Akwa Ibom: Jubilation as police kill serial murderer, two gang members in gun duel

Residents of Uyo metropolis and suburbs have been thrown into jubilation as operatives of Special Weapons And Tactics Squad (SWAT) Akwa Ibom Police Command gunned down a serial murderer and armed robber known as Malachi Uwem, as well as his other two gang members, in a gun battle on Thursday.

When the news of his death filtered into town, residents heaved a sigh of relief while others jubilated due to the havoc the gang has wreaked in the area in recent times.

One Jonah Akpan, a resident of Ibiono local council area of the state, narrated how the suspects terrorized the area, especially POS operators.

“If the guy just comes to your place and says, give me money and you want to argue with him, he will just kill you, collect the money and disappear,” Akpan said.

Also, an elderly woman who identified herself as Mfon Bassey only muttered, “at least we can sleep with our two eyes closed.”

According to a press statement issued by the command Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon on Friday, the suspects were trailed by the police tactical teams to their hideouts at Ikang in Akpabuyo Local Government Area Of Cross River State where they were engaged in a gun battle.

Recounting some of the nefarious activities of the gang members, the press statement read in parts: “in the last six months, the Residents of Use Ntuen, Okobo Ibiono and Ikot Ambang in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Itu and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State and part of Uyo have lived in palpable fear of a dreaded serial killer and armed robber, one Malachi Friday Uwem ‘m’, 24yrs old.

“The said Malachi and gang have killed over 15 persons and has left some of his victims permanently maimed, some presently in hospitals, while others are counting their losses from his barbaric robbery acts, which has led to the closing of many businesses, especially POS, in these places.

“It would be recalled that on 20/2/22, the notorious armed robber and serial killer robbed and shot one Miss Lovina Eze Chinwendu, a youth corper at Ikot Ambang and made away with her iPhone, ATM card and the sum of N7,000, she died last week at Enugu Teaching Hospital.

“Also, on 21/2/22, the suspect robbed and killed a lady teacher returning from school at Okobo Ibiono who had stopped over at a POS shop, this resulted in a protest by youths of the area who blocked the Uyo/Ikot Ekpene Expressway.

“Furthermore, on 5/3/22, one Mrs Idongesit Damson was shot and killed in her house at Okobo Ibiono by the suspect, he also shot one Wisdom, which also led to a protest and blockage of the Uyo/Ikot Ekpene Expressway. Several POS shops and filling stations have been robbed by the suspect and his gang at Okobo Ibiono, Itak axis and Uyo.

“Only recently, on Monday, 25th April, he shot and killed two young men on the grounds that the village couldn’t meet his demand of N20 million but were only able to raise N5 million.”

The statement added that the current Commissioner for Police, CP Andrew Amiegheme worried by such ugly development immediately gave a marching order for the arrest of the suspect and his gang.

“Immediately, on the assumption of duty as the 30th, Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP Andrew Amiengheme, vowed to spare no resources in ridding the state of criminal elements like Malachi and their gang members.

“Therefore, on the marching order and close supervision of the CP, today April 28th, 2022 at about 0300hrs, in a painstaking operation, Operatives of Special Weapons And Tactics Squad (SWAT) of the Command led by CSP Julian Igbudu, traced the hoodlums to their hideouts at Ikang in Akpabuyo Local Government Area Of Cross River State, the said Malachi Friday Uwem, his second in command Wisdom Sunday Akpan ‘m’, 31 years, Ndifreke Sunday Ebong ‘m’ 20yrs, and Annansia Umoh ‘m’ 33yrs resisted arrest and engaged the operatives in a gun duel, and in the ensuing milieu, three of the gang members were fatally injured while attempting to escape.”

The exhibits recovered from them included; one cut-to-size pump action gun, one locally-made pistol, a large number of cartridges, one gas head with resemblance to a gun, and assorted types of charms.

The Commissioner while commending the tactical teams warned hoodlums to steer clear from Akwa Ibom State as the command under his watch will continue to spare no resources in bringing perpetrators to book.

Source: Daily Post

Metro

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DOES OTOBONG BOB DESERVE A SECOND TERM? (Part 1)

 

Naturally, one is always reluctant to descend into the arena of evaluating the performance of political office holders in order to avoid being blinded by the dust raised by their supporters or detractors. But, as watchdog of the society, I owe a sacred duty to raise my voice in the court of public opinion in the belief that the society is doomed if public opinion is rigged by false propagandists.

It is against this background that it becomes imperative to evaluate the performance of Hon. (Barr.) Otobong Effiong Bob, member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, in order to ascertain the rationality or otherwise of his second term bid.

In simple terms, every legislator performs three basic roles namely: Lawmaking, Representation and Oversight. So, members of the House of Assembly are expected to: make laws, carry out representative functions on behalf of the people who in our case, are demarcated in 26 State constituencies, and at the same time oversight the executive arm of government which include the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to ensure that government is held accountable to the people from where it derives its sovereignty. In the part 1 of what promises to be a series, the lawmaker on the 'Hot Seat', Hon. (Barr.) Otobong Bob, would be assessed on Lawmaking and Representation.

LAWMAKING:

On the business of law making which is his primary assignment, the parliamentarian ranks as one of the most productive members among his colleagues. In fact, when an Akwa Ibom based Newspaper reported on the 12th December, 2021, that, "a good number of lawmakers in the 26 members House, were yet to sponsor a bill more than two years after assuming office”, the member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency stood head and shoulders above most legislators. In 36 months, he sponsored no fewer than half a dozen Bills, co-sponsored at least thirty (30) bills and a dozen impactful motions of urgent importance; an impressive record for a first term member.

The Bills he has tabled before the House are as follows:

(1) A Bill For A Law To Establish Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund. 

(2) A Bill For A Law To Provide For The Preservation, Protection And Restoration Of Historical Properties And Cultural Heritage Sites In Akwa Ibom State.

(3) A Bill For A Law To Establish Akwa Ibom State Office Of The Public Defender, to mention a few.

Besides the above mentioned bills, Hon. Bob has co-sponsored the following bills:

(1) The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill.

(2) A bill for a law to make provision for the establishment of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency and other matters connected therewith.

(3) A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Tourism, Art and Culture Endowment Fund.

(4) A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology.

(5) A bill for a law to provide for the establishment of Akwa Ibom State Debt Management Office.

(6) A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom Bureau of Public Procurement and budget monitoring.

(7) A bill for a law to regulate free basic and compulsory education and other matters connected therewith.

(8) A bill for a law to provide for free tuition and examination fees in public primary and secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State and for related purposes.

(9) A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom Neighborhood Safety Corps and for connected purposes.

(10) A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom Professional Counseling Commission.

(11) A bill for a law to protect the physically challenged against all forms of discrimination.

(12) A bill for a law for the Administration of Customary Courts and for related matters.

(13) A bill for a law to regulate the business of scrap metal dealers and similar goods and for connected matters.

(14) A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom Park and Garden Agency.

(15) A bill for a law to impose an Education Levy to be used in accelerating and enhancing the educational development of the State and for other matters connected thereto.

(16) A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Information Technology Development Agency.

(17) A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom Residents Registration Agency

(18) The Akwa Ibom State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill.

 (19) A bill to amend the Akwa Ibom State College of Education law and for other matters connected therewith.

(20) A bill to amend the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2007 and for other matters connected therewith.

(21) A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Road Traffic Authority and for other matters connected therewith.

(22) A bill for a law to provide for the compulsory medical treatment and care for child victim of sexual violence and related matters, among several other bills.

Hon Bob, performing his duty as a legislator...

REPRESENTATION:

A member of the House of Assembly is elected to represent a constituency to protect their people’s interest and take constituents’ grievances to the Chamber for effective representation. Though they are to be committed to the unity and welfare of the people, their constituents expect that they engage issues on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence.

In representation, the Nsit Ubium law luminary-cum-parliamentarian has moved a good number of motions, including:

(1)  A call for immediate take-over of Ndukpoise Ubium Health Centre by Akwa Ibom State Government.

 

(2)  Motion to relocate the dumpsite at Uyo village Road.

 

(3)   Clarion call to stem the tide of quackery in Akwa Ibom Health Sector.

 

(4)   Gradual pace of infrastructural deterioration at the 65 years old centre of academic excellence at Salvation Army Secondary School, Akai Ubium: A passionate call for government reclamation.

 

(5)  Call for investigation into the gruesome murder of Gabriel Bassey Edward.

 

He has also co-sponsored the following three  motions;

 

(1) Intensification of Akwa Ibom State Infectious Disease Prevention Measures as Nigeria records first confirmed case of Corona Virus.

 

(2) Post Covid-19 food sufficiency, closure of livestock market and fall in crude oil price; A wake up call to support Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Sector.

 

(3) Urgent need to arrest the alarming rate of rape and violence against women and children in Akwa Ibom State.

It is worthy to note that the aforementioned bills are at various stages of passage, while the Motions enjoyed overwhelming support and approval of the Members of the 7th Assembly.

Still under representation, Hon. Otobong Bob, has surpassed the achievements of some two–term lawmakers with juicy positions in the legislature. With respect to human capital development and youth empowerment, Bob is a reference point among his colleagues. Checks divulge that the strength of the soft-spoken young parliamentarian’s workforce (Direct and Constituency support staff) is more than twenty five (25). The youthful and youth-friendly legislator tapped mostly youths to work for him in order to encourage the maximization of their potential as well as create room for mentorship experiences.

The Ikot Ekwere in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area born lawmaker has also facilitated the employment of his constituents in different spheres, including in the Navy, Airforce, Nigeria Police, Civil Defence. He has also secured jobs for Nsit Ubium youths in the Federal and State Civil Service.

In addition to facilitating the employment of youths in the aforementioned establishments, Hon. Bob has shown practical commitment to the up-skilling of youths. He has sponsored the training of many youths in agribusiness, fashion, industrial welding, carpentry, make-up, catering among others. 

Hon. Otobong Bob is an avid promoter of small and medium scale enterprises. He is a strong advocate of working women. This explains his seed capital initiative which has benefited many women and widows in Nsit Ubium. He has also donated sewing machines, hair dressing machines, complete make-up kits to women to advance their livelihood.

The education friendly lawmaker has sustained and expanded his scholarship scheme which he started upon assumption of office. Last week, Bob sponsored a medical treatment for an indigent constituent abroad who had complicated issues. Charitable acts of this nature, the lawmaker said, they are innumerable, but quoted the Biblical admonition in Matthew 6:3 (New King James Version): "When you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."

On infrastructural development, Barr. Bob has facilitated/sponsored the following projects in Nsit Ubium:

(1) The Renovation of two (2) classroom blocks at Community Secondary School, Ikot Okwot.

(2) The renovation of six (6) Classroom blocks at St. Fabian Primary School, Ndukpoise.

(3) Distribution of 600 school desks to various schools in Nsit Ubium.

(4) Water project in Ikot Akpan Abia Ubium.

(5) Water project in Ikot Ekpene Udo

(6) Water project in Nung Obong villages.

(7) Opening of constituency office at Ikot Edibon.

 

(8) Donation of Toyota Salon Cars to Constituents

 

(9) Opening of constituency office at Ikot Edibon

 

(10) Inauguration of an emergency Covid-19 management response team to go round the entire constituency to educate constituents on preventive measures, distribution of nose masks and palliatives.

SUBMISSION:

Without controversy, the scope of Otobong’s impact in 36 months as member representing Nsit Ubium in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, has dwarfed the achievements of his co-travellers in and outside the State. Nsit Ubium people can bear witness that their son and brother's first term has yielded evidence-based results, the like of which is rare in our part of the country.

With every sense of honesty, Hon. (Barr.) Otobong Bob has dutifully acquitted himself as the trustee of the mandate of his constituents and therefore, earned a second term, for it is said in latin: "Res ipsa loquitur," meaning "Fact speaks for itself"

His inexhaustible list of achievements has indeed recommended him for a second term in office. Therefore, without any equivocation, Otobong Bob is the only choice for quality representation that the peace loving people of Nsit Ubium can make in the forthcoming election. 

 Nsit Ubium, kied anem ntom, iba ndien - e???

...to be continued!

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BIZARRE! Daughter in Police Net For slitting Mother’s Throat

 

A 30-year-old woman in Ondo State, Mrs Blessing Jimoh, has been arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly killing her mother, Ijeoma Odo.

Blessing, according to our source, Guardian Newspaper, was paraded alongside other suspected criminals. She was said to have killed her mother with a cutlass after a pastor accused her of witchcraft.

According to Blessing, a mother of four, the crime was committed while they were working at their farm in Ile-Oluji area, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of the state.

She claimed to be mentally unstable when she committed the crime.

“It was the challenge I am facing that caused me to kill my mother. I am not happy with what I did. I cut her neck with a cutlass. It was a pastor that told me she was a witch and I went to beg her. My mother is from Enugu State.”

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Bolaji Salami, said the suspect, alongside others, would soon be charged to court.

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2023: Akpabio Dribbles Journalists, Asks, 'Do You Want Me To Run?'

 

Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday kept Journalists guessing on his rumoured interest for the presidency in 2023.

Akpabio, who was on a courtesy call on the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu,  told newsmen after a closed door meeting with the chairman that, "I  came to congratulate the chairman and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), on their emergence as national officers of our party and to wish them well on their new assignment for our party."

Akpabio, who also thanked the new leadership for upholding the rule of law on the chairmanship tussle in the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the party, said that Nigerians still believe in the APC and would want the party to continue in office even beyond 2023.

When asked if he was interested in contesting for the office of the president in 2023 as being rumoured allover the country, Akpabio said, "Do you want me to run?" Contrary to media reports that he had denied interest in the race.

His response  has continued to fuel speculations within the polity on his rumoured presidential ambition.

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Police arrest three youth for possession of human heart

 

 

Police in Osun have arrested three young men on the Osogbo/Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife Campus Road, Ile-Ife, for been in possession of a human heart.

Our source, NAN, quoted the Police spokesperson in Osun, SP Yemisi Opalola, to have said that, two of the suspects are 21 years old, while the third suspect is 25 years of age.

“The Osun Police Command, in its efforts to sanitise the state of incessant ritual killings and other vices, has arrested three young men.

 

“On April 7, at about 11a.m., detectives on `Stop-and-Search’ duty accosted three men on a motorcycle on the Osogbo/OAU Ife Campus Road.

“They were flagged down, but rather than stop, they sped off and were pursued by the police team.

“They were eventually arrested at Safejo Area of Ile-Ife, and a human heart, which they claimed belonged to one of their friends, and various charms were found on them.

“As investigation was going on, one of the suspects took ill and died while on hospital admission. The corpse has been deposited at the state hospital for autopsy.

“The two other suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigation,’’ Opalola stated.

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When you don’t drink enough water, your body pays the price

 

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

Water is essential to good health and to life itself, with no controversy. Without water, none of the important body functions such as flushing out waste, regulating body temperature or brain function would be possible.

Water is important to nearly every part of your body and it is essential to your overall health. You get most of your water from drinking beverages, but food also contributes a small amount to your daily water intake.

Saliva

Water is a main component of saliva. Saliva also includes small amounts of electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes. It’s essential for breaking down solid food and keeping your mouth healthy. Your body generally produces enough saliva with regular fluid intake. However, your saliva production may decrease as a result of age or certain medications or therapies.

Temperature regulation

Staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining body temperature. Your body loses water through sweat during physical activity and in hot environments. Your sweat keeps your body cool, but your body temperature will rise if you don’t replenish the water you lose. That’s because your body loses electrolytes and plasma when it’s dehydrated. If you’re sweating more than usual, you need to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Protection of tissues

Water consumption helps lubricate and cushion your joints, spinal cord, and tissues. This will help you enjoy physical activity and lessen the discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis.

Aids excretion of waste

Your body uses water to sweat, urinate, and have bowel movements. You need enough water in your system to have a healthy stool and avoid constipation. Your kidneys are also important for filtering out waste through urination. Adequate water intake helps your kidneys work more efficiently and helps to prevent kidney stones.

Physical performance, weight loss

Drinking plenty of water during physical activity is essential. Hydration also affects your strength, power, and endurance. You may be more susceptible to the effects of dehydration if you’re participating in endurance training or high-intensity sports such as basketball. Negative effects of exercise in the heat without enough water can include serious medical conditions.

Extreme dehydration can cause seizures and even death.  Drinking more water while dieting and exercising helps you lose extra pounds.

Aids digestion

Drinking water before, during, and after a meal will help your body break down the food more easily. This will help you digest food more effectively and get the most out of your meals. The body manages changes in the consistency of food and stomach contents, whether more solid or more liquid.

Nutrient absorption

In addition to helping with food breakdown, water also helps dissolve vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from your food. It then delivers these vitamin components to the rest of your body for use.

Oxygen circulation

Water carries helpful nutrients and oxygen to your entire body. Reaching your daily water intake will improve your circulation and have a positive impact on your overall health.

Fights illness

Drinking enough water can help prevent constipation, kidney stones, exercise-induced asthma, urinary tract infections, and hypertension among others. Water also helps the absorption of important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from food, to increase your chances of staying healthy.

Boosts energy, cognitive function, mood

Drinking water may activate your metabolism. A boost in metabolism has been associated with a positive impact on an energy levels. Proper hydration is key to staying in tip-top cognitive shape. Not drinking enough water can negatively impact your focus, alertness, and short-term memory. Not getting enough water can also affect your mood. Dehydration may result in fatigue and confusion as well as anxiety.

Prevents overall dehydration

Adequate water intake will help keep your skin hydrated and may promote collagen production.

Dehydration is the result of your body not having enough water. And because water is imperative to so many bodily functions, dehydration can be very dangerous.

Severe dehydration can result in severe complications, including swelling in your brain, kidney failure, and seizures.

Make sure you drink enough water to make up for what’s lost through sweat, urination, and bowel movements to avoid dehydration.

Generally, you should drink around 8-10 cups of water or 2.5 litres to 3.0 litres daily. You obtain around 20 percent of your daily water intake from food and the rest from drinking water and water-based beverages. Increase your water intake if you’re exercising to avoid dehydration.

Dehydration red flags

Your level of thirst and the colour of your urine can indicate if your body is receiving adequate hydration. Urine that is dark or colored indicates dehydration. Pale or non-colored urine typically indicates proper hydration. Other warning signs are:

* Persistent headache: One of the first symptoms, when you’re dehydrated, is a throbbing headache. If it is dehydration, it should go away shortly after you drink a large glass of water.

*Sluggish bowel function or constipation: If you don’t get enough water, hard stools and constipation could be common side effects, along with abdominal pain and cramps.

*Dull skin: Dehydration shows up on your face in the form of dry, ashy skin that seems less radiant, plump, and elastic.

*Fatigue: If you’re not replenishing your fluid intake, your energy levels could drop and you could experience fatigue and brain fog.

*Weight gain: You may mistake thirst for hunger and eat more when you really need to drink more. A glass of water often stops hunger cues.

*Dry mouth: If you’re not getting enough water, you can have a dry mouth from a lack of saliva. This can make it difficult to talk, swallow, and even breathe.

Hydration tips

*Carry a water bottle with you so that you can drink whenever the need strikes.

*Keep track of your intake. Aim to take in a minimum of half your body weight in ounces.

*Try to take in half of your recommended consumption by midday and stop drinking about an hour before you plan to sleep.

Whatever you do, make sure you get in those six to eight glasses, otherwise, dehydration could cause a whole host of problems.

Source: Vanguard

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Panic as Seminarian dies while acting Easter drama in Imo

 

Tragedy struck at Claratian University of Nigeria, Nekede, in Owerri, Imo State, on Friday, as a seminarian, Suel Ambrose, slumped and died while acting in a drama on campus.

Our source, 'Within Nigeria', gathered from students that the deceased who hailed from Benue State was dramatising the role of the biblical Peter in the Passion of Christ when the incident occurred.

The drama is a representation of the activities about how Jesus Christ was crucified.

One of the students who simply identified himself as Mavis said the 25-year-old first-year student of Philosophy died on the spot.

The student said, “He was playing the role of the biblical Peter in the dream and that process when Peter cut the ear of one of the soldiers and Jesus fixed the ear and ask Peter to let them do their wish. You know how passionate the play is.

“So when the soldiers chase the disciples to drive them away from Jesus, the young man fell on the floor and started bleeding. We took him to our school hospital and the doctors did their best but he was not responding to treatment. We took him to the Federal Medical Center in Owerri where he was pronounced dead.”

“The drama was in commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in respect to the Easter celebration. He was born in 1997. He is a year one student and had the dream of becoming a priest in the Catholic church.”

We also gathered that the school premises was quiet as there was no activity taking place with respect to the Easter celebration after the incident in the school.

The priest in charge of Student Formation in the university, Fr Chukwuemeka Iheme, when approached by our correspondent, said that the institution would brief the public after the “authority gives us permission to do so.”

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TCN urges Akwa Ibom community to protect transmission tower from vandals

 

THE Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has appealed to the people of Oku Iboku in Itu local government area of Akwa Ibom State to assist it to protect the 104 transmission Tower situated in their community from vandals.

The Managing Director of TCN, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz made the appeal during an on-the spot-assessment of the collapsed Tower following attacks of vandals on the 330 KV Odukpani/Ikot Ekpene transmission line which threw some parts of the country into darkness penultimate Friday.

Abdulaziz solicited the cooperation of the host community particularly the youths to ensure that the infrastructure was not sabotaged again, noting that it would gulp over N100million to rebuild the tower because of the level of damage.

His words: “You can see what happened here is that this Tower has been brought down due to the activities of vandals. Most parts of the country were thrown into darkness last Friday because of this act of vandalism. We condemn this.

“And we are here to assess the level of damage, but we have mobilized a contractor to site and we have the contractor just one week to do the job. It will cost not less than N100million to rebuild the tower.

“So we are appealing to the people of this community, we are appealing to the youths , Akwa Ibom people to please protect this infrastructure from being vandalized again. You must guard it as your own because it belongs to you “

 

Also speaking the Executive Director Transmission Service Provider of TCN, Engr. Victor Adewumi expressed concern the rampant destruction of transmission towers in many parts of the country.

Adewumi described the sabotage as condemnable, stressing, “You can see how callous people can be to deliberately remove the members on the transmission Tower to bring down. We condemn this act of vandalism in totality.

 

“There is no way we can move forward as a country like this. And anytime we pull the country dow in this way, we still blame the government”

Fielding questions from newsmen at the site, the Manager, Port-Harcourt Regional Transmission, Daniel Udofia, also condemned the destruction of the Tower, noting that he had met with the community leaders including the youths to help the company fish out the vandals.

“I strongly believe that if this act was not done by members of the community there is a connivance. So we are saying Oku Iboku people should rise up, they should asssist us bring out those people who have done this”, Udofia appealed.

Source: Vanguard

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IMPUNITY: Udoedehe Defies Court Orders On Akwa Ibom APC Chairmanship

•••Recognises Sacked Ekanem As APC Chair

Despite the Declaratory Judgement delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, that Obong Stephen Leo Ntukekpo, be sworn in as the authentic chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Akwa Ibom State, the erstwhile Acting National Secretary of the defunct Caretaker Convention Extra-Ordinary Planning Committee (CCEPC), James Udoedehe has continued to defy Court orders by recognising and parading the sacked Augustine Ekanem, as chairman.

Appeal Court Judgement on the case was also delivered in favour of the Ntukekpo chairmanship, after the APC; a major appellant, publicly withdrew from the appeal. The Court thereby, ordered that the status quo, that was in existence before the Appeal be maintained.

By the Appeal court pronouncement, the status quo was the continued recognition of Ntukekpo as the duly elected chairman of the party in Akwa Ibom State.

Since the Federal High Court and Appeal Court judgements were delivered against the preferred chairmanship candidate of the former Acting National Secretary, Udoedehe has continued to flout the orders of the court by recognising the sacked state chairman; Augustine Ekanem as the state chairman, inspite of the directive of the national leadership of the party to the contrary.

The question begging for answer on the crass display of impunity by Udoedehe is if his action (s) is(are) based on ignorance of the rule of law or acute disregard for the rule of law and the national leadership of the APC, which advised against such attitude by party members.

Udoedehe’s disregard for the current leadership of the party was further demonstrated when he issued the National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, a 24hr Ultimatum to rescind the decision of the NWC on the Akwa Ibom APC Chairmanship, or be ready to have his days with him in court.

It would also be recalled that Udoedehe’s deep romance with impunity, disregard for constituted procedures and processes while in office, led to a vote of no confidence passed on him by 10 out of the 12 member Caretaker Committee, few days to his exit from office. As a result of the vote of no confidence on him by his colleagues, he never sat with them until they left office on 26th March, 2022.

His invitation card for the ‘Reception Ceremony’ in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, has exposed his total disregard for the rule of law and disrespect and disloyalty to the party, when he addressed the sacked chairman as the authentic chairman of the party. (copy of the Invitation Card attached below.)

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Akwa Ibom: 50-inmate orphanage cries out for help

Children and managers of Shalom Community Orphanage at Ikpa Town in Esit Eket LGA of Akwa Ibom State have appealed to government agencies, organisations and public-spirited persons to come to their aid as hunger stairs them in the face.

The 14-year old orphanage popularly called James 1:27 Orphanage, established on January 15, 2008, currently has about 50 either orphaned or abandoned children.

Bishop and Deaconess Evan Udoeakisong who established the centre said they had been spending their personal income to cater for the children with little assistance from the public, but that the current hardship in the society has made it extremely difficult to effectively continue with that humanitarian calling.

According to the Udoekaisongs, the home is currently having serious economic challenges, even as they express their appreciation to the government, organisations and individuals for their visits, which they said ‘have been going a long way to sustain the inmates.’

They said with the current challenges, the home is in dire need of food, clothing, medical care and education support for the children.

The proprietors of the home said the welfare, growth, and development of the children are dependent on their efforts along with the people who work there.

‘The development and welfare of the children are also dependent on the good people to some extent who make donations of their time and money. The home would not have existed without donations. A number of children would have been forced to live miserable lives in foster homes or in the streets. Nothing can be sadder than a child living in abusive and squalid conditions.

‘No child of this home has ever been abused, maltreated or defiled because the orphanage is managed by true Christians,’ Bishop Udoekaisong said.

‘It’s hard! We rely on donations from groups and individuals. While we remain grateful for these gestures, they do not, however, come close to meeting our needs in feeding the children and school provisions,’ he lamented.

The founders of the orphanage said they were however grateful, not because of the millions they have in their banks, ‘but for the fact that over these years, God has used us to remove the stigma attached to the orphan by creating leverage that has promoted equality among the over 50 orphans and their peers all over the world.

‘But, how do the over 50 children survive, especially, with the current biting economic situation in the country?,’ the founders lamented.

‘We are in need of funds for general maintenance of the home, cooking and eating utensils as well as computers, sewing/weaving machines and driers to furnish the skill acquisition centre.’

They appealed to those who could not make it to the place but wish to assist with cash, to use Wema Bank Account Number: 0225100655 payable in the name of Bishop Evans T. Udoekaisong, even as the home could be reached on phone number 09023800642, 0810-131-0071, and with an email address: ev_thompson@yahoo.com.

Source:THE SUN

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2023 Presidency: Coalition Of 65 Pro-Akpabio Groups Rake In Over N100m For Nomination Form

 

A coalition of 65 Groups, including Women, Civil Societies, Democratic Solidarity  Associations on Wednesday converged on Kano State to voluntarily drum support, just as it raked in the raked in over over N100 million for the yet to be declared presidential ambition of the Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking at the event, the Convener of the Coalition, Dr. Jibril Tafida, said the 65 groups agreed to voluntarily  raise funds for the purchase of the APC Presidential Nomination Form for Akpabio after "frantic search for a detribalized Nigerian politician with proven record of unbeatable policies at various times in the corridors of power".

In his remarks at the fund raising occasion,  Engineer Bello Bichi said, "Akpabio's exemplary leadership qualities, his passion for helping people grow professionally, and his masses-friendly political disposition make him distinct in today's Nigeria."

Different speakers at the event noted that Senator Akpabio has made his mark, not just as a listening leader, but one whose main goal is to promote skills and competences, as well as providing equipment, start-up funds and massive empowerment programmes to thousands of people in the six geo-political zones of this country.

Earlier in his speech, National Coordinator of Senator Senator Godswill Akpabio for Common Good (SGACG) Dr. Jibril Tafida,  disclosed that efforts through him have reached advanced stage, with the voluntary donation of the sum of N111, 387,000.

 According to Tafida, "stakeholders of the Nigerian project have acknowledged not just the leadership competence of Akpabio but also his energetic and sound health status."

Also speaking, the former Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon Gambo Salau, said, "I have never seen such a crowd from different states of Northern Nigeria converging on Kano for such an event. It shows the kind of person Senator Akpabio is. As the governor of Akwa Ibom State, he was never discriminatory against other Nigerians even as it had to do with his person aides. His ADC, CSO and Orderly were all northeners. As a Christian, he sponsored thousands of Muslims to the Holy land. He has done a lot for the North and that is why you are seeing all these people here. It is, indeed,  pay back time for Akpabio."

In attendance at the venue event -- Mumbayya House of Bayero University in Kano,  were the former Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, academics and the representatives of disabled organizations.

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Re: UNMASKING IBANGA ISINE, THE JOURNALIST HIRED TO WRITE FALSEHOOD AGAINST GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL

 

Ordinarily, we wouldn't have been part of this back and forth altercations between the duo of Ibanga Isine and Akpan Mfreke Edem, on the above subject matter, but for the fact that the name of the incumbent Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been needlessly and mischievously made mentioned of by  Akpan Mfreke Edem, in his response to the revelation written and published by Ibanga Isime on happenings in the corridors of Akwa Ibom State government led by Deacon Udom Emmanuel, hence this reaction.

While we are not in anyway interested in the published allegations against the government of Akwa Ibom State by the NextEdition Newspapers, we will however,  advise that  Mfreke should react to the issues raised by the online newspaper and leave the former governor to concentrate on his current job of assisting President Muhamadu Buhari, to better the living conditions of the people of the Niger Delta Region.

For the records, the period, 2007-2015, when Senator Godswill Akpabio, presided over the affairs of Akwa Ibom State, as its Chief Executive, was the golden era of the state, with commissioning of life changing projects ranging from massive road construction, across the nooks and cranny of the state, flyovers, linking of villages to the national grid, water provision, security of life and property( Operation Oduma), the Victor Attah International Airport, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium,  The e- Library, provision of Free and Compulsory education, Ibom Power Plant, Ibom Gas Company, the International referral Hospital among numerous others.

It is, therefore, the height of irresponsibility for any sane human being to link an independent publication, (which according to the writer, Ibanga Isine, was a product of a thorough investigation) to the Honorable Minister.

Even the blind and the deaf, saw and heard about his achievements as the state governor and how he singlehandedly, made the current governor his successor despite the odds against him.

His unparalleled achievements in office which turned the state into a destination for national and international events, placed the state on the world map and a place in the Guiness Book of Records, earned him the appellation; The Uncommon Transformer up till now.

The writer should therefore, focus his energy on addressing the issues raised by Isime and not play the Ostrich.

 Senator Akpabio left the office of the governor almost seven years ago and he is currently on a national assignment and would not want any undue distractions from any unwanted quarters. 

- Jackson Udom

 Chief Press Secretary To The Hon Minister, Niger Delta Affairs

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IGP orders dismissal of nine policemen for planning strike

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered the dismissal of nine police officers for allegedly spearheading a planned strike by members of the Nigeria Police Force over poor conditions of service.

Those affected are two Inspectors, five Sergeants and two Constables.

A police signal issued by the Commissioner of Police Provost, Force Headquarters, Abuja, said the men were dismissed from service following their orderly room trial for planning and coordinating a strike within the ranks and file of the police.

The offenders were said to have been identified and subsequently arrested after their phone calls were tracked.

The wireless message, which was addressed to various state police Commands, read, “Be informed that following the conclusion of the orderly room proceedings of the undermentioned Inspectors, rank and file for the offences of discreditable conduct, improper conduct, breach of confidence, to wit: planning, organising, coordinating industrial strike within the ranks of the Nigeria Police Force; the Inspector-General has approved the dismissal from service of the following: AP/No. 245800 – Insp Nanoll Lamak; AP/ NP 287568 – Insp Amos Nagurah; F/No. 271367 – Sgt Onoja Onuche; F/No. 442680 – Sgt Franklin Agughalau; F/No. 495378 – Sgt Emmanuel Isah F/No. 508168 – Sgt Adesina Ismail; F/No. 508282 – Sgt Osoteku Ademola; F/No. 525839 – Police Constable Ehighamhen Favour Ebele and F/No. 528222 – Police Constable Ubong Inem.

“Commissioners of Police Commands and formations concerned are to warn the men accordingly, to dekit them and eject them from the police accommodation and facilities where applicable and revert accordingly; delete subjects from IPPIS payroll immediately.

“The Commissioner welfare to delete subjects from police nominal roll accordingly. Treat as very important.”

The IGP had been shaken by reports that his men were planning to embark on strike a few weeks ago over poor remuneration.

To forestall the plot, he dispatched members of the management team to different Commands and zonal formations to pacify the police personnel while promising to accelerate the payment of the 20 per cent increase in salary approved by the Federal Government last December.

The acting Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, who had denied reports that the police were planning to embark on strike, did not respond to the sacking of the cops when contacted on Tuesday.

 

Source:PUNCH

 

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Uyo Federal Constituency 2023: Aniekan Uko is the most suitable, acceptable for the job

 

Following the release of the timetable for political activities leading up to the 2023 general elections, Mr. Linus Nkan, the Honorable Commissioner of Finance is optimistic that with Aniekan Uko, the puzzle of who will represent Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan, Uruan, and Nsit Atai Federal constituency in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly is solved. 

Stakeholders, delegates of the area, and particularly the would be adhoc delegates, have been advised to queue behind the former Speaker, and the current member representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency in his bid to represent the people of Atai Uyo at the House of Representatives come 2023. 

The Commissioner, who made the call in a statement on Monday, when Elder Aniekan Uko consulted him about his aspiration, said, the member has served Ibesikpo Asutan well as a representative and would surpass the exceptionally high standards he has already set for himself in the National Assembly.

Nkan said they would explore all meaningful partnership channels and opportunities to make sure Uko gets to the National Assembly to continue to represent and speak for the people of Atai Uyo.

He admonished the four Local Government Areas in the Federal Constituency to be guided by facts and not just sentiments which are oftentimes misleading. 

In the exact words of the veteran banker-cum-politician, "Aniekan Uko is one man who has a track record that can stand up for any kind of honest scrutiny. He is the most suitable, acceptable, trusted and has delivered in his previous and current assignments, and the evidence of his empowerment is littered all over Ibesikpo Asutan and beyond."

Nkan however lamented that at the moment, Aniekan Uko has made his job very difficult for who will replace him in the House of Assembly. He affirmed that the shoes he will leave behind are very big, wondering how the shoes will fit his successor.

He spoke glowingly of Uko's quality and class. Hear him again: “Everybody knows Rt Hon Aniekan Uko, our dear Iboroakam is good in all ramifications.” 

Describing the caliber of people who have since thrown their weight behind the aspirant, the Finance boss submitted, "this is the winning team."

Earlier, Hon. Etetim Ubom, the former chapter chairman of PDP, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, who presented Aniekan Uko to the commissioner as a marketable aspirant for the plum job, said, Atai Uyo does not want a sleeping representative at the Green Chambers. 

“He represented us well in the House of Assembly. He is vibrant and very brilliant and because of the grace Aniekan Uko carries, he may be the Speaker in the House of Reps,” Ubom highlighted.  

On his part, the former Chapter Chairman of PDP, Uyo LGA, Hon. Atiku, prayed the commissioner to give Aniekan Uko on loan for 8 years to Atai Uyo after representing Ibesikpo Asutan well. “We are begging you to release him for us so that he can go to the National Assembly and create more millionaires for us in Uyo federal constituency”. 

In his remarks, the former chairman of PDP in Nsit Atai, Bishop Ime Ekpe argued that none in his Local Government Area is capable to be compared with Aniekan Uko's prowess in legislative business. He appealed to the commissioner to endorse him for the plum job, saying, Aniekan has a prospect through his age, even as he assured that Nsit Atai is solidly behind his aspiration.

Also, the former chairman of PDP, Uruan LGA, Hon. Emmanuel Atakpo maintained that the front-line aspirant has more than enough delegates around him to win the House of Representatives' primary, which is coming up in the next few months.

The Director-General of the Campaign Organization, Hon. Vincent Udo said, Aniekan Uko will be a Voice at the green chamber. He said Uko has given his modest contributions to the development of Ibesikpo Asutan, Akwa Ibom, and Nigeria. 

The highly elated aspirant, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko told his people that his pacesetting exploits and legacies were glaring for all men and women of goodwill to judge.

He beseech the people that he has once again offered himself to serve the interest of the people he cares for so much, promising to offer effective and effectual representation at the National Assembly.

– Linus Nkan

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UDOM EMMANUEL AND HIS BEREKETE PDP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION FORM HOAX

Without suffering some consequences, no person, organization or agency, particularly, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deacon Udom Emmanuel and the Berekete Family, should be allowed to flaunt any level of impropriety bordering on Election /campaign finance fraud.

Berekete Family, which prides itself as a human rights and good governance advocacy media group, few month ago, toured Akwa Ibom State to see Udom Emmanuel’s so-called developmental strides. They were lavishly hosted in Uyo by the governor, after he had earlier featured in their program in Abuja, brainwashing the gullible with white and black lies about his “achievements as governor during the past seven years.

To soothe Udom Emmanuel’s ego and justify the lavish reception they were treated to while on a “fact finding”visit, Brekete Family suddenly became a spinmeister for the governor’s campaign machine.

As far as we know, Berekete Family was on steroids to promote phantoms, including controversial and unviable private sector businesses presented by Udom Emmanuel as industries.

I don’t care if an NGO is craftily made into believing blatant lies by Udom Emmanuel. After all, deplorable and unethical persons can form an organization and can register same with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Last week, the Berekete Family announced that it has purchased a N40 million Presidential Nomination Form for Emmanuel (PDP). That is what I care about and have problems with.

How does Berekete Family raise non taxable income such that it can afford to shell out a whopping N40 million to buy a Presidential Nomination Form for a rich public servant?

Is there a spending cap with regards to how much funds individuals, organizations (particularly NGO) or groups may donate to politicians and political parties?

If an owl cries at night and a baby dies in the morning (an African proverb), there is something very suspicious. Bluntly stating, I suspect a money laundering relationship between the NGO and its lavish host Brekete Family has a public service duty to fully disclose its sources of income, relationship with Gov. Emmanuel and monies received from Akwa Ibom State Government during its recent highly compromising tour of the State. Additionally, law enforcement agencies like INEC need to know how come the obscene gift (a 2023 Presidential Nomination 2Form) to Emmanuel.

Given the above, It is proper, therefore, to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Federal Inland Revenue Service ( FIRS) to investigate and, possibly prosecute Brekete Family – the supposed human rights and good governance advocacy media group for possible money laundering and violation of electoral laws.

No one is against Udom Emmanuel’s presidential ambition, it is within his right to so aspire. But, what we will not fold our arms and watch, is reckless fleecing of the tax payers’ money to indulge a phony presidential ambition that is already dead on arrival.

Few weeks ago, the state went into frenzy celebrating the stoppage of Udom’s purported loan application for his alleged completion agenda. The Federal agency, through it action saved the state a lot, because the said loan which had earlier received the endorsement of the rubber stamped House of Assembly in the state, was to be channelled into Udom’s succession agenda and his ill fated presidential ambition.

Let me also thank former president Olusegun Obasanjo, for coming out to condemn this comics by would be aspirants into political offices, who would take and give out public funds to individuals and groups to buy forms for them, and coming to public to declare that the forms were bought for them by groups.

I am elated because the elder statesman has admonished Nigerians never to cast their votes for such characters if they eventually emerge the candidates of their various parties.

Emmanuel must therefore, come clean on the business deals between him and Berekete Family, because it looks as the more we look, the less we see on the plundering of our patrimony by Emmanuel and his hordes of wild goose chasers.

By Ukeme Silas Ukpong

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Plans For the 3rd Offot Ukwa Culture and Arts Underway

...Paramount Ruler Urges Villages, Stakeholders To Ensure Success

The clan head of Offot Ukwa and Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, JP has called on the 22 villages in the clan, stakeholders and all indigenes to team up to ensure the success of the upcoming clan’s festival.

Edidem Okon, who spoke when he received the preliminary reports for the third Offot Ukwa Clan Festival of Arts and Culture with the motto, Celebrating Unity & Cultural Legacy, emphasised that the cultural festival offers the clan a unique opportunity for renaissance in all facets of life.

The royal father commended the central planning committee (CPC) for the plans marshalled out for the festival and urged all the 22 village heads, chairmen of village councils, village youth presidents, leaders of women to mobilise their people to participate effectively in the upcoming fiesta.

Also speaking at the meeting held at the Palace of the Paramount ruler, the chairman of the Offot Ukwa Clan Council of Chiefs, Eteidung (Rev) Aniedi Edet Okon, assured the central planning committee of the solidarity of the clan council towards ensuring the success of the programme.

Eteidung Okon said he was also happy to note that the CPC has listed names of prominent sons and daughters of Offot Ukwa in all walks of life to be invited for a stakeholders meeting to further galvanise and mobilize indigenes towards the success of the event.

Briefing the paramount ruler and clan council, the chairman of the central planning committee (CPC), Elder Patrick Albert, outlined the framework and key objectives of arts and culture festival, explaining that the Offot Ukwa Festival will be multi-disciplinary in content.

Albert, a senior journalist and former chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, said the festival will cover arts and culture.

“Accordingly, we intend to feature, music, dance, theatre, Arts and recreational games covering traditional and modern sports. Participation will be opened to our villages, individuals and groups.

“The scope of organisation will conform to local and international festivals. Festivals as we are set to organise, offer effective ways for communities to exhibit their cultural potentials as well as promote their uniqueness and identity. Festivals also enhance unity and promote identity of the people.

“Festivals are of economic value to the communities in which they are organized. It constitutes avenues for commercial activities thereby boosting the socio-economic growth of host communities. As socio-economic ventures, festivals through their inherent value chains create employment and business opportunities as well as bring host communities into local and global spotlight,” he said.

The chairman therefore said that the CPC plans to drive the 2022 Offot Ukwa Festival of Arts & Culture towards promoting and creating socio-economic opportunities to participating villages, individuals and groups.

With him at the briefing session with the clan council was the secretary of the CPC, Mrs Nkereuwem Bassey, a staff of the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture as well as other members of the committee.

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Threat Of Arrest: South-South Women Drum Support For Akpabio

 

South-South women on Friday described the threat to issue a warrant of arrest against Senator Godswill Akpabio as a ploy to coerce the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to toe an odd line and the Federal Government into accepting to pay for inflated, bogus and fictitious projects in the past.

‘’This is a threatening measure designed to retard the progress of the region, strip the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of the transparency qualities it had developed in the last two years and return it to its most corrupt days’’.

They also commended stakeholders in the Niger Delta region for joining hands with Akpabio to lift the region high.

In a statement in Asaba by the spokesperson of the South-South Women Political Front (SSWPF), Dr. Doris Ogba, the women described Akpabio as a transformational figure,towering statesman and a visionary hero.

They commended the former Akwa Ibom State governor for initiating programmes and projects that directly benefited the people in various areas such as security, health, education, roads, housing, electrification, transportation, agriculture and tourism

The well respected women applauded Akpabio for redirecting the region on to the path of development.

‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is a thoughtful, decent and progressive fellow. His humility is boundless’’.

Particularly, the women scolded political detractors for throwing sand in the gears of the current administration to transform the region, making misleading statements and orchestrating a campaign of calumny against Akpabio, with a view to impugn his integrity.

The statement emphasized Akpabio’s politics of performance, virtue in waiting, deep appetite for change, rapid infrastructure development and peace in the Niger Delta region.

‘’The Wailing Women of the Niger Delta, The Integrity Friends for Truth and Peace Initiative (TIFPI) and others arespoilers’’ the statement added.

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