The Empire Naija

The era when Constituency briefing was held only once a year is over. Henceforth, both Constituency briefing and empowerment programme will hold monthly and on a Ward rotational basis, Member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II has declared.  He announced that the maiden edition of his Ward Empowerment programme for July 2023 will come up on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Afaha Ward, where the PDP scored the highest number of votes during the Governorship and State House of Assembly election. Addressing a cross section of Essien Udim Caucus alongside Ward, Chapter and State Party officers at the residence of the Political Leader of Essien Udim, Obong M. A. Afangideh, on Friday, July 28, 2023, the lawmaker noted that the regular interface is aimed at bridging the gap between the representative and constituents. According to Prince Akpabio, the development is in line with the philosophy of the Arise Agenda which places premium on rural development. He a...

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno has expressed satisfaction on the leadership dexterity of the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong. Governor Eno made the commendation on Thursday, at the closing ceremony to mark the end of Akwa Ibom Dialogue and formal launch of the ARISE Agenda at Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resort. The physically elated State Chief Executive described Elder Otong as a dedicated servant-leader and worthy partner. The Governor appreciated Rt. Hon. Otong and Members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for prompt screening and confirmation of Commissioners and Special Adviser nominees within a very short notice.  Rt. Hon. Otong in his goodwill message at the event reiterated the commitment of the 8th Assembly to enact relevant laws that will give the ARISE Agenda the needed legal framework to thrive. Media Unit, Office of the he Speaker,  Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

An Akwa Ibom State-Malaysian daughter, Miss Sara Sofea Idongesit Warrie has clinched second position in the just concluded Malaysia FT Open Fencing Tournament. Sara Sofea Idongesit Warrie who is just 11 years going to 12, came second after a fierce final with Phillipines champion Juliana Gomez 22 years old, in the first FT Open Championship organized by the Kuala Lumpur Fencing Association and the Putrajaya Fencing Association. Sarah who lost just 3 points to Gomez with score of 15-12 expressed happiness over her feat after a long period of preparation. She commended Juliana for also showing resilience in the Championship. Miss Sara paid glowing tributes to her coaches who spared nothing in getting her prepared for the championship and promised to up her game in subsequent fencing meets. Miss Sara is the youngest daughter to Dr Idongesit Warrie from Akwa Ibom State and Dr Ayu Ningrad who is a Malaysian. Her other siblings, all are fencers as well. Miss Sara started Fencing at the age o...

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed 23 Commissioners and one Special Adviser nominees which was sent to it by the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno. It would be recalled that the House had on July 20, 2023, at Plenary, received a letter from Governor Eno, requesting it to confirm 23 persons as Commissioners and one as Special Adviser into the State Executive Council.  In line with the procedure set out in Order 2, Rule 2 (3) of her Standing Order, the House deliberated on the letter and subsequently referred same to the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Public Petitions to screen the nominees and formally report back to the House. Presenting the report at Plenary on Tuesday, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Prince-Aniefiok Attah representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, disclosed that the Committee screened the credentials and other relevant documents of the nominees, in line with Section 192 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federa...

Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, has dedicated the 8th Assembly to God. The Speaker who led Members of the House to a special Thanksgiving Service on Monday at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Chapel of Peace, described the 8th Assembly as an Assembly of new beginning. Hon. Otong who drew his thanksgiving from Psalms 100, appreciated God for their election and reelection into the State House of Assembly. "We came here to thank God for His grace and life of the Honourable Members. God has made it possible for us to represent our people, so we are here to glorify God. The 8th Assembly is an Assembly of new beginning and we believe that good things will happen in this Assembly", he said. He sued for love and unity among elected Members and Staff of the State Assembly, noting that it is only with cooperation and dedication to duty that the current Assembly can deliver on its mandate.  Earlier in his exhortation, the Guest Minist...

Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, has disclosed that the 8th Assembly under his leadership, is focused on legislations that will guarantee economic and social emancipation to the people. The Speaker stated this on Monday, at the opening ceremony of the Akwa Ibom Dialogue and formal launch of the Arise Agenda of the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, held at the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, Uyo. While describing the event as a rare milestone in Akwa Ibom State, Rt. Hon. Otong expressed hope that the ARISE Agenda will help actualise the hopes and aspirations of the people. "Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, my colleagues and I, having spent a reasonable time to x-ray and evaluate the ARISE AGENDA, which is anchored on Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructural Maintenance/Advancement, Security Management and Educational Advancement, we are proud to say that the Agenda is a manifestation of our long awaited roadmap an...

Hon. Eric Akpan, the esteemed Member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly -  AKHA, has once again demonstrated his commitment to uplifting the lives of his constituents.  In line with his promise of effective representation and support for local businesses, Hon. Eric Akpan earlier today empowered Mr Eti-etop Akpan, a resident entrepreneur from Nsit Ibom state Constituency, with a substantial sum of five hundred thousand naira to bolster his business. The empowerment initiative, a vital component of Hon. Eric Akpan's vision to mitigate the harsh effects of the national economy, seeks to provide tangible assistance to deserving constituents while fostering long-term growth and advancement within the community.  By allocating funds directly to local entrepreneurs like Mr Eti-etop Akpan, Hon. Akpan aims to create a lasting impact on the livelihoods of his constituents and contribute to the overall development of Nsit Ibom State Constitu...

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commiserated with the family of late Prelate Emeritus, Sunday Mbang and the Methodist Church Nigeria, over the demise of their father and pioneer prelate of the Church. The governor has also proposed that the outlook and peculiar features in the residence of the late Church Patriarch that represent his uniqueness be preserved to serve as a tourist attraction in his honour.  Governor Eno, speaking at the Shelter Afrique residence of the late Methodist prelate , described Sunday Mbang's death as a collosal loss not just to the family but to the entire state and Christendom, stressing that the deceased was a father figure to Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and the entire Christian community. Accompanied by Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah,  Governor Eno conveyed the condolences of the government and people of the state to the bereaved family, saying "on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, we commiser...

Governor Umo Eno has sued for support from Akwa Ibom people to enable him discharge his official responsibilities by allowing him take decisions that will be in the best interest of the state. The Governor was fielding questions from Government House Reporters at the Victor Attah International Airport,  over the list of executive Council nominees he sent to the House of Assembly.  Referring to the new entrants as new blood, the Governor said " I like new blood but I must test the new blood and be sure that they are the right blood. You don't just take in blood. You must test the blood. So let's test the blood. On why he is retaining those who had served in the immediate past State Exco, he explained that it would be a mark of ingratitude on his part if he abandoned them after their enormous contributions to ensure his success at the polls. "By my training and upbringing, people don't go to a war with you and win the war and you push them aside. It is not a good th...

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has resolved means to intensify security measures to safeguard and protect lives, property and busineses of coastal areas in the state. The resolution reached during the Thursday 20, 2023 plenary was moved by Hon. Mrs. Selinah Ukpatu, Member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency.  While presenting the motion, Hon. Ukpatu stated that coastal communities including Eastern Obolo, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Ibeno, Mbo, Oron, Udung Uko, Uruan, Itu, and Okobo are ravaged frequently by sea pirates who lay seige to the affected areas, abduct fishermen, and plunder their wealth and source of livelihood.  "Between December 2022 and April 2023 alone, at least 50 outboard engines were lost, with 30 of them lost in Eastern Obolo during the month of March 2023, and an additional 20 in May 2023. Presently, the value of an outboard engine exceeds three million Naira (3,000,000). "The activities of the sea pirates have persisted in the coastal...

The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has forwarded the list of commissioners and Special Adviser to the House of Assembly. The letter dated 19th July was addressed to the Speaker and read in part "In line with Section 192(2) of the constitution of thepp federal republic of Nigeria(as ammended), I forward the underlisted names for appointment to the office of Commissioners and Special Adviser for confirmation by the  State House of Assembly". They include: Uko Essien Udom, SAN Sir Monday Ebong Uko Mr. Nsikan Linus Nkan Mr. Bob Almond Emem Capt. Iniobong Edward Ekong Bassey B. Okon, Ph.D Mr. Charles Udoh Hon. Orman Esin Offiong Samuel Offor, Ph.D Engr. Camillus Essien Umoh Rt. Hon. (Chief) Uno Etim Uno Otuekong Raphael Bassey Aniefiok Isaac Nkom Prof. Eno James Ibanga Hon. Frank Archibong Prof. Augustine Vincent Umoh Dr. Ini Adiakpan Mrs. Idongesit Iboro Etiebiet Ini Ememobong Essien Dr. Imo Moffat Enobong Udemeabasi Mbobo (Mrs) John James Etim Gen. Koko Essien rtd. Special Advis...

By Tony Udoh Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has urged Local Government Chairmen to champion government's efforts at developing the rural areas as contained in the ARISE Agenda. Speaking at the inauguration of Chairmen and Vice Chairmen for Nsit Ibom and Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Councils, the Governor said the current administration is very committed to developing the rural communities. He maintained that given the focus of the current administration, the state is heading to a point where local government chairmen will have to live within their local  communities in order to galvanize development. Governor Eno advised those who intend to serve at the local government level to ensure that they are resident within their areas as an executive bill will soon be sent to the State House of Assembly to that effect. He congratulated the newly- inaugurated chairmen and their deputies and urged them to collaborate with other stakeholders to maintain peace and security i...

Moved by the cry for help from the people of Ukwok Community in Ini Local Government Area, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has sent an urgent call to the State Government to intervene on the Nung Ukim-Ukwok Road. Rising from a motion brought pursuant to Order III Rule I presented before the House yesterday during Plenary, the member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide stated that the road is one of the most important road networks in Ini Local Government Area "with Okon River which links the Aba Itiat and Atan communities with Nung Ukim, Ikot Idut, Usuk Ukwok" which he noted  has finally  become a death trap for the people and has brought life to a complete stall for them. While commending the State Governor, Mr. Umo Eno for the numerous life-touching programs so far undertaken just few days of assumption of office, the Lawmaker who is the Chairman House Services Committee stated that though the people of the communities had fabricated a concrete b...

Irked by the refusal of some Chairmen of Parastatals to effect handing over even after the directive from the State Governor, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly today during Plenary moved to enforce the dissolution of such Boards. Coming under a Motion on Notice brought to the House by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, noted that the tenure of all Non-Statutory Boards, Agencies and Committees came to an end on 29th May, 2023, same day with that of the State Executive Council. Coming under Order III Rule I of the Standing Order of the House, the Lawmaker stated that "His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State becoming aware that some Board Chairmen were yet to handover and vacate their offices directed the immediate dissolution of all Non-Statutory Boards, Agencies and Aware that His Excellency, the Governor directed that the affected Boards, Agencies and Commissions should handover to the most senior civil servant in the office Rt. Hon. Edidem who ...

  The price of Petrol has increased to about N617 per litre.  A visit to an NNPC filling station in the Central area of Abuja by this reporter confirmed that the fuel price has now been adjusted from N539 to N617 per litre. Another Customer who confirmed this development to simply said “It is true, I just bought at N617 per liter,” The immediate reason could not be ascertained but it is not unconnected to the recent projections by oil marketers that fuel price will hit N700 per litre soon. The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NDMPRA) is yet to comment to Daily Trust enquiry as at the time of filling this report. Credits: Daily trust

Members of Itu-Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency Forum, Abuja, has paid a courtesy call on the Member representing the area in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, Rep Ime Okon. The group led by the President, Elder Mfon Brooks, made the call earlier today in his Abuja office .  They prayed for their Representative, wishing him divine direction and ideas to live above the expected mandate of the people on him. They were also with the goodwill that during his tenure, God should enable him to succeed at all fronts and record positive impacts in the Federal Constituency. The host, Rep Ime Okon appreciated the group for the  gesture and called for their unwavering support in the task ahead. He added that he identifies with the worthy objectives of the group as he also welcomes suggestions which will help to advance his representation of the people at the National Assembly. "I thank you for this timely visit and I urge for your cooperation in the task ahead. I promise to iden...

  Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced Senators Opeyemi Bamidele, Dave Umahi and Ali Ndume as the principal officers of the 10th Senate. The Senate President, who announced the principal officers today (Tuesday), said the officers emerged by consensus. Akpabio announced Bamidele, from Ekiti state, as Senate Leader; Umahi, from Ebonyi state, as Deputy Senate Leader; Ndume, from Borno state, as Chief Whip; and Senator Lola Ashiru, from Kwara state, as Deputy Chief Whip respectively. Recall that the four candidates nominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, for Senate and House of Representatives leadership won their elections in June. The four anointed candidates are Senate President Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas; and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu. While Barau and Kalu emerged unopposed, Akpabio prevailed after a tough battle and Abass recorded a landslide victory over his two opponents. In the...

  As the 10th National Assembly resumes today, after its two-week break, the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has warned Senate President Godswill Akpabio against unveiling a fake list of minority leaders saying it was still consulting and yet to take a stand on the issue. The party’s National Working Committee, NWC, yesterday, met with PDP senators to avert what they described as incursions of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, into its fold to determine those who will emerge as Senate Minority Leader. This is coming as tension rose following the battle for the Senate Majority Leader with some Northern Senators insisting that the North should produce the majority leader. Also, there is intense lobbying among senators for the headship of nine special, and 63 standing committees. In the House of Representatives, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas barring changes is expected to announce Professor Julius Ihonvhere, Kingsley Chinda, George Ozodinobi, Ali Madaki and Usman Kumo...

Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, today visited the family of Citizen Samingo  Etukakpan at No 8 Nnama Street, Afaha Eket in Eket Local Government Area. Governor Eno was on a condolence visit to the family over the tragic demise of Etukakpan's children; Christian Etukakpan, James Etukakpan and a grandchild Emmanuella, and other church members in an auto crash along Lagos-Benin Expressway while returning from a Salvation Army Church programme. In his entourage were Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Dr Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; House of Assembly member for Eket State Constituency, Hon Nsidibe Akata ; Vice Chairman Eket Local Government Council, Lady Comfort Emmanuel;  Senior Special Assistant on Information And Communication Technology And Digital Services, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, among others.  Media Unit Government House, Uyo  3/7/23

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Aniekan James for allegedly killing his 35-year-old only son, Odudu James. The state Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi, disclosed this at the weekend while parading the suspect along with 268 others arrested for various offences. The CP said the suspect was arrested on June 16, 2023, by operatives of the Ukanafun Division. According to the police boss, Aniekan had killed several people in Lagos and Abia states. “On June 16, 2023, one Aniekan James of Ikot Ndot village in Ukanafun LGA was arrested by the Ukanafun division for shooting his 35-year-old only son, Odudu James, who had been having a war of words with him. The suspect is alleged to be a habitual murderer who has committed murders in Lagos and Aba states,” the Commissioner stated.

In appreciation to loyalty, steadfastness and commitment to service, the Senator representing the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey, has rewarded supporters and stakeholders of Uruan State Constituency with vehicles and motorcycle. Presenting the vehicles to the beneficiaries on Sunday at his Campaign Headquarters, Uyo, Senator Bassey said the vehicles were in appreciation of the consistent support he has enjoyed from the beneficiaries over the years, especially, during his tenure in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Addressing the people, Senator Bassey said “What we are doing today is just to appreciate some of us who have supported us over the years. They have been very steadfast and loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially during my election to the State House of Assembly. So it became important to thank them by providing them with means of mobility.” The Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District Senator congratulated the beneficiar...

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, says the State government would assist the Salvation Army Church, and by extension, families of members who met their tragic end in an auto crash while returning from a church programme held at Lagos state. The Governor made this known while fielding questions from Government House Correspondents on his arrival at the Victor Attach Int'l. Airport, Uyo, after an official engagement outside the state Clearly touched by the tragic event, Governor Eno who described the deaths as devastating and painful, expressed sadness at the unfortunate incidence, emphasizing that that the calamity has befallen not just the Salvation Army Church but the entire people of the state. He however acknowledged that the deceased met their tragic end while returning from a church programme, a sacrifice he said they rendered to God and  noted that God who created man knows when and how each an everyone will leave the planet earth and prayed for the repose of their so...