The Empire

 2020 Christmas ,the people of Okobo State Constituency of Akwa Ibom State once again have  reasons to count blessings and sing praises to God on account of the bold choice they made few years ago when they voted massively for Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey to represent them in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.  Their votes did not only propel the former Okobo Local Government Chairman and State Officer of The Peoples Democratic Party to the House of Assembly, but her rich political pedigree and  examplary character subsequently elevated her to the position of the Deputy Speaker of the Hallowed Chamber for the second time, having served in the same capacity during the 6th Assembly. Therefore, as part of activities to celebrate the glad tidings of Christmas, the Deputy Speaker, within the week, in her Oti- 0ro residence, Okobo LGA, thought it necessary to extend her benevolence and goodwill to her constituents as a way to also share with the people,  God’s blessings upon her life

  The National Examinations Council NECO has released the 2020 National Common Entrance Examination results. It put the national cut off marks at 142. The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO,Godswill Obioma,while presenting the results to the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Monday, in Abuja, said a total of 70,580 candidates sat for the examination nationwide, out of which 24,416 candidates passed, scoring a minimum of 66. Three students got the highest scores: Umeonyiagu Chinua Crucifixio (Anambra), scored 199, Onwuamanam Udochukwu (Enugu) scored 198, while Salaam Mariam Aderemilekun(Lagos) scored 197. 16,713 candidates were said to be absent from the examination due to the #ENDSARS protests that rocked the country recently. Adamu noted that with the Unity Colleges now 110, admissions carrying capacity has been shored up to 26,625 for the current academic year, 720 slots were added with the establishment of six more Federal Science and Technical Colleges across the six ge

By Asuquo Edem Brigitte Nichole must have obviously had some persons in mind when she clearly said “Never fail to appreciate someone who cares for you. Just because they are always in your life to help in some way, never fail to give thanks or recognition. To value someone or something too lightly is a risk no one should take”. Absolutely, men in the category of Arc Ezekiel Nya-Etok, popularly called ‘Mr. Social Housing’ would not be left out when trying to describe the above quote. A man who like a Prophet who is despised by his people but celebrated by strangers, Arc Ezekiel Nya-Etok seems to have been forgotten, even going by his numerous but modest contributions to the development of our dear State Akwa Ibom. Born over five decades ago precisely November 1, 1963 in Nsiak Town of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area and known nationally and globally as an astute advocate of Social Housing for all, Arc Ezekiel Nya-Etok has made indelible foot prints both in the housing sector and contri

  De-Mbarukas Limited, a reputable environmental consulting firm, has handed over the first phase of its water project, 200,000litres Expansion of Water Storage Capacity, to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH). Addressing journalists at the project site in Uyo on Wednesday, the Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Joseph Isaiah Akpan, thanked the management of UUTH for the opportunity done the company, assuring that “De-Mbarukas could handle higher tasks, if availed the opportunity.” According to Mr. Akpan, “To ensure quality and standard, working with a federal institution like the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital kept us on our toes because keeping to specification was of essence. So, I really appreciate all the assistance we received from the Works Department of the Institution.” He commended the Dr EmemAbasi Bassey-led administration, saying “the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Dr. EmemAbasi Bassey, has instilled in the staff a new zeal and drive to work. He has also gi

  Leading aspirant to the just concluded Chairmanship Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibeno Local Government Area, Hon. Ekoakwaha Etteh, has lauded the leadership of the party, Governor Udom Emmanuel, supporters and members of EKONET-2020 Campaign Organization for the opportunity given him, saying “though the party’s decision is final, my steadfastness, commitment, loyalty and dedication to the party are unshaken.” Hon. Etteh, who stated this on Saturday in his country home, Upenekang, thanked and thrilled a mammoth crowd of supporters and members of EKONET-2020 for their unprecedented support and solidarity during the campaign. Recounting the support and goodwill he has so far enjoyed from the people of Ibeno, Hon. Etteh, an alumnus of the Polytechnic, Calabar (Electrical Engineering), spoke of his stewardship, dedication and loyalty to his people as he rose through the rank and file of politics from his days as SUG Director of Socials, to Ward Secretary of PDP to Wa

   A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Ambassador Engr. (Deacon) Kufre Ekong Inyang, has called on all loyal members of the party in Akwa Ibom State never to lose hope in the possibility of the party taking over the State, but to continue to keep pace and faith with leadership of the party at both state and national levels as it builds stronger bridges towards 2023.  Engr. Kufre Inyang who is one of the pillars of APC in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the State, gave the encouragement and prediction over the weekend when some journalists paid him an unscheduled visit at his residence in Ibiaku Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, on the status of the APC in his local government and its prospects. Engr. Inyang, a UN-POLAC Ambassador of Peace, stated that, with the stellar performance of President Muhammadu Buhari in all critical sectors of the economy since 2015, in addition to the bold steps and  the impressive impact the Minister of Ni

  The village head of Obio Offot, Uyo local government area, Eteidung Cyril Umanah, has been accused of meddling in the emergence of a new Unit/Ekpuk head in the area.  A sour ce in the community who sought for anonymity told THE INK that the village head is working with some people to deny Nung Inyang of producing the next Unit/Ekpuk head following the demise of Chief Ndarake Idaha from Nung Ekpe Family.  Nung Inyang has never occupied the position which is on a rotational basis among the six families that make up Nung Mkpe unit.  The people say it is the turn of Nung Inyang to produce the next Unit/Ekpuk head in line with the existing zoning arrangement.  But their hope of having someone from Nung Inyang family occupy the position may not come to fruition if recent developments in the area are anything to go by.  It was gathered that shortly after the demise of Chief Ndarake Idaha, the village head, Eteidung Cyril Umanah, hastily called for a meeting with the executive members of the

The member representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko ha s described signature projects embarked upon by the State Governor, Mr. Udom's Emmanuel as a pointer to his capacity to deliver on set goals and targets giving credence to the mandate that was handed to him by Akwa Ibom people. The lawmaker while making remarks recently during an oversight visit to three projects said that the projects potrayed a governor who was result oriented and a go getter. Rt. Hon. Uko who heads the  House Committee on Special Projects , Monitoring /Implementation and Aviation Development described the level at to which was was was done at the  21 storey building also known as Dakada Towers, the Ecumerical International Worship Center and the International  Terminal of the Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah Airport as very impressive while also commending the supervising Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Okpolupm Ette for ensuring that the contractors stick to details and delivery t

By Edet Okpo Apparently determined to sustain the cause of unity, peaceful coexistence and internal democracy which Governor Udom Emmanuel exemplifies and which Okobo people have vowed to maintain, political stakeholders in Okobo Local Government have unanimously adopted Dr. Sylvester Attah as consensus  chairmanship candidate for the forthcoming 2020 October local government area in the State. In furtherance of the spirit of solidarity and sportsmanship, the stakeholders also prevailed on Chief Efefiong Antigha, who was initially also cleared to step down and join the majority voice for the overall peace of all. Addressing the expectant and supportive crowd that turned out in their numbers at her Oti-Oro residence and the local Government Council Secretariat respectfully, the Deputy Speaker and Member representing Okobo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey, stressed the need for harmonization of all shades of interest, close ran

By Joseph Atainyang The recent publication of screened Chairmanship aspirants by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has caused ripple in Eastern Obolo local government area as stakeholders of the party have gone to the streets in protest. The people who stated that there was no adoption of consensus Chairmanship aspirant for the local government area, added that the two aspirants who bought the form were from the same Zone (Okwan Obolo) and should be allowed to test their popularity in the field. Numbering over 300, the stakeholders and youths who staged a protest in Okoro Inyong village in Eastern Obolo Ward VII, insisted that the popular candidate, Pastor Awajionyi Nteile was rather screened out. Addressing newsmen who arrived the venue much later, the former chapter chairman of the party and former vice chairman of council, Hon. George M. Francis frowned at any imposition attempt, calling on the state chairman of the party, Hon. Udo Ekoenyong to call the screening committee chairman

In an effort to fast track  community development, the Special Assistant to Governor on Projects Monitoring Mr. Ifiok Akpabio in partnership with the Usoro Akpabio Educational Foundation has graded the main access road of Mbiaya, street lighting and borehole rehabilitation all in Mbiaya village, in Uruan Local Government Area. The project is to ease movements of people and goods within and outside the community for economic and sustainable development. The community projects according to Mr. Ifiok Akpabio will be in phases to reduce ease movement and reduce  the cycle of hunger for the wellbeing of the citizens during pandemic and beyond. He added that effort has been intensified to bring more projects that will enhance community development beyond the provisions of palliative and other health safety items that mitigate the effects of corona virus pandemic.

   By Edet Okon For about three years now, the incumbent chairman of Okobo Local Governme nt Area, Rt. Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ebuo, has refused to play to the gallery or blow his own trumpet. This is against the landmark developmental strides he has recorded as Executive Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area. To those who know him, this is his character and pattern of leadership.  By his scorecard of stellar performance, Rt. Hon. Ubuo has not only lifted the bar of grassroots governance so high, but the strides come with the assurances that as opportunity beckons once again, the people will not hesitate or have options in returning to office the man they have tested and now can trust to manage the commonwealth of Okobo people. Yet, this fine gentleman of nobility, great vision and pragmatic ideas which can clearly be seen in the impact he so far has created since coming into office, believes that only his work should speak for him, while he focuses on his assignment of redeeming his agend

By Bassey Dominic The last nocturnal and needless political meeting masterminded by a former Akwa Ibom State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim, which was dominated by few PDP Members and some youths suspected to be loyal to   All Progressive Congress(APC) in attendance, expectedly left much to be desired. That was about one in a series of such meetings that would be held in that manner in a dungeon where only one voice reign supreme in the delusion that the people of Okobo can be fooled.   Of course, two principal items on the agenda of that meeting were, first, how to presumptuously arrogate duties onto oneself and illegally use the name of the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to say what  Governor Udom Emmanuel we know never said and can never say.  The second item on the one-man-squad agenda of the meeting item was to deceive the gullible and enthrone or force selfish and  personal wishes over the common will of the people

The SSA on Marketing and Brand Management, Mr Ime Uwah today paid an unscheduled visit to the Nigerian Christian Institute (NCI) to monitor compliance with the AKSG/NCDC Covid-19 guidelines. The Governor's Aide expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance at the school and urged the management to keep up with the standards. Uwah also seized the opportunity to commiserate with the principal of the school, Mrs Mfon Nze on the demise of their patriarch and founder of the NCI, Obong Okon Mkpong. He described Mkpong as a trailblazer and titan who left gargantuan footprints on the educational landscape of the state and nation at large.  Earlier while receiving the Governor's aide, the Principal, NCI Uyo, Mrs Mfon Nze said the school had ample facilities and classrooms to ensure social distancing, and more than enough teachers to prepare the students for their forthcoming examinations. Nze showed the Governor's aide round the various safety facilities in the school includin

Worried as well as not satisfied with moves to distort the laid down zoning formula practiced in Esit Eket, youths of the area yesterday in their hundred thronged the streets of the Local government to register their grievances against the alleged imposition of Mr Iniobong Robson Nnamso for the upcoming December 2020 council elections. The agrieved youths who defied the heavy downpour took their protest to the divisional police station, the palace of the Paramount Ruler and that of the member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh. Brandishing placards with inscriptions such as "We can't breath Elder Ben Udobia, we don't want Local government Chairman that is richer than ten local govt chairmen, deputy political leader you no get shame, Ime Okon Dan sold Ward ten for 10 million, Esit Eket no be Calabar South etebe, God bless Usoro Akpanusoh for standing by zoning, his Excellency our Governor please protect zon

An attempt to impose the incumbent chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Unyime Etim, on the people during the forthcoming local government elections, has failed. It was gathered that at a well attended meeting of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in the Raffia City, on Monday, five of the asirants namely Prince Samuel Ukut, Barrister Akan- Mary Udoh, Barrister Idongesit Otong, Mr. Emman Ernest and Pastor Joseph John were asked to step aside from the chairmaship primary for the incumbent. Attendees at the meeting were Member representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals, Ntufam Elijah Iyak, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, Rev. Otuekong Ukut, Senior Special Adviser on Political & Legislative Affairs, Pastor Sunny Ibuot and others. The aspirants were told that the Governor has given an accent on the continuation of the current Council boss, but they d

All hell broke loose, yesterday 25th June 2020, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an after-party organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (“NBA”), Port Harcourt Branch otherwise known as “The Integrity Branch”, at the Coral Reef Hotel, GRA, Port Harcourt, for the newly elected Executive Officers of the Branch. The after-party was reportedly bankrolled by one of the Presidential candidates in the upcoming NBA National elections, Mr. Olumide Akpata, who braved the interstate lockdown regulations and the NBA elections guidelines prohibiting candidates from visiting branches for campaigns, to be physically present at the after-party in Port Harcourt.  According to the eyewitness, who pleads anonymity, matters degenerated into an ugly fight when a very senior member of the Bar, who was in attendance at the event, attempted to record Mr. Olumide Akpata while Mr. Akpata was giving his campaign speech from the podium. To everyone’s shock and utter disbelief, the senior lawyer, w

By Ani Michael The member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon(Dr) Usoro Akpanusoh, said his seat in the Assembly in 2023 would be vacant and all eligible persons from Esit Eket and Ibeno local government areas with intentions to occupy the seat are by law free to contest and vie for it. Akpanusoh, a frontline member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, who is at the centre of ensuring the implementation of an agreed rotation of political positions in Esit Eket local government area, which in his view is for political stability, peaceful co-existence, political growth and harmony, however said, the chairmanship position in Esit Eket local government area after the expiration of the tenure of the current local government administration in the state is the exclusive right of Zone B political block in Esit Eket local government area. "I must be honest at all times.The truth now is on Zone B I stand. Whoever want

By Edem Andem The National Leader of Association for Better Esit Eket, Mr. Ayatollah Uyoata Azam, has described Congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that was conducted in Esit Eket as sham and reason for the political crisis in the area. Mr. Uyoata said the congresses were conducted without respect and consideration to the PDP Constitution that allows for inclusiveness, fairness, equity, justice and internal democracy. Speaking further, he said “We are in court to seek redress and save our party in Esit Eket from collapse. We wish to state emphatically that we cannot allow a troika to decide the fate of PDP in Esit Eket. How can one man disregard other stakeholders of the party and thinks he can impose the the state officer, chapter chairman, ward chairmen and other party officers on all of us, particularly on Distinguished Senator Etang Edet Umoyo and Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh? How does it sound to you when a two term member of the State House of Assembly and a Senat