USAID State2State Organises conflicts sensitivity training for media practitioners in A'Ibom

 

By Freshgist

The United States Agency for International Development(USAID) state2state project recently organised  a three days training on conflicts sensitivity for government spokespersons, journalists and other participants in Akwa ibom state.

The state team lead- State accountability, transparency and effective state to state Activity for Akwa Ibom, Mr Borve Paago- Imabel, during a three days training workshop organized by the Agency in Uyo recently disclosed that the training  was aimed at empowering journalist with basic practical tools when reporting conflicts.

"I urged all participants especially you, the government spoke persons and all newsmen to focus on the training as it will empower you with practical tools to report conflict professionally without fueling the flames of conflicts.

" When reporting conflict ensure the use of "Do no harm" approach and principles and information management, as this will promote peace and unity in our country and entire world". Imabel said

He added that the Agency will always worked with state government to promote good governance and accountability in the state.

Also speaking, one of the facilitator, A Conflict specialist, Mr Cosmos Dinee said the training was also meant to enhanced the understanding of participants on the concept of conflicts, gender and social inclusion.

 According to him, " the training will enhanced the understanding of participants especially on how to report conflicts, gender and social inclusion, it will also deepen the understanding of participants on the dual role of journalist in party settings". Dinee said 

He maintained that every conflict, if well handled can bring positive or quality perspective added that applying the "Do no harm" principles in reporting conflict will curtail the spread of violence in the country especially in this political time.

On his part, The Communications Specialist, Mr Obinna Chukwuezie told newsmen to avoid writing stories that will trigger conflicts cautioning that they should always look out to the tensed environment and consequences that will be generated internationally.

"Journalist, information officers, participants please avoid using words that will trigger conflicts while reporting.

Before you publish any report, analyse and fully understand possible effects of the planed story, also reflect on completion of the story.

"Always look forward to words that will maximize the positive impacts rather than the negative ones, consider the "Do no harm" approach when writing any piece of work.

"Communicate to sustained peace, provide clarity, cohesion, understanding and be proactive to manage all information". He said

Guber 2023: Coalition of PDP Aspirants Demand Cancellation of All Primaries over Alleged Illegalities

 

 By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

After all series of meeting and due consultations with their supporters, the coalition of Akwa ibom gubernatorial aspirants have demanded the immediate cancellation of the April 30th adhoc congress and all primaries held by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa ibom state citing massive irregularities and illegalities.

In a press statement tagged “IMPUNITY UPON IMPUNITY” made available to newsmen on Sunday in uyo, the four aspirants namely, Obong Ide Owodiong Idemeko, Mr James Iniama, Mr David Okpon and Hon Idorenyin Umoh urged

 the National Working Committee and National Executive Committee of PDP to cancel the conduct of the gubernatorial primaries in Akwa Ibom State pending the hearing and determination of the reliefs contained in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/606/22.

 

They coalition maintained that the primaries conducted for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate positions using the three (3) AD-HOC Delegates per Ward in Akwa Ibom State be immediately invalidated on grounds of its illegality.

According to the group, “To say that the exercise of choosing a governorship candidate for the PDP in Akwa Ibom state was a charade is stating the obvious. The exercise was fraught with widespread irregularities, subterfuge, and intimidation. The impunity upon impunity was palpable and brazen. It was a mockery of civilized behaviour and opposite of what is right and decent”.

The press statement further read, “Sadly, the skewed political culture in the state, governed by patron-saints would rather go for the ephemeral. Instead of allowing a level playing field for all aspirants to convince the electoral college to choose their preferred aspirant based on a thorough and cursory analyses of the capacity, character and competence of individual aspirants, our know-all chieftains resorted to mundane considerations and subterfuge, and the result is the charade that came out of the Special State Congress held on May 25, 2022 for the purpose of nominating a Gubernatorial candidate for the Party. In fact, this charade and shambolic conduct has trailed all congresses leading up to the May 25, 2022 Special State Congress in Akwa Ibom State.

They further highlighted, “We reiterate that the complaints contained in our petitions did not in any form mean that we had withdrawn from the contest; and this informed our presence at the Special State Congress to enable us to observe at close range the conduct of the primaries as well as offer us the locus standing to further challenge the validity of the processes in law court, if need be.

“One of such seeming irregularities, is that the so-called adhoc delegates did not go through any proper identification and accreditation process before being allowed into the venue of the State Congress for Gubernatorial primaries. Secondly, the list of these adhoc delegates were not published for all aspirants to be properly informed of who to consult and engage. Only the government sponsored aspirant had prior knowledge of who the adhoc delegates were and only he was able to meet with them before the primaries. Finally, only the government sponsored aspirant, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and his wife were listed as adhoc delegates and had the opportunity to vote for themselves. Other aspirants were denied this privilege”. They observed.

The Aspirants lamented, “Unfortunately, our political culture, especially that of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State is not only skewed but strewn with all sorts of debris that precludes the emergence of any organized and cerebral candidacy, and where such seems possible, is immediately sacrificed on the altar of short-sighted considerations and predatory elite instincts.

They highlighted that they ran an organized and issue-based campaign, anchored on our individual and collective visions to address the many knotty issues holding onto the jugular of our development. “We did not only dissect the problems in our individual manifestos and blueprints but proffered solutions; we knew the 'what' and 'why' of our problems and went further to provide the 'how' of handling these problems”.

The Aspirants urge their supporters to remain calm and hopeful assuring them of arriving at a position that will be satisfactory to all. “We will continue to update you as we fight for the soul of our party, state, and country”. They group concluded.

2023: MPGG Lauds Ide Owodiong's blueprint for addressing A'Ibom Challenges.

 

By Freshgist

A foremost professional media group operating under the aegis of Media Professionals for Good Governance yesterday took a swipe on the programmes of governorship aspirants in Akwa ibom state and singled out Obong Ide Owodiong idemeko's blueprint as comprehensive and satisfactory.

Addressing Newsmen in uyo Akwa ibom state, the Coordinator of the group Mr Dennis Friday Umo noted that the group which is apolitical but promotes good governance arrived at the conclusion after painstakingly going through the various programmes of the major aspirants in the governorship race.

According to him, '' You all know that we have served our state and nation at different times as society watch dogs. Our assessment is devoid of any sentiment. We took time to go through the programmes of all the major aspirants and got marveled at the over 234 paged blueprint advanced by Obong Ide Owodiong idemeko to turn around the fortunes of the state.''.

The group highlighted that the blueprint did not only capture the several problems confronting the state but carefully advanced geninue ways to address them for the growth, progress and prosperity of the state.

'' The unique thing about his blueprint is the painstaking analysis and well detailed possible solutions to  the identified challenges and these cut across all sectors of the state and beyond' the Coordinator explained.

They said Obong Ide Owodiong idemeko's plan for Education Agriculture and Health sectors will revive these critical sectors and put the state back on sound footing.

:' Akwa ibom people will be the greatest beneficiaries of these programmes, this blueprint is all inclusive and far reaching and we as a people must support this vision for the interest of our Children and future generation''. They intoned.

The group further retorted,  '' The Guber aspirant's vision on local government administration is excellent. We need an independent local government councils, separated from the apron strings of the  state government. we need vibrant legislature and independent judiciary to rejig the system for progress and prosperity''.

MPGG said that records available to them shows that Obong Idemeko had a strong masters degree in political science and capped it with 30 years unblemished record of service in top rated oil conglomerate ExxonMobil working in its different branches across the world.

'' we are also abreast of his numerous humanitarian gestures as an individual and also through Wodiong-senie foundation co founded with the wife.

The group further acknowledged the aspirant's passion and advocacy for true federalism stressing that he has over the years stands firm in calling for true separation of powers and transparency in governance.

'' Akwa ibom will be better off with Ide Owodiong as our next governor, he has content, the pedigree, compassion and more so excellent virtues to administer Akwa ibom state.

''We also acknowledged his tremendous strides in sports development dating back to his days at Mobil Pegasus club which is enviable and also applauded his mega plans for sports development which will take our youths off the streets and provide them with gainful employment within the state and outside the country'' they further highlighted.

The group also eulogies Owodiong's proposed plan for adequate security for the state, his robust l plan for transportation,  creation of nine additional mega city, sanitation and  proper sewage control and proposed Empowerment for all categories of people in Akwa ibom state.

,''We recommend Akwa ibom people to go through the blueprint and see how prepared Ide Owodiong  is to govern the state, he has done a painstaking job which may have cost quality time and resources but in all, it Worth's the efforts. He can be trusted with our collective destiny''.

Sampson seeks re-evaluation of laws against oil producing communities in A'Ibom

 

Rt Hon Barr Ekong Sampson PhD

By Theresa Donatus,

The former commissioner for environment and petroleum resources and Akwa Ibom South(Eket) senatorial district aspirant,  Rt Hon Dr. Ekong Sampson is seeking a reevaluation of laws which are inimical to the interest of oil-bearing communities in the country.

Speaking with newsmen in Uyo recently, Sampson, said that the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA) and the Water Resources Bill among other legislations, need to be looked at again.

He said that the PIA, for instance, is fraught with weaknesses, which rather than help to redress the sufferings of oil communities, has worsened them.

Ekong said if voted to the Senate he will lead campaigns against retrogressive legislations which erode the rights of oil communities.

He added that such legislations have also made the international oil companies(IOCs) to shy away from their responsibilities and obligations to their host communities.

His words, "We should not be campaigning on sentiments but on issues  on how do we can drive legislations in a way that protects the rights of our people in Eket Senatorial district. 

"Let's look at the PIA and form a vanguard against some laws that seem to take away the rights of our people. As a legislator if you sleep, they will pass a law that completely finishes your people.

"We need to make the communities come together to protect their rights and we need to get the big players to be alive to their responsibilities, and we need to firm up our laws. The Petroleum Industry Act needs to be looked at closely.

"Does that law really solve the problems of host communities ? Is it a ready instrument for divide and rule instead of succuor to oil producing communities? 

"I want to be in the senate as an active player using the dynamics of law to drive the interest of my people. We need to have profound engagements on some of these legislations".

Sampson maintained that he was in the  Senate race for Akwa Ibom South(Eket) district because he is favoured by zoning, capacity and experience.

"I'm running because zoning favors me, experience favors me and capacity favors me too. zoning makes for inclusiveness.

"I was officially presented as the preferred aspirant by my people. I have the experience  a good part of me was in law making; lawmaking is a major component of democracy. Nigeria will be a safer place to operate if the operators grasp the rudiments of law making and policies", he said.

Senate 2023: Ekong Sampson remains best for Eket senatorial district

 

Rt Hon Ekong Sampson, former commissioner for Environment

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

It is no longer news that Rt Hon.(Barr.) Ekong Sampson has emerged the best aspirant for Eket Senatorial District. Chief Nduese Essien, Leader of Eket Senatorial District Elders Forum described Barr. Sampson as 'a highly sellable senate material - who has all it takes to be a great senator for Eket Senatorial District'. All around the senatorial district, the Ekong Sampson reviews have been generally very glowing

Ekong who is a man with the right personality, political disposition and qualifications for the top job, he first cut his political teeth, when he served as Chief Legislative/Special Assistant to the iconic Senator Udoma Udo Udoma in the early 2000s, and Since then, he has prepared, waited, readied himself and built the needed capacity and clout for what will be a glorious return to the Red Chambers in 2023 for him.

For his famed bridge building disposition, he has become a 'square peg in a square hole' aspirant for a multi diverse district like Akwa Ibom South. He ticks many boxes of an ideal Senate mate rial.

With a Ph.D in Law and a legislative background spanning from Councilorship to Council Chairman and later as a two term House of Assembly member, Barr. Sampson is just perfectly ripe for the Eket Senate job.

Ultimately, his, is a Divine orchestrated aspiration. He is favoured by zoning, cognate experience and undoubted capacity. 

He is the preferred choice of the crown, he is the preferred choice of the people. He is the toast of the Ibibio, Oro, Ekid and Obolo delegates, because he is highly detribalized and does not segregate. He is a mature, well bred politician who exudes decorum and class - he will restore representative elegance and content to Eket Senatorial District. Dr. Ekong Sampson is a champion of empowerment, albeit a silent one. He is not easily given to fanfare. He has sustainably empowered hundreds of people over the years; he is not an emergency philanthropist.

Barr. Ekong Sampson is a humble, selfless, accessible man who lives for all. Indeed, the good people of Eket Senatorial District are excited with Ekong Sampson's aspiration because a new era in quality legislative representation and massive empowerments beckons with him. 

Let's join hands and send Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin, clearly our best material to the Senate.

#EkongSampsonForSenate2023

SENATE 2023: EKONG SAMPSON INAUGURATES FRIENDS OF EKONG SAMPSON IN ORO

 

  

Rt Hon Barr Ekong Sampson, addressing the delegates in Oron, A'Ibom state

   By Freshgist

It was all celebration and a harvest of endorsements in Oron yesterday as Friends of Ekong Sampson(FESAM) in Oron Federal Constituency was inaugurated. The well attended event held at Billionaires Resort, Oron had a large turn out of statutory delegates from the five Local Government Areas of Oro. Barr. Ekong Sampson is the widely tipped aspirant to clinch the Akwa Ibom South senate seat.

Addressing the delegates, Barr. Ekong Sampson, who holds the traditional title of 'Edeghé Nssang Oro'(Good friend of Oro), thanked Oro for the huge support he has received, assuring them that he remains the best foot forward to protect the interest of Oro in Eket Senatorial District. 

Barr. Sampson pledged that as a true friend of Oro, he will always be there for them as well as ensure the safeguard of their collective aspirations, admonishing the delegates to be wary of those he termed as 'emergency philanthropists', who will appear only during election season with mundane inducements and disappear thereafter. He praised Oro as a nation rich in both human and natural endowments and promised that in the senate, he will pursue legislations that will unlock the Oro great potentials.

The former two term Assemblyman for Mkpat Enin used his speech moment to pour encomium on his Director General of Campaigns, Sir Michael Essang, an Oro man from Mbo Local Government Area for the excellent steering of his Senate Campaigns, informing the delegates that his choice of an Oro man as his Campaign DG was a statement of his close relationship with Oro.

Sir Michael Essang is a former State Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

Equally addressing the delegates and supporters of Barr. Ekong Sampson, the Director General of the Ekong Sampson for Senate Campaign Organization, Sir Michael Essang said that 'Barr. Sampson was well equipped with the requisite attributes to make a great senator not just for Oro but the entire Eket Senatorial District'. He added that Sampson's rich political and legislative experience, his knowledge of oil politics, a critical issue in the district, having served as a one time Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum had made him a standout aspirant for the Akwa Ibom South seat. 

Sir Essang, who doubles as the President, Friends of Ekong Sampson(FESAM) recalled how Dr Sampson defended Oro interest in oil politics while he was in the State Exco as Commissioner for Petroleum, and called on the delegates to reciprocate the gesture by voting him massively in the forthcoming National Assembly primaries.

Earlier in his welcome address, a statutory delegate, host of the event and a PDP Youth Leader in Okobo, Mr Asukwo Effiong Bassey popularly known as 'Don Mike' extolled Barr. Sampson as a great friend of Oro and a bridge builder who is very committed to Oro concerns.

He assured Barr. Sampson of the continuous support of Oro going into the party primaries.

Other delegates who spoke said Barr. Sampson has been a good friend and ally of Oro over the years; one who has the interest of Oro at heart, adding that no aspirant will use ethnic politics to deceive Oro nation this time around, pledging their backing for Dr. Ekong Sampson.

Present at the occasion were chieftains of the PDP including Sampson Unyeawaji, a former two time Chapter Chairman of Eastern Obolo, Rt Hon. Ufok Frank, former Leader, Ikot Abasi Legislative Council, Hon. Ita Eyo, former PDP Chapter Chairman, Udung Uko, Joe Akpan, SA to Gov. Udom Emmanuel on Project Monitoring, Hon. Nkereuwem James, Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mkpat Enin among others.

Gunmen takes over communities in A'Ibom, abduct Priest ,18 others

 

 

Rev Father Alphonsus Uboh

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

There is palpable fear in Akwa Ibom state as Gunmen have sieged some communities in Mkpat Enin/Oruk Anam local government Areas of the state, just yesterday, a catholic Priest identified as Alphonsus Uboh was reportedly abducted in  the church premises, Ikot Abasi Akpan village meanwhile 18 others were kidnapped in their  communities within the last seven months.

Sources told our Correspondent that Father Alphonsus Uboh is the Parish Parish Priest of X Parish located at Ikot Abasi Akpan along  Etinan/ Ekparakwa road in Mkpat Enin local government area of the state. 

An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity said the gunmen arrived the church premises at exactly 7pm on Sunday  in a motorcycle convoy , forced their way into church premises and whisked the priest away on their motorcycle after shooting sporadically into the air just to scare away the people. 

Our Correspondent gathered that the incident occurred after a similar one within the community where the founder and President of Solid Rock Kingdom Church was abducted in his residence but later regained freedom after spending four days in the kidnappers den . 

Our Investigation reveal that gunmen have taken over the area kidnapping and killing innocent people.

The communities where the nefarious activities of the hoodlums take place include Ekparakwa , villages along Ekparakwa/Ikot Abasi road in OrukAnam local government area as well as Ikot Ebak, Ikot Akaam, Ibekwe Akpan axis in Mkpat council areas of the state. 

Our Correspondent gathered that residents of the areas and other adjoining villages in  OrukAnam and Mkpat Enin have been robbed daily while others are kidnapped for ransom. 

Speaking to our Correspondent in Ekparakwa on Sunday, a youth leader who pleaded anonymity said more than 18 persons were abducted in the communities between November and April adding that the area is not safe at the moment. 

He listed other  victims to include shop owners , civil servants such as teachers , nurses and local businessmen in the area. 

He recalled that a Medical Doctor at Health Centre Ikot Ekpaw ; a neighbouring village to Ekparakwa was whisked away at gunpoint  while attending to patient in the theatre in February this year . 

The Youth Leader disclosed that residents of the area especially in Ikot Akaam could not sleep in their houses at night while some have fled for fear of being kidnapped or killed by the gunmen. 

He revealed dangerous spots along Ekparakwa -Ikot Abasi road where the gunmen ambushed market women , traders and motorists for their operations . 

He mentioned a deep pothole area after former Hapel company yard before the sharp corner to Ikot Ebak village as a very deadly zone where the gunmen hide to waylaid their victims adding that many people have been killed on the spot. 

He said the situation became worst when motorists diverted the bad spot on the road to another by pass in the village and the gunmen also relocated to the road killing innocent commuters who resisted them in their robbery . 

"One day a woman who deals on palm oil returned from market . Unknown to her , the gunmen had laid ambush on the diverted road , they intercepted her robbed her of N700,000 cash and killed her."

Another Youth Leader who refused to mentioned his name for fear of possible attack disclosed that Ikot Ebak, Ibekwe Akpan Nya and neighbouring villages in OrukAnam local government areas have become the centre of kinappers in recent time .

He said the climax of their operations was when the founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church Apostle John Okoriko was abducted in his residence few weeks ago . 

Continuing, he said after the man of God was released from the kidnappers den, two persons were shot dead in the community last Wednesday . 

"Even last week Wednesday , after Apostle Okoriko was released, the gunmen returned to the village and killed Okoriko's friend and one of his relations in an early morning raid " 

" The kidnappers have converted the bush in one of the primary schools to their hide out where they caged their victims " he said 

In a telephone interview, Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer Odiko Mcdon confirmed the abduction of the Catholic Priest and other activities of gunmen in the area and promised to work on the criminals . 

" We have received that report from the area and we are working on it "  he said.

2023: Akpabio declares to run presidential race in A'Ibom, vows to unite Nigeria.

 

The Hon Minister for Niger Delta Affairs and presidential aspirant 2023, Senator Dr. Godswill Akpabio during his declaration at ikot ekpene township stadium.

By Theresa Donatus, UYO 

The Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Dr Godswill Akpabio has joined the league of Aspirants to run the Presidential race, vowed to unite Nigeria.

Speaking at Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium , Akwa Ibom state, where the declaration ceremony took place on Wednesday, senator Akpabio recounted achievements recorded in various public offices he had occupied from inception of the present democracy in Nigeria, and promised to duplicate same in the whole states of the nation.

He listed numerous bridges in AKwa Ibom, free and compulsory education, good road network and other facilities in the state as infrasturctures that can be replicated in Nigeria if given opportunity by the All Progressive Congress ( APC) party to fly the flag in the party primary election. 

Akpabio assured Nigerians that the second Niger bridge will be completed just as he had inaugurated the Niger Delta Development Commission headquarters which was abandoned for 26 years . 

"My dear Compatriots, determined to pay the debt of gratitude I owe our nation for the opportunities to serve in high offices of public trust; determined to let our nation drink from the deep well of experience acquired in these offices, I, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, with great humility, hereby submit myself for 

your kind consideration as your next president.

"I pay tribute to President Muhammadu Buhari for the patriotic work he has done as our President. He has given hope and 

direction to governance, and fought corruption with uncompromising zeal.

" He has touched lives and empowered 

people, he has made great advances in agriculture, human capital development, and indeed in all sectors of our economy. 

"He has uplifted the integrity of the Nigerian nation. A lot can be said about all his amazing successes and achievements, but suffice it to say that I have come to perfect his marvelous 

works. Although, Absolute perfection belongs not to man nor to angels, but to God alone. 

"The labours of our dear President Buhari and our past leaders 

shall never be in vain. In line with this expectation in our national anthem, I have come to build based on their 

developmental strides; to serve our country with heart and might — serve her as a nation bound in freedom, peace and unity, where the dividends of democracy shall be guaranteed. 

"I have come with these key items on my agenda: to secure 

lives and properties; to make unity the touchstone of our 

nationhood; and to invigorate our economy, prosper our 

citizenry and promote democracy

" You have heard a lot of declarations . This one is very uncommon . I have never seen a politician loved by his people and others across the nation like Godswill Akpabio" he said 

He said as a first time senator, he was honoured by his colleagues and elected the Minority Leader adding that he was determined to bring the nation together 

He paid a glowing tribute to president Mohammedu Buhari for showing integrity in the affairs of the nation especially in the fight against corruption . 

Akpabio insisted that the fight against corruption would continue to ensure that the nation is rid of corrupt tendencies and accelerate the pace of development . 

He observed that his presidential declaration is backed by Representatives of major political blocks in the nation especially the North , west and south East whom he recognized as his in-laws . 

He acknowledged the representative of Northern Youths Forum who had bought the APC Presidential Nomination Form for him as a mark of solidarity and support .

USAID, Partners CSOs, NGOs, A\Ibom Govt On Improved Water Sector Funding

 

ByFreshgist

 A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working in conjunction with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have made a case for increased budgetary allocation to the water sector in the state, noting that such intervention would go a long way in addressing humanitarian challenges plaguing the Akw Ibom state 7.2 million people.

Participants, who expressed worry over the prevalent of poor sanitary conditions of the environments, blamed the problems inadequate water engineering in the state and supply across the 31 Local Government Areas for agricultural and households' needs.

This was the major outcome of a two-day workshop which ended at the weekend in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital under the theme: Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE), aimed at impressing it on government to improved water sector funding.

Addressing participants drawn from the state government, CSOs and other Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the Project Director and Chief Executive Officer, Africa Human Development Centre (AHDC), Prof. Gabriel Umoh, lamented government's non commitment to funding the water sector, noting that such negligence has impinged negatively on the living conditions of the people.

Umoh, a Professor of Agricultural and Development Economics at the University of Uyo, therefore, charged the state government to show more than a passing interest in funding the sector by demonstrating strong political will to increase allocation with effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure efficient management of such funds.

Welcoming participants, Umoh explained that "this workshop aimed at enhancing the performance of Water, Sanitation and Hyegene (WASH) sector in Akwa Ibom state through advocacy for the approval of gender equity and social inclusive WASH policy".

"Therefore, we are advocating for increased WASH budgetary allocations and timely releases, institutionalisation of WASH monitoring and evaluation framework as well as adoption of open defecation-free roadmap in the state for sustainable service delivery", he added.

He recalled that the workshop had in the past three to five years conducted participatory reviews of government budget with a view to identifying the gabs in budgetary allocations to WASH, as compared to other sectors, regretting, however, that "fundings to the sector have been ridiculously low".

In the same vein, Edidiong Sambo, of the Society for Water and Sanitation in Nigeria (NEWSAN); Acting General Manager of Akwa Ibom Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AKRUWTSAN), Saviour Udo and the Managing Director of Akwa Ibom Water Company, Akaninyene Isok, underscored the need to effectively fund the sector towards a healthy living condition of the population.
 

Ekong Sampson receives Senate Clearance, thanks Supporters

 

   By Freshgist

Frontline aspirant for Eket Senatorial District race 2023, Rt Hon.(Barr.) Ekong Sampson has been given all green light to contest for the Akwa Ibom South ticket in the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Senate primaries holding in a fortnight.

Barr. Sampson, widely tipped to clinch the ticket, collected his clearance certificate from the State Party Secretary, Harrison Ekpo yesterday at the Party Secretariat in Atan Offot, Uyo. Dr Sampson, who hails from Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, is heavily favoured by zoning, cognate legislative experience and immense capacity for the senate top job.

He is also a core PDP man, who has contributed significantly to the growth of the party   in his Local Government and the State over the years.

Meanwhile, fresh from collecting his clearance certificate, Barr. Sampson, a former two term member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has thanked his supporters for the huge base of support he has received so far in his senate bid. In a message of appreciation to his teeming supporters and party delegates, Barr. Sampson declared that victory was in horizon already and assured that he was fully energized to go for win in the Party primaries, adding that he was focused and resolute for the job ahead.

He said, victory for him will be victory for Eket Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom State, as clearly, a new era in quality representation and massive empowerments will beckon.

The ex-Mkpat Enin Council helmsman equally appreciated his Campaign Organization for working assiduously for his Senate ambition. He was also lavish in his praise for all the stakeholders in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and Eket Senatorial District for closing ranks to ensure that a peaceful rotational power sharing formula is enshrined in the District.

The PDP Senate Primaries hold on the 14th of May, 2022 at the Eket Township Stadium.

Breaking...PDP Adhoc Delegate Congress: Aspirants Groan Over Alleged Diversion of Materials.

 

By Freshgist

Tension and apprehension have taken over the political climate of Akwa ibom state as thousands of aspiring adhoc delegates who trooped out with their supporters for today's election are currently stranded in their  various PDP offices across the state since morning.

Correspondents covering the election observed that rather than the state party office located at Atan offot Uyo the state capital, materials meant for the election were shared at Maintain Peace Movement office at udo udoma office uyo for movement to different destination.

However at the time of filling the report no single party office across the state have received any material for the election while investigations revealed that they have been diverted to private homes of party chieftains working for MPM.

Speaking with some of the aspiring delegates, they expressed deep frustration over the ongoing massive disenfranchisement stressing that the party should be ready to organized fresh election or face legal actions.

According to Mr Willy Etim an aspiring delegate from Uruan Council area,'' We gathered that the National officials brought to organise the election got compromised by MPM members to help work for Pastor Umo Eno's emergence and they obliged. We are waiting here for materials since 8am and now its 2pm no news''.

'' I am aware that the materials are safely diverted to politicians private homes where the election and the results are being prepared in favour of aspiring delegates selected by MPM officers, we are awaiting for their next line of action'' Mr Paulinus Ekong an aspiring delegate from Uyo told Journalists .

Information gathered by Correspondents who visited ikot ekpene, obot akara, ika, ibesikpo asutan ITU and oruk anam local government areas expose lack of election materials at the official designated election centres with thousands of people stranded.

Several calls put to the Party Chairman Mr Aniekan Akpan for his response was not answered while text message to him is yet to be replied as at press time.

Ekong Sampson, Eno Ibanga, Others Laud Peaceful Conduct of PDP Ward Congress in Mkpat Enin

 

   By Freshgist

Major stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area have lauded the peaceful conduct of yesterday's Ward Congress held across all the wards in the Council Area. Among those who commended the tranquil nature of the congress included the leading aspirant for Eket Senatorial District race 2023, Rt Hon.(Barr.) Ekong Sampson, the Honourable Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, the Chapter Chairman of the party, Rt Hon. Anietie Sunday, among others.

Addressing party faithful at the PDP Permanent Secretariat in Mkpat Enin, before they dispersed to their respective wards for the congress as well as newsmen who were on ground to cover the exercise, Barr. Ekong Sampson commended the rancour-free conduct of the congress. He hailed the PDP for their continuous commitment to hitch free political transitions as witnessed in the ward congress. He praised the large turn out of party faithful witnessed in the Local Government Area, saying it showed that the PDP remained well grounded in Mkpat Enin. It was Barr. Ekong Sampson who championed and initiated the construction of the PDP Secretariat in Mkpat Enin. 

Also speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service in the State, Prof. Eno Ibanga, equally hailed the peaceful disposition witnessed at the congress, saying that the congress was entirely an intra party affair. Others who spoke included the Chapter Chairman of PDP, Anietie Sunday as well as acting Chairman of Council, Hon. Mercy Bassey, all commended the smooth nature of the exercise.

After the short briefing at the PDP Secretariat, stakeholders and party faithful retired to their respective wards to participate in the Congress. In Ikpa Ikono Ward II congress held at the Ward Centre in Asan Iffe in Iffe Town, another edifice remodeled and constructed by the Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin, it was total tranquil and orderliness as Barr. Ekong Sampson joined other party members to vote to elect the Ad hoc Delegates of his ward. 

In a post congress parley with party faithful held at the residence of the Ikpa Ikono Ward II PDP Chairman, Uwem Usoro in Ikot Eda, Dr Sampson, who doubles as the leader of the Ward and Clan, praised party members for turning out enmasse for the exercise. He commended the conduct of the poll and thanked them for always keeping faith with the PDP, saying Ikpa Ikono remains a fort for the PDP. He took out time to brief the faithful on his Senate ambition and called on them to sustain the heavy base support he has received so far.

Other chieftains of the ward who spoke included  the Chapter Publicity Secretary, Hon. Nkereuwem James, the Ward Chairman, Uwem Usoro and Etido Udowo, a grassroots mobilizer.