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

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.

Just in: Ekong wins senate

Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson PhD

Dr. Ekong Sampson has been announced as Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South and winner of yesterday's National Assembly election in Eket Senatorial District. The Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin won with a very wide margin.

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#DistinguishedSenatorEkongSampson

Fuel, Naira Scarcity: CHRAN Urges A'Ibom Govt To Give Palliatives

 

By Freshgist

A human rights group, under the aegis of Center For Human Rights & Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called on the Akwa ibom state government to give palliatives to the citizenry particularly, the vulnerable, in the face of scarcity of fuel and Naira currency in the State.

In a press statement signed by the State Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, on Sunday, 19th February, 2023, and made available to newsmen in Uyo, the group noted that the call has become neccessary in order to cushion the biting effects of hardship in the State.

The pro-democracy group asserted that it was making the call knowing that the "security and welfare of the citizens are the primary purpose of government," according to Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The advocacy group urged the President, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele to obey the Supreme Court order by allowing the circulation of the old and new Naira notes in the country as ordered by the court. 

The rights group maintained that the Presidential Broadcast on the redesigned Naira notes was a breached of Section 235 of the 1999 Constitution, which makes the Supreme Court of Nigeria the final authority in legal pronouncements in Nigeria.

The group further stated that under Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the President is statutorily required to obey, enforce and give effect to the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, calling on the President to comply with the apex court order.

ESD 2023: Group Endorses Ekong Sampson for Senate

 

By freshgist

A non governmental organisation under the aegis of Amana group of companies has endorsed Dr Ekong Sampson as sole candidate for  Senate, Eket Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom state.

The endorsement took place  in uyo over the weekend by the chairman of the Amana groups of companies, Engr. Sir EDET Amana, who declared total support for Dr Ekong Sampson as candidate for Senate, Eket Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom South come February 25, 2023 national assembly election. 

Sir Amana,a renowned engineer and one time presidential aspirant under the platform of the defunct All People Party who threw his weight behind Dr Ekong Sampson said that the candidate is eminently favoured by the zoning arrangement upheld in the region for the Eket Senate seat.

According to Amana, "Go and tell everybody that I am supporting Ekong Sampson for Senate and I'm so proud of saying this publicly today because from experience he remains the best for the job and zoning favours him. 

Dr. Ekong Sampson, former two term member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, has continued to enjoy waves of support across the high, mighty and the grassroots base in Eket Senatorial District for his senate bid. 

Sampson goes into the Snate race with a rich background, having served as Chief Legislative Aide to Senator Udoma Udoma in the 2000s. He then went on to be Chairman of Council, Mkpat Enin and later Honourable Commissioner for a number of years across various ministries in the Akwa Ibom State Government.

ISD 2023: I'm Not Fronting For Akpabio - YPP Candidate

 

                      Rt Hon Emmanuel Ekon

By Freshgist 

Ahead of February 25th, 2023 Senatorial election, the Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District leading contender on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekon, has cleared the air on the controversy making the rounds that he was fronting for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

In an interview with our correspondent in uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, the former House of Representatives member for Abak Federal Constituency, dismissed the rumour as "a deliberately orchestrated propaganda by mischief makers with evil intent to break the ranks of my teeming supporters across the 10 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom North-West."

Ekon, a former two - term member and Chairman of the Local Content Committee in the 9th National Assembly, noted that "the major aim of the purveyors of such infantile and baseless falsehood are my competitiors who are afraid of my towering popularlty amongst the electorates, who are willing and ready to join hands with me address decades of discrimination and injustice against the people of Abak Federal Constituency, who had never produced a Senator in the last 60 years."

Urging his teeming supporters to "disregard the cheap lies intended to again rob the Abak Federal Constituency of its long and overdue right in 2023", Ekon recalled that the slot had over the years been rotated only between the Ikot Ekpene, Ukanafun/Oruk and Ikot/Ini Federal Constituencies, leaving the zone he described as Abak--3, comprising of Abak, Etim Ekpo and Ika, to wallow in wanton underdevelopment, infrastructural decay and joblessness amongst the youths.

He said: "I, and Godswill Akpabio, we don't belong in the same political party. Godswill is a member of APC,from Essien Udim LGA in Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency.  By the grace of God, I am a candidate of the YPP, from Etim in Abak Federal Constituency. My major mission is to return to the Red Chamber in order to address these injustice meted on the zone for several years.

"I thank God for Chief Don Etiebet, he is a Board of Trustees (BoT) member of the APC, from Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency. He pointedly told Akpabio to leave this contest for only contenders from Abak--3, for the sake justice, equity and fair play, yet he (Godswill) remains adamant, even when it was obvious that the former Deputy Inspector General of (DIG) Udom Ekpoudom, my kinsman from Etim Ekpo LGA, was on the verge of getting the ticket.

"I am urging stakeholders, elders, leaders and youths including all eligible voters from the zone to rise up against this bare-face impunity and injustice against a people who had over the years chosen the path of honour to wait for these number of years. Therefore, we must take the battle in our hands to correct this anomaly with our Permanent Voter's Cards (PVCS).

"So, I am appealing to everyone desirous of this all important change to be armed with their PVCs to effect this necessary change peacefully, so that empowerment, jobs and infrastructural development can also locate the people in other areas. Godswill surrendered the slot in 2019 to outgoing Senator Chris Ekpenyong, his kinsman from the same Federal Constituency. Now, he is angling for the same seat again, it's to stop this unhealthy cycle for equity and fair play.

"I have been there for eight years in the Green Chamber and the records are there. As the Chairman of the Local Content Committee for four years (2015 -2019), beneficiaries of oil industry job and training, scholarships, skills  acquisition, empowerment and infrastructural development are there for people to see courtesy of my effective representation.

"Then the latitude of my representation was small, this time around, going to the Red Chamber with your support, I promise to bring a new narrative of development as a ranking member with larger latitude. I understand the essential needs of the people as we campaign across wards and villages of the Senatorial District.

"Let there be fresh air in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, the the young ones embrace a new paradigm shift from the old order. I understand people are being paid N10,000 for their PVCs, I want to implore you, If they come to you, collect the money, it's your own, but don't trade your conscience because if you do, you have sold your for eight years."

FUEL HIKE: Rights group tasks Emmanuel, DSS, ors to intervene in A’Ibom

 

Otuekong Franklin Isong, Akwa Ibom state Director of Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network

By Fresh gist

A rights group under the aegis of Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, has urged the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the Department of State Services, the Department of Petroleum Resources and other relevant agencies to wade into the hike in price and adulteration of petroleum products in Akwa Ibom State.

The CHRAN state Director, Otuekong Franklin Isong,  disclosed this while unveiling the state executives of the organisation at Watbridge Hotel and Suites in Uyo on Friday,  added that apart from the hike in pump price of fuel, his office had received reports of many fuel stations selling adulterated petrol which has resulted in damage of fuel pumps and engines of many vehicles in Akwa Ibom State, urged the DSS to extend the ultimatum it gave to marketers in Abuja to revert to government approved pump price to Akwa Ibom State and ensure that the ultimatum is complied with by petroleum marketers in the state.

He expressed sadness over the agencies inability to do their work perfectly, as they keep remaining silent over the sufferings of Akwa Ibom people, as marketers have pegged the price of fuel at N300 even with adjusted meters.

Cross section of CHRAN Excos, Akwa Ibom state

The CHRAN director urged the DPR to do more in the area of monitoring the filling stations to ensure that they are not dispensing in adjusted meter or adulterated products.

 he also called on the Special Assistant to the Governor on Petroleum Matters, Mr. Victor Etefia, to “live up to his responsibilities”, ensuring that marketers comply with the government prescribed price, even as he wondered why no filling station had been sealed off or sanctioned for flouting government’s directive.

His words, “Where did we get this fuel price increase from? why are we buying a litre of fuel in Akwa Ibom at N300 and above? I cannot understand where this is coming from. The pumps in most areas are adjusted and the fuel itself adulterated and nobody is doing anything about it.

“CHRAN is using this medium to call on the SSA to the Governor on Petroleum Monitoring, Mr Victor Etefia, to rise to the occasion and address the people of the state on the matter. Let’s know why we are getting fuel at N300 and above per litre, what is the cause of it? Let’s know why the pumps are adjusted, we want to know why we are getting adulterated fuel in Akwa Ibom?

“Recall that in the days of former SSAs, they used to monitor filling stations to know what is happening there and any erring station would be sealed off. We are also calling on DPR a subsidiary of NNPC whose duty it is to check the malpractices of petrol stations to come to Akwa Ibom State to see what is happening here.

“We are calling on the DSS that issued ultimatum to marketers in Abuja that they should revert to the official pump price because this particular increase, is economic sabotage. We are asking the DSS in Akwa Ibom why they have not gone to check the pump price in the state? We are suffering, we are calling on the state government, the SSA to Governor on Petroleum Matters, the DPR, and the DSS to intervene as the suffering is untoward.”

Speaking on the lined up of activities of the newly inaugurated executive of the organisation, Isong said the group would organise a town hall forum for all the governorship candidates in Akwa Ibom State, where each candidate would speak about his blueprint and how he intends to implement it, if elected as governor of the state.

He also hinted that CHRAN would monitor and track all projects executed at the local government levels  by the 31 council chairmen before their exit in order to know how the local communities were faring and draw the government’s attention were necessary.

“We are going further to look at the local government and see how the communities are faring so also we will be doing with the House members. You can’t stay at the comfort of your home to know what the government is doing, rather we have to go to the field. So CHRAN is going to give a good balancing to government because the state governor cannot be everywhere at the same time, all we need in the state is good governance.

“We want the candidates during our town hall forum to speak on their manifesto and explain how they will implement the programmes and manifestoes,” he said.

CLO Chairman resigns, assumes CHRAN State Director in A'Ibom

  

BY freshgist

The Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation, Akwa Ibom State chapter,  Otuekong Franklyn Isong has resigned from office.

The resignation came immidiately after he was appointed as the State Director, Center For Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) Akwa Ibom Council.

Isong who resigned while serving his second tenure as the CLO chairman disclosed this in a press conference in Uyo on Friday following the approval of his resignation at the CLO's Congress held on Thursday, January 5, 2023.

Otuekong Isong said it was neccessary for him to leave to avoid conflict of interest and to give undivided attention to his new office as both offices perform similar functions.

He, however, promised to work with the new Executive of the CLO for the betterment of the people and urged them not to hesitate to seek his advice when the need arises even as he thanked CLO members and the public for the support given his leadership in all his advocacies as the CLO chairman.

His words, "I thank members of the press and the public for supporting the advocacies we had carried out for the past years I was the Chairman of CLO.

"I started as the  Publicity & Campaign Secretary of the CLO and then the Vice Chairman after that I became the Acting Chairman before I became the Chairman. I had traversed all the levels of leadership in the State and I have paid my dues in CLO.

"As they said,  'whatever has a begining must have an ending', in 2023, I got a new appointment as the State Director, Center For Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) and that will automatically conflict with my activities in CLO.

 "So two days ago, I resigned in our state Congress and I told my members that we will still rub minds together, that I'm still a member of CLO but, cannot function as the state chairman anymore."

Isong also highlighted some of his achievements as the chairman of CLO which included more of advocacies for good governance in the country and in Akwa Ibom State; holding public office holders accountable, and making inputs in public hearings organised by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Bills.

Birthday anniversary

 

Ghanaian actor JOHN DUMELO celebrates 72 years  birthday🎂🎂🎂 of his Lovely mother ANTOINETTE Amah DUMELO🌹🥀🎊