Quantum Petrochemical Project And Esit Eket Gas Processing Plant: Walk-Way To Industrial Revolution In Akwa Ibom State

By Matts Udoaka

At last the Akwa Ibom State is poised for a clean break from the industrial dearth that has characterized most of the states of the federation. If states have been growing economically, the yearning for true federalism could have received the approval of all the states which have been suffering from the industrial and economic backwardness over the years.

 

President Goodluck Jonathan shaking hands with Gov. Akpabio
during a State Banquet at AKS Banquet Hall in Uyo after commissioning
the Uquo Gas Plan
Economic development is not more than planning and executing strategic national, futuristic projects that would ensure a macro-economic mechanism in a growing population such as ours. Rather, Nigerian federation and her burgeoning states have been antagonizing themselves in the miasma of federation account and derivation war. Our myopic leaders do not take into account, the infrastructural index of their states as a road map for industrial revolution. They enmesh themselves with envious phobia of those who foresee the future and address the decay in their state’s infrastructure. They capitalize in the control of funds meant for the development of their states without minding the result of corruption that does no nation any good.

From the United Nations Global Ascendancy Index (G.A.I), it is no longer a big deal to note that the third world countries are drastically dragging down their progress, and remain abased following their corruption and leadership incompetence. Even though they are desperately anxious to move ahead rapidly, the allied evil of corruption and incompetence do not  allow the evils of wants and ignorance to overcome the resultant effect of corruption. The result becomes the deeply entrenched foes of poverty and lack of growth. Nigerians have to recognize that a man who plans to stand on the moon in a few years time, can surely first order things more reasonably on his own planet.

That becomes the perspective of scheming and  siting of viable and feasible industries like Quantum Petrochemical Project, and Gas Processing Plant in Akwa Ibom State.

The siting of these two projects being petroleum based, would pose no problem of scarcity of raw materials since the region they are sited offers petroleum solution at a finger tip. As it is, the allied projects have become a walk-way for industrial revolution of Akwa Ibom State. The derivatives of the two projects would sustain each other and create ways for other projects to come in.

14 Hours Power Supply in Akwa Ibom State

 By Emmanuel Nicholas

 Adequate supply of reliable electricity power is essential to economic development, and the  Ibom Power Plant (IPP) has the potential to fill this critical need in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. In addition to the economic benefits of constructing and operating the power plant, there are important opportunities for communities and states to establish themselves as key global supply chain elements of components and sub-systems for the many power plants that will end up being built internationally to help meet growing energy needs.

Ibom Power Plant, now working

As evidently noticeable, access to clean modern energy services has constituted an enormous challenge to the African continent because energy is fundamental for socio-economic development and poverty eradication. Today, 60 to 70 per cent of the Nigerian population does not have access to electricity. There is no doubt that the present power crisis afflicting Nigeria will persist unless the government diversifies the energy sources in domestic, commercial and industrial sectors and adopt new available technologies to reduce energy wastages, which will also help to save cost.

Akpabio sacked me for seeking to become Governor in 2015 - Obong Bassey Albert

Promises to Declare Officially Ending of August  2014 if…

The former Finance commissioner Obong Bassey Albert Akpan has said that for showing interest in running for the office of the Governor in 2015 he was shown the way out of Chief Akpabio’s government.

 Obong Bassey Albert, one of the strong contenders in the 2015 governorship race said that so far he has consulted across twenty four local government areas out of thirty one, and would be compelled to declare for the 2015 governorship at the end of his consultation, depending on the will of God and the consent of Akwa Ibom people.

 He made this known during a media interaction with members of the fourth estate of the realm whose role in setting agenda for the society he said he was not oblivious of.

Obong Bassey Albert, Guber Aspirant, AKS

He observed that the media in the state has been very fair to him, and charged journalists to continue to remain objective in their reportage.  Obong Albert recalled how he was framed up at his twilight in the government of Chief Godswill Akpabio as being a proprietor of forty three media houses which he was accused of using to attack the very government he served with diligence, adding that nothing can happen to any person except God approves.

 Obong Albert, popularly addressed as OBA by his campaigners and admirers thanked Governor Akpabio for the opportunity given him to serve Akwa Ibom people as Finance Commissioner, adding that the history of his boss’ administration, if chronicled, would not be complete without his name being mentioned, boasting that for the privilege he had to work with governor Akpabio, he “served him diligently, with commitment and loyalty”.

2015 Succession Battle:The men who want Akpabio’s job, Their Chances and Challenges

By Ekebo Ekanem

Nigeria is once again entangled in the knotty issue of a fast approaching general elections  which time draw nearer by the day. Across the country, politicians and political parties are getting ready to slug it out with one another for the available elected positions that will go for grabs during the 2015 general election.

Chief Godswill Akpabio, AKS Governor

Governor Godswill Akpabio will not be eligible to seek re-election for a third term during the next gubernatorial election in the state. The quest to replace him amongst politicians is already at its peak. In Akwa Ibom State, some of the gubernatorial hopefuls are already out in open in what is fast becoming an interesting rat race to occupy government House in 2015.

Perhaps, the race towards succeeding him is quite crowded. The battle for the Hilltop Mansion in the state is tilted behind the political crisis since the state was created.   The Peoples Democratic Party has remained the ruling party in 1999 with Obong Victor Attah serving two terms as governor before handing over to Gov. Akpabio on May 29th 2007 whose tenure will climax on May 29th 2015.

No fewer than ten aspirants plan to succeed Akpabio. The contenders are warming up for the primaries which may hold in October. Most of the aspirants eyeing the ticket are in the ruling P.D.P. Among the leading contenders in the race are:-

Akpabio sacked me for seeking to become Governor in 2015 - Obong Bassey Albert

Promises to Declare Officially Ending of August if…

 By Ephraim Ikpe

The former Finance commissioner Obong Bassey Albert Akpan has said that for showing interest in running for the office of the Governor in 2015 he was shown the way out of Chief Akpabio’s government.

Obong Bassey Albert, one of the strong contenders in the 2015 governorship race said that so far he has consulted across twenty four local government areas out of thirty one, and would be compelled to declare for the 2015 governorship at the end of his consultation, depending on the will of God and the consent of Akwa Ibom people.

Obong Bassey Albert Akpan

He made this known during a media interaction with members of the fourth estate of the realm whose role in setting agenda for the society he said he was not oblivious of.

He observed that the media in the state has been very fair to him, and charged journalists to continue to remain objective in their reportage.  Obong Albert recalled how he was framed up at his twilight in the government of Chief Godswill Akpabio as being a proprietor of forty three media houses which he was accused of using to attack the very government he served with diligence, adding that nothing can happen to any person except God approves.

Obong Albert, popularly addressed as OBA by his campaigners and admirers thanked Governor Akpabio for the opportunity given him to serve Akwa Ibom people as Finance Commissioner, adding that the history of his boss’ administration, if chronicled, would not be complete without his name being mentioned, boasting that for the privilege he had to work with governor Akpabio, he “served him diligently, with commitment and loyalty”.

Succession Crisis Rocks Akpabio’s Camp? I Have No Hand in Mike Sebastian’s Ambition – Sir Emem Akpabio

I Am Qualified To Join the Race - Mike Sebastian

  

Following rumours making the headlines that Governor Godswill Akpabio is preparing a certain Mike Sebastian from Ikot Abasi Local Government Area to take over from him come 2015; a senior member of the Great Akpabio family, Sir Emem Akpabio has broken the ice and dismissed the insinuation as a complete fluke.

Speaking with journalists in his Port Harcourt residence, Sir Akpabio said that he is unaware of the Governorship ambition of Mr Mike Sebastian. He noted that he has not been consulted or been told by the said Sebastian that he nurses such ambition.

“I am unaware of such an ambition. I read newspapers and follow stories on the social media but I have not stumbled on this one. I was surprised when you asked of my take on this aspiration. I have not been informed or consulted in anyway. To further insinuate that I have a hand in this ambition is a huge joke. We must note that the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State has a big task ahead of him. It requires someone who has the right connection, contacts, intellectual capacity and experience to move the state to an industrialized hub.

“The media should please help us in dismissing these distractive rumours capable of misleading the masses. You know we are in a critical political era, and these rumours are sponsored by aspirants from Uyo Senatorial District who are bent on imposing themselves on the people of Akwa Ibom State against the already established zoning arrangement.

NUJ Chairman's Scorecard One Year After: Utilizing the Media to Unite and Develop the Society

By Patrick Albert

A year ago, precisely on August 1, 2013, my leadership of our Union as the State Chairman was given birth to, through your votes, so massively expressed, at the State’s Triennial Delegates Conference/Elections of officers.

As I said in my post election speech on that glorious day, the outcome of the election was victory for all members of the Union, as there was ‘no victor and no vanquished.’ And symbolic of the dynamism of our Union’s democracy, my predecessor, Comrade Joe Effiong, whom I contested with in that election, as a true democrat, was quick to accept the election results and he congratulated me with a warm embrace.

That memorable scenario and your continuing support and goodwill have kept invigorating my zeal to offer the Union a leadership that is felt and seen positively, anchoring on my missions and visions for the Union as promoted by the Rebirth Group which campaigned for my election.

I recall that at the inaugural State Congress held on Thursday, September 12, 2014 I said as follows: “We have come with great passion; we have come with the best of intention and we have come to awaken our mental resourcefulness to the very dreams that we have had over the years.

“Before us is the charge to go through and bring to fruition in greater dimension the dreams of our past chairmen from the path finding role of Ini Mfon Udo – the caretaker committee chairman to Namnso Umoren – the first elected state chairman and subsequent successors – Etop Williams; Ikpong Essien-Udom; Innocent Okon; Daniel Ekanem; Sunday Antai; Israel Umoh; Ephraim Etti and Joe Effiong respectively.”

As twelve (12) months have rolled by, it is imperative to look back as a measure of reappraisal so as to ensure that the leadership continues to deliver on the mandate. Let me quickly acknowledge the support and cooperation of the members of the State Working Committee (SWC) and State Executive Committee (SEC) as well as you all. I salute you all and solicit continued friendship, comradeship and cooperation.

Elder Patrick Albert, NUJ Chairman, Akwa Ibom State

Clearly, my mission and vision as encapsulated in my manifesto was “To bring all journalists on board to collectively restore the loss glory of our Union and rekindle interest, inspire confidence and love among members. To unite journalists into a family that will gradually become a formidable community in Akwa Ibom State polity; To create opportunities that will enhance the welfare of members and make the Union, a dynamic force to be reckoned with.”

Without equivocation, this promise is being kept. Today, the Union is faring better. The infrastructural renaissance at the Press Centre is obviously seen. We started with the upgrade of facilities/renovation of the existing one-storey building. The State Chairman, State Secretary, Treasurer and other EXCO members now have offices, tastefully furnished. Both the Congress Hall and the Mini Conference Hall have been improved and we have a functional Viewing Centre with two (2) giant Television Plasma Screens. As you know, we were quick to establish a website and an email address to boost our communications and ICT compliance.

Patrick Albert: Manifesting God’s will in NUJ

By Otobong Nsekpong

August 1st 2013 will remain green in the mind of so many for various reasons. To Journalists in Akwa Ibom State, it will remain memorable following the victory of the Rebirth Team at the triennial delegates’ conference/State Elections of the NUJ. 

That uncommon victory of August 1, 2013 brought to the number one seat the champion of the Rebirth Team, Elder Patrick Albert. As a member of the team that toured the 11 Chapels with the promise of fresh air, I recall the tremendous support, endorsement and prayers which resulted in the overwhelming victory for Elder Patrick Albert.

Elder Patrick Albert(3rd right) welcomes Mr Aniekan Umanah
AKS, Information Commissioner to the NUJ viewing Centre at
being commissioned by the latter .

What did the Rebirth Team promise Journalists? Apart from the promise of the return of the good old days when NUJ Press Centre was a rallying point for members and members of other professional bodies, it also promised a facelift of facilities at the Center.

If the performance and features of successes of Elder Albert in the last one year were to be written as a book, it would have been voluminous considering the day to day activities of the union soon after he assumed leadership.

A peep into the pages will tell the story of fulfilled promises to journalists in every area. Proving doubting Thomases wrong, Elder Albert started with the expansion of the leadership scope of the union by introducing the appointment of personal aides to the chairman as well as setting up some critical committees to help the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Union in the running of the council. He encourages the younger generation of journalists by entrusting them with responsibilities including high profile appointment in government.

The new leadership has also increased the population of Akwa Ibom delegates at any national congress of the Union following the recognition of the Federal information Chapel and conferring of a chapel status on Newsfront Newspaper.

NUJ, Akwa bIbom State council has been heard and seen in the last 365 days more than it has been heard since the state was created. Unlike in the past where the union owns the mass media yet remain unsung. Today, the story has changed. NUJ stories are considered in the headlines and given prominence in the papers.

Robinson Uwak Versus Akpabio Again! Reason for Uwak, Akpabio Rift

Akpabio is not Passionate About the Plight of Oro People – Robinson Uwak

You Are inciting Ethnic Strife – Aniekan Umanah

Orman Esin to Uwak – Your Media War will lead us to nowhere

Hon. Robinson Uwak’s Facebook Post

During my last telephone conversation with our Governor Chief Dr. Godwill Obot Akpabio CON on Monday, which lasted for about an hour, I mentioned to him that I have taken steps to solve some of the infrastructure problems facing Oro when he complained about the state's dwindling allocation (which I doubt) as his excuse for not tackling certain infrastructural decay within my constituency particularly the Oron road which is completely an eyesore. I went further to reveal to him that I had caused the National Assembly to appropriate through NDDC the sum of N2.6B for the dualization of Oron road from Uya-Oron Junction to the Beach. I respectfully called on our governor to support my effort by exploring his relationship with the Federal Government especially the NDDC to fast track the award of the contract for this project to a reputable construction company. His Excellency's response to me was quite evasive and I quote him thus "hmmmmmm... you know these NDDC people they might not want to do it". This sort of evasive response from our Governor further goes to buttress the fact that he is not passionate about the plight of the Oro people. The struggle continues.

Hon. Robinson Edet Uwak
Member House of Reps
Oron Federal Constituency, Nigeria

Apartheid In Akwa Ibom State - Robinson Uwak
Democracy we had hoped will bring good governance all the way. For the people of Oron ethnic nationality comprising of five local governments namely : Okobo,Mbo, Urue offong-Oruko, Udung-Uko, pain, anguish, gnashing of teeth, grief and tears is what democracy, as unleashed by the Chief Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio(CON) has brought our way. Despite the fact that these five local governments account for over 80% of the 99% revenue accruing to the state from oil revenue(The state earns only 1% revenue from other sources of revenue) the Oro people have no idea of what "uncommon Transformation " feels like or looks like. To have an idea of what "uncommon transformation " feels like you have to travel all the way to the Annang speaking part of the state where Akpabio hails from. Tired of waiting for the "uncommon transformation " to reach them well over 7years of the 8years tenure of Akpabio, the people of Oro decided to put up a documentary http://youtu.be/LZMqdjTXQvs Calling on government to come to their aid owing to gargantuan level of infrastructure decay in their community. They managed to put together the required funding to pay AIT to air the documentary only to be told that Akpabio had ordered AIT not to air the said documentary. Imagine what it feels like to be oppressed and cannot speak out. This can only be APARTHEID. Please join in giving voice to the voiceless. Please append your initial and rebroadcast to give voice to the oppressed. God bless you.
Hon Robinson Uwak

Lawmaker Versus Governor:Fuel Your jet to CNN to Stop the next Documentary - Robinson Uwak

Akpabio Stops Robinson Uwak’s Documentary on AIT

The anti-democratic tendencies of Akwa Ibom state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio received a major boost with the stopping on Monday of a documentary scheduled for airing on the network of African Independent Television (AIT) at the instance of the governor.

Hon. Robinson Uwak and His Excellency Mr Nsima Ekere at a public function

Hon Robinson Awak, the member representing Oron Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, had following his recent crusade for attention to the rot in his constituency, had prepared a one hour documentary on the utter decay of infrastructure in Oro land. The documentary was scheduled to be aired Monday August 4, 2014. Few minutes to the time, the television station got in touch with him that the programme has been “differed”. 
Not satisfied with the import of his documentary being differed, the lawmaker made further inquiries and was told that the Akwa Ibom state governor had ordered that the tape should not be played. Uwak was thereafter asked to come and get back his money,
Satisfied with his executive use of powers, the governor put a call through to the Representative and spent an hour on the phone, cajoling him on the why he should not put his government in bad light by showing the documentary. He told Uwak to come to the lodge for a better approach to the special case of Oro marginalization. He promised that the lawmaker would be accorded access when the lawmaker informed him that he had remained inaccessible. 
The documentary was a response to the challenge by government apologists that Oro land has been treated the same way other areas in the state had been treated by the Akpabio administration. 
Speaking to our correspondent on the issue, an aide said, “It (The documentary) showcased for the world to see firsthand another side of the uncommon transformation going on in Akwa Ibom state. It was supposed to be used as a counter poise to the serial and wanton use of the media to give an impression that all is too well with the state.”

Hon Uwak pushes Maritime University of Nigeria Bill through Second Reading

By Ephraim Ikpe

The member representing Oron Federal Constituency, Hon Robinson Uwak has put forward convincing arguments to push through the second reading the Bill for an Act to establish the Maritime University of Nigeria, Oron.

Hon. Robinson Edet Uwak, Rep, Oron Fed. Constituency,
National Assembly, Nigeria

When finally passed, the  properties of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron would be transferred to the said University, according to the Bill sponsored by Hon. Uwak.

Presenting his arguments at the floor of the green chamber of the National Assembly, the lawmaker said because of the relevance of the shipping industry to Nigeria and being the bedrock of the nation’s oil and gas industry, “particularly off-shore”, as well as the vehicle of the nation’s  petro-based exports and importation of raw materials and finished goods, the ports  assume the “self styled gateways to the nation’s economy”.

He however regretted that despite what the ports stand for to the nation, “Participation of Nigerian nationals and companies in the shipping industry is in its infancy, exhibiting a potentially fledging ship building/repair industry, a dying and almost non-existing seafarer corps”.

He was quick to state that “a vibrant fully indigenous seafarer corp must have been the mission and vision of the Nigerian Government as it set out in 1979, 35 years ago and about four decades now to establish what is now known as the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron”.

KEKE NAPEP CRISIS! Gov. Akpabio Comes to the Rescue

Reduces Daily tariff to N200 for keke Operators

Yearly  renewal  slashed to N500 and Biometric data capture  N3000

By Ephraim Ikpe

The recent crisis and demonstrations involving  keke Napep operators and persons believed to be hoodlums that rocked some parts of Uyo capital city last week was brought under check by the sudden intervention of the state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio.

After a careful and thorough review of the crisis caused by the daily tariff of N400 demanded of the operators of the Keke Napep plying roads in the capital city, a magnanimous governor Akpabio slashed the daily tariff from N400 to N200 daily and directed that the daily rate covers Keke Napep operators for the whole of Akwa Ibom State.

Gov. Godswill Akpabio of AKS.

Briefing newsmen in his office, the Commissioner for Transport, Prince Godwin Ntukedeh said the governor, in a meeting with members of the State executive Council on ways to solve that problem examined the Constitution, the local government law and other relevant laws associated with  revenue generation in the local government areas and directed according to law that henceforth revenue from mechanically propelled equipment, including Keke Napep should remain the exclusive preserve of the state government and not the business of local government areas as done earlier.

Sen Helen Esuene on Solidarity Visit to NUJ Says This is the time to try Women in Governance

By Ephraim Ikpe

The Senator representing Eket Senatorial District in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Her Excellency, Senator Helen Udoakaha Esuene has said that a time has come for new  people in general  and women in particular to be given opportunity in governance.

“There are times and seasons.  Men have been there over the years and we have assisted them thus far; they have done a fantastic job, but it is time to try the women.  Like I have said, this is the season to put more women on the job of governance”, she said.

The former first lady of the former South-Eastern state of Nigeria made this position known while on a solidarity visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Press Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on July 12, 2014.

She confirmed that she would be in the 2015 governorship race but would speak on the matter at the appropriate time.  She said she was interested in the kind of government and leadership that would be in empathy with the governed as well as create jobs for the citizenry, especially the youths.  She said she has many things in her kitty waiting to be rolled out when the time comes.

Senator(Mrs) Helen Udoakaha Esuene

Speaking to a cross section of Journalists at the press centre, she apologized for her inability to make the ground breaking ceremony of the Godswill Akpabio International Press Centre, which event was performed by Governor Godwill Akpabio early this month.  She said that it was not out of place for her to still come around to identity with the spirit and letter of the said project.

In the spirit of the 2014 World Cup Mundial, Senator Esuene stated that it was instructive to note that of the four countries that made the game to the finals, three(Germany, Argentina and Brazil) of those countries were headed by women.

Hon. Robinson Uwak Secures two Ferries to boost Marine Transport

By Ben Akwa

The Ahta of Oro HRM Ahta Etim Ati Okpo (JP) has once translated his name “Uwak” as meaning “plenty” . The Royal Father had said “he is the one who will bring plenty things to Oro nation”.

True to the monarch’s assertion almost over a year ago, the active lawmaker has recently secured two new boats to ferry Oron-Calabar water ways in line with the motion he moved last year in the National Assembly for revivification of  water transportation in the country.

In that motion he had prayed that many lives were lost by Nigerians as a result of using ordinary boats to ferry the  in the coastal parts of the country and called on the federal government and its relevant agencies to provide ferries to ease marine transport as well as revive marine transport which he argued had been abandoned for many years.

That Motion led to the House of Reps mandating the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to resume ferry services in the affected areas especially in the Oron route within 60 days.   The House also mandated the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to increase the number of emergency rescue patrol boats, monitor the waterways and ensure that ferries and boats operated in the country, especially in the Oron area, comply with Safety standards and maintain manifests of all marine passengers.

It also mandated the House Committee on Marine transport to continually monitor the activities and ensure that NIWA and NIMASA carry out the resolutions of House.

This is his Chance

Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, representing Nsit Ubium in AKHA

By  Osondu Ahirika

"When will you stop writing praises of Hon (Barr.) Onofiok Luke?", a curious reader asked me. "Until he derails and starts to fart in his political and social activities", I replied. So soon again, I find myself "landlocked" , as it seems, and condemned to commending him once again. Three dimensions quickly come to mind as I set out to review Luke's latest diadem. Let me quickly share them.

First, he proves William Shakespeare wrong. This legendary English playwright, describing Cassius, in his epic play, JULIUS CAESER, says, "...let me have men about me that are fat...Cassius has a lean hungry look, he thinks too much, such men are dangerous". Situate Onofiok Luke in the 'Cassius stereotype', and see what you get. Is he fat? Emphatic no! Is he lean? The ayes have it! Being sleek headed, does he project a hungry, angry look? Far be it, for he is well polished and contentedly fed. Does he think too much? Yes, yes and yes! But, the positive thinking of a Philosopher- king, that reasonably liberates and heals our bruised world. Little wonder, Governor Godswill Akpabio, unlike Julius Caeser abhorred lean Cassius, welcomes the association of Luke. He has proved to be a loyal mentee and harmless as the earthworm to his mentor. Even to the larger State, Nation and world, this Youth leader has emerged an idol of progress, change and social reform, which brings me to the second thought.

French Emperor and folk hero, Napoleon Bonaparte(1769-1821), in his time dominated world headlines with outstanding military triumphs and conquests. His most famous line was, "Give me but a firm spot to stand on and I will move the world", and when he had the chance, Bonaparte did move the world. Bonaparte's words are self fulfilling in Hon. Luke. It takes me to the second point, about this one time student leader and activist, who got a chance window of opportunity to stand on a platform offered by Gov. Akpabio, to literally move the world about him.

The third fact, a manifest fruition of the second above, refers the keynote address, titled, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE, Luke gave on April 11, 2013. The event was the inauguration by Speaker Sam Ikon of the 15 Interns who emerged successful as Pioneers of The Onofiok Luke Legislative Internship Programme, TOLLIP. The programme which was widely advertised, and first of its kind in Nigeria, is tailored to train the interns in the business of legislative practice and equip them for leadership. Its broader sidekicks, entail learning of Financial Management, Small and Medium scale Entrepreneurship, Volunteerism and Alternative Dispute Resolution. To achieve this, experts, scholars and tested professionals in relevant disciplines have been drafted as Resource Persons to run the programme within the period of internship akin to Reality Television Shows. At the end of the programme, interns are expected to have a grasp of local and global affairs, and in the visioners(Luke), words, "...be able to think outside the box, which is the least capacity a contemporary leader needs."

Alleged Human Rights Abuse: Police Authorities Risk N50m Damages for Unlawful Detention

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Enough of these Shenanigans: Let the NUJ Chairman Be

Elder Patrick Albert, NUJ Chaiman, AKS

The development and growth of journalism practice in Akwa Ibom state has been bolstered by the rising profile of the state’s economy and political awareness of the people of the state.

The practice of journalism in the past centred around the western part of the country where every trainable individual in the profession would adjudge his or herself to have to cut his or her teeth well if only such an one(at that time) finds himself hustling in the streets of Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital (now) to find placement in one mega media house or another.  Those old good days later gave way with the development and growth of state-based newspapers and privately owned electronic media houses in most states of the federation.

However, today those seeking to become Journalists and those already in the profession relish in the euphoria of operational environments close to where they come from.  People who leave school on Industrial Training experience  for example from Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua in Ikot Ekpene local government area, who read Mass Communication, or those from the University of Uyo from Communication Arts Department etc draw such practical experience from work environments within the state capital without bothering how to cover many miles to Lagos or any other place for that matter.  That is what development and growth in modern day Journalism practice has done to our clime. 

Much as the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state has grown in leaps and bounds, such growth however, should be positively reflected on the members.  From one administration to another, up to the immediate past leadership of the NUJ, attempts were made at sanitizing the Journalism profession of quackery and ensuring that people who have no business with the Journalism profession and practice do not get close to its domain.  Quacks, just like in other professions, have taken position in the Journalism profession and are even attempting to set agenda for the real professionals in recent times.  They turn to mar things for the owners of the profession and apportion blames at the slightest opportunity more than anyone else.  An instance is when the Joe Effiong-led administration of the NUJ attempted to sanitize  Journalism practice in Akwa Ibom State of quackery via a well tailored process of membership screening, it was those persons who were yet to acquire certificates in Journalism who ran to Abuja via phone calls and visitations to blackmail the NUJ leadership at that time of trying to dismember some persons.  The NUJ constitution at that time(before the amended version) was quoted by these persons copiously for fear of being chased away.