The Empire Naija

  Applicants for the position of External Auditors for the offices of Accountant General for the State and Local Government councils have undergone screening by the State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts. The interview and screening exercise took place today at the Public Accounts Committee room in the Assembly Complex, before the commencement of the ongoing review of Local Government Councils responses to queries from Auditor General for Local Government Councils. The companies vying for the position included; Mr. Ubokudom Etuk & Co, Mfon A. Etok & Co, and Edem Perters & Co. During the screening, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Eric Akpan, representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, emphasized that the committee is constitutionally empowered to oversee relevant MDAs in the public accounts sector.  Hon. Akpan engaged the applicants on key accounting principles and current account practices. Other committee members scrutinized the applicants' in-depth knowledge

  The Akwa Ibom State Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, led by Hon. Eric Akpan, began reviewing the 2022 Audited Accounts of the state's 31 Local Government Councils today, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the House of Assembly Complex in Uyo. Hon. Akpan, who represents the Nsit Ibom State Constituency, emphasized that the committee's objective is to address the audit queries raised by the Auditor General for Local Government Areas.  He encouraged the Directors of Finance, Auditors, and Heads of Service to collaborate effectively to resolve longstanding bad debts of the Local Government Councils. The Chairman urged adherence to the principles governing local government services to prevent future legal issues. He stressed the importance of supporting expenditures with proper documentation and approvals from relevant authorities. Hon. Akpan clarified that the committee's main responsibility is to ensure that public funds are used appropriately and in line with approved

  There appears to be fire on the mountain in Eastern Obolo local government area the source of which is traced to one man, Sir Adasi Ubulom over his alleged plot to impose his son, Comrade Emigbanam  Adasi Ubulom as Consensus chairmanship Candidate  for the forthcoming 2024  local government elections.  Prominent and concerned stakeholders and youth of the oil-rich local government have condemned  the move, saying it is against the collective will and expectations of the people. They added that whoever shall emerge as the PDP chairmanship Candidate of the local government must be a product of existing democratic norms and strict adherence to extant principle of due process, wide consultation and endorsement by all stakeholders   that have been the catalyst for the sustainable peace in the area.  Findings indicated that Sir  Adasi Ubulom, who doubles as Chairman, Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy and Chairman, Eastern Obolo PDP Ward Leaders Forum has held several top-notch posit

  By Asuquo Edem Worried by the need to send up the quality of education provided to pupils in Akwa Ibom State public schools, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has proposed to the executive arm the urgent need to re-inforce the Free and Compulsory Education Policy. Rising from a report from the House Committee on Education presented during Plenary recently, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Kenim Onofiok informed the House that it was pertinent parents and caregivers show more commitment towards the welfare and academics performances of their wards and not necessarily the responsibility of government alone hence he need to re-inforce the policy. She asserted that some parents have displayed laid back attitude towards the welfare of their kids where some have been found loitering during school hours and hawking even while in their school uniforms. She added that findings by her committee revealed that some classroom blocks were locked up by contractors due to debts owes them by g

In honouring and celebrating the remarkable journey of a dedicated legislator in the 10th National Assembly, Senator Aniekan Bassey, who is constantly making lasting impacts through his legislative work, it is noteworthy to highlight his milestones and achievements.  His journey from a dedicated leader of the 7th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to a Distinguished Senator exemplifies a profound commitment to public service, legislative excellence, and transformative leadership. In fact, Senator Aniekan Bassey has shaped policy, improved lives, and inspired communities through the RHABYESS Foundation, his brainchild and pet project.  Again, as we reflect on his legacy journey in the Red Chambers of the 10th National Assembly, we recognize the profound difference he has made in forging a brighter future for his constituents, the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District. It has been one year of impactful representation. Inaugurated into the Nigerian Senate on the 13th day of June, 2023,

  As Nigeria celebrates 25 years of unbroken democracy, the Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ime B. Okon, has urged Nigerians to continue having faith in the country and its democratic institutions. In a statement marking Democracy Day, Ime Okon emphasized the importance of faith in Nigeria's democratic journey, saying: "Let us continue to have faith in our country and work together to strengthen our democratic institutions, promote justice, equality, and opportunities for all." The lawmaker's call to action comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with various challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, and political polarization. Despite these challenges, Rep. Okon remains optimistic about Nigeria's prospects, citing the country's resilience and the collective struggles and sacrifices of its citizens. "Today, we mark a significant milestone in our nation's history - 25 years

  A foremost organization in Okobo Local Area of Akwa Ibom State, Offi Development Area Stakeholders Forum, known for safeguarding the interest and championing the cause of Offi people, has described as utterly laughable, imaginary, erroneous and therefore misleading a badly fabricated publication recently published  on First Media Naija Blog and a follow-up reckless distortion of facts on a live interview on Memory Fm by a ragtag group of persons it described as a bunch of ingrates and infidels claiming to represent Eweme Development Area, also in Okobo. In a press statement  issued, yesterday, in consequence of an emergency general meeting signed by Dr. Asukwo Uyah, Elder John Afahanam, Mr. Louis Eneminyi, Hon. Rex Enwieme, Dr. Christopher Uneh, Elder Joseph Akpe, Mr. Godwin Akaiso, Pastor Asukwo Nduonyi, Hon. David Nyong Bassey, Mr. Etim Okon Abang, Elder Friday Oluhu, Ulap Edet George Ukpoh, Pastor  Oscar Ita Usoh and others,  entitled "The Outright Falsehood By Some Attention

  Our quality attention has been drawn to a misleading publication by one strange First Media Naija Blog and a live radio interview on Memories FM, Uyo, wherein  some individuals from  Eweme Development Area : Hon. Asuquo Edet Koffi, Mr. John Obisung and Barr. Effiong William Osung, claiming to be speaking for the people of Eweme Development Area, advocated for equitable distribution of political offices between Offi Development Area and Eweme Development Area.  Ordinarily, we would have dismissed and ignored this charade of a publication as a mere noise making and material meant for the dustbin as it is a mere futile attempt to draw public  attention over a non-existing issue of marginalization.  But to prevent the gullible from being fed by the outright falsehood peddled by these attention-seeking individuals, We decided to set the records straight.  The sponsors and champions of the "new Eweme project" who are  obviously driven by their selfish interest, failed to look at

  By Asuquo Edem Despite acknowledging that there were Local Government Transition Committees that underperformed, the 8th Assembly of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has kept mute over making public the list of such Councils. The House through the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs while presenting it's report on findings after concluding it's tour of Councils noted that though most of the Transition Committees made judicious use of the funds allocated to them, there were still a few of them who were still under the watch of the committee. The Chairman of the Committee who represents Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, Elder Mfon Idung informed the House that allocation due to each Council across the Stafe had been released to them by the State Governor.  Contributing to the report, the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, states that despite the resolution of the House, the State Governor however, reserves the right to  re-appoint or