Udom Emmanuel's 1st 30 Days as Governor of Akwa Ibom State

Expectations are rife across the state with the new administration already in place. This is understandably so considering the Governor's campaign promises to massively industrialise the state.

The Fake Press Release on the Appointment of Key Media Aides to the Akwa Ibom State Governor.

The said press release was purportedly signed by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh and had been spread round the social media through out this week.

Read below;‎
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GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL APPOINTS KEY MEDIA AIDES

The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has approved the appointment of 9 media aides to work in his government.

Akwa Ibom Government Frowns at False Reports on Political Appointments

Press Release

Disclaimer! Disclaimer!! Disclaimer!!!

RE: GOVERNOR UDOM APPOINTS KEY MEDIA AIDES

The attention of the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor 

Umana VS Udom: Tribunal Orders INEC to Move Election Materials to Abuja

The tribunal seating in Abuja has granted prayers for the inspection of election materials used in the April 11, 2015 governorship election in the state and has ordered INEC to move all election materials to ABUJA within ten days.

While granting the APC candidate 14 days leave to inspect materials in ABUJA from July 6 - 21, 2015, the tribunal judge also ordered Inspector General of Police and DG, SSS to provide adequate security for movement of materials to Abuja and to provide security at venue of inspection.

Screening of Nominees for Offices of Commissioner/Special Adviser

In a ‎release by the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Public Petitions and signed by Unyime B. Ekpenyong (Mrs.) on behalf of the Chairman of the committee, ‎nominees for the offices Commissioner and Special Adviser in the state have been invited for screening.

The statement reads thus;‎

In line with Constitutional Provisions and the Standing Orders of the House, the list of nominees for appointment as Commissioners and Special Advisers forwarded to the House by His Excellency Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has been referred House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Public Petitions.

Sequel to this, I am directed to inform you that the screening exercise has been sceduled to take place on Wednesday June 24 and Thursday June 25‎, 2015 in Inyang's Hall, Le'Meridien Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, Nwaniba Road, Uyo at 9am each day.

Those to appear on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 are as follows;

1. Rt. Hon. Uwem Ita Etuk
2. Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem
3. Rt. Hon. Anietie S. Etuk
4. Mr. Enobong Uwah
5. Engr. Etido Inyang
6. Sir Monday Ebong Uko
7. Otuekong Emmanuel Udo Ibiok
8. Mr. Aniekan Umanah
9. Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Donald Obot
10. Mr. Ephraim A. Inyang-eyen
11. Dr. Emmanuel Ating Onwiduokit

Those to appear on Thursday, June 25, 2015 are as follows;
1. Dr. Glory E. Edet
2. Dr. Godwin Ntukudeh
3. Mr. Akan Okon
4. Barr Uwemedimo Thomas Nwoko
5. Dr. Dominic Ukpong
6. Dr. Matthew Nathan Ekaette
7. Rt. Hon. Victor Etim Antai
8. Dr. Iniobong Ene Essien
9. Mr. Enyina Ekpenyong‎
10. Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Akpan
11. Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson

The statement has requested that nominees should please be punctual‎

Security Warning: State Government Puts Security Agencies on Red Alert

Press Statement

The plot by some misguided miscreants to wreak havoc on the State by attacking key Government and public institutions has been brought to the attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Global Shapers Community, Uyo Hub Opening

- Cutting Edge Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs Wanted in Akwa Ibom State

The Global Shapers Community is a network of Hubs developed and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities. An Initiative of the World Economic Forum.

Update on Umana vs Udom at the Governorship Election Tribunal, Abuja

The Governorship Election Tribunal for Akwa Ibom State resumed on Thur. 18/06/2015 at the FCT High Court No. 8, Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice A. S. Umar.

At the resumed hearing, the Chairman of the Panel, urged Counsel to both parties to adhere strictly to the dictates of time, given the special nature of election petitions and the timeline of 180 days for the completion of the proceedings before the Tribunal.

Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, leading Solomon Umoh, SAN, Dayo Akinlaja, SAN, Chief Victor Iyanam, former Attorney General, Akwa Ibom State, Joe Ukpong, Esq., Ubong Offiong, Leo Ekpenyong, Effiong Oquong pledged a total commitment to professionalism and cooperation in handling the petition so as to meet with the demands of the Law especially as regards to the time constraints.

The Respondents team was led by Chief Awomolo, SAN and he appeared with Paul Usoro, SAN. He spoke in a similar vein and pledged to cooperate with the Tribunal.

The Tribunal was faced with a plethora of motions and other applications namely:

1. Motion for extension of time to carry out and complete its forensic exercise at the INEC office in Uyo brought by the Petitioners.

2. Motion to strike out the petition for failure to comply with the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act brought by the Respondents.

3. Motion to strike out the Respondents Reply to the Petition for failure to meet the minimum standards required for front loading in that the Respondents failed to exhibit the documents pleaded in their Reply.

4. Pre Hearing Documentation: Answers and Responses.

5. Motion to relocate the tribunal to Uyo, etc.

Chief Olanipekun sought to move the application for extension of time to continue with the forensic exercise at INEC offices in Uyo. He described the exercise as basic and fundamental to his case emphasizing that it was a starting point for the prosecution of his case at the Tribunal.

Chief Awomolo, SAN for Udom Emmanuel pleaded for time stating that he was yet to see the application and needed time to be able to respond.

In a short Ruling Justice Umar ordered all pending applications adjourned to Monday 22nd June, 2015.

It would be recalled that on the 12th May, 2015, the Governorship Tribunal, sitting in Uyo had granted the request of the Petitioner to carry out forensic activities, including the photocopying of election results, registers and voter cards.

Elders Loyal to Umana Umana Replies Sen. Anietie Okon's Group; Says Relocation of the State's Elections Petition Tribunal to Abuja was Geniune

The attention of the real Elders and Leaders of Akwa Ibom State has been drawn to a media publication attributed to Senator Anietie Okon, who reportedly addressed a press conference in Uyo on behalf of some so-called “Concerned Akwa Ibom Elders.” In the publication, Senator Okon stated that his group was opposed to the relocation of the state’s election petition tribunals from Uyo to Abuja because the relocation was a plot to subvert the will of Akwa Ibom people in the governorship election.

Akwa Ibom Now has Improved Power Supply – Gov Udom’s Spokesman

The distribution of power supply to residents in Akwa Ibom state has improved tremendously as a result of a direct intervention by the Udom Emmanuel administration.

Already agreements have been reached for additional 20 mega watts of electricity into the state supply system to further boost the stability of power supply.

The Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor Mr. Ekerete Udoh who interacted with newsmen in his office said that Governor Emmanuel is leaving no stone unturned in addressing the basic needs of the people as he had promised during his electioneering campaigns.

“Governor Udom Emmanuel met with the management of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company on issues bothering on regular power supply to our state and as you can see, there has been a relative stability and improved supply of electricity in the state in recent times.”

Mr. Udoh said plans by government is to ensure that the people enjoy 24 hour distribution of electricity in all parts of the state and added that the street lights in all major roads in the state capital are back up and running to provide an investor–friendly environment.

Governor Udom Emmanuel is passionate about industrialisation and to achieve this, the enabling environment must be created to attract the right investments to the state." Mr. Udoh had stated.

The governor’s spokesman stated that barriers to effective supply of gas to the state power plant have been addressed maintaining that, “the improved power supply has not come to the state by happenstance, but through a concerted move by Governor Emmanuel to enhance the quality of life of the people while providing the enabling environment to attract the right investments to the state."

Gov. Udom Emmanuel Forwards Names of Nominees for Commissioner/Special Advisers to State House of Assembly

The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Dec. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel has forwarded names of nominees for the offices of commissioner and Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Those that made the list are;
1. Etido Inyang (former Special Adviser Bureau of Technical Matters )
2. Emmanuel EnoIdem (former Commissioner for Special Duties)
3. Uwen Ita Etuk (former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
4. Glory Edet (former Commissioner for Women Affairs)
5. Godwin Ntukudeh (former Commissioner for Transport)
6. Monday Ebong Uko (former Commissioner for Sports)
7. Enobong Emmanuel Uwah (former Commissioner for Environment)
8. Emmanuel Ibiok (Former Special Adviser, Political and Legislative Affairs)
9. Aniekan Umanah (former Information Commissioner)
10. Akan Okon (former Finance Commissioner)
11. Uwemedimo Nwoko (former Attorney General)
12. Aniekan Akpan (New and former member of the 5th Assembly)
13. Ekong Sampson (New and former member of the 5th Assembly)
14. Victor Etim Antai (New)
15. Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Donald Obot (New)
16. Ephraim Inyang (New)
17. Dr. Mathew Nathan Ekaette (New)
18. Dr. Dominic Ukpong (New)
19. Dr. Iniobong Ene Essien (New)
20. Emmanuel Ating Onwioduokit (New)

Names of Special Advisers
1. Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk (New and one time Speaker, AKHA)
2. Eyinena Ekpeyong (former SA to Chief Godswill Akpabio)

Meanwhile the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko has announced the formation of two house committees namely;
1. Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions. Headed by Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke
2. Committee on Business, Rules and Ethics. Headed by Hon. Barr. Aniefiok Dennis
The names of the nominees have already been sent to the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions for screening.

Raph Edem and Wife Welcomes Baby Girl

Earlier today, Akwa Ibom born dynamic MC, Raph Edem broke the news of the arrival of his baby girl. 

Raph who without wasting time branded himself Ete Adiaha on his BBM personal message informed Akwa Ibom Online that his baby arrived at exactly 12:12pm (US time) at the Oakbend Medical Centre, Houston, Texas.

From all of us @AkwaIbomOnline we say congratulations.

House Speaker Announces Appointment of Principal Officers

The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko has announced the appointment of the principal officers of the State House of Assembly.

According to the Speaker, those appointed are Rt. Hon. Udo Kieran Akpan, representing Oruk Anam State Constituency as the Majority Leader of the house and Hon. Aniefiok Akpan, member representing Etinan State Constituency as the Deputy Leader.

Others are member for Ini State Constituency, Emmanuel Ekpenyong as the Chief Whip and member representing ONNA State Constituency, Hon. Nse Essien as the Deputy Chief Whip.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko said those appointed were nominated by the ruling PDP.

Commissioner List Soon to be Made Public

Unconfirmed reports reaching Akwa Ibom Online has it that the much anticipated list of new commissioners has been sent to the State House of Assembly for screening and possible clearance.

As soon as the full list get to us, we will make it public.

National News Review

Tuesday, 16/06/2015

**Buhari meets Nigerian community at the Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday.

**APC rift partly delaying ministerial list – Odigie-Oyegun

**Buhari Explains When He Will Announce Appointment Of Ministers

**Rep reassures constituents of quality representation

**Ambode approves dissolution of Boards of Parastatals and Agencies

**Benue Government owes workers over 12bln Naira, promises to pay soon

**El Rufai vows to deal with Kaduna residents who commit murder

**Okowa vows to tackle unemployment with entrepreneurship

**Former Gov. Limit to report at EFCC over N1.3 bn fraud

**PDP’s lawyer at Abia polls tribunal dies

**Militants kill 2 policemen, loot armoury in Calabar

**World Elder’s Day: NUC set to endorse geriatrics study in 11 universities

**Telecoms internet subscription rises to 87m users

**Naira records mixed trading at parallel market

**Ramadan: Prices of food items rise in Kaduna, Zaria, others

**Passenger steals N350,000 on Abuja-bound flight

**Soldiers shoot driver over N500; colleagues shut Zaria-Kaduna highway

** Court refuses ex-Gov. Nyako’s application to stop his arrest

**Neurologist warns against consumption of ‘junk’ foods by children

**Driver rescued, textiles burnt as bus catches fire on 3rd Mainland Bridge

**Health professionals to assess sector’s challenges at Abuja conference

**NNPC Pipelines now in danger- OPC

**Monster Crocodile turns cannibal, eats smaller rival

**US Donates $5billion To combat Boko Haram

**Chad: Boko Haram kills 25 in two blasts

**Major supply route for Islamic State "cut off" as Syrian Kurdish fighters seize militant-held town

Fresh Crisis Hits APC; Deputy National Publicity Secretary Calls for Chairman’s Resignation

The raging crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, took a different dimension with the call by one of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) members, Mr. Timi Frank that the party’s national chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun should resign.

Mr. Frank who blamed the chairman and some members of the APC’s NWC for the crisis that has resulted from the election of leaders of National Assembly, said it was unfortunate that the leadership of the party played hide and seek and over indulged themselves in the choice of Senate President and House Speaker.

Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon. Yakubu Dogara had emerged Senate President and House Speaker, respectively, against the wishes and position of the APC. Senator Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila had been favored by the party after the initial conduct of a mock election which was won by the duo, to occupy the seats.

Speaking in Abuja yesterday, however, Mr. Frank who deputises for Alhaji Lai Muhammed in the party stated that the chairman and leadership of the party ought to resign having embarked on an embarrassing mock election that never had the blessings of the entire party’s leadership, more so that the leadership exhibited gross incompetence to manage the National Assembly issue until it blew out of hand. This he said was because of the vested interest manifested by the chairman and few of his colleagues in the party.

“If my party could not keep to the promise of change, then we must correct them to keep to that. I have no fear or favour than to say that the current leadership of the party has practically failed. With this incident alone, the chairman should resign from his position after taking a position against the people and the people’s position has finally come to stay. In the Western world, by today the party’s national chairman would have resigned honourably.

“Not just the national chairman but the entire leadership that took this decision of conducting mock election against the outcry of the larger members of the party. Against the bigger picture of Nigerians. A hand-full of the party leadership came to take a decision, and by today the people have shown that the voice of the people is the voice of God,” Timi Frank stated.

He specifically blamed APC chairman, Odigie Oyegun for clearly failing to consult widely before embarking on the mock election which he said ridiculed the party. He submitted that the chairman’s action suggested that he acted under undue pressure to conduct the mock elections as admitted by him and was therefore of the opinion that if the APC was to rid itself of the mistakes of the PDP, it needed a chairman that would insulate himself from undue pressures no matter where such pressure emanated from.

“You could see the way the party including the national chairman was speaking before the NASS leadership elections; it showed clearly that the chairman had totally taken sides which wasn’t meant to be. I understand, he took some of those decisions based on pressure. In this century, APC as a party, does not need a chairman that will be under pressure.

“And the party’s national chairman caused it because times out of numbers some of leaders told him to come up with a zoning formula from the beginning. He was asked to take a decision and let people follow that but he didn’t do that. They were playing hide and seek with the issue until the last minute when they saw the danger, and they wanted to play hanky-panky, which led us to lose one position at the Senate,” Comrade Frank said.

On remarks attributed to the APC’s national publicity secretary that Buhari is a product of the party and not the party’s leader, Timi Frank who frowned at the statement, called on Lai Mohammed to desist from such comments as it was capable of putting the party in bad light.

” Let’s go back and ask Lai Mohammed who the leader of the party is. If he does not recognise the President as the leader. In my own view, If Lai Mohammed that is my direct boss could come up to tell Nigerians that the President is only a product of the party and not the national leader of the party, then he should have been able to tell us who the leader of the party is.

“We have seen that even in then PDP, former President Goodluck Jonathan was the leader of the party. If in our own case the President cannot be the leader of the party, he should tell us who the leader is then,” Frank averred.

He described what transpired at the national Assembly as good for democracy, noting that Nigeria stood to be the overall beneficiary.

“Those that are calling for the deputy senate president to resign are anti-people, and I will campaign against it. I will continue to support Burkola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu and every progressive Nigerian should support this mission as it will take Nigeria to the next phase because failure to do this will disrupt democracy, ” the deputy national publicity secretary stated.

By Iheanacho Nwosu, Fred Itua, DAILY SUN

Opinion: Ten Transformational Achievements Buhari Must Not Take Credit For

by Onwuasonya FCC Jones

1. THE PORT HARCOURT AND KADUNA REFINERIES: 
The contracts for the re-activation of these refineries were awarded and effectively funded by the Jonathan administration and in a matter of weeks, the Port Harcourt refinery will resume production. The Buhari government did not contribute a dime to this.

2. THE DEFEAT OF BOKO HARAM: 
It will amount to a dismal disappointment on the part of the Buhari government if by the end of this year, the Boko Haram insurgents have not been fully eliminated. This is because Goodluck Jonathan has done almost all the jobs that needed to be done in the fight against that terror group. We must not forget that Jonathan’s government sacked these terrorists from territories bigger than the entire Belgium, which they occupied and also led a massive onslaught against them in Sambisa Forest. Jonathan oversaw the killing of the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau and in the latest video released by that group, the seemingly invincible Shekau was nowhere to be found.

3. IMPROVED POWER SUPPLY:
The Jonathan administration laid down a solid foundation for the effective take-off of stable power supply in the country. Jonathan ensured that the seemingly impossible privatization of power distribution was achieved and raised our electricity generating capacity to about 6000 Megawatts and laid down infrastructures that will ensure the raise to about 40,000 in the next two years. Therefore, Buhari should be called to question if he fails to follow up Jonathan’s achievements in the power sector.

4. REFORMS IN THE PETROLEUM SECTOR:
The Jonathan administration is most responsible for the massive turnaround experienced in the petroleum sector. Many of the reforms pursued by the Jonathan administration threatened the criminal interests of some of Nigeria’s biggest political heavyweights, hence, their desperation to throw him out of power. Jonathan’s ‘defeat’ in the 2015 elections would not have been possible, if he had looked the other way, as these criminals continued to have their way in destroying our petroleum sector. The absence of any vote for subsidy in the 2015 budget is one of the best legacies, Jonathan left for the country. If Buhari follows this up, then, we should be in for good tidings in that sector before the next three years.

5. DIVERSIFICATION OF THE ECONOMY: 
The Jonathan administration has done very well in diversifying the Nigerian economy, pulling us out from an oil dependent economy to an economy that can be sustained through agro products, mining of other mineral resources resident in the country and also non-tangible resources like the creative industry and sports, where Jonathan called attention to and which ensured that Nigeria took its rightful place as Africa’s biggest economy.

6. THE EDUCATION SECTOR: 
The government of Goodluck Jonathan holds the record as the administration that gave the highest percentage of its budgetary allocations to the education sector, he raised the standard of education in the country, raised the salaries of teachers and tertiary education workers. Jonathan also ensured that the ETF, TETFUND and other educational funds worked optimally, which saw to the massive construction and rehabilitation of many infrastructures across our campuses.

7. CREDIBILITY OF OUR ELECTIONS: 
The Jonathan administration is duly credited with conducting the best and most credible elections in the history of Nigeria. The 2011 elections received due encomiums from various election observer groups and agencies, and the 2015 election while fraught with mind boggling irregularities was also commended by observers as one of the best elections to be conducted in Nigeria. Jonathan succeeded in improving our electoral processes, because he refused to interfere in the workings of the electoral commission. Buhari is a direct beneficiary of this great reform.

8. IMPROVED SECURITY: 
Already the gains made by the Jonathan administration in the area of security of lives and assets are being eroded as criminals are beginning to resurface where they fretted to appear during Jonathan’s reign. We must not forget that Jonathan met a Southeast deserted by its biggest men because of the fear of kidnappers, but in less than two years of his administration, the kidnappers were sent packing from all parts of the Southeast. Jonathan also met a restive Niger Delta, but he was able to calm the region by continuing with the implementation of the Amnesty program designed by his predecessor, and also coming all out against other militants who refused to surrender. We cannot forget in a jiffy, the troubles of John Togo and his recalcitrant criminals who terrorized the oil region till Jonathan cut them to size. Also, the splinter Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), led by Henry Okah were effectively cut to size. Buhari inherited a relatively peaceful and well secured country, and he would be failing Nigerians, if he allows the country to relapse into insecurity.

9. CIVIL SERVICE REFORMS: 
The Jonathan administration scored good points in reforming our civil service and making it more productive. He blocked lots of avenues through which public funds were being frittered away. One of such is the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which has drastically reduced incidents of corruption in the civil service by more than fifty percent.

10. SPORTS DEVELOPMENT: 
You may recall that our sports sector started witnessing great fortunes after the retreat for the sports sector convened at the instance of former President Jonathan, and this ensured the great successes we recorded in the sports sector during Jonathan’s reign. Our sportsmen were adequately motivated by the government and top of the class sports administrators were appointed into the right positions, while government kept regular tabs on our sports development to see where and how best they can help. Today, the only thing President Buhari really needs to do is to just relax, grease the machinery Jonathan had put in place and Nigerians will be in for celebrations as laurels will continue flowing in from our sportsmen and women.

NIGERIA MUST PREVAIL!

League Management Company; LMC Suspends Uyo Sports Stadium, Eight Others from Hosting League Matches

-Akwa United to play home matches in Calabar or Godswill Akpabio International Stadium

By Promise Etim

Following reports of the various teams that assessed stadium facilities during the three weeks break of the Glo Premier League, nine of the twenty clubs have had their home grounds placed on suspension by the League Management Company (LMC).

Those granted full approval to host matches include Enyimba International Stadium, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Liberation Stadium, Oghara Township Stadium and Warri Township Stadium. Others are Sani Abacha Stadium, Akure Township Stadium, Aper Aku Stadium, Lekan Salami Stadium and Ilorin Township Stadium.

Four clubs were directed to effect minor repairs on their pitches for which another round of inspection would be carried out on the club’s invitation after Match Day 12. The clubs are Heartland FC, Ifeanyi Ubah, Wikki Tourists and Abia Warriors.

However, Akwa United, Giwa FC, FC Taraba, El-Kanemi Warriors and Nasarawa United whose grounds were adjudged to be in great disrepair have had their ground suspended to host games in the next two weeks.

The alternative venues include the Abuja National Stadium, UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Akwa Ibom and Karkanda Stadium in Katsina.

Others are Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Pantami Stadium in Gombe, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos and Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

Senators Okon, Bob, Others Condemn Relocation of A’Ibom Tribunal to Abuja

By Essien Ndueso

Leaders in Akwa Ibom State under the aegis of ‘Concerned Akwa Ibom Elders’ say the people of the state will resist any attempt by the State opposition party, All Progressive Congress, APC, to subvert their collective wish by acts capable of straining the judicial process in the governorship election petition tribunal which, according to them, was unjustifiably moved to Abuja.

They have called on the judiciary to resist predatory instincts of political manipulators that are hell bent on exploiting the system to achieve their ‘sinister plot of subverting’ the wish of Akwa Ibom people.

Addressing a press conference in Uyo, the elders whose petition was read by Senator Anietie Okon questioned the relocation of Akwa Ibom Election Petition Tribunal which was hitherto sitting in Uyo to Abuja, and wondered why Election Petition Tribunals in the South West were not being moved to Abuja.”

They maintained that the Constitution in Section 285 Sub section (2) stated that, “There shall be established in each state of the Federation one or more Election Tribunals, which shall to the exclusion of any court or tribunal, have original jurisdiction to hear and determine petitions as to whether any person has been validly elected to the office of Governor or Deputy Governor or as a member of any legislative House.”

“Without any convincing, honest and tenable reason to warrant such movement, the Akwa Ibom leaders maintained that they are convinced that, “those behind the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja were hiding under the pretext of nonexistent security concerns to justify their barely concealed intentions.”

According to them, “it was shocking that an otherwise peaceful and hospitable state like Akwa Ibom could be falsely labelled with insecurity.”

“Let it be stated that whereas, Akwa Ibom state has remained a haven of peace and a good example of a secure state as compared to other states in the federation, before during and after the General Elections, the spurious, baseless and false advance, of so-called security concern by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) who lost the election in the state, and subsequent glee with which her sympathiser have celebrated the movement of the tribunal betrays the hidden agenda of the petitioners”.

Senator Okon alleged suspicion of a high level connivance and conspiracy by the APC against key Niger Delta states which “they have vowed must be conquered and forced under the control of their party.”

“As leaders, we hereby warn that, the patience of our people should not be taken for granted and urge all concerned to desist from actions that may make a mockery of our determined efforts to deepen the ethos of our democracy or cause the relative peace that currently prevails in the region to give way to a return to a phase we thought had successfully been managed.”

Others who signed the press release include, Senator Effiong Bob, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Chief Nduese Essien, Engr. Larry Esin and Prince Uwem Ita Etuk.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Seeks FG Intervention on the Poor State of Calabar-Itu Highway

By Aniekeme Finbarr

Governor Udom Emmanuel has sought Federal Government’s speedy intervention to arrest a landslide threatening to severe Calabar-Itu Highway at Enen Atai Itam Village in Itu Local Government Area.

The highway constructed by the erstwhile military administration in the 70s is almost severed by the landslide threatening the road on both sides.

Emmanuel, who was conducted round the scene of the landslide by the Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Work, Dr. Ifreke Ekpa lamented the threat posed by the menace to human and economic life between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States as vehicles ferrying goods and services daily ply the road.

The governor, who was accompanied by the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, Secretary to the State Government, Sir Etekamba Umoren and some permanent secretaries however advocated the need for the Federal Government to extend a hand of fellowship by entering into Public-Private Partnership (PPP) modality to construct and maintain the road serving as economic nerve centre of the area of the South-South Region.

“This is the busiest road in this part of the region witnessing huge commercial activities. This is a federal road. Where the resources of Akwa Ibom Government could not afford the construction of the road, Federal Government has to do something urgently to aid us. The ecological funds are not coming”, Emmanuel stated.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Ekpa who said the ministry has embarked on speedy remedial work on the road hinted that the landslide was 25 metres from the median road surface.

The Chief Technical Officer, Federal Ministry of Works, Uyo, Mr. Christopher Ita said he has sent a proposal on the menace to Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja for immediate action.

Engr. Nkwa Henshaw, a civil engineer with Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) lamented the threat posed by the menace, and noted that the agency has started to intervene on the road to curb the landslide

Breaking: League Management Company, LMC Bans Akwa United from using Uyo Township Stadium

Home Matches are now to be played at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar if Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (Nest of Champions) is not ready. 

Akwa United will play host to Kwara United on Wednesday in a Matchday 12 fixture.

Text of a Press Briefing by Concerned Akwa Ibom Elders on the Relocation of the State's Elections Tribunal to Abuja on June 15, 2015

It has become imperative for us to jointly address our people and the nation on recent developments in Akwa Ibom State as it relates to the post- general elections petitions. We are compelled to speak out, for failure to do so, would mean acquiescence to what is patently an illegal act.

We woke up to the shocking news of the clearly contrived relocation of the Akwa Ibom Elections Petitions Tribunal which was hitherto sitting in Uyo to Abuja, without any convincing, honest and tenable reason to warrant such movement. We are concerned that, those behind this development have alleged threats and security concerns in a blind bid to justify their barely concealed intentions.

Let it be stated that, whereas, Akwa Ibom State has remained, a haven of peace and a good example of a secure State as compared to other states in the federation, before, during and after the General Elections, the spurious, baseless and false advance, of so-called security concerns, by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) who lost the elections in the State, and the subsequent glee with which her sympathizers have celebrated the movement of the tribunal betrays the hidden agenda of the petitioners.

We consider it rather shocking that an otherwise peaceful and hospitable State like Akwa Ibom could be falsely labeled with insecurity; a state unlike most in the North East, where a clear case of insurgency exists and the scourge of Boko Haram has blighted the region. The lumping of Akwa Ibom State into that category is unfortunate, deceitful and amounts to an affront to common sense and good reasoning.

It is an incontrovertible fact that, the good people of Akwa Ibom have continued to conduct their affairs peacefully and there is no record of any arm of Government, in this particular, the Judiciary, coming under threat or any breach of her sanctity, independence or safety.

Whereas we have absolute confidence in our Judicial system, we still have cause for reservations given the desperation of some vested interests, who have vowed to take over the apparatus of Government in our state, by hook or crook, and plead with the Judiciary not to succumb to their schemes or become a tool in the hands of these undertakers in scuttling the popular will of the people as expressed in the elections of April 11, 2015.

We have pertinent questions as to why this relocation, designed to create confusion should be ordered, being a needless distraction and departure from the transparency that is expected of the judicial process.

- Why are Election Petition Tribunals in the South West not being moved to Abuja?

- What is peculiar about Akwa Ibom State to warrant the pressure and special interests that have since encircled the Election Petitions Tribunal here?

- How do our people cope with the attendant high costs/risk of travelling hundreds of kilometers to move men and materials in furtherance of their obligations arising from the ongoing Elections petitions?

We are therefore tempted to suspect a high level connivance and conspiracy against key Niger Delta states which they have vowed must be conquered and forced under the control of their party.

Whereas, we recognize the rights of aggrieved persons to seek redress in electoral disputes in the lawfully prescribed ways in the Constitution of the federal republic

And whereas, we are not asking the Judiciary not to do its work, we have cause to believe that, this act of relocating the tribunal suggests some impunity and rascality on the part of its masterminds and will ultimately amount to an exercise in futility.

We stand by and affirm our faith in The Constitution, which provides in Section 285 Sub section (2) that: “There shall be established in each state of the Federation one or more Election Tribunals, which shall to the exclusion of any court or tribunal, have original jurisdiction to hear and determine petitions as to whether any person has been validly elected to the office of Governor or Deputy Governor or as a member of any legislative House.”

We hold that, the phrase IN EACH STATE OF THE FEDERATION leaves no lacuna for the jamboree that is playing out at the moment.

We therefore call on the Judiciary to do the right thing by resisting predatory instincts of political manipulators that are hell bent on exploiting the system to achieve their sinister plot of subverting our democracy.

It is instructive that, after APC chieftains, have boasted openly that they would take-over key Niger Delta states including Akwa Ibom and having stretched their propaganda machinery to its limits to garnish their evil scheme, they have now settled to manipulating the judicial process to achieve their goal.

As leaders, we hereby warn that, the patience of our people should not be taken for granted and urge all concerned to desist from actions that may make a mockery of our determined efforts to deepen the ethos of our democracy or cause the relative peace that currently prevails in the region to give way to a return to a phase we thought had successfully been managed.

Let the right thing be done in Akwa Ibom and every form of interference with the judicial process of the elections petition should cease forthwith.

Signed

Senator Anietie Okon
Senator Effiong Bob
Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien 
Rt. Hon. (Chief) Nduese Essien
Engr. Larry Esin
Hon. (Prince) Uwem Ita Etuk

[Picture from the Archives]

Late Hon. (Chief) Ekpe Otu Antia and Late Dr. Clement Isong, then the Member representing Itu/Oma State Constituency in the defunct CRS House of Assembly and Governor CRS, Respectively.

Photo from Patrick Ekpe Antia

[News from Cross River] The Ancient Kingdom of Ugep Coronates New Monarch (Obol Lopon)

Preparations are in top gear towards the coronation of His Royal Majesty Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng as the 16th Obol Lopon of Ugep, historically said to be the one of the most populous indigenous communities in the country.

The monarchy dates back to about 400 years and the Obol Lopon of Ugep was among the First Class Chiefs that sat in the parliament of the then Eastern Regional House of Assembly in the First Republic (1963-1966).

The event which is scheduled for Friday June 26, 2015 at the Umor Otutu Palace, Ugep, Yakurr, Cross River State is expected to attract the crème de la crème of the Nigerian and international society.

According to a release signed by Sebastine Eko, Chairman of the Media Sub-Committee of the Central Planning Committee, there will be a Sunday Mass at the St Mary’s Catholic Church, Ugep to hand over the event to God on Sunday June 21st, 2015 as commencement of the coronation event.

Ugep which is famous for its Leboku, an international and headline New Yam Festival is already agog, with the town dotted with colourful traditional decorations and dance preparations.

The coronation of a new monarch is sequel to the recent transition of His Majesty Obol Ubi Ujong Inah the 15th Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Ugep is one of the most densely populated towns in Cross River State, southern Nigeria. It is the headquarters of Yakurr Local Government Area. The Obol Lopon is the highest traditional institution in Yakurr LGA. Yakurr has ten traditional communities each with its separate institution of her Obol Lopon.

Ugep Monarchy is a Matrilineality similar with the British Monarchy and others including Cherokee, Choctaw, Gitksan, Haida, Hopi, Iroquois, Lenape, Navajo and Tlingit of North America; the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, Indonesia and Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia; the Nairs of Kerala and the Bunts and Billava of Karnataka in south India; the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo of Meghalaya in northeast India; Muslims and the Tamils in eastern Sri Lanka; the Mosuo of China; the Basques of Spain and France; the Akan including the Ashanti of west Africa; the Tuaregs of west and north Africa; the Serer of Senegal, the Gambia and Mauritania; and most Jewish communities.

Matrilineality is a system in which a person's descent is traced through their mother and her maternal ancestors. Matrilineality is also a societal system in which each person is identified with their matriline – their mother's lineage – and which can involve the inheritance of property and/or titles.

The Obol Lopon-Elect was, until his election, a Non-Commissioned Officer who served in the Finance Department of the Nigerian Army Amphibious Training School, Calabar. He is 57

Full Text of the Speech Presented by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Opening Session of the 25th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

14TH JUNE 2015

Excellency President Robert Mugabe, Chairman of the Union,

Excellency President Jacob Zuma, our Host,

Excellencies fellow Presidents and Heads of Government

Excellency Mr. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations,

Excellency Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission,

Excellencies, Heads of Delegation,

Invited Guests, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

Please permit me to join previous speakers in conveying my delegation’s appreciation to our host, H.E. President Jacob Zuma, to his Government, and the brotherly people of South Africa for their warm hospitality, and for the excellent arrangements made for our comfort and for the success of our meetings. As this is my first address at this august assembly, may I also congratulate H.E. Dr. Robert Gabriel Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, for his unanimous election as the Chairman of our Union.

2. I feel highly honoured and extremely pleased to be able to address you today, barely two weeks after my inauguration as the President of Nigeria, following the 2015 Presidential election in my country. That process, which was adjudged as the fairest and most credible in the history of elections in Nigeria, was midwifed by the dogged and sustained determination of the Nigerian people, and their desire to deepen our democracy. Their quest was amply supported, and even encouraged by the goodwill of our friends and partners in the international community. I therefore wish to seize this opportunity to convey my very deep appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of that election.

3. My election has been described as historic. I agree that it is indeed historic because for the first time in the practice of democracy in my country, an opposition Party has defeated the ruling Party in a keenly contested election. The election was also held against the backdrop of the fears and concerns expressed both in Nigeria and among our international friends abroad and partners that the outcome of the election could spell doom for Nigeria. I am glad that even though those fears and concerns were not without basis, the outcome was totally different, to the relief of all of us.

4. I cannot fail to acknowledge the very positive role played by my predecessor, H.E. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in averting the feared crisis, and in facilitating the peaceful transition of power between the two parties. I also wish to express my deep appreciation to all who honoured us with their presence at my inauguration, and even those, who for unavoidable reasons were unable to attend. I thank you all.

Mr. Chairman,

5. It is gratifying to note that our Union has made laudable progress over the past one and a half decades since its transformation from the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU). Notably, we have been able to redirect our priorities at the continental level from mainly political goals to more diverse aspirations that are equally fundamental to our survival and development in a global community.

6. It is however clear, Mr. Chairman, that some of the greater challenges to our peoples within this Union still lie in the political, economic, as well as peace and security spheres. Our continent is currently bedevilled by the twin evils of terrorism and insecurity; poverty, youth unemployment, and underdevelopment. The destructive effects of the inhuman and criminal campaigns of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria and neighbouring countries; the Al-Shabab attacks in East Africa, and the activities of the Al-Qaida in the Maghreb, all bear testimony to a continent under siege.

Mr Chairman,

Excellencies and Colleagues

7. On our part, I was convinced on my assumption of office that the best approach would be to work within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) to mobilse collective support to fight against Boko Haram. I have in this regard, directed the relocation of Nigeria’s Command Centre to place it closer to the theatre of action. Furthermore, I have vigorously engaged the members states of the LCBC to better coordinate the strategies and tactics in fighting the insurgency in the region. I believe that this approach can be enhanced through complimentary regional and continental efforts.

8. The images in the international mass media of African youths getting drowned in the Mediterranean sea on their illegal attempts, and often times illusory hope of attaining better life in Europe is not only an embarrassment to us as leaders, but dehumanises our persons. Indeed, they combine to paint a very unfavourable picture of our peoples and countries.

9. Those of us gathered here today owe it as a duty to reverse this ugly trend. We must put an end to the so-called push factors that compel our young men and women to throw caution to the winds and risk life, limbs and all, on this dangerous adventure. We must redouble our efforts to sustain the economic development of our countries, ensure empowerment of our youths, create more jobs, improve and upgrade our infrastructure, and above all continue the enthronement of a regime of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights and rule of law. These and other measures that engender peace and stability must be pursued relentlessly.

10. In this connection, we must persist in our collective endeavour to work together through the African Union and our respective Regional Economic Communities (RECs), to uplift our continent and provide the African peoples the enabling environment for the realization of their legitimate dreams and aspirations. At this juncture, let me assure you of the unflinching commitment of Nigeria to the ideals and aspirations of the African Union as explained in the Agenda 2063, which is geared towards ensuring a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa in the next 50 years. It is for this reason that Nigeria is fully and irrevocably committed to the ECOWAS vision.

11. We do so because we believe that African integration is best attained through the instrumentality of our Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as the building blocs of viable continental institutions. Nigeria will therefore continue to play her part in supporting the African Union Commission and other continental and regional institutions in their efforts to prioritize African development in all sectors of human endeavour.

12. The journey might look arduous, but certainly not impossible. There are opportunities in every challenge. If and when we adopt this call for a change of attitude, approach, and disposition towards agreed protocols and commitments, we shall be bequeathing a politically stable, economically developed, and socially harmonious Africa, thereby justifying the confidence reposed in us by our electorates. We will also demonstrate our qualities as statesmen and true daughters and sons of Africa.

13. I thank you for your kind attention.

Governor Emmanuel Calls for Selfless Service

By Ekerete Udoh

At the thanksgiving service organized earlier today by the Catholic Dioceses of Ikot Ekpene in honour of the immediate past Governor of the state, now the distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, held at St, Anne Cathedral, Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene, Governor Udom Emmanuel had in his remarks, quoted John chapter 12 verses 6 and 7, whose deeper interpretation was a call for altruism, to eschew selfish impulses and the need to put the interest of the people far above personal or pecuniary considerations.

The governor had enjoined the audience and indeed the larger society to see the ennobling ideals in providing people-centric service, which in his considered opinion, the immediate past governor had exemplified. He urged the naysayers and those who do not see the redeeming value in government to stop demonizing their leaders.

Public service according to the governor is a call to duty; to see how one can use the awesome instrument and power of government to advance the common good, to create opportunity for all and to provide the enabling environment for our people to dream and dare. That can be done when we enthrone transparency and show a deep and abiding concern for the poor and to protect our commonwealth form being pilfered as was the case with the thief in the bible verse above.

Governor Emmanuel has spoken at most public outings about the need to enthrone a culture of transparency, civility, humility, selflessness and those values represent the thrust of his message at the thanksgiving service and not what some cranks on the social media, had concocted.

Most of Your Comments are Misleading; Onofiok Luke Cautions

The Rt. Hon. (Barr) Onofiok Luke has noticed with serious concern the several public commentaries which continue to trail the outcome of Monday's election of a Speaker for the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Sadly, many of the comments and views, although well-intentioned, are misleading and capable of causing disaffection especially between the lawmaker and his supporters and some former and serving senior public officials, especially the former governor, Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio.

The Honourable lawmaker therefore wishes to totally dissociate himself from, and strongly condemn some of the inciting views and opinions which are being expressed in press statements, editorials and social media comments.

The Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke holds every leader in the state in very high esteem irrespective of the differences they may have, politically. He therefore discourages groups and individuals from directly or indirectly casting aspersions on anyone, whether serving or former public officials, in the attempt to show him support or solidarity.

Barr Luke is convinced that the event of Monday, June 8, 2015, and other happenings preceding it, should be seen as the act of God which man must respect. It is in this light that he has continued to call on his teeming supporters to join hands in supporting the man who has emerged as the Speaker of the state’s 6th Assembly, Hon. Aniekan Uko, to succeed. Barr Onofiok Luke also uses this opportunity to call on Akwa Ibom people to pray for, and to show faith in the leadership of our Captain, His Excellency, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as he works to sustain our progress.

The Nsit Ubium lawmaker yet again expresses his profound gratitude to the multitude of supporters, friends, and well-wishers who have shown him tremendous supports all the way through his first term in the state House of Assembly. He remains eternally grateful to the people of the state, particularly the youths, students, women, traditional fathers and the clergy who stood by him as he walked the tortuous road to his re-election. He thankfully looks forward to another term in the assembly in which the people will, as usual, be the centrepiece of his robust legislative engagement.

SIGNED

Kufre Okon
Assistant on Media to the Honourable Member.

[PHOTOS] Mr. Aniekan Uko; Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly

[Exclusive] House Leadership Tussle: Barr Ime Okon Opens Up

- Why Aniekan Uko was Unanimously Elected

- Prince Akpabio's 300 Million Naira Bribe Scandal
By Torobong Ekpo

Barely, a couple of days, shortly after the emergence of Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, as the speaker of the sixth Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, a then contender for the speakership position, Barr. Ime Bassey Okon, who also represents Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, in the hallow chamber has bared his mind on the intricacies that surrounded the emergence of the speaker, admitting that his ambition couldn’t scale through as a result of the popular demand of other members of the Assembly.

Briefing newsmen recently in Uyo, Okon, a ranking member of the parliament said that the edge Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko had over other contemporaries which paved way for his emergence, bordered on his legislative experience at the local government council and his Federal Constituency of origin.

The Ibiono Ibom Legislator who was alleged to be the leader of the faction eight (L-8) legislatures sponsored by the immediate past governor of the state to become the speaker of the sixth assembly debunked such insinuation, noting that, the ex-governor didn’t play partisan role in the emergence of the Speaker of the Assembly.

“The truth is that, I had interest to serve my people as the Speaker of the sixth assembly, my brother, my friend and my grandson in the person of Hon. Onofiok Luke also had interest. Of course, our party had zoned the speakership position to Uyo Senatorial District. We were both interested, but at the end of the day, it depends on who our colleagues wanted. So you don’t need to be too desperate about a position.

“At the end of the day, someone who wasn’t in the picture was picked as the speaker because of the exigencies of the time, and we were all satisfied. The important thing is that, we want the house to be stable; we wanted a house that will serve the people not necessarily who is the speaker or deputy.

“Order 6 rule 2 sub 1 of the standing order of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly provides to the effect that, "preference shall be given to members with cognitive legislative experience." It is a parliamentarian convention all over the world because for one to perform effectively, he must have experience.

“There was a clamour for Uyo Federal Constituency, that even though the speakership position was zoned to Uyo Senatorial District, within Uyo Senatorial District you have some federal constituency. There was clamour for sub zoning. Like Itu Federal Constituency has a serving Senator, Etinan Federal Constituency has a party chairman, but nothing for Uyo Federal Constituency. And there was clamour that what is left for Uyo Senatorial District should be given to Uyo Federal Constituency and we had to agree so that we can move forward.

“On the verge of who become the speaker of AKHA, there must be grouping. I don’t want to call it a faction. This group wanted Ime Okon, another wanted Onofiok Luke, while the other tipped a first timer. So it was just a buildup not necessarily a faction.

“Senator Godswill Akpabio, cannot nominate anybody for leadership position. He does not have the right, likewise Governor Udom. They may have their preference as individuals, but that is not to say he is the one nominating.’ He maintained.

He revealed that the governor of the state, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel had earlier wanted to address the legislature before the inauguration, but did not due to his official engagement in Abuja. “The governor had earlier wanted to address us before we went for inauguration, but he did not come in from Abuja.

He (Okon) maintained that he was bent on supporting whoever had emerged as the speaker of the assembly. "Whoever had emerged as the speaker would have gotten my support, if it was Onofiok Luke, I would have supported him. I believe if I was the one, he would have done same.” The lawmaker reasoned.

Hon. Okon, pledged to cue behind the speaker of the 6th assembly with a view of ensuring that he successfully complete his four years tenure in office and urged other ranking members of the assembly to follow suit.

The Ibiono Ibom born legislator promised to continually cater and empower members of his constituents via award of scholarship, training in artisan, quiz competition as well as drawing the attention of the state government to the dilapidated structures at Government Technical college, Ikot Ada Idem, uncompleted second phase of Use Ikot Amama road and poor access road to the palace of the paramount ruler of the constituency.

He expressed optimism that, so far he has performed creditably in his legislative, oversight and lawmaking functions of the assembly.

He dismissed as false and insignificant the rumor making the rounds, that, a brother to the immediate past governor, Mr. Prince Akpabio had bribed the members with 300 million Naira prior to the inauguration.

Apex Court Stalls Akwa Ibom Elections Petition Tribunal Sitting in Abuja

By Newslink

The relocation of the Akwa Ibom Elections Tribunal to Abuja  run into a hitch as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has approached the Supreme Court to interpret the Law setting up the tribunal and the legality of the process of its relocation.

The Constitution provides in Section 285 Sub section (2) that: “There shall be established IN EACH STATE of the Federation one or more Election Tribunals, which shall to the exclusion of any court or tribunal, have original jurisdiction to hear and determine petitions as to whether any person has been validly elected to the office of Governor or Deputy Governor or as a member of any legislative House.”

Counsels to Governor Udom Emmanuel led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Paul Usoro are seeking the interpretation of this and the negative effects of the case to the interest of their client.

Already, former Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, has faulted the movement of the state election petition tribunal to Abuja, describing it as unconstitutional, baseless and lacking any
justification. The former commissioner said this in Uyo, the state capital on Saturday in an interaction with journalists. Mr. Nwoko pointed out that the movement of the tribunal to Abuja has a multiplier negative effect on the entire state. He also stated that the PDP was not in a hurry due to the fact that whatever proceedings that “are conducted in Abuja, unless the tribunal comes back to Akwa Ibom, is a nullity and amounts to no issue”.

Citing the example of the case between former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori and Great Ogboru, Mr. Nwoko recalled that the Court of Appeal held that an election petition tribunal created pursuant to section 285, subsections 2, must hold its sitting in the state where the election took place.

He declared that to move the election petition tribunal outside the territory of the state where the election was conducted, was a violation of the
constitution."

In a related development, elected National and State Legislators of the PDP in Akwa Ibom who have their victories challenged by opponents in the Tribunal have filed a separate petition at the Federal High Court challenging the relocation of the Tribunal to Abuja. The elected members argue in the plea that, there is no way, their over 3,000 witnesses and counsels can be conveyed to Abuja to enable them have a fair hearing and defense of their cases.

This also comes as the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Akwa Ibom chapter have approached the supreme court to stall the relocation of he tribunal to Abuja, on grounds that, it tramples their rights to appear in the Tribunal due to inconvenience. They also fault the claims that, the relocation is on account of security concerns, arguing that no such fears are tenable as no breach of peace has ever occurred since the case began.

As it stands, the Elections Petition tribunal proceedings is  stalled as it will not proceed until the Supreme Court interprets the relevant sections of the Constitution to resolve the matter.

It will be recalled that, The Akwa Ibom State election petition tribunal was relocated from Uyo to Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as the All Progressives Congress cited security concerns and fear of the case not being settled before the expiration of the 180 days stipulated by the constitution for every petition arising from electoral disputes to be dispensed with. Already, 57 days as at the time of going to Press has since elapsed. It remains to be seen what the outcome of the pending suits will be.

6th Assembly: Onofiok Luke Congratulates Aniekan Uko

- Urges Constituents to Support Udom Emmanuel's Led Administration
By Torobong Ekpo

The lawmaker representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Akpan Luke, has joined millions of Nigerians in congratulating the newly sworn-in speaker of the 6th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko on his elevation, and promised partnering with him, to ensure that, he completes his four years tenure in the hallow chamber.

Luke, a ranking member, who disclosed this, in his hometown, to members of his constituent, described the speaker as a square peg in a square hole, expressing optimism that, he will take the assembly to a greater height.

He pledged to give Hon. Aniekan Uko, an enabling environment and backing to thrive in the hallow chamber, as well as, share his wealth of experience with the new speaker. ‘I will work to make sure our speaker, Hon. Aniekan Uko succeeds. I will bring my wealth of experience to cue behind him to make sure that we have a vibrant House of assembly. If you had notice, immediately, he was sworn-in, I bowed before him, that was a sign to show that, I have surrendered to his leadership. Power comes from God, as such, we need to give respect to whom respect is due’ he stressed.

Continuing, ‘I will support him to have a successful four year term tenure in office. Read my lips, read my lips, a four year term as the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. That is my stand, that is my position," Luke affirmed.

The Nsit Ubium representative however disclosed that, Hon. Aniekan Uko was the choice of the legislatures, noting that, they entire lawmakers were okay with the speakership position of Hon. Uko. ‘We wanted to support anyone chosen by all in the interest of the people without any interference from any quarter to be the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, thus, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko’s emergence was in tandem with our position.’
He said that, there was no going back, in his empowerment projects to his constituents, disclosing that, he has put all modalities in place to ensure that, all and sundry are empowered in his second term in office.

Luke promised to work out modalities to ensure that, abandoned projects in the constituency are completed; adding that, the reason for the neglect was unavailability of fund. ‘Today, after my quiet time, I drew out a list of how I will empower my people in this second coming, I can assure you, that, I will continuously try my possible best to put smiles on faces of everyone in this constituency.'
‘For the abandoned projects, let me put it on record, the project was channeled through Interministerial and direct labour committee, not through me as it is rumoured, the remaining cash meant for the completion, I am told, was not released to the contractor, hence, the reason why the projects have not been completed, as soon as it is released, the contractors will finish their work.’ He reasoned.

The Pioneer speaker of Nigerian Youth Parliament, who described the immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, as his boss, role model, and benefactor restated his commitment to consolidate on the achievements of the previous administration, via constant support to the fourth civilian governor, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, and pleaded with members of his constituency to reciprocate same gesture to ensure the success of this administration.

The ranking member said that, he does not owe, nor habour any malice with anybody, stressing that, he has forgiven all those who have offended him, consciously or comatosely in time past. He viewed the Executive governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, as pragmatic, experienced and holistic leader, thereby, expressing optimism that, he will take the state to an enviable height.

He urged his people to cue behind Governor Udom Emmanuel to ensure that, his industrial dream becomes a reality.

[PICTURES] Demolished Petrol Station Opposite Uruan Street, Uyo

In case you have not seen it, below are some pictures of the demolished petrol station opposite Uruan Street. According to a street witness, "underneath the plot on which the petrol station was built is an underground drainage system built by the Godswill Akpabio administration".

These pictures were sent to us by an anonymous street witness.