The Empire

  By Owolabi Ajibade As the global focus on sustainable and clean energy intensifies, and in the wake of changing economic tides, the landmark decimation of Nigeria’s Petroleum Ministry and subsequent creation of a standalone Ministry of Gas Resources was indicative of Nigeria’s readiness to harness a sustainable alternative to the extant fossil-fuel-driven economy which is prospected have a huge impact on the country's economic trajectory and a pivotal moment in the country’s history.  Throwing Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo into the deep end with his appointment as the Minister of State for Gas Resources when he is better known for delivering gargantuan results, working from behind the scenes, sparked both anticipation and speculation considering the enormity of the unique task of tending to this vision. But being a former Federal Legislator in the Green Chambers between 2007 and 2011, Ekpo is however, not stranger to the challenges of the Nigerian state and so has duly folded his slee

  By Asuquo Edem Akwa Ibom State 2023 Revised budget now stands at N850B as the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly today during Plenary passed a supplementary estimate amounting to N150B. In a report presented to the House by the House Committee Chairman on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Itorobong Etim, informed the Speaker and Members that the committee met with Heads of Government Ministries Departments and Agencies Including the Commissioner for Finance and Accountant General to obtain their views on government priority projects and programs, revenue, debt profile and sources of funding as it relates to areas of augmentation or savings in the supplementary estimates. She stated that the supplementary budget would be funded through Derivation Revenue of N80B, Direct Credit Substitute/Discounting Facilities/Internal Loans of N54.536B and an Opening Balance of N15.464B bringing to a total of N150B. Hon. Etim who represents Uruan State Constituency added that the Supplementary Budget of

By Asuquo Edem  Worried by the inability of indigenes of  Oruku to access quality and affordable healthcare services the member representing Uruefong/Oruko State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Precious Selong has presented before the House, a motion on Notice about the alarming infrastructural decay at the General Hospital in Oruko. While noting the critical place health infrastructural facilities plays in the sound health and well-being of constituents especially in the rural communities, the Lawmaker informed the House that the only secondary health facility, General Hospital, Oruko in Urueoffong/ Oruko Local Government Area which was established by the State Government to cater for the health needs of the entire local government and its environs as well as serve as referral center to nearby primary health facilities is presently near collapse.  She expressed concern over the rate of infrastructural decay in the health facility to include dilapidated stru

  By Asuquo Edem  Irked by the deplorable condition of Ikot Akata -Ekop-Ntan Ide Ekpe Ikot Edem Udo road, the Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Sunday Jimmy has drawn the attention of the State Government to the urgent need for it's construction. The Leader coming under a Motion On Notice presented before the House, informed the House that the 5.4km Ikot Akata Ekop-Ntan Ide Ekpe-Ikot Edem Udo road with 60 meters span bridge which connects Mkpat Enin and Onna L.G.A is presently at its worst deplorable condition and needs urgent approval for construction adding that this has caused the people of Ntan Ide Ekpe not to have access to their community except through Mkpat Enin which he noted takes them hours to get home or go out. While emphasizing on Agricultural revolution as one of the primary focus of Governor Umo Eno's governance agenda, Hon. Jimmy stated that for that to thrive at the rural level, rural infrastructural development must be prioritized. Accordi

    By Asuquo Edem  In it's avowed determination to hit the ground running as it has to do with oversight functions, the House Committee on Works and Transport has been inaugurated. In his inaugural address,the Chairman of the Committee who represents Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob assured indigenes of the State that they will leave no stone unturned to ensure that funds appropriated for projects across the State are properly utilized, completed at stipulated  time and specifications. He noted that the Committee is not out to witch-hunt any Ministry or Parastatal however tasked contractors handling jobs at various locations across the State to sit up as abandonment and under utilisation of projects funds would not be tolerated. Rt. Hon. Bob who is the Deputy Leader of the House while thanking the Speaker for the opportunity given to them to serve, emphasized that the Committee will work to ensure that Akwa Ibom State becomes a reference point of projects in Nig

    Moved by the need to investigate reasons behind the abandonment of Qua River Hotel, Eket the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has beamed it's searchlight with a view to it's reactivation for use. Coming under a Notice of Motion presented before the House during Plenary yesterday, the member representing Eket State Constituency, Hon. Nsidibe Akata informed the House that the hotel which was established by the then Governor of the then South Eastern State, General U. J. Esuene was the home of first choice for expatriates, consultants, engineers and allied professionals in Mobil Producing Nigeria Unltd now Exxon Mobil and other companies that operated in Eket and its environs. He noted that Qua River Hotel was functioning and growing even when the State was renamed Cross River State however expressed worry that the Hotel nose-dived due to bad management like most other government businesses after the creation of Akwa lbom State and in 1996, the Hotel went under completely. &q

    Worried by the State of abandonment faced by Model Secondary School Issiet Ekim in Uruan Local Government Area, the member representing Uruan State Constituency, Hon Itorobong Etim has called on the State Government to initiate a comprehensive evaluation to assess the current state of the school with a view to actuating it. Coming under a Motion on Notice presented on the floor of the House of Assembly, Hon. Etim informed the Speaker and Members that the school which was built between 2003-2007 and has remained inoperable since 2007. The Lawmaker noted that the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno in line with the goals of the ARISE Agenda has finalized arrangements to establish Model Primary Schools equipped with state-of-the-arts facilities in every federal constituency with the remodeling of Christ the King Primary School Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo as a first step. "Worried that 16 years down the line, work has not resumed at the site, neither has the facility been put to use, an

  Sequel to the request by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly that the Dumpsite at the Uyo Village Road be relocated by the State Government, the Member Representing Etinan State Constituency, Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot has opined that remedial measures should rather be sought in managing the accumulated waste at the Uyo Village Road Dumpsite other than only relocating it. Addressing some members of the Assembly Press Corps after last weekend Plenary following the call for the relocation by member representing Uyo State Constituency, Uwemedimo Asuquo, the Etinan Lawmaker had said, relocating the dumpsite will continuously pose more challenges and health hazards to the inhabitants of the areas where it will be relocated to. Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot said proper handling of wastes should be encouraged and facilitated by relevant  government agencies as requesting for relocation of the dumpsite to other locations across the three Senatorial Districts of the State would not totally solve the probl

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly ( AKHA )has declared it's willingness to partner the leadership and membership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) to tackle the sale of counterfeit drugs in the state. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, made known the decision of the Assembly, when he played host to the leadership of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Akwa Ibom State Branch, at the Assembly Complex in Uyo. The Speaker who was responding to request for the formulation of Bill against fake and counterfeit drugs, assured that the House will work out modalities to reactivate the State Taskforce against fake drugs and other unwholesome practices within the profession, to safeguard the health of Akwa Ibom people. "We used to have a taskforce on counterfeit and fake drugs. The current administration in the state is very serious and won't tolerate unprofessionalism, especially, regarding the health of the people." "I want to ass

  In a clear show of strength and zeal, Akwa Ibom State -Malaysian daughter, Miss Sarah Sofea Idongesit Warrie had yet again come out tops in the just concluded 12th Malaysia Open Fencing Championship 2023 U12 Girls Epee Event. The competition which was attended by all South East Asia Countries saw Miss Warrie come out tops and with the gold medal and awarded with the Diploma Of Achievement Gold award. The event which is organized by the Olympic Council of Malaysia commenced on the 26th and climaxed on the 28th of August 2023.. Sarah Idongesit Warrie who is just 11 years old is the youngest daughter to Dr. Idongesit Warrie from Nsit Ubium and Dr. Ayu Ningrad, a Malaysian. It would be recalled that Miss Sarah Warrie in July this year clinched second position in the Malaysian FT Open Fencing Tournament.

The Senator representing the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey, has commended the progress of the All Nations Christian Ministry International, as the church marked its 19th years anniversary. Senator Bassey gave the commendation in Eket on Sunday during the Church Anniversary/Discovery Convention. The event, themed "Rebuilding the Tabernacle of David (Acts 15: 16)," was attended by the church founder and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, his wife, Patience; the State Deputy Governor,  Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong; members of the State Executive Council, among others.  Media Unit Office of the Senator Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District

The Member representing Ukanafun State Constituency, Hon Emem Etokabasi Udom has appealed to the State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources to to the aid of Ukanafun by evacuating the  bridge at Nkek Idim river which he said had collapsed over twenty years ago. The lawmaker coming under a motion brought before the House of Assembly on Friday frowned at the various atrocities perpetrated against residents of the Area noting that, he does not want to experience another unforgettable crisis in his community a second time. Hon. Udom noted that although the administration of the then Governor Godswill Akpabio had since constructed a new bridge, the unevacuated collapsed one had constituted a stumbling block to socio-economic development of the area while serving as a hide-out for criminals.  "It is disheartening to note that since then, the said collapsed bridge is still domiciled in the river which barricades fishermen, canoe operators and farmers from

In furtherance of the rural development drive of  Pastor Umo Eno-led administration in Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong has called on  Village Heads to intensify efforts  towards enhancing peace and security in their respective communities for rapid development to thrive. The Commissioner gave the charge when he played host to the Coordinators of Mboho Mme Eteidung (Clan of Village Heads) across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State which took place in Uyo on Friday. The Chieftaincy Affairs helmsman said the imperative of  rubbing minds with the royal fathers   was  to intimate them of the rural development template as capture on the Arise Agenda of the present administration for them to buy-in  as critical stakeholders whose role is pivotal in achieving desired objectives .  He reiterated the readiness of Governor Umo Eno to advance good governance in the State particularly grassroots development , charging  the

  Irked by the health dangers posed to citizens by the dumpsite along Uyo villages toad, the member representing Uyo State Constituency, Hon. Uwemedimo Dianabasi Asuquo has tasked the State Government to rise to it's mandate of protecting it's citizens by relocating the dumpsite to a more appropriate place. Coming under a motion titled Relocate the Dumpsite At Uyo Village Road presented on the floor of the House, the lawmaker expressed dismay that though the motion was first presented by the member representing Nsit Ubium in the 7th Assembly, it was rather sad that three years after, no action has been taken even when refuse evacuation in the State Capital keeps increasing presently to 2200 tons daily. The lawmaker noted that it was worrisome over the proximity of the dumpsite to critical government facilities like the Government House, State Judiciary Headquarters, Uyo Local Government Council,  Nigerian Police 'B' Division, making it hazardous and injurious to the hea

The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District,  Senator Aniekan Bassey, on Wednesday, condoled with the former Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area,  Prince Anthony Akan, over the demise of his mother, Lady Veronica Ekpenyong Akan,  aged 81. The Funeral Service, which was  conducted by St. Anthony Catholic Church, Bennet Bassey Street, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, took place at Government Primary School,  Mbiaya,  Uruan Local Government Area.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas has celebrated the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Lawmaker, Rep Ime Okon on his Birthday today. Leading the entourage to his office earlier in the day, the Speaker prayed for the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Representative, wishing him good health and prosperous Legislative years in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.  Represented by the Deputy Majority Leader, Rt. Hon Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims in company of other Honourable members and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Nnamdi Chamberlain, presented a cake to the Lawmaker in his office.  Receiving the team, the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Lawmaker said he was humbled by the surprise gesture by the Speaker and his colleagues. He expressed joy over the sense of unity shared amongst Lawmakers which is the needed approach for a better Nigeria.  He said his natal day remains a constant reminder of his unique assignment in life, and everyday, he works towards living out the purpo

The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly ( AKHA ), Rt. Hon. Elder Udeme Otong, has tasked staff of the House of Assembly and that of the Assembly Service Commission on the need for them to take their job seriously, even as he warned that acts of absenteeism, redundancy and loitering during official hours would no longer be tolerated. Speaker Otong, flanked by the members for Oruk Anam, Prince Sampson Idiong, that of Mkpat Enin, Hon Uwem Imoita , his Ini counterpart, Hon Lawrence Udoide and the Clerk of the House, Mrs NsikakAbasi Orok, gave the charge  during an interface with staff of the Assembly at the Chapel of the Assembly in Uyo on Tuesday,22/8/2023. He thanked them for their contributions to the success of the legislative arm of government and by extension the development of the State,  stressing the need for them to redouble efforts, assuring that the 8th Assembly under his watch is committed towards improving their welfare. “I retired as a Director in the Civil Service,

  The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly ( AKHA) Rt. Hon. (Elder.) Udeme Otong, has decorated two Inspectors of the Nigeria Police  Force serving at the House of Assembly with the ranks of Assistant Superintendent of Police ( ASP ). The newly promoted officers from the ranks of Inspector of Police to Assistant Superintendent of Police ( ASP ) and decorated by the Speaker are; Mr. NseAbasi James and Malachy Emmanuel respectively.  The Speaker while decorating the officers at his office today, 21/8/2023 and assisted by the lawmakers representing Ibeno/Esit Eket State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Udobia Friday Udo that of Mkpat Enin, Hon. Uwem Imo-Ita, and Ibiono Ibom, Hon. Moses Essien, charged them to be more proactive and diligent in their policing responsibilities, reminding them that to whom much is given, much is expected. He urged them to be dedicated and vigilant in discharging their duties, and wished them the best of luck in their new rank. The Speaker, also enjoined the d

Senator Aniekan Bassey on Saturday graced the funeral service in honour of Late Elder (Mrs.) Eme James Iniama at the Upper Room Assembly of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Shetima Ali Mungono Crescent, Utako, Abuja. The deceased, until her demise at the age of 57, was the beloved wife of Mr. James Iniama, a renowned estate surveyor and valuer. While commiserating with Mr. Iniama, Senator Bassey said, “The death of a loved one, more so, a wife is usually painful and agonizing. I deeply share in your pains and grief. Your late wife was a revered Elder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), a virtuous woman and a community builder. She was a woman imbued with a great sense of patriotism. She was a role model, a peace advocate and a treasure to the family.” He prayed “the Almighty God to give you and the entire family the fortitude and courage to bear this irreplaceable loss. Please, be consoled by the indelible memories and positive legacies she left behind.” Media Unit Off

The Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District Distinguished Senator Aniekan Bassey has reiterated the call on youths to seize the opportunities in agriculture, which he said is already proving to be the bedrock of the nation’s new economy. The senator said, Uruan Youth should  plan for their future and urged them to explore opportunities easily accessible in agriculture because, as he said, “agriculture is the future.” The Senator made this known while interacting with the Executive Members of Uruan Alert Multi purpose Cooperative Society at his residence in Uyo He promised to continue to support the promotion of skills development, innovation and entrepreneurship among the young population urging them to avoid the attitude of depending on people.  “I want to advise our people to engage in meaningful ventures like agriculture to earn a living and meet other household needs instead of roaming the streets looking for white collar jobs. I will do my best to support any interested youth

  Following the mandate from the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for an on the spot visit to Essien Udim to furnish it with details towards the resettlement of airstrike victims of Ntak Ikot Akpan, the Committee on Boundary were in the area today Tuesday for an oversight. The Committee headed by the member representing Uruefong Oruko, Hon Precious Selong while being received by the council Chairman, Mr. Anthony Like noted that they were in the area to access the level of damage and make recommendations to the State Government  Hon. Selong added that the  visit to Ntak Ikot Akpan was in the spirit of "blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." She extended gratitude to Governor Pastor Umo Eno for prioritizing security in his ARISE agenda and also acknowledged the Chairman of Essien Udim for ensuring a peaceful visit by securing the team. The Committee was warmly welcomed by Mr. Anthony Luke, Chairman of Essien Udim, at the Council Secretariat

The Senator representing the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey, has expressed heartfelt condolences to a former Chairman of Uruan Local Government Council, Prince Anthony Akan, on the eternal exit of his mother, Lady Veronical Ekpenyong Akan, aged 81. Senator Bassey, who is also the Political Leader of Uruan Local Government Area, made this known on Monday when he led Uruan political class on a condolence visit to the decease’ family house, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo. He commiserated with the entire family and the people of Mbiaya Uruan on the loss of a Matriarch, whose service to God and humanity made positive impact in the lives of many. The Senator noted that, “though Late Lady Veronica would be dearly missed, her exit is a celebration of life knowing that her children, including my friend and brother, Prince Anthony Akan, have attained enviable heights in their respective endeavours. She will also be missed for her exemplary contributions to the develop

  Worried by environmental d graduation cause by erosion in communities in Urue Offong/Oruko, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has stepped in with a call to the government of Akwa Ibom State to give immediate solutions. Rising from a motion sponsored by the member representing Urue Offong/Oruko State Constituency, Hon. Precious Selong noted with serious concern that her constituents in Urue Offong, Umume, Ibotong Eweme, Eyoabiasang Villages of Urue Offong/ Oruko Local Government Area and the neighbouring Eyo-Udombo and Eyoefai villages, Enwang in Mbo Local Government Area were facing devastating issues from erosion. She informed the House that in company of the Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson, they has inspected Eyo-Udombo and Eyoefai Enwang which are neighbouring villages from my Local Government Area. Hon. Selong noted that erosion has aggravated the unfortunate situation, thereby increasing the deplorable condition of these villages and negatively impacting on socio-econom

Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, has condoled with the family of Late Dr. Sunday Mbang, a former Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria. Rt. Hon. Otong who paid a condolence visit to the deceased family on Wednesday, on behalf of other Members of House, noted that the Late Dr. Mbang was a revered religious leader who contributed immensely to the sustenance of peace in Akwa Ibom State, pointing out that he will be deeply missed for his fatherly roles and admonitions in the state. "Prelate Mbang was a spiritual pillar whose life was a source of peace to Akwa Ibom State. He was a father, an adviser and a peace broker, so his death has created a vaccum in the state and he will be deeply missed", he said. Accompanied by the Chief Whip of the House and  member for Mbo State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson, the Speaker hinted that the House of Assembly under his watch, will continue to identify with the Late Prelate Mbang'

  By Emmanuel Ufon The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh has said heavy sanctions await any Medical Superintendent,  Doctor, Nurse, and Staff of a Government Hospital who is found wanting in the discharge of his duty. This is coming as the Commissioner declared the Government's zero tolerance for laxity, incompetence, absenteeism, and dereliction of duty. Prof. Augustine Umoh made this known while embarking on the inspection, monitoring, and evaluation of government-owned health facilities across the State on Tuesday.  Umoh warned against the situation where so many high-quality functional medical equipment acquired by Government are under-utilized while some are not put to use in the hospitals rather patients are recommended to access facilities from the private establishment.  He called on Medical Superintendents of General Hospitals  Awa and Ikot Ekpene to immediately set up and put to use all the medical machines and equipment supplied to the hospita

  Irked by the underrepresentation of State Constituencies, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has considered a motion to address creation of additional State Constituencies in Akwa Ibom State. In a motion titled "The need To Create Additional State Constituencies In Akwa Ibom State" sponsored by the member representing Ikono State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nana Udo, the lawmaker noted that considering the political advancement of the State since it's creation over thirty years ago, the State was long overdue to have additional State Constituencies. He added that the recent creation of thirty-nine (39) new wards across the three (3) senatorial districts of the state by Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) has not only delimited political wards but has also prepared the State for national political expansion. "Aware of the clear provisions of Section 91 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which states t

  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has moved to intervene in the ravaging menace caused by gully erosion affecting the people of Eman Uruan and it's environs. Rising from a motion brought before the House by the the member representing Uruan State Constituency, Hon. Itorobong Etim tasked the House to cause government to step in to provide immediate intervention to ameliorate the plight of the area. She noted that there was urgent need to intervene in the devastating gully erosion as the ravines was endangering the people adding that one at obot idim ukana is relentlessly eroding the football field of St. Catherine's Primary School Eman and the pupils are in serious danger even as the only source of drinking water(Idim Nkara) can no longer be accessed due to this menace.   The Lawmaker informed the House that "the foundation of the only transformer which supplies light to the entire village is very close to the gully erosion site located in the middle of the village. W

The Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly ( AKHA), Rt. Hon.Elder Udeme Otong, has charged newly married couples in the country to respect and uphold marriage principles for God to reign supreme in their matrimonial homes.  Elder Otong, gave the charge today,6/8/2023 during a special Sunday service that was organized for the formal presentation of a newly married couple, Mr/ Mrs.Emmanuel John Udofia at Qua Iboe Church, Abak Itenge in Abak Local Government Area. The Speaker, who is the Church Committee Chairman, explained that upholding marriage principles would enable couples to raise morally upright children that would in turn contribute meaningfully to the societal stability and growth. Elder Otong, flanked his wife, Margaret, congratulated Mr/Mrs Emmanuel John Udofia for chosing to become husband and wife for them to find favour from the sight of God. He explained that if married was not Honourable and importance, Jesus Christ could not have performed his first miracle at the ma

  Students of Uruan Local Government Area in the tertiary institutions have celebrated the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey, for his sterling leadership and for being their pathfinder.  The students, who were under the aegis of the National Association of Uruan Students Worldwide, lauded the Senator for his unwavering-supportive role towards them over the years.  Led by their Worldwide President, Comrade Gabriel Augustine Effiong, the students thanked Senator Bassey for his unending scholarship and wished him more successful strides in his endeavours.  In his remarks, Senator Bassey said he was humbled by the kind gestures and thoughtfulness of the students.  He thanked the students for the honour done him and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of Uruan Local Government Area by excelling in their respective fields of study.  Highpoint of the event was the presentation of Award of Excellence to the Senator.  Media Unit Office of