Lessons from Ekiti watershed – Barr. Onofiok Luke

 

The Ekiti governorship election may have come and gone, but its outcome will remain a case in point for tacticians in the boardroom of politics in our country for many years. This is not because a governor lost the election in spite of being armed with all the powers of incumbency but because the pattern of voting defied every expectation.

This time, the will of the people prevailed against the wishes of most power brokers whom many had expected would bring to bear their stiff control of their political stronghold. I see the outcome of that election as a watershed which has underscored the fact that we are gradually arriving at a destination where election will no longer be business as usual.

The election bears with it numerous lessons for those of us whom fate has located in the arena of politics. It teaches most fundamentally that the time has come when the wishes of the people can no longer take a back seat in the selection of leaders. At every point in the Ayo Fayose story is the mark of democracy, the towering of popular yearnings and aspirations above surrounding political sentiments by politicians.

Many would recall that Fayose had stuck to his guns when the issue of the selection of PDP’s flag bearer for the general election arose. While many party stalwarts favoured the emergence of a candidate for the party by consensus, Fayose thought otherwise.

He prayed the party at the national to discard the option and allow internal democracy and the voice of party men in the state decide the course of the party. Fayose’s prayers fell on the listening ears of the game changer, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu. The voice of common men and women of the PDP prevailed in the end. Thanks to the PDP Chairman under whose leadership the PDP has taken a better new turn.

On the other hand, the permutations in the leading APC in the state were made clear not to favour an open contest. The alleged serial frustration and intimidations which followed eventually forced a chieftain of the party, Opeyemi Bamidele out of APC and into Labour Party.

No thanks to his perceived ambition to wrest the party ticket from incumbent Governor John Kayode Fayemi. While the APC was left torn and with disgruntled members who saw the incumbent governor and flag bearer as an imposition, the opposition waxed stronger with candidates who were products of popular will. At this point, many had seen the handwriting on the wall and had made their fears known, albeit ignored.

So when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Fayose as Governor-elect, not many people who know the story behind the emergence of the various candidates were taken by surprise. The will of the people will always prevail and this was clearly seen in the pattern of voting, in which the sitting governor lost across all the sixteen local government areas of the state.

Besides the role which internal democracy in the PDP played in upping PDP’s chances in the Ekiti polls, Nigerians can attest to how
perfectly the personality of Fayose had positioned him on the right path of fate. This is another lesson we politicians must learn as we approach the business of selecting candidates for 2015. As I would learn much later, Fayose is a man who is very much at home with his people. I recall meeting him and having an interaction with him a few weeks after he won the PDP ticket.

I asked how he thought the race was going to see him back to Ekiti Government House given the odds in a South-western state like Ekiti. His answer was simple and frank – he was on the ground with the people, he told me. He expressed this uncommon confidence in his grassroots affinity. There indeed is something about a man who left power 8 years ago and could still command the kind of huge crowd of supporters we saw during his election rallies.

Fayose is a man who can enter a keke with a man on the street and not be seen as being odd. While the grandeur of office was his opponents’ albatross, Fayose could enter the worst of shanties; sit down with the lowly to seek supports. His high level of
unpretentiousness is as common knowledge as his heart for the common man. I dare to say if PDP had missed the opportunity to field this man, the party might as well have let go the thought of winning back Ekiti state.

Also worth learning from is the gentleman manner of acceptance of defeat by Governor Fayemi and the no winner-takes-it-all attitude of Fayose. While Fayemi immediately accepted the outcome of the polls, Fayose was quick to pay him a courtesy call and assured the governor of his brotherhood. This is unprecedented in our political history.

Fayemi’s refinement is uncommon in this part of the globe. And for this to have happened at the wake of a toughly contested election shows just how much the two men put Ekiti state far ahead of their personal or party interests. I consider Fayose’s promise to work with Governor Fayemi for the development of the state as a rare show of humility. It is also noteworthy that the governor-elect would have none of his supporters derogate Fayemi following the election.

The humility in victory and the civility in concession are honourable acts which have etched a place for the names of these two Ekiti democrats in the history of Nigerian politics. It is however pathetic that the personality of Fayemi is in absolute contrast with what is the norms in his party.

While his party is yet to at least acknowledge that INEC gave Ekiti people a good outing on Saturday, Fayemi has already sent a
congratulatory message to his compatriot Fayose, calling him “brother.” Judging from Fayemi’s conduct, one cannot but struggle to understand how he manages to get along in a political fold like his APC.

The outcome of the Ekiti poll has once again underscored the fact that elections in Nigeria are never won on the internet as Fayose noted on Sunday. If INEC had relied on the proliferous blackmails against Fayose on the internet, it probably would have announced Fayemi winner of that polls without having to count the ballots. While the social media will always remain a potent tool for mobilising and educating a section of our people who have internet access, the candidates must do more than internet campaigns.

The Fayose campaign was a vigorous door-to-door, community-to-community wooing of votes. For one moment there, Nigerians were reminded of the 1993 outing where we gladly returned MKO Abiola as President which was owed mainly to the sinking
down of his message into the hearts of the people. There were no internets then, and statistics have shown that there are yet a little
less than significant number of Nigerians with internet access.

As we reflect on the Ekiti scenario, politicians at all levels must make the lessons count in the coming months when political activities would have peaked. The place of internal democracy and the will of party men and women should never be undermined. As a faithful party man, I desire to see the emergence of candidates for my party through popular will of fellow party faithful. Like Fayose, popular candidates do not fear party primaries.

They call for it and are ready to accept the outcome gladly. This is what keeps any ambitious political partyabove the limiting bar of average. Again, no matter the acrimony which may result from personal interests, it is important that the bond of brotherhood which aspirants share be not broken.

There is no political prize attractive enough to justify the annihilation of the things which make us one people. This is the consciousness that will redirect the focus from attacks on personality, cause less lies, reduce pernicious propaganda, and concentrate discourse on issues of development of the lot of the citizenry.

Those looking for the governorship seat in Akwa Ibom state should look to wooing supports and votes through issue-based debates and not sentiments, blackmails, and calumnious media stories. Closeness to the people and the need to feel their pulse cannot be overemphasised. Those seeking to lead people must be able to understand the plights of those they seek to lead. Close watchers of the Ekiti fallout have attributed Fayemi’s detachment from his people as the albatross that hanged around his neck.

On the other hand, Fayose does not cut the picture of a Big Man at whose beck and call the executive powers of Ekiti state government once were. How much of our people do the people who want to become Akwa Ibom state governor know? For instance, how many of us politicians know the cost of a drop in keke from Ibom plaza to Itam junction? How many can tell the determiners of the cost of commodities in Akpan Andem Market and how this is giving families sleepless nights? How many of those who covet the governor’s seat can tell why there is a growing number of youths at the motor-parks?

We should not make the mistake of thinking that our level of detachment from the circumstances of life of the common man will in the end not count at the polling booth. Campaigns are now beyond where a person comes from. The Ekiti experience has now shown us that the petty mudslinging over a person’s place of origin is inane where the will of the people is at work. We must do all within our powers to see that candidates with the correct credentials and emotional attachment to the people bear our flag at the poll.

There are questions which Ekiti people asked to which only Fayose could provide the acceptable answers. One can therefore dare to say that a social contract had been entered into between Fayose and the people of the state long before the election. The event of last Saturday was only in keeping with the terms of that contract by the people of the state. Our next set of leaders in the state must begin now to show their sincerity and commitment by entering into similar contract with the people.

They must start by subjecting themselves to scrutiny by the people and gain their confidence. When this happens, those with authority will employ less of intimidation and cohesion and more of consultation and negotiation. The Ekiti election has shown the determination of President Goodluck Jonathan to make the will of the people triumph and every single vote count.

People seeking to occupy offices should therefore seek the direct mandate of the people through wider consultation and with the
air of humility. Powers gotten through the backdoors are often catastrophic. Arrogance and impunity could not have paid off for
Fayose. The people mattered above all and this was evident in the way Fayose’s victory sat pretty.

INEC did a good job to cushion the challenges of that election. While we urge Prof Attahiru Jega to correct the pockets of lapses which were reported during the election, I call on Nigerians to continue to accord him that benefit of the doubts that he will deliver in the 2015 election. Men of the Nigeria police and others in the security system also did a commendable job to ensure a smooth poll. We can only pray that we see same level of commitment in 2015.

I must express my strong admiration for our party helmsman, Alhaji Mu’azu in whose watch the PDP is taking back its glory. The past one year had been turbulent for the party, with key members decamping. But today we have peace and confidence. We have one more governor and have successfully penetrated a bloc considered as opposition. All thanks to Mu’azu, who assured us of internal democracy in the party and went on to midwife the emergence of a popular candidate in Ekiti state. His barely 7-months of reign has helped us take back our pride of place.

In the coming election year, those who wish the PDP well cannot but pray that Alhaji Mu’azu continues on the path of righteousness he is currently walking on. Above all, let me congratulate President Jonathan for the electoral reform which has further straightened our path to democracy and given the electoral powers to the people and not to a select few.

The sincerity in the reform is seen in the emergence of a true multiparty Nigeria. It cuts across every party in the country. We saw the emergence of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party in Ondo state in 2013, the Governor Adams Oshiomole of ACN (now APC) in Edo state, Governor Willie Obiano of APGA in Anambra state, and now, the emergence of Fayose as governor-elect of Ekiti state under the PDP umbrella.

For this and many other achievements, I join the rest of Nigerians to say BRAVO, Mr President!

[+] Written By: Hon. (Barr.) Onofiok Luke - A member of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly

2015: Sen.Helen Esuene promises 50,000 Jobs Annually if elected Governor

Senator Helen Esuene, a strong contender in the Akwa Ibom Gubernatorial race come 2015 has vowed to create at least 50,000 jobs annually for the teaming unemployed youths of the State if elected as Governor.

Speaking to newsmen in Eket on Thursday, the distinguished Senator representing Eket (Akwa Ibom South) Senatorial District in the red chambers of the National Assembly said that her promise to create jobs will be made possible through her industrialization policy and the establishment of trading clusters in all the 31 Local Government Areas of the State. The Senator, who pundits describe as a possible successor to Governor Akpabio said further that the trading clusters will be built to encourage both skills acquisition and service delivery.

“Since it is almost impossible for government anywhere in the world to provide jobs for all of its people, we shall create the enabling environment through provision of facilities to our people to enable them start their own businesses”, she said, adding that industrialization will also play a prominent role in her employment plan.

“If elected, my administration will review the circumstances that led to the collapse and or abandonment of some industries in the State with a view to reviving them through the public private partnership (PPP)”.

“The collaboration of foreign investors would be sought to revive these industries while efforts will be made to take advantage of the enormous oil and gas endowments of the State to go into Petroleum related investments”, Senator Esuene said.

On how optimistic she is to emerge as the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State, she said that there is an unanimity of political opinion that her public and community service records put her in a good stead as a front runner in the governorship race, adding that her hard earned antecedents of 18 years unbroken, dedicated and meritorious service to fatherland makes her the most preferred over others who are presently campaigning for the hilltop mansion come 2015.

Esuene who is the Chairman Senate Committee on Women and Youth Matters pointed out that the most Akwa Ibom people acknowledge the fact that she comes from a heritage known to offer quality service to mankind, stressing that no one can deny the fact that her late husband, the late Brigadier General Udoakagha Jacob Esuene established an enviable model of governance in the then South Eastern State, a feat only equaled in distinction and impact by the uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom State, over 30 years after, by Obong Godswill Akpabio.

When asked if Chief Godswill Akpabio had given her the go ahead to aspire to the position of the next governor of the state, she said, “he has given me the go ahead. I discussed with him, he is not carrying me along right now”.

She disclosed that her desire to lead the State was further fired by the clear fact of her familiarity with the socio-political and economic terrain in the state, a prerequisite for good governance.

By Assam Abia

2015 GOVERNORSHIP: Ekpenyong Ntekim Declares via Facebook

2015 GOVERNORSHIP: TOGETHER WE CAN

Exactly 5 years ago, I had the privilege of being invited by His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio, CON, to be a member of his uncommon transformation team in pursuit of a new Akwa Ibom State. I am very grateful to His Excellency for the golden opportunity to serve, and will ever cherish his consideration of my worth. The abiding fruits of the charismatic political leadership of this administration, which comes to a constitutional end on 29 May 2015, are simply beyond measure.

However, the responsibility is on us to remind ourselves why finishing right and strong the job, so commendably in progress, remains significant. With the massive infrastructural interventions of the last few years bearing desired fruits in the crescendo to which Akwa Ibom State has been justifiably raised, both friends and foes are watching to see whether, as a people, we have the resolve to continue to faithful completion the uncommon transformation agenda or would be fatigued out by political inexpediency and naïvety. Make no mistake, the progress so far made is as significant as the task ahead is onerous.

However, I am confident we can achieve the goal of successful continuity in an atmosphere of shared sacrifice and efforts, and I trust in our capacity to rise to the occasion. Indeed, together we can!

It is imperative, in light of my dedication to the core values of public service, that I be transparent with you on my future political engagements, especially as I cannot take on a commitment I do not desire to honour.

Over the past several months, I have been encouraged to give unremitting thought to seeking the mandate to be the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015. This has now graduated to a commanding course of action that I am to sedulously pursue. Therefore, in the days, weeks and months ahead, I verily look forward to consulting with the leadership of my party, the Peoples Democratic Party and the good people of Akwa Ibom State at different fora to discuss, with unmitigated determination and steadfastness, my thoughts and plans for Akwa Ibom State, if it pleases God, to whom power belongs, to favour me with its grant.

I urge you, my beloved brethren, to remain fast and firm as the gospel of fairness, equity, equality and justice in the political landscapes of Akwa Ibom State unfolds.

Many thanks.

Long live Akwa Ibom State!

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!

Ekpenyong Ntekim, Esq.

LORD! Give Me A Politician's Heart by Osundu Ahirika

Create in me a Politician's heart oh Lord and renew in me a right spirit. That's my recent prayer, and folks', never for a second mistake that for a sacrilegious plea. Life has taught me that, the politician, who manages to string the most electoral successes, and manages to personify the proverbial cat with nine lives  notion, is the one who knows how to effortlessly relate with his so called enemy and sit at ease, in the conclave of opponents.

In Akwa Ibom, check out the likes of Rt. Hon. Usenobong Akpabio, Senator Ita Enang, Senator Effiong Bob, Rt Hon. Ekong Sampson, Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk etc, you will see this virtue in them. How do they manage this? I have since realized their secret. They are so flexible that, they know how to, not only embrace yesterdays foe and make friends with him today, but also, learn to use the so called enemy as an ally for tomorrows agenda.

As Senator Effiong Bob, who, back in 2011, was treated as a political leper for seeking an audacious third term berth in the National Assembly, works himself to becoming a de facto beautiful bride of the 2015 Governorship battle, one thing strikes you. His easy fence mending with powerful rivals of yore, who have paid homage, to consult him on their ambitions, cannot but, confound you.

I have come to conclude that, if you want to know a greenhorn in politics, his trademark is simple. Look out for that politician who sorts people around him into two camps of supporters and enemies. Such a politician moves to crush all those perceived, suspected or proven to belong to the latter camp.

He banishes them from his countenance and treats them as nuisance. Isantim Kenneth Okon, the Etinan Local Government Council boss it was, who told me, only a non career politician will commit the ambition stifling error of keeping a black book for supposed enemies. A true politician he says, has an elastic shock absorber that enables him tolerate all classes of people: The good, The bad, The ugly. According to him, even the lousy associate of the politician has his day for reckoning, where his nuisance value will be needed.

Same for the sycophants, cynics, thugs, intellectuals and what have you. Everyman around the politician he opined, must be given his space and not castaway. Those you segregate against and dismiss from your camp, Isantim Okon says, turn around to hurt you the most.

It is the same lesson I learnt from erstwhile Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Nsima Ekere. His almost condescending demeanour, simplicity and general affability, is prudently cultivated second nature. His free spirit is so robust that, the man hardly has a room for grudge, hate, beef or vendetta in his being.

When I questioned his rare ability as a top mixer with, not only other top governorship contenders, but even those who are decidedly opposed to his dream of governing Akwa Ibom, his simple retort was, "only the weak in politics dreads opponents. The strong needs and even works harmoniously with them. That is the only key that can sustain and take you far in politics", Ekere opined. I chose to believe him.

Who would have thought that, Senator Bola Tinubu, Gen. Mauhammadu Buhari, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, Nuhu Ribadu, Rotimi Amaechi and Olusegun Obasanjo etc, can cohabit the same room and laugh it out? The notion of strange bedfellows is easy and possible, particularly, in politics, because, politicians have such a large heart, with inherently automated delete button inside of them, that erases past dirty bickering and quickly harmonizes current interests where they gel. I want that heart of give and take. Win some, lose some. A heart to be a good negotiator and when I can, make concessions for progress and peace to be made.

A politicians heart is what I crave, so I can find it easy to say, 'I'm sorry' and not see it as a weakness. Picture the ebullient Obong Umana Okon Umana, set aside his intimidating persona and profile to humbly apologize to Senator Bob. The same thing, immediate past Finance Commissioner, Bassey Albert Akpan did during his visit to the Senator recently. Has former Vee Pee, Atiku Abubakar not said, 'I'm sorry', to his erstwhile boss, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Many in the world are too proud to alight from their high horse and be the first to say sorry. Only, the great can do this and I elect greatness above false pompousity. I want the simplicity of heart politicians bear, which makes haste to show remorse, penance, penitence and restitution where, and when necessary.  

I have also discovered, it takes the never say die heart of a Politician to remain an incurable optimist. In religion, we call it FAITH. They have faith in themselves, in their God and their dreams no matter the odds. Indeed, only a politicians mind set will convince him to row his political boat against the tide. Even when his political pursuit is akin to making a river flow uphill, the politician will stick to his objective, and too many times, they get it done. They don't quit even when common sense dictates so. Else, why will Engr. Frank Okon remain in Court up until date, still seeking to invalidate Governor Godswill Akpabio's victory in the 2011 PDP Governorship Primaries and subsequent Governorship Election, when the entire State has since moved on, and are locked in the hurricane of who succeeds Governor Akpabio with barely a year left to end his second term in office. Only a politician has such sense of tenacity, persistence and self belief.

I want a politicians heart so that I can take several blows with a smile, or at most, a wink. Like American President, Barack Obama, has stated, a Politician must grow very thick skin as the game is not for the faint hearted. President Goodluck Jonathan has described himself as the most vilified Nigerian President ever. Truly, he has endured the most harrowing, humiliating and harassing criticisms ever mounted against any leader in this country. Yet, he still holds out and will not press the panic button of resorting to ruthless crackdown on critics.

 Each passing day, under the duress of scathing recriminations from opponents, detractors, social activists, human rights crusaders, warts and all, Mr President still relays a near boyish mien, that makes him look more sinned against than the sinner. What a heart to brave the darts and arrows and still top it all with equanimity and surreal calm.

I want the heart of a Politician. That I can endure heart rending betrayals and still hold my head high. As I take a dozzier on the Politics of Prince Enobong Uwah, I came off with the disbelief of a man's capacity to sidestep and overlook wanton betrayal. The day he hosted his people after he lost the Uyo State Constituency election in 2011,  I was left speechless. How can you thank a people for losing elections?

Even for many others that he brought to political relevance, who have stabbed him behind, I shudder at how admirably, he has looked ahead and contained the strain and the pain. Only politicians can live this way and not suffer hypertension, or relapse into Political autism, or political down syndrome, if you get the devastating debilitation of those diseases in medical sciences. I pray for the heart of a politician, even if it is trickery as many think.

I want the cheerful heart of benevolence that gives and gives and gives, without counting the cost. In that wise, I try to deconstruct the large heartedness of Governor Akpabio, whose generousity marked a new era of empowerment politics taken beyond the ordinary. The uncommon spirit of giving he transmitted to his proteges, such as, Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, Prince Enobong Uwah, Obong Bassey Albert, Obong Kufre Etuk, Mr Don Etim and Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem is a dream I pray to live. The same way, Obong Umana Okon Umana, and Obong Nsima Ekere, have single handedly turned so many boys to men. It is such a willing spirit to be of help that I crave.

 I want a Politicians heart, so that, I can be stout hearted like Governor Godswill Akpabio. His demonstration of political will for implementing his ideas is unprecedented and peculiar. He knows how to fight. Plans his game well ahead from end to beginning  and beginning to end, with Plans A-Z in case any plan fails and he doesn't get stuck in a fox hole. Like he confessed, I want to move like a lion whenever I do, always conscious of my stock. I need, not a timid mind of fear, but a bold and courageous one.

The summary is that, great Politicians possess the heart of a child, but act and live like adults. Guided by the childish enthusiasm, they look up to the brighter side of life and remain positive. Little wonder, the great Rabbai, Jesus Christ taught, "except one becomes like a little child, he cannot make the kingdom of God.

They say Politics is a dirty game, but I think differently. It is a game of hearts.

CAPTAIN EKONG VS NSEOWO: COURT FINES YOUNGEST EDITOR

CAPTAIN EKONG VS NSEOWO: COURT FINES YOUNGEST EDITOR

Record holding Nigeria’s Youngest newspaper editor, Ifreke Nseowo has been fined the sum of N18,300 by the court for failing to file his statement of defence on time.

Nseowo, who is dragged to court by Governor Godswill Akpabio’s P.A on Security Matters, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Retd) over the ownership of an exclusive lounge/bar, Play Terrace was given the mandatory 40days to file his statement of defence but he however did so 91 days after the expiration of the 40 days, hence the compulsory fine on him by the court.
Meanwhile, Uyo High Court (7) will sit on Monday, 5th May, 2014 to entertain the case the between the Governor’s P.A and the country’s record breaking editor.

Captain Ekong is expected to be given the mandatory 15days to reply Nseowo’s statement of defence and to fill the pre-trial form through his counsel before the main hearing begins.

Captain Ekong (retd) is seeking N500m as damages for Nseowo’s allegation in a blog publication that he (Ekong) is the owner of the said Play Terrace, located in the LeastPay building along Aka Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Nseowo is represented by Barr. Eddie Ntukidem while Ekong’s legal man is Obio Mkpanam, Esq.

Essien Udim Councillor stripped naked

* I made her a legislator, she insulted my aides, says Nse Ntuen

A female Councillor in Essien Udim Legislative council Hon Eno James was last weekend beaten up and stripped naked at Ikot Onwo, Essien Udim Local Government Area last week by aides of the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area Mr. Nse Ntuen.

Sources at the scene of the event informed our reporter that Eno James who represents the people of Ekpenyong ward 2 was beaten up and stripped naked during a marriage ceremony that held last weekend in Essien Udim. THE INK learnt that the victim Eno James is a strong supporter of Prince Akpabio and had been singing praises for the Governor’s aide when he was honored by the PDP some time ago. Those sympathetic to her had however pointed accusing fingers at the Essien Udim Council Chairman and ALGON boss Nse Ntuen.

Confirming the incident in a telephone chat with our reporter on Saturday night the female councillor while responding to a question on whether she was actually beaten up by the council Chairman’s aides said “no be small my dear” on why she was beaten up and stripped naked, she said there was no reason only that his attackers called her a prostitute.

When our reporter sent sms to the ALGON boss Nse Ntuen on why his aides led by his cousin and PA 1 Barr Augustine Etim had to attack, beat up and stripped Hon Eno James, the Essien Udim council boss calling back almost immediately had referred this reporter to some personalities who were there amongst the names he mentioned were commissioners for Agriculture and that of lands, Hon Godwin Afangide and Hon Eno Akpan respectively as well as the Hon member for Essien Udim State Constituency Hon Emmanuel Akpan. And that whatever those ones tell the reporter, THE INK can go ahead to publish those responses as they were witnesses to the event that led to the incidence. When our reporter probed further, Ntuen raised his voice a little heavier and said, he made Eno James a councillor through the wife of the Governor Unoma Akpabio.

The ALGON boss said when the female councillor Eno James came to their table that she did not greet him. In his words, “da bip anye bo sia anye akeduk ndo mmeye ama nkom mien “

Speaking further, Nse Ntuen said “nko afo to umi, (apparently asking our reporter whether he understands the Akwa Ibom Vernacular and when the reporter responded in the affirmative), Nse Ntuen informed that Eno James had said to his aides, ndufo nto ufok ifot ami. (Meaning that the female councillor had described the chairman’s aides as witches and wizards). And this must have been responsible for his being attacked and stripped by the Essien Udim Chairman’s aides.

Speaking further, Nse Ntuen said he had not told anybody that he is contesting election to the position of the member of the House of Assembly in the year 2015. He said if Prince wants the position of member representing Essien Udim in the House of Assembly by 2015 that, that is his own.
The State ALGON boss maintained that concerning Essien Udim House of Assembly 2015 that the Governor has not said anything yet and that he will do whatever the Governor will ask him to do as the Governor Godswill Akpabio is the leader of the Party in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

 He maintained that he was returned to the council for a second term courtesy of the influence of the Governor as according to him nobody has ever won a second term into the council of Essien Udim as Executive Chairman noting that he is the first to achieve such feat. He noted that except someone does not want to recognize the leadership of the Governor Godswill Akpabio and that whatever the Governor told him he was going to do it concerning the race for Essien Udim House of Assembly seat for 2015.

Meanwhile all attempts by the councillors to meet last Friday at Essien Udim and issue an official statement condemning the attack on one of them failed due to the pressures on them by some major stakeholders of the Local Government area to sheathe their swords and allow the matter to die down. Those said to be interested in the matter and who have in one way or the other contributed towards the resolution of the crises are the Hon Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Godwin Afangide and the member representing Essien Udim in the State House of Assembly Hon Emmanuel Akpan. Prince Ukpong Akpabio is not happy about the incidence at all, an informed and very reliable source told THE INK Newspaper gathered.

Source: THE INK

Bassey Albert rallies support for Governor Akpabio's Administration

Immediate past Akwa Ibom State commissioner for finance, Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan has called on the people to support the administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio to the end.

Mr. Albert made this known while receiving various groups who paid solidarity visit to him at his residence. 

He hinted that he will support the Akpabio led administration till the end and called on his supporters to be calm and show maturity in their dealings.

The former finance boss labelled his Seven years of service to the state under Chief Akpabio as phenomenal and advised the people to be law abiding in pursuit of the political future of the state.

The ex-banker described Govenor Akpabio as a friend, brother and source of inspiration, whose leadership qualities he said has transformed the state. He said Akwa Ibom people should see it as a necessity to consolidate on the achievements of the Governor to project a new Akwa Ibom. 

Mr. Albert was appointed commissioner for finance since inception of the Akpabio administration in 2007. He was relieved of his appointment following a minor cabinet reshuffle on Thursday.


Here are some images from the event...