The Empire

  By Asuquo Edem It's no longer news that the member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Moses Essien has parted ways with the Young Progressive Party(YPP) pitching tents with the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). The lawmaker who announced his defection to the PDP today during Plenary at the House of Assembly stated among other reasons his decision to move camp owing to the division amongst the leadership of YPP in the State. In his words: " I write to notify the Speaker and members of the People's Democratic party ( PDP ) in the Assembly of the formal resignation of my membership from the Young Progressive Party (YPP) to People's Democratic Party (PDP). The reason for this action is based on the division within the YPP leadership in Akwa Ibom State, where the 2023 Governorship candidate of the YPP, the state chairman of the party and the State officers including chapter officers of the party and stalwarts of the party decamp to the All Progres

  By Asuquo Edem Worried by the epileptic electricity supply from Power Companies and it's resultant effect on citizens and businesses in Akwa Ibom State, Lawmakers in the State Assembly yesterday during Plenary considered a Bill to establish the Akwa Ibom Electricity Regulatory Board. The Bill, a private member Bill which is sponsored by the member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno, Hon. Udobia Friday Udo scaled through second reading yesterday. While speaking on the general principles of the Bill, the Lawmaker noted that the Board when set up will promote policy and regulatory measures to ensure the expansion of efficient power generation and transmission towards the development of a competitive electricity market.  According to Hon Udo, the Bill would "stimulate policy measures that will attract investments across the State Electricity value chain to re-energize economic growth, drive job creation and improve the living conditions of residents of Akwa Ibom State; provide a clear

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Environment has commended the State Government for the prompt response to the Etim Okon Usanga Erosion site, an intervention Project to rescue major structures in the environment from total collapse. The Chairman of the Committee and Member Representing Okobo State Constituency, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey  who gave this commendation during an oversight inspection of the Ecological site also gave kudos to Bulletin Construction Company for working hazardously to ensure that the intervention is achieved and in record time. Hon. Bassey stressed that the essence of the inspection by the Committee is to ensure that the work done is environmentally friendly and does not cause more damage to the environment. He urged the company to put adequate measures in place to ensure that natural disasters that will destroy the environment does not occur. The Managing Director of Bulletine Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb   while receiving the Committ

  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, through its Committee on Appropriation and Finance has commenced 2024 budget appraisal of Ministries and Parastatals for the first quarter. Speaking during the Committee’s first sitting on Monday, 22 April, 2024 at the conference hall of Assembly, the Committee Chairman, Hon Itorobong Etim said the exercise was important to ensure that targets were met as expected. She noted that the exercise was part of their legislative oversight over ministries and government agencies to review budget performance and the challenges faced by them.  Etim who represents Uruan State Constituency, while soliciting for cooperation from MDAs, said the exercise became necessary to ensure that funds earmarked for projects were judiciously utilised. Commenting on the progress of work done at the International Terminal during presentation by Ministry of Special Duties, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Kufreabasi Edidem noted that the level of work done at the MRO and perimet

  As the people-oriented leadership template of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, continues to make impact, a coalition of professionals under the aegis of  Likemind Professionals  Forum,  has added its voice of commendation to what it described as "unprecedented and worthy of commendation".  This is coming on the crest of widespread applause to the governor for his lofty strides from Akwa Ibom citizens at  home and in the Diaspora. According to a Thank You Message to the Governor issued  recently and signed by the Chairman of the Forum,Elder Offiong Eduongo, Secretary, Dcns. Eno Ime Akpan,  and other Executive  and members, the LikeMind Professionals Forum commended the governor for taking governance to the grassroots and aggressively giving practical attention to the needs of the masses through the  Arise Agenda. Giving particular references, Likemind Professionals Forum pointed  at the new lease of life the administration has given to the people through infrast

  Gabriel Victor Ene is a highly accomplished individual from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, who has served the nation with distinction. He held the prestigious rank of Lieutenant General while he served as a Senior Military Attaché to the United Nations. Known for his visionary outlook, Ene has embarked on his journey toward the presidency, aiming to become the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform. With unwavering determination, he leaves no stone unturned in his pursuit to garner overwhelming support from Nigerians in the next general election Early Life and Education Born on November 22, 1974, in Ikot Ambang, Ibiono Ibom local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Gabriel Ene had his formative years in the bustling city of Lagos. He received his primary education at Archbishop Taylor Memorial Primary School, Maroko, from 1981 to 1987. Following this, he attended Government College, Victoria Island, Lagos from 1987 t

  By Asuquo Edem Worried by the issue of dilapidated roads of Eniongo community who are predominantly agrarian and a fishing community, the member representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency Hon Kenim Onofiok has called on the House of Assembly to urge the State Government to undertake the construction of the Eyonsek-Eniongo Road. Coming under a motion on notice, the lawmaker  while describing good road network as the lifeline for rural communities which aids transportation of materials and goods noted that the road if constructed will ease the evacuation of agricultural produce and seafoods from the areas to other parts of the State as well as boost commercial activities at the Eniongo beach for improved revenue to government. She called on the House to urge the Ministry of Works to undertake immediate assessment of the road with a view to determining the extent of work needed to be done and recommending same for implementation while also urging the Budget Office to capture the Eyo

  By Williams Akpabio  Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Friday held Seminar for its newly recruited staff with the theme "Navigating the Intricate Landscape of Civil Service Rules" held at the Old Chapel of the Assembly, Uyo Declaring the event open, the Head of Civil Service Elder, Effiong Essien who was ably represented by its Permanent Secretary, Mr Joseph Esidem commended the State Government for approving the recruitment of fresh hands into the service to fill the yenning manpower gap in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, this is expected to ensure that the Civil Service is revitalized and re-infigurated for better service delivery and thereby charged them to be guided by the tenents of accountability, equity and good conscience Speaking on the importance of the serminar, the Head of Service admonished participants to be committed to the program as it is the key to Career progression, and its gains determines their altitude in service adding that government expects t

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) has passed a resolution, urging Governor Umo Eno to direct the Commissioner for Transport in liaison with security Chiefs and Commissioner of Police for the enforcement of the ban on motorcyclists operating on restricted routes in Uyo, the state capital. The resolution of the House is sequel to notice on motion on the need to Re- Enforce Ban and Prosecution of Motorcyclists Plying Unauthorized Areas within Uyo Metropolis, brought before it by the member for Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Hon. Uwem Imo-Ita at Thursday's plenary in Uyo.  Imo-Ita, whose motion was seconded by the member for Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide for deliberation on the floor of the Assembly,  expressed displeasure on the nonchalant attitude of defaulters who trade with impunity by deliberately plying the Unauthorized areas, using their motorcycles even at broad daylight not minding the consequences of the law. The Mkpat Enin Lawmaker, was most saddene

  By Anny Bassey Concerned Citizens of Offot Ukwa Clan in Uyo Local Government Area have condemned ongoing attempt by political gladiators in Uyo to distort the existing zoning arrangement in the area. The citizens under the auspices of Uyo Aborigines made this position known recently while reacting to the speculations that some PDP chieftains in the corridors of power are currently championing the cause for the re-election of Dr. Uwemedimo Udoh as the executive chairman of the area. Speaking on the implication, Mr. Charles Inyang, a political stalwart from Aka Offot said such distortion is capable of jeopardizing the existing unity amongst the four Clans that make up Uyo Local Government Area. It would be recalled that political stakeholders from respective Wards in Uyo had in 2002 agreed to rotate the existing elective offices including the office of Chairman and the seat for Uyo State Constituency, among the four Clans that make up the area. Explaining further, Mr. Inyang hinted tha

  An orchestrated smear campaign and manufactured lies purported sponsored by some inconsistent and idle politicians in Okobo local government  area in order to blackmail the immediate past two terms  deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Political leader of Okobo, Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey  and  give her a wounding image before the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has been uncovered. In the early hours of Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the attention of the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure Maintenance was drawn to a cocktail of lies and malicious blackmail- laden yet to be published article alleged to emanate from some funny political jobbers from Okobo Local government Area who cried foul  and lazily laboured in vain to claim that she  and the Member representing Okobo State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey  have hijacked the ongoing Construction work  for a Model School Project In

  By Asuquo Edem  Concerned about the need to access quality essential healthcare services, access to safe, effective and affordable essential medicines and vaccines, the member representing Oron/Udung Iko State Constituency, Hon. Kenim Onofiok has advocated for the establishment of General Hospitals in Uyo and Mbo Local Government Areas. The Lawmaker while presenting a motion titled "The Need To Establish General Hospitals In Uyo and Mbo Local Government Areas" before the House during Plenary today, stated that there exist no General Hospitals in the two Local Government Areas and that the available government owned medical institutions in the affected Local Government Areas cannot adequately cater for the healthcare needs of the over 1.5 million people residents in the areas as well as visitors. Hon. Onofiok while describing health as wealth and that only a healthy population can contribute to building a prosperous society noted that a greater percentage of residents in Uyo

  By Asuquo Edem  The Public Hearing on a Bill for a law to establish the Akwa Ibom Infrastructure and Assets Management Maintenance Agency experienced discordant tunes from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Centre For Human Rights Accountability Network. The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress Akwa Ibom State Branch, Comrade Sunny James while presenting his memo, charged government to rather channel it's energy and resources towards putting food on the table for it's citizens as the present astronomical cost of food was making it impossible for majority of families to feed.  "we need the bill on agriculture that talks about how people can eat, we are looking for a bill that would give Ibom Power Plant what is needed  to generate electricity for artisans and other employers of labour to use. We need a bill that will empower whichever ministry either that of Works or AKROIMA to fix the many potholes on Abak road. Right now,  Akwa Ibom workers are hungry and angry and

By Darlington UDOBONG In a time marked by inflation, economic instability, and high cost of living burdening ordinary individuals, and where access to affordable healthcare remains a pressing issue for countless households and communities nationwide, initiatives like the HENSEK Free Medical/Surgical Outreach shine brightly as beacons of hope and wellness.  In Akwa Ibom State, the name HENSEK has unequivocally become a household name and brand. For many, it represents an indigenous construction giant, a caregiver, a pathfinder and a torchbearer. HENSEK’s consistency in rendering free medical/surgical services to residents of Akwa Ibom State shows its holistic approach to healthcare delivery. Through 10 successful editions, HENSEK has partnered the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) to provide care and cure to vulnerable and poor citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State. It is, indeed, humanity at work. Many thanks to the man behind the HENSEK brand, Engr. Uwem Stephen Okoko.  The 10th E

  By Asuquo Edem  In his strong desire towards fulfilling his calling to the legislature and his avowed commitment to bills and motions that have direct impact on the citizens,  the member representing Essien Udim State  Cnstituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II yesterday presented a Bill for the establishment of Ibom Oil and Gas Corporation before Plenary.  The Bill which was first mentioned mid last year which passed second reading according to the Sponsor was very necessary, Akwa Ibom State being a major player in oil and gas production sector.  Prince Akpabio who is the Chairman House Committee on Rules,  Business and Ethics noted that the essence of the Bill was to put the State at the fore and to establish Akwa Ibom State as a dominant player in the Nigerian oil and gas sector even as the State ranks among one of the largest producer of oil and gas however expressed regrets that the State only benefits from monthly allocation from the federal government as token.  Speaking to House C

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a resolution for Ibom Air to access neccesary funds for operation to remain in business. The resolution came from a letter from the State Governor Pastor Umo Eno to the Speaker with details GHU/ AKS/S/104/S.4/ Vol.1/5 titled "Re: Resolution of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on the Provision of Irrevocable Standing Order (ISPO) for up to N30,000,000,000.00 (Thirty Billion Naira) Bond Issuance Under the N200,000,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Billion Naira) Bond Issuance Programme by IAL Financing SPV PLC (Sponsored by Ibom Airlines Limited)." In his contributions to the letter of request, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Kufreabasi Edidem while decrying the travails of businesses with high interest rates from commercial banks noted that the approach of the governor for the airline showed clear ingenuity and encouraged his colleagues to support the cause to purchase the bond from the market.  He stated that it would

  PRESS RELEASE  FG SETS UP INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES OF LOW GAS SUPPLY TO POWER PLANTS  In a bid to address the challenges of low gas supply to Gas (Thermal) Power Generating Stations in the country, the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) Rt. Honourable Ekperikpe Ekpo and the Honourable Minister of Power,  Chief Adebayo Adelabu today, Wednesday 7th February 2024 in Abuja  have   set up an Inter-ministerial Committee that will suggest ways and means of achieving steady and sustainable gas supply to  Gas Power Generating Plants  to meet both  domestic and industrial needs of Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu's administration.  The Inter-Ministerial Committee was formed at the end of a meeting between the two Ministries  in the Office of the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas). At the meeting, Ekpo outlined the challenges causing   low supply of gas to Thermal Power Plants t

Senator Aniekan Bassey of the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District has pushed for the establishment of a Federal College of Fishery Technology and Aquaculture in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State for the benefit of the state and its people. The Senator made the move during Tuesday plenary where he sought an amendment to a bill, the Agricultural Research Council Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, which has passed through first reading. According to Senator Bassey, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, the Bill seeks to amend the Agricultural Council Act to establish the Federal College of Fishery Technology and Aquaculture in Uruan. The proposed Federal College is aimed at “providing full-time course for teaching, instruction and training in fishery technology, aquaculture, applied science, commerce, arts, social sciences, humanities and management.”   The College will also “carry out research in the develop

  Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Iseni Project by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and its joint venture partners has opened up a new vista of opportunities for local content compliant contracts for Nigerian firms. Shell had sealed the FID with the NNPCL, TotalEnergies and Nigerian Agip Oil Company, as joint venture partners, in a deal that will see the building of a dedicated upstream facility to supply 100 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to Dangote Fertiliser and Petrochemical Plant in Lekki, Lagos State for ten (10) years. Ekpo, in a statement on Sunday by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, commended Shell and its partners for commiting to the FID, saying the development of the  gas-rich Iseni field would go a long way in supporting the Federal Government’s aspirations for the Decade of Gas initiative. Said Ekpo: "I am extremely excited with SPDC, NNPCL, TotalEnergies and NAO

  Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo on Friday met with a delegation of promoters and top officials of the Brass Petrochemical and Gas Project to be located in Bayelsa State. The team was led by its Managing Director, Chief Ben Okoye and the Chief Gas and Power Investment Officer of NNPC Ltd., Dr. Salihu Jamari.  A statement by the Minister's spokesman, Louis Ibah, quoted Ekpo during the meeting as restating the commitment of the Federal Government in supporting private sector investments geared at unlocking the gas potential of the country for the overall benefit of the economy and citizens. The minister was also quoted as tasking the management of gas producer, SPDC JV on the need to work closely with  promoters of the Brass Petrochemical and Gas Project to ensure smooth supply of gas for the project in line with the aspiration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on availability of feedstocks to drive gas based investments, commercialisation and indus

  Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has described the NesGas 50,000 Metric Tonnes (MT) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) depot as loaded with the prospects of bridging Nigeria’s growing] energy demands, mitigating the environmental impact associated with traditional dirty fuels, creating massive employment opportunities for citizens while also boosting the overall growth of the economy. Ekpo stated this on Tuesday while performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, sited at the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, Onne, Rivers State. The gas minister described Nesgas' investment in the project as an incredible milestone in unlocking the country's abundant gas potential to support cleaner, more sustainable energy sources and diversify the economy. "The private sector's dedication to investing in infrastructure that will facilitate the storage, delivery, and consumption of clean energy is demonstrated by NesGas' development of this 50,00

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has restated the Federal Government's commitment in partnering with genuine investors in unlocking the full potential of the country's natural gas resource for national growth and development. Ekpo stated this in an address yesterday at the Americas Energy Summit and Exhibition in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. A statement by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, quoted Ekpo as informing the audience that Nigeria is open for business and was willing to partner  foreign investors and countries with the requisite technologies and experience in the  production and development of the country's hydrogen resource. "We extend an invitation to international partners, stakeholders, and investors to collaborate with us in unlocking the full potential of our natural gas resources. Recognizing the importance of innovation and diversification in the energy sector, Nigeria actively explores opportunities in hydrogen production

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted the Governing Council of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) with Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo as Council Chairman. The Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund is a creation of the famous Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021. The Fund is domiciled under the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). It was established essentially to bridge the gas infrastructure gap in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. Its core mandate is in the funding of key gas infrastructure investments with potential to fast track the transition to clean energy and the Decade of Gas Policy of the federal government. According to Section 52 of the PIA Act regulating the MDGIF, the Fund shall be administered by the Council in accordance with the rules and regulations made from time to time by the Council. Other members of the new Governing Council include;  • MDGIF Executive Director — Oluwole Adama • MDGI

  Women leaders from the 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State gathered early in the new year to pray for peace and stability for the Nigerian nation. Led by Lady Esitmbom Ekperikpe Ekpo, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas Resources), the women leaders under the All Progressive Congress prayed for divine wisdom for those in authority, as they begin to steer the ship of state in the new year. “We must pray for our leaders at all times. And lend them every necessary support to succeed,” she charged the women. She called for prayers for her spouse, the President of the Senate and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the session. She acknowledged the supportive roles of the wife of the President, Mrs. Remi Tinubu, and that of the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, in organising the Nigerian women to participate and benefit from the policies and programmes of government. In the same vein, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko, the State Women Leader, urged the women to al

  Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, has commended Optimera Energy LFZE for investing in a world class natural gas distribution infrastructure project at the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos. The minister who spoke while performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the project designed  to distribute natural gas to companies operating within the Lekki Free Zone called on private sector investors to partner with the government in growing the country's gas sector. Ekpo described Optimera Energy's investment as a significant milestone in Nigeria's journey towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future and lauded the firm for their visionary approach and commitment to advancing the country's nation's energy landscape.  He said: "The development of a 25 million standard cubic feet per day City Gate Station, scalable to 100 million standard cubic feet per day, along with the necessary ancillary infrastructure, reflects not only their dedi

The  Concerned Stakeholders and Members of the  Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Okobo Local  Government Area of Akwa Ibom State received with initial restraint and shock, the  reports that the Transition Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area, Hon. George Henshaw, had claimed to be the principal source and donor of the bags of rice that he gave to a few of  his selected friends, which he craftily addressed as Stakeholders of Okobo, as part of his Xmas and New Year gifts. However, as patriotic indigenes of Okobo, Stakeholders and  staunch Members of PDP , advocating for and championing the cause of  transparency and accountability in governance, following  news reports in the social media, we can authoritatively confirmed that Hon. George Henshaw made such claims while giving the bags of rice to his cabal of friends. First and foremost, we condemn in the strongest terms the Transition Chairman"s disrespect and audacity to misrepresent the kind-hearted governor of Akwa Ibom State, H