NCCE ACCREDITATION: CSO LAUDS A'IBOM GOVT OVER COE, SEEKS UPGRADE OF COLLEGE

A foremost civil society organisation in Nigeria, the Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), has lauded the management of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State for providing and maintaining infrastructure in the College and for securing the full accreditation of all Programmes of the College by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

The Center made the commendation in a Goodwill Message sent to the Provost, Prof. Daniel Udo, on the occasion of the 33rd NCE, 6th Degree and 1st Part-time/Sandwich Degree Programmes Matriculation Ceremony of the College, which took place on Friday, 24th May,  2024 in the College.

The message, which was signed by the Center's Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong and Secretary, Barr. Christopher Ekpo, was made available to newsmen in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. 

The Center, whose team to the ceremony was led by its Secretary, Comrade Christopher Ekpo, stated that the event was attended by a cross-section of the intelligentsia in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.

According to the Center, the ceremony was presided by the Provost of the College, Prof. Daniel G. Udo, with the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Ministry for Education, Mrs. Rose N. Bassey.

The Center noted that under the watch of Daniel Udo as Provost, the College has recorded numerous achievements, including the 100 percent accreditation of the NCE and Degree Programmes of the College, recruitment of new staff to replace exited staff, restoration of public power supply after years of blackout, reinvigoration and equipping of Education Technology Unit and the ICT Centre, establishment of effective portal, development of the entrepreneurial centre, establishment of transportation scheme, the running of an uninterrupted academic calendar, the achievement of peace and harmony on campus, the exhumation of over 9,000 NCE certificates that were pending since 2010, the development and use of the ICT to conduct free, fair and transparent Students Union Government elections, and the reinvigoration of sports and sporting activities.

The Center noted that the degree programme of the College, run in affiliation with the Faculty of Education of the University of Uyo, is fast rising in patronage but decried that the College cannot admit beyond the quota assigned to it.

The Center observed that the NCE quota of over 4,000 attracts only 69 students and advocated for the upgrade of the College by the State Government to the status of a University of Education, saying that if the College is upgraded, both degree and NCE programmes can be complementarily run by the institution, which will, by extension, enhance the quality of teacher education and broaden the space for higher education in Akwa Ibom State.

The Center urged the State Government to provide a masterplan for the College, perimeter fence, quality infrastructure, access and link roads within the College.

The CHRAN recalled that it has, recently, paid advocacy visits to the College during which it appraised the College and recommended that it be upgraded to the status of a University of Education.

Signed 

Otuekong Franklyn Isong 

(Director)

Comrade (Barr. ) Christopher Ekpo 

(Secretary)

Dated Monday, 27th May, 2024.

Senator Aniekan Etim Bassey: SETTING THE PACE ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

By Henshaw NYONG, Uyo

One of the renowned political leaders and activists in history; Mahatma Gandhi, left us with a profound legacy, including his iconic quote: "Be the change you wish to see in the world". 

However, 76 years have passed since his tragic assassination on 30th January, 1948, yet Gandhi's wise statement continues to inspire many good leaders worldwide to embody the change they desire. One of them is the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Etim Bassey, who has exemplified this philosophy through his tireless efforts to develop youths in Akwa Ibom.

Interestingly, one tool that the Uruan-born Entrepreneur turned politician is using to 'Change the world' is RHAB-YESS, an acronym for the Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey Youth Entrepreneurial Support Scheme. 

Bassey launched this visionary Foundation in 2020 in response to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought almost all human activities to a standstill. His aim was to bring hope to those who had lost it.

Through RHAB-YESS Foundation, the former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, has made a profound impact. He has transformed the lives of many, revitalized businesses, and empowered numerous Akwa Ibom youths to transition from unemployment to becoming job creators, thereby positively influencing the socio-economic landscape of the State.

Sincerely, the impact of RHAB-YESS Foundation is truly remarkable. As of the last count, this visionary initiative has positively impacted the lives of over 296 youths, equipped over 70 artisans with invaluable skills, and provided vital support to over 812 individuals across the State. This is the embodiment of Mahatma Gandhi's iconic philosophy - a leader who not only screams and advocates for change, but also works tirelessly to bring about positive transformations.

As a renowned change-maker, Senator Bassey has continued to demonstrate his unwavering dedication to empowering the people who entrusted him with their mandate. In fact, since his arrival at the 10th Senate, he has been tirelessly fulfilling his responsibilities in lawmaking, representation, and oversight, but, with a special focus on uplifting the very individuals who sent him to represent them. 

Senator Bassey's latest initiative, a FREE DIGITAL MARKETING TRAINING programme, which is open to all Akwa Ibomites across the 31 Local Government Areas, is indeed, a tremendous opportunity that is poised to revolutionize the lives of Akwa Ibom youths. In today's digitally driven world, digital marketing has become a goldmine, which offers vast prospects for growth, innovation, and financial freedom. 

According to the Senator's Media Unit, the forthcoming digital marketing training, starting 3rd June 3rd till 25th June, 2024, every Monday and Tuesday, 11am-12pm, promises to be a game-changer. This comprehensive programme, which culminates in certificate awards, is meticulously designed to empower every participant with the cutting-edge online tools and techniques necessary to launch, grow, and expand his business. The training will delve into a wide range of topics, including starting an online business from scratch, harnessing online tools to boost revenue, navigating the intricacies of social media and Google ads, analyzing data from online insights, and much more.

Upon closer examination, it is evident that, Senator Bassey is synergizing with the vision of the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, as encapsulated in the ARISE agenda. This laudable collaboration is a welcome development as it will yield remarkable results and pave the way for a brighter future for our people.

In light of this, as our wise saying goes, "when one is climbing a good ladder, he needs a push." Senator Aniekan Bassey, a pacesetter in youth development, is going above and beyond his duties as a lawmaker to improve the lives of his people. By doing so, he is demonstrating his commitment to their well-being. In turn, it is incumbent upon the people to reciprocate this dedication by continuing to 'push him on the ladder' to do even more.

By working together in this way, we can create a virtuous cycle of progress and development that will also benefit you, the reader!

Eteidung Asikpo Marks One Year As Village Head Of Ekpri Nsukara Offot

Lauds Gov. Eno, Ekpri Nsukara Indigenes For Cooperation

 

The Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo, has marked one year on the throne with thanks to the Almighty God for granting him the grace to serve his people as a king.

 

Eteidung Asikpo, who ascended the throne of Ekpri Nsukara Offot on Saturday, May 6, 2023, commended the Governor Umo Eno-led administration and former Governor Udom Emmanuel for confirming his status by issuing him a certificate of recognition on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

 

In a statement marking his first anniversary on Wednesday, Eteidung Asikpo also appreciated the kingmakers, village council, stakeholders and the indigenes of Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village for choosing him to be their king and reiterated his resolve to always justify the confidence they repose in him. 

 

He reaffirmed his commitment to continue administering the affairs of the village on the path of peace, love, unity, orderliness and progress, and urged the people not to relent in their total support and cooperation with the Village Council and family heads.

 

Eteidung Asikpo also stressed that the Ekpri Nsukara Offot Community remains very supportive of Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda, describing the programme as very innovative, and a transformation package for the development of Akwa Ibom State in all areas. 

 

"I remain very grateful to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno; the immediate past Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel; and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong, for issuing me a certificate of recognition within the first year of my selection. 

 

"I wish to also express my profound appreciation to the Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, HRM Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon; the Uyo Traditional Rulers Council; and the Offot Ukwa Clan Council of Chiefs for the unquantifiable support and cooperation given to the village under my leadership," he added.

 

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Village Council, Comrade Morris Silas Bassey, and the Secretary, Elder Domingo B. Etim, on behalf of the stakeholders of the village, have congratulated Eteidung Asikpo on his first year on the throne, describing his leadership as excellent and very rewarding for the village.

 

They noted that Eteidung Asikpo's reign has engendered peace, love, unity, security and development in Ekpri Nsukara Offot and pledged their continued support and loyalty to him to encourage his sterling leadership, while also committing him to God's unlimited care, wisdom and prosperity.

 

It could be recalled that the selection process by the Kingmakers at the Village Hall at Mission Road on Saturday, May 6, 2023, climaxed with the traditional palm frond known locally as udàk being decorated on the neck of Emem Denis Asikpo, and thereafter, he was presented before the villagers and later to the Offot Ukwa Clan Council of Chiefs and the Uyo Traditional Rulers Council according to traditional rites. 

 

Asikpo filled the vacant stool following the demise of their village head, the late Eteidung Linus Etim Essien, who joined his ancestors and was laid to rest on Friday, December 23, 2022.

Nsit Ibom Critical Stakeholders Handover Supreme Political Power To Maj. Gen. Paul Isang Rtd

 ••• Mandate Politicians To Channel All Political Matters, Empowerment Through Isang

••• _Pass Confidence Vote In Gov. Eno, Isang

In a historic and unprecedented move, critical stakeholders in Nsit Ibom LGA have unanimously declared Major General Paul Isang, Rtd, the Supreme Leader, mandating that henceforth, all political matters and empowerment for the area must pass through him. 

This decisive move was made on Sunday at a stakeholders' meeting at the political leader's residence, where all other leaders in the area gathered to eulogize and affirm their support for Isang's selfless leadership, emphasizing that he has finally brought unparalleled unity to the area.

The stakeholders, who made the declaration after a motion moved by Hon. Eric Akpan and seconded by two former Councillors, Hon. Inemesit Ubokudom and Hon. (Obong) Peaceman Inyang, also affirmed their support for Governor Umo Eno's remarkable achievements, including the construction of a state-of-the-art Primary Health Centre at Oboiyo Ikot Ita, Nsit Ibom LGA. They praised the cleric-turned-state chief executive for breaking the development jinx in Nsit Ibom within his first year in office.

Before moving the motion, Hon. Eric Akpan, took ample time to shower encomium on Major General Paul Isang Rtd, describing him as an exceptionally humble individual dedicated to uniting Nsit Ibom. He expressed delight in associating with Isang and applaud his leadership style, stressing that it has brought peace and harmony to Nsit Ibom.

The entire stakeholders, through a voice vote led by a two-time Chapter Chairman of PDP in Nsit Ibom LGA and former legislator, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Nyong Ikpe, unanimously mandated and accentuated that, all political leaders from the state, including the peace loving Governor of the State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Senator Aniekan Bassey, and Hon. Paul Ekpo, among others, must channel any political empowerment or benefit coming to Nsit Ibom through Paul Isang.

On her part, Chairman of the Transition Committee, Nsit Ibom LGA, Hon. Oto Aaron, commended the political leader, Paul Isang, for transforming the style of political leadership in Nsit Ibom into an affable, warm, and affectionate approach that has fostered unity across all blocs and solicited for continued cooperation and support for their political leader and Governor Eno.

Several stakeholders, including Deaconess Aniedi Inyang, Hon. David Etuk, Prof. Daniel Udo, Comrade Amos Etuk, Comrade Akamba Awah and other leaders, took turns to express their heartfelt appreciation to the Governor and commend the leadership style of their political leader, Maj. Gen. Paul J. Isang (Rtd).

Responding, the Retired Major General expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for their love and support for the governor before, during and after the last general elections. He also thanked his people for supporting the ARISE agenda and setting the pace in unanimously affirming their commitment to stand with the governor in supporting his preferred successor in 2031.

 Isang used the occasion and appealed to all leaders to mobilize their people and come out in large numbers to give Governor Umo Eno and his entourage a rousing welcome for the upcoming commissioning of a state of the art Primary Health Center at Oboiyo Ikot Ita, scheduled for May 24. 

He encouraged all to continue living in peace and harmony and make Nsit Ibom a shining example of unity and progress in their total support for Governor Umo Eno and the ARISE agenda.

Meanwhile, highlights of the meeting were adoption of Governor Umo Eno for second term and declaration to support his choice successor in 2031, confidence vote in Maj Gen Isang, cutting of a birthday cake in honour of the Chairman, Transition Committee, Hon Oto Aaron, and fervent prayers for all sons and daughters of Nsit Ibom LGA at home and in the diaspora.

UMO ENO's CONTRACT WITH AKWA IBOM PEOPLE YIELDING DIVIDENDS

  

Written by Lucy Daniel

When on November 8, 2022, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, flagged -off his campaign in Uyo, he publicly declared his avowed intention and commitment to serve the people of the state as his contract with the people.

This contract, he reiterated, is for Akwa Ibom people ,both at home and in the diaspora and includes the pledge to continue in the path of peace, security and development.

Besides, the contract, he said, encompasses job creation and enlargement of paths for economic prosperity, maintainance and advancement of infrastructure, food security, quality education and a contract to stem rural -urban migration among others.

Pastor Eno, on that occasion, unveiled a contract for peace, unity, brotherhood and above all, a contract with God as the Author and Finisher of our lives.

In summary, he summed up that contract in one word, ARISE, which stands for Agricultural revolution, rural development, infrastructural maintenance/advancement, security management as well as educational management.

These lofty ideas, like the proverbial harmattan wind, captured the minds of the electorate which instantly believed and embraced it up to the point of demonstrating same during the 2023 guber polls.

Upon his inauguration as governor on May 29, 2023, Pastor Eno declared his commitment to religiously execute his programmes and policies based on the ARISE Agenda, to the satisfaction of all Akwa Ibomites.

Hopes and anxiety filled the land as many waited for the dreams and visions to come true while others saw it as mere political gimmicks which are never realised.

Almost one year into Governor Eno's tenure, he has demonstrated his zeal and capacity by delivering the much-needed dividends of democracy to the Akwa Ibom people.

In the area of agriculture, he has declared every first and third fridays of the month as farming days while government offices remain closed.

Also, he has attracted the Songhai model farm into the state in a bid to enhance food sufficiency for the masses.

Moreover, agricultural inputs have often been distributed to farming groups and individuals in addition to loans and grants aimed at boosting food production in the state.

In the area of education, the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre in Ibiono Ibom and model schools at Christ The King School, Uyo and  Ewet Offot have been completed.

This is in addition to provision of basic facilities at Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden as well as the State Polytechnic at Ikot Osurua and College of Education at Afaha Nsit.

Primary and Secondary Schools have also benefited tremendously as new facilities have been provided to improve on the teaching and learning activities.

Retired primary school teachers in the state whose gratuities were not paid for years now are now smiling as the government has paid  outstanding gratuities to them.

On infrastructure, contract for the construction of over 100  roads have been awarded . Works are either ongoing or completed in some of them across the state.

Gully erosion is also receiving adequate attention while desilting of drainage is being intensified, especially as Akwa Ibom is one of the states mentioned as flood-prone states this year.

To oil the machinery of government, new permanent secretaries have been appointed and trained for effective execution of their duties.

Civil servants have been trained and provided with the necessary working tools to enhance their performance.

For traders, the governor has been visiting them and giving them money to improve their businesses and income.

In collaboration with the private sector, the governor, since his assumption of office last year, has been creating a conducive environment towards the establishment of business ventures to absorb some of the unemployed youths in the state.

He has also encouraged entrepreneurs to improve their services and output.

The rural areas being the main focus of his government, Governor Umo Eno has provided potable water, electricity, market, health facilities and good roads to improve the quality of life in the areas and also encouraged the people to live in their villages and carry out farming activities to feed the people.

In the security sector, Neighbourhood Watch has been established in all communities while the government has donated gun-boats and other facilities like patrol vehicles to security agencies to ensure the safety of the state on land and sea.

Recently, forty Hilux trucks were handed over to the police to check the activities of criminals in Akwa Ibom.

Within the past one year, the governor has been meeting with investors, both local and foreign, with the sole aim of getting them to establish their business in the state.

He has so far ensured that investors have access Akwa Ibom conveniently from the air, land and water.

So far, Akwa Ibom is the aviation hub of Nigeria as Ibom Air, the only state -owned airline in Nigeria, is extending her services to neighbouring countries in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

In collaboration with the Federal Government, the Ibom Deep Seaport is soon to become a reality after spending many years in the drawing board.

Above all, Gov Umo Eno has established a very cordinal relationship with the Federal Government to attract federal amenities into Akwa Ibom.

So far, the Federal College of Education has been established while work is ongoing at the power station in Idedep, Ibiono Ibom as well as Calabar -Itu Road.

The traditional institution, women and youth have also been touched positively by the administration.

Within one year in office, one can state unequivocally that Governor Umo Bassey Eno has delivered on his mandate as encapsulated in his ARISE Agenda and is hungry to do more within the next three years and beyond.

Lucy Daniel is the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Fuel supply: 9,000 marketers may lose licences, seek FG’s intervention

 

As Nigerians battle fuel scarcity, over 9,000 oil marketers are on the verge of losing their operating licences.

As a result, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria is urging the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to extend its final deadline for licensing renewal to July.

It also appealed to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority to release 9,000 already processed licences to its members.

The association made the request known in a release signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, on Thursday in Abuja.

Recall that IPMAN in a statement on Sunday lamented the slow pace of marketers’ licence renewal by the NMDPRA.

The NNPCL had placed a deadline of April 15, 2024, for marketers to renew their licences or risk closure to access their customer express portals for the purchase of petroleum products from NNPC Retail Limited.

But IPMAN requested an extension, saying the extension would enable marketers to reconcile their licenses and reduce panic buying by members of the public aggravating the present scarcity of petroleum products.

The statement read, “The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria are abreast with current developments in the downstream sector of our petroleum industry and wish to state that the latest information reaching us from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority states that they have already processed more than 9,000 out of the 15,000 licenses they are expected to process for our members within this period.

“Marketers are fast-tracking the processing of their licenses to avoid the impending closure of their customer express portals for purchase of petroleum products from NNPC Retail Limited.

“We, therefore, use this opportunity to appeal to the management of the NMDPRA and NNPC Retail Limited to respectively release the processed licenses and extend the deadline for delisting of marketers from their express portals. If our request is granted, it will ease the tension of panic buying by members of the public in order not to aggravate the present scarcity of petroleum products.”

Giving further clarity in a telephone interview, Ukadike said, “The release is to appeal to the NNPCL and NMPDRA to please extend the final deadline to July so that it would enable them to reconcile the licences so that they will not be unduly shut out off the portal and that is IPMAN appeal.”

Our correspondent contacted the NMDPRA South-West Regional Coordinator, Ayo Cardoso, over the plea of the marketers.

Responding, Cardoso told our source; The PUNCH that the NMDPRA would take a look at the request and act accordingly.

“We will look into their request,” he responded during a chat with our correspondent.

Our source recalled that amid the ongoing fuel crisis, IPMAN had on Tuesday declared that it would shut down the 30,000 stations operated by IPMAN members across the country if the Federal Government failed to pay the N200bn that was being owed marketers.

IPMAN specifically said the NMDPRA had refused to clear the debt, which had continued to accrue since September 2022.

It disclosed this in a communique issued in Abuja by the Chairman of IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, Yahaya Alhassan, over the non-payment of marketers’ bridging claims.

In their quest to buy the currently scarce Premium Motor Spirit, commercial drivers in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State have started keeping vigil at fuel stations.

The Federal Government on Wednesday said it had begun a 15-day emergency fuel supply to ensure the commodity circulates across the length and breadth of the country to immediately cushion the scarcity.

The government also disclosed that vessels importing Premium Motor Spirit would continue to berth at the shore to discharge petrol to different depots, from where the product would be distributed to different filling stations.

But despite these promises, the product is yet to be available to residents as commercial drivers now keep vigil at filling stations in Abeokuta, Lagos, Oyo and others.

Commercial drivers have raised transport fares as the majority of them now patronise black marketers who sell a litre of petrol at N1,200 per litre or more.

A commercial driver, Adio Adegoke, at Slaab filling station in Abeokuta, told our correspondent that he had slept in his taxi in an attempt to buy fuel.

 “I had to park my car here since 7:30 pm yesterday when my tank went empty. I slept at Divine Pax Oil and Gas filling station,” he said.

Also, a mechanic, Lekan Ade, corroborated the claims of the taxi driver stating, “I just bought it there this afternoon for one of my customers, they are still selling it as we speak at the rate of N950 per litre.”

When our correspondent visited the fuel station, aside from being written on their metre, an attendant was also seen warning motorists to go if they could not buy the product at that rate.

Another driver, Adeoluwa Onasanya, told one of our correspondents that many slept at the filling station before they could get the product.

Our source observed that the persistent fuel scarcity seems to be a huge source of income for black marketers, as young boys and girls were sighted by the roadside in Lekki, Ajah and other parts of Lagos advertising fuel in jerry cans.

 One of our correspondents observed that along the Egbeda-Idimu-Ikotun axis of Lagos, the black marketers sold five litres of the product for N6,000.

A young man who gave his name as Mr John said, “How many litres do you want? We sell 5 litres here for N6,000. At the fuel station, they sell a litre for N1,200, we have to bribe the fuel station to be able to get the product, I can give you any amount of litre that you want,” he boasted.

Our source observed a long queue of vehicles at the NNPC filling station along the Cele Expressway which was selling at N568/litre, while the AP filling station at Barracks Bustop was selling fuel at N700/litre with a long queue of motorists scrambling to buy fuel.

As the queues refuse to ease off at the filling stations despite the promises from the government, Nigerians are worried that the fuel crisis might degenerate into loss of sources of income.

 

AKWA IBOM REMAPPING LAW AND THE DANGEROUS EFFECT OF FAKE NEWS AND PROPAGANDA

 

By Effiong James

It is essential to recognize and address the evils of propaganda during communal crises to minimize the damage caused while promoting harmony and understanding.

Propaganda in communal crises is detrimental as it promotes the spreading of false information and misconceptions, intensifying existing tensions. By distorting facts, manipulating emotions, and exploiting vulnerabilities, propaganda fuels hatred and animosity between people who might already be at odds.

This misinformation not only deepens existing divisions but can also breed new conflicts that would have otherwise been avoidable as evident in recent publications sponsored by one Manfred Ekpe a wannabe lawyer in the recent remapping court judgment.

I would like to point out that propaganda in communal crises impairs the process of peace-building and reconciliation by spreading messages of vengeance, and retaliation.

However, Mr. Manfred Ekpe and his cohorts should realize that he undermines the efforts of the government to promote dialogue, compromise, and forgiveness and know that his actions strengthen extremist ideologies and radicalize individuals who might have otherwise been open to reconciliation, making it extremely challenging to reconcile differences and build a wave of sustainable peace.

Finally, the evils of fake news have long-lasting effects on society. The seeds of hatred, division, and mistrust sown by propaganda can permeate future generations, hindering the prospects of a harmonious and united community. The scars left by propaganda during crises take time to heal, requiring substantial efforts to rebuild trust, repair relationships, and foster a sense of unity among different groups.

Manfred Ekpe and his gang of false news peddlers should understand that false information, hinders peace building, incites violence, and has long-lasting damage to societal relations and should be called to order.

Lastly, it is pertinent to note that the Remapping case between Obolo people and Akwa Ibom State was not struck out or dismissed as paddled by a section of hired media but was rather transferred to the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State for hearing in a state High Court.

 It is also worth noting that the court didn't venture into the substantive matter.

Effiong James, a social commentator, writes from Afaha Etoi, Uyo Local Government Area