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WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, MR SPEAKER , Rt HON. TAJUDEEN ABASS
My brother and colleague in the 9th House, your election as Speaker of the 10th House is a thing of pride to me . Your contributions in the 9th House of Representatives clearly put you on the pedestal of this honour as first -among- equals.
I congratulate you on your emergence and believe very confidently that you will lead the House well and deliver to our nation the good of democracy.
On behalf of my family and teeming supporters, I say congratulations to you, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abass.
It is with deep sense of pride and fulfilment that I welcome your emergence as President of the Senate and Chairman of the 10th National Assembly.
I recall with pride your great sacrifices in raising many of us and today God in his infinite grace has exalted you to the number 3 position of our great nation.
I am never in doubt that your wealth of experience and love for this nation will galvanise our nation toward prosperity.
I thank Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and your party for standing by you and giving the South South Region a sense of belonging in our federation.
On behalf of my family and support base, I extend my congratulations to you Mr Senate President, Chief Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio CON. You are our Pride
GOVERNOR UMO ENO CONGRATULATES SENATOR AKPABIO ON HIS EMERGENCE AS SENATE PRESIDENT
…says it’s harbinger of development for the state
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has congratulated Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on his election as President of the 10th Senate as he calls for celebration from Akwa Ibom people with no recourse to party lines.
Governor Umo Eno congratulated Senator Akpabio on his elevation while fielding questions from Government House Correspondents at the Victor Attah International Airport, on his way out of the state for official engagement.
The state Chief Executive described Senator Akpabio’s election as Nigeria’s number three citizen as a milestone for the people of the state, explaining that the feat was a harbinger of good things to come for the state, especially linking the state to the government at the centre to expedite development.
“We’re very excited. Every Akwa Ibom person today should be thankful to God and be happy because the number three man in this country is from Akwa Ibom. That means development wise, we can now link our state to the centre and we can collaborate”, Governor Eno remarked.
He congratulated the Akwa Ibom former governor and second time Senator, Chief Godswill Akpabio on his emergence as the President of the 10th Senate and charged citizens of the state to celebrate and thank God for the feat.
“we congratulate him and I know that its a great milestone for Akwa Ibom State and every Akwa Ibomites, across party lines should be happy and thankful to God”, he added.
Governor Umo Eno says he is ready to work with former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio as he is sworn in today as Senate President of the 10th Assembly.
Governor Eno stated this in a congratulatory message to Senator Godswill Akpabio signed his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh,
He described the process that saw to the election of Senator Akpabio as “free, fair and transparent and a testament to the deepening of our democratic traditions and ethos.”
The Governor said “politics is over and it’s time for governance, and that, demands we work across party lines to advance the cause of our development.
10th Senate: Ekong Sampson Reaches Out To Ephraim Inyang-eyen, Other Opponents
…describes Inyang-eyen as a friend and brother; lauds Umo Eno, Udom Emmanuel
…assures reconciliation will strengthen unity in A/Ibom State.
By Samuel Udoma
Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th Nigerian Senate on June 13, 2023 in Abuja, Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South, Rt Hon.(Dr.) Ekong Sampson has reached out to Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen and the other opponents who vied for the Eket Senate seat with the Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin.
Dr. Sampson, who will be making a spectacular return to the nation’s Red Chambers, where he once served as Chief Legislative Aide to Senator Udoma Udo Udoma in the early 2000s, has extended a handshake of bridge building to his opponents in both the primaries and main election.
In the PDP Primaries held last year at the Police Special Protection Unit Base, Onna, Barr. Sampson went head to head against Rt Hon. Francis Charles Uduyok, House of Reps Member for Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, where he emerged candidate of the party.
Other aspirants of the PDP including business magnate, Barr. Ben Udowa and Dr. Markfre Ekefre, a member in the Akwa Ibom State Secondary School Board, who both hail from Mkpat Enin just as Sampson, had already thrown their full weights behind the now Senator-elect. Barr. Udowa, who is the MD of Madelyn Group of companies, particularly, even offered his Eket facility for several meetings of the Ekong Sampson Campaign Organization.
Recently also, two of Sampson’s challengers in the February 25, 2023 elections – Obong Martyns Udoinyang of the All Progressives Congress(APC) and Dominic Essien a.k.a DUE of Labour Party had both openly and unconditionally withdrawn their petitions against Dr Ekong Sampson at the elections tribunal.
Barr. Sampson speaking on his interactions and cordial relationship with his erstwhile opponents, said he appreciated them for ‘their patriotic gestures aimed at the common good and interest of Akwa Ibom South and the State’. He confirmed that he has spoken with all of them and has urged them to join hands with him to move the senatorial district and Akwa Ibom State forward.
Earlier this week, Dr. Sampson spoke with Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen, whom he described as ‘a friend and brother’. Recall that Dr. Sampson and Mr. Inyang-eyen worked together in the State EXCO under former Governor Udom Emmanuel. While Inyang-eyen was Commissioner for Works and later Chief of Staff, Barr. Sampson served as Honourable Commissioner in a number of ministries, his last portfolio being that of Environment and Petroleum Resources.
Mr. Inyang-eyen, who was the senatorial candidate of the Young Progressive Party(YPP) did not challenge Ekong Sampson’s victory at the elections tribunal. Dr. Sampson thanked Mr. Inyang-eyen for exhibiting spirit of sportsmanship by not going to the tribunal and maintaining great cordial relationship. He noted that reconciliation across board will foster unity in Akwa Ibom State, saying that elections were over and called on all to joins hands for state building.
Dr. Sampson said he will need the input of Ephraim Inyang and those of the other candidates to deepen his legislative performance. The ex-State Lawmaker then used the opportunity to invite them and other constituents to his Senate Inauguration next Tuesday.
It is noteworthy that during his campaigns, Dr. Sampson had continually preached bridge building as a panacea to fostering sustainable peace and development in Akwa Ibom State and the reach-out to his erstwhile opponents is a testimony to that disposition.
To further ensure optimal performance while in the Senate, Barr. Sampson also has a novel ‘Public and Policy Analysis Committee’, which among other things, will advise on policy thrust and legislative interest of the Senator-elect. The widely acclaimed Committee, which was inaugurated in April, by Gov. Umo Eno, has Prof. Etie Ben Akpan as Chairman and Prof. Peter Esuh as Secretary. At the inauguration, Gov. Eno praised the composition of the high powered Committee, noting that his government will equally tap into their rich reservoir.
The Eket Senatorial District Senator-elect has also consistently called for support for the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Bassey Eno. Barr. Sampson hailed Gov. Eno’s ARISE Agenda commitment to rural development, saying the administration’s master plan will help spread development in the state.
He canvased support for Pastor Umo Eno whom, he said, is coming aboard with a clearly defined blueprint to develop Akwa Ibom State. Sampson said Umo Eno’s blueprint was a game changer for the state. The Senator-elect also lauded former Gov. Udom Emmanuel for bringing notable innovation to governance, laying a solid industrialization foundation and earning for Akwa Ibom, the respect of Nigeria.
…SAYS I AM OUT TO BUILD BRIDGES FOR THE GOOD OF AKWA IBOM PEOPLE
Gov. Umo Eno compliment President Ahmed Tinubu in accordance with military ethics
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno was on Thursday received in audience by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on a scheduled courtesy visit.
During the meeting, Governor Eno, congratulated the President on his assumption of Office, and conveyed the best wishes of the Government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State to the President.
President Tinubu who displayed a deep knowledge of Akwa Ibom State in his response said that he was very happy to receive Governor Eno, adding that he will support the A.R..I. S.E Agenda of Governor Eno’s administration.
Speaking with State House Correspondents after the courtesy visit, Governor Eno said he was on a mission to build political and economic bridges for the good of Akwa Ibom State in particular and Nigeria in general.
“I needed to come here and congratulate the President on his assumption of Office as the President and Commander- in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria”.
According to Governor Eno, he used the opportunity also “to brief the President on the progress we have made in Akwa Ibom State and solicit his support for the completion of the Ibom Deep Sea Port project, the Calabar-Itu Road and the Export Free Zone license for the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO, ) hanger at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, which is the only MRO in West Africa”.
According to Governor Eno: “Politics is over. It’s time for governance. We must do whatever it takes to bring the dividends of democracy and good governance to the people of Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State in particular”.
The Governor, also commended the President whom he said received him “extremely very well”.
The immediate past member representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom /Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Judiciary, Mr Onofiok Luke has dedicated his successful tenure as a Federal lawmaker to God Almighty.
Luke who on Wednesday attended a special Thanksgiving Service at his place of worship, Fulllife Christian Centre in Abuja, thanked God for the journey throughout his four years of service in the Green Chambers.
The Lawmaker appreciated God for his benevolence towards him and attributed all the successes he was able to achieve to the most high. He said he found favour in the sight of men and was able to contribute his own quota to the advancement of Nigeria.
He added that his trust will continually be on God who will direct him to the next phase of his life. He thanked the Church for always standing by him and offering prayers on his behalf.
The immediate past member representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke on Wednesday participated in the valedictory sitting of the 9th House of Representatives, where he served the people of his Federal Constituency from 9 June 2019 to 7 June 2023.
Luke, in his speech on the floor of the House, thanked God Almighty that had been his guide and help in the last 4 years. “Four years ago, we gathered in this hallowed Chambers as strangers. The journey of four years has led us to making new friends, brothers, sisters in this hallowed Chambers and relationships that will last us a life time. “
“I want to use this opportunity to thank the people of my Federal Constituency for giving me the mandate to be their voice in this hallowed Chambers.” “I appreciate the leadership of the National Assembly, starting from you, Mr Speaker. You gave first timers the opportunity to express themselves, “Luke said.
He commended the speaker for giving new members the opportunity to bring the yearnings and aspirations of their people to the front of national discourse. Luke also thanked the entire leadership, clerk, management staff, and the press for amplifying the work they did in the House of Representatives.
He lauded Mr Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, for always putting the country first above his political party. He recounted the position taken by Mr Speaker in the wake of the EndSars crisis where Mr Gbajabiamila threatened not to sign off the budget if there was no provision made for compensation of victims of police brutality.
The lawmaker also thanked the speaker and the leadership of the house for finding him worthy to serve. ” You gave me the responsibility and the entire leadership as Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary. I want to thank all members of my committee for the work we’ve been able to do, “Luke said.
The immediate past chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, seized the opportunity to make a case for the welfare of judicial officers. According to him; “The judicial officers in this country are still wallowing in their poor living condition. The last salary review for judicial officers in this country was about 14 years ago. And every effort at increasing the salaries of Judges has ended in futility. ” He added that there was an urgent need to address the situation.
In his closing remarks, Luke thanked his mother, his wife for being a good support system, his siblings, support base, and immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
NEWS: GOVERNOR UMO ENO INSPECTS GOVERNMENT PROJECTS/ FACILITIES
…Orders Evacuation of Obstacles on Airport Road Project
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has embarked on tour of projects and facilities owned by the state government to identify and ascertain the state of the projects in order to align them with his A.R.I.S.E agenda vision. He has also ordered that buildings that compensation have been paid for, along the Airport road expansion project sites, should be immediately demolished.
Gov. Umo Eno briefing the press
The Governor was speaking while interacting with Government House Correspondents during his inspection of the 21 Storey Smart Building and other projects in Uyo, the state capital.
He acknowledged that having assumed duty, he considered it expedient to inspect government facilities and projects after studying the handing over notes to enable him ascertain the state of the facilities and chart a way forward for the realization of the blueprint of his administration.
“Naturally when you assume office you want to see facilities that we have invested and see how to align the facilities with the vision that we currently have, so you have to inspect those facilities especially the roads that are ongoing projects, we want to ensure that we complete the roads to allow for continuity .
“We won’t abandon any project. We have read the handing over notes, so let’s see what is on ground and marry it with what we read”, he declared.
The Governor who was accompanied by his Deputy, Dr Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, visited the Administrative Block in Government House, Uyo, The Ibom E- Library along IBB Avenue, Uyo ; Wet And Dry Park at Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Center ; On-going Road Expansion Project along Airport Road, Uyo.
Other places visited were the Nsit Atai-Okobo Road project ; One Thousand Capacity Hotel at the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Center and 21 Storey Smart Building at Banking Layout, Uyo.
During his stop over at the E- Library, IBB Avenue, Governor Eno acknowledged the importance of Information And Communication Technology, ICT, saying that the facility would be upgraded to enable it serve the purpose for which it was established.
Inspecting the Airport road expansion project, Governor Eno ordered the immediate demolition of structures duly evaluated and compensated that occupy the right of way on the Airport road expansion project.
He directed the permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. John Itiat, to liaise with the management of Uyo Capital City Development Authority, UCCDA, to ensure that illegal structures are demolished.
“For all of the places that Government have paid compensation, I am instructing here and now that those structures be demolished tomorrow. We have paid compensations for those buildings and we have the evidence of the payments.
“Government is a continuum and there is no need for anyone to take advantage, thinking that one government is gone and they can illegally reclaim those places. We are in a new government and no one should test our resolve to get things done”, he warned.
Governor Umo Eno also inspected the Nsit Atai-Okobo road project where he directed the contracting firm to redouble efforts towards completing the project to facilitate the ease of movement in the axis especially as the rains approaches.
The Governor was accompanied during the tour by his Deputy, Dr Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the state government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, among others.
Legislature is a breeding, training ground for leaders- Onofiok Luke
Member representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke has described the domination of the Executive arm at the centre by former legislators as a welcome development. Luke who was speaking on Arise News Headline on Arise TV on Saturday said that the legislature has become a breeding and training ground for leaders for the nation.
Also speaking on the elevation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila to the position of Chief of Staff to the President, Luke said it is joyous for members of the National Assembly to see one of their own serve in that capacity.
He likened the appointment of Gbajabiamila to that of Rahm Emmanuel a member of the US Congress that was appointed Chief of Staff by President Barack Obama’s administration in 2009. He said Emmanuel performed creditable because of the experience he gathered in the parliament.
Luke expressed confidence that Gbajabiamila will succeed in his new office. ” I have followed his trajectory in the parliament. He has not disappointed us. He has the leadership skills. He has what it takes to build consensus”, Luke said.
On the leadership of the 10th Assembly, the Member of Parliament said the President got it right with the Choice of Senator Godswill Akpabio for Senate President and Tajudeen Abas as Speaker. “Who will reject a Godswill Akpabio as Senate President?”. He has got the experience as a former Governor and a former Senate Minority Leader”, Luke stated.
REP IDEM INSPECTS ONGOING 1.4KM ROAD AND DIGITAL LEARNING CENTRE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY IN UKANAFUN
The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, Friday, June 2, 2023, inspected ongoing projects in Ukanafun LGA. The projects inspected were the 1.4km Barracks road with drainage facility and the 40 seater capacity digital learning centre for people living with disabilities.
While inspecting the road project, the Ukanafun born Lawmaker applauded the contractor for the level of job done and urged the firm to ensure timely completion to ease movement for officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, whose office is located along the road.
The Barracks road project brings to four the number of roads so far attracted by the lawmaker to the federal constituency. Others are Market road, Usung Atiat – Nyak Ibah road, and the Ikot Ukpong Eren bridge with access road.
The initiator of skills empowerment for 5000 youths, also made a stop over at the digital learning centre for people living with disabilities which is ready for commissioning. The centre equipped with 40 set of computers with internet resources, dozens of wheel chairs and other facilities, is the first of its kind in the state and aims at equipping beneficiaries with requisite skills in ICT and promotion of knowledge economy. With this latest addition, the number of digital learning centres has increased to 8 with a combined sitting capacity of 300.
The lawmaker thanked the benefitting communities for cooperating with the contractors and promised better deal during his second term which commences on June 13, 2023.
More Excitement For Ekong Sampson’s Senate Inauguration as Dominic Essien Withdraws Petition
By Samuel Udoma
It’s all-clear for Ekong Sampson as another opponent, Dominic Essien of Labour Party has withdrawn his tribunal petition which challenged Sampson’s announcement by INEC as Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South. News of the withdrawal of petition has given full impetus to Barr. Sampson’s Senate representation. The former Akwa Ibom State Environment and Petroleum Resources Commissioner, alongside 108 other colleagues will be inaugurated into the 10th Nigerian Senate on June 13, 2023 in Abuja.
Dominic Essien, popularly known as DUE had gone to tribunal to challenge the election of Dr Ekong Sampson of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the February 25, 2023 National Assembly election.
However, yesterday, in tribunal sitting at Judiciary Headquarters, Uyo, Mr. Dominic Essien, through his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong formally filed to withdraw his petition against Sampson. With the petition withdrawn, the coast is now all clear for the Inauguration of Barr. Ekong Sampson as Senator for Akwa Ibom South in about a fortnight.
At the tribunal, the case was called at exactly 10.02am. The petitioner, Dominic Essien, himself, was absent from court. However, his lawyer, Barr. Inibehe Effiong announced appearance. Barr. Utibe Nwoko, who was holding brief for Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko SAN, lawyer to 2nd respondent, Dr. Ekong Sampson, announced appearance as well as lawyer to 1st respondent(Peoples Democratic Party), Barr. Emmanuel Akpan. Barr. Ntekim appeared for Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) – 3rd respondent.
A good number of Barr. Ekong Sampson’s supporters were in court, alongside a few members of the Labour Party, who stationed themselves some pews behind their legal team.
In response to the case called, counsel to Dominic Essien and the Labour Party, Barr. Inibehe Effiong announced the freewill withdrawal of his client’s petition against Dr. Sampson. He formally filed for the withdrawal and the court granted it, bringing the case to a dead end. It was a very brief outing.
Speaking with reporters after the session, Mr. Essien’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong said:
‘As a lawyer, I act in accordance with my client. My client, Dominic Essien had brought a petition against the announcement of Barr. Ekong Sampson by INEC as Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South. We brought the petition in good faith. However, according to Nigerian election tribunal practice, parties in a case are allowed to settle out of court. As lawyers, we only act on instructions’.
‘My client briefed me that himself and his party had decided to resolve the matter out of court with the 2nd respondent. So based on that, he had asked us to withdraw and discontinue the case. So I can confirm to you that the petition filed by Mr Dominic Essien and the Labour Party was withdrawn this morning. That means there is no longer a challenge to the election of Dr. Ekong Sampson as Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South’, he narrated.
Responding to the withdrawal, one of the counsel to the 2nd Respondent, Barr. Ebeute Ebeute, said with the court granting the withdrawal prayers and striking out the case, it was end of the road for the petition against Barr. Sampson. He thanked Sampson’s supporters who were in court to monitor proceedings, saying they should all go back home and prepare for the Senator-elect’s inauguration.
Recall also that about two weeks ago, candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the Akwa Ibom South Senate race, Obong Martyns Udoinyang had announced his withdrawal of similar petition against Dr. Ekong Sampson.
Competent sources close to Dr. Ekong Sampson say that both withdrawals were done voluntarily and unconditionally. These have been corroborated by lawyers to the opponents, Barr. Mfon Udeme, who appeared for Martyns Udoinyang and Inibehe Effiong, for Dominic Essien.
Effective Management of Diversity, Key to Nigeria’s Progress, Not Lugard Blame – Ekong Sampson
By Samuel Udoma
Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South, Dr Ekong Sampson has identified keys to Nigeria’s greatness in the effective management of its rich diversity and strengthening of institutions, rather than the usual blame on Lord Lugard, who died in 1945. Dr Sampson, one of the leading intellectual powerhouses of the incoming 10th National Assembly, also said it was imperative that the country employed policies to drive politics and not the other way round.
Dr. Sampson stated this when he spoke as one of lead discussants at the special ‘Open House’ organized by Uyo Book Club in conjunction with Watbridge Hotels, Uyo to mark transition of government in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. The event took place on Saturday 27th May, 2023 at the exquisite Lugard Terrace, Watbridge Hotels&Suites, Uyo.
Among the other speakers at the mini symposium included Prof. Etim Frank, an Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Uyo, Dr. Emmanuel Akpanobong, Chairman, Ibibio Elders Forum and renowned medical practitioner. Others were Dr. Martin Akpan, poet-orator and Chairman, Akwa Ibom Board of Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Imaobong Akpan Akpan, a political affairs commentator and Dr Udeme Nana, founder of Uyo Book, who doubled as host of the well attended session.
Sampson, a legal luminary and former two term State Lawmaker, in his submission, explained that effective management of the country’s ‘rich mix will end the current cycle of self-pity’, stressing that a country with abundant resources like Nigeria should maximize its rich potentials for the development and progress of the nation.
Dissecting on the theme: ‘Lord Frederick Lugard – Hero or Villain: A Paradigm on Nigeria’s Post Inauguration Democracy’, Barr. Sampson, who is also patron of the book club, noted that the country has been battling with a federalist experiment that concentrates so much power at the centre, calling for proper devolution of power:
‘Part of my agenda in the coming Senate will be advocacy for the devolution of power. We must make the centre less attractive and discourage opportunity theft which is bedevilling our country’, he said.
The former Akwa Ibom State Environment and Petroleum Resources Commissioner bemoaned that more than a century after the amalgamation of the country, the nation was still battling with ethnic and religious crisis and a more disturbing scenario called opportunity theft:
‘Nigeria is one country where you have a great number of people being loyal to tribe, religion and money than to the country. We need to revive our patriotic spirit and learn from our past mistakes’.
Dr Ekong Sampson equally offered his candid perspectives on Lord Lugard, the man who midwife the coming together of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria in 1914 and who has remained an enigmatic figure in national diversity discourse. He described the former Governor-general as a man who came and left his imprints by bringing Nigeria together and left us with the challenge to manage ourselves well which we failed:
‘The central message left by Lord Luggard is that we must manage our diversity. He brought the country together and challenged us to manage our pluralities, we must thank Lord Luggard rather than vilify him. Nigeria must exploit trajectories where people must have justice, not just access to law, in order to enhance our democracy’, he opined, saying, ‘let us allow Lord Lugard to rest in peace’.
The Senator-elect, who is also a former Council Chairman of Mkpat Enin, maintained that there was no alternative to democracy, noting that we must use the Lugard’s experiment to concretize our democracy. He said that Nigerian democracy will be more productive when we embrace political inclusion, not winner takes all:
‘To achieve the bigger picture, we must strengthen our institutions. It is worrisome to see how weak our key institutions are; the stronger our institutions, the safer our democracy will be. We must ensure the prevalence of a larger interest against selfish, narrow and pedestrian interest.
‘We must exploit trajectories where we can grow our economy, make our people happy, ramp up our production, ensure patriotism and discipline to achieve a stronger polity’, he submitted.
Sampson, holder of a Ph.D in Law, equally offered insights into issues bothering on the country’s electoral act as highlighted by one of the earlier speakers, Prof. Frank:
‘The guest lecturer had earlier pointed out loopholes in the current electoral act, I want to assure you that we will work in unison in the coming National Assembly to correct them. We must restore the integrity of our electoral system and move the nation forward’. He further called on the re-introduction of History into Nigeria’s educational curriculum, noting that ‘a nation that abhors history is in serious trouble’.
Uyo Book Club invites you to attend a special ‘Open House’ to mark the transition of government in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
The session, which also coincides with the club’s May Reading, will have as theme: ‘Lord Frederick Lugard – Hero or Villain: A Paradigm on Nigeria’s Post Inauguration Democracy’
Lead Discussants:
Dr. Ekong Sampson, Senator-elect, Akwa Ibom South/Patron, Uyo Book Club
Prof. Etim Frank, Assoc. Professor of Political and Administrative Theories, University of Uyo Dr. Emmanuel Akpanobong Elder Statesman/Medical Doctor Dr. Martin Akpan Chairman, AKSPHDA Imaobong Akpan Akpan Political Commentator Dr. Udeme Nana Founder, Uyo Book Club/Host
Lord Lugard Question Takes Centre Stage as Watbridge Hotels, Uyo Book Club Hold Post Inauguration ‘Open House’ on Nigeria’s Future
The Lord Frederick Lugard question takes centre stage tomorrow as Watbridge Hotels in conjunction with Uyo Book Club, holds a first of its kind, ‘Open House’ to mark transition of government in Akwa lbom State and Nigeria. The event slated for 4pm, will take place at the Lugard Terrace, Watbridge Hotels, IBB Way, Uyo.
The top hospitality outfit hosts Uyo Book Club Reading every last Saturday of the month and proudly supports the mini symposium. The Open House, which coincides with the club’s May Reading has as theme, ‘Lord Frederick Lugard – Hero or Villain: A Paradigm on Nigeria’s Post Inauguration Democracy’.
Among the eminent scholars and intellectuals to lead discussion include Dr. Ekong Sampson, Senator-elect, Akwa Ibom South/Patron, Uyo Book Club, Prof. Etim Frank, an Associate Professor of Political and Administrative Theories, University of Uyo and Dr. Emmanuel Akpanobong, elder statesman and a renowned medical practitioner.
Others are Dr. Martin Akpan, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Board of Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Imaobong Akpan Akpan, a political affairs commentator and Dr. Udeme Nana, respected Media scholar and founder of the club, who will also serve as host.
The club invites political office holders, opinion leaders, public analysts and commentators, the academia, students to come and be a part of the session. Lord Lugard, who, among other things, masterminded the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria in 1914, has remained an enigmatic figure in Nigeria’s national discourse.
ASSEMBLY TO AMEND AKISIEC LAW 2007, CONSIDERS IBOM INDUSTRIAL CITY BILL
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has considered a bill for a law to ‘establish Ibom Industrial City Corporation, for the development and regulation of Ibom Industrial City and for other matters connected therewith’; and also a Bill to ‘amend the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2007’.
These Executive bills were received during Wednesday Plenary, May 24, 2023 by the 7th Assembly.
On the floor, members deliberated on the bills which went through first and second reading and committed to the House Committees on Industry, Commerce and Tourism; and that of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, respectively.
The Leader of the House, Rt. Hon Udo Kierian, while speaking on the ‘Bill for a Law to establish Ibom Industrial City Corporation, for the development and regulation of Ibom Industrial City and for other matters connected therewith’, said the bill when passed will regulate the operation of Ibom Deep Seaport and its facilities. He added that most of the stiff requirements for the establishment of the Seaport have been overcome in the Federal Executive Council.
On the ‘Bill for a Law to amend the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2007, and for other matters connected therewith’, the Leader said that amendment will take care of few clauses that will ensure a hitch-free Local Government elections which will be due, December 2023.
In the same vein, Member for Nsit Atai State Constituency, Rt. Hon Mark Esset said that the amendment of the AKISIEC Law shows the forwardness of the State Government to put things in place to ensure that the present tenure of Local Government Administration which will expire by December, 2023 is taken over by an elected system through a proper electoral process without delay to foreclose chances of transition committee which is not a perfect model at the time.
Other members at plenary, unanimously tow the line of the Leader and said the consideration of the bills are timeous to oil the wheel of governance.
Presiding over the sitting, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Aniekan Bassey urged the respective House Committees to consider the bills and report to the House in two days.
The House adjourned plenary to Friday, May 26, 2023 at 10:00 hours.
Press Unit, Office of the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
REP. IDEM MAKES A CASE IN THE BILL FOR AN ACT TO REPEAL AUDIT ORDINANCE OF 1956, ENACT FEDERAL AUDIT SERVICE ACT, 2023 TO ESTABLISH FEDERAL AUDIT.
Rep. Unyime Idem at plenary
The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem has made a case in the bill for an act to repeal the Audit Ordinance of 1956 and enact the Federal Audit Service Act, 2023.
Idem, who is a member of the National Assembly Conference committee for the consideration of the bill, noted that the pre-independence audit law known as “The Audit Ordinance Act of 1956” and The Public Accounts Committee Act, CAP P35, LFN 2004,” as amended, did not give the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation enough leverage to function optimally.
He explained that ”The Bill, once assented to, will empower the Auditor-General to carry out audits of all revenues accruing to the federation, expenditures of the federation from all sources, donations, grants and loans accruable to the MDAs or other public entities.”
Unyime Idem was speaking after the Green Chamber received and considered the report of the Conference committee on a bill for an act to repeal the Audit Ordinance of 1956 and enact the Federal Audit Service Act, 2023, during Thursday’s plenary.
The Act will aid the establishment of the Federal Audit Service; provide additional powers and functions of the Auditor-General of the Federation, as well as the Federal Audit Board.
The Federal Audit Service Bill prescribes, among others, a five-year jail term for any accounting officer who prevents the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation from accessing their account books.
According to Unyime Idem, the Federal Service Audit Bill is very crucial to the prevention of misappropriation of public funds and to the fight against corruption.
“The Audit bill will bring accountability and probity in the finances of the government and the fight against corruption. This will go a long way in ensuring the independence of the office of the Auditor-General of the Federation,” the Ukanafun-born lawmaker averred.
Uyo Book Club invites you to attend a special ‘Open House’ to mark the transition of government in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
The session, which also coincides with the club’s May Reading, will have as theme: ‘Lord Frederick Lugard – Hero or Villain: A Paradigm on Nigeria’s Post Inauguration Democracy’
Lead Discussants:
Dr. Ekong Sampson, Senator-elect, Akwa Ibom South/Patron, Uyo Book Club
Prof. Etim Frank, Assoc. Professor of Political and Administrative Theories, University of Uyo Dr. Emmanuel Akpanobong Elder Statesman/Medical Doctor Dr. Martin Akpan Chairman, AKSPHDA Imaobong Akpan Akpan Political Commentator Dr. Udeme Nana Founder, Uyo Book Club/Host
UNYIME IDEM HONOURED AS MOST VALUABLE PARLIAMENTARIAN FOR SPONSORING THE HIGHEST OF MOTIONS IN 9TH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rep Idem & the Award
The Member representing Ukanafun -Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem has been honoured as the Most Valuable Parliamentarian, MVP, for sponsoring the highest number of motions in the 9th House of Representatives.
Consequently, Idem has been presented with a Certificate of Valuable Parliamentary Performance in recognition of his achievement in sponsorship of Valuable and Impact-oriented motions in the 9th House of Representatives.
The event, which saw Unyime Idem make the top 20 Honours list, was organized by OrderPaper Nigeria, an independent, multi- platform parliament-focused organization dedicated to reporting, tracking, and archiving activities of the legislature.
Rep Idem receiving the Award
The Executive Director of OrderPaper Nigeria, Oke Epia, had in his address, maintained that “the event is the climax of our over three years of painstaking research, extensive data-driven analysis, and final scrutiny of these performance-driven, excellence-inspired and public-spirited legislators by an independent panel of experts comprising accomplished individuals in the academia, parliamentary think-tank, professionals, civil society and the media.”
The event was held on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Ahmadu Bello Way, Jabi, Abuja.
Rep Unyime Idem was honoured for sponsoring 22 bills and 23 motions between June 2019, when the 9th National Assembly was inaugurated, and 2023.
Bills sponsored by the Ukanafun-born lawmaker include the following
HB 832 Free Internet Access in Public Places Bill 2023.
HB 833 National Broadcasting Act (Amendment) Bill 2020
HB 817 National Community Service Scheme Bill 2020.
HB 831 Entrepreneurship Education Promotion Bill 2020.
HB 830 Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurship Development Agency Act (Amendment) Bill 2020.
HB 847 Free Education (Prohibition of Fees and other Charges) Bill 2020.
HB 1334 National Adult Education Centre and Recreation (Establishment) Bill 2020.
HB 1565 Police Act Amendment Bill 2021.
Federal College of Agriculture, Oruk Anam (Establishment) Bill 2020.
HB 1564 Nigerian Communications Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2021.
HB 1568 Donor Agencies Regulatory Commission (Establishment) Bill 2021.
HB 1563 Federal Character Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2021.
Fire Service Act (Amendment) Bill 2021
HB 1568 Donor Agency Regulatory Commission
HB 1567 Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Research Regulatory Agency Bill 2020
HB 1336 Mandatory Establishment of Guidance and Counselling Department in Education Institutions in Nigeria Bill 2021
HB 1566 1999 Constitution Alteration Bill 2021
National Identity Management Bill, 2020
Terrorism (Prevention) Act Amendment Bill, 2021
National Information Technology Development Agency Act Amendment Bill, 2021
National Open University (Amendment) Bill, 2020
MOTIONS SPONSORED
The need for the federal government to revamp the ailing Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR)
The need for the federal government to construct the collapsed Ikot Mbong – Ikot Ukpong Eren bridge in Oruk Anam Local Government Area
The need to implement the non-implementation of PAY-AS-YOU-GO (PAYG) tariff by DSTV and other broadcast satellite satellite service providers in Nigeria
The need for the federal government to increase security in federal roads during festive seasons
Urgent need for the federal government to appoint 37 commissioners into the Federal Character Commission
The need for an emergency national response to tackle the coronavirus pandemic presently ravaging the human race
The need for the federal government to suspend the implementation of the 2.5% VAT increment and revert to the original 5% until January 1, 2021, in the interest of Nigerians during this period of COVID-19 Pandemic
A call on the federal government to immediately set up Sex Offender and Gender Violation Special Court for a speedy trial of the perpetrators of the offence
A call on the federal government to immediately establish and inaugurate the National Council on Public Procurement to strengthen the fight against corruption in the public sector
Non-release of traditional take-off grant to University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and other notable federal universities across the country after their establishment
Urgent need for the federal government to create immediate public awareness and preparedness to combat possible outbreaks of the Ebola virus and to take measures to avoid the same
A call for comprehensive investigation, prosecution, and punishment of perpetrators of the kidnapping, sexual assault, physical assault and heinous killing of Miss Iniubong Umoren and the need to protect her family members
Urgent call on the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police to intensify efforts in the rescue of the abducted school children and staff of Government Secondary School, Kagara, Niger State
Need for Federal Government to establish China clay processing factory in Oruk Anam Local Government Area
Need for the federal government to address the constitutional violation of the Federal Character Commission principle in the appointment of their Chairman and Secretary
A call to condemn the “inhumane treatment” in Nigerian boarding schools across the country and comprehensive investigation into the activities of Nigerian boarding school system
Need on the federal government to clampdown on the activities of illegal refinery operators in the Niger Delta region
Urgent need to curb the incessant loss of lives and destruction of properties in train mishaps
Urgent need to stop the Niger Delta Development Commission from releasing 15 billion Naira counterpart funding to the Federal Government
An urgent need to condemn the call for interim government in Nigeria
Urgent need to mandate the Federal Ministry of Works to construct dilapidated roads in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency
A call to mandate the Inspector General of Police to secure the release of Oruk Anam PDP chieftain, Mr Enobong Williamson, from his abductors
Motion on the need for the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to complete abandoned hospitals and road projects in Ukanafun LGA of Akwa Ibom State.
Hon. Unyime Idem has attracted over 40 life touching projects spread across the federal constituency and has so far trained 5000 youths and empowered 2500 constituents in 26 different skills as part of the bigger plan to raise the next generation of leaders.
Apart from chairing the House Ad-hoc Committee that investigated non implementation of Pay as you go tariff by DSTV and other satellite broadcast service providers in Nigeria, Rep Idem is member of 7 other committees and the Deputy Chairman Communications Committee. He was member National Assembly Conference Committee to harmonise the recently passed Electoral Act amendment Bill 2022, representing South-South Region. He is also the Chairman Ad-hoc Committee investigating unclaimed Federal Government Funds in Commercial Banks and infractions by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Given his numerous contributions to human capacity development and excellent service delivery, Rep. Idem has received several awards some of which are in Best Federal Lawmaker on Constituency Development by Nigerian Union of Journalist 2022, Daily Independent Best Federal Lawmaker of the Year, Daily Independent Federal Lawmaker of the Year, Akwa Ibom State, Best Member of the House of Representatives 2022 by Igbere TV, Best Performing Akwa Ibom Lawmaker of the Year 2021 by Akwa Ibom ICON Awards, Public Service Fellowship Award by Maurid Polytechnic, Most Outstanding Lawmaker on Constituency Development & Apostle of Motions, 2020 by House of Representatives Press Corps, Lawmaker of the Year South-South, 2020 by Elite Exclusive Magazine, Outstanding Leadership Award 2020 by Niger Delta Students Union Government, Best Lawmaker in the History of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency by Lions Club, Most Constituency Impactful Lawmaker in South-South, 2020 by Niger Delta House of Dream Parliament (NDHODP), National Merit Award for Change and Good Governance by Independent Magazine Publishers Association of Nigeria, among others.
WINNERS OF YAK IKOM UDOM ESSAY COMPETITION TO RECEIVE PRIZES TODAY
‘Yak Ikom Udom’ official flier
The following persons who emerged winners of the ‘yak Ikõm Udom’ essay Competition will today, May 22, 2023 receive their respective prizes at Ibom Hall during the special dinner and tributes night in honour of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS CATEGORY:
1st Position Name: Francis Daniel Okon Institution: University of Uyo
2nd position Edikan Nkereuwem Bassey Institution: University of Uyo Department: Business Management Level: 300 LGA: Ini
3rd Position Name: Etukudoh, Ekemiofon Sunday Institution: Niger Delta University Department: Physics Level: 300 LGA: Abak
SECONDARY SCHOOLS CATEGORY:
1st position Name: Confidence Emmanuel Ekanem School: Government Model Girls Secondary School, Ikot Ekang
2nd Position Name: Isaiah Confidence Eneotu Institution: Community Sec School, ifiayong Usuk, Uruan Class:SS2 LGA: Eastern Obolo
3rd Position Name: Nsimene Adam Institution: Community Secondary commercial school, Ikot Afanga LGA: Oruk Anam
The students are please advised to be seated in the hall at 5PM with their valid means of identification. Parents, school mates, friends and relatives are welcome.
For more information and enquiry, kindly send a WhatsApp message to 08134785585.
Ekong Sampson Commiserates with Family of Late Victor ‘Gaddafi’ Amba
Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South, Dr Ekong Sampson earlier today paid condolence visit to the family of Late Hon. Victor Anwana Amba, who was popularly known as ‘Gaddafi’, at their Uyo residence. The late Hon. Amba was a former Councillor and later Secretary of Council, Urue Offong Oruko Local Government Area and a strong supporter of the Senator-elect.
Addressing wife of the deceased, Mrs Immaculata Victor Amba, Dr. Sampson paid tribute to the departed, describing him as ‘his friend and core supporter who will be sorely missed’. He said that whatever he would have done for Gaddafi, he will do it for the family he left behind.
The Former State Environment and Petroleum Resources Commissioner assured that he will continue to stand by the family and prayed them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Wife of the deceased, Mrs Immaculata Amba in her response, said that the family was very appreciative of Dr. Ekong Sampson’s visit.
The Senator-elect was accompanied on the visit by Hon. Hogan Etta, former Chairman, Oron Local Government Area, Hon.(Chief) Efeffiong Antigha, former Member, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Anietie Sunday – PDP Chapter Chairman, Mkpat Enin, Hon. Nkereuwem James – Spokesperson of the Ekong Sampson Campaign Organization, Hon. Philomena Jonathan, Councillor in Urue Offong/ Oruko Legislative Council, Mrs Arit Ambit, a woman leader in Urue Offong/ Oruko, among others.
YAK IKÕM UDOM DINNER AND TRIBUTES NIGHT HOLDS, MONDAY
As the clock ticks towards the dusk of this administration, a special dinner to celebrate Governor Udom Emmanuel’s eight years of superlative performance has been scheduled for Monday, May 22, 2023, at Ibom Hall, from 5p.m. to 8p.m.
Tagged “Yak Ikòm Udom” (Let’s appreciate Udom), special features of the event organised by grateful citizens include:
*Review of Udom’s legacies *Tributes to Governor Emmanuel and wife *Citizens appraisal awards and recognition *Presentation of prizes to winners of Essay competition *Music, Comedy, Dance *Other Special performances
Come, let’s celebrate Governor Emmanuel’s strides in Health care, industrialization, aviation development, educational advancement, human capacity development, environment, Agriculture, security, infrastructural development and other sundry projects.
For more information, partnership and sponsorship, send an email to udomlegaciesconnect@gmail.com or whatsap message via 08134785585.
Ekong Sampson In Awa, Onna As Gov. Udom Emmanuel’s Brother, Nkanang, Gives Out Daughter in Marriage
Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South, Dr Ekong Sampson on Monday, joined a cremé de la cremé of dignitaries from all walks of life in Awa, Onna Local Government Area, for the traditional marriage between Aniekeme Nkanang and Ezekiel Achebe. The bride, Aniekeme, is the daughter of Nkanang Nkanang, elder brother of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel.
Gov. Emmanuel, himself, was present throughout the duration of the glittering ceremony. He was joined by the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, who chaired the occasion, Governor-elect, Pastor Umo Eno and wife, Patience, Deputy Governor-elect, Senator Akon Eyakenyi and hee spouse.
Others included, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Senator-elect for Uyo Senatorial District, Rt Hon. Aniekan Bassey, State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette F. Obot as well as a rich array of the State’s political class.
WINNERS EMERGE FOR YAK IKÕM UDOM ESSAY COMPETITION
Out of the 223 entries received from participants, six winners have emerged for the yak Ikòm Udom essay competition designed to celebrate Governor Emmanuel’s 8 years of superlative performance.
The keenly contested competition had Confidence Emmanuel Ekanem, Confidence Eneotu Isaiah and Nsimene Adam emerging 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively for the Secondary School category while Francis Daniel Okon, Edikan Nkereuwem Bassey and Ekemiofon Sunday Etukudoh emerged 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively, for the Tertiary Institution category.
According to the organisers, prizes for the essay competition titled “Good governance: an evaluation of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s legacies” and “Counting the blessing: an appraisal of the gains of Udom Emmanuel’s administration in Akwa Ibom State” for the Secondary School and Tertiary Institutions, respectively, will be presented on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Ibom hall by 5PM, during the Yak Ikòm Udom dinner and Tributes Night.
Meanwhile, the winners are requested to reach out to the organisers of the competition via the email, udomlegaciesconnect@gmail.com or whatsap via 08134785585, before 9PM of Monday, May 15, 2023.
ROUND PEGS IN ROUND HOLES: ESIT EKET DESERVES ANOTHER ‘ETEBE’
Itoro Eti, a renowned Uyo-based Journalist wrote;
“Esit Eket deserves absolutely the best and must present someone that understands firsthand, the rudiment of politics at the grassroots”.
While going through the first paragraph of his article, it was already clear to me whose feet matches the shoes of the ALGON Boss. I didn’t need any soothsayer for further conviction, but it was expedient that I finish the lines, while paying rapt attention to the clauses.
He stressed further; “One that can complement the achievements of the outing ALGON Boss, Pastor Iniobong Robson whose shoe I think will be difficult for anyone”.
No doubt, Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson, popularly known as ‘Etebe’ has done remarkably excellent and deserves some level of a ‘thank you’ compensation and encomium. But if the vacuum his exit will create must be filled, then a good sight on the image of a grassroots mobilizer, who understands both the Executive and Legislative functions should never be blurred.
In the eyes of my mind, and in a very distinct perspective, I saw a young Leader who is prepared and ready to serve. A leader who comes in to make peace when there is war, while others only come in to celebrate the ‘peace’.
“In choosing the next Leader, they must consider one that has worked with/for or might have studied the Iniobong Robson’s leadership school of performance”.
One thing is certain, Esit Eket is one of the smartest set of humans to have occupied a territory in Akwa Ibom, and I’m convinced beyond reasonable doubt, they won’t make a mistake in their choice of a Leader. Etebe is prolific in leadership basically because he is young and vibrant. As a people, we need another young Leader. It’s the youth slot.
“But for me, there’s no need going too far as these attributes can be found in a pragmatic young man who has studied and adopted the aforementioned leadership school, and will be a perfect fit for the job as he’s served in different units of Government at the grassroots, from youth leadership to the legislative arms as well as the exco of the local administration, a man whose constant interface with the youths is an additional advantage for the elders, women, youths and children”.
The above paragraph became the icing on the cake; a summarised description of an image maker and a perfect gentleman from Zone B. Indeed, flesh and blood have not revealed this. Here, I describe Mr. Eti as an Investigative Journalist with the sixth sense organ, having been able to characterised the will of the masses with capacity, charisma, and competency, without mentioning any name, yet very clearly, even to the blind.
As a people, we have prayed and desired this young Leader, it is now time for God and Etebe to hearken unto our prayers; fixing round pegs in round holes.
Let Etebe be done again!
I am Donald B. Robert Concerned citizen of Esit Eket origin.
Watbridge Hotels Hails Hilda Baci As Akwa Ibom Born Chef Closes In On Guinness World Record
Top hotel, Watbridge Hotels&Suites, Uyo has hailed Akwa Ibom born Nigerian chef, Hilda Baci on her official attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record for ‘The Longest Time Cooking’.
Hilda, who hails from Nsit Ubium in Akwa Ibom State is on a 96-hour Cook-a-thon, in a bid to make history for the longest cooking time record. The current record is held by Indian chef, Lata Tandon, who cooked for 87hours in 2019.
So far, she has cooked for over 70hours, delivering different varieties of food, which are shared to the throng of well wishers and admirers gathering at the Amore Gardens cooking venue.
Watbridge Hotels, in a statement of support and solidarity, says Hilda ‘represents the can do spirit and resilience of a true Nigerian woman’. The top hospitality outfit noted that Baci, through her Guinness record push, has placed the famed Akwa Ibom culinary tradition on the world map and Nigeria in positive light.
Watbridge Hotels, a top tourism destination in Nigeria, boasting of a guest library, an agricultural arm, cold room, world class event halls, exotic rooms and a super poolside, wishes Hilda strength to get through the final lap and eventually set the record.
Measuring When The Justice System Must Navigate Beyond Traditional Confines: The Idigbe Imprints By Ekong Sampson
I consider it a matter of great privilege to have been invited to present a keynote address at this important symposium in honour of the former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Felix Chukwunweike Alexander Idigbe. You might have noticed that I have not prefixed Justice Idigbe’s name with “Late”. This is because, to me, great thinkers – and Idigbe belongs to this eminent tribe – live on through their works. I agree totally with a very relevant limp of the eloquent tribute given by the Hon. Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams, then Chief Justice of Nigeria, during the special sitting of the Supreme Court on September 5, 1983 in honour of Hon. Justice Idigbe:
Long after the dust has settled on his law books, and the wig and gown have faded, and the voice of the judge has been stilled, and the causes which he championed in the law courts are a distant memory, the judgments which he wrote during his years on the Bench would have been permanently enshrined in our Law Reports. It is by those, perhaps most of all, that the name of Justice ldigbe will be lovingly and respectfully remembered.
Let me at this point thank the Hon. Justice Idigbe family and Punuka Foundation for working very hard, over the years, to immortalize this outstanding Jurist. I enjoyed the warmth and co-operation of the Idigbe family extensively when I was gathering material for my book, The Path of Justice Chike Idigbe (Distinct Universal, 1999), which followed my earlier work on Sir Udo Udoma (Law and Statesmanship: The Legacy of Sir Udo Udoma, Patrioni Books, 1996). Initially, I had outlined the content to form a joint work on the two eminent jurists, in one book. The split was influenced by the volume of material that kept emerging about the two jurists. My research has shown how the minds of the two – and those of other great judges at the time – worked when they sat together. Let me give an example in Nafiu Rabiu vs The State (1980 NSCC 291) on constitutional construction. In that important case, Idigbe JSC had declared:
It is the duty of this court which has the ultimate responsibility of declaring and interpreting provisions of the Constitution always to bear in mind that the Constitution itself is a mechanism under which laws are to be made by the Legislature and not merely an Act which declares what the law is. Accordingly, where the question is whether the Constitution has used an expression in the wider or in the narrower sense the court should always lean where the justice of the case so demands to the broader interpretation unless there is something in the context or in the rest of the Constitution to indicate that the narrower interpretation will best carry out its object and purpose.
Sir Udo Udoma offered his own deep perspective in the decision of the Supreme Court this way:
…where the question is whether the Constitution has used an expression in the wider or in the narrower sense, in my view, this court should whenever possible, and in response to the demands of justice, lean to the broader interpretation, unless there is something in the text or in the rest of the Constitution to indicate that the narrower interpretation will best carry out the objects and purposes of the Constitution.
Hon. Justice Idigbe was born in Kaduna on August 12, 1923 to Alexander and Christie Idigbe. There is a lot to suggest that he was a Special One. He was the only surviving child of his mother, out of her eight children. That meant that his parents looked at him with considerable anxiety and treated him like an egg. The boy was some prodigy – highly inquisitive, adventurous and skilful in craft. Without any formal training, Chike could dismantle wrist watches, radios and bicycles and re-fix them satisfactorily. Even as a boy, he was exceptionally gifted on the piano and could conjure notes to the astonishment and delight of the elders and his friends.
At the age of 6, he was enrolled at St. Mary’s Catholic Mission Primary School, Port Harcourt before being admitted into the famous Christ the King College, Onitsha in 1937. Amongst his classmates at Christ the King College were some Nigerians who, like him, later became men of great accomplishments. They included Pius Okigbo, the widely acclaimed economist, Gabriel Onyuike, SAN, Queen’s Counsel and Attorney-General of the Federation during the Ironsi regime and Chukwudifu Oputa, who later also served on the Supreme Court Bench.
In 1943, Chike Idigbe passed the Cambridge examination in Division I and obtained an exemption from the London Matriculation Examination. Initially, he wanted to study Engineering but one morning he suddenly announced to his parents that he would study law instead. He told his shocked parents the only reason for his sudden change of mind was that he saw himself in a dream as a well-robed lawyer in a full court room and that he had won a sensational case. For a son who was well petted at home, that was no problem. Chike went on to read Law at Kings College, University of Cambridge where he won the coveted Foster-Campbell Prize in Criminal Law in 1945. In 1946, he graduated with LL.B (Second Class Division). He was called to the Utter Bar of the Middle Temple at the age of 23. In March 1947, he returned to Nigeria and was enrolled in the Nigerian Bar as a Solicitor and Advocate.
There were clear signs of the emerging hero. Chike was the first lawyer from what was then Asaba Division. He began his legal practice in Warri with a brief engagement in the law firm of Nelson Williams, a Sierra Leonean.
Later in 1947, he set up his own practice with the name Punuka Chambers and married Ofunneamaka in November, two years later. In Igbo, Punuka is translated loosely as “come out of trouble”. Little wonder then, that his practice was a rescue campaign. His reputation soared with every sensational case he won. His legal services were in high demand. In his years in legal practice, Chike Idigbe represented the highest traditions of the Bar.
The gold fish, as it is said, has no hiding place. In 1961, Idigbe was appointed a Judge of the then High Court of Eastern Nigeria. In 1964, at the age of 41, he was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench.He also served as Chief Justice of the then Mid-Western Region. The Nigerian Civil War however interrupted his career on the Bench. Caught on the Biafran side of the conflict, he sat with other jurists in the Biafran Court of Appeal. Readers of the judgments that came from that Court would notice that Idigbe retained his usual brilliance and calmness of mind, even in the tension and uncertainty of the period. However, in 1975, he was reappointed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria to contribute to what is easily identified as a watershed era in the history of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The essential Justice Idigbe lies in the profundity of his thoughts and in his sense of decorum. He was a pathfinder who deployed profound brilliance and boldness to chart frontiers in law. Quite often, he made it clear that he stood for justice and the evolution of a better society. If I may quote again from the tributes of Hon. Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams, CJN –
Justice Idigbe was the very embodiment of the law whether it was the common law, customary law, statute law, or the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He seemed to have it in his very bones. Yet, although he had all this legal knowledge, he also had a firm grip of principles and of the rules of practice and procedure applicable in all the courts in the Federation… He was so well versed in his knowledge of the law that he would reach the right result almost by instinct.
It would be in the same vein that the great Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN, spoke of Justice Idigbe’s “unrivalled capacity to get quickly to the heart of the matter or matters in debate”. I was not taken aback when Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria told me in Oguta that “if you convinced Idigbe, you convinced the Supreme Court”. That was a weighty compliment which showed the influence and respect Justice Idigbe earned on the Bench. As a result, Nigerian law and jurisprudence benefited from his rich mind.
As I observed in The Path of Justice Idigbe, his return to the Supreme Court in 1975 became a major catalyst of what could be described as a most progressive epoch in the history of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. His judgments showed his preparedness to move the law and society forward. He was never deterred by lack of, or scant, precedent. Even where there was precedent, Justice Idigbe would carefully scrutinize it, as if with binoculars. In his search for justice, he, like the famous Lord Denning, would not be unduly manacled by precedent or technicalities. For instance, the principal question that arose for determination in Ogbunyiya & Ors v. Okudo & Ors (1979) NSCC 77 was devoid of any direct judicial decision, authority or comment. Yet, Justice Idigbe deftly led the Supreme Court to fill the gap.
At the Supreme Court, Idigbe JSC, wrote some of the most difficult, yet unassailable decisions, as he resolutely trod the path of substantial justice. In Maclean v. Inlaks (1980) NSCC 232, he led the full panel of the Supreme Court to overrule its line of authorities which appeared, at the time, untouchable. In Shitta-Bey v. Federal Public Service Commission (1981) NSCC 20; and Balogun v. National Bank (1978) NSCC 142, where Idigbe, JSC made clear departures from ostensibly sacrosanct premises of the common law, further portrayed a mind that looked well beyond traditional legal confines; as much as Usoro v. Shell Petroleum Development Co., (Suit No. C/5/1961);Atiti Gold v. Beatrice Osaseren (Suit No. SC.362/1967), and Mutual Aids Society v. Akerele (1965) LLJR – SC, came from a consistent wealth of reasoning ability from his early days on the High Court and Supreme Court Bench.
The triumph of substantial justice over undue technicalities is an ideal that will strengthen public confidence in the judiciary. May I add that in realizing this objective, even our Supreme Court should not shy away from revisiting its earlier premises on which it erected a decision, if the circumstances call for that, in the interest of justice. Although the highly respected Kayode Eso JSC, had warned in Adigun v. AG Oyo State (No. 2) (1987) 2 NWLR (pt 56) at 214 -215 that the Supreme Court is “a Super Court … and the Justices of that Court are …Super Men”, the dynamic nature of society and the very limitation of the human element could present a scenario for proper review and further evolution of law and jurisprudence. This would be in line with the view of Lord Morris in Conway v. Rimmer (1968) 1 All E.R. 874 at 892 D.E as follows:
Though precedent is an indispensable foundation on which to decide what is the law there may be times when a departure from precedent is in the interest of justice and the proper development of the law.
In Buhari v. INEC (2008) SC, it was stated that:
Departing from a decision of acourt or overruling a decision of a court is a very major judicial exercise, which if done often will ruin or jeopardize the stable rules of judicial precedent, and particularly the rules of stare decisis.
In Disu v. AjilOwura (2006) 14 NWLR (PT. 1000) 783, it was also stated:_This court will not depart or overrule its earlier decisions at the whims and caprices of a party, as such exercise is not automatic. The party must convince the court that it is necessary to do so and in the process furnish it with cogent reasons._
However, in the more recent case of Pillars (Nig.) Ltd v. Desbordes (2021) 12 NWLR (pt. 17890 122 at 144, the Supreme Court in departing from its earlier decision on the mandatory requirement for service of statutory notices in tenancy cases, held thus:
ven where no statutory notices were served or those served are defective, once the Writ of Summons in the suit was served on the defendant, it served as adequate and sufficient notice.
In Jev v. Iyortyom (2015) 15 NWLR (pt.1483) 484 at 503 (SC), the Supreme Court set aside its decision in Iyortyom v. Jev (2014) LPELR-23000 (SC); and in Guaranty Trust Bank v. Innoson (2022) (SC), the Supreme Court also set aside its earlier decision dismissing the appeal.
It is instructive that despite his high standing on the Bench, Justice Idigbe took active interest in the development of his community. In appreciation of his contributions, his kinsmen conferred on Justice Idigbe, Izoma of Asaba in 1977. Hon. Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, who was with Justice Idigbe in the Supreme Court, said that Justice Idigbe “was committed to humanity and loved tradition. He effectively combined his rigorous schedule of the Supreme Court with an unwavering commitment to the needs of his people of Asaba.”
When he was in legal practice, he handled many cases pro bono, and sponsored many students from his purse. Many still speak highly of his humility and humaneness. The Judge, usually amiable but stern, alas, betrayed discernible compassion in The State v. Musa (1967) 168 MSNLR 44. The facts of the case were however touching. The deceased, married to an American lady, went out one evening in a Peugeot car belonging to the wife. He returned home at about 1.45am the next day and met her waiting displeased that he stayed out for so long. They exchanged unpleasant words. Later that morning, the wife took the key of the car and made to drive it away from a premises opposite their home, where the car was parked. Her husband followed her and arrived at the premises just as she was entering the car. However, she quickly got into the car and shut the door. As she tried to reverse the car unto the highway, her husband threw across the path of the car a molded block in an effort to halt the movement of the car. The car still went over the block after smashing it into pieces and kept moving. As the car slowly surged forward, her husband who was waiting on the side of the street, mounted the bonnet of the car probably in yet another effort to prevent his wife from driving away. She drove on and after a distance of about 100 yards, he fell from the bonnet of the car onto the road. He died shortly after that from injuries he sustained in the head and other parts of the body.
Claudette Barrington Musa was charged with the manslaughter of her husband and reckless driving. The case drew emotions. Before idigbe, CJ, the question arose whether the action of the accused that morning in continuing her journey even for a short distance, after the deceased mounted the bonnet of the car was tantamount to reckless driving. Justice Idigbe noted bitterly:_It was foolish and reckless of the deceased to mount the bonnet of a moving vehicle whatever his motive may have been. If it was intended to prevent the accused from further driving the car that morning it was indeed a misguided and stupid action._
Nor did His Lordship spare the accused:
…but accused herself told the court she knew it was a dangerous act on the part of anyone to mount the bonnet of a moving vehicle and for the driver of such vehicle to continue the journey in those circumstances. She, however, drove on, not making any attempt to bring the car to a halt…
Idigbe CJ, concluded, after considering the evidence of witnesses, the injuries on the body of the deceased and their relation to what was in the opinion of the doctor the cause of the death, that the accused was guilty of the manslaughter of her husband. His Lordship also found the accused guilty of reckless driving but stayed sentence on that count.
There was pin-drop silence when time came for allocutus. D.E.Y. Aghaghowa, for the accused, rose slowly to his feet. His delivery was excellent. Mr. Aghaghowa spoke like a thoroughly inspired character from Shakespearean literature:
This lady came to this country in pursuit of love; it has now struck a tragic note. I believe it will remain with the accused for life. The principal actor (accused) will be haunted by events which led to this prosecution. At the prime of her age no woman wishes to be called a widow. She has been through a nightmare throughout the tendency of this case. I ask court to be lenient.
Even the prosecution appeared touched and left the issue of sentence to the court. Chief Justice Idigbe was evidently touched by the facts of this case and he tempered justice with mercy as he ended his judgment. He showed that he was human after all. Justice Idigbe declared, with a touch of the consummate poet-umpire:
This is indeed a very pathetic case. There was a domestic disagreement such as it is not unknown between husbands and wives; accused walked out on the deceased possibly in an effort to avoid an explosive situation. The deceased followed possibly intending to prevent the accused from going out that early hour of the morning; in doing this, deceased became rash in his action and courted death. Aggrieved about the situation, accused, heedless of the consequences of the action of the deceased, also pursued a dangerous course of action… After taking into consideration the facts of the case, I propose to be extremely lenient. Sentence: Accused is cautioned and discharged
Justice Idigbe was a liberal-minded crusader who, in Ukaegbu v. Attorney-General of Imo State (1983) NSCC 160 led a full panel of the Supreme Court to declare that a private individual or agency had the right to establish a university, a secondary or post-primary institution. His Lordship declared pointedly in a decision that, progressively, broadened access to education in Nigeria:
Every member of this community has a right to adequate, unalloyed and balanced education; a right to receive healthy education; a right to freedom from unsavory and diabolical instructions and teachings.
It could therefore be said that Justice Idigbe, by that judgment, laid a strong foundation for the Nigerian government to liberalize university education in Nigeria. In the Shitta-Bey case, Idigbe JSC boldly rejected the application in Nigeria of the common law principle that the prerogative order of mandamus does not, generally, issue against the crown or its servants in their capacity as crown servants. He held that a public servant in the established pensionable cadre of the Federal Public Service has a legal status and ex hypothesi, a right to remain in service until properly removed in accordance with the Civil Service Rules applicable to him.
In his landmark conclusion, Justice Idigbe held that the applicant had a legal right to be properly reinstated and that the respondent had the correlative duty to see that he was duly reinstated.
Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe was a good listener who could hear you out quietly for a long time even when he did not agree with all your arguments. His colleagues and others who knew him spoke well of his team spirit and high respect for humanity.
Justice Idigbe was brilliant, bold, hardworking and foresighted, yet humble and humane. Outside the legal profession, he chaired the committee whose work gave birth to the Land Use Act – even though the final document became a joint effort. His appointment to the panel came not long after he returned to the Supreme Court, and was seen as proof of his understanding of the complexities of land law in Nigeria. Readers of Idigbe, JSC’s judgments in Udensi v. Mogbo (1976) NSCC 376; and Arase v. Arase (1981) NSCC 101, amongst others will readily encounter his profound grasp of the intricacies of land law. He was conferred with two national honours -Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR); Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The essential Justice Idigbe was largely a combination of the character convictions of his father, Alexander, and the amiability of his mother, Christie. There is no denying the strong presence of the Jurist’s background, personality and perception of social environment in his legal thoughts. The suffering humanity he saw during the civil war might also have sharpened the Izoma’s sensibilities to law and social cohesion. Although, he was never the Chief Justice of Nigeria, some in his time regarded him as “Chief Justice of Law in Nigeria.” I think music also charged his thoughts!
Nigeria is passing through a phase that challenges the resilience of our patriotism and the character of the Bench which was Justice Idigbe’s principal constituency. The Judiciary represents a much coveted institution to protect democracy and the rule of law in this country. Needless emphasizing that, a truly autonomous, independent Judiciary deserves support and encouragement to perform optimally and help strengthen our institutions. Certainly, Nigeria needs a courageous, integrity-drivenJudiciary.Despite the worrisome outlook in some cases, the Nigerian Judiciary is well positioned in terms of content. There may well be other Idigbes in our midst waiting to happen. One way we can draw them out is by enriching the Bench with more presence from the accomplished Bar or even from the academia.That way, we can have more Elias, Nnamanis, Tobis, Udomas, Esos, Oputas and other icons who lit up the Nigerian Judiciary.
Before I conclude this modest contribution, let me appeal to the Nigerian law biographer and legal researcher to write more about the giants of the profession , whether at the Bar or on the Bench. An exploration into the backgrounds and influences that made them excel, or into the character and breadth of their jurisprudence, is eternally necessary, not just to eulogize a glorious past but to challenge the future. I made a major discovery when I spent sessions in Onitsha on Sir Louis Mbanefo. My effort led, in 2002, to the publication of the book, Evergreen Memories of Sir Louis Mbanefo, seen as a useful insight into law and history.
In the case of Hon. Justice Chike Idigbe, in whose honour we are gathered here today, there are abundant lessons to be learnt from his massive imprint. Forty years after he slept, the Bar, the Bench and the larger strata of humanity continue to unite to say eloquently about him: ‘Here was a great man, much alive, indeed, in death’.
Thank you.
-Dr. Ekong Sampson, Senator-elect, Akwa Ibom South, gave the Keynote Address at the 15th Punuka Annual Lecture/Symposium in honour of the centenary of the former Supreme Court Justice, Chike Idigbe, OFR, CON, held on Thursday, 4th May, 2023 at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
BRANDO GROUP TO REWARD WINNERS OF YAK IKÕM UDOM ESSAY COMPETITION
As part of its corporate social responsibility, the operators of one of Africa’s best digital market places, Brando group of companies is set to reward the six winners of Yak Ikòm Udom Essay competition.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Amb. Ubong Brownson, the gesture is part of the company’s contribution towards educational advancement and breeding human capital for Akwa Ibom State.
Recall that the essay competition which is part of the activities by thoughtful citizens to celebrate Governor Udom Emmanuel’s 8 years of superlative performance, had two categories comprising Secondary Schools and Tertiary institutions.
As was published earlier, ₦150,000, ₦100,000 and ₦50,000 will be doled out to the first, second and third positions respectively in the Secondary school category. Similarly, winners in the Tertiary institution category will receive ₦200,000, ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the competition have reassured that professional assessment of the over 200 entries received from participants is ongoing and the 6 winners will be announced on or before mid-night of Saturday May 13, 2023.
Following persistent calls by Nigerians on the status of the DSTV Pay As You Go tariff being pursued by the member representing Ukanafun Oruk/Anam Federal Constituency and Deputy Chairman Communications Committee in the House of Representatives, Rep. Unyime Idem, it has become necessary to give an update as follows:
That after the motion by Rep. Unyime Idem seeking to investigate non implementation of Pay As You Go tariff by DSTV and other broadcast satellite service providers, the House in its wisdom set up an adhoc committee headed by him to investigate the matter.
During investigation, DSTV increased the prices of its bouquet. Irked by this act of insensitivity, the Committee asked the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, the Regulator, to order DSTV to revert to the old price.
DSTV responded by saying that the NBC Act does not give it powers to regulate or fix prices for her services stating that the forces of demand and supply is the determining factor.
Worried by this response, Rep. Idem sought for an amendment of the NBC Act to give power to NBC, the Regulator, for price negotiation, determination and fixing.
The NBC Act (amendment) has since been passed by the House of Representatives and is now awaiting concurrence by the Senate before being implemented.
Rep. Idem wishes to appreciate everyone who has been asking questions about the DSTV issue. He has promised to liaise with the relevant authorities to get the concurrence, passage and assent. He has assured the over 7 million viewing household that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
Signed Media Unit Office of the Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency
We are pleased to announce Capital Luxury Global Resources Limited as the Principal Partner of Yak Ikòm Udom concert and award night slated for Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Emerald Event center by 5PM.
According to the CEO of the organization, Mr Edidiong Udoidiong, the administration of Governor Emmanuel in the past 8 years, has provided an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. He added that the establishment of Capital Luxury Global in 2015 was inspired by the “dakkada” philosophy
Capital Luxury Global Resources, with presence in over 5 countries, is a multifaceted and prestigious company committed to providing unlimited luxury products and services. The luxury expert on Automobiles, Hotels, Entertainment, transportation, real Estate and food, has over 11 business subsidiaries.
IBOM VOICE MEDIA 