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Tag: Umo Enoh

  • Gov Eno revokes undeveloped lands at Itam Industrial Park

    Gov Eno revokes undeveloped lands at Itam Industrial Park

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has ordered the revocation of undevoped lands at the Industrial Park, Itam, Itu Local Council in a deliberate move to reactivate the park.

    Eno made the revocation yesterday during his tour of the Layout, asserting that the decision was in overriding public interest.

    “I have directed that lands within the Industrial Park at Itam, that have not been developed into industries be revoked in the overriding public interest.

    “For the people who had parcels of land there and have started calling me, please I would like to beg them to allow us do what will benefit the generality of the public.” He said.

    The governor during the tour also directed the immediate construction of healthcare center in the area after he was informed that the health post in Ikot Nkwo-Asutan has for years been rendering services in a shared accommodation with the Village Council.

    Thanking the community for providing land for the project, the governor said, “Since you have accepted development, I want to assure you that development has come into this community. In the next one week, work will commence on this site”

    The gesture, he added, was also in tandem with the “A.R.I.S.E Agenda, which harpes on agricultural revolution, rural development, infrastructural maintenance/ advancement, security management and educational advancement.

  • Eno Tasks CBN On Anti Inflation policies

    Eno Tasks CBN On Anti Inflation policies

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has enlisted the support of Central Bank Of Nigeria, CBN , towards formulating monetary policies to bring down inflation and boost the country’s economy.

    This was the hallmark of discussions with officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, led by the Director of Branch Operations Mrs Elizabeth Fasoranti, who were on a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo yesterday.

    Eno who identified inflation as the bane of development, explained that the prevailing inflation in the country has affected all aspects of life by stifling government as well as individual endeavours and called on the apex bank to look inwards with a view to ameliorating the dwindling economy to improve on the living standard of the people.

    “We appeal to the CBN to support us in terms of monetary policy formulation by doing everything to bring down the cost of inflation in our country.” He stated.

    The Governor told the CBN delegation that his government is working assiduously to transform the state to a tourist haven by consolidating on past administration’s strides in infrastructure and tourism and announced government intention to construct the road leading to the Blue River to ease assessment of the tourist site.

    “Actually, we are trying to build on the qualities that have made you to choose Uyo for the conference; to build on our tourism and hospitality potentials. That is why when people stop by to see us and ask for courtesies, we do everything to receive them.

    “It is part of sending the right signal to the world that we treat our people well, we give them respect that will endear them to come again, like you have acknowledged that you were very well received.

    “The Beach in Ibeno and the Green River; the road that leads to the place is a bit bumpy but we are working towards opening it up as part of our strategic plans to boost tourism in our State, so that as people come to work, they can also find leisure, what we have popularly call the “Happy Hour” because all works without play makes jack a dull boy.” He explained.

    While commending Fasoranti for securing a vantage position as manager in the Apex Bank , Governor Eno noted that the days when women were relegated to the background were over and congratulated other and her colleagues for making it to the echelon of their career.

    The Governor applauded the branch comptrollers of CBN for choosing Akwa Ibom for their conference, and assured of continued commitment of his government to sustaining the peaceful ambience that makes the state a destination of choice for individuals and corporate organisations.

    Earlier, Fasoranti had said that that they were in Uyo for the 43rd Conference of the 37 Branch Comptrollers of CBN and decided to call on the Governor as a mark of courtesy to inform him of their stay in the state.

    She noted the good roads network, peaceful environment, hospitable nature of the people and healthy delicacies as some rare attributes that endear Akwa Ibom to the outside world.

    Fasoranti acknowledged the state government’s collaboration with the CBN branch over the years and pledged their readiness to partner government towards achieving greater success.

    She said already the Uyo branch of the Apex Bank has undertaken renovation of primary school in Nsit Ubium, provision of portable water scheme in Ibesikpo and renovation of Ekemini Abasi orphanage in Abak as part of its Corporate Social Services in the state.

    She thanked the state government for the warm reception, even as he nursed the hope of more fruitful engagements between government and the CBN.

  • Gov Eno hails Ray Ekpu @75

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has commended celebrated journalist, Mr Ray Ekpu for his contributions to the growth of democracy and journalism in Nigeria.

    In a statement to celebrate Ekpu’s 75th birthday, the Governor described him as an iconic public intellectual and Akwa Ibom’s gift to the journalism world.

    The message which was issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh on Sunday in Uyo saluted the renowned journalist for, “all you have done to advance the practice of journalism in Nigeria; your huge contributions in advocating the issues and ideals of good governance, and your abiding love for your dear State and our capacity to ARISE and be the “Shining City Upon the Hill.

    “On this occasion of your 75th Birthday, we wish you continuous good health, a sound mind and immeasurable and unquantifiable blessings from the Almighty God.”

    Ekpu, who has edited many renowned magazines and has used his writing skills to advance the cause of democracy, good governance and human rights in Nigeria was born in Ukanafun Local Council of Akwa Ibom.

  • IbomWASH lauds Gov Eno for creation of Ministry of Water and Sanitation

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    A USAID funded Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) advocacy group, IbomWASH+ Policy Cluster Project has expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno over the announcement of the creation of a stand- alone Ministry of Water and Sanitation in Akwa Ibom.

    The Governor had announced the creation of the new ministry in a restructuring of MDAs in the state while addressing participants on the Day 3 of the Akwa Ibom Dialogue for interpretation and implementation of the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda blueprint in Uyo on Wednesday.

    In a statement in Uyo on Thursday, Project Director of IbomWASH+ Cluster, Prof Gabriel Umoh said the creation of the new ministry has been one of the major advocacies of the Cluster.

    “IbomWASH+ has been working asiduously with other stakeholders to advocate for the establishment of Ministry of Water Resources and we are happy that the Governor has hearkened to our call.

    “With the new Ministry, water resources, sanitation and hygiene issues in the State would receive the attention it deserves. We thank all who worked with IbomWASH cluster towards the realisation of this feat.

    “It is important that the WASH Policy, WASH Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, and Akwa Ibom State Open Defecation-free Roadmap which were submitted by IbomWASH cluster to Akwa Ibom State Executive Council and was referred for further discussion be approved so as to assist the new Ministry with the right tools to work with.

    “These are ancillary documents to the Water Sector Law of the State It is also our prayer that a strong team be assembled to run the new Ministry for effective service delivery and accelerated development of Akwa Ibom State.

    “We in IbomWASH cluster will continue to work with the new Ministry and other stakeholders in the WASH Sector to make sure Akwa Ibom State is top notch on matters relating to WASH.” The statement said.

    According to the new arrangement, the Ministry of Agriculture has been merged with Rural Development, a new Ministry created for Water Resources and Sanitation while Ministry of Power would function in a separate capacity.

    The Governor decried the state exclusion in water related benefits from the Federal Government and donor agencies, and told the participants that the creation of a designated Ministry for Water Resources, would fully integrate the state in the United Nations Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH Programme.

    The new ministry, Eno also said would reposition the state to implement the existing Water Law as well as tackle other water and sanitation related issues most appropriately.

    He frowned at the inability of the Ibom FADAMA Micro Finance Bank to achieve its fundamental objective of assisting farmers with credit facilities and the continuous depletion of share holders’ fund and ordered the immediate disbandment of the Management team to make way for a functional team to ensure results.

    Eno who also encouraged collaborations among MDAs, explained that a situation where parastatals remain independent and not leveraging on the works of other MDAs would be discouraged to avoid waste of time and resources.

    Impressed by the exceptional performance of the former Group General Manager of NNPC incharge of Crude Oil, Mrs Rose Eshiet, at the Sectoral Road Map Presentations of the Summit, the Governor announced her immediate appointment as Honorary Special Adviser on Oil and Gas.

    He also announced the appointment Mrs. Ime Udoh and Mr Nkereuwem Onung as Honorary Special Advisers on Culture And Tourism, while Miss Linda Umoh was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs.

  • Appointments: Don’t recycle people, CHRAN tells Tinubu, Gov Eno

    Appointments: Don’t recycle people, CHRAN tells Tinubu, Gov Eno

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s and Governor Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom to appoint fresh hands into government and avoid reappointing people who had served the country or state before.

    It has also commended the President for hitting the ground running by making policies and programmes that have the ability to impact positively on the economic fortune of Nigeria.

    CHRAN in a Press Release signed by its State Director, Mr Franklyn Isong and Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Comrade Vincent Aluu and made available to newsmen yesterday in Uyo, commended Tinubu for the dissolution of the Federal Boards and Agencies except statutory ones.

    CHRAN advised President Bola Tinubu against recycling individuals that have been in the corridors of government but, to make fresh appointments into the various MDAs adding that appointment of fresh hands would allow for fresh ideas, new strategies, zeal and vigour that would drive the governance process better.

    The group noted that only those with the right professionalism, character, competence, capacity and track record should be appointed to man the various positions, irrespective of political party affiliation, ethnicity or religion.

    It said the replacement of all the Service Chiefs would reposition and reinvigorate the security architecture of the country for efficiency.

    At the State level, CHRAN commended Eno for his vigour and honesty by inspecting ongoing projects embarked upon by his predecessors and for taking deliberate actions that would further promote peace, unity and growth of the state under his watch.

    CHRAN stated that Governor Eno’s visit to President Tinubu and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio was a step in the right direction calling on the Governor to also appoint fresh hands into MDAs recently dissolved.

    “The MDAs are the engine room of government and it takes strong institutions managed by men of great intellect and expertise for government policies to be formulated, intepreted, implemented and evaluated for better results.” It said.

    The group however advised the Governor to beware of sycophants and mediocres while putting together his team in order to succeed in the delivery of good governance to Akwa Ibom people.

  • A’Ibom: Gov Eno mules Christian Advisory Council

    A’Ibom: Gov Eno mules Christian Advisory Council

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has announced his intention to set up a christian Leadership Advisory Council to liase between the government and the christian community.

    He has also lauded religious leaders and the entire Christian Community in the state for their commitment, prayers and support during the electioneering campaigns culminating in his emergence as governor in the last general elections.

    Eno who made this known at a meeting with a cross section of religious leaders in Uyo yesterday also sued for harmony amongst them assuring that stating that every interest would be accommodated for the attainment of the much desired harmony and realization of the A.R.I.S.E agenda of his administration.

    The Governor noted that the sacrificial role of the religious leaders and that of the christian community contributed immensely to his success at the polls, stating that the meeting was organized as a mark of respect to them.

    “We have come to say thank you and to see how we can work together with the church to ensure that we are door openers through which other born again christians can access and come after us. It is our conducts as christian leaders that will determine and open doors for other christians to come after us.” He said.

    The Governor announced plans to localize this year’s Christmas Carol Festival with innovations, explaining that indigenous gospel artistes would be given opportunity to sell their creativity to the world to enable them excel.

    Speaking on behalf of the Religious leaders, Senior Pastor of the Believers Assembly Evangelical Nigeria, Prof. Isaiah Isong, expressed gratitude to God for the governor’s success at the polls and pledged unwavering support of the christian community to Eno’s administration.

  • Criticism of Gov Eno’s appointments in bad fate, says Rev Peters

    Criticism of Gov Eno’s appointments in bad fate, says Rev Peters

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    A good governance advocate and renowned clergy in the African Church, Revd Richard Peters has defended political appointments so far made by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, saying criticism of those appointments were done in bad faith.

    This is after some critics faulted the first set of appointments made on Tuesday, describing them as fallen short of public expectations in a program anchored by a private radio station monitored by our Correspondent today in Uyo

    Peters, told newsmen yesterday in Uyo that such criticisms were insensitive adding that it’s unfortunate to take on the new governor on his first set of appointments, an action he noted was his prerogative.

    “People should respect the governor’s choice of Secretary to the state government SSG, Chief Press Secretary CPS, Director of Protocol, Senior Special Assistant Media and Chief Economic Adviser because outside being his right to appoint them, those appointed are eminently qualified and have track record in thier various chosen career.

    “It is within the purview of the governor to appoint those who will help him interpret his vision for the state, and as the man at the helms of affairs in the state, the bulk stops at his table.

    “It is very clear that the Critics of his first appointments are those who tirelessly criticised and blackmail him during the electioneering campaign and did everything possible to frustrate his elevation as the governor.

    “We must not turn to arm chair critics, Gov Umo Eno like other good leaders encourage objective criticism but a descent into blind criticism of the appointments made by his few days old administration is unacceptable.” He maintained.

    Peters who is also a former aide to former Governor Udom Emmanuel intoned that for geninue development to continue, leaders should be encouraged and allowed to take decisive decisions for the benefit of the people.

    ” I know the incumbent Governor as a man who is very tolerant of critics, that was displayed by his actions and comportment during the campaigns, then he was unperturbed and now at the helms of affairs I doubt if anything has changed.

    “You can’t start assessment on a student who is less than a few days in class. It will be wiser to do so after a specific period.” He said.

    The clergy, who said the governor came prepared for governance and had on several occasions pledged to use his ARISE agenda to take the state to the next level appealed to the radio stations to control people who come air to pour vituperation on leaders in order to avoid heating up the polity.

    He also described as amusing the demand that the new governor make public his commissioners immediately when a new State House of Assembly is yet to be inaugurated stressing that it amounts to putting the cart before the horse.

    “We believe that he will appoint competent, capable and committed persons with good conscience to every position as time progresses, what is paramount now is our prayers and support.” He concluded

  • Seadogs Make Case For Protection Of Journalists

    Seadogs Make Case For Protection Of Journalists

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    The National Association of Seadogs, Atlantic Shores Deck (Eket Chapter) has called on Akwa Ibom Governor-Elect Mr Umo Eno, to uphold press freedom and protect the rights of journalists and media practitioners in the State, as an essential condition for the sustenance of democracy and its dividends.

    In a statement to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day endorsed by the Decks Cap’n, Utibe Ikot and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, the association said they remained committed to the entrenchment of a just and egalitarian society where human dignity is upheld, irrespective of tribe, religion, or creed.

    It reminded the incoming administration in the State of the need to respect their commitment and uphold their obligation to press freedom; and also provide an enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to practise their chosen profession without fear of intimidation, threats, blackmail, imprisonment,

    “This is imperative because the press provides the platform for a multiplicity of voices to be heard. At both the national, and state level, it is the public’s watchdog, activist, and guardian as well as educator, entertainer, and contemporary chronicler. Press freedom is an essential pillar to any democracy, especially that of an emerging democracy like Nigeria’s.

    “Hence, to maintain its role as a watchdog and a check on government, society and business, the media must remain vigilant and committed to the truth which requires a commitment to rigorous fact-checking, independent reporting, and a willingness to challenge the powerful.

    “Freedom of the press is a fundamental right that is essential to the functioning of a democratic society and the maintenance of other human rights.

    “As the eyes and ears of the public, journalists must be able to report upon matters of public interest without fear of arrest or other forms of interference.” The statement said.

    It however regretted that press freedom, even though enshrined in the Constitution has continually been elusive, as it has been hindered by several factors ranging from obnoxious legislation such as the Cybercrime Act, secrecy, legal pressure, monetary inducement by politicians and other interested parties, intimidation and blackmail by state and non-state actors.

    “Furthermore, the Nigerian media importantly lacks statutory institutional back-up to support media practitioners and journalists in the dispensation of their duties as the ‘4th Estate of the Realm’, and grant them access to information, and insulate them from threats of intimidation.

    “Therefore, to further strengthen press freedom and consequently, free speech, there is crucial need for increased public awareness of the nexus between press freedom and the other human rights, including the promotion of transparency, accountability, and democracy.

    “The public also needs to be conscious of the imperatives of protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring that they can operate without fear of censorship, intimidation, or violence while holding the government continually accountable for their commitment to press freedom.

    “The National Association of Seadogs, Atlantic Shores Deck (Eket Chapter) therefore salutes the doggedness and resilience of all conscientious journalists and media practitioners; and pays a glowing tribute to those journalists who have sacrificed their comfort, safety, and even lives in the exercise of their profession.” It concluded.

  • A’Ibom 2023: Arewa community drums support for PDP’s Umo Eno 

    A’Ibom 2023: Arewa community drums support for PDP’s Umo Eno 

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Arewa Community in Akwa Ibom  have endorsed the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and his running mate, Senator Akon Eyakenyi ahead of the 2023 election.

    At a grand endorsement rally in support of the PDP Gubernatorial hopeful yesterday in Uyo, Chairman, Arewa People’s Assembly, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbole and the Sarkin Hausawa, Alhaji Hassan Sadauki, who is the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council for Islamic Affairs, pledged their total support for Pastor Umo Eno and his running mate, promising to deliver bloc votes for the PDP Governorship candidate and other candidates of the party in the 2023 election.

    They hailed the current administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel for fostering peace in the State, saying the Hausa Community were desirous of the sustenance of the peace and have absolute confidence in Pastor Umo Eno’s ability to drive the peace sustenance efforts and as well consolidate on the development strides of the Udom Emmanuel administration in other sectors of the state’s economy.

    In his speech, the Arewa Leader said the Community which is a conglomeration of Northerners from the 19 Northern states in Nigeria resident in Akwa Ibom, decided to file behind Pastor Umo Eno’s aspiration, as they have found Umo Eno worthy in character and capacity to succeed Governor Emmanuel in 2023.

    “We, members of Arewa Community in Akwa Ibom State are solidly behind you. I am standing as a collateral, surety and guarantor to assure you that we will deliver bloc votes for you and to all the candidates of the PDP. He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.

    “This is a cross section of Arewa Community from 19 Northern states in Nigeria, across religious and cultural affiliation. We have come here today to attest to the fact that we have found you capable, because we can attest to your competency, character and personality and competency. You are an accomplished entrepreneur. We know you as a detribalized Nigerian. 

    “ We have mobilized our people already to vote for you. We know that with the completion agenda of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, by the time you become Governor in 2023, Akwa Ibom will become the Dubai of Africa.” Ogbole said.

    On his part, the Sarkin Hausawa, Sadauki said the Muslim Community in the State were confident in Umo Eno’s capacity, and would vote accordingly to ensure his victory at the polls.

    “We believe that by having you at the helm of affairs in the State, the bond of unity between the Muslim Community in Akwa Ibom and our hosts would deepen.” He stated.

    Others who spoke in support of Umo Eno’s candidacy including, the Deputy Sarkin Hausa, Alhaji Mohamed Ajawaji, Deputy State Imam, Mallam Ya’haya, the Sarkin Hausawa of Eket, Alhaji Ibrahim Iliya, Mrs. Deborah Usman who spoke for  the Women, affirmed their resolve to mobilize support for across board for the victory of the PDP in the forthcoming election.

    Reacting, the PDP Gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Umo Eno thanked the Arewa Community for endorsing his ambition, and promised to run an all inclusive administration and protect their interest once elected as Governor come 2023.

    He commended  members of Arewa Community for living peacefully in the State, and contributing to the development of the state, enjoining them to maintain the tempo but cautioned against engaging in acts capable of undermining the peace being enjoyed in the State.

  • Umo Enoh: Gov Emmanuel’s action undemocratic, says Unwanta

    Umo Enoh: Gov Emmanuel’s action undemocratic, says Unwanta

    As more backclash trail Governor Udom Emmanuel’s endorsement of Mr Umoh Enoh, Director General, DG, of Bassey Albert Gubernatorial Campaign Organisation, Bishop Andrew Unwanta said the Governor’s action was undemocratic and should be condemned by democrats.

    Unwanta told our correspondent in Uyo yesterday that such public show of support was immature and unhealthy and would not make for a level playing field for other aspirants.

    The DG said the national executive of the party would not be happy with such a development because the recipent of such endorsement would always receive the backing of the state and would have access to enornous funding from such government.

    Unwanta however said that not withstanding, other aspirants would go on with their campaigns while the party’s candidate would be decided at the primaries by members of the party.

    “I don’t think any party member is happy with him even at the national level. No leader does that. Party candidates are not picked, they are selected when all the people accept a particular person.

    “So, what the governor has done is very wrong. You could express body language and everybody will understand. It’s not like the party is his own in party. In party politics it is important to have as many people as possible.” He said.

    Unwanta said the campaign council of Senator Akpan have remained calm and would continue with their consultations across the state.

    “The Governor’s action is a very wrong procedure but we in the Bassey Albert’s Campaign Organisation remain calm and preparing for the primaries.

    “It is all about nomination and who the majority of the party delegates will choose. You can’t just come and nominate somebody on your own and impose the person on the party. You can’t and we won’t accept that.” He said.

    It would be recalled that the Governor’s endorsement of his Land and Water Resources Commissioner, Mr Umoh Enoh as his preferred successor have generated a lot of negative reaction from party members and residents.

    Many have viewed his action as a subtle scheme to subvert the will of the people and coarse them into supporting his choice because of his influence in the ruling PDP.