Bayelsa Gov, Dickson Won’t Sign Life Pension Bill

Strong indication emerged on Monday that Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson will not sign the controversial life pension bill passed by the state House of Assembly.

A source close to the governor said Dickson frowned at the provisions of the bill and had decided to withhold his assent.

The source, who is part of the media team to the governor, said Dickson had prepared a letter for transmission to the leadership of the House advancing reasons for withholding his assent.

It was also learnt report by a national daily (not the Nation) that the governor was prepared to sign the bill was misleading.

Amaechi, Akpabio meet; ‘reconcile

’

Two leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the South-South region, Chibuike Amaechi, and Godswill Akpabio met each other to iron out their perceived political differences, a party spokesperson has said.


Mr Amaechi, who is the transport minister and former Rivers governor, and Mr Akpabio, a former Senate minority leader and Akwa Ibom governor, met on Sunday in Abuja, Festus Keyamo, spokesperson for President Buhari’s 2019 election campaign said in a sratement Monday.

Mr Keyamo said he and another party leader, Nasiru Danu, brokered the meeting, which was at the instance of Mr Akpabio.

Mr Danu was one of the directors of logistics for the Buhari campaign council.


The meeting, which took place at the residence of Mr Danu in the Asokoro district of Abuja, lasted several hours, during which Messrs Amaechi and Akpabio frankly talked about their disagreements from their days as governors in PDP and in the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

They also reviewed the performance of the party in the South-South in the just-concluded election and identified areas where things went wrong and how to improve those areas in future.

Mr Keyamo said in the end, both leaders agreed to “close ranks and work in unison for the overall interest of the party in the country.”


“They promised to put behind them all previous perceived misgivings between them and to give a positive direction to the teeming supporters of the party across the country,” his statement said.

How Do Nigerian Politicians Manage To Sleep Peacefully?

By Michael Bush

No prize for guessing and no pun intended, Nigerian politicians are a special breed. They are so different I believe they were not created by God, or if they were then they must be part of the batch that forced him to regret creating man. Stop arguing, stop laughing (whichever side you belong): there are no other politicians earthwide like those who ply the trade in the world’s most populous black nation. The Nigerian bunch are just uncanny in their daredevilry, hypocrisy, crudity, hate and overall satanness.

To be sure, there are a few Nigerians who play the game but are neither in the game nor the game in them. The tiny, tiny minority are not loud, not perennial, and not political. Those are not politicians, at least in the Nigerian sense. This entry is not about them.

Our focus is on you know who: the noisy, flamboyant, juvenile adults. The class of people on whom education does very little as both the educated and uneducated talk and behave in sync. I don’t know how they do it, but they (all of them) are blessed -sorry, cursed- with a tongue that’s both razor-sharp and lightening-quick. As if permanently high on something, they can publicly accuse even their family or co-partyman let alone opponent of abominable sins and crimes -and that, without any evidence whatsoever.

Who abuses the electioneering soapbox more than the Nigerian politician? Imagine announcing that a particular opponent slept with someone’s wife and, wait for it, that one of her children may indeed be his. Or that another opponent is a murderer or kidnapper or thief. In all cases, the crowd cheers; history records and life continues.

Then something gives or shifts or both. The accuser and the accused suddenly find themselves together in public or in the same party or camp. You are silly to expect more verbal fireworks or for them to go physical with some uppercuts here and there because all we have ever seen so far, all we keep seeing and all we would always see from both the mocker and mockee are wide smiles, loud laughters, warm (?) embraces, and sundry lovey-dovey nothings like clinging, holding hands, etc. Unfortunately, that is not the only hyperstrange concomitance.

Two or so should suffice for today. First, Nigerian politicians are not alone in this shameful foolhardiness. The law and its agents are with them; so too the media and indeed the masses. Ever wondered why even the most sordid political allegations or mockeries or confessions (for example of walking sticks, that is if you know what that is a euphemism for) have never been taken up or called out?

Second, no one is immune; no matter how old or highly placed or what ethnic group. For instance, Politics Nigeriana allows a Fulani to mischievously question the Nigerianness of own brother, especially if the puerile bragging rights embedded in ‘I am more educated’ failed to reduce the decibels of calls for judicial critique and ruling on a presidential ballot. This is not in support of the other Fulani, though. He too is as good as can be, shooting from the hips when in the mood.

Furthermore, even the church and the mosque complete with their inmates (you must catch my drift) are trapped in this political cul-de-sac. In Nigeria, you hear political pronouncements and endorsements from the pulpit of God, and you wonder if Satan still needs his. This is no laughing matter. Our politics and politicians have not only destroyed our commonwealth, they have damaged our very essence, and desecrated our core values in a way that we may never ever recover.

Yet, we continue to sheepishly love, endure, celebrate, recycle and urge them on. We know they are mediocrities but we allow them to foist themselves or be imposed on us. We are alarmed, horrified and scandalised by their character and conduct and words but every time we turn the other eye and the other ear and the other nose. That’s how we have helped to grow their monstrous audacity; from worst to worster!

The scoundrels have corrupted all of us. The edges of our sanity and morality are now blunt. We are no longer shocked or repulsed by anything. Everything is all right so long as it is of, by or for us or somebody up-close-and-personal.

Gong forward -actually we are going back to the business of the day: how are these guys capable of stomaching or evincing this much bestial ugliness on the one hand and on the other the velvet smiles and seeming friendship we know them for? Why do Nigerian politicians lie, pretend and deceive as effortlessly and ubiquitously as they do? Why do they wave or laugh off this character flaw so easily? And, above all, how are they able to sleep soundly every night?

Or, is nature also on their side? Perhaps, these leaders-miss-road would have changed had they been experiencing sleepless, nightmarish nights. By the way, political footsoldiers need to learn from the devious stratagem of these evil paymasters. They instigate a fight and their boys jump on board the bandwagon only for them to tactically withdraw and in fact publicly end hostilities while the poor followers continue to stew in their hate.

We, the people of Nigeria, can help these politicians and by extension ourselves and our country by holding them accountable word for word. We should henceforth insist on clean politics as well as for enforcers and implementers of the law to oversee campaigns without fear or favour. All the other strata of society should consciously enthrone and dethrone compatriots based on the sole criterion of all-round excellence. This is the way to go except we want this ugly trend to continue.

God bless Nigeria!

Two Nigerians stabbed to death in S’Africa

The death toll of Nigerians killed in South Africa has continued to rise with another two being the latest victims in ongoing xenophobic attacks on foreigners in that country.

The latest victims were stabbed to death during xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg and Cape Town on April 5 and April 6, 2019, respectively.

The Assistant Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Union in South Africa, Mr Odefa Ikele, confirmed the killings in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria from Johannesburg on Monday.

“The Nigerian community lost two citizens to gruesome murders over the weekend.

“Mr Bonny Iwuoha, 48, from Ihitte/Uboma in Imo state, was stabbed to death at about 11.45pm on April 6, 2019 in Johannesburg South.

“We gathered that his assailants followed him from 152 Hay Street Turffontein, and thereafter, stabbed and killed him in front of his gate at Turf Road, Turffontein.

“The killing was witnessed by Mr Izochukwu Nwokocha, also known as, Nwa Father,” he said.

He said that another Nigerian, Goziem Akpenyi, also lost his life in similar circumstance on April 5, 2019.

“Akpenyi was allegedly stabbed to death by three unidentified coloured South African men after an argument.

“The incident took place at Bellville Stadium parking lot in Cape Town at about 1pm on Friday, April 5, 2019.

“These latest killings make it four Nigerians who were shot dead in March. Three of the victims were murdered in Sunnyside, Pretoria and one in Balfour Park, Johannesburg,” he said.

Oil rises above $71 as Libya civil war threatens supply

The international oil benchmark, Brent crude, extended its gains on Monday, rising to a five-month high.

Brent, against which Nigeria’s crude oil is priced, hit a high of $70.86 per barrel, with instability in Libya raising the prospect of further supply constraints at the same time that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries has made cuts to production.

The fighting in Libya is nearing the capital of the United Nations-backed government in Tripoli. Khalifa Haftar, a 75-year-old warlord, has seized control of oilfields.

Crude prices have been boosted by continuing production cuts by OPEC and its allies, US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, as well as easing worries about weaker global trade.

A worsening security situation in Libya has also sparked concerns that supply from the major oil producer could be disrupted.

“The volatile nature of the situation means that the risk of fighting spreading towards the oil fields is increasing by the day,” said Jasper Lawler, head of research at the London Capital Group, a broker, according to CNN.

In a related development, Nigerian crude being offered at high prices continues to encounter scepticism from buyers, while Angolan cargoes for May loading were close to being sold out on the back of strong Asian demand for medium-heavy grades, Reuters reported on Monday.

April loading cargoes were clearing as buyers have picked up bargains compared to offers for the same grades for May which are hovering near five-year highs.

Over 30 cargoes of Nigerian crude remained for April and May. One seller noted a decline in free-on-board sales for crude shipments in 2019, in another sign of flagging demand, while trading margins remained under pressure.

CONFIRMED! GODSWILL AKPABIO INT'L STADIUM TO HOST UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TOUR

*Puyol, Okocha, Akwa United to entertain fans before kickoff of Barça vs Man U game

*Udom, Paul Bassey dying to see trophy

By Augustine Akpan

Soccer fans in Nigeria have been handed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see  the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy live in Nigeria on April 16, 2019, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The UEFA Champions League Tour happening in two popular cities in Nigeria - Lagos and Uyo - is made possible by the Nigerian Breweries Plc and Heineken, the standout sponsors of the UEFA Champions League.

Briefing newsmen and sports stakeholders this morning in Uyo, the State capital, Serah Agha, 
Portfolio Manager, National Premium Brands/Nigerian Breweries plc, confirmed the report, explaining that Uyo was picked to host the historic event “because of the city's world-class sporting facilities, warmth of the people and their extraordinary love for football”.

Serah who stated that sharing love and “treating fans to the most remarkable and unmissable moments of football” as the driving factor behind hosting the event in Uyo further disclosed that FC Barcelona legend, Carles Puyol will accompany the UEFA Champions League trophy to Nigeria.

According to her, while in Nigeria, Puyol will lead the tour to other cities in Nigeria for three days and as well engage with football fans in Uyo and Lagos.

To add verve to the event, Serah said April 16 has been picked as the day that what she described as the unmissable match (a novelty football match) will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo by 5.00pm.

The Portfolio Manager explained that the 'unmissable match' concept revolves around Heineken's deliberate efforts at treating its customers to moments that will live with them forever such as giving them the opportunity to see what they could consider “the most remarkable football match”.

According to her, the unmissable match will feature one of the greatest defenders to have ever played the game, Carles Puyol captaining the Heineken's team made up of 10 Akwa United stars slugging it out against the Shine Shine Bobo team (Star Larger Beer) captained by Austin Jay Jay Okocha.

She however called on sports loving Nigerians to turn out for the match to treat themselves to an unforgettable moment at the 30,000 capacity Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. 

Also speaking, the Chairman, Akwa United Football Club and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Sports Matters, Otuekong Paul Bassey, expressed excitement over the hosting of the event in Akwa Ibom.

Otuekong Bassey who stated that in his 40 years voyage in the football world, he has never seen or touched the football trophy live, said he was happy that Uyo, the home of sports was one of the very few cities to host the trophy in Nigeria. 

He also commended Gov Udom Emmanuel for the love he has for sports development in the state and averred that the recognition accorded the state was a testimony to that effect.

He said like every sport loving citizen of the state, Gov Udom Emmanuel was dying to see the trophy and has assured the Nigerian Breweries of attending the event in person on April 16, 2019.

Suspended CJN Onnoghen resigns

The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, has resigned, a senior lawyer in his legal team confirmed on Friday.

“I have just spoken with him. He confirmed to me that he resigned voluntarily yesterday,” the senior advocate who said he did not have Onnoghen’s authorisation to speak on the issue said.

Onnoghen had reportedly sent his resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, barely 24 hours after the National Judicial Council concluded investigating him for various allegations of misconduct.

There has not been an official confirmation of his resignation his spokesperson, Mr. Awassam Bassey, who has yet to answer calls.

Buhari’s govt has distorted, eroded gains of democracy –PDP BoT

0 

Success Nwogu, Abuja

The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday said there was a systematic erosion of the gains made under the PDP administration in enhancing the credibility of the electoral process over the years.

It stated in a communique after its  65th meeting that it was sad the way all those gains, according to it, were allegedly being distorted and eroded by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Chairman of the PDP BoT, Senator Walid Jibrin, who read the communiqué, commended the party and its candidates in the 2019 elections, for bracing the odds and strengthening democratic rules and culture in spite of what he termed as the unprecedented level of militarisation.

According to him, the level of militarisation ran clearly against the letters and spirit of the judgment of the Supreme Court that said that the military had no business in the conduct of elections.

He stated that the PDP BoT was in support of efforts by the party’s candidates who had challenged or were going to challenge the outcome of their elections at the tribunal.

He called on the PDP members to remain calm, as, according to him, they would reclaim their ‘stolen’ mandates.

Jubrin said, “The BoT also wishes to assure Nigerians and all members of our great party, especially those whose mandates were openly stolen, that the BoT stands by them at all times in the quest to reclaim the mandates freely given to them by the good people of Nigeria.”

He added, “The BoT notes with dismay, the systematic erosion of the gains made under the PDP administration in enhancing the credibility of the electoral process over the years, and frowns at the way all those gains are being distorted and eroded by the present administration.

“The BoT calls on all Nigerians, especially our teeming supporters, to stay calm and be law-abiding, as we believe justice will take its proper place despite the traumatisation of the judicial arm of government by the present administration.”

Some of the PDP BoT members who attended the meeting included a former President of the Senate, Senator Adolphus Wabara;   PDP National Secretary, Senator Ibrahim Tsauri; Senator Stella Omu;  a former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina; Tanimu Turaki (SAN); a former PDP Secretary, Prof Wale Oladapo and a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele.

‘The World Sometimes Does Not Love Good People’- Sen. Godswill Akpabio

By

 straightnews.ng

 -

Senator Godswill Akpabio is a known name in the politics of Akwa Ibom and in Nigeria. As a one-time Akwa Ibom Commissioner, governor and now a Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West, he has caused an unusual impact in various facets of human life. This has earned him many admirers and haters. In an interview conducted by Straightnews on February 23 (President/National Assembly Elections) day, Akpabio talked on a number of exciting issues.

Excerpts:

Why do you still have people who admire you and your style of administration?

I believe strongly that if you have a life of service, and the people trust you, they will go with you. It is not a function of your colour or your tribe. As my constituency projects, I had done a six-classroom block equipped with solar-powered boreholes in Urue Offong/Oruko. I have done the same thing in Ibiono Ibom local government area, and I have given employment opportunities to more than 100 people.

Are you shocked that there are people who said you cannot win election in this senatorial district?

You see the world sometimes does not love good people. And even the journalists cannot bestow the virtues of good people, because they cannot sell their papers. If you have 12 disciples, one must be a Judas. But majority of the people love me since I am with them, and they are with me. You can see one or two people rise up, not because they hate Godswill Akpabio, but because they want to be like Godswill Akpabio. But when you give them the responsibility, they cannot perform. It is a common belief in my place that if your uncle is sick and you give him money for treatment: as soon as the person returns from the hospital, you will be the first person he will want to challenge. Do you know why he is challenging you? He is not challenging you because he does not like you. He is challenging you to show you that he has strength. For instance, the boys I empowered are challenging me because they want to show me that they are now richer than me. So, I am not shocked, but sometimes I get perplexed. Sometimes I am perplexed because it will come from quarters that I did not even expect. It is not just anybody; it is the same people that you have extended assistance to. But let me ask you a question; are you shocked?

Yes, I am shocked.

Why are you shocked?

Apart from ensuring a balance in the political equation in the state, you have taken the people to the national…

(Cuts In). But they have never even met the president one day since the election. When I joined All Progressives Congress, APC, I told the President that I want to bring my people on a visit to him. He said I should bring them, and we breached protocol. We were supposed to go with 50, but we ended up with 98 persons. It took two hours for us to introduce ourselves to the president. And he was watching them one by one. There was one Eniang who used to be the President Buhari’s secretary, many years back when he was the General Officer Commanding (GOC). Do you know that I put the man’s name in the protocol list. Eniang stood and introduced himself, “Sir, your former secretary when you used to be GOC.” The President looked at him and motioned him, “Stand up again!” He looked at the face and said “That is correct.”  For more than 30 years, they have not seen each other, but through that courtesy visit, they met again. The President stood up and rolled out his development programmes for Akwa Ibom State and the South-South Region.

9th National Assembly: Full List Of Senators-Elect

Following the completion of the General Election for Senators and President, the Independent National Electoral Commission has issued certificates of return to the Senators-Elect of the various senatorial district, The EYES Newspaper reports.The list shows that the APC has the majority while the PDP is with the second highest of the number of senators elected.

See list:

1. Kalu Orji Uzor (APC) – Abia North
2. Orji Theodore Ahamefule (PDP) – Abia Central
3. Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP) Enyinnaya Abaribe
4. Ishaku Elisha Cliff (PDP) – Adamawa North
5. Yaroe Binos Dauda (PDP) – Adamawa South
6. Dahiru Aishatu Ahmed (APC) – Adamawa Central
7. Akpan Bassey Albert (PDP) – Akwa Ibom North East
8. Christopher Stephen Ekpenyong (PDP) – Akwa Ibom North West
9. Eyakenyi Akon Etim (PDP) – Akwa Ibom South
10. Stella Oduah (PDP) – Anambra North
11. Uche Lilian Ekwunife (PDP) – Anambra Central
12. Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP) – Anambra South
13. Bauchi South – APC (Candidate to be determined by court order)
14. Jika Dauda Halliru (APC) – Bauchi Central
15. Bulkachuwa Adamu Muhammad(APC) – Bauchi North
16. Degi Eremienyo Biobaraku Wangagra (APC) – Bayelsa East
17. Diri Douye (PDP) – Bayelsa Central
18. Ewhrudjakpo Lawrence (PDP) – Bayelsa West
19. Gabriel Suswam (PDP) – Benue North East
20. Emmanuel Yisa Orker-Jev (PDP) – Benue North West
21. Patrick Abba Moro (PDP) – Benue South
22. Kyari Abubakar Shaib (APC) – Borno North
23. Kashim Shettima (APC) – Borno Central
24. Ali Ndume (APC) – Borno South
25. Oko Rose Okoji (PDP) – Cross River North
26. Onor Sandy Ojang (PDP) – Cross River Central
27. Gershom Bassey (PDP) – Cross River South
28. Ovie Omo-Agege (APC) – Delta Central
29. Peter Nwaoboshi (PDP) – Delta North
30. James Ebiowou Manager (PDP) – Delta South
31. Egwu Samuel Ominyi (PDP) – Ebonyi North
32. Ogba Joseph Obinna (PDP) – Ebonyi Central
33. Micheal Ama Nnachi (PDP) – Ebonyi South
34. Ordia Akhimienmona Cliffford (PDP) – Edo Central
35. Alimikhena Francis Asekhame(APC)- Edo North
36. Urhoghide Matthew Aisagbonriodion (PDP)- Edo South
37. Adetunmbi Olubunmi Ayodeji (APC) – Ekiti North
38. Bamidele Micheal Opeyemi (APC) – Ekiti Central
39. Adeyeye Clement Adebayo (APC) – Ekiti South
40. Nnamani Chimaroke Ogbonnia(PDP) – Enugu East
41. Ike Ekweremadu (PDP) – Enugu West
42. Utazi Godfrey Chukwuka (PDP) – Enugu North
43. Danjuma Goje (APC) – Gombe Central
44. Amos Bulus Kilawangs (APC) – Gombe South
45. Alkali Saidu Ahmed (APC) – Gombe North
46. Onyewuchi Ezenwa Francis (PDP) – Imo East
47.Imo West (No Certificate of Return under duress)
48. Imo North – Pending (Supplementary)
49. Mohammed Sabo (APC) – Jigawa South West
50. Hassan Ibrahim Hadeija (APC) – Jigawa North East
51. Sankara Danladi Abdullahi (APC) – Jigawa North West
52. Kwari Suleiman Abdu (APC) – Kaduna North
53. Sani Uba (APC) – Kaduna Central
54. Laah Danjuma Tella (APC) – Kaduna South
55. Ibrahim Shekarau (APC) – Kano Central
56. Barau Jibrin (APC) – Kano North
57. Gaya Ibrahim Kabiru (APC) – Kano South
58. Babba Ahmad Kaita (APC) – Katsina North
59. Mandiya Bello (APC) – Katsina South
60. Abdullahi Kabir (APC) – Katsina Central
61. Abdullahi Abubakar Yahaya (APC) – Kebbi North
62. Adamu Mainasara Aliero Muhammad (APC) – Kebbi Central
63. Na Allah Bala Ibn (APC) – Kebbi South
64. Yakubu Oseni (APC) – Kogi Central
65. Kogi East – Pending (Supplementary)
66. Dino Melaye (PDP) – Kogi West
67. Umar Suleiman Sadiq (APC) – Kwara North
68. Oloriegbe Yahaya Ibrahim (APC) – Kwara Central
69. Ashiru Oyelola Yisa (APC) – Kwara South
70. Remi Tinubu (APC) – Lagos Central
71. Osinowo Sikiru Adebayo (APC) – Lagos East
72. Adeola Soloman Olamilekan (APC) – Lagos West
73. Akwashiki Godiya (APC) – Nasarawa East
74. Abdullahi Adamu (APC) – Nasarawa North
75. Tanko Al-Makura (APC) – Nasarawa South
76. Mohammed Sani Musa (APC) – Niger East
77. Abdullahi Aliyu Sabi (APC) – Niger North
78. Bima Muhammad Enagi (APC) – Niger South
79. Ibikunle Amosun (APC) – Ogun Central
80. Mustapha Ramoni Olalekan (APC) – Ogun East
81. Odebiyi Tolulope Akinremi (APC) – Ogun West
82. Boroface Robert Ajayi (APC) – Ondo North
83. Akinyelure Patrick Ayo (PDP) – Ondo Central
84. Ondo South – Pending (Supplementary)
85. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru (APC) – Osun Central
86. Fadahunsi Francis Adenigba (PDP) – Osun East
87. Oriolowo Adelere Adeyemi (APC) – Osun West
88. Folarin Teslim Kolawole (APC) – Oyo Central
89. Buhari Abdulfatai (APC) – Oyo North
90. Kola Ademola Balogun (PDP) – Oyo South
91. Plateau South – Pending (Supplementary)
92. Dimka Hezekiah Ayuba (APC) – Plateau Central
93. Gyang Istifanus Dung (PDP) – Plateau North
94. Rivers East – Pending (Supplementary)
95. Mpigi Barinada (PDP) – Rivers South East
96. Rivers West – Pending (Supplementary)
97. Gobir Ibrahim Abdullahi (APC) – Sokoto East
98. Aliyu Wamakko (APC) – Sokoto North
99. Shehu Abubakar Tambuwal (APC) – Sokoto South
100. Bwacha Emmanuel (PDP) – Taraba South
101. Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf (APC) – Taraba Central
102. Isa Shuaibu Lau (PDP) – Taraba North
103. Gaidam Ibrahim Alhaji (APC) – Yobe East
104. Ahmed Lawan (APC) – Yobe North
105. Bomai Ibrahim Mohammed (APC) – Yobe South
106. Kaura Tijjani Yahaya (APC) – Zamfara North – set aside.
107. Aliyu Ikra Bilbis (APC) – Zamfara Central – set aside.
108. Abdul’aziz Yari (APC) – Zamfara West – set aside.
109. Tanimu Philip Aduda (PDP) – FCT

Eket Remodelling Soon to Be Completed

...As Works'  Commissioner rewards a PDP loyalist

By Substance Udo-Nature

It could not have been hard to tell the reasons for the hysterical jubilation and endless cheers from excited residents that welcome the Hon. Commissioner for Works, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Ephraim Inyang-eyen, to Eket, earlier today.

As part of his itinerary, Akparawa Inyangeyen was on his routine inspection of work at the ongoing remodelling of Eket Town Roundabout and to personally supervise demolition of structures on the right of way along areas affected by the massive infrastructural transformation and  beautification of the oil city.

Residents said it was extremely impossible for them to withhold their joy and gratitude to Governor Udom Emmanuel for living up to his promises in still showing the same and even greater level of commitment towards the completion of the Eket Roundabout Remodelling project.

The people reasoned that, as was usually the case before the just concluded 2019 elections, it was good to see the Commissioner continue to come almost on daily basis to ensure pace of work on the project was maintained and expected quality specifications adhered to without the slightest deviation.

According to one Mr. Chinedu Enya, a business man who said he has lived in Eket and around the area in question for the past 11 years, government's initiative to have taken up the expansion of the roundabout and environs and the unwavering determination to take the project to logical conclusion clearly distinguish Gov. Udom Emmanuel as the  peoples' leader and lover of good things for his people.

Recalling the nature of traffic gridlock and associated inconveniences residents used to suffer around the area, Mr. Enya stated, "What is happening in Eket makes me feel jealous of the kind of governor Akwa Ibom people have. I already can foresee what this town will look like soon with this remodelling. Already, we are feeling the positive impact in terms of free flow of traffic and related comfort that come with it. We are very happy".

To create more space to contend the present pace of work, the Commissioner supervised the demolition of some  remaining projects and advised residents, especially property owners, to be wary of obstructing development of the community with flimsy excuses and selfish claims, directly or indirectly.

It would be recalled that few residents in the area had in haste resorted to cheap litigations against the government over complaints that would have attracted better consequences through diplomacy.

In January this year, the Commissioner had also disclosed how the underground drainage system which was not envisaged at the beginning of the contract affected the schedule of work and resources initially billed for the project. Otherwise, the remodelling project would have gone farther than where it is presently, or the two phases of the project likely completed by this date.

The joy of the people perhaps assumed deeper dimension when the Commissioner also today, in appreciation of an individual commitment to the reelection of Gov. Udom  Emmanuel, donated a brand new Toyota Camry to an outstanding PDP loyalist in Eket, Otuekong C.H.Isung. The beneficiary who expressed gratitude to the donor and Governor Emmanuel said the promise by Mr. Inyangeyen to give him a car was made three months ago.

It therefore means that, things working according to government plans and expectations, with the holistic template of Gov. Emmanuel's "Completion Agenda", Eket residents will soon have much greater reasons to appreciate the governor when the whole remodelling package for Eket Roundabout and other road projects in local government shall have been completed.

A'Ibom council chair gives lifeline to victims of fire disaster

Following the fire incident that completely razed a building, destroying properties worth millions of Naira at House number 27, Joshua Uwah Street, Mbak Itam 3 last week, the Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Etetim Onuk presented relief materials to the victims of the unfortunate occurrence on Wednesday, April 5, 2019 at the Main Hall of the Council Secretariat, Mbak Atai.

Presenting the items to the affected persons Barr. Onuk said their plight is unfortunate maintaining that the Council share in their moment of grief and that in line with Christian principle and basic rudiment of leadership, the Local Government administration deemed it necessary to intervene, condole and provide succour to them, particularly at a time like this. He commended every arm of governance in the Local Government, as well as the Moderator, Akwa Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Rev Obong Ndueso Obong, for the timely response and support towards rendering assistance to the affected occupants of the razed building.

Onuk stated that the Council has also notified the office of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, as well as other relevant emergency management and interventionist agencies, maintaining that he is confident that the assistant from the Council would alleviate their suffering. He commended the Member Representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency; Rt. Hon. Barr. Ime Okon for being a good neighbour and assisting victims of the inferno.

Furthermore, he proffered that though their loss is great, they should be grateful that every occupant of the building survived the raging and ravenous inferno and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the landlord and the tenants urging them not to lose hope.

The Leader, Itu Legislative Council, Hon. Barr. Bassey Bassey also commiserated with those affected during the fire outbreak and applauded the Council Chairman for his efforts towards rendering prompt assistance to the victims and promised that the Council would make periodic checks on their welfare.

The landlord, Mr. Ita Okon Tom thanked the Council for their assistance and also appealed to the State Government to intervene. Also speaking, Mr. Inyang Ekpo and Ms Glory Joseph; both tenants expressed gratitude to the Chairman, members of Council and everyone who has contributed towards giving assistance to them.

Items presented to them include; Mattress, beddings, clothing, toiletries, edibles like; rice, garri, pastas, beverages, as well as cash. Meanwhile, those who witnessed the exercise include; the Vice Chairman, Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs Emem Ekpanya, Secretary of Council, Prince Samuel Essien, Councillors, Supervisors, Special Advisers, and  staff.

UNIUYO Man O' War arrests robber at gunpoint

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Officers of the Man O' War University of Uyo Command earlier today arrested an armed man who specializes in waylaying students and robbing them of valuables on campus.

He was caught in the early hours of today at ECN Block by Man O War officials, after they sighted him robbing some students of their phones and laptops at gunpoint.

The Man O' War officials alongside some members of Thunderbolt, who were on early morning training exercise, quickly swung into action and overpowered him, recovering a locally-made pistol, phones and a laptop.

On interrogation, he gave his name as Daniel Clement and confessed to have been perpetuating the act for a while.

Narrating the incident, one of the officers said "while we were jogging during our morning drills, we sighted the guy pointing a gun at students, we quickly mobilised and ran there and overpowered him just as he was about collecting the laptop from the guy and we also recovered the gun."

"In line with the Vice Chancellor's zero-tolerance for campus crimes, our command is poised to contribute our quota to ridding the campus of such evil", he added.

He was thereafter handed over to the Security Unit and thereafter, Police Anti-Cultism Unit.

Not To Bury Nor Exhume Akpabio

*Otobong Sampson*
  April 1, 2019 / Uyo



Everything about him comes with a bang! It happens with a sudden striking effect. His burst into public office; his ascension to power; his administration; his minority leadership in Nigeria's senate; his defection to the All Progressive Congress; his fall. The last is arguably the loudest. There's nothing about him that's not uncommon. Not necessarily spectacular.

Nobody can really doubt Godswill Akpabio's greatness. Nobody would be willing to argue his fall, either. That he will rise again is a boast that should be expressed with conservative optimism. That he won't, is a desire that should be ventilated with heedful certainty. One thing is sure; he will never be regarded in awe, anymore. The deconstruction of phenomenon Akpabio has begun - too abrupt - than hitherto thought. His demystification has been achieved. Whether it is complete, time shall speak. But at the moment, even Mr. Akpabio would be doubting his ability to reinvent himself.

A few may sympathize his fall yet many are feasting over it. At the twilight of his administration as Akwa Ibom governor and having just been handed an unchallenged pass to the senate as 'reward', I had remarked at a hotel in Lagos to a prominent politician from Annangland: "You guys will be having a life-senator from Annangland. I hope you are ready?!"
My host returned a wry smile and intermittent chuckles for an answer. It was blind of anyone not to see the former governor do at least three straight terms of four years each in the senate. Abak 5 could wait and wait, and wait...until Godswill's political retirement, voluntarily inspired and not compelled. I admit I was wrong but not naive. That was the level of veneration many of us across Nigeria had inaccurately elevated the outgoing senator to. A somewhat spurious pinnacle constructed by him for apparent purposes.

In his recent 'treatise', THE LIES AND LIARS OF THE ELECTION, Mr. Akpabio offered a confusing identity of the 'new' him - appearing through his words as a man who is compulsorily learning the lessons of humbleness without being willing to descend his rostrum of ego.

His piece failed to rile emotions against those he accused. If it has won for him any sympathies, it is ineffective and not noticeable. To play the pity card like he has done is unproductive. Politics is war by other means. It is played like Russian roulette, a gun to the head. To preserve his relevance in politics after his defection to the APC, the senator fired every dangerous shot he could, boastfully and gleefully, at whoever he felt was his obstacle. Instances are almost innumerable.

On events and issues, he made declarations that gods would be unspeaking on and sounded God-like proclamations too. There's an Igbo adage that says: "when a god becomes too arrogant, it is reminded by the people that it was carved from a wood".
Akpabio should quit singing like a canary. It blurs his portrait in whatever place of honour it still hangs. Now is the time to speak less and more of less. It is no time for peacockish swank. Reflective thinking and retrospection will heal the deep cuts inflicted on his amour-propre.

Yet, to ignore him would be unwise. For he is a man who never allows the chance to extract his pound of flesh slip by. With current events, he will be seeking more than just a slice of flesh. The ex-governor will be demanding drums of blood.

He is a smart schemer, disapprovingly shrewd and sometimes, pleasantly ruthless. Those warring against him must beware - even in truce. His proficiency in the art of seduction make him, still, pretty dangerous even as a conquered man. His brand of politics is unabashedly Machiavellian and he believes politics is the art of the possible.

Records show the man is gifted in maneuvering his way through the web of complexities. But how he will pull himself out of the current quicksand, everyone is waiting. Well versed in shenanigans, with a gentleman, he is a gentleman with a half; and with a cozener, he is always a cozener and a half.
Uncouth in speech, embarrassingly flippant with many awful gaffes, Godswill Akpabio has been dimmed in his resplendence and flamboyance and forced to step aside. A leader without ideology. A commander without commitment. But no doubt, a politician who has had his glowing moments in the sun.