Senate President: Afe Annang Urges Tinubu to Reciprocate Akpabio's Goodwill.

 

By Freshgist 

A Socio-cultural group of Annang people worldwide, Afe Annang has given her full support to one of her prominent sons, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio by appealing to the other 108 distinguished Senators of the 10th Senate to massively support and elect Senator Akpabio as the Senate President.

In an Executive meeting of Afe Annang held  yesterday at the Afe Secretariat, Ebibit Afaha Obong, Abak Local Government Area, the group in an unanimous resolution and declaration endorsed by His Majesty Blaise Udofia

Awakama Itai Afe Annang and  Rt. Hon Sunny Udom  National Publicity Secretary, Afe Annang  appealed to the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to in his famed kind heartedness reciprocate Senator Akpabio’s goodwill and foresight as he was the first co-aspirant to step down for him causing the bandwagon effect for others to step down and ensure his victory at the primaries at Eagles Square, Abuja in May, 2022.

Afe Annang also noted that Senator Akpabio is eminently qualified in terms of zoning, national and international connections and networking, experience in good governance, and past political performance records. 

According to the group, "As far as zoning is concerned the South-South stands out as the zone to beat as no Senate President has ever been produced by the zone since after the late Senator Joseph Wayas left the office in 1983 – 40 years ago.

Afe Annang further highlighted that as a  ranking APC Senator and former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio also  a son in-law to the South-East should be trusted to carry the South-East and other geo-political zones along as Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The group added,  The need for the balancing of the Muslim/Muslim ticket of the Executive arm and Muslim Chief Justice of Nigeria in the Judiciary Arm with a Christian Senate President is of paramount importance for national unity, cohesion and religious inclusion. Senator Godswill Akpabio, a Christian, therefore fits squarely into this arrangement and should be supported by all well-meaning members of the 10th Senate.

The group recalled "it is considered that our sister zone, the South-East has produced 5 Senate Presidents (one from each of its 5 states) in an unbroken back-to-back stream of 16 years in this Fourth Republic alone, all with the support of the South-South, then the South-East should take this as a payback period to support the South-South for their turn".

"For the President-elect, it is also reciprocal to reward the loyalty of the South-South which gave him about 800,000 votes on February 25, 2023 In addition, Senator Akpabio’s sweeping victory on February 25, 2023 also ensured that the President-elect gained 33% votes which is more than the constitutional requirement of 25% in Akwa Ibom State." They concluded.

Senate President: ADF throws weight behind Akpabio, Lauds Tinubu's Victory.

 

By Freshgist 

A renowned socio-political group under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF) has began massive advocacy for the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the next Senate President.

The group also extended thier best wishes to the president-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory in the last Presidential election saying that Nigerians made a wise choice.

The Director General of the group Rt.Hon (Obongemem) Ekperikpe Ekpo,

who disclosed this in a press statement made available to Journalists in Uyo Akwa ibom state today said Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum appreciates the various interest groups and people who are advocating that the Senate Presidency be zoned to the South- South region.

According to Ekpo, "our massive support is in appreciation of the region's contribution to the Nation's resources and the overwhelming consideration of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the most suitable person for the job giving his sterling record in the various stations of service he has held forte which performance is still resonating across the country".

According to him, " It is satisfying to observe that a lot of altruistic Nigerians who love the progress and development of Nigeria are agreed that the calibre of person of Akpabio as Leader of the Legislature would help build Nigeria of our collective dream . This is why Nigerians from all nooks and crannies are rallying support for him as Senate President".

The Group further appealed to like minds and people of goodwill to continue thier support for Senator Akpabio in prayers and other ways stressing that it would enhance the realization of that office which shall bring pride to Nigeria and further open up opportunities for many Nigerians.

ADF in the statement Urges Citizens to have hope in the new Nigeria that shall emerge from May 29 with renewed hope in which optimism shall be sired and a secured Nation with political stability and economic vibrancy will emerge.

While celebrating the electoral victory of Member-Elect for Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Dr Patrick Umoh and Member-Elect for Abak Federal Constituency, Surveyor Clement Jimbo in the just concluded election, the group described the Presidential and National Assembly elections as impressive, free and fair.

"The elections which they won with landslide victory were competitive, free and fair as acknowledged by both local and international observers and proclaimed by the electoral umpire, INEC which announced the aforementioned names as winners under the victorious APC". .

that it would enhance the realization of that office which shall bring pride to Nigeria and further open up opportunities for many Nigerians.

ADF in the statement Urges Citizens to have hope in the new Nigeria that shall emerge from May 29 with renewed hope in which optimism shall be sired and a secured Nation with political stability and economic vibrancy will emerge.

While celebrating the electoral victory of Member-Elect for Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Dr Patrick Umoh and Member-Elect for Abak Federal Constituency, Surveyor Clement Jimbo in the just concluded election, the group described the Presidential and National Assembly elections as impressive, free and fair.

"The elections which they won with landslide victory were competitive, free and fair as acknowledged by both local and international observers and proclaimed by the electoral umpire, INEC which announced the aforementioned names as winners under the victorious APC". .

Emmanuel sets to commission international terminal in Akwa Ibom

 

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel , has declared his readiness to commission the international terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport.

 Speaking during inspection tour to ascertain the progress of work ahead of their scheduled inauguration before the end of the administration, the Governor expressed appreciation to God for enablement and wisdom to carry out this project .

They projects include the new international terminal building, the Maintenance Repairs and Overhaul hanger, the airport taxiway among others. 

 

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Rerun: INEC Cancels Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency Election

 

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for cancellation of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency supplementary election in Akwa Ibom following the widespread violence in the constituency.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom, Dr Cyril Omorogbe, disclosed this to newsmen in his office in Uyo on Saturday describing the rerun in the area as abysmal.

Omorogbe said that the election was cancelled in all the 17 polling units where the rerun took place as a result of snatching of electoral materials, including the Bi-Modal Voters Accreditation Machine System (BIVAS)

“Good evening gentlemen, I just want to give a brief update on what has happened today incase of the rerun election.

“The fact that we had about four Local Government Areas where we conducted election and one major one was Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency

“We were there this morning early enough and at about 8:30 am polling units were opened. a couple of hours after we opened the polls, I received a call that BIVAS machines were hijacked.

"So I knew from then that we were in for a tough time. Two hours after that I received another report that was not good. So, the election in Ikono/Ini federal constituency has been cancelled.

“They were fighting all through the Local Government Area in the 17 polling units in the area. I received a report from the Collation Officers that suppose to collate the result in the area the election did not hold.

“The whole exercise of those 17 polling units, they were either hijacked, disrupted, people were being chased and other things of that nature.

“From the Collation Officers in the field who were supposed to collate, they all came back and have written reports and the result sheets they were supposed to fill are all here. Apparently, there was no election for now.

“On the other constituency of Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, I am still expecting to hear from them, but I believe at this point things went well. Perhaps, in the next couple of hours the result will be declared, ” Omorogbe said.

He expressed regret that the violence led to the shooting of one of the corps members on duty in his leg.

He wondered why politicians would be so desperate in a federal constituency election to the extent of shooting an innocent corps member.

“The corps member was shot, he is still in the hospital. We’ve done our best in terms of providing money to make sure he is treated well. I strongly believe he will be okay.

“He was shot in the leg, he has gone through surgery. So far, I do believe he is actually recuperating at this point,” he said.

Easter: Gov Emmanuel Reels Out Scorecards, tasks citizens on Unity In A/Ibom

 

The Executive Governor , Akwa Ibom state, His Excellency UDOM GABRIEL EMMANUEL 

BY FRESHGIST 

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has urged the political class and citizens in the state to join hands with the Governor-elect, Pastor Umo Eno to build an economically vibrant State where the yearnings and hopes for collective growth and development would be attained for the good of the generations yet unborn.

Reeling out achievements of his administration within the last eight years , Emmanuel urged the people to unite as his successor pastor Umo Eno is competent to bring more positive developments in the years ahead.

Speaking during a statewide broadcast yesterday to mark the Easter holiday, Governor Emmanuel recounted several achievements in different sectors of the economy and solicited for cooperation from incoming administration in the state

He listed the achievements to include massive road infrastructure, Healthcare delivery, Aviation development through Ibom Airline, Agriculture and Education .

Others include rural developments, Skill and Entrepreneurship, Manpower training and industrialization which has provided employment to indigenes of the state .

Governor Emmanuel recalled that the present administration in the state came with five points agenda which was  later increase to right points in the second term just to deliver dividends of democracy to the people .

He said the task of governance had challenging but because his  team came prepared with a clear defined blueprint anchored on the need to expand frontiers  of development through rapid  industrialization and provision of soft and rapid infrastructures .

“As I get ready to take a bow in the next month , I am eminently proud and assured that I will be leaving this State better than I met her, and in the capable, tested and steady hands of the Governor-Elect, Pastor Umo Eno, who, I believe will further carry the torch of peace, development, growth and unity of our dear people.

“Let me use this opportunity to again thank our people for the peaceful manner you trooped out during the last Gubernatorial  and State House of Assembly elections and exercised your Constitutional franchise.

“From all accounts, including those of the Foreign Observers, the election was peaceful, free, credible and a profound and wholesome expression of your collective will and desire, my dear people. You voted for the continuation of all that we have started and achieved in the last almost eight years. You voted for the furtherance of peace, for growth, for development and for our unity.”

Governor Udom Emmanuel observed that the hard investment in infrastructure has put the state on a front burner of national discourse as funds accrued to the state in past years have been utilised.

“Our investments in hard infrastructure today has put our State in the front-burner of national discourse on how a sub national could utilize the lean resources available to impact lives and create enduring infrastructure. With faith in what God has blessed us with, and with prudent application of the resources available, we have constructed, expanded and opened up the State with world-class road network. From Uyo to Ikot Ekpene to Eket, our State can be accessed  and linked seamlessly, via a network of world-class roads without any potholes. “

He noted that the three senatorial districts in the state have a fair share of quality and economically viable road .

“Without naming all the roads we have constructed in the last almost eight years, but who can forget the world-class  29 kilometre Uyo-Ikot Ekepene road that we met at less than three kilometers, but which we have completed  and commissioned, and today, has reduced the  commuting time from Uyo to Ikot  Ekpene to less than thirty minutes, thus opening up the famed Raffia City for economic activities and better quality of life for the residents.

“Thee Idongesit Nkanga/Clement Isong 10-Lane super-highway also known as the 3-Ring Road, has showed the world what a determined and purpose-driven  sub national can do, once the passion is right.

“This hugely economically viable road is the only of such roads in the nation, to be constructed by a sub national and is on the same scope and beauty as the Airport Road in Abuja, done by the Federal Government.

“The spectacular Etinan-Ndon Eyo Road, has been constructed and commissioned, thus linking Uyo to East West Road that connects us to Rivers and Bayelsa States respectively and enhances the free movement of goods and services in those two contiguous States. Also. the  Eket–Ibeno Road was commissioned within the first year of this administration, thus alleviating the horrors of commuters to the oil producing areas of Ibeno.”

He extended olive branch to political opponents urging them to join hands to build the state despite their political leanings.

Clergy charges Christians to be witnesses of Christ

 

By Freshgist 

The general overseer of Full life Christian center, Rev Ntia I Ntia has changed all Christian in the world to be witnesses of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Speaking during the grand finale of the 5 days retreat being an Easter Sunday on the theme" Topic:Be a Witness of Christ Resurrection" at Full life Christian center auditorium, uyo, Akwa Ibom state. The general overseer disclosed that every believer had a mandate to be a witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ our savior.

General overseer of Full life Christian center, Rev Ntia I. Ntia with his wife Pastor Mrs Ukamama Laurel Ntia during Easter Sunday service

Citing his references from the Holy Bible, He read the book Matthew 28:5-9 which states,

"28:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 

28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 

28:8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 

28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. "

Ntia declared that every believer needs Christ Jesus as he was the head of the church as he quoted John 15:27

" And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. "

He listed the meaning of being witnesses as follows;

-To be the disciple that represents Jesus Christ on earth.

-Put away pride and be committed in giving all glory to God.

-Declare the name of Jesus Christ with all authority 

-To passionately stand for and defend Truth at all time. 

-Fellowship with God passionately & intimately Phil 3:10, Romans 1:4

-To bear testimony base on personal experience

-Believe in the reality of Christ Jesus Resurrection John 20:19-20

Be dedicated n devoted to Godly service not world things, competition in the world will pass away but God's words are eternal . Colossians 3:1-3

"3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 

3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. "

-To Operate and function in the fellowship of the spirit Act 1:8, 

Romans 8;11

 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Ntia stressed the needs to be genuine born again, he urged all Christian to shun pride, sin and emulating Christ in all that they do, added that the fashion of this world will passed away living only the words of God which can sustain us till eternity.

POLICE INVADE PALACE IN UYO ...Arrest Suspended Monarch

 

The suspended village head of Ifa Ikot Akpan, in Etoi clan of Uyo, Eteidung Edem Aniedi Ebong, was, last Wednesday, March, 29, arrested by a team of armed policemen from the state command, Ikot Akpan Abia, following his serial refusal to honour invitation by the police.

The monarch was suspended by the  state government, for  allegedly sponsoring thugs, who  exchanged  'fire' with security agents , when the state ministry of Works shifted the Ifa Ikot Akpan market, which stood on the right of way, upon the dualization of the Victor Attah Airport road, December, 2022. 

A family head, who pleaded anonymity for fear of being axed, said the suspended monarch, grew more wild, attacking perceived opponents, especially those who did not support his deviant  desires.

A youth activist, who did not also want to be named, said the 'rugged Chief''  uses illegal security operatives, in addition to thugs,  to intimidate and oppress and attack his subjects and victims. 

A police source, who confirmed the arrest, said it took almost four hours to gain forceful entry and effect an arrest warrant, granted by the court, after the suspended chief has ingnored several invitations from the police. 

The embattled chief could not be accessed for comments at press time, but a family member, said the forceful entry and arrest of the monarch was desacretion of the traditional institution.

APC Chieftain berates Akpabio over Nomination of minister

By Freshgist 

All Progressive Congress party Chieftain, Otuekong Patrick Akpan has beretedtye senator -elect of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Chief Godswill Akpabio over the nomination of his former chief of staff and former Secretary to the state government, Mr. ETEKAMBA UMOREN.

Akpan who was a state officer of the APC, hinted Freshgist in Uyo, aAkwa Ibom State capital, yesterday of the development disclosed that it will finally bury the already fractured party, if not reversed immidiately. 

He said  APC'S electoral misfortune started when Akpabio defected to the party and attempted to hijack the party for his personal, selfish interest.

According to him, "ETEKAMBA is eminently qualified for a ministerial appointment but in the interest of justice, equity, fair play and political balance, Akpabio should nominate someone else, particularly from another senatorial district for a sense of belonging".

"Akpabio has no moral ground to make the nomination without input from other stakeholders of the party. Again, if Akpabio has the interest of the party and of the state  at heart, he would have nominated, either  the governorship  candidate of the party, Obong Akanimo Udofia, or the current Minister or any other person from another senatorial district for the ministerial appointment". He addedno party chieftain wondered why Akpabio should place his interest above that of the party with brazen impunity.

Speaking further, he disclosed that the APC will experience massive defection, if Akpabio succeeds in his selfish political adventure.

He called on the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TINUBU, the 10th Senate, the national EXCO of the party and other relevant authorities,  to save the party from imminent extinction in Akwa Ibom.

'' As we speak, so many members of the APC, will return to the PDP because of Akpabio's domineering and self-centered Political behaviour. He not