The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akwa Ibom

  • Atiku wins in A’Ibom

    …as Akpabio loses bid to return to Senate

     

    Presidential candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP, Atiku Abubabr has won 28 of the 30 local government areas in Akwa Ibom state.

    Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took two councils namely Mbo and Essien Udim, where Senator Godswill Akpabio hails from.

    Elections in Udung Uko were canceled due to alleged violence and irregularities arising from snatching of ballot boxes, result sheets and card readers.

    This is as a strong indication emerged Monday night that Senator Godswill Akpabio had finally lost his reelection bid to the senate to the PDP candidate, Engineer Chris Ekpenyong of the PDP.

    Results from 8 out of the 10 local government areas that make up Ikot Ekpene senatorial district favoured the PDP senatorial candidate.

    Akpabio won in Ikot Ekpene with a slight margin.

    The INEC finally rejected the result from Essien Udim, Akpabio’s local government after it confirmed through the card reader that votes earlier allocated to Senator Akpabio was much more than the total number of accredited voters in the council area.

    Speaking the resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini said elections in the state was generally peaceful despite pockets of violence evidenced in the destruction of INEC materials and attacks on the staff of the Commission by thugs working for the politicians.

    ‘’Those who are threatening our staff should stop it. The intimidation is getting too much. I am here to preside over the affairs of elections in this state. For the first time to ensure credibility of the elections, materials were deployed and there were destroyed and at a great loss to our country. The time to snatch ballot boxes and write results is over. If you can win, you will win’’, he said.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) kicked against the result of the presidential election, calling for its cancellation over alleged electoral fraud.

    Addressing the press after the collation of the results, Presidential Agent for APC, Bishop Samuel Akpan, alleged that the polls was fraught with irregularities and completely short of democratic norms.

    State Party Agent, Umana Umana said, ‘’the position of our party is well documented. The whole process of collation is not satisfactory to our party. Votes buying were experienced all over the state. We hope that the umpire will take note of the grievances in our petition. We are talking about the integrity of the process. We are saying that the umpire to be seen to be fair to all concerns.

    Similarly, Presidential Agent of APC, Arc Bishop Samuel Akpan also alleged votes buying and manipulation by PDP in connivance with INEC.

    ‘’Long before now, our party has been agitating that we do not have confident in the process. In addition, the outcome has proved now that there has been compromise arising from money that has changed hands. Akwa Ibom is an APC State and the people that made the PDP are now in the APC.

    The results we are getting do not reflect the votes that we have. This is not the type of democracy that we want. We urge the federal government to rise and protect our democracy,’’ he said.

  • Coalition carpets INEC over Akwa Ibom polls

    A group, Akwa Ibom Progressives Coalition, has described Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state as shambolic and disgraceful.

    It also faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying its performances were “completely unbecoming of election umpires in any elections in any part of the world in the 21st century.”

    In a statement by its Secretary-General, Akpan Udo Solomon, the coalition said: “From reports and independent observations, the malicious intention and activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Akwa Ibom on Saturday have left a lot to be desired and it is safe to conclude that Nigeria has taken a huge step back in consolidating on progress made regarding elections in the last couple of years.

    “It is sad to note that a body as revered as INEC will stoop low to get into cahoots with politicians and other parties in the state to embarrass itself and shamelessly become a tool in the hand of politicians to promote their selfish agenda”.

    The group added: “Akwa Ibom witnessed several incidents of voter intimidation, violence, and other untoward activities that marred elections in many polling units and areas that were seen to be loyal to the opposition across the length and breadth of the state, and these were either initiated or helped along by the INEC, the various state security apparatus, as well as other unscrupulous elements.

    Read Also: Buhari leads Atiku in Yobe

    “Some of the incidents reported by the press and other independent observers include massive cancellations of results from poling units in opposition party strongholds.

    “For instance, in Ikono Local Government, one of the strongholds of the main opposition party – the APC, results from 73 out of 144 polling units were cancelled for no reason at all.

    “Also, in Ward 6, results from 9 out of 10 units were illegally cancelled, leaving just about 200 registered voters to decide the fate of more about 6000 registered voters in the ward”.

    The coalition also alleged that many of the electoral officers of the INEC had been compromised with cases of multiple voting reported while indicting the Akwa Ibom State government officials.

    It added: “In many polling units, there were confirmed reports of card readers being deliberately turned off by INEC Officials who immediately switched to manual accreditation, which opened the floodgates for multiple voting by PDP sympathisers who had been ferried into such polling stations for this purpose.

    “Massive collaboration was also reported between the state government, Police and INEC officials to disrupt the voting process in opposition strongholds and intimidate voters and supporters whilst there were widespread reports of opposition supporters and agents being compelled at gunpoint to vote for the PDP.”

    The coalition further alleged the PDP circulated cooked and fake results ahead of general elections.

  • A’Ibom speaker wins Etinan federal constituency

    The Speaker Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly has been declared winner of the Etinan federal constituency seat.

    He contested on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Luke was adjudged victorious after polling 44,830 votes ahead of Mr. Dan Akpan of the All Progressives Congress who scored 15,800 votes.

    Addressing his supporters on Sunday after being declared winner by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Etinan, Luke assured of his readiness to offer them a voice which they can depend on in the National Assembly.

    Accompanied by his wife, Uduak, his campaign director, Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk and the state PDP chairman, Mr Paul Ekpo, Luke thanked his supporters for their sacrifices and their support during the election, saying he would justify the confidence reposed in him by the masses.

    He dedicated his victory to God, his family, the PDP and myriad of other supporters.

    Read Also: Yobe Assembly loses Deputy Speaker

    He noted that he enjoyed a bipartisan support across the three local government areas making up Etinan Federal Constituency.

    Luke, 40, has had sterling two-term tenure as lawmaker in the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly.

    He has been lead sponsor of 18 private member bills, 6 of which have been passed into law.

    He promised to bring his rich experience to bear in the House of Representatives.

     

     

  • Buhari wins in Akpabio’s unit in A/Ibom

    President Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has won in the polling unit of Sen. Godswill Akpabio in Akwa Ibom.

    Akpabio, a former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governor of Akwa Ibom and former senate Minority Leader, defected to the APC and is currently the APC senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North West.

    Buhari got 1553 votes to win his closest opponent in the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who polled 11 votes in Ukana West 2, unit 9, Essien Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom, Akpabio’s unit.

    In the senatorial election result, Akpabio won in the unit with 1533 votes while the PDP senatorial candidate, Chris Ekpenyong got 4 votes.

    Speaking after the declaration of the result, Akpabio commended INEC and security agencies for conducting a peaceful election in the state.

    Read Also: Buhari floors Atiku in Obasanjo’s unit

    He blamed the PDP for election rigging in the state, saying that was why 400 thugs were recently arrested by security operatives.

    Akpabio said PDP was now jittery knowing that security operatives had risen to their responsibility, saying three trucks of thugs imported to the state were apprehended.

    “When I was a governor I gave respect to the people. I did not use thugs. I am a lawmaker and will never allow myself in anything that will disrupt Buhari’s administration.

    “I am pleading that elections should not be war as we are peaceful in this unit,” he said.

    NAN

  • A’Ibom Speaker commends INEC over peaceful conduct of polls

    …harps on improved technology

    The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr Onofiok Luke says the elections have so far been peaceful, saying the electoral process has improved, though it was slow.

    Speaking after casting his vote in Unit 5, Itreto ward, Nsit Ubium local government area, Luke said the election process has improved compared to the last election, except for a little hitch with the card reader.

    He commended the early turn out of voters, and the INEC officials for starting early, adding that the peace experienced during the elections was enough victory for the people.

    “When I came to vote and from the report I have gotten around this community, it has been peaceful. I give glory to God Almighty. For me, the most important thing is not about my personal victory as a candidate in this election. The most important thing is victory for Nigeria, victory for peace in Akwa Ibom state.

    “The only challenge we had was that the card reader and the process was slow which we had asked party and agents to raise concern. The voting process was slow because we did not have enough stamp pads, stamping of the ballot paper and sharing to the electorates to thumb print.

    “In all I want to say kudos to Nigeria, kudos to the Independent National Electoral Commission, kudos to the security agencies with the monitoring and distribution of materials from state to ward, to respective units. We give God the glory for the peace enjoyed so far,” he said.

    On his part, the Commissioner for Works, Akwa Ibom State, Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen has also applauded INEC for ensuring early arival of materials at polling units across Onna Local Government Area.

    He reported that the setback caused by the card reader was promptly addressed and the card reader replaced.

  • PDP, Akpabio trade words over Obot Akara attack

    Elders of the People’s Democratic Party under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Elders and Stakeholders and Senator Godswill Akpabio on Friday traded words over the carnage in Obot-Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    The mayhem which occurred on the eve of last Saturday’s botched election led to the death of two persons and the burning down of 13 INEC vehicles in the area.

    The elders of the PDP who addressed a press conference at the banquet hall of the Government House, Uyo accused Senator Akpabio of masterminding the attack in order to cause panic and win the elections for the All Progressives Congress.

    But in swift reaction also on Friday, Senator Godswill Akpabio described the allegations as spurious, baseless and unfounded adding that elders were playing the victim complex of an impending defeat.

    Former Military Administrator of the state, Idongesit Nkanga, had, in a briefing earlier in the day accused senator Akpabio of hiring thugs from neighboring States.

    Nkanga who is the Director-General Mandate Organization, further alleged that Akpabio had assured the thugs of the protection from Aso Rock, the DSS, the Inspector General of Police and other paramilitary agencies to cause confusion that could lead to postponement of the polls in Akwa Ibom State.

    He said “We, the Elders of this State and Stakeholders have gathered here, to bring to the attention of Nigeria and the international community, the devious plan of the All Progressive Congress spearheaded by Senator Godswill Akpabio to cause widespread mayhem in the State with the view to disrupting the Presidential and National assembly elections scheduled for this Saturday, February, 23  2019.

    “Last night, Senator Akpabio held a secret meeting with the security agencies where he informed them that he has the permission of the Presidency to kill and maim all opponents and that nothing will happen to any officer who carries out the instruction.

    Nkanga claimed that Akpabio was acting in concert with the AIG Kimo, who is in charge of Zone 6 whom he alleged had sent Akapbio’s cousin brother, Idorenyin Akpabio to arrest PDP stakeholders and perceived opponent on trumped up charges.

    “The conduct last Saturday in Obot Akara where INEC buses were burnt with election materials was masterminded by Senator Akpabio.

    He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently disassociate himself from the evil boast of Senator Akpabio, that he has the full support of the President to maim and kill Akwa Ibom people in order to rig elections in his favour.

    Read Also: Akpabio and test of leadership

    Reacting to the allegations senator Godswill Akpabio, described the allegations as baseless and unfounded stressing that PDP was playing the victim complex of an impending defeat.

    Akpabio who spoke through his Special Assistant Media, Anietie Ekong, said “The attention of the former Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Senator Godswill Akpabio has been drawn to some spurious, baseless and unfounded statements credited to some Akwa Ibom Elders and Stakeholders on the forth-coming election.

    “It beats our imagination that the Elders could call a press conference to spew lies and falsehood and make a crude attempt to blackmail President Muhammadu Buhari, all in the name of politics. But it follows a familiar pattern of crying wolf since the defection of Senator Akpabio to the All Progressives Congress

    He added “It is nonsensical for anyone to claim that Senator Akpabio held a meeting with unnamed security agencies in the state and informed them that Mr President has given permission for him to “kill and maim all opponents and that nothing will happen to any officer who carries out the instruction.”

    “President Buhari is a responsible leader who is committed to the wellbeing of all Nigerians and could not have given any instructions on innocent Nigerians to be maimed and killed. It is most irresponsible politics to drag in the name of the President.

    “It is obvious that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is playing the victim complex because of the impending defeat that awaits them in the forth-coming elections in Akwa Ibom State.

    “Their strategy of crying wolf is a pretext to blackmail security agencies, distract them and procure leverage to bring thugs to operate during the elections.

    “It is instructive that during the botched Presidential and National Assembly elections, security agencies apprehended over 400 armed thugs, who confessed when they were paraded at the State Police Headquarters that they were hired by PDP chieftains to snatch ballot boxes and intimidate voters.

    “They are particularly angry that Mr President has directed security agencies to deal ruthlessly with thugs and ballot box snatchers so they seek to divert public attention and that of vigilant security agents while preparing grounds for the execution of their nefarious plot” he said.

  • INEC deploys sensitive materials in Akwa Ibom

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun deploying sensitive electoral materials to the 31 Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mike Igini, stated this while addressing party agents, international observers and security agencies. According to him, the commission will do everything within its power to conduct a hitch-free election.

    Read also: Court quashes Edo Speaker’s suit

    Igini said: “We have continued what we have been doing in the last few days in preparation of our re-scheduled elections. What you are seeing here is what is left of the materials for Saturday’s elections.”

    He regretted that the commission could not move all the materials as at last Friday, February 15.

     

  • INEC begins deployment of sensitive materials in A/Ibom

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) has commenced the deployment of sensitive electoral materials to the 31 local governments in Akwa Ibom State.

    Akwa Ibom Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Mike Igini, who disclosed this while addressing to party agents, international observers and security agencies said the commission will everything within its power to conduct a hitch-free exercise.

    Read Also: INEC begins deployment of electoral materials in Ekiti

    Igini said: “We have commenced the continuation of what we have been doing in the last few days in preparation of our re-scheduled elections. What you are seeing here is what is left of the materials for the conduct of the rescheduled elections.”

    He regretted that the commission could not move all the materials as at last Friday, February 15.

  • Akwa Ibom acquires three aircraft for Ibom airline

    As part of the industrialisation policy of the Governor Udom Emmanuel administration, the Akwa Ibom State has taken delivery of three aircraft for the take-off of Ibom Airline.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the aircraft at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo yesterday,  Emmanuel said the airline was a monumental achievement in the state.

    He said the aircraft, C-FWNK is only six years old with a sitting capacity of about 90 persons and constitutes the newest and modern fleet of the Canadian airbus.

    He said  that Akwa Ibom is the only state in the country to run a state-owned airport and run an airline, adding that the government is running Ibom Air as a business.

    He said Ibom Airline will operate routes that would give preference to Akwa Ibom people, and that the government would soon launch one of the best terminal buildings in the country.

    He said the government is  focussing on development of the economy on land, air and water, saying so far, the government has constructed over 1,000 kilometers of roads across the state.

    Governor Emmanuel said one other aircraft would arrive on Friday in addition to the already unveiled two, pointing out that the Ibom Deep Seaport will soon commence operations before the expiration of his second term in 2023.

    He said the launching of Ibom Air is a monumental achievement in Akwa Ibom and indeed Africa. The journey to achieve Ibom Airline started in 2016 and today, it is a reality.

    “If we were to search the minds of people, this day would have been frustrated but we give glory to God for making this day a reality.

    “I want to charge my people that we can achieve a lot if we come together. This is the only state across the country that runs and operate an international airport. We are the only state that runs a category two runway.

    “I want to reassure the former governor, Obong Victor Attah that very soon the MRO will be a place that will maintain fleet of aircraft across the country,” he said.

    We are running Ibom Air as a business, paying particular attention to Akwa Ibom people,” he said.

    The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who was the first passenger that arrived the airport in the new aircraft, unveiled the airplane and commended the leadership qualities of the state governor, noting that he has been able to create an environment viable for development.

  • A’Ibom CUPP, IPAC, CNPP oppose moves to redeploy REC

    There is tension in Akwa Ibom as Coalition of political parties has kicked against some moves by All Progressives Congress party (APC) to deploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini.

    Addressing a press conference in Uyo on Tuesday under the aegis of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and the conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), said there were disturbing attempts by the opposition political party in the state to impugn the integrity of  Igini.

    The parties  also noted the opposition groups in the state never raised concerns about the REC’s integrity but only resorted to blackmail when attempts to make him compromise in the performance of his duty failed.

    “We are however worried that the opposition just like other parties should be glad that there is an umpire in Igini’s mould who is committed to ensuring credible, free and fair elections by seeking ways of multiplying such reputation in the commission rather than work to have him conform especially in this era when Nigerians have grown an all-time-high electoral consciousness,’’ the parties stated.

    The state chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and publicity secretary of IPAC Mr Aniebiet Emmanuel said the protest staged by the opposition in the state was “an attempt to blackmail the electoral umpire for refusing their advances to rig the polls in their favour, a move that was designed to corroborate the outburst from Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

    Read Also: A’Ibom rejects anti-terrorism unit

    According to him: “Our position is that INEC should refuse sacrificing her independence to assume appendage roles to men who rather than work for the common good of the nation are bent on destroying what is left of our national fabrics for their personal gains.”

    The chieftains of political parties and their governorship candidates said they have resolved to defend the nation’s democracy and principles of free choice by ensuring nothing untoward is imported into the conduct of the forthcoming election.

    According to them, they have promised to abide by the rules of engagement and would stoutly oppose and frustrate every plot aimed at derailing the peaceful conduct of the 2019 polls.