The Empire

Akwa Ibom State High Court sentences three indigenes of Nkek village in Ukanafun Local Government Area to death over murder of Rt. Hon. (Obong) Okon Uwah, former House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, during the 2015 general elections. They are Usen Peter Udo alias Udo Ibanga Ikpa alias Lucky Boy, Ubong Monday Umoh alias Ubong Nkoko and Imo Mark Affia. © Harrison Essien

Ekwere Paul Without an iota of doubt, Hon. (Barr) Aniefiok Dennis is one of the most quintessential lawmakers in the seventh assembly. In Nigeria, very few public figures inspire others like Barr. Aniefiok Dennis the Honourable Member representing Etinan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. There is something utopian about how he carries himself. This is one politician who understands as a Lawmaker what it means to represent the interest of his people. As a leader of his generation, his exemplary trail in Akwa Ibom State is unparalleled. As a patriot, his voice of reason resounds with the force of substance. Across all classes and ages, the name Dennis resonates as a model to be reckoned with; deep in intellect, vocal in articulation, firm in principles, fiery in advocacy, courageous even in the face of opposition and intimidation. His generous disposition speaks volumes just as his public relations skills is legendary. Dennis’ life has shown that what

The Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Onofiok Luke, has called on the Federal Government to revive the abandoned Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot Abasi, Akwa  Ibom State. Mr Luke who made the call in a motion during today's plenary pointed out that the aluminium producing plant, which serviced the Nigerian market with aluminium products and and its allied industries provided jobs for thousands of  Nigerians, is lying waste for several years. He lamented why the company in its hey days between 1997 and 1999 provided employment for over 1,820 permanent workers and over 4,000 casual workers should be allowed to rot away in utter neglect. It will be recalled that ALSCON stopped operation on 6 June 1999 due to irreconcilable differences between some shareholders  coupled with other associated problems of lack of working capital,  insufficient gas supply and non-dredging of the Imo River

Civil servants in Akwa Ibom State have been urged to be patriotic and professional in their service to the state. This call was made by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey while playing host to newly promoted Aviation Security Officers attached to the Ibom Airport Development Company Limited, who called on him at the Assembly Complex. Rt. Hon. Bassey maintained that for the state to make appreciable progress under the Udom Emmanuel-led administration, civil servants must take their work serious, get themselves trained and retrained to learn new work skills that will enhance their productivity. He also called on the workers to display high level of patriotism by loving Akwa Ibom State being the only state they can call their own.  While congratulating the newly promoted Aviation officers, the Assembly helmsman urged them to contribute their utmost to the development of the state-owned aviation company noting that the Udom Emmanuel l

          By Mercy Obot Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has described the debut of PLENARY DIGEST Bulletin as a gesture that would add value to the overall activities    of the 7th Assembly. Speaker Bassey made the remark on Thursday in his office when the publisher and editor-in-chief of the bulletin, Mr. Asuquo Edem, formally presented copies of the new bulletin to him. The Speaker, while commending Mr Edem for bringing up the bulletin, expressed his readiness to support the initiative for the continued and effective reportage of activities of the legislature in the state. He assured the publisher that his office would continue to support objective, balanced and fair journalism by supporting journalists to exercise their constitutional roles without interference. He also commended journalists for their resilience, commitment, dedication and selflessness in the conduct of their duties in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large. H

Josephine Etuk No fewer than 2600 Civil servants in Akwa Ibom State have participated in the written examination for progression to the next salary grade levels. The examination which took place simultaneously in two designated venues of Community Secondary school, Aka offot and Civil Service auditorium all in Uyo was coordinated by the State Civil Service Commission for all categories of core Civil servants from different Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the State. The written exams policy which is the first stage of the promotion process is in furtherance of government's effort to streamline the service for enhanced efficiency and productivity. Successful candidates would move to the next phase of oral interview

By Aniekan Udofia The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary,  Mr Onofiok Luke, has decried the inadequate number of Justices in the nation's Supreme Court. In a motion on a matter of urgent public importance brought before the House, Mr Luke noted  that as a result of the Supreme  Court's original and appellate jurisdiction over the entire country, it is faced with the huge responsibility of handling high volume of cases, which has resulted in several cases awaiting adjudication. He therefore called on the Federal Government to appoint more Justices in order to accelerate the determination of cases and dispensation of justice. He pointed out that the number of justices of the Supreme Court has been reduced to 13 with the recent retirement of Hon. Justice Aminu Sanusi from the court, lamenting that the situation would become worse owing to the impending retirement of another justice of the court few months from now. The lawmaker expressed  worry