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Tag: Eno

  • Akwa Ibom poll: Gov. Eno defeats AA, AP guber candidates in Appeal Court

    Akwa Ibom poll: Gov. Eno defeats AA, AP guber candidates in Appeal Court

    The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has rejected two distinct appeals challenging the victory of Governor Umo Eno in Akwa Ibom state.

    The appellants, Akpan Jeremiah of the Action Alliance and Emem Coffie of the Accord Party sought to overturn the election results.

    In a unanimous decision of the three-man panel, the Appellate Court held that the case lacked merit and that Pastor Umo Eno remains the validly elected Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

    The governorship candidate of the Accord Party, Emem Coffie had approached the Appeal Court, seeking that the judgement of the lower trial tribunal be upturned in his favour.

    The AP candidate and his party who were represented by their counsel, Chidi Nwachukwu argued that his client deserved to be declared the Governor as other candidates in the election, were not qualified to contest the election.

    Coffie maintained that the respondents did not present any witness, and as such their petition ought to have been upheld.

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    In his brief of argument, Counsel to Governor Umo Eno, Paul Usoro, SAN, Counsel to INEC, Kolapo Kolade, SAN and Mofesomo Oyetibo faulted the claims by the appellants that 800 polling units recorded infractions, saying no effort was made by the petitioners to identify the 800 units, neither was there any attempt to bring witnesses from any of the said polling units.

    The respondents also told the court that the only witness the appellants brought, was the Governorship candidate, Emem Coffie who admitted that he was only in his polling unit and after voting on the said date, went to his house.

    “Every evidence they gave, amounted to hearsay and that is why the lower court dismissed the case,” Mofesomo Oyetibo, Counsel to the PDP told the Court.

    In the appeal filed by Akpan Abraham of the Action Alliance against the 15th September judgment of the Governorship Election Tribunal, he and his party had appealed against what they described as unlawful exclusion by INEC, but the respondents in their separate briefs urged the court to discountenance the appeal by AA as abuse of court process.

    The respondents argued that the suit constitutes a pre-election matter bothering on internal party disputes, which the party itself failed to resolve before the elections.

    Delivering judgement on Friday, the Appellate Court in Lagos upheld the arguments of the respondents and dismissed the case as lacking in merit.

    Meanwhile, the Appeal Court also heard the appeal brought before it by the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Akanimo Udofia, and the candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, Sen John Akpanudoedehe.

    The duo are challenging Pastor Umo Eno’s election on the premises that he was ineligible to contest in the 2023 elections.

    Judgment on the two additional appeals by APC and NNPP are also reserved for a later date by the Appellate court.

  • Council chairmen, principal officers must live in their domains, says Eno

    Council chairmen, principal officers must live in their domains, says Eno

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has reiterated his resolve to ensure local government chairmen and other principal officers live in their domains.

    The governor yesterday directed the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs to enforce the Extant Law of the House of Assembly, to compel the council helmsmen to live in their territories.

    This was part of the resolutions reached during the enlarged State Executive Council meeting presided over by Eno yesterday.

    Read Also: Gov Eno dismisses policy alert’s budget padding allegations

    He directed the reactivation of water works within the Uyo metropolis and select rural areas in the state.

    The governor decried the illegal reopening of a Chinese company, Golden Tripod Company, accused of undertaking operations hazardous to human health and inimical to the environment. 

    It was resolved that the facility should be closed down and an alternative land allocated to them on the industrial estate at Itam.

    Eno said additional one month basic salary would be paid to civil servants in December for their Christmas break.

  • Eno begins one project per local govt

    Eno begins one project per local govt

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has begun one project per local government initiative in Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District.

    The initiative, aimed at massive rural development in the 31 local governments, began with the launch of the building of Model Government Primary School, Idung Offiong in Eket.

    Eno said the projects were based on specific needs as requested by stakeholders in each local government, adding that each project would be completed within six months for a new round to start.

    He said the model school would be equipped with solar power, security gate, perimeter fence, staff quarters and modern learning facilities, adding that there would be provision of school uniforms, books and sandals for pupils.

    “This is the first of the projects that will be delivered in the 31 councils of this state. As part of our rural development drive, we have given the opportunity for communities and local governments to do a need assessment, align it with what we have and deliver to the people.

    “This project was chosen by Eket Local Government stakeholders. They want a school built here. We are here today to use this as our point of contact to launch projects that will be under the initiative in Eket Senatorial District. When we leave here, we will replicate it in Uyo Senatorial District and later go to Ikot Ekpene.

    “We will do 31 projects across the state, and the projects, I believe, should be ready in six months. Then we will take on another 31.

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    “So, if you have a school this time, you may have a hospital next time and if you have a hospital next, you may have markets later. That way, we will touch every part of the state with quality projects.

    “We have a budget, and we will stay within that budget. Our father, the paramount ruler, has talked about a school established in 1905. I think we will look at that school and make sure we make the school a model one. 1905 is a long time ago, we will not like such a legacy school to die,” the governor added.

    He said one of the main reasons he was keen on education was his determination to curb out-of-school children and ensure that education was made attractive to them through the provision of basic needs and a conducive learning environment.

    Eno disclosed plans to select some students in the rural areas for an exchange programme in the United Kingdom as part of efforts to expose them and build capacity that would enable them compete with their counterparts across the globe.

    He used the occasion to call on International Oil companies (IOCs) operating in the state to support government’s rural development efforts by adopting any of the model projects and replicating same in their host communities, as part of their corporate social responsibility. 

    Giving details of the model school, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Dr. Bassey Okon, thanked the governor for approving the project, noting that the new school project would include classrooms, clinic, assembly hall, toilets, water facilities, among others.

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government, HRM Edidem E. C. D. Abia and Chairman of Eket Local Government, Akaninyene Tommey, thanked the governor for his commitment to the development of Eket and assured him of their support.

  • Gov Eno dismisses policy alert’s budget padding allegations

    Gov Eno dismisses policy alert’s budget padding allegations

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has dismissed as spurious and unfounded, the allegations of controversial appropriations in the 2023 Supplementary Budget credited to Policy Alert, saying that his administration will remain focused on delivering dividends of good governance to Akwa Ibom people in line with the ARISE Agenda.

    The governor who was fielding questions from Government House Correspondents at the Victor Attah International Airport before departing for an official engagement outside the state, reaffirmed his resolve to pursue the implementation of his development blueprint and positively touch people’s lives.

    “The truth is that this government will not be responding to frivolous allegations. I won’t be distracted. I have a mission to serve Akwa Ibom State in line with the ARISE Agenda . I’ll keep to that mission and let Akwa Ibom people judge at the end of the day,” he said.

    On the issue of revisiting old projects and frivolous borrowing, the governor reiterated his campaign promise of completing all yet-to-be-completed projects initiated by past administrations and funded with the people’s money, while challenging the publisher to show proof of any borrowing by his administration.

    “What’s wrong with funding old projects? These projects are for Akwa Ibom people. For example, we have to get Airplanes for Ibom Air, these are continuous things that we should do.And even while doing all of that, we haven’t borrowed a dime.

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    “We will soon take delivery of ten brand new Airbus planes that we ordered . And I know we have to pay them, there is a payment plan and as it is due, we pay. We’re meeting our financial obligations,” he added.

    Governor Eno however clarified that it was not out of place for the government to borrow out of necessity, if it has to do with meeting the needs of the people of the State.

     “…they talked about borrowing, I challenged them to show me one piece of document that I’ve signed to borrow one Naira since I became governor.

    ” I’ve not borrowed money and I don’t intend to borrow money until I present the budget, maybe next year. If we borrow at all, it would be for specific projects.”

    He further clarified that he has been running government with vehicles inherited from the previous administration because he has not purchased any vehicles since assumption of office.

    He stressed that even vehicles for Legislators which he acknowledged as a necessity, were yet to be provided due to the present economic realities.

    “Since I became governor, I’ve not bought one vehicle, you can see my vehicle. The House of Assembly members too have not got new vehicles because of the rate of inflation in the country and I’ve been appealing to them to hold on.

    “Even the SSG has no new vehicle. So where did they see ninety vehicles? Who signed it? How?” Governor Eno queried.

  • Gov Eno starts one-project-per local govt in A’Ibom South

    Gov Eno starts one-project-per local govt in A’Ibom South

    Governor Umo Eno has kicked-off the One-Project-Per Local Government area initiative in Akwa Ibom South (Eket) senatorial district of the State.

    The initiative aimed at massive rural development in the 31 local government areas commenced with the flag-off of the construction of Model Government Primary School, Idung Offiong in Eket.

    Eno noted that the projects are based on specific needs and as request by stakeholders of each local government area, adding that each project will be completed within the period of six months for a new round to commence.

    According to him, the model school will be equipped with solar power, security gate, perimeter fence, staff quarters and modern learning facilities while also ensuring the provision of school uniforms, books and shoes for the students.

    “This is the first of the projects that will delivered in all 31 local Governments of this State. As part of our rural development drive, we have given the opportunity for communities and Local Governments to do a needs assessment, align it with what we have and deliver to the people.

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    “This project was chosen by Eket Local Government Stakeholders and they want a school built here. We are here today to use this as our point of contact to flag off all the projects that will be under the initiative in the Eket Senatorial District. When we leave here, we will do Uyo Senatorial District and later, go to Ikot Ekpene.

    “We will do 31 projects across the State, and those 31 projects, I believe should be ready in six months, and then we will take on another 31.

    “So if you have a school this time, you may have a hospital next time and if you have a hospital next, you may have markets later.That way, we will touch every part of the state with various quality projects.

    “We have a budget, and we will stay within that budget. Our father, the Paramount Ruler has talked about a school established in 1905, I think we will look at that school and make sure that we make that school a model school. 1905 is a long time, and we would not like such a legacy school die,” he added.

    The Governor noted that one of the main reasons he is keen on education is his determination to curb the issue of out- of-school children and ensure that education is made attractive to them with the provisions of basic needs and a conducive learning environment.

    He disclosed plans to select some students in the rural areas for an exchange programme in the United Kingdom as part of efforts to expose them and build capacity that will enable them compete with their counterparts across the globe.

    Governor Eno used the occasion to call on International Oil companies (IOCs) operating in the state to support government’s rural development efforts by adopting any of the model projects and replicating same in their host communities, as part of their corporate social responsibility.

    Giving details of the model school, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Dr. Bassey Okon thanked the governor for approving the project, noting that the new school project will include classrooms, clinic, assembly hall, toilets, water facilities, amongst others.

    Commissioner for Local Government And Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government Area, HRM, Edidem E. C. D Abia and Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Hon. Akaninyene Tommey appreciated the governor for his commitment to the development of Eket and assured him of their support all through his administration and even beyond.

  • Eno approves N450m counterpart funds for W’Bank projects in A’Ibom

    Eno approves N450m counterpart funds for W’Bank projects in A’Ibom

    Akwa Ibom state governor Umo Eno has approved the release of N450 million as counterpart funding for the Nigeria For Women Project, a World Bank project targeted at empowering the women.

    Eno announced the approval when he hosted a World Bank delegation led by the Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Shudham Chaudhury, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo.

    The governor reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner in priority areas of agriculture and rural development, as he affirmed that the organisation’s vision connects with his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

    “Most of the programmes like you rightly observed complement our ARISE Agenda. We are willing to work with you to ensure that we continue to scale up where necessary. For now, agriculture is the key thing the ARISE agenda addresses. We can work with world bank to scale up agricultural potentials and guarantee food security in the State,” he said.

    He said the State will make efforts to close gaps in the existing projects and explore more areas of partnership with the World Bank to benefit Akwa Ibom people.

    “On the 450 million naira that was supposed to be contributed, I know I have given the approval and I can tell you that in the next one week, we will disburse it,” he assured.

    Read Also: Eno approves N450m counterpart funds for W’Bank projects in A’Ibom

    The governor therefore, stressed the need for accountability and responsibility towards government on the part of personnel handling the projects in the State, as he consented to the team’s recommendation on appointing a senior government official to serve as a focal person and liaison officer between the World Bank and State government.

    Earlier, the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Shudham Chaudhury, said his visit was aimed at sharing his knowledge with the State as well as present an overview of World Bank’s effort and support to Nigeria in furthering the development of the nation and subnationals.

    He harped on the World Bank’s position concerning responsibility for the progress and solving development challenges which, according to him, will lift Nigerians out of poverty, stressing that it depends largely on governance and leadership at the State level.

    He commended the governor over the rich content of the ARISE Agenda describing it as attractive and result- oriented.

  • Media aide thanks Eno over appointment

    Media aide thanks Eno over appointment

    The Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Media, Comrade Eneh John has extended heartfelt appreciation to the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno on his appointment.

    In a statement, Eneh said: “I write to extend my profound appreciation to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for bestowing upon me the honour to serve as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media.

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    “I will continue to propagate the gospel of the ARISE Agenda, and seek further collaborations with stakeholders in the media, and Akwa Ibom people, to support the administration of His Excellency.

    “His Excellency is a man of his word, loved by Akwa Ibom people, and with his wider acceptability across board since assumption of office, we’re confident that the Governor will deliver effectively.

    “I’ll continue to pledge my unalloyed support to the administration of His Excellency, and deliver on every assigned task. When the Governor wins in every delivered promises, the greater beneficiaries will be Akwa Ibom people.”

  • Eno approves N450m counterpart funds for W’Bank projects in A’Ibom

    Eno approves N450m counterpart funds for W’Bank projects in A’Ibom

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has approved the release of N450 million as counterpart funding for the Nigeria For Women Project, a World Bank project targeted at empowering the women.

    Eno announced the approval when he hosted a World Bank delegation led by the Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Shudham Chaudhury, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo.

    The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner in priority areas of agriculture and rural development, as he affirmed that the organisation’s vision connects with his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

    “Most of the programmes like you rightly observed compliment our ARISE Agenda. We are willing to work with you to ensure that we continue to scale up where necessary. For now, agriculture is the key thing the ARISE agenda addresses. We can work with world bank to scale up agricultural potentials and guarantee food security in the State,” he said.

    He said the State will make efforts to close gaps in the existing projects and explore more areas of partnership with the World Bank to benefit Akwa Ibom people.

    “This visit has really thrown a lot of light on World Bank projects in Akwa Ibom and I must say that in my five months in office, this is the first time I’m getting such briefing on World Bank projects that we are doing.

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    “Listening to you in this meeting affords us, particularly myself, the privilege of having an understanding of how these things operate. We can assure you that we will close the gaps and by the time you do your next assessment, you will see us moving very fast.

    “On the N450 million that was supposed to be contributed, I know I have given the approval and I can tell you that in the next one week, we will disburse it,” he assured.

    The Governor stressed the need for accountability and responsibility towards government on the part of personnel handling the projects in the State, as he consented to the team’s recommendation on appointing a senior government official to serve as a focal person and liaison officer between the World Bank and State Government.

    “I can assure you that we will work very hard, and I will appoint a Senior Special Assistant who will work as the State focal person to help coordinate these activities and report directly to me on all of these projects so that we can see the gap and understand how to quickly close them,” he added.

    World Bank Country Director Shudham Chaudhury, said his visit was aimed at sharing his knowledge with the State as well as give the overview of World Bank’s effort and support to Nigeria in furthering the development of the nation and sub nationals.

    He harped on the World Bank’s position concerning responsibility for the progress and solving development challenges which, according to him, will lift Nigerians out of poverty, stressing that it depends largely on governance and leadership at the State level.

    He commended the Governor over the rich content of the ARISE Agenda describing it as attractive and result- oriented.

  • ‘We will not withdraw our support for Eno’s administration’

    ‘We will not withdraw our support for Eno’s administration’

    Elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State have promised not to withdraw their support for the Governor Umo Eno administration.

    The elders under the aegis of Akwa Ibom State PDP Elders Council reiterated their resolve to help the governor actualise his programmes and projects under the A.R.I.S.E Agenda.

    Chairman Board of Trustees of the council, Amb. Assam Assam, SAN, made the pledge yesterday during the formal inauguration of PDP Elders Council.

    Assam, who mandated the state officers to constitute Elders Council in the federal constituencies and local governments, said the body would remain united for the development of the state.

    He expressed satisfaction in the administration of Governor Eno, saying it had set out a good template for the development of the state within his few months in office.

    Speaking on behalf of the Elders from Ekpene Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien said elders of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District would continue to work for the success of Pastor Eno and would continue to support PDP.

    He said the governor had done well in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, which would earn him more supporters in 2027 election.

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    “We will do better in 2027 than what we did in 2023. Let us work in unity and support the government. We should not run from the government, we should encourage the governor to do more in the state.

    Speaking on behalf of Eket Senatorial District, Bishop Samuel Akpan said Eket Senatorial District elders were upstanding to support Akwa Ibom Elders Council and to work towards the success of Eno’s administration.

    For Uyo Senatorial District, Elder T. O. Akpan said: “This is the first time elders of Akwa Ibom State come out together to create a forum for elders. I am indeed very excited to be part of this elders’ council. I trust the capacity of the leadership of the council. Let elders of Akwa Ibom State be maintained. Governor Eno has started very well; let us give him our maximum support for the development of Akwa Ibom State.

    On behalf of the women, Obonganwan Grace Ekong assured of women’s support for PDP and Governor Eno and encouraged elders to work with the people at the grassroots to gather more support for the PDP.

  • Eno: London political summit willattract investors to Akwa Ibom

    Eno: London political summit willattract investors to Akwa Ibom

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has said the just concluded 8th Annual London Political Summit would attract investors and development partners to the state.

    He was fielding questions from reporters at the weekend at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, after his return from a three-day political summit held at the House of Commons Westminster Palace.

    He said he showcased the safe and lucrative economic opportunities the state was endowed with to the United Kingdom and the world at large.

    “Every opportunity we have, marketing the state’s potential is what we are doing. Not just that we are looking for investors, we are also looking for development partners.

    “This is what is important and we must understand that the monthly allocation alone cannot do all we want to do,” Eno said.

    On the benefit of the summit to the state, he said the  A.R.I.S.E. Agenda blueprint of his administration was tailored to meet the sustainable development goals and had positioned the state as a favourable development partner to international  organisations, hence his participation in the summit.

    “As we meet these sustainable development goals, there are development partners out there that want to hear your story, see what you are doing, and you build trust because the problem with Africa is the trust issue. So we go out there, meet these organisations, talk with them. They want to know what you can do differently from what others have done in the past. So we believe it was a successful meeting,” the governor said.

    He attested to exploits in fields by ‘Akwa Ibomites’ abroad and the need to reassure them of the state government’s readiness to work with them, saying being at the event also availed him of the opportunity to interact with indigenes of the state in the diaspora and create openings for foreign direct investment as well as opportunities for exchange engagements in Health, Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence and ICT.

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    “We also took the opportunity to meet with the Akwa Ibom indigenes in the diaspora. It is very important. A lot of them are professionals and always want to help in the development of the state and country. If you look at the foreign direct investment from the diaspora that came into the country in the previous years, you will find out that it was a large chunk and if we keep leaving our own people, we are losing parts of that large chunk,” Eno said.