The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Godswill Akpabio

  • PDP elders to Akpabio: stop inciting youths against us

    PDP elders to Akpabio: stop inciting youths against us

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elders in Akwa Ibom State have urged Governor Godswill Akpabio to stop inciting the youth against them.

    The elders said Akpabio’s utterances were a call to arm and an incitement of the youth against their elders.

    The elders were led by former Minister of Petroleum, Don Etiebet. They addressed a briefing yesterday in Uyo, the state capital.

    Akpabio was quoted to have said at the state’s 27th anniversary celebration that: “To the youth, you have a responsibility, the future belongs to you. My challenge to you is not to look at the elders.”

    Etiebet, who spoke on behalf of the elders, advised the youth not to heed the governor’s call but to look up to the elders for inspiration, training, counseling and blessing.

    The elders also urged the youth not to mortgage the state and its resources to one man and his family through his continued governance by proxies.

    Etiebet said: “We use this opportunity to call on our youths to know that the future belongs to you but you need the elders for training, advice, direction, blessing and preparation to take over tomorrow.”

    The elders berated the governor for lying against them and telling people that they have distanced themselves from his administration because he has refused to share state resources and allocation to them.

    The former minister, who challenged Akpabio to substantiate his allegation, said the governor took the action because they advised him against extravagant spending.

    Etiebet  said: ‘’Just because we, the elders, have counselled him against , arbitrary and non-budgetary spending, should he insult us?”

    He wondered why Akpabio had not responded to the statement by the coordinating Minister of Finance that: “The uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom State in infrastructure and others constitute a disproportionately little fraction of the total resources that had accrued to the state from her ministry.”

    Commissioner for Information Aniekan Umanah said there was no time the governor advised the youth to rise against the elders.

    Umanah challenged them elders to provide video recordings of their claims.

    In a statement yesterday, he said: “The claims by Etiebet are preposterous, spurious and attempts to act out a script by the opposition.

    “ I wonder how a message by the governor admonishing the youth to take their destiny in their hands could be twisted by Etiebet and his co-travellers.”

  • Akpabio intervenes in Mobil, host communities’ feud

    Akwa Ibom State Governor,  Godswill Akpabio has urged ExxonMobil’s host communities to withdraw pending law suits to enable the company execute projects in their areas.

    According to the Governor’s Special Assistant, Media, Deacon Jackson Udom, Akpabio made the plea when the Chairman/Managing and Lead Country Manager of ExxonMobil Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Nolan O’Neal, visited his office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

    He  said: “I thank you for the assurance that I should pass to the people of the state that the special community projects that we had negotiated and agreed upon that you finally receive leadership approval and the money is ready to start the project.

    “But what is impeding the projects is that some of the communities went to court and there are about 14 cases pending in the courts. I think it is in the interest of those communities affected to immediately withdraw those cases from courts to allow contractors be mobilised to site and commence meaningful projects in the areas.”

    He explained that if those projects are not executed as and when they should, the communities would be at the losing end, considering the bureaucratic procedure involved in getting approval for such community projects.

    Akpabio directed the Commissioners for Health, Housing and Urban Renewal, Environment, Culture and Tourism as well as Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity to work with the Secretary to the State Government in persuading the communities to withdraw the cases from courts to ensure amicable settlement within one week. This, according to him, would enable Mobil execute meaningful development projects in the communities.

    Governor Akpabio, while assuring the management of ExxonMobil that his government would ensure the withdrawal of pending court cases, extolled the symbiotic relationship between the state and the oil company. “We believe that we have a symbiotic relationship such that will outlive many administrations. We are excited, it is like renewing the cordial relationship, the fraternal relationship and business relationship that existed for decades and will exist in future as far as oil production continues to remain,” he said.

    Akpabio, who congratulated O’Neal on his elevation, described him as a square peg in a square hole. He said: “Having lived with the people, you know their pains and aspirations and you know what to do to bring smiles on the faces of the host communities.”

    O’Neal thanked the governor for the warm hospitality to ExxonMobil, describing the state as a fantastic place to do business.

  • Akpabio to host communities: ‘Withdraw case against ExxonMobil’

    Akpabio to host communities: ‘Withdraw case against ExxonMobil’

    AKWA Ibom sate governor, Godswill Akpabio has charged ExxonMobil’s host communities to withdraw impending court cases to enable the company to execute special community projects in their areas.

    Akpabio, who gave the charge Thursday when the Chairman/Managing and Lead Country Manager of ExxonMobil Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Nolan O’Neal, paid him a courtesy visit at Governor’s Office, Uyo, noted, “I thank you for the assurance that I should pass to the people of the State that the special community projects that we had negotiated and agreed upon that you finally receive leadership approval and the money is ready to start the project.

    “But what is impeding the projects is that some of the communities went to court and there are about 14 cases pending in the courts. I think it is in the interest of those communities affect to immediately withdraw those cases from courts to allow contractors to be mobilised to set and commence meaningful projects in the areas”, the Governor observed.

    He explained if those projects are not executed as at when they should, the communities would be at the losing end, considering the bureaucratic procedure involved in getting approval for such community projects.

    Akpabio directed Commissioners for Health, Housing and Urban Renewal, Environment, Culture and Tourism as well as Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity to work with the Secretary to the State Government in persuading those communities to withdraw those cases from courts to ensure amicable settlement within one week to enable Mobil to execute the meaningful development projects in the communities.

    The Governor while assuring the management of ExxonMobil that the State Government would ensure that the impending court cases are withdrawn extolled the symbiotic relationship between Akwa Ibom State and ExxonMobil.

    “We believe that we have a symbiotic relationship such that will outlive many administrations. We are excited, it is like renewing the cordial relationship, the fraternal relationship and business relationship that existed for decades and will exist in future as far as oil production continues to remain”, he stated.

  • Civil Defence steps up security at Akwa Ibom Secretariat

    To forestall security breach in the massive Akwa Ibom State secretariat, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State and Governor Godswill Akpabio have stepped up security checks  at the state secretariat.

    The Corps Commandant, Pedro Awili Ideba, said the security measure was to secure both the Secretariat, thousands of workers and visitors.

    All vehicles coming into the secretariat are checked by men and officers of NSCDC at the main gate.

    The command frowns at workers and visitors who refuse to co-operate with its officials.

    Ideba said Akpabio, being a proactive governor, approved the measure to fulfill one of his constitutional responsibilities, which is to provide adequate security for lives and property.

    The Commandant  noted that the security measure was being resisted by some people. He added that the vehicular check is one of the strategies to ward-off any planned attack around the secretariat.

    The Commandant appealed to Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Special Advisers to sensitise their employees and visitors on the new measure.

  • Akwa Ibom’s 27 years’ oddysey

    Akwa Ibom’s 27 years’ oddysey

    OnTuesday, Akwa Ibom State clocked 27 years of existence as a state after being created by Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida in 1987. Kazeem Ibrahym writes on how the celebration was done and some of the achievements of Governor Godswill Akpabio.

    In September 23, Governor Godswill Akpabio and the people of Akwa Ibom State  rolled out the drums to celebrate the creation of the state 27 years after its creation by the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida in 1987.

    Many people were instrumental to the creation of Akwa Ibom State popularly referred to as  the “Land of Promise”. Noteworthy among individuals who played major role in ensuring that  Gen. Babangida created a state for Akwa Ibom indigenes before leaving office was former Governor Victor Attah.

    Attah told the story of how the state was created when the Ibibio Nation honoured at Asan Ibibio some weeks back.

    He said: “Let me start by telling you about something that happened in 1987. I was living in Kaduna and about the middle of the year, I received a message from the Military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. He sent to ask me if I was no longer interested in a state for my people.

    “This happened because for a long time I had, with respect and within the limits of friendship, harassed him to create a state for us. When it did not happen, I gave up. This message therefore came as a bolt from the blue. I was shocked, but ecstatically surprised. I was asked to present yet another request for a state which I did.

    “Sometime after that I was invited to the office of the Coordinator of National Security (CONS) at 12 Awolowo Road Ikoyi, and was asked to draw a map of what I thought should constitute the new state.

    “After that I waited and then on September 23, 1987 came the announcement that Akwa Ibom and Katsina States had been created. My joy knew no bounds. Of course, the first thing I did was to sit down and compose a letter to our beloved benefactor, President Ibrahim Babangida who has graciously created a state for us.”

    Celebrating the creation of the state yearly has been the culture of Akpabio-led government since he assumed office over seven years ago.

    The 27th anniversary celebration was with the theme: “The God of All Grace” and it began on a good note. The governor on Sunday attended inter-denominational thanksgiving service at the Ibom Hall Grounds in Uyo with members of his State Executives, Elders, Women, Youths and other stakeholders in the state where he committed the future of Akwa Ibom into the hands of God.

    At the inter-denominational thanksgiving service, Akapbio urged youths in the state to take responsibility for the governance and the development of the state.

    The governor said: “I charge the youths of the state to rise up and protect the uncommon transformation of the state because there must be maintenance and sustainability of the various infrastructure of the state.

    “I also charge the youths of the state not to dwell on tribal sentiments but to be on a positive rebellion to vote in the next governor that would not dwell on tribal sentiments, a man that would maintain and sustain the uncommon transformation of the state and a man that would recognize God as the solid foundation of the state.”

    Taking a Bible reading from Luke 7:1-5, Akpabio expressed the hope that the next Governor would sustain the legacy covenant with the church, stressing that the qualities of the next Governor of the state  would be focus, sincerity, liberal and not tribalistic.

    On the state’s 27th anniversary thanksgiving, Akpabio stated that the church service was to thank God for what he has done for the state.

    Akpabio, who said he would not be intermediated by critics, said his administration would continue to partner the church.

    He said: “When God gives you the opportunity to serve, do it sincerely and stop criticising others.”

    On the second day of the anniversary, the governor continued with inauguration of projects, such as the Traditional Rulers Chambers, Uyo; NTA Uyo Administrative Block rehabilitated by Akwa Ibom State Government.

    Other projects inaugurated are Ikot Ntan-Obiokpok-Afaha Offiong-Ikot Edibon-Irtreto (Enen Nsit) road with three bridges; Abak-Utu Nsehe-Ikot Akpan Nkuk (Ukanafun) road with bridge phase 2; Essien Udim Local Government Secretariat Complex and Obot Akara Secretariat Complex/Traditional Rulers Council Chambers.

    The last day witnessed the swearing-in of the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and the anniversary party held at Le-Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.

    Before his assumption ofoffice, many of the roads, such as Afaha Obong – Etim Ekpo – Ika-Iwukem Road; Abak-Ikot Ekpene Road; Nung Udoe Itak-Use Ikot Amama-Okoita Road; Enen Nsit Road; Etebi-Enwang, and most internal roads in the local government areas, were impassable.

    Akpabio reached out to the biggest names in the civil engineering and construction business.

    So far, the administration has constructed 350 roads across the state, covering 1350 kilometers, well constructed, paved and asphalted. Work is in progress for the remodelling of urban centres, while all roads leading into the state capital, mostly federal roads,are being dualised.

    The dualisation of Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road is at advanced stage of completion, while the government has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of the dualisation of

    Eket-Etinan Road. Also, Akpabio’s government has built five concentric and suspended flyovers in Uyo, the state capital.

    One of the greatest legacies of the Akpabio’s administration is the free and compulsory education. The free education programme gives every child of school age resident in Akwa Ibom, regardless of state of origin, access to qualitative education from primary to senior secondary school level.

    In addition to free tuition, the state pays a subvention of N100 per primary school pupil and N300 per secondary school student to cater for logistics. Enrolment in public schools, according to the State Government, has tripled since the introduction of the programme.

    As a way of ensuring that final year secondary school students are not hamstrung by lack of money, the government undertakes payment of SSCE fees for all students in public secondary schools. This also includes payment of NABTEB fees for all students in public technical colleges.

    His administration is also paying the 27 per cent salary scale for teachers; payment of grant to law and medical students in universities, as well as provision of laptops to all law students of Akwa Ibom origin in the Nigeria Law School.

    Akpabio’s government has also completed the Ibom Power Plant which he inherited from his predecessor. The Plant is currently generating 191 megawatts (mw) of electricity. The plant, located near the Aluminum Smelting Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) at Ikot Abasi, is designed to provide 685 mw, with an initial energy output of 191mw from three turbines in the first phase. Of this, 60mw is dedicated to meet the state’s current and future energy needs.

    The Akpabio administration’s efforts at establishing Akwa Ibom State as a destination of choice is not only in the areas of investment and tourism.  Sports development is also on the front burner of the administration’s infrastructure revolution. A 30,000 capacity

    At the time Akpabio assumed leadership of the state, the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort had only 50 rooms completed. The Akpabio’s administration completed 120 additional rooms, to bring the total to 170.

    Commissioner for Information Aniekan Umanah said the transformation in the state is not media hype, as the people could feel the impact in their lives, saying quantum of development recorded in Akwa Ibom State is yet to be surpassed by any regional state government in the entire Africa.

  • Crowded governorship race in Akwa Ibom

    Crowded governorship race in Akwa Ibom

    Akwa Ibom State Governor  Godswill Akpabio will bow out of office next year after completing his two terms of eight years. The succession battle is in the air in the oil-rich state. Correspondent Kazeem Ibrahym examines the issues that will shape the contest and the chances of the aspirant.

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio will complete his second term in office next year. Ahead of next year’s election, many Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains are jostling for the number one seat. They are warming up for the primaries, which may hold next month.

    In 2007, 58 aspirants fought for the PDP ticket.  At the shadow poll, Akpabio emerged as the winner

    In many towns and villages, billboards and posters of aspirants are competing for space. No fewer than 30 aspirants are warming up for primaries. More may still join the crowded race.

    One of the issues that will shape the contest is zoning. It is believed that the PDP has zoned the slot to the Eket Senatorial District. But, aspirants from other zones are insisting that they must participate in the spirit of democracy.

    Aspirants from Uyo Senatorial District are of the opinion that in the history of governorship in the state, there has never been zoning. Citing the 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections as examples, they argued that the contest has always been open to all aspirants across the state.

    Even during the reception organized for former Governor Victor Attah by the Ibibio nation, the former governor was not categorical whether the party will stick to zoning or not. Attah said even though zoning will be a major consideration, other compelling determinants cannot be sacrificed on the altar of zoning.

    Akpabio, who many of the aspirants have accused of trying to impose his SSG on the people, has also assured the aspirants of a level-playing field during the party’s primaries, scheduled for November 29.

    In fact, the governor has called on more persons to aspire for the plum job, saying such would showcase the beauty of democracy. As the number of contenders for Akpabio’s seat continues to increase by the day, all the aspirants that have so far shown interest in the top job are working round the clock in order to emerge as the party’s standard bearer.

     

    Gladiators in the race

    The aspirants include the Secretary to Government, Udom Emmanuel, Presidential aide, Prof. Richard King, former Secretary to Akwa Ibom Government, Umana Umana, Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Ekpenyong Ntekim, former Commissioner for Finance, Bassey Albert, former Deputy Governor, Nsima Ekere, former Deputy Governor Patrick Ekpoutu, Senator Helen Esuene, House Leader Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Okpolupm Etteh, former House Leader in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Jerome Isangedihi, Envoy Assam Assam (SAN), former Commis-sioner for Rural Development, Effiong Abia, Ime Albert, former National Publicity of PDP, Benjamin Okoko, Dr. Peter Esuh, Justice Nya Ebito, Asuquo Okpo, Michael Onofiok, Mike Sebastian, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, Effiong Usin, Bishop Sam Akpan, Engr. Larry Esin, Kufre Inyang, Pastor Ita Udoh,.

     

    Albert

    Albert is popularly referred to as OBA among his supporters. He is the youngest aspirant. Albert became the Finance Commissioner in Akpabio’s cabinet in 2007 at the age of 35. He held the position for seven years until he was booted out of government, as a result of his ambition to succeed Akpabio. Today, he has won the hearts of many youths and women in the state because of his philanthropic gestures. “Albert gives to a fault,” said one his supporters. He is intelligent, meticulous and a go-getter. He hails from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area in Uyo Senatorial District.

    However, Albert, who is from Uyo Senatorial District is not favoured by the zoning arrangement of the PDP. But, he believes that his popularity among the youths and elders in the state would work in his favour.

     

    King

    Prof. King is a member of the Presidential Monitoring Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He is believed to be a close ally of President Goodluck Jonathan. King’s relationship with the President spans over 30 years. Besides, he is seen by many in the state as someone who can consolidate on the achievements of Akpabio, based on his vast experience within and outside the country.

    Prof. King, who is from Eket, is favoured by the zoning arrangement being canvassed by the governor and the state executives of the PDP. The don, who holds the traditional titles of Okuku of Idua Clan in Eket and  Obong Ikkike of Uyo, is not relenting in his efforts in governing the state. To this end, he has established a campaign office, the Divine Mandate Organisation, at the former PDP secretariat along Ikot Ekpene Road. He has since commenced consultations with traditional rulers and those that matters in the state on his plan to succeed Akpabio.

    King is also building a formidable political structure that would give him an edge in the election, if given the PDP ticket. Expectations are that he would ride on President Jonathan’s back to get the ticket. But, the question on the lips of many in the state is, would the don get the governor’s support in his drive to govern the oil-rich state? He is a dark horse to watch out for in the race.

     

    Emmanuel

    Emmanuel is a banker-turned politician. Little could be ascribed to Emmanuel’s political development up till when the erstwhile Secretary to the government (SSG), Umana Umana, was booted out of office by the incumbent governor. It was at this juncture that Emmanuel made a foray into politics, as the SSG. Hitherto, he was an Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc. He is seen by many as someone the governor is positioning to take-over from him. Emmanuel is hoping to achieve this through the Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance (ACA), an outfit saddled with the responsibility of selling the banker-turned politician’s candidacy to members of the public. He may be a newcomer to the political scene, but he is favoured by the zoning arrangement; being an Onna man (Ibibio), from Eket Senatorial District.

    Emmanuel has gone far with his consultations across the three senatorial districts in the state. Due to his vast experience and his international connection, many see him as a good product for the office. But, majority of the people resent the fact that he is widely perceived as Akpabio’s godson, who may be given the baton of leadership, against the wishes of some sections of the state.

     

    Umana

    A former ally of Akpabio, Umana was the SSG for six years until he was booted out. He is not favoured by the zoning of the governorship seat, but the Nsit Ubium-born politician is bent on contesting the governorship poll because of his interest that cuts across the three senatorial districts.

    But it is still uncertain under what platform he would be contesting, given the governor’s insistence that Eket Senatorial District must produce the next governor. Umana is an Ibibio man from Uyo Senatorial District.

    He is seen as a man that has built a formidable political structure across the three senatorial districts of the state. He is wealthy and a dark horse to watch out for, because he is widely perceived as a man who may emerge as a game changer in the governorship race; if the contest is thrown open by the ruling PDP. Umana is widely acceptable to majority of the people in the state. So, selling his candidacy to the people will not be a problem.

    Like a soldier in the field of war, Umana is still fighting on as a loyal party man, because he believes he has gathered enough experience to govern the state. How he intends to do this even without the governor’s support is what remains to be seen.

     

    Ekere

    Ekere contested the 2007  primaries with Akpabio, but lost out. Akpabio later picked him as his running mate, but he was dropped when the former governor Obong Victor Attah’s camp insisted on having the deputy governorship slot, after losing the governorship position. But, providence brought Ekere back in 2011, when he won the joint ticket with Akpabio. However, the romance between him and Akpabio only lasted 17 months. He resigned his appointment in 2012 in a controversial manner to defuse the impeachment plot hanging on his neck. Even though Ekere claimed that he resigned for personal reasons, his resignation is still a subject of discussion till today.

    He has staged a comeback into the state’s political scene with his formidable political structure. Many have also described the Ikot Abasi-born politician as a large-hearted and forgiving man. “He is so forgiving to the extent that he has fully reconciled with Akpabio, who praises his forgiving nature repeatedly,” an observer who does not want to be named told The Nation. Ekere’s public acceptance is not an issue compared to some of the aspirants.

     

    Onofiok

    Onofiok is a chartered shipbroker and a maritime expert from Oron. Although, he has not had a long history of involvement in politics, he is favoured by zoning of the governorship seat to Eket senatorial district.

    Onofiok is a former councillor, who tried unsuccessfully to become chairman of his native Udung Uko Local Government Area. He has however decided this time around to go for the plum job. Outside his little experience as a councillor, he has not held any political office.

    To that extent, he is a newcomer to the Akwa Ibom political scene. But, he has promised not to chicken out of the race. He is also one of those agitating for politics of zoning, based on the three nationalities that make up the state: Ibibio-Annang-Oron. This is predicated on the original agreement entered into by the founding fathers of the state; as against the politics of senatorial district as propounded by the governor.

    Onofiok believes there are lots of benefits and opportunities in the maritime sector and he has promised to explore it, if given the opportunity to govern the state.

    The question now is, will Akwa Ibom people support a person described as a “novice” in politics? Will he get the governor’s support since he is not from the Ibibio axis of the Eket Senatorial District?

     

    Assam

    Assam, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is the Nigerian Ambassador to Russia. He served as the state’s Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice under Akpabio. With his years of experience and his strength of character, he is well qualified for job. Assam, who has officially declared his intention to contest the governorship poll is said to have been made an ambassador to put the spanners in his governorship ambition. In terms of zoning, he is favoured. He is also one of those campaigning against imposition in the governorship race this time around.

    What observers believe is that he may not have the full support of the governor and some of the stakeholders in the state because he is perceived as a non-conformist. Besides, he does not have a visible structure like many other aspirants.

     

    Ntekim

    He is the former chairman of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) during the tenure of Attah as governor of the state. He is the current Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of the state. Before this, he was a former Commissioner for Transport under the current administration. He is believed to be one of the political godsons of Don Etiebet. Zoning favours Ntekim since he is from the Oro nation, but the fear in some quarters is that he may not be accepted by entire Akwa Ibom people. Many even see him as Akpabio’s Plan B in case the Emmanuel project fails. To this, Ntekim has put his campaign machinery into motion. He is currently consulting across the state.

     

    Ekpotu

    Ekpotu served as the deputy governor during Akpabio’s first term. He emerged as deputy governor following the turbulent 2006 PDP primaries in the state, when the PDP reconciliation committee headed by Chief Tony Anenih brokered a peace accord that gave Attah the opportunity to nominate the deputy to Akpabio. Ekpotu was not in the picture initially, but the scenario changed when Attah’s bid to install his son-in-law, in the person of former Commissioner for Health, Bob Ekarika failed. Attah then nominated Ekpotu, who was his commissioner for Information, to become Akpabio’s running mate.

    Ekpotu was not the original running mate to Akpabio in the election. According to political analysts, his emergence was to give the Ibibios, the largest ethnic group in the state, a place in Akpabio’s government during his first term. Akpabio dropped him later to pave the way for Nsima Ekere, his original running mate. Ekere, who worked with Akpabio as deputy governor for some period later resigned his appointment in 2012 on personal grounds.

    Though Ekpotu has not officially declared his intention to run, pundits believe that the Ikot Abasi-born politician would do that soon. Many see him as someone who is only making a feeble attempt to act as a spoiler to Ekere’s governorship ambition, because both candidates are from Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency.

     

    Abia

    Abia is an Oron man. He was the immediate past Commissioner for Rural Development. He stands a good chance of picking the ticket, because he was among the three aspirants endorsed by the State Executive to contest for the 2015 governorship election before he was booted out. He has worked with Akpabio for 11 years. He was Secretary of the State Council of Chiefs and also Secretary, Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC) and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    Many believe that Abia has built his political structure and support base during his stay at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, by going into some sort of alliance with some of the council chairmen ahead of his yet to be declared ambition. He is also one of those believed to be riding on Akpabio’s back in getting the PDP ticket. Abia will have to compete with other strong candidates from Eket.

     

     Esuene

    Senator Esuene was the wife to late former military governor of the old Cross River State, Chief Udokaha Esuene.  She was appointed as the Minister of State for Health in July 2005. Later, she became Minister of Environment in January 2006. After a cabinet reshuffle in January 2007, Esuene was given an expanded portfolio as Minister of Environment and Housing. She left office in May 2009 at the end of the Obasanjo’s tenure to become a Senator representing Akwa Ibom South (Eket Senatorial District).

    Analysts are of the view that Senator Esuene stands a chance of becoming the next governor of the state as a result of her closeness with the Presidency. But, her gender may be her greatest disadvantage. Majority of stakeholders in the state, it is said, may not be disposed to a female governor for now. Rather, they would prefer a male aspirant to be the governor, while the deputy governorship position may be given to a female, as it is in the state at present.

     

    Ette

    Ette is a three-term member and leader, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Many believe he is one of the aspirants to watch out for in the 2015 governorship election because of his perceived effective representation of his constituents. He was Chief Whip in 2007 to 2011 and House Leader since 2011. He is seen as a stabilizing factor in the House. He is close to the grassroots; with a solid structure all over the state. He is from the coastal town of Upenekang in Ibeno Local Government. Many also see him as someone who is well grounded in the politics of the state. He is favoured by the zoning arrangement of the PDP. Many see him as a dark horse to watch out for in the race.

     

    Akpan

    Akpan, a former lawmaker, became influential when he emerged the international President of Akwa Ibom State Peoples Forum (AKPF), a platform that claims to have brought Akpabio to power. Known as ‘bishop’ of politics, Akpan was appointed political adviser to the governor and later deputy chairman of the state chapter of the PDP. He initially used the AKPF platform to control council chairmen and councillors in the state, a development that made him so powerful.

    But, Governor Akpabio gradually whittled down his influence, by encouraging the emergence of another parallel group, the Akwa Ibom Democratic Voice (ADV). The new group gave those who were disenchanted with his style of running the AKPF another platform.

    Akpan, who is currently the chairman of Akwa Ibom State Road Maintenance Agency, is from Eket Senatorial District. But, his ambition to govern the state may be undermined by his lack of the enormous resources required for the governorship project.

     

    Okoko

    Okoko is from Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. He was former Commissioner for Works in the state under Navy Captain Adeusi. In 1998, the elders of the PDP pleaded with him to leave the PDP governorship ticket to Obong Victor Attah. At the time, Okoko was more popular than Attah, and if the choice of the PDP flag bearer then had been subjected to primaries, he would have emerged the winner. But the party insisted on rotation and that the Uyo Senatorial District, in the person of Obong Victor Attah, should take the first slot.

    Okoko had served as the second National Publicity Secretary of the PDP. He was one of the founding fathers of the PDP. He has now staged a comeback to the political scene, believing that with his structure presently spreading across the three senatorial districts in the state, he will emerge as the party’s flag bearer in the next primaries, which is billed to take place next Monday.

     

    Esin

    Esin is an Oron man from Eket Senatorial District. He was former Commissioner for Tourism in Cross River State. He also served as Special Envoy of Cross River State on Investment in Washington DC, United States of America. In 2006, Esin joined the governorship race three weeks before the primaries and came third under the platform of the PDP. He left the PDP to become the National Chairman of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). He resigned sometimes in 2010 in a controversial manner and joined the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He contested the 2011 governorship seat under the platform of the defunct CPC and lost. After the election, Esin left politics, only to stage a comeback recently. He has been re-admitted into the PDP, and he has now joined the governorship race.

     

    Albert

    Ime Albert is said to have been drafted into the race by Akpabio to curtail the popularity of his younger brother, Bassey Albert (OBA), who is loved by the youths in the state. He has started his consultations across the three senatorial district in the state and has established a campaign office within Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, the state capital. His campaign platform is tagged Covenant Mission 2015. The citing of the office is another reassurance that the Ibiono Ibom politician is serious about succeeding governor Akpabio in 2015.

     

    Sebastian

    Until recently, Sebastian was the Vice President of Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance (ACA). ACA is the group rooting to deliver SSG Emmanuel as the governor in 2015. After leaving ACA, Sabestian formed another group known as “The God Factor Group” in his drive to pick the PDP ticket during November 29 primaries. He is from Ikot Abasi and an in-law to the Akpabios. Many see him as a dark horse to watch out for.

     

    Udonsak                                  

    Udonsak is from Eket. He is from the Eket zone. Therefore, he is favoured by the zoning arrangement. Udonsak, a Port-Harcourt-based medical practitioner and two-time governorship aspirant in the state, said his intention to contest for the 2015 governorship polls is as a result of his love for his people.

     

    Udoh

    Udoh is an Eket man. He is the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism. Before now, he was Special Assistant to Governor Akpabio on Education Matters and also a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports. Udoh, who hoped to resign his appointment by end of the month, said he would focus on human capacity building, job creation for youths and women empowerment in agriculture, if given the opportunity to govern the state in 2015.

     

    Ebito

    Ebito is from Eket. He retired from High Court three years ago in the state. Before his retirement, he had served as Chief Magistrate and Chief Registrar. Little could be ascribed to Justice Ebito’s political journey in Akwa Ibom state. He has told his teeming supporters that his government will be that of ideas, if given the opportunity to govern the state.

     

    Esuh

    Esuh, a university teacher from the Oron, is consulting widely with the hope that he will pick the party’s ticket. He says he is on a divine mission to reposition the state in order to withstand contemporary challenges.

     

    Usin

    Usin is an engineer who says he has what it takes to be the next governor of Akwa Ibom state, having lived, worked and studied in Nigeria. He is still consulting with party elders and stalwarts with the hope that he will be given the opportunity to fly the party’s flag during the governorship elections.

  • Akpabio: don’t be sentimental

    Akpabio: don’t be sentimental

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio urged youths yesterday not to dwell on tribal sentiments but to be on a “positive rebellion” in choosing the next governor.

    Akpabio also urged them to take responsibility for the governance and the development of the state.

    The governor made the call during the inter-denominational service to mark the 27th anniversary of the state’s creation and Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary. The state celebration had the theme: “The God of All Grace.”

    His words: “I urge the youths to rise and protect the uncommon transformation of the state because there must be maintenance and sustainability of the various infrastructures.

    “I also urge the youths not to dwell on tribal sentiments but to be on a positive rebellion to vote in the next governor who would not dwell on tribal sentiments, a man who would maintain and sustain the uncommon transformation of the state and a man who would recognise God as the solid foundation of the state.”

    The governor hoped that the qualities of the next governor would be focus, sincerity, liberal and not tribalism.

    Akpabio said: “When God gives you the opportunity to serve, do it sincerely and stop criticising others.”

  • Akwa Ibom to stop movement of bodies

    Akwa Ibom to stop movement of bodies

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has directed security agencies to stop movement of corpses without proper medical report into the state.

    He said this would help to stop the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease.

    Akpabio spoke when the Commissioner of Police, Gabriel Achong, visited him at the Governor’s Office,

    The governor said a bill seeking to check the outbreak of infectious diseases has been sent to the House of Assembly.

    He added that when such is passed, it would help to prevent the spread of diseases in the state.

    Akpabio, who also spoke on the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party

    (PDP) governorship primaries, promised to provide a level-playing ground for all aspirants.

    The governor urged more persons to aspire for the office of governor to showcase the beauty of democracy.

    He, however, announced that PDP would soon convene a meeting for all aspirants to sign and abide by a code of conduct for a peaceful, free and fair elections.

     

     

     

  • Akwa Ibom’s politics of zoning and imposition

    Akwa Ibom’s politics of zoning and imposition

    The succession battle in Akwa Ibom State has polarised stakeholders. In the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it is believed that Governor Godswill Akpabio, who has championed the agitation for power shift to Eket Senatorial District, is projecting the Secretary to Government, Udom Emmanuel, as his successor. Many PDP elders seem to agree on zoning. But, they also want a level playing ground for all governorship aspirants. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

    Crisis is brewing between Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio and his predecessor, Obong Victor Attah. The bone of contention is succession. Prominent indigenes have alleged that the governor is  planning to impose a governorship candidate on the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of next year’s election. To them, it is worrisome that Akpabio has not cleared the air on this allegation. In Attah’s view, there is the need for a level playing ground for all aspirants.

    Akpabio will bow out of office next year after completing his two terms of eight years. In the PDP, no fewer than 20 aspirants are itching to succeed him. Two of them, according to sources, seem to have an edge. They are former Secretary to Government, Umana Umana, a grassroots politician, and his successor, Udom Emmanuel, a banker. Umana is from Etinan. Emmanuel is from Eket.

    The contenders include Effiong Abia (Oron), Bassey Albert (Itu-Ibiono), Nsima Ekere (Ikot Abasi), Prof. Richard King (Eket), Michael Onofiok (Oron), Senator Helen Esuene (Eket), Benjamin Okoko (Ikot-Abasi), Mike Sebastine (Ikot-Abasi), Okpolum Etteh (Eket), and Barrister Ekpem. Other contenders are Ekpenyong Ntekim (Oron), Peter Esu (Oron), Justice Nya Edito (Oron), Ime Albert (Itu-Iniono), Chris Abasieyo (Oron) and Assam Assam (Eket).

    In the All Progressives Congress (APC), aspirants are still lying low. Potential contenders are holding consultations across the three districts. However, a lot of attention appears to be focused on Senator Akpanudoedehe, who was the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) flag bearer in 2011.

    The main issue that may likely shape the contest is zoning. Akpabio has reiterated his support for the unwritten rotational principle, saying that it is the turn of Eket to produce the next governor. This has earned him the appellation of an advocate and defender of equity and natural justice. However, zoning is also a subject of discord. Some have argued that the PDP had adopted zoning when former Governor Victor Attah, who was in the saddle between 1999 and 2007, was succeeded by Akpabio. The former governor hails from Uyo Zone. Akpabio is from Ikot-Ekpene Zone. The third zone, Eket, has not enjoyed the slot. That probably accounts  for the intense agitation for power shift to the district.

    But, PDP chieftains, who are opposed to zoning, have maintained that it is not sacrosanct. Their argument is that, in 1999 and 2007, there was no guideline on zoning or power shift. According to them, politicians from the three zones threw their hats into the rings. Attah and Akpabio emerged at primaries after intense competition for the slot by contenders.

    Sources said that Eket has a bright chance next year. Unlike 1999 and 2007, it is now very glaring that, by next year, Eket would have been left in the cold for 16 years. Therefore, there appears to be a consensus in the PDP that a chieftain from this heart of Ibibioland should succeed Akpabio.

    But, while zoning to Eket may scale through, how the candidate will emerge is a challenge. At a reception for Attah after he was installed as the Ibibio leader, the former governor bared his mind on the succession process. He did not opposed zoning to Eket. But, he emphasised that while zoning will be a major factor, there are other compelling factors that cannot be sacrificed on the altar of zoning. The elder statesman was silent on these factors. Opinion is divided on the Attah’s remarks. Some have hailed him for standing up as a leader. But, to some people, the remarks were also confusing.

    Two years ago, many believe that the former SSG, Umana, who was Akpabio’s ally, would be backed by the governor. In a dramatic twist, the hammer fell on the rich, powerful and charismatic politician. He was on a state assignment when the news of his sack was relayed on the radio. His sack by the governor generated controversy. There were insinuations that Akpabio removed him because it would be difficult to tame him, if he assumes the reins. But, despite the misfortune, Umana has insisted that he would contest for the number one position.

    Few days after he left office, the former Executive Director of Zenith Bank, Emmanuel, was appointed as the SSG. Sources said that the appointment was strategic. The promising banker is from Eket, which is agitating for the slot. Following his appointment, eyes have been on him. At a thanksgiving service held in Awa, some stakeholders from the district endorsed him for the governorship. Since then, many individuals, groups and associations have also endorsed him. However, while Emmanuel has goodwill, he is perceived as the anointed successor. This has irked forces opposed to Akpabio, his benefactor.

    In Akwa Ibom, the dust stirred by the 2007 succession battle has not settled. Reminiscent of 2007,  Akpabio and his predecessor, who loathed his candidature, are on a collision course, as the state prepares for next elections. But, Attah is not alone. Other PDP elders, including former Petroleum Minister, Chief Don Etiebet, also have an axe to grind with the governor. He criticised the elements of zoning, saying that it has a pre-determined objective. Etiebet said that it may have been distorted and skewed  in favour of a particular candidate.

    Etiebet’s position slightly differs from the idea Attah was trying to articulate. He said, instead of power shift to Eket, he said it should be power shift to Oron, one of the ethnic groups in Eket. The former minister condemned what he described as “targeted zoning”, adding that it will not work.  Speaking at the 55th birthday of Umana, he said the gospel of zoning by Akpabio is discriminatory. The party elder alleged that the governor was scheming to anoint his friend as a successor. But, he declined to mention the friend’s name. He said: “I do not agree with the governor over the targeted zoning. It is zoning to a friend. The targeted zoning cannot work; the targeted zoning cannot produce the next governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015.”

    Etiebet alleged that the governor was trying to scuttle the tripod arrangement on which the sharing of positions in the state is based, despite the fact that he had benefitted from the arrangement.  He said, if Akpabio had stuck to the arrangement, the next governor would have come from Oron.

    “If we had stuck to that consensus arrangement, peace and tranquility would have reigned and it would have aided the development of Akwa Ibom State by harnessing all materials and natural resources. There would have been no problem because we it would have been obvious that the next governor would come from Oron.  This was an agreement Akpabio was a party to. But, he does not want to keep that consensus arrangement as he wants to bring another Ibibio man to succeed him. This is not fair. That is why I have fallen out with him. That is why we are not agreeing.

    “We as a people are saying that we can never allow one man to cook the food and make all of us eat and go to sleep and he goes about gallivanting to put his man in position. We cannot eat that food. As I am standing here, I have 15 governorship aspirants that have consulted me officially, traditionally and legally. I have not heard from any other one outside these 15 that have consulted me.”

    Attah seems to share some of these sentiments, although he is not categorical on where the slot should be zoned to in Eket. once again, there is a conflict of interests and a clash of ego. For eight years, there have been a gap between the predecessor and successor. Ironically, the former governor who had wanted to anoint his in-law as successor has criticised Akpabio for mirroring his steps. While his bid to project an aspirant failed, it appears the scheming by Akpabio to achieve what he failed to achieve at the twilight of his tenure in 2007 is psychologically injurious.

    Attah reflected on his tenure, lamenting how the 2007 succession battle was waged, won and lost. Apparently venting his anger, the great politician waxed philosophical, saying: “I have also quite often been reminded that success without a successor amounts to failure. So, with the benefit of time, I must now confess that I do have one painful regret. The one regret is that, though I left office with a successor, I left office without succession.” The statement is pregnant with meanings. There was a succession process, which produced a successor, Akpabio. But, as it now turned out, it was never endorsed by the former governor with his whole heart. While Attah was not indifferent to the tendency and sentiments of a successor in his own image, some forces prevented his emergence.

    If that plan failed eight years ago, can he have a leeway next year? Can he now achieve the feat he failed to achieve, even when he wielded the power of incumbency? The former governor urged Akwa Ibom people to collectively evolve a succession plan. The interpretation is that he has rejected the governor’s private succession plan, which Etiebet also discredited. Another interpretation is that, instead of foisting a candidate on the state, as he allegedly attempted to do while in office, he is pushing for a candidate who will be the product of consensus or collective will. “Collectively, we shall choose a successor to implement our succession plan. The collective will of us, and only our collective will, shall prevail,” said Attah.

    The former governor also dissected zoning, saying that it can only be meaningful and achieve the desired result, if certain conditions are met. The conditions he described as “certain other competing determinants.” He feared that these determinants may be sacrificed on the alter of zoning.

    “As I look around, I see a number of faces here of people I know are aspiring to the high office of governor of this state. A large number of those aspirants are from Eket Senatorial District. This is as should be expected because of the sequential logic that, after Uyo and Ikot Ekpene, it should be Eket. But, there must be a level playing field for all aspirants,” Attah said.

    The former governor explained that there is need for a level playing ground for contestants to restore people’s confidence in government. His words: “This is particularly true at this time when there is such a crying need to give hope back to our people; to restore their confidence in their government and to rebuild the state. Zoning will certainly be a major consideration, but at a time like this, certain other compelling determinants cannot be sacrificed on the altar of zoning”.

    Since the determinants were not explained by Attah, there are puzzles begging for resolution: What manner of zoning? Should the slot be zoned to only Ibibio in Eket? Should it go to Oron? Should aspirants from local governments go to primaries? How can the governor marry his interest with the interests of stakeholders? Can there be a new power sharing formula to ease tension, ahead of primaries? Can it be fashioned out in an atmosphere of new understanding and reconciliation?

    The camp of the governor had anticipated Attah’s remarks, ahead of the installation ceremony. In an open letter to him by Etteh, leader of the House of Assembly and governorship aspirant, the legislator cautioned that some politicians behind the ceremony held in his honour must not be allowed to use the medium to orchestrate tribal schism for personal political gains.

    Etteh urged Attah to bear in mind that “ in the coming elections, to select its flag bearers for the general election, the PDP will deal with delegates, who are party members and who will abide by the party’s policy of equity, justice and fair play.” It is another tactical way of reminding the former governor that, since politics is a game of number, this may play itself out at the primaries. So far, Akpabio appears to have a firm grip on the state, the party structure and resources, which are critical in any electioneering. He also has followers.

    The legislator also enjoined Attah to take a clear position on zoning. He said: “As a man who fought severally to make sure that justice, equity and fair play are not stood on their head, I believe you will join us in Eket Senatorial District to ensure that the rotation and zoning, which started in the state in your time and for which the current governor is standing in, is respected.”

    But, Etteh, also emphasised the limitation to zoning, which he has asked Attah to endorse. He acknowledged the right of all contestants from other districts to vie. Urging the former governor to defend the agitation for a level playing field, he said no aspirant should be edged out, based on rotation or zoning.

    ‘You should also fight to ensure that there is a level playing field for all those who want to contest to lead our state to the next level, including those who, in defiance of the policy of rotation and zoning, still have the democratic right to join the race,” he added.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Igwe’s death, a national loss, says Akpabio

    Igwe’s death, a national loss, says Akpabio

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has condoled with the management and workers of the Sun Publishing Ltd on the death of the Vice- Chairman, Pastor Dimgba Igwe.

    The governor, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Deacon Jackson Udom, described the death of the renowned journalist as shocking and a great loss not only to  journalism, but also to the country.

    He said: “I received with shock and disbelief the news of the death of Pastor Igwe. It is indeed one of the darkest days in the nation’s history. Igwe was one of the shinning lights of the pen profession. His days in the defunct National Concord and his decision to team up with the publisher of the Sun, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, was a turning point in the development of the media, which he anchored professionally before his gruesome death.”

    Igwe, Akpabio noted, was “a fierce and fearless columnist, who became a household name because of his incisive and revealing analyses of local, national and international issues. This quality and fearless articles by Igwe will be missed by his admirers.”

    The governor, while commiserating with the Sun family on the loss of a resourceful and thoroughbred journalist and manager, prayed for the repose of his soul and the fortitude by those he left behind to bear the painful loss.