The Empire Naija

  By Edet Okpo  Prominent leaders, critical stakeholders,  party officials  and indigenes of Oron Federal Constituency on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, unanimously endorsed a slate of consensus candidates for the 2027 general elections during an enlarged strategic meeting at the Oron Civic Centre. The stakeholders endorsed the following ahead of 2027 general elections: Pastor Umo Eno, PhD,  Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Ekong Sampson,  Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District,  Rep. Martins Esin,  Member representing Oron Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,  Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON,  Senate President They also adopted all State House of Assembly consensus aspirants from the federal constituency. A former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and former Member for Oron Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Peter Linus Umoh, moved the first motion end...

  Nigeria’s Senate has declared the rising wave of xenophobic attacks against its citizens in South Africa and Ghana a matter of urgent national importance, calling for swift diplomatic and humanitarian response. The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Aniekan Bassey under Orders 41 and 51, drawing attention to what he described as recurring violence, intimidation, and destruction of Nigerian lives and property in the affected countries. Presenting the motion on the floor, Bassey condemned the attacks as a violation of international human rights obligations and an affront to Nigeria’s national dignity. He warned that the trend, if unchecked, could strain diplomatic relations and destabilize the region. Adopting the motion, the Senate urged the Federal Government to commence high-level diplomatic engagement with authorities in South Africa and Ghana, insisting on thorough investigations and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks. The upper chamber ...

EKET, AKWA IBOM — The Eket Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown its weight behind the aspiration of Dr. Eunice Thomas to represent Eket Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections, in what observers see as an early consolidation of political support within the party. The endorsement was declared on Monday, May 4, 2026, when the frontline aspirant paid a consultative visit to party stakeholders at the Eket Local Government Chairman’s Lodge. Speaking during the meeting, the APC Chapter Chairman in Eket, Hon. Inyang Ebuk, said the decision to support Dr. Thomas followed a collective assessment of her competence, leadership capacity, and perceived ability to unify the constituency. According to him, the party is confident that her emergence would strengthen cohesion across Eket Federal Constituency while delivering effective representation at the national level. Also speaking, the Chairman of Chapter Chairmen, Victor Imaikop, comm...

By Edet Okpo, PhD  In a strong show of political solidarity, youth leaders drawn from various youth strata of the three Federal Constituencies of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District have unanimously adopted Senator Ekong Sampson, Governor Umo Eno, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections. The endorsement was made during a well-attended meeting of the Akwa Ibom South  Senatorial District Youth Leaders’ Forum held in Octagon  Event Centre,  Eket,on Sunday , May 3, 2026, where speakers highlighted legislative performance, infrastructure delivery, and human capital development as key reasons for their decision of adopting Senator Ekong Sampson as their sole Candidate. Setting the tone for the meeting, Mr Joe Mbong, Coordinator,  Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District Forum, scored Senator Ekong Sampson high on legislative milestones, quality representation, and infrastructural developments.   Barely three...

  Ray Ekpe  The National Executive Committee of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has officially appointed Hon. Peter Abang Okim as the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee for the IPMAN Calabar depot. In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police at Force Headquarters in Abuja, the National President of IPMAN, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, and National Secretary, Hon. James Terlumun Tor, announced the new Caretaker officials.  Dated April 2, 2026, the letter, copied to key stakeholders in the petroleum industry, stated that Okim and his team are tasked with managing the affairs of the IPMAN Calabar Depot, which serves Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, in accordance with the amended IPMAN 2009 Constitution. The other appointed officials include Chief Samuel Efiok Edem as Vice Chairman; Ayuk Oko as Chief of Staff; Comrade Okechukwu Johnson as Secretary; Uduak Sunday as Assistant Secretary; Samuel Patrick as Treasurer; Kenneth...

  A former lawmaker, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Usenobong Akpabio, has announced that he will not contest the Akwa Ibom North (Uyo) Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, despite mounting calls from constituents urging him to enter the race. In a public statement issued on Thursday, Akpabio expressed gratitude to stakeholders across the senatorial district—spanning markets, churches, farms, and community forums—for their support and encouragement to seek the party’s nomination. He acknowledged the confidence reposed in him by the people, noting that their calls reflected a desire for “purposeful and effective representation.” However, he said recent developments within his political party influenced his decision to step aside. According to him, the party leadership appears to be aligning with a “policy of continuity” that favors the incumbent, a move he said, though not formally communicated, became evident after consultations and careful consideration. “In view of this, it would be ...

  By Asuquo Edem  In a major step toward addressing persistent power supply challenges in Akwa Ibom State, the State House of Assembly has confirmed five nominees forwarded by Governor Pastor Umo Eno to serve as commissioners of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC), reinforcing the administration’s drive to reposition the electricity sector. The confirmation, which followed the screening of the nominees during Tuesday’s plenary at the Old Assembly Chamber, Uyo, is seen as a significant follow-up to Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions to epileptic power supply across the state. Those confirmed are Engr. Ubong Etukudoh for Engineering, Dr. Valerie Okon Obot for Finance and Corporate Services, Mr. Paul Okon for Economic Regulation, Dr. Kalu Ukoha for Policy, Planning and Innovation, and Ms. Arit Okon-Uya for Stakeholder Engagement and Consumer Affairs. The confirmation came after the House considered and adopted the report of i...

  The leadership of the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals (AESDMP) wishes to respond to concerns raised by members following the press release issued on April 23, 2026, by the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsikan Esenowo. In the said release, published across traditional and social media platforms, the NUJ Secretary warned members against identifying with “unrecognized, unregistered, and unconstitutional splinter groups,” threatening decisive action against defaulters. The statement further urged government agencies, security institutions, corporate bodies, and religious organizations to transact only with the NUJ platform for media-related dealings. While the NUJ did not specifically mention AESDMP, we issue this clarification for historical record and public enlightenment: 1. *Legal Status and Identity*: The Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals is not a splinter group of the N...

  PRESS RELEASE:   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the general public are hereby notified of an armed robbery incident that occurred today, Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. *BACKGROUND INCIDENT REPORT*    Arc. Victor Nyong Paul, accompanied by his family, attended a church service in Uyo this morning. Upon returning home, they discovered that armed robbers had burgled their residence during their absence. The assailants made away with several valuables, including laptop computers, food items, cash, and a motor vehicle. *PARTICULARS OF STOLEN VEHICLE*   The public, security agencies, car dealers, and auto technicians are kindly requested to be on the lookout for the vehicle described below:   Description Details Owner's Name:Arc. Victor Nyong Paul Vehicle Make/Model:Honda Civic, 2012 Model Colour: Blue *Chassis Number* GP4/1004794 Engine Number:TK/AH3/J1273 *APPEAL FOR ACTION* 1. *Akwa Ibom State Po...

  By Asuquo Edem  In democratic governance, the true measure of a lawmaker is not in noise-making or media theatrics, but in tangible impact, effective representation, and purposeful legislation. Despite attempts in some quarters to downplay his contributions, the performance record of Hon. Jerry Otu, who represents Ikot Ekpene State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, tells a compelling story of quiet diligence and meaningful service. Within less than three years in office, Hon. Otu—who also serves as Chairman, House Committee on Information—has demonstrated commitment to the three cardinal responsibilities of a legislator: law-making, representation, and oversight. Perhaps the most visible aspect of Hon. Otu’s work lies in his grassroots-focused interventions. His projects reflect a deep understanding of the immediate needs of his constituents across Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara LGAs. From the provision of ambulances to improve emergency healthcare response,...

  Community leaders, royal fathers and Stakeholders in the education sector have given Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, Member representing Okobo State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, a pat at the back for attracting critical infrastructural projects to various Schools in Okobo State Constituency, describing the intervention as a major boost to learning and community development. The commendation follows a wave of education-focused projects facilitated by the lawmaker which are spread across various Wards in Okobo Local Government Area, thereby creating a conducive ambience for teaching and learning. Speaking while playing host to the Okobo lawmaker who led the  team of  Government Officials and contractors to Community Secondary school, Urue Ita for flag-off of Assembly Hall and Office  Complex Project, the Village Head of Urue Ita, His Highness, Chief Friday Matthew, community leaders; Mr. Uwem Dominic Uduk, Hon. Samuel Okpo, Elder Edet Sam, Woman leader...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is taking decisive legislative steps to tackle environmental degradation and curb criminal activities, following the presentation of two key reports by its Committee on Environment. The reports, presented during plenary by the Committee Chairman, Bassey Pius Bassey, focus on proposed laws to prohibit the use of polystyrene (Styrofoam) and other single-use plastics, as well as to regulate the operations of scrap metal dealers across the State. According to the Committee’s report, the bill seeking to ban the use, manufacture and importation of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics was read for the second time on September 11, 2024, before being referred to the Committee for detailed scrutiny. As part of its legislative process, the Committee held a public hearing on March 9, 2026, attracting wide participation from key stakeholders, including government officials, environmental regulators, civil society organisations and ...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has commenced legislative action on the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission, following the transmission of a list of five nominees by Governor Umo Eno for screening and confirmation as pioneer commissioners. The governor’s request, read on the floor during plenary, seeks legislative approval for the nominees who are expected to drive the regulatory framework of the state’s evolving electricity sector. Shortly after the letter was read, the Speaker of the House referred the nominees to the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice and Public Petitions for detailed screening, directing the committee to report back within two weeks. The nominees include Engr. Ubong Etokudoh, a Deputy Manager with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, nominated as Commissioner for Engineering; Dr. Valerie Okon Obot, pioneer Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Akwa Ibom State, as Commissioner for Fi...

  Political momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections gathered pace in Esit Eket Local Government Area on Tuesday, as key stakeholders and party leaders unanimously endorsed Dr. Eunice Thomas as their preferred candidate for the Eket Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. The endorsement was the outcome of a high-level consultation meeting held at the residence of prominent political leader, Elder Benjamin Udobia, where leaders across party structures and community blocs converged to deliberate on the constituency’s political future. Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council, Mrs. Uduak Ikemesit Ikott, described Dr. Thomas as a timely and divinely inspired choice, expressing confidence in her capacity to deliver effective representation. “Dr. Thomas is God-sent for a time like this, and I am confident that the God who has sent her will stand by her till the end,” Ikott declared, affirming the area’s full acceptance ...

  The city of Uyo witnessed a remarkable convergence of power, prestige, and reverence on Saturday, April 12, 2026, as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), Usoro Akpabio, took centre stage in leading dignitaries to celebrate elder statesman Etim Eyakenyi on his 80th birthday. With her presence setting the tone for the high-profile gathering, Ms. Akpabio joined the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, members of the Deputy Governor’s family, and an array of political leaders and stakeholders who thronged the event in honour of the revered octogenarian. The celebration quickly transformed into a grand assembly of influence and admiration, reflecting the immense respect Elder Eyakenyi commands across political, social, and community circles. Guests took turns to recount his lifelong dedication to service, highlighting a legacy defined by integrity, leadership, and impact. In her tribute, Ms. Akpabio described the celebrant as a be...

  Upenekang, Ibeno LGA — April 10, 2026 A prominent figure in Akwa Ibom politics, Eunice Thomas, on Thursday paid a high-profile visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat in Upenekang, Ibeno Local Government Area, where she was received by party leaders and enthusiastic supporters. Arriving at about 4:13 p.m. in the company of a large crowd of loyalists, Dr. Thomas was greeted by a jubilant assembly of party faithful who thronged the premises to welcome her. Addressing the gathering shortly after her arrival, she described herself as the “emblem of victory,” urging members to remain united and focused on consolidating the party’s growing influence. Dr. Thomas commended APC members in Ibeno for their years of resilience and unwavering commitment, even during challenging times. According to her, their sacrifices have yielded results, with the party now firmly established as a dominant political force in both Akwa Ibom State and the country at large. She further called ...