The Empire Naija

  Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has relieved two aides of their duties with immediate effect, the state government announced on Monday. The affected officials are: Joseph Jacob Ikpak, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Support Services Felix Ekuri, Special Assistant to the Governor on Neighbourhood Watch Their disengagement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, who described the action as part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to realign the machinery of government with the Renewed Hope and ARISE Agenda. The statement did not provide further details on the circumstances leading to their removal. However, it was gathered from multiple political sources that the decision may be linked to the aides’ alleged association with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The claim has not been officially confirmed, and the government has not commented on the speculation. Political analysts no...

  In recognition of his steady contributions to infrastructure renewal and community-focused development projects in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has conferred the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Development Champion Award on the Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon. The award was presented on Friday at the Institute’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Awards Dinner held at Amunice Event Centre, Uyo. The ceremony, themed “Revitalizing Architecture in Akwa Ibom Through the ARISE Agenda: Strategies for Survival and Growth Amidst Economic Challenges,” brought together leading architects, policymakers, top government officials, and development stakeholders from within and outside the state. Represented by the Director-General of the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Unity Project Advisory Committee, Comrade Godwin Mbeke, Barr. Okon described the recognition as a “deeply humbling testame...

  The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Barr. Ime Okon, has commiserated with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, on the death of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Magdalene Udoakpan. Udoakpan, who died at the age of 80, was the widow of the iconic Ika politician and businessman, the late Chief Dennis Ubom Udoakpan (Ubom Ika). She will be buried today at Ikot Udom in Ika Local Government Area. In a condolence message, Okon described the demise of the octogenarian as a big loss not only to her family but to her village, local government area and the Catholic Church as well. The legislator pointed out that Udoakpan's death came at a time the minister needed her wise counsel most. He, however, urged Ekperikpe to be comforted by the fact that the deceased lived a life worthy of emulation. Okon seized the opportunity to laud the minister on his achievements, particularly the projects attracted to Ak...

  The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) have reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger alliance aimed at expanding job opportunities and deepening skills development across the South-South region. The renewed partnership followed a high-level meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, where SSDC Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, led a delegation to the NDE headquarters. The discussions centered on strengthening institutional collaboration to drive employment generation and economic empowerment in the region. A key outcome of the meeting was the NDE’s pledge to reclaim and develop a long-abandoned parcel of land in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, originally allocated to the agency years ago. The commitment followed an appeal by Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong, SSDC Board Member representing Akwa Ibom State, who emphasized that developing the dormant site would deliver “significant economic and social value” to the state and ...

  Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, has faulted the altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a military officer, stressing that the soldier committed no offence under military law. Speaking on the incident, Matawalle said the officer acted within the bounds of discipline and obedience to command, describing his conduct as “lawful and commendable.” “There is, therefore, no offence under military law for which he should be charged. Wike should not have engaged him in an altercation, especially out of respect for the uniform he was wearing,” the Defence Minister said. “Anyone who disrespects a soldier indirectly disrespects the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.   There is, therefore, no basis for any punishment against the officer,” he added. Matawalle emphasized that the issue was not about condoning disrespect toward civilians, but about upholding the chain of command. “The Minister should understa...

  The Member representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. (Elder) Mark Esset, PhD, has said that his stay in the National Assembly has been defined by effective representation, purposeful engagement, and measurable results, stressing that he has been a voice, not noise in the House. Speaking in a no-holds-barred interview on Atlantic 104.5FM on Tuesday, the federal lawmaker reviewed his 28 months in office, highlighting his achievements, ongoing interventions, and upcoming projects across his federal constituency. Rep. Esset, who chairs the House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations and is a former two-term member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, said his legislative experience has helped him deliver impactful representation and drive grassroots-oriented development. He disclosed that he has successfully trained and empowered over 200 small and medium-scale business operators, as well as several youths in...

  As the Mark of Effective Representation continues to adorn the people of Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency with democratic dividends and demonstrate purposeful legislative leadership through impactful lawmaking, motions, and partnerships, tales of development and improved livelihoods have become the order of the day. In the area of lawmaking, which includes advocating for equity, development, and justice, Hon. Mark Esset PhD has sponsored three strategic bills in the 10th House of Representatives. Each bill addresses vital socioeconomic concerns and promotes fairness across Nigeria’s governance and economic systems. The “Higher National Diploma (HND) Discrimination (Prohibition) Bill, 2023” is a progressive piece of legislation that seeks to end the long-standing disparity between university degree holders and HND holders in public and private sector employment and career progression. The “Bill to Increase the Percentage of Revenue from Natural Resources Sh...