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Tag: A’Ibom

A’Ibom jettisons plans for a Cattle Ranch
Akwa Ibom State Government may have jettisoned plans to establish a Multi-Million Naira Cattle Ranch at Adadia in Uruan Local Council of the state as activities at the site of the ranch have stalled.
This is even as the imported grass planted for the 2,000 cows expected to be housed in the ranch but burnt by youths of the area have not been replanted, with buildings at the site meant to house some of the workers in a state of disrepair.
Correspondents who visited the site, an old farm location used by the Cross River Basin Development Authority observed that apart from the old buildings and broken iron fence, there was nothing to suggest that the project would see the light of the day, at least under the current administration.
Indigenes of the area also confided in our Correspondents that “the few white people who were overseeing initial activities and who were residing at the ranch had left after much frustration.”
It was learnt that their condition became so bad that they could no longer afford to rent vehicles for their movement as they resorted to using commercial motorcycles for their daily movement.
Emmanuel had told journalists at a media parley as part of activities that marked the 32nd anniversary of the state creation that his administration has backed out of the project due to some challenges.
According to him, some unidentified persons set the ranch ablaze not minding the cost of the grasses imported and planted for the cows by his administration.
“There were also many petitions against the project. I thought we could import the cows, cause them to be impregnated so that they would mass produce such breed upon arrival in the state instead of relying on the local cows to enable us improve our nutritious value.” The Governor had bemoaned.
It would be recalled that Emmanuel had in May 2017 revealed plans by his administration to kick start the project, a public/ private initiative, explaining that the cow importation was to ensure fresh milk for Akwa Ibom people as against evaporated milk.
“Fresh milk is more nutritious and will enhance good health and growth among the people of the state. Our consultants are working hard to get the projects started.” The Governor had promised.
State government officials who were proded for clarification on the status of the project could not divulge useful information while calls to the immediate past agric commissioner whose ministry supervised the project could not be answered.
March 31, 2022
Gov Emmanuel to politicians: No ambition is worth the lives of A’Ibom people
Concerned about the ways some desperate aspirants are going about their political activities, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has warned that no ambition of any politician was worth the lives and peace of the people of the state.
Emmanuel also condemned the desperation by politicians to gain the support of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, faithful by allegedly administering fetish oaths on them.
According to him, those who aspire for public offices must be above board by showing exemplary characters and qualifications that they were ready to conscientiously serve the people.
He urged politicians to go about their electioneering campaigns with decorum and peaceful manners in the overall interests of the electorate.
The governor, weekend, while swearing in new commissioners into the state executive council, said: “Let’s try to be civic and do things according to the constitution. In this time of politics, let’s us play with understanding and the fear of God.
“The new executive members include Dr. Bassey Okon, Offiong Offoh, Enefiok Isaac, Iniobong Ekong, Bob Emem and Camillus Umoh.”
He said: “Whoever is coming to serve, if you truly want to serve your people, it will never be through violence, it will never be through bloodshed, it will never be through fetish oaths. Whosoever gives you oath is bound between you and him, no service, no commitment to service.
“As we play politics, let’s refine the way things are done. There should be total zero tolerance to violence because people are coming to serve.
“Just express the interest that you want to serve and if the people say yes, you have the qualifications they will support you. The essence of trying to pull another person down does not earn you qualifications for that office. It does not.
“So, I think we can do it this time much cleaner, better and more peaceful than ever before. Let’s us look before we leap. Let us be careful and know that the ambition of one man is nothing compared to the peace of 7.2m people.”
Emmanuel had advised the new commissioners to bring in tangible values to enable his administration “land well and safely.
“This is another call to duty. Give preference to Akwa Ibom people and do not place your personal interest above the interest of the people. You are coming at a time we have much to deliver. Bring your very best to make sure we land well and safely.”
March 28, 2022
A’Ibom 2023: Be cautious on the Choice of Governor- Akan Okon
Immediate past commissioner for Economic Development in Akwa Ibom, Mr Akan Okon has called on the people of the state to thread with caution in the choice of the next governor of the state in 2023.
He observed that, in the past, the state suffered from inconsistency in policies and projects implementation and there was disconnection between the past and present.
Okon who is a governorship aspirant, in an interaction with Journalists in Uyo on Monday warned that “at 34 years Akwa Ibom State cannot afford to continue to be an experimental field where people come to learn leadership in public service.”
He said though he is in support of micro zoning for the position of governor in the state, other yard-stick such as competence, experience and capacity should be stressed.
“God is not an author of confusion and the reason why we have zoning is to reduce infighting. I believe that in our federal constituency, we have very competent people that can lead the state.
“I buy into that sentiment of micro zoning and consideration that it should not be entirely the only yard- stick to be considered but in terms of competence, experience and capacity should also be considered.” Okon explained.
The governorship aspirant who is from Itu/Ibiono Ibom federal constituency boasted that having worked with two administrations in the state he is armed with enough experience to govern the state.
Okon had served as commissioner for finance under Governor Godswill Akpabio administration and commissioner ministry of housing, urban renewal and social duties, commissioner ministry of special duties and aviation development, and commissioner ministry of economic development and Ibom Deep Seaport under governor Udom Emmanuel.
“You cannot say that the governor didn’t deliberately want me to be there. God is the ultimate holder in the affairs of men and his way is different from the way of men so when thing happens there are reasons for it.” He said.
March 22, 2022
Two Commissioners Resign in A’Ibom
Two commissioners, Mr Akan Okon and Mr Sunny Ibuot have resigned their appointment from the cabinet of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom.
Okon who resigned to pursue his governorship ambition was in charge of the ministry of Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport while Ibuot who resigned for personal reasons was in charge of the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Development.
Okon in his letter obtained by newsmen on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Emmanuel and the people of the state for the privilege given him to serve the people.
“It was an honour and great privilege to serve our State under the leadership of Mr. Udom Emmanuel at such an important phase in our history. I am grateful to God almighty and His Excellency, for giving me the opportunity to serve.
“I also thank the good people of our dear state for their support and encouragement which motivated me in the discharge of all the tasks and assignments given to me, especially with regards to the envisioned three gateways (Land, Air and Sea) for the rapid development of our dear state and creation of job opportunities for our teeming and very enterprising youths.
“Throughout the duration of my service, I strived diligently to interprete His Excellency’s vision for our State as encapsulated in the Divine Mandate Agenda and Completion Agenda respectively.” He said.
Ibuot who is believed to have resigned due to his opposition to the Governor’s succession agenda had also in a letter addressed to the Governor thanked him for the opportunity to serve the state in various capacities.
At least four more commissioners are expected to also tender their resignation in the coming days because of their political ambition.
March 15, 2022
2023: Leading Umo Eno Support group, FUEL, berths in A’Ibom, constitutes EXCO
Premier and foremost Support Group of one of the foremost governorship aspirant in Akwa Ibom has announced the election of Mr. Anietie Usen, journalist and author as the first State Chairman of the organisation.
At its first and well-attended State Congress held in Uyo, March 7, 2022, the Chairman of the National Steering Committee of FUEL, Barr. Emmanuel Udosen, also announced the constitution of other members the State Executive Council.
The Council is made up of Dr. Udeme Udofia (Vice Chairman, Uyo Senatorial District); Dr. Anthony Leo Umana (Vice Chairman, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District), and Engineer Daniel Abia (Vice Chairman, Eket Senatorial District).
The State Secretary of the Support Group is Pastor Tony Okpoho, while the State Legal Adviser is Barr. Udo Joseph Assamudoh. Both the 19-man State Exco and 31 LGA chapters of the group were sworn in by a renowned legal luminary, Barr. Oluwole Akinditure.
Speaking at the occasion, Udosen who is the Chairman of the National Steering Committee Of the Group, described FUEL as a unique and novel political support group and charged the newly inaugurated State and LGAs Excos are called upon to be committed and honest in their drive towards ensuring that Eno would emerge victorious.
Usen, who doubles as Head Of National Media for the Umo Eno Campaign Organisation and Maintain Peace Movement (MPM) in his response said that the Umo Eno political journey is beyond politics but ‘a movement of the people backed by the host of heaven’.
“Pastor Umo Eno is a good man, a good brand and God’s plan” for Akwa Ibom State in in 2023 and beyond. He is a man of peace, tailor-made for this land of peace and serenity’, adding that the state needed a transformational leader in 2023 rather than a transactional politician as governor.
He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel, for identifying the good qualities and character of humility, integrity and vigorous entrepreneurial mindset in the aspirant and predicted that Akwa Ibom people would have cause in the nearest future to look back and thank the Goverbor for endorsing Eno.
“Umo Eno is a guru in SMEs and MSMEs. SMEs and MSMEs are the engine rooms of both developing and developed economies around the world. His credentials as one of the most successful indigenous entrepreneurs, with a staff strength of more than 2000 and a monthly salary bill of more than N26 million speak volumes about the unique capacity and pedigree of this particular overnorship aspirant to advance the entrepreneurial spirit of Akwa people and build the capacity of the coming generation.” Usen said.
FUEL was founded in 2020, initially as a prayer group in All Nations Christian Ministry International, to pray for Umo Eno, the founder and presiding pastor of the church, when he was appointed as Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in Akwa Ibom State.
Strikingly the group was on a prolonged prayer and fasting even on the day that Governor Udom and key political, religious and traditional stakeholders met on Sunday, January 30, and endorsed Pastor Eno as the preferred successor to Governor Udom Emmanuel.
March 8, 2022
2023: A’Ibom Youths begin statewide mobilization for Luke
More than 3000 youths from across the 31 Local Councils of the state converged in Uyo yesterday to flag off a state-wide mobilisation for the governorship ambition of a former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom Stte House of Assembly Barr Onofiok Luke.
The youths, under the auspices of Onofiok Luke People’s Movement said their action followed the endorsement of state Lands Commissioner Mr Umoh Enoh by Governor Udom Emmanuel, a move they said is different from the collective interest of the youths and the majority of Akwa Ibom people.
Coordinator of the group Comrade Ekemini Smart, said the youths would pursue their collective interest to support the candidate of their choice outside that of the Governor added that they believe in Luke and have resolved to propagate his governorship ambition.
Smart said they do not have any problem with Emmanuel picking his preferred gubernatorial aspirant provided the governor would not interfere with their own choice of a candidate for the 2023 election.
“The governor’s decision was his personal decision; it did not represent our collective decision and the interest of the masses; so we will go ahead to pursue our collective interest.
“Onofiok Luke is the collective interest of Akwa Ibom people. We have come out to propagate that interest. The youths of Akwa Ibom believe so much in him because he has the leadership capacity; he has proven that to us in several leadership responsibilities.
“We believe in the mantra of the Amazing Grace and what the Onofiok Luke’s governorship represents. Onofiok Luke is the best candidate for Akwa Ibom State. He has proven over time that he is the best. He has full grasp of the grassroots; he knows how to relate with the masses and he has genuine love for people.” He said.
Coordinator of Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation in North America, Mr. Otobong Umana, in a Goodwill message to the youths charged other youths in the state to join the train of supporters for Onofiok Luke, saying “it is time for the youths to rise up and take their destiny”.
In another goodwill message, Mr. Daniel Udo, he said “Akwa Ibom people can vouch for Onofiok Luke and his leadership qualities”, the reason they were all coming out to launch a movement for him.
Inaugurating the chapter coordinators of The Onofiok Luke People’s Movement, Director General of Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation, Mr. Imo Udo, thanked the youths for mobilising themselves across the state to drum up support for Luke adding that his governorship ambition was for the well-being and future of Akwaell-being Ibom people.
“You came out here not by anybody’s prompting. You called us to come and witness what you people are doing. This shows that you believe in this course and have absolute trust in your friend, Barr, Onofiok Luke. I am proud of your conviction.
“Onofiok Luke will protect the interest of every Akwa Ibom person including those residing in our state. He is the choice that every Akwa person craves to make. I’m urging you to go out there and appeal to our fathers, the leadership of the PDP, and delegates to please support Onofiok Luke.” Udoh said.
Udo however tasked members of the group to go about their mobilisation peacefully.
March 7, 2022
A’Ibom begins Chinese language training for workers
With the rising fortunes of China globally and the need for relevance in the emerging economies, Akwa Ibom State Government has kicked-off Chinese language training for its workforce.
Already, the first batch of over twenty workers in the State government employ has commenced an intensive two months training at the Juuldaam Chinese Language Study Centre in Uyo.
Inaugurating the training programme yesterday, state commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong said, government took the step because Chinese companies have become a strong force to reckon with globally and currently undertaking highbrow businesses in the state.
According to Ememobong, it has become expedient to ease interpretation of MoU and contract agreements between the State Government and the Chinese firms especially those operating in the state.
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“The safest people to interpret for government are the civil servants, and the establishment in which such crop of workers are domiciled is the Ministry of Information.
“Also, in considering the fact that the contractual documents may be written in foreign language, there must be quality control in the translation in order to ensure that government interest is protected at all times, and that can only be guaranteed by a government employee.” The commissioner emphasized.
While thanking the screening committee for a job well, he congratulated the first batch of Information Officers participating in the training exercise and urged them to embrace the opportunity in wholeheartedly in order to justify the enormous investment made by government in the project.
In his welcome address, Regional Manager of Juuldaam Training Academy and lead training consultant, Dr. Anthony Akadi, explained that the acquisition of foreign languages would enable learners to be more open-minded to the culture and values of foreigners, which would in turn promote trust in business deals.
Akadi said, with Akwa Ibom fast becoming a destination to investors, any deliberate attempt at investing in lingual training for government employees remained a good strategy to eradicate communication barriers during international procurement, contract signing and project execution.
He assured that, international best practices would be followed in the training programme and expressed the optimism that the trainees would draw value to the state government at the completion of the programme.
A Chinese language lead instructor, Dr.Idongesit Etim, alleyed fears about the complexity of acquiring Chinese Language amongst students stating that like in every other language, learning and understanding Chinese language would require concentration, patience and a good mindset.
March 4, 2022
A’Ibom traders, transporters lament ‘mindless’ taxation by govt agencies, touts
Traders and transporters in Uyo, have raised alarm over what they called ‘persistent and mindless’ taxation by agencies of the state government and touts on them.
Some of the traders and most of whom belong to the petty trading category who spoke with correspondents revealed that as many as five agencies and government offices collect levies from them, some on a daily or weekly basis.
The agencies according to them include State Revenue Service, State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources and Uyo Local Government Council with the levies ranging from Sanitation, sign post, development rate, shop rate to public health with each charging nothing less than N5,000.
And this would be after the payment of a certain sum to the Inland Revenue Service for registration of bussiness premises.
One Mfon Ebreso who sells water leaf at popular Akpanadem market, Uyo told newsmen that they pay levies three times every day to hostile officials who who collect between N100 and N1,500 thrive daily while your goods could be seized or destroyed for defaulting to pay.
According to her, ”what we suffer in this market is constant levy those village people who bring water leaf to sell in the morning market must pay N1500 every, those selling Mfi(periwinkle) pay N1000, if you don’t pay, those boys will not allow you to open your market,(wares).
“In the afternoon, they will collect N100 while in the evening it is N150. All tickets in the market is 250 everyday apart from the N1500 those people who come for bush market pay. Sometimes those boys, who call themselves Udom boys will come and say, give me N3000, if you don’t, they will put your wares in the gutter, you will not see them again.”
Also, those selling at plaza, the hub of activities in Uyo metropolis have their fair share of over taxation, as a trader, Ugonna Maxwell told correspondents that most of these officials compelled them to pay some levies at a smaller amount without issuing any official receipt to them.
When an entrepreneur in the state, Jeremiah Ukpe was contacted, he described continuous multiple taxation as a bane to bussiness growth in the state especially the upcoming businesses.
Ukpe who is the Chief Executive Officer of Aniferaz, noted that some of them would demand for negotiations or payment of items not within their jurisdiction such as signage pasted on a building even as he called for training and retraining of the genuine officials.
According to him, “taxation now in Akwa Ibom is back to back, FIRS will come, Environment will come, PHEDC will come, AKSEPWMA will come, local government officials will come.
“The stress of paying for everything is just too much. Even a signage on the building they will ask you to pay taxation, in my case I said no, you pay when it’s on government open land Sometimes if you argue with those officials they will know that you know their tricks, the next thing they will say is, bros, let’s negotiate.
“Govt should do something about people who move into peoples business premises to extort them, if you are real agent please be very legal and civil.”
Also the president of Keke Owners/Riders Association, (KORA) in Akwa Ibom, Comrade Jeremiah Jackson during a recent empowerment of members with 30 tricycles decried the level of multiple taxation on members against the state government prescribed unified tax payment system.
Jackson said, “NURTW impounds our members’ Tricycles, particularly those who come from Ikot Ekpene, asking them to buy emblem and tickets against the state approved unified ticket. The operation of an unknown taskforce impounding our members Tricycles at Ikot Ekpene motor park is illegal and not known to the state government.”
Similarly, Mini bus drivers also pay heavily to different unions and to the state government as investigation revealed that mini bus operators pay as much as N500 per day against the usual N200 approved by the Ministry of Transport in Akwa Ibom on all routes with many who drive the buses on hire purchase unable to meet up with their daily or weekly deposits.
Chairman, AKSEPWMA, Mr Prince Ikim has said most persons collecting the levies are not government officials adding that the agency has started clamping down on them.
But the Chairman of the State Revenue Service, Mr Okon Okon who was accused of being behind the act has refused to react as a letter(concerning the issue) sent to his office by journalists over three weeks remained unattended to.
March 3, 2022
2023: Onofiok Luke promises to bridge social inequality gap in A’Ibom
One of the leading governorship aspirants in Akwa Ibom, Barr Onofiok Luke has lamented the widening gap between the privileged few and the underprivileged majority despite their sacrifices and commitment towards building the state of their dream.
Luke has however given the assurance that though these social inequalities cannot be automatically undone, effective and people -oriented leaders could reinforce the noble foundation laid by past leaders and founding fathers of the state, in order to rebuild the broken walls of their collective dreams of the future.
In a statement issued by his Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation, through the director of communication, Uduak Ikafia, in Uyo on Thursday Luke, who is the chairman of the house of Representative Committee on Judiciary also stressed that his confidence in becoming Governor next year is unwavering.
According to the statement, “in the next few days, the Amazing Grace Project, which is the Campaign Organisation of Rt Hon. Onofiok Luke, will unveil details of his formal declaration and a manifesto which will outline the terms of his social contract with Akwa Ibom people.
“The Amazing Grace Project is the God-inspired and people-driven campaign Organisation galvanising Akwa Ibom towards the actualisation of Hon. Luke’s vision for Inclusive Governance which is clearly articulated in our campaign theme: Building Together, Growing Together.
“Onofiok Luke has always believed in a concerted effort towards building a progressive state. It has always been his thought and idea that our people should be actively part of our building process, and that they should grow together in prosperity rather than just watch a few grow.
“Our Project was therefore established on the firm belief that Akwa Ibom can only succeed through the collective contributions of the people, and the success story will only be complete when the people fully partake in the reward. Onofiok is thus on a mission to provide our great state with a leadership that will not only involve the people in the building process, but will prioritize the collective growth of every single one of us.
“As we push towards our GOAL in 2023, we are assured that Akwa Ibom people will reiterate their stand on demanding a leadership that is characterised by experience, youthfulness, acceptability, accessibility, and accountability.”
It explained that within the last two years of Luke’s consultations with stakeholders, elders, religious leaders, traditional leaders, youths and women, the people have shared their challenges while everyone agreed that those challenges are surmountable.
“Onofiok Luke is therefore committed to giving a leadership consciously aimed at building our people and their capacity to match with the economic and infrastructural growth of our state.
“After many years of dreaming and preparing, we are now at the turning point in history. Therefore, the Amazing Grace Project is a clarion call on Akwa Ibom people to come, let’s build together and grow together.” It concluded.
March 3, 2022
Gunmen kidnap Medical Doctor on duty in A’Ibom, NMA kicks
A senior medical officer attached to Ikot Ekpaw Cottage hospital in Mkpat Enin Local Council of Akwa Ibom Dr Felix Ekpo have been abducted by people suspected to be unknown gunmen.
Secretary of Nigeria Medical Association in the state, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John who announced this in a statement in Uyo on Wednesday said the incident happened on Tuesday while Ekpo was on duty in the hospital.
The association however urged its members to remain calm and alert in their respective duty posts, adding that the leadership is already communicating with the relevant security agencies in the state on the matter.
While calling on the state government to deploy her security machinery and ensure prompt and unconditional release of the abducted doctor, the association however threatened that it would be forced to suspend its services throughout the state if he is not released within 48hrs.
According to the statement, “it is with deep anguish that we inform you of the sad kidnap of our dear colleague and hippocratic brother, Dr. Felix Ekpo. Reports from multiple sources indicate that the kidnappers stormed the Hospital premises this morning, abducted and bolted away with our colleague and his car.
“As an Association we are at a loss why indeed any doctor and especially this particular young doctor would be the target for kidnappers considering that his only possession of worth is his medical knowledge and skills, his unflinching passion to avail healing to the sick and his dedication and love for Nigeria and his immediate environment of Akwa Ibom State- which has made him stay back to medically serve our country inspite of the lure of greener pastures made available by the UK, the USA, Saudi Arabia , UAE, Oman, Kuwait etc.
“In view of this unfortunate circumstance, we therefore call on all members of the NMA to remain calm and alert in their various places of work as the leadership of NMA Akwa Ibom state has been in constant communication with relevant security agencies.
” Furthermore, we call on the Government to make haste to uphold the Constitution especially Chapter 2 section 14 which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of Government.
“To this end, we humbly request the Government to deploy all of its rich security machinery towards the urgent and critical task of rescuing Dr Ekpo, who is not only a citizen but also an employee of Government, kidnapped in the line of duty, right at his place of duty, as assigned to him by Government.
“As it stands, the Akwa Ibom Medical Community is in a state of shock and palpable fear. In the next 48hrs, it is our hope that Dr Ekpo does return to us, failing which we may be forced to suspend medical services in the entire state so as to enable us go in search of our dear colleague, Dr Felix Ekpo.” The statement concluded.
February 23, 2022