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OBJ commissions 1km flyover in A’Ibom, counsels Gov Emmanuel on successor
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom to ensure that a good successor that would continue with his development strides is elected in the state in 2023.
Obasanjo who gave the advice while inaugurating a 1km flyover at Ikot Oku Ikono, Uyo, on Friday, said having a good successor was even more important than having a successful administration since a good succession plan is part of the success of any government.
“Your success does not stop with your economic and social development to your people, but it would be measured by your succession because success without a good a succession is hollow.
“I pray and pray again that you would have a good successor.” The former President said.
He praised Emmanuel for not letting him, and those who supported his second term ambition down, and for not disappointing the people of the state who voted for him to return to office in 2019.
Obasanjo said the Ikm flyover built by the state government was a project worth celebrating any where in the world; stressing that the governor was good in managing resources because of his previous background.
He described himself as a lucky man to have the flyover built along Olusegun Obasanjo Way, a road previously named after him in 2016 by Victor Attah administration.
On his part, Gov Emmanuel said the execution of the project was a not a show of affluence but prudence in the management of the increasing dwindling resources adding that a little more than $1 billion was shared to the more 200 million Nigerians in the last federation account.
” When people see us commission projects like this, they think we have money. We don’t because it is now extremely difficult for some governors to even pay salaries. So we are not celebrating excess wealth but a result of creativity.” He said.
The Governor also said with the advent of dry season coming presently, his administration would kickstart the inauguration of several dual carriage roads such as Ikot Ekpene-Uyo Road and Eket remodeling project.
The state commissioner for works, Prof Eno Ibanga explained that the project commenced on July 15, 2019 and since it was billed to be completed in two years, the state had even surpassed the deadline because COVID-19 had disrupted its progress for several months.
July 16, 2021
CSOs want Administration of Criminal Justice Law in A’Ibom
The Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community has called for the establishment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), saying it would decongest about 3,000 inmates currently held in the Nigeria Correctional Service in the state.
The group said for failing to domesticate the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) passed in 2015 by the National Assembly, Akwa Ibom has lost six years in real time, and over 25 years in virtual time reality in justice administration in the State.
In a communique issued by the group yesterday in Uyo and signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary, Clifford Thomas and Enobong Ekot, respectively, it said thousands of persons have been denied the freedom by the failure of the state to domesticate the law.
The group stated that the ACJL will help to facilitate the delivery of criminal justice in the state, and called on Governor Udom Emmanuel and the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to ensure the ACJL becomes law.
“Since 2015 when the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) was passed by the National Assembly, it was incumbent for the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to pass the State version, so that there would be speedy justice delivery in the justice delivery system in the State.
“The State has lost six years in real time, and over 25 years in virtual time reality in justice administration in the State.
“Several persons in their thousands are presently denied their freedom of movement and other fundamental freedoms they should enjoy under chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
“About 3,000 inmates are wallowing in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service in their four holding centers in Akwa Ibom State.
“The passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, and the accent of same into Law by the Executive Governor of the State, will help the criminal justice delivery system in the State,” the communique read.
The group further advocated the establishment of a Court of Appeal in the state, saying 80 percent of matters at the Court of Appeal in Calabar, Cross River State have their origin from Akwa Ibom.
It stated that several appealable criminal matters in Akwa Ibom cannot go to the Appeal Court in Calabar, because of the huge cost involved, adding that “indigent convicts must cough out about N300,000 for the compilation of the initiating documents for the court.
“More than 100 persons sentenced to death or life imprisonment who would ordinarily have appealed their matters, cannot appeal such matters.
“To establish a Court of Appeal in Uyo will drastically reduce the unattended and unappealable matters on ground, and bring about the speedy dispensation of justice.” The communique said.
July 8, 2021
A’Ibom PDP gets new chairman
The Akwa Ibom chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) on Wednesday in a special Congress in Uyo elected a new Chairman Mr Aniekan Akpan.
Akpan, a former Local Government Chairman and member of the State Assembly was elected by 3, 818 delegates from the 31 Local Councils of the state and would succeed Mr Udo Ekpeyong, who passed on early this year.
Governor Udom Emmanuel led delegates from his ONNA Local Council to cast his ballot in an election supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).
He is the 7th state chairman of the party since the return to democracy in 1999.
Akpan in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to members for reposing confidence in him and entrusting the party in the state on his shoulders.
The new party chairman promised to enthrone justice, equity and internal democracy in the running of the party.
He appreciated Governor Emmanuel for interpreting and bringing to reality the party’s campaign promises.
Emmanuel thanked the national and local organizing committees of the PDP and delegates for a smooth conduct of the special congress.
He urged the new PDP boss to be fair to all.
June 30, 2021
New NCoS Controller charges 126 promoted officers in A’Ibom
The Controller of Nigerian Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom State Command, Nse Ukut has told the 126 newly promoted officers of the command to see their elevation as a higher calling for service.
Ukut gave the charge on Tuesday during his maiden decoration ceremony of the newly promoted officers in Uyo thanked God for the opportunity to perform the task barely one week after assumption of office.
The Controller however charged the officers to live above aboard expressing hope that the elevation would enhance their capacity for a better service delivery.
According to him, “to whom much is given, much is expected. Let me remind you that promotion comes with great expectations and additional responsibilities.
‘If the system has rewarded you with an elevation to a higher rank, it is expected that your attitude to work will also change. You are to exhibit total loyalty to your superiors and to the authority.
“You should also avoid activities or actions that would be inimical to the Nigerian Correctional Service and I pray that the sky will be your limit.”
Ukut who thanked the controller General of NCoS, Haliru Nababa for finding all the promoted officers worthy of going to a new rank urged other officers whose names did not appear on the promotion list not to lose hope as they can make it next time.
Meanwhile the promoted officers included, Two Assistant Controller of Corrections promoted to Deputy Controller of Corrections, two Chief Superintendent of Corrections promoted to Assistant Controller of Corrections, 11 Superintendent of Corrections promoted to Chief Superintendent of Corrections and other officers and men.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Akwa Ibom State, Effiong Etim, commended the Controller General and the State Controller, Nababa and Ukut respectively for finding them worthy for promotion.
Etim who pledged to be more diligent and dedicated to duty encouraged his colleagues who could not make the promotion list to remain steadfast as their time would also come.
“We are very happy for the promotion, and we appreciate the Controller General and the State controller of corrections for finding us worthy. It is said that the reward for hard work is harder work.
” I promise to put in more effort and discharge my duty creditably to the best of my ability.
Those of my colleagues who were not part of what we are doing today due to one reason or the other, do not worry, for your time wi soon come.” He said.
Highpoint of the event was the decoration of all the newly promoted officers. Those who graced the occasion were the representatives of all the sister security agencies in the State
June 29, 2021
New Controller for A’Ibom Correctional Service assumes Duty
A new Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom State Command, Nse Akpan Ukut has assumed duty as the 15th commanding Officer in the State.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Ogbajie Ogbajie who disclosed this in a press statement on Friday described Ukut’s redeployment to the State as a home coming.
Ogbajie explained that Ukut holds bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State and has undergone multiple training courses locally and internationally.
He said until the controller’s appointment, he was the zonal agric supervisor, Zone “E” Owerri, Imo Statement.
According to the statement, “we wish to inform the general public that the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa (mni) has appointed a new Controller of Corrections to Akwa Ibom State as the commanding officer.
“The Controller of Corrections, Nse Akpan Ukut took over as the 15th Controller of Corrections, Akwa- Ibom State Command on the 16th of June, 2021.
“He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the prestigious University of Maiduguri, Borno State and has undergone multiple training courses locally and internationally. CCS Ukut has served in many capacities and specialized in Agriculture and inmates productivity in many formations.”
The areas Ukut had worked the statement further said included Elele; Rivers State Command as the Project Officer and as Root Crop Production Officer at Ibite- Ollo; Enugu State Command.
“The Pioneer Rice Project manager, Obubra Farm Centre, Officer-in-Charge Human Resources; State Correctional Headquarters, Cross River State Command. Zonal Supervisor, Agric; Zonal Headquarters, Zone ‘E’ Owerri.
“He was one time Officer-in-Charge, Ikot-Ekpene Custodial Centre and he equally served at the Itu Farm Centre, Akwa-Ibom State Command.”
Meanwhile, the newly redeployed controller in his maiden speech to the officers and men of the Service in the State Command pledged to ensure the safe custody of the inmates.
He promised to use his wealth of experience in penal administration to ensure the total rehabilitation of offenders in order to reintegrate them as law abiding citizens of the society at large.
“I will invoke my passion in agriculture to revamp the farm centre as well as increase inmates’ productivity for subsidized food products to the overall benefit of the service and the general public in line with achieving the visions and mission of the service.” He said
The statement noted that the new controller’s hobbies included farming, teaching, football, music and photography.
June 25, 2021
Pastor kills and buries wife in shallow grave in A’Ibom
A 49 year old pastor Enoch Christopher aged 49 has been arrested by the Police in Akwa Ibom for allegedly killing his wife and mother of five over a domestic argument.
Christopher, said to be founder of Omega World Global Ministry in Eket reportedly committed the crime last week, though the corps of the deceased wife, Patience Christopher was discovered on June 16, 2021.
The Pastor was said to have accused the wife of being the source of his numerous woes in life and infidelity, beating her to death on June 9th ,2021as a result of the unresolved differences.
A statement issued on Thursday by the State Police Command said the incident happened at the residence of the Pastor in Ikot Abia village of Eket Local Council of the state.
The statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State Police Command, SP Odiko MacDON said the Pastor who hails from Ebonyi State buried the wife, aged 40 in a shallow grave in his compound.
Police said the arrest was effected following credible information from youths of the area, prompting the DPO of Eket Divisional Police Headquarters, CSP Sunday Digha and his team to move for the suspect.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested one Ukachukwu Enoch Christopher, 49 years old, a resident of Eket Local Government Area who hails from Ebonyi State for murdering his wife and burying the corpse in a shallow grave in his compound.
“On 16th of June, 2021, at about 2:00pm, relying on information from Youths of the Area, the DPO of Eket Divisional Police Headquarters, CSP Sunday Digha and Team, arrested one Ukachukwu Enoch Christopher, founder of Omega World Global Ministry (Fellowship Church), who resides at Ikot Abia village in Eket Local Government Area for murdering his wife, one Late Mrs Patience Christopher, 40 years of age, a mother of five (5) children.
“The suspect who had domestic differences with his wife, accused her of being the source of his numerous woes in life and infidelity, confessed to have beaten her to death as a result of the unresolved differences on the 9th of June. In other to cover his tracks, he dug a shallow grave in his compound and buried her. The deceased’s corpse has been exhumed by the Police and deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.” The statement said.
It added that the State Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of the SCIID to take over the matter for discreet investigation.
“The CP who is appalled by the action of the suspect has called on spouses to be amenable to tolerance and resolve domestic issues before they degenerate into violence.” MacDON stressed.
Thanking youths of the area for their partnership, Amiengheme warned perpetrators of domestic violence and other heinous crimes in the State to desist forthwith as the Command under his watch will spare no resources in bringing them to book.
June 17, 2021
Residents decry poor state of PHCs in A’Ibom
Residents of Akwa Ibom have decried the poor state of facilities in most Primary Health Centres located across the 31 local councils of the state.
Though the state government has made tremendous efforts to revamp the Secondary Healthcare sector in the last six years of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration, operations at the primary health centres have largely been on the decline.
In addition to total absence or inadequate facilities, most of them are starved of personnel while residents have lost confidence in them resulting in very low patronage for most of them especially those in the rural areas.
A visit to some of these centres especially those in the rural areas by newsmen showed a state of disrepair as reptiles have taken over a good number of such centres, while some of its roofs are either leaking or completely pulled down.
Apart from the few active PHCs in Uyo, the state capital, most primary health centres in rural communities have been abandoned to the cleaners who merely sit to refer pregnant women to Traditional Birth Attendants.
At the Primary Health Centre Ikot Akata, Mkpat Enin, roof of the quarters for medical workers had long been removed by the wind, while the main centre has lost all its doors, windows and the main hall leaking heavily, there was no presence of any health worker as at time of visit..
At Ikot Iko, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Councils, the only government primary healthcare centre in the community was in ruins. Unfortunately, health care services in this community is relatively at a very low quality and inaccessible to majority of the people.
The Health centre along Wellington Bassey Way in Uyo appeared to be the most pateonized in the state as it has continued to witness influx of patients daily but the center is however under serious threat as it is bordered by a fast encroaching ravine while the unhealthy environment attracts legions of mosquitoes.
A visit to Primary Health Centre off Uruan street, also in Uyo showed that the centre is in dire need of help as it lacked the capacity to provide essential health-care services, in addition to issues such of poor distribution of health workers and essential drugs.
A senior health care worker at the centre who craved anonymity told our correspondent that patients stopped coming to the centre because of poor quality of health-care services, poor condition of infrastructure, and lack of essential drugs.
The state of the only Primary health Centre at Mbiabong community in Itu local government area of Akwa Ibom state is deplorable as newsmwn who visited the place reports that the Centre has not been renovated nor equipped with drugs for a long time amidst low patronage of patients
A staff who spoke on condition of anonymity described the place as a ‘glorified Centre’ with little or nothing to show for It as a medical Centre.
“There is nothing much taking place. The drugs are always in short supply and that is the situation we have found ourselves for a long time now. So, we prescribe for patients and ask them most at times to purchase from pharmacies outside. And talking in terms of renovation, you can see for yourself” the source said.
The story was however different when our correspondent visited some PHCs in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, while some were overgrown with weeds, a few others however had active presence of health workers.
One of the Health Centres in Ikot Ekpene admitted to have benefited from donor agencies and NGOs including Maria Stopes, Helen Kela, and Bill/Milanda Gate,
At the primary health centre at Ifa Ikot Okpon, Etoi in Uyo local government area of the state which has a Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) home located opposite it, our correspondent observed heavy patronage of the TBA by pregnant women instead of the PHC.
When inquired about why the TBA was prefered against the PHC, one of the young women and mother of five children replied, “I am Mrs. Glory Peter. I have five children and four of them were delivered here. I love being here anytime because Mma is very nice and experienced in maternity services.
“If you ask all of us here, you will be surprised to hear everyone speaks good about this Mma. She is caring and pays serious attention to all of us during and after labour once you are here. Her fee is quiet affordable though varies according to personality of persons involved.
Our correspondent who later visited the PHC met a Nurse and few others on auxiliary services and administration, who complained that the facility’s electricity supply was disconnected due to non-payment of bills
June 10, 2021
I am prepared to die says killer of A’Ibom female job seeker
Prime suspect in the murder of Miss Iniubong Umoren, the 26-year-old University of Uyo (UNIUYO), graduate of Philosophy, Uduak Frank Akpan, has confessed to killing her, saying he was ready to take the same punishment, “if found guilty.”
The suspect, 20, was paraded along with his father by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Amiengheme Andrew, at the state headquarters in Uyo, on Friday, following allegations that the suspect had committed suicide in Police custody to shield other accomplices.
But the state Police Commissioner, Mr Aniegheme Andrew who said he was “under pressure from within and outside Nigeria to reveal the truth behind the rumour”, described the allegation as unfounded and blamed the social media for the gaffe.
” I have been inundated with several calls all over the world that the prime suspect in the murder of Miss Iniubong Umoren has committed suicide in Police custody”, he recalled, wondering why a suspect could kill himself, using his trousers as suicide rope in Police cell where wearing of trousers is not permissible.
He revealed in the investigation so far that no mass grave was discovered in the compound of the incident and promised that diligent prosecution would followed with case to be transferred from the homicide section to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) when all angles in the matter have been fully explored.
Speaking to Newsmen, the suspect, a 200 level Public Administration student of Obong University, a private University in the state admitted to killing the suspect in self defence, after she accepted his proposal for a consensual sex but turned around later to “attack me with a stabilizer when I tried to bring condom”.
“When I met her, I asked her whether she would like to work in a hard drug farm and she agreed.
“When we got to the house, I asked her for sex and she agreed and insisted I use condom.
“It was when I tried to remove the condom that she picked up the stabilizer and hit me and blood was coming out of my head. At that point, I grabbed the stabilizer and also hit her, trying make her submit peacefully.
“It was not my intention to kill her, but if at the end of everything I am found guilty, am ready to also die.” He said.
On allegation of other shallow graves, clothes, books and NYSC shoes discovered in the compound, the suspects denied that they belong to those he had killed earlier.
“The NYSC shoes belong to my mother and we used it for farm work. The books belong to me and my sister”, he said, adding that the late Iniubong was the only lady that died among the six he had lured and slept with, using the same phony job offers as bait.
He said he killed the late Iniubong in anger, after several rough experiences he had in the hands of those he described as “runs-girls and prostitutes”.
Meanwhile, the remains of the late Iniubong were interred on Friday in his village in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, amid tears and kind words from school mates, family and sympathizers.
May 14, 2021
CSO queries Gov Emmanuel over insecurity in A’Ibom
A Civil Society Organisation COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peace Building has lamented that Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom is yet to take proactive steps to address the worsening insecurity situation in the state.
It has also challenged the State Government to show prove of the CTVV Cameras it claimed to have planted at borders across the state.
Its Executive Director, Saviour Akpan who threw the challenge while speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Monday said such technology would have assisted the state in the fight against the current frequent attacks on security formations in the state.
Akpan who is also National Chairman, Network of Police Reform in Nigeria blamed recent frequent attacks on stations and murder of police officers across the state on poor management of security information by the police.
He traced the foundation of the police crisis in Nigeria to accumulated issues by successive governments whom he said failed to listen to civil liberty voices, a situation which he said alienated Nigeria security forces from the civil populace.
“What is happening today in Nigeria did not start today. It is an accumulated lacuna which successive governments in Nigeria have failed to listen to the people’s voices with regards to matters of safety and security in Nigeria.
“Over the years, we have been talking with the security forces, tasking them on how best they could put in place security that can endanger public trust, but that has been seriously neglected and the outcome is what we are having today, where members of the public are witnessing attacks on police formations and killings of Police officers of which I have personally started a campaign on.
“Police officers are fellow citizens and also have a right to life. The attack on them is condemnable bit then Nigeria security apparatus has over the years been alienated from the civil populace.
“It is becoming very difficult for members of the public who might have been part and parcel of the family before the execution of some of these nefarious act to give such information to the police for fear of reprisals because of the existence of poor crime information management within the system. That’s the problem.
“In the case of Akwa Ibom State, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is a liar. He has been lying to the public, telling us he has planted Close Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras in all the border communities. Before I can say the government of Akwa Ibom State has done enough in the area of security, let the governor play the CCTV that he claims to have installed.
“The truth of the matter is that a lot of persons in some places are joking with security. They are making security to be a mere security slogan. The state has not done enough.
“In the case of Ini LGA, I am suggesting that the Police authority should reduce the rank of the DPO because it was very embarrassing for him to have lose guard to that extent to the point of recording such number of casualties. They should reduce his rank so that others will sit up”. He explained.
Also a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Victor Iyanam while reacting to recent attacks on police stations blame the ineffectiveness of security formations in the country on lack of men on ground, adding that the few available policemen have been distributed to politicians.
Iyanam who drummed support for agitation for state police said such would allow the states effectively control their security personnel.
“The Federal system has failed. The police have changed focus to only operations, no more intelligence. Even the DSS should provide intelligence to the police and Army. Intelligence needs funding.” He said
The attacks against security operatives and formations by unknown gunmen started at Ikpe Annang Junction in Essien Udim Local government area, where a police Inspector was set ablaze inside a police Van.
Few weeks after that incident another inspector was traced to his house in Essien Udim LGA and killed by the hoodlums. Two police officers were killed and scores of cows wasted in the latest attack which occurred on Sunday in the same LGA.
Five Police officers and a wife of an officer were early morning of Saturday May 8, 2021 killed by unknown gunmen who attacked the Divisional Police headquarters, Odoro Ikpe in Ini LGA of Akwa Ibom State
On Sunday May 9, 2021,. there was another attack on police station in Ikot Odon Abak local government area, although no causality was recorded , vehicles parked outside and a motorcycle inside were burnt.
In Ika, unknown gunmen on motorcycles killed two police officers attached to the Divisional Police Headquarters and also burnt a Volvo car attached to the division in a failed attempt to burn the station and cart away weapons.
The deceased officers, a woman Lance Corporal, Esther Akpan and a Police Special Constabulary, Isonuyo Paul, were ambushed on their way home by the hoodlums who were armed with Ak-47 rifles
In Ibiaku Ntok Okpo , headquarters of Ikono local government area of the state, two Police Officers were killed and five patrol vehicles burnt down by hoodlums who attacked the area.
With these and many other recent attacks on security formations in the state, many have wondered what has happened to Intelligence information gathering, even as others are expecting the Governor to address the people.
May 10, 2021
A’Ibom job seeker murder: Gov Emmanuel tasks Police
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has called on the Police authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the murder of Miss Iniubong Umoren, killed by a fake employment agent last week in the outskirts of Uyo.
Umoren a graduate of philosophy from University of Uyo was invited for interview for employment but ended up being abducted, raped, assaulted and murdered by one Uduak Frank Akpan last week.
Speaking through the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Emenobong on Monday, the Governor tasked Police hierarchy in the State to ensure justice is done.
“The Akwa Ibom State Government is deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Miss Iniubong Umoren, who is said to have been abducted, raped, assaulted and eventually murdered by Uduak Frank Akpan.
“This news which was conveyed by the Police is heart wrenching and most disturbing considering the age of the persons involved.
“The Governor, while thanking the police for the arrest and interrogation of the suspect, has communicated to the Police hierarchy in the state, his desire for the full administration of justice to the culprit and all persons involved in this crime. This is the least that will be acceptable.
“We condemn in totality the gruesome acts that led to the loss of the life of an innocent young woman, whose sincere desire was to earn a decent living.
“Our state must remain a safe location for all peace loving and law abiding citizens at all times. We commiserate with the deceased family on this very painful loss and pray God to comfort them.” The Governor said.
May 3, 2021