GROUP RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED PLAN OF EMMAN OBOT TO INSTALL WIFE AS RUNNING MATE

 

By Ubong Solomon.

As the local government elections inch closer, a socio-political group, the Ibesikpo Asutan Alliance for Justice and Equity (IAAJE), has raised an alarm over what they describe as an "unprecedented level of desperation" by Hon. Emman Obot, a former House of Representatives member.

The group alleges that Obot is attempting to forcefully impose his wife, Mrs. Goodness Emman Obot, as the running mate to the PDP Consensus Chairmanship aspirant, Hon. Edidiong Inyang, in the October local government election.

In a press statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Obong AniekanAbasi Umoh, and Secretary, Alphonsus Ekanem Esq., the group expressed their dismay. 

They argued that Hon. Obot should be focusing on galvanizing support for the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno, rather than pursuing what they see as a selfish and distracting interest.

The statement noted that Obot's actions could sow discord within the local government area and, if not checked, could potentially undermine the unity and progress of the entire Ibesikpo Asutan.

Part of the statement read: "Hon. Emman Obot's insistence on imposing his wife as the running mate for the PDP Consensus Chairmanship aspirant in Ibesikpo Asutan, Hon. Edidiong Inyang, is not only egocentric but also poses a significant risk to the harmony of Ibesikpo Asutan.

"It is public knowledge that there are numerous tested and trusted women within the PDP who have laboured for the success of our party and deserve recognition and reward. 

"Mrs. Goodness Emman Obot and even Hon. Emman Obot himself, on the other hand, have not contributed enough politically and should not be forced upon the people."

IAAJE cited the biblical principle of a time for sowing and a time for harvest, asserting that Mrs. Goodness Emman Obot has not "sown" politically. 

They urged the party and stakeholders to consider the broader implications of endorsing Obot as the running mate, stressing that the people do not support her politically.

The stakeholders, who are all loyal supporters of the PDP, emphasized that fairness and equity demand that most qualified, popular and eligible persons from the ward be allowed to compete for the top job. They observed that this will prevent violence and unrest among stakeholders who oppose imposition and handpicking

The group used the occasion to express delight at the adoption of Hon. Edidiong Inyang, popularly known as Murphy, as the PDP Consensus Chairmanship aspirant. 

While commending the party, stakeholders and groups in Ibesikpo Asutan for their overwhelming support for Hon. Inyang, the group pledged to mobilize support for the PDP in the forthcoming council polls and the ARISE agenda.

Sheathe Your Sword: Oku Ibom Ibibio Appeals To Organisers Of Planned Nationwide Protest

 

…Calls For Cooperation For The Economic Programmes Of President Tinubu And Gov. Eno

The Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR, has appealed to the organisers of the planned nationwide protest to reconsider the overall interest of the nation by shelving their proposed action.

Ntenyin Etuk said while we bemoan the economic hardship in the country, it is certainly unwise at this time to stage a nationwide protest as being canvassed for by its organizers from August 1, 2024, cautioning that such may not be in the best interest of us as a people and as a nation. 

According to the revered supreme monarch, who is the Patriarch of the Ibibios worldwide, there are other ways to call out the attention of government to our economic challenges, warning against any action that may plunge the nation into an insurmountable crisis and possible destruction of hard-earned state and national facilities.

In an interview in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Sunday, July 28, 2024, the Oku Ibom Ibibio pleaded with Nigerian citizens to demonstrate reasonable level of patriotism by resisting the temptation to sponsor or participate in the planned #EndBadGovernance protest.

“I am admonishing passionately as a father in my sacred position as Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers that we should shelve the planned protest.

"There are assurances that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. The administration is working to tackle the prevailing economic hardship in the country. 

“Let us not therefore create an opportunity for miscreants, looters or enemies of the nation to cash in on the protest to carry out their selfish desires as it happened during the #EndSARS protest where lives and property were lost in the process. 

“As we are in a democracy, we surely have ample channels to air our views to the government without engaging in confrontational modes. I am therefore advising that we give due support and cooperation to the administrations of the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, as we will surely come out of the present economic meltdown,” he urged. 

The royal father, who stressed that governance is not an easy affair, drew the attention of the people to positive initiatives and achievements recorded by both the federal and state governments within the last year.

He therefore called on Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government for the actualisation of its economic reforms and development programme, the Renewed Hope Agenda.  

The Oku Ibom Ibibio also noted the commendable performance of Governor Umo Eno in Akwa Ibom State, as encapsulated in his ARISE Agenda. He called on indigenes and residents alike to give the governor unalloyed cooperation and support to achieve more.

The monarch also urged traditional rulers, parents, guardians, and leaders at various levels to caution their subjects and wards against being enticed to join the planned protest to avoid untoward consequences.

To curb the teething food crises in parts of the country, Ntenyin Etuk emphasised the importance of Nigerians including those in government and other business endeavours to engage seriously in farming and agriculture in general, stressing that since Nigeria is blessed with enormous arable land and water resources we shouldn't experience food crises at all. 

Lastly, he appealed for tolerance among political leaders and politicians generally, stressing that no matter the penchant for power, they should not compromise the collective interests of the nation for personal or selfish desires.

The monarch urged privileged Nigerians, especially leaders at all tiers of governments —local governments, parliament, state and federal governments, to show love to their people as a way to ensure the spread of the dividends of democracy.

On the local government autonomy, he said the development should be seen as a positive measure to unboundle development at the grassroots which will also curb youths restiveness at the local government areas.

He, however, advised that strict supervision be applied to the system to avoid mismanagement of the expected financial windfall from direct funding of the third tiers. 

According to him, the autonomy of local government councils now demands proper scrutiny on the part of political parties on who should be presented as chairmen and councilors, warning that bad choices will be of adverse effects to the collective interests of the people. 

"I wish to caution political leaders not be selfish in their choices of candidates. If candidates are chosen on zoning, let those so chosen be people of credible characters; who will manage our finances well and engage in development and not on, self agrandisement," he advised.

HEARTBREAK IN SOUTHERN IBESIKPO As Women Threaten Hunger Strike Over Chairmanship Zoning

 

***Call For Gov. Umo Eno's Intervention

As the Local Government elections in Akwa Ibom State draw near, the people of Ibesikpo Southern are facing heartbreak. 

Our reporter gathered on Friday that, women in the area have threatened a hunger strike and are seriously protesting against alleged moves to disrupt the established zoning arrangement that has been in place since the creation of the Local Government.

However, Ibesikpo is divided into two zones: the Northern zone with two wards; Wards 1 and 2, and the Southern zone with four wards; Wards 3, 4, 5 and 6.

This reporter gathered that, the Northern zone has had more representation, producing two Executive Chairmen—Dr. Emaeyak N. Ukpong from Northern Ibesikpo Ward 1 and Hon. Ekpe James from Northern Ibesikpo Ward 2—along with two Transition Chairmen and a Vice Chairman. 

In contrast, the Southern zone has only produced one Executive Chairman, Hon. Uwem Ita Etuk from Ward 3, and one House of Assembly member, Hon. Ekpeowo Ekpo, who did not complete his tenure due to his untimely demise.

Indigenes of the area who spoke with us, said the upcoming Council Polls were widely believed to have zoned the Chairmanship to Southern Ibesikpo. 

However, they alleged that recent political schemes by influential figures outside the local government appear to be undermining this arrangement and that, this has threatened to exclude the Southern zone from the Chairmanship race.

Some prominent sons and daughters of the area, including Barr. Etido Paul Ekpe, Obong Sylvester Akpan, and Mrs. Roseline Inemesit Akpabio, all members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have voiced their distress.

In their separate reactions, the people said they feel cheated and used, with Barr. Ekpe calling for the party to uphold justice, fairness, and equity that it is known for, since inception.

On her part, Mrs. Akabio stated that the women of Southern Ibesikpo would embark on a seven-day hunger strike if their right to the Chairmanship is taken away. 

She appealed to Governor Umo Eno, whom she emphasized is a leader with highly level of integrity and fairness, to intervene and ensure that justice prevails.

The people maintained that the current political situation has left the people of Southern Ibesikpo feeling marginalized and betrayed.

IBOM TOWERS: "It'd Be Irresponsible To Allow State's Assets Remain Underutilized," G4 Defends Gov. Eno

A leading Chairmanship aspirant from Ibesikpo Asutan in the forthcoming Local Government polls, Obong Nsikak Oku, popularly known as G4, has expressed strong support for Governor Umo Eno's plan to construct a 19-storey ultramodern commercial Tower on the State property in Lagos.

Oku, who is a former management staff at ExxonMobil, shared his thoughts during an interactive session with journalists and bloggers on Tuesday in Uyo, the state capital.

Obong Oku (G4)

Speaking on the proposed project, the successful entrepreneur highlighted the strategic importance of revitalizing the long-neglected land, acquired more than three decades ago, which had become an eyesore and a symbol of wasted potential. The philanthropist eulogized Governor Umo Eno for his visionary leadership and courage in initiating such a transformative project.

His words: "I've been dismayed by the myriad of negative reports and reactions that have surfaced since the announcement about the Ibom Towers. It's disheartening to see such misguided perspectives in this era of digital enlightenment. However, I firmly believe that the governor's visionary decision to develop this prime property in the heart of Victoria Island, Lagos, further proves his unwavering commitment to harnessing our assets for economic prosperity. This bold move has convincingly demonstrated to all discerning sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom that we have a leader who is resolute in his pursuit of growth and development."

Continuing, the graduate of Mechanical Engineering noted: "This 19-storey commercial tower will not only enhance the state's revenue but also boost its tourism profile and attract significant attention from both national and international communities."

Oku elaborated on the manifold benefits that the completion of the tower would bring, including a substantial increase in the state's revenue, the creation of job opportunities, and the enhancement of Akwa Ibom's reputation as a forward-thinking and dynamic state. 

The Ibesikpo AKISIEC Ward 6 politician emphasized that such projects are essential for the state's socio-economic advancement and align with the ARISE Agenda, which aims to foster sustainable development across various sectors.

Answering a reporter's question, the chairmanship aspirant, while addressing the criticisms from opposition individuals and groups, maintained that the 'Ibom Towers' project was a necessary step to ensure the optimal use of the state's resources, emphasizing that it would be irresponsible to let it remain underutilized.

Obong Nsikak Oku said, rather than vilifying the Governor, Eno deserves eulogies for showing his administration's capacity to drive meaningful change and prosperity for Akwa Ibom. 

G4 called on all Akwa Ibomites, at home and in the Diaspora, to support Governor Umo Eno's genuine efforts, saying his projects and programmes are designed to benefit the people both in the short and long term.

"Governor Umo Eno has consistently demonstrated his dedication to improving the lives of Akwa Ibomites. This project is another proof of his innovative and people-centric approach to governance," Oku concluded.

Eteidung Asikpo Sends SOS To Gov Eno As Erosion Menace Worsens In Ekpri Nsukara Offot

..Appeals For Urgent Intervention To Avert More Disasters As 4year Old Girl Drowns

The erosion menance in Ekpri Nsukara Offot in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has worsened following recent heavy rainfalls. 

The ravaging erosion has rendered some streets in the thickly populated community impassable while some houses are on the verge of being totally destroyed except the State Government intervenes to avert further disastrous consequences. 

Recently, a four year old girl was reportedly drowned in the rampaging erosion and all efforts to rescue her proved abortive as she died in flood. 

The Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara

Lamenting over the sad development on Saturday, July 20, 2024, the Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot, Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo appealed passionately to the State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno to save them from the erosion hazards. 

Eteidung Asikpo explained that it is usually a period of “hue and cry” in Ekpri Nsukara Offot, whenever rainy season sets in, as heavy downpour washes off some streets and flood  houses in the affected areas thereby chasing away inhabitants from their homes for days and sometimes weeks.

He said, "It is a very sad situation as you have witnesssed during your inspection. That is the situation we have faced for some years now when rainy season begins. 

"Some streets in our community like Akpakpan Street, off Mission Road and other adjoining streets, are cut off. Residents can't access their houses with cars or motorcycles any longer. Some fences of properties and houses have either been destroyed or flooded, while farmland are being submerged.  Residents in the affected areas do face great risk in navigating to their houses when it rains especially at night."

Eteidung Asikpo said the ugly development has made Ekpri Nsukara Offot, which situates along the Nwaniba Road axis of Uyo Capital City and a co-host of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), to face the threat of a potential gully erosion with its dire consequences of land degradation and environmental insecurity.

"We had earlier cried out that the fast-evolving gully erosion in parts of our community has cut off some streets from being accessible to motorists. It has also destroyed fences, while some houses have been flooded and others on the verge of being submerged, " he added. 

Some institutions of learning, including the community-owned Ekpri Nsukara Offot International Schools (ENISCO), and some private establishments are also under serious threat of devastation and possible submersion if the erosion is not addressed as soon as possible. 

The village head further lamented that indigenes and residents so far affected by the erosion menance are now very helpless, thus making his community to stand the risk of serious environmental health hazards, except urgent remedy is provided by the government.

According to him, Ekpri Nsukara Offot community wants government to provide both remedial and permanent solutions to save lives, houses and other properties from further destruction. 

Meanwhile, the flood has converted large acreage of farmlands in the community into stagnant pools with no immediate hope of the lands being utilised except when construction work commences to channel out the rainwater. 

Eteidung Asikpo expressed hope that the administration of Pastor Eno will salvage the community from the perennial erosion menace as the governor has shown tremendous concern as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda to address challenges facing the people and communities as well as develop rural areas.

A'Ibom LG Elections: ACCORD Gives Free Nomination Forms To Women, Disabled Aspirants

 

As political parties in Akwa Ibom gear up for the forthcoming local government polls, ACCORD, has offered free nomination forms for female and disabled aspirants.

The information which contained in a public notice jointly signed by Rt. Hon. Martins Inyang Ansa, State Chairman, and Elder Effiong Robert Uyoe, State Secretary, and made available to journalists on Friday, is to encourage more women and disable persons to seek elective offices.

According to the notice, the sale of nomination forms will take place from July 19th to July 27th, while the submission of the forms is scheduled for July 27th to July 29th. 

The party also outlined a detailed cost structure for various aspirants, emphasizing inclusivity and support for women, youth, and individuals with disabilities.

According to the release, Male aspirants for the chairmanship position are required to pay ₦250,000, which includes ₦200,000 for the nomination form and ₦50,000 for the expression of interest form. 

In contrast, female chairmanship aspirants, youth under 30 years of age, and aspirants with disabilities are required to pay only ₦50,000 for the expression of interest form, with the nomination form provided free of charge.

For the councillorship positions, male aspirants must pay ₦50,000, covering ₦20,000 for the expression of interest form and ₦30,000 for the nomination form. Female aspirants, youth under 25 years of age, and aspirants with disabilities will pay only ₦20,000 for the expression of interest form, with the nomination form also provided free of charge.

Nomination forms can be purchased at the party's secretariat located at #65 Udo Umana Street, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Payments should be made to the ACCORD Party-Akwa Ibom State account with Zenith Bank, account number 1224774784.

Meanwhile, this move by ACCORD, according to the notice, reflects the party's commitment to fostering an inclusive political environment in the State.

'G4' Says His Administration Will Honour Founding Fathers Of Ibesikpo Asutan

A frontline PDP Chairmanship aspirant for Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government, Obong Nsikak Oku, popularly known as G4, has said his administration will honour the founding fathers of the area. 

The renowned entrepreneur specifically mentioned the former Governor of the State; Obong Victor Attah, Obong T. O. Akpan, the late Effiong Okon Eyo (Eyo Uyo), former Paramount Ruler HRM Edidem Ita Bassey Etuk (late), Rtd Air Marshal Nsikak Eduok (late), Obong E. E. Akpainyang, Elder Effiong Essien, Bishop Christian Ekong, President of Lutheran Church of Nigeria, among others who made significant sacrifices for the local government area.

Obong Attah

Oku made this known on Friday during an interaction with journalists and bloggers in Uyo, the state capital. 

He emphasized that these respected individuals deserve recognition for their supreme sacrifices and their roles in putting Ibesikpo Asutan on the global map. 

G4 expressed his displeasure that many of these leaders, along with several others who have similarly contributed to the area and Country at large, have not been adequately honoured and recognized. He vowed to correct this oversight when elected.

Answering a reporter's question, Oku said, "The remarkable development in the State under the able leadership of our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, underscores the importance of having competent leadership at all levels of government. It is imperative that the third tier of government, which directly interfaces with the grassroots, be managed by individuals who are fit in character and possess the requisite leadership qualities; those who are not only qualified but also have a clear vision and actionable plans for continued progress, and are ready to key into the ARISE agenda."

Following the proclamation of elections and the publication of guidelines for Local Government elections by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), Nsikak Oku called for a public debate among all chairmanship aspirants. 

He emphasized the necessity of the debate in light of the significant developmental strides made by Governor Umo Eno across the state.

His words: "The call for a public debate comes amidst concerns over impositions and plans by certain stakeholders to marginalize deserving aspirants in favour of less competent individuals.

"It is truism that a debate will provide a platform for each aspirant to showcase their capabilities and articulate their plans for their respective local governments, most especially in Ibesikpo Asutan."

The philanthropist, who eulogized Governor Umo Eno for his achievements in just over a year, pledged to advance the ARISE Agenda with his blueprint; 'ADEC project.'