A'Ibom Governor- Elect, Eno, Receives Certificate of Return from INEC

 

Pastor Umo Eno receiving his certificate of return as Governor-elect, Akwa Ibom state 

By Freshgist 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday, issued Certificate of Return to the Governor-Elect, Pastor Umo Eno.

The event which took place at the state office of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Udo udoma avenue, Uyo, also witnessed the presentation of Certificates of Return to 25 newly-elected House of Assembly members by the National Commissioner, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu.

The event which had thousands of supporters, party faithfuls, family members, friends, and well wishers in attendance was filled Joy and jubilation as the seasoned businessman cum entrepreneur and his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi were presented their certificates of return by INEC National Commissioner, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu.

Eno who emerged winner of the governorship election held on March 18.

Our correspondent gathered that Etim Ekpo/Ika State constituency was left unannounced as elections in the area were declared inconclusive. As such, 25 house members-elect out of 26 received their certificates of return from INEC.

Before the presentations, Mrs Mbu thanked all stakeholders for the role they played for the successful conduct of the just concluded election.

She added that the electoral act, mandates the Commission to issue certificates of return to winners of the election within 14 days from the day the results were announced.

She said, “Let me appreciate our critical stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout the 2023 general elections in Akwa Ibom.

“I wish to commend the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Cyril Omorogbe, the management staff of the commission, members of the press and observers for their commitment and participation in the just concluded general elections.”

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom, Cyril Omorogbe, reassured all stakeholders in the electioneering process that INEC was poised at building on the high level of credibility it has achieved.

He urged them to use the renewed mandates given to them to serve the people diligently and truthfully.

In his remarks, the governor-elect, Eno promised to be magnanimous in victory and called for everyone to join hands to build the state.

“Let me again use this opportunity to invite my brothers who, also, aspired and contested for the same position that it has pleased God to entrust me with today, to join me in this great journey of deepening the continued peace and progress of our dear State.

“As I said in my acceptance speech, we all ran a good race, but in any contest, a winner must emerge and it has pleased God to make me the winner.”

Also speaking the Senator-elect for Eket senatorial district, Rt Hon Ekong Sampson PhD described Umo Eno's Victory as Signposts Roadmap to Strong Economy and Security urging all the National Assembly-elect to unite in oder to save our nation, Nigeria.

Sampson maintained that Pastor Umo Eno possessed the midas touch to build on the solid foundation laid by the Udom administration especially in deepening the economy and strengthening peace and security in the State, added that he has shown over the years through his antecedents that he was the man to take Akwa Ibom State to the next level.

He urged the incoming National Assembly to unite to save Nigeria added that the nation was facing its trying periods witnessed by economic downturns, growing polarization, insecurity, among other challenges etc. 

The Senator-elect expressed his eagerness to get started in the Red Chambers and work with like-minds to better the country.

Guber 2023: INEC Declares Umo Eno winner of poll in Akwa Ibom

 

By Freshgist 

The gubernatorial candidate of the People's Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassy Eno has won the poll with total vote of 354,348 beating other 17 political parties in the state.

 

In the results announced by the State Collation Officer, Professor Emmanuel Adigio Vice Chancellor, Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State Young Progressive Party came a distant second with 136,262 votes, while

the All Progressive Congress came in third position polling total votes of 129,602.

PDP takes the leads in 29 Local Government Areas, while Young Progressives Party (YPP), Senator Bassey Albert  won the remaining 2 LGAs making it 31 LGAs of the state. 

Ambassador Kelvin Umoh YPP agent equally rejected the outcome stating that INEC did not follow due process in the conduct of the polls,

"I take the floor to vehemently register or displeasure of the result and also point out to the public that all our prediction prior to this election has seen the light of the day, from what Inec promise us that election will be transmitted in real time, as at this time that the results have been announced and winner to be declared, some of the result have not been uploaded, therefore I will not append my signature on this piece of paper, for the blood of people that were shed in Ibiono Ibom, and there where wild distruction of material in YPP stronghold, and voters were refused access to vote, again let me say this, some of the election were conducted in people houses in Ini and Uyo, Itu LGA. 

"The stake holders of the ruling party mobilized people to vote in the houses, the result so presented and about to be announce violet and negets what our unit agent have transmitted to situation room. And so therefore it will be direct injustice for me to sign the result sheet."  Umoh said.

APC agent, Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo also called for cancelation of the result adding that it was faculty and therefore he will not be a signatory to it.

"Election is all about representing the people, are we sure that way we are doing today is d results of the reflection and will of people across Akwa ibom state, or we are just doing the rituals of the normal election coalition, there was massive distraction of election material,

 "And d results have been collecting and recorded, I hereby call for canceletion of results, I'm not a party to the signatory, APC".

A break down of the results are as fo)ow:

A – 437

AA- 181

AAC – 393

ADC- 1685

ADP- 642

APC- 129, 602

APGA- 311

APM- 381

APP- 121

BP- 141

LP- 4746

NNPP- 12509

NRM- 861

PDP- 354,348

PRP- 288

SDP- 442

YPP- 136,262

ZLP- 728

Total valid votes: 644, 080

Rejected votes: 12342

Total votes cast:656,422

Accredited votes: 657,959

Total numbers of registered voters: 2357418

Reporter's Diary gathered that election was also declared free fair and transparent in the state by Prof Emmanuel Adigio, the INEC returning officer, Akwa ibom state.

Guber2023: Accord Party seeks cancellation of results in A/Ibom

 

Engr Emem Coffie, governorship candidate for Accord Party AP, Akwa ibom state 

By Freshgist 

The Accord Party AP,  has rejected the results of the governorship/Assembly elections which held in Akwa Ibom state on Saturday, 18th March 2023.

 

The State Returning Officer of Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and Vice Chancellor of Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, Professor Emmanuel Adigio   had declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Pastor Umo Eno as winner of the governor poll after generating a total of 356,346 votes to defeat his opponents.

In a press conference in uyo on Monday, the gubernatorial candidate for Accord Party in the State, Engr. Emem Coffie called for the cancellation of the results of the election, alleging that the exercise was marked by fraudulent and violence across the state. 

He also alleged that the election was rigged and many people were killed in the process by the agent of PDP in the state.

Coffie maintained that there was need for INEC to re-organize a fresh election in the state, explaining that the violence emanated by Agents of PDP Made many members of Accord Party to return home leaving the agents to manipulate their results.

According to Engr Coffie, "Compliment to the good people of Akwa ibom state and members of Accord Party, i want to congratulate you for maintaining peace and order after election on the 18th March, 2023 .

"We are aware that the election was marked with thugery, wild state violence, massive vote buying (#10000per voter) by the agent of people democratic party (PDP), voters intimidation, and falsification of results at the unit, but irrespective of this, I still call on the members of Accord Party and my followers to maintain peace and order 

I believe that we as civilians will do all that we can , and will not carry out actions that will mar our country Nigeria  or make us seem living in the banana republic ."

"Subsequently, we call for cancelletion of results by INEC due to the above reasons and we call for proper election to be done but for now I call on everyone to maintain peace and order .

Some person's deliberately brought down our vote for reasons best known to them, investigation is ongoing, we believe to fetch them all out."

"In ABAK for instant, we witness a particular unit where Accord party was winning , PDP people came, ceased the ballot and thumpprinted on it turning all our votes to voil vote forcefully. But since we warn our members not to involve themselves in violence, so the level of violent that would have been established aborted."

On the question if there were security operatives in the unit, he responded that there were no security operatives sent to his unit in Abak.

A'Ibom guber: CP tasks candidates against violence

 

 Commissioner of Police OLATOYE DURUNSIMI

Akwa Ibom state

By Freshgist 

Akwa Ibom state Commissioner of Police Olatoye Durunsimi has warned governorship and House of Assembly candidates participating in the coming election to eschew violence  and  thuggery during elections in the state. 

Addressing candidates of political parties at the state police headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo on Tuesday during signing of Peace Accord for smooth conduct of the poll, the Commissioner of Police maintained that there will be zero tolerance to thuggery and other forms of electoral violence in the state throughout the elections. 

"In the last election , the  command is  aware of thugs who camouflaged as fake soldiers and policemen during  Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state . Some of them were arrested at  various locations in the state. 

" Investigations is ongoing for those who are still in our custody while others have  been charged to court . 

" But this time, it is zero tolerance to thuggery and all forms of crimes during the election . Our men are on ground to prevent breakdown of law and order during the election."

The Commissioner also explained that the problem of thuggery emanates  from overzealous supporters who normally commit electoral crimes which their principals never authorized them. 

He therefore advised the candidates to talk to their supporters to keep to the  provisions of the peace deal in order to achieve a peaceful elections in the state. 

Candidates who signed the Peace Accord deal include Pastor Umo Eno of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) , Senator John James Akpan Udoedeghe of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNDP) , senator Bassey Albert of Young Progressives Peoples Party (YPP) and governoship  candidate of African Alliance Congress( AAC) Mr Iboro Otu. 

Others include governoship candidate of Accord Party ,Emem Koffi , Akanimo Udofia for All Progressives Congress( APC) Akanimo Ekpenyong for Booth Party , Uduakobong Peter , Labour Party ( LP) Ita Ekpe for All Progressives Crand Alliance (APGA,) among others . 

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state urged the candidates to educate  their supporters in the need for peace during the election as only one winner will emerged at the end . 

The Resident Electoral Commisioner who was represented by Administrative Officer of the commission said the Electoral Umpire was ready to conduct free and credible election in the state . 

" We are dedicated to our service in the state. We will ensure that materials arrived polling units on time . " 

All the candidates who responded appealed to police and other security agencies remain impartial throughout conduct of the poll in the state adding that anything contrary can stoke violence at the polling unit. 

They maintained that the peace initiative will be sustained by fairness of security agencies during and after the election. Appealing to security agencies to check conducts of candidates and their supporters to forestall breakdown of order during the election . 

Right group raises alarm over plots to import fake security , thugs in A'Ibom

By Freshgist 

A human right group under the aegis of Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Akwa Ibom chapter, has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by some politicians to import fake security operatives as well as  thugs  from neighboring states into Akwa Ibom state to unleash violence during the gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections in the state.

This was disclosed to newsmen in Uyo, yesterday during a press conference by Akwa Ibom State director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong. Urging the police and other security agencies to team up security in the state, especially in riverine areas before, during and after the elections to forestall a security crisis.

 “worrisome to us is the fact that our intelligence network revealed that some politicians in Akwa Ibom State are perfecting plots to import thugs as well as real or fake security personnel from neighbouring states, particularly Rivers, Abia and Bayelsa States with the intention to subvert the vote and wishes of the Akwa Ibom people during the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

"We urge the security agencies in the state to pay serious attention to our riverine bordering communities before, during and after the elections.

“The political parties and the elites in particular should see elections as processes to elect leaders by the people and not warfare.” He stated

Isong also commended the state government for providing adequate security during the February 25 polls.

He cautioned politicians against causing security threats during the elections, reminding them that politics should not be approached with a do or die spirit.

Guber 2023: NUT Decry Non-payment Of Entitlements By A'Ibom Gov't, endorses OBA

 

By Freshgist 

The Nigerian Union of Teachers in Akwa Ibom State, have endorsed  the Governorship Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Senator (Obong) Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) CON, as the next governor of the state, urging him to pay attention to the welfare of workers once he comes on board.

Speaking in uyo, Akwa ibom state capital yesterday, the leadership of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) state wing in a meeting held with Senator Albert at the Teachers House, 14B IBB Way, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 lamented non payment of entitlements and poor working environment.

Setting the tone for the meeting, a veteran labour leader, who doubled as State Chairman of NUT and NLC, Comrade (Elder) Etim Ukpong acknowledged OBA as one whose tenure as the Commissioner of Finance in Akwa Ibom State had availed him with first-hand information on the salaries and welfare packages of Teachers in the State.

“Your coming here is apt. We have long awaited this opportunity to interact with you. We are convinced that with your wealth of experience, your quest to serve as Governor of this state is to see that all those wrongs mated on teachers are corrected. This is the reason we have all resolved to vote for you on Saturday, March 18, 2023,” he stated.

Presenting his address, the Senator Bassey Albert,  representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, thanked them for their prayers for him and his family during his incarceration and reiterated his commitment to improving teachers‘ conditions of service.

“As Teachers, it is time for you to step into a very strong and convincing partnership with someone that you are convinced to support based on his antecedents; someone who can ameliorate the plights of teachers. You must be given your rightful place and that is why in our policy on education, we see education as being pivotal to our development and therefore can not be ignored," he said.

While speaking on the role of teachers in the society, OBA posited that the welfare of teachers should be addressed by any administration as it is critical to the growth and development of the society.

“I believe that there’s no cause worth fighting for than the collective cause of a people. I don’t need to be told on the plight of teachers in Akwa Ibom State. I have been with you for many years and I know the conditions of service. I also know the state of dilapidated infrastructures across the 31 Local Government Areas. 

"I believe that your welfare is very important and we intend to address it as soon as we are sworn into office by the grace of God on May 29, 2023,” he expressed.

Responding, the State Chairman of NUT, Comrade Edet O. A. Emenyi thanked OBA for making out time to meet with teachers in the state despite his busy schedule, especially during this electioneering period. 

Emenyi however regretted hosting the YPP Gubernatorial Candidate in the severely dilapidated auditorium of the Teachers House. 

“We thank you for coming to speak with us. Let me use this opportunity to inundate you with our numerous problems which have become a pandemic. The teachers in Akwa Ibom are faced with numerous problems ranging from non-payment of a 7.5% pension reduction to non-payment of promotion arrears from 2011 - 2017. Permit me to also mention here that when you eventually assume office as Governor, you will be inheriting Leave-Grant arrears of 6 years,” he stated. 

Presenting a document highlighting the numerous challenges facing the teachers in the state, Comrade Emenyi described as being handicapped by non-payment of their incentives and accused the Udom Emmanuel-led administration of inducing some political bottlenecks to indirectly deny teachers due for promotion the opportunity to benefit from the process. 

He questioned the rationale for introducing an examination meant for senior management staff of the core civil service for teachers‘ promotion, the reason why no teacher has been promoted to a Permanent Secretary in recent times, and the dichotomy between the primary and secondary sectors, which has seen secondary school teachers promoted to Level 17 while the primary school teachers are terminated at Level 16. 

The NUT State Secretary, Dr. Sam Umo Inyang, who delivered the vote thanks affirmed OBA’s capacity and capability to govern Akwa Ibom State saying no good politician can ignore the population of over 20,000 teachers across the state and their influence in their families and the society at large.

He urged OBA to remain focused on protecting and defending the mandate of people as will be given on Saturday, March 18, 2023.

A'Ibom SWAN: Emmanuel Akpan, Others Get 2nd Term Mandate

 

By Freshgist 

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) have installed new executive council to run another tenure of three years service.

The sitting chairman, Comrade  Emmanuel Akpan alongside four others members of the former Exco who include Comrades Anthony Effiong as Vice Chairman, Theophilus Udo as Secretary, James Akpan as Assistant Secretary and Patrick Titus as Treasurer.

were reelected haven't returned unopposed.

The election which took place on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, was supervised by the National President of SWAN, Honour Sirawo, who was represented by the  South-South Vice President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong.

Reacting on behalf of the new executive, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan thanked members of the Association for finding him and his executive worthy of reelection, while promising that they would do more to make Akwa Ibom SWAN great.

"First of all, I thank God for another opportunity to serve as Chairman of SWAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter.

"I am grateful to members for reelecting me for another term, unopposed. I promise that I and my exco will do more than we did during our first tenure. Welfare of our members will remain a priority."

Akpan also applauded the Electoral Committee (SWANECO) led by former South-South Vice President of SWAN, Justice Udousoro for conducting a peaceful and transparent election.

Emmanuel Akpan's first term witnessed strong synergy with 30 sports associations while members also enjoyed robust welfare packages among other incentives, all tailoring at improved reportage of sporting activities in the state.

Goodwill messages were given by various personalities present. All

congratulated Emmanuel Akpan and his executive on their reelection, and urged them to do more in their second term which runs till 2026.

They include, former SWAN Chairman - Professor Uwem Akpan, NUJ Chairman - Comrade Amos Etuk, South-South Vice President of SWAN and representative of the National President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong, former SWAN Chairman, Uwem Ekoh,  board member of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Mr. Lawrence Iquaibom, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Samuel Umoh, Chairman of the Federated Chapel of the NUJ, Nsibiet John 

The new executive who took Oaths of Office and Allegiance and were issued Certificates of Return later treated members with a love feast.

A'Ibom SWAN: Emmanuel Akpan, Others Get 2nd Term Mandate

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) have installed new executive council to run another tenure of three years service.

The sitting chairman, Comrade  Emmanuel Akpan alongside four others members of the former Exco who include Comrades Anthony Effiong as Vice Chairman, Theophilus Udo as Secretary, James Akpan as Assistant Secretary and Patrick Titus as Treasurer.

were reelected haven't returned unopposed.

The election which took place on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, was supervised by the National President of SWAN, Honour Sirawo, who was represented by the  South-South Vice President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong.

Reacting on behalf of the new executive, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan thanked members of the Association for finding him and his executive worthy of reelection, while promising that they would do more to make Akwa Ibom SWAN great.

"First of all, I thank God for another opportunity to serve as Chairman of SWAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter.

"I am grateful to members for reelecting me for another term, unopposed. I promise that I and my exco will do more than we did during our first tenure. Welfare of our members will remain a priority."

Akpan also applauded the Electoral Committee (SWANECO) led by former South-South Vice President of SWAN, Justice Udousoro for conducting a peaceful and transparent election.

Emmanuel Akpan's first term witnessed strong synergy with 30 sports associations while members also enjoyed robust welfare packages among other incentives, all tailoring at improved reportage of sporting activities in the state.

Goodwill messages were given by various personalities present. All

congratulated Emmanuel Akpan and his executive on their reelection, and urged them to do more in their second term which runs till 2026.

They include, former SWAN Chairman - Professor Uwem Akpan, NUJ Chairman - Comrade Amos Etuk, South-South Vice President of SWAN and representative of the National President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong, former SWAN Chairman, Uwem Ekoh,  board member of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Mr. Lawrence Iquaibom, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Samuel Umoh, Chairman of the Federated Chapel of the NUJ, Nsibiet John 

The new executive who took Oaths of Office and Allegiance and were issued Certificates of Return later treated members with a love feast.

A'Ibom SWAN: Emmanuel Akpan, Others Get 2nd Term Mandate

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) have installed new executive council to run another tenure of three years service.

The sitting chairman, Comrade  Emmanuel Akpan alongside four others members of the former Exco who include Comrades Anthony Effiong as Vice Chairman, Theophilus Udo as Secretary, James Akpan as Assistant Secretary and Patrick Titus as Treasurer.

were reelected haven't returned unopposed.

The election which took place on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, was supervised by the National President of SWAN, Honour Sirawo, who was represented by the  South-South Vice President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong.

Reacting on behalf of the new executive, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan thanked members of the Association for finding him and his executive worthy of reelection, while promising that they would do more to make Akwa Ibom SWAN great.

"First of all, I thank God for another opportunity to serve as Chairman of SWAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter.

"I am grateful to members for reelecting me for another term, unopposed. I promise that I and my exco will do more than we did during our first tenure. Welfare of our members will remain a priority."

Akpan also applauded the Electoral Committee (SWANECO) led by former South-South Vice President of SWAN, Justice Udousoro for conducting a peaceful and transparent election.

Emmanuel Akpan's first term witnessed strong synergy with 30 sports associations while members also enjoyed robust welfare packages among other incentives, all tailoring at improved reportage of sporting activities in the state.

Goodwill messages were given by various personalities present. All

congratulated Emmanuel Akpan and his executive on their reelection, and urged them to do more in their second term which runs till 2026.

They include, former SWAN Chairman - Professor Uwem Akpan, NUJ Chairman - Comrade Amos Etuk, South-South Vice President of SWAN and representative of the National President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong, former SWAN Chairman, Uwem Ekoh,  board member of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Mr. Lawrence Iquaibom, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Samuel Umoh, Chairman of the Federated Chapel of the NUJ, Nsibiet John 

The new executive who took Oaths of Office and Allegiance and were issued Certificates of Return later treated members with a love feast.