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Tag: Umana

  • Amaechi, Umana: we never met Justice Okoro

    Amaechi, Umana: we never met Justice Okoro

    Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi yesterday said he never discussed any election petitions dispute with Supreme Court Justice Inyang Okoro in his house or anywhere else.

    He also said it was demeaning and childish of a Justice of the Supreme Court to imply that the Department of State Services (DSS) would arrest a judge on the instructions of a minister.

    Also yesterday, a former governorship candidate in Akwa ibom State, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, described the allegation that he contacted the Supreme Court Justice to sway the Akwa Ibom governorship election petition judgment in his favour as “baseless”

    Amaechi and Umana made the clarifications yesterday in separate statements.

    Justice Okoro, one of the judges arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegation of corruption, in a letter to the Chief Justice Mahmud Mohammed, accused Amaechi and Umana of visiting him at home, seeking to influence the outcome of the election cases in Akwa Ibom, Abia and Rivers states.

    In his personally signed statement, Amaechi asked Justice Okoro to stop whipping up unnecessary sentiments against innocent public officers.

    The statement said:  “My attention has been drawn to a letter purportedly written by Honourable Justice Inyang Okoro JSC, one of the Learned Justices recently arrested by the Department of State Services as part of its investigation into the allegations of massive corruption involving some officers of the Nigerian Judiciary.

    “Given the level of mischief in the social media, I would ordinarily have ignored the letter because the allegations contained in the said letter are wild, baseless and unrelated to the issues in contention between the Honourable Justice of the Supreme Court and the Department of State Services, to that extent I had grave reservation if this letter could have emanated from His Lordship.

     ”However, for the avoidance of doubt, let me say clearly that I have never discussed any matter pending before the Supreme Court of Nigeria with my Lord, Honourable Justice Inyang Okoro JSC, in his house or anywhere else, Period.

    “I make bold to also state that the first and only time I have ever spoken with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed GCON was at the Commissioning of the Abuja-Kaduna Railway Project on the 26th of July 2016 at Idu in Abuja.

     ”The letter by Honourable Justice Okoro is a poor attempt to politicise what is clearly a serious national tragedy and shame. I believe that the issues of corruption at the highest levels of our judiciary should be addressed objectively.

    “It is to say the least demeaning and childish of a Justice of the Supreme Court to imply that the security operatives of our nation will arrest a Justice of our Supreme Court for no reason other than the instructions of a Minister.

    “Those faced with serious allegations should treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves and stop trying to court public sympathy and trivialize what is clearly a national tragedy.

     ”I have directed my lawyers to contact my Lord Justice Okoro and take whatever legal steps as may be necessary to clear my name of this baseless allegation.

     Umana said: “The meeting Justice Okoro is reporting is a fiction. No such meeting to discuss how to bribe judges took place between him, Mr Umana Okon Umana and Dr (Pastor) Ebebe Ukpong as alleged.

     ”If we assume, without conceding, that such a meeting took place, for a man of Justice Okoro’s standing and knowledge of the law, he ought to have known the legal implications of such a visit, and should have reported it to the appropriate authorities immediately.

    “He did not do that, but he is only reacting after the authorities had established a case against him.

     ”Justice Okoro’s claim in his purported letter is therefore not only false, it is diversionary and an afterthought.

     ”Justice Okoro should address himself to the facts of the case, which is between him and the State, and leave Umana out of it.

     ”Contrary to Justice Okoro’s claim, Umana had no appeal before the Supreme Court arising from any court judgment on the 2015 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State.

    “Umana won at the Court of Appeal and therefore was not and couldn’t have been an appellant at the Supreme Court. Umana had won both at the tribunal and at the Court of Appeal. He was therefore confident of victory at the Supreme Court because of the concurrent judgments of the lower courts.

    “It will be recalled that after the Supreme Court judgment, which ignored the concurrent judgments of both the tribunal and the Court of Appeal, and also totally disregarded the reports of the international observers, including those of the United States Government and the European Union which stated that the elections in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states were marred by widespread violence and irregularities, Umana had issued a statement expressing disappointment at the verdict and said he had moved on and left everything in the hands of God. Umana should therefore be left alone.”

     

  • Umana’s appointment: an appraisal

    Umana’s appointment: an appraisal

    THE appointment of Mr. Umana Okon Umana, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Free Zone (OGFZ) Authority is significant in more ways than one. First, the repositioning of the oil and gas free zone which is a specialised facility for direct investment drive, economic development and job creation has come at a time such forward-thinking move is desperately needed.

    Second, the next great thing about the repositioning move is the quality of leadership that has been recruited to drive the change process at the OGFZ. Given the significance of the OGFZ to the economy at this time of grave economic challenges, which we shall talk about later in some detail, the appointment of a seasoned economist, a financial expert and a technocrat with a track record of excellence in the public sector, to lead the development agency and investment haven reflects seriousness of purpose on the part of government.

    Umana, a former Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government and the state’s APC governorship candidate in 2015, is coming to the job with solid preparation and experience. He rose through the ranks to become Director of Budget and Permanent Secretary in charge of budget in Akwa Ibom State.  Umana left footprints of a distinguished career in the state public service.

    In 2003, former governor of the state, Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah appointed Umana into his cabinet and made him Commissioner for Finance. He served in that position until 2007 when the administration of Godswill Akpabio took over and named him Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Umana was SSG for his state for six years.

    While in government, Umana was trusted with key assignments by his bosses. As SSG, he was the chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee of the state executive council. As Commissioner for Finance, Umana was the head of the state’s Grassroots Development Intervention Agency, the inter-ministerial direct labour projects committee, which was used to speed up rural development through the provision of amenities such as rural electricity, potable water, health centres, market stalls, etc.

    Most of the past leaders of Akwa Ibom State whom Umana served have paid glowing tributes to him as administrator par excellence. My personal knowledge of the man is that he sweats the details. He is dogged and knowledgeable; he is a good listener known for quiet efficiency.

    Umana studied Economics at the University of Calabar, where he graduated top of his class. He later earned an MBA from the University of Port Harcourt.

    Umana is eminently prepared in the high art of leadership. In addition to acquiring top quality education in the management sciences, Umana received executive level training in some of the best leadership schools in the world. He attended the Senior Executive Programme of the London Business School in February 2009; Columbia Senior Executive Programme at Columbia Business School, Columbia University Graduate School of Business, New York  in May 2002; Modernising Government, a course at RIPA International, London in November 2001.

    This is the kind of pedigree that makes Umana the right person to drive the repositioning and optimal harnessing of the potential of the oil and gas free zone in the country for the benefit of the economy with regard to investment generation, job creation and contribution to national growth and development.

    According to the promotional literature of the Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority, the parastatal was set up to function as the premier investment agency of government, with the mission to attract and retain the best foreign and local investors in the hydro carbon industry through the provision of world class facilities and incentives for the benefit of both the investors and government.

    The OGFZ Authority has responsibility to grant requisite permits and licences to all prospective investors wishing to do business within the OGFZ in Nigeria; license, regulate, supervise, manage, control and co-ordinate the activities of OGFZs in the country. It also has responsibility to fix tariffs, tax-free benefits, and other incentive packages; handle Free Zone administration; Free Zone promotion, and ensure that maximum Free Zone incentives and benefits are passed onto the free zone registered companies.

    The role of the oil and gas free zone in economic regeneration has gained new saliency in the light of new economic realities facing the country. The Free Zone Authority must be made to live up its responsibility. As can be seen from its mandate, the Authority is loaded with so much responsibility for the promotion of economic development. This high level of responsibility for economic regeneration has to be matched with power as in the provision of resources to work with, political support and the cooperation of all relevant organs of government for the Free Zone Authority to be effective and achieve its mandate.

    I will like to end this appraisal by repeating that government has put it best foot forward on the repositioning drive by appointing a capable, experienced and competent person to lead the charge. We look forward to seeing political support and all round cooperation follow suit to guarantee good success.

  • Umana: I’ll put in my best for Buhari’s success

    Umana: I’ll put in my best for Buhari’s success

    The newly appointed Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Umana Umana, yesterday pledged to put in his best for the success of the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He also pledged to support the Federal Government’s efforts to end the recession and put the economy back on the path of growth and prosperity.

    Umana, who spoke in a telephone interview with The Nation, said he would make a difference and add value to his agency’s contribution to the economy and national development.

    He said his leadership at the Oil and Gas Free Zone would focus on how to achieve its mandate.

    Thanking Mr. President for the appointment, Umana said: “I am ready to put in my best to make my humble contributions.”

  • We didn’t lose struggle for freedom of our people, says Umana

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015, election in Akwa Ibom State, Umana Umana, yesterday said despite the Supreme Court judgment affirming Governor Udom Emmanuel’s election, the battle to liberate Akwa Ibom people was irreversible.

    Umana, who led other chieftains of APC at a rally in support of the party’s House of Assembly candidate, Gabriel Akpan, for the March 12 rerun, also said the Supreme Court verdict cannot dampen the resolve of Akwa Ibom people to realise their dream of a free, liberated and prosperous state.

    He said the consciousness of the people to fight for their rights had been awakened, adding that the party didn’t lose the struggle for freedom of the people.

    “We didn’t lose the struggle for freedom of our people. Never again will anybody take our people for granted. Never again will anybody hold our people hostage. The consciousness of our people to stand up for their rights has been awakened. We fought a good fight.”

    According to Umana, in the course of the struggle, some people paid the supreme price.

    Umana said: “We lost over 30 people during the presidential and governorship elections. Notably, we lost Okon Uwah, a former deputy speaker, murdered by alleged PDP thugs. We must ensure that these patriots did not die in vain. I extend the condolences of our party to the families of the victims of  state sponsored electoral violence.

    “We had hoped that these families will have a sense of justice when we challenged the fraudulent governorship elections of April 11, 2015. But this was not to be. We couldn’t get the reprieve which would have consoled us and the bereaved families through the framework of our legal system.

    “I know that our people are justifiably angry and disappointed. I share in your disappointment and anger. But we should never lose hope, especially because we were not defeated. After the judgment of men, comes the judgment of God.  Those who have conspired against our people will be held to account by God.

    “Let’s thank God, for all things work together for good for them that love God. Our trust in God should never waiver, no matter what we see today. We will laugh last. God bless Akwa Ibom State. We may have moved on following the judgment of the Supreme Court but that does not change the fact that we had the most fraudulent and bloody elections in the history of our state.”

    Umana thanked the elders and leaders who stood by the party saying: “A big thank you to our leaders who stood by the people. Attempts to bribe and compromise them failed. History will note that they were men of integrity and honour who did not betray their people.  By their actions and example they demonstrated that we cannot all be bought with money.”

    Also speaking, a former Minister of Petroluem and member of APC’s Board of Trustees Atuekong Don Etiebet said the era of electoral impunity was over.

    He called on security operatives to play by the rules in the rerun election by remaining professional and non partisan in the discharge of their duties.

    He said: “Umana Umana is the governor the Supreme Court didn’t allow us to vote for. Don’t be discouraged because this is what happened in the march to freedom.”

    The state Chairman of APC, Dr. Amadu Attai, said despite the outcome of the Supreme Court, Umana remains the people’s governor and APC  the people’s party.

    Attai, however, called on Ibesikpo Asutan people to support the party’s candidate at the rerun.

    Others at the campaign train of the APC were the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang; Director General of Umana’s campaign organisation, Soni Udom; Umana’s deputy governorship candidate, Ben Ukpong.

  • Umana: we won’t question integrity of Judiciary

    Umana: we won’t question integrity of Judiciary

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, Umana Okon Umana, has said he would not question the integrity of the Judiciary.

    Umana, in a statement, said: “The situation in which we have found ourselves today calls for very serious soul-searching by our nation.

    “We fought a good fight, but since the Supreme Court has taken its decision on the 2015 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State, we have no choice but to move on.

    “I thank my supporters and the good people of Akwa Ibom State for their resilience and support in the struggle to deepen democracy in the state and give our people the right to freely choose who governs them.

    “Our struggle for change has only suffered a setback; change will surely come because no one can stop the march of an idea that has been embraced by the mass of the people.

    “As law-abiding citizens, we went to court to seek justice after the disputed elections, as advised by many people and election monitors, including the United States Embassy and the European Union, which had reached independent conclusions that the elections were marred by widespread irregularities. Our hope was that the Judiciary would heal the wounds and provide succour for our people who were traumatised and brutalised during the elections, especially the families who lost their loved ones. But that was not to be.

    “We trust God, who is the God of justice, to provide solace and comfort for those who could not get justice within the framework of our legal system. Ultimately, we would all be accountable to God for our actions.

    “We salute the courage and patriotism of our people and urge them to continue to pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of our dear state and country. I am aware that our people are surprised by the judgment of the Supreme Court, given the findings of the Tribunal that evaluated the evidence and heard directly from the witnesses, and after the Court of Appeal had taken the following historic position:

    “May this country never again experience the violence and thuggery found to have taken place in Akwa Ibom State during the governorship election held on 11thApril 2015. Politics should never be so desperate that lives and decorum are sacrificed on the altar of winning at all costs. The descent into almost anarchy as occurred in this case must never again be allowed to take place. The supervising body, INEC, is charged at all times to remain on the side of truth and never be complicit in any subversion of due process.”

    This is not a statement that should be taken lightly. Though it is not our place to question the integrity of the Judiciary as an institution, the situation in which we have found ourselves today calls for very serious soul-searching by our nation.”

  • Let’s be steadfast, says Umana

    Let’s be steadfast, says Umana

    All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State Umana Okon Umana yesterday urged his supporters to remain steadfast.

     In his Christmas message, he said: “As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I want to use this season of Peace to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful, rewarding New Year.

    “For me and all of you, the good people of our blessed state, this is also a season for thanksgiving. So I want you all, wherever you are today, to join me and thank God Almighty for preserving our lives throughout 2015, a remarkable year in the history of our state.

    “It was a year of trial during which tens of our compatriots shed their blood to water the tree of liberation for those of us who are alive; but it was also a year of victory against impunity, imposition, oppression, and tyranny, during which the great Akwa Ibom people wrested the power to decide their future by freely choosing who governs them.

    “As we go into the New Year, 2016, I urge you all to remain vigilant, steadfast, and ready to exercise your new-won freedom during the upcoming governorship election to choose who governs you. This is your sacred civic duty to the memories of your compatriots who were killed in the needless political violence of the outgoing year. More importantly, it is just about the best way to guarantee the future of your children and children’s children.

    Once again, I wish you a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

  • Umana, PDP defectors destroying APC in Akwa Ibom, Udoedehe alleges

    Umana, PDP defectors destroying APC in Akwa Ibom, Udoedehe alleges

    Former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator John Akpan udoedehe, has accused Chief Umana Okon Umana, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Akwa Ibo State in the last election, of engaging in acts capable of destroying the party in the state.

    The former minister, who was also the governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2011 general elections, further alleged that Umana in concert with defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are out to blackmail him out of APC for their selfish gains.

    Reacting to his alleged plan to join the PDP, Akpanudoedehe said the report was the handiwork of his political opponents to paint him black in the eyes of the people and the leadership of the party.

    He added that as a foundation member who toiled hard to popularise the progressive party in the state right from the ACN days in spite of threats to his life, he would not abandon the platform for those whom he described as “opportunists.”

    Speaking through one of his aides, Barrister Francis Effanga, the former Senator said: “We are not supposed to join issues with Umana Okon Umana and his small group of PDP defectors who have turned our party (APC) into a money-making machine for themselves. These people have tried severally to present the Leader of APC in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, as a violent person simply because he stands for what he believes in.

    “Senator Akpanudoedehe is the symbol of the struggle against the tyranical PDP government of Godswill Akpabio in which Umana Okon Umana was the engine room. Udoedehe midwifed the birth of APC right from the beginning. He has put in a lot to build the party and he has the right to jealousy guard it. Attempts therefore to blackmail him out of the party will not work.

    Udoedehe alleged that report of his purported plan to join the PDP was part of the plan by Umana and his group to keep the APC in Akwa Ibom divided.

    Noting that he has written several letters to the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, “to draw his attention to the lack of inclusiveness applied by Umana and his co-PDP joiners and the irrational, one-sided suspension of members by the state chairman of the party ostensibly on Umana’s instructions,” Udoedehe further alleged that the APC candidate   had allegedly boasted that no founding member of the party would be part of the change that founding members of the party fought for.

     

  • Umana: APC ’ll rule Akwa Ibom

    Umana: APC ’ll rule Akwa Ibom

    The people of Akwa Ibom gave the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Umana Umana, a hero’s welcome when he returned to Uyo, the state capital, last week. Correspondent Kazeem Ibrahym captures their excitements and hope for power shift.

    There was an upsurge in the broom revolution recently when the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Umana Umana returned home to a rousing welcome last week.

    As early as 11am, Akwa Ibom people in their thousands had thronged the Ibom International Airport to await the arrival of Umana. The car lots at the airports could not contain thousands of cars. The car lots were filled to the brim with different armanda of car brands.

    Tricycles operators, otherwise known as the Keke Napep, who naturally do not ply the airport, were also in their thousands, they parked their tricycles outside to wait for Umana and other APC stalwarts.

    The atmosphere at the airport became electrified with different women groups, students and youths from different local government areas in the state. Some of them sat on the floor. They held brooms, the symbol of the party. The women also entertained themselves with different array of local music.

    The suspense grew among APC supporters each time a flight touched down at the airport; the crowd would rush to see if it was Umana’s flight. The Police had difficulties in controlling the crowd that wanted to catch a glimpse at Umana and other APC chieftains.

    Umana’s chartered flight with registration number 5N-BMH finally touched down at the airport at exactly 3:45pm from Abuja. His arrival ended the long period of wait by the APC supporters. Umana was with his wife, Mrs. Florence, his running mate, Mr. Benedict Ukpong and his spouse, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Sen. Ita Enang, a former deputy governor, Nsima Ekere, Umana’s campaign Director-General, Soni Udom and a host of other party stalwarts.

    From the airport down to Uyo, the state capital, APC supporters were seen brandishing brooms, the symbol of the party. The supporters were led by tricycles operators. The tricycles operators in their hundreds led the way to escort Umana’s convoy to the Nsima Ekere Campaign Organization complex located at Gen. Edet Akpan Avenue (four lane), Uyo, where Umana and other dignitaries were billed to address the APC supporters on the outcome of the judgment of Justice Sadiq Umar-led panel. There

    There was traffic gridlock along the Oron road. The massive crowd lined along the road with broom in their hands. Some symbolically sweeping what they termed the decadent and alleged corrupt PDP brigands out of town.

    On arrival at the venue, the crowd struggled among themselves to catch a glimpse at Umana and other APC chieftains. Two former Local Government Chairmen for Uyo and Itu, Ekerete Ekpenyong and Michael Etim a.k.a Mac Joe also joined the teeming APC supporters.

    The duo served under former Governor Akpabio and incumbent Governor Udom Emmanuel. Their presence at the welcome reception for Umana ended months of speculation on whether or not they are APC members. The duo told the APC supporters that it won’t be business as usual, that the people should be given the opportunity to choose their leader.

    According to Ita Awak, the APC  Publicity Secretary, he explained that despite short notice, Akwa Ibom people came out in their large numbers to welcome Umana and other party chieftains.

    He said: “We were overwhelmed and profoundly heartened by the voluntary mammoth turnout to welcome and receive Umana Okon Umana and to listen and take to heart his reassuring messages. We deeply felt the outpouring of pure affection and love and hope by numberless thousands of Akwa Ibom elders, leaders, stakeholders, men, women, students and youths who assembled at Obong Nsima Ekere Campaign grounds of their own free will and without any promise or expectation of receiving any monetary gratification.

    “Akwa Ibom people came out to hear Umana Okon Umana because they didn’t like the timid verdict of the election tribunal; because they are sick and tired of the serial lies of the PDP government looters of our treasury. Akwa Ibom people came out to hear the voice of hope and the promise for a safer, more inclusive society.”

    Addressing the crowd at the Nsima Ekere Campaign Organization complex, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, threw the first salvo. He declared Governor Udom Emmanuel as illegal governor. He said the election that brought Mr. Emmanuel into government was not valid.

    Enang, who read Section 179 subsection 1 of the Constitution to the APC supporters, said Akwa Ibom governor failed to satisfy the 2/3 majority votes as required by the Constitution.

    He said: “I want to say that we have come to announce that we have obtained victory and the tribunal has decided that the election that brought in the PDP is incorrect, incomplete, illegal and they are not in government. I have brought a copy of the Constitution which says and confirms that there is no proper government in Akwa Ibom state as at today.

    “Since 2/3 of 31 is 21 and election in 18 local government areas have been cancelled, so election that brought in the PDP was not a valid election. So there is no proper government in Akwa Ibom state. The election stands annulled. We shall pursue to the end.”

    Umana in his speech said he was overwhelmed by the support of the Akwa Ibom people and promised not to let them down.

    But, before addressing the people, Umana asked that a minute silence be observed in honour of victims of election violence in the state. He explained that his party decided to appeal the judgment by the governorship tribunal in honour of those slain at polling units across the state in the course of exercising their civic responsibility.

    Umana said: “Also, we are appealing because we are hopeful. We trust in God and know that the judiciary will give the people of Akwa Ibom justice. I believe that at the Appeal Court we will succeed so that we can have 31 over 31.  I thank God because change is coming and I want to thank you for your resilience. You have gone through pain, you have sacrificed so much. It has not easy”, he said.

    The APC governorship candidate added, “I thank you for your resilience; I couldn’t have done it without the people of Akwa Ibom behind me. I assure you that very soon, God will liberate Akwa Ibom from impunity, oppression and imposition. A state that has been so blessed by God, why should our people suffer so much? You must have your own governor.”

    In his address, Ekere called on Akwa Ibom people to reject a packaged governor. Ekere thanked the people for coming out enmasse to receive the harbinger of change in the person of Umana.

    He stated that today, the unprecedented tribunal judgment had vindicated him for leading 21 aggrieved Akwa Ibom sons and daughter to demand for the inalienable right of the people to choose their governor.

    Ekere said: “I thank the judiciary for that unprecedented judgment and I’m certain that with the ongoing legal process the sham election will be cancelled and Akwa Ibom people will eventually choose their governor.

    “Illegal occupant of the government house is going to be chased out. Every Akwa Ibom citizens will say who they want as their governor.”

    For the Chairman of APC, Dr. Amadu Atai, he expressed gratitude to the party faithful and teeming supporters of change across the state. He however pointed out that Akwa Ibom people do not want a ‘packaged and imported’ governor, but a true son of the soil, who has been home grown and understands the needs of the people.

    His words: “Never again shall we allow anybody to use impunity on us and trample of us. We want re-run election in the 31 Local Government Areas.”

  • Umana: APC ’ll rule Akwa Ibom

    Umana: APC ’ll rule Akwa Ibom

    The people of Akwa Ibom gave the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Umana Umana, a hero’s welcome when he returned to Uyo, the state capital, last week. Correspondent Kazeem Ibrahym captures their excitements and hope for power shift.

    Where was an upsurge in the broom revolution recently when the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Umana Umana returned home to a rousing welcome last week.

    As early as 11am, Akwa Ibom people in their thousands had thronged the Ibom International Airport to await the arrival of Umana. The car lots at the airports could not contain thousands of cars. The car lots were filled to the brim with different armanda of car brands.

    Tricycles operators, otherwise known as the Keke Napep, who naturally do not ply the airport, were also in their thousands, they parked their tricycles outside to wait for Umana and other APC stalwarts.

    The atmosphere at the airport became electrified with different women groups, students and youths from different local government areas in the state. Some of them sat on the floor. They held brooms, the symbol of the party. The women also entertained themselves with different array of local music.

    The suspense grew among APC supporters each time a flight touched down at the airport; the crowd would rush to see if it was Umana’s flight. The Police had difficulties in controlling the crowd that wanted to catch a glimpse at Umana and other APC chieftains.

    Umana’s chartered flight with registration number 5N-BMH finally touched down at the airport at exactly 3:45pm from Abuja. His arrival ended the long period of wait by the APC supporters. Umana was with his wife, Mrs. Florence, his running mate, Mr. Benedict Ukpong and his spouse, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Sen. Ita Enang, a former deputy governor, Nsima Ekere, Umana’s campaign Director-General, Soni Udom and a host of other party stalwarts.

    From the airport down to Uyo, the state capital, APC supporters were seen brandishing brooms, the symbol of the party. The supporters were led by tricycles operators. The tricycles operators in their hundreds led the way to escort Umana’s convoy to the Nsima Ekere Campaign Organization complex located at Gen. Edet Akpan Avenue (four lane), Uyo, where Umana and other dignitaries were billed to address the APC supporters on the outcome of the judgment of Justice Sadiq Umar-led panel. There

    There was traffic gridlock along the Oron road. The massive crowd lined along the road with broom in their hands. Some symbolically sweeping what they termed the decadent and alleged corrupt PDP brigands out of town.

    On arrival at the venue, the crowd struggled among themselves to catch a glimpse at Umana and other APC chieftains. Two former Local Government Chairmen for Uyo and Itu, Ekerete Ekpenyong and Michael Etim a.k.a Mac Joe also joined the teeming APC supporters.

    The duo served under former Governor Akpabio and incumbent Governor Udom Emmanuel. Their presence at the welcome reception for Umana ended months of speculation on whether or not they are APC members. The duo told the APC supporters that it won’t be business as usual, that the people should be given the opportunity to choose their leader.

    According to Ita Awak, the APC  Publicity Secretary, he explained that despite short notice, Akwa Ibom people came out in their large numbers to welcome Umana and other party chieftains.

    He said: “We were overwhelmed and profoundly heartened by the voluntary mammoth turnout to welcome and receive Umana Okon Umana and to listen and take to heart his reassuring messages. We deeply felt the outpouring of pure affection and love and hope by numberless thousands of Akwa Ibom elders, leaders, stakeholders, men, women, students and youths who assembled at Obong Nsima Ekere Campaign grounds of their own free will and without any promise or expectation of receiving any monetary gratification.

    “Akwa Ibom people came out to hear Umana Okon Umana because they didn’t like the timid verdict of the election tribunal; because they are sick and tired of the serial lies of the PDP government looters of our treasury. Akwa Ibom people came out to hear the voice of hope and the promise for a safer, more inclusive society.”

    Addressing the crowd at the Nsima Ekere Campaign Organization complex, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, threw the first salvo. He declared Governor Udom Emmanuel as illegal governor. He said the election that brought Mr. Emmanuel into government was not valid.

    Enang, who read Section 179 subsection 1 of the Constitution to the APC supporters, said Akwa Ibom governor failed to satisfy the 2/3 majority votes as required by the Constitution.

    He said: “I want to say that we have come to announce that we have obtained victory and the tribunal has decided that the election that brought in the PDP is incorrect, incomplete, illegal and they are not in government. I have brought a copy of the Constitution which says and confirms that there is no proper government in Akwa Ibom state as at today.

    “Since 2/3 of 31 is 21 and election in 18 local government areas have been cancelled, so election that brought in the PDP was not a valid election. So there is no proper government in Akwa Ibom state. The election stands annulled. We shall pursue to the end.”

    Umana in his speech said he was overwhelmed by the support of the Akwa Ibom people and promised not to let them down.

    But, before addressing the people, Umana asked that a minute silence be observed in honour of victims of election violence in the state. He explained that his party decided to appeal the judgment by the governorship tribunal in honour of those slain at polling units across the state in the course of exercising their civic responsibility.

    Umana said: “Also, we are appealing because we are hopeful. We trust in God and know that the judiciary will give the people of Akwa Ibom justice. I believe that at the Appeal Court we will succeed so that we can have 31 over 31.  I thank God because change is coming and I want to thank you for your resilience. You have gone through pain, you have sacrificed so much. It has not easy”, he said.

    The APC governorship candidate added, “I thank you for your resilience; I couldn’t have done it without the people of Akwa Ibom behind me. I assure you that very soon, God will liberate Akwa Ibom from impunity, oppression and imposition. A state that has been so blessed by God, why should our people suffer so much? You must have your own governor.”

    In his address, Ekere called on Akwa Ibom people to reject a packaged governor. Ekere thanked the people for coming out enmasse to receive the harbinger of change in the person of Umana.

    He stated that today, the unprecedented tribunal judgment had vindicated him for leading 21 aggrieved Akwa Ibom sons and daughter to demand for the inalienable right of the people to choose their governor.

    Ekere said: “I thank the judiciary for that unprecedented judgment and I’m certain that with the ongoing legal process the sham election will be cancelled and Akwa Ibom people will eventually choose their governor.

    “Illegal occupant of the government house is going to be chased out. Every Akwa Ibom citizens will say who they want as their governor.”

    For the Chairman of APC, Dr. Amadu Atai, he expressed gratitude to the party faithful and teeming supporters of change across the state. He however pointed out that Akwa Ibom people do not want a ‘packaged and imported’ governor, but a true son of the soil, who has been home grown and understands the needs of the people.

    His words: “Never again shall we allow anybody to use impunity on us and trample of us. We want re-run election in the 31 Local Government Areas.”

  • We’ll struggle to free A’Ibom, says Umana

    We’ll struggle to free A’Ibom, says Umana

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in  Akwa Ibom, Umana Umana, has vowed to challenge the judgement of the Akwa Ibom governorship election to its logical conclusion.

    Justice Sadiq Umar led panel in his judgment ordered fresh election in 18 out of the 31 local government areas in the state.

    Umana, whose aircraft touched down at the Ibom International Airport at exactly 3:45 from Abuja, was received by the APC party chieftains and thousands of supporters.

    From the airport down to Uyo, the state capital, APC supporters were seen waving brooms, the symbol of the party.

    Addressing the party faithful, Umana explained that the tribunal should have cancelled election in the entire 31 local government areas instead of the 18.

    He said, “Just this morning, the tribunal that handled the election of Rivers State ordered that a fresh election should be conducted. We thank God that right thing has been done regarding the elections of Rivers State. We want same here in Akwa Ibom State because the same template used for the Rivers State election was also used for the Akwa Ibom election.

    “We want a fresh re-run in 31 local government areas of the state so that our people can vote for the candidate of their choice.”

    Umana said he was not surprised with the rousing welcome Akwa Ibom people gave him.

    He said challenging the election was a way of honoring those that were brutally murdered during the poll by the PDP-led government.

    Umana, who bemoaned the level of poverty in the state, said every Akwa Ibom sons and daughters should enjoy the wealth of the state.

    “Akwa Ibom state has been so blessed. Why should our people continue to suffer?” he asked.

    In his speech, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly, Sen. Ita Enang, also said there was no valid governor in Akwa Ibom following the tribunal’s ruling.

    Enang, who read Section 179 subsection 1 of the Constitution to the APC supporters, said Akwa Ibom governor failed to satisfy the 2/3 majority votes as required by the Constitution.

    He added, “Since we have 31 local government areas and 2/3 of 31 is 21 so if election is cancelled in 18 local government areas it means there was no valid election.

    “So I have come to announce that we have obtained victory and the tribunal has decided that the election that brought in the PDP is incomplete, incorrect and illegal.

    “I have brought a copy of the Constitution which says and confirms that there is no proper government in Akwa Ibom state as at today.”

    Also in his remarks, Nsima Ekere, who served as deputy governor under Godswill Akpabio, urged Akwa Ibom indigenes both home and abroad to reject a packaged governor.

    He said: “Illegal occupant of the government house is going to be chased out. Every Akwa Ibom citizens will say who they want as their governor. We have to say no to impunity.”