Substandard tyres accounts for 5,288 road crashes In Nigeria --DG SON

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UYO-THE Director-General of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Osita Aboloma, yesterday raised the alarm that the country is flooded with expired and substandard tyres which is responsible for most road crashes.

 He said over 5,288 road crashes recorded between 2011 and 2015 across the country in the last four years came as a result of substandard tyres.

Speaking yesterday at a one-day Sensitization Workshop, tagged, “General Sensitization, Increase Awareness on Substandard Tyres" organized by Scorecard Ventures Limited,  at Entry Point Hotel & Suit Ltd, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Aboloma said "between 2011 and 2015 alone, not less than 5,288 road crashes across the country were recorded as a result of substandard or expired types". 

The DG who was represented by the Regional Coordinator, South-South, Mr. Papanye Don-Pedro assured that his organization would not fold its arms allow the trend to continue.

According to him everything has been concluded to clamp down the marketers of the product to save the country from the frequent road carnage arising from it.

 He said, “Since the exit of local tyres manufactures like Dunlop and Michelin, this market has opened up access to tyres importation and sadly, substandard and expired tyres by greedy businessmen who compromise on quality and standards for monetary gains at the expense of the lives of Nigerians.".

"Our lives and safety firstly as human beings is paramount and should be placed above all business gain. We must resist actions that make nation a dumping ground to all substandard goods."Aboloma warned.

In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom state Coordinator, Mr Dauda Mshelia, said the sensitization campaign became necessary to educate dealers on the danger of selling substandard tyres to the public.

He disclosed that the organization will soon embark on enforcement of offenders to rid Nigeria markets of Substandard and expired tyres.

AKHA 2019: Ibiaku Clan Elders, Youths beg Otobong Ndem to contest for second term

By Paulinus Nnah

As calls for re-election in next year’s State Assembly election of the current member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly AKHA), Hon. Otobong Ndem, continue to mount, the elders and leaders of various gender and status groups in Ibiaku Clan in Mkpat Enin LGA have turned out in numbers to register their demand for adoption of the serving House member to be returned for second term.

The event which was organized by the political leader of the clan, Mr. Martins Ikono in his Mkpat Enin residence on Thursday, January 18, 2018, also witnessed an overwhelming and unanimous support by the stakeholders for a standing and institutionalized two-term zoning arrangement for the House of Assembly slot in the LGA.

Mr. Ikono, while setting the tone for the meeting, reminded the people that a two-term representation precedent was set during the turn of Ikpa Ikono Clan through the representation of the immediate past House member from the clan, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson, adding that it will only be fair and rancour-free for the arrangement to go round all other clans of the area.

He, therefore, expressed gratitude to the people for the large turnout in response to his call, especially now that the people needed to take a positive stance regarding the State House of Assembly race in 2019 which he described as a “two-edged sword”.

Speaking further, Martins Ikono explained that the elders and leaders of the clan should choose between contesting for the slot with the incumbent, Hon. Otobong Ndem, who hails from Ikpa Ibom Clan, which is one of the two most powerful clans in Mkpat Enin economically, politically and in population, and which would most likely crash out; and allowing Hon. Ndem to stay his second term and then smoothly hand over for Ibiaku Clan to take its turn in 2023. “We cannot and will not afford to make any mistake in this issue now which will affect our children and our children’s children negatively politically,” he said.

Also speaking on the occasion, Chief Eseme J. Akpan called for a deeper consideration on the issue at stake, noting that Ibiaku Clan lacked the political capacity and numerical strength to attempt to contend for political positions with such mega clans such as Ikpa Ibom and its sister mega clan of Ukpum Minya.

He cautioned the people against any resolution that would tend to put the clan at loggerheads politically with Otobong Ndem in particular and Ikpa Ibom Clan in general, saying “if that happens, we are very likely going to fail because of their numerical strength will simply overwhelm ours.

“The only favourable step left for us to take right now is to cooperate with Ikpa Ibom Clan at present so that we will also win their cooperation when it will be our turn in 2023 in the House of Assembly slot.
“What I am really saying here is that when Ekong Sampson from Ikpa Ikono has done his tenure in the House twice, it will be foolhardy to start an unnecessary fight, because the person that has followed suit is Hon. Otobong Ndem, and he must be allowed to also do his two terms in order for fairness and justice to be done in the matter. By this, Ibiaku Clan will enjoy a smooth take-over when its turn comes.

“For me, there is wisdom in trying to negotiate with a mega clan like Ikpa Ibom instead of attempting to gear up for a fight with them.”
Chief Eseme Akpan bemoaned the lack of presence of Ibiaku sons and daughters in any of the notable political positions in the state, elective or appointive, adding that he was ready “body and soul” to append his signature in total support for second term bid of Hon. Otobong Ndem.

Evang. Emmanuel Eshiet, on his own part, while adjudging the discourse as “apt and critical” expressed satisfaction over the calibre of the stakeholders that were present at the event, saying “they have a track record of being truthful whenever the need would arise. These are those that are always after the betterment and the overall interest of our clan.

“I was there when Ibiaku adopted that Otobong Ndem should do two tenures” in the state assembly slot.

He, however, stated that there was nothing wrong for anyone to vie for any elective position at any time, but that it is one thing to run for an elective office, but that it is another for the one to get the people’s mandate, while urging discussants to respect the position put forward by the clan’s political leader, Mr. Martins Ikono, and so toe his direction on the issue.

Evang. Eshiet, therefore, called on all present to take the outcome of the meeting to all nooks and crannies of Ibiaku Clan in order for wide consultation embarked upon by the incumbent House member in the clan to be justified, while noting that Hon. Ndem has since been enjoying the support of the people who have been calling for his re-election to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly at different fora.

Speaker after speaker, the gathering witnessed a corroboration of views in support of the Ibiaku Clan to stand for zoning arrangement of two-tenure per slot and to queue behind Hon. Otobong Ndem in his re-election bid come 2019.
In his vote of thanks, Dr. Friday Akpabio appreciated the frankness demonstrated by the people during the deliberations, stressing that there would have not been any need for any argument over the issue since a two-tenure precedent has been set in the re-election of Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson into the state Assembly, hence the need for all major stakeholders to brainstorm on the issue as early as now.

He reassured that the next meeting would be enlarged and would incorporate the royal fathers and other major stakeholders from the clan.

The following stakeholders were present at the event: Mr. Martins Ikono, the political leader of Ibiaku Clan; Dr. Friday Akpabio, Mr. Sam Umoeyo, Chief Eseme J. Akpan, Evang. Emmanuel Eshiet, Hon. Ikpa, Deac. Usen Ikpe, Prince Atah Patrick Ememe, Comrade Ubong Ekott, Comrade Ubong Ememe, Comrade Ubong Ekarika, Comrade Joseph Ekim, Mr. Monday Isong, Comrade Okon Akan Essien, Mr. Essien Udo Efit, Ms. Etop David Sam, Mr. Udo Raleigh,  Chief Udo Udo, Prince Sunday S. Akpan, Mr. Okon Akpan Udo-Inyang, Mr. Usoro Dan Ufot, Ms. Itoro Henry, Comrade Daniel Ukpong, Engr. Enobong Ukpong, Madam Grace Okon, Hon. Christian Jumbo (Leader of Mkpat Enin Legislative House), and a host of others.

AKHA 2019: Nsit Ubium declares support for Otobong Bob

***He will soon be presented to the Caucus
***Senator Effiong Bob is Nsit Ubium Political leader

By John Ernest

Barr. Otobong Effiong Bob, a leading Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly member hopeful in the upcoming February 2019 general elections under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is gradually making political waves to clinch the Nsit Ubium state constituency seat.

The momentum was further intensified yesterday in Ikot Ekwere Ubium venue of where political bigwigs, stakeholders, movers and shakers converged to reiterate their stand on the choice of the legal practitioner, whom they equally adopted as their sole house of assembly candidate before marketing him out to the entire people of Nsit Ubium.

The meeting which was presided over by Mr. Friday Udo Dick and Barr. Victor Bob maintained that Barr. Otobong Effiong Bob is their only candidate for Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly seat 2019.

The people noted that distinguished Senator Effiong Bob has Laboured so much for the peace and development of the local government, and he still be the political leader of Nsit Ubium Local Government. Stressing that the people of the area should be able to protect and nurture what they have.

Speaking, Barr Victor Bob stated that he is in full support of Otobong Bob for the position, adding that soon Barr Otobong Bob will be presented to Nsit Ubium Caucus, stressing that government is democratic government saying that whoever is contesting have the right to do so.

Victor Bob called for the same cooperation the local government had during December 2nd election in the State which led to the emergence of the current council chairman and vice.
"But as for this time in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, it is the turn of Ubium North to produce the next House of Assembly member.
Ubium North under the leadership have met at wards level and Ubium North as a whole and the elders of Ubium North has accepted that Barr. Otobong Effiong Bob will be the next House member and so shall it be". Victor Bob declared.

He said that he did not stepped down, but he had to respect the authority. Adding that if you don't respect the authority you are in trouble. Barr Victor pleaded with  the people to remember that after politicking brotherhood will still remain. He urged them to respect elders.

Ibiaku Youths pass vote of confidence on Otobong Ndem

Youths of Ibiaku clan under the auspices of Ibiaku Clan Youth Congress, have passed a vote of confidence on the member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Otobong Ndem.

The vote of confidence was contained a letter signed over 13 members of the group. A part of the letter reads;

“Therefore, Ibiaku Youth Congress without any fear of equivocation is in tune with the rest of the well-meaning Mkpat Enin people who have found satisfaction in the representation of the serving member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Hon. Otobong Ndem and we remain equally satisfied with commitment of our fellows from the other clans in Mkpat Enin to support Ibiaku clan for House of assembly after Ikpa Ibom which is currently occupying the office.

“Ibiaku Clan Youth Congress understands the need for political cooperation as necessary premise for peace and sustainable development.

In conclusion, the youth leaders within Ibiaku Clan hereby pass a vote of confidence on Hon. Engr. Otobong Ndem and resolve to support his re-election into office in view of his high-performance index in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and we remain with adding faith that come 2023 the entire Mkpat Enin people will, doubtless, reciprocate this gesture by throwing their full support behind Ibiaku Clan for Mkpat Enin State Constituency seat”.

The group further other prominent groups in Mkpat Enin to condemn the recent unguided statement by the member representing Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Francis Charles Udoyok, where he said that he has zoned the Mkpat Enin State Constituency seat is to Ibiaku Clan.

The youths noted that Udoyok’s careless statement has only complicated issues for Ibiaku Clan, adding that Francis Udoyok lacks the locus standi to make such proclaimation.

UDOM IS PASSIONATE ABOUT AKWA IBOM STATE –EKONG SAMPSON

...reassures continuous synergy among the three arms of government
By: Edifon Abasi-Obot

Amid challenges of the dynamics of economy that sometimes confront full implementation of budgets, the passionate commitment of Governor Udom Emmanuel for Akwa Ibom State has been identified as a factor that will enhance the implementation of the 2018 budget in the State.

The Special Adviser, Bureau Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson made the projection while fielding question with the media after, presenting the 2018 budget estimate of his bureau to the House Committee on Appropriation and Finance at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Accompanying the Special Adviser were: the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau, Elder Nse Edem, Acting MD of Akwa Ibom Water Company, Barrister Aniefiok Ukpe, GM of AK-RUWATSAN, Mr. Idongesit Ido and Management Staff of the Bureau.

Expressing confidence in the economic proficiency that would be wielded by the Governor in implementing the State 2018 budget in 2018, Ekong Sampson stated thus: “a lot of variables and undercurrents are involved in the budget mechanism, principally in the vagaries of the economy, but we have a governor who is passionate about Akwa Ibom State. I can say this anywhere that Governor Udom Emmanuel is passionate about Akwa Ibom State and really would work very hard to implement the budget as passed by the State House of Assembly.”

Barrister Sampson lauded Governor Udom Emmanuel’s commitment to political participation in the previous year, affirming that the Governor has taken Akwa Ibom State to a new level of political participation, where a larger segment of the people is involved in the governance matrix and everybody is seen as a stakeholder in the process of governance. He noted that the Governor has done well in uniting the State through balanced spread of infrastructure.

Giving a recap of advocacy projects driven by the Bureau in 2017, the Bureau boss said, in respect of political affairs, the Bureau has been driving a lot of advocacies, getting Akwa Ibom people to be involved in issues of population, like the pre-census activities, the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), the National Identity Management Scheme (NIMS).

 Ekong Sampson said his Bureau has worked very hard to broaden participation in democracy, promoting the advocacy that everyone should have the voter’s card and also get members of their families to register for it. He said that without the voter’s card people cannot really affect the undercurrent in governance or be true participants in the polity.  “Everybody, once you are 18 years, you are eligible, get your voter’s card. That is when you are a proud participant in the polity”, Ekong Sampson stressed.

In respect of water, he said the Akwa Ibom Water Company and AK-RUWATSAN has been have repositioned for greater efficiency in water management, in the urban and rural areas of the State respectively.

We also work very hard to sustain the idea that governance is for everybody and that everybody should own up the government, see government as theirs and help to protect infrastructure, drive investments and support the government of Governor Udom Emmanuel who has shown a lot of innovations in governance, Ekong Sampson added.

Barrister Sampson said with the proposed N2billion expenditure of his Bureau for 2018, the State is expected to take these advocacies to the next level. Given the build up toward the 2018 population census, the 2019 elections - considering the fact that democracy is a very expensive enterprise, especially in a developing democracy like Nigeria, and a range of other activities, what we need in Akwa Ibom State is a level of enlightenment for the political class and the public; we need to educate our people about the proper parameters of political engagement, then we would have deepened democracy in the State.

Earlier, while presenting an estimate of N2bn for the broad spectrum of activities of his Bureau in 2018, the Special Adviser appreciated the cooperation and commitment of 6th Assembly towards the Akwa Ibom project, maintaining that his Bureau and the State Legislature were working on the same template in political affairs. He particularly thanked the chairman and members of the committee and declared that his Bureau will continue to work together on a range of issues to properly engage the people.

The Special Adviser pledged his Bureau’s commitment to work hard to sustain the existing harmony between the Executive and Legislature, as well as the Judiciary, adding that, as key drivers of democracy, it is critical that these arms of government work for the common good of the State, because at the end of the day what matters is the larger interest.

The Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanuso in his response, commended the Special Adviser for the achievements so far recorded in the State through advocacies by his Bureau and for outlaying the policies of his Bureau of 2018 clearly.

The Committee Chairman tasked the Bureau boss to also take up the responsibility of educating the Akwa Ibom public, to arrest the spate of activities of hoodlums in the polity and to train the mind of Akwa Ibom youths on how to go about politicking within the confines of the law.
Akpanuso said State House of Assembly was willing to partner the Bureau in creating a political orientation for younger politicians in the State, including the councilors who have just been sworn in.