The Empire Naija

The House of Representatives today resumed plenary after the long break occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic. During the plenary, member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke called on the Federal Government to grant incentives to local manufacturers to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during this period that the world has been plagued by COVID-19. Mr Luke said at a time like this, nations that are Producing PPE are struggling to meet  local demands and may not be able to supply other countries. This situation  the Lawmaker believes can be arrested by government  encouraging local textile manufacturers to go into the production of PPE. He urged that granting tax rebate to local manufacturers will increase their capacity to produce  PPE to be shared to medical professionals in the country. Mr Luke commended President Muhammadu Buhari's effort and the different state governors in the fight against the COVI...

By Edet Okpo In continued show of his strategic, proactive and all-inclusive leadership, Governor Udom Emmanuel yesterday held a media chat with journalists in the State. The  Special Media  Parley which had 100 percent of Members of the State Executive Council in attendance and streamed across many electronic and social media platforms was at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo. Apart from the periodic updates from government quarters that have been occasioned by the ravaging Corona Virus pandemic, the Governor used the opportunity to further put matters in proper perspectives and assured Akwa Ibom people in particular and residents in the State in general of government’s continued and sincere commitments to the challenges of COVID 19. To succeed maximally, the Governor said all must see the fight as a collective one and implored all to support the government patriotically in its genuine efforts, instead of resorting to falsehood, needless criticisms, mischi...

By Edet Okpo Imagine that while every other schools in the country have shut down completely and hanging their hopes on uncertainties, the story of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), is enviably different for the good reason! Typical of his innovative way of doing things and as a reflection of his clairvoyant leadership, it is commendable to observe that Staff and Cadets of Maritime Academy of Nigeria have not really lost out in their academic activities as is obviously generally the case in other institutions in the country. Foreseeing possible alterations or abrogation of academic calendar as a result of the global outbreak of COVID 19 and its attendant inconveniences, the Rector of the Academy, Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (Rtd.), was quick to utilize modern technology in setting a virtual learning network and mechanism towards ensuring that neither Staff nor Cadets of the Academy lose out in any way. It means that whenever academic activities partially or fully resu...

As Citizens of Akwa Ibom State continue to endure the two weeks lockdown as handed down by the Date Governor, there seems to be some level of success in the war against the dreaded Covid-19. Our source, a medical expert informed our reporer that about four out of the five persons who earlier tested positive have turned out negative after a re-test adding that they may be discharged anytime soon Details later..

Youth, elders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Esit Eket Local Government Area have cautioned against the unwholesome use of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s name by Elder Benji Udobia and his cohorts in “perpetrating selfish political agenda and laying political landmines that will cause disaffection, disunity and disharmony in the area.” They gave the warning through a statement shortly after an enlarged meeting in Uquo, Esit Eket, at the weekend while reacting to the spate at which the political leader of the area, Elder Udobia; Chairman of Council, Hon. Iniobong Robson; Chairman of the PDP Congress Committee, Barrister Bassey Dan-Abia Jnr, and their cohorts are determined to put their representative in the State House of Assembly, Dr Usoro Akpanusoh, on collision path with Governor Emmanuel. The statement, according to a signatory, Pastor Godwin Endinyang, further banned “the political leader of the area and Chairman of the PDP Congress Committee from parading...

The immoral video recently trending in the social media, where a  particular woman who claims to come from Akwa Ibollm State insolently cast a slur on the leadership of the l  continues to receive severe condemnations from well-meaning and responsible Akwa Ibom women. In its reaction to the said video which has caused no little tension and distraction in the polity, a socio-political organization in the State, Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILOWV), has risen to condemn in totality the intent and content of the video and promptly issued warnings to perpetrators of such jokes to immediately refrain and beg God for forgiveness, considering the solemnity of the Easter Season. Describing the act as a gross contempt and desecration of the high cultural values and norms that Akwa Ibom women represent at domestic and international fronts, the Secretary of NILOWV, Dr. Ini Adakpan, speaking in Uyo, yesterday said it was shocking and unbelievable that at a time every hand shou...

In my capacity as Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, I write to appreciate the  bold, proactive and committed governor of our great State, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for the pragmatic and result-oriented modalities so far put in place to contain the ravaging Covid 19 pandemic. I wish to also commend His Excellency for the periodic follow-up updates and directives through State-wide broadcasts and press releases to the citizenry on current situations and how best to enforce precautionary measures while the pandemic lasts. Sir, your discreet response in also setting up machineries to  provide palliatives to the vulnerable in order to cushion the effects of the lockdown has also endeared the masses to your benevolent personality and People-inclined style of leadership. In view  of this, I categorically wish to state that it would be an act of sabotage and crass  unpatriotism for any bonafide Akwa Ibom cit...

As part of events to mark his 49th birthday celebration, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Rural Development and Public Utilities, Dr Usoro Akpanusoh, representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, has donated food items worth millions of Naira to aid the fight against COVID-19. While supervising the distribution of the items at his Constituency Office in Uquo, Esit Eket Local Government Council, Dr Akpanusoh lauded the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for his steadfastness and commitment to curbing the global pandemic by approving the immediate “construction of 300-Bed Space Isolation Centre and for prompt distribution of Relief Materials to help cushion the effect of COVID-19 in the State.” He prayed God to continually guide Governor Emmanuel, give him the wisdom and enablement to lead the people of Akwa Ibom State Speaking about his birthday, the two-term member of the State House of Assembly, said “God’s faithfulness towards me has been un...

By Edet Okpo It cannot be argued against the fact that both in his first and second tenure, quality healthcare infrastructure and delivery had formed strategic parts of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s policy thrust. Therefore, for whatever reasons, it would be funny and ungrateful for any Akwa Ibom person to forget in a hurry the political willpower and commitment the Governor of the State has so far demonstrated in revamping the composite healthcare system in the State right from 2015, a bold and foresighted step taken as if he literally foresaw future eventualities. Amidst the indifferences and cynicism that expectedly may have trailed his drive, which are almost always the natural disposition by the insignificant few towards any change in human affairs especially in our clime, it could conveniently be said today that Governor Udom Emmanuel’s proactive and empirical modalities as far back as five years ago were those of clairvoyance and ratiocination of a leader who saw ahead of tim...

A Non-Governmental Organization, Initiative for People Empowerment (1001-Voices), has expressed concerns “As global infections from the Corona virus (COVID-19) surpass the one million mark,” maintaining that “the world must wake up to the frightening reality of a disrupted, almost unrecognizable social and economic order.” A statement by its National Coordinator, Mr. Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, said “The last half century has seen concerted efforts to integrate human activities, markets and supply chains around a heterogeneous, global village. That was before (COVID-19) unexpectedly thrust itself into the front burner of global affairs. Due to the invasive nature of the Corona virus contagion, the World Health Organization designated it as an epidemic within four weeks of its first series of confirmed cases. Since then, the world has been grappling with an alarming heath crisis; the global socioeconomic order may have been disrupted permanently.” “Eventually, and like the pandemics ...

The visiting 15-member medical team from China have arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,  despite opposition by the Nigerian Medical Association and Lawmakers. They were received by the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire. The personnel, who are experts in infectious diseases, respiratory illness, intensive care, cardiology, neurology, general surgery and anesthesiology, arrived with 16-ton test kits, ventilators, disinfection machine, disposable medical masks, drugs, infrared thermometer and other items ordered by the Federal Government. Under the directive of the Embassy of China in Nigeria and in response to the Federal Government’s request, the team will also share with their Nigerian counterparts effective methods on COVID-19 containment. They are to commence their stay in Nigeria by spending 14 days in quarantine.

Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr Usoro Akpanusoh, a stakeholder and principal officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed displeasure over the recently conducted Ward and Chapter Congresses of the party in Esit Eket Local Government Area, saying the purported exercise “promoted everything except peace, cohesion and internal democracy in clear violation of the spirit of our party.” Dr Akpanusoh, himself a statutory member of the Congress Coordinating Committee for Esit Eket, has further called for the cancellation of the exercise in the Local Government, adding that aspirants were denied the purchase of Nomination Forms and were equally prevented from participating in the exercise. In a petition to the State Chairman of the Party, Obong Paul Ekpo, the Assemblyman said “I am informed that forms meant for Akwa Ibom State were obtained by a single individual so as to subvert the nomination processes...

Sequel to the enforcement of the directive of Akwa IBOM State Government for a total Lockdown of the state occasioned by the incident of COVID- 19, the police command swung into action and deployed all security personnel, including members of other sister security agencies to every part of the state. At about 5:40pm of 03/04/2020, the report of an altercation between one Dr Daniel David Edet of UUTH, Akwa Ibom and F/No. 426297 Sgt Edidiong Alexander attached to Safer Highway was received. The said Dr was allegedly assaulted by Sgt Edidiong Alexander at Nung Oku junction where he was on duty. Consequently , The CP ordered for his arrest and detention. The erring officer who has been in detention was subjected to orderly room trial in line with the Police Act and Regulations and was found guilty by the adjudicating officer. The orderly room  proceeding was reviewed and he was reduced in rank from Sergeant to Corporal. At about 8pm of 03/04/2020 the CP had meeting with the C...

Sequel to the news report about the positive testing of 5 hitherto suspected cases of COVID -19 in Akwa Ibom state, we wish to state as follows, that; 1. We observed a disturbing breach in the test and reporting procedure. 2. Akwa Ibom State Government only heard about the test results in the news 3. The Director General of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was not aware of the reported result announcement. 4. All 5 reported positive test cases have been contacted and they have showed no COVID-19 symptoms. 5. While the tests were being processed in NCDC approved test facilities, all suspected cases were held in isolation. 6. Several sample batches have been previously sent for testing from Akwa Ibom State and they all returned negative results. 7. Owing to the irregularities observed in the testing and reporting procedure, Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have called for an immediate reconfirmation test on the 5 reported cases. 8. The results wi...

In keeping faith with the people and playing a part in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 pandemic, the Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency,  Hon. Onofiok Akpan Luke has joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives through the leadership of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila in donating his two months salary to the National Coordinating Committee in support of President Muhammadu Buhari's fight against the scourge. In a release signed by the Media Aide to the Lawmaker, Aniekan Udofia had it tht the member also made a donation of #2m ( Two Million Naira) to the State Coordinating Committee in support of the Government of Akwa Ibom under the leadership of Governor Udom  Emmanuel in its preparatory effort to prevent and contain the pandemic from encroaching or spreading in Akwa Ibom State. Aware of the challenges his constituents may face owing to the necessary government policies to prevent the spread of the pandemic,  Mr. Luke has ...