Rt Hon Cletus Ekpo Emerges Akwa Ibom NALGON Chairman

••• Promises a new dawn for peace, unity, national cohesion

The National Association of Former Local Government Council Chairmen in Nigeria (NALGON) has announced the emergence of Rt Hon Cletus Ekpo, former two-term Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government Council, as its Akwa Ibom State Chairman.

Ekpo’s emergence was confirmed during the inauguration of the One Nigeria Project by the National Association of Former Elected Local Government Council Chairmen in Nigeria (NALGON EMERITUS), held yesterday, at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja. The event attracted an impressive array of national leaders, development advocates and stakeholders committed to strengthening unity across the federation.

The One Nigeria Project, led by a national team headed by His Excellency Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari as Chairman; Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Board of Trustees; and Rt Hon Shaba Ibrahim, National Chairman of NALGON EMERITUS, among others, is conceived as a long-term platform for healing old divides, promoting peaceful coexistence, and enhancing collaboration among Nigeria’s diverse communities.

In a chat with newsmen shortly after his swearing-in, Rt Hon Ekpo said the One Nigeria Project stands above tribe, faith and region, stressing that “whether Christian or Muslim, North, South, East or West, this country belongs to all of us.”

He commended the Federal Government for ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening national stability, saying the One Nigeria Project will complement those efforts by deepening community trust, encouraging dialogue, and cultivating shared responsibility at the grassroots.

Ekpo added that his leadership in Akwa Ibom will embark on a comprehensive sensitization campaign across the local government areas to preach One Nigeria as well as focus on programmes that promote peacebuilding, civic engagement, and mutual respect. 

He stressed that the initiative offers a timely opportunity to re-awaken the values of unity and collective purpose, assuring that the state chapter will work closely with the national structure to champion activities that reflect the true spirit of a united Nigeria.

With his inauguration, expectations are high that NALGON in Akwa Ibom will help chart a new course for harmony, bridge-building and national understanding, reinforcing the broader push for a more cohesive and peaceful country.

Mary Slessor–Akan Glo Foundation Empowers 800 Multiple-Birth Families as Mary Slessor Day Is Marked

 

… Progenitor Dr Glory Edet Assures Expanded Outreach In 2026

The Mary Slessor–Akan Glo Foundation on Tuesday staged a remarkable humanitarian outreach as it commemorated the birth of Mary Mitchell Slessor, the Scottish missionary whose courage ended the killing of multiple-birth children and the banishment of their mothers in Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Abia States.

At a well-attended event held at Ibom Hall grounds, Uyo, the Progenitor of the Foundation, Dr Glory Edet, presented empowerment equipment, including sewing machines, hair dryers, ovens and complete accessories, to parents of multiple births earlier sponsored for vocational training by the Foundation.

Our Correspondent reports that the gesture drew wide commendation, not only for its scale but for its consistency. Since inception, the Mary Slessor–Akan Glo Foundation has taken the front seat in humanitarian service, especially for women and vulnerable groups across different age brackets. Its programmes have focused on helping ordinary women acquire skills, stand on their feet, and become meaningful contributors to their families and communities.

However, Tuesday’s event carried the same signature. Beyond the equipment handover, more than 800 multiple-birth families received food and non-food support items, a lifeline many beneficiaries described as timely, transformative, and reflective of the Foundation’s culture of compassion.

Dr Edet, who is the former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Akwa Ibom State, said the outreach was designed not merely to honour Mary Slessor’s legacy, but to deepen the culture of protecting and uplifting families who once suffered cultural hostility. She noted that multiple-birth households often face heightened economic pressure, and the Foundation will continue to open opportunities that ease their burden.

The University Don reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to sustaining structured empowerment programmes, targeted welfare interventions, and continuous skill-support initiatives designed to help women attain stability, dignity, and economic relevance. She added that these efforts complement the superlative performance of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, whose administration has consistently demonstrated deep interest in humanitarian and gender-focused development across the state.

Meanwhile, the Foundation says it will expand its outreach in 2026, with new clusters of skill incubation, small-business support, and welfare programmes already being designed for rollout across the state.

Ekpri Nsukara Offot Condemns Campaign of Calumny Against Eteidung Asikpo By Aggrieved Losers in The Village Headship Contest

 

Eteidung Asikpo

...As Uyo High Court Slams Serial blackmailer, Others With N3m Damages*

The Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village Council has again strongly condemned the continuous ill-motivated campaign of calumny against Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo by one Udeme Eyo Asuquo, operating under an amorphous group, Voice of Liberation Network (VLN). 

The community says the said Udeme Eyo Asuquo, acting on behalf of himself and others, had soon, after his group lost out in the race to have their desired aspirant to emerge as the village head in 2023, consistently embarked on the mission of spewing falsehood and writing unfounded petitions against Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo. 

"Since then, Udeme Eyo Asuquo and his group have taken it upon themselves to concoct, instigate, fabricate and raise non-existent happenings against Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo in a bit to tarnish his reputation and cause crisis in the community with the sole intention to have him removed from the throne," the community leaders stated. 

In a statement on Saturday, November 29, 2025, Comrade Morris Silas Bassey, Chairman, Village Council; Elder Domingo Bassey Etim, Secretary, Village Council and Mr. Pius Okon, Youth President of the Village, therefore urged members of the public to disregard a news report published in an online media - the Sahara Reporters of Thursday, November 27, captioned "Akwa-Ibom Residents Petition Tinubu, Accuse Police Officers, Village Heads Of Land-Grabbing, Attempted Murder. "

According to the community, the mastermind of the online news reports won't be anyone else other than Udeme Eyo Asuquo as the name of his group, Voice of Liberation Network (VLN), is mentioned as the petitioner. 

The community recalled that Udeme Eyo Asuquo had equally sent a petition to the Deputy Inspector General of Police on February 27, 2025, which led to the unlawful arrest and detention of Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo from March 8 - 12, 2025 at both the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the Police Headquarters in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

"However, the petitioner Udeme Eyo Asuquo was unable to provide any tangible evidence to buttress any of the allegations, which caused the Police authorities to release Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo, and then requested the Paramount Ruler of Uyo to look into any dispute between the parties.  Surprisingly, Udeme Eyo Asuquo failed to show up on the date the case was fixed. Again, after being granted the request for adjournment, he still dishonoured the traditional council by failing to appear on another hearing date," they stated. 

The community said Udeme Eyo Asuquo still came up with another Shenanigan, by raising fresh petition again Eteidung Asikpo to the Police Headquarters in Abuja, leading to another round of arrest, and yet he could not substantiate his claims. 

The community added that upon sensing his possible interdiction for his ignoble activities, Udeme Eyo Asuquo absconded from the Police headquarters and abandoned the matter only to resurface now with cooked up information to the online media outlet, Sahara Reporters.

The community officers warned Udeme Eyo Asuquo to desist forthwith from his penchant of recycling false allegations against the village head and by extension the entire village, and to accept the reality that kingship comes from God. 

Meanwhile, an Uyo High Court presided over by His Lordship Hon. Justice Bassey J. Ekanem has given judgement in a suit filed by Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo against Udeme Eyo Asuquo, Inspector David Etim, Furtune Bassey and others, seeking for the enforcement of his right to dignity of human person, right to personal liberty and right to freedom of movement as guaranteed under sections 34(1), 35(1) and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

The Court upheld that that the arrest and detention of  Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo for a period of five days without trial amounted to an infringement of his personal liberty under section 35(1) and his freedom of movement under section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. It held that the Police misuse of its powers was at the instigation of Udeme Eyo Asuquo. 

The Court stated that "while the Police have a duty to investigate criminal complaints, this duty must be exercised judiciously and not be allowed to become an instrument for civil coercion."

"Having considered the totality of the facts and circumstances of this case, and guided by relevant authorities and constitutional provisions, I find and hold that the complaint made by the 1st respondent (Udeme Eyo Asuquo) to the Police was malicious and made without reasonable or probable cause. 

"A detention period of five days is clearly unconstitutional, being far beyond the 48-hour limit. No remand order was shown to exist, nor was any compelling justification offered by the Respondents. In my respectful view, this constitutes a grave and flagrant breach of the Applicant's right to liberty guaranteed under Section 35 of the Constitution.

"From the totality of the evidence and the law, it is clear that both the arrest and subsequent detention of the Applicant were unlawful. The arrest was effected without adherence to due process or reasonable suspicion supported by facts, while the detention exceeded the constitutional time limit without lawful justification. The actions of the Respondents, therefore, amounted to an arbitrary and unconstitutional violation of the Applicant's fundamental rights. Accordingly, this issue is resolved in favour of the Applicant," the judge ruled.

The Court, accordingly awarded damages in the sum of N1million against Udeme Eyo Asuquo for violation of the applicant's fundamental human rights and also awarded N2milion against Inspector David Etim and Fortune Bassey, jointly and severally for violation of the Applicant's constitutional rights. 

It also granted injunction restraining the Respondents, their agents and servants from further harassing, intimidating, or threatening to arrest and detain the Applicant in connection with the subject matter of this case.

2026 Budget: ATTAH APPLAUDS 75% CAPITAL ALLOCATION

•••Says Gov Eno Has Set Akwa Ibom on a Path of Real Economic Expansion

Akparawa Johnson Attah, a maritime expert and Managing Director of Calakwa Integrated Services, has hailed Governor Umo Eno for devoting 75 percent of the 2026 budget to capital expenditure, describing it as the most decisive step toward unlocking the State’s economic potential in the coming fiscal year.

Akparawa Attah

Speaking with newsmen yesterday, shortly after the Governor presented the ₦1.39 trillion 2026 budget, Attah said his 25 years of active participation in Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector had given him enough exposure to understand the economic value of a capital-heavy budget such as the one proposed. He noted that the Governor’s decision to push ₦1.035 trillion into capital projects was the clearest indicator that infrastructure-led growth remains the anchor of development roadmap of the State.

Attah opined that the Governor’s emphasis on roads, health, education, and other key sectors will trigger multiplier effects that will stimulate private investments, cut production costs, and enhance the State’s competitiveness.

The Ukpum Minya in Mkpat Enin born politician observed that once critical roads and infrastructure are completed, the State will experience smoother movement of goods and services, improved market access for farmers, and faster turnaround time for local businesses.

Johnson Attah eulogized Governor Eno for making the budget to reflect the aspirations of citizens captured during the Town Square Meetings. He noted that such a bottom-up approach aligns with the ARISE Agenda and allows government interventions to meet real community needs rather than imagined priorities.

He said he was particularly pleased that the administration allocated significant resources to rural infrastructure, describing it as a deliberate move that will curb rural–urban migration and stabilize local economies. He added that Mkpat Enin, like other local government areas, stands to gain immensely from the Governor’s commitment to equitable project distribution.

Attah noted that the Governor’s strong emphasis on agriculture, including mechanized farming, processing hubs, and the palm tree revolution, was in line with global best practices for sustainable growth. He said these interventions, when combined with the proposed capital investments, will create a more resilient economy capable of withstanding external shocks.

The maritime expert argued that the budget’s focus on education and health demonstrates the administration’s commitment to building a productive population, especially with allocations targeted at model schools, model healthcare centers, and community-based facilities across the 31 LGAs.

He maintained that Governor Eno’s decision to strengthen rural electrification, feeder roads, water schemes, and SME expansion would further deepen economic activities at the grassroots and directly improve the living standards of rural households.

While expressing optimism that 2026 will mark a major turning point for development trajectory in the State, Attah appealed to stakeholders, private investors, and development partners to rally behind the Governor, maintaining that a capital-driven budget of this nature deserves broad-based support to achieve maximum impact.

NUC Approves Commencement Of Law Programme For AKSU

Nigeria’s university regulatory agency, National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the commencement of law degree at the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU). 

The approval for the establishment of a full-time mode of the LL.B. Law programme, to be run at the Main Campus of the University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, takes effect from 2025/2026 academic sessions. 

The NUC has accordingly directed AKSU to ensure that the programme operates only with the approved title and nomenclature, and that whenever any change is required, the approval of the Commission must be obtained. 

“The University is enjoined to provide adequate human and material resources for the development and growth of the approved programmes in line with the provision of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the Nigerian University System,” the NUC stated in its approval letter to the university.

The Vice Chancellor of AKSU, Prof. Otoabasi Etim Akpan, who disclosed this in an interview in Uyo on Monday, described the NUC’s approval as a positive development for the state owned university.

“I am very happy to let you know that our desire to offer law programme in our university has received the approval of the nation’s university regulatory agency, the National Universities Commission (NUC). And it is effective from this 2025/2026 academic sessions,” he said beaming with smile.  

According to Prof Akpan, the approval resulted from a resource verification visit conducted by NUC something ago to the main campus of the university at Ikot Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State by a panel of experts who assessed the human and material resources available for the establishment of the proposed programme.

He said the university successfully met all the requirements of the NUC during the verification visit, leading to their outright consideration to approve the commencement of a law programme in the institution. 

However, the vice chancellor said the approval does not cover the part-time mode of delivery of the programme, explaining that before such is commenced, the commission has to approve based on valid request and subsequent verification. 

Prof. Akpan, a cerebral academic, reiterated that his vision and development plans for AKSU, is to make it research-centric and to consolidate the transformation of the state-owned varsity into a globally competitive institution.

While advancing why the varsity is emerging as a leading global research-centric citadel of knowledge, the vice chancellor affirmed that they have robust exchange programmes with highly rated universities worldwide.

“So right away, the vision is to develop Akwa Ibom State University to such an extent that the stakeholders, and most especially the students and graduates, will feel that, after all, even though they are educated in Nigeria at the tertiary level, they can easily compare themselves with others outside the country, and that means that we're going to operate a research-centric university, because these days, it is research that points out what you need to do. And universities exist to solve problems. You cannot say that you know everything until you have findings from research outcomes. So for us, that's the way to go,” he stated.

Sahara Reporters Lied, Says Company As 2023 Akwa Ibom Former Guber Candidate Emem Coffie Exonerated On Alleged Property Dispute

 

Reticulated Global Engineering Limited has exonerated its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. (Dr) Emem Coffie, MFR, of allegations published by Sahara Reporters regarding a property transaction at Palma Royale Estate, Wuye, Abuja. The company described the report as a reckless, one-sided publication aimed at tarnishing the image of a reputable professional and misleading the public.

In a detailed press statement issued by the company’s management, Reticulated Global Engineering explained that the said beneficiary, Miss Benedicta Akpana, was duly offered and allocated a four-bedroom duplex with a boys’ quarters within the estate, which was at an advanced stage of completion when she indicated interest. The firm clarified that several other clients who fulfilled payment obligations had already taken possession of their respective units without any hitch.

According to the statement, “Following her constant display of cantankerous behaviour and refusal to comply with agreed terms, management advised her to pay up all outstanding balances and take possession. Rather than do so, she resorted to filing frivolous petitions and using the Police to intimidate company staff while attempting to seize property keys by force.”

The company further revealed that Miss Akpana has an ongoing civil case with her agent, Mrs. Esther, presently before a Magistrate Court in Abuja, over unpaid commissions, a clear indication of her recurring issues with compliance and credibility in transactions.

“Despite several letters sent to her since March 2025 requesting that she clear her outstanding balance, she ignored them and continued to employ different Police units and hired thugs to visit the estate, causing repeated disruptions,” the statement added. “We have video and pictorial evidence of these incidents.”

Consequently, the company stated that it revoked her property allocation in writing and formally requested her bank account details to refund her initial deposit, noting that “management does not wish to have a person of questionable and antagonistic character within the Estate.”

Reticulated Global Engineering strongly debunked Miss Akpana’s claim that she was asked to pay additional money due to an increase in property value, describing it as false and mischievous. “The truth remains that she never completed payment; hence, possession could not be granted,” the company affirmed.

The firm equally dismissed allegations that its MD/CEO failed to honour Police invitations, clarifying that Engr. Coffie attended to the matter as soon as he returned to Abuja. Police investigations, according to the company, have since confirmed that none of the claims made by Miss Akpana on social media or television were substantiated.

“All timelines and conditions set by the Police for an amicable resolution were violated by Miss Akpana, who preferred sensational media trials and social media propaganda to lawful dispute resolution,” the company said. “The matter is already before a competent court, and justice will follow its natural course.”

Reticulated Global Engineering also described Sahara Reporters’ publication as “recklessly biased, factually hollow, and lacking in professional balance”, insisting that no attempt to malign Engr. Coffie’s character would succeed.

“It is disappointing that a medium of Sahara Reporters’ standing could publish such a distorted story without verifying facts from all sides,” the company lamented. “This is pure blackmail, social media bullying, and an orchestrated attempt to subvert justice. However, the truth will always prevail.”

The management urged members of the public to be properly guided, stressing that Engr. Coffie remains a thoroughbred professional and responsible corporate citizen with an unblemished record in the real estate industry.

“Resorting to emotional outbursts, propaganda, and blackmail cannot replace due process,” the company emphasized. “Those who trade falsehood for public sympathy will soon face the consequences of their actions in the court of law.”

With this clarification, Reticulated Global Engineering reaffirmed its commitment to upholding transparency, ethical business conduct, and the delivery of quality housing to Nigerians, as it called on the public to disregard the falsehoods peddled online and allow the court to adjudicate the matter on its merit.

REVEALED! Main Reasons Uyo Lawmaker Hon Uwemedimo Asuquo Met Village Youth Presidents

In continuation of his grassroots engagements aimed at sustaining the peace and stability that have become the pillars of development under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, the Member representing Uyo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo, on Sunday, November 2, met with all Village Youth Presidents in Uyo Local Government Area.

The meeting, held at his residence in Uyo, brought together youth leaders from all wards of the local government for a strategic interaction aimed at appreciating their efforts, deepening collaboration, and strengthening the existing framework for peace and security across the state capital.

Addressing the youth leaders, Capo, who chairs the House Committee on Security, Youth and Sports, commended their commitment and vigilance in sustaining the peace that has made Uyo one of the most stable and development-driven areas in the state. He noted that the prevailing atmosphere of calm has provided Governor Umo Eno with the right platform to deliver unprecedented, life-changing projects across the villages of Uyo.

While commending the vigilance of the youth presidents, the lawmaker urged them to heighten community watch as the yuletide approaches, to forestall any infiltration by criminal elements and preserve the peace Uyo is known for.

Hon. Asuquo, who described Governor Umo Eno as a leader driven by compassion and a rare passion for grassroots transformation, reaffirmed his total loyalty to the present administration. He urged the youth presidents to take the message of the Governor’s impactful leadership to their respective communities, mobilize membership, and strengthen the APC structure at the ward level in readiness to re-elect Governor Eno and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

He further enjoined them to show maximum respect and loyalty to the political leadership of Uyo under the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, whom he described as a bridge-builder and dependable leader whose dedication has further united the people of Uyo to move in one accord in support of Governor Umo Eno.

Reassuring the youth of his continued support, Hon. Asuquo pledged to sustain his empowerment initiatives for young people and other constituents, noting that his representation will remain focused on service and people-centric development.

“I will continue to support and empower our young people, but I want to urge you, always respect our leaders. Leadership comes from God, and when we follow with humility, more doors of opportunity open for all of us,” he said.

The youth presidents, in their separate remarks, commended the lawmaker for his accessibility, humility, and proactive approach to leadership. They pledged their continued cooperation with government at all levels and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding peace across their respective communities.