The Empire

Akwa Ibom State Government has Restricted movement of persons and vehicles with effect Monday, March 30, 2020. The Quarantine and Restriction of Movement Regulations 2020 signed by Governor Udom Emmanuel, comes into force on 30th March 2020 and will remain in force till 30th April, 2020, or for such extended period as may be announced from time to time. The provisions of the regulation, according to the chairman of the Quarantine and Restriction of movement regulation 2020 enforcement committee and Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner are as follows: that Commercial tricycles are not to carry not more than two passengers only, Mini buses to carry one passenger per row. # Private vehicles to carry not more than two persons at the back seat and one on the front seat. # Public Parks, Shops, Eateries, Clubs, Restaurants, Markets, shall remain closed except those for the sale of foodstuffs, drugs and other essential commodities. # All public burials, weddings,and other forms

Following a critical analysis of the situation relating to COVID-19 situation, I have been directed by HE the Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel to make the following announcements; 1. Salaries of state government workers for the month of March will be paid today, Thursday, March 26, 2020. 2. Workers are advised to prepare to stop going to work and stay at home for one (1 ) week with effect from Monday 30 March, 2020. The stay-at-home order will be strongly enforced. 3. All borders and roads leading in and out of the state are closed with immediate effect; except for the transportation of food items. 4. Ibom Air will suspend all flight operations from Sunday, 29 March, 2020. 5. Markets are to remain open for sale of foodstuff and essential items only. 6. All Churches are strongly requested to fast and pray for God’s mercies on Sunday 29 March, 2020. 7. Residents and citizens are strongly advised to apply all the preventive measures  earlier announced. While the one week stay-at-h

The Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Commodore Duja  Emmanuel Effedua (Rtd.), has described as highly unprofessional, biased, mischievous and a facet of irresponsibility the way and the manner the partnership between the Academy and the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) has been reported in the media. The Rector who condemned in strong terms the disparaging and exaggerated reports on issues that are well under discreet control by the Management of the Academy and SOAN said the report was mischievously aimed at attacking the integrity and leadership of SOAN. The Rector who made the clarifications in the Academy during a media chat at the Academy, refuted the damaging insinuations and maintained that such hasty and treacherous report authored without balance and conscience has the potential to cause collateral damage to the existing robust relationship between SOAN and other strategic partners and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria. It would be  recalled that Ships and

 By Akaninyene EKONG Chairman of the House Committee on Rural Development and Public Utilities and member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr Usoro Akpanusoh, has reacted to the imbroglio that characterized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Congresses in Esit Eket, saying “It is Elder Benji Udobia’s predetermined goal to uproot and destroy the party in the area.” He said the alleged scene that marred the selection process of the PDP structure in the area was part of plots to scheme Esit Eket and its people in the forthcoming Local Government Council elections and 2023 by the Elder Udobia and his cohorts. According to our source, a chieftain of the PDP in the area, Pastor Emmanuel Etim, “Elder Udobia’s guest and annoyance is that Dr Usoro Akpanusoh, a two-term member of the State Assembly, has dared him to insist for political inclusiveness and total cohesion in the party structure of Esit Eket.” Another source, Chief Ed

The Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Aniekan Bassey has called for inclusive leadership at all levels of party structures in Uruan LGA and the State at large for a more formidable front. The number three citizen in the State gave the charge today during the Chapter Congress of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Uruan LGA. "I want to thank Uruan people for the decorum exhibited during the last Ward Congress. It was impressive and I urge all to keep the tempo. "PDP is running an inclusive leadership and I urge the new Executive to follow suit. I promise that everyone will be given a sense of belonging and the umbrella open to accommodate all." The Speaker, advocated for a healthy sportsman's spirit in politicking in the area and encouraged the people to always extend hands of fellowship to one another despite any political outcome whether in their favour or not so the Party can be advanced. He went further, using himself as an example wh

As the People's Democratic Party holds it Chapter Congress tomorrow, Saturday, the member representing the people of Ibeno/Esit Eket in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh has called on the umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission to live up to its mandate and responsibility as enshrined in the Electoral Act. The Lawmaker while speaking to newsmen said that "INEC Is empowered to monitor the conduct of party congresses in not only my local government area, but all over the country" adding that they  are also expected to be neutral, report what they see happening on the field even as the law specifies that primaries must be conducted at the headquarters of the ward, local government and states. While advocating for an open process, however stated that peradventure the community or local government agrees on a consensus candidate, then there should be a voice vote of people saying ‘yes’ to such candidate. In his words, "You can’

Members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly today  intensified awareness campaign against the dreaded Coronavirus. The campaign which is an initiative of the House Committee on Information chaired by the Deputy House Leader and Member Representing Etinan State Constituency Hon. (Barr) Aniefiok Dennis Akpan was described by colleagues as eery apt. The campaign tagged " LETS KEEP CORONAVIRUS OUT!" became very necessary as COVID-19, a disease caused by the virus spread has forced governments, businesses and individuals around the world to undertake unprecedented and drastic measures toward curbing the menace. Countries have been put into lockdown, schools closed, events cancelled, factories shuttered and billions of fund released.