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The Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency at the National Assembly has commissioned the first phase of the 2.8Km Ikot Akpa Nkuk – Nyak Ibah – Usung Atiat – Ikot Akpa Idem -Ikot Udombang Road in Ukanafun Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
Rep Idem who recently commissioned the Akpan Assiek Market Road and more than 40 other life touching infrastructure projects in the two local government areas of the Constituency urged his constituents to show patriotism to the Nation as we go into the elections in a few days.
The first phase of the road, which has been completed and commissioned today, spans through 1.4 km, while the second phase of another 1.4 km will be completed and commissioned in no distant time.
He noted that he has been able to do what he has done for the people through the support of the people, and appealed to them to continue to show support and understanding to matters of importance to the Federal Constituency.
He appreciated the stakeholders of the Constituency who have also shown tremendous support and urged the constituents to continue to take good care of the various projects he has facilitated in their various communities.
Rep Idem, who is the initiator empowerment for 5,000 youths and women, seized the opportunity to give out empowerment forms to women in the area. He said the roads and other infrastructure projects when put to proper use will enhance the economic well-being of the people.
In his goodwill message, the Political Leader of Ukanafun Local Government Area, Hon. (Obong) Eno Akpan commended the lawmaker for always sponsoring lifetouching projects for his constituents. He said the projects will have long-term impact in the various benefitting communities. The political leader stated that based on the unprecedented performance of the lawmaker, the Federal Constituency had resolve to give the lawmaker the highest number of votes recorded by anyone contesting to the Federal legislature in the coming elections.
While also delivering a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, who was represented Engr. Ignatius Ekwere, a director in the Ministry of Works and Fire Service, extolled the sterling leadership qualities of Rep Idem. He acknowledged the high qualities of projects sponsored by the lawmaker and encouraged the constituents to put them to good use.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Area, Hon. Godwin Inyieng said the overall essence of the projects facilitated by the lawmaker can not be overstressed. He urged the benefitting communities to make good use of the road and warned against any form of vandalism on any of the projects.
Other stakeholders at the event were Hon. Saturday Michael Akpan, Hon. Nseobong Umanah, Hon. Idong Umoh, Hon. Uduak Essien, Hon. Umakiso Umoh, Hon. Amos Udom, Hon. Nsikak Udoibe, Mr Mojima Etokudo, Mr. Eshiet Offiong, Hon. Sunday Demas, Hon. Dopse Sandy, among others.
SAMPSON IDIONG HOSTS PDP FAITHFUL IN ORUK ANAM WARD 5
…Enoidem, Idems Atiku assured of victory
By Nsikak Udom
It was a beautiful moment yesterday 20th February 2023, as the incoming Member, Oruk Anam State Constituency, Hon Prince Sampson Idiong, hosted the PDP faithful in his ward and reassured them that PDP has gotten her victory already for the elections that is fast approaching.
In his remarks, Prince Idiong, eulogized the people of ward five, for always standing by him in all the electioneering periods.
“This gesture and love showing is not taken for granted, I have enjoyed your support from inception. I want to assure you that when I get to the House of Assembly, I will definitely reciprocate the love you all have shown to me”, he said.
Ahead of the Presidential and national assembly elections, Idiong who described the Saturday polls as a litmus test of his election on March 11, admonished the electorates to vote Atiku Abubakar as President of Nigeria, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem as Senator for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district and Hon. Unyime to return to hoise of representatives, citing competence and capacity.
Similarly, the Political leader of ward 5, Atuekong Hon Ubong Idiong in his remarks appreciated the people of ward 5 for not compromising their stance in the political arena.
“Right from the beginning, Ward five is PDP, and we can’t be indifferent now by changing the party that has given us developmental strides amongst other laudable projects in the State. The APC led administration, has caused us so much pains, it’s high time we stood up for our right and vote a man that will give us a Nigeria we’ll be proud of by voting PDP from national down to our Local Government Area.”
Also speaking, the Secretary of Oruk Anam Local Government Council Mr Emmanuel Ennang, urged ward five people to stand their ground by not letting the mischievous people from the lifeless parties to flatter them and sell what is not good to them.
“PDP will as a matter of fact, restore peace in our country, stabilize our economy and as well crave way for development and growth to thrive in our State and L.G.A”, Mr Ennang said.
Ward five people on their diverse responses, all vowed to stand with PDP and to make sure the party is emerged victorious in the coming elections.
ISD 2023: CATHOLIC CHURCH DENIES ENDORSING AKPABIO FOR SENATE
By Emma Akpabio
The leadership of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria, CYON, Ikot Ekpene Diocese, has dismissed claims of the purported endorsement of the senatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Chief Godswill Akpabio.
In a telephone interview with journalists on Sunday, February 19, 2023, a Chaplain of the CYON who refuted statements credited to the organization, described it as an attempt to dent the image of the Church and drag the Catholic faith into an unnecessary and avoidable political crisis.
According to the Priest, the Catholic Diocese of Ikot Ekpene under the leadership of Most Rev Dr. Camillus Umoh, in line with the doctrine of the universal Church, remains neutral as members are free to vote for candidates of their choice based on their conviction and not by inducement.
The Clergyman who hails from one of the local government areas Akpabio had neglected for 8 years as a Governor, 4 years as a senator, and 3 years as a minister, wondered how Akpabio’s media handlers could think their Principal can gather a few Priests and youth and induce them to speak on behalf of the Catholic Church.
He warned rumour mongers and purveyors of fake news to desist from such acts as the Catholic Church will not change its position on members voting based on their conviction and not because of any monetary inducement.
“The CYON has neither endorsed Senator Akpabio’s Senatorial ambition nor that of any other candidate. What took place today at the cathedral, Ifuho was a routine deanery combine of the youths, with the youth chaplains, Rev Frs Cletus Okon, Akaninyene Umoh, and even the Diocesan youth President, Mr. Samuel Ibanga in attendance. Never was Akpabio endorsed at the gathering” he stressed.
Meanwhile, a revered knight of the Catholic church who pleaded anonymity while also reacting to the purported endorsement said it was easier for a cow to go through the eye of the needle than for any of the three primary organizations of the Catholic church to endorse Akpabio’s Senatorial candidacy, citing neutrality, zoning, justice, and equity.
Describing such news as false, malicious,s, and desperation taken too far, the knight of the church recalled how Akpabio was recently ordered to drop his broom if he wants to thank God and not wave it at the altar. He however advised politicians to go about issue-based campaigns without dragging in, the name of the holy mother church.
…Umo Eno, Enoidem, Umanah, set agenda for constituents
…Mike Enyong is a candidate for prison, not Gov- Barr Enoidem
Thousands of PDP members from the 5 Clans, 10 Wards, and 111 Poling units of Etim Ekpo LGA on Wednesday converged at the Local Government Stadium, Utu Etim Ekpo for the 2023 PDP Governorship Campaign Rally.
The event which comes barely 10 days before the 2023 presidential and National Assembly election, had the PDP Governorship Campaign, Pastor Umo Eno, his running mate, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the DG, Amb Assam Assam, SAN, and members of the Umo Eno/PDP Governorship Campaign Organization, the PDP Senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, the PDP candidate for Abak/ Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. (Eld). Aniekan Umanah as well as the Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency candidate, Hon. Mfon Idung, pay homage to the Etim Ekpo Traditional Rulers Council during a Consultation Visit to the Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo, HRM, Akuku, (Prof). Amanam A. Udo, at his palace.
Addressing the people, PDP Candidate for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem noted that the only party in Akwa Ibom State that can win an election is the PDP. “We will not just win all elective positions come February 25 and March 11, 2023. We will win with a landslide. No matter what any desperate politician thinks or does, we are winning the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial election”, he declared.
The former PDP National Legal Adviser, NLA, urged Akwa Ibom people not to be carried away by the desperate antics of a few who out of desperation have resorted to criminality in the name of politics, vowing that the long arm of the law will catch up with them.
“Umo Eno is the only 2023 Governorship candidate standing on two legs. Others are standing on one leg. Some don’t even have a leg to stand on. Also, Atiku Abubakar is Nigeria’s next President. Nigeria cannot afford a sick President to govern a sick nation. Atiku is detribalized. He is a patriot, an experienced former Vice President who will help stabilize Nigeria”.
“Mike Enyong is not a candidate for election, he is a candidate for prison. Tell him he will go to jail for fraud and criminality. Pastor Umo Bassey Eno is the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Even if the rapture is to come, we will pray to God to wait until after May 29, 2023. Rapture can come from May 30th so that we can have a Pastor as Governor”, he stated.
Also speaking, the PDP State Chairman, Rt Hon (Eld). Aniekan Akpan, thanked the people for their support and solidarity with the PDP, assuring that the party will ensure the development and progress of the area are sustained.
“I thank Etim Ekpo people for keeping faith with the PDP. Etim Ekpo will never be like Esau. There shall be no Esau in Etim Ekpo come 2023. Make no mistake, Pastor Umo Eno is the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State. We are not presenting our candidate to you virtually. He is here in the flesh and blood. He is not a cinema governorship candidate. He will in collaboration with Barr Enoidem as our next Senator make us proud. Etim Ekpo is PDP. We have done it before, we will do it again”, he assured.
Also speaking, the PDP Governorship candidate, Pastor Umo Eno, thanked the Etim Ekpo people for their support, assuring that a vote for the PDP is a vote for peace, rural development, small and medium enterprise, and entrepreneurial development.
Pastor Umo Eno urged them to vote for Atiku Abubakar, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, and Hon Mfon Idung as the next President, Senator, member House of Representatives, and Assembly respectively, assuring that with the collaboration of other PDP elected public office holders, he will ensure the needs of the people are fulfilled.
“Barr Enoidem is the man whose time has come. He is one of the great leaders we have in our party. These are the original Etim Ekpo sons and daughters who will vote for the PDP and vote for their son who will be the next Senator. This is not a borrowed crowd. We will stand with Barr Enoidem and build Etim Ekpo. We will establish a palm oil processing refinery so that our youths will have jobs and our women will benefit from the value chain derived from palm processing. Rural development will be our focus which is why we will focus on building rural roads and cottage hospitals in our Wards”, he stated.
He urged the people not to be distracted by the issue of who the PDP Governorship candidate is, stating that those who tried to circumvent the law will face the law. “How can you say you’ve won yet you’re on the run? This is not America. Nigeria prison is not the same as in America. The law will catch up with them”, he said.
On his part, the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Moses Ekpo, MFR, called on the people to vote massively for the PDP, stating that the time has come to end 63 years of marginalization of Abak federal Constituency.
He noted that time and destiny have come together to ensure the emergence of Barr Emmanuel Enoidem as the next Senator for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District come February 25, 2023, and urged the people to mobilize support for the PDP, assuring that the party will continue to attract dividends of democracy to the people.
(C) Media Directorate, Emmanuel Enoidem Senatorial Campaign Organization
UNCOVERING GOV. EMMANUEL’S GIANT STRIDES IN ORUK ANAM
Since her creation from Ukanafun in 1989, Oruk Anam local government area amidst plethora of material and human capital resources was bleak and one of the least developed local government areas in Akwa Ibom state, before the advent of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration.
As a vote basket of Akwa Ibom and one of the few local government areas in Nigeria that has produced a Governor, a minister, parliamentarians in the national/state assemblies, national and state party chairmen et al, Oruk Anam, before 2015, had no tangible and visible infrastructural development.
Even in the era of oil boom and uncommon transformation when an Annang son was the Governor of Akwa Ibom and so much money was thrown around the streets between 2007 and 2015, not even one road project was commissioned in Oruk Anam local government area.
Despite constituting the greater population of the area, Oruk Anam youths since the return of Democratic rule in 1999, witnessed what could be the worst case of cajole on one’s destiny.
Prior to every election, youths were recognized as important “tools” and adopted for successful electioneering process and discarded right after the elections. The hopes and dreams of the youths for living a better life through participatory government were always dashed.
Infact, it was easier for a cow to pass through the eye of a needle than have someone of Oruk Anam origin below 50 years entrusted with an important public service position in Akwa Ibom State.
Yes, we may not be there yet, but one man that has put in significant efforts in changing the story and even the face of Oruk Anam local government area is Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom state in the past 7 years, has done for Oruk Anam what all his predecessors put together, never did since the creation of Akwa Ibom state in 1987.
In human capital development, Governor Emmanuel has facilitated the election of young people and even appointed Oruk Anam youths into sensitive positions of responsibility in his administration.
Examples of young people incorporated into a system that was hitherto only occupied by men above 50years include, the SA to the Governor on Public Affairs – Barr Morgan Ekanem and the State Assistant Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Itoro Noah. In the 2020 local government elections, Oruk Anam produced Hon. Abasiama Etukakpan as the youngest vice Chairman in Akwa Ibom State.
It would be recalled that Oruk Anam never had any Commissioner between 2007 and 2015 but in the past 7 years, the area has produced 4 Commissioners, 2 Senior Special Assistants, over 8 Special Assistants, board members and 4 board Chairmen including the award winning Chairman of AKSEPWMA, Obong Dr Prince Ikim.
Governor Emmanuel through his wife -Dr Martha and his erstwhile special assistant on inter-ministerial and direct labour projects, Prince Sampson Idiong have transformed the lives of several youths, women and Elders of Oruk Anam through business grants, utility vehicles and other financial supports.
On infrastructural development, no government since the creation of Oruk Anam has commissioned up to 6 kilometers of roads in the area but the Gov. Emmanuel led administration is embarking on 70 kilometers of roads with 5 bridges in total.
Roads initiated and completed under Governor Emmanuel include; 5.1km internal roads in Obio Akpa campus of Akwa Ibom state University, 4.9km Ibesit- Ikot Ibritam road, 14km Ikot Ikara- Ibesit Okpokoro road with one bridge. Others still ongoing at very advanced stage and will be commissioned soon include; the 22km Ikot Ekaide – Ikot Okoro – Ikot Ibritam road with two bridges, 18.9km Ikot Ibritam – Ekeffe- Ikot Akpan Afaha road with two bridges, 4.5km Ekparakwa – Mbon Ebre – Ibesit Road, amongst others.
Governor Emmanuel has not cheated Oruk Anam in his industrialization drive. This is evident in the recently commissioned starch Factory and garri Processing factory in Obio Akpa as well as the complete rehabilitation and construction of Urua Anwa – the most popular market in the area with enormous direct and indirect economic benefits to the people. The Nofin offshore shipyard along East- West road came into existence under his leadership as the state chief executive.
For several years, the people of Oruk Anam often travelled several kilometers to have access to secondary health care, but today, the once abandoned community built hospital in Ikot Okoro can compete with any general hospital in the world, courtesy of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
In education, though Oruk Anam pupils and students are beneficiaries of the free and compulsory education policy and scholarships program, more than 80 percent of all Primary and Secondary schools in Oruk Anam have been rehabilitated and constructed through the inter-ministerial direct labour coordinating committee of Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration. A community built Urban high school, Ikot Akpan Essien was amongst the 18 schools taken over by the government.
Still in education, the only Navy military school in Akwa Ibom is sited in Ekparakwa, while a digital language Library, commercial palm oil farm, commercial farm feed mill, vegetable screen house, ultra modern mass communication studio and a standard performance Art theatre have been provided in the Obio Akpa campus of the Akwa Ibom State University.
In fulfilment of his campaign promise of rural development, Governor Emmanuel has embarked on massive rural electrification projects in Oruk Anam. There has been rehabilitation of electrification in Ibianga, Ikot Akpan, Ikot Esenam and it’s environs, amongst others too numerous to mention.
Stating that Governor Emmanuel has been so fair in project allocation to his in-laws is simply stating the obvious. Therefore, there is no doubt that the people of Oruk Anam will turn out en masse tomorrow, to welcome the PDP Guber candidate, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and all other candidates of the PDP who will tomorrow visit Ikot Ibritam for campaigns.
Zoning of Senate Seat: Why nobody can stand truth on its head
We have read with amusement, the tale by moonlight from the pseudo groups that go by the name Annang Liberation Movement (ALM) and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Integrity Alliance (ISDIA), over the decision to micro-zone the Ikot Ekpene District Senate seat to Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency.
While it is understandable that these paid artists are poor students of history, it is pertinent to educate them that the governorship seat has always been zoned on the basis of senatorial district, while the senate seat is considered on the basis of federal constituency.
For emphasis, we restate the following:
The decision to zone the Senate seat to federal constituencies in the senatorial district started in 1999, long before their principal joined politics in 2002. So, he cannot jettison it to enable him live in the Senate.
When Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien finished in 2003, he voluntarily withdrew from the race to enable the position to rotate to Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency where Senator Itak Bob Ekarika was elected.
Akpabio used it in 2007 when he invited the stakeholders in the senatorial district to a meeting at Ikot Ekpene Council Hall to prevail on Barr Saviour Udo from Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, to step down for Senator Aloysius Etok of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency to enlist their support to enable him protect his governorship ticket.
As Senator Etok was about completing his first term, Akpabio invited Barr Emmanuel Enoidem in 2010 to run for the Senate in the presence of witnesses – Barr Ibanga Akpabio, Rt. Hon. Nse Ntuen, Sir Emem Akpabio, Bishop Samuel Akpan, Prince Ukpong Akpabio and Hon. Emmanuel Akpan – according to him, it was the turn of Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency.
5.The author of the piece, in acting out of ignorance did not only compare zoning for the senatorial seat with the governorship, but also failed in his selective amnesia to acknowledge his principal as a very ‘dangerous politician’ who can compromise anything of value to enable him have his way, regardless of what consequences lie ahead.
We, therefore, stand with the decision of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Stakeholders earlier taken that come 2023, the Akwa Ibom North West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District seat must go to Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency.
Available historical statistics are clear and unambiguous that Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency is the only constituency yet to produce a Senator as past Senators from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District are;
•Senator Raymond Umoh: 1963-1969 Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency
•Senator Donald Etiebet: 1979-1982 Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency
•Senator Nsima Akpabio: 1983-1984 Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency
•Senator Akaninyene Ukpanah:1992-1993 Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency
•Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien: 1999-2003 Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency
•Senator Itak Bob Ekarika: 2023-2027 Ukanafun/ Oruk Anam Federal Constituency
•Senator Aloysius Etok: 2007-2011 Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency
•Senator Aloysius Etok: 2011-2015 Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency
•Senator Godswill Akpabio: 2015-2019 Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency
•Senator Christopher Ekpenyong: 2019-2023 Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency
Therefore, in the interest of peace, unity and togetherness of the senatorial district, we will not allow any man, no matter how important he thinks he is to divide the Annang nation and the senatorial district for personal and selfish gain.
Signed:
Hon Christopher Edemekong: IKOT EKPENE/ESSIEN UDIM/OBOT AKARA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
Amadie Akpabio:UKANAFUN/ORUK ANAM FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
Unwana Ibokette: ABAK/ETIM EKPO/IKA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
2023: Oruk Anam to deliver highest votes to Umoeno, Enoidem, PDP – Stakeholders vow
Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, in Oruk Anam local government area have again vowed to deliver with the highest votes, all candidates of the Party at the February and March 2023 general elections.
The stakeholders who converged in Uyo yesterday, rose from a strategic meeting with a resolve to mobilise and ensure that the Oruk Anam PDP mega rally scheduled for Monday, February 13, at the council headquarters – Ikot Ibritam records a huge success.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of PDP campaigns in Oruk Anam, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan who described the leader of the party, Mr. Udom Emmanuel as a worthy in-law, said the rally was simply a homecoming for the Governor and his dear wife, Dr (Mrs) Martha Emmanuel.
Siting developmental strides of Governor Emmanuel-led administration in the area as reasons to continually support PDP, the Leader of the Akwa Ibom state house of assembly said he is sure of PDP’s victory, adding that delivering the highest votes for PDP in Oruk Anam is now the target.
The stakeholders meeting was attended by Chairman of Council, Rt Hon Kingsley Frank, Honourable Commissioner for Education; PDP candidate for Oruk Anam State Constituency, Prince Sampson Idiong, Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Board, Hon Prince Ikim, PDP Chapter Chairman and Engr Nsikan Titus.
Others include, Chairman Akwa Ibom Technical Education Board, Hon Godwin Udom, Board Chairman of green well fertilizer, Chief Sonni Udom, member, House of Assembly Service Commission, Atuekong (Prince) Ubong Idiong; member Akwa Ibom Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission, Hon Etiutom Ediene, Dr Udoma Ekarika; Chief Bassey Essien, councillors, supervisors, past and present political office holders, amongst others.
GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL COMMISSIONS 1,000 SEATER CAPACITY VOCATIONAL SKILLS CENTRE DONATED BY REP UNYIME IDEM
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has commissioned a 1,000 seater capacity vocational skills centre at Ikot Okoro, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
The project is the second of its kind sponsored by Rep Unyime Idem as the first is in Ukanafun Local Government Area and was commissioned in December 2021 by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase.
The project was initiated in 2019 alongside the empowerment program for 5,000 youths in the Constituency.
The first batch of 1,000 constituents was empowered in 2020, and the second batch of 1,500 was empowered in 2021. The last batch of 2,500 will be empowered in 2023 after the general elections.
The Governor described the initiative as a meal ticket for the future. He commended Rep Idem for keying into his government’s agenda on entrepreneurship and wealth creation and advised the youths to take advantage of the facility to better their lives.
The Governor who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Labour and Manpower, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom promised to provide more facilities for the centre to aid learning.
In his speech, the Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency at the National Assembly and the sponsor of the project, Rep Unyime Idem appreciated the Governor for deeming it fit to grace the event and to support the skill education of the youths.
He called on the federal government to redesign Nigeria’s education curriculum to accommodate skills education.
The lawmaker noted that the gains of skills education are enormous as it will help youths tap into capabilities, develop real-life skills, and prepare them to be successful in their careers. He said education for just certificates without skills cannot guarantee employment.
“There is no gain saying the fact that at a time like this, when unemployment, poverty, and hunger are posing national economic challenges, Nigerians need to explore alternative sources of livelihood. This is where the acquisition of skills through formal training comes to the rescue.”
He reminisced on how he became the most celebrated telecom service provider in Nigeria from a 45,000 naira investment with two staffers in 2005 when he started out as an entrepreneur.
He promised to donate L – shaped classroom block to the only primary school in the community.
Speaking separately, the Executive Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Hon. Kingsley Frank, the PDP candidate for Oruk Anam State Constituency at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Prince Sampson Idiong, the former Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Prince Ubong Idiong commended Rep Idem for the visionary leadership he has shown. They advised the youths to take good care of the facilities, make good use of the opportunity, and guard against vandalism.
“It is hoped that from this centre, we will raise inventors, tech gurus, job and wealth creators, as well as the next generation of business leaders who would advance the cause of the human race. It is on this note that I passionately appeal to this community to protect this facility from abuse and vandalism while also urging the beneficiaries to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by the skills acquisition and empowerment centre, and be useful to themselves, family, and society.”
Other dignitaries at the event were the former Member of the House of Representatives, Obong Sunny Udom, former Member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sunny Okoko, Hon. Godwin Udom, Obong Bassey Essien, Prof. Victor Inoka, Prof. Paul Udofia, Prof. Udeme Okoro, Hon. Nnamso Idiong, Hon. Okon Ekpo, Hon. Etop Ukoh, Hon. Aniefiok Okoro, Elder Friday Udoku, Hon. Aniedi Akpan, Mr Ndifreke Etim, the Village Head of Ikot Okoro village amongst others.
Senate 2023: Etiebet, Abak 5 leaders endorse Barr Enoidem, zones seat to Abak federal Constituency
…Members to vote their party’s presidential candidates come Feb 25
…Etiebet to lead delegation to lobby Ikono/Ini, Ikot Ekpene federal Constituencies
With barely twenty days to the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly Election, political leaders across the various political parties of Abak 5 extraction in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District have resolved to throw their weight behind a Senatorial candidate from Abak federal Constituency extraction.
Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, the PDP Senatorial candidate was unanimously endorsed as their choice for the February 25, 2023 Senatorial election but members were urged to vote their respective party’s presidential candidates.
The bipartisan decision which was taken after an inter-party meeting held at Ewet Housing Estate residence of former Minister of Petroleum, Otuekong Don Etiebet, had members of the APC, PDP, NNPP, YPP, Labour Party and others in attendance from Abak, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Ukanufun and OrukAnam Local Government Areas in attendance.
Present at the meeting were past and present Local Government Chairmen, past and present Commissioners, past and present members of the National and State House of Assembly, past and present members of Boards, Commissions, Agencies and Parastatal at both federal and State level, past and present party officials at the Federal, Zonal, and State level, Elder statesmen, Community Leaders, Heads of Women Groups, among others.
In a resolution at the end of the extraordinary meeting, the leaders revolved to among other things, that the 2023 Senatorial seat for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District must go to Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency which has not produced a Senator since 1963 whereas other federal constituencies in the Senatorial District have produced Senators at several times, including Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency that has produced five Senators since 1963, three in the fourth republic alone.
Other far reaching decisions taken at the end of the extraordinary meeting include, the unanimous adoption of Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem of the PDP, being the strongest of the four candidates considered from the Abak-5 Community as the consensus candidate for the February 25, 2023 Senatorial election.
The communique read in parts; That all Abak-5 Community eligible voters are enjoined to vote for Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem of the PDP irrespective of their party affiliations in the Community in the forth coming senatorial election of 25th February, 2023 for equity, justice, fairness and brotherliness because it is Abak Federal Constituency’s turn to produced the next Senator having not had any since 1963″.
“The leaders of the Abak-5 Community led by Atuekong Annang, Don Etiebet, CON are enjoined to reach out to their allies in Ikot Ekpene and Ikono/ Ini Federal Constituencies for their understanding and support to vote for Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem to win the Senate seat of the Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District”, the communique read.
The meeting which had all major political stakeholders from Abak 5 extraction, urged all Chieftains of the various political parties to relocate to their respective units, wards and local government areas to begin what was termed, “the mother of all political mobilization” towards the realisation of the decision.
The meeting which lasted for hours ended with prayers to God to bless their resolutions to enthrone justice, Equity, fairness and good brotherliness in Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District so as to preserve the age long unity and peace among the four federal constituencies in the Senatorial District as well as the peaceful and orderly election of Barr Emmanuel Enoidem as the next Senator on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
REP IDEM COMMISSIONS E-LEARNING CENTRE AT AFAHA HIGH SCHOOL, IKOT UDO MBANG
The Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Rep Unyime Idem has commissioned and handed over a well equipped E-Learning Centre to Afaha High School, Ikot Udo Mbang, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
The E-Learning Centre is equipped with VSAT Internet infrastructure, computer sets, magnetic board, power generating set, computer tables and chairs among other facilities, and is the sixth of such projects donated to schools in the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency.
The lawmaker, Rep Unyime Idem, in his speech, reiterated the essence of technology in today’s world. He said it is his desire to equip students from his constituency with relevant skills and competencies to stand shoulder to shoulder with their contemporaries the world over. He promised the people of more developmental projects.
In a goodwill message, the Political Leader of Ukanafun Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. (Obong) Eno Akpan commended the lawmaker for the gesture. He appealed to the lawmaker to take over and complete projects that were not completed by previous governments.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Area, Hon. (Pastor) Godwin Inyieng appreciated the lawmaker for attracting to the local government area developmental projects that will engage the people of the area positively. He advised the youths to make good use of the facilities and warned against vandalism.
Also at the event were the Commissioner 1 of Akwa Ibom State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Saturday Michael Akpan, Hon. Nseobong Umanah, Hon. Amos Udom, traditional rulers, women groups, students, among others.
JUSTICE ODOKWO’S JUDGEMENT AND THE MANY LIES OF SENATOR AKPABIO
By Daniel Etokidem
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Senator Akpabio flagged off his ill-fated Senatorial campaign in Oruk Anam LGA and in his characteristic manner, he began by not just twisting history, but by telling so many lies especially about his defeat in 2019 Senatorial race by Senator Chris Ekpenyong. If not for the inherent mischief in his submission, one could have rationalized and excused him on the alter of ignorance. But this was not a case of ignorance, it was his usual way of standing truth on the head.
He was reported to have said that people conspired to rig him out in 2019. He did not stop there. He went a step further to add salt to injury by submitting that those who rigged the polls against him are today in jail, in apparent reference to Prof Peter Ogban who was convicted by the Court for manipulation of the election results in Akpabio’s favor, especially in Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo LGA’s.
It is not just the fallaciousness of his claim that offends, or the flagrant distortion of facts and history but the audacious arrogance that accompanied it. The absence of civilized rules of engagement by him notwithstanding, nothing on earth justifies his callousness against Prof Peter Ogban, whose life has been permanently altered by his desire to work for and please Akpabio, who has now turned around to throw him under the bus in the most callous of manners.
That insensitive cowardly display in Oruk Anam of all places, is not only pugnacious indecent barbarity but further epitomizes the extent to which Senator Akpabio could go to ridicule a man who fell from grace to grass, struggling to commit a crime for the sake and help of Akpabio. The indignant callousness of that messaging against a man he recruited to help him; who did all he could to help rig him into power, says a lot.
Akpabio’s latest lie further exposes the kind of politician he is. This perhaps further opens a window to his inner turmoil. Afterall, history has shown that it is not what a man calls himself that matters but what people perceive him to be. As they say, when morality fails, impunity reigns. This might explains why many with conscience, could not have been amused by such bare-faced lie against a man who is already down, beaten and ruined for trying to help Akpabio. The barbarian callousness against the electoral officer is further proof that whoever does a favour to Akpabio, does so at his or her own risk.
No matter how Akpabio wants to twist history, the truth is that in 2019, he tried unsuccessfully to rig the Feb 24, 2019 Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District election which he lost to incumbent Senator Chris Ekpeyong.
For the records, Prof Peter Ogban was prosecuted by INEC for rigging the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial election for Akpabio. Specifically, for manipulation of the Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo LGA’s results. He was arraigned before the Court on December, 15, 2020 on a two-count charge of fraudulent manipulation of polling scores of two political parties contrary to and punishable under section 123(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and falsification, publication and announcement of fake election results contrary to and punishable under section 123 (4) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), while serving as the Senatorial Collation/Returning Officer of the National Assembly Elections held on 24th February, 2019 in Etim Ekpo and Oruk Anam Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
To start with the, the March 25, 2021 judgement of Hon Justice Augustine D. Odokwo, was an indictment on the many criminal acts Akpabio masterminded in 2019, some against his former close allies. In Essien Udim LGA for instance, frustrated at his defeat on home soil, Barr Imoh Okpopo and Hon Sunyiekekere Inokon were assaulted on his orders. INEC staff and NYSC members who served as ad hoc staff were kidnapped and detained in Ukana. The videos are still there on social media, the evidence are still there, the witnesses of his electoral horror are still alive.
The judgement was not only an indictment on him but a triumph of good over evil, truth over falsehood, reason over folly, popularity over impunity and past glory, and above all, people’s power over federal might.
Except of the judgement reads” “In count one, it is alleged that the accused person on 24th day of February 2019 at the INEC office in Ikot Ekpene, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court while performing the ad-hoc duty as the Akwa Ibom State North West Senatorial Collation/Returning officer in the National Assembly Election held on 24th February, 2019 fraudulently manipulated scores of two political parties which scores are at variance with the scores recorded by the Local Government Area Collation officers of Etim Ekpo and Oruk Anam Local Government Areas”.
The 2nd count reads as follows: “the accused person on 24th day of February 2019 at the INEC office in Ikot Ekpene, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court while acting as the Akwa Ibom State North West Senatorial Collation/Returning officer of the National Assembly Elections held on the aforesaid date did falsify, publish and announced fake election results in Etim Ekpo and Oruk Anam Local Government Areas”.
In the judgement delivered on Thursday, March 25, 2021 by Hon Justice Augustine D. Odokwo of the High Court of Akwa Ibom State in Ikot Ekpene, with Charge No: HT/29C/2020 between the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC (COMPLAINANT) and Prof Peter Ikor Ogban, (ACCUSED PERSON), was found guilty as charged.
What was the bone of contention? The results recorded by the Local Government Area Collation officers of Etim Ekpo and Oruk Anam Local Government Areas were falsified by the Senatorial District Returning Officer to favour Akpabio and the APC.
In Oruk Anam LGA, PDP scored 25,123 to APC’s 10,534. But the Senatorial District Returning Officer recorded 15,534 for APC and PDP 20,123 in form EC8D (1). “The difference noted is that in Exhibit 3, the accused person recorded for APC – 15, 534, difference of increase of 5, 000. For PDP the accused person recorded 20,123. The figure there was reduced by 5,000”, the Judge declared.
In Etim Ekpo LGA, APC scored 2,671 but 5,671 was recorded in form EC8D (1) while the PDP scored 6,603 but 3,306 was recorded.
“The offences in the two counts are contrary to sections 123 (1) and 123 (4) of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended. The offence in each count attracts the punishment prescribed for it by law. In a bid to proof the alleged offences against the accused person, the prosecution called two subpoenaed witnesses who testified as PW1 and PW2 respectively. The accused person in denying the criminal allegations against him testified for himself as DW1 and called no other witness”.
“In the final result and in the circumstances of this case, I hold that the offence of Fraudulent Manipulation of polling scores of two political parties and Falsification, Publication and announcement of fake election results in the two counts charge have been proved beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution against the accused person. I find the accused person guilty as charged”, Hon Justice Augustine D. Odokwo declared.
These are the facts and it is sad that in 2023, Akpabio, having misread Annang cultural anthropology and elementary political history will want to twist history to suit his political mischief.
The good news is that in 26 days from today, voters in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District are going to the polls to elect their next Senator again. As Akpabio finally unravels, stumbling from one political mis-judgement to another, he reminds us of a dazed boxer who is unable to gather his scrambled wits together. It’s only natural that if he does not end up biting the referee in frenzied disorientation, he may yet set up the rigged canvas ablaze in a desperate act of terminal frustration.
But let no man lie about the facts of what happened in 2019. Not when these facts are both in the Court of Law and in the Court of Public Opinion. We may forgive, but we can never forget the horrors of “War Saw Saw War”. He would kiss the canvas again, no matter how much effort he exerts, to revise history. It is a matter of days.
…NDDC, PENGASSAN, others, among 2023 early birds at Watbridge
By Lizzy Ogor
Top rated hospitality outfit in the State, Watbridge Hotels&Suites has continued to rake in the top events of 2023.
Watbridge has gained fame as a highly in-demand event destination in Nigeria. Major corporations, organizations and multinationals have found in Watbridge, a trusted haven for their AGMs, Conferences, Seminars and Workshops.
This is because Watbridge offers the ideal event package for all classes of customers. The well known Nelson Mandela Hall sits more than a thousand guests in full capacity. The hall is spacious, with good AC and sound system.
The iconic William Shakespeare Hall remains a favorite for mini conferences, executive sessions and launches. Other halls and spaces include City View Hall, Lugard Terrace, the Super Poolside, Village Square and even the Underground Lounge.
So far this year, Watbridge Hotels has played host to NDDC Senior Staff Workshop, PENGASSAN Conference, Super Life Seminar, Skyworld Community Workshop, Youth Alive Foundation.
Considering having an event this year, look no further because Watbridge Hotels have you covered. The expansive facility is luxurious, spacious and with high security.
AKWA IBOM NORTH WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE, PEACE AND TOGETHERNESS
PRESS RELEASE
THE CROCODILE TEARS OF SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO’S CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION WOULD NOT STOP HIS DISGRACEFUL DEFEAT IN THE COMING ELECTION
We have been forced to react to the morally bankrupt, intentionally perfidious and worthless press statement, credited to the wobbly Godswill Akpabio Campaign Organization, construed with the evil intention to hoodwink the masses of our senatorial district and indeed Nigerians, into believing and accepting the imaginary, illusory, illogical, empty, false and hollow claim that the salvation of the entire District, lies with the selfish, discombobulating, arrogant, anarchic, self-ingratiating, power-hungry, destructive and inordinate ambition of Godswill Akpabio to force and manipulate his way into the senate of the Federal Republic yet again, breaking laws, rules, conventions, traditions, institutions and the harmonious existence of our people along the way.
In the said Press Statement, signed by Mr Joe Iniodu, which was released to counter the warning by elder statesman and APC Chieftain, Atuekong Don Etiebet, that the Senate seat in 2023 is zoned to Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, who are determined to ensure the emergence of a Senator from that zone in order to engender harmony and peace, it was vaingloriously alleged that Akpabio is the only solution to the woes of the district.
We wish to state for the records that our Senatorial District is committed to the course of ensuring that a senator emerges from Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency in 2023. We would use the instrument of the PVC to once again, teach Senator Akpabio a few lessons in decency, decorum and respect for orderliness, which he stubbornly refused to learn in 2019.
There is no doubt that Godswill Akpabio and his media hirelings, alongside the corrosive agents of anarchy who operate within his fast-disappearing cocoon of influence, wish to ride on the proverbial “short memory of the public”, to emotionally blackmail voters and promote Senator Akpabio’s indecent selfish proclivity for naked power, without minding the long-term cost to the growth of the society, destabilization of social cohesion and harmony within the entire senatorial district and country. Rather, he feels that the world revolves around his maniacal oversized ego, which must be massaged with continuous access to power, ad infinitum.
We remind Akpabio’s Campaign Council that:
Rotation of public offices was institutionalized in the district as a matter of decency for peace and harmony to reign.
The emergence of Akpabio as governor in 2007, emanated from power rotation principle that was agreed in Atuekong Don Etiebet’s house in Ewet Housing Estate – Uyo in 1998, long before Akpabio joined politics in 2002 as a Commissioner, under the government of Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah.
Senators Emmanuel Ibok Essien and Aloysius Etok were elected on that principle.
Godswill Akpabio argued that the tradition of rotating the senate seat after every single-term of four years among the respective Federal Constituencies was counter-productive, hence, he coalesced everyone into accepting that each zone should be allowed to serve for two-terms of eight years, after which the seat would be yielded to another zone.
Above was the reason which made Senator Aloysius Etok (from Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency) to be allowed to serve for two terms between 2007-2015.
In order to maintain the two-term rotation principle and prepare the template for seamless transition of the senate seat to another zone in 2023 after Akpabio distorted it, Senator (Dr.) Chris Ekpenyong of the PDP who hails from Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara zone, contested and defeated Senator Godswill Akpabio of the APC (from the Essien Udim/Obot Akara/Ikot Ekpene zone) in the 2019 election.
Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal constituency has not produced any Senator in sixty-three years of independence of Nigeria and twenty-four years of the 4th Republic, while the Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency where Akpabio comes from, has been to the senate for five times within the period.
The allusion in the press release that only Akpabio has the capacity and competence to be a senator against any other person from Abak federal Constituency, shows the disdainful contempt of the maniacal Godswill Akpabio to a section and people of the Senatorial District. We may wish to ask, what did Akpabio achieve for the District in his first term as Senator? If he is that competent, why is he unable to display his scorecard of achievements as Senator for four years and as Minister of Niger Delta for another three years? Of course, we know the answer. He served himself and not the district.
The sudden attack on zoning as “parochialism that cannot improve their collective lot” after Akpabio benefitted immensely from that arrangement, proves yet again that Akpabio and his lackeys destroy every bridge after crossing it, to ensure that no one else can. It is a most disgusting and selfish position to be in.
Akpabio’s Campaign Council must be informed to advise Akpabio to give peace a chance by respecting the wishes of the leadership and people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District by letting the zoning of the senate seat in 2023 to remain.
Akpabio’s Campaign Council must be asked to advise Akpabio that he should stay out of this election to avoid a deeper and more embarrassing repeat of what happened to him in 2019.
We are aware of his boastful suggestions that he has the entire Nigerian Judiciary in his front pocket, to be used to steal victory at all cost after his impending trouncing at the polls across the senatorial district. We serve notice to him and other mercenaries-of-evil lurking around the corner, that we are prepared to neutralize them and defend the right of our people to choose their senator and other representatives in the 2023 election, freely. No amount of rigmarole and appeal to emotion, would stop the defeat of Senator Akpabio in the February 25, 2023 election, irrespective of his insatiable appetite to ingratiate and luxuriate himself with power.
AKWA IBOM NORTH WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE, PEACE AND TOGETHERNESS
PRESS RELEASE
THE CROCODILE TEARS OF SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO’S CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION WOULD NOT STOP HIS DISGRACEFUL DEFEAT IN THE COMING ELECTION
We have been forced to react to the morally bankrupt, intentionally perfidious and worthless press statement, credited to the wobbly Godswill Akpabio Campaign Organization, construed with the evil intention to hoodwink the masses of our senatorial district and indeed Nigerians, into believing and accepting the imaginary, illusory, illogical, empty, false and hollow claim that the salvation of the entire District, lies with the selfish, discombobulating, arrogant, anarchic, self-ingratiating, power-hungry, destructive and inordinate ambition of Godswill Akpabio to force and manipulate his way into the senate of the Federal Republic yet again, breaking laws, rules, conventions, traditions, institutions and the harmonious existence of our people along the way.
In the said Press Statement, signed by Mr Joe Iniodu, which was released to counter the warning by elder statesman and APC Chieftain, Atuekong Don Etiebet, that the Senate seat in 2023 is zoned to Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, who are determined to ensure the emergence of a Senator from that zone in order to engender harmony and peace, it was vaingloriously alleged that Akpabio is the only solution to the woes of the district.
We wish to state for the records that our Senatorial District is committed to the course of ensuring that a senator emerges from Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency in 2023. We would use the instrument of the PVC to once again, teach Senator Akpabio a few lessons in decency, decorum and respect for orderliness, which he stubbornly refused to learn in 2019.
There is no doubt that Godswill Akpabio and his media hirelings, alongside the corrosive agents of anarchy who operate within his fast-disappearing cocoon of influence, wish to ride on the proverbial “short memory of the public”, to emotionally blackmail voters and promote Senator Akpabio’s indecent selfish proclivity for naked power, without minding the long-term cost to the growth of the society, destabilization of social cohesion and harmony within the entire senatorial district and country. Rather, he feels that the world revolves around his maniacal oversized ego, which must be massaged with continuous access to power, ad infinitum.
We remind Akpabio’s Campaign Council that:
Rotation of public offices was institutionalized in the district as a matter of decency for peace and harmony to reign.
The emergence of Akpabio as governor in 2007, emanated from power rotation principle that was agreed in Atuekong Don Etiebet’s house in Ewet Housing Estate – Uyo in 1998, long before Akpabio joined politics in 2002 as a Commissioner, under the government of Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah.
Senators Emmanuel Ibok Essien and Aloysius Etok were elected on that principle.
Godswill Akpabio argued that the tradition of rotating the senate seat after every single-term of four years among the respective Federal Constituencies was counter-productive, hence, he coalesced everyone into accepting that each zone should be allowed to serve for two-terms of eight years, after which the seat would be yielded to another zone.
Above was the reason which made Senator Aloysius Etok (from Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency) to be allowed to serve for two terms between 2007-2015.
In order to maintain the two-term rotation principle and prepare the template for seamless transition of the senate seat to another zone in 2023 after Akpabio distorted it, Senator (Dr.) Chris Ekpenyong of the PDP who hails from Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara zone, contested and defeated Senator Godswill Akpabio of the APC (from the Essien Udim/Obot Akara/Ikot Ekpene zone) in the 2019 election.
Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal constituency has not produced any Senator in sixty-three years of independence of Nigeria and twenty-four years of the 4th Republic, while the Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency where Akpabio comes from, has been to the senate for five times within the period.
The allusion in the press release that only Akpabio has the capacity and competence to be a senator against any other person from Abak federal Constituency, shows the disdainful contempt of the maniacal Godswill Akpabio to a section and people of the Senatorial District. We may wish to ask, what did Akpabio achieve for the District in his first term as Senator? If he is that competent, why is he unable to display his scorecard of achievements as Senator for four years and as Minister of Niger Delta for another three years? Of course, we know the answer. He served himself and not the district.
The sudden attack on zoning as “parochialism that cannot improve their collective lot” after Akpabio benefitted immensely from that arrangement, proves yet again that Akpabio and his lackeys destroy every bridge after crossing it, to ensure that no one else can. It is a most disgusting and selfish position to be in.
Akpabio’s Campaign Council must be informed to advise Akpabio to give peace a chance by respecting the wishes of the leadership and people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District by letting the zoning of the senate seat in 2023 to remain.
Akpabio’s Campaign Council must be asked to advise Akpabio that he should stay out of this election to avoid a deeper and more embarrassing repeat of what happened to him in 2019.
We are aware of his boastful suggestions that he has the entire Nigerian Judiciary in his front pocket, to be used to steal victory at all cost after his impending trouncing at the polls across the senatorial district. We serve notice to him and other mercenaries-of-evil lurking around the corner, that we are prepared to neutralize them and defend the right of our people to choose their senator and other representatives in the 2023 election, freely. No amount of rigmarole and appeal to emotion, would stop the defeat of Senator Akpabio in the February 25, 2023 election, irrespective of his insatiable appetite to ingratiate and luxuriate himself with power.
Senate 2023: Please, don’t disgrace me the second time- Akpabio begs Chief Etiebet, Abak-5
… You’re chasing shadows, it’s Abak federal Constituency or nothing – Ex Petroleum Minister insist
With the reality of a second Senatorial electoral defeat in less than four years staring him in the face, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, and APC Senatorial candidate for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Senator Godswill Akpabio is pleading with APC Chieftain, former Minister of Petroleum and elder statesman, Chief Don Etiebet, not to abandon him to his fate to avoid another shameful electoral loss and the APC.
This is coming on the heels of Chief Etiebet’s position that the entire indigenes of Abak-5 within the Senatorial District will rather vote for any candidate from Abak federal Constituency than Senator Akpabio, whose federal Constituency, Ikot Ekpene, has produced five senators in the last 63 years, leaving Abak as the only federal Constituency that has never produced a Senator since Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
In a statement signed by Mr Joe Iniodu, Director, Media/Publicity Directorate of his Campaign Council, a desperate Akpabio lamented that he holds Atuekong Don Etiebet in the highest regards and pleaded with him not to publicly speak against his aspiration due to the potential electoral damage that Etiebet’s position would cause his aspiration.
“We appeal to our revered leader to sheathe his sword of war against Akpabio…We enjoin him to look at the big picture to see the expediency of Godswill Akpabio as the Senator in the 10th Senate when Nigeria is set to undergo a calibration that would unlock the potentials of the Nation for the benefit of the people of our dear State”, he pleaded.
Responding, Chief Etiebet insisted that under no circumstance will the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District vote for the former Minister.
“We, in the District do not accept the verdict because of the inherent inconsistences in the run up to the primaries in our layman’s view but we fully respect the judgement, having come from a court and the Supreme Court for that matter. Although this point was not adduced in the Court, we from the Senatorial District have since resolved that it is the turn of Abak-5 Zone of the District and in particular, the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency to produce the Senator this time, since all the other three Federal Constituencies in the Senatorial District have produced senators several times”.
According to Chief Etiebet, Ikot Ekpene federal Constituency where Senator Godswill Akpabio comes from has produced five senators since 1960 or three senators since 1999 including Godswill Akpabio himself, whereas Abak Federal Constituency has produced none. “That is why we in the District uninamously nominated DIG Udom Ekpoudom rtd from Etim Ekpo LGA of Abak Federal Constituency to contest under our great APC banner”.
“Senator Godswill Akpabio did not participate in that Senatorial Primary monitored by INEC but having failed in his Presidential bid that he was pursuing at the time of the Senatorial Primary, he rushed back at a later date to have a nocturnal primary not monitored by INEC to declare himself as the senatorial candidate”
“However, it is the resolve of the Abak-5 zone of the Senatorial District, where I come from, and its allies in Ikot Ekpene and Ikono/Ini Federal Constituencies to support any Abak Federal Constituency Candidate to win the election. It is their turn and it is just”, he insisted.
Breaking
Supreme Court judgement on Ikot Ekpene APC 2023 Senatorial ticket– Don Etiebet reacts
…Says Abak-5 will vote only for a candidate from Abak federal Constituency
Thank you Uduakabasi Ikpat for your enquiry on today’s Supreme Court verdict on the senatorial candidacy of Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District, which declared Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio the candidate.
We, in the District do not accept the verdict because of the inherent inconsistences in the run off to the primaries in our layman’s view but we fully respect the judgement having come from a court and the Supreme Court for that matter.
Although this point was not adduced in the Court, we from the Senatorial District have since resolved that it is the turn of Abak-5 Zone of the District and in particular, the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency to produce the Senator this time around since all the other three Federal Constituencies in the Senatorial District have produced senators several times.
In deed, the Federal Constituency of Ikot Ekpene where Senator Godswill Akpabio comes from has produced five senators since 1960 or three senators since 1999 including Godswill Akpabio himself, whereas the Abak Federal Constituency has produced none since 1960. That is why we in the District uninamously nominated DIG Udom Ekpoudom rtd from Etim Ekpo LGA of Abak Federal Constituency to contest under our great APC banner.
Senator Godswill Akpabio did not participate in that Senatorial Primary monitored by INEC but having failed in his Presidential bid he was pursuing at the time of the Senatorial Primary, he rushed back at a later date to have a nocturnal primary not monitored by INEC to declare himself as the senatorial candidate.
If Senator Godswill Akpabio has any feeling of comeradeship, brotherliness and love for others except his inordinate inert political power mongering, he should have considered giving this Abak Federal Constituency which has not tested the senate since 1960 the chance to go unimpeded just like others from that Constituency who had surrendered for him for love and for the interest of the District. But now he wants to monopolize the position just like some African leaders who would rather stay put in their positions for selfish reasons if they could muzzle themselves through for life.
However, it is the resolve of the ABAK-5 Zone of the Senatorial District, where I come from, and its allies in Ikot Ekpene and Ini/Ikono Federal Constituencies to support any ABAK Federal Constituency Candidate to win the election. It is their turn and it is just. Thank you.
ADOPT NEW APPROACHES TO ADDRESS CONTEMPORARY NEEDS- LUKE TELLS STUDENT LEADERS
… As AKSU Holds Leadership Conference
Former Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and member representing Etinan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Mr Onofiok Luke, has tasked student leaders to adopt new and workable approaches to address contemporary needs of the student community, the education sector, the state and country at large.
Luke who was a keynote speaker at the Emerge Leadership Conference organised by Student Union of Akwa Ibom State University at it main campus on Thursday, observed that various levels of student leadership existed at different generations and were interested in addressing prevailing needs in their times. He held that in the contemporary era, students leadership should be concerned with non violent and intellectual approaches to getting desired results.
“It is my considered opinion that while student activism and protests have often been forces of progress, the trend now lies on mild approaches such as lecture boycotts, occupations, rallies and marches to generate positive changes through ideas and constructive engagements as against arson, vandalism and physical assault”, Luke said.
Luke who was a student leader, also suggested leadership capacity building traits which he opined would equip the student leaders to function adequately in their quest to serve the purpose of their emergence and become agents of positive change in the society.
“Let me note that in order to effectively function as an agent of change, you must as a matter of necessity develop three skills necessary to make an impact; a rich Intellectual Quotient, Emotional Intelligence and Social Intelligence. These skills will enable you determine when it is right to engage in a protest and when to explore other meaningful alternatives in your quest for fairness and justice.”
“Always be reminded that freedom only comes by struggle, but be discerning to make the right call for every situation”, Luke added.
Also at the event was the PDP Governorship Candidate, Mr Umo Eno, who encouraged the participants at the conference to adopt transformational leadership.
REPS MANDATE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS TO CONSTRUCT DILAPIDATED ROADS IN UKANAFUN/ORUK ANAM FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
The House of Representatives has mandated the Federal Ministry of Works to construct dilapidated roads within the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa of Akwa Ibom State.
The resolution followed a motion on notice sponsored by the Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep Unyime Idem on Thursday, January 19, 2023 during plenary.
The lawmaker decried the poor state of roads in the area and the suffering his constituents go through in linking communities for economic activities.
“Also worried that the dilapidated condition of the road has not only aggravated the present sufferings of the people but the economic activities have also been put on hold as the movement of commuters, goods and services has led to the loss of earnings and resources;”
The House also mandated the Committees on Works, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
GOV. UDOM EMMANUEL INAUGURATES ROAD PROJECT IN UKANAFUN
…applauds Unyime Idem for setting performance standards
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State,Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Saturday January 24, 2023, inaugurated a 1.2km road project with street lightings and drainage facilities in Ukanafun Local Government Area, built and donated by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Rep. Unyime Idem.
While inaugurating the project, Gov. Emmanuel applauded the federal Lawmaker for setting performance standards in leadership, representation and legislative brinkmanship.
“I am impressed by what I have seen here today. Unyime Idem has done well for himself and the people. This is what I call a 14 star performance. He has set performance standards in leadership, representation and legislative brinkmanship. I trust in what he has done and what he can do. All I can say to Ukanafun people is to vote for PDP again to have a repeat of what Idem has done” Gov. Udom said.
The Governor decried the absence of federal government presence in the state. He said it is lawmakers like Idem that is helping to bring the federal government presence down to the state.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo MFR, noted that he was not surprised at the performance of Idem.
“When Idem came to notify me of his decision to heed the call of Ukanafun people to vie for the House of Representatives seat in 2019, I told him he has made one of the greatest decisions that will bring development to the people. By what he did in the telecoms sector and what he is doing now, he has contributed immensely to the development of Annangland and Akwa Ibom State” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Professor Eno Ibanga, described Idem as a man of the people and for the people. He said what Idem has done is the highest form of representation he has seen in the state noting that when the passion is right, you see results.
The Chairman of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State, Rt. Hon. Elder Aniekan Akpan lauded Unyime Idem for his sterling performance and for bringing development back home. He said he is not regretting being Idem’s Director General in 2019 and that a good product is not hard to sell.
On his part, the political leader of Ukanafun, Rt. Hon. Obong Eno Akpan, said he was proud of Unyime Idem for setting a standard in governance and representation. He added that Idem’s performance has given him a second term unopposed.
For Barr. Aniekan Ukpanah, “Idem is a man of excellence. He is the best in Nigeria in terms of representation. He was the best Telecoms Service Provider in Nigeria. I am not surprised at the level of development he has brought to Ukanafun”.
Mr. Aniekpeno Mkpanang said Idem has set a standard for aspiring politicians. He added that anytime someone comes out to contest for any office, he will ask him if he will perform like Unyime Idem. When such a person leaves office, Mkpanang said he will ask him if he performed like Unyime Idem.
In his response, Idem thanked the people for the show of love and support accorded him. He said he has a mandate to serve the people and help push the human race forward. He assured the people of more projects when reelected for a second term and urged the people to vote en-masse for all PDP candidates. Idem whose birthday coincided with the project inauguration thanked God for his benevolence noting that he has made service to his people a way of life.
“In my life of service, my concern has been how to contribute my quota to the advancement of the human race and putting smiles on the faces of people. One principle that has kept me going is that “Only a life lived for service of others is a life well lived; and that the ultimate test of man’s conscience is his willingness to sacrifice something today for the future generation whose words of thanks will not be heard”. It is for this reason that all through my life, I have decided to make a difference in the lives of those around me. The event for which we are gathered today is milestone in the trajectory of my life’s mission” Idem concluded.
Highlights of the event was the inauguration of the road project by Governor Udom Emmanuel who was represented by the Deputy Governor Mr Moses Ekpo MFR and cutting of the birthday cake.
The event was well attended by the who is who of Ukanafun LGA and notable leaders in the state.
Media and Publicity Unit Sufficient Grace Campaign Council
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, over 7,000 youths of Oruk Anam who converged to receive the Governor’s Christmas gifts, unanimously re-affirmed their support for the succession plan of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
The youths restated their stance yesterday, during a meeting held at Oruk Anam council headquarters, Ikot Ibritam, where an event earlier scheduled for the council hall was moved to the local government sports ground because of the large number of youths from the 13 political wards in attendance.
In his welcome remarks, the Oruk Anam Council Chairman, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Kingsley Frank while applauding the youths of the area for the massive turnout despite the short notice, extolled them for partnering with his administration in the past two years, especially in the fight against crime.
Speaking further, Dr Frank who said the meeting was also an opportunity for extensive deliberation on strategies for welfare improvement, development and sustainability of the prevailing peace in the area, thanked the youths for their unalloyed support to Mr Udom Emmanuel, whom he described as a youth-friendly Governor.
He however, called on the youths to remain faithful to the PDP, stressing that it’s the only party that can rescue Nigeria.
On his part, the PDP candidate for Oruk Anam State Constituency, Prince Sampson Idiong thanked the young people for their support to all PDP candidates in the past few months.Asking for continuous support, Idiong said when elected, Oruk Anam youths will witness an era of sustainable human capacity development and a dawn of new possibilities.
Meanwhile, the Oruk Anam chapter chairman of the PDP, Engr Nsikan Titus seized the opportunity to thank the youths for their continuos faith in PDP.
He prayed for a peaceful election that will usher in Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria, Pastor Umo Eno as the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem as the Senator for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district, Hon. Unyime Idem to return to the green chambers of the national assembly and Prince Sampson Idiong as the next member to represent Oruk Anam State Constituency.
Special feature of the meeting was distribution of bags of rice and millions of naira to the youths as Christmas gifts, courtesy of his Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel with support from the PDP Candidate, council chairman and others.
Luke Charges Start-ups to Transit to Global Brands
The member representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke has lauded the activities of Start-ups in Akwa Ibom State and expressed believe that they can grow into global brands.
Luke gave the commendation at the Second Anniversary of Futurelabs held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday.
Delivering the Keynote Address on the topic; FROM START-UPS TO GLOBAL BRANDS: HOW STAKEHOLDERS CAN DRIVE HYPER-GROWTH, Luke said that the growth witnessed by FutureLabs has resulted in solutions geared at making life less stressful for the people, leveraging technology.
He enumerated some of the solutions to include the recently launched FutureResume which offers hundreds of templates for personalized resumes for job seekers; The Developer Showcase events which gave birth to products like Justin Mark’s Styley among very many other solutions.
However Luke acknowledged the challenges that comes with Start-ups. According to him; “Building from scratch and inspiring local talents to create global solutions from the historic city of Ikot Ekpene definitely comes with challenges – from raising capital, to working your idea off the ground, to the basics such as power supply to internet access/speed, taxes and a lot of others”.
Inspite of these challenges, Luke expressed confidence in the capacity of Future-Labs to create solutions that will solve them for the good of the local communities hosting this hub, Akwa Ibom State and the rest of the world.
“Being an entrepreneur is often associated with being a risk-taker daring enough to do what no one else can or will do. Even if entrepreneurs are prepared to risk everything, starting a business is still difficult”, Luke said.
He advised Startups to seek the advice of lawyers who are experienced in working with small businesses to enable them avoid certain pitfalls that may arise.
“It is also important for startups to be aware of any industry-specific regulations that may apply to their business. For example, a startup in the financial industry may be subject to regulations from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) etc”. “It is therefore important for startups to be proactive in understanding and complying with the legal requirements that apply to their business”, Luke added
The Federal lawmaker acknowledged that the journey from start-up to global brand is a challenging one, but it is one that has been undertaken by many successful companies in the past.
He gave some of the factors that will aid the transition from start-up to global brand as; The development of a strong and differentiated brand identity; The ability to scale quickly and efficiently; The ability to adapt and innovate in response to changing market conditions and consumer needs. Among other key factors.
Luke encouraged Start-ups to seek strategic partnerships with other companies or organizations to help them tap into new markets and resources, which can drive their growth.
He called on Stakeholders to help identify and secure partnerships and play a crucial role in the growth and success of Start-ups.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council in Oruk Anam Local Government area in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Chairman, Oruk Anam LGA invite Leaders of Youth Groups and the entire youths (male and female) of Oruk Anam Local Government area to a town hall meeting scheduled as follows:
Date: Wednesday 11th January, 2023 Venue: Oruk Anam local government council Hall, Ikot Ibritam Time: 10am
The meeting will afford young people of the area an opportunity for extensive discussion with the PDP Candidate, Council Chairman and PDP leadership of the area on welfare improvement, development and sustainable peace in the area.
Youths are please requested to treat the meeting as important.
Media and Publicity Directorate, PDP campaign council, Oruk Anam
The Peoples Democratic party, PDP, Campaign Council of Oruk Anam Local Government Area wishes to inform members of our great party and the general public of few adjustments in the campaigns timetable.
By the new arrangements, visits to wards 8, 6 and 7 will now hold on Monday, January 2, 2023 at the earlier published time and locations.
Similarly, visits to wards 3, 4 and 5 will hold on Wednesday January 4, 2023.
All inconveniences the adjustments may cause are highly regretted.
Signed:
Media/Publicity Committee Oruk Anam PDP Campaign Council 31/12/2022
SAMPSON IDIONG, ORUK ANAM STAKEHOLDERS EXTOL GOV. EMMANUEL OVER ROAD PROJECTS
…as Gov. Emmanuel reassures completion of ongoing projects in the area
Since the creation of Oruk Anam local government area in 1989, Governor Udom Emmanuel – led administration is the first to construct roads beyond 10km in Oruk Anam local government area.
Critical stakeholders of Oruk Anam disclosed this yesterday, during the commissioning of a 14km Ikot Ekara- Ikot Akpan Essien – Ikot Oto Ibesit Road and a 4.9KM Ibesit Okpokoro – Ikot Ibritam road with 2.9km outfal drains and street lights in the area.
In their seperate remarks, the Leader, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sir Udo Kierian Akpan, Rep Unyime Idem, commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, Oruk Anam council Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Frank, PDP candidate for Oruk Anam State Constituency, Prince Sampson Idiong and the paramount ruler, HRM, Akuku J. J. Obosi amongst others, were full of praises to the Governor for his developmental strides in Oruk Anam.
They however assured continuous support to Governor Emmanuel and all the candidates of the peoples Democratic party during the 2023 elections and beyond.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel while addressing the physically elated people of Oruk Anam said the inauguration of the two new roads, a bridge and an erosion control project was part of his vision to build world class infrastructure to link rural communities with the urban areas.
In line with his avowed commitment to keep fulfilling his promises to the people across the State until our last day in office, the state chief executive however, promised to commission over 60km with 4 bridges in Oruk Anam before May 29, 2023.
The campaign train of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, to commence a tour of the wards, setting the stage for a re-affirmation of the covenant the people of the area entered into with the PDP more than two decades ago.
The local government structures of the PDP were inaugurated in October 1998 with the looming influence of Atuekong Don Etiebet, a renowned politician from Oruk Anam and one of the founders of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State.
With all the known names in the politics of the area in PDP, there was no doubt that the people were ready and willing to go with their political leaders.
A brief run down of some of the politicians that joined Atuekong Etiebet to make the PDP thick in Oruk Anam, suffices.
Atuekong Etiebet, ward 1; Mr. Nicholas Idungafa, ward 3; Hon. Sunday Okoko, ward 4; Sir Gabriel Ukott, ward 5; Chief Bassey Essien and Chief Udo Edem, an ex-officio, ward 6; Sir Sylvester Ntefreh, the pioneer chapter chairman; Chief Itakk Ekarika and Hon. Soni Udom, ward 7; Hon. Warden Ndok, Sir T. S. Ukoyo: ward 8; Mr. Stephen Mbodi and Mr. Paul Udofia, ward 9; Sir Vitalis Unang and Elder Udo Kierian, ward10; Mr. Udo Reuben Utodio and Cassidy Ubom, ward 11; Dr. Effiong Udongwo and Mabel Udongwo, ward 12 and Hon. Sunday Jack, ward 13.
The structures of the PDP in all the wards having been put in place, it was time to seal the covenant between the people and the party.
The emphatic political statement was made by the people on Saturday, December 5, 1998, as they voted massively for all the candidates of the PDP in the local government election, which was conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Sir Vitalis Unang was elected the council chairman. In the general elections held in 1999, the people again voted without any reservation for Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (Presidential Candidate); Engr. Emmanuel Ibokessien (Senatorial District Candidate); Obong Eno Akpan ( House of Representatives Candidate); Obong Victor Attah (Gubernatorial Candidate) and Elder Sunday Okoko (House of Assembly Candidate), all of the PDP.
Having sealed their covenant with the PDP at the polls, the people considered the prompting to dump the party for the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, by a few of their leaders following the crisis that rocked the party leading to the exit of Atuekong Etiebet as a walk to the political wilderness.
However, the people could not hold back their anger over what they considered an obvious breach of the zoning arrangement between Ukanafun and Oruk Anam Local Government Areas in respect of the federal constituency seat in the National Assembly at the polls in 2003.
A serving member of the House of Representatives, Obong Akpan, who is from Ukanafun had won the primary of the PDP for Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, and that did not go down well with Oruk Anam people.
In protest, they voted Hon. Ubong Etiebet, cañdidate of the ANPP from Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
Although internal contradictions within the PDP saw the party losing four wards to ANPP in the local government election, the result did not affect the constitution of the leadership of the local government council in line with the provisions of the parliamentary system of government.
Since then, there has been no going back on the terms of the covenant in all the general and council elections.
So, the campaign today, in four wards was simply a re-affirmation of the subsisting covenant.
All the speakers in the four wards visited – 1, 2, 12 and 13 – promised to deliver their wards to the PDP in all the elections.
The PDP candidates, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, Hon. Unyime Idem and Hon. Sampson Idiong were accompanied on the tour by the political stakeholders in the area.
2023: Rep. Unyime Idem Flags Off Campaign in Oruk Anam LGA
…. promises more projects, jobs, and empowerment
The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, December 27, 2022, flagged off his campaign for the 2023 House of Representatives race.
The campaign flag off which was done in conjunction with the PDP Senatorial District Candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem and Oruk Anam State House of Assembly candidate, Prince Sampson Idiong, saw the PDP campaign train visit Wards, 1, 2, 12 and 13.
In his address, Idem thanked the people of Oruk Anam for their show of love in 2019 when they overwhelmingly voted him as their Representative. He said that in 3 years, he has attracted scores of projects to the area out of which eleven are slated for commissioning. He added that of the 13 wards in Oruk Anam, he has attracted projects in 8 promising that in 2023, the remaining 5 wards will be accommodated in his diary of projects.
Idem rhetorically asked that if it is this sweet in his first term, how will his second term look like?
The Ukanafun born lawmaker urged the people to vote en-masse for the President, Governor, Senator, House of Representative and the House of Assembly members. He pleaded with those who registered for their fresh PVCs to visit INEC offices for collection noting that it was the only way they could vote in the next election.
Also, speaking separately, the PDP Senatorial District Candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem and Oruk Anam State House of Assembly candidate, Prince Sampson Idiong, thanked the people for trouping out in their numbers to receive them. They promised to ensure effective representation through provision of jobs, youth empowerment and other life touching democratic dividends.
Other personalities on the campaign train were the PDP Chairman Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Pst Cletus Eshiet, the member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Rep. Aniekan Umanah, the Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sir Udo Kierian Akpan, Chairman of Oruk Anam LGA, Engr. Kingsley Frank, the Chairman of Etim Ekpo LGA, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Obonganwan Idongesit Etiebet, the PDP Chapter Chairman, Engr Nsikak Titus, the Deputy Director General of Enoidem Campaign Council, Sir Victor Etefia, Chairman AKSEPWMA, Obong Prince Ikim, Chairman of State Technical Schools Board, Hon. Godwin Udom, Deputy Director General of Unyime Idem Campaign Organization, Chief Bassey Essien, other very eminent personalities, the party heirarchy, the traditional and religious leaders, the youth and women groups as well as students and female organisations.
Highlights of the occasion was a Consultative Visit to the Palace of HRM Akuku (Engr) Johnson Johnny Obosi IV (JP) AmbP, Paramount Ruler of Oruk Anam LGA and presentation of the PDP candidates to the people.
2023: PDP CAN’T BE COMPARED WITH OTHER PARTTIES – Sampson Idiong tells kinsmen
The PDP candidate for Oruk Anam state constituency, Prince Sampson Idiong has said that the Peoples Democratic party , PDP can’t be compared with other political parties given its antecedents since inception.
He made the assertion at Government primary school, Ata Obio Akpa, during the occasion of Ata Obio Akpa day organized by Ata Obio Akpa Progressive Association yesterday.
Accompanied by the chairman , Oruk Anam local government Area , Rt. Hon Kingsley Frank, The Governor’s former aide reiterated that the people should vote Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and other PDP candidates at the pools
Prince Idiong, an indigene of the area assured his people that he will give Oruk Anam effective representation at the House of Assembly
The PDP flag bearer for Oruk Anam State constituency applauded the Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for his developmental strides in Oruk Anam and call on the people to come out en mass to him a rousing welcome as he commissions Ikot Ibritam – Ikot Essenam – Ikot ekara road december 29
Earlier in his welcome address, the President Ata Obio Akpa Progressive Association, Adede Semaediong Sunday Udofia applauded the Prince Sampson Idiong and the Governor of the state for turning Obio to a London sort .
High points of the event was Ekpo cultural and nabo cultural dance.
REP UNYIME IDEM BAGS ICON OF PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT AWARD FROM UNIVERSITY OF UYO AND AKWA IBOM STATE POLYTECHNIC
… Receives campaign materials from Ukanafun/Oruk Anam students
The Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Rep Unyime Idem has received awards from the Students Union Government of the University of Uyo and the Mass Communication Department of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.
Presenting the awards separately, the SUG Vice President of the University of Uyo, Blessing Jaja commended the lawmaker for his selfless service to his people, unprecedented representation and the legacy projects sponsored by the lawmaker, which she said informed their decision to award him the “Icon of Projects and Development”.
Similarly, the contingents from the department of Mass Communication in the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic led by their President, Gerald Alphonsus lauded the visionary leadership and representation by Rep Idem. He described him as a man who has the interest of students and youths at heart, hence the numerous educational projects spread across the Federal Constituency.
In rounding off the eventful day, Students under the auspices of National Association of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency Students Worldwide donated campaign materials to the lawmaker in recognition of his effective representation and in support of his second term ambition to represent the people of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency.
Responding, the lawmaker appreciated them for finding him worthy of the recognition. He admonished them to be good ambassadors of their communities and schools while also pledging his continued support to the development of education in Nigeria.
“At all times, I will support educational advancement in Nigeria; I will contribute to the revitalisation of the education sector in my lifetime.”
“Let me also seize this opportunity to appeal to you to be productive and resourceful. Education for just certificates might not give you the future you desire. Learn hard skills for an added advantage. “
He assured them of his willingness to always give students the needed support to advance their careers through legislative and infrastructural interventions and the payment of bursary and scholarship during his yearly empowerment program.
SAMPSON IDIONG COMMENCES CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WITH KINSMEN
…royal fathers, party, Ors to take turn next
In the spirit of the festive season, Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for Oruk Anam State Constituency, Prince Sampson Idiong, yesterday, commenced Christmas celebration with extended family members and kinsmen in Obiokpa.
Presenting bags of rice, goats, cash and other items to his Kinsmen, the house of assembly hopeful appreciated God for the gift of life and noted that the gesture was to share and show love to his people. Adding that charity begins at home.
According to the former Governor’s Aide, the same gesture as always, will be extended to the royal fathers, party executives, women, youths and party faithfuls across all the wards in Oruk Anam LGA.
Also speaking, the former Council Chairman of Oruk Anam, Hon Atuekong Ubong Idiong, appreciated the people of Obio Akpa for their solidarity with Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration. He admonished his kinsmen to remain faithful to the PDP in 2023 and beyond.
Reacting, people of Obio Akpa who came together in one voice, appreciated Prince Sampson Idiong for always remembering them during this period. They prayed to God to bless and preserve their illustrious son.
The Peoples Democratic party, PDP, Campaign Council in Oruk Anam Local Government Area has released its campaign time table, ahead of the 2023 general elections.
According to the time table issued by the Director – General of the Council, Dr. Paul Udofia, PDP candidates for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem; Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem and Oruk Anam State Constituency, Prince Sampson Idiong will jointly flagg – off their ampaign in the area on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 beginning with wards 12, 13, 2 and 1.
Similarly, the campaign train will on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 move to Wards, 8, 6 and 7, while wards 9,11,10 and wards 3, 4, 5 will have their turns on Friday December 30 and Saturday December 31, 2022, respectively.
Accordingly, the chairman of the campaign council, Rt. Hon. Sir Udo Kierian Akpan solicits maximum support from relevant committees, even as notable elders, major stakeholders, PDP faithful and electorate in general are expected to participate in the campaigns.
Signed: Media and publicity directorate PDP Campaign Council Oruk Anam LGA 23/12/2022
IBOM VOICE MEDIA 