The Empire Naija

  In recent years, Nigeria’s democratic culture has tilted away from valuing oratory, ideas, and competence in parliamentary representation. Once upon a time, people admired leaders who could stand in the hallowed chambers of the National or State Assemblies and articulate the interests of their communities with eloquence, courage, and vision. The ability to “speak for the people” was regarded as the essence of representation. Today, however, that premium has waned. Nigerians no longer judge their elected representatives by how persuasive or knowledgeable they are in debates, nor by the bills and motions they sponsor. Instead, electoral preference has shifted towards a more transactional model of politics—one that rewards presence at supporters’ events, handshakes at village meetings, and the occasional distribution of cash or material items. This is sad! A legislator who returns to the constituency with motorcycles, tricycles (keke), or bags of rice is often celebrated more than o...

By Asuquo Edem  UYO – A tragic incident at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, has sparked public outrage after a young mother and her newborn reportedly died following a caesarean section, prompting Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to order an immediate high-powered investigation. A disturbing video of the grieving family began circulating on social media over the weekend, drawing widespread condemnation and raising fresh concerns over maternal mortality in the state. Moved by the incident, Governor Eno expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, to convene a commission of inquiry comprising medical and legal experts. The panel is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend preventive measures. In a dramatic move, Dr. John led a midnight team of officials from the Ministry of Health to the hospital for an on-the-spot preliminary investigation, gathering firsthand testimonies f...

By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health has commended the Ibom Open Maternity (IOM) project for its efforts in tackling malnutrition, maternal health, and child care challenges in the state. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Moses Essien, gave the commendation on Thursday in Uyo when the leadership of the project, led by Dr. Aniekeme George, paid a courtesy visit to the Assembly. Essien, who also chairs the House Committee on Food Sufficiency, described the IOM initiative as “a laudable intervention” that aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda , particularly in health and social welfare. He pledged the legislature’s support, including possible legislative backing, to ensure the project’s success. Expressing concern over recent statistics on child malnutrition, stunting, and underweight cases in the state, Essien said the Assembly would engage relevant ministries and agencies to urgently address the trend. He also endorsed the IOM’s advocacy...

  The Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Offiong Akpabio, has restated her commitment to strengthening ties between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, describing the bond between the two as “inseparable.” Akpabio made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja at a reception hosted by the Commission’s Executive Director of Finance, Soni Abang. The event brought together political heavyweights including the Governor of Cross River State, former governors Donald Duke and Senator Liyel Imoke, as well as serving and former lawmakers and other dignitaries. Speaking at the gathering, Akpabio described her appearance as both an official duty and a personal homecoming. “Cross River is not only my birthplace but also the soil of my upbringing,” she said. “Though I proudly hail from Akwa Ibom, we must never forget that Akwa Ibom once blossomed under the shade of Cross River.” She noted that the historic ties between the two states should form the basis for gre...

  The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, has joined other well-wishers to felicitate Distinguished Senator Aniekan Bassey on the occasion of his birthday. In a message of felicitation, Rep. Ime Okon lauded Senator Bassey’s remarkable leadership journey, describing it as a testament to vision, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the progress of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. “Your leadership trajectory, from serving as a Member and later Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to your current role as Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District, reflects an admirable commitment to effective representation and service,” the lawmaker stated. He prayed for God’s continued wisdom, strength, and grace upon Senator Bassey as he marks another year of impactful service to humanity. “On behalf of the good people of Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, I heartily congratulate you and wish you many m...

The Senate has confirmed Ms. Usoro Akpabio as the Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), a move expected to strengthen development efforts in Nigeria’s South-South region. The confirmation was made on Thursday during plenary, presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau. It followed the presentation and adoption of the Senate Committee report on the SSDC, presented by Senator Benson Konbowei (PDP – Bayelsa Central), who chairs the Committee on the South-South Development Commission. In addition to Akpabio’s appointment, the Senate also confirmed Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as Chairman of the Commission. Lawmakers praised both appointees for their leadership records and commitment to national development, expressing confidence that the new board would deliver on its mandate. The SSDC, established by the National Assembly, is charged with driving infrastructure, economic growth, and social d...

  Dr. Dele Balogun, the Rotary Country Committee Lead in Nigeria for the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge (RHCC), on Wednesday, stated that Rotary International would apply the lessons learned from its successful polio eradication campaign to address malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea through the RHCC, a programme aimed at improving health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Paramount Ruler of ONNA LGA, Edidem Raymond T. Inyang, and the Paramount Ruler of Oruk Anam LGA, Akuku (Engr.) J.J. Obosi, along with their traditional council members, Dr. Balogun said Rotary International, in collaboration with the Rotary Foundation and with support from the Gates Foundation and PATH—its implementing partners for the RHCC—would enhance community health systems through the programme.  Also through the RHCC programme, Balogun emphasised that health workers would be equipped to deliver essential services that will significantly reduce childhood mortalit...

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all licensed operators to geo-tag Point of Sale (PoS) devices within the next 60 days or risk having them deactivated. In a circular dated August 25, 2025, the apex bank ordered banks, mobile money operators, and payment service providers—including Moniepoint, OPay, and PalmPay—to register the exact GPS coordinates of every PoS machine in use across the country. According to the CBN, the measure is aimed at curbing fraud, eliminating cloned or “ghost” terminals, and enhancing real-time monitoring of transactions. Under the new regulation, merchants will only be permitted to process payments within a 10-metre radius of their registered business address. Any terminal not geo-tagged before the deadline will be disabled. The directive also mandates that all existing devices be upgraded with in-built GPS systems and linked to the National Central Switch, which will monitor transactions using a special software development kit (SDK). Newly deplo...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that Governor Umo Eno promised a ₦50,000 monthly stipend for unsuccessful applicants in the ongoing Civil Service recruitment exercise. The clarification was issued on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, who described the reports as “false and totally misleading.” According to Udoh, the governor never made such a pledge during his speech at the grand finale of the Town Square Meeting/Empowerment Programme for Etinan Federal Constituency, held on August 23 at Ikot Edibon, Nsit Ubium Local Government Headquarters. He explained that all applicants for civil service jobs are required to undergo a Computer-Based Test (CBT), and only those who pass will advance to the oral interview stage. “At no stage did His Excellency, the Governor, or the Government of Akwa Ibom State announce or consider any payment of monthly stipends to unsuccessful ...

  A delegation from the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge (RHCC), on Tuesday, met with the Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government Area,Edidem Etim Charles D. Abia, in preparation for the launch of the RHCC programme aimed at combating malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia amongst children from 0 to 5years in Akwa Ibom State. The delegation, led by the Country Lead, Dr. Dele Balogun, also met with the Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan, Edidem Clement Francis Ekpenyong III, and his counterpart in Ikono, Edidem Etim Nnana Itang where they discussed ways to disseminate information about the programme and the activities of the participating health workers. During the meetings, Dr. Balogun explained that the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge is a three-year initiative by Rotary International and its implementing partners, PATH focusing on the three leading causes of death among children under five in Nigeria: malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea. According to him, the project, which is b...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Majority Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Otobong Bob, has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Governance and Leadership from the University of Abuja. Bob announced the milestone on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to God, his family, friends, associates, mentors, and the academic community for their support throughout his academic journey. “At 33, successfully defending this PhD represents not just a personal achievement but a reminder of the power of perseverance and support systems,” he wrote. Bob, one of Nigeria’s youngest lawmakers, has a rich academic background. He obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, in 2016, and earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) from the University of Buckingham in 2013, after completing his A-Levels at Brooks House College, UK. He later attended the N...

  Fresh insights have emerged on the reasons behind Governor Umo Eno’s surprise cabinet reshuffle in Akwa Ibom State, which saw two commissioners swap portfolios on Monday. Government insiders say the redeployment of Capt. Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.) from the Ministry of Lands and Town Planning to Trade and Investment, and the movement of Dr. Ubong Inyang in the reverse direction, is directly linked to sweeping reforms in land administration. Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Essien Udom, SAN, announced the revocation of all land allocations made between May 29, 2023, and August 25, 2025, citing the need to migrate to the new Akwa-GIS digital platform. All allocations and transactions are now suspended for one month, with a two-month revalidation exercise to follow. The Ministry of Lands and Town Planning — now under Dr. Inyang — is expected to drive this sensitive process, while Capt. Ekong is being repositioned to strengthen Trade and Investment in line wi...

  Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Monday jolted the political landscape with a surprise cabinet reshuffle that saw two key commissioners trade portfolios in what government insiders describe as a strategic move to inject fresh energy into his administration. The announcement, released by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, confirmed that the Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.), has been redeployed to the Ministry of Trade and Investment, while Dr. Ubong Inyang, formerly in charge of Trade and Investment, now takes over Lands and Town Planning. The shake-up, which takes immediate effect, is seen as part of Governor Eno’s effort to realign ministries with the ARISE Agenda , his development blueprint for Akwa Ibom. According to the government, the swap is intended to reinvigorate the system and ensure that strategic portfolios deliver on their mandates with renewed focus.

Member representing Nsit Atai/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Hon. Mark Esset, is currently in London attending a specialized course on “Strategic Leadership Through Parliamentary Oversight”. The programme, sponsored by the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and organized by TEXEM UK, is aimed at strengthening the capacity of parliamentarians to hold the executive accountable through effective monitoring and scrutiny of government policies and actions. Speaking on the essence of the training, facilitators noted that parliamentary oversight remains critical to promoting accountability, transparency, and responsible use of public resources. Tools such as legislative questions, committee investigations, and budget reviews, they added, are vital in ensuring equitable distribution of resources and improved public service delivery. The course is expected to further equip Hon. Esset with the requisite knowledge to enhance effective representation, cont...

  President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has assured security agencies in Akwa Ibom State of his continued support for their welfare, just as he commended the State Police Commissioner, Baba Mohammed Azare and his men for maintaining peace and security in the state. Akpabio made the promise on Saturday at the commissioning of fully furnished Police Quarters, at Nto Ndang in Obot Akara Local Government Area of the state. A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio to have said, "I commend the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, for doing a good job in the state.Through his leadership and collaboration with other security agencies  we now have peace and security in our state. "Nothing is too much to be done for our security agencies to ensure that as they secure our environment, they return home to a comfortable living environment. We will continue to do our best in the area of their welfare. Our aim is to train our police officers no...

  The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, has joined family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, on the occasion of her birthday. In a goodwill message, the federal lawmaker lauded Mrs. Obareki’s leadership qualities, poise, and steadfast commitment to advancing noble causes through the Office of the First Lady, noting that her efforts have continued to inspire hope and positively impact lives across the state. “Your role in sustaining impactful initiatives and fostering a culture of service reflects a rare blend of passion and excellence that truly deserves commendation,” Rep. Ime Okon stated. He prayed for God’s continued guidance upon her life, wishing her wisdom, strength, and grace to excel in all her endeavors as she celebrates this special day. “May your new year be filled with joy, fulfillment, and greater opport...

  The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, has joined family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across the country to celebrate Distinguished Senator Ita Enang on the occasion of his birthday, applauding his remarkable contributions to governance and national development. In a heartfelt goodwill message, Barr. Ime Okon described Senator Ita Enang as “a statesman of exceptional courage, wisdom, and steadfast dedication to the service of our people and our nation.” He commended the former Presidential aide for his outstanding track record in public service, spanning his tenure in the Itu Legislative Council, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the National Assembly, and strategic roles in the Presidency, noting that his leadership has “left indelible footprints in the sands of time.” “For many of us in the political space, Senator Ita Enang is not just a leader; he is a guide and a steadfast pillar who...

  As part of activities to celebrate the year 2025 birthday of the member representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency, Rep Rep. Mark Esset, yesterday, August 21st, 2025, the Unity Project Campaign Organisation took the initiative to embark on visits to hospital and homes of elderly citizens. The team, which was led by the Director General of the Unity Project Campaign Organization, Mr Ubong Amamkpa, visited the Baby Nursery Unit of the St. Luke's Hospital, Anua Offot, Uyo LGA were they offset the medical bills and procure the discharge from hospital of 2 young mothers who put to bed through Cesarean Section (CS) and could not afford the bills, both accumulating to over half a million naira. They also visited the Male and the Female Surgical Wards of the same hospital where bills of 5 patients (surgical operations) were offset, accumulating to over a million naira. The team later proceeded to visit random homes of elderly citizens across Uyo, Uruan, Nsit At...

The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has pledged closer collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces to tackle insecurity and promote sustainable development in the region. The pledge was made on Wednesday when the Managing Director/CEO of SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. Akpabio, accompanied by board member Dr. Charles Sylvester Enukhowate, Executive Director for Environment and Commercial Hon. Joseph, Executive Director for Projects Hon. Marcus Nle Ejii, and the commission’s technical team, outlined SSDC’s agenda to strengthen peace, security, and economic prosperity in the South-South. The discussions centered on militancy, pipeline vandalism, illegal mining, community violence, and the protection of vital national infrastructure. SSDC proposed joint frameworks for intelligence sharing, rapid response, community engagement, and capa...

The Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Youth, Hon. Ifiok Akpabio, has applauded the organizers and winners of the 2025 Chairman’s Cup, pledging continued support for grassroots sports development in Uruan Local Government Area. Hon. Akpabio received the trophy from the winning team of Northern Uruan Ward One during a ceremony where he also offered financial support and connections to further encourage the players. In addition to the official ₦1 million prize money, he personally boosted the team’s morale with extra cash gifts. Commending the sponsor of the competition, Executive Chairman of Uruan Local Government Council, Hon. Surv. Iniobong Ekpenyong, Akpabio noted that the tournament aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda, aimed at harnessing and nurturing young talents. “This initiative is not just about football; it’s about discovery, empowerment, and positioning our youths for greater opportunities,” Akpabio said. Supervisor for Culture and Tourism, Hon. ...

The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council (EXCO) on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, unveiled sweeping decisions to boost infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, energy, and youth development. Presided over by Governor Umo Eno, the council approved 357 new projects across ministries and agencies, awarded contracts for a 350-bed Ibom International Hospital , and reviewed 771km of road projects spread across all 31 LGAs. To strengthen transport, EXCO increased the order of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses from 20 to 50 , while also directing the acceleration of works on the Oron Maritime Terminal. The council approved the hosting of a State Power Summit , inaugurated committees on Tourism Development and Combating Illegal Mining , and cleared the purchase of equipment for 30 sports ahead of the September 8 Akwa Ibom Sports Festival. Security also took center stage as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, hailed Akwa Ibom as one of Nigeria’s safest states during his courtesy vis...

  By Edet Okpo  As the world stands still in celebration of the purposeful and impactful life of Mkpisong Frank Archibong on his Golden Jubilee, what comes to mind are the timeless words of Douglas Adams: "To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity, humillity and integrity". These words adequately capture the personality, character, public service philosophy and impeccable track record of Rt. Hon. Mkpisong Frank Archibong, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Akwa Ibom State.  Born fifty (50)years ago, one conveniently say that the proud of Eket and Akwa Ibom State, so far, has lived more than half of his life in service to public good, impacting individuals and organizations with his strong attachment to philanthropy  and using public office not for self-aggrandizement but for the sake of others.  Nọ  wonder that God and men have seen his heart and t...

  Tension gripped Otulu community in Aniocha South, Delta State, as soldiers of the 63 Brigade, Asaba, stormed a kidnappers’ den and gunned down three armed criminals in a fierce shootout. The dramatic encounter followed the abduction of a driver, Mr. Igiri Samuel , and his colleague, Miss Mercy Iteshi , both staff of Seth Integrated Farms, who were whisked away on Friday, August 15, near the Oshimili North Local Government Headquarters, Akwu-Akwu Igbo. Acting on intelligence received two days later, troops backed by the Delta Government House Tracker, local vigilantes, and volunteers trailed the gang from Atuma-Iga down to Otulu. The chase ended in a hail of bullets as the kidnappers engaged security forces in a deadly gun battle. When the smoke cleared, three kidnappers lay dead . Troops recovered ₦2.4 million in cash, an AK-47 rifle, 52 rounds of live ammunition, mobile phones, and other valuables from the criminals. The rescued victim, Miss Iteshi, and a soldier sustained...

 A demolition storm is set to sweep through Uyo as Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has ordered the immediate removal of illegal structures within the Tropicana Complex, warning that encroachers will not be allowed to sabotage the state’s multibillion-naira development projects. Issuing the directive on Wednesday, August 14, 2025, during his inspection tour of the 5,000-capacity Convention Centre, the 200-room Ibom Hotels Project, and the ARISE Shopping City, the governor gave the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) just seven days to pull down all unauthorized structures. According to Governor Eno, the move is crucial to open up vital infrastructure corridors and ensure free access to Ring Road 3 — a major artery for the delivery of his administration’s ARISE Agenda. > “We will not allow encroachments to derail the state development plan. Private development must not be allowed to block public access to government facilities,” he declared. The impending demo...

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – Governor Umo Eno has assured that the ongoing recruitment of 3,000 workers into the Akwa Ibom State civil service will be conducted strictly on merit through a transparent computer-based process. Speaking during the August Monthly Prayer Service at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno disclosed that about 15,000 applicants are vying for the available slots. He explained that the screening exercise would be conducted through computer-based tests (CBT), with instant results provided to candidates. > “As you finish, the result comes out for you to see whether you passed or not. Don’t bother sending me text messages for slots—it’s not possible. For once, we will do this one purely on merit,” the governor said. He noted that the CBT process would trim down the applicants to 5,000 before oral interviews commence, adding that the approach was designed to ensure fairness and eliminate undue influence. The governor also urged unemployed youths t...

By Asuquo Edem  The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has reaffirmed her commitment to fast-tracking economic growth in the South-South region following a high-level meeting with Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, GCON. During a courtesy visit to the Vice President on August 13, 2025, Akpabio discussed strategic plans aimed at unlocking the vast but underutilized potential of the oil-rich region. The discussions centred on key priorities including economic diversification through Special Economic Zones (SEZs), agro-processing, small and medium-scale enterprise (SME) support, human capital development in education and health, skills acquisition, and youth empowerment. Security enhancement and major infrastructure projects also topped the agenda, with the Vice President urging the SSDC boss to work with renewed focus in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for accelerated regional devel...

Uyo, August 14, 2025 — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered another stolen vehicle and arrested a suspect believed to be linked to an ongoing car theft syndicate. The arrest comes barely a week after the Command announced the dismantling of part of the network on August 6, 2025. Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said operatives apprehended Otoabasi George Ime on Wednesday, August 13, around 4:00 p.m., while he was in possession of a Toyota Camry, registration number BGM 934 DA . The car was later confirmed to be among those stolen by the syndicate earlier targeted by police operations. Authorities say efforts are underway to track down the remaining stolen vehicles and bring all accomplices to justice. “The Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property,” DSP John reaffirmed in the statement.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has honoured the Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Barr) Ime Bassey Okon, for his commitment to student welfare and development. A national delegation of NANS, led by Comrade Abubakar Ahmad Mallawa, National Vice President on Special Duties, alongside Comrade Jeremiah Friday Apple Walter, National Financial Secretary, and Comrade Moshood, Organising Secretary to the Director of Humanitarian Affairs, paid a courtesy visit to the lawmaker in Abuja. Speaking during the visit, the student leaders commended Barr. Ime Okon’s humanitarian intervention and financial support to Comrade Giver, a student of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic who recently lost his belongings in a fire incident. They also lauded his recent disbursement of over ₦14million as bursaries to students from his constituency, describing the gesture as a strong demonstration of his dedication to empowering the nex...

  Banjul, The Gambia — Hon. Mark Esset, Member representing Uyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, is participating in the 54th Annual Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region. The high-level gathering, hosted at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, began on August 10 and will run until August 16, 2025. This year’s conference is themed “Strengthening Democratic Governance and Resilience in Africa: Tackling Conflicts, Economic Shocks, and Climate Risks.” The event has drawn parliamentarians from across the continent to deliberate on strategies for addressing Africa’s most urgent governance, economic, and environmental challenges. According to the organisers, the conference seeks to foster inter-parliamentary dialogue, share best practices, and strengthen the role of legislatures in promoting democratic governance and resilience across Africa. Speaking on the sidelines, Hon. Esset expre...