AKS: APGA Fields Candidate for 2015 Gov’ship Election

By Ephraim Ikpe

As the struggle to take over and occupy the Hill top Mansion white house in Akwa Ibom State intensifies, the All Progressive Grand Alliance(APGA) last week, in a primary election held at the Party’s office at the Plaza, Uyo, nominated Obong Godwill Okon Richman(JP) as the Party’s governorship candidate for the 2015 elections in Akwa Ibom State.

Obong Godwill Okon Richman
Guber candidate of APGA in AKS for 2015

According to our reporter who monitored the exercise which was said to be orderly and peaceful, out of a total of 2300 delegates of the Party, 1800 voted for Obong Godwill Okon Richman while 500 votes were voided.

The primary election of the Party was supervised by officers of the Party from the APGA National headquarters in Abuja named Mr Muhammed Sampson and Mr Ita Ekpo(a chieftain of APGA in Akwa Ibom) and, assisted by the State Chairman of APGA Mr Uwem.  

2015 Guber Race: Bishop Akpan Picks Accord Party Ticket

By Ephraim Ikpe

Out of a total of 690 persons who participated as delegates in the governorship and other elective offices primaries of the Accord Party for the nomination of candidates for 2015 general elections, Bishop Samuel Friday Akpan polled a total of 650 votes to emerge the gubernatorial candidate of Accord Party.

Okon Iyanam who called during the accreditation to indicate that he bought the Accord Party governorship form polled a total of 17 votes coming second. The void votes were 23.

Bishop Samuel Akpan, 2015 Governorship candidate of
Accord Party, AKS

The accreditation of delegates which started at about past 1pm ended at past 2pm and voting, sorting and counting of votes and declaration the winner of the primaries ended at past 7pm.

For those running for Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly, their nomination was done by voice votes since they had no contenders.

In his response after being declared winner of the primary, Bishop Samuel Akpan said, “when God is loud, then all the spirits must fear.  The loudness of God has shaken the foundations of the realities of men.  No wickedness can stop the kindness of a people and once you are the chosen one, none can reject you. 

“I labour all through in 2007 and 2011 to enthrone the sitting government and this is the best bet I can get from that government, but I have gotten same from Accord Party”  Akpan stated.

Continuing he said, “it was not to be there, but today it is here now.  That is why I want to thank God for today’s openness to the processes of the primaries.  Accord has come to teach the generality of Akwa Ibom people how to do due process and we have now come to redeem the real deep values of democracy.  Today we have come together to warn any organization or Party that has shrouded their result in secrecy that democracy is an open affair”.

Bishop Akpan thanked his beloved Party for giving courage and strength, assuring that he mounted the Party’s platform with total determination that he and the Party members would cruise home with victorious in 2015.

I Lament For President Goodluck Jonathan

By Matts Udoaka

It is unfortunate that Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian charismatic leader who supposes this second time around, to have an easy walk into the State House in Aso Rock, is in the web of blistering logjam and utter confusion from his Party, the PDP. Our President in his secured official residence does not understand that it is not all the glittering things are gold. Many are fake flying materials that deceive men to believe that they are gold.

Despite the leverage in his performance over his predecessors, both military and civilian, despite his short period of delivery of the dividends of democracy to Nigerians, even though with his minor shortcomings as a human being, the President is dwelling in delusion, since he cannot decipher his real followers who actually want his success, from the imaginary ones who are mere actors that believe in what they can get than the corporate success of the ruling Party. The President maybe living in fools’ paradise if he actually claims that all the states in the south-south region are solidly behind him. Of course, having such a deceptive mind is very common with leaders who do not pin down their ears to listen to what transpires in different strata of the polity.

Federal Road Safety Men Require Some Ethical Orientation

By Matts Udoaka

Actually, apart from being an employment agency for teaming Nigerians, and the employers of my good friend from Cross River State, it is my candid view and that of millions of other well meaning Nigerians that the organization known as the Federal Road Safety Commission, should be disbanded forthwith, for lack of competence and focus, as well as attitudinal and ethical lapses, coupled with uncoordinated service delivery to the public.

 Without fear of contradiction, the Federal Road Safety Commission is only good at vehicle particulars checks and coding up of charges to contravened offenders. By right, the Federal Road Safety Commission of any state Command should replicate the sign-post of what this flamboyant organization stands for, in the Federation. But the reverse is the case in the case of ethical re-orientation of the operators of this organization. What then is the FRSC good for, more than being a shameful, virulent organization that values high stakes as a condition for hiding up offenses?

2014 NUJ Press Week: Celebrating Media and Service Excellence

By Patrick Albert

To the glory of God, this Dinner/Awards Night is the climax of our   2014 NUJ Press Week which kick-started on Friday, November 21, 2014 with the theme “The Media and National Unity in an Emerging Democracy.” We are happy and grateful to the Almighty God that all the activities lined have been very successful. The Lecture Session with the topics: “Professionalism: Media Ethics and Responsibility in Sustaining Democracy” and“Free Press, Democracy and Sustainable Development” on Monday, November 24, 2014 was most educative and rewarding.

Interestingly, great minds and notable scholars namely: Dr. Etim Anim of the University of Cross River State and Monsignor (Prof.) Slyvanus Udoidem of the University of Port Harcourt were the intellectual stewards at the Lecture Session, which was ably chaired by our media pearl, Mr. Ray Ekpu.

Elder Patrick Albert, NUJ Chairman, AKS

As the Fourth Estate of the Realm and the Society’s Watch-dog, engaging on such a Lecture Session, was to further preview media practice in the State in line with our drive for professional proficiency and adherence to our Code of Ethics as well as examining critical public issues with a view to proffering solutions towards the peace, law, order and good governance of the society.

Another Mass Defection Hits PDP this Week

Am moving to APGA with 1.2Million Akwa Ibomites – Godwill Richman

As the ruling People’s Democratic Party’s claims and counter claims by its gladiators over the last House of Assembly Primaries keep raging on, another mass defection is likely to hit the PDP this week as one of those seeking to take up the mantle of the state leadership, Obong Godwill Okon Richman has concluded plans with the National leadership of APGA to join the said Party with about 1.2million Akwa Ibomites.

Obong Godwill Okon Richman, 2015 guber aspirant

Speaking to our reporter from his Abuja residence on phone, Mr Richman said, “the big fish is moving to APGA and all have to move with him”.  He boasted that about 1.2million Akwa Ibom voters would join him in APGA.

He stated that he has concluded arrangements to defect to APGA to fulfill his governorship ambition as he has no confidence in the leadership of the PDP in the state as regards respect for internal democracy.

I am not seeking AKS Gov’ship in 2015 - Prof Etok Ekanem

A former Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in the State, Prof Etok Okon Ekanem has debunked claims by a state-based tabloid(not The Waves newspaper) that he is seeking for the Akwa Ibom State governorship in 2015 under the platform of Labour Party.

Prof Etok Ekanem, former Commissioner
of Agric & Nat. Res. AKS

In a press statement dated December 1, 2014 and signed by the erudite scholar entitled, “IT IS NOT TRUE. I AM NOT CONTESTING FOR AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNORSHIP POSITION IN 2015”, the Professor of Food Technology said, “The purpose of this Press Statement is to state, categorically, that I am not running for the Office of Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015, whether on the platform of the Labour Party (as alleged in the story) or that of any other Political Party whatsoever. I have indeed, never contemplated vying for the seat of Governor in 2015, talk less of mentioning or discussing this with anybody or the Media. I am indeed, not contesting for any elective public office in 2015”.

Our Front Page for the Week

The Waves Newspaper's Front page currently in circulation.  Read it with keen interest and be happy for it.

AKS PDP Primaries of Troubles!

…Etiebet, Ekpenyong, Assam, Ekere,Ors Reject Results…Say Massive Defection May Hit PDP if…

By Ephraim Ikpe

Atuekong Don  Obot  Etiebet, CON, a founding member of the PDP  and permanent member of Board of Trustees and other aggrieved elders have condemned and rejected the result of the House of Assembly Primaries election done on November 29, 2014 describing it as fraught with “inconsistencies and irregularities” which Etiebet said violated the Electoral Law and the PDP Guidelines for such elections.  

Etiebet had said, “I am not satisfied with what happened as regards PDP House of Assembly Primaries in the State”.

Obong Nsima Ekere, 2015 guber Aspirant

Speaking to Journalists in his Ewet Housing residence in Uyo on Sunday December 1, 2014, he complained that on the 1^st of November, 2014, Ward Congresses meant to be held in the State were not held, but he heard names were sent to the national leadership of the PDP purported to have been elected at the said Ward Congresses.  He said that he complained through petitions to the national body of the Party and alerted the Press, got assurances that the issue raised would be addressed, but such was not done.

2015 Gov’ship: The Surprise Akpabio Should Expect!

By Ephraim Ikpe

The battle to take over the Akwa Ibom Power House is still raging on. The gladiators are still running up and down in a struggle to maneuver one another. Intrigues and pranks have been introduced.  Some of them have the colour of cogent and believable promises.  Manipulations and tricks, the power of money and name-dropping is considere part of the tactics. The players of this so called ‘dirty game’ are cast in the mould of what one management expert said of three categories of people found in all establishments on this earth.  He had broken them into those who make things happen; those who watch what is happening and those who don’t even know what is happening.

Umana Umana

From the sitting governor of Akwa Ibom State to some arrow heads like Umana Okon Umana [and his die-heart followers branded as elders et al], who has decided to take his battle to the Court, it is not difficult to fathom those engaged in making things happen.  If mention is to be made of those seeking for the governorship election in Akwa Ibom State, before the last six months, many political jingoists had hurriedly concluded that it was only few of the aspirants seeking to occupy Chief Akpabio’s office in 2015 who were serious. 

Samuel Akpan

Udom Emmanuel

 In one occasion, when asked why such a judgment was made, one Effiong Aniekan from Ika said that from his observation it was Umana Umana, Bassey Albert Akpan, Nsima Ekere, Udom Emmanuel and Samuel Akpan who were interested in becoming governors and that others were jokers and political gamblers. He went further to describe jokers as seekers of unwarranted attention who would later be counted as stakeholders in their respective political Wards or LGAs and political gamblers as those coming into the political turf [always] to make  money either through garnering support via followers which strength and supposed relevance they later take to the negotiation table to get appointment,  contracts or other juicy benefits from the winner of elections.

In the category of persons seeking to be governors, who perhaps are making things happen [in very clandestine ways] are others like Nsima Ekere, Samuel Akpan, and recently discovered but always in the governorship race, Benjamin Okoko and a new man in the governorship race, Prof Richard King, rumoured to be a long time closed friend of President  Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.  In the case of Richard King, it could be that Mr President might be testing the waters.  He could also be trying his luck in very hidden ways, being a man believed to be pulling strings behind the curtains. Or what would one say about the withdrawal of Police orderlies of Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and the embattled governor Rotimi Amaechi in the hands of the former Police Commissioner of Rivers State, Mr Mba?

National Assembly Tussle: Ikot Abasi People Must Count their Teeth with their Tongue

By Matts Udoaka

                          

With intrigues in politics, it is time of stock taking and reckoning. The Ikot Abasi people must use their tongue to count their teeth. Like the Holy Bible has said: “man know thyself.” If they continue to be receivers of cars and token money, their political future will become bleak for ever.

Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency consists of Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo Local government areas. The three local government areas are triplet that should not work in isolation. What applies to local government (a) should apply to (b) and (c). That should be for equity and justice to permeate. Else unhealthy rivalry ensues and the least among them, (Eastern Obolo) perpetually lives with nothing. Such scenario is capable of breeding hatred and rancour among the tripod. It is the reason amicable solution known as consensus in politics should be allowed a place in the history of the federal constituency.

As of now, from the inception of this republic, the Mkpat Enin candidate of Rt. Hon Bennard Udoh, has had utmost free ride to the house of Representatives. His success was at the instance of Ikot Abasi people who behaved as fools, but wise as a man who laughs last.

Bassey Albert: WHAT LIES AHEAD?

Obong Bassey Albert, formerly gov'ship hopeful; now aspiring for
Uyo Senatorial District Senate seat

By Osondu Ahirika
Oba Atokpe! Ise eeeeh!
His entry for the 2015 governorship race in Akwa Ibom state held the promise of a revolution in the offing. Obong Bassey Albert, the stylish, trendy, swashbuckling immediate past Commissioner of Finance, captured the imagination of many youths with his swag and his debonair comely looks.
Alas, the one popularly known as OBA took a dignified bow out, just before the battle erupts. The rupture of many dreams becoming a new nightmare. 
There is a strong temptation to compare OBA's brief political odyssey to a candle in the wind.  A wildfire, that spread so fast and quenched in a jiffy. Violent fires soon outburn itself shakespeare says, but this isn't exactly so. For me, this young Turk is akin to what Yorubas call Abiku. A political ABIKU, that is.

On his return to Akwa Ibom State on October 30, 2015, hordes of his anxiety stricken supporters were waiting eagerly to hear from the horse’s mouth. Rumours were rife that, OBA had thrown in the towel. A Damascus experience following a high octane meeting in Abuja with powers that be had taken its toll. From his alight off the aircraft to the missing delight in his countenance, the red light of caution was aglow for all to see.
Then came his address. He undressed himself of the gubernatorial garb, and solicited redress for his heartbroken disciples. Mr President has prevailed on me to give way for my kith and kin of Eket Senatorial District, and I can't be rude to say, 'No', to the Father of the Nation, if I should paraphrase his explanation. There was pin drop silence. With those words, a woman cried, "OBA anyong oooo!", translated, 'OBA is gone'. Of a truth he was gone, but is not a goner.

Attah, Akpabio And The Ides of Succession

By N.T.A, Efo

Both grapevine and non-grapevine sources which earlier made the news in town that Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio had finally given a ‘direction’ on his likely succession plan for 2015 has been confirmed.

Many who were pointing fingers at the immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Udom Emmanuel were not wrong after all. One of the sources, Weekly Insight newspaper, said the Governor personally set up a 31-man coordinating committee to see through the plan to install the former SSG as his successor at the expiration of his tenure in 2015.

I believe strongly that the Governor has a right to be interested in who succeeds him. All of us would. Show me anyone who wouldn’t and I will show you someone who still believes former President Olusegun Obasanjo is still the President of Nigeria, meaning he is living in outer space and is not in tune with our inner situation as a nation. Even in our small corners as clubs, associations, committees, name it, presidents, chairmen; we crave from the cradle of our tenure to the crest of its expiration to replace ourselves with our choices.

Immediate past Gov Victor Attah of AKS

Why would the Governor have that right? Because he has seen it all. He has met several people, amongst them those angling to take over his seat in 2015. He knows the capacity and the capability of most of them. He also has his own human-prone biases and prejudices – he may prefer someone with a chocolate complexion to one that is fair; he may prefer a former banker to a politician; he may prefer someone from Eket Senatorial District to someone from Uyo Senatorial District. You cannot deny him that right. It is inalienable. It is also incontrovertible.

Governor Godswill Akpabio of AKS, Nigeria

A little peep into the tunnel of history shows that our leaders have always had and exercised that right. Obong Victor Attah, sometimes called the architect of modern Akwa Ibom, had a certain Dr. Udoma Ekarika, his son-inlaw, in mind to occupy the seat on which Governor Akpabio, sometimes called the builder of modern Akwa Ibom, sits. Obong Attah did all he could to make sure Dr. Ekarika became the choice of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) faithful in the state. At the end of the day, Dr. Ekarika did not win the primaries.

Bishop Akpan Opens up on 2011 agreement with Akpabio

…Declares Ambition for 2015 Gov’ship…Consults PDP State Executives, as he opens campaign office in Uyo

By Ekebo Ekanem

The 2015 governorship ambition of the former state deputy Chairman of PDP, Bishop Samuel Akpan recently gathered momentum, following his endorsement by political groups and the people. The Ibibio museum park, Venue of the declaration ceremony was filled to capacity by thousands of supporters and party faithful.

The Governorship hopeful, Bishop Samuel Friday Akpan during the event also consulted the PDP State Executive committee members of the Party to seek their support for his ambition.

Bishop Sam Akpan, Governorship Aspirant,AKS

At the Party Secretariat, Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, the former P.D.P Deputy State Chairman, Bishop Akpan who was flanked by his wife, Vivian, members of his Campaign organization and his supporters, was received by the state Chairman of P.D.P Obong Paul Ekpo and other SWC members.

Addressing the PDP State Exco members, Bishop Akpan said he was at the Party Secretariat to inform the Party of his ambition to govern Akwa Ibom State and to seek their support. He noted that as an active member of P.D.P, he has worked, obeyed  and rendered great services for P.D.P in Akwa Ibom State, adding that he knew how P.D.P  started in the state.

Akpabio, Udom, Akwa Ibom in Time Sequence

By Joe Iniodu

The world we live in is a system, an organized structure credited to a creator. It is the height of absurdity to maintain that the power which planned this world planned it ill. The scripture records God as stating: “My thought for you is a thought of good, not of evil”, referring to Christians whose faith in God may be forlorn based on encounters and prevalent vagaries that may confront them. God thinks good of man and the land but man oftentimes abuses self and mismanages the land plunging creation into uncertainty and despair.

Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio
of Akwa Ibom State

God’s consistency and faithfulness are manifest in the story of creation in Genesis. The systematic sequel noticeable in some dualities like night and day; land and sea; man and woman; day and night affirms Him as God of orderliness. Even when there is a curve in the order, it is said to be for a purpose. Analysts of Nigerian political life have used the Abacha era in Nigeria to typify such learning curve. They hold the view that the Abacha administration exposed the hypocrisy and lack of patriotism on the part of our political elites. It was clear that most of them could not stand up to be counted when it mattered most. Like some frightened squirrels, those who could not scurry to safety had to jettison principles and compromise on all fronts. These were witnessed in the five-million man match; the adoption of one man as sole presidential candidate by all political parties; the widespread endorsement of Abacha by eminent Nigerians etc. Nigeria had become one large closet of castrated men and timid women only existing to be herded in any direction. But God was still interested in the affairs of Nigeria and at an appointed time, He did His will.

Battle for Uyo Catholic Diocese Bishop’s Stool Settles At Last

…Most Rev. John Ayah installed as new Bishop…Attah, Akpabio, Chris Ekpenyong, Ors grace event       
 

By Ekebo Ekanem

The battle for the occupant of the office of the Bishop of Uyo Catholic Diocese was laid to rest recently, as Most Rev. John Ayah was formally installed as the new Bishop of Uyo Catholic Diocese.

Performing the installation ceremony, the head of the Universal Church, Pope Francis who was represented by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria Archbishop Augustine Kasujja congratulated the new Bishop and the Diocese on their cerebrations and called on members of the church to give him the necessary support so as to enable the new Bishop to succeed. 

Most Rev. John Ayah, Catholic
Bishop of Uyo Diocese

In his opening remarks, the Chairman on the occasion and Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Henry Akpan thanked Catholic faithful in the State and Nigeria for honoring Uyo Diocese in their celebrations and described the new Bishop as a worthy servant of God who have contributed his wealth of experience to growth and development of the church in the country.

Delivering sermon at the installation service, Most Rev. Anthony AdaJi of Idah Diocese, Kogi State admonished church faithful to accept and rally round Bishop Ayah on his pastoral assignment.

The man of God who drew his text from 2^nd Corr. 11 28- 29, challenged priests to focus on winning souls for Chirst.

Uyo Women Declare total Support for Barr. Stella Udoh

… Entrust her with Mandate to Liberate Women

By Augustine Akpan

The women of Uyo massively declared total support for Lady Barr. Stella Ezekiel Udoh’s House of Assembly aspiration last weekend during the latter’s consultation with the women at Uyo Local Government Council Hall.

The women, who turned out in their numbers under the flagship of a famous socio-political group in the state called Women In Politics (WIP) Uyo Chapter, , said they have had enough of failed representation by past ‘promise and fail’ politicians, who only succeeded in aggravating their plights rather than alleviate them. The body expressed its readiness to queue behind a credible, honest and God-fearing aspirant with the interest of the people at heart and assuredly stated that they have found one in Lady Barr. Stella Ezekiel Udoh.

Tension Mounts in AKWA Poly as Students Demand Elected Union Leadership

…The SUG will be in Place before October is out – Chairman Governing Council

By John Effiong

Students of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene, barricaded the school gate for hours today demanding an elected Students’ Union Government(SUG).

The spokesman for the aggrieved students, Mr. Akpan Idongesit, said that all the students wanted was a duly elected students union government in line with the constitution approved by federal school authority. He maintained that students would return to classes if they were reassured by management.

The Registrar of the Institution, Mr. Emmanuel Umoh, who claimed to represent both the Rector and the Governing Council Chairman, promised there will be an election in two weeks time, adding that management and council will meet with select members of the students to work out a timetable.

The Rector, Barr. Israel Affia and Chairman of Council, Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko were reportedly left  with the Dean, Students Affairs Mr. James Etim Ekikor whose duty it was to oversee the election after more than ten years of either no Students Union Government or lame duck caretaker governments.

Students claimed to have been intimidated by Mr. Ekikor instead of their grievances being forwarded to management.

Uyo State Const. Election:Royal Father Receives Lady Barr. Stella Ezekiel Udoh with Open Arms

…As She Vows to Attract More Govt. Attention to Uyo

                                                                                                                 

 By Augustine Akpan

The maiden outing of Lady Barr. Stella Ezekiel Udoh was a success story of  massive endorsements at Etoi and Offot Ukwa Clans weeks ago as same experience repeated itself at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, HRM, Edidem (Surv.) Edem Silas Akpan, FNIS, (JP), in Ikot Odung Ikono, Ikono Ibom Clan last weekend during the consultation visit of the Divine change 2015 campaign team with the aspirant.   

In a show of acceptance of the House of Assembly hopeful, the Royal father described her visit to the Palace as a rare and astonishing experience.

 Edidem Silas Akpan who moved from a lesser stool to his  royal seat  received Barr. Stella Udoh and  admitted that he seldom sit on the throne whenever the council meet except on very “important” occasions, adding that it was the  credibility of Lady Stella Ezekiel Udoh  that informed his action. 

Lady (Barr) Mrs Stella Ezekiel Udoh
House of Assembly Aspirant for
Uyo State Constituency

The Uyo Monarch, after listening to the template x-raying the political rotation formula of the clans in Uyo (which revealed the neglect suffered by Oku Clan) which was presented to him by the aspirant, Lady Barr.Stella Ezekiel promised to rally support for the imbalance to be corrected.

Edidem Silas Akpan said he had lived in Oku (specifically Ikot Ntuen) between 1976 -1980s and recalled that the people of the area never treated him and his family unfairly and rhetorically asked why he should close his eyes against an Oku indigene now that they(Oku people) needed his support.

 The paramount ruler further corroborated and adopted the popular stand by his cohorts by joining forces with the likes of the chairman of Ikono Ibom Clan and the secretary, Eteidung Sunday Reuben Eshiet and Effiong Akpan Udo to eulogize in glowing ways, the sterling  qualities of Lady Barr. Stella Udoh as well as offered royal prayers for the aspirant.

Udom Emmanuel: Better than the Best

By Aniekeme Finbarr 

The seeming inability of the voting public to strike a fine chord between politics and leadership has been one of the greatest impediments to growth in Nigeria. There is an apparent predetermined mindset as to who should vie for a public office or be appointed to occupy a position of serious political relevance. Most persons think it should be the exclusive preserve of politicians and by politicians I mean people who do close to nothing else than play politics. Quality leadership in climes like ours has continued to deteriorate faster than potatoes in an airtight bag. Those age-long, fundamental and hallowed traits in leaders have become so rare, scarce and in most cases completely extinct. 

It is therefore ironic when the same citizenry decry the decay in leadership ethos, the ineptitude of career politicians and the near absence of visible and sustainable development in the country. Albert Einstein, US (German-born) physicist calls it Insanity-doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. 

Akwa Ibom people are rising daily to seal a nexus between credible leadership and politics. The people are intelligent enough to decipher who is a good political leader and who is not. A politician's qualities are his characters that are natural, while some of the qualities are as a result of external influences. Promising politicians' qualities are often backed by skills, experiences, intelligence, integrity, with instincts - all combined together to achieve their goals. 

A communiqué issued at the end of a 3-day meeting of the Central Working Committee/National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin, Edo State at Randekhi Royal Hotels on Saturday, September20, 2014.

The conference was attended by the National President and members of the Central Working Committee, Officials of the Six Zones, Chairmen and Secretaries of the 35 State’s Councils and Abuja, National Chairperson of NAWOJ and National Chairman of SWAN.

The NEC in Session observed a minute silence in honour of its dead members – Late Mr. Ndagane Akwu, former National President, Mr. Mohammed Khalid, former National Secretary and Mr. Dimgba Igwe of the Sun Newspapers

            

After extensive deliberations on various issues affecting journalists in the performance of their duties, the Nation and the forthcoming 2015 General Elections, the NEC in Session resolved as follows:

2015 Fear Grips Akwa Ibom Guber Aspirants: As PDP National Chairman Commends Akpabio over Jonathan’s Endorsement

…Udom’s chances get brighter  

With few weeks to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Primaries, strong indications have emerged that most of the governorship aspirants in Akwa Ibom State have put a hold to campaign spending ahead of the primaries. This is not unconnected with recent political developments in the party at the National level which has snowballed into the litany of endorsements of Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The latest came at the 66^th PDP National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja where President Jonathan was given the thumps up to run as the sole candidate of the party at the Presidential elections. The NEC meeting of the PDP essentially turned out to be a ratification of earlier meetings, as all the organs of the party starting from the National Caucus, Board of Trustees (BoT) to the PDP Governors Forum had all adopted Jonathan as their candidate.  

The aim of the endorsements especially by the PDP Governors is perhaps to make the presidential convention on December 6 a mere formality and extend same to the November 29 convention in the states.

The decision by all the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party to support the second term aspiration of President Jonathan, it is reasoned, was not done until the Governors were able to get some commitments from the President. It was gathered that the governors discussed openly the merits and demerits of supporting or not supporting the President for the 2015 race.

 Our close source revealed that Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa had extracted a few promises, some being the refund of the sum of over 15 billion expended to build the Dutse International Airport, a project the Federal Government promised to undertake but failed.

The Reception of Obong Victor Attah: Lest We Forget

By Davis Ekong

Over seven years after Obong Victor Bassey Attah mounted the podium, delivered a farewell speech and made his exit as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, some brothers from Ibibio land have perfected plans to organize a reception for him. The controversial reception has been the subject of high-level vacillation as some say that it is to celebrate his reign as governor and others claim it is to welcome him back from the National Confab. Whatever their intention, let me begin by congratulating Obong Victor Attah on the reception and wishing him well.

Obong Arc. Victor Attah,
former Governor of AKS

But as an Ibibio man, one must confess with utter befuddlement why it took seven and a half years to remember that our brother and friend should be “received.” The pertinent questions are: “What, on God’s green earth, are we receiving him for or from?” “Why are we receiving him now? Or is the reception an afterthought?” “Are we receiving him like a conquering warrior who went, saw and conquered Akwa Ibom State, and came home with the spoils?” “Is he (Attah) accepting to be received by a section of those he governed because he lacks a state-wide relevance and thus needs some historical rehabilitation from a handful of his kinsfolk?” “Do we have a history of such receptions in Akwa Ibom State in particular and Nigeria in general?” “Why was Dr. Clement Isong not received? Why was Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga not received? Was Udoakaha Jacob Esuene not received? Why was Edet Akpan Archibong not received?” “What is the real purpose of this reception?”

While I leave it to the organizers of this curious reception to puzzle over these posers, I will want to rejig their memory a bit with some pieces of history. Surely there are scores of things we may have remembered in order to wake up from our slumber and think of a reception for our septuagenarian. But one sure wishes it were organized while some of those who raised alarm over his dismal performance were still alive. Elder Statesmen like Prof I. I. Ukpong, Hon. Justice Effiong Idiong, both of blessed memory and many more.

Lest we forget, in the course of the Attah administration, Senator Anietie Okon and Chief Assam Assam at various times described the administration of Attah as “the days of the locust policies.” By which they meant days of famine for Akwa Ibom State when the “locusts” ravaged the land. Assam E. Assam, SAN, in a 20-page open letter to Obong Victor Attah, titled “The Reckless and Criminal Looting of Our Resources,” published in Newswatch magazine of March 20,2006, examined the failures of that administration, especially the several billions of State funds expended on projects that could not (or were never intended to) see the light of the day. He (Assam) concluded by describing the claim of Attah to good governance as “mere sophistry” and the height of “voluptuousness and chicanery.”

2015 Re-Election Battle Hots Up: 10 AKHA Members Unfold Second Term Ambitions

… 4 for House of Reps, 2 for Governorship and 1 for Senate    

                                

By Ekebo Ekanem

As the battle for the re-election into the state House of Assembly continues to generate heat and tension in some state constituencies, some serving Lawmakers wishing to seek re-election so as to guarantee them automatic tickets to occupy principal positions in the state Assembly are not found wanting in the show.

About eleven state lawmakers currently in the 5^th Assembly are making consultations day and night to ensure that they return back to the 6th Assembly in 2015.

Our House Correspondent, Ekebo Ekanem, in this Special Report takes a look at some of the Lawmakers jostlying for second term tickets and the issues that may hinder their second term ambitions.

Hon. Kufre-Abasi Etuk - Uruan

Hon. Kufre-Abasi Etuk is the member representing Uruan State Constituency in the State House of Assembly from 2011- till date. He is one of the Lawmakers seeking for re-election in 2015. According to his scorecard, Hon. Etuk has given the people of Uruan effective representation ranging from schoolarship, youth empowerment, construction of modern infrastructure in various schools and markets.

Hon. Kufre-Abasi Etuk believes he will be given another chance by the people of Uruan because he has made them proud in the 5th Assembly. According to a P.D.P Chieftain in the area, the Party has resolved to work in unison to ensure that Kufre Etuk is returned back in 2015. He is from southern Uruan political bloc.

Hon. (Barr) Onofiok Akpan Luke – Nsit Ubium

There is not much talk on the second term ambition of Hon. Onofiok Luke because his works will speak for him at the polls. The 6th Assembly from 2015 will not be complete without the likes of this erudite gentleman. He is one of the most influential Parliamentarian when it comes to the point of debating and contribution of positive ideas. He is also one of the movers and shakers of the House after the Speaker.

Hon. Onofiok Luke is a Lawmaker par excellence whose effective representation cannot be compromised.  One of the factors that may hinder his inability to clinch the party ticket is that he has taken the turn of  NSIT and is now  left for UBIUM to produce the next House member.  This seems not a problem as Nsit Ubium needs a performer like Luke.   Recently he was endorsed by a cross section of the Party faithful, youths and women to continue on his legislative business in 2015. His empowerment packages cut across all classes of the people in Nsit-Ubium, so this man, according to his people, deserves a second term.

Hon.(Sir)Udo Kerian Akpan – Oruk Anam

He is currently serving as the Deputy Speaker of the House. His second term ambition has generated much heat and tension in Orukanam which clearly stated that it is the turn of Anam bloc in the area to produce the next representative.

As a former Labour Leader in the state, Hon. Sir  Udo Kerian Akpan has tried his best in terms of empowerment. The reason behind his aspiration according to an insider in his camp is that the Deputy Speaker may emerge as the next Speaker  if re-elected by his people in 2015. The plot by the Lawmaker to return back may suffer a major setback as the people are insisting on earlier laid down zoning principle of the area.

Hon.(Mrs) Sarah Elijah - Nsit Atai

She is seriously embarking on her second term consultations, but the people had earlier rejected her candidacy, and again pointed out that she is being imposed on the people by her husband, Obong Sunny Elijah, who is believed to be the political leader in area. The Lawmaker,  according to the  people has not been able to represent them creditably at the parliament.  They have argued that the zoning principle of the area will not favour her second term ambition.

Using 2 Days to Reach Ikot Abasi From Uyo – A Bad Omen

By Matts Udoaka

It is now time that people have to drive on the road for 2 days before getting to Ikot Abasi from Uyo. If a prophecy was given about this, one would have been stupefied, and ask why an hour’s journey should become two days trip.

Anyone who goes to Lagos now knows he is to cover precisely 698 kilometers from Uyo to Lagos. With that distance, the trip does not take more than one day since Lagos road that used to delay traffic has been duly turned around. But in the contrary, Ikot Abasi, a local government in Akwa Ibom State, that is about 52 kilometers from Uyo takes a traveller two days to reach, especially if the journey was planned to start at about 3.pm with the mind set of using one hour to reach Ikot Abasi.

This has been our experience a couple of days ago. Yours truly had decided to reach Ikot Abasi at 4.pm. The journey started at 2.30pm. Unknowingly, at the village known as Ikot Osudu, there was a terrible hold up, of the type Lagosians used to experience in the hey days of oil boom. The distance of the holdup was not less than six poles. In deed, yours truly then wondered what could go wrong that road in a local area should have such a grid-lock. There was no vehicle coming from the opposite side. The few that came from the opposite direction were those whose drivers had waited for so long, expecting the movement to improve. That expectation became deceitful, as those who saw it thought that it would soon be through. That was an elusive hope. Those that came from the opposite direction were only coming back to start their journey through Mkpat Enin. So, after waiting for too long with heavy down pour, we summoned courage to walk under the rain to see what had delayed vehicular movement. It was then we discovered that trailers loaded with granites had fallen or got stuck in a ditch cut in the middle of the road by heavy down pour and the pressure from the excessive use of the road by such vehicles which pass through that road day and night for granites to Rivers and Bayelsa States.

Promoting Signatures of Excellence in the Media

By Patrick Albert

It is my pleasure to welcome all guests, media officials and journalists to this event of the official launching of Central Times Newspapers published by Central Times Newspaper Limited not just as the chairman of the occasion but also as the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council.

Let me confess that I was encouraged to accept the invitation to chair this event by the sound background and good professional disposition of the publisher and Editor-In-Chief of Central Times Newspapers, Mr Ani Udom.

Elder Patrick Albert, NUJ Chairman, AKS

As a professional body, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is seriously interested in members and media houses maintaining high ethical standards, public decorum and professional excellence in their duties. We detest wild and unfounded reportage contrived solely to malign the reputation of personalities, institutions and authorities.

The enormous power of the Press, as constitutionally provided in our statute books and by other international proclamations by the United Nations, is expected to be utilized to build the society and promote harmony.  Where our reportage falls outside the laid down rules as contained in the Code of Ethics of the profession, it is obvious that the society is bound to be misinformed or misled with false, unsubstantiated and ill-written information. And this could be disastrous. This is why we emphasize ethical compliance.