The Empire

  “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by avoiding it today” - Abraham Lincoln By Etim Ante Oro Nation, one of the oil producing areas in Akwa Ibom State, nay Nigeria, is watching with undistracted interest the unfolding scenario in the latest appointment of an Oro born renowned administrator, chattered accountant and lawyer of high repute, Pastor (Barr.) Effiong Akwa by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari (GCON). Ordinarily, one would have ignored some of the issues raised by those calling for the head of Senator Godswill Akpabio for this pacifying and laudable decision taken by Mr. President to strengthen our revered institution at this critical period in the history of the Niger Delta Region and our dear Country, Nigeria. It is therefore absolutely necessary to put certain records straight in other to allow the sleeping dog lie for the common good and the continuous corporate exist

  By Deacon Aluu Vincent The role of the legislature in the development of any society cannot be over-emphasized. It is the duty of the Legislature to make laws for the peace, progress, security and prosperity of a people. It is also the responsibility of the law-making body to provide the legislative and other support to other arms of government to enable same carry out their functions devoid of any hassle.  As one of the greatest historians of all times, the late Ambassador Professor Okon Edet Uya said, “the raison d’etre of government is to service the welfare of the people. This is what gives government a moral anchor”. The Legislature has an undeniably critical role to play in ensuring the provision of services that will improve the lives of the people and guarantee prosperity and development. This comes by way of granting approvals to spend public funds, making laws to give legal backings to the policies and programmes of government. Given this critical role, there is no gainsayi

 2020 Christmas ,the people of Okobo State Constituency of Akwa Ibom State once again have  reasons to count blessings and sing praises to God on account of the bold choice they made few years ago when they voted massively for Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey to represent them in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.  Their votes did not only propel the former Okobo Local Government Chairman and State Officer of The Peoples Democratic Party to the House of Assembly, but her rich political pedigree and  examplary character subsequently elevated her to the position of the Deputy Speaker of the Hallowed Chamber for the second time, having served in the same capacity during the 6th Assembly. Therefore, as part of activities to celebrate the glad tidings of Christmas, the Deputy Speaker, within the week, in her Oti- 0ro residence, Okobo LGA, thought it necessary to extend her benevolence and goodwill to her constituents as a way to also share with the people,  God’s blessings upon her life

  The National Examinations Council NECO has released the 2020 National Common Entrance Examination results. It put the national cut off marks at 142. The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO,Godswill Obioma,while presenting the results to the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Monday, in Abuja, said a total of 70,580 candidates sat for the examination nationwide, out of which 24,416 candidates passed, scoring a minimum of 66. Three students got the highest scores: Umeonyiagu Chinua Crucifixio (Anambra), scored 199, Onwuamanam Udochukwu (Enugu) scored 198, while Salaam Mariam Aderemilekun(Lagos) scored 197. 16,713 candidates were said to be absent from the examination due to the #ENDSARS protests that rocked the country recently. Adamu noted that with the Unity Colleges now 110, admissions carrying capacity has been shored up to 26,625 for the current academic year, 720 slots were added with the establishment of six more Federal Science and Technical Colleges across the six ge

By Asuquo Edem Brigitte Nichole must have obviously had some persons in mind when she clearly said “Never fail to appreciate someone who cares for you. Just because they are always in your life to help in some way, never fail to give thanks or recognition. To value someone or something too lightly is a risk no one should take”. Absolutely, men in the category of Arc Ezekiel Nya-Etok, popularly called ‘Mr. Social Housing’ would not be left out when trying to describe the above quote. A man who like a Prophet who is despised by his people but celebrated by strangers, Arc Ezekiel Nya-Etok seems to have been forgotten, even going by his numerous but modest contributions to the development of our dear State Akwa Ibom. Born over five decades ago precisely November 1, 1963 in Nsiak Town of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area and known nationally and globally as an astute advocate of Social Housing for all, Arc Ezekiel Nya-Etok has made indelible foot prints both in the housing sector and contri

  De-Mbarukas Limited, a reputable environmental consulting firm, has handed over the first phase of its water project, 200,000litres Expansion of Water Storage Capacity, to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH). Addressing journalists at the project site in Uyo on Wednesday, the Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Joseph Isaiah Akpan, thanked the management of UUTH for the opportunity done the company, assuring that “De-Mbarukas could handle higher tasks, if availed the opportunity.” According to Mr. Akpan, “To ensure quality and standard, working with a federal institution like the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital kept us on our toes because keeping to specification was of essence. So, I really appreciate all the assistance we received from the Works Department of the Institution.” He commended the Dr EmemAbasi Bassey-led administration, saying “the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Dr. EmemAbasi Bassey, has instilled in the staff a new zeal and drive to work. He has also gi

  Leading aspirant to the just concluded Chairmanship Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibeno Local Government Area, Hon. Ekoakwaha Etteh, has lauded the leadership of the party, Governor Udom Emmanuel, supporters and members of EKONET-2020 Campaign Organization for the opportunity given him, saying “though the party’s decision is final, my steadfastness, commitment, loyalty and dedication to the party are unshaken.” Hon. Etteh, who stated this on Saturday in his country home, Upenekang, thanked and thrilled a mammoth crowd of supporters and members of EKONET-2020 for their unprecedented support and solidarity during the campaign. Recounting the support and goodwill he has so far enjoyed from the people of Ibeno, Hon. Etteh, an alumnus of the Polytechnic, Calabar (Electrical Engineering), spoke of his stewardship, dedication and loyalty to his people as he rose through the rank and file of politics from his days as SUG Director of Socials, to Ward Secretary of PDP to Wa