ETIM EKPO COUNCIL CHAIRMAN HAILS POLITICAL MENTOR, ENOIDEM ON 59TH BIRTHDAY

 

The Executive Chairman, Etim Ekpo Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Imeh Afia, says he shares in the joy of celebrations with his political mentor and former National Legal Adviser, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem on his 59th birthday.

In a birthday message endorsed by the Council boss, Afia rejoiced with the academic, law luminary and political leader for his influence in every area of service to the nation, through upholding the truth.

The Etim Ekpo Chairman felicitated the renowned leader in both the private and public sectors for the courage he inspires.

He lauded Barr Enoidem for choosing a career path that brings dignity and honour to Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large, as a former University don and by divine providence, rising on several political ladders before taking up the position of Legal Adviser of the most productive political party in Africa; the PDP.

Imeh Afia believed that Enoidem's fear of God, love for knowledge and respect for people shaped his life of service to humanity, with clear evidence in a career profile of decency, simplicity, integrity and principled commitment to improving the lot of anyone around him.

He prayed that Almighty God would continue to strengthen the statesman whom he referred to as his political leader and mentor in good health, and keep his family.

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Oku Ibom Ibibio Says Royal Fathers Will Support Federal And State Gov'ts To Better The Lots Of Nigerians

...Applauds Gov Umo Eno For Adopting Inclusiveness In Governance

Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR has said that traditional rulers are poised to support both the Federal and State Governments to improve the economy and better the lots of Nigerians. 

Ntenyin Etuk, speaking on the heels of a courtesy visit by the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) to the  President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON, and its  Principal Officers in Abuja on Monday, said the meeting demonstrated their quest for strategic partnership with the new Senate leadership. 

According to the A'Ibom premier royal father, the visit by NCTRN, led by the Etsu Nupe of Niger State, HRH, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, also allowed them to table the need to back up the key roles of traditional rulers with specific legislation as means to also enhance nation building right from the grassroots levels which they oversee. 

"It is customary of us as a body of eminent royal fathers across the country to interface with the country's leadership, whenever there is a new government. 

"The courtesy call was very warm and insightful.  We congratulated Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for his emergence as the Senate President of the 10th Senate and all the Principal Officers. 

"We renewed our genuine request for legislation to be put in place to give backing to the critical roles played by traditional rulers in the country. We are the closest to the people at the grassroots. We live with our people which allows us to know the challenges of the communities and how to remedy them. 

"As traditional rulers, our cooperation with the government at all tiers; the local government, State government and Federal Government are therefore very important for peace, unity and security to prevail for desirable development to take place. We will support the new administrations at the state and federal levels so that our people will feel the impact of government as expected," he explained. 

The Oku Ibom Ibibio said Senator Godswill Akpabio was very happy with the delegation and that he, as his royal father, was part of the visit and expressed the readiness of the Senate to pay reasonable attention to their requests on the need to strengthen the roles of traditional rulers through the enactment of appropriate legislation. 

"The visit to the Senate President was evocative. It was quite a fraternal setting. Senator Akpabio was very happy to receive the royal fathers and readily expressed his happiness to see me also being the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council," he quipped. 

In another development, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk has given the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno a pat on the back for adopting inclusiveness in his governance by reaching out to people across party lines. 

"This is a very good development. He has shown that politics is over and has opened up his arms to embrace all, irrespective of political affiliations. This is very laudable and I urge politicians in Akwa Ibom State to embrace this laudable gesture by Governor Umo Eno and join hands with him in building a virile polity. 

"My dear Akwa Ibomites, I urge all of you not to sit on the fence. Governor Umo Bassey Eno's peace-driven administration for economic prosperity is still boarding. It is waiting for peace-loving sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to come on board for a united and prosperous Akwa Ibom State.  

"Let me say that there's no more party politicking, but time to unite and build a new Akwa Ibom State. Let peace prevail," he stressed. 

He further noted that the launch of Ibom Dialogue by Governor Umo Eno to create an open forum for stakeholders across all fields to dissect the ARISE Agenda of his administration for proper implementation was very commendable as it will usher in the anticipated development. 

"The Governor has exhibited humility in governance with a clarion call for all to join hands in proffering solutions on the key areas of development of the State's economy. 

"The policies of government can only be well implemented if we give maximum cooperation. 

"I want to therefore call on our politicians to sheath the sword and support the administration of Governor Umo Bassey Eno," he advised. 

The premier royal father further stressed the need for the Government at all tiers to involve traditional rulers in policy implementations concerning agricultural schemes and rural developments since they are better placed to offer usual inputs in the survival and protection of such projects.

Expert Warns Against Excessive Intake Of Local Herbs

 

A medical expert, Dr Stephen Aderemi of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), has warned people against excessive consumption of locally prepared herbs to avoid causing serious damage to their health.

Aderemi gave the warning recently during an interview with our source; the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Herbs are plants with savoury or aromatic properties used for flavouring food, in medicine, or as fragrances.

Aderemi explained that not all the plants reported to be useful were harmless.

According to him, if plants are taken without adequate knowledge, they can cause kidney and liver dysfunction and death in some cases.

He said that many of the available herbal products being marketed in the country  had no clear statement of content, adding that there was no information to show that they were certified by a recognised medical body.

“Herbal medicines contain toxicity and the risk that comes with it outweighs its benefits. That is why Nigerians need to refrain from its consumption, in order to prevent health mishaps.

“I pity some patients who go after traditional medicines for their ailments without knowing that they are risking their lives.

‘’Some of the herbs are harmful to the extent of damaging kidney and even resulting to death.

”Some of the so-called traditional medicines sold in Nigerian have no clear statement of content or certified by any recognised medical body, yet, Nigerian patronise them,” he said.

Aderemi expressed concern at the rate some Nigerians patronised herbal medicines because according to him, such medicines worked faster and cheaper than the conventional medicines.

The doctor, who also expressed worry about proliferation of herbal concoction, said many of the people who engaged in the business did so without any formal training.

“Most of the local herbs are deadly that should be avoided, because many of the sellers go into the business without training, but to flee from the grips of unemployment to make ends meet.”

He cautioned patients who found solace in local herbs to be health conscious and stop the intake of such products because such herbs had not been subjected to laboratory analysis.

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SEE THE FIRST LG COUNCIL BOSS IN NIGERIA TO ROLL OUT PALLIATIVES FOR STUDENTS

 

By Afe Mbono Reporter in Uyo.

To cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on his people, the Chairman, Etim Ekpo Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Imeh Afia has become the first Council boss to roll out palliatives for students in the tertiary institution.

Rt. Hon. Afia broke the news on Friday in Uyo, while interacting with Journalists on State and National issues.

Hear him: "I know that things are getting harder because the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) has been removed and this has made transportation cost increase further.

“By the special grace of God, I have mandated a committee to look into what we can do urgently for other class of our people, but as we speak, more than 100 genuine students of Etim Ekpo in tertiary institutions have started receiving a token of Five Thousand Naira (N5,000) each, to ease their transport worries. The financial support is sent to their bank accounts directly.

"I know that everyone in Etim Ekpo is not a Student, so, in a few days time, my team will submit the report on the best palliative for our elders, farmers, youths and our market men and women," he added.

Imeh Afia who said Government at the third tier in Etim Ekpo has recorded tremendous successes owing to the support he enjoys from the Legislative Arm, Traditional Institution, Political Class, Churches, Students, Youths and women, pledged to add value to the ARISE agenda of the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

He used the ocassion to extol the State Chief Executive for the caliber of men and women he nominated to serve in his cabinet as Commissioners and Special Adviser. 

Apparently defending the State Chief Executive for maintaining the cabinet members of his predecessor, Rt Hon Imeh Afia, explained that, Governor Eno, being a member of the immediate-past State EXCO, has sufficient knowledge about the capacity of the Commissioner and Special Adviser nominees, thus, the Governor's choice should be respected.

"Permit me to state expressly clear and unequivocally that the cabinet list of His Excellency, Pastor Umo is composed of highly brilliant and vibrant personalities who will assist the Governor in translating his lofty programmes as enshrined in his ARISE agenda.

"These are men and women of proven integrity, tested, trusted and found fit to be able to translate the vision of the Governor in various Ministries and ensure the function of Governor moves on a fast lane.

"I hereby appeal to all Akwa Ibomites to please respect the constitutional right of the governor on his choice of cabinet members. Rather than vilifying him, please let's pray for him to succeed and support his government because Pastor Umo Eno means well for all of us," Hon. Afia noted.

Answering a reporter's question, the Council boss hinted that Hon. (Barr.) Emmanuel Enoidem, whom he referred to as his "Political Leader and Mentor" was never interested in becoming a State Commissioner as speculated in some quarters.

"Do you know what it means to rise to the position of the Legal Adviser of the leading opposition party (PDP) at the National level?" he asked rhetorically, adding: "the rumour that he lobbied to make the Commissioners' list is laughable. I speak authoritatively that, my leader and mentor; Barr. Emmanuel Moses Enoidem, never lobbied to make the list, no he did not. 

"God has blessed Barr Enoidem so much that he doesn't have to lobby for anything; not to talk of a position of Commissioner that he occupied for about 9 years. Those that spread the rumour have no iota of idea about who Barr Enoidem is. His style of leadership in Etim Ekpo is surpassingly estimable and I tell you, such leaders are rare in our clime."

Afia used the occasion to thank the Governor for reappointing one of his Etim Ekpo kinsmen; Prof. Imo Moffat, assuring that the nominee will bring to bear his wealth of experience and add value to good governance in the State.

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“Umana, Neither Aware Nor Part Of Any Factional Fight Within APC In A’Ibom”

 

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Press Release

RE: PETITION TO SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION OVER MINISTERIAL SLOT FOR AKWA IBOM STATE

The attention of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana, has been drawn to a letter purported to be issued by Akwa Ibom APC Renaissance and addressed to the Secretary to Government of the Federation, His Excellency George Akume. In the said letter, a copy of which the group claimed has been sent to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, a strenuous effort is made to create the impression that the group is fighting for the political interest of Ibibio in Akwa Ibom State and Mr Umana as an individual in respect of who should be appointed Minister from the State into the present administration.

We want to make it crystal clear that Mr Umana has nothing to do with this letter, and that the group is not acting at the behest of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

Contrary to the impression that the letter and those behind it want to create, Mr Umana is not an ethnic champion. In all the roles he has had the privilege to play at the state and national levels Umana has always acted in the national interest, prioritising competence, fairness and equity above other considerations. And over the years, Umana has demonstrated his loyalty to the APC and has been unstinting in his efforts to build and defend the unity of the party at both the state and national levels.

Umana is neither aware nor is he part of any factional fight within the APC in Akwa Ibom State.

We totally disavow any insinuation of Mr Umana’s involvement in or support for any crisis in the APC in Akwa Ibom State.

Signed:
Iboro Otongaran
SA Media to Umana Okon Umana

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EXCLUSIVE: Akpabio To Read Tinubu’s List Of Ministerial Nominees Today

 

 

Except there is a new development that alters the plan, President of the 10th Senate; Senator Goodwill Akpabio will read President Bola Tinubu’s list of Ministerial Nominees during today’s plenary, TheHILL can authoritatively report.

However, by the provision of law, President Tinubu is expected to forward the list of ministerial nominees to the National Assembly 60 days from the date he takes the oath of office.

Going by the constitutional provision of the 60 days, the President is left with only 7 days to constitute his cabinet.

TheHILL gathered from multiple sources that the list, which was prepared more than a fortnight ago, has finally been forwarded to the National Assembly.

The Ministerial list is widely anticipated by Nigerians as one that will give an indication of the Policy direction of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration at addressing the myriad of challenges facing Africa’s largest Economy.

Meanwhile, checks by TheHILL divulged that, of President Tinubu’s four predecessors, Olusegun Obasanjo holds the best record. It took Obasanjo just six days to submit the names of his ministerial nominees in his first term and 25 days during his second term.

Muhammadu Buhari, according to our checks, took the rear as he did not send his list of nominees until Day124 of his first term. In the middle of the pack are: President Goodluck Jonathan, 30 days; Buhari during his second term, 54 days; President Umaru Yar’Adua, 59 days. However, it is important to bear in mind that Tinubu’s predecessors did not have a constitutional deadline to contend with.

Source: TheHILL

57th Birthday: Onofiok Luke Celebrates Former Gov. Emmanuel

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Au

By HAPPINESS HENSHAW

Immediate-past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has received a torrent of goodwill messages from individuals and organisations in and outside the oil rich State as he clocks 57 years today; the lastest coming from Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke

In a birthday message signed by the immediate-past Federal Lawmaker representing Etinan/Nsit Ubium/Nsit Ibom in the House of Representatives and made available to TheHILL, Luke, prayed God to bless and keep the former State Chief Executive in good health and grant him the gift of long life.

“On this very special day of your birth, I celebrate the grace of God upon your life and the many accomplishments that you have recorded.

“For 8 years, you steered the ship of our dear state to destination progress under your watch as Governor.

“As you celebrate 57 remarkable years on earth today, my heart desire is that God will continually bless and keep you in good health and grant you the gift of long life. Happy birthday, Your Excellency,” he submitted.