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Tag: Gov. Udom Emmanuel

  • 2023: Gov Emmanuel reportedly endorses Lands Commissioner as successor

    2023: Gov Emmanuel reportedly endorses Lands Commissioner as successor

    Governor Udom Emmanuel and some PDP elders has reportedly endorsed his Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umoh Enoh as his preferred choice as Governor of Akwa Ibom in next year’s general election.

    However there are reports that the endorsement which was left in the hands of former Governor Victor Attah to perform because of his reverred position in the state has not gone down well with a cross section of PDP stakeholders

    It was gathered arned that the governor had invited some party elders including some gubenatorial ambition to governor’s lodge without disclosing to them the agenda for the meeting where Attah is said to have presented Eno as the endorsed candidate of the stakeholders of the party.

    It was also learnt that some members of the governor’s cabinet, such the state Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Akan Okon and the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Emembong were not present at the meeting.

    Only Selected stakeholders from each of the 31 LGAs were invited for the meeting via a text message by the National Secretary of Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), Prince Enobong Uwah.

    Members of the state House of Assembly who had traveled to Port Harcourt yesterday for a retreat had to hurriedly return to the state today in order to meet up with the meeting, though invitation was extended to only the leadership of the Assembly.

    Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ekerete Udo, who confirmed this said that, “the governor announced that Eno was the one God has revealed to him as the next governor of the state and he was unveiled to all the stakeholders from the three senatorial districts of the state by the former governor, Obong Victor Attah, who then commended the choice. It was an array of the political elders made up of senators and House of Representatives members.”

    It was however gathered that one of the governorship aspirants and Chairman, House Representatives Committee on Judiciary, Barr Onofiok Luke stormed out of the meeting when he was not allowed to express himself during the endorsement drama.

    Luke, in a telephone interview said he was not aware of the agenda of the meeting but had to attend to honour the governor who extended the invitation to him.

    “I’m not against their endorsement; and I’m not against the elders of the state. But I’m saying the endorsement could have happened after proper consultation.

    “I went to Obong Attah and told him why didn’t you talk to all of us who are in this race? Why didn’t you talk to Sen Bassey Albert, why didn’t you talk to Akan Udofia; why didn’t you talk to Akan Okon; why didn’t you talk to James Iniama? because it Obong Attah that made the presentation, not the governor.

    “We would have loved their endorsement but that would have been after due consultation. We would love the endorsement by the elders of the state. But whoever they would endorse should be the choice of the majority of people in the state.

    ” So for me as Onofiok Akpan Luke, I am in the race for the governorship. I am going to stand election on the platform of my party the PDP. I am not part of that endorsement at all.

    “But I respect their views; I respect the opinion and choice of the governor. I respect Obong Victor Attah and the opinion of the elders of the state. It is their choice. I only respect their opinion; but I am not in support of what they are doing.

    ” I was ambushed. I didn’t know the agenda of the meeting but I had to respect the governor and attend the meeting at the lodge on his invitation. But for thee good times I had raised my hand seeking to be allowed to speak but I was ignored.” Luke explained.

    It was also gathered that some of the frontline governorship aspirants this evening had a meeting to form a united front and strategize on resisting the attempt by the system to impose the Lands Commissioner on the delegates during the forthcoming PDP guber primary.

  • A’Ibom Assembly approves N4.7B loan request from Gov Emmanuel

    A’Ibom Assembly approves N4.7B loan request from Gov Emmanuel

    Akwa Ibom Assembly has approved Governor Udom Emmanuel’s request to guarantee a loan of N4.7 Billion from Zenith Bank for Mimshac Digital Automobile Assembly Plant, Ikot Ukap, Itu Local Council.

    The Governor in a message forwarded to the Speaker of the House and read by the Clerk, Mrs Mandu Umoren at Plenary yesterday said the loan facility would aid the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State Government and Mimshac Digital Ltd Automobile Plant for the sum of 10,000,000 Dollars, equivalent to N4.7Billion at the exchange rate of N470 per Dollar.

    According to the Governor, the said amount from Zenith Bank for Mimshac Digital Automobile would help “finance the procurement of Semi Knocked Down and Complete Knocked Down (CKD) parts for the assembling of 85 stainless steel, 20-Seater Luxury Buses.”

    The state Chief Executive in the message explained that the requested sum would also facilitate the training of 20 persons recommended by the state government on the assemblage and manufacturing of vehicles in Israel.

    Lawmakers in their separate contributions, pointed out that the Car Assembling Plant when fully functional, would boost the economy of the state and create more jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.

    In his remarks, the Speaker Aniekan Bassey, directed the Clerk to communicate the resolution of the House to the Executive Governor.

  • 2023: Gov Emmanuel solidifies succession plan, inaugurates Maintain Peace Movement Committee

    2023: Gov Emmanuel solidifies succession plan, inaugurates Maintain Peace Movement Committee

    Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has began to cement his succession plan and has inaugurated a group generally believed he would use to champion the cause.

    He has however declared that the politics of 2023 would neither divide the people nor disrupt existing peace in the state and cautioned politicians against invitation of external forces to disrupt the existing peace in the state.

    Inaugurating the National Executive Committee of the Maintain Peace Movement Emmanuel said the peace being preached in Akwa Ibom State is urgently needed across the 36 states of Nigeria

    “This message is starting in Akwa Ibom State today, but it is needed in all the 36 states of Nigeria. we need peace, unity, love, brotherhood. Everybody is preaching peace, why not you. You must seek, pursue, maintain and sustain peace.

    “Outsiders should leave us alone. Politics, political parties and religion should not divide us. I declare peace in Akwa Ibom State. If citizens decide there must be peace, then trust there would be peace. Peace, declared the Lord Almight; shall be upon Akwa Abasi Ibom State.

    “This peace will bring development and money. One party must play a fool for peace to reign and that party must be you. We are saying no to all sort of negativities. Even the Politics of 2023 will not divide us, the politics of succession will not divide us.

    “Akwa Ibom is PDP, PDP is Akwa Ibom, so leave us alone, PDP is the only party that can ensure peace in Akwa Ibom. Do not open your door to any aspirant who is not preaching peace. In our move towards transition, there shall be peace.” The Governor explained.

    In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion and State Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo said the Movement was necessitated by the need to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition of leadership beyond the present administration.

    Ekpo called on those inaugurated to consider the event an important step toward ensuring a smooth and peaceful succession plan. “you cannot transfer leadership in an atmosphere of fear, dread and selfishness”

    “This event is significant because it would make clear that peace is absolutely paramount and necessary for a community that wants to move forward and make progress. Let me pay tribute to Governor Udom Emmanuel, a man of peace, sent by God to the state at the right time and the difference is very very clear.

    “The peace movement is possible because the leader of this state is an embodiment of peace. Akwa Ibom State has never been this peaceful. Peace resides here. That same God who gave us a Governor who cares about the people will sustain the state beyond the tenure of this government.

    “We are here to inaugurate formally the instrument for continued peace. God will point to all of you here who the successor of Governor Udom Emmanuel will be. I don’t know how we would be able to live in an environment that is devoid of peace.

    “Whoever takes over come 2023 must be a man endowed with peace. if you are peaceful you would think about the need of other people, you would not be selfish, you would push for equity, fairness and justice. This leadership is very mindful of the need to put this state together.

    In his acceptance speech, the newly sworn-in National Chairman of Maintain Peace Movement and incumbent National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr Emmanuel Enoidem said the mandate to take the message of peace and to prepare grounds for peaceful transition came through Governor Udom Emmanuel in August 2021.

    “We have gone round all the 31 LGAs with the message of peace and the crowd today communicates the degree of acceptance. Akwa Ibom people are prepared to stand with you to process the completion agenda and your succession plan. it is an unwritten custom in our state.

    “We, the managers of the movement are with you on your succession plan, you shall not be alone. what you have done in the last six years is not an act of accident. your achievements have been monumental. You have taken Akwa Ibom to the world. You have laid a solid foundation to industrialize the state. We assure you that PDP will be retained in Akwa Ibom State”. he assured

    Some other key officers inaugurated include Deputy Chairman, Mr Aniekan Bassey, Hon Enobong Uwah a Secretary and Comrade Ini Ememobong as Director of Media and Publicity.

  • 2023: Pro Emmanuel group repositions for statewide membership in A’Ibom

    2023: Pro Emmanuel group repositions for statewide membership in A’Ibom

    A group supporting the succession plan of Governor Udom Emmanuel, Maintain Peace Movement has said that it would embrace membership from all political parties in the state.
    Though political, it has said that their aim remained to ensure that political peace is sustained inspire of political differences among the people in the state.
    Director General of the Movement Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem told a press conference yesterday in Uyo that the group is intended to make the legacy of peace in Akwa Ibom State enduring and sustainable by ingraining it in the minds and hearts of our people.
    Enoidem said that Governor Udom Emmanuel who is also the Grand Patron of the Movement would inaugurate the national leadership of the group on Friday to deliberate investment on the monumental  gains of  peace engendered in the state by his administration.
    “This historic endeavoour is intended to make the legacy of peace in Akwa Ibom State enduring and sustainable by ingraining it in the minds and hearts of our people.
    On that day, we took the message of Peace, the gargantuan gains our state has enjoyed on account of the legacy of Peace that the present administration has laid to the good people of Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas.
    “The overarching message which this Movement has taken to all the nooks and crannies of Akwa Ibom State, has been that Peace has been the firm foundation and the anchor which Governor Udom Emmanuel has built the strong pillars of development across all sectors of our state economy.
    “On account of this, as people who have witnessed firsthand and cherished the benefits of peace, we lauded out to plant the seeds of peace across the the land.” Enoidem, who is the incumbent National Legal Adviser of the PDP explained.
    He charged all stakeholders in the  Akwa Ibom project to, “take this tide of Peace by the flood, or risk losing all the gains we have made in the past.”
  • A’Ibom: NLC wants Assembly to probe Gov Emmanuel’s N30.7B COVID-19 expenditure

    A’Ibom: NLC wants Assembly to probe Gov Emmanuel’s N30.7B COVID-19 expenditure

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused Akwa Ibom government of not being transparent in the management of public funds and has challenged the State Assembly to probe the N30.7 billion it claimed to have spent on COVD-19 response this year.

    Labour has equally expressed worry over Akwa Ibom being the most indebted state in the country on per capital basis, stressing that such liabilities include the N28 billion debt owed retired primary school teachers as well as arrears of gratuities of the core civil service polling the total indebtedness to retirees at over N50 billion.

    The state chairman of NLC, Mr Sunny James who made this known when he made the submissions of the NLC at the public hearing of the 2022 Akwa Ibom Appropriation Bill yesterday wondered why state government investments as contained in the 2022 budget all yielded dividends in the deficit.

    “Our flagship Ibom Airport Development, going by the summaries of 2022 proposals would would not be able to operate at break-even level in 2022. The total revenue from the services of the airport is pegged at N437.356 million, which is swarmed by the anticipated personnel costs for the same period of N670.892 million and overheads of N622million.

    “An analysis of the major investment agencies and public corporations of the state government, namely, Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation, Akwa Ibom State Property and Investment Company (APICO), etc reveals the same trend for 2022. While APICO will generate N30 million in revenue for 2022, its personnel and overheads for the same period is 349 million.

    ” The non-income generating worship centre will in 2022 receive N5 billion. This is in addition to the N6.7 billion appropriated for the same project in 2021 and N5 billion expended on the same project in 2020 fiscal years, thus bringing total expenditure on the project to N16.75 billion over the period 2020-2022.

    “We urge the House of Assembly to interrogate the entry of N3.58 billion as personnel costs for the budget office in 2022. We have observed that this value is not reflective of the staff strength of the said MDA.” Labour submitted.

    It also questioned the allocation to the critical social sector which comprises Education, Health, Women and Youth at 15.4% only, of the total.budget outlay saying it is a long shot from regional and globally acceptable standards. “The UNESCO recommendation which should be our guide is for a minimum of 25% to education.”

    In his address, the speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr Aniekan Bassey, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Felicia Bassey, said lawmakers agreed that this year’s appropriation bill content command attention hence the the need for it to be thrown open for more deliberations.

    “It is for this reason that we call for decorum and mutual understanding amongst participants or those who shall have opportunity to make contributions. You can be assured that careful note shall be taken of all your contributions, and where it is applicable, they shall form part of the final draft of the bill before it might be deemed suitable to be passed into law.” Bassey said.

    The speaker expressed gratitude to Gov Udom Emmanuel and assured him of the House continued solidarity and partnership with his administration for the good of Akwa Ibom people.

  • A’Ibom elders deny getting contracts from Gov. Emmanuel

    A’Ibom elders deny getting contracts from Gov. Emmanuel

    Some prominent elders from Eket Local Council of Akwa Ibom have denied receiving contracts from Governor Udom Emmanuel for the reconstruction of dilapidated internal roads in Eket metropolis.

    This followed Emmanuel’s allegation that the elders should be held responsible for the deplorable condition of internal roads in the oil-city.

    Condemnations and threats against the leaders particularly by youths of the area have continued to rise following the accusation.

    However, elders of the area under the aegis of Eket Integrity Forum have challenged the governor to mention names of those he awarded road contracts to.

    A member of the board of trustees Eket Integrity Forum, Chief(Dr.) Usoro Usoro told newsmen that contracts for the rehabilitation of the worst roads in Eket were not awarded to any indigene of the council.

    Usoro, a former Chief Press Secretary to ex-Governor Godswill Akpabio, said the group is only aware that the governor gave contracts to Chief Nduese Essien, a former minister of Lands and Housing, who had since delivered 16 out of the 19 internal roads he was awarded.

    ”The so-called urban renewal was not awarded to Eket elders. The one kilometer construction from the bridgehead to where the old Post Office was, on Hospital road, was not awarded to an Eket elder.

    “That road has been there for more than six years. The abandoned Idua Road, which has been there for about four years was not awarded to an Eket elder.

    ”The elders he tried to rope in, perhaps, concern the half- kilometer internal roads around the abandoned stadium project. The roads around that place were awarded to Kefam Limited, a company owned by Chief Nduese Essien. Perhaps, that’s why he made reference to Eket elders.

    ”The uncompleted, yet commissioned Eket-Ibeno Road, was not awarded to an Eket elder. The governor commissioned that road about three years ago, yet some sections are yet to be completed. The street lights which were supposed to be part of the road design are not there.

    ”I don’t know which angle the elders are to be blamed. He should have been more specific? Are we to blame the elders for not making much noise about the deplorable situation in Eket or they should be blamed to not supporting him?” He explained.

    Usoro accused Governor Emmanuel of stocking hatred against Eket elders and justifying his failure to develop Eket which is the headquarters of his senatorial district.

    Meanwhile Essien said he has completed 16 out of 19 internal roads in Eket awarded to his company, Kefam Nigeria Ltd, adding works are still ongoing on the remaining three.

    “Thirteen (13) roads were awarded to Kefam Nigeria Limited in 2020 by the Akwa Ibom State government. Out of the thirteen roads, we have completed 11 while the remaining two are ongoing. In January 2021, additional six (6) roads were awarded to Kefam.

    ”Though the state government has not mobilized the company for the additional six roads but because it’s our area, we have taken it up and completed five out of the six.” The ex Minister said through his company’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Emmanuel Amos.

  • Gov Emmanuel tasks NATOP on new strategies, applauds impact of Ibom Christmas Village, others

    Gov Emmanuel tasks NATOP on new strategies, applauds impact of Ibom Christmas Village, others

    Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has tasked the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) to adopt new strategies that would make the nation’s tourism potentials attractive and take its rightful place in the economy of the country.

    Emmanuel who made the call at the fifth Annual General Meeting of the Association in Uyo last weekend expressed dismay over the dwindling fortunes of the sector despite the vast tourism potentials of the country.

    The Governor however expressed delight with the new level of committment and zeal demonstrated in recent times by the tour operators and other stakeholders in promoting tourism in the country and said the new lease of life in the sector if sustained could generate huge revenue for both practioners and the government.

    He said the hospitality of Akwa Ibom people remained infectous and is blessed with more than scores of cusines while natural tourist sites including the residence of Mary Slessor, the blue River, the longest coastline in Nigeria while the annual Christmas Carole and Christmas Village has become a must event in the calendars of lovers of tourism .

    He pledged the assistance and partnership of the state government to NATOP but urged them to adopt measures that would project their services and attract goodwill to the country, expressing hope that the conference would develope a new template for running tourism in Nigeria.

    In a keynote speech, an oil magnet, Mr Akanimo Udofia said with improved committment and institutional attention, tourism could could generate more than crude oil and gas for the country adding that many countries not blessed with natural resources have thrived and prospered through tourism.

    Also in a speech, a former Minister of Tourism in Ghana, Mrs Catherine Afeku and using the Ghana experience urged Akwa Ibom government to utilize the opportunity of the Bridge of No Return to well come back decendants of Nigeria lost to the Athlantic Slave Trade.

    Afeku further urged government and practitioners to focus on Domestic Tourism, lobby for tourism incentives, adopt a policy of Right of Abode for relatives in the diaspora, repackage tourism sites and patronize Made in Nigeria products and services.

    State Commissioner for Tourism, Mr Orman Esin applauded NATOP for choosing Akwa Ibom and expressed hope that the conference would usher a new lease of partnership between the state and tour operators.

    Esin pointed out that the state has pioneered several aspects of tourism in Nigeria and home to the earliest missionaries adding that with the longest coastline in Nigeria, a fertile land rich in tourism, an international airport and one of the best golf resorts in West Africa, the state is well positioned to take tourism to the next level in Nigeria.

    “Akwa Ibom, the real deal, we have the options for all types of tourism in Nigeria. We have the biggest hotel property in West Africa, with consistent growth over the years. We knew that bringing Naija7Wonders group to our state in December for the Christmas Village will bring us the attention we needed.

    National President of NATOP Hajia Bilkisu Abdul who paid flowing tributes to NATOP former president Mrs Fatima Garbati expressed sadness over the loss of revenue to the tourism sector occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic however expressed joy that tour business has gradually returned with Akwa Ibom being one of the star destinations for tour operators.

    “Domestic Tourism started to come back to life towards the end of last year. I am glad to note that Akwa Ibom became one of the star destinations for tour operators. They came for the Christmas village events in December and observed that it was a great success, they found your state rich in attractions.

    “Our coming to Akwa Ibom State is not accidental. NATOP uses its AGM to promote Domestic Destinations and all our past Destinations of Choice have become viable locations for Tourism.” Abdul said.

    Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed represented by the Permanent Secretary Mrs Ifeoma Anyanwutaku in a goodwill message urged NATOP to work towards rediscovering the damaged tourism reputation of the country and urged them to increase international partnerships while adopting international best practices for networking.

    Mohammed called for increased participation from the private sector while urging stakeholders to work towards repositioning the image of the country by repackaging the country’s investment and tourism potentials.

    Other goodwill messages were received from the Lagos State Government, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism(NIHOTOUR), National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC).

  • A’Ibom job seeker murder: Gov Emmanuel tasks Police

    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.

  • A’Ibom SWAN congratulates Sports Commissioner on his reappointment

    A’Ibom SWAN congratulates Sports Commissioner on his reappointment

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN) in Akwa Ibom has lauded Governor Udom Emmanuel on the reappointment of Mr Monday Ukoh as Commissioner for Youth and Sports.

    A statement from the association on Tuesday in Uyo endorsed by State Chairman, Emmanuel Akpan described Uko’s
    reappointment to his sacrificial contributions to the development of sports in addition to the enormous successes recorded during his tenure.

    “As a critical stakeholder in the sports sector, SWAN has witnessed your untiring devotion, commitment and at all times showcasing the interest of His Excellency, Gov. Udom Emmanuel in repositioning of sports to the advantage and benefits of our teeming gifted youths.

    “We pray that your lofty plans to shore up the fortune of sports in the state will be accomplished as you return to the office despite the numerous challenges.” It said.

    SWAN also lauded Emmanuel for the confidence reposed in the commmissioner pledging to be a reliable and dedicated partner in the promotion and development of sports in the state.

  • Untitled post 30418

    Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has urged Christian faithful in the state to show love and be united towards containing the coronavirus pandemic.

    Emmanuel made the call in his Easter message to the people of the state in Uyo on Sunday.

    He said the government was forced to enforce the restriction of movement order, not to inflict pains on the people but as necessary measures to curtail the spread of the pandemic.

    He noted that the season of Easter was a period of sacrifice and love towards one another.
    “This season of love and sacrifice has come at a time when most of the world is in a lockdown as a result of the need to stop mankind from being consumed by the fatal fangs of one of the most virulent pandemics in recent history COVID-19.

    “The times have given us a new lexicon or a new-fangled phrase – social distancing, but thankfully, not love distancing.

    “We should therefore, ensure that not one person in our neighbourhood is deprived of this essential ingredient by virtue of this lockdown which circumstances have forced upon us.

    “Let us bridge the gap of social distancing with the cords of God’s love in sharing our foods and groceries with our neighbours.

    “We must continue to stand together in unity as one people having one state and worshipping only One God.

    “We must turn again to the promise of Easter which is that what God did in the resurrection of Jesus, God will do again for this blessed state,” he said.

    Emmanuel commended the health professionals, who were at the forefront of combating the Coronavirus pandemic for their sacrifice and risks taken to contain the dreaded disease.
    “To our sons and daughters who are at the battlefront of our fight to rid our state of this virus, we salute your courage and appreciate the risks that you are taking to keep our society safe.

    “We also salute the security personnel for maintaining the peace and security in our dear state, standing under scorching sun.

    “This may not be a happy Easter for them, but we know that as God rewarded the midwives of Egypt for their kindness to the children of Israel.

    “He will reward every one of them with immeasurable blessings and protection.

    “Let us pray for their safety and strength. Let us pray for the recovery of those who have contacted the virus and are receiving treatment,” he said.

    The governor reminded residents that the lockdown order and other measures already announced to contain Coronavirus were still in force, adding that residents would be notified when the measures were relaxed.