House directs relief agencies to assist victims of fire outbreak

Moved by the hardship faced by victims of recent fire disasters in two fishing communities of Ibeno and Mbo local government areas, the Akwa Ibom State House Assembly has directed the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA,  and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to immediately send relief materials to the people of Utong and Ibaka fishing settlements. The House has also called on officials in the office of the Deputy Governor responsible for emergency management and disaster relief to respond swiftly to the needs of victims of the fire incidents which led to the destruction properties worth millions of naira according to lawmakers representing the two affected constituencies. The resolution of the House was passed on Tuesday sequel  to a matter of urgent public importance brought before the assembly by members representing Esit Eket/Ibeno, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh and his colleague from Mbo, Hon. Samuel Ufuo. The lawmakers had informed the Speaker that the sad development occurred last week  in their constituencies, and prayed the House to take urgent steps to ameliorate the sufferings faced by the people of the areas. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh stated that the fire outbreak which occurred at Utong fishing settlement in Iwuochang, Ibeno local government area, on Friday, 12th February, 2016 at about 2am has rendered over 500 people homeless and destroyed properties worth million of naira. The Mbo representative, Hon. Ufo, told the  House that the fire incident in his constituency occurred at Ibaka fishing settlement last week destroying properties and rendering many homeless. He pleaded the House to intervene with a view of stopping a re-occurrence. The lawmaker therefore urged the state government to establish a fire station  at Ibaka. In his reaction, the Speaker,  Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, sympathised with the people of the two fishing communities and called on the state fire service  to register their presence in remote communities especially fishing settlements in order  to prevent  a repeat  of such disaster anywhere in the state. He directed relevant federal and state agencies responsible for emergency and disaster relief  to reach out to the  affected communities in Mbo and Ibeno to cushion the effects of the disaster

Esit Eket Frontline Youth Leaders Excited Over Udom’s Supreme Court Victory … Says Victory Is For The Masses

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A pro-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth group,the Esit Eket Frontline Youth Leaders (EFYL), has said that shouts of jubilations erupted in Esit Eket Local Government Area on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, following the ruling of the Supreme Court which retained Mr. Udom Emmanuel as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

The group said while members of the ruling PDP in the state were celebrating the victory and those of the All Progressive Congress (APC) wearing long faces of morose, it acknowledged the forthrightness and patriotism of the Justices of the Supreme Court in upholding the will of the people of the state.

EFYL in a statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Akan Etteudo and Imossam Okodi, said the Supreme Court has given hope to the hopeless despite threats by enemies of progress, adding that Governor Emmanuel’s victory is another sign that, after all said and done, the country's judiciary is still the best and a victory for one is victory for all.

The statement further said supporters of Governor Emmanuel were seen in groups all over the Local Government Area hailing the verdict, stressing that “As future leaders and good ambassadors of Akwa Ibom State, we, the youths of Esit Eket, firmly believe in Nigeria’s judiciary anchored on transparency and equity.”

The youth group further commended the all-accommodating leadership style of Elder Benji Udobia; the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Aniefiok Iwaudofia, stressing that their unwavering support for the Governor during the court matter was incredible. The group said they are “confident of them and we know they will continue to lead us well.” 

EFYL noted that Governor Emmanuel was in the hands of the Supreme God particularly when the opposition candidate and his supporters were boasting of their grasp of the federal might. 

“But the Supreme Court is not where anyone can be boasting of any might, especially when the Supreme God was in charged. We only relied on our Supreme God and He answered us and put to shame those who wanted to steal our mandate by force," the statement stressed.

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LIGHT/DARKNESS: A DISPARITY INDUCED SERMON. BY TOROBONG EKPO.

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I may not know what the General Overseer of Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo meant by saying that, Supreme Court Judgment was a celebration of light over darkness. I don’t also know, if it was a prophetic utterance or it came as a result of excitement.

 ‎For a cleric of that magnitude to utter such statement, I guess, it calls for additional explanation. Atleast, Oyedepo ought to have informed the crowd who among Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and Umana Okon Umana was Light and Darkness.

 ‎So if someone feels cheated in an election, such person, shouldn’t seek redress in court of law in order not to be branded as Darkness? What is this darkness all about? To me, I see the analogy of ‘Light’ and ‘Darkness’ as a platform to cause untold disparity between two brothers. I had expected us, including clergies, to proffer means of uniting the duo, instead of instigating crises.

 ‎When Obong Umana Okon Umana visited Winners Chapel Ikot Ebido, Uyo, during the Thanksgiving service of Obong Paul Ekpo, such analogy didn’t surface. When his wife, Florence donated financial assistance for the Mega Church spiritual gathering in Lagos, she was not seen as Light or Darkness. Then why are we preaching disparity induced sermon?

 ‎I understand that, Akwa Ibom State, since 2007, is seen as “Australlian league” to outsiders. It is a place, where foreigners are celebrated. It is a place where outsiders ‘stake’ their last money, knowing fully that, they will gain in billions despite dwindling oil prices.

 I‎t is only in Akwa Ibom State, that Lagos Based comedians, artists among others are paid in Dollar, whereas gifted talented ones from our dear state are treated like houseboys.

 I‎ wouldn’t want to dwell much on this sermon by David Oyedepo, because God has mandated me, not “To touch his anointed nor do his prophet no harm”. Though, there is no criterion to measure who is qualified to be seen as the Lord’s anointed, it behooves on men of God, to ensure that, their sermons, do not cause disaffection between brothers.

 ‎Umana Okon Umana is a devout member of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Dominion Model, parish, Uyo, where his wife is also a worker in the same Church. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel is a Deacon in the United Evangelical Church, thus, no one should portray them in a derogatory manner.

 ‎If UOU had won the case, myriads of pastors would have joined him, in the celebration, including Oyedepo. The utterances of some of our pastors during sermon, is part of the reasons, why some people dole out unprinted words on them.

 ‎We should pray for spiritual maturity while on podium. When Pastor Enoch Adeboye, visited Akwa Ibom State, he left the stadium without making controversial statement aimed at causing disparity and enmity within natives of Akwa Ibom State.  

 I ‎feel embarrassed as I observed volumes of unprinted words directed to Pastor Oyedepo. I became ashamed after noticing that, the disparity was spread on the internet by supporters of Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

 ‎I see why Moslems don’t respect us. No Imam will pronounce such disparity statement between two Moslems worshippers. No Islamic preacher will instigate crises between two of its members.

 ‎Udom Gabriel Emmanuel should do away with this excess celebration. He should know that, those comparing his manifestoe with the reality on ground are more than those who are carried away by this wanton celebration.

 ‎He should know that, the money used in these celebrations would have provided official vehicles for his appointed SAs and PAs, who are currently suffering and smilling.

 ‎Both UOU and UGE are symbols of light; no one should portray them as DARKNESS. Politics has come and gone, it is time for governance. Hence, Udom should brace up, for the task ahead. I repeat, those monitoring and critically assessing his leadership strides are more than sycophants. We don’t need religion politics at the moment.

 ‎His second term will be determined by his performance in the first term. Even when Godswill Akpabio won James Iniama during his 2007, he didn’t stop the productivity of the state, by declaring a public holiday.

 ‎UGE should concerntrate and know that, each working day, brings financial blessings to the state, thus, the act of declaring a full day, as public holiday, just for Supreme Court Thanksgiving has crippled our state economy and to a large extent was uncalled for.

 ‎The cash Internally Generated revenue, would have generated on Wednesday, would have gone a long way, in creating a small scale industry, which in turn, would have taken our youths off the street.

 ‎I perceive Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as intelligent fellow; his body language shouldn’t make me to think otherwise.‎

SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT: AKHA SPEAKER, MEMBERS CONGRATULAT UDOM

Members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have congratulated Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel on the recent validation of his election by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

In a resolution passed on Tuesday, the House commended President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and other Judges of the Supreme Court for upholding the independence and integrity of the country's judiciary.

The resolution of the House is sequel to an information brought before the assembly during plenary by the member representing Ukanafun, Hon. Otobong Jonathan, who urged the House to formally send a congratulatory message to the governor on the affirmation of his election by the apex court.

Hon. Jonathan said the Supreme Court ruling has reaffirmed the wishes of the people of the state who voted overwhelmingly for Governor Udom Emmanuel in the April 2015 governorship election. In their contributions, members of the House spoke unanimously in support of the congratulatory message describing it as well deserved. On her part, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey, said the victory of Deacon Udom Emmanuel has strongly sent the message that Akwa Ibom State is not for sell.

Also contributing, the member representing Urueofong Oruko, Hon. Asuquo Archibong of the APC congratulated the governor noting that the legal battle has been fought and won, and described Governor Emmanuel’s victory as the will of God. He said: “I can remember that the governor said that the Supreme God will take his case to the Supreme Court and that is what has happened. Power is not by our making, but it is of God. I totally align my self with my colleagues to congratulate His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel on his victory”.

Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Nse Essien described the information raised by his Ukanafun colleague as worth celebrating, and used the opportunity to congratulate the electorate whom he noted voted for the governor regardless of party lines in the last election. While thanking  the Supreme Court for upholding the independence of the judiciary, the ONNA lawmaker commended President Buhari for allowing the judiciary assert its independence.

Others who spoke included, Hon. Otobong Ndem, Barr. Ime Okon, and Rt. Hon. Nse Ntuen described the ruling as victory for democracy, and enjoined those in the opposition party to sheathe their swords and embrace the olive branch extended to them by the governor.

Reacting, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke commended the judiciary for proving itself to be the last hope of the common man. He thanked President Buhari for not interfering in judicial matters.

 

MDGs Counterpart Funding : AKHA Approves Governor Udom’s Request for 600million Naira loan

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a resolution authorizing the state executive to obtain a loan facility of Six Hundred Million Naira for the purpose of paying the state’s counterpart funding for the execution of Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, projects across the state.

This is sequel to a request forwarded in a letter by the Governor, Mr udom Emmanuel, to the lawmakers seeking their approval for the executive to access the bank loan to enable Akwa Ibom meet its counterpart obligation. Motion for the receipt of the governor’s message was moved by the Chief Whip Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong Akpan and seconded by Hon. Mrs. Mfon Ekong. In their debate, Rt. Hon. Udo Kerian (Oruk Anam), Hon. Mark Esset (Nsit Atai), Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh (Esit Eket/Ibeno), Hon. Samuel Ufo (Mbo), Idongesit Ituen (Itu) and Rt. Hon. Nse Ntuen (Essien Udim) all spoke in favour of the governor’s request.

The members urged their colleagues to approve the loan to enable rural dwellers benefit from the MDG projects which they noted are meant to touch lives.

Leading the debate on the governor’s request, the House leader, Rt. Hon. Udo Kerian, explained that it was necessary for his colleagues to grant the loan to enable rural communities in the state benefit from life-touching projects such as healthy facilities, market buildings, school structures, among others.

Member representing Nsit Atai state constituency, Hon Mark Esset, said the loan is being requested at a time that the current administration has raised the bar in governance especially in the area of prompt payment of salaries. Hon Idongesit Ituen of Itu state constituency urged that the fund be approved since the state needs to join other communities in the world where the trend has moved from development goals to sustainable development goals.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke agreed with his colleagues on the need for the state legislature to approve the request for the loan facility saying it is in view of the fact that MDGs projects in the state have helped citizens and residents especially in the area of poverty alleviation.

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I'll BOOST IKOT ABASI ECONOMY - Engr. IDEMUDO

A Local Government Chairmanship aspirant, Engr. Ubong Clement Idemudo has assured the people of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of his intentions to, amongst other policies - fast track the economic growth of the area, through the holistic exploration of the natural endowment that abound if he is voted into office.

Idemudo who stated this in Uyo, during and interactive session with newsmen pointed out that since Ikot Abasi is bounded by water, he plans to negotiate with the relevant agencies, with a view to introducing specialized trainings for sons and daughters of the area, who are interested in the maritime sector. He pledged to ensure they receive training in; oil and gas exploration, seafaring and navigation, boatbuilding as well as seafood production and preservation.

The Ete born Mechanical Engineer, who also promised that after the rehabilitation of moribund industries like the oil processing mill, palm kernel and other industries in the area. The elders will be entrusted with the management of such facilities.

A one time Student Unionist at the University of Uyo, ALSCON, and later SEPTER ENERGY workers Union leader and NUPENG leader, reiterated his desire to carry all along, including the women whom he said will be integrated into the main stream of the economy of the Local Government.

"I believe that with the support of my people, especially the youths, i will win the elections, i urge all to shun all political factions, lets join hands and move our Ikot Abasi forward." he said.

NDDC Donates 500-Bed Hostel To UUTH

THE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated a 500-bed space prototype hostel facility to medical students of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

Speaking during the commissioning on Saturday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the NDDC Managing Director, Bassey Dan Abia, said the gesture was in furtherance of the agency’s role to provide intervention in infrastructural development in states within the zone.

Abia, who recalled that the project was awarded 10 year ago, said his administration was determined to complete as many uncompleted projects embarked upon by the commission as possible, one of which was another hostel facility in the University of Uyo main campus, billed to be commissioned in the next three months.

Such determination, according to him, had resulted in the completion of nine prototype hostels across the Niger Delta States.

While pledging a donation of a 500 KVA transformer to power the facility and the community, the NDDC boss, however, appealed to the host community, Usse Ikot Ebio, to protect and not vandalise the facilities.

In her remarks, Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Comfort Ekpo, commended the commission for various interventions for the institution.

She, however, appealed for more reliable security measures on the donated facility to guarantee safety of the medical students.

In her words: “We sincerely appreciate this 500 bed space facility, the access road and the 275 KVA generator. But, I want to note that there is absence of essential security in the facility.

“The students need burglary protection in all doors, windows and openings. The perimeter fence should be completed, two security posts and metal protection for all drain channels, mosquito nets, drying lines, etc. These will cost about N55m”.

She called for government’s intervention on the university land,

which she reported had been encroached on by communities across the four campuses of the institution, namely; Main campus, Annex, Town campus and the hostel facility with about 20 per cent encroachment.

She, therefore, appealed to the state government to assist the institution to secure Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to avert future encroachment.

Represented by the State Deputy Governor, Moses Ekpo, the Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel, commended NDDC for investing in the health development of the state.

He assured that the 20th anniversary hospital recently commissioned by the state government would also enhance training facilities for the medical students in the state.

The governor, who reacted to the complaints by the community about non-payment of compensation, and the University of Uyo management of land encroachment, pledged to continue to mediate between them to ensure harmonious relationship, therefore called for a meeting with the community leaders.