Akpabio joins presidential race

BySaviour Imukudo  

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has formally joined the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential race for the 2023 election.

Mr Akpabio made the declaration Wednesday before a mammoth crowd at Ikot Ekpene Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.

It was at the same venue Mr Akpabio announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the ruling APC three years ago.

Mr Akpabio, a former two term governor of the Akwa Ibom State and immediate past Senate Minority, promised to place priority on security and economy if elected.

Mr Akpabio has now joined his colleague, Minister of Transport and former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi in the race to succeed their boss in 2023.

Messrs Amaechi and Akpabio served from 2007 to 2015 as governors of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, respectively.

Mr Akpabio’s successor as governor, Udom Emmanuel, is also in the presidential race on PDP’s platform.

“Let me pronounce to you that you’ve had a lot of declarations, this one is uncommon. The message is not only a message of hope, not only a message of positive continuity; it is also a message that very soon the Egyptians you see today will see them no more.”

“Therefore, I hereby declare my intention to seek the nomination of my great party, the All Progressive Congress to become not just a candidate but to become the next president in 2023.

“This declaration is being watched live from 59 countries in the world,” Mr Akpabio boasts. “I have never seen a politician so loved by this country like Godswill Akpabio.”

Declaration amidst party crisis

Mr Akpabio made the declaration to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 amidst a deeply divided party in the State.

The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the APC is divided into two factions.

One faction led by Stephen Ntukekpo is loyal to Mr Akpabio. Mr Ntukekpo’s faction was on ground at the stadium during the declaration.

However, the second faction led by Austin Ekanem, which is loyal to the former secretary of the party, John Akpanudoedehe, was conspicuously absent at the venue of Mr Akpabio’s presidential declaration.

Source: PREMIUM TIMES

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“Protect her as your wife and not our wife” – Nigerian pastor dishes out tips on how to build a peaceful home and well bred children

A Nigerian pastor who hails from Akwa Ibom, Ab Isong, has on a post on his Facebook page, stated that the secret to a peaceful home and well-raised children is a happy wife

“To have a peaceful home and well bred kids, just make this gender happy if God has blessed you with a good one.” the pastor wrote in part in his post.

He then went on to give a couple of tips on what-to-do to ensure that your wife is happy.

“To have a peaceful home and well bred kids, just make this gender happy if God has blessed you with a good one.”

(1) Never return home without pizza

(2) Say thank you after eating her food

(3) Sometimes forget hbfjfgdg and just cuddle

(4) When she says leave me alone, don’t oh

(5) Even after driving her to her destination, still give her transport fare.

(6) Follow her watch ZEE-WORLD and be shouting Nehi from top to bottom

(7) During public holidays please stay at home though I’m typing from outside

(8) Never stop being her friend!

(9) Don’t compare her to any other in Heaven or on Earth.

(10) Protect her as your wife and not our wife. No be your family get am

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Kidnappers called me Adeboye, tortured me to get N100m – Akwa Ibom cleric

 

Okoriko

A televangelist and founder of the Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Apostle John Okoriko, who recently regained freedom after being kidnapped by suspected gunmen in Akwa Ibom State, has said two of his abductors knelt before him and demanded prayers and forgiveness before he was released from their custody.

The cleric was abducted on the premises of his church in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state and released after four days in captivity.

Okoriko, who spoke while narrating his ordeal in the hands of his abductors on Sunday, said the kidnappers tortured him so he could accept to pay the N100m ransom demanded by them.

He said, “The torture was much. They did terrible things to my body to force me to bring money to them. I told them that I had not seen such money in my entire life. They told me I am ‘Adeboye’ the richest pastor close to them in Akwa Ibom State.

“Out of the five-man gang that abducted me, two of them knelt and asked me to pray for them before they released me in the evening and I prayed for those that needed my prayers.”

Source: PUNCH

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2023: PDP Ward Chairmen lead by Obong Uduak Edim (Swagger) declares support for Gov Udom Emmanuel succession plan

- Assures state PDP chairman Eld Aniekan Akpan of total victory at the polls

By Emmanuel Ikpe

Forum of Ward Chairmen, current and former of the People Democratic Party PDP in Akwa Ibom says they have declared its unalloyed support for the Completion Agenda and Succession Plan of the state governor Mr Udom Emmanuel to produce a successor in the person of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno.

As contain in the resolution of the forum reached after an enlarged meeting on Tuesday 26th April 2022 at Clock 9 event place in Uyo the state capital, the group said 

that they we are pleased to identify with Gov. Udom Emmanuel's succession plan and have accepted to work for its actualization in their various domain, as a sign of their love for him over his live torching projects in the state since 2015 and as a commitment to their avowed loyalty to his leadership.

The statements reads in part: "in view of the prevailing situations surrounding the political landscape of Akwa Ibom State and the need to put records straight and for the purpose of setting agenda for our members/stakeholders to ensure that the success of the 2023 general elections is guaranteed and achievable for the benefits of the party, PDP and the generality of Akwa Ibom people.

We the members and stakeholders of the Forum of Chair of Chairs, comprising of all the current and former Ward Chairmen of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, represented by Chairmen of the Forum from different local government areas and Federal Constituencies, having meet in several occasions with members and key stakeholders, as was convened by the State Officer of the Party, a former Chairman and current Coordinator of the Forum, Obong Uduak Edim (Swagger) have resolve thus:

(2) That as followers and firm supporters of His Excellency, the governor Mr Udom Emmanuel, who believes in the continuous industrialization of our state and jobs creation for our youth and the direction shown by him towards 2023 elections, we have accepted to toe the direction of Mr Udom Emmanuel towards his preferred successor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno to become the governor of Akwa Ibom State comes 2023.

Going forward, the forum says that they have offer to work in their collective Wards with relevant stakeholders across the 31 LGAs of the State to ensure that the prevailing peace in Akwa Ibom State is maintain within the electioneering campaign period and beyond the 2023 elections, knowing very well that development and good governance can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.

The forum says she understand that governor Udom Emmanuel was lead by God to choose Pastor Umo Eno as his preferred successor and expressed the believe that "That Same God"  who stood with him to win in the era of "War Saw War", "federal might" mantra will stand by him to produce a successor in the person of Pastor Umo Eno come 2023.

While appreciating the governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for his leadership qualities and industrialization drive, thanked the State Chairman of the party, Rt Hon Elder Aniekan Akpan for steering the wheel of leadership of the party well.

"even as we continue to uphold our avowed loyalty and steadfastness to the progress, unity and success of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the state beyond 2023; We know that the state chairman of the party is a great leader, who have stabilized the party since assumption of office and we again assure him of our total support to clinch all round victory at the polls in the 2023 general elections for the party in the State", they added.

The forum said it also endorses Pastor Umo Bassey Eno based on his zeal for youth development and willingness to address issues with public interest in focus, expertise and enterprise achievement; that if eventually elected, Pastor Umo Eno will continue with the industrial policies of Gov Udom Emmanuel and sustain the much needed peace the state is enjoying now.

Consequently, the forum have called on all members of the Forum of Chair of Chairs, PDP officials, party members and stakeholders to align and support the party, PDP in the state, and to mobilize support for the succession plan of Gov Udom Emmanuel and vote for Pastor Umo Eno at the PDP primary and general elections come 2023.

These decisions taken with firm support for the party, PDP, Gov Udom Emmanuel succession plan and Pastor Umo Eno's 2023 governorship ambition was signed by 277 members out of 329 members cutting across the 329 Wards, 10 Federal Constituencies and three Senatorial Districts that made up the state.

ASUU strike: Presidential primaries can’t hold in Abuja, NANS declares

 

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, declared yesterday that no political party will hold a convention to select any presidential candidate in Abuja.

Peoples Democratic Party picked the Federal Capital Territory for its May Convention to select its presidential candidate amid 15 aspirants from all over the country, while ruling All Progressives Congress is also reported to have considered Abuja for its presidential primary later this month.

Eid-il-Fitr: End insecurity, inflation, ASUU strike now, Sultan tells FG

However, NANS President, Sunday Asefon, in a statement issued yesterday, told the political parties to either end the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities since February 14, 2022, or forget about holding any presidential primary in the nation’s capital.

The apex students’ union body also expressed anger that those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the smooth running of the education sector, including Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba; and Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; had picked the outrageous N100m presidential forms of the ruling party.

In the statement, titled, ”End ASUU Strike Or Forget Political Activities In Abuja”, NANS president said:  “We have also in the past weeks seen those saddled with great responsibility in the education sector and those saddled with responsibilities of resolving labour crises declaring interest to contest for the seat of the President come 2023.

“We are surprised by their effrontery and total disrespect to the Nigerian people for having the courage to even mute the idea of contesting talkless of picking up the 100million naira presidential form while students languish at home because of their collective failures.

“Politicians have shown no concern to the plight of the students but are only busy in their selfish and inordinate ambitions to become the next President.

“Let me say without mincing words, the two major political parties should forget any political gathering in Abuja who elsewhere except there is a solution to the lingering ASUU strike.

“We will frustrate all the activities leading to the selection of party candidates if we remain on strike. We also want to advise the government and the politicians who are busy campaigning to be President to either resolve the ASUU crises or give direct orders to the security operative to shoot us at the site during party conventions to select a presidential candidate. If we remain on strike, they should just forget it.”

ASUU, on March 14, at the expiration of its four-week warning strike which it declared on Monday, February 14, had extended the industrial action by two months.

The union, led by Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, said it made the decision to extend the strike to give the Federal Government and its agencies enough time to meet the lingering demands of the union.

The union had embarked on a nine-month strike in 2020 before it was called off in December of that year.

Source: VANGUARD

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MayDay:Akwa Ibom Workers give conditions to support flagbearers in 2023

 

Gov Udom says workers welfare supreme

By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

 Akwa Ibom State workers have resolved that during the 2023 general elections, they would only support flagbearers of political parties who they deemed capable of bringing good governance to the people and addressing issues about their welfare.

The Labour leaders in the state disclosed the workers decision on Sunday during the 2022 Workers’ Day celebration with the theme, “Labour, Politics, and Quest for good governance and development in Nigeria”, held at Ibom Hall ground, Uyo.

Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Sunny James, explained that the organised Labour took  the decision during its conference held recently ahead of the 2022 celebration.

His words: “A few days ago as part of the activities to mark 2022 Workers’Day, Organized Labour in the state held a political conference with a major agenda of unveiling the Charter of demands to the public as our expectations from the would-be be leaders in our state.

“The conference resolved to invite all flagbearers of political parties after the primaries to the Labour house for adequate engagement on our Charter, in order to deliberate and exchange their manifestoes and establish time-lines which will bring the needed good governance to our people.

“It was also agreed that only the candidates that honour our invitation and agreed with workers to resolve issues as contained in our 5-point Charter shall be supported during the elections of 2023.  No longer shall workers sit on the fence.

“Those of them that will not come to tell us  what they would do for Akwa Ibom workers, we will mobilize against them. Therefore, your Excellency that is our major thrust of today’s May Day in Akwa Ibom State.

“As a Labour centre, we acknowledge and commend your responses to some of the pressing Labour issues placed before your government and encourage you to take decisive actions to resolve all pending issues which will add value to good governance”

Comrade James called on the governor to give assent to some bills already passed by the State House of Assembly such as “Youth Development Fund Bill, “Bill Establishing Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology”, in order to bring about the benefits associated with those bills.

Similarly,  Chairman of the Trade Union Congress( TUC) Akwa Ibom State Council

Comrade Dominic Abang expressed concern over unwarranted statements by some political aspirants and their supporters ahead of parties primaries.

“Let it be clear that the Council has not endorsed anyone for any political office in the  state, rather we’ll queue behind the man who has the capacity and manifesto that will tackle our problems, and guarantee the interest of Labour.

“And we call on all security agencies in the state to be vigilant and proactive in responding to any form of threat to our peaceful co-existence, be it thuggery, cultism, kidnapping, banditry and communal clashes”,

Abang asserted.

Abang who commended the governor for the relative peace being enjoyed in the state, therefore advised politician’s to refrain from making inciting statements that were capable of breaching that existing peace.

He urged the Federal government to be more proactive over in fighting insecurity lamenting, “It is worrisome that killing of Nigerians is becoming the order of the day. Our Roads, Airports, and waterways are no longer safe. TUC is deeply concerned and sad over the complete failure of the Federal government in fighting insecurity”

In his brief remarks, governor Udom Emmanuel who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo appreciated the workers for the great industrial harmony the State has been enjoying under the current administration.

Emmanuel reiterated his administration’s commitment to the workers welfare, noting that regular and prompt payment of salaries and pensions even when circumstances were very challenging, demonstrated that the interest and welfare of Akwa Ibom workers remained supreme and enduring. 

He said: “Honestly you have been great partners to the development of our state. The giant strides we have recorded in the almost Seven years of your fruitful partnership and cooperation will not go unnoticed. You have proven yourselves to be passionately committed to the development of our State.

“And this is borne out of the fact that whenever we have disagreement, we’ve always found a common ground or mutually beneficial ways of resolving such matters. And I want to thank you for such show of solidarity”

The governor stressed that government has done its best to address the issue of gratuities, noting: “Currently the verification exercise for Retired primary School teachers from 2019 to 2021 is ongoing.

“Let me also add that those who have been duly verified have been paid. Pensions are paid regularly. It is however sad that certain people have decided to play politics with the issue of pensions and gratuities in the state”

Source: VANGUARD

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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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