Assembly of Clan Heads Backs Oku Ibom Ibibio As PG Of A’Ibom Apex Traditional Council

Assembly of Clan Heads in Akwa Ibom State has given full backing to the appointment of Oku Ibom Ibibio and Patriarch of Ibibios Worldwide, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR as the President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers by the state Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno.

The assembly says the ascension of Ntenyin Etuk, who is to reign in perpetuity, to the pinnacle of the State's traditional institution is well merited, considering his wide experience and exposure, forthrightness and sterling leadership capacity in management.

The assembly, in a congratulatory message, signed by its President, HRH Okuku Sylvanus Obot Udoekanem and secretary, HRH Etebom Nsidibe J. Etuk, sequel to a state executive meeting held in Uyo the state capital, Friday, stated that the leadership of Ntenyin Etuk has greatly changed the narratives of the affairs of the traditional institutions in Akwa Ibom State and beyond, since he came on board. 

According to the body, under the reign of Ntenyin Etuk, royal fathers have a state-of-the-art Traditional Rulers Council Chambers/Lodge as well as remarkable improvement in their welfare.

The goodwill message reads, “We heartily congratulate you on your appointment and swearing in as the 1st President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers by the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno on September 23, 2023.

“Your ascension to the pinnacle of our State's traditional institutions is well merited, considering your wide experience and exposure, forthrightness and sterling leadership capacity in management.

“Your Eminence, it is a fact that your leadership has changed the narratives of the affairs of the traditional institutions in Akwa Ibom State and beyond. Under your reign, we have a state-of-the-art Traditional Rulers Council Chambers/Lodge as well as remarkable improvement in the welfare of traditional rulers.”

The assembly of clan heads pledged their unalloyed loyalty to the President General of the State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers as well as wished him long life and peaceful reign on the throne.

A’Ibom Assembly Of Clan Heads Passes Confidence Vote On Gov Eno Programmes Executed So Far

 ***Gives Backing To A’Ibom Amended Traditional Rulers Law, Cap 155 of 2022

The Assembly of Clan Heads, Akwa Ibom State has passed a vote of confidence on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for the successes so far achieved by his administration and the commitment to herald the State into her Golden Era.  

Quoting the Holy Scripture that "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice...." as contained in Proverbs 29:2, the body said the royal fathers have seen the manifestation of this prophetic declaration in his administration since assumption of office on May 29, 2023.

The royal fathers, in a goodwill message to the governor and signed by its President, HRH Okuku Sylvanus Obot Udoekanem and secretary, HRH Etebom Nsidibe J. Etuk, issued after a state executive meeting held in Uyo, Friday, extolled Pastor Eno for the numerous positive actions and development initiatives he has undertaken to improve the fortunes of the state thereby ensuring that the people enjoy a new lease of life.

The body listed these to include intervention on Health, Education, Agriculture, Road works, new phase of life at Akpan Andem Market, payment of Gratuity and Pension to retired primary school teachers and other retired civil servants, among others.

 It noted that as a mark of commitment to herald Akwa Ibom State into her golden era, the governor held Akwa Ibom Dialogue to unbundle the Arise Agenda – the laudable development blueprint of his administration at Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, from Monday, July 24 - Thursday 27, 2023.

The clan heads also commended Pastor Eno for improving on the welfare of traditional rulers and ensuring that the prestige of the State traditional institution is enhanced in line with what is obtainable in other parts of Nigeria by assenting to the amended Traditional Rulers Law, Cap 155 of 2022; as passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

The message reads, “As a mark of commitment to herald Akwa Ibom State into her Golden Era, you held the Akwa Ibom Dialogue to unbundle the ARISE Agenda- the laudable development blueprint of your administration at Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, from Monday, July 24 to Thursday 27, 2023.

“We have seen several positive actions and development initiatives covering intervention in various sectors namely: Health, Education, Agriculture, Road works, new phase of life at Akpan Andem Market, payment of Gratuity and Pension to retired primary school teachers and other retired civil servants, among others.

“We also commend you for improving on the welfare of traditional rulers and ensuring that the prestige of the State traditional institutions is enhanced in line with what is obtainable in other parts of Nigeria by assenting to the amended Traditional Rulers Law, Cap 155 of 2022; as passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

“In declaring our total solidarity for the continued success of your administration, we make bold to pass a vote of confidence in your able leadership of Akwa Ibom State. We assure you that we will use our positions as Clan Heads to collaborate with all tiers at the grassroots to ensure peace, unity, tranquillity and development.”

They prayed to the Almighty God to prosper his reign and grant him more wisdom, peace and good health.

Appeal Court Orders re-run after nullifying Senate Minority Leader’s election

 

A Court of Appeal has nullified the election of the Senate Minority Leader, Simon Mwadkwon of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Plateau North Senatorial District.

In a judgment in Abuja on Sunday, a three-member panel of the court found, among others, that the PDP had no valid candidate in the election.

The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election in the senatorial district within 90 days.

The judgment was on the appeals by Chris Giwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Gyang Zi of the Labour Party (LP).

Giwa and Zi had appealed against the judgment of the elections petitions tribunal which sat in Jos, Plateau State, affirming Mwadkwon as the winner of the senatorial election.

The appellants contended, among others, that Mwadkwon was not qualified to stand for an election because the PDP had no structure to nominate a candidate, having not complied with an earlier order by the state’s High Court for the party to conduct a proper state congress.

In the lead judgment on Sunday, Justice Elphreda Dawodu-Williams held that the earlier order by High Court was not fully complied with by the PDP as 12 Local Government Areas did not participate in the said congress.

Justice Dawodu-Williams added: “The court made total findings with regard to the issue in focus.

“To avoid anarchy, I agree with the appellants that the court must protect an order of another court.

“I agree with the appellant that the third respondent (PDP) had no valid structure and could not have claimed to have validly nominated the second respondent (Mwadkwon) for the election.

“Given the findings of this court, the appeal, therefore, succeeds as the court order was not complied with.

“The first respondent (INEC) is hereby ordered to conduct another senatorial election in Plateau North within 90 days.” 

What Is a Head Cold? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

By Maggie O'Neill 

A head cold, sometimes called the common cold, can be rough. You may have a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and a sore throat. Head colds are also—as their alternative name suggests—incredibly common. In the United States, there are about one billion colds each year.1

There's no cure for a head cold. But you can take specific actions that will make you feel better while you wait for it to take its course. 

Health spoke to family medicine experts to find out everything you need to know about head colds, including what causes them, how they're treated, and whether you can prevent them.

Head colds are illnesses caused by several different viruses, Sterling Ransone, MD, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, told Health. 

Some of the most common types of viruses that cause head colds are adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), and coronaviruses. That said, COVID-19 is not one of the coronaviruses that causes the common cold, said Dr. Ransone.

You can get a head cold if you spread germs to your face, like if you touch your nose or mouth after touching a surface with germs on it. Additionally, you can get a cold by ingesting or inhaling germs.1

So, it's essential to wash your hands regularly, keep them away from your face, and keep your distance from people who are sick.

Symptoms

Here's where the name "head cold" really comes into play. The symptoms primarily affect how your head and neck feel. 

The symptoms of a head cold usually show up two to three days after infection and include the following:

Sneezing

Congestion

Runny nose

Sore throat

Cough

Headache or facial pain

Also, some head colds might even cause a headache or ear-popping, Amy Zack, MD, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, told Health.

Treatment Options

Unfortunately, there's no overnight treatment for a head cold. 

"The only true treatment for a head cold is time," said Dr. Zack. "The virus will run its course and typically resolve in five to 10 days."

But according to Dr. Zack, certain behaviors can help your body fight off the virus, including:

Resting

Drinking plenty of fluids

Using a humidifier

Breathing in the steam from hot water

One thing to add to your grocery list when you're sick is chicken noodle soup, said Dr. Ransone, who explained that it isn't just a myth. Chicken noodle soup can help you feel better when you have a cold. Why? Three qualities make it worthwhile: Fluid, lean protein, and carbohydrates.

In addition to lifestyle behaviors, certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications might help you recover from a head cold, like:1

Decongestants

Nasal saline spray

Throat spray and throat lozenges

Pain medication—though, you should read the label to make sure it's safe to use, as children shouldn't take aspirin.3

If you are taking certain medications or have any chronic health conditions, consult a healthcare provider about the best way to treat your head cold. 

"It is very important if you have other medical problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etcetera—or take other chronic medications—to talk with your [healthcare provider] about the safety of OTCmedications for you," noted Dr. Zack.

Prevention of Head Colds

While there's no one sure way to prevent catching a head cold, you can reduce your risk of getting one by staying away from people whom you know are sick.1

You can also help reduce your risk of getting a cold by washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with sick people, and not touching your face with unwashed hands.4

A Quick Review

Also known as the common cold, head colds bring unwanted symptoms like a stuffy nose, sneezing, and a sore throat. Head colds are prevalent and are spread by infected people.

You can steer clear of head colds by washing your hands, avoiding close contact with infected people, and not touching your face.

Amended TRC Law: Akwa Ibom Paramount Rulers From 3 Senatorial Districts Set Records Straight

 

Amidst the ongoing debate and confusion surrounding the amended Traditional Rulers Law, Cap.155 of 2022, the Paramount Rulers of the three Senatorial Districts of Akwa Ibom State have released a formal statement to clarify the facts and set the record straight.

A joint statement issued on Tuesday and signed by a total of eighteen (18) Paramount Rulers, addressed key issues and concerns surrounding the amended law.

It reads: “We, the Paramount Rulers, drawn from the three Senatorial Districts of Akwa Ibom State, to wit, Akwa Ibom North East (UYO); Akwa Ibom South (EKET) and Akwa Ibom North West (IKOT EKPENE) wish to formally react and put the record straight

“1. First of all, may we formally express our heartfelt appreciation to the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for assenting to the amended Traditional Rulers Law, Cap. 155 of 2022; as passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. We equally extend our appreciation to the 7th Assembly for commencing the amendment processes and members of the 8th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for the passage of the law.

“2. In effect, the amended Law, which brought forth Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, has enhanced the prestige of the State Traditional Institution, thus situating our own appropriately at the realms of nobility as obtained in other parts of Nigeria.

“3. We stand therefore, individually and collectively, to categorically affirm the correctness of the amended Traditional Rulers Law, Cap. 155 of 2022.

“4. It would therefore be most dishonourable and unexpected of us as Royal Fathers to renounce or fake ill knowledge of what we all knew about and willingly accepted.

“5. In the light of this sacred fact, we totally disassociate ourselves from the inappropriate, misguided and unwholesome reactions orchestrated through protests, law suit and public statements against the amended Traditional Rulers Law, Cap 155 of 2022.

“6. Furthermore, it is to our chagrin to see the unpatriotic activities of some highly placed political figures who have decided to introduce uncharitable dimensions into a purely traditional matter. We kindly appeal to them to retrace their steps. Enough is enough of sowing discord between Ibibio, Annang, Oron and others.

“7. We wish therefore to urge our Royal Colleagues to tread the path of honour and avoid going against their oath of office and oath of allegiance to the Government of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. It must be noted that the sanctity of our traditional institution should not be traded or compromised at the altar of politics.

“8. It must be pointed out that His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR has effectively assumed office as President General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers in perpetuity, having been sworn in by the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State on September 23, 2023. Likewise, His Royal Majesty, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko Local Government Area has assumed office having been equally sworn into office as the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on September 23, 2023.

“9. Those engaging in dishonourable acts against the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers should know that the swearing into offices of the President General and the Chairman have effects of Law and cannot therefore be wished away by mere pedestrian actions and vituperations.

“10. We therefore congratulate and pledged our loyalty to the leadership of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers under the superintendency of His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR as President General and His Royal Majesty, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, JP, Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko Local Government Area as the Chairman.

“11. In conclusion, we urge the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Bassey Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and our distinguished sons and daughters at home and in Diaspora, to know that we totally accept the Amended Traditional Rulers Law, Cap. 155 of 2022 and the leadership as put in place on September 23, 2023.

“12. We pledge our unalloyed loyalty to the government in line with our oath of office and oath of allegiance and will always defend the sanctity of the culture and traditions of our people.”

We are:

1. His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon D. Etuk, JP, CFR

Oku Ibom Ibibio/President General, Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers

Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium LGA

(Akwa Ibom North East)

2. HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, JP, Eti Oyo Okpo

Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers

Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko LGA

(Akwa Ibom South)

3. HRM Okuku (Dr.) Ime Udousoro Inyang, JP,

Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom LGA

(Akwa Ibom North East)

4. HRM Edidem Udo Joe Ntuk Obom XII

Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi LGA

(Akwa Ibom South)

5. HRM Edidem Elder (Dr.) Edet Akpan Inyang

Paramount Ruler of Itu LGA

(Akwa Ibom North East)

6. HRM Edidem Ubong Peter Assam

Paramount Ruler of Esit Eket LGA

(Akwa Ibom South)

7. HRM Ofong Odiong Edet Akan

Paramount Ruler of Oron LGA

(Akwa Ibom South)

8. HRM Edidem (Elder) Akpan Akpan Ekpene Akwa Enin

Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin LGA

(Akwa Ibom South)

9. HRM Edidem Etim Charles Daniel Abia, FCA, Attah Ekid

Paramount Ruler of Eket LGA

(Akwa Ibom South)

10. HRM Edidem Raymond Timothy Inyang

Paramount Ruler of ONNA LGA

(Akwa Ibom South)

11. HRM Edidem Clement Francis Ekpenyong

Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan LGA

(Akwa Ibom North East)

12. HRM Edidem (Elder) Manasseh Simeon Akpan, JP

Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ibom LGA

(Akwa Ibom North East)

13. HRM Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon JP

Paramount Ruler of Uyo LGA

(Akwa Ibom North East)

14. HRM Edidem Peter Okon Effiong

Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai LGA

(Akwa Ibom North East)

15. HRM Edidem Cosmas Bassey Nkanga

Paramount Ruler of Uruan LGA

(Akwa Ibom North East)

16. HRM Edidem Etim N. Itang,

Paramount Ruler of Ikono LGA

(Akwa Ibom North West)

17. HRM Edidem Udoete Edon

Paramount Ruler of Ini LGA

(Akwa Ibom North West)

18. HRM Edidem Aniefiok Monday Akpanobong

Paramount Ruler of Etinan LGA

(Akwa Ibom North East).

Eteidung Edem Felicitates With Gov Eno, Hails Forebears On A’Ibom At 36

...Hails Gov Eno On Victory At Election Tribunal

The Village Head-elect of Nung Oku Ibesikpo in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Eteidung (Pastor) Anietie Okon Edem has felicitated with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Eno, the government and the people on the 36th anniversary of the State. 

Eteidung Edem, in a statement at his Palace in Nung Oku Ibesikpo, applauded our forebears and founding fathers, for their vision and agitation which gave birth to the creation of Akwa Ibom State by the Federal Military Government under General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR, President and Commander in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on September 23, 1987. 

The village head further commended past leaders who governed Akwa Ibom State, since creation in 1987, for the various monumental developments recorded, which have greatly changed our landscape to become one of the fastest growing States in Nigeria.

He expressed confidence that Akwa Ibom, under Pastor Eno as a visionary leader and well experienced administrator, will certainly witness more socio-economic and political developments as encapsulated in his blueprint, the ARISE Agenda. 

The goodwill message read, “On behalf of Nung Oku Ibesikpo, I heartily felicitates with the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Eno, the Government and the people on the 36th anniversary of our beloved State. 

“Nung Oku Ibesikpo is happy on this auspicious occasion to commend our forebears, whose vision and agitation ensured the creation of Akwa Ibom State by the Federal Military Government under General Ibrahim Babangida, GCFR, President and Commander in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic on September 23, 1987. 

“We salute our past leaders who governed Akwa Ibom State since creation in 1987, for the various monumental developments recorded which have greatly changed our landscape to become one of the fastest growing States in Nigeria. 

“As a community, we have confidence that Akwa Ibom State, under Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, as a visionary leader and well experienced administrator, will certainly work to ensure that we have more socio-economic and political developments as encapsulated in his blueprint, the ARISE Agenda. 

Eteidung Edem used the occasion to congratulate Hon. Frank Archibong for his reappointment as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, describing him as a square peg in a square hole.

He also lauded the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR for being sworn in as the President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and wished him long life and a prosperous reign on the throne.

Eteidung Edem further commended Governor Umo Eno on his victories at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, maintaining that the will of Akwa Ibom State cannot be changed.

Gov Eno's Tribunal Victory, A Reflection Of A'Ibom Peoples Wishes Says Hon. Quincy Ukpong

 

The Supervisor for Health and Social Services, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Hon. Quincy Ukpong, has joined various groups and individuals to congratulate Pastor Umo Eno, for emerging victorious at the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal on Friday.

Hon. Ukpong who is also the Secretary, Board of Trustees (BoT), A R.I.S.E Ambassadors; a renowned socio-political and advocacy group projecting the ARISE Agenda of Pastor Umo Eno, said the outcome of the tribunal reflects the wishes of Akwa Ibomites who voted enmasse for the PDP in the last general elections.

Recall that the governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Uyo, had, on Friday, dismissed the petitions of the Governorship candidate of the YPP and had during the week also dismissed those of the APC, NNPP, Accord and other parties for lacking in merit.

Reacting to the cheering news, the grassroots mobilizer said: “When the good people of Akwa Ibom voted massively for Pastor Umo Bassey Eno; the Akwa Ibom State gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in March this year, they were not joking in their choice and to the glory of God, the Judiciary has confirmed the victory today."

He added: "On behalf of my family, the PDP family in my Afaha Ikot Ede, Mbiaso ward 5 and indeed the good people of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, I congratulate our Chirst-centric Leader and Governor of Akwa-Abasi Ibom State and our great party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on these victories at the Tribunal."

Hon. Quincy Ukpong called on the members of other political parties to sheath their sword and support the Umo Eno-led administration running on the mantra of A.R.I.S.E. 

He called on the youths of the state to remain steadfast in their support for Pastor Eno, assuring them that the State Chief Executive is already fulfilling his promises to the youths in terms of the programmes and policies of the current administration.