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Tag: Oron

  • UTME: JAMB suspends CBT centres

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ( JAMB ), has suspended the University of Benin ICT Computer Based Test (CBT) centre and eight others from partaking in this year’s unified tertiary matriculation examination registration.

    The board stated that the centres were suspended for breaching the code governing the 2019 registration exercise.

    JAMB disclosed these in its weekly news bulletin obtained by The Nation on Monday in Abuja.

    JAMB’s Spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, also said the board was monitoring the activities of 10 more centres in Lagos and Plateau states, noting that appropriate action would be taken against them once investigation is concluded.

    The suspended centres include Mardakem Company Ltd., Methodist Boys High School, College Road, beside Maritime Academy, Oron, Akwa-Ibom state; Bintels Global Services LTD. (Centre for Computer Education), Fr. Joseph Memorial High Sch. Aguleri, Anambra State; Noble & Shuaib ICT Ltd, Girls Secondary School, Alor, Anambra State; and Global ICT Connect Ltd, Km 5, Gboko Rd, Opp College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi.

    Others are: DA Civic Centre, 79 Airport Road by Benoni Junction, Benin city, Edo State; University Of Benin International ICT Centre, Iyayi Computer Building, Benin City, Edo State; Medes ICT Centre, Govt. Technical College, Idepe, Okitipupa, Ondo State; Divine Success All CBT Centre, Km1, Along IseyinIbadan Express Way Iseyin, Oyo State; and Riyom ICT Centre, former Riyom Local Govt Secretariat, Riyom, Plateau State.

    According to him, the board, during a meeting with CBT operators in Lagos, had spelt out the cost for each service for the UTME, from the cost of obtaining the e-pins as reduced by the Federal Government to the cost of the reading texts and charges for registering candidates.

    He explained that before commencing the 2019 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) registration, the guidelines on the exercise was deliberated and laid out for all CBT operators to adhere to strictly.

    The JAMB spokesperson said: “Earlier, the Board reiterated the directive of the Federal Government for the 2019 e-pins to be sold at N3, 500 excluding the cost of the reading text, to ensure absolute compliance. The meeting had also resolved that the cost of registration should not exceed N700.

    “Candidates were also to be guided properly on the processes, if for any reasons such assistance is required, without collecting any dime from them.
    Unfortunately, findings from the Board’s monitoring exercise revealed that some centres were charging higher than the stipulated figure directed by the Federal Government and equally agreed on at the Lagos meeting for other charges.

    Read Also: JAMB registers over 300,000 candidates in one week

    “The Board finds this very disappointing and has therefore suspended such centres caught in this unholy act from the 2019 exercise.

    “The Board is monitoring closely and about 10 centres are under investigation in Lagos and Plateau. Management would meet on Monday 28th January 2019 to take appropriate action on these centres.

    “The Board will continue to monitor the on-going exercise, to ensure that Nigerians are not misled by unpatriotic operators. JAMB monitoring teams are spread all over the nation and whoever is caught, would be punished in accordance with the precedence being laid now.

    “All centre operators and selling outlets are advised to adhere to the Federal Government’s price of e-pins, cost of registration and not to sell any of the documents meant to be issued to candidates free.

    “As a regulator, the Board would continue to protect the candidates to ensure that they are not misled, cheated or frustrated in their quest to acquire tertiary education.”

  • New lease for Maritime Academy, Oron

    Officials of the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMoT) have paid an unscheduled visit to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State, to examine the facility put in place by its management and how it is repositioning the institution for greater

    The Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State, Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (rtd.), was reportedly surprised last week when officials of the Federal Ministry of Transportation paid an unscheduled visit to the institution to see the facilities put in place by the management and how it is remodelling the academy.

    Investigation revealed that the Rector got notice of the visit less than 24 hours to the arrival of the fact-finding team.

    The facility tour came at a time critics and mischief-makers were at the peak of their campaign of calummy against the Rector; misinforming the public on the repositioning of the academy, and smearing the institution’s image through various means of propaganda on media and social network platforms.

    The facility tour, therefore, was timely and necessary to authenticate matters and properly inform the government and the public, based on verifiable evidence.

    At the end of the four-hour tour, it was learnt that the evidence on ground was too strong and numerous to be contested for any reason, except the spurious.

    Right from the road leading to the academy and its main gate, the therapeutic ambience, cleanliness and serenity of the environment and the soothing breeze sweeping across the length and breadth of the academy were obvious enough to show that something new has been put in place.

    The tour also revealed that the transformation in the academy was beyond the well manicured grass and the painting of structures. It was that of infrastructural renaissance as seen in the renovation, refurbishing or remodelling of projects to meet expedient needs, completion of projects abandoned for decades, construction of new ones, and facelift that would create a conducive atmosphere for work and academic activities.

    The first port of call was the Administrative Block, which houses the Rector’s Office. Apart from giving the block a facelift, more office spaces have been created within the structure by reducing the over-bloated size of the old ones. In addition, a state-of–the-art Reception Office has been built by redesigning the frontage of the Administrative Block, which was once empty and served no specific purpose.

    According to the Rector, the facelift became necessary because it was inexplicable that an academy over 40 years old had no Reception Office; hence the newly-designed Reception will enhance proper documentation and security checks on visitors as well as give whoever mans the office a sense of responsibility, concentration and comfort to handle his or her duties. Again, with new offices created within the Administrative Block, workers would be freer and more dedicated to their responsibilities.

    Next was the Academy’s Auditorium. It would be recalled that this was one of the flashpoints during the National Assembly’s last visit, where it was observed that materials used for the building were sub-standard, the design primitive, and the job poorly executed, hence a call for remodelling of the gigantic project. Just as was recommended, work on the remodelling is commendable, with the replacement of the inferior tiles with quality ones, replacement of wooden ceiling with POP, and reinforcement of the windows and doors.

    According to Effedua, there are plans to properly landscape the undulating grounds around the auditorium and create a car park as soon as major renovations on it were completed.

    The tour also took the team to the Academic Block within which are four lecture theatres.  It was observed that the lecture theatres, which were once shadows of realities have been renovated to modern standard with the fixing of quality doors, tiling of the floor, provision of two exit doors and adequate ventilation through extension of the windows.

    The Rector assured that as soon as the renovation was completed, smart white boards and comfortable seats would be provided to create conducive learning environment for both the cadets and their lecturers.

    From The Nation’s interaction with some principal staff in the Works Department of the academy, it was gathered that the lecture theatres had been abandoned for years even when there were pressing need for them. The Academic Building has a relaxation room for cadets, which is undergoing renovation.

    Another project site visited was the ongoing twin state-of-the-art survival pool, where construction was ongoing. Giving a brief background and projections on the project, the Rector said the original concept was that of an Olympic size swimming pool. But again, like other projects, it was abandoned for decades, a situation that had deprived generations of cadets of one of the basic trainings they ought to have had before graduating.

    To meet this need, the Rector re-awarded the contract on the condition that two new pools of quality material and standard be created out of the former one, since the main aim is the training of cadets and other professionals who may need such services.

    The one-storey, formerly conceived to be the Rector’s Residence,  has also been affected by the wind of change. Because the Rector lives in a rented property outside the academy and considered the apartment to be too big for one individual, he decided to make some structural adjustments on the building to meet part of the academy’s staff accommodation needs.

    Following this, accommodation has been provided for 15 workers within the building. The next time you visit the academy and you hear of ‘’White House’’,  it is the new name given to the former Rector’s building out of appreciation and joy by the workers. Besides, construction of workers’accommodation projects is ongoing.

    Also visited was a completed one-storey building, which Effedua said serves as a model for what all classrooms will look like, with teaching aids and comfort, which will gradually phase off congestion and inconvenience. Already, work on the one-storey classroom, which was abandoned at foundation level years ago, has reached advanced stage, just two weeks after commencement of work.

    It was also observed that two abandoned structures have been renovated and converted into a security quarters and a mosque, while work on the church building is progressing.

    Another achievement of the Rector is his ability to recall to site or renegotiate with contractors who, for some reasons, abandoned projects contracted to them by the previous management. The Rector said he was able to achieve this because of his accountability, robust diplomacy and provable goodwill to members of the host communities.

    “Indeed, this intervention has saved us money and the usual rigours of initiating new contracts and related processes. As you can see, the contractors are happy and serious over their work and meeting deadlines. I do this because government’s investment in this academy must be judiciously used, protected and accounted for,’’ Commodore Effedua assured.

    The Rector’s blueprint for the over 33 abandoned projects, including the Staff Quarters scattered around the Phase Three section of the Academy’s land, holds great promise of relief, especially for workers. There are also four 200-capacity hostel blocks, which, according to the Rector, will soon be completed and a section of it will possibly be used as guest rooms as one of the sources for generating revenue internally from outsiders, who may come to the academy for short-term courses.

    To facilitate and ensure the cleanliness of the academy’s environment, the Rector has also purchased two brand new mower-propelled tractors, with the labour sourced locally as part of the academy’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and empowerment for the host communities. It was quite humbling to hear that, purchasing the tractors, the Rector had to reject money approved by the National Assembly for his official vehicle and requested that the money be used to buy the tractors.

    It is no exaggeration to say that, in addition to the new spirit of seriousness and compliance to rules among staff and cadets, the academy is a beehive of activities, particularly the renovation, remodelling and construction of new structures to meet pressing needs. The ingenuity and efforts put in to achieve all of these became even more obvious when pictures of the old structures were shown to the team. The Rector mentioned that the renovation and remodelling exercise are on phases since everything cannot be taken at once.

    He announced the abolition of charges for Advanced Short Mandatory Courses for cadets and advocated the abolition of tuition fees.

    It was noteworthy to see these positive changes in the academy since the Rector formally took over the management of the institution. His proactive approach and dedicated response to recommendations made to him by the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration and the Governing Council during their last inspection visit to the Academy this year are commendable. For sure, those who have not been to the Academy in the last eight months are bound to ask many questions if they do so today. This is Commodore Effedua’s typical style of telling his story.

    •Okpo is an Uyo-based journalist and public affairs commentator.

  • The legality of interim management committee of maritime academy of Nigeria, oron

    The legality of interim management committee of maritime academy of Nigeria, oron

    In all fairness and sense of patriotism, it can be said that one of the most committed, pragmatic and effective Committees in the House of Representatives is the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, ably headed by Hon. Mohammed Bago. This is especially in connection with the Committee’s genuine commitments in matters having to do with recurrent interests and the growth and development of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, which directly falls within its oversight function domains. For one thing, the conscious concerns perceptible in the periodic inspection visits to the Academy by the Committee are indicative of its genuine determination to sustain the vision and core mandate of the premier maritime training institution in the country, towards repositioning it as an active player in the competitive international space.

    However, revelations at the last inspection visit to the Academy by the Committee, which took place precisely on Wednesday 13th December, 2017 left room for some observations, arguments and independent and complementary elucidations. That is with specific attention to the legality or illegality of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) set up by the Federal Government to join hands with the new Rector, Comdr. Duja Effedua (Rtd) who is also a Member of the IMC, to develop modalities for the restructuring and repositioning of the Academy. As part of his remarks on the last inspection visit, Hon. Bago had with unilateral authority and semblance of infallibility informed the audience that the Interim Management Committee is illegal. To quote him with the conciseness, “There is nothing like Interim Management Committee as far as management of the Academy is concerned. It is illegal. It is not constitutional. The Rector has the capacity to drive the Academy”.

    If not for the overriding air of authority and justifications with which the Committee Chairman made his points, there was that temptation to dismiss Hon. Bago’s lopsided logic and see his position as largely opinionated and hypothetical. But in the interest of the gullible and poorly informed, there is the indispensable necessity for further explanations and enlightenment on the matter.

    The story of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, to say the least, is an interesting one; one that has since become a cocktail. This is because of how the many experiments for its development and sustenance have been cobbled over the years, calling for repeated calls for its restructuring, repositioning and holistic overhauling. On the whole, it is a recycled narrative on the endemic critical challenges facing the 40-year-old frontline maritime institution in the country. Therefore, on assumption of office as Minister of Transportation, having known, read about the dilemma of the Academy and been fully briefed and now having it within his statutory portfolio of responsibility, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi in his characteristic forthrightness was pro-active about finding a workable formula for sustainable solutions to issues in the Academy.

    Thus, at one of the solution-finding deliberations, Mr. Amaechi was quoted to have said: “The situation in MAN, Oron will need a technical committee, or a consultancy firm to evaluate what the situation is on ground, agree on what to do with money coming from NIMASA and affiliate agencies, and agree on what to do about the institution. We need to carry out a surgery of that institution. We don’t need God in this one. God has given the enablement; so what is left is to go and do the work”. The Minister, in subordinate collaboration with the Federal Government, then began consultations with relevant individuals, intuitions and international agencies. The ultimate outcome must have informed the constitution of the initial 7- man Ministerial Committee made up of tested technocrats and highly professional maritime experts, headed by High Chief Adebayo Sarumi. The Committee’s mandate was to critically assess the situation in the Academy and report back to the Federal Government. The Committee which started its work on Wednesday, 25th January, 2017 with a facility tour of MAN and interface with stakeholders was given one month to submit its report.

    The Ministerial Committee subsequently submitted its report to the Minister of Transportation who in turn forwarded same to the Presidency. Consequently, having gotten approval from the federal government, members of the Ministerial Committee were asked to maintain the status quo and were automatically inaugurated into the incumbent Interim Management Committee on Wednesday, 6th September, 2017 by the Honourable Minister of Transportation on behalf of the President.

    The following facts therefore must be made clear: First and foremost, the Interim Management Committee, as the nomenclature appositely suggests, is a tentative or stop-gap mechanism with a life span of 6 months that will expire in February, 2017. The mandate given the Committee was definite: to set up modalities towards restructuring and repositioning the Academy. What then would make the Committee illegal? Just as the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Assembly has the right to set up Committees and sub-committees, does the Minister of Transportation not have such domiciliary rights? Of course, within the short time of its stay, the Interim Management Committee has recorded great strides that point to a greater future and justify its neccesity. The syllabus has been reviewed, courses and departments and staff schedule restructured to drive productivity and effectiveness, and there is a general feeling of improved discipline culture and orientation amongst Cadets and staff expected of a regimented institution. Of note too are the robust discussions with appropriate national and multinational agencies on how best to improve Cadets’ training. Such organizations include NLNG, Master Mariners and IMO.

    All the Interim Management Committee needs now is support and cooperation to deliver on its mandate, not criticism so far as their days are numbered. Additionally, for the fact that Comdr. Duja Emmanuel Effedua (Rtd.) was appointed on account of his unblemished and diligent record of dedicated public service, backed up with his pro-marine military background, there can be no doubts that he is a round peg is in a round hole. The frank words of appreciation and commendation on the Rector by the House Committee on its last visit to the Academy also means a vote of confidence on the Interim Management Committee that has been working hand-in-hand with the Rector. This means better times await Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron as it launches into the global stage. The driving interest of this piece is to guide the public.

     

    • Edet Okpo is an Uyo-based journalist and Public Affairs Analyst
  • FG promotes 378 staff in Maritime Academy

    FG promotes 378 staff in Maritime Academy

    The Federal Government has approved the promotion of 378 Staff of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.

    The promotion was contained in a statement Wednesday signed by the head, Corporate Affairs of MAN, Mr. Siddi Mkpandiok.

    He explained that the promotion was the result of the Junior, Senior and Management Staff interviews which took place in the main campus of the Academy late last year.

    According to Mkpandiok, out of the total number of staff promoted, 157 are junior staff, while the senior and management staff drawn from both the Academic and Administration arms is 221.

    Among them are three Chief Lecturers: Maurice Ijeoma, Innocent Ezeala, Dr. John Adeyanju; four Directors: Siddi Mkpandiok, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Essien, Personnel Affairs, Mr. Sunday Udoh, Finance and Account; Mr. Okon Okon, Finance and Account.

    Four others got promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief Lecturer and they include; Mrs. Atim Ikara, Mr. Ekwere William, Mr. Olaoluwa Omotosho, Mrs. Angela Udofe and an Assistant Chief Librarian, Mr. Effiong Okon.

    Two Staff each were also promoted to the rank of Deputy Registrar and Deputy Director.  They are: Mr. Peter Netson and Mr. Ishiola Yusuf, and Mrs. Theresa Anya and Babawale Ogunsola respectively.

    He said: “When the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi directed the Permanent Secretary in charge of the Ministry, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari and four Directors in the Ministry to personally supervise the interview which held in December last year was comprehensible apprehension on the part of staff, being the first time, in the life of the Academy, that the Ministry was directly physically supervising promotion interview in the institution.

    “Today, the staff are happier for reasons of greater authenticity, work satisfaction and rewarding motivation,  and remain grateful to the Honourable Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and all the Directors and Staffers of the Ministry who worked tirelessly to ensure this success of the exercise.”

     

  • NUPENG inaugurates units in Oron, Ibeno

    The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has inaugurated her Marine Equipment and Oil Suppliers (MEOS) branch units in Oron and Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State.

    Prince Thomas is the chairman while Mr. Stephen Okparaeke is secretary respectively for Oron unit while Ibok Victor and Victor Edikpo  emerged Chairman and Secretary for Ibeno unit.

    In his welcome address, the MEOS Branch National Chairman, Best Ose, who established the Marine Equipment and Oil Suppliers (MEOS) Branch of NUPENG, said MEOS was created to harmonise operations for NUPENG members in the Marine sector so as to watch against pipeline vandalism, unholy theft of petroleum product, piracy, oil spillage and other illegalities in the territorial waters.

    He stressed the need for members to abide by the tenets of NUPENG byelaws and constitutional provision in order to fully benefit from the ingredients available in the union.

    Also speaking, the Senior Assistant Secretary, NUPENG, Lawrence Alagbara educated the newly inaugurated units on the workings of NUPENG stressing that, of the six branches of NUPENG, MEOS has the most fortunate prospect for survival.

    He explained that travelling around the world and frequent trainings were among the huge benefits of belonging to NUPENG.

  • Akwa Ibom group seeks more money for Maritime Academy, Oron

    The National Assembly has been urged to enhance funding opportunities for the nation’s premiermaritime  training institution, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) by passing a Bill seeking the increase current five per cent funding from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to 15 per cent.

    The request was made in Abuja on Wednesday by a group, the Civil Societies of Nigeria (CSN), Akwa-Ibom chapter. The group, while lamenting the inability of the institution to meet its responsibilities, blamed the development on paucity of funds and neglect by past administrations.

    The group, led by Richard Wilson, hailed the current management of the institution led by Dr. Joshua Okpo, which it said has improved on the standard of the school. It called for the retention of Okpo as the school’s Rector in view of his achievement so far.

    CSN faulted the planned conversion of the institution located in Oron, Akwa  Ibom State to a conventional university, arguing  that such a decision will rob Nigerians the privilege of the institution established to train marine engineers  and seafarers.

    The group described as mere political move the reported announcement by the immediate governor of the state, Goodwill Akpabio that the Goodluck Jonathan government had approved the school’s conversion.

    “When did the federal government empower former governor Godswil Akpabio to overtly announce the conversion of a highly technical institution such as MAN Oron into a university without strict adherence to due process?

    “The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Convention, which Nigeria is a member state, makes it mandatory for Certificate of Competency (CoC), issued by the institution, to be acceptable beyond the shores of Nigeria, while degrees can only assist the holder in other aspects of maritime education and training.”

  • President promises to review status of Oron maritime academy

    President promises to review status of Oron maritime academy

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said his government would review the status of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, in Akwa Ibom State.

    Jonathan, who spoke during his campaign rally at the Akwa Ibom International stadium in Uyo, also assured indigenes of Akwa Ibom State that the Ibaka deep seaport would be a reality.

    The President explained that so far, the Federal Government has rehabilitated 20,000 kilometers of roads out of the 30, 000 kilometres of roads that were not motorable in the country.

    He said: “Your governor has tabled four things, the Maritime Academy in Oron. He feels that we should review the status of that institution. I promise you that we will review the status of the institution. The governor has also mentioned the Ibaka deep sea port. The Ibaka deep sea port must be a reality.

    “The governor has also mentioned the issue of the rail lines and of course Aba-Calabar road. When we came on board only about 5, 000kilometers of road out of the 35, 000 kilometers of federal road are motorable.

    “30, 000 kilometers of federal roads are not motorable. We have rehabilitated 20, 000 kilometers of the road within four years. The remaining 10, 000 kilometers, including this road that the governor mentioned, is among the 10, 000 kilometers. It is a small fraction.

    Jonathan, who admitted that he has not done enough to deserve the overwhelming support he is getting from Akwa Ibom state, said: “I cannot come to Akwa Ibom State to campaign. The support you have given to me, I don’t think I have in terms of doing something for Akwa Ibom State, I have done nothing compared to the support you have given to me.

    “What I will tell you is to continue with the support. We will focus on major things and definitely Akwa Ibom state will be happy that they have supported us. We will not take your support for granted. We will surely make every Akwa Ibom sons and daughters are happy with the government.

    In his speech, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, assured President Jonathan of 1.6 milion votes in the February 14 presidential election.

    In attendance at the rally were Governors of Cross River, Liyel Imoke; Delta State, Emmanule Uduaghan and Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson.

  • Who will hear the cry of Oron traders?

    Their market remains closed. Now, the road has become outlet to display their wares, mainly fishes and crayfish. This is the fate of the Assang Crayfish Market in Oron, Akwa Ibom State. They blamed the Navy for their woes.

    The market is just by the Oron beach and it is the economic nerve centre of Oro nation. It also surrounded by the office of the National Commission for Museum and Monuments. Crisis is brewing between the traders and the security operatives following the closure of the crayfish market.

    Not only the market was affected, even those in the business of water transport are currently counting their losses as their boats are not allowed to berth at the Oron beach.

    According to the Family Head of Idua Assang in Oron, where the Beach Market is located, Obong Edet Ekpong,  the occupation of Oron waters by the Navy began on September 9,  after a Navy official travelling from Oron to Calabar by boat was attacked and probably killed by sea pirates.

    Ekpong said: “I was in my house that morning when we learnt that the pirates attacked the boat conveying the naval official and took him away. I don’t know if he was killed but the driver of the boat jumped into water and escaped. Since then, we have not known peace.”

    The chief explained that after the attack on the boat conveying the Naval officer, Navy official arrived at the market shooting sporadically into the air while stopping all forms of business in the market and at the beach.

    He added: “We cannot be made to suffer for the failure of the security agencies and government of the day. This beach is the only source of livelihood of our people. So, we challenge the Navy to go and arrest the pirates and allow us do our business in peace. When our people were killed nobody did anything about it.”

    The traders claimed that after the closure of the market, they lodged complaint with the local government chairman Omar Esin but he has failed to come to the rescue of the traders by looking into the matter.

    “For instance during last week market, some of our people displayed their fish, crayfish and other items on the road, but we were not fortunate to conclude the business peacefully as rain came to destroy the goods. Those of us who have frozen food lost everything completely; so this is very sad and we want government at all levels to intervene so that we can continue our business.” The traders lamented.

    The traders urged government not to neglect the pirates attack because in their view the pirates are stealing so much money and could use that to acquire guns to attack the country.

    One of the traders said: “Don’t forget that not too long ago the pirates attacked the Police Marine Headquarters in Oron, carts away all the weapons and up till date no single ammunition has been recovered. This was how Boko Haram started and it was neglected. If this pirates who are cultists continue like this they may have so much money to buy weapons, train more cultists and become a threat to security in Nigeria.”

    When contacted, the Commander of the NNS-Jubilee, Commodore Joel Ogazi, declined to comment on the development, but directed our correspondent to visit him in the office.

    He said: “If you want to ask me anything about Oron. Please, come to my office.”

    One of the traders, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, condemned the Navy for the untold hardship.

    A source alleged that: “Initially, some people who claimed to be Navy personnel agents asked us to pay between N1, 000 and N500 because they had orders to give the Navy personnel N200, 000 if they would allow us to do business there. We paid the money and we were allowed to stay last week but this week they stopped us again.”

    The traders’ prayer is simply: allow us use the market withour fear or favour. It is not too much to ask.

  • Why Ibibio should support Oron for governor

    Why Ibibio should support Oron for governor

     Michael Onofiok, a maritime expert, is one of the governorship aspirants in Akwa Ibom State. He spoke with Kazeem Ibrahym.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned the governorship ticket to Eket Senatorial District. As a governorship aspirant from Oron, are you satisfied with such arrangement?

    I am partly satisfied with the arrangement. At the initial stage, there were insinuations making rounds in the state that there was not going to be any kind of zoning at all. That was against the original arrangement of tripod. The power sharing formula between the major ethnic groups in the state, that is the Ibibios, Annangs and Orons.

    The Ibibios have had the first share in the formula. They have been there from the time of late Obong Akpan Isemin to Obong Victor Attah’s period. They spent almost 12 years in the Government House. The Annangs are there now represented by Chief Godswill Akpabio whose second tenure is running up by 2015. 2015 is supposed to be the Oron’s turn, which is the third leg of the tripod but from nowhere we started hearing politics of Senatorial District and no more an ethnicity. We were very uncomfortable with that. We had to battle that with the party and the governor himself. So I am glad that at least the party has made that first pronouncement that the governorship has now been zoned to Eket Senatorial District. We still expect them to say more. The party and the governor still have to say more. That apart from the power shifting to Eket Senatorial District, it has to be Oron Nation. That was exactly what Ex-Governor Victor Attah did. He made that pronouncement that power was going to shift from Uyo to Ikot Ekpene with particular reference to Annang speaking group because he knows that there are still Ibibio of Ini and Ikono of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. So we expect the party to go further in their pronouncement and declare that Oron has the right to produce the next governor after the expiration of the tenure of Governor Godswill Akpabio.

    What is the way forward for Oron now that emphasis is placed on politics of senatorial district instead of tripod arrangement?

    It will be a disservice to the people if the government now feels it should abandon the tripod agreement that has given us relative peace in the state. I am just a governorship aspirant, I wasn’t there when our forebears drew the agreement on the tripod arrangement. People like Dr. Etim Uye, former Ambassador was part of the meeting. Someone like Chief Don Etiebet was also in the meeting. Former Governor Attah is much aware of this arrangement and even the late Obong Akpan Isemin, a former governor from Ibibio stock was privy to this arrangement. If there is any derailment from that arrangement then that will be of disservice to the people. I will be grateful to see the Ibibios mobilising support for Oron and declaring that Oron had the right to produce the next governor for Akwa Ibom State. With that, the Ibibios would have for once reciprocated the gesture often done to them by the Oron people since senatorial districts were created as purely administrative areas.

    Are you comfortable with the aspiration of some Uyo politicians that have also indicated interest in the 2015 governorship?

    I am not comfortable with that because Uyo Senatorial District has ruled the state for almost 12 years from late Obong Akpan Isemin’s time to the end of Governor Victor Attah. I have heard series of messages going round the state and I have also read from some Ibibio people saying that Governor Akpabio should make pronouncement that he will be handing over to an Oron person that if the Governor is bold enough to do this, then the Ibibio race will withdraw from the contest and also look for who to support from Oron. But what I am not comfortable with is the Ibibio also indicating interest to run for the same governorship and giving the governor a condition as well. If you give a governor a condition that until he makes further pronouncement that governorship is going to Oron and not Eket senatorial district, then I think we can go and have peace but not also contesting inside the election and also giving the same condition. So, I expect the Ibibio to lay down their ambition and also give support to the Oron people. Apart from waiting for the governor’s pronouncement, the Ibibio should also pronounce that Oron is the third leg of the tripod and Oron is due for the governorship. Oron has supported an Ibibio man for office of the governorship. Oron has supported an Annang man to the office of the governor ; so, I think it is expedient to also give an Oron man an opportunity to be governor. Then the governor will be helpless and he will see the reason to also shift his support to Oron. But when the Ibibio are looking for governorship and compelling the governor to make that pronouncement, it is not right. If the Ibibio accept to do that it is a war 90 per cent won because what that means is that we have now won the support of Uyo Senatorial District and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district cannot have a problem with this arrangement. They are 100 per cent in support of Oron emerging the next governor after Governor Godswill Akpabio. So, if they go on to make this pronouncement, then other people will be weakened and they will see no other reason than to support an Oron person.

    What kind of PDP primaries do you expect in Akwa Ibom State going by the claim of some people that the governor is trying to impose his SSG on the people?

    There will be no primaries on the basis of imposition of aspirant. When you impose a candidate on the people, especially at this time where the government is supposed to be doing stock taking and try as much as possible to re-align itself to the wishes of the people. When you impose a candidate on the people, they will see it as a challenge. That is not expected of a leader which I am sure that is not what our dear governor is out to do. He may have one to three people that he could wish to give his support. He has to present this man to the people of Akwa Ibom State. All we have been hearing is rumours that Governor Akpabio is in support of Emmanuel Udom. If the reason for sacking former SSG Umana Umana was that he already campaigning while in office for the governorship, then what is Udom doing now? Udom is also campaigning. His flyers and posters are everywhere in the state. He is also holding meetings everywhere much more than what former SSG Umana did. I am very sure why Umana was removed from office may have been on something that transcends what we know. The question of imposition to me is still a mirage because that is not realistic at all. If you are talking about going into a primaries with a candidate that has already been imposed on the people, the people have the right to reject such candidate and we want proper things to be done.

    As we move towards the PDP primaries, what role do you expect of Governor Godswill Akpabio?

    The governor should play a fatherly role because he is disengaging from the government. I think the only legacy he holds the people is giving us that memory of him that we would sit down here and say we have missed our dear governor that if he were around he would have done this and that for us. We want to him to disengage with respect and go home with total respect from the people of Akwa Ibom State. He should play a fatherly role and give us a level playing field. The governorship should be zoned to the area that is due for it and that is Oron. No matter how many people that indicate interest in that area to run for the governorship if none is willing to step down for the others let them go to the field. Be fair and be impeccable in your decision and let us see what comes out of this but all we want is for him to give us long lasting legacy.

     

    Oron seeks Akwa Ibom’s top job

    Uyoatta Eshiet

    The Oron Nation comprises five local government areas in Akwa Ibom State. The Oro Nation is appealing to other ethnic groups in the state to support it in its bid to produce the next governor of the state. During The people spoke at the first Oron Nation’s Thanksgiving Day and lecture in Lagos.

    The event took place at the Oron House located on Hamidu Williams Street, Okota, Isolo, Lagos mainland. The first part was an interdenominational thanksgiving service. The second part was a soul-searching lecture on why Oron Nation has remained backward despite its huge contributions to Akwa Ibom State and the national economy through her oil and gas resources.

    The lecture titled: “The Politics of Land and Sea in Nigeria; Redefining Political and Economic Engagement in Oron Nation”, was delivered by Rev Fr. Donatus Pius Ukpong of the Department of Religious and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    Ministering at the thanksgiving part of the event was: Archbishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Calabar, Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem, Vice Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State, Ven. Antai and Rev Fr. Ukpong.

    In the Homily by Bishop Ekuwem titled: “Oro, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, he quoted from the book of Psalms 137, Romans 9: 1-5 and Luke 17. He emphasized the need for thanksgiving as a means of appreciating God for His goodness and getting Him to do more.

    He told the Oron people that though God has the power to do anything, He would not do everything because He has given man the intellect and every other thing needed to use to excel.

    He said: “With a friend in Jesus, one can achieve the unachievable, urging them to team up within themselves and with others to achieve their desires. After 89 years, the Oron Nation has come of age; God has blessed them with intellect, they must stand up for what they want as no one will give them their due if they don’t demand for it”, the cleric said.

    He urged the Lagos branch of the union to ensure the larger Oron Nation imbibes the spirit of giving thanks to God.

    Ven. Antai said though the thanksgiving was belated, it was better late than never. He said it was thanksgiving that caused Jesus to make whole one leper out of 10 who were cleansed because she returned to give thanks.

    Rev Fr. Ukpong, in his paper, faulted the “political anger” in the Akwa Ibom project as satirised by Governor Godswill Akpabio. He says it lacks natural justice and frustrates the divine blessedness of some people in the state.

    Rev. Ukpong insisted that the starting point of a true Akwa Ibom Project is the elimination of the structures of sin, correction of perennial injustice and the up-turning of economic and political structures that are not rooted in justice. These structures are responsible for poverty in the midst of wealth and enslavement of kings and queens in their palaces, he said.

    The real and true Akwa Ibom Project should be driven by real anger for equity and justice, without which there can be no real development and economic transformation, he added.

    He said: “The real argument in Nigeria today should be resource contribution to the sharing pool not just on land mass or population as some would want us to believe either in Akwa Ibom or Nigeria. The Oro Nation has contributed the largest share to the sharing pool in Akwa Ibom State to produce the next Governor of the state in the interest of justice and equity.”

    As the Nation moves towards another election period, Rev. Ukpong warned political gladiators to bear in mind that democracy has its standard and core values, which are not optional in any country. He listed some of them to include respect for human life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, the common good, justice, equity, respect for diversity and truth.

    The paper recommended that Oro sons and daughters should train and equip themselves for serious political engagement in Nigeria to give them a voice in the politics of land and seas in the country.

    The people were urged to embrace politics of equity and inclusiveness in 2015 and beyond. The paper presenter urged the Oron people to endeavor to establish urgently what he called “Oro Business Consortium” with seed money from the five local governments in the Oro nation and strive to revamp the Ebughu Fishing Company for the use of the Oro people.

    On the abandoned Ibaka Deep Seaport, Rev Fr Ukpong challenged all Oro sons and daughters to pursue it relentlessly, politically and otherwise. “The project is perennially ignored because there is no Oro person at the helm of affairs in the state as a governor,” he said.

    He urged them to take advantage of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron and train themselves on sea-related businesses.

    The people were challenged to give necessary support to political appointees of Oron extraction either at the state or federal level. Since the future of any person is education dependent, Ukpong said individuals and groups should engage themselves extensively in educational advancement.

    The lead discussant and former Managing Director, Niger Dock, Nkpubre Nkpubre, demanded justice from Akwa Ibom State government on the issue of 13 per cent oil money derivation.

    “75 percent of the oil derived from Akwa Ibom State is from the five local government areas of the Oro Nation. Equity demands that the state government should give a reasonable percent of the derivation received to the oil bearing local government areas instead of what is obtained today,” Nkpubre said.

    Another panel discussant, Chief Abasi-Etim Edet, urged the Oron people to take their destiny in their hands, unite and demand the governorship of the state next year.

    The people called on the Akwa Ibom State government to declare May 23 of every year as a public holiday in the Oro Nation.

    The President of the Lagos branch of the Union, Mr Maurice Ukpong, said on May 23, 1925, their founding fathers, Chief Okon E.O. Isong, Chief Awana Esin and Chief Ekpu Edubio Odoro led others in the first meeting that gave birth to the present Oro Nation. The ideals of the founding fathers laid the foundation for the educational foundation of the people, which offered scholarships to indigent but bright children of Oro Nation to study abroad, Maurice said.

  • Akpabio underdeveloped Oron, says ex-commissioner

    Akpabio underdeveloped Oron, says ex-commissioner

    Ita Awak, an Oron man, is a trained aircraft engineer and a former Information Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State under former Governor Victor Attah. He spoke with reporters on the politics of succession and the  alleged marginalisation of Oron Nation in Akwa Ibom State. Kazeem Ibrahym was there. 

    Considering the massive cash inflow into Akwa Ibom State, how would you assess the performance of the state government so far?

    You may not believe it, but I tell you that there is massive hunger in Akwa Ibom State. Like everybody knows, the annual revenue profile of Akwa Ibom State equals that of Lagos State. As a matter of fact, from 2007 till date, it will be interesting to know that Akwa Ibom State is one of the states that have grossed up to or about 2 trillion naira. Such vast volume of money has never entered this state since the creation of this state in 1987. It may also interest you further that what Akwa Ibom State grosses annually from the Federation Account equals the total amount of money that accrues to all the Igbo-speaking states of the Southeastern zone. It does appear also that it is equal to the total amount of money received by all the Hausa-Fulani North eastern states put together. As a matter of fact, in this year’s budget, what we have is about N500 billion, which is about four times the total amount of money that Cross River State is budgeting for this year. So,what are we trying to say? In terms of the revenue we have received compared to our recorded development, there is a wide gap. As it is, Akwa Ibom State is known to be one of the richest states in the country, but the vast majority of the people of Akwa State are pauperised, the economic class in Akwa Ibom State has been reduced to executive beggars. It is a tragedy, a supreme tragedy that we can have this huge amount of money, yet it is not reflected in an improved standard of living of Akwa Ibom people. It will be interesting to know what the current poverty index of Akwa Ibom State is, but I know for sure that there is hunger in this state. Very, very saddening, indeed. Thank you very much.

    But the Governor keeps talking of “Uncommon Transformation” of Akwa Ibom State. How then do you justify this statement with what you have just said?

    In all fairness to my good friend, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Godswill Obot Akpabio, he has, to all intents and purposes, recorded some measurable structural development within the Uyo metropolis. Please note that Uyo metropolis only constitutes just one local government of the nine Local Governments that make up Uyo Senatorial District. This hyperbolised claim about uncommon transformation can also be seen in a section of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District where my dear governor hails from. That is where you see this so-called uncommon transformation. Have you taken a ride through Eket Senatorial District? It may interest you to know that the petrodollar that drives the economy of Akwa Ibom State all comes from Eket Senatorial District. When you get into Eket Senatorial District, what accosts your sight is the glaring and soulful evidence of uncommon neglect. Then, when you now go to the Oron Nation, where I come from, you will see stark reality of criminal marginalisation of both the natives and the communities. Further, when you get into the 31 LGAs of Akwa Ibom State, all you see is evidence of neglect, plunder and uncommon roguery. That is what is going on in Akwa Ibom State.

    Akwa Ibom State is getting prepared to elect a successor to Governor Godswill Akpabio. The most current situation is that the Executive Council of Akwa Ibom State has recently nominated three persons…

    (interjects)…Is it the duty of the Executive Council of Akwa Ibom State to tell Akwa Ibom people whom to vote for? When has it become the function of the Executive Council of any state in this country to decide those that are to go for election? For me, this is the height of absurdity. This is very absurd and unfortunate. The business of the state executive council of any rational honest government is to articulate, execute, and evaluate government policies in such a way and manner that the greater majority of the people of that state benefits from the activities of government. When we were privileged to serve in the executive council of this state, it was not our business to deliberate or even go to the absurd level of shortlisting those who were to contest as Governor Attah’s successor. It was chiefly our business to struggle for resource control and join our Governor Obong Victor Attah in articulating such enduring developmental projects such as the Akwa Ibom International Airport, the Ibom Independent Power Plant, Ibaka Deep Sea Port, and the Science and Industrial Incubation Center.

    So, what then do you propose for the Oron people? Or do you have a particular Oro man you are supporting for this 2015 Governorship race?

    In Akwa Ibom State, the Ibibios constitute 65 per cent of the population and they have 14 LGAs spread across the three Senatorial Districts and they are predominantly in Uyo Senatorial District of 9 LGAs. For the Oron man to become governor of this state, the Ibibios must bless that venture, they must support it. Without their support, we cannot unilaterally make ourselves governor of this state. Now, because of the current style of Government, the Ibibios feel alienated. Right now, we have a big crisis on our hands. All the ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom State are at daggers drawn with each other.

    I think, and nothing has made me to doubt the uncomfortable feeling that I am having, that it is the determined intention of Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio to amputate the Oron ethnic group as the third leg of the tripod. His decision to completely isolate and exclude the Oro natives from his government is a part of that ploy to incapacitate us and render us totally irrelevant in the political arithmetic of Akwa Ibom State.

    Is Oron really underdeveloped?

    I have said so. The underdevelopment of Oron is the handiwork of the governor. Remember, he said that Oron did not support him. Second, our governor has seen the need to use state funds to dualise federal roads in his own senatorial district; and he gives no regard at all to the state of complete disrepair of the federal roads in Oron Federal Constituency.