The Empire

The attention of Management of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) has been drawn to a fresh whiff of misleading and malicious news report anchored by a maritime reporter with Daily Trust, Eugene Agha and Amaka Anagor-Ewuzie of Business Day Newspapers, respectively. We state forthwith that the said jaundiced report captioned: “MAN Oron workers seek presidency, NASS intervention over unpaid December 2018 salary” is totally false and misrepresented, and the two reporters have thus presented the Academy in bad light over issues they know nothing about and cannot defend. The first impression was for the Academy to discard the fabricated story pronto, but given the potential for the misleading farrago that is only fit for the trash can to misinform the gullible public, and in one way or another taint the person of the Rector and transparent record of dealings of the Academy, it became expedient that a swift response be made, first to put matters in the right perspective for the purpose

A cross section of wives of serving state House of Assembly members in Akwa Ibom state today paid a courtesy visit to the member representing Etinan-Nsit Ibom-Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke in his office at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. The women under the umbrella of the Legislators' Wives Association (LEWA) led by the wife of the Speaker, Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Mrs. Itohowo Aniekan Bassey said that they were in Abuja to participate in a women-based workshop facilitated by the wife of the Akwa Ibom state governor, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel. She thanked the federal lawmaker for receiving them with open arms and promised to at all times contribute to the development of Akwa Ibom state. Responding, Barr. Luke who is the immediate past Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state legislature, thanked the women for sparing their time to identify with him despite their numerous schedules. He promised to partner with

Today, a cross section of Etinan Federal Constituency Women paid a solidarity visit to the Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Onofiok Luke, in his office. The women, congratulated the Federal Lawmaker on his emergence as the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Judiciary and pledged their commitment to always pray for him. The women who were in Abuja to attend a capacity development programme sponsored by the wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, thanked the Governor and his wife for their continuous support for women development. Hon. Luke commended the women for coming to his office to track progress of the Federal Constituency in providing effective representation for their people. He thanked the wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel for initiating the capacity development programme for the women and exposing them to contemporary leadership and entrepreneursh

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Abak Local Government, Barr. Imoh Williams from Office on grounds of aiding and abating assault levelled against him by one Mr. Godwin Abraham. He was also mandated to appear before the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The matter was brought to the House as matter of urgent Importance by The Member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo, Rt Hon Uduak Ududuo asking that the House should suspend the said Executive Chairman for not apologizing to the victim meaning that the act was deliberately performed. Speaking on the matter, The Deputy Speaker and Member representing Okobo State Constituency, Rt. Hon Felicia Bassey who condemned the action of the Executive chairman of Abak stressed that if nothing is done more will happen stressing that the Chairman should be brought forward to the house for interrogation and if found guilty proper punishment should be given. Also speaking on the issu

The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has tasked staff of the Assembly to ensure they deliver on their core mandate for the success and progress of the 7th Assembly. Rt. Hon. Bassey, who got overwhelming ovation from the Assembly workers, gave the charge on Wednesday when he met with staff and management of the House of the Assembly. He thanked them for the support they gave h im when he was Member and Chairman House Committee on Services and urged them to “remain committed to the ideals of the civil service and the Udom Emmanuel’s administration" “I thank all of you, especially the management of the Assembly, for making this meeting possible. This is actually the first time we are meeting since I assumed office as Speaker of the 7th Assembly. As Honourable member and Chairman of the House Services Committee, I really enjoyed your support. I did my best to ensure that we provided a good working environment for you including this

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon, has set a new budget process in motion as he inaugurates the 2020 Capital Estimates and the 2020-2022 Medium Term Framework (MTEF) bilateral discussions committee. Performing the inauguration at the conference room of the Ministry of Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon said the global trend in budgeting is based on the needs of the citizens. Mr. Okon made reference to what is obtainable in the corporate world, where companies do not just through a new product to the market, but engage their research and development departments to find out what the needs of their targeted customers are, before embarking on such production and stressed the need for stakeholders and the beneficiaries of the budget outcome to be carried along in every step of the process. The Economic Development boss thanked His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel for his commitment to the transpa

By Etim Homage In line with directives of the Standard Organization of Nigeria which makes sure every product and service comply with the standards approved by the council, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly today supported "The bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Safety Commission. The bill sponsored by the Member representing Ibeno/Esit Eket State Constituency, Rt Hon Usoro Akpanusoh was read for the second time. According to the sponsor, the bill which seeks to formulate policies, encourage and promote capacity building of its staff and other appropriate individual from public and private organizations for safety of lives and properties and other related Safety  issues, He said the bill will also let safety standard for all sectors involved and be responsible for the issuance or withdrawal of overall Safety rugulations certificates at all levels as may be requred. Speaking further he stressed that the bill will conduct investigations, research, evaluations and ma

House of Representatives has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA). This followed an adoption of a motion by Rep. Odebunmi Dokun (APC-Oyo) at plenary on Tuesday. Earlier, Dokun recalled that Buhari, at the extra-ordinary session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of States and Governments in Niamey, Niger Republic, signed the AFCFTA on behalf of the counrty. He said Buhari, while signing the agreement, stated that the Nigerian government would seek to include terms that would engender the development of policies that would promote African production. The legislator said that the President deserve commendation for signing the agreement which is of great significant for the country. He said Buhari had taken steps to place Nigeria in the right place in the continent through the signing of the pact. Dokun said Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, should in line with the agreement, define

Former Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio is among notable Nigerians who have been penciled down as Ministers by the President. The list includes Babatunde Fashola, Sen Gbemisola Saraki, and Rauf Aregbesola. The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan read the list contained in a letter addressed to the Senate. Others are Rotimi Ameachi (Rivers) Chris Ngige (Anambra) Olorumbe Mamora (Lagos), Sunday Dare, Sen Tayo Alasoadura (Ondo), Hadi Sirika , Uche Ogah, Emeka Nwajuiba, Sadiya Farouk , Musa Bello, Babatunde Fashola , Godswill Akpabio, Sharon Ikeazor, Ogbonnaya Onu, Akpa Udo, Adebayo (Ekiti), Timipre Sylva , Adamu Adamu, Lai Mohammed , Shewuye (Borno), Isa Pantami, Gbemi Saraki , Ramatu Tijani and Clement Abam.

By Edet Okpo It is generally commendable the consistency of focus and genuine heartedness with which the present Management of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), under the captainship of the action-driven Rector, Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua keeps fulfilling its promises across statutory and ancillary obligations of the Academy. Of course, this has attracted corresponding commentaries and wide appreciation from stakeholders and maritime observers, home and abroad. Monday, July 22, 2019 witnessed yet another euphoric atmosphere of testimonies and gratitude from beneficiaries of such pragmatic strides when the premier maritime institution sponsored and organized a seminar for teenage girls in secondary schools within the host communities of the Academy and beyond, as part of its multifaceted commitments to Corporate Social Responsibility. The one-day seminar which was largely interactive, with about 500 students and teachers from seven private and government  Secondary School

Commissioner for Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, has tasked Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) to comply and maintain quality assurance in its service delivery to the Four-Point by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, saying power has become a major concern of the state government. Rt. Hon. Etteh made this known on Sunday when he visited the Ikot Ekpene PHEDC Power Sub-Station to ascertain the state of the 11KVA Feeder Panel installed to service the hotel. The Special Duties Commissioner, who expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of work done, urged PHEDC to live up to its responsibility, maintaining that Akwa Ibom State Government has been a reliable partner and a good client to the company and deserves the best. While urging the management of PHEDC not to cut-coners in its contract with the Akwa Ibom State Government, he appealed that a dedicated, steady and reliable power source be linked to to the facility to enable Marriott's Group commence

Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, has described the Victory Breakfast Football Match played in his honour by Uruan All-Stars FC and Uruan Progressive FC at Methodist Primary School, Ituk Mbang, Uruan, on Saturday, as a uniting platform for the people of the area. Speaking at the end of the game, the Speaker said “the match ended in 2 – 2 because both teams played well and deserved the joint victory. That is the beauty of the game. Football unites all, irrespective of one’s religion and political affiliation. Uruan must be seen in this light for unity, harmony and progress.” While charging youths of the area to shun all social vices and embrace sportsmanship, development and innovation in line with the Dakkada Creed, he thanked the organizers of the football match and urged them to strive to keep the team and the people of the area together through sporting events. Rt. Hon. Bassey described his emergence as the handiwork of God and hin

There General Assembly of the Coalition of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) was held on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at the RootHub, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Chaired by the Chancellor, Mr Ifreke Nseowo, the meeting had in attendance existing and intending members who witnessed the Swearing-In of the first executive council and management committee of the association, led by Deputy Chancellor, Aniekan Ekah poised to chart a course for the association. Other issues deliberated upon on the floor of the house were Membership Registration and a New Media Symposium planned for September 2019. The house received in audience aspirants for different offices to the state exco of the NUJ in the August 2 election. Also present were veteran journalists and patrons, former Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mr Isreal Umoh and former Encomium Magazine editor and Secretary of PDP Governor's Forum, Mr Patrick Okon. The newly appointed exco comprise

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, Elder Patrick Albert has been conferred with meritorious leadership award in recognition of his " outstanding service to God, the Christian faith and humanity within and beyond the shores of Akwa Ibom State ". The award was conferred to the NUJ helmsman today in Uyo by the Church of Nigeria ( Anglican Communion) Diocese of Uyo, Anglican Youth Fellowship. The fellowship which is located at Information drive, Uyo ( Neighbour to the NUJ Press Centre) earlier in their letter of notification of award had thanked Elder Albert over the development he has brought to NUJ and the area stressing that they are key beneficiaries. Receiving the award, the Chairman of NUJ, Elder Patrick Albert thanked the fellowship for finding him fit for the award. He dedicated the award to members of NUJ and his family. Albert promised not to tire out in his service to humanity and God in any capacity he will find himself.

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has initiated moves to ensure stiffer punishment for persons convicted of rape and other violent crimes in the State. The House at its plenary on Thursday, described as worrisome, the rising cases of rape and other violent crimes in Akwa Ibom State and noted that the need for capital punishment against offenders was important. The position came, following a Bill for a Law to Eliminate Violence in Private and Public Life, Prohibit all forms of Violence Against Persons and to Provide Maximum Protection and Effective Remedies for Victims and Punishment of Offenders and for Related Matters, sponsored by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Aniefiok Dennis and fifteen others. Rt Hon. Dennis, in the lead debate, condemned recent violent crimes in the State and said the Bill when passed into law, will protect women, children and other persons against abandonment, circumcision, domestic and economic abuses. He said it will also curb forced

Two suspected hand bag snatchers have been apprehended by men of the  Akwa Ibom State Vigilante, Akwa Ibom State Command. The suspects named Idongesit  Moses  Akpan from Ikot Obio Okon, Useabat in Ibiono LGA and Udeme Okon Hanson of Effiat Offot Uyo snatched a handbag containing some money and other valuables from one Rebecca Effiong Etim of Obio offot Uyo who wanted to board a mini bus down to Abak road. According to Rebecca (the victim), one of the suspects named Udeme Okon Hanson started following her from Ikot Ekpene road by DE CHOICE MALL down to Abak road. She added That the incident happened when she wanted to board a Mini Bus back home at Abak road, the suspect stylishly removed her bag and ran to another bus that shuttles Oron road. At that moment, she raised an alarm and immediately the Officers of Vigilante who were in charge of Abak road axis pursued the two suspects and overran the bus, and made the bus driver to stop. The two suspects got arrested. As at the t

Insecurity and other challenges confronting Nigeria can be fought if families foster love and show more care for children, assemblyman, Barr Onofiok Luke, has said. He said peace among families is the panacea for national peace and development. He spoke on Wednesday at the traditional marriage ceremony of Mr Samuel Mbang, son of Dr Sunday Mbang, Prelate emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria. The honourable Member was Chairman of the Traditional Marriage Ceremony which held at Ikot Akpan Ishiet, ONNA LGA. “The problem we have today is the challenge of family responsibility. We can face the security situation facing our country if every one of our families show care and love for their children, and prioritize the need to make them feel a sense of warmth. “Some young people perpetuate violence because they never had love or care from anyone. They were subjected to abuse as children; some were homeless while the society looked the other way. In this condition, the children

The member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Onofiok Luke, has urged ExxonMobil to improve the local content component of its operations in Akwa Ibom and in Nigeria. The lawmaker said the company should make a deliberate effort to make indigenous companies understand the processes and steps to take to be eligible to handle major projects in the country. “Let our people have a piece of the pie; let our people know what it takes to play big", he charged ExxonMobil on Monday while receiving some top management staff of the company who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. Among other issues raised, the Lawmaker called on ExxonMobil to meet the agitation of the people of the state by relocating its administrative headquarters from Lagos to Akwa Ibom and also get the jetty to be functional again. He said all these will contribute to boosting the economy of the state and make

Following the successful swearing in of Commissioners and Special Advisers earlier today, His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel has assigned the following  portfolios: 1. Mr. Akan Okon – Ministry of Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport 2. Arc. Ime Okon Ekpo – Ministry Lands & Water Resources 3. Nse Udo Essien,PhD – Ministry of Education 4. Uwemedimo Thomas Nwoko, Esq – Ministry of Justice 5. Sir Monday Ebong Uko – Ministry of Youth and Sports 6. Mr. Nsikan Linus Nkan – Ministry of Finance 7. Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Ikpong Etteh – Ministry of Special Duties 8. Ephraim Akparawa Inyangeyen – Ministry of Works 9. Barr. Ekong Sampson – Ministry of Environment and Petroleum Resources 10. Mr Charles Udoh – Ministry of Information 11. Hon. Orman Esin – Ministry of Culture and Tourism 12. Dr. Iniobong Essien – Ministry of Science and Technology 13. Dr. Dominic Ukpong – Ministry of Health 14. Dr. Glory Edet – Ministry of Agriculture and Women Affairs 15. Ho

In its resolve to prevent and control subsequent flood disaster in the State,  Akwa Ibom State Government through  Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, AKSEPWMA, has began in earnest, desilting of drainage systems at strategic locations in Uyo. The intervention exercise is sequel to the recent flood that ravaged the city of Uyo and the need to prevent future occurrence of the disaster, in recent times. Accordingly, contractors from AKSEPWMA were seen at drainage tunnels along Liberty Street off Ikot Ekpene road, which connects to drainage systems across Uyo metropolis. In a related development, the AKSEPWMA Boss, Hon. Prince Ikim earlier today led members of his Agency and the media to a tour to Ibom Plaza to monitor compliance of law prohibiting trading at unauthorized places in Uyo metropolis especially by traders who hitherto turned the plaza area (pedestrian pavement) to illegal mini_market. Ikim who was happy by the orderliness and new l

The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey has been bestowed with  Chartered Institute Of Leadership today bestowed on the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Fellow of the Institute. Presenting the award during a Courtesy Call on the Speaker at the Akwa Ibom Speaker's Lodge, Uyo, today Wednesday, National President of the Institute, Mr Aniebiet Udofia described Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey as a distinguished legislator in the State and conveyed the Institute's felicitations to him on his emergence as Speaker of the 7th Assembly.  Udofia while presenting the Akwa Ibom Blueprint Project 2037 to the Speaker, said the template is a proposed framework for development aimed at meeting the needs of the people without compromising the need of future generations. He added that the project focuses on economic growth, environmental sustainability and social development and said when implemented, the blueprint will enable e

The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey has promised to ensure more support and robust representation for his constituents. The Speaker made the pledge when he received in audience, the National Working Committee and Ward Coordinators of Uruan Progressive Peoples Forum (UPPF), at the Speaker's Lodge in Uyo, Tuesday. The Assembly helmsman while thanking members of the group for the visit,  lauded them for their unalloyed support to the current administration in the state and expressed delight over the unity that is existing amongst them. While describing UPPF as his primary support base, Rt. Hon. Bassey revealed that most of his key supporters, including the Director General of his Campaign Organization and delegates during his Primary Election, came from the group and pledged to support to the group at all times. The number three citizen who appreciated Governor Udom Emmanuel for his developmental projects in Uruan, called on the peopl

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel today carried out inspection at flood prone areas on Abak Road by Nkemba, IBB Avenue and Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Atan Offot all in Uyo metropolis. The Governor stated that he has given instructions for remedial measures to be carried out immediately while his administration continues in its long term strategies to eliminate flooding in the State