Guber 2023: Delegates protests over planned movement of Guber primaries to Army camp.

 

 By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Delegates in Akwa ibom state have kicked against planned relocation of the party’s gubernatorial primaries slated for May 21st 2022 to Army barracks Ibagwa in Abak council area of State against the popular Uyo township stadium which had been the acceptable venue over the years.

Our Correspondent gathered that the plot is at advanced stage and the plotters will advance provision of adequate security as their reason for the relocation of the Governorship primaries to military barracks which is over 30 kilometers away from the city capital.

Speaking with Journalists in uyo after a crucial meeting held at unique gardens Ewet housing estate yesterday, Mr. John Etefit one of the statutory delegates said the state government desirous to impose their anointed aspirant on the party has concluded plans to stampede the party into taking the primaries to Ibagwa barracks.

According to him, “ After fruitless efforts to get most of us to support the aspiration of Pastor Umo Eno hit brick wall, subtle and open threats have been employed which we resisted and now the idea of taking the primaries to the barracks have birthed.

Speaking further he explained, “we were told by core supporters of the government preferred aspirant that their final joker is the barracks where only their supporters will be allowed access and others supporting other aspirants turned back and if they insists on getting in, then soldiers will be directed to unleash mayhem on them”

Another statutory delegate Mr Asuquo Ekanem from Oruk Anam council area hinted that some top PDP state officials who are not buying into the Pastor Umo Eno project have quietly informed them that the state executive of the party are already tinkering with the idea of Ibagwa barracks venue to please the government.

In his words, “Democracy is fully under threat in Akwa Ibom state, the state government in sheer readiness to impose their preferred aspirant is leaving no stone unturned in enthroning dictatorship, they are no longer appealing or lobbying us to accept their aspirant but asking us to wait and see if we will even have access to the venue, we were informed that we will hear our names mentioned but accreditation tags will be given to their men on ground and there is nothing we will do about it”.

Other delegates who spoke with journalists appealed to well-meaning Nigerian, human rights groups, international community and other related bodies to turn their searchlight to Akwa ibom state as the primaries may set the once peaceful state on fire and unprecedented carnage”.

“Any venue outside the Uyo township stadium is not acceptable to us”, Mr Aniefiok Ekefre one of the delegates from uyo told journalists. “It must be one man one vote at the primaries, let the popular and acceptable aspirant emerge. They told us that their preferred aspirant is the God’s choice for Akwa ibom people, why arm-twisting the same people to embrace God’s choice? Akwa ibom people are now wiser and ready to change the narratives, there will be no third term by surrogate and we are not leaving the party for opportunists”.

The concerned delegates further vowed to embark on mass protest and petition the national secretariat of the party should the planned relocation of the governorship primaries to the barracks considered by the state chapter of the party.

“The essence of the relocation is to rig the primaries with ease after chasing away those they considered opposition to their project with soldiers but we won’t allow that to happen, we are ready to protect the future of our children and the coming generation with our blood, a few people cannot dictate to over seven million Akwa ibom people” Mrs. Maria Ekpe from IKA said.

  When contacted on the raging matter, the state publicity secretary of the party Mr Borono Bassey told Journalists that the matter is still at the realms of speculation. In his very words, "It's purely speculations by outsiders at this moment".

2023: Panic grabs Aspiring PDP Adhoc Delegates as another form resurface.

 

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

Aspiring Adhoc Delegates for the coming People's Democratic party (PDP) primaries in Akwa ibom state have been thrown into confusion with the emergence of a new form completely different from the initial one they purchased earlier from the party Secretariat.

The new form has a unique feature, a security barcode lacking in the previous one already purchased by thousands of people who are jostling to secure a spot from the 3 man Adhoc Delegates per ward across the state.

The Adhoc Delegates are expected to join the other statutory Delegates to determine the fate of Aspirants for various  political offices especially that of the state governorship Aspirants.

However in what appeared as a deliberate strategy to disenfranchised some Aspirants already handy with the forms without barcode, the party is said to be selling the  forms  with barcode to select adhoc delegates aspirants sympathetic to a favoured aspirant by the state government.

Some of the Aspirants who spoke with our reporter expressed deep shock that the PDP is selling different forms for the same Adhoc delegates election slated for the weekend.

Mrs Jane Bassey an aspirant for the coming Adhoc delegates election said the shocking revelation has thrown so many of them into confusion and anxiety.

" I have been told that the form l purchased from the party to stand for Delegates election this weekend may be fake and I keep wondering if it is possible for our party to deceive us and sell fake forms to members for any reason.

The forms currently in circulation is totally different from the initial ones we purchased. The current form has security barcode, my own has none''.

Mr Kenneth Ukpeh another aspiring Adhoc Delegate also expressed fear that most of the people who initially purchased the first batch of forms for Adhoc Delegates election may have been deceived by the party officials  and their  government collaborators.  

In his words, " we may be in for a shocker this weekend, I got information that the current forms with barcode is the authentic form for the election. The forms have been sold out mostly to the  Aspirants sympathetic to a chosen governorship aspirant by  the incumbent administration and the rest with the initial forms mostly supporters of other guber aspirants are already out of the race''. 

He  explained that if their fears become real then the party has started the transition to the next administration on a shaky and fraudulent note and should get ready for massive legal actions from the people.

" We are watching the unfolding scenario" said Mr Ikponke Etukudo another Adhoc Delegate aspirant holding the form without barcode. He further stated, " Any form of manipulating with the level of awareness among our people in this era will spell doom for the party in the State. 

"We are watching the drama and my candid advice to the leadership of the party in the State is to guide their integrity jealously because karma and posterity awaits them at the post of their future and twilight of their career. We have labored for the party and reached a stage we must allow transparency and honesty to guide our actions. We are watching to see their next line of actions".

However Mr Paul Ikotidem who vowed to take legal action once denied the opportunity to stand the weekend election owing to purchasing form without barcode from same party said he has been reliably informed that the underground current is to sieve out those without forms with barcode to enhance the chances of the chosen aspirant whose supporters are already handy with the original forms.

When Contacted on the party position on the conflicting matter, the state public publicity secretary of the party Mr Borono Bassey said the party is yet to receive such complaints.

 In his words" Such complaints have not reached the party".

SENATE 2023: SAMPSON HOLDS FIRST OF ITS KIND EXTENDED PARLEY WITH ORO COUNCILLORS ...Sampson mobilizes support for Gov Udom's Completion Agenda

 

Rt Hon Barr Ekong Sampson addressing Oron counselors

   By Freshgist

The immediate past Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum Resources, Akwa Ibom State, Rt Hon.(Barr.) Ekong Sampson  held deep discussions with the Councillors from the five Local Government Areas that make up Oron Federal Constituency.

Addressing the parley which took place at the Nelson Mandela Hall, Watbridge Hotels&Suites, Uyo recently. Dr Ekong Sampson said he was delighted to meet all the Oro Councillors and to use a bottom-up approach in reviewing the Oro question, which he said, he was quite familiar with.

At the end of the conversation, everybody agreed that Dr Ekong Sampson is indeed, a man of great ideas, who has a profound grasp of the problems confronting Oro nation. Some of the speakers recalled how Ekong Sampson took measures in the past to defend Oro interests especially in oil politics and access to political opportunity.

The Director General of the Ekong Sampson Campaign Organization, Sir Michael Essang set the tone for the conversation. Sir Essang, who hails from Mbo Local Government Area, is a former Deputy State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). He said that he accepted to lead Dr Sampson's Senate Campaign Organization because he knows Ekong Sampson to be a genuine lover of Oro people; apart from Barr. Sampson's indisputable experience and capacity to do well as a Senator.

He thanked Oro people for the overwhelming support for Dr Ekong Sampson and emphasized that the former Petroleum Resources Commissioner can be trusted to deliver in the Senate. Sir Michael Essang described Dr Ekong Sampson as highly detribalized bridge builder, who can easily unite and protect the diverse ethnic strands in Eket Seantorial District.

Dr. Ekong Sampson told the Councillors that he decided to engage them seriously on Oro matters to demonstrate his commitment to participatory democracy and proffering solutions.  He said he was concerned with how the Councillors can grow along the political ladder in their own rights and gain more prominence.

Barr. Sampson renewed his praise for Oro nation in terms of her vast endowments in human and natural resources.

The former Mkpat Enin Lawmaker equally used the parley to solicit support for Gov. Udom Emmanuel's Completion Agenda and Pastor Umo Eno, whom he said, has invested so much in Eket Senatorial District and will naturally protect the interest of the Senatorial District.

Also speaking, a former Chapter Chairman of PDP in Eastern Obolo, Sampson Unyeawaji, said Dr. Ekong Sampson is a true friend and brother of Oro Nation.

According to him, 'a man who sits somewhere, thinks about you, feel how you feel, and plan to help you is a true brother'.

On his part, the Leader of Mkpat Enin Legislative Council, Hon. Ebong Akpan urged his colleagues to support Dr. Sampson's Senate ambition, adding that he is the man who will always pick their calls when he is in the Senate.

According to the President, Oro Union Youth Wing, Comrade Uwe Akan, he is supporting Barr. Ekong Sampson because he has always been committed to addressing the concerns and problems of Oro Nation.

  'Ekong Sampson is a big friend of Oro. You all know me, I don't pretend. What I don't like, I hate it openly. I support Ekong Sampson's ambition because he is the best among the rest. He understands the problem  of Oro and how to take political steps to solve them. I am putting on his cap everywhere I go to show my support for him. My incoming Senator, your face show, your show shine', Akan, the renowned Oro youth leader, popularly known as 'The Man Don Come' declares.

A former Council Chairman and Chapter Chairman of PDP in Oron, Hon. Hogan Ita  said Oro people had a good cause to support Barr. Sampson for Senate.

Speaking on behalf of the Councillors, the Leader of Mbo Legislative Council, Hon. Edet Oboho, said that from Dr Sampson's antecedent and pedigree,  the Councillors have taken a decision to support him:

   'We have come, we have seen and we have heard all that you have done for Oro nation and humanity. We are ready to work for your success in the Senate race. All of us are ready to support you', he assured.

Hon. Nelly Umoh and other Councillors who spoke praised Dr Ekong Sampson for his interest in Oro matters, saying that from his credentials, he deserves the Senate seat. The Councillors were particularly delighted that Barr. Ekong Sampson was not just asking them for support, he was engaging them maturely on how to join hands and improve Oro.

FEATURE 2023: PDP Upholds Zoning Matrix in A'Ibom

 

    By Freshgist

In democracy government, sharing of commonwealth and political power across lengths and breadths of the society takes foremost prominence and eminence. This is so, because democracy is a people-oriented government.

Supporting the arguments above, a lawyer, books author, journalist and leading aspirant for Eket Senatorial District (ESD) race, Rt Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson, while responding to questions by journalists upon his return from Abuja to purchase expression of interest / nomination forms, opined that the "beauty of democracy is amplified when the people are behind you. Zoning is central to our democratic experiment".

A few days ago, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, proved itself as a party christened after democracy. In its State Executive Meeting, the party, among other things, resolved thus;

After a thorough process of distilling a consensus from the dominant positions canvassed by Elders, Stakeholders and members of our Party during the Federal

Constituency Tour, Exco resolved that the Senatorial Seats for the three (3)

Senatorial Districts in the State have been zoned as follows:

EKET SENATORIAL DISTRICT - Zoned to Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency

UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT - Zoned to Uyo Federal Constituency

IKOT EKPENE SENATORIAL DISTRICT -  Zoned to Abak Federal Constituency."

The party also affirmed the zoning of Governorship Seat to Uyo Senatorial District. According to the party, these arrangements were necessary to further strengthen the party, give a sense of inclusion to all the senatorial districts and deepen the taproot of PDP in the state.

Remember, Barr. Ekong Sampson, during an interactive session on Inspiration FM recently argued thus;

"Eket Senatorial District needs zoning, perhaps, more than any other senatorial district in Akwa Ibom State, because of our diversity,  complexity, and plurality. Eket Senatorial District needs to implement zoning, because zoning is that key matrix of democracy that guarantees access to political power and opportunity".

Moreso, the stakeholders of Eket Senatorial District had, in January, zoned the Senate Seat in the area to Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency (IFC), and within Ikot Federal Constituency, there is a strong tide of opinion that the Senate Seat goes to Mkpat Enin, Reps goes to Ikot Abasi, while Eastern Obolo takes House of Assembly Seat. This arrangement is necessary for peaceful coexistence amongst the local government areas in the region.

The Senate Seat is zoned Mkpat Enin, because the relay of the Senate race in the senatorial district began in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, when, in 1999, the area offered her illustrious son, Sir Udoma Udo Udoma to serve the senatorial district in the Nation's Red Chamber. Since then, the batten has just been returned, after touring Eket and Oron Federal Constituencies, to Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency. And in the federal constituency, since Ikot Abasi Local Government Area is a firstborn, Mkpat Enin is a second born, followed by Eastern Obolo.

Embracing the zoning plank, ahead of the forthcoming party's primaries, aspirants from Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, who are peace loving and have respect for the party and stakeholders have adopted the status quo. For instance, in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, we only have aspirants who  are vying for House of Representatives. In Eastern Obolo, about eight aspirants have already indicated interest in the State House of Assembly. And in  Mkpat Enin, two aspirants are in the Senate contest.

These zoning arrangements will go a long way to strengthen the bond and peace in the region. This is in agreement with the opinion of the former two-term State Assembly Lawmaker, Barr. Sampson, who opined that zoning is an answer to peace in a democratic society.

Cleric supports gov Emmanuel's preferred successor with N.150m

 

Apostle Dr Elijah Jack, General overseer of His Divine Redeemed World Ministries, being adopted as one of the stake holders of PDP, at his hometown, Oniong East ward 1, Ikot Akpatek in Onna council area of AKwa Ibom state . 

By Freshgist

The General Overseer of His Divine Redeemed World Ministries , Apostle Elijah Jack has donated N150,000 to governor Udom Emmanuel's successor as logistics for registration of members into People's Democratic party platform in Oniong East ward 1, Ikot Akpatek in Onna council area of AKwa Ibom state . 

Apostle Jack made the donation during the Stakeholders meeting at governor Udom Emmanuel's ward, declared that the governor did not make a mistake by choosing his successor.

Apostle Dr Elijah Jack, General overseer of His Divine Redeemed World Ministries, Mkpok, Onna Local government area of Akwa Ibom state

Recalled, gov Emmanuel had on January announced his former commissioner for lands and water resources, Umo Eno as his preferred successor in 2023, a decision which has generated mixed reactions.

Announcing the donation, Apostle Elijah said  apart from being a fellow pastor, it was upon the basis of what Umo Eno has done and numerous  achievements outside government including being a  sound entrepreneur as he  employed many youths  were the reason   to adopt governor Emmanuel's  preferred successor. 

He said governor Emmanuel's preferred choice has the capacity  to carry everyone along as an entrepreneur, and very industrious son of the land from  Uyo senatorial district which the governorship seat is zoned.

Governorship aspirant 2023, Pastor Umo Eno

 "yes I gave that token to the the party for registration because I don't like a situation where people struggle to achieve something that I know I have the capacity 

 "The essence of the meeting was to formally adopt the preferred candidate of our party, pastor Umo Eno as the choice of this ward, that means all other interests have been subsumed under that preferred candidacy of the governor of this state." 

"As loyal party members of PDP, the governor has given us the direction and indication of who he finds fit to succeed him, and we are part and parcel of that succession plan. The ward today unanimously adopted Umo Eno as the sole candidate for the election, we have no other Aspirant and that is our decision."he said 

Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the leader of the ward, Obong Barr. Akaninyene Idem noted that all other interests in the party have been subsumed in the aspiration of Pst Eno.

While adopting Apostle Elijah Jack as one of the ward stake holders of PDP, briefly after he donated the sum, the leader applauded the cleric, for supporting his community in his capacity, called on other clergies to emulate him in community development.

According to him, "The essence of the meeting was to formally adopt the preferred candidate of our party, pastor Umo Eno as the choice of this ward, that means all other interests have been subsumed under that preferred candidacy of the governor of this state.


"As loyal party members of PDP, the governor has given us the direction and indication of who he finds fit to succeed him, and we are part and parcel of that succession plan. The ward today unanimously adopted Umo Eno as the sole candidate for the election, we have no other Aspirant and that is our decision."


He also noted that the decision was in tandem with the constitution as it allows for either direct primaries or for consensus, noting that it does not foreclose the fact that other aspirants can go and consult even as he added, 

"here we have our preferred aspirant."