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Tag: Akwa Ibom

  • Idongesit Akpan: Akwa Ibom CLO Endorses Udom Inoyo’s Governorship bid

    Idongesit Akpan: Akwa Ibom CLO Endorses Udom Inoyo’s Governorship bid

    As the bid for who becomes the next governor of Akwa Ibom State thickens, the Akwa Ibom State branch of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) has endorsed Mr Udom Inoyo’s aspiration for the governorship seat. The Chairman, Akwa Ibom State branch of the Organization, Mr Franklyn Isong, states that Mr Inoyo with his robust experience and connections has the capacity to attract investments and developments to the State, locally, nationally and internationally. He envisions that the capacity will create massive job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the State. Mr. Isong noted that Udom Inoyo was the best bet for Akwa Ibom State since he has the competence to drive the economy of the State.

    “I am tempted to x-ray two personalities. If I am asked to make a choice for the office of the Governor from both of them, Inoyo has better local, national and international connections to drive the economy of the State better than Umo Eno”, the CLO Chief wrote in his RADAR Newspaper chat Group yesterday.
    Giving weight to the declaration by that outstanding civil rights and public affairs commentator, a leading political strategist in the state embedded in the camp of the former Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Companies in Nigeria, noted that “Mr. Udom Inoyo has so far conducted himself with class, has displayed maturity, humility and respect for constituted authority while focusing on his politicking without distracting the sitting Governor. He does not try to compete for space by being seen everywhere like some others do. Mr Inoyo has not heat up the polity, the man has acted professionally, showed depth and vision in his engagements. He is absolutely committed to the completion agenda of the present Government and people know that he has the capacity to complete the agenda and add more value to the state.”

    According to the strategist who pleaded anonymity, “Some aspirants have already put up themselves as Governors-in-waiting, forgetting the story of Adonijah in the Bible”, adding that, “for those who may not remember the story, let them be reminded that Adonijah was one of the sons of King David in Israel, when King David was old and about to transit, Adonijah set up himself as the King-elect, but it was Solomon who finally got the nod to succeed King David.”

    The CLO Chairman’s reasons for preferring Mr. Inoyo fit the considerations outlined on two separate occasions by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, while enumerating the qualities of his prospective successor.
    The Governor first reeled out such details in his 6th anniversary broadcast to the people of Akwa Ibom State. The Governor for the second time, in October, 2021 at far away University of Nigeria, Nsukka, while delivering the 2021 Founders Day Lecture of the University also highlighted his requirements.
    In his May 29th Statewide Broadcast to mark his sixth year as Governor, Mr. Emmanuel had outlined the profile of his potential successor. He also presented the profile of the the kind of person Akwa Ibom people should not have as Governor.

    ” Let me now ask my dear Akwa Ibomites: Do you want a successor who will cancel out all the great works we have started, the peace we currently enjoy and return us to the years when violence and kidnapping reigned…? Do you want a successor who will come with anger towards all we have done, as opposed to continuing with the great works we have started? Do you want a leader whose approach to testing his popularity would be to drive in a long convoy to Ibom Plaza and throw money at the hapless people, watching them scramble for the money and people would say that is ‘Ano Owo Mkpo’! Is that the kind of successor you want? Is that the kind of empowerment our people deserve? Someone who would bring out the worst in our youths rather than challenge them to seize the future and unleash their potentials? Do you want a successor who would relegate God to the background and assume an all-knowing power?

    “Or do you desire a successor with a known e-mail address that the international business community recognizes? Do you want a leader who will fritter away our commonwealth in search of cheap popularity or one who would utilize the resources and continue investing in projects with enduring value? Do you want a successor who would see Government as a cabal where our commonwealth would be shared among a privileged few or do you desire a leader who would continue to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, a successor who understands the economic dynamics that shape the globalized space and would utilize those skills to advance our well-being? These are questions you have to provide answers, and the answers you provide would determine the type of a successor you deserve.

    On that occasion, Governor Udom Emmanuel had emphatically submitted, “Mark my words, we will not return to the type of leadership that is big on noise and small in the execution of the big picture items. We will never go backward on the peace in our land, the steady and focused developments we have started.”
    The preference by the State Civil Liberties Organization Boss agrees totally with the mindset of Governor Udom Emmanuel about his successor in 2023.

  • Duncan Mighty survives ghastly motor accident in Akwa Ibom

    Duncan Mighty survives ghastly motor accident in Akwa Ibom

    Nigerian singer, Duncan Mighty, has just released a statement that he survived a fatal accident that plunged the car into a river.

    According to the singer, the unfortunate incident happened on January 2, 2022, while he was on his way to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital for a performance.

    The singer took to his Instagram page on Wednesday to give details of the accident.

    Sharing a picture of himself in the hospital, the Obianuju singer wrote, “God bless you all for your prayers.

    “2nd January, on our way to Uyo, our vehicle drove straight into the river after a trailer on a high-speed brake failed.

    “That was the last thing I can remember. Next is seeing myself in a hospital. God-made is not man-made.

    “To our rescuers, Akwa Ibom / Ogoni youths, God bless you more and more. I’ve been discharged and sound.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by DuncanMighty (@duncanmighty)

  • 12 fake medical laboratories shut down in Akwa Ibom

    12 fake medical laboratories shut down in Akwa Ibom

    Prof. Augustine Umoh, the Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Health, said that he has closed 12 medical laboratories for allegedly involving in unwholesome medical practices dangerous to excellent health care delivery services.

    Umoh made the disclosure to newsmen in Uyo after the Inspection Team sealed some laboratories on Sunday.

    He said the clampdown is in compliance with the directive from the State Executive Council over sub standard services of medical Laboratories operators in the state.

    The Commissioner listed offences of the sealed laboratories to include lack of Certificate of registration with the State Ministry of Health, Non evidence of registration with

    Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria, lack of qualified Laboratory Scientists and other supporting staff in the Laboratories.

    Others were the lack of Test Result Book in the Laboratories, no Laboratory Register, lack of personal operating license of Laboratory Technicians as well as unethical practices dangerous to medical diagnosis of diseases.

    “I have received a number of complains with regards to medical laboratory facilities and practice and this is an attempt to correct some of this abnormalities.

    “As a matter of fact, the state Executive Council has also received many of these reports and also directed that this exercise be carried out.

    “So our intention is to use this exercise to give further directive to the practice of laboratory services for effective service delivery in the state,” Umoh said.

    Umoh explained that monitoring of Medical Laboratories would be extended to other parts of the state such as Ikot Ekpene, Abak, Eket and Oron Local Government Areas axis of the state to check quack Laboratories in the state.

    “We are going out on monitoring to make sure that Laboratory facility services in the state are in conformity with what is expected to the extent that the practices are at least of the best practices.

    “We have started with medical Laboratories in Uyo metropolis but we would certainly extend it to all nooks and crannies of the state,” the Health Commissioner said.

    The Head of the Monitoring/Inspection Team, Dr. Augustine Udoh, said lack of precision in medical laboratory test administered to patients resulted in poor medical diagnosis .

    Udoh said such medical diagnosis emanating from defective Laboratory facilities could mislead Medical Doctors in prescribing the right drugs for treatment of various ailments.

    He said one of the Laboratories visited was using a student on Industrial Training to work and issue test results instead of Certified Laboratory Scientist while others impersonate popular names of Laboratory Scientist in the state to defraud members of public.

    “The clampdown on fake laboratories in the state would continue in the new year till we reposition their services, achieve health for all in completion agenda of Gov. Udom Emmanuel,” he said.

    He explained that those laboratories sealed would only be reopened when their proprietors fulfill all conditions by the state Ministry of Health, including engagement of competent technical personnel in their Laboratory facilities.

  • 44 people die of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom – Official

    44 people die of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom – Official

    Dr Dominic Ukpong, the Special Adviser on Heath Matters to Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, said 44 people had so far died of COVID-19 in the state.

    Ukpong made the disclosure at the maiden Eket Christmas Festival on Friday.

    “It is official that 44 people died in Akwa Ibom since COVID-19 started on April 1, 2020.

    “We should not allow people to deceive us, COVID-19 is real.

    “In our state, the area which has the highest COVID-19 number was Uyo Local Government Area (LGA), followed by Eket LGA and Ikot Ekpene LGA,’’ he said.

    Ukpong added, “Just about three days ago, we have about five cases of COVID-19 again but we have not been able to confirm whether it is Omicron or not.’’

    The special adviser appealed to residents of Eket and its environs to continue to abide by the protocols to prevent the virus.

    Also speaking, Mr Frank Archibong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, appealed to the people to maintain the peace during and after the carnival.

    “Let’s us try as much as possible to maintain peace, let us not give the event bad colouration,’’ Archibong said.

    Mr Akaniyene Tommy, the Chairman, Eket LGA, said the festival had been endorsed by reputable bodies, including the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria and Nigeria Tourism Development Cooperation.

    Tommy assured the people of safety during the festival as adequate security measure had been put in place to achieve that.

  • Nsukka and Udom Emmanuel’s grand vision – Udeme Nana

    Nsukka and Udom Emmanuel’s grand vision – Udeme Nana

    By UDEME NANA

    Earlier this month, precisely on Thursday, 7th October, this writer joined the entourage of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State to the University of Nigeria, where the Governor delivered the 2021 Founder’s Day Lecture.

    The other great ‘Lion’ in the delegation was Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Russia, Chief Assam Assam who had also served Akwa Ibom State as the Attorney – General and Commissioner for Justice. The Founder’s Day was to mark the spectacular contributions of the great statesman, the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe to the establishment of the University of Nigeria. The legendary University exists as a counterpoise against the current agitation by some Igbo youths to cut ties with a country for which the great Zik of Africa, their iconic son, who set it up, lived and died.

    One does not know why the Governor of Akwa Ibom State was picked as this year’s visiting guest speaker on such an auspicious occasion. As one journeyed through the meandering road towards Nsukka and into the lush greens of that citadel of learning, one wondered if the Vice Chancellor and his team had known that the celebrated Zik of Africa was, in the 1920’s, a mentee of the late Chief Nyong Essien, a respected Akwa Ibom titan, who was the pioneer Chairman of the Eastern Nigeria Council of Chiefs and the Nsom of Uruan in the Ibibio heartland of Akwa Ibom State. There is a possibility that the Governor was properly briefed because he was accompanied by his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong on the trip.

    One imagined the organizers had remembered that the first Head of Government, then known as Leader of Government Business, in the Eastern region was another distinguished Akwa Ibom indigene and a leading intellectual of that era , the late Professor Eyo Ita from Ibeno. Yes, there are memories of Ibanga Udo Akpabio who had served as Secretary – General of the defunct Ibibio state Union and a Minister in the Eastern regional Government who moved the motion for the establishment of the University.

    Even the symbol of the Institution, the Lion which stands in a menacing poise at the erstwhile main entrance into the University reflects the contribution of another AkwaIbomite as it was chiseled professionally by an Akwa Ibom sculptor, Dr. Uko Akpaide who, incidentally, taught my father when today’s old men were struggling boys in elementary school. Akwa Ibom is also one of the catchment areas of the University, a circumstance which gives advantage to applicants for admission into the school from the state. It would be nice, in addition, to have indigenes of the state enjoy such favourable consideration in employment opportunities. After all, Akwa Ibom was part of the oil – palm belt, the golden goose at that time, which exploitation generated resources to fund the building of the University.

    So much for some of the vital links between Akwa Ibom and the first indigenous University in Nigeria.
    Governor Udom Emmanuel seized the moment to present a case study on how he has changed the narrative of development through infrastructure and Industrialisation in Akwa Ibom, ‘that was once a civil service state’.
    According to the Governor, who held the audience spell bound in his characteristic oratory : ” shortly after I was sworn in, fully conscious of where we were going, I set up a Technical Committee on Foreign Direct Investment and charged them to go all out and sell our state, our areas of comparative advantage and ensure that through Industrialisation, we would expand the opportunities of growth for our people ”

    The Governor, having been properly robed in the requisite academic gown temporarily turned professorial and taught his captive students that ‘the key drivers of Industrialisation were the quality of infrastructure on ground and of course, peace and security since investors will not go to a place that is unsafe and insecure” This explains his ‘Maintain Peace Movement’. It was telling that the Secretary – General of the Group, Prince Enobong Uwah was in the flight. Does anyone out there still have issues with Governor Emmanuel’s deep concern for a peaceful environment? No doubt, there is a correlation between a peaceful and more secure environment and influx of investors into any location. Any wonder then that Uyo, the state capital, once a sleepy city, is no longer a dull place as it welcomes and hosts business people who fly in to stay, cut deals and savour the hospitable location and its array of delicious cuisines.

    Another sector which the present government in Uyo has changed the narrative is Aviation through Ibom Air even though critics continue to ask questions about the ownership structure of the Airline. Nevertheless, in the words of Mr. Udom Emmanuel “Ibom Air, has become a national sensation, flying the colours of Akwa Ibom within the Nigerian Aviation space and dominating it, a mere two years after its maiden commercial flight’

    Indeed, Ibom Air, one of the flagship success stories of Governor Emmanuel operates from the only airport in Nigeria, arguably, with specifications where two aeroplanes can take off at the same time. It is important to underscore that the airline is just one aspect of the business operations plan of the Airport. The Airport in Uyo is a potentially Maintain, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub with prospects for job creation, more investments and ancillary businesses. Ultimately, the entire environment around the Airport would become a city with profitable services around it. The Governor used the podium at Nsukka to repeat his grand vision which a lot of politicians in his state do not seem to see. He noted ” as I always say, it is good for a 21st century leader, to have a broad vision and the requisite exposure to international best practices. What do I mean by that?

    He stated ‘your vision is a product of your exposure, what you have seen elsewhere, how those things work and how they can be applied in your local environment to the benefit of the people is a lived experience and not a learned one” Have those throwing mud at ‘Fathers of Faith’ and blackmailing the Governor’s immediate family and other religious leaders concerning the Governor’s succession plan heard that? Which leader would accomplish so much and not want such accomplishments and legacies sustained through a deliberate succession agenda?

    Since most Akwa Ibom politicians were not at Nsukka to hear the Governor twice on his mindset about his succession, it would suffice to re – echo Governor Udom Emmanuel’s loud and clear pronouncement on the occasion of the 6th Anniversary of his Administration on the issue, ‘let me now ask you my dear AkwaIbomites : Do you want a successor who will cancel out all the great strides in industrialization we have started? The peace we currently enjoy and return us to the years when violence and kidnapping reigned and sowed fear in the hearts and minds of the people? Do you want a successor who will come with anger towards all we have done, as opposed to continuing with the great works we have started? Do you want a leader whose approach to testing his popularity would be to drive in a long convoy to “Ibom Plaza” and throw money at the hapless people, watching them scramble for the money and the people would say that’s “Ano owo Mkpo”! Is that the kind of a successor you want?

    Is that the kind of empowerment our people deserve? Someone who will bring out the worst in our youths rather than challenge them to seize the future and unleash their potentials? Do you want a successor who will relegate God to the background and assume an all-knowing power? Or do you desire a successor with a known e-mail address that the International business community recognises? Do you want a leader who will fritter away our commonwealth in search of cheap popularity or one who would utilize the resources and continue investing in projects with enduring value? Do you want a successor who would see Government as a cabal where our commonwealth would be shared among a privileged few or do you desire a leader who would continue to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, a successor who understands the economic dynamics that shape our globalized space and would utilize those skills to advance our well-being? These are questions you have to provide answers, and the answers you provide would determine the type of a successor you deserve.

    ‘Mark my words, we will not return to the type of leadership that is big on noise and small in the execution of the big picture items. We will never go backward on the peace in our land, the steady and focused developments we have started. The line in our State anthem has made this faith manifestly clear: Forward ever and backward never!’
    On that occasion, he had also declared :

    ‘My dear Akwa Ibomites, if what you are desiring is a successor who will not have the capacity and the discipline to build a State where you and your children will live in peace and strive to excel, if you are desiring a successor who will turn back the clock of our developmental strides, if you are desiring a successor who will bring out the worst in our youths as opposed to galvanizing their energies and challenging them to be the best they can be, if you are desiring a leader who would not efficiently utilize the resources of this State on projects that have redeeming value then I am sorry to disappoint you, God will not give us such a successor.’ He had laid emphasis on the point when he further noted :

    ‘We have gone too far ahead to retreat backward. So as you are engaging in prognostications, creating camps of loyalty and getting consumed by who you think my successor would be, always bear these thoughts in your mind’
    That sums up Governor Udom Emmanuel’s splendid vision ; well written and laid out, stated clearly in unmistakable terms and spoken boldly within and outside the state. QED!

  • One killed, another wounded in Akwa Ibom auto crash

    One killed, another wounded in Akwa Ibom auto crash

    One individual is said to have been killed and another injured in a motor accident which occurred on Monday along the IBB way, near Women Development Centre, Uyo.

    The accident involved a Mack truck belonging to AMITEC construction company with number plate KPR321XA and a KVS King tricycle with number plate, JW740KET.

    The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Matthew Olonisaye in a statement on Monday attributed the cause of the accident to brake failure

    He urged vehicles owners to take the maintenance of their vehicles seriously adding that the command would continue to be hard on vehicles owners that compromise on this.

    “Vehicle owners should not take maintenance of their vehicles for granted. The Sector Command will continue to be hard on the owner of vehicles that are not roadworthy. Road users should obey traffic rules and regulations and continue to cooperate with our operatives to minimize road mishaps,” Olonisaye said.

     

  • Akwa Ibom joins VAT battle as Lagos insists on fiscal federalism

    Akwa Ibom joins VAT battle as Lagos insists on fiscal federalism

    The Lagos State Government on Thursday said its decision to demand for collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) was all about about fiscal federalism.

    Contrary to concerns of stakeholders, the state government said VAT collection would neither impoverish other states nor would the process be cumbersome.

    Commissioner for Information Strategy Gbenga Omotoso revealed this on Thursday on a programme on TVC monitored by TheNewsGuru.com, TNG.

    “Lagos has a solid case in the ongoing legal dispute as the crux of the disagreement is about equity, justice and fairness.

    “Whichever way it goes, it will also enrich our jurisprudence and enhance the way we see and relate to the law.

    “No matter what, Lagos will always stand for true fiscal federalism,” Omotosho averred.

    The commissioner noted that the volume of air, sea and road transport activities in Lagos puts pressure on the state’s infrastructure.

    He added that additional revenue from VAT would facilitate infrastructure development for faster movement of goods and services, as well as economic growth for the benefit of Lagos and other states since prices will fall.

    On the demand for a special status for Lagos, Omotoso described Lagos as a ‘giant that carries most of the burden of Nigeria on its shoulders and the engine-room of the nation’s financial and business activities.

    “Lagos must be empowered to play this role to the benefit of Nigerians”, he insisted.

    Omotoso noted that other states can partner with Lagos to generate more revenue or resources by taking advantage of its huge population and massive market to sell their agricultural produce and other products, while profits realised therefrom would be repatriated to create more wealth for farmers and other producers in such states.

    According to him, Lagos almost became an orphan following the movement of the Federal Capital Territory to Abuja in 1991, resulting in modest support from the Federal Government.

    He was confident there would be resources for more infrastructure and facilities in transportation, health, education, e.t.c, that will benefit Lagosians and others who troop in every day if the state is allowed to collect VAT.

    Omotoso added that the state will sensitise residents concerning its position on the debate.

    Governor Udom Emmanuel makes case for Akwa Ibom, gives kudos to Wike, Sanwo-Olu

    Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel also said states were entitled to collect VAT.

    He spoke on Arise TV News ‘Morning Show’ aired to mark the state’s 34th anniversary.

    According to him, it was wrong for the Federal Government to collect and share revenue from VAT because it is generated from businesses and activities in states.

    TNG reports that the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, had on Thursday asked all taxpayers to continue remitting VAT to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

    She said in an advertorial: “The ruling of the Court of Appeal employs all taxpayers in all the states to continue to collect VAT on behalf of the government in compliance with the VAT Act.”

    However, Governor Emmanuel explained that despite the huge oil and gas investments in the state, Akwa Ibom receives a paltry N2 billion from VAT.

    He backed his Rivers and Lagos states counterparts, Nyesom Wike and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, both of whom TNG had earlier reported to have signed their VAT bills.

    Emmanuel said: “If my brother state has gone to court, it is the same principle that we stand on. I think we are all in the same bucket, the same basket.

    “All the 36 states do not need to join at the same time. Today my brother in Rivers State has gone far enough.

    “I think the case has gone to the Appeal Court and there is also a stay of execution.

    “Let me allow the rule of law. But for states saying they do not need VAT, maybe they do not know the hidden treasure in VAT.

    “If today I sell a house in Uyo, or any other person sells a property, the value is enhanced because of the good roads, electricity, security and water I have created, and the value I have added to the property. Why should the VAT on the property not come to me 100 per cent?

    “Just look at the money I have spent on capital projects in the first quarter put at N143 billion, if you take 7.5 per cent of that, why should all not come to me?,” the governor asked.

  • Police arrest artisan who specialises in manufacturing, selling guns to criminals in Akwa Ibom

    Police arrest artisan who specialises in manufacturing, selling guns to criminals in Akwa Ibom

    The Police have arrested a welder for allegedly manufacturing and selling locally made guns to criminals in Akwa Ibom state.

    The suspect Ekike Hector David of Mbiokporo 1 in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, was apprehended on Monday, 13th September.

    Speaking on the development, Police Spokesman, SP Odiko MacDon, in a statement on Tuesday said the suspect was arrested when a surveillance Team of ‘A’ Division located at Barracks Road, were on routine stop and search operations.

    SP MacDon further revealed that Ekike was caught in possession of eight locally fabricated AK47 Rifles, one (1) Pump Action, one (1) pistol and six (6) Dane Guns.

    The spokesman also added that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect sells the locally made rifles and other types of guns to criminal elements who use the same in terrorising innocent members of the public.

    He further noted that the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, Amiegheme Andrew has ordered an elaborate investigation to uncover and arrest those who patronized him and other conspirators.

  • Police condemn increasing child rape cases in Akwa Ibom, capture two suspects

    Police condemn increasing child rape cases in Akwa Ibom, capture two suspects

    Two persons have been arrested and detained by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command over alleged abduction and rape of two underage girls.

    One of the suspects, Edidiong Ufe, also known as ‘Isong Akpa,’ an indigene of Idu Uruan in Uruan local government area of the state, was alleged to have abducted a 12-year-old girl from the neighbouring community of Ifiayong Usuk of same local government.

    It was gathered that the suspect repeatedly raped and impregnated his victim, leading to pregnancy now four months gone. The suspect had allegedly confessed to committing the crime.

    Also, another suspect, one Iboro Ayama, an indigene of Ikot Offiong but resident in Ini LGA, has been arrested by the command for allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl-child.

    Ayama, 48, was said to have accosted the 10-year-old while she was running an errand for her grandmother, dragged her to a nearby bush where he allegedly defiled her.

     

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, SP Odiko Macdon, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, expressed deep concerns about the growing cases of gender-based violence in the state saying the suspect would be charged to court after conclusion of investigations.

    The PPRO said, “Based on a complaint of abduction on 11th May, 2021 at about 1:25PM, the operatives of Uruan Division swung into action and arrested one Edidiong Etm Ufe a.k.a “Isong Akpa” ‘m’ of Idu Uruan in Uruan Local Government, Area, who allegedly abducted a 12yr-old-girl, of Ifiayong Usuk, Uruan Local Government Area sometimes in November, 2020 and consecutively had unlawful carnal knowledge of her which resulted to four months pregnancy. The suspect has confessed to the crime.

    “Similarly, following a tip-off on 11/6/2021 at about 1720hrs, Operatives of Ini Division apprehended one Iboro Ime Ayama ‘m’ of Ikot Offrong, but residing at Ikot Etok Eren, Ini L.G.A who forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of a 10-yr-old girl hails from Edem Idim Ibakesi of the same L.G.A.

    “Investigation reveals that the victim was sent to buy foodstuff at Affiong Aran market by her grandmother but was accosted by the suspect on her way home, who dragged her into a nearby bush and defiled her.”

    The police spokesperson warned perpetrators of GBV to desist from the act saying that the long arm of the law would surely catch up with such persons.

     

  • Police arrest 15 suspected cultists in Eket

    Police arrest 15 suspected cultists in Eket

    The Police Command in Akwa Ibom said it arrested 15 suspected cultists in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, who made this known in an interview, in Eket on Friday, said officers of the command raided the popular spot at Afaha Ukwa, a hotspot for criminal activities in the local government.

    Recall the renewed cult war started on June 21, and three cult members have lost their lives in Eket so far.

    “We have arrested 15 suspected cultists during the raid on criminal hideouts in Eket and its environs. If you raid and make arrest of 15, it does not mean that all of them are guilty.

    “You can’t arrest 15 people now through raiding because of cult activities and believe that there are no innocent persons amongst them,” he said.

    Macdon explained that the Commissioner of Police had directed that the suspects would be screened and those found culpable would be charged to court.

    The spokesman said the command would continue to raid black spots and go after the perpetrators in Eket and its environs.

    Meanwhile, Mr Akaninyene Tommy, the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, has sealed two brothels at Afaha Uqua and Ofriyo, where the perpetrators used to commit the act.

    “The brothels were sealed and asked to stop operations indefinitely, whenever there was crisis in Eket, it emanated from the brothels in the area.

    “As a government we are here to ensure the spots are shut permanently and no business will ever take place there again,” Tommy said.

    He commended police force and charged them not to spare anyone in the course of their duty as the safety and wellbeing of Eket people was paramount.