven years of Sen Bassey Albert and still ongoing .

So it is the turn of Uyo Federal Constituency but since Uyo have had four years with Sen John Udodehe ,Uruan being the "Udo" of the Atai Uyo should take their turn before Ibesikpo Asutan .

Another consideration why Politicians in Ibesikpo Asutan should allow Uruan indigene to become the next Senator is that Ibesikpo cannot afford to have two major positions in the Federal Constituency and Uruan will be left empty .

RT Hon Aniekan Bassey for the past three years have leads the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly with stratagem and adroitness of integrity,stabilising Governance in Akwa Ibom State .
Hence making the running of executive arms of Government smooth without politically motivated confrontations from legislatures.

He is a great team player ,humble with humane dexterity ,always making himself last in the welfare of members ,this attributes qualifies him as a true servant-leader .

RT Hon Aniekan Bassey has been able to coordinate the affairs of 7th Assembly without any rancour and crises erupting among his Honourable colleagues.


He is making history as the first Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly ,whose reign is very peaceful and productive .

RT Hon Aniekan Bassey have also empowered youth, women and elders beyond the shores of Uruan nation .


Being a Speaker , Aniekan Bassey stands a better chance to be made a principal officer in the Senates and he is also qualify to head a major committee .

In conclusion, Power-sharing is one of the most common ways in which political conflict is brought to an end ,so let Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area ,shares power with Uruan Local government Area ,and allow RT Hon Aniekan Bassey to be the Senator Representing Uyo Senatorial District ,while Uruan will support Rt Hon Aniekan Uko represent Uyo federal in the Federal House of Representatives.

With this resolutions justice will prevail ,equity will be insured and fairness will be accountable for, in Uyo Federal Constituency .

UOM: GOV UDOM'S AIDE ADVISES STUDENTS TO EMBRACE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT


Special Assistant on Entrepreneurial Development to Governor Udom Emmanuel, Mrs. Meflyn Anwana, has charged students to embrace entrepreneurship and skills development, saying that it will help spur enterprising youths,
boosts start-up rate, increase the number of new jobs , proffer innovative solutions and fashion out strategies that will enable students community extend the frontiers of enterprise development.

Addressing students of both the University of Uyo and AkwaIbom State University, (Aksu) who converged for the Unveiling of the Uniuyo online market, an online platform built to facilitate entrepreneur-customer relationships and to promote goods and services of students. Mrs Anwana, while performing the unveiling to kick-start the training of 500 students on different entrepreneurial skills, educated the students on practical approaches to entrepreneurial growth and sustainability of businesses, while lauding the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration for revolutionary leadership that has not only weaved the infrastructure which has scaled the Akwa Ibom Economy, but has enabled ease of business, engendered a transcendental overture which has yielded commendable rise in the Human Development Index of the State, propelled the spirit of enterprise and jumpstarted latent entrepreneurial capacities in line with the Dakkada Philosophy.


UOM is designed to deliver quality services at any given time to vendors and buyers. It also serves as an Affiliate and Partnering Platform to several certified marketing Agencies, including, Qserver, Jumia, Sellers.ng, MrFrank (Gadgets) , House Of Quasar (Fashions), 2vogue and PressAfrica.


"In order to become self reliant and to boost the economy, it is pertinent for undergraduates to leverage on opportunities available to proffer solutions as solution providers rather than job seekers". Anwana advised.

Chief Executive Officer of Uniuyo Online Market Team, Nseabasi Obot, a student of the Department Of Psychology, Faculty Of Social Sciences, University Of Uyo, thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for His commitment to human capital development and passion in developing Akwa Ibom youths through entrepreneurial and skills development.

In attendance at the event were delegates from IbomFADAMA Microfinance bank who took time to educate the students on how to access business grants. Also in attendance was the representative of Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, Commissioner for Education, Mr William Anwana, CEO of HAJEM consult, the Special Assistant to the Governor on projects, Mrs Josephine Bassey, Student Union President and Vice, Comrade Wisdom Emmanuel and Comrade Blessing Jaja respectively, Mr Paul Udah, Mr CP Thompson Emmanuel, Speaker, Faculty of Physical science and other invitees who graced the event.

The unveiling of the uniuyo market witnessed pitch competitions, interactive sessions, grants etc.
The site is accessible via: www.uniuyoonlinemarket.com.ng. Interested entrepreneurs who wish to upload their products can do so by accessing the site or contacting the developer at +234 708 490 6944.

Clearly ,the Human Capital Development drive witnessed in Akwa Ibom State, has emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial education via the State-run Enterprise Development Programme, through which start-ups and existing businesses have been provided with seed funding, training and mentorship.

FDI CHAIRMAN, MR. UKPEH, ASSURES NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE (NIS) OF SEAMLESS SYNERGY.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Akwa Ibom State Command, has been assured of seamless synergy between its officials and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), Akwa Ibom State, as a potent measure at boosting investment fortunes of the State via enhanced relationship with foreign investors.

The Chairman, Technical Committee on Foreign Direct Investments, FDI, Mr. Gabriel Ukpeh, gave the assurance this morning, Thursday February 24,2022 in his office, while addressing a delegation comprising the State Comptroller of Immigration Service, CIS George C. Fidel and his team, who visited his office in courtesy.

As a potent step at facilitating a seamless working relationship between the officials of the Immigration Service and foreign investors, with a view to fostering an enabling investment environment in the State, the FDI boss hinted the delegation on his planned sensitization meeting involving the Nigeria Immigration Service and foreign groups coming into the State on investment mission.

Mr. Ukpeh, Chairman of a 10-member Technical Committee on Foreign Direct Investments, FDI, at the forum, made a stunning disclosure of humongous investment strides undertaken by Akwa Ibom State Government, which he noted, would expand the investment horizon in the state and also support the industrialization blueprints of the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

While he commended the Immigration boss, CIS Didel, for his team-work approach, and for enlightening him more on the scope of work covered by the Immigration Service in the State, Ukpeh, a former banker, made an advocacy for cross-functional collaboration between the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Customs, especially in the marine boarder zones, as a productive measure towards ensuring effeciency in service delivery and cost effectiveness.

Mr. Ukpeh, flanked by one of the Legal Team players in FDI, Barr. Hilary Ekpo, expressed appreciation to the delegation for taking the lofty initiative of visiting him and other critical stakeholders in the state, and promised to reach out to the state Chief Executive with their challenges, assuring them that Governor Emmanuel is a listening leader.

On the issue of application of appropriate control in the issuance of passports and other travelling documents, the FDI Chairman advised the leader of the team,Didel, to come forward with relevant documents that would serve as requisite guides to immigrants, particularly foreign investors.

Earlier, the Comptroller of Immigration Service, Akwa Ibom State Command, CIS George C. Didel, had called for seamless synergy between the Chairman of FDI, Mr. Ukpeh, and the Immigration Service in the State, so as to be guided in his control of persons and groups who come into the State, mostly in the areas bordering on issuance of visas and other travelling documents.

Mr. Didel, who lamented that some immigrants, particularly in the marine boarder locations, have defaulted the requisite cross-boarder travelling conditions, stated his resolve to patrol the marine boarder lines, to check illegal immigrants.

The State Immigration boss,Didel, regretted that their job has been greatly hindered due to lack of marine boat and other logistical enhancements, and made a passionate appeal to the FDI boss, to channel their challenges to the state Governor for positive consideration.

On his plan to sensitize Akwa Ibom people on the core duties of the Immigration Service in their Communites, the state Immigration boss said, he would mount a sensitization workshop in that regard.

CIS George C. Didel, who condoled Mr. Gabriel Ukpeh, Chairman, FDI, over the death of his dear mother at 93, was reported to have bagged an Award of Excellence for his Grassroots Involvement, recently in Nsit Atai LGA.

Didel was recently deployed to Nigeria Immigration Service, Akwa Ibom State Command, as his first duty station in his new capacity as Comptroller of Immigration Service.

UYO PDP BACKS MIKE ENYONG

Ward Executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uyo Ward 10, have decried what they described as a brass-neck attempt to impose one of the governorship aspirants, Pastor Umo Eno, on them by the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Government Service Commission, Hon. Monday Eyo and the Chairman, Uyo Local Government Area, Dr Uwemedimo Udo.

The Executives insisted on Rt Hon. Michael Enyong, who hails from Uyo Ward 10, as their final choice for the governorship position in the State come 2023. They vowed to support the Lawmaker, who currently represents Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency, to win the PDP gubernatorial primaries, irrespective of the magnitude of monetary or material bait put out to them by anyone.

The ward leaders stated this on Saturday, February 5, during an interactive session with newsmen after the Uyo Ward Executives meeting held at the instance of Monday Eyo and Uwemedimo Udo in Afaha Oku, Uyo.

Speaking on the meeting, the PDP Ward Chairman, Uyo Ward 10, Abasiama Udoh, made it known that the agenda of the meeting, which was undisclosed to them prior to its kickoff but however, brought to light during the meeting, was to communicate Governor Udom's gubernatorial choice, Umo Eno, and get all ward executives to adopt Umo Eno.

The Ward Chairman told newsmen that it is impossible to choose another candidate over his good brother, Rt Hon. Enyong a.k.a BabaNtan.

Udoh stressed that the pre-election season is no time for dirty tricks aimed at robbing citizens of their right to choose their choice aspirant and besmirching the reputation of other aspirants, who happen not to be one's most preferred choice.

He advised aspirants and their supporters to return to the grassroots and carryout their respective assignments well, rather than resorting to political and electoral victimization of the people.

"A meeting was held at the instance of Monday Eyo and Uwemedimo Udo. I attended the meeting together with my Exco because we were informed that the Uyo Council Boss wants to meet with all ward executives. However, the agenda of the meeting remained undisclosed prior to the commencement of the meeting. When the meeting started proper, we were informed that the Governor is in support of Umo Eno and as party stakeholders, we must support the Umo Eno. The meeting held at Hon. Monday Eyo's residence.

"I have a brother and member of my ward, Rt Hon. Mike Enyong, who is seriously interested in the seat of the Governor. It is impossible to choose any other aspirant over Mike Enyong, who is from my ward. I fully support Enyong for Governor till the party presents its flagbearer after the primaries. Then, we will toe the line of the party and support whoever emerges. Let it be known that I am for Mike Enyong," Udoh stated clearly.

Another Ward Executive, Hon. Nsisong Alexander, who is currently the Ward Vice Chairman, Uyo Ward 10, noted point blank that the federal Lawmaker has been exceptionally good to the people of Uyo hence, there is no plan of negotiating their support for him.

In his words: "I thank God for His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel, who has chosen his successor. For me, I have a mentor and leader, who is Rt Hon. Michael Enyong. He has been doing well for us. He knows that the masses need food and knows how best to reach out to the people.

"Irrespective of how other people will feel, I'm out to support my cause, Rt Hon. Michael Enyong. I'm supporting him because I'm convinced that if he emerges as Governor, we all will live better lives. Many can testify to this. As a true member of the party, who has nothing against the party, I'll surely align with the party after we've chosen our party's candidate during the primaries."

Standing his grounds on his decision to ensure BabaNtan scales through as the party's flagbearer, the Secretary, Uyo Ward 10, Ubong Archibong, reaffirmed that he stands solidly behind his master, Rt Hon. Enyong.

He added that he is unperturbed by the antics of some politicians, who would rather sacrifice the chances of making A'Ibom better on the altar of money.

He noted that he is and will continue to be loyal to the party.

In their separate address, the ward women leader and youth leader of Uyo Ward 10, Ubong John and Emilia Ime respectively, admitted that it would be unreasonable, insensitive, and unfair of them to withdraw their support for BabaNtan, who is widely known to have an extraordinary trackrecord of philanthropy in the State and is development oriented.

2023 Guber: I am very much in the race, Mike Enyong insists

The Member representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Michael Enyong, says he would not jettison his dream and aspiration to join the 2023 governorship election in the state under the platform of the People's Democratic Party, PDP.

Enyong, popularly called Baba Ntan by his political associates and supporters made this known in a press release tagged "2023:My Decision is Firm" , stating that he is on a mission to serve the state and Akwa Ibomites as Governor come 2023.

Enyong, who currently chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals explained that his mission is to ensure that the citizens live above the poverty line through massive job creation and boosting of local economic production

The two term federal lawmaker said he was driven by the passion to equip the people with the power to create their own wealth, harness the full potential to grow the state economy through human capital development.

According to him, until the status of the masses is changed from the state of impoverishment and underdevelopment through proper government policies and programmes, the society would continue to find it difficult to maintain peace and orderliness which are the ingredients needed to launch the state into its best times ever.

Enyong stated in the release that his decision is bold and in line with the clarion call by his people while pledging to continue to carry his supporters and all those who believe in the dream along.

The lawmaker therefore appealed to all lovers of good things, supporters and believers in his aspiration to stand firm.

Ekiti Guber Primaries:
Gov Udom's unprecedented leadership worth emulation, says Mike Enyong

...assures constituents of more empowerment packages

The Member representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt Hon. Michael Enyong has described Governor Udom Emmanuel as a tactical and result-minded leader, given his outstanding role in the successful and peaceful conduct of the just-concluded Ekiti State PDP Gubernatorial Primaries.

Enyong commended the Governor, who served as Chairman of the 5-man PDP Primary Election Committee in Ekiti State, during an interaction with pressmen in Uyo, yesterday.


The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals Development, stressed that the just-concluded election has again proven that success is non-negotiable when the right and best hand superintends over any affair. He urged Akwa Ibomites to emulate the Governor, who strategically and brilliantly executed his task during the recently concluded primaries in Ekiti State.


Enyong congratulated the winner of the PDP governorship primary and Ekiti PDP governorship flagbearer, Hon. Bisi Kolawale. He urged Kolawale to remain focus and resilient, as he strongly believes that PDP will win the governorship election overwhelmingly.

The federal Lawmaker warned fear mongers, violence peddlers, promoters of hatred and voices of disunity to desist from violence, blackmail and any precarious activity that will disrupt the peace enjoyed in the State, especially as pre-election season begins.


He used the opportunity to thank his constituents for their continued support, assuring them of more empowerment packages.

He pledged to attract more dividends of democracy to the area.

ICT Devt: A'Ibom Leveraging Technology To Drive National Development- Ukpeh

...scores Gov Emmanuel high on digital infrastructure

Akwa Ibom is leading an economic revolution in Nigeria leveraging digital technology, Gabriel Ukpeh, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Committee on Foreign Direct Investment Commission, has said.

Ukpeh spoke at the third annual Nigeria Tech Summit which held in Abuja recently, describing the south-south state as an emerging technology and innovation hub, with a planned science park.

According to him, the state government is also prioritising information technology (IT) and related subjects in educational curriculum, and several tech and innovation hubs employing thousands of young people.

The Nigeria Tech Summit is an initiative hosted by the Global Startup Ecosystem in partnership with US Embassy in Abuja, Google Cloud, AWS, IBM Cloud, Hubspot, Sendgrid, and more.

The summit boasts of an active network of Nigeria’s investors, tech entrepreneurs, celebrities, politicians, and business moguls. Each year the programme gathers thousands of pioneers from across Nigeria and around the world to address challenges that affect Nigeria’s future.

Among the key speakers at the summit were Mary Beth Leonard, the United States ambassador to Nigeria; Akwasi Awua Ababio, ambassador director, Diaspora Affairs at Office of the President; Christine Ntim, CEO at Global Startup Ecosystem.

Ukpeh said that “The experience of COVID 19 has made it mandatory to enhance online connectivity and remote working facilities right across the globe.

“A good example is this programme; the numbers joining online outstrip the physical participants. The backbone to this is broadband connectivity. With the recent auctioning of 5G technology in Nigeria, the shape of the industry will change,” he said.

On investment opportunities in the tech space, Ukpeh pointed to the digital infrastructural developments going on in Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, “the Akwa Ibom State government is working assiduously to ensure that an undersea cable lands on its shores in the next 12 to 24 months. The speed will be 20 times faster than the current fastest undersea cable in Nigeria, and related data will be 10 times cheaper than the current cost of data.”

He said the government was also working to ensure that a world-class data centre is established in Akwa Ibom.

On the reason that makes Akwa Ibom the most conducive destination for investment, Ukpeh said that the state has the longest shoreline in the country at 129 km, and this is a major requirement to land an undersea cable.

In addition, Akwa Ibom State has the largest reserves of crude oil and gas in the country, and thermal power plants can be built to supply the electricity needed to power the data centres. He also noted that data centres and indeed, other manufacturing businesses, were best sited in import duty cum tax-free locations – Akwa Ibom State has the largest free trade zones in the country at 64,000 hectares. Import duties and company taxes are non-existent, and sales are billed and collected in foreign currency”.

N'UBIUM COUNCILLOR DONATES TO COMMUNITY

...commends Governor Emmanuel, wife for political inclusion

...flags off Christmas Festival

The Councillor representing Ndiya Ward 2, Nsit Ubium, Hon. (Pst.) Anne Abraham has commended the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and wife, Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel for the 30% inclusion of women in the scheme of political, social and economic activities in the state.

She stated this during the formal flag-off of Nduo Eduo Afia Nsit Oboo Unity Festival 2021 at Primary School, Ikot Inyang Eti, Nsit Ubium LGA. She thanked His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel for giving a voice to the women by allowing them opportunity to serve in various positions particularly his wife, Dr. Martha for her massive support to the women through her pet project, FEYReP.

Performing the flag-off, Hon. Anne described the event as the beginning of the Carnival festival between the nine villages making up the ward, hence the collaboration between herself and the Councillor representing Ndiya Ward 1, Hon. Uyo-Obong Thompson while calling for more unity amongst them.

Hon. Anne expressed gratitude to the Executive Chairman of Nsit Ubium, Arc. Hon. Iniobong Orok and his wife, Mrs Emem for their immense support to them towards the success of the festival.

She further appreciated the fatherly role played by the Ward leader, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Captain Iniobong Ekong for his support to her since her assumption into office and prayed God bless him more.

Earlier in his tone setting, the Secretary, Planning Committee, Comrade Emmanuel Isaac Udo while welcoming guest and dignitaries to the event gave insight to the line up of programmes scheduled for the Christmas Festival

Several goodwill messages were presented while ceremonial parade and unity dance formed highlight of the event.

There were also various competitions which at the end saw Miss Divine James Ikot of Ikot Ukap Village winning a Microwave Oven Ikot Ukap courtesy of the Wife to the Chairman while Miss Alice Sunday Udo of Ikot Abasi Ufat village carting away a gas cooker courtesy of Ward 1 Councillor.

The event was attended by the Atata II of Obotim, Etiedung Andrew Moses Essien, Founder Christian Believers Mission, Bishop Samuel Etuk, Village heads, women, youths amongst others.

SEASON'S GREETINGS

PEACE UNTO THE WORLD

"We wish you a merry Christmas and happy new year in advance: from the Chairman and members of the Akwa Ibom State Foreign Direct Investments Committee.

Mr. Gabriel Ukpeh
Chairman

SEASON'S GREETINGS

PEACE UNTO THE WORLD

"We wish you a merry Christmas and happy new year in advance: from the Chairman and members of the Akwa Ibom State Foreign Direct Investments Committee.

Mr. Gabriel Ukpeh
Chairman

Christmas: Mike Enyong feasts with constituents

...as wife distributes wheelchairs, cash gifts, wrappers

It was a grand display of love to his constituents as the Member representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Michael Enyong showered them with cash gifts and feasted with the people in their number.

The lovefeast held at the 2021 edition of the Christmas Carol Concert organized by the Federal Lawmaker at his Ewet Housing Residence on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2021.

The love-filled event, which brimmed with merriment, gradually turned out to be an all-night unforgettable experience with the presentation of wheelchairs to both physically challenged men and women by the Wife of the lawmaker, Mary-Grace.

In his remark, Enyong averred that the Christmas season is a special time to spread love to all and sundry irrespective of one's financial status, noting that love can also be expressed through one's inactions and words.

He urged the people to take a cue from his kindnesses, explaining that his philanthropic gestures spring out from his heart and not as a result of the abundance of his resources. He promised to do more for the people.


On her part, Mrs Enyong thanked God for granting the people the grace to witness yet another Christmas.

"As long as you are alive to witness this Christmas, there's no need to be sad. You should be joyful because Christ came to give us hope. Baba Ntan is also here to give you hope," she encouraged.


Mrs Enyong, who also distributed wrappers and cash gifts specially to the women, reiterated her intense commitment, and that of her spouse to women empowerment. She called on the people to show and reciprocate love to others this Christmas season.


The event also featured exhortation by Rev Chris Effiong and Apostle Isreal Chukwuemaka, cutting of Christmas cake, music ministrations from different denominational choirs, special ministrations, choreography, and drama performances.


In attendance at the event were political stakeholders, religious leaders, traditional leaders, men, women, youths and children from the Constituency.

Sen. Bob: Healthy Reflections from the Past (3)


One of the key considerations for future trusts is the evidence of past responsibilities and records. Intending public office holders particularly are expected to have shown remarkable proves of service and accountability, to be reconsidered for subsequent ones.

As Sen. Effiong Bob inches further into his quest for the coveted seat of Governor of Akwa Ibom State come 2023, he lays bare his records of people-oriented, conscientious and selfless leadership of years before.

The Senator who represented Akwa Ibom North East constituency chaired several committees on the Senate, including Finance, Culture and Tourism, Power and Steel as well as Local and Foreign Debts. He also served as Chairman, Ad hoc Committee on investigating illegal Withdrawals from the Excess Crude Fund without Authorization from the National Assembly and was a member of the delegation which witnessed the signing of the final exit of the Paris Club Debt in Paris, France.

While serving in these capacities, the Nsit Ubium pride sponsored several bills, including the one on amendment to the Energy Commission Act, Public Officers (Review of Cases) Panel, Fire Service (Inspection on Building), an Act to Prohibit Trading in Federal Highways in Nigeria and an Act to Prohibit Touting in Public Places.

As head of the Senate Committee on Finance, he worked to ensure the passage of an unprecedented number of eight Bills aimed at a comprehensive and strategic review of Nigeria’s taxation laws, most of which were enacted by past military regimes. Out of these Bills, four of them were passed by the Senate and signed into laws by then President Olusegun Obasanjo.

One of the Bills formally established the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and an autonomous body, while others were passed by the Senate after a clause-by-clause consideration received the concurrence of the House of Representatives before being signed into law by the President. They include: Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act 2007, Federal Inland Revenue (Establishment, etc) Act 2007, Company Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2007 and the National Automotive Council (Amendment) Act 2007.

It is on record that the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Bob remains the only committee in the Fifth Senate to achieve the rare feat of having four of the Bills under its consideration passed by the Senate and assented to by President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Effiong Bob: Healthy Reflections from the past (2)

The past may not always be glorious but it sure allows us into history, to enable us make informed decisions and guided actions for the future. However, for Sen. Effiong Bob, the past has been a step of glory to glory.

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

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

Bob started his political career from being a people’s advocate to a Councilor. He was Councilor for Works and Transport in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area in 1990, before being elected as Member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly between 1992-1993 and later was appointed Deputy Speaker of the House. While in the State House of Assembly he served at different times in the House Committees on Public Accounts, Industries and Human Rights and Public Petitions.

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

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

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

During his tenure as Senator, Sen. Bob served as Member representing Nigeria in the ECOWAS Parliament. He was as well Chairman of the National Assembly Caucus, Akwa Ibom State comprising all the Senators and House of Representative Members from the State and member of the South South Caucus in the Senate and a Member of the South Senators Forum. 

ThisDay Newspaper reported in May 2009 that the Akwa Ibom son of the soil had sponsored bills on amendment to the Energy Commission Act, Public Officers (Review of Cases) Panel, Fire Service (Inspection on Building), an Act to Prohibit Trading in Federal Highways in Nigeria and an Act to Prohibit Touting in Public Places.

His unbeatable grasp of the legislature home and nationally led to the publication of his book: Independence of the Legislature in Nigeria: Matters Arising, in 2011 before he was appointed pro-chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Benin, by the President Goodluck Jonathan led government in 2013.

As the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, his Committee brought the issue of mounting debt to the orbit of national consciousness. When he chaired the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Bob was part of the Federal Government delegation to the signing of the debt relief agreement between Nigeria and Paris Club of creditor nations on October 19, 2005 in Paris. As a result of that agreement, Nigeria was granted debt relief by the Paris club to the tune of 18 billion Dollars.

The agreement was hailed as the biggest ever debt write-off for an African country. The deal also provided a complete exit of Nigeria from the Paris Club. The Nigeria delegation to the meeting was led by the then Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the then Director General, Debt Management Office, Dr. Mansur Muhtar and Senator Udoma Udo Udoma who was the Head of the National Assembly team.

The personal intervention of Sen. Bob helped to enhance the budgetary allocations to federal institutions in the State. Some of them included the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Uyo. Up until he left office, the Senator’s office was inundated with letters of appreciation thanking him for his interventions. One of such letters came from the Medical Director, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Prof Emmanuel Ekandem.

It is on record that Sen. Bob used his membership of several committees in the Senate as well as his connections to ensure that several indigenes of Akwa Ibom State are either gainfully employed or awarded contracts in the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, National Assembly Service Commission, National Agency for Prohibition in Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), NNPC, Federal Inland Service, Federal Ministry of Water Resources etc.

The list of his magnanimity is endless as the Nsit Ubium son left no stone unturned is his quest to accommodate his kinsmen. With his rich résumé, one would agree that the former national representative is loaded with what it takes to go on higher calling for the larger Akwa Ibom.

Effiong Bob is coming!

EFFIONG BOB: MATTERS ARISING

One thing that distinguishes a public intellectual from ordinary folks is the additional capacity to exert his mental capital to both the academic audience and the public space. It is through writings that legends preserve their thoughts and exploits as a guide for posterity. Indeed, when Effiong Bob presented his treaties “Independence Of The Legislature In Nigeria:

Matters Arising” while still serving as a senator of the Federal Republic, most Nigerians were not surprised given his intellectual sagacity and knowledge of the workings of the legislature. Compressed in 212 pages and published by Mabrell Press in 2010, the book started-off with an assurance to combine both historical facts and academic theories to analyse contemporary issues in the Nigerian polity.

The title of the book conjures its central theme; and reveals an attempt by an expert-insider to explain the nuances of lawmaking, its complexities and inter-governmental relations in Nigeria with special focus on the States and National Assembly. The book emphasises the importance of the legislature as “the institution through which the will of the people is expressed” but regretted that its growth has been stifled by the incessant interruptions of Nigeria`s democratic culture by military interventions.

The book also interrogates the challenges in the application of Montesquieu`s doctrine of separation of powers in Nigeria. Bob traced the history of the executive interference in the Nigerian legislature to the Decree-1 of 1966 when the power of lawmaking was first transferred to a military council. Intriguingly, Bob`s experinces in the executive arm also drips throughout the pages. His stint as chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area during the military era, then as Attorney General where he recruited and led a crack team of legal experts that represented Akwa Ibom to push for Resource Control at the Supreme Court in the twilight of the 4th Republic.

Every reviewer will concede that Bob devoted his book to explain the meaning and workings of the legislature in a manner that would appeal to a broader spectrum of the society with an almost second-to-none analysis of its complexities.

Although Effiong Bob does not cut the picture of a typical classroom academic but very few scholars have influenced discourses on public administration as he did within the past three decades. I had a singular opportunity of reading a couple of his writings and can conveniently declare that his seminal arguments on the legislature are emanations from his background first as a lawyer, and then his cognate experience as a politician with stints in both the executive and the legislature. Effiong Bob`s contribution to the pool of knowledge on legislature is not in doubt.

Indeed, no comprehensive research on the Nigerian legislature can be concluded without a footnote on Effiong Bob. Intriguingly he achieved this feat during his busy days as Chairman of the Senate Services Committee in the National assembly.

The gist of the work is in chapter seven of the book. To Bob, there`s no such thing as total independence of the legislature at any level of government in the true sense of the word, rather, what obtains is inter-dependence of all arms of government. Bob recalls how the legislature depends on the executive to send in draft laws, while the executive waits, often with bated breath, hoping that these draft laws are not extensively tinkered with during his days in the parliament.

Even though the 1999 Nigerian Constitution professes separation of powers among the arms of government, such separations are often threatened by executive interference that always results in altercations and delays. The fallouts of such frictions include incessant impeachments of leadership of the legislatures at the State and Federal chambers, perennial frustration of constitution amendment processes, delays in passage of bills, budget padding, etc.

As if pre-empting President Buhari`s recent Executive Order No.10 on financial autonomy for State legislatures and the judiciary, Bob had argued in 2010 that the independence of the legislature can best be enhanced through a tinkering of the constitution to provide for a separate funding on the basis of first-line-charge for the legislative arm of government. While he agrees with John Locke (1690) and Montesquieu (1748) on the need for separation of powers, opined that a self-accounting legislature is sine-qua-non for good governance he warned that separation of powers does not translate to a total absence of relationship or influence among the three arms of government.

The book concludes with a postscript on the constitutional crisis that emanated from the death of President Umoru Yaradua and the transition of power to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010. As a key player in the transition drama which tested the relevance of the legislature in Nigeria, Bob captured the intrigues as the most trying moment in Nigeria`s political history in recent memory.
An excursion through this seminal work reveals Effiong Bob as a man who knew his onions in democratic governance with cerebral exactitude, and as a political leader-cum writer in the cast of Zik, Ghandi, Churchill and other greats.

As admitted by Sen David Mark who wrote its foreword, the work stands out as another selfless contribution to advancing democracy in Nigeria, in an intellectual sense.

Ostensibly, Effiong Bob`s vast experiences as a politician gave him the oxygen for this effort having served at both the executive and the legislature at the state level. His foray into national politics was no less impactful; at different times he served as a Senator and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Benin.
Indeed, on the strength of his broad experiences in public offices that spans over 3 decades and cuts across all levels of governance system, it is safe to conclude that nobody could have told the story of the legislature better than Effiong Bob. He sub-captioned his work Matters Arising, aptly so, as the book throws up new insights and conversations as one peruses.

*Philip Afaha, PhD

Leadership Strides: The Senator Effiong Bob Paradigm

…The early days

As a student of the Salvation Army Secondary School, Akai – Ubium, he was the Prefect of Bringle House. In those days, you needed to be of exemplary character and of excellent conduct as well as of high academic standing to be made a House Prefect.

During his tenure, discipline and the high sanitary condition of the dormitories were his priorities.

On completion of secondary school, and having obtained the General Certificate of Education (A’ Level) from the School of Arts Science, Uyo, he took up a civil service appointment with the then Cross River State civil service. Because of his leadership potentials, Effiong Bob was posted in 1979 as Pioneer Secretary of the Land Allocation Advisory Committee, Ikot Ekpene LGA that comprised the present Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara and Essien Udim local government areas.

Academic Leadership Excellence

Senator Effiong Bob, FCIArb not satisfied with an A’ Level certificate proceeded to the prestigious University of Lagos to pursue a law programme. He excelled to the extent of winning Chief Chris Ogunbanjo’s Scholarship Prize in LLB (Part 2) as overall best student having regard also to the performance in Land Law and Commercial Transactions.

Professional Leadership

He came back from Law School, completed the NYSC programme and worked with G. A. Ikott & Associates before setting up his Law Firm: Effiong Bob and Associates, Legal Practitioners where he is the Principal Partner. He was formerly a member of the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association and is a Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria.

Local Government Council Leadership

In 1990, Effiong Bob was the Supervisory Councilor in charge of Works and Transport. During his tenure, he oversaw the site clearing and construction of what is today Nsit Ubium Local Government Council Secretariat. His office initiated the construction of the main building from start to finish. Most other local government councils took a cue from this. His tenure also saw the massive rural electrification of communities within the area. Slippery hills were filled up and tarred.

In 1996, he was back to Nsit Ubium local government council, this time as the Council Chairman having won in a keenly contested zero party election. Although the tenure was brief, he graded roads across the council area, built culverts and market stalls in most markets within the area. His Administration also undertook the tarring of slippery hills at Ikot Eyo, Ndukpoise, Ikot Obio Ndua, Odoro Atasung and Atiamkpat.

Legislative Leadership

In 1992, Effiong Bob was elected into the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to represent Ubium State Constituency. He served in various committees of the House including Chairmanship of the House Committee on Public Accounts. He was elected the Deputy Speaker and served under two different Speakers.

Leadership In Executive Arm Of Government

In 1999, he was appointed Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Akwa Ibom State. In that capacity, he was 1. Member, Council of Legal Education (Nigerian Law School) 2. Member, Committee on Recruitment and Discipline (Nigerian Law School) 3. Member, Body of Attorneys General in the Federation 4. Member, Body of Benchers 4. Member, Akwa Ibom State Judicial Service Commission 5. Director, Anchor Insurance Company LTD 6. Director, Akwa Savings and Loans LTD During his tenure: 1. He saw to the codification of the Laws of Akwa Ibom State. 2. Fought for Resource Control 3. Fought for the abrogation of the Onshore/Offshore oil dichotomy in revenue sharing.

Leadership In The Senate

Senator Effiong Bob was elected into the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2003 and again in 2007. (Eight years)

In the Senate, he served as 1. Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance 2. Chairman Senate Committee on Services 3. Chairman Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism 4. Vice-Chairman Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts 5. Chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee Investigating Illegal Withdrawals from the Excess Crude Fund without Authorization of the National Assembly 6. Member of the Delegation that witnessed the signing of the final exit of the Paris Club Debt in Paris, France 7. Member of the ECOWAS Parliament Representing Nigeria for 8years.

His contributions are dotted across local government areas in Uyo Senatorial District. These include 1. National Museum and Monuments, Uyo 2. Electricity Transformers to many communities in the Senatorial District 3. Facilitated the provision of MDG Water Projects to communities that were hitherto without potable water supply in Uyo Senatorial District. Primary Healthcare Extension, Ikot Ekwere in Nsit Ubium LGA 5. Educational Grants to UNIUYO, FUTO & UNILAG 6. Computers for College of Education, Afaha Nsit and Akwa Ibom State University 7. Facilitated the recruitment of constituents into the Police Force, Navy, Airforce, FIRS, Civil Defence and many more 8. Empowerment scheme for some 2000 youths of the Senatorial District 9. Scholarship awards to constituents.

Administrative Leadership

He was appointed Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Benin. In that capacity; 1. He presided over a very peaceful and harmonious selection of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor 2. His tenure witnessed no strike by staff of the institution and no demonstration of any kind by students of the University 3. Ensured that qualified applicants from the state gained admission into the institution 4. Facilitated the recruitment of qualified staff (academic and non-academic) into the University 4. He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene and Chairman, Comfort Radio, 95.1FM, Uyo.

Leadership In Research And Documentation

Senator Effiong Bob is the author of the book INDEPENDENCE OF THE LEGISLATURE IN NIGERIA: MATTERS ARISING (2010)

In recognition of his leadership qualities and potentials, people have written essays and published books in his honour. 1. LAW MAKING, GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN NIGERIA (2014) – Edited by Dr. F. O. Ojeih and F. J. Oniekoro 2. JUSTITIA (2014) A publication of the Law Association, Igbinedion University Okada Edited by Dr. Osaretin George Izevbuwa 3. SENATOR EFFIONG BOB: ODESSEY TO SENATE (2012) By Victor Efik 4. RT HON EFFIONG BOB IN HIS EARLY YEARS 4. SKETCHES BY A JOURNALIST (2009) By Iheukwumere S. Iheukwumere

Leadership In Steadfastness

While people move from one political party to another seeking comfort and protection, Senator Effiong Bob has remained steadfast and staunchly PDP. Even in the face of provocation, he has remained undaunted. In fact, even when people pressured him to jump ship, he was not moved. That is the mark of true leadership.

Conclusion

Senator Effiong Bob is a Christian and an excellent family man, married to Comfort and the marriage is blessed with three children. He has incontrovertible experience in leadership: he has been in the judiciary arm as a legal practitioner, in the legislative arm as a member of the House of Assembly and as a Senator, and he has served in the executive arm as Supervisory Councillor and Chairman of the local government council as well as Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. He has been in government at the local, state and federal levels. He is therefore qualified to give leadership at whatever level

On behalf of the Management and Staff of Rosh’Es Nigeria Limited, I felicitate Her Excellency, Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel on her well deserved conferment of the First Lady of the Year (National) in Social Welfare and Justice for Women, and First Lady of the Year (South- South) in Education Empowerment (Girl Child) Awards.

"The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” – Albert Schweitzer

The above maxim is a true definition of what you are and represent. Over the years, you have shown and given humane face to people of diverse entities and cultures-- noble, remarkable and articulated strides.

Her Excellency, accounting to more than 50 Shelters of Hope, an initiative of building and giving refuge to widows scattered all over the State, is a trademark that will be memorable in the political annals of the State.

Congratulations on your new feat recorded. It is commendable and we join more than six million people in the State and over 206 million people in the country to congratulate you.

Cheers!

Signed
Engr Yoma C.Onohwakpo
MD Rosh’Es Nigeria Limited

On behalf of the Management and Staff of Rose’Es Nigeria Limited, I felicitate Her Excellency, Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel on her well deserved conferment of the First Lady of the Year (National) in Social Welfare and Justice for Women, and First Lady of the Year (South- South) in Education Empowerment (Girl Child) Awards.

"The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” – Albert Schweitzer

The above maxim is a true definition of what you are and represent. Over the years, you have shown and given humane face to people of diverse entities and cultures-- noble, remarkable and articulated strides.

Her Excellency, accounting to more than 50 Shelters of Hope, an initiative of building and giving refuge to widows scattered all over the State, is a trademark that will be memorable in the political annals of the State.

Congratulations on your new feat recorded. It is commendable and we join more than six million people in the State and over 206 million people in the country to congratulate you.

Cheers!

Signed
Engr Yoma C.Onohwakpo
MD Rosh’Es Nigeria Limited

On behalf of the Management and Staff of Bulletin Construction Company, I felicitate Her Excellency, Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel, on her well deserved conferment of the First Lady of the Year (National) in Social Welfare and Justice for Women, and First Lady of the Year (South- South) in Education Empowerment (Girl Child) Awards.

Your Excellency, in the last six years, you have been an advocate of social justice for the women, children and a pathfinder of many homes and families.

This, you have done nobly through your pet project initiative, Family Empowerment and Youth Re-orientation Programme (FEYReP), which has been a catalyst to solving humongous social problems in Akwa Ibom State.

The emancipation, and adoption of the 30% inclusion of women in the scheme of political and social activities in the State is yet another gigantic feat recorded under your watch as the First Lady of the State.

May God give you the Grace and enablement to continually serve the State and humanity at large.

Congratulations Your Excellency.

MD. Chief Faysal Harb
Bulletin Construction Company Limited

A'IBOM GOVERNOR’S WIFE BAGS ALGOVC AWARD

...sues for more human capacity development

John Peters

Association of local government Vice Chairmen forum, (ALGOVC), Nigeria, has honoured the wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. (Mrs. )Martha Udom Emmanuel, with the award of; "Advocate of Women and Youth empowerment" for her hard works, Dedications, Selfless Sacrifices, and adding excellent value in the area of Empowerment, efforts and cabinet-picks which have mainstreamed women's place in the society

The award was conferred on the Governor's wife in Abuja on Thursday, 9th September 2021, at the 2021 Annual National Conference organised by the Association, with the theme; "Improving Grassroots Leadership As A Panacea For Insecurity, Peace and National Development"
.
Speaking on the event, Dr. Martha appreciated God for the gift of life and the opportunity to serve. Also, she commended the Association for making this year's conference one of its kind, promised to continue in her good works.

she further seized the opportunity to thank her husband, His Excellency, Mr Udom Gabril Emmanuel, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who she described as an inspiration.

"I did not hesitate when the highest body of mine deemed it fit to honour me, I appreciate the association for encouraging and honouring me with this award and I promise to do more. I express gratitude to my husband, my family, FEReP and Akwa Ibom state, God bless you all.

The First Lady was represented by Uyo Vice-Chairman, Hon. Sylvia Ekong, she thanked the organizers of the event for recognizing the humanitarian services done by Her Excellency through her Pet project, Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation path initiative (FEReP) and also giving Akwa Ibom women a voice in the political spheres. She was flanged by the Vice-chairman of Onna, who also is the chairman of Vice-Chairmen forum Akwa Ibom State, Hon Jonny Princewill and the vice-chairman of Ikono, Hon Simeon Unyanga.

Other activities include the public presentation of a book in honour of their National Chairman, Hon. Lawrence Onuchukwu titled: Leadership, An Account Of Hon. Lawrence Onuchukwu and award dinner where some prominent Nigerians that have contributed immensely to the nation's peace and unity were honoured.

Those who received the Association's prestigious award include; the Vice-President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum and his Sokoto State counterpart, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Cross River State First Lady Mrs. Ayade and President of Neigbo Association FCT.

WHY SEN EFFIONG BOB SHOULD SUCCEED GOV EMMANUEL

Government is a continuum. Every new administration should consolidate the achievements of the previous one while initiating new ones. This is one attribute of true leaders, which has made many to score Gov. Udom Emmanuel very high since assumption of office in 2015.

Already, the present administration has littered the state with people-oriented projects, and it takes a man with the mindset of the governor to sustain the wave of such magnitude of development. Without which, the effort of the present government will be futile. It's an issue of concern.

Among those that have shown interest to stand in that gap in 2023, there's one man who has at many fora vowed to consolidate on the achievements of this administration while piloting Akwa Ibom state to its economic destination. That man is Distinguished Sen. Effiong Bob.

A native of Nsit Ubium, and one who has proven beyond doubt that the future of Akwa Ibom is non-negotiable, Sen. Bob is one man whos visions about Akwa Ibom are similar to that of Gov. Emmanuel.

The industries must survive beyond 2023 when the current administration is to end, the economic initiatives must survive, the future as designed in the economic blueprint of the state must live on. And to see this come to reality, only one name is sure- Sen. Effiong Bob.

Past records show that Sen. Bob is one man who doesn't climb up by bringing those up there down. He believes in justice and fair play, which are highly demanded indices for the 2023 game. This is our chance to give him a chance.

You've earned my respect, Sir

Proactive leadership

OFFICE OF THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

AKWA IBOM STATE


PRESS RELEASE

Following reports of the dismissal of a final year student of the Faculty of Engineering, Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU); EKPO, INIOBONG ISANG, by the Senate of the institution for Gross Misconduct, His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has approved the constitution of a Five man panel to review the remote and immediate cause of the action.

For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state emphatically that the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, was not aware of Iniobong's expulsion, as such a matter had not previously been brought to his attention.

In the meantime, Students of the State-owned institution are advised to be law abiding and go about their normal academic activities without any fear of intimidation.

Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet
Honourable Commissioner.
23/06/21

You have lost your relevance - Clergy tells Akpabio


A clergy from Akwa Ibom State, Rev Richard Peters has said that the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio has lost his political relevance in Akwa Ibom State, following what he described as the unending feud in the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, caused by Godswill Akpabio.


Rev Peters who is the Parish Priest of the African Church, Uyo Central Diocese, took to his Facebook page to criticise Akpabio, saying that former Governors had since moved on to become national leaders of different blogs, advancing higher in reputation and honor but the former Governor Godswill Akpabio has made himself an object of disgrace disgrace through unnecessary leadership tussle ranging from Ward Leader in Essien Udim LGA, as well as scrambling for leadership of the APC in Akwa Ibom State.

Richard noted that "the Late Idongesit Nkanga was PANDEF chairman and Obong Victor Attah, father of the sub region, but you (Akpabio) are shamelessly fighting for a vote of confidence from a failed party of less than one thousand members in Essien Udim LGA".

He wondered why Senator Akpabio has not attracted any tangible project to Akwa Ibom State as the minister of Niger Delta Affairs, but has chosen to pay people to abuse the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. His words:


"If you go round Nigeria, there is no state a former Governor is paying riffraffs to be insulting the incumbent Governor. Yet, Godswill Akpabio has one tout (Iniobong John), who he bankrolls to keep abusing Governor Udom, even when he (Akpabio) has failed to bring a single project to this state. How shameless could Akpabio be!"

A'Ibom: President Buhari has not done well- Ita Enang laments

An aide to President Muhammadu Buhari has lamented that the President has neglected Akwa Ibom State and "has not done well in this part of the country".

The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang made the cry yesterday during the just concluded stakeholders meeting of the the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, which held at Sheer Grace arena, Uyo.

According to the APC Stakeholder who pleaded anonymity, Enang is reported to have said that the President has made preaching the Party to the people of Akwa Ibom State difficult due to the abandoned Calabar Itu highway and zero federal government presence in the State, despite giving the President some votes in the last elections.

He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for leading the State well despite the hard economic challenges facing the country.

"We should thank Governor Udom Emmanuel for attracting more industries to the State, the peaceful disposition and good leadership approach, we are proud of him" Ita Enang said.

Akwa Ibom: Once a death trap now a safe haven - Rev Peters


Still on the completion Agenda

Akwa Ibom State under Governor Udom Emmanuel has continued to be rated high in almost all sectors. A state once christened as Civil Service State is gradually becoming an industrialized one, courtesy of the superior performances of Governor Emmanuel. As it stands now, Akwa Ibom is second to Lagos in terms of Direct Foreign Investment, because of the peace and tranquility we are enjoying in the state.

A state which was seen by foreigners at a point as a death trap is now a safe haven. Statistics show that day by day, investors are reaching out to the governor for opportunities to invest in the state. This has however culminated into the establishment of several industries by the present administration.

All these are possible because a man who sees possibility in difficulties, friendship in adversity and peace in a stormy land is at the helm of affairs. Gov. Emmanuel is a perfect definition of class and leadership. Even when some people are scared of being in the opposition party, Gov. Emmanuel has achieved so much, by focusing on possibilities and opportunities rather than focusing on the status of the state as a state in the opposition party.

The achievements of Gov. Emmanuel in 5 years of his administration has proven to us that leadership is not about the party one belongs to, but the individual capacity, exposure and willingness to make a change. It is about the ideas that a person have at his disposal, and the passion to drive those ideas to better the lives of the people.

Indeed, these are best times to live as Akwa Ibomites. In our time, an economic roadmap for the Akwa Ibom of our dream is laid, through the able hand of our dear visionary leader, Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Richard Peters

Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, INEC Chair, deploys E-VOTING SCAM for re-appointment

Professor Mahmoud Yakubu the current Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is being clever. He is deploying scam to seek re-appointment desperately.

Less than two months to the end of his tenure, he wants to sell Nigerians another pie-in-the-sky. This is coming after shutting down and declaiming INEC Server he spent Billions of Naira on. He is retreating from it, in order to fraudulently distort the result of the 2019 Presidential Election. Prof. Jega would not have chicken out as a man of conviction and courage to do the right thing. But Professor Mahmoud Yakubu betrayed Nigerians and the public does not trust him to chair the election management body anymore. He should be stopped from this embarrassing subtle campaign for re-appointment. Jega did just a term and left behind a hopeful legacy of trust and confidence in the Electoral process. But Professor Mahmoud Yakubu has destroyed it.

He may believe he has a chance to sell his new scam for re-appointment because he thinks Nigerians have forgotten so soon and moved on from the most egregious betrayal of Trust he committed against the Nigerian people. No. We have not forgot how he almost denied conducting the 2019 election while trying to deny the existence of Central Server . He has lost public confidence to preside over INEC and the 2023 election.

Nigerians who felt betrayed by his denial of the existence of an IT Server are want to ask Prof Yakubu and his fellow scammers hard questions and will like to know the following:

ATTAHIRU JEGA

When Professor Attahiru Jega left INEC in 2015, the use of Card Readers authentication for finger verification before a voter was allowed to have access to ballot to avoid fraud and prevent those who stockpiled PVCs from using them was over 54% of voters during the 2015 elections.

How come Professor Mahmoud Yakubu mismanaged this innovation that brought President Buhari to power? The innovation is now reduced to less than 19% performance of biometrics authentication in the 2019 election. That means people voted without their fingers verified as owners of PVCs. This was the worst performance in Kogi and Bayelsa elections. Card Readers were not used for finger verification according to INEC Ad hoc Staff who participated in those elections?

Prof. Yakubu uninspiring leadership of INEC has not improved significantly on any of what Prof. Jega introduced like the Card Reader performance that should have been increasing in figure above 70% by now. Why should Professor Mahmoud Yakubu and his team expect Nigerians to trust them with a second term re- appointment ?

Is it not true that he has been systematically superintending over the decline of the Card Reader. And he has been embracing results from one Arena of Grand-Theft Elections to another?

Can Professor Yakubu and his National Commissioners Team deny that they bought zPads as well as installed costly IT Equipment with which they promised to transmit Election results during the 2019 General Elections ? What happened that forced them to drop the data from the huge IT investment? Is it Pressure from Amina Zakari’s family ? What will prevent such scam again when using E-voting ?

INTERNATIONAL DONORS

Did Yakubu and his colleagues not accept funds from International Donors. Specific donors include the European Union to train a category of staff they called RATECH to facilitate the transmission of results and other field data from INEC state offices only to deny using these facilities, just to make his scam with the server stick?

Does Professor Mahmoud Yakubu and his leadership think that Nigerians have forgotten the shame of several inconclusive elections he subjected the nation to since 2016 when he took over as chairman and the tragedy of the 2019 elections ?

Does he realise that he no longer commands the confidence of the electorate in Nigeria as well as the respect and trust of International Donors?
Professor Mahmoud Yakubu speaks of punishment of electoral offenders when its convenient to him since 2019 election. But no offenders have been arraigned in court of law.

What makes Yakubu think he can deceive Nigerians in his quest for re-appointment? He is trying to sell another chimera in the name of Electronic Voting, another fantasy to Nigerians?

Does he think that Nigerians are ready to listen to this Electronic voting Re-appointment campaign jingle?

EDO ELECTION

Is it not a fact that Professor Mahmoud Yakubu and his National Commissioners almost shelved the ICT that was used to transmit election results from Polling Units in the Edo State Election only to allow it at the last minute when instructions from “Above” were received to ensure the defeat and disgrace of some national leaders of a Political Party ? Why did he dropped the use of z-Pad for authentication in Edo and allowed a Rec totally lacking of legal and moral authority having been a member of PDP at one time and now a member of APC to preside over Edo election when he has power to redeploy him to another state ? But for media exposure and public outcry both Edo and Ondo elections are to be used as quid pro quo for second term re-appointment.

Will INEC allow the same ICT result transmission in Edo to succeed in Ondo?

Does the Constitution not empower INEC to decide how Elections should be conducted, but did Prof Yakubu not use his own whim to repudiate and abdicate that power when he declared that INEC had no enabling Law for using electronic transmission of results, just to hide the INEC server? Where did he get the power to use it in Nasarawa and Edo states?

Prof Yakubu and his re-appointment-seeking colleagues launched a public jamboree to invite everyone to witness the demonstrations of e-Voting equipment. Is that not a process that the User Departments in INEC ought to have concluded before bringing it before the public? Must this be used as a campaign for second term re-appointment?

CO OPTING MEDIA

Why issue a press statement to Nigerians even a day after the launch of a re-appointment campaign jamboree, repeating what had been said before that more vendors would be coming to make presentations ?

When did Prof Yakubu and colleagues invite the public to witness the testing of zPads, Result Transmission Servers etc?

This is the first time in the history of Nigeria that a sitting Chairman of INEC and his team of national commissioners would embark on a full scale re-appointment public campaign under the guise of E-voting to hoodwink Nigerians. Why should people be allowed to campaign for such a sensitive office of an election umpire? In decent countries, such a move attracts automatic disqualification. This is because engaging politicians to secure such offices would involve making partisan commitments and promises.

Professor Mahmoud Yakubu please, sell your dreamscape to the gullible. It will not fly this time ! Nigerians have no confidence in you. Your re-appointment would spell doom for the 2023 elections. With you, President Muhammadu Buhari would have left no enduring legacy unlike his predecessor if he reappoints you.

UDOM INOYO WRITES
ATUEKONG DON OBOT ETIEBET, CON ON HIS BIRTHDAY

My dear Atuekong,

It is with inexplicable joy that my family and I celebrate you today as you clock 76 years. Yours has been a life of huge, indisputable accomplishment—a life dedicated to humanity. There are many incontrovertible reasons that make us celebrate you today. First, you are my esteemed in-law. You have been an inspiration and a pathfinder.
I recall that as young men who arrived Lagos in the 1980s, and were desirous of confronting any impediments to a career success, your several accomplishments, especially in business, provided the much needed impetus and desired assurances that we too can break any glass ceiling.

You represented a generation of daring leaders from our part of the country, and it was not surprising that we all wanted to learn at your feet.
We came to appreciate what made you a shining star. From your academic accomplishments in Imperial College of Science and Technology, England; to getting your hands dirty while working for Shell Company in Holland, and Reo Trinto Exploration Co. Ltd, in Canada, and your interest in imparting knowledge, as a university lecturer in Physics and Applied Geophysics, both at the University of Western Ontario, Canada and University of Ibadan.
Being restless and always eager to better the society, you took a bold step upon return to Nigeria in 1972 to set up Earth Sciences Limited—a resources engineering and mineral exploration company—the first indigenous Nigerian computer services company in mineral data gathering and processing. That was indeed a bold statement about local content in the oil industry!

In 1979, your signature company, Data Sciences Nigeria Limited, emerged a pioneer company to market computer hardware and software systems to various sectors of the Nigerian economy. Of course, following thereafter was the first ever Nigerian brand name in Personal Computers: the OBODEX-PC, which was assembled in Nigeria with the Naira sign keyboard.

Sir, I thank you for invoking in us an unexplainable audaciousness as far back as the 1990s. As we traversed Bank Anthony Way, to and from Lagos Airport, there was this imposing edifice, ETIEBETS PLACE.

Being one from the oil industry, I will be remiss not to salute you for your tenure as Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources. You served the country with integrity.

So my dear in-law, on this special occasion of your birthday, we are thankful to God for keeping you in health. We extend to you our best wishes. We will continue to celebrate you.

Happy Birthday, Sir.


UDOM INOYO

Igini: Umeh asks Imuse to quit politics

Lukman Olabiyi

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Senator Victor Umeh, has defended the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini, over accusations made against him of plotting to rig the September 19 governorship election in Edo State.

Rtd. Col David Imuse, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State had in a recent press conference, accused Igini and Governor Godwin Obaseki, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of planning to rig coming Saturday’s election.

But Umeh, who was member of the 8th Senate, in a statement yesterday, described Igini as a soldier of credible elections in Nigeria, a quality he said, earned him his appointment as a REC by former President Goodluck Jonathan and a reappointment by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said, “Before being appointed a Resident Electoral Commissioner in 2010 by President Goodluck Jonathan, Igini had been a thorn in the flesh of INEC over the controversial elections in Nigeria at the time both on televisions and newspapers. That, I am sure informed his appointment by President Jonathan.

Joining INEC, Igini became a spartan and lived up to expectation. He became a relentless officer in the fight for credible elections and against electoral Vices. He was always deployed by the Commission to all troubled election spots that required strength of character to deliver clean elections. Following his acknowledged good deeds and high integrity, President Mohammad Buhari appointed Igini for a second term as REC.”

Umeh described imuse as “very dangerous to our democracy”, noting that he has done both the army and the country a great disservice and therefore, should quit politics and go for rehabilitation at the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre at Oshodi.

“Politics in Nigeria has become a business of all and sundry. It is regrettable that David Imuse feigned ignorance of the person of Mike Igini who has consistently been an advocate of credible elections in Nigeria, both as an activist and as a Resident Electoral Commissioner. It is very unfortunate that Col David Imuse upon retiring from the Army jumped into Politics without historical knowledge of some individuals who have done so much to put our Electoral Process in the right pedestal.