By Imaobong Umoekah::::::::::::: (Standby News Online)
Eket Senatorial District in Akwa Ibom State is abuzz with anticipation as it prepares to host a grand celebration to honor its esteemed leader, Governor Udom Emmanuel, and his beloved wife, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel. The event, aptly themed “Celebrating a Worthy Son,” promises to be a momentous occasion for the district and its residents.
Chief Assam Assam, a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Ambassador of Nigeria to Russia and Belarus, will preside over the festivities as the chairman of the event. Chief Assam, known for his diplomatic prowess and leadership acumen, is also the Director General of the Umo Eno / Akon Eyakenyi Campaign Organization.
According to a recent press release by the Chairman of the planning committee, Otuekong Pat Ifon, the celebration will take place at the prestigious Eket Modern Stadium in Eket on Saturday, May 27, 2023. The event is scheduled to commence at 1 pm, and the organizers have extended a warm invitation to all political stakeholders, religious and royal figures, industry leaders, women and youth representatives, as well as members of socio-political and cultural groups in Akwa Ibom State.
The primary purpose of this grand celebration is to pay tribute to Governor Udom Emmanuel, an accomplished son of Eket Senatorial District who has made the region and the entire state proud through his remarkable leadership. Over the past eight years, Governor Emmanuel has demonstrated exemplary performance and has raised the bar in impactful governance. The people of Akwa Ibom State hold him in high regard for his unwavering commitment to progress and development.
The festivities will be a fitting culmination of a day filled with excitement and pride. Prior to the celebration, Governor Emmanuel is expected to unveil several notable road and urban remodeling projects in Eket. These infrastructure developments add to his impressive track record of accomplishments and will further enhance the quality of life for the residents of Eket Senatorial District.
As the date draws near, the air in Eket Senatorial District is charged with an atmosphere of jubilation and gratitude. The residents eagerly await the opportunity to honor their illustrious son, Governor Udom Emmanuel, and express their heartfelt appreciation for his transformative leadership. Indeed, this celebration will be a testament to the indelible impact Governor Emmanuel has made in the lives of the people of Eket Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom State as a whole.
EKET SENATORIAL DISTRICT GEARS UP TO HONOR GOVERNOR EMMANUEL
On the 8th of May 2023, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) organized the World Press Freedom Day event with the theme “SHAPING A FUTURE OF RIGHTS: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AS A DRIVER FOR ALL OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS” at the NUJ Press Centre in Uyo. The event was chaired by Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, the Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ubium/Nsit Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and the keynote address was delivered by Prof. Umaru Pate.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Obong Umana Okon Umana; the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong; and the Chairperson of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sunny James, delivered goodwill messages. The panel discussion was led by Prof. Peter Esuh, with Prof. Mbuk Mboho and Prof. Des Wilson as panelists.
As a member of the human rights community in Akwa Ibom State, I would like to congratulate the NUJ leadership and members for organizing this event. The theme is timely as it comes after the 2023 General Elections and a few days before the swearing-in of a new administration in Nigeria and the federating states, including Akwa Ibom.
I would also like to commend the NUJ leadership, under Comrade Amos Etuk, for their efforts in promoting a free press in the state. They have ensured that members of the union are regularly trained on ethical conduct and reportage, engaged with security agencies in the state, maintained a cordial working relationship with the Government of Akwa Ibom State while holding public office holders accountable, and set up a disciplinary committee chaired by a former State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Joseph Effiong, which has been effective in ensuring ethical behavior among members. The NUJ also instituted annual awards for deserving journalists in the state to promote balanced reportage.
May Your Path be Smooth – Etim Ekpo Paramount Ruler Prays for Umo Eno
In what appears to be a quote from one of the seven Irish Blessings, Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, HRM Akuku (Prof.) Amanam A. Udo has prayed that the path of Pastor Umo Eno, gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, be smooth.
The popular Irish blessings, which is reputed to be very potent reads, “may the path be smooth at your feet. May the wind blow lightly on your shoulders. May the sun shine warmly on your face. May the rains fall serenely in your fields.”
The traditional father offered the blessing when the PDP/Pastor Umo Eno and Akon Eyakenyi campaign team paid a courtesy visit on him at his palace in Ikot Ikpa, Eka Uruk Eshiet before proceeding to the stadium for the campaign rally.
The renowned academician who described Pastor Umo Eno as a forthright candidate said, “I have heard what my son, Pastor Umo Eno has said. This is the government party, I give him my blessings today and urge him to fulfill his promises to make Etim Ekpo better.”
He acknowledged that God is the giver of power and according to him, gives it to whoever He pleases, and prayed that God will grant victory to Pastor Eno to enable him continue with the development strides in the state.
Earlier in his presentation, Pastor Eno noted that the visit was to pay homage to the royal father saying, “we are here to pay homage to you that we are in your domain to hold a rally, not a campaign because Etim Ekpo is a PDP stronghold. I am here to assure Etim Ekpo people that the incoming government would favour the people of Etim Ekpo and through the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, we would give Etim Ekpo its due.”
While unveiling his development blueprint, Pastor Eno who was accompanied by his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Eno, and the Deputy governorship candidate, Senator Akon Eyakenyi maintained that the next administration, under his watch, would focus majorly on rural development, adding that small and medium scale entrepreneures would be supported, and the youths trained in areas that would make them self- employed and independent.
According to him, “The core message of our campaign is on rural development. What the rural people need is not much, they need access to basic healthcare, good roads, schools to make life easier and better. I will leave no stone unturned to ensure the integration of our rural communities.”
drama for Ignatius Grain: The Nantes forward has lost his 5-year-old daughter. The Cameroonian will not be in Turin on Thursday 16 February for the Europa League play-offs against Juve. The small one Chloé, Ganago’s only daughter, died after an illness and the player left for Cameroon. The tragedy of Ganago was made public by…
FIRST LADY PRESENTS PDP GUBER RUNNING MATE TO AKWA IBOM WOMEN
The gubernatorial running mate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State and senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Dame Dr. Akon Eyakenyi was yesterday formally presented to Akwa Ibom women by the First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. Martha Emmanuel.
The event which held at the women’s monthly prayer meeting coincided with the seventh anniversary of the prayer programme. It was therefore double celebration for Akwa Ibom women who marked the seventh anniversary of their prayer project and the emergence of the would be first elected female deputy governor in the state.
The women’s monthly prayer meeting is one of Her Excellency’s pet projects which affords Akwa Ibom women the opportunity to stand in the gap for the government and people of the state. Having run smoothly for seven years, the women gathered to thank God for the journey thus far.
It was a joyous moment for Akwa Ibom women who received Dr. Eyakenyi with gratitude and thanked Her Excellency for her role in pushing women’s agenda. They lauded Governor Udom Emmanuel’s disposition towards the inclusion of women politically.
They commended the governor for allowing a woman to ascend the number two position in the state through election for the first time. Akwa Ibom women described Governor Udom Emmanuel as the most women friendly governor who has given women greater access to the politics of the state and pledged unflinching support to the governor’s completion agenda and succession plan.
BRIGHT ARCHIBONG EXHIBITING RARE LOVE WITH FREE FUEL GIVEAWAY
In her avowed commitment and continuous support to the Udom Emmanuel led-administration, Wife of the capacity Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Obonganwan (Mrs.) Bright Archibong, Today, Thursday, 23rd June, 2022, in her usual way of benevolence surprised over 450 cyclist operators in Eket with free fuel, totaling about 3,000 liters at Zavall petroleum, after NTA, Eket Oron road, Eket.
She also charged the beneficiaries to get their PVC and vote for the PDP Gubernatorial candidate Pst. Umo Bassey Eno and all PDP candidates in the forthcoming election.
President of Motorcyclists in Eket, Mr. Metro, who spoke on behalf of his members, thanked the Hon Commissioner’s wife for her kind gesture and pledged their loyalty to Hon Frank Archibong and the Udom-led administration.
Bright Archibong, is a staunch women mobilizer, promoter of good governance, gender equality advocate and undisputed loyalist of Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Udom Emmanuel.
Why INEC should extend deadline -Kachikwu, Nsuko Umunna
Why INEC should extend deadline
By Clifford Ndujihe, Levinus Nwabughiogu & Fortune Eromosele
Founder of Roots Television Nigeria and presidential candidate of the ADC, Dumebi Kachikwu, told journalists in Abuja that the INEC has no valid reasons to turn down suggestions of extending the deadline, adding that registration could go on two weeks before elections.
He said, “There is no reason why INEC shouldn’t extend the deadline. The excuses they are making are absolute rubbish. I have an IT background; people can register two weeks before the elections.
“It’s ‘Garbage In-Garbage Out,’ it’s what you feed into the system, what are they talking about. The problem is the government in power understands that when people register with passion like we are seeing right now, they know those people are coming with vengeance to vote them out, so they would do everything to discourage them from voting.
“We can see that from what’s happening in some centres, even in Abuja here. For the last four, five months some persons have not been able to register, where has it been reported? Go and fill the form, just try and register, you cannot.
“They do this intentionally, they know what’s going to happen in the next election, they don’t want more people to vote them out, and so they discourage it.”
On its part, the Nzuko Umunna in a statement by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Ngozi Odumuko, noted with concern that “with the current turnout of people who want to register in different states, if INEC goes ahead with its plan to suspend voter registration on June 30, 2022, a lot of the citizens will be left unregistered and therefore, disenfranchised during the 2023 elections.
“We therefore, call on INEC to as a matter of concern extend the deadline for continuous voter registration to enable all eligible Nigerians register and be able to vote during elections. We urge the Commission to ensure that all Nigerians who visit registration centres are given opportunity to register in all parts of the country where they reside no matter their tribe or religious affiliation as voting during elections is one of the civic obligations of every eligible citizen.”
VOTERS REGISTRATION: Reps mandate INEC to extend exercise by 60 days
AS hundreds of citizens struggle to get registered as voters across the country, the House of Representatives has mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to extend the June 30 deadline for registration by 60 days.
The House of Representatives move came amid calls on INEC to extend the exercise by many groups including Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dumebi Kachikwu; and Igbo intellectual group, Nzuko Umunna.
The House of Representatives mandate to INEC to extend the voters registration exercise followed a motion by the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State.
The House also asked INEC to deploy additional staff and voters registration machines across the country.
According to Kalu, the ongoing CVR by the Commission would end on 30 June 2022, ahead of the 2023 general elections in February.
The essence, the House said, was to enable more Nigerians participate in the election.
Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act provides: “The registration of voters, updating and revision of the Register of Voters under this section shall stop not later than 90 days before any election covered by this Act.”
Kalu in his motion said: “The House also notes that the decision to suspend the voters’ registration is in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires INEC to suspend voters’ registration at least 60 days before an election.
“The House is aware that in April 2022, INEC declared that about 42% of the voter registrations recorded since the commencement of Continuous Voters Registration on 28 June, 2021 was invalid with about 20 million unclaimed Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs.
“The House is cognizant of the large number of unregistered eligible voters willing to be registered as evidenced by the crowd seen at various registration centres resulting in congestion.
“The House is concerned by reports of shortages of voter registration machines, inadequate manpower and personnel at registration centres which may lead to frustrations among prospective registrants and in some cases, unrest at some registration centres.
“The House is also aware of calls from concerned citizens and civil societies urging INEC to extend the voters’ registration deadline to accommodate eligible voters desiring to register for their PVCs.
“The House is further aware that the right to vote is critically important to the health and legitimacy of our democracy, as well as electoral integrity.
“The House is also cognizant that if nothing is done to improve the shortage of voter registration equipment and extend the deadline for voters registration, millions of Nigerians will be disenfranchised thus jeopardizing the integrity of the 2023 general elections.”
Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Electoral Matters to engage the Independent National Electoral Commission to examine and proffer solutions to the shortage of registration machines and manpower and deploy an additional 30 voter registration machines to each Local Government Area, train and deploy Ad-hoc staff to improve the shortage of manpower at registration centres, provide security for the ad-hoc staff.
The committee was asked to conclude the assignment and report back to the House within two weeks
EMEMOBONG UPS THE ANTE …Trains Staff At ASCON, Badagry
EMEMOBONG UPS THE ANTE …Trains Staff At ASCON, Badagry
The current boom in the training of staff of Ministry of Information and Strategy under the watch of Comrade Ini Ememobong has taken an upward dimension, with the training of Information Officers at the prestigious Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, ASCON, Topo, Badagry.
Excited at the recent development, Information Officers have continued to pour encomium on the State Information helmsman, Comrade Ini Ememobong for bringing ASCON training to them, which hitherto was an exclusive preserve of Administrative Officers in the State government employ.
Commenting on the latest training of five Information Officers on “Effective Succession Planning in Management and Administration”, the Information Officer with the Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Ime Udokpan, concoured that, hitherto, training at ASCON was exclusively targeted at Administrative Officers selected by the office of the Head of Civil Service to the envy of other cadre of government employees.
EMEMOBONG UPS THE ANTE …Trains Staff At ASCON, Badagry
She therefore expressed deep happiness at the turn of events and thanked, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong for strategic push of Information Officers to update their skills and knowledge at the college.
While thanking the State Government and in particular the management of Ministry of Information and Strategy for the training sponsorship, one of the participants, an Assistant Director of Information and Zonal Director in-charge of Eket zone of the Ministry, Mr. Uwem Ben, described Comrade Ini Ememobong as a valuable asset to the Ministry, the Information sector and indeed, the entire people of Akwa Ibom State.
Mr Uwem Ben recounted that the training programme which featured lectures on relevant areas of Succession Planning in government and private organizations, also offered the participants, the opportunity to see the rich cultural heritage of Badagry and its significance in the history of Nigeria.
He added that Information Officers have never had it so good, especially in the areas of training and re-training in various fields, which Comrade Ini Ememobong has exposed them to since his assumption of office as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy.
While receiving the ASCON Trainee Ambassadors at his Emmanuel’s Court Shelter Afrique residence, the Information Commissioner said, more batches of Information Officers will be sent on training at ASCON depending on availability of resources and congratulated the first batch of Trainees for the successful completion of the week-long programme.
Ememobong said, the training was part of measures towards keying into the human capacity development-drive of the Akwa Ibom State Government, for improved staff performance adding that, the training of Civil Servants will continue to be accorded priority by government.
It could be recalled that, under the watch of Comrade Ini Ememobong, staff of the Ministry of Information and Strategy have undergone various specialised trainings in Sign and Chinese language as well as professional and Leadership trainings within and outside the Country including the multi-faced human capacity building training at Dubai in the United Arab Emirate, UAE.
At ASCON, the Akwa Ibom State team exhibited the rich cultural heritage of the people as well as the humongous development strides of the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led government to the management of the institution, through the publications of the Ministry- ” Explore Akwa Ibom” and “Wetin Udom don do”.
Amongst the participants at the week-long training included: an Assistant Director of Information and Zonal Director of Uyo Zone of the Ministry, Inibeghe Etuk, Information Officer, Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Nsikan Essien and Information Officer, Office of the State Accountant-General, Mrs. Daye-Abasi Godsien.
EMEMOBONG UPS THE ANTE …Trains Staff At ASCON, Badagry
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