The Empire

By Josephine Etuk It was an awesome moment and fun galore at the Christmas/ End of Year Thanksgiving service of the State Civil Service Commission as Staff turned out in their numbers at the Commission's arena on Monday to celebrate the goodness of God for year 2019. The Chairman of the Commission, Sunny Akpadiaha in his good will message reminded the Staff of the significance of Christmas as a season of love,  peace and good tidings. Akpadiaha enjoined the Staff to let love lead by closing ranks and supporting one another always. He thanked the Almighty God for preserving the lives of every Staff of the Commission throughput the year, and also appreciated the Staff for holding forth as a team despite  challenges to generate positive results, encouraging them to always tow the line of excellence for which they are known for . The Chairman particularly lauded the Permanent Secretary, Lady Rose Bassey for her motherly role as well as her managerial and administrative c

Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, will tomorrow Tuesday, December 24, 2019, hold town hall meeting with the people of Uruan State Constituency. Speaking briefly on the event, Rt. Hon. Baasey said there was need for him to brief his people about his representation and the activities of the 7th Assembly for the progress of the area and Akwa Ibom. According to an invite for the event, the town hall meeting will afford the Speaker, who also represents Uruan State Constituency in the House of Assembly, another opportunity to thank the people for electing him and also brief them of his stewardship since assumption of office. The invite also hinted that the event will be in collaboration with Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Road Maintenance Agency, Prince Godwin Ntukudeh; Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Okon Okon, and Chairman of Uruan Local Government Council, Hon. Henry Udofia. The event will take place at t

Governor Udom Emmanuel, today Friday, received more dignitaries from far and wide to grace the Akwa Ibom Carol, an epoch-making event that has the largest Guinness Record of Carol singers in the world. Governor Emmanuel, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, welcomed the immediate past Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara; former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. Kennedy Opara, among others. "From all indications, the 2019 Edition of the Akwa Ibom Carol, will be breathtaking," one of the House of Assembly members that accompanied the Speaker to the Victor Attah International Airport hinted.

Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, on Wednesday described the Supreme Court affirmation of the victory of Governor Udom Emmanuel as a clear confirmation of the victory of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 Governorship Elections in the state. Rt. Hon. Bassey, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mr. Darlington Udobong, said “the Supreme Court verdict has finally put paid to the failed rumours propagated by the opposition in the state. It has also put the final legal seal on the victory of Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and our dear party, the PDP.” He congratulated Governor Emmanuel and the leadership of the PDP, saying “the fact that the verdict came from the Supreme Court is a clear indication that the All Progressive Congress (APC) has no justification to challenge the mandate of the people of Akwa Ibom that was given through a free and fair election. The victory served is a victory dese

By Edet Okpo More than two years after, the inaugural promises made in 2017 by Commodore Emmanuel Duja Effedua (Rtd.) that he will give people enough reasons to celebrate his appointment as Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) and also effectively utilize CSR as a vehicle for touching lives and developing the host communities of the institution have never failed fulfilling by the day. Apart from the positive manifestations in other critical areas of his transformational agenda, Commodore Emmanual Effedua has given peculiar and pragmatic interpretations to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by making it more engaging, holistic and inclusive with innovative packages that capture the composite needs of individual beneficiaries and diverse expectations of the entire host communities. Not gloating over his commendable and cumulative past record in this regards, the Academy recently sponsored and organized a one-month long football completion for youth

In an unanimous decision today, the Supreme court sitting in Abuja has  dismissed the appeal brought by Mr Nsima Ekere of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for lacking in merit. Parties are to bear their cost.

The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel today 18th December, 2019 Signed the appropriation bill of 2020 into Law. Recall that on 5th December, 2019, Akwa Ibom State House Of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, passed the 2020 revised appropriation bill toof N597.735 billion, made up of N111.250 billion for Recurrent Expenditure, N369.577 billion for Capital Expenditure and N116.934 billion for Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges into law. Gov. Udom Emmanuel this morning after an Executive session Signed the appropriation bill of N597.735 into law to take effect from January 1st 2020.

The African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO) has honoured the Woman Leader of People's Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom State, Deaconess Mmeme Offiong Akpabio, with the award of 2019 Phenomenal Woman of Worth. The award which was presented to Deaconess Akpabio during the AWLO 2019 Induction and Award Dinner on Sunday at Transcorp Hotels, Calabar, featured World Women leaders across the African Continent. Presenting the award to Mrs. Akpabio, the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Chief (Dr.) Jewel Howard-Taylor, said the award is in recognition of her tireless exceptional humanitarian services consistent with the ideals of AWLO. The Liberian Leader acknowledged her steadfastness and selfless services to women and as well encouraged other African women leaders to put in their very best in developing other women in different communities. In a welcome address, the founder of AWLO, Dr. Elisha Attai thanked God for the achievements of the organization for the

The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has lauded the Member representing Ukanfun State Constituency, Hon. Dr. Charity on the Inauguration of her Constituency Office in Ikot Akpa Nkuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area. Speaking at the event, on Friday, the Speaker while describing Dr. Idio as a square peg in a square hole, also lauded her for empowering her constituents within six months in office, pointing out that the Lawmaker's gesture was unprecedented. "I am happy to be here. Dr Charity is a square peg in a square hole. As a matter of fact, she heads one of the most powerful committees in the House of Assembly. So, it was not surprising when she told me that she'll have an Empowerment Programme within six months in office. Today, you have opened your Constituency Office and I have seen the number of people you have empowered, you have done very well", he said. Continuing, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey commended Dr. Ido for liv

The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has identified tolerance and love for one another, as requisite ingredients that will foster unity and growth in the church and society. The Speaker who worshipped at Christ The King Cathedral, Uyo, for the Dedication of the remodeled church building, said that it is only in the atmosphere of peace, love and understanding for each other, that the society will be liberated from hate, crime and other societal vices. The Lawmaker while lauding the church administrators and parishioners for their sacrifices which resulted in the timely completion of the church remodeling project, also admonished faithfuls on selfless service and sincerity in their daily endeavour. Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey who described himself as a devotee of the Catholic faith, revealed that his christian life began from the Catholic fold and pledged to continually support the church in other projects. While expressing happiness over the

Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has congratulated edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, on his grand coronation as the Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area. A goodwill message signed by the Speaker and made available to journalists by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mr. Darlington Udobong, said “News of your grand coronation as Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area reached me with great joy. I sincerely express my deepest felicitations to you and the entire people of Uyo Local Government Area.” “Indeed, your coronation by the Uyo Traditional Rulers Council is the handiwork of God. As I felicitate with you and the people of Uyo on this epoch-making occasion, I affirm my solidarity and best wishes to you as you assume the revered office of Paramount Ruler of Uyo formally,” the Speaker said. He further prayed for the grace of the Almighty God to rest abundantly upon Edidem Okon and make easy the enormous respon

Akwa Ibom State  House of Assembly today passed the 2020  budget proposal slashing the figure of N597.800B presented to it by the State governor by N65M bringing the budget size to N597.735B. Presenting the report to the House, the Chairman House Committee on Appropriations and Finance, Rt. Hon. Uduak Odudoh called on the House to approve the decrease in the Capital Expenditure by N65.000 million and pass the total revised 2020 budget outlay of N597.735 billion, made up of N111.250 billion for Recurrent Expenditure, N369.577 billion for Capital Expenditure and N116.934 billion for Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges.  "That the House do pass the Appropriation Bill 2020 with the recommended amendments; That the State Fire Service be sufficiently equipped and made functional to be able to combat the incessant fire outbreaks and emergencies in the State; "That  as a means of enhancing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), project MDAs should as much as practicable award c

By Edet Okpo Women in Akwa Ibom State have declared total war against perpetrators of all acts of sexual abuse and violence against the girl-child and women in the State. Led by the  State Chairperson of Nigerian League of Women  Voters(NILOWV) who is also the Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Princess Felicia Bassey, the Women make their decision public during a Walk/Sensitization exercise yesterday, at the Cenotaph, Udo Udoma Avenue and other major streets in Uyo, the State Capital. The women numbering thousands said the declaration of total war against Women was necessitated by frequent cases and rising waves of sexual assaults of all kinds against the female gender by some randy men. Wearing T-shirts and aprons with various inscriptions such “Say no to violence against women”, “Stop It Now!”, “Our Mothers, sisters, daughters”, “Rise and fight”, etc, the protesting women who spiced up the walk with anthem, jingles and inspirational women songs

Following his declaration as winner by the Appeal Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, Hon. Effiong Etim Johnson of the All Progressives Party has been sworn in as the member representing Mbo State Constituency by the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey. Making remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, said Hon. Effiong Bassey had furnished the House with relevant documents and a certified true copy of his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the House would always obey the Rule of Law which according to him, is the hall mark of democracy. While congratulating the lawmaker, the Speaker tasked other members of the House to give Hon. Johnson the necessary support to enable him succeed in his new assignment.

Stakeholders from Uruan Local Government Area under the aegis of Uruan Elders' Forum, have described the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, as a beacon of peace and unity. The stakeholders, comprised of former lawmakers, Zonal and Ward Leaders, Party stalwarts and royal fathers, said the emergence of Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey as Speaker of the 7th Assembly as brought peace and harmony to Uruan LGA. Speaking during the visit, the Political Leader of Uruan, Obong Peter Atakpo, lauded members of the 7th Assembly for choosing their son as Speaker and expressed hope that Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey will attract development to the area, using his good office. Similarly, the Political Leader of Central Uruan, Engr. James Effiong, described the Speaker as a beacon of light, saying "we don't just have a speaker, but a Speaker that is working, a speaker that is uniting people and we are happy." On his part, a former lawmaker from the are

By Edet Okpo How practical and commendable it is to observe how the Management of Maritime Academy of Nigeria  is relentless in the advancement of its sustainable template for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for the host communities of the Academy! As one of many in the series in the past two years, the Academy on Friday, November 22, 2019, successfully organized a Sensitization workshop on the theme: “Curbing  Drug Abuse, Cyber Crime and Cultism Among Secondary School Students”. Held in the ultra-modern  Rt. Hon. Rotimi Ameachi Auditorium,  the workshop had in attendance 600 Secondary School Students drawn from 10 different schools in Oron Local Government Area, the immediate host community to the Academy. As part of ensuring that the aims and objectives of the workshop were most effectively and satisfactorily realized, the Academy’s Management neither spared resources nor bothered about the rigours of assembling such a huge number of students and the best resource

Court of Appeal in Calabar declares Effiong Johnson of the APC winner of the Mbo State House of Assembly election. Nullifies election of Okon Asukwo of the PDP. INEC to issue Certificate of Return. Details later

The Accountant General of Akwa Ibom State,  Pst. Uwem Andrew Essien has informed the members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation that the State Government has paid 90% of leave grant for 2019 in  various Ministries. The Accountant General while making the above assertion while defending the 2020 budget estimates among other Ministries noted that the last batch will be paid before November runs out. According to him, noted that the AGs office has presently reached 59% revenue performance with 29% budget performance from the N50b approved for 2019. He also said that they have also paid gratuities up to March 2016 as well as backlog of pensions up to 2015. Pastor Essien added that the State was rated as third across the country in terms of Budget implementation. Responding, the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee Mr. Effiong Asuquo while commending the AG on his numerous strides and achievements, tasked him to also tak

BY EDET OKPO It was certainly a moment of sweet shock and relentless outpouring of commendations by the visiting team of federal law-makers. The situation on ground proved more than enough that with the right and deserved persons in the right place at appropriate time, things can work in the country, contrary to needless criticisms and despondency usually expressed by fifth columnists. Overwhelmed by the rapid, systematic and unparalleled transformation of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria,  from a state of decay to an emerging competitive force in global maritime narratives in barely two years, the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, described the Rector of the institution, Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (rtd.)  as “a patriotic Nigerian with the true Nigerian spirit”. This being the maiden visit since the inauguration of the 9th Assembly, the House Committee which was led by its Chairman, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, was on a facility

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly committee on Appropriations and Finance today Friday commenced 2020 Budget Defence as Ministries, Departments and Agencies appeared before it to defend their proposed estimates. The Chairman Advisory Prerogative Of Mercy, Sir Adasi Obolum while defending his estimates noted that the N30m allocated to the parastatal which is under the office of the Secretary to State Government is grossly inadequate as they are not only training the inmates but also equip them with starter packs including but not limited to sewing machines and barbing equipment added with the fact that they have no official vehicle.  He disclosed to the Rt. Hon. Uduak Odudoh led Committee that 155 condemned Akwaibomites are awaiting execution in Port Harcourt maximum prison because Akwa Ibom state has no facility for execution where 85% of them are youth adding that Ikot Abasi Correctional center  has 95% youths while 5% are Elders as inmates. Sir Obolum who is  a

A motion sponsored by the member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon (Barr) Otobong E. Bob, has called for the immediate takeover of Ndukpoise Health Centre by the Akwa Ibom State Government from the Catholic Mission. The motion which was brought today, November 7, 2019, pursuant to Order Three, Rule 1 of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Standing Orders (Sixth Edition) note that thirty two years after the Mission took over the running of the health facility, it had not fulfilled the community's dreams but has instead abandoned the health centre to rot with no more activities like treatment of sick people, immunization services, child delivery, pre-natal and post-natal services among other healthcare services. Hon (Barr) Bob recalled in the motion that the strategic location of the health centre serviced citizens across five communities of three wards in Nsit Ubium State Constituency and even extended its services to c

Speaker of the 7th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Aniekan Bassey, has said the concept of Collaboration and Cooperation of Powers should be passionately emulated by the three arms of government for the good of the society. The Speaker, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mr. Darlington Udobong, spoke of the concept of collaboration of powers in relation to the 2020 Budget and the expectations of the people. He said “Though we are separate arm of government, we must always find a way to converge our separation for the sake of our people. And this we do through the converge of cooperation and collaboration. This concept is very important and very necessary in our democracy, because without the actual cooperation and collaboration of all arms of government, the separation cannot work. I therefore, propose to my colleagues nationwide the concept of cooperation and collaboration of powers. The legislature needs to make laws and perform it

The member Representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Aniekan Uko has tasked Royal Father's especially Oku Ibom Ibibio, Itai Afe Annang, Ahta Oro to join forces to galvanize unity in the State Elder Uko, a former Speaker of the Assembly while responding to questions thrown at him from the anchor of Akwa Ibom Mandate, a program on Planet 101.1FM on the need for the legislature to intervene in the feud between Governor Udom Emmanuel and his predecessor Godswill Akpabio, the lawmaker opined  that the Royal Fathers who are held in very high esteem could parley with the duo with the sole aim of bringing a lasting solution for peaceful coexistence to reign. Hear him, "I don't think that is the job of the legislature. Ours is to make laws. This signal should be sent to the Oku Ibom Ibibio, the Itai Afe Annang, the Ahta of Oro. These are the people that can call their sons to make peace". On the recent uproar makin

Nelson NseAbasi Former Governor  of Anambra state and former Vice Presidential candidate in the 2019 election, Dr Peter Obi will deliver the Key Note Speech at the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum IGR summit in Abuja. The 2019 edition of the Summit will feature key Resource persons and Finance Experts with tested knowledge and transfer experience drawn from the IGR/Finance Sector. They will deliver thought–provoking papers and case studies to address as well as proffer enduring and sustainable solutions; aside crafting fresh ideas for the development, generation and effective application of digital formats to improve internally-generated revenue (IGR) strategies and platforms in the states and local government areas (LGAs) in a Recessed Economy. In a statement released by the Summit Organizing Committee and signed by Mr. Patrick PA Okon, the event which is facilitated by the PDP Governors Forum is managed by Messrs Red Sapphire Nigeria Limited, an integrate

By Duncan Nduonofit It is ridiculous and shocking that the baseless and unconscionable incidence of blackmail and campaign of calumny against Mr. Okon Bassey Okon , the  Bursar of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, by those who feel he must be their surrogate, stooge and insider-agent of evil against the Academy, keeps assuming mul-tidimensional tentacles by the day. And it will be no less ridiculous and shocking if this trend continues for so long as the Bursar Mr. Okon remains resolute in protecting and defending what is right and altruistic. Again, the Concerned Oro Youths, a socio-cultural organization in Oron Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, have gathered enough information on how Mr. Clement Utin, a lecturer at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, did not only literally insult but went online to cast aspersions on Mr. Okon Bassey, the Bursar of the Academy, same institution that Utin serves. On the same train of genetic ingrates was Mr. Chris Abasi-Eyo who