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Tag: A’Ibom

Without advert, secret employment goes on in A’Ibom civil service
Despite not declaring open employment into the core civil service since 2015, investigations have revealed that the state government has been recruiting employees secretly.
Correspondents gathered that employees have been resuming in various ministries, departments and agencies in the state without undergoing the any formal and public employment process.
Though the state Head of Civil Service, Mr. Effiong Essien has denied the development, applicants have come out to accuse the government of insincerity and double standard.
This is even as many commissioners and permanent secretaries have feigned ignorance about the recruitment exercise saying they were not privy to any notice or declaration of vacancies.
However, findings reveal that some top government officials and politicians use their connection to secure employment for their cronies while some applicants pay huge amount of money as bribe to some corrupt government officials to secure employment.
The officials, according to applicants who have parted with huge amounts of money to gain employment, receive between N200, 000 to N300,000 as bribe.
One of the applicants, Mrs Enobong Akpaah disclosed that she paid N250,000 to a top government official to secure a job but has not gotten the job.
“We are many who have paid money to get civil service job. I paid since April last year. Others who paid have resumed work. I am yet to get my employment letter.” She said.
“We have seen new employees coming for documentation in our office almost daily. They are required to report for documentation as part of the requirements for eligibility for payroll,” a source close to Head of Civil Service told newsmen.
The secret employment it was gathered is not restricted to the state Civil service but also carried out in the local government service commission.
Both the Head of Civil Service, Mr Effiong Essien and chairman, civil service commission have denied the ongoing secret employment admitting however that those being employed were selected from the data bank of those who had earlier responded to its advertised vacancies.
Addressing the press recently, Comrade Ini Ememobong also denied that the state government was recruiting but did not make any reference to new employees that had reported at the ministry of information and Strategy.
February 22, 2022
A’Ibom: Itu/Ibiono stakeholders make case for Governorship slot as Albert consults Ibiono PDP
The stakeholders of Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency has called on all political parties in the state to zone the governorship position to the area for equity and fairness.
They have also resolved to unite to ensure that the dream of the area to produce a Governor since the creation of the state in 1987 is realised.
In a communique issued at the end of their meeting at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom, the stakeholders decried recent political events in the state which has threatened to deny the zone of their political privileges.
“The meeting, convened at the instance of the stakeholders of Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom Ibom, was to review recent political developments in the state.
“The meeting affirmed that Akwa Ibom State was founded on six (6) divisions of Abak, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, Itu, Opobo (Ikot Abasi), and Uyo, and that on account of political expediency, two of the divisions were merged to form a Senatorial District, namely, Abak and Ikot Ekpene in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District; Eket and Opobo (Ikot Abasi) in Eket Senatorial District; and Uyo and Itu in Uyo Senatorial District.
“That Uyo Senatorial District has three Federal Constituencies of Etinan, Itu and Uyo.
“That Akwa Ibom State started the rotation principle of gubernatorial office in 1992, with Etinan Federal Constituency that produced candidates for the two political parties, the National Republican Convention (NRC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
“This arrangement produced His Excellency, Obong Akpan Isemin as the first civilian Governor of Akwa Ibom State. The rotation principle was sustained and in 1999, Obong Victor Attah of Uyo Federal Constituency in Uyo Senatorial District emerged as the Governor of the State.
“That with the position of Governorship returning to Uyo Senatorial District in 2023, the stakeholders demand that all political parties in Akwa Ibom State should pick their candidates from Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, which has never tasted the position before.” The communique read.
It said the people of the Federal Constituency would continue to sensitize the people of the state on the need to uphold the principle of rotation in order to ensure equity, justice, and good conscience.
Meanwhile a frontline PDP gubenatorial aspirant in the state and Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Obong Bassey Albert has said that he was running on grounds of equity, justice and fairness, as it was the turn of Itu/ Ibiono Federal Constituency to produce the next governor.
Albert told PDP stakeholders in Ibiono Ibom Local Council at a town hall meeting weekend that he has an open mind towards all, including other aspirants in the race
On Governor Udom Emmanuel’s recent presentation of his preferred aspirant, Albert said the Governor’s action was the “opinion of man which can never stop the will and decision of God.”
He announced his continued love and respect for Governor Emmanuel, adding that he believed the governor loves him too but was just misled by some advisers.
February 6, 2022
A’Ibom: Presence of Monarchs in Endorsement of Enoh not Partisan – Isong
A public affairs commentator, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, has justified the presence of the Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk and other traditional rulers in the stakeholders’ meeting where Governor Udom Emmanuel unveiled his preferred successor.
Isong made the justification in his office in Uyo while interacting with newsmen on Friday on the heels of reactions trailing the involvement of traditional rulers in the politics of the State said the royal fathers remain part of government.
The human rights activist maintained that it would have been wrong if the Patriarch of Ibibio people and other traditional rulers invited by the State Governor to the meeting had ignored the Governor’s invitation, even when, the invitation said it was a “private meeting with the State governor” and they did not know the purpose of the meeting.
He stated that if the traditional rulers had boycotted the meeting, their absence would not have changed the outcome of the meeting but instead created unnecessary tension in the State as the governor who convened the meeting would have felt spited by the traditional rulers.
“Royal Fathers are public servants whose certificates of recognition are signed by the State Governor and issued to them by the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“The governor usually presents the Staff of Office to newly appointed Paramount Rulers in Akwa Ibom as part of activities making the celebration of the State’s anniversary on 23 September and they are placed on a monthly stipend by the State government thus making them part and parcel of the government.” He maintained.
Isong cited instances where some first class traditional rulers were dethroned by their State Governors on allegations of working against the State governments.
“For instance in March 2020, Lamido Sanusi, who ascended the throne of Emir of Kano in 2014, was accused of ‘disrespect to lawful instructions’, by the Kano state government and was removed from office.
“The government said his removal was made to safeguard the ‘sanctity, culture, tradition, religion and prestige’ of the Kano state emirate established more than a millennium ago. The deposed ruler was taken into custody by police in his palace immediately after the announcement was made, and then escorted out of the city to Nasawara state under tight security.
“The only offence of Sanusi was that he disagreed with the policy of the state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as an outspoken and influential traditional ruler in the north. The Governor accused him of supporting the opposition during the 2019 elections.
“After the election and Ganduje won re-election as governor, he quickly ordered the creation of four new emirates in Kano in a bid to reduce Sanusi’s control and influence.
“The pathetic situation is that, the traditional rulers have no constitutional role in Nigeria. They wield enormous king-like influence over their subjects. Their funds come from state government, and politicians rely on their support during elections.” Isong explained.
He urged other governorship aspirants to redouble their efforts in their consultations, saying that in spite of the presence of the traditional rulers at the meeting where Pastor Umo Eno was favoured by the governor, the Royal Fathers are nonpartisan and will continue to play fatherly role in the State.
“Thus, will not shut their doors against any aspirant or political party that seek their royal blessing.” He concluded.
February 4, 2022
A’Ibom trains 100 health workers on medical emergencies
The Ministry of Health in Akwa Ibom said it has concluded the training of 100 medical workers to attained to medical emergencies in all government facilities in the state.
Commissioner of Heaith Prof. Augustine Umoh told newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday that the training was meant to update knowledge and skills of Doctors , nurses and other health workers in handling emergency situations in hospitals .
Umoh said the training was necessary in view of prevailing circumstances in the health sector in order to deliver efficient health care services to the people in line with Governor Udom Emmanuel’s completion agenda in the sector .
” The training was for health care and medical workers to update them on Emergency protocols. Oftentimes, we spent time on regular cases .
” Emergency period is a time when when does not offer you time to sit down and think of what to do. You have to work very fast based on the knowledge and skills that you have. And if these are not there clearly on your fingertips, you may not be able to respond well in such emergency time .
“And that is why we update regularly and train people on emergency protocols on what to do in such emergency especially now that we lots of emergencies such as covid, Lassa fever and cases of people slumping and died are becoming very high now.
“Medical workers must be up to date on what they need to do at such times. In many facilities, people do it as regular protocol. But the training was not only for Doctors and Nurses but for a cross section of Health workers in the state.” The commissioner explained.
He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for making funds and other logistics available for Health workers to hold the training which he said would continue in the next three months .
February 2, 2022
NUT suspend Sit-at-Home after release of detained teacher in A’Ibom
The Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, in Ikot Ekpene Local Council have suspended the Sit-at-Home it had earlier embarked on in protest over the detention of its member Mrs Comfort Edet by the Police in Akwa Ibom.
The suspension followed the release of Edet who was earlier detained by the Police in connection with the abduction of a pupil in her class at Methodist Township School in Ikot Ekpene.
A statement from the Ikot Ekpene branch Secretary of the Union, Comrade Bassey Akpanama made available to newsmen on Sunday in Uyo directed all teachers and schools in the area to reopen for normal academic activities on Monday.
“May this serve to inform all teachers in public primary schools, in particular, and the general public, at large, that a teacher in Methodist Township School, 34 Chubb Road, Ikot Ekpene, Mrs Comfort Edet, who was unlawfully held in detention by the Officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo has been released.
“Recall that the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Ikot Ekpene Branch, in a press release dated 26th January, 2022 had directed all teachers/pupils in public primary schools in Ikot Ekpene LGA to embark on operation ‘sit – at – home’ following the expiration of the 48 hours ultimatum given to Educational Stakeholders and Security Agencies until the innocent teacher is set free from police detention.
“Interestingly, the teacher was released free of charge within 24 hours from the moment schools were shut down.
“By this development, NUT Ikot Ekpene Branch wishes to state that from Monday, 31st January, 2022, all public primary schools will be opened for normal academic activities.” The statement said.
The union however advised teachers and students to device proactive measures and be security conscious in their schools’ premises in order to forestall a re-occurrence of such incidence.
It also advised police officers to be guided by the ethics of the NPF while discharging their official duties as, “NUT will neither sit tight nor fold Its arms in complacency and watch them taking laws into their hands.” It concluded.
January 30, 2022
BUA Petrochemical will add value to A’Ibom Economy
The Akwa Ibom State Government says the BUA petrochemical project to be located in Ibeno local government would add value to the economy of the state.
Ini Ememobong, commissioner for information and strategy told correspondents in Uyo yesterday that BUA petrochemical “is coming with a road project, ” adding that it will open up the coastal areas of the state.
Ememobong said with the more than 10-20 km of road the company has promised to build in the state, there was the urgent need to support investment in the state
The commissioner who spoke against the background of how adverse media report could discourage investment said the state government was eager to attract more investment to the state.
“The governor is struggling to bring investment and people are writing to scare away investors, threatening already existing companies. No matter where your pendulum will swing to, you will create a counter report.
“An investment is coming to your side and this is when you are choosing to start a fight. As enlightened as you are, don’t help them in the fight because they want to be heard. Reasoning will come to them that investment is coming here.” He explained.
According to him, the Ibom deep sea port project in Mbo local government which is being promoted by the state government would also boost the economy of the state.
‘There are people who love to read themselves on the pages of newspapers and hear themselves in the news,it gives them a sense of importance.
“They don’t care what will happen to the larger majority, they are just interested in being seen because it is posturing them for their private business.” Ememobong concluded.
January 20, 2022
A’Ibom sets up Task Force to enforce ban on scavengers
Akwa Ibom state government has set up a joint taskforce to enforce the implementation of the ban on scavenging across its 31 local councils and the ban on motorcyclists within Uyo metropolis.
Inaugurating the taskforce yesterday in Uyo, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters and Special Services, Mr Iniobong Ekong, said that, the duties of the taskforce included enforcement of the law on open grazing and other related laws.
It could be recalled that, the state government through the Secretary to the state government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, had on January 4,2022 banned the activities of scrap scavengers in the state at the wake of death of three persons caused by face-off between scrap scavengers and indigenes of Oku community in Uyo council area.
According to Ekong, the action became necessary to ensure that government’s directives were obeyed to the later for the safety and security of the people.
He added that, the enforcement became imperative inorder to tackle any internal insecurity in the state noting that most heinous crimes such as rape, burglary, stealing from investigations were being perpetuated with the use of motorcycles.
“We have seen ugly development that Okada has started creeping in especially in Uyo metropolis, and part of Uyo capital city. This has not in any way helped the positivity of our security architecture
“Again we have seen the menace of the scrap operators on the livelihood and peace of our people. Actually government has not in any way positioned itself to block peoples’ lead sources of livelihood, but, the freedom of one to conduct business must not impede on the right of existence of the other.
“Government will not keep quiet and allow a set of bussiness ‘entrepreneurs’ who want to survive and grow their bussiness at the expense of freedom and livelihood of any other person. Every other citizen resident or organic is equal to the other in all ramifications and government has the responsibility to guarantee freedom, safety and peace for all.
“Consequent upon this, government has set up enforcement team on ban to move around to ensure total compliance.” He explained.
Ekong announced that, a mobile court would be sitting in Ibom Hall Uyo, for trial of defaulters, adding that, motorcycles seized would be crushed publicly as arrangements have been concluded with a crushing company from Aba Abia State, which would be performing the exercise every two weeks.
Addressing the law enforcement officers, which included men and officers of the Nigerian Police, the Military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, he charged them to be diligent and not to engage in physical combat with defaulters as there are existing laws waiting for them.
He warned that no one was exempted from the ban especially officers that ride motorcycles in the banned zone, disclosing that, Governor Udom Emmanuel has approved a welfare package for them.
January 17, 2022
A’Ibom promises Overhaul as Fire service rots away
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works and Fire Service Prof Eno Ibanga has said that the state Fire service would be overhauled following complaints over the comatose condition of the service.
This is after the administration of former Governor Godswill Akpabio spent over a Billion Naira to purchase equipments and build fire service offices in sensitive areas and across the 10 federal constituencies in the state.
Ibanga told newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday that the service would be revamped in line with modern fire fighting operations and would involve recruitment of staff and procurement of modern state of the Art Fire Fighting Equipment.
“Recently we discovered that almost all the personnel in the state Fire Service have retired leaving only small size of workforce to handle fire emergencies in the state.
“Technically, equipment in the fire service have become obsolete and need replacement to fight fire outbreak in the state.I am planning to bring resource persons for intensive training of Fire Men in the state . I would do it at appropriate time.” He said
When our Correspondent visited the state Fire Service Office in Uyo , few staff were seen working with only one functional fire truck to attend to fire emergencies in the state.
One of the staff who pleaded anonymity said many staff in the state Fire Service have retired while equipment at their disposal are not enough to tackle fire outbreak .
“It is unfortunate that almost 80 per cent of our staff here have retired and government could not recruit new ones to fill existing vacancies here.
“Even the only equipment here , we don’t have consumables to use . This consumables are chemicals such as F-F-F, Foam chemicals and other detergent needed in our operations.
“Really the state Fire Service needs total revamp in terms of manpower and equipment to meet fire emergencies.” The staff explained.
January 11, 2022
30th Anniversary: A’Ibom LG Chair empowers constituents with 15 mini buses, gift items
Chairman of Ini Local government Council of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Israel Idaisin has empowered 15 constituents with Mini Buses to mark the 30th anniversary celebration of the creation of the Local government area.
Idaisin also gave out over 500 bags of rice cash grant to other constituents cutting across men, women, youths as well as staff of the Local government at the event held at the Council Secretariat Odoro Ikpe.
The chairman thanked God for His benevolence on the people of Ini LGA, adding that it became necessary to use the epoch event to honour and reward the citizens who have achieved outstanding success in different walks of life.
He said the celebration also aimed at empowering loyal political supporters for their contributions to ensuring the political machinery in Ini LGA was not clogged by any form of challenges.
“Indeed our beloved Ini Local government area is 30years old today. I thank you all for believing in my administration and the leadership of governor Udom Emmanuel.
” Let me specially commend our individual efforts and contributions no matter how little towards ensuring that Ini LGA enjoys absolute peace, progress, tranquility and safety of lives and property, as well as government and private sector investments in our various communities.” He said.
The Council boss identified some of the life transforming projects recorded so far under his tenure to include drilling of portable water, Construction of Civic center at Ikot Ekiko, construction of classroom blocks at Primary School , Ikot Udo Asan.
Others include the renovation of the Council buildings to befit the status of a Council Secretariat, consistent grading of feeder roads across all the eleven wards in the LGA, ongoing construction of modern Motor Park , payment of Bursary to all Ini Local government indigenes, in all the tertiary institutions among others.
“As our tradition , we will witness today a life-touching empowerment aimed at lifting 15 families out of poverty, by giving them mini buses.
“This administration from inception has empowered her citizens in various occassions, giving out motorcycles and other gift items capable of making life meaningful and comfortable”, Idaisin stated.
State Deputy Governor Mr. Moses Ekpo in a remark appreciated the Council Chairman for the love he has for his people and urged other LG chairmen to emulate his leadership style.
Ekpo who was represented by his Press Secretary, Pastor Ekerete Umoh, joined other dignitaries to inspect the food exhibition, and the unveiling and presentation of the 15 Mini Buses and gift items to the beneficiaries.
The high point of the event was Prayers and Ministration, cutting of the Anniversary Cake, Award Presentation and Food Exhibition.
One of the Awardees Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, the Vice Chancellor of University of Uyo, Uyo, responded on behalf of all the awardees, thanked Rt. Hon. Idaisin for breaking records by setting the path in Ini Local Govt. Area to honour the citizens, a fate which is uncommon.
January 5, 2022
A’Ibom bans metal scrap scavengers
Akwa Ibom government has banned the activities of scrap scavengers in the state following several incidents of criminality and threat to peaceful inter-ethnic relationship by the scavengers.
A statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem Tuesday in Uyo said the ban followed public and popular complaints against the activities of the scavengers who wantonly violate peoples properties, stealing and assaulting law abiding citizens in the process.
“Recall that sometime in 2021, multiple explosions, causing fatalities, were recorded in Oruk Anam Local Government Area in the course of scavengers sorting out what turned out to be military brand explosives.About four lives were lost in this incident.
“Similarly, on 2nd Jan, 2022 scavengers violated the premises of a citizen in Afaha Oku, Uyo Local Government Area in an attempt to cart away properties. While attempting to prevent the scavengers, the citizen was callously murdered in cold blood while mob action was visited on the scavenger assailants causing the death of the two scavengers.
“Sundays appear to be the busiest day for these scavengers who take advantage of mass Church attendance to invade homes and cart away valuables leaving hapless citizens with tales of woe upon their return from Church.
“As a responsible Government, we can no longer tolerate the activities of this industry which evidently is in no way adding value to the socio economic well being of the state but rather escalating tensions and threatening the overall peace and security of the State.
“Accordingly, the operations of scrap scavengers in the State is banned forthwith. Violators of this ban will be apprehended and dealt with according to the law.” The statement said.
It also reiterated that the prevailing ban on the use of motorcycles in Uyo metropolis remained in place, warning that defaulters stand to lose not only their cycles, if apprehended, but also risk being prosecuted and possibly sentenced.
“Security Agencies and the general public are therefore put on notice. An enforcement structure has been put in place to effect these directives to the letter.” The statement concluded.
January 5, 2022