The Empire Naija

  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Tuesday considered a supplementary budget of ₦695 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, as the bill passed its second reading at plenary. Presenting the bill, the Leader of Government Business and member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Otobong Bob, urged lawmakers to give their full backing to the proposal, which was transmitted to the Assembly by Governor Umo Eno through an executive communication. Bob explained that the supplementary budget is designed to provide additional funding for expenditure areas not captured in the 2025 appropriation law. He noted that the package comprises ₦125 billion in recurrent expenditure and ₦569 billion in capital expenditure, raising the state’s total revised budget size to ₦1.65 trillion. “The essence of this proposed supplementary budget is to enable government allocate funds to pressing needs, including new commitments and ongoing projects impacted by inflation,” he said. Acco...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has summoned the Commissioner for Health, the Permanent Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, and the Chief Medical Superintendent of Ikpe General Hospital, Ini, to appear before it within two weeks over what lawmakers described as a constitutional breach. This follows the embarrassing incident of September 16, when members of the Assembly’s Committee on Health, led by Hon. Moses Essien (Ibiono Ibom), were denied access to Ikpe General Hospital during an oversight visit. The hospital’s Chief Medical Superintendent, Dr. Ekemini Ukut, reportedly told lawmakers he was acting on instructions from the Commissioner for Health and the Permanent Secretary of the Hospitals Board. Raising the matter of urgent public importance at plenary on Tuesday, Hon. Essien — who also chairs the Health Committee — described the obstruction as “an insult to the House” and a violation of Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution. “This...

  The Executive Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Surveyor Iniobong Ekpenyong, has initiated discussions with the South South Development Commission (SSDC) to explore strategic partnerships that could drive accelerated development in Uruan and the South-South region. Ekpenyong made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/CEO of SSDC, Princess Usoro Akpabio, where he congratulated her on her trailblazing appointment as the Commission’s pioneer chief executive. The council boss hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio for what he described as a “historic recognition” of Uruan people through the appointment of Princess Akpabio, an indigene of the area, to such a prominent national position. He urged the Commission to collaborate with Uruan LGA to deliver projects that would uplift the grassroots, stressing that the success of the SSDC would be measured by its impact on local communities. Responding, Princess Usoro Akp...

  Henshaw NYONG The writer of Proverbs 19:17 offered words that are both inspiring and soul-stirring. Read with me: “The one showing favour to the poor is lending to Jehovah, and He will repay him for what he does.”  This is one scripture that is rich in comfort and truth, reminding us that God delights in those who extend mercy to the weak and forgotten. And when a man chooses to lift the downtrodden, he mirrors the very compassion of God. This truth found expression few weeks ago in Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, where Hon. (Barr.) Obong Ime Okon showed uncommon concern for the health of his people. For four days, Palmer Memorial Hospital, Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom and Primary Health Centre at Mbak Atai in Itu LGA were transformed into a place of hope as the lawmaker sponsored a free medical and surgical outreach that brought healing to more than 1,500 constituents. Elderly men and women, children, the physically challenged, and those who had lived with untreated ailment...

  The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has taken bold steps to strengthen its institutional framework for project delivery by partnering with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), pledging to entrench transparency, accountability, and value-for-money practices in all its operations. This followed a strategic courtesy visit by the SSDC delegation, led by its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, to the Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, at his Abuja office over the weekend. Speaking during the engagement, Ms. Akpabio described the visit as timely, coming at a critical phase in the Commission’s take-off. She stressed that the SSDC is mandated to drive sustainable development, infrastructure expansion, human capital investment, and economic transformation across the South-South region — which she referred to as the “engine room” of Nigeria’s economy. “As we roll out our programmes, SSDC is committed to aligning all procurement activi...

  The Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency and Leader of the 8th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Otobong Bob PhD felicitates with the government and people of Akwa Ibom State on its 38th Anniversary. In his goodwill message, Bob describes Akwa Ibom State as a blessed land that has continued to experience steady growth and remarkable transformation since its creation. He praised the purposeful leadership of Pastor Umo Eno which has placed our state on a new trajectory of growth through the ARISE AGENDA. He urged all Akwa Ibom State citizens to celebrate this milestone by re-dedicating themselves to peace, hard work and unity in order to build a state that will continually rise and shine as the true land of promise.

  Following series of training of its staff, the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, (AKIRS) is set for the implementation of the new Tax Reforms Acts. The intensive capacity building which is for board members and management staff of the agency was designed to expose them to the rudiments and essential amendments in the new Act, including clause by clause consideration of relevant sections of the law. In collaboration with the State Ministry of Information, comprehensive sensitization programmes and strategies are also underway to adequately educate or enlighten tax payers and the general public on the contents and implications of the new Tax Reforms Acts. In addition, there has also been massive investment in technology and automation of processes by the Board. A state-of-the-art digital centre has also been developed at the Revenue House, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo in preparation for the reforms. The facility houses the new and bespoke tax management system which is capable of ...

  As Akwa Ibom State marks a significant milestone of thirty eight years of creation, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong has expressed delight at the lofty height the State has attained.   Speaking while fielding questions from Newsmen on his assessment of Akwa Ibom State at 38 during a brief interview at his office recently, the Commissioner opined that ,     "Akwa Ibom stands tall today in terms of infrastructure, human capacity and development in all facets. God has blessed us with enormous natural resources and our resources have been well utilised for the development of the State".  "I am very proud to say that at 38, Akwa Ibom has gone beyond 50. We are the cynosure of all eyes as far as the development of this country is concerned". The Commissioner paid glowing tribute to the present and past leaders of the State for demonstrating what he termed intentional leadership, noting tha...

  . A foremost Media Advocacy Group, the Association Of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, has Identified with the Chairman, Senate Committee On Solid Minerals and Senator Representing Akwa Ibom South ( Eket) Senatorial District, Senator Dr Ekong Sampson, as a marks his 2025 birthday anniversary, describing him as a bridge builder and the pride Of Akwa Ibom South ( Eket) Senatorial District. The Chairman Of the Media Organisation , Elder Edet Okpo who spoke in Uyo On Sunday , September 21, 2025, On behalf Of the Board Of Trustees, Executive Council and Members Of the Association Of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, acknowledged the Outstanding Service, Patriot Commitment and immense contributions Of the distinguished Senator to the advance ment Of his Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. Edet Okpo who is also the Editor- In- Chief Of the Scorecard Magazine, a medium that promotes transparency accountability and impact in governance, noted tha...

  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with a touching birthday tribute as she marked her 65th year on Sunday. In an emotional message personally signed by him, President Tinubu described the First Lady as “the love of my life, whose quiet strength and enduring grace have been my steadying anchor.” Reflecting on their decades together, the President praised his wife’s resilience through periods of political struggle and exile, noting her dignity, patience, and unwavering devotion. “You are more than my wife. You are my confidant, counsellor, and the steady flame illuminating my path,” he wrote, adding that their children and grandchildren, as well as the nation, see in her “the true strength of womanhood—resolute yet tender, humble yet unshakably firm.” President Tinubu also acknowledged her sacrifices behind the scenes, remarking that Nigeria owes her much for the burdens she carried quietly in service to the country. “As your hus...

  The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, has extended warm felicitations to Senator Ekong Sampson on the occasion of his birthday. In a goodwill message, Barr. Ime Okon described Senator Ekong Sampson as a distinguished colleague, statesman, and shining example of selfless leadership. The federal lawmaker extolled Senator Sampson’s contributions to the growth and development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, noting that his record of service as a consummate lawyer and legislator of uncommon intellect and courage remains indelible. “Senator Sampson’s devotion to justice, good governance, and community development continues to inspire many within and beyond our state,” Rep. Ime Okon said. He prayed for God’s abiding grace, strength, and wisdom upon the celebrant, wishing him many more years of impactful service, robust health, and divine fulfilment. “Happy Birthday, Distinguished Senator!” ©️ Media/Public...

    Honourable member representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency, Rep Rep. Mark Esset PhD, has recently initiated the drilling of solar-powered water borehole projects in 4 communities across Uyo Federal Constituency. The benefiting communities are - Emana Ukpa in Uruan LGA; Atakpo Lane in Uyo LGA; Ikot Ikan - Asutan in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA and Odot in Nsit Atai LGA. Each of the solar powered water borehole station is designed to hold 12,000 litres capacity of water, ensuring a reliable and steady flow of clean and hygienic source of water for the inhabitants of the benefiting communities, thereby, eliminating their dependence on contaminated water sources and improving their overall health and well-being. Interestingly, these water projects serves both the inhabitants of the immediate communities and also, those residing within the adjoining communities. These water projects are part of Rep. Mark Esset's consistent efforts to attract development and ...

  The Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) has secured a landmark judgement against Ardent Energy Services Ltd, an oil servicing company operating in Akwa Ibom State. In a judgement delivered on July 3, 2025 at the Revenue Court of Akwa Ibom State, Uyo, by the Presiding Revenue Judge, Maureen-Idongesit M. Udoka, the court ordered the defendant to pay to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the sum of N1.2bilion, including penalty and interest on the principal sum.  The judgement was in consequence to Suit No. Rue/77C/2022, filed by AKIRS. With this judgement, which is a major milestone in AKIRS tax compliance drive, the agency warns taxpayers to willingly comply to their civic obligations of always paying their taxes as and when due as there was no hiding place for defaulters.

  A delegation of freshly graduated students from the Nigerian Law School, who will soon be called to the Bar, has paid a thank you visit to the Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, to express gratitude for his enormous financial assistance and support during their studies. The delegation included Dianabasi Thompson Akpan, Ifiokobong Okon, Emem Ansa, and Unyime Essien. Receiving them at his residence, Rep. Ime Okon, himself a respected legal luminary, congratulated the young graduates on their successful completion of their professional training in the law school. He stressed his deep belief in education as the bedrock of empowerment and leadership development, reaffirming his continuous support for young people pursuing academic excellence. “I am passionate about education because it is the greatest investment in human capital. The legal profession is highly competitive today, so you must advance furth...

  By Edet Okpo  The recent flag-off and launch of multiple  infrastructure across the three federal constituencies Of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District by the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Senator Ekong Sampson, cannot surprise commentators and keen followers of the senator's trajectory of impactful representation in the red Chamber Of the National Assembly. In every way, Senator Sampson keeps proving that he went to the Senate with a purpose, driven by conscience, patriotism, capacity and the people in my mind.  The latest projects flagged-off by the Senator are sited at Immanuel Hospital, Eket, and General Hospital, Ikot Abasi. In Eket, the Lawmaker also commissioned an ICT/CBT Centre at St Francis Secondary School, Ikot Ataku, and electricity reactivation project in Okon Eket.  It was a modest reminder that Senator Sampson,  Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, while launching the projects, used the occasion ...

  Two days ago, Akwa Ibom State Government officially launched it's Security Trust Fund (STF). This fund will support the government’s investments in security but with a private-sector management model. According to His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, the Security Trust Fund is a vehicle to bring all hands on deck to ensure we continue to live in a safe and secure environment so that Akwa Ibom people and inhabitants may pursue their legitimate undertakings. The making of this all important initiative will be incomplete without credit to Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, the majority leader of the 8th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Bob conceived the idea of Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund law at the young age of 27 as a first timer and youngest lawmaker in the State Assembly in 2019. The bill went through the legislative process and was first Passed into law by the 7th Assembly on 12th August 2021.  Although, this bill did not receive an executive assent by the previous administration, ...

  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the cessation of the state of emergency earlier declared in Rivers State, citing renewed cooperation among political stakeholders and improved prospects for peace and order. In a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday, the President recalled that the emergency was proclaimed on March 18, 2025, following what he described as a “total paralysis of governance” in the state. At the time, Rivers was engulfed in a political crisis that pitched the Governor against the House of Assembly, leaving critical state institutions dysfunctional. Tinubu explained that the deadlock prevented the presentation of an Appropriation Bill, stalled governance, and exposed vital economic assets, including oil pipelines, to vandalism. The deepening conflict prompted over 40 lawsuits in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, with the Supreme Court at one point ruling that Rivers had no functioning government. The President said invoking Section 305 of the Constitution becam...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Chief Medical Superintendent (CMD) of Ikpe General Hospital, Dr. Ekemini Ukut, on Tuesday, allegedly barred members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health from accessing the hospital facility during an official oversight visit. The committee, led by its chairman, Hon. Moses Essien, had arrived the hospital in Ini Local Government Area to inspect facilities in line with the legislature’s constitutional mandate. But to their surprise, the CMD denied them entry, insisting that no directive had been issued by the Commissioner for Health or the Hospitals Management Board. Addressing journalists after the incident, Hon. Essien described the CMD’s action as “a clear humiliation on the legislature,” warning that the Assembly would not take the matter lightly. “This is a clear violation of our constitutional functions, and we won’t take it for granted,” Essien said. “We were here to inspect the facility in response to the governor’s declarati...

In a decisive move to strengthen the state’s health workforce, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health has issued a 48-hour deadline to all staff within the ministry and across the health sector to submit any undeclared health-related qualifications for proper documentation and planning. The directive follows Governor Umo Eno’s declaration of a State of Emergency on the health sector, aimed at revitalizing healthcare delivery in the state. The ministry emphasized that the measure is a critical step toward aligning the workforce with the governor’s vision of improved service delivery. According to an internal memo signed by the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mrs. Rosemary I. Obong, staff members are required to submit details such as full name, present cadre, current place of work, undeclared health qualifications, phone number, and email address. Submissions can be made in hard or soft copy, with the latter permitted via WhatsApp to a designated contact. The deadline for compl...

The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared two medical doctors wanted after allegedly abandoning their duty posts despite being trained for eight years with state resources. Those declared wanted are Dr. Uduakabasi Ita, a Consultant Radiologist, and Dr. Mfonobong George Bassey, a Consultant Hematologist, both of whom are staff of the State Ministry of Health. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, who made the announcement, said the government has given the doctors two options: either to immediately resume duty in the state civil service or refund the full cost of their training. He stressed that going forward, medical officers sponsored by the state must serve the agreed number of years before considering resignation or moving elsewhere. Dr. John insisted that the government will no longer tolerate a situation where highly trained specialists abandon service for “greener pastures” after benefitting from public funds, leaving citizens without the much-needed expertise.

The second batch of Nigerian participants has departed for China to undergo a specialized training program on power plant maintenance, sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Uyo Senatorial District in the National Assembly. The program, part of an ongoing human-capacity development initiative, is designed to equip young Nigerians with advanced technical skills in power plant operation and maintenance. Participants will be trained in modern technologies, innovative techniques, and international best practices by leading institutions in China, a country recognized globally for its strides in energy and technology. According to Senator Bassey, the initiative underscores his commitment to youth empowerment, technical skills development, and sustainable growth. He emphasized that practical training in critical sectors like energy is essential to addressing some of Nigeria’s pressing infrastructural challenges. In addition to technical expertise, the training is expected to fost...

UYO, Nigeria — The Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, on Saturday led a delegation to receive the Senate President, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, as he arrived for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. Welcoming the Senate President, Ms. Akpabio described his presence as a mark of honour for Akwa Ibom State and a testament to his enduring respect for the Catholic faith and commitment to moral leadership in the nation. “The hosting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Ikot Ekpene Diocese is a privilege for our state. The Senate President’s arrival elevates the importance of this gathering, which is spiritual, cultural, and socially significant,” she said. She added that Akwa Ibom indigenes were proud to host the second plenary session of the conference and assured that the people were fully prepared to ensure its success. The SSDC boss also commended the Sen...

The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Umo Eno, on Friday, September 12, approved a supplementary budget of ₦695 billion, raising the state’s 2025 budget size to ₦1.65 trillion. The expanded budget, according to council deliberations, is targeted at emerging government priorities, including the implementation of the new minimum wage, allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, emergency flood and erosion control, infrastructure development, purchase of Ibom CNG mass transit buses, and funding for newly created ministries and agencies. The Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) was also amended upward from ₦980 billion to ₦1.7 trillion in line with the state’s Fiscal Responsibility Law. In a major decision, Governor Eno declared a State of Emergency in the health sector, citing the urgent need to strengthen service delivery. The move includes upgrading medical facilities, reopening recruitment for 2,000 healthcare workers—without the Vehicle I...

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating state of secondary healthcare facilities in the state, warning that urgent intervention is needed to avert further loss of lives. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Moses Essien, who represents Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, made the remarks during an oversight visit to General Hospitals in Etinan and Uruan Local Government Areas on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. At Methodist General Hospital, Ikot Ebiyak, Etinan, Essien condemned the acute shortage of doctors, citing the tragic death of a woman on August 16, 2025, after investigations revealed that no doctor was on duty at the time. “This underscores the importance of Governor Umo Eno’s plan to recruit more medical practitioners as a timely response to the manpower crisis in our health sector,” Essien said. He also faulted the hospital’s sanitary conditions and lamented the absence of critical facilities such as an X-ray unit a...

  The Akwa Ibom People’s Forum (AKPF) Ibiono Ibom Chapter on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, at his Federal Constituency Office in Itu Local Government Area. The visit provided an opportunity for the group to commend the lawmaker for his people-oriented initiatives and explore areas of collaboration to drive development across the constituency and Akwa Ibom State. In his remarks, Rep. Ime Okon thanked the AKPF for their show of solidarity and reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of his constituents. He urged the forum to remain steadfast in its mission and contribute meaningfully to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, stressing that unity and alignment with the center would guarantee greater dividends of democracy. “You must stay true to your ideals and work collectively to achieve your objecti...