The Empire Naija

  Ray Ekpe  The National Executive Committee of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has officially appointed Hon. Peter Abang Okim as the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee for the IPMAN Calabar depot. In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police at Force Headquarters in Abuja, the National President of IPMAN, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, and National Secretary, Hon. James Terlumun Tor, announced the new Caretaker officials.  Dated April 2, 2026, the letter, copied to key stakeholders in the petroleum industry, stated that Okim and his team are tasked with managing the affairs of the IPMAN Calabar Depot, which serves Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, in accordance with the amended IPMAN 2009 Constitution. The other appointed officials include Chief Samuel Efiok Edem as Vice Chairman; Ayuk Oko as Chief of Staff; Comrade Okechukwu Johnson as Secretary; Uduak Sunday as Assistant Secretary; Samuel Patrick as Treasurer; Kenneth...

  A former lawmaker, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Usenobong Akpabio, has announced that he will not contest the Akwa Ibom North (Uyo) Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, despite mounting calls from constituents urging him to enter the race. In a public statement issued on Thursday, Akpabio expressed gratitude to stakeholders across the senatorial district—spanning markets, churches, farms, and community forums—for their support and encouragement to seek the party’s nomination. He acknowledged the confidence reposed in him by the people, noting that their calls reflected a desire for “purposeful and effective representation.” However, he said recent developments within his political party influenced his decision to step aside. According to him, the party leadership appears to be aligning with a “policy of continuity” that favors the incumbent, a move he said, though not formally communicated, became evident after consultations and careful consideration. “In view of this, it would be ...

  By Asuquo Edem  In a major step toward addressing persistent power supply challenges in Akwa Ibom State, the State House of Assembly has confirmed five nominees forwarded by Governor Pastor Umo Eno to serve as commissioners of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC), reinforcing the administration’s drive to reposition the electricity sector. The confirmation, which followed the screening of the nominees during Tuesday’s plenary at the Old Assembly Chamber, Uyo, is seen as a significant follow-up to Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions to epileptic power supply across the state. Those confirmed are Engr. Ubong Etukudoh for Engineering, Dr. Valerie Okon Obot for Finance and Corporate Services, Mr. Paul Okon for Economic Regulation, Dr. Kalu Ukoha for Policy, Planning and Innovation, and Ms. Arit Okon-Uya for Stakeholder Engagement and Consumer Affairs. The confirmation came after the House considered and adopted the report of i...

  The leadership of the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals (AESDMP) wishes to respond to concerns raised by members following the press release issued on April 23, 2026, by the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsikan Esenowo. In the said release, published across traditional and social media platforms, the NUJ Secretary warned members against identifying with “unrecognized, unregistered, and unconstitutional splinter groups,” threatening decisive action against defaulters. The statement further urged government agencies, security institutions, corporate bodies, and religious organizations to transact only with the NUJ platform for media-related dealings. While the NUJ did not specifically mention AESDMP, we issue this clarification for historical record and public enlightenment: 1. *Legal Status and Identity*: The Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals is not a splinter group of the N...

  PRESS RELEASE:   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the general public are hereby notified of an armed robbery incident that occurred today, Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. *BACKGROUND INCIDENT REPORT*    Arc. Victor Nyong Paul, accompanied by his family, attended a church service in Uyo this morning. Upon returning home, they discovered that armed robbers had burgled their residence during their absence. The assailants made away with several valuables, including laptop computers, food items, cash, and a motor vehicle. *PARTICULARS OF STOLEN VEHICLE*   The public, security agencies, car dealers, and auto technicians are kindly requested to be on the lookout for the vehicle described below:   Description Details Owner's Name:Arc. Victor Nyong Paul Vehicle Make/Model:Honda Civic, 2012 Model Colour: Blue *Chassis Number* GP4/1004794 Engine Number:TK/AH3/J1273 *APPEAL FOR ACTION* 1. *Akwa Ibom State Po...

  By Asuquo Edem  In democratic governance, the true measure of a lawmaker is not in noise-making or media theatrics, but in tangible impact, effective representation, and purposeful legislation. Despite attempts in some quarters to downplay his contributions, the performance record of Hon. Jerry Otu, who represents Ikot Ekpene State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, tells a compelling story of quiet diligence and meaningful service. Within less than three years in office, Hon. Otu—who also serves as Chairman, House Committee on Information—has demonstrated commitment to the three cardinal responsibilities of a legislator: law-making, representation, and oversight. Perhaps the most visible aspect of Hon. Otu’s work lies in his grassroots-focused interventions. His projects reflect a deep understanding of the immediate needs of his constituents across Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara LGAs. From the provision of ambulances to improve emergency healthcare response,...