TheNewsGuru

Tag: Akwa Ibom

  • ADHP holds bimonthly general meeting, approves expansion of board of directors

    ADHP holds bimonthly general meeting, approves expansion of board of directors

    The Akwa Ibom Diaspora Health Professionals (ADHP) convened its scheduled bimonthly general meeting on Saturday, August 23, 2025, bringing together members from across the globe to review ongoing initiatives, set strategic direction, and make key organizational decisions.

    One of the major resolutions from the meeting was the expansion of the ADHP Board of Directors from its current membership of four (4) to seven (7), a move aimed at strengthening governance and broadening global representation within the organization.

    Board Expansion Details:

    •Current Board Members: Four (4)

    •Approved Expansion: Increase to Seven (7) members

    •New Board Members Nominated for Ratification:

    •Dr. Akan Otu – United Kingdom

    •Dr. Emmanuel Inyang – Australia

    •Dr. Ebong Akpabio – Namibia

    All three nominees have officially accepted their appointments and will join the Board pending final ratification.

    The ADHP Board of Directors is chaired by Dr. Nsikak Akpakpan, an internationally recognized health consultant based in Chicago, USA. The organization is currently led by Dr. Gloria Ekpo, President of ADHP, who expressed her confidence that the expanded Board will bring greater diversity, expertise, and regional balance to the organization’s leadership.

    “This expansion reflects our growth as a global network and our commitment to inclusive, strategic leadership that reflects the diversity of our membership and the complexity of the challenges we address,” Dr. Ekpo stated.

    The meeting also included discussions on issues relating to upcoming medical missions, community health education campaigns, and strategic collaborations with government and local health agencies in Akwa Ibom State.

    About ADHP:

    The Akwa Ibom Diaspora Health Professionals (ADHP) is a global network of healthcare professionals originating from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. ADHP is committed to improving health outcomes through public health advocacy, medical missions, knowledge transfer, and support for health systems development.

  • Police rescue 20 Ghanaians trafficked to Akwa Ibom

    Police rescue 20 Ghanaians trafficked to Akwa Ibom

    The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it has rescued 20 Ghanaians trafficked from Ghana in a compound in Obio Etoro village in Uyo Local Government Area of the state.

    DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday.

    John said the operatives of the Command acting on credible information successful rescued the victims on Monday, Aug.18.

    She said the operation was a collaborative effort following a formal request for assistance from the Ghana Police Service and Interpol.

    “The victims were rescued from a compound in Obio Etoi village, in Uyo after an operation that was a collaborative effort following a formal request for assistance from the Ghana Police Service and Interpol.

    “Acting on credible information, Operatives, surrounded a well-fenced building at about 4:17 p.m., on Monday, Aug.18.

    “The raid led to the rescue of 10 males and 10 females (names withheld), all confirmed to be Ghanaian nationals,” she said.

    John said that the victims appeared disoriented and had been unable to provide useful information, leading investigators to suspect they may have been hypnotised.

    The Command’s spokesperson said that investigation was ongoing and further developments would be communicated to the public as they become available.

  • JOE INIODU; Historic rally as Akwa Ibom becomes APC State

    JOE INIODU; Historic rally as Akwa Ibom becomes APC State

    By Joe Iniodu

    The arena spangled with an assortment of colours – white, red, purple , yellow , grey, green, brown- either as uniform worn by different groups or flags fluttering as banners coalescing into a constellation of colourful spectacle. The atmosphere was boisterous as music from the speakers intertwined with varying entertainment from various groups. The mood hightened into an electrifyingly ecstatic symphony. The human traffic within and outside the arena bourgeoned to almost inelastic point. The massive crowd underscored the historic nature of the day. As it could be said, if one were to spiritually appraise the event, it could indeed be described as the day the Lord had made.

    The day was June 21, 2025 . It was the grand reception of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D into the fold of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Eno had on June 6, 2025, announced that he was “progressively moving to the All Progressives Congress,” citing enlightened State interest as the motivation. He had therefore, earlier that day resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)- the platform that brought him to power and which is almost in smithereens due to internal wranglings. June 21 was therefore set aside for the reception and his official admission into APC, a surer platform from where he could prosecute his second term ambition without any legal ambush .

    Information to the public had put the commencement of the event for noon. But by early morning, the arena was thronged with a mammoth crowd. The breadth of Goodluck Jonathan Boulevard which hosts the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium had the two sides of the road crammed with vehicles leaving people the choice of parking at endless distances and taking long walks to the venue.

    So passionate were the people that they didn’t mind to walk kilometers to the venue. By 12 noon, the venue was jam-packed to its brim. Time was ticking. At about 1.15 pm, blaring sirens rented the air, signalling the arrival of the expected dignitaries. At exactly 1.18 pm, a coaster bus conveying the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno and many other dignitaries rolled into the arena. As they stepped out of the bus, the crowd erupted in ecstacy . The arrival coincided with when a popular music artiste in the State, Mr Xto was doing one of his pulsating renditions, “Na you Dem Send.” The moment witnessed a blend between a Governor who has endeared himself to his people and a song which long held the appeal of the people. As the governor moved around the arena waving at the people and gyrating subtly to the music, flags fluttered, displaying a rainbow of scenic splendour. The joy of the people knew no bounds.

    Then came the speeches . The Chairman of APC in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo opened the floodgate with his welcome address. He welcomed the dignitaries expressing profuse and special gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by his dependable Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Vice President in his own capacity and the President of the Senate who himself an illustrious son of Akwa Ibom. Ntukekpo thanked and welcomed Governor Eno into the APC fold, noting that the decision to join the ruling party will best serve the interest of the State.

    The Deputy National Chairman of APC, South -South, Rt. Hon.(Elder) Victor Geidom in his remarks described the day as an important date in the history of Nigeria. He said that despite the fact that the region contributes so much to Nigeria, it could not really get its due because it was in the opposition. He said he was happy that four of the States in the region are already in the ruling party and expressed optimism that very soon all the States in the region shall belong to APC. Geidom thanked Governor Eno for the laudable decision adding that it would strengthen the party in the region and at the national level.

    Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State described the day as the best day in the land of the South -South. “Once upon a time, I was an orphan”, referring to the period when he was the only APC governor in the South -South stating that he used to ponder over the dissonance between the enormous contributions of the region to the national coffers and the paltry rewards that accrue to States in the South-South implying that belonging to the ruling party will change the dynamics. Governor Otu used the occasion to endorse President Tinubu for a second term using a voice vote, to which the crowd responded in the affirmative.

    The governor of Imo State who is also the Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum, His Excellency , Hope Uzodima in his remarks, said he was delighted to witness such a mammoth crowd. He expressed his joy for Akwa Ibom people for the decision they have taken adding that they will not regret it. Governor Uzodima used the occasion to inform the people that President Tinubu is addressing all our national challenges and so needs concentration, not distraction . He called for national unity and cohesion asserting that they are prerequisites as we march towards the nation’s collective goal.

    The President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON who was also a high point of the event, began his remarks with a song. Known for his enigmatic soapbox skills , he said, “I want to speak to the import of today’s occasion”. He then proceeded with some dramatic syntactic parallelisms” I want to speak. I want to say etc”. When he launched into the main message , he left the people reeling with many patrotic take aways.

    Looking straight at Governor Eno, Akpabio said, “today is for you my dear brother Umo Eno, today is for President Tinubu, today is for Akwa Ibom State, today is for Nigeria”. He described Umo Eno’s change of party as a movement, not defection. He said the event was Akwa Ibom’s unification with Nigeria recalling that the South -South has always been with the centre. Then he waxed prophetic, ” I see you being the first governor to be elected in 2027 and the President getting 99.9 percent of the votes” . He referred to what is happening in the State as “political maturity.”

    Akpabio who lauded Vice President Shettima as one of the most intelligent Nigerians also praised the National Chairman of APC, Dr Umar Ganduje for his frankness and political sagacity. He recalled how Ganduje announced in Calabar that the South -South would produce a Senate President at a time when he was not a national chairman. He lauded his fairness and thanked him for providing strong leadership to the party.

    Governor Umo Eno’s time to address the gathering was marked with dramatic moments. He was heralded to the podium with a song “Who is your guy” performed by Spyro. The Governor and the people in the crowd gyrated to the song. After the momentous moment, Eno started a worship song, “I am going higher….” to which the crowd joined with enthusiasm. He said he was joining APC as a means of aligning with the centre so that the State can unite the Arise Programme of the State with Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government to push for a better deal for our people. He described his joining the APC as a progressive action towards enghlightened State interest . Governor Eno further stated that he was moving to the centre to have the latitude to support the bold and audacious reforms of Mr President pointing out that even though he was not responsible for the squalor that has afflicted the Nation, his commitment towards reversing the drift should be supported.

    Eno thanked Akwa Ibom people for standing by him, adding that even though he is now firmly in APC, he will be a governor for all.

    Going philosophical and spiritual, Governor Eno said, “we are not afraid of the future or the storms ahead . We are bold and courageous for the one before us is able to take us through the storms. ” Eno made a passionate plea to the Federal Government to help Akwa Ibom State to realize the dream of Ibom Deep Seaport, noting that the singular action would give adequate justification for the movement that is being celebrated.

    The National Chairman of APC, Dr Umar Ganduje who conducted the official admission of Governor Eno into the APC family described the mammoth crowd as colourful and jubilant adding that from the faces of the people in the crowd , it is clear that they were there voluntarily. He thanked the President of the Senate, stating that from the quality of infrastructural facilities like the stadium that he has seen, he can say without any fear of equivocation that Akpabio was a successful governor. Speaking on a lighter note, he said that the stadium where the event held was as beautiful as the wife of the Senate President.

    Ganduje, while calling for national continuity, consolidation, and sustainability in governance, announced that the Governor shall be the leader of APC in the State while the Senate President remains a national leader.

    The President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Vice President, His Excellency,Kashim Shettima assured Governor Umo Eno of the full support of the Federal Government stating that Eno will not regret the decision. He thanked Akwa Ibom people for their pledge to support his Administration.

    The colourful event which has largely been described as a unity rally seems like a new dawn for Akwa Ibom State.

    Mr Joe Iniodu is a Special Assistant in the office of the President of the Senate

  • Gov Eno breaks silence on ‘sacrificing’ late wife after daughter’s public allegation

    Gov Eno breaks silence on ‘sacrificing’ late wife after daughter’s public allegation

    Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, has dismissed accusations of his connection with the late wife’s death.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that the governor’s wife, Patience Eno, passed away at the hospital on September 26, 2024, in the presence of her family after battling an undisclosed illness.

    However, in the now-viral video online, Eno’s daughter, Jane Eddidiong Ufot, claimed her mother was ‘sacrificed.’

    In one of the videos, she said, “My name is Jane Eddidiong Ufot, SSA to the Governor on Health, Safety and Environment. Daddy, I’m sending this post to you alone. Please, let’s talk before this destroys everything. I am not a sacrifice. Mummy was—I’m not. I give you a few minutes. If you don’t act, I’ll post this everywhere.”

    In another video, she was seen speaking to her daughter, prompting her to repeat, “Tell Grandpa, ‘Do you want them to kill us? Do you want us to die like my baby brother died?

    “If I die today, or if my daughter dies—Agimini—if we die because God is exposing the truth, so be it. But my blood will not go in vain. Please listen to this—I’m more interested in staying alive.”

    Speaking in Uyo during the birthday celebration of former Deputy Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere, the governor confirmed that the video was recorded last year, shortly after his wife’s passing, and described its resurgence as a ploy by political detractors.

    Governor Eno emphasised he remains focused and committed to serving the people of Akwa Ibom and will not to be distracted.

    He said, “We’re in political times, so you expect more of this. My family is intact—you can see everyone here. The video in question was recorded shortly after my wife passed away last year. So why is it resurfacing now, just as we’re marking our second anniversary and celebrating our achievements? It only confirms there are detractors.

    “Jane is right here, with her husband. We have a good family. The children were under pressure. Losing a loved one is traumatic, especially for them. I appeal to the public—please stop bringing back sad memories. I’ve lost my wife already. May her perfect soul rest in peace.

    “I remain focused and committed to serving the people of Akwa Ibom. I wouldn’t wish what happened to me on anyone. If those sharing this video wish the same for themselves, I wish them luck. But I believe even in politics, families should be off-limits. I assure you, my family is intact—we are fine.”

  • Ibom Deep Sea Port and Nigeria’s maritime economy – By Etim Etim

    Ibom Deep Sea Port and Nigeria’s maritime economy – By Etim Etim

    With a 129-km coast line – the longest in the country – and many inland waterways, Akwa Ibom State is designing new schemes to exploit the huge potentials in its maritime economy. And this costs a lot of money.

    The government is building a deep sea port, designed for very large vessels that can load over 13,000 containers in one voyage. It is a joint venture with the Nigerian Port Authority with the Singapore-based Global Maritime & Port Services PTE Limited as the transaction driver. The government is pleading with the Tinubu administration for the full support of the federal government to realize the construction of the deep sea port as the other ports in the country; especially the ones in Lagos are congested. In the meantime, the state government is also developing a modern maritime infrastructure in the coastal town of Oron to facilitate trade, water transportation, boost tourism and reap the benefits of the maritime economy. The project includes a terminal building, new cargo jetty, ferry jetty and joint task force (JTF) jetty.

    There will be high-capacity storage facility for warehouse, dry storage and cold room, in addition to provision of shoreline and embankment protection facility. To boost water transportation between the state and neighbouring Cross River State, the government has already ordered Nigerian Naval Shipyard Limited, a subsidiary of Nigerian Navy, to build two luxury ferries, one of which is expected to be delivered later this year. Each ferry will carry 150 passengers. To encourage leisure and tourism, there is a provision for a garden at the beachfront and a facelift for the museum in the town. Rear Admiral Etop Ebe, the Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard said the ferries would be built to international standard with consideration for safety and comfort.

    The provision of ferry service will essentially restore interstate passenger water transportation which was the only mode of transport between the two states till the now dilapidated Calabar-Itu-Uyo highway was constructed in 1978. Gov. Umo Eno said at the flag-off of construction work that the project is meant to ‘’ignite the renewal and renaissance of Oron as a thriving beachfront town’’. Currently over 1,000 workers are employed at this construction stage, according to Fassal Harb, the chief executive of Bulletin Construction Company which is handling the project. Developing the maritime economy, also known as the blue economy, is an important component of the governor’s economic blueprint. Blue economy creates jobs; drives up revenue; boosts tourism and recreation; facilitates transportation and adds to the GDP growth, among many other benefits. Together with the N5 billion cash and equipment support the government is currently doling out to thousands of NMSES (Nano-, micro- and small-scale enterprises), the new investments in the maritime sector should go a long way in stimulating rural economic activities. ‘’My main objective is to create a secondary, rural-based economy in the state that will not only provide food to the urban markets, but ensures that our communities are more developed and livable’’, the governor said.

    With the investment in maritime infrastructure, the government is hoping to enhance food production through fishing and aquaculture. From generation to generation, Oron has been a major source of seafood in the country, and the provision of cold room by government as part of the infrastructural overhaul will further improve its supply. Marine insecurity was a challenge in the past as pirates regularly mugged fishermen and farers. To curb this, Gov. Eno has created Ministry of Internal & Waterways Security and appointed a retired army general as commissioner to curb security challenges in our waterways. The efforts have paid off. A Marine JTF jetty and outpost together with a solar-powered lighting are will further enhance security of the Oron beach.

    Ibom Deep Sea Port is an important national infrastructure that the federal government ought to support wholeheartedly for the development of the maritime sector in the Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria will benefit enormously from it. Let’s get it done!

  • Firearms recovered, vehicle intercepted by police in Akwa-Ibom

    Firearms recovered, vehicle intercepted by police in Akwa-Ibom

    Akwa Ibom police intercepted a vehicle during a stop-and-search operation in Uyo, recovering a locally fabricated firearm and two live cartridges.

    DSP Timfon John, the command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed the recovery in a statement released on Thursday.

    “The stop-and-search strategy aims to curb crime and enhance public safety,” John said.

    The police spokesperson said the incident occurred at the Ikot Ekpene Control Post when officers stopped a Mercedes Benz C300 with a customised plate number, FORBES JR, carrying three male occupants.

    “In a determined effort to rid Akwa Ibom of illegal firearms and criminal elements, operatives of the command intercepted a Mercedes Benz C300 with a customised plate number, FORBES JR,” John said.

    According to the CPRO, the occupants hail from Itak and Ndiya villages in Ikono Local Government Area of the state.

    The police spokesperson further stated that the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, had ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter.

    John reassured the public of the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.

  • Police neutralise notorious kidnap gang in A’Ibom

    Police neutralise notorious kidnap gang in A’Ibom

    The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has neutralised members of a notorious kidnap gang terrorising parts of the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, confirmed this in a statement on Monday.

    John said the gang was responsible for most kidnapping operations in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and surrounding areas.

    “Acting on credible intelligence, a joint tactical team stormed multiple criminal hideouts at Ikpe Annang, Ikpe Ikot Akpan, and Ikot Inyang in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

    “On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire in a desperate attempt to evade arrest.

    “The officers responded swiftly, engaging them in a gun duel.

    “At the end of the operation, all five suspects sustained injuries and were taken to hospital. One later died while receiving treatment,” John said.

    The PPRO said the police recovered one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one pump-action shotgun, and a locally made dane gun from the suspects.

    Other recovered items included a bag of crayfish, a tambourine, an electric power amplifier, a conga drum, three GSM button phones, and ₦3,130,600 in cash.

    The police spokesperson warned criminals to stay away from the state, saying Akwa Ibom is no longer a safe haven for illegal activities.

    The state’s Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, commended the operatives for their bravery and urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and report suspicious activities.

  • ETIM ETIM: Akwa Ibom APC: Two secretariats, many troubles

    ETIM ETIM: Akwa Ibom APC: Two secretariats, many troubles

    By Etim Etim.

     

    Akwa Ibom State Chapter of APC has two secretariats in Uyo, the state capital. They stand four kilometers apart, separated by acrimony and bad blood, but bonded by decay and abandonment. They are a clear restatement to the parlous conditions of the party in the state, long strewn in crisis, bitterness and infighting. At one end of the party are the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Obong Ekperikpe Ekpo; former presidential adviser, Senator Ita EnangChief Victor Antai, Executive Director, NDDC; Mrs Eunice Thomas, Board member, NNPC; Chief Imo Akpan, Commissioner, RMAFC; Chairman, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Dr. Emaeyak Ukpong, among others. At the opposite end are former minister of Petroleum, Atuekong Don Etiebet; former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Umana; former managing Director of NDDC, Obong Nsima Ekere; former military governor of Ogun State and Rivers State, Group Captain Sam Enwang (rtd); Senator Nelson Effiong, among several others. The two camps do not see eye to eye and, as the saying goes, when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. In this case, the grass has not only overgrown the secretariats, but the party members have become despondent; dejected and disappointed.

    In 2018, APC was a large, formidable party in Akwa Ibom, poised to wrestle power from the PDP. Nsima Ekere, then Managing Director of NDDC, was getting set to contest for the governorship ticket of the party and go on to slug it out with Gov. Udom Emmanuel, who was going for his second term reelection. APC’s Secretariat was then located at 149, Ikot Ekpene Road, an old three-storey building built in the 1970s. The building was initially occupied by the PDP, until it moved to another location in 2016. Today, PDP is occupying a purpose-built secretariat. The imposing building at 149 Ikot Ekpene Road remained vacant until 2018 when APC moved in there with the financial support from Ekere. In August 2018, just as APC was moving into the property, Senator Godswill Akpabio decamped from the PDP to the party, creating a buoyant and upbeat mood among the rank and file. But there were leaders like former governor Victor Attah who warned publicly that Akapbio’s entry into the party would weaken, rather than strengthen it. Many people did not take him seriously.

    Trouble started in 2021 and since then, the party has not remained the same. In October of that year, APC conducted its congresses to elect party leaders and delegates for the various party primaries in preparation for the 2023 elections. Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe, the interim National Secretary of the Party, was leading the charge. Akpabio was Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, but there was no love lost between the two men. They have been political enemies since 2009 when Udedehe defected from PDP to ACN.

    With the congresses concluded, Austine Ekanem, an Udoedehe acolyte who was the State Secretary, was elected State Chairman with 1,278 votes, to beat Stephen Ntokekpo, the youth leader, who scored only six votes. Dr. Ita Udosen, who was the Ag. Chairman (the chairman, Ini Okopido, had died the previous year), was elected South-South Zonal Secretary at the National Convention. All the ward executives and State Officers of the Party were carefully selected and put in place by Udoedehe who was also preparing to run for the 2023 governorship election. Austin Ekanem was duly sworn into office by the Party’s Acting National Chairman, Abubarkar Bello, (then the governor of Niger State) on March 7, 2022. Bello stood in for the then National Chairman, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, who was on medical vacation.

    The party’s structures were all in Udoedehe’s hand. Akpabio, completely sidelined, was livid with rage, but he did not show it. The new State Chairman returned to Uyo and inaugurated his EXCO and Ward Executives. There were celebrations everywhere in the state; but the merriments were short-lived, for exactly 10 days after Austin Ekanem was sworn-in as chairman, the Akpabio camp obtained a judgment from a Federal High Court in Abuja, affirming that Ntokekpo, who had scored only six votes, was the authentic state chairman. Ntokekpo had filed the case in November 2021, soon after the congresses, but Ekanem was not joined as defendant. Rather it was the APC that was the defendant, a clever tactic that ensured that the case was undefended. The court judgment was based on a fake result sheet in which Ntokekpo’s score was changed from 006 to 1006; while Ekanem’s score changed from 1,278 to 278. It was a mathematical abracadabra in which ‘’1’’ from Ekanem’s 1,278 votes was moved to Ntokekpo’s 006 votes to make it 1006. All other results were unchanged in the court filing. It was a pyrrhic for the party has not recovered from it since then.

    With this, Ntokekpo, an Akpabio ally, was sworn in as the State Chairman, replacing Ekanem, who had been was sworn in two week earlier. A protracted legal battle ensued between Ekanem and Ntokekpo with Akpabio and Udoedehe as the big behind-the-scene-masquerades. But there were other problems. The chairman of the APC Akwa Ibom State State Congress Committee, Alhaji Banki Yusuf wrote a petition to the police headquarters in Abuja, stating that Steven Ntokekpo had allegedly forged the result of the state congress. The police arrested Ntokekpo and investigated the allegation. Forgery was confirmed. The police then forwarded the result of their investigation to the DPP Office in Abuja and after the review of the police report and investigation; the DPP recommended that Steven Ntokekpo and others be charged to court. Till today, no case has been filed against Ntokekpo. There was a big masquerade behind him.

    Akpabio had now assumed full control of the party structures in the state, but Ekanem was still fighting hard to reclaim his mandate. The forgery allegation was still swirling around; the congress matter was dragging in court in Abuja and the 2023 elections were approaching fast. APC was waltzing from one crisis to another, and events began to unfold at dizzying speed in quick succession. Senator Udoedehe decamped from the party to NNPP and picked up its governorship ticket; Akpabio resigned from Buhari’s cabinet to run for President and rented another storey building at No. 6 Ekpo Obot Street, Uyo, as the party’s State Secretariat, abandoning the imposing building at 149, Ikot Ekpene Road, painted in APC colours. The acquisition of a new secretariat was the first formal indication of a gulf and disharmony in the party; and the discord has been growing.

    Within that period, Chief Akan Udofia, a swashbuckling oil industry contractor, emerged as the party’s governorship candidate through another dubious circumstance. Udofia had contested in the PDP governorship primary held a day before APC’s primary, and scored only one vote. But how he emerged victorious in APC’s primary conducted around midnight the following day is the stuff that ‘’Akpabiosm School of Politics’’ is made of.

    Enter Senator Ita Enang, another APC governorship aspirant. A lawyer of over 40 years at the bar, Enang headed to the courts and obtained judgment at Federal High Court, Abuja, against Udofia and APC. The court decided that since the midnight primary was not certified by INEC, the party was null and void, and the party had no governorship candidate for the 2023 election! By now, Akpabio had withdrawn from the presidential primary at Eagles Square in Abuja on March 6, 2022; bought a nomination form for Senate and by another abracadabra, another Senatorial primary was conducted for him in which he won the nomination. In the first senatorial primary, a retired deputy inspector general of police, Mr. Ekpo Ekpoudom, was nominated as candidate. How Akpabio wrestled the ticket from Ekpoudom at the Supreme Court is yet another mystery of Nigerian democracy.

    It’s been two years since the 2023 elections and with all the political dramas; dubious court judgments and mago-mago party primaries; APC emerged exhausted and withered. There has not been any party a major activity since the election. Austin Ekanem, the ousted Chairman, says the Secretariat at 149 Ikot Ekpene Road has been abandoned since 2022 and activity has ceased in the party since the end of 2023 elections. He recalls that around October 2024, Senator Ita Enang had approached him, and apparently acting at the behest of the Senate President, invited him for some reconciliation meetings, but he rebuffed Enang, telling him that he would not be part of any reconciliation process that does not include other disaffected leaders like Umana Umana; Don Etiebet; Nsima Ekere; Sam Enwang; Bassey Dan-Abia; Senator Nelson Effiong and other leaders’’. The process has stalled.

    But Dr. Ita Udosen, the South-South Zonal Secretary of the Party, says although he’s a senior officer of the party, he has never been invited for any party event. His words: ‘’As you know, I was the Acting Chairman of the Party for about two years, and I operated from 149, Ikot Ekpene Road. Stephen Ntokekpo was the youth leader then. In 2022, I was elected as the Zonal Secretary of the party; and my office is in Port Harcourt. I can tell you that I have never been invited to any party event at the Ekpo Obot Secretariat and I do not know what the conditions there are like’’.

    Stephen Ntokekpo himself was quite effusive when I spoke to him. He said that there are plans to reconcile everybody and bring all sidelined persons back into one fold, noting that the Ekpo Obot secretariat is not only functioning, but is well maintained. I did not see that. He paid tributes to the Senate President and the minister for their contributions to the party. ‘’You know, the property we are occupying is owned by an APC stalwart (Chief Sunny Ibanga). I am aware that both the Senate President and the minister have been taking care of our landlord who has not been well. If I have any issue with the landlord, I will sort it ought with him. But I can tell you that the rent for the property is not due till March and the property is well kept’’.

    Ntokekpo then veered off and praised Gov. Umo Eno for ‘’for bringing peace and harmony to the State’’. He said: ‘’Gov. Umo Eno has reached out to APC members in ways that show that he is the governor for all Akwa Ibom people, irrespective of party affiliations. The governor has identified with the Senate President, who is our grand leader, in a very respectful manner. To that extent, we in APC have decided that we should give the governor his due respect and allow the government a chance to govern. Elections have come and gone. It’s time for governance’’.

    Akwa Ibom APC has been thoroughly weakened by its many troubles. It’s difficult to see how it would go through the 2027 elections.

  • A’Ibom to host maiden N/Delta Sports Festival

    A’Ibom to host maiden N/Delta Sports Festival

    Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has expressed the willingness of the state to ensure quality hosting of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival.

    Eno said this on Friday when a delegation of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, paid a courtesy visit on him in Uyo.

    The governor noted that sports remained a veritable source of strengthening the existing bonds, amongst Niger Delta states and its people.

    He conveyed the gratitude of the government and people of the state for the visit and particularly for the choice of Akwa Ibom as venue for the first-ever Niger Delta Sports Festival.

    Eno assured the visitors that the state would set up a working team to drive the process with the NDDC team toward ensuring a successful festival.

    He expressed optimism that the sports festival, beyond fostering unity and collaboration, amongst the component states of the region, would launch talents in the region to limelight and boost the local economy.

    Earlier, Ogbuku said the regional commission was a common identity that showcased the beauty in its diversity as well as the shared needs of the people of the area.

    He said that beyond infrastructure development of the area, the commission had resolved to further foster unity and promote the abundant sports talents in the region by initiating a regional sports festival.

    The NDDC managing director said that the unanimous adoption of Uyo as venue for the event by the board was occasioned by the serenity of the state and availability of requisite infrastructure.

    Ogbuku said that the event is scheduled to hold from April 1 to 8 to commemorate the commission’s 25th anniversary.

    “It is not only because Akwa Ibom is the Promise Land but Akwa Ibom has also been able to provide the right facilities to accommodate the 20 sporting events that we are putting together for the Niger Delta Sports Festival.

    “So, the Goodwill Akpabio International Stadium is the venue for this sports festival.

    “So, we are here to let you know that we the Board, Management and staff of the NDDC came together to say, we are giving the hosting right of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival to Akwa Ibom, ” he said.

    Ogbuku said that athletes, sports lovers and stakeholders across the nine states of the region were expected to converge in Uyo, for the one-week festival.

  • Group urges EFCC to investigate ex-A/Ibom governor, Udom Emmanuel

    Group urges EFCC to investigate ex-A/Ibom governor, Udom Emmanuel

    Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Initiative (NACAT) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate former governor of Akwa Ibom,  Udom Emmanuel, over alleged misappropriation of state funds.

    The group, which made the call in a petition to the EFCC against the former governor on Wednesday in Abuja, accused him of diverting over N1.5 trillion state funds.

    NAN reports that the petition was signed by its Executive Director, Investigation, Fejiro Tega; Operation Manager, Stanley Ugabe; and Michael Ekpo; with Victor Thompson for Akwa Ibomites.

    “As a leading anti-corruption group in Nigeria, we will be failing in our duties and responsibilities if we turn a blind eye to the wanton corruption and embezzlement of public funds orchestrated by former Gov. Udom Emmanuel.

    “We have painstakingly investigated and audited many of the financial records of the state available to us and detailed our findings here as part of our petition.

    “The diversion of funds and primitive massive acquisition of properties by Udom and his family members, has left the residents and indigenes of the state wondering why the EFCC has not invited him for questioning and prosecution,” the group wrote.

    NACAT noted that, in spite of the over N3 trillion that came into the Akwa Ibom State coffers under the eight years tenure of Udom, a staggering sum of N700 billion could not be accounted for.

    “The former governor yet left a debt profile of over N500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects worth over N300 billion, with abandoned projects littered all over the state,” it stated.

    NACAT said that the former governor, through his cronies, allegedly awarded contracts to companies owned by his allies through which funds were siphoned from the state’s coffers.

    It alleged that Emmanuel diverted the state’s funds  through security votes, which were never given to the security agents that it was meant for.

    According to the group, over N4.5 billion was withdrawn and claimed to be given to security agencies in a space of six months, while over N10 billion was spent in 2018 alone, as security votes.

    The anti-corruption organisation accused the former governor of spending over N100 billion to build 31 industries that never saw the light of the day.

    “The 31 industries, which gulped over N100 billion have not been built till now beyond the four he did that died after their commissioning.

    “The only completed and standard projects he completed are his houses in Ikoyi, worth over N3 billion, as well as his new house undergoing construction that is built entirely with concrete and no blocks.

    “Greenwell Technologies Limited which was claimed to be a PPP actually had 100 per cent ownership by Akwa Ibom with N650 million paid by Udom in 2016 to kickstart the fertilizer company,” it further alleged.

    NACAT also claimed that the state government was  paying the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) N1.5 billion yearly, ostensibly for supply of raw materials.

    “Udom diverted all the billions made by the fertilizer company to a shell company in the U.S., named Greenwell Technologies LLC.

    “He claimed that they were to supply raw materials, whereas it was ONSA that supplied raw materials and were already paid for.

    “We also have cause to believe that Udom is a major shareholder of Globus Bank,” it further alleged.

    “Majority of the state government’s accounts are now with Globus Bank right from when it was floated under his tenure in Akwa Ibom State and till now, the group added.

    It also claimed that New Dawn Microfinance Bank in Uyo is owned by the former governor’s allies.

    NACAT also alleged that the former governor used people as fronts to perpetrate such, adding that the microfinance bank was a money laundering bank used to warehouse money for him.

    It said that the former governor also used his wife to buy a property worth 580,000 dollars in the U.S. located at 3939 Manor House, Drive, Charlotte, NC 28270.

    Speaking with newsmen earlier, Mr Light Shedrack, Director of Compliance NACAT,  said the group  decided to officially send a petition to the EFCC chairman and would be ready to stand as witness in due course if called upon.

    When contacted, the EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the petition was submitted to the commission by the group on Wednesday.

    However, Mr Stephen Abia, the media aide to the former governor, dismissed the allegation, describing it as baseless.

    He said the petition was the handiwork of the enemies of the former governor, stressing that records were on ground to proof the achievements of his boss during his tenure.

    Abia, who emphasised that the allegation did not hold water, said his principal ruled the state with utmost transparency and observed due process in all his dealings as governor.

    According to him, most of the allegations were frivolous and unfounded.

    The media aide, while describing the petition as a “trash, which should not be reckoned with”, said those who wrote it had no good record, and were known for their notorious activities.