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Tag: Udom

  • Obasanjo, Abiodun, Amosun, Udom, clerics honour Achudume’s daughter at wedding

    Obasanjo, Abiodun, Amosun, Udom, clerics honour Achudume’s daughter at wedding

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged newlyweds to build marriages rooted in love, unity, and shared purposes, stressing that strong families are vital to national development.

    He made the call in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Saturday at the wedding of Israel Aduragbemi Lawal and Oluwatobiloba Chidinma Achudume, daughter of the Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume.

    Governor Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and the Chief of Staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, commended the families of the couple, and expressed optimism that their union would flourish.

    He urged them to embrace the counsel offered during the ceremony to build a lasting home.

    The colourful event drew prominent political and religious figures from across the country. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was represented by his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo; former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr. Udom Emmanuel, also attended, as did former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who sent a representative. Others included Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello; Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs Hon. Adijat Adeleye, and a representative of the Plateau State Governor, Hon. Caleb.

    Read Also: EFCC seizes Malami’s passport, demands account for $400m Abacha loot

    In his sermon, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, Presiding Bishop of Victory International, Ibadan, Oyo State, charged couples to make joint prayer the anchor of their marriage.

    “When two hearts pray together, they align with each other and with God. This builds a home that can withstand life’s storms and contribute to nation building,” he said.

    He encouraged couples to cultivate habits of doing things together—eating, sleeping, playing, serving God, communicating, and raising their children—warning that many homes suffer when partners begin to live in silos.

    Apostle Achudume, father of the bride, expressed joy and confidence in his daughter’s readiness for marriage.

    “I have watched her grow in the faith, and I am convinced that the foundation laid in Christ will guide her as a wife and mother,” he said.

    Speaking about his new son-in-law, he added, “Before Israel came, God had already confirmed it to us. He is jovial and free-spirited—just like me.”

    The groom, Israel Lawal, recounted their journey from friendship to marriage.

    “I didn’t see this coming, but today she is my wife. She is intelligent, accommodating, beautiful, and spiritual—a true Proverbs 31 woman. I am blessed,” he said.

    A host of distinguished clergy graced the ceremony, including Bishops Oludaisi Adekunle, Reuben Oke, Tom Samson, Felix Adejumo, Olubunmi Banwo, and Rt. Rev. Dr. F. I. Omobude, who was represented by his wife.

  • Former gov Udom bags 2024 man of the year leadership award

    Former gov Udom bags 2024 man of the year leadership award

    Former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has been described as “a visionary leader whose impactful career has made a lasting difference in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria.” Known for his governance approach that prioritized peace and security, he fostered a favorable environment for business and tourism.

    These praises were echoed by the organizers of the Igbere 2024 Leadership Excellence Awards, who awarded Mr. Emmanuel the title of Overall Man of the Year at a vibrant event held at the Nigerian Air Force Base Banquet Hall in Abuja over the weekend.

    The awards ceremony recognized other notable figures, including former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, who received a Lifetime Achievement in Public Service award, and Senator Uche Ekwunife, named Women Leader of the Year. Dame Adaora Umeoji, GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank, was honored as Woman of the Year.

    Additional awards went to Akwa Ibom lawmaker Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong Udo as House of Representatives Member of the Year and Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, SSA to the President on the School Feeding Programme, who was named Social Welfare Icon of the Year. 

    Lifetime achievement awards in journalism and entertainment were presented to veteran broadcaster Cyril Stober and renowned actress Patience Ozokwor, respectively.

    The former Akwa Ibom governor, who was represented by House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon, was also commended for his continued “focus on expanding the state’s industrial and economic base, making Akwa Ibom a model for sustainable development.  

    Receiving the award on behalf of Mr Emmanuel, from Senator Uche Ekwunife, Hon Ime Okon, thanked the organizers for the award, emphasising that whether in public or private practice, Mr Emmanuel remains committed to continually contributing immensely to the development of the Country. 

    Hon. Okon who was flanked by former National PDP Publicity Secretary, Kola Olagbondiyan, an Economic  Development Consultant Dr Victor Adoji, former media aides of the former governor, Dr. Essien Ndueso and Engr. Solomon Eyo, and Otuekong Franklin Isong, a Civil Rights Activist, said: “Our leader did very well during his tour of duty in Akwa Ibom and is still doing well and I’m sure this award will spur him to even greater heights.

    Keynote speaker on the occasion and former Governor of Ogun state, Chief Olusegun Osogba, represented by the senior special assistant to the president on media, Tunde Rahman, commended the efforts of the organizers in recognizing the achievements of the awardees and congratulated the awards winners. 

    He urged others to exhibit tenacity and patriotism in their dealings, in order the stand out and also be celebrated. 

    Earlier, the publisher of Igbere TV, Emeh James Anyalekwa, said the award ceremony is the 6th in the series and “seeks to recognise outstanding individuals and celebrate the spirit of leadership that drives positive change, inspires hope and bills bridges in our communities and beyond.

    “The leadership excellence awards was founded with a profound vision, to shine a light on leaders who embody integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to service”, Mr Emeh said.

    Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, represented by the wife, Judith, Senator Ekwunife and other awardees also thanked Nigerians for support to them in public service.

  • Group plans honour for ex-Governor Udom

    Group plans honour for ex-Governor Udom

    G35, a group of professionals in Akwa Ibom, is planning to honour the immediate past Governor Udom Emmanuel for what it called his many achievements while in office.

    Accordingly, the group is instituting a maiden lecture in September to celebrate the former Governor as well as launch a magazine to espouse his landmark infrastructural accomplishments in the eight years of his administration.

    Leader of the G53, Mr. James Akpan, who disclosed this in a statement issued to the Nation on Friday, explained that professionals in the state cannot afford to ignore the enormous contributions of leaders in the state.

    Akpan stated that ex-Governor Emmanuel recorded numerous achievements in the areas of infrastructure, human capital empowerment, especially in the aviation sector as exemplified in the birth of Ibom Air.

    He said, “It is very important that a man who has done excellently well on human capital empowerment, infrastructural development, securing the lives of the state for 8 years must be celebrated after leaving office. 

    “Udom Emmanuel’s achievements have endeared him to the people. He created strategies for the state to be among the top development states in the country and beyond.

    Read Also: Tributes as Makinde, Ayedatiwa, Oyedepo, Udom join Bishop Wale Oke to lay mum to rest

    “He started Ibom Air that has become a strong brand today, transited very peacefully to another without violence as was recorded In many places.

    “Udom built institutions, people, and upheld the values of our the state into enviable heights. We cannot continue to ignore our leaders when they leave their office. The practice must stop because it would encourage incoming leaders to do more for us. W are breaking the record.

    “We are not hosting the former governor and also instituting Udom Emmanuel’s first annual lecture on sustainable leaders with the launching of a magazine of his achievements in 8 years”.

    Akpan said that the annual lecture will be sponsored by the G35 as a way  setting the pace to promote good leadership in Akwa Ibom state and beyond.

    “We are committed to promoting leadership in the state and beyond. Our people’s achievements around the world must be celebrated. The programme is slated for September 2024 , everything is ready and cultural and carnivals will be displayed.

    “We will showcase the Akwa Ibom spirit of love unity and togetherness because udom Emmanuel’s is a unifier. His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno will be invited as the special guest of Honour as we are ready to celebrate the great son of Akwa Ibom who did us proud”,  the statement added.

  • Udom to Nigerians: Don’t lose hope

    Udom to Nigerians: Don’t lose hope

    Former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has called on Nigerians not to lose hope inspite of the ongoing economic challenges.

    Emmanuel, who gave this counsel as the guest lecturer at the Fifth Convocation Ceremony of the Mountain Top University, Prayer City, Ogun State, said Nigerians must challenge their minds to rise above the myriads of challenges facing the world today.

    According to him, “the world we are living in today is characterized by very high pace and scale of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.

    “It is important to note that no nation is immune from the challenges of this present day.

    “Many are losing hope because of the enormity of the unresolved issues being faced on daily basis. Many are filled with fear at the uncertainty of what the future holds.

    “But hope is the one attribute we must never lose,” Emmanuel advised.

    The immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, charged students  to take time out to have a vision for their lives, insisting that one must have a mental picture of what future he wants to create. 

    Speaking on the topic, optimizing your potentials in a challenging future, Emmanuel said,  “you can hold onto a vision of what is yet to come, you can boost your chances at achieving your dreams and being successful.”

    He recounted how he conceptualized the idea of a state-owned airline for Akwa Ibom State,

    even before assumption of office in 2015. 

    In addition to the Ibom airline which is presently considered one of the best in Africa, he recounted how he also followed his vision of transforming Akwa Ibom into a financial, economic and technological hub. 

    Highlighting that no one can progress beyond his mindset, Emmanuel urged people to embrace a growth mindset, “accept that all you know about any particular subject matter is not all that exists and be open to engage with and accept superior information.

    “Your life will ultimately be a representation of your belief system, your philosophies and your ideology. No one can make progress beyond his mindset.”

    He cautioned the youths against mediocrity,

    explaining that being of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance will take no one far. 

    “Become a person known for excellence. The challenge of gender, racial, ethnic or whatever biases only count at the average quality level, when you become excellent at whatever you do, these biases become absolutely irrelevant.

    “Excellence puts you above all biases. Be so good at what you do that you become almost indispensable”, Emmanuel said. 

    Meanwhile, the Management of varsity described Emmanuel as a highly respected statesman, who does not play a ‘do or die’ politics. 

    In his citation read by the University orator, Dr Chinyere Mbaka , the University lauded Emmanuel on his leadership style of not interfering with the affairs of his State, since exiting office in May 2023. 

    “He has kept his promise to the people in Akwa Ibom, since handing over the affairs of the State into the hands of his successor, Pastor Umo Eno,  and has assumed his rightful place as an Elder Statesman in the country. 

    The University commended Emmanuel for his achievements during his tenure, especially in the areas of infrastructure, industrialization, healthcare and security. 

    In a convocation address, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi said 349 students were graduating out of which 36 had first class with two bagging doctoral degrees and 17 in the Masters degree cadre. 

    He thanked the Guest Lecturer for graciously delivering the lecture at the convocation, admitting that it was very rewarding to the students. 

    The chancellor, Dr. Daniel K. Olukoya, said God enabled the university, in only eight years, to become a dynamic center of academic excellence and promised that, “we shall not relent in our efforts by the special Grace of God.”

  • Udom declares for 2019, says I have led a ‘people-centric’ govt

    Akwa Ibom State governor,  Udom Emmanuel, yesterday at a  colourful ceremony held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo formally declared his intention to run for a second term in office as the governor of the state.

    The governor who used the occasion to present a scorecard of his three years of ‘servant leadership’ in the state, based on his 5point agenda that had won him the mandate in the first instance, scored his administration high across all sectors of the economy.

    He noted the giant strides he had made in the area of industrialisation and the enormous benefits that has delivered to the people, noting for instance, “things we used to import from China and other places, today we produce them here.” Among the industries the administration has established in the state so far, include: the multi-million-dollar Jubilee Syringe Factory in Onna, reputed as the largest producer of disposable syringes in Africa, the Toothpick and Pencil factory, the fertiliser blending plant in Abak, The Metering Solution Company, the Coconut Refinery, Flour Mill and the plastic factory, amidst a host of others.

    Emmanuel equally acknowledged the gains he has made in the area of power supply, noting that his administration has invested heavily to upgrade power infrastructure and development of new ones such as the substations in Uyo and Ikot Ekene and the first digitalised substation in Ekim, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area which he said, would reconnect some long forgotten communities to stable electricity supply, once it is commissioned. The governor noted with satisfaction, “these investments have seen a steady increase in electricity supply throughout the state”, adding “Akwa Ibom people currently enjoy 18 -22 hours of electricity supply daily.”

    Governor Emmanuel listed other live-changing programmes his administration had embarked upon in the last three years in the areas of healthcare, education, and human capital development especially in the specific areas of youth and women empowerment such as the micro-credit scheme for traders. All these, the governor said, his administration has achieved even amid dwindling allocation from the federation account, adding that he has placed the welfare of Akwa-Ibomites above all else such that salaries, gratuities and pensions are given prime attention. His words: “I have oper ated a Christ-centric government, I have led a people-centric government. I have worn humility as a badge of honour, believing that power comes from the people.” Based on all these, Emmanuel said, he has decided to surrender himself for a fresh/renewed mandate from the people, noting that if he could achieve so much in three years, there was need to use the next four years to consolidate on the gains of the first tenure.

    “I am here to say that we are going on a second term to surpass superior performance.” Speaking earlier, the first indigenous Military Administrator of the State and Director of the Divine Mandate, the governor’s electioneering machinery, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd) who set the tone for the day’s event said, “All that we have is Udom Emmanuel. Democracy is about choice. This is our choice.” In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke said, “Akwa Ibom is PDP and PDP is Akwa Ibom. There’s nothing anyone can do about it. Udom is the people’s and God’s choice”, warning those who say election is war and plotting to capture the state; “We will resist it with the last blood in our veins”.

  • Udom to opponents: power belongs to God

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has said those working to snatch the governorship seat from him should know that power belongs to God.

    The governor who spoke at a town hall meeting with Akwa Ibom State indigenes in Abuja and other northern states listed his achievements

    He noted that the need to reiterate the fact that power belongs to God stemmed from the insinuation by some people that the state would witness war during the elections.

    He insisted that there was no need to unleash war in the state before, during and after the elections, as some people were insinuating since leadership and power belongs to “God and He gives it to who He desires.”

    Udom said, “This is the first time in the history of our dear state that we are hearing how Warsaw will see war and war will see Warsaw. Satan shame unto you because all power belong to God.”

    According to him, “God alone decides the leader He gives to the people He loves.”

    He said that his visit to indigenes of the state in the 19 northern states was the first time a sitting governor would hold such an interactive session with people in Abuja.

    The governor said that he loves the people of the state “and I’m showing my love through selfless service to the people.”

    He said that he has already told God to use him to develop the state in all ramifications.

    He noted that what is obvious is that there is no place people would go in the state without seeing signs of development by his government.

    Udom said that the state was in the last lap of the development of a deep sea port that would help to jump start economic activities in the state.

    He noted that with airport of international standard and a deep sea port, the state would be ready to fly.

    He said that the state would commission one of the best plywood processing plants in the country in December.

    Udom promised that given a second term, more than 80 percent of the food consumed by the people would be produced in the state.

    He also listed hospitals, schools, road infrastructure industrialization of the state as part of his achievement.

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader in the state, Hon. Nduese Essien, said huge debts the governor had to settle and cases instituted by those who lost in 2015 were part of the drawbacks Udom had to contend with.

  • Akwa Ibom police to probe alleged attempt on Udom

    Akwa Ibom State Governor udom Emmanuel has urged the police to probe the alleged attempt on the type of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obong Nsima Ekere

    The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to the widely reported news story on the alleged assassination attempt on the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obong Nsima Ekere. The alleged incident was said to have occurred on Wednesday, October 3, 2018.

    Considering how grave the nature of the allegation made by Obong Ekere represents, Governor Udom Emmanuel has directed the State Police Commissioner and the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) to expeditiously investigate the incident, and report findings as soon as possible.

    It bears repeating that Akwa Ibom State remains one of the most peaceful States in the Federation and this was made possible because of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s avowed commitment to engendering peace, security and a spirit of brotherhood in the State.

    A statement by  Eterete Udoh Chief Press Secretary/Senior Special Assistant, Media to Governor Udom Emmanuel reads:

     

     

  • Udom pays 10-year teachers’ gratuity, pension

    The Akwa Ibom Youth League (AYL) has commended Governor Udom Emmanuel administration’s for clearing the ten -year gratuity of primary and secondary school teachers it inherited from the Akpabio administration.

    The group urged the administration to fast-track the documentation process so that civil servants would also benefit immediately they are captured into the system.

    The group also advised the government to put machinery in place so that such abuse of the rights of teachers and other civil servants does not happen again.

    Akwa Ibom Head of Civil Service Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan, while giving the administration’s scorecard, said in its first year, it cleared the gratuity from 2011 to 2011.

    The group said:  ”The payment of the debt by the state is greatly welcome and it would go a long way in restoring the hope and passion of the citizens for their government. Indeed, many of the civil servants would have given up hope on the government, but this deed by the Udom Emmanuel administration is a great boost that we want the government to continue.

    “Indeed when civil servants retire they should be entitled to their benefits and the denial of such does not do the government any good.

    Noting the regular payment of civil servants’ salaries and pension entitlements to retired civil servants, the group said:

    “We nevertheless urge the government not to rest on its oars and to address individual issues from civil servants dealing with irregular documentation and other related issues that may have caused some retired civil servants not to have benefited from the efforts of the government.”

    “We also urge the government to put machinery in place so that the malfeasances that led to the piling up of the gratuities are never repeated either now or in the future. “

  • Udom declares for second term

    Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom on Friday, declared his intention to seek re-election, saying his current performance would return him to the Government House.

    Emmanuel made the declaration in Uyo and said that his industrialisation efforts in the state was part of his major achievements since his inauguration in 2015.

    His achievements, according to him, include the conglomeration of industrial clusters, which houses toothpick, pencil, syringe, electric metres and coconut factories as well as Peacock Paint, fertilizer firms and many kilometres of roads.

    “No man is God. I submit myself for consideration to continue with the good work that I have done and I seek your support for my candidature as governor for second term,” he said.

    The governor urged the people to support his aspiration for second term for the sustenance of the tempo of good governance he had introduced in the state.

    He said that his predecessor left behind some uncompleted projects, including the Sheraton by Four Points Hotel at Ikot Ekpene and the Uyo – Ikot Ekpene road project.

    He said that his administration had been working hard to ensure the completion of the projects and others begun by the former administration.

    “Who said they had completed the Sheraton by Four Points Hotel?

    “It is only today that we are negotiating with Starwood Group for the retaining of the name, which some people surreptitiously put up on a building,” he said.

    Read Also: Akpabio is not God, he can’t stop me – Udom

    In a remark, the Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Mr Onofiok Luke, charged members and supporters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to work towards the party’s victory at the polls in 2019.

    Chairman of Emmanuel’s Re-election Committee and former military administrator of the state, Mr Idongesit Nkanga, also appeal to the people to support the governor for a second term.

    Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers in his solidarity message, assured Gov. Emmanuel that he would be returned based on track record of his quality works in the state in the last three years.

    He urged the people not to allow external influence to alter “the political arrangement ably directed by the PDP since 1999 in Akwa Ibom.’’

  • Akpabio versus Udom… the coming roforofo

    About three years ago, yours truly wrote a piece titled ‘Emmanuel’s Will’. The kernel of it was the refusal of the Akwa Ibom State government to make public details of the state’s debt under Godswill Akpabio. It also pointed out that Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel, the man he went all out to install as his successor, were not in good terms. It was also pointed out that it was a matter of time before Emmanuel and Akpabio would go for each other’s jugular.

    The piece earned me names from the spokesperson of the government at the time. I was accused of making a lame attempt to portray Emmanuel as a weakling. Also thrown my way was the accusation of being an Akpabio hater. There was also the bit about me condescending to “mislead the public with personal bias and prejudices, dressed as public affairs analysis”.

    The government at the time said the strong camaraderie existing between Emmanuel and Akpabio was unbreakable. “They are not going to fight anytime soon or later as you wish. Indeed, for those who are waiting to be entertained with a fight by both leaders, they should prepare for a long wait,” said the government.

    Three years after, and another general election around, the fight is out for all to see. They are not only fighting, they are also entertaining us daily and more will still come. Akpabio some weeks back  dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under whose umbrella he foisted Emmanuel on the people. He has vowed to ensure Emmanuel’s dream of a second term is not realised. Before parting ways with the governor, he accused him of abandoning his projects, which the people stand to benefit from. On Monday, he described the governor as the biggest political mistake of his life.

    “Udom is a mistake that must be corrected in 2019. All hands must be on the deck to ensure the mistake is corrected for a people-oriented leadership is enthroned under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), at the centre,” he said.

    The same day the governor threatened to release facts about his predecessor. He spoke at a rally at the Onna Township Stadium.

    “I have heard things, and I want to challenge any who thinks he has the truth to come out, I will use my personal money to hire CNN and other international media, AIT, Channels, NTA and  AKBC, let’s present facts to Nigerians, let’s see who would tell the truth and who will also tell a lie,” said the governor.

    Interestingly, one of those supporting the governor against Akpabio is Senator Bassey Albert, the only PDP senator who has refused to defect. Albert was Akpabio’s commissioner for Finance and wanted to be governor, but Akpabio shut him out because of Emmanuel. He was later compensated with the senatorial seat.

    Albert and Akpabio fought dirty. Akpabio sacked Albert as commissioner alongside others against the Emmanuel-must-succeed-me project.

    Albert and others vowed to frustrate the Emmanuel-must-be-governor project. Albert based his actions and insistence on being governor on a divine vision, which must not be truncated by man— Akpabio. Their actions angered Akpabio and he declared at the sod turning ceremony for the PDP secretariat in Akwa Ibom in July 2014: “Christ did not say that there will be no Judas. Even our God Almighty recognised that even the people he worked with, and called them angels, that one of them was going to betray him. And that was Lucifer, what did God do? He threw him out of heaven. Has he entered heaven till today? Those who have betrayed the governor will not enter Government House.

    “You empower your children so that they will be a pride to you. You don’t empower them so that they come and betray you. That is the lot of the world.

    “I go back into the Bible, the Game Changer (Adamu Mua’zu, who was PDP National Chairman at the time). I saw the story of Absalom. And I said may God take away the spirit of Absalom from our midst. Who was Absalom? The son of David, the father trained him and empowered him as the would-be King of Israel. Because of impatience, Absalom wanted to take over before the age of 30. He wanted to kill King David. And the King said, leave him to his fate.”

    He then asked the crowd at the ceremony: “Did it end well with Absalom?”

    The crowd responded: “Nooooo!”

    He went on to explain what happened to Absalom: “As a young man, he died, while his father continued. I am assuring the Game Changer (Muazu) and the President (Dr. Goodluck Jonathan) that those who want to take power through the backdoor will die. They will die! And the PDP will continue. In Akwa Ibom State, those who want to betray, who were supposed to be our political children, of course they will end like Absalom. But if they change their minds, then they will obtain favour in the sight of God.”

    Albert did not take kindly to Akpabio’s statement.  In an interview published then by this newspaper, he diplomatically ‘finished’ his political father. He said the story of Absalom was quoted out of context. His reason:  “If you read your Bible very well, then you know that despite Absalom’s behavioural deficiency, King David was still in love with him. I want to say that if the governor was referring to me as Absalom, then he should love me to the end.”

    It seemed the governor listened to Albert’s advice. He sought him out and fences were mended. The same senatorial position Albert earlier rejected is what he eventually settled for and I ask: what happened to the vision that he would be governor. May be it is postponed till after 2023, when the next governor would have served out two terms.

    They eventually reached an amicable solution, which saw both of them going to the Senate. Now, Albert is standing by Emmanuel, whom he felt was better suited as governor three years ago. Anietie Okon, a former senator, has also teamed up with Emmanuel to rubbish Akpabio. So is Patrick Ekpotu, who believes Akpabio’s influence in Akwa Ibom is being blown out of proportion. As far as the first deputy governor to Akpabio is concerned, ‘Udom pass Akpabio’—apologies to music star Dino Melaye.

    We are sure in for a good time. Akwa Ibom is sure a state where the contest for the governorship will be interesting to watch. Expect brick bats, expect scandals, expect lies and more.

    The situation in Akwa Ibom has further proved that politics is all about interest, where there are no permanent friends; the only thing that is permanent is interest.

    My final take: Politicians are free to bite themselves; they are free to lie against themselves; they have the authority to throw mud at one another, but for goodness sake, they should ensure the people are not dragged down while they are dragging one another down. And my prayer is that at the end of it all, their fight will be to the benefit of the people.