SENATE 2023: Ekong Sampson Campaign Organization sets to flagged-off campaign on Monday

 

   By Samuel Udoma

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Ekong Sampson Campaign Organisation has announced that it flagged-off highly powered Campaign will commence on Monday 24th Oct. 2022 on behalf of Dr. Ekong Sampson, the Eket Senatorial District candidate,  under the platform of People Democratic party (PDP).

In a Press Release signed by the Director of the Campaigns Organization, Otuekong (Barr.) Ini Ikott and made available to newsmen over the weekend, disclosed that the Akwa Ibom governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel was the Grand Patron and leader of the Advisory Council of the campaign being an industrious son of the senatorial district. 

Others in the high powered Advisory Council include, PDP Deputy Governor designate and current Senator, representing the region in the National Assembly, Sen.(Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, former Reps Member and Minister of Housing, Chief Nduese Essien, former Minister, Sen. Helen Esuene and former Deputy Governor, Ambassador Etim Okpoyo.

Also included are General Anthony Etukudo, Elder Ben Udobia, Princess Felicia Bassey, Sir Obot Etukafia, Otuekong Bernard Udoh, Sir Adasi Ubulom, among others.

The Ekong Sampson Campaign Management Committee has well known titans in its rank.  Ambassor Assam Assam SAN, former Nigerian to Russia and Director-General of the Umo Eno/Akon Eyakenyi PDP Governorship Campaigns tops the list as Head of Campaigns.  A former State Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Sir Michael Essang retains his role as Director-General of Campaigns. Essang, from Mbo, was earlier this year announced as DG.

Others in the campaign management committee include, Hon. Pat Ifon, Hon. Godwin Okponung, Prof. Eno Ibanga, Engr. Uwem Okoko, Hon. Frank Archibong, Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson, Engr. Meyen Etukudo, Mrs Idara Ephraim Akpan, Rt Hon. Nse Essien, all Local Government Chairmen in the senatorial district as well as all PDP Chapter Chairmen in the district. Former Leader of Ikot Abasi Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Ufok Frank retains Secretary of Campaigns.

Also, in a totally novel move, the Ekong Sampson Campaign Organisation equally unveiled a special Public and Policy Analysis Committee for the campaigns and beyond. The committee, among other things will drive the policy thrust of the Ekong Sampson senate bid, advise on manifesto and act as synthesis between the team and the majorly grassroots electorate. 

The committee is headed by a retired eminent professor of Geology, Etie Ben Akpan, with Prof. Peter Esuh, pioneer Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo as Secretary. Among the rich galaxy also are, Profs. Sylvanus Udoidem, Des Wilson, Etete Peters, A.Y. Itah. 

Others from a rich strata of the diverse mix of the senatorial district in the list include, Barr. Ekpeyong Ntekim, Obonganwan Mary Umanaette, Barr. Uwem Ekanem, Rt. Hon. Peter Linus Umoh, Mrs Eunice Thomas, Barr. Ben Udowa, Hon.(Barr.) Owoidighe Ekpoattai, Engr. Uwem Akpan, Dr. Patrick Essiet, among others.

Consequently, reacting to the committees released, Director of Organization in the Campaigns and former House of Assembly Member for Onna State Constituency, Otuekong Ini Ikott has described the Campaign Committees composition as 'machine of victory and renaissance' who were carefully selected to ensure electoral victory for the senate hopeful, and also impact the planks of his performance in the senate.

The Director-General of Campaigns, Sir Michael Essang has promised that the team will campaign on all fronts ahead of the 2023 polls, assuring that the engagements will be robust. Sir Essang said, the campaigns will be taken to all nooks and corners of the senatorial district.

Dr. Sampson's campaign as usual, is expected to be elaborate and issue-based. The former Mkpat Enin Council helmsman has been hailed across the senatorial district as an experienced, natural political grassrooter. He has also been praised for his simple, accessible disposition and as a storehouse of knowledge

Dr. Sampson comes aboard with an impeccable political resume. As Chairman of Mkpat Enin, he lived all his tenure in the council area and brought key developmental projects to the area. A major employer of youths, he enjoys massive political goodwill across Mkpat Enin. It has been widely said that not only is the Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin favoured by zoning, he is also favoured by experience and capacity for the 2023 senate job.

Akwa Ibom: Marriot Group takes over four point by Sheraton hotel

 

By Freshgist

Akwa Ibom State government has said that the Four-point by Sheraton hotel in Ikot Ekpene local government area, initiated by the past administration have been completed and handed over to hospitality experts Marriot group for commencement of operations.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Ini Ememobong   while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after the State Executive Council meeting which was held yesterday at the state government House Uyo.

According to him “The State EXCO received a report on the Four-Point By Sheraton Hotel at Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area from the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Bassey Bassey intimating that the hotel which was previously commissioned at 68 percent completion level in 2015 has been completed and handed over to Merriott International.

“The test -run of the hotel will soon commence, prior to official commissioning of the facility for use, as all the 146 rooms are ready for use.

“The Executive Council also gave approval for commencement of work for the construction of a 12 Megawatts power distribution substation at Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.

“This is a critical infrastructure need of the area to boost power supply in Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun, Oruk Anam and Ika Local Government Areas and their environs”

The info Boss also disclosed that recent threat of flooding in some areas of the state also received attention of the Council, adding that the Council called for a review of the flood map capacity of the state, directing all relevant agencies involved in emergency management to be on red alert.

According to him, “The council also mandated the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, to start sensitization in rural areas as a step in managing a possible occurrence”

He noted that Council directed all Ministries to expedite work on ongoing projects under their portfolio in order to catch up with the time frame for completion and to also beat the continuous eroding value of the nation’s currency.

Waste Management Agency in hot oil over N1.69m debt in A'Ibom

By Freshgist

 Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (ASKEPWMA)  has pitched the vendor and the government agency at loggerheads as the vendor refused to leave the government  premises over the debt of N1, 696, 000 owed to a contractor Umoh -Umoh Motors.

Speaking to our Correspondent in Uyo on Wednesday , the Managing Director of Umoh -Umoh Motors Elder Cyril Umoh said the Chairman of Akwa Ibom state Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency ( AKSEPWMA) Prince Akpan Ikim approached his company and requested him to apply for leasing of Hilux ( Toyota) with registration number AGL 174 FK for a period of 6 months  at the rate of N12,000 per day . 

Umoh said the company wrote application letter as demanded by the Agency and was replied through an offer dated 4th October , 2018 and his company released the vehicle to waste management agency to work for six months. 

The letter reads in parts : " The AKwa Ibom state Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) is in receipt of your letter dated 3rd October, 2018 above refers . The lease will last for 6 months with effect from 3rd October , 2018 to 3rd April , 2019. 

"You are by this letter directed to make available the above mentioned vehicle and its particulars available to the Transport Officer of the Agency 

" Your offer of N12,000 naira only  as daily cost of hire is accepted." 

Narrating his ordeal, Umoh explained that the waste management agency paid his company the sum of five hundred thousand (N500,000) on 10th June, 2019 as part payment of two million , one hundred and ninety six thousand ( N2,196,000) only leaving a balance of N1,696,000 to liquidate the financial obligations of the waste agency.  

Continuing, Umoh said after waiting in vain for five years he wrote a letter to the office Secretary to the State Government ( SSG) Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem  to complain  attitude of the chairman of the state Environmental and waste management Agency and  pleaded   for his  intervention. 

He said when the secretary to SSG saw the letter , she quickly called the chairman of the Agency Prince Akpan Ikim and he pleaded to pay the money immediately. 

" Since then, Ikim refused to pay the money to my company. We have suffered as a result of this debt. we are owing salaries and indebted to other people doing business with us . 

" Governor Udom Emmanuel wants indigenes to stand up and help themselves through the "Dakadda philosophy. But some bad eggs in his government are pulling us down in our little endeavours 

" I am here to collect my money , if Ikim does not pay me today , I would sleep here   I can't go back " he said 

Contacted , the chairman of the waste management agency Prince Akpan Ikim confirmed the contract documents but insisted that the vendor will be paid immediately.

" Yes, we hired Hilux from the contractor who comes from the community where we operate but as I speak now , we don't have money to pay him   As soon as the governor gives money to the agency we would pay " he said .

2022 National Honours Award: Group Chides Fg over ill-treatment of A'Ibom sons

 2022

By freshgist

A socio-political group under the auspices of  Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance, has chided federal government over the last minute withdrawal of the names of two prominent sons of the state from the recent national honours award by the Federal Government, describing it as undeserved humiliation. 

In a statement signed by the National president and secretary of the group Barr Stephen Abia and Prince Imoh Etimudo respectively and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, the group expressed sadness over the removal of the names of Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan and the Sole Administrator of NDDC, Mr Effiong Akwa, hours to the national award ceremonies presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

 The group stated that Akpan may have been dropped by the FG on the premise that he is indicted and is being prosecuted in a corruption case by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC , added that his removal was unacceptable to Akwa Ibom people.

“Granted that the man is involved in a corruption case and several other issues bothering on graft, is it not established that in law one is not guilty until so presumed by the court?

“Does the FG say that Senator Bassey Albert is the only Nigerian with corruption baggage whether in court who was nominated for the honour? Or is he being treated specially because he is an Akwa Ibom son?

” What if in the end the court pronounced him not guilty, how will the wounds inflicted by this shabby treatment be healed?” The statement querried.

It also condemned removal of the name of Akwa after an official publication of the national honours list for whatever reason the federal government may come with.

“To us, that was selective disgrace to our sons, and we totally condemn this.” It said.

The group expressed sadness over the “loud silence” of the FG on the eleventh hour removal of the name of the dou which has made it susceptible to diverse interpretations by Nigerians and called for urgent government statement on the matter to calm frail nerves. 

“The continuous neglect of Akwa Ibom despite its contributions to the growth and sustenance of the nation’s economy is enough grave injustice that need not be aggravated by the needless shabby humiliation of our sons. 

“We call on the federal government to immediately correct these anomalies and get their earlier nominees, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan and Mr Effiong Akwa, decorated with national medals of honour. This is to avoid establishing a wrong precedent that does the unity of our country no good. 

“Nigeria belongs to us all, and what is good for the goose, is good for the gander. We cannot continue to watch our sons and daughters receiving the shameful treatment of second class citizens.” It concluded.

Nigerian military sets ablaze vessel caught loading illegal crude oil in Delta by Tompolo

 

The vessel named MT Deima with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) number 7210525, recently arrested by Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services Limited, while loading illegal crude oil, was on Monday, October 10, 2022 set ablaze by men of the Nigerian military along the Warri River in Delta state.

Akpabio Commiserates Senator Albert Bassey (OBA) over Brother's, two Aids' Deaths

 

By Freshgist

The former Minister Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio CON, has described the news of the deaths of Mr Robert Bassey Akpan, brother to YPP guber candidate, Akwa Ibom state, Senator Bassey Albert and two of his aides, Imoh Isang and Inspector Linus Odey who were killed  on their way back home from Imo state as Shocking.

In a Condolence message signed by Mr Jackson Udom, the Chief Press Secretary to the APC Sanetorial candidate Akwa Ibom North west Sanetorial District, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, expressed sadness saying it was worrisome and devastating to lost a brother and two sides under 24hours. He prayed that almighty God to strengthen the bereaved family.

 

" I received with shock, the news of the sudden deaths of your dear brother and dependable ally Mr Robert Bassey and the cruel killings of your close assistant and another Security aide.These unfortunate tragedies happening within 24 hours of each other are worrisome and devastating to say the least.

"The loss of a brother and those close to us comes with pains but I am confident that by God's abundant grace and mercy, He will give you the fortitude to bear these irreplaceable losses.

"My family and I commiserate with you and your entire family on these sad events and pray to Almighty God to grant the departed souls repose in His bosom.” the statement stated

2023 : Group pledges to Ensure Atiku, other PDP Candidates Victory at the Polls.

 

 By Freshgist

 

A political group under the aegis of Atiku Democratic Movement (ADM) has vowed to deliver the former vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria  come 2023 presidential election.

Declaring their readiness to take the message of hope, progress and prosperity which the presidential hopeful had for Nigerians to every nook and cranny of the state and beyond. The Akwa Ibom state group Coordinator and former governorship Aspirant, Obong Ide Owodiong-Idemeko , stated this when he led a 9-man delegation on a familiarization visit to the State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan expressed the readiness of the group to work closely with him to ensure the success of the PDP in the forthcoming elections both at national and State levels.

According to him, “We are here to meet with you (State Party Chairman) to acquaint you of the group's existence before the official Flag-off of the Presidential Campaign tomorrow. ADM is not a support group like others but an organization formed by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar himself”.

 He used the occasion to formally inform the State Chairman of his nomination as a Patron to ADM.

Also speaking at the meeting, the South-South Contact and Mobilization Director of the group, Chief Solomon Essien who stated that all the 36 State Coordinators of ADM are expected to be at the Campaign Flag-off event on Monday October 10, 2022, highlighted that some of them are already in the state while others are expected to arrive soon.

The State Chairman Hon Aniekan Akpan in his response thanked the group for coming together to work towards the success of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and other candidates of the Party at large.

 

 He reminded the visiting ADM delegation that the party needs the support of the people and different groups to win the forthcoming elections. He also promised to work closely with the group having seen and recognized the caliber of its membership.

 

 He affirmed that he would consider the role of Patron to the group when he formally receives the letter of appointment.

The Organizing Secretary of ADM, Akwa Ibom State

Dr. John Obisung, while giving the vote of thanks, commended the State Chairman for accepting to meet with the group despite his busy schedule, especially on a Sunday and on the eve of Campaign Flag-off which he will be hosting as Akwa Ibom State Chairman.

 

He also thanked the State Chairman for accepting to work with the group and solicited for an office space in the Party Secretariat for the group. 

Also present at the meeting were the following officials of ADM: Mrs. Grace Ekpe, State Deputy Coordinator; Mrs. Princess Ima Jim, State Secretary; Mr. Aniebiet Udosen, Assistant Secretary; Pst (Mrs) Sylvia Ekong, State Woman Leader; Mr. Nsikak Ubaha, State Contact and Mobilization Officer; and Obong Emmanuel Ukim, former PDP Chapter Chairman and Uyo Fed. Constituency Coordinator of ADM. Also in attendance was a Patron of the group, Mr. Emmanuel Abasifreke, CEO/MD of Villa Hilton Hotels and Apartments

Coconut day Anniversary: Gov Emma flags off planting of 300,000 seedlings in A'Ibom

 

By Freshgist

Akwa Ibom state governor, His Excellency Udom Emmanuel has flagged off additional 300 thousand seedlings to be planted across the state. 

The aim being to boost the supply of raw materials for the State owned Coconut Oil factory, the Governor described the coconut planting exercise as the hallmark of activities held to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the state.

Marking the state’s 2022 Coconut Day Celebration, at Mkpu, Itu Mbonuso, Ini Local Government Area, yesterday, Gov Emmanuel expressed optimism that the State will become an economic hub with the availability of raw materials to boost production at St Gabriel’s Coconut Oil Factory in the state. 

"In all the activities to mark the 35th State Anniversary, this is one of  the most remarkable, today we want to commission the first phase in this Local Government. 

"Based on the survey that we have done, Ini will give us a very high yield with hybrid coconut. 

“As announced all over the 31 Local Government Areas we are planting 300 thousand coconut seedlings same time between now and 2pm".

"Our target before I handover the baton to the incoming governor is to plant two million coconut seedlings and before December we will meet that target", he assured.

The governor tasked the community people to protect the project, explaining that the coconut plantation will generate income to the state as virgin coconut oil sells higher than crude oil at the international market.

Earlier in her remark, the Commissioner for Agriculture Dr. Mrs Offiong Offor thanked Governor Emmanuel for facilitating the project which she noted has been a task in increasing raw materials for the coconut oil factory.

Dr. Offor said as the state marks coconut day with the planting of seedlings, many job opportunities will be created for the youths and income will be generated through the production of the coconut oil.

Earlier in a goodwill message, former Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Dr. Glory Edet applauded the innovations in agricultural sector by Governor Udom Emmanuel, adding that the vision to plant coconut will encourage the availability of raw materials to further boost the Coconut Factory production.

Member representing Ini State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong, appreciated the state government for demonstrating commitment towards food sufficiency.

He pointed out that the Governor has not only given the people of Ini fish, but also taught them the art of fishing.

Paramount Ruler of the area, HRM Edidem Etim Umoette, commended Governor Emmanuel for the various developmental projects put in place across the state.

The royal father noted that the huge investments in agriculture remains a panacea for food sufficiency.

Highpoint of the event was the planting of coconut seedlings by government functionaries to mark the day.

ACCE Postpones International Conference in Nigeria over ASSU Strike

 

By Freshgist

African Council for Communication Education (ACCE, Nigeria Chapter), in consultation with the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State has postponed her 23rd International Conference/AGM indefinitely over the ongoing ASUU Strike. 

The Annual International Conference and AGM tagged ACCE-UNIZIK 2022, on the theme; "Communicating Science, Technology, and Innovation in Times of Economic Distress, Terror, and a Global Pandemic”, was initially scheduled to hold from Tuesday October 25 to Friday October 28, 2022. 

In a release jointly signed by Prof. Nnamdi T. Ekeanyanwu, Prof Ezekiel Asemah and Dr Obiorah Edogor, National President, National Secretary ACCE, and COC,  ACCE-UNIZIK 2022  respectively, made available to journalist in Uyo yesterday. 

ACCE regretted that  the protracted ASUU National Strike has shut the nation’s public universities since February 2022, causing majority of members and potential participants untold economic and psychological hardships. 

"The postponement is caused by the protracted ASUU National Strike that has shut the nation’s public universities since February 2022, causing majority of members and potential participants untold economic and psychological hardships.  

"The Conference/AGM will, however, reconvene three months after the NEC of ASUU calls off/suspends the National Strike. This is to enable the ACCE National Council, Conference Organizing Committee of UNIZIK, as well as ACCE members and potential participants prepare to attend and by so doing make the Conference/AGM a huge success. 

"The exact dates will be announced by the ACCE in due course, but the programme schedules subsist. With this announcement, the abstract submission for the conference will now continue until the date ASUU suspends the National Strike. 

"The main theme of the Conference remains “Communicating Science, Technology, and Innovation in Times of Economic Distress, Terror, and a Global Pandemic”. Professor Bruce Mutsvairo of the University of Utrecht, Netherlands, will deliver the Lead Paper while the nation’s top science and nuclear agencies will facilitate special sessions". The release stated 

The release also indicates that ACCE is by this move,  making a statement in support of ASUU in its struggle to salvage what is left of Nigeria’s battered public university system as well as condemns, in strong terms, the Federal Government of Nigeria’s management of the public universities and its unfortunate disdain of anything education in Nigeria. 

"Quality education plays a huge role in the development of any country and the earlier the Nigerian Government realises this, the better for the country". It added