The Empire

  By Edet Okpo  A total of 54,  000 Akwa Ibom women, representing at least 18, 000 from three local government areas in the State are set to benefit from World Bank Empowerment Programme tagged, “Nigeria For Women Project” (NFWP).  This, it must first be noted, points to the robust international diplomacy and mutually beneficial partnership that the Akwa Ibom State Government under the people-oriented administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel has sustained with progressive external organizations like the World Bank.  As clearly  stated during an orientation workshop organized by the Nigeria For Women Project  on Tuesday,  March 29, 2022, the three local government areas in the State to benefit from the implementation of the pilot programme include Onna, Oruk Anam and Ibesikpo. Through the support of the World Bank, Akwa Ibom  women have been mobilized by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to be trained on financial management and subsequently empowered to scale up producti

The 2023 Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency aspiration of Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon continues to gain support as the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Barr Ini Ememobong throws weight behind the cause.  The Commissioner made this known on Saturday when the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Unity Project 2023 Campaign train made a stop over at his residence.  The Commissioner who received the Campaign entourage, appreciated the immediate past representative of Ibiono Ibom people in the State Assembly and the then Deputy Leader of the Sixth Assembly for not allowing the people of Itu/Ibiono to be in want of a quality aspirant for the seat in the National Assembly.  He expressed confidence in the aspiration of Rt. Hon. Ime Okon and said he is not just giving his moral support but also material support to see the cause successful. The Information Commissioner assured Itu/Ibiono of an effective front through Barr Ime Okon in the Green Chamber of National Assembly, come 2023. The Information Boss whil

  Bassey Okon from ITU, Offiong Samuel Offor,  from ini, Aniefiok Isaac Nkom from Ikot Ekpene, Iniobong Edward Ekong from  Nsit Ubium, Bob Emem from Onna,  Engr Camilus Umoh from Essien Udim This was contained in a letter dated 18th March and read on the floor of the Assembly sent in by the State Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel. Those suspected  to be relieved of their duties are Rt. Hon. Okpolupum Ette, Mr. Umo Eno, Dr. Glory Edet, Prince Ukpong Akpabio It would be recalled that the State Executive Council had announced during its Exco meeting last week that there will be a Cabinet reshuffle where five Commissioners will be  relieved of their duties.  The Speaker  forwarded the letter to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Petition to report back to the House in 24 Hours. .

  Entertainers from Itu and Ibiono Ibom extraction of Akwa Ibom State have declared unalloyed support towards the Federal House  aspiration of Rt. Hon. (Barr) Ime Bassey Okon by releasing a campaign song and donating campaign materials for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Unity Project 2023. The group led by Mr. Donald Daniel Michael made the endorsement  today at his resident. In his speech, Leader of the group, Mr. Donald Daniel Michael said they are over 200 members who are convinced to support the aspiration of Rt. Hon. Ime Okon due to his humane personality, accessibility, intellectual depth and impactful antecedents. "We the entertainers, comprising of Musicians, Dancers, Masters of Ceremonies (MCs), Actors, Comedians and Instrumentalists came together and gather our resources to support this course because we see in Rt. Hon. Ime Okon a better offer than money which many politicians use to buy the consciences of the people than the people taking time to check content/quality of a person befo

  The frontline aspirant for Uyo Senatorial District Seat in the National Assembly, Barr. Usenobong Akpabio on Monday consulted with the Councillors of the nine Local Government Areas making up Uyo Senatorial District ahead of the PDP Primaries coming up on May 2022. Barr. Akpabio solicited for support, saying that he cannot succeed without the support of Councillors at the Local Government Legislative Chambers who are part of the delegates for the Party's primaries. He promised to give life touching represention by presenting the problems of the grassroots to the center and bringing dividends of democracy back to the people. Also, the Director General (DG) of Usenobong 2023 Campaign Organization, Hon. Achibong Inyang said Barr. Usenobong Akpabio is not a new face in the business of good leadership and quality representation. He stressed that Usenobong Akpabio has pedigree to maintain the height and integrity created by the previous Senators from Uyo Senatorial District in the Nati

  By Edet Okpo On Monday March 14, 2022, like many other Journalists and media practitioners in the State, I was at the Ibom Hall Grounds for the grand finale of the 2022 edition of International Women's Day celebrations. The event was characteristically well organized, colourful and hugely successful. Our women were resplendent in their colourful uniforms and eye catching attires. Most of us who attended the event were impressed with the high sense of organization and decorum observed by the women as well as the level of exemplary leadership demonstrated by the First Lady, Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Martha Udom Emmanuel, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr Ini Adiakpan and other government officials who were involved in the  hosting of  the event.  The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel who himself was physically present at the event was effusive with commendations for his wife and the Commissioner for  Women Affairs and Social Welfare,Dr. Ini Adiakpan

  As preparation for the 2023 general elections gears up, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and the Senatorial Aspirant for Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has been endorsed by statutory delegates and stakeholders of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. They consequently reiterated their avowed support and commitment to the Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Completion Agenda, assuring that they will lead the campaign for his succession plan through Pastor Umo Eno and the Senate aspiration of the Speaker in both party primaries and general elections. Describing Rt. Hon. Bassey as a humble and viable aspirant who has what it takes to occupy the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial seat in 2023, the delegates and stakeholders bare their minds at a consultative meeting held on Monday at Luton Park, Uyo. In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Education and member representing Ibiono Ibom State constituency in the State House of Assembly, Obong G

  Ahead of the the upcoming People's Democratic Party PDP Primaries, Delegates from Etinan Local Government Area have assured the PDP aspirant for Uyo Senatorial District Seat in the National Assembly, Barr Usenobong Akpabio that their decision will not go against his ambition. The Delegates gave the assurance at the weekend when Barr. Akpabio consulted them at the Party Chairman's residence in Etinan LGA. Speaking on behalf of the Delegates, the PDP Chapter Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Hon. Inemesit Itina said the party will look at Barr. Usenobong Akpabio's request critically in taking the decision of who they will support for Senate. He assured Barr. Usenobong Akpabio that the decision of Delegates from Etinan Local Government Area will not go against his ambition, saying that he is bold, energetic and well experience to represent Uyo Senatorial District in the Senate. He saluted the courage of Barr. Akpabio in remaining in PDP despite not being able to repr

  Delegates from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area have authenticated the credibility and integrity of Barr. Usenobong Akpabio to represent Uyo Senatorial District in the Senate, insisting that he deserves the office based on his pedigree, legislative experience and loyalty to People's Democratic Party (PDP). The authentication came on Thursday when Barr. Akpabio consulted Ibiono Ibom Delegates ahead of his  aspiration to represent Uyo Senatorial District in the National Assembly at the Town Hall, Ibiatuk, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. Speaking on behalf of the Delegates, the Ibiono Ibom PDP Chapter Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Akpan reiterated that since there is a reward system in PDP, a competent man like Barr Usenobong Akpabio is qualified to represent Uyo Senatorial District in National Assembly based on his track record of achievements, his labour and loyalty to the party. Hon. Emmanuel Akpan said Senate is not a place to send who is not competent, stressing that he can attes

  MY COMMITMENT TO GOV EMMANUEL’S COMPLETION AGENDA IS IRREVOCABLE – A’IBOM SPEAKER  Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and frontline aspirant for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bsssey, has said his support and commitment to the Udom Emmanuel’s Completion Agenda are firm and irrevocable. Rt. Hon. Bassey made this known on Wednesday shortly after his consultation visit to the Ibiono Ibom Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was disrupted by hoodlums and supporters allegedly touting for the gubernatorial ambition of Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA). The Speaker, who was barred from addressing the Ibiono Ibom PDP Chapter by the hoodlums due to the ‘Umo Eno’ inscription on his faze cap, expressed disappointment at the level of rascality exhibited by the people in the name of politics. He said “the kind of politics and attitude displayed in Ibiono Ibom today is anti-Akwa Ibom, anti-democracy and anti-development. It is against everythi

  The frontline aspirant for Uyo Senatorial District Seat ahead of 2023 general elections, Barr. Usenobong Akpabio has consulted People's Democratic Party PDP Delegates from Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. Barr. Akpabio made the consultation on Tuesday at the People's Democratic Party Secretariat, Afaha Offiong. Barr. Akpabio said that Uyo Senatorial District must maintain the height which the previous Senators have established in the Red chambers.  He thanked the delegates from Nsit Ibom LGA for the warm reception and appealed for their support that will lead to victory at the upcoming primaries of the party. “Sincerely I have seen love and unity among Nsit Ibom People.” He maintained that he is committed to what he believes, which is development and empowerment of people at the grassroots as promoted by People's Democratic Party. "I believe in PDP that’s why I do not swing like a pendulum. I believe I’ll give Uyo Senatorial District the best." Akpabio said God

  A cross section of youths from the 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State have said they will pursue their collective interest to support the candidate of their choice for the 2023 governorship outside Governor Udom Emmanuel's choice.  Over 3000 youths who converged in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Saturday to flag-off a state-wide mobilisation for the governorship ambition of Barr. Onofiok Luke, said Governor Emmanuel's interest is different from the collective interest of the youths and the majority of Akwa Ibom people.  Coordinator of the group called The Onofiok Luke People's Movement, Comrade Ekemini Smart, said the youths believe in Barr. Onofiok Luke and they are resolved to propagate his governorship ambition.  "The Governor's decision was his personal decision, it did not represent our collective decision and the interest of the masses, so we will go ahead to pursue our collective interest." "Onofiok Luke is the collective interest of A

  The Paramount Rulers and PDP delegates in Itu and Ibiono Ibom LGAs have expressed conviction that Rt. Hon. Barr Ime Bassey Okon will make effective representation a reality when given the mandate of Itu and Ibiono Ibom in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly in 2023.  Royal fathers and delegates of the two Local Government Areas made their stance clear when the House of Representative hopeful, Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon consulted  Peoples Democratic Party structures in these LGAs earlier today, Monday, March 7, 2022.  The Itu/Ibiono Unity Project Campaign 2023 train made a quick stopover at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom LGA, HRM Okuku Ime Udousoro Inyang for royal blessings and to formerly informed the traditional seat of the House of Representative aspiration of Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon. Before the royal blessings, the aspirant, Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon said he is coming to the royal palace as a son to be blessed by the father. He added that the Paramount Rule

  By Edet Okpo As Women of Akwa Ibom State converged in their number at the area headquarters of  The Apostolic Church Nigeria,Ikot Abia Idem,Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area for Thanksgiving to commemorate the 2022 International Women Day, the Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr.(Mrs) Martha Udom Emmanuel has made a case for Governors of all states in the federation to increase the number of Women in the business of governance to address the issues of gender equality and political participation. Dr. Martha who stressed the need for women to be given their right of place in governance as they constitute over 70 percent of voting population,frowned at the action of certain Members  of the National Assembly who vehemently opposed the bill to give Nigerian Women Special Seat in the red chambers. While expressing confidence that the gender- sensitive leadership  of National Assembly will reconsider the bill to encourage  women  participation and inclusiveness  in the legislative business

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has received a supplementary budget of N45Billion with N41Billion for Recurrent Expenditure and N4Billion for Capital Expenditure . The House received the budget via a letter from the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, during Thursday Plenary. Receiving the Executive Bill, titled "A Law to make Supplementary Provision for the Service of Akwa Ibom State Government for the year ending on 31st December, 2022," the House Leader, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan (Oruk Anam) said "The State Accountant General may, when authorized so to do by warrants issued by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in addition to the sums provided for in Section One of the Appropriation Law, 2022,  pay of warrants not exceeding N41Billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund and N4Billion from the Capital Development Fund." Speaking further, the House Leader said "the Bill seeks to make an increase in the budget size of the state that was passed last year from N586Bi

  Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has assured the newly installed Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District Leaders’ Forum, Senator Effiong Bob, of his unalloyed support. Rt. Hon. Bassey, who made this known Uyo on Thursday during an enlarged meeting of leaders of the Forum, promised that all Members of the State House of Assembly from the District will cooperate with the new Political Leader to foster development and quality leadership in the district.  He described Senator Bob as an elder statesman with unparalleled pedigree, maintaining that the district, under his leadership, will experience unity, peace and progress. “We should note the quality of our Political Leader. He has held various elective positions and has also been appointed into several positions of leadership within and outside the state. He has the requisite experience to deliver on this new assignment, as our Political Leader. As lawmakers and practicing politicians from U

The ‘Akwa Ibom State Water Resources Sector Management and Regulation Bill 2022’ has passed Second Reading at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Leading debate on the Bill at Plenary on Tuesday, the Leader of the House, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan (Oruk Anam), said the Bill, when passed into Law, will provide for the development and regulation of the water sector. He noted that the Bill will provide for the establishment of a Water Sanitation Agency, Water Council and Regulatory Commission as well as Waste water Management and other related matters.  According to the Lawmaker, “the Bill will also promote healthy water supply, especially for the increasing population of our state. it will further boost the state’s partnership with donor agencies.”  In his contribution, Dr Usoro Akpanusoh (Ibeno/Esit Eket) said the Bill will encourage partnerships with corporate agencies in the provision of hygienic and portable water to rural communities.  Dr Akpanusoh appealed to the House to give the Bi