The Empire

  Stakeholders in the People's Democratic Party in Etinan Federal Constituency have declared total support for the completion agenda of the Government of Akwa Ibom State led by Udom Emmanuel. They made the declaration at the Stakeholders meeting/end of year get-to- together of the Federal Constituency convened by the member representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke at the home of Senator Effiong Bob in Ikot Ekwere, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Monday. Political Leader of Uyo Senator Senatorial District Senator Effiong Bob described the meeting as first of its kind in the Federal Constituency. He commended Mr Luke for his ability to bring the three Local Government Areas to one place to give back during the Christmas period. He said that the Federal Constituency fully endorse the completion agenda of governor Udom Emmanuel. Senator Bob added that at the appropriate time the Federal Constituency will speak in one voice. He charged members o

  Renowned business mogul, grassroots politician, social advocate and public affairs analyst from Akwa Ibom State, Chief Victor Matthew, has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari on the reappointment of Engr. Benedict Ukpong for another term in office as National Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom  State in the National Population Commission (NPC), describing the re-engagement as the President’s confirmation of personal satisfaction with and trust in the capacity and service delivery record of the beneficiary. News of the reappointment was contained in a letter forwarded to the Senate for approval which was read during plenary, Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Chief  Victor Matthew whom majority popularly referred to as the “Voice and Conscience of the Masses” aired his views and gratitude to the President for the reappointment of Engr. Ukpong (FNSE) in an exclusive chat with some media practitioners in Uyo, today.  He stated that having a leader like President Muhammadu Buhari who is known wi

  By Asuquo Edem Going by historical and present day threats by the people of Eket claiming ownership of Ikot Nsung,  Akpa Urua Ikot all in Okorokuku, indigenes of Ibeno under the auspices of the joint council of Mkpono Nnitor Ibeno and Ulok Ulok people's Assembly have sent strong warning to Let to desist fortherwith such schemes as they will stop at nothing in protecting what rightfully belongs to them. Presenting a rejoinder yesterday at Ukpenekang Youth Council Hall over a press conference by Itid Afigh Ekid Union the Joint Council Chairman Elder Chief Ikpedem Ekong and the Joint Council Secretary Pastor Tom Samuel Afia said that they will not follow the inglorious path of beating of war drums with the Ekwids adding that "we want the world to know that it is the people of Ekid who have consistently boasted of their possession of a war chest and being the wild Ibibios, as they have also recently claimed, would not hesitate to unleash their wild, animalistic and intractable w

By Edet Okpo The recent media parley distinguished  Senator Akon Eyakenyi had with  her Constituents in  the Media industry could not have been accidental or strange. That was on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at her residence. Since being sworn in as a Senator of the Federal Republic on 11 June, 2019, it is on record that hardly would a month pass by without Senator Akon Eyakenyi, representing Akwa Ibom South(Eket) Senatorial District in the Senate, holding one or two meetings with stakeholders and different groups or organizations in her constituency.  To say that this is representation at its best can therefore be no exaggeration. It is an express indication that the celebrated parliamentarian at whose behest such meetings are usually held is proud of and transparent with her  towering record of performance, hence cannot be afraid to face her people.  In keeping with a tradition that has differentiated her from others, the Senator scheduled for the interface with the media professional

  By David David Dr. Uduak Onofiok Luke,  wife of the Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency Rt. Hon.(Barr.) Onofiok Luke  may not have gone the pop way to celebrate her 40th birthday in Uyo, rather she chose to give back to members of the society by awarding scholarship to the best graduating student of her almamater-Union Secondary School as well as give financial support to FIDA, NAWOJ and NES. At De Angelo hotel in Uyo,  Uduak Luke, in an emotion-laden voice recalled how God has been good to her and her family members, and attributed her achievements in life to God's mercy. The University lecturer hailed her husband Barr. Onofiok Luke for being her unshakable pillar of support and a good adviser. She also commended the first lady, Dr. Martha Emmanuel for living by example and assisting the less privileged in the society. Speaking,  the celebrant's friend Mrs. Inemesit Enobong Uwah described Dr. Uduak Luke as a friend in need and indeed. Mrs. Uw

  By Edet Okpo Governor Udom Emmanuel's succession agenda in 2023 may be devoid of hiccups and hitches  in Okobo Local Government Area, as relevant political stakeholders and actors have unanimously resolved to work together towards supporting whosoever the incumbent Governor and the Party hierarchy will present to fly the flag of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP)in the next general elections.  The resolution was reached  at the end of the Ward Committees'  Inauguration  in Okobo on Saturday, November 6, 2021, ably led by the Local Government Coordinator and Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly,Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey. Addressing the large crowd of peacemakers and PDP Members who converged  at their  various wards in Okobo,  Princess Felicia Bassey noted that the Peace Advocacy Movement conceived by Governor Udom Emmanuel to stimulate,strengthen and increase  the membership of PDP,has its principal objectives of sustaining the prevailing peace in the State w

Member representing Etinan /Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC), Akwa Ibom State Council to prioritise training and retraining for it members to meet up with changing times.  Luke gave the charge at the opening ceremony of the  2021 NLC State Level School held at the Workers' Solidarity Centre in Uyo,  when he presented a keynote address on the theme : Skills Development: Reshaping Union's Policy, Strategies and Actions for Sustainability of the Workplace. The lawmaker told   NLC that the world of work is undergoing a major process of change. According to him; "There are several forces transforming it, from the onward march of technology and the impact of climate change to the impact of demographic changes in economics and employment" "There is a new reality of unprecedented, transformative change in the world of work. This transformative change will only excite the people who are sustainabl

   Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Mr Onofiok Luke, has called for greater protection of human rights of citizens in administration of criminal justice in Nigeria and the abolition of public parading of suspects in the media. Luke stated this at the Expert Review Meeting on the proposed amendments to the Administration of Criminal Justice Administration Act, 2015 organized by the Center for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS) in Abuja.   “Of major concern to me is the issue of investigation, arrest and detention of suspects because they bear directly on the human rights of citizens. These areas leave much discretion to law enforcement agencies. It seems as if in Nigeria this discretion is abused by not being exercised properly and fairly. It is sometimes tended to be exercised in a punitive manner by law enforcement agencies. It is important that proper investigation be carried out before arrest. Suspects should not be unnecessarily detained; where they are arrested, they should be char

As Nigerians gear up for leadership recruitment through the ballot in 2023, a national lawmaker and member representing Etinan/Nsit Ubium/Nsit Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Barrister Onofiok Luke, has urged the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to set the agenda and be in the forefront of the process. Barrister Luke made this known at the Image House, Uyo, on Thursday where he presented a PR Lecture as a Special Guest during the October Meeting of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Institute. Addressing members of the Institute and other attendees via Google Meet on “the Role of PR in Governance, National Integration, Peace and Security,” the national lawmaker said it was imperative for Nigerians to pursue things that will integrate and unite the people more than ever. He maintained that “There could have been no better profession to properly champion this course than the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. As we begin another leadership rec

  By Ayubong Edet  Does "Freedom of the Press" mean that a journalist or something in resemblance of that name can say or write anything he wants - anyhow, anytime, without the faintest pricking of conscience?  This was the first wave of query that surged in on us on stumbling on Unwana Assam's  report, posted recklessly on  Newsline9ja.com and widely syndicated by other credulous social media platforms. The fabricated report came with a rather curious, amateurish, imaginative and meandering title: "Exposed: A"Ibom First Lady Allegedly Pays Some PDP Chapter Women Leaders 250k For National Convention, Shuns Others... As Aggrieved Chapter Women Leaders Set to Protest" Nothing but hunger and hopelessness must have inspired Unwana Assam to embark on a suicidal mission of this doomed destination in the fantasy realm of self-destructive imaginations. It is pertinent to state, first and foremost, that except something urgent was done, with reports such as this, al

    By Edet Okpo Rural women and girls play essential roles in food systems – from production to processing, preparation, consumption, and distribution of food – as well as in securing household and community nutrition. Locally and globally, the records stand tall in their favour; yet many appear to have taken them for granted because of prejudices and traditions. Standing on the platform of the 2021 International Day of Rural Women, celebrated globally on October 15, 2021, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan says it is time all obnoxious traditions and beliefs tied around women's necks be removed to enable them do more in feeding the world. This is one woman who has been vocal and consistent on the advocacy of women emancipation and breaking of all gender barriers to allow women fully showcase their talents and potentials in creating a better world for humanity. And facts on ground support her concerns: Unequal power relations be

    By Edet Okpo The 2021 International Day of the Girl Child came with a renewed call for government, parents and  guardians to break some inherited obnoxious traditions that have affected the girl child and deliberately key them into the scheme of things for a  purposeful living and full utilization of their God-given talents. Given the terrible history the girl child inherited from centuries of humiliation,harassment and subjugation from ancient traditions and customs,the general opinion is that if not struggle and advocacy as well as commitment  by strong women and credible institutions,Girl child would have since been consigned to the dustbin of history.      At the forefront of this challenge in celebrating the 2021  Day was the Honourable Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Welfare,   Dr. Ini Adiakpan, who led out the permanent Secretary in her Ministry,  women, children and resource persons to mark the day with a bang. The event which was held recently  at the E-Library Co

   The double awards of First Lady of the Year (National) in Social Welfare for Women and First Lady of the Year (South-South) in Educational Development given to the Wife of Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Udom Emmanuel, by Daily Independent Newspaper has warmed the heart of the Hon. Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr.Ini Adiakpan, even as all Akwa Ibom women have been observed to be in ceaseless jubilation ever since the award winner was announced. In a swift and encouraging message of felicitation to Her Excellency titled, “Honour Well-Deserved”, signed on behalf of Akwa Ibom women and her ministry, Dr.Ini Adiakpan said the recognition came with a profound sense of delight and calls for celebration because such award coming from no other organization but a brand like Independent Newspaper that has a panache for quality speaks volume and is therefore meritorious for a First Lady in the pedigree of Dr. (Mrs) Martha Emmanuel.   Describin

   The people of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have condemned in strongest terms a resolution by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for a new map for Akwa Ibom State, describing the idea as illegal and fraudulent against Eastern Obolo Local Government Area which is a creation of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The aggrieved people under the aegis of ILIMA Obolo vowed to vehemently resist any attempt by government or any group to distort their historical heritage, geographic and demographic linkages through adjustment of the official map of Akwa Ibom State, noting that it is a calculated sinister plot specifically aimed at depriving the people of Eastern Obolo of their natural and bonafide endowments and entitlements, upon the existing marginalization they have experienced from successive administrations of the State. Speaking on behalf of Obolo people, ILIMA Obolo, a frontline socio-cultural cum political organization in Obolo Nation, made their position

  By Bassey Uweh A  renowned business mogul  and Managing Director of Vinci Marine and Logistics Limited,  Chief Victor Mathew who is also the International Coordinator, Niger Delta Movement for Development,  has described as uncalled for, divisive , embarrassing and misleading,  the  trending  alternations and campaign of verbal assault against the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and the former Managing Director/ CEO of Niger Dock, Engr. Nkpubre Okon Nkpubre over issues surrounding the Ibom Depp Seaport project. He said the dimension the matter has assumed in the past few days was capable of pitching brothers against brothers, misinforming the masses and generating more tension in the State.   The Niger Delta  activist and business magnet who made his feelings known yesterday in an exclusive chat with journalists  in Uyo, maintained that with dialogue and understanding anchored on  true sense of brotherhood, love,unity  and transparency, it was possible to resolve the issues withou

  By Edet Okpo With the successful launch and inauguration in not fewer than  12 Local Government Chapters in the State, the Maintain Peace  Movement, another adorable brainchild of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s socio-political paternity, already manifested unmistakable signs of greater things to come.  Of course, contrary to misplaced factional cynicism or distorted views of the gullible, the altruistic movement is not for the Governor as some may have misconstrued, but for the entire Akwa Ibom people, their present and future, in the context of the Governor’s good governance template and populist political philosophy.    It therefore becomes expedient, to the best of my knowledge of the vision and mission of the Movement, to quickly observe that, it was not launched as if there was any threat to peace in the State, but to consolidate the gains already secured in the area of security, growth and industrial development in Akwa Ibom State.  In that clear light, you cannot be wrong to see the

By Edet Okpo& Nature Substance “In view of the current economic realities occasioned by the Covid’19 Pandemic on all sectors of our society, I hereby call on the Council to consider the establishment of special intervention packages and inclusion of rural women in the yearly budgetary provision of employment at various levels.” The above words formed part of advocacy by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, on the occasion of the 21st Regular National Council Meeting on Women Affairs, held at Ibom Hall, Uyo, on Thursday, August 26 , 2021.   The National Council on Women Affairs Meeting, which is held annually and rotated amongst States of the federation, is arguably the largest platform where Nigerian women and stakeholders assemble to brainstorm on critical issues affecting the womenfolk. With the theme - Gender Equality: A Panacea for Enduring Security and Sustainable Economic Recovery in the Post Covid -19 Era, Akwa Ibom was again chosen to host t