WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY: NORSEMEN VISIT IK PRISON, DONATE EDIBLES, TOILETRIES OTHERS

As part of events to commemorate the 2018 world Humanitarian Day, members of De Norsemen Kclub Incorporated (DNKI), Akwa Ibom State Chapter have donated edible items as well as disinfectants and toiletries to inmates of the Medium Security Prison in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. This was preceded by a thanksgiving service at the Living Faith Church(Winners Chapel) Itiam Edem Akai Assembly.While presenting the items to the prisoners on Sunday, 19 August 2018, the Guv'nor, DNKI, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Dr. David Umoh stated that The World Humanitarian Day is set aside by the United Nation Organization to honour humanitarian personnels and charity workers who paid the supreme prices in the line of their charitable duties. He noted that as an organization whose motto reads; "service to humanity" the Norsemen Kclub remain committed to serving the society and giving hope to the hopeless and defenseless.Dr. Umoh said the sharp increase in the population of young men and women serving in different prisons accross the nation is worrisome and advised the inmates to be of good behaviour while serving their respective terms and ultimately come out of the correctional facility reoriented and avoid acts that could redirect then to similar confinements in future. He observed that a complete rehabilitation is the only way to speed-up re-integration process when they eventually walk free.Similarly, the Secretary of the organization in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Joseph Emah noted that irrespective of what led to their incarceration, the most important thing is for them to use the period they would spend in prison for sober reflections and look up to God for strength and courage to surpass their present condition.
A Deputy Controller of Prisons Mr Stanley Njoku who was on hand to welcome members of DNKI to the facility also received the items on behalf of the inmates and thanked the organization for the donation. Also, an inmate who spoke on behalf of the rest, thanked members of De Norsemen Kclub for their benevolence and for remembering those living behind bars. He used the opportunity to appeal to the Judiciary and State Government to be merciful and grant some of them reprieve.
Items donated include; Bags of garri, rice and salt, cartons of pastas, bathing soap and washing detergents, as well as several litres of disinfectants and tissue papers.

WORLD HEALTH DAY CELEBRATION: De Norsemen Kclub Urge AKS Govt to Assent To Pending Health Bills

(L-R) Director Audit and Tenders board, DNKI, Mr. Jones Akpan; Immediate past Intl. President of De Norsemen KClub, Chief Dr. Tony Eteng; AKS/South-South Chairman, NMA Dr. Aniekeme Uwah and The Guv'nor DNKI, AKS Chapter, Dr. David Umoh. During the free medical screening exercise organized by Denorsemen Klub Incorporated to Mark the 2018 World Health Day Celebration in Uyo

The Guv'nor of De Norsemen Kclub Incorporated (DNKI) Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Dr. David Umoh JP FCAI, has called on the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel to validate health Bills  passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) since 2017. The call was made, during a one day free medical screening exercise organized by the organization, to mark the 70th World Health Day Celebration on Saturday.

Dr. David Umoh, a medical doctor, said the ratification of pending health Bills would further enhance primary health care delivery and complement the administration's laudable effort in raising the standard of secondary health care facilities across the State.  He declared that De Norsemen Kclub Incorporated, has joined the WHO's call on leaders to live up to the Sustainable Development Goals, set in 2015 to ensure 'Universal Health Coverage For everyone, everywhere' which is the theme of this 70th year anniversary. He said there is need for government to do more to ensure that every one, every where should have access to basic and affordable health services.

He urged the Akwa ibom state Governor to give more attention to the primary health care system, and assent to the 'Bill for the Establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Primary HealthCare Development Agency' and 'A Bill for the Establishment of Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme', passed by the AKHA last year..

Deworming of Children by the Guv'nor, DNKI, AKS Chapter, Dr. David Umoh

The Immediate past International President of DNKI, Chief Dr. Tony Eteng, who was the Chairman of the occasion, commended members of the organization in Akwa Ibom State, for putting together the exercise, noting that giving back to the society is one of the fundamental tenets of the Social Charity organization' whose motto reads; 'Service To Humanity'. Another member of the organization, Mr. Jones Akpan said the important of early diagnosis in disease management cannot be overemphasized and commended those who took advantage of the rare opportunity to know their health, free of all charges.

The guest Speaker at the event, and Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Akwa Ibom State/South-South, Dr. Aniekeme Uwah, commended the Guv'nor and members of De Norsemen Kclub, for organizing the free medical exercise for residents of Akpasak estate Community and said NMA is ready to collaborate with De Norsemen Kclub, in the sustained campaign for the provision of essential and affordable health care.

Participants at the one day free medical screening exercise

One of the beneficiaries of the free screening exercise and a member of the Akpasak Estate Landlords Association, Mrs. Mary Edem Akpan, applauded the leadership and members of De Norsemen Kclub, for being good neighbours, adding that the event is the first of its kind in that neighborhood. She said she will be glad to witness more of such gesture.

Services rendered at the event include; Blood pressure measurement, deworming of children  aged between 1-12 years, Blood sugar check, HIV counseling/testing and urine analysis.  

IDONGESIT ITUEN CONGRATULATES ETETIM ONUK ... Describe Him As A Stabilizing Factor In Itu

Patrick Antia

The Member representing Itu State Constituency, in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Prince Idongesit Ituen has applauded the presentation of flag by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to Barr. Etetim Onuk; the Itu Local Government's representative in the forthcoming Local government elections, expressing  that his emergence would act as a stabilizing factor in the area.

Ituen who made the revelation on Tuesdsay at his residence, when Onuk led a team to his house on an appreciation visit, also stated that with a creative and liberal person at the helms of affairs, the local government is bound to fast track to the next level. He maintained that there is need for all to come together and move Itu forward.

"I commend the Chairmanship candidate for reaching out to the people,  politics is service and you must impact on the people to maintain followership. There is need to be more inclusive and you must leave a legacy behind. I'll give you my support". he declared.

Barr. Etetim who spoke earlier said the need to formally brief his State's Constituency's representative in the state legislature cannot be overemphasized, he added that the lawmakers contribution to the growth of PDP in the area is immense, hence his decision to visit and chart a course together for a better and greater Itu Local Government Area.

In similar fashion, the Itu PDP flag bearer also visited a PDP stakeholder and immediate past members who represented Itu State's Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Dr. Mrs Ekaette Ebong Okon. He presented the flag to her and appealed to her for continued guidance and support.

Responding, Dr. Ekaette Okon commended the party's Chairmanship  candidate and his team for deeming fit to pay her such visit, she observed that Onuk's emergence is divine and urged all supporters to remain resolute and patient, as their effort shall not be in vain. She pledged to continue supporting the Itu PDP family and "propel the project to an accomplished level."

Earlier, the campaign train paid corresponding visits to Senator Anietie Okon and Obongawanwan Grace Ekong, flags were also presented to both elder statesman and their wise counsel seeked.

Those who accompanied Onuk for the visits include; Vice Chairmanship candidate, Mrs Emem Ekpanya, some Party Chapter Executives Officers, Director General and members of Itu Liberation Campaign Organization, Councillors and  Party faithfuls.

AKAN OKON SUES FOR UNITY IN ITU ...Urge Party Faithfuls To Support Udom's Reelection

Patrick Antia

Following the official flag-off of campaign activities and the  presentation of flags to Chairmanship candidates, by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State. The State's Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr. Akan Okon has urged citizens of Itu Local Government Area to shun divisive acts capable of hindering the implementation of development policies in the area.

Mr. Okon made the remarks on Thursday at Barr. Etetim Onuk's residence - venue of the reception - after the latter was presented the symbolic flag to represent the PDP in the December 2 Council polls. He said no community can achieve much if its constantly plagued with rancor and disunity.

"For the years the locust has destroyed, its time to replenish. In Itu, we will join hands and make our Local Government better and stronger. I believe things are getting better, but we must all join hands and be united for these to be achieved". He said.

The Itu born politician charged the crowd to remain resolute in their support for the PDP, tasked everyone to contribute their quota towards the success of the party in the forthcoming Local Government elections and Governor Udom Emmanuel's reelection.

Earlier, the PDP standard bearer in Itu, Barr Etetim Onuk said the time has come for Itu to take its rightful place in the society, he also stated that his administration shall be guided by no other principle except; equity and love.

"The glory of our fatherland must be restored; I, the Vice Chairmanship candidate and all 10 councillorship candidate of the PDP have resolved to work in unison, and with God on our side, we shall succeed together, in this quest to rebuild our beloved Itu". He declared.

The Vice Chairmanship Candidate; Mrs Emem Ekpanya who also spoke with our reporter corroborated Onuk's submissions, she maintained that as worthy lieutenants, the Chairman's effort towards the growth of Itu shall be complemented by myself and the Councillors.

ITU PDP CANDIDATE PROMISE TO REACTIVATE BURSARY AND SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME ...As Students Group Sponsor Printing Of Campaign Posters

By Patrick Antia

The Chairmanship candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Itu Local Government Area, Barr Etetim Onuk has restated his desire to reactivate the payment of bursary and grants to students studying in institutions of higher learning.

Onuk made made the promise last week, while addressing  students of Itu extraction, under the aegis  of Itu Student's Worldwide; who were on a solidarity visit to his Campaign organization's liaison office in Uyo. He also pledged to set up an effective scholarship program aimed at supporting deserving and brilliant students of Itu - at all level - in their academic pursuit.

"The future of Itu rests on these young shoulders, and education is the bedrock of capital or human development, hence our policy - as contained in our 13 point agenda - to support students in their scholarly endeavors. Your vision is in tandem with mine, so your visit serves as a reminder to my pledge." He said.

The PDP flag bearer who charged them to spread the message of peace and love also advised them to study diligently and stay of cultism and every other crime. He warned them not to indulge in the aforementioned act, as it would be a license to self destruction. He thereafter promised that apart from consistent disbursement of academic grants like bursary and scholarships, his administration would seek ways to engage the unemployed youth, with a view to empower them sustainably.

Mr. George Akpan, the PDP Councillorship candidate for ward 5 in Itu Local Government Area and one time Vice President of Itu Students 'Worldwide' applauded their kind gesture towards Barr. Onuk's political ambition and reassured them that with Onuk in charge, the students of Itu will no longer be denied bursary, scholarships and study grants.

In an address read by the the President , Itu students 'Worldwide', Comrade Abraham Umoh, the group said Barr Onuk's emergence is 'divine' and stated that the December 2 Local Government elections shall be a walk over for him and the People's Democratic Party In Itu Local Government, as the partyy has fielded credible and generally accepted candidates.

The group described Etetim Onuk as one who has the interest of his people at heart, offered to be part of his electioneering campaign team and promised to mobilize support for all the PDP candidates in Itu. They used the opportunity to intimate the Itu Liberation Campaign organization that they are all members of the Student's wing of the Intensive Transformation Union (I.T.U.) and formally presented copies of campaign posters sponsored by Itu Student's Worldwide.

Members of the student group who witnessed the event include:  Abel Simon Akpan, Chapter President Uyo City Polytechnic;  Enameti Usenata Udo, Direcor of Sports Worldwide; Comrade Happiness Emmanuel Eyibio, Vice President Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (Akwapoly)/ Welfare officer Worldwide: Mfonobong Bassey Udang, Director for Protocol Worldwide; Victor Ekong, Chapter President Akwa Ibom State College of Education Afaha Nsit and Udok Udok Iwatt, Secretary Worldwide.

Others are , Idongesit Asuquo Effiong, Financial Secretary Worldwide; Abasiakan Udi Chapter President Akwapoly/ Vice Chairman ii Worldwide; Itoro Akpan, Chapter President, University of Calabar and Oduduabasi Isaac, Chapter president, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

LG POLL: ITU MONARCH URGE CANDIDATES TO BE UNITED

By Patrick Antia

The paramount ruler of Itu Local Government, His Majesty, Edidem Dr. Edet Akpainyang has advised candidates from the area, vying for positions on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the December 2 elections to remain united and continue working as a family and put the interest of the Community first.

The Traditional ruler made the declaration on Friday at his palace, when the PDP Chairmanship candidate in the Local Government, Barr. Etetim Onuk led every other candidate of his party in the area on a courtesy visit to him.

Edidem Akpainyang who commended the candidates for deeming it fit to seek the blessings of the royal fathers applauded their oneness. He said the importance of peace, love and unity amon them cannot be underestimated. He advised them to replicate same attitude if they eventually make it to the Council, adding that its the panacea for a better and stronger Itu Local government.

Earlier, Barr. Etetim Onuk who spoke on behalf of the candidates said the visit was meant to intimate the Traditional rulers of their achievements so far and brief them on future plans. He opined that as loyal citizens of Itu, they owe the royal fathers that obligation and reiterated their resolve to build a fairer and egalitarian society.

Barr. Onuk who stated that they could not have continued without seeking the support and blessings of the traditional rulers, pointed out that the importance of maintaining close links with the traditional stool cannot be overemphasized. He promised to ensure his team remain bonded by love, mutual respect and equity.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the council and clan head of Itam Clan, Etebom Donald Uboh commended the candidates vying for the respective positions that make up the third tier of governance, describing their visit to the palace as a ' a wise move and warned against infighting which he said could derail the budding relationship among the PDP candidates in Itu.

The high point of the event was the prayer session, where the traditional rulers prayed for God's protection, guidance and wisdom for the candidates in their respective endeavors.

Others who witnessed the event include; The Vice Chairmanship Candidate, Mrs. Emem Ekpanya, The Director General, Itu Liberation Campaign Organization and former Vice Chairman  of Itu Local Government Area; Hon. Victor Nyong.

Councillorship candidates who attended the events are, Helen Nta, ward 1; Felix Okokon Andem, ward 2; Ifiok Ekpenyong, ward 3; Ime Victor Etim, ward 4; George Akpan, ward 5 and Bokime Ededem Udo of ward 6.

Others include, Peace Okokon, ward 7; Otobong Ekong, ward 8;  Bassey Bassey, ward 9 and Inibehe Nyong of ward 10.

TRAFFIC COP MOBBED IN UYO FOR MOLESTING MARRIED WOMAN

              

The accused policeman

A policeman, attached to the traffic Department of the Akwa Ibom State Police command was allegedly beaten up by an irate crowd in Uyo on Tuesday, this followed  an allegation leveled  against him by a middle aged  lady who claimed the traffic cop sexually molested her and threatened to impound her vehicle if she does not follow him to a hotel for the purpose of sexual gratification.

The accused policemen whose name tag read;  Godstime .G, with serial number 9982 is assigned to a unit of traffic wardens, stationed around the Nsikak Eduok axis of the IBB round about, was allegedly "beaten up" by the group of youth who were attracted to the scene by the woman's strident objection to the method of
 settlement recommended by the officer.

According to an eye witness who did not want his name on print, The woman supposedly arrived the scene at about 11:30am, the company of her husband who tried to talk to the accused policeman, according to him, the traffic warden responded in an aggressive manner, leading to a scathing exchange of words.

Our anonymous source disclosed that the incident escalated when the woman who was allegedly harassed attempted to capture the officers face using her phone. According  to him, Godstime threatened to seize her phone and attempted to hit her, and the visibly aggravated crowd that had gathered descended on him.
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The policeman sustained injuries to his face and head, as blood was reportedly seen dripping from lacerations on his head and face.

"This particular policeman has a long list of complains, bothering on sexual harassment of female traffic offenders, and that is probably the reason those policemen attached to the Eagle patrol team that is permanently stationed on the other side of the road refused to come to his aid." Our source said.

When contacted, the Akwa Ibom State's Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana said he is unaware of such incident, as neither the said  policemen nor the woman has made a formal complain. Hence, cannot confirm the veracity of the story.