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  • CHRAN lauds AKSG on Climate Change initiatives

    CHRAN lauds AKSG on Climate Change initiatives

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom towards mitigating the challenges of Climate Change in the state.

    A CHRAN Press Release signed by its Director, Mr Franklyn Isong and Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Comrade Vincent Aluu and made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday commended the readiness of the state government to key into the Energy Transition Plan of the Federal Government.

    The Rights Group said the move would enable the state to savour the benefits and embrace the climate change postulations adding that the Governor’s promise to appoint a Special Assistant on Climate Change and also set up a Committee to monitor all issues relating to Climate Change in the state was laudable.

    The release said the Governor’s response to CHRAN’s advocacy on Climate Change during its interaction with Study Group 5 of the Senior Executive Course 45 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, earlier in the month , where it called for the setting up of a specialised Department on Climate Change to manage and to advise government on related issues.

    It also commended the state government for sealing a deal with a German-based energy conservation company, Atmosfair AG, for the establishment of its factory, Atmosfair Climate Sustainability Limited, a subsidiary of Climate Change Project Innovations and Technology, to produce Save80 Cookstove, a fuel-efficient cookstove with less firewood in cooking.

    It noted that the company in addition to creating jobs opportunities for the unemployed youths would also mitigate effects of Climate Change in Akwa Ibom.

  • Halt remapping project if.., NUJ to AKSG

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ has called on Akwa Ibom State Government to stop it’s remapping project untill it is able to secure the blessing of her citizens.

    A communique signed by the state chairman of the union and chairman of the communique drafting committee Comrade Amos Etuk and Comrade Mabel Ekanem respectively and issued at the end of it’s monthly Congress in Uyo yesterday also called on the state government to carry out a robust sensitization on the benefit of the exercise.

    It said the backlash that greeted the outcome of the remapping exercise was unhealthy for the peace and unity of the state and called on security agencies to beef up surviellance in communities that have expressed strong reservations against the exercise to forestall a breakdown of law and order in those areas.

    “On the re-mapping of the State, Congress called on the State Government to carry out a robust sensitisation of what the exercise seeks to achieve and the benefits to the State or stop it at the moment until it has secured the buy-in of the citizens, as this will clear the suspicion in some quarters that it is not intended to dispose oil-bearing communities of their land.

    “Congress urged security agencies to step-up their operations in the communities that have expressed strong reservations against the re-mapping exercise to avoid breakdown of law of order.

    “Similarly, Congress called on the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and other security agencies in the State to step up their surveillance along Ikpa Road, Urua Ekpa Road, Obio Etoi and other communities within Uyo metropolis as hoodlums have consistently attacked residents and commuters using tricycles and mini buses, disposessing them of their valuables in the process.” It said.

    The Congress commended the Zone F leadership of the Union for honouring two prominent citizens of the state during its Zonal meeting in Uyo, last weekend.

    “In the same spirit, Congress appreciated the outgoing Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for the tremendous strides he has recorded in his tenure, including the construction of Information Drive and adjourning streets as well as regular interaction with the Union.

    “Congress thanked Pst. Umo Eno, Governor-elect for redeeming the N500,000 prize attached to the Award for Development Journalism to a member of the Union during the 2022 NUJ Press Week.

    “Congress at a Special Valedictory Session commended the Honourable Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, MNIPR for his sterling performance, accessibility, and promoting a robust relationship between Government and Journalists as well as creating a strong support system for Staff of the Ministry of Information and other media organisations in the State.” It concluded.

  • A’Ibom community flays land ceding moves by AKSG

    A’Ibom community flays land ceding moves by AKSG

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

    Unyenge community in Mbo Local Council of Akwa Ibom has raised alarm over alleged moves by the State Government to cede its ancestral land to another community.

    The community which is a part of Obolo nation, described the Map Establishment Bill, which was passed by the State Assembly last month as an attempt to extend some landlocked councils to the coastal area.

    A statement signed by the Community Chairman, Chief Itama Ekpe; Secretary, Mr Kany Nkwobia, and the Public Relations Officer, Mr Bassey Ekpimah, in Unyenge and made available to newsmen on Tuesday condemned the government’s action.

    The statement warned that by trying to cede Unyenge to a landlocked community, is silently calling for war between the community and its neighbours.

    “There is a great cataclysm in Unyenge community, Mbo and the entire Obolo local government areas (LGAs) in Akwa Ibom State.

    “Consequent upon the repugnant Map Establishment Bill being passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on April 13, 2023, seeking to extend some landlocked LGAs in Esit Eket, Eket, Onna, Mkpat Enin, and Ikot Abasi through the Obolo lands in Mbo, Ibeno, and Eastern Obolo LGAs being the littoral region of the state to the seashore.

    “The people of Obolo Nation of which Unyenge is an integral component, denounce unreservedly this iniquitous, unprincipled, and legislative manoeuvre of the Akwa Ibom State Government to arrogate the ancestral land of Obolo to any community or local government area whatsoever under the guise of remapping.” It said.

    The statement maintained that from the creation of Akwa Ibom in 1987, the Federal Government through the National Boundary Commission had carved out and precisely delineated both the external territorial borders and the internal geographical boundaries among all the local government areas that constitute the state.

    “The boundaries are conspicuously depicted on the map of the state on the state’s website (www.akwaibomstate.gov.ng) and printed on all official documents, gubbins, and other formal instruments of the state.

    “Surprisingly, it is quite hilarious and irrational to hear the Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel lay claim to the non-existence of an official gazetted map of the state.

    “The Akwa Ibom Governor has gone as far as expropriating power to himself and thereby breaching the rules of law, even as he shows no consideration to a Court Order given by a court of competent jurisdiction.” It stated.

    The community therefore admonished public officers to refrain from engaging in any act of injustice, abuse of power to eschew fuelling antagonism, communal upheaval, social and economic instability.

    “As much as we, the Obolo, are peace-loving people, we will not hesitate to invoke all legal tools and civil procedures to fight for the maintenance of our ancestral territory should the government proceed with this unreasonable and inconsiderate bill.” The statement concluded.

  • CSO lauds AKSG on new gazetted map

    CSO lauds AKSG on new gazetted map

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Center For Human Rights & Accountability Network (CHRAN), has commended Akwa Ibom government on recent moves to have its own gazetted map but called for proper funding for the office of the Surveyor General.

    Presenting the position of CHRAN yesterday at a Stakeholders Meeting in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on “A Bill for a Law to Provide for a Map for Akwa Ibom State and For Other Matters Connected Therewith,” the Director of CHRAN, Mr Franklyn Isong described the bill as a welcome development for the State.

    Isong regretted that the state is yet to have its own gazetted map, since it’s creation 40 years ago which ought to show in no unmistakable terms, the boundaries of the state.

    “This has resulted in avoidable fracas between the inhabitants of the different boundary communities within the state, as well as between the inhabitants of Akwa Ibom State and the neighbouring states.

    “It is therefore in the light of the necessity to avoid these unnecessary and life-threatening skirmishes that the decision of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to empower the State Surveyor-General to prepare and get gazetted the official map of the state is a welcome development.” The Director said.

    He however asserted that the Bill has not breached any provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    “We have examined the six (6) sections of the Bill with the Short Title: Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law, and the Center for Human Rights & Accountability Network (CHRAN) is in complete support that the Bill be passed into Law as same shows no conflicts with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”Isong said.

    He however called on the State Surveyor-General, who the Bill seeks to empower for the tasks, to carry out the responsibility professionally taking into consideration the natural boundaries and cultural proclivities of the different communities within the state.

    “However, there is need to ensure that the Surveyor-General is financially empowered to ensure that the tasks needed for the preparation and production of the said official map are carried out professionally while taking into consideration the natural boundaries and cultural proclivities of the different communities within the state.” He concluded.

  • Bizman drags AKSG, firm to Court over Consultancy Fee

    Bizman drags AKSG, firm to Court over Consultancy Fee

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    A businessman, Arc. Ubokutom Nyah has dragged Akwa Ibom State Government and Landsea Construction and Engineering Limited before a state High Court in Ikot Ekpene for alleged refusal to pay him consultancy fees shortchange of N10,279,391m.

    In the suit marked HT/2/2023, the State Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, and Landsea Construction and Engineering Limited, were joined as first and second Defendants/Respondents respectively.

    Counsel to the Applicant, Andem Ndem in a motion on notice filed on 7th March, 2023 prayed the Court for an Order compelling the 2nd defendant to pay the applicant the sum of N10.279, 391million only, which they had admitted in his letter dated April 27, 2021.

    He also prayed the Court for an Order compelling the Ist defendant to cause the 2nd defendant to pay his client the admitted sum.

    In an affidavit in support of the motion, the applicant, Arc Nyah,doing business under the name of Otto Trinity Studios, noted that the Ist defendant/Respondent had in March 2014 through a letter from Commissioner for Special Duties appointed him as a resident consultant to render architectural consultancy services to the Hotel complex then under construction at Ikot Ekpene, which he accepted.

    “I state that upon my successful completion of service to the Ist Defendant/ Respondent, I submitted my bill/invoice in the sum of N1, 025, 838, 385.96 (One billion, twenty-five million, Eight hundred and thirty -eight thousand, three hundred and eighty -five Naira, ninety-six kobo only, via a letter dated 18th January, 2016.

    “I know that the Ist Respondent in reaction to my bill/invoice for payment of professional fees dated 18th January 2016, unilaterally introduced the 2nd Respondent, into the contract to handle payment of professional fees due to me for unknown reasons.

    “I protested against the forceful injection of the 2nd Respondent into my bilateral contract with 1st Respondent and the consequential financial shortchange resulting from this strange procedure.

    “I state that I carefully audited all payments made to me by 2nd defendant/respondent and discovered the following short-payments which cumulatively resulted in the shortchange of N42, 083, 853.37 (Forty-two million, Eight-three thousand, Eight hundred and fifty -three Naira , thirty-seven Kobo) only.

    “I state further that I demanded the refund of the aforestated short-payments from the Ist Defendant/Respondent via my letter dated 22nd March, 2021. I also Know that the Ist Defendant by their letter dated April, 1, 2021 forwarded my protest letter to the 2nd defendant/Respondent for reaction.

    “But the 2nd Defendant/Respondent by their letter dated 27th, April 2021, responded to Ist Defendant/Respondent and admitted that they actually shortchanged me to the tune of Ten million, Two hundred and seventy-nine Thousand, three hundred and Ninety-one Naira, thirty-one Kobo (N10, 279, 391.31) only.

    “That on January 10, 2023 , I wrote a letter to Ist Respondent herein and demanded that they prevail on 2nd Respondent who is their agent to pay me the admitted sum but they refused.That except this honourable court orders the Defendants/Respondents to pay me this admitted sum, they will continue in their intransigence.” It stated.

    Meanwhile, Landsea construction & Engineering Ltd in a letter addressed to Commissioner Ministry of Special Duties & Aviation Akwa Ibom State, via the Permanent Secretary, and dated, April 27, 2021, admitted net shortchange to Otto Trinity Studios to the tune of N10.279, 391million only.

    A copy of the letter which was signed by the Project Consultant Manager, Engr. Oliver Ebong and made available to newsmen in Uyo reads in part, “I take responsibility for the sharing mistakes and will effect redress to Otto Trinity willingly. At no point was there any intention to ‘defraud’ any consultant, definitely not myself Landsea that also got shortchanged.

    “In reaction to your letter on issues raised in Otto Trinity’s consultancy fees shortchange, I have checked all the payments received from inception, painstakingly computed/shared same and compared such to the initial sharing with my colleagues and admit to net shortchanges to Otto Trinity and Landsea , but net overpayments to Dranibs.

    “However, the shortchange to Otto Trinity is N10, 279,391.31only not what he claimed for reasons provided above. I reiterate my readiness to make good this shortchange as soon as you conclude your mediation.” The letter said.

  • Ita Enang accuses AKSG of sabotaging work on Calabar/Itu highway

    Ita Enang accuses AKSG of sabotaging work on Calabar/Itu highway

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

    Former Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly matters, Senator Ita Enang has accused Akwa Ibom state government of instigating communities to halt construction work on the dualization of Calabar/Itu federal highway.

    He has also said that at least N695 million has been paid as compensation to property owners on a section of the road awarded to Juluis Berger PLC.

    Enang told newsmen while inspecting the road last weekend that construction work has stalled on some sections of the road because of hostility from communities over non payment of compensation and accused agents of the state government of sponsoring traditional rulers and community leaders against the Federal Government.

    He explained that part of the highway where compensation was not incorporated in their contract was the section awarded to CCECC under the FG Tax Credit Scheme while compensation on the section awarded to Julius Berger directly by the FG has been fully paid.

    “At the instance of Governor Udom Emmanuel, he asked the Paramount Rulers and other traditional rulers to instigate the communities not to allow the road to be done.

    “We had asked the state government to help pay compensation to that area awarded by NNPC as part of their contribution to the realization of that road and since all the buildings were approved by your state government please pay compensation while we do the road.

    “But because it is a PDP led state, they don’t want me FGnto have credit for the road because the FG is APC and not just that they are also instigating the communities.

    “The traditional rulers who are speaking against the FG on this road are simply agents of Akwa Ibom State Governorment frustrating this project but I will not join words with them because they are who they are and because I am a titled chief but I will take steps to ensure that the compensation is paid.” He explained.

    Enang pointed out that communities in Cross River State have ensured a smooth construction of their own part of the road without being hostile to the construction companies because the Cross River government, being that of APC has been able to dialogue with the communities.

    He said that he has commenced discussion with the Niger Delta Development Commission to see how they could fund payment of compensation on sections of the road where compensation was not incorporated into their contract

  • 2023: No plan to attack YPP – AKSG

    2023: No plan to attack YPP – AKSG

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    Akwa Ibom State Government has refuted allegations that it has planned a violent attack on members and supporters of the Young Democratic Party, YPP, in the state.

    The state government was reacting to recent allegations by the state Chairman of YPP Campaign Council, Mr Emem Akpabio in a press statement, alleging impending attack against the YPP by the state government.

    In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, the state government maintained that it has not recorded any state sponsored violence in the past seven and half years of the present administration.

    It therefore assured the citizens and residents that the PDP-led administration would not stoop as low as instigating security tension but would not fail to visit any who would bring any form of political unrest to the state with full weight of the law

    It recalled that it had, in an earlier statement hinted Akwa Ibom citizens of a planned unrest by politicians from opposition parties, without mentioning any of them.

    “We had hinted that the planned unrest was sponsored by politicians from opposition parties, without mentioning any of them. But as usual, the guilty are always afraid. This attitude of self-identification is not strange.

    “We recall that in 2019, when the State Government criminalized cultism, their candidate, without any direct accusation, took it personal and went on to admit to being “a cultist.

    ”This attitude of theirs is consistent with the age long African maxims that “old women are uncomfortable when dry bones are mentioned” and “a murderer is always afraid of someone walking behind him with a machete.

    “Let us assure their party that in the more than seven and a half years of this administration, there has been no incident of state-sponsored violence, and therefore, the citizens and security operatives are well aware that this administration cannot stoop as low as that, rather they recall the prime actors and masterminds of the Ikot Ekpene massacre, where Senator John James Udoedeghe escaped by the whiskers and the assassination attempt on Senator Helen Esuene at Ukana, Essien Udim.

    “We therefore, reassure the entire citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom state that the State Government in partnership with security agents will continue to exercise their constitutional responsibility of ensuring the security of lives and property and whosoever in found culpable of any crime will be made to face the full wrath of the law, irrespective of the political party affiliation or status.The prevailing peace in Akwa Ibom State must be sustained.”The statement stated.

  • CLO backs AKSG on 13% Derivation Controversy

    CLO backs AKSG on 13% Derivation Controversy

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Civil Liberties Organization,CLO, in Akwa Ibom has absolved the state government of any wrong doings in the handling of it’s share of the 13% derivation arrears paid to oil producing states since 2021.

    CLO chairman, Mr Franklin Isong, told a press conference in Uyo yesterday that the tension being generated by the issue was uncalled for as the state government had already captured the expected arrears in successive budgets since 2021.

    Isong advised politicians in the state to excise restraint and not allow their political ambitions to becloud their reasoning and create unease and tension in the State.

    “CLO’s independent investigation into the issue has revealed that the 13% Derivation Fund arrears refunded to the account of the Government of Akwa Ibom State started in 2021.

    “CLO notes that the 13% Derivation Fund arrears refunded to the State by the Federal Government was captured in the 2021 Appropriation Law of Akwa Ibom State and in the 2021 approved revised Appropriation Law of Akwa Ibom State.

    “CLO also notes that the 13% Derivation Fund arrears refunded to the State by the Federal Government was captured in the 2022 Appropriation Law of Akwa Ibom State and in the 2022 approved revised Appropriation Law of Akwa Ibom State.

    “CLO can confirm that the 13% Derivation Fund arrears refunded to the State by the Federal Government is reflected in the 2023 Appropriation Bill of Akwa Ibom State currently under consideration by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

    “CLO’s findings further revealed that the 13% Derivation Fund arrears refunded to the State by the Federal Government was captured as one of the sources of revenue accruable to the account of the Government of Akwa Ibom State in the Accountant General’s Audited Report for 2021 and will be captured in the Accountant General’s Audited Report for 2022.” The chairman explained.

    The CLO, Isong maintained has continued to place emphasis on transparency and accountability and remained committed to holding political office holders and government accountable to the people, hence it’s project tracking of both Federal and state lawmakers from the state.

    “So far, CLO has toured constituency projects of some of the Lawmakers, and the exercise is ongoing. At the end of the exercise, CLO will be able to appraise the performance of the State and Federal Lawmakers.

    The chairman said the organization has firsthand information on projects executed and facilitated by the administration with more than 50 road projects inspected and found to be either completed or at various stages of completion, while enormous gains have also been made in the area of industrialisation, aviation, environment, power, health, agriculture and education.

    It commended Governor Udom Emmanuel and the security agencies in the State for the sustenance of peace, which has earned Akwa Ibom the status of the most peaceful State in Nigeria in the past seven and a half years.

  • Three die in Uyo building collapse as AKSG comes hard on culprits

    Three die in Uyo building collapse as AKSG comes hard on culprits

    At least three persons are said to have died after a four storey building under construction collapsed in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital on Saturday evening.

    An uncomfired number of victims who sustained various degrees of injuries have also been receiving treatment at a major health facility in the city.

    Though Police in the state confirmed one death, rescuers and eye witnesses told newsmen that  three dead bodies were pulled out of the rubble.

    Meanwhile Governor Udom Emmanuel has directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service to immediately set up a Panel of a Inquiry to investigate the unfortunate incident. 

    A statement from the state information commissioner, Comrade Ini Ememobong Sunday said the panel is to conclude its work within one month, while those found to be responsible for the collapse of the building either by acts of negligence or wrongdoing would face the full wrath of the law.

    Emmanuel who expressed his deepest condolences to the families whose relatives were trapped and eventually died in the collapsed building and wishing the survivors a quick recovery directed the Commissioner for Health to take over the management of the survivors.

    The Governor also expressed appreciation to all first responders, rescue and security agencies, government officials, voluntary organizations and construction companies that donated equipments and took part in the rescue operation.

  • 2023: OBA campaign organization accuses AKSG, PDP of intimidating delegates

    2023: OBA campaign organization accuses AKSG, PDP of intimidating delegates

    The Campaign organization of Senator Bassey Albert has accused officials and agents of Akwa Ibom State government and the state chapter of PDO of intimidating and coercing delegates expected to vote at the party’s gubernatorial primaries.

    They have also said that Albert, the foremost guber aspirant in the party has no intention of actualising his ambition on the platform of another party.

    Director General, DG, of the Organisation, Archbishop Andrew Unwanta told a press conference in Uyo on Thursday that officials of the state government and the PDP campaigning for the governor’s preferred aspirant, Mr Umoh Enoh has in recent times threatened some statutory delegates to the gubernatorial Congress.

    According to Unwanta, this is against the party provisions and has began to cause disaffection among members and threatening to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party.

    “It is therefore on the strength of this that the recent and ugly activities of some Akwa Ibom State government and party officials, calling meetings as well as reaching out to some party members mostly statutory delegates to direct them against freely associating with other members of the party and also threatening and intimidating them with violent and illegal sanctions such as delisting, suspension and prevention from participating in voting at party primary election of which they are legitimate delegates is unfortunate, irrational, unconstitutional, null and void.

    “This has been the scenario across the state in recent times and cuts a picture of systematic nand strategic plan to victimize, undermine and infringe on the inalienable rights of members of the party as provided for by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Peoples Democratic Party.

    “In as much as this action negates the tenets of democracy and fundamental rights, it is an abuse of office and threat to public peace, in contravention of the oath of office taken by these government and party officials.

    “These unwholesome and illegao actions are seriously viewed as a calculated attempt to polaeise the party with the potential of negatively affecting the long earned success of the party in the state and it is hereby condemned.

    “We hereby encourage our party members and delegates to ignore their empty threats and intimidations and continue in their lawful and loyal activities to promote an egalitarian society founded on freedom, equality and justice.” The DG explained.

    On the possibility of Akpan dumping the PDP on the face of perceived intimidation, Unwanta insisted that as a founding member of the party, the Senator was not thinking of dumping the party.

    “We are contesting in PDP and we will win the primaries in PDP. Such an attempt was made in 2007 to impose an aspirant on the PDP and it failed woefully. The people know who they want. The people of Akwa Ibom will decide their fate.” He said.

    The organization demanded that the party’s primary election as stipulated by the constitution be conducted in a free, fair and credible manner, “where all the aspirants will subject themselves to the voting choices of the delegates and test their popularities.”