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