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Tag: A’Ibom

  • A’Ibom School receive grant from CSO for NABTEB preparations

    A’Ibom School receive grant from CSO for NABTEB preparations

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    A Civil Society Organisation, Development Research and Projects Centre(DRPC) in partnership with Open Society Foundations has given a grant of N385,000 to the Government Technical College, Abak, in Akwa Ibom.

    The grant according to the CSO was aimed at supporting technical schools across Nigeria to prepare exiting students for NABTEB Examinations which would commence on Monday 21st September 2020.

    The Coordinator of dRPC, Dr. Judith-Ann Walker, represented by the Chairman of Akwamfon Sustainable Community Association, Idem Udoekong during the award presentation last weekend said the Government technical school was the only school in the State that applied for the grant.

    Walker said the grant was part of efforts to complement and support the initiatives and vision of the State government in technical education adding that the funds would enable schools to procure Covid-19 personal protective equipments for students, convene extra lessons, buy textbooks and past question papers and other materials required for NABTEB Exams.

    The Coordinator who expressed hope that the gesture would improve Students’ performance in the 2020 NABTEB examinations despite the challenges of Covid-19  noted that Akwamfon Community Association would be on ground to mentor and supervise the college to prepare its students for the exams.

    “The program was launched on 8th September 2020 through advertisements in the national dailies and on NTA 9pm News. Since that time, over  100 schools have applied from 20 States of the Federation. Only one school applied from Akwa Ibom, Government Technical College Abak and this school was selected. In total, 32 schools were selected from all zones from Nigeria.” Walker explained.

    Earlier in his remarks the Principal General of the College, Mr Friday Udoka thanked the donor agency, Open Society Foundations for the support and pledged to manage the grant judiciously for the benefit of the students.

  • School Resumption: A’Ibom begins distribution of facemasks

    School Resumption: A’Ibom begins distribution of facemasks

    By Some Ogenyi, Uyo

    Akwa Ibom government has began the distribution of facemasks to Schools even as it has restated its commitment to ensuring that students and pupils are safe from the Coronavirus as schools re-open.

    Commissioner for Education, Mrs Enobong Mbobo stated this Monday in Uyo at the symbolic presentation of facemasks by female appointees to the Ministry of Education for use by the school children in the state.

    Mbobo handed over the facemasks alongside those donated by other individuals and corporate bodies, to the Chairman, State Universal Basic Education, SUBEB for onward distribution to pupils on the first day of the re-opening of primary schools.

    The commmissioner thanked the female appointees for keying into the philosophy of Governor Udom Emmanuel in ensuring the safety and protection of children whether at home or at school and advised parents to also provide facemasks to their children to guard against an unlikely situation of contracting Covid-19.

    Receiving the facemasks, the Chairman, State Universal Basic Education, SUBEB, Professor Maria Ikrok, represented by the Permanent Secretary thanked the state government and thereafter led other members of the Board and stakeholders to distribute the facemasks to some schools in the Uyo metropolis.

    The female appointees were led by the state commissioner for Agriculture Dr Glory Edet.

  • 13% oil derivation: A’Ibom elders threaten court action against FG

    13% oil derivation: A’Ibom elders threaten court action against FG

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    Akwa Ibom leaders have threatened to file a suit in court against the federal government for it’s refusal to pay  the state its 13% oil derivation fund for four months.

    According to them, the non-payment of the 13% has stalled major developmental projects of the state government.

    The stakeholders under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Leaders Vanguard said the FG’s action was inimical to the interests of the state.

    A former National Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Anietie Okon, who addressed a press conference on Thursday on behalf on the group, insisted the reason given by FG for the withholding the 13% derivation fund was not tenable.

    Okon also said they will proceed to court to stop multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta from remitting monies to the FG coffers.

    The group demanded without delay the release of all arrears of derivation funds accruing to oil producing states including an upward review of the fund to 50%.

    ”For more than four months, the 13% derivation has been withheld by the Federal Government, the reason for this abnormality is said to be the dwindling economy due to the Corona Virus pandemic.

    ”Akwa Ibom Leaders’ Vanguard views this as a total disregard to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; a gross insensitivity and disregard for the people of oil producing states of Nigeria. It is regarded as an affront on the good people of the Niger Delta region.

    ”Akwa Ibom Leaders’ Vanguard ponders on the ease with which the Presidency and the APC-led Federal Government pours scorn on the people of the Niger Delta, the goose that lays the golden eggs for all to eat.

    ‘They are taking the relative peace in the zone maintained by the peace loving elders of the zone for granted and are dancing on the keg of gun powder.”Okon said.

    He said the position of the elders was that the country should be restructured as the people of the South-South could no longer shoulder the burden of having its resources drained without commensurate benefits.

  • Don seeks traditional rulers support on A’Ibom education road map

    PROF. Hilary Inyang, African Academy of Science Fellow, appointed United States Ambassador's distinguished scholar to Ethiopia - TheDailyNG

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Chairman of Akwa Ibom Think-tank on Education (AKTTE), Prof. Hilary Inyang  has called  for   the support of traditional rulers’  on effective implementation of the State’s Strategic Education Roadmap (AKSER) 2020-2030.
    Inyang made the appeal yesterday in Uyo while briefing  the State Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) on the activities of the think-tank.

    The chairman said the meeting was expedient to enable them know the situation the educational sector was facing, and their inputs for the development of a veritable roadmap to meet the educational needs of the state.

     Inyang, who is also the US Distinguished Scholar to Ethiopia explained that, the think-tank was established by the State Government to build on the fallout of September 2019 Education Summit and address the dearth of infrastructure, equipment furnishing in the sector and promote entrepreneurship in public schools in Akwa Ibom.

    He said, the education sector which was ignored for too long  has resulted in the deplorable state of infrastructures and lack of teachers.

    He explained   that since it was impossible for government to provide immediate solution to these challenges, a 10-year rescue programme was being worked out by Governor Udom Emmanuel through the thinks tank for effective and efficient academic delivery.

    He described   Traditional institution as the custodian of Akwa Ibom education heritage, and urged them to cooperate with the government and schools management in preventing encroachment into school facilities  and vandalization of equipment.

    The chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs, HRM. Ntenyin Solomon Etuk in his response  applauded the think tank for it’s efforts in identifying the gaps in the state education system, and commended government’s vision to reposition the education sector for the well-being of the people.

    ‘‘Having listened to the presentation backed up with facts, the traditional institution will do everything possible to facilitate the implementation of the roadmap in the state.”Etuk said.

    He further appealed to the think tank to provide the TRC with details of the road-map so that, they could study and make inputs before presentation of the document to the State government adding that the TRC was interested in the life-long learning programme intended for the rural population.

    Includes Traditional Rulers To Win The Fight Against Insurgency-Malam Tanko To Northern Governors.

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  • New CP assumes office in A’Ibom

    New CP assumes office in A’Ibom

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    A new Commissioner of Police has assumed office in Akwa Ibom. He is Amiengheme Inoneme Andrew.

    The new CP took over from Imohimi Edgal as the 30th Commissioner of Police deployed to the State.

    Andrew who addressed the press at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia,  Uyo, after inspecting a guard mounted in his honour  on Monday, declared zero tolerance to child abuse, rape and all other forms of criminal activities in the state. 

    Dwelling further on the issue of rape and child abuse, CP Andrew vowed to engage relevant laws to ensure that defaulters, however highly placed the suspect may be,  would be made to face the wrath of the law. 

    “We will explore new security measures to combat crime and to ensure that there would be no hiding place for criminals in the state. I will also bring my wealth of experiences to bear in the fight against all forms of criminal activities in the state. 

    The CP also pledged strengthen visibility and community based partnership in policing in line with the policy thrust of the Inspector General of Police and international best practices to bring crime to the barest minimum in the State. 

    He therefore solicited the support  of Akwa Ibom people to enable the command succeed in its drive  to ensure an effective policing in the state. 

    The new Police Boss, according to a statement made available to newsmen by  PPRO Frederick N-Nudam,  holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Lagos State University and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Economics from Bendel State University, now Ambrose Alli University. 

    “The Senior Officer was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1988. 

    “He has served the force meritoriously in various capacities within and outside the country, among which are, Divisional Police Officer, Oshodi, Lagos and Area Commander, Auchi, Edo State.

    He has also been Director, Field Training, Police Staff College, Jos; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations (DOPS), Bayelsa State Command; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zonal Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (ZCIID), Calabar.

    “Internationally, CP Amiengheme Andrew, fdc has served in two United Nations Missions as IPTF Station Bugojno and Gradisca Station Commander in Bosnia Herzegovinia. Also, he served as a pioneer peace keeper under United Nations Mission in Kosovo; and Peace Keeping in the African Mission, Dafur, Sudan (AMIS), where he was in charge of Maintenance at Joint Logistics (JLOC) of the Missions Headquarters, El-Fashir.” The statement read. 

  • A’Ibom uncovers plot using COVID-19 palliatives to defraud residents

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    Akwa Ibom state government say it has uncovered plans by some fraudsters to use phone messages on COVID-19 relief assistance to dupe unsuspecting members of the public.

    A statement from the State Information Commissioners, Barr Ini Ememobong, made available to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday said the discovery followed complaints by residents over unsolicited text messages demanding for their bank details for transfer of COVID-19 relief funds.

    The statement however warned residents against falling prey to such messages.

    “The attention of the State Government has been drawn to complaints by members of the public over phone calls/ text messages demanding for their bank details under the guise of sharing COVID-19 palliatives.

    “By this release, Government cautions citizens and residents against entertaining such calls/ messages from unscrupulous individuals whose sole aim is to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.” It said.

    While warning perpetuators of such acts, the statement maintained it would inform residents through the appropriate government channels of any new palliatives for the people by the state government.

    “Government assures every Akwa Ibom people that their interests will always remain paramount and that any further palliative from Government shall be appropriately channelled.

    “Perpetrators of this act are hereby warned to desist forthwith as Government will not hesitate to unleash the full wrath of the law on them.” It said.

    It would be recalled that the state government had twice officially distributed palliatives to the poorest of the poor in the state since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

  • A’Ibom Court restrains AKISIEC from conducting elections in 39 new wards

    A’Ibom Court restrains AKISIEC from conducting elections in 39 new wards

    By Some Ogenyi, Uyo

    An Akwa Ibom High Court sitting in Uyo has restrained the State Independent Electoral Commission ( AKISIEC) from conducting Local Government elections into the 39 newly created wards in the state slated to hold in October.

    This was contained in an exparte motion filed by Mssrs Uwemedimo Udoma , Okuku Saaforo and Uko Uduak Friday before the state Chief Judge, Justice Godwin Abraham on Tuesday in Uyo.

    In the motion, the applicants prayed the court to grant an interim injunction restraining AKISIEC from holding elections in the newly created wards as such act would violate sections 9,10,11 and 16 of the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria.

    According to the motion, “by virtue of sections 9, 10 , 11 , 16 and 19 of the electoral Act ( as amended) for new wards to be created and used for Local Government elections by any state , the respondent must register new voters in the affected wards , issue new voters cards and publish the particulars of voters in the new wards to the notice of the general public.”

    Counsel to the plaintiffs Barr. Imo Imo told the court that AKISIEC has not fulfilled above conditions as required by Law.

    Delivering judgement , the state Chief Judge Justice Godwin Abraham granted prayers of the applicants pending the determination of the substantive suit and adjourned the matter till 31 of August 2020 for hearing and determination.

    In a telephone interview, one of the applicants on the matter Uwemedimo Udoma said the issue before the Chief Judge of the state is a constitutional matter that needed accelerated hearing.

    ” If the matter is not treated faster, voters in the newly created 39 wards in Akwa Ibom State would be disenfranchised in the coming local government elections in the state.” He said.

    Udoma who is a former Deputy speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly explained that voters in the newly created wards risk a one year jail term if the state electoral body does not address the matter as stipulated by law.

    “It is not a matter opposition party. We approached the court as voters in our different wards facing this dillema . It is a constitutional matter devoid of political affiliation.” He said.

  • A’Ibom PDP holds peaceful LG Congresses amidst minor disagreements

    A’Ibom PDP holds peaceful LG Congresses amidst minor disagreements

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom appeared to have had a tough day on Local Government Congresses with a few councils over who emerged candidate of the party in October’s LG elections.

    Though the party had worked and announced her preparedness to conduct a peaceful and transparent elections, a few local government areas including Nsit Atai and Ibiono Ibom appeared not to have resolved their internal squabbles before the primaries.

    This is after the state chairman of the party Mr Udo Ekpenyong had on Monday declared that the PDP met all the requirements necessary for peaceful and orderly congresses.

    Ekpenyong told newsmen that the leadership of the party ensured that due process was thoroughly followed in line with the provisions of the Party’s constitution and would sanction perpetrators of violent acts during the primaries.

    To minimise tension therefore, the party had earlier announced an arrangement to hold the congresses for some volatile Councils at strategic locations within Uyo,including Uyo Sports Stadium to ensure close security attention.

    As soon as the exercise commenced however, the social media spaces were filled up with rumours of the abduction of the Member representing Nsit Atai Local Government Area in the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Mr. Mark Esset and some delegates for the local government Chairmanship Congress.

    Reacting to the news however, incumbent chairman of the council and Chairmanship aspirant, Mrs Emem Ibanga acknowledged that her attention had been drawn to the alleged abduction but however defended herself.

    “Let it be known that it is not part of me to dignify purveyors of falsehood with replies, but I urge the good people of Nsit Atai local government area and the right thinking members of the public to disregard such news on abduction of anybody.

    “The aim of peddlers of this falsehood is to create an aura of crisis and confusion in order to deter the peace loving PDP delegates from coming to exercise their right.

    “Let me make it clear that any approach adopted to mar the success of PDP Chapter Congress or sustainability of democracy in Nsit Atai will be lawfully prevented and summarily dismissed.” Ibanga said.

    For Ibiono Ibom congress, our correspondent who interacted with delegates who were still waiting at the venue even after every other LGAs had concluded was informed by a delegate who craved anonymity of a strong power play by some key party men in the area.

    The Returning officer for the Local Government Areas, Barr Ime Okon, when contacted however said the process was ongoing as the people were awaiting instruction from the party before commencement of the exercise.

    “We are waiting instruction from the party. There are issues to be sorted out with the party, but I strongly believe we will still have a peaceful exercise.” He said

    Apart from these isolated cases, it was observed that the primaries were conducted peacefully in the other 29 Local Government Areas, even as the state party Chairman was seen visiting the polling units and insisting on a peaceful conduct of the primaries.

    Meanwhile the Special Appeal committee set up by the PDP in the state to look into litany of petitions brought by/against some aspirant who were not cleared for the primaries has resolved that the arguments canvassed by the 37 Chairmanship aspirants who appeared before the Panel lacked merit and were wanting in substance.

    The appeal committee headed by Uwemedimo Nwoko, maintained that the final list of cleared aspirants published by the party and the decision of the first appeal committee set up by the party was thorough and in compliance with the party constitution and therefore could not be altered or set aside.

  • Youths protest imposition of PDP chairmanship candidate in A’Ibom

    Youths protest imposition of PDP chairmanship candidate in A’Ibom

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    Youths of Urueoffong Oruko local government area in Akwa Ibom have protested what they described as the imposition of a Chairmanship candidate on them.

    The youths staged a peaceful protest on Saturday at the local government Secretariat with different placards with inscriptions like ‘Say no to imposition and nepotism’, “Urueoffong Oruko must be free from wicked cabals’ and ‘Urueoffong Oruko resist imposition of any candidate’, ‘Say no to God fatherism’ and ‘Urueoffong Oruko must elect their chairman comes October 2020’ among others.

    They faulted the imposition of Mrs Precious Selong as the consensus Chairmanship candidate on the people of Urueoffong Oruko, instead of Colonel Sampson Edet (rtd), their choice candidate.

    The protesting youths who were led by Mr Ben Okung said the wrong selection of aspirant could stagnate the progress and popularity of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the council area, adding that the protest is to show their disapproval of the candidate.

    “The entire youths and concerned elders of Urueoffong Oruko came out to express their minds through a peaceful protest informing the PDP leadership in the state and their listening Governor that they don’t want Mrs Precious Selong as their chairperson.

    “We are calling on our Governor who is the leader of the party to provide a level playing ground for all aspirants and their choice candidate, Colonel Sampson Edet (rtd) so that the people of the local government can be vindicated if their choice does not leave up to expectations.” Okung said.

    Also speaking, party loyalist, Mr Emmanuel Okon frowned at the alleged removal of Colonel Sampson on the list of cleared aspirants by the party.

    He said it was very disappointing and a slap on the people of the area who cannot point to any project executed during the tenure of Mrs Selong as Vice Chairperson and Transition Chairperson of the LG for three years respectively.

    Another PDP stalwart in the council area, Elder Ante Ante explained that since the creation of the local government area in 1991 till date, they have nothing to show for the long existence of the LG.

    “For the long years of existence, we have had local government chairmen both elected and appointed and none of them have been able to move the local government to its expected height.” Ante said.

  • A’Ibom community protest, block East-West road over exclusion from EIA

    A’Ibom community protest, block East-West road over exclusion from EIA

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    Travelers and commuters along Eket-Ikot Abasi end of the East-West road were on Thursday subjected to over nine hours traffic hold up over a protest by youths of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, LGA

    The youths were protesting the exclusion of the LGA from the draft report of Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, for Utapate OML13 oil and gas exploration project, submitted to the Federal Ministry of Environment by Nigeria Petroleum Development Commission, NPDC.

    But for the intervention of authorities the protest could have turned violent as the ultimatum issued by Organized Mkpat Enin Host Communities and youths to Sterling Energy Exploration and Production Company Nigerian Limited (SEEPCO) and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, over what they described as ill treatment and adamancy has expired.

    Addressing the mammoth crowd, Comrade Ini Ekanem, Chairman of Mkpat Enin Oil and Gas host communities said the youths of the area and people of Mkpat Enin host communities have vowed to use all legal means including protest to resist attempts by NPDC, SPDC to shortchange them.

    Ekanem said it was disheartening that that the EIA was published and plans for a public hearing in progress without the inclusion of Mkpat Enin.

    “Npdc – Nosl promised to Include Mkpat Enin LGA during a meeting held on the 12th November, 2019 at Eden Hotels Eket and another meeting held on 24th February, 2020 at Watbridge Hotels Uyo. And in their meeting with the paramount ruler of the LGA, HRH Akpan Akpan Ekpene at his palace.

    “Why are we shortchanged after the NPDC’s representative promised stakeholders of Mkpat Enin LGA that the area was covered in their EIA study On OML /OPL-13.” He querried.

    Also speaking during the protest, the Chairman of National Youth Council, Mkpat Enin Chapter Comr. Emem Alex accused the company of using divide and rule tactics to cause problems in the area, insisting that the firm must carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment and respect all their rights.

    Alex said that several letters had been written and meetings held to compel the NPDC to give Mkpat Enin equal treatment as the host community of the project but to no avail, adding that the protest was aimed at compelling the oil exploration company to follow due process in their bid to commence operations in the field.

    Consequently, the youths and members of host communities have vowed to employ all legal means at their disposal to ensure that the company follow due process and accord the area the full right accrued to host communities as enshrined in the laws guiding oil and gas operations in the country.

    The OML13 project is currently being carried out by Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company Ltd. (SEEPCO), an Indian firm that signed a 15-year Financing and Technical Services Agreement with NNPC and NNPC’s E&P unit, NPDC for the development of OML-13 which is 100 percent owned by NPDC.