The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akpabio

  • Akpabio, Yuguda, other PDP governors in secret meeting with Obasanjo

    Akpabio, Yuguda, other PDP governors in secret meeting with Obasanjo

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors on Thursday afternoon stormed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s residence, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, in over a dozen vehicle convoy.

    The governors, who arrived Obasanjo’s mansion on Presidential Hill -Top Estate at exactly 12:40pm, quickly went into secret meeting with their host who had been waiting for them.

    Although the names of the governors on the visit or their numbers could not be ascertained as at the time of filing this report, it was discovered that the Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, is in the entourage by virtues of the number plates seen on the governor’s escort vehicles. The vehicles bear the state’s marks.

    Other governors believed on the trip to the former president’s home are that of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke and his Bauchi State counterpart, Isa Yuguda.

    Our correspondent gathered that Niger State governor, Babangida Aliu, is also at  the meeting.

    The purpose of the meeting, according to sources close to the governors may not be unconnected with the frosty relation between Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The meeting is still ongoing.

  • How Akpabio’s pledge spurred Eagles to victory

    How Akpabio’s pledge spurred Eagles to victory

    NFFPresident, Amaju Pinnick appreciated every Nigerian who contributed in any way to the Super Eagles’ victory over Congo in Pointe Noire on Saturday. But sports–loving governor Godswill Akpabio’s pledge of a ‘handsome reward’ did much to motivate the players before kick–off.

    Akwa Ibom State’s number one man had called the Nigeria Football Federation President to say he would reward the players and official for victory in the very crucial game, in which Nigeria needed a two–goal margin of victory to be in good stead for qualification going into the final round of matches.

    The message was promptly relayed to the team in full and they left their Atlantic Hotel Palace highly inspired despite the scorching sun.

    Ikechukwu Uche stroked home a penalty kick after strike partner Emmanuel Emenike was tripped in the box, and China–based Aaron Samuel delivered an intelligent chip from Mikel Obi’s solo run to give the Eagles just what they needed.

    Governor Akpabio is chief host of Wednesday’s final qualifying match, in which the Super Eagles go up against the Bafana at the brand–new Akwa Ibom International Stadium. The match will start at 5pm Nigeria time.

  • Akpabio: I have three aspirants for governorship race

    Akpabio: I have three aspirants for governorship race

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio assured the electorate yesterday that he will hand over to any Akwa Ibom indigene the people choose as their governor.

    The governor said he had three aspirants among who he would like to hand over next year.

    He spoke on an African Independent Television (AIT) networkprogramme, which our reporter monitored in Uyo, the state capital.

    He attributed the successes of his administration’s “uncommon transformation” to the state legislators, who he said approved 80 per cent capital and 20 per cent recurrent expenditure consistently for seven years.

    On next year’s governorship ticket, which has been generating tension in the state, Akpabio said: “If anybody tells you that there is any governor who is not interested in who takes over from him, that person is lying. But the approach differs from state to state. Like in my state, I have identified about three young men who have had the privilege of working with me in my executive.

    “Three of them have bought forms to contest for the governorship. One of them is Udom Emmanuel. He served as Secretary to Government (SSG). He was an Executive Director in Zenith Bank and also a Director in African Finance Corporation (AFC). He is quite an intelligent young man. He walked his way up. He is from Akwa Ibom State and, today, he has bought the form and resigned as the SSG.

    “I also have an Attorney-General who I call a gentleman: one of the most brilliant lawyers we have in the state. His name is Ekpenyong Ntekim. He has also bought form to try his luck.

  • PDP governors’ ambition no threat to senators, says Akpabio

    PDP governors’ ambition no threat to senators, says Akpabio

    AKWA Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has said the decision of some of the serving governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to go to the Senate next year should not be seen as a threat to serving senators. Rather, Akpabio urged the senators to see the development as a healthy competition in a democratic setting.

    He noted that there was no basis for the current crisis between the senators and the PDP governors, adding that only nine of the governors intend to go to the Senate.

    Akpabio, who spoke to reporters at the PDP secretariat yesterday shortly after he submitted his Senate nomination form, however, said his achievements as governor informed the call by his senatorial district for him to vie for a seat.

    He is seeking to displace a second term senator, Aloysius Etok, in the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, a development that has generated animosity between him and Etok.

     Akpabio said: “The Senate has about 109 members and the serving governors of the PDP who are interested in going to the Senate are just about nine. So, we have at least 100 per cent chances for incumbent senators.

    “If it is possible for us to return more than 75 per cent of our senators to the National Assembly, it will help a lot in legislation, to deepen democracy.

    “So, there is no threat to any senator where the governors of PDP have interest to go into the Senate. I believe just like the sky, there is enough space for every bird to fly. And I think politics is about people and the people’s choice should be allowed to prevail.

    “I am very hopeful that the current crisis between the governors and the senators will be resolved, but note that with 109 spaces in the National Assembly, the number of governors showing interest to go to the National Assembly are just about nine”.

  • PDP governors’ ambition not a threat to Senators – Akpabio

    PDP governors’ ambition not a threat to Senators – Akpabio

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, has said the decision of some of the serving governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to go to the Senate in 2015 should not be seen as a threat to serving Senators.

    Rather, Akpabio urged the Senators to see the development as a healthy competition in a democratic setting.

    According to him, there is no basis for the current crisis between the Senators and the PDP governors, adding that only nine of the governors intend to go to the Senate.

    Akpabio, who spoke to journalists at the PDP secretariat on Thursday shortly after he submitted his Senate nomination form, however said his achievements as governor informed the call by his senatorial district for him to vie for a seat in the Senate.

    He is seeking to displace a second term Senator, Aloysius Etok in the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, a development that has generated animosity between him and Etok.

    Akpabio said: “The Senate has about 109 members and the serving governors of the PDP who are interested in going to the Senate are just about nine. So, we have at least 100 percent chances for incumbent senators.

    “If it is possible for us to return more than 75 percent of our Senators to the National Assembly, it will help a lot in legislation to deepen democracy.

    “So, there is no threat to any Senator where the governors of PDP have interest to go into the Senate. I believe just like the sky, there is enough space for every bird to fly and I think politics is about people and the people’s choice should be allowed to prevail.

    “I am very hopeful that the current crisis between the governors and the Senators will be resolved, but note that with 109 spaces in the National Assembly, the number of governors showing interest in the National Assembly are just about nine.”

    The governor added that no one should gloat over the ongoing face-off between the Senators and President Goodluck Jonathan, saying it’s an internal affair of the PDP that would be resolved through dialogue.

    “I do know that whatever is happening now between the Senate and the party or the Presidency remains an internal affair of the PDP, which we will resolve as a family.

    “There is no reason why anybody should be precluded from showing interest in any position or from having any ambition on the account of being a Senator or a governor,” Akpabio said.

  • Akwa Ibom communities beg Akpabio over Fulani herdsmen

    Akwa Ibom communities beg Akpabio over Fulani herdsmen

    Some communities near Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital,  have appealed to Governor Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Samuel Ikon and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Gabriel Achong, to save them from Fulami herdsmen.

    They accused the herdsmen of destroying their farms.

    The communities also called on the House of Assembly to pass a law prohibiting Fulani herdsmen or any other person in the state from causing destruction to any other person’s legitimate business.

    The communities’ spokesman, Mr Andy Bassey Eyo, said the people of Ikot Abasi Idem, Ikot Eto and Ikot Ekwere are tired of suffering in silence from the activities of Fulani herdsmen.

    He said when confronted, the herdsmen usually tell them that the cows belong to ‘big politicians’ and ‘big people in government’, that they were only employees.

    Eyo said the contractor given the job to provide electricity in their communities abandoned it.

    He added that it is regrettable that Ikot Abasi Idem, which shares boundary with Shelter Afrique Extension, an estate where the high and mighty, has no access road. He appealed to Akpabio to rectify the situation.

  • Aspirants protest as PDP backs Akpabio on zoning

    Aspirants protest as PDP backs Akpabio on zoning

    The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has backed the decision of Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio to zone the governorship ticket to Eket senatorial district.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said the party backed Akpabio after reviewing the decision of an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting in the state’s chapter.

    The statement said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) has accepted and fully endorsed the decision to zone the Akwa Ibom State governorship position to Eket senatorial zone.

    “Accordingly, the NWC expects that only aspirants from Eket senatorial zone will present themselves for the governorship primary election in the state.

    “In the spirit of internal democracy, the NWC promises that there will be free, fair and transparent congresses. Aspirants from Eket senatorial zone are, therefore, encouraged to fully participate in the process.”

    But over 12 other aspirants of the PDP from other districts in the state have kicked against the decision.

    They said the move could worsen the charged political atmosphere in the state.

    One of the aspirants, Obong Bassey Albert, said the party and the governor should have arethink on the matter in the interest of other aspirants and the party’s unity.

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja, Albert urged Akpabio and the leaders of the party to ensure a level-playing field for all aspirants.

    Albert, who described himself as one of Akpabio’s close associates, stressed that having served under the governor as Finance Commissioner for seven years, he had adequate training under Akpabio’s tutelage.

    This, he said, prepared him for the mantle of leadership in the state.

    The aspirant said he was part of the success story of Akpabio’s “uncommon transformation”.

    Albert said: “I have been mentored by Governor Akpabio, having served as his Finance Commissioner for seven years. I was part of his success story.

    “I was part of the uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom State. With due respect, I have what it takes to continue where my governor stopped. As an insider, I am in the best position to step into his shoes. I have what it takes to take the state to the next level.

    “As the Commissioner of Finance for seven years, I was part of the uncommon transformation in the state. I prepared and supervised the implementation of the budget for seven years.”

    The 42-year-old aspirant expressed worry over the governor’s perceived preference for a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who hails from Eket.

    Albert said: “As a human being, Governor Akpabio has the right to prefer any of us as his successor. There is nothing wrong with that. But my appeal to him is to let the people of Akwa Ibom decide the next governor.

    “The party and the governor should allow internal democracy in the PDP be the method to determine the next governor.”

  • Youths buy Senate’s form for Akpabio

    Youths buy Senate’s form for Akpabio

    Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio has accepted the entreaties of the people of North-West Senatorial District to run for the senatorial seat next year.

    Akpabio made this known yesterday at Ukana in Essien Udim Local

    Government Area when the youth from the senatorial district presented him with PDP nomination form for the primaries.

    It was at a reception organised by Esop Mbong Ikpaisong Afud Annang.

    He said: “I have been under pressure by the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to represent them as a senator in 2015. I want to say that I have accepted the call to serve my people”.

    The governor praised the youths for their love and support to his administration.

    He added: “Akwa Ibom State is a peaceful place because youths have shunned criminality. Youths have supported government efforts and this is why we are able to build a state of equal opportunity for all the youths.”

    The representative of the youth, Chief Moses Akpan, while presenting the nomination to the governor hailed him for giving Akwa Ibom State a voice at the national level.

  • Akpabio’s wife lifts 60 widows

    Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, last Sunday touched the lives of  60  poor widows. She also donated to three churches in the state .

    Mrs Akpabio in company donated N7.620 million in cash to the three churches visited and 60 set of wrappers to 60 the widows.

    At St. John’s Parish, Catholic Church, Okobo, Okopedi-Okobo Local Government Area, the governor’s wife donated N1 million. She also gave 20 set of wrappers and N10, 000 each to 20 poor widows in the church.

    At the St Joseph’s Quasi Parish, a Catholic church, Eyongete, Udung Uko Local Government Area, where she was referred to as an ‘answer to prayer” by the Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Unyime Akpan, she gave the church N3 million. She also coordinated her entourage and additional N2.320 million was realised, making N5.320 million for the church. Mrs Akpabio also gave 20 set of wrappers and N10, 000 each to 20  poor widows in the church.

    At St Patrick Quasi Catholic Church, Obio Ndot, Abak Local Government Area, the governor’s wife, after announcing the donation of an 18-seater bus for evangelisation by her husband, Governor Godswill Akpabio, she made a personal donation of N200, 000 for fuelling of the bus. She also gave 20 set of wrappers and N10, 000 each to 20 very poor widows in the church.

    She urged the people of Abak which form part of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to support her husband, who has indicated interest to represent them at the Senate from 2015.

  • Akpabio advises PDP chairmen

    Akpabio advises PDP chairmen

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has urged Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state chairmen not to take sides with government critics.

    Akpabio spoke while addressing Akwa Ibom people at the Ibom International Airport on his return from Abuja at the weekend.

    He said: “State chairmen of the PDP must regulate their duties effectively in which they were elected for and not to take sides with those who are bent on criticising the efforts of the present administration.”

    On the various criticisms by some PDP elders against his administration and the office of the state PDP chairman, Akpabio said: “The destiny of the state is in the hands of the youth and don’t look at those elders who want to bring disharmony into the state through tribal or ethnics sentiments, remember that the future belongs to you all.”

    The governor, accompanied by the state PDP Chairman, Paul Ekpo, said: “Some misinterpret it that I want the youth to be against the elders, but I can never incite the youth against elders.

    “I encourage the youth to respect them so that their lives can be long on earth but at the same time respect is reciprocal.

    “My administration has always respected and carried elders along.

    “We have also succeeded in giving a future to our children by touching them through education, health, agriculture, among others, so I assure the people of good governance for sustainable development and I must thank you all for supporting my administration.”