Haressment & Assault On Journalists:

Journalists in Uyo on peaceful protest at gate of govt. House

*NUJ calls for prosecution of Security Operatives

*Threatens Total Boycott of Govt. events if…

Following the cruel and brutal handling of Mr. Kazeem Ibrahim a correspondent of The Nation newspaper on December 9, 2012 by State Security Service (SSS) operatives, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) leadership led a public peaceful protest to Government House on Tuesday Dec. 11,2012 calling  for the security operatives (Charles Anyanwu and Shola Aguda) to be prosecuted for flagrant abuse of the fundamental human rights of one of their own. The NUJ also threaten a total boycott of “all government events if it continue to suffer such indignities” any longer.

In a letter of protest from the NUJ read by its State Chairman, Comrade Joe Effiong to the Governor’s representative (Mr. Aniekan Umanah, Information and Communications Commissioner), security operatives, apart from incessant harassment and assault  on Journalists detailed to cover State events had unabatedly harassed Journalists during the State government/NLC stakeholders meeting, the Guild of Editors of Nigeria’s Conference, swearing-in of Commissioners and Local government Chairmen, Local government elections and the presidential visit.

The State Chairman of the NUJ said Mr. Kazeem Ibrahim was brutally assaulted by Charles Anyanwu and Shola Aguda on Sunday December 9, 2012 at Banquet Hall grounds, Government House, Uyo, Venue of the thanksgiving service to mark the State governor’s 50^th birthday. 

Describing the pitiful state at which the operatives subjected the helpless reporter to, Comrade  Effiong said, “Mr. Ibrahim was seized by the throat, flung to the ground and trampled upon by the said SSS operatives until he passed into Coma and narrowly escaped being lynched as the intervention of the Chief Press Secretary (Pastor Anietie Ukpe) to the State Governor did not help matters.

Victim Narrates How He Lost N5.5m To 419 Syndicate

 

  …As Suspect Is  Docked

By Our Reporter

Pastor/Engr. Joseph B. Effiong who resides  in Uyo, last week at the Federal High Court 2, Uyo recounted the moving story of how he became a victim of an international 419 syndicate. It was a moving recollection that sounded more like a storyline from the script of an epic movie.

 One Uwem Okon Etim, the suspect at the center of the entire episode, listened with rapt attention from the dock as his victim, Pastor Joseph painted a graphic blow by blow picture of how he was defrauded, to the court.

 He narrated that about the middle of this year, he was in his house when a call from a strange number entered his GSM phone. He said he initially ignored the call but decided later to receive it when it became persistent.

 The caller introduced himself as Pastor Emmanuel and explained that he knew him (his victim) in 2009 at the Redeemed Bible College, which incidentally, he was a student then. He told the court that he recalled that there was a student he knew at that time by name, Emmanuel, so he assumed that the caller might be him. The fact that the caller seemed to know him well through the details he gave, persuaded him to continue discussion on phone.

 First, Pastor Emmanuel who later turned out to be the docked suspect, Uwem Okon Etim, broke the ice by telling Pastor Joseph that his brother who is in Saudi Arabia had a problem and wanted help. So he felt that the Pastor being a known person could help.      

 Specifically, he said Uwem told him that the brother wanted to acquire land along Ibom Airport Road in Uruan and wanted his assistance in sourcing and negotiating with owners. When Uwem sought his permission to ask his brother who is purported to be in Saudi Arabia, he obliged without hesitation.

 About ten minutes later, one Umoh Isaiah called with a foreign number, and repeated the same story earlier told by the suspect. At that point, Pastor Joseph said he accepted to help. Pastor/Engr. Joseph B. Effiong, assuming the request to be a genuine appeal for help, met Village Heads of three Communities who donated 100 plots of land at (N500,000) Five Hundred Thousand Naira per plot, which added up to N50m.

 The information was relayed through the accused person to his supposed Saudi based brother who accepted it, and promptly sent somebody (one Imo) to inspect the land. The suspect did not accompany the person sent because, according to him, he was writing exams at the Bible College then.

 And because the N50m cannot go into a personal account due to CBN regulations governing financial transactions, Pastor Joseph approached Akwa Savings and Loan Ltd, and was able to secure a corporate account which number he sent to Dr. Umoh Isaiah.

 Few days later, there was twist to the arrangement as the suspect called to explain that his brother is having problems transferring the money to Nigeria directly from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the circumstance, he informed that his brother was sending some consignment of computer accessories to be sold in Uyo from which the proceeds would be used to pay for the land. The victim told the Court that he agreed since it was his way of paying for the land.

 He continued that the suspect informed him in July this year to be in Lagos because the Cargo containing the accessories was due in Lagos on Monday July 9^th. He left Uyo on Saturday July 7^th 2012, but before he left, the accused person text the name and number of one Amodu Sadiq, whom he claimed is an Assistant Superintendent of Customs who was to assist him clear the goods. Shortly after, Amodu Sadiq called to confirm what Uwem Okon Etim said.

 By Monday, Amodu called him in Lagos to inform that the Cargo has indeed arrived and that the sum of N280,000.00 was required for inspection, which he gave through the suspect who was in his Hotel room. Days later, Pastor Joseph was informed that they needed the sum of N5.5m to clear the Cargo. He recounted to the Court that he got the amount and gave to the trio - Uwem Okon Etim and Imo who came to inspect the land and Amodu Sadiq in his Hotel room in Lagos.

 They later, according to Pastor Joseph, brought “a big box into the Hotel Room”. Surprised that it was not a Cargo as claimed, but a big box, he become suspicious and demanded explanation. He told court that their explanation was that the sizes of the accessories may be small but that their prices were high. Being an Engineer, he said he knew that some important capacitors are costly notwithstanding their sizes.

 Rather than open the box Uwem claimed that he had to hurry back to continue his exams and may not be available when it would be opened. Uwem was reported to have argued that since the accessories were meant to be sold in Uyo, the proper thing was to open it there . He was said to have assured that as soon as he was done with his exams he will be in Uyo that week end.

 After waiting without any trace of the accused in Uyo and after repeated calls, he became apprehensive and opened the “big box” on Monday 16^th.

 Pastor Joseph said when the box was opened what he saw baffled him. In his own words, “I saw notes that looked like Dollars” (US$). “At that point I called Uwem (the accused) on phone to inform him that what I found inside the big box aren’t Computer accessories but what looked like dollars (US$). My Lord he laughed, laughed and L-a-u-g-h-e-d”. The Court at that point went into laughter!

 He continued, “Thereafter, he told me to look inside the box and follow the instructions on a sheet of laminated paper inside the box. I read through the paper bearing instructions on how to use certain chemical to treat the content of the box and concluded that no amount of treatment will turn dollar looking notes to computer accessories, and I informed him accordingly on phone”.

 Additionally, Pastor Joseph told court that he informed the suspect on phone that he will report the matter to the Police, and did report the matter to the Police and the SSS.

 The box in question was not in court because, according to the Prosecutor, Mr. Aja, the IPO was not around, as such could not collect the Exhibit from the Exhibit Keeper. He asked court for adjournment to enable the IPO produce the Exhibit on the next adjourned date.

 Ekpa B. Ekpa Esq. representing the accused objected to the adjournment and informed the Court that he was ready to go on with the cross examination of witness. He informed the Court that a similar charge involving the same parties was also being heard at the Magistrate Court, where, according to him, the Police gave the same excuse for failing to tender the same exhibit.

 Counsel to Uwem Etim Okon continued that he was suspicious of the content of the box having been brought by the witness from Lagos to Uyo alone, and having also opened the box on his own.

The court granted adjournment to January 9, 2013.   

2015 Governorship Project: FEAR GRIPS MAJOR PLAYERS ABOUT AKPABIO’S PERCIEVED SUCCESSOR

 

There are likely palpable fears expressed by major players of the 2015 project that the sitting governor of the oil rich Niger Delta State, Akwa Ibom, has fused plans together to hand over power to one of his cabinet members believed to be very influential because of the strategic nature of his office in Chief Akpabio’s administration.

Some analysts have been overheard by this paper holding such opinion that the said official who is jostling for the ticket of the ruling Party to succeed his boss two and half years to 2015, must have made huge financial contributions to the sitting governor prior to his coming to power in 2007 as regards funding of his campaigns, especially when it became obvious that the former governor (Obong Victor Attah)was out to install his son-inlaw, Dr Udoma Bob Ekarika.

This paper learnt last week that while some would-be aspirants, make-believe aspirants, covert and overtly known aspirants of 2015 governorship race were perhaps cogitating on some political issues of concern, some members of the kitchen cabinet of governor Akpabio were busy holding meetings in the house of one of the governor’s siblings, putting things into place about who will play which role in the expected dispensation.

A top cabinet member of Chief Akpabio’s government from the annang nation said to have been tipped to take over from the present Secretary to the state government was said to have overruled the possibility of any other person defeating the said senior member of Akpabio’s cabinet in the 2015 battle as the ‘deal’ was sealed.

A source who spoke to The Waves on grounds of anonymity had said that in a bid to prove how tight the ‘deal’ was sealed, boasted that a meeting held by core cabinet members and some siblings of the governor in Shelter Afrique weeks ago was not made known to the governor but that having known about the meeting the governor cut short his trip abroad and joined the meeting uninvited.

The source said when the conveners of the meeting saw the governor they apologized that they never intended to bother him but the governor said it did not matter that he was interested in attending the meeting hence he cut short his trip abroad.  It is not known what the meeting discussed, but it is said to have been a meeting of minds and appreciation of the anointed one.

Within the executive Council it is either the members are already aware of who the governor has anointed or some of the kitchen cabinet members are aware of the goings on while the green horns may not have a grip of the under current activities of the master towards 2015.

The said development could smack a political abracadabra of the agitations of some sections of members of the Eket Senatorial District who had since last year been clamouring for power shift via zoning of 2015 governorship to their geo-political zone.

There has been various positions on the issue of zoning in the State.  The sitting state governor has had his experience when he was running for the office of the governor in 2007.  The President of the country has had to pass through thick and thin in the hands of PDP gladiators who sought his jugular in 2011 because of the zoning mantra.

The people of Oron nation came out very vocal on Wednesday December 5, 2012 and in a press conference which was attended by the who is who in Oro nation to insist that owing to their contributions to the emergence of the leadership of the state since 1967 it was time for them to be rewarded, remembered, and allowed to produce a governor in 2015.

Chief Okon Osung, a veteran journalist, a traditional chieftaincy titles holder in Oro nation and Efik land and a onetime Chairman of an election monitoring group in Nigeria had made profuse reference to the position of the PDP Constitution which states clearly in Section 7(2)(c)  the principle of rotation and zoning of elective offices.

According to that section of the PDP Constitution, “in pursuance of the principles of equity, justice and fairness, the Party shall adhere to the Policy of rotation and zoning of Party and public elective offices and it shall be enforced by the appropriate executive committee at all levels”.

Osung had gone, in that gathering where electronic and print media persons gathered, named illustrious sons of Oro nation such as Mr Lawrence Etim, Senator Victor Akan, Comrade David Edet Bassey Etienam, Prof. Sunday Matthew Essang and Senator Joseph Wayas as those who facilitated the smooth take off of Udoakaha Esuene’s South-Eastern State’s administration as well as the emergence of Dr Clement Isong as Governor of old Cross River State in 1979 and Senator Donald Etiebet in 1993 respectively.

He also argued that it was Chief Iyanam Uqua Iyanam and Chief Etim Okpoyo

 Who played roles that brought Obong Akpan Isemin as governor in 1991; and further laid claims to the fact that Late Chief Joe Atting, Chief Okon Osung, Chief Dr. Effiong Edunam and Chief Jerry Okpo contributed immensely to the emergence of Obong Victor Attah in 1999.  He said Arc. Out Ita Toyo, against all odds, fought “gallantly” to ensure victory for Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio in the 2007 PDP primaries, as Oro people; and wondered how that type of history could be swept under the carpet by  overzealous politicians.

According to one Mr Emmanuel from Eket Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, “if the claims of the Oro people could be relied upon and the antecedents surrounding the emergence of governor Akpabio in 2007 as well as that of the President of Nigeria in 2011 could be taken serious, then political watchers, analysts, critics and perhaps those who may not have knowledge of what is going on may likely be waiting to watch the political melodrama of 2015 and how the will of a few will become the will of the majority”. 

But this paper learnt that those who feel not favoured by the governor are already gripped by the fever and fear of the power of incumbency and are likely beginning to re-strategize to stop governor Akpabio from hand picking anybody not tested by the ballot box to succeed him based on the will of the people.

A senior politician in the state who spoke to this paper on grounds of anonymity said it was the PDP style to overheat the polity.  He called on other parties to brave up, come together and present a common candidate to win the PDP.  He said this was possible as the people would be voting their popular candidate while the PDP would be busy cogitating on whether there should be zoning or not, and whether their Party Constitution should be respected or not.

AKWA IBOM, THE NEW DESTINATION

 

By Aniekan Umanah

Since his assumption of office on May 29, 2007 as Governor of Akwa Ibom, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON has left no one in doubt that he came with a mission to serve his people and re-position the State as a model in Nigeria. A little over five years since he was entrusted with that historic mandate, Chief Akpabio has confounded everyone with his monumental achievements that have led to the Uncommon Transformation of the State. With his Free and Compulsory education; Free Medical care for children, expectant mothers and the elderly; a brand new Governor’s Lodge; six new General Hospitals; Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, to mention but a few, the Governor has proved his mettle and given the State a quantum leap.

Already, the foundation for the emerging economy has been laid with the provision of world-class infrastructure such as 300 new roads and flyovers which provide a good network across the state; dependable power supply through the completed phase I Ibom Power Plant that generates 191 megawatts; easy flight access via Ibom International Airport; and other incentives, necessary for a sustainable industrial economy. The provision of N20bn (Twenty Billion Naira) in the 2012 budget as well as the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industries (BOI) for a N5bn (Five Billion Naira) Industrial Development Fund to be accessed by investors, is a clear indication that the present administration is ready to jump-start an industrial economy.

Edidem Umoette Admonishes Nigerians and its Leaders against Idol Worshipping

 

By Franklyn Isong

The Founder and General Overseer of The Divine African Church of Nigeria Inc., His Eminence, Edidem Ime Dickson Umoette, has admonished Nigerian leaders and Christians faith to worship God sincerely, and shun idol worshipping in order to attract His blessings to the country, and avert the looming danger on the people as a result of God’s anger on the nation.

Umoette who is also the Paramount Ruler of Etinan Local Government Area made the assertion, Sunday, November 18, 2012, while delivering sermon which he titled: “Expired relationship” in the 2012 Annual General Convention of his church (the Divine African Church of Nigeria Inc.) tagged; “Come and See”, at the convention grounds, Ikot Udo Otto, Etinan LGA.

He said that when believers serve God with their hearts that their rewards from heaven are divine blessings which nobody or Satan could stop, calling on his worshippers to mend their relationship with God on a daily basis so that their faith could be renewed.

Pastor Umoette who doubles as the President of the church, drew biblical instances to back up his preaching from the scriptures of Proverbs 11: 1; Ezra 8: 21; 1^st Samuel; Judges 1:5-24 and Judges 16:1, among several other biblical portions, saying that idol worshipping and sacrifices offered to Satan and demons were abomination in the sight of God, adding that no true Christian would serve God and Satan at the same time because it was against the principle of God.

The man of God warned that the wrath of God would visit any Christian that serves two masters at the same time.

He advised believers who are married to eschew sinful conducts that would relegate the principle of marriage as instituted by God, noting that marriage couples should abide by the words and messages of God and shun immorality so that the society could be a better place for all.

He condemned what he called “rush of married women” in search of babies which he noted normally “take the house-wives to several places including herbalists and native doctors,” stressing that God was against such act and added that, “any child gotten from such places always turns into problem to such family and society at large”.

He admonished married men to love their wives and respect their feelings while, warning the married women not to push their husbands into committing sinful acts.

The royal father who is the General Overseer of the church related the experiences of Sampson and Delilah from the Holy Bible to his message and also recounted the Biblical accounts of several men of God  who were misled by their wives and warned that such women do not end well in the history books.

He prayed for the fruitfulness of his worshippers and prophesied a turn around miracle for them, saying that they would have divine visitation from God in the cause of their being faithful while offering service to God.

The 4-day International Convention which started on Thursday, November 15, rounded off on Sunday, November 18, 2012 with the ordination of 2 Pastors, 15 Elders, 30 Deacons and 25 Deaconesses for the church nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Founder and General Overseer of the Church, Edidem Umoette has while speaking with newsmen shortly after the event, called on politicians and Nigerian leaders to fear God in order to avert the looming fury of God on the people of the country, noting that the spate of insecurity, flood and other natural disasters, which, according to him, have become daily occurrences in the country, was a pointer that God was not happy with the atrocities committed by Nigerian leaders and the political class of the country.

He advised those in leadership positions in the country to embrace God and work according to the principles of God so that the country could be back on a good footage of God.  

2015 Governorship Race:

 I'Am Yet To Take a Dfinite Decision - Umana Umana

Mr Umana Okon Umana, the Nsit Ubium born technocrat and Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government has said that he is yet to take a definite decision as regards his 2015 governorship ambition, as he stated that, “it was premature at this stage to initiate a discussion on major issues”.

He did not deny his intention about running for office of the governor in 2015 but promised to address all the issues when he would be convinced and ready to enter the governorship race.  “I will also present my record, agenda and blueprint for public scrutiny”, Umana said, noting that it was “still too early to talk about the 2015 Governorship election” as he would rather concentrate on his current assignment starring him in the face as the SSG.

Umana who was responding to some issues about 2015 governorship raised by a member of the Ibomforum (a social network) assured he would make an appropriate response to the ‘forumer’s’  observations at the right time.

Mr Umana’s reaction followed a contribution made by one Anthony Ebuk and posted on Ibom Forum on Friday last week (23/11/12).

 Ebuk noted that ‘talk’ was the “greatest” but “craziest” of man’s inventions as members of the forum in the immediate past were busy talking about 2015 governorship elections, zoning and corruption with regards to Akwa Ibom State.

Anthony Ebuk had, despite other distractions by his forum members asked Mr Umana Umana thus, “My first question to you sir is, with the ever increasing rate of unemployment in the state, what plans or policies would you put in place to reverse the current trend?”.

Ebuk stated that, “in responsible democracies, good men are not voted into power, powerful ideas and positions on topical issues are. A man who intends to run for political office must first familiarize himself with the workings of such office, identify the gabs, challenges, proffer realistic solutions then put himself forward to be adopted by the populace with reasons of the solutions he has proffered”.

Umar Gwadabe And My Police Story

By Osondu Ahirika

The police are your friend! True or false? What a way to begin this piece. Against all odds, contrary to compelling evidence of the reality, I choose to believe the Policeman is a friend.
A few weeks back, Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wammako reportedly flogged a PHCN official publicly. If His Excellency could, then what stops a few overzealous, half baked and probably ill-trained policemen to try their new horse whips on some citizens back in a show of strength?
So it was, that, Your's sincerely was caught on the ugly side of an unfortunate police encounter. On my professional beat to cover the peaceful demonstration by Ex-Councilors of Akwa Ibom State to the Hilltop Mansion along Wellington Bassey Way, before I could say “Jack”, the Mobile Policemen drafted to the scene to disperse the protesting councilors had descended on my colleagues, brutalizing them. I stepped in to intervene and pronto, I was hounded into the melee. Beaten, given a good dose of whipping from koboko which lacerated my body, dragged into the A Division Police office and detained behind the counter after my clothes were torn. My mobile phones were confiscated, even on self identification; the policemen who were clearly intoxicated either by vain sense of power or substance abuse were deaf to commonsense.
Within 36 minutes in their detention, other colleagues stormed the station in protest. Soon the State Council Chair of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Joe Effiong was there, things moved fast and the Commissioner of Police, Umar Gwadabe intervened. He gave signal that we should be brought to the Police Headquarters at Ikot Akpan Abia.
Arriving his office, he was livid with rage at the disgraceful, barbaric and primitive conduct of his men. Profusely apologizing for the, nothing but illiterate conduct of a few bag eggs who know nothing about modern policing, CP Gwadabe was hell bent on punishing those officers responsible for this reprehensible misbehavior.

Attah's Prayer, Akpabio's Cross

By Osondu Ahirika

The Cross is a venerated article of faith for Christians. To professing believers in Christ Jesus, it is the very signification of His passion, humiliation, suffering and 'shameful' death for our sins. Indeed Scripture says cursed be any man who hangeth upon the tree (read Cross). As a matter of fact, Jesus' fate was sealed that He would end up crucified on the Cross of Calvary for the sins of the world. Even when He prayed against it, He still was sure God's will must be done and so He died albeit to save humankind from eternal doom. To those who believe in Him, He says they should carry their Cross and follow him.
Yet, the same Cross is a symbol of redemption, salvation and hope. It is the ultimate metaphor of trial, tribulation and triumph. One can end up either side of those dissimilar ends. Really, the Cross is life. It is about compassion for humanity. That's reason, the Red Cross Society use the symbol to represent their humanitarian good deeds all over the world. In this context today, I shall discuss Governor Akpabio from both oxymoronic prisms. But first let me usher Ex Governor Victor Attah, his erstwhile boss, political godfather and predecessor on stage.
There is no doubt that His Excellency, Victor Attah is embittered with his successor. The current cold war over having or not having a state burial for the late wife of Obong Attah, former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Chairperson and Founder of Child Development Care, Her Excellency, Nnenyin Allison Attah says it all. Obong Attah's wholesale rejection of the State burial for his spouse, preferring a private arrangement against standard practice is a stubborn dagger drawn

Truth be said, this father is yet to forgive his son. Reading Obong Attah's posturing, body language and lips since he left office, and since his falling apart with Chief Akpabio, I discern, he has but one prayer subconsciously encrypted and pronounced for Governor Akpabio. “May he (Akpabio) be confused as I was over installing a successor and may the Pharaoh who comes after him not know Joseph”.
Folks', if you comprehend the wide ranging ramifications of this spell (call it curse) cast on Akpabio by Obong Attah, then, if you love Chief Akpabio as much as I do (No one can controvert the fact that I am a dye-in-the wool admirer of Governor Akpabio), there is real reason to fear that this spell is Governor Akpabio's cross. God forbid though! May it never turn out to be his albatross. I shall simply proceed to offer Chief Akpabio, inspired tips on how to circumvent Attah's“Voodoo” and trample upon the serpentine spells unconsciously transmitted in his cosmic space and still come to no bruise. I wish and pray Chief Akpabio does not dismiss me as a ranting clown like the proverbial Cinna the Poet, who pleaded with Julius Ceaser, to “beware the ides of March”.

Reflections on the American Polls

By Onofiok Luke

Two observations in America’s national elections generally mark the uniqueness of the political environment in that country. First is the inviolable choice of the first Tuesday of November of an even-numbered year for presidential and other national elections. The beauty here lies in the fact that you can tell with certainty what particular DATE the next national polls will hold! Second is the enormous global attention which the American presidential elections draw. Events leading to this year’s election created a more interesting dimension to the electioneering campaigns of both President Barack Obama who vied for a second term, and Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney who was all out to oust the President.
Weeks to the elections, pro-Obama had every reason to develop fear for the President’s possible ouster by a fiery Romney campaign. What with the stiff public polls which indicated that both candidates were running neck-to-neck in key swing states. Just a few days before the election, a Gallup Poll outcome showed that in the election where seven in every ten would-be voter said the 2012 elections mattered to them more than the previous years, electorate approval for Romney was at 49% while Obama trailed slightly at 48%. In the final analysis, the ties suggested a relatively assertive edge and a glowing possibility of victory for challenger Romney, forcing Obama to walk the tight rope of history once again.
Looking at the just concluded election, one would notice a number of issues which have overtime continued to underscore the American Presidential elections, accentuating it as quintessence of a true balloting process worthy of emulation. These played out yet again this year. It was only natural for yours sincerely to develop the leaning for President Obama thus entreating God for His intervention on Obama’s behalf. No, my inclination for a successful Obama presidency has little less to do with his skin colour or heritage but a lot to do with his style and believes, both of which he conveniently conveys in his rhetorical prowess.

Robinson Uwak Empowers 50 Youths of Oro Nation

 

…Doles out N12.5m for small & Medium scale businesses

There are strong indications that this year will end well for Oro youths. A good number of them are likely smiling to the bank and having their dreams of having small and medium scale businesses fulfilled as recently Hon. Robinson Uwak, recently donated N250,000.00 each  to 50 youths of his Oron Federal Constituency.

The event took place in Hon. Uwak’s  native land, Udung Ukpong in Okobo Local Government Area. The beneficiaries of the lawmaker’s largesse were said to have  developed and submitted business plans for their proposed business ventures after which a team of investment analysts assessed them and adjudged the business plans to be viable.
Uwak’s  kind gesture is believed to be a fulfillment of his promise to the youths of Oro nation prior to his election into the House of Reps.  The youths had told him of their poor income base but he assured them that he would work assiduously to enhance their earning power and the overall economy of the entire Oro Nation.
The federal legislator, shortly after hosting Oro youths in his Constituency Liaison Office, reiterated his commitment to the above stated cause, asserting his belief in the philosophy of teaching people how to fish rather than giving them fishes.
While presenting the cash, Hon. Uwak who was an entrepreneur before joining politics, identified Small and Medium Scale Enterprises as the engine room of all major economies and advised the beneficiaries to be prudent and hardworking. He also promised to impact on the lives of more Oro youths in the near future.
The youths who were highly elated by their Representative’s gesture thanked him for “working his talks”. They poured much encomium on Hon. Uwak, describing him as the best thing that has happened to Oro in recent times and promised to make judicious use of the grant.

Of keke Operators, Traffic Enforcement Officers and Agboros in the Capital City.

Editorial

Despite series of transformational policies and strategies mapped out by successive police administration to restore discipline and orderliness in the  Nigeria Police Force, it appears that some men on uniform have always found ways of scheming through to carry out their sharp practices for whatever reasons.
 Sequel to the appointment of Mr. Mohammed Abubakar as the Acting Inspector General of Police January this year, before he was subsequently confirmed for the top job, checkpoints all over the country were turned to loot-points where police built barricades to extort money from commercial drivers at public glare.
 The brazen impunity in which the men on uniform promoted corruption in the country at  various checkpoints in such a way that commercial drivers were left with no other alternative than complying, was not just alarming but disheartening as the nation’s image was waning. The situation was so deplorable making many Nigerians wonder if corruption was legalized in Nigeria.
 Thanks to the ban placed on motorcycles late last year. Hitherto it was if some policemen were always clamoring to be posted to Uyo on the premise that there was enough ‘business opportunities’ in the city.
 It could be recalled that policemen were always spotted in almost every junction waiting to catch their prey, the motorcycle operators for likely offences of wrong parking, non-compliances with the directive of putting on helmet, lack of licenses etc which it was believed most of them (the policemen) never did it for reasons of maintaining law and other but for selfish motives.
 It was however believed that the sharp practices that transpired between the police and the motorcycle operators would give way to sanity when government announced the ban on motorcycles in Uyo capital city but sadly it was not known that  the situation was yet to change.
 The commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, made its invasion to Akwa Ibom State, specifically Uyo early this year to replace the outlawed motorcycles(Okada) and satisfy the transportation needs of residents of Uyo capital city.
 Amidst the cries, hunger, poverty and unemployment the ban had left behind in the city those affected by the ban finally came to terms with reality, borrowed  money and ventured into the keke business. While many engaged themselves in  thoughts of how to raise money or get the tricycle through a hire-purchase arrangement, many engaged in idle and gruesome plans.
Keke business, like any other business, has started growing and many operators have no regrets getting involved yet some greedy persons in uniform and lazy chaps have  devised ways to exploit the unsuspecting operators.
 No thanks to the recklessness and stubbornness often exhibited by most commercial drivers and operators of public transit services by flouting traffic rules and committing other traffic offences which most times bring untold consequences on the culprits.
Most times  innocent and erring commercial road users are always victims of circumstance to the men on uniform and local touts(Agboros)  who go with the name of  ‘revenue collectors’ to bully, victimize and extort money from  commercial tricycle operators at will at various locations in the capital city.  The traffic Wardens are not helping matters.  Imagine a traffic controller abdicating his duty post to struggle to arrest an alleged traffic offender, hence allowing a space for chaos by a confused and impatient road users. Much as enforcing traffic laws and collecting revenues for the local government council is not frowned at, but such has to be done orderly and according to law.
 It is now common knowledge that once the Keke riders fall into the trap of these men, sometimes at their fault and other times out of sheer innocence, they are left with two options, either to broker a deal with their supposed adversary quickly  or they risk their tricycle  being taken to the police station for corrupt intents.
The traffic wardens and Agboros are spotted on daily basis cornering Keke riders and most times negotiating bribe or manhandling the operators to get the keys of the machines for failing to reach a compromise. Most irksome of such scenes is that of the popular Ibom Connection(plaza) leading to the seat of government where one cannot predict who passes there to witness the ‘fun’ every other day.
 Inasmuch as the effort of the traffic police towards forestalling law and order in our roads among erring  road users cannot be pushed to the back doors, the truth remains that it should be carried out in a decent and humane manner that would not make their victims look like slaves in their country.
In arresting commercial drivers and tricycle operators for waiting, dropping or parking on the road side, traffic wardens and other law enforcement officers should note whether such roads affected have facilities to cater for such services as parking lots, bus stops etc.
Even in cases where motorists and other road users are at fault, Keke drivers should not be the only point of focus but other commercial drivers should be cowed into obedience of the traffic laws of the land when they are at fault.
For the traffic Warden to be vindicated of their actions, road signs should be planted at locations or points where loading or dropping of passengers is not permitted.
Importantly, concerted efforts should be made to ensure discipline of the highest order in our roads amongst men on uniform and the road users, the sharp practices and illegal business promoted in our roads should be stopped.
Only erring road users should be made to face the wrath of the law through appropriate quarters not reckless extortion of money from just any innocent person that on tricycle as some of these persons are private tricycle users.
Corrupt traffic Wardens who soil the image of the police and the nation by engaging in corrupt practices  and other shady deals with impunity should be brought to book to serve as deterrent  to others.
 The illegal exploitation and manhandling of the operators by Agboros  hiding under the guise of local government revenue collectors should be properly checked to ensure law and order on our roads especially as the state is trying to become a destination state in the country.

The youths should not allow laziness to lure them to the brisk business of Agboro to make ends meet as this would not in any way help them become responsible people in the society. 

The government’s attempt to ban Keke operators should be properly planned as done in Delta state.  There should be a good city taxi cap system such that all streets a flooded with taxi cabs to make life easy for the ordinary Akwa Ibom citizen living in and around the capital city.