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The Popular affirmative proposition that the wicked runs even when no one is pursuing him has again assumed a perfect allen position of falsehood. If it were true, then ONOFIOK Akpan LUKE would be guilty.
Caught always running, his race has been and still is a calculated journey of testamental goodwill and passionate drive to build ‘SYSTEMS’ as he has never run out of concept, approach or strategies.
Whether in HEALTH where GOAL project proposes a complete overhauling of the health care system, building both structures and manpower expertise, Whether in Education where it promises major reforms in the areas of infrastructure, proper funding, incentives and improved syllables alike with the united nations specifications, The Goal project has mastered her template of structural reforms in these areas.
Or is it the area of Agriculture which before the discovery of crude oil sat comfortably both as means of survival and a major boost of the overall GDP of the state but has almost been forgotten? the glory days are here again as Agriculture sits atop the areas that will receive deep concern and revolution as the GOAL project attains reality.
Is it the untapped natural and human resources that the state is blessed with but very little been done in attempt to harness it? The Akwa Ibom talent box needs a crack into the alluring disposition she is blessed with. While this has almost become an area completely swept under carpet, The Goal project under Onofiok’s lead seeks to also initiate systems on set to give great attention to talent and skill set discovery.
On the run for passionate service to his people and as part of his social contract, the Goal project has built ‘SYSTEMs’ in mind that leading the next administration, major areas which hitherto were not given attention will be visited with first hand touch of revival.
Whether in ICT or Building Communities for Social governance, whether in INFRASTRUCTURE or Security, whether in Tourism, Socio-economic development or Human capital development, the Systems are intact, carefully crafted and fumed with sapphire.
Regardless of the complexity of our setting, outrageous mixture of complex feelings, reactions, beliefs and views, the ability to raise a valid position on issues, propositional results, structures, workable templates and workforce stratigraphy thereby becomes a converging point to gather the clouds to form a Big picture which can then be clearly caught by the lens, a magnified lens with converging prism, these and many more, Onofiok has gotten and with a class with Capital ‘C’.
Conclusively, formidable systems are above average an intrinsic advancement to getting the job done. Where the systems are already drawn and the resources provided, optimal results then rolls in, not just on the wheels of inevitability, but with all structures giving only very little effort to the big results. These are the wonders of building strong and viable systems, the magic and strategies all lie deeply in a mould called ‘ONOFIOK LUKE’
LUKE has vowed to deal Akwa Ibom a positive share of leadership with alluring preference. In an attempt to distract your attention from a different disposition, the statistical analysis of achievements and cross board examination of testimonials that Luke has built for himself has already earned him a towering height and wide acceptance, so without holding brief for anyone, Onofiok Luke has come to consolidate on the gains of democracy and has great beliefs and absolute trust in the ideals of government in continuum.
A system where the Youths, Women, Elders and even the underpriviledged will have a voice of theirs to air and be heard on the table of demand, a system of collaboration, systematic synergy and mutual coexistence.
Onofiok’s class of performance and excellent taste has beamed on us a defined hope for the FUTURE and we are glad to run with him.
For a man who has endorsed his affirmative disposition for the ‘New Akwa Ibom’ where we build and grow together, The Goal has drawn paradigms for a complete overhauling of the city gates and yards through effective approaches to leadership related issues, passionate dedication to service, commitment to multitasking, connection to the grid and public view approach of governance. This is just an iceberg.
Though glory comes from daring to begin, Akwa Ibom people are not in doubt of his credible performance and outstanding leadership and could say without fear or shuddered in doubt that if he had done so much all along, the coming years and the time after presents an alluring perspective of greater cheers and audation.
Onofiok has the templates and as a man who is not yet done with his agenda for Akwa Ibom, Our signatures are golden and collectively in his favour, expedition therefore will be the new order to cheer him to more glories in our honour.
Luke calls for more action against trafficking in persons
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, Mr Onofiok Luke has joined his voice in condemnation of trafficking in persons in Nigeria.
Luke stated this at the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Stakeholders Inception Meeting held on Tuesday.
The meeting which assembled different stakeholders focused on Galvanizing Action for Effective Countering Trafficking in Persons Regime in Nigeria geared towards the implementation of Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement & Administration (TIPPEA) 2015 as re-enacted.
Luke who has been pushing for greater reforms in the judiciary assured that his committee will partner with the stakeholders to strengthen legislations in the area to ensure that the target set are achieved.
Media Office Etinan Nsit Ibom Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency.
The State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, led by Rt Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Akpan hereby notifies members of our party interested in vying for the State House of Assembly election in 2023 that Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms are being sold at the State Secretariat Complex of our Party in Atan Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Aspirants interested in picking up the forms are expected to get a bank draft drawn at their respective banks as this will serve as proof of payment before the forms can be obtained from the party.
The bank draft must be obtained using the following details:
Name of Account: Peoples Democratic Party
Forms will be on sale every day (apart from Sunday) from 10am – 6pm.
Please take notice that the subsisting deadline of April 1, 2022 for the Sale of Forms will be enforced.
Signed:
Borono Bassey, ANIPR, State Publicity Secretary Peoples Democratic Party Akwa Ibom State March 28, 2022
The leading Governorship Aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party, Mr Onofiok Luke has called on the youths of the state to join him in the task of building a new Akwa Ibom State that will focus on growing the people.
Mr Luke made the call while addreasing youths during the 2022 National Youth Convention organised by Youth Aglow Movement International (YAMI) of the Solid Rock Kingdom Church with the Theme: “Arrow”, drawn from Psalm 127:4 on Saturday 26 March 2022.
The frontline governorship aspirant, who was represented by Mr Sam Edoho, the Director of Strategy of the Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation, assured the youths that when they partner with him to build the new Akwa Ibom state, they would also grow together.
He emphasized the core of his social contract with people when given the chance to lead the state saying that as leaders of the future, the future was already upon us.
He commended the church for gathering the youths together to serve and worship God as future leaders stressing that through such strategic engagement he was confident that there is an assured future for Nigeria, Akwa Ibom state and the church at large.
Youths of the church reechoed their confidence in Mr Luke and stated their belief in the amazing grace of God upon his life.
HON. LUKE BEGINS CHAPTER TOUR OF PARTY FOR GUBER ASPIRATION
The Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation with its governorship aspirant, Mr Onofiok Luke began its Chapter tour of the People’s Democratic Party to seek the support of the elders and the delegates in Eastern Obolo and Udung Uko ahead of the party’s primaries scheduled for 21st May, 2022.
Speaking at the gathering which was held at the party offices in Eastern Obolo and Udung Uko on Tuesday, the governorship aspirant, Hon. Luke reeled out his plans for the Local Government Areas if elected to become the next governor of Akwa Ibom State. He stated that his visit was to ensure them of his inclusion of their communities in the development plan of the state and to give them a sense of belonging.
He said that God did not make a mistake by bringing the thirty-one Local Government Area of the state together under one umbrella. He assured them that if God had not intended for them to be part of the state he would have taken them out. He evinced that he is starting his tour in these communities to affirm his commitment to include them in the common wealth of the state and to be governor for everyone.
” Because I come from Niger Delta a minority in the Nigerian nation. I know what it means to be a minority, I want to blur that word minority. I want to erase it and we would erase it with sustainable developments.
He demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the challenges facing the people of Eastern Obolo and Udung Uko. In his words ; “I know what you go through, I’m not just speaking as a politician, I’m speaking as a man who wants to be rated, who wants to have a good name in history, after I might have finished from the office as governor.
Hon. Luke emphasized the importance of identifying the actual needs of the community before initiating projects.
“Development has always been government doing things that they think is good for the community and not actually what the community needs and so my idea about development is on the basis of needs assessment. Let the community say this is what they want, so that when government comes to do it, the community takes ownership of that project”, Luke added.
He promised the people that alternative access road will be provided for Eastern Obolo and he would attract investment to the area to improve the economic activities and further empower the fishing communities. He added that government will encourage the formation of cooperatives and provide support through them to the people.
In reaction, the elders at the event marvelled at the depth of knowledge of their communities and their challenges displayed by Hon. Luke. They revealed that no aspirant running for the office of the governor has demonstrated such in-depth knowledge of their communities and their challenges.
They pledged to support the ambition of Hon. Luke and wished him well as he continues his tour of the thirty one Chapters of the party.
2023: UNYIME IDEM DESERVES A SECOND TERM – UDO KIERIAN
The member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency and Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sir Udo Kierian Akpan has applauded the effective representation of the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rep. Unyime Idem, adding that the federal lawmaker deserves a second term in office.
Sir Akpan who made this statement when Rep. Idem officially consulted him at his residence on his second term ambition, said the federal constituency has never had it so good in terms of representation and empowerment.
While commending Rep. Idem’s courage on the floor of the house and the positive engagements which has brought dividends of democracy to the entire federal constituency, Sir Akpan advised him not to drop the tempo when he secures his second term.
“I worshipped in my village today (Sunday) and I’ve seen the ongoing projects you attracted to schools in that area, that is a clear sign that you are working hard in Abuja where we sent you to and with what you have achieved so far, we in Oruk Anam have no reason not to support you for a second term. You are going unopposed,” the house leader concluded.
Consulting, Rep. Idem thanked Sir Udo Kierian Akpan for being a strong believer in his project from the first term and also rallying around to ensure he gets the support of the entire Oruk Anam for a second term. He promised to do better in his second term once re-elected and to carry everyone along in his representation.
Unyime Idem who is campaigning on the theme “Sufficient Grace” has sponsored 20 bills, moved 20 motions and has embarked on over 40 life touching projects with Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the last three years.
UKANAFUN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, COUNCILLORS SUPPORT REP. IDEM’S RE-ELECTION
The Chairman of Ukanafun local government area, Pastor Godwin Inyieng, Vice Chairman, Hon. Mrs Inemesit Caleb and all the Councillors from the area have given their support to the second term ambition of the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem.
Pastor Inyieng pledged his support when the federal lawmaker officially consulted him on his second term ambition at his residence in Uyo.
According to the council chairman, Idem has raised the bar of representation in the federal constituency and deserves another term in the House of Representatives, promising to give him all the support necessary for his re-emergence.
He thanked the people of Oruk Anam for showing understanding in the zoning arrangement and allowing Ukanafun seek for a second term.
In a related development, councillors from Ukanafun local government area, led by the leader of the legislative council, Abasi-iyianga Obot also declared their support for the Ukanafun-born lawmaker.
Consulting, the Deputy Chairman House Committee on Communications, thanked the council chairman and the councillors for the roles they played in his first term bid, assuring that his desire to return to the house for a second term is to consolidate on the mandate and attract more development to the area having garnered sufficient experience in the last three years.
Unyime Idem who is campaigning on the theme “Sufficient Grace” has sponsored 20 bills, moved 20 motions and has embarked on over 40 life touching projects with Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the last three years.
BUILDING TOGETHER, GROWING TOGETHER THROUGH THE POWER OF CONVICTION– BEING AN OFFICIAL DECLARATION SPEECH OF HON ONOFIOK LUKE ON 16TH MARCH, 2022 AT THE IBOM HALL GROUNDS
Protocol
First, I give Glory to God for an awesome day like this and for his many mercies. It is indeed by His Amazing Grace that we have not been consumed.
Today presents us with a chance to meet with destiny and in the long history of our great state, only a few generations have been foisted with the responsibility of standing true to the power of conviction to defend our democracy and freedom in times of great danger. The baton has been passed on to me and you and we welcome this responsibility. We will not shy away from it.
The Ibom Hall grounds where we stand today is a symbol of the growth and continued unity of our dear state and the fierce determination of its people. It is an edifice that holds many memories having witnessed our moments of gains and losses, our growth and development, wars and peaceful moments, our growth in leaps and bounds, our dedication as a state to God, the celebration of our beautiful culture, the laying of wreathes to our fallen heroes, our carol celebrations and today is witnessing the people’s movement towards enthroning a visionary, purposeful and competent leadership to build our future.
Fellow Akwa Ibomites, Residents, Friends and Well-Wishers, I am honoured that having been schooled through the formal education system, groomed and incubated in the leadership womb of our dear state for 15 years and after wide consultations with critical stakeholders and the people of Akwa Ibom State, I am pleased to officially inform you that I will be participating in the 2023 general elections for the position of the Governor of our beloved State.
I am Onofiok Akpan Luke, a native of Ikot etobo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. As a Child born in Ikot etobo, you are not given a chance. You are born into a tiny precinct quarantined from global events with no dreams, hopes and aspirations.
Your chances shrink further when you grow with a slender frame like mine; already thought a weakling, incompetent, inexperienced and generally assumed small. Faced with this situation, you only have the love and confidence of your parents and family who believe in your strengths, understand your weaknesses and hold your hands with the belief that you are more than you are assumed to be, and working hard enough to ensure they strengthen you with the tools to enhance your chances at competing globally even from the backwaters. Your father becomes your hero teaching you courage, culture, determination, diligence and the dignity of labour. Your mother becomes a dependable anchor teaching you compassion, the fear of God, humility, charity, temperance, patience and temperance.
When at 13, you lose your hero to the cold pangs of death, your walls come crumbling and you choose to either, stand or fall, walk or crawl, limp or soar. This is my story and for me, I chose to stand, walk and soar.
Today, many years later, I am still standing with an aspiration to lead this great state and her wonderful people as Governor.
When I chose to stand after that unfortunate incident, it was so I could be there for my four siblings and my mother. I knew this would make my late father proud but as time went by, I realized that My father would have wanted much more; more people finding a voice; more people having a representative, more young persons born in the seemingly obscure places given platforms to compete globally with anyone in their age grade, many more families being able to afford the basic necessities, more people living in good-health to their old ages due to effective and affordable health-care, many more small businesses becoming big, many more barrier breaking technological advances and innovations.
This realization of a call for greater duty stirred my passion for Public Service and when in 2002, I rode on the popular will of the people to emerge as President of the Students’ union of the University of Uyo, I could only understand the yearnings and aspirations of the people. I developed the strength of character, goodwill, outspokenness and the power of conviction. This helped us dethrone the high-handedness of the authorities at the risk of the seemingly irreversible private inconveniences.
This role and the years after it afforded me the needed opportunity to understudy the history and workings of our dear state and her people while maintaining national relevance. The practical vision and the development template of our first democratically elected Governor, Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah is an eloquent testimony of our unmatched aspirations as a people and a reminder of the unfinished work at hand. His legacy lifted up our state and inspired the leaders who succeeded him. One is the man who gave me the opportunity to work closer in the corridors of power as personal assistant, Senator God’swill Akpabio and the other, Deacon Udom Emmanuel in whose first tenure, I led the state legislature.
These great leaders have massively improved the aerial, waterline and road transportation gateways in our state with consequent industrialization legacies and for the depths we were as a state and the heights we are now, one can only appreciate the impressive work done but we are a state of champions and we reckon that there is even greater work at hand. As champions, we know that whenever we win, we raise the bar and aim higher.
I believe that the experiences garnered over these fifteen years in the leadership incubation hub has increased my awareness on our state, the strengths and weaknesses of the successive governments and I have learnt valuable lessons on governance, people management and resources management. These experiences place me in a vantage position to lead us to our collectively desired Eldorado by consolidating on our gains, avoiding the pitfalls and delivering results. We know the facts, we have the solution!
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the Great political icon of our generation in his immortal words said:
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
These words in a nutshell have been my political philosophy, as a Patriot of this great state, Akwa Ibom.
Let me repeat that quote but this time personalise it to the man standing before you today.
What counts to Onofiok Akpan Luke is not the mere fact that he has lived on the shores of the West African coast as a citizen of Nigeria and as an indigene of the oil rich State of Akwa Ibom. But what counts is the difference he will make. The difference I will make, first – to the ancestral land of my birth, my beautiful and precious State Akwa Ibom and secondly by extension to this great nation, called Nigeria as that will determine the significance of my legacy and the generational stones I am determined to sow and to leave behind for the present and for the future generations yet unborn.
There is a great Ancient Greek saying that goes thus, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.”
I am that tree. I am the tree of a good man. My late father Mr Akpan Luke. I am the tree he planted 44 years ago and whose shade he would never sit under. But that same tree today has grown with the help of God and with the support of the people and today is embarking on a journey to provide shade, security, jobs, health, effective educational system, leadership with empathy and compassion.
I give Glory to God. And to Jesus our Lord. And to my Great Comforter the Holy Spirit. For mine is a story of tragedy to triumph therefore if you are watching and listening to me right now and life has become – impossible, intolerable and meaningless. I am speaking to you today.
I have been there. And I know what it feels like. And sometimes you think maybe you should end it all. But that is why God has raised me. It is for your sake that I am standing here today.
People have often asked me – why have I chosen the scriptural verse “Amazing Grace” for my campaign.
And my answer. When you know where I have been and where I am coming from and where I am going and what I am about to become – it indeed will have to be God’s Amazing Grace.
The first first lesson I learnt from my mother was this – to make a man you must build the man. To make a man, you must invest in the man. We can dream. We can hope. We can have faith of what we want to become. But Faith without Works, the Good Book says is Dead!
My mother did not just stop at dreaming of what I will become today. She invested her meagre resources as a primary school teacher in the man you see standing before you.
But until the leadership of Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State becomes clinical, methodical, committed and patriotic in building the capacity of her citizens – the unending cycle of generational poverty might not abate and may continue to plague and devour generations unborn.
And that is why HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT shall be the boat, the mast and the flag of my administration and my government.
The thrust, the arrow head and the battle axe of my mission will be to build you, build your capacity, build your skills, build your talents, build your employment opportunities, build your jobs, build your aspirations and build your dreams.
And it will all be captured in one phrase ‘HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT’.
This will be the thrust of my visionary team. Our mission will be to build Akwa Ibomites into entrepreneurial giants. A haven of jobs and employment with a buffet of opportunities.
We will not just train you, we will give you the capital, the resources and the professionals who will grow you into the entrepreneurial giants of Nigeria and by extension West Africa.
Some people might think I am promising too much and that these lofty ideas sound wonderful but are impossible to implement.
I ask those ones to go back into history because this is exactly what some said when the Ibibio Union established a scholarship scheme to train our gifted and talented progenitors abroad in 1938. The first ever in Nigeria by an indigenous group.
Governor Obong Victor Attah’s father, Obong Bassey Udo Adiaha Attah, the great agriculturalist was one of the ‘Merchants of Light’.
Governor and Senator Godswill Akpabio’s Uncle, Dr Ibanga Akpabio, the great educationist who founded Ibibio State College was also one of the merchants of light.
And in the current government Her Excellency Martha Udom Emmanuel’s great Grandfather Obong Samson Udo Idiong was the founding member of Ibibio Union in 1928 which sent out our merchants of light.
Our Nigerian brothers from neighbouring tribes and the British colonialists threw doubts at the enterprise, they said it was impossible and unnecessary, a waste of resources. But our forefathers achieved the impossible, when they gave scholarships to six of our sons to study abroad. The first time ever indigenous scholarship scheme in Nigeria.
And they were –
Bassey U.A Attah – Agriculture – Uyo District
Obot Antia Obong – Medicine – Itu District
Ibanga U. Akpabio – Education – Ikot Ekpene
Asuquo U. Idiong – Medicine – Abak District
Egbert Udo Udoma – Law – Ikot Abasi District
James L. Nsima – Education – Eket District
It was after the success of the above scholarships that all other tribes in Nigeria began to emulate us. We have always led Nigeria and we will never settle for second place.
Our ancestors dreamt the impossible and achieved what was possible. If they could do it then, when they had no resources, no oil, no federal allocation, why can’t we repeat the same feat in the 21st century. This time in the economic sector. Why can’t we lead Nigeria again?
You and I must ask the question, how long will our people depend on our dwindling oil reserves. How long will our youths feast on crumbs and are recycled on the wheels of the treacherous triangle of poverty, unemployment and perpetual economic slavery?
I tell you today, get ready because this is your time, this is your hour; we are determined to build you into the new Akwa Ibom citizen, the Entrepreneurial colossus. This will be the battle axe of my administration and I am calling on you to join me.
The clarion call of my campaign is Building Together and Growing Together. If we are going to build together then we must grow together. That was an important lesson that our mother taught us. She never left any of my siblings behind. And what does it mean? It means NO NOBODY WILL BE LEFT BEHIND!
In Akwa Ibom State we have left a vast majority of our people behind. We have abandoned them. Only a privileged few of us have enjoyed the dividends of this democracy. They build the best houses. Their children are in the best schools. Perhaps it is not deliberate. But our political system today is programmed to leave people out. It cannot go on like this.
Obong Victor Attah was the great visionary planner – he drew up the Masterplan of our great State. From Obong Attah I learnt visionary leadership. However when it was time to divide the dividends of our democracy under his tenure it was handed over to a privileged few.
Under Governor Akpabio the master builder. His administration firmly planted Akwa Ibom State in the Infrastructural map of Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea. I was Akpabio’s aide and under his administration I learnt “the audacity of ambition”. Gov. Akpabio made great efforts to reach out to the masses but his efforts were hijacked by political middlemen. Again only a privileged few benefited.
Under Governor Udom Emmanuel, industries ceased to become dusty proposals on government shelves. His government has been bold to dare where many feared to tread. Industries have been built but top and middle management positions, from the CEO to the lowest runged managers are managed by non indigenes. And again only a privileged few have been fortunate.
And sometimes I ask myself – who are those that will man and manage Ibom Deep Sea Port?
The great 21 storey skyscraper who are those that will fill up the floors?
Are we going to have foreigners and non indigenes take over the fruits and sweat of our labour – while the sons and daughters of the land are the cleaners and the gatemen of these facilities. God forbid this to happen to us!
This is why we can no longer afford to abandon our own. Nobody is to blame. It is an inbuilt systemic failure and one we will address in our government.
And I repeat nobody will be left behind this time around.
The same way Obong Attah drew up the Masterplan for Akwa Ibom State, is the same way the Amazing Grace Project is designing the Masterplan which will methodically build up our people.
We must challenge the injustice that has haunted our land. The Social Injustice that has kept us poor.
I still remember how Obong Victor Attah singlehandedly fought and won the battle for resource control. He sacrificed his political ambition. He lost favour at the centre but he didn’t lose his people.
Akwa Ibom State has ranked consistently from 2006 as the highest producer of crude oil in Nigeria. Our oil was building massive roads in Abuja. Our oil was paying workers salaries at the centre. Our oil was creating jobs and employment opportunities for other Nigerians yet our people were living in abject 19th century poverty.
We won the battle for resource control. We won 13% derivation but today our poverty is worst than pre 2006. Why are our people still miserably poor?
The answer is simply that we are not growing together. Our society has become divided. We are no longer patriotic to the people’s cause. Only the 1% are growing. We are committed to addressing this imbalance and we must break the shackles and relics of slavery and truly set our people totally free!
Onofiok Akpan Luke will not accept this injustice and I urge you not to accept it. You were made for better aspirational dreams. You are a share holder and it is your right to harness the full benefits and potential of the resources of this land. My mission is to build us on the resources and to break our dependence on oil and rely on renewable energy.
We will offer our people credible leadership and real solutions! I pledge to implement a zero tolerance for corruption and a one-strike-out policy that will ensure that natural justice procedures are followed.
Our policy direction will rest on nine pillars:
Food Sufficiency & Agricultural Development
-Education
-Healthcare
-Technology Development
-Entrepreneurial & Industrial development
-Tourism, Sports & Entertainment
-Youth, Women & Social Inclusion
-Security, Environment & Infrastructure
-Good Governance & Administration
While I will make a view highlights on a few of these pillars of development, I plead to refer us to the hard copies of these documents shared here today and the soft copy which can be found on our website – https://www.amazinggraceproject.ng
In the past seven years, the cost of living has continued to rise steeply thereby diminishing significantly the purchasing power of the average person and the standard of living for families continues to deteriorate. We will reduce significantly the cost of food by creating the enabling environment designed to ensure massive increase in local food production which, over time, will eliminate our over reliance on imported food.
Similarly, we will revolutionize our State’s energy infrastructure by ensuring that the power generated by our resources are first enjoyed by our people. We shall explore all legal procedures to ensure that this becomes a reality in our first two years in office. Additionally, we shall work assiduously on renewable energy sources. This two-prong approach shall lead to the reduction in the cost of energy that will impact greatly on the manufacturing and business sectors that will culminate in the emergence of new entrepreneurs, expansion of existing businesses and increased employment.
Agriculture has been the mainstay of our economy but the involvement and development of our people in this sector shrink daily and as a consequence of this, we would need to increase and build the capacity of our own people towards growing what we eat, expanding scientific research and training opportunities, technical assistance and training to farm groups and agribusinesses. When these capacity enhancement efforts for our people are made, Sizable investments will be made to boost our agricultural sector, and we will provide the much-needed infrastructure, funds for agricultural loans and access to knowledge of best-practices to boost production and provide jobs for our teeming youthful population while improving food security. This will be aimed at using agriculture as major source of revenue earnings for the State and to position the State as the next foot basket of the Federation. The most important part of my value proposition is increasing our productivity level to ensure that Akwa Ibom State can compete with other emerging economies.
We can do this easily if we engender a greater sense of inclusiveness by ensuring that as we build together, we will also partake in the benefits, and grow together. Akwa Ibom is one of the most peaceful and resource-rich states in Nigeria, blessed with brilliant minds and natural resources.
It is therefore important for us to invest in human capacity development to improve skills and empower our people to build and grow, while improving infrastructure and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the state.
We see immense potential in partnering the private sector, our diaspora community, Developmental Financial Institutions (DFIs) and International Donor Agencies to accelerate economic growth, improve quality of life, and create sustainable jobs for Akwa Ibom indigenes.Agriculture has been the mainstay of our economy but the involvement and development of our people in this sector shrink daily and as a consequence of this, we would need to increase and build the capacity of our own people towards growing what we eat, expanding scientific research and training opportunities, technical assistance and training to farm groups and agribusinesses.
When these capacity enhancement efforts for our people are made, Sizable investments will be made to boost our agricultural sector, and we will provide the much-needed infrastructure, funds for agricultural loans and access to knowledge of best-practices to boost production and provide jobs for our teeming youthful population while improving food security.
Health is another area in which we intend to make giant strides, by improving access to primary health in our rural communities and ensuring that health insurance is available. Our first motivation as a people to get involved and benefit from the promised growth is good health and this is a core pillar of our policy. It is the understanding of this need that led me to sponsor the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Bill, and the State Health Insurance Scheme Bill, both of which were passed into law.
As a matter of urgency, we will ensure the reskilling and training of our Healthcare workers to ensure their capacity is maximized. It is a fact that Health care workers (HCWs) often work in a challenging and a stressful environment. Many of the complaints against HCWs relate to poor communication, and much of the stress and anxiety felt by health professionals is reportedly due to difficulties in dealing with patients.
To address this, we will develop a regular Capacity Building Programme aimed at ensuring healthcare professionals have better communication skills to deal with complex situation, are better able to share health information with patients and are better supported to prevent or alleviate their own stress and anxiety.
EDUCATION
Education is a major pillar of development in our effort towards building our people and their capacity. We intend to invest in building the capacity of the faculty reviewing the curriculum to meet with the current reality and providing infrastructure to ensure safer schools initiative. Our administration will also upgrade infrastructure in schools and improve the welfare of teachers and students across the State through the provision of educational support via merit-based scholarships and bursaries, and upskilling opportunities for teachers.
This will in no small measure prepare our students and afford them the needed boost to compete with their peers anywhere in the worldDeveloping human capital requires creating and cultivating environments in which people can rapidly learn and apply new and innovative ideas, while building the required competencies to enable them to compete globally.
The Nigerian Information Technology (IT) scene has morphed from a handful of technology enthusiasts with limited access to resources in the early 2000s, to an exciting and innovative arena today where young Nigerians are making a difference by building useful software applications, attaining vital positions in global technology firms, and solving Nigeria’s and Africa’s problems through technology.Akwa Ibom State is an emerging technology hub, and we will make it a priority to provide access to IT education, mentorship programs and technology incubation facilities for our youth. We will ensure that Information Technology becomes a fundamental part of our educational system in Akwa Ibom.
This is the only way that we can produce a globally competitive next generation of leaders from Akwa Ibom.We will ensure that salaries, gratuities, and pensions are paid on time, and that our civil service is well-equipped and repositioned for increased productivity and efficiency.
We have hope in enormous potential of our people and we will ensure we BUILD our people to be managers of our sectors. Our Aviation sector would be enhanced when we prepare adequately to cut capital flight which is the effect of the unavailability of our own people manning the sectors.
To this end, we will strategically train aerospace engineers, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics and technicians, quality control personnel, pilots and even members of our cabin crew. It is our belief that in no time, the professionals we build will man our sectors.
Thankfully, we have obtained the approval of the Full Business Case of the Ibom Deep seaport project and we can only imagine to what extent the completion of this project would lift our state and attract investors.
The fundamental concern is on how to ensure our people our better prepared and their capacities enhanced to be part of this massive sector. In our efforts at Human Capacity Development, we will train our citizens in offshore pipe laying, marine and vessel engineering, port and ship management as well as maritime law.Our administration will ensure gender equity social inclusiveness by investing in the creation of programs that provide opportunities for women to increase their incomes, gain relevant skills, participate in governance, and continue to contribute in even more impactful ways to our society.We will also ensure a more inclusive society for persons living with disabilities and the Vulnerable in the state by promoting social inclusion programs in schools and communities, and investing in structures that make living easier and safer.
Youth, Sports and Talent Development are other areas where we intend to develop the capacity of our people in. We will provide our youths with the right platforms to help them gain marketable skills with which they can build livelihoods and excel in our nation. We will be celebrating our wins no matter how small- be it intellectual, scholarly, and creative wins.We will promote the development of sports in our State by encouraging participation in sports at all levels through tournament sponsorships, athlete sponsorships, and sports scholarships. Our traditional sports will be celebrated and promoted. The world over, tourism is a major source of revenue and Akwa Ibom State has in abundance tourism sites and the greatest history on the African continent, from the Ibibio historic migration, to the transatlantic slave trade from Ikot Abasi and Uruan. Ibeno has the most beautiful beach and the longest coastline in Nigeria. Ibeno is a treasure trove in need of a Five Star Beach Hotel.
Our government will prioritize the rebuilding of ancient and historical tourist sites.
We will develop Akwa Ibom’s Tourism and Entertainment industry and promote the State as the ideal tourist destination and as a fast-growing entertainment hub. We intend to take full advantage of the beautiful landscapes, historical landmarks, creative talent and beautiful culture that we have been blessed with.
The contemporary multifaceted tourism industry is a highly dynamic field of human activity that has been developing into a leading industry capable of generating sufficient revenue for our state. The growth of this sector is hinged on the capacity and depth of our tourism professionals.
To underscore the importance of this sector, many professional bodies like Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality, the Institute of Hospitality, the Hospitality Guild offer membership and certification trainings to enhance one’s status within the field of tourism and hospitality. It is our Goal to build strategic partnerships to have our people trained in this sector as they are the first signpost to our accommodative nature as a state and their ability to engage investors who visit our state will be an added advantage. We shall formulate effective training programs designed to prepare our young people for the pending new economy.
Ours will be a holistic approach in its design and execution, affording stakeholders opportunities to participate in the development initiatives. Importantly, preserving our State’s patrimony and the unique way of life enjoyed by the Akwa Ibom people for centuries will be part of our vision for a diversified tourism product that will also include cultural renaissance. Industrialization will be a major area of focus of our administration. We will strive for the completion and utilization of the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, and the Ibom Deep Sea Port, among other projects, through effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders. I reiterate that we will also build capacity within the State by making sure that our youths have the right skills to take up roles in these emerging industrial hubs.
The economy of our dear state would only take a downward spiral if we do not build a viable structure for Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). These enterprises constitute the foundation on which any economy rests and we will prioritize them through the provision of interest free loans and grants as well as a special fund set aside for this purpose. This will be followed through by periodic evaluation of impact assessment.
Infrastructures are not built in a vacuum or by aliens. They are built by people. We will certainly miss the mark if we neglect the people who will build and maximize these infrastructures. As such, it is an integral part of our policy drive to develop competencies of our people for improved manpower needs for our policy drive in transportation infrastructure, critical infrastructures (shelter, energy, education), energy infrastructure, information and communication infrastructure, sustainable urban infrastructure as well as healthcare infrastructure. You truly do not build a state. You build people who in turn build the state and we are committed to this purpose.
From the foregoing, it is palpably clear that the enthronement of the amazing grace project would be the enthronement of our people, an enhancement of their individual capacities and the promotion of their readiness for the massive investment of our economy for these investments would meet a ready people ready to be part of the growth of our dear state.
We propose an all-inclusive government, where development across the state will be simultaneous and impactful, and where resources will be distributed equally and fairly. In the pursuit of our aforesaid GOALs, we hope to;
-Tenaciously follow the positive ideals of our founding fathers
-Consciously raise a generation of audacious public/private sector leaders
-Vigorously pursue a self-reliant economic agenda as set and developed by previous and present administrations
-Spiritually build our trust and confidence in God
-Passionately, conscientiously and sincerely put the interest of our people first through selfless service
-Strategically open our doors to visitors and investors as hospitable people
Ensure adequate protection of lives and property of our people
-Defend the interest and rights of our people while diligently seeking redress where such rights are violated.
Our government will be for everyone – from remote communities in the marshlands of Eastern Obolo to those in the highlands of Itu, from communities like Nditia and Ikot Udota in Eket LGA, to communities such as Obot Mme in Ini LGA and Ikpanya in Ibiono-Ibom LGA, to Akpa Mfri Ukim in Uruan LGA and Okorutip in Ibeno LGA. From communities like Eyulor in Urue Offong/Oruko LGA, to Udesi Isong Inyang in Mbo LGA, from Esuk Oro in Oron LGA to Utu Ikot Ekpenyong in Ikot Ekpene LGA and Uta Ewa in Ikot Abasi LGA, among others.
Our government will be one where every ethnic group in the State will be relevant. It will be one where meritorious public service and integrity will be rewarded, and capacity will be sourced from the state and beyond.
We will encourage our brothers and sisters in the diaspora to come home and invest, and to bring their wealth of experience in different human endeavors for the benefit of the State. We aim to build an Akwa Ibom State where everyone will be treated as one. An Akwa Ibom State for persons with disabilities, a State for the elderly, a State that empowers our youth, a State where gender equality thrives, a State of equal opportunities for all, and a State where the rule of law is upheld.
Finally, with the capacity and genuine intentions that I have, I want to offer Akwa Ibomites leadership and governance, and not politics. To achieve this I seek the wisdom of God, the partnership of every strata of the state from the Government, traditional and religious institutions, Business men and women, citizens and residents of the state, Elders, Youths, security agencies and most importantly the media so that we can build an environment for all to pursue their legitimate goals.
I seek to lead the State in the capacity of the Governor with the clear intention of providing sound, purposeful, intentional leadership. Leadership that is devoid of arrogance and shows of power. The communication of our modest achievements will not be boisterous or superfluous. We will be talking with our citizens and not talking down on them. We will magnify the strength of our people and walk with them through their weaknesses. We will amplify their virtues and encourage them to drop their vices. We will lead from the front with humility, a sense of purpose and inclusiveness, to provide solutions to the myriad challenges facing our people, using judiciously the abundant resources at our disposal, and employing the best of abundant human resources to the glory of God Almighty.
I intend to serve and leave behind legacies that will echo for many generations and a name that will be remembered positively in history.
To our youth caucus, council and other youth groups, I have shared the same challenging moments with you. I have worn t-shirts, been a bandboy and mobilized for the successes of different administrations. I know what it means to be given an opportunity at the leadership table. I am your best choice and will be a trustee of honour regarding our collective patrimony. Stand with me to build our state and future so that we can also grow together.
To those who feel I’m too young and those who feel I have spent so many years in public service, have I been found wanting in character, competence and delivery throughout my spell in the different offices I have occupied?
As every human is prone to be, I may not be perfect in the discharge of my mandates but I know the heart I have for humanity and the passion I have for service; a passion that has led me to be selfless in my years of public service.
I invite and urge you therefore to make the Amazing Grace Project your preferred choice for the Governorship of our dear State come 2023.
Dear Akwa Ibom people, we have built roads and the infrastructure built has opened up our dear state and brought opportunities. It is now time to build our people.
I want to assure you that I am fully prepared for the task of serving you and building the Akwa Ibom of our dreams, and I intend to hit the ground running when given the opportunity.
FORMAL DECLARATION FOR THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR OF AKWA IBOM STATE 2023 BY RT. HON. ONOFIOK AKPAN LUKE
The Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation, having commenced the journey of unveiling the social contract of Rt. Hon. Onofiok Akpan Luke with the people of Akwa Ibom State has taken the stride to make a formal declaration that the Principal of the Organisation is in the race for the Office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2023. The declaration ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 16th March 2022, a date which also marks the birthday of our illustrious and gallant Son of the soil, Hon. Onofiok Luke.
The Amazing Grace journey which began years ago is progressing tremendously. Together with the Amazing Grace Team, Hon Luke has made numerous consultations with several stakeholders, elders, religious leaders, traditional leaders, youth and women.
The recent consultation to the palace of Oku Ibom Ibibio , the People Democratic Party and the Nigerian Union of Journalists press center has garnered enormous support, encouragement and positive feedbacks from millions of Akwa Ibom people within and outside the state, across various communication medium.
This massive reassurance by the Akwa Ibom people is an endorsement of the Amazing Grace Project 2023, which entails Building Together and Growing Together.
The public declaration by our principal Hon. Onofiok Luke for the office of Governor of Akwa Ibom state in 2023 will bring to light the blue print of the Amazing Grace Organisation and the Manifesto of Rt. Hon. Onofiok Akpan Luke as he presents himself to take up the mantle of leadership in Akwa Ibom state in 2023.
The Amazing Grace Manifesto is a potent document containing the summary of our policy prescriptions which will in time be revealed to the people of our dear state.
We acknowledge the incredible support of Akwa Ibom people as we advance towards our Goal and enjoin all citizens of Akwa Ibom state at home and in diaspora to avail themselves of a copy of the manifesto, which will be made available on our website, as this is the framework we will adopt for the purpose of building together from 2023 onwards, so that we can all grow together.
STATEMENT The Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation has approved the following as the official online communication channels of the 2023 governorship campaign of Rt Hon. Barr Onofiok Luke.
Website: http://www.amazinggraceproject.ng Email: Communications@amazinggraceproject.ng Facebook: Amazing Grace Project 2023 (@Akwaibomproject2023) and Amazing Grace TV
The platforms are an integral part of our campaign communication architecture aimed at effectively disseminating the ideals, values and principles of our candidate, propagating factual information and democratising our campaign process.
In addition to traditional media, these digital channels are deployed to keep the public abreast of our future plans and campaign activities, and to monitor and act on feedbacks from Akwa Ibom people.
The campaign team has been mandated by Hon. Luke to use these platforms, among others, to attract public input into his Building Together, Growing Together proposal. Members of the public should feel free to contact the feedback team through the dedicated channels listed above.
While we acknowledge and deeply appreciate the immense effort by our supporters to promote our movement through their public and individual online channels, we want to distinctly direct public attention mainly to the official handles of our campaign organisation.
We encourage those who have identified with our cause to please continue to show support, and very importantly, to do so with utmost sense of responsibility, decency and decorum as our campaign is purpose driven.
REP. IDEM APPLAUDS PRESIDENT BUHARI OVER ASSENT ON ELECTORAL BILL
The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Communications, Rep. Unyime Idem has commended President Muhammadu Buhari over the signing of the Amendment Electoral Bill 2022 into law.
Rep. Idem who served as a member of the House of Representatives Conference Committee for the harmonisation on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, said the signing was not only timely, but will enhance the conduct of free and credible elections in the country which the citizens have long yearned for.
Idem who represented the South-South as well as the People’s Democratic Party – PDP in the committee said the law will solve a plethora of issues peculiar to Nigeria’s polity such as the cost of politics, internal party democracy and the introduction of technology in the electoral process.
Recall that President Buhari had withheld his assent to the bill in November 2021, citing the cost of conducting direct primary elections, security challenges, and possible manipulation of electoral processes by political players as part of the reasons for his decision.
The House had re-amended the bill to include the direct and indirect primary options while the Senate re-adjusted it to include the direct, indirect, and consensus modes of selecting political parties’ candidates.
The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency thanked the Speaker and the leadership of the House for finding him worthy to be part of the harmonization committee that set the new electoral template for the country.
2023 GUBER: INI STAKEHOLDERS ENDORSE PASTOR UMO ENO
Ahead of the 2023 gubernatorial election, stakeholders and of Ini LGA have endorsed the 2023 Governorship ambition of the state Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno. The grand endorsement which took place today, Monday February 21, at Ini Council Headquarters, Odoro Ikpe was attended by the MPM Local Government Coordinator and Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, the Chief Whip of AKHA and the LG MPM Secretary, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Ini Council Chairman, Hon. Israel Idaisin, Aides of Governor and other leaders of Ini.
In her remarks, the MPM National Director of Special Services/Ini Coordinator and Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet assured the total support and solidarity of the stakeholders, men, women and youths of Ini LGA to Pastor Umo Eno come 2023 as he takes over from Governor Udom Emmanuel and expressed satisfaction with the choice of Pastor Umo Eno
She called on the people of Ini to continue in their support for Governor Udom Emmanuel and his completion agenda.
Speaking, the Member Representing Ini State Constituency and MPM National Director on Intelligence, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong while describing Pastor Eno as a devoted Christian, noted that the meeting was necessary in order to consolidate on the prevailing peace enjoyed in the state and pledged to align completely with the endorsement of the Governorship aspiration of Pastor Umo Eno come 2023 by Ini Stakeholders.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ini LGA, Hon. Israel Idaisin, in his appreciation to the Stakeholders for maintaining peace in Ini, called on the people of Ini to be firm in their support for Pastor Umo Eno and the completion agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Others who spoke were the PDP Chapter Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel, Ini PDP State Officer, Hon. Saviour Inyang, Leader of Ini Legislature, Hon. Ukpe U. Ukpe, youth Caucas chairman, Comrade Iboro Nnah, representing Ini Youths, Chapter Woman Leader, Mrs. Grace Johnson, SSA Inibehe Uma,representing Governor’s Aides from Ini. Others were, Chief Effiong Udofia, Barr. Inyang Idim, Hon. Effiong Asuquo, Rev. Richard Edikpo, Chief Jerry Efe,
A motion for the adoption of Pastor Umo Eno as Governor come 2023 was moved by Otuekong Emmanuel Ebe and seconded by Barrister Essien Essien.
REP. UNYIME IDEM ENDORSED FOR 2ND TERM IN UKANAFUN LGA.
The people of Northern Afaha Ward 7 in Ukanafun local government area, led by the Political Leader of the area Rt. Hon. Obong Eno Akpan have endorsed Rep. Unyime Idem for second term in office as the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency.
The event which took place at the Civic Center in Ikot Udo Mbang, attracted sons and daughters of the ward who commended the federal lawmaker for effectively representing the people of the area, said he deserves to continue with the people oriented programme for the area.
In his address, the political leader congratulated Rep. Idem for the successes recorded so far and for being committed to the course of the federal constituency by fulfilling his promises to the people through empowerment of the youths and women as well as sustaining the elders accordingly.
While calling for support for the Lawmaker, Obong Akpan described Idem as a marketable product that has surpass the expectations of many people, proving that a first timer can attract dividend of democracy to his people and assured that given a second chance, he will totally transform Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency.
Others who spoke at the event, listed the projects executed by the Lawmaker including the skills acquisition for 5000 constituents, building and renovations of classroom blocks within the federal constituency as well as moving and sponsoring people centred bills and motions in the House of Representatives.
Moving a motion for the adoption of the federal lawmaker for second term, former Chairman of Ukanafun local government area, Uduak Essien said the people of the area were happy with the performance of Rep. Idem in and out of the National Assembly, saying that as one good turn deserves another, Ukanafun deserve to occupy the office for two terms just like Oruk Anam did in the person of Hon. Emmanuel Ukoette.
Special Assistant to the Governor, Ofonime Demas seconded the motion and was adopted by the general house.
Those present at the meeting were the political leader of the local government, Rt. Hon. Obong Eno Akpan, former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Hon. Otobong Jonathan, former Chairman, Ukanafun local government area and Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Uduak Essien, Hon. Sunday Amos, Obong Ikpaisong Afaha, Kelvin Udoworen, 7 village heads, 20 family heads, Ward Chairman, Marble Inyang, Woman leader, Councillor, Hon. Ifiok, Hon. Ofonime Demas and Supervisor for Youth and Culture, Hon. Godwin Ebong among others.
Luke Cautions Against Politizing House Resolutions
Member representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke has condemned the attempt at misinterpreting motions and resolutions of the House of Representatives as seeking political vendetta during plenary on Thursday.
Luke who came under point of privilege expressed displeasure and disbelief over the action of a section of the media that reduced the resolution the House passed on Wednesday mandating its Committee on Reformatory Institutions to investigate the appalling working conditions, lack of facilities and the poor welfare of the personnel and inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service to claim that it was a political fight initiated by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila and targeted at the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The Akwa Ibom Lawmaker insisted that the motion had nothing to do with Gbajabiamila as a person but a normal parliamentary decision seeking to investigate how funds budgeted for a federal government agency were utilised.
According to Luke; “It was not the decision of Mr Speaker, but the decision of the entire House” . “This was a motion sponsored by the Minority Leader of the House to investigate the sordid state of Nigeria Correctional Service, despite the N165bn budgeted for its operations in the last two years”.
He went on to reel out several other resolutions previously passed by the House for the primary purpose of making institutions perform better, as against fighting the individuals heading them.
Excerpt on: THE ROLE OF YOUTHS IN THE FORTH-COMING ELECTIONS, A COLLOQUIUM ORGANIZED FOR ABAK 5 BY LEARNERS FIELD INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, UTU ABAK, ABAK LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
Mr. Nsidibe Essien Speaks:
Hear him:
“Election is the formal process of selecting a person for public office or of accepting or rejecting a political proposition by voting. However, it is important to distinguish between the form and the substance of elections.
In some cases, electoral forms are present but the substance of an election is missing, as when voters do not have a free and genuine choice between at least two alternatives.
Most countries hold elections in at least the formal sense, but in many of them the elections are not competitive for example all but one party may be forbidden to contest or the electoral situation is in other respects highly compromised.
The topic of today is focusing on the youths involvement in politics. Youths need real opportunities to participate in political processes and contribute to practical solutions that advance development. When given an opportunity to organize, voice their opinions and play a meaningful role in political decision making, young people consistently demonstrate their willingness and ability to foster positive, lasting change. They also become more likely to demand and defend democracy, and gain a greater sense of belonging.
In Oruk Anam LGA, it has become imperative that youths should be allowed to get in involved in the activities of politics. It is very bad that over time, our youths have been used as tools for political missile, some politicians empower our youths to fight and destroy each other instead of getting positive involvement.
So, our youths should not enter politics as thugs to avoid being used as political missiles. This time, they should have a renewed mindset, youths should enter politics with a defining characteristic and positive mindset. Do not dream to become a politician as a thug.
The youth must prepare themselves for tomorrow. Youths should not be thinking about the benefits because, they want to become thugs, instead work on themselves. The should think of what to add to politics.
We know that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow. Beyond that, the youths must get adequate preparation not the negative preparation.
Don’t go to an election venue with weapons, the governor of our beloved state, H.E. Udom Emmanuel has spent so much time to preach peace and peace has come to stay. So, let us as youths think of how to maintain this peace. The youths should not use elections to destroy the much valued peace in our land”.
ORUK ANAM STATE CONSTITUENCY 2023, NSIDIBE ESSIEN DESIGNS TEMPLATE TO RUN AN INCLUSIVE ADMINISTRATION.
Across the globe, individuals aren’t the only voices demanding social and economic equality. Organizations, too, have taken a stand.
From corporations to small businesses to nonprofits, we’ve seen a range of responses aimed at denouncing racism and pledging commitments to greater equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Hon. Nsidibe Essien promise to use his vast knowledge in the private and public sector to run an inclusive system administration if elected to represent Oruk Anam State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House Assembly come 2023.
Essien who is the chairman of Platinum Conglomerates and Platinum Regal Academy in Uyo, says he will run an administration that will give room to open suggestions, programs and activities that will better the lives of his constituents.
“I don’t know how to say what I will not be able to do, I know my ability and I know with my experience in leadership and in business, I will make sure that Oruk Anam LGA and her people have sense of belonging, empowering my constituents will my core duty in the state assembly, I promise have quarterly press briefing to get opinion of my constituents in running a successful administration.”
I will definitely promote education by making sure that students bursary is paid as at when due, scholarships will be given to our brilliant students in public higher institutions within the country, the aged men and women will never be left behind, there is going to be massive youth development and community programs, many entrepreneurs will be empowered. There will be timely response to issues affecting Oruk Anam people and Akwa Ibom people in general.”
Inclusive leaders are individuals who are aware of their own biases and actively seek out and consider different perspectives to inform their decision-making and collaborate more effectively with others.
I willingly give out myself to lead my people and transform my beautiful Oruk Anam LGA, so I pledge…
Mr. Nsidibe Essien said this while responding to questions yesterday at a colloquium organized by Learner’s Field International School, UTU ABAK, ABAK LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
Joining the train to declare support to Pastor Umo Eno is the entire stakeholders and people of Ika Local Government Area.
Setting the tone for the event, the Executive Chairman, Ika Local Government Area, Hon. Malachy Ukpe informed that “today we came to receive Rt. Hon. Gabriel Toby, a former House of Assembly Member alongside his team of supporters back to the Peoples Democratic Party fold”.
The Executive Chairman stated that the former Lawmaker only went to experiment with another party and is back with feedback to indicate that no other party is as united, coordinated and development – oriented as PDP.
Receiving Rt. Hon. Gabriel Toby back into the Party, Ika PDP Chapter Chairman, Hon. Iboro Nelson eulogised the Former Lawmaker as a good man full of humility and dexterity, saying that his coming back to the Party is ultimately to unit the Party in Ika as he has always been doing. He further stressed that, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Toby was a unifying factor in PDP and his defection was a sad occurrence, but his return has brought a change in the narrative.
Welcoming Rt. Hon. Gabriel Toby and his team of supporters numbering over 500 into the party, the State Party Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan lamented the sadness that characterized his defection to APC as at the time. He expressed delight for his timely return to the party, emphasising that his coming back to the Party is a plus and a show of how less significant APC is in the State.
Appreciating Rt. Hon. Gabriel Toby for a step taken in the right direction, the Former Attorney General, Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, observed that, Hon. Gabriel Toby is a man whose good deeds when he was in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly continues to endure till today. He added that, Hon. Toby is a good man, a dedicated and committed team player. The former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General also expressed the unwavering support of the entirety of Ika people to the Governorship aspiration of Pastor Umo Eno.
Stating reasons behind his return to the party, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Toby noted that his return to the party is in recognition of the development strides of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, the all inclusive politics and fatherly role displayed by Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem and the love showered on him by the State Party Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, adding that PDP remains the only political party that has provided visionary and directional leadership to Akwa Ibom people over the years.
Hon. Gabriel Toby decried the instability associated with APC, pledging to remain loyal to the party, as his coming back shall be to join hands in building the Party. He regretted his defection to APC on the account that his going to APC has brought him no significant gain. He established that whatever he is today was made possible on the platform of the PDP. Recalling that, he became Councillor and House of Assembly Member on the platform of the PDP.
The Member Representing Abak Federal Constituency, Hon. Aniekan Umanah and Member Representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency joinly welcomed the former lawmaker back to the party, saying that Rt. Hon. Toby is a good man and a material worth having in the party.
In his remarks, while eulogising the sterling qualities of Rt. Hon. Gabriel Toby, the Chairman, Maintain Peace Movement, MPM, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem expressed joy over Hon. Gabriel Toby’s return to the Party, describing Hon. Toby as a good Man and a stabilizing factor in the politics of Ika.
The in – coming Senator for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem noted that it is not out of place to make mistakes, but the inability to acknowledge and correct same is what is most denigrating. Adding in the same that, Hon. Gabriel Toby has recognised and corrected his mistake making him a man full of foresight.
The Maintain Peace Boss maintained that Pastor Umo Eno remains the sole aspirant for Governorship come 2023, urging Ika people to remain steadfast and consistent in their support to the Governor’s succession plan and completion agenda.
To witness the event were: Chairman Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, PDP State Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, Member Representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/ Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Member Representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, Hon. Mfon Idung, Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Imoh Moffat, Executive Chairman, Ika Local Government Area, Hon. Malachy Ukpe, Ika PDP Chapter Chairman, Hon. Iboro Nelson, Etim Ekpo PDP Chapter Chairman, Hon. Aniekan Dan, Hon. Udeme Eduo, Hon. Anthony Udousung, Cat. Biatus Udofia, Hon. Dr. Sunday Oyomette, Otuekong Wils Inyang, Hon. Mrs. Inibehe Silas, Mrs. Victoria Mel, Mr. Ernest Essien, Apostle Samuel Noah, Bishop Bassey Akpan, Hon. Francis Idungafa, Hon. Richard Jonathan. Elders, Women groups, Youths, amongst others.
I had long decided that in this buildup to 2023, I’ll only respond to intelligent arguments on who is bringing what approach to governance, and more as it concerns the plans and preparedness of my principal for the collective good of Akwa Ibom state. At the same time, I’d vowed to ignore the low-thinking fellows who think mudslinging is the easiest way to get attention or the Jacobs whose hands are being hired by Esaus to act as supporters while throwing mud at a target they’re pretending to support.
Or what else would make one cynically ignore the glaring records OAL has set in public service, and concoct some agbo-like tasting lies? A mere typing Onofiok Luke on google will lead you to scores of reports of one record or the other.
HOWEVER For the sake of rational minds, I have taken time to bring some of those records here. This way, they can clearly separate truth from lies, especially such from busybodies.
To start with, OAL has never sponsored any bill that sought favours for the already privileged. It’s either his bill targeted the underprivileged or sought amenity for the generality of citizens. Examples in this regard are: bill to prohibit discrimination of persons living with HIV/AIDS; Primary Healthcare bill which aimed at getting Akwa Ibom to adopt the Universal Health Coverage Scheme; the social housing bill, etc.
Oversighting? As chairman of appropriation and finance, the man introduced participatory budgeting in the state (getting Akwa Ibom into record as one of the first, if not the first government[s] in the country), where citizens could contribute and shape budgeting processes in the state. It was his scrutiny, still as chairman of same committee, that discovered a certain N1bn aviation fund that was unaccounted for. I don’t want to go into details of what he suffered for having that audacity to confront the powers. As Speaker, he advanced that participatory system to an open door policy, where every bill presented before the house was subjected to the public, to have citizens’ inputs in the legislative process. That was reason for the many public hearings that held during his reign.
Representation? Of course, no one would doubt that Nsit Ubium state constituency had a voice, and a very loud, vibrant one at that, in the house of assembly between 2011 and 2019. In terms of the Nigerian language of representation (constituency briefings and empowerment, it was Luke setting the pace for others to follow. In case you’re partially briefed, know for free that Onofiok Luke’s first constituency briefing and empowerment was in his first 8/9 months in office (June 2011 and March 2012 – you can do the calculation yourself.) At this event, he gave BRAND NEW CARS (not direct tokunbo) to his constituents. His second constituency briefing in the same tenure came about 18 months after, during which, 175 women were given startup fund of 100k each (totalling N17.5m) among other packages for the youths, etc, as well as cars and other business support equipments.
In his second term as speaker, Onofiok Luke, on two occasions, risked his seat to take the floor of the chamber to present the primary healthcare and social housing scheme bills. Whoever knows the politics of the legislature knows that at the points of dissolving into the COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE or SUPPLY(in the case of financial matters) or stepping down to present a bill, a speaker can be easily impeached. In fact, a friend of his was even scared for him and had to advise him against it. But he was never deterred because he could not protect his seat at the expense of collective good. He knew the advantage those bills (when implemented) will bring to the collective of Akwa Ibomites and that was worth risking his seat for. It was testimonies from this depth of representation that Nsit Ibom and Etinan heard and rooted for him to also represent them in the national assembly. That’s for the state legislature.
Forward to the national assembly. Most of his bills here have sought reforms in the judiciary and justice system in the country. You can follow the link below to have a more details.
(Wherever this link takes you, kindly pay attention to paragraph number 3)
Also recently, Inibehe Effiong, the human rights lawyer, while on Arise TV, raised issues about a certain constitutional provision that demands an approval from the attorney general before a court ruling against a government is executed. Several ither lawyers have also complained about that very bottleneck, as they confessed to how the AGs have been frustrating their clients from enjoying the cases they won. This is one of the reforms Onofiok Luke had long sought through a motion currently under process in the house of reps. The said motion seeks amendment of that part of the constitution to relieve the AG of such powers as it is needless, so that once a person pays for legal services and the lawyer suffers to get victory for his client, they can enjoy their victory. Moreover, such provision is equal to giving the loser of a case the power to decide when the winner will enjoy their victory.
Oversighting, the federal judiciary will rightly give you testimonies of having Onofiok heading that committee. Is it about advocating for the welfare of judges and judiciary staff? Advocating for more security for judges in other to have them dispense justice rightly without fear for their lives? In one of his legislative acts, the man advocated for a raise in salary of judges. His reason being that, if judges are being prohibited from doing business and socializing, hence restricting their source of income to only one source, providing better remuneration packages for them will be the best way of ensuring they don’t accept bribes or sell justice. I see you asking how the judges’ packages affect the common man… yes it does because the judiciary is supposed to be the last hope of the common man. Now if a powerful or rich man forcefully take a land belonging to a common farmer, where would he run to? And if the judges are not prevented from possibly selling justice, what hope would there be for the farmer in this case?
Stop asking about Onofiok’s businesses and who he is employing. Man has said severally that his calling to public service had pre-told him he won’t be wealthy while in service. Onofiok is not the first to enter and leave public service without making wealth. Ex governor Victor Attah for instance was governor for 8 years, where are his businesses? But are we still feeling impacts of his administration? If Onofiok has chosen to help other startup businesses instead of himself, let him be. That is his conviction.
Lastly, we understand that Onofiok Akpan Luke failed by disappointing some benighted minds who think an activist should have no other approach to dealing with issues other than fighting. Onofiok Luke disappointed them by no being the childish speaker who runs to social media to disagree with the governor. They will probably never know that Onofiok is never a coward and will rather drive to the government house to confront/disagree with the governor, unlike their paymaster who do ALL CORRECT SIR around the governor but be grumbling in complaints behind him. He has failed them by not leading youths on street protests and risking their lives in desperation for power. He has disappointed them by finding better approaches to seeking the mandate of the people without exposing the children of others to harms way. But there is only one disappointment left… the disappointment of letting them know in practical terms that no one has the monopoly of mudslinging.
Ubong Sampson writes from the Altar of Christ Methodist Church.
EKET SENATORIAL DISTRICT SHOCKS GIPA CAUCUS WITH MASS MOBILISATION
…declares unflinching support for the Governor’s succession plans
Members of Greater Ibom Political Alliance, Eket Senatorial District have declared unalloyed and unflinching support for the succession plan of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel
The assertion was made on Thursday, 10th February, 2021 while receiving members of the State Executives in an Enlarged Meeting of the Senatorial District, held at travel Man Hotel, Eket LG.
Briefing the State Caucus, the Senatorial Coordinator, Hon. Mary Ita Effiong expressed readiness of members in the district, stating that GIPA remain sacrosanct, commited and unshakable
While presenting members of her Excos and LG Coordinators, Hon. Mary opined that, no stone is left unturned in extended GIPA to the least of unit in the district
The International President of the formidable socio-political organisation, Mr. Titus Inyang who witnessed shock over the massive turnout, expressed satisfaction on the show of solidarity
Analysing the Modus-operandi of the organisation, Mr. Inyang spoke extensively on what GIPA stand to represent, urging the people of Eket Senatorial District to remain focus and committed in tendering unflinching support to the completion agenda of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, as well as His succession plans
The general secretary, Apst. Kokoette Jimmy who gave a flashback on the origination of the organisation, asked that the spirit be refreshed as it was at the Divine Mandate Campaign Organization. He therefore appreciated the level of commitment and maturity displayed by members of the organisation in the area, stating that the organisation remain topnotch in the lips of people and polity of the day
Speaking on the formidability of the organisation, the State Youth Leader, Hon. Nsidibe Asuquo hinted members on the groups’ position in the campaign trail, stating that the organisation remains upteeth according to the concept of “political inclusivism” (Inclusiveness). He acknowledged various contribution of members of the district, urging them to remain committed in saving the organisational legacies.
Others who spoke extensively includes, State Patron I – Elder Dr. Isong Ukpong (JP), State Treasurer – Mrs. Roseline Andrew, State Women Leader – Obongawan Mma Udo, Director of Religious Affairs – Apst. Peter, amongst others.
High point of the meeting was the presentation of Eket Senatorial District Excos and LG Coordinators for formal endorsement in preparation of her inauguration.
Member representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom /Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke paid his last respect to his constituent former Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Late Comrade Unyime Usoro who was laid to rest in his hometown in Ikot Abasi 1 in Etinan Local Government Area on Friday.
Luke described Late Usoro as a man who had contributed his service to the state and humanity. He lauded former labour leader for his selflessness and sacrifice for the welfare of workers in the state.
He admonished the family of the departed labour leader to take consolation in God Almighty who would be there for them even beyond their moment of grief.
The funeral service was conducted by Qua Iboe Church, Ewet Offot at the Council Headquarters in Etinan.
Member representing Etinan /Nsit Ibom /Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke has lamented the increase in adulterated fuel sold in Nigeria. He stated this while contributing to the debate on a matter of urgent public importance on: The need to investigate the importation, procurement, release and sale of adulterated fuel into the country considering its devastating effects on Nigerians brought before the House by Rep Mohammed Monguno during plenary on Thursday.
According to Luke; “Nigeria as a whole has been faced with so many challenges in the different sectors of the economy which has made life difficult, even in accessing healthcare, even in education, even in security and today because of adulterated fuel we are adding additional hardship to Nigerians”.
” The things that Nigerians should access freely without any challenges are becoming an issue, are becoming a big burden on them. One of the things we must do to bring back the confidence of Nigerians in government and most especially the legislature is the position we must take in this matter”.
He called for a decisive decision by the House to ensure erring parties are held accountable so that Nigerians can know they have a voice in governance. He also called for the sanctioning of the regulatory agencies as the NNPC has already acknowledged sabotage. He further stated that those saddled with the responsibility of inspecting the product at the point of loading and offloading should check adulteration of the product.
The Lawmaker said the present situation calls for government to support agencies for the establishment of modular refineries and rehabilitation of existing refineries. He added that the establishment and licensing of modular refineries will aid in refining crude oil for use by Nigerians.
Media Office Etinan/Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency.
Reps seeks to regulate online advertising of drugs
….. FCCPC should take necessary steps to protect consumers – Onofiok Luke
Member representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke has raised concerns over the indiscriminate online advertisement and sale of drugs. Luke presenting a motion of urgent national importance on; URGENT NEED TO REGULATE ONLINE ADVERTISING AND SALE OF DRUGS FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC during plenary on Tuesday.
He said that online vendors have capitalised on free access to internet and social media platforms to advertise and sell unregistered and sometimes fake drugs to unsuspecting members of the public.
Luke noted; “that given the false, exaggerated and absolute claims made in online advertisement of drugs, members of the public are enticed into buying these drugs ranging from dietary supplements, cholesterol-lowering medicine, analgesics (including tramadol and aspirin) to Viagra and ‘manpower drugs’, some of which are unregistered and purchased without prescription by a doctor or advice of a pharmacist”.
He recounted the adverse effect that the action has caused the public. “Some of these drugs are sold without an indication or health warning of the side effects, and members of the public who purchased them have complained of developing symptoms of vomiting, stooling, body weakness, severe body pains, swelling, shortness of breath, fainting, erectile dysfunction, etc., necessitating them seeking medical attention in hospital”.
The House resolved that relevant agencies and bodies like the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacists Council of Nigeria and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) should put checks on the activities of these online advertisers of drugs.
2023: A’IBOM PDP ASSURES OF LEVELLED GROUND FOR ALL ASPIRANTS
In the build up to 2023 general elections in Akwa Ibom State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has assured aspirants of a levelled playing ground in their bid to win the party’s ticket and stand election on the platform of PDP.
Akwa Ibom State Chairman of PDP, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Akpan, who conveyed the party’s message in Uyo, Tuesday February 8, 2022, while receiving a gubernatorial aspirant, Pastor Umo Eno who arrived the party secretariat for consultation, hinted that PDP in Akwa Ibom will not close its doors against any aspirant seeking any office on the platform of the party, as every PDP aspirant is important to the party.
“As always, we have opened the doors of the party for all aspirants to come for consultations and we assure every aspirant of fair treatment. The nomination process will be very fair and transparent in line with the democratic ideals of our party”, Akpan said.
On his part, Pastor Eno who sought the party’s support for his aspiration, pledged to continue on the path of excellence in governance that the party has been known for, explaining his agenda to cover tourism, job creation and economic expansion, in line with existing blue print of development in the state.
The Nsit Ubium born business man also gave assurance that he will make the party proud with his policies, should he be nominated and subsequently elected to succeed Governor Udom Emmanuel whom he acknowledged as great leader in the state.
Speaking seperately at the meeting, the Umo Eno gubernatorial campaign Director General, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, the National Chairman of Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem and the Deputy Director General of the campaign group, Prince Godwin Ntukudeh, extolled the qualities of Pastor Umo Eno as a marketable product of the party, calling for more stakeholders to align with the aspirant.
Others who spoke included the Chief Whip of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emmanuel Ekpenyong, the Dean of Commissioners and Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, Chairman of the State Secondary Education Board, Dr. Ekaette Ebong Okon, Commissioner for Culture & Tourism, Hon. Orman Esin and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth, Hon. Aniefiok Iwaudofia.
Present at the consultation were stakeholders of the party including the National Ex-Officio of PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo, state officers of the party, chapter Chairmen and local government Chairmen.
AKHA CONFIRMS ISAIAH ROBSON NTEKIM AS STATE AUDITOR-GENERAL
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of Isaiah Robson Ntekim as the State Auditor-General.
The confirmation of his nomination followed a report of the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Public Petitions during Thursday’s plenary.
Presenting the report, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Victor Ekwere (Mkpat Enin), said after due legislative procedure and consideration, the Governor’s nominee was found qualified and worthy without any petition and adverse report against his person while he also met the requirements for the appointment.
The House which was presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey adopted the report of the Committee after scrutiny of the nominee at the Committee of the Whole House and the nominee’s appointment ratified.
The Speaker thereafter ordered the Clerk, Mrs Mandu Umoren to communicate the decision of the House to the State Governor, HE Udom Emmanuel.
Meanwhile, earlier at the plenary, the House received two Executive Bills from the Governor as read by the Clerk.
The Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong moved for the House to give further legislative actions on the bills and was seconded by the Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Nse Essien.
The Bills are: ‘A Bill for a Law to provide for the development and regulation of the Water Sector, establishment of Water Corporation, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Water Council and Regulatory Commission and Waste Water Management and Other Matters Connected therewith;’ and ‘A Bill for a Law to make provisions for the regulation of Outdoor Structure and Advertisement in Akwa Ibom State and for Other Matters Connected therewith.’
The Bills were subsequently referred to the relevant Standing Committees of the House for further legislative scrutiny.
LUKE COMMENDS FMR PRESIDENT JONATHAN FOR PEACE EFFORT IN AFRICA
The member representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency Mr Onofiok Luke has lauded the peace efforts of former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan in Africa. Contributing to the debate on a matter of urgent public importance; “On the need to address the creeping resurgence of military coups in the West African subregion” brought by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere on floor of the House today, Luke stated that since Africa has seen the benefit of democracy globally, it is right to rise and condemn any action truncating democracy in the continent.
He recalled the role that Dr Jonathan played in 2015 when as an incumbent, conceded defeat to his opponent in the Presidential election an action he described as a panacea for peace.
Luke applauded the role Nigeria continues to play in the conservation and stabilization of Africa’s democracy. He also commended former President Jonathan with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring democratic stability in the West African subregion.
The lawmaker stated that since Nigeria is in the leadership of the West African subregion, the country should use that power to continue to ensure democratic stability within the region and resist any of such military or forceful disruption of democratic rule.
He said that military coups increase the indices of economic sanctions and world distrust in business spheres for African countries and will lead to further impoverishment of the people.
As the pre-election season comes upon us again as a people, our party – the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, famed for always conducting her affairs with utmost decency, respect for party familial ties, and dialogue wish to remind our members of the need to uphold the time-tested virtue of decorum as they ventilate their respective aspirations.
It is trite that one of the character checks for anyone seeking to serve the people is the ability to sell the objectives and visions of his aspirations to the delegates and electorate with utmost civility. The ability to do this of course also sends a strong message on the kind of leadership or representation the people should expect.
Our Party believes that our State is in a stage of her development where the vice of politically-sponsored blackmail, vitriolic attacks, mudslinging and smear campaigns should not be offered the privilege of mention or a place in our journey towards electing those to lead in 2023.
We therefore urge partymen and women to ensure that their actions and those of their supporters stay with the acceptable path of refinement which the PDP continues to live by.
We trust that the Same God who has been our guide through successive electoral victories, will be by our side as we journey to the 2023 elections.
Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Akpan State Chairman Peoples Democratic Party Akwa Ibom State January 26, 2022
Medical intelligence and surveillance represent a very useful component in the health care system, especially regarding control of diseases outbreak, bioattack, etc. There is increasing role of automated-based medical intelligence and surveillance systems, in addition to the traditional manual pattern of document retrieval in advanced medical setting such as those in western and European countries. This is what the GOAL Project is currently understudying to see where it can be modified to suit the Nigerian, nay Akwa Ibom realities and when given the mandate, how it can be adopted and implemented towards boosting healthcare delivery and the health sector in the state. This approach in the GOALs proposes a plan that covers both facilities and workers at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels in the health sector.
The said GOALs proposes, basically, from the bottom–proper and adequate training for community health workers to globally required standard and upgrading of primary health centers to bear the features of proper health service facilities, to the top– providing secondary facilities with the needed human expertise and equipment to properly handle serious medical situations… and further compelling the tertiary facilites which are mostly private-owned to up, or in the least, maintain their standards and roles in complicated situations. To achieve this level of success in healthcare in this modern era, a system well grounded in routine surveillance and medical intelligence as the backbone of the health sector is necessary, besides adequate management and strong leadership principles.
With particular interest in tackling deficiencies in health consciousness among the rural population considered to be less literate and underprivileged in health education, the GOAL Project is considering, as solution, the upgrading the standard of training for health workers at the community level. As contained in the Universal Health Coverage Scheme, the minimum qualification for the lowest level level in the profession is a diploma certificate. For this reason, the Project believes in the possibility of recruiting the needed human resources and the provision of facilities to train and certify the community health workers at the universally required standard. This, the project believes, will help boost the spread of knowledge on preventive health measures, especially among these less literate population in the rural areas. And not disregarding the high level of disinterest on the part of health workers in serving at community health facilities and the negative effects of this, Project went digging to identify electric power, security and the lack of both, as reason. As a way of tackling this, the Project considers equipping these facilities to guarantee safety of the health workers in interior locations, as well as restore their confidence and commitment to their chosen area of public service.
With a focus on health system development, and emphasis on basic health services, the PHC bill sponsored by Luke and made law under his led sixth Akwa Ibom House of Assembly was prompted by the realized need to strengthen healthcare delivery system in the state in line with the Universal Health Coverage sometimes referred to as Universal Health Care, Universal Coverage, or Universal Care, which is defined as a health care system that provides health care and financial protection to all citizens. The Universal Health Coverage is organized around providing a specified package of benefits to all members of a society with the end goal of providing financial risk protection, improved access to health services, and improved health outcomes. With the bill passed into law, the state was just waiting for its implementation (beginning with the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency) to join the queue of subnationals in the country which then only had Jigawa (under Gunduma Health Board); Rivers (under Primary Healthcare Mgt Board- PHCMB); Lagos and Kano (under Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Now working and hoping on being given the mandate that will empower him to make policies and expend resources for the development of the state, the GOAL project has, as part of its plans, turning this passion into evident developmental strides in the Akwa Ibom state health sector. Understanding that the healthcare industry is one of the most hazardous environments to work in, with its employees constantly exposed to a complex variety of health and safety hazards in the course of their work coupled with the stress of long and stretching working hours, the goal project is of the consideration that initiating and effecting a boost in what constitute the welfare packages of these health workers will largely aid their sustainability. This consideration goes beyond the monetary aspect, to the mental and physical health of the workers. For instance, while working around the clock to meet expectations on public health needs, very little or no attention is given to the health needs of the workers. This is possibly due to the general view of the health workers as superhumans, and with ready access to health facilities. However, the GOAL Project understands that this view is far from the case in reality, hence, the need for what the Project terms THE DOCTORS’ DOCTOR and THE DOCTORS’ CLINIC— a development that will see to the recruitment of special health workers and facilities for health workers to help keep their mental and physical health in balanced states. With this development, Akwa Ibom will not only make history as the initiator, but will also show one workable solution to part of the problems in the country’s health sector.
Upon also noting that this sector in the country is still using the manual approach to keeping public health records, in a era when developed climes are discussing and operating medical artificial intelligence– sadly, constituting part of why the country is far behind in the global healthcare delivery standards, Project believes Akwa Ibom, despite being a sub-national unit, can set the pace by creating under the health ministry, a working central health information management system with a database where public health records can be stored and easily retrieved by merely keying in their personal identity details. The advantage of this is that a citizen can choose to change who provides them medical services without or the facility where they usually seek and get medicare without having to consult the former person or facility for their health records. This will also save the sector workers the stress of having to rummage heaps of manual files to access health information of patients.
Ending, without having him confess to this, I can guess the health sector to be one of the sectors that will enjoy impacting attention from the GOAL administration, trusting God that the gubernatorial ambition of Onofiok Luke becomes reality. This is so, not only because the sector is one of the very critical social sectors in governance, but as well because of the so much passionate interest man has overtime shown in this sector and its development; the empathy towards its workers, especially those at the lowest rum— community health workers can also add to this. His sponsored primary healthcare bill during the state assembly days, to the several voices of advocacy he lent to the development of the sector and improvement of workers’ welfare will pass as stark evidence in this regard. This, with his several other contributory efforts to healthcare development in the state, was loud enough to get the attention of the Aniekeme Uwah led Nigerian Medical Association – Akwa Ibom state branch which, apparently having seen in him a worthy partner in the championing of courses concerning health sector development in the state, had chosen to recognise his efforts by honouring him with an award.
AmazingGrace
GOAL_For2023
Ubong Sampson (08021419939) writes from Asaba, Delta State.
NOBODY OPPOSING ENOIDEM’S ENDORSEMENT IS A STAKEHOLDER OF ISD – NWOKO
Former Chief Law Officer reveals real reason behind backlash, hints what will happen to others mulling over Senate election in 2023
Because Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko , SAN is a man who never shy away from controversy, he has become the first Stakeholder of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to break silence on the controversial new year Stakeholders endorsement of the immediate past National Legal Adviser of the PDP and incumbent National Chairman of Maintain Peace Movement, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem for Akwa Ibom North West Senate Seat.
While Speaking on a breakfast programme on Premium 89.9fm, Nwoko stamped his feat on several issues stirring controversies in his senatorial district, disclaiming that those heating up the polity with criticism of Barr. Enoidem’s endorsement are Stakeholders of the Senatorial District.
“None of them are Stakeholders of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. The question one may ask is, who and who constitute the Stakeholders body of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District? When you see the list of those who signed the communique, you will find a clear answer “.
Curious over Barr. Nwoko’s disclaimer, the show host probed and got succinct response on what led to the invitation of non stakeholders on the day stakeholders of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District gathered.
“This is what transpired on that day. His Excellency the Deputy Governor convened his yearly get-together which isn’t exclusive to just stakeholders. The communique that was read in the meeting that day, wasn’t a referendum of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. It’s just that some people don’t seem to understand the difference between Stakeholders and the general public. Certain persons who are not stakeholders but would happen to be in the meeting simply because it was an enlarged meeting began to feel like they are stakeholders. The mere fact that you got into a stakehoders meeting doesn’t make you a stakeholder.
When you go to every local government, we have certain persons who can be selected to be stakeholders. In most cases, they’re just 5 or 10, depending on how big the local government is. So, in Ika, I signed. In Ikot Ekpene, Senator Emmanuel Ibokette signed. The deputy governor signed in Abak. Hon. Aniekan Umanah who is the representative of the federal constituency signed too.
In every local government of the Senatorial district, all the major stakeholders signed the document. It wasn’t a referendum which requires the opinion of everybody. It was a communique of stakeholders.
The people that made the noise at the get-together were not stakeholders. None of them qualify as a stakeholder. They are people who were just invited so that every local government of the senatorial district can have up to 20 people at the get-together. So, because of the mixed crowd, some people who were just invited to come and eat, drink, dance and take transport money home began to clamour that they should have been allowed to sign or that they should have been carried along in the process of the communique. It’s not done that way “.
Clearing air on whether the Stakeholders’ endorsement of Barr. Enoidem hampers the aspiration of any other contender in the Senatorial district, Barr. Nwoko said no.
“The endorsement of Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem by the Stakeholders does not stop any other aspiration. You are entitled to aspire but as I speak with you, nobody has consulted me. Let people play politics the way it should be. They don’t need the Stakeholders to become anything but they have to market themselves because the ultimate say is with the people. Sadly, they’re not even marketing themselves to neither the masses nor the stakeholders.
We made it clear that Barr. Enoidem was endorsed as an aspirant, not as a candidate. No candidate has been chosen. What that means is that every aspirant can go to the political market and sell themselves. So if you can convince me tomorrow, nothing is foreclosed. If you can convince me tomorrow that your aspirant is better than the one we are supporting, we make him the candidate. So there is nothing we have done that is undermining the aspiration of others. Their only issue is fear. The PDP is a very democratic structure.
Even if you’re not from Abak federal constituency, you can still step forward and contest. But as of this moment, we sincerely believe that the people of Abak federal constituency deserve the seat because that’s the only federal constituency that has never produced someone at the red chambers.”
“Enoidem is more than qualified “, Nwoko furthered. “Those who know me over the years know that, yes I play politics but I’m not used to massaging people’s ego, I’m not used to sycophancy. There is no value of such to my integrity. The amount of money that can be used to purchase my good name has not been printed. My support for Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem is because I know that he is very competent to represent us. He is fearless, a man who will say the truth before anybody at anytime.
When he goes to the Senate, he can meet anybody shoulder to shoulder and negotiate the rights and entitlement of our Senatorial district. He has interacted at the highest level in the country. As the National Legal Adviser of the PDP, there is no class of people he didn’t meet, no class of politicians he didn’t meet. His tentacles spreads all over the country”.
Re – IKONO/INI HOUSE OF REPS RACE: DR. GLORY EDET CHICKENS OUT
The attention of the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet has been drawn to a Newspaper Publication with the above headline on the cover page of The Ibom Informer, dated January 25, 2022.
This spuriously fabricated story, is concocted, blatant lies and exists only in the imagination of desperate politicians, intimidated aspirants and their paid media urchins whose unpretentious intent and purpose is to create panic and political mischief in Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency and the general public.
It is also important to note that Dr. Glory Edet is loved by her people as most stakeholders, youths and women of the two sister LGAs wants her to contest and represent the people of Ikono/Ini in the House of Representatives come 2023.
The Honourable Commissioner for now is focused on interpreting the ideologies of the Governor in the Agriculture Sector, his completion agenda and succession plan and will not be perturbed by cheap blackmail by desperate political scavengers.
The general public is advised to ignore the fake story and relegate same to the trash can.
Signed:
Daniel Edward, Media Aide to the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture
SPEAKER CANVASSES BETTER WELFARE, REMUNERATION FOR JUDICIAL OFFICERS
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr Femi Gbajabiamila has canvassed better welfare and remuneration of judicial officers for efficient justice delivery.
He stated this on Tuesday at the 2022 Justice Sector Summit organised by the Nigerian Bar Association and the Justice Research Institute in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Justice Reform Project held at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
The Speaker, who was represented by Mr Onofiok Luke, Chairman House Committee on Judiciary, also called for reforms in the justice sector for efficient and speedy justice dispensation.
The event had in attendance the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osibanjo SAN, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami SAN Justices of the Supreme Court, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata and other eminent Nigerians.
IBOM VOICE MEDIA 