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...

Bassey Albert: A Project Manager with Depth and Vibrancy

Sustainability and Utilization of resources is a function of effective management. For resources to be efficiently managed to yield increased productivity and continued availability, the services of Project Managers are required to ensure accountability, credibility and consistency.

A project manager initiates, plans, executes, monitors, controls and gives tentative feedback to relevant stakeholders of a project. These are some of the sterling qualities of Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan, the young, energetic and resourceful Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for finance. The 41 year old as a modern politician has contributed immensely to the success of the Governor Akpabio led administration.

When Governor Akpabio took over leadership of the state in 2007, fears that development may not be felt in rural areas because of continued neglect of locals were predominant together with increased dilapidation of few available social amenities in remote areas. These and many more were reasons why Governor Akpabio established the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee. As commissioner for finance, Mr. Albert was asked to coordinate affairs of the committee in line with the uncommon transformation agenda of the state.

Gov. Akpabio and the masses as major stakeholders in the Akwa Ibom project were eager to witness transformation of the state from rural to urban centers for the people to witness true dividend of democracy. Mr. BasseyAlbert’s duty as project manager was to serve as a mediator between stakeholders and end users. The quest has been challenging and rewarding. The result of his stewardship and commitment caught my attention when the people of Akwa Ibom poured encomiums on the Chief Akpabio led administration during the recent town hall meetings and commissioning of over 5,000 projects across ten federal constituencies of the state.

As a project manager, risk bearing is one of the fundamentals of success. Mr. Bassey Albert utilized the experience he garnered over the years as top managing staff of various financial institutions to manage risks involved in execution of projects under the committee by instituting a progress based payment model for service providers.

His human resource management proficiencies traced back to the banking industry, where he managed over three hundred capacity building assets with efficient service delivery for over a decade. A good project manager develops capacity to manage resources with limited or no incentives. Mr. Bassey Albert demonstrated such qualities when he managed over fifteen branches of a financial institution across the South-South Geo-Political zone of the country.

Mr. Bassey Albert is visionary, organized, efficient, honest, reliable, possesses high communication skills. He is action oriented, vested with leadership flair, experienced and knowledgeable. These are some outstanding attributes of a good project manager.

He demonstrated his risk management expertise when he crossed miles of water to visit a project site in a remote village in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area during a tour to the area. Before the visit of the Inter Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, the area witness mild Government presence since inception of Akwa Ibom in 1987. Mr. Bassey Albert integrated his project management skills and negotiated for peaceful completion of projects undertaken by the Akpabio led administration in the area.

While stakeholders are busy providing the much needed funding and resources, Mr. Bassey Albert has directly been engaged in research and development to meet deadlines set by stakeholders. He successfully developed a model capable of answering the 4W question of When, Where, What and Who before initiating any project under the committee. These ensured no repetition of projects and adequate placement of projects where needed.

Mr. Bassey Albert fancies a matrix organizational structure for day to day running of affairs of the Inter Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, where all functional managers are allowed to perform numerous tasks irrespective of job specifications. Members of the committee exhibit distinctive teamwork potentials to consolidate the magnanimous qualities of their leader. These have been the reason behind effective actualization of the uncommon transformation agenda of Governor Godswill Akpabio as they have recorded no abandoned project since inauguration of the committee.

A good project manager must be vast and detailed. Mr. Bassey Albert as Chairman of the Inter Ministerial Direct Labour Committee has visited many areas in the state. As one with a listening ear, he relay messages from the masses to the principal on issues relating to rural development. Mr. Bassey Albert as a proficient manager with verve and vibrancy successfully identifies key areas of need of the people and make recommendations to relevant stakeholders for implementation of the people’s demand.

For the past seven years as commissioner for finance and Chairman Akwa Ibom State /Local Government derivation committee, he has selected appropriate processes required to meet project objectives by using defined approach to meet stakeholder’s expectations and balance the competing demands of scope, time, quality, resources and risk to produce specified products, services and results.

Mr. Bassey Albert Commands authority, Possess quick sifting abilities, knows what to note and what to ignore, ask good questions and listen to stakeholders. He hardly sees information as a weapon or means of control, but adheres to predictable communication schedules. His self reliance and confidence showcases independent and fair consensus-building skills when conflict arises. As a source of inspiration to many, he relies on extensive informal networks inside and outside his work base structure to solve problems that arises and shows absolute commitment to work.

His contributions to the management of state resources endeared his kingsmen to honour him with the title “Enin Ibiono Ibom” in 2009. This was further consolidated with the award of Chieftaincy Title of “Obong Uforo Akwa Ibom State” by the Paramount Ruler of Etinan, His Majesty Edidem Dickson Umoette.

The wealth of experience gathered by Mr. Bassey Albert over the years cannot be ignored at a glance. His thrust can numerically be analyzed to make predictions for the future by using available and relevant data. From a political stand point, a project manager is seen as a technocrat who helps in developing and realizing the goals of Governance.

With the rapid transformation witnessed in the state in recent times, it is imperative to note that qualities of Mr. Bassey Albert will be very defining in the New Akwa Ibom. As a project manager vested with skills and resources, he has been tipped to be a realistic team player in the next political dispensation as a result of his undisputed loyalty to the current administration.

For project “Akwa Ibom” to maximally attain its set goals, noble sons and daughters of the state like Mr. Bassey Albert should be encouraged to activate more effective management models for continued transformation and sustenance of our democracy. He is a delight to integrate without a differential constant.

Promise Etim
Uyo

As Governor Akpabio visits Etinan Federal Constituency today...

Youths advocate for inclusion in talks

Governor Godswill Akpabio is expected to lead a train of stakeholders today to a town Hall meeting with the people of Etinan Federal Constituency at the Etinan Council Hall from 1pm. The Governor will first commission some projects embarked by his administration in the Federal Constituency in recent times between 10-12am.

Etinan Federal Constituency comprises of three Local Governments namely: Etinan, Nsit Ibom and Nsit Ubium. The Constituency boost of eminent personalities which include: speaker of the state's house of assembly, Hon. Sam Ikon, the member representing Nsit Ubium and house committee chairman on finance, Barr. Onofiok Luke, wife of a former Governor of the state, Obongawan Imoh Isemin, former secretary to the state government, Obong Umana Okon Umana, former senator of the federal republic, Sen. Effiong Bob and the special adviser to the Governor on security matters, Captain Iniobong Ekong.

Others are: Otuekong Sunny Jackson, an elder statesman, Dr. Nseabasi Akpan, a former commissioner in the state, Hon. Dan Akpan, member representing the federal constituency, Hon. Aniefiok Thompson, former deputy speaker of the state's house of assembly amongst others.

Opinion leaders, Youth Groups, Women Organizations, Interest Groups and Political Stakeholders are expected to be at the town Hall meeting with the Governor, as relevant issues bothering the Federal Constituency will be discussed as well as their position in the impending zoning debate for the 2015 Governorship seat.

In the last briefing held for the people of Eket Federal Constituency at the Eket Council Hall, pundits were of the opinion that the Youths were not carried along in the scheme of things. A youth leader in Etinan, Engr. Emmanuel Uffot said Youths should be given opportunity to contribute and discuss during the town hall meeting as they have a vital role to play in the development of the state and the choice of who Governs them in 2015.

Observers also advised that random sampling and selection should be done during question and interactive session by the Governor to accommodate the common man and the poor widow who could not make it to the hall, but secured a place in the surrounding perimeter.

An Entrepreneur with a heart of Gold: Engr. Ukeme Okpob, CEO of Opulence-5-Contractors.

It is often said that many are called but few are chosen. Engr. Ukeme Okpob is one of the very few chosen to serve as a model in business and manpower development globally. A graduate of Civil Engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUST), this noble entrepreneur coordinate activities of Kenzai Ceramic Tiles Industry in Nigeria, a Thailand based company worth over THB120million in the global market over the past decade.

Ukeme is a registered Engineer with the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). In 2001, he was nominated into the ESUST hall of fame for being the first non-indigene to have been president of a student Association in the institution.

His Political Engineering career has recorded some remarkable feats in recent times. He was Senate member of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). In 2010, he was appointed Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of G36 for president Goodluck Jonathan, a group that played a significant role in mobilizing  for the election of the president.

In 2005, he was awarded for his contribution towards the growth of his community by some political bigwigs from his locality and was also recognized among 29 others for selfless service to humanity by the member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Hon.( Barr.) Onofiok Luke in December, 2012.

He was site engineer for AEC works limited during the construction of the famous Use Ikot Amama road by the Governor Godswill Akpabio led administration. He also had spells with EtteAro & Partners and BASESTAR Engineering. He is a member of the Young Engineers Forum, a group saddled with the responsibility of hosting the 2014 World Engineering Forum slated for Abuja in November. He is an Architectural design technocrat and a certified design and build engineer. This young entrepreneur is billed to tie nuptial knot with Jessica Charles in May, 2014.

Engr. Ukeme Okpob owns a franchise with Kenzai Ceramic Tiles company of Thailand in Nigeria. The Ceramic Tiles produced by the company is an perfect replacement for interlocking stones, as it does not allow for growth of weeds and moss with fungi. As a determined and focused individual, he was the first to negotiate, persuade and draft the company to Africa. With little resources to his credit, he has succeeded in opening a new phase of business and bilateral relationship between two countries.

According to experts, the business relationship he has succeeded in creating with this global company will further boost other economic sectors of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and Thailand in the areas of industrialization, technology, agriculture and business development opportunities.

Already, plans are underway through his initiative with the state Government's  through Public Private Partnership (PPP) to see possible areas of collaboration with Kenzai Ceramics and other key stakeholders for revamping of the defunct Quality Ceramics Industry in Akwa Ibom State.


If he can achieve this as an individual, we can do more collectively. Time now for Government and the private sector to synergize, brainstorm and create an enabling environment for sustainability of investment driven industries like Kenzai Ceramic Tiles in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria

Akwa United players to earn less than LMC's monthly benchmark

Players of Uyo based Nigerian professional Football League side, Akwa United have been told they may earn less than the one hundred and fifty thousand naira monthly salary benchmark established by the League Management Committee to take effect from the new season.

A club source hinted over the weekend that the club will not be able to meet the financial conditions of the LMC, but will do same next season. It has also been revealed that the highest paid player of the club will earn a hundred and twenty thousand naira, a situation that has raised huge concerns to the players and fans following the abolishment of sign on fees by the League Management body.

The source said the club did not include the new salary structure in its budget for the season, maintaining that the club cannot accept what they cannot pay.

It was also gathered that a member of the LMC had last week called some players of the team asking how much they are being paid by the club.

“Akwa United refused to negotiate salaries for their players on time, delayed till the dying minutes and force the poor salary structure on the players, leaving them with no option as clubs had already finished registration of players for the new season," a fan, Bassey Sambo lamented.

Mr. Sambo said it is unacceptable and referred to the situation as a sabotage for a club which received the highest fund last season among clubs nationwide by a State Government, not to be able to pay the new benchmark salary set up by the LMC. He called on the management to trim the squad to thirty players instead of having close to fifty as the case were in previous seasons.

Efforts to reach the teams' management to comment on the issue as at press time proved abortive.

The new Glo Professional Football League season kicks off on March, 7 across the country, with Akwa United welcoming Gombe United at the Uyo township stadium.

2015: Akwa Ibom and Akpabio’s succession plan

The stage is set for an epic battle. Following the release of the timetable for 2015 elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the politics of succession assumed a new dimension in Akwa Ibom State, governorship aspirants have been declaring their interests.

Many stakeholders have also urged Governor
Godswill Akpabio to make public his succession plan. Many issues will shape the contest next year. At a ceremony in Awa, a rustic Ibibio town, two weeks ago, the governor revisited the debate on zoning. He said that in 2015, power should shift to the Eket Senatorial District. Akpabio explained that the zone had been left in the cold for almost 16 years.

The governor’s support for zoning has been received with mixed feelings. Some
politicians have described it as an attempt to edge out of the race, other aspirants without justification. But, others have hailed the governor, describing him as an apostle of justice and fairplay. Two prominent PDP chieftains from Eket District eyeing the seat are former Secretary to Government Umanana Umana and his successor, Udom Emmanuel.

But, the people of Oron, who are spread across five local government areas in Eket
District, are disturbed by the governor’s body language. They have argued that,
since the state was created, based on the agreement among the Ibibio, Annang and
Oron, zoning should reflect the ethnic composition, instead of the senatorial zones
created out of political expediency.

The former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Victor Iyanam, an Oron man, is a champion of “zoning by ethnic bloc.” He said that Oron has been marginalised in the the state. “Oron people are charting their own destiny. If you cannot zone the governorship to Oron, we are better off in an open contest so that we can go and vote for who we like. Instead of deceiving us and making us to accept senatorial zoning and, at the end of the day, we lose out from that contest and have nothing for the next 24 years.

It is better for Oro people to embrace an open contest and vote for who they like,” he said.
Many Oron leaders share this sentiment. But, other leaders of Eket District are erecting brick walls on their way. For instance, the former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Nduese Essien, disputed the Oron leaders’ claims. He said the “tripod story” had been debunked at the national level. “At the national level, we used to have tripod of Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo.

The same people agitating for tripod in Akwa Ibom State used the same tactics to snatch the
presidency to the Southsouth, leading to the emergence of an Ijaw man as the
president. So, zoning cannot be based on the ethnic bloc,” he added. Akpabio has also come under attack for alleged imposition of an aspirant, Udom Emmanuel, on the party. Emmanuel, a banker, succeeded Umana as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) last year.

At a rally in Uyo, the state capital, Senator Effiong Bob, spoke against plans by the
governor to anoint an aspirant. Bob, who had represented Uyo District in the Senate,
advised the people to be vigilant. He said that imposition of an aspirant is anti-
democratic. “We want everybody to come out for the overall interest of this state and the country.

Anybody that wants to contest can contest. My general advice to the people of the state is that they should be vigilant. They should also be conscious about their rights. Their right to vote and be voted for. Also, the people must be able to shine their eyes to know what is good for them. “I am not going to suggest anybody for anybody. I believe that we are wise enough to choose an inclusive person that will lead the state and lead the people of the state, not an individual that will come and lead individuals,” he said.

The former deputy governor, Chris Ekpenyong, was in the same frame of mind. He urged the people to shun fear and resist imposition.
“To the Akwa Ibom people, it is time for you to start coming out. Nobody can impose
any candidate on the people. I have seen poverty and I have seen riches. There is
nothing anybody can give to me, ” he said.
Third Republic Senator Etang Umoyo, who represented Eket District, also spoke at
the rally.

He described Akwa Ibom people as a republican people, saying they cannot
be cowed. “When it is important, we will talk. We will not accept any form of imposition. We are republican people. We have never been cowed by anybody. There is no political
barrier we cannot break,” he stressed.
It is a crowded race.

Apart from Umana and Emmanuel, other aspirants include Prof.
Richard King, Nsima Ekere; Michael Onofiok, Ambassador Assam Assam (SAN),
Ekpenyong Nkekim, Patrick Ekpotu, Bishop Sam Akpan, Effiong Abia, and Senator
Helen Esuene.

King
Prof. King is a member of the Presidential Monitoring Committee on Niger Delta
Development Commission (NDDC). He is a close ally of President Goodluck
Jonathan. Thier relationship started 30 years ago. He is seen by many as someone
who can consolidate on the achievements of Akpabio, based on his vast experience.
King, an Eket man, is favoured by the zoning arrangement being canvassed by the
governor. The don, who holds traditional titles of Okuku of Idua Clan, Eket and Obong
Ikkike of Uyo, is not relenting in his efforts to get the ticket. He has begun
consultations with traditional rulers and others that matters on his plan to succeed
the governor. Recently, he has opened his campaign office in Uyo. His structure, the
Divine Mandate Organisation, is also waxing stronger.
King is building a formidable political structure that would make him coast to victory
in the election, if he gets the PDP ticket. The feeling is that the President will also
support his bid for power in the oil-rich state.
But the question is: Will the don get the governor’s support? King is perceived as a
dark horse in the race.

Emmanuel
Emmanuel is a banker-turned politician. He was not in contention, until he became
the SSG. Until his appointment, he was the Executive Director of the Zenith Bank. It
is believed that the governor has made up his mind to anoint him as the candidate.
Emmanuel is favoured by the zoning arrangement. He is hails from Onna, the heart of Ibibioland.
As a dependable ally of the governor, the SSG now has adverssaries. He is perceived
as an outsider waiting to wear the crown without much political labour. The political
foes of the governor are ganging up against him.
Recently, he organized a thanksgiving service in his Awa-Iman hometown. To observers, the ceremony marked the first phase of the succession endorsement.
Many gig wigs witnessed the event. Akpabio, his commissioners and special advisers and federal and state legislators were guests. For Emmanuel, the thanksgiving ceremony marked the beginning of a turbulent journey to the State House. Will he get the support of the political class while riding on Akpabio’s back to the throne? Time will tell.

Umana
He is a former ally of Akpabio. He was the SSG for six years, until he was booted out.
He was a powerful and influential politician. But, there ends the story. Although he is
not favoured by zoning, the Nsit Ubium-born politician is bent. He has supporters
across the three districts.
His political platform is suspect. The reality has dawned on his supporters that the PDP may not field him. If he defects, many of them will not follow him to the new party.
Umana has built a formidable political structure across the three senatorial districts.
He is wealthy. Many see him as a game changer, if there will be a free and fair
primaries in the PDP. It is distressing to his associates that he was removed from
office as the SSG. The sack jolted him out of the delusion that he was the closest ally
of the governor.
Like a soldier on the battle field, Umana is still combative. He has experience. But, how he intends to get the ticket without the governor’s support is the major challenge.

Ekere
He is the former deputy governor. Ekere resigned his appointment in 2012 in a
controversial manner to avoid being impeached by the House of Assembly. Although he claimed that he resigned on personal grounds, his resignation is still a subject of discussion .
Ekere has not deserted the political battle. He has a formidable structure. He emerged as the consensus candidate of the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency few weeks ago. Many have described the politician as a large-hearted and forgiving person. He is said to have reconciled with Akpabio, who applauded him for his
forgiving nature.
Ekere’s public acceptance is not an issue, compared to other aspirants. There are
speculations in some quarters that he may emerge as the governor’s second option,
since the governor has narrowed down his choice to the Ibibio of Eket Senatorial
District.

Onofiok
He is a chartered shipbroker from Oron. Although Onofiok is new in politics, he is
favoured by zoning.
He is a new comer to the Akwa Ibom political scene. But, he has vowed not to chicken out of the race. Onofiok is one of those agitating for zoning, based on the Ibibio-Annang-Oron arrangement. He explained that that was the agreement evolved by the founding fathers of the state. He also said that zoing based on the senatorial district, was propounded by the governor.
The aspirants said that there are many benefits and opportunities in the maritime sector. He promised to explore them, if elected as the governor.
The question now is: will Akwa Ibom people support a person who pundits have
described as a “novice” in politics? Will he get the governor’s support, since he is not
from the Ibibio axis of the Eket District?

Asam
He is the Nigerian Ambassador to Russia. He has served as the Attorney General and
Commissioner for Justice under Akpabio. He is a strong personality for the job and he has experience.
In terms of zoning, he is favoured. He is also one of those campaigning against imposition. He said the move will fail.
Assam may not have the governor’s support. Other stakeholders may not also support him because he has a strong personality.

Ntekim
Ntekim is the former Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) during the
tenure of former Governor Victor Attah. He is now the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. He has served as the Commissioner for Transport. He is
believed to be one of the political godsons of Atuekong Don Etiebet. The zoning
arrangement favours Ntekim. He is from Oron. But, the fear in some quarters is that
he may not be accepted by entire Akwa Ibom people.

Ekpotu
Ekpotu is a former deputy governor under Akpabio. During the turbulent 2006 PDP
primaries, the party’s reconciliation committee headed by Chief Tony Anenih brokered peace among the warring politicians. The peace accord gave Attah the opportunity to nominate Akpabio’s deputy, when Attah’s bid to install his son-in-law and former Commissioner for Health, Bob Ekarika, failed. Attah nominated his
Commissioner for Information, Ekpotu, as the running mate. Akpabio was not comfortable with the idea. According to analysts, Ekpotu’s emergence was to give the Ibibios, the largest ethnic group in the state, a place in Akpabio’s government.
But, the governor later dropped Ekpotu to pave the way for Ekere, his preferred choice. original running mate.
To many people, Ekpotu is making a feeble atttempt. They alleged that he is trying to
act a spoiler to Ekere’s governorship ambition because both of them are from Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency. Already, Ekere has been adopted as the consensus candidate of the constituency.

Abia
He is an Oron man. He is the Commissioner for Rural Development. He has worked with Akpabio for 11 years. He was Secretary to the Council of Chiefs. He was also Secretary, Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC) and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. When he was at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, he built a solid political structure. The council chairmen were rooting for him. He is believed to be riding on Akpabio’s back Abia will compete with other strong aspirants from Eket.

Esuene
Senator Esuene is the only female aspirant. She was the wife of the former military
governor of the old Cross River State, Chief Udokaha Esuene. She was appointed the
Minister of State for Health in July 2005. She later became the Minister of Environment in January 2006. After a cabinet reshuffle in January 2007, Esuene was given an expanded portfolio as the Minister of Environment and Housing. She left office in May 2007. She was elected into the Senate from the Akwa Ibom South (Eket Senatorial District). Analysts are of the view that Senator Esuene stands a chance of becoming the next governor because she is close to the Presiency. But, many do not
take her seriously because she is a woman.

Okpulupm Ette
Okpulupm Ette is a two-term member and Manjority Leader of the House of Assembly. Sources said that the Ibeno-born politician is a grassroots man That is perceived as an added advantage. He is favoured by zoning. But, he may not get the governor’s support.

Akpan
Akpan is an agitator for power shift to the Eket District. The politician fron Onnan is
the International Coordinator of Akwa Ibom Peoples’ Forum (AKPF). His group
worked for the victory of Akpabio in 2007. Akpan was became the Special Adviser on
Political and Legislative Affairs. Many council chairmen were loyal to him. Thus, he
was popular at bthe grassroots. When he was dropped from the cabinet, he became
the deputy chairman of the PDP. His senatorial ambition crumbled in 2011. He was asked to step down for Mrs. Esuene. Currently, he is the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Road Maintenance Agency. Unlike before, he has lost grip over the political structure in his Onna Local Government Area. He may be asked to step down for the SSG, who is from the same area.

Source: The Nation (Kazeem Ibrahim)