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Tag: Akwa Ibom State

  • Gov Eno flags off command and control centre to boost security in Akwa Ibom

    Gov Eno flags off command and control centre to boost security in Akwa Ibom

    …says no hiding place for criminal elements

    As part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen security under the ARISE Agenda, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state on Saturday launched the construction of a Command and Control Centre—a centralized facility designed to digitally coordinate and enhance security operations across Akwa Ibom State.

    The facility will integrate multiple information streams, data sources, and communication channels to improve situational awareness and facilitate swift responses to security challenges.

    Commending security agencies for their dedication, Governor Eno emphasized that the center would make the state “uncomfortable and unwelcoming for criminal elements and their cohorts.”

    He described it as a one-stop hub for real-time information sharing and rapid security responses.

    He highlighted the importance of the center as a critical addition to the state’s security infrastructure, aligning with global best practices.

    He also paid tribute to the late former Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, acknowledging his instrumental role in conceptualizing the project and facilitating visits to top command centers nationwide.

    Governor Eno reiterated that security is essential for attracting investors and tourists, assuring residents that his administration remains committed to ensuring their safety and well-being.

    “Funding will not be an issue. There will be no variation. We have paid you enough to get this project off the ground and we will pay you as you submit your IPC.

    The location of the project, according to the Governor, was a reminder of his administration’s efforts at reclamation of that part of Dominic Utuk Avenue which had been ravaged by gully erosion.

    While commending Bulletin Construction company for realizing the reclamation, Governor Eno announced that he will be back on the same location for the ground breaking of three more projects, the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, AKBC House, the Headquarters of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKICORP, and the Akwa Ibom Geographical Information System, AkwaGIS head office.

    He remained upbeat on his decision to flag off construction of 31 key projects before May 29, this year.

    “The Governor who acknowledged the 79.1percent implementation performance of the 2024 budget, faulted people who faulted him on empowerment and making of millionaires in the State.

    “We need contractors who will keep to promises. We need people who will show integrity and commitment to their work.

    Read Also: EFCC secures interim forfeiture of $222,729.86 in digital assets tied to Chinese, Filipino alleged fraudsters

    “As Governor, I will not carry money in Ghana Must Go bags to people in their houses. But if you are prepared to work, I will give you work and you will work with your hands.

    He said there are several ongoing and proposed projects in the State and, “all I need are young people who are ready to show me commitment that they can be faithful in little things so that they can take up the larger things.”

    Governor Eno further announced that the 50 winners of the Home garden competition will be rewarded this month, while four hundred female youths who undertook training at the Ibom leadership and entrepreneurial development centre, will smile home with 750,000 naira each.

    Earlier the chairman of Uyo local government area, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, in his welcome remarks commended the Governor for his various security initiatives which have made Akwa Ibom safe for business.

    Dr Udo who is the Chairman of ALGON in Akwa Ibom State lauded the security tax fund initiative of the administration and announced the decision of local government chairmen in the State to willingly contribute to the fund every month.

    “Your Excellency, we are the chief security officers in our respective local government areas and we are ready to contribute willingly to the security tax fund to enhance the general security of our people”, the ALGON chairman said.

    In his overview of the project, the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, DIG Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, said the command center is a key element in the security architecture of the State.

    He said the center will serve as the nerve center of all security services in the State.

    “We will process all information gathered and pass them to the appropriate end users. The center is to be equipped with cross cutting modern technological equipment.

    “We will be able to monitor and coordinate whatever happens anywhere across the entire State.

    “Hospital Ambulance services will be linked to the center for health emergencies”, adding that the center will be in constant surveillance of the 129 km coastline of the State.

    The State Police Commissioner, Baba Mohammed Azare, who spoke on behalf other service commanders said the security agencies were happy with Governor on the initiative.

    “It will make us discharge our job more effectively and achieve the desired security goal in Akwa Ibom.

    “The center will enable us put communication across all nooks and crannies to easily control crime and arrest criminals in Akwa Ibom State”, the Police CP said.

    Also speaking, Edidem Sylvester Okon, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo local government said, “God bless you for what you have done. We thank you for enhancing the peace of our localities and my people say thank you. We will continue to pray for you and we will continue to support you.”

    Giving his words of commitment at the exercise, the Managing Director of the project contracting firm, Alvard & Moore, Engr. Uwem Etuk who thanked the Governor for the opportunity given his firm, assured that he will complete the project in four months as specified in the terms of the contract.

  • Tension as A’Ibom community accuses firm of displacing over 1,000 households

    Tension as A’Ibom community accuses firm of displacing over 1,000 households

    Stakeholders of Eastern Obolo local government area of Akwa Ibom state have accused an Indian firm, Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited (SPFL) of displacing over 1,000 households.

    The stakeholders led by the paramount ruler, Harry Etetor issued 14 days to the firm to drop its planned displacement of over the 1,000 households in Obiagan/Ikonta villages.

    They threatened that if the company does not rescind it’s plan the communities will embark on a mass protests and deploy other instrumentality of the law to press home their demands

    The Village head of Emere-oke, Chief Joshua Matthew who slammed the ultimatum while addressing a world press conference in Uyo on Thursday threatened that failure to comply within the stipulated period would not be tolerated.

    The Akwa Ibom State Government in 2022, during the administration of former governor, Udom Emmanuel acquired 1,736 hectares of land of the people for the operations of Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited.

    The land was acquired exclusively from the following communities in Eastern Obolo: Ikonta, Obianga, Okoroinyong, Egwenwe, Emereoke, Iwofe and Amazaba communities.

    But speaking during the media interaction, Chief Matthew alleged that since the commencement of the company’s operations the lives of the affected communities have been under siege

    He alleged that the company had failed to address a number of critical socio economic and environmental issues despite repeated engagements by the host communities.

    Emphasising that the affected Communities have no agreement with the Akwa Ibom State Government or SPFL or its agents or privies on relocation from their present ancient communities, Matthew said that entire community of Eastern Obolo would be left with no option than to deploy all instrumentality of law to press home it demands, including peaceful protests.

    “We, the Chiefs, leaders of thought and good people of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area are here today with deep indignation and profound concern over the operational activities of Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited, an Indian Petrochemical Company operating within the territorial precinct of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.

    “Today, our land has become a theatre of oppression, harassment, intimidation, destruction of environment, ecosystem and blatant disregard for our fundamental rights.

    “These challenges, if remained unaddressed, are capable of wiping out of existence over seven gazette villages in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area and permanently displacing the inhabitants of those villages.”

    He added “In the light of the above, we make the following demands: That SPFL must immediately reopen all blocked water ways and creeks and restore them to their original state to allow the people of Obianga and Ikonta have unhindered access in and out of their ancestral communities and maintain their traditional occupation of fishing.

    “That SPFL must jettison any conceived or imaginary plan to relocate or displace the people of Ikonta and Obianga Communities, as we are not ready and willing to quit our ancestral homes for any reason whatsoever.

    “We hereby demand that SPFL must pay the people of Eastern Obolo the sum of 100 million US dollars as compensation for the irreparable damage done to our environment and ecosystem.

    “These demands must be taken seriously and if SPFL fails within 14 days to address our demand, we shall be left with no other option than to deploy all instrumentality of law to press home our demands including peaceful protests. We reiterate that we will not stand by while our people are oppressed, displaced,” Matthew said.

    They also called on the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Comptroller General of Nigerian Immigration Service to investigate and prosecute any illegal Indian immigrant found within Eastern Obolo in particular and Akwa Ibom State at large.

    A top management staff of the SPFL, who pleaded not be named because he was not authorised to speak, denied all the allegations against the company.

  • Fear grips A’Ibom community over infiltration by suspected herdsmen

    Fear grips A’Ibom community over infiltration by suspected herdsmen

    There is palpable fear in Ukana West 1 village in Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom state over the alleged infiltration of suspected herdsmen.

    Villagers reported that they have been severally harassed and their farmlands destroyed by the herders despite the presence of the military Joint Task Force(JTF) in the community.

    They complained that scores of women and men have been attacked and injured in their farms for daring to challenge the herders for destroying their crops.

    One of the villagers, Boniface Ekong, a lawyer, said that the situation is horrible as they have been left to the mercy of the herdsmen who have practically taken their community.

    “Herdsmen have suddenly infiltrated Ukana West 1. In recent years, the movement of herdsmen has stirred concerns in several communities in the state including ours.

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    “This has led to between villages and the Fulani  herdsmen especially because they do not have the right to graze  their cattle on people’s farms. 

    “We were unprepared for the situation. There have been reports of grievous body harm inflicted by these herdsmen already.

    “There another case of attempted rape which was prevented by the timely intervention of some community members. The community is in a very difficult situation”, Ekong said.

    Chairman of Essien Udim local government area, Etiedo Usoro confirmed the infiltration of herdsmen in some communities in his council area.

    He, however, said that with the help of security agencies, the situation was brought under control, adding that there was no need for panic.

    “The situation has been brought under control so there is no need for any panic. Essien Udim is peaceful,” he said.

  • A’Ibom, Labour yet to agree on minimum wage

    A’Ibom, Labour yet to agree on minimum wage

    Akwa Ibom State Government and the Organised Labour are yet to agree on a specific amount as minimum wage for workers. 

    Akwa Ibom chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sunny James, disclosed this to The Nation in Uyo on Saturday.

    James said the NLC and other labour unions were still negotiating with the government, adding that it is expected that an official amount as minimum wage will be announced by government in a week’s time

    He, however, maintained that labour will not agree on anything less than N70,000, hoping that the state government might higher.

    Read Also: Minimum wage: Oyo awaiting recommendation of committee on consequential adjustment

    According to him, labour was concerned about the consequential adjustments for senior civil servants, adding that the increment must reflect on all grade levels.

    “NLC and other labour unions are still engaging with the state government to agree on specific figures. We don’t want to rush into announcing figures because we are still doing our calculations.

    *I can say that the state government will make a pronouncement in a week’s time. Workers will not accept anything less than N70,000. That is not even a problem because the state government might pay higher than N70,000.

    “What labour is concerned about is the consequential adjustments for the new minimum wage to reflect on all grade levels especially senior civil servants,” he said.

  • A’Ibom communities seek N10bn compensation over destruction of property

    A’Ibom communities seek N10bn compensation over destruction of property

    Some oil-bearing communities in Akwa Ibom state have protested destruction of their buildings, farmlands and economic trees by Geoseimic Survey Ltd.

    Ikot Oyoro and Ibiote in Mkpat Enin and Ikot Akan in Ikot Abasi local government areas are demanding N10billion as compensation from the firm.

    Geoseimic Survey Ltd is seeking for oil deposits in the affected communities for Sterling Global Petrochemical company situated in Eastern Obolo local government area.

    Youths and women of the communities stormed the premises of the company at the weekend, alleging that the activities of Geoseimic Survey Ltd have destroyed their buildings, farmlands economic trees and polluted their rivers.

    The former Youth Leader of Ikot Akan community in Ikot Abasi, Comrade Imo Usen, said the peaceful protest was to draw the attention of the company and the state government to their plight.

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    Usen said: “We have through our lawyers written to the management of Geoseimic Survey Ltd to address the havoc caused by their activities in our community but they paid deaf ears.

    “Our buildings, farmlands and even our rivers have been destroyed and polluted. An evaluation team was despatched to assess the damage done but the company has refused to take responsibility.

    “The annoying part of it is that the company has completed it’s assignment for Sterling Global Petrochemical and is about leaving without addressing the problems it has caused”.

    The secretary of Ikot Oyoro Village Council, Mr. Cletus Inyang threatened that the community will go to the extreme if the company does not pay the compensation for the destruction it has wrecked.

    Akwa Ibom State Local Content Monitoring and Compliance Committee has given the company three days ultimatum to address the concerns of the affected communities.

    The Community Affairs Manager of the Geo Seismic Survey Limited Engr. Philip Aguda promised to address the grievances of the affected communities.

  • Two killed in police-cyclists clash in A’Ibom

    THE war between the police and commercial motorcyclists over government’s regulation of motorcycle operations in Akwa Ibom state is yet to abate.

    On Tuesday, the cyclists or okada riders clashed with police in the oil city of Eket. Two  motorcyclists died in the exchange, but a Volvo station wagon car used by the police for surveillance was also burnt by the cyclists.

    Police spokesman, Odiko MacDon, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident, saying that 19 suspects have been arrested in connection with the fracas.

    MacDon said the suspects arrested defied government’s restriction order which allows okada riders to operate between 6am and 6pm.

    He insisted that the police cannot be intimidated and will not stop the enforcement of government’s directive.

    Yesterday’s incident happened just a week after the police allegedly killed an ‘okada’ rider in Uyo which sparked off wild protests resulting in the torching of the NTA station and massive destruction of properties in the capital city.

    Read Also: Three killed in Akwa Ibom cult clash

    The Nation gathered that tension in Eket reached breaking point following an order placed by Eket local authorities restricting the operation of okada riders from 6am to 6pm. The government had said the decision was to check the upsurge in crime in the area.

    It was gathered that some okada riders did accept the restriction order and went ahead to operate beyond the time limit.

    An eyewitness Emman Okposin said the police surveillance team chased them away from the road from 5:30pm as against the 6pm deadline and that they beat his colleagues and impound their motorcycles.

    Okposin said last Sunday night one their members was shot dead by the police while chasing the operators.

    “Last Sunday our member was shot dead in the night and  the corpse has been deposited in mortuary at Immanuel General hospital, Eket.

    Continuing, Okposin said the incident that caused them to revolt occurred yesterday when a policeman beat a motorcyclist until he collapsed on the spot before the victim was rushed to hospital.

    He said the victim identified as Udo from Idung Udoe in the area died the previous night while receiving treatment at Immanuel General Hospital, Eket.

    “Our member Udo from Idung Udoe in Eket died last night from injuries he sustained at the hands of police, so we revolted.”

    He said the youths and all motorcyclists operators took the corpse to Eket local government council and later to the area police station as the council chairman Frank Archibong was not available to address them.

    Okposin said the police prevented them from entering their station and they returned the corpse to the mortuary.

    He said all the cyclists and the youths regrouped and moved to a police checkpoint along James Town road and burnt down their patrol vehicle as policemen at the checkpoint escaped.

     

  • Why we sealed church in Uyo, by police

    THE police in Akwa Ibom have explained why they sealed up Qua Iboe Church along No 112 Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo, the state capital, on Sunday where Governor Udom Emmanuel worships.

    The state Commissioner of Police Zaki Ahmed  said the sealing of the church was to avert a clash among worshipers over the change of name from Qua Iboe to United Evangelical Church.

    He also regretted that the action of his men had led to some worshippers sustaining varying degrees of injury.

    Ahmed said the police were alerted of the plan by a faction in the ongoing crisis to factions to foment trouble and decided to seal the church to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

    He said, “Police sealed the church to prevent crisis. Last Sunday there was a crisis among the worshippers in which many people were injured. We got information that a  faction of the church was coming there to cause trouble, so our officers were there to prevent further clash”.

    Read Also: Panic as suspected cultists raid shops in Uyo

    It was gathered that the police arrived the church premises as early as 6am and barricaded the entrance, preventing early the morning worshipers from going in to worship.

    Governor Emmanuel and some prominent members of the church were allegedly accused of having personal interest in the matter rocking the church.

    But speaking on Sunday against the backdrop of insinuations, the governor declared that he has no personal interest in the crisis, adding that he was rather committed to ensuring that peace return to the United Evangelical Church which was originally founded as Qua Iboe Church.

    Governor Emmanuel who said he has been making progress in bringing peace and harmony between the two contending parties, urged agents of blackmail to desist.

    He said, “It is very wrong for certain elements to make unfounded allegations concerning my role in the local assembly on Ikot Ekpene road.”

    “In a peace meeting I had with the leadership of the church on Thursday September 26, I had outlined the processes and plans for peace to return to both the local and national leadership of the church.

    “The parties were very satisfied with the plans outlined and went back very happy.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Reps to probe INEC for not de-registering political parties

    THE House of Representatives is set to investigate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to de-register any political party in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

    This followed a motion by Francis Charles Uduyok, representing Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.

    The lawmaker requested the House to make the Commission implement the provisions of Section 78 (7)(ii) of the Electoral Act, which empowers it to deregister parties that does not win at least one seat in either the State or National Assembly.

    Presenting the motion, Uduyok informed the House that Section 78, subsection 7(ii) of the Electoral Act 2010, gives INEC the powers to de-register political parties.

    He said: “Note that Section 78, sub-section 7 (ii) of the Electoral Aft 2010 confers on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the power to deregister political parties.

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    “Also notes that the aforementioned sub-section clearly states that failure of any political party to win at least one (1) seat in the National or State Assembly Elections will result in de-registration of such political party.”

    The lawmaker said he was “concerned that since the commencement of the Act, Section 78 (7) (ii) has not been fully implemented, given the rising number of political parties in Nigeria with neither a seat in either a State House of Assembly or the National Assembly”.

    He stressed that if Section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act was fully implemented, it would regulate the numerous political parties, reduce election costs, as well as reduce void votes caused by the inability of citizens to comprehend the long list of political parties on ballot papers.

    The House Committee on Electoral Matters was mandated “to investigate (the matter) in order to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the non-implementation of Section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act by the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action”.

     

  • 12 suspected oil ‘thieves’ arrested in Uyo

    THE Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has arrested 12 suspects, seized 50 drums of illegal Automated Gas Oil (AGO or diesel) and 486 bags of smuggled rice from them.

    The new Commanding Officer, FOB, Captain Peter Yilme, who said the arrests were made within two days of his assumption of office, noted that the navy is determined to end smuggling on the waterways and warned smugglers to desist from the illegal activity.

    Speaking in Ibaka during the handover of the items to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Yilme said that if the smugglers don’t desist, the navy will persist in arresting them.

    Yilme who was represented by Lieutenant  Commander Kareem Yusuf, Base Operations Officer, FOB, said the arrests were made in three operations involving five suspects each with 209 and 277 bags of 50kg rice, and two suspects with 50 drums of illegal AGO.

    “On behalf of the flag officer commanding the Eastern Naval Command, I hand over 486 bags  bags of smuggled rice and 10 suspects to the Nigeria Customs Service. I also hand over two suspects and 50 drums of AGO to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,” he stated.

    Receiving the 10 suspects and 486 bags of rice from the Nigerian Navy, Deputy Superintendent of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Alabi, Adedokun commended the Navy for the cooperation existing between them.

    James Essien, Divisional Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in charge of Mbo local government area who received the 50 drums of AGO and two suspects from the Navy commended them for their efforts in combating smuggling.

    He said, “On behalf of the State Commandant, Nigeria  Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command, Commandant Adeyinka Fasiu, I hereby take over the two suspects and 50 drums of 300 litres of AGO from the Nigerian Navy.

    “We commend the Navy for collaborating with us and making sure that the illegality in the waterways are checkmated. We will do all the necessary things to make sure that the culprits are brought to book,” he said.

    Read Also: Panic as suspected cultists raid shops in Uyo

    One of the suspects, Bright Okon, a fisherman who had lived in Bakassi for about 20 years but from Udung Uko Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, said he was only a passenger on the boat when it was arrested by the Nigerian Navy.

    He stated that he was not  involved in the smuggling but was on his way to Oron to visit his wife and new born baby.

    Another suspect, Ini Asuquo, the driver of one of the boats said he was paid N20,000 by the owner of the rice, one Mr Samuel to bring the rice from Cameroon to Nigeria.

    He said it was the first time he was carrying rice to Nigeria, adding that he was not aware that smuggling the contraband rice was wrong.

  • ‘Cultists’ raid Uyo varsity neighbourhood

    THE vicinity of University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was thrown into panic as suspected cultists raided shops in the area. Residents of Udoette and other streets near the institution ran for safety as the assailants closed in on Monday night.

    The Nation exclusively reported last week that some streets close to the university and the Uyo City Polytechnic were under siege by hoodlums suspected to be cultists.

    Our correspondent who carried out a thorough investigation on the situation mentioned Udoette and Ikot Ekang streets as well as Itu Road as the black spots in Uniuyo and Uyo City Polytechnic areas.

    The report further stated that some residents of the affected areas in Uyo, the state capital, had vacated their rented apartments while landlords were selling their houses for fear of being killed.

    In a fresh attack which occurred Monday night between 8 and 9pm, our correspondent gathered that shop owners and passers-by were attacked and robbed by the assailants.

    The Nation learnt that the gangsters started their operations from Udoette and proceeded to Itu Road collecting money, mobile  phones, drinks and other valuable items from their victims.

    A source who pleaded anonymity disclosed that Udoette is a secret cults and armed robbers zone, adding that the hoodlums normally trooped out from Udoette Lane with dangerous weapons such as axes, guns and knives.

    He stated further that from 6pm the areas are very dangerous for the residents, passers-by and shop operators.

    The source said, ”Udoette is a very dangerous area because of these cultists who are bent on robbing, raping and making life unbearable for us.

    Read Also: Gunmen raid UniUyo female hostel

    “Government should send in security men to these areas and especially Ebong Essien Street.”

    Also speaking, a businessman disclosed that the perpetrators usually hide at Essien Inyang Street after concluding their their operations.

    He expressed dismay that businesses in the affected have been adversely affected due to the high cases of insecurity.

    “We are now leaving here  in morbid fear and discomfort whereas it is not supposed to be so. As I speak we don’t have peace and we can’t move freely at night.

    “We want the government to come to our aid by sending security men to this area to protect us.

    “Cultists are not stronger than the government, so they should take immediate action concerning  the menace because  nothing  has been done positively to curb the situation,” he said.

    Efforts to reach the state police public relations officer, Odiko MacDon proved abortive as he did not respond to phone calls and text message sent to him.