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Tag: A'Ibom

  • World Water Day: Stakeholders task A’Ibom on Water Sector funding

    World Water Day: Stakeholders task A’Ibom on Water Sector funding

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

    A Civil Society Organisation, Akwa Ibom WASH Policy Cluster (IBOMWASH+), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other stakeholders have urged Akwa Ibom government  to increase funding for water projects in the state.

    This is even as available data has shown that about 80% of the state population lack access to clean water and toilet facilities.

    Speaking during a two days event to mark the World Water Day titled “Accelerating Change”, in Uyo, recently, the Project Director, IBOMWASH+, Prof Gabriel Umoh, regretted that the state has only attained 11% in Open Defecation Free status.

    With only one out of its 31 LGAs, Nsit Atai, being certified Open – Defecation – Free (ODF) status in 2019, Umoh, a professor of agricultural and development economics, said such negligence of the water sector has exposed the population to danger of water-borne diseases and stressed the need for serious reforms to reposition the sector.

    The Director, who is also the CEO, African Human Development Centre (AHDC), tasked the state government on the need for more political will  to bridge the gap through proper funding and strengthening of the state WASH policy.

    “In spite of the efforts so far by government, our work in the state WASH sectors has shown that there still exists huge gap to be filled if the state must keep to the mission of the United Nations’ sustainable sanitation for all in 2030, as well as achieve the Executive Order 009 targeting ODF status in 2023.

    “The budgetary allocation to WASH sector has been very low; WASH budget as a percentage of the state’s annual budget has remained less than one percent. The state is yet to have a clearer ODF roadmap and WASH policy.” He explained.

    However, the commissioner for lands and water resources, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd), who was represented by Mrs Asumpta Lawrence Udousoro, Head, Water Resources in the ministry, stressed that government remained commited to addressing the WASH sector challenges.

     “The state government is putting up modalities to revamp the sector by rehabilitating the dilapidated infrastructure for adequate provision of water for its citizens. 

    “We are optimistic that in the nearest future, water will be provided in sufficient quantity and quality, and adequately managed for sustainability. This will also reduce incessant drilling of boreholes across the state, which could be catastrophic in the near future.” Ekong said.

    It would be recalled that the water resources sector management and regulation bill was signed into law during the administration of Akwa ibom state Governor Udom Emmanuel last year.

    Despite the water bill being signed into law and the establishment of the Ministry of Lands/Water Resources, the water management agency, AK-RUWATSAN and the state waste management agency, over 77 percent of the population in Akwa Ibom State remains under threat of epidemic with poor access to water, hygiene and sanitation.

  • A’Ibom: IPAC, guber candidates laud Eno’s election

    A’Ibom: IPAC, guber candidates laud Eno’s election

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    At least 13 political parties and six guber candidates who participated in last weekend’s guber elections in Akwa Ibom have congratulated the Governor-Elect, Pastor Umo Eno on his victory at the 2023 governorship elections in the state. 

    The political parties under the aegies of the Inter Party Advisory Council,IPAC, in a joint statement in Uyo yesterday said that the election of the PDP candidate was a manifestation of God’s divine plan to select the most qualified candidate to lead the state.

     IPAC also assured Eno that the organisation would partner with his administration to foster the development of the state. 

    “Dear Governor-Elect, your resounding victory at the polls, is a further affirmation of the divine will of God at ensuring that not only the best candidate was elected and given the mandate by the people, but one who best understands where we are coming from as a people, where we are presently and the best route towards attaining and achieving our target destination.

    “It is our hope and belief that in line with your avowed commitment to unite Akwa Ibom State and foster healing and true reconciliation, your reign as Governor from May 29, 2023, will signify and symbolize inclusiveness, selflessness godliness, peace, unity, and entrepreneurial development as encapsulated in your ARISE Agenda.

    “Be rest assured that IPAC will continue to partner with you so that Akwa Ibom will continue to witness and enjoy steady, conscious, and progressive development which has become her trademark from 1999 till date.” The statement said.

    The political parties include the Action Democratic Party, Labour Party, National Rescue Movement, African Democratic Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, All Peoples Party and African Action Congress, Zenith Labour Party, Action Alliance, Allied People’s Movement, Peoples Redemption Party, Boot Party and the Social Democratic Party.

    The candidates including  Mr Nsikak Hogan Thomas (Zenith Labour Party), Abasiekeme Mfonobong Ekanem (Action Alliance) Eyo Eyo Ekong (Allied People’s Movement), Sunday Francis Ekanem (Peoples Redemption Party), Mr Akan Ekpenyong (Boot Party), and Mrs Emem Monday Udoh (Social Democratic Party) conveyed their thoughts in separate messages of goodwill to the incoming Governor. 

    They said that despite campaigns and politicking it was clear that Eno won the heart of the people through his ARISE Agenda and expressed hope that he would satisfy the desires of the people. 

  • Foreign Observers give pass mark to elections in A’Ibom

    Foreign Observers give pass mark to elections in A’Ibom

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    International election observers under the aegis of Pan African Women Projects, have said that last weekend’s governorship and state assembly elections in Akwa Ibom  met the international standard of free, transparent, and peaceful electoral process. 

    They made this statement at a press conference held yesterday in Uyo with the theme, “Strengthening Democracy”.

    The Pan African Women Projects which is an international non-governmental organisation comprised of women from all 54 countries in Africa has observed several elections in over 15 African countries including Nigeria.

    Spokesperson for the organization Ms Candice Solomon told journalists that it deployed over 150 trained elections observers to the 31 local government areas, and made their observations and submissions in the areas of logistics, INEC ad-hoc staff, turnout of voters, security, vote-buying/lobbying, technology (BIVAS).

    Solomon lauded the Independent Electoral Commission, citizens of the state, and security personnel for organising a free, transparent and peaceful election which prompted them to adjudge it as having met international standards.

    “We use this medium to appreciate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the opportunity to serve in this election as one of the accredited FOREIGN OBSERVER GROUPS. 

    “We want to sincerely and greatly appreciate Professor Mahmud Yakubu and the entire department of gender and inclusivity of the commission, especially for the unwavering supports that made our work very easy. 

    “We also appreciate the various security agencies that worked tirelessly to ensure our safety by providing all the intelligence and protection needed to carry out our onerous duties.

    “The 18th March 2023 Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections in Akwa Ibom State meets International commendations of a free, transparent and peaceful conduct of electoral process.” She said.

    She however called on security agents to “address all security lapses in the 2023 election and employ more personnel into the system to improve on a more effective security network during elections in Nigeria.”

    They also noted general low turnout of voters in the exercise and submitted that “INEC’s performance at the Presidential elections especially as results were seen not to be transmitted to the IREV across the State had altered people’s trust in the electoral system. 

    Pastor Umo Eno of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP won the Governorship elections ahead of Senator Bassey Albert and Mr Akan Udofia of the YPP and APC respectively.

  • PDP Guber Candidate Lauds Peaceful Place in A’Ibom

    PDP Guber Candidate Lauds Peaceful Place in A’Ibom

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo 

    Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Umo Eno has extolled peaceful conduct of the governorship and House of Assembly elections in Akwa Ibom State.

    Eno gave his impression soon after casting his vote at Ibiakpan Obotim Ward 1,  Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Saturday.

    While calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that vote counts, Eno pledged to abide by the will of the people. 

    Our Correspondent reports that the election was generally peaceful in Akwa Ibom except for the reported case of friday night killing at INEC office in Ibiono Ibom.

  • YPP Guber candidate wants investigation into alleged killings in A’Ibom 

    YPP Guber candidate wants investigation into alleged killings in A’Ibom 

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    Young Progressive Party, YPP guber candidate in Akwa Ibom, Senator Bassey Akpan,  has called for investigation into the alleged killing of three indigenes in Ibiono Ibom Local Council by a detachment of police from the state government house.  

    Akpan, who is Senator   representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District made the call in his Ididep Usuk community while interacting with journalists after he casted his votes in  the rescheduled governorship election held Saturday nationwide.  

    He commended the electoral umpire, INEC, for improvement in the   conduct of the governorship election.  

    Akpan adjudged the election to be ” generally peaceful, but for the unfortunate incident of the killing of three in the area.

    “I am calling on the police to investigate the incident and follow up with justice. No election is worth the blood of any Akwa Ibom indigene. I have spoken with the police commissioner and he has promised to come for a follow up on the incident.  Three Ibiono Ibom indigenes were killed by the police and they carried the corpses.

    ” I must commend INEC for the

     improvement in today’s election.  The materials arrived early and voting also started  early.” He said.

    He however insisted on INEC  to ensure that election results were tramistted real time on the IREV in order to ensure a credible, fair, and transparent electoral process.

  • A’Ibom disburses N132m for maintenance of hospitals, employs 300 doctors, nurses

    A’Ibom disburses N132m for maintenance of hospitals, employs 300 doctors, nurses

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo 

    Akwa Ibom state government said it has released N132m for maintenance of General Hospitals across the 31 local councils of the state.

    Speaking with newsmen in Uyo yesterday during the inaugural inter mnisterial briefing, Health commissioner,  Prof Augustine Umoh maintained that Governor Udom Emmanuel  was committed to health care delivery in the state . 

    Umoh explained that the state government was aware of shortage of Nurses and Midwives in the health sector adding that the shortfall of medical personnel has been addressed through employment of over 300 Doctors and Nurses in hospitals. 

    He observed that the number of recruited medical personnel was not still enough adding thay government has planned to bring back retired midwives who are still strong to support existing ones in the health service.

    ” The Ministry of Health will soon bring back retired Midwives who are still strong  into the state hospital service.Government will pay them stipend to encourage them in contributing through their acquired experiences in the health sector. 

    ” However , more health personnel would be employed to ensure efficient health care delivery in the state.” The commissioner stated.

    Umoh reeled out achievements of Emmanuel in the health sector in the last 8 years to include renovation of hospitals and construction of new ones , Remodelling of General Hospitals in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Anua, procurement of medical equipment , recruitment of health personnel as well as effective management of COVID-19 pandemic among others.

  • 2023: 15 Guber Candidates Sign Peace Accord in A’Ibom

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

    At least 15 governorship candidates from various political parties yesterday in Uyo endorsed a peace accord as a further pledge to ensure a peaceful conduct in this weekend’s rescheduled governorship election in Akwa Ibom.

    The ceremony which took place at State Police Headquarters also had party chairmen signing for state house of assembly candidates to ensure violence free state assembly  polls. 

    Presided over by the state Commissioner òf Police, Olatoye Durosinmi it also had in attendance the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), service chiefs, a representative of paramount rulers, civil society organisations (CSO), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)  and Nigeria Labour Congress  (NLC) among others.

    Durosinmi maintained that zero tolerance to violent elections is expected and those who would  want to ferment trouble should refrain from it.

    “We want to remain the most  peaceful state of the federation. We should not say because of elections  we start burning vehicles. Let your fellowers no that violence don’tpay, you cannot win election by intimidating others. 

    “Signing of the accord is just symbolic but carry the message to your supporters. You must not allow the faceless agitators to do something funny.” The commissioner stated.

    According to the State Police boss, people arrested during the conduct of the presidential election were still being investigated while security operatives are on the trail of those on the run.

    Also speaking the representative of INEC, the Administrative Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbodu said the essence of the accord was to seek peace during the elections and the governorship candidates to embrace the peace accord. 

    “On our part we will continue to ensure that the elections are credible.” Ogbodu said. 

    Most of the governorship candidates that spoke commended the State Police Command and INEC for guaranteeing security and and credible polls.

    They however charged security agencies to be neutral in tackling election issues and do something about fake security operatives during the conduct of the elections in the state. 

    They noted that voters at the community level are often threatened by hoodlums and urged security to be beefed up to protect voters from unforseen violence

  • 2023: CHRAN raises alarm over plans to import thugs by parties in A’Ibom

    2023: CHRAN raises alarm over plans to import thugs by parties in A’Ibom

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, CHRAN, has expressed worry over alleged plans by political parties to use thugs to manipulate the upcoming gubenatorial and state assembly elections in Akwa Ibom.

    State Director of CHRAN Mr Franklin Isong who made this known during a press conference in Uyo yesterday said such parties also planned to use real and fake security personnel from neighbouring states of Bayelsa, Abia and Rivers.

    “Worrisome to us, is the fact that our intelligence network, however, reveals that some politicians in Akwa Ibom State are perfecting plots to import political thugs, as well as real and/or fake security personnel from neighboring states, particularly, Rivers, Abia and Bayelsa into the State with the intention to subvert the votes and wishes of the people during the Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections.

    “We hereby call on the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies to be on alert, and rise to the occasion of ensuring going the State remains peaceful while Akwa Ibom people go out en masse to elect the Governor and State House of Assembly Members of their choice come Saturday, 11th March, 2023.

    “We urge the security agencies in the State to pay serious attention to our riverine and bordering communities before, during and after the elections.” Isong said.

    While commending security agencies for their efforts so far in maintaining peace and order since the elections started, they however appealed to the governorship candidates and their supporters not to approach the forthcoming elections with the “do-or-die” spirit, but with the spirit of sportsmanship. 

    It however expressed dissapointment over INEC’s culpabitity and and complacency in the electoral fraud and malpractices witnessed in the Presidential and National Assembly elections. 

    “INEC was a contestant instead of being a non-partisan electoral umpire. INEC provided the platform for the politicians who carried out rigging in large scale and electoral fraud in the polls.

    “We wish to call on the INEC in Akwa Ibom State to be neutral and non-partisan in the Governorship and State House of Assembly polls billed for 11th March, 2023.” He advised.

  • YPP accusee INEC of colluding with PDP to rig election in A’Ibom 

    YPP accusee INEC of colluding with PDP to rig election in A’Ibom 

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of working with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to undermine the electoral process in this weekend’s guber polls in Akwa Ibom.

    State chairman, Apostle Nyeneime Andy told a press conference in Uyo yesterday that the party has received intelligence of plans by the commission to either delay the process, send inadequate materials and indliterate the security agencies in opposition areas inorder to disenfranchise voters in those areas.

    Andy who called on the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Cyril Omorogbe to use his office to restore the confidence in the process pointed out that the last Presidential/National Assembly elections were allegedly rigged in the state by INEC and PDP to favour the later but vowed to resist every attempt to rig this weekend’s polls.

    “From credible intelligence, the State PDP with the latitude of INEC has perfected plans to rig the forthcoming polls as follows: 

    Voting materials meant for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency must not leave INEC office until 12.30pm on Saturday March 11th, 2023.

    “Voting materials meant for the entire Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District must not be complete in some Federal Constituencies and must not leave INEC office before 10.00 a.m.  

    “Voting materials meant for Eket Senatorial District must leave INEC office on time as it is the presumed ‘sure bet zone’ for the PDP as the State Governor hails from there. The early departure of materials for the district is to be well publicised to distract attention or disclaim any accusation about late transportation of materials to any other locations.  

    “PDP thugs in company of illegal police officers and some genuine military personnel will be drafted to strongholds of opposition parties (emphasis was on YPP) to disrupt election through violence and destroy all the voting materials and even pretend to kidnap some INEC officials so as to exonerate INEC from the deal.” He explained.

    The chairman also alleged that plans have been completed by both parties to preset the BVAS and inflate figures during the collation of results.

    “We are also alerted that some BVAS have been preset with figures in favour of PDP before commencement of voting. In such instances, the 0000 on the BVAS will not be seen. 

    “Credible intelligence also has it that the State REC has been instructed to inflate the figures, during collation of results, in favour of PDP in a situation where the plan on the field did not materialize. 

    “Credible intelligence has also proved that millions of dollars and pounds sterlings are being shared and distributed by Governor Udom Emmanuel and his cohorts to vulnerable Akwa Ibomites to buy their consciences and votes in the forth coming election of March 11th, 2023. 

    “The State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Managing Director of Hensek Engineering Services are the major conduits of this funds.” Andy enumerated.

    In order to enable the electorates  elect candidates of their choice through a free, fair and credible excercise, Andy called on INEC to ensure that original result sheets and all relevant materials are timely delivered.

    He also appealed to security agencies, International Observers and the Embassies in Nigeria to take curious interest in Akwa Ibom  so as to checkmate any unwanton activitiesn and carry out thorough investigations.

  • Obi-Datti Movement endorse YPP Guber candidate in A’Ibom

    Obi-Datti Movement endorse YPP Guber candidate in A’Ibom

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

     The Obi-Datti Movement in Akwa Ibom has said it would mobilize its structures in the 4354 polling units in the state to vote for the YPP in the March 11 Governorship election.

    In a statement signed by the Convener Otoabasi Asuqou in Uyo weekend, the movement, made up of over 100 Obidient support groups said that it arrived at this decision after due diligence and considering the character, capacity, compassion and competence of the candidates.

    “As you are aware, the Obi Datti movement goes beyond party lines. As Obidients, we are not controlled by political party policies or ideologies. Rather, we look out for Candidates with good character, capacity,  competence and compassion. 

    “It must be noted THAT the Obi-Datti movement in Akwa Ibom state worked extremely hard to ensure that our Principal, HE Peter Obi won the February 25th Presidential Election in the state, but those massive LP Votes and results which humbled major political parties in the State was manipulated at the  various INEC ward coalition centers in the 31 Local government areas. 

    “However, in the midst of all the manipulation and irregularities from Inec, the Obidient movement was able to make a large statement as we polled the highest number of Votes in Urban areas like Uyo, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, Oron, Ikot Abasi etc. 

    “Our great performance at the recent Presidential election has now made the Obi-Datti movement a strong political force in Akwaibom state with a massive structure to mobilize over 300,000 votes for our preffered Governorship Candidate. 

    “Today we have come to inform the press and all Akwaibom people that we, from the Obidient movement have finally found the best Candidate suitable for the position of Governor of Akwa Ibom State. 

    “That man is the YPP Governorship Candidate in Akwa Ibom state Senator Obong Bassey Albert.” It said.

    The release gave more reasons for their support for the former Akwa Ibom finance commissioner.

    “The YPP deserves all the support from the Obidient movement in Akwa Ibom state because they showed us so much love by standing with the Obidient Mobilizers to deliver our principal Mr Peter Obi in the 4,354 polling units in Akwa Ibom state. 

    “In life, one good turn deserves another. The YPP Governorship Candidate Senator Obong Bassey Albert and his dear wife has always been supportive for the realization of a New Nigeria with Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed.

    “We have learnt our lessons. 

    We will support the political party that supported our principal on the 25th of February. We will support OBA and his party YPP to win in Akwaibom state 

    “On this note, Let me officially declare on behalf of Obidients in Akwaibom state that we have Endorsed the Governorship candidate of YPP Obong Bassey Albert. 

    “We charge all our polling unit structures to work with the YPP and Vote massively for OBA on the 11th of March 2023 as we trust that the same God that granted us victory at the Feb 25 polls will also grant us victory at the March 11 polls.” It said.